Approached with caution having listened to Ray Charle compilations in the past, but this was very pleasent surprise.
Top track: It had to be you
First time listening to Hot Chip, got a few Pet Shop boy vibes.
Listened on repeat a couple of times & it continued to grow. Will be back
Standout track, These Chains
Strong opening of first track, upbeat but tailed off into feeling derivative. Most likely it was not at the time of release.
Our House stands out on first listen as familiar songs often do.
A couple more listens (it's a short album) and the harmonies & musicianship shine through
It's music of an era
In parts uplifting, with slower emotive lyrical tracks thrown in. You want an album to take a journey & this delivers
Top track: The Chauffer
Started off OK
By track 4 I'm thinking why am I listening to this shit
Persevere for long enough and there are some interesting tracks but not enough to redeem this as an album
Not my usual listening but enjoyed the listen. Ultimately a little too samey for me which knocked it down a star and made it difficult to pick out an individual track
I already knew the album inside out, word for word.
The tunes are catchy, the mood generally uplifting but with a couple of slower tracks along the way.
Enjoyed the harmonies and a little slice of retro
Top track: You will You won't
This was almost a 4, some good tracks mixed in with what felt a bit more like filler.
Worthy of a bit more of a listen but there were a few too many distracting elements such as the pronunciation of 'im nervous ' on the otherwise excellent 'I'm Shakin'
Top track: Keep themselves to sleep
Joyful, can't help but a boogie
A couple of huge singles off this album gave some familiarity but it's a seamless journey through the album
Top Track: Da Funk
There's some good musicianship, but my overwhelming feeling was one of indifference. This didn't move me, or motivate me to seek out more
In judging an album, it's not just how good are the best songs, but how much filler is in between.
The first half of the album is hit after hit and the second half held up ok too
Tops track: Somebody Told Me
Music for a generation, just not mine
Small slices of juicy pop hits.
It's upbeat & unashamed
Perfect background music for a romantic dinner
Plenty of good, but not outstanding tracks with the common issue of a couple of fillers stuffed in the back half of the album that drag it down
Freedom Song, an unexpected gem
Top track: There She Goes ( the obvious choice, but still a belter)
Not my usual listening fare, but surprisingly engaging
Top track: Halftime
Enjoyed, not a big jazz aficionado so difficult to make comparisons
Surprisingly enjoyable.
A well crafted album, mixing the crowd pleasers with some slower tempo songs
So much to like about his album.
Whilst the first half of the album could be accused of being a but samey & allowing the mind to drift it was a really strong finish from the jazz infused Twisted to the finger tapping Raised on Robbery
This had me quietly rocking out.
Something indefinable missing to rate as 5*
Top track: Today
Not bad, but nothing grabbed me.
This felt like a bit of a musical education to something I didn't know existed.
Enjoyed it, but unlikely to return
Just an incredible voice and enjoyed this album more than some of the past compilations I've listened too
Parts of the album i quite enjoyed, but too many tracks i wanted to skip, too much wailing
Great tempo and intensity.
All round enjoyment of a wall of sound that relentlessly comes at you...in a good way
Inoffensive, which also means it there were no real standout tracks
Really enjoyed this, felt like somehow familiar, perhaps it's inspired many later songs.
Will listen again, good option for background music without the distraction of lyrics
Day 1 listen & not really my thing, trumpet too blarey
However in listening at a different time of day it was better 2nd time round.
Unlikely to return, but still good for it's genre.
Some tracks were ok, a couple good and some self indulgent nonsense in between
Wasn't a big fan first time around (in the 90s), started off poorly, the vocals on You Oughta Know in particular were grating.
But there was enough in the later tracks to balance it out
When it's good, it's great but when it's bad it's ugly
I would happily listen to a cut-down version of this taking away the extraneous & extended tracks
Solid gold, every track 2-3mins of storytelling, catchy melodies and enough variety to avoid being formulaic
An album that could only have come from the 60s, and it really works well
Decent enough but no real standouts
Not bad, but nothing to make me come back again
Had high expectations, but somewhat underwhelmed initially. However playing it on repeat a few times & i started to really warm up to it. There's something in the way his voice interplays with the other instruments that compels you to listen to the lyrics, and the timing is immaculate.
Not for me
The vocals are unpleasant. The music samey
A slightly generous 4
The general vibe was good, classic tracks such as homeward bound still hold the test of time
Definitely a grower of an album
The vocals veer from grating, to melodic
I wasn't fully sold, but could see how its influenced later artists & interested enough to come back & listen more in the future
Delicate and beautiful
The title track is an incredible showcase of minimalistic accompaniment to a haunting voice
Enjoyed this more than I expected too.
A very solid 3, but ultimately drifted into the background rather than holding my attention
No known pleasure here
It didn't speak to me in any way
A couple of tracks are absolute belters, but not the great album i had in my mind when it popped up
Within the first minute I was ready to switch off, but repeated listens I got a lot more from it & whilst it won't be staying on repeat I wouldn't mind coming back in the future
Those was fine, in parts I thought it was going to break into greatness, but never quite made it
Loved this
Music to work to, or just sit & enjoy the melodies
Didn't enjoy it enough to listen again to the parts that were not so bad
It's not just the classics that still hold up all these years later, but the tracks I'd not heard before.
Silky smooth vocals
There are some incredible tracks on this album, but ultimately some of the filler in between is too much R.E.M. by numbers,. It's an unmistakable sound which I love, but they have made better albums
First listen round felt a bit bland, but I warmed up to the album and apart from the monster hit, lovefool, i enjoyed the delicate vocal & wonder why i didn't listen to this back in the day
First up, Thom Yorke is a musical genius.
However whilst there are flashes of genius, some of the tracks miss the mark.
Tracks such as Optimistic & Everything in it's right place are worth the admission money alone
Enjoyed this, only 4 tracks but a nice change of pace between them
This feels like a lot of time went into crafting each song, thinking about the precise timings & effects of every note, all there for a purpose, creating a soundscape that must have influenced a lot later work
Timeless
Not my sort of music, got a little better after a few tracks, but first impressions didn't really change
Some classic elvis, to the point where I started singing aloud as I walked down the street.
Enjoyable
Without knowing this genre it's hard to compare this, but standalone it's inoffensive, nothing jumps out as ground breaking or innovative, so it's also difficult to call.out any stand out tracks
I didn't engage with this as much as I hoped I would, it wasn't bad, but it just didn't pull me in enough
The first 4 tracks are tremendous, rip-roaring, riotous, joyful. 5*
Then Simon Diamond comes in with inane lyrics and it's a bunch of mediocare fare after that.
As an overall album it probably only deserves a 2
I just don't get it
I think the childlike voice is the most grating
It's a pastiche
Starts off at 11, seems to be front loaded with all the singles (i.e.the sings i recognise without checking their discography) and calms down a bit in the 2nd half
Enjoyable if you don't take it too seriously
From the first note of track 1 this album sets out its stall. It feels like it was written for stadium rock, which is exactly what Muse were doing at the time & as a reminder of those experiences watching them lie it probably adds a bonus star to what an objective listener might have rated it.
Didn't do too much for me, but maybe if I'd grown up listening to it it would have been different
Some good tracks, but a lot of filler, probably inevitable as a soundtrack tge instrumental tracks probably worl great in the film, but don't work in the context of a standalone album
Just a bit bland and inconsequential
This was a surprise, not really knowing the stones back catalogue it was much more folk than I expected.
The head is nodding along, this gallops along off the back of some tight beats & vocals floating over the top
Adopt old man pose: it's just too shouty
Loved the story telling of the album, took a couple of listens to get into & not let it float by in the background
It's a cool, laid back album but not quite enough for me to put it onto a regular cycle
It's funky, and unmistakenly the Black Keys within a few notes of the first track.
There's a swagger and a positively that exudes from the speakers and infects the listener.
Whildt i enjoyed the more up tempo tracks, but other times it meandered and I've never been a fan of the Hammond organ
This was fine, but not memorable enough to really have much to.say about it
A funky bassline and some joyful vocals
Haven't heard this album for years & Coming back to it there is a bit much screaming to love it as a whole album. But the more accessible tracks, e.g. Dumb, All apologies make me want to rate it higher
Some stone cold classics that don't miss a beat
It was mostly an easy listening sort of vibe, although with a lot of French I found it blended together to a point where it passed me by somewhat
Straight down the middle of the road, not bad, but nothing special
I was preparing myself for another 70s album and actually enjoyed it more than expected
This was ticking along nicely, let's just try & ignore the penultimate track and imagine a world where it doesn't exist.
That one abomination aside I enjoyed it
I listened a few times and it didn't do quite enough to grab my attention
I'm sure it's a decent example of the genre, it's just totally not my bag baby
Not my favourite Radiohead album, but the layers of sound and musicality come through with every listen
It sounds like the Smiths..a bit of an acquired taste, but once you get into it it's a pretty cool vibe
I started started with low expectations but it was mostly quite good
After several albums of more misses than hits, pulp finally struck a winning formulae.
Lyrically cutting and musically catchy
I get that this is not for everypne, but the rhyme & rythem can't fail to get your head nodding along
This is quite probably my favourite album of all time.
It's atmospheric, the tonal shifts just work and it's an unmistakable sound that no other band has come close to producing.
Enjoyable enough on a nothing really stood out kind of way
Nothing wrong with this, but unlikely to come back anytime soon
A real mix of top notch songs and self indulgent nonsense.
5 minute drum solos and playing a guitar so fast my brain can't keep up is the limiting factor here
Whilst appreciating the skill i ask myself do I want to listen to this album again, and that's a no thanks
Was hoping for more, but felt a bit middle of the road
Some absolute belters, this is an album to put on, turn it up and sing along to and just skip a couple of duds that
A tortured genius, after initial success this is a series of songs that mangage to capture raw emotions, but can have you singing along and felling uplofted.
When an artist appears thats just vocally unique you have to count yourself fortunate if you watched her live
Just not really the groove for me, it's hard to criticise this too much but I just won't be returning anytime soon
This is undoubtly a good album, but i don't love it enough to listen regularly
It's all a bit dated, just nothing there to want me to listen again
It's offensive undoubtedly, where's the line between edgy & downright antisocial?
Elton John's story about why Eminem isn't homophobic convinces me that this is firmly tounge in cheek, it's a shock jock approach to selling records and as a commercial success it certainly hit the mark.
The final track,The Kids, which is samples South Park is another bit of supporting evidnce that this album isn't to be taken seriously.
I'm also conflicted on rating an album with 'skit' tracks that mean you want to keep a finger close to the skip track button. The genius of the rhythm & rhyme comes through strongly but ultimately it's probably only 6 or 7 tracks within a bloated 77 minutes.
Despite all these contradictions i think it's great
It's album that feels connected, there's a pervasiveness to the whole album that means nothing stands out too far from the overall ambience
Nothing to write home about
The anticipation for this album when it was released was huge.
It actually stands the test of time well with all time classics, Wonderwall & Don't Look Back in Anger surrounded by a strong supporting cast, and its those strong mid album tracks, Some Might Say, She's Electric & Cast No Shadow that elevate this album.
Initially loved this, but as the album wore on either it became more chaotic, or the novelty wore off, either way unlikely to cpme back for repeat visits
It's nonsense, but didn't burn my eardrums so gains a bit of credit
As a self proclaimed 'not a U2 fan' i was pleasently surprised by this album
Would i put it into my furture playlists? Unlikely
But, would i happily lisyen again? Yes
In some.ways there's nothing outstanding about this album, but on the flip side it's great to chill out to & worth repeat listens
The 3 strong aingles are frontloaded to start the album, so after listening though the rest of the generic dullness that comprises the remaining 9 tracks you'd be forgiven for losing the will to ever listen to this album again.
It's pleasent ebough, but boardering on bland
There isn't a weak track on the album, it's groovy and bears repeated listens
Really enjoyed this, possibly an album with the biggest range of genres packed into 40mins that i've ever heard i think i enjoyed it despite, rather than because of that.
We open with a bit of honky tonk piano, move through instrumental jazz and hip hop stylings that brought beastie boys to mind, and not even sure where we finish.
This got me offside from the start, the first few tracks werr all a bit bit discordant. It got a bit more mellow and the secpnd half of the album was fine
There were tracks i enjoyed, but the falseto/strained vocal stylings got me offside that i wouldn't come back for more
This feels like the definition of an 80s album to someone thay wasn't old enough to remember it at the time.
So seeing it released in 1980 makes me feel like this was ahead of its time and a big influence on the decade - without making any atte.pt to validate this claim.
Warrents further exploration of this band
I dind't love it on first listen, but 2nd time round there's quite a bit to like
I guess you'd call this a concept album, however some modicom of quality control would have helped, case in point track 2: The grand old duke of york, scratched out on a violin with a vocal that i would be ashamed to produce at karaoke
Some of it was quite good, but a lot more misses than hits
Never really 'got' Billy Bragg but this was OK
A debut album with the band at arguably their peak. Raw, driven. Liam's vocals cut through with the perfect first track, rock n roll star it sets the stall for the ambition of a band, that at the time, became one of the biggest on the planet.
Live forever was the breakthrough single and it holds up.
Digsy's dinner could is like many of the countless b-sides that are just classic, simple songs but somehow capture the essence of Oasis
On the fence a little on this one.
A strong first couple of tracks, a bit of a lull in the middle with a strong finish.
DLZ stood out with the vocals rhythmic and just adding so much to track.
It's both a classic, and a pioneer in terms of the influence on the 90s indie scene that followed.
The first 3 tracks are all great, it's a real let down when Don't Stop comes in, i just don't get it.
However, by the time Made of Stone kicks in and you round off with I am the Resurection then you can forget the lull in the middle.
It's probably a 4, but i can forgive a couple of duff tracks
I didn't love this album on release, i listened to it plenty but never really connected.
Now, it's like meeting an old friend, there's a familiarity there but also a new appreciation of the incredible musicianship
Thom's vocals are incredible, laced with emotion, soaring over a bed of sonic genius
Just a bit bland, the whole album is a similar shade and whilst it's not offensive to listen to, it's just a bit middle of the road
It sounds like it shoild be cool, but soemething just doesn't cpnnect for me
This didn't really do enough for me, the beats weren't funky enough
I dismissed this on first listen, but giving it a second chance it grew on me a lot.
Top track: through the iron gate
The music is fine, and if this was a studio album it might have been better, it takes something special to make a good live album & this wasn't it
Crank it up and rock out.
A little underwhelming, having then read about other bands, such as R.E.M. that were influeced by this i listened again & could hear some of that, but original doesn't always mean better, later generations can refine & improve
A classic album that, after a long time since i last played it, is even better than i would remember it
The vocals sublime, each track has something new to offer
It takes a couple if listens but this is chilled out listening at it's best
It's not that David Bowie is massively overrated, it's just a lack of appreciation for his songs.
A couple of more epic tracks caught my attention att the end
It's not offensive, but it's not interesting either
Not the most accessible album.
Could I get into this with multiple listens? Maybe
Love this, 1* off for the live recordings that include people talking.
I'm all for the jazz club vibe but i prefer it without the additional soundtrack
Not my regular genre but the album has some merit. It's lyrical & rhythmical, if i was a different person this could rate much higher
Feels like a one hit wonder, with one big song up front. So after track one it's a bit too kitsch and one dimensional but having said that it's geberally ok and inoffensive
Can't get past the vocals
Some monster tracks mixed in with a few more average ones - I'm in love with my car being a case in point
Not my usual listening fare, but it was good for what it is
There's a real variety of styles on this album from Roll Over Beethoven to All My Loving to Money. But there is a cconsistency that keeps the bar consistently high
I do like the beastie boys, but found the album a little repetative
I enjoy a good bit of electronica & this floats my boat.
It effortlessly cool
There were spme great bits and other tracks where i'm wondering if this is the same band. It's a bit inconsistent
Tremendous musicianship, enjoyed this and will return to this album
41 mins of my life i never get back
Never again
The flow and the beat made this surprisingly listenable, a couple of tracks were downright offensive in the lyrics but overall a decent album
It's pleasant enough but even after a few listens nithing really stands out or is memorable
Wayne Coyne is a visionary, when i first heard this album (nearly 25years ago!) I thought how can you have a frontman that can't sing. However through subsequent listens and coming across them at festivals the overall experience takes over.
There is a tapestry woven that occasionally fades into background music, but despite this the standout tracks, do you realise, are you a hypnotist & the title track stand the test of time
A very long 34 minutes, and that run time is probably the most positive thing about the album for me.
It's a genre of music i just don't get, and am never likely to try
Some all time classic tracks and an all round decent album
It took a few goes around to get into the album, but pnce i got there i was happy i perservered
Will it be appearing frequent on my playlist? Probably not. But i wouldn't turn it off if it did
I find it difficult to critique a genere i'm really not familiar with, but this was a good listen
I really like Aimee Mann, and was excited to see this on the list, but whilst i remember the album cover not enough of the songs are memorable and when spotify took off onto similar songs i was reminded i prefer her later work a lot more
This was a beach boys revelation for me, havibg obly been familiar with greatest hits i kinda thought they were a one trick pony.
But this album had depth, musicality & a touch of thr Eagles at times
I gave it a second listen just in case, but no better next time round.
The vocals grated, the experimental sounds annoying
There's nothing wrong with this, but it doesnt seem like an evolution or an upgrade on what has come before
It wasn't bad but not comibg back anytime soon
There was something in this
Whilst i didn't love it, with a few more listens i might be able to define why
Just kind of drift through with no real standouts
Aretha is right up in the top tier, so it's hard to be overly critical, but the album didn't fully connect woth me despite some individually excellent tracks
Enjoyed this
Musically engaging
This was surprisingly good. Not my usual bag, but after a slightly dubious first couple of track i enjoyed the whole flow and and vibe of the album.
Lyrics were strong and punchy
Definitely not for me, whilst it wasn't an earbleeder, ot's one i'd happily bever encounter again
A beautiful voice.
I recognised the beatles cover, perhaps there are others but either way it was just a good listen
This was a real grower of an album, listened a few times and will now be expanding to their back catalogue.
I had to check back, and it wasn't a surprise to see the was released mid 90s, it harks back tp that era even though it passed me by at the time
Riotous is proabably the one word description for an album that barely pauses for breath.
It delivers hit after hit (partly because they released so many singles)
For such a young band it really covers a lot of ground and throws around ideas for fun.
Objectively, it's probably a 4.5/5, but having recently watched the 30th anniversary tour and watch the band play the whole album live it can't be anything but a 5
This wasn't for me, but at the same time i didn't hate it
Didn't love it in first listen, but 2nd time around it started to grow on me
There are some really great songs, but ot's not a great album, i could probably edit this down to a 40minn 4.5* album. But i dont want to just put this on, sit back and listen to the whole thing
I enjoyed the music, not so much the talk tracks over the music
Within a few seconds of the start i'm transported back to the mid 90s.
It's so British - "like glasses comfy on the NHS" is such a great line.
At it's best the lyrics are just outstanding and witty.
Dispationately there are some lulls on the album. But the nostalgia in me can't help but rate it higher
