Some great songs here, some that have not aged well, and some that must have frankly felt pretty weak even when first released. I like, but don’t love, The Kinks. This is one of their better albums, but it still retreats a little too often for me to a certain twee mawkishness.
Reggae isn’t really my thing, otherwise I might have rated this one star higher. Nevertheless, I can’t deny the artistry, gravitas and significance of much of this album. It’s great music, delivered with real commitment and virtuosity, and I can imagine opening all my windows and treating my neighbours to then thudding bass. I enjoyed the protest songs most.
This album absolutely exemplifies the sound of its era. Difficult to imagine how any other could be more evocative of the late 60s. Airplane was a perfect band. I’ll never tire of listening.
Last listened to this when it first came out and was underwhelmed, but a lot of water has gone under the bridge both personally and musically since then. This time around I loved it! A zen-like experience…
This album is great as much for the contribution of the excellent Full Tilt Boogie Band as that of JJ herself. It’s a real ensemble piece. I love it from start to finish.
This is a slow burn. Music and lyrics of great sophistication which gradually reveal their power and depth. Beautiful and mysterious from start to finish.
I really love this album - Laura Nyro is a brilliant songwriter and has a great voice with an incredible range. I particularly like the sudden tempo shifts in most of her songs.
These guys could harmonise, way before the days of auto-tune!
Never really got into Morrissey or The Smiths. On the basis of a single listen this is solid 3* and no more. Maybe this would improve if I heard it more, but just not enough time at the moment.
Such an enjoyable album - it brims with originality, joyfulness and wit from start to finish. I can’t really fault anything. Great tunes, fun lyrics, slick production, superb arrangements. Madness at their glorious best.
I’ve never actually listened to this album from start to finish before - only really focusing on the singles - but every song is a gem. And the production is stunning too. So much still to discover on the inevitable repeat listenings.
I love the initial inaccessibility of this music. Angular, lyrically arcane, devoid of melody but intricately structured. I can hear Captain Beefheart, Sparks and Eno-era Roxy Music, all delivered with David Byrne’s energy and total commitment. I’ll be back to this one again.
Great singing, great arrangements, the songs themselves are patchy in there quality - a few are standouts but the majority are unmemorable. Not Sinatra.
