Reviews (page 4 of 7)
He's always interesting. Might come back to Black Sheep Boy later
Cinematic. That is one word I would use to describe this album. It feels large and looming; I can just picture a movie being played along with this. That is the biggest compliment I can give to this; the album feels far grander than it has any right to. Unfortunately, while it does have some great songs, it also has a couple of duds that knock points from me. Still, it is a very grand album altogether.
Pretty standard, albeit pleasant-sounding baroque pop. It sounds simultaneously ahead of its time and well past its time, especially on the vocal side of things. But I guess this vocal style is ultimately timeless, and the lyrics are certainly more interesting than I'd expect out of an artist who takes on this sort of grandiose, theatric vocal style. It was the instrumental end that tired me out by the halfway mark - I can only take so much whimsy and strings I guess. It was cool the first time on 'Jackie', but kind of got old after a few songs. It's orchestral and grand but lacks the variety I'd hope out of an album like this. There were a few standouts, the best song here was the acoustic-driven 'Black Sheep Boy'. I also like the groovier horn-backed portion of 'Plastic Palace People', and the sweeping strings in the more ambient portions were nice on the ears as well. And while it's the most generic-sounding song here, 'Wait Until Dark' just did something for me...for some reason. By the end of this album, I also started to appreciate the warmer switch-ups, especially the minimalistic 'Windows Of the World'. One of those albums that's perfectly okay, and feels like something that'd soundtrack an old movie or something, but it's just never been my cup of tea. But again, I'll give it to Scott, he is a very talented vocalist and a compelling lyricist.
Very theatrical and kitschy, dives straight in, very expressive, dramatic voice. Full orchestra. Shmalzy Bond or Western soundtrack. Crooner. Very cheesy.
I really liked Scott 4 - but this grabs me less. Its a bit overwrought / slushy and lacking the magic of Scott 4. I liked Jackie alot - I think my mum played this alot when I was younger.
the first song Jackie is definitely the strongest and great sense of humor then all downhill from there
Gar keine Ahnung was ich zu ne Meinung zu dem Album habe. Hat mich nicht genervt, mich aber auch nicht überzeugt. Die Songtexte sind teilweise sehr weird? Songs der Playlist hinzugefügt: Keine
Part crooner, part Moricone soundtrack, Scott Walker's (not the douchebag from Wisconsin) Scott 2 is an over the top (in a good way) belting of a record. 3.5/5
Walker’s second untitled album, which is part of a series that includes two more albums identified only by numbers, has a sugary sweetness that leans towards kitsch. Despite this, he manages to deliver a convincing experience. His fascination with Jacques Brel is evident throughout the album, particularly in his covers of "Jackie" and "Next."
Surprisingly enjoyable, but not something I'll listen to again. Great voice and catchy music. Come Next Spring and The Girl From The Streets the standout tracks.
Has some cool stuff. English chansons?
Scott's epic voice and some lush production (heavy with the violins is this) elevate this album. It's not his best solo album (that's Scott 4), but this is still very much worth a listen.
Contender for the most French album to ever come out of the UK. It’s rather atmospheric and Walker knows what he’s doing, but at the same time it’s also just too much and too monotonous.
What a wild album. I liked that it was strange, dramatic, and unapologetic, but his voice began to grate. The big bellowing gets old.
Sinatra-esque at times, got some cool ideas at points but would probably just rather listen to Sinatra etc.
Scott 2 is fine and all but what about that cover for Scott 3! What a great cover! And his compilation is called Fire Escape in the Sky/ the God Like Genius of Scott Walker?! Who is this man?!
The beginning of the album left me confused for what the rest of it would be like. I ended up enjoying a good part of the album, especially the mid section. He has a good voice, but sometimes the lyrics were strange. Standouts: Black Sheep Boy, Plastic Palace People, Wait Until Dark, and The Girls and the Dogs.
I have kind a soft spot for Scott Walker AND he was bizarre as hell. This one's a bit moody mushy for me, but I get the appeal. Not one I reach for often, but I appreciate it.
Ok. It's intense and theatrical and ambitious but I just don't enjoy it. Sorry.
OK, I guess
A 3 that is almost a 4! I usually don't like that style of music that much. Can get boring pretty easily, but he did in a masterclass way! Made me really enjoy a type of music that is usually not my taste!
Måste vara Marc Almonds största idol. De låter ju likadant. Vet att han åtminstone gjort en cover på första låten.
Good
This was interesting. Lots of naughty words, but funny now. Trying to figure out who the core audience would be.
Here is someone who really likes singing. And is really good at it. He didn't write very much of it, so it's harder to judge him as an overall artist, but he's a master of his particular craft if that makes sense. A theatrical, amusing at times, collection.
I kinda don’t hate it
He has a decent voice and a few of the songs are okay. I would listen to it again.
Over the top, dramatic, lush, weird, surprising, romantic, crass in spots, and poetic in spots. Cool, and I respect it but somehow just to the left of love for me.
Strange stuff! Interesting and not interesting!!
Mixed feelings on this album. Smooth vocals, some interesting arrangements, but the last few songs were super sappy.
That was some tasty, if unexciting, crooning.
3.5
Very bizarre, yet descriptively crooning lyrics/vocals. I think the accompanying classical arrangements really complete the deal here, creating an almost cinematic picture in your mind whilst listening. Not really my scene, but I can appreciate it.
i see how black midi took inspiration from this guy
Day265 - i don’t know if this is supposed to be serious or not but it’s kind of fun. he sounds like martin short singing jackie rogers jr
3/5
3.5 Another solid album from Scott, who I didn’t know before this project at all!! I love his interpretation of songs, his theatrical voice, his vibrato! This one maybe isn’t as good as the last one. It’s mostly covers, not his own work. But he still makes each song his own, and there’s some incredible tracks on here! Scott rules!
ABSZOLÚTE hallgathatatlan az én füleimnek, végtelen unalom mindegyik perce, ha csak magában mint zenét hallgatom. de hogy '68BAN EZ??? summer of love meg minden? akkor amikor már volt pink floyd meg Frank Zappa??? ez így már kérem groteszk módon teátrális, ez vámpírosfilm-fíling, csipkék meg rózsák meg fekete bársony meg mittom, ez goth before goth, ez Murder Ballads-era Nick Cave. zene egyes, concept háznyinagy ötös :D
Känns lite som musikalmusik. Diggar skivan, men den når inte till höga höjder. Ligger å puttrar runt en trea. Tycker sången och musiken är lite härlig, men det lyfter alltså aldrig.
Heard worse and heard better
Bonito ¿Baroque pop? Cantante con voz bonita cantando canciones bonitas, canciones tranquilas, baladas.
This man has made some weird music later in his career, but this is easy on the ear. Favorite song: plastic palace people.
I've never listened to Scott Walker's music before, and I only learned of him recently, but I can't remember the context in which I heard about him. Maybe it was when I reviewed Jacques Brel? Beats the hell out of me. Regardless, the reviews for this album make it sound pretty interesting. The sixties have been one of my lowest rated decades, so maybe Scott Walker can pull that average up! Scott Walker isn't pulling up that average for the sixties, but this album was still pretty enjoyable. The orchestra's playing is absolutely fantastic throughout the album. Whether the song has a faster tempo, like "Jackie," or slower, like "The Amorous Humphrey Plugg," they provide crisp and interesting arrangements to accompany Scott Walker's singing. Other than the beautiful arrangements, the lyrics of the songs written by Walker were one of the brightest spots on this album. Walker's songwriting is more like poetry, and I found the imagery and ambiguity of his lyrics really interesting. Of the songs that Walker didn't write, his covers of Jacques Brel's songs were my favorites on the album, particularly "Jackie" and "Next." I wasn't expecting these songs to have such unconventional and dark lyrics, but it was a breath of fresh air to hear something from this time period that wasn't afraid to pull any punches. I think my biggest gripe with the album is that I found the second side of it really paled in comparison with the first. I'm not sure if the overall sound and composition just wore on me, or if I just felt like the second half of the album didn't have as much variation as the first half. Either way, this was still an interesting experience, and I'm curious to see what Scott Walker's other album on this list is going to be like.
The Divine Comedy, I see you.
Scott feels like the definition of a crooner. Incredible poetry and lyricism mixed with some crassness and humor. I'm not sure I enjoy this, but certainly I can appreciate it and wouldn't object if he came on.
So far this reminds me of Tom Jones. Still reminds me of Tom Jones. Good album. Don’t know I would listen again though.
This is why I use the generator. This album is so familiar yet so strange at the same time. His lyricism is mad, and he has a kind of Alex Turner thing going on lyrically. I preferred Scott 4 but this was a very unique listen.
Overall this album which is very similar to Engelbert Humperdincks whole thing was fairly enjoyable. “Jackie” was the first and best song of the album and then they all did start to sound the same. Perhaps the novelty of a man yapping over an orchestra had dilapidated quite quickly?
It was kind of weird, but I didn’t hate it. There’s kind of a grand, theatrical quality about it; I liked the orchestral arrangements, though the vocals and lyrics were a bit much at times. I’ve never been much a fan of musical theatre, so in the end, it was all a little too dramatic and cornball for me.
Oh man this started strong. From the opening notes I loved Jackie. I wish it could have kept up this energy for the entire album, but I feel like the rest was a bit more of a drag. I might have to add Jackie to my liked songs though.
Previously rated: Scott 4 (2/5) ******************** I didn't recognize the name, but when he started singing, I recognized the voice. Turns out I rated Scott 4 192 albums ago. I liked this one a bit more, though it still had some boring, over-orchestrated stuff. The lyrics were very interesting and unique. Two songs in a row mention ass-slapping, at least one of which will upset some people. This guy seems to be a more eccentric Neil Diamond.
I’m not sure what I was expecting but given that it was a 60s album, it wasn’t to hear a funny song at the start of the album. I love his sound and it reminded me of who Seth McFarland might have listened to before creating funny songs.
Like…kind of weird.
Got the Best of Both Worlds with this one, but had to Wait Util Dark to listen to it.
this was kind of weird but also not? i enjoyed this a bit more than i thought i would/should. the songs give more movie soundtrack aura but it kinda worked
Jackie 3 Best of Both Worlds 2.9 Black Sheep Boy 2.8 The Amorous Humprey Plugg 3 Next 3 The Girls from the Streets 3.1 Plastic Palace People 2.6 Wait Until Dark 2.7 The Girls and the Dogs 3 Windows of the World 2.7 The Bridge 2.7 Come Next Spring 2.5 Score: 2.833333333
6/10. It was a fun listen, but it wasn't too remarkable, in my opinion. :)
Not bad but not something I see myself coming back to
Hated this at first but it grew on me. Respect his unique POV and artistry even if it’s not my usual.
It's not bad but it's mostly covers of french songs
Scott "Scott Walker" Walker writes a Disney musical soundtrack because he woke up feeling a bit silly that morning. The weakest of his four self-titled albums, but still pretty good. Those incredibly over-the-top theatrics tickle my brain for some reason.
Scott 2 I have never listened to these Scott Walker albums, despite knowing how much of an influence and touch point they are for bands and singers I like. I suppose liking this depends mainly on your capacity for musical cabaret slightly off beat baroque pop sung by a creepy uncle. There’s a fair bit of baroque pop I do like and while there is quite a lot to enjoy here, particularly the sense of oddness to it, musically it does get a bit much, and by the third listen I had to stop as it started getting on my tits. I wouldn’t be surprised if that was partially intended and would please Scott. I won’t bother with the track by track, but a couple of things stood out. I’m pretty familiar with Jackie and I do like it, it probably is the best of his Jacques Brel songs, and is musically the best exemplar of the over the top instrumentation and oddness. The Bosnian strings on Best of Both Worlds are very nice. I love the song Black Sheep Boy, Bobby Darin’s versions might be my favourite, but this is a good version too. Plastic Palace People is nice, the shimmering strings suits the slightly off kilter imagery. The Girls and the Dogs is pretty woeful and unpleasant. The Bridge is very good, the pick of the 2nd side. I did want to give it one more listen, but I couldn’t face it again today. I don’t think it’s bad and I would listen again, but I’d like to wait and while and not listen 3 times in a row again. ⭐⭐⭐
Not too bad, slightly movie themed music with a lot of (actual real, musical) sound effects. I felt like in a fairy tale with some of them, and also as if I was in Tom&Jerry travelling with a train to another place. Overall, very nice background listen.
A collection of twisted chansons about such charming subjects as sexual harassment, sexually transmitted diseases, and being cute in a stupid ass way delivered in an over the top theatrical bellow - this was a strange hoot to listen to.
It's a great sound and it will eventually work better on Scott 4. This is a more variable set of songs.
Another lovely Scott Walker album. Really nice orchestral singer songwriter fare, which adds a heavy does of atmosphere to songs which already have interesting and personal lyrics and simple melodies. The second half of this album trends a bit far towards croonfest and drags a bit, which is unfortunate given that the first half is excellent and interesting. Rating: 3/5 Playlist track: Jackie Date listened: 27/05/24
By far the weirdest album so far! Avant garde at it's strangest. If it were 20 minutes I would have given 4 stars, but it just went on a little too long.
enjoyed it
Sorta funny at times but overall cheesy as hell... and sexist to round off the 60s feel. Decent listen overall.
Reminds me of an ex, but not in a bad way.
Maybe his best?
Distinctive vocal with some fabulous storytelling.
Tässä oli jotain viehättävää, mutten ehkä taustamusaa enempää saa irti. 3/5
Hyviä kappaleita, vaikkakin covereita ainakin osa, ja hieno ääni.
So is Scott Walker the English version of Jacques Brel? The opener Jackie (translated from Brel's Jacky) made me go there (he covers a couple other Brel songs), but the whole style of vocals front-and-center made me go there too. Walker is more baroque, you can hear that in the musical accompaniment right away. I enjoyed it. And I enjoyed Jackie - such cheeky lyrics especially for 1968. Curious how much it changed from the original French lyrics. By the time I got to the end of the album I felt like I knew exactly where the styles of artists like Interpol, Franz Ferdinand, The Arctic Monkeys, The Fratellis, and similar others came from - Scott Walker. Big voice, bombastic sound, goofy but clever lyrics. He's like Neil Diamond except doesn't take himself too seriously. Are either of these things why his album needs to be heard before I die? I don't know if it's a must hear, but it was fun enough for a few listens.
I'm more about Scott 4, but always liked how defiantly theatrical and of time all this was. The Jacques Brel obsession was always a bit much. 3.5 🌟
Why doesn’t this thing do half ratings
I love this guys voice so much. It’s just delicious to listen to. The music is also pretty good, especially next but honestly it wasn’t revolutionary. It sounds like it comes from a decade before the 60s really but it does work in the albjm’s favour
Pretty fun album has some good tracks even if it was just some guy yapping over an orchestra
I don’t know what I was expecting but it definitely wasn’t this. Listening to this felt like I was watching a budding romance montage scene in a movie for 40+ minutes. Catchy enough to keep your attention but empty enough to not over power the scene. At least it’s not terrible music, just feels very hollow. Like he’s never felt a real emotion in his life.
What a bizarre album…feels like a classic 60’s Vegas act, but he words are just bizarre. However the songs about girls and dogs was so good, i gave it 3 stars. Maybe overshot a bit, but it was interesting.
It just goes along. It sounds like elevator music with a guy singing over it with an elevator voice.
Finally, all the questions that were left up in the air after Scott 1 will be answered! I don't know where to put this. It's hard to say I don't like it, but it's also not easy for me to like. It's Neil Diamond but hornier? "A cute cute in a stupid ass way"?? I can't dislike an album from 1968 with a line like that. But do I like it? Maybe Scott 3 will help...
So this is where Alex got his croon from. Black sheep boy was a nice surprise. 72/100 but not quite 4* worthy
Scott 2 – Scott Walker Jackie – 4.5 Best of Both Worlds – 3.5 Black Sheep Boy – 3.5 The Amorous Humphrey Plugg – 3.5 Next – 4 The Girls from The Streets – 3 Plastic Palace People – 2.5 Wait Until Dark – 3 The Girls and The Dogs – 4.5 Windows of The World – 4.5 The Bridge – 3.5 Come Next Spring – 4 Average - 3.66 Scott Walker is beginning to grow on me Still didn't age very well
I’ve seen Scott Walker referenced by/in relation to numerous contemporary artists so I knew to expect orchestral melodrama, but this was less dark and more show tune-y than I would’ve predicted. Then again, the more I listened, the more I realised how weird and out there some of the lyrics were for its time. Clearly an absolutely massive influence on The Divine Comedy. I do have time for this sort of thing. Maybe not 43 minutes’ worth - I like it as something different, less so when it becomes the norm - and I should mark it down for being mostly covers. But man, I’d love to have a voice like Scott’s… 2.5 / 3
had some bangers but also had some really weird lyrics
Walker’s vocals and the orchestration are so powerful and rich as usual, but the songwriting lacks the magic and unique character of his following two albums. Speaking of: Scott 4 has come up already, and was a 5. Scott 3 is somehow not on the list, and would also be a 5. Walker’s later and more abstract/experimental albums, most notably the trilogy of Tilt/The Drift/Bish Bosch are all somehow not on the list, and would all be 4s or 5s
Weird set of stories in these songs, but really interesting big band music throughout.
Bonito ¿Baroque pop? Cantante con voz bonita cantando canciones bonitas, canciones tranquilas, baladas.
The Brel-covers are by far the best part of this album. The rest is "of it´s time". He had a lovely voice though.
Pretty decent and somehow fun.
I laughed out loud more than once listening to this. So I suppose I enjoyed it. But I wasn't really able to take it seriously. "Next," in particular, was something. This was a strange combination of sincerity, irreverence, pushing boundaries, overly produced, totally ridiculous music.
Not sure what to make of this. Great music. Strange overall experience..
Not my cuppa
I fallen for this fucker. I'm to the point where I can bend his will towards my way. Holy fuck am I tripping the light fantastic. But finally everything makes perfect sense. This is just putting a tag on something we all should like and live forever.
W T F. I have a love for the absurd. So I love it. It's like Frank Zappa lyrics set to Tom Jones songs, arranged and played by the 1968 CBS Television Orchestra.
Entertainer Sound mit viel Streichern. Könnte mehr swingen. Irgendwie kann ich seine Selbsteinschätzung vom Einsiedler nicht recht glauben…
Plutôt cool. Ça me fait penser a de la musique de film genre magiciens d'Oz ou Alice au pays des merveilles :)
I can appreciate the music and songwriting but there's something about his voice that just doesn't grab my attention. I think it sounds very late-'60s and the music is much like a film score in places. I know it is a highly regarded record but for me it is lacklustre.
I liked some of the songs - 7/10
Kind of whimsical at times. Boring towards the end. Turns out these are all covers of other songs which is interesting. The cover for Scott 3 goes crazy though.
dated imo, can't see myself listening again but not terrible 5/10
Hard to understand without the context of Scott 1. 5.5/10
This record indicates that many listeners aren't actually listening. One review said this record had no personality!? Some of the lyrics are absolutely bonkers and brilliant.
There honestly isn’t too much to talk about. The vocal style isn’t really my thing and can take a while to get used to, and the lyrics can be a bit much at times. Its backing tracks are fun though. This one is just ok.
I get what the Last Shadow Puppets are going for. But I still don’t quite get it. Close to 3.5 but I’m gonna go 3.
Girl and the dogs seems very relatable today lol. Nice vibrato vocals with interesting lyrics. 3.3
I enjoyed the listen on this.
Mal so James Bond Style, mal so komplett Banane.
I did not know what to expect with this album. I know I did not expect some of those lyrics to go along with the music.
This is a strange record. Not bad but very weird. It's sort of like a movie soundtrack. But also not? I don't love it, but I will say I think becoming familiar with this type of thing is why I'm doing this challenge.
Weird af
Liked this but it tried my patience
So weird, like dude just watched a bunch of b-rate soaps and westerns and decided to write their theme songs
Kitschy AM gold from the late 60s. It was a fun listen - don’t know if I’d return to it.
2.75
Some good moments
What the bloody hell was that? I was sold Scott Walker as a ‘genius’ - theres a fine line between lunacy and genius. How does anyone tread that line, wobbling both ways for an entire album and end up still on that line, leaving me without a clue as to what my feelings are towards it all. An incredible group of musicians with a guy singing everything he sees and does in the style of a las vega lounge show. Whats not to love?…..don’t ask me, i’m just as confused as everyone else. 2.5
Mixed feelings on this one. To start with, I only know Scott Walker from the excellent song '30th Century Man' and was hoping for an album more like that. I've also heard that Walker went avant garde later in life and there are some early flashes of that here. Overall, it's more interesting than I initially gave it credit for but there are only a couple of songs that I would want to return to. There are definitely some unfortunate and outdated lyrics here and there too.
#55. I don't think I'd normally like this kind of music, but for some reason this drew me in. Maybe it's because a lot of it is a bit humorous, but I definitely liked it more than I expected to. 3/5: acceptable
I understand I need to listen to the lyrics but thought it was Tom Jones reminiscent and can get on board with
I don’t know most the songs by this crooner. I think I like Jacques Brel’s album in the 1001 more but perhaps that’s only because I can’t understand what he’s singing.
I'm sure I've listened to "Jackie" as much as I have all other Scott Walker songs combined. Listening to the other Jacques Brel gem, "Next" reminds me that we have yet to receive the Alex Harvey release of the same name where he delivers what has to me the most delightful and gruesome version of that song. Scott does a good job of the other covers and his self-penned numbers are okay. Kudos for putting out these orchestrated pop-ballads while hard-rock and psychedelic rock was all the rage. Not to mentioned psychedelic folk. Speaking of psychedelic folk, it's interesting that this LP would have hit #1 on the UK charts the same year as the Incredible String Band!
I prefer *Scott 3* and *Scott 4*. Any other questions? I can move on, then. It's raining again, I don't have the right record to listen to, and I'm in a bad mood. So next, please. Essential albums list grade: 3/5 More general grade: 8/10 (5+3) Number of albums left to review: 374 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 282 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 149 Albums from the list I won't include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 202 (including this one)
I feel like I need to go back & listen to this closer, reading the lyrics.
6/10. This felt weird to listen to, but it was definitely had some interesting parts.
The music itself really wasn’t too bad, if a little self-important at times. But I am so baffled as to how this guy has 2 albums on the list. 6/10
Pretty and unique instrumentation but not really my vibe.
This is a very very light 3. Almost a 2.5 Decent 60’s pop, but far from his best.
This sounds familiar musically, but I've never listened to music quite like this. I wouldn't want to frequently but it was pretty interesting. It's like orchestral pop, and reminds me of Frank Sinatra. I guess it's mostly covers of songs I haven't heard. Favorite track: Black Sheep Boy
plus ou moins aimé. 6.5/10
interesting. Great voice.
This is a difficult one for me to rate. I like Scott Walker's music and specifically a number of songs on this album but I also find it inconsistent. The second side of this album doesn't do a lot for me as a lot of the songs just feel too schmaltzy for me. I've listened to this album quite a bit in the past but realized I kind of skip over side two. I think Scott Walker is a really intriguing musician. He can get real out there and went on such an interesting, unique path with his music that I respect him a ton, even if I don't love all the songs. Standout Tracks: Jackie, Best of Both Worlds, Black Sheep Boy, The Amorous Humphrey Plugg, Plastic Palace People
Makes me feel like I am listening to a Western about the Grinch
Enjoyable. Makes me feel classy and slightly misogynistic. Overall a nice experience, but he has better projects.
English Jacques Brel? Maybe good to fall asleep
Oh good grief. Yesterday you made me listen to Tim Buckley and now this? I already had Scott 4 wasn't that enough? No? Ok, I guess here we go. This is weird, right? I'm pretty sure this is weird. At least this one is also gorgeous. Not really my vibe, but not boring (lyrically or musically). Next sounds like it could be Tim Burton.
This was another really unique album, albeit not quite as fun to listen to for a full hour. It's like a mix of frank sinatra and neil diamond singing in some western musical or something. I liked the orchestral production and scott has a killer voice but the lyrics are a little cringe/dated at certain points. I generally liked it but was kinda bored of the novelty by the second half. However, I suppose I'd check out Scotts 1, 3, 4, 5, etc.
Very engaging storytelling. Not sure if the overwrought horny sad sack is a character or true to life but it works well with the melodrama. I like how the grand instrumentals would shift in tone and timbre based on the narrative. Three and a half. Fave track: Black Sheep Boy
Walker is such a unique and interesting musical presence - his voice alone is disarming and compelling, and he brings a theatric flair to pop that is hard to find anywhere else. This is a really solid album, though while still relying on covers of contemporaries (including a few by our friend Jacques Brel), his songwriting isn’t allowed as much room to shine as his next couple records that can really strike you down. I hope at least one out of ‘Scott 3’ or ‘Scott 4’ make this list as well, as they deserve the same recognition as this album. Three and a half. Fave track: Jackie
Bonito ¿Baroque pop? Cantante con voz bonita cantando canciones bonitas, canciones tranquilas, baladas.
HL: "Come Next Spring", "The Amorous Humphrey Pugg", "Next" Not the best aged of albums (lyrically anyway), but the lush arrangements make it a worthwhile listen. September 16, 2023
Interesting
This is weird. Plus it sounds so much like the Jacques Brel album (who was the writer of a couple of these songs; Walker would like this comparison) that this list played me earlier, that I'm going to have to rate it simlarly
Not as good as Scott 4 but still not a bad listen. Just a little weird at times.
Im realizing that albums have an entirely different rating system when I listen to them on a walk vs in the background while working. This was on in the background which saved it. Pretty strange. I can hear notes of influence on Stephin Merritt. Black Sheep Boy was good. Just gets to a 3.
Bro this is fun
Definitely super lively and dramatic just not really at all a style of music I would enjoy on my free time. It really exudes the lavish, European elegance which is impressive and awesome at points, but I feel like one listen is enough. 5/10
Interesting but not my thing. Theatrical singing, with song style that borders on novelty. Steven Sondheim meets Spike Jonz meets Moody Blues.
knowing what he becomes, this theatrical near showtunesque romp makes a lot of sense. could listen again.
A swaying, crooning album. 3.5
it felt like a musical album for broadway or a disney movie sountrack album but a bad one
This was akin to a strange, semi dystopian, drug fuelled trip on the Love Boat during an all you can eat banquet dinner...
Well this album wastes no time getting started... off to the races with a French-inspired romp. Next is fantastic -- I feel like I've heard it before and yet, I can't imagine where. Lot of sweeping instrumentals here with Walker's powerful voice taking center stage. I think this is not my preferred type of music, but for what it was, it was done well. Objectively this is probably around a 4 or so. Personal enjoyment taken into account this is a 3 that I will likely never listen to again.
Good songs.
An obvious influence on Neil Hannon - and some questionable song topics. But o enjoyed overall.
Lustige Texte und damit ein cooler kontrast zu der Musik. Aber irgendwie wurde es etwas alt über die songs
Kjedelig ass
Weird but dramatic. Dunno how I feel about it
Do you remember that Martin Short character "Irving Cohen" who would opine about the good ol' days of entertainment only to demand that his piano player "give me a 'C', a bouncy 'C'" and then would improvise a mediocre line or two of a song and finally finish it with "ba-da-bee, ba-da-boo, and whatever the hell else you want". Anyway, that's what this album is. Not sure if that's good or bad.
Album 47 of 1001 Scott Walker - Scott 2 Favorite Track : Plastic Palace People Rating : 3 / 5 Interesting stuff. Awesome voice. Wall of Soundish. Mix of covers & originals. Heartfelt, dramatic performances. Good listen after I gave it a chance.
Incredibly theatrical and dramatic in terms of vocal delivery and instrumentation. The wall-of-sound orchestral backing is really rich but became almost too much two-thirds of the way through — kind of like eating one too many pieces of a really rich chocolate cake, it starts off good and I think I want more but then it suddenly becomes just too much.
Brazy album
Good and dramatic. Quite a voice!
This album was ok but it felt so weird. I just got a strange feeling from this album.
kinda cheeky this chap. not as tough to listen to as Tarkus, and, surprisingly, interesting
Grandiose engelbert humperdink like quality here. Not sure who the audience was here, but definitely the interesting aspect here was that the lyrics were much more creative and interesting than the typical schlock. Certainly seems a bit dated style, but was entertaining.
Strange, theatrical, horny, crooner music. loved two of the songs, Jackie and next but not nothing else did much for me.
This is going to need a revisit one day - I'm honestly not sure how I felt about this one. It was like if Dean Martin and Austin Powers did the fusion dance.
What a weird album. This is one that I assume might sit better on a few listens, but for now, it was good.
Gateway to 70’s pop. Seems like he was an inspo to bowie AND IT TOTALLY CHECKS OUT Also really like the term crooners for these kinds of vocalists lmaoo
Such beautiful arrangements like an old movie, just can’t get over that belted cheesy delivery
Weird damn album. I liked it alright though. It was like a mix of Jacques Brel + Tom Waits with more lounge. 3/5
Liked it but a few songs threw me off a little
I don't know how to rate this album. I liked it for what it was with how good he was at singing and the song writing, but probably wouldn't listen again. It is hilarious that his first 4 album names are Scott, Scott 2, Scott 3, Scott 4. I really liked the first couple songs but then got a little strange at the end.
A charming, strange album with a grand sound, so much so that it can get overbearing listening to it all at once.
nije loše zvuči malo ka tom waits al na profinjen način solidno slušanje al ne virujen da cu se vratit na njega
Wow Jackie is a great song. Next is hilarious, and I also enjoyed The Girls And The Dogs, and the closer Come Next Spring (so croony).
Lounge singing at it's best!
Next, Next.... It really takes some time to get used to this one. It is from the late 1960s and the style of music just isn't what it used to be. Back then this was something pretty amazing. His voice is powerful and amazing. It just doesn't translate well to the 2020s. If you listen to it with non-judgemental ears, it isn't too bad. And after a few listens, it really becomes something special. I enjoyed it quite a lot. I'm glad to have Scott Walker in my head now. Next, Next.... 3.5/5
Better than Scott 1. Certainly better than Scott Kelly.
7/10
Wonderful voice, quite a strange guy, but that works better for a singer than if it was the other way round. Some of the songs covered are very old, and sound it, but still interesting. A clear influence on loads of artists, particularly The Divine Comedy. Good, but not great
Très cinématographique, une grande voix qui réussit à ne pas se faire enterrer par les arrangements orchestraux.
Senti e concordei com a preguiça no desenvolvimento do disco.
Jackie- 9 Best of Both Worlds- 8 Black Sheep Boy- 7 The Amorous Humphrey Plugg- 6 Next- 4 The Girls From The Street- 5 Plastic Palace People- 5 Wait Until Dark- 7 The Girls And The Dogs- 6 Windows Of The World- 8 The Bridge- 8 Come Next Spring- 7
Ik dacht dat ik wist wie dit was ik dacht een country star maar had dit niet verwacht. Wel echt een vibe met dat orkest. Zou het misschien niet heel snel opzetten maar is best sick . Vond Jackie echt leuk
Started off quite well but turned into a bit of a slog after about 20 minutes. The voice and the orchestration became a bit much.
I wanna like it more and I appreciate the style, but vocally it starts to become a bit much... like too many donuts.
Can't beat Scott 4 4 3
It's sad how deeply unpopular this style of music has become. Theatrical, overblown and orchestral this is a real niche vibe: Weill, Brel, Walker through to Ute Lemper and the Divine Comedy. I can normally manage a song or two before switching to something less intense. It's good and accomplished (well sung and produced) but lacks empathy.
I am not familiar with Scott Walker, so I'm interested in what he has to offer. It was pleasant enough music that I didn't mind his, at times, corny style of singing in a faux grandiose act.
Surprisingly excellent. He has this wonderful cinematic baritone and a sort of mournful, vulgar lyricism in his original songs. I feel like there are layers to this album so can't go to in depth and I'm keeping reserved with my stars. Guy feeling is the album is more the work of an eccentric than a genius on first, but that's not such a bad thing. Think Baccarach, Spector, Jake Thackeray. Enjoyable.
Ok I guess
p152. 1968. 3.5 stars. A nearly perfect snapshot of late 60s cabaret by one of the great voices, with subversive lyrics beneath the strings and Spectoresque production. All that is missing are standout tracks. Still holds up well today.
As I've gotten older, I've appreciated good crooners more, as this is the first time listening to Scott Walker. I would categorize him as a "poor-man's Sinatra or more accurately Andy Williams, with often some odd and bizarre lyrics. It's okay, but never felt this is something I'll listen to again...interesting listen though.
Fun album. Full of some classic 60's tracks.
Not as good as 1 or 4 but still a great record.
Mixed bag. loved the first tune, hated the second. overall enjoyable but not really my thing.
Strange - but in a good way - it actually contains some interest tracks like ‘Jackie’ and ‘Next’ but overall it’s just a bit of a novelty - a crooning psychopath over a Spector wall of sound - worth a listen but not going to be a regular
1968. Next, Black Sheep Boy, Jackie
Scott Walker sounds something like if Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys made an album in the style of Tom Jones. (I wonder if Turner is a fan of Scott Walker.) The singing is lounge-y and dramatic and the lyrics are packed with jokes and surprising details. I enjoyed discovering the odd songwriting of these songs. “Jackie” feels like a clear standout, packed with strange specifics sung in a breathless style. “Next” is a funny number too - it could be an interlude in some larger concept album or musical but here it is, on its own, a weird melodramatic little episode. Wow — I was just thinking that some of these songs reminded me of the French singer Jacques Brel, who we had on this list last week. Turns out Brel wrote three of the songs on this album including both of the aforementioned songs! That makes a lot of sense. (Great to hear some of Brel’s tunes in English!) (Also, I guess this list isn’t in totally random order, right?) There’s actually more straightforward love songs and ballads here than the first few tracks would suggest. I prefer the humorous songs. Highlights: “Jackie,” “Best of Both Worlds,” “Next,” “The Girls and the Dogs”
I wrote a lot about this album but I had restarted my computer without saving so I'm bummed about that but I'll re-write a little here: I thought the album was pretty good, and the standout for me personally was "Black Sheep Boy". There's an album by a band called Okkervil River with the same title and I always knew the title track was a cover but I had never heard the original. The Okkervil River album is one of my top 5 or 10 albums of all time and I've heard the song hundreds of times. The original is pretty good as well, but it's a lot lighter feeling. That was the real stand out track for me.
Enjoyed it. Kind of got monotonous.
He is a good singer.
I don’t hate it. Unexpectedly very dark, holy crap.
Yeah, I still don’t get it. Quality production, dramatic and grand, but also reminds me of generic white bread.
Completely unfamiliar going in... My first comment is that I am most definitely not much of a lyrics-noticer but :D this first song "Jackie" is hilariously weird. Like a tongue firmly-in-cheek Tom Jones-esque knockoff of James Bond or Austin Powers 30 years early. "Cute-cute in a stupid-ass waaaaayyyyy" :D what is this. I shouldn't really judge this compared to anything else or at least not to anything I'd grown up with as contemporary popular music. "Next" :D "Now I always will recall the brothel truck, the flying flags - the queer lieutenant who slapped our asses as if we were fags - I swear on the wet head of my first case of gonorrhea" i mean.... that was impossible to miss. I gotta say .... I don't dislike it at all. I mean, it's *all* kinds of ridiculous and there were times during the album where I actually laughed out loud - the music isn't at all anywhere close to my usual preferences but ...this absolutely works with the vocals/lyrics and to its credit you really feel in another place and time while listening to it, and I'd say in a fun way. It gets a little more tame along the way which lessens the fun a bit for me. I'm thrown a bit in a goofy way after finishing this but for weird / fun factor I think I'd "softly" recommend it - just with a few words of caution :D 6/10 3 stars
Autant mettre un album de Brel directement, Robert, non ? Tu trouves pas ??
El començament, amb la versió de Brel 'Jackie', és imponent. L'orquestació, i sobretot la seva poderosa veu fan de protagonistes en versions i originals, alguns tan punyents com 'Plastic Palace People'. Vindrien discos millor considerats, com '4', però no ve malament recuperar aquest de tant en tant
Just weird showtunes
7/10 Best Song - Jackie
Has some decent songs. 2.8⭐
It's bizarre to listen to it because I didn't like it so much, but it sounds very similar to some things I like. It resembles some songs from David Bowie and Bob Dylan but never reaches the quality I expected. Three stars look fair to me.
I’m meant to love this because Bowie loved it but nah. I like the scary Scott stuff more but he does have a cool voice
Ei ihan joka hetkeen, mut rantsulla maatessa toimi
Lyrics on this are surprisingly graphic for 1968. Still unsure why he has a second album on this list
Przyjemniejszy niż jego poprzedni album, ale dalej nudy
Nice. Great voice. Such an old style but it is still very enjoyable. Stanouts: Jackie, Next, Plastic Palace People, and my favorite track The Girls and The Dogs. 3/5
I was really bored and annoyed, but also very intrigued while listening to this. Interesting record.
It wasn't bad. Andy Williams with far more range.
This album starts in a hurry with Jackie. Best of Both Worlds reminded me of You Only Live Twice by Nancy Sinatra (top 5 Bond songs for sure).
Melódico. Aburrido.
Love The Walker Brothers, but this didn't work quite as well for me. The lyrics were too silly and dated in a few spots. Hell of a voice though.
I really enjoyed Scott 4 so I thought this would be about the same. I did enjoy it but it really took several listens before I started coming around. There are some really good tracks: Next, Jackie, Plastic Palace People. "The Girls and the Dogs" is quite brilliant. All the rest of the songs are very nice. I'd really like to get to know this album much more in the future. 3/5
This was weird. In a kinda good way. But not entirely.
Scott Walker is one of those artists Spotify always thinks I should be listening to. I kind of get it based on my own taste, but I've never really connected completely with his music. The best compliment I can give to Scott Walker is that there's nobody quite like him in music. Walker has an interesting, resonant vocal style, and his arrangements are grand, sweeping and theatrical. Some rather artful use of strings and use of studio effects on Walker's vocal makes for a pretty distinctive sound. But there is still something off kilter and weirdly plodding about his music, that makes a 3 minute song feel like it's 5. It's deliberately atonal in places, which makes it a bit of a rough listen. The lyrics are oddly frank yet contrived feeling, like Leonard Cohen attempting a Broadway musical. I'm glad to see Walker here, but I'm still unconvinced about him. I'm happy to keep trying though. Fave Songs: Black Sheep Boy, Come Next Spring, The Bridge, Wait Until Dark, Windows of the World
Bizarre d’album pop je n’ai pas deteste 3
Good. Dramatic.
Very cinematic feeling to this one. Almost every track here felt like it could have been a Bond theme back in the 1960's (at least in terms of vocals and instrumentals). It overall reminded me of the bombastic Tom Jones tracks I have heard from around this time period, but the album definitely felt like it took more chances lyrically than what most vocal pop artists were doing during this period. Scott's voice, while not as impressive as other singers from this very specific genre, was solid for the most part. His overall tone and dialect reminded me a lot of Gordon Lightfoot which is not something I would have expected. The risky lyrics are what stood out to me the most here as some of the instrumentals here felt a little dated and corny when looking at it from a modern day perspective. I could see some people loving this sound and really getting a kick out of the lyrical themes here; while I wouldn't say I loved it, I did get some enjoyment out of this one. 2.5/5 (but close to a 3).
Pretty good, it has a nice crooner vibe, like Roy Orbison or Frankie Avalon, except the lyrics are a bit more modern.
Classy but I got bored before the end
Just really interesting and really strange
Rating: 6/10
Kinda mediocre
Phantastic voice. Nice movie soundtrack type songs. Some songs really stuck (Next! Next!) But overall it felt too much of a show than trying to do good music. Something Scott also seems to have admitted.
Musical-like, but gave a strong bipolar disorder-vibe
Prachtige ballads met een donker tintje. Mooie teksten
Decent album with an interesting artist history. Fails to make a lasting impression though
Sounds like a mix of TV themes and hotel lobby music. Cracking voice and big orchestral sounds, but not my sort of thing.
This album has its moments. I like his voice and the lyrics. But the orchestration aged a little badly. The songs that stood out, I found out, were by Jacques Brel. (5/10) Favorite Tracks: Jackie, Next
Wow. Had to pull up the lyrics a few times to make sure what I heard is actually what I heard. You go Scott Walker.
An amazingly talented singer. Every song tells a vivid story. Walker seems like he would have been a perfect choice for a Bond movie song.
Not nearly as good or interesting as his later works, Scott 2 is still a great showcase for his fantastic voice and well constructed orchestrations. Favorite Song: The Amorous Humphrey Plugg
Oooh, hits like a strong movie soundtrack to start. I feel like we're hearing a necessary part of Weird Al's origin story.
He has a lovely voice but not really my thing. ***
Some voice
Hmnja
I really liked the sort of "over the top" Baroque sound contrasted with the bleak descriptions in songs like the opener ("Jackie"), but it's not the sort of album I'm going to come back to over and over again.
This was actually better than I expected. Still not my thing but decent.
A disturbed Neil diamond
The way he sings somewhat reminds me of Frank Sinatra
Pretty good, very interesting lyrics. Kind of a comedian/crooner combo
This album sounded really neat! I really enjoyed the orchestral and theatrical sound to these songs. Scott Walker's voice was so deep and commanding and the lyrics were fun and enthralling. It sounds kind of dated and cheesy, but I liked it for some reason, it gave this album a charm. It didn't really blow me away entirely, but I did really enjoy it and would definitely listen again.
Fine. Not as good as his 4
not my type of music but for the genre it's good
3
For me an unknown artist. Although I know the song Jackie. Nice easy listening album, with a warm voiced singer.
This grew on me. Definitely a good singer. The style was a little different at first, but I was wrong when I suggested it was dull.
15/04/21
Litt tøft
This album started off strong with Jackie. There were some other songs that were very entertaining. Scott Walker has a very pop crooner sound. The band is a welcome change in this list. The last few songs kind of blended together and some songs were covers. Making this album only average.
I don't think I've ever listened to a full album produced by Phil Spector before, which provides an interesting experience. The instrumentals do really fill up the record, which helps a lot in an album like this that I might not ordinarily like. It's another one of those times that I wish the rating was out of 10 rather than out of 5. This album is somewhere between a 3 and a 4 for me. The music is really cool, the words are mostly very uninteresting to me. I like his voice, though. 3/5
Majestic, swirling arrangements; Walker's warbling is a little over-the-top at points but engaging overall
false
The best ones were the Jacques Brel homages.
Great vocalist and love the cinematic vibe. Sounds like I was listening to a Broadway musical. Not something I’d reach for though.
This sounds like a soundtrack for a bad musical. Or maybe a bad copy of a Bond film. Too much orchestration and too theatrical for me.
I'll say it again - a man so influential that he's convinced many of us to never listen to one of his albums ever again. What a talent. 2/5
meh
This has an absolutely stellar start with Jackie and then it’s all downhill from there I’m afraid. For all his pretensions his style and interpretation of the material just isn’t that good. Alex Harvey’s version of Next is so much better. It was worse on the second listen, I was getting really irritated by the end. Can see where the likes of Richard Hawley get their inspiration from. Probably more tolerable in small doses 2.5
I don't know what this album was trying to be, and I'm not sure the folks who created it did either. Adding a star for those lush, old Hollywood/musical theatre-style orchestrations, but I would call this style over substance, and somehow not convincing.
A second one of his but no Zevon?
2/5
Felt like most of these songs could be a title track for a James Bond movie. But like, a 60s bond movie where he’ll say a slur and then harass a woman
This was NOT what I was expecting. When I saw the album my first thoughts were who the hell is this Scott bozo and who names an album Scott 2? But the the orchestral hit of the first song hit and I was very intrigued. As much as I enjoyed the first couple songs, the longer the album when on the more bored I got with it. First few songs, 4. Album as a whole, 2.
..
Шокобарокко поп
Meh
Ha, I mean, wtf is this? I dont like it much but my eyebrows do raise from time to time. Scott is going for it and theres some weird shit on this. I also have no idea what occasion this is for? When does someone now or in 68 throwing this on? Gotta be some drugs around. And probably an ascot or 2. I'll never listen to this again but im kind of glad it exists. Next and the song about girls and dogs for the win, lol
Weird shit
Meh, no está mal
Yeah, nope. Very poppy 60's music with orchestra.
Next
I kind of like the tongue in cheek feel of his approach but this isn't great. I'm not against having heard this but two albums by this guy is a wild call.
I don't think this is required listening. If this is your thing tho, you would get your money's worth. I don't trust this guy. These lyrics seem problematic. In a world of singing contest shows, this guy doesn't sound that unique and doesn't have "it".
Meh
Very good singing but not my thing
Walker's voice has an interesting timbre to it but man oh man is this music over the top. The Jacques Brel influence is strong here as Walker throws himself theatrically into every song. If he had only dialed it back to the world of recognizable emotions, this would have been a much stronger album.
This is not what I was expecting! Robert Wyatt's "Rock Bottom" is weird in a recognizable way, but this album is weird in a way I don't normally experience. I did some computer work while I listened but still lyrics about "butt slaps" (more than once!) and "polka dot panties" found their way through. Not my cup of tea, but I can see why it might make a list like this.
Interessant kollektion af show tunes, andre covers og et par enkelte originale numre. Har ikke fået hørt albummet så meget som jeg gerne ville. Ved ikke om det bare lige ikke har været det mood jeg har haft brug for at høre. Jeg håber at kunne vende tilbage til dette album og give det en ordentlig vurdering. For nu må den dog ligge her, da den ikke lige har fanget mig.
great voice starts strong but then wet fart prob giving this a 2
What do ya know, the rating is right there in the album title. This is definitely not my kind of 60s music. I was expecting standard baroque pop, but instead, he seems obsessed with singing about asses, and then he casually mentions gonorrhea?? His actual singing style kind of reminds me of Tom Jones with that big, dramatic, theatrical baritone voice. But the music itself is just way too over-the-top, orchestral, and creepy for me. It feels like the soundtrack to a weird, dark lounge act or a deeply unsettling movie musical rather than an album I would actually want to sit down and listen to.
An unusual album where most songs are arranged like Bond themes with bizarre lyrics. Very dramatic sounding and surprisingly easy to listen to, but I’m not sure I’d pick this as an album people must hear before they die.
Er taucht hier tief in barocke Schwermut ein, aber oft wirkt es eher wie ein überladenes Kammerdrama als ein überzeugendes Album. Die opulenten Arrangements drücken die Songs nieder, statt sie zu tragen, und seine dramatische Stimme verliert sich zu häufig im Pathos.
The most I can really say about this is it is inoffensive. I don’t mind crooners; while I don’t often listen to them they can be great to listen to at times. That being said Scott just didn’t quite seem to land. His voice is very good, but the songs themselves didn’t really hold my interest. I don’t see a reason to listen to him over someone like Bing Crosby or Bobby Darin. The production value is better than those so there is that.
Nice album
Wow check it out the album name already rated it for me! Only reason this isn't a 1 is because Scott's voice is really nice. Way too many slurs in these lyrics.
kinda boring