Very Simon and Garfunkel as noted, with a great tracks showcasing the harmonies that, I believe, they were famous for.
Was a bit twee/whimsical in parts and their cover of Everybody's talking can't hold a candle to Nilsson's- but a little research showed it was released the same year so guess it was bad timing.
Looking forward to abit more of the political stuff and Neil Young getting involved.
Some beautiful stand out moments (Casimir Pulaski Day, and the one about the serial killer) but a bit long and sprawling. I don't know whether to feel disappointed or relieved he didn't do all the states.
The sort of nice-guy rock n roll that reminds me of long drives with my parents in America as a kid. Knew a few tracks from the best of, but don't think there'd be many occasions I'd put this on otherwise- unless I had to drive across Arizona. Like his voice though, and the Hammond organ, and have this idea he's a "nice guy" but this might be because he was also in Travelling Wilburys. And American Girl is a banger
Alternative recommendation: Ezra Furman - Day of the Dog.
Definitely an album of its time- and hard to separate from the swagger of similar artists (Kaiser Chiefs etc), but there's still something that's a bit playful and endearing about it (perhaps tinted by their Sparks collaboration in my mind.) Lyrically pretty insipid and not particularly inspiring musically, but best of a bad bunch I think. FFS much better.
(Would give it 2.5 if I could)
I was all ready to be cynical about this one as I didn't remember much about it from my last listen. But Shout got me out of bed and Everybody wants to rule the world is a banger. The rest of it seemed pretty derivative and bland though.
This was way more fun and playful than I remembered. Always loved the first track but maybe now I'm not a Christian I can appreciate it way more XD. Enjoyable throughout, inspiring in places but a tad long. Would give it 4.5 if possible
I spent awhile trying to work out of Newman's satire really justifies his use of the n-word, given that he's a white 'Northerner' that spent some time in the deep South as a kid where he both witnessed racism and er, took what he wanted from some of their musical styles (eg. his rambling style). And then I remembered he's the guy who wrote that song from Toy Story and no, that words not okay coming from a white guy, certainly not anymore. We've got Beyoncé singing about the deep south now, and she does it without punching down.
Rated two for good musicianship and an effort, I suppose, to try and say something meaningful rather than having a good old w*nk on a guitar, but let's all listen to Cowboy Carter now shall we?
More of a high 3- excellent first half but all got a bit fey after Hallucinations. Will be interested to hear Happy Sad though which is also on the list I believe?
Can't deny I love parts of this album a lot. Really strong opening and track three is a superb mix of styles (featuring- and made by- The Gaza Sisters - I admit I had to Google that but will be checking them out imminently)
I sort of lose interest as the album goes on though- Homeless is beautiful, but feel like I'm less impressed by Simon's lyrics these days - and the last few tracks just sound dated. I've never been sure how Zydeco music fits either?
Leaving aside the appropriation stuff I'm giving it a 4- just cos I Know what I know makes me feel very happy
I couldn't be bothered to listen to it all again but I do enjoy it on the whole. McCartney at his most Lennonesque, George and Ringo having a go. Shame about Bungalow Bill, that song is shite
Really should have been a Chuck Berry album in here instead of this. About half of it is covers, most from black artists.
It's got a few original tracks, which do stand out, and is of passing interest in understanding the (rather cringey) beginnings of the band but this isn't 1001 things you need to know about the Beatles before you die. Gonna put on the Great twenty eight immediately
Both consistently misogynist and with moments of unbearable affectation and what seems to be a rather poor grasp of Tudor History.
Bland, banal, overlong. Shoulda been Storm in Heaven by the Verve
Glad I stuck this one out- would normally not be into white guys with patois accents (looking at you Gordon) but these guys were at least political about it- the last half of the album addresses racism head on. Didn't realise they started out as a bunch of kids on the dole - can imagine them getting high and having a skank and having something to say. Kinda of a shame that they ended up trotting out naff covers, but I imagine they probably don't mind.
I hate this album but I'm giving it a two as it is extremely motivating (as an unsuccessful musician) this was to make music that is not so emotionally flaccid, trite and over-produced. I DO like Beautiful Day but I was also raised in a cult where genuine culture and self expression was frowned upon- so I can't tell if this is a stockholm syndrome response.
Felt like a missing puzzle piece in terms of influencing people like Rufus Wainwright, John Cale, Randy Newman? First and last tracks were really quite astonishing with notes of Gershwin and Copeland and the vastness of the American "pioneer" landscape - but the middle dragged a bit, with a number of Scotch Walker-esque ballads without the latters soulful voice. A nice surprise overall.
Boppy, groovy, bit too long
Got half way through and felixed it. Great first track but not my thing
This should be in 1001 white male indie bands to bore you to death. Couple of rousing tracks that sounded inspiring when I was a depressed teenager and are embarrassed now. 2 for nostalgia only
Nice Sunday music for pottering around
I'm giving this 5 because it was the first album that reminded why I did this in the first place- new to me, vibrant, exciting
Some nice textures and sounds from some very talented musicians. Last track was very nice.
Great stuff- about twice as long as necessary tho
2.5 - straight down the middle
Really winsome and whimsical with
some total bangers and excellent George Martinning
A Shit sandwich made with extremely good bread.
Liked this - think I didn't listen to it when I was young because the title was UNACCEPTABLE for christians. Feel like I'd have enjoyed the goth vibes more then, and overall it's a bit long and not as gopd as their later offerings- but some excellent drums and Robert Smith being Robert Smith (probably a high 3)
I nearly cried on the last one, and Dirty old town is brilliant. High 3
A couple of great tracks and some very silly overlong Vegas-Elvis, Dylan on steroids type of american music, which alot of people love don't they?
Dreadful. I nearly liked it and can see why it fits in with the strong rock themes of this book but it's mediocre and dull and inane. Can't really believe I made it to the end.
High 4, rounding up. Always forget how versatile and nuanced these guys are. And Sabotage is such a banger
Some high class dad rock - quite fun I guess? Would have preferred Huey Lewis
Music for boys, nice saxophones tho
I love his parents so much. Dominooos!
I've listened to it before and dont want to again. Walk of life is abit of a bop but can't remember if it's on this one. And it's annoying because it's about a guitar player but the keys are the main feature.
My expectations were so low that I was pleasantly surprised at first - then gradually bored. Some great backing singers though and nice instruments. Better with Meg on drums though. And the reference to Bo Diddley half way through just reminded me the latter really should be in here instead of this.
