Sure, old Ray can sing, but these songs are the pits and I’m not sure what I hate most out of the big band backing, the hymnal choristers or the strings.
Not a great start for my first album. Pretty much hated every song. A shame because I like the later Nick Cave stuff I’ve heard. Found the whole thing atonal and can’t imagine ever wanting to hear it again .
I liked this one a lot more than I thought I would, obviously my music tastes have changed a lot since I first heard some of these songs back in the 80s. The music stands up really well and I’ll definitely be putting it on my rotation for a while.
Not surprisingly, nothing else on the album approaches the killer track levels of Take Me Out. A few other decent songs on the album but nothing particularly memorable. Some of the songs grew on me after a second listen, but still not sure the album will make it to my permanent rotation even though the genre is right in my wheelhouse. 3.5 stars rounded down
Happily got to review an album I once owned, back in the days of physical media. Really enjoyed listening again; there are some cracking songs but for me the standout is Scenes from an Italian Restaurant. Other favourites include Only the Good Die Young and Just the Way You Are.
A real slice of history, the Man in Black belting it out live at Folsom Prison. What a voice, what a stage presence. Some great catchy tracks, Folsom Prison Blues and Jackson (ft June Carter) the standouts. Plenty of topical jailhouse material including a few songs penned by inmates, and lots of banter from the great man.
Ok the second listen grew on me and I’m starting to see what all the fuss is about.
Just loved this from beginning to end. Some killer bass lines and great vocals. Hints of Pulp, Human League, The Cure, Pet Shop Boys, Depeche Mode. Definitely going into my rotation.
Never heard of this band before but just loved the album. High energy, catchy riffs, a bit of an attitude. What more can you ask for? I could imagine watching these guys live in some sweaty beer barn, pouring down a few beers and trying to look cooler than I am…
I’m not strong either way on this one. I’d be happy to have it playing in the background at a dinner party or in a cafe but a couple of listens through had me itching to change it up a bit to anything else
Didn’t love it, didnt hate it. Enjoyed getting a taste of 70’s classic blues I hadn’t heard before. Interesting run of cover versions towards the end, all of which were competent but none better than the original versions. I didn’t find any of the band’s own songs particularly memorable or worth putting on any of my playlists. 3.5 stars from me, rounded down.
It’s smooth, it’s slick, it’s technically proficient, it’s just not for me. Would make great background music for a dinner party or focus work session but it’s just too MOR for my general listening tastes.
Another ‘meh’ one for me. Some of the songs were OK and getting a bit more catchy after a second listen. If I had gone through life not hearing this album I would definitely not consider myself deprived.
What a glorious coincidence! A day after securing tickets to see one of my favourite bands, Pulp, when they visit Australia next year, this absolute classic pops up on my feed. I’ve been listening to it since it came out in 1995, a brilliant album full of quirky lyrics and catchy tunes. Common People is one of the all-time great songs, Disco 2000 is a banger and everything else is great too! More like this please 🙏
Nope. Didn’t do it for me at all. Nope.
It’s a big YES from me. Cracking album that gets better and better with each listen. My first exposure to Sonic Youth, definitely getting added to my rotation. Excuse me a second while I slip off and check out their back catalogue .
Sure, old Ray can sing, but these songs are the pits and I’m not sure what I hate most out of the big band backing, the hymnal choristers or the strings.
Beth has a nice voice and the songs were pleasant enough. Didn’t hate it, didn’t love it. Her vocalisations didn’t upset me as much as it did other reviewers. Ok for dinner parties or as background focus music but not one for my general listening rotation.
No thanks
One of my favourite albums from one of my favourite bands. It starts off with three killer tracks, maybe tails off a bit in the middle but I still like the overall song mix. If you like this album, the Bullet in a Bible album contains live versions of most of these songs and is well worth a listen.
If it’s good enough for the cool dudes on the Almost Famous tour bus, it’s good enough for me. Enjoyed listening to this, Tiny Dancer obviously kicks things off strongly, I wasn’t familiar with many of these other songs but enjoyed listening to Elton’s voice at the height of its powers and the piano playing is terrific as you’d expect
Great performance from start to finish. The Bowie cover is amazing and the stripped back versions of No Apologies and Something in the Way are great. Kurt’s voice shines; it’s just so sad to think what might have been if he could have tamed his demons.
Not really my genre. Didn’t find any of the songs particularly catchy. Unlikely to play again.
Not for me. Would no doubt be an experience hearing someone like this live in a jazz club but the record fell flat for me and the songs and arrangements were uninspiring
Didn't love it, didn’t hate it. Enjoyed a few of the tunes on first listen, happy to give it another listen later in the week and see if it grows on me.
Meh, bland middle-of-the-road pap. And WTF was that Steamroller of Love song?
I was very familiar with this album. Played it quite a lot when I first came across it. Some great songs, some so-so. Probably expected I’d give it a 5 stars when I first saw it on my feed, but this listen had me thinking it was a step below some of the 5 star albums I’ve reviewed recently. 4.5 rounded down.
Another album I liked, having previously had a Best Of compilation I was familiar with a few of the songs. The standout songs were Bigmouth, Boy with a Thorn in his Side and There is a Light, no surprises there, they seem like everyone’s favourites. Most of the others are pretty good, a few non memorable tracks. Mozzie’s voice is a love it or hate it type, I’m ok with it for one spin through the album and then need a rest for a while. Marr’s guitar is great as usual, not sure if it was because I was listening in the car but the guitar mix seemed very low. Good listen, would happily listen again soon.
I’m a big Cure fan but haven’t listened to this entire album before. Loved it from start to finish. Very atmospheric and some great tunes.