1001 Albums Summary

I’ll be honest, I’m not a huge Radiohead fan. I’ve heard OK Computer and In Rainbows, and while I appreciate them for their talent and creativity, it isn’t something that speaks to me. Not to say this doesn’t have its moments, however. I loved the more atmospheric tracks in the back end. The title track is euphoric, and Hunting Bears tells a lot in its simplicity. The moments I don’t dig as much are the harder hitters; Yorke’s vocals are quite grating on the opening track, for one. The ending tracks feel flat, too, which was a note I had for the whole album but it became prominent at the end. Still, I don’t regret listening to this. Some of my favorite Radiohead tracks land on this project, which is why I rate it above average. It’s just a bit of a slog to get there.

This album was very hit or miss for me. Overall, I enjoy the concept and I think it's effective in capturing a dirty NYC. I also really enjoyed Tom Waits' vocals regardless of the track, and the lyrics and imagery were constant highlights. The more blues-inspired tracks were astounding, and I kind of wish they were more present on the record. Bangers like Big Black Maria and Gun Street Girl add a folksy edge to some awesome blues rock, and tracks like Time, Blind Love, and Diamonds and Gold are so packed with emotion, in the lyrics, vocals, and atmosphere. What really brings the record down for me is the more polka/sea shanty inspired tracks, which unfortunately are what most of this record is especially in the first half. I'm already not a huge polka fan, but these tracks especially felt ver melodramatic theater-core. The singing was always great, but it wasn't enough to save those tracks. Overall, a very hit-or-miss record.

First time listening to a Black Keys record, and it was quite an enjoyable listen. I enjoy the dynamic range of this record, with bangers like Tighten Up and Howlin for You, and the tragic tracks like The Only One, Too Afraid to Love You. Unknown Brother and Never Gonna Give You Up also stand out, and I want to return to this record to really see what this band was going for conceptually. The only thing stopping me from giving this a 5 stars is that many of the songs here feel flat and unremarkable. Perhaps they'll grow on me the more I listen, but tracks like The Go Getter feel like a vibe and nothing else, even with the great production and performances all around, which I think is largely due to the absense of a catchy chorus or guitar/keys melody. Still, this was quite an enjoyable listen. I'm very much looking forward to listening to some more from this band.