Reviews (page 2 of 7)
4.5/5. Another crazy album! Clearly influenced or influencers. Beatles influenced heavily initially. Octavarium by DT in there somewhere. It’s so original yet so familiar. Loved Touch Sensitive, but then No Sympathy blew me away - Bon Jovi into Battles. And then run, Christian run stole the show. Super cool album.
Woah, way more eclectic and at times trip-hoppy than the Super Furry Animals record I got 7 albums ago (Fuzzy Logic). I actually prefer this one, despite it having some annoying and zany moments, I respect the cool turn of the millennium genre hopping feel of it, much like Beck whom I've been getting into more lately because of this list. Genuinely great band!
Cool album. I really liked the group. I will still listen to their other albums. As far as I understand, almost all of their long plays are hits.
Super fun music, reminds me of early Gorillaz albums. Love this shit
Just might be the best band of all time. Weird, whacky, wonderful and Welsh. The whole album is a dreamy trip. It’s not even their best one 5.0/5.0 Best Song: It’s Not The End Of The World
What can you say that we haven't said to each other a million times before. Its a work of art, its easily there most fun album i think. So many good tracks, by the greatest band ever at the peak of their powers. I don't need to write much for this review, i just love this album so much. Best Song: I think...... Juxtaposed with you
This is a great album! Tough to define a genre. Indie I guess. Definitely grabbing this on vinyl
Super Furry Animals is the collective noun for Len Houmous’ 8-13th wife. 4.5 7/13 Shoot Doris Day
What a beautiful record
My streaming service only has a "delux" version of this album which is over 3 hours long. When I first saw this I was overwhelmed and felt like I didn't know where to start. I decided to put the album on shuffle and just listen throughout the day. Glad I did! A wild mix of eclectic sounds and influences - never knew what would come next. Felt like Grateful Dead from the future. 3 hours later and I didn't want the album to end.
I’m a bit surprised how low other rating are, this was super fun album and a wide range of styles to keep up interest. I also am into the kind of weird style this used, so that increased my enjoyment as well. Overall 4.5/5
This may not be everyone's cup of tea but it certainly is mine. I like the experimental sound of the album and the overall creativity. It's a strange album in the best way possible.
strava album, 8/10, slušao samo jednu pesmu doduše
Whether it is or not, feels like a concept album (what that concept is, I am not certain). But there is a depth to this album, an effort to make a great album, musically and thematically. I really didn't hate any track and I really enjoyed most of the songs. 5 stars...pretty satisfying.
This is the 180th album I’m rating. Although I've never listened to a Super Furry Animals song I've always hated them for their stupid name. Adding to my Playlist - Sidewalk Serfer Girl, It's Not the End of the World?, Receptacle for the Respectable, Shoot Doris Day, Miniature, No Sympathy, Juxtapozed with U, Presidential Suite, and Fragile Happiness. Not Adding to my Playlist - Alternate Route to Vulcan Street, (Drawing) Rings Around the World, [A] Touch Sensitive, and Run! Christian, Run!. All in all I liked 9/13 songs. This isn't as bad as I thought it would be based on the band name, and it was actually pretty good.
All over the place in the best way. Tracks start to sound generic, then slowly warp into a bit of weirdness as they keep going.
I recently gave this band about half of the "Discog in a Day" treatment whilst on my travels, with practically zero prior knowledge of them. Super Furry Animals didn't really land for me at that point, needing a hell of a lot more time and some less chaotic listening conditions to properly digest, however I probably would've had this album down as the most immediately accessible of those that I'd given a go (Fuzzy Logic through to Phantom Power). Revisiting this one, with a fresh pair of ears, has done it the world of good. It's absolutely beaming with warm, gorgeous textures, does whatever the hell it wants and has plenty to unpack with repeat listens. I'd be highly inclined to come back to this.
great
Really good
I’d completely forgotten how brilliant this album is. I’m not sure when or why it faded out of my rotation but I’m glad this list chucked it back at me. I only listened to it 4 times today, just as I probably did the first time I heard it. It’s a stunning collection of songs, with so much variety to them, but they all sit together well. Very hard to achieve! I love his vocals. Lyrically interesting and amusing without going too far down the path of Divine Comedy who became cringingly unfunny. Time to explore their other work further again… exciting.
I love the Super Furry Animals. What is not to like? Who would have thought there would have been a thing as Welsh Psychedelia? It must be a prime mushroom growing area I suppose. Although it's a top album, it isn't as raw as their earlier stuff, which I prefer. This is one of those albums you can listen to without skipping a track and enjoy it's eclectic weirdness. A 4.5 star album.
Great sound, really unique vibe. Sounds like spiritualized if there was some rock/alt influence
I'll be honest here, I was fucking terrified when I saw "BRITPOP" in the tags for this album. Thank Christ it wasn't actually proper Britpop, this shit was so much more tolerable. In fact, not even just tolerable, this album was pretty awesome. For a band with such a shit name and a style looking like Britpop bands of the 90's, I was pleasantly surprised to note that it wasn't that, at all. I loved how the theme stayed similar yet all the songs differed. 52 minutes really felt like 30. There was definitely some weird moments, like on No Sympathy. The freaky steps into electronic and fast paced video game music / acid house wigged me the fuck out. I actually enjoyed that song way more than I expected though. Somehow it works. Rings Around the World and Miniature were probably the favourites here I think. They were super catchy and fresh. I actually can't believe I went into this thing expecting to hate it, especially seeing Britpop as the genre. But there was something about the weirdness and wackiness of the constant switch between song styles that really kept me plugged in and interested. This album had me focusing on it, I couldn't even get any work done to it because I was just sitting along enjoying the ride. If that's not tell of a great album, I don't know what is. I also really enjoyed the singers voice, it scratched a part of my brain that I didn't know needs scratching. He sounds similar to a singer I know, but I can't put my finger on it. It really annoys me that I can't figure out who. Update: HE SOUNDS LIKE FUCKING ELVIS COSTELLO CUNT THAT IS UNCANNY HOLY SHIT ITS LIKE IDENTICAL Anyways, brownie points for surprising me so well. This gets a 5. Definitely coming back to this to re-listen a few more times.
This album is great. Combination of Beck and Puscifer.
Never heard this before! Loved it, what a great musical journey
Very Of Montreal. Kind of Surreal, Kind of pop, all wonderful.
No Sympathy goes hard... super eclectic and unexpected.
Wow, I actually ended up really enjoying this. Just incredible fun.
Welsh alt-rock loveliness
I loved this album especially juxtapozed with you. Definitely underrated artist.
"Rings Around the World" sounds like a sort of sibling album to Quebec, and no, it's not just because both albums feature cumming in someone's mouth (although it's pretty similar lurid ground). really, i think it's because both albums feel like reactions to the end of the Big Decade of the Future, the time when anything felt possible, before slowly realizing that there are limits to boundless optimism and cynicism. "Quebec" does this musically, keeping the goofiness in spots while also evolving into something more musically mature than you would normally get from Ween; you could argue they toned it down. i've only sort of heard another album from Super Furry Animals, Radiator, and it's got its moments of being silly, but never crude and rude like Ween are. really, i think they may have gotten weirder over time, with offbeat trip-hop and techno interludes in between glam and and straightforward 60's pop appreciation. its uplifting, manic starchild music and i loved almost every second of it. where i am it's January 14th, 2025. in six days, Donald Trump serves a non-consecutive term as President in an increasingly cruel and reactionary United States following a piss poor emergency campaign led by the faltering Democratic Party. just today, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested for an attempted coup that he performed because he was "lonely". two and a half decades ago, George Bush stole an election from Al Gore because the state his votes were contested in had the former's brother as governor. that last political event is the environment that "Rings Around the World" found itself released in, an age hit by the internet revolution and a brave new future for television, movies, and even video games. now the internet is run by fascist ghoul billionaires, and our the main media of planet Earth is provocateurs on Kick showering the Wal-Mart produce in wasp spray, and Mr. Beast. the albums of the 2000's like this and "Quebec" were the last hug out the door before we faced the cruelty of the coming future, much as people had been hugged in 2024 by Imaginal Disk or Diamond Jubilee or The New Sound -- the weird eventually gives way to sobering reality. it always has. it is easy to believe that we are slipping into dark times, or that we're living the new dark age now, but the truth is found in the album sitting between your bong and your record player, as per an old, wise doorman outside Abbey Road Studios: "Matter of fact, it's all dark. The only thing that makes it look light is the sun."
Very reminiscent of some of my favorite stuff: The Beatles, Tally Hall, They Might Be Giants. Every song is a great, and there's a huge variety in songs and sounds.
First album I've actually listened to in a while (too familiar with everything since). Gruff Rhys rules. John Cale featuring is an instant 20 cool points. Just on the arsty enough side of indie rock for me. 10 cymrus
if you took the best harmonies from the beach boys, mixed them with the amazing inventiveness of the beatles and blended them together with a dash of post-millenium paranoia youd get this this IMMACULATE album. sfa forever. side note. if youre new to the super furries and like this, a. listen to their discography its damn near perfect.. and b. check out Das Koolies, after Gruff left the band went on hiatus or whatever so they started Das Koolies as a four piece and the album and single theyve put out are just as flawless
a Kyle album. riiing riiiiing riiin riing rings around the world. at leeeeast its not the the end of the world.
I'd never heard of this before. I loved it! Especially track 9 "No Sympathy" I had to listen to it 4 or 5 times in a row. Its been a while since one song stuck in my brain for this long before.
Yeah I jerked off so what
This is a beautifully produced album. It's been years since I've listened and I don't know why i took so long. Lots of fun! Liked Songs Added: - Sidewalk Seefer Girl - It's Not The End Of The World? - Receptacle Forr The Respectable - No Sympathy - Juxtaposed With U
Fun, different and interesting – and engaging in the most thoroughgoing sort of way. Because everything works well (and well together), it's hard to pick individual standouts but one has enjoyed these the most: the ecstatic title cut, "Not the End of the World," “Shoot Doris Day” and “Juxtapozed with U" and “Presidential Suite” “Run Christian Run" and "Roman Road." The more outre moments (scary voices on "Respectable" and sound effect montage on "No Sympathy" go borderline too far) but are mostly additive. usually, music of this quanity faces quality issues – not this one. SFA are a band one wishes one knew better and had more time for when one was younger, when life was more sprawling and delicious, weirder and more exciting, just like this most excellent record.
A really cool record from the britpop era that I had a great time listening to. Some of the experimental parts fell a little flat for me and fell into a bit of a silly annoying noises category, but some of them were lovely surprises, particularly the forays into styles of dance music and incorporation of record scratching just really amped up the level of fun you can have listening to this. The main highlights for me were the ballads on the backend of the album that may borrow a liiittle heavily from Blur's sound, but they do it justice so who gives a shit lol the songs are good. Overall had a great time and cherry on top I'm a big Rhys Ifans fan really cool to find out he was in this group for a time.
This album really blew me away. I was very impressed by the seamless mix of different styles and genres. "Receptacle for the Respectable" and "No Sympathy" really stood out as amazing surprises. I loved every song but "Presidential Suite", which was the clear low point on the album. All that considered, 12/13 is pretty damn impressive. 4.8/5 -> 5/5
This surprisingly slapped.
I hadn't heard of this album and judging by the first song, I didn't think I would like it. Turns out all the other songs are incredible and it's just that first song I don't like. In fact, the rest of this album is so good! It all works together making an album which sounds unique and works together. Favorite songs: Sidewalk Serfer Girl, It's Not The End Of The World, Shoot Doris Day, No Sympathy, Juxtaposed With U, Presidential Suite, Fragile Happiness
A great baroque Brit pop album with wonderful arrangements.
holy shit! fell in love with this album listening to it, that I decided to listen to the 2-part super deluxe 6.5 hour edition of the album and it was so much fun! absolutely love this - 10/10
### "Rings Around the World" by Super Furry Animals: An In-Depth Review **Introduction** "Rings Around the World," released in 2001, is the fifth studio album by the Welsh band Super Furry Animals. Known for their eclectic and innovative approach to music, the band delivered an ambitious project that blends genres, sophisticated production, and thought-provoking lyrics. This review delves into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, and also evaluates its strengths and weaknesses. **Lyrics** The lyrical content of "Rings Around the World" is a rich tapestry of social commentary, surreal imagery, and introspective musings. Gruff Rhys, the band's lead vocalist and primary lyricist, explores a variety of themes with wit and poignancy. 1. **Social Commentary**: Tracks like "Receptacle for the Respectable" and "No Sympathy" tackle consumerism and societal apathy. In "No Sympathy," Rhys sings, "There’s no sympathy for the devil / And no sympathy for the poor," a biting critique of modern society's lack of empathy. 2. **Environmental Concerns**: The title track, "Rings Around the World," reflects on the environmental impact of human activity. The lyrics, "We got the rings around the world / We got the strings that pull the world," metaphorically suggest both the global reach of human influence and the consequential strain on the planet. 3. **Surreal and Abstract Imagery**: Songs like "Sidewalk Serfer Girl" and "Presidential Suite" showcase Rhys's ability to weave surreal narratives. "Presidential Suite" references political scandals with a whimsical twist, blending real-world events with absurdist humor. 4. **Personal and Reflective**: "It's Not the End of the World?" touches on personal resilience and optimism in the face of adversity. The chorus, "It's not the end of the world / No, not even close," serves as a reassuring reminder of perseverance. **Music** The musical landscape of "Rings Around the World" is vast and varied, showcasing the band's versatility and experimentation. 1. **Genre-Blending**: The album fuses rock, pop, electronic, and orchestral elements. Tracks like "Juxtapozed with U" mix funk and soul influences, creating a catchy, groove-laden sound. 2. **Innovative Arrangements**: The band employs unconventional song structures and diverse instrumentation. "Receptacle for the Respectable" evolves through multiple sections, including a Beach Boys-inspired harmony breakdown and a heavy metal finale. 3. **Melodic Richness**: Super Furry Animals are known for their strong melodies, and this album is no exception. Songs like "It's Not the End of the World?" and "Juxtapozed with U" are instantly memorable, thanks to their compelling hooks and harmonious vocals. 4. **Textural Depth**: The album features a rich tapestry of sounds, from the lush string arrangements in "Run! Christian, Run!" to the electronic bleeps and bloops in "Shoot Doris Day." This sonic diversity keeps the listener engaged and showcases the band's technical prowess. **Production** The production of "Rings Around the World" is polished and ambitious, reflecting the band's desire to push boundaries. 1. **High Fidelity**: The album was one of the first to be simultaneously released on CD and DVD, with the latter offering high-definition audio and visual content. This commitment to quality is evident in the pristine sound of the album. 2. **Collaborative Effort**: Produced by the band alongside Chris Shaw, known for his work with Bob Dylan and Public Enemy, the album benefits from Shaw's expertise in capturing diverse sounds and blending them seamlessly. 3. **Innovative Techniques**: The production incorporates a wide array of studio effects and techniques. From the phasing and flanging effects on "Sidewalk Serfer Girl" to the reversed guitar loops on "No Sympathy," the album is a playground of audio experimentation. 4. **Attention to Detail**: Each track is meticulously crafted, with layers of instrumentation and subtle nuances that reveal themselves upon repeated listens. This attention to detail enhances the overall listening experience and underscores the band's dedication to their craft. **Themes** "Rings Around the World" explores a variety of themes, many of which are interconnected and reflective of the band's worldview. 1. **Globalization and Environmentalism**: The album frequently addresses the impact of globalization and the corresponding environmental consequences. The title track and "Run! Christian, Run!" both highlight the tension between progress and preservation. 2. **Technology and Isolation**: Songs like "Juxtapozed with U" and "No Sympathy" explore the double-edged sword of technological advancement, which brings people together yet often fosters a sense of isolation and disconnection. 3. **Political Satire**: "Presidential Suite" and "Receptacle for the Respectable" contain pointed political commentary, using satire and absurdity to critique contemporary political figures and systems. 4. **Human Experience**: At its core, the album is a reflection on the human condition, with songs that touch on love, loss, hope, and despair. This thematic breadth makes the album relatable and emotionally resonant. **Influence** "Rings Around the World" has left a lasting impact on both fans and fellow musicians. Its innovative approach to production and genre-blending has been influential in the indie and alternative music scenes. 1. **Critical Acclaim**: The album was well-received by critics, praised for its ambition and creativity. It has been included in several "best of" lists, cementing its status as a significant work in the band's discography. 2. **Inspiring Musicians**: The album's eclectic style and production techniques have inspired a generation of musicians to experiment with their sound. Bands like The Flaming Lips and Animal Collective have drawn comparisons to Super Furry Animals' innovative approach. 3. **Cultural Impact**: Beyond its musical influence, the album's themes of globalization, environmentalism, and technological impact resonate with contemporary societal issues, making it a culturally significant work. **Pros and Cons** **Pros:** 1. **Eclectic and Innovative Sound**: The album's genre-blending and experimentation make it a standout in the band's catalog and the broader music landscape. 2. **Strong Lyrics**: Gruff Rhys's lyrical prowess shines throughout, offering insightful commentary and vivid imagery. 3. **High Production Quality**: The meticulous production and attention to detail result in a polished and immersive listening experience. 4. **Diverse Themes**: The album's exploration of globalization, technology, politics, and human experience provides depth and relevance. **Cons:** 1. **Overambitious at Times**: The album's complexity and eclecticism might be overwhelming for some listeners, making it less accessible. 2. **Inconsistent Pacing**: The varied styles and shifts in tone can result in a disjointed listening experience for those seeking a more cohesive narrative. 3. **Niche Appeal**: While critically acclaimed, the album's experimental nature may not appeal to mainstream audiences. **Conclusion** "Rings Around the World" by Super Furry Animals is a landmark album that showcases the band's creativity, technical skill, and willingness to push boundaries. Its rich lyrical content, innovative music, and polished production make it a standout work that continues to influence and inspire. While its ambitious scope and eclectic style may not be for everyone, it remains a significant and enduring piece of the early 2000s music scene. The album's exploration of relevant themes such as globalization, technology, and the human condition ensures its continued relevance and impact.
This is definitely an album that requires several listens to fully absorb. Stylistically, it moves all over the place the ambition of the album is very much intentional and really requires your attention. Genres shift significantly even within songs. No where is that more dramatic than the sweet folk of 'No Sympathy' that morphs into a chaotic acid-tinged drill n bass song. It's a clear highlight for me, along with the title track and 'Receptacle for the Respectable'. The latter is another genre bending track, featuring the likes of Paul McCartney munching on vegetables against poppy rock n roll before diving into a heavy metal influenced breakdown. The more I listen to this album, the more I enjoy it. I'd love to hear the surround mix one day.
I loved this album when it first came out. Sidewalk Serfer Girl and Receptacle for the Respectable are six star songs frankly. In any civilised era, SFA would have been Beatles level big.
I could write an essay on this one if I had the time. It’s a fantastic listen all the way through. Genre-bending throughout, the path the listener is taken on is completely unpredictable. And yet, each turn kind of makes sense to me. For example, “No Sympathy” is a quiet acoustic track, with anger bubbling underneath as the lyrics repeat “I have no sympathy for you”. In the last two minutes, the sound slowly transforms into what I could only describe as an electronic freak out, or possibly a laser gunfight. The next track “Juxtapoze with u” hilariously slides into a sunny 70s R&B groove, and the lyrics remind us we have to “tolerate the people we hate,” juxtaposing this with the previous track’s lyrics AND music. There is really no part of this to pick apart. The songs are good, bolstered by the production. Dynamics, instrumentation, song structures, it’s all interesting. Not one time during this album did I think, “I’ve heard this before.” Had it at a 4/5 but the back half of the album really sealed it as a 5/5. Loved this album!
What a fantastic album. I knew of the Super Furries but had never listened to an album before. Error.
I love this album and have loved it since it came out. I never got much into other Super Furry Animals albums, but this album is a brilliant mix of so many different sounds and styles of songs, and I think every single one is great. Many songs are just beautiful, many are funny, and many groove or rock with great riffs and hooks.
Really original and interesting album, wish I'd discovered this at the time.
Great album, amazing band
Never heard of them but enjoyed this album
The most underrated band from the British 90s music scene. Some great songs, taking the best of The Beach Boys, Psychedelic rock and soul. A peach of a record.
Rings Around The World feels like the missing link between Blur and Gorillaz. It’s the transformation from britpop to whatever you would like to call the schizophrenic mashup of genres that the British scene of the early 00’s experimented with. There’s very little cohesion as Gruff Rhys and the band throws every musical idea towards you - and somehow succeeds to hit the target time and time again. It shouldn’t actually work, but it does. It’s too much, it could almost be misinterpreted as a joke of a band with no musical direction. Somehow Super Furry Animals gets away with it - and it’s sublime.
Really great album. Very ahead of it's time for 2001. The lead singer sounds like Damon Albarn, so it felt like listening to a contemporary Blur album. Great production. Sounds like it was influential in the rock space.
Has long been one of my favorites
had absolutely 0 expectations going into this album. had never heard of Super Furry Animals but it was a great listen. no bad songs and a lot of really good ones. the vibes were all over the place but in a good and purposeful way
I loved this so much!! If other albums were 5, this was a 10
Huge fan of SFA and this is yet another one added to the list. I don't really get the complaints about the style but if it's good, then it's good right? And I like this, a lot.
This was intended to be an expansive epic and that comes across in the final album. It has cinematic production values and plenty of variety in the musical content. The melodies are catchy, the vocals are bouncy (loads of great harmonies) and the arrangements are dense. They don't take themselves too seriously either. Thoroughly enjoyable pop.
I really got into this. I loved this album, then I listened to a bit of Griff Rhys's latest one, then I went back and enjoyed a bit of Neon Neon. The tongue in cheek lyrics, experimental sounds and laid back guitar were spot on.
Weird space rock with a DJ. Surprisingly good.
What a refreshing surprise. I'm tempted to temper my review a bit because I don't think they are going to be a band I continue to come back to and the sound is a bit dated, but I just really enjoy it. I had never heard of this band before and the blending of styles and variation between there music was excellent. Juxtapozed with U was a great little song, but I loved their instrumental [A] Touch Sensitive and the longer tracks like No Sympathy and Presidential Suite. Great album!
A life-defining moment was going on a high school writer's retreat and one of the seniors I looked up to playing the entire dvd that accompanied this album. It was my intro to SFA and the album which would soundtrack my own final high school years. They were a band my freshman roommate and I bonded over. It's an album I can always come back to and be transported to 2003. This is all to say, I can't speak objectively about this album. It's fucking perfect.
Welsh band from around of era, but somehow I have never heard about them. I approached this album being very sceptical, as I always do, and truthfully I didn't find it original, creative or even fun at the beginning. I think the song "Receptacle for the Respectable" completely changed my perception of this album. They tried to fit every possible genre into a song, and somehow they created an absolute banger, which goes to the top of my favourite songs . Only then I noticed how original this album is, with songs all over the place musically, but with a cheeky lyrics on top of it. I had so much fun listening to the whole record, and I still have b-sides and remastered versions to listen to. Amazing stuff, looking forward to deeper dig into the discography in the near future!
There is something enticing about this ecletic mix. Faves: (Drawing) Rings Around the World, Receptable for the Respectable, Juxtapozed with U, and Run! Christian, Run!
This is the second time I’ve listened to this album since I recently bought the CD. I haven’t listened to any other music from Super Furry Animals but I adore this record. It sounds like if Damon Albarn was in the Flaming Lips. So many different styles and sounds are incorporated into this album. I gotta listen to more of these guys. Favorite track: Juxtaposed with U
7.5/10 Quite enjoyed this album, specifically it’s not the end of the world, really enjoyed the harmonies on receptacle for the respectable. Some songs gave me a sort of Beatles/ELO feel which goes a long way with me. The first album so far where I’ve gone back and listened to a song.
7.5/10 = maybe i'm biased because my dad loves super furry animals and gruff rhys so it reminds me of my childhood a lot but i do love this album, juxtaposed with u is one of my fav songs i always play it at pres and in the car etc its just so unanimously liked when i play it, but i wasnt as familiar with the others so was nice to hear them again, very fitting with the sunny weather too, def think super furry animals are quite underrated in terms of britpop-esque bands
Another old friend. Love the first two songs with their spliffy, melodic vibes. Juxtaposed With U's lyric " I'm not in love with you but I won't hold that against you." is beautifully wise.
Inventive songwriting. Tracks like "Sidewalk Serfer Girl", "It's Not the End of the World?", "Receptacle for the Respectable" and "Shoot Doris Day" evince an eclectic, wide-ranging style. As a result, I never got bored.
3.5
I really enjoyed this album and it's almost like every song has a turn in if there's several songs on here that I think the way it starts makes me think okay this is where the album's going to fall apart but then it will shift into something that I just absolutely love to me the ebb and flow of this album is what really makes it special for me I don't think it's quite an all-time Banger because of some of the slower Parts but it is definitely one I can listen to over and over again (9.4) ★★★★½
A bit too psychedlic for me at times, but when it is good, it is really good. 4 stars
This is a pretty cool album. It kind of reminds me of a neo-psychedelic Blur. Favorite track is "Run Christian Run", but it's pretty solid throughout. 4 stars.
Toto sa mi celkom páči. Miestami mi to pripomína Blur.
Was meh on it going in to work. Had a crap day at work. The album felt like a hug for my brain on the drive home. Not sure what to make of that. Everything has its place I suppose.
A strange, entrancing project that isn’t quite like anything I can remember hearing before. The result of the risks and leaps taken here is a complete, well-executed psychedelic journey. Amongst all the weird effects are many highly enjoyable, sticky musical passages. I actually do hear some similar DNA to Damon Albarn and his creation, Gorillaz, at points, which I can only appreciate. Funnily enough, one of the tracks here happens to sample one from The Stooges’s self titled from before. I look forward to exploring this further and I expect my appreciation to only grow. It’s all smiles in my corner. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Shoot Doris Day, Presidential Suite, It’s Not the End of the World?, Juxtapozed with U, Run! Christian, Run!, (Drawing) Rings Around The World
This is a weird Welsh rock album that's more fully formed in its songwriting and pop sensibility than typical "weird rock" albums. The singer reminds me of Damon Albarn, and some of the weirdness reminds me of Of Montreal and maybe The Flaming Lips. But there's a lot of refreshing electronica music wrapped into this Welsh rock as well, and acts as some of the highlights of the album.
Probably a low 4 stars. Wasn’t super interested at first but it grew on me as the album went on. I liked the super electronic turn of the track No Sympathy.
Day 301. Album I’m very familiar with, love the furries. Highlights Sidewalk serfer girl A touch sensitive Presidential suite
- well these dudes are everything. Heavy, funk, pop, electric, rock. Idek how to feel but its cool - music vid for every song is mad cool - idk how to feel about the saitanic ts of run christian run but lol whatever uh like ok
3.5
Maf album maar wel vet
I just love Gruff's voice. This is a bit all over the place / very eclectic but there are some absolute cast iron tunes in there. They are consistently ambitious. The celery player is pretty good too.
Ring ring! 📞 Ring ring! 📞☎️ Rings around the wooorld 🌎🌏🌍 (Drawing) Rings Around The World is the best! It has a sound that I've been looking for, but didn't know where to find. I don't have the vocabulary for it, so I will just say its awesome possum.. Why isn't there a possum emoji? Here's a skunk 🦨 I also like Receptacle For The Respectable! I thought the death growl-like vocals in the end were an unexpected, but super cool addition. I like the song No Sympathy too. I don't like it one as much as the former, but the electronic outro was neat! It came out of nowhere too!!! Like it was all acoustic, and then all of a sudden it turned into a Ryoma Maeda song 😆😆😆 This album was so much fun! 😃😃😃 Thank you! 💗 Thank you! 💗 Thank you! 💗
Solid listen
Totally new to me, thanks!
Enjoyed it 👍
Their style is all over the place, but I dig most of it
Didn’t go in with high expectations but actually really good. Liked the feel of the album and overall very interesting to listen to.
So many different genres but without ever feeling like too much of a mish-mash. Loved the vibe, will definitely return and get to know it better
4.5
The original around the world party animals.
Wonderful. I listened when I was young but never really got them. They were too hard to box in. Now I really see how inventive they were. Well worth a re-listen.
I believe Ian was a bit of a Super Furry Animals fan back in college. This was fun, way more interesting than most of the British stuff coming in around the same time.
I was not familiar but enjoyed it a lot.
n achei q ia gostar tanto desse album, mas pra mim ele captura uma vibe mt específica dos anos 2000 e isso me traz um sentimento bom, além das letras em algumas músicas, gostei
i’m back to this!! i was worried by the name of the band that i wouldn’t enjoy it but i had a GREAT time with this album. i’ll definitely be coming back to it. very beatle-esque and i could see john lennon doing stuff like this if he lived longer. big fan!
And i thought the last album i listened to was weird, Rings Around The World even managed to make that Devo album i listened to yesterday seem normal in comparison. This album feels like a really weird mix of Oasis, Radiohead and Gorillaz with it being a very alt-rock album on the surface but adding in loads of electronic elements to give it something to help it stand out. Unlike the Devo album with that being a mixed bag with it's weirdness, This album's weirdness did nothing but add to how good it was. Every song on offer feels incredibly creative and was an immense joy to listen to. I ended up really enjoying this album. Best Song: No Sympathy Worst Song: Miniature Side Note: I loved that every song here had an accompanying music video and they were all really good
Unlike a lot of British alternative on this list, there's actual soul and feeling to this music. It's a record I would listen to all the time. Which is a nice change for me and most British alt rock.
A gentle album that is also still quite diverse. One in my collection that I hadn’t heard for a while
Pretty awesome, I can't lie. Bad things: some songs dragged a bit, not all of the surprises or tonal shifts landed, and oftentimes the experimental parts of the album felt unoriginal, which is a bit of a paradox, BUT, the good things: it rocked, I had a great time listening, and no song was either boring or just plain bad. Overall, really enjoyed the album - not something I would have found myself, I don't think.
So very britpop, experimental, you never knew what you were getting with each song. Kinda loved it.
Slow burn, but I'm really glad I discovered this
Had not heard before.
Veldig positiv overraskelse. Hørte gjennom plata flere ganger og kommer garantert til å høre på den på nytt.
I love a bit of SFA. Certainly more than any other Britpop era band besides Pulp. This album is a lot of fun, but a bit all over the place, with some very good songs not really making a coherent whole. Which is why it doesn't quite get full marks from me.
Nice album
Really enjoyed this, some vibey rock that did some interesting stuff in lots of the songs
Very interesting album. All over the place, ranging from britpop/rock to experimental break-core parts that sound like a terraria boss fight of No sympathy. It might not be everyones cuppa tea, but it is good artistic expression. One of the more interesting and enjoyable records on the 1001 list.
An active but fun pop-rock album. It felt strangely old for when it came out (expected when listening it to be from the mid 90s). But it was well executed and sounded good.
I liked this a lot more than I thought i would. Lots of different things going on here
Enjoyed this way more than I expected to. A solid album.
I really liked this one. Coming from out of the blue, no idea who these guys are, it landed with me. The album was a real genre-bender, and it was interesting and fresh! There are a lot of different sounds and styles on this album. It sorta lacks cohesion at first, the tones and tempos are pretty bipolar, but none of the songs are bad and it all mostly works pretty well. The mash of rock and electronic is pretty neat. "Run! Christian, Run!" was damn near a country song. The album sounds clean as hell too and I just found it engaging. Standouts on this listen were "Sidewalk Serfer Girl" "[A] Touch Sensitive" "No Sympathy" and "Run! Christian, Run!" Rings Around the World was a pretty wild time, and I really enjoyed it. A strong 4/5 for me, and I'm interested in hearing more from this band.
Well this was a pleasant surprise. British alt-rock, yes, like so many others, but at least it had some nice variety of styles and tempos. I'd give this another spin.
Electric Light Orchestra meets King Gizzard, with hints of pop/Americana and Flaming Lips thrown in... good lord, this thing is all the map. That's a compliment!
Favourite tracks: Sidewalk Serfer Girl, Receptacle for the Respetcable, [A] Touch Sensitive I lovd weird albums. This is really good but I enjoyed the heavier moments more than anything. Great instrumentation either way. Vocals sound kind of like David Albarn too. 4/5
Mellow but with a good driving beat - enjoyable
Not quite sure what to make of this band but I really vibed with this album. I enjoyed the textured and diverse production.
I was super impressed with this! Never heard of this band idky i haven’t. This is like if radiohead was cool.
I had heard their last two albums around the time they came out and liked them pretty well but never really returned to the band. This is definitely resonating more than those did, so perhaps I need to do a deep dive
I believe this album wins for worst cover art to juxtaposed best/creative music ratio ever. Amazing psychdelic/electronic rock blends all over this thing akin granddaddy / the flaming lips. I'd maybe need repeat listens to 5 star this but this is one of my most on the fence 4-5 star ratings in a long time.
lpm se me borró, en resumen, crei q iba a ser como strokes o white stripesy me equivoqué, lo describo como rock electrónico psicodelico y se gana sus solifas 4 estrellas por ser algo que jamas escuché y no suena mal
This is fun, almost folksy, etherial rock. iTunes classifies it as pop, but it feels more alternative to me. There are echos of T-Rex and even a little Elliott Smith at times, but the big, produced feel of the album sounds great. It can feel a little derivative at times, but on the whole, it sustains its bold feel. Good album
The hardest thing about this list is giving a fair rating to unfamiliar albums after one shake, and some albums really need a few listens, a deeper dive. This has so much going on like I was never bored, but I reckon it'd work better when more familiar cos of the unusual structures and harmonies. Case in point, I used to dislike Juxtaposed With You - after a few accidental listens, it's now one of my faves TLDR; revisiting this one for sure 7.5 / 10 Best track/s: Juxtaposed With You, Run! Christian Run!, No Sympathy
super cool and dreamy. every time it started getting a bit the stale the album would reel me back in with some crazy synth design. the electro influences on here are super sick. this is such an interesting album, loved it
What a deliciously weird album. Not quite techno, not quite bubblegum pop. They don't know exactly what they want to be, but you'll find yourself tapping your foot and bobbing your head to it. My Rating: 4/5
First, very distracted listen, this didn’t stick out to me, except in snippets. On re-listen, I really enjoyed this! It went all over the place — the second to last song is full-on country! But I certainly was never bored. 8/10 Most Excellent
Lowkey playful.
What a pleasant surprise this was. Funky, but interesting melodies and combined things that were different with really soothing songs
again, another great exemple of music as art
Super fun listen -- glad I know about this now!
I like!
Super fury creatures: one of those bands where you could really hear the Beatles Influence. Super ambitious recording and done pretty well though. On par with some of the other better neo-pychedelic bands like blur and flaming lips. The more experimental parts and genre hopping were musical and organic feeling. Some of parts later in the album remind me of Elvis Costello/ Burt Bacharach. Enjoyed it but not sure if any of the melodies or grooves really stuck with me.
Lionel Messi's career.
This was very enjoyable! Right what I’m here for. High 4* might return to raise 4/5
A strange album at times but overall really enjoyable
I weirdly liked this one
I need to come back and give this more time, but I think it may be a gem. 3.5
This was a fun little discovery, gonna try more of their stuff
really liked the instrumentation here. felt like they took chances and it worked a lot of the time. this album had a lot of interesting ideas. highly original. wish it was purely instrumental. glad this exists.
Pleasantly surprised by this. The singer sounded a heck of a lot like Damon Albon, but that aside I really enjoyed the tunes here and the mix of folk, rock, and techno. I was reading that there are a few albums before this one but I'd really not heard this blend of mix and done is a really clean way.
Great find. Definitely coming back to this
This record is weird and bad and I like it.
A band I was not familiar with. I really like this album.
Really cool pop album
Decent 4,5
Pretty good
Never heard it before. It spans many genres, which will probably annoy some people but I find appealing. Will listen again (but not on constant repeat).
This was surprisingly enjoyable!
An album and a band I had never heard of. This is like if Damon Albarn was in The Flaming Lips. It’s like Ween that I could play in the car with my mom (okay maybe it’s not THAT good). So glad I could hear this though. The songs bend genres while maintaining accessible melodies. It loses a point because it’s not the most original thing out there, but it is very well executed. Favorite songs were Rings Around The World, Receptacle For The Respectable, No Sympathy, and Run! Christian, Run!
A really nice surprise. The kind of album that you can put on any time
Blur meets Flaming Lips. Great new find!
I enjoyed it, Juxtaposed With U is a classic and the rest of the album was pleasant
honestly wow. vibes of an early 2000's montage/ video diary of a vacation in summer, laying on the beach watching people surf and being in your 20's doing shit. okay so only for the first 4 songs hahah. okay no we're back to that vibe. this album would be great for a film. honestly love that there are different kind of genres and vibes and it's a visualy pleasing album, will listen again.
Wow, okay. I expected to hate this because I really didn’t like Fuzzy Logic, but I am so glad I didn’t completely write them off because this album blew me away. I could tell I was going to like it better because the flow between songs was so good, but starting with “No Sympathy” and ending with “Fragile Happiness,” it’s just song after song that packs an emotional punch. The instrumentation and vocals are top notch, and the album as a whole has a theatrical quality that works really well. This seems so fresh and different from everything else I’ve heard from them, in a good way. I was going to rate this a high 3, but the last few songs brought this up to a 4. I’ll definitely be putting those on repeat.
I was worried when I got this, I thought the label “pop” was going to be some eurodance album. I love the psychedelic baroque pop sound, and the songwriting is really great. I’m glad I found this on the project.
Wild find, didnt think I would like it and its pretty awesome.
I can honestly say I haven’t heard a sound quite like this, but I was pretty into it! There were a couple misses, but overall really unique and a really fun listen. Best Track: Sidewalk Serfer Girl
I hadn't heard this before. It's creative and a lot of fun. I thoroughly enjoyed it. And g' damn if the singer doesn't sound exactly like Damon Albarn. In fact, the whole thing calls to mind Blur . . . but perhaps a better version of Blur? Anyway, good stuff.
4/5 - This is a fun britpop album with a genuine sense of humor. It kinda feels like Fountains of Wayne + Bowie to me. Lots of different sound textures, satirical lyrics, and some excellent pop hooks. Singer has a really good voice to boot. Lyrics to Presidential Suite and Run! Christian, Run! are great. Repeat listen for me.
psychedelic journey with a nice mix of guitars. great high album
This was a new album for me. Reminded me somewhat of 90s Weezer, Blur or Sloan. The horns on Presidential Suite had a similar feel to Walk on By and I really liked the hard right turn to industrial for the last two minutes of No Sympathy.
Some of the blips and blorps definitely venture into “weird for weirdness’ sake”, but more good than bad. Definitely not generic Brit pop.
Maan I had so much fun with this. Why did i have so much fun with this???
Trodde detta skulle suga av någon anledning, kanske bara utifrån bandnamnet och det fula omslaget. Men det var ju bra! Riktigt bra.
jag känner mig hemma här. jag älskar skiten!! jag äter upp allt och ge mig mer tack!
The A side is rough, but the B side mostly won me back.
Surprisingly good 😊
Mix of sample/electro/indie/punk. Bit like intersection of Blur and Gorillaz. Some pop-punk in there too (Drawing Rings Around the World), which also seems to have some inspiration from Status Quo Rockin All Over the World?? Ooh... Receptacle for the Respectable goes a bit metal!! No Sympathy has proper synthy, almost jungle/dub Very accomplished album Best track - Drawing Rings Around the World, Receptacle for the Respectable, No Sympathy 4 stars
It’s not bad for some early 2000s neo-psychedelia and Britpop, but like with about 99% of Britpop, there’s this vein of pretentiousness that runs through the music and is hard to ignore. That said, the album also has a sense of weirdness, playfulness, and an experimental edge that’s pretty fun and keeps things interesting.
This record occupies a strange space between easy listening and hard driving rock. I honestly can't pin down what genre this is supposed to be. One minute it's laid back and atmospheric, the next it's full-on rock mode. It manages to be relaxing without ever getting boring. It’s got this kaleidoscopic feel that keeps shifting. Really enjoyable stuff. Spins: 2 Playlist Additions - (Drawing) Rings Around the World - It's Not the End of the World? - Receptacle for the Respectable - Juxtapozed with U
Kind of psychedelic alternative with a bit of funk mixed in. Interesting, but not my favorite.
4.7
An enjoyable and often psychedelic romp of pop and prog. 4/5
We saw them live at the Phoenix Concert hall in Feb 2004. The night before we went to cayman for the first time. They are a great live band.
Road to Vulcan whatever was good definitely quieter than the next two. But the next two are really good. The album seems like it keeps getting better. A touch sensitive is a weird song. The album spans so many genres. Highlights are songs 2,3,4 and juxtaposed. Also maybe run Christian run. Overall, a really great album! 🐴
Favourites: Alternate Route to Vulcan Street It's Not the End of the World? Juxtapozed Run! Christian Run!
At no point did I ever have any idea what the next song would sound like.
Knew the name but never listened. Absolutely love it. Kinda like a mix of Spiritualized and Strerolab but with more pop sense. On my second listen now and can’t wait to deep dive. What a fun discovery.
I really like this album! It was like a mash-up of a bunch of other bands/genres. Its oscillation between moods and sounds was quite jarring. definitely worthy of being on the list!
What a brilliantly bizarre collection of songs!
What a surprise this was! Thoroughly enjoyed the whole album.
Expected it to be an alternative/indie rock for some reason. What I heared is not what I loved, but there were some moments that I like. They are very creative with songwriting, arrangement and sounds and I can appreciate it even when it's not mine thing
A lot more interesting than I was expecting. Not sure all the tracks work but good fun and enough moments of beauty to keep me interested.
I love the easygoing start to this album, 'Alternate Route to Vulcan Street', with gliding strings and echoey delivery; I'm inclined to draw another Mogwai reference - highly melodic ambience. It's a recurring them (the Massive Attack inspired '(A) Touch Sensitive' or the Enoesque 'Miniature'), and also translates into some lovely orchestrated folk-pop (such as the marvelous 'No Sympathy'). There's also blue-eyed soul meets Burt Bacharach - the baroque 'It's Not the End of the World'; or 'Presidential Suite', a take on a 60s classic feel, with Bacharach brass. They had enough material for a triple album, and - it was to be a 90 minute extravaganza. I'm glad it isn't - the production does sometimes feel like a Britpop hangover (an overblown wall of sound with everything thrown at it) but they balance inventiveness with a tolerable run time. What's more they balance 60s, baroque, folk, country, rock, ambient, pop influences very well. I don't think there's a dud track.
This one has surprised me with how much I've enjoyed it. Really liked (Drawing) Rings Around the World, It's Not the End of the World?, and No Sympathy. But all of it is pretty solid.
2001 It's really hard to put a lable on SFA, such is their diverse and experimental sound, this album being one of the most genre bending of their discography. Wiki says: "incorporating pop, prog, punk, jungle, electronica, techno and death metal" I've heard this album so many times; Wiki, there's no death metal! 'Receptacle For The Respectable' and 'No Sympathy' are absolute monsters and demonstrate SFA at their most 'don't give a fuck' attitude. I've seen them six times and have pretty much everything they've released (within reason). Heard before ✅️ Listened this time ✅️ fuck yes! Revisit ✅️ ★★★★☆ (8/10)
This record kept me on my toes. So diverse and it all worked. I liked this a lot. The kind of discoveries I am here for. Thank you for this.
I was totally unaware of this group. I was pleasantly surprised by this. I'll likely be listening to this again.
Pretty catch and interesting. Hope to return to it.
84/100. All songs are great, and the album never feels stale. Packed with flavour and imagination.
Ok. I don’t know why, but I liked this. It caught my attention. Maybe it was because I was painting the house while listening and it just worked, but it was cool. I’d give it another listen.
This is really fun. All over the place. Moments where it takes a big turn and sounds completely different. Moments of calm, moments of frenzy. Whips around to different genres. Would make for good road trip tunes for sure.
Never heard of them before. Really good. 90' alt rock with some random trip-hop electronic elements.
Eclectic and Brilliant
It was nice, No Sympathy is a higlight
The harmonic noise they have on their tracks is glorious. There are few other band who create such lush warm drones. His voice is great, the tunes are interesting and the lyrics are fun. It's not my favourite SFA album, but it's bloody brilliant.
Wow. Loved this. Total surprise. Had never heard of this band before. This is right up my alley. I love the experimental vibe and exploration. Will come back to this.
Really liked this. Love all the styles and sounds while still making catchy songs. Considered 5 stars. Might revise later.
That was fun! I enjoyed the random noises :}
Intéressant, mérite d’autres écoutes.
I really liked this. Dude’s voice reminds me of Damon Albarn. I hear bits that remind me of many bands: Shudder To Think, Gorillaz, Massive Attack, Portishead, Mutemath. I enjoy intelligent music, with plays on words. The beats are unique. Glad I discovered this!
3,75
The breadth and volume of ideas was a real treat here. There are some beautiful melodies, some lovely arrangement and a surprising amount of scuzzy electric fun. A great record and definitely one to hear before i die
ok loved! one of them was one of the craziest songs i've ever heard. jon briks saw them in 2002. galea said i should listen to supergrass after, which has already been one of my albums!
Interesting
I knew nothing of the SFAs, so quite a revelation.
Great album The strings, the vibes, so good I really like it and think I could grow to love it
I enjoyed pretty much this entire album! It was just like good ol rock stuff with a lot of fun and quirky little influences I could hear here and there from electronic to some soul stuffs to keep it interesting. I guess don’t judge an album by its album cover cuz this album cover SUCKS.
This was really good. Sonically interesting and inventive. Just not quite a 5 due to a lack of grippiness
One of the more interesting entries on this list
Very interesting. Weird moments but also a lot of cool songs. Psychedelic and beatlesy
I had this album before I joined a group and I did not like it at the time; I gave it a 2/5. I almost didn't even bother listening to it again today, but I'm happy I did because I'm having an entirely different experience with it. Least favourite song is still Juxtapozed with U, favourite song is still probably Vulcan Street or Run! Christian, Run! Have I warmed up to britpop a bit?
surprisingly fun album. the best album to work to and then fall asleep to since you had too much thai food and you say to yourself "i can work from the sofa i will not fall asleep" but you will but that's fine
Дуже цікавий альбом. Іноді ловив себе на думці, що ніби різні гурти слухаєш, настільки стилістично сильно змінюється. Центральним залишається відчуття прогресивності в цій музиці. Ще буду переслуховувати, поки 4.
Цікавий і досить недооцінений гурт. Rings Around The World це дуже еклектичний альбом, де, наприклад кінцівка Receptacle for Respectable звучить буквально як сучасні БТБАМ. Взагалі поважаю Райса і компанію, із задоволенням послухав цей альбом.
Totally love the genre-blending in this album, I think it's great how it'll just randomly pull from more electronic/EDM genres to create some needed variation. My favorite song of the album is something closer to Trip-Hop than anything from the general sound of the album. Sounds like if Pink Floyd and Ween got together and made a pop-ish album. Much like Pink Floyd, sometimes the songs can get a little too long or freeform, but still, an all around great album.
Never heard of the band. Mellow, psych-rock, elusive lyrics, easy on the ears.
I gave the last SFA album a high three stars. I'd say I like this a bit more; I think it's in four star territory for me.
I really enjoyed this album and will probably come back to it. It has so many interesting styles and twists and turns. Some good Pink Floyd vibes in places.
It's ok. It's not something I would usually listen to and probably won't listen to much again, but it was really interesting. Experimentation with rock and electronic, melodic and mellow sounds. The songs were mostly forgettable to me, but the experience of the album will stay with me. 3.5/5
8/10
I don't exactly know what I expected from this album, but whatever my expectations were, it exceeded them. This album is just so unique, lush, and fun. It’s well produced, all the songs are consistently great, and there’s not a lot of downtime. This is a fun album with a great vibe, but I wouldn’t say it peaks all that high.
Married record
Psychedelic in exactly the way I enjoy, just wonderfully composed and trippy even if some songs kinda blend into one another, I think I will have to give it another listen soon enough.
so this band is a more cryptic Pink Floyd. kewl
This one had more going for it than I expected. It’s got that quirky, slightly experimental vibe, but enough of it lands to keep things interesting the whole way through. “Sidewalk Surfer Girl” was a good track, “No Sympathy” had a cool feel to it, and “Run Christian Run” was the standout for me. Not everything stuck, but there was enough here to make it a fun listen. Favorite song: “Run Christian Run”
High 3/low 4, some super clear influence from and to earlier groups and later groups
Liked this more than I thought I would. Extremely unique. Some songs end in an entirely different place and style than they start, but the transition somehow works. Weird music but I liked it.
Some song I like some are not exactly my taste
Good album that reveals it's charms with multiple listens, one that's grown on me over the years.
Talk about don’t judge a book by its cover. This album was actually a lot better than I’d originally expected it to be. Going into it, I thought it would be just another indie album that I’d forget within the day, but this one has actually stuck with me. The best way I can describe it is if you loaded a bunch of Beach Boys, ELO, and Radiohead songs onto a computer and tried to play them all at once. Now that might be a messy analogy, but all those styles feel present on this album, especially the Beach Boys influences on the catchy pop number, (Drawing) Rings Around the World. But songs like Presidential Suite and Run! Christian, Run! are longer tracks about more complex topics. The album has good variety on it, from songs that will turn into ear worms, to songs that may not stick out as much. The band, whom I’d haven’t heard of before this album, really pulled together to deliver a cohesive album.
1000 years ago I used to compile a mixed CD each year for my hockey pals, mixed with topical and/or humorous cuts and back in 2001 I was doing what all the kids do and doing hit and miss searches through LimeWire or whatever shitty "is this illegal?" app I had at the time and discovered this great song "Ice Hockey Hair" by a band with crazy accents I'd never heard of. I downloaded everything I could find by them, which included this just-released album which - psychedelic? alternative? 70s throwbacks (title track)? All of the above - it can be a bit much to get through at first but the overall emphasis on melody at all times makes it a keeper. I eventually bought the CD so lay off. 8/10 4 stars.
It’s not bad for some early 2000s neo-psychedelia and Britpop, but like with about 99% of Britpop, there’s this vein of pretentiousness that runs through the music and is hard to ignore. That said, the album also has a sense of weirdness, playfulness, and an experimental edge that’s pretty fun and keeps things interesting.
enjoyed this and put some in my loop
it's a yes!
This is a 4.5
I liked this more than I was expecting. It was kinda slow/generic rock for awhile, but the way that the production would change and get more experimental and genre blending was really cool. The random death metal screaming in one of the songs caught me off guard but it worked in the context of the whole album.
I have No Sympathy for you if you didn’t give this a listen. It’s Not the End of the World?
Great record from a band that doesn't really sound like anyone else.
Classic Brit pop album with a surprising mix of weird electronic sounds which I fucking loved!!! Really enjoyed it on the first listen and will definitely be sitting down for a re- listen sometime soon
For some reason this really hit today. Just the right combination of straightforward early 2000s alternative that has enough weirdness and is catchy enough to be interesting and firmly implant ear worms. Listened to this a couple times today. Much better than I was expecting!
I don't know what it is, but I find these guys addictive and delightful. They got me again with this weird mish mash of an album.
4.5 stars. Starts with perhaps the two weakest tracks on the album and just builds and builds, culminating in the awesome Run Christian Run. Gorgeous harmonies and melodies, bonkers keyboard sounds at times, random drum machine interventions, cryptic lyrics...it's a brilliant album and shows how unambitious most bands are. We can write you a drop-dead ballad or an insanely catchy pop song, but we can do all this other stuff as well.
One of the better British rock contributions of my teenage years, probably deserves a place on the list. There is some great songs and inventive use of vocals and varied accompaniments. I still sometimes sing "You've got to tolerate all those people that you hate," when dealing with some tough ones at work.
Wow, I literally gave this band a 4/10 the OTHER DAY, but this album is freaking amazing. The more aggressive guitars to the calmer sections are amazing. The weird synths, the details production, the sometimes kooky percussion, the calming vocals, I love love love this one! And everything just flows into each other so well. I can't even tell when something immediately changes from calm to chaos, it works like an experience. And the melodies are great, I have still have a few floating around my head. Favs: Sidewalk Serfer Girl, Shoot Doris Day, Juxtaposed with U Least fav: Miniature, No Sympathy
Really good album. This is a pretty solid 4 now, but it's also one I could see maybe growing to a 5 with more listens. 4/5
Was not familiar with this band. Enjoyed it quite a bit. Big fan or Brian Wilson and King Gizzard, and this album made me think of both.
Decent long but solid
I’ve known about Super Furry Animals for a long time due to their involvement in McCartney’s Liverpool Sound Collage, and was aware that Paul subsequently contributed an all-time celery and carrot performance on this record. Still, despite knowing and liking the title track of this record, I’d never dove into them before this. And boy, do I feel silly for that now. What a wonderful journey this record is. More than anything, I appreciate how balanced it is. There are just the right amount of fast, slow, and mid-tempo songs; the electronic elements work perfectly alongside the largely organic frameworks; they’re often throwing the kitchen sink at these arrangements, but they do it in a way that never feels overly dense. This is especially apparent in “Receptable for the Respectable”, which borrows heavily from The Beatles and Beach Boys without venturing into parody or plagiarism. They throw in a little harmonica here, some horns there, some tasty synth for good measure, all while working their way through an ever-changing form…it’s so awesome. And for good measure, the outro is absolutely hilarious. There are just so many damn highlights here. “(Drawing) Rings Around the World” is a killer pop song dressed up with alternative psychedelia. “No Sympathy” is such a wild ride; again, going back to the theme of balance, the feedback permeating throughout the intro never fully overtakes or distracts from the gorgeous acoustic guitar/electric piano work, and the electronic shift in the outro is batshit insane in the best way. I also love the juxtaposition of the dark lyrics with the beautiful vocal melody. Speaking of juxtaposition, the unexpected Philly soul-inspired “Juxtaposed with U” features some of my favorite lyrics on the record (“I’m not in love with you, but I won’t hold that against you”). “Presidential Suite” is another lyrical gem, underscoring the sweeping music with hysterical commentary. I feel like I could talk all day about the soundscape of “Alternate Route to Vulcan Street” and dynamic masterclass of “Run! Christian! Run!”. It feels wrong to not mention the expertly crafted mood piece that is “[A] Touch Sensitive”, too. I’ve only listened to this album twice, but I’m quite enamored with it already. Very strong 4.5 stars for me. 4.5/5
Good album 8 out of 10
7.5
Really enjoyed this album. It’s now in my music library and one shall revist
Experimental stuff. I didn't expect to like it too much but it was strangely catchy. No real standout songs for me but it was pretty nice overall.
I really didn't like Fuzzy Logic when I got it, so wasn't very excited about this one. A pleasant surprise, actually quite liked it. I don't think it will ultimately become a favorite, but I will definitely listen again. Might have to go back and listen to Fuzzy Logic again too, maybe I was in a bad mood that day. Music is funny like that...
15 - Rings Around the World (Super Furry Animals) **** I like the idea of the authors tearfully crossing off different potential Bob Dylan/Neil Young deep cut albums so they can make space for more britpop on this list. This album gave me the same vibes as overly eccentric IPA brands you see at liquor stores called like ‘Kaiju Luchador’ or some other pricey bullshit. Much like those I’d have to say I enjoyed this a lot more than I would have originally cared to admit. It certainly has a lot more of an identity/sound to it than most other britpop on this list.
Woah, so this is what BritPop is meant to sound like. Too bad it's still distinctly British sounding and got that eating food after brushing your teeth sorta taste to it. The 303s on here go fucking insane tho. 7/10
I don’t know why this is the first time I’ve listen to a SFA album. I really enjoyed this album and intend to listen to some of their other Albums off the back of this
This album sounds bit like the English version of Wilco’s Yankee hotel foxtrot. The songs have deep connection to English pop tradition, but the album also has the experimental twist to it. I like it! Was thinking between 3 and 4 stars and i give it 4 because i think it is a grower. Will definitely listen to it again!
This is same as Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots by Flaming Lips. Absolutely mess in one sense and same time this whispers to me attractively.
Dynamic, crazy, beautiful. With no prior experience with this band, I was blown away by the scope of sounds and craziness of the songwriting. Ranging from slow, melancholic folk to ear bleeding, brain spinning IDM within 5 minutes, Super Furry Animals are still able to pull it off in a massively fun and exciting way. Lead singer also sounds a lot like Damon Albarn. Best Tracks: - Alternate Route To Vulcan Street - No Sympathy - Fragile Happiness Worst Tracks: - Receptacle For The Respectable Rating: 8/10
A mix of Foo Fighters, Shins, and other artists. Some good jams.
Цей альбом, напевно одна із найеклектичніших речей яку я коли-небудь чув. На ньому гурт, здебільшого поєднує електронну музику у вигляді джанглу та техно із класичним психоделічним попом кінця 60-х років у дусі Beach Boys та The Beatles. Із цікавих речей - тут записана телефонна розмова із Полом Маккартні під час якої він «хрумтить» селерою, а у треку Presidential Suite - можна почути ще одну легенду із The Velvet Underground - Джона Кейла, який грає в ній на фортепіано. У час свого виходу, він був виданий не тільки на CD, але і на DVD - Super Furry Animals бачили себе не просто як гурт, а як мультимедійне явище. Та навіть без візуального ряду Rings Around The World звучить немов "кінематографічна драма". Загалом усі його елементи тримаються разом якимось дивом, і тільки виключне відчуття мелодії учасників гурту дозволяє усій цій каші із різних звуків залишатися "стабільним". Якщо говорити про тексти, то тут ви знайдете багато "політичної іронії" на тему жорстокості правосуддя, глобалізації та і цинізму загалом, яка подана у вигляді попкультурних посилань, раджу зайти на Genius, знайдете для себе багато цікавого. Якщо говорити про загальне враження, то в першу чергу, це звісно виказання пошани до політично-активного та психоделічного поп/року минулого (про це каже і настрої, і "мелодійний фундамент" загалом), але більш осучаснене, що відображає безліч музичних та культурних течій останнього сторіччя, немов якась химерна "енциклопедія".
Not at all what I expected. Very interstate vibe.
Never heard of this group but I enjoyed the album and will check out some other stuff.
Solid album from a really great group
I have no idea who Super Furry Animals is but I was surprised to look up that the singer of the band is Rhys Ifans - Otto Hightower from House of the Dragon. Not sure what to expect so I'll just jump in. The album so far has a really unique blending of styles. It weirdly reminds me of The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour album - a blending of synth music, art-rock, and maybe even some electronic music with some lo-fi accompaniment. It also kind of sounds like Gorillaz without any rap or hip-hop presence. Each song on the album manages to have a similar and cohesive feel like also feeling weirdly distinct and nothing like the last song I just heard? Which I know sounds like a total contradiction but I find the familiar sound of the songs with added small elements here and there really refreshing to listen to. I listened through the entire album but noticed the album has a side 2 with more original songs on it - so I decided to listen through those as well. Overall, I enjoyed my time with this album and it's unique blending on musical styles to create a record that feels eclectic but not unpleasant. Standout tracks are: "(Drawing) Rings Around the World", "It's Not the End of the World?", "Shoot Doris Day" and "Juxtaposed with U".
I enjoyed a lot of this but Im a sucker for some of the more "out there" stuff. I do feel like they busted their crazy nut a little early, and didn't have out there ideas for the last few tracks. The throwback vibe and the fuzziness feels very early 2000s. I liked it enough that ill listen to more of their stuff, but some of it got too weird and other songs got not weird at all, so ill give them a high 3 rounded up.
Solid album. Weird and artsy without being pretentious. An enjoyable listen with multiple styles that all fit together well.
Very fun, bright, and colourful psych-pop album. I really do enjoy this turn-of-the-century "let's put everything in the song" kind of sound, also found on records by The Flaming Lips or The Beta Band from around the same time. Not really an essential listen, but a wholly enjoyable one. Key tracks: Sidewalk Serfer Girl (Drawing) Rings Around the World No Sympathy Juxtaposed With U
Surprisingly fun album. Thought it was weird at the start, but it brought me in through the runtime.
This is a band I’ve been exposed to in recent years and I’ve quick become a fan. I love this kind of upbeat, quirky pop, they’re kinda like a Welsh version of the Barenaked Ladies. Juxtaposed With U is a fantastic song, and after reading the wiki I had to listen to Receptacle For The Respectable again to catch the celery & carrot (it’s too buried in the mix). There were a few other head-boppers in this collection too. Great stuff.
Perfect album.
This one's different. Like indiepop meets wild experimentation. I can only applaud cause this should be what every musician wants to make. My own subjectiveness says that the popside doesn't speak to me a whole lot but other than that, superb.
This is like Bowie — I don't dislike it as much as I just disagree with the details. Still pretty good though!
Wow! Had heard Super Furry Animals before, but never really let it sink in. Actually listened to the whole 20th Anniversary Edition, including endless remixes, to cover up PG&E loudly doing work across the street all through the night 😴
I liked it. It's a bit long in the tooth, but overall had interesting instrumentals and vocal work. 'Juxtapozed with U' was my fave.
Blije indiemuziek, met een stem die aan Elvis Costello doet denken. Wat gekkigheid hier, wat dromerigheid daar, kennelijk doet Paul McCartney mee op selder en wortel (whatever). Ik hoor er niet goed wat er zo bijzonder aan is, maar het luisterde wel aardig weg.
You know how much I love my welsh bands. This was great when it first came out and although I haven’t played it in a while it’s still fresh and mad and eclectic. Not one dud and I especially loved No sympathy and Juxtapozed with you.
Slow start, strong finish. Although I must confess, I’m not even sure I’m listening to the right album because with Spotify it seems like all I can ever find are deluxe, remastered, and anniversary versions of albums.
I remembered that we had already spun a Super Furry Animals album, and I recalled liking it more than expected (still, I was slightly shocked to see I had awarded it 5 stars... I need to circle back to that). Something about the band's name makes me sure they suck, but, alas, once again, I'm learning that I can still learn. It just takes some reminding and repetition. I really like the sound of this record — the production is one part of that, but there's a real deliberateness to the musical arrangements and tones these guys use that really sparkles. It's clean and layered and creative. I think I need to hear this a few more times to determine where I stand with the songs on this album. I liked everything I heard, but I felt a bit distanced from it at the same time. Could be a first-time listening deal, or it could be I just related to the tunes on their debut a little more. Either way, another impressive record. I need to stop judging their band name.
I like what they were going for with this album, but it’s not cohesive enough to work as a true masterpiece. Every song sounds like it could be a different band, especially in the first half of the album. I much prefer the psychedelia focused second half, which feels much more deliberate. 3.7/5
Their best, imo. So good
never given these any time, for some reason I thought they were more britpop than this, turns out it's great!!
Just superb. Takes so many absurd and huge leaps and somehow lands every single one of them. Okay, maybe not every single one— I could do without Touch Sensitive— but as a whole this is pretty incredible and feels quite singular to me. I've always dismissed neo-psych as something that's 'not for me' but I consistently find releases in the genre to be stellar and overflowing with creative and surprising songwriting. The electronics on No Sympathy are fucking insane and I love it.
It is good.
What a cool album. Definitely falls in line with the approach of The Beatles, ELO, Flaming Lips, and so on that explore the intersection between dreamy psychedelic vibes and utterly listenable pop rock. I wish there were a few more stand out tracks, but they do a great job and I love the production.
I really enjoyed this one. Much more than their other offering on this list.
добро лютое, очень эклетично
I've heard a lot of Gruff Rhys collabs but never got into these guys. I dug it! A lot of stuff going on but it's just fun and weird. His vocals aren't anything amazing but it has that flaming lips sort of charm.
really good
Weirdly opens with a couple of less strong tracks. There are some belters on here though, Rings Around The World and Juxtaposed With You are classic britpop tunes if one can still use that word for 2001 SFA are a truly unique band, there's so much genre bending and interesting things going on in this album. Receptacle for the Respectable is almost like a prog song with the weird timings and parts, despite coming across a modest 4:32 Not far off giving this 5* but I didn't find every track great so 4* seems fair
Nice vibe. I enjoyed this from start to finish.
all over the place in a cool way Will I listen to again: 60%
What a nice surprise!
Interesting, somehow never heard them before, and there are at least a couple songs I'll revisit and enjoyed. +4.