Some classic tracks. Definitely hear the Beatles influence. A bit simple and melodramatic at times, teased us with some hard rock but never got there. Still. Great album.
Experimental in all the best ways. Classically trained musicians making rock and roll. Got a little heady at times. Incredible solos - reminds me of Todd. Amazing album.
Wow, Beck sounds pretty depressed. Interesting orchestral use of strings. Seems like a good album to listen to after a breakup.
Showcases Freddie Mercury’s incredible vocal
Chops and Brian May’s unique and innovative guitar solos. At times, felt like I was watching Rocky Horror Picture Show. Not crazy about the fairy tale theme. Seems they were figuring out their sound.
Can you separate an artist from their art? Hard to say. Some amazing tracks here, masterfully produced. Runaway, Monster, Power. Lots of self-aggrandizing, getting high on money and fame, at first glance doesn't seem to be one of Kanye's more vulnerable albums. On a closer listen, he's talking about negotiating mental illness when his sickness and his creativity go hand in hand; getting rich on being outrageous, provocative, leaning into psychosis. Why tone things down when mania feels so good (and makes him so successful)?
Great collaborations in this album as well. Hard to fully enjoy knowing that Kanye is a racist, antisemitic, sexist, narcissistic asshole.
Not for me. Bored, couldn’t get through it - neither music nor lyrics seemed to have anything to offer.
Classic 70s punk, hearing influences of The Ramones and Iggy Pop.
Avi really likes this one! Great harmonies, their voices are amazing. Definitely very 60s, the lovey-dovey vibe gets a little saccharine after a while, but some great songs overall. I liked “Do You Wanna Dance,” a song I always associated with the Ramones, and of course, California Dreaming.
One of my favorite punk albums. Political, existential, angsty. Seems especially apt these days - the satire of "Kill the Poor" and "I Kill Children," alongside the explicitly anti-capitalist "Let's Lynch the Landlord" and anti-war "When Ye Get Drafted" and "Holiday in Cambodia" seem to maintain their relevance over 40 years after the album was released. This album serves as a reminder; in a time when it feels natural to lose hope, don't just get depressed, get mad. Allow injustice to inspire and energize you to action.
Bowie knew this would be his last album, which definitely affects both the tone of the music and how I listened to it. Musically, loved it. Rock and roll with powerful jazz influence, at times it felt free associative. The whole album had a sad overtone to it - the focus of the album seemed to be his regrets, lost loves, scars that couldn't be seen. In a life such as Bowie's, it's hard to imagine him leaving this world in such an unfulfilled place. Maybe you'll find what you're looking for in the next life - until then, travel well, Starman.
