It's A Shame About Ray

Very samey stuff only good song was a cover of Mrs Robinson

The Lemonheads sound like a lot of other alt rock/power pop groups from the 90's such as the Gin Blossoms or Spin Doctors. Hannah & Gabi sounds like country/alt rock similar to Hootie and the Blowfish. Their version of Mrs. Robinson is pretty good, and became hugely popular after its use in American Pie 2 and Wolf of Wall Street. This music isn't necessarily bad, there was just so much of it at the time, and I find it hard to differentiate one band from another within the genre. This is a perfectly average album. Nothing really jumps off of the record at you, but it isn't something I was rushing to turn off either. Favourite songs: It's a Shame About Ray, Mrs. Robinson, Hannah & Gabi, Rockin' Stroll, Allison's Starting to Happen Least favourite songs: Frank Mills, Rudderless 3/5

A really great melody writer and an album that improves towards the end

Enjoyable, but nothing stood out for me

Had this album on continuous rotation when it came out.

I have known this album for a long time, and many friends have pushed me to give this album a listen time and time again. I've actually listened to this from the CD of this album I own. And still. It has never done it for me. It never hit a mark. Never left an impression. It's good, and Dando is clearly talented, but even now, after all these years, this album just passes me by.

Nostalgia the main reaction from me. Very 90s Sydney vibes

The songs are pretty similar and just kind of straight-ahead, but there's no denying Evan Dando's voice, which is very pleasant to the ears. The whole album blurs together, unfortunately. Bit Part was probably the high point to me, but it's also only 2 minutes long.

its weird, it reminds me of Great Big Sea if they decided to make Alt-Rock instead. I cant find a song I actively like off this album.

So I think I figured out how this list was made… if an album had 1 “hit” single off it then it gets added to the “1001 ALBUMS to listen to blah blah blah”. I guess a mediocre cover of Mrs Robinson counts as a hit single because otherwise I have no idea how this album made the list. I don’t think the author of this list actually listened to many of the full albums because man… this list is full of stinkers

Really fun. Never really listened to them before

I didn’t expect to like this as much as I did. It has a classic 90s feel to it that I really enjoy.

Bland

3/5 It's a Shame about Ray is the standout song on the album.

Easy to listen to. Rating:3.4

Fun, soft, gentle, and cute! I liked this one. My favorites were My Drug Buddy and the cover of Mrs. Robinson.

Gost4i

It’s making me think of ‘My So Called Life’. So many bands sounded like this in the late 80s and early 90s, The Lemonheads don’t really stand out from the rest, but it’s easy on the ears, pleasant enough indie pop.

Seichter Alternative Rock. Bekanntes Lied: Mrs. Robinson

3.5. This is a great example of alt rock.

Average indierock. Not bad, but nothing special

3

Liked it fine, but the rating is bumped up because the version linked to happened to be the extended edition. I liked the demos way way more than the actual versions, although that’s of course just my shitty music taste. If it was just those it could be a 5. Favourite song Bit Part.

Kuulostaa aika paljon tällaiselta 80-luvun puolenvälin post rockilta, ollakseen ysäriä. Ihan kivasti toimii taustalla. Sais olla ehkä vähän masentuneempi tai sit jotenki terävämpi johonkin suuntaan. 3/5

Täähän oli ihan kiva, vaikka aika stereotyyppinen ysärirock. Onneksi Robinson-cover ei ole virallisesti levyllä, kun se meinasi rasauttaa.

Jaa-a. ihan jees mut en taas ymmärrä että miks on listalla -- onks tää tosiaan niin ihmeellistä? 2/5

Nice finding!

It's nice when an album is brief enough that you can give it multiple listens in the day. It's some good old 90s indie rock, most of the songs being pretty quick, think Doolittle or Slanted & Enchanted, though not quite as great as either of those albums. It's still a fun listen, the title track seems vaguely familiar with me, as does the Simon & Garfunkel cover bonus song (which is lovely). I don't think there's quite enough sticking to me to give it a 4, but I can see myself returning to it.

I don't rate these based on expanded editions and such, but the anniversary/expanded editions of this one have some great songs as well (including Mrs. Robinson). Overall a bit generic, even with a unique sound, but quality music.

OK, so this is the first album on this thing that I am immediately replaying. It may just be that I’m a sucker for Indie Rock, but I felt like I had more connection to the songs after one listen than I did to the other albums I’ve listened to so far, there were song where I could pick out a hook, something that engaged me and let me identify the song, which I’ve not felt with the records so far. Maybe I just like short albums. This is less than half an hour, two of the albums I’ve listened to so far have been double albums and the other was Depeche Mode, which draaaaaaagged

Love the casual kind of rock sound, jammin out and telling stories

Always loved this album. Evan Dando has a great ear for melody, and the simple structures of the songs bely a depth that comes across after a few listens. Superb stuff

Not bad, but mediocre enough that I will have forgotten all about it next week. 3 stars is probably even too generous...

No, really - another milquetoast offering from the early 90’s. Not a bad record, but the songs do run together and there’s not much to differentiate Lemonheads from a dozen other albums of the same ilk.

Standard 90s rock. I didn’t hate it but it was all kind of samey after a while. Decent for what it is but that’s about it. Added to playlist: It’s A Shame About Ray

I feel like the Lemonheads embody what the Beatles would sound like in the 90s, it's a refreshing type of older pop rock

Meh. Right in the middle.

It was ok

Pretty cute little pop rock songs. Starts out better than it finishes though. 5/10

It's got some nice tunes. Mostly it's just fine

Okish. A couple of ok songs but pretty meh.

Bang average album that was heading for a bang average 3, but their desecration of Mrs. Robinson requires a 1 point deduction.

Immensely forgettable.

Pop com aroma de grunge. Funcionava na rádio e MTV.

good nineties music

Baffled honestly: the only thing I remember out of this album was the closing track being a cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s song “Mrs Robinson” but it was rock. Wasn’t the best thing I’ve listened to but I wasn't complaining by any means. Just mid.

Not bad...

Favourite tracks: it's a shame about ray; my drug buddy

Lovely bit of sad grunge made me wanna commit

I thought this was pretty meh. I love pavement and expected it to be similar, it was, but much worse

Album 118 of 1001 Lemonheads - It's a Shame About Ray Rating : 5 / 5 Favorite Track : It's a Shame About Ray / Allison's Starting to Happen / Bit Part (Too many to choose) Brought a big smile to my face when I saw this was my recommended 'album of the day'. This is a personal favorite. My ranking has more to do with the fact that I just really like this album. Good songs that I'm happy to call old friends. It isn't always about the perfect song, the perfect production, the perfect sound...sometimes it is just about what one likes. You won't find this in any discussion about the greatest album ever nor would I expect it to be. We all know what we like and should embrace that. Evan Dando had promised that the album would be "half an hour of guitar-pop perfection, walking the tightrope effortlessly between laid-back melodies and rousing indie cool. It brimmed with the confidence of a songwriter peaking". He delivered. One reviewer wrote "There are other great Lemonheads records, but It’s a Shame About Ray is a singular sort of feat. One almost wants to gouge it from their discography and pretend it’s a one-off from a band who were never heard of again—it has that feeling of a moment in time, something doomed to wilt because its colours were too bright to begin with." I recommend this to those who aren't familiar with either it or the band. Those who do know it, should stop by and pay it a visit. I'm happy to list it as one of my all-time favorites.

Fine catchy, alternative, jangle rock.

I never really got the Lemonheads; had friends who were super into them, but they always seemed a very generic and not particularly interesting iteration of late 80s-early 90s college rock. Hard not to think the tenuous Harvard-MIT links did a lot of heavy lifting in giving them greater prominence than they deserved. Having said that Mrs Robinson is a banger, one of the best covers of all time (but wasn't originally even on the album). Title track is good. The rest totally forgettable.

An enjoyable alt-rock album from the early 1990s but the first half had samey songs and nothing really stood out of the whole album - it also felt similar to other alt-rock albums from the same era.

Decent album. A lot of songs including demo versions.

Nothing special here. Tell me they had more than one good song....and it's not on this record that I find overrated by many. How was this shoved down our throat but I missed Manic Street Preachers?!?!

Not bad, really only about that cover though

Nothing special but also not annoying or bad. Just not really interesting

An album of 90s family sitcom intros. Incredibly loving and earnest and genuine, but sometimes it's so sappy that it just blows right past me. Who approved the album art, by the way? I love the cheesiness of 90s album art, but the colors on this one just makes me a little bit sad. A Hulk-colored 3.5/5.

Heard of the band, but never knowingly listened to anything they'd produced. A little too recent for me to get into and on the wrong side of the ocean. I quite enjoyed it though. Nothing really, really catchy to grab me and force me to want to listen to this really regularly, but all good enough to be enjoyable and I out it on more than once, which is always a good sign. I like it. With time I could even grow to love this. So 4 stars I suppose.

I’m more than happy to listen to this kind of music, but as 90s alt-rock goes this album seems kinda middling. There aren’t any real standout tunes, and I’m also a bit young to have any nostalgic connection to the band. So in the cold light of restrospective, generator-mandated judgement, I give it 2.5 stars.

Les Lemonheads vont pendant près de 30 minutes prendre la voix d'Elvis Costello pour nous expliquer en quoi ce qui est arrivé à Ray Charles est terrible. Et ça l'est effectivement quand on voit que celui-ci ne se déplace plus qu'en roulant telle une boule de billard.

Allez pourquoi pas finallement.

Yea this is good. Nice punk rock vibe, would listen again

Rock alternativo. Un megahit (encima cover). Ni fu ni fa.

Me ha encantado.

This is a fun album. All the songs are enjoyable, but they do start to blend together pretty quickly. There’s nothing wrong with the album per se, but it’s not incredibly inspiring either. Just nice and relaxing. 3/5

it was alright. liked few songs but its not my type of rock. it sounds a bit too much like for teenager imo

It's fine, inoffensive, straight ahead rock and roll. Solid but nothing particularly interesting or distinctive. I see no reason it should be on this list. However I did enjoy it all the way through. This album is like Doritos, everyday fare but still, you know, yummy. 3.5 rounding up for being upbeat.

It's marvellously average.

Every song was too same-y for my liking, but I'll give it credit for being brief.

Okay - title track is good

Listened to this once and thought okay, nice. Gave it a second chance and then listened to it on repeat for 3 days. Really love the demos. Good stuff

Ok album, a lot of the songs didn’t move me. Nice to hear some Boston music. Mrs Robison is still a great cover.

So good. Beautifully harmonies and classic 90s rock sound.

Lätt banalt och nonchigt, men inte ett svagt spår. Under en halvtimme och Juliana Hatfield körar. Föredömligt.

I remember a couple of these. Pretty good 90s record.

The music isn't bad, but there's nothing special about it either. Worse, there's very little originality in this album (a fact made even clearer by Mrs. Robinson cover being the album's best and most famous track).

ei voi olla ei ei ei indie rock ja 1992 ei voi näitä olla jäljellä enään ei ei ei ei loppu nämä piti olla loppu paskaa paskaa niin vitun paskaa ei pumppu.. pumppu petttää hengitys tihenee nyt vittu miksi tälläsiä pitää tunkea kolmesataa tänne missä vitussa kenen mielestä tämäm musiikin historiassa albumeista tonnin tärkeämmällä puolella ei missään vitun universumissa ole tämä saanut mitään aikaan menkää oikeisiin töihin kusipäät MISSÄ GANGAM STYLE??? VÄHÄN TÄRKEEMPI... rockin stroll

"No Juliana next to my Evan" This is arguably the most 90's alt rock record of all the 90's alt rock records ever recorded. Other possible contenders being Weezer - Blue album, Counting Crows - August and Everything After, and Letters to Cleo - Aurora Gory Alice. It's just a stunning perfect masterpiece of exactly what it is - disaffected outcast youth expressing its apathetic and oftentimes wry or self-deprecating views on life, love, and all that bullshit you have to endure when finding oneself.

Absolutely bang average indie pop. Nothing to see here people, move along.

I've always seen this as pretty much a perfect album and one I still revisit regularly. Hey, I was in sixth form when it came out and everyone loved it. It was an album that I bonded with people I'd normally hate over.

They can't all be zingers. 90's purgatory music.

Was not a good sport on this one and did not finish. Not a huge fan of their hit on the album and couldn't listen to 15 more songs of this, even if they were short.

A couple good songs, mostly average

This was fine, nothing special but easy to listen to

Maybe 4 stars?

It was ok, interesting instrumentals but wasn't moved by the lyrics

I didn’t like this at all and that’s interesting because I always thought I would have but just sorta missed the boat. Happy to revisit and see that I wasn’t missing a thing.

It is a shame, Ray must have been disappointed too, I know I was. The album was nice(ish) to listen to, I like acoustic guitar, but not with the luvvy duvvy hey girl lyrics they plied onto these tracks. I guess this album just lacked the punch I was expecting from the Lemonheads, with Mrs Robinson being the only track with a decent rock feel.

Listenable enough but very bland.

ok. not sure why this is in the list but its of a time when life was simpler and more jangly

Delighted when this one appeared for me this morning, and instantly knew what my rating would be. Played this a lot when it came out, and its near half hour burst of quickfire songs has always given me a lift. Two bonuses. 1) Juliana Hatfield on bass and backing vocals (which provide a nice contrast to Evan Dando's voice). 2) Not there when I bought it originally on vinyl - a fun throwaway cover of Mrs Robinson.

Album van de Amerikaanse alt rock band The Lemonheads. Tracklist bestaat uit korte, punky nummers en een cover van "Mrs. Robinson", welke een grote hit werd. Enigszins cheesy album, maar energiek genoeg om te compenseren. leukste nummer: Confetti De titel(song) van het album is een verwijzing naar een Australische krantenkop. Het is een quote over een jongen die van meerdere scholen werd gestuurd. De kop bleef hangen bij frontman Evan Dando.

It's A Shame About Ray by The Lemonheads is a classic alternative rock album that has stood the test of time. Released in 1992, the album features some of the band's most iconic songs and has influenced countless artists since its release. Overall, I would give this album a 3.5 out of 5 rating. One of the standout tracks on the album is the title track, "It's A Shame About Ray." The catchy guitar riff and Evan Dando's unique vocals make this song an instant classic. Another standout track is "My Drug Buddy," which features a stripped-down, acoustic sound that perfectly complements the song's melancholy lyrics. Other notable tracks on the album include "Alison's Starting to Happen," "Rudderless," and "Bit Part." The Lemonheads showcase their versatility with these songs, exploring different tempos and moods while still maintaining a cohesive sound throughout the album. The only downside to the album is that some of the tracks feel a bit repetitive at times, especially the remastered version on Spotify. While the songs are all strong individually, listening to the album straight through can become a bit monotonous. However, this is a minor criticism in an otherwise great album. Overall, It's A Shame About Ray is a must-listen for fans of alternative rock. The Lemonheads' unique sound and Evan Dando's songwriting make this album a standout in the genre. While it may not be perfect, the album's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, and it remains a classic of its time.

This is an album I bought in college, listened to for about two months, exchanged at the used record store, and never thought about again. The best song is a cover and wasn't even on the original release. The Lemonheads were definitely an also-ran band that probably got a bit more of a push than they really deserved because Evan Dando was handsome and they probably got a mention on My So-Called Life or something. As a 90's relic, it's trifling, but fine - but an all-time album? Come on.

Mrs Robsinson carried this to the list. The rest was ok.

Demos beat the tracks. 2/5

Okay, it's a big no-no from me. Irritating voice, very boring music, all the songs blend in with each other, making it a one big pile of boring mash-up. Only interesting song is a cover, "Mrs. Robinson", which actually is not that much different from the rest of the album, but at least it wakes you up from the coma sustained before. Let's just forget about this album and move on.

Meh.

Feels like some generic punk rock band from the lower end of the spectrum

its like a mix between punk and Elvis costello honestly not bad rudderless is cool and this has the famous version of ms Robinson 3.5

I used to wear this record out

Probably a 3.5. Catchy enough music, and it was refreshing after I listened to a few albums I didn't really like today.

This is a 90's slacker classic. The Lemonheads were so good at churning out sub-3 minute rock songs that were catchy as hell. This album doesn't even have "Into Your Arms" on it either!

Some good songs, but otherwise. Nit gonna save this album

I enjoy this. I can’t tell if it is dated. Some of it is but a lot of it still feels fresh. It is still an album I can’t divorce from the 90s. I’ll come back to this because it’s catchy. That holds up.

A little bland, some decent tunes though

The only lemonheads songs I knew were their covers of “Mrs Robinson” and “Skulls”. Simon and Garfunkel to The Misfits, that’s eclectic. I was curious what this album would be like. I really like this album a lot, there’s great melody and hooks for days. I love Juliana Hadfields harmonies. It’s interesting this album dropped in the height of grunge, it doesn’t really sound grunge at all. Maybe that’s why it didn’t get more attention. To me this is more in the vein of “college rock” like R.E.M., Replacements or Husker Du. In fact, Evan Dando’s vocals and songwriting reminds me of Paul Westerberg a bit.

It's a shame that It's a shame about Ray didn't make me feel shame for not caring about how or why Ray was being shamed.

It's trying to be punk and contemporary at the same time, and I don't think it really works. I feel the Nirvana angst coming through, mixed with some extremely vanilla Oasis-style rock. The Confetti track is a perfect example of this. The production is also very flat which does not help matters at all. There are some redeeming qualities in the instrumentation, but nothing that isn't found in a better format in other acts. Overall I think they tried to spread themselves too thin trying to incorporate all of their influences and wound up without a specific direction or identity. Fave tracks: Mrs. Robinson, Ceiling Fan in my Spoon

A surprisingly early example of pop-punk. Catchy upbeat tunes with playfully clever lyrics, this one is a fun listen. Fav Tracks: Allison's Starting to Happen, Hannah & Gabi, Ceiling Fan in my Spoon, Mrs. Robinson

Eh, I was a bit optimistic for the first few songs, but I quickly lost interest after that. It's OK, but not that good.

ok tier ça passe crème sur disneyXD

It’s weird that I got Bookends by Simon & Garfunkel (containing “Mrs. Robinson”) just 2 days before this. As far as the album goes, it’s just not interesting.

2.5/5

The first part of the album was fun to listen to. Different, kinda lively. The demo tracks on the second half were painful to listen to in comparison. I'm giving it a three, but likely would've given it a 4 if they'd have skipped the demo tracks.

Easy listening but nothing too exciting

Enjoyed but probably won't rush back to listen

Liked this one

a lil too soft for me

A solid, fun album. Not all the tracks are standouts but the highlights are REAL high for me.

They sound like a less experimental, more straightforward REM. This album is a little too safe/watered down for my taste but they're not bad. Better second half than first. 3.5 stars but I'll round up to 4.

I really did like this album! Some of the songs kind of sound like they'd be in The Barbie Diaries, not that it's a bad thing because it reminds me of my childhood but it is interesting. There's also something that vaguely reminds me of Sonic Youth in a way.

Probably one of the only albums I don’t own that will be on this list from this era. Listening to it now, I realize this is the reason I didn’t own it. It’s not that good. It’s ok. And sounds typical for the era and fairly unremarkable

Really fun stuff

Man what a fantastic album. If you’ve only heard their cover of Mrs. Robinson you should really listen to the rest of the album

Didn't understand the appeal of that album at the time. I found it little too predictable and "middle-of-the-road". But decades later, here I am revising my former harsh judgement, thanks to this app. I still think The Lemonheads were treading on old ground once covered by REM or Husker Dü with this album. But in 2023 such a minor flaw doesn't matter a lot. A lot of the songs are effective, and prove that Evan Dando's craft was respectable and even stellar at times, even if the production values vary from "anachronic charming" to "anachronic quaint" . By the way, the barebones acoustic versions of those tunes, put in the bonus tracks of the "collector's version", dont have those dated production issues I've just evoked. Here is where you can truly appreciate those songs for what they truly are, and I advise everyone curious about this album to listen to them as well. 4/5 Number of albums left to review: 624 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 185 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 85 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 113

About as middle of the road of a rock sound as I can imagine. The songwriting is alright and the music is pleasant enough but the lead singer isn’t selling me on the songs. Terrible album cover. 😬

"Rockin' Stroll" 's vocal melody sounds so familiar to me. In the first verse I'm hearing maybe It's "I Got You Babe" "Confetti" has a great guitar solo around 1:45. It's short but super tasteful and has a great edge-of-breakup guitar tone. "Rudderless" has some really great chords on guitar to start. It's like Stone Temple Pilots -esque. Very dissonant and yet still listenable. The other vocal parts were cool too but each one (the female "response" vocal, and the male harmony) is too loud compared to the main vocals, which is weird. I really liked "Shakey Ground". Nice short ballad about someone having a platonic friendship that their girlfriend wouldn't be happy with. "Mrs. Robinson" is one of those songs that I could listen to every day, much to the chagrin of the people around me who have to hear it over and over. Having a band cover it I think gives me another reason to put it on repeat, because "this time it's different"! This album was good but not great, and I think it's really elevated a little too much by "Mrs. Robinson". When I was listening to the earlier songs, I knew that that was coming up and I think it colored the experience for me. If there was a song that I felt "meh" about, I still had some excitement that such a classic was right around the corner.

It's not bad but I don't find it very special either

It's a Shame About Ray is the fifth album by American alternative rock band the Lemonheads. This grunge album was a commercial success, especially after they included the worldwide phenomenon track Mrs. Robinson - which is a cover of the same song by Simon & Garfunkel. I liked this album and its music, and am now interested to see what other music The Lemonheads have made. Great grunge album here.

Perfectly inoffensive and quite nice to listen to on a sunny day in the park. Liked the little grunge sprinkles in there. Would never be mad if it was on but didn't ever grab me hugely. Fave track: Rudderless

Enjoyed this more than I expected to - not groundbreaking but some fun drumming over a pretty classic 90s guitar sound. Title track is the favourite once again - 3 and a half stars.

Uneventful

It’s fun

upbeat and fun.

Liked it! Classic 90s!

Mjög langt síðan ég hlustaði á þessa. Hún heldur sér ágætlega.

Wow this is middle of the road. nothing to excite or criticize really. Could have given a 3 but as this is supposed to be "albums you must listen to" this is the complete opposite. You forget it as you are listening.

Maybe 4.5 stars. Mrs Robinson, the opening track, and a few others are really well done

Really enjoyed this one. Highlights include title track, Confetti, Rudderless, Hannah & Gabi. Scrubs soundtrack-esque.

I really liked it. A bit too busy to review it properly, since I’m going on vacation. But it was very good and I’m happy to have heard it. Especially loved the demos, something about them that just make ‘em better! 4 out of 5, easy.

sounded like 1992

I really didn't like this one, kinda generic

I had this album soon after it was released because I liked the title track. I remember listening to the rest of the album back then and not being that into it. I’m glad it came up in the rotation because all these years later it’s good to give it another chance, something I occasionally thought about doing since then but never did. Listening to it now, I hear the “jangle pop” style that I definitely missed more than 30 years ago when this album was released. It’s better than I remember. It gets a little bland at times, but overall it’s solid. I had not known Juliana Hatfield was a member of the band when this album was recorded. She’s so talented. Would have loved to hear her sing and lead more on this album. I don’t remember hearing this band after this album. I might check out their later work to see where they took things. Reading the Wikipedia entry on the band, sounds like their were constantly changing personnel.

This 90s stuff always gets me. Reminds me of simpler times I think. This was a fun one. It won't make my favorites list, but I'll probably revisit it from time to time. 6.5/10

Solid 90s

Very good album, Mrs Robinson remains one of my favourite songs of all time

Helt okej album men saknar låtar som sticker ut.

My preferred Lemonheads album is ' car, button, cloth', but this one a close second

There are 2 or 3 singles on this that I actually enjoyed a bit, but overall I just never understood the hype around this one. Sounds like pretty standard power pop done in a typical 90's fashion to me, which isn't necessarily a bad thing but everything just kind of blurs together after a while.

I think that the term "generic" was invented for these guys. I'll give it a 2 just because they had the decency to leave it at a short 29 minutes.

Not that bad, but I wont ever listen again...

Generic and boring, still it wasn't hurtful to listen to.

I honestly wasn't expecting much from this album, but there is something about it. It's clearly an alternative rock album, but I would have guessed that it was made a few years later because there were a lot of albums that sound like this around 1995ish. For 1992, this album feels like it has a very mature style of alternative rock. The album flies by pretty fast, with lots of short songs. They have a great pop feel to them, and the combination of acoustic and electric guitars gives the album a very rich sound. The production is also excellent. The album has a very clean feel 4/5, sort of an underrated gem from the early alternative rock era

Never heard of "The Lemonheads"...but, I quite enjoyed this album!

2.5

Mellow punk rock, not a fan

Before listening to this album, I'd only ever heard The Lemonheads' cover of "Mrs. Robinson," which is a really great cover. With only that to go off of, I wasn't sure what to expect out of this album. If I had to summarize my experience in one word, it would be 'underwhelming.' Nothing here really stood out to me. I wouldn't say this was an unpleasant album to listen to, but I definitely don't understand why this album made the list. I'll admit that the lyrics to the title track were really great, and their version of "Mrs. Robinson" really holds up, but that's it.

Sucesión de canciones un poco monocordes, bastante parecidas entre sí, con pocos acompañamientos, principalmente guitarra, y con una voz correcta. Estilo pop

Good cover of Mrs Robinson, rest is ok

Boooooring… even Hüsker Dü was more raw. If this is HC punk (as someone in the comment section on YT suggested, I never listened to HC punk before.

This is just great. The title track and My Drug Buddy are the standout tracks, that any songwriter of the past forty years would be proud of. Ably supported by a consistent slate of short, sharp blasts of early-90s grungy pop. Four stars. Didn't need to even mention that cover.

Great album.

Don't know much about Ray that makes those have a shame for him but what I will say is this: It's a Shame About Ray is a short, sweet and concise collection of songs that peaks throughout with little droughts and ends just as it was bound to go some place else, which is to say a rather appropriate way to end things. Those who have lemons for heads sure do know how to make some sweet power pop. Favorites: Confetti, Rudderless, Bit Part, Alison's Starting to Happen, Hannah & Gabi, Kitchen, Ceiling Fan in My Spoon, Frank Mills.

Never heard this before, but it was pretty good

This is a lot of energy and noise that doesnt seem to get anywhere. Its not that it doesn't sound fine, it just leaves me flat.

Nice

It's got that distinctive 90's sound.

90s alt/indie rock. Not very original but a fun short album Saved tracks: It’s A Shame About Ray, My Drug Buddy, Bit Part, Mrs. Robinson

Good easy listening Classic 90s Alt/indie pop A real refined sounds Songs flow into each other making it an easy listen

2.5 fun ig the pixies really were ahead of there time

Prima rustige achtergrond rock, verder niet heel interessant.

A good listen

90s alt rock goodness. Loved this album when it came out the first time I heard it. Still in my "Favourites" rotation.

To be honest, I neither like it nor dislike it... I am a fan of the 90's alt rock scene tho, so I did like some of the tracks. Maybe I wasn't born in the right time where I would appreciate this album more.

It almost seems like the progenitor of a thousand bands who turn up in 90s teen film soundtracks. The pop end of the more tortured grunge stuff - this casts a wider more relatable net and manages to be kind of poppy (something I think Evan Dando hated). Nothing is too memorable but all of it is good. It's sort of what you'd get if you sanded the pixies down, have them a lick of paint and a varnish. Less interesting but easier to deal with.

You know their cover of Mrs Robinson? It’s like that

I can see why a lot of people don't like this, and I can also acknowledge that it's not very impressive on a technical or production level. But, it hits my nostalgia centers so hard. I didn't even listen to this band growing up, but this sound is what my childhood sounded like. It's attacking all the soft spots in my brain and I am powerless to resist. Isn't that what music is, anyway? Something that tickles your brain and activates your memories?

I liked this album. It doesn't sound very 90s to me at all, which is likely a good thing honestly. Favorite track: Confetti

muy divertido, no conocia

decent

Boring really

Good

Its okay but, other than the Mrs. Robinson cover, nothing really stands out. I like Rudderless.

While it's a decent rock album, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, every song on the album just blends together. I couldn't tell you any stand out song nor could I recall any other than my favorite. 3/5. Favorite Track: Bit Part

I was pleasantly surprised by this album. I enjoyed both the album and demo versions of the songs. As far a grunge goes, this was more towards the pop end of the spectrum. But that's probably why I liked it vs. if it was hardcore grunge. Scale: 5 - My absolute favorites. 4 - Albums I like. 3 - I enjoyed listening to it but wouldn't seek it out. 2 - Didn't like. 1 - Absolute shit.

2/5. Not a lot of memorable songs and the Mrs. Robinson track wasn’t even on the office track listing. It’s not unlistenable just not important.

cabeza lemon

This was good, probably will listen again maybe

I mean, it’s alright. A bit samey, Mrs Robinson was a highlight though.

A proper meh album. floppy.

Owes a debt to Elvis Costello and punk bands like Husker Du and The Replacements. Ernest, jangly fun, but I feel like you understand what it's about by about halfway through. Favorite tracks: "It's A Shame About Ray", "My Drug Buddy", "Alison's Starting To Happen"

So Mrs Robinson isn't actually a proper part of this album but a later added bonus track? Well all the grungy kids at school loved the Lemonheads, I never hated them then, and I don't now. Don't love them enough to listen to it 3 times though.

It’s like if all the good parts of REM and the bad parts from Hüsker Dü mixed. Not my thing. 2/5

MEH

Mrs Robinson cover

I like their style, but every song felt too similar to get any appeal from this album

Other than their famous cover of a really popular song, there is nothing exceptional about this album. Everything is quite average. Not bad, but not worthy of inclusion for an average early proto pop punk band.

Enjoyable, easy-listening alt rock album. The songs have a happy vibe to them, similar to the pop-punk of the early 2000s, which made the difference for me between 3 and 4 stars

boring as fuck

Met hoe goed Mrs. Robinson is is de rest een beetje teleurstellend

Generally likable but not very memorable, and nothing like life-changing. Fun but normie, and a bit tiresome, too, as it's not nearly as clever as it thinks it is. In the end, not much better than just okay.

wont bother listening again

OK

Evan Dando has/has an amazing voice for the 90's genre. It is reminiscent of Paul Westerberg's. Fast paced songs, ballads, etc...Evan could do it all.

Imagine being Ray. Being kicked out of school for so many times you not only made it in the newspaper but also inspire a generic alt-rock album.

Pretty good 90’s alt-rock/power-pop. A little too laid-back for my taste. I think Sloan’s “Twice Removed” would’ve been a better inclusion on the list over this record, it’s a little more fun.

An old friend, comfy without being too memorable or making me heart anything new

I love this album and band. It's a shame about Evan Dando, the dude had some great musical ability and good looks, it's arguablybthat those two things should've propelled the band to bigger heights. Drugs are bad, kids. Don't fool yourselves. If I am honest this is probably a 4, or 4.5 but I have such strong feelings here that I've gotta bump it up. Several of these songs are staples across several playlists so I think it earns that bump just for that.

bien qsy 6.5 /10

Overall good albums with entertaining version of Mrs Robinson

It has a charming authenticity to it, an endearing amatuerness. But by the end, it simply gets far too samey for me. I like it, don't love it.

Fun, quick, and full of catchy tracks. Also might be the most radio friendly Grunge in my opinion. Great shit.

catchy power pop melodies abound in this excellent album of pop punk, indie-rock. The songs are instantly catchy and familiar, but they also stand up as good dongs under further scrutiny. Confetti, the title track and Rudderless make side one an almost perfect 17 minutes or so of pop perfection. Side 2 does not see much of a drop off. There's even a nice if inconsequential cover of Mrs. Robinson to end things on a happy note. 4.5 stars

The Lemonheads breakthrough record, It's A Shame About Ray released in 1992, gained the band a widespread following and critical acclaim and it remains their greatest achievement. The only original founding member, Evan Dando crafted a poppy alternative rock sound on this record preceding a more punk sound on their earlier albums. When this record was released, I instantly fell in love with the songs and wore the crap out of that cassette. It remains a constant in my music listening, as it not only captures something about that time period, but it's such a catchy, upbeat record it always puts a smile on my face. Personally, I rank this high as a favourite from the 90's and it's a shame they haven't released anything as good since. Evan continues to tour this record (played in it's entirety) that celebrated it's 30th anniversary this year.

I do not care for this. I understand the appeal of it. I just don't find it all that engaging, novel, or profound. Really not sure why it's here, beyond the Mrs. Robinson single, which wasn't even part of the album originally.

Not a bad album. This has been the second rock album I’ve gotten now (Arcade Fire) and I prefer this one significantly. Hannah & Gabi was by far my favorite song.

Fun album, reminds me of something from the Scott Pilgrim soundtrack. Might listen to this one again, but not quite on the regular rotation playlist level.

it was fine but a bit boring

I liked it at first then got a little bored halfway in. All in all not bad, I'm sure the best 5 songs on the album would make a better picture of the band than the whole thing.

Music that I like while not being all that interesting. 2/5

I get it

Nostalgia. All the indie kid girls I was friends with at school fancied Evan Dando, and who can blame them. Really enjoyed this today. Enjoy Juliana Hatfield popping her head in with the backing vocals.

7/10

Would’ve been good in middle school

I know people for whom this is a defining album. Maybe if I’d have bought it then it would be for me too. It’s good. It’s just good. Not spectacular.

Tråkigt och generiskt. Bästa låten är en cover

It's good, but there is a bit of filler, which there shouldn't be in an album of only half an hour. The best track (Mrs Robinson) wasn't even on the original album and is (obviously) a cover.

Ok

Honestly lovely effortless pop. Not much else to say really.

meh

6/10 not bad, decently fun to listen to but pretty forgettable , lyrics felt formulaic.

7/10. Nice little album, glad it wasn't longer though.

This was totally only on the list for the Mrs. Robinson cover, which wasn’t even on the original album. Shame on you, Dimery. 4/10

It's pleasant enough, but I can see nothing about this album that makes it stand out in any way - certainly not enough to be rated among 1001 "greats"

Really nice chill alt-rock album. Enjoyed this on a Sunday morning.

A bit disappointing, coupla songs that stand out (I really like Ceiling Fan In My Spoon) but too much of it is one-paced and forgettable.

Not particularly memorable - that said, I thought it was early 2000s indie and it's actually early 90s, so probably gains some bonus points for being ahead of its time. Title track is decent, and their Mrs Robinson cover (which I knew already) is great, but otherwise there's not much here to recommend. 2/5, nearly a 3 but just not enough depth.

a lot of fun

They have a twangy sixties sound. The title track isn't bad, but overall, it's pretty forgettable and not unlike a multitude of other bands from the 80s and 90s.

This is decent American power pop. If you're into Pavement, Dinosaur Jr etc this will probably appeal to you. The title song and their Mrs Robinson cover are quite nice. Spotify features some demo versions and the acoustic version of Ray is a pleasant diversion.

ok

Another band I really didn't know, but I found myself really wrapped up in this album. It was very emotional and reminded me of my post adolescent years in New Jersey.

mr robinson bop

Lekker rustig lekker chill

En el seu moment sonava retro, ara sona taan '90s... Va ser el disc amb què es van donar a conèixer al gran públic, sobretot gràcies a la versió de 'Mrs Robinson'. Em quedaria amb el seu següent treball, que va ser la seva consolidació, però el peculiar estil de la banda i la personalitat d'Evan Dando, un dels personatges de la década, ja es deixaven notar aquí en tot el seu esplendor

Listened to it but can barely recall

My favorite song was a cover song that was not as good as the original. Can't really tell why this album was on a list, but it wasn't bad per se.

Not bad, but very samey.

Definitivamente la mejor es Mrs. Robinson pero el resto de las canciones se mantienen alrededor. No es que sea necesariamente mala pero creo que a disco le falta esa pizca de algo para parecerme muy bueno. Sólido 3.

Disquito noventero, con tintes como de Foo Fighters o Alice in Chains y en algunos momentos demasiado relax. Sin pena ni gloria junta su 3era estrella.

Weird sound, it does not have good quality

- Never heard of The Lemonheads before - Meh - Not a bad album, but I don't really understand how it's on this list as it's very generic sounding 90s alt rock - Doesn't help that the best song is a Simon & Garfunkel cover - Fav songs: Mrs Robinson, Rudderless

Early 90's alternative has not aged well. This is fine but really boring.

Hard to think of something good or bad to say about this album. It's a really solid three. Not even a 3.01 or a 2.99. Dead on balls 3.0.

This motored along nicely but didn't take any off road turns.

This was every punk album ever created followed by an okay cover of Mrs. Robinson. It's not bad but it's not particularly interesting either.

It's a decent alt rock album from the 90s.

Even Dando's voice is rather bland and nothing special, and the music is pretty much the same from song to song - with a few exceptions. Track 13 Mrs Robinson - best track on the album. Track 14 Shaky Ground - Short but enjoyable. Throw the rest of the album away and keep Mrs Robinson!

Nei

A good album throughout with four very good songs and the rest alright, a couple songs got a little repetitive, but overall a solid album with the backing track being a clear highlight of good guitar and synthesisers.

I dig this album a lot actually. Very cool 90s sound. 4 stars

Music isn’t catching me

Decent 90s alt-rock album, though nothing really grabbed me about the sound of this band. I think their songwriting is better on the more acoustic songs. When they go for more of the straightforward 90s rock it just sounds generic. Standout Tracks: It's a Shame About Ray, My Drug Buddy, Hannah & Gabi.

nicht so. Irgendwie kuschelpunk

Alison's starting to happen to me!

It's a shame about Evan Dando?

There is not a lot worth mentioning on this the sophomore major label album by The Lemonheads - most famous for an uninspiring but radio friendly cover of 'Mrs. Robinson'. 'It's A Shame About Ray' stands out as a decent track, and you can see why it was chosen as the title track. Nothing aggravates about this record, and nothing stands out. I most certainly did not need to listen to this before I died.

I remember stumbling into this when I was about 14 - and I really liked it. But for some reason I never returned to it after I listened to my friend’s CD 2-3 times. And I think that might be the reason, that I don’t care that much for the record today - because this has all the elements of a 90’s record that require some nostalgic attachment for you to really appreciate it. At times it’s quite fun and I like their jangley sound, but it often feels monotonous and without any true emotions. It’s a shame.

NBz. No PL adds. Drab and dull. Album felt like listening to one entire song. Not for me.

This is a hidden gem in my eyes. I hear many different genres being incorporated in this record. Alternative rock, folk, punk, even some emo tinges (see: Bit Part). I really enjoyed this album and I can hear influences on bands like the Foo Fighters, Nirvana, and Modern Baseball.

Det var helt okej rowk music

7,5/10

09/23/2022 Generic 90s album from what I recall. The Mrs. Robinson cover was great, but it was somebody else’s song. — Good day yesterday. Studio went by really quickly and then I got to see Lukey :)) we went to dinner at MF sushi and that shit was sooo good. Excited for the rest of the weekend

Prefs: Rockin' Stroll, It's a Shame About Ray, Alison's Starting To Happen, Ceiling Fan in My Spoon, Frank Mills, Mrs. Robinson Moins pref: My Drug Buddy

Like it. Yes it is similar to a lot of the genre. But it’s my genre

Pretty good 90 alt rock

this type of music that the lemonheads had here was very popular in the early nineties, but i'm not hearing much that's intriguing to my ears. musically, "the turnpike down" was the most interesting number here! and i enjoy the album title; it definitely grabs attention. i do enjoy simon and garfunkel, so the cover of "mrs. robinson" was appreciated. lyrics weren't too different, though "confetti"'s did grab me. unfortunately, this will just be a forgettable album as part of this project. not bad, not great, but nothing to make it stand out.

I didn't remember who The Lemonheads were, but I did recognize their cover of Mrs. Robinson. I'm not sure what it says about you as a band as it pertains to this challenge when you're by far most known for a cover song, but hey. This was definitely a good example of the 1990s alt rock sound. That said, it was also pretty generic and I feel like there are better examples of 90s alt rock from bands who were pioneers in this genre. Overall, though, most of the songs on this album were still fun, enjoyable listens. I'd rank this higher than a 3, but less than a 4...ultimately still closer to the 3 mark, I guess.

I thought this album was pretty good, though maybe a little repetitive as far as albums go, and maybe saying something that my favourite song was a cover. Favourite: Mrs. Robinson

A personal favourite, with great backing by Juliana Hatfield which adds so much to these songs

Rocked pretty hard for being largely acoustic.

Enjoyable! Have always liked their cover of Mrs. Robinson.

Solid 90s vibe

I really like drug buddy, and there's some other decent stuff, but not all of it hits. I'll give it a 4 because of how much I like its best stuff

I don't remember much about this but I think it was fine?

Had heard of the Lemonheads, but never really paid attention. It's good stuff.

I've always said that if I had to choose a single decade's worth of music to listen to, I'd go with the '90s. This record is just one example of why. Is it much different from a lot of other albums during that time? No, but so what! The more the merrier, I say! My only qualm is that most songs are too short, barely two minutes long so by the time you fully get into the track, it's already over. Weird choice but okay Lemonheads. You're still good in my book. In fact, better inject the title track, Rudderless, My Drug Buddy & The Turnpike Down directly into my veins!

Flashback for me. Found myself recalling some great tunes and lyrics. Singing along very happily!

Good album, Frank Mills is nice and of course Mrs. Robinson 4/5

D-

It's a shame this album is so shit

Decent album. It could grow on me after a few listens.

Enjoyed it for about 3 songs, but quickly came to realise it's one-note nature. Every song sounds the same!

middling 90's alt rock with a good cover of Mrs. Robinson.

Pleasant and inoffensive but nothing special or groundbreaking. It brings back pleasant memories of the early 90s. This is often included in best 'alternative', 'independant' or '90s' albums but it's sad that the height of the album is a cover that was only sewn on when it became a hit.

Pretty standard 90s alternative sound. Couldn't find too much info about them, besides that they covered Mrs Robinson well. Nothing stood out to me unfortunately

I like them best when acoustic. Felt major Costello vibes at times. Overall, liked it fine but it doesn’t excite me.