Reviews (page 6 of 7)
I like that they kind of build off an Americana sound, but end up in a place that isn't what you'd typically associate with an Americana/Alt-County artist. At times, it's reminiscent of what I like about Meat Puppets II, but it's a more modern, less abrasive, more eclectic version of it. My favorite tracks are "(Well) Dusted (For the Millennium)", "Raw", "Shiver", "Astonished (In Memphis)" and "Satellite". 4.5
3.5
More like ‘Bore of Enchantment’… oh wait, that doesn’t sound much worse than its current name. ‘Snore of Encrapment’? Either way this is a very lacklustre, completely non-essential album. The closest thing slacker and alt-country has to Shack. And because it was officially taken off the 1001 list I didn’t even have to listen to it anyway.
ahead of its time in that it sounds just like the albums i didn't want to listen to in 2008
There were a select few songs in here I enjoyed but overall I just felt like the album ran way too long and didn’t provide enough variety. Everything sounded relatively similar.
Don't know em; don't like em. Lou Reed posers.
Очень напоминает Марка Козелека, но без драмы и надрыва?.. Чувствуется очень затянутым. Лучшая песня - Astonished (In Memphis).
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
2 Behind on my reviews, but the last few days have called for punk rock and Rage Against the Machine - especially yesterday. Anyway, I’ve never heard of Giant Sand, but it seems that the frontman is a big Lou Reed fan. I mean, he’s basically doing an impression of the guy on just about every track here, but in this case, without the matching musical ability behind it. I respect the guy for at least trying to do his own thing musically so it doesn’t sound fully copycat, but I found most of this kind of boring. The only track I thought was decent was Satellite, which bears a similar name to one of Lou Reed’s most iconic songs because of course it does. Once again, it’s very different from Lou’s work from a musical perspective, but in this case, I actually appreciated how it had a bit of a rawer, heavier sound to it as compared to most of the other lame piano and acoustic stuff found here. Overall, pretty forgettable album in my books, and one that drags on far too long. Ironically though, if you do end up listening to the Deluxe Edition on Spotify, a lot of the bonus tracks are actually pretty solid - no idea why that wasn’t just the album instead. Oh, and Fuck Trump and anyone who voted for him. I don't know how anyone of sane, rational mind can witness the words and actions of the man from the past eight years and think he’s suitable to run a country. What a joke and absolute embarrassment for America. In the words of Rage’s Zack de la Rocha (who himself was quoting MLK): “How long? Not long, because what you reap is what you sow.”
Boring album. I don't know why it is in the list in the first place. It's something I can only imagine people listening to in the deep States. It has nothing.
If you'd told me the guys out of Calexico were in a different band in the 90s and doing Lou Reed-style alt-country, this is, to be fair, the exact album I'd imagine. Luckily, I like all the words in that sentence.
This album seems to be “Let’s throw together any old shit and see what works.” Some does, some doesn’t, but they’ve neglected to take the bad ones out. Seriously, 31 tracks? Also, its like Mountain Goats fronted by Lou Reed. Didn’t work for me.
Sorry, but this was awful - the husky not-quite-singing mumbley nonsense might work for some, but it's definitely not doing anything here. Not a fan, going to definitely need to listen to something with a bit more variety to contrast with this.
I was today years old when I discovered that mumble-triphop-alternative rock is apparently a thing.
Before mumble rap there was mumble rock. Don’t care that much for either. I understand that the vocal is an aesthetic choice and all… It’s just a boring one.
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
erste song nöööd mis bier. han au ultra scheisse pennt aber sie helfed gad nöd. punishing sun au bitz weird, s wär eigentli no schön. aber wiso chönd die ganze indie guys nöd singe? s nögste lied isch mega breit ok. ich merk etz scho da chunt nöd guet ich fründ mich glaub nöd mit dem album aah. okay eventuell findi de songtitel "temptation of egg" seeeehr funny und de song scho bitz groovy. ah jo uf raw isch wieder de lamsam indie stuff und de obligati indie-glockenspiel-melodie im refrain irgendwenn. UF WOLFY HETS AM SCHLUSS VIER COOLI SEKUNDE GITARRE shiver isch kinda cute aber joooo so indieee no reply isch tz gad no cool gsi cooli gitarre recht moody. kenn s operestuck nocher aber weiss nöd wases isch. bottom line man findi etz wieder chli wenig melodie für so e langwiligs instrumental. aso isch afoch seicht. gseh wies eim meega chan berüehre
oeeeff oke mal luege was da passiert well dusted findi na spannend? aber er redt halt nur punishing sun AARRRSCH ok s solo findi na cool HAHAHAHA X-TRA WIDE ISCH MEGAAA ASSSSS ER CHAN NÖD SINGE UND DENN GAHTS VOM LINKE UND RECHTE IHR WIE DEVIATION CHLI VOR SICH HER MURMLET HAHAHAHAHAHA ok hiee und daa findi de groove na spannend, mite orgle (?) im hindergrund raw isch eig na herzig wolfy passt wieder gar nöd zum ganze? fuck isch das arschlangwilig satellite isch en neue tüfpunkt aso das die gschissne schisslieder auno mind. 5 min münd gah, isch fast scho tortur
This is really long and feels like a guy just like moaning in my ear about weird shit. Musically not horrible but ⭐️⭐️.
This was super interesting and I'm glad its on the list. Its a little bloated, though
I'm on a bad streak lately. This one is simply boring. Nothing more, nothing less.
dusty. baked. crafted. resonant. wise.
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
a horrible soundtrack to roadtrip to punishing sun was the only song that didn't make me want to turn it off. kinda liked it tbh
They weren’t wrong. It was a real chore to get through it. Very dull.
Not sure I would seek this out to listen to, but if I saw it used on vinyl I may be tempted to pick it up. It’s got a good Tom Waits like feel to it.
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
Quite dull. Very whiny.
Putting 14 bonus tracks on this flaming pile of garbage is perhaps the most delusional thing I've ever seen. Do yourself a favor and just watch an ASMR video instead of subjecting yourself to this crap
Shiver
De cara foi enormemente ignorado.
Nun ja.
Fav: Shiver Least Fav: (Well) Dusted This would’ve been a 1/5 if the second half wasn’t as good as it was
This wasn't awful, but it was pretty dull. Nothing really ever rose beyond, "this is pleasant. " I'm beginning to think there aren't 1000 albums i have to hear before I die.
Not really entertained by this Leonard Cohen wannabe. Or maybe its trying to emulate the worst of Robbie Robertson. The music behind was somewhat interesting with unexpected directions and distortions. But the spoken word thing gets tedious, fast. 2.4
I was in a great mood this morning. It took about 5 minutes of this shitbrick of an album to change that. I loathe this with the passion of 1,000 suns.
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.
Kind of boring. Nothing really wowed me.
A couple nice songs on here. I could see this growing on me if I listened more. If you like this in 1999, indie music is about to get so much better.
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.
Jesus needs to return and snatch this crap up.
I sometimes wonder if the authors of the list are just trolling us, this is one of those times.
Shit music. If you will.
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 got far into this, but at the end of my commute to work I was still five songs from the end and hadn’t enjoyed a single minute, so I’m calling it. I didn’t *hate* it, exactly, but it’s firmly in the bottom 20% of albums in this project, so I’m giving it a 1.
bit dull
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.
Gear: Abyss DIANA MR (vegan) Artwork: 💁♀️🧾💁♂️ Mix: 🎧😐🆗 Musik: 🎙️🦥🥱 Wertung: 🦥(🦥)/5
Surprised at this album.
This is forgettable and long. I didn't feel like it did anything critical to the history of music, but, maybe they were the blueprint for all sad rock to come after them?
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
This was pretty awful. The dude cannot sing and his music was bad. 1/5
What a slog. Soft spoken singing and what seemed like 50 dreary songs. The singer kind of reminded me of the guy from grandaddy but without the upbeat music. There were a couple of songs I thought were alright near the start but I can't remember what they were after listening to all that. Not horrendous but not worth it, 1.5.
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.
Never heard of these and really enjoyed it mostly. Reminded me of Bill Callahan that we had recently, or maybe even Elliott Smith in parts??? Either way, its pretty up my street. Spotify took me to a 2 hour version of the album, which kinda grated on me though. Shiver was my favourite. I reckon I'll be back
Too long to get to the good stuff, and the bonus tracks were better. 2 stars for quality -3 for waffle
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 didn't listen to the bonus tracks, I couldn't have done this for 2 hours! I had not heard of Giant Sand but was surprised that they have 33 albums in their discography! What a long and boring album.
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)
Boring. Annoying.
trippy
It’s not a terrible album, it’s just a very unremarkable album. Nothing happens
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
I didn't dislike this but at the same time, I didn't find it very interesting and wouldn't look for a repeat listen. I couldn't help but think throughout that the lead singer was a Lou Reed wannabe. 2.5/5
A few interesting selections but felt generally too arbitrary in its random noises and key changes. Actually a bit disquieting.
Bastante agradable.
Oddly interesting.
Chore of an album hahahahahahhahaha It was fine.
Bueno, me recordó a Mobi y Jamiroquai
Sounds like a failed pitch to get on a Tarantino soundtrack. For all of its quirky individuality, everything seems borrowed. Too much chore, not enough enchantments.
More interesting and enjoyable than I anticipated. Not quite sure it belongs on this list but has a better claim than many other things I've listened to.
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.
Heillä on esteettinen visio, jonka he haluavat välittää kuulijoille - verkkaisesti, rauhallisesti ja luonnostellen. Välillä toimii. Mutta kyllä tämä myös puuduttaa.
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.
As others have noted - this indeed is a chore. Sort of alt-country, sort of indie. There are some interesting moments- but they don’t outweigh the sameness.
Didn't find anything exciting about this album. It was okay I guess. Wouldn't listen to it again.
chore is right...
How can something have so much potential and be so annoying simultaneously? The last (extra) song is almost good, but that's all.
Couldn’t get passed thinking this is an Aldi version of Nick Cave. I don’t like genuine Nick Cave.
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
I tried.
4.0
Very good this one Nice and chilled
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!!!
Oh it's a chore alright. Really great if you suffer from insomnia. Perhaps this could be considered spicy elevator music. Also... 30 songs and nothing to say? 3/10.
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.
Weird, leonard Cohen sort of crap.
goes hard
Not for me.
Folk rock alternativo. Ni fu ni fa. Pues mira, iba a ponerle un 3 pero por meter más canciones de bonus track que las que tiene el propio disco al final le doy un 2. Por pesado.
Bastante agradable.
No, but interesting, sort of.
I had not heard of this album nor Giant Sand prior to this, although I do like several of the “similar artists”. I gave this three listens front to back and as I expected, it’s a grower that requires multiple listens. It reminds me at various times of Wilco, Beck, and especially Menomena and Lambchop. The highlight for me is Shiver, but there isn’t a bad song on the album. It’s another great gem found through this project.
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.
Wow did this one sneak up on me. Never heard of it, pulled it up and saw 1h57 minutes, let out a small moan of despair (mind you I had a 2h15 min double album the day before). Overture gives no hint of what’s ahead. First listen first song, I’m not getting it. Despair starting to turn to dread. Let’s head to Wikipedia… hey there! This isn't a two hour album! Spotify added 14 bonus tracks. Ok ok unclench that jaw. We’ve gotten to track four now, and things are starting to change up a bit. Maybe this album is more interesting than I realized? I’m going to pay more attention. Holy cow, I think I’ve fallen in love. I’ll get to the bonus tracks in a little while, First I’m gonna go back and listen to the original album again!
This was a stunning discovery. Never heard of before. Loved it. Touches of Calexico. Better. Moments of great beauty to revisit.
fucking trash
Who the fuck thought I needed to hear this before I died? I will admit, there is some poetry in some of the songs that is relatable and nice, but for the most part this album just gave me fucking anxiety. I didn’t even listen to the bonus tracks and I’m not even joking this album left me feeling like I should start drinking again to forget I listened to it. If you rated this album above a 2, and that’s even pushing it, you’re simply lying and just trying to act like you’re some music junkie who is better than everyone else. It has some good poetry, but there was no reason to make this into an album. I would argue that if he just left this as written poetry it would’ve been a lot better.
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*
Groupe totalement inconnu. Et totalement inintéressant. Il m'a semblé tellement interminable que .... je ne l'ai pas terminé. =>1/5
oli hetkiä, joissa kykenin huijaamaan aivojani tykkäämään tästä. joitain vipuja piti väännellä synapseissa että se onnistui mutta valitettavasti alta-aikayksikön iski tylsyyden tunne naamaan kuin tuhat valehtelevaa huoraa... vasta kuudestoista albumi kyseiseltä bändiltä. ehkä jos kirjoittaisivat vähän rivakampaan tahtiin sitä musiikkia niin laatukin parantuisi. perkele. jätti hiekka? jättiläiset ja. gi muurahainen hiekka. all these places... all my faces... blown away...... todayh........ vähän beatles lyriikkaa. tarvitaan nykyaikana, nykypäivinä menot sellaiset että voitaisiin hidastaa pikkusen wolfy
Completely unfamiliar w Howe Gelb & Giant Sand & really enjoyed it. Definitely something I'll be coming back to
calling this album a chore was apt...
Great! Good sound!
Giant Sand…in my asshole.
Chore to listen to. Boring. Lazy songwriting. How is this one of the best albums of all time...
My god, that was so boring.
Just a chore.
like being stuck at the back behind a bloke having a chat with his mate during the support act
Horrible
Buncha quiet meandering. Ugh.
It was okay
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.
Just a nondescript album, most of it I did not like. Not quite Per Ubu though.
Kinda a vibe? What the fuck is temptstion of the egg It was background music fr a bit though
Leonard cohen meets Tom waitts
This WAS a chore.
honestly whatever
I actually really liked this. I can’t justify five stars, but I did enjoy it.
Un album intime que j'ai eu de la difficulté à situer dans une époque. Une bulle hors du temps.
SO BORING. never bad or anything but my god not sure it could’ve been more dull
Reminds me of the great Leo Kottke. Enjoyed this one. 3.5/5 Might listen again
This certainly was a chore (haw-haw), it drones on like nobodies business, there are a few highlights but they are few and far between and overall I just got bored.
Definitely unique. Nothing stuck with me long term, but it's something different for sure.
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.
I felt like this lasted longer than a root canal. Turned it off at track #29. Maybe 30 seconds of one song felt like it had a nice groove, but the rest had flies buzzing around it like a cow patty on a hot summer day.
Id rather listen to the mating sounds of whales than this album. It drags on endlessly and drains the listeners will to live. I would like a few words with the moron who decided this piece of crap album needed “bonus” tracks. 1 star because less isn’t possible.
good music for a rainy day
this is good!
A cool exploration and breakdown of genre. not really feeling it 5 tracks in but its cool.
Fine Quite dull Doesn't deserve a place in this list
This album could really benifit from being about half the length it already is. I don't *hate* it, it's just too long sounds exactly the same all the way through.
No idea what to expect for this album. Sand makes me think of Sandstorm so could be electronic for all I know. Well it isn't DaRude. It is more songwriter alternative? It has kind of an interesting feel to it that I can't quite pinpoint yet. Some songs seem to push into the southern style but not particularly country. The lyrics seem to have a bit of cleverness and/or sarcasm to them and I'd liked to have more time to go through them. Some songs had kind of a poetry feel too, and it just sounds like a guy just making what he wants to make for the fun of it, and not really caring about anything commercial or radio. I like the vibe of this album. It feels like something I could make if I was going to put together an album. Favorite track "No reply" 3.5/5
*Snore* of Enchantment
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
The answer to the question “what if Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen were mediocre writers and had no personality in their voices?” A chore indeed.
Notable tracks: (Well) Dusted, X-Tra Wide, Temptation of Egg, Satellite
I didn't think it was possible, but Giant Sand, for an alt-country band, may actually be too mellow.
Wow! What a beautiful collection of songs !
Ok I have no clue who these guys are, but this album was awesome. Perfect example of why I keep doing this album thing every day. The song with the most Spotify streams on here only has ~480K, and only one other song is over 100K streams, but this is just great. I never would have come across this otherwise, and I'd have missed out. I don't really know how to describe it, it's got this alt-rock/country/folk sound. The singer is really understated but he packs a real punch (NME said "raw but tender empathy in songs full of unexpected departures", I like it). I guess this came right after their former guitarist and the singer's friend died, so the emotion is really coming from somewhere personal. You get this kind of grimy alt-rock at times ("Temptation of Egg", "Satellite"), deep emotion at times ("Raw", "Way to End the Day"), and then these beautiful little folk songs too ("Shiver", "Bottom Line Man"). There's a few weak spots and it's a bit long (60 minutes), but this is really solid overall. I think sometimes I tend to rate a bit too much based on artist prestige and critical acclaim (it's hard not to), but this is about as obscure as you get on this list and I'm into it. I don't expect this to have high ratings on here, but I think it's great (even on a second listen the next day). Favorite song: Raw Other: (Well) Dusted, Punishing Sun, Temptation of Egg, Wolfy, Shiver, Dirty from the Rain, Astonished (in Memphis), No Reply, Bottom Line Man, Way to End the Day 6/18/24
There's occasionally a decent tune but most of this just made me want to listen to a better Lou Reed album.
I listened to all of this 2hr album then read about it as I felt confused by the half-whispered singing. I learned about Howe Gelb’s loss prior to this album; I learned (and heard) about how he was influenced by The Cure. I read about how was starved for new music in Tucson, Arizona and decided to make his own, which served as the blueprint for alt-country. I understood more. Does it mean that I liked the album? Nah.
Totally missed this band and album. On one listen I will certainly be listening more. Ticks a lot of boxes for what I like, particularly idiosyncratic vocals.
Right away I'm left with a feeling that this just isn't doing it for me. I don't mind the instrumentals, his vocals leave a little to be desired, and it's all a little boring. I get the feeling the majority of listens this album gets on Spotify are because it's on this list. It's not bad, it's just boring. I think I need a nap...
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.
I had never heard of this. I like it a lot but I don't understand why it's on this list
wow i fell asleep
I liked most of this one #insight
Strange and all sound similar Do not love it and also didn’t even attempt to listen to all 30 songs
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.
Has a bonny prince billy vibe
interesting chill album - rock was unique. Would like to listen more.
Strange and drawling, and some of the poetry is good, but I don’t think there’s enough musicality to tie it all together.
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!
Until the vocals started, this was actually quite interesting. Then the vocals came in and everything came crashing down. Seriously, how do some of these albums get signed with such shit singers.
I got bored this this pretty quickly
Oh yeah ok and that, I think?
Some individual tracks were ok but as an album it didn't work, felt like it was perpetually on the cusp of waking up and getting more lively but left me feeling cheated
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:
Yup, that was a chore! I liked how several of the songs start off, then they seem to drop off the cliff edge.
Abysmal. Absolutely dire. How anyone can seriously rate this highly is astonishing to me. Depression on wax.
Als je graag Pixies, Nirvana en Smashing Pumpkins zou luisteren maar je kunt absoluut niet tegen herrie dan is dit een redelijk alternatief met een experimenteel randje en een aardige stoot blues en country erbij. Dat een track als 'Satellite' wel wat naar herrie neigt moet je maar even op de koop toe nemen. Ook voor mensen die Nick Cave iets te depressief vinden of Bob Dylan te verschrikkelijk vinden gorgelen. Ik luister deze op maandag en daar past het wel bij. Mompelrock met fluisterinvloeden. Dermate hipsterig dat het zo uit 2019 zou kunnen komen. Het slaat eigenlijk nergens op, maar ik hou hier wel van. Ik ga hem misschien nog wel vaker aanzetten. Een snobkeuze (met gemiddeld ongeveer 40k streams per nummer), maar ik vermaak me ermee. Ideale muziek om een shot heroïne bij te zetten, denk ik. Tof geheel. Hoge 4.
Chore of Enchantment is a studio album by the alternative rock band Giant Sand, originally released in 2000. Never heard of this band before now. There's not too much information about them on Wikipedia either. They're based out of Arizona, and they've got a bit of a country vibe to them. It's a bit reminiscent of Wilco, only not as good. The lead singer's voice can get weird at times too, almost like a whisper. Not unlike Nick Cave (which is probably why it was on this list). This was not bad but pretty forgettable, it's no surprise to see this entry was removed from later editions of the book.
This band just isn’t for me. One listen and I haven’t been able to connect with the lyrics or music in a single song. Gives me a lot of Nick Cave vibes, and I just can’t bring myself to a second listen to try to maybe have it click. I don’t like the spoken word singing or the slow roll country. 2/5.
Original and well crafted
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
Yeah this is my sort of thing I think
A very mellow album for the summer
What in the "Give Me a Leonard Cohen Afterworld" is this shit?
When I saw that this was a 60 minute long rock album, I dreaded it. However, I was pleasantly surprised. This kind of reminded me of Pete Yorn's musicforthemorningafter, which came out a year later. I do think this album is too long...it felt somewhat repetitive. I think it could have been better had it been more concise. I'd consider listening to this again. More of a 3.5 but I'll round up.
Really not my thing at all. Not a fan of his voice, the tracks feel really empty, and I'm just not resonating with the lyrics.
Country con toque sureño, me gusta. Me sonaba el nombre de la banda, pero creo que nunca los oí. A pesar de que en Wikipedia no hay nada, lo cual suele ser una bandera roja importante, me ha parecido interesante. He guardado X-Tra wide, no creo que lo vuelva a escuchar. Aunque sí al autor, debe tener cosas mejores.
seems like a likable guy
Had a cool quirky vibe kinda like Eel
A bit too pretentious for me. Gives me too much of "beach boy near the fire with his guitar".
Reminds me of Silver Jews.
"Chore" is a very fitting word to use, because listening to this felt like doing taxes (this is a very original joke that nobody has made yet). I'm astounded at how many albums with two sentences on their Wikipedia page and like 10k Spotify plays are on this list, because genuinely, how do you dig something like this up and then decide it belongs on the list over fucking Neutral Milk Hotel or Weezer. I doubt anybody has listened to this album outside the context of this book in the past 10 years. 1/5 for being offensively bland. Boo, I throw rotten tomatae at thee.
Not great, not terrible
Familiar but so unique.
Ok
Thought this was a really nice listen, and reckon it'll grow even more after a few more spins (which I'll give it).
One of those annoying 'talking as much as singing' kind of voices and albums. Musically I kinda liked it at several moments but not a voice that I love. It's like Wish.com Neil Young in some ways? 2.5
Unique sound
Chore. Bore. Snore. Please no more.
Pretty shocked this came out in 2000 feels like it could’ve easily blended into the early 90s but either way this was an incredibly generic and boring album. At least some albums that I’ve disliked are just because of taste and are still unique. This was just white paint bland yet still palatable to listen to I supposed. 3.9/10
Very easy to like, not fantastic but solid.
Not bad at all
Solid. 3.5
gut!!!!!!!
Soothing
I thought this might be great at the first song. Kind of hazy Dinosaur Jr. or Grant Lee Buffallo vibe. Then came the slide guitars. Goes on too long, horrible country influence, directionless.
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.
Like my friend who also does this project, I heard the vocals of Giant Sand and was immediately reminded of the likes of Leonard Cohen. They're often dark, often gritty, and often delivered in a half-sung, half-spoken manner. Also, there's some occasional piano tinkering that also feels reminiscent of Cohen. The fact that they even mention Leonard Cohen in one of their songs leads me to believe they very much know and acknowledge that he is an inspiration. This album sounds to me like the standard indie folk that became popular in the early 2000s, and I'm not quite sure what is special about this inclusion in particular. I will say that all of the Leonard Cohen-isms make this album stand out a bit from the other indie folk of the time, but I still just wasn't particularly captured by this.
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.
This was not good at all, the music was eh but the singing style was lethargic at best. Meh.
Mi pare un mischione. Tutte cose diverse, non pessimo, ma niente di particolare.
This was surprising and enjoyable. His voice kept reminding me of late Lou Reed.
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've tried with these guys before (different album) but the results were the same. nothing stuck with me. maybe if i gave this some serious attention and several listens i'd be able to delve into the nuances of this music. but i doubt it. i swear critics rave about random bland bands just to troll us.
I thought this was pleasant albeit too long.
solid
First listen Saved 5/16 Top track: (Well) Dusted
Yeah, not good.
Never heard of this at all. Obviously banished from the book and Wikipedia isn't much help. It's quite nice and chill, for a weekend morning, good for that. Some of it sounded like Eels verses, ie without the big tuneful chorus. Doesn't stand out for me. I get huge 'random thing found in a bin of cheap CDs on the floor in Vinyl Exchange' vibes from this record. I am also here to rebut the Lou Reed and Bill Callahan comparisons as I will be keeping those please and leaving this. I did like Satellite though.
Bastante agradable.
No longer in the book. Bland alternative, and a bit too long.
Might have just set the record for quickest tap out for me, congrats!
The fastest way to improve this album would be to just cut out the lead singer completely
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.
The very definition of unremarkable. Don't really recall a single redeeming thing about the listen. 1.5/5
Who ARE these guys?!!? Why have I never heard this before. There are a lot of elements involved with this recording that I enjoy, each song has a hook that pulls me in, I'm really enjoying this. 4 stars for surprise delight!
I think this album is having an identity crisis. There's Lou Reed-esque vocals, a splash of psych rock here ("1972"), the overall feeling of country and folk, but with trip-hop drums occasionally tossed in there? I'm usually fine with the dry, listlessness of the Reed vocal style, but combined with the very laid-back feeling of the album overall, it just makes it feel like so much wallpaper. I can find a few tracks I don't mind, but overall the thought is, who is enjoying this? It's too boring to be anything to listen to actively, but it's not... anything-enough? to be something that you'd consider mood music. It's just got nothing for me.
Lou reed but less interesting
Kinda weird, can't really tell what genre it's supposed to be. Holy hell this is a long album.
Alternativ rock, ret stille til tider, ikke vildt ophidsende
This is a decent enough noisy alt-rock album, but there is nothing that draws me in or makes me want to return to any of it.
Very decent background track for a cold rainy Friday.
Bastante agradable.
Surprisingly good. Starting to get some nice stuff now
Strano ma l'ho ascoltato tutto
According to wiki, the only claim to fame this album has is being included on this list. Given this list's other entries, my expectations are low. Yeah, this is just bad.
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.
Nothing special
Good listen.
Wow, didn’t know you could make music in only a speaking voice. Sounds like the music the bar puts on to kick everybody out. Very dull.
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
As the album was still getting on its feet I was feeling as though this would be on the more dry side of alt-country; one that can be hard to sludge through without some endurance. However, the album picked up some speed a little bit in and stayed rather good throughout, with a lot of Neil Young influence to keep you entertained, and a surprise or two in the form of noisy tracks to keep you on your toes. As much from the era, its far too bloated, and I could see this being repetitive for some, as it does keep a general tone that can feel flat all in a row, but if you let the album take you places, its really good at being something rather pretty, and I'd even argue has some of that melancholic feel that Leonard Cohen presents, although its not as captivating lyrically as Cohen. Overall, a solid record that I'm glad I spent time listening to.
Some redeeming tracks, but nothing special. Vocals remind me of Bill Calahan, but musically it's lacking.
I wanted to like this, I really did. There is much that is lovely and poetic and thoughtful but it really is a slog to get through the whole album and the lack of tonal variety makes it disengaging to attempt to decipher the lyrics. Best guess, there is a five star album in 'em but this ain't it.
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
Sounds a lot like Lou Reed, without any of the catchy hooks. But that's OK. It's still a decent album. Higher than some others in this range.
Seems at its strongest when the poetry reading-like delivery is blended with a bit of a signing approach that lines up with the tone of the music. I this Dusted, Punishing Sun, Shiver and Astonished stand out the most for me. Songs like 1972 and Satellite are musically more angsty, but the vocal delivery is still a bit disaffected and seems a bit off to me. Interesting listen.
Interesting. Not sure what to make of it, but it wasn't as boring as I thought it might be.
Musically really enjoyed this, the vocals though just cross the line of being Lou Reed inspired to sounding like a tribute act. Due to that makes me jsut want to listen to a Lou Reed album instead, so won’t make my frequent rotation.
Fooled me in the first few minutes thinking this would be post-rock. Turned out to be generic 90s slacker alt country. It's very long and boring with a few novelties thrown in to make it look cool. Favorites: (Well) Dusted, Temptation and the Egg, Shiver, Astonished
This was an interesting album. I wasn't terribly impressed with it. But I didn't hate it. I liked the wide range of styles and sounds. But nothing was really catchy. There were a couple that sounded dark and industrially but they were mediocre. 3 stars.
A Lou Reed wanna be album. 2/5
Good but too long
a fun grab bag of late 90's sounds.
I really liked this one. It was a blend of a lot of cool artists. There were definitely some Ben Harper guitar tones at times, a little bit of Phish vibes, and - for some reason - the singer's voice reminded me of the guy from Cake. It was a fun exercise is trying to figure out who they sound like and then realizing that they created a pretty unique sound. I'll definitely come back to this one.
This album is certainly a chore, but not of enchantment. Pure crap.
Unlistenable. The only mildness ok songs were ruined with random crap
Bastante agradable.
Well this is odd. I've never heard of this, or them. Yet the singer sounds kind of like Mr E and Lou Reed's bastard son. It is both amateurish and polished. Dull, yet engaging. I don't think I know how to rate this. I'm very much turned off by Satellite. Because it shows that the Lou Reed thing is known and leant into. Which very much detracts from the overall vibe. Right. I've just got to "Shrine" and thought to myself "Blimey, this album is a bit fuckin long" and checked the album list. To find I was at track 16 of THIRTY tracks, with a playing time of just shy of two hours, and actually fuck that shit. That's too long. The album is too long, and they should feel bad.
Boring
This album feels like your Ol' Uncle Jimmy got drunk and broke out his instruments that he doesn't quite remember how to play. You also know he was never the true vocalist for his band that never broke out of the local bar scene...if that seems harsh, it is. This album is no good. Fav tracks: N/A
Not much is grabbing me here, either lyrically or musically. The lead vocals tend to be pretty low-key, sometimes spoken word. That already makes this a more subdued listen. I hear the influence of Lou Reed, Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen (who gets name-checked on one song) but outside of a few interesting production choices here and there, nothing hooked me.
This was just OK for me. I didn't love the singers voice, it felt kind of "put on". I also wanted so many of the songs to get somewhere, and they seldom did. Ultimately it's pretty forgettable for me.
loved!
Ça a tout juste le mérite de pas casser les oreilles. Vous avez dès à présent la possibilité de me contacter ainsi qu'eltrapeze sur une adresse courriel que nous venons d'ouvrir : robertestleperedemikeladd@gmx.com Celle-ci peut servir à nous demander ce qu'il faut penser de tel album ou plus simplement connaître la date de la prochaine émeute anti-Costello.
Nouvel artiste à moins de 50 000 auditeur mensuels, décidemment un paquet de gens auront loupé des albums avant de mourir. Pour tout message d'admiration envers ma personne, ou de haine envers mon camarade d'écoute robgruyère, vous pouvez nous contacter sur cette adresse email: robertestleperedemikeladd@gmx.com
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Not great, but interesting enough to keep my attention
Interesting. Not one I'm planning to come back to but nothing I disliked about it. 2.5 stars
1.5, I liked the writing and idea but I think the execution was horrible.
??? I dont get it. gib besseres in die richtung
Has a good groove and some variety. For the Lou Reed haters I guess I could see why they wouldn’t like it but hey I like Lou Reed.
I've never heard of them before. They were really good!
New band for me. Enjoyable.
Not my vibe.
Surprisingly, it was what I needed
You don’t need to hear this before you die, but Thrill Jockey is a rad record label, so 3 stars.
It's a desert-rock band with jazzy influences.
не запомнилось но и не впечатлило. по описанию ждала чего-то поизящней
Chore of Enchantment is just a chore tbh. It tries to front itself as folk rock but it's miserable, uninviting, lacks creativity or poise, utterly boring. Nothing else to add.
Tedious and boring. Can't really sing, uninteresting lyrics on top of pretty uninteresting music. 2/5, not actively unpleasant, but it's a low 2.
I wanted to like this. Gave it a good few listens. Alt country removes the brassiness and directness of country but for me if you don't go the whole hog and end up at bleak, weird or desperate you get this sort of amiable gentility that is probably good for a Gen X dinner party but makes for a boring solo listen. I didn't dislike it as much as a 2 really but could not give it a 3.
This album always seems to be trying too hard ..... 2.5 for the risk taking ......
Never heard of this group, but found it surprisingly listenable.
Overall -damn, an overture on an album -honestly sounds like a dramatic reading -this is exactly why white men need to be told to shut up at least once in their life, like why did no one tell this man he can’t sing -if the vocals were stripped, I’d enjoy this more -I’ve never had second hand embarrassment from an album, this is like someone burning at karaoke Well Dusted -Jesus Christ did he pregame the recording with a carton of cigarettes or something -it’s like a trust fund baby said dad, I wanna be Kurt Cobain Punishing Sun -ok why am I liking this -like it wasn’t good but I enjoyed it for some reason Temptation of Egg -oh my god, this has got to be a joke
Never before have I listened to an album and got that the feeling that I'm being stalked. The entire thing sounds like he's whispering angsty poetry written by a heartbroken sixth grader into your ear as you take the back roads home at night. There were a couple of songs that I liked, but I guess when you throw 30 songs at the wall something is going to stick. If you look at their larger discography they seem content to release quantity not quality.