Reviews by infidsp90

Listening to xx by The xx was a beautifully calm and immersive experience. The album has a very distinctive atmosphere, built around minimalistic instrumentals, soft vocals, and subtle electronic elements. There is something incredibly soothing about the way everything comes together without ever feeling too overwhelming. The interplay between Romy and Oliver's voices is one of the album's strongest features, creating a delicate balance between intimacy and emotional distance. The production is clean and restrained, allowing every guitar note, beat, and vocal detail to breathe. Rather than relying on big musical moments or dramatic arrangements, the album finds its strength in simplicity. Songs like Intro and VCR set the mood perfectly, while tracks such as Crystalised and Islands bring a little more rhythm and movement without disrupting the overall atmosphere. I particularly enjoyed how the music feels both melancholic and comforting at the same time. There is a sense of nostalgia running throughout the record, even though its sound feels timeless. It is the kind of album that works especially well when you want to slow down, disconnect from everything around you, and simply enjoy the music. I also appreciated the space between the sounds, as the silence and subtle details are just as important as the melodies themselves. Although the album maintains a fairly consistent mood, it never becomes boring or repetitive. Overall, xx is a beautiful example of how less can truly be more, offering a peaceful, intimate, and memorable listening experience.

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme by Simon & Garfunkel was quite an interesting listen, even if it’s not really my usual kind of music. It has a very distinctive sound and a style that feels different from what I normally go for. The folk influences, acoustic arrangements, and beautiful vocal harmonies give the album a unique character. I can definitely appreciate the songwriting and the attention to detail in the music. Some songs stood out more than others, while a few didn't quite connect with me. There’s a certain warmth and simplicity to the album that makes it pleasant to listen to. The lyrics are often thoughtful and sometimes a little unusual, which adds to its charm. I also liked how the music manages to feel both gentle and emotionally rich. That said, I didn't find myself completely drawn into it. Perhaps it's one of those albums that needs the right mood to fully appreciate. I can understand why it's considered an important record in their discography. It may not be something I'll return to very often, but I'm glad I gave it a listen. Overall, a unique and enjoyable experience, even if it didn't fully win me over.

Let Love Rule by Lenny Kravitz is a decent debut album with a lot of character, even if it doesn't completely stand out. It has a nice blend of rock, soul, funk, and a bit of psychedelic influence that gives it a distinct vintage feel. You can definitely hear the influences of artists from the 60s and 70s throughout the record. The overall sound is warm, organic, and quite laid-back, which works well with its retro style. Some songs are catchy and have a good groove, while others feel a little repetitive and could have used more variety. Kravitz does a good job showing his musical versatility, playing several instruments and bringing a personal touch to the album. The title track is probably one of the highlights, with its positive message and relaxed atmosphere. There are also moments where the songwriting feels a bit too familiar, as if the album is leaning heavily on its influences rather than finding its own identity. Still, there's a certain charm to the whole thing that makes it an enjoyable listen. It's not an album that blew me away, but it has enough good moments to keep things interesting. Overall, a solid start to Kravitz's career, even if it's not something I'd rush to revisit.

not interesting…

A really nice, atmospheric little album. The instrumental passages create a relaxed, almost hypnotic mood that makes it perfect for unwinding and letting your mind wander. Nothing too demanding, just great textures, rhythms and a lovely immersive atmosphere. I particularly enjoy how the music slowly unfolds without ever feeling rushed or forced. There's a subtle experimental edge to it, but everything flows together very naturally. It has a dreamy, almost meditative quality that makes it easy to get lost in. A short but very enjoyable listen that leaves you wanting to come back to it.

Not my taste…

Brilliant Corners by Thelonious Monk is a lovely little jazz gem that makes for a perfect relaxing evening. It’s short, sweet, and harmonious, without ever feeling boring or predictable. Monk has a way of making the piano sound both playful and effortlessly cool. The music feels like a conversation between old friends, occasionally interrupted by someone with a particularly interesting opinion. There’s a nice balance between calm, warmth, and little moments of musical mischief. It’s relaxing without being sleepy, which is always a bonus when you’re trying to unwind without accidentally summoning a nap. The album has a timeless quality that makes it feel just as fitting for a quiet evening at home as for a late-night drink. I especially enjoyed how everything feels so natural, despite the complexity hiding beneath the surface. It’s the kind of jazz that doesn’t demand your full attention but rewards you when you give it. A brief but satisfying listen that leaves you in a slightly better mood than before. Perfect for winding down, pretending to understand jazz theory, or simply enjoying the fact that some things don’t need to be overcomplicated.

Elephant Mountain is a decent album, but nothing particularly extraordinary. It has a nice overall sound and a few enjoyable moments, though it doesn’t really stand out. The songs are generally solid, and there’s a certain charm to the album that makes it easy enough to listen to. However, some tracks feel a bit forgettable, and I didn’t find myself wanting to come back to them. It’s not a bad album by any means, just one that doesn’t leave much of a lasting impression. The atmosphere works well, and there’s enough here to keep things interesting for the most part. Still, it feels like something is missing to make it truly special. I can appreciate what the album is going for, even if it doesn’t fully click with me. Overall, it’s a perfectly fine listen, but not something I’d go out of my way to revisit. A solid but fairly unremarkable album.

Honestly, this felt like a bad copy of the Beatles, and I couldn't really get into it. I can see what The Kinks were going for, but the whole thing just didn't click for me. The melodies and harmonies often felt like they were trying too hard to capture that Beatles-esque sound without bringing much of their own magic to the table. The songwriting has its moments, but nothing really stood out enough to keep me interested. Even when the album tries to be clever or satirical, it doesn't always land the way it should. I also found the whole theatrical, concept-album approach a bit tiresome after a while. There are some decent ideas here, and I can appreciate the ambition behind the project, but the execution left me pretty cold. The production and arrangements didn't do much to change my mind either. Maybe it works better if you're already a big fan of The Kinks, but I just wasn't feeling it. Overall, this was a pretty forgettable listen for me. Not terrible in every aspect, but definitely not an album I'd be in a hurry to revisit.

Siembra by Willie Colón and Rubén Blades is a really enjoyable album with some great music and a lot of personality. I especially liked the rhythms and the way the instruments come together to create such a lively, danceable sound. The salsa arrangements are full of energy, and the percussion and brass really stand out. You can tell there’s a lot of musicianship behind the music, and the album has a sound that feels both rich and natural. However, I wasn’t the biggest fan of the singer’s voice, which didn’t quite work for me personally. I found myself enjoying the instrumentals more than the vocals at times. That said, the lyrics touch on social and political themes, giving the album more depth than just something to dance to. The song “Pedro Navaja” is a standout, with its storytelling and almost cinematic feel. I also appreciate how the album blends entertainment with commentary on everyday life and society. Even when the vocals weren’t entirely my thing, the grooves kept me interested throughout. Overall, Siembra is a strong and influential salsa album that I enjoyed mostly for its music, arrangements, and infectious rhythms.

Not for me…

Fly Or Die by Nerd feels less like a fully formed record and more like the soundtrack to a teenage Hollywood movie that was cancelled halfway through filming. There’s an unmistakable sense of youthful energy here, but unfortunately, the maturity level rarely seems to rise above the cafeteria table. At times, it sounds like the school’s rookie band has been given a recording budget and is determined to make sure absolutely everyone knows about it. The songs are loud, eager, and desperate to be noticed, like someone repeatedly raising their hand even when the teacher hasn’t asked a question.
There are moments of genuine musical ambition, but they’re buried beneath an almost adolescent need to prove how cool and rebellious everything is. The attitude often feels less like authentic swagger and more like a teenager practicing their “I don’t care” face in the mirror. It has the kind of dramatic intensity that would work perfectly during a slow-motion montage of teenagers running through a high school hallway. Unfortunately, outside that imaginary movie, it can come across as rather forced. The production and performances sometimes reinforce that feeling, giving the whole thing the slightly overexcited atmosphere of a garage band that has just discovered distortion pedals.
That’s not to say Fly Or Die is completely without charm. There’s enthusiasm here, and you can certainly hear a band having fun and throwing ideas at the wall. The problem is that too many of those ideas seem to have arrived wearing oversized sunglasses and demanding attention. Instead of sounding dangerous, it often sounds like it wants to be dangerous. Instead of rebellious, it can feel like rebellion with a permission slip signed by Mom.
Ultimately, Fly Or Die is an energetic but immature album that occasionally mistakes attitude for substance. It reminded me less of a groundbreaking rock record and more of the nerdy school band desperately trying to become legendary before graduation. Maybe that was the point, but if so, they nailed the teenage part a little too well. Fly or die? More like grow up or go home.

I honestly thought I wouldn’t like Dummy by Portishead, but it ended up being pretty nice. It’s a really calm and atmospheric album that’s easy to get lost in. The production has this dark, dreamy feeling without being too overwhelming. Beth Gibbons’ voice was probably my favorite part—it’s soft, soothing, and a little haunting. Even when the songs feel sad, there’s something comforting about them. I liked how the album doesn’t try too hard and just lets the mood carry everything. Some tracks stood out more to me than others, but overall it was a very consistent listen. It has a really distinct 90s trip-hop sound that still feels pretty fresh. I wouldn’t say it completely blew me away, but I definitely enjoyed it more than I expected. It’s the kind of album I could see myself putting on late at night. Definitely worth a listen if you want something chill and atmospheric.

Did not manage to finish the album. Unfortunately not my cup of tea.

3 + 3 starts off promising, with the Isley Brothers’ smooth vocals and soulful grooves making a strong first impression. Unfortunately, the album becomes repetitive and loses momentum as it goes on. There are some standout moments, but overall, it felt more tedious than memorable. The musicianship is solid throughout, and the blend of funk, soul, and R&B is undeniably well executed. Still, the songs don’t always have enough variety to keep things interesting. I can appreciate its influence and importance, but it ultimately wasn’t an album I found myself wanting to revisit.

I couldn’t get past the third song…

Kate Bush’s Hounds of Love is an album I really wanted to love, especially given how highly regarded it is, but it didn’t quite click with me as a whole.
The obvious standout is “Running Up That Hill”, which is easily my favorite track on the album. It has this dramatic, almost hypnotic quality, with a fantastic synth-driven sound and a vocal performance that gives the song a real sense of urgency. It’s one of those songs where everything seems to come together perfectly.
Unfortunately, I found the rest of the album much less compelling. A lot of the songs felt flat and somewhat repetitive to me, and I often found myself waiting for them to develop into something more exciting. There are certainly interesting ideas in the production, and I can appreciate how distinctive Kate Bush’s approach was, but appreciating the ambition and actually enjoying the listening experience were two different things for me.

An okay listen for a rainy autumn night. There’s something undeniably fitting about the warm, melancholy atmosphere of What’s Going On when the weather is grey and everything outside feels a little slower. Gaye’s voice is beautiful, and the album’s themes of war, poverty, love, and social unrest give it a weight that still comes through.
It’s thoughtful, soulful, beautifully arranged, and very much a product of its time without feeling completely trapped in it. Just not a personal favorite — although perhaps a rainy autumn evening was exactly the right setting to give it a chance.

No comments…

I really wanted to like Pelican West, but it just wasn’t for me. The songs are catchy and the band is clearly talented, but the whole thing is just a little too bright, polished, and cheerful for my taste. There’s lots of sax, funky guitars, and that very distinctive early-80s sound, and I think I’ve finally accepted that I just don’t like the 80s as a genre. Nothing wrong with the album itself—I just didn’t enjoy listening to it. Overall Not for me. Well made, undeniably catchy, but I think I may simply have a 1980s problem.