Liked the development in style, much funkier than earlier Davies (kind of blue/cool) than I was aware of. I absolutely loved the keys playing both as comping and solos on this Piano/Rhodes and Hammond really elevated the arrangements.
1st track 4/5
2nd 5/5
Loved it.
I know it's a classic of the genre. But it both left me cold and I couldn't dissociate from the artists views. I struggled through the tracks. Definitely not returning! 1/5
Thought it was a bit samey at the start of the album, but enjoyed it more as it went on. Wanted to like it more but probably won't return to it. 2/5
Not my usual genre, soul with a little funk, but pleasant to listen to, and the themes still hit hard today. 3/5
A cracking cover album. Legendary voice, and great arrangements but...
I struggle to like listening to it. As an album and the history of music I can see why it is included, poignant and heartfelt.
4/5
I was amazed I'd never actually listened to this one in its entirety before! I loved the variety on this album, I'd heard quite a few of the songs before, but in isolation rather than en mass. Was pleasantly surprised by the depth of talent, humour and instrumentation on show, as well as the expected punk roots and themes. I don't think there were any particularly weak tracks either.
A great listen. As an album hard to beat.
Most surprised by Jimmy Jazz, but it was perfectly placed between Brand New Cadillac and Hateful. Someone really thought about the track order and that pleases me.
As an album 5/5
As listening enjoyment 4/5
I felt this was more a collection of tracks than an album with 2 types of track, mostly good but each seemed to have different production styles which made them seem incoherent on the album.
The improvised ones missed an opportunity to tell a story through the album and seemed rawer in their production with the drums way higher in the mix than the guitar. The improvisation/soundscape sections tried to tie it together but it came across as directionless and just a jam session looking for ideas.
The rock/blues ones seemed to have higher production values, tighter in their mix and the songs felt they'd been crafted and worked on as opposed to a single jam take.
I feel that each style merited it's own album, and both new ones would be better for it.
As an album 2/5 , which hurts because I like the songs, but depending on my mood I'd skip about half of them.
As listening pleasure 4.
I loved this when it came out, and still do now, not as self indulgent as later albums, but excellent arrangements and a nice mix of emotions that blend each track into the next. A solid 4
Not usually a live album fan, and instrumental jazz is usually my go to, but what a voice. Lovely arrangements of standards. The humour of the live show makes it seem more intimate. The piano and bass work are super tight and supportive as well.
Be anything, but darling be mine, was absolutely sublime.
But despite loving the voice and the arrangements, my mind was wandering by the end and it wasn't a particularly long album. So vocal jazz is still not my thing.
3/5
I got through it.
Things I liked, the creative sampling, baselines and beats, she can rap well and had a nice flow with interesting word rhymes (outside of the obligatory swearing) and rhythms.
But... It hasn't changed my opinion of hip-hop and rap in general. I won't be looking up any of her other tracks.
I'll give it a very generous 2, as although it's not for me I can see the craft in it, and the whole point of this project was to listen to new types of music. As listening pleasure a 1.
Loved the bossa nova on this, looking up Antonio Jobim as he seems a fantastic guitarist. Great voice and pairing, I just wish there was more of the guitar. You know what you're getting with Frank and this is a nice foray into another style.
Whilst there were no absolute classics, I don't think any were weak either.
3/5
The soundscape, guitar/keyboard tones and instrumentation on this are close to perfect. The themes of loss and the take on their realities of the music industry make it an emotional album.
So much DNA of Pink Floyd in many of my prog metal favourites. One of my favourite albums of all time.
5.
Wasn't expecting crooning Elvis, which was a surprise. Nice backing group, with a couple of classic bits.
But it put me in mind if an OK Elvis impersonator doing a set they've done a thousand times before, and it left me a little cold.
2.5
Can I have 10 tracks of grunge alt rock please? Certainly sir, we've got a special offer on today and you get a couple free.
To me it felt like an opportunity to get in on the zeitgeist rather than contribute to it, all the elements of grunge were obviously there, but it somehow felt clinically done. The tracks had some great bits but then had to include each of the grunge elements (including the whole "I'm drowning in reverb" effect)
Saying that outtathaway was a fun track and I started to get more into it, but the horrible piano sound on homesick, did for me.
Overall it wasn't hard to listen to it, I just found it pretty soulless.
2/5
I liked it. Raw and a bridging from rock and roll to rock. But I felt the tracks were a little haphazard, and that it did nothing to dissuade me from the notion that The Who is a band I like, but in small doses!
3
I really liked this. Especially the instrumentals on the second half of the album that I wasn't previously aware of. Interesting sounds and creative arrangements throughout.
Only fly in the ointment was so many fade outs at the end of songs, it broke the flow for me. I'm sure it was a conscious decision but it wasn't for me.
Saying that though, although the keyboard sounds sound a little dated, the tracks still seem fresh.
A solid 4
This left me cold, I didn't hate it, but it was just musical wallpaper. I'm struggling to remember anything notable even whilst listening to it.
2
I liked this more than I thought I would. As ambient music with a nice groove, it was nice in the car. It may well even make an appearance on my playlists when I need to focus.
I liked the sampled sounds and thought the tracks were well put together.
Still doesn't beat Mr. Scruff though!
3
This is a massively biased rating and review. Normally I'd listen critically. But this is more than an album. The first time I bought an album myself I picked up BloodSugarSexMagik and this one. I even fired up the old cd player for this for the full experience.
I used to say there weren't any weak tracks on this one, with hindsight the production is rough and his voice does grate...
But it was such an important part of my growing up, and each track has such specific memories, from people to places to moments, I can't not rate this 5.
A couple of nice piano tracks, but very samey through the whole album. Nice to get the lyrics front and centre with fewer distractions but I feel that a volume of poetry would have had the same effect.
To be honest I got pretty bored and though I knew it wouldn't be the most uplifting album, they all sort of blurred into one.
Maybe on another day I'd be more generous, as I know Leonard Cohen was a big influence and that comes through in spades (or should I say oars) on this album, but today it is a 2 / 2.5.
No preconceptions as I was going into this one - I didn't know Bill Callahan at all - not even a broad genre!
1st track (Jim Cain) I really liked, a lush string soundscape and a really nice chilled vibe. Lo-Fi folk maybe?
Overall I liked the interplay with the backing samples and the voice, nicely constructed arrangements that evoked, with nothing too dominant in the mix. Different moods in the music and painting with the words. including the very twee trill to describe the ripple on the water in Rococo Zephyr.
Pleasantly surprised. 3.5
A classic punk album. Very much captures the spirit of the age, quick and punchy tracks, but my ears got numb to it by halfway through.
If punctuating a playlist for an injection of energy any of the songs would work, but as an album not for me.
2.5, 3 for the influence of later artists.
Some good arrangements, I just wish they were sung by someone else. Not a fan of his voice singing in this genre and the whole album just felt quite medium, it put me in mind of a bunch of demo tapes in different country rock styles to see what fitted best.
That said some lovely backing musicians on it.
A very mediocre 2.
k.d. lang has an angelic voice. The songs are well written with luscious instrumentation throughout. But it's honestly just one big, sad, song after another; it never reached any kind of peak of excitement as a journey of songs. Miss chatelaine was the closest to an upbeat track on the album at track 3.
Overall a 3.
Fun punky pop with some nice riffs that doesn't take itself too seriously. I'd forgotten about Sharkey's weird vibrato - on another day it would have annoyed me, but not today!
The album was a couple of songs too long, but a nice variety of tempi and riffs.
A 3.5 for me, I'll decide tomorrow when I vote whether I'm rounding up or down.
A solid album, no really weak tracks and a lot more range than I'd originally pinned the kinks for. Definitely be listening to this again!
A nice cohesive album as well, the themes of Little England and all it's foibles as part of the British invasion (musical!) tied it nicely together. (Did some reading after my listen and it was cited as an early concept album based on the characters portrayed)
Very solid 4
Not for me. I'll be the first to admit that I struggle with hip-hop, at the best of times. Was listening with the lyrics in front of me to desperately try and get into the genre, but I found the bragging lyrics about how good they were at rapping throughout, as well as the rapping over each other too much. "Too many MCs" I agree with this lyric.
Struggled through the whole thing. Even the tracks I was aware of (ready or not, killing me softly and fugeela, were a tricky listen for me. I did like Lauren Hill's singing, when she was singing, though.
1.5, but rounded down. I won't be listening again.
I really liked this longer blues inspired album. It felt really cohesive despite the different arrangements. Listened to it twice, and still it kept my attention. Loving cup, and ventilator blues were particular highlights. As was the piano playing throughout (just looked it up and of course it was Nicky Hopkins, which tracks!)
An incredibly strong album, a 4.5 for sure.
It’s got a great mix of blues and rock, and has a brilliant energy to it throughout. That alone would be a solid 3.
What really made it stand out for me, was the story behind it. The conflict, at a time when music was being banned there, made the album feel that bit more special, and the blues feel more of a method of resistance. I was vaguely aware of it at the time, but never listened to it. I'm glad I have now.
So it elevated it to a 4.
I liked it more than I thought I was going to. She has such a... unique voice, and the constant chopping and changing between samples and instrumentation made it a bit weird and unpredictable. It felt a little all over the place at times. But it was somehow cohesive enough in its weirdness. not sure I’d rush back to it, but I'm glad I listened to something I'd have avoided just based on my prejudged preferences.
3
This didn't really didn’t do much for me. It was well produced and polished, but underneath that I found it pretty dull. The songs all merged into one another. Nothing particularly bad, but the whole album went by without giving any reason to care.
2/5
The man who... Bored me when my sister was into it. Who brought back memories of drizzly days in the car. Even the hits are dreary. I'm also really glad that the "secret last track" fad has passed.
There was a Mitch Benn comedy song called "Everything sounds like Coldplay now" lamenting this stylistic dreariness. I don't recall Travis even made the cut for a parody song on radio 4.
I'm never voluntarily listening to this again. For the musical dreariness a very low 2, for the memories it's a 1.
I liked this, the variety and intimacy was well balanced. The first track gave me hope for more interplay between the voicing of guitar, piano and his singing, but it wasn't to be. I felt that some of the later tracks could have used another voicing, maybe a cello or flute as another line, but overall I really liked the mix.
I wasn't sure about his voice at the start but it grew on me.
A high 3
Middle of the road 80s pop. A decent showing for the genre, vans some brilliant bass lines. But still left me wanting less. 3
I didn't know them at all. Ifound this pretty bland, and a long album to boot. My attention was wandering whilst listening. I checked to see how far I was through it, and was surprised I was only on track 4.
It wasn't horrible, but it certainly wasn't memorable
Rounded down to a 2.
I didn't know this at all, and to start with didn't think much of it, but the album grew on me as I listened. Friction and Torn Curtain were really good, and it earned a second listen through and I enjoyed it even more. Little bits of everything to listen to - who'd have thought that prog elements would be comfortable bedfellows with punk elements?
It's nice to discover new gems!
4
I like Bruce's music and his ability to tell a story through a short song. Some great moments on this album (Adam raised a Cain) and some great playing from the band.
But somehow, even though I liked the songs on it I thought there is something missing, but I can't put my finger on what it is.
3.5
Very rough round the edges. Almost like an album of demos with some great ideas and interplay with the band.
So I did a little research on it and man that was a rollercoaster of drugs, deaths and general rock excess, recorded quickly. So a very personal album for Neil, but not a polished one - some of the vocal lines are atrociously out of tune.
2.5
Prior to listening I though this would be either really weird or great. I'm pleased to say afterwards it was interestingly weird enough... I especially liked the phase music inspired backings and the interplay between drums and keys.
No self control was a highlight for me. I know it is self indulgence in the finest traditions of prog, but I liked it.
A 3.5/4
Wasn't a fan of this. I found her voice good, but her vocal delivery grating and trying too hard to show emotions. The whole thing left me pretty cold.
2
Very samey. It turns out I like them in very small doses. They've found a formula that works ... For them, but not me.
It's not dreadful, but not great either.
2.5
I liked the groove throughout. Ccr always seems like comfort food to me as it'll put a smile on my face. Also the gee-tar tone (on commotion in particular) made me want to dance even though I'm on crutches.
Not my first listen to this album, and it no doubt won't be the last.
A solid 4
A nice mix of moods on this, much more than I'd anticipated. Didn't really stand out for me though, but no real complaints.
3
Nice composition and musical ideas, but the lyrics seemed really... Almost "the usborne first book of metaphors and smilies"
Not really for me,
2
I'm not the biggest country fan, but the combination of her gorgeous voice and well arranged songs almost made up for the boredom. But not quite.
2
I found this very dull to the point of annoyance. Something about it seemed soulless and a little almost clinical, almost like they were just going through the motions. That made me unreasonably bad tempered on the drive in this morning so for that it is a 1.5 , maybe a little harsh but a second listen later in the day of the title track confirmed it.
I really liked this, was surprised at the disco opening and a couple of slap bass spikes, but then it settled down in style. The musical and classical references in the music were fun to listen out for as well. It sounded they were having fun recording it. It also kept my attention for the whole album so I'm going to upgrade it to a 4!
When a third of the tracks are instantly recognisable and massive hits, and the others have the same energy and craft in their writing and performance, you know it's a great album.
Even though their brand of pop isn't to my taste all the time, I like it in context. Arrival was the song I thought stood out as a really well crafted and arranged song, which was a surprise given the other bangers that are on it.
I mean, it's ABBA. At least a 4 for me, but I thought I couldn't quite slide it into the 5. But it deserves a 5 for its impact, and it is clearly a great album even if my tastes don't align completely. So I'll put aside prejudice and do what I have to.
This is a tough one. As music to listen actively to, not for me, but as background music to iron and do chores to, it is great. It's probably great in a club as well, but I'm several decades out of my clubbing days. So ironing it is.
Nothing special, but nothing horrific either 2.5, but rounded down because I probably won't seek it out again.
Turns out I was aware of more of these tracks than I thought I would be. I don't like the jangly, tin bath at the bottom of a well production sound so associated with that time, but her songs were well constructed.
2 seems harsh, but 3 seems generous.
Not as impactful as I remembered it to be. The tracks were fine even with the odd vocal effects they use. But that was it, just fine and didn't get me looking forward to the next track.
Nothing particular wrong about it,
3
Way more chilled out than I was expecting, also the lyrics and subject matter were way more asinine. Which was a shame because I quite liked the music and moods created on the album.
A conflicted 3
Going in blind, never listened to the fall before. I liked the guitar work making the tracks seem different to each other with some catchy riffs. I found the vocals a little indistinct, though that's stylistically appropriate.
I didn't hate it, but didn't fall (ha ha) in love with it.
2.5
I liked it more than I thought I would. It wasn't as whiney as I feared and the voice/guitar didn't grate as much as on their later tracks (like losing my religion).
I did like the start and end of the album, but tuned out a little in the middle, could have been my commute in the rain or the soundscape they play.
I'll give it a low 4, high 3
I died tryin'.
Really not my genre, so I really tried to get something from it. 50c sounds like he wasn't really interested or passionate about the two themes he is rapping about here. The interest came from some of the collaborations bringing a bit more passion and the production on some of the tracks saved it from the absolute pits. And man this album dragged...
1.5, but as all the worthwhile points were not the artist but collaborators I can't give it more than a 1 no matter how iconic it is.
I've always quite liked aerosmith, but I felt outside the first couple of tracks this felt a bit flat as an album. Nothing particularly special, but I can't put my finger on what didn't feel right about it.
2.5
An interesting album where the second half was much better than the first. It made way more sense on a second listen though, and I appreciated the contrast more. Cleverly put together album.
I love the songwriting and performance of Queen anyway, and whilst it isn't their best (really hoping Sheer Heart Attack is on the list!) it is better than a lot of others out there!
3.5
My bloody valentine was somehow never on my radar growing up. I've learned about shoegaze music today.
I started listening to this in the background, but quite quickly that turned into active listening. I love the instrumention and soundscapes. But it isn't an easy listen overall.
I'm going to give it a 3 but with the rider that I'd absolutely have to be in the mood for it. I was today, but on another day I could have easily given it a 2.
A band I had no idea about, so a completely blind listen. I liked the horn sounds, and the bass tone, an man the drummer was working hard! Not really a new wave fan, but the funky vibe helped it.
Inoffensive listen, with a couple of "oh that's quite cool" moments, but more suited to background music than something I'd seek out.
3
I liked the instrumentals and the breaks, but didn't really like his voice. The bass sound and playing was the highlight.
It got a little better on the back end of the album, but just seemed a bit mediocre.
2
I really liked this. I was even able to excuse the 80s reverb. Really nicely crafted songs and a good mix of moods to keep the album feeling fresh throughout.
You know what you're getting with Peter Gabriel, but I was most pleasantly surprised by the sounds and craft on We do what we're told. I thought it was going to be an instrumental at first, but the voice at the end really elevated it, and more than made up the ridiculousness of the next track (excellent birds).
Overall a solid 4
Another one I went in blind with.
It seemed very messy, several of the songs just finished with no craft in their writing. Some good hooks and riffs. That voice ran the whole gauntlet from whiny falsetto to shout talking, via can't keep a longer note in tune very well.
I've been harsh so far, it did settle down a bit, but I never got a cohesive identity for the album. Not a good first impression
2
It was ok. I didn't make notes whilst I was listening to it, and now I'm struggling to remember much about it other than it was quite grunge.
2
First half was much better than I anticipated, deceptively complex over a simple foundation. I was enjoying the different style and ideas merging together.
But then in the second half I found it a lot less inspired, which left a bit of an odd feeling, almost it was trying a little to hard...
But I enjoyed it a lot more than the Buildings and food album.
Overall a 3 and a bit
I like a few of the bands that were inspired by them. But I can see how they very much improved on it.
I got fatigued to the sound pretty quickly and made it about 8 tracks in before giving up.
1.5 for a generous 2.
I'd heard of them but not really listened to them before. I was expecting it to be angrier. But I quite liked it overall. The lo-fi production added to its charm (is this really me saying this?) and the themes ran together album made it consistent.
But I'd probably not seek it out again.
Solid 3
I found this really weird when it came out. I still do but in a good way now. All the chops and changes of vocal delivery and rhythms somehow translate into an interesting song to listen to. And he is such a great vocalist.
Though a little silly, I think that because it sounds like they are having fun recording it, that translates into fun energy to listen to.
A solid 4.
This is another nostalgia rating for me. This and what's the story were my first two albums I bought.
It's been ages (maybe 25 years?) since I last listened to all of this. The opening is as rhymically tight and funky as I remember. Breaking the girl, and funky monks were always favourites. Also how good are their riffs? I'd forgotten about Mellowship Slinky in B major. Saying that though, he can't sing or rap or write lyrics very well. But the songs are fun despite that.
The last third of the album falls apart though. From naked in the rain onwards it wasn't good all that time ago, and certainly isn't now. I used to skip Sir psycho then and listening to it today I can see why.
Up to under the bridge could have been a nostalgic 5. But I'm giving it a 4 and trying to forget the last few tracks exist.
There is nothing really wrong with this album, (except for the weirdness of milk ). You expect the mumbling over, as what my father in law used to disparagingly call "mosher garage" that just doesn't feel like they were trying to achieve anything, it is just some music.
Is a 2 harsh? Maybe.
Wow. I'd previously associated tango with a very rigid set of rules. This references them and keeps the passion.
Awesome talent throughout and nicely constructed instrumentals. So much so I was listening to similar all day!
I don't think it was an influential or even great album, but I'm rating it a 4 as I liked it and it expanded the sort of music I listen to.
Really nice variation in songwriting ideas and moods, yet it is really cohesive as well. Some absolute top draw classics (life on mars) as well as the odd questionable decision (Andy Warhol) but a brilliant album.
Easy 4, knocking on a 5
