Reviews (page 2 of 9)
Ok, quite derivative, I’m hearing the Stranglers etc. Classified as britpop ? I wouldn’t classify it as that. Maybe because some of them were ex Suede. So maybe that’s why they are in this list - they were already in the uk establishment and marketing machine. This list does seem to be more a commercially promoted list of albums rather than a collective assessment of critical musical merit.
I never minded the sound of what they made. I was never bothered by their image. I guess the hype might’ve had I bit of a negative on me; the machine seemed thoroughly unabashed about using Frischmann’s relationships as currency. No, my main problem was that I often found their singles a bit annoying. And the biggest ones “Line Up” and “Connection” were massively overplayed on my radio. This was the recipe that fuelled a mistrust big enough to convince me that my (at the time pitiful) funds ought to be spent on more deserving up-and-comers. Eventually though, a few years later when vinyl was in its deepest, pre-revival pit, and when my bad finances were marginally less existential, a sweet copy presented itself at a price I chose not to refuse. And, who knew? (everyone who’d bought it dummy) the album is great. Almost without exception, the songs I was previously unfamiliar with had nothing of the irritation I’d experienced on the radio. Indeed, having figured out in the interim that my quarrel had been with the style:substance ratio, the joy to behold was significantly less focus on keeping up their post-punky, new wave front, and a lot more willingness to dollop on some sweetness to the angularity. So, late to the party again, but this time by choice rather than my finger’s disappointing proximity to any pulse, I enjoyed an album after the zeitgeist it encapsulated had long passed.
Spotify for some reason was linked to the instrumental version of "connection", so watch out for that
Enjoyable punk with some solid reverb flare and a nod to rhythm. Feels like they took care not to annoy for annoyance sake, as some punk seems to do.
Awesome raw energy. No notes
Sounding like the band that Ted Lasso is trying to sell me on new character in the show who was in a girl band. It's fine
Good 90s music that I wasn’t familiar with other than the riff to Connection.
Continues the streak of “was nominated for the Mercury Prize” in its description load of crap. I feel like there are a ton more Women Led bands that could take this spot on the list.
Nice
So much more than the hit "Connection", this is a good album I knew about, but never visited.
It's an okay album I guess, nothing remotely stood out to me and it's an album I'll likely forget before the day is out.
once again…so British I almost can’t understand what they’re saying. also the first song had these like burping noises which was definitely a choice😭 and the last song saying ‘if you’re stuck like glue give me some Vaseline’ or something like that I don’t think I would listen to it again, it’s not really my vibe kinda similar to the other British groups on this list. I was happy that we finally got a female singer tho. Maybe I would like it with more listens but I doubt it. I also think that the vocals were kinda drowned out by all the other instruments and could’ve been more upfront in the mix. overall like 2.1/5
Everyone needs to mention Wire and The Stranglers in their review. It’s obvious they loved those bands and yes, someone probably should have stepped in and mentioned that the melodies are a little too close but they did use those influences to create very catchy songs. Ghostbusters from Ray Parker Jr is still fun to listen to even if it ripped off I Want A New Drug. This album has great hooks, it’s fun and an added bonus, my ten year old daughter loved it. This is the first album she’s heard since I started this that she’s liked.
Here's what I've determined about 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. There aren't 1001. Oh, sorry, did that disappoint you? Well, sorry, not sorry. You're going to spend three years listening to all of these and most of them just aren't some earth shattering, legendary, changed music forever type of album. You're going to wade through a ton of crap. Terrible folk music, more brit-pop than you want, unremarkable 60s rock. So when something comes up that's just purely enjoyable, it's nice. Sure, we can debate how much they ripped off Wire. Or that their sound isn't something wholly original. But it's good. It's a enjoyable listen. And frankly, I'll take that in my music library any day over yet another folk album that nobody listens to.
I really enjoyed this! It reminded me of some other girl bands that I really like. I need to do more research on this band,!
Ah, "that band that did the Trigger Happy TV theme tune". That aside, this album was great! Gotta love a band that knows the value of a song under 3 minutes long. Definitely listening to this again.
Fav song: Connection
Bit samey for the first few tracks and then there’s a welcome selection of slower songs in the middle that arrive just in time. I then got bored of the slow songs around about The Indian Song (culturally appropriate?) before a rather uninspiring end to the record. I do reckon that if they were around now, it would probably be a good album. It’s not terrible but you do understand why they weren’t the biggest female band of the 90’s. It’s just ok.
What fun! Really enjoyed a bouncy, uplifting album.
90s indie. girls, yeah! trigger happy theme tune (in my head all day) no other standout track but enjoyable enough.
Ughhhhhhh no no no when is Supertramp's Breakfast in America coming up? You guys are throwing nothing but garbage up here Jesus H fucking Christ
Straight forward, catchy, this is post punk I can get behind. Liked the energy of the album. 3/5 Might listen again
How have I never heard this all my life
Though they come from the Britpop scene, Elastica's debut sounds more like an American punk band than anything from Blur, Oasis, or Pulp. The guitar tones are sharp and the riffs deliberate and pointed. The songs are short and fairly linear, without many embellishments or solos. They're generally catchy and the guitars are fun to listen to, but I think in order for an album like this to work the songs have to be really memorable, and these aren't. "Car Song" has a bouncy chorus and "Hold Me Now" has a melody that sounds like something Blur would write, but most of these tracks are fairly similar and traditional rock songs. A fun listen, but not an essential one.
Ok
This was fun, but incredibly generic. It's Britpop, so I wasn't expecting anything more than that, the songs are catchy, but they're very similar to each other as well as those of other Britpop artists. There were some real highlights of the Britpop era and it was great for people to start bands with their friends and sometimes make it big, but bands like Elastica show that there isn't always lots of progression from when writing an EP in your garage to making a major album. I really enjoyed 'Annie' and 'S.O.F.T.' as well as several others, but most were too similar to warrant separate mentions.
Derivative but the sound holds up surprisingly well.
Overall: 5/10 This might have felt fresh and exciting when it came out, but nowadays it just reminds me of so many other bands and I found it kind of boring. There have been a lot of punk bands that sound exactly like this, and there's not much that makes them stand out in my opinion. I also found the vocals to be incredibly boring, there's no life to them. I still got some enjoyment out of it and I tend to rate generously so I'll still give it some props, but this hasn't been a very worthwhile listen for me. Fav Song: S.O.F.T.
01) Line Up - 7,5 02) Annie - 7,5 03) Connection - 8,5 04) Car Song - 7,5 05) Smile - 6,5 06) Hold Me Now - 7,0 07) S.O.F.T. - 7,0 08) Indian Song - 7,0 09) Blue - 7,0 10) All-Nighter - 7,0 11) Waking Up - 8,5 12) 2:1 - 6,5 13) Vaseline - 7,0 14) Never Here - 7,0 15) Stutter - 7,5 TOTAL: 7,27 (73/100) Current ranking: 481/1006
Bad album, didn’t like any of the songs. Doesn’t deserve to be on this list, at least some of the other bad albums were interesting or experimental in some noteworthy way. This one is just bad while being exceptionally boring. Longest 38 minutes of my life. Not as bad as a Tom Waits album, but still a disappointing one star.
4/10
The most boring alternative rock
Cool
Un debut electrizante del Britpop y el post-punk alternativo que ha envejecido bien como un manifiesto de brevedad, economía sonora y dinamismo generacional. En el plano de diseño formal, la producción destaca por una arquitectura minimalista: la concisión de sus temas y la estructura limpia de dos guitarras, bajo y batería logran un entretejido que da claridad absoluta, permitiendo que cada riff cortante y cada gancho rítmico resuenen con notable nitidez. La interpretación vocal de Justine Frischmann desborda una fuerza y calidez despreocupada que transmiten autenticidad e imponen una autoridad superior desde la sencillez y el sarcasmo. Himnos de inmediatez incontestable como la célebre "Connection", la velocidad de "Line Up" y la ironía cotidiana de "Waking Up" dan forma a un documento conmovedor, crudo y real que opera como un sutil llamado a la conciencia sobre la prisa, las relaciones fugaces y la rutina urbana juvenil. Un trabajo de cadencia acelerada cuya constante sensación de paz y fluidez lo vuelve un catalizador sumamente versátil para múltiples usos, siendo un motor excepcional para el ejercicio, la conducción o inyectar energía al trabajo creativo.
I don't mean to yuck anyone's yum if this is their cup of tea, but I really did not like this album much at all... I felt like it lacked uniqueness, and not that every rock song needs to have extra effects and pedals and mixing and whatnot, but this album definitely felt like it could use some. It just felt boring at parts and I was not a fan of their "sound" from a mixing point of view. Car Song (and later Indian Song) sounded interesting because it had a little more going on around me, but then they immediately went back to the same stuff I didn't like about the first 3 songs. Once again, it's not that a DIY more "barebones" sound can't sound great or even amazing, but the overall production or composition of this album just doesn't click for me, and it certainly does not scream "top 1000 album all time" to me in the slightest. No bonus points for any sort of cool transitions or even having an "album" feel to it. Just a compilation of short jams which I didn't much personally vibe with. Best Songs -Car Song -Indian Song -Waking Up ---- right in the middle of an album I was not enjoying this banger comes on, idk why more of the album doesn't sound like this but this track carries a much more creative sound with great layering and a catchy bass hook, well mixed vocals into the blend and some sick backing keys/synth to match a more unique guitar tone. - Stutter
This was a fine head nodding listen with no real memorable tracks. In light of the allegations Joey showed in the discord it has to drop from truly mid down to a disappointment
Almost impressively forgettable 2 stars because there is nothing about this album I think I need to listen to before I die
Eh. I didn’t find it as horrid as Thomas did, but still wasn’t a fan. The album didn’t take me anywhere emotionally or otherwise, and it felt like it kept a pretty consistent energy. Felt like music you’d hear playing in a groundhog day/ time loop scenario. Favorite was SOFT. Looking forward to better stuff, I don’t understand how this had relevance to the culture.
I turned this on at while I was at work, and then it was over. I really don't understand how this stands out from any other british post-punk rock at the time. Each song simultaniously felt like 20 seconds yet still overstayed its welcome. The lyrics seem to have no personal connection to any of the members of the band, and it just feels like looking at pink paint dry on a wall. I'm really trying to have something to say about it, but I can't think of anything. I mean this with all the malice in my heart, I could hear this at a UM co-op party.
This album is shit from a butt. As far as alt-rock albums go, this was a head scratcher of an inclusion. I heard nothing innovative sonically or lyrically, so I am perplexed by the inclusion of this album on the 1001 — by 1995, the sound is riding on the coattails of bands like Soundgarden or Pearl Jam. The instrumentals sounded generic, and the vocals felt lifeless; it sounded like Justine Frischmann was bored by her own singing. The sound is not terrible but it is exceedingly bland, and I never found myself excited by any song. I couldn’t even bring myself to nod my head or tap my foot most of the time. This felt like a collection of half-baked musical ideas that were demo’d and then wrapped into an album. Most of these songs would be at home in a chase scene from a mid-budget 2000's movie, but I don’t mean that as a compliment. I really should give this album 2 stars because it is still kind of listenable and nothing is truly terrible, but the throughline of this album is how utterly boring it is, which for me is the worst sin of all. My least favorite album so far, by far. 3/10 Favorites: - Stutter
I now understand what Thomas meant by this album being extremely inoffensive. Which makes this album at best unspectacular. Consistent tone throughout, even if it was quite boring, with no songs jump out at you. This album isn’t bad, but not good either. Favorite songs - Line Up - Connection Rating: 5.5/10
Ne dobar album za vratiti se s godišnjeg i slušati ga na već mučnom putu na posao. Ili ikad. 1/5, 1/10
Wasn't entirely sure what to expect but I genuinely enjoyed this album.
5 stars but im going to steal one of them and use it to hire the band a new mixer because I can’t hear a word she is saying
Even when I bought this in 1995 I wasn’t convinced it was original, but the energy was undeniable. And yes the singles are great, but i always found the greatest joy in songs like Blue, S.O.F.T and 2:1 which bring harmonies, jangly guitars and different atmospheres in. A great document of the time but still interesting now
I mistook the release date for this record as 1985 before I listened to it for the first time. The record sounded like a precursor to both The Pixies and The Breeders. Squinting further, I noticed the actual 1995 date. Let’s reverse that sequence from influence to influenced. Nonetheless, Elastica issued a strong debut. The guitar sounds lean towards the Breeders tuneful playing with tinges of The Pixies feedback abstractions. I actually found the vocals and guitar on “Connection”, the album’s strongest streamer, more Pixies-like with a vocal that recalled Courtney Barnett. Having just reviewed The Cult, the album has a similar no frills, extra instruments approach. The vocals do not belabor any point without dropping into Barnett’s or Kurt Vile’s slacker. “Car Song” surged back and forth with its engaging chugging sound. Even better was “Smile” with its Morse code bass scales driving the tune forward. I found their unpretentious sound far more appealing than most 1990s acts, let alone fellow Brit Pop groups. They never succumbed to the cheekiness of Blur, nor the overt desire to make anthems a la Oasis. Give the band credit for crafting a bunch of songs that draw head bobs and toe taps.
3+
Frischmannin laulu soundi on erinomainen, kuten myös basso soundi. Hyviä biisejä.
as heard on radio soulwax
This is a pretty solid album: the guitars are genuinely pretty excellent and I love the tone on this album, but aside from that it doesn't really stand out as anything spectacular. Solid, don't think I'll return to it.
Much better than the originals
Cool
This was super fun
Surprisingly enjoyable
Left little impact on me if I'm honest. Well performed, but didn't get me excited
what's good with these very average brit alt rock albums on the list?
I had no idea this band hit it so big in the UK. And it's a little sad that they could scarcely muster a second album, and ages too late. It's a decent album. It seems like the band accomplished what they set out to do, but it's just not really to my taste.
Not bad.
Solid rockin right here! Wasn’t as crazy about a solid chunk of the middle. Standouts are Line Up, Annie, Connection and Hold Me Now.
Pretty good
Good stuff.
These guys are coming up against the fact that in the last few weeks this list has handed me Minor Threat, Circle Jerks, and The Clash's debut album. After those albums, this sounds like Punk reimagined by Corporate Committee. The charges of plagiarism from Wire and The Stranglers don't help either. Sure, there are some good tracks here, but let's not be fooled. This has the same relationship to what it wants to be as Oasis has to the Beatles
'Drivel head knows all the stars / Loves to suck their shining guitars.’ Pluck & aplomb, for no reason but every reason, make this the defining punk release of the Britpop era, an album that, tho not quite as strong b/c not as urgent as Germ Free Adolescents, comes closest to that power. The 90s were an experiment in excessive self-assuredness & Elastica's eponymous debut is the best representation of that zeitgeist this side of Definitely Maybe. But Oasis's first, irrespective of John Lydon's influence on Liam, is not a punk album - it's simply not fast enuf. But this one's fast & thoroughly punk - & you can see its effect on subsequent acts such as the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. At the end of the day, Elastica isn't special, a mien not an essence. So what?
aardig plaatje... maar voor een groep die niet met Oasis wilt vergeleken worden, pikken ze evenveel onbeschaamd van hun invloeden... maar wel stukken beter dan Oasis en andere britpop
Thought this was good. It felt a bit samey, and similar to the sound of the 90s. Girl power tho
This sort of proto pop punk isn't really my speed, but this was fine really. I was less offended than I usually am by this stuff. Just fine.
On paper this is perfect for me. Catchy punk styling, tuff grrrls singing, bit of noise thrown in. Something seems to be missing. Some good tracks but more soft spots than not on first listen in 20 years.
Brit-pop, rock alternativo, post-punk... Tudo isso bem executado. Experiência legal. QoA Vesper.
Gross
A really fun album to listen to, it feels rebellious to me somehow. With a kind of unique electronic rock sound, I personally dont think really understood any of the lyrics but it all had so much feeling that it didn’t matter.
Has some really great songs, but it’s a bit uneven.
Bland
Right from the very first song, a brash punk-rock sound hits you. That doesn't change, even though I can detect a few New Wave influences. The songs are mostly extremely short—some of them really dashed off in a raw, slapdash style. The record isn't bad, but here, too, I find myself asking: does it belong among the top 1,000? I was aware of the album when it came out, but that was about it. As for modern pop music, The Cranberries' "Zombie" is what stuck in my memory. My wife played Alanis Morissette's albums constantly. Otherwise, we were fully occupied with our first daughter. My wife was pregnant, and the following year we became parents for the second time. I learned a different profession and of course went to see Neil Young & Pearl Jam. Queen's *Made in Heaven* moved us to tears at the end of the year. And at Christmas, we were looking forward to seeing Bruce in Dresden and Berlin the following year...
It was fine.
A fun, spunky listen that takes me right back to days in my college dorm
I can’t be assed to care about musical “plagiarism” outside the most egregious cases, and even then man it’s difficult to get all that worked up. There are a finite number of notes and chords and progressions, bigger dude bands get endless passes for this shit, and the cited “plagiarized” works are often transformative enough or bring something new to the song Also Wire sucks and they never made a song nearly as good as Connection, the 2 I gave them was generous
"Wire is coming back again / Elastica got sued by them / When Michael Jackson dies / We're covering 'Blackbird'" - The Dandy Warhols, "Welcome to the Monkey House" My one complaint for this album (ignoring the plagiarism I guess) is that I seem to have to strain to understand Justine Frischmann on a lot of the tracks. But I still enjoy the texture and feel of her vocals even if I can't always make out the words, and I thought this was a great, energetic new wave album. Close to 5 stars. Highlights: "Connection" and "Stutter," obviously.
Need to listen to this again. Back half felt like a perfect album. First half bored me. Too clean for punk?
Always remind me of the band Garbage
Interesting
Relatively familiar with a couple of songs on this album. It was engaging while working out. I feel terrible like I’m on a streak of middle of the road albums but no favorites here. I’d leave it on but I wouldn’t seek it out. 3/5
Energetic rock with some variety - I like the guitar work.
Great britpop album
Not entirely uninteresting 90s alt rock.
No estuvo mal. Bastante desapercibido pasó.
Belter of an album tbf
3/5
210726 17:54 3.5
I don't have any strong feelings three stars
Really sounds lik nothing really new. Not actually bad. Just more uninteresting than other 'not bad' outlets.
plastic elastic fantastic
This is a solid album that I've known for years. It's so disappointing that they didn't produce much more. I like their sound: chunky/choppy bass paired with distorted, busy guitars, backed by simple yet solid drums. This is well produced. Liked Songs Added: Annie Connection Blue All-Nighter Stutter
I already know the song connection, the rest of this album kinda blends into each other it's like if hole was british I think? but i haven't listened to hole
“Who the hell is this? I’ve never heard of Elastica.” First track starts “Oh. I know this song!”
Awesome album - super textured and edgy but very energetic. Kinda Wire + Garbage. Not as many catchy hooks as I'd like but great energy.
Decent dance punk album.
knock off girls aloud
Considering that this list is full of trash, this is actually a reasonable listen, the signature sound of the 90's
The album was alright, neither here nor their. Didn't jam to it, didn't hate it. Firmly in the middle.
I enjoy this album a lot because it's my style of music from my formative teenage years. But it's not really exceptional beyond that. Not as good as bands like The Breeders or Veruca Salt who I would recommend to people first. "Connection" is a total banger.
einfach gestrickt, nicht alles gehört. hit Connection reisst auch nicht vom stuhl.
Naja
No fui fan 4/10
another meh review. looking back I remember nothing
1. Well, the opening song sucks. It sounds like if another band did a bad knockoff of "Connection". 2. Ok this album has got to get better. 3. alright here we go I already like this song so this is a pass 4. hmmm this kind of sucks 5. oh wait were those two different songs 6. car commercial 7. kind of like this one 8. it's okay 9-13. generic forgettable 90s alt rock 14. I like this one too 15-16. also kind of generic The singer sure sounded bored on most of these songs.
Enjoyed it as a 90s version of Blondie. Has that 90s alt sound that’s fun.
More Britpop. Yay. Sort of punk this time. Like most of the Britpop on this list, it's completely average and shouldn't be on a list of albums you must hear. I didn't mind listening to it, but it's not something I'd go back to.
repetitive guitars, indistinct singing, questionable mixing, but it's nice to hear women getting in on the apparently quite lucrative industry of making alt rock that i find incredibly boring.
Fun 90’s indie rock with a female singer in the style of Hole and L7.
Connection is a banger. I don't think it sounds much like the Wire song to be honest. The rest of the album doesn't live up, but there are some pretty decent songs and no super stinkers. Overall I'd listen again but not put in my regular rotation.
𝘌𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢 is usually labelled as a Britpop album, but to my ears that only tells part of the story. Its post-punk influences are impossible to miss, and the album’s raw, guitar-driven sound sets it apart from many of its Britpop contemporaries. What I enjoy most is its directness. The songs are short, energetic, and packed with sharp riffs, never wasting a moment. Rather than aiming for grand choruses or polished production, 𝘌𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢 thrives on attitude, momentum, and simplicity. Maybe that’s why I like it so much. It may have arrived during the Britpop era, but it feels just as indebted to post-punk as it does to Britpop. That combination gives the album a distinctive identity and makes it one of the more interesting British rock records of the 1990s.
The album is perfectly fine and serviceable music and that’s about what I can say about it. Always happy to have more women on the list but I found it fairly indistinguishable from other like Riot Grrrl and grunge bands. Certainly isn’t bad at all and I didn’t dislike it but I found myself wandering quite a bit and it became background music very easily for me.
8/10 "Boo boo hoo, there's too much Britpop. I want more beep beep boop boop. Wah wah". The guy who edited the book is based in Britain, one of the great musical nations. This book reflects that. If you want one that is US-centric, go petition your senator. This is one of the great mid-90s albums with 4 superb stand out tracks. Very cool, hasn't dated.
Fine. Not my style, but it was fine.
It's okay, punky and sarcastic with some nice riffs but nothing hugely impressive, 2/5
I remember a few of these song from my youth.
Connection was really fun, hadn't heard that in forever. Played it a few times. One of those "Oh yeah, that's this band?" moments that you get on here from time to time. This was better than I thought it was going to be, but still probably wouldn't return to it. Glad i listened to it, thought it was cool.
Listens: 2 Standout Tracks: S.O.F.T.,Stutter, Never Here Most of the music coming out of the 90s England/UK/Great Britain is categorically either electronica music or Brit Pop, and so to hear what I would also consider to be a true "alternative rock" band on the List was somewhat refreshing. This was kind of gritty/grungy and raw, a bit post-punky and fortunately for me, very light on the new-wave elements. There are some decent guitar licks on various tracks and the music never goes too pop-y. I like this more than not.
Finally some female led britpop!! Now if only Lush were on this list…
Linda bandita punk, post punk. Entretenida, album divertido para pasar el rato. Buena representación del género. 7/10
A female-fronted alt-rock band with some punky/grunge elements. Album was pretty good- enjoyed it overall but no huge standouts.
i really liked this album, to me it sounded like there was a bit of a punk rock
With a very punky structure, this album is actually a mixture of popish sounds with some new wave and a little bit of britpop, although it is nearer the post punk side rather than the britpop one. But those different influences converge surprisingly well in this record. It feels very carefree and vivid while keeping very beautiful melodies and a very sweet voice over punky guitars and drums, creating a very joyful sound. This album really is a great and very enjoyable one, while also sounding pretty fresh. And a very funny one to listen to too!
Why does it continue to give me bullshit Some cool stuff The song waking up worst guitar tone I’ve ever heard
Fabulous i loved it so much!
This is yet another British 2* album that doesn't belong on this list. It should be removed and replaced with the Def Tones' White Pony, which is a clear 4*.
Ihan hyvää ja menevää rokkia. Aina välillä tulee vähän outoja biisejä. Eka biisi on ihan hirveä.
I don't know the context behind why this project is included in the 1001 albums to hear before you die list, but I do know that it is pretty significant to see an almost entirely female fronted Britpop band as that was pretty against the norm for the genre. I also found this project to be super gritty and full of both Punk and Riot Grrrl influences that I think really helped Elastica stand out on their debut project. This project is perfect for any sort of 90s enthusiast like myself and helps turn a pretty simple and sometimes formulaic sound of Britpop into something much more memorable and interesting. There isn't much to say here, the songs fly by and feel like a breeze and the music itself is solid! Sometimes the simplest projects yield the best rewards because they get right to the point.
Yet another boring album
I love women fronted rock bands. Kept me hyped the entire time I’m doing my emails at work. I was mad my emails at work and this was the perfect soundtrack
Decent 90s Brit pop album. I remember Connection when it came out. Just learned that they were hit with plagiarism charge for that from the Strangers, who funnily enough I just listened to two days ago on this list. I hear the resemblance, but I dunno. Seems different enough too, I mean it's like two chords. Anyway, decent, not sure about memorable. I always thought they were a one-hit wonder. Connection is a great track though. 3/5
Endlessly catchy and fun. Could easily become a 5 with relistens. For fans of the Breeders, Buzzcock, Bikini Kill, etc...
No standout songs to revisit but a fine listen.
Good pop rock but nothing particularly compelling
Britpop slop
I enjoyed this. Sounded a lot like Blur but a bit heavier and faster at times.
This is right up my alley. I missed it in the ‘90s, which is too bad bc I was the prime demo for this: young third wave feminist into female-led rock, rage, and partying. Great post-punk songs with sustained, exciting energy. Would have been great to see them at a festival.
Lots of short and punchy songs. Didn't hate it or love it. Would listen again. Kinda started to lose me towards the end since a lot of the songs sounded similar. Review: 6.9/10
Has not aged well. Still some good stuff.
First time hearing Elastica, and WOW. There are a lot of aspects of this that I adore; 90's female-fronted punk/alt-rock bands are fucking great. It doesn't hurt that they sound a bit like Wire at times, but occasionally they just sound generic. This isn't necessarily a dealbreaker for me, but it keep it from reaching higher highs. Just under a 4
I had never heard of this group. This album was 90s fun and I had a good time. I'll be coming back soon for another listen and checking out their later work too. Another win for the list.
I wanted to like this more than I did. It was good but didn’t hit like X Ray Spex or Le Tigre did for me.
Loved this. OK, so Waking Up is basically No More Heroes but let's regard that as a tribute.
I liked this a lot. I was not into this band when they were out but was aware of them due to having heard "Connection" on the radio and MTV. I am not a big britpop fan and less of a historian so I don't know if they count as a band in that movement but this is well done and at 38 minutes does not wear out its welcome.
Fun to get nostalgic with this one.
Sympa mais pas marquant, intéressant que ça soit presque que des donzelles
This was pleasant but not groundbreaking, to me. Might revisit. But yeah, just okay.
Not britpop. Very good though
Don't understand why Blur releasing Song 2 was then 'finally turning their backs on Britpop' or whatever but when Elastica released the secret third Team Dresch record it's apparently fine to be called Britpop?
This was a fun 90s alt rock album. I remember some of the tracks from MTV. There was nothing standout here, but definitely fun to listen to. Hits nostalgia just right.
The good here is found in the several melodies that are pleasant and catchy, and in the interesting arrangements that pop in here from time to time. Negatives are that it's a lot of the same structure and tones, which starts to wear on you quick. Neat album, but nothing special.
Gave this one a few listens through and enjoyed the sound overall. S.O.F.T. and Waking Up caught my attention with their intros and lyrics. Overall a pleasant album from a band I had not previously heard of.
unfortunately fell into genetic rock to me
3.25
3.5
Diferente, bom
yep. my musical nerdry told me that justine, the vocalist of the band, is the ex of brett anderson, one of my favourite rock musicians. i love him so maybe ill dig what his ex is doing. also i kinda get why they are not that famous in the britpop circle apart from the reason that im already getting tired to talk about (y'know, sexism and all those bullshit that heavily traumatised me (its the problem of the radical feminists who have cyberbullied me, not mine) and stuff). its because their music is just mid. 3.5/5
7/10
Seems like all you need to make this list is a loud guitar and a cool frontwoman... what’s next, Echobelly with Sonya Aurora Madan? Don’t get me wrong, this punchy 38 minute hit of ’90s post punk is a blast. Justine Frischmann has that it factor, and tracks like "Connection" and "Waking Up" are catchy, and full of raw energy. It’s that perfect mix of edgy alt-rock and pop that makes for a fun, quick nostalgia trip. The big problem for me, though, is how derivative it is. It’s hard to call this an "all-time great" when it’s so clearly recycling riffs from Wire, the Buzzcocks, and The Stranglers. The bass is crunchy and the attitude is solid, but it feels a bit creatively bankrupt.
One banger the rest is good enough.
Punk feminino nessa época é surpreendente, mas a sonoridade não me agrada.
better than i expected.
I got Stutter as a single when it first came out and saw Elastica live a couple of times. So, sang along to this album and wallowed in memories of being young.
Pues muy prestoso
Great, very energising, brit punk rock
Not terrible, but pretty boring/generic.
Owned. The creme de la creme of britpop
Definitely heard some songs on soundtracks before. Fun alt rock, punky vibes.
Love this album.
Not a fan. It’s ok. Background music.
Better than I thought. 3.5
All i could hear after reading that review was them playing in the background in some random movie
Solid
I'd never heard of the band before. I really enjoyed the album. Powerful rock with equally powerful female vocals. I'll definitely give it another listen. 4/5
Колись слухав цей альбом в списку Пічфорка про кращі брітпоп альбоми. На мою думку він не зовсім вписується в бріт-поп або принаймні в моє уявлення про нього. Є цікава нью-ейдж та поп-панк енергія на альбомі. Вистачає хороших пісень, але й не без філерів. Десь на 3.5.
Норм РОК, черговий по британській квоті.
Really snappy and enjoyable. They deserved to lose both those songwriting cases though.
meh. this kinda sucked
This is the best British, female-led, post-punk, grungy band I've ever heard! For all the caterwauling about how they ripped off the Wire (I was familiar with the keyboard riff but not with the artist), I gotta say after listening to both, this is a marked improvement! Justine Frischmann sounds great, and the short, high-energy tracks kept my attention. I particularly enjoyed Stutter, and I wish the Spotify version of Connection had included the vocals to match the scrolling lyrics. Don't know if I'll come back to this, so 4 seems a bit high.
Some places called this britpop and some said grunge but it really doesn’t fit either. Just generic 90s alt rock? I don’t know, it was really good whatever it was though
I loved this at the time, saw them live and was blown away but they were unable to sustain any momentum due to hard drugs and the music industry moving on in the late 90’s. I always wonder what would have happened if they stayed together
I should like this in theory, but it’s just so … vanilla? Boring? Also, was this band that important? Sounds like a lot of their contemporary stuff, which is probably why it sounds so generic. I’ve been thinking about going back through my 3 star al albums and actually deciding if it’s a 2 or a 4. So here’s more homework
Pretty great alt album. I enjoyed this a lot. Maybe because the rest of this week wasn't that exciting.
Cool band. Reminds me of the Pixies in some ways. I'm saving this album for relistening. Nice 👍
Didn’t mind a bit of Elastica back on the day. Enjoyable to listen to again, but not one that will get regular rotation.
Sounded good at the time, still sounds good now.
I just didn't enjoy this - fully expected to and I'm not quite sure why.
Need to get this on vinyl. One of the records I have fond memories of from back in the day.
Meh. 2/5
2.5
Number: 148 Date: 05/31/2026 Artist: Elastica Album: Elastica Year: 1995 Style: Post Punk Familiarity: None (1) Rating: 3 Before: ======= Yet a nother unheard of. That make 4 days in a row. Absed solely on the album cover and band name, seems like this shou ldb eright up my alley. We'll see. During: ======= I do like this type of music but sounds like it could have been made in the early 80's so not sure what is so speacial about it seeing how this was done in 1995. Anyways, I'm only 2 songs in now, so let's hold off judgement for now. But about song 2, aka Annie. This sould a lot like Blondie, to me. Now on song 3, "Connection'. Look like it's the most popular song on the album with over 45 million steams on Spotify. After : ======= Totally generic. A solid 3 from me. 3 my personal rating 2 suitability for this list 1 impact ----------------------------------------------- 2 composite rating
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Nothing earth shattering but it was fun to listen to.
This isn’t my preferred style of music, but I oddly didn’t mind it. Better said, I kind of enjoyed it. It was rock with a punk vibe to it and I got into the grooves of the songs. Connection was the most recognized tune of the album but others were enjoyable as well.
This album is a Double Dutch champion - skip after skip after skip after skip after skip. It just keeps going. Pop rock gone wrong. Some fun instrumental work saves it from the bottom basement, however.
Brit pop with a punk vibe. Better than I remember, but something is off with the version of Connection spotify played, not the original which is unfortunate. Decent album overall.
This was just ok. Heard the big song a lot (maybe too much) in the 90s. Not awful. Not great. 2.75
This was pretty solid 90s rock. Nothing crazy but not bad at all.
solid album.
Energetic & fun! ★★★★
Long ago I owned this on cd but never really listened much. It’s pretty catchy and poppy and I enjoyed it but nothing really stood out.
solid
Not sure why this was classified as britpop. Very fun!
Fun 90s vibe, kind of middling for the era but still a good listen.
90s UK post punk. Debut. Nice, dirty female punk.
I had never listened to them before, and I’m glad I did.
I enjoyed listening to this again
Базовые девичий хей хоу летс го
Not a bad little album I wanted to hate it but I liked the punk songs
Peak gym album
Delightful
Line up - 4 Annie - 3 Connection - 5 Car song - 4 Smile - 4 Hold me now - 3 S.o.f.t. - 3 Indian song - 3 Blue - 4 All-nighter - 3 Waking up - 4 2:1 - 3 Vaseline - 3 Never here - 3 Stutter - 5
Connection
Fun but a bit bland when you get into it. First track sounds like a straight rip of a blur tune and the rest of the album has a bit of a fake brit-pop sheen that just feels like a plastic wrap on a pretty average CD.
Prima
Prima postpunk, maar weinig interesse om vaker te luisteren.
Possibly the most forgettable album on the project so far. I’ve listened at least three times and none of it has left a trace apart from jangly guitars. Not even annoying enough for a 2.
very nice rock not too hard not too weak
Pounding but mundane
Muy de meh pero al menos rompe la norma de la lista Nota: 3.4
Not pretty, as it should be for its gendre. I feel it would be better live in a garage than on an album.
Se me hizo bland la vdd, la única q me gustó fue Never here y creo q fue pq ya se iba a acabar el álbum 🗣️
meh
Female grunge 95’
Brought back memories
Solid album. 3
I liked this more than I thought I would. I blame local LA radio for only playing the same few songs over and over. There are some good songs on this album.
A quien no le va a gustar un buen album de femcel rock de los 90?
Great album.
feels kinda bad having this be my first 5 star but i really enjoyed it throughout and was definitely my kind of thing. didn't expect this to be where the theme tune for Trigger Happy TV comes from
I bought this when it first came out and though it is obviously influenced by Television and other new wave artists I admired its energy and the song construction.
Ah, this brings back some memories. Is it female led Britpop or pop post punk. Doesn’t really matter, it was good then and it’s still pretty good and holds up today.
60/100. This is a solid minimalist blend of Britpop and post punk that sits comfortably between those two styles without fully committing to either. The songwriting focuses heavily on young adult life, touching on casual relationships, nightlife and frustration. The album works well for what it is.
Don't know how much is nostalgia, but this is a bit of me
#351/1001. Wow the memories! Another album I more or less know by heart. It was done with the classic recipe: steal some Brit punk riffs and sound here and there, add a dash of Blondie and sprinkle with attitude and wrap around in good songwriting. Still sounds as stolen as ever and as tough as ever.
5/10
meh, mostly skips
It is so unremarkable that I cannot be bothered to think about the mark or a comment to say. Next!
A shame this gets lumped with the rest of britpop as it is more of a female led post punk album in a similar vein to Blondie or Sleater Kinney. That said, it isn’t up to par with them and fairly forgettable. The songs were too similar and, ‘connection’ aside, I can see why it hasn’t really been retained in the public consciousness.
Better than I expected, I wouldn't say it's essential, but if you wanted to feel like you were in England in the early 90's then it definitely captures the spirit. At it's best it's like a disco punk version of blur, but I don't think it's consistent enough across the whole album, it maybe feels like there's 3 different paths they're trying to go down and never really landed in one spot
Pree good
lovedddd
This is more my speed. Hot bass. Nice vocals. Good time.
Elastica were mostly a one trick pony, but it was a decent trick. They fizzled after the second album and probably went at the right time. An English take on the riot girrrl movement with a touch of sultry sophistication and the odd Mark E Smith growl. Love the guitar tone - high gaing but with great definition. A solid 3.
This group is best known in the U.S. these days for ripping off a bunch of Wire songs, which is really too bad because this record is pretty good, although the overall sound is more interesting than any individual track. The sort of record that creates great excitement over what the band will do next, which in this case was…nothing much. Best track: “Stutter”
Fun, and interestingly jarring guitar licks.
Fantastic
I more than passively liked this! Nothing earth shattering here but a decent listen. 3.5/5
Yeah that’s pretty generic indie rock circa 1990s, carrying and copying the sound of the previous British pop punk (post/art punk whatever) bands, except it’s a very limited in scope and pretty dull example at that, and seems lots of plagiarism claims at the time. Remember them vaguely from back then, and more around who she hung around with. Absolutely no reason to have heard again since and definitely didn’t move the needle today, done so much better with better songs by others, next. 2 Star
No I hate this
That's my vibe
Solid 3/5.
Decent but didn't grab me a ton! Felt very middle of the road-y rock. I think I had only maybe heard "Connections" before? Enjoyed that one and "Car Song" the most
This is so awesome I really like this I’ll defo listen more I really like the vibes of this
Surprised I've never heard this before. Loved it, reminded me of riot grrrl but with a slightly softer/more pop edge.
Don't remember it that well, wasn't offensive. 2.9/5
It was very... okay?? It was both good and bad in its own way. Pretty cheesy but if you forgot about that for a few minutes it was a pretty fun listen.
It’s fine but we have Blur and Pixies at home.
8/10
For some reason I had it in mind that this would be brit-poppier, rather than the punky sound it has. Its kinda just meh for me, but the last few tracks I think are kinda stronger than the start. 3/5
It's pretty good, but doesn't stand out too much and is a bit inconsistent. Would have been better without the softer moments.
I liked it lol
Didn't grab me but short songs, good energy. No complaints..... Another 3, sigh. Can't quite stretch it to a 4.
Well now I hope Pink Flag is on this list. I'd never listened to this whole album before. It's good.
I never took much notice of Elastica back in the day. I just remember guys fancying them and a focus on Justine’s love life Par for the course for women in rock. This is pretty good though. Yes, it’s very derivative at times but it works. Punchy. I like it. 3.5
Loved it then but forgot about it.
2,5
A decent rock album. The songs do blur together a little, but the guitars sound good and it doesn’t waste your time.
I know and own Connection. I didn’t know any other songs on this. It was fine. I didn’t love any of the other songs. It was fine background music. Never need to hear it again.
Liked the vocals, nice guitars too. Didn’t pay enough attention to choose a fav track tho
'90s british punk music that's full of energy and juvenescence. never heard of these guys, but looking up their names, a looooot of people love them, and after listening to this i see why. i see britpop and post-punk, and i feel like with this platform results can be VERY mixed when it comes to those two genres. thankfully this is actually a really really good listen! i got hooked pretty fast with some of these tunes. all killer with minimal filler.
A couple great songs here, and the rest of the album is pretty good too.
Reminds me of the 90's. I was never big into Elastica but i remember the tunes
I really love the few harmonies on this album.
Classic sound for connection but no staying power. Better versions of this album are out there
3/5. Elastica seems to get thrown in with Brit-Pop due to the era of British music they came up in, but I’d say they have a lot more in common with the British punks/post-punks of the 70’s. The album itself is a solid time but nothing too special, there are a few highlights though like “Blue.” One of those albums where I had a pleasant enough listening experience but don’t see myself revisiting it in full.
Alt rock
I really like this band. File for examples of cool lofi
This was good ear candy. Nothing complicated, just sugar and easy to digest.
3.5/5
Girl distortion…Casi perfecto
It's just kind of meh. Like, mostly throughout the album. S.O.F.T. had some nice guitar, and I loved the tabla in Indian Song. But nothing really got all that interesting. Best song: S.O.F.T.
I had this weird constant realization listening to this album that in spite of the fact that "alternative rock", whatever that may mean to you, was really coming together as a genre in the 90s, not a lot of it was really punk in that classic 70s Ramones-style way. Elastica really embodies that here in a way that really caught me off guard, with a lot of 90s polish that takes it somewhere pretty interesting. It's hard not to admire where they were going with this.
Really loved this, listened a couple times through and didn’t get bored. I’m a sucker for female vocals especially with a bit heavier music. Good amount of punky rock but still clean production levels, really great new discovery for me. 4.5/5
Not terrible. Not memorable.
It’s not bad and some of it is kinda catchy.
Unoffensive but unremarkable. I don't know what else to say.
Enjoyed this one, some throwbacks to new wave but with a heavier sound that I thought worked well.
This didn't feel that special. Its 90s girl punk rock in an era where it was more of a revival than something very new. It was overall fine, but not my favorite.
alright
Very cool, liked the brevity of a lot of the songs
this album is always bittersweet for me knowing Damon wrote much of it and after they broke up Justine basically gave up on music all together . So good but also. It’s girl blur
Wouldn't be on here if it wasn't British but should be on here. Cheers.
New wave, short songs, breeders Connection Stutter
Vocally, a little limited and almost monotone. But that may have been the sound they were going for. “Line Up,” and “Connection,” were in heavy rotation back in the college radio days, so I’m rounding up from 3.5* due to positive nostalgia.
Good, but doesn’t really stand out. 3.5
A 90’s rock album that wasn’t very 90s but was very much rock
An essential element of the Britpop landscape, this album has attitude to spare. I hate to be predictable but Stutter and Connection are my favorite tracks — both stellar songs I’m always happy to hear. The rest of the album has plenty to offer though. I was struck this time through by how much there is here without the quality dipping. Car Song and Indian Song stood out to me this time (need help with titles?). The lead vocals and harmonies are a highlight providing a perfect counterbalance to the more-aggressive instrumentation. It sounds right at home next to Blur/Suede or Veruca Salt. I anticipate playing this album again sooner rather than later.
Wow, this is a blast from the past. I always love seeing women represented on this list. This is a fun album that feels very 90s and is therefore nostalgic. Yeah, it’s a little commercial, but there are some good songs here and I like the overall vibe. “Connection” is a legit banger, and I had totally forgotten that track existed.
Another 90’s band I remember hearing about but never really listened to them. Not bad but not much on the album I would want to listen to again.
A fun album from start to finish. A couple I recognised as singles which got some play when I was a kid. I do wonder if their other albums are worth a bit of a dive. I guess that's on the list.