Heroes to Zeros

Well this is it! #1089. I'm done with this whole shebang after I write this review. And let me tell you, this album is the perfect way to close off this 3 year trip. It is so emblematic of this list as a whole. Boring ☑ Forgettable ☑ British ☑ Bullshit ☑ It's been a real slice, y'all, and I am happy to have found hundreds of albums worth 5 stars. But the overwhelming majority of this list is dumb boring forgettable british bullshit.

In the words of my good friend Jon - this was the perfect last album for us Generic ✔️ British ✔️ Bullshit ✔️

There’s two fucking Beta Band albums on this list?

This had a lot of neat ideas that I just don't think they had the ability to execute well enough. ALSO THIS IS THE LAST ONE BABYYYY I"M FREEEEEEE

What a find! Consider me interested in being a member of their cult following. This album is a wonderful mix of folk rock and electronica. I definitely need to explore the rest of their catalogue when this is all over.

I've been curious about the Beta Band for a while, after being introduced to them in High Fidelity. I liked this album a lot. It's very eclectic, with a good mix of sweet, slow songs and upbeat numbers. Scottish folks really know how to make great experimental pop music for some reason. It's great to see a rock band embrace electronic music tech and techniques, and everything is very well executed 4/5

The Beta Band. Taking bang average 90s indie music into the 21at century!

This has been one of the biggest surprises so far. I’ve never heard of this band and I ended up listening to the album 3 times today. It’s a mix of different genres and it somehow works.

I love the Beta Band, particularly 'The 3 EPs' and their second 'proper' album, 'Hot Shots II' and even their first album, which the band notably hated and disparage, has some absolutely brilliant tracks amidst the dross! 'Heroes to Zeroes', which was their swansong, is an enjoyable album with the standouts, for me, being the melancholy 'Troubles' and, especially, the beautiful 'Wonderful'. The remaining tracks are fine but perhaps, judging by the diminishing returns, it was right that they chose to call it a day.

I love this album cover. That was such an unexpectedly cool album from never hearing of these guys. I am very glad I listened to it with headphones on because there were a lot of different sounds going on with the electronics. Liquid Bird was my favorite song on here This album reminded me a lot of that Primal Scream album that came up over the summer. If I was also sitting on a beach and drinking some ice cold brews this would probably also get a 5, but instead I am sitting at my desk working on a cloudy day. Pretty solid 4

A very interesting album of a band who called it quits too soon due to lack of success. They feel like the in-between stage from Blur to Alt-J

Like a piece of pretty good store bought cake. 2.5 rounding up for the cover art. Doesn't belong on this list.

A great album, I have to underline the superb production and ideas, though I didn’t really connect with the overall project…

Liked it more than I was expecting, post Britpop sound with some decent songwriting

I lost attention and couldn’t tell you anything because of how boring it was

This album was not good. They are certainly zeroes. Highly questionable if they were ever heroes. It has that indie music feel, you know the whiny feel but this time with electronic music. Not really a two but I will round up

As I woke up this morning on Nov 6 2024 and found that we are now looking down the barrel of a fourth Reich and another national depression in America, I am hard pressed to find anything redeeming about this album. 1/5

I am forgetting the songs while listening to them. I might remember this album just because of this. I wonder if it is hard to reach this level of blandness... Interesting to note that the only song with some kind of spirit samples a great one from Siouxie and the Banshees. It is a poor, tortured attempt, but it was the only time this album made me feel anything. Listening to this till the end was like waiting for water to boil.

?????????????????

Very boring, very generic and nothing that hasn’t been done better by those that came before.

great album, awful cover

First of all, have to say how much I love the album cover. Such great artwork! Now, the album is excellent. Second Beta Band album for me this week, which is great. I am drawn to their style, which is a clever mash-up of elements from various genres, and they compose and perform very well. I'll give this album more listens and, yes, for real, will finally listen to more of their stuff.

The polytime of electronic dance combines perfectly with the rock energy of real instruments. This puts me in mind of an across-the-pond Broken Bells, though on the surface the songs carry less chill. Ends with the kind of uncertain note that suitably ends an album or band.

Fine Beta Band album even though the vocals are so so. In my memory, Hot Shots II, its predecessor was a bit better and same goes for the material on the 3EPs. But still there is enough stuff to like, such as Wonderful, which sounds like the blueprint of a Beta Band song.

fun and rocking. 3 stars.

I took a break from Steely Dan for this? Ah well, they have a fun cover... Now, back to Steely Dan.

Didn't care for this one. I stopped paying attention.

An absolutely Beta Band album. If you like the Beta Band's brand of laid back, psychedelic, folk, indie pop, you'll like this. No sign as to why it's considered essential listening, though. Rating: 2.5/5 Playlist track: Assessment Date listened: 24/02/24

Was not expecting to love this album so much. It is absolutely brilliant.

Missed this one when it came out but enjoyed the listen.

This is both familiar and experimental. The best new thing I've been introduced to on the list. How have I never heard of this band?

A really good album, it's not a bad I've heard before but each song was hit after hit. Hard to narrow down to favourites but I did really like the more peaceful sound of Space Beatle.

not their best album, but a real psychedelic grower

What a shame this band didn't enjoy greater longevity. Another new discovery to add to my Tidal library courtesy of this project. What I really like about this album is the neat fusion of traditional and electronic instrumentation. It's getting five stars from me.

Catchy and peaceful. Very surprising given my only prejudgment was the ridiculous album cover being so corny looking.

What? Beta Band made it on this list but not for The Three EP's with "Dry The Rain", the song that gets everyone to buy the album when they hear that song for the first time? The opening song, Assessment, was a good intro to convince me to listen to more. The rest of the tracks were equally good in different ways. Happy to have listened to this one now for the first time too.

Sounds like a compilation album, in a good way, with a dizzying variety of styles. I rally liked it, and they get the Scottish bonus point too!

Cool, was on the tube so maybe need to go again but good fun

I completely forgot to rate this. It is now mid-August, whoops. When I first listened to this, I couldn’t decide if it was a 4 or a 5. I wrote the below review and I guess planned to listen again, but totally forgot. I finally did re-listen today and my decision has been made. This album rocks. Surprised to see this has a score under 3 (as of writing this). I really liked it! I'm waffling between a 4 and a 5. I really enjoyed it but I don't know how often I'd play it if I kept it on my phone.

I remember liking the prior Beta Band album we had but I don't really remember why. HtZ doesn't jog my memory at all but I loved it. I think maybe I'm into the Beta Band and their whole deal.

I remembered that I enjoyed The Beta Band "Hot Shots II" that came up a while ago in this project, but I couldn't really remember what to expect. This is a moody, quirky affair that was a perfect soundtrack for today. “Lion Thief” and “Simple” were particular faves, but I liked the whole album a lot. I seem to really like The Beta Band and should probably investigate them further.

Wow! I love this.

I have been a fan of The Beta Band since the early 2000s and I love any chance I get to revisit them.

I really loved the first half of the album, it was nicely arranged with some interesting experimental bits in it, while still being largely accessible for a casual listener. Unfortunately, I felt like the album lost a bit of steam in the second half, and several songs felt sleepy and redundant. It's still a solid record overall, so I'll bump up my score to 4. 3.5 stars

In line with the nth British (Scottish, but, yeah) artist in this book, these are another group of literally who's for me. This album is weird because on one hand it's nothing crazy or groundbreaking, in fact it reminds me a lot of Air's Walkie Talkie and some of the latter albums some Britpop bands made (think We Love Life by Pulp album or Be Here Now by Oasis) with more psychedelia and growing closer to the post punk revival that would become popular in the Isles during this time. Basically: all the crud that I enjoy in a pretty good package. Songs like Assessment, Liquid Bird or Simple give me the exact kind of psychey alt rock I wished more bands had done, but then other songs like Easy or Space Battle ease more into the chill and downer electronica of that time that I'm not super crazy for but I don't mind necessarily. If this album had gone more in the direction of the first songs I mention this would be an easy 5 for me but it's not. Still, a great time none the less.

I really, *really* dig their arrangements and musical ideas. Vocalist sounds like a British Jim James. 3.5/5

British Rock/Pop/grunge, dur à décrire, mais bon grooves et sonorités intéressantes

I ended up enjoying this album more than I expected. At first, I thought it was just a middle of the road listen, but once I let it restart, I found myself getting more into it. It’s like a neo-psychedelia album filtered through an early 2000s indie rock lens. It’s got all the elements I usually like with this kind of music, such as swirling sounds, spacey synths, and hypnotic structures. It doesn’t blow me away, but it’s definitely a good listen.

I liked it, but I didn't love it. The Beta Band have done better,

Jetzt wird es spacig? Elektronische Töne zappeln aus den Lautsprechern? Das Cover hat mich gar nicht angesprochen. Meine Erwartungen waren sehr niedrig. Weit gefehlt: rockige, anspruchsvolle, aber eingängige Arrangements. Sehr guter Sound. Und das spacige war war genau richtig.

Somehow cozy? Comforting? In all cases nice

Fun

ihan vibe

Gefällt mir gut

Some really good songs on here, the firdt one and then wonderful are class. Probably won't come back for another listen but a strong mid 4.

Definitely heroes!

Didn't stick to the bones yet. I liked one of their albums form the late 90s a lot. This sounded a little different, but could definitely grow.

This is such cool instrumentation and great song writing let down by lackluster vocals. A few voice lessons could have made this top tier.

Way cooler than I thought! It has a unique sound. Very enjoyable to listen to. I'll give it 4 stars today.

They are hard to get a handle on, for sure, which seems very much the point. The unpredictabiity is likable and appealing as it mixes the relatively straightforward and toothsome indie rock of the opener and "Liquid Bird" and "Out-side" with the lysergic funk of "Easy" (what a nfifty stolen Hall and Oates opening lick) and several charming and woozy ballads. One likes that it sounds good in many different contexts – interesting enough for a long drive of considered listening and energetic enough for the gym, and sounds equally good on headphones as in one's office. Further, the songs and bands get served up on Spotify are also tribute to TBB's utter and unimpeachable coolness. The maximalistc, kaleidscopic vibe overall is also to one's taste– the Avalanches were up to something similar though in a more club-oriented context. Sure, maybe less mighta been more on a few cuts, and maybe some ideas aren't fully developed, but who cares? It's a good ride. Overall, it seems that lyric "the trouble with doing your own thing / is you end up on your own" would apply to their career. Or perhaps they just weren't quite sure what they wanted to be so kept trying anything and – more to the point – everything.

3.8

Ok, I guess I might be becoming a Beta Band fan, that's two 4 stars for me. Something nice and cosy feeling about this album. Faves: Space, Out-Side

I like The Beta Band's schtick - it's a shame seeing them get so much flack here, but I guess a lot of that is Dimery's fault. (Plus, you know, it REALLY shoulda been "The Three EPs" on the list rather than anything else.) Fave tracks - "4 Easy", "Space Battle" and "Liquid Bird"

I feel cool for liking this. Psychedelic in a way I could really get into.

I am surprised that I enjoyed this as much as I did. I’ll probably give this one a revisit.

Loved. Never heard before but was familiar with the name. Listened 3 times. Will go into my faves file.

Wasn’t expecting to like this but it was quite captivating

Never heard of these guys before, but I enjoyed this. There's a combination of humor, self-deprecation, inventiveness, and whimsy that made this one fun. Not quite as good as Klaatu, but a very similar style.

Not too bad. Pretty interesting. I liked it.

I had never heard of them, but I really liked this album. Not something I will listen to again and again though.

Pretty good - not earth shattering but very nice and very listenable. This has really good variety while still staying on theme. It's got an Air + 311-ish? Sometimes Lou Reed vibes like Wonderful. Easy is a bit Franz Ferdinand-ish. Outside is a killer track. Lots of good stuff here.

Not my favourite Beta Band album. It’s good, but not great.

Okay that was cool! I enjoyed that. Not many thoughts. Fav tracks: Space, Easy, Space Beatle

Super cool! A lot more experimental and complex than other similar bands from the same scene, but still manages to be entertaining. I vaguely knew who they were, but happy this came up.

It's funny, there was a certain sound I was expecting based on the cover art that I'd say I just was not getting. It put a slight damper on my listening experience, as my expectations were just not being met track after track. The album itself is decent. Solid instrumentals and decent vocal work. Nothing that stood out too strongly, but the overall composition was good. I just really wish the cover art reflected that better. I'm also open to checking out the album again and relistening to it all or checking out their discography. 'Out-Side' is my choice for a fave.

I enjoyed this a lot a more upbeat affair than the 3 EPs which can get a little slow and plodding in spots, this album bristles with energy and infectious vibes. No song quite reaches the heights of Dry The Rain, but a lot of them come close. Overall my new favourite Beta Band album. 4 stars

I had conflicting opinions about this. I enjoyed some parts. I think I always over think the post 2000 albums.

Unique. Pretty groovy. New to me.

It was a cold, foggy, dark morning as I drove to the airport for an early flight. And this album hit perfect. Some real gems here. Glad to find out about this group.

I was attacking a tedious and frustrating task while listening to this. It was helpful. The task still frustrated, though.

3.5

I really enjoyed this album. Moody (but driving) indie pop. Why did I always think these guys were electronica?

A nice surprise, didn't knew this band, I enjoyed a lot listening to this album ;.-)

Pretty good.

What a delightful surprise

Did not use a private Spotify session for this one. I have listened to some songs of the Beta Band, but never sat down for a full album. It was good, worthy of another listen.

Such an Alpha Band

I surprisingly liked this a lot. Maybe because I am emotionally vulnerable right now, but it's good. Not my usual thing.

Never heard of them before, but I kind of enjoyed the album and thought the songs were pretty good. They reminded me a little of Beck at times.

Unexpectedly good

Better than expected based on the cover. It was great! Love me a psychedelic chill trip hop band.

This was enjoyable! I'll probably forget they exist, but I would not be sad to listen to this again.

Love these guys

Нормальный альбом, есть пара интересных треков

Not their best, but still head and shoulders above most other stuff

A glorious fuck up.

This is a poppier version of the Beta Band and I like it a lot. Each track seems to made up of little vignettes that create a song when they are combined, which makes them quirky and fun.

Not bad at all, definitely interesting and creative. But some tracks feel like they're blending styles for the sake of it, rather than for actual artistic merit. I did enjoy it, but it was not inspired or powerful enough to be amazing.

1st time listening to Beta Band. I enjoyed the mix of musical styles.

Voix atmosphérique, musique riche et texturée par contraste. Me fait souvent penser à Eels, parfois à Enon, deux groupes que j’adore