Reviews (page 5 of 9)
Rest in peace ray i guess
another album im not sure i rly understand the inclusion of for this lists goals but. fsr it kind of made me emotional ghjsg. maybe i just havent heard this kind of music in a while and it v intrinsically feels like one of my home bases, so its just a long-dormant itch being soothed. in any case its clearly quality power pop, theres something so distinct about it that i just cant put my finger on...somewhere between the songwriting sensibilities (very economic) and arrangement sensibilities (making everything sound much bigger than the track lengths would imply, maybe evan dando's slightly weird vocals too. idk. great album, tho for such a short record i wish the songs were a bitttt more consistent...but the sound rules and the highs are transcendental
Buen disco, pop indie agradable.
Trideset godina pokušavam skužit šta je toliko super kod ovog albuma i dalje jebeno ne uspijevam 😃
So alternative. But the cover Hair so . . . no notes.
So mid, nothing offensive but also not very memorable 5/10
good jangle, consistent and fun but nothing too impactful
I remember years and years ago my dad got two really early lemonheads albums from the record shop, definitely their first album but I don’t remember what else. I never actually listened to it and later I’d find out about it’s a shame about ray and not listen to that… but at least I knew the Mrs Robinson cover. Would still go 3/5 though its solid and good songs here but nothing interesting
Liked the last song.
this was awesome
Well, this is yet another group that I thought I had never heard before, but it turns out that I had heard the cover of Mrs. Robinson, just didn’t realize who the band was. Anyway, I really liked this album, and if I had heard it back in the day, it would’ve been something I would’ve played very regularly. I’m sorry I wasn’t exposed to it back then, but I’m saving it and will listen to it again in the future. It gets four solid stars from me.
Upbeat alt rock. I love that the vocals don’t try to do too much, but at the same time the album is a little forgettable.
It's sort of OK.Lad rock.
4.6 - What a great album, just uncomplicated great music. Will be coming back to this for sure
I enjoyed this more than I expected. Fave Tracks: Rudderless, My Drug Buddy 3.6/5
It's a shame about the fact that this album isn't quite as good as I remember it being. Of course, the Lemonheads peaked with their cover of Mrs Robinson, which is only on this album as a bonus track, so can't influence this scientifically rigorous process. A pity. Anyway, it's pretty serviceable, but distinctly nothing special.
Absolutely mid
Pretty good 90s alt. Mrs. Robinson cover is a classic.
I just love this album. The Juliana Hatfield backing vocals, the hooks, all of it, start to finish. This is by far, the only great Lemonheads album.
Close to a 4, Evan seems to make songwriting look effortless but a few of the songs didn't really leave a strong impression so opted for a 3. Fave tunes were Rudderless, Alison Is Starting To Happen and the title track.
Generic in a good and nostalgic way, like it’s a hermetically sealed time capsule from 1992. It’s calming in a way that only this uptempo college rock can be. Rating: 3.5
"It's a Shame About Ray" is the fifth album by American alternative rock band the Lemonheads. Grunge, alternative rock and jangle rock are the Wiki-listed genres. I'd replace grunge with power pop. The album was produced by the Robb Brothers and the bandmembers at the time were Evan Dando (lead vocals, guitars), Juliana Hatfield (bass, backing vocals), David Ryan (drums) and Nic Dalton (bass on "Mrs. Robinson"). Commercially, it reached #33 in the UK and #36 in the US and was critically very well-received. The album starts out fast with the catchy "Rockin Stroll." Told from the perspective of a baby. Power pop and Dando with a guitar solo. Dando layers his guitars in "Confetti." A bouncy bass and a straight-forward rock song but it sounds great. Another great guitar solo; I didn't know Dando was this good. A song about Dando's Father divorcing his Mother. Dando was inspired to write and song title "It's a Shame About Ray" from a quote he saw in a Sydney newspaper about a kid named Ray who kept getting kicked out of school, although, it seems more self confessional to me. Nice melodic guitar and bass. Great guitar riff and, of course, the vocal chorus. No, I wasn't singing along. The band goes soulful with an organ in "My Drug Buddy." It's slower and with an acoustic guitar. Great harmonization between Hatfield and Dando. It's about a friendship with someone you do drugs with. A song that was included in a later release and recorded for the 25th anniversary of "The Graduate" is their punkified-cover of "Mrs. Robinson." The band let's loose with charging guitars and drums. A rolling bass high in the mix. A great cover. This album just flies by. Fast, short, catchy rock-pop songs. Some of the deeper cuts such as "Rudderless," "Allison's Starting to Happen," and "Ceiling Fan in My Spoon" have a harder, more urgent guitar edge which I really liked. Dando's voice is clear and distinct and, lyrically, he doesn't shy away from his personal drug issues. This album is much more than the self-titled and cover songs. I struggle with calling the album overlooked at the time and since but it is definitely worth going back for a listen.
Reminds me of summer in the 90s, I love it. Surprisingly it's biggest hit, the cover of Mrs. Robinson is its weakest track.
This is incredibly dull. Not offensive, but I definitely feel like I didn't have to listen to this before I die. Somehow that makes it worse. 2 stars.
Not bad. Totally 90’s.
Solid
It's a bit "meh" isn't it. Felt like someone covering someone else all the way through.
Nothing all that special, but it's hard to complain about a quick and simple 90s indie rock album. It's still pretty punchy and had a fun energy.
3/5
концентрированный альтрок 90-х
What a boring album. I like Mrs Robinson though
6.5/10
point6.
This album is the musical equivalent of a 10 year old kid who is a picky eater so every meal consists of boxed mac and cheese. No exploration, safe, bland. One meal or song is just as inoffensive and forgettable as the last. Then one time their mom makes them try a recipe from when she was a kid and it’s good, but then the kid goes right back to mac and cheese.
Welcome surprise
Not too bad
Nä, tråkig tonårsgnäll
It’s a Shame About Ray ist das fünfte Studioalbum der US-amerikanischen Band The Lemonheads, die unter der Leitung von Evan Dando in den frühen 1990er Jahren zur prägendsten Grunge- und Alternative-Rock-Szene gehörte. Das Album wurde in den Sunset Sound Studios in Los Angeles aufgenommen, einem renommierten Studio, das für seine ausgezeichnete Akustik und langjährige Geschichte bekannt ist. Die Produktion übernahm Dando zusammen mit den erfahrenen Produzenten The Butcher Brothers, was zu einem eher rauen und klaren Sound führte, der die Vielseitigkeit der Band widerspiegelt. Das Album bewegt sich zwischen Alternative Rock, Indie und Pop-Punk und bietet einen eingängigen, aber auch melancholischen Klang, der den damaligen Zeitgeist einfängt. Besonders hervorzuheben sind die Songs "Mrs. Robinson", ein Cover des bekannten Simon & Garfunkel-Klassikers, sowie das Titelstück "It’s a Shame About Ray", das mit seinem minimalistischen, aber kraftvollen Sound und Dandos markanter Stimme zu den wichtigsten Tracks des Albums zählt. Die Lieder sind häufig von einer leichten Melancholie durchzogen, kombiniert mit einer charmanten Unbekümmertheit, die typisch für die Band ist. Die Mitglieder der Band, die überwiegend aus den USA stammen, legten mit diesem Album den Grundstein für ihren späteren Erfolg. Evan Dando, als Frontmann und Hauptsongwriter, trägt maßgeblich dazu bei, dass das Album sowohl musikalisch als auch emotional fesselnd ist. Die Lyrics sind oft introspektiv und vermitteln eine gewisse Wehmut, was das Album zu einem späten Highlight des frühen 90er-Alternative-Rock-Genres macht. It’s a Shame About Ray ein zugängliches, aber nicht unauffälliges Werk ist, das den Charakter der Lemonheads eindrucksvoll zeigt. Es bleibt ein klassisches Beispiel für die Fusion von Indie-Rock mit poppigen Elementen und hat sich als eines der bekanntesten Alben der Band etabliert.
Mrs Robinson was the saving grace (and it wasn’t even on the original release).
It’s alright. No big stand outs for me.
Retail store rock, 5/10
3 stars
Fun album, but maybe a little generic, I heard some inspiration taken from The Smiths and The Clash which I enjoyed, wasn’t as good as their stuff, but their were some nice tracks on here for sure. Favorite Tracks: My Drug Buddy, Bit Part, Kitchen, and Mrs. Robinson.
This album feels like a 90s coming of age rom com movie. VHS. Thin wirey headphones with fuzzy ear pads. I wonder how professional critics separate their objectivity from their nostalgia. Not sure I believe it's possible. I didn't grow up with this one but I didn't have to, it's pure essence. Was a 100% montage.
Just alright.
Meh. Wayne's world
Great album! Dando writes insightful songs and has a great voice. Too bad he got taken down by substance abuse.
I was impressed. This album has a garage punk sound that is a good blend of 90s and today. Songs like Rudderless, Bit Part, Alison's starting to happen are impressive for how timeless they sound. I could see this album growing on me even more with time.
Very stereotypical 90's alternative rock that is a nice little time capsule to a sound that doesnt' really exist anymore. It's impressively "pure" in the sense that nobody is trying to bend a genre (though maybe it's due to this being what a bit of a pioneer in the pop-alternative rock category) or be overly artistic or deep. It's a pure good times album, with some occasional feelings thrown in there. I think the only song I'd heard before was the cover of "Mrs. Robinson", which is a great cover. I think I liked the title track the most though, it's got that simple structure with a nice chorus and chord progression without being tonally simplistic. I wouldn't call the rest of it totally forgettable but it works more as a collection rather than singles. I can't think of another standout on here, but they're all fine. I'd put the whole thing on while working or relaxing outside.
A fine listen. Reminds me of what was on the radio growing up without having heard this on the radio. It's good enough but not good enough to make me revisit it.
Shameful shit poop
esempio perfetto di musica meh
It’s okay. It’s not bad. It was a fine enough listen. I just can’t get to a 3 for this XTC ripoff of an album
Music that is so Mid and lowkey stupid (see Ceiling Fan in My Spoon), that I cannot believe anyone bothered to actually write it down, let alone put it to music, put together a band, and record it in the studio. Some of it sounds ok.
incredibly same-y middle of the road alt rock. not great, not terrible. anyways, here's wonderwall
This fits for the era but doesn’t age well compared to some other 90s bands. Good sound for a Saturday night.
I'm a power pop guy, so The Lemonheads have certainly crossed my radar a few times. Sure, their cover of "Mrs. Robinson" later became a huge hit, but I've always been fond of this album's title track too. It's a fun and short album, capturing the essence of the lighter, melancholic, and jangly side of the early 90's alt rock scene. The group's next album had some good stuff if I recall too.
Nice, really genuine pure rock vibe, dig it. But not something I’d listen to consistently
Rudderless
This was great. It honestly just sounded like 1992 to me. I was surprised to look it up and see that it actually came out in 1992! It was a simple nice album, took me back to a specific place and time.
78% Best: It’s a Shame About Ray; Rudderless; Kitchen; Must-Hear? I like this record, but there are plenty other albums in this style (even in this book) that makes it non-essential.
It was inoffensive, but rather uninteresting at the same time. The fact that the cover of "Mrs. Robinson" is by far the most interesting song on there is its own story.
Very good
Cute, but I fail to see why it's considered essential. I'd rock to these guys live tho
It’s fine, among the amazing music of the 90s especially with grunge, it just kind of feels whatever. It’s a shame about ray might be the worst song too somehow.
1. ztroll - 1 2. confetti - 0 3. ray - 1 4. rudder - 0 5. drug - 1 6. turnpike - 0 7. bit - 0 8. allizon - 0 9. hannah - 1 10. kitchen - 1 11. ceiling - 1 12. millz - 1 13. robinzon - 1 14. zhakey - 1.5
I like the title track to this album and the Mrs. Robinson cover. That’s basically it. There wasn’t much else that I could get into. And, I read the Simon & Garfunkel cover wasn’t even on the initial release so points lost there too. Maybe I’m being too harsh but I really didn’t care for this album. I’m giving it a 1. 1/5
Enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. I always knew and liked their cover of "Mrs. Robinson" but hadn't listened to anything else by them. This is a really solid album top to bottom. Favorite songs are probably "Rockin' Stroll," "It's A Shame About Ray," and "My Drug Buddy," in addition to the "Mrs. Robinson" cover. This left a little something to be desired at times, but overall this is a great listen and worthy of its place on the list.
Honestly, it's a decent album that captures the sound of the early 90s well. Mix one part Soul Asylum with one part R.E.M. and this is what you get. I like it, but I'm a fan of the sound.
This is fun. the sound is the same throughout the track but its got the 90's montage vibe, that is fun.
It's just okay. Nothing really special
This is what I imagine every teenager in America listened to in the 90s
This was okay. I get the sense I would have liked it more had I discovered it when I was younger.
Decent indie album
Must hear ???? The only song that made some impression was a cover and not even a good one
"Frank Mills" hört sich an als nebenbei sich einer die Falten aus dem Sack schlägt, was ist das für ne Aufnahme? 3sterne
Guter 90s Indie-Rock. Hat mir gefallen.
I couldn't remember why I knew this band's name until the album finished playing and their cover of "Mrs. Robinson" came on after. Oh, right. That's why. It's still the only song of theirs I liked. The album ranged from generic rock to obnoxious noise, and I didn't enjoy much of it. 2/5
Prime 90s pop, with the jangle and the alienated lyrics and the catchiness. One I can listen to multiple times. “It’s a Shame About Ray” absolutely holds up. I say: Dando-riffic!
Thankfully very short. This album definitely reminds me that there is a level of "too palatable" for my tastes. This is so safe and generic that it was kind of a slog to get through. I was alive in the 90s, I remember this music being played a lot on the radio while I was growing up. I just think there's much, much better 90s alternative out there.
I really enjoyed this! Why have rock bands like this have all but vanished? It’s fun, upbeat and very 90s. Added a few songs to my playlist, including a cover of “Mrs. Robinson” that I enjoyed stoned in bed tonight.
"It's A Shame About Ray" has a sound typical of rock bands of the time and could be considered a generic album because of that, but it's not. Although the theme is not at all sweet, this could be considered a comfortable album. It could be part of any teen TV series of the time like "One Tree Hill" and "Dawson's Creek". The vocalist's vocal delivery is the highlight of the album, without a doubt.
If any album sounds like the 90s distilled, this is the one. I don't think I'll ever listen to this again though.
Love the Lemonheads
I did not use a private session for Spotify. I listen to this album every so often, I like it a lot. It's got some great classics on it and I like their rocking version of Mrs. Robinson.
If this is the only Lemonheads album on this list, you chose wrong. It should have been Lick. But as far as It's a Shame About Ray is concerned it's a good solid album. I think it's diminished by the fact that after the record companies got a bunch of free money in the 90s for re-releasing albums on CD that fans rebought, they signed EVERYBODY. Unfortunately, that includes bands that were in The Lemonheads' wheel-house ... some better, most worse.
Just solid 90's pop rock all around, good tunes for the morning! The cover of "Mrs Robinson" was not on the original album tracklist, but that's how I ended my listen.
Rudderless and my drug buddy stood out, the rest is meh
Some good ones but pretty generic!
Pretty fun. Kinda chill, lyrics are whimsical and wandering. Enjoyable background hangout music 3/5.
There’s some good songs here, but the 90s alternative production is a bit of a turnoff. Overall it’s a middling album.
I like it
2.5
And **today** in "Oh, hey, it's **that** album cover..." Turned out that reading the top-rated review of this album before I listened to it wasn't a good idea. Because it evoked teen-age slackers on a college campus, all I could picture hearing this music was a teen movie that never existed. Like, my opinions of this album really aren't any more complicated than that. These songs sound like they should be on a soundtrack that's praised even today for it's "cool, alternative" taste, despite retrospective assessments that deem the film itself "problematic" or something. And I don't even mean that as a dig; I've seen 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU in the last month, and that has a pretty good soundtrack. Same goes for CLUELESS, which I haven't seen lately, but maybe I should see again at some point soon? I'unno. This is just really nice jangly, rockin' music. Nothing I was losing my mind over, but it's not like every album in the world has to. And, I mean, sure, most of them are pretty similar to each other, although to me that just means they're consistent. And there's this one song that has a very strong influence from country music, and I really loved that one. A good country song can jus' do it sometimes, y'know? Damn, that slide. Plus, hey, hey, hey, there's a rockin' cover of "Mrs. Robinson" on here as a bonus track, that, honestly, I might like a bit more than the original? It's nothing against Simon & Garfunkel, of course; I just really love how this one rocks. And it's the only one of these songs I've heard in a 90's movie — and WAYNE'S WORLD 2, at that. Go figure. All that, and the fact that it's too much above 30 minutes... Yeah, it's a 4 and a thumbs-up from me. I really didn't have much to say about it (only 345 words, not counting these); it's just plainly good and enjoyable. And, hey, it made me wanna watch CLUELESS again, so that's a plus. It's no shame about this album — I guess. I'unno.
Just some pretty damn good 90's Alternative, all around. 4.5 bumped down to 4.
I’m right at a 4. Wikipedia really shouldn’t call this grunge. It sets an expectation that immediately gets wiped away from the first strums of the guitar, and thankfully, settles into something that’s right down my alley – this is R.E.M. with the RPM turned up a bit, with a hint of Matchbox 20, the Goo Goo Dolls, or Counting Crows in there. There’s certainly some influence from grunge, especially in the guitar/percussion, but it’s not the driving sound/genre of the album, at least compared to what most people would call “90s grunge”. This is the sort of alt-rock that I have a lot of love for, specifically because it’s a bit on the poppier side of things; give me a good chorus, some strong melodies in the verses, some catchy enough repeatable lyrics, and blend it with a band that knows how to play the instruments they’re given, and you can’t lose in my eyes. This album doesn’t always click on all of those, but it clicks a LOT of the time. The main reason I’m at a 4 is because the album does sort of get a bit stale around the middle – the structure of “cool acoustics with heavy percussion” gets a bit overplayed, and the lyricism and vocals don’t overcome that stigma, specifically around tracks 5-7. They’re still fun listens, but they’re just not as compelling to me for whatever reason. The same applies to the last 2 tracks on the original release; that cover from the musical Hair feels rather strange as the “ending” of the album – the Mrs. Robinson cover on the rerelease remedies that, but that original finish would’ve been a bit strange in 1992, I think. Regardless, I did enjoy a lot of this – it’s right down my alley, and maybe with enough time, it could go up to a 5. For now, it’s a recommended 4, that feels like a bit of a “normal” cleanser to my ears after that Mothers of Invention album – that’s still a fine enough album, but I really needed something traditional today, and The Lemonheads came through. I gotta check out more from these guys, I think.
Like Blue Rodeo, but forgettable.
An album full of energy and good feelings. Very shiny music.
I remember listening to some of these songs when I was a kid. The "weird" kids listened to the Lemonheads, they weren't so mainstream. It's a great album with great tunes that are pretty chilled out. Some interesting lyrics that fit right in. It's kind of a nice time capsule type album for me to remember the old high school days.
You know, it's pretty damn embarrassing when an album makes this list because they had a one hit wonder. And that one hit wonder just so happens to be a cover. In this case it's Mrs. Robinson. Are we just putting anything on here that has had any little bit of popularity? If the Ataris make this fucking list with thet Don Henley Boys of Summer song I'm gonna just go on record and say that this list is in fact not 1001 records you need to listen to before you did. But maybe 50 records and the rest are there to piss you off and test your patience. This record is the quintessential college bro rock album. Has a bit of post punk influence... But over all just bland. Boring. Plain.
The best song on this album wasn't even part of this album. goes by inoffensively enough though tbf
Pretty good, nice.
I like the 90s thing but I felt the songwriting could be better. The demo of It’s a Shame about Ray is excellent 3.45
I was surprised by how much I liked this album. Also, I found this on the Lemonheads Wikipedia page and found it quite funny: "The band's frontman, Evan Dando, later told American Songwriter that he "hated" the song as well as its author and that its recording was only to promote a 25th anniversary home video release of The Graduate. He noted that Simon greatly disliked the cover, but Garfunkel was more favorable toward it." That tracks.
Sorry to hear about Ray. Thoughts and prayers.
This was really pleasant. It reminded me of road trips listening to early aughts indie rock. Not better than a theee though
Never really understood why xrt seems to prefer this version of Mrs. Robinson
Album - It's A Shame About Ray Artist - The Lemonheads Release - 1992 Genre - Grunge/Alternative Rock/Jangle Rock Heard it before? - Y I won't take a bullet for it, but I think taking R.E.M. and giving it a proper crunch works well on some songs ("Confetti", "Rudderless," "Kitchen.") 4/10
This was great. The rhythm guitar and drums are particularly good. The singer's voice is a little grating on some songs but quite nice on others. I don't think I'd listen to this on repeat, but a few songs on it are keepers for sure
Pretty good album. Great 90s vibe overall and a few really decent songs. Just crossed the line into low 4.
It's really dull and the S&G cover doesn't rescue it.
Solid album!
Loved the Demos more than the actual album. Really fun. Favorites are Kitchen or Bit Part.
This was a damn good album. I really enjoyed it from start to finish.
Pretty good jangly poppy alt rock, suffers a bit from being a bit generic but changes it up enough throughout the album with a few softer songs
Just alright.
I like it, comfy guitar music, nothing groundbreaking, nothing stand out, but something clicked in my head - will listen again
pretty solid rock but not super memorable
Perfectly pleasant, bland, alternative rock fare that blends into the background on generic radio stations. Not a 'must listen to' album though
This sounded very dated but as I don't mind this era of music, it was alright. I'm keeping "The Turnpike Down" for my 1001 Highlights playlist. I'd say overall I liked this, but not enough to listen to it again.
Good solid album
Very 90s. Happy grunge music. I prefer my grunge dark and brooding. But this was actually better than I thought it would be. Not totally great but listenable.
Good fun rock and roll (Alternative Rock) Sounds like an (better) inspiration for the Rembrandts. Maybe it laid the foundation for the “Garden State” sound? Guitar work sounds very Boston (the band/album) to me. Also, the REM influence is clear, but with “surf rock band” energy.
Fine
Fine 2.5
I listened to the extended version with demos included, and I really liked the acoustic demo versions. I would probably give the demos a 4 and the album a 3. Being that the demos are stripped down renditions of the album I'll reach up to 4 on this.
This one falls into an interesting category for me. I don't think I needed to hear this before I died, but I still enjoyed this jangle rock album nonetheless. I only recognized the Mrs. Robinson cover, but actually enjoyed the other tracks more.
I like me my jangle rock. I enjoyed this but it wasn't love at first listen.
I remember this. Mrs. Robinson was the hit song. The album's alright. Not a bad song on it, but nothing great either. There were lots of bands like this at the time. I think in future editions of the book, this is one of the albums that can be replaced. Not because it's bad, but because there's similar better albums on the list. Favorite song: Bit part.
It's fine, sadly it's where they lost me, I hate to say it but I prefer their earlier work
~2.5. Standout: Bit Part. Not much else stood out to me.
The whole album is so polished it became so basic and absolutely bleak. On Spotify there are demo versions included and imho they sound much more authentic and interesting. Enjoyed the 'Bit Part' and really appreciated the 'Mrs. Robinson' cover, it's really good.
HL: "Bit Part", "Alison's Starting to Happen", "Rudderless", "Confetti" Rounds up to a 4 for being just so dang jangly and likeable
Really liked this upbeat album.
Basic alternative rock. Evan Dando is a great songwriter but there was nothing fantastic about this album
Well above average in the reality of 90s alternative radio. Indistinct in the field of stuff worth remembering about 90s alternative. You're not gonna get rounded up to 3 stars if you've got a Simon & Garfunkel cover. music: hated. (⌐■_■)
Good in the way that a lot of 90s rock is good, but would not stand out among some of the heavier hitting peers. I’m not putting on Lemonheads when there’s Built to Spill to be put on, for example.
Really great album. Not positive I would go back to it much but super enjoyable. Lovely cover of Mrs. Robinson 3.5
It's a shame I can't give it 3.5 stars- some pretty well crafted tunes
Chill, chill, chill, chill. I’m hearing Modest Mouse. Is this “punk pop”? Strong 3.
Maybe in a different time and place, this album would toe the fine line between indie rock and rough around the edge perfectly...but not today.
Nice
It’s so 90s it reminds me of the Pete & Pete theme song and Counting Crows. I remember hearing the Mrs. Robinson cover on the radio too. Despite the nostalgia, it’s still just not my vibe.
well bleach my jeans and call me Dando
Only listened to a couple of songs by the Lemonheads before but it's a shame they've passed me by, like half my favourite bands they are a punk band trying to sound as poppy and catchy as possible. First song was the best but it was all pretty good, didn't outstay it's welcome at all. Id prefer it slightly edgier but they've got a sound that works for them. Would like to hear more, 4.5.
Listened to it twice given the hype. It didn't really land for me. Rudderless is alright, but I didn't enjoy the rest. Meandering and often uninteresting, or uninspired.
Another band that I've heard about a fair bit but not sure I've ever heard.... Thought it was really good. Listened 3 times now. Kinda soft indie. Reckon I might've liked it more as a teenager. Definitely be back. My favourites were: Rudderless It's a shame about Ray The turnpike down Alison's starting to happen Bit part Cover of Mrs Robinson was good too, but that doesn't count! I'm going to say 5
Power pop isn't really my thing. This wasn't bad though
Gran punk
Good stuff
There is nothing here that twenty other bands don't do better. 2 stars or D+.
Mrs Robinson.
I could see how this might get a little tiresome if it were long, but at barely over half an hour, it doesn't overstay its welcome. I like the title track a lot; i think it was a single. My Drug Buddy also good, and the cover of Mrs Robinson has some great bass playing. I think this merits a four.
As a gen Xr, you can’t think of lemonheads without thinking of their cover of Ms Robinson. Back when mtv was a thing, this song was on heavy rotation during the alternative time slot. It goes without saying that it's a banger. I never gave the rest of the album a listen, aside from the track “my drug buddy” which is great. I also recognized the main guitar parts from the title track which is also OK, as is the rest of the album now that I think about it. Not really my jam.
This album epitomizes college rock from the 90’s. It was an album that everyone in college listened to and felt like they were in on something amazing. It was lauded like it was the 90’s version of Sgt. Pepper. In the end…it’s an ok album, nothing special. Their one breakthrough song is a cover which doesn’t say much for the rest of the album. It has been for the most part left behind and there is a reason for that. We grew up and discovered that our pretentious idea of music matured, and our belief that this album was something special gave way to the reality that it’s an ok album.
Reminiscent of a lot of 90s alt rock. Not horrible but I'd rather listen to Toad the Wet Spocket, Better than Ezra, or REM. The music from those bands connected more with me.
This album brings a really nice 1990's feel (I mean, it was released in the 1990's). It's a nice alternative rock album. It's quite nostalgic for a time before I was born.
Feels like a sound track to an early 20s coming of age movie
I can understand not disliking this, but I really think you’d be totally fine not listening to this before you die.
Solid early-90's grunge album, lyrics that are very tight. Funny that Mrs. Robinson wasn't included on the original version, as that's the de facto 'hit' of this album. Will listen again.
Just another mediocre alternative rock album from the 90s.
First listen thru, I thought it was good but as it often happens the songs grew on me a bit more on the second listen. The Lemonheads glazed up the grunge on this release. The whole album plays like a soundtrack to a 90’s romcom and that isn’t meant as a dig, it’d be the soundtrack to a good 90’s romcom. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars
I didn't realize how much I would dig this album. Although released in the early 90's, it sounds like it could have been released in the late 80's.
To me this sounds a lot like some early brit-pop bands. And the sound isn't bad! Not great, but it's listenable to. The big problem is that every single one of these songs are entirely forgettable. In fact I forgot most of them while they were still playing. The chorus would come around again and I would think "oh, yes, I vaguely remember that this might have been the chorus to this song" then the verse would start and if you paused the song at that point there is no way I'd have been able to even hum the chorus. There is just no hook or memorable tune to any of this.
Never heard of that band until now. Good vocal and a nice variety of tunes.
Listened to the expanded version and I’m glad I did - it gave me a different appreciation for the tracks on this record. The intended versions of the songs were good, but gave me a “oh I hired this band for your birthday,” vibe. However, the acoustic versions showed me the intended effect each song was trying to convey - I almost wish there was a little jazzy/ rock style drumming keeping time and creating layering. I liked both versions of My Drug Buddy, but found the full version of Ruder less annoying, but not the acoustic. Cool band that you just know inspired so many other groups to create music.
Very 90s teen movie vibe but good
90s alt-rock is such an average genre of music. there are so many bands this album could have been and so many bands who were doing the same thing at this time. Mrs Robinson and knowing me knowing you are good covers; they get a star on their own! Apart from the covers this is a very basic album that could be by anyone at that time and is instantly forgettable. That said I enjoyed Rockin stroll and It’s a shame about ray. Particularly the demos that are on the extended versions. Favourite song: Knowing me knowing you Least favourite: Nothing was bad, yet nothing was very good at all. Album artwork: Cool cover.
Sounds like it's time but not awful. I can't really notice anything that stands out but it could be that this influenced a lot of things that ended up sounding really similar. Don't regret listening but won't go back.
I knew the name, but kind of surprised I never listened to them. It is similar to the vibe of music I listened to around this era. Nice slide guitar. The sound quality is really good and I probably would have enjoyed this more between the ages of 14 to 17. Overall there were no big moments and the rhythm gets pretty repetitive. The album length was a nice break. Does the cover song count? Seems to be a bonus track on a re release. I'm not counting it.
Niet mijn stijl maar wel gewoon goed 3.1
Fun loving music Laid back singing, sad lyrics Alluring combo
this sounded like the in-between of dino jr and emo which i both enjoy but it never really grabbed me like those two do
Despite the fact that I owned a copy of this cassette at one point, I need to know on what planet this was every something that needed to be listened to before one dies? One of the other reviews is like "this is good, but I can think of a bunch of other albums from that era that sound the same." I'm with that person - how is this unique at all other than the Mrs. Robinson cover? And honestly, by definition of it being a cover, that's also not unique.
The name of the band The Lemonheads sound familiar to me. But after listening to the album, I didn't notice much that was familiar. I didn't find the music particularly impressive. I liked It's a Shame About Ray. I soon found the cover version of Mrs. Robinson better than the original. The rest of the album strummed pleasantly but unimpressively in the background. 3/5
Love this album. A top 250 album for me.
Vinalegt sixties skotið gítarpopp. 3,5
A couple songs were fine but mostly this was forgettable indie pop for me. 2.5/5
My Grandad’s name is Ray
Replacement level 90s pop radio alt rock - nice jangle, strummy, some twang, it's very bright, melodic and earnest, but extremely paint by numbers. I like this genre a lot, but really hard to call this essential listening as an album - maybe a song on a best of the rest 90s comp.
Meh. Its just another band. Sound is generic to the era. Nothing really special just influenced by the earlier better groups of the same style. Its not bad, actually liked it but not original or diferent at all from the bands before them
Solid pop-punk record, simple and easily accessible
I’ve heard of these guys my entire life and maybe even heard a few of their songs before? Maybe just the Mrs. Robinson cover from Wayne’s world 2. Regardless I was a little underwhelmed. They’re fine just kinda boring. I’d give it a 2.5 if I could.
Seems pleasant enough I suppose. Nothing memorable for me though. Based on the the internet I expected a hard rock band.
I haven't listened to much of this band before. They have good energy. Very "90s sitcom intro" vibe. I never noticed there's a "coo coo ca choo" in 'Mrs Robinson' before. Highlight: 'Confetti'
fun-loving sorta remmy album, enjoyable though it got a little blurry by the end
This is a decent album if you’re looking for something lighthearted that captures the nostalgic essence of early ’90s alternative rock. It’s fun to hear some jangly guitars really take the spotlight. The standout track is, of course, their big hit—their cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s “Mrs. Robinson.” I have to admit, their version has actually stood the test of time surprisingly well.
Aww, back in the day this was my Sunday morning after the Saturday night out, lying in bed chilling out/ Nice but not quite good enough for a 5
Is that you, Foos? I don’t have immediate access to a dorm so I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to totally understand this record, but I do remember being a teenager and suspect I’d have hated this if I was one in the 90s. Thankfully, I’m now in my mid 30s so don’t mind the outwardly anodyne just as long as it isn’t insultingly so. Which this isn’t. 3.5 because I like “Rudderless” and hear points of influence for lots of other bands I like.
I listened to this at 1am on a 100 mile drive home....I remember nothing about this
This was the perfect album for a chill Friday morning. I very much appreciated The Lemonheads when I was a teen, and I can still listen to this whole album so easily. This was one of only a few albums on this list where I’ve voluntarily picked the extended version.
this had some bangers, great listen
I don't think I've heard any of this album other than I have a vague recollection of hearing the Mrs. Robinson cover before. What an unexpected treat! This is the reason I'm doing this, to get to experience albums I find absolutely delightful that I otherwise would never have found.
A pretty solid 90's sound. Mrs. Robinson was fun. Nothing really stands out but I enjoyed this.
A nice surprise! Quite enjoyed this one 4 ⭐️
Quite nice soft rock of the early 90s 7/10
God groove og enkle komposisjona, veldig pop m punk vocals. Veldig spnn enkel folkerock typebeat med whiny vocals. e interessant på noe måte men ikke samtidig. veldig lett å kjenn igjen, litt substans i noen låta ellrs tynt. veldig simpelt. men kanskje det gjør den solid...
Fav: Rockin’ Stroll Least Fav: The Turnpike Down It’s a shame about The Lemonheads
Pretty alright 90s alt rock
Not really bad but not really good either. found it a bit same-y and bland. No songs really stood out to me other than their version of mrs robinson
Good example of jingly/jangly early nineties pop. Very samey and nothing stands out of any note. The only exception is Mrs Robinson, which stands out like a sore thumb mainly because of the genius of Paul Simon. A beige 3 stars for me.
Good 90s nostalgia here. I actually still listen to this album quite a bit. Nothing revolutionary, but always a good time.
Alt rock, kinda coastal/beachey lean
Dando probably wouldn't admit it, but a lot of "It's A Shame About Ray" feels as if it holds some debt to Tom Petty. i don't think their voices sound too similar, but they both maintain this spunk and small town jitteriness to their lyrics that can feel infectious at times. you could argue the album loses that energy over time, but i think it's mostly consistent, with a few highlights like "Confetti" and "Rudderless." overall, it's a solid, fun record. maybe it's a bit of a tragedy that the bonus cover tacked on at the end gets all the attention, but not cause it's bad -- just cause it made people think that was all there was to the Lemonheads.
Punk pop rock but very watered down. Not that I like punk, but this sounds too tame
My first girlfriend would listen to this and the spin doctors non stop, it is not a good combination of generic 90s “alternative” rock
It's a shame about this album Lemon is synonymous with dud, and that's what this is, one lemon out of five 🍋
Good
I had heard the cover of Mrs. Robinson before, but none of the rest. It's fine, nothing crazy, not much that was memorable. Just generic, acoustic guitar-based 90s rock.
In a dictionary of musical genres, this one would be as close to a definition of alt-rock as one could get. It's not a compliment. 2/5
joyful!
nope. thumbs all the way down.
Almost pop punk vibes at first but the title track and Rudderless are melodic 90s jangle rockers. The rest of the album is mostly in that vein. I kinda dig it but nothing much is really standing out either. Hannah & Gabi was a favorite. The bonus track is an uptempo cover of Mrs Robinson that was probably the most fun song on the album.
everything feels the same. each song is equally good and has the exact same vibe to it. i think it would take me so many listens to be able to distinguish between them
i really like this its very comfy in a way, but i kinda forgot about it immediately after i stopped listening to it so… thats why its only a 3
Ganz ok, reicht aber nicht für 3.
Another album that’s probably captured perfectly the flavour of the month but there’s very little variety here and it means very little to me. My favourite track was actually the first of the bonus tracks. Bland.
Meh. Could be any early 90s middle of the road band
One long song?
Meh. Such an unremarkable and dull album. It’s the most vanilla rock that doesn’t generate any emotion in me whatsoever.
Didn't hate it, but I didn't love it. Solid 3.
It's a shame I had to listen to this.
Just forgettable. Also was surprised to learn they did NOT write the theme song for FRIENDS
A good listen.
Standard early 90s American indie garage band rock which the creators of Daria would not stoop to including in scene transitions.
4.5 Wow what a surprising delight! I saw this come up yesterday and kinda rolled my eyes and was like “great another 90s alt rock bore that has nothing to say” but I LOVED THIS. Listened to it three times through yesterday! It is so much deeper than it appears! Delicate, beautiful songs, catchy hooks, so many things I like (airy girl voice on counterpoint), interesting covers (there’s a random song from HAIR on here?!?). I adored adored it!! Can’t wait to keep this downloaded and listen many more times.
Every song sounds exactly the same. The template works, but it's just annoying to hear the same song for 35 minutes. If anything saves this album, it's the 90s nostalgia.
Pretty good!
It's ok, fun at times but not my thing
good 90's
01) Rockin Stroll - 6,5 02) Confetti - 6,5 03) It's a Shame About Ray - 7,5 04) Rudderless - 6,0 05) My Drug Buddy - 6,0 06) The Turnpike Down - 5,5 07) Bit Part - 5,5 08) Alison's Starting to Happen - 6,5 09) Hannah & Gabi - 6,0 10) Kitchen - 6,0 11) Ceiling Fan in My Spoon - 6,5 12) Frank Mills - 5,5 13) Mrs. Robinson - 8,0 TOTAL: 6,31 (63/100) Current ranking: 274/353
Rockin' Stroll is a fun kickoff track. On first inspection it seems pretty straightforward, but the drum work is constantly shifting keeping the listener on their toes. The writing on Confetti is damned catchy. I feel like Zack Berman took direct inspiration from this vocalist -- there's a sunken nature to the delivery + echo effect that is uncannily similar to everything of his that I ever heard. The title track shines. Familiar song structure, but it is done well and I actually liked the vocal delivery a lot here -- has a post-punk vibe to it that persists across the album. Found myself vibing along to My Drug Buddy. Nothing earth shattering, but everything about it is nice -- slow thrumbing bass, punchy drums, crisp acoustic, and some backing organ support with nice vocal harmonization. This falls in a similar category to Tuesdays Gone for me -- a blissful, but calm ballad that feels bittersweet in some sense. This was fine, but far from earth shattering. Perfect 3 / 5 candidate.
Good Mrs. Robinson cover. Rest of it was okay. 3 stars
Allison did happen to me.
Quite boring early 90s alternative. Not sure why we needed to listen to this album, especially since Mrs. Robinson wasn't even on the original release.
There's nothing earth shattering about this although I do like the production. Every song sounds good but they all kinda sound the same. Allison's growing a mohawk! Mrs. Robinson is the best song on here and it's not even technically on here.
This just isn't hard. Like it doesn't go hard.
Great stuff
I have no nostalgic connection to this album, so it did nothing for me. It's like fake pop rock they'd play in a 90s sitcom about skateboard bros or something. Only recognize the "Mrs. Robinson" cover from the radio. It's alright.
Quirky and charming, but rather too brief.
Might be the most boring thing I've listened to so far.
ja nee ook, weer niet met je rock
Meh Is dit nou zo bijzonder
Have seen this album done in its entirety and it’s a great collection of songs that work well together. Forgot how strong it starts and the quiet way it ends. Takes you in a journey at a time in life.
Enjoyable album, lots of elements of music I enjoy. Instrumentals maybe like the Smiths. 3* Highlights from the deluxe version: the mrs robinson cover (apparently this is making me a S&G shill), knowing me knowing you (I'm also an ABBA shill and these guys make nice covers)
5/10 Does not deserve to be on the list. Boring.
A mediocre dad-rock album with no unique elements. It's a shame this is taking the place of other potential albums. The only redeeming qualities are that many of the instrumentals are at least average and it's relatively short. 1.8/5 -> 2/5
Love the Lemonheads. Saw them perform this album in full. Show was terrible because Evan Dando was completely wasted. Would not recommend them live.
ZZzzz…
I feel that I should be more critical on this, but I happened to like it a good bit. Very simple vocals, guitar, and rhythm that did enough to get me tapping my foot. Not every record has to be groundbreaking when they can just simply have a good time.
It has more good moments than bad
Classic 90s album. Never listened to these guys back in the day but it still makes me feel nostalgic. I enjoyed it.
Vacuous, beige, and vanilla are words that come to mind listening to this album. There's no particular stand out tracks, just a slush of dull music that is mercifully short (not listening to any demos or rehashes of songs that were crap to begin with). This is jangle-pop that is so formulaic that I could switch in one of a dozen similar bands and not even tell anything had changed. It's so dull it doesn't even deserve 1 star, so I'm giving it 2.
It's a good album, it's just missing something. Very easy to listen, but while listening I find myself not paying attention, just does not grab you. It's a good album, but not great though!
Soft and wistful and I enjoy the album, but in the end does it stand out ahead of other 90s indie pop? Idk, but I still have some of the songs in my favourites list. And RIP to my friend Ray. Not who the song is about, but the song represents him in my mind. Miss you mate. Extra star for this song
I feel like I've heard this album a lot. Sounds great, but very similar to others in the genre.
Rockin Stroll - 6.4 Confetti - 6.8 It's A Shame About Ray - 6.5 Rudderless - 7.2 My Drug Buddy - 7.5 The Turnpike Down - 6.8 Bit Part - 6.5 Alison's Starting To Happen - 6.9 Hannah & Gabi - 7.1 Kitchen - 6.9 Ceiling Fan In My Spoon - 7.0 Frank Mills - 7.1 Mrs. Robinson - 7.0 Shakey Ground - 6.8
Loved it
Eh, very repetitive. 4/10
Another Pleasant Surprise ...
The original version of this album got quite short and holds nothing remarkable for me although I like this kind of 90´s rock. The later added "Mrs. Robinson"- cover version secures them the three stars.
Kind of a lot of acoustic, where the album is cohesive but also leaves me wanting something to change at some point. I did actually like the extended songs more than the base album.
Can’t appreciate.
Short and sweet - some rather catchy tunes - snotty but in the arts college kind of way. These guys influenced half the British punk bands of the late 90s from my half bakes recollection - I could hear a lot of Ash, Sleeper and a hint of the Charlatans. However while it’s short it gets quite samey and besides the couple of catchy songs like the title track, Alison and a couple others i already forgot, it’s not the most memorable albums still fun while listening to it.
Good music makes you feel something. This makes me feel nothing.
It was actually fun. Mrs Robinson was cool, and the title track was enjoyable!
It's almost how unfair with how huch better Mrs. Robinson is than the rest of this album. I don't love this era of alt/ indie rock as it all kind of blends together and that same effect is apparent here to me. Standard garage band rock. I like Confetti the most from this album.
Simple but well done grungy alt rock. I liked the percussive elements of acoustic guitar as well as interesting progressions. A lot of it sounded pretty similar though, could use more variation. Favorite songs were: 3. It’s a shame about ray 4. Rudderless 8. Hannah and Gabi 13. Shaky ground 8/10
So while listening to this, I kept thinking king it sounded like a less inspired version of The Replacements. Lo and behold, when it finished, Spotify put on a Replacements song, and it was much better. I enjoyed it, but it was kinda nothing. It felt like it could have been the band that the characters best friend plays in in a 90s teen movie.
It was all kind of a blur. I liked it generally but not too much jumped out at me and re-engaged my attention.
I've never heard of The Lemonheads. They're from Boston, which is pretty cool of them. According to their Spotify bio they broke out around the Nirvana times, and were associated with Oasis and other iconic Gen X bands of the 90s. If the Spotify description is to be believed, they mostly got famous from how handsome the lead singer was. That makes sense as the music all seems a little toothless and same-y. It's a good length and inoffensively catchy the entire time, but it doesn't really do anything great. It certainly is music, and it isn't bad. My favorite song was "Ceiling Fan in My Spoon". That's a cool name for a song and immediately evokes a scene/moment in my mind. It's kind of funny that they covered Mrs. Robinson. It wasn't better than the original. 5/10
rockin stroll- 4 or 5 confetti-5 its a shame about ray-6 rudderless- 4 my drug buddy-7 the turnpike down- dont remember bit part- dont rmeeber alisons starting to happen- 6 hannah and gabi- 4 kitchen- 4 ceiling fan in my room- 4 frank mills- 5 how can you tell the songs apart. favorite track- my drug buddy. shocker
Great sound, some good songs. Not much in the way of staying power, but I'm glad it exists
I didn't know who they were. I thought. I absolutely hate the 2 most famous covers of Simon And Garfunkel songs and this makes me want to give a bad score to this album.
The Lemonheads leerde ik kennen door m'n pa. Ik moet toegeven dat ik enkel Ms. Robinson en It's a Shame About Ray kende van dit album, maar ben blij dat ik den deze eens volledig heb uitgespeeld. Heerlijk 'slacker' album met toch een paar ontdekkinkjes bij die ik heb toegevoegd aan m'n playlists. 3.9
Nothing very special
I’m sure I would have liked this if I’d been of the right age to enjoy, but I don’t understand why it would make a must listen list. It’s quite pleasant but unremarkable.
Not my cup of tea in the slightest. I did make it all the way through so it gets 2 stars.
Very good. 3.5
Excellent!
i second what the guy said about the hackey sack
Love the Mrs Robinson cover and the title track is very solid. Other than that I feel that it is just “ok”
Straight down the middle upbeat background music.
A very tired and obvious sounding early 90s album. No idea why this is on the list. It isn’t offensive, but there is nothing new or even moderately interesting here.
Short and sweet pop gems.
Monotonous voice and songs. Nothing special. It's just ok.
I've got a soft spot for Drug Buddy and It's a Shame about Ray, but overall is meh and feels super dated.
It's an OK album but I'm not sure it belongs on this list. I really like the title track. I like the guitar in Rudderless and kind of like Frank Mills. The rest of the album is meh. It was interesting to learn that Juliana Hatfield was part of the band.
When this album came out, I remember knowing people who were really into it, and feeling a bit like: "Why?" There's nothing bad about it, just nothings noteworthy... whichever it's a 3 star album that gets a minus 1 for taking up a space on this list.
Under the definition for 'mediocre' in the dictionary is a picture of this band. While this may not assault the ears the way other music might, it's doubly offensive for being so boring.
I'd give this a 3. I love the jangly guitars on most of the songs. It represents that slacker era in the early 90s that contradicted the harder darker grunge sound also emerging at the time. There are two alt rock classics in the title track and the Mrs Robinson remake. The rest of the album has a few highlights but it mostly forgettable.
Very meh.
We’ve got REM at home. REM at home:
The music isn’t super inspired, but I really loved some of the lyrics in this album, a lot of really earnest songs and feelings. Just want to be a bit part in someone’s life… drug buddy, it’s fun stuff. I especially loved Frank Mills because I just love the idea of the hope to run into a long-unseen acquaintance that made such an impression of you. I think we all have a lot of Frank Mills in our life. The extra b-side song Shakes Ground is also a really nice nuanced song about the love between friends vs SOs. So yeah, really enjoyable lyrics here even if the music is a bit meh and sounds the same.
They will always be known for a cover song, "Mrs. Robinson" and the band that was once pushed by record company over Nirvana. It was fine early 90s jams, but I don't need to celebrate their entire catologue.
Most of this album is not enjoyable. There are a couple good-adjacent songs. But mostly mehhhh.
It's a shame I never listened to The Lemonheads as a teen. Kind of grungey, but with an acoustic edge that softens it and makes it feel more intimate and personable. The "Mrs Robinson" cover is good but incongruous with the rest of the album.
A really clean sound dominates this grungy / alt rock trio. Cover of Mrs. Robinson is not to be skipped
M’a fait penser à Elvis Costello dans ses bons moments; dans l’ensemble, assez ordinaire
Torn as I think there are some great tracks on here but they are a real marmite band and there’s a lot of shite too - I’ll go in the middle shame you couldn’t give 2 1/2