I would be surprised if I ever listened to it again, but I appreciate the innovation, multi-level complexity of the entire album. Better than so much of the crap that tries to be rap. Wish I could give 3.5 stars, but will round up.
I came. I listened. I left.
Felt too much like work finishing it.
Had to rate it higher to compensate for a friends low rating. Must restore balance in the world.
"Pump It Up" reminded me of "Wild, Wild West" by The escape Club.
+1 for the amazing musicians. A time when you actually learned how to master your instrument.
This was just painful to try to get through all of the songs. Some of the least creative lyric writing I have had to endure, especially 'Jonz in my Bonz' and 'S,D,MF'. Stunned it would even make a top 10,000 album list.
Never heard of the group. Love that this adventure is exposing me to new music like this.
Starlings - the blaring horns killed an otherwise enjoyable song for me.
Mirrorball - really like the drums on this. Great, simple beat with wide dynamic range. Subtle high-hat with accents and crisp snare cracks tied together with the heart beat of the bass drum.
Overall, this album failed to elbow (please forgive me) its way into my regular playlists.
First time following the lyrics while listening gave me a new appreciation for his story telling.
Their 11th album. Wow. Enjoyable. A lot of covers. Some great guitar solos.
I didn't understand the attraction to the Sex Pistols back in the 80's.
2024, nothing has changed. I tried really hard to like the music, but couldn't wait for the album to end. +1 star for not making the album longer!
This was better than I expected. Really stood up to the test of time.
+1 for lyrics like "Shady as a lady in a moustache" - Somebody's Watching You.
I tried to find a redeeming quality in this music.
Too bitter I lost 45 min of my life.
1/5
I forgot how good this album was. Yeah, it does have a couple of "WTH?" songs, but so many guys and others that are just enjoyable to listen to. Great drumming, arrangements and vocals. I couldn't ask for more.
If new music was half this good I'd actually pay for Spotify.
Great flash back to the 80/90s. Flavor Flav and Chuck D seemed to be opposites, but this dichotomy ended up complimenting each other vocally and with their on stage personas. Enjoyed a couple songs, but overall it's a pass for me.
I give them +1 for trying to transition from Punk Rock to Rock, but it missed the mark for me. Found myself hitting the skip button too many times to give it a higher rating.
Fav songs: Black Diamond, Sixteen Blue
Song that took 3 min to go nowhere and then became just annoying: Answering Machine.
Highlight for me was "The Beat Goes On".
Finally. Some real music! lol
Still a great album after all these years.
Boston debut album yesterday then this. It must be 'artists that did it all by themselves' week. Dave Grohl is amazing. But, I am just not into angst rock (although not as "angsty" as the bands later work). I hit the fast fwd button a few to many times and won't cry if I don't hear any of these songs again.
Otherwise, I love Dave!
Forgive me Father for I have sinned. I've never cared for the Grateful Dead or jam band music. This really dragged on for me. +1 for the drum solo.
I was either born in the wrong century or on the wrong continent to appreciate this music. +1 for the diversity of the music. - 1 for me just not liking most of it.
I think the Church Lady (SNL) sums it up nicely:
"Well, wasn't that special."
Notes:
I so wanted to not hate at least 1 song. Fail.
"Passing Complexion" - rusty, out of tune string instruments fight each other to the death.
1/5
I can't think of a way this album could be more annoying.
Well, unless they made a punk rock version.
1/5
Lots of energy! Not as good as I remember from back then.
I tried. Only so many references to licking balls one can take. Pass.
Like when someone offers me fried livers... no thank you.
Very interesting. Different in a good way.
Could this album be made with any more treble?
Hard to listen to.
What a great surprise. Very chill
I enjoyed it enough to his other albums.
Rounding up to 5
4.5/5
I don't think I quite got this album.
It has the feel that if you had a game show that randomly picked teams of 4 people off the street, gave them quick music lessons and had them create songs with the winners getting a record deal and touring contract, you'd have this album.
Run*DMC is Rap. This is just Crap.
Kinda felt like diet rock. Not too filling, not too weak.
I enjoyed this far better than I expected. What a great lyricist. Sure, not the best singer, but a John had what it took to enjoy a decades long career in music and write some of the best songs.
So 70's. Nice travel back in rock time.
Cecilia Ann - cool instrumental.
Rock Music - best part of this song it that it is only 1:53s long.
Found myself wanting the album to end. 2.5/5
Different. Not your typical rap album. Good vocals.
Such a unique story teller.
The super power of this band is to make other bands sounds so good. As I listened I kept thinking how great Pearl Jam and Nirvana were. After enduring a few songs that sounded like the neighbor's kids playing in their garage, I jumped to their most played song Just Like Heaven, a cover of the Cure's. It made me crave the original.
Started strong. Had a lot of potential. Ended weak.
