Reviews by kenny-mike

The Band came up from the Basement, and from behind Bob Dylan, to record their own album. It is fantastic. So is their self-titled second album. This was recorded in two weeks, live and without overdubbing, per Wikipedia - its strength is the chemistry the band enjoys.

Don’t miss the great story song “Long Black Veil,” the strong penultimate “This Wheel’s on Fire,” the jam “Chest Fever,” or the beautiful closer “I Shall Be Released.”

Some great musical ability on display. But. I think the problem is a vocal performance and lyrics that lack emotion depth. Like a 70s metal band…if you like those you will like this.

If you read about Tom Waits - say, on Spotify - you will notice they mention:

— many genres
— many instruments
— garage lids

You’ll also see lots of adjectives and commas — all in pursuit of some way to describe what this eclectic blues, jazz, cabaret, story-telling artist is all about.

My favorite album is the one that precedes this (Swordfishtrombones) - that is a 5/5 and this one rounds up to 5.

I know it seems like splitting hairs, but I don’t take a great interest in rock ‘n’ roll before 1964. (Blues, yes.) But I must admit, this sounds pretty good. Not sure if it is the magic of remastering, but the music was strong and the half hour was enjoyable.

This album has a fantastic and diversified sound. I really enjoyed it. The first song or two might be familiar to you. A couple favorites on first listen were "You're So Great" and "Death of a Party," but that could change on the next well-deserved listen.

OK, I will rate this 4 Stars if you would be willing to go back one year to Fishbone’s “Truth & Soul.” The Pixies are attempting what Fishbone accomplished perfectly with their album a year earlier: a cutting edge suite of songs weaving multiple genres together into a hard edged, hard rock tapestry. Love that album. And I like this one.

This album is well crafted and you just may love it.

The cover says it all. Joyful flamboyance with a smoldering cigarette in the center.

This album and I go way back and I can only give it 5 stars, even if there are two songs weaker than the others. But I agree it’s CS’s best, though for a complete experience step back one album and make sure to listen to Maybe You’re Right, I Think I See the Light, and Trouble - all songs included on the soundtrack to Harold & Maude along with some from Tillerman. An inspired soundtrack for sure.

These early Elvis Costello albums are great fun, lots of energy, love the sound.

This album had mixed reviews upon release but its acclamation has steadily grown. I’m still with those early reviewers, and not sure what the big fuss is about.

But… a little fuss is warranted! So I’m rounding up to 4 for the musicality and the strength of its best songs (which are also the most familiar).

Strong album. I listened a couple times because it grew on me the more I relaxed into its sound and the more familiar it became. I really like some of the deeper cuts too.

The 1 star reviews by some on this site seem completely unserious and childish. Just had to say that.

These are tight pop songs that aren’t quite memorable but so pleasant - especially when the rhythm guitars and percussion create a bright little “pop jam.” In the best moments I’m reminded of early Talking Heads, or live Talking Heads, or if the horns kick in…end game Talking Heads.

I wish I could round up to 4 but it’s not quite there - best 3 you could ask for.

This is beyond reasonable dispute one of the greatest albums of all time, so I will only add these thoughts to those who only hearing it now, 50-60 years after its release.

1) you have to think in terms of chronology. This album is from 1967, and it is the headwaters of so much that would later be dubbed “alternative.” Basically, most of my favorite music starts here. (The rest begins with the Beatles.)

2) again, 1967! What a year! It’s unbelievable the albums released this year which included the Doors first album, the first two Jimi Hendrix albums, Sgt Pepper, and more.

3) don’t try this at home… well, try the music but not the lifestyle choices being described. For example, Heroin… please just don’t. This album transports you to the New York underside circa 1967, but also to its art scene - which is why you get Andy Warhol involved in the mix as well. There is deconstruction, some self-destruction, and beauty.

Wow, I said too much…

make sure to also listen to their second album (self titled) and to Loaded.

You will hear this described as power pop, retro, blues rock, and proto-punk. There's a lot of different sounds going on here but it fits together. My favorite songs were Yesterday's Numbers and Whiskey Woman. I didn't love the title track but its lyrics were something Billie Joe Armstrong would have written if he grew up in the 60s:

When you see me
Better turn your tail and run
'Cause I'm angry
And I'll mess you up for fun
I'm a child of atom bombs
And rotten air and Vietnams, I'm you
You are me

FYI - the original album went up to Track 9 (Whiskey Woman) and everything that follows are bonus tracks from the CD release years later. The bonus tracks are covers of early 60s songs like "That'll Be the Day" and Walking the Dog... they sound GOOD.

I love good rap / hip hop that has a story to tell and something to say… but… not willing to dig through the profanity, violence, and misogyny to find it.

Apparently thee are mostly cover songs, woven together and his own testament. There are a few that are poorly done, but it’s clear he doesn’t care what you think about that.

Tough empathy. Sentiment breaking up from the hard ground.

Most powerful song for me: “I Hung My Head.” (Written by…Sting?!)

Post-punk at its earliest and finest! So minimalistic so energetic so good. If you like this, leapfrog to 1997’s “Dig Me Out” by Sleater-Kinney.

Bob Marley is an important artist, I just don’t know if I would return to this album much. For reggae please drop the needle on “The Harder They Come” (soundtrack) and Pato Barton’s “Never Give In.” Thank you, and sorry.

A little better than expected with a 70s Eno & Talking Heads vibe… I don’t think it’s just familiarity that makes “Cars” stand out though.

I am not sure the editors of 1001 know much about Cabaret or Broadway, and I’m not sure many of us do either. So here’s 4 stars from someone who has no business judging this album, because it had the air of quality and some stand out lyrics and some high class contributors.