Pure 70s Americana
Interesting proto-Stones album, lots of different sounds from the early 60s/50s, hadn't really hit their stride yet but there are a few really good songs on here
More of an experience than an album, but a very beautiful experience of a night at the blues club for some live music
First time giving this album a real listen. First Kanye album I ever listened to was TLOP, so I was very late into Kanye's career when I took notice of his music. His most recent years are deservedly criticized, but this album is a really interesting listen and kind of meshes all of the Kanye talking points together really well. You hear the immense raw talent, the inspiration and innovative ideas, and the lack of fear of consequences for his actions. Lots of all-time classic songs regardless of how tainted his legacy now is. Truly one of the most interesting and tragic artistic careers/lives in recent history.
Any time I listen to an artist's last published song, it makes me feel a bit empty, and this is no exception. Dave Grohl said in an interview that the meaning of In Utero is forever changed from it's original intent due to Kurt's suicide, and while that's an obvious statement, it makes me think of what the original intent of the record actually was. I see it as accepting defeat in thr pursuit of intrinsic meaning in life, and that it isn't necessarily a bad thing but the natural maturity of life. It is unfortunate that the meaning was twisted by Kurt's death into pure nihilism, because I see the Camus-style absurdism in this album that I think could've launched Kurt and this album into an entirely different direction (not that I can make any definitive statemant on the matter).
As far as the music itself, it's a very harsh album; lots of screaming and distortion, raw emotion shown through the vocals/lyrics/guitar solos. Some of Nirvana's very best and most iconic songs (All Apologies, Heart-Shaped Box), but the lesser known songs are no less worth listening to.
Solid album - what you would expect from ELO. Easy listening with very nice string arrangements, some great songs and of course the legendary Mr. Blue Sky. I will be reading up on Jeff Lynne thanks to this album. 3.5/5
Really solid back-half of the album. Great production as always with Steely Dan and some real grooves. I think if i went back and relistened to the first half again I'd like it even more the second time. 4/5
Where to begin with this. I'll preface by saying I'm not an expert on Bob Dylan and would barely say that I'm familiar with his vast discography, save for some of his biggest albums and most popular songs. That said, this is the most motivated I've ever heard Bob. His songs are meaningful and somehow his lyrics are both completely surreal yet entirely straightforward. The range of social commentary on this record is absurd - anti-capitalism, anti-establishment, proletarianism, self-exploration - all of it tied into one of the most sheltered, traditional genres of the time. By the third song, it feels like Bob is shaking the collective shoulders of Puritan America and telling them "Wake up! The future is here!" In ways this feels like the bridging album between the far-off American Dream of the 40s and 50s and modern history, and if I was feeling adventurous I would even say this was a proto-punk album with the pure amount of rebellion and middle-fingerism this record gives off.
Outside of the social commentary, there is also a complete individual coming-of-age journey baked into this album. From leaving Maggie's Farm, to reflections of being On the Road Again and why staying home was never an option, to sailing into the big city during his 115th Dream, to leaning on Mr. Tambourine Man to guide him through the depths. Throughout his journey, the musical accompaniment shrinks and shrinks until it's just Bob, his guitar and his harmonica in what becomes an incredible third act of the album.
All of it gets tied up in It's Alright, Ma - an open letter to his mom describing everything he's learned along the way and letting her know that "Yeah, growing up is hard and I don't agree with how the world is, but that's just a symptom of living life, and I'll be alright."
He takes it a step further in It's All Over Now, Baby Blue, inviting the listener to begin their own journey into the unknown and to explore all life has to offer.
A masterful album and a complete surprise at how much this resonated with me. An instant favorite. 5/5
I'm as much of a Foo Fighters fan as their radio singles allow (which are very good), so it was interesting to listen to a non-Colour and Shape album. I never knew this album was a solo project by Dave Grohl which makes me respect the record a little more. Pretty sterile (what isn't compared to Nirvana), but there are some good songs in here and Dave plays around with a few different rock genres that make it pretty interesting at times. 3.25/5
