1001 Albums Summary

‘Scarborough Fair’ is a really strong start; an almost beguiling sound, and the use of minor chords appeals. Slower / samey songs after this but picking up with ‘The Big Bright Green Pleasure Machine’ and ‘The 59th Street Bridge Song’ differentiate. The specificity of the lyrics and simile reminds me of Taylor Swift, I can see that she could have been inspired by this album (e.g. ‘Dangling Conversation’). ‘A Simple Desultory Philippic’ really caught my attention, tongue in cheek -sounds like Bob Dylan? But still loved the blues sound ‘For Emily, whenever I may find her’ was beautiful. ‘7 o’clock news / Silent Night’ was perfect (not sonically but strong / risky? message) and great closer. I really enjoyed this and will definitely listen again, and explore more of S&G’s back catalogue. Do not listen to a lot of older albums - 29 minutes is a nice listening experience but I prefer to be more immersed in a longer album, especially as I am often doing something else when I am listening to them. Personally, enjoy the themes of green - plus 1966 being my mother’s birth date, Rosemary being my grandmother’s name, and Scarborough being where my Dad grew up. 4*