Obviously some absolute bangers, but also a whole lot of filler. Lyrics often a bit ropey as well.
Listened to it once, wasn't sure, then listened to it again, and again,and again. What it is is a fantastic *album*, as in all the songs work together to give the whole texture and style. And there are some heartbreakingly beautiful tunes within that as well.
Only issue is there are a few places you wish somebody had asked Paul Simon to stop, before getting too self-involved.
There's a lot to dislike about this album, the lack of musical invention, the Adrian Mole-esque lyrics, the fact it sounds like it was recorded from the bottom of the deep end of an Olympic swimming pool.
However, one should also acknowledge AiC's grim dedication to a uncomplicated miserablism eventually equates to at least a level of charm that's almost endearing. Like a cousin's ugly baby trying to make friends with you.
Fuck it, five stars. It really has everything you want in an album, brilliant narrative storytelling, great music, superb production, Dolly's voice is wonderful and, as an added bonus, it's funny.
You get the sense there's a much better album in there, if he can just get over himself. The instinct to just do a bit more, more orchestration, more vocals, more production, just seems as if it overwhelmed Rufus.
Plus, what's with the whiney singing voice, it's an annoying affection. Nobody sings like that normally.
Really wanted to give another five, but I can't because there are a couple of duds (relatively) on the album and, occasionally, the quiet-loud-quiet-LOUD schtick gets a little repetitive.
However:
1. It's amazing how powerful and intense much of the music feels even after all these years.
2. I can't think of many rock bands where the bass and drums consistently hold everything together so well, allowing the lead guitar and vocals to really soar.
3. Debaser one of the top ten opening tracks of any album, ever. I will fight anyone who disagrees.
Sometimes you have a long-held opinion about a band but then, after hearing them for the first time in a while, your whole view shifts.
Which makes it especially nice when that doesn't happen. God, aren't U2 awful? Overwrought, overproduced, pretentious bollocks.
Not really my sort of music, but I could see the appeal. Probably best listened to while sitting in a big leather chair, by a fire, sipping whisky.
Amazing how similar yet how different it is from Doolittle. Leans more surfer rock (unsurprisingly) than punk.
Gigantic and Where is my mind both absolute killer songs.
Only four stars, because again a little uneven in quality. Funnily enough, unlike Doolittle, I find Surfer Rosa starts off a little weak but then improves as it goes along.
I really have no critical frame of reference for this sort of music. I guess it's fine, inoffensive? The maker obviously had access to a computer and owns a pair of ears.
