Initial thoughts: fun instrumentals, fantastic vocals, couldn’t care less about the lyrics. Feels raw and “alive” since it’s live, which I like.
Final thoughts: pretty much exactly the same as the initial thoughts. Every song sounded really similar but I like the style they’re going for so I can’t complain too much.
Initial thoughts: some good moments shine through but overall the vocals are mediocre and the mixing is terrible. You can tell Mr. Brightside is what they put effort in because they knew it would be the radio hit, everything else is filler so far.
Final thoughts: bad. Mixing and vocals stay horrible, lyrics are lame and sometimes misogynistic or slightly transphobic??
Best song: Mr Brightside
Worst song: Everything else (specifically On Top, Midnight Show, Everything Will Be Alright)
Initial thoughts: very “nostalgic” sound. Use of reverb is strange for this style of music but it works surprisingly well to fill in the gaps.
Final thoughts: all of the above still applies, the songs feel a little “samey” and repetitive, however the album was paced well. If it was too much longer it would’ve become an issue.
Best song: Commotion, Lodi
Worst song: Tombstone Shadow
Initial thoughts: so much fun and energy out of everything. Lyrics may be too graphic for some but I think they compliment the sound surprisingly well. Every sample so far is full, fun and well mixed. Great variety of instruments
Final thoughts: everything above still applies. Fantastic album
Best song: Express Yourself
Worst song: I Ain’t Tha 1
Initial thoughts: I can’t describe it but I love the sound of this a lot.
Final thoughts: sounds samey throughout but it’s still really good.
Best song: The Boy with the Thorn in His Side
Worst song: Frankly, Mr. Shankly
Initial thoughts: pretty slow and boring, psychedelic rock doesn’t do it for me. It picks up occasionally but the production is hit or miss. Amazing vocals though.
Final thoughts: really picked up in the 2nd half, with great production and the slower songs being more interesting. Main complaint is that the songs are poorly paced, they never change throughout and feel like they’re missing proper endings or bridges.
Best song: Season of the Witch
Worst song: Legend of a Girl Named Linda
Initial thoughts: first song is really bad. Sample is grating, so are vocals. Lyrics are vulgar for the sake of it. Next 2 songs pick up however, the vocals are better in a fast paced setting and the instrumentals are better overall. Distracts from the often uncomfortable lyrics.
Final thoughts: generally an unpleasant listen. It had its good moments, especially instrumentally, but the vocals and lyric were not it at all.
Best song: Sweet Gene Vincent
Worst song: Wake Up and Make Love With Me, If I Was with a Woman
Initial thoughts: amazing vocals, okay lyrics, but generally slow and empty sounding instrumentally.
Final thoughts: boring. Sounds like it was made for early 2000’s southern teenage girls crying over a boy who just drove away in his Ford pick-up truck. Most songs are just quiet vocals, a little bit of acoustic guitar, and off-key harmonica. There are 2 interesting songs, they completely carry the album. Every other song sounds the same, and ends extremely abruptly.
Best song: Shakedown on 9th Street
Worst song: Call Me on Your Way Back Home
Initial thoughts: more experimental than I expected. Sometimes works, sometimes doesn’t. Vocals are great, can’t comment on lyrics.
Final thoughts: overall hit or miss, but still fun and enjoyable.
Best song: Trem Fantasma
Worst song: Bat Macumba
