Metallica
MetallicaListened to this enough times in my lifetime - not my favourite Metallica album but it has my favourite Metallica song on it, Through The Never, and some other bangers.
Listened to this enough times in my lifetime - not my favourite Metallica album but it has my favourite Metallica song on it, Through The Never, and some other bangers.
An okay album, but simply just that.
Cultural significance might actually play a big part here....I can completely appreciate how this album would've been a breath of fresh air in the late eighties after the excesses of glam rock and super pristine productions. It's noisy, fresh, highly energetic but melodious. It's not my natural type of music to listen to, but I'll always have a soft spot for Where Is My Mind from Beaver days, and I really liked Turkish Disco. The influence on grunge and bands like Deerhoof is patently obvious.
Failed to grab me and not as energising as their debut. Karen O undoubtedly a brilliant singer.
My favourite jazz album, probably spun in its entirety once a quarter. There isn't a track I dislike - the arrangements are still fresh and interesting today, with nothing overly long or short. Rouge is a particular standout, penned by John Lewis; it never bores me. I've got Louis to thank for introducing me to this album - it is indispensable in the world of jazz!
So on a first listen, I found it to be one-dimensional but pleasant enough. I subsequently read the Wikipedia article for further context and listened again....the title track's subject and lyrics are undeniably poignant, the story itself enhancing the song to another level. Musically, it is still mostly uniform, but I guess that's the point with this style. I love the strategic placement of the kick drum on Travelling Man, with She Never Met A Man and My Blue Tears the other standouts for me.
I just don't get it, I honestly don't. I'm admittedly not a fan of the jangly 90s sound, and the album was more diverse than I expected, but the songs just don't resonate with me (and aren't even that good)? I remain bemused.
It evokes images of an over-aged Bond seducing someone far younger in the Roger Moore era...not something I'll specifically be revisiting in a hurry. Having said that, Hang On To Your Love and Frankie's First Affair are pretty neat, but the album's dripping candle production isn't my favourite.
Like a weird hybrid of Steely Dan, Captain Beefheart and Blood, Sweat and Tears. Fairly enjoyable but not captivating, I'm not minded to give it multiple spins.
I like rock, but not this kind of rock. It is interesting that the album/title track have been unfairly labelled as unashamed patriotism, but that's about it for me.
Thoroughly enjoyed this, the influence on early Blur quite apparent. Mostly cracking tunes, highlights being This Year's Girl, Pump It Up (obvs), Chelsea (why on earth was this substituted on the US LP) and Living in Paradise, the latter having a stonking bassline. I'm not usually one for punk, but this is melodic and has the right amount of spike. Definitely one to add to the collection!
What a treat to listen to for the first time! Tasteful playing, lovely laid-back grooves and cool songwriting, I'll definitely be replaying this album. On Sir Francis Drake, Rain Song and Ride The Wind were particular favourites.
Fun album, the second half really kicking things off, but hasn't caused me to stop in my tracks. Backing vocals are cracking. Rod Stewart has obviously scarred Taj Mahal for life, the scoundrel.
Growing on me with more listens. It's neat songwriting overall. There are tunes which are much better than others, Blame It On Cain being an example, but it doesn't have the same urgency as This Year's Model. There is an argument that it's a better vocal performance however!
Properly kicks off with Bonham's amazing beat from The Crunge and doesn't let up from there. Say No Go is a banger. For me, it doesn't hit the heights of A Tribe Called Quest, but is a great album nonetheless.
Bloody weird album. I found it interesting and impressive as a sound collage, but with the artificial tone and the songs not presenting anything I could cling on to, repeated listening is unlikely.