3/5

CALIFORNIA

3/5

The first time I heard the titular track was in the Bandersnatch episode of Black Mirror. I thought it worked really well in the context it was used in. I think I must have listened to the track again after watching the episode, and enjoyed it - given the episode was still fresh in mind. On this re-listen (and a first listen to the other 3 tracks on the album), while I enjoy more than a few elements of it, I just don't find it overtly engaging, and if anything a bit meandery.

I've slept on this artist for way too long. Cracking album, very enjoyable listen.

No real comment. I've never listened to R.E.M. outside of hearing singles on the radio - and while I enjoy a few of those (and I quite enjoy Michael Stipe's voice), there's nothing here that makes me want to re-listen.

I'm biased as this album has a special place in my heart already. Even 20 years later I can remember the cold evening where I heard it for the first time, and I will forever associate it with the colder months.

Another sleeper artist for me (Grinderman aside). I will definitely be checking out more of Nick Cave's work.