“Orange! Yeah, that’s right!” (Aquarius)
Chill vibes, but also some audio clips that definitely make some of the pieces veer closer into the creepy (like the vibes I get from Aphex Twin and their album covers).
Overall, would listen to some/most of this again, especially in a larger collection of ambient/electronic vibes.
While it feels a bit dated and lackluster at points now, the influential nature, especially its time, of it is clear. I think most of the appeal for me comes from Lou Reed’s voice, while I kind of strongly dislike the Nico songs. The first 30-seconds of each song is good and fun, but then it feels like they just keep going after that. “Heroin” is a classic though and an exception to the rule.
Strong 3
Was originally skeptical upon the first minute or so, but got more into it in time. Didn’t leave much of an impression beyond being a chill 90s vibe that I was cool.
Fun to come across “Glory Box”, which I’ve been aware of/heard for a long time.
Solid 4
Groovy from front to back
Solid 4 (elevated by high highs, but otherwise would be solid 3).
For me, the highs are pretty high (typically the more folk-y songs like "Blowin' in the Wind", "Girl from the North Country", " A Hard Rain's A-Going to Fall", "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right") and the rest, especially the more bluesy stuff, was overall just fine.
The first full Dylan album I listened through and I realized his voice didn't bother me as much here as when I've listened to single songs from him in isolation. Not sure if it's just this album or if you need to sink into the world of his voice.
Strong 3 / Weak 4
I understand the (maybe) satire and use of persona(s) on the album, but still, some of these lines are pretty… intense 😬. It does sonically sound pretty decent.
Soft 5.
I would absolutely fuck with this if I was around in 1969. I also absolutely fuck with this now.
Strong 3
Undeniably chill vibes, but not much else. Was very down in the beginning, but then not much more came of it.
Solid 3
Just vibes, but didn't do much for me beyond Freedom (classic!). The man has an undeniably good voice though.
Solid 4
C’est chic indeed! Some of the tracks definitely feel like they go on for a while, which can feel a touch long for a casual listen, but I know that would absolutely slap on a dance floor.
Solid 5.
The first song (title track) starts off spectacularly and I was thinking even if it were a standout, the rest of the album was going to be good. Turns out the whole thing is spectacular.
Strong 2.
The first album that left me a bit surprised it's on the list. Not actively bad, but just really a nothing-burger and something that felt unremarkable and lacked anything that would be revolutionary for the time.
Solid 2.
This is not my thing at all and initially I was like WTF. Over the course of the first song I did start to see some value behind the wacky. Ultimately something I would pretty much never recommend to anyone (unless I was trying to seem super artistic and avant-garde), but I could understand if someone said they liked it.
Soft 5.
I'll always love Stevie Wonder and this album is no exception. Not as strong as some of my other favorites of his, but still an undeniably great album. Did appreciate the more experimental nature of this one vs. his more ballad-filled albums of past.
Soft 4, Strong 3.
This felt oddly very Halloween-y. Not sure why or how. Just the vibe.
Soft 4.
Not entirely my vibe for a typical day, but definitely see this as a core part of punk history that is pretty fun to listen to.
Strong 3.
While this album is a bit boring and lacks any of the Elvis gusto you hear about, I do understand why buttoned-up White folks emerging from the 50s really at up this (for the time?) funked-up White boy.
Strong 4.
I like the vibe of this funky man and his funky band. Crazy that this is their debut album.
Solid 4.
Very funky and groovy. Felt like you’re stuck in a rhythmic whirlwind while someone recounts their dreams to you. Interesting to get this right after their debut - I think I like ‘77 a bit more?
Solid 5.
Just lovely and delightful the whole way through. I listened to most of this while on a crisp fall walk to the gym and I had to pause it upon arrival because this album just so definitely deserves to be enjoyed fully on a crisp fall walk. Would do again 100/10.
Solid 4
Soft 3.
This didn’t really do anything at all for me, but I can see the roots of how this might be influential to better (and potentially more influential) pieces to follow.
