A great first album!
I think my favorite thing about this album is how obvious Lennon's feelings about the breakup of the Beatles and of Paul are. I especially love the references to Sgt. Pepper, Yesterday, and Just Another Day on "How Do You Sleep?".
Favorite song(s): How Do You Sleep?, Oh My Love
Least favorite song(s): It's So Hard, I Don't Wanna Be A Soldier Mama
Listened before? No
Lennon first and now the Beatles?!
It’s a fine album - just a little juvenile (for me and clearly for the Beatles as their second album). I remember liking the songs from this album as a freshman/sophomore. The sweet lyrics and swingy/poppy beats were all I needed but just doesn’t scratch my musical itch anymore.
Favorite Song: All My Loving
Least Favorite Song: I Wanna Be Your Man
Familiar with the album beforehand? Yes
I grew up in a house divided on this album: one parent liked it and one detested it. I rolled the dice and followed in the Alanis hater’s footsteps. This wasn’t without a good fight from the Alanis fan - we must’ve listened to this album quite a bit when I was young because I now know more of the songs than I thought I would. There’s some musical treats in the album but it’s all shrouded by her distracting (albeit unique) voice and 90s tone.
Favorite song: Mary Jane (Giving a bit of Jeff Buckley vibes)
Least favorite: Ironic (what’s ironic about it??)
Knew beforehand? Apparently.
I liked this album more than I thought I would. I didn't know much about Jethro Tull coming into this except that 1) I knew Aqualung (thank you Rockband) and 2) Ian Anderson has some memorable flute poses.
I don't think the band had a 27 year-old girl in 2024 in mind when they made this album, so it makes sense that I slightly cringe at the whimsy Ren Faire moments in the album. But man, there's some heavy moments that make it worth it.
Favorite song: Wind-Up
Least favorite song: Mother Goose
Listened before? No
I was a little underwhelmed by this one. It's a fine album, just a little forgettable. I only knew one song form this album prior to listening (Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard) and to be honest, I never really liked the song to begin with. Should've been a sign...
Favorite song(s): Peace Like a River, Armistice Day
Least favorite song: Mother and Child Reunion
Knew beforehand? No
I genuinely thought I’d enjoy this album more than I did. It’s enjoyable at times, forgettable at most. I guess I just think there’s far better soul albums I’d rather listen to?
Favorite song: Son of a Preacher Man
Least favorite song: Breakfast In Bed
Knew before? No
I’m starting to think I’m not a Paul Simon fan…It just felt dated and a little forced. I see the idea and the intention behind the album’s sound, but I think I’d just rather hear a South African band??
Favorite song: You Can Call Me Al (solely for the familiarity)
Least favorite song: everything else?
Knew before? No
Ah! A band I've seen!
I went into this album thinking "well this'll be fun". And it was!
But I guess I never paid any mind to the lyrics because man, there are some sad/longing songs on this album. I like extremely sad lyrics to fun, upbeat instrumental, so this was a nice surprise. But I'm not entirely convinced that this isn't just a fun album...
Favorite song(s): Range Life, Cut Your Hair (duh)
Least favorite song: Hit the Plane Down
Knew before? sorta
This album has been on my list of albums to check out for a while. I was familiar with Live Forever (thanks Rockband!) but not much else. It’s a fine album overall, but sorta felt generic at times. Was expecting more from the “new Beatles”. Glad I listened to the album though, and I would listen again, but would not purchase for my collection.
Favorite song(s): Live Forever, Digsy’s Dinner
Least favorite: Shakermaker
Knew before? Apparently not even though I owned the CD…
Initial thoughts 2 songs in: if the Smiths used more (and real) string instruments (none of that violin synth stuff - which, I must add, I absolutely LOVE). I felt like the next 12 or so songs were kinda meh folk rock. I mean, folk rock ~can~ be really good, or it can come across as some cheesy pre-recorded stuff that costumed dancers at Busch Gardens perform to. I'm not saying this is the latter, but sometimes it's not far off. Continuing the Busch Gardens theme, I ultimately feel like this is a roller coaster of good, meh, and ugh songs. When it's good, it's really good (see Killing My Heart and Let Me Feel Holy Again), but then get the other stuff.
Favorite song(s): see above
Least Favorite song: the 12 songs in between the ones I really liked.
Knew before: no - first unknown artist on the list for me!
I knew a few Stereolab songs prior to hearing this album and they’ve always been on my list to check out, so I was excited when this popped up. It was a fun listen! Hit after hit.
Favorite song: Percolator
Least favorite: Metronomic Underground
Knew before? No
As a non-jazz listener, I’m not gonna even try to talk at length about this album. But it was good - engaging at times, not at others.
Favorite song: all of them?
Least favorite: all of them?
Knew before: No
I enjoy Radiohead but only ever stuck to OK Computer and In Rainbows. I’ve been intrigued by Kid A knowing there’s a large Krautrock influence on the album - and it did not disappoint. The drums and bass line on The National Anthem are hypnotizing. Will definitely return to this album.
Favorite song(s): The National Anthem, Morning Bell
Least favorite: Treefingers
Knew before: sorta - a few songs
Look, I like punk. But not all punk. This typically means I stick to the bands/albums I know and rarely seek anything new (to me).
So while The Clash is one of the well-known punk bands, I actually have never listened to this album*.
After listening, this is what I want punk to be - a slurry of genres that packs a punch and makes a sociopolitical statement. Needless to say, this is great album.
Favorite song: Hateful
Least favorite: Train in Vain (Stand by Me)
Knew before? No
*except London Calling, Lost in the Supermarket, and Train in Vain.
Big shocker, but the first song reminded me of the 1989 movie Roadhouse starring Patrick Swayze. So then I spent the rest of the album thinking about how much I disliked Roadhouse.
Favorite song(s): Waiting for the Sun, Queen of the Highway
Least favorite: Roadhouse Blues
Knew before? no
80s hard rock isn't usually my thing but I grew up in a very pro-Van Halen household so by familiarity itself, I appreciate the band. The synths on this album are equally amazing and cheesy and I find myself wanting to roll my eyes and dance at the same time to Jump (I mean, who wouldn't?).
Favorite song(s): Jump (duh); I'll Wait
Least favorite: Hot For Teacher
Knew before? sorta
One song in and I was thinking this must be one of those albums that self-proclaimed audiophiles hold on a high pedestal. The kind where they look down on you for "not getting it".
But...going into the second and third songs, I sorta dig it. The drums are catchy enough to convince you that these are "normal"-enough songs but then there's a lot of experimental, fun stuff to keep you engaged.
Favorite song: Big Muff
Least favorite: Dealer
Knew before? No
I wish I could’ve given this album a more thoughtful listen, but there were a lot of enjoyable moments from what I passively remember. I usually wouldn’t consider myself a Queen fan - there’s songs that I really like but I get tired of the overplayed “Another One Bites The Dust”, “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”, etc.
I was surprised to find only one recognizable song from this album (Killer Queen) which probably made my listening experience overall more enjoyable.
Favorite song: Flick Of The Wrist
Least favorite: Bring Back That Leroy Brown
Knew before? No
Wasn't able to give this album the "deep" listen it deserved, but I dug what I heard.
Favorite song: Flight of the Rat
Least favorite: none - all solid
Knew before? No
I listened to this album twice and was surprised how bored I was with it on the second listen (that's what I get for listening to it while working the first go around). Don't get me wrong, there's some really enjoyable songs (There, There) and moments (the fuzz on Myxomatosis and the beeps and boops on A Punch Up at a Wedding). Yet, I feel like overall, it's just a less punchy version of Ok Computer.
Favorite song(s): There, There, 2 + 2 = 5
Least favorite: The Gloaming
Knew before? no
I learned about Fishbone about 30 min before I got this album through the generator. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that this was more than a Ska album. Lyrically strong, musically impressive.
Favorite song: Deep Inside
Least favorite: Ma and Pa
Knew before? No
I genuinely don't understand how someone could rate an album a 1 for simply being sad. Wild stuff out here man...
Favorite song: I Know It's Over
Least favorite: Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others
Knew before: yes - an album that has shaped my music taste
There's something about Art Garfunkel that makes me enjoy Paul Simon's music more. This album is great. Folksy but with amazing orchestral elements and some melancholic vocals. Also, who doesn't love a cover of Bye Bye Love?
Favorite song: The Boxer
Least favorite: None?
Knew before? Just the hits.
There's too much I wanna say about this album! Quintessential garage rock meets punk (proto-punk?) with an influence of Bowie musicality (and imagery of West Berlin). It's messy, it's crisp, it's great. And to top it off, the album cover of a smiling Iggy Pop with greasy bands is iconic.
Favorite song(s): Some Weird Sin, Success
Least favorite: Turn Blue
Knew before? Yes
Always been a Little Richard fan. A lot of the songs sound the same but all are equally raw and punchy - thematically sound for the early days of Rock N Roll.
Favorite song: Rip It Up (duh)
Least favorite: True, Fine Mama
Knew before? Yes
Look, I'm not a rock-blues fan, nor am I hug fan of jam bands. There's some nice elements (and there's no denying the musical ability of these bros) but I can't listen to blues harmonica for 23 minutes. I mean, c'mon.
I'm surprised that I didn't like this as much as I thought I would. I like a lot of the elements in this album but I found it kinda boring and sloppy (this coming from someone who loves the fuzziness of most garage rock). I don't know man, maybe it just sounds so much like other hard rock/early metal/ bluesy bands of the 70s to me??
Favorite song: Summertime Blues
Least favorite: Doctor Please
Knew before? No
A really solid album. I loved the percussion and the lil funk/psych guitar blips throughout. Not to mention Marvin’s expressive, strong vocals.
Favorite song(s): Please Don't Stay (Once You Go Away), Distant Lover
Least favorite: Just to Keep You Satisfied
Knew before? No
I’ve never been a huge Adele fan, but I’m surprised this album got cut from the list. There’s so many hits from this album and at the time, felt like a really nice divergence from the other pop hits (Katy Perry’s Firework, Maroon 5’s Moves Like Jagger).
Favorite song: He Won’t Go
Least favorite: Turning Tables
Knew before? Just the hits.
I won't speak at length about this album because of my lack of exposure to the genre. I enjoyed it rhythmically, but felt like some songs really reflected it's 90s release date (Porte-monnaie comes to mind).
Favorite song: Qui cherche trouve
Least favorite: Désespoir
Knew before? No
I've been sitting on this album for a while with the fear that I'd hate every minute of it. As a non-fan of electronica, it was more enjoyable than I anticipated. The "meat" of each song was a little much for me (and the singing lady was a bit too 90s if that makes any sense), but there were some recurring elements in each that I enjoyed (e.g., the ringing bell in Claustrophobic Sting).
I found the history of the album more interesting as a release in response to the outlaw of raves in the UK.
Favorite song: 3 Kilos
Least favorite: No Good (Start the Dance)
Knew before? No
You really get a different perspective on this album after reading the 29-slide powerpoint on how this album is about Lorde and Jack Antonoff's [alleged] affair.
Favorite song: The Louvre
Least favorite: Hard Feelings/Loveless
Knew before? No
I've been avoiding this album. I stopped mid-way through the first song on my first attempt. I was not mentally ready for a spoken album. The idea of a semi-stand-up routine with the occasional jazzy ensemble was not appealing to me (especially for 1 hr and 13 min).
I stuck it out for the second attempt (and some encouraging words from friends). I'm glad that I did. I enjoyed the caricature of it all - the voice, the content, the lounge/bar setup (not to mention the Large Marge-esque ghost trucker story!). It was a little long, and many of the jokes went over my 27 year-old self, but overall, a memorable album.
That's all for now. I gotta make like a hockey player and get the puck outta here.
Not much to say about this amazing album except that more songs need bicycle horns.
Favorite song(s): I Know There's An Answer, God Only Knows, Sloop John B
Least favorite: none
Knew before? Yes
I enjoyed the themes of nature and mourning in the album, but I found it to be musically similar throughout the whole album. It's not a bad album, but just a bit boring after a while. Didn't mind the religious overtones tracks as much as I thought I was going to.
Favorite song: Alabama
Least favorite: Pray for Me
Knew before? No
The first song, Cornbread Moon, sounded like an early country-pop song (IDK who the country pop stars are - maybe Brad Paisley??). I liked the remaining songs on the album much more. The pacing was a nice mix of upbeat and slow songs, the lyrics seemed genuine, and there was some really nice guitar throughout. Not bad Joe.
Favorite song: Boxcars
Least favorite: Cornbread Moon
Knew before? No
I only knew Sycamore from the first album Woke On A Whaleheart prior to listening to this album. I guess I never knew Bill was so talk-sing-y? Kinda disappointed in the vocals but musically, an interesting and enjoyable album.
Favorite song: Too Many Birds
Least favorite: Invocation of Ratiocination
Knew before? No
The album felt a little same-sy at times, but after a second listen, the second half of the album definitely caught my attention more. A nice folk album that isn't scared to breathe. Could do without Devendra's weird proto-cursive voice though.
Favorite song: Insect Eyes
Least favorite: This Is The Way
Knew before? No
I haven't listened to a lot of Jazz, but I want more of whatever Basie has going on. A lot of the songs sounded similar to me, but I think that may be my lack of exposure to the genre. Regardless, I can't deny an album that has a song about a toad named Teddy.
Favorite song(s): After Supper, Splanky
Least favorite: Double-O
Knew before? No
It's fun, it's genre-bending, it's weird...it's Prince! Fun fact: I used to hate Prince when I was in middle and high school because his hits would play daily on the morning radio. Shortly after denouncing pop radio stations, I became a Prince fan. Funny how that works.
Favorite song: Housequake
Least favorite: The Ballad of Dorothy Parker
Knew before? No
Look, if I wanted a "tough" guy from New Jersey to sing about Cain, it's gonna be Danzig NOT Springsteen. Can't handle this mediocre "i'm just a hard workin' guy" shtick.
Favorite song: Prove It All Night - kinda has a power pop sound to it
Least favorite: the rest, but especially Something in the Night
2010s French pop does 80s pop doesn't do it for me. Thematically, it's a fine album, just wasn't translated in an evocative manner for me.
Favorite song: Goya Soda
Least favorite: Comme si
Knew before? No
I’m not much of a live album girlie, but after a song-by-song comparison between live and recorded versions, I get it. There’s more connectivity with the listeners, more electricity, more everything.
Favorite song: Hello There (duh - also such a great way to start an album, or a concert). Also shout out to the Ain’t That a Shame cover.
Least favorite: Big Eyes
Knew before? Sorta, but as separate albums.
Jack Black's character in High Fidelity calls Belle & Sebastian "old sad bastard music" and I couldn't agree more. It was painfully boring so much so that even the trumpet couldn't save it.
Favorite song: none
Least favorite song: all of them
Knew before? No
