British anthem. Loved Jubilee and Bank Holiday and the playful closing song. An album that transports you to the beginnings of a significant cultural era in 90s Britain. Couldn't help but bop my head along to the songs as I was listening. Not usually my "type" of music but this is exactly why I signed up for 1001. Album has been saved in my collection and my musical horizon has been expanded. Overall a pleasant surprise. Didn't give five star because I reserve that for music that really stirs my soul (it's a high bar).
Strikingly simple and playful lyrics covering some dark themes. Enjoyed the pleasant guitar and smooth voices of the duo. Would give 4.5 if I could. Would listen again, and I suspect it will grow on me each time I do. Maybe when I'm a bit older I'll give this a 5 after listening to "old friends" with an old friend :)
Pleasantly surprised.
Lovely lyrics and melody. Makes ya pause, think and feel. Loved the exploration of love, time, age, music, and identity/our never ending wants as humans. Was drawn in from the first song.
Funky rollercoaster of emotions? Yes please! To think they almost didn't include "Papa" and "Run Charlie Run", and that they expected the album to flop because of these songs, is completely insane. Papa is the only song in this album that I was already familiar with (and love!). Discovering the others was an absolute treat. Was dancing and groovin' from the first track. "Do your Thing" will probably be the soundtrack to those days when I need a little extra motivation from the heavens.
And boy does Otis Williamses' baritone voice get me every time. Don't know another voice like it.
Atmospheric album imbued with compelling storytelling. I was transported to another world instantly - one of a sailor who has travelled all over the world, estranged from his wife ("Shore Leave"), an Aussie jackaroo, a soldier. The bleak exploration of the loneliness, disenfranchisement and time's harsh tendency to just go on and leave us behind, was soulful.
Loved "Town with no Cheer" - such clever lyrics (e.g. referring to train tracks as a xylophone). Shout out to Swordfishtrombone too, more excellent storytelling and clever lyrics. Almost cried while listening to "Soldier's Things". Enjoyed the unnerving rhythm and poetry of Trouble's Braids - that fell into rap territory. Quite a hopeless song to (almost) end on but couldn't have been more perfect for an album by a musician who explores the "underbelly of society".
Discovering albums that truly broaden my horizons, the way Swordfishtrombone did, is the reason I signed up for 1001albums. This album did a brilliant job of showcasing stories about people and places from which most of us "well off" modern city folk are far removed. It was captivating. Loved the jazzy, bluesy and rock inspired instrumentals too. I imagine this album was ground-breaking at the time. I haven't given it a 5 because personally, I didn't find it entertaining on a musical level - more a storytelling one, which is great but I do like to feel music in my body as well as my mind/emotions.
Will definitely be coming back to this one.
This is as funky and "rootsy" as it gets, and I am a total sucker for funk. Couldn't sit still in my seat while listening to this. Also couldn't find an English translation of the lyrics online, which is a huge shame as lyrics are a huge contributing factor for me. Either way, 4 stars for the original sound and lovely voice.
Fun! Not really my kinda music, don't get most of the references and don't gel with this style of hip hop, but I appreciate that there are some true classics/bangers in this album. Not a huge fan of the shouty-ness of it all. With the exception of one or two songs (fight for your right, hold it now hit it), I probably won't listen to it again but that's got more to do with my personal preference. Can see why this is on the list given it's "cultural" significance and pioneering style.
Ahhh what a joy!
Lovely vocals, loved the simple and universally relatable lyrics.
I'm not a huge fan of folk music. I find it can get quite repetitive and it starts to feel formulaic after a while. And maybe it's just the time of year, but many tracks in this album reminded me of cheesy a slightly grating Christmas songs. The emotion in the music felt... sterilised? The rawness was removed so it fit into a neat little melody with similar instrumentals.
I did like the pure vengeance in "Saint to Sinner" though :D
Didn't listen to the full album but I appreciate why this would be on the list. Tempted to give a 2 but I won't let my personal bias dictate the score too much. Don't imagine I'll revisit this, but I know that if I gave it a chance it would probably grow on me. Which, imo, is a sign of good music. My taste is too underdeveloped to appreciate it fully. Saved.
I have to be in the mood for 80s pop and synthesisers. I was not in the mood today.
Full disclosure: I couldn't make it through the full thing. My review is based on the first four songs.
Pleasant listen. Blown away by "Strength of Strings" in particular.
Really not my kind of music. Didn't listen to the full album as I got a headache by song 4. But I did the appreciate alternative lyrics and can see why this would be on the list. Interesting to read about the band leader's story.
LOVE
Can't believe it took me this long to listen to Kraftwerk. Absolutely timeless. Their influence can be heard everywhere. Will probably add a few songs from this album to my running playlist.
