Reviews (page 3 of 6)
This album is fine in the most literal sense of the word. I didn’t dislike anything, but nothing really grabbed me either.
Definitely a long listen, 2hrs is absolutely nuts. But thats cos of the remixes, i think its really long winded and cld rly do with the fat. Liked the way it shifts genre with each song though a lil lyrically full of itself
On first hearing it, I thought what an odd album to make the 1001, but I’ve listened Again this morning, and it reminds me a bit “Moby” mixed with country vibes, quiet got into it actually 👍
Just fine.
Alt rock continues onward in the TRL era
I don't know how I feel about the vocals. It fits the vibe though. Temptation of Egg was a good kind of weird. The singing style in Raw reminds me of vampire by Olivia Rodrigo. Didn't listen to the remix or bonus tracks.
It was okay.
клевая обложка + классно звучат барабаны, но столько песен в альбоме это минус балл как обычно.
This was an interesting ride. Very hummable, and kinda groovy, but a little bit like listening to the random musical dribbling of someone with a lot of inspiration and motivation but not much actual experience of know-how. I liked it well enough, but I probably wouldn't listen to it again. Three stars.
Decent, if not disposable. 3.5/5
Not as bad as previous ratings suggested, not an album I needed to hear though
2000s rock. Slow, minimal guitar rock.
Vocals are weird as fuck I think the backing tracks are really cool, and some of the transitions between and within songs are fun. His voice is really bad and I'm struggling to get past that, but its really interesting. Also, apparently he's like super in love with Tucson, which is cool. I think I disliked this album at first but by the end it's really grown on me. I think this is pretty good. Have I said his voice is bad though?
Fine.
This is definitely art, I’m not sure I like it though. That last song is beautiful though.
why is this so long?
Nice sounding with uniqness
Good, but way too long
3.60 nice, folky vibe.
It's fine. Whatever
bits of goodness
Als je net Justin Timberlake hebt moeten luisteren, is het op zich een verademing dat een plaat niet aan elkaar hangt van gelikte loopjes die de doelgroep willen behagen. Dus prima als je Giant Sand bent en je lekker maakt wat je zelf wilt, maar... dan moet je wel wat interessants te melden hebben. Geen slechte muziek hoor, maar er zit ook niks bij waar je warm of koud van wordt. Lauwe indieklanken met vervormde gitaren en dito zang, het ontstijgt nauwelijks het niveau van het gruizige poppodium op de hoek.
Somewhere between Silver Jews and Daniel Johnston, although it lacks a sincere vulnerability that are apparent in this band's sonic peers. This is really in my wheelhouse, so I enjoyed this throughout, but it has a lot of off-putting characteristics. Howe Gelb's mumble-whisper style of singing lacks melodic variety, and it's so forward in the mix. The lyrics are often weird and illustrative, but they don't often feel revealing or poetic. A lot of the compositions feel haphazardly performed by the band, but then there will be well-done intricate production during other parts of songs. A lot of this doesn't feel like regular rotation for me. It's too singular to throw on a mix tape. And yet the album's mood in it's entirety is interesting and evocative. It feels like a musical grower, not a shower. Favorite songs: Punishing Sun, Temptation of Egg, Shiver, Bottom Line Man, Way to End the Day
This record has a very specific, smoky mood. It has this dark, loungey vibe that really works. The back half of the record is definitely stronger than the front. I didn't hate it. It just feels like it has potential it hasn't quite met yet. Spins: 1 Playlist Additions - (Well) Dusted - Punishing Sun - Shiver
Nick Cave makes a Damon Albarn record
I am not sure what to make of this band. It started strong for me, and it had enough quirkiness and subdued vibe to actually bring some enthusiasm to hear more. Sadly, the album doesn't sustain for me. It isn't bad, but for whatever reason, I didn't stay as engaged throughout the 2nd half of the album.
Sounded like some jangly shoe-gaze. Not for me!
more like chore to listen to. KIDDING. Its okay, it teeters toward up its own ass with the spooky vocals and overly wordy lyrics. I blame Bob Dylan. There are a couple nice quiet songs, Punishing Sun being one of them. I suppose thats my main takeaway, it seems really subdued in a lot of places and it just doesnt work for me.
Like a less pretentious Nick Cave album. Still not very good but at least it didn’t annoy me. Also I kept waiting for “Somewhere Down The Crazy River” by Robbie Robertson to start playing. Giant Sand owes this entire album to that one song
Chore is right
I really liked the vibe of the first few songs when I listened - a bit Beck meets Bill Callaghan. Ended up quite liking it, but even after a couple of listens nothing really grabbed me.
Best Song: Shiver. This felt like the most "musical" of these highly poetic tracks. Worst Song: Satellite. This track really highlighted why the rest of the album had minimal production. This style of delivery does not work with a more rock-style instrumentation. Overall: This album grew on me over its duration. The soft melancholy delivery and the thoughtful lyrics worked well. It isn't groundbreaking, but it is cozy. That said: I sure as shit don't need two continuous hours of it. No one can sustain that level of melancholy for so long.
Got better and better
Ummm. Decent music here, I like the chill western/cowboy vibe but this dude cannot sing at all. Really takes the songs down a peg. Maybe it's something you'd get used to over time but for the first listen the singing is really not hitting well.
Meh
If Lou Reed was an insufferable hipster, he'd love Giant Sand. 2.5*
Astonishing. Imperfect but oh so rich.
Better than I thought it would be given the other reviews. Started off kind of chill and desert-y. Turned to noise a bit towards the end. Not bad, but prob wouldn't listen again, and def don't understand why I had to hear this before I died.
Typ ganska trevligt. Bakgrundsmusik typ.
This album sounds like it was leaked from an alternate universe. Like there is something so liminal about this while also just being so…chill? It seems as this album is existing on a slightly different plane of reality than our own. It leaves me slightly astonished and puzzled. I appreciate it, but I’m having a hard time connecting to it exactly. It feels like I’m having taken on an auditory tour of the backrooms, there’s this weird sense of dread sewn into the fabric of the production. Temptation of egg made me laugh and I enjoyed that song. Shiver sounds the most…normal? Enjoying the middle instrumental break in Way to End the Day. (Are we sure Giant Sand didn’t compose the OFF video game soundtrack?) I think that I will think about this album on future rainy days where I feel like I’m at a loss of what to do with my time. 3/5
I like this. has a nice sound
It is good, and there are some moments that I think are great, but as the title says this album is a "chore" to get through. Too many of the songs just kinda drag on and really delude those great moments. High 3.
Add Lou Reed, Pavement, The Eels, subtract what makes them great, and you’re left with a mediocre but interesting album. More like the Al Gore of Disenchanment. Additional notes: On Spotify, the album has additional tracks. Some of these are alternate versions of the originals and remixes. They are much better than the originals. Standout track: Shiver
Not bad. Very background music. Not sure why it's on this list, though.
Really enjoyed this American gothic country rock expanse of music. Such a massive discography to dive into one day.
It’s better than what I got the impression of from the reviews on here. I think I’m going to listen to this again in the future.
I don’t hate this album, but I don’t love it either. Overall it’s a good album especially if your into Lou Reed, Leonard Choen, however I found this band to lack the depth or lyricism those artists have.
Better than I anticipated
Not bad! Not super exciting, but clearly better than your average rock album.
Спокойная музыка, в основном. Не высшего качества, но иногда фоном послушать можно. 5,5 из 10.
-meh this is… definitely an album i guess. idk how to describe the sound, kind of reminds me of Wilco but a little wackier?? i had pretty high hopes after that second track, which i liked, but it failed to live up to that standard -it didn’t sound bad but it did sound disorganized and forgettable imo. generous 3 stars -Favorites are (Well) Dusted and Wolfy
There’s nothing I hate it just sounds like an album of indie cliche’s
I had never heard of this band or album, but it was a really interesting listen. I enjoyed some of the odd production choices. The wikipedia article has 22 contributing musicians! Sometimes it feels a bit overwhelming and crowded, like they just kept adding more and more instruments and choices without thinking how well it was all going together, but overall I think the complicated production really made for enjoyable and interesting tracks. I will almost certainly be revisiting this. I wish I could give a half star, but I will instead be rounding down. 3/5
This was good. But only if you are in a vibe for slow and low.
Kinda quiet and a little boring, but its chill
I’ve never even remotely heard of these before. It was a bit one paced and laid back but sometimes the day leads you to a different pattern, and here I ended up listening in the evening and appreciated the vibes, perhaps more had I listened in the morning or indeed, on a weekday. There are definite Lou Reed vibes in the vocals, probably some Leonard Cohen too. It’s an album I think some will really like and others will just be bored. I think it would benefit from further listens but I’m not sure it’s done enough to compel me to revisit, I’m just not sure when I’d come back for this.
A band I've always meant to listen to, sounds quite similar to some stuff I like a lot but none of it is as memorable as I'd like it to be
This album was a wild ride. Every time I thought I knew where is was headed it would surprise me with another twist. I could do with a little less of the weird vocals. The backgrounds tracks were the real star of the show here.
Definitely loved how it was a departure from the last albums we listened to. I absolutely loved the back tracks/instrumentals but then that man started weird talking whispering on it…?? And every track? Got old very fast, if they had a legitimately good singer on this album it would’ve been amazing. I love how the instrumentals were a variety of styles and were beautiful/sad simultaneously. Temptation of Egg fucked heavy.
It’s as if Modest Mouse, Wilco and Tom Waits had super weird music baby. I honestly didn’t hate it. It was weird but refreshingly different and NOT 70S PUNK!!! Loved the genre blending. Waaaaaayyyyyy too long but I enjoyed wondering what craziness was coming next. Not generally a fan of the whisper singing and it’s my least favorite part of the album. Stand outs for me - Shiver, Dirty from the Rain, Astonished in Memphis (the ending with the oboe???), No Reply
what a ride! looooved the playful use of different instruments on each track - they almost felt like featured artists! the flutes, piano, guitar, OBOE, and i feel like that band would be amazing to see live! absolutely enjoyed the music but then, the singing. i mean, you can't really even call it singing. more like whisper talking. as if the guy was recording the vocals next to a sleeping crocodile he mustn't wake. and the lyrics themselves. i could almost SEE him reading every line in the rhyming dictionary and deciding to use them ALL. i mean shiver, river, deliver, we GET IT. while i did not hate the whisper talking entirely, it should have been on maybe three different tracks MAX. too much of it. hilarious really. get a singer. however TEMPTATION OF EGG. IS. THAT. GIRL. LOVED her. also really liked the bonus track HARD ON THINGS. especially when he whispered "let me show you how hard i am on things".... and then continued to whisper into the bridge/breakdown.
Eclectic, folky, storytellery music. I quite enjoyed it overall. Some of it reminded me of things I couldn't place. Might need to check out more of their stuff.
Interesting album, did not mind at all, did get a bit tedious on the bonus track but don't hate for a mellow melancholy country-ish feel⭐⭐⭐
Reasonably decent. We enjoyed it well enough - a good backdrop for getting some work done.
I like this. It's as if an angsty cowboy heard Unknown Pleasures by Joy Division and thought that's something country music needs. He was onto something. It's not as bold or off-the-wall as that record, but I still like what's going on.
Kinda interesting but too long
Not for me. Maybe it’s just a matter of taste but I didn’t care for the singers style. Like a low pitched talking chant more than singing. It got old pretty quick for me. I much preferred when he sang and felt like he put something behind the lyrics beside a sense of melodrama. Maybe the depth of the Egg song was lost on me as well or maybe it wasn’t deep at all as I suspect. The music itself was pretty haunting and I dig that. 2 subjectively, 3 subjectively.
Heavy Lou Reed influence, and that's not a bad thing. I enjoyed listening to this.
Its ok
This is quite good.
It was an interesting sound. Quite sparse
Chore of Enchantment is a highly poetic and atmospheric album, where Giant Sand create a dreamy, dust-filled universe full of subtle musical details. Howe Gelb’s dry vocal delivery and fragmented lyrics give the record a distinctive character, and the mood is consistent and carefully crafted throughout. Still, it remains more interesting than truly moving, something you admire rather than fully connect with emotionally. A strong mood album that just doesn’t quite hit 100%. 3/5
Reminds me of more of the semi nonchalant, slightly depressed music from that time, maybe stuff like eels. Enjoyable but not too original. 3.5 stars rounded to three.
The chore was getting through this album… At least it’s unique, which always gets bonus points from me. Otherwise this was headed quickly for a 2. 3/5 Highlights: Temptation of Egg Shiver Satellite
This album reminds me of a little more alt-country version of Eels, but I like this more than Eels. Some songs are sorta boring, but some are really good. Overall, this is a good album. 3.49/5
Don’t really remember it.
Chore Of Enchantment is kind of fighting an uphill battle. While this is pretty good, and has a lot of things I like, it also happens to be a Folk tinged indie album from the late '90s. This was a time when there was an absolute bumper crop of great indie albums (folk tinged or otherwise). And like I said, this falling into my niche is nice on one hand, I even like the vocals, but on the other this is basically competing for bandwidth in the same space as some of my favorite albums ever, so I am not sure if this really made a huge impact on me. It honestly kind of feels like an odd choice for the list, but I am glad I heard it, so I can't complain too much. This is a lot of very down-tempo indie, with deadpan vocals, and some fun little detours, and like I said, I did enjoy it. This is the kind of thing I can recommend for one full listen, then pick and choose some favorite songs, you maybe don't need to keep exploring this if you're not that into it though. Some songs that I did really like were (Well) Dusted, which is a pretty great Country-slanting start, the interesting, but criminally short 1972, Satellite (my favorite here, probably because it's a little toothier than most of the album, and thus sticks out), and the Leonard Cohen-esque Bottom Line Man. Like I said, worth a listen, and I may even check out more of Giant Sand, they seem to have a lengthy discography.
14/08/2025 This would have been so much better released as two albums. How many bonus tracks can one person have before it becomes silly?
Great production, but not a fan of his voice.
Raw but tender was a great description. Varied rock. Largely pleasant....30 songs (12 bonus tracks) and 2 hours is a bit much
Okay
Some of the songs that sounded more authentic alt-country I liked, but still kind of a boring album. Singer reminds me of Shawn Mullins. lol. Not a bad listen though. Satellite and Shiver stood out. 3/5.
Well-crafted country/americana rock album. And yet, I found it fairly uneventful. No real song highlights that either rocked or reached me on a different level emotionally.
NICE
Easy listen. Cool concept behind Giant Sand as a collective musician group just jamming for 30+ years.
Interesting album. I thought it was going to be a little bit better
Quite lovely sounds with enough different instruments (a cello pops up, for instance) and layers to demand some respect for the musicianship. I lost patience with the whispery, angsty male vocals on every track. It’s a mood, and that mood is from the year 2000. Not everything in as dramatic as it appears to 20-something rockers, even in this current much darker timeline. High 3.
Some good songs. Not bad overall Standout songs: Wolfy Shiver Satellite
I enjoyed this. Maybe that’s not a surprise since I’ve previously rated Neil Young, Cowboy Junkies, and Eels favorably. It’s certainly not an album for everyone, but it works for me. “Overture” was not a very promising start, but things got easier once they dialed back the synth strings. "(Well)Dusted", "X-Tra Wide", and "Shiver" were my standouts
Ein atmosphärisches Album, das mit ungewöhnlichen Klangelementen und nachdenklicher Stimmung punktet – doch nicht jeder Song entfaltet seine Wirkung. Insgesamt interessant, aber nicht durchgängig überzeugend.
Around "X-Tra Wide" I had the thought that they sounded like a Lonely Island parody of an alt rock band, and after that I couldn't unhear it. I don't know, this album made me laugh—probably not the band's intention, but oh well. I was entertained. I also appreciated the genre swings they took, even if they didn't all connect. Bonus tracks were more upbeat, which I guess makes sense for live recordings.
Starting out strong with shitty synth strings. Tom Watts-esqe vocals are the cool way to not sing. I like the band, a simple but solid groove. Interesting, but nothing flashy. Every time the shitty synth strings happen it ruins things. The middle of the album falls into being a bit same-y and generic. Not bad, but living up to the 'chore' in the album title. Punishing sun is a bit generic
Two thirds of the tracks on thisnalbum go for a striped down, minimalist feel, but to do that your need excellent lyrics and/or vocals, and most of the time those fall short. As a result, this album isn't so much bad as just half-baked feeling (and overlong), buoyed by a smattering of songs that are more sonically interesting. I think I liked this more than most in my group, but it's still just barely a 3.
A meandering record that never quite finds its footing, Chore of Enchantment feels both loosely stitched and occasionally affecting. There's a clear debt to Neil Young. Among the sprawl lie some lovely melodies, 'Shiver' and 'No Reply' being other standouts. A very apt title, because it feels like a chore of enchantment listening to it (ammirite??!). Bloated, ragged, but not without some great touches.
This beast is all over the place but at the end of the day it's just a whispery guy with a guitar and some drums
That makes two albums in a row that mention thin Leonard Cohen. A couple of the guys from this band are in Calexico and that’s neat. I liked this one, but can get why many wouldn’t. It’s noisy and dissonant at times. Favorites were Dusted, Temptation Of Egg, Shiver, and Satellite.
I have to imagine this is about as obscure as this list gets. It started a little rough, but I was on board by X-Tra Wide. There are some standouts here, like 1972, Temptation of Egg, and Shiver. Sometimes he tries too hard to be Leonard Cohen, but overall I’m glad I listened even though it’s not a favorite
OK, not catchy but OK for some chill time
6/10 At times it's almost beautiful, raw and tuneful. At others it is the sound of a coma, dragging you down into a long, endless sleep. I like the guitar and some of the songwriting, but I think it is the sense of energy actively draining from my body as songs lull past that means I can't fully fall into it
OK. I didn't enjoy it, but I didn't hate it
Bit of a chore. Definitely a snore.
There are some gems in here, but not enough. 3/5
Interesting, though probably not something I'd re-listen to. The album is too long! His voice has shades of Lou Reed to it.
So many “bonus tracks” I didn’t want to hear
Interesting, folksy, dark 3.5
No context for this and mostly liked it a lot. Sometimes very much the opposite but mostly enjoyed its goofy explorations.
I have no idea where the "1001 Albums" editors picked this band and album out of the dusty corners of the turn-of-the-century American musical landscape, but this is a much more fun discovery than some of the other unknown (to me) albums. The Wikipedia entry for the album is basically useless, but in some ways that's not such a bad thing, and I kind of enjoyed listening to the album without any real context (the "1001 Albums" entry is much more helpful, though, and I was impressed to find out that Giant Sand had been playing and recording for at least two decades before this album came out). The first full track, "(Well) Dusted" is really strong, and kind of set me up for a little disappointment in the subsequent tracks, but I also really enjoyed some of the later songs on the album, especially "Temptation of egg", the back to back tracks "Wolfy" and "Shiver", and "Bottom line man" (for some reason "Satellite" didn't quite do it for me). I also liked the fairly broad range in styles, at times reminding me of Magnetic Fields and/or Daniel Johnston, and the country-esque infusion in a number of the songs is an interesting take, although the album definitely could have been about half as long and been stronger for it.
Feels more like a solo album than the work of a band, and the singer's voice reminded me of Lou Reed's, esp in "Satellite." I found this easy to listen to while working but I don't feel compelled to listen again.
More depressed sounding Bill Callahan with cool production touches. Pretty nice man!
Quite atmospheric but no song really standout
I probably need to give this another listen.
not really for me but kinda has some vibes throughout Will I listen to again: 17%
Works well in a certain conditions. Just at home didn't do it for me. Riding my bike in the sun with this in my ears helped me appreciate it more.
I like the music, but not sure about the lyrics. It does give me long life in the desert vibes, but he just lacks something to make it sound sincere. He wrote things but doesn't fully believe them. I don't hate it, but I wouldn't come back to this one.
Musically, I like this. It’s dusty, sparse rock with a big dash of alt-country. I didn’t expect that and I am satisfied by it. The lead singers voice though is just too detached to make this even remotely great. He just sounds so incredibly bored by all of it. In fact, the longer this trudges on, the more insufferable he becomes. There are some truly lovely songs on here but the album is too long. Not justified considering how lazy and uninvested he sounds.
Not really sure what this was. It kind of feels like the dollar store version of Leonard Cohen. That sounds mean, but that’s how it comes across to me. The lounge vibes were interesting though, and I liked some of the later songs. This might grow on me if I listened more, so I will give a 3 for potential!
A different and alternative approach to country music.
Think there's a real mix of chore and enchantment on this album and I'm not quite sure which is winning. Mostly enjoyed his odd style of singing but there were a few songs where I started to really understand why other people would find it annoying. Almost gave it four stars but then I relistened to some of the earlier tracks and remembered how much I didn't like them. Favourite: Shiver or Dirty From the Rain Least: X-Tra Wide
Pretty chill, but hard to label - somewhere between alt country and psychedelic for the most part. Some of the songs were kind of boring while others were decent, but the album is super long so there were bound to be good and bad parts.
I liked a few of the songs at the beginning, but they got boring in the middle and end. I felt I was listening to the same thing over and over again.
M'eh
Two of these startes Calexico, kept the good americana and got rid of the mostly annoying psych-rock Flaming Lipsy quirkiness. Id rather listen to Calexico
meh
This was ok. Vocals are Lou Reedish in places, which I can generally only tolerate in The Velvet Underground.
A blend of country, folk, and rock, with a touch of Tom Waits. It’s solid, but falls just short of greatness. 3.5.
Fine but got tedious.
A couple of the songs were bit of a chore, but overall it was fine. I could see listening to this again at the right time, but not anytime soon.
2.53
As a whole, this ain't my thing at all. But there is so much unexpected strangenes and some really fun moments that I can't help but enjoy far more than I should.
Mixed
Chore indeed.
Eehh… It started out as an interesting album but as the songs went on I was bored (which is rare for me), and yes, it felt like a chore to listen to. At first I accepted the vocalists voice as a unique part of the band, but I ended up being unable to stand it unfortunately. This wasn’t an entirely horrible album, but I’d certainly need to be in the right mood to listen to it.
Listening to this was quite a chore. Nothing special over here. Move along.
This was like a k-mart version of Bob Dylan Personal enjoyment: 3/5 Relevance to this list: 2/5
A very average record. Not bad but also not very great. It has some very good tunes but most of it is just average.
Very chill and raspy, not my cup of tea but nice for an evening photographing Jupiter
It's not terrible, but it's so far from amazing. The number of tracks on this album turns it forgettable, but a good experience yet. Ends up in the middle of nowhere, and its potential is not well used.
This is kinda what I imagine people mean when they say "whisper sweet nothings in my ear". Not pleasantries, just barely audible statements of no consequence. This time, set to music.
I don't know where I stand with this - - I've heard and enjoyed later Giant Sand that I liked... this has its ups and downs, Maybe if it was just one album instead of a double, it would work better a true 3.5
A good album at its base but the lead singer's voice is so annoying
This is almost too relaxing at times...
Well... at least Shiver was quite alright. But generally, between the singer who thinks he is Lou Reed and the self-important music, this was .... wait for it ... a Chore!!!! to get through. .... I'll see myself out. 2.5/5
Chore of Enchantment is just okay. I do kinda like the idea the band seems to be going for, using some Leonard Cohen style vocals and putting them in an alt-rock album is certainly an idea for an album i would enjoy. The problem is though, the album just never does anything with a lot of the ideas it has and it makes a lot of the songs just feel pretty boring and safe. There were a couple of stand out tracks in this album but nothing i would feel like i would go out of my way to listen to again. This album is not a bad album, it just isn't really all that special and there is just far better stuff out there. Best Song: Wolfy Worst Song: Shrine
Not bad, not great, very mellow, it was an album that I listened to.
Meh, not terrible but often felt like it was being weird for the sake of weird.
Although this fell away at the end the collection is pretty cool.
Almost a four
First time hearing this and probably the last. Didn’t like or dislike.
too many soft edges. there's a song at the end that wakes up a bit, but otherwise . . meh
Very meh. Not sure how this got on the list. On the three side of a 2.5
It's like a slightly improved folk version of Lou Reed. I don't like folk music. I hate Lou Reed.
The deadpan delivery (particularly on songs like Raw) channel the spirit of Lou Reed. As a whole this is a pretty campy sounding record -- like something that would soundtrack a film or some quirky cross-country trip. I don't hate it, but the spoken word bits on X-Tra Wide are pretty goofy. I actually like Temptation of Egg quite a bit; nice little bopper. And the individual instrumentation can be quite nice and almost sparse (despite having over 10 members on the personnel list). Seems like one of those albums with strong "hipster" appeal. By that I mean it is music that feels a little off color generally, and is altogether interesting, but oozes of a certain pretentious spirit. A bit long winded, but I actually found I resonated more with the back half than the front. Satellite and Shrine were both standouts to me. Weird album straddling a 3/4 line. Going high 3 here because I don't feel any immediate urge to go back through the experience.
Unique sound, I have never heard anything like this before. A mix of alt rock, quite lofi, with a strong country influence. One point for originality for sure. Small problem is that I didn't like it. It wasn't that bad to listen to it, but certainly my mind was not entirely focused on music, it was too 'backgroundy'. But it's nice to know there are quirky bands around.
I really dug the first track, but then it just sounded like a smarmy guy mugging. Kept that first as a favorite. The rest is dispensable.
Pretty cool. I liked it. Listened a couple times
Never heard of this artist. But being from 2000 I have a feeling this is a little indie rock/electronic pop. Completely wrong. Sounds like Tom Waits. A little mellow. Not exactly what I was expecting. Going to wait for the 3rd track on this album. Too mellow for me. 2-3 stars
Fun with something I haven't listened to, or even heard of before! It's usually fairly easy to hear when something is from the 90s, but not with this. And I say that as a good thing. It feels like it might as well have been made today, so it definitely survived the test of time. It was very cool to hear this album, but it's probably not anything I'd put on again. I don't know what it is, but it just doesn't resonate that well with me somehow, and I'm a bit sorry for that honestly.
This record falls together too rarely for it to be a classic for me. I like records that are loosely held together but this is a little too loose. And the last track is suuuuper tight! Like wth?
ok but kind of shit 2/5
this was decent, i didn’t dislike it i found it fairly enjoyable
3.3 2x (extended 1h57m)
Good, weird. Probably won't listen again
This is like a less interesting sparklehorse - but i love sparklehorse, so i kinda linked this. the vocals are too Bill Callahan-y for me though. 3.5 down to a 3
Never heard of them. I was a bit scared when I saw that on Spotify most songs from this album have under 100k streams but I didn't have a terrible time listening to this. Doesn't sound like a groundbreaking album but I needed some calming music so that's nice. Giving it a generous score. 3/5
Another in the long list of I’m guessing this might be really interesting with more listens. Until then I can say I enjoyed moments but not consistently.
damn 2 hours again :O pretty chill guitars and vocals, kinda a raspy country voice? and at times lovely piano and experimental stuff I think my dad would like this, I didn't connect to much with it although I feel like there are a couple of good messages and more that I missed. Overall a 6/10 but man No Reply is lovely! Bottom Line Man and Way To End A Day are also new topics to me. Shrine is great two so I seem to prefer the second half of the album, that chill guitar and outro is calming. I didn't listen to the Bonus Tracks or Remixes, sorry, didn't have the energy.
A proper curate's egg this one!!
Shiver, Satellite and others that were more melodic and often had female backing vocals were enjoyable whereas the monotone talk singing became tedious. Overall I enjoyed the album on the whole.
Gran descubrimiento, uno de esos álbumes por los que me gusta hacer este challenge. Una mezcla de folk/country muy ambiental, una especie de Ry Cooder pero más country. Una banda sonora perfecta para conducir por el desierto, aunque también algo largo y un poco pesado a veces.
Not Bad. Chilling. Pleasing to the ear. Just some folk songwriters minding their own business.3-3.5/5.
Interesting and entertaining.
What is it with 90s indie music and bass/baritone voices? Alabama/A3, Morphine, the Magnetic Fields, Giant Sand etc... Could you imagine any of these breaking through in another decade? As for the album itself, it's eclectic and wordy americana with great arrangements and playing. But despite how varied the music can be, Howe Gelb's voice still manages to become a drone by the second half. A great argument for splitting records into Side A and Side B like you would on vinyl.
Not too bad, it was alright having the album play in the background. There wasn't anything too exciting but it was somewhat enjoyable. Nice little rhythmic music.
This was pretty cool. It is a pretty low key affair with some interesting lyrical content and kind of a lounge-y, countryish vibe.
Lo-fi alt country. I’m kinda into it
Meh
I'll give it points for at least being a pretty interesting listen, they try a lot of different styles and while it doesn't always stick, it's better than being boring. Might even grow to enjoy it with more listens, but that won't be for a while if ever.
Well 2 hours is a bit much, but I think this was the extended version it was OK but too long in reality. I'll give it a 3.
I’ve never heard of them and a quick read of the Wiki thread didn’t give anything away at all. With an open mind I had a listen whilst on a long drive. Very interesting album, and one that can’t really be labelled by a sticking a genre on it. I wasn’t blown away by the first few tracks but then the step change from ‘X-Tra Wide’ to ‘1972’ grabbed my interest. What followed was such a varied catalog of songs and instruments and arrangements and tempos. Will give it another listen when I’m not as distracted by the idiot drivers on the M3.
I've heard a few Giant Sand songs a long time ago, and I never realised they were still going! This album was pretty good for them, I'm pretty sure they were more experimental and off the wall than this, but that does shine through in places. Maybe a bit too Americana folksy for my tastes though.
2.5
Some parts definitely surprised me, but damn, what an overly long self important album
I don't really know what to think about this album. It feels like it never starts, but I'm on the 11th song already. Luckily that means I only have (looks at track list) THERE'S 19 SONGS LEFT ON THIS FUCKING ALBUM? WHO HAS THE TIME FOR THIS SHIT? 3/5 The music isn't bad, but it's long and boring all the same
I mean. Sure.
I'd never heard of this group before. I liked this, it gave me 'if Eels went country' vibes at times. I may need to return to this one for a closer listen.
When it started I thought I was going to like it more but I didn’t. 2.5
Giant Sand’s *Chore of Enchantment* is an album that offers a mix of poetic depth and eclectic musicality. While the music itself didn’t resonate with me personally—it felt a bit outside of my usual preferences—I can still appreciate the unique blend of styles and the ambition behind its sound. What truly stood out to me were the lyrics, which are often profound and sometimes delightfully whimsical. One line, in particular, caught my attention and stuck with me: *"You can get Leonard Nimoy to play the part of Leonard Cohen."* It’s such a clever, evocative phrase that encapsulates the band’s knack for pairing the unexpected with the profound. Even though the music wasn’t entirely to my taste, I can see how it might strike a chord with fans of Giant Sand's distinctive approach. If you’re someone who loves thoughtful, offbeat lyrics and a willingness to experiment sonically, this album is worth exploring.
Чилловый
Slow, plodding, reasonably enchanting. This didn't grip me.
A wonky, blurry and intimate-sounding dose of Americana. It never really got too loud, and at its quitest Chore of Enchantment became little more than dark mutterings over muted guitar. More curious than enjoyable - but curious is fine, too.
++: (Well) Dusted (For the Millennium), Temptation of Egg, Wolfy, Satellite, Bottom Line Man +: Overture, 1972, Raw, Shiver, Dirty from the Rain, Way to End the Day +-: Punishing Sun, X-Tra Wide, Astonished (In Memphis), No Reply, Shrine 7,7/10
The interminable droning of the vocalist handicaps the talented musicianship on this album, ensuring that three stars is the most it will get from me.
Aldrig hört förut men det finns något.
Never heard of this band. Kinda like a sleepy Low, Wilco Americana. Decent. May explore more.
Amazing to me how some folks are able to create their own world. I mean no doubt he's a child of something and he has siblings and peers with similar sounds, but the way all his songs feel like they accrue to some larger thing on purpose. Now that I'm writing this is all seems basic and obvious haha
I would have loved to discover this 20 years ago. (ntm.)
Alright
Just ok.
Never heard this before. Not horrible but pretty bland with a couple of okay moments. Shouldn't be on this list. A soft 3 stars
I kind of like 1972, I almost like Wolfy
3.5
Ok, but a bit boring.
There are some interesting features here, but I don't like the vocals and the production. 3 stars
3.5
This was interesting - very mellow and pleasant to listen to. Didn’t motivate me to learn anything more. Good record glad I listened.
This album was very interesting and had my attention right from the start, mainly for the Lou Reed vocal style. And with each listen, all I could think, this is a Lou Reed album. I am a Lou fan so I enjoyed this album. It did get a little slow at times, but I appreciated more and more with each listen. And with each listen different songs seemed to stand out. Very much Lou style. Some times you think wtf, then it hits you and you smile and say, there it is! Some songs that stood out for this listener include, Way to End the Day, Bottom Line Man, Temptation of Egg, Astonished and Dusted. But really, I thought most of the songs were solid. What can I say, I liked this. To explain is difficult, and much like Lou, you get it and like or you don't. Not much middle ground. 3.5
I was today years old when I discovered that mumble-triphop-alternative rock is apparently a thing.
Ihan kiinnostavaa mutta ei olla tarpeeks tupakkaa vetänä että yllettäisiin äänen kanssa top sijoituksille..
Not my cup of tea
Hans am aafang meega geil gfunde und denn gmerkt es bliibt immer gliich. Sing bitte ei mol tön
This was super interesting and I'm glad its on the list. Its a little bloated, though
Some of it sounds like the kind of music Bob Dylan would be making if he were still alive The harsher tracks were a pleasant surprise, it would've been very boring otherwise
All a bit dull and samey. Felt like it should be good in theory, but not executed well.
Not what I expected but overall I rate it positive
Fav: Shiver Least Fav: (Well) Dusted This would’ve been a 1/5 if the second half wasn’t as good as it was
Sometimes it felt like a 4, other times it seemed that it was only a 2. In the end, however, it was just another 3.
An interesting journey through the dusty southwest. The man who invented alt-country kind of feels like flipping through a radio dial: some cool, some interesting, some boring. A less raspy Tom Waits and a less Shakespearian Neil Young. Too much meandering for me in one album but I'll probably spin it again.
I kind of liked it
bom pra fazer planilhas com esse som de fundo
I’ll be really honest - I didn’t make it through the whole album. What I listened to was fine. Didn’t leave me wanting more but I didn’t dislike it.
Weirdly ok.
I'm not sure why this album is rated so low. It's not bad at all, I enjoyed it. It's sort of reminiscent of Tom Waits. Maybe like dollar store Tom Waits. A lot of the reviews talk about how bad his voice is but I don't get that. I mean it's not fantastic but it's not off-putting at all. I feel like this record has got some interesting things going on, and I really like how most of it is arranged. The lyrics are sort of pseudo-pretentious, like if you weren't really listening you might think he was saying something profound. He's not. I feel like he based the whole record on a thought of "if I play a quiet, slow, and simple guitar part and sort of talk-sing in a deep voice it will sound better than it actually is." There's definitely something about this album that feels like it could be any singer/songwriter that's playing at a local brewery on a Tuesday night. Does that mean it's bad? No. But I can see why no one has ever heard of this before. Did I get a little bored with it by the end? Yes. 2.5/5 but I'll round up to 3.
Surprised at this album.
Overture n/a (Well) Dusted (For the Millennium) 2.8 Punishing Sun 2.4 X-Tra Wide 3.2 1972 3 Temptation of Egg 3.3 Raw 3 Wolfy 2.8 Shiver 2.6 Dirty from the Rain 2.4 Astonished (In Memphis) 2.8 No Reply 3 Satellite 3.2 Bottom Line Man 3 Way to End the Day 2.6 Shrine 2 Score: 2.806666667
I was ready to give the album 4 stars - I like the vibe, very similar to Bill Callahan recently (although not quite as diverse, still some good stuff). The drums on Satellite were not great, and after that the album drifted off. Punishing Sun and Dirty from the Rain were my favourite tracks. Sounds very millennial, which is good fun though. Grungy.
Not what I was expecting - sort of a mix of Beck and Leonard Cohen. Interesting listen and instrumentation was nice, but spoken-word vocals could get a bit annoying. Not fully sure why it's on this list.
I hadn't come across Giant Sand - Reminded me of Smog/Bill Callahan and I really enjoyed it as some background music today. Usually I'd baulk at a nearly 2 hour album, but for what I needed today - an album that didn't ask much of my attention and that I could just leave on repeat - it was pretty good. Not about to become a mega fan, but will keep it in my back pocket for another rainy day (like today)
trippy
This is ok. And again I ask... was it really a MUST that I hear this before dying??
El country alternativo de Giant Sand se mezcla en algunos temas este disco de con potentes guitarras y ritmos acelerados más propios del punk, pero en general mantiene un aire más contenido. No en vano, hacía poco de la muerte por cáncer del guitarrista Rainer Ptacek cuyo emotivo slide en "Shrine" cierra el álbum. Para mí de lo mejor. Personalmente ninguno de los temas de este disco llega a engancharme totalmente y quizás sea por lo experimental de su sonido en demasiadas ocasiones. No obstante, el tema "(Well) Dusted", que suena tras "Overture", me ha llegado a generar grandes expectativas por su sonido y su extraño lirismo. Igualmente me ha gustado el aire jazzistico de "Wolfy".
There are a couple of tracks on this album that have great music, Satellite stands out. I believe the lyrics and singing do a disservice to the rest of it. This album has its moments, too few and far between
Reminds me a little of the monologuing in The Doors An American Prayer
Super great album it's a strong 7 for me. The lyrics were great and some of those songs were super haunting. It was a bit long and idk how much ill come back to it but awesome shit.
Tom waits plus Yankee hotel foxtrot. Still outshined but rip torn by MJ Lenderman at the moment though.
Really worthwhile, an exciting adventure. Belongs here for sure. Lesser to a few more popular acts of the time such as Silver Jews or even Bright Eyes
A few interesting selections but felt generally too arbitrary in its random noises and key changes. Actually a bit disquieting.
Bastante agradable.
Chore of an album hahahahahahhahaha It was fine.
Bueno, me recordó a Mobi y Jamiroquai
Levyn alkupuoli kuulostaa Kurt Vilelta (tai siis toisin päin) ja se on hyvä koska pidän Kurt Vilesta! Sanoituksien ja tunnelman puolesta. Tämäntyyppistä mies semipuhelaulaa -musisointia on maailman sivu, mut tää henki vetoaa muhun. Mutta! Miksi levyn pitää olla näin sairaan pitkä! Ainakin kolmasosa pois.
This whispery thing; I don't know. I think I kind of like it unironically, though it is something I would make fun of usually. For a whole album though; I can see how it would get tiring. Am I tired? After an hour, yes. Still liked it at the start, though.
Surprisingly chill, alt-rock record from Giant Sand, Chore of Enchantment has an easy-going sound with Howe Galb, whose talky-vocal styling remind me of a cross between Jeffrey Lewis and the Silver Jews, David Berman. The other artists associated with this album and other recordings by the band are definitely within my radar of musical taste. I like this, nothing overly essential, but a worthwhile listen.
2.5/5. Weird and odd, but not necessarily bad. Just not for me. Although, I'd say this was pretty boring overall.
Satellite was a brillant, rest was okay
This would have been a 4 star album, but it was ruined from its excessive duration. I know it is the extended version, but no album should last for two hours!!!
Enjoyed
Flashes of brilliance on this album I'd never heard of, but perhaps just a bit too long.
This sounded like an attempt to combine Yo La Tengo, Leonard Cohen, and Beck (and I had this thought before a song mentioned Leonard Cohen). Bit bad but takes itself too seriously.
Another band I've never heard of. Surprised to read that they're from Arizona. This reminded me of Nick Cave a little. Not quite as dour. If the songs were more upbeat I think I would have liked it better.
Sounds like Kurt Vile to me. A little morose in sound but was gentle music to wake up to so that was nice.
Not for me.
Bastante agradable.
Hard to rate this one… I enjoyed the dreamy weirdness of some of the songs, some not so much, really loved a couple, really disliked others. So many things going on, some work and some fall flat. Gonna rate this 3/5 today but I could understand anyone’s ratings from 1-5 (because my feelings throughout the album and even some songs swung from 1-5). Fave song is ‘Astonished’ as it reminds me of Lord Huron with the female harmonies
This is such a 90s alt rock album to the point of parody. Okay music playing behind some of the blandest mumble vocals ever. I remember some of the lyrics being funny but already hardly remember them at all. Also didn't listen to the bonus tracks because I really couldn't be bothered.
Got just over half way. Not my cup of tea, first couple songs I could appreciate it for what it is but after half an hour then sheer boredom kicked in. I've heard a lot of similar bands that equally aren't my thing but probably deserve the list more than this one to be honest. 2.5*
Completely unfamiliar w Howe Gelb & Giant Sand & really enjoyed it. Definitely something I'll be coming back to
When faced with a band or album I’ve never even remotely heard of, I know it’s either going to be terrible or a pleasant surprise. This is verging into the latter for me - I didn’t actually mind it much at all. It’s a bit weird, sure. The vocals are almost depressing but something about it is enjoyable, comforting even.
Never heard of them/this album before. From the first song I was really intrigued. It was really nice melancholy tinged alt/country/folk rock, with some lovely subtle background percussion, keyboard and guitar parts and fills which elevate and made each song unique. Really felt well thought out and produced. It was totally up my street, but but but, I just found it boring. Unfortunately the song writing just didn’t hit the mark, and the vocals a bit too spoken to make an impact. All a bit like watching England at Euro 24 really, lots of exciting potential but ultimately dull to watch. So frustrating.
Kinda a vibe? What the fuck is temptstion of the egg It was background music fr a bit though
Reminds me of the great Leo Kottke. Enjoyed this one. 3.5/5 Might listen again
As someone who loves odd, strange, unusual, and experimental music, I really appreciate what this album was going for. Unfortunately, I think the end product fell short of what it was aiming for. This album shares many similarities with Tom Waits and Nick Cave. You’ll definitely get a blend of different genres and the experimentation of unconventional sounds and production techniques. The songwriting is narrative-driven, with vivid lyrics. Like Tom Waits and Nick Cave, it possesses distinctive vocals characterized by emotional depth and a raw, gritty delivery. So, while I appreciate the experimental approach and what the album was aiming for, there’s a lack of connection on my end.
Another album I never would have found without the 1001. Like the indie/country vibe here - good songs, witty lyrics.
good music for a rainy day
A cool exploration and breakdown of genre. not really feeling it 5 tracks in but its cool.
Dont really know hownto rate this. Was cool and experimental and really well produced but too long and maybe not my favorite musoc but objectively it is a great album
I didn't think it was possible, but Giant Sand, for an alt-country band, may actually be too mellow.
I was not previously familiar with the artist or album. It's a sort of rock in a folk/indie direction. It's pretty understated vocally and instrumentally, sort of reminds me of Wilco and a little Lou Reed too. It's certainly pleasant, nothing objectionable, but nothing really stands out either. I could take it or leave it.
It took like 4 songs for this album to get good, but it was solid after that point. Really nice sound and textures, even if the register of the lead singer's voice was annoying.
Well, this takes the prize for the sleepiest alternative album. The lyrics are sometimes nonsensical in a spooky way. Some of the tracks are quite endearing, though.
I do not know what this genre is, but the singing is almost spoken. I like the music, but not so much the "singing". Very interesting that they are from Tucson!
Oh yeah ok and that, I think?
I felt like I'd heard of Howe Gelb before. His output looks prolific. I liked the sound, very chilled and poetic like Buck 65 or Lee Hazelwood. The album wasn't "tight" though and I felt that it could have benefitted from more variety. Twenty years ago I might have bought this in a record shop, I might listen to another Giant Sand album to see, but probably won't return to this one. Also: How geeky is calling your band Giant Sandworms? :eyeroll:
I wish I could give a 3.5.
After I got thru the introductory track, I ended up enjoying this more than expected. It's experimental, but still has melody.
A bit too sleepy for me
seems like a likable guy
Reminds me of Silver Jews.
Not great, not terrible
Familiar but so unique.
Thought this was a really nice listen, and reckon it'll grow even more after a few more spins (which I'll give it).
Not bad at all
Solid. 3.5
chore of enchantment is an album i struggle to define. it sounds more modern, not from 2000, and the combination of alternative and folk is so unique. there's even a time where the album has a psychedelic sound. toward the end of the album is when the folk becomes more present and i'm reminded of leonard cohen, which certainly makes a lot of sense. the lyrics aren't quite up to cohen's standard, but the simplicity of the vocals are very early cohen-esque. so in contradiction, i feel like this album is more in the seventies. but the alternative rock parts are for sure ahead of their time.
Moody broody voice. Probably the precursor to bill Callahan. The lyricism is off kilter and at times off putting, though not in a gross kind of way. Funky elements on some songs. Velvet underground is a clear influence here. The discordant jams you hear every now and then rock.
Never heard of them before, but I wish they were still called giant sandworms. Very Dune! I can hear a whole lot of other influences in here. There’s a little bit of Wilco, a little bit of Ryan Adams, a little bit of Calexico, a little bit of the more poetic singer songwriters. Felt a little bit overlong and one note but I appreciated the moodiness. Nice title but veered more towards chore than enchantment.
This was pretty cool — probably not great that it came on the heels of the Nick Cave album only because it made the comparisons impossible to avoid, and Cave has more depth, IMO. This sets a mood and has its quirky charm, but I never felt like it revealed insights beyond its serene surface.
I thought this was pleasant albeit too long.
solid
Bastante agradable.
I think I prefer the music he made under the name "Lou Reed." Quiet, and we'll done music that drags. I little more pace and a touch of heroin my help.
Lou reed but less interesting
Very decent background track for a cold rainy Friday.
Bastante agradable.
Saw this listed as "Alt Rock." Please. Singer songwriter all the way. Pretty good. I enjoyed it, but, given its length, not a great deal of variety.
Good listen.
I was ready to write this off completely as a glorified Leonard Cohen imitation until I realized the great Juliana Hatfield provided some background vocals. But not enough. This fella sure does enjoy singing about rain.
Hmm. In a way, it reminded me a bit of yesterday’s Nick Cave album, but while it started off promisingly and had some cool moments, it never reached a point where I felt totally sold. Not bad, but unfortunately a little forgettable. Favorite tracks: (Well) Dusted, Shiver, Dirty From The Rain
Might be one of the most forgettable and boring albums on this list. Still giving it three stars because it was listenable and not offensive to the ears in any way but I will never think about this album again, it left no impact whatsoever.
Not my style but it was alright
Cool alternative rock, which is at times sparse and chilled. It has a nice vibe. I can't decide whether I like the singer's voice or not. Rating: 3/5 Playlist track: Satellite Date listened: 23/03/24