Sunshine Hit Me

Hey buddy, you could have just releases "200 albums you must hear before you die" if you knew you were incapable of finding more essential albums than that.

I expected nothing. I got a sun-drenched palette of lazy days lounging by a pool with a margarita and a good book. Refreshing. Possibly not life-changing but the best vacations usually aren’t.

Sweet little record, too gentle for this world, baffling to see on this list though.

Have you ever seen those shows where Gordon Ramsay or Jamie Oliver or whoever go to some distant country and try all the food, then cook their own version and claim it's better - basically because it was done by brits? This album is the musical version - a bunch of technically proficient facsimiles of styles and genres that these chumps presumably love, but can't stop themselves from trying to "improve". They presumably hope this makes them seem cultured and worldly, but to me it just reeks of entitlement and privilege. Not the worst album, but one of the most irritating. Car adverts have a lot to answer for - why didn't they use the original Brazilian song? (read the wiki!) These lot would have been better setting up a label or becoming radio presenters, if they actually wanted to promote and celebrate the music they are instead ripping off. Good luck to them i guess, but very much not for me.

Remember The Bees? No, of course you don’t. They were a flash in the pan and unless you were reading Mojo or Uncut in 2002, you’d have no fucking clue who they are. It’s cool they covered Os Mutantes, that’s about it.

Album art suggests hipster garbage. It has fuck all plays on Spotify; unless it was only added yesterday, there's no way it's important or influential in any way whatsoever. It has to be from the UK - nothing so unknown would ever make this list from any other country - but a wrestler on the cover? That's not so British. Maybe that's the gag and it's just the ultimate UK hipster statement? Yep, UK and wussy annoying hipster pop. I could FEEL the cynicism coming through the speakers. It felt like it wanted to be clever, but it was just painful. I outright hated it. Music hard to describe, like an art school kid with no talent trying to do things like reggae and jazz? Singing was horrendous. Absolutely no reason for this to exist. 1/5.

Every good band begins with a B. The Beatles. The Beach Boys. The beastie boys. The Bees also begins with a B but don’t let that fool you

Fantastic songwriting and arranging. Would’ve given an extra star if the album had the production quality and musicianship it deserved.

Thank you 1001 for introducing me to do many new albums. Except for all the crap ones like the one after this.... Music is meant to be fun. To press a musical pleasure button. Bring about a wanted emotion or distract from an unwanted one. This one is a very, very out there version that. This is at the DEADPOOL end of the spectrum. Soothing quirky irony is track one. I gird myself for the 2nd. Oooh, funky. I like the kettle. Oh shit I might be hooked on a new album. And wildly new genre that feels created all for me. I'm in a good mood with this. Immediately added this to my "grooving mornings" playlist.

I like it. It’s a little weird, a little silly, and an eclectic mishmash of styles. I also like the album cover. It made me want to listen to more of their music—which is a compliment to the album as it is. I’ve started listening to their second album and I think it’s clearly superior—I’m finding that the 1001 Albums seem to overvalue debuts. I must also admit that I’m surprised that this album made the cut and I’d be curious to know the reasoning. In any case, this is a solid album that was fun and surprising and left me wanting more. That earns a solid 4 stars.

Short and sweet, interesting arrangements. Got a little tired of it towards the end, but happy I listened to this cause I ain't heard of em before. Light 3.5 Fav track: sunshine

Honestly, I’m at a 5. You look at the top reviews for this thing on the site, and there’s a whole lot of disdain vitriol for what essentially boils down to… lo-fi music. This is just modern lo-fi music, but from 2002, recorded by 2 guys in a little shed for a recording studio, in a quaint garden, somewhere on the Isle of Wight. Treating this thing like self-pretentious indie pop when it’s literally just 2 dudes making songs in a shed is wild to me. You can hear the makeshift nature of this album through most of its tracks, and it’s kind of a miracle it comes out as cleanly & as well-produced as it does. The vocals are solid, but really hypnotizing whenever they hit a harmony. The lyricism is super abstract, presumably related to little slices of life on the album. The production / instrumental work is where this thing shines. It really is about as chill as it could possibly be, with the piano & guitar providing sort of a summer-y vibe to it throughout, with clear influences from 1960s psychedelic rock, a little bit of reggae, and mild hints of trip-hop & electronica. You know, lo-fi music. This is a very mellow album, and while it doesn’t necessarily do anything that special, it just creates a sort of vibe that feels really nice to sit in. It might be the slight dichotomy of getting such a boldly produced cinematic album yesterday written by a cavalcade of artists, followed by possibly the most casual album on the list so far, coming from 2 dudes in a shed, striking my ears in just the right way, but I happened to really enjoy this. Don’t get me wrong, I understand the low scores & the claims that this doesn’t really deserve a place on the list over some other, well-deserving albums – believe me, I’d probably trade this for “Demon Days”, “Yourself Or Someone Like You”, “Ten Summoner’s Tales” or a number of other albums in a heartbeat, but I’m not necessarily mad that it’s here. If anything, I’m glad it is, because I never would’ve stumbled upon it otherwise. It is one of the most relaxing albums we’ve hit upon on the list, and it just caught me on a good day for it. The floor is definitely a 3, but I just think it’s my type of vibe, hence a 5. To be clear, not all 5s are created equal; it’s not like this is as good as Van Halen’s “1984” or anything. It’s just a vote of confidence, really.

Chill vibe. Enjoyable, though actually disliked the Minha Menina one that was so popular

Smooooooooooooooooth… garden shed energy.

This is absolutely my favorite McCartney album of the 21st century.

After 20+ albums into this journey this is the first album and artist that is completely new to me. Eclectic, easy listening, and fun. It's a list of 1,001 albums to listen to, not 1,001 groundbreaking, genre-defining, launched-a-thousand-band albums. Thanks for the introduction. I needed something new and enjoyable today.

Our second noughties latte-lounge album of the week, a reggae-fan’s one this time, playing in the corner, staring at its feet; go get me an espresso, and grab yourself a 2 while you're at it! I imagine this is the LP that the “pretty annoying” guy in Limmy’s sketch would have on vinyl. This record has some sharp glints, Sunshine followed by A Minha Menina making my ears wiggle before the dozy vibes returned and did their somnolent magic. The instrument sounds are frequently divine. Yet most of it doesn’t so much waste my time as evade it.

completely unassuming and instantly forgettable.

Another new to me band and album. Really nice, lo-fi and laid back. I enjoyed this quite a bit. Nice and short, I must've listened through a half dozen times. Lots of these albums are growers. This one included. Take it for what it is. Extra stars for the luchador.

I listened to this album in a grey November but I can't wait to listen on a sunny June!

Great album and new find for me thx !

Very chill album. Nice to listen to while doing something else. 4.5 bumped up to 5.

Phenomenal album. The UK has a way of promoting these unique bands that end up on the radio or with a Mercury prize.

Chill. Nick says 10/10 will form my own opinion a day late lol

Gotta love that happy sound

Such a great album, gives me warm fuzzies....

I wish I had discovered this album back in the early 2000s, because I would have absolutely loved it, since this was exactly the kind of style I was seeking out at the time. It’s a really well-balanced mix of indie pop and neo-psychedelia, with clear influences from the Beatles and the Beach Boys, and even a cover of Os Mutantes. There were also moments that reminded me a lot of Moon Safari by Air, or the kind of sounds being released by Ninja Tune Records around that era. It’s laid-back, breezy, and definitely a gem I’m glad to have finally come across.

Genre bending and eclectic while also being tuneful and approachable. This is the reason you do this list, for when you find an album you’ve never heard of that blows you away

Love this one and I’m gonna save it. Good sounds all around and I think Collin would like it too! Would listen again

I'm worried by the idea of an 'essential' album that came out after 2000 but this really should be more popular! Really unique blend of sounds and well produced, and a nice surprise when the cover looks like a whack 00's indie rock album.

I was completely unaware of this artist. I don't really understand why this album is on this list. It's not bad, but there is absolutely nothing special about it.

Very chill but also lacked some identity. Some reggae influences in "No Trohpy". "Punchbag" felt like some 2010s hipster music a la Vampire Weekend. It is a bit all over the place which makes it hard to judge. Mostly it was just very chill. The more rock-oriented "A Minha Menina" is actually quite catchy and the only song that really stood out to me. As an album to have on in the background on a chill day I think it works quite well. I have hard time giving it more praise than that. Weak 3.

They didn't invent the wheel with this one, but it was pretty nice to listen to

Dafuq izzis? For all its genre-hopping, this album struck me as soulless and pandering. It's musically competent, and is ready-made for selling out. Oh, look at that... one of these song was used in not one, but THREE television commercials. That tracks. I'm sure the advertising execs were thrilled to have a band that could appeal to fans of Indie, Reggae, Motown, Folk, Jazz, Pop, and any other genre needed to attract the largest possible group of consumers. Selling earballs to advertisers is the name of the game, I suppose.

In the early 2000s, there were so many 'The' rock and indie bands that this fact alone led to the downfall of rock music itself. That and the fact that 80% of those bands were balls. I have never heard of this one though. The Bees. In fact, I have no idea if they are even a rock band. Soon find out... But first, here are some actual, important, good 'The' bands who do not feature on this list, it should - The Gathering, The Music, The Delays. Also, why are there no albums by Sia or Lady Gaga? U mad bro? Alas, this album is a far cry from those by the artists I mentioned, and therefore I am obliged to question its inclusion here. In order to be considered one of 'must hear albums before you die', an album must meet certain criteria. Let us walk through them. Historical Significance and Innovation: This album barely charted, same for its singles, and has received no significant airplay. Very few people have ever heard of it or the band. It appears to have zero historical significance. In terms of innovation - how innovative can you buy with yet more white boy reggae and plinky plonky bollocks? Internal Cohesion and Journey: I'll allow this one. I mean, when every song is filler, it's still coherent. Timelessness and Endurance: It doesn't sound dated but it also doesn't sound like it was recorded at any point in the last 20 years. It feels like a lost album from the 60s that was only recorded because the singer was the dealer for a bigger band. Emotional and Social Impact: Zero. It seems to have influenced no-one and held no emotional impact for me. So, an album which didn't sell by a band no-one has heard of which influenced nobody, had no wide impact, and sounds like any number of artists from decades before. Plus the album artwork is a hate crime. Some people who don't like music will probably like this. It's well made. The best thing I can say about it are that the first ten seconds of roughly a third of the songs are 'nice'.

Pleasant, good creativity and changes in style, but essential for the 1001…?

All very pleasant, but not inspiring or heading in any direction

Entirely underwhelming. No envelopes pushed, no emotions triggered, absolutely zero excitement, other than the oddly terrifying cover art. One exception was "Lying in the Snow" which was decent.

The Bees - Sunshine Hit Me Day 22 Before listening I figured it was going to be pretty good if inoffensive lofi indie pop that I wasn't sure why it's on the list, probably 3.5 rounded down to a 3. After listening I realised it was very uninspired and quite boring inoffensive indie pop that I have absolutely no idea why is on the list. Like a 1.75 rounded down for the sheer gall of thinking this has any place on a list of albums to listen to, let alone the ones you must listen to. I'm starting to build a theory here: they (the publishers) wanted to get a proper reason to re-release the book every few years and they can't just put the same list of songs in it...so off Dimery goes and grabs anything he's vaguely heard of that got nominated for the Who Cares Award for Best Indie Folk Album Released On A Tuesday and dumps them in to say "look! new albums!". Only explanation I've got for some of these. Again, this isn't actively bad music to listen to. It's just really boring and kinda crap (a 2/5) and its existence on the list insults me, when my streaming service list of bands and albums that aren't even hinted at are nowhere to be seen.

Influential? No idea. Though, if the only thing noteworthy in that wiki section is that a few songs were used in commercials, I wouldn't say that's an accomplishment that will define your legacy. This sounds soooo boring, so bland, even elevator music is more interesting sometimes, it's basically royalty-free music you hear in low buget short films on yt. Strictly from a musical point of view, this is simply boring. I don't know. I'm no expert on Portuguese, but A Minha Menina doesn't sound right at all. If you HAVE TO use parts of songs in other languages, at least try to pronounce things correctly.

this band is made up of tulpas inadvertently formed by our collective unconscious and they are inflicting their psychological revenge on us for burdening them with the pain of existence.

Sorry, but this is when I get pissed. 1,001 albums is a lot, but there’s a massive amount of great music out there. Way beyond a thousand albums. And these English writers put this crap on here? It serves no point, drives no emotion, is ineffectual . . . I could go on. So let me. It has inferior production quality, poor song construction, the singing isn’t good, nor does it influence anything. If only the Sunshine hit this band and gave them an ounce of musical talent or originality. Instead, they tried to recreate a Beatles album circa the early 60s. In the 2000s. With no talent, and nothing upbeat. There have been some bad English albums on this list, but this is the worst. Why? In short, it’s boring. Shame on the authors of this book, taking a spot with this useless record. Nothing worth listening to and it certainly shouldn’t be anywhere near this list.

light. hints of dub. pleasant falsettos. but, ultimately, it sounds like music for a cider advert. no depth.

This album genuinely just bored me to hatred. I remember every single minute of it because it just felt like it was forever and ever. One song was okay but in my opinion all the songs were mushed together and I didn’t need it. It wasn’t painful to hear however I can’t really say anything good.

Drifted past aimlessly, the only moment of note being a half-arsed version of A Minha Menina. Hopefully "Os Mutantes" appears later on; The Bees certainly do not deserve distinction being on here instead. 1* for wasting my time

A step above elevator music and not much else. Only memorable song is a cover. Not feeling this one whatsoever.

I really enjoyed this. Vibes hit strong for me

How is this a 2001 album?? And recorded by only two dudes in a shed? This thing spans funk, dub, beach boys inspired indie, and more. A surprise 5.

Awesome album

Great

ja top, zou t zelf ook wel willen spelen

Didn't know the album besides their most famous song. Quite a surprise

This album is so great. My only exposure to The Bees before this was Chicken Payback so this was an absolute treat. Also wen A Minha Menina is such a great track I can see why it's been used in advertising. I'll definitely be digging in.

A personal favorite - loved it at the time and love it still. Saw The Bees at a tiny music festival not too long after this came out and it was a perfectly halcyon moment. This is just lovely summery vibes in album form. Pretty gutting to see all the negative reviews - a real "look how they massacred my boy" moment. I guess it's understandable, and entirely Dimery's fault for giving his list such a ridiculous title but not really making any attempt to live up to it. "The top 1001 albums of a British Boomer" probably wouldn't sell as well, heh. Fave tracks - "Punchbag", "No Trophy", "A Minha Menina", "Zia"

New to me, and...excellent. I guess this is easy listening? Works!

This website every now and again gives some absolute gems and this is for sure one of them. Not sure how to word it, or put it into a genre. I just know I like it, and that imma listen to it again

Amazingly colourful, a tour through different genres. No satire like Ween. All glorious songs that never were topped by anything afterwards

I was about to shit on this because “yet another UK album that is by no means influential,” but I actually really enjoyed this. Good vibes all around. The back half is stuff I love working to, and I mean that in a good way. I enjoyed all the different genres blending in. Highlights: punchbag, a minha menina, sunshine, Zia

“oh this is just gonna be one of those albums that i’ll listen to once and never think about again” *listens to it* “what the fuck

sunshine hit me as well

What a unique genre bending experience. Starts out funk, melts into reggae, slows down to mellow indie all while keeping a thematic sound that is complete throughout. Feel like this one will need a couple relistens to fully appreciate it. 9/10

Very chill album

5/5 Low-key, chill, funky tunes, with surreal, simple vocals. I love it. The whole experience is fantastic, creating a unique sound of pop whilst retaining a sense of weirdness about it almost like a slower, more laid-back SMiLE. Angryman in particular is a special kind of song that is full of soul, and Sweet Like a Champion is such a sinisterly beautiful track. The A Minha Menina cover deserves a shoutout too for its great take on a classic, and a timeless feel. Punchbag 4.5/5 (LEAST FAV) Angryman 5/5 (FAV) No Trophy 5/5 Binnel Bay 5/5 Sunshine 5/5 A Minha Menina 5/5 This Town 5/5 Sweet Like a Champion 5/5 Lying in the Snow 5/5 Zia 5/5 Sky Holds the Sun 5/5

A sweet sweet combination of lofi indie, modern psych rock, and classic funk.

Never heard of this band but I loved this style, awesome debut and feels ahead of it's time for 2002.

Good!

Dreamy, soft, and fun. "Hard to be in a bad mood if this is on" type of shit.

I couldn't decide if I liked this album as a four or a five, but the fact that I have listened to it three times already, I think means that I have to give it a five. I love the unique Lofi sound. Angry man was probably my favorite track.

Very nice. Pleasantly relaxing.

super band, would have like more records from them as i proper rinsed this one in the early zeroes

whopper

трек zia - это нечто посланное ангелами с неба или что-то пришедшее к нам из космома весь альбома звучит как что-то настолько легкое, воздушное и хрупкое что ты хочешь зафиксироваться там надолго и уйти от бренности мира алкоальбом: детское шампанское

mint

Rounding up for nostalgia, I still love this

These guys are great and I don't just say that because I keep bees.

nice rustig!

hasta el momento uno de los mejores discos que he escuchado, con una variedad de ritmos que transportan en viajes en el tiempo.

Sehr geiles souliges Album. Klingt sehr gut im 3. Zimmer.

what a wonderful album, endlessly original and full of diversity I loved this so much, I gave it a relisten two more times after it ended- 10/10

Fun, funky, smooth, pretty, jut a great time

Mellow. Lo-fi. Spans many decades.

Great album. Chill consistent indie rock. Interesting and enjoyable.

Chill ass album. This reminded me of Tyler, the Creator’s Flower Boy to Call Me If You Get Lost run, laid back and summery, big focus on production over vocals.

Good

Fun, sunny and chill indie pop from 2002. I caught on to the accents quite quick but didn't initially expect this to be a British band - It has a very west-coast US feel to it in my opinion. Certainly doesn't suit the shitty weather the UK has once again blessed us with on this cold November morning but I needed something like this to raise my spirits. I loved this album a lot, it may not be the most exciting but I just appreciated getting to vibe with it. Another great introduction to something right up my alley! Also I went and listened to the original Os Mutantes version of A Minha Menina after this. I can't decide which one I prefer more, but The Bees certainly did it justice in their cover. Either way, Jorge Ben wrote it so of course it was good. Favourite: A Minha Menina

Really enjoyed this listening experience. A good flow to the album, with instrumental tracks between the main tracks.

This FUCKED

Not my type of music going into it but man was I pleasantly surprised. A minha menina is great, I had to listen to that one twice, it was so good. The album is really great. I'm probably going to have to get more restrictive with the 5 star ratings pretty soon. It's been like 3 in a row. Well, anyway. Albums dope, will definitely put it on again as background while studying or working.

Super eclectic and a super enjoyable listen

Very nice, indeed. And a new band to me, ta!

Feels somewhat ahead of its time on the first track, reminds me of the chillwave indie that dominated after Mac Demarco broke. Overall very cool and chilled out psychedelic pop album. 8/10

Sunshine Hit Me was a surprisingly very enjoyable album. This is one of those albums i absolutely think belongs on this list due to just how influential it is, it does feel like a precursor to the lo-fi girl with the incredibly smooth jazzy sound with a hint of electronic rhythms to it. I think it meshes together very well and creates a super relaxing, sort of coffee shop vibe which is just really enjoyable to listen to while you are doing homework (like i was when i listened to this). Granted, due to the nature of this album, it does get pretty repetitive which is a shame but it is understandable since it's tough to not make repetitive lo-fi music. I still really liked this album for what it was. Best Song: Punchbag Worst Song: Binnel Bay

best album so far. reminded me of early easy life

Great! Never heard of them, had no idea what to expect. Just a nice varied indie album with some catchy chill tunes.

A really good album, I liked No Trophy and A Minha Menia rhe most.

Biggest surprise so far on this album list. I am a big fan of this album, as it has this relaxed psychedelic sunset 60s feel (my favorite type of music) with modern day influences. At the same time with this sunset, you get this feeling that their are some clouds in the background, that you don't know if they are going to go away or turn into something darker. 4/5- will listen again :)

Had never heard of this band before this listen. Really enjoyed this album. The Os Mutantes cover of A Minha Menina is nice.

Dope

A nice cohesive album. I did very much enjoy the experience. It was nice that the album ended with more instrumental songs. A welcome change in pace. The album's sound didn't really hit me in the "right way" just because of the mood I'm in right now. But I will most cerntainly listen to it more in the future! Favourite song(s): Punchbag, Zia and Sky Holds the Sun

Saw this was another early-00s album by a British band described as being "indie rock" and thought it'd be more absolute dreck. However, like a lot of other listeners, I was pleasantly surprised! Not sure what happened to them as a band, but this release is well worth a listen!