Reviews by forestfly2009

This was the first time I'd ever sat down and listened to Nas. I'd heard of him before, or seen him featured on other artist's songs, but never checked out his stuff.

I had no idea how important his music was to the development of the East Coast rap scene. This record showcased his smooth flow, and tight beats, which seem to be bass heavy, which is nice. His lyrics are less in your face than other rap/hip hop acts that I've reviewed such as N.W.A. What I noticed is a more developed, thought out method.

One other thing I appreciated is the fact that the record isn't super long like many of the other similar records I've reviewed have been. This one comes in at just shy of 40 minutes, so it keeps the music fresh, and you don't get sick of it.

Although I did enjoy this record (I listened to it twice), it didn't captivate me like other rap/hip hop artists I've reviewed. I can't figure out why either... Maybe today I'm just not feeling a rap album? I don't know. Since rap isn't my normal listening genre, I probably won't listen again, but wouldn't object to hearing it again.

Favourite songs: N.Y. State of Mind, Life's a Bitch (feat. AZ & Olu Dara), The World is Yours, Represent

Least favourite song: The Genesis (I hate skits on rap albums)

3/5

This is the second studio album by The Stooges. It flopped commercially, but achieved a large cult following later on, unlike the bands debut album, and third album.

Iggy Pop brings such energy both in his vocal delivery, and his stage presence. Listening to how gritty and raw this album is, it is no wonder The Stooges are credited with starting the punk rock movement of the 70's.

The guitar playing is fast and sludgy, the drums are played hard, and Iggy just belts lyrics like something from another dimension. At one point, towards the end of the album, they bring in a saxophonist, who plays the living shit out of the instrument!! It is played so fast and high it almost sounds like a trumpet by times!

This album has a lot of experimentation on it, which is probably why it flopped commercially. The first two songs are traditional Stooges songs, and basically the rest of the album is Iggy yelling and guitars being abused while various feedback loops are created and drums smash along in the background. All very good stuff, but not in a "radio top 40" way, more of a "I can't really play an instrument, but I can thrash on it for a long time and make it sound really cool" kinda way.

Overall, an interesting album. It certainly has its place on this list, but isn't something I would necessarily gravitate to all the time.

Favourite songs: Loose, Down on the Street, T.V. Eye

Least favourite song: Dirt

3/5

N.W.A were revolutionary in the formation of the genre of Gangsta Rap. What they did on this record would set the stage for a lot of what came out in the 90's/00's. N.W.A consisted of: Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Eazy-E, MC Ren, Arabian Prince, and DJ Yella; many of who would have successful solo careers outside of the group in later years.

I watched the movie Straight Outta Compton which follows the beginnings and career of the members of N.W.A. It was a great movie, highlighting their come up from the ghettos of Compton, the drug dealing/gang violence that they were surrounded by in their formative years, and the racism that was rampant in the USA in the 70's (especially the racism shown to black teenagers by white people in positions of authority (ie. judges and policemen)).

Given this rough upbringing, you can understand why gang violence/anarchy/misogyny are the topics covered heavily on this album.

This was music that gave a voice to the hundreds of thousands of oppressed across America (songs even got banned from radio stations (notably Fuck Tha Police)).

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this album. The sampling and flow of the album was seamless. I have listened before, and will definately listen again.

Favourite songs: Straight Outta Compton, Fuck Tha Police, Express Yourself, Gangsta Gangsta, Parental Discretion Iz Advised, Dopeman, Quiet On Tha Set, Compton's N The House (Remix)

Least favourite song: Something 2 Dance 2, Bonus Beats, If It Ain't Ruff

4/5

This is an album I am very familiar with! I can't believe it came out 11 years ago! I distinctly remember Adele's name being everywhere following the release. There are 5 singles out of 11 songs on this album, and each one recieved insane amounts of fanfare.

Adele has an amazing singing voice! It is so weird to hear her speak, then sing! It's like 2 different people. The music on this album is minimalistic, but I believe that is on purpose so that her voice is in the spotlight, which it should be!

Another crazy fact is that Adele recorded this album when she was only 21 years old. There are a lot of songs about heartbreak on this album, which she wrote after a hard breakup shortly before this album was released. There is always something to be said about an artist who writes their own material, because the pain felt through the lyrics of some of these songs is something that cannot be recreated by anyone except the person going through the breakup.

This was a phenomenal album, and I will definately listen again!

Favourite songs: Someone Like You, Rolling In The Deep, Rumour Has It, Set Fire To The Rain, Turning Tables, He Won't Go, One And Only

Least favourite song: if forced to pick, Lovesong

5/5

This is a fantastic album by the Beastie Boys; their second studio album. This album didn't get the praise that License to Ill did, but it is just as fantastic.

Beastie Boys are a hip hop group from New York. This music, at the time, was trend setting because the Boys mixed rock and hip hop seamlessly. This album is full of samples from various different artists, and the way they blend it into their beats, and make it their own, many of them pass by and you don't even notice the sample.

The lyrics are amusing by times, a few noteworthy phrases include:

From the song 3-Minute Rule: "I was making records while you were sucking your mother's dick"

From the song What Comes Around: "Rapunzel, Rapunzel let down your hair, so I can climb up and get into your underwear"

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this album. Excellent beats, great rhymes. Will definately listen again!!

Favourite songs: Egg Man, Hey Ladies, Shake Your Rump, Johnny Ryall, 3-Minute Rule, High Plains Drifter, What Comes Around, Shadrach

Least favourite songs: Car Thief, To All The Girls, The Sounds of Science

4/5

Sly & the Family Stone are a psychadelic soul/funk band. I have never heard of psychadelic soul/funk so I was unsure what I was in for.

Psychadelic funk carries the sensibilities of funk (music with heavy bass grooves) with a psychadelic writing style, and experimentation.
Sly Stone's voice is teriffic when he actually sings. By times he takes to wailing which it slightly irritating. In one song, Spaced Cowboy, he yodels the chorus, which is very weird, but not necessarily in a bad way. Another interesting note: There's a Riot Goin' On is just 4 seconds of silence. It kind of, in a roundabout way, speaks to the state of things in the late 60's - early 70's, almost offering up a moment of silence for those struggling.

Larry Graham played the shit out of the bass on this record. Interestingly, Larry is credited with inventing the "slapping" technique used on the electric bass (which is showcased in a big way on this record).

Overall, an interesting listen today. Not something I would necessarily gravitate to, but not bad.

Favourite songs: "Thank You For Talkin' To Me, Africa", Love N' Haight, Family Affair

Least favourite songs: Just Like a Baby, Spaced Cowboy, Runnin' Away, (You Caught Me) Smilin'

3/5

The only song I've ever heard by Booker T. & the M.G.'s is the namesake of this album, Green Onions. It was in the film Pulp Fiction. Because of this, I am looking forward to today's listen because Green Onions is a rockin' song!

What I discovered is more of the same for the whole album, funky, bluesy, fast, dancing music. This album is fully instrumental, which worried me at first, given my short attention span, but it was such a great album, and the songs didn't drag on like some instrumental works tend to (Avg. song length is ~3 mins).

The heavy inclusion of the Hammond Organ front and center has a tendancy to remind you of being at a baseball game, but the way that Booker T. Jones plays the shit out of the organ quickly brings you back to reality. There is one point during the song "Lonely Avenue" where Booker T. is playing so fast, that the electric keyboard can't keep up, creating a clipping sound as the keyboard tries to deliver all the notes (perhaps a downfall of the electric vs acoustic organ). I also enjoy the way each instrument has its time to shine in the spotlight, making it seem like the band is just having a ton of fun jamming together.

This was a phenomenal album, I wish it was longer. I will definately listen again.

Favourite songs: Green Onions, Mo' Onions, Lonely Avenue, Rinky Dink, You Can't Sit Down, Twist and Shout, "A Woman, A Lover, A Friend"

Least favourite song: Stranger on the Shore, Behave Yourself

4/5

Before today I'd never heard of Dion. He apparently got his start in music singing with a Doo Wop group called Dion and the Belmonts, before going off on his own, and exploring his sound a bit more.

I enjoyed this album. It wasn't something amazing or groundbreaking, but it was a nice easy listening experience. I find that Dion sounds like Van Morrison, or Simon & Garfunkel. Just a nice, easy, 70's pop rock sound. The addition of sax was great!

The Spotify link for this album is a double album (Born to Be With You/Streetheart), so it was a little longer listen than just the one album, but I didn't mind because it familiarized me with more of his work. The "Streetheart" side of the album was more upbeat and rockin' than the Born to Be With You side.

All in all, a good listening experience today. Not phenomenal, but perfectly average.

Favourite songs: Good Lovin' Man, The Way You Do The Things You Do, In and Out of the Shadows, New York City Song

Least favourite song: (He's Got) The Whole World In His Hands

3/5

I am familiar with Radiohead's early stuff (OK Computer, Pablo Honey), but mostly just the hits.

I never really got the appeal of Radiohead. I get that they are a very influential band, but I find their music so depressing and dark. Everything, right down to Thom Yorke's delivery is bleak and depressing. Thom more moans than sings most of the time, and his lyrics are so out there, that I can't make sense of what he is talking about most of the time.

This was an ok album, just not my favorite for sure. I can see the appeal for some people, I'm just not high enough I guess.

Favourite songs: Jigsaw Falling Into Place, Bodysnatchers, Reckoner

Least favourite songs: All I Need, Nude, House of Cards, Videotape

3/5

Oh great, another electronica album, this time from France. As suspected, Jean-Michel Jarre's music sounds like what aliens have sex to with its space age beeps and zaps. Set phasers to lame for this album. No one should be subjected to 40 minutes of shitty theremin music.

The whole record is one long song really, which Jarre split into 6 parts, however since it all runs together so seamlessly, it's hard to tell which track you're listening to. Luckily, I hated the whole album equally.

Apparently this dude has Guinness World Records for the highest attendance to some of his concerts, with the largest number of attendees being 3.5 million in Moscow. I don't understand how there are that many people who would willingly subject themselves to this music, but to each their own I suppose.

The one impressive thing about this album is that it came out in 1976, way ahead of its time, so I will give Jean-Michel props for that, but my God I hate electronica. I try to keep an open mind to it, but it's just not my thing I guess.

Oxygene Part 5 & 6 gave the impression that we were listening to a big ass robot moving around in the wilderness, surrounded by birds and shit, which was the only interesting part of the album, but did the robot have to shuffle around for 15 minutes? I think not. Also, why is Jarre so obsessed with wind noises? Not enough drugs for me to enjoy this.

Favourite song: Oxygene, Part 4 I guess, because it is one of the shorter tracks on the album.

Least favourite songs: The rest of the album.

1/5, thank God that's over

This album was fantastic! Before today, I had only known Randy's work with Toy Story and Monsters Inc. This album strayed from that quite a bit with the first song!!

Redneck is the first song on the album, and is sung from the perspective of a racist from the southern US. The N-word comes out a few times, which shocked the shit out of me, given all I knew of Randy. Redneck was an amazing song that was a sadly true glimpse at the state of things in the southern US in the 70's.

Randy is such a fantastic storyteller. He had such a way to paint vibrant pictures with his lyrics. Through his lyrics he spins storys complete with humour, love, and political issues.

I thoroughly enjoyed this album today, and will definately listen again!

Favourite songs: Back On My Feet Again, Redneck, Louisiana 1927, Birmingham, Kingfish, A Wedding in a Cherokee County, Naked Man

Least favourite song: Every Man A King

5/5

I only know a few Temptations songs, and one of them is on this album, so I am looking forward to listening to more of their stuff today.

The Temptations are a Soul/Funk/R&B five piece vocal group. At the time of the recording of this album, the group consisted of: Dennis Edwards (tenor) , Damon Harris (tenor) , Richard Street (baritone) , Melvin Franklin (bass) , and Otis Williams (tenor). The melding of all of these voices turned into some amazing music! When I first heard Richard Street's voice in the song The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, I could have swore it was a female singer because his voice was so high and smooth. Also, Melvin Franklin's deep bassy voice laced throughout the album just heightens the music that much more!

Of course, the one song everyone should know off of this record is Papa Was A Rollin' Stone. This rendition of the song is almost 12 minutes long, but it certainly doesn't feel it. What a story it tells of a father who is a deadbeat drunk. Another song that shocked the hell out of me was Run Charlie Run. A song that pulls no punches, and sings about a still, sadly, relevant and hot topic, racism. Do Your Thing, and Mother Nature are both awesome, funky songs.

Overall a teriffic album. Glad I listened, will probably add it to the collection.

Favourite songs: Papa Was A Rollin' Stone, Do Your Thing, Mother Nature

Least favourite song: if forced to pick, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

4/5

I am familiar with Yes, but don't know much of their catalog. The only songs I know of theirs are: Owner of a Lonely Heart, and Roundabout, neither of which are on this album, so I am looking forward to today's listen.

Yes is a prog/psychadelic rock band from Britain. This album maintained the bands sound (a heavy helping of Hammond organ playing, mixed up with some surprisingly good guitar licks, beautiful lyrical harmonies, and smooth, melodic bass), but they stretched the songs out to longer run times to allow the music to develop better. That being said, the average song length on this album is 6+ minutes. A lot of the songs are compilations, marked in the song title by their distinct parts (ie: "Starship Trooper:A) Life Seeker, B) Disillusion, C) Wurm", or "I've Seen All Good People: A) Your Move, B) All Good People").

Because of this extended length, I found it really hard to maintain focus most of the time. The music was beautiful, but one song ran into the next and became very hard to differentiate between.

Is it just me, or does the first organ lick in the song Yours Is No Disgrace share the same rhythm with the "new British emergency services phone number" from The IT Crowd: 0118-999-881-999-119-725....3, lol

Favourite song: The Clap (an instrumental number that is just acoustic guitar, but it shows amazing technique)

Least favourite songs: Perpetual Change (there is a squeal that plays at one point in the song that almost made me go deaf, it was so high pitched), A Venture

3/5

This is a phenomenal album! Say what you will about Nirvana, but Kurt Cobain was way ahead of his time, and played a big part in the grunge movement that happened in Seattle in the 90's.

This lineup of Nirvana was amazing. Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and Dave Grohl!

This album starts off with 5 a-list songs in a row: Smells Like Teen Spirit, In Bloom, Come As You Are, Breed, and Lithium! Territorial Pissings is such a raw and heavy song!!! Drain You is another gem!

Dave is solid on drums, Kurt's guitar playing is so sludgy and raw, and Krist ties it all together with some phenomenal bass playing!

Finally, an amazing album after an underwhelming week of obscure British bands and electronic garbage.

Love this album!

Favourite songs: Breed, Smells Like Teen Spirit, In Bloom, Drain You, Come As You Are, Lithium, Lounge Act, Territorial Pissings

Least favourite song: "Endless, Nameless". I think Kurt and the band created a perfect album, then as a way of trolling the album listeners, added this song in (which is just noise and screaming) for a laugh.

5/5 easy!!!

This album was a challenge to listen to. The only way I could keep somewhat focused is by putting it on in the background while I worked.

The whole album is just slow electronica/trip hop, with random sampling thrown in, and subtle hints of reggae. It wasn't bad for what it was, but it certainly isn't some revolutionary album, in my mind at least. Also, 1hr and 15 minutes of this kind of music is way too long.

One song faded into another with this album, making it hard to pick a favourite. The album, if listened to all at once, would easily lull you off to sleep. It may be enjoyable while baked, but sober, it is nothing but trance enducing elevator music.

Favourite song: if forced to pick, Dreddoverboard. Pipes Honour wasn't bad as well.

Least favourite songs: pretty much the rest of the album. There were a few good songs throughout, but everything blended so bad, I don't know which ones they were

2/5

Before today I had never heard of Hookworms before, so I had no idea what I was in for. What I discovered was a very ambient, almost atmospheric sound, with heavy electronic backing, and distant, layered lyric delivery. The music has strong phychadelic rock/electronica vibes to it, with a very strong beat.

Although I have had issue with most electronica on this 1001 Albums Generator, I enjoyed this stuff. Perhaps it was the inclusion of a singer, perhaps it was the inclusion of an actual beat, either way it worked. Hookworms sounds similar to MGMT who I have reviewed before. A lot of the songs on this album run into each other like a compilation, which I enjoyed. It made it a better listening experience.

Apparently this album was a huge change from their previous works, and it ended up being their last album as a band.

Overall, I enjoyed this album. It isn't something I would gravitate to often, but it wasn't bad at all.

Favourite songs: Ullswater, Negative Space, Static Resistance, Opener

Least favourite songs: Boxing Day, Reunion

3/5

This is the debut studio album from Buzzcocks. I've heard the band name before, but never listened to any of their music.

This summer I listened to an episode of The Ongoing History of New Music Podcast where Alan Cross, the host, was talking about the beginnings of punk rock. In the UK, Buzzcocks were very important in the increase in popularity or this genre. They were right up there with The Sex Pistols and The Clash.

Pete Shelley, unlike those other two bands I just mentioned, wrote more polished material, and the music played by the band felt more thought out. It was still hard and fast, but it at least had a direction.

This album covered topics that adolescents considered important, such as sex, romance, and hating things (lol). There is one song where Shelley, I believe, is referring to his cock as a "love battery".... "I got this crazy current that slips through my underwear, and when it really connects, I come and go everywhere".

Overall, a great album, and an interesting look at the beginnings of punk in the UK.

Favourite songs: Love Battery, You Tear Me Up, Get On Our Own, I Don't Mind, Fast Cars, No Reply

Least favourite songs: Sixteen, Moving Away From The Pulsebeat (a 7 minute punk song is just wrong)

4/5

I've only recently discovered Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds upon the recommendation of a friend. The album he recommended was Murder Ballads. That album is very different than this album. This album is a departure from their typical post punk/rock sound for a more intimate, almost entirely piano based style.

Many people write off Nick Cave because of his baritone voice and unique lyric delivery. I find that with the slow piano accompaniment on this album it melds quite well.

I immediately recognized People Ain't No Good from the movie Shrek 2. This album had themes of romance, religion, and heartbreak. "Where Do We Go Now But Nowhere?" was a heart wrenching song about love and mental illness.

Overall, I enjoyed this album. Not something I would often gravitate to because it is very heavy.

Favourite songs: People Ain't No Good, Into My Arms, Lime Tree Arbour, Brompton Oratory

Least favourite song: Black Hair (do ya think she had black hair?)

3/5

This album was not my favourite. Fiona Apple can be grouped into the same kind of emotional, piano heavy, jazzy pop music as Sarah McLachlan. Perhaps if Sarah didn't get the rights to the musical accompaniment of advertisements about adopting cats that have burdocks stuck to them and dogs with eating disorders, they could have used Fiona. It is the same moaning, low, slow, boring dribble.

Fiona has a nice voice, but she hangs out in the low part of her register and only adds a bit of spice and hits high notes every once and again, so the lyrics drone on and kind of wash out amid the slow ballad of strings and piano. The music itself is well performed, but when combined with Fiona's singing, it just is so boring and depressing.

The first 4 songs on the album aren't bad (Sullen Girl is slow and depressing, but Shadowboxer comes on right after that to inject more energy into the album again). But once the song Slow Like Honey starts, look out, because it's all depressing, boring songs from there on out

It's definately a no from me.

Favourite songs: Criminal, Shadowboxer, Sleep to Dream

Least favourite songs: The First Taste (fyi: a one minute moaning session to finish off a song is too long), Pale September, The Child Is Gone, Slow Like Honey, Sullen Girl, Never Is A Promise

2/5

This is a phenomenal album!! I cannot believe Jane's Addiction is a late 80's band. They definately don't sound it! I would assume mid 90's, so they were definate trend setters with the alternative rock movement.

They also had a hand in starting Lollapalooza in the states (a yearly celebration of alternative rock). I just recently listened to a podcast about it.

The guitar playing is so hard, sludgy, and fast. Their guitarist is definately a hidden gem as far as guitar virtuosos go. Perry Marshall's voice is so recognizable with its gravelly nature, and unique delivery. The bass and drumming throughout are phenomenal.

Songs on this record covered some SHOCKING topics such as: abandonment, drug use, Ted Bundy... but I think my favourite lyrics come from a song about shower thoughts: "The water is so fucking hot, it beats on my neck, and I'm pissing on myself, standing in the shower... thinking"

Overall, I loved this album. Right up my alley music-wise. Don't know why I didn't delve into Jane's Addiction sooner.

Favourite songs: Mountain Song, Jane Says, Pigs in Zen, Ocean Size, "Ted, Just Admit It...", Standing in the Shower... Thinking

Least favourite song: Summertime Rolls

5/5