1001 Albums Summary

Tom Sawyer - I heard this track first in a film (‘I Love You, Man’) a while ago and thought it was great fun! Great rock production here. Hints of Led Zeppelin influence I feel. That ancient folklore or at last distant past reference being recalled here. Red Barchetta - slightly more upbeat, almost poppy. This one has a bit more of a narrative to it. Like a family drama or something. Feels as if it’s an ode to a family member. Nice soloing. YYZ - dissonant riff here. Instrumental. Very cinematic opening. Not sure if I dig it but it’s certainly memorable! Very strong guitar work. Peart’s drum fills are really quite something. Limelight - a strong opening riff, almost reminiscent of AC/DC. I almost recognise this one. It feels very classic rock. The Camera Eye - the most prominent use of synths (premiered on Tom Sawyer). This also feels very cinematic. Possibly too long, at 11 mins. For my attention span anyway! Witch Hunt (Part III of Fear) - Folkloric, prophetic feel to it. Feels like a political song. The drums here again brilliantly convey the epic breadth of their sound. Vital Signs - I didn’t care for this one particularly musically but interesting lyrics. Fairly cryptic lyrics. Open to interpretation. Quite epic feel coming back again! Overall review: this is not the usual genre I go for, but there were times that I was gripped by the dexterity of the players and the production. Really coming along for the ride. I did feel as if there could almost be more variety in it and perhaps some shorter songs, but overall a positive introduction to the band for me. Perhaps an even slower tune could’ve perhaps helped, I’m not sure. They do have proper talent undoubtedly. It’s definitely of the era. Favourite songs: Red Barchetta, Limelight

Track By Track EXP - A radio intro! Very of the time and quite idiosyncratic. Up From The Skies - I can hear his blues influence right from the get go. Heard this was how he learned to play, listening to old blues numbers. Very open summery blanched out sound Spanish Castle Magic - rock! I like the vibe. His voice does seem quite low and a bit lost in the mix which seems a shame. He has a great singing voice Wait Until Tomorrow - better mixing here. Like the jamming intro riff a lot. Ain’t No Telling - a lot of these songs feel like jam sessions. Very loose. Showcases his guitar work very well but the band is tight as well. Little Wing - I love this song. Such a brilliant riff, beautifully executed. Suffused with love and melancholy. Almost cuts out too soon but it’s this near perfect moment of semi psychedelic rock. If 6 was 9 - I feel as if White Stripes were inspired by this one. Bit more dirty bluesy. A nice talk-sing section that sounds sharply political and of the time as well. Sounds like some delay pedal action too? End section recalls experimental Velvet Underground. Really like this one despite its length. You Got Me Floatin’ - quite nice solid tune. Sounds like it’s been inspired by other proper rockers. Castles Made Of Sand - all about the narrative. Sad, melancholic. A very nice riff as well. She’s So Fine - a little Led or The Who influence? Or perhaps this preceded them, not sure! This does actually feel like a Who song that’s been psychedelified. One Rainy Wish - bit of an Indian influence at the start. Very nice. Good guitar work on this one. Sweet, bit more laid back. A nice change of pace. Little Miss Lover - did not like this one as much. Just not as much my style Bold As Love - I can see why John Mayer wanted to cover this. This is an exceptional song. So much fun guitar wise. A true classic in my opinion. Favourite Songs: Little Wing, If 6 was 9, Bold As Love Overall Review - I hadn’t heard a whole Jimi album before. As always impressed by his guitar work and singing voice. A few songs i didn’t care for as much as I don’t listen to this genre too much. Very decent overall though. It’s got 3 but if I could give 3.5 I would!

Track By Track Tutti Frutti - just lots of fun. Fast moving, tight band. Great piano vamping! Classic. True, Fine Mama - this pianist is having a ball! Love it. I’m very much here for this type of music (kind of need to be in the mood though!). Can’t believe you Wanna Leave - I can really begin to hear how this would’ve inspired so many afterwards. Laid the groundwork. For pop, rock, rhythm & blues, etc. etc. Beatles for sure! Ready Teddy - it’s the exact same structure and I love it! Perfect length. Fabulous. Baby - this sounded like someone else at first. He’s almost taking on a different character to my ears here. Slippin’ & Slidin’ - the music evokes the title here quite well. A proper masterclass. Great horns. The lyrics are relatively surface, but I think that might be their point. Just a fun time. Long Tall Sally - here we go again! I recognise this I think. I don’t know about some of the lyrics… Miss Ann - a slower one. The sax solo is great. Tight. Oh Why? - a fairly ambiguous story about conviction. Rip It Up - first hear Buddy Holly’s version of this. Not sure which came first. This one is a bit more laid back actually. Fun party tune. Jenny Jenny - another love song, same formula! Like an alternative standard. Saxes sound more prominent, particularly the lower one. Good solos. She’s Got It - a famous one. He’s got a great voice, a scream. Almost James Brown - like on this one. You can again see his legacy reverberating. Overall Review: I haven’t listened to a whole album of his before. It’s great playing, tight band. Reminds me of Buddy Holly at certain points also. Think he was around similar time, albeit briefly. Of course, it’s a similar formula throughout. Quite a lot of sameness for a whole album. Very great writing and playing though. Favourite Songs: True, Fine Mama, Tutti Frutti, Jenny Jenny

Track By Track Black Sabbath - atmospheric intro with the rain. Sounds very cinematic, gothic, almost horror but more palatable than that actually. There is a lot of melody here rather than noise. The Wizard - apparently inspired by Gandalf. Very folkloric. Ozzy’s screaming harmonica in the opening is very effective and evokes the theme really brilliantly. Seems to be a bit of Led Zeppelin influence as well, especially with the subject matter. Behind The Wall of Sleep - Great guitar work on this one. N.I.B - a creative concept. Builds well. Evil Woman (Don’t Play Your Game) - not bad, good playing but not a standout for me. Sleeping Village - I like when a track goes multiple places. Great musicianship here. Nice form Warning - a long one! Good showcasing of their musical chops though. Wicked World - This one definitely reminds me of Led Zeppelin. Kind of a modern (for then) commentary. Almost protest-like song. Quite dig it. Overall review: I liked a lot of the playing in this. More than I thought I would. I am very impressed by the musicianship. They’re a tight band. It gets four stars for originality and what it was of the time, but three from me personally simply because it’s not usually my cup of tea genre wise. Although I want to thank Alexander, as this has reminded me about ‘Fluff’ (not on this album) is one of my favourite songs of all time. Favourite Songs: The Wizard, Sleeping Village

Track By Track Out In The Street - starting with delay? I like the sort of rockabilly bounce of this one. It’s got a bit of grit to it, in the guitar and Daltrey’s voice. Can hear the early rock ‘n roll influence. I Don’t Mind - this almost recalls early Beatles. Great vocals, swooning almost crooning. Nice little harmonies too. Brilliant licks from Townsend. The Good’s Gone - bit too noisy for me, in terms of the production. And mixing. Bit Kinks, but not quite the ones I like. La, La, La, Lies - old style vibe. Quite fun, with almost doo-wop backing vocals. Nice jazzy piano vamping on this. Much Too Much - it’s almost sloppy and wet, the sound. I suppose that’s intentional and sometimes it works, but it doesn’t always do it for me. My Generation - I don’t care for this song that much in general, but it does sound great in the context of the record. Great bass breaks. Bopping. The Kids Are Alright - quite nice harmonies. Fun times on this one. Reminds me of something similar, not sure what! Please Please Please - great vocals, guitar work, solid. It’s Not True - but more energy and speed. Nice! I’m A Man - ok! A cover. Bo Diddley. Good times indeed. Original still bit better though in my opinion. Having fun with this I can tell. A Legal Matter - I like the opening riff. And it’s quite a little bop this. The Ox - stonking driving rock. Epic harbinger of what was to come with the Who. Not my favourite on this album though. Overall Review - I hadn’t listened to a Who album before. I was pleasantly surprised. I’ve never really listened to them properly before save a few tracks. It’s like they started out being influenced by early rock and roll e.g. Chuck Berry etc. then evolved. This early sound is nice, lots of drive and rock feel to it. It’s got 3.9 for when I’m In the mood for it and 3.5 for when I’m not! Favourite Songs: I Don’t Mind, The Kids Are Alright, Please Please, Please, A Legal Matter

Track By Track Highway To Hell - a classic. Belter of a song. Really enjoyed this. Girls Got Rhythm - I’m feeling like this album is all about the guitar. Mainly the rhythm actually. Didn’t stand out so much for me Walk All Over You - I do appreciate his singing here. Got a good scream on him. Bit forgettable this one Touch Too Much - a lot of these songs seem to be about … sex? These guys do seem to be classic rockers as well actually. A simple, but cohesive sound. This, again, did not stand out for me. Beating Around The Bush - a great opening riff. Quite good energy here. Shot Down In Flames - kind of feels a bit sleazy almost lyrically! But basic for me I’m afraid. Not a fan Get It Hot - this seems a bit more fun. Quite liked this. Major key. Kind of reminds me of the hilarity of Jack Black in School of Rock. If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It) - did not listen to all. too samey at this point. Love Hungry Man - just dated kind of. Very much of a time and place. Horny again. Bit too raunchy! Night Prowler - conceptually, like ‘Midnight Rambler’ (kind of) but not as interesting in my opinion. I didn’t finish it if I’m honest. Overall Review: I hadn’t listened to an AC/DC album all the way through and I do now know why. It’s just not really my thing, this kind of rock. Dad rock & not the best of it really. Great for a couple songs but a whole album is a bit much for me to stomach. I get if you enjoy this kind of music you’d probably really dig this album, but it’s really not for me. Favourite Songs: Highway To Hell

Track By Track Badlands - Great chords for this opener. Sounds like classic Springsteen that I know (my knowledge of him is limited). It’s got that rousing, dancy feeling that I do really dig when I’m in the mood. Guitar solos, yes. Sax solos, very much yes! Love it. Lots of fun. 10/10 Adam Raised a Cain - Bit more grit on this track. Read a little bit about this one, that it’s about his father I think and a difficult dynamic. Didn’t love, but felt the emotion. Something in the Night - nice intro. Musically also like this one. Quite melancholy. That late ‘70s/‘80s epic stadium feel. Candy’s Room - like a portrait. Quite cinematic. Racing In The Street - slow one. Very American lyrics! Like a slow ‘Dancing In The Street’! Kind of. I wasn’t as moved by this one but didn’t dislike. The Promised Land - This one was good. Not as good as the opener though. Nice harmonica Factory - I do like the piano in this. And the Hammond organ? Nice little one. Portrait of a place in his memory in his town perhaps. Streets of Fire - it’s like he’s pleading or lost in this one. Anguish. I can kind of feel it, even though it’s sort of cheesy. Borderline. Prove It All Night - liked this one. Good solos, fun guitar work. Hopeful, tinged with darkness as well. Darkness on the Edge of Town - Good closer. Got heart and grit. Ties it all together well. Overall Review: First Springsteen album I’ve listened to. I know he’s influenced so many and can hear that a bit in this. For me, many songs oscillate between cheese and real heart. Some lost me in the middle but there were at least three or four that I really liked. 3.5 really but four Favourite Songs: Badlands, Factory, Darkness on the Edge of Town

Track By Track You Make Me Feel So Young - I know it well. It’s quite fun! Just straight run of the mill stuff, not amazing or one of my favourites. Great woodwind trills by the way. It Happened In Monterey - he’s a great singer for this genre for sure. Classy, y’know. A real class is emerging through this album. This one sounds like a lot of other standards. But didn’t dislike. You’re Getting To Be A Habit With Me - got a nice slower walk. They all do have a very similar structure though! You Brought A New Kind Of Love - Bit More smoky vibe here. This is lovely inoffensive jazz. Great accompaniment from the orchestra. Swells and little boops. Too Marvellous For Words - nice, fun. Same stuff! Old Devil Moon - it’s a vibe, but I think there are better slow standards. Quite nice though Pennies From Heaven - kind of liked the concept and whimsy of this. A bit Mary Poppins. Love Is Here To Stay - blends seamlessly into the record. Sounds like any of the other songs. But I don’t mind, like it! I’ve Got You Under My Skin - I mean. This is great. Brilliant accompaniment from the orchestra and particularly the horns. I Thought About You - happy yearning. Quite sweet. We’ll Be Together Again - Nice tempo, plodding. Great jazzy background one. Easy on the ears. Makin’ Whoopee - quite good, fun again. Clearly paving the way for Cardi B. It think this was her reference point. Swingin’ Down The Lane - a good time had by all. Strolling down the street. It’s like singin in the rain vibe. Anything Goes - quite nice version. Cole Porter, great songwriter. How About You? - very smooth, classy ending. Lovely Overall Review: It’s great background music for doing whatever, mostly. Pottering. Also I feel it would be great in a classy club in the ‘50s or ‘60s. I liked it. 3.5, rounded up :) Either 3 or 4, really, depending on the day. Favourite Songs: I’ve Got You Under My Skin, How About You?

Track By Track Alsatian Cousin - gritty opening. There’s a biting quality to this straight off the bat. Do not particularly like this one. Little Man, What Now? - I don’t mind his voice actually. Just quite dreary lyrics! Everyday Is Like Sunday - quite good this one. It’s got even more darkness though than the Smiths. Bengali In Platforms - I read up about the controversy surrounding this song a bit in the reviews. Can see where some people were coming from but on first listen I get the sense it’s more sympathetic than derogatory. I liked the tune mostly and thought I’d dislike it more. Angel Angel Down We Go - little portrait of someone. Pleading tone. Quite full on. Late Night, Maudlin Street - not bad. More of a love song. His voice is actually beginning to be quite a bit at this point. Quite good song though. Bit long. Suedehead - pretty good bass driving this. Sounds very much like a Smiths evolution. Break Up The Family - classic Morrissey-sounding this. Don’t mind this one. Treat Me Like A Human Being - very plodding and morose. There is a sliver of hope within it though. Buried. I Don’t Mind If You Forget Me - Sounds very ‘80s! Electronic guitar vibe, futuristic almost, for the time. Like a darker Bangles or something. Or maybe that’s him or the Smiths in a nutshell. I dunno :) Dial a Cliche - quite sweet tune. Could be in a ‘80s movie soundtrack. Margaret On The Guillotine - Segues from the previous track nicely. Biting political opinions here. A really nice, sweet instrumental actually, juxtaposed to the lyrics. A good closer to the album in terms of sound and sentiment. Overall Review - From what I hear and read he may well have been a arse but he made some good music. Quite good production though and decent songwriting. It’s not really for me though, his sound. Especially not for an entire album. It didn’t move me particularly but I enjoyed a few of the songs. Favourite Songs: Everyday Is Like Sunday, Dial a Cliche

Track By Track Just A Gigolo / I Ain’t Got Nobody - sets the tone for the album. Slightly whimsical, absurd. Great musicians and harmonies. (Nothing’s Too Good) For My Baby - exceptional musicianship. Accompanying piano is on point here. Nice to mix up the vocalists as well. The Lip - fun duet. Sounding very of the time! Body and Soul - a really fun and great instrumental. Very enjoyable. Oh, Marie - fast one. Kind of wild! Nice vibe. Quite nice call & response. They seemed to be having fun with it. Basin Street Blues/When It’s Sleepy Time Down South - they’re really fitting it all in there. Nice mashups. Perhaps some of the original mashups? Who knows. Nice lilting rhythm. Jump, Jive, An’ Wail - classic blues/rock riff. Very ‘50s sounding fun tune. Great solos. Buona Sera - I know this one! It’s a classic. He’s got a stretched, trombone quality to some of his vocal chops. His trumpeting must contribute to this, the fact that he’s a player. Night Train - another instrumental. Great playing. Kind of sultry. (I’ll Be Glad When You’re Dead) You Rascal You - a funny closing track. Or biting?! Like the music for this quite a bit. Bass is great. Doing the bonus tracks as well… Five Months, Two Weeks, Two Days - brought to mind the Crickets actually. The fast rhythm, the structure, the idiosyncratic vocal flairs. Banana Split For My Baby - like the pace of this. Very sweet. He’s a feeder. Cheeky. Whistle Stop - does what it says on the tin. Quite nice. Be Mine (Little Baby) - quite a decent standard to close everything. Fairly standard boogie woogie love song lyrics. Overall Review: I thought the musicians were fantastic. Brilliant showmanship from all. It’s not really my style to listen to, particularly for a whole album, but I can appreciate it. Favourite Songs: (Nothing’s Too Good) For My Baby, Buona Sera, When You’re Dead, Banana Split for My Baby

Track By Track Come Together - Inspired by a Chuck Berry song I think? It is a classic. But most songs on this album are. Brilliant bass and I think Lennon enjoyed himself on this despite the tensions of the band fraying at the edges contextually. Something - Although previously this was not my favourite of his, I am at the current moment a big fan of this. The lyrics are so tender and honest and human. The harmonies and chords are so simple but so intricate at the same time. Lovely melody work. I do feel that this and Here Comes The Sun could perhaps have been more stripped back but it’s a small note. There is a more acoustic version on Anthology that I prefer. It’s still a very strong song, don’t get me wrong. I definitely really like it. Key change (sort of) near the end is great. In fact this song’s meaning is deepening in me and growing on me as I age. I think it’s testament to Harrison’s originality and maturity as a songwriter. It’s got this yearning, sad, smoky quality. Maxwell’s Silver Hammer - I like Paul. Liking him more as I get older actually. And it’s a weird, silly song this. I like the instrumentation. But it seems out of place and bizarrely dark. Strange to follow Something. Oh! Darling - it’s a great one for Paul’s belting. The backing vocals are also great. They were so very good at that. Very classic rock inspired. Quite simple structure really. Octopus’s Garden - I love this song. It’s Ringo at his best. A fun time had by all. Makes me feel all warm and happy. I Want You (She’s So Heavy) - great guitar work. Fairly heavy blues guitar. It really paints a world of heavy rock guitar. Murky almost, that then abruptly gives way to the next track that kind of works! Here Comes The Sun - A beautiful song. Very well produced. Such a warm world painted here. Little pocket of loveliness. Also would lend well to an acoustic version. Because - it sounds psychedelic influenced to me. Lovely harmonies. I do know a version that is just the voices that is great. You Never Give Me Your Money - one of my favourite pieces on the record. Just how it develops and goes into Paul’s signature plinky-plonk is a great example of one of these songs. Harmonies great, instrumentation 10/10. Just magic. Sun King - so beautiful, ambient and vibey. I believe Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Albatross’ inspired this. Another ambient banger. Mean Mr. Mustard - kind of knarly, could’ve been on the white album. Polythene Pam - Quite fun and biting little Lennon number. She Came In Through The Bathroom Window - great jamming song. Just a fun, great number. I really liked this one. Golden Slumbers - very famous I think been covered quite a bit? Anyway, is a very lovely Paul one (I think!). Rate it highly, despite its short length. Carry That Weight - Quite nice, kind of a chant. Perhaps my least favourite of this medley though. The End - I like this end song, very satisfying. Her Majesty - bizarrely out of place, tacked on by mistake/on purpose at the end. But i do love this little tune. Learnt it on guitar recently and there’s some great harmonies and chord changes. Overall Review: It’s funny listening to this album in this context, an album I know so well. It’s not my favourite Beatles one, but it is strong. I had the privilege of listening to it in surround stereo sound on amazing speakers at a friend’s. It really lent itself to that kind of presentation. Really brightened my day. I thought the production was exceptional and all the instrumental parts blending on various songs were great. The medley from You Never Give Me Your Money… onwards is fantastic. I am rating this highly because even though I don’t like every song, I really enjoy over half of them and it was a very rousing, enlivening experience listening to this as a whole. Tried to have fresh ears and beginner’s mind when listening and it still holds up. Favourite Songs: Come Together, Something, Octopus’s Garden, Here Comes The Sun, You Never Give Me Your Money, Sun King, Her Majesty 9/10 but has five stars as it’s a high 9. Or 4.8/5 to be specific.

Track By Track Born In The U.S.A. - a really great classic Springsteen opening track. I like the lyrics and the epic vibe. Cover Me - more rocky (‘80s style!) very American! Quite nice driving beat. Solid one. Darlington County - good guitar riff intro. Nice fun percussion. Sounds like a cowbell. Clarence Clemons is so great on the sax as well as contributing to percussion. Working On The Highway - more of a rock n’ roll shuffle here. This isn’t as much my vibe but I like the rhythm. It’s fun though. So much of this album’s music seems so upbeat. No wonder it sold so many copies. Downbound Train - fairly run of the mill Springsteen one. Nice synths though. I’m On Fire - Really good tune. Love the melody of this. The Staves have a lovely cover of this. Favourite one so far. No Surrender - a hopeful pick up from the darker track before (I’m On Fire). Really quite great. Bouncy. Bobby Jean - fun. Real good fun. I’m Goin’ Down - once again that sax shines. Absolute banger. Accompaniment is top notch. Would likely be great live. Glory Days - it’s almost too American (Americana?) for my liking. Liking this one less. Can see why some would dig it though. Dancing In The Dark - This one is bloody great. A banger, a mover. Potentially my favourite Springsteen even though that’s kind of cliché. It’s like many of these songs are sort of appealing to the Everyman. Working man. So many of his tunes have universal appeal. Great tunes when he hits a certain spot. My Hometown - a nice, more gentle closer. Seems quintessentially him actually. A reminiscence of one of the formative periods and places in his life. Has a glow to it. I liked this. I think all of the songs are very cohesive and it’s very radio friendly for sure. Perhaps would’ve liked some variation but the songs do paint the picture of what the title suggests very well. Get the feeling he’s chronicling his life in a very American way. It’s a 3.8 out of 5 for me, rounded up.

Track By Track Roundabout - this was required listening for Lawrence in ‘School Of Rock’. Keyboard solo is indeed brilliant. A funny epic tune. It is great. Cans & Brahms (Extracts from Brahms’ 4th Symphony in E Minor, Third Movement) - reminds me of a Penguin Cafe Orchestra tune. Didn’t love it, a bit strange! Lots of experimental stuff on this album I feel. We Have Heaven - like a Meadieval jig but with synths. South Side Of The Sky - rock synth vibe. More of a tune but I just wasn’t moved by it. Kind of abrasive harmonies, sounded a little tinny and almost annoying. Quite nice harmonies and piano in middle section though. Five Per Cent For Nothing - like free jazz experimentation but for rock. Long Distance Runaround - but more of a song with video game-like music. Bad, but I did like how it transitioned into the next track. The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus) - like a funky jam. Quite nice. Good groove and guitar. Mood For A Day - liking the guitar a lot on this one. It’s a vibe. Heart Of The Sunrise - a weird and wacky closer. Very different to the previous track! It’s epic, got some good guitar work but didn’t care for it. Overall Review: I enjoyed some of the almost meadevial influences. It was really not up my alley though. Wasn’t a fan as a whole. Too strange and experimental and too long tracks! 2.4 Favourite Songs: Mood For A Day

Track By Track Since I Left You - nice guitar and sample to kick it off. Nice and vibey. Simple structure. I like this. Stay Another Season - nice segue into this one from the previous track. Like an extension of it. Sounds a bit like an interlude. So far it’s sounding like more of a vibe than songs per se. Radio - quite hypnotic beats. Very repetitive. Didn’t love this one. Two Hearts in 3/4 Time - quite like the vocal sample on this one. Moves nicely. Avalanche Rock - almost Beastie Boys?? Influences. Breakbeat interlude sounding to me. Flight Tonight - kind of good to move to. Not one of my favourites. Gets a bit tiresome. Close To You - picks up a bit. Still repetitive but quite nice breaks within this track. Diners Only - another interlude of sorts. Like when rap/spoken word is included. Mixes it up nicely. Seems like they’re sampling widely. Evoking all kinds of eras and genres. A Different Feeling - almost disco sounding at the beginning. Bit Gloria Gaynor or Donna Summer in its feel. Electricity - kind of dancy. Like it. Tonight May Have To Last Me All My Life - really like this one. A great chilled vibe. Pablo’s Cruise - nautical vibe. Frontier Psychiatrist - clever use of samples and little snippets to create a vibe. Quite cool use of production and beats. Still didn’t love the end product of it though but it works well in the context of the album. ETOH - has a good simple beat to it. Again slightly nautical with perhaps birds in the background? Summer Crane - does have a summer vibe. Quite quirky and fun. Little Journey - classic strings! A good segue into the penultimate track. Live at Dominoes - beginning in almost a club-like manner. Can hear Daft Punk in there for sure. Good dance number. Extra Kings - beautifully spooky atmospheric closer. I like the ambient drone throughout and the funny electronics searing through. Overall Review: I think it all tied together nicely as a vibe. I appreciated some of the samples and how they weaved it all throughout the mix. Very creative. Didn’t love all of it and definitely would have to be in the mood. Lost me in the middle but nicer tracks towards the end. Good moving or cleaning music though! It loses some points for repetitiveness. 2.9/5. Favourite Songs: Since I Left You, Tonight May Have To last Me All My Life, Extra Kings

Track By Track Holidays In The Sun - nice opening guitar riff, quite jovial almost. His vocal delivery is very recognisable and fits the style perfectly. Sounding like they’re aware of the zeitgeist and politics as well, mention of communism and the Berlin Wall. Great guitars. Bodies - taboo topic confronted. Almost screamy shouty this one. I can start to hear how influential this album must have been on subsequent bands. No Feelings - I think that these must have been a lot of fun to sing along to for fans. They have good driving energy. Liar - Leary vocals. Good guitar as well. Didn’t love. God Save the Queen - quite famous one. Nice progression. Very anarchical. Again very of the time I feel. Paints a bleak picture by the end of the song, with the repeating ‘no future’ motif. Problems - this one has good energy. Quite a vibe actually, when in the right mood! Perhaps a minute too long. Seventeen - like an angry teen anthem. Early version. Anarchy In The U.K. - iconic lyrics. ‘Don’t know what I want but I know how to get it’ encapsulates a really raw teen feeling very well. Submission - same energy. Not bad. Nice bleurgh (kind of) at the end! Pretty Vacant - nice title. Good one. Think I’ve heard this one. Great to sing along to. Communal. Again, good guitar licks interspersed throughout at just the right moments. New York - I’m a bit bored of the vibe at this point. But solid playing. EMI - a little dig at record labels, particularly this one? That’s the vibe I get. Quite like the tone. Overall Review: It was actually less hardcore than I was expecting. Must’ve been radical at the time though. It’s just not my cup of tea at all but was enjoyable enough at points. Can also so appreciate it contextually. It gets one star for the songs I enjoyed & another for the cultural significance and impact that I can hear in the lyrics and loose style. I will likely not be returning to it any time soon though. 2.5 Favourite Songs: Holidays In The Sun, EMI

Track By Track Mining For Gold - a very different style from what I’ve received thus far! Melancholic solo voice. Reminds me a little of the ‘O Brother’ soundtrack. Quite nice. Misguided Angel - plaintive lyrics. Sad and heart felt. I didn’t love on first listen. Blue Moon Revisited (Song For Elvis) - nice fusion of cover and more original material. Solo was a nice touch, great simple guitar work. I Don’t Get It - moody, plodding. Like the aching harmonica. Dusty vibe. Slightly too long but I guess that’s the point for this one. I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry - a cover that really leans into the aching sadness of the tune’s lyrics. It’s stripped of Williams’ jaunty twang which masked the lyrics’ sombre tone. It’s almost like a slow Mazzy Star one with all that echo. Nicely done. I’m sad now though! To Love Is To Bury - cowboy music indeed. I do like the progression here. I think bands like Hurray For The Riff Raff must have been inspired by this. Lovely steel guitar and soloing from the lead guitar as well. 200 More Miles - like a sort of old troubadour folk song. Another slow one - this album could do with a change of pace a bit! Pretty playing though. Dreaming My Dreams With You - fuzzy bass and echo-y guitar a nice combo. Quite a heartbroken song. Working On A Building - nice little pick up (slight!). Good guitar licks and noodles. Sounds like a classic but not sure. Heard another song like this before. Quite dig the moody tone. Sweet Jane - really nice moody cover. It’s a great tune from Velvet Underground. Guitar focused, nice fuzz. Postcard Blues - just very much encapsulates the feel of the record. That harmonica (?), woah. Intense. Walking After Midnight - It’s a classic one. Here, they really bring out the darkness and forlorn melancholy of the lyrics. The blues exemplified, or incarnate? Good one. Overall Review: It’s very much a mood album this one. A little dark actually, to me. A good and well put together one though. I did appreciate some of the tunes, but an entire album of slow songs like this was a bit much. Nice to discover someone new, this is the first album and band combo I’d never heard of before. So sad though! 2.7/5 Favourite Songs: Mining For Gold, Sweet Jane, Walking After Midnight

Track By Track Politik - a strong, stonking opener. Communicates the unease surrounding a few of these songs, given the political context. Brilliant. I love the end section as well, how it blooms beautifully into a lush ending. Slight dissonance at the end is great. In My Place - LOVE THIS. Such a great energy. So joyous. That riff is stellar. Soaring. God Put A Smile Upon Your Face - this album is exceptionally produced. I’ve noticed this on this and the last track. Great mixing. Quite a banger this one. Brilliant lyrics, philosophical and also quite broad. The Scientist - I mean. It’s so famous, it’s like the quintessential breakup song. I can hear the emotion in his voice. Clocks - I’ve always said this was one of my least favourite of their hits but this really slaps on good speakers & in the context of the album. Great driving rhythm and riff. The bassline is brilliant on this one. The synth is lovely in it too. Never really noticed it before. Daylight - kind of haunting and hypnotic. Quite repetitive, almost frenetic at the end. I also like the bass on this song. Kind of juxtaposed, as it’s in a minor key, fairly dark. But the lyrics are quite triumphant. Green Eyes - This is a very special little song that is very personal to me. I was introduced to this by a friend and bandmate at school as a teen and I always thought it was so sweet and tender. It’s been a lovely source of connection for me through the years and one I always reserve a soft spot for. I rediscovered it with a friend recently and it was so nice. Makes me very happy whenever I listen. Warning Sign - this one sounds very timeless to me. Gorgeous strings. Teenage memories on this one too. A Whisper - it’s got the same grit and unease that characterises the minor tracks on this album. The loops are nice and I do like the little progressions on the mini choruses. A Rush of Blood to the Head - sombre and slightly brooding. The chorus ‘Honey, all the movements you’re starting to make…’ part is my favourite part of the song and potentially the whole album. The key/chord change in that part is just delicious. Chef’s kiss. So deeply satisfying. Amsterdam - As I was listening to this, I found myself reflecting on my life and what it’s taken to get me to this point. I’m 30 now and I feel as if I can look back with pride and gratitude and although there are issues, I am at a point in my life when I feel happy generally and am blooming in many areas. I have been through so many things, particularly in the last 10-15 years. Struggles with mental health and a yearning for belonging. The lyrics here evoke deep gratitude for all of the people who have helped me, raised me and got me to this point. I’d like to thank my step mum particularly more recently but everyone really. I also feel grateful to my friend for introducing me to this one as well. And finally to myself, for always pushing through and finding a way, even in the darkest moments. This song and so many of Coldplay’s gives me hope and reminds me that life is worth living. Very emotional writing this. Thank you Chris & co. for making my life shine brighter. God bless you :) Overall Review: Wow, wow, wow. My goodness. This album is very nostalgic and close to my heart so I am a bit bias when I say it’s absolutely one of their best and my favourites. I grew up listening to this album. I was introduced to many of the songs by a dear friend and bandmate. It has it all: high energy, contextual and political awareness, philosophical musings, soft moments and absolutely stellar songwriting. The production is immaculate. It’s been a while since I heard it actually, very touched to be hearing it again. An absolute treat to listen to. Thank you for this gift. I’m thinking about getting it on vinyl as I’ve been reminded of how dear it is to me. 5/5 Favourite Songs: In My Place, The Scientist, Green Eyes, A Rush of Blood to the Head, Amsterdam

Track By Track A Walk Across The Rooftops - slow beginning. Atmospheric, almost filmic. Sci-Fi. Jagged, angular. Big fat funky bass, quite enjoying that. Didn’t like the chorus. Tinseltown In The Rain - a good driving bass line. So very eighties. Again sounds like it’s from a soundtrack or something. From Rags To Riches - very different to the swinging jazz number I know! Dancing melody on the top. Sounds like it has some influences from Steve Reich or someone similar. Very strange harmonies going on in a lot of these tracks. It has that slightly sinister ‘80s sound. Stay - they’re really going with that repetitive bass line here. It’s a good vocal melody in this one. This has that Scottish feel that I can’t quite put my finger on. Sweet chorus. Easter Parade - slow and plaintive. I felt the emotion in this one for sure. Heatwave - another slow tempo one, like the experimental instrumentation actually. Again, very ‘80s. Automobile Noise - a nice closer for the vibe of the album. Has a good finality to it. Quite movie-like and a reminiscent nostalgic feel to it. A portrait of a place type song. Nice. A little bit Springsteen-esque actually. Overall Review: Not too bad. Some of the synth melodies did get a bit waring after a while. It seems to me one of those albums that’s more of a mood than with singles and the like. Quite experimental actually in parts. It’s not a genre I particularly love for a whole album, but was decent in places. For experimentation and musicianship, it would get a high 3, but for my overall enjoyment and listen-ability it’s getting a mid-late 2. 2.7/5 Favourite Songs: Stay, Easter Parade

Track By Track Son Of Sam - starting with his signature sound, which I still can’t put my finger on but it’s so distinctive. This is what I call one of his bigger kinds of songs, with full band rather than stripped back. Good piano and guitar happening. It has the acoustic vibe but also elements of rock and folk in there as well. Very unique blend Somebody That I Used To Know - a classic acoustic Elliott number. I have heard this a couple of times before. Very sweet melody. His use of harmony is so singular. Really unique and idiosyncratic. Sad, perhaps a little biting. It evokes such a specific feeling of melancholy, very slightly tinged with beauty and hope. Junk Bond Trader - quite an epic one with the orchestration. Got a good groove to it actually. Fairly upbeat for him. Everything Reminds Me of Her - I like the intro. Sets the scene very well. A wistful, sad one. It’s an emotional one. Lovely chord changes and little inflections in the guitar. Everything Means Nothing to Me - this is quite nice. It could be straight out of ‘Eternal Sunshine’ or a similar film. Builds well at the end. L.A. - this is the most rock one so far. Good riffs. Didn’t love the melodies as much. And it seems almost too noisy in a lot of this one. In The Lost and Found (Honky Bach)/ The Roost - I do really quite like the piano in this. Kind of charming. Apt title. I feel that this was quite Beatles inspired. / I like the echoey guitar ending for this interlude-like track. Stupidity Tries - nice chords again. It’s got a very grand ending that I’m very much into. Switching to minor chords and some passing chords employed to great effect. Easy Way Out - I really liked this. Particularly the lyrics, quite affecting and I could hear the personal/universal in them. It’s achingly sad and a bit like a diss track. Love the strings. It recalls Miss Misery to me. Color Bars - He’s painting with the piano simultaneously very loosely and precisely. I like the little fills. There are very familiar Elliott melodic motifs spun throughout this track and I’m here for it. Happiness/The Gondola Man - I think this was a single. Can see it. It’s got a good structure and that climbing and descending progression I’m a sucker for./ quite nice little outro or transition/interlude. Like a vignette. Pretty Mary Kay - kind of nice. The lyrics and chords are pleading almost. Not sure what else to say about this one. Better Be Quiet Now - sad, very personal. Very intimate this one. It’s very him. The guitar seems to float and meander through the song very nicely. Can’t Make A Sound - a good one for near the end of the album. The lyrics also sound personal and unique to him. Bye - An echo, like a whisper. Ghostly. Seems to reference the whole album as well as being totally original and stand-alone. Nice instrumental closer. Overall Review: I enjoyed this a little more than I thought I would. I know Elliott’s music fairly well but have never dived deep into his stuff. There is a lot of energy on this album, and a sort of eeked-out passion, like a strained kind of beauty trying to communicate itself. I also love when an album has enough variety and innovation to make it engaging and this album has that. It’s a very high 3 for me, verging on a 4. 3.9/5 Favourite Songs: Somebody That I Used To Know, In The Lost and Found (Honky Bach)/The Roost, Color Bars, Easy Way Out

Track By Track Blue Rondo À La Turk - Straight in with piano riff, in a very swinging, polyrhythmic, almost minimalist-sounding ostinato. Can hear maybe some of the legacy this track may have left in its wake there. Quite epic in its structure. The way it weaves different American sounding motifs and rhythms together, it sounds a little Gershwin-esque. I liked the variety in this one tune. A lot packed in. Strange Meadow Lark - lovely lyrical piano in the opening. It floats around, this melody, dancing. Very nice. Think I prefer this one. It has a nice gentle swing in the second section of the song as well. Take Five - The piano riff really drives the whole thing, jazzy, fast-paced, groovy, dancy, never resolving. It’s so great. I’m a big fan. The sax solo is great. Also the drums, the extended solos and fills. Good stuff. Three to Get Ready - this is really cool. I like this. The rhythms, the motifs, all of it. A great swinging fun vibe. Kathy’s Waltz - this is like skating. Feels a little Vince Guaraldi to me. A sweet cozy wintry vibe. A good length also. Everybody’s Jumpin’ - got a nice little jumpy ( ☺️ ) feel to it. Not a stand out one for me particularly but decent enough. Pick Up Sticks - a slow-ish swinging closer. Pretty good. A kind of jamming vibe. Good solos. Again, not a stand out personally. Overall Review: This was nice to listen to, particularly as I’m currently learning about jazz piano a little more. It has some really impressive playing and ‘Take Five’ was a joy to listen to. I didn’t love all of it and it’s not what I always go for, but it was enjoyable basically all the way through. It’s also very lovely background music. 3.6/5 Favourite Songs: Strange Meadow Lark, Take Five, Three to Get Ready

Track By Track 6’1” - cool slightly grungy poppy guitar. Very ‘90s girly vibe. Nice! Help Me Mary - can almost see this on a soundtrack on a 90s show or something. Quite nice melodies. Glory - This kind of reminds me of raw Nirvana in its feel. Makes sense as I think it was made around a very similar time. Again, grungy. A good little interlude kind of song, or a sketch of sorts. Dance of the Seven Veils - very indicative of that loose singer-songwriting style of the ‘90s and beyond. It’s got a little of Fiona Apple to me. Never Said - Sounds like a classic for some reason. Like the chord progression. Harmonies are cool and quite nice girl rock. Soap Star Joe - to me, this is the first one that slightly more overly references the Stones’ album this is a response to. With that portrait and the harmonica coming in, has that slight blues twinge to it. But it’s subverted. I like. Explain It To Me - I like the echoing guitar chords. This has a very specific feel to it. Kind of wistful and reflective. There’s a certain sadness to it also. Canary - Again echoing in the piano this time. A similar feel to the last song. Like it’s recalling something. Mesmerising - I like the lyrics. To me it out really clearly a feminine desire and plea. Good guitar licks and lines also. Fuck and Run - This feels very demo-y. Again, very ‘90s, stripped back feel. Again I’m liking the honesty of the lyrics. Girls! Girls! Girls! - Is this a self-aware portrait of her manipulation/use of men? Or more of a funny joking one? I feel like it may be the former. It’s succinct and to the point. Divorce Song - brilliant lyrically and paints the portrait of a relationship very well. Didn’t love the music of this one as much. I do like a bit of harmonica though, must say. Shatter - quite like the slightly moody and atmospheric long intro. In the middle it almost reminded me of Jeff Buckley in its tone. The emotion comes through here very well too. Sad. Flower - it’s got real humour to it. I was amused. It’s pretty real. Really only makes sense in the context of this album though! Johnny Sunshine - it’s like this and a few others on this record are like loose sketches for many genres to come, like singer-songwriter (particularly women) & bedroom, grunge, pop, indie rock kind of as well. Gunshy - it’s quite intimate this one, almost domestic. Moody again for sure. Stratford-On-Guy - another Nirvana-esque one. Didn’t love this one very much. Little too drowned out. Strange Loop - a good closer lyrically, but didn’t love the music very much. Again, very self aware. Overall Review: It’s very much its own world. Was a nice voyage into it. I don’t know if I loved it. It has a very loose, paintbrush-like style. I read in another review that this was trailblazing for the kind of bedroom pop confessional sound that so many women are emulating now. I can hear it. People like Soccer Mommy, Beabadoobee. I can also hear Foster The People in one actually. Hadn’t heard of either the album or the artist before as well. Although I didn’t enjoy a huge amount of the songs, I did like a few & can hear their influence. 3.4/5 Additional Note: I wanted to mention that I’m really enjoying this project so far, for two reasons: a) it’s shifting my mindset as to how I listen to music. Whilst I will occasionally listen to an album front to back, I don’t usually and this has helped me to really sit with each artist’s work and appreciate it for what it is, live in their world for however many tracks and that level of immersion is something that I’m really enjoying. b) it’s expanding my listening in general, through auto play and also hearing different influences, it’s helping me map out different styles, genres and artists and connect the dots as to how they relate or just discover something or someone new. Favourite Songs: Fuck and Run, Shatter

Track By Track What We Do Is Secret - ok! Messy, thrashy very short opening number. Guitar is great actually. Communist Eyes - like the lyrics and snarling energy. Can hear definitely some pre-pop-punk type chord changes here as well. Very nice. Land Of Treason - starting with a more epic, slow opening chord and then cheekily changes pace (keeping us on our toes!) with that fast tap in with the drums. The lyrics are nice here, quite poetic. Not what I was expecting. Richie Dagger’s Crime - fun, strong, angular riff. Sharp. This almost reminds me of someone like Buzzcocks. Similar energy, to me. Strange Notes - a swirling, whirling energy to this one, with those bends. Again, very tight. Good drumming. Could not for the life of me understand what he’s saying. Had to look up the lyrics :) American Leather - a very short blast of yelling. Speaking about feeling ‘so confined’ & ‘conflict’, etc. All very punk. Lexicon Devil - got a good energy this one. Beginning to feel a bit samey by track 7 now. But was decent this one. Manimal - a slight change here. Quite good riff also. Kind of like the animal imagery as well, fits the feral, raw feel quite well. Our Way - slower one. His slightly incoherent screamsinging puts across the energy very well but again I gotta look up the words! We Must Bleed - a proper messy one. Intense. But jarring this one. Biting, downright violent lyrics. Didn’t like. Media Blitz - a political statement. Good lyrics here again. Like the radio outro. The Other Newest One - aww. Kind of sweet (haha). This is the closest this album gets to softness. Even it’s quite brittle as well. Sort of a story, details a relationship. Not bad. Let’s Pretend - more animal snarling, lyrically and musically. He’s got that down. There does seem to be layers to these lyrics, maybe. Not sure. Dragon Lady - great drum intro. Nice title. Multiple voices or double tracked? Works kind of well and a nice little switch up with the vocal production. Makes it stand out. The Slave - nice when a song starts with a solo riff. This one recalling the messy energy from the beginning of the album. Nice slides and guitar effects, like planes taking off or something. Shut Down [Annihilation Man] - ooo. An epic, slower screaming, snarling one. Gnarly. Stomping and bluesy. Didn’t really like it, mainly as it was too long. Overall Review: If I were to compare this and the Sex Pistols’ album, I think I’d choose this. The songs are punchy, I do slightly prefer the energy here. The band are somehow tighter, whilst also being very loose and thrashy. I do think this was really made to be live though. It sounds like it’s somehow out of time, even though it was the ‘70s. Kind of could’ve been in any decade from the ‘60s beyond. To me, anyway. Kind of cool that Joan Jett produced it as well. Whilst I didn’t care for all the music, I thought the lyrics were smart, biting and a little witty at times. Impressed with there. Also, some of the songs ending so abruptly (at least on the Apple Music version I’m listening to) feels kind of jarring at times. Ultimately this album and genre is not really for me. I sort of felt like I was enduring some of the songs, but I appreciated the energy at times and certainly felt it! 2.5/5 Favourite Songs: Communist Eyes, Media Blitz, Dragon Lady

Track By Track Art - I - Ficial - more tuneful than yesterday’s record! Still very punk though, singing about ‘consumer society’ and the like. Saxophone’s a nice touch as well. I also quite like that yesterday I had the Germs and now… With the titles and their names etc. as well, it’s like they have a gimmick or style or something? Obsessed With You - Slightly more hardcore this one, especially with the guitar chords. Again, lyrics reflecting consumer society etc. Warrior In Woolworths - I remember Woolworths! What a throwback! Nice opening riff. What’s coming to mind it’s like a punk rebellious (possibly criminal) nowhere man. I kind of love the sax, but it also sounds so dated! It’s funny :) Let’s Submerge - ooo. You know what this is reminding me of? Rocky Horror. It’s that sax and the dancy, jumpy rock feel to it. It’s quite fun I must admit, despite it being of the time. It’s also very teen. I Can’t Do Anything - More poppy (kind of). It’s like this could be at a school dance or something. Maybe they were in their teens or early twenties when they started? That’s the energy I’m getting anyway. The imagery (‘plastic popper beads’ & ‘my pet rat’) very much evokes ‘70s/‘80s teen vibes. Identity - it’s very universal as a teen experience. I didn't love this song musically as much but can see why it may have been a single. Genetic Engineering - it’s kind of sweet and also a little annoying that they announce the song’s title at the beginning. Bit grating and monotonous shouty singing in this one. Kind of interesting lyrics. They’ve got a formula of sorts and a thing going with that sax of theirs. I Life off You - Again very social commentary, amidst joyful soundtrack. Speaking about certain issues of the time maybe. Very simple in structure. I Am a Poseur - Very basic tune. A bit too noisy this one, for me. Didn’t love particularly. Germfree Adolescence - This one is different. Liking the echoey delay on the guitar. Health anxiety theme? Is there another meaning? I’m not sure! Plastic Bag - Bit more of an epic one. Kind of a sterilising theme continued here. It’s quite astute though in the lyrics talking again about consumer cultur The Day The World Turned Day - Glo - I’m a little bored of this kind of vocal delivery at this point if I’m honest. Grating noisy harmony also. Did not really enjoy this one. Age (Bonus Track) - Good guitar intro. It’s like a lot of these punk songs, they have lyrics that any one of them could be like a banner or a poster or something. Like an emotion distilled. Highly Inflammable (Bonus Track) - Recalls almost ‘50s doo-wop or something. With that futuristic twist with what sounds like synths or that kind of effect. Kind of prefer the harmony on this one as well. Quite nice. Overall Review: It definitely has a theme. Mostly teenage shouty anthems and at times social commentary that’s witty in the lyrics. Reckon many teens would have dug this back in the day. Also, I do quite like the name Poly Styrene. Again, it’s not massively my thing and I wouldn’t listen to this whole album again probably, but there were some fun moments on it for sure. Preferred the first half of the album to the second mostly. 2.5/5 Favourite Songs: Warrior In Woolworths, Let’s Submerge

Track By Track Violet - Girl Power! I feel as if I’ve heard this before. Famous intro. Does sound reminiscent of Nirvana which makes sense. Very raw and grungy. It’s like what’s under the surface of the woman in the cover photo. Is that Courtney? I think so. Miss World - Nice intro. I like this kind of guitar work. The effects on it are very ‘90s. Speaking about depression perhaps and the vacuous & shallow world of beauty queens. It sounds quite universal. Plump - sounds very them again. Good energy to this one. To me, this sounds like voicing the emotions that are pent up from eating disorders etc. Must have been cathartic for so many, particularly women. Asking for It - There’s a bit of fuck you energy in a lot of these tunes. Comes through well. Has Kurt Cobain’s darkness as well. Good guitar break in the middle. I am liking the guitar on this album quite a bit. Jennifer’s Body - She’s got a proper style and I’m kind of digging it. Is it inspired by the film of the same name? Potentially, it speaks about biting. Doll Parts - I think this one is quite famous. It’s good. I like it. The vocal breaks are really effective. Moody & bright in equal measure. Credit In The Straight World - Nice intro here too. It reminds me of a cult actually. Very dramatic shift to the grungy moody meat of the song. Got a good rhythm and flowing drive to it. Softer, Softest - shift of style. Apparently Courtney said that people may be surprised at their softer side. This is a sweet one. Like the vocal harmonies. Very dreamy. Kind of funny as some of the lyrics are also kind of hardcore (‘your milk has a dick’). She Walks On Me - Back to the intensity! Like she’s shouting through a megaphone in the beginning. Proper impactful, hits you round the ears a bit. I Think That I Would Die - quite a cool riff and groove. Simple one. Not bad. Gutless - crunchy, dissonant. Moody one again. Quite punk this one. Didn’t like very much. Rock Star - nice false starts. Raw one. Quite like it. Both punky and tuneful. Great energy on this. Overall Review: I thought this album had great range and communicated the grunge/punk vibe well but also had a lot of emotional and melodic moments that were impactful. I didn’t really love it all but some strong work here for sure. 3.2/5 Favourite Songs: Doll Parts, Softer, Softest, Rock Star

Track By Track Silver - Lush ‘80s instrumentation! Got that epic feel in the lyrics as well. Quite like the strings. Nocturnal Me - This feels a bit cinematic. Again, an epic feel to it. Perhaps a harmonic scale being used, sort of Middle Eastern influence perhaps? Theatrical feel to it as well, like in a musical or something. Crystal Days - quite like this chord progression and melody/riff. Bit of Cure influence I can hear as well. Also a bit of U2. Although they may have been influenced by these guys a bit as well. All the ‘80s crew innit. The Yo-Yo Man - Sounds a little Irish actually this. Are any of them Irish? It’s also a bit Smiths - the melody and delivery. Kind of like a dark waltz. Thorn of Crowns - same harmonic (I think!) scale. It’s like a western. The chords. I kind of like it. I reckon Muse would enjoy listening to this track. The Killing Moon - it has a spooky opening actually. Very autumnal (I’m listening in September). Again those western-like chords. Nice chorus this as well. It’s perhaps a little long. Seven Seas - I like this one. Good tune. Possibly my favourite one so far. My Kingdom - I like the opening chords on the ?? (Harmonium?). Builds nicely. Quite far into the album I’m kind of digging the sound. Ocean Rain - Slow, atmospheric beginning for the title track. Plaintive as I’m currently reading ‘Life Of Pi’, so my mind is currently relating it to that a bit. So ‘80s, so echoey! It’s like the decade that properly invented echo and reverb. Overall Review: I went into this knowing who they were but not ever hearing any of their music properly. They do sound very quintessentially ‘80s. They were also very cinematic, which once I got past it, I kind of enjoyed. I definitely preferred the second half of the album. I’d also have to be in the mood. It’s one of those. They have a way of weaving fantastical sounding narratives both lyrically and melodically. They’re like the ‘80s’ dream-weavers. Solid album. 3.4/5 Favourite Songs: Seven Seas, My Kingdom

Track By Track One Chord Wonders - feedbackey atmosphere. Pacey opening. Good drumming and definitely a punky teen vibe. Actually makes me think a little of Ezra Furman’s more energetic numbers. Pretty standard punk tune but not bad. Bored Teenagers - Speaking of a teen vibe! Quite decent, rousing lyrics. Very to-the-point. Which is think punk’s thing right? Short & Sharp one. Alright chorus too. Good drum & bass break near the end. New Church - Straight in! Can sort of hear Bowie’s influence here a little actually. It’s like thrashing the system and carving out a new path I think? Kind of empowering as a concept. On The Roof - Bit of a change of pace. Sounds a bit like Rush or even Zeppelin at the start. Then goes real punk. Quite decent energy on this one. Kind of cool how it switches between the two paces. Good slowed outro. Always like that. Newboys - Noisy. A bit garagey, which I suppose adds to the raw, punk element. The lead guitar is shredding very well in this. Gary Gilmore’s Eyes - Kind of spooky this one. More of a story, like a scary teen novel. It’s a bit like if the ‘Goosebumps’ books were a song. Not that I’ve ever read them! Bombsite Boy - Again, that Rush-like prog-rock feeling. Evokes a mood for sure. Did not enjoy. No Time To Be 21 - This is where the sameness is starting to get grating & boring. Didn’t love this either. Quite decent bass solo and guitar solo later in the track. Safety in Numbers - It’s sounding a little apocalyptic actually by this point, quite deep in the album. Serious. Sort of catchy I guess but drudgy and the emotion just gets drowned a little in noise. New Day Dawns - 10 tracks in and i can safely say the novelty of this genre has definitely worn off. I could do with some bloody variety! The guitar is quite impressive though, I’ll give it that. Drowning Men - Same key! I think. Dramatic lyrics to this one. It’s almost comical actually. Almost theatrical. Perhaps that’s because it’s of the time. On Wheels - Kind of a sad lament on drugs I think? Great British Mistake - It’s speaking about politics, youth, rebellion? I’m not too sure. Didn’t like the song very much. One Chord Wonders (Radio Edit) - it’s like they’re speaking from a speakerphone. Quite good energy here. Quickstep - Good rhythm in the opening. Same singing style though. Quite good chords. Gary Gilmore’s Eyes (Radio Edit) - The vocal does feel a bit clearer on this version. This is such a bizarre song! Like a novelty. Also makes me think of Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace. Just weird stuff. Bored Teenagers (Radio Edit) - Appreicate the guitar parts on this one, hearing it again. Also the rhythm, quite fun. Safety in Numbers (Radio Edit) - It’s like it’s speaking about the cutting edge of culture, quite cool I spose (‘New Wave’). I’m just filling space at this point. This version is too long! Unfortunately the guitar is so samey and grating. We Who Wait - Very driving energy. Punk lines, short and yelling. Like a pastiche of a punk song kind of. Live Versions - Reviewing these as extras, as they’re on the deluxe version and not part of the original album: On Wheels - Like the slower start and build up for this. Moody and punk-epic sounding. Good solo. Newboys - They play this well live but I just don’t enjoy this song at all! New Church - Some of the chord progression I was on board with, but not so much the rest! Thrashy live energy as well, which I guess is pretty punk. Gary Gilmore’s Eyes - Sounds like a slower start live but that might just be me. Vocals mostly drowned out by the band, apart from the terrible albeit kind of memorable chorus! Drowning Men - Seems like it’s a punk thing perhaps to announce the name of the song in punkspeak before you play it. No Time To Be 21 - It’s as good a closer as any for this style and type of album. Solid energy. Overall Review: The positives: There’s a kind of cool swagger to them. They’re also very tight as a band which I respect. But again, too samey and really not my thing. And I’ve said it before but much of it felt like I was enduring it rather than enjoying it. This album was also too long. Like 6 or 7 songs too long. I know on this version there were the live tracks which are extra but still. 1.5/5 Favourite Songs: Elements of some (Bored Teenagers, On The Roof, New Church) but none that stand out.