I remember hearing these songs in the late 80s/early 90s on KROQ. It was music for very cool people and I was not adult enough to be that cool. Reminds me of other bands like The Sundays and The Smithereens, with songs and a sound that was a bit more accessible and clear, or Mudhoney or Husker Du, with a similar fuzzy and far away sound but that was harder and more easy to vibe with.
There is a washy, fuzzy, muddy sound to the whole album which sounds intentional but also might just be a limitation of the tech of the time. I wonder what they'd sound like today.
There's a droney lack of passion in the singer's voice, but the songs build with interesting techniques, jingly, jangly guitars. It's super pleasant and has a laid back, cool dude feel that makes me feel at ease. It fades into the background easily if I'm not paying close attention though. I think this is mood music. But i'm not sure for what mood.
What a velvety voice, like if Sam Cooke and Elvis had a baby and taught it to sing like Bobby Vinton.
I didn't really want to listen to this at first. I didn't really like it in the 90s. But listening to it with a fresh ear, it is absolutely incredibly impressive, especially including her age. The maturity of it is really breathtaking, and the production choices and instrumentation are awesome. Her vocals are actually my least favorite part, I find her singing in her low register to not be so great... but I can appreciate this album for its production, and the songwriting for its preternatural maturity.
Some of these songs aren't so great... The First Taste, that's a no from me dog.
Wow. I've loved this album a long time, but an even more focused listen has me just saying... wow.
Man. How did I miss this album? I listened to Goo a ton when I was a kid and I loved loved loved it. But never got this record and I regret it. It is REALLY good. Going to add it into regular rotation.
Meh. I wanted to like this more. I can recognize what it did historically and I liked these songs as a kid but... meh.
I recognize its genius and fervor, but I don't think I'd listen to it on my own.
How have I never heard of this record? It's so good I can already tell. I'm hearing so much early 2000s in this, but also some of the things that really exploded later... dance hall, grime... really cool.
It definitely is dated. Not sure I'd listen again. But I like its integrity.
Another 3. I liked it but did not love it.
Man. The production on this record is some of the most incredible, fussy, huge sounding music I've ever heard. I appreciated it as a kid, and now even though it sounds kind of silly and cheesy, it is still just as rousing as it ever was!
Really good. Like the Bollywood harder they come soundtrack. Tempted to give it 5 stars but that feels excessive.
I rememeber when Nick Drake hit the charts because of a VW commercial. I was just the right age to be grossed out, though it wasn't his fault.
Listening now... wow. Masterful everything. And a unique sound very ahead of its time. How sad that corporate America got its mitts on this vibe...
I rememeber this album so well when it came out. I listened to it so much. Why isn't it in my regular rotation anymore? Don't know but it's going back in.
Ok, so, wow. I think Leonard Cohen is one of my favorite artists of all time, and this record includes Famous Blue Raincoat which is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. And yet. This album is not so good. He is clearly very young and his performances... woof. Wooooooof.
My goodness. I'm giving this album 5 stars for G-Song alone.
I want to give it 5 stars... maybe I will give it 5 stars. There are a couple of turkeys on this album if I'm honest but they can't even touch the soaring highs of the great songs.
This can definitely go into the rotation for albums to listen to when I really want to focus on something else, or just relax and zone out. I'd give it 5 stars but I don't think it is impacting me personally as a musician, that's kind of my line, I am just not that jazzy. Would love to know more about the process of making this record. There is such cool stuff in here.
Love Emmylou and this album is beautiful. It's not her *most* beautiful but it's close? Giving it 4 stars. Will listen again.
Well... damn. This album is so good and it was such a huge departure for her. I didn't appreciate it enough when it came out but I can sure appreciate it now. 5 stars. I want to buy this on vinyl.
Soooo fun. Will listen again. But not over and over.