When it comes to music, there is a distinction between electronic and electric; but then there is Marc Bolan, electricity incarnate, who descends from the cosmos and strikes like a hot flash. A glorious day for glam rock.
Favourite tracks: "Mambo Sun", "Cosmic Dancer", "Get It On"
My first time listening to a full rap record; feels unfair to dive into such a major genre via the sophomore album by the most acclaimed rap artist in history, but the truth is that, as a fairly privileged white woman from Dublin, I will just not have a deep understanding of American hip hop – it's a complex culture that I have zero experience with and never will. All I can do is let the music speak.
With that said, Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City feels canonical. As an aspiring writer, I genuinely did sympathise with young Kendrick's ambition, his introspection, and his spiritual transformation. Truly immersed me into his Compton childhood, and actually fired quite a few gut-wrenching bullets into my back, but ends on a note that has turned out to be positive, seeing Kendrick's massive success. An honorary short film.
Favourite tracks: "Poetic Justice", "Sing About Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst", "Real"
Purple Rain is as energetic as popular music gets; hearing "Let's Go Crazy" for the first time was probably the quickest an album ever clicked with me, and Prince rides that dangerous high through adventurous melodies, with a voice that loves loudly and kills softly, all the way out into one of the most powerful rock ballads of all time.
Favourite tracks: "Let's Go Crazy", "Take Me With U", "Purple Rain"
Took the time to listen to this in bed, and I'm glad I did! Found it very relaxing, with just enough bolts to keep my feet tapping away under my duvet. Despite being centered around the sax and guitar work, I honestly found the bass to be the most engaging element here! Perfect for an afternoon snooze.
Favourite tracks: "Desafinado", "Samba de uma Nota Só", "Bahia"
Astounding! Never expected anything like this. The Stone Roses!!!
Favourite tracks: "She Bangs the Drum", "Waterfall", "Made of Stone", "This Is the One"
A very meaningful listen for me, as I never quite recognised the art of sampling until today. Very much liked this, and it showed me the strengths of this medium when indulged properly. Final transmission shook me.
Favourite tracks: "Building Steam with a Grain of Salt", "Changeling", "What Does Your Soul Look Like, Pt. 1"
As someone who adores Newman's debut and Sail Away, I was shockingly disappointed with this. Not as biting in both the production and social commentary, and "Rednecks" just doesn't work as political satire if you actually give the lyrics a modicum of thought, which makes Newman's use of slurs feel more pitiful than provocative. A few songs meet his established standard, but they're few and far between.
Favourite tracks: "Marie", "Guilty"
