Reviews by jlazerus

Immensely listenable genre bending album that sounds as great as it did in 1973. Bringing the Latin vibe into the funk-rock gives the band a unique flavor that I've always really liked. A lot of great musicianship on this album. Hidden gem: Beetles in the Bog. It's got this New Orleans drumline feel with some conga and chopping funk guitar that was surprising, fun, and fascinating. I love the rhythms on this album.

Unfamiliar with this artist. I think I had a playlist based on Joni Mitchell where he showed up and I remember the song as a kind of stand-out. I could have been someone else, though.

This music is representative of something that I just can't put my finger on. I don't know what to call it. It's music that is highly regarded, but I don't see it. Other examples: Kate Bush, a lot of Bob Dylan, the band Bush ;) There's probably a German word for it. Music that 'everyone' likes, but it just rubs you the wrong way.

I almost had to turn off the the whole thing during the song Dancing - you really rhymed "fancy-pantsing" with dancing? "Certain Surprise" sounds as drugged as Martyn certainly was when they recorded this. Drugs feel good to him, I'm sure, but that voice is "infuriating" (to quote Phil Collins) - HIT THE NOTE for fuck's sake. Ugh. Sorry, just the visceral reaction I got from this.

There is definitely a free-form attitude about it, but it is more like Lightning Bolt than Coltrane. This freewheeling is possibly not done for artistic effect. Possibly he was just a problematic person who had enablers that encouraged him to surface his demons for some entertainment. It SOUNDS TO MY EARS like Martyn knows how to play and compose a kind of Nike Drake style English folk, but is so caught in his own mental shit (and wants the rest of us to feel this pain as well) that any song construction that might please the audience is eschewed. Just play the first thing that comes to mind. Sure it's unusual, but there are always critics who will give five stars to the unusual regardless of whether the music sounds good or not. As long as it's different sounding, which this certainly is.

Here's the thing. So many self-centered artists expose their pain to us, and many do it in a way that we can relate to. Kind of why we listen to music, to some degree, to get into or out of various states of mind, feelings, thoughts... I just think in Martyn's case he doesn't care whether I like the music or not. And I believe he has said so himself on many occasions. It's like the person who's "just being honest, telling it like it is." We all have our own reality. Great music intersects with the reality of artist and audience alike.
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The following is the result of asking ChatGPT to edit the above to be more concise, and I have to say I like it:
"Unfamiliar with John Martyn until he appeared on a Joni Mitchell playlist. His music, akin to the elusive category of universally liked yet divisive artists like Kate Bush or Bob Dylan, leaves me uncertain. Certain tracks, like "Dancing," made me cringe with questionable rhymes. "Certain Surprise" feels drugged and, though free-form, lacks the artistic resonance of Coltrane, leaning more towards chaotic than intentional.

Martyn's apparent disregard for audience preference suggests a self-indulgent approach. While he may possess the skill for English folk à la Nick Drake, his fixation on personal demons overshadows potential audience enjoyment. The music feels like a stream of consciousness, deviating from structured compositions that might please listeners. It's undeniably unique, but uniqueness alone doesn't guarantee quality.

Unlike artists who skillfully share relatable pain, Martyn seems uninterested in whether his music resonates. His indifference contrasts with the symbiosis of great music, where artist and audience connect. In Martyn's case, his "just being honest" approach results in a disconnect between his reality and that of his listeners."

More from my bud GPT3.5, actually reflecting many of my own feelings about this album (also think the recording is fantastic and I absolutely love the drum mix):
"Ten" by Pearl Jam is an absolute masterpiece, earning every bit of its five-star rating. From the moment you hit play, the album takes you on an exhilarating journey through the grunge era, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape.

The opening track, "Once," sets the tone with its raw energy and Eddie Vedder's unmistakably powerful vocals. Each song that follows is a testament to the band's exceptional musicianship and songwriting prowess. "Alive" and "Even Flow" showcase the dynamic interplay between the instruments, while Vedder's evocative lyrics add depth and meaning to every track.

The album's emotional core is perhaps best exemplified by "Black," a hauntingly beautiful ballad that stands as a timeless classic. Vedder's soul-stirring delivery and the poignant instrumentation create an unforgettable listening experience that resonates long after the final notes fade.

"Ten" isn't just an album; it's a cultural touchstone that encapsulates the spirit of the '90s alternative rock scene. Pearl Jam's ability to seamlessly blend grunge, rock, and introspective lyrics is unparalleled, making this album a must-listen for music enthusiasts of all genres.

In essence, "Ten" is a five-star triumph, a sonic journey that remains as impactful today as it was upon its release. Pearl Jam's debut is not just a record; it's a timeless masterpiece that deserves its place among the greatest albums of all time."

Really like the heaviness of this. Chuck D's voice has power, and FlavorFlav is really entertaining, especially "Cold Lampin'." Love the socially conscious lyrics throughout. Great disc!

I can’t fault it. On the other hand, this particular brand of 60s soul is a bit over dramatic. For me. Great musicianship and vocal harmonies and a small amount of risk taking make Cloud 9 inoffensive. Not awesome.

Great classic Brazillian Jazz, exquisite and mellow. Let Joao and Astrud Gilberto sing. The extreme closeup on Getz's tenor sax is jarring to me. Really great songs. Surprising that this was as popular as it was! First, it's mostly Portugese, and second, it's Jazz! A really important album that (sort of) defines its Jazz sub-genre. A good jumping off point for this kind of music.

This is not for me. Ute Lemper is an excellent vocalist. Hopefully she's doing some Disney soundtracks and making a living. Including this on the list feels like someone's pet project. We all know someone that tries to get you to like music that you just don't for whatever reason: "C'mon man! You HAVE to hear this!!!"

It's okay. Very heavy-handed. Maybe for another time. Elvis Costello jumped the shark a while back when he tried to do a Country album (yeah, I said it). Considering skipping blatant attempts at taste making on this list in the future.

Okay I get it. Has notes of punk, post-rock, pure noise, industrial, and traditional rock as well. Too easy to criticize, this music is more of an artistic statement than Music. Much like The Fall as an anti-music statement. The album gets SO CLOSE to being interesting at certain points. I definitely experienced some cognitive dissonance, and I think that's what these guys are after (?). There is more interesting avant-garde and noise out there, starting with Merzbow (and maybe ending with Merzbow). I might check out some of this bands newer stuff just to see where they went with this idea.

Great traditional country from the late 80s. Dwight Yoakem's voice is perfect throughout, with just the right amount of crack, yodel, and twang. Not a note out of place with a genuine swing that comes from a place of sincerity. Deep emotional content and some intriguing darkness that bears repeated listening. Almost Shakespearean at times. Excellent top to bottom, and I'm not a big Country fan, but I DO enjoy almost everything I've heard from Dwight Yoakem.

Learned this was a Chic album! Nile Rodgers, Bernard Edwards, and Tony Thompson play funk with a Pop sensibility throughout and it's kind of above criticism.

Trying to approach these albums as one would when rating a wine or beer (possibly): is it a good example of the genre? Is it well crafted? This album is certainly a well crafted piece of music, Disco or not.

As much as "We are Family" is a standout, nothing here falls flat. There are some cheesy musical tropes (breathy whispering "why?" in the call-and response, the nearly overwhelming string section), but it's all much more innocent abstractions that service the songs. This album sounds great and is an example of Chic's musical genius - songwriting, producing, and playing gives them artistic control and they thrive in the dance pop environment, obviously.

Not what I expected. A unique new take on some classic soul sounds. Kiwanuka has a great voice and that is the main appeal of this abum. It also works as an album , which is an interesting throwback concept nowadays. A little sad and lonely when you look at it next to its influences like Otis Redding or Bill Withers. Not a masterpiece by any means but you can feel Michael Kiwanuka's intention and looking forward to more. First time hearing about him - is the 1001 albums book slightly UK biased?

Good vocal quality from Martin Gore, well recorded, some cool synth sounds and darkish themes. But I didn't like it in 1987 and I still don't really like it. It just doesn't have the energy I want. You can sing some dark ballads, but give it a little emotional depth, man! Catchy tunes nonetheless, and "Personal Jesus" is always good for a laugh.

Omar Hakim saves this for me. Don’t love it. Great guitar playing but it sounds too much like a bad Springsteen impression

I saw this come up and went “ew” to myself 😬I’ll give it another chance. Did not like Dinosaur 🦕 jr at the time (even though I was the exact audience for this). Be right back…
Ok. I really like this one. It’s hard to get over the vocals but I think I am starting to understand the concept. The heaviness of the guitar, power trio factor, laissez faire attitude: tick tick tick.

I’m in. Kind of a fan now. 😬

When did the Blues become a dirge? Cause this ain’t that! Was gonna tell a story about young me and how I accidentally discovered this and how I think it was an important punk album but I’ll save it for another time.

A lot of these albums are historically important because of their influence or popularity but don’t age well. This is not one of those. Which isn’t to say it wasn’t popular and influential. It’s just a great record. Fun to listen to, soulful, all the musicians are in top form. A gem top to bottom and glad to see it on the list.

No notes. Perfect.

Hard to get past the recording quality. Jarring changes in volume that have nothing to do with dynamics in the composition. Sloppy playing doesn’t make it “punk.”
The song “lRaw Power” could be half as long. As Pru lLeith would say “it’s a bit rough and ready.“
I “Need Somebody” is a template for STP, definitely get the feeling they listened to this stuff a lot. Just not a big fan of Iggy Pop. I sort of get what he’s trying to do but the drug-addled bad boy with no regrets schtick just isn’t that appealing, especially in a historical context. Do like the heaviness and riff sensibility though.

Discarding all sense of musical conventions reminds me of both the fall and the minutemen but with less of an effort to make musical sense. Anti music Don’t take the brown acid, man. It’s “challenge music.” Side effects may include writer’s block, delusions of postmodernism, man’s inhumanity to man, and improper comparisons to abstract art.

Very avant-garde at a time when that was a term that meant something. The acid trip allusions are a bit much in this day and age but I'm sure at the time very subversive. Some intriguing sounds and themes. Music for musicologists, could be considered progressive Classical if not for rock instrumentation. Worthy of a place on the list but not something I would listen to repeatedly, though I do appreciate stuff that veers in this direction: music you might hear at an academic Art museum retrospective and go "huh!"Sort of surprising this ever got pressed. Interesting

Why didn’t I know about this back in the day. Kicks ass top to bottom. Taking away one star for the inclusion of Stephen Tyler