Tighter and poppier than I would have expected. I've not listened to this studio album before now, but was expecting more of the psychedelic freeform guitar work he's know for. Still firmly in the stoner category but less trippy. The title track in particular is a great balance of the styles. Despite the documented recording difficulties of the album, I'm impressed by the clarity and imaging.
I've never listened to a full Beatles album before. This album exudes confidence to create new sounds without worrying. A sense of carefree jauntiness, but that at times feels slightly indulgent. The middle of the album feels like a stylistic departure from the front and end, but not in a way that was pushing boundaries but rather (perhaps) revealing a lack of consistent creative director or differences among band members. The Beatles still don't resonate with me because you cannot sense any passion, but I can't deny that this album is really solid and earns its place on the list.
I can see how this was a predecessor to Sgt. Peppers—it shows experimentation but still has a cohesion that the later album lacks, in my opinion.
I can appreciate how his sound on this album fit into the NYC landscape at the time. While there's moments of interest, I can't get into his vocal styling, unfortunately.
Solid. Uncomplicated. Enjoyable. Personifies the reggae genre for me.
What a curiosity. An album that seems stuck in between times and genres. It has the mindless chugging immaturity that would later become punk, with a smattering of drawn-out guitar work that makes me think of early Pink Floyd. Not bad, but kinda vapid...if you can describe and album that way.
Throw the Cranberries and The Cure in a blender...
Playful, cheeky Americana but with some really solid songwriting. Not my typical cup of tea but I really appreciate the craft (and subversive political humor).
It's hard to hate on the Carpenters, and this album because what they made was very likable. I can easily see the appeal of the breezy, mid-temp pop songs: carefree but yes, at times, too sweet. You can't deny the songwriting or the vocal skills, though. Not an album I would hate to hear, but wouldn't choose to put on again myself.
Man, Byrds fans in '68 were probably super pissed at this album. I appreciate the courage it probably took to switch from psychedelic rock to these well-written and played country songs (with just the barest hint of rock in it). Can't say I loved it, but thanks for doing it because I probably wouldn't have fallen in love with Whiskeytown or other bands that came after, had they not done this album.
Good. Not my favorite Coltrane album, though.
Easy listening. Classic FM. I want to hate it but it's too smoooooth.
Guitar work was nice. Still can't stand his vocals.
Never heard it before this but what a great glimpse into a special time in British music. Drum and bass mixed with trip hop and ethereal vocals. Immediately connects bands that I was listening to at the time such as Faithless (Dido's voice is very similar), Portishead, Tricky with this crossover album.
The production value scales back the power of intensity of Jopplin's vocals, for me resulting in a lack of emotional connection.
Nope.
What a bizarre album. I'm at a loss for words to describe anything about it, including genre. Ambitious?
I can get into some Iggy stuff. This album, not so much. I find most of it sophomoric and tiresome if I'm being honest. Just sonic testosterone.
Ambitious, mature. The Roots never settle. For me this album suffers from a bit of the same issues I have with later Roots albums...almost too much scope, leaving it feeling fractured and lacking cohesion. Black Thought's lyrical skills combined with their expert instrumentation at times feels like drinking from a sonic firehose. But nonetheless, for 2002 this was such a genre-busting effort.
Not my jam but I appreciate the guitar work
No nonsense country.
I'm a middle aged man who shouldn't use the word 'vibe' but...this whole album has one.
I'm a middle aged man who shouldn't use the word 'vibe' but...this whole album has one.
It is rare that I can't make it through a full album even it's not my thing. Nico's voice makes me want to cut my ears off.
Alright!
An absolute classic from my youth. Raw, emotional.
The realness
Flashes of brilliance but for me largely unremarkable (besides the obvious title track with a killer bassline).
Classic.
Some good stuff, but also some meandering unfocused noise.
Never heard this before. Interesting. Might be worth a second listen.
