Title track was great n fun n all that — the rest sounds like the echoes and reverberations of the first without the vibes. Fun still, but very homogenous. Listen for vibes
Pre-listen notes
Listened and loved this record a lot back in 2019. Spun it so much during those times! Loved the heaviness and the rawness and the performances and the energy the band brings, especially Zach. The sound of tracks like Bombtrack and Killing in the Name are so unique and easily recognized, showing the power of the group's songwriting. It's not hard to evoke the sounds and the riffs and energy of the mentioned tracks. Though that does lead me to the second point: I cannot recall for the life of me the sounds of the other tracks in this record.
Current listen notes:
Bombtrack and Killing in the Name are still very good and fun to listen to! Amazing energy and performance — don't think these tracks will ever get old, which is unfortunate and disappointing considering the subject matter. Another new enjoyment: the ending of Wake Up — a barrage of screeches and noise razor sharp as to disorient and slash at the listener.
Review:
Fun album! Energy is maintained throughout the whole record. The whole crew is dialed in and brings their whole sound together and forward and complete. This thing is brimming with confidence. Bombtrack and Killing in the Name remain great as ever — not that I expected them to fall out of favor, of course. What a great start to this album. Unfortunately the tracks in between somewhat blend in with each other, as they play with the same sounds throughout. Not much deviation to be had here, which likeminded listeners might find a bit of a letdown. Nonetheless, the crew do a very good job of being right up your ear with their message and sound.
Can be fun (Suck My Kiss, Give It Away, Under the Bridge) despite its lyrics. Also appreciated the dynamism within the songs, always staying fresh and new, keeping the listener engaged. The opposite happens far too often in long rock records such.
Enjoyed the sound and its uniqueness, a sort of punk-y, Velvet Underground-sounding, full of witty lines type of record
Folk-y crescendocore post-rock. Enjoyed the vibes of this one, carefully moving between chilly winter sounds and strong gusts of wind. Spares and not sparse at the same time. Very good, would recommend. Tho sometimes the vocals sound like Simlish to me
"The Sex Pistols put art to life"
Great adult contemporary record. Love love Norah Jones' voice — so soothing and so smooth, accompanied by great musicians, who were just as much of a treat to listen to.
Wall-of-sound, muddy (positive), heavy bluesy psych rock. Enjoyed this one, wouldn't really say they were pushing the envelope then, but they were really good at what they were doing. Was fond of the song structures, too. Solid all around.
I really liked this record, probably favorite record listened to from this list so far. Very, very modern sounding to the point where I'm fairly convinced that modern alt rock sensibilities (sound, song structure, vocals) stemmed from the sound of this record. Enjoyed his vocals and the instrumentation, I feel that I will get more out of this album once I start paying more mind to his lyrics. Recommended listen.
Forgettable imo. Did not enjoy the instrumentation too much — boring, old, nothing new. Sounds derivative, but could be because indie acts soon followed the sound they created here. This band and their records are so hyped up that I had high expectations coming in. Can't say I hated it totally — I think Ready to Start, Modern Man, and Rococo were enjoyable songs. The record front to back sounds too similar and homogenous.
Loved it. Girlfriend also enjoyed it a lot. Really forward sounding considering these were produced and recorded from 1985-92 (if it were to be believed — a question we must ask ourselves when it comes to Aphex Twin). The combination of the melodies and the ambient sounds gave it a really futuristic feel, sort of something one would find during the early to mid 00's. (I'm most reminded of cellphone ringtones).
Fun, great, unique, varied, forward-thinking.
Stevie Wonder's songwriting prowess on full show throughout the whole project. Funky, catchy, headboppy, great vocals — you have it all. Wonderful record, full of — wait — 1972?!
Bangers within -- though I find the record a bit too long for one sitting.
Listened to this before and I didn't like/get it. I love it now. The bass lines are catchy, punchy, and the squad loves to go in different sonic directions. Fun n great
Enjoyed it. Dark, brooding, and punchy. Good post-punk, or something close to it.
Wasn't into it during the first stretch of the album but I warmed up to it pretty quickly. Once again fun, a bit quirky, and interesting vocals. Truly unique for its time. Reminds me somewhat of Arcade Fire.
Not bad — Radiohead comparisons were no exaggerations. Does get good at times.
