Reviews (page 5 of 8)
I've heard of White Denim but this is otherwise new to me. It basically sounds like what I think of 2010s "Rock" sounding like -- whiffs of Tame Impala and Animal Collective (yay) but also Hosier and Mumford and Sons and Avett Bros (less yay). Overall, fine.
nice
Thought this was pretty good. Kind of a Grateful Dead vibe at times, but not in an annoying way. Might like it more with more listens. 3.5, rounded down.
eh
This was a hidden gem
This is great. They bring together a lot of sounds meld them well, it doesn't feel slapdash or poorly put together River to Consider kind of reminded me of King Gizzard a little bit; psychedelic, a little bit proggy, flute (in fact there are other moments that sound like them too, like the midsection of Burnished and Bess St.). Is And Is And Is has a kind of classic rock sound, and there's an acoustic country twang in the guitars on Keys The instrumentation is tight, and songs often take unexpected turns that keep my interest, like that last third of Bess St., where it goes from rowdy psych rock to technical and winding Thank goodness this is 37 minutes, it went by quickly and I actually wanted more when it was finished. That goes a long way for me A great listen Highlights: River To Consider, Bess St., Is And Is And Is
Yeah I enjoyed this one Cool tones and rhythms. I liked the instrumental parts more than the vocals. A few times I felt like Tool cribbed off this band for some of their more psychedelic songs/breakdowns. a groovy listen
Just a nice solid, quick album.
Gets a bit jam-bandy at times but they are their own thing. So tight!
Pretty good. Had a bit of pep to it. Might give this another listen in the future.
Never heard of this group but I'll check out more.
Próbowałam się wczuć w ten album, ale jakoś przemykał nade mną. Może to zły dzień, ale wynudził mnie bardzo. Po raz kolejny mam wrażenie, że wrzucane są tu krążki, które nie przetrwają próby czasu. Bo to jest przyjemny album, ale na pewno nie jest wyjątkowy, nie należy do 1001 najlepszych albumów wszechświata. 6/10 i lecimy dalej.
So far I’m loving the crazy aspects of it. I feel like I’m falling and being swept up again. The track back at the farm is sticking out to me in that respect. I feel like I cannot be disappointed. It just keeps building on itself and getting better. Street joy is also a kind of melancholic yearning song that had a powerful pull to it. I’m intrigued by the slapping quick beat in the track anvil everything This album is deeply connected, but still has great variety. There is an aloofness to the song drug that I like. The repetitive riffs with the smashing cymbals rly brings out the creative baseline. A nice head bobber. Nice hook on Bess St. Whooo sick breakdown too. Wow, track is what it is builds in such a satisfying way. The chorus feels like a rewarding breakdown from the whispered build up in the earlier verse. Cute Johnny cash bop in that last track. Charming way to end the album. “What started out is my head, ended up in my fingers.” That’s beautiful.
Never heard of this band, but I enjoyed this album. They sound like a mash-up of the Allman Brothers and Phish. Overall it's good and there are some really great grooves in some parts. I really liked Back at the Farm and the jazz flute on River to Consider was a nice surprise. While this is a good album, I would love to know the reason(s) why I HAD to listen to it. Also trying to figure out why David Duchovny is on the cover.
honestly i was a little blown away by this one! i didn't know what to expect from this one, never having heard of the album or the band. but this is a really neat indie album! it's proggy, it's bluesy, it's indie-y. to me, at times it feels like if the black keys could play in a time signature other than 4. but that's not doing this album justice. there are some really cool odd-metered passages here, really fascinating stuff. in fact, the parts of this album i was not so hot on are the more conventional stuff on here. but when this album is at its most unique, that's when it's at its best.
One or two songs were enjoyable, but overall, not a favourite.
Completely went into this blind - had never heard of the artist, didn't read the description, nothin. First thought is what the heck this is cool. Kinda psychadelic, suuuper outside my wheelhouse. "Back at the Farm" almost feels like the drumming and bass playing wouldn't have been out of place on a Sabbath record. Lots of cool noodly solos. Overall super positive on this one.
Never heard of this band, never heard of this album, so I wasn’t expecting much, but I ended up feeling this was perfectly pleasant. Nothing I didn’t enjoy, but - again, why is this on the list? It’s not particularly popular or influential. They shouldn’t be adding albums from the 2010s until like, ten or fifteen years later to see what ends up actually mattering.
# 463 : 21/04/2025 : D Not bad, but nothing special. A couple of things stood out, but not something, I'll go back to.
Strange and confusing album - Wikipedia lists five rock genres, of which Psychedelic Rock is probably the closest. Not bad, but not great.
I like my psyche less polite and polished than this.
Missed out on this album when it was released. Really great sound. Will definitely be adding to rotation.
Didn't expect the jazz flute on this one...but I was a fan. I had never heard of White Denim before, but I put it on for a second listen. Great find
D's nuts
This was a surprisingly tight imitation of a jam band sound, and it worked. Some real bangers, and no fillers.
Pretty good. Should I see them in July? Playing the Armory
I do find his version of shuffle rock interesting and have heard him live. The songs are so dense and complex it can be hard to grab hold of them even as you admire them. I like how he cuts his own sonic path.
OK.
Nothing special. Run of the mill album.
Hard to tell what era this was from. It's got a sort of neo 60s psych pop sound. Great rhythm tracks, and a bit of variety. I liked it, would return
Felt run of the mill all the way through but I didn’t mind.
Alright early 2010s album. Shows its age a little.
People keep calling White Denim a "jam band" because of the Wikipedia extract, but they don't jam at all and absolutely aren't a jam band in any way. The album has that funny conundrum of having sweet pop melodies but no actual hooks. Nice but forgettable.
It was pretty good
Not so much. Maybe later in the day.
I liked it. 3.5
Ganz cool
Nothing particularly wrong with this one, but I'm good with just the one listen.
An indie blast from the past that still holds a candle
Really good classic rock vibes
Liked it. Hard to describe but the music was garage bandy but not annoying like I sometimes find it.
Was told about these guys by a drummer who was telling me about them because of the guitar playing. His point was they have a sort of blend between lead/solos and rhythm parts, not quite either and creates a pretty great and unique sound. These guys have a lot of live recordings and they’re better in that format. Kind of a jam band but really tight and structured. 3.75 and rounding up.
Need to give this another go sometime. Seems like music that needs focus to appreciate. When I tried to listen to it while distracted, I found all the layered business almost nauseating and couldn't hear through it to the actual songs being played. I like messing with time signatures as much as anyone, but a lot of these just felt to me like musical exercises for their own sake.
Well that was awesome Ill definitely be coming back to this during the weekend. White Denim seems to wrap the Black Keys tone with a little spice from Arcade Fire (I hear it through the vocals) and the jam element of King Gizzard Some really fun jams and catchy tunes here. 4 stars and hopefully I regret that choice
Have been a casual fan of this band for a while, but have really only listened to their album Stiff, especially the song Had 2 Know which was on a playlist I went through almost every day for a few months. Definitely check it out - great (catchy) song, fun album, and an all-time album cover art. I hadn't listened to this album much - it's a bit more psych and less accessible than Stiff, but cemented my opinion that these guys are a fantastic modern band. So much range in style - I'm hearing Neil Young at times, Vampire Weekend, or Paul Simon at others. As I was listening through this time, I thought these guys absolutely have to be an Austin-based band - feel like they just nail that southern psych sound. Maybe I just remember that from my subconscious - but sure enough they are! How cool would it be to bump into them playing in a random Rainey Street bar back in the day? 4.5 for me - not a perfect album - the psych sometimes teeters on incoherence - but the more I get familiar with this album, I'm totally sold. I've listened through three of their albums in the last day - D is probably the best, but tight race with Corsicana Lemonade. The killer guitarist on these two albums eventually leaves to go start Leon Bridge's band, so while the later stuff is fun, it lacks those great licks from the earlier stuff.
There was nothing interesting about this one for me. Pretty me all around.
Felt like it was trying to do too much or it would be higher
This album is so tight it should be titled Corset. A collection of different elements and genres that sound meticulously balanced rather than thrown together. I don't know how I've never heard of them before but I'm glad I have now. This is an album that I will certainly revisit.
Beautiful covers, but fairly uninteresting music
good and sort of bright but not totally remarkable to me.
I knew nothing of this band going in. The sound is interesting, like a modern CS&N or Grateful Dead, but more prog. At some points, I just wanted them to calm down and get into a relaxed rhythm. I liked some of the harmonies, but didn't love the singer's voice on its own. He sounds like someone else, but I can't put my finger on it. I think I actually like the instrumental "Back at the Farm" the best.
# Album Name: D # Artist: White Denim # Rating: 4/5 # Comments: Low 4. Not a bad jam session. Band is talented. Just above average. Good. But not very good. # Top Tunes: # Would I listen to it again? Maybe
Not bad. Liked the 2nd half more than the first. Enjoyable, but not amazing.
Never heard of them or anything they ever did. This album has some listens, the most popular track being "Street Joy" (7.5M listens). Not even remotely familiar but I'm not into eclectic jam band stuff. Online it says "White Denim is an American rock band from Austin, Texas, United States. Their music is influenced by dub, psychedelic rock, blues, punk rock, progressive rock, soul, jazz, experimental rock with home-based recording, jamming approach, intense looping work and unusual song structures." In other words it's a mess. A couple too many influences for my liking. Nothing gripped me or compelled me to keep listening. Sounds like a modern Grateful Dead who bred with a jazz band, just shorter more boring songs. You gotta like jazz structure, or lack thereof, to enjoy these guys, and I don't. I found their sound to be irritating, 2 stars for trying.
I had never heard of these guys. I really liked the front half of this album but the back half was weak I thought. Plus points since they’re from Texas. Almost a 4.
Interesting listen, couple good tracks, but not really to my taste.
Quite liked a couple of these tracks
This is a prime example of not judging a band by its name. This album was a pleasant surprise. A really nice blend of rock, indie, jam and psychedelia. I'll invest some time into the rest of their catalog. The generator did me a solid today.
A lot of jazz flute. Pretty good jam band stuff. 3.5/5
Now this was a pretty fascinating listen! Feels like prog rock moved into a house with 2010s indie rock. I’m a sucker for strange time signatures and these guys definitely fuckin delivered! Top 3 Bess st, river to consider, Drug
5/10 Inoffensive but offensively mediocre. Best track: "Street Joy"
Fun as fuck.
I listened but remember next to nothing
So. I listened to this a month ago. Forgot about it. Had to revisit. Definitely worth a second listen! This will go in my regular rotation.
What a random one for the list. Never heard of these guys before. But I LOVED this album. Put this in the (few) handful of albums I've listened to where (i) it's a first listen, (ii) the band was never even remotely on my radar and (iii) I'll add this to rotation of listens.
To roughly enjoyed this album.
Really enjoyed this one. Is and Is and Is was the standout. It's a good mixture of a few different things. Between a high 3 and a 4
I don't love all psych flourishes here, but this is an obviously restlessly creative band, and it's an entertaining record- if you don't like one song, wait a minute things are about to change. Lots of looping sounds here, kind of minimalist in parts- but mostly a pretty solid rock 'n roll album.
Some buets on here, wierd that koffi suggested this today as it was the same day Andy said he'd been to see them the night before in Liverpool. Stop listening into our convos koffi you prick. Mid 4.
This was alright. I was kinda hearing a combination of the grateful dead (Phish maybe?) and the Black Keys. It's very jammy, so if you like that sorta thing you're in luck.
This was an awesome find for me. Such a fun album. Several of these songs are going on playlists, and their other stuff is awesome too. Interesting name for an album though. They have another one called Stiff 🙄 Just why?
Garage rock meets indie rock meets prog rock.
This was a pleasant surprise. It sounded like a mash up of some good prog rock bands
Cool eclectic cosmic psych rock with bits of garage, jamband, prog and alt country mixed together. It's extremely busy throughout - they don't linger on an idea or a groove for long before the whirlwind carries them somewhere new. Bright and upbeat with a jangly fun feel overall. Would be good live you'd think. I'd never heard of them so it's a pleasant surprise, but since I was paying attention to this kind of music in the US at the time, it seems like a strange inclusion over bigger bands in the same era/genre that aren't on the 1001 like the jammy country rock of My Morning Jacket, a folksy crooner with a big emotive sound like Bon Iver, a way bigger jamband like Phish, or indie pop rock acts who had more mainstream crossover like the Shins. They weren't a huge hit or critical darlings (37 on NME's album of the year list, not on Pitchfork, NPR, Stereogum, AV club) - not say that's the standard, but just to say it wasn't getting a ton of attention at the time, so why does it stand out in retrospect? Would be interested to read the explanation, but I will just enjoy a bit of swirling whirling vaguely psych indie guitar rock in the meantime.
This is the first true surprise I've had on this list, an artist I had never heard of doing something squarely outside of my wheelhouse that I nonetheless thought absolutely ripped. This is a great record. I thought the proggy stuff worked best: At The Farm, Anvil Everything the biggest highlights. Closer to 3.5.
Hmm, interesting. Heard of these kicking around but never heard their stuff. Reminds me a little of Field Music in that the songs keep going in unexpected directions, but with a much more US garage sound and slightly Byrdsy, folksy vocals. Colour me intrigued. Having said that, Back at the Farm instrumental is fabulous. Street Joy loses me as it goes far more conventional. But it quickly picks back up again. Definitely up for listening to this again, perhaps a low four at this stage, definitely enjoyed.
There were some slightly chaotic flute moments but overall this was very enjoyable, largely instrumental.
If the band Wilco was a bunch of math heads and jazz musicians, they would be the band White Denim. This was a pretty impressive album overall. Songs like Bess St. and It’s Him! we’re perfect examples. The song that made me stop and really listen (and play back) was jammy Back On The Farm. Their musicality was exemplary, progressive but not overwhelming, which is a good thing! I could definitely listen to this album again
Random thoughts: * This was solid indie/alt-rock fare. Nothing really jumped out at me on this. It was pleasant to listen to. * Some of these mid-2010s albums feel like they were some gambles on part of the 1001 author. I think the author would choose different 2010 era albums now in retrospect.
Interesting jam band like mix. Highly listenable.
Quite pleasant but not the most engaging album I've heard in this style of rock.
Haven't heard of the band before. Honestly, there are some quite interesting ideas on this album but ultimately not something I'd go back to or enjoy casually 2/5
This was pretty decent. I'll round up to a 4 because this was definitely pretty interesting relatively speaking. Might not entirely be my thing, but hey.
имба, понравилось, сохранил. очень напомнило кинг гизард.
64/100. Performance by White Denim is an alright neo-psychedelic record. The first track stood out the most for me, while the rest of the album was just okay. It’s a chill experience overall, but nothing particularly major or memorable.
I feel like this was the chestburster moment when indie music stopped sucking and started sounding pretty good.
Terrific album. It flows so well, and it leaves you wanting more. Anvil Everything is the standout track.
Fun catchy good vibes a project highlight
Had high hopes after the first 3 tracks, but then it kind of lost me and then came River to Consider. I had just listened to Jethro Tull and was in no mood for more rock flute. It came to close with # songs I did like. I would give it 3.5 if I could so I'll round up given the trash I have had to endure including the aforementioned Jethro Tull.
2/5 stars. Not my genre or my type of music. Nothing remarkable. Street Joy was the only song that I kind of liked but even that was forgettable and I wouldn’t listen to it a second time.
I seriously question how this band got on this list. I've never heard of them...maybe they're only knowni in Texas? Dreadful jamming. They don't know if they want to be psychedic or a jam band a la The Dead. Really boring anyway.
I liked this album for about 2/3 of the way through. Then it got a little tiring. I'd listen to some of it again, but not the whole thing.
Solid if unremarkable 2010's rock
Actually really enjoyed this, WD have been on my radar for a while but this is the first time I've bothered to spend the time with them!
Love White Denim! A solid album, although this is probably my least favourite album of theirs. Great to see them on this list and fingers crossed they have more albums on here! Favourite tracks: Back at the Farm, River to Consider & Is and Is and Is Already in regular rotation. 4/5
Had to listen to this twice cause i was so bored with it and i forgot everything in it. I dont know if its the mix or what. The musicianship is great but its flat as shit, maybe too many elements. Would sound great at a vintage fair / coffee pop up
Loved it. Four (five?) accomplished musicians merging their influences and styles to really interesting effect - but always in service of whatever song their playing. Incredibly, it seems to be a rarity.
Didn't know what to expect. Didn't hate it at all!
3.6 That was pretty good. Not my usual stuff but fairly pleasant. There was something slightly Thom Yorke'ish about his voice that I liked. Music fairly decent. Saved down a few tracks.
This album is like a russian roulette: the track will either shoot you in the heart or be so damn cringy and sound soooo bad that your hand will reach for the real gun. I'm confused. Solid 3 stars (however i liked many songs from the other albums)
Never heard of this band before, and it's another reason why I'm so glad I started into this endeavor. I'm buying what they're selling
Never heard these guys before. They were pretty good. Not what I was expecting.
Got pretty good after a couple of plays through. Chill
"Street Joy" is okay, the rest is shit.
Super fun! I have had a hard time getting entirely through other White Denim albums, but this one is more approachable top-to-bottom. It's Him! is amazing, these guys shred. I saved TWO songs to my spotify liked songs after saving only one song total (Gang Star) from any previous album. They just fucking rock, man. The drummer is a beast, and their music gets me super pumped up. Pumped up enough to spin brodies in my 2013 Ford Edge.
Ooh, this is the kind of psych rock I can get behind. This album rules. The polyrhythms are off the charts. Every track feels like a journey. The horns! The hook on Is and Is and Is goes so hard.
Just some fun, rootin’-tootin’ indie rock. I will definitely be coming back to this one. Side note - these guys need someone to help them get better album artwork. Are 12 of their albums are uggos!
How have I never heard of these guys? Sometimes they sound like My Morning Jacket, sometimes Allman Brothers, sometimes later period Black Keys. I’m not a jam rock fan at all but these jams don’t go on too long or get too noodly. Really cool interplay between instruments. Dual lead guitars rock, I wish more bands had the chops to pull that off (maybe that’s why I think of the Allmans). The drummer needs a special shoutout. Damn. The production is fantastic; even with a lot going on I can hear every instrument clearly, even the bass doesn’t get lost in the mix. And it’s a good thing, because every player here deserves to be heard. Sometimes it still gets a little far out for me, but in the right mood that’s not a problem. Docked some points for barely being able to decipher the lyrics most of the time.
I didn't really get a grasp on this album. It seems fairly eclectic. I didn't hate it. But didn't really figure out what I thought of it either. Would require a relisten to get a handle on.
THIS is what this list is all about. A relatively obscure group I've never heard of playing the most beautiful music. Apparently this was released to "critical acclaim"... Normally the critics and I are polar opposites but not on this one. For the first time in almost 400 albums, I actually went online and bought this straight after listening
This is just your average rockband. Not bad but nothing special.
I had not heard of this band. I liked what I heard generally. Great, complex playing. Indie -prog I guess it does at times get close to wankery when they stretch out like on songs like Burnished and Bess St. But one can't help but respect the playing. I'm more of a simple 3-chord, straight ahead rhythm section guy so it doesn't really appeal to my sensibilities, but I can see how an older Rush fan would enjoy them 3 stars
3, 5, 6, 7
Sounds good!
Sommige muziek is niet goed genoeg om de aandacht te trekken, maar ook niet slecht genoeg. Het dobbert voorbij zonder dat je je geroepen voelt om het te onthouden. Een bandje uit Texas met gitaar en drums, yeah. Dus waarom moet ik dit horen?
Rock in een ruime definitie. Fijn als ze richting de klassieke powerrock bewegen. Maar ze stappen ook naar meer zuiderlijke klanken. De kracht zit hem telkens in de fijne ritmes. Ik krijg ergens zelfs een soort Massive Attack gevoel.
Bij de eerste tonen denk ik aan een kruising van the Black Keys met War on Drugs. En wat ook gelijk opvalt, zijn de moeilijke time signatures van de drummer. Hij zit de hele tijd expres naast de tel. Heel knap, maar soms ook moeilijk om naar te luisteren. Je komt niet lekker in het ritme. Maar als je er aan gewend raakt, dan kan het geniaal zijn. Verder is het een aanstekelijke mix van southern rock met folkrock en americana. Ik vond het een lekker plaatje om geluisterd te hebben. Of het meer dan vergeetbaar is, zal moeten blijken, maar ik zou het wel kunnen waarderen met 4 sterretjes.
This is one that I thoroughly enjoyed. They had a very fresh, live kind of sound to them. I've never heard of them before but I'll definitely be revisiting in future.
I really enjoyed this! A little psychedelic and talented musicians. Complex layered songs with impressive execution. Saved to my library.
I had no clue who these guys were even though the album is < 15 years old. 10 seconds in I thought I would hate it. Then, the rhythm changed and I got drawn in. As a rule I typically hate jam bands, and these guys are a modern, harder version of the dead, but I found this album strangely listenable. In the end I found myself going back and listening a second time. I still much prefer music you would see played in the dark. But if I had to watch a concert in the light of day, I could do worse than White Denim.
Fuck yes White Denim. I love White Denim. They’re like if someone took a band from the 70’s to the 2010’s and they were like “ok I guess we’re just gonna do our thing now I guess.”
Fine for a jam band.
Guiding Light is an excellent song. Up and downs w this — kinda lost me when it got a little too Phish-y. But some definite high points as well.
This album is an absolute gem. The mixing is phenomenal, bringing every instrument to life with remarkable clarity. As a bassist, I was particularly drawn to how front-forward and articulate the basslines are—rich, dynamic, and an integral part of the band's overall sound. The interplay between the four musicians is seamless, almost poetic in how they complement each other. Their chemistry makes for an incredibly immersive listening experience. The vocals are solid, blending effortlessly into the instrumental tapestry, while the music itself is nothing short of mesmerizing. Sonically, the album sits at the crossroads of progressive rock and atmospheric soundscapes, sometimes reminiscent of Pink Floyd, yet firmly rooted in the post-Wolfmother era of the 2000s and 2010s. It captures a distinct energy that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. Before this, I had never heard of this band, and I wasn’t expecting such a pleasant surprise. Listening to the album from start to finish was a revelation—it expanded my perspective on what rock music can be, even as someone with a deep knowledge of the genre. Without a doubt, this was one of the best surprises I’ve come across in the 1001 Album Generator journey.
Mais c'est pas mal du tout cette petite douceur un peu rétro!
Genuinely thought this might be a slightly more musically adventurous Black Keys side project at first, but nope, it’s a whole new band, with their own sound an' all. I wouldn’t exactly call said sound groundbreaking but the blend of southern bluesy/garagey rock with mathy/jazzy riffs is certainly something a bit different. Throw in some nice dreamy melodies on the likes of Street Joy and the result is a nice little discovery. 3.5
Det är bara ett problem med plattan. Den saknar bra låtar. Inte uruselt dock.
I like this! It's not got the hooks or catchy choruses that I love, but it's a great combination of jazzy & prog rock & guitars, without the pretentious feel. At 37 minutes, it gives you just how much you want without too much. A new band to me.
Crazy how this album cover looks AI generated. But came out in 2011
I usually rate these albums as soon as I listen to them, so as to capture how they make me feel. It’s been a few days since listening to this one. I recall feeling…
Thought I might like this- kind of like upbeat fleet foxes but I found myself wanting to tun it off more as it went on.
Didn't hear what all the fuss was about
I stumbled onto White Denim a few years ago looking for modern stuff that was of a psychedelic bent. Most of what I was finding was pretty meh, but when I put this record on (and, soon after, another record of theirs, "Side Effects"), I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop.... this song is COOL... probably the rest of the record blows, right? and the rest of the record DIDN'T blow. In fact, it was one of the best new albums I'd heard in a long time... elements of prog, psych, math rock, stoner rock, classic rock, Beatlesque bits... elaborate but focused. Tight but expansive. The "jam band" moniker some are using here doesn't fit. Do you know what a "jam band" is? One that thinks an 11-minute version of "Stella Blue" is a good idea. One that lets the guitarist noodle endlessly without purpose. THESE songs, however, are all around 3 or 4 minutes, and are COMPOSED. God forbid anyone dismissing this as patchouli-scented hackey-sack "Jam" music ever hears, say, King Crimson or early '70s Genesis. Anyway: there SHOULD be a penalty for use of flute in rock music (the 7/8-time-Santana-esque latin of "River to Consider"). When people say rock music is dead they don't realize people like White Denim are out there making it in the 21st century. I think that most rock bands just DGAF about writing hit singles so the charts ignore them. As long as the fans don't, we're all good here.
this was another album that surprised me with how much I liked it! I had never heard of this band before, but I found a lot to love here and I'll definitely be diving into more of their discography at some point. it is interesting that critics seem to consider them more psychedelic/prog rock though...i do hear the psychedelia on some songs (mostly "River to Consider) but honestly I hear more country and folk influences...but maybe that's just because they're from Texas lol. all and all though, i'm really glad i discovered this band and this album!
Maybe a little too 2011 for me
Perfectly fine I guess but not sure I would have missed anything by not listening to this.
Wearing your influences on your sleeve isn’t a bad thing. It just hinders your music when you don’t really do anything with them.
Disclaimer: didn't listen to the whole album, only some songs Sol played while we played some Rocket League. Wasn't concentrating on the music super hard unfortunately because I suck at the game. I liked what I heard though, quite a bit of range throughout the album.
Listened to this while working, not bad but not particularly memorable either.
Not bad but pretty boring - like if AI made the most inoffensive American indie rock possible
3.5 this is pretty on par for the psych-ish stuff I usually listen to so I liked it but nothing really stood out to me a la melodys echo chamber/BJTM
Would’ve gone hard at a festival 50 years ago Best track: Street Joy
I have listened to some White Denim songs before, but this is my first time listening to this album. Listening conditions: Locking in and creating shareholder value This seems to be the classic case of I really like just one song from an album and the rest are okay. I have 'Sweet Joy' on my 'Need a sook' playlist, and have listened to to semi regularly since probably year 12 or sum shi. My next favourite song after 'Sweet Joy' is 'River to consider'. Made my brain feel good. I probably wont listen to the album in full again, but I will probably listen to two songs again which is a record.
Kinda white bread sort of music - didn't particularly tickle my fancy but is pretty inoffensive
meh
I had fun with this
Busy instruments Nearly overcrowd soft singing Makes feel good indie
That was great
'Is and Is and Is' is a stonker. I really like these guys. Overall, a 4-star band for their playing and style, but maybe this is a 3.5-star album.
It's easy when the album rates itself. 2 stars or D+.
Some fun guitar and good songs but sounds a bit too much like generic car commercial rock and some points.
Great and interesting sound but the tunes don’t back it up for me 3.3 bc it’s almost there
I initially thought this was just going to be a poor man's version of the Black Keys, which is already a poor man's version of itself, but by song 2, I was like holy shit, these guys are going for it! I mean there is a mini drum solo on the third track. The last half of the album kinda dwindles for me but overall a strong album. 3.5/5.
White Denim is good but have never thought they were best in the history of music good.
This might deserve a relisten, but I didn’t find it that great the first time. The songs had a timeless sound, kinda like the dead, but nothing really stood out to me. It’s odd to say really, there’s a lot of different instrument interplay in the songs, but it doesn’t amount to a whole lot
Very black keys-esque. Thought it was a bit more interesting though so I’d bump it to a 3.5. Enjoyed well enough but don’t really understand why it’s on the list.
A new discovery for me, and like other users, I find it hard to compare their sound to anything I've heard before. An intriguing blend of indie, garage, blues and rock. Standout track: Street Joy
fine
Maybe it’s a touch of Stockholm syndrome after listening to yesterday’s album, but when this one kicked in with a bluesy, southern rock feel I was ready for a long haul but it turns out there are 10 songs in 37 minutes on this one which is a lot more reasonable. The 10 songs are all pretty varied too with an interesting mix of styles from garage rock to fay indie to 60s psychedelia. Highlight is Drug which has the blunt chorus ‘We can take drugs!’. Quite.
I did not know the band and it's a nice surprise. Modern pyschedelia with a hint of rock, jazz, pop... Well balanced, not too long, that was pleasant.
- Good but not quite great. I found myself wishing the mix did not bury the lyrics as much as it does, almost like there was not as much confidence in the singing as there was in the playing. Quite enjoyable, another good discovery (as many others have noted). -
Great album. Don't know how these guys haven't been on my radar.
I don't think we need to bring jam bands back. I think we have exhausted that genre already.
Καποιες πραγματικα ενδιαφερουσες παραγωγες και καποια πολυ καλα κομματια με ωραια performances. Επισης νιωθω οτι συνδυαζει πολλα ειδη ροκ μουσικης. Το μονο αρνητικο ειναι οτι θα ταιριαζε ισως σε αλλη εποχη!?.
What a surprise of a gem.
Only familiar with one WD album and this isnt it. Another band I heard a bit by and thought ‘this is class!’ then never checked out more. This is ace though, they’ve managed to merge blues / indie / funk / rock’n’roll / prog into something that sound much better than it should. It’s like a mix of 1001 records in one album. Only familiar with two songs off this (Street Joy and Anvil Everything) which are great, and the rest stands up well with them too. Very good, will be back and will be revisiting the record I used to love (the one with the lass with loads of cacti down her pants)
Don't think I've ever heard anything by white denim, think I'd dismissed them a bit cos the name is pretty dull. They play quite a straightforward indie at first listen but seemingly through being class at their instruments take the songs into loads of interesting places. A few time signature changes too. There was a vampire weekendy song and a sort of musey/radioheady song (anvil everything, probably my favourite). Was almost all good though. Definitely listening again, 4.5. I think.
The album is fine. Not overly interesting lyrically, which I kind of think they need to be given the deluge of this type of music. Competent enough. I liked Street Joy and Keys lot, but much of the rest largely passed me by. I agree with Jack, it is more of a 3.5, so I'll rate down to average it out.
Never heard of these and it was pretty decent. Will probably come back and give it another go. Think at least 3.5 but I'll go 4
Hot dang! I expected to dislike this but it's actually really good. Slow dreamy rocky folky, poppy and a load of other sounds.
This one was great. I loved the creativity and wackiness of the tracks here. I'll accept that this is the closest I'll come to a King Gizzard album on this list.
A album I was unfamiliar with from a band I had not heard of. Very reminiscent of that jam band type sound. I love this shit. Can’t believe I hadn’t heard it before. Definitely something I will come back to. Favorites were It’s Him!, Back At The Farm, Street Joy, River To Consider, and Is And Is And Is.
Nice. Solid, guitar-based rock. Strong Phish/Dead influence.
Never heard of this lot before and it took a while for me to warm up to them. But then they kept going in different directions and I was happy enough to go for the ride.
I've never heard of these guys before. I freaking loved this.
I wasn't sure what to make of this as stylistically it seemed all over the map, but I kept finding myself engaged with the material. It was reminiscent of the Byrds and Moby Grape but they also had their own thing going on. I didn't focus on the lyrics, so they might have been crap, but musically, it was adventurous and fun and the songs had strong melodies. Very cool and I'd never even heard of this before, so well done, list!
Man this is a party I loved attending!
Somewhere between modern indie-folk and Revolver-era Beatles, lies this record. Needless to say, this is really cool.
A great effort for five high school kids figuring out their tools and trying to be creative. Will make you sit in a dark room and fight away the sadness when you realize that are adults.
This is cool with a capital C. Strong 1-2 with Its Him! into Burnished. Street Joy is a laid back groove. Nice jazzy, jam rock stylings on River To Consider. absolutely smashing!
Good musicians, uninteresting songwriting
4.75
Some clean songs, some messy ones. Back at the farm was my favorite
‘Street Joy’ was good. The flute bit on ‘River to Consider’ felt kinda contrived. Not into extended jams. But this was fun.
I've never heard of this band! Braced myself but was pleasantly surprised. Good music I'm sure I'd love seeing live. Really enjoyed the unique instrumentation. This isn't usually my preferred brand of indie rock, but this was a strong album. 3.5 stars.
Another day, another album everyone completely forgot 2 years after its release
I wish I enjoyed this album more than I did. It's varied with sprinklings of different genres in there. Just something didn't click for me and I'm not sure what, maybe the production, maybe the vocals? I'm not sure I understand why people like this one, it gets a high 3 from me
A new discovery for me. Musically very dense with a lot going on and whilst there are some great hooks and melodies it just did not connect with me emotionally. Have listened to it a number of times over a number of days to give it a chance to grow - but just not sprouting. Maybe its the vocals. Maybe its just too earnest and trying to hard. It lacks spark and joy.
Wow, where have these guys been hiding? Never heard of this band but it's a very impressive outing! The music is complex without drowning out any elements. It's upbeat, humorous and triumphantly full of life. I need to keep relistening to fully absorb it all but I'm definitely a fan already.
Oh lordy! '60s psychedelia with some '70s prog but they pack this in with tight songs that never outstay their welcome. Listeners get to play Spot The Influence. On my first listening I heard flutes on a song that sounded like Jethro Tull. On another I heard Neil Young play guitar on a song that could have come that Canadian God. This is so much fun!!!
This one was solid but I wouldn't say it blew me away. Certainly better than alot of other nonsense on this list. Good talent on this album. 6/10.
Interesting. Felt a little jam band but never got repetitive. Will have to check out more of their catalog
It was alright
1. him - 0 2. burnizhed - 0 3. farm - 1 4. joy - 1.5 5. anvil - 1 6. river - 1 7. drug - 0 8. bezz - 0 9. iz - 1 10. keyz - 1
Surprisingly good. Experimental with Lots of different genres
This was another band I'd never heard of, and I was wary going into it based on some of the other stuff that's cropped up on this list. I was pleasantly surprised. They're like a higher energy, proggier version of Dispatch (it might be more accurate to compare them to State Radio), two of the few bands my brother and I could agree on when he was going through his otherwise terrible techno phase in high school and college. The musicianship on this album is top notch; the drummer does a lot of interesting things, and there are plenty of great guitar riffs and solos. The incorporation of strings and flute (River to Consider) works really well, even though it could have turned out cheesy and weird. The vocalist has a good voice and the lyrics are interesting — often political in a slightly abstract way. Highlights: Burnished, Back at the Farm, Anvil Everything, Drug, Bess St. Wasn't expecting to like this as much as I did. It's not quite a 5, but it's a strong 4.5, and I'll probably check out more of their catalogue. 4.5/5
Ei ollu mun makuun. Vähän mitään sanomatonta joillain oudoilla elementeillä. En päässyt ihan kiinni siihen missä tässä oli idea. Pliisu kokonaisuus ja unohdettava.
I got what they are trying to do here and they were successful, but there are so many others (better) doing the same thing that is harsh to highlight on the progressive/psychedelic 70s rock, mainly when the album was released almost 40 years after the 70s.
I have never heard of this band or the album. When I listened to it, I realized why. The band and the music are not worth hearing. This applies primarily to me, of course. If that's your music, so be it
Skramligt I början. Tog sig. Fina körer. De långsammare låtarna var bättre. Tre+
Easy listen, though nothing really stood out to me. Similar in sound to the Black Keys. 2.5/5
Feels more like 1971 than 2011. Some decent songs, but none of them put an "oomph" in me. Favorite Track: "Keys"
I immediately was entranced by this album. I absolutely loved the diversity within each song and I really did not know what to expect next. I definitely really vibes with a couple of the songs, I think more towards the beginning, but they were definitely a vibe. I could also see so much influence and similarities between so much music older and younger than them so I 100% understood influence. I liked it. 7/10.
Zero knowledge of this band nor what to expect led to ... !!!!?!!!! <--- my reaction throughout the entire album. Complex, melodic, sorta jam-like but thankfully not at all. Well-thought-out killer riffs, a bit of time signature hopping, a small dose of Allmans, a little prog, a little fusion..."Bess St." even gives me classic Yes vibes - what the hell IS this??? Oh and flute on "River to Consider" heck yes. I'm actually glad it's only 36 minutes - not in a "this album sucks" way at all but I'm almost just overwhelmed. This is a keeper and I feel like I haven't even scratched the surface of this album or band. Will be listening a ton this week. Honestly fantastic. Amazing to hear such musical talent. 9/10 5 stars
Groupe totalement inconnu. Les 3 premiers morceaux sont vraiment intéressants, en particulier le 'Back at the Farm', instrumental avec quelques chorus. La section rythmique est particulièrement bonne, avec un son de basse massif et une batterie très enlevée et créative. J'ai été agréablement surpris par 'River to consider' et ses parties de flute, ainsi que par 'Bess St'. et sa partie instrumentale à l'harmonie audacieuse. Par contre les morceaux plus lents sont moins percutants (Street Joy, Keys). Bonne découverte donc, pas loin de rejoindre ma collection. =>3.5/5
Thoughts before listening: I'm pretty surprised to see these guys on this list. I really enjoyed them back in the day and even saw them once in San Francisco. Indie rock meets jamband music has always been my take on them....which means it was right up my alley in my 20s and early 30s. Review: I love it. This combo of indie rock style with some jamband elements mixed in is just a sound I will always gravitate to. White Denim may not be a band who really deserve to be on this list of 1,001 albums, but I still really enjoy this album. Perhaps if I didn't have a nostalgic attachment to these guys I wouldn't give it such a high rating (i.e. the myriad Brit pop bands thrusted on me as part of this project), but I feel good about giving them 4-stars for my personal preferences.
Grateful Dead x Radiohead. Eh
Tässä oli vähän Hendrixin kaltaista meininkiä. Ei nyt ihan huono. 3/5
Nyt oli kova uusi tuttavuus! Sopivan popahtava, sovituksellisesti mielenkiintoinen ja hauska levy. Myös täydellisen mittainen, ei ehdi lainkaan kulua puhki. 4/5
A properly interesting, inventive, tuneful piece of work. I ended up listening to it a few times and will definitely do so again.
Didn't know it but nice vibe
Ik ken dit niet, maar dit is toch 37 minuten aardig creatieve hipsterrock. Af en toe is het even lastig te volgen omdat het niet allemaal een standaard 4/4 maatsoort is, maar eigenlijk heeft elke track wel momentjes dat het allemaal even samenvalt en dan is het lekker. Een soort prog-metal zonder de metal. Het album lijkt wat langer dan 37 minuten, maar dat is omdat er nogal veel over je heen komt. Een goed album om nog een paar keer vaker aan te zetten en dan te kijken of het iets meer went. 5 sterren is er over, dus ik hou het op 4.
This was just okay. I didn’t find anything here particularly inspiring. Also wasn’t anything that totally annoyed me. Middle of the road.
I've deleted more words than I've saved in writing about White Denim here. This record smartly keeps the songs moving — all 10 of them clocking in at ~ 37 minutes of mostly uptempo, blended-genre music. A qualified 4 stars where the commentary is now missing. It's elusive, just like my feelings about this record.
This sounds like it could have been released in the 60s. If it was, I wouldn't have liked it. But since it was released more recently, I like it? Even though it sounds exactly like something from that era? Why am I like this?
Indie rock but with a greater emphasis on guitar and drums. Not sure it is objectively "great" but I enjoyed listening to it
Self indulgent hot pile of garbage.
I had not heard this band previously. Intriguing. I'll try some other stuff by them, as they do have a unique blend. Overall, it would not seek this out again, but I recognize some complexities in the music. So I think they are good, but in a genre that does not grab me.
Kind of a banger
White Denim has something for everyone...jam band noodling packaged into a pop song shell with top notch musicianship and interesting instrumentation.
Au do, kei ahnig gha was mi erwartet. S cover und de name vom interpret und s erschinigsjohr hend mer gseit das isch e band wo irgendwas im bereich indie rock macht. Was i mer aber fast nöd ha chöne vorstelle, weli no nie vo dene ghört ha. Und tatsächlich ischs sowas. Chönnt ez das genre nöd genau zueordne. Aber vo dene ghört ha, hetti sicher mol sölle, wenn die do drin vorchönd. Jedefalls hets mi bim lose denn sehr a 70er johre rock erinneret. So chli jethro tull aber ohni folk. Au de gsang erinneret mi a die. Has interessant gfunde zum lose, aber irgenwie au chli aastrengend vo de kompositione her.
Erfrüschend mal wider es Album vomene unbekanntere Künstler zha. Mit Street Joy hani schomal en schöne Wegbegleiter für d Zuekunft gfunde, wo hoffentlich ned i irgendwelchne Indie-Playliste untergaht und verstaubt, da Indie doch nüm zu mim meist gloste Genre ghört. Au bi paarne restliche Tracks hani gern zueglost und d musig gnosse, anderi sind mer denn aber au wider zu klassisch 10er Jahr Indie gsi. Ich hoff dasi Street Joy chli wiiter chan gnüsse, aber wenn mer ehrlich sind, wirdi de Track au ehner schnell wider us de Auge verlüre.
Another day, another album mir sind grad uf em ne Strike nach „das album wird glosst aber gad a mir verbi, nervt mich aber au nöd“. Tbh, biz überrascht es 2010er indie album ahzreffe wo mer de interpret nöd kennt und au kei banger song drin isch. Ab de 2010er Jahr isch de klein Neduzen au langsam, dank sei Internet, aktuelli musik entdecke Afange z entdecke. Klein Neduzen & kamarad schwungrad aka lhalftiger aka der wein, hend doch einiges ah ziit verbracht zum neui indie tracks z gfinde uf insider plattforme wie youtube. Und doch hed sich das album vor eus chöne verstecke, respekt. Wie gester ischs es klassischs 2.5er album. Hüt rund ich uf, da ich doch na biz diversität über album wahrgnah han und es bar flexi gitarre riffs entdeckt ha hüt morge bim namal drilose. Tres hermanos vu mir
am don neduzer sini gestrigi segelreis isch anschinend ahsteckend gsi: bis uf 1 lied isch mer da also gar nöd so vill hange bliebe sicher paar ahsprechendi lieder debi gha aber doch chli zu "rockig" für mini vorbereitige für‘s hütige khruangbin konzert sorry white denim, ufgrund zu starche heckwind sind ihr es paar seemeile ah mim mood verbigseglet, nächst mal vilicht!
Caught me by surprise - I found this album endlessly fascinating. Nothing like what I usually listen to. Proggy but not overblown.
Laid back and unique. Guitar heavy, which I love but they aren't just riffing they are really finding unique ways to play their instruments. It is very chaotic but also calming in a strange way.
D I love this album, a bit of a step change from their previous albums, which have a lot of the same elements, but push the looser experimental jazz psychedelia jams, rather than the more crafted songs on here. I love how they manage to balance that looseness with the rock, jazz, soul, prog, country, americana, garage and psychedelic influences with the idea of that craft, keeping a sense of fun and on the edge of breaking downness with some pretty tight structures. It’s their first album with two guitarists, which you can hear in the trading of licks and riffs, but it never feels self indulgent or showy, and it’s all anchored by the great, muscular and tight rhythm section. It’s Him! and Burnished are a great opening pair, kind of setting the template, great drums, dual guitars and warm, seemingly laid back melodies. Love At The Farms crescendoing guitar workout. Street Joy is a nice slower tempo track after the rhythmically driven first 3 songs and is a welcome little breather before the duelling guitars return on Anvil Everything. Love the flute on River to Consider, has a real Magical Mystery Tour psychedelia to it. Drug is superb, along with Bess Street probably the catchiest tune. Love the guitar tone and the driving drums and bass on both. The acoustic rhythm on Bess Street is great, kind of US indie-folk, but with a 70s bluesy rock edge. Love the vocal stretch out on Is and Is and Is and love the baroque string arrangement with the country clip clop of Keys, with a really very sweet vocal melody, and a nicely subdued way to end the album. It always feels to me, if I had any musical ability at all, that they would be a fun band to play in, although I understand James Petralli, who is essentially the band, isn’t that easy to work with, which you can gauge by the fact the lineup changes pretty frequently. The next album is the last one with this drummer, and it’s only the bass player who has stayed alongside Petralli throughout. Obviously a 5, great album, great band. 🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍 Playlist submission: Drug
Indie garagey rock with some jamming and psychedelia. There’s a loose feel to the music but the band is quite nimble, able to pivot quickly in and out of typical song structures and varying rhythms and riffs in instrumental jams. It’s an interesting mix for a recorded album, but it works well. The instrumental sections come rapidly, generally change the feel of things for a bit And then head out before outstaying their welcome. The interplay between the band works well, with guitar melodies that circle around your head while the fuzzy bass fills in melodic gaps locked in with competent drumming. The music is busy, but not overwhelming. I don’t know what the lyrics were and honestly don’t care, it’s not about that. It’s interesting and unique music that combines a bunch of interests into its own sound. Though I prefer the heavier, more complex, and jammier songs to the more acoustic and songy-er songs.
you'd expect something really boring or run-of-the-mill from a garage rock band with the name "White Denim", but there's a lot more melodic complexity and engagement here than i was expecting to get. the noodly guitar lines reminded me of Surface to Air Missive at points, taking the songs weird but catchy places. other than the indulgent jam "River to Consider", this thing blows by fast, each song a dandelion seed pushed by a breath.
good jams
Jangly guitars and dripping with cool. But ultimately not for me. Very reminiscent of the 70s psychedelic albums I've listened to in here. I love Street Joy but the rest were just nice.
i thought it was alright, weirdly reminded me of radiohead, what’s up with that
Pre-listening thoughts: two albums from the 2010s in a row! Crazy Post/during listening thoughts: had literally no idea what to expect going into this. It’s like soft spoken millennial psychedelic rock which… hmmm.. idk. This is like that arcade fire album where I’m just meh on it. There’s some energy here though. And expertise. I have to give credit where it’s due and some is due here but not too much. It’s still kind of boring. 4.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nope Fav tracks: It’s Him, Is and Is and Is Least fav tracks: Back at the Farm, Anvil Everything
It was mostly pretty okay, but I didn't hear anything that hasn't been done better by The Flaming Lips or My Morning Jacket. I had never even heard of White Denim before this and I doubt I will remember them in a week.
Nothing special. Don't care for the vocalist, but the music is OK.
Mi piace carino 3.5/5
This album grabbed me and didn't let go
First listen. Decent. Might grow on me.
Of all the rock albums ever, this sure is one of them. It contains some music, and is about as "mid" (as the youngsters say) as it is possible to imagine. I heard it, I think I liked it, then it stopped happening. This album exists.
Not that exciting but a pretty good one. Strong 3
It was ok. Couple tracks i liked.
I think maybe 2 songs got something in them. It's not a bad album. But does it deserve to be on this list? I don't think so.
I feel like I should have known this album from back in the day but I don't... maybe I did waste my youth
Interesting album. 60s vibe, for sure, with influences from Santana, the dead, and even a bit of prog rock. The lead singers voice is often drown out by the music. I don’t hate it……..but I’m not in love with it. Sounds like a lot of music I have already heard.
Kind of generic sound indie music 2.9 stars
First half bleh second half decent
Over all this is super unique and completely just a vibe from a band I've never heard of. I really appreciate this music Back at the Farm is fucking wild Sweet Joy Anvil Everything Is and Is and Is !!!!!!!
i just know 2011 me would have been blasting this at uni
Another one of these late period records on the list where the contemporary praise doesn't quite live up to the current reality. That said, as far as broadly defined jam bandish stuff this was more catchy and structured, with some decent melody and playing. Kinda what all the kids today think their king gizzards are doing, but the ozzies lack a je ne sais quoi that these boys have, even if not much of it.
Cool
White Denim has a sound. Their palpatating jams are relentless and the guitar tone is always great. Fun albums every time I throw them on.
Some great 2010’s alt, reminds me a lot of fleet foxes in a way. 3.3
Left no lasting impression
Took me a few listens, but this album is fantastic! Love the versatility between odd meters, incredibly tight playing, and delicate tracks like Street Joy hidden in between. I'll be back for more.
Indie rock, garage rock, progressive rock, psychedelic rock, Southern rock. Texas 2011. BDB Do kolejnego obadania
Sounds like the most inoffensive American indie rock album ever made. I'm not sure if that's a compliment. 3 stars
Love it.
Too boring for me.
Good sound, well played, versatile, but I'm missing the songs to keep the attention.
Psychedelic mix of rock and other influences, nice to hear someone try something a bit new. 3.5*
What a great surprise! I’ll definitely need to put these guys on regular rotation
Not a big fan of indie rock and that is what this felt like to me. Just a bit to slow without any real attention getter. 2.5/5
These guys are pretty good.
Great and cool, chill tunes to really vibe to. I think I heard these songs in the wrong season, because they give me summer vibes in the middle of an autumn storm. Yet they make me feel the warmer side of life. Their weird mystic lyrics, combined with their upbeat tune and interesting, layered musical tone makes this a really worthwhile listen.
Hadn't ever heard of these guys before now, but quite enjoyed this one! Especially the "Back at the Farm" instrumental song and "Street Joy". The musical arrangements and compositions feel really well thought out, which for the most part is wasted on my simple mind so I won't pretend to know what I'm talking about on that front. But I enjoyed the album!
Wow, this was really good. Vibes for days. I can't wait to dig in to their other albums.
The 2nd listen through hit better, but I'm finding the music a bit frenetic. Listening around their oeuvre, the later albums are more to my taste. 2.5, round to a gentleman's 3.
2 Stars (5/15)
Sounded kind of like a jam band. But pretty decent
Fav: Street Joy Least Fav: River To Consider Perfectly fine album, but just feels like it’s missing something that would make it a 5. Not sure about this album so I’ll keep it at a 4. So far 2010s has had no bad albums, so I’m hoping it stays that way
No. 263/1001 It's Him! 3/5 Burnished 3/5 Back At The Farm 3/5 Street Joy 4/5 Anvil Everything 3/5 River to Consider 3/5 Drug 3/5 Bess St. 4/5 Is And Is And Is 3/5 Keys 3/5 Average: 3,2 Nothing to dislike about this. But also nothing that really excited me. A lot of the tracks sound similar.
More jam band-y than I was expecting, in a way similar to King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard's more Grateful Dead-esque albums, it had some of that Southern rock charm infused with the sound of hundreds of indie rock bands on the 2010s. However, I find it to be weaker than most of its contemporaries and influences, lacking any real defining personality, and getting bubbly and psychedelic for the sake of it. We're talking about an album with a song just called "Drug." Even Talking Heads knew to throw a plural form in there! It isn't offensive or really all that bad, but it is surface level with its tone, and that can really be a shame when you know this style of music can be pulled off by many others while this album gets left in the dust covered 2010s. Certainly a step up from your other folk-influenced indie groups of the time, I'll take this over the Lumineers or Mumford and Sons any day (not that they're all that comparable) but I would not prefer to sit through this again, as I think the sound would just start to bug me.
Never heard of this band before this list and my first impression is, why haven't I listened to White Denim before? Instantly, this music feels familiar with all sorts of things going on with music styles all over the map. Generally, this falls into genres I enjoy, a bit of psych, jazzy grooves, prog, blues, garagy, alternative-indie and definitely a jam-band inspired band. I do like albums with lots of fancy guitar work and this doesn't disappoint, with some stellar musical performances all around. I noticed they opened for Wilco on a 2012 tour and I can hear the similarities on some songs. I am shocked to read they have a rather lengthy discography already, so hopefully the other albums are at least half as good as D.
Rly good vives to it. Starts a bit punkish but quickly changes pace and goes into somewhat more art rock style. I enjoy it
Sounds like any other rock band from the 2000s
I dig this. Feels like the lead singer sort of emulates Jeff Buckley's ghost but the instrumentation is a lot more of an indie proggy/mathy jam band in the vein of Ponytail or Local Natives. Definitely a cool listen.
Ever since I saw White Denim live around 2014 I've held the same opinion about them: they're very talented and they're doing some really cool things; there's just a level of polish here that keeps me at arm's length.
I've known White Denim through a couple of singles on their Stiff album. But god damn are they really good. Initially sounds like it might be some generic indie rock, but the instrumentals in this are so awesome, particularly the drums and lead guitar, that many of the songs become full face melting jams. Back at the Farm and Bess St. are exactly what I'm looking to find in this journey.
They surprised me
This was fine, but nothing that I'd ever want to listen to again.
This felt like a few artists put together at times. Some Coldplay, some Black Keys, some U2, some Dirty Projectors. Lots of influences converging in this one energetic and at times frantic album. This surprised me, really. Never having heard of them I was skeptical of what I might be in for. But the energy, the dedication to precision and arrangements, and the general mood of the whole thing was fun and uplifting and just a great time. I always appreciate an album that keeps the energy up but still manages not to tire me out. I have often, in these reviews, hounded on artists for lacking variety in tempo, energy, and mood in their albums as that usually makes all the songs sound the same and the whole thing feels monotone. But this was high energy almost the whole way and never felt tiresome. I don’t know how they did it but I love it and I’m here for it. Maybe it was its short length, maybe it was its variety of influences and the distinct nature of each track. I don’t know. But more albums should be this way. Five stars. Loved it. Standout Tracks: …It’s Him!, Burnished, Back at the Farm, River to Consider, Bess St., Is and Is and Is
A very close approximation of late 60s/early 70s psychedelic rock - shades of the Byrds, Jethro Tull, etc - this sounds like it might have been recorded at Woodstock - except for the 40-odd year time lag!
Marie Kondo says this does not spark joy, so off it goes in a box to the hospice shop. Unremarkable guitar rock that might work as a soundtrack for a Magnum PI reboot.
An album that centres around guitars (both acoustic and electric) and some slightly inconsistent vocals. Sometimes the singing is fantastic and soulful, and other times – most times – it's slightly weak and nondescript. The music has a sort of soft rock-pop feel with a hint of country. Very layered, a little hard to follow, variety-show-esque. I got hints of psychedelic pop, which other reviewers also noticed. There isn't any particularly new ground covered, seeing that this was released in the 2010s and mishmash albums with an abundance of catchy guitar hooks had been done to death by this point. All that being said, I really enjoyed listening to this album. Even though there were no particularly memorable tracks, every song made it into my "Liked" playlist. 3/5 Key tracks: Back at the Farm, Street Joy, Anvil Everything, Is and Is and Is
Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Was debating between a 2 or 3. The songs are actually interesting and fun to listen to and the production sounds great...but to my ears this sounds like a band imitating their influences without adding much to the mix. Not sure why this would be an Album I MUST hear before I die. Songs are enjoyable but I wouldn't say I connect to them very strongly.
Quite OK
3.5
Damn that's a burst of energy! Really dig it!
Just fine
Good
What a discovery! I've never heard of them. This album is so easy to listen to, I think I've played it 4 or 5 times already. I was consistently pleasantly surprised by the little twists and turns on each song and how they all weave together so seamlessly. Like, I wasn't expecting the flute to make the appearance it did, but it just works so well. I will definitely be adding this to the rotation.
Best Song: Street Joy. Pleasant and laidback. His voice really shines here, even if the overall production is relatively ordinary. Worst Song: Bess St. A bit too chugga-chugga for me. Overall: It's fine, but it also feels like a slightly less interesting version of the Black Keys, so I can't imagine when I would want to come back to this album specifically.
This reminded me of a couple of others bands, but I can't quite put my finger on who! Regardless, I liked it a lot and actually listened twice. Kind of prog at times but also indy and fun.
People seem to love White Denim but I can't say I get it. This had some good tracks but it was a bit all over the place and would have been better to stick with a style because some songs I liked and others I really didn't
This was a surprisingly good psych rock/ jam band album. You can tell it was meticulously put together. I really enjoyed it and will definitely come back to it. I'm not sure about it's actual influence, but it may be the best jam band album of the 2010s. I think it teeters on a 5, but I'll give it the benefit of the doubt. Best Songs: Back at the Farm, Street Joy, Drug, Is and Is and Is Worst Songs: NA
The relevance of this album escapes me, but considering they need modern albums in this list, I kinda get it. This feels like a jamband, but it's quite clear that's just an impression. The musicianship is good, but my personal bias to this kind of music is really fighting me on this. Words like patchoulli and soundtrack to campertrips for trustafarians ring through my head. If I was an asshole I would give this a 1. I'm going with a 3, I could still be an asshole though.
Gear: Aür Audio Aurora Artwork: 👨🏻🎨🎨🤯 Mix: 😲🙂👌 Musik: 🥁🎸🤩 Wertung: 👖👖👖👖/5
I really like this. Some songs feel like a jam band mixed with Tom Petty. Definitely music that's nice in the background and makes you absentmindedly start tapping your foot or bobbing your head. As I listened, one artist I found myself thinking of on more than one track was Beck. This is like a more folksy, less electronic version of Beck.
Some bands sound like they were doing drugs in the studio. White Denim sound highly caffeinated. They have a boisterous energy and a style that ranges from blues rock to jam band with some other influences scattered throughout. One song has West African rhythms and others have dense sections that sound kind of proggy. The lead singer sounds like Dan Auerbach. He’s right in that sweet spot — soulful enough to carry the prettier melodies but with enough grit to sound like a rock singer.
I was contently enjoying this album and thinking "yea it's a pretty good prog(ish) rock jam band", and then I was delighted to hear "Street Joy". It was a perfect change of pace and showed more depth. The next song, "Anvil Everything" was really cool too and reminded me of The Mars Volta but in a more lighter sense. Cool album cover, but right now with generative AI being all the rage, it would come across as some bland overdone AI artwork. Fortunately this was released 13 years ago in 2011 and I'm assuming someone actually put this collage together, which is cool. A solid 3. It's hard for me to go back to these kinds of jammy albums and that's what's kept it from being a higher rating. It was nice to listen to, but I hesitate to say it should definitely be a 1001 album you must hear in your lifetime.