Hot Shots II

Shades of Alt-J, but even more unusual. Vocals often mixed down to be nearly inaudible.

So much better than I expected from the cover art and Wikipedia description. This comes off like the Postal Service, but taking themselves less seriously. The last track Eclipse made me laugh out loud.

That takes me back to when going onto the internet made noise. Specifically, when the connection had just become fast enough so that new mp3s would download faster than I could listen to them. I, metaphorically, wore out the mp3s of this album's first 4 tracks (the ones I had). Maybe that's why it, and its muffled production?, tires me, today and now. Good stuff, but I don't feel like 5 stars.

6/26/24. I was impressed by this one! Almost a blend of trip-hop, electronic, and alternative (the most bland term)? Enjoyted the songwriting and structure of each track.

I was only familiar with the opening song, but this was a very good album. Fits a nice, chill vibe and much like the other records I’ve heard so far in this vibe, I liked it.

This was very nice!

New to me, I liked it!

Day 14 - June 15, 2024 The cover does not do this album justice. I was oddly surprised with how much I liked this album. 4/5

Easy to listen to.

I enjoyed this a lot. I knew the single, the rest was new to me.

Great album. First listen to this band will check out the rest of their stuff

Made my morning commute a bit more pleasant. Was aware of the band but had never listened to this album. Nice one.

Not as good as their first 3 EPs but still a solid indie pop album from early 00s. Catchy songs that needs a few listens to get into again. Score: 7/10 (just like Heroes to Zeros that was generated some while ago - in my memory Hot Shots II was the better album, but I now think they are comparable albums - why both of them are included in the 1001 list does not make much sense though..)

I don’t know how to describe it, but I really like this album. I love the range of genres that’s present throughout the whole album. I personally love “Squares” and “Broke” the most. I genuinely have no idea how to describe the genre of those songs, but they sounds really nice.

Yes

Maybe just a 4.5 but interseting and good

Very electronic and weird instruments, but still somehow feels acoustic? A weird mix of genres that just works At least a 4 - I kind of want to give it a 5, but I don't know if I see enough of an overall artistic vision for that

I vibed with this.

where are all the good men dead, in the heart or in the head?

Favorite Tracks: Squares Eclipse

Good album to chill out to, the Lead singer has a soft and calming voice the album also has some hiphop influences

Great but tails away at the end

3.9/5

Another surprise I really enjoyed! The ratings are kinda low on this but it clicked with me! Early Beck mixed with Ram-era McCartney!

Good fun, a bit dorky but nonetheless a more than decent record.

I really enjoyed this. Squares caught my attention immmediately with their version of Daydream which I'd orginally familiar with thanks to I Monster. The rest of the album is great and certainly deserves another listen.

This definitely shoulda been "The Three EPs" instead, and don't give me any "But it's not an album" nonsense - Dimery bends or ignores that requirement in plenty of other entries! This album is fine, I suppose, but I don't have the same connection with it that I have with "The Three EPs", which transports me instantly back to uni days. I still dig the slacker psych aesthetic... Fave tracks - "Squares" is great, though a band called Skinny also used the same underlying sample for a track, "On a Beautiful Day", in the same year, and theirs is arguably better. Also like "Quiet".

Cool electro infused rock with industrial undertones

I will listen again

I've never listened to The Beta Band. Not bad! Like a precursor to Alt-J. Pretty minimal folkpoptronica.

Quite a charming combination of 1970's and 2000's rock. I love how strangely familiar yet fresh it is.

Doesn't quite reach the peaks of The Three EPs but still a chill listen.

This one surprised me. I really enjoyed it and would revisit. I wasn't familiar with The Beta Band's game.

Um álbum estranho, meio experimental e difícil de descrever, e a experiencia depende muito do momento que voce ouve ele, mas me diverti bastante Fav tracks: Squares, Human Being, Broke, Quiet, Alleged, Life Least fav track: Gone

Mellow and unhurried, interesting/different but also highly listenable. Radiohead run through a heavy Brian Eno filter or Pink Floyd on valium. Very worth hearing, and inspirational in the sense of one will explore more Beta.

2001, Electronic Rock Second studio album by the Beta Band (Scotland) Singles: ----------------------------------------- Broke / Won (July 2001) (UK No. 30) Human Being (October 2001) (UK No. 57) Squares (February 2002) (UK No. 42) Standouts: Squares, Won Others: Al Sharp, , Eclipse, Human Being, Life, Broke "Squares" uses lyrics from "Daydream" by the Lovin' Spoonful really well. The sound is perfect. "Human Being" contains samples from Carole King's "It's Too Late" "Won" contains lyrics from "one" by Harry Nilsson (made popular by Three Dog Night). 3.75

Beta Band is dope. Underrated. It's kind of ignorable music, but really good ignorable music. Like, I could put it on while I was reading or something and it wouldn't be distracting, but if I paid attention to it I would still be into it. If that makes sense.

Having had The Three EP's wound tight on my conscious and reading that the first proper album was a difficult puzzle best left neglected, it's now time to dive into Hot Shots II. While not as memorable as the former and not as eclectic as the latter, The Beta Band's second album is still worth plenty of time savoring; they've taken (and were given) the time to weave their tapestry as they saw fit with little to no room for perceived and evidently regrettable mistakes. I now see why The Beta Band's felt the need to recon and regroup to the best of their abilities here and I feel that it has paid off, even if the story of the band doesn't last long. Favorites: Squares, Al Sharp, Human Being, Dragon, Broke, Quiet, Alleged, Eclipse.

In short, this album is probably one of my favorites so far. The rankings don’t lie, though, and the closing track “Eclipse” sounds rushed and rambled both lyrically and vocally. I do love the opener “Squares” and how vibey it sounds. You also can’t go wrong with the sudden change in “Dragon”, though. This album rightfully deserves a 4.4/5, or an 88% (88/100). Fav: “Dragon”, “Squares” Least Fav: “Eclipse”

I have never heard of them or any of these songs but they are pretty good. I will definitely listen to this again.

This album had a cool vibe, but it wasn’t particularly memorable.

Enjoyed it, I remember this from back in the day and knew a couple of songs, which were probably singles. Was nice to listen to it again.

It is just. So nice.

I thought this was unique and an experimental success. The singing is strange enough, but never annoying. It’s got that boundary pushing pop that we are used to from the post-Beatles pop bands, but it adds a sort of funkiness to the mix, which serves to make some real strong vibe music. I enjoyed it.

Excellent chill music

Experimental, pretty strange, but seemingly well ahead of its time. I enjoyed the listen, but I’m not sure it’s something I’ll come back to.

The Beta Band is forever linked in my mind with the scene in High Fidelity, "I will now sell 5 copies of The Three EPs by the Beta Band" and the record store just grooves. I get that same head nod on the needle drop feeling with the opening track of Hot Shots II: Squares. This is not a band who I listen to frequently or whose music I've bought despite the convincing nature of the scene in the movie. And yet, every time I listen to them I am nodding along and enjoying the music. They have a pleasing quality that's hard to dislike. There's a smooth groove and likable space-folk quality that is perfect for picking up every now and again. In terms of the album's music, whether a song be more spacey or folky matters less in my enjoyment, ultimately I appreciate the songs most when they privilege the pulse.

I'm enjoying this album. That first track was smoked in a Lupe Fiasco song.

Very good. Surprising experience when realising that the first song of the album is identical to Daydream in blue by I, Monster to then realise that the original song is from a 70s choir band.

This album was my kind of jam.

Great suprise

Sounded like an early Alt-J demo's album. Didn't quite have enough to keep it interesting right to the end unfortunately. Favourite song: Al Sharp

Easy pop listening, and a new discovery for me!

A trip-hop album I have never heard of, but have heard the opening track sampled countless times. Really chill, interesting sounds on this album. Being released in 2001, I don't think they were the first to break ground into this vibe, but they executed well. I enjoyed the electronics and the production on this one. Lyrics are entertaining and often humourous which also struck a chord with me. Great discovery! Fun album. Fave tracks: Squares, Broke, Quiet, Eclipse

Another great find, I had heard a few of these songs but the entire album is great!

Good dynamics, subwoofers got a workout

Wow! Super impressed with this album. It had a style that clicks with me and I’m sad that I have never heard of them before. Really reminds me of my friend Jon Burgoyne’s band and maybe that’s why they clicked with me. First band that I’ve wanted to download more of their music after hearing it. Good album! 4.5/5

Despite what the album art and name may suggest, this is a very calm album. Nice relaxing jams to throw on while working or driving. Not too repetitive, good production, just solid all around.

This album I have no idea why it is in anyone's list of albums to listen before they die. I mean, I get it... you wanna create an album that sounds like nothing else? But that doesn't mean you allow yourself to create an album that is so hit and miss... the repetitive lyrics. The lack of flow this has is outstanding and I get it... you wanna make it arty and you want to stand out? I dunno, unless you're really into your Manchester sound, brit/ scot pop and you can delineate between the nuances? It finds itself in an incredibly hard spot to engage with a new listener. Don't get me wrong? it has its moments when it slides into that trip hop aesthetic and there is some genuinely good moments but then there's a fair amount of drop off. I just believe and I wish I could get on it's level because I do appreciate "art for art sake" style records. This one just has moments and then it has other moments. But it isn't something I wouldn't revisit later on, because I know there is stuff there I just haven't cracked the code completely. So because of that revisit factor? I am going 1 star higher than middle of the road.

Decent. I sold 5 copies.

Not bad this can be added to the listen again pile

I like the more electronic tracks. Some interesting moments like Dragon with its repetitive melody and glitchy beats. Broke goes further into weird sounds and percussion. There's a lot going on here but I want to listen to it more.

Very cool vibe, interesting sound

4-

This album is a strangely smooth listen, given that I can't remember any of the songs. But for some reason or another, it pulled me right in. 3.5/5

I did a deep dive on The Beta Band a while ago, they’ll never be my favourite band but I do appreciate they bring something different to the plate if your ever in the mood for something slower and weirder

Mostly dug this. Rounding up

Like if The Beach Boys had a baby with Massive Attack.

Cool vibes.

With that cover and album name, Bot Shots II - it feels like this is gonna be a spoof or a parody. Is this really Weird Al Yankovic playing a trick? But the music is nothing like that; it’s curious and odd and dreamy. You kind of go on this mystery journey where you feel slightly airborne. There’s nothing quite solid underneath you. Your arms flail a little, but it’s still a great ride. The fact that they sample Daydream in Blue on the first track, that alone signifies you’re in for a mindbending experience. The emotional obsession in Daydream in Blue becomes a hazy, harmless fairground ride. Enjoy it.

I first became aware of the beta band when Jack Black’s character in the movie High, Fidelity played one of their records i(Dry the Rain) n the fictional record store. I really liked this album, it had a very peaceful energy. If you’ve ever seen the movie High Fidelity, or read the book, or watched the recent Hulu series I recommend them all.

I had never heard of this or the band before. I liked it. Such a great choice for this project. Catchy songs, well performed. I would have loved a bit more treble in the mix, though, as I felt like there was gauze over the whole proceeding. Other than that, this was solid.

Loved so much

this album was pretty cool and i enjoyed listening to it. I'm not sure how "iconic" it is or anything, but it definitely fits the early 2000s vibe of up-and-coming alt/indie rock music i remember. maybe there's a world where these dudes hit it big instead of the killers or lcd soundsystem or something. squares is a jam and the other tracks are fine to good imo. definitely some weird and trippy stuff on here though. favorites: squares, al sharp, human being, gone, eclipse

I like to discover albums by bands I have never heard of before. I really liked this trippy electronic and rockish album, very different and fresh. I will definitely come back to this later.

I like this! I wonder who did the sample on the first track, Squares. I love every song I hear that “daydream” sample in, so I will have to look into the original song. But I like this sound. “Folktronica” as I read on Wikipedia. Definitely some rock and country influences too. I’m here for it.

first listen very interesting vibe

I really like this album. Though, like the XX, I sort of feel like this is the only album by this band I need. It scratches that itch.

wild and crazy, but darn good. 4 stars.

FANTASTIC electronic psych rock. Grabs on and doesn't let go.

I loved the soundtrack feel and instrument experimentation.

pretty cool, i like that's a bit different. loved it in high fidelity

Trippy

L'originalitat de la seva proposta està fora de dubte. Folk, psicodèlia, indie pop, rock... tot barrejat d'una forma molt propia i original. Mai van donar un pas més enllà de la foscor, però els seus tres discos, especialment aquest, mereixen un petit podi dins les millors joies ocultes de començaments de mil.leni

3.75

interesting and different, thought it was from the 60's originally.

Lovely ear candy

M’a fait penser parfois aux Beatles, parfois à Air. Curieux et imprévisible, même si semble convenu au premier abord

The Beta Band got an endorsement from the main character in High Fidelity and that is good enough for me.

Decent.

It’s annoying how this sounds like it should be a band that plays instruments but it’s very electronic oriented. Not bad but not great.

No relation to the comedy film, apparently. This album opens with a very recognisable sample of the 1970 song Daydream by the Gunter Kallman Choir which fits very nicely into the laid back shoegazy trip hop electronica vibe of this album. The first listen through sort of washed over me but I hit play again and started to appreciate this as an excellent listen for a sunny Sunday morning with a cool breeze blowing through the house. It won’t set the world on fire (climate change is already doing that, amirite?) but I think this will be going into regular rotation on the playlist.

A bit boring overall with some nice moments scattered about. 2-3 stars

Album cover: 1 + fact that we've already had albums by them that sound very similar works against it, too. (that's becoming a major complaint of mine) But, judging it solely on its own merits, it's not a bad album. Not great, but not bad.

I had low expectations for this, but the start was pretty cool. Nice blend of plunderphonics and lo-fi indie. But it faded for me over the course of the record, the last few tracks becoming just background noise. 3.4/5

it's fine. i enjoyed it, but it isn't super memorable. no real standout tracks. no real stinkers. something of a middle ground. great background music. perfectly ignorable, but if you tune in there's enough to like.

3.1 From a complete outsider's perspective, it sounds like they were trying to latch on to the success of Dry the Rain

Good enough for ★★★

Dreamy and hypnotic, but packed with personal moments - not the norm for space music!

First couple tracks all I could think of is Y2K, Fatboy Slim, portable CD players. But album got more and more interesting, really liked their use of psychedelic influence and it appears this is a pretty dang unique band

This album is a vibe! Not a vibe I'll often be in the mood for, and the tracks do blur a bit, but I'll happy spend time here again. Rating: 2.5

This surprised me, a very worthy and solid 3 stars

I mean, this was perfectly pleasant to have fun in the background, but it's probably not something I'll return to. It just felt mediocre!

Cool vibe to this album. Dragon stood out. 3/5

Nice for a while but I got tired of it before it was over.

Squares stood out, give or take the rest

Found the album interesting and played it multiple times since …

Oh boy, another Beta Band album. I get to be disappointed and annoyed and bored out of my mind simultaneously. I would say that these guys are the biggest one trick ponies in rock and roll but they wouldn’t know rock and roll if it . . . zzzzzzz . . . if it was. . . zzzzzzz . . . Huh?! Oh sorry, I seem to have fallen asleep there. Must’ve been the droning, hypnotic, monotone music I suppose I’ve been listening to all day but I can’t say for sure because none of it was memorable enough not to forget even as I was listening to it. Where was I? Oh yeah, this band is super boring.

I admire the creative weirdness, but I'm over here trying not to nod out (and I already had a full night's sleep and a breakfast before settling into this album). The overly sparse arrangements aren't helping. After more than half the album, I can say with certainty that this is not my jam. On a positive note, this Beta Band album, seems a bit more cohesive than their other album on this list. Most bearable: "Squares", "Broke"

Overall: 2.725 (rounded to 3) Consistency: 2.9 Originality: 2.5 Enjoyment: 3 Virtuosity: 2.5 1. Squares - 3 2. Al Sharp - 2 3. Human Being - 3 4. Gone - 3 5. Dragon - 3 6. Broke - 3 7. Quiet - 3 8. Alleged - 3 9. Life - 3 10. Eclipse - 3

Cool ablum

Cool!

Squares being first was surely the highlight. I didn't know that was the original track for Lupe's Daydreamin.

Cool to hear a where some samples came from. Otherwise its ok. 2.5 goin up.

Vibing with the general sound, although most songs after the first one mush into one for me. Side note: I stared at this cover way too long and the explosion started to look more and more like a chicken nugget the longer I looked...just thought y'all just should know

Spacey rock

I didn't know this was the band that did Dry the Rain. Frankly, I kept forgetting what name that song was but I recognized the voice when listening to this album. I thoroughly enjoyed but I assume their debut from '98 is better than this one.

This really did very little for me. It sort of blended into the background as I did some tasks around the house. Reading about the band just after listening though, I was surprised to see that they’re Scottish. I know it shouldn’t, but that does give them a slight boost in my book

Pretty good for a band I'd never heard of!

Coool

This is alright. There's definitely potential there but it mostly falls a bit flat for me. I like the music mostly, don't love the vocals. "Gone" is probably the best song.

Didn't love it, didn't hate it.

This was unexpected. A bit on the blah side, I think I need to be in the right mood to really appreciate it, bit overall not bad.

For a lot of the tracks on this one I was very close to finding them too boring. But a few tracks managed to keep me just interested enough to not want to turn it off Standouts Quiet 3/5

Has a consistent sound at throughout the entire album. I actually kinda liked this I would give it a 7/10

It's fine. Bored

Nothing out of the ordinary for The Beta Band, which could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how you feel about them. I've been aware of them since High Fidelity, had my moment with them which I can appreciate, but that's not really a part of my musical past I've been compelled to revisit. Warrants a place here, just not moving the needle much for me these days.

Why are there multiple Beta Band albums on this list. They are mediocre at best.

I think I first heard about the Beta Band from the movie High Fidelity. I listened to that song from the soundtrack, but never the full album. This was pretty cool. While It didn't really fit into one genre, I also really didn't think that it was all over the place. 5/21/26

6.5/10. It has a cool, laid-back, experimental vibe, but it didn’t fully grab me. There are interesting ideas here, and the sound feels different enough to stand out.

perfectly mediocre

Average

Way better than their next album that is also on this list. It was fun listening to. Nothing really outstanding, but still interesting enough for some head nodding and feet tapping.

I think I liked this more than Heroes to Zeros. There are some good moments on here; I liked Quiet a fair bit. But that sample/quote of Daydream in Squares is practically a cover version, and serves to remind that the original is at least as good, if not better.

Oh boy, this album is like trying to wrangle an octopus while wearing oven mitts. It's interesting, and a bit of a struggle in places. It's an auditory puzzle box. Spins: 2 Playlist Additions - Squares - Human Being - Eclipse

Quite liked it.

Definitely some fun sounds and stuff and a little xtc vibe sprinkled in. Will be interested to listen again

M'eh

We all live together on a little round ball.

++: Squares, Human Being, Dragon, Life, Eclipse +: Al Sharp, Quiet, Alleged +-: Gone Broke 7,6/10

Lots of memories to this one, especially Squares but kinda disappointed by it not living up to how good I remember it being

Ooh, Squares is Daydream in Blue? Oh both sample the same older track... Laid-back trip-hop. With some indie rock too. Best track - Squares, Quiet 3 stars - not heard much like it before but still not mind-blowing

cool album, very unique style while still being very listenable. I've heard 'Squares' only in ads and other media before so funny hearing it in full for the first time.

Coo

This was pretty chill and pleasant

Quiet was the standout track to me, sonically had interesting ideas but lacked any real punch for me.

i’m bored :/ uninspiring and mediocre. only high point was quiet and even then i would say it was a slight bump up rather than a spike. it wasn’t bad but it wasn’t good.

Squares is great

Hadn't heard of this band, didn't know what to expect, this was alright.

For having never heard of them, I really dig it!

This was a relaxing listen noting their various influencers.

Interesting sound. I never heard these dudes before, but I recognized "Squares" from an ad for a tech device. Shades of Trip Hop, Soul, and EDM. And for ambient, the songwriting isn't inane. It's not profound, but it doesn't need to be. Altogether a fun listen.

Interesting. Liked them and liked that Beck came up next

Decent enough

I think I like "Heroes to Zeroes" more. This one is more subdued.

This was pretty good. It’s very atmospheric and a bit weird, reminiscent of early Psychedelic rock. It’s like a non-manic version of Syd Barrett’s Pink Floyd

I’ve heard this before. It was shortly after this came out and I wasn’t super impressed, and I haven’t heard it since then. So it’s about time for a reassessment. At the time I had a dumb aversion to electronic music from the oversatuation pushed by mtv and the like. I’m enjoying the minimalism here then generally chill tempo. Not a fan of the vocals which sound lazy and effected but it doesn’t ruin the songs, if anything it just blends in like another instrument and sounds fine thinking of it that way. There’s a few really good songs and mostly good stuff, and a little bit of filler.

Heard snippetts of these guys here and there, but never a full album. This one started pretty strong with Squares and Al Sharp, but really petered out and droned on intop monotonous boredom after that. Not bad enough to dog on and not good enough to praise, it's an even keeled 3/5 that made me want to look to their other stuff rather than revisit this one.

Better than the other one I heard

Never heard of this band, nice introduction. I'm planning on listening to more of their catalog.

Pretty surprised by this after finding the other album by the same group completely forgettable. Nice variety of sounds and textures.

A day later and I’ve already forgotten everything about this album other than feeling that it was fine. So 3/5 I guess

neat-o!

Цей альбом набагато кращий за 2004 рік, який у нас вже був раніше. Той факт, що цей гурт має два альбоми в цьому списку це забавно. Насправді, я думаю, що це, мабуть, був улюблений гурт Alt-J, бо інфлюенс на них від Бетів очевидний. Мені здається, я міг би його розслухати, і він мені ще більше сподобався б, але думаю, що не буду цього робити.

an interesting album. Not sure what sort of genre, kind of mellow folk rock. really have not listened to much like this. I think it is deserving of another listen to see if I really like it or it's just ok. Definitely unique. Like a couple of other albums on the list a rather grandiose "about the artist" writeup on Spotify - "Arguably one of the most acclaimed and loved bands of the time". Right now not something I would buy but worth another listen

La primera rola está curada

It’s a band I’d love to like but not a big fan of that album. With the exception of the first and last track the rest is boring.

Made me want to listen to Radiohead, liked the second half much more than the first half

New to me. Definitely listenable, but nothing really grabbed me.

Pleasant enough background music

Middle of the album lost me, but second half was pretty strong. 3.5

My wife’s comment while driving to O’Hare in the middle of the night: “sounds like The Beatles and Phish.”

Really haven't cared for Beta Band in the past. This one is doing something different and I appreciated it for that. Least bad Beta Band. Ok, even! 2.75/5

Overall pleasing,

Square kappaleessa sama sample kuin Lupe Fiascon Daydreamin. Mielenkiintoista kevyttä rokkia, vähän elektronista. Vaihtoehtoista. Parhaat: Square, Dragon

Great for the background. Unoffensive but nothing that jumps out as great. Own both this and the 3 EPs and probably can count on a single hand how many times I've listed to both.

This one kind of fell in and out of actively listening to it for me. It was a pretty decent album. I didn't remember much from the other Beta Band album outside of being bored by it and finding the inclusion baffling. This still had some boring moments, but equally fun and good parts to make up for it. Can I recall any song 5 minutes after listening to it? No, but I can't really dislike it either.

Has kind of a Shins vibe. Soft early 2000s sounds.

Very interesting good band. Dug the whole album

A band that isn't as interesting as they think they are. Perfectly pleasant shuffling indie, and Steve Mason's voice is quite endearing.

It was pretty good. Nothing earth shattering here though. Reminded me of pavement a bit in parts, but not as good

Unfortunately I had to travel today, so my listen of the album was limited to what I heard over the sound of the rain and the road. I liked to chill atmosphere it gave off, so I'll be circling back to this when I have more time to dedicate myself to it.

Celkom prekvapenie. Príjemná hudba, ešte si to pustím. Viac ako 3*

first song banger immediate add to playlist

My immediate reaction is Alt-J took this style of music and made it worse. Human Being turning into a straight up rock song at the end was gnarly. Life is weird as fuck. So is Eclipse. What kind of music is this? I thought it was interesting

Album 62 Top 3 favorites off the album: Eclipse, Quiet, Gone I was surprised to recognize the first song. I hear it fairly often. Then I recognized Human Being, too. Why do I know songs from this? I'm not mad about it, I just didn't know I knew. I initially thought this was going to be another house party vibe of an album (not a bad thing, to be clear). The first track has that floating, LED strip lights feeling to it. Al Sharp hit after, and the vibe was different while still maintaining the trancelike feel with the synths. I think the album does temperature changes pretty well. It definitely feels like it stays darker by default, but there's a good variety of warmer and cooler approaches, even within tracks. It's been a bit since the last review I've done that attempted to communicate how I feel about the sound of things beyond lyrics. My bad (not that it's being read regularly by more than one person (HELLO!)). I was left wanting something with a little more weight to it. This album sits on the softer side of things, and when it 's on the fence between maintaining that lighter instrumentation and hopping off into heavier percussion, more distortion, and an increase in volume, it either backs off or plateaus instead of diving headfirst into something new. The first track to come close to scratching that itch was Human Being. Even with the addition of more guitar, the organ, and more percussion, it still felt restrained where I'd hoped it would let loose. Quiet felt like it opened up more, so win! I also liked the different light vibe of Eclipse. Very lazy summer day on the bus to a large body of water of your choice in instrumentation. (Snorted at the last ~15-20 seconds of lyrics, bumped it up in my internal rating). Some extra personal reflection on the project as a whole, should you choose to read this far: I've been worried that I've been unfair to some albums. I've given so many mid- to low ratings that I had to go back through what I said about each one and really reflect on how I felt. In some cases, I think I have been harsh, but in a majority, I said exactly what I meant and wanted to say. On albums I don't have strong opinions about, I don't say much. On ones I do, I write as much as I want. It just so happens that out of 1,089 albums, I've hit a rough streak that is only occasionally broken up by one I really, really like. What does this all mean? No idea. I've got a few years worth of music left to get through, though, so I don't need to worry about it now.

Langweilig aber okay

1001 Alben hat das System "ambient music" für mich neu erfunden. Nicht störende Alben sind ab sofort der Mittelwert 3 Sterne. Dadurch entsteht zwar für vergangene Alben eine unpassende Bewertung, kann aber für faire Sterne in Zukunft sorgen (hoffentlich) 3 - Trifft voll auf Hot Shots II zu (nicht der Film: Wenn ich mich richtig erinner, war dieser kacke)

It was ok. Nothing really stood out to make it memorable. It was pretty ordinary but not bad to listen. Standout song was probably Broke. standard 3 stars

Sounds like something Beck would've done if Loser didnt blow up and he became a just did Folk with hip hop inspired beats. Im shocked that The Three EPs isnt part of the 1001 list, as that is a more renowned release by this band 3/5

Sounds-cool indie rock that stays on a musical straight line, interesting though not captivating

Not sure if I've heard of this band. Interesting sound. Kind of reminds me of alt-j.

Cool vibes

Very indie rock of the early 00s feel to this record. A little reminiscent of Beck, but a chill record with a good groove. Highlights: “Human Being” and “Eclipse”

Without its charms it was not.

5.5/10

You know what? It sounds different to the alternative rock that was coming out in the early ‘00s. That alone deserves some praise. I think it’ a record that grows after several listens

Cool sounds. Pretty low stakes too. I like it

Interesting sound. Didn't grab me enough though. Low 3

Their second best of three albums. The trip hop / slacker indie combo is great even if they lose a little direction every now and then. Last two tracks don’t add much. High 3/5

This one's better than Heroes to Zeroes with well put together songs and arrangements. Something I can't put my finger on stops it being a compelling listen though. The last track is supposed to be funny but isn't.

A solid to high 3 from me, a nice midpoint between trip hop and British indie from the early 2000s (like Elbow and Doves) which is a nice spot for me if not anything special

Yeah I mean it would be ok for background music

It’s all just ok. Nothing bad, but also nothing that stood out at all.

Maybe the most appropriate name for a band ever. Very middle of the road. Why would this make the list? These guys are definitely always in the friend zone. They don’t fuck. Nothing terrible but nothing memorable either.

maybe one of the worst-aging band names of all time

Jumpscare with a TikTok sound in the first song, cool to be British but better to be … more exciting. Leagues better for me than a lot of this old crap tho

Why another beta band album?

Good

альтернативка попсовая

Ok I guess?

Solid down-tempo pop and house music. Nice use of samples and varied instrumentation to keep it interesting. Nice layered harmonies and vocals throughout. Great crescendo of sound on Human Being. An enjoyable listen throughout. Good chilled background noise for parties, but without any real stand-out moments.

Overall rating by me: 5/10 Songs added to playlist: ,,Squares" Notes: Thought that if I loved Squares, the rest of the album would be the same but sadly no. Melancholic and slow - that's how I would describe it.

Maybe 4

Heinous cover art, looks like a child threw it together on MS paint. Obviously knew the first track but nothing else. Definitely has it own sound, it's in that category where I think they are approaching the songs in quite a unique way but ending up with something that is just okay. Not the same sound but fun loving criminals are definitely in that bucket. It's fine, it's a 3.

Hmm not sure what to make of this. Not sure I can take think of much to compare it to either, which makes it pretty interesting I guess. I did enjoy it, but can't see myself rushing back to it. Textbook 3

Favorite Track: Squares

Opener stands out from the rest of the album, prob also due to the famous sample. Rest is fine, nothing that caught my ear in particular. 3/5, would background-listen again.

There is a reason this is not called Hot Shots 1 by The Alpha Band.

This one was alright. It was nice and chill, good for an early evening. That opening track was really good, but after that it kinda faded into the background a bit. It's nothing really spectacular, nothing jumps out at you. Definitely better than their other album here. But that album cover was 100x better than whatever this is.

This was a very interesting one, it felt like almost a joke album but not lol

A bit better than the other album from this lot. Some pleasant bits, but it ended up going on a bit, and it’s not actually that long

Cue the high fidelity I will now sell several copies of the beta band. Good but not great stuff from these guys and I honestly prefer their earlier stuff over this. Didn’t know they were Scottish though so plus points for that. Groovy but not standout.

Kind of interesting, doesn't sound so bad. I like some of the background electronic stuff they're doing. I shouldn't but I like that cover a bit. It's an awful choice in every way but when you put it all together it does work. Probably not mandatory but far from the worst thing I've heard on here. Maybe it's in the 900s of the 1,001. Maybe it's just an okay day. Who knows

Surprised by how dynamic the sound quality is for something from 2001. The songs seem alright but nothing stands out. It would take time for this to grow.

Dont know how to feel after that hahahaha

A strange title from one of the most aptly named bands on the list. This felt like it could have been created by an algorithm. It is quirky, enjoyable, and interesting. However, it doesn't have a soul. After the first few songs, it all sort of blanded together. Again, not horrible, just only remarkable in its generic tone.

one song on it

The first song on this album is great. The rest of the album was fine but nothing I’d write home about.

Thought this was going to be a soundtrack to the Charlie Sheen movie, it was not.

It was fine. Good enough that ill check out the rest of their small discography and will one day return to this album to see if I like it more. Would mak3 good background music.

Wanted to love this album because I like The Beta Band but it was wayyyyyy too mellow for me.

Caught myself tapping my toe a couple times, more monotone singing. It’s early 2000s electric alternative. You know what the genre is but it can never be explained.

good, didn’t know about this album at all but enjoyed it

Chill album. I enjoyed it. 6/10 Favorite Tracks- “Square” “Broke” “Life”

This is kind of interesting, but I'd like it more if the songs were closer to 2 minutes. It gets repetitive pretty quickly.

This was fine. Enjoyed a few songs quite a bit. But overall forgettable and no idea why it’s on the list.

Buenos solos de guitarra, buenos tracks.

Nice beats

Didn’t know what to expect but it wasn’t this. Pretty chill.

first song was really good the rest are meh for me…

Interesting and enjoyable indie trip hop rock. I previously had a difficult time placing my finger on what I though trip hop sounded like, but this album is what it sounds like. Many psychedelic and electronic sounds layered over repeating beats and trance-like vocals give this album a somewhat relaxed and trippy vibe (space Beck?). The instrumentals are many-layered, leaving something different on which to focus for each track.

This was fine. Nothing special but it had a good run. 2.50-2.75/5

Day 123 Quite enjoyed this as background music whilst playing a few games of Balatro, very definition of easy listening, will definitely be playing it again 7/10 Highlights Squares Broke Quiet

Meh. Some decent sounds and some catchy songs but didn’t get me too excited.

The vocals have this soft, dreamy quality that floats over the beats and gives everything a warm, hypnotic vibe. It’s super pleasant to listen to. I do wish there were a few more standout hooks; nothing really jumps out as an earworm.

Love me some British sounding vibes

Some really haunting vocals in the early songs, and a mostly enjoyable album, but I can’t round up. The lyrics are too simplistic, leading to too much repetition, without variance.

Not bad. I liked Quiet, in particular. A bit Phishy at times, particularly with some of the lyrics. 3.5*

Gehört aber rating deutlich später. War ganz ok glaube ich. 2.8

A perfect example of a great band who never really made it. Mix of folk, hip-hop, sampling and indie rock - and that's only scratching the surface. Though there's a mash up of so many genres, the vocal melodies tend to fall back on chanting and aren't as strong . A good album, not great. Should it be in here seeing as they made no real impact other than being a critics' favourite? Best Tracks: Squares; Human Being; Dragon

like nothing special at all. boring. the first song was interesting and the rest blah. 3/5

Not bad. Some decent stuff. Some meh material. Good enough for a passing grade.

kinda just imonster but bad. but still good i like it. ok i think i like it because its the most interesting thing ive heard after listening to a lifetime of britpop. hey i still like it though so its getting a Four !

138/1089 absolutely awful album cover… the music itself it okay, a bit too one-note for me overall but has some good moments such as: Gone and Life it was a fine listen but i was hoping for a bit more 55/100

Sad kako znam za Django Django zahvaljujući ovoj listi, mogu reći da mi ove zvuče kao njihova nedorađena verzija. Pristojan album.

Honestly, I turned it on and forgot I had it on. Nothing here is done badly but nothing here is done significantly better than average either.

Enjoyed this, will definitely listen to more.

This is fine...nothing here rubs me the wrong way, but it never really grabs me, either. Didn't leave much of an impression once it’s over.

Meh

A really strange one, this. It's deceptively minimalist in terms of the limited pool of instrumentation being showcased, but it manages to make less count by looping passages on top of one another in a very psychedelic fashion, with some reverb-heavy, slightly melodramatic 70s-like vocals and influences from trip hop / electronica adding to the dreamy, kind of smoky vibe going on. It's very clever, but the question is whether it's a bit too clever for its own good at times as to feel inviting enough for a relisten. It worked fairly well today as a lazy morning in bed type of album.

бедный дейдрим, сколько его можно мучать?

Fun lo fi

I enjoyed their newer album a little more. Didn’t really find anything too interesting in this one. Loow 3

weird and sometimes good

Weird but enjoyable

It was ok

Another mid British band? Shock! I prefer Hot Shots Part Deux

enjoyed this for neat it was worth. 'Alternate Rock" really needs to have a better definition - used too often as a catch all

mildly enjoyable

# Playlist Track - Squares # Notes - Pleasant surprise! I think I heard the opening track be samples a bunch of times. Don't remember where. - All in all, this isn't an amazing album. I'll probably forget about it in time, but there are some inspired moments. - I should probably take a star away just for that stupid cover, tho.

Quite enjoyed most of this, I’d definitely listen again. But probably not enough to give it a 4

Threatened to get going but never did

Easy album full of music seemingly designed to be background sounds to a Gen X workday.

3 sterne

Спасибо тиктоку, наверное. Хорошая индитроника. Лучшая песня - Squares.

нормально пойдёт поквтиттсголмтч

Cool vibes that never quite paid off

I’ve stopped asking the question “why is this album on the list of 1001?; because I have asked it too often. Otherwise I would be asking that question again. This album is ok, but I won’t bother listening to it again. Pretty bland…musical pablum. Three unenthusiastic stars.

Pretty cool. I feel like I need to play it outdoors as the sunsets

I liked it. It wasn’t AMAZING but I did like it. Will listen to it again today. Got a little bit of Hot Chip vibes.

6/10

Brits probably knew of this band when they first hit the scene - conceived of them as some sort of amalgam of Oasis and Radiohead - but Americans have Stephen Frears to thank for any exposure to The Beta Band: Cusack puts on 'Dry The Rain' from The Three E.P.'s to apparently sell five copies of the record. Unfortunately, Hot Shots II doesn't boast a track nearly as good as 'Dry The Rain' and is far flatter than Heroes to Zeros, their third and final release. Lyrically, it's wanting - tho I do dig this outburst: 'I never been the type to sing all night but Aaaaaaaaaah!' - and every song begins to sound the same, rhythmically as well as vocally, aiming but mostly failing (save on 'Quiet') to achieve a negotiation of the casual and the vigorous.

Kind of trippy & novel, if not a little same-y. Overall enjoyable.

Wasn’t expecting much, but I liked it enough to hear it again. 2.5 rounded up to 3

Scottish Beck meets Scottish Grizzly Bear. Who knew that this combo would not really work. Its really just ok. Kind of reminds of toddler television music. Like its strangely positive/wholesome but kind of tame. 5/10

One more "rock band" using electronic samples as one of their main instruments, seemingly. Sure, it has some interesting moments too. The album cover art is awful, though, and had me bracing for the worst.

Thought this was pretty good, completely new to me. Adaptation of Daydream in the first song was kind of cool.

Echo Dave - this started fine but dragged. It feels amateur.

Totally serviceable vibey indie rock

Is this what the kids call shoegaze? I don't *not* like it

Was surprised by this one- it felt like it was ahead of the curve on the 2000s electronic/rock/pop/folk fushion sound. I enjoyed it- nice vibes music

Fine nothing that interesting

More like a 7/10 but still not enough great songs I think. Squares and Al sharp is 10/10!

Kind of cool spacey trip hop. It felt very empty though as a lot of it was harmonies with some songs a bit more full with instrumentals and sounds yet also lacking a bit with the vocals which felt a bit droney and repetitive. The album cover is a bit horrendous as well I have to say, it has like no link to the actual music. Favourites: squares and dragon. Overall, 5.5/10.

Was never really a fan first time round, although they do have some decent songs over their catalogue. Squares and Human Being on this are good.

I remember hearing this band fanned over by hipsters I the 2000s. Finally listening to this today, I'm underwhelmed. It's a decent alternative album. I might like it better if I listened to it again. I just couldn't get in to the repetitive songs.

I bought this CD because of High Fidelity with John Cusack.

Solid bara, ekkert svaka hæðir né lægðir.

Alls ekki svo slæmt. Margt mjög gott en annað síðra. Sumt minnti mig á Beck.