Reviews (page 5 of 9)
Zero interest.
Exactly as expected
It was more fun then music , reminded me of forgetting Sara marshal
This sucks. It's like some theatrical weirdo telling ghost stories around a campfire. Lame, fake spooky, pretentious, unmusical. Next!
Correcto
...
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds are an Australian band that make a cabaret-like version of alt-rock, featuring Cave as an intrepid storyteller. Murder Ballads are the ninth studio album from the band, and is the band's most critically acclaimed work. Traditionally, "murder ballads" are songs about crimes of passion, and the album is a collection of these dark, fascinating stories. This macabre genre suits Cave's brooding ramble quite well., and this material became a part of Cave's renown Cave is hard to place into categories - his material wanders toward Tom Waits' - he's an interesting story teller with a dark, but amusing, view of the world.
I swear I tried to like this, but it’s just not that great. The songs Stagger Lee and Henry Lee were good enough, but I just can’t get into this overall. I think it’s partially his vocal style, I don’t seem mind so much when he’s sharing the lead vocals but most of the songs where Nick is the only voice it kind of annoys me.
Not for me, thanks. I’ll pass.
I fell like I should like Nick Cave more. His music has alot of markers of things that I generally like. For whatever reason I just can't get into his music. I even saw him and the bad seeds live (at Lollapalooza but still) and I couldn't get into it.
I did like this, but it lacked the quality of the previous album rated on 1001 (abattoir blues). I appreciate this is a concept album but I found that wore thin and by the lengthy O’Malley track I was done really. Weirdly seemed like Nick’s charisma carried some songs but not others. However, I did enjoy the PJ Harvey and Kylie tie-ins that would have been a bit barmy NOT as part of a murder themed album. A strange but not unpleasant listen.
One of the best holiday records ever!
This is delightfully disturbing.
Had to double dip on this to ensure I got a good view of it as not as easy going. Again another softer and more stripped back Nick Cave experiance which I dont prefer. I quite like the more atmospheric experiance this album brings mind. Its more intimate stance and it feels more centered around Nick. I think this could be an absolute winner if he managed to currate all his styles in the music. A bit like a genuine ballard that has impactful sections and up and downs. Lacked this contrasting energy. My worst review as I am struggling to explain myself. Have absolutely no issue playing this again though. Oddly doesnt bore me in the slightest as so much to it but still leaves me wanting more.
Nick Cave can be a bit hit-and-miss for me and this one is more of a miss than a hit. Some great song writing and often dripping with cool, but then a few slower and schmaltzy tracks that Cave seems quite partial to and I don't enjoy. Quite often I find listening to Nick Cave is like listening to really good music that I'm not sure I really enjoy. I think this album has relistening potential though so I may rethink my opinion after repeat visits.
No thanks.
3.75
Do not want
I'd never listened to Nick Cave until I was given the Birthday Party (aka Vulva from Spaced, the album) album a few weeks ago. That was my first introduction and this is the second. I can't see a love blossoming any time soon. The music is good enough but his vocal is painful. The guests were crap too. It reminds me of slam poetry. I imagine the average fan is a depressed and unemployed English Literature graduate. I don't get it.
Haunting and depressing. Reminds me of spoken word poetry, but not very tuneful or rhythmic. Rather strange and random. Too long. Not my thing.
Brilliant
I do not like Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
How does an album of murder ballads end up sounding so silly?
Hated this, it was about murdering women so much
This was not my cup of tea at all. The songs were so unnecessarily long and felt like the song form of a man rambling on and on. The only song I remotely liked was the rose one with Kylie Minogue. I couldn’t wait for the album to be over.
Bad poetry spoken over ok music.
Ovaj album nikad nije ima neku prođu među caveovim fanovima. Meni je dan danas super. Puno je campa to je istina ali storytelling mu je realno najzanimljiviji ikad, svaka stvar bi mogla bit scenarij za film
This album sounds like something you would hear in a musical about rabid moles with lung cancer. It's musically incoherent and unnecessarily convoluted. It really seems like the music was an after thought to the stories being told through the monotone vocals. I cannot express how painful this album was to listen to. I actually couldn't finish. This was the first album recommended to me that I could not listen to all the way.
Nick Cave es un género en sí mismo. Tal vez el único a quien pueda compararse (no por estilo lírico, ni vocal, ni musical, sino por poersonalidad) es a otro gigante como Tom Waits. Cualquier disco suyo es de notable hacia arriba, los tiene muy buenos y excepcionales. Sus discos de los 90 son muy buenos (Let Love In y The Boatman’s Call), los de los 00 y 10s también, en fin imposible quedarse con uno solo o una etapa concreta. Este no es el que más me gusta (Abbatoir Blues) pero es un gran comienzo para quien quiera entrar en su obra. Gozó de bastante éxito, gracias en parte a la colaboración con Kilye, gran canción, pero también están PJ Harvey (Henry Lee, fogosa como su romace) o Shane Mcgowan. El propio Nick afirmó que le gustaba matar gente en canciones para no tener que matarlos en la vida real. Aquí se desquita bien, matando a 75 víctimas, y un pobre perro. El final, eso sí es Death is not the end... todo ironía. Aquí hay muertes desde todos los puntos de vista, asesino o víctima, pero todas las canciones rayan a gran nivel.
Exactly what it says on the tin. If you're into an hour of murder ballads and songs with wild stories then this is for you. I didn't connect with it at all, but I appreciate the effort and care that clearly went into the albun
The story telling on each song makes it seem like it would be fun to listen to on a long car ride.
I always want to like Nick Cave, but he’s hit and miss for me. This one’s a miss. Murder Ballads is exactly what it says on the tin. Performed in a dark Tom Waits-esque pantomime that I don’t appreciate. 2⭐️
Hard one to review because it's such a mixed bag. On tracks like Stagger Lee, Henry Lee, Where the Wild Roses Grow, Death is not the end, it's a swaggering, raunchy, redblooded compendium of passion and woe. But on tracks like Song of Joy, The Curse of Millhaven and the absolutely interminable O'Malley's Bar, it's the dullest, most cringeworthy school-shooter incel power fantasy you can imagine, with lyrics that telegraph their rhymes from over the horizon. The good bits are great, but the bad bits are an absolute embarrassment.
Average album, didn’t like the style of it, it’s not a bop but more a spoken lyric over a beat, which I normally don’t mind but this was what I can only describe as a frustrating listen. 4/10.
It's a 3.5/5 for me but I for Nick Cave I have to be in the mood. 'Where the wild roses grow' is only getting better.
boring
I like the idea of this album a lot more than the execution of this album.
No idea what I'd make of this if I came across this without ever having listened to any Nick Cave besides Wild Roses maybe. As it stands, I know this album but just haven't listened to it in ages - great to get back to after ages, and it's still absolutely excellent.
Nieco nie mój klimat
Really just a perfect style for Nick Cave to make. Pretty haunting at times but still has a perfect, random hint of humor as well. Really enjoyed this one. 7/10
I love the Wild Rover. It’s such a great song. This album is pretty dark but generally great. Getting some bonus PJ Harvey and Kylie Minogue is always a treat.
Obviously Nick Cave's whole vibe is to sing like a vampiric crypt keeper, but this was a gimmick
I mean this in the absolute best way possible, this sounds like an album for of Disney Villain songs. 4.5 stars
This was a pretty solid listen with some standout songs that could be easily listened multiple times. Nice variation and unique tone.
Interesting and pretty unique album. Probably won't revisit, I don't hate it, just not my cup of tea. 2.5/5. Rounding up to 3.
Pretty unique, not really my thing
Ik vind Niek Spelonk maar lastig. Het is eigenlijk altijd enorm zware kost. Hij vertelt meer dan hij zingt en het zijn echt flinke verhalen, die ik natuurlijk niet helemaal kan volgen want ik heb het aanstaan als muziek en niet als luisterboek. Het zit bomvol sfeer en de kwaliteit en het vakmanschap staat ook buiten kijf. En ondanks dat ik er die positieve dingen ook in zie heb ik eigenlijk nooit echt zin in zijn albums. Zo ook dit album eigenlijk. Het is niet onprettig, maar het voelt toch als een gigantische huiswerkopdracht. Zeker als PJ Harvey ook nog even een paar nummers mee mag komen zeiken. Dit is voor de mensen die echt naar de tekst luisteren en ik heb daar helaas het geduld niet helemaal voor. Bij 'Stagger Lee' heb ik een klein stukje mee zitten lezen en dan wordt het wel meteen een stuk beter. Anders had ik toch even gemist dat een man tijdens het gedwongen pijpen van een andere man een paar kogels door zich heen gejaagd krijgt. Lastig te beoordelen dus. Ik vind dit wel goed en ik weet ook dat ik zelf niet het maximale hieruit haal door passief te luisteren. Desondanks moet ik toch ook m'n luisterplezier mee laten wegen. Eigenlijk 3,5 ster. Ik hou het op 3, want ik ben blij als we de Freek de Jonge track aan het einde bereikt hebben. Zeker gezien die track van 14 minuten die eraan vooraf gaat.
Decent enough hour
Some music isn't for everyone, and maybe I'm one of those people this time. I will give it another listen, though, because it was actually starting to grow on me a bit by the end.
Favorite Track: Where the Wild Roses Grow
Nice and spooky!
Really? This is the 5th Nick Cave album for me on this list. It is still not my cup of tea, but it is a bit better than the rest and his duet with Kylie (Where the Wild Roses Grow) is great.
todo en nick cave tiene una mística particular.
I don’t know how to feel about this. The music is good and the felt pretty unique/creative
Genuinely hated this. Nothing artistically redeeming - just gross.
I don't understand the obsession some people have with Nick Cave. Another depressing Nick Cave album; the first track is "Song of Joy" which is anything but joyful. The track "Lovely Creature" is almost happy. The track "Where the Wild Roses Grow" features Kylie Minogue and was a big hit apparently, but it's just as depressing as the rest of the album.
13/04/25 I dislike long, silly songs. There is creativity here, it's just boring.
If I never have to hear another Nick Cave album again then I’d die a happy man. Apt name for the album because that’s what listening to this is driving me to do.
Forse la prima metà meglio ma comunque bomba
5 ez
Didn’t expect my two favorite Nick Cave songs - Henry Lee (my favorite) and Stagger Lee - to be on this album. Instant win. Rest of the album is tremendous too, my kind of somber blues. Where the Roses Grow and The Kindness of Strangers (so heart wrenching, the crying in the background makes the song for me on an emotional core), loved those especially. What an album. Modern blues done right.
Stagger Lee Henry Lee Where the Wild Roses Grow
Its a weird thing…songs about murder and murderers. Kind of interesting as a concept, but the music does not really capture me
A strange concept album.
Eek
I feel like I should like it more
Spooky! Second half is a little less convincing, but the first is brilliant.
Delightfully wacky. I think I'm a little Nick Cave'd out after my 3rd in the last month.
At times I got the vibe of this, but it is not too appealing.
I may have a bias as I heard this album when it came out and it is probably my favorite Nick Cave record. There are some great guest spots on here. Totally get that this probably isn’t everybody’s jam.
Listened to a bit - pretty cool but didn’t listen to the lyrics much so a little lost on me. But will come back to for sure - liked the PJ Harvey collab.
Fairly cringey
I don't get it. He's a mechanic vampire that goes for sticker shock.
I think there are a lot of musicians that wish they could write lyrics like these.
Is there anything more Australian than Nick Cave and Kylie Minogue singing a duet about murder? (No offense to Australians of course) This album has the very literal name "Murder Ballads" recalling an old genre of songs about crimes of passion with a rock n roll edge. It's definitely interesting, but more from a storytelling perspective than the music.
Perfect album for a nice dinner party. Dude murdered 75 people and 1 dog on the track, O’Malley’s Bar. Fuck, I may play this one more time for a buddy a some point because it is really good interesting but fuck Nick, you’re fucked and I respect that. 4 stars
Honestly thought I would hate this... But I was pleasantly surprised! More entertaining than I thought
Overraskende fedt, specielt "where the wild roses grow" og the curse of milhaven
Moody, macabre. Meh.
Well I know for I fact that I don't want to meet Stagger Lee. Nick Cave is an odd fellow, takes a minute for me to lock in to his vibe. He's a good story teller, just comes across weird. But also this is like the 5th Nick Cave album I've gotten, I feel like maybe the list would be fine with only one or two
A chilling & warm record
The sound of Nick Cave striking the gold of the sensitive/dangerous piano man storyteller that has carried him to such great heights in the rest of his career Some songs don’t work as more than a murderous curio (lovely creature, crow Jane, o’malleys bar) but they’re never not listenable But when it does work, boy does it work Kindness of strangers (the sobs!), Curse of Millhaven, Stagger Lee, Henry Lee and Where the wild roses… are glorious Tempted to give it a 5 but there are better Bad Seeds albums to come so let’s reserve that for those
I can't ignore how the criticisms we've already levied at various hip hop records also apply here. Violent fantasy, frequently misogynistic, recounted over limited, repeated musical material. Of course, that's the murder ballad form and there is an argument that Cave and the same rappers we've rebuked are burlesquing the same tradition. What distinguishes the current record is the revelling in an out-dated - even out-of-time - tradition. The bitches and hoes referenced in hip hop are the women of a contemporary culture, whereas the murdered women here are all individuals and the subject of a literary tradition. This is a small distinction and the ability of the gangsta rap fantasists to blur the line between their fantasy and their cultural reality is interesting in its own way. However, Cave's position as a storyteller, rather than playing a persona, allows him to adopt different perspectives and is probably more successful when he subverts expectations of the murder ballad - if it can be considered a subverted expectation for the band named after William Marsh's Bad Seed to foreground a female pubescent psychopath. More significant than this slight ethical justification is the fact that I like the sound of people playing in a room together. The plodding ballad form can be exhausting and Cave's shtick here is wearing, but the musicians - especially Mick Harvey - occasionally let loose with a worthy lick. That said, none of Nick Cave's mid-period work is really it for me. Lacking the wildness of the Birthday Party and the consideration of the later Skeleton Tree, it all sits precariously between the two: neither fully haunted nor humane. 2 Reggie Chamberlain-King 8:47 AM (5 minutes ago) to me Somewhere near the beginning of this project I sneaked a look at an overview which showed that Nick Cave is among the artists with the most albums in this list. Assuming I make it all the way then, I will have opportunity to explore in detail my contempt for this artist I consider less a hack than a charlatan. For now then it will do to say that Murder Ballads is, in my opinion, trash. Turn your attention if you can from the hypnotic combination of self-regard and intellectual insecurity that blusters up front and listen to the band. They sound like shit. Most of this album is mind-numbing two bar grooves that feel barely rehearsed. It isn’t even recorded well. Where there are attempts at substantive arrangements or production ideas the result is often worse - the twee strings on Wild Roses or the plain daft backing vocals/dramatic sobs on Kindness of Strangers. As in most rap the music is a mere backdrop; just another excuse for the loudest, most abrasive boy in the sixth-form drama class to pursue the attention he needs. 1/5
an intense album of fear and violence populated with violent hateful characters. If the subject matter doesn't offend you this album is a brilliant way to get a taste of music's greater story teller. The band cooks of course and the production is loud and uncompromising, though again piano is the main instrument used to convey these stories of the dregs of society. The 14 minute penultimate song; O'Malley's bar is the star of this seedy show, a tour de force of a song. 4 stars
This was a pretty heavy slog. There are a couple of songs that would be fine if listened to on their own but as a whole, this album was a chore and I didn't enjoy it.
Of course this album makes the cut. "From Her To Eternity" and The Birthday Party's "Junkyard" have more meaning for me personally though and I guess within his oeuvre there are some more contenders, but give Mr. Cave his 5 Stars, 1000-records-to-die-for-whatever status any day.
Look, there are some good Nick Cave songs and probably a good Nick Cave album or two out there, but I find it hard to believe that this is one of them. There was just nothing spectacular or anything at all that stood out about the music or songwriting.
I will be the first person to shout at the top of my lungs how much I love the Bad Seeds. Why this list chose a rambling messy concept album instead of some of their incredible early work is beyond me. Sure, there’s some incredible songs, especially his duets with PJ Harvey and Kylie Minogue. But this is such a weird one-off take on murder ballads, and by the end the whole thing just drags itself along, culminating in the absolutely mind-numbing 15 minutes of “O’Malley’s Bar.” Nothing has the haunting, neurotic yelps of “From Her to Eternity” or the terrible creeping fear of “The Mercy Seat.” The whole time I’m here I’m just thinking of other good Nick Cave albums. Maybe, just maybe, we could’ve left this one off the list.
absolute slog. tom waits without a fraction of the sauce crying sound effect over one of the songs really sold it
Nick Cave is a fascinating performer. This won’t be an album I play again any time soon but it has some surprises on it (particularly the lyrics on “Stagger Lee”). I respect it and I was entertained by a lot of it. Nearly an hour of folk songs about brutal murders is tough to love though.
This is a cool album, and every time I listen to Nick Cave I further my respect and interest in him and his music. For some reason though I feel like I've read more interviews with him than I've actually heard his records, so any reason to listen is a good one. Unfortunately, I feel like his dense storytelling is kind of tough to chew on in the form of a music record, instead of something like a narrated movie or an audio book. There's cadence and rhythm in his delivery, melody exists, and I mean he's in front of a band... but I can't help but feel like I need to sit and listen to this with no other stimulation around me going on to truly "get it". Maybe that's my millenial brain that is slowly transforming into a more TikTok-addled Gen Z variety, but if I lose track for a moment then it's actually a bit hard for me to get back into the story. Even now, as I'm writing this review while I'm listening, I can't help but feel like I need to pause and go back to the lyric sheet to see what I missed. It's just a little too much "storytelling that happens to be set to music". It's certainly a compelling sound though, and there's a ton of excitement, interesting vibes, and rich material to listen through.
I hate this.
Didn't like this as much as the first Nick cave album I drew here. Feels a little more murdery than the last. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood?
Another one that Spin magazine told me to listen to for years and I dropped the ball. Very good. A few of these are too much of a carnival for me.
Did not finish
I would've given this 5 stars if O'Malleys Bar wasn't so long
I like nick cave but never heard that album. Good stuff
Not bad. Kind of interesting. Like listening to a Tim Burton movie.
This isn’t for me but I get it
Very strange album which I didn't really like. Basically just stories spoken over music. That's fine, but the stories are very graphic for some reason. The music itself is decent - drums, guitar, some piano.
This one was WEIRD. It was giving Forgetting Sarah Marshall's Rock of Love Vampire Musical vibes but not as good unfortunately. I just don't like his voice so it's a hard sell for me. I was somehow able to manage getting all the way through this. It was absolute trash in my opinion.
Gear: Abyss DIANA MR Artwork: ❄️🌲🛖 Production (2011 Remaster): 🧏♂️📏💩 Music: 🏠👥💔🔪💀😱 Rating: 👻👻👻👻/5
This was the first Nick Cave album I got into and remains a favorite. Gratuitously violent and obscene for sure, but overall the poetry and storytelling is unparalleled. Featuring iconic duets with PJ Harvey and Kylie Minogue.
Ret sejt! Især ideen. Det er et album som forlanger din tid, og oplevelsen er så meget bedre med teksterne foran sig.
Mørkt og makabert mesterværk fra The Prince of Darkness. Aldrig før eller siden har Cave og De Dårlige Frø dyrket det dystre og foruroligende så fuldt ud som de gør med dette konceptalbum. Fra den ildevarslende lyd af en telefon der ikke kan få forbindelse på Song of Joy til lukkeren om at døden ikke er afslutningen, får Cave & Co aflivet mindst 65 mennesker, og en hund. Men det gøres så stilfuldt som kun Mr. Cave kan.
Not my taste
What on earth is going on in here on this day?
Fantastic album. This is one I didn’t like as much when it came out because it didn’t pack the punch of Let Love In. But in time it’s revealed itself to have some lovely songs
If you can stomach some of the craziness and make it through the occasional song that gets a bit lost in its story, you’re in for a narrative treat on this one. “Stagger Lee” is a shocking, wildly vivid story that makes you wish it wasn’t true. “Lovely Creature” is good for its haunting sonic atmosphere with those airy backing female vocals and that constant snare roll. “The Curse Of Millhaven” is an outstanding song, story, and my highlight on this record. Not only does it captivate you with its narrative, but the “la la la la” melody it keeps reciprocating just adds even more to the tension. Nick Cave sells out with the energy he gives this performance! “O’Malleys Bar” probably has the best character portrait of all the murderers on here (crazy sentence to say, I know). Last, “Death Is Not The End” puts a unique bow on the whole thing, but its message is fitting considering the albums concept of innocent people being killed. This album is a rarity to me in that it gets better as you get further into the track list. You sink into these vivid, terrifying stories with ease thanks to thoughtful vocal performances and some helpful backing tracks.
5/5
Probably a 3 on this one. Stagger Lee is one of his best and the duets are classics. Some of the other songs are middling for me though. Always fun to listen to the storytelling though.
Épico, pega duro en lugares insospechados, deja con un sentimiento de bajón que no sé si necesitaba ahora mismo, pero me pareció un gran álbum.
Murdering a bunch of people never sounded so good. Curse of Millhaven might be my all time favourite Nick Cave song. This thing is filled to the brim with great storytelling, songwriting and musicianship. 5 stars.
Enjoyed it. Standout songs: Song of Joy Henry Lee Where the Wild Roses Grow
What are the chances we got all these Nick albums so close together?! I’m still not a fan of the violence (I’ve never liked true crime or murder movies etc. and even his poetic stories on the subject don’t prove an exception) but I do very much enjoy the flow and pacing and delivery. I’ll never forget seeing Stagger Lee performed live, for instance, he’s like a man possessed when he performs that song, and performs is the right word for most of these tracks too, as he’s playing these wild characters, erratic and angry and ugly. But still with some beauty in the music and vocals to be found. (3.5 stars)
I was a bit bored by how each song seemed to continue exactly the same way it started. But I suppose that's a ballad, isn't it? Repeating melody and beat to emphasise the sung story. Weirdly reminds me of Johnny Cash in that sense. But I think the stories were not interesting enough to warrant such repetitive songs.
I had heard of nick cave before but never listened to his music. This album was awesome and a hilarious take on some very dark material.
This is just Nick Cave talk singing stories about murder. Maybe nice for a thunderstorm evening or late October, but I don’t find much value in this. Overrated.
What a great album!!! For me, this is Nick Cave at his best. Every track tells a morbid story full of broken characters, violence and murder - the lyrics might not be for the faint of heart. This, together with the music creates a very dark, brooding atmosphere. The music, meanwhile, still manages to be catchy, ranging from bluesy untertones, sometimes even with a Country twist, to hauntingly beautiful ballads (Henry Lee, Where the Wild Roses Grow, The Kindness of Strangers). The heavily overplayed Where the Wild Roses Grow is good, but far from being the best song on this album. Still, I can't decide which track is the best, as they are all in their own way little masterpieces. 5/5
It’s not bad per se, just a little dragged into length and the songwriting to me feels a little lazy, i know it’s for storytelling purpose, but what can i say? it’s an acquired taste that i don't think i possess
Having heard their other album on this list, I would say that this album is MUCH more Nick Cave-y than that. These dark, moody, bitter songs are what I expect from him. Anyway, a whole album of songs about murders and murderers, good stuff. The instrumentation is pretty sparse and the vocals are flat at times but overall I enjoyed this a lot, even the Dylan cover Death is Not the End, which I had never heard or heard of before, and the second half of the album was even better than the first.
-it’s what it says on the tin… murder ballads… -This is probably my favorite of the three Nick Cave + Bad Seeds albums I’ve heard so far. I love the vibe and theme, I liked the other two but they felt more directionless compared to this one -PJ Harvey and Kylie Minogue are such great features too omg -Favorites are Stagger Lee, Lovely Creature, and Where the Wild Roses Grow
Fine album.
I didn't expect to like this as I haven't enjoyed Nick Cave in the past, but I really enjoyed this album. I like albums that have a story and the concept of this album is so cool, each song being about a different murder. Musically enjoyable and is a compilation of short stories
Oh so moody oh so atmospheric oh so crap. I honestly don't understand how someone can enjoy this
Lurid murder ballads from Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Nearly a 5 star record — it just needed more death, destruction and depravity.
OooooooooooooooooK... I guess there's a purpose for this, but I'll be damned if I know what it is... The lyrics detract from whatever musical quality this might have otherwise had. It's like barf on a wedding cake.
I’ve come to learn I really like the storytelling type of music that this is. And with an album consisting of murder ballads, I know I’m going to be into it. I did find this to be slightly too attached to creating shock value, and the song writing was lazy at times. I enjoyed the listen. A few of the tracks were great. I just wish that as a whole the album was executed with a little more versatility.
Music isn't good, vocals are trash, the lyrics aren't good (though they do exactly what the album title says), and it's the height of pretentiousness.
Absolutely hated it
You know what I've never said to myself? "Hey I could sure go for some murder ballads right about now".
I love this album … all killer 😜
Quite like a few of these, mainly the ones with the ladies.
Holy shit! I for sure could have happily gone through my life without experiencing this. And if it doesn’t give me some nightmares there may be something psychologically wrong with me. Enjoyable it wasn’t, but it’s going to get an extra star just for the sheer twistedness of it! Life tip: please keep your distance from the people who are give this album five stars and say they love it. They worry me.
A bit weird but overall worthwhile. Probably enjoyed the collaboration tracks the best
Yesterday : Not sure how i feel about this yet, so not sure where my rating will land tomorrow. Nick Cave is someone I always thought I’d like (I like his books and films) but the music up until recently I couldn’t get into. This strange gothic western theme was definitely interesting but was it good? I’m not sure so fresh from listening to it. Today: playing it safe and giving it 3/5
What a cool album. Gives vibes of Dylan’s early 2000s albums. The instrumentation is amazing but it does feel a bit bloated, which would keep me from coming back to it.
Nick Cave is a very strange artist, it's really hard to describe what kind of music he makes. This is a very interesting album though, I really like the sonic pallets he creates. His voice fits very well with this kind of music too. Mid 4.
It was pretty alright. 3.5
oh fuck it I'm a monster I admit it
interesting but I wasn't completely sold on it, love a random kylie feature tho!!
the first song started and i thought "okay this is dark… weird thing to write a song about..” and then i looked at the album title again and was like "oh" (sabrina voice), i see what he's doing...
Disastrous
Nick Cave is just goth Chris Martin
I don’t understand how this album made this list. The musicianship was ok, but I’m pretty sure he was off pitch more than once. His “singing” is terrible. This is definitely not my kind of music.
3* for creativity only. I never want to listen to this again.
I was a bit uncomfortable a few times, but those moments fit the theme of the album. They deliver even if I wasn't quite in the mood for this.
Rock opera albums are like the musical episodes of sitcoms. Novel, but annoying and wear out quickly.
There are some really good songs but i can't like the album overall, experimental vocals are not this group's strong point in my opinion, another reason i didnt like Wild God too
cool music, more of a story told along with song. some catchy songs tho
They call me The Wild Rose but my name was Elisa Day Why they call me it I do not know For my name was Elisa Day On the third day he took me to the river He showed me the roses and we kissed And the last thing I heard was a muttered word As he stood smiling above me with a rock in his fist On the last day I took her where the wild roses grow And she lay on the bank, the wind light as a thief As I kissed her goodbye, I said, “All beauty must die” And lent down and planted a rose between her teeth Damn, this album is fire. 5/5
Don’t say you weren’t warned - this is an album that does exactly what it says on the tin. This is a collection of songs about death and bloody murder, from the perspective of both victim and murderer. This bitter brew is sweetened by the addition of guest vocalist Kylie Minogue. Apparently Nick Cave asked for the song Where the Wild Roses Grow to be removed from consideration for an MTV award because he didn’t want any Kylie fans buying this album by mistake without being aware of the lyrical content. It’s strong stuff, but it ends on a positive note with a cover of the Bob Dylan song Death is Not the End. Murder-tastic!
I know Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, but I actually know pretty badly their music. Happy to report that it holds its reputation; this is great stuff. I was a bit taken aback by the first tracks, very row (almost spoken word) but then it somehow clicked. Great atmosphere, great music in the back.
Wonderful great album
This is a fine concept album. I feel like it's the old school type I need to sit down and listen to with the lyrics at hand. His singing isn't very good, but it's a nice speaking voice for these stories. Made me want to listen to Murder By Death and truly enjoy music similar to this.
i enjoyed this
I do love an album that pays off on the promise. It's almost silly in how direct it is but you can't help but love the style. Not my favourite album from them but they rarely just miss. I'm battling between three and four. The album does have weaknesses but I do enjoy it.
This just wasn't for me. I found it flat at times. I like the guest apperances by the various female guest vocalists. I find his voice feels like watching a trained dog jump through a hoop. I'm impressed the first 2 times but it gets old fast. The instumental compositions and production are well done. Might have needed more time and a headphones listen.
Interesting concept I guess, some songs are so much better than others, but the good ones are great. I think his voice can be both amazing and terrible, depending on the song. Favourite songs: Henry Lee, Lovely creature, Where the wild roses grow, O'Malley's Bar, Death is not the end. Overall around 7/10
Peaky fockin blinders, at first this album lost me but it slowly got me back to thinking it’s aight
Yep
A selection of stories about murder with some songs sang in a fun way.
Just likes the album cover; cold, bleak and unrelenting. A fun record, but by no means does it offer Cave's best lyrics or songwriting. Stagger Lee is a classic, and the features from PJ Harvey and Kylie Minogue are highlights, along with the 15 minute epic O'Malley's Bar only slightly outstays its welcome. Best Tracks: - Stagger Lee - The Curse Of Millhaven - Where The Wild Roses Grow Worst Tracks: - The Kindness Of Strangers Rating: 4/10
4 it would be a five but the monotony got to me in the end ...
9/10. This album felt so poetic. Nick Cave's storytelling has a lot of depth. It felt like a modernized cabaret. It would've been cool if this album was turned into a movie.
I couldn't wait for this to be over
I thought I liked Nick Cave. Guess I was wrong as far as this album is concerned.
The cabaret is in good faith, but the stories entertain without leaving much substance to reflect on, and the music exists purely as framing: listening to this, indeed most Cave I’ve heard, is usually like hearing a lurching avant garde musical production, but the theatrics lack the deep-felt sorrow of Brecht; for all the violence, the knife never twists. I wonder about the purpose of the subject matter: it’s too comic to titillate, which is fine, but why set it to music?
Was given a copy by the man himself, don't think I ever made it through "O'Malley's Bar" until today (sorry, Nick!). Most of this is entertaining, if a bit much; it insists upon itself, one could say. The Kylie and PeeJ ones are lovely, as you know. Generous 4, partially to honor the previous (and excellent) "Let Love In" which is not on here despite the surfeit of NC records.
Insipid, a bit dul in parts.
One of my favorite tunes along the lines of murder ballads is Country Death Song by Violent Femmes. I only like a couple of songs off this album and those had help from guest singers.
I can get on board with a lot of what Nick and company are bringing here, but I can just as easily fall off. The morbid themes throughout are fascinating, until they're just morbid. I was left with a rotten feeling by the end. Still, I'm almost interested in revisiting, and I can already feel the darker side of this album creeping back up in my head.
Morbid, morose, and whimsically wicked, Cave opts for darker shades on this particular canvas.
Third Nick Cave album I got since starting and this is the first one I got that is actually very good, I was starting to wonder for a second if I just didn't like Nick Cave as much as I thought. Prior to this I got The Boatman's Call and the Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus double album and those were both 3's. This is "my" Nick Cave so to speak.
I sure hope he was just joking about all that stuff.
Kind of interesting but I am not sure I need to hear it again. 3 stars or C.
Great mix of both Nick Cave styles, the edgy post-punk stuff and the gorgeous ballads. The songs with PJ Harvey and Kylie on here are especially fantastic.
Killer album.
I've heard enough of this to decide it wasn't for me. I love PJ Harvey though so I'm going to give this a 2 star. - edited, a pretty low value of 2 star though
I'm not sure what it says about me that I love this album as much as I do. I've owned this album for years and occasionally dig it out (or up on a streaming service). This album is so very dark. It's pitch black. His treatments of the traditional murder ballads are cool as hell, and most of the originals work well alongside the traditionals. The optimistic cover of the Dylan tune at the end is a fun coda to the album, given the subect matter of the rest of the album. Can't give it 5 stars because O'Malley's Bar is too damn long. 4 stars.
Makes me want to smoke.
legend. moody.
conceptually a very cool album, murder ballads are what you get. moody, dark, interesting storytelling. prior to listening to the entire album, the only song i had heard was where the wild roses grow, and i thought it was great. goddamn was i not expecting stagger lee, wild song. this isn't really an album where i'd save a song or listen repeatedly, but it does feel like a fun, morbid experience. nick cave is definitely an acquired taste.
Not my cup of tea
What did I just listen to? The songs were all long but they seemed even longer than they actually were. Weird homophobic lyrics in "Stagger Lee" were offensive and the song devolved into something real annoying. This must have been Nick Cave's Leonard Cohen era. Between his voice and the style of the songs it might as well be Cohen but way more annoying. Did I mention annoying? Wow, that 14+ minute "O'Malley's Bar" was a slog. The one song that was worth the list was "Where the Wilde Roses Grow" not surprisingly the most popular song on the album based on Spotify listens.
murhaaa raa raa raa.. tuuppa tänne pikkutyttö... ja HAAAA veistä rintaan... raa raa raa murhaa murhaa... pimeillä kaduilla kävelee ja ja ja mitä AMPUU PÄÄHÄN... raa raa RAA murhaa!! aamusumua vedenpäällä, kalastaja huutaa AIJJAIJJAAA!!! RAA raa RAA muRRRRHaaa!! luulipas vanhaeukko että oli vain lomilla mutta RAAA RAAA RAAA MURRHAAA!!!!!! MURAHAAAAAAAA!! RAAAA RAAAA RAAAAA.. there for nick cave some lyrics idea, mby for 2.0 version deluxe remaster album.. (use google translate to interpret) ei paras luolamiehen neandertaalimies.. new species: homo economicus (money-obsessed.......) the curse of millhaven
I don't hate this, but it sounds a little like if punks redid the soundtrack to Sweeney Todd.
Only a little familiar with Nick Cave. I like the name and art. Let’s see how it goes. Jesus Christ, Stagger Lee. Okay, I see what we’re dealing with here. Ok. So ok one hand I appreciate the lyrics — dark and often beautiful. On the other hand, does every nick cave song sound like a guy talk singing in a low voice? I love me some Dylan and waits and others with non-traditional voices but Nick cave’s just sorta bugs me. Otherwise this album kinda reminds me of the magnetic fields 69 love songs, just… murder themed. Some surprises: didn’t expect Kylie Minogue to show up, the aforementioned stagger Lee, and to a lesser extend PJ Harvey’s appearances. All in all something I’m glad I know about but wouldn’t seek out again. I wanted to rate it a 3 throughout most the album but the 14 minute o’malley’s bar was like a torture I never thought would end. By the end of this album, I think it’s a 2 for me.
I have to assume the kind of person who describes Nick Cave's music as "dark" or "intense" has never been anywhere other than Disney World. I'm 14 and this is deep type music.
Spannende Duette, einprägsame Stimme, düstere Stimmung. 4/5
nice enough
Sì beh è Nick Cave
An expreirence
Highlights: Stagger Lee, The Curse of Millhaven. In a nutshell: you wanna hear a cool story? Take your pick of ten. I can actually picture Nick sitting in a comfortable chair in a study or home library, reading the lyrics out loud. The espresso shot dark tales of vengeance, woe, loss, fetish and torture are delicious instead of repulsive. Buckle up, kids. You're gonna love this album or hate it. And if you do end up hating it on the first or second listen, try again in a few weeks. Overall: 8/10
7/10 Ridiculous album. Mostly its just a monotonous listing of various people being killed, often for no appararent reason, with occasional touches of sexual violence for extra shock value. At the same time there is something intriguing about the relentless commitment to the theme. The instrumentation is quite enjoyable despite being somewhat repetitive. Personally I suspect death actually is the end. Not sure if that makes this album better or worse. Highlights: Where the Wild Roses Grow Song of Joy Lovely Creature Death is not the End Crow Jane Henry Lee
Murder Ballads is an album I approach with a mix of fascination and slight exhaustion, because it is so committed to its own darkness. It is lurid, theatrical, and often deliberately uncomfortable, revelling in violence and obsession with a knowing grin. When it works, it is gripping, pulling you into its grim stories with a sense of inevitability rather than shock value alone. What I find compelling is how Nick Cave balances menace with moments of strange tenderness and humour. The narratives are vivid and unapologetic, and the performances are fully inhabited, never half-hearted or ironic. At the same time, the album’s single-minded focus can feel overwhelming. Song after song of death and brutality starts to blur together, and the emotional impact dulls simply through repetition rather than lack of quality. Despite that, Murder Ballads earns its place because of its confidence and commitment. It knows exactly what it is and never flinches. I do not always want to live in this world for an entire album, but I respect the craft, the storytelling, and the sheer audacity of the project.
What the Hell was that?!?!? So strange.
When I listen to this I can't help but hear Leonard Cohen, who has tortured us with numerous albums on this countdown. I did my best to listen to this, but it's just not my cup of tea. I'm sure Nick's family and hometown are proud.
Nick Cave is like the macabre version of Kid Rock. Some of his work sucks less, but it’s still obnoxious and creepy.
I couldn't make it through the first song of the album - it was too slow and dreary for me. This is really not my kind of music.
So original and interesting
Nah broh
Ugh
2 out of 5. Murder and Nick Cave's slow music wasn't a good fit for me here.
Almost tolerable, for once. Hardly a fan of toe tapping melodies though, is he And I hate how he's supposed to be some kind of god level musician
Death is not the end
I’ll give this one a 3/5 although I don’t think this one should be on the list. I appreciate that nick cave and the bad seeds have a very unique sound, but I don’t think they deserve to have the 3 or 4 albums that are on this list. Give me their best album and I’d be happy. I admire their uniqueness.
Toller Sound und Stimmen. Aber die Texte doch recht düster.
Just didn’t do it for me. Songs were not very good and that 14 minute song was a chore to get through. 2/5 Won’t listen again
Damn, Nick Cave keeps getting better (never listened before 1001)
Not my style.
I liked this a lot less than the first album we've listened to by Nick Cave, and probably a lot less than any of the other albums yet to come. The second half of the album with a few duets carried my attention much more but I think that murder ballads are just not my thing. 1.5
I don't think i liked this exactly, but it was compelling
as a lifelong ballad hater, turns out some murder ballads are ok. i liked a number of these while listening but i'm almost positive a future me is gonna be listening to shuffle asking wtf is wrong with current me.
1: there's one nice thing about the amount of Neil Young I've been subjected to in this project, and it's that it gives me some language to explain why I don't like some Nick Cave. the feeling I get when I hear "they found [name] cuffed to the bed" and I go "oh let me guess she was shot in the head" is the exact same feeling as most Neil Young rhyming songs. the cadence even feels similar sometimes 2: with apologies to Nick Cave, because it's not really something he can control: the vast majority of Nick Cave fans I've met are men who approach me at clubs/bars/shows during downtime and ask me what music I listen to, then ask me if I like Nick Cave, and when I say oh I'm not super familiar they belt out at the top of their lungs a line like "She saw the barkeep, said, "O God, he can't be dead!" Stag said, "Well, just count the holes in the motherfucker's head!"" and I wonder if they're going to get overly drunk and then ask me for a ride home later, because that would be on par with this style of interaction, then I usually try to Irish-exit the function early to avoid the whole thing. this is something weird to belt out to strangers you just met. I am not overly sensitive and I enjoy a murder ballad on occasion, but now is not the time and honestly it might never be the time. 3: with no apologies to Nick Cave, because this is directly in his control: I just think that albums and artists like this wind up getting a lot of renown for being "transgressive" and I don't get it. it doesn't feel transgressive for me to listen to a guy singing overly-aggressive versions of murder folk songs with an over the top orchestral accompaniment. if something is what every Phantom of the Opera obsessed subtype of theater kid would do, it may not be mainstream but it's also not remarkable to me my own past as a Phantom of the Opera obsessed "might have been a theater kid if my school had a theater program" begrudgingly gives the second star
Interesting to say the least
Cupo, inquietante, affascinante. Adoro la canzone con Kylie
fuck Nick cave
Ol Nick and I didn’t get off on the right foot. I’m hoping this gets me a little closer to discovering the man as the rest of the virgins of RYM have. The album cover is cool! Oh boy. Drunk Vegas Elvis is back. The lyrics are good! Everything else? From the dial tone backing track to the theatrical Disney villain delivery, I’m not in love. Oh Nick. Just let me like you. The true crime in this song is the lip smacking. Is this growing on me? It’s not terrible. Kind of enthralling in its odd way. The PJ Harvey vocals are a nice touch. The song started really strong but kind of faded. Don’t groan like that Nicholas. Mr. Cave, if you will. I won’t, but someone may. This song sucks. The blowing wind is just kind of too loud. Actually, the blowing wind isn’t the only thing blowing here. Haha. Nice. Kylie Minogue? No, don’t autocorrect to Kylie Minotaur. Why is she not performing a club slaydown??? Anyway. She is whispering a boring pseudo murder ballad next to cosplay Whole Foods Elvis. Next. Oh god. Punk moment. Followed by Polka. This is absolutely a Disney song. I can see millennials rallying around a Facebook post featuring this song superimposed over an animated character from their childhood. “Erm sir, you have just won le internet for today. Epic win.” I for one, do not think this is an “epic win” at all. It sounds like a truck commercial run through a Yosemite Sam AI song generator. Bad news all around. Alright. Slowing down a bit. Kind of shocking lyrically but it works here. I just. Ugh. I cannot handle his vocals. It elicits a high degree of cringe. Richard SLAY??? Oh. Slade. Boring. The background instruments bring to mind U2, which is an insult of the highest order. To say the woman crying was an UPGRADE to the sweeping 50s prom riff should tell you how I’m feeling about this. Oh my god. Cool standup bass? Jazz cymbal splashes? Aaaaand there’s the piano and vocals. This is blues for people who hate blues, jazz and indeed, themselves. Well. Two songs to go. Fitting we stop at a bar. That is normally where you’d see a bad Elvis impersonator. Yes. I’ve been to the Elvis well a few times, but you have to forgive me, this album doesn’t provide much in the way of left turns. Of course it’s 15 minutes. Sweet Jesus this is nothing. Oh good. Can you imagine sitting in the studio while this moron gyrates and mumbles over the close to this thing? Shut up. The ensemble track. Here we go. We are the world. We are the hipsters. Note. I do like Shane McGowan. Otherwise, this sounds like happy birthday sung to you in hell. We all should hope death is the end. Be honest. Is it because he looks weird? Is it his skull shape and the fact he wears suits? He’s not good. This is not good. Once again, the genius public have determined profundity based on appearance and personality rather than on musical output. Great job everybody. Each ballad here was indeed murdered, and their murderer? The eccentric weirdo who has pulled the proverbial wool over the eyes of millions of music dorks worldwide. Congrats Nick. You’ve produced another dead rabbit from your very tall hat and convinced the public it was an allegory for something rather than incompetence. No magic to found here. Just the bloated corpse of intrigue, bleeding out upon the tiles of mediocrity. 0.5-1 HIGHLIGHTS: Stagger Lee?
Hated it
I'm a huge fan of Nick in all his permutations. This is him close to his hard core best. Not quite up to his previous album Let Love In (with the iconic Peaky Blinders theme song Red Right Hand) but still pretty great.
Meh, songs about murder and not much good about it. not bad, just not good.
#427. These Nick Cave albums on this list seem to be pretty hit or miss, and for me this one is a hit. Even though it's a bit of a novelty thing, I liked it much more than I would have thought. 4/5: I dig it *this is the thirty eighth album I purchased from this list Song added to playlist: The Curse of Millhaven I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link
Was ein Fiebertraum von einem Album, hat mich null überzeugt
Where the wild roses grow und death is not the end fand ich gut. Ansonsten eher grenzwertig.
Ich dachte lange "interessant, Story songs" Where the wild Roses grows ist ein toller Klassiker, ich war bei 3 Sternen, aber das letzte Drittel war so scheiße und unerträglich. Songs der Playlist hinzugefügt: Where the wild Roses grow
3/10. It's not for me. I can see the appeal though, so not quite a 1 star.
This album is a fucking journey and I'm here for it. Nick Cave is one of those rare talents that needs to be heard by everyone at some point.
Maybe it’s a short span of attention or undiagnosed ADHD, but “story” songs have never really intrigued me much. In general, I’ve always been more interested in music rather than lyrics. So that’s what I’m connecting with here, primarily. I know, I know…I’m missing the point of this record. Sorry, I can’t help it. This is a great record - excellent, even - but I think I’ve figured out why I struggle with Nick Cave’s music: Lyrics just aren’t the most important thing to me and his music is usually very driven by narrative. So it goes.
It had its moments but a lot of this was trying too hard
I've tried listening to Nick Cave multiple times before this, and I just don't care for him. I didn't enjoy listening to this, I found it very boring.
WHY is there so much Nick Cave albums on here?!? He's absolute TRASH! STOP already
I absolutely hated this. Stagger Lee might be my least favorite song that I've ever heard. I hope I never have to listen to this album ever again.
Found it a little self-indulgent. Not huge on his vocal delivery. I enjoyed Stagger Lee and The Curse of Millhaven 2.5
dark and gothic rock, with content that's very morbid, bleak, and artistically suspenseful. songs almost feel spooky at times; these songs would probably be great at a fancy halloween party. i like the tracks with guest singers better than the ones where nick cave sings himself. it's not to say i dislike gothic material, unfortunately this guy's vulgar and slightly creepy vibes aren't completely for me. i feel like there's probably some good in here for most people, and i enjoy the more fantastical stories.
Such a dark, twisted and amazing album. Listened to it driving across a foggy morning in Kansas the year it came out.
A genuine shock. I've listened to Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds before but was turned off by Cave's voice. I still don't really like it. Fuck, I'm not even sure Nick Cave likes Nick Cave's voice, but it fits the bill perfectly in this album. Full of atmosphere, inventive lyrics, great musicianship. Where the Wild Roses Grow, Song of Joy, Henry Lee, and The Curse of Millhaven standout tracks in an album full of them.
This is the fifth Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds album I've had. Ridiculous. I actually found this album to be tolerable, unlike the other ones on this list. But, out of spite, I cannot rate this anything above a 2.
A dark, twisted tale set to music. The storytelling feels theatrical, almost like Tom Waits with a sharper edge. The themes are haunting but draw you in, like staring into the abyss. It’s unsettling, yet oddly beautiful. The rawness won’t appeal to everyone, but it’s hard to ignore.
So dark, so intense, so so good. I’ve long been a fan of this record. Gold.
I had to get this score changed . HATED this on the first listen but gave it another go and now it’s one of my favourite discoveries from the list
Not bad, but the songs aren’t the best for casual repeat listens. The stories were very entertaining though, some pretty funny.
I get the style but I just don’t like it
Another sleeper artist for me (Grinderman aside). I will definitely be checking out more of Nick Cave's work.
Well, at 628 albums, I have reached my fifth and final Nick Cave album to review. Ghosteen has easily been my favorite album of theirs so far (5 stars), followed by Henry’s Dream (4 stars), with The Boatman’s Call and AB/TLoO rounding out the back end (both 3 stars). Based on what I’ve read about this album, I have pretty high hopes for it. This sounds really interesting, so I’m excited to give it a listen. I thought Murder Ballads was good, but not great. If an album of murder ballads falls into anyone’s wheelhouse, it’s Nick Cave. His deep and brooding voice was perfect for the dark tone of this album, and even though I’m not familiar with the source material that he used, it was pretty easy to distinguish what parts of these songs featured more of his own influence. I really love Nick Cave’s piano playing, and I was glad that it was front and center on this album. The duets with PJ Harvey and Kylie Minogue were really great, but I think that “Death Is Not The End” was the best song on the album. Knowing that Nick Cave would eventually lose his son almost twenty years after this song was recorded really added some emotional gravity that made it even better. I really enjoyed the songwriting on this album as well, and it showcases how talented Nick Cave is as a storyteller. My biggest gripe with this album is that it was a bit too long, and a few of the songs really overstayed their welcome with me. I also wasn’t a fan of the barrage of f-bombs on some of the songs, because I felt like it was a cheap way show anger and strong emotions. I don’t have a problem with swearing in songs, but it really felt like some of Nick Cave’s word choices took a power drill to the folky atmosphere of the album. Still, I’ve enjoyed exploring Nick Cave’s discography, and I’d be quick to return to his music once I’m done with this project.
Pretty enjoyable listen. The piano playing is quite impactful and Nick Cave has a great voice. Some of the songs linger a bit long for my tastes though. Will have to listen again.
Where the wild roses grow is my all-time favorite song by Nick Cave. Never listened to the album before but I really liked the ambiance of the songs, some of them gave me the shivers. Would definitely revisit this album again!
I just don’t get Nick Cave. I’ve tried, because I’m sure I’m missing something, people with similar music tastes seem to love him, but the songs just aren’t for me. The music on this album felt quite simple and repetitive with exhausting rambling over the top. O’Malley’s Bar was particularly painful.
Where to start with this one... I knew a couple of songs like Where the Wild Roses Grow and love the few Nick Cave songs that I know, including his new album....but at times this was a bit of an uncomfortable listen in terms of lyrics. Song of Joy was pretty full on and I wish they'd have built up to it and had it as anything but the opener, but I guess that's a minor quibble and arguably the whole point of the song/album is to create those feelings of discomfort in the listener.
I love Nick Cave and his voice. I really enjoyed the album and the gruesome content. Stagger Lee is a standout for me and really great duets.
Not my favourite Cave (that would be Wookey Hole). Some absolute bangers though, mainly involving someone called Lee.
So begins my love for murder ballads.
A pretty dark set of tracks but then I guess the title of the album gives that away. Some good collaborations on here and some strong tracks- 1st listen today went over my head a bit but I became very intrigued on a revisit and enjoyed it - definitely a keeper in my streaming collection. I do find that Nick Cave has aged well when it comes to his music. Big fan of his last album.
Yes, enjoyed these a lot! Fantastic story telling. I think I prefer some of his later stuff, the last song had a bit of a humpapa feel to it.
Th8s album is amazing. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds are a band that I've always meant to check out. I always kept getting him mixed up with other artist. This album really fit the mood of this particular fall night, definitely a night I won't forget considering the ramifications of it being the night my country gave into fascism. So far the best album this app has recommended.
Awful lyrics. Had to turn it off midway through second song. Not sure how this could be enjoyable.
I didn’t find this to be very cohesive, but did enjoy the duet with PJ Harvey.
Ive wanted to listen to them for a while. This one was... weird. I didnt hate it. But it was something else.
Good ol’ Nick and his circus of ghouls! He’s so fun at parties!! If only he didn’t suck the air out of the room…
Nice ballads! Very dark lyrics obviously - Nick Cave is pretty good.
Kinda odd to make an album all about murders
3.5
I don't think it's as good as some of his other albums like From Her to Eternity.
Too intense to listen to casually but pretty good as like, art and stuff. Somewhat unbearable... especially the 14 minute track. 2 star listen unfortunately. But I do like Nick Cave's other stuff.
this album was as big as a really fuckin big brick!!
As much as I like the concept and all the fine work on this album, I must confess that it really didn’t grab me. It’s nice. Was hoping for something more.
Jesus Christ come on. Not even half way through and this is my third Nick Cave album. Can no one else hear what I'm hearing??
Primer acercamiento a Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds en formato LP. Murder Ballads (1996) es el noveno álbum de estudio del conjunto australiano y, a mi parecer, una experiencia sumamente completa. Leyendo el título de este trabajo sabemos desde el comienzo que nos depara exactamente: diez canciones que engloban el asesinato en la forma de historias atrapantes. En este sentido, la producción del disco es el primero de los apartados mejor logrados, lo cual se refleja notoriamente en la terrorífica atmósfera que envuelve cada una de las canciones. Además, es imprescindible destacar el intachable trabajo de Nick Cave sobre cada una de las pistas, entregándonos letras que invitan a escuchar con atención y una interpretación que siempre mantiene al artista y al oyente como personajes vivos de sus historias. Si tuviese que destacar algún detalle mejorable sería que algunas canciones aprovechan mejor estos dos elementos, ofreciéndonos historias más completas o trabajos instrumentales y de producción más elaborados. No obstante, este es un gran disco de principio a fin, y espero que el algoritmo me siga recomendando trabajos de Cave y compañía. FAVTRAXS: Song of Joy; Stagger Lee; Henry Lee; Where the Wild Roses Grow; The Kindness of Strangers; O'Malley's Bar LEASTFAV: Lovely Creature
Oh no no. At least it’s near Halloween
Man, Nick Cave's free flowing lyrics are so awesome. I could listen to him all day talking about killing people, which makes his dick hard. "I'm that bad motherfucker called Stagger Lee"
Not the type of Nick Cave that I enjoy. Too much Murder. Too many Ballads.
I didn’t expect the album name to be a literal description. I won’t rate it highly because I do not like the lyrics (I’m sure you all know by now that I am staunchly against murder). But the music is kinda fun. And nick cave’s voice is really compelling.
Weird, self-indulgent, murder porn. This guy sounds like Lin-Manuel Miranda’s cringier older brother. Way too theater-y for me. I get the impression the lead singer was jerking himself off the entire time he was writing this.
First thought "sounds like a Disney villain song" and thought maybe things wouldn't continue down a dark path (I didn't read the album title, just pulled it up on Spotify to listen during my commute). I gave up after track 3. I don't need to listen to songs about murder when I can read the news.
This is really fun, not sure if it belongs on this list for anyone but me but I'm glad I listened.
Day289 - to have the talent to make an album like this and not turn out silly only nick cave could pull this off
My third Nick Cave project received here and so far this is the best. Very murdery.
Surprising haunting athmosphere. Nick makes me feel tingles ☺️
Entre Bashung et noir desir en anglais
Terrible
Loved this twisted dark album.
Some great songs, some OK songs. I'm not the biggest fan myself, but I understand why it was so popular when it was new. Favorite song: O'Malley's Bar.
Can he hold a note? No. Was there a single track that I actually enjoyed? No. Did you know that the worst one of all is nearly 15 minutes long? Did you want to slit your wrists? No? Well, you do now.
Not his best but some good songs
bravissimo ma un pò pesantino da ascoltare
Silly
The opening track was ok, and then it got better. This album is really good. Haunting.
Levy soi tunnelmallisesti komeasti. Jos olisi aikaa ja intoa syventyä teksteihin pintaraapaisua syvemmälle, voisi tästä löytää aivan uuden tason. Nyt mentiin soinnin kautta ja taso perus OK.
Todella hyvä levy. Oli pakko kuunnella ajan ja lyriikoiden kanssa pariin otteeseen, joka nosti heti tähdet viiteen. Erityisesti tarinat Stagger Leestä ja O’Malleysistä viihdyttivät yli odotusten.
Slim Shady meets blues. It's good, but I have the feeling it gets more notability for the subject matter than it deserves for the music. 'Stagger Lee' has a great groove.
What a dumb fucking album
Baz Lhurmann does Dolemite
O’Malleys Bar saved this from one star
Nick Cave has a unique way of making you envy the characters who die in each of the songs on this album, by delivering vocal performances so bad that you’ll wish that you were dead too. Hated the vibe, hated Nick’s singing, hated the production (and the addition of a woman crying or other strange noises throughout). Just total shit.
"So much joy" Where the wild roses grow - 5/5 Rest of the album was pretty annoying, id rather listen to Gogol bordello than this.
Its ok. I did like the Mersey Seat off another alnu, a long time ago. BUt don't really care for this one too much.
inspired but so obviously the production of a nihilistic heroin addict it’s hard to take now
When I've been referring to overwrought murder ballads as Nick Cave's worst impulse in previous reviews, I was forgetting that he had an album flat out called Murder Ballads. The idea that O'Malley's Bar wouldn't fit on the other records and needed a whole album of murder ballads around it is a funny idea. Which Bad Seeds record did you think wouldn't fit a murder ballad, Nick? Henry's Dream? Really? anyway some of the instrumentation is cool at times. There's a little bit of interest in the idea of noting murder ballads as a fucked thing and deciding to take it to the extreme. But it totally misunderstands what's weird and fucked about murder ballads. It isn't grisly content. It's that we carry them around like they're just normal songs about timeless stuff. You hear a lovely rendition & wonder what the lyrics might be about - oh. well. kinda weird to sing that so nice isn't it. The stuff on this that isn't bathing in gore doesn't even get at the haunting part of traditional songs, only a fear of strangers. I think in the end Willie Nelson's Red Headed Stranger is a more disturbing piece of work. This one is like retreating from the world into comic books. music: hated. (⌐■_■)
I went back and forth on this. It delivers on the promise of its title. It’s unbelievably violent and nasty, it’s right in Cave’s wheelhouse. It had some stinkers but some real highs too. Musically neat and varied. I loved the conclusion. Ultimately the rating will suffer due to my own earlier misjudgement. Junkyard shoulda have been a 5. This maybe should have been a 4, but it ain’t Junkyard.
I expected more. 5/10