Reading, Writing and Arithmetic is the debut studio album by English alternative rock band the Sundays. It was released in 1990 on Rough Trade Records in the United Kingdom, and on DGC Records in the United States. The album's title is a reference to the band's hometown, Reading, Berkshire.
The album has appeared on many best album lists. Pitchfork ranked it 15th on its list of "The 30 Best Dream Pop Albums".[13] The website also listed the record as one of "The 25 Best Indie Pop Albums of the '90s", commenting, "Even if the Sundays hadn't named their debut Reading, Writing and Arithmetic, its bookish nature would've been apparent. Harriet Wheeler sings like she's trying to get the librarian's attention without disturbing others, and guitarist David Gavurin strums with a studied focus."
This one always throws me for a loop, I do enjoy the light-as-a-feather twee instrumentals and writing but there's something about this LP that holds me back from loving it. Part of it is the repetitive lyricism (I can't stand 'Story' for how many times it hits the chorus line), and there is a pretty clear lack of dynamic contrast meaning the whole album feels pretty samey across the whole 40 minutes. Still a worthwhile add though, this LP seems to be on every Greatest Album list except the 1001 and documents a scene that otherwise doesn't get much attention here.
Reading Writing And Arithmetic is a nice indie pop album. The Sundays power is the voice of Harriet Wheeler, their weakness is the absolute boring rhythm section on this album (especially the drums). "Here's Where the Story Ends" and "Can't Be Sure" are great songs, but the other tracks a not as great. As a complete album it's a bit of a drag to me.
I didn’t think I knew this band and then Here’s Where The Story Ends came on and I’m suddenly singing along and knew the chorus. Slowly I realized I really liked this song back in the day. Maybe not at the top of my list of albums but very enjoyable nonetheless and a fun blast from the past.
Vaguely felt like I remembered this band, I went and checked the video of what seemed like their biggest hit and video opening (ladybug on a mocrophone) also seemed familiar. But neither that song (Summertime) nor any of this felt familiar at all. The latter clocking in quite a bit weirder than the former would have led me to expect. Very indy, engagingly odd, a little too much on the soft side for my tastes. Would try more.
I'd say "pleasant" is the best word to describe the Sundays. Everything about their music is pleasant. The singer's voices, the songs, the production. Nothing wrong with that, but also nothing that really reaches out and grabs you either. 3 stars.
Reading Writing And Arithmetic is fine, couple of good singles, bit plain but Here's Where The Story Ends is nostalgic quality. 2/5, not enough substance for me.
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