Reviews (page 5 of 7)
Couldn’t get it on Spotify, very annoying. I may need to revisit and change rating at another time, but for now I’m neutral in it.
Better than I expected for a slam screamo band, but not really my thing.
Always felt that Big Black were kind of the commercial arm of the hardcore scene. It's not bad but it lacks the edge of other albums
Serial killer vibes 7/10
Having never heard of Big Black, I wasn't sure what to expect. I guess the only reason they're on here is because they're an early alt/grunge/alternative crossover? I pick up a lot of what Ministry did in later years here. Anyways, this is a highbrow album that shouldn't be so highbrow. 3/5.
Not a metal fan, but I like elements of this. The repeating instrumental of Big Money and Stinking Drunk stick with me. I think the vocals detract from the music.
After having to endure Destiny's Child this was very welcome
I don't like to be screamed at, I can't concentrate on the actual music
This is definitely not for anyone. Very screechy sound, esp with the guitars. Very punky and definitely constructed on purpose to be abrasive. It reminded me a bit of Sonic Youth, a bit of My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult. I can also hear a thread of influence on say The Pixies, and Aphex Twin, and this is definitely leading to Nine Inch Nails and other 90's 'industrial' inspired music, even Marilyn Manson. Standout tracks for me were Passing Complexion and Big Money and Kerosene.
I get that it’s important, just not my thing.
While this is definitely fitting of the genres 'noise rock' and 'post hardcore', two genres I don't typically go for, I was surprised to find that I actually liked this album okay. Part of that being because this album leans more into industrial than I expected. To me, this album definitely sounds like a precursor to a lot of industrial metal sounds that would become popular among other industrial powerhouses like Powerman 5000, White Zombie, and Static-X. A surprising 3 from me!
Really enjoyed this album. Wish they were on Spotify
Some interesting ideas, but a little repetitive and too abrasive to be worth revisiting.
Surprisingly musical dissonant punk rock
Hard
Never heard of this group before. Apparently Steve Albini was involved with this record which is pretty cool. A lot of industrial/punk/post-punk moments on here. I can tell they inspired bands that would come later like NIN. I like the dirty guitar tone, almost sounds metallic. I could do without the drum machine, I prefer just acoustic drums.
cool if you like punk
Man, I wanted to like this. And parts of it, I did. I love the frantic, aggressive energy of the thing. It's so punk in so many ways. But it's missing the joyful abandon of punk. Instead, it's just full of vitriolic hatred for its own listeners. And you know what? Screw that. Don't piss on the people who are paying for your music, you pretentious douchebags.
3/5
Goooood
Listening to this after having a Stevie Wonder album the previous day made this especially jarring. Then, having to listen to it on YouTube with extremely commercial ads in between made it almost surreal. I don't dislike the sound, but I am not a fan of the lyrics. They are intended to provoke and be intentionally ugly, but are also quite crude and inarticulate to the point of sounding immature. "Kerosene" in particular felt like a high school level shock value thing. I can understand a song or two like that on an album, but an unrelenting torrent of negativity just isn't the whole picture, it's not realistic in that sense, and I simply don't understand choosing to dwell in that headspace. It also loses its potency when done in that manner with no relief. I stopped being shocked and simply began waiting for it to be over before it was halfway through. Even though I don't really want to listen to this album ever again, I will say something in their favor: for the time this was made, they were definitely forging their own sound - one that has certainly gone on to influence many others. Beyond that, the thing I respect most about the band is simply their whole approach to being a band. They did everything on their own terms, no contracts, no managers, paid for their own shit, etc. - all to retain complete creative freedom. Even though I'm not a huge fan of some of their artistic choices, I admire them for sticking to their vision, and pulling it off in such a way that they wouldn't be tempted to alter their course. They did exactly what they set out to do, and didn't give a fuck what anybody thought, one way or another. In my view, that's about the only way to get to pure creative expression, and I admire the discipline it must've taken to keep it that way. I wish there were more bands like this, with similar principles. I think we'd have a much richer musical palette that wasn't as defined by genre labels and marketing tactics. Now I'm gonna go back to listening to Stevie Wonder...
Pretty unique sound and interesting story. I'm real close to liking it but not quite there.
I think teenage me would have loved this and it's a pretty kick ass release, glad to have given it a go. Fave track is easily Kerosone.
Probably a 3.5 star, if that were possible. Not their best album (SAF), but still quite good.
Not bad, some sort of cross between industrial nine inch nails-y stuff and hardcore punk. Felt very influential and the good songs were bangers but the intentionally rough production starts to grate when the songs aren't as interesting. Will probably cherry pick some tracks from this but unlikely to listen to in full again.
Pretty cool.
Just couldn’t…
un peu fatiguant à force
Big black cock
I can see the significance of this as an early through-line from punk to industrial (though a couple of the rhythm tracks hit me as solid arguments for human drummers). And I'll always cheerlead for true punk sensibility as regards the business of music. I think bands of a similar era (Hüsker Dü, Minutemen) had more interesting things going on musically and a whole lot more lyrically. I didn't dislike it though.
I can dig it
Harsh dark sounds that occasionally groove. Not the worst, but not the best. Don't need to listen to this one again.
Very garage band sounding... and not in a good way
Shellac vind ik dan toch net wat beter te hebben dan Big Black, maar ik heb toch altijd sympathie voor Steve Albini en zijn kneiterharde sound!
Sounds like a cheap version of Ministry. 2.5 stars
Strange genre pick by this list. Interesting though but still very strange… 2.9
Saw that Steve Albini died and remembered seeing this album was on the list. I had put it off because it isn't on Spotify, but figure I'll pull from YouTube for the occasion. Did not realize this would err on the Industrial side of the spectrum -- not usually my cup of tea, but the opener has an undeniable energy. Album throughout was energetic and enjoyable for the most part. If I had it on Spotify or some other means I would listen to it on repeat a few times to gather a feeling... As is, this was fine, but nothing that blew me away; somewhere on a high 3, soft 4. I'm going with the 3.
I don’t think I’ve come across Big Black before, so it’s another reputable band I can at least say I’ve heard! I like the colouring on the album art. It’s cartoony, but also quite destructive. Let’s see how it sounds! Songs I already knew: none Favourites: Kerosene, Bazooka Joe There were parts of the album where I loved the raw energy and overall mayhem of the sound. To my ears, it sits somewhere in a mix of punk, noise rock and shoegaze. However, for the times where I was loving the ferocity, there were probably an equal amount of times where I tuned out a little. My difficulty with albums like this is the lack of dynamic sound, as each song has a very similar style and vibe so it can start to feel a little diluted with less and less standing out. Overall, this had some great and some not-so-great songs, rounding off as a pretty decent album.
(As of right now, not available in the UK)
I hate myself for my weakness My past sickens me.
It is one of the most powerful hardcore albums in the list because it can really get things going. A cheese grater torturing a guitar? Yeah, that's how it sounds. And when you're in the mood for it why not? In the end, it is all a bit too similar.
3.5
Solid! Kerosene was eminently listenable. A very accessible punk sound. I liked the energy but it didn’t particularly make a lasting impact.
I love punk rock but I'm not connecting with this record. It's fun and angry but nothing sticking during this listening review. It's well produced and maybe that's the disconnect; I want more raw guitars and drums. There's some studio techniques used that dress up the "punk". I'll have to visit this one another day.
I liked it, but I don’t think I needed to hear it. I had never heard of the band before but I saw that a bunch of people cover their song Kerosene so …
Definitively Noise Rock, but with a nice hit of passion. Got me moving from time to time through all of the abrasiveness.
Unable to listen - not available on Spotify - rated on expectation only
Some good raw stuff here.
Not on Spotify
Sticking this out mainly because I love Shellac, but the album opener is horrible in every way. When you can hear it, the bass sound is amazing and I'm into the limitations of the drum machine. This would have probably been my favourite album in the world if I'd heard it when I was 14.
I kind of like it. I don’t know.
Monster bass tone. A lot of Mötorhead influence. Decent.
Wonderfully noisy, loud and intense, so not an ideal background music while reading novels on a sunny afternoon. In the proper context and environment, like sitting in a dark damp basement, a respectably decent album that raises your heartbeat. Slightly above average, but probably won't revisit this for a while and I won't miss it.
Sadly not on Spotify so had to listen through YouTube with adverts which didn’t give the best listening experience, but found this an interesting and exciting album, one to rerate if it ever comes on Spotify
very rough garage rock stuff
I read about the use of very dark and controversial language being used by this band but to be honest I only caught about 5 words clearly. Very Punk
While this was definitely cool (particularly seeing Albini origin story), I'm not sure how much I actually liked it.
A fun punk album, that's it
Surprisingly decent! The grainy guitar fuzz sound can be grating at times but they work some really good melodies into the songs on top of that. Realy catchy and energetic. 6/10
Un disc que en el seu moment segur que sonava molt més subversió que décades després. Malgrat tot, la barreja d'actitud iconoclasta amb un pre-hardcore/punk amb temes força bons, i el segell de fàbrica d'un Steve Albini ja amb personalitat pròpia, el fan un disc a respectar
album bom, mas nada além disso.
I didn't really know what to expect here, but this is some really great industrial punk. From an American band, no less! I don't want to take away from the quality of the music, which is quite excellent. It's heavy and raw and raging and visceral and it quite simply rocks. I enjoyed it quite a bit. But some of the lyrics get pretty bleak and disturbing. Consider this your trigger warning if you are a survivor of abuse, I mean it. Fave Songs: Kerosene, Strange Things, Bad Houses, Passing Complexion, Bazooka Joe
Gibts nicht auf Spotify
I thought this was the guy who was on MTV back in the day so this was a surprise.
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
This is close to something I could dig on but it's just too aggressive and causes me anxiety. there is something very cool under the surface here though. i'd like to hear that
Too loud, frenetic and dark for me. Also, I really loathed early drum machines. I'm afraid this music could obliterate the few functioning brain cells I have left. No offense to those who love this. It's powerful stuff.
I put the miser in Atomizer.
Had to turn the volume down because this was an intense listening experience. In the beginning it was mostly noisy and unpleasant, after a while I got more used to it. The most interesting fact about the album is that the frontman is Steve Albini which has produced many famous records/bands. And after recognizing that, I could definetly hear sounds used by Nirvana, Pixies etc. Favourites: Kerosene
2.3. The first album that I didn’t really like or think had much redeeming qualities. I guess I can appreciate it in a sense. Being 1986 it paved the way for the future. But I would have no problem not ever hearing it again. I’ve been doing a terrible, bad, fine, good, great to help with my 1-5. Despite me not thinking this is necessarily bad it will be my first 2 star. After reading about them I can definitely appreciate the path they paved and understand why it’s on this list. But as an album, and I try to look at the albums as singular pieces of art and to my best to not let the catalogue, or the meaning, or the message, history and/or groundbreaking nature, but simply the art.
don't really know what i thought, clearly groundbreaking but didn't have the best listening experience
Чувак бы получше качество звукозаписи, и тогда из этого могло получиться что-нибудь путёвое. Местами даже Le Tigre напоминает.
Bit too close to screamo for me but I enjoyed Fists of Love
eh
Ugh. Not for me 3/10
Just not having a good time with this one. Quite abrasive. I think the Wikipedia summary sums it up quite nicely. Definitely a "godawful racket" and "brutal guitar machine". 2/5
Technical virtuosity not enough to make up for the cacophony of this “noise rock”. I kind of liked the song Kerosene.
The molecules of my brain got atomized listening to this
I was initially quite interested by "Jordan, Minnesota", possibly because it was such a stark change compared to my last album which was Van Morrison's Moondance. The crackly distorted vocals were also fun at first, then with all the stop-start instrumental and the faux-sex breathing noises just made it deeply uncomfortable; wanted it to end as soon as possible. "Passing Complexion" put me in a similar place, with something interesting, though repetitive, then it was just ruined by the 'singer' opening his damn mouth. Guy isn't even attempting to sing; it's quite low effort for experimentation. It happened again on "Big Money". I actually kind of liked this one for the instrumentation though. I think I enjoyed "Kerosene"? Vocalist did sound much without the gross distortions shouting and the repeating guitar riff was just at a low enough pitch to help scratch the bass itch almost. "Bad Houses" was ok for similar reasons as stated for Kerosene and, for some reason that's hard to place, I loved the guitars on "Fists of Love". "Stinking Drunk" went from consistently abrasive to inconsistently abrasive by it's second half, which irritated more than interested me; think this has more to do with it being one of those tracks that felt almost there for me. "Bazooka Joe" was... wow... really boring by comparison to the rest of the album, feeling a little out of place without any screeching guitars ripping through it at any point. Strange Things sits in a similar place. Leading with these tracks may have been a better choice, sonically? The less that is said about "Cables" the better. This just sounded straight awful, with the metallic clang of the guitar just kicking out into fuzzy sludge. Interesting - would love to know how you make a guitar sound like this live - but still awful. Overall, incredibly interesting to listen to; I am always a fan of experimentation. I am glad I experienced it, but probably won't be listening again. As something to listen to before you die, it definitely belongs on this list.
(3/7) too noisy
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
Atomizer Sonically this feels more interesting than many of their US punk peers, you can hear the hand of Steve Albini all over it. I really like the tinny drum machine paired with the scuzzy dirty bass sound, and there are some great little moments here and there like the repeating motif in Passing Complexion, the riff/intro to Kerosene and the guitar twang of Bazooka Joe But song-wise it’s far less interesting, with only Passing Complexion, Kerosene and Bad Houses really standing out. Again like so much punk/metal/industrial when heaviness and difficult-ness become the overriding ethos it just feels like it hits a bit of a dead end quite quickly An interesting album to hear once or twice but ultimately there’s not much that would make me think about revisiting, so a 2. ⚛️⚛️ Playlist submission: Kerosene
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.
Grating and unenjoyable. Occasional decent riffs bring it to a two.
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
I gave my ears plenty of time to cooperate. They didn't. Now I'm punishing them with this
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.
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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