Skylarking

I’m not familiar with them, maybe I heard a few songs but not sure. This is alright I guess, a little lighter than my tastes. A few of the songs do get close to an REM sound that I like though.

I really didn't like Apple Venus Vol. 1, but was looking forward to this one because I had a few friends really hyping it up.

But yeah, it's just not for me. I will say better than Apple Venus. 1000 Umbrellas and The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul are decent enough. I can do experimental music. I can do happy music. Happy experimental music though I can't do. Because it always sounds like music for children or something to me. Like it belongs in some sort of kids show or movie. I don't know why it sounds like that to me, but it does.

So yeah. Didn't really like it. Better than Apple Venus, but not enough to get more than a 2.

Not exciting and derivative.

Bonus review: I've always wanted to listen to this group's album "Drums and Wires" as Danny Elfman said it was an inspiration for his band Oingo Boingo's album "Only a Lad". I decided to listen to that album first, before "Skylarking". It's really good, and I can hear where Elfman got some ideas from. He improved on it massively - really, there's little reason to listen to "Drums and Wires" when one can listen to "Only a Lad" - but it's still a great record. 5/5.

Skylarking is a fine album. The album honestly does feel like a new wave album even though that genre was not listed in this album's list of genres. The songs here are generally all pretty well done with some decent melodies throughout all of them. The sound of them did sound a little bit jarring at first but i got more used to it as the album progressed. My main issue is the seamless song transitions which would sound fine if done through an actual record/cassette/CD player but when I'm here listening to them on YouTube through the album's official playlist, it becomes fairly awkward. This album is a pretty decent addition to the library.
Best Song: Season Cycle
Worst Song: Grass

Very cohesive psychedelic pop, I love albums that have smooth transitions, and the first side of this album is some of the best I've heard. The B-side is a lot more inconsistent in both sound and quality, but it's still good enough to be one of my favourites.

Really chill but so lush. I love the variety of instrumentation. The vocals are super upbeat and pleasant as well. Good relaxation music!