I mean what’s there to say? Perhaps the most iconic opening to an album. Cash at his peak. Candid moments of laughter and snatches of conversation. Very well recorded and preserved. 10/10
Tonal and twangy, this felt like a secret show at a honkytonk. They saved the listener from the usual “3rd Act Drag” by tossing in some truly solid covers and changing gears from blues to rock to surf and back. This feel was also a drawback for me, as it felt like friends goofing off sometimes, not a studio album. This all feel like one-takes, outtakes or jam sessions that went well. So much talent, though, that maybe you accept that and be glad you’re in the room?
“cookiemonster, the musical“ meets “Randy Newman‘s least greatest hits“ meets the deranged lounge singer-esque rantings of an extremely sad clown. It’s so unserious it’s almost genius. At least I hope he wasn’t serious. I know Tom Waits from movies, but is he famous for this??
It plays like the soundtrack to a 90s movie that never was. Constantly changing but never losing the thread. This is only my second Pixies album but won’t be the last. Unless they only have 2…
“The Cure! Now with 10% More Self Loathing!” I hear a lot of The Cure here. Which makes some sense, considering this album was released several years after Cure’s debut. The name, notwithstanding, I would almost think they were a Robert Smith side project. I was never really into the Smiths. I recognize the talent, but never vibed with their music. That hasn’t changed, but I can see why some would place this album on this list.
This one is interesting. Its predecessor Parachutes is a straightforward, moody piece with acoustic bass and some laudable lyrics. And this album has some of that too. But it starts to sound self aware in a bad way. It’s edging towards trying to be good vs just being good. Politik is a little too loud. In My Place a tad too dreamy. And so on. It all makes for a solid sophomore album and I enjoyed revisiting it. I actually went to Cincinnati with an old girlfriend back in 2003 to see them perform this album (she made me) and though it a great show! It’s all kind of sad though, considering the schlock they’ve become.
20 songs of pure delight! Bits of Beatles and Zeppelin and shades of Queen. Almost every track was upbeat, even when it’s talking about heartbreak. They seemed to really enjoy making music. You can really hear it. As far as when my first time sitting down, listening to an entire ELO album and I get the love fans have. Groovy!