Been a while since I’ve hit this one, did not relisten for this project.
Excellent production and songwriting. Started and finished on very high notes. A little too long, middle was slightly sluggish.
Highlights: The Suburbs, Ready to Start, Rococo, Month of May, Wasted Hours, Deep Blue, Sprawl I
Lowlight: City with No Children
Incredible. Perfect teen angst album. The cut and dry production leaves so much room for the songwriting to shine; something that an album such as this really needed. Blister in the Sun is here too.
Highlights: Add It Up, Prove My Love, Gone Daddy Gone, Good Feeling
Lowlight: To The Kill
I had been putting off listening to this for so long. God knows why. Another shining light in Bowie’s path, although it’s unfair not to mention Iggy Pop’s raw energy that is brought to the table. The production is SO odd, but really works. Also, I prefer this album’s version of China Girl.
Highlights: Sister Midnight, Nightclubbing, Funtime, Baby, Dum Dum Boys
Lowlight: China Girl
I really dig where Robert Smith’s vocals sit on this album. Almost like an afterthought. That decision adds to the ghostly atmosphere this record oozes, partly because it was recorded in a church. Pretty cool. Fantastic guitar tone that feels like ear candy. It’s longer songs drag a bit, but it doesn’t hurt it’s messaging or delivery.
Highlights: Secrets, In Your House, Three, M
Lowlight: At Night
Unfortunately I think I good chunk of this thing is kind of a snoozefest. Something about Adele’s beautiful singing voice and clear songwriting talent being tucked underneath the most boring production and composition just does not jive with me. If I was a single white woman at Barnes and Noble in 2011 however…
Some good moments, cover of Lovesong is good but really just makes me want to listen to the original.
I’ll Be Waiting kinda slaps though. Sleeper hit.
Highlights: Take It All, I’ll Be Waiting, One And Only, Lovesong
Lowlight: Turning Tables
(Relisten) This is the kind of enlightenment that every musician hopes to achieve. This album is so deeply introspective whilst remaining unapologetically chaotic that it's truly a wonder that it has stood the test of time. Being Talking Head's most well-revered project, it's intimidating to pick up but impossible for me to put down. Although I prefer Speaking In Tongues, I can't ignore how fun this album's front half is. Comparatively, the back half has never fully clicked with me, however, I appreciate it's delivery and effort.
Also, I'd like to note that Tina Weymouth's bass playing on this record is genius. I adore it.
Highlights: Born Under Punches, Crosseyed and Painless, The Great Curve, Once in a Lifetime, Listening Wind, The Overload
Lowlight: Houses in Motion
This was really cool, and that's it. Not to undermine what this record has to offer - I think it has strokes of genius in it's composition and pacing at times, while other times... not as much.
When this record really has my attention I really love it. The soundscapes created by Tortoise are unique enough where I can see myself coming back to this to turn my brain off for the night and enjoy it's depth and serenity.
When it meanders, it's really not for long. I can easily overlook that. However, at 42 minutes and a whopping 6 tracks - it's not a behemoth like Music Has The Right To Children, which I believe this album is very much like in delivery.
I am looking forward to checking out other work from Tortoise to see if there's more under the surface.
Highlights: Djed, Glass Museum, Along the Banks of Rivers
Lowlight: A Survey
