Reviews by directoryofbunk

Contains quite a lot of bits and ideas that I really enjoy, along with with some fairly adolescent gesturing, all smooshed together to make something quite annoying.

Total builder of an album. Killer.

Obvs, LB are very much a live band and it is a cause of disappointment that I've never caught them, despite being exactly in my zone of interest, and plenty of my pals have played with them, etc.

So, the records are never quite going to be "the thing". Seem to remember feeling underwhelmed by this album when it came out, but on this re-listen am struck by the sheer energy and excitement of the whole thing.

One of those Stones albums I thought I'd heard before, but a lot was unfamiliar. Some good hits, some less interesting stuff too. Didn't leave a massively lasting impression, but still pretty strong.

Becker & Fagen. Utterly unlikeable yet absolute kings. Total antiheroes. So many smart-arse lyrics, and ultra-crafted tunes that should be utterly hateful, yet hit harder than most. A definite all-killer record, and what a debut!

Released that I don't really know much of Lynyrd Skynryd beyond Sweet Home Alabama. This is a very underwhelming album, not sure why it would be in 1001 that you MUST hear before you die, it's just not that interesting. The rockers are OK (e.g. I Ain't The One and Poison Whiskey) but the slower jams are a bit boring (e.g. Simple Man and especially Free Bird). Not good, not bad, just a bit bland.

Didn't even need to listen to know this is a 5-star album that I've loved for years. Blasted it regardless.

Deeply emotionally invested in this one. Kills me every time. Probably the peak Will Oldham record.

I've always been aware of Joan Baez, but think this is the first time I've properly listened to one of her albums. Her pure, unencumbered voice, simple guitar accompaniment, and choice of folk songs really informs a lot of what I like. But now it is merely interesting rather than essential.

Don't even need to listen to it. An all-time classic!

Another album integral to my teenage years, so pretty hard to be objective about. But, I think the whole thing stands up, showcasing Kurt Cobain's fantastic songwriting, enticingly vulnerable voice, and excellent taste, exemplified by the cover choices. Love that all the fluffs and between-song faff have been kept in there - keeps a level of honesty, perhaps?

But, why oh why must American audiences whoop and clap when they recognise a song?

The point at which Tom Waits truly became Tom Waits. Everything on this album just feels so elemental. In the hands of a lesser writer and group of musicians this kind of thing can be corny and hackneyed (see Dresden Dolls, Tigerlilies, etc), but with Waits & co it's just so primeval and natural.

All timeless crackers.

Short, fast, knowingly dumb. Lovely stuff.

Immediately, this record is highly irritating. Thoroughly adolescent. Don't think I had fully appreciated how dumb the lyrics to Smoke On The Water are. Every solo is either stupid or boring. Main riff of Space Truckin' is pretty great, though.

Pre-teen me thought this record was cool. 40-something me understands that it is totally lame.

Always been an Elvis sceptic, and this album isn't doing much to change my mind. Rock & roll Elvis is OK, but country Elvis is somewhat second rate, for the most part. Blue Suede Shoes, I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Cry (over You) and Trying to Get To you are highlights. The version of Tutti Frutti is very weak sauce.

One that I found it hard to be objective about - a big album for teenaged me. Hadn't listened in a long time, having decided that the next few SFA albums are superior. Might be revisiting that opinion. An incredible blending of the weirder side of 90s Britain, great pop melodies, and a an assumed Steely Dan devotion. Unfairly lumped in with Britpop, this is a absolute classic that stands head and shoulders above it's so-called peers.

Solid jams all-round. Just wish it went a little bit hardr at times.

Metallica are very silly boys.

So many sick riffs, so many daft lyrics. The notoriously bassless mix is such a dumb move that makes the album sound incomplete. All the songs are great, bar One for which the first half is quite meh, so long as you don't fully pay attention to the words.

Incredible, timeless sounds with soul that cannot be contained. Can't believe I've never listened to this before. MAGIC.