Sep 14 2024
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Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
First album for me and when I saw what it was I was a bit disappointed it wasn't a really really famous one. But this is going to happen more often than not, so just go in with an open mind and see how it goes. I certainly didn't expect it to sound as hard rock as this, particularly given the year of release. I did think the last two tracks were slightly weaker than the rest.
From reading other reviews, I think the general consensus is that people love or hate Neil Young's voice, and I am the former. I really enjoyed this album a lot and am looking forward to hearing more, and not just from Neil Young.
Cinnamon Girl was the highlight.
4
Sep 15 2024
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Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Really really enjoy her voice a lot. It almost seems as though if this was any other artist there would be a lot of belting out the tunes, but Tracy doesn't need to do that at all, her voice absolutely carries this album. It dips a little bit for a couple of songs in the middle but ends just as it started.
Fast Car is the obvious highlight but I'm glad the rest of the album matches up to it. Across The Lines is the other best song. If I could give it 4.5 I would, but alas, it's a 4.
4
Sep 16 2024
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Sign 'O' The Times
Prince
Waited for the opening song to get going and kick into another gear for 5 mins but it never came. And that was the case for a lot of songs on this album. Pretty boring and repetitive and just waiting for something good to happen.
The opener had the most plays on Spotify so thought it would be the best (or close to) but it wasn't anywhere near. Play In The Sunshine was next and was immediately a better song.
Side 2 is much better. The Cross and Adore are so very easily the best songs as they have the best vocal performances of the album. The Cross also builds to something pretty damn good, almost heavy metal.
Overall it's just a bit wanky for my liking. Which I maybe could have guessed if I were to prejudge what I thought Prince would be like.
Really not my thing at all. Half of the tunes sound like they would be okay for background music in an 80s industrial club or something, but to actually listen to, not good. Really like Prince's voice though. The non industrial sounding songs are much better, otherwise it sounds like I am listening to a bad radio station on GTA Vice City.
2
Sep 17 2024
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Marquee Moon
Television
The title track has the best lick and instrumental and solo section.
Prove It is catchy. Torn Curtain also stands out.
Doesn't sound like an album released 50 years ago.
Great guitar work throughout.
Easy 3. A collection of OK to good songs. A few of highlights but overall, just decent.
3
Sep 18 2024
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Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
I didn't want to give out 5's easily, they have to deserve it. It's only my fifth album of this journey and dammit this deserves it!
A really lovely opening which sets the tone for the rest of the album.
'Casimir Pulaski Day' was the best, an absolute treat.
The Man of Metropolis teases you thinking it'll be more upbeat and it eventually is, as it slips in and out of a great bit of rock guitar.
I feel like this is what every wanky, indie, acoustic, breathy artist WANTS to sound like but doesn't get anywhere near. Nothing bad on this album, every song a delicate delight to listen to. The song titles are stupid though.
5
Sep 19 2024
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Synchronicity
The Police
A fantastic opening 1-2 punch.
Probably the best songs on the album.
'Mother' I did enjoy, but I had a moment where it clicked that I was actually listening to something so bizarre and out of place with the rest of the album. Feel as though they gave the guitarist one shot at writing a song and he came up with this and Sting had to include it on the album as it's his only sing writing credit. Must have felt sorry for him or something.
Every Breath You Take is obviously a classic, although not my favourite song by The Police. A little too overplayed in my opinion. Still a great tune though.
'Murder By Numbers' has a good groove in the chorus. Almost a bit bluesy. Sting has a great voice and The Police know how to mix pop/rock and a bit of ska/punk/reggae effortlessly.
4
Sep 20 2024
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Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
I don't love Led Zeppelin's folk-y acoustic material as much as their heavy metal/hard rock stuff. Their albums are normally a mixture, so I find them somewhat inconsistent.
I find that they venture slightly into 'overly long wank fest' at times and 'In My Time of Dying' is guilty of that. It sounds like they were just jamming in the studio, someone pushed record, and it ended up on the album.
Some solid stuff on this album though. 'Ten Years Gone' is great and Robert Plant's vocals absolutely shine on 'Night Flight'. 'Kashmir' is a classic but not the best on the album. That belongs to 'The Rover'. It has a fantastic riff that drives the song forward with such a swagger and attitude.
It's a 5 star 45 minute album if you trim the fat a bit. Don't want to give in to the Led Zeppelin tax and there are better Led Zep albums than this so it's getting a 3. A very high 3 mind you.
3
Sep 21 2024
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At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan
This type of smooth lounge jazz clearly isn't my thing. Take away the instruments and it wouldn't really make too much of a difference as it all blends into one.
'September in the Rain' and 'Just One of Those Things' are highlights purely because they're upbeat and bouncy as opposed to much of the albums slow jazz tunes.
It's not bad music, but it's really not my cup of tea. Sarah Vaughan has a really lovely voice, but it's not enough to carry this to anything more than one star. It's too similar sounding throughout in a sub genre of music that probably already sounds very similar as it is.
1
Sep 22 2024
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Welcome to the Afterfuture
Mike Ladd
The trouble I have with hip hop music is that it's JUST the beat. There's no riffs, licks, instrumental sections, solos, fills, nothing. So if that main beat that will repeat throughout the whole song is weak then you only have the rapping to save the song. And if the rapping is weak, or in this album's case, doesn't appear that often, then you aren't left with a lot to like.
I do like that it sounds slightly experimental, like you're in a trance in space a lot of the time - 'To The Moon's Contractor' and 'Airwave Hysteria' are the best examples - but it can't save this album. The beats aren't that interesting, the rapping isn't that good and overall it's a bit all over the place.
1
Sep 23 2024
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Kings Of The Wild Frontier
Adam & The Ants
Didn't know what to expect coming into this knowing only 'Prince Charming' and 'Stand and Deliver' which are both on the next album.
'Dog Eat Dog' opens fast. 'Antmusic' has the catchiest chorus on the whole record. 'Ants Invasion' has a great riff. I absolutely love Adam Ant's voice and random almost yodels and noises he makes. The guitar can get quite heavy at times which was a surprise. Always a fan of music that makes you headbang even though it's not all out rock or heavy metal.
Difficult to say why I love this so much. Glam rock meets punk meets pop meets Burundi Beat (Google it).
Just 40 mins of really fun, very catchy, a bit over the top and silly music. Absolutely loved it.
5
Sep 24 2024
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James Brown Live At The Apollo
James Brown
I know he's a legend, I know it's probably blasphemy, but I just didn't enjoy listening to this. Honestly was a bit bored. 8 tracks and one of those is an introduction to the album/band. None of his big big hits. Don't see what is so special about this really.
1
Sep 25 2024
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A Northern Soul
The Verve
Only knowing 'The Drugs Don't Work' and of course 'Bittersweet Symphony' I would thought there would be more acoustic stuff here and didn't expect it to sound as psychedelic as it does.
Perhaps could have been cut down by 10 minutes. Can definitely hear elements of Oasis and Radiohead.
Overall, a long album with lots of spaced psychedelic guitar and I enjoyed it because of that, not despite it. A very high 3. Perhaps Urban Hymns is on the list and is better.
3
Sep 26 2024
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21
Adele
When first released, I wasn't a fan of 'Rolling in the Deep' or 'Set Fire to the Rain' so never listened to them, but having to listen for this review, I've done a 180, they're both really strong tracks, the latter in particular is very good.
'Turning Tables' has a lovely piano 'riff' (if you can call it a riff, that's the metal head in me speaking)
'I'll Be Waiting' has a catchy feel good chorus and is probably the best song that isn't one of the big three singles that was released from this album.
Adele really goes for it vocally on 'One and Only', she really does have a phenomenal voice.
'Someone Like You' closes this album, and not only is it the best track, it is, in my opinion, one of the best pop songs of all time, I really do think it's a fantastic song, that I got goosebumps listening to. This album gains an extra star just for this song alone.
Overall I debated giving it a 4 because it's quite similar when listening as a whole, but the tracks are easily strong enough to warrant a 5.
5
Sep 27 2024
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Ragged Glory
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
I don't know if it's because he's a bit older on this record or going for more of a country vibe, but Neil Young's voice on this isn't my favourite thing in the world, it sounds strained at times. I now understand the hate for it. 'Over and Over' is particularly bad. He doesn't sound in tune in places, like he's just wailing over the music.
It features a lot of anthemic singalong choruses, which is definitely one way to get songs to stick in your head.
The guitar throughout is really great and is easily the best thing about this album. It's gritty and raw. I'm surprised it sounds as grunge as it does, definitely not something I was expecting. It's actually really heavy sounding in places!
I kind of want to be the guy who hates Neil Young, but fuck this was an enjoyable listen. Would have been a 5 if it wasn't for his voice which honestly isn't amazing, and also by the end of the album it does start to merge into one ever so slightly.
4
Sep 28 2024
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The College Dropout
Kanye West
I find it difficult to describe and review music. Rap is even harder.
Upon first listen it was an easy 2. Maybe I just don't get rap? Then again maybe I just don't like it? But that can't be true. I find myself rapping along to the really famous tunes over the years, knowing all the words and enjoying it. Maybe it's the lyrics. Maybe it's the beat. Maybe it's because it's familiar to me. Or a combination of the three.
I decided to give it a second spin, follow along with the words and really listen to the lyrics, and lo and behold, it was a much more enjoyable experience.
Kanye is very clever with his lyrics and flows really well. The first two tunes are the best and the quality dips as the record goes on but returns on 'Family Business'.
Skits shouldn't be a thing. Minute long waffle that breaks the flow of the album and there's quite a lot on this one.
I enjoyed this. Being unfamiliar with his work as a whole, I imagine it isn't Kanye's best and merely laid the groundwork for a future masterpiece. I hope there's another album of his on this list and I look forward to it.
3
Sep 29 2024
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Daydream Nation
Sonic Youth
Up until about track four, it sounded pretty similar. Indie. And I know people don't like to use the term indie when it comes to describing music, but you know exactly the kind of sound I mean when I say that.
Then 'Cross The Breeze' is up next and what a change of pace. It's fast, loud and raw and really made me sit up and listen. You can hear the punk tinged influence.
I can absolutely see why and appreciate that this may have inspired a lot of bands, but for me it was just a little too distorted and messy at times. It goes past the point of liking it and more towards 'just noise' in my opinion.
Some really good highlights though. 'Z) Eliminator, Jr.' is definitely leaning into the heavy metal sound and 'Teen Age Riot' and 'Hey Joni' are also very good.
As is the case with a lot of alternative indie-esque bands, I just find it all slightly too samey sounding. I enjoyed the heavier and faster tracks a lot, and just wished they would have done a 45 minute album in that style.
2
Sep 30 2024
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Repeater
Fugazi
Today I learnt that this is the lead singer of Minor Threat's other band and it's clear to see how they're an influence.
'Merchandise' and 'Styrofoam' are the two highlights here.
Some of the less heavy, more pop-punky sounding tracks sound like they would fit perfectly on a Tony Hawk, or a mid 2000s WWE video game.
Lots of energy and attitude, it was enjoyable to listen to but not really my kind of thing.
3
Oct 01 2024
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Ramones
Ramones
I feel like certain bands happened to be playing the right music in the right place at the right time and because of that, certain albums of theirs are propelled to legendary status even if they are good or not. But I suppose that's what this list is. Important and influential albums.
There just doesn't seem to be a lot of variety to punk in general. Sure, there's the odd riff here and there that stands out - 'Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue' has a really cool riff - but if I wasn't paying much attention you could tell me this album is one 29 minute long song and I'd have believed you.
If you like punk, you'll love this. I don't like punk that much. I am definitely more of a metalhead and listening to this album has confirmed that to me.
It has everything that I SHOULD like. It's loud, fast, raw and high energy, but after 10 minutes I've heard it all and it just does nothing for me.
2
Oct 02 2024
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The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn
Pink Floyd
I was looking forward to this when I saw it was Pink Floyd.
Some tracks are so strange, but all of them are boring. It's as if they found whatever objects they could in the studio and started banging them together and whatever noise came out ended up on the record.
Is it genius and I just don't get it? Am I taking it too seriously? Or is it just really crap? I actually gave it a second listen and I do genuinely think it's just a bad album.
I can certainly hear a lot of early Beatles and Bowie in this, it's just a shame that those two artists do it so much better. Take 'The Gnome' for example. Bowie's 'The Laughing Gnome' is a fun, whimsical tune and he gets away with it because that was his whole shtick back then, it wasn't too serious. However I do think that Pink Floyd wanted this to be taken very seriously, like they thought they'd written a masterpiece and we should all sit up and listen.
The lyrics are laughable. Take 'Bike':
'I've got a bike, you can ride it if you like / It's got a basket, a bell that rings and things to make it look good / I'd give it to you if I could but I borrowed it'
Then it's all about red and black cloaks, a mouse named Gerald in a house and gingerbread men clans. And then the second half is quite literally 'just noise'. Creepy alarm clock is the only way I can describe it.
Genius or crap? Whatever the answer is, I don't get it. Take some hallucinogenic drugs and you'll probably have a better time than I did listening to this.
Let's just hope that when they pop up on this list, their other albums are better than this.
1
Oct 03 2024
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The Visitors
ABBA
For me, when it comes to the UK charts and famous pop/rock singles, you can't get much better than Queen, Robbie Williams (yeah I said it, don't come for me) and ABBA. Quality AND quantity. There's a reason 'ABBA Gold: Greatest Hits' is the second best selling album in the UK (behind Queen Greatest Hits).
So how would full album fare? Particularly one with no recognisable tunes or big hits on.
It turns out I needn't have worried, it's very good. The two B's of the group, Benny and Björn know how to write a catchy pop song that's for sure.
It's slightly darker and moodier in tone than you'd perhaps expect of ABBA at times, but still has its lighter moments too. I feel like they could have released any track from this album as a single in their heyday and it would've been successful.
A joy to listen to, an easy 5 stars and I hope there's more ABBA to come.
5
Oct 04 2024
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Butterfly
Mariah Carey
Run a bubble bath, grab a glass of wine, relax and stick this on for an hour and you'll probably give it five stars. The definition of easy listening. It's pleasant enough, but it's just too similar and honestly a bit dull.
I really don't like the slow, breathy tunes of 90's R'n'B. The better tracks are the ones that are more pop, or where Mariah actually shows off her fantastic vocals and belts it out like on 'Whenever You Call'. 'Honey' has a funky beat and 'Breakdown' is somewhat catchy.
You know at the end of 90's kids films when they have a slow R'n'B version of a song from the film playing through the credits and you think 'I just wish I was listening to the original'. Imagine that, but for twelve songs.
Not for me, and I wouldn't actively pick anything out to listen to again.
1
Oct 05 2024
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Back In Black
AC/DC
The second best selling album of all time, but is it actually any good?
Abso-fucking-lutely it is. In my opinion it's the best album AC/DC ever did. There are no bad tracks here.
Objectively speaking, Bon Scott is the better singer, he was effortlessly good. But I prefer the vocals of Brian Johnson. I think it fits the music of AC/DC better. On later albums he overdid it and sounded as if he was shrieking, but here he's brilliant. Every single member plays their part. The rhythm section is so tight, Angus is on fire with every riff.
Obviously everyone knows 'Back in Black', 'You Shook Me All Night Long' and to a lesser extent 'Hells Bells' but you could have picked any of the 10 tracks as a single and it would have ended up being a fan favourite played on every tour. It's that strong a selection of songs.
AC/DC at their loud, balls to the wall peak.
5
Oct 06 2024
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Swordfishtrombones
Tom Waits
I'm a fan of music that's "weird" or "different" so long as it can still be seen as music and doesn't lean TOO far into weird and different.
As soon as I heard the vocals I knew people would either love them or hate them. They are very strange. But I really enjoyed them a lot! It definitely fits with the music. 'Underground' is a thudding plodding opener. Really sets the tone for the rest of the album.
The next track 'Shore Leave' he is whispering menacingly. '16 Shells From a 30.6' had me tapping my foot, really grooves along nicely. 'In The Neighborhood' is, dare I say it, quite a lovely song. 'Down, Down, Down' is very rock 'n' roll.
The music evokes images of a video game about cavemen but they're travelling aimlessly around an abandoned fairground. That is the only way I can describe it. It's bizarre and slightly over the top at times, but never takes itself too seriously.
If it was described to me, it's not something I would have thought I'd have liked, but I'm glad it came up on this list! I wouldn't go as far to say that it's genius (or maybe I just don't get it) but I do know I really enjoyed listening to this a lot!
5
Oct 07 2024
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Scissor Sisters
Scissor Sisters
I never really liked Scissor Sisters when they became big so I was intrigued that this album was on the list and how it would fare.
There's not really that much I can say about it in all honesty. It's mostly just inoffensive pop and dance music.
'Lovers in the Backseat' is the best track that wasn't a single and I hadn't heard before. 'Filthy/Gorgeous' which is another highlight, has to be one of the most outrageously over the top songs to ever enter the UK charts.
Overall, I didn't hugely enjoy it that much. A few highlights here and there but overall slightly boring.
2
Oct 08 2024
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Eagles
Eagles
Was somewhat looking forward to an Eagles album. That was until I found out they're not quite as revered as I thought they were. I just hope 'Hotel California' is better than this. 'Nightingale' is pretty good and 'Take the Devil' has a cool groove and riff in the middle of the track.
Overall it's decent enough background music if you're into country rock, otherwise just a bit bland. Not anything too bad, just nothing that I particularly cared for. Just inoffensive, middle of the road, dad rock. Just meh.
2
Oct 09 2024
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Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Had no idea 'Proud Mary' was originally a CCR track. That was a good one, the opener 'Born on the Bayou' was also very good.
The highlight of the album though has to be 'Keep On Chooglin''. It's a foot tapping song that rocks away nicely for all seven minutes. John Fogerty is a great vocalist, his style of singing fits perfectly with the style of swampy rock music being played.
'Graveyard Train' is just a slow bluesy jam session which I didn't like, it was overly long and out stayed it's welcome by the four minute halfway mark.
A decent record overall and wouldn't mind another CCR album or two.
3
Oct 10 2024
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Something/Anything?
Todd Rundgren
You get given your randomly selected album of the day, you read a little bit about it and you see those two words no one wants to see: 'Double album'.
It must be hard enough to write a 45 minute long album that is consistently great and stands the test of time. But to write one that's over 80 minutes in length? I'm sure it's been done but this certainly isn't one of them.
Each side is something a bit different. Side one is mainly pop music, side two turns slightly more psychedelic. Sides three and four are more rock focused. Quite a cool thing to do but overall there's nothing that grabs me and makes me want to listen to the whole thing again. For an album that's an hour and a half long you want it to be worth it, and this just isn't.
Potentially a solid three if you cut the album in half and keep the best tracks. But the odd decent track here and there doesn't save this from the lowest rating I can give I'm afraid.
1
Oct 11 2024
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Ogden's Nut Gone Flake
Small Faces
The Album opens with the title track which is a really great instrumental that I kind of wish would be the sound for the whole album. That's not to say the more weird British quirky and whimsical tracks are bad but the more psychedelic rock tracks are definitely better overall.
It was SO close to being a 4 but it's just missing that extra something. That standout track or catchy riff or vocal line. Perhaps it's a little TOO weird and the spoken parts at the start of the tracks on the second half of the album spoil the flow. Glad I listened though and some very good songs to be found here.
3
Oct 12 2024
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Boston
Boston
Obviously everyone knows the opening track 'More Than A Feeling' but does the rest of the album live up to that? Honestly I think the opener is one of the lesser tracks here. It's full of absolutely brilliant songs.
Every track on this album could go onto one of those compilation CD's. 'Dad Rock: Songs To Drive Down the Motorway To' and they would all fit nicely between some Thin Lizzy and Status Quo.
The first two minutes of 'Foreplay/Long Time' was so good I went back to it first thing after finishing the album.
The fact they wrote and recorded the demo years prior to the album's official release, and when it came to making the actual album they didn't change a single thing tells you they knew the material they had was brilliant.
If you're into 70's rock then you'll really enjoy this a lot. Catchy tunes, radio friendly choruses, perfect production, great riffs and solos, fantastic vocals. It's just a hell of a lot of fun from start to finish.
5
Oct 13 2024
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Bubble And Scrape
Sebadoh
Perfectly serviceable album and if you're into this then great, I'm pleased for you, but it's just not my kind of thing in all honesty.
Some tracks have a great energy about them. I think 'Emma Get Wild' is the best offering. It has a cool groove to it. It's a bit different from the rest.
I find the vocals to be very all over the place, I don't think he's very good and I'm not a fan.
It does all blend together in my opinion, rather indistinguishable. Decent enough to just stick on in the background though if you fancy listening to the genre.
2
Oct 14 2024
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Bug
Dinosaur Jr.
Joy. More grungey, alternative, whiny indie. Wikipedia lists this as 'Noise Rock' which is actually pretty accurate. Just noise, where all the tracks just sort of blend together to create one long 35 minute song.
They sound a little bit like a bad high school band trying to emulate their favourite artists. I don't like the singer's voice, it seems very out of tune. Is that the point?
I will admit there are a couple of cool riffs here and there ('Yeah We Know' and 'Let It Ride' for example) and the solos are very loud and over the top, I quite enjoyed them. I thought 'Don't' was actually pretty cool. Everything on this track is screaming, the guitars, the vocals, really great.
This type of music just isn't my thing. I'm just glad it wasn't a double album and was finished after a little over half an hour. Decent enough background music but nothing more. A generous two stars.
2
Oct 15 2024
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Live!
Fela Kuti
This is not my thing at all but I can appreciate it. I respect the tight playing of instruments and I get why people may somewhat enjoy it. But people love this? I think people pretend to like this sort of stuff so it makes them seem cool.
Whether the tracks were two minutes long, over ten minutes like they are here, or even if it was just one long track it wouldn't matter, it all sounds the same.
Fela introduces each song and on 'TRACK 3' says he wrote it for Ginger Baker. He wrote these songs? I can't help but feel that you can't write stuff like this. It's as if some talented musicians all got up on stage and just played whatever they felt like. It's an overly long jazzy wank fest of the highest order with occasional decent vocals. To my ears, it's essentially a jam session.
Maybe I'm more standard thinking when it comes to music. It should have a catchy melody or a memorable tune. A riff, a vocal line, something to hum or sing along to. This has none of those things, which is fine, if you're into this then great, I'm pleased for you, but I don't get it.
1
Oct 16 2024
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The Joshua Tree
U2
The three hit songs from this album ('Where The Streets Have No Name', 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For' and 'With or Without You') are three of the most popular of the band's career so I can certainly see why this is seen as the quintessential U2 album. Those three hit singles also are the first three tracks, and the fourth track 'Bullet The Blue Sky' is also fantastic so it really is such a good opening to the album.
I don't really want to call this rock music as it sounds far too soft in my opinion. The track 'Exit' which is quite dark sounding is as heavy as it gets.
This album pairs unique rock instrumentation with Bono's soaring sometimes gritty voice to make every track something interesting and unique. It's ever so slightly country and blues influenced also with a hint of Irish roots music.
It's U2, and it's cool to hate on U2 so I didn't want to like it, but I (un)fortunately enjoyed this a lot.
5
Oct 17 2024
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Cupid & Psyche 85
Scritti Politti
I enjoyed this quite a lot. It's sickly sweet, synth heavy, happy, upbeat 80's British pop music. It's quirky, a little funky and also a bit cheesy in places in a bubblegum pop kind of way.
Most of the tunes are good with catchy hooks and interesting and pleasant vocals throughout, very enjoyable. The baselines are funky and it's got a hint of disco.
It's just over half an hour of fun, which is just the right length of time before it starts getting a little too samey.
4
Oct 18 2024
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Mermaid Avenue
Billy Bragg
I saw the words 'country music' and sighed. I'm not a fan. Luckily though this is actually, more specifically, 'alt-country' which is less southern drawl and more just an alternative rock type sound with country elements.
Plenty of catchy stuff to choose from here. 'Walt Whitman's Niece' is a solid opener and I liked the back and forth between Billy Bragg and the backing vocals. 'Christ For President' has a good foot tapping beat. 'I Guess I Planted' gives me strong The Beatles vibes. 'Eisler on the Go' is a lovely tune.
In 'Way Over Yonder In The Minor Key' Billy Bragg sings "Ain't nobody that can sing like me" and I do think that's true. It's quite a unique voice, but I'm not a huge fan in all honesty. Not that every singer has to be able to belt, but I find it a little weak and not the most satisfying voice in the world. It's fine. It's serviceable.
The absolute best song on this album is actually the only one where Billy Bragg doesn't sing. 'Birds and Ships' features Natalie Merchant on vocals and it's a really beautiful song and it's a damn shame it's only two minutes long. I don't know who Natalie Merchant is, but I'm now a fan. She has a really lovely voice.
When I first listened, I gave it two stars. But I actually had time to give it a second listen and decided a three. Would maybe have been a four if I liked Bragg's voice.
3
Oct 19 2024
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The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
I can't believe how different each track is on this album! It's a fantastic sound, with catchy songs and a consistent musical theme. It's a very eclectic group of songs, spanning so many different genres and transitioning between them so effortlessly.
'Locked Inside' is a funky sounding track. 'Sir Greendown' is more relaxed and psychedelic whereas 'Cold War' starts off and you're wondering where it's going to go, and it ends up being a dance track. 'Tightrope' goes back to funky. These four songs all come in succession!
'Come Alive' is my favourite here. I can only describe it as a kind of rock and roll burlesque sound which really shows off vocal Janelle's vocals. She hits and holds a high note at the end of this track for a good twenty seconds before ending it with a great rock sounding "Ow!"
'Wondaland' is a sweet and sparkly pop song with a catchy chorus and the final one 'BaBopByeYa' sounds almost like a modern James Bond track.
This album keeps you guessing what's coming next with everything sounding so different genre wise, yet sounding so similar and fitting together so well.
5
Oct 20 2024
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Hypnotised
The Undertones
It's another punk album, but this one is on the better side of punk. More pop orientated, more fun, some cool guitar licks here and there.
But unfortunately, on the flip side of this, it's still punk. By the half hour mark, you've heard it all. Not too much variation. But it's only a 35 minute album so thankfully it doesn't outstay its welcome too much.
'More Songs About Chocolate and Girls', 'Whizz Kids' and 'Boys Will Be Boys' are all highlights, as are Feargal Sharkey's vocals. They are a lot more enjoayble than most punk singers.
A fairly generous 3 stars seems fair.
3
Oct 21 2024
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Konnichiwa
Skepta
I only know the most popular tracks from the big hitters of grime so I wouldn't say I'm an expert by any means. I don't know enough to comment intelligently, but I thought that this was decent enough.
I do feel like the lyrics and flow has to do a lot of the heavy lifting with grime. The beat can only do so much considering it just repeats throughout the song. Having said that, I do think that British rappers just sound cooler. I prefer the rhythm of the words and - being British myself - the dialect.
I also think grime is best when its loud, aggressive and in your face. 'Man', 'Shutdown' and 'That's Not Me' all come in quick succession and are easily the best tracks on the album because of the reasons I stated. I would have preferred if the album was made up of tracks similar to these.
Overall though, I'm just not that into grime as a whole. After 45 minutes I was getting a little bored. There isn't much variety in it in terms of musicality and no melodies or catchiness to speak of.
2
Oct 22 2024
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Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
I'm a bit ambivalent when it comes to Linkin Park. Some good stuff, some not so good stuff.
This album has three of their most popular singles. 'Crawling' and 'One Step Closer' being two of them and they are easily the best tracks. Could be partly down to nostalgia. They had a lot of airplay in the early 2000's on Kerrang which I watched a lot.
The other single 'In The End' contains what I think is the biggest problem about the band. The rapping. I know it's Nu Metal and it's part of the music, but Mike Shinoda is definitely a weak point in my opinion and makes songs worse. He's so basic in his rapping. Chester Bennington on the other hand is a very good vocalist. Less Mike, more Chester please.
'With You', 'Runaway' and 'Pushing Me Away' are the standouts that aren't singles.
'Be Myself' is a bit of an assault on the ears. The guitar just screeches and Chester must absolutely blow his vocal chords to bits with the screams he does.
It's pretty good but gets a bit tired towards the end. I always preferred Limp Bizkit anyway.
3
Oct 23 2024
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Pearl
Janis Joplin
I didn't like the actual music much on this one. It just didn't really reach out and grab me like I thought it would. It's fairly average rock of the time and I was hoping for something ever so slightly heavier.
Janis Joplin has the voice of an angel, if that angel smoked 50 a day. It's rough but it's powerful and very enjoyable. 'Mercedes Benz' is the best track as it shows off her voice with no instruments to drown it out.
Shame really, was hoping for more and could have been better in my opinion.
2
Oct 24 2024
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Brown Sugar
D'Angelo
I am sure this is a good record for the genre. But I just can’t get on board. Sure, it's peak 90's R'n'B but is that really saying much? For what it is, it's good. It's just that what it is isn't my thing.
This is a genre I just don’t like. There are many genres where I can find something that's interesting. But unfortunately 90's R'n'B/soul I just find so dull.
D'Angelo may be a very good singer, but he is also a boring one. No excitement, the same energy the whole way through. The songs are okay but they’re all of very similar tone and they also go on for a minute or two longer than necessary. This album could have been cut in half easily.
1