A viscerally anti-establishment album. It's apparently the third and final album from the band, which is interesting; Cobain carried the same rage and passion through all of his songwriting. All gas, no brakes. At least looking through the lyrics of some of his songs, it seems like he always has a message to communicate, presented with a trademark bluntness, even if it doesn't always make sense. The instrumentation and technique also feels distinct - maybe biased, but it feels "Nirvana" in a sense, at least when comparing to the songs I've heard from them (Teen Spirit). I really like the drummist--very clean and deliberate, mixed well against the distortion of Cobain's playing. Really feel it in Radio Friendly Unit Shifter.
Overall it's a good album. Not a genre I listen to often, but technically so well done.
Songs I liked: Milk It, Tourette's, All Apologies
A breakup album? Not bad tho. I haven't listened to much Lorde before, but I really dig the electronica vibe that permeates it from front to back. Hard Feelings/Loveless has a part where you can feel the agony of heartbreak through the instrumental, no words needed. (not to even get into the second half of the song).
I think I liked the first half of the album more. Sober is really good, I feel it showcases her low range pretty well. The Louvre is parts funny and sad, and has a soundscape that really itches a scratch. Deep, ethereal, wandering. The later-on Supercut feels a bit too pop-y (I think it's the one song I've heard from this album). But overall I enjoyed the album--there's a lot of care put into the instrumentation and it complements Lorde's breathless, weary tone quite well. (note: she was like 20 when this released.) Through suffering we bring about art?
I listened to this non-stop while grinding work until 8 on Friday... to be honest I didn't retain much of it at all, but listening to it again over the weekend I started enjoying it a lot more. There's a lot to pull apart in these songs; the saxophone is the main melody across a lot but the other instruments have a lot going for them as well. Monk has a pretty dissonant style which maybe he pioneered? This would be one of those albums to have on vinyl.
From a band that goes by Steely Dan I'd expect a more folk rock/country sound, but the sound of this album seems pretty solidly rock. Nothing too intense--the instrumentation is generally mellow, like something you'd hear playing in a old-school bar during off-hours, with occasional guitar solos that rise above the noise. I can keep this playing during work and there isn't anything that pulls me super into it. I like Dirty Work; feels a bit funk or jazz inspired with the electric organ/sax(?) opening, though the rest of it feels more standard. Fire in the Hole also has a similar feel that I enjoy. Midnite Cruiser also scratches my brain right, though I'm a bit disappointed with how the verse moves into the chorus.
Different parts of the album jump from genre to genre, and it feels a little jarring at times. This was their debut album and maybe they were still trying find their own sound; the individual tracks are solid, but the connecting strings between it all feel a bit tenuous.
Tonight we're gonna party like it's 1999...
The opening song gives Ghostbusters theme song. That movie came out in 1984, so it's not too far a stretch that it was inspired by this song. Throughout the album there's a constant synth-y upbeat groove feeling that feels a little futuristic.
Given what I know about Prince the guitar parts seem a bit subdued. Nothing too virtuosic; instead it focuses a lot on his vocals. His voice is really good for these kind of lyrics--sells the whole passionate, lustful vibe. On that note, the lyrics are pretty damn sensual. That is a gross understatement tbh. I'm not sure I would want to listen to this in public (I say, listening to this while grading problem sets). Highkey lady cab driver makes me uncomfortable--there's just a little too much of a rape connotation for me to listen through. International lover is awesome, though. Like genuinely hilarious and features Prince's range super well.
I am uncertain if I would listen through the whole album again, so two stars
i like this a lot. i've been swing dancing a lot so i've been appreciating the rhythms on the songs. of course swing is different from blues but the general idea remains. also eric clapton is in here? good energy, good fun. ok i have to go work on my paper now
I quite like this album. It doesn't sound quite 2010 to me--there's a more timeless feeling that makes me feel like it's older, from the oughts or even a bit before. To be fair, it's Arcade Fire's third studio album. Rococo is particularly delicious to me. Evokes an almost folk feel, nostalgic and warm.