Lush, engaging, and innovative. The first true modern jazz album, setting the scene for the rhythmic exploration of the following decade. Joe Morello's drumming is among the best in recorded jazz history, while Paul Desmond delivers some of the most intoxicating saxophone tones and timbres ever. An incredible record to play in the background, but so deep and nuanced and thoughtful when given a concentrated listen.
Really fun, energetic album, haven't explored this type of music at all before. Some slower moments of the record but not slow in a way that killed the album's momentum. I definitely prefer the A-side over the B-side, but the continuous blend of electronic and acoustic elements, matched with fantastic production, makes this album stand out.
Favorite track: Zero
It's an okay album that would be a really good album if it was fully instrumental. My favorite moments of this record were the ones where David Lee Roth isn't singing. EVH and AVH lean into the prog/proto-metal influences set forth by Rush and King Crimson in the early 1980s and though I respect the re-packaging of those sonic aesthetics with a more pop-friendly delivery, it feels like their musicianship is held back by DLR's singing. AVH's drumming is electric, though, and EVH is of course a monster with the axe.
Favorite song: Hot For Teacher
Really fun album, love the forwardness of the drum mixing. Dynamic sonically and rhythmically. Hard to have a perfect instrumental hip hop album in my opinion, but this sure comes close.
Favorite track: What Does Your Soul Look Like (Part 1 – Blue Sky Revisit)
I love this album so so much. More focused than White Light / White Heat but warmer than Nico. Such an easy album to listen to with a beautiful array of moods and textures. To me, The Velvet Underground are singular in their approach to songwriting and recording, it's hard to be a rock band that is so cognizant of space and atmosphere, but this album captures a time in place so beautifully. No skips, damn near perfect album in my opinion.
Favorite track: so hard to pick, but as of today it's probably Pale Blue Eyes. Some days it's Candy Says, others it's What Goes On, others it's After Hours.
Really phenomenal album. Soundgarden's ability to toe the line between all out grunge and prog is wildly impressive. And Chris Cornell is, of course, an absolute beast. One of those albums that kind of entraps you and before you know it, it's been over an hour and you could keep listening forever. So many great tracks and no real weak spots.
Favorite track: Spoonman
Dope album, fun to listen to and a great blend of punk and hip hop aesthetics.
Favorite track: Ricky’s Theme
Didn’t give this album a super close listen but reads as a classically solid early 70s Beatlesque record, nothing too crazy or standout but far from disappointing, too.
Favorite track: School
Fine album, no real notes I guess. I wish the guy didn't sing I do not like his voice very much.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds has been on my list to get in to for a while and I feel embarrassed that it took this long. This album beautifully balances the idyllic with the desperate, space with overwhelm, and pure depravity with love. Nick Cave's arrangements are stunning. His voice is so unique but a true instrument. Huge fan of this album, and cannot wait to dive into more of this discography.
Favorite track: There She Goes, My Beautiful World
