This was the first time hearing a U2 album all the way through. The band has a solid groove. The Edge's guitars are distinct which I appreciate during certain songs. Bassist Adam Clayton truly held these songs together for me. I like drum pads and dance music, but I do think drummer Larry Mullen, Jr. was underutilized to add more texture. I do not like Bono's voice and the more I heard it the less I wanted to hear. He is not a good storyteller; he feels "it" but he doesn't bring the audience with him. It got hard not to get grumpy while listening through this album because of his voice. I will say they know how to make an enticing intro to all their songs.
Low rating only because I'm not a fan of disco. I find the rhythm driving but monotonous. First songs all bled together in my mind on first listen. “We Are Family” is iconic and though not my taste in music, it has a deep nostalgia that you can’t help but dance around to. Truly the Sledge Sisters are talented vocalists. Kathy’s vocals in particular are so warm and mesmerizing. The band was playing in the pocket.
I don’t think I ever really sat and just listened to Jeff Buckley’s voice before. I really like how he plays and lingers on notes. An incredibly versatile mix in this album with both originals and covers. Not everything hit for me and nothing I’d playlist, but Buckley’s voice felt perfect for every track. The sad boy trope is strong with him for sure.
Bluegrass revival. Baroque rock. I have so many strong memories of this era in music. Also listening to this album I definitely thought Arcade Fire and The Shins were the same band at one point. I miss when ennui was whimsical. This album became background noise when I’d tune out for a bit. A lot of four on the floor. I honestly think Butler’s voice was the best on Sprawl I when it was more conversational singing and the narrative was the driving element. Personally not a big fan of Chassagne’s voice but I think it has more to do with the filters on the mic than tone.
Hayes has one of those voices that just lure me into whatever he is singing. The early 70s soul is hit or miss for me, but I will never skip this man’s voice. The mix is confusing because it’s either heavy in one ear or the other. Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic - say that five times fast.
Nostalgic sound I remember as a kid but this kind of Americana rock doesn’t quite do much for me. Blues rock revival of the 60s I like better or the garage rock/blues infused of the 00s. Those synths really wanted more attention on Side 2 of the album. Everyone sounded great. Won’t lie that most of these songs sound the same to me. Caught myself zoning out a lot. The sexism though….
Joplin’s voice is definitely polarizing but I can’t help but find her storytelling captivating. Gurley’s guitars, Andrew’s guitar/bass, and Albin’s bass are so satisfying. Definitely an album of its time for all the appropriation. The album cover is certainly…something. I get that R. Crumb was a beloved artist…but…
Really enjoyed the big band sound, but the pacing of this album goes from high to low to high too quick for my liking. I’d rearrange the order for a re-listen, but I’m definitely adding this to my rotation of mood music when I’m working about the house. Basie and the band are so locked in together it feels like a single breathing organism. Not voted higher because it’s music that I vibe but not enough to feel compelled to have on repeat.
“Now you must acquire a taste for freeform jazz.” - Patrick Star, Spongebob Squarepants S2E26
This album is my brain when I don’t take Ritalin. Like, I understand what the free jazz movement was doing, and I love some noisy shit, but perhaps I’m not an adult yet. Or maybe I don’t like alto sax as an instrument? Drums were absolutely killing this whole album, but it kind of sounded like an incredibly extended solo break. This album cover was...a choice. Why are we flogging a woman?
This feels like a series of voice memos where you are coming up with ideas. Not in a bad way but in an interestingly unfinished and unpolished way. An interesting narrative of “don’t want to get caught” recording with the different drummers. Johnny Rotten is a vocalist I’ve not connected with and it’s the same here. Graveyard was a highlight on this album (which makes sense because he keeps his mouth shut).
I’ve never listened to a Def Leppard album. And now I understand why. I get that hair metal had its time and place. Just not in my headphones. The band is solid so I can’t say they aren’t good at their craft.
I played this album on a loop for 12 hours once after breaking up with my long-time partner. This was the first time in 10 years I’ve heard this album. It still holds up. Adele is just one of those vocalists that can tell your whole life story in a single note.
Has one of my least favorite and all-time favorite songs on the same album. I can’t pretend I’m not a manwhore for a breakbeat. All the noise in my ears makes my brain buzz. Howlett’s sample game is so strong.
