very reminiscent of pavement and early elliott smith. i definitely enjoyed the album, but there was a lack of hooks or distinctive instrumentation or structure to fully enrapture me
A great continuation of Lou's work with the velvet underground. Glam rock was already becoming a thing by the time this album got released, but alongside Hunky Dory, this album gave the genre the subversive edge that makes it so fascinating looking back.
Best songs are the satellite of love, perfect day, but every song is great on here - lots of pop hooks but it never feels like he's sanding down his edges at all
Super long album, but never once feels like it drags. Favourite track is ebony eyes, on the delux edition tracklist, an adorably cute ballad about a horse
Got some classic songs in it (sledgehammer, don't give up), but the songs aren't quite as punchy as other classic 80s albums
Walk This Way is an undeniably good and groundbreaking song, but other than that, there isn't much reason to revisit this album.
A lot of the beats and production sound very dated, and almost comedy-esque, and there are far superior 80s hip hop albums to revisit - the fact that this is a compilation album is very telling
Very warm listening, quite enjoyable to hear the notes of early Americana music. Wouldn't say there's necessarily any standout tracks or moments, aside from a strong opener 'Across the Great Divide'.
Feels like young summer in a very different way to Oasis - it feels like its soundtracking a fun, warm summer around Britain with all your friends, without any weight of expectations other than the fun times and making friends.
A lot of the criticism of this album probably goes on its voyeuristic lyrical content, but I think of that as a plus - it reminds me a lot of late 60s Kinks and Sgt Pepper era Beatles in its catchy ditties about British life. Occasionally the lack of sincerity does grate on you a little after 16 tracks. 'To the End' is a classic that I've never truly enjoyed, but luckily it all feels in spirit of the album.
Would recommend listening on a sunny May/June weekend.
Girlboss alt-rock, in the best way
Queer-baiting is okay when shirley manson does it
Widely considered the end of Joni's classic period (though I will defend Mingus more than most), this really is an album that rewards repeat listening. There's almost no hooks, just sprawling, languid and reflective songs which eventually sink into your brain.
Favourite songs: refuge of the road, strange boy, amelia
