Atomizer

3/5 - drums are wicked but not my cup of tea

Some catchy tunes here (e.g., Kerosine) but overall rather ugly; not to say that ugly can't be beautiful though.

Didn't hate this even though it's heavy. Not bad

I shouldn't like this, it's quite noisy & shouty and yet there must be enough underlying melody to get away with it. The lyrics would probably make the difference between 2 & 3, however I can't discern them.

Not on Spotify

Not on Spotify

this is not available on Spotify, I assume for my own protection

Initial impression 3.5, probably give this one another listen

A decent listen, full of noise and vitriol. Not great music, if you ask me, but I can't argue with their social criticisms. I guess I'd just channel that energy in a different way.

To be honest, I started this one with the assumption that I would strongly dislike it, after reading about the album on Wikipedia. I expected an extremely angry, chaotic and dissonant punk record that I wouldn't stand and skip out on after half of the first four tracks and a single, lone star. Turns out, it really wasn't nearly as bad as that at all and I listened to the entire record and even enjoyed having it on during some parts. While it is angry and dissonant and also very, veeeery angsty; it's not a chaotic punk record at all. It's much more industrial than punk, more artful and controlled than a mere vomiting of pent up, energetic frustrations. In the end, I didn't truly enjoy this album and I don't feel any desire to listen to it again. But still, I was pleasantly surprised.

Aaaaaahhh!!!

The current stereotype of the American small town serves as a handy illustration of the Hegelian dialectic (although the standard formulation of the Hegelian dialectic came from followers of Hegel rather than Hegel himself). Nice, clear introduction, that! For those without the foolishness to get philosophy degrees, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel was a 19th-century German philosopher noted for his obscurancy. Indeed, his obscurancy has led plenty to denounce him as a charlatan (and may well lead me to make some howlers in articulating his views), but he also proved a decisive influence on modern European philosophy. Anyway, focusing on one aspect of Hegelian thought, Hegel asserted that history followed a rational process of progress, a process that became formalised as the Hegelian dialectic. That is, a central thesis gets formed, and the opposite to that thesis, the antithesis, generates in reaction. The thesis and antithesis come into conflict, out of which emerges a synthesis, which retains the rational aspects of both the thesis and antithesis whilst rejecting the pair's irrational aspects. This synthesis in turn becomes the thesis in another round of the Hegelian dialectic. Everyone following? In honesty, it doesn't really matter if you're not. So, American small towns. In 1984, you get the movie Footloose, where wackjob preacher John Lithgow bans dancing and it's up to Kevin Bacon's nifty pins to boogie apart Lithgow's neighbourhood tyranny. So here, John Lithgow represents the thesis and Kevin Bacon the antithesis. I won't spoil it, but you can guess what the synthesis is. And Big Black's Atomizer, with its abrasive guitars and crass lyrical themes, is basically Kevin Bacon (Yes, I knew I had a point to all this!). Now, a lot of parpings has been whaffed out regarding the iniquities of the American small town, and how all the young people get so bored with their parents' genteel Christian fascism that they spend their time putting meth up each others' bottoms and nailing themselves to passing cars. I tend to find such depictions tawdry and rather dishonest: some teens do get mashed up on toad secretions, but most actually just graduate. Speaking of which, the central figure to Big Black, Steve Albini, got himself a degree in journalism before forming Big Black. Nowadays, Steve Albini has more renown as a recording engineer. The job title is significant: Albini refuses the tag of "producer", considering his role to record the act faithfully without contamination from his aesthetic sensibilities. Over 1500 acts have sought his ministrations, most famously Nirvana with In Utero. Of course, I can't speak about the totality of his work as an engineer, but I have loved much of the most prominent work he's engineered. The perceptive might have noticed that I have waffled on something chronic with scant mention of the album. That's because the album is insubstantial to the touch. It's an okay punk album cursed with rather a lack of spark, and yet more evidence to my argument that America never really understood the potential of punk. I do not concur at all with the notion that this is noise at its rawest. Each song sounds fine (not great) in isolation, but the frenzy dissipates as song follows song, and in the end you both feel both drowsy and unfilled. Along with this, the oh-so-adult nature of the lyrics often strikes one as a product of quite cheerless immaturity. That this immaturity was intentional, the punchline for a killing joke, is of no relevance whatsoever. You may consider a song about some teens setting themselves on fire for shits and giggles to be profound, but not me, I've read Hegel. And I've seen Footloose.

An enjoyable punk romp

The lousy quality of the record affects a little bit the possibility of analyzing their songs. I know that garage rock should sound as bad as it is on this release, but it's still making it hard to appreciate. Given that this album is part of the remains of punk history and 80s history that is accessible to us. We probably will never know how these things happened at that time, but this kind of thing makes us feel something that matters. It shows us how humankind is linked by the long line of history and its revolutions (musical revolutions for the sake of this list, but not only). I didn't know anything about "Big Black" before today, but I'm used to enjoying early punk rock.

Good punk sound

Punk is not usually my 1st choice to listen to but was listenable.

I actually enjoyed this more than I figured I would. It wasn’t amazing but the drum machine was cool and it rolled along.

Not on spotify

Pretty good punk album. I appreciated the amount of instrumental compared to vocal.

Another punk rock album that gets palced next to the many others: not very remarkable, a bit too loud and aggressive and easily forgettable

Cet album au nom extrêmement douteux ne m'a étrangement pas tant dérangé que cela musicalement parlant. En revanche, sa présence sur exclusive sur Youtube m'horripile au plus haut point. Nous avons déjà émis plusieurs rappels à l'ordre à l'encontre des artistes usant de cette stratégie. Le prochain album sera sanctionné d'un 2/5, et ce peu importe sa qualité.

Sadly not on the old Spotify 🙁

Liked this a lot for what it is. Sounded like highly caffeinated Black Flag with some youthful exuberance.

Not really my thing, but I can see how it leads to the things that are my thing.

Good wholesome fun

They have this industrial sound that I'm used to with CSS.

punk bem executado.

I don't know about this one

Cool. Some absolutely insane guitar sounds. Also kinda annoying. 6-7/10

Good punk/industrial record for it’s time, definitely a pioneer. Poor quality recording and redundant songs dropped this one down for me, but still great stuff

Not available on Spotify. Found on your tube. Pretty good.

first listen very harsh industrial sound and i didn't not like it

It explains a lot about where Albini is coming from. I enjoyed this.

Never heard of this album or band before...but man there are some crazy tracks here...If I ever had a budget could see using some of these in a film. Fists of Love and Kerosene being two off the top of my head.

Liked the instrument play but did not like the screaming, felt out of place

Punk oscuro. Ni fu ni fa.

One of the more yikes-inducing albums on the list, I'm sure. I hope Steve Albini is confused by my having listened to as flac files taken from a vinyl edition.

Strong 3, wiggy music

Reminds me of Rage, Grew on me second time round, Might come back later. 5/10

Meh

4/10… no wave / industrial rock / *1986

This record proves two things- 1. Steve Albini could never outrun the massive weight of his own ego. 2. You can’t make good rock with a drum machine.

Ontem não foi um bom dia pra esse disco

Maso

It was ok

This is the first album on this journey that’s made me ask the existential question: what constitutes music? There are elements of a great album here: deep lyrical concepts, driving beats, and creative rhythms, but it misses the mark. Some of the beats are really likable, but the accompanying sounds and vocals are so harsh and off-putting, I can’t enjoy them. I applaud the heavy, interesting lyrical concepts, even though I feel they’re mostly poorly executed. The album sounds like small-town kids experimenting with music while channeling their angst in their parents’ basement. I’m giving the album a 2, but really regarding it as a 2.5 because of the potential it had to be something better.

Another group that could've had a good punk sound if they didn't add a bunch of noise for the sake of being noisy

1.5? Idk, it's not my thing

Kerosene

A little rough for my taste, but not bad. Rating: 3/10 Favorite Song: Passing Complexion

Meh. Not really my thing.

I was asking myself why would anyone listen to this willingly the entire time.

I didn't need that in my life.

Awful

Although not a long album, it felt long, took me having to stop and come back a couple times. Some of the songs were hit or miss and wasn’t the biggest fan overall.

Wasn't that bad but not the kind of punk I like. Too fast for me just like how I don't like speed metal.

not my style but its okey. too punk for me

It was very dark and distorted, I would say it was a type of metal, because it was post-punk for sure. It had some solid moments but I think they were still exploring a new sound. So kind of a high two star album for me.

RATING: 5/10 HIGHLIGHT: Kerosene LOWLIGHT: Fists of Love

That first track was awful. It definitely hindered my experience even though the rest of the album really wasn't bad. As much as I want to hate it, it's too catchy and is purposefully harsh. It's not bad, just not music to my ears.

Fighting the urge to give this one star. I think the tone of the bass guitar here is really cool. But truthfully, these are just not good songs. The vocalist is really not good. Frankly, this isn't a good band and they don't write good songs, so I'm unsure why it's even a part of this.

Barely listened to two full songs. Too scream-o.

Overall Rating - 2.30/5 (4.60/10). Not the kind of punk I particularly like.

* To be fair this isn't really the type of music I'd play myself but it's a decent album to say the least.

Good energy, too heavy at times for me tho

It's an angry, confused, despair filled scream given lasting form in the shape of a 40 minute album. That's intention that I feel like I've made out even through the delivery being pretty unpleasant to me, so I gotta give it a point for that. Most drum machines are a texture I associate with funk and soul and related forms of pop, like the Rhythm King or the Sideman or the Linndrum. This one works shockingly well in some places to provide what ends up being a tight groove that got some movement out of me (Big Money). I truly understand the need to sometimes make your art a loud, rage and fear filled shout. But it's not my preferred method of receiving overall.

Ughhhh what a slog. There was one song where I could see it being a fun live performance, but I kinda hated so much of this record. Obnoxious would the biggest descriptor.

It's not a terrible album, but it doesn't belong on this list. I can think of 50 albums that aren't on this list that are better than this.

2/5

Yikes

Meh...

Well... it was a bit unlistenable, wasn't it? It's not that horrible, but it is still an album that, even if at some points can be interesting, doesn't have much attractive things. Actually, it's more of playing with noises and some repetitive elements and, at times it works, but many others it doesn't. At least for my liking. So, it's not a good album, not a bad one either. There are some nice ideas in here, but they haven't been developed with much success.

Entre l'inaudible et le presque acceptable

It is a punk angsty record which sounds bettet than I expected at first. I enjoyed listening to it. 7/10 [KEEP]

Aluksi aika kamalaa, sitten ehkä korva alkoi tottua. Rytmikkäitä toisteisia elementtejä, myöhemmin !!! (tai monta merkkiä niitä nyt olikaan) kuulosti vähän samantapaiselta.

Definitely does some interesting things (complimentary) musically, and some interesting things (derogatory) lyrically 2.5/5

Today’s album has the talented Steve Albini and serves as an industrial pre cursor to industrial music. That said, the needless need for controversy on each track gives the album a real school shooter vibe. High 2

I have never heard of this band nor heard any songs by them. I have seen the name Steve Albini - I suppose from some of his production work. This was interesting. Can definitely hear their influence on future "industrial" bands such as Nine Inch Nails. Had no awareness of this album at the time. I was in college at that time in Indiana and used to go up to Chicago a few times a year but never heard of these guys. After listening 3 times I ended up "liking" 3 of the 9 songs. The first 2 songs I liked are "Big Money" and "Bad Houses". I am counting "Strange Things" as part of the 9 songs - even though after reading more about this I found out that this song was not on the original album. But it's one of the ones I liked, so I'll count it. I liked the music on even more of these songs but the vocals and lyrics made me not want to listen to those again. New idea after doing this 1001 Albums thing for a few months --> Artists should start releasing instrumental versions of all songs on their albums (or on extended release versions on streaming sites). This way we can enjoy the music without the vocals. I personally would love that - there must be more people out there that would too. I ended up NOT liking the song "Kerosene" - but it was interesting how they made the guitars sound like bagpipes. I think that's what they did, because they don't mention bagpipes on the Wikipedia credits Liked songs on Spotify: 3/9 Rating: 2/5

Kerosene was pretty cool but overall this is not for me

I enjoyed it

This continues to prove to me that I'm not really into punk in many of its forms. This is one of those forms.

This is a must listen album?

It’s like JV Nine Inch Nails

Not my favourite punk.

Meh

Decent

Big Black - Atomizer: 2/5 I did a pre read on this before diving in as I was not familiar with the band or its music. I was excited when it was dubbed a “forerunner of industrial rock” and when I saw a lot of love for this album. Some pretty intense content in terms of the lyrics (although with the tinny and loud music you couldn’t hear or understand the singing at times) and was mostly just ok- Kerosene was great though.

Good noise, dumb lyrics. Steve Albini's an asshole.

Unlike most of the 80s post punk on this list, this album didn’t really work for me. I just couldn’t get past the iPhone in a tin can production, though I suppose that’s supposed to be part of what makes it cool. I probably bailed on it too early to have given it a fair shake but I kept hearing undertones of “end of the line” by the Travelling Willburys in the melody of “bad houses” so I put that on instead.

Was okay, I’ve listened to worse.

A bit too heavy and noisy for my liking

evening

Listens: 3 Standout Tracks: Kerosene > "Regarded as one of the greatest albums of the 1980s". That's an interesting take. What I heard was washed out sound and too quiet vocals that could rarely be heard over the grinding of a guitar and smashing of drums. I didn't absolutely hate this, but it didn't leave me with a positive or lasting impression either, except for Kerosene. If life in Small Town USA (TM) is so boring that you want to light yourself on fire with Kerosene just to feel something (being on fire), you should scrape together some money and leave for literally anywhere else in the world. More seriously though, I did like that song. I can't exactly relate to the whole abolutely-economically-and-societally-dead small town USA experience, but I can imagine it to be is dreadful as it sounds, particularly where "religion-based politics" is running rampant. I don't really like punk music too much it seems. I much prefer, like, harmonies and melodies and in-tune singing. Something I relax to or use to focus.

Not my cup of tea.

Highly unnecessary inclusion. Good ethos?

It’s hard for me to actually like an album that’s this vicious and nasty, but they sure can force some interesting noises out of their guitars. Best song: Kerosene

too punk for me its kinda hurt my hearing too… i wish there were more vocals

Very noise rock-esque, 2 of the songs were pretty good though

Wasn’t big on this

Ikke decideret dårligt, egentligt. Men nok heller ikke et album, jeg kommer til at høre igen. Med hjælp fra gemini har jeg fået beskrevet det som noise rock med inspiration til senere industriel musik, fordi de bruger en trommemaskine. Det forklarer genre-forvirringen.

Loud bullshit that's mixed awfully... I don't get it.

I was underwhelmed, and not in love with the noise.

This was interesting. By interesting I mean its one of the first times music has inspired the word "noise" in me.

Not quite sure where to place this? Industrial hardcore challenging outer edges of punk.

Appreciate the art. Too noisy for me.

never heard of this noise creation collective and I'm ok with that

Little too heavy and shouty for my taste.

sorry to this group, but.. not my thing.

A challenging listen with no standouts or bright spots for me. I'll never hear this album again.

p535. 1986. 2 stars. Shouty garage rock with a drum machine, caustic lyrics and no tunes. Saved from 1 star for decent bass lines.

Not the album I really wanted on a Sunday morning. Especially on Advent Sunday when I love to hear O Come, O Come Emmanuel which is such a beautiful song and a lovely way to begin the Christmas season. This album therefore was an assault on the ears and as I say not in keeping with how I felt today. That said it was not without some merit as I did hear some great guitar riffs which on any other day would have gone down well. This assessment made without bothering to read or listen to the lyrics which according to other reviews will have shocked and lessened the little goodwill I might have. In short, wrong album on wrong day. 2/5 30/11/25

Listened Before? N "One of the best albums of the 80's", huh Wikipedia? Imma need a source on that lol. This is not anyting special. Just a lot of noise and yelling. Added to Library? N Songs added to palylist: Kerosene

Food it hard to listen to. I think it might be the style. Like actually painful to my ears.

Very interesting, but extremely hit or miss for me.

I can't get into Big Black. It seems like I should like 'em, but when I listen to 'em and I'm being honest with myself and the world, I have to admit that I'm not really into it. I'm sorry.

When I saw 1986 I figured it was some synth pop or new wave album. Boy was I wrong. Hard core, in your face rock n roll!

Unenjoyable at the time, and unmemorable three hours later.

As a Dinosaur Jr. fan I should like this but I don’t.

Not my bag, although had some fun with it. First few songs were choppy, enjoyed the back half more, picked up some nonagon infinity vibes. Added a song or two to my workout playlist.

alright

aight

It's not music if you don't sing. Instrumentals are fine, I get why somebody would like this. - Brutal 2 album run, this right after Penance Soiree. Honestly not sure which is worse. I've never understood 'noise' music. - Wait, 2nd song almost has a melody. And it's kinda catchy... Oh wait they started shouting over the instruments. I prefer singing - Just getting repeatedly smashed by uptempo drums. I'm exhausted

Not for me

Not my cup of tea - I'm sure a proper punk would love it though

A bit noisy and industrial feeling for my liking.

This is the first album where I've truly questioned that it's in the top 1001. The guitar riffs were original so that saved it a bit...but not much.

indecipherable noise for most of it. Did not care for this much, also I just felt pissed off listening to it. There's a weird static through the whole thing that acts as a barrier to anything listenable.

I can see why this was influential. The production is very interesting and it is pretty aggressive in its sound and lyrics. But I still found it repetitive and kind of meh before too long. Punk is pretty hit or miss for me, and this one was a miss

Industrial Nirvana - I like normal Nirvana better though

On the sharp rough side. It's Seve Albini, which you can really hear in the consistent sound of the album. Very much gritty punk. Wouldn't necessarily listen back to it, it's missing a bit of hooks or something to get me into it. I get this type of punk is all about being very vocal, shouty, edgy, loud and let out feelings, but it didn't quite latch onto me.

This album is loud, abrasive, and completely unapologetic about it. The guitars sound like they’re trying to peel the paint off the walls, the drum machine pounds away like a jackhammer, and the vocals are all spit and sneer. It’s got a very specific, very aggressive sound, and I can respect the intent, but it’s not something I found particularly enjoyable to listen to for long stretches. There’s a certain power in how raw and confrontational it is, but it’s also pretty one-note. The relentless harshness starts to blur together after a while, making it hard for any individual track to really stand out. The energy is intense, but the lack of variety left me more worn down than hooked in. I get why this album is influential, but it’s just not my kind of listen. It’s an interesting experience once, but I doubt I’d come back to it. All bite, not much nuance.

I can barely hear anything

Ok punk

830am is too early for this, which is going to hurt its score. I think after lunch I would have really gotten into it. The bad houses song sounds a lot like the inspiration for Tools song with Henry Rollins. Overall this was pretty ok.

The fandom of this band and Steve Albini seems very earnest but I just can't seem to understand what is so appealing about this 1.5*

Faltan melodías. Desconocidos de forma merecida.

I hated it up until the last three songs which are all bangers. Still, if you want industrial, listen to Nine Inch Nails or Ministry. The first half could've been instrumentals since you can't understand the words anyway.

Well this was annoying as hell 2 ⭐️

A mix of post-punk with pre-grunge, bordering on an avante-gard sort of sound. I could see some enjoying this but ultimately not for me- a little too dissonant for my taste.

meh 2/5

This sounds like every teenage garage band in the 1980s. It’s nothing special, it’s a melodic Throbbing Gristle at worst, and a proto-Nine Inch Nails at best, which I grudgingly accept makes it a pretty important album. I didn’t like it, but it paves the way for Steve Albini the engineer and Nine Inch Nails. So even though I will not listen to this again, it earns a place in the book.

I just don't have the patience for lo-fi anymore. I used to claim to like it, but now I'm doubting whether I ever did. Maybe I was just going for hipster cred. With so many albums in the world that are pleasing to the ear, why would I choose this? Anywho, whether it's lo-fi or intentionally industrial, I'm not a fan of the production on this one. It's a shame, because there's a lot of potential here. Also, one-star automatic deduction for the use of a drum machine with punk rock.

Another album on the bad side of noise rock. I’m very iffy on this genre already and this album didn’t help. Not really my groove.

Although I'm used to this kind of industrial rock/punk from the 80s both band and album were all new to me. Nonetheless it has never been my preferred genre. 2,5

That's not music, that's just bloodeh noise!

I think there's something interesting here, but am not willing to listen loud enough to find it.

A frustrating listen. There probably could've been good songs here, but the production choices, such as guitar sounds, kill this album and at times make it almost unlistenable. There are some good moments, but they are so few. The singing is another level of awful too. 2/5, barely...

Not a lasting listening experience

Atomizer is an obnoxious, noisy, rushed, angry, mess of an album. It sucked my will to live, but I think that may have been the bands goal.

Definitely found Einstürzende Neubauten's Kollaps as well as Trout Mask Replica far more enjoyable than this. And I'm unsure whether this still deserves its entry on this list. I'm sort of leaning "no" - and then I'm leaning "hold on a minute". Next thing then is whether it's a 1/5 or 2/5 for me. I just handed out a bunch of 2s and it's definitely not particularly worse than those - if anything, it's more interesting than some of of them.

This was a pretty polarizing album when it was being passed around in high school. You either liked or hated it. I fell into the latter category. Even as a self-proclaimed punk rocker I found the lyrics too off putting. But I can appreciate its musical influence and lean-in to other bands like Ministry or even NIN. It makes perfect sense that Albini would make the pivot from harsh raw edged playing into harsh raw edged production that would become his known style.

I would not use words like "enjoy" to describe this album... but there is something about it that I don't hate. And would probably really enjoy it if this music was my type of thing. I appreciate a band just doing their thing and can also see how they likely influenced bands like NIN and industrial rock in general. Prob won't ever revisit but think it deserves higher than a 1* rating. 2/5

More boring annoying noise. Too bad, because some of the lyrics are interesting.

Bleak. Dark. Hard. Not sure why I like Husker Du so much more.

I can see where Prodigy maybe got their influence. Prodigy meets Pixies. Just not my kind of taste in music. Bazooka Joe is ok. Pretty straight forward neo-punk.

No private session used for Spotify. Heavy, discordy, screamy. 2/3rd of those are not real words, but I Big Black doesn't deserve real words and I think they are fine with that. Probably won't listen to this album again.

2/5

probably would have loved this if i first discovered it as a teenager. it was fine.

Fists of Love sounded way too much like the song playing during the supermarket running scene in Requiem for a Dream. Apart from this small reprieve, I couldn't wait for it to end.

A couple of good tracks, some that drone on. Doesn’t grab me like others of the era.

Wow! This album is NOISY!!! but energetic... I can imagine this being more fitting in a cramped concert hall but just listening to it alone is a bit much.

first full punk rock album ive listen to, good introduction. not my fav type of music, but the album seems well thought out and the message is always clear in every song. wouldn't listen to it again but i understand the appeal.

Not bad but it ain't nothing to write home about. The abrasive, explicit, and rough around the edges vibe you get from this may probably be mentally stimulating for some but it unfortunately was not for me. I kinda got nothing from this in terms of it being brain stimulating but still I wouldn't say this was bad. 2.25-2.50/5

Not for me. Maybe i am not in the right mood for this today, but it just annoyed me

I don't get it, and I'm only slightly embarressed to admit it.

Not my usual jam, good tho!

Not a single idea of what this was going in. Not a single idea of what this was going out. Spotify labels this as a few things - noise rock, post-hardcore, no wave. I don't know what any of those are. I guess I can infer what noise rock is, but what the hell is "post-hardcore"? What is hardcore, for that matter? I'm not denigrating these genres when I say this, it's just the context I'm approaching this from. I don't know what to make these because I lack any experience with these genres. I appreciated that the album seemed to take it down a notch (generally) as it progressed. It made it more listenable. But honestly, man, I really didn't enjoy this. It's just chaotic music with a guy screaming over it. I can't get there with this one, and I don't even really want to try. Two stars, simply for the benefit of the doubt that I'm missing something here. Standout Tracks: Jordan, Minnesota, Big Money

nekad nemam nikakvih komentara. okej, ovo postoji, to je manje-više to

Not my jam, heavy metal and weird lyrics.

A lot of grit and teeth-gnashing with just a little bit of the still, soft-beating heart behind it. Not that I was over the moon about this one (I wasn’t), but I feel accomplished in understanding its appeal at the very least. “Passing Conplexion” was definitely my favorite for the interesting guitar tones and looped melody. But I also liked how funny the intro of “Bazooka Joe” was. Strong 2/5 it’s not for me but I get the appeal and understand people who may sing this albums praises if they’re into this lane of music

I love classic punk, this is unlistenable.

Sin más. Demasiado punk para mi.

Felt like I should like this because, Steve Albini. It wasn't terrible, just didn't love it. Bazooka Joe made the list.

2.3

Not bad.

american shoegazing. it just didn't draw me in at all. i think that stinking drunk and strange things helped this not be a 1

Not entirely sure of the significance of this album. I did find their use of other styles of 80s music added to a couple of the songs, otherwise it just seemed like pretty generic punk music.

I was not prepared to listen to this at 9 am on a Wednesday. At work.

Meh

I feel like this is supposed to be one of those albums that provokes an extreme reaction, but I thought it was… ok?

Obviously this album had some issues with it, most notably they kicked the album off with one of the worst songs on the album. Funny enough, I would listen to this over the ABBA album 7 days out of the week. SET ME ON FIRE, KEROSENE. Probably a 2.5 and I'll round down, but could be rounded up

Pretty much just screeching. Not for me.

Big Black is a punk/rock group out of the Chicago area (never heard of them until now). I thought the beats were fine, but the lyrics were very basic and/or repetitive. If I ask myself “Would I like to listen to this album a second time?’ The answer would be no. Interesting album cover.

Is this cosmic punishment for saying the last album was boring? I've never heard of this band before. I do like some industrial, but this ain't it. Too much guitar, too edgy, not enough nostalgia. Maybe if I were 15 years older I'd like it? Probably not though. At least it's short.

Sounds like every other 70s 80s bad punk band

i can appreciate the influence

I thought the songs were good musically. Interesting mix of pink and industrial. The drumming was really good. The vocals were awful. I’d give this a “3” if the vocals were better.

Man I thought this was gonna be the guy from Rob and Big. RIP to a real one. This was fine though. Just kinda noisy punk rock

Almost....There is some cool instrumentation here, and some good drumming. But the singing is terrible. A somewhat generous 2.

An album I had to listen to on a long journey when I'd rather have been listening to TMS. So not a good start. Noisy dull and insignificant. Probably why in my most formative years I never heard of them at the time. And why i am not bothered about ever hearing of them again

Well the cover looks nice, but the music is quite literally a lot of noise.

🎧Bleak, aggressive, despondent, and angsty. Bad times had by all.

There’s a difference between abrasive and actively repulsive. This one’s riding that line, bare-assed and proud. I didn’t necessarily hate the sound - harsh, yes, it hits like punk run through a meat grinder. The lyrics? Yeesh. It’s not shocking, it’s just juvenile and gross. Can’t say it’s boring though. Just... no. Spins: 1 Playlist Additions: - Kerosene

New album, new band for me, etc etc. Really not feeling it. I will admit to liking the drums and the bass, so there’s that.

01) Jordan, Minnesota - 5,0 02) Passing Complexion - 5,5 03) Big Money - 5,5 04) Kerosene - 5,5 05) Bad Houses - 5,5 06) Fists of Love - 4,0 07) Stinking Drunk - 4,5 08) Bazooka Joe - 4,5 09) Strange Things - 5,5 10) Cables - 5,0 TOTAL: 5,05 (51/100) Current ranking: 485/524

Odd not sure what I listened to lol

just like, yelling and noise

I’m a fan of punk but this album just sounded really bad. The drums sounded programmed and badly mixed. The guitars were off etc.

was this recorded on a microwave

Eerlijk? Het eerste wat me opviel was de cover. Super vet gedaan, en ik verwachtte op basis van de cover een soort van pop album? Misschien lo-fi? Wat ik in elk geval niet verwachtte? Punkherrie. Dusja.. Soms is iets wat je niet verwacht positief, dat is hier helaas niet het geval. Al moet ik zeggen; op een vreemde manier vibe ik dit album wel? Het is herrie, ja, maar de beat op de achtergrond is fantastisch. De drummer gaat helemaal gestoord, en alles is distorted as. FUCK. maar toch zit er altijd die fucking vette drummer bij. Mooi man, ik ging een beetje opzoeken wie die drummer dan was en waarom ik m zo vet vind. Het is een drumcomputer... Het beste deel van dit album is een computer. W A U W. Ok nee, ik dacht oprecht dat ik het wel aan kon. Maar uiteindelijk is dit toch weer echt herrie. Punk noise rock in optima forma. Ik hou er gewoon echt niet van... FAVO: Kerosene, Bazooka Joe

This might get 1 star, tough listen

Not into punk

Pretty annoying!

Generally awful and sometimes okay

Not for me.

Very metal/punk. Was decent

I hate it when the first track of an album is as off-putting as the one here, with the moaning and repeated "suck daddy." Eww. Whatever good there is here, which isn't a lot, has to overcome that. There's a lot of screaming about I don't know what, some shrill guitar sounds, loud bass, and 80s sounding drums. Is this what punk was in the mid-80s? It wasn't good. Favorite track: Fists of Love, it had a decent guitar riff.

Meh

I feel like this is ok for me but the idea behind this is list is something you should have to listen to. This isnt something everyone must listen to.

Kinda harsh, punky, industrial leaning. Bit of a slog

Another horrible American Noise Rock / Post-Hardcore / Industrial Rock album from the mid-1980s.

Favourite Track: Bazooka Joe Honourable Mentions: Kerosene, Bad Houses Too edgy to listen again but won't not listen again Throughout the album, there's a sort of raw and aggressive energy that's expressed through the scratchy electric guitar, the punchy drum machine, and the industrial tone. There's also themes of PTSD, child trafficking rings, brothels, alcoholism, wife-beating... overall just some light stuff to set the mood at your niece's birthday party. I suppose I'm just really not a fan of noise rock. Most of the subject matter in this album deals with some not-so-comfy topics that often make me uncomfortable. Might be cathartic for some but personally it's not something I seek out. Some fun facts: The band's drum machine is named Roland, and the album can be seen in the background of Hiro's room in Big Hero 6.

fanno troppo casino

Big Black really wanted to push the boundaries with this one. It was pretty bleak. "Kerosene" was about setting yourself on fire in your small town? There isn't a lot for me in this album. I can appreciate what it is, who it is for, and where you would listen to it. I don't love it, I am not that person, and I am in the wrong place. It's too much noise and not enough rhythm. 4/10

Can't deal with this! This is probably influential in the same way mental disorders are defining for today's society: Just because it is true, doesn't mean that it is good.

Not sure it is 1001 worthy.

Steve Albini was essential to one of my favorite albums of the 90s: "In Utero". Listening to this album, I get why they were interested in his ideas. But the sound of the album is just so poor, I had a hard time listening to it. It lacked warmth. The levels were boosted so high, it sounded like playing guitar with a tin roof. Just a lot of RAAAAAAHHHH!!! NEXT. Top tracks: "Jordan, Minnesota," "Stinking Drunk"

4/10

Let’s talk pros and cons of “Atomizer” by Big Black. Pros: I found this album lyrically interesting. Parts of this record feel sort of post-hardcore. There’s an overarching feeling that resonates throughout the album, one of hopelessness and despair, that really hits hard. Cons: 90% of the music on this album is incredibly grating, unenjoyable, and unfun to listen to. Gonna have to pass on this one.

I don't really have a lot to say about this. It's brash and not very good. I can appreciate the ethos of it but I don't really care to listen to it again.

Favourite songs: Big Money, Stinking Drunk, Kerosene Least favourite songs: Fists of Love, Cables, Passing Complexion 2/5

Definitely abrasive and could not enjoy the voice nor the rhythms. Strage things was pretty good though

It’s punk.

не зашло...

Nope. Repetitive. Not an instrumental fan. 2/5

The Beats are creative, but as soon as the singing comes in it loses me. Respect what is going on here but not really for me personally

Raczej dwa na pięć chociaż te ostatnie całkiem fajne kawałki.

A bit noisy for my liking.

Definitely not for me.

Y'know, could we have the punk rock WITHOUT the heavy breathing? Kinda impressive for the 80s tho

Obnoxious punk shite

Loud and tedious. If I’m in the mood for this sort of thing I’d just listen to The Birthday Party which at least had Nick Cave in it.

Maybe in a crowded overheated room full of drunk maniacs.

Not a fan of this one

Eh, It was ok.

2.5

I liked parts of this, but I feel like the recording itself sounds bad. The drums sound tiny, the guitars sound narrow, and it just sounds distant.

Super glad I listened to this; won't listen to it again. Important album, but I dislike it as much as I disliked NIN from the get go. Industrial just isn't my thing.

Mercifully brief. Although there was a few bits of instrumental that I didn’t hate. Simpsons: No

I have just listened to this and can't remember a single bit of it.

Ugh, I’ve no interest in this shouty shit.

Tough listen

Tons of noise, could've been the day for me but I didn't find much here. Happy not to listen to it again.

“Kerosene” was a banger, but I wasn’t feeling this on the whole.

Sekavaa meteliä. En tiedä kuinka vannoutunut pitää olla punkki-maailmaan, että tästä voi aidosti digailla? Ehdottomasti negatiivinen kokemus.

Alkuun vaikutti todella raskaalta kuunneltavalta ja joutui jotain skippaamaankin, mut loppua kohden otti kehitysaskelia parempaan suuntaan, niin säästyi totaalihaukuilta

Vreselijk, heb het afgezet.

Some good tracks, some not so good tracks

Not really my thing.

This washed over me.

Not quite punk, but a noise adjancency. Not really my cup of tea but still a couple songs I enjoyed. Favorite tracks: Stinking Drunk, Passing Complexion. Album art: Really like this one, a nice cartoon/comic style drawing of big evil machine and some matches to light the fuse, to "atomize" the Earth. Seems like something out of Looney Tunes or Tom and Jerry. The art style and colors are awesome. 2.5/5

Not really my thing, but didnt mind it.

Very rough early sounding punk. Noise based back when noise was a statement. Intense, but not really interesting

Big Black is the musical origin story of legendary producer (sorry, “sound engineer”) and legendary edgelord Steve Albini. While Albini may deserve much credit for his role in the studio with the Pixies, Nirvana, and many others, he doesn’t deserve much forgiveness for being such a prick. He may have apologized and attempted to take responsibility later in life, but it’s not doing it for me. "A lot of things I said and did from an ignorant position of comfort and privilege are clearly awful and I regret them," Albini said. He excused his constant misogyny, homophobia, and racism in lyrics and articles with a weird justification that at the time he thought it was ok because those problems of bigotry were already solved. He was so sheltered he actually thought that!? And then thought that because sexism and racism had been fixed it was ok to “jokingly” and “satirically” be sexist and racist? What a tool. The kind of tool who would name his second band after a super offensive satirical manga called “Rapeman.” American culture has shifted so much since Albini’s youth. He would have been cancelled several times over today, while Andrew Tate rushed to his defense and asked why people can’t take a joke. Some of Big Black is obnoxiously unlistenable. Some, like “Bad Houses,” fleetingly captures something that could be interesting. You get hints of where the guy who helped unleash “Surfer Rosa” and “In Utero” came from.

The sound is mostly grating; however, some of the music is decent to rage out to. I’d typically go for something like Eminem or Marilyn Manson for a rage sesh. But the part of this that I appreciate, which isn’t much, is that. 🤘

Moments of something amazing drowned by shit

sounded like noise, couldn't hear the whole thing

Punkrock mit viel Geschrei und Krach aber einigen musikalischen Ansätzen und Akzenten. Nicht zum Wiederhören vorgesehen aber auch kein absoluter Trash.

Too noisy punk. Stand-out: Bazooka Joe

i feel as though i probably could’ve died without hearing this one. i appreciate it as a political and social message, but i found the music pretty dire. asides a couple of redeeming songs - kerosene for one - it was a weird jumble of sounds. if that kind of experimentative music appeals to you, then this is perfect, but this was a bit too far for me.

I think I wasn’t in the right frame of mind to listen to this one but I recognise its worth…

The music is alright. Fast paced and lively punk. Lyrics are hard to comprehend and all sound the same.

нойз - но не мц

Punk music made by Trent Reznor is what it sounds like. This was pretty terrible.

god, Albini was a great producer but Big black are awful

The best song on the album is about how the guy is bored so he sets things on fire. Honestly this isn't really my thing, but I get the appeal. It's super noisy and industrial, the sound is strong. The lyrics are intense and dark, but are pretty tight and pack a punch. It's not wildly different than like Sonic Youth, but something about it just doesn't work quite as well for me. This is Steve Albini's band, and he would end up becoming much more famous for his work as a recording engineer. He passed away a few months ago and, while I don't love this particular album, I'm glad I heard it and appreciate his contribution to the music world. Favorite song: Kerosene Other: Passing Complexion, Stinking Drunk 8/21/24

Decent but couldn’t latch onto anything

Too abrasive for me but some decent songs. Low 2.

Couldn't really get into it.

no no thank you no inoffensive but no 35/100

New to me, and I was wondering why this never really made it over to the UK until I gave it a listen. There were just so many more interesting things going on in the mid 80s than this. Couple moments I liked - Kerosene gets somewhere good about half way through - but there's nothing I want to come back.

Not My style

that was intriguing.... so much genre mixed together. Sometimes it work, sometimes it doesn't. Poorly recorded but was it the point ? Anyway 2 stars

потеряла способность запоминать альбомы)) жесть. этот слишком панк и тяжёлый, две моих любимых вещи (но работала под него спокойно, не отвлекалась)

I thought this was going to be about Bugs Bunny. I was wrong.

Noise rock. Todo igual.

Not for me. Punk-metal often sounds contrived to me, but there is something sincere sounding about this. I still don’t like it, but points given for seeming genuine. 2.5

Didn't do much for me. Punk.

Not really the biggest fan tbf, was just loud

Doesn’t work for me. Totally forgettable.

Punk. Steve albini. Achei bem meia boca.

Why is this on the list, once again another trashy album that could be replaced with so much better music.

the drum & guitar bits in the first few songs were ok-not my style but it was interesting to listen to. but the vocals were just unintelligible, then I just tuned them out after that.

I think I got a bit fed up with this before it finished.......but I was very tired ! 2/3 ?

Kerosene definitely has a great riff, it's aggressive, dirty, and industrial sounding. Nice bass sound. Lyrics and vocals are a bit weird but it works for this song, especially the chorus. Unfortunately while the rest of the album has the same sound, nothing really pops like this one. Hell of a song though. ** 1/2

High energy with vocals that verge on annoying at times. It's not my thing.

It made Zero upset, so it loses a star.

Noise rock. Todo igual.

There’s a lot of interesting styles in this album that kind of goes in between pre punk, punk, and post punk even into some alt metal sounds. Rhythmically it’s actually pretty decent. The guitar and drum work is done done pretty well and if attached to better lyrics or style this could’ve been pretty enjoyable. I had a hard time enjoying anything past the instrumentals however. 5.1/10

Försökte ändå gilla detta men det gick inte

Not what I expected, and not something I would return to soon. I do like punk once in a while but this was too much noise and couldn’t interest me enough. Favourite song: - Kerosine

Something I would’ve probably listened to in my annoying teen angst phase. Just sounds shitty now.

I really didn't like this one at first, then it kind of grew on me about a third of the way through. Then I got sick of it by the end.

This one did not charm me. I kept thinking that it could be worse...it could be raining...but it just never locked in for me.

Similar to Suicide a couple of days ago, mostly extremely no thank you. There were some elements of fun in this, and I listened to it running, which probably helped. The first track and a half was almost good. Then it very much was not.

First listen Saved 2/10 Top track: Kerosene

I liked this but it was a bit too harsh at times of a sound for me to really enjoy it. I do like edgy and gritty music but this overall sound became a little grating for me and I kind of often found myself saying "what is that sound? I don't like it..." I know this is an influential band to a lot of lesser known metal bands; I've been hearing about Big Black for years but never listened to them. I'll have to dig deeper to see if I like any of their other stuff more.

I’ve lost my taste for angry punk, in favor of Dead Milkmen, Ramones, etc. That said, this is a solid album. Just not my thing, tho.

All the instrumental sounds of Midwest emo as played by a punk band. I have heard worst. 2 stars because album art was on point

Det finns något men hittar det inte riktigt.