At times this was like listening to a Pink Floyd album missing the lead single. I’m left wondering how i haven’t listened to this band more. The more angular tracks sound like they could have been made today - a nice sweet spot between post punk and ambiant that reminds me of Swans or Black Country, New Road. Excellent

At times very beautiful , like on Mais Feliz. It’s a genre I struggle with to be honest.

Play was a final throw of the dice. Mobys label Elektra had abandoned him after his previous album Animal Rights sold abysmally (an ill advised politics based thrash metal album). Initially self recorded Play was supposed to be a swansong, a small indie album he was writing for himself. Instead it was one of the most successful albums of the 1990s. The songs were used in a LOT of adverts - over 100 in the US alone. Play Netted Moby $1 Million before a single album had even been sold. As a result the album received criticism in some quarters for commodifying black slave music (about half the tracks use this in sample). But given the background to this record I personally think it would be harsh not to give Moby a pass on this (I would doubt that was the intention). Moby has clear talent, and uses samples well alongside his compositions. There are a couple of songs that could have a bit more grit - but where he excels is in the universality of his sound. Half the album is not samples based - and whilst this does not always hit the heights of those other tracks (save Porcelain) the mix of ambiant electronic and dance friendly electro still holds up well. The final tracks are pretty reflective and interesting. You can hear his sadness in The Sky is Broken & My Weakness. Honey, Porcelain, Why Does my Heart Feel so Bad?, Natural Blues, The Sky is Broken 4/5

Early Beatles. 1963. Catchy call refrain. Blues riffs. An archetypal Beatles sound. 2 - 3 minute songs. Little minuets. At the risk of being arrested for sacrilege. The early stuff is boy band blues. Personal preference, I much prefer the later stuff once they let George Harrison loose. That said a few catchy as hell tunes: It won’t be long, Don’t Bother Me, Please Mr Postman (cover), Roll Over Beethoven (cover), You Really Got a Hold on Me (cover) and Money (That’s What I Want) (cover)

Catching up … (another positive one) Firehose - Fromohio Never heard of this band, or listened to Minutemen beyond singles Veering from post punk to Rock n Roll - track by track feels like a different band (replacements, Big Star, pixies, wipers, fugazi). It isn’t perfect, the skipping around (even within tracks) making it hard to latch on to. It also sounds like it was recorded in someone’s back garden (which is also part of the charm). The DIY ethos / lack of polish and production is ultimately what makes it sounds fresh. This makes me want to find time to dig into this scene. Bands I’ve heard of but never listened to properly like Mission of Burma and Husker Du. 7/10 (I’m rounding up to 4/5 , because i keep sticking it on , and I think it’s a grower)

If I’m being consistent this would be a 3/5 in line with Boston, Hotel California, Rush etc. I’ve always had a soft spot for Thin Lizzy though ever since I listened to them on mini disc. It’s also rare to hear a good live album 4/5

Lovely melodys. I like it when you stop thinking about scoring and it’s just the music. Not big on ballads like, Too Shy to Say, Creepin or It Ain’t No Use. When it’s good it’s very good though. Strong 3

I mean this is a masterpiece. Madness to compose the music to your own passing. I don’t care if it is pretentious. Genius is not too strong a word. Strong 4

There is no such thing as a perfect album. Oh wait, there is. Universal concepts. A true concept album

Blues music. Simple blues music. At times a bit too all American hero. Mid 3

There is something happening here. Every time it grabbed me, it immediately tried to run away again. I don’t doubt this hugely influenced a series of better albums. Ahead of its time, but I’m still gonna be mean and 2/5

Some really nice songs, with great orchestration. Humour is nice, bust as odd as it sounds, i wish he took it more seriously. When he just plays the songs, natural musicianship. Strong 3/5

[The following contains a pretentious review] For me this is Arcade Fires best album. Even better than Funeral. The Suburbs is a great title for this album … an uneasy sense of settling for comfort. A brooding need for something better. “When all of the houses they built in the 70s finally fall”. Modern man typifies the feeling - . “In line for a number you don’t understand, like a modern man.” The lack of absolute anger in this album seems deliberate. A take on the apathy that takes when dreams hit reality. Is a low 5 even a thing? Low 5. Excellent album

Bostons best known opening track is a real groover. Thankfully it doesn’t drop off. And what is most surprising is just how catchy the other songs are. Good fun Classic Rock. Why have one lead guitar, when you can have two playing the same solo in unison. Strong choruses throughout, clapping, drum solos.

Working class hymns, sensitive experimental folk backed by prog synths. The lyrics remind me of a different generation of London-er. It can be a touch one paced - although Little Red Riding Hood Hit the Road gives it a nice uplift (twice). Unfortunately Alifib and Alife both lack a bit of direction and the experimental poetry across both didn’t work for me. There is a lot good about this record, but at one point I did want to kill the watermole 5/10

Anthemic, varied. Some great singles and a refreshing level of experimentation. It doesn’t always gel together. Weak 3. I don’t feel harsh because they have better albums Blue Orchid, My Doorbell, Red Rain

Queen Latifah - All Hail the Queen Dance to Me is a banger of an opener. The roll call from De La Soul made me laugh (intentionally funny). Track 3 is early house, loads of fun and surprising. The DJ backing is great in general with great hooks and samples (eg Gil Scott on Evil that men Do) The rapping sounds more dated (exposed) on the slower tracks 6, 11 & 12. Love the saxophone on this album in general. The rapping is of its time, but style / flow matches contemporary’s (Big Daddy Kane, Eric B and Rakim, Salt N Pepa etc) 4/5

Strong album, very varied. Not as strong as some of their other albums

Did not click for me 2/5