1001 Albums Summary

The trouble with hearing groundbreaking albums decades later, is that the groundbreaking effect has long evaporated...

A joy. Thank you.

Hmm, nah

Interesting. Fresh. Somehow reminiscent of The Beach Boys.

O

Recommended version: live registration with video. Such a joy. 7/5 full marks Thank you for having this pop up on my time line. Finally.

I was fully prepared not to be able to enjoy this album. Some of the reviews were scathing. Others so terribly fawning that I was prepared to brush them aside as mere fans being overly fanatical. The Wikipedia page promises a return to their previous blues days. I honestly hadn't noticed any blues in Riders on the Storm, the only song of theirs that I remember hearing. So I just dove in an was surprised and even pleased to be treated to something as palatable as it really is. Younger listeners in general might prefer a different beat. Anyone with a wider preference that includes several decades before the noughties just might tap a toe or two. I'm glad I gave the album a listen.

No, I really don't like it. Even 'Jealous Guy' gets on my nerves. Next album, please.

Opening with the screech was not exactly amusing, so listener beware. The opening song was sort of ok-ish. Much like the following tracks. Now I like blues and I like a bit of an attitude but this just didn't really grip me. Crude, capable and indifferent to the listeners' enjoyment. I'm sure they can be entertaining. Just not to me.

Well, what about Blood and Chocolate? I must admit I initially played the songs on random shuffle. I heard I want you first and I was interested in the rest. Was I ever disappointed. Solid 2/5, because it's not without merit, just not my jam.

Is it allowed to just award a single star without listening? I'm expecting not to like this. No? Oh well, here goes then. Surprisingly more melodic and musical than I expected. Great musicianship. Heavy on the guitar and very present drums. Was that a funky-ish bassline at the start of Peace sells? That was a surprise. In parts pretty enjoyable, even Bad Omen. Still, not converted to metal by any means. I do like the drummer.

Drivel

Today is the day that we received the news that a great human being, a talented woman singer, musician, philanthropist, actress, producer, patron of the arts and science, believer in people's creativity and ability to improve themselves, wearer and collector of most impressive wigs and costumes, champion of education and all round wonderful performer and human being, has been lost to cancer. She will always be remembered for her craft and support. A wonderful woman with a wicked sense of humour and a sharp mind. May you rest peacefully. May your spirit spark a light in all who need encouragement and your music lighten our sorrows and make your sweetness and sass live on through us all, you total and utter Queen of the arts.

When I first saw the art work I didn't know what to expect. The cover art is certainly eye-catching, would the sound be up to par? It is an interesting, fresh sound. But also aggressive and violent. Is this what this era calls for? Are some songs better than others? Yes, of course they are. But that's not what this album is about. It's not a very long listen. (It just about had me waiting for just one more song.) This offering is more about the times that we live in and the new era on the rise. Gorgeous performances and performers. Claiming their heritage, refusing to be shamed or shrinking away in modest attitude, hiding the differences by adjusting to society's median, adopting a look and attitude befitting an assimilated species. No, these artists are unique and innovative and they want to conquer the world. Good.

Yes. No. Maybe.

I wasn't prepared for this energy and I am so happy! An shining gem of an album. Lifts you up, plants you firmly back on the ground. Wonderful. Nina Simone doesn't get played enough. Of course I knew some of the songs, also some notable covers. Still, while Billy Mac's remains my favourite interpretatin of 'Wild Is The Wind', Nina Simone's voice really got me. No acrobatics and high drama, vulnerable emotion. Shivers.