I've heard a lot of these before that I didn't realize I'd heard. These songs have a melancholic, nostalgic edge that is not afraid to come off as sentimental. Slightly saccharine, but in that way that Neil Young always is. Per usual, the guitar playing is phenomenal and beautiful, and rightfully takes the spotlight from the singing. Some lyrics that are inscrutable and/or uncomfortable through a modern lens, but not offensive. I need to read more about this album to understand its angle. "Powderfinger" is really good. I found "Sail Away" underwhelming. There's an element of irony and commentary that doesn't translate well in the modern era but I guess was understood at the time - much of Neil's career seems this way, with some things being more on the nose than others. "Sedan Delivery" sounds like The Doors could have written it. Not my style of jam honestly - too much 60s psych. "My My, Hey Hey" and "Hey Hey, My My" kick ass. Ending on such a hard note was a great choice, especially since the preceding two tracks were much weaker than the album started.
I went into this one fully expecting to hate it. But I'm finding it airier and more introspective than I thought it would be. Some lyrics are a bit cringe: "Texas is hot, I can be cold. Grandma cried when I pierced my nose." But musically, this is better than I thought. Really enjoying the dreamy piano. The melodies are light and exploratory rather than plodding, formulaic pop. "Oh What a World" is transcendent. I was surprised at the effective brevity and constraint in the interlude "Mother." Didn't care for "Butterflies" but I hate songs that talk about butterflies. The pun in "Space Cowboy" works astonishing well, and it's a great breakup track. "Golden Hour" has some bossa nova chords that really surprised me. The lyrics in many of these songs do leave a lot to be desired, but there are some true standouts. Nothing much to say about "Love Is a Wild Thing" though, pretty generic. "Lonely Weekend" is nice, and "Velvet Elvis" is a novel subject for a song on this kind of record, and I enjoy it.
So I already know this album is going to kick ass. A couple songs in, my main fear is that it's going to be pretty linear. I like Jamiroquai, but I don't know his discography extensively. Still, I have liked what I heard. I think this album is more of a vibe-setter than an album with a lot to say.
As it goes on, I think my suspicion is likely correct. I'm not finding individual tracks that jump out to me, but the whole album is kind of a jam to have on while I'm working. I did really like Revolution 1993, and the last track of disc 1, the didgeridoo track, is pretty boss. Before that though, there had been a long stretch of background music.
As I get to the end of the back half, I'm finding to my dismay that there were no real revelations here - mostly lengthy remixes that didn't add much to the original version, and a couple of new tracks that are also rambly, meandering, and sadly underwhelming. The risk sometimes with an album made with a nostalgic lens is that it only manages to capture, not improve upon, the standard it is in tribute to. This album is funky and jazzy, but only as much as it needs to be to be a funk album. It doesn't feel like it brings anything new to the table. I'm bummed out.
First instinct, not very excited about this. I don't know much about Steely Dan except what the average Joe knows from the radio hits. It's not really my jam. But it doesn't offend me either, so maybe I will find this more enjoyable than expected. Remains to be seen.
3 tracks in - I'm not impressed. The lyrics are underwhelming and basic. These songs feature some of my least favorite chord progressions, a hallmark of a certain era and genre that always reads as insincere and vapid. The instruments SOUND nice but I don't enjoy the way they are being played. I don't enjoy the vocals, but thankfully they are pretty low in the mix.
I am finding this a drag to listen to.
Maybe I am just having a bad day, but I feel I'm being actively tortured by "Barrytown."
This albums sucks. It swings so confidently but absolutely whiffs it. They sound like they believe in it but I just can't.
I took a break and returned seven hours later because I am really not enjoying this. I've got four more songs to go and it feels like an insurmountable burden.
"Pretzel Logic" is ok when they're not singing, and it's just vague guitar jamming. Boring, but it's fine. The singing is bad and the lyrics are bad. I don't understand the point of this. This just sounds like something a mediocre but ultimately feckless dad would come up with over a few Michelob Ultras with his fellow middle manager friends from a large auto dealership.
I didn't even notice when it fuckin' changed to "With a Gun" because boundaries are meaningless in this musical wasteland.
This album IS NOT, but FEELS racist somehow. I'm the last track and I don't even care. I've lost brain cells listening to this.
"Money In Your Soul" is probably about somebody's drug addiction but it doesn't move me in any way and doesn't feel sincere. And it's such a weird note to end the album on.
What a lazy effort. I don't even know why it's on this list. This was a bad time and I regret it. But at least I can now articulate WHY I don't like it, so, I'm glad I stuck it out. Never again.
