Incredibly impressive for 1974, the use of electronics is bright, atmospheric, and able to induce feelings of calmness, energy, and hope. It sounds incredible, very clean and you're able to pull apart the layers. There are some amazing unique styles on here. My major complaint is that it does sometimes come off as a bit harsh, with moments where it sounds like the dudes are just abruptly hitting random keys. It's more noticeable in the eerier more experimental tracks, which I don't think are very good compared to the brighter, fuller ones. I think one reason it sounds a bit harsh and weird at times is because the technology is dated (rather than their skill or precursor artists), and I'm sure it would sound so much smoother had they used stuff from just a few years later.

A bit of everything in British 70s rock. There's some glam, Beatlesesque, power pop, heavy metal, and jam. I appreciate the diversity in styles and how hard they go. Most of their songs do sound like they're trying to imitate more popular bands as closely as possible without understanding the charm that those bands have, coming off as a bit ingenuine. No standout tracks, but I found myself liking something out of almost every track.

It's that 2010s/20s indie sound that's still prevalent in albums today! Very much like Tame Impala or Ty Segall with that neo-psychedelia style. Clean yet hazy, groovy and funky, atmospheric, energetic, fun & weird vibes yet chill, random sound effects, and a bright & happy mood. I quite like the effort they went into the production. There're a lot of creative ideas in here, and it kept me engaged wondering what stunt they were gonna pull next. I also like the mixing. There were a few subdued channels, and some conflicts, but for the most part, it was clear and distinguishable. If I were to be critical about it, I do find it to be commercial and directionless. The tracks felt a bit scattered, as if they were throwing things at the wall, and I can see what they were trying to go for in most cases, but hardly much of it really hits the bullseye. The moments they try to emphasize lack impact, and that's why much of it barely left a memory if not for the unusual sounds. A lot of hooks and riffs also felt like they were copying contemporaries. It sounded familiar yet off. Fine to listen to. Fine to put on an indie playlist. The weird effects will definitely gravitate ears from the casual listener. But it's not something I could fall in love with, and it leads me wanting to listen to the ones they try imitating who are able to fulfill that power and satisfaction I long for.

I could never get behind Bad Religion. Their most influential records (Suffer, No Control, Against the Grain) had some creative ideas. But for the most part, they just sound like a commercial radio-friendly boring version of what earlier hardcore bands like Dead Kennys initiated. It's slow and melodic, with riffs and catchy vocals that appeal to the alt rock crowd. I wasn't able to find anything special out of it. Recipe for Hate marks their mainstream breakthrough in the 90s alongside Green Days, NOFX, and Offspring. It's even slower and more melodic with expressive singing vocals. If not for the fast-paced minimalist riffs, anthemic-style vocals, anti-authoritarian lyrics, and basic drum beat, you'd confuse this for another alt rock album of the time. Didn't care for most tracks. A lot of it was ok, some of it catchy, most of it boring and lacking innovation. Most of it trying hard to appeal to the mainstream crowd. It is produced well, with diverse styles, and it does a decent job at being pop without losing its punk roots.

A rock opera with folk-based instrumentation and vocals (reminds me of Neutral Milk Hotel and Fleet Foxes), country and metal touches, classic 2000s indie energy (like Arcade Fire), and an enveloping atmosphere that creates tension and drives the story. I like how the songs are strung together and flow seamlessly between each other, as well as the reoccurring themes that are spun with new twists to keep the record fresh and familiar. The interludes are nice to give breaks between the intensity and loudness of most tracks. I didn't like how rambly this album was compared to their others. I found the melodies less interesting (for the most part), and less emotion and soul in the vocals. It reminds me a lot of overly-commercial 90s alt rock. Picaresque had much stronger songs. This album has some highlights too, but with how scattered the tracks move around, it's hard to have the same impact. Great for a rock opera, and suited for an enveloping story with quality music. Favorites: The Wanting Comes in Waves / Repaid, The Rake's Song, The Queen's Rebuke / The Crossing

Incredibly impressive for 1974, the use of electronics is bright, atmospheric, and able to induce feelings of calmness, energy, and hope. It sounds incredible, very clean and you're able to pull apart the layers. There are some amazing unique styles on here. My major complaint is that it does sometimes come off as a bit harsh, with moments where it sounds like the dudes are just abruptly hitting random keys. It's more noticeable in the eerier more experimental tracks, which I don't think are very good compared to the brighter, fuller ones. I think one reason it sounds a bit harsh and weird at times is because the technology is dated (rather than their skill or precursor artists), and I'm sure it would sound so much smoother had they used stuff from just a few years later.

A bit of everything in British 70s rock. There's some glam, Beatlesesque, power pop, heavy metal, and jam. I appreciate the diversity in styles and how hard they go. Most of their songs do sound like they're trying to imitate more popular bands as closely as possible without understanding the charm that those bands have, coming off as a bit ingenuine. No standout tracks, but I found myself liking something out of almost every track.

A genuine example of mid-2000s screamo right as emo is about to hit peak popularity. So you get some aspects of mainstream emo (such as the anthemic live sound and pop hooks) while still focusing on heavy riffs, busy instrumentation, and unusual sudden changes in tempo, volume, and rhythm. It does fall into some lame tropes from time to time, and half the tracks are unremarkable or repetitive. There are several standout hits, and there are cool tricks I do like, usually put at the end of the songs. Above average for its genre, but I'd still shrug it off, especially for how exhausting it can be.

It's that 2010s/20s indie sound that's still prevalent in albums today! Very much like Tame Impala or Ty Segall with that neo-psychedelia style. Clean yet hazy, groovy and funky, atmospheric, energetic, fun & weird vibes yet chill, random sound effects, and a bright & happy mood. I quite like the effort they went into the production. There're a lot of creative ideas in here, and it kept me engaged wondering what stunt they were gonna pull next. I also like the mixing. There were a few subdued channels, and some conflicts, but for the most part, it was clear and distinguishable. If I were to be critical about it, I do find it to be commercial and directionless. The tracks felt a bit scattered, as if they were throwing things at the wall, and I can see what they were trying to go for in most cases, but hardly much of it really hits the bullseye. The moments they try to emphasize lack impact, and that's why much of it barely left a memory if not for the unusual sounds. A lot of hooks and riffs also felt like they were copying contemporaries. It sounded familiar yet off. Fine to listen to. Fine to put on an indie playlist. The weird effects will definitely gravitate ears from the casual listener. But it's not something I could fall in love with, and it leads me wanting to listen to the ones they try imitating who are able to fulfill that power and satisfaction I long for.

A late 80s New Wave release. I really like the lush atmospheric production, cool mood, funky groove, pop accessibility, high energy and danceability, and diverse styles. "Need You Tonight" is by far my favorite, and although I'm not in love with the other tracks as much, they are amazing pop songs. Most cuts aren't that strong, but they contribute their worth with personality and creativity to make this 39 minute record worth it.

I could never get behind Bad Religion. Their most influential records (Suffer, No Control, Against the Grain) had some creative ideas. But for the most part, they just sound like a commercial radio-friendly boring version of what earlier hardcore bands like Dead Kennys initiated. It's slow and melodic, with riffs and catchy vocals that appeal to the alt rock crowd. I wasn't able to find anything special out of it. Recipe for Hate marks their mainstream breakthrough in the 90s alongside Green Days, NOFX, and Offspring. It's even slower and more melodic with expressive singing vocals. If not for the fast-paced minimalist riffs, anthemic-style vocals, anti-authoritarian lyrics, and basic drum beat, you'd confuse this for another alt rock album of the time. Didn't care for most tracks. A lot of it was ok, some of it catchy, most of it boring and lacking innovation. Most of it trying hard to appeal to the mainstream crowd. It is produced well, with diverse styles, and it does a decent job at being pop without losing its punk roots.

Jangly New Wave that resembles Elvis Costello but more chill. It's less adventurous with a focus on catchy melodies. Produced well and inoffensive, with a few highlights in the first half. Plenty of weak songs in the latter half that offer no more than a gimmick to stand out. Favorites: Suspicious Minds, Don't Throw Stones, Thru the Window