Reviews by abee

What on earth just happened? I wasn’t too keen on Axis or Electric Ladyland as I thought the songs were weak despite his guitar playing. This was fantastic, even didn’t mind listening to both the US and UK versions. Jimi’s incredible voice coupled with his guitar playing and a mix of psychedelia and blues made this a transformative experience. I thought perhaps this was his third album and had learnt from Axis and EL but this is his debut, incredible. Bonus: getting warm feelings thinking about Garth in the diner.

Long album, of two halves, the melodies were pleasant so I didn’t really mind. On the other hand “She Lives in My Lap”, really? Does she have a strong tenancy agreement protecting her rights mate? Can you see how I felt about this one.

If you had asked before I had listened to the album I would have said I am not to enthused with this band but this was incredible. I liked that it was about general life in the UK with a high level of insight and introspection. Not what I expected from them. The tunes are damn catchy too.

I felt quite conflicted with this one. I love heavy metal, though this leans already to hard rock. I don’t know why I found it a little boring despite Eddies sublime guitar playing and Roth’s amazing voice, put to good use on their cover of You Really Got Me.

Have this album in my collection and like all the others did not skip but enjoyed for the billionth time listening to this opus. With the first strains of Plainsong I had tears in my eyes. What a beautiful album.

I am a fan of Roxy Music but not that much. However, my appreciation of them has increased recently. Also, I am beginning to understand the genius of Eno. So, after checking this was an Eno album I got stuck in. Love Ferry’s voice, and adored the murky, ambient, brass fuelled glam rock nature of the songs. Looking forward to any more Roxy the generator can throw at me.

In my book, Billy Bragg is AOK, Wilco is great, and Woody Guthrie, whose lyrics are covered here? Love him. But here is the thing, all of these artists are known for their lovingly lo-fi approach to songwriting. This just sounded like bad pub rock, except for Way Over Wonder in the Minor Key (thanks to Natalie Merchant for backing vocals). I find it interesting that Dylan tried to get these lyrics in the 50s but the relevant people were “not at home” when he visited. He later commented on Mermaid Avenue “These performers probably weren't even born when I had made that trip to Brooklyn." Disappointed much? Well I sure was.

Prince – 1999 – 3 STARS
Prince, one of those artists where I like the hits but would not bother to investigate all his albums. That kind of changed with Purple Rain: after I saw the film my mind was blown with the uniqueness and complexity of his work. I was looking forward to this therefore, but its brought me back down to my preconceived idea of Prince just being about sexy funk. My brother tells me this is not his best album, that I should try Sign O’ the Times so really hoping for some different albums of his on the generator to give me another go to find some love for him.

Continuing my Liz Phair briefly interrupted run of great classic rock albums leads me to this one. I was lucky enough to see Paul McCartney play live, and as I am more a fan of the Lennon penned Beatle’s tracks, it wasn’t his performance of his own Beatles songs (think Ob-La-Di/When I’m Sixty Four for example) but his Wing’s tracks that made me cry with joy. Such nostalgia, such a wondrous album. Literally.

My head tells me how wonderful LZ are but my heart is less enthused even though I feel that this album has always been part of my consciousness. There is no denying that this is an incredible album – I’m trying to describe it and all I can say is that it is transcendental heavy metal, quite unique.

I really liked C’est Chic, this one less so. Same great rhythms, vocals and pulsing Disco beat but it seemed less soulful and less interesting.

Really didn’t like this at the start, felt very generic 90s American indie rock and I thought the melodies lacked complexity. It did grow on me and by Explain It to Me I could give it two stars, but definitely not more. Whenever I see the phrase “released to critical acclaim” I shiver with horror, and this is a good example of why.

I really wasn’t too keen on Physical Graffiti, too long, but this was amazing and helped to solidify my mixed feelings about Led Zeppelin into something more positive. Great opener followed by lots of stomping tracks. My high point was Tangerine, very simple but with an eastern influence. If only it didn’t end with Hats Off to Roy Harper, an out and out blues song that I felt detracted from their own unique blend of complex blues-tinged rock.

A great mix of blues, hard guitar and great melodies and what a harmonica!. My favourite is N.I.B .

I don’t care what ANyONe says about Chicago I moaned, I love this band. But then, and it’s my fault for having only their greatest hits, some of this seemed like a bad wedding band and WTH is all this jazzy intro stuff that is not on the single edit of “does anyone really know what time it is?” It’s time to just start with the horns guys, start with the horns. Ultimately, let’s face, it I adored it. Big Band meets Classic Rock is right up my alley!

Nothing to dislike her but apart from Aint No Way nothing really moved me.

Nice listen, great energising reggae rhythm and words.

Sade is one of those many artists of which I am happy to listen to if a single is played on the radio but don’t really want to explore further. This is a nice blend of pop/soul but it didn’t really enthuse me.

I usually don’t like typical blues but this was really hard blues brilliantly delivered and unlike the usual “you doing alright London” call outs in live recording here it feels he is really engaging with his audience.

I was expecting more from this as it is always billed as an album with superb production. It reminded me of the Beach Boys doing Christmas. Lovely hearing these songs again. Again being the operative word. Maybe they are too familiar for me to have an impact.