Interesting concept but too homogeneous in its sound."This Mess We're In" is a clear highlight but the other tracks fell flat, especially in comparison. Really wanted to like this album but just... Couldn't.
It's hard to get over how dated this album sounds, although the instrumental side had some highlights throughout. Nice for a throwback, but would not listen on my own time. I'm sure Incubus will really resonate with some people, but it seems I am not one of them. I'd give it three stars but the lyrics made me grimace at times.
An engaging mix of genres and moods; suffers due to its lack of cohesiveness (and is perhaps best understood as an compilation of sorts rather than a narrative), but this is also what keeps it extra interesting. This album is an odd journey, taking you through snippets of different fleeting movie scenes. The first track is a wild ride and it even seems that there will be consistency in the first few tracks... but the mood is harshily broken in "It's Business as Usual". After that, there are some dull moments here and there (as well as some really interesting ones) until we reach the gem "The Sweet Embrace". For its originality, experimentalist nature and some nice "lounge" tracks that I will revisit, this album is a four for me.
This album really loses points due to its length. It starts off fairly strong and then sounds a bit directionless and "samey" which was a disappointment. I noticed a few reviewers mentioned that how by the end of the album, no song TRULY stands out... I completely agree!
Well, maybe I'd point out Speedy Marie which gave me a surprising Bowie vibe at times, and was a quick breath of fresh air. "Whatever Happened to Pong?" the opening track, sounds very familiar and I really like the subtle rockabilly/surf rock influence, but it's over so quickly. That being said, there are moments that I can enjoy (at times it gets experimental like in Fiddle Riddle, some really good riffs, synths and melodies throughout) but they almost seemed fleeting, like I was grasping at them but they were done before reaching their true potential which made for a frustrating listening experience. I'd say at points I'd consider it a solid 3 or even a 4, but due to lack of highlights and an excess of filler songs I'll ultimately give it a 2.
A pleasant listening experience, I really enjoyed the intricacies in the guitars' interplay! Sitting By The Window is a standout track to me. The shorter length of the songs actually was a plus for me, as no song lingers for too long which makes it extra interesting. While the album itself is not particularly groundbreaking (in retrospect, of course), I can see myself revisiting it.
Those who get it, get it! I was very excited to see an album I know inside and out. As a kid to Gen X parents who loved the Sisters of Mercy, this is one of my favorite albums that I was introduced to. It's definitely not for everyone, though, as the icy gothic sound is present FULL force. This album contains many of the Sisters' best tracks. There is not one that I skip. The album is cohesive and I have always loved the pair of "Flood" songs, giving the impression of a cinematic reprise. Lucretia My Reflection has a simple but iconic baseline all throughout. This Corrosion delves into the band's more pop, dance-oriented side with powerful choral accents. The last two songs are slower and sparse and I'd give them a shot even if you don't like the rest of the songs. I'd recommend their first album for those who would prefer a less dramatic sound from the Sisters. "Goth" cult classic. 5 stars!
I wasn't familiar with this album (save for the singles) but I will definitely revisit it for a long, long time! A solid line-up with some real gems such as the toe-tapping I Know But I Don't Know. Will Anything Happen has that sound that some indie rock bands try to emulate to this day. Edgier than your typical new wave and just as refreshing today as (I assume) it was back then, despite being almost 45 years old! A very strong 4.
A good listen, though I have to say I find the intro track to be the most underwhelming one. I did enjoy the album more with passive listening. Great music to concentrate, quite atmospheric.
I enjoy the genre and the lo-fi, fuzzy production a lot. The Witch is a classic. Still, I didn't find this album especially compelling... I guess the covers were interesting. But the repetitive vocal inflections were what really turned me off!
An album I was already a little familiar with, but I never listened the whole way through from start to finish until today. To me, Muse tends to be a band of highs and lows and we have a mix of those here.
"Starlight" and "Supermassive Black Holes" are classics, but sound a little saturated today - I think these tracks felt overplayed back then which kind of "tainted" these songs. Very nostalgic, though. I really enjoyed "Map of The Problematique" on this listen, there's a catchiness there that isn't present in the rest of the songs. "Knights of Cydonia" is a classic and probably the highlight of the album. When I first listened to the song back then, I remember one of my first thoughts being "I want to listen to this live some day" (which I ended up doing and it was great!).
As someone who likes theatrical and dramatic music, it can be too much for me in this album. At moments, it even sounds vapid and souless. Mixed feelings. I don't feel strongly enough about the album as a whole to give it a 4 - as I said, there are lows and it does have some dull, uninspired moments and I just wanted to skip ahead at some points so I'll stick with a 3.
A pretty solid, fun listen although I confess I am not always the biggest fan of Dexter's vocals. Loved the little spoken snippets! The Offspring doesn't take itself too seriously which I see as a very refreshing trait. Genocide and Come Out And Play were the highlights for me (I actually don't like Self Esteem that much...). The rest of the album does feel a bit forgetful apart from those tracks.
Was surprised at how much I enjoyed this one! It's hard to explain, but this album has a "cinematic" quality to its sound and line-up that was quite enjoyable. A nice blend of rock and synths that still feels very organic. "Walk Of Life" is stuck in my head. Only knew Money For Nothing but I am glad to know the Dire Straits a little bit more!
Interesting, but definitely not for me. I do really appreciate the lo-fi "slice of life", soothing quality of this record but I don't love the vocals and the way the lyrics constantly go from good to cheesy real quick. My favorite track was the instrumental "Transylvania Blues" which was a nice change of pace.
The words that came to mind while listening to this album was that it sounded like what would play on the "loading screen" if life was a videogame, as cheesy as it sounds. Eerily nostalgic ambience, reminds me of my own childhood in the nineties. This album sounds like a distant, fuzzy memory and it creates this bittersweet mood - sometimes there's hints of danger, sometimes there's hint of bliss. No clear standouts but in this case that's a good thing as the consistency is soothing. I did find the vocal samples too distracting, repetitive or even grating at times and that was a little disappointing.
I lost hope when the title track (that was widely regarded as a highlight) fell flat and went on for over 10 minutes! I enjoy a longer track but this was too much as a third of the album. The instrumental pieces are fine. Just fine. Was excited with the "jazz/funk" description but it disappointed me.
What a ride! I absolutely loved the new wave/post-punk vibe of the opening track (that is the strongest there but can be heard through the other tracks), we are thrown into some intensity right away. This is one of the most British-souding American bands, by the way!
The first half is very strong and of course, the hits are not just catchy but extremely infectious - those alone, make the album... I don't know if I would revisit most of the non-singles like I do their hits, but as a whole it captures a very specific time and is sure to be a nostalgic trip for anyone. Though, I have to say I didn't love the lyrics all the time. Rating probably closer to 3.5-3.7
Not much to say here, the album felt bland. Although there were some groovy moments, the mixing and vocals make it sound like a karaoke track - weirdly amateurish.
A lot slower as a while than what you might expect from the first tracks. Some mixed emotions - this *sounds* like an album I would like, but it just doesn't connect emotionally... For now. Didn't enjoy it all the way through, but I liked the uniqueness and moody atmosphere which the album cover captures pretty well. Yes, it's maybe a bit pretentious and pompous but that's something I actually enjoy! The song "The Asphalt World" was a huge surprise, the clear highlight nearing the end of the album.
Overall, I can appreciate it for its good qualities and I feel like if I listen to it a couple more times I could warm up to this album a little more.
I feel like I'm walking onto some sort of social experiment seeing the praise this album got, I don't get it AT all. Sounds like a parody or demo. Could not finish. I'm sure it had its time and place, but it sounds incredibly dated, repetitive (same flow over and over and over again) and dissonant. Love Ghetto and Phoney Ladies do stand out, they are quite groovy but the crowd samples ruin it in the former. By the way, what's with the lyrics on "Kisses On The Wind"? Kind of creepy...
I don't enjoy the falsetto vocals which made this album kind of tough to get through. Not my cup of tea, pleasant but feels too plain as a whole.
An interesting experience. I wouldn't say I love Neil Young's voice or that I liked every song, however I cannot ignore the artistry of this album. "Borrowed Tune" is lovely.
Didn't expect such a country/blues infused album. Didn't seem remarkable to me except for the classic opener... Oh, and another thing that left a (negative) mark were the disgusting lyrics in Stray Cat Blues... Seriously? Creepy now, creepy then. Foul!
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Lovely! What a voice. A sweet and warm listen, a nice mix of smoothness and intensity. No song ever drones on and on, they're like little tasting samples, in the best way possible! Ideal length. Really enjoyed the bossa nova influence in Don't Let Me Lose This Dream.
This one is one that will enter the rotation for a rainy, grey weekend morning.
Meh. Wish the Stones could do an album without completely out of touch lyrics for once.
Pretty enjoyable, consistent without ever being boring! No song made a specific mark but as a whole, it intrigued me and kept my attention as someone who is not too familiar with hip-hop but who also won't avoid it. Provoking lyrics (in a good way) but could certainly have done without the homophobic slur. (Maybe nitpicking? I'm honestly just appalled at how many of my older generated albums use slurs and/or violently bigoted, times truly have changed)
Three stars. I feel like I need another listen to fully form an opinion, though.
Much more interesting than the multiple mid-to-late 60's albums I got so far! An eclectic mix. I did prefer the slow-paced songs on this one, particularly the ones on the first half. The second half did not seem as strong, it didn't keep my attention and intrigue up as much. Everydays is such a groovy song, a gem. Expecting To Fly is sweet.
Whoa! That was certainly unique! Refreshing in the middle of a streak of some albums that have been on the duller side. Wins some favor just because of that. This album has a true personality and concept, although a very, very quirky one.
There are some true underrated gems here (I particularly enjoyed the "Entertain Me" to "Secret Life" streak). "Say Hello, Wave Goodbye" was hard to get through, as were a few of the tracks. Tainted Love and Where Did Our Love Go, the covers, are stellar as expected. Album lose points for length, it's maybe longer than it needs to be.
Absolutely grating! Guess tastes are really subjective, I simply cannot enjoy the vocals, quite the opposite. Sounds dreadful to me. Had to turn it off pretty soon.
I really enjoy SAULT, and I have to say that musically this is far from their best. Best approached as an art piece and social commentary, it's not a casual listen.
In Rainbows is an album that I've heard a lot about since its release, so I was very surprised that I didn't recognize any song! But I'm glad I didn't so I could experience for the first time.
This album has an interesting mix of digital and analogue and it flows so tenderly. The music feels both complex and effortless, experimental but familiar. I have never heard anything quite like it. Thom Yorke's voice is a treat to listen to!
Pleasant, but not really a whole more to say. Nice to set a cozy, jazzy mood - not revolutionary but does it need to be?
I was familiar with a couple songs (and those are still my favorites) but listening to the rest of the album was definitely worth my time! The opening track blew me away, what a bombastic one!
I want to come back to this one in my own time and experience it again, I feel like it could grow a little more on me. The Pixies create a mood that only they can do and sometimes it hits just right.
I'm sorry, but... yawn. I don't see the appeal in Clapton.
I expected a rock album but got a blend of country and disco (?), falsetto included. Certainly unique, but boring. I appreciate its quirkiness and the blending of genres but I'd say that's it.
The opening song is very Bowie, the other songs lost me though. It's not terrible, but it is forgettable and it got old real fast!
Awesome. 1969 and I Wanna Be Your Dog are classics. Still so fresh nowadays, which is a feat after 50 years! We Will Fall was an unexpected change of mood - this songs sounds like a bad trip, but it is so intriguing. It did completely break the mood in a jarring way, but that added to it. Unfortunately I do think the album turns quite unremarkable after that (the lyrics seem a bit half baked at times)... But I do think the first three songs are a LOT to live up to.
Wow, so many late 60's albums! The mixing on this record was refreshing. As a whole, no big highlights. I did enjoy some of the melodies but it's not an album I would necessary revisit in the future, although I am curious to hear more from The Kinks. I had read Blur is influenced by them, and damn I can definitely hear it!
I gave it a fair shot (Sheryl's voice is pleasant) but... not my genre at all. Couldn't get into the songs/lyrics. A little grating at times.
I enjoyed this album while listening, but can't really remember it afterwards. Not the most attention-grabbing, although I don't see that as a bad thing - it was a nice accompaniment to a stormy morning. It perhaps deserves another more attentive listen.
Extremely interesting, even without its historical context. There's a consistent "fire" through the album that grabs you, very passionate!
I've always wanted to explore Sonic Youth a little more, so I was pretty excited to see this album for the day. It sounds raw, a bit discombobulated at times - in the best way! There's an edginess, almost like they're coloring outside the lines. Feels a little bit dirty and rough around the edges. I'm gonna add "Sister" to the rotation so I become more familiar with it, I feel like it will grow even more on me.
I am a bit familiar with The Slits and I have to say I wasn't too thrilled about getting this album... but I was pleasantly surprised by it as a whole. It does sound dissonant and even amateurish at times, but strangely that also seems to add to it! It has this particular groove that I sometimes crave... not very often, but once in a blue moon. So I'm glad it exists.
Very quirky and more unique than the MANY late 60's albums on this list! "I Had To Much To Dream" is a great track I want to come back to.
I was excited to see one of what I would assume are multiple David Bowie albums on this list! The thing about being a legend is that your great songs sound just good next to the brightest gem. That is what seems to happen in this album. It's good, but it's not Bowie's best - I'd say say far from it, but I was pleased by the consistent sound (the background vocals really help with this). I was also shocked to see Fascination, one of my favorite Bowie songs, as one of the songs with fewer listens!
Not much to say - enjoyed listening to the album, but cannot remember a single song so it didn't leave an impression on me.
Another 60's psychedelic album... They're starting to blend together at this point! This one didn't impress me and sounded like many others to my ears. I don't even feel inspired to write about it.
Meh, pretty bland. Sounds like advert music to me.
Sinatra's voice is a classic and this is a smooth, velvety listen. Great for this time of year! However, the songs do all sound very alike. Not too much of a problem if you're really in the mood for it, the consistency can be comforting in a way. Pennies From Heaven is a classic song!
Interesting, sounds like a mild shrooms trip - almost like the audio representation of that body and mental high. A gentle psychedelic haze and the droning, dream, hypnotic quality really helps elevate it. I swear I even heard some surf-rock type of riffs in there! I do think there were some duds, but as a whole it does work. I feel like it could be best experienced as an active listen rather than a passive one.
This is the most 1992 album I've ever heard - for better or worse! Pretty mellow and enjoyable. Did not particularly enjoy the background vocals on this, sounded a bit off. I don't know if I'll ever revisit, but it was a nice background to my morning.
Not my thing, but quite unique. I can tell why Steely Dan is a classic. Bonus points for my favorite song of theirs being here: Monkey In Your Soul.
My first ever generated album was a PJ Harvey alvum that I did not like one bit, but I was open to trying again. I also don't really enjoy this one even though I do prefer it out of the two. It's just not for me. I like the emotion behind the voice but not the voice itself. I did like the grunge elements.
Not what I would usually listen to but I enjoyed it! Torn between 3 and 4 stars. Pleasant classic rock. I wouldn't necessarily revisit it in my own time but I'm glad I listened to it.
Vintage goodness! Also, I really like this album cover, might be my favorite so far. I really enjoyed "Mrs. Vanderbilt" and that's the song I will likely revisit. The rest of the songs didn't grab me as much.
To be honest, it made me cringe at times... But the mood it created overall was interesting. The opening song was by far the worst for me (sounded pretentious - which is not always bad in my view, but in this case, it is...) and the rest was much more pleasant.
A little boring on its own... Sparse mixing which makes it extra uninteresting.
Not your average Tuesday morning album! I actually like some Suicide sings but have never made the connection that they were the ones who wrote the 10 minute murderous song I somehow came across in my childhood. I appreciate the artistry. I also enjoyed hearing the influence of other genres through this album's style: minimal, fuzzy, droning.
Sounds like 2009 in the worst way possible. Did not enjoy the vocals at all. Sounds uncertain, wandering, directionless but in an unnerving way, not an exciting way. Showed moments of promise but fell through.
Interesting, eclectic, jazzy, chill, experimental but also a bit pretentious.
