Reviews by henry-winchester

Would have loved to have heard this at the time. Talking Heads just totally did their own thing, didn't they?

Not a huge fan of Portishead's 90s albums, but this blew my socks off. You can feel the influence of Radiohead and Goldfrapp (both of whom were probably influenced by Portishead), as well as the beginnings of Geoff Barrow's work with Beak > and his soundtracks. I admire the way it doesn't sound like other music of this era, too.

Shit music.

Just totally doing their own thing. Essential.

Me during "Alive:" Pearl Jam must have been the most incredible band of the 90s, neatly segueing stadium rock and grunge, this track is amazing, this album has got to be a 5/5.

Me towards the end of "10:" Pearl Jam must have been the worst band of the 90s, awkwardly straddling boring and indulgent, this album has got to be a 1/5.

I do feel a bit sorry for Snoop. Here in the UK, at least, he's become a novelty act, appearing in ads, in a way that feels just a teeny bit racist. I guess he's making lots of money.
So it's easy to forget how he started out. This album just hits; that synth bass, the way his voice is mixed, the songwriting, it's all just so good, and it keeps moving and never feels too long. Admittedly, it's puerile in places, and Snoop does love rapping about his balls for some reason, but it's a reminder that he's one of the west coast's most talented rappers and not just a caricature used to sell fast food delivery services.

I have no recollection of listening to this, but I also know it was great. I'm not entirely sure how I know this, but it is completely true.

Not as bad as I thought it was going to be. RHCP without the hubris.

I want to like Willie Nelson, but this album just strips all the songs of their energy and replaces it with dopey country. Sorry, Willie!

The Spotify link is correct here, even if it seems wrong! "In A Doghouse" is a compilation of early Throwing Muses work, and the first 10 tracks are actually "Throwing Muses" (the album). And it's great!

Totally T-boned by Fishbone! Bonin' in the Boneyard is boney.

More silly than intimidating now, apart from the homophobia, which is downright terrifying.

Got into this about 20 years ago, then went off it. It's all over the place! I think it's at its best when it's going in random folk-psych directions, like "Go Down Easy." Not so keen on the faux-Americana bits.

Fucking "Yellow Submarine" can fuck right off piss-stained submersible twat.

Sounds a little conservative by today's standards, but it's easy to underestimate just how important this was at the time. Johnny Rotten's sneer still sounds as fresh as ever though.

This is beautiful, magical soul with an indie slant. I was really enjoying it, but then it just ended at what felt like the halfway point. Unusual to find an album that's too shot here.

Indulgent and spread a little thin, but I like the way that this is a bit more trip-hop-pop than her later, more big-band works, and I admire the honesty of her lyrics.

I get a bit lost with all the Nick Drakes and Tim Buckleys, but this is good.

For the longest time, I thought JJ and John Cale were the same person. But they couldn't be more different. This is great, building and surging nicely, and definitely an influence on Belle and Sebastien.

Great production, slightly bland songwriting though.