Reviews (page 7 of 7)
Reminiscent of the trippy '60s psych rock and the inventive '70s art rock. This album is a melancholic, dreamy, modern rock masterpiece.
Quite repetitive and nothing stand out but good voice and music
Boring.
Vraiment une belle surprise, dans sa subtilité et ses thèmes, des arrangements mélodieux sans être trop doux.
On paper if Paul Simonon in it’s going to be cool. And it is - yet only after 17 years of trying to warm up to this record did I finally get it. And it’s quite a gorgeous one.
obviously
How have I never heard of this? I've been a fan of all the members for years. Then again, I listened to the full album and forgot every song the moment it ended, so that might be the reason.
A side project led by Damon Albarn of blur and Gorillaz, the Clash's bassist, Verve's guitarist, and Fela Kuti's drummer. Very Beatlesesque, it's ethereal and lush featuring slow, dreamy grooves, Baroque vocals, and orchestral synths. It's a supergroup that works well, everyone plays their recognizable style and comes together well. The bass has a distinguishable dark, anxious sound, the guitar is patient and entrancing, and the drums are rhythmic and punchy. Highly consistent with strong start and end. No hits, but a few get close. Second side is slightly weaker but just as experimental.
Just like the Gorillaz. Almost good. But there is something of about it. It's missing something to make it catch.
Interesting. Not sure why it did so well??
Sounded like American Idol amateur hour. Holy crap was the singing awful.
Never heard of this album or band and for good reason. Not a fan.
Never hear them or even knew they existed. Not terrible, with a few more listens might grow on me. Though not sure why it's on this list....
Had it's moments. Both ways.
Little bit dreary. Star cast but there was only really 1 Song I latched on to
Vocalist from Blur / Gorillaz
The ideas in this album are fun, but they kind of feel like "leftovers" from stuff that didn't make it into Demon Days. Entire songs made up of the crooning and guitar work that would be the bridge of a Gorillaz song. I definitely miss the hip hop influence that Gorillaz has here. Without that energy, the songs are a little too dull for me.
I know more about the band than I do the music, and have only heard the title track before, on a Q compilation album that I played almost incessantly as a teenager. Album is very good - I'm not blown away by it but I'll definitely listen to it some more. Tracks meld into each other but not in a bad way - there's a good ebb and flow.
Supergroup um Damon Albarn (Gorillaz) - spaciger Artpop mit Dub-Einflüssen. Nicht meins. 1,5
28/100 Based on this scale: 1 star - 0 to 19 2 stars - 20 to 39 3 stars - 40 to 59 4 stars - 60 to 79 5 stars - 80 to 100 Not actually bad, but eminently forgettable. Case in point, I listened to a couple of songs, but had to put it away and came back a few days later. I had completely forgotten what I'd heard so far. This list has no shortage of boring shit on it. Here, the music is often interesting, until the singing ruins everything. If your voice has a naturally soporific quality about it, then just sing lullabies and leave the rest of us alone.
It was ok, hard to focus on though. Some cool production but I couldn't latch on to the vocals, and it was pretty clearly supposed to be carried by the vocals.
Like Gorillaz, only not good. An album I did not need to hear before I died.
Oooh. A Queen album. Never heard of this one. Oh, it’s not Queen. It’s some band I’ve never heard of in my life. Yet they’re one of 1001 albums I should listen to. So I should probably already know of them, yes? Well, 2007 was a bad year for me, personally, so maybe it just slipped under my radar. Why does this sound so familiar? Oh. It’s Gorillaz. Well, I like Gorillaz. This is the most British album since Dark Side of the Moon. I dig most of it. Dunno why it’s not more popular. Songs added to Spotify: 4
Another band I never heard of but I feel I should have. Didn't realize it was a supergroup w/so many accomplished players. A bit mellow but a fun album to listen to. 3
I remember when this album came out, it was sometime after Blur and Damon Albarn's Gorillaz project and I was quite excited to hear it. There are the same catchy hooks and it's a decent album
Was grooving at the beginning, felt like a strange mix between gorillaz, late career Beatles songs, and some noisy british punk. Can't say I loved listening to it but it was interesting
2007 - Similar to Gorillaz - Art Rock; Alternative Rock
What an amazing compilation of artist collaborating together. I never realized signer Damon Albarn was involved in so many bands, but I'm a fan of both Gorillaz and Blue, so no surprise that I enjoyed this as well. If Blur is the Brit pop and Gorillaz is the alternative hip hop, then The Good The Bad and The Queen is the mellow rock side of Albarn. While I enjoyed this album, none of the songs stood out for me. I prefer his other, more upbeat styles, to this one.
1/9/24. Always a big fan of anything Damon Albarn touches. No idea is off limits in his music, and that concept shines on this album.
Why have I not heard of these guys before? I was completely shocked and surprised how much I like this! 2007, Art Rock Singles: ------------------------------------------ Herculean (#22, UK) Kingdom of Doom (#20, UK) Green Fields (#51, UK) Standouts: 80's Life, Kingdom of Doom, Herculean, Love every song! An easy 4/5. Can't wait to hear more of this one!
Pretty alright. 3 stars.
Acceptable first listen. 6/10
Reading the history of the band made me sad and happy at the same time. I really enjoyed listening!
I instantly recognized the lead singer’s voice from the many albums of his on this list. I’m not a huge fan of blur and while this album was better that any of those ones, I can’t give this one more than a 3. Depending on the song, I find his voice to be kind of annoying. The work of the Gorillaz is top tier but everything else is meh.
The album was not particularly good. I am not sure what it was trying to be, maybe indie music. A little pretentious. I guess I will round up because it was only 45 minutes.
If you like artists that wear their influences on their sleeves, but have zero interest in exploring their influences at all, Damon Albarn might be the guy for you.
Incredibly creative and well-written, with a solid roster of talent. I wouldn't have caught on that it was supposed to be a concept album though had Wiki not told me. I could see this growing on me considerably with repeated listening. Fave Songs: Green Fields, Herculean, The Good, the Bad & the Queen, Three Changes, 80's Life, Northern Whale
7/10. I dunno, I suppose I liked it
Damon Albarn is extremely overrated. 4/10
Ah, Damon Albarn. That eternally restless Damon Albarn. If one band wasn't enough, he needs two, which then turns to three. The Good, the Bad & the Queen. A triumphant return to the chronicling of his fabled country with the wisdom and maturity that was lacking in his younger days, Albarn also sought to continue the musical diversification that had marked the second phase of his career, calling upon the talents of monolithic figures such as Fela Kuti's drummer (and one-time Blur muse) Tony Allen and bassist of The Clash Paul Simonon. Along with fellow traveler Danger Mouse and guitarist of The Verve Simon Tong, The Good, the Bad & the Queen stands singular as amongst Damon's most intriguing projects; a curio to check out once one has checked all the corners or Blur and Gorillaz. Favorites: History Song, 80s Life, Kingdom of Doom, Herculean, The Bunting Song, Three Changes, The Good, the Bad and the Queen.
One of the more interesting side projects Damon Albarn did. For me, it wouldn't top Gorillaz, but it vibes well! The line up is well formed and the songs are pretty interesting. Musically it's where the strength lies Standouts: History Song, Northern Whale, Kingdom Of Doom, Herculean, Nature Springs, Three Changes, 7 out of 10
I can't help but think that this album did not need to be made. It very much strikes me as a vanity project. While I don't object to it as an exercise in music, I don't see what value it contributes.
Þessi er alltaf góð!
Ansi gott. Önnur umferð. 3,5
Nice
pretty good to relax and game to, some songs dragged on tho, and behind the sun just annoyed me. pretty forgettable and a lot of the songs just sounded the same.
I haven't listened to them before this point but after no more than a few songs I was already feeling nostalgic. Their music has a very distinct old vibe unique to the early 2000s. After looking into who they are more I must say Damon Albarn is incrediby talented, whether its gorrilaz or blur his music always manages to evoke that same nostalgic feeling. I'm incredibly happy I was recommended this and I'll definitely be listening on the regular. For better or worse this sounds like home, granted with a bit of england mixed in.
Good album just twas not my cup of tea. Perfect background music
Sounded really swag, want to listen fully again, as I only listened once in the car, but really enjoyed the vibes
solid 👍
i prefer gorillaz and blur, where damon albarn's connection with his band members feels more authentic. with 'the good, the bad & the queen', the art rock style doesn't hit the same mark for me. most songs blend together, lacking memorable hooks. a few tracks stand out slightly, nudging my rating up to a 2. it's an album with great potential, but it doesn't quite resonate like his other projects.
could i write poetry to this? i did but it was technically bad
Less than the sum of its parts. Two and one-half stars.
A good album and cool artifact, but I don't know if I'd use the word "essential" to describe it.
Really good stuff. 4 solid stars.
‘Ave a butchers at this one me China, propa Lundun innit
Interesting and unique sound. Cool alternative vibe. I like it.
Schijt
Not great
If there is one excellent side effect of the BritPop fetish this list has, it is more exposure to this excellent album. I've loved it for so many years. It is so hypnotic between the keys and the amazing rhythm section (RIP Tony Allen). Very happy to have listened to it once again this morning.
It is a good music.
Coming after Parklife in my list, one of the three Blur-less Damon manifestations (solo, Gorillaz) and perhaps the weakest of the three. Pleasant enough but a distinct lack of killer tunes.
Not for me
This album wasn't bad but I can't really picture myself listening to it again.
Amazing album. I love Blur, the Clash and other associated acts. Only makes sense i would love this album. Going in regular ritation
Actually purchased a download on this around when it came out (Herculean was getting a lot of play on a local alt rock station and my young child liked it). Haven't listened to it a whole lot since. I like it, but overall maybe the content is a little thin.
forgettable but not a bad listen
Good
Pas grand chose à dire là dessus. C'est un super bande ? Jamais entendu parlé et l'album me semblait assez fade. 3
Hadn't even heard of this, but really enjoyed it.
Kind of grungy punk rock with less sharp edges.
Some interesting sounds but never quite reached a point that hooked me.
Wasnt sure at fist but turned into a fun surprise - feel like this is for a specific mood- not all the time but maybe driving
it's fine. I would listen to it again, but not make an effort to do it.
Ok sound. Didn’t blow me away
Damon is altijd wel goed, maar ik vind Gorillaz en Blur net iets beter
Como se fora um Blur desenvolvendo uma atmosfera mais contemplativa.
Probably very hypocritical of my latest Genesis review but I just have a soft spot for Damon (3.5/5)
Interesting listen because it’s Damon Alburn
The production was intriguing, but brought down by drab singing and dull lyrics. Definitely a case of style over substance. To me it came across as off-brand Radiohead. And not in a good way.
Some very good tracks, bit more rocknroll than gorillaz, songs about England
ah it's grand. more Albarn is never a bad thing. lad is a hero. doubt i would go back though.
The Good, The Good & The Good
The mediocre, the mediocre, and the start of Damon Albarn's decline as a creative force.
there are some good sounds and ideas in here, but it all feels like buildup without proper resolution. as such, the whole album comes off as bland and forgettable
80s life, northern whale
A lot of really accomplished people in this band I've never heard of. I guess you had to be there, or better yet be British, as with so many things on this list. It's alright, I don't mind the innocuous indie like soundscapes they're created. No hate, no love, just listened and moving on now.
lav 3'er
is good init
Damon Albarn! BABY!! 3.8/5
I listened to this on the bus on the way home from work and it made no impression whatsoever
Ya decía yo que la voz me sonaba ...
Not sure why this is on this list
Never heard of them before. First listen. Genre: Art Rock 2007 Singles: -------------------------------------------- Herculean: #22 UK Kingdom of Doom: #20 UK Green Fields: #51 UK Standouts: Herculean, Kingdom of Doom, 80's Life Others: Green Fields, History Song, Behind the Sun, Nature Springs, The Good The Bad and the Queen. 3.5/5
Pretty good, but for the life of me, I will not remember this.
Standard side project album.
This was fun listening. I enjoyed it.
The album immediately caught my attention. Every few tracks I would have a thought that the novelty had worn off and that the rest of the album would be a slog. But then the next track always seemed to bring just enough intrigue to keep me interested.
I feel hard to impress right now. This did very little for me.
This was a trip! I enjoyed the sound, and the album is an interesting musical journey. Interesting and entertaining.
It’s like the Gorillaz if they went the indie rock/folk band rock.
It's OK final song was the best one.
There's nothing special about this album other than the name "Damon Albarn". Guess that's all it takes for certain folks.
Alright, given the artwork and the fact that I've never heard of this album before, I honestly made a furrowed wtf face when the first thing I heard was Albarn's voice. I'm not sure where some of the magic is lost, but the music here does not produce the same whimsical feel here with his singing. It's like.... you can tell he actually isn't that good of a singer. Never once did I ever have this thought while listening to the Gorillaz. It's like you are finally reminded that he's a bland British man that probably eats toast and beans for breakfast. That really says a lot about the music choice in that band compared to this one. There is also an incessant never ending piano in most tracks that clinks the same chord over and over and over instead of filling in the empty space with something lighter. It's like they're trying to imitate Sufjan Stevens. And what perfect timing actually..... the song Herculean reminds me of Age of Adz immensely. I can't explain why I don't like this album past the music just overall being quite forgettable. Was not expecting to give this a low score when it first started.
Not a bad one. Not great dither but easy to listen to and sounded like guy from girillaz.
Didn't have to listen to this to give it a 5. Probably one of Damon Albarn's top 3 albums of any of his projects. I love this! The atmosphere; the British 80's come to life. The instrumentations (the bass playing by Simonon), the song writing, lyrics and melodies and the production are great!
Didn’t really enjoy the music. To me the album is recreating songs that have already been made and the styles have been overdone. Like a 60s-70s album made in 2008. Just not fun or interesting to listen to for me.
These superbands always get me. I can't argue
It was okay. Expected more from such a stacked band. Nothing really wowed me on this one
Really liked this, its like a secret gorillaz project. The outro track is HUGEEEE.
Best wel chill
Rock
Eh. Sounds like the filler tracks on a Blur album.
A bit mixed, but overall enjoyable
forgettable
Solid
I remember getting "Herculean" as part of the free singles program on iTunes (throwback). It was nice and I enjoyed it, but it never left me wanting any more. I realize this is a supergroup, but it certainly plays kind of... plain. There are some nice dub influences sprinkled throughout, but it mostly ends with a dreary, kind of boring record that should justify why it's on this list aside from "the members are all in other, popular groups". Seriously, how did they waste a drummer from Fela Kuti's outfit? Favorite track: "Herculean"
This one was disappointing. I expected a bit more from a supposed "supergroup". The songs were very bland. They often lacked drums as well, which is strange considering the talented drummer they have in the lineup.
damon albarn has a very distinct voice so obviously this was gonna sound a little gorillaz-y at points. i love gorillaz though so it’s great! very nice fall listen
down with the monarchy
you're not going to make me hate damon albarn
this was one of the albums of all time
British supergroup composed of Damon Albarn, Paul Simonon, Simon Tong, and Tony Allen. I really enjoyed the ambiance and rock influences. The instrumentation is familiar and expansive (very Albarn); the way rock is juxtaposed with electronica and synths makes for a very modern and expensive sound; quite smooth and has a nice flow both in individual songs and as an album; has a dream-like nature to it; droning is used create atmosphere, and to be frank, I'm into it. Ultimately, nothing seems incredibly memorable, but the tunes are all quite tight, as might be expected from such a line up of professionals. A bit like a low-energy Gorillaz album, if more acoustic oriented. Loving the assortment of instruments, however. Edit: Yeah, Blur is better. Standouts: History Song, Northern Whale, The Bunting Song, Green Fields, The Good, The Bad, And The Queen.
This was just fine, I don't really care for Danger Mouse's production on this.
I am going to have to give this another listen because I just had it playing in the background while I worked and wasn't paying attention to which song was which. I did stop what I was doing once and thought, this song is really good. On the other hand, I stopped to think, this song is trash, more than once. Or maybe I shouldn't waste any more time on this album and just go live my life.
I really enjoyed this and I listened to a lot of gorillas after. Interesting story behind the band. The Brit’s really love singing about the Brit’s
Oyendo de nuevo el 18 de Junio del 2025 porque nunca lo reitié en el 2023 ni dejé notas. -De por sí siempre amo la voz de Damon- 1. History Song. Reguetonoso, nice, un poco de ese synth tipo death of a party, theme for retro y optigan I. Chévere. 2. Good, not memorable. 3. " " " " " " " " " " ". 4. " " " " " " " " " " ". 5. Boring 6. Same. 7. Zzzz. Zzzzzkipped 8. Getting real fucking bored. 9. Zzzzzz 10. Three Changes. More fun, bad acid vibes tho', nice switch at 2:54. Fun, liked it more. Fav so far. 11. Cute, not catchy, boring. 12. -Tema del self titled, which is self titled- Like the intro hasta el primer verso so far. Ha explotado bien fun hasta el 4:10 (sigo en primera escucha) , acidy, nice. Una hidden track empieza con el riff del bajo. Cool, solo piano again. The end. Damn, Albarn. No queria shit on your thing but, I didn't like it too much. He'd be like: "That's aight, mate" with his English accent prolly'. 2, basically me gustó el inicio y el fin only.
It was ok. There were some parts of the album I really liked and then others that were just noise to me. My younger self would have enjoyed tripping out to some of the tunes. 😂
Dull and underwhelming - especially given the calibre of the players. Gorillaz/Blur/Clash/afrobeat this most certainly is not. Relatively interesting lyrics, but boring music.
Listened Before? No Album Art: 2 / 5 (western font in line with the movie reference with a burning city backdrop. doesn't do much to grab the eye.. no idea what to expect) I was anticipating something more "disruptive" sounding based on the cover, but this opens with some dub-infused indie with a singer similar to Damon Albarn (jk it is Damon Albarn :P). The backing organ provides some interesting depth and creates a lived-in atmosphere. Off to a fine start. 80s Life throws away the dub in favor of a key-led song styled after an 80s slow dance. Pretty key work; pretty song. Northern Whale sounds like a super pared down Gorillas song. Heavy wall of bass with some layered sprinkling keys and harmonization. I like the song with the psych effects thrown on top (reverb, echo). A lot of the rest of the album kind of bleeds together for me. I enjoyed it being there, but didn't find too too much that peaked my interest. I'm a middle of the pack 3 / 5. Added to Library? Yes Songs Added to Playlists: - Northern Whale (sunny-vibes)
Pretty boring album. The last two songs had some legs though. Those two songs brought this album from a 1 to a 1.5 for me. Shoegaze?
I wish I would have paid better attention to this while I was listening because from what I heard I really liked it. The singer from the Gorillaz has a great voice to go along with instrumentals like this. I really like Three Changes and the title track to end it with the anxiety building breakdown for the last few minutes was a cool way to end the album. I will have to listen to this again to really pay attention but it was a great album all around.
Never heard of these guys either. Wow jk this is definitely Damon Albarn. This dude is insane he non-stop works. I wonder how he decides what's going to be solo, Blur, Gorillaz, or this. Love him though. Pretty excited now! Have this on in the background while working but I am digging it about halfway through. Crazy good production from Danger Mouse here. Damn the Good the Bad and the Queen song fucking rules. I can't wait to check more of these guys out.
Joo ei. Säälittävää määkimistä. Varmaan lajissaan ihan hyvä, mut joo ei.
Heard about these at the time and as a Blur fan I should have been interested but of the little I heard nothing stuck. Pretty similar experience this time around. Although some songs are musically interesting, there's not really a song. The best parts of several tracks seem to be when Damon finishes singing. If you're not going to bother writing a melody just do an instrumentals album. I'm not really picking up any Tony Allen afrobeats, which is a shame. There's a couple of dub-influenced tracks which are quite good. Overall one I found relatively diverting while listening but can't say I'll go back. Yep. Got to the end and can't say I'll need to listen to that again.
Not bad at all.
A collaboration album between four great musicians of thier field. While the tracks contain signatures of all four musicians individual styles, I'm disappointed that the end project seems to be worse than the sum of its parts! A moody, languid record lacking the spark to make it powerful. A shame as it's technically very good with good rhythms and lyrics. For that I can't give it a one star, as some people may like it but for me this album is an unfortunate miss.
Some big names in this production. A hidden gem
Not The Music I expected when I saw the album cover. I still like it. I don’t know if it deserves a 4. And I thought that I recognized the voice! It was Damon Albarn (front singer of Blur)
Surprised to see this pop up. I can’t help but think there are other, more ‘essential’ 21st century albums that could’ve been included in its place. Don’t get me wrong, I own it on CD and think it’s really good. Like most Albarn projects it’s stuffed full of pretty melodies, and there are a handful of real gems here, like the aptly titled Herculean. The production is good too - it’s got a slightly rustic quality that brings to mind England’s past, but it’s not clear exactly when. For this project I’ll cap my score at 3.5 but for personal enjoyment it would be a solid 4.
A solid 3.5 in my book
Meh, blur en gorillaz veel leuker
A cruisey new discovery.
I had completely forgotten about this Damon Albarn (plus random other luminaries - The Clash! Fela Kuti! The Verve!) side-project. Like a weird cross between Blur and Gorillaz - how about that then? Some great stuff, Damon always impresses me with his enthusiasm.
I saw The Good, The Bad & The Queen perform this album live at JB's in Dudley in 2007. My main memory of the gig is how cool Paul Simonon looked strutting around the stage playing bass. Overall this is a decent Damon Albarn art indie curio, but it's not all that memorable. I also never previously got the 'London' concept, but am glad that the band/album name now makes sense (they all live in London). Rating: 3/5 Playlist track: Kingdom of Doom Date listened: 22/10/23
Damon Albarn seems like a good enough bloke, he's on my living room wall, afterall. But I just don't love his voice. Don't think I'm cool enough to get this, like all of his stuff
Hi Damon, how are you?
'Close, but no cigar', zoals men in het engels wel eens zegt.
Oké-ish
Damon kan bij mij niet zoveel fout doen. Al kan het wel allemaal een tikkie spannender dan deze plaat.
Het zeurt een beetje door.
Pretty standard “indie” stuff. Kinda just sounds like my least favorite Gorillaz songs over and over again. Overuse of sampling and effects.
Always enjoy a Damon Albarn project, and with the rest of the lineup being an impressive collection of musicians/producers, this was bound to be a winner for me. Wish Tony Allen had a bit more to do percussion-wise. Did wonder how much input the collaborators had with this project, as it reminds me of other Damon Albarn solo albums. Will definitely dig in again. Good stuff.
1/5. This album was honestly just so boring. It felt like multiple ideas being thrown around with none of them landing. The lack of processing on Albarn's voice felt so out of place for the vibe of the album. It felt like a Gorillaz album with some instruments thrown in there besides just a electronic beat. There was potential for sure, and it wasn't necessarily terrible to listen to, but there is no reason for me to revisit this one.
For 2007 this is not that good. There were several other albums in the mid 00s that were better and more influential than this. This supergroup album felt like the members found it what a supergroup from the 70s was like and tried to do that. This isn’t put together well and most of the music was boring and dull. Not a great album this time around. 4.9/10
Boring
I'm not really enjoying this all that much. These songs all sound like intros, and nothing is really grabbing my attention. I keep expecting the beat to kick in or something...but it never happens. The self titled song is the best of the bunch here and it does get a full band, rocking treatment. I wish the whole album sounded the same.
Darling Damon 2 Maybe 3
I've enjoyed most of Damon Albarn's projects over the years. This one isn't the most exciting, but it's still a solid album throughout.
Kinda enjoyed
Doesn't reach the height of Gorrilaz or the best of Blur. The few good musical packages feel like samples from better songs
4/5 Solid, but samey
I thought this was OK when it came out; now, I don't understand why I had any time for it. Plodding and tiresome. More overvaluing of albums by artists who have done good stuff elsewhere.
3,5
Bland bland bland 00s indie nonsense.
Does this get a look in on this list if it's not by a supergroup? Probably not. I quite like the album, it's fine, but nothing special really. The singles are decent enough (if a bit insipid), but the real highlight is the closer. It feels like all the energy that's missing from the first 11 songs got sucked out and put into the second half of this one, it's brilliant. Otherwise, if you've not listened to this before, I wouldn't strongly recommend you do now. That last song pulls it up to a 3/5.
This album missed me when it was released. I enjoyed it.
It definitely has a singular vibe - I can see that this would get old to some people, but I really like it. I'm a big fan of Danger Mouse's production (I wonder how many albums he has produced on this list), and more than anything I think it's an interesting album from his body of work.
Very cool!
I guess these guys thought they should cash in on the popularity of their prior endeavours. The album didn’t work for me.
They throw a lot of different styles at you early, the one constant being Damon Albarn's voice. I was wondering when I was going to hear something that would hint that Paul Simonon was playing bass or that TonyAllen (of all people) was on drums. Finally, "The Bunting Song" featured some reggae-inflected bass and the drumming started to loosen up on the next track, "Nature Springs". This is a creative effort, nicely produced with well-written songs and I may check-out their follow-up, which came out a decade later. I'm listening to the MC recommended "Go Back" which I agree is a great song! Maybe Spotify sent it to me because it was on hi-rotation at the Chung residence?
With an all star cast, I had high hopes for this, they even have Damon Albarn and Tony Allen who I love. Those two knock it out of the park with “Go back” check it out If you haven’t heard it, it’s fantastic. They also have Danger Mouse producing the album but somehow all the talent doesn’t seem to gel. There’s nothing really that resonates here for me. Pity.
Overall 3/11. Some fun, but not my thing. Solid call to open with a banger. *1. "History Song" 3:05 Twangy Beetles. Druggy Finish. Love it. -2. "80's Life" 3:28 What is this Do-whap shit? -3. "Northern Whale" 3:54 Kinda Depressing -4. "Kingdom of Doom" 2:42 Starts Cowboy, back to beetles. -5. "Herculean" (featuring The Sixteen) 3:59 Slower Pumped up Kicks -6. "Behind the Sun" 2:38 Sleepy -7. "The Bunting Song" 3:47 Again Just kinda sleepy *8. "Nature Springs" 3:10 Much Better. Was beginning to to loose interest before this. Modern Beeps on retro mellow guitar scratch. We love our cowboy whistles. -9. "A Soldier's Tale" 2:30 This whole thing feels like a love letter to the beetles. Including the parts I'm not into. This is one of them. *10. "Three Changes" 4:15 Jazzy. Weird. I like that I can't tell if I like it. Fun to deconstruct. The weirder it gets the more I like it. -11. "Green Fields" 2:26 Mellow. Meaty nostalgia. Don't know. Every time I'm about to settle in it wanders away. Kinda Frustrating -12. "The Good, the Bad & the Queen" 7:00 Title drop. Definitely has that beetles influence. The yo-yoing tempo is disorienting. Kinda gives a dark circus funk? Nope not enjoying this.
It was just a good album. Quite enjoyable. "The Good, The Bad & The Queen" (the song, not to be confused with the album or the band) is a great final song to close the album.
Stile da sigla di 'Peaky Blinders'
It sounds like they just weren't trying
Sounded like a throwback recording. Was very surprised to note a 2007 release.
Love albarn, but this album isn't really for me.
Better than expected. First song is a banger. 3.5/5.
First, I gotta say that this album makes the case for the online 1001 generator vs. the various print editions. This particular record is apparently on some versions of the list, but not on all, as it wasn't on the spreadsheet I made from the version I've been working through. It's a cool record! I find it interesting and odd that it was dropped, but conversely, I've heard a lot of weird conversations online that the print editions have a lot of churn on the more recent selections, but the early material from the 1950s through the 1970s or so is basically left alone due to technical constraints i.e. the publisher doesn't want to completely repaginate the print edition when early pages are changed, so the author just leaves them alone, and when new stuff comes out that has to be included, it's usually something from the 1990s or 2000s that gets the axe. A shame, but again, thank you for the 1001 generator for having an exhaustive list including every record that's been in any edition -- I think that's correct, anyway. Anyhow, I only got four tracks into this and was like "OK, cool stuff, band I've never heard of, definitely glad that it was on the 1001". Oddly folky and psychedelic. A really great mishmash. (Much better inclusion on the list than the seventh Byrd album, or however many there are.)
Damon Albarn seems to have his finger in many pies. This one is cold and not too tasty, but his finger is still in it.
OK. Some interesting moments.
Não consegui achar nenhum diferencial.
Today the fault's mine: I feel as driven as unable to given Albarn some original due. The start's stronger than the more usual material; The group seems most interesting as an example of Damon's orbits, less bombastic from within. But the playing's good, even if the human rhythm section is pleasantly buried by Danger Mouse.
Brilliant album. Another masterpiece by Damon
the sum of the parts really should have made this better than it is. the dubby bits were really good but its so fucking wet in parts. seeing as how the new blur album has come out its pretty apparent where the limp element of this outfit comes from. different singer and this could have been great.
Damon Albarn and I once groomed a young vole together. We washed it, clipped it's claws and styled its hair. We also chatted it up online, posing as other voles and fucked it when it was underage .
The good, the bad and the okay.
Pretty sick
Un dels pocs treballs editats per supergrups creats per l'ocasió que realment mereix la pena i la seva transcedència en el temps. Les personalitats dels seus components s'aglutinen en un sol caràcter de pop independent, amb una sonoritat lànguida però efervescent i amb temes tan bons com 'History Song', 'Kingdom of Doom' o 'Behind the Sun'
Nicely produced mix of sounds but lifeless
Decent to good rock, bit too long but in the end missing maybe one or two standout songs
Generally enjoyable but didn't blow me away or anything. Little bit tepid feeling at times.
Nope not a fan
C'était un bon album, on voyait vraiment beaucoup l'influence de Damon Albarn dessus. Généralement très bien fait, bonnes compositions, sons variés, pas vraiment de moments faibles, mais rien qui m'a wow non plus. 7/10
how is this so good 9/10
better than Gorillaz
Initially I like the vibe but ultimately I found the album a bore. Not bad, I do like to overall sound, I just didn't find anything that would make me come back. Or that necessitated a first listen, tbh. 2.5 rounding up for the album art.
I liked it. The songs had variety and managed to keep my interest throughout. There's not much more to say about it than that.
The Good, The Bad & The Queen are a British supergroup (plus Tony Allen on drums) that mostly sound like Blur or Gorillaz leftovers. It's also worth noting that Danger Mouse is on production here was part of the band's inception. The thing about supergroups is that the name implies a sort of meeting of the minds. The greatest musicians of our time coming together and making magic, so to speak. I have two points to challenge this idea: 1. Successful songwriting requires that all (or most) members of a band have good chemistry and are on the same page about the kind of music they're making, and 2. Members of currently-active bands might be more keen to save their best songs for their more well-known bands. Hence my issues with this album. Damon Albarn would have been in between Gorillaz albums when recording The Good, The Bad & The Queen and I have no doubt that the better/more interesting songs went to Plastic Beach sessions instead. The Good, the Bad & the Queen is not a bad album, but it's certainly not an interesting one. I only mention Albarn because he would've been the only member who was still with an active project. Paul Simonon had only been doing guest spots through the 2000's, and Simon Tong was effectively a Gorillaz studio guitarist after The Verve called it quits in 1999. Tony Allen is a different story since he effectively achieved legendary status after his work with Fela Kuti & The Africa 70, so he would end up drumming for a few notable names in addition to his solo work. What surprises me how sparse the drums can be on this album. On occasion, Allen is replaced by a goddamn drum machine which feels like a slap in the face. I understand the somber atmosphere that is being achieved here, but if I had Allen behind the drums I would want each song to be a groove-focused with undeniable rhythm. You don't get much of that here. I'll say that it actually picks up near the end, so it's worth sticking it out. This is especially true for the closing track, which is distinctly their best song.
Very mediocre
Pretty dope
Art rock. Ni fu ni fa.
That was a delightful surprise. Exceptional musicianship, great performances, and out-of-this-world production. The only reason this doesn't get a full-5 score is because several of the songs feel like they're... stuck. They build tension and feel like they're heading to a climactic bridge or something... but never quite get anywhere. They just fizzle and stop. They're great songs. But they don't go anywhere. I really did enjoy the hell out of this. I just wish the band hadn't been content to just let these songs circle the hole without ever sinking the putt.
blur goes radiohead?
It kinda reminds me of Tame Impala. But without the heavy psychedelic sound
Coming off from one of his most commercially and critically successful albums, Gorillaz’s Demon Days, it’s surprising that Damon Albarn would go in a more Baroque-esque direction on his next album but it ends up working remarkably well Favourite tracks: History Song, Northern Whale, Kingdom of Doom, Herculean, Nature Springs, Three Changes
Pop-rock sin contemplaciones. A veces más intenso, en otras, más falto de intensidad. No me ha aportado nada especial
Hadn’t heard this one in ages. One of the better albums I’ve had recommended to me!
Are supergroups always disappointing? This starts off sounding like they are already bored of their own music. It picks up a little towards the end but too little too late.
Sounds good
Dunno how I originally stumbled across this but I've been a fan for like 15+ years now. Love hearing the Gorrilaz guy do something a bit different.
This was a lot of fun. I marked it for further listening later on. Did they call the queen ugly? Feels like they called the queen ugly. Best track: Kingdom of Doom
Album art screams rockabilly horrorpunk (the genre exists) but that isn't Dimery's style. It might be though? Art doesn't scream UK either, but again... it's Dimery... Oh fucking hell it IS from England, and Damon Albarn to boot. Zero rockabilly after the intro, mostly sounds like gloomy English half-rock, a bit like Albarn's other garbage. Big 2/5 vibe.
10/10 I FCUKING LOVE DAMON ALBARN
I had never heard of this band so as soon as I heard Damon albarns voice I guessed that it was another one of his projects just like the gorillaz or blur or something but apparently it’s the 2000s art rock version of blues traveler, which is pretty cool. I had the same reaction to this as I normally do to Frank Sinatra/big band stuff in that I thought it was totally fun and pleasant all around even though nothing really stuck out to me. The first track and Herculean were my favs.
Yes
Was alright in places, some songs I liked but then they just droned on too long
Quite nice. Sort of Oasisy
boring
Ok but I thought slightly droney
Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda
I liked Blur. Gorillaz is fine. This was less good than both.
Rancid. Has to be one of the worst 'supergroup' experiments that ever came to light. Damon Albarn has the most grey, most boring, most featureless singing voice imaginable.
4.0
I remember being hyped for this when it came out, but it never quite scratching the itch I thought it would, and I still feel the same. It didn't capture what made each contributor's band great, it almost became their lowest common denominator.
3.5
Really like this album, and it is holding up well. Each member of the band brings something special to the ensemble, and there's a pleasing amount of space in the mix where you can hear and appreciate each individual part as well as the whole. I first hear this when it came out, was already a fan of Damon Albarn & Danger Mouse, who produced it, and it led me to becoming a big fan especially of Tony Allen as well - his drumming really stands out and is a defining feature of their sound.
So every time Damon Albarn has a jam session with someone, is it gonna show up on the list?
Kinda nice and has some neat elements, but fell a bit flat in the end. I got nothin'.
Sounds understandably a lot like Gorillaz, but not quite as good
2.9 - A dreary and drab record that leans on a few repetitive components: staccato piano chords, hyper-compressed drum tracks, distorted vocals and growly guitars. Altogether you get a record of charcoal gray and ashen gray.
I'm not familiar with this artist or album. I'm excited to give it a listen. Now that I've listened, I don't think I need to listen again. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't my thing.
Just not my cup of tea.
If I had heard this album anywhere else, I would never have guessed it was one of the 1,001 albums. I would've betted on it being some promising young indie band who hadn't quite fulfilled their potential yet. This band have a distinctive sound. I appreciated how they drew influence from the styles of last century but with a modern edge to it. The lyricism was decent too, I just felt that most of the songs weren't particularly interesting. There were a couple of songs I liked, though. The last track was a huge letdown. I saw it was over 6 minutes and was hoping for something really epic. However, it was mostly just the same boring, uninspired instrumental for ages and ages. Favourite tracks: Kingdom Of Doom, Behind The Sun
Damon Albarn and his mates have a go at being Radiohead, but (spoilers) he’s no Thom Yorke
Honestly just forgettable. Not for me.