Tom Waits touches on every genre and influence but simultaneously creates a genre all his own. His voice, while always touched by that gravel and grit ranges from raucous to tender and everything in between. Highlights for me are Clap Hands, Big Black Mariah, Time, Rain Dogs, and Hang Down Your Head.
Best listened to from start to finish as it almost plays like a stream of musical consciousness. Tracks change up frequently so you're tempted to check whether you've moved onto to the next one and youre only a third of the way through the same song. Boombastic yet chill, and those harmonies........perfection. RIP to a singular composer, songwriter, and a one of a kind artist.
Nina is always powerful and emotionally resonant. On tracks luke Four Women, you FEEL every emotion she conveys. Listening to this start to finish, I was also captivated by how beautiful the lowest points in Ms. Simone's vocal range are. Some personal favorites are I Love Your Loving Ways, What More Can I Say, and That's All I Ask.
Solid listen, it's good but there isn't anything that warrants a repeat listen. Production is solid and the Kanye features are fine. I don't dislike any of the tracks but none of them are staying with me either.
No notes, this is prime James Brown power, perfection, and energy. Highlights for me.....every single song.
Prime Stevie Wonder, I was impressed by how well the album flowed despite all the various styles from song to song. Higher Ground and Living For The City are obvious highlights but I also really enjoyed Golden Lady and All In Love Is Fair. Stevie's vocal range is really impressive and display throughout.
Solid album by Elliot Smith. Either/Or is my personal favorite, but every time I listen to anything he's done I just wish he was still here and we had more of his storytelling to enjoy. Favorites from this one are Son Of Sam, Everything Mean Nothing To Me, L.A., Stupidity Tries, Wouldn't Mama Be Proud, and and Pretty Mary Kay.
Went in not knowing much about this band or album and I was pleasantly surprised. Great shoegaze songs fill their longer format with enough interest to make them seem half their runtime. Ride does this flawlessly. Favorites are Seagull, In A Different Place, Dreams Burn Down, and Vapour Trail.
Perfection. Tori Amos' vocals, musicianship, lyricism, and power are unequaled. Me And A Gun is still relevant (sadly) and raw. Pure power. Favorites are Crucify, Silent All These Years, Precious Things, and Little Earthquakes.
Nothing on this album grabbed me. I tried to latch onto something that warranted a repeat listen, but maybe it's just not for me. I kept feeling like the songs were dragging their feet to their inevitable ends and at points some of the choices seemed like they lacked authenticity. No favorites.
I always forget how young Dylan was when he made some of these early albums. Truly one of the great songwriters. I know not everyone likes his voice or his way doing things, but I'm a fan. Favorites are Subterranean Homesick Blues, Maggie's Farm, Mr. Tambourine Man, and It's All Over Now Baby Blue.
Rockabilly meets New Wave and a whole lot of fun. Having only really been aware of the band's major singles, this was eye opening as to how many more they could have had. Favorites are Ants Music, Ants Invasion, Kings Of The Wild Frontier, Don't Be Sqaure (Be There), and Press Darlings.
Where have I been and why am I only NOW listening to The Zutons. No two songs are alike, every one is great. My favorites??? THE WHOLE ALBUM.
Classic for a reason. Full disclosure, I listened to the original US release as it's the vinyl copy I own. The Beatles pop sensibilities defined their era and are still fantastic to this day. Favorites are I've Just Seen A Face, Norwegian Wood, I'm Looking Through You m, and In My Life.
The way Ray plays and sings these songs, you would think they were all his originals. Can't help but log them ad the definitive versions going forward. Favorites are Bye Bye Love, You Don't Know Me, Just A Little Lovin', You Win Again, and Hey Good Lookin'.