Very good heavy rock. I could live without the acoustic guitars and bluesy bits but the bass playing and drumming is absolutely elite. It’s a good, fun record.
Best : What Is and What Should Never Be
Worst: Thank You
Way better than I remember and certainly better than I expected. The beats sound pretty outdated now but the songwriting is sound and it’s an album jam-packed with big tunes.
Best: Vow
Worst: A Stroke of Luck
One of my favourites. Have been a fan since it was released. Arguably the best album they ever made. A huge progression from Badmotorfinger and one of the best rock albums of the decade. It’s so powerful and reveals something new with every listen.
Best: My Wave
Worst: (no bad songs)
Yuck.
Okay… I can understand why people like this so much. The musicianship is fine. It’s a rock album that sounds a bit different to what else was on offer in 1970. The drumming is good, sure.
However, horrible singing, horrible lyrics. Guitar solos where there doesn’t need to be a guitar solo. The songs seem to last forever even if they’re sub-5 minutes. I genuinely abhor songs like Child in Time; people really love to cherish a song like this. I don’t get it. But like what you like, I don’t care.
Personally, this has fallen in a generated slot close to Led Zep II and Superunknown by Soundgarden, both of which blow this out the water on every single level, particularly the vocals and guitar playing.
It didn’t stand a chance. I don’t think Deep Purple will ever be for me but I’ll give it a 2/5 based on understanding why it would appeal to other people and I enjoyed some of the drumming.
Male, pale and stale.
Best: Speed King
Worst: Child in Time
Thoroughly pleasant music from Mali. I enjoyed the guitar playing in particular along with the call and response singing. Blues traditionally ain’t my bag but this was an easy album to enjoy. Rhythmically, it transcends “the blues” and there’s more melody in here than you can shake a stick at. A great example of why this project exists. I’m not sure I’ll revisit this particular album many times again but it deserves its place here. Interesting story behind band too, I’m glad they’re documenting their challenging experiences in this way. Music is politics. Music is protest, A good album indeed.
Very good pop music. If I’m being picky, some of the lyrics feel a bit cliché and I imagine the production will feel a little dated in the coming years but you absolutely can’t argue with the quality of the songwriting and the vocals. I enjoyed this far more than I expected.
Best: Green Light (Writer in the Dark also excellent on many levels)
Worst: no bad songs
Damn good. I’m hoping this is one of many NY albums on the generator. This is one I often go back to. Pretty much flawless but yeah, Running Dry is a slog. The rest of it is terrific with several standouts. A great into to NY for new fans.
Best: Cinnamon Girl
Worst: Running Dry
Fun, camp pop. Extremely 1993. Ends with a strong run of songs.
This is a pretty remarkable album. If you know, you know. There are times when it sounds like all the musicians are playing different songs at the same time but I wouldn’t change a thing. Not my favourite VM album but I love it all the same. Several songs on this make me cry. Ireland forever.
Best: Sweet Thing is a perfect song
Worst: Beside You is an absolute rabble
