Good to start with this gem while it’s snowing like hell where I live. It completely takes me out of it. Makes me want sun, rum, cigars, a Cuban sandwich and somewhere to dance.
The whole thing just feels easy. Beautiful, relaxed, and fun without trying too hard. Exactly what I needed.
Would I own it on vinyl?
Absolutely
Food pairing
Tacos, Cuban sandwich, anything with Latin flavours
Wine pairing
Sparkling, slightly funky white or orange. Cold and refreshing
Easy 4/5 for me
I very rarely listen to early Beatles stuff, so I wasn’t too excited going in, but A Hard Day’s Night was genuinely enjoyable. It’s only 30 minutes long with 13 songs, full of Paul and John collaborations and lots of love—literally every other word.
The album runs fast, and it’s hard to believe it was made in 1963. The recording is impressive, and its influence on music is undeniable. It’s fun, light-hearted pop, and while some songs get lost among the famous singles, the album itself is never boring.
Vinyl? I already own it.
Wine pairing? A cheap but solid Italian bottle works, or just an English lager.
Food pairing? Give me an English breakfast, pudding, or maybe Shepherd’s pie.
Overall, I’d give it 4 out of 5.
I’ve never really explored R.E.M., so I was excited to try something new with Green. I didn’t really know many songs going in, so it felt like a fresh listen.
Maybe this is an album that needs a few spins to really click, and I might come back to it later, but on first listen I didn’t enjoy it that much. There are some interesting instruments and the lyrics are solid, but overall it felt a bit boring. Usually I need a few listens to fully get into an album, but I’m not sure this is one that will grow on me. There are a couple of nice singles, but overall it felt underwhelming.
Wine pairing? A dry, slightly sharp white like a Sauvignon Blanc. something a bit restrained and not too exciting, but still respectable.
Food pairing? A burger feels about right.
Would I buy this on vinyl? No.
Overall, 2 out of 5.
Album #4
I’ve always enjoyed The Cure but never really dived deep into them, so this felt like a proper introduction. I was honestly surprised to see that Seventeen Seconds came out in 1980. The style, recording and overall sound feel way more modern than I expected. It flows really well and you can hear how much it’s influenced other artists.
There were a few vocal moments that felt a bit off to me. Not bad, just a bit strange, like I didn’t fully get what was going on there.
Mostly it just made me want to put on eyeliner and feel emotional.
Wine pairing? A Tempranillo makes sense here, something dark and full-bodied. A Georgian red would also fit the mood really well.
Food pairing? Cigarettes and a pack of noodles.
Vinyl? I definitely want this on vinyl.
Overall I’d give it a 3.5, but since that’s not an option, 4 out of 5 works.
Going into Run-D.M.C. by Run-D.M.C., I knew it was going to sound dated, but this really feels old. Which is fair, it is an old record, but the style of rapping just isn’t for me.
I can absolutely hear how influential it is, and it clearly deserves all the recognition it gets, but the beats, the delivery and even the lyrics just don’t age that well to my ears. It’s pretty stripped back and repetitive, and I found myself having to power through parts of it. There are some fun moments though, and “Rock Box” was a highlight.
But yeah, overall, just not for me.
Wine pairing? Maybe a cheap, no-nonsense house red. Something straightforward and a bit rough around the edges, like a basic Cabernet or table wine.
Food pairing? Fast food feels right. A greasy burger and fries, something simple and unapologetic.
Vinyl? No, not really.
Overall 2 out of 5, unfortunately.
Day 6
I don’t listen to live records often enough, so At San Quentin by Johnny Cash has been on my list for a long time. I like Johnny Cash, but I wasn’t sure what to expect going in.
It’s just fun. Cash is charming as hell and genuinely funny. I actually laughed out loud a few times, which I don’t think has ever happened to me while listening to music. The whole thing feels alive in a way studio albums sometimes don’t.
I’d probably say 3.5, but I’ll round it up to 4 because Cash is just that charming.
Wine pairing? Honestly, skip the wine. This calls for a whiskey. Something classic like a bourbon or Tennessee whiskey fits perfectly with the vibe.
Food pairing? Icelandic lamb soup feels spot on.
Vinyl? Yeah, I’d want this on vinyl.
Overall 4 out of 5.