I can't even tell how I feel about Sympathy for the devil as a song, I know I don't want to hear it but it could be I'm just sick of it. The rest of the A side I did not care for at all. Totally unremarkable blues tunes. I like the blues but I like it with soul and musicianship, these songs have neither. I was thinking it would be a 1 star rating but the b side saved it. I really liked Street Fighting Man, the least bluesy song on the album. Prodigal Son, Stray Cat Blues and Salt of the Earth (which was the only other song I knew from the album) also made my 1001 playlist. As an aside, Charlie Watts (drummer) was terrible on this! His fills are so basic and many are out of time.
I didn't give this album much of a chance when it came out even though I was and am a big fan of OK Computer, Kid A and Amnesiac. Just an amazing album, they really know to set a mood. Impeccable songwriting, musicianship, production. The only song I left off my 1001 playlist was the last song Videotape.
Folk is not a genre I almost ever listen to so I was not expecting to like this as much as I did. I had heard his name before but never his music. It's an absolutely gorgeous album! His voice, while not very dynamic or wide in range, is extremely soothing and he's guitar playing is intricate and beautiful. The album doesn't have a lot of variance in terms of tone or mood but I wouldn't want it different. The vibe is consistent (melancholy but not depressing) and it makes for a very cohesive listen. Stand out songs for me are River Man and Cello Song. Something about the interplay between the vocal melody and guitar part in the later does something for me.
Sad to read he died so young. I will be checking out his other 2 albums.
It's ok. I like Cinnamon Girl and the title track. The rest of the album is meh. Good rhythm section in the jam sections but Neil Young's jamming and guitar soloing doesn't do anything for me. I understand it's a very distinct style, with the liberal use of the whammy bar, but his playing is just too basic and sloppy for me. The slower songs, I found myself asking, who is this for? I picture old people slow dancing to it but they were young when it came out! And Neil Young was only 24 when he made it. I just couldn't imagine being in my 20's and liking this music. As a Canadian and Winnipegger it pains me to say, I'd rather listen to CCR.
Did the critic(s) that chose to add this album really expect adult music fans, that didn't grow up listening to this, to enjoy this record? It sucks. The musicianship is subpar, not even particularly good guitar playing, the singing sucks, the rapping is worse. It sounds very juvenile.
So bland. There's absolutely nothing interesting about any of the songs. Ooo they have a synthesizer, I hated every synth sound chosen. Watered down "indie" rock for frat boys. Completely devoid of personality. Made me want to slap a "I rather be listening to Hot Hot Heat" sticker on my ass. Hope I never have to hear it again.
The timing is great for this to come up. I'm reading the James Brown autobiography and he talks about the earlier days and his revivalry with Little Richard. It's a fun listen, I bet it was the ultimate party record when it came out. The songs are kinda same samey so I'd prefer to listen to an oldies playlist. I added Rip It Up to my 1001 playlist
I liked this a lot more than I thought I would. I am a huge fan of Blood Sugar Sex Magic but for some reason never gave this a listen when it came out. Maybe because the singles were mostly mellow or maybe because BSSM is Chilli Peppers perfection and has satisfied me for life. This album's got some funk, Frusciante's guitar work is outstanding, Flea and Chad Smith are obviously a killer rhythm section. I just don't fully jive with Anthony Kiedis' vocals on this (and later material I've heard). The funk of BSSM fits his vocals so well but here the songs require that he earnestly try to sing well and that only works for me in smaller doses. Although, I do like his falsetto on Porcelain. 3.5/5 stars, rounding down 3/5 because I don't think I'll ever put it on for a full listen again. I added Around The World and I Like Dirt to my 1001 playlist
I definitely recognize the first track from restaurant or department store playlists around that time. It's nice enough. I like Bossa Nova, I find it very soothing, but I'd prefer just to listen to stuff from the 60's... like her dad and her step mom. A ton of that 60's stuff was immaculately recorded and really holds up. The electronic elements, for the most part, were not interesting enough to make it a new update to the 60's sound or a fusion like say Thievery Corp. 2.5/5 stars - I won't listen to it again and don't think it should be on this list but rounding up to 3 because I didn't really dislike any of it. I added Bananeira to my 1001 playlist. That tune stands out to me because it's got that 90s-2000s Acid Jazz sound mixed in.
First time listening through this album. I knew the singles Jean Genie and Let's Spend The Night Together and also Cracked Actor (which I played guitar for once at a Bowie tribute night). I added all 3 to my 1001 playlist. I love the guitar on this album, I wish there were more guitar-focused songs instead of the piano taking up so much goddamn space. Why is the piano so loud? In Lady Grinning Soul it's louder than the vocals! I listened to it twice and enjoyed it more the second time, I have a feeling it will grow on me more if I give it the occasional spin.
Essential easy listening! My 6 year old said "this sounds like love music"... indeed!
Will give it another listen and perhaps edits this rating and review but on first listen, not for me. Feels incomplete, very basic guitar riffs that just aren't interesting, not jiving with the dude voice either.
