As the album continued, I enjoyed it more and more. Definitely a 'moods' album (not sure if 'moods' needed quotations, but I'm leaving them there anyways).
One of my favorite albums (Understand why people might feel differently). I've listened to this so much, but still end up hearing something different that catches my attention. ETERNAL LIFE probably a top 10 song for me.
‘I’m the Man Who loves You’ ~ melancholy madness. The ‘Helter Skelter’ guitar lick trailed by horns was delightful. Other highlights ~ * Pot Kettle Black * Poor Places Every song is at worst, catchy + melodic / and at best, subtle classics that stand the test of time. The entire album has an effortlessness masking how incredibly complex and difficult the process must’ve been. Fantasic frenzied excellence.
First 4 songs I loved (highlighted by my favorite of album ‘I Wanna Be Adored’). Middle of album felt a little repetitive. Closers, ‘I Am the Resurrection’ and ‘Fools Gold’ seemed to right the ship, so to speak. Another listen may bump score from a 3 to 4.
Loved the album. I hate giving it a 3, but songs can get a bit repetitive (which isn’t a negative, if that makes sense). Their influence is very apparent and a band I would’ve LOVED to see live!!
I probably wanted to like it more than I did, but sheesh, if beating a dead horse was an album.
Chester will always be a Top 10 rock singer for me! Is this rating based on nostalgia? Probably. I’d give a 4.5 (but I’m going to give a 5 solely based on complete listen-ability).
Exceptional singing from legends. Obviously seasonal. Makes me wonder why we don’t have a collection of awesome Independence Day jamz! Curious about this Phil Spector. Gonna do some additional research about his life and career.
Prince of the Rodeo (f*ck yeah!!). Mad I hadn’t heard this much sooner
This slowly, slowly waddled so that Morning Phase could beautifully prance in the forest. Hate giving this a 2, but I LOVE Odelay and also really enjoy Morning Phase, so there’s that, I guess??
Sooooo good. The hits keep coming from Hitsville USA~Motown (if in Detroit, and you have time, visit Motown Musuem!!).
Cool album. Liked the mixture of genres.
Dug this a lot!
Great country blues record. And specifically Mark Knopfler’s guitar tells a story without speaking a word. Sultans of Swing is obviously a classic, and a masterpiece and Southbound Again really shines!
Wow! I remember hearing great things about this, but only heard a select few. Great great album. 4.25 but more listens may bump that up.
What a time to be alive
Loved this. Will retrieve this again for additional listens. Heard some shades of Daft Punk.
She’s travel a lot of places looking for Joy. Don’t we all Lucinda… don’t we all!
The epitome of a smooth record. Hate to simplify, because the Jazz/Hip Hop fusion was superb. Through English translation, you could see why MC Solaar received the acclaim he did. Loved track, “Caroline.” (Note to self: learn French).
F*ckin’ A!! Guitar riffs that spontaneously light your Marlboro red, and songs that rattle your IROC-Z. Obviously, there are at least 4 timeless hits that are in constant rotation on Nike Monarch radio, but the guitar work on ‘Drop Dead Legs’ and ‘Top Jimmy’ are ear tickling gems! And kudos to Michael Anthony and Alex bring the rhythm and groove (especially during Girl Gone Bad)!
Gets an Indica 5 star. Catchy is an understatement.
Cool poems. Honestly, I’ve always appreciated Cohen, but never really seek out to listen
Remember when Kick Push came out. It was refreshing and simple, but that does a disservice how awesome and catchy it still is. Some cool songs ~ American Terrorist and the cover of Daydreamin’. Overall, I think the album left a lot to be desired, however.
Yeah yeah f*ck yeah!! Glad I finally listened to an album of theirs. Always been intrigued by Karen O’s voice. Of course ‘Heads Will Roll’ gets its due praise as a party rock anthem, but another that could join in that category is ‘Shame and Fortune.’ Other highlights for me were ‘Skeletons’ and ‘Dragon Queen.’
Sounds like the soundtrack of a party with Jesus, Sasquatch, and your imaginary friend Quinton (obviously induced by one helluva of a crazy drug cocktail). Fantastic psychedelic musicianship!!! Ohh yeah and Janis’s voice 😍
Can hear how it most likely inspired future bands. Can also detect how Poly Styrene was probably taking the piss out of society in general.
Grooved to this.
Some great tunes: De La Soul with the assist in MAMA GAVE BIRTH TO THE SOUL CHILDREN. Others, WRATH OF MADNESS, and A KING AND QUEEN CREATION. Enjoyable intro album from the Queen.
For my moneys worth, Hall of Fame rock opera!
Kick ass album. Forgot about how fantastically they can meld harmonies and instrumentals (especially SAVE A PRAYER). Other highlights (aside from the timeless RIO and HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF) were LAST CHANCE ON THE SUBWAY, and the haunting intro to THE CHAUFFEUR
The term ‘Folktronic’ is a great description for this album, especially for STARS ALL SEEM TO WEEP (terrific song). Another highlight was COULDN’T CAUSE ME HARM. Ultimately, while I recognize this album was mixed really well, I feel like it was missing something to make it superb.
Tremendous bouquet of country rock music. Lyrical effectiveness and earworm instrumentals.
A bizarre album that put me in a jovial mood. Revisited NO GOOD TRYING and OCTOPUS to listen to the composition. Favorite track: LONG GONE.
Phenomenal singing and catchy tunes. Reminds me of going to my childhood barber and listening to big bands while old guys talked about random local happenings.
I had a tough time writing something that wasn’t verbose, or sound phoney… Anyway, to me this is songwriting brilliance. Maybe I’m just a victim of gravitating to emotionally vulnerable music.
Sooo many tasty grooves. Nearly every song draws you in with an infectious guitar hook (~ think Interpol, the Strokes, Kaiser Chiefs). Really regretting missing them in concert last year!!
This is going to be on heavy rotation during nightly Indica hours ~ especially WATERMELON MAN.
Heavy nostalgia with this one. Spent many a Sunday night enjoying scrumptious spirits and listening to blues music with my Pops. The frenzied TIGER IN YOUR TANK and I'VE GOT MY MOJO WORKING are like bourbon soaked triple espresso's.
First half, while filled with quality songs, kind of runs together. But this leads to some indie dance pop fantastic-ness on side 2!
GD*mnit Kanye, if this is an art project, ala Andy Kaufman, time to abandon project. If it isn't, please someone help this guy. No cOsIgN WhAtEvEr tHiS Is
This is one cool Cat. Lyrical beauty
JT + Timbaland + the Neptunes = Magic. The sound of the intro to Senorita, mixed with the opening of a LionsHead Pilsner, meant the night would go from good to GREAT!
I took the NIGHTTRAIN and met MR. BROWNSTONE who spoke of the magical PARADISE CITY. Initially, I thought he was OUT TA GET ME. But when we arrived, he proclaimed, "WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE!"
While Morrison clearly gets the universal recognition, it’s Krieger, Manzarek and Densmore that give the heart beat, soul and authentic grit!
Delicious grooves that dance throughout the brainwaves!! From the subtle introduction with SUBTLE WINDS, CRYING BEASTS melting into BLACK MAGIC WOMEN/GYPSY QUEEN. The frenzied INCIDENT AT NESHABUR and SE A CABO are obvious crowd pleasing jamz!!
Lovely record and very accurately titled.
dug the clangy guitars. Remember when this came out. Was a welcome surprise.
Highlights: ACE OF SPADES (obviously) and CAPRICORN (catchy musicianship). Side note: yes there is a song called JAILBAIT and it is about what you think it is (yikes).
Wonderful fusion. Can dance, sway, tap the foot and use as daily background music. ONCE IN A LIFETIME is a top 100 song for me (if not top 5).
Awesome, catchy grooves! WHAT IT COMES DOWN TO, Sunshine (GO AWAY TODAY) and YOU WALK YOUR WAY were highlights for me!
top tier bars
What a fantastic groovy collection
When time travel becomes legal, I will be at this concert
hip hop + Kung Fu = superb rap battle musical theatre
The terms “honest“ and “raw” get thrown around way too often when describing certain music. But I can’t think of a better description than that. Beautiful musical artistry by allowing the lyrics and instruments to paint a picture (nod to Warhol of course).
Talk about beauty, mixed with experiment, mixed with careful caution to ensure the listener can appreciate the experience! Vocal hypnosis with magical, yet subtle, guitar heroics and a soothing D&B heartbeat.
As the album continued, I enjoyed it more and more. Definitely a 'moods' album (not sure if 'moods' needed quotations, but I'm leaving them there anyways).
An album to feel general nostalgia or just to sing PENNYROYAL TEA or POLLY, or WHERE DID YOU SLEEP LAST NIGHT whilst doing very mundane, domesticated activities.
Songwriting expertise mixed with a vocal rawness (ala Joni Mitchell). Read a description of both musicians stating "they represent the Power of music without spectacle." And I think that sums up this album perfectly. You're drawn to the lyrics, like a thirsty cat to milk. Of course, FAST CAR and TALKIN' BOUT A REVOLUTION are timeless, but other highlights were the quick paced WHY? and MOUNTAINS O'THINGS.
I always liked their music, but starting to become a real Fan after ingesting the albums. Super fun and energetic and most importantly, enjoyable!!
maybe my favorite Kings of Leon era: Caleb explicitly getting haircuts from Tennessee Mountain dwellers. Do I care that most of lyrics are nonsensical? Not one bit, because the background to it is rock and roll in its purest ~ fun
what a cool, groovy, fun album. Not going to wax poetic about jazz albums, but I appreciate the art and musical intelligence to accomplish.
Hadn't listened to much SZA, but really enjoyed this. Smooth, subtle, sexy. Like sipping a nice Bourbon on the rocks.
Pop music genius is probably an insult to reflect Sly's work, and the Fam of course. And to watch Questlove's doc on Sly's work, truly shows what immense music knowledge and instincts he has/had. He made something incredibly difficult, look elementary.
For someone who has a growing appreciation of the folk arts, what a freakin' classic. Heaters galore!!
Love the mixing of this album. Felt like floating through the through a meadow whilst soaking in all the colors of the sun.
Definitely some cool bipity bops. Gravitated more to the upbeat tunes, SHINING STAR and AFRICANO
Takes a song or 2 to settle into the vibe. But once you're in, the ride is funkadelically delicious. Highlights: TIME TO GET TOGETHER ~ A FUNKY SPACE REINCARNATION ~ YOU CAN LEAVE, BUT IT'S GOING TO COST YOU
Wonderful take on the Blues, mixed with literal music escapism. While the hardships they faced must have been unimaginably terrifying, I'm glad they were able to find a community to introduce them to a wider audience!
Cutting grass, smokin' grass, BBQin,' All ages backyard Summer party ~ this album fits so many categories, and also provides an unearned nostalgia (I.E. I wasn't born yet, but feel like I experienced this concert... confusing, I know)!
Lots of lyrical gems. Of course, LIKE A ROLLING STONE and HIGHWAY 61 get the universal acclaim they deserve. JUST LIKE TOM THUMB'S BLUES and TOMBSTONE BLUES really illustrate Bobby Z's storytelling abilities. Fav track is the delirious, BALLAD OF A THIN MAN.
Quite enjoyed the curation of this album. If you want some psychedelia... it's got that. If you want some great, perfectly crafted pop-rock tracks... it's got that too. And toss in a little R&B too.
Cool aura on this album, which helps illustrate what the Cure is. Occasionally complicated, but unapologetically themselves! Probably one of those albums that provides a background to what a band is. With that said, while I enjoyed the concept, nothing really stuck out to me.
Quite a few songs I don't think I've heard. While very recognized, I don't know if the Cure gets recognized enough for their subtle and genius instrumental displays. Really enjoyed LULLABY, FASCINATION STREET and PRAYERS FOR RAIN.
Grooves, vibes, and honest beauty. Obviously opening with WHAT'S GOING ON might go down as one of greatest album openers. My album highlights are MERCY MERCY ME (THE ECOLOGY), INNER CITY BLUES (MAKE ME WANNA HOLLER)
Dug this considerably. And kudos to helping, indirectly, to introduce me to Chromeo, my fav Electro-Funk-Dance bands.
Fantastic ambience, but very, very repetitive. Distinctively haunting and beautiful voice. This rating is in no way an indictment on Billie Holiday as a performer + legendary voice + generational talent.
See: Dewey Cox (Walk Hard) coke fueled punk era. Great intro to a punk reggae amalgam. Last 3 tracks really begin to show their depth that will be noticed on future albums.
Kick ass album. Between the exhilarating start with WAR PIGS, PARANOID, and other well know hit, IRON MAN, to subtle genre hybrid tracks, HAND OF DOOM, this album bucks conventional definition of Heavy Metal. Another highlight for me was the stirring ELECTRIC FUNERAL. With additional listens, I might be convinced to attach an additional star to my rating.
Normally, if I said something could be 'excessive,' I'd probably refer to said matter, unfavorably. But with Arcade Fire, overabundance equals beautiful disorder.
Pleasant and utterly fantastic voice. Lots of innovative drum fills and layered vocals. Delightfully bewildering lyrics too, like in the opener, LUCKIE, "Well, there's an avenue of Devil who believe in stone/You can meet the captain at the dead-end zone/What Devil doesn't know is that Devil can't stay/Doesn't know he's seen his day"
Some cool samples and music, but through research, questionable if McLaren did anything to be credited as an artist.
Guitar, vocal and pure rock heroics. Can only imagine what this sounded like bouncing off the Monte Carlo upholstery amidst a cloud of Marlboro smoke.
Garth Hudson ties this together to make this what it is, iconic! And while we can point to Crosby, Still, Nash for their delightful harmonies, the Band should be noted for their peculiarly distinct and outstanding vocal combinations.
Listened to this quite a bit over the years, and every time I listen, I hear some new, cool, groovy instrumental gem. Lyrically they are a bit of an enigma. A band that writes a song like 'Under the Bridge' but also some ridiculously absurd, but catchy 'Suck My Kiss'. Growing up on them, you get used to that being their identity. But let me say again, instrumentally, they are must listen for their punk/funk fusion pioneering sounds.
very catchy background music and I imagine a lot of misplaced candy necklaces were shattered on the concrete of U.K. warehouse floors... oh did I mention random pill consumption. This album smells like a subtle Rave.
Was really diggin' the album and then CRYIN' TO BE HEARD really took it up a notch. Strangely enough, I hadn't listened to the entire album, but absolutely adore 'John Barleycorn Must Die.' Another startlingly groovy song, AM WHAT WAS OR AM I WHAT I AM. Super freaking catchy!!
Some great jamz and some fillers. This album took them to another level. Not my favorite in their catalog, but still very enjoyable, nonetheless.
Didn't realize how many songs I remember. Always was a big fan of Common's cadence and tempo. Lyrics defining life in Chi town with witty, contemplative wordplay
Full disclosure: not a Jazz connoisseur, which most reviewers would probably admit, as well. My grade goes against most of my voting criteria, which is to say, I might not listen to this a great deal, but I can still appreciate how complicated, intricate, funky and impressive this is.
Pure fun Brit Pop-rock. Some cool structured psychedelia mixed in with witty narrative lyrics.
Generally pleasant listening and soothing voice. Some occasionally enjoyable guitar composition, but the drum clicks got distracting. Wanted to enjoy this more, but tedium got the best of me.