Nixon

Very pretty chamber pop with a bit of a country feel to it. Beautiful orchestral arrangements. Feels like it falls somewhere between Neil Young and Neil Diamond. If there isn't a guy named Neil in the band I will be thoroughly disappointed.

Nixon is a wildly uneven album, oscillating between gentle country inflected pop and ill advised forays into Philly soul, but that doesn't even begin to describe how strange it is. On the country inflected pop songs, singer Kurt Wagner sounds a lot like Dean Wareham from Luna, who in turn took his cues from Lou Reed. He can be modestly effective in this mode, as in the opener, The Old Gold Shoe. But his falsetto, as on You Masculine You, is to die for, meaning it makes you want to die. And when he launches into a curdled attempt at Philly soul, as in What Else Could It Be?, I imagine flocks of birds dying in mid-air and plummeting to the ground like so many hailstones as an appropriate response. Then there are the arrangements. They are painstakingly worked out and quite involved, featuring a conventional core band, strings, horns, vibraphone, touches of atmospheric distortion, even a full on choir, but rarely has so much effort resulted in so little reward. Most of the way through Nixon, the arrangements and performances are quite gentle and the music tends to glide through one ear and out the other, leaving no trace. But at times, Lambchop allows a bit of distortion or some grungy guitar to bleed through, adding some much needed edge. It's hard to know what to make of all this. Clearly, Lambchop is capable of making listenable music. If they had spun out variations on pop numbers with a veneer of country, tempered by some grunge guitar and distortion, they might have come up with a modest, low key success. As it is, whatever is modestly effective is overshadowed by horrific, cringe-worthy attempts at Philly soul.

It's an album. Apparently I listened to most of it but I'm not really sure when that took place. Nothing stood out and I wouldn't go back to it.

Speaking of disgraced former presidents, Donald Trump got arrested in Georgia today. In other news, this album made me a little bit sleepy. More at 11.

I get excited when I see a short album with only 10 songs. But each song averaging around 5:30min kills that excitement almost immediately. So far every song sounds like it could be used as an intro song in a Netflix/Amazon Prime/HBO Max/AppleTV Drama Series Honestly, very boring

I really wanted to like this album more, but it was just missing any real musical depth. The instrumentals felt the same from beginning to end, and they weren't memorable enough for that to be a good thing.

If Tom Waites, Leonard Cohen, and Smokey Robinson had a baby.

A real struggle to get through, I found it monotonous, mundane. Although I think that's maybe the intention in an odd way. I get why people would like it but it does nothing for me.

Musically, it sounds okay. My main issue with this album is that I have read all the lyrics and listened multiple times and I have no idea what the album is about. The lyrics are nonsensical and the vocals are murky. Too many metaphors. Definitely not a "fun" album. I can't think of any song I like on the album, but it is good enough to put in the background I guess. It doesn't actively annoy me is I treat the vocals as sounds rather than words.

What is this doing on the list? Bland and boring. Meh.

Wikipedia lists the genre of this album as "Countrypolitan," which is a cursed word that should not exist. After listening to this guy's falsetto, the jury is out on the band itself as well. Best track: Up with People

I don't get it. The arrangements are elaborate enough and the band (backed by a small orchestra it would seem) played them them perfectly. The production is slick and polished. The vocals are full of nicotine soaked rasp. The lyrics are dense and feel like short stories or letters read outloud. But the music just lacks anything to connect to. Each song just sort of lilts into the next. The emotional register of each song is perfectly uniform, bordering on monotone. Funny enough, "What Else Could It Be?" is like the one song I felt something with, and it's the one where the vocalist is singing in a screeching falsetto that seems two modulations higher than the vocalist dares belong. Yet, it kinda worked for me. So, what am I missing? Why is this album on the list?

I don't get the "universal acclaim" for this album. Maybe I'm not sophisticated enough?

So boring and generally rough vocals throughout. 4

SHACK. I want to give it 5 stars for the lamby goodness, but I just can't.

A strange combination of country and soul, lush orchestration, impenetrable lyrics and Kurt Wagners irritating singing voice (especially that falsetto). The album is well produced and carefully arranged but the overall result is just not all that memorable.

Modern easy listening. Pretty bland, Petrified Florist is the best track but it's not enough that I'd listen again.

THIS is what happens when someone decides to make music for reasons other than to get laid, you get a bland, nonsensical, auditory circle jerk of comatose mumble singing and the only 10-piece band in history that DIDN'T disturb their neighbors. Get your priorities straight, and maybe your songs will sound better.

I have always loved this album, and I will go years and years without thinking about it or listening to it. And it's been a while, so I was pleasantly surprised when it popped up. I'm also a bit surprised that this album is on the list, but reading it's wiki page it sounds like it was very well received particularly in the UK and appeared on a lot of year end best of lists from UK pubications, so that tracks. This album is just gorgeous and I love the way it meanders and snakes through. Up With People is one of my all time favorite songs, and it always feels like a nice rediscovery when it pops up because it is so often out of sight and out of mind. Great record all around.

Wow I listened to this literally two days before it came up on the shuffle. Lambchop are absolutely an unclassifiable band, alt-soul, new country, whatever. But the songs are brilliant all the way through, Wagner's voice a dolourous delight and the arrangements stately. Is it a five? Yes probably.

Great listen!

Have never heard of this band before. Really enjoyed this album. Thought the instrumentation, arrangements, and lyrics were all compelling and unique. I admire the blending of different popular styles to create something new and fun to listen to. This album has a great blend of easier listening tunes and ones you need to focus on. It reminded me of other indie bands like maybe Wilco, especially the lead’s soft, slightly acerbic voice and observational lyrics. I will totally recommend this album to others now that I know it.

Wow, never ad erd of thees before. It is very nice.

Richard Nixon is not known for being a soulful kind of person. Spiteful, paranoid, tricky and evil definitely. But not soulful. So Lambchop's breakthrough album named after him, but not entirely dealing with the idea of him, is a brilliant contradiction of things. You become swept away by Lambchop's ability to weave elements of country, rock, soul and classical into a effortless blend that borders on perfection. From The Old Gold Shoe onwards, Nixon swoons and sways in a way that brings, however improbably, a good shine on the name for a short period of time. Also, the How I Met Cat Power version of the songs on here is just as stellar and offers the songs new perspectives.

I was not expecting to absolutely love this. But I do, and I’m very pleased about it

I have never heard of Lambchop, but the album cover for NIXON made me very happy, so I was excited to put this record on. Turns out the cover is a great representation for what's inside. Quirky, inscrutable, but so pleasant. I loved the orchestral easy listening sound and the lyrics - even though I often had no idea what they meant. Felt like what Burt Bacharach might compose if he were really, really stoned. Highlights: "The Old Gold Shoe" - who starts an album like this? I appreciate the confidence of making such a laid back track the opener. "Grumpus" is one of my favorites on the album. I really wanted to be drinking a pink squirrel in a dark lounge while this was playing. SOOO nice! "Be square and kind to all your friends Stop staring through the bitter lens." This song has advice I can use. "You Masculine You" made me laugh immediately as the title juxtaposes with the falsetto delivery. But it is oh so lovely. "Up With People" felt like... an Up With People concert? The clapping, the backing choir, the happy music... uplifting! "Nashville Parent" had me floating on a very strange cloud where I observed neighbors fighting, owls decapitating rodents, spit on my chest, and a fiberglass funny face on the wall. I love being made so comfortable and happy while having no idea what is going on. "What Else Could It Be?" could be the easy listening version of a Bee Gees song with its lush violins and falsetto performance. I loved the ending. "The Distance From Her To There" had a real country feel that I loved. The steel guitar, the vibraphone - oh yes! "The Book I Haven't Read" is a lovely love song - the only one I can think of with the word 'disgusting' in it. I wish it were written for me. "The Petrified Florist" with its clever title is one of the darker songs on the album... definitely sensed some tension here. "The Butcher Boy" followed up with a really dark story. Because it seemed to make perfect sense I wondered if my brain had been reprogrammed ... then I had a look at the credits on Wikipedia and realized that this was an old traditional American folk song. The Apple Music credits show the writer as Lambchop since they did take liberties with the traditional song. Really unique take on this. NIXON's inscrutability doesn't bother me because the music is so nice and the singer so approachable - kind of a cross between Cat Stevens and Barry Gibb. The lyrics often felt like another instrument to me - when they didn't make sense I was satisfied with the sounds they made and the feelings they evoked. NIXON is a strange, wonderful place where I feel warm, welcome and comfortable that I will revisit often.

beautiful western, classical, alt-rock album - 10/10 his vocal range is also really impressive

Perfect Sunday morning listening. Chill but interesting. Didn't feel like skipping a single song and listened to the album twice in the same day.

A sweet surprise. A candid voice singing delicious songs. Loved the guitar tune and chorus. I am adding some of these songs to my personal playlists now!

Ok I've had this saved for a couple of weeks. I can't categorise it, but why should I? Get Richard Hawley vibes one day, Jarvis Cocker the next. Ok, it's not an platinum best seller classic, but I REALLY like this.

What a find! I have never heard this band before but I loved listening to this!

Easy listening, interesting and fun!

That was beautiful and Interesting. Up with People fit the vibe so well.

Immediately infectious! I can't believe I never heard of them. Loved it!

I understand why no one seems to like this album, but it really did something for me. At some point in the future, I will 100% be getting wine drunk and dancing around to this in my kitchen while my husband rolls his eyes.

I don’t really know what I just listened to and I’m not even mad about it

I think this is the first artist and album that I was completely unaware of! I love the album art, but admittedly did not listen to much of this album. This doesnt seem to fit the format of "1001 albums to hear before you die" or any sort of album a day thing, because the songs are deceptively complex despite being so soft and simple sounding on first listen. I feel like the songs may be rewarding enough on repeat listens to warrant the high praise the album obviously received, but listening to it once it's frankly too hard to tell. It makes me wish this site had a "listened but cannot rate" option, I would choose that, otherwise I'll go in the middle of the road with three stars, and I will probably revisit again later

@SHACK, @SHACK, @SHACK, @SHACK, @SHACK, @SHACK, @SHACK, @SHACK, @SHACK. SHACK LOVES LAMBCHOPS.

Q. What does SHACK eat for breakfast? A. Lamb chops.

It's a bold album with a rich sound, but it goes in various directions and loses me at times.

Didn't know this existed. It would be fine background music while working in the kitchen, but for some reason they have Miss Piggy as a guest singer on some of the tracks. Might revisit but for now moving on.

Calling this alt-country is like calling Metallica alt-disco, which is no comment on the music, just the inanity of the genre designation. As for my comment on the music: too limp and too slight. There are definitely some nostalgic reflexes in here, but I'm not sure what era they're harking back to and I'm not sure Wagner is either.

Wow. This sucked. Like genuinely, this is absolutely atrocious and borderline unlistenable. I found nothing redeeming in this and was relieved when it finally ended after 50 minutes. Too long, too repetitive, the music sucks and the vocals are horrible. Good god, the vocals are so bad. How can you make a song like "You Masculine You" and think you've created art. I'm almost 150 albums deep and this is was the hardest thing to finish save for maybe L'Eau Rouge by The Young Gods. Watergate.

yes.

I'm trying to work out why I love this album so much. When they get into that soulful groove I don't care that his falsetto doesn't fit the mark. When they're getting sad I don't care that he sometimes hits a flat note. I think he might be another Dylan: superb lyrics with a voice that conveys emotion.

Lambchop es un artista esencial en los 90-00. Con una producción inmaculada, How I quite smoking, Is a woman o este Nixon, son discos realmente buenos. Grumpus fue un merecido éxito y Up with people aún más. Otras gemas son The Old Gold Shoe o Nashville Parent, aunque cualquier tema es único y especial. Otros discos del 2000: COLDPLAY- Parachutes, PJ HARVEY - Stories from the city, stories from the sea, YO LA TENGO - And then nothing turned itself inside-out, THE JAYHAWKS - Smile, EELS - Daisies of the galaxy, THE WATERBOYS - A rock in the weary land, ELLIOTT SMITH - Figure 8, RADIOHEAD-Kid A , U2-All that you can't leave behind, MADONNA-Music , QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE-Rated R , Dakota Suite- Signal Hill, David Gray- White Ladder, Mojave 3- Excuses for travellers, Piano Magic -Artists´ Rifles, D'Angelo- Voodoo, Primal Scream- XTRMNTR, Goldfrapp- Felt Mountain, Death Cab for Cutie- We Have the Facts and We're Voting Yes, Doves- Lost Souls, Black Box Recorder- The facts of life, Calexico- Hot Rail, Ágætis Byrjun (Sigu Ros), The Sophtware Slump (Grandaddy), The Marshall Mathers (Eminem), Skantonia (Outkast), Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven (Godspeed you black emperor!), Since i left you (The Avalanches), The Noise Made by People (Broadcast), The great eastern (The Delgados), The Friends of Rachel Worth (The Go-Betweens), Tourist (St. Germain), Community Music (Asian Dub Foundation), Chore of Enchantment (Giant Sand) y otro monumento en forma de triple álbum como es 69 lovesongs (The Magnetic fields). Hasta Born to Do It de Craig David o A Grand Don't Come for Free de The Streets y Music de Madonna).

This was pleasantly enjoyable

22nd September 2021 Listened on my phone on the way out to an early birthday dinner with jen at an incredible Italian restaurant. I had heard of lambchop through Andy but hadn't properly listen to them and assumed they were super heavy but I didn't think they'd be this relaxing indie mellow band. Loved it.

Such a good album!

Not what I was expecting. The trumpet was such a rich add. “you masculine you” sounded very much like a precursor to Phoebe Bridget’s Punisher.

A really nice mellow album that I actually really like. Hmmmmm.... I'm getting old. It's a super nice 70's mellow soul feel with some "countryish" sounds mixed in. Lover it!

**Album Review: Nixon by Lambchop** *Released:* February 7, 2000 *Genre:* Alternative Country, Indie Rock *Label:* Merge Records *Producer:* Mark Nevers, Kurt Wagner **Introduction** "Nixon," Lambchop's fifth studio album, stands as a hallmark of modern alternative country and indie rock. Blending intricate musical arrangements with introspective lyrics, the album showcases Lambchop's evolution under the creative vision of frontman Kurt Wagner. This review delves into the album’s lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, providing a balanced analysis of its strengths and weaknesses. **Lyrics** Kurt Wagner’s lyrics on "Nixon" are a tapestry of poetic imagery and mundane observations. His storytelling is subtle, often weaving complex emotions into everyday scenarios. For instance, in "The Old Gold Shoe," Wagner juxtaposes domestic life with existential musings, creating a narrative that feels both intimate and expansive. The lyrics often require multiple listens to fully appreciate their depth and nuance. *Pros:* - Poetic and richly detailed lyrics that offer depth and require contemplation. - Effective use of imagery and metaphor to convey complex emotions. *Cons:* - The abstract nature of some lyrics might alienate listeners seeking straightforward narratives. **Music** Musically, "Nixon" is a lush, genre-blending masterpiece. The album combines elements of country, soul, jazz, and pop, resulting in a sound that is both eclectic and cohesive. The opening track, "The Old Gold Shoe," sets the tone with its orchestral arrangement, featuring strings, horns, and a gentle groove that underpins Wagner’s vocals. Tracks like "Up With People" showcase a more upbeat, soulful vibe, complete with a gospel choir that adds a layer of exuberance to the album. *Pros:* - Rich, multi-layered arrangements that blend various genres seamlessly. - Use of orchestral elements adds depth and sophistication to the sound. *Cons:* - Some tracks may feel overproduced to listeners who prefer a raw, stripped-down sound. **Production** Produced by Mark Nevers and Kurt Wagner, "Nixon" is a meticulously crafted album. The production quality is pristine, with every instrument and vocal part occupying its own space in the mix. The attention to detail is evident in tracks like "The Book I Haven’t Read," where subtle sonic textures enhance the listening experience. The use of reverb and echo gives the album a spacious, almost cinematic quality. *Pros:* - High production values that highlight the album’s intricate arrangements. - Creative use of studio effects to enhance the overall sound. *Cons:* - The polished production might detract from the album’s organic feel for some listeners. **Themes** "Nixon" explores themes of everyday life, love, loss, and the passage of time. Wagner’s lyrics often reflect on the mundane aspects of existence, imbuing them with a sense of importance and beauty. The album also touches on social and political themes, though these are more subtly integrated into the personal narratives. For example, "Up With People" can be interpreted as a commentary on collective action and hope. *Pros:* - Thoughtful exploration of universal themes through a personal lens. - Balance of introspective and socially aware lyrics. *Cons:* - The subtlety of the themes might make them less accessible to casual listeners. **Influence** "Nixon" has had a lasting impact on the alternative country and indie rock genres. Its blend of orchestral arrangements with traditional country elements has influenced numerous artists and bands. The album is often cited as a benchmark for its innovative approach to genre-blending and its sophisticated production. *Pros:* - Significant influence on subsequent alternative country and indie rock music. - Recognition as a groundbreaking album in its genre. *Cons:* - Its distinct style may overshadow other works within Lambchop’s discography for new listeners. **Track-by-Track Analysis** 1. **The Old Gold Shoe** - **Lyrics:** Reflective and introspective, exploring themes of routine and change. - **Music:** Orchestral arrangement with strings and horns, creating a rich soundscape. - **Production:** Layered and polished, highlighting each instrument. 2. **Grumpus** - **Lyrics:** Abstract and surreal, with a focus on personal dissatisfaction. - **Music:** Jazzy influences with a prominent bassline and intricate guitar work. - **Production:** Clean and balanced, allowing the complexity of the arrangement to shine. 3. **You Masculine You** - **Lyrics:** Gender roles and personal identity are examined with subtlety. - **Music:** Slow, soulful groove with a prominent piano melody. - **Production:** Warm and inviting, with a focus on the vocals and piano. 4. **Up With People** - **Lyrics:** Uplifting and hopeful, possibly alluding to collective action. - **Music:** Soulful and upbeat, featuring a gospel choir. - **Production:** Vibrant and dynamic, capturing the energy of the choir. 5. **Nashville Parent** - **Lyrics:** Intimate and personal, exploring familial relationships. - **Music:** Melancholic and subdued, with gentle acoustic guitar and strings. - **Production:** Minimalist and delicate, emphasizing the emotional weight of the lyrics. 6. **What Else Could It Be?** - **Lyrics:** Ambiguous and introspective, questioning purpose and meaning. - **Music:** Slow tempo with a focus on melody and atmosphere. - **Production:** Spacious and echoing, creating a contemplative mood. 7. **The Distance From Her To There** - **Lyrics:** Descriptive and narrative, focusing on separation and longing. - **Music:** Upbeat rhythm with a prominent bass and lively horn section. - **Production:** Crisp and clear, with each instrument well-defined in the mix. 8. **The Book I Haven't Read** - **Lyrics:** Intellectual and reflective, dealing with themes of knowledge and regret. - **Music:** Slow and soulful, with a lush arrangement of strings and piano. - **Production:** Rich and immersive, enhancing the emotive quality of the track. 9. **The Petrified Florist** - **Lyrics:** Abstract and poetic, with a focus on decay and beauty. - **Music:** Minimalist arrangement with delicate guitar and subtle percussion. - **Production:** Sparse and airy, allowing the lyrics to take center stage. 10. **The Butcher Boy** - **Lyrics:** Traditional folk narrative, dealing with themes of love and loss. - **Music:** Simple acoustic arrangement, staying true to its folk roots. - **Production:** Clean and unembellished, emphasizing the storytelling aspect. **Overall Pros and Cons** *Pros:* - **Lyrics:** Deeply poetic and rich in imagery, offering layers of meaning. - **Music:** Innovative blend of genres with sophisticated arrangements. - **Production:** High-quality and meticulous, enhancing the listening experience. - **Themes:** Thoughtful exploration of universal and personal themes. - **Influence:** Significant impact on alternative country and indie rock genres. *Cons:* - **Lyrics:** May be too abstract for listeners seeking straightforward narratives. - **Music:** Some tracks may feel overproduced to those preferring a raw sound. - **Production:** The polished nature might detract from the organic feel. - **Themes:** Subtlety in themes might make them less accessible. - **Influence:** Its distinct style could overshadow other works by Lambchop for new listeners. **Conclusion** "Nixon" by Lambchop is a landmark album that continues to resonate within the alternative country and indie rock scenes. Its blend of intricate musical arrangements, introspective lyrics, and high production values make it a compelling listen. While its abstract nature and polished production might not appeal to everyone, the album's influence and artistic achievements are undeniable. Lambchop’s ability to weave complex emotions and everyday experiences into their music ensures that "Nixon" remains a timeless and impactful record.

Favourite song - You masculine you

The greatest delivered lyric of all time. "The kids out in the street Take their toys and break them And look at them, then walk away"

Saved the entire album to my library after only hearing to the halfway mark of the first song. I usually need to listen through multiple times. I’m highly selective of what makes it in there. If asking why..I have no answer for that. The feeling induced by Nixon by Lambchop is ineffable. Which is how art should be I guess. One of my faults is the need to explain everything too much. For a person with many words this album left me speechless.

very soothing and relaxing. Voice is great, instruments blends really well together

unexpected

My favourite ‘chop

Fantastic. Turned me on to the band as a whole.

This is an incredible album, and I can't believe I had never heard of this band before. They have a unique sound that sometimes borders on orchestral, and I like the stream-of-consciousness lyrics in the songs. Just an all-around good, groovy sound to them. Normally I list tracks I like off these albums but I'm just going to say all of them for this one.

Beautiful music. Very unique

Wagner's voice is like salted caramel chocolate. It shouldn't work but it does. Likewise, Nixon feels too mature an album to be a genuine breakthrough hit, but here we are...

Wouldn't regularly rotate, but it's good for ambient background music.

Wasn't sure what to expect but what a nice surprise. Somehow this album had passed me by and most of my exposure to Lambchop prior to this was a remix on a chillout album. I quite enjoyed Grumpus, Up with People, and The Book I Havent Read.

A curious one, this one - kinda loungey alt-country. I enjoyed it, but suspect I'd like it even more if I were in just the right mood, though what mood that would have to be I can't say! Fave tracks - "Up With People" for the upbeatness, "The Petrified Florest" for atmosphere...

A bit too inconsistent to be in the same league as What Another Man Spills or Is A Woman, but still a very good Lambchop album of course, with some of their best songs: You Masculine You, Up with People, The Book I Haven't Read, The Petrified Forest. Score: 8/10

Very pleasant sounding album. Some songs sound a bit too similar to keep me fully engaged the entire time, but overall this is pretty good.

This had a lovely sound.

I'm so glad to see Lambchop on this list. Its hard to describe his style as its a gentle mix of indie, alt-pop and alt-country, they most remind me of Destroyer with their easy listening vocals blended to alt melodies. Both bands are very listenable, yet not quite mainstream which is why I find them intruiging. This album has two of my favourite Lambchop singles - Up with people and Grumpus and because there aren't any other Lambchop albums on this list it gets a somewhat generous 4 from me.

With the strings, falsetto, and smoothness, this sounds like a modern soul album. Sparse but biting lyrics and unique melodies and instrumentation.

Seriously blown away by this alt-country, alt-rock offering. Easy and breezy like a Sunday morning in one corner; evocative and sinister like a 2am Saturday alleyway in another. I listened to the first 3 tracks on repeat after listening to the whole thing. Knew nothing about this group but was NOT surprised to find their Nashville roots given the rambling guitar sound. Solid underground offering. More, please.

Very steady, satisfying indie album. A few familiar tracks, a nice consistent ryhthm. Interesting enough but not era defining or anything. Simple, understated, hits the right spots without overexerting.

good

This was a truly lovely record to listen to. Beautiful, wistful and melodic indie music. I adored it.

Rating: 7/10 Best songs: The old gold shoe, Up with people

Probably my favorite of Lambchop's many records. Sweeping, cinematic country.

Good, I enjoyed it a lot. The instrumentation was really nice.

mjög nice og kosy plata, minnir mig á destroyer, virkar líklega mjög vel við alls konar tilefni, dinner, chilla, lesa, læra, whatever basically. bara allt í allt geðveikt nice plata, er að hlusta á The Book I Havent Read á meðan ég skrifa þetta, sjúklega þægilegt lag. ég er eiginlega korter í 5 stjörnurnar, ég ákveð það á morgun þegar ég má loksins gefa rating. þetta generator dót er veisla maður

Cette voix, ces orchestrations... Peu de chansons vraiment marquantes, mais un ensemble très harmonieux, enveloppant. Et beau.

I’d never heard of Lambchop before today so didn’t have any preconceptions. I’m a vegetarian though so if manes sense that I hadn’t consumed their music before. Songs I already knew: none Favourites: You Masculine You, Up With People This was a perfect album to listen to on a Sunday morning. It was nice relaxing music and helped me to recover from a hangover. Musically, Lambchop remind me a little if Eels which is a big positive for me. The singing was very unique at times, going from a gritty tenor into sudden falsetto. It can be a little jarring at first, but after a couple of songs I’d fallen quite in love with his voice. This was a very good find, and I’m happy to have discovered it, even if I was 23 years too late.

This was a surprise to me! I had no idea what to expect and felt I recognised some songs. Kind of Elton John and Pink Floyd at times. I do enjoy grandeur in music.

This was cool and inventive and interesting

I had never heard of Lambchop, and don't know what I expected from this album. And, I won't lie, I wasn't laser-focused on the album for the entire running time. But what I heard, I liked a lot more than I expected to. Alt-country with chamber pop influences. Very well-written melodies. An overall "throwback" sound. I will definitely be giving this one another listen.

Pretty good! I like the instrumentals a lot. Vary much soul /folk rock. Relaxing!

Cool folky rock album, I'm surprised I haven't heard it before. Kinda like a cross between country wilco and a less experimental radiohead. I'm not surprised that Up with People is the band's biggest song on streaming services by a long shot. It's super anthemic and fun, but definitely not my favorite song (that would probably be track 1). I have a feeling this band is probably popular with the older, mid thirties-ish, ex-blog-hipster crowd, so it's cool it was put in front of me off of this list.

Lots to love about this album but the jury is still out on his vocals.

I would say a 3.5

Chill

Bloody loved this and will explore the band more. Delicate chamber pop rock with invention. Great stuff.

Interesting album. Gets a bit repetitive later on, and the last song is questionable as fuck, but overall very interesting. Closer to a 3.7 maybe.

I really like this

Favourite song: Nashville Parent

Discoveries like this are the reason I am trying to work my way through the 1000 list...expose myself to different and unknown music for myself that is interesting. I wouldn't say I love this album but it was different, complicated and fascinating. Realllly liked the Petrified Forest track.

Nice and relaxing

Really good!

Cool stuff

Of course I love this. It's so rich and tasty. Super soulful, full of flavour. No idea what Kurt Wagner's on about, bit that just adds to the mystery.

Listened to this whole album while playing Snowrunner, and it's a very good match for the vibe. 4/5

Alternative countrychamber pop

This was a beautiful sounding album, the arrangement was gorgeous but the vocals on some tracks lets it down a but