Reviews (page 7 of 8)
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
very great baroque album with some great lyrics and lush isntrumentals, i can kind hear his later years in this album which is weird. 7.7/10
thank god that's over, pointless noise buzzing in my ears for 40 minutes. half forgot that i was even listening. wouldn't even use as background music, whack. 1/5
A confusing blend of the style and the lyrics. Wouldn't want to listen again.
Kitschy AM gold from the late 60s. It was a fun listen - don’t know if I’d return to it.
Scott kveikti ekki í mér.
An okay album but not really my style of music.
2.75
Some good moments
Fuck this guy
Very theatrical sounding, not in a good way
Was t his a joke?
Not my music taste
This one is pretty much a Jacques Brel album. I sort of feel bad for baritones in music. They aren't allowed to have any simple feelings. They always have to play the heavy or the sad old man. The definitive version of "Next" for me is the Alex Harvey version. I love that one. Honestly this cabaret stuff only makes sense to me once it's married to punk or whatever you want to call what Tom Waits does. I've also had great experiences with the later Scott Walker albums, but it's fairly dense stuff. Not something you can listen to in any context except to sit and listen to.
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 There are definitely some unfortunate and outdated lyrics here and there too.
This feels like an album that I'm far from the right demographic and time period necessary to come close to enjoy it. For the most part, I can't get past the voice even when the lyrics or instrumental are engaging. My favorite songs were his covers, making me wonder if I would like the originals more. My grandpa would probably skip this if it came on too. 2.5/10
#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 Song added to playlist: Jackie I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link
I understand I need to listen to the lyrics but thought it was Tom Jones reminiscent and can get on board with
I’m a little concerned when an artist comes up from the late 60’s or the 70’s comes up that I’ve never heard of. And I’ve never heard of Scott Walker. After listening, I’m not sure who this made it to a “must hear” list. Over-orchestrated music, that sounds like a mix of bad musicals and something you’d expect over the closing credits of a James Bond knockoff movie. The lyrics are overblown, like a middle schooler with a thesaurus, trying to sound deep. I found a review on Allmusic that summed this up nicely: “uncommonly ambitious lyricist cloaked behind over the top, schmaltzy orchestral arrangements”. Spotify had the lyrics available, it’s worth reading along just to marvel at how bad they are. I pondered giving this 3/5 just for being audacious and a bit different. But I think Walker is serious, and saw this as some sort of statement on…. Well, I don’t know. By the time I made it into the 2nd side I was just putting up with it. Still, I wasn’t offended, didn’t (quite) feel the need need to turn off. But I can’t go above 2/5
reminded me of Barry Manilow, but I would have preferred to listen to Manilow instead.
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!
2 sterren omdat het z'n tweede is
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)
Sir, a second Scott Walker album has hit this list
This feels dated for the late-sixties. He feels like a parody of himself. Like, is it supposed to be a little silly? Because it makes me laugh when I imagine him singing this way ironically, and it also makes me laugh when I imagine him singing it sincerely.
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
I like his voice... he's sorta funny, and the beat is fun...it's definitely old (1968)...a lotta vibrato though... kind of a musical feel. actually, now he sounds like Hugh Jackman - not in Love with the lyrical content either.... I'm out.
He's got a good voice and and the orchestration is pleasant but cannot get into any song. i guess his lyrics were a novelty- never thought i would here the term Stupid Ass in a ballad. Also he covers Jacques Brel- an album i recetly listened to and didnt particularly like- so his style is a bit grating for me. I am a big fan pf the band Sparks and they have a plethora of whimsical songs and humorous lyrics but this guy seems just odd. Strange album.
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.
Solid wall of sound. Love his voice. Corny but fun. A solid listen. 3.5 stars
This guy is wilding
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
This is something I'd expect to hear in a low budget western film another pop/country album about as good as the genre could probably be and that's just from the first song Jackie.
pretty nice album
Really enjoyed it. Never heard of it before but music was good!
A frank sinatra saying punk lyrics. Is unfinishable to annoying.
Theatrical, poppy, not my bag
Fascinating - so blue and weird, but very evocative of Jacques Brel
What genre even is this? I have no frame of reference. It is either a 2 or a 4
4/5
plus ou moins aimé. 6.5/10
So very weird
As if the other Scott Walker album wasn't enough - but wait, there's more! He strikes me as the kind of artist that should be on the list so people unfamiliar with him can be exposed - then search out his catalogue on their own (and then leave the 2 Divine Comedy albums off entirely - we don't need the modern retread). That said, I found this slightly more enjoyable than Scott 4, passably clever songwriting and a good singing voice. But much like Ackles' "American Gothic", there's something uncannily off about the meters and rhythms of the songs - and not in a good Tom Waits-y way. Glad for the exposure to a unique figure in pop music, but the albums just aren't for me.
To be honest, this makes me think of the Gaither Gospel Band, a 80s southern gospel vocal group. I don't like it. I do really like some of the orchestration, but it's a miss for me otherwise. If there was no singing, I'd say this was a really good instrumental album. But I'm getting the ick from this.
A man way too in love with his own voice (whose defining feature is a too-slow vibrato).
It's definitely something.
interesting. Great voice.
Not quite my cup of tea
Edgy lyrics set to showtune music makes for an odd album
TRASH SEXIST TRASH
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
Great album. Enjoyed will listen again
Loved it
The second album in a tetralogy that would cement his legend as the crooner to end all crooners for those who lean on the avant-garde tip, Scott 2 sees its titular creator not only further refine his shtick but spread his wings to expose increasingly strange (at the time) tastes. With one foot in the door of his beloved Brel songs and the other in his formative songwriting process, Scott holds a mirror to show us what was, what is and what eventually will be. It's the best of both worlds. Favorites: Jackie, Best of Both Worlds, Black Sheep Boy, The Amorous Humphrey Plugg, Next, Plastic Palace People, The Girls and the Dogs, Window of the World.
Ok
Enjoyable. Makes me feel classy and slightly misogynistic. Overall a nice experience, but he has better projects.
Brani Preferiti: - "Jackie" - "The Girls from the Street" - "The Girls and The Dogs" Note: Il fatto che ho ascoltato questo album per la prima volta senza fare troppo caso al testo, per poi accorgermi di quel che dice e risentirmi l'album con attenzione è stato un momento estremamente comico della giornata. Scott ha una bella voce e con la musica d'orchestra molte delle canzoni sembrano essere dei sottofondi musicali per lounge o film hollywoodiani. Sono rimasto sorpreso da quanto ho trovato piacevole e divertente questo disco.
The entire b side is all skips and the lyrics are such 60s European bullshit but the wall of sound production is just top notch and Jackie's a fucking killer opener.
Started off really promising but became a bit of a chore.
This album was cute-cute in a stupid ass way Best song: Best of Both Worlds?
English Jacques Brel? Maybe good to fall asleep
I am absolutely stunned that there's two of these albums on this list. More bizarre crooning and genre defying.
Boy, this really is dog shit.
Not my cup of tea, though he has a fine voice. You can hear the cracks starting to appear in the Pop Phenomenon - particularly in Plastic Palace People which is a deeply wierd track. Jackie an absolute tune.
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.
It’s good, brassy, bold. It ain’t quite Scott 4 though.
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.
a melancholy masterpiece, even at the time it was a towering achievement of a passing era
This was pretty damn nice really. Sometimes in teeters on being too theatrical for my personal taste but an enjoyable listen. Fav track: plastic palace people 3.5
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
I was not a fan of this album. The lyricism was interesting and explored darker themes, but the music was so over the top that it felt like a parody of itself. It was overly cinematic and the vocal performance itself was too much. I won’t deny that Scott Walker is talented, but I found this album very puzzling.
Bonito ¿Baroque pop? Cantante con voz bonita cantando canciones bonitas, canciones tranquilas, baladas.
Not my kinda music, but this one is damn beautiful
How goodly weird. "Next" was a fun listen. I imagine this album as something my art teacher would have playing in the classroom while students were working on projects or something. It's definitely something. It reminds me of Rocky Horror at some points, reminds me of Frank Sinatra at some points, reminds me of Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder) at some points. What a beautiful and strange album. What a weirdo! I love this. I'm keeping this one.
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
Er ikke lige til disneymusikken
First song is good, others insignificant
Es interesante, pero lo único que me ha gustado de Scott Walker es la banda sonora que hizo para The Childhood of a Leader.
Really enjoyed this.
Album #945 is a second Scott Walker one. And here I was, thinking one was way more than enough. Anyway, as for Scott 2: inconsistent retro, nothing the vast majority of folks today would voluntarily ask to listen to.
Wildly inconsistent and the lyrics were bad. It was not enjoyable. No need to listen or even consider. It is better than 1 but not a 2. I will round down.
Gross
Interesting
First things first. The guy can sing. The songs vary between cabaret and 1970s variety show tunes. Just okay.
This album is cuckoo bananas.
A bit too bland and boomery for me
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
It's a rare talent to have someone with an admittedly strong voice, backed by the classic '60s pop sound, to create music that's so bland. This record reminds me of someone like Barry Manilow - but for all of Manilow's corniness and cheesiness, I'd much rather listen to his music.
Yeah it's really good. Can't decide if this would be my pick of the 3 Scott albums before the masterpiece, but it's a worthy pick. Love all his Brel covers, but these are some of the dirtiest, in a grimy sense. Feel like you could catch something just listening to them, wonderful. The other covers are nice, Scotts original stuff is great. I would probably choose Scott 3, more of his original stuff.
He was a huge Jacques Brel fanboy, and you can hear it in his chanson singing style, incorporating folk and classical instrumentation, making for some very dramatic songs. There are some cool moments on here, but I struggled to find any song I liked from start to finish. Half the songs are just completely lame, at least a Sinatra-wannabe. I thought I was critical of his next 2 albums, but at least he knew his worth. This just feels way too commercial and derivative. Favorites: Next, Plastic Palace People
Boring. Also he said f*g.
Not as good as Scott 4 but still not a bad listen. Just a little weird at times.
Thats a large portion Oh frig no, definitely not one for me.
Really good.
I get that Scott Walker is supposed to be this rogue crooner who earned the respect of the gritty auteurs, but everything about this felt dated to my ear. I will admit a bias - even Tony Bennett and Tom Jones do nothing for me, so he was fighting an uphill battle. For every song that had moments that drew my attention, songs like The Girls and the Dogs would come along to make me cringe. I just can't get on board
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.
I have always found Scott Walker's solo material odd (but in a great way). I like the orchestral, theatrical pop he embraced quite a lot. It may be over the top and overly dramatic, but that is the point. Jacques Brel, who is covered here, is like Bacharach on steroids. As a period piece it is a good listen.
This sounds like an album of show tunes. Not for me.
This sucked. Smaltzy and boring. Could not finish it.
What an absolute pleasure to listen to this album.
Came very late in life to early Scott WAlker, and then there was a period when I listened to little else. The four first Scott albums are stunning and this one is possibly the finest.
I'm honestly not sure what to make of this - it's quite nice in places - there's a kind of performative, theatrical element to it. There's some nice instrumental bits, with sweeping violins and things. The first song is certainly something - It's very grandiose. There's plenty of other meandering songs though that are hard to latch onto, and a lot of other songs that are just really slow and drag. Overall it's just... a bit weird? Hard to digest as a pop album? I like the ambition, but it's not for me.
Wanted to like the music, couldn’t do the lyrics
Frustratingly sexist, garbage vibrato, lounge-lizard, disco-adjacent trash vocals laid on top of Specter's lifeless brick turd production. I hated everything about this pretentious, cheesy, corpse of a record.
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
Horrible.
Pop barroco. Dura 43 minutos y me ha parecido tres horas... Un dos.
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.
Mikä vitun musikaali tää on? :D Ei nyt silleensä huonoa mutta olihan tää nyt aika paskaa :d
Second album on this list from this guy (the other pretty recent too) and I don't know quite what to make of it. It's not boring, anyway, and the music is well-voiced and well-produced. Bonus point for just really odd lyrical choices.
Very enjoyable
pure joy
A swaying, crooning album. 3.5
The content did not match what I expected from a late 60s songwriter album.
it felt like a musical album for broadway or a disney movie sountrack album but a bad one
Okay, it looks really simple - thanks to this list I was introduced to the magnificent person, Scott Walker. After listening, twice, to the album "Scott 2" I have fallen into the deep hole of googling everything related to Walker in his career. I am absolutely amazed by his uncompromising standards and most importantly his amazing voice. How can a person like this make a fabulous rendition of "Jackie" by Jacques Brel, to collaborate with drone metal kings Sun O))) years later? This is just simply an enormous achievement. Going back to "Scott 2" - I didn't like every song, some of it was a pretty boring "French Movies Song From 60s" stuff, but when he surprised you, there was no coming back. It's not the best album in the world, but it opened another door for me, and just because of that I will remember it for a very long time.
Well, this guy is certainly a guy who sings songs. I kinda like the schmaltzy showtune Tom Jones vibe, but definitely in small doses. The songs themselves are meh as compositions and cover choices, except a couple.
Glorious baroque pop with Walker’s fine, fine crooning voice. What must his Walker Brothers audience have made of this? An artist doing as he pleases, ignoring pop contention with full on orchestral, cinematic songs about dogs and girls from the street and mobile army whore houses. And kudos to Walker for championing the work of Jacques Brel, Belgium’s finest singer songwriter, bringing English translations of his incredible, majestic, poetic work. This is an album to luxuriate in, like a rich meal or a warm bath. Peerless.
Es onda un Frank Sinatra, me aburrió bastante, no es lo mío.
This was akin to a strange, semi dystopian, drug fuelled trip on the Love Boat during an all you can eat banquet dinner...
I was thinking a 3, then my dad said it should be a 1 as it was so much saccharine 60s orchestra bits with the same wavering vocals. So let's be mean and give it a 2.
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.
I don't really have patience for you scott walker.
No thanks.
Good songs.
Grew on me a little. The man definitely has a golden voice but I wasn’t feeling this one
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
Just kind of sounds like a whole lot of nothing, nothing memorable about this album at all. He slso sounds like he is trying to copy someone but I can't put a name to them.
This is... so weird. It sounds like the music my grandparents listened to in the car on a rainy evening, while I'm slowly waking up in the backseat having cigarette smoke fill my lungs. I respect Scott's songs about having his "ass slapped like a faggot" and gonorrhea. That must have been bold for 1968.
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.
This sounded to me like a parody album of a parody album. To paraphrase the late Wavy Gravy, it was 'specifically, not good'.
Doesn't measure up to other crooners
This was just a really weird album. The vocals and lyricism were pretty good, but the whole thing just came across as overly theatrical and pretentious. I could never take it seriously. To add to it, I just thought it was quite boring. I cannot fault his talent, but this is absolutely not my thing. Also I thought there was a Jacques Brel feel to this whole thing - Funny to see that a few of these are Brel interpretations. I thought Olympia 64 was good but maybe I would have found him pretentious too if I was from a French-speaking nation. Favourite: Jackie
4.0 - Disjointed and much better as a sardonic takedown of big band crooning pop music, a sort of mash-up of Tom Jones with Frank Zappa. In that vein, “Next”, a Jacques Brel original, is a standout gem, the lyrics of which read like existentialist “lost generation” poetry. That song, as well as “The Girls and the Dogs” show that I’ve clearly underestimated Brel as a songwriter. Walker himself proves his songwriting chops on “Plastic Palace People” and “The Bridge”, both filled with their own striking images. Then there are a couple of detours into earnest big band crooning that I find paltry: “Wait Until Dark” and “Wisdoms of the World.”
Buena voz. Estilo clásico en plan cantautor. Un tanto de la época. Me han parecido muchas canciones iguales
This is like a play. Not interested after the first song
Well, I don't know what I expected. I'm really stuck on this one. On one hand, I appreciate the almost cinematic orchestrations here with wild lyrics and showmanship. On the other, this is tough to get through. I can appreciate the move from mainstream pop to avant garde like this though. I want to say this was ahead of its time for 1968, but it also sounds like a complete product of its time. I don't think I'm educated enough to rate this one so take these stars with a grain of salt and make your own call.
It’s a “Scott 2/5” for me, but I have to say that this dude’s voice was made to croon over the big brass and smooth strings of a Bond theme (Fun Fact: Walker’s “Only Myself To Blame” was originally intended for the closing credits of 1999’s The World Is Not Enough before being replaced with a techno remix of the classic Bond theme…tough break).
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
Majestic songs performed with appropriate emotion. Mostly accessible and conventional arrangements, with only hints of the creative vision that would only fully be revealed much later in his career. Still, this is a great album on it’s own
Heat!!!!! Känns långt före sin tid men samtidigt ba koolt? Idk... måst lyssna mer Scotty
Good and dramatic. Quite a voice!
This album was ok but it felt so weird. I just got a strange feeling from this album.
I put the divine comedy on and really enjoyed it. This was shit.
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.
not my tempo
Strange, theatrical, horny, crooner music. loved two of the songs, Jackie and next but not nothing else did much for me.
Cheese deluxe. Gross. No thanks. Go away.
Yeah that was pretty awful.
WTF was that? Some weird blend of orchestral pop backed gross male behavior novelty songs… Jacques Brel covers? Stop. No thank you.
This is horrible. This is so much worse then anything i expected.
This was a chore to get through
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.
This feller has an incredibly wobbly voice and some odd lyrics. Pretty good.
I am obsessed with this album hahaha. It has the drama of a musical. Very theatrical lyrics and ensemble. Rather than singing along with the composed music, it’s very clear that the music is there to emphasize and compliment his voice. and his vocals are so strong. Fun!! Slay Scott The girls and the dogs was my fav
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
Not a fan of this at all. Seems like super self-indulgent pretentious 60's horny music. I feel like I really didn't need to listen to this before I died, but here we are.
Weird damn album. I liked it alright though. It was like a mix of Jacques Brel + Tom Waits with more lounge. 3/5
Walker sounds like a mix between Nick Cave and Frank Sinatra and I am here for it. It’s a little monotonous, but still very pretty music, would listen again. B
Why don’t people like Scott Walker he’s so awesome, there’s a tonne of covers which brings it down a little but it’s still great 4/5.
A belting, deep wavering voice, odd lyrics, chamber pop - it's Scott Walker of course. I know people love this man with a passion but it's just not my thing. I get it, but I just don't like it that much. Or maybe I don't; they all sound like off cuts from a dated musical. Best Tracks: Jackie; Black Sheep Boy; Next
His first album is a 5, I think.
Liked it but a few songs threw me off a little
This dude took an orchestra, a microphone, put them together and “cooked” as the kids say. You don’t hear this type of orchestral-pop-singing too often outside of the theater. And this dude NAILED it. For some reason kinda he reminds me of Barry Manilow. Not a bad thing. He did drop a soft f bomb in the song “Next” but I’ll forgive him. It was the 60s after all. It’s times like this when I really wish this website had decimals or a 10 star rating system because there were a couple songs that just didn’t get me going as much as I wish they had. Especially since the first song on the album hits you so hard it’s just a little disappointing to have those few mis-hits. 4.75/5 would be the ideal rating for this but fuck it. 5/5.
Musical theater ass album. Scott, buddy, this is commercial music in the 60s - not Guys and Dolls. Now with that being said, this cat is fucking cooking! 2 albums within 3 days using Spector’s wall of sound technique is kinda crazy!
I hated this album and the lyrics upset me. Boooooo
Sounds like a movie soundtrack for a movie that was on the cutting edge of technicolor. Did Bo Burnham write "Next"? I could see a lot of these songs (Next / Girls and the Dogs) being in a Frank Sinatra Jr. Family Guy Episode with how crude/humorous some of the lyrics are. Good voice, but I don't really understand the album.
Interesting album not my cup of tea but maybe in the right setting.
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.
What a weird album. I can't tell if this guy takes himself seriously or not. Some weird ass shit happening but Jackie was cool.
I tried to listen to it...started scanning songs and lost interest quickly. Why is this a 1001 album? Is it "what not to do?" Is it because Phil Spector and his "wall of sound" epicness? Whatever - others have done this schtick better.
Not what I expected knowing his top played hit
I like the orchestral aesthetic, I just didn't love any of these songs. The songs all felt far too similar to all the other songs.
1.5
Good voice but old music
I adore Scott Walker. His is the voice I wish came from within me when I open my mouth to sing. This is a fabulously (over) dramatic album. Only reason it’s not 5 star is that it’s probably the one I return least of his first 4 albums. But that is an endorsement of the quality of the rest of those albums rather than a knock on this collection
What the hell? How was this ever popular?
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
This guy sucks. Every song is this grandeous sweeping gesture over acted horse water.
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).
I like older, weirder Scott Walker, as a rule, but this still has much to recommend it. The Jacques Brel covers, in particular, go hard! Fave tracks - "Jackie", "Next", "The Girls and the Dogs"
Lyrically brilliant - political, powerful, angry at moments. But the juxtaposition of the music with the lyrics is really weird for me to the point where it almost feels as if he's lampooning the protest music of the late 60s. Sadly, the song I liked best on the album (Black Sheep Boy) isn't his. Next, while a tough listen, is an incredibly poignant look at how much war fucks you up. But overall, it's just not for me.
I always thought Scott Walker was like the Frank Sinatra for alt kids. And I mean that in the best ways. The vocals and orchestration pair extremely well here, but the experimental elements of the song writing, as subtle as they are, really elevates this album for me.
Lounge singing at it's best!
Never even heard of Scott Walker before this, had no idea what to expect. With a beautiful orchestra in the background and some amazing lyrics, not to mention Scott's amazing voice, this was a great listen! Dark and brooding, some crooning involved, but not in excess. Really enjoyed this! Saved tracks: Jackie, Black Sheep Boy, The Amorous Humphrey Plugg, Next, Windows Of The World
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
Brilliant album. Vibrato is a hit or miss for me but his is stunning. His resonance is notable too. Overall the production is also well balanced and pleasing.
Scott Walker may very well have one of the best voices of all time. While I don't quite jive with his music, I can recognize his outstanding talent. 4/5. Favorite Track: Jackie
all this makes me think of is going back to stockport (that's where it's at) https://youtu.be/yKG8SSSAvPQ
Shagging the remains of an abortion out of your ex girlfriend is a wonderful remedy for grief. This record is the perfect soundtrack for it.
Better than Scott 1. Certainly better than Scott Kelly.
Operatic type music.His voice was ok but I didn’t really like it to be honest.Didn’t vibe with it.Ignore my other review that was by accident.
This is quite enjoyable, in an over-the-top and theatrical way, complete with its questionable lyrics. Jackie is clear and away the stand out track.
The tragic charm of a bygone lounge crooner, weaving tales of lost love and a childhood scathed. "Next" hit me especially hard, and "Come Next Spring" was a perfectly bittersweet closer.
7/10
very good
vittyu mikä pervo äijä.. orkesteri morkensteri instrumentit pijauttaa kivaa melodiaa mutta mieliala pistää vaikeasti nautittavaksi. vanhahtava recording ei tällä kertaa toimi.. teveisin audiofiili audio phile i have 2 sides...nice..FUCKING AUDIOPHILE!!!! jackie
Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Jackie, The girls and the dogs
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.
Unbearably cheesy, timelessly cheesy.
Delusional brassy ear trash
A showtimes sounding album made for crass listeners. It is odd with how good his voice is and how old school it sounds with the vulgar and odd lyrics of the songs. Overall it wasn’t great and I found myself wanting to skip a few songs. As good as the voice is it can’t make this album worth listening. Scott 2 deserves a 2. 4.2/10
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
Thank god that's over. I hated nearly everything about this. Fuckin' awful. 1 star.
Vegas show tunes vibes
Not for me. Next is wack 2
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.
The schtick wears out pretty quick. Could see enjoying it in the right context, but a whole album is just too syrupy and in-your-face.
Though this album of (mostly) covers doesn't hold a candle to his creative breakthrough "Scott 3," I always enjoy Scott Walker. Some of the lyrics are hilariously coarse, especially considering the time period. "Plastic Palace People" hints at the direction he will go in next and is a standout track to me.
I wanna like it more and I appreciate the style, but vocally it starts to become a bit much... like too many donuts.
boring
Meh
First impression was just lounge act but it was more than that but not really my thing.
uh
Can't beat Scott 4 4 3
Meh
not for me
so boring....
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.
Unerträglich. Obwohl die Arrangements eigentlich echt gut sind. Die Songs aber nicht. Die Texte sind ganz gut, die einfallslose Musik aber gar nicht.
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.
Très bon comme baroque pop, fait un peu penser à du Engelbert Humperdinck, très smooth, parfait pour un souper de weekend en famille.
I don't know how to rate this... At first I was put off by another "crooner record" (and the Phil Spector wall of sound) but then halfway through "Jackie" the lyrics caught my ear and I had multiple double-takes. Then "Next" comes in and it is clear that this isn't Tony Bennett: these Jacques Brel songs have something interesting to offer. Overall it's the type of thing I'm hoping to encounter on this list: something I've never heard of, something outside my usual listening, and something that, on reflection, was probably groundbreaking and influential.
60s orchestral vocal pop with naughty lyrics. I still don't like crooners.
Meh
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.
No me ha gustado nada. Esto es prescindible por muy Disney y croner que pueda sonar. Se va a llevar una estrella y gracias.
Jackie is kind of a banger. Scott Walker has a really pleasing voice. The song lyrics seem very risque for this time period.
Oklahoma part 2
What in the literal fork is this shirt? I can see where, after hearing one or two of the tunes, you might say to yourself, "Self", says I, "this be nought but a store brand Sinatra, not unpleasing to the ear". The kids said a couple of the songs reminded them of bad Christmas music from 60's claymation specials. But Scottie boy doesn't leave us that option. No siree. Track 1 is some of the weirdest crap I've ever heard - and I like weird. Alex said that even William Shatner's spoken word albums are better than this. I. Agree (cue Shatner voice with lots of pauses).
Incredible. True artistry, poetry. Highly unenjoyable. I picture Andy Warhol playing this at one of his parties, and everyone nodding and smiling, sublimely aware that this music should only be enjoyed at that moment, as one day it will become deeply and rightfully buried by the sands of time.
Genius and over indulgent is the same breath. I have never warmed to Scott Walker completely but hi influence on so many bands I love is inescapable
Three years since I listened to the quartet properly, and I knew I would love Scott 2 standing by itself. It's a nearly perfect night-out album, with Walker pushing the boundaries while remaining eminently listenable. Basically the good version of the Dion record I heard yesterday. Spectacularity is inconsistent, as it maybe must be. But pop Scott Walker and weird Scott Walker are all worth listening to, preferably in big blocks.
Fun album. Full of some classic 60's tracks.
Something you would hear in a movie.
They're nice enough songs. I think this pompous theatrical style of pop is too stuffy for me. While everything here is competently done, the artistic expression on display feels like style over substance. Scott Walker's singing feels more like an act, making the whole album ring hallow. I would rather a sloppy album with personality than a well-crafted one that's bland.
I'm surprised that this one has such a low rating. I think it's pretty good. He has an impressive voice, and the orchestration is great. I am a sucker for strings. My favourite songs were Next, The Amorous Humphrey Plugg, and The Girls and The Dogs.
I admit that I had never even heard of Scott Walker. Interesting listen, for sure.
Theatre kid core
Definitely interesting...
Nothing about this album aged well.
3.5
Not as good as 1 or 4 but still a great record.
Pretty good, not an all time fave but I still managed to like it a lot
Mixed bag. loved the first tune, hated the second. overall enjoyable but not really my thing.
It was easing its way into self-parody.
I don't know this guy...at all. So I put on the first track, Jackie and liked it, reminded me the bastard child of Neil Diamond and Tom Jones...but as it went on, it began to feel like Jack Black would have a field day singing this album.
Hmmm. Usually I would give an album two stars if I don't like it but the music is inoffensive enough that I can sit through it. Although I did sit through this, and not want to rip my ears off, it was pretty bland and there are some other features that have really annoyed me about it. Firstly, how very fucking unoriginal to name your album after your first name, and not only that, this is Scott 2, the sequel to Scott as I later discovered, and furthermore the precursor to Scott 3 and Scott 4. The lyrics verge from the soppy to the downright misogynistic. I also later found out Walker was English, so even more unforgivable is his use of 'ass' rather than 'arse' (get it right if you must). On a more charitable day this would be a 2, but fuck you Scott, here's another 1 star review
Definitely hasn’t aged well. While the lyrics and intense and his voice is clear and talented, the pieces just don’t add up to a good sum. Next
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
Unexpectedly a lot of fun!
no
Beetje theatraal, opera.
Barf. These are the worst Bond theme songs by far. The movie soundtrack background music is great but that Scott guy needs to shut the fuck up.
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.
Scott Walker is great. Haven't really listened to any of his records before but found this charming and grounded and pretty enjoyable. I like the mix of originals and covers, which as I understand it, this was the last one of his records with such a balanced mix. Always down to check out more of this stuff.
Boring and corny. An album of the time. Does not age well, but well produced pop.
I liked it better than Scott 4, the previous album I heard on this project. The baroque pop stuff is always solid in my book, even if it's a little kitschy.
That was…a lot. Not my cup of tea, but I do appreciate the spirit of the record! Scott Walker had a unique vision and he went the $&@# after it!
I tired, but couldn't finish it. It's not bad. I just can't though.
I don’t hate it. Unexpectedly very dark, holy crap.
12 pieces of music that sound absolutely beautiful, likely played by world-class musicians and some asshat comes along and drowns it all out by 'singing' making every song sound exactly the same; no thank you.
Wow! This is the most magnificent thing I have ever heard in my life! Wow! Love!
Yeah, I still don’t get it. Quality production, dramatic and grand, but also reminds me of generic white bread.
My feelings about this one swing wildly from love it to hate it and back again. These songs are cinematic and epic and total cornball. But somehow it all works and I'm closer to love it than not. The Jacques Brel covers in particular sound just right coming from Walker.
Three weeks ago I head the pleasure of discovering this extraordinary artist thanks to this list and Scott 4. From the first notes of the cinematic “Jackie” to the last notes of the lush “Come Next Spring” - I love this album even more! I have another new favorite artist! Scott knows how to deliver these incredible orchestration-powered songs - as a former French horn player I can’t help but love their prominence on this album. I love this album so much I listened to in three times in a row without stopping… followed by three more listens later in the day. The storytelling on these songs is incredible. The songs deal with real life in sometimes jolting ways. These surprising moments drew me in more. The songs are beautifully poetic sending me to so many different places - absolutely wonderful! I see that Scott Walker’s most recent album is from 2016. I’m so excited to have 50 years of Scott Walker to explore. Just a few notable items: “If I could be for just one little hour, a cute cute, in a stupid-ass way.” - Jackie The incredible strings accentuating “The best of both worlds, make your pick Amanda…” - Best of Both Worlds “If you love me let me live in peace and please understand, that a black sheep can wear a Golden Fleece and hold a winning hand.” - Black Sheep Boy “Oh to die of kisses, Ecstasies and charms, Pavements of poets will write that I died in nine angel’s arms tonight” - The Amorous Humphrey Plugg “I swear on the wet head of my first case of gonhorrhea…” - Next “Plastic palace Alice, She steals her cards tomorrow deals with deafening despair” - Plastic Palace People “The cheerless day may bring us little dreams that seem to miss their mark but, oh, my darling, wait until dark” - Wait Until Dark (*swoon*)
the entire time i was listening i felt like i was in a musical of some sort. it was uninteresting however the actual music was impressive at some times.
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
very cool
Vintage … not in a good way