1001 Albums Summary

A banger pianist and soulful instrumentation were not enough to rescue the inscrutable lyrics, disjointed experiments, and aloof vocals of an album unwilling to explore its own thoughts on any of its topics from changes to freedom, love and film. I can tell there is a story here. I wish I knew what it was.

An unforgettable album certain to ruin anyone's day. Tales of misplaced sexual energy and misuse of power jump perspective nearly every song through an impressively choked gamut of sinister characters. I am reminded that evil can come from anyone, and especially those we collectively most trust and idolize. Difficult to stomach but relentless messaging that I choose to interpret as an important reminder to stay aware. Being welcome is not the same as being safe, and though I was more comfortable learning that from Little Red Riding Hood the lesson here is more visceral. There are no allies here, not even Sally's parents. The musical themes are repeated beautifully and carefully, and I appreciate the placement of Tommy's Holiday Camp with its mustache twirling fanfare and We're Not Gonna Take It with its recursion of the cast bringing the story full circle by taking a step back from the overindulgence of the earlier tracks to remind us of Uncle Ernie & crew's unsalvageability, not that we needed it. The only thing more chilling than Uncle Ernie is his possible ubiquity. Were I to hear this album again, it would be too soon.