Fantastic specimen of that good old fuzzy blues-rock. Great performances from all involved, and Jimi's vocal delivery imbues even the more melancholy lyrics with an air of confident, unshakeable self-love. Not really a cohesive album statement (it couldn't be with the old practice of changing track listings by region,) but a great collection of songs. Highlights: "Purple Haze," "Hey Joe," "Love or Confusion," "I Don't Live Today," "The Wind Cries Mary," "Red House."
First listen, but I have long hated "Pour Some Sugar On Me," so this album had an uphill battle to fight. There is obvious craft and passion on display here, but it is not to my taste at all. The polished, squeaky-clean production and the perpetually-horny lyrics just don't jive. There is some enjoyment to be had with catchy melodies and some very nice vocal harmonies. Highlights: "Armageddon It," "Run Riot," "Hysteria," and the intro to "Gods of War".
First listen, totally unfamiliar with The Jam. The music is energetic, straightforward, and sunny, reminds me of some of the harder-rocking stuff from the British Invasion (they do play a Kinks song on here, after all). The lyrics are often angry or dissatisfied, which makes a nice contrast. Very good pop sense in terms of melodies, good hooks, and clear song forms. Highlights: "English Rose," "Billy Hunt," "Fly," "'A' Bomb in Wardour Street," and "Down in the Tube Station at Midnight".
First listen to anything by Eels. I'm not sure that I liked this one. The lyrics are pained, but musically there is very little catharsis, and the vocal delivery is often overwrought in its expression of self-pity. It's a sad little wilting flower of an album, and on first pass it didn't do much for me. There were a few songs where it came together, namely the saccharine "My Beloved Monster," the withering "Manchild," and lone rocker "Mental."
One of my favorite albums of all time. This is a freewheeling expression, going in a million directions, different genres, styles, and moods piling up one atop another. Jokes, jams, and profound statements coexist as one. I can think of nothing else quite like this. Additionally, several of the best individual Beatles songs are on here. Highlights: "Dear Prudence," "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," "Martha My Dear," "I'm So Tired," "Blackbird," "Rocky Raccoon," "Yer Blues," "Helter Skelter," "Revolution 1," and "Revolution 9".
