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.
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
No
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.
Nice nostalgic punk pop
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.
Mainly gross