Imagine having this much hype prior to your record coming out and then you surpass it.
A modern classic (even though it’s now - oof - 20 years old!). As thrilling as it was when it was released, brilliantly clever lyrics and not a bad track on it. Amazing.
Rated 8/10
Some people might say it’s the same song 12 times, to them I say A WOMP BOMP A-LOO BOMP, A-WOMP BOMP BOMP
Rated 6/10
Jesus and Mary Chain have two song modes: slow 50’s style dirges and fuzzed-out rockers. Most of the time it works but occasionally you listen to one song certain that you’d literally heard the same one 4 songs ago.
Vocals are very lackadaisical which sometimes makes you cry out for them to put some welly into it.
The whole album utilises a level of reverb that makes the whole thing sound like it was recorded in a disused aircraft hanger.
BUT… a lot of it is very pretty and cool. Go figure.
Starts amazing and ends amazing. Maybe it’s sacrilege to say, but I just don’t dig the middle. Or at least not as much. And it’s not the strongest concept of all time. 3.5 but I’ll round up as 3 is way too mean.
Rated 10/10
Jesus, Muse used to be so great. This was the last of the truly great albums before it became slightly patchy (and then off the deep end bad).
Some all time classics on this and love the desert rock influence.
Rated 8/10
Timbaland is a genius.
Bring back artists just speaking to the audience and talking about making the album.
Really liked the references to other songs and had some touching tributes.
Rated 8/10
This is pretty sweet. I only knew The Bees as the Chicken Payback guys so this was a nice surprise, perfect for a sunny day. Some bits reminded me of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. And an Os Mutantes cover! Been getting into their stuff recently.
Harmonies to rival the Everly Brothers, heartfelt but not hokey
Rated 8/10
Anyone got the lyrics for this one?
Rated 8/10
Funny! Spooky! Groovy! Vibey!
Rated 4/10
I know this album is a technical marvel and basically introduced the CD to the world, but almost every song is 2 minutes too long and there’s way too much noodling. Couple of bangers yes, but not enough to save it for me. Just not a Dire Straits fan.
Rated 6/10
A complete soup of an album, all over the shop and a poorly paced story. But occasionally brilliant. And obviously basically created (or at least popularised) the rock opera.
Rated 10/10
Can see why David Lynch dug this.
What I’m learning about myself doing this list is I love an album that throws the kitchen sink against the wall and it all sticks.
Rated 6/10
Preferred the second half, felt a bit more droney and experimental. Thought the brevity of the tracks was occasionally frustrating but generally not bad.
Longest elevator ride of all time.
Very nice and pleasant. I’m not totally in the right setting for it though. Need to listen on a beach.
Rated 4/10
Holy moly, NOT my favourite Bowie era! Pretty bland funk for the most part, few decent parts. And the Across the Universe cover sounds like someone parodying Bowie singing
Rated 8/10
Just some great synth-pop. Amazing flow too!
Rated 6/10
Hmm interesting! I like Gary a great deal and think he’s done some great work in his time. This is very early synth stuff here, so often a bit boring but when it hits, it REALLY hits.
Rated 6/10
This would be good to play to my dad to convince him I’m Darth Vader from the planet Vulcan.
Anyway, pretty fun. The shooby-doo wah refrain made me laugh. Never fully grabbed me though.
Rated 8/10
An amazingly atmospheric and gloomy record without sacrificing what made the first album good. Second half is defo weaker tho - does The Asphalt World need to be over 9 mins?
