Reviews (page 3 of 7)
I enjoyed this quite a bit, especially the second time, even if I didn't find it especially remarkable. I sometimes thought of Jack Johnson and wondered why we haven't heard from him in this project.
I spent much of the first half of the album thinking that it was okay, but that was about it. Then I suddenly warmed to it. Not sure why, but because it ended on a warm note…
This album was decent, but not spectacular.
Nice! Could really see this be hyped like hell if the mainstream starts would align. Lacks some edge to make it perfect
Relaxing chill out vibes here. This one was fun with its sound and lyricism. It isn’t really anything that special, but it had highlights and was fun to listen to. Cool!
I had no clue what to expect, and I was pleasantly surprised. A beautiful, calm, short and sweet album blending an array of different genres. There are som jazzy brass, soul-esque chord playing on the rhodes, indie-style vocals and an overall aesthetic from electronic music.
Really enjoyed this one
Mellow and tropicália infused psychedelic indie pop. I appreciate this a lot more now than when I first heard it honestly, it's a nice album. Not like OMG THIS IS THE SHIT, but definitely easy on the ears. I'll need to check out their other stuff.
Lovely eclectic album - and excellent addition of A Minha Menina cover - all in all fun and colourful.
Cool esoteric album.
An eclectic but inessential tribute to good music. Still good music though. Especially enjoyed the slower, jazzy beats at the end of the record.
Good good 4/5 so far
Behagelig indierock, har en lille smule 60’er rock og lidt psykedelisk over sig
Ah, it's one of those albums with an ideally-suited title. "Sunshine Hit Me" brings warm energy to the listener. I do not know if The Bees' ambition was limited to inducing good vibes, but that's what I got from this album. That and a strong influence from the 60's pop bands: The Byrds, The Hollies, etc... Overall, a decent album that deserves your time.
Favorite tracks: Sky Holds the Sun Rating: 4/5
I really liked the album.. Will listen again
Not what I expected. Good stuff.
4.5 Another album full of bangers that I probably never would have discovered but for this project. Also super excited to get some more stuff that isn't classic rock or adjacent. Eclectic is the perfect word to describe the album as a whole, almost to the point that it feels disjointed. Regardless, I have a feeling most of these tracks will make it into my regular rotation. Angryman and Sky Holds the Sun are immediate favorites.
This was a complete surprise. It almost felt like a Wes Anderson movie. Fun, fresh, with just enough weirdness to make it enjoyable.
If you're a music critic formulating a list of 1001 classic albums you must hear before you die, you can probably do the 1960's and 70's in your sleep. But once you get to the last five years or so, it gets a lot more difficult to know what will stick in the long-term. The Bees' debut album, "Sunshine Hit Me", was released in 2002, featured on the 1001 list in 2005 and 2008, and then disappeared without trace. But I knew about it because my girlfriend's dad adores this album, and it's been nice to give it a proper listen here. The title (and accompanying album art) capture the sentiment and feel of the music very well: we're hit, stroked, walloped, biffed and tickled by sunshine in all its musical variants across the whole album. Featherweight electronic piano and whistling organs dominate, with the tone veering from sleepy to jaunty (but always cheerful). The Bees don't sound remotely interested in pursuing fame and notoriety: instead, they're quietly content in their own little corner of the world (presumably much like anyone else living on the Isle of Wight). "Punchbag" introduces things appropriately enough, with some drowsy, electric piano arpeggio and crisp, straightforward drums under a crawling melody. "No Trophy" is some light and airy reggae, complete with a shuffling drum beat and organ comping. "Binnel Bay" is a simple vocal refrain structured around some calypso percussion. And soon afterwards comes a cover of Os Mutantes' "A Minha Menina", which I'd heard before: it naturally doesn't live up to the original, but is reasonably faithful to the song's spirit. Even when the band tear through a classic like this, or lean more into rock or funk (see "Angryman") they retain a chilled and breezy feel throughout, owing to uncluttered arrangements, spacious production and lighter-than-air vocals. In the second half of the album, the individual songs feel a little less distinct, but the blissful vibes continue: the instrumental codas of "Sweet Like a Champion" and "Lying in the Snow" - and especially "Zia" - have very heavy undertones of Rick Wright playing some early, pastoral Pink Floyd (circa 1969-70). And "Sky Holds the Sun" is a lovely mellow note to end things on. "Sunshine Hit Me" is simple, unpretentious and not groundbreaking whatsoever: think middle of the afternoon at a family friendly festival and you aren't far off. That said, I have enjoyed listening to it quite a bit, and if it were some long-lost 70's release I know I'd be absolutely raving about it. I'll give it its due: sometimes it's nice for music to be nice.
Delightful and lovely and pretty interesting, too. One likely heard (and got annoyed) by "Ah Minha" in real time that summer and, annoyed, chose to ignore the rest of this, which has aged terrifically well. So that's one loss – otherwise this is one's genre and era and remains up for eccentric/offbeat indie rock/pop with a kaleidoscopic, genre-hopping bent. It seems both spicier and less slight, not at all a novelty or a gimmick, which one could see less refined listeners mistaking this for. The overall, relaxed vibe is a clear throughline, which makes the variety that sits atop even more of a wonder. Each microgenre works well, and non-dilletantishly – that is, they add to it while remaining respectful. Every cut has its merits, but "No Trophy" and "Sweet Like a Champion" and "Lying in the Snow" and "Zia" and "Sky Holds the Sun" are personal raves. "A funky little curio," indeed (as the indexed review has it). And seems as good a time as any to recommend not sleeping on The Books, a similar (if not quite as good or fun) group from same era US.
Surprisingly entertaining and unique album. Some of the instrumental songs are a bit boring though.
first listen a fun little artsy thing
Enjoyed the vibes of this. Punchbag was a good tune. Will check them out more.
Very refreshing! Like eating a lovely, perfectly ripe citrus fruit after a week of eating nothing but meat and potatoes. Like a gentle breeze on a humid afternoon, or discovering an oasis in the midst of a desert of monotony. Will listen again. 4 stars.
Didn't immediately register that this is the same group as "A Band of Bees". I love these guys! I'm more familiar with their 2007 album Octopus, but this was a joy as well.
Kaikki meni niinkuin luvattiin auringonvalo osui, mehiläiset asialla.. ei talvesaikaan uskois heh.. mutta niin siinä kävi 8/12/2023 hyvä päivä kuunella pakkoalbumi..
Nice easy listening with Standouts in Punchbag, Angry Man, Sunshine, A Minha Menina, This Town, Sweet Like A Champion, and Sky Holds The Sun. The only reason this doesn't get 5 stars is because of how fatiguing listening to the album cover to cover can be.
Awesome album, very chill
Electro-dream pop. Very chill.
Never heard of this band before but the album was decent, laid-back indie rock. Good stuff
Yeah! I dug it! Never heard of these folks before, but I might have to check out more of their stuff.
Very chill
Drinking beer outside in the summer music. Aptly named. Relaxed but has respectable musicianship.
Wow I'm not sure how I've never heard of these guys. Reminds me heavily of stuff like The Unicorns and of Montreal which is my JAM. This is super funky and fun. I want the vinyl.
I really liked this album. It's kinda muffled and subdued in a very chill way. Some of it reminds me of Jack Johnson. Really good to listen to while doing a repetitive task with your hands, like stretching a canvas or doing the dishes.
Indie, but different influences, and more nuanced than expected. A soft on the vocals, but good harmonies. Really good. 3.8
6.6/10 fav: Punchbag
Pleasantly surprised, will add it to the rotation
Relaxing Indi pop
I'd never heard of The Bees (and sort of surprised they made this list when I first started to listen through) But I actually quite enjoyed most of the tracks - feels like would be a sunny-afternoon-gardening kind of vibe. Some of the tracks felt like they just had a few too many instruments trying to do too much, but overall I would listen to again for some chill background music. The track Sunshine scratched my brain in a way I didn't know I needed and I ended up listening to it on repeat Buzziest track: Sunshine
This was so good! Put me in a good mood. Perfect for chilling out. I'd rather not type the eight songs I liked here, it would be too much. What I found funny was that I only had heard Os Mutantes a few days ago and remembered A Minha Menina!
Essential Tracks: A Minha Menina (Playlist) Punchbag Sunshine Sky Holds the Sun
Ooh, I like this a lot. Missing a real shine factor, but I wonder what the rest of the discography looks like.
I was pleasantly surprised with this pretty modern sounding summery album. 7/10
I have a method now to these UK bands of assuming they will be garbage based on the trends we have so far, but this one was great! Lots of fun tracks on here, almost felt like a low fi hip hop album mixed with some pop.
Very calming music. Not too bad.
J'ai passé un bon moment c'était smooth une belle musique en fond pour une soirée relax / pluvieuse avec un feu peut être.4.25
This band is completely new to me, but I'm an instant fan. I loved all the great keys and organ parts, the raw-sounding vocals gave it a kind of timeless quality, and the variety in style over the album all made it great for me.
Really really nice surprise ! Don't know how to put it in other words but this album sounds really fruity
When I saw that this album was a early 2000s indie album I went in expecting at least a decent album and it exceeded my expectations. This album started off really strong and mostly kept up the momentum throughout the whole thing. I liked the first song and I was really surprised by the cover of A Minha Menina like I never expected to hear that anywhere beside that os mutantes album. It was also weird and fun to hear a waltz come out of nowhere near the end. I loved the overall vibes but some of the songs near the end kinda let me down so I'm not quite sure if this gets a 5. I listened to this the whole day and I still not idea if I should give it a 4 or a 5 but I’m giving it a really solid 4 only because I didn’t get that excited feeling that I get when I’m listening to most of the other albums I’ve given a 5 to.
I liked this more than I thought I would 3.5 stars
Pues en general, bastante bien. En verdad, la canción "más grande" es la que menos me ha gustado...
Wat een chille zomersound, heel erg lekker. Kan me voorstellen dat dit ook vrij origineel was toen het uitkwam. Op een gegeven moment een beetje saai.
Þetta er og hljómar heimagert, en er um leið ljúft og sjarmerandi. Renndi tvisvar, gæti oftar.
Totally dug, perhaps because one listened during a lazy afternoon, during which one was (unfortunately) not stoned, lest one would have liked even more. One plans to listen again sometime, when lazy, stoned or, ideally, both.
Smooth and fresh
Surprisingly pleasant
C'est rafraichissant
mimi
Buenísimo. Me gustó que esté en la lista.
Zomers inderdaad. Kon er wel van genieten
Joyful without becoming too twee. Best track: A Minha Menina
Indie rock. Muy interesante.
This was a nice, quick album to have playing in the background. I did appreciate that they threw in sounds from other genres from time to time. I'd like to give this 3.5, but since nothing particularly stood out, I'll go down to a 3 instead
I've for Free the Bees, which seems like a better album. This is fine, and overall there's nothing wrong with the band, but their a musical footnote not something anyone he's to listen to
Another Mercury Prize nominee on this list from the early 2000s. Back in the early 2000s maybe I could have gotten behind this, but today it's a tad too "indie generic" to be on this list of "timeless" classics. I feel Dimery and Co. did some hard gambles on newer music, but this has since been removed in recent editions. Good riddance. 3 stars only because the Os Mutantes cover was pretty cool, and some of the lengthy instrumental stuff with pianos and horns is nice at the end.
The dreamy backing track is starting to annoy now where at first it seemed kind of interesting. The falsetto vocals are going to wear me out pretty quickly. These guys are British contemporaries of TV On The Radio. British bands and ska...a tale as old as the 1960s. The Beach Boys used the theremin on Pet Sounds and it seemed like an organic decision. The instrumentation on this album seems more like an affectation. This is agreeable enough...the kind of thing you might ask about if it was on in the background at a party, but not enough to remember the band name once you'd been told. This feels like the soundtrack to an indie movie. Not loving Zia as just a long instrumental. It's not bad...it is also not good. DeVotchKa and these guys probably get along great, contemporaries. I didn't realize these were the Chicken Payback guys until the Because You Listened To...songs started. I do like that song.
Não é um estilo de música que costumo apreciar muito. Possui algumas músicas interessantes e o som é bem rico. Celest x Versekeys Ultra-Sense Planet.
One of the most diverse entries, not quite at the level to warrant anything more than a middling rating
If you’ve never heard this I’d suggest go to your local hipster coffee place. You’ll see a barista who’s in his 30’s has a beard, collection of decent tattoos and a baseball cap. Imagine the soundtrack in his head. Well done you’ve listened to this album…. On a serious point I do like the Bees. Bought the first album, saw them live and was mesmerised by the way they swapped instruments. However, I think the first album is probably better as it has more songs as this leans more into the world of vibes. I imagine if I was listening to this next to a beach cold beer in hand it would be a great soundtrack. But I’m not, so it does wash over me a bit
Better what it rolled in to. Good enough album though.
This is the kind of album you need to be getting high to lol. But while sober, it felt unremarkable to me and was just sort of something I’d enjoy if it was already playing as random background music.
Gave it a few goes and some of it grew on me but just lacked a bit of spark.
Pretty entertaining take on 60s psychadelia. Fun
perfectly cromulent but not particularly exciting
Pleasant and completely inessential.
My initial reaction was "this is awesome". But in the end it was mostly that first track: Punchbag. I love the groove, and it's a solid melody too. I also kind of liked the instrumental towards the end: Zia. That one reminds me of "Us and Them" by Pink Floyd.
This record was interesting to me. I have never heard of this band, nor their music, but they seem to have a diverse mix of great songs.
I liked the sound at points but was hard to escape the element of white man reggae - can be fine but in this case was quite funny
Some really great moments, but equally as many “meh” moments.
Chill shit
intriguing
헐 조음 이라고 생각했는데 중간은 맹맹하네요 Punch bag, lying in the snow 괜춘 3
I know I listened to this but I really don’t remember a thing. Like literally. I almost feel like I’m cheating but I’m not listening to this again. Below average enough to not remember anything but certainly good enough to not hate and be disgusted. Have never mentioned we need half stars? Three crappy stars for this one.
This was ok. I feel like there’s a reason why The Bees aren’t a household name, but it was fine.
Wasn't anything groundbreaking but honestly an enjoyable album/listen. Certainly still holds up for being released in the early 2000s. No takeaways, but was nice to listen to.
There's nothing groundbreaking about this album. It's still good, though. This is what you want to hear while you sip a cold IPA in Williamsburg. There are some really cool chords in here, which hold up the bad writing a bit. Highlights: Angryman, Sky Holds The Sun
Alright but didn’t get anything from it
6/10… downbeat / slow pop / *2002
A wacky combination of genres that will puzzle even the most seasoned musical veteran. Maj7 and 9 chords see plenty of use, and we're presented with an overall lazy, summery atmosphere. I really like a lot of these songs. The opener, Punchbag, is plenty psychedelic and an overall really fun experience. The gritty horns (saxes?) contrast nicely with the ultra-smooth Fender Rhodes, which itself commits to a sort of "smooth jazz" genre. Then we have soulful organs in the background, and a strange, tentative vocal melody. Angryman takes a very similar approach to instrumental selection, though the Rhodes keyboard is replaced with more active percussion, creating a (relative) pick-me-up. I do hope we hear some upbeat tracks, though, because these two songs aren't scratching that itch yet. No Trophy somewhat fulfils that role, but it's so cheesy-sounding that I can't take it seriously. Still, a fun time. Half the songs from this point onward seem goofy for the sake of goofy. For the year 2001, none of it is anything particularly special. No Trophy and Binnel Bay could be from the late 60s – think the Zombies or Kinks – and none of us would be any the wiser. Sweet Like a Champion could easily be an early Pink Floyd track (Saucerful of Secrets era). But we're judging by 21st-century standards. In 2001 we had Is This It, Amnesiac, YHF, Lateralus... In terms of sheer impressiveness, Sunshine Hit Me doesn't stack up. But A Minha Menina? That, I can get behind. The strongest lead vocal and backing vocal to date, a great rocking acoustic guitar part, and an excellently memorable brass hook. This is a goddamn satisfying increase in energy, something that songs 1-5 were sorely lacking in. Sky Holds the Sun stands out at the end of the album for sounding much more of-its-time (2000s) than any other song on the record. Well, really it sounds like mumbled grunge from the 90s – at least the vocals do – but it's still pretty sweet. 3/5 Key tracks: Punchbag, A Minha Menina, Sky Holds the Sun
Best Song: A Minha Menina. Delightfully upbeat, with a great chorus. Worst Song: Zia. A fairly uninspired and tedious piano solo. Overall: Very strange inclusion on this list. It just feels like it doesn't do enough of anything to warrant inclusion here. It's fine, but certainly this list should aspire to more than "fine". The album came out in 2001 and I certainly hasn't retained any lasting popularity, nor does it seem to have strongly influenced anyone who has come since.
Mostly enjoyed this, it kinda faded into the background.
This was ok
5 - fine mood music
There is more to The Bees than their faithfully upbeat cover of Os Mutantes' topicalia classic, A Minha Menina and, while Sunshine Hit Me never quite hits the same melodic high again, it is an album built on laid-back psych vibes and beats rather than out-and-out bangers. Good stuff, but perhaps suffers from being so comfortable in its own "too weird to live, too rare to die" indie niche.
This was fine to listen to but not particularly memorable. Took me a quite a while to recall what it was this morning that I had heard. The album artwork is more distinctive than the music
Never heard of them before I got them for today and now I see why i’ve never heard of them. The most boring, generic top rock the best thing I can say about them is I didn’t hate them
Fínt bara, ekki mikið um það að segja annars fannst mér.
yet another nominee of the savior of rock and roll. also this makes me woozy so i dont like it, im not sure 3/5
I liked the instrumentals
I like the cover of Os Mutantes' "A Minha Menina" and a track or two towards the end. Otherwise unmemorable and unimaginative.
Thought this was an enjoyable chill listen coming off a busy holiday weekend. May revisit and my rating could turn out to be a little low... 3.5/5
Fascinating. 3.5.
Mid
I saw The Bees at a festival around the mid 2000s, which is a good way to hear them. This works best as 'sitting in a field with your mates on a summer day' music, rather than 'giving it your full attention after being told it's one of the greatest albums of all time' music.
idk im tired
Very good album. Great Os Mutantes cover. A 3,5
The Isle of Wight music scene? An Os Mutantes cover? Ok, I guess I'm glad I heard it.
Enjoyable, but a mixed bag.
It was fun
Pleasant enough, subtle, intriguing, low-key. I don't dislike anything, but it is like anti-grab music. Even when it is super cool. Maybe because it is super cool.
I’d forgotten all about The Bees and much as i did know one song of theirs, after this I’ll forget about them all over again. Pleasant and mellow though.
Ok
This was enjoyable. I might not seek this out, but wouldn't turn it off if it came on the radio.
Really soothing actually. Never heard of this band but was not unpleasant to listen to.
I actually knew Punchbag. Maybe it was in a movie or something? This seems like that under the current band who had a song or two creep into public consciousness, but even when you first heard them twenty years ago, you felt it probably wasn’t quite worth it to get too involved. Maybe six or seven people thought they were the shit. In the present day, I’ll say the music isn’t bad. It definitely feels to me like soundtrack music from a particular era, with a tad too much cultural appropriation. I’ll forget about it pronto.
"Lo-fi hip-hop beats to forget immediately after listening to"
I want margarita
This is quite nice. Is it before-you-die-worthy? Probably not.
Summery. Light. Floating. Enjoyable.
I kinda liked this. Had a real nice groove in spots
Was going OK until Sunshine when the tuneless nonsense started. However the next 3 songs were really good. I wish the site was out of ten as its hard to distinguish .
Not a bad listen at all
Dreamy
Quite laid back music, OK for easy listening, but nothing grabbed me about this
Never heard this before but enjoyed it. Reminiscent of Air (French Band) in places. Nothing special, but can see that I might put it on in the background and will explore their other albums.
Meh. There were points where I was really digging it and others where I wasn't.
Ok, I guest.
Better as background music.
Never heard of this band. Pretty chill but nothing groundbreaking.
Perfect cool vibes on a rainy, dreary day. Otherwise, very generic, kinda eclectic/fusion sounds. Nothing really stands out.
Good
Ende gefiel mir besser als der Rest, also die letzten Songs meine ich, nicht das es aufgehört hat :D
ganz nett
ganz chillig
Reading about this album I thought it didn't sound good but it was ok on listening. Pretty harmless and was good background music for folding and putting away laundry
6.5/10
I thought this was a good album until we got to the very last song. What was that “Lo Fi Hip Hop Beats to Study and Chill To” ass bullshit doing on there?
first time listening to this, and I wasn’t aware of em before now. a handful of fun moments, but ultimately nothing really stood out to me. a fine enough listen, but I’m not sure what it’s doing on this list.
A pleasant enough album, but hypothetically, if you pop an Oxy and start to feel its effects as you cruise down the highway listening to this album, it’s a hell of a vibe. 3.5
Cuteish. Still didn't need to listen to it before dying.
Not my genre, but the instrumental are very very good
I've had Free The Bees for ages. This is in the same vain. Sunny, fun, and all over the shop. Pleasant enough but 'must hear before you die' seems a bit much.
I liked it, thought it was rather good.
really inventive, hops btwn genres like crazy. feels a bit too cerebral in the experiments for me at times but i really liked a minha menina, sky holds the sun (so dreamy and lush and romantic), you got to leave
Not terrible, but also unremarkable
It’s not bad but just sounds like typical brewery music.
It's better than I thought it would be, but not something wild
I enjoyed this listen, it had some cool concepts worked in and made for a decent listen. It didn’t necessarily grab me in any significant way but was good for a background sort of album. I did really enjoy A Minha Menina quite a bit, it had some fun flair to it. I did find that their blend of psychedelic indie rock and jazz components worked well and I liked this but don’t think I’ll return to it. 3 stars
wack
Perfectly pleasant album with some nice tunes but a bit underwhelming. Worth a listen though. Doesn’t quite get a 4.
Sunny and cute Indie Pop. I'm not sure how big and/or acclaimed it was back in 2002, but by the end of the decade no one ever mentioned this album or band. Given they're British, my guess is that they were the NME flavor of the week at some point. I do like it, though. It has thay lazy summer afternoon atmosphere that I adore, although other albums do it better, like the Beach House one I got a few weeks back. Terrible Portuguese accent on "A Minha Menina". Key tracks: Punchbag
This is fine but doesn't do much to me past Punchbag. Low 3
A very mellow, enjoyable album.
Its been a couple weeks and I don't really remember what happened here. Speaks to something I guess.
this album was meant to be listened to on a lazy, sunny august day by the garden shed. instead i listened to this at the office on a cold, rainy day in march that still feels like winter. this is not the album‘s fault, but mine neither.
An original debut from a man on the scene with a blend of psychedelics.
Solid album. Pretty fun as well
Perfectly fine but missable indie rock album
Punchbag - 7/10. I like it. Angryman - 6/10. Pretty cool. No Trophy - 7/10. Nice. Binnel Bay - 6/10. Fun. Sunshine - 6/10. Solid. A Minha Menina - 7/10. Lots of fun. This Town - 6/10. Fun. Sweet Like a Champion - 6/10. Weird, but not bad. Lying in the Snow - 6/10. Nice. Zia - 7/10. Very nice. Sky Holds the Sun - 6/10. Good. Overall Rating - 3.18/5 (6.36/10). Fun, but musical chewing gum.
Made me laugh out loud but not sure it held my interest long enough to make me remember to check them out again.
pretty-sounding and it was fun to get a cover of an Os Mutantes track just days after I first listened to Os Mutantes, from this project. They're a little too drifty and dreamy for me, or at least this album is, but I like their lyrics and style.
It's cute. It's chill. idk. The cover was the best one.
- Interesting blend of jazz fusion, a bit of reggae, and some afro jazz
The classic, fine enough while its on but not that crazy about it. Its for sure not my main lane type music which is fine. Its just not all that memorable for me. I did like a minha menina. For sure my favorite song and worth a save but I wouldn't say its my favorite thing in the world. Just off the record. Good enough time but ive heard better as well as much worse
I've never heard of these guys. I was inclined to give up after the second song, but persevered. In the end, I thought this album was pretty enjoyable, if not really my kind of jam. I probably won't listen to it again, but I'm glad I did this once.
3/5 - At times I forgot this was playing, but I was never annoyed. No idea The Bees existed before. I mostly got along with their relaxing vibe.
New to me and interesting sound. I liked it but it never really got going for me. Liked Sunshine. Would listen again
Not essential listening but breezy enough for a sunny morning
Nice vibes. Easy listening.
Pleasant surprise, this album feels like summer. It's warm and has a very laid back and nice groove with a lot of different influences. It got a little bland at times, the strongest half is definitely the first. Best song: Punchbag Worst song: Binney Bay Cover check: He looks like a happy wrestler ready to wrassle in the sun
Bedre end forventet. Meget tilbagelænet.
3,1/5
Bit of a strange one again. Not a bad album, but doesn't really go anywhere. Didn't mind up, just nothing that stands out.
3/5
Didn't hate it but didn't love it either.
Retro reggae soul indie vibe. Summery sweet not sacchrin. Will listen again.
Boppy and fun. A throwback to early Brit Pop.
Perfectly pleasant but didn’t stay with me.
Siento que esto es de lo más indie que podés encontrar urgando en la música indie, casi como la banda sonora de una película clase B (lo digo en forma positiva). Respecto al contenido, encuentro canciones muy interesantes y otras tantas olvidables.
This one kind of felt all over the place. It wasn't bad per se, but everytime it felt good enough to warrant listening again it would just get kind of blah after.
2.5
5.5/10
2/26/26. Definitely has that 2000s indie vibe, but on the chill side. Lot of cool tunes to kick back to, while playing with various genres throughout. The first track is my favorite.
Be right back, adding this to my summertime play list
Listening session: february 24th, while sitting in the train Listened to before: no Thoughts: expected a bit of hipster 00s music and I was correct, but I was pleasantly surprised by the intro of the first track and the piano stuff. I could see myself listening to it on a sunny day Favourite tracks: Punchbag, Zia & Sky Holds the Sun
It's pretty pleasant. It was a nice thing to play on a day where Spring was finally threatening to arrive and there was a bit of sunshine in the sky. I like the cover.
fun, pleasant, melodious. had never heard of them before.
A perfectly pleasant but, ultimately, forgettable album. I'm not sure why it's on the list.
It didn't offend me
So another band I’ve never previously known about, but there’s nothing wrong with that. There’s a kind of hypnotic vibe over the first couple of songs, namely Angryman. I hear some indie vibes in the guitar parts but some trippy/psychedelic elements almost. “A Minha Menina” is such a weird song but I kinda love it. That chromatic sounding guitar riff is so contrasting to how the rest of the song sounds, but man it’s catchy I’ll give them that. So I’ve just seen this is a cover but still, I enjoyed it though I don’t know the original. There’s some nice songwriting here, I will say at times it’s maybe not engaging enough. Some songs I do find a bit boring and feel left wanting a bit more. But they know how to create an atmosphere when they want to and the back end of the album shows this. Overall I’m mixed – it’s sort of unique enough in it’s own way, I just feel they could maybe deviate more and offer a bit more.
Pleasant, but maybe best as background music.
Honestly kind of like this a little bit parts of it reminded me of mcCartney from 71 through 73 and that it was playful and didn't mind just kind of hopping a little bit in genres just to stab at something new. But he obviously doesn't have the same catchy earworm melodism as McCartney. "A Minah Menina" and the instrumental "Sunshine" were my personal favorite tracks. But I think all in all there wasn't really anything that stuck out to me is bad. All in all are really fun listen. (7.5) ★★★½
Fun genreblending, but feels to lightweight.3 stars
I thought this album was alright. It started off pretty well and kind of felt like proto-Vampire Weekend or something, but kind of dragged a bit as time went on. 3 stars.
3.5
Like Nicolas Cage I have to say “Not the Bees” because as chill n groovy as they are they are they don’t really deserve to be on this list. They’re a bit like the “Beeta” Band in that they’re cool but they haven’t really made a consistently great album that is truly 1001 worthy. The main claim to fame of this one is Brazilian cover A Minha Meinina which was used in an advert once. Other tracks here cop a real true soulful, jazzy, carribean blend but in the second half it does gets a bit too dusky and also especially middling. Such a shame but songwise it is a case of 1001-Worthy Not Hit Me.
Indie rock.
Interesting indie music, simple and creative. Relaxing. But I don't like the dreamy vocals. Its sounds like two singers chanting or a main singer with annoying backing vocals. This could have been a good instrumental band. Thanks to this album, which contains a cover of "A Minha Menina", after many years I listened again to Os Mutantes. Best tracks for me are "Sunshine" and "Zia".
2.5
If not for some Jamaican rhythms I'd have gone with a 2. Generally dull, but still unique.
Cool and creative. Some of it works and some doesn't.
I enjoy this one very much. The tone is relaxing and balanced. Has a good combination of acoustic and electronic elements. A sweet little listen. But I guess you should be in the right mood for. The first half or so contains more content, from there it gets more atmospheric. For me today it still worked. Maybe I needed this kind of album. Anyway, I think a solid 3 will give it justice.
an all over the place album that actually seems to work.
Nice.
meh
Very nice for writing.
Took a second for me to vibe with this but I ended up enjoying it! Chill, lofi, Ram-era McCartney style. Thankfully short so rewarded relistening as I got on its level. Still not really sure if it’s special enough to make it on this list but it was pleasant.
I had never heard of this group before. Overall an enjoyable album and I'll be listening to some of their other albums in the near future. Finding new groups like this is my favorite part of this random album challenge.
Almost 4 stars
Not bad
An interesting selection of musical styles, but yeah, nothing really stood out for me.
Man after those first two songs I REALLY wanted to like it, but I must say that the rest isn't exactly up to par. I did like the overall chill energy of the album, the hints of funk and upbeat. But by the end it felt bland until I replayed it for Punchbag and Angryman. Nice listen overall. Personal favorites: Punchbag, Angryman, Sunshine
Never heard of these guys, not sure how this album ended up on this list. Different. Hipster vibes, not sure how I’d describe it otherwise. Music and vocals were droning and annoying at times and I had to skip quite a few songs, especially towards the end, but there were several songs that were decent. I’d give it a 2.5, but I’ll round up because they seem to have some talent. (3)
I was vibing for the most part. Really liked instrumentals on the jazzier songs. Some of the hokeyier songs brought it down.
fun
I love The Bees. It’s weird this is the album on this list cuz it is definitely their worst and least dynamic. Still has decent moments though
Hmm a band I had never heard, was pleasantly surprised😊
Not bad
Largely unmemorable - it doesn’t strike me as anything exceptional but serves as an example of early 2000s UK-Indie.
me ha gustado pero tampoco me ha cambiado la vida...muy para estudiar de fondo
I don’t know how to feel about this one. Medium-ighs and medium-lows all over the place. I appreciated the whole album certainly creates a single vibe and works as a single thing, but I’m not sure what that vibe really is. I love the ridiculous album cover, especially the bespoke puffy little white cloud around the mouth hole. Also the album ended so out of the blue I had to double check, so certainly didn’t feel too long. But I didn’t end with a nice satisfied feeling either. I’m going to have to settle in the middle on the one; perhaps I’d like it better with another listen. But do I even want to give it another listen? I don’t even know.
I have a soft spot for this album for two reasons: 1) I physically owned the thing in CD which seems like a completely antiquated concept now, and 2) it introduced me to Os Mutantes via their cover of A Minha Menina
4.5
These guys are good, and I liked the album, but I didn’t hear anything that warrants them getting on the 1,001 list.
this record is nice and calm, pretty much what I need for now! However its pretty much between 3 and 4 Im gonna let it be at 3!
Very mellow, not overly exciting, couple of interesting tracks here and there, ⭐⭐⭐
Gear: SIMGOT EA1000 Fermat Artwork: 🤼🎭🖍️ Production: 😌👂🧈 Music: 🏖️🌞😎 Rating: 🐝🐝🐝(🐝)/5
This dreamlike chords are nothing like I´ve heard before. Not life changing, but still very nostalgic.
Unremarkable.
czill bomba
Well produced and easy to listen to.
rock indie não é algo que eu costumo consumir muito (por não gostar), mas esse álbum é legalzinho de escutar. é uma escuta bem tranquila e relaxante. é um álbum ok, não tem nada de muito extraordinário.
3.5
3.5 i really enjoy this one w a spliff at golden hour
An enjoyable listen. I hear some Metronomy, some Arcade Fire, some 60s do-wop. Not sure how or where I would listen on the regular. 3/5
This is a weird one. It’s certainly interesting, and initially I really didn’t care for it. But as I listened it grew on me a little.
Sounds a bit like later day Beatles or early 70s psychedelia done by a singer-songwriter. Some elements of Chicago as well. The problem is that there is nothing new or exciting here. This makes me wonder why it’s on this list. I am instantly wary of albums on this list from the 2000s because so many are forgettable. I think the author was just hearing these albums while writing the first edition of the book and thought, “ I should include this as a future classic”. The problem is that most of these were forgettable when released and over 20 years later, they are still not classic. It would be fine to fall asleep to or to have it on in the background as you give the dog a bath or do your taxes.
I listened to this at 7:30 in the morning on 22nd December, having just returned from Southern Italy to England for Christmas. It was still dark out! Decent album, I'm going to listen to Os Mutantes now.
More interesting than the usual UK stuff, but not innovative
Like a nice vacation Refreshing. Possibly not life-changing but the best vacations usually aren’t. Warm and chilly but nothing groundbreaking . Plenty of Nuggets ( or songs that could be on that classic collection) Nice 2.5 Not sure to round up or down My personal scale of 1 - god awful 2 - dull or bad with at least 1 redeeming factor 3 . Good - will consider adding the vinyl to my collection
This is about as wholesome as I would expect a band called The Bees to sound. Almost even to the point where it's so wholesome that it's not daring enough, and lacks the depth and unpredictability that I like to hear in an album. But it's still a fun little project, it's one that if I listen to it in the right mood I can definitely see myself absolutely loving this.
This is undoubtedly a summer album. I say this as I listen during a snowy day in mid-December in Michigan. That is, this album may have hit harder in June, and I will probably check it out again once the sunlight returns. That said, this does transport you to tropical environs. It's colorful, warm, psychedelic. It has those flowery 60s vibes and is totally groovy. I really like the vintage sounds and the homemade feel, almost like solo Paul McCartney vibes. There is a strong influence of reggae and dub and Caribbean and Latin American music but still has that millennial indie backbone. You can tell these guys are pretty chill and to cover Os Mutantes ("A Minha Menina") means they're cool enough in my book. I don't know if there is anything incredibly profound here, but just an enjoyable listen. An eclectic ensemble of instruments with good grooves makes for a fun time. It will probably bump up when I listen to this in better weather and with a pina colada in hand.
Feelings I got from previous bossa nova records also apply here. On a cold December morning at 5:30AM I’m sent to somewhere much warmer, but just as sleepy. “A Minha Menina” is worth the praise and attention it gets. It’s got TV ad or network sitcom montage written all over it. “Zia” felt strangely similar to “Us & Them” by Pink Floyd if it was a bit more sun-soaked. I really enjoyed “This Town” as well, that might be my pick from the album. Not at all culturally significant therefore I am questioning its place on the list. Nonetheless, it was a very easy, enjoyable listen. 3/5
not bad, hat aber iwie ka klare linie
Variation of vibes on this album with some songs I would defo go back to (those on the chiller side). Not quite mind-blowing, but a fun listen
Surprisingly fine for a band I don't really know a lot about
Pleasant. But didnt grab me by the short and curlies.
This is fine. It's nice enough. Some moments sound like the Beatles, some like the Beach Boys. Not essential to listen to before your hearing goes.
Kinda fun, kinda background music. Don't know how it was groundbreaking or considered such an achievement.
Not sure about the "need to hear" quality of this, but I'm glad that I did! One of those random weird picks that's actually quite nice. 3.5/5
hmmm
Spun it twice. A couple of pleasant songs. Nothing special. Don’t hate it, but won’t be going back for more.
Not my thing
Almost feels like a joke, but slightly too good for that.
I found the band's sound very polished. The arrangements fit together very well. Everything sounds very clear. It doesn't sound as pretentious as other bands of this generation that want to be those strange indie bands. Being Brazilian, I even found the cover of "Minha Menina" by Os Mutantes funny.
There is nothing on this album would make me want to listen to it again, although there are some nice chilled out tracks towards the end. Credit to them for recording this at home. But I think they were/are destined to be a support band forever. I'd rather listen to The Hives.
3.5
An oddball collection of songs, but there are some likable moments here. I'm sure there are audiophiles out there who will love some of the more interesting instrumental backings. But altogether, the album doesn't cohere into any clear musical statement, and too many tracks would make a good fit for a Youtube lo-fi study video. It's a mostly enjoyable listen, but nothing all that noteworthy.
I liked the album cover. Sounded fine but nothing memorable.
The first half of this is the type of music that will have you walking down the street whistling like Steamboat Willie! The second half is the type of music you listen to at a cafe watching the rain roll down the window. I love the duality of it and that’s why I’m rating it highly.
отличный альбом для спокойного настроения, прям в точку попал он
Amazing little indie album.
Me resultan originales y me gusta en general
What the fuck is happening in this album? It's got a little bit of everything and I can't tell if it's Good or Imitating Something Good. It's nice when it's on the knife edge of jazzy without being jazz or lo-fi beats to study to (which it often shifts to) and some of the twee shit really grinds my gears. A Minha Menina fuckin' sucks, dude. But there's obviously some great stuff here. I can't get my head around it. Some parts are a low two to one and some parts are a 4, so I'm gonna split the difference.
Jesus Fucking Christ. There's more 2000s British indie on here? Why is this here? I swear this whole album list is just one big British circle jerk of the same types of artists and bands over and over and over again. This is yet another instance of bunch of quirky british white guys trying to be "eclectic" or whatever and having it all blend into each other anyway. This reminds me a lot of a different band on this list whose name starts with B, the Beta Band. I don't like the Beta Band very much, and I don't particularly care for the Bees either. I do think that I liked this more than Hot Shots II, but it's by a pretty slim margin. The album sounds alright. It's got some nice moments musically. The vocals are whatever. The writing exists. The album doesn't go on for too long, I'll give it that. Too many of these albums go on for an hour+, so a 40 minute album is nice to see. I just don't care about this one. It's not bad, but there is no reason for me having to listen to this before my death. Also, the Os Mutantes cover is just okay. Worse than the original, but not bad in and of itself. Low 3/5.
nice
It finished before starting 😅
This was okay nothing amazing
Very atmospheric and intriguing, with some clear influences in jazz and funk along with psychedelic rock.
The album cover for "Sunshine Hit Me" is frankly awful and doesn't set a good first impression. The opening track, "Punchbag," is pleasantly mellow, but its slow pace makes it an odd choice to lead an album. As the record progresses, it becomes clear that this mellow sound is the reigning aesthetic. Tracks like "Angryman" and "No Trophy" follow suit. While "No Trophy" injects a slight, jaunty Ska influence, it remains distinctly low-key. By the time the listener reaches "Binnel Bay," the fourth track, the consistently sedate and one-paced nature of the album begins to struggle to hold interest. However, the middle section offers some much-needed variety. The cover of "A Minha Menina" brings a refreshing change of pace with its driving rhythm and a sharp, high-in-the-mix guitar hook that stands out completely from the preceding tracks. Similarly, "Sweet Like a Champion" distinguishes itself with its sombre, melancholic, bass vocals and delicate acoustic guitar work. Ultimately, while the album is well-performed and features a pleasant mix, "Sunshine Hit Me" is largely one-paced and lacking in dynamics. For me, it fails to offer the necessary variety to stay engaging and, as a result, didn't stir an emotional reaction of any kind. It's not a disagreeable album, just nice and forgettable. Rounding up, it just rates three stars. 1. "Punchbag" (3/5) 2. "Angryman" (3/5) 3. "No Trophy" (3/5) 4. "Binnel Bay" (2/5) 5. "Sunshine" (2/5) 6. "A Minha Menina" (4/5) 7. "This Town" (2/5) 8. "Sweet Like a Champion" (4/5) 9. "Lying in the Snow" (3/5) 10. "Zia" (2/5) 11. "Sky Holds the Sun" (3/5) Total - 31 Average - 2.82 145/1001 75/145 albums reviewed were new to me.
New band to me, though on first listen I recognized A Minha Menina, though maybe just because it's a cover. Overall, feels like a band with lots of potential, but a little to unfinished for my liking, but maybe that's just the psy-music vibe. Punchbag - this is a solid first track. Nice interplay of the intstruments, keyboard, drums, bass, and horn all working together. Even got a nice contribution to the groove from a triangle, which maybe a first. Writing this on my second listen and still wish they had a stronger vocalist, though I don't hate his contributions here...well, maybe, "use me like a punchbag" just doesn't fit with the overall groove, like someone just decided to sing some gibberish just because. Angryman - also a great vibe--and and again more contributions from a triangle, but I really want them to get a better vocalist. No Trophy - I'm not convinced by their attempt at dub. Feels like they got stoned and were like, we could play this, but it's mediocre. Binnel Bay - No. BS psy-rock stoner drivel. Sunshine - this is solid. I think they're at their best in instrument drive low-key vibes. Honestly, would like this to be longer some musical development, but otherwise good. A Minha Menina - can't complain, nice catchy groove and first time I haven't actively disliked the vocals. I can't place it, but besides actually being a cover this feels rhythmically like a cover of some alt group from the 90s, maybe Janes' Addiction--but I don't think that's right. This Town Sweet Like A Champion Lying In The Snow Zia - meh. This is a vibe track, but doesn't quite nail the vibe. Sky Holds the Sun - This gets the vibe better. The interplay of the rhythm section and the horns creates a great groove. But I could do without the vapid vocals. Seeds - liking the intro groove, but again I could do without the vocals. You Got to Leave - weird vibe change. Little bit of Lou Reed, little bit of White Stripes, little bit of please don't play this again. Elain Whistle Chop - I can get behind this. Has a psy-rock-jazzy vibe that I like. Drum line is nice 'n tasty. Maybe you need to be high to truly enjoy this album? Jackel Head - Out for the Count
I want to say that this sounds like GarageBand. That's not fair. There's plenty of close-mic and panning. If it's GarageBand, it's very good GarageBand. It's just that nothing stands out in this perfectly fine and unremarkable indie funk album. My knowledge of The Bees comes from Free the Bees, which came two years after this. I heard the song "Chicken Payback" on Triple J Sydney all the time when I lived there. That song is still great. And in fairness, it's of a piece with what appears to be their career statement of un-fussed Motown revival mashed with gentlemanly lad rock. But it's wall-to-wall better. So politely close the tab on this record, listen to Free the Bees, and wonder why that wasn't the Bees record in this dude's book.
3.5. I enjoyed it.
Angryman (track 2) was good. But track 3? WTF? Track 4 too - odd. Track 5 instrumental good. Track 6 meh. Maybe a few others were ok. 3 stars.
This is fine. Inoffensive. I'm not sure I needed to hear it before I die though.
Un retorno futurista a la mejor psicodelia. Tame Impala lograron algo similar con su debut. Punchman y Angryman dejan las cartas boca arriba, con un sonido peculiar pero muy logrado. Sorprende el giro jamaicano con No Trophy, primer sencillo del disco. Sunshine es una joya instrumental, de lo mejor del lote, junto con las calmadas This Town, Sweet Like a Champion y sobre todo Lying in the Snow. A Minha Menina tuvo recorrido en la publicidad, es una buena versión de otros ilustres: Os Mutantes. ¿El problema? Que otras bandas transitaron ese camino, tan o mejor que ellos: The Beta Band, Gomez, The Coral o los primeros Tame Impala.
The Bees combine the lo-fi acoustic singer-songwriter psychedelia of Syd Barrett with a globalized hipster appetite for the sounds and styles of world music for a pleasantly warm and dreamy swishy lounge meets indie bedroom pop vibe that's tastefully arranged and expertly crafted. Very nice, but lacks excitement.
Fun beats and enjoyable but not sure I will listen to again
This has got to be one of the most early aughts sounding albums I've heard in awhile. It's not the most exciting listen, but all the elements are there for an alternative rock/pop album from the turn of the century. A lounge groove feel, mostly spoken vocals, occasional dub vibes, refined simplicity. This is excellent background music for something like happy hour, having company over for dinner, doing chores, or shopping some small boutique-esc shop. However, it is not an album for a deep, focused listen as there's not really a lot below the surface. For all intents and purposes, I enjoyed this quite a bit and will keep it in my back pocket for when I need something in the background.
Ambient, cool. Nice intersection between jazz, ambient and rock. Great to have on in the background while I was cooking. Nothing super groundbreaking but it definitely grew on me over the course of the listen.
This was nice
I should probably stop quibbling over whether these albums are really NECESSARY to listen to before you die and just enjoy being introduced (and re-introduced) to music. But this album is one that would have fit within that argument pretty well. Parts of this reminded me of Sufjan Stevens. I like it, don't love it. Very British. I liked the Os Mutantes cover. If half-stars were available it would be 2.5 for me.
-oh hell yeah this is precisely the type of Bohemian millennial indie i like. reminds me a lot of Animal Collective and nothing revolutionary, but this band still does their own thing -holy shit my soul left my body when they covered A Minha Menina?? any band that likes Os Mutantes is a friend of mine. great work -Favorites: Punchbag, Binnel Bay, A Minha Menina
A surprisingly good album. Didn’t know what to expect but quite enjoyed it. The reggae undertones were very well done.
Never heard of The Bees before but enjoyed their work. Different and melodic while staying interesting. 6.25/10 (3.125/5)
Strong 3 Undeniably chill vibes, but not much else. Was very down in the beginning, but then not much more came of it.
Super chill, really nice background music. Kind of reminds me of Nice Guys Love You a bit. Love the album art, as well.
This is fine. Not particularly noteworthy; it’s just kind of shapeless, pleasant, indie rock. THREE STARS
Not the bees! This was smooth, and aged incredibly well for when it came out (3.5/5)
This album grew on me with a second listen. I knew a few other songs and those were more immediate. This album has an eclectic mix of songs and it's hard to tell at first listen who they are, and then second listen through you realize it's all them. I won't give it more than 3 because i need more listens to determine if it's a 4, or maybe if it creeps into 5 territory.
Definitely a different sound than most things out there in 2002. It’s a pretty chill listen with an eclectic mix of genres. I probably wouldn’t go back to this one, but it was an interesting Monday morning today.
This is a sunny, chill album and made for perfect listening on my morning commute. As a whole, it gets less totally consistent as it goes on, unfortunately. It was really weird to hear "A Minha Menina" on here just three days after getting Os Mutantes, I initially thought that something had gone wrong with my streaming. I appreciate the connection: here you have a British indie group adapting a Brazilian psychedelic group which, in turn, adapted an American folk rock song. These little connections show the evolution of our modern music so well and are fascinating to discover. Favorite track: "Angryman"
Decent
Interesting but not much more than that. 3*
It was interesting sounding
slatko
Wasn't prepared for the Os Mutantes cover
Dreamy, arty, lofi feeling album. Not bad, but not GREAT, all together fine throughout. Won't listen to it again but a fine one time listen.