Reviews by digitalredpanda

I never followed wu tang clan. don't even know any songs by them. But I figured I would try to expand my interest in rap music a little bit by listening to a solo album by one of the members. Unfortunately I just find this album to be ok. Maybe its the subject matter involving gang violence that puts me off it a bit or maybe the clever word play and complex subject matter (as what critics have called it) kinds loses me a little bit, like I can't really keep up with the narrative or understand the story. I admit that it is definitely an album full of technical achievements that would inspire later albums from other rising rap artists, but I reckon I would need to listen a few more times to understand the themes or at least look up the lyrics to understand their meaning. I will continue to explore this genre of music in future though

This is an ok album, but it is slightly ruined by the fact that some of its songs are way too overplayed on the radio. aside from that though, I do see this as one of the most iconic alternative rock albums of the 90s, and alanis herself is a pretty damn good singer-songwriter, except when she misunderstands the meaning of irony.

I consider this to be one of the best metal albums of the 90s. It set the standard for combining Rap, funk and metal, while at the same time giving a voice to those who were angry at the current state of american socio-politics. This album wouldn't nearly be as memorable if it did not feature Tom Morello showing off his technical skills on guitar. Just about every song has a memorable riff (as well as the occasional catchy bassline). There are ceetain moments where he leans into the technical aspects of progressive rock music. This album would be followed up by an equally well recieved record known as the battle of los angeles, which I suspect will also appear on here.

DebutBjörk

Rated 8/10

I used to hate bjork because I found her way too weird for me. Granted she can be a bit self indulgent and even a little bit pretentious, but there are times where she does know how to properly combine music and artistry in a way that makes it feel natural. This album though goes a bit more closer to electronic dance-pop , which is not what I expected out of her, but it does show off her versatility. I will probably see other bjork albums on here in future, but I will give them a listen too

No album by massive attack could ever be better than Mezzanine, but this one feels like it comes at a close second, although I would have to listen to their other albums to see how they compare. This one, even though it doesn't have the same haunting atmosphere as their third album, is still pretty good. I really appreciate the way they combine elements of hip-hop, reggae, jazz and electronica to create something that avoids being disjointed and derivative of bands from those genres of music. Unfinished Sympathy is an iconic song of the 90s but Mezzanine is an aconic album of the 90s

A lot of people would think that punk music centred around feminism would be woke and cringe but I really enjoyed this album. it is short, simple, snappy and doesn't let up its energy throughout the whole run. I will definitely look into more music under the riot grrl movement.

I Against IBad Brains

Rated 10/10

I didn't know much about bad brains until I listened to the album, and I honestly really enjoyed it. I heard that they were a big influence on the thrash metal genre as well as alternative rock and metal of the 90s and 2000s. I definitely see James Hetfield being inspired by the vocalists singing style as well as the thrashy guitar solos. They were clearly ahead of their time. This album was noisy and energetic in the right way, and 31 minutes was definitely the right length for a hardcore punk album

I had a feeling System of a Down would appear on here, and this album would introduce us to definitely one of the most quirkiest nu-metal bands of the 2000s. somehow their experimental and sometimes brutal, but always political sound would turn them into one of the most popular metal bands of the 21st century. Even though I never hear them on the radio, its their quirks and outspoken opinions on sociopolitical themes that make them hugely popular on music streaming. This being their first album is pretty experimental and all over the place with their sound, while featuring some of the most unhinged and random lyrics I have heard. To this day I have no idea if they are dumb or genius lyrics. I am definitely expercting Toxicity to appear on here at some point

I see souxsie and the banshees as one of the greats when it comes to the post-punk and gothic rock era of the late 70s and early 80s. Up there alongside The Cure, Depeche Mode, and Sisters of Mercy. I have heard some albums of theirs before such as Through the Looking Glass and Peep show, and while those are alright albums I feel like this one is more appealing with its alt rock vibe while the others lean closer to trip hop. I still do like a few songs on those albums like Peek a Boo and Hall of Mirrors, but this one feels more accessible. I will definitely listen to more albums of theirs that appear on here.

The fact that there are quite a few david bowie albums on here shows how much of a talented artist he is, and this is another album that I thoroughly enjoyed. It has a much more funkier sound to it compared to the others. almost bordering on disco in some places.

This album is a perfect example of a mixed bag. Literally the first half of it is all art rock tunes with a bit of new wave thrown in, then it turns into some experimental ambient soundscapes that border on pretentiousness. I had to skip ahead a few times but at least by the last song it goes back to something a bit more easy listening. I would have given this four stars (maybe five) but those last few songs kinds ruined it a bit.

BossanovaPixies

Rated 8/10

That's the 3rd Pixies album that has appeared on here, and I always forget how good this one is. It doesn't utilise as much garagy noise as the other ones but it makes up for it with plenty of catchy riffs and some top tier bass playing from the talented Kim Deal. This album felt like it was over in half an hour. This is definitely one of my favourite alternative rock bands.

Moving PicturesRush

Rated 8/10

I consider rush to be the perfect example of progressive rock. Featuring complex song structures, complicated basslines and long thematic songs. All achieved by just three supremely talented members. And they have served as a big influence on so many rock and metal bands from the 80s onwards. They most likely inspired les claypool to pick up the bass and end up becoming one of my favourite bass guitarists. The album itself I really enjoyed. it is just the right length s where I don't feel like I am waiting for it to end. The progressive and complex structures of many of the songs certainly stop the whole album from being tedious to listen to.

Seeing Led Zeppelin on here was inevitable, being that they were the forerunners of hard rock in the 70s, and this album definitely shows that, while at the same time incorporating elements of folk and blues into their sound. To me that is not a bad thing ,but I do prefer their more rockier songs like Black Dog and Rock and Roll. I Can also appreciate the amazing vocals of Jimmy Page, the iconic guitar riffs and straightforward but energetic and raw drumming.

This is definitely one of the most fun albums I have listened to in a while. Plenty of quirks and oddities to enjoy, which is what I would expect from a band that wears those funny red hats. I say the were ahead of their time, but I should also say that they helped pave the way for not only the post-punk scene, but also contributing towards the rise of industrial music. Even Trent reznor acknowledges them as an inspiration of some form for nine inch nails. I will definitely listen to their other albums in future

Quiet LifeJapan

Rated 4/10

Don't think I will be listening to this band all that often. some songs were alright but most of the album was unmemorable.

I quite enjoyed this album, especially when it features Gimmee Shelter which one of my favourite rolling stones songs. There a little bit of a blues vibe but I can appreciate the analogue style guitar work, which is one thing I do like about this era of music. No overproducing, no audio enhancements, no extra sound effects. just a solid 41 minutes of classic rock.

The best David Bowie album will always be ziggy stardust, but this is a good album as well. it is a little but more folky than his other work, and it does feature one song I am familiar with, plus a cover of a Rolling Stones song that he does a good job of. not much else to say but I did like the album.