Precise and genre-defining album which you have to respect. Watermelon Man in particular is impeccable although across the album the momentum does flag for me in places
This album evokes memories of experiences that feel familiar but that I have never had (and maybe neither has Billy Bragg), including being in a crowded dive bar in Minnesota or heading on a sunny road trip in a cream coloured 1981 Buick Estate. A lifting, easy listening album that provides good vibes on an early summer afternoon.
Emotion-driven album with enough variety to keep it fresh although a bit mopey at times. Holds up really well. High and Dry and My Iron Lung highlights for different reasons!
Onions have layers and of course it’s a classic. Twist and Shout is a fun one mid way, but overall feels quite samey and I found myself losing focus on it as it went through.
An epic but a great one, with a story weaving through the tracks and a timeless style that keeps you hooked
Really really dislike this one. I appreciate it is experimental and creates dark soundscapes etc etc but I found it not enjoyable to listen to and make no apologies for this.
No misses and still a great listen.
Is it a bit more than slightly outdated in attitude, yes. Is it still a great listen, also yes. A real classic and consistently great lyrics across the full album.
Some great songs and overall a really good album, but I found myself losing attention. Possibly not enough variety (and maybe I’m bored of the string of male vocalists) to love it.
I really enjoyed this. It’s really inventive and varied. But energy dips in a few places which makes it slightly less enjoyable to listen all the way through.
Didn’t mind it but not really my taste. Can see how this was a big inspiration within the genre.
Brilliant actually. I didn’t really know what to expect but fun, varied, album with great replay value.
Good album and ages so well, although did find it hard to concentrate on it sometimes as it’s a bit repetitive
Impeccable vibes. First and some of greatest work by Prince. Makes me want to party like it’s 1999
There are some good songs in here that feel quite ahead of their time, but overall struggled to get through as it’s a bit of a slog
Nice album but it plods along and I find Matt Berninger’s voice difficult to get excited about
(Overplayed nature of mr brightside aside) great from start to finish and it is no wonder they never got bigger hits than these because it’s hard to beat. Some bigger festival anthems interspersed with some variation
Really nice album, enjoyed the variety and the mix of sounds. I surprisingly liked the instrumentals too
I really like this album. Holds up incredibly well and great, warm energy.
