What a great ‘mood’ record this is, from clearly a man who was deeply in love at the time. From the fantastic backing singer group to the exceptionally timed horn section moments, and a voice that oozes emotion. What a great and timeless record this is.
Been a while since I’ve listened to REM, and because my experience with them was prior to listening to so much other music I can now both appreciate this sound, but also hear many of their influences especially that jangly sound I sought out so much as a kid (thanks to J Marr mainly).
Not for me.
Considering how much Bob I’ve listened to over the years, I can always come back to it and hear something that puts a smile on my face. Lots of smiling during this one.
Haven’t listened to this since early 90s driving around Edinburgh in my mate’s old Renault. Can’t do nothing/fight the power brings me right back. Sampling at its height.
So many songs that fill my cup, and such an emotion filled album - Lilac Wine always leaves me with a tear, Wild is the Wind I heard courtesy of Bowie and somehow I hear the same level of passion by both Simone and him. I love this album dearly.
First time listener, probably last too I’m afraid. A difficult one to listen to (for me), though probably made worse by reading a short bio of the band’s history, plus the on/off reading of the lyrics of some of these songs. Em, it’s all dark, no light. Please send me a pallet cleanser tomorrow.
This is what summer sounds like, either hanging in the garden with friends or driving with the roof down.
Came into this one brand new and didn’t think Southern Rock was my thing, have to say, I’m a convert - to most of this. I’ll file this along with other ‘when I want to get things done’ playlists.
It was ok, but probably not returning to it anytime soon
While still living in Edinburgh, thanks to Al and Andy this is one I couldn’t escape. Hard not to enjoy and relieve the early moments of a band on its way up, with a sound that kicked out the 80’s and started something from scratch. I’d listen to most of this again.
What a great ‘mood’ record this is, from clearly a man who was deeply in love at the time. From the fantastic backing singer group to the exceptionally timed horn section moments, and a voice that oozes emotion. What a great and timeless record this is.
Not as instantly grabbing as Common People, but perhaps more longevity. Great album
What do you want to know, just ask and I’ll tell you , but please….please don’t make me listen to more of this.
Incredibly talented guitar work, just have little time for Roth. Didn’t grow up with this sound either, and 47 years later it’s doing nothing to pull me in. Sorry.
Golly, just so many great tracks on this one. Was given this as a gift on CD so many years ago and I’ve been following Sufjan’s work ever since. Probably one of the most creative musical acts I’ve listened to in a very long time. This album is such a journey, and one of my favorite headphone albums. 5 stars to you Sir.
From the first track I’m back in a sweaty club in Edinburgh. Reaching for the volume as it progresses, man this is good. ….. Ok, I realized that about 3/4 of the way in I might be ready for a break. Solid techno and sets the stage for the period but likely I’ll only return to cherry pick tracks #1 for sure is my standout.
Growing up in the UK, as a teen I landed a job in a small computer store where the owner was an ex employee of an HMV record store. Why is this important? Well said owner turned me onto so much music that I’d definitely never heard, and probably would’ve avoided if it wasn’t for Eric’s goal of broadening my musical tastes. And so entered Steely Dan and ‘the day of the expanding man..’
Unexpected as to how much I enjoyed this album. It was like discovering an unreleased album from a band you love. In my case The Jayhawks. So much influence this sounds has had though on bands that I’ve listened to countless times. I’m shocked that I’ve never heard more than just the ‘singles’ from this album. Definitely one I’ll be returning to.
Never heard this album before, probably won’t listen to it again. Scratch that, I’m sure some trainer on Peleton will mix this into the next cycle class. Ho hum.
As a kid this was the heaviest music and I just couldn’t get into it. Someone then played the Doors for me, and I realized these bands hit me the same way. Even the older me wouldn’t seek this album out, instead I’d pivot to New Order. So with that statement, I couldn’t have the dancey accessible, bouncy NE without Joy Division. Thanks Ian.
Besides randomly hearing a few random singles, I haven’t spent any time with this bands output so this was an interesting one for me. Have to say, more likes than skips. Great harmonies, fun lyrics here and there and for sure the platform that would boost a mega star in to the universe as well know her to rule today.
Nah, not my thing
It’s punk.
Hard to believe this is a debut album, just so many great songs that I heard many, many times over the years. Really enjoyed listening to this all over again.
But of a challenging one for me as I found the general “pace” and instrumentation to be slow and similar. Fascinating though how Robert’s voice really hasn’t changed all that much from this album to hearing him live just a few years ago.
Listening to this on anything but a home stereo turned up loud seems to do the majority of this album a disservice, the separation of drum and guitar alone is just incredible. I will admit I’m not the biggest fan of Plant’s voice, but there’s no denying that this probably doesn’t work any other way. Black Dog and Going to California for me are the two I still listen to here and there.
Couldn’t get through this one with much FF’ing to if there was something I could stick with. Guess this one wasn’t for me.
To my ears the most accessible of his releases (from the 1001 assignment)
First time listener, a few standouts but not sure I’d come back.
Oh man what a treat hearing this again, this has two extremely memorable songs from this time period - only love can break your heart and nothing can stop us. Really enjoyed this trip.
I put Nick Cave in that same class as Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen. Fantastic voices and amazing lyrics. This album has so many stand out songs, its a no skip masterpiece for me.