Reviews by kitch82

Yankee Hotel Foxtrot was my second album by Wilco. I really enjoyed Being There, so I went into this expecting big things and it definitely delivered.

This is a fantastic album. I had it playing over and over throughout the evening, and it got better with every listen. It’s proof that American bands can make brilliant indie music, blending thoughtful songwriting with experimental and ambient sounds in a way that feels natural rather than forced. The album manages to sound both warm and distant at the same time, which gives it a really unique atmosphere.

I’ll definitely be coming back to this one again.

Favourite tracks: Reservations is a lovely track, and I really enjoyed I Am Trying to Break Your Heart. Honestly, every song on the album brings something worthwhile.
Least favourite tracks: Every song deserves its place on the album.
Album artwork: A really cool and memorable cover, even if I’m still not entirely sure what I’m looking at.

Tigermilk is a really lovely album, and I was pleased to see it come up on a sunny Friday morning. I’ve always liked Belle and Sebastian, and this album is a great example of their unique style and sound.

Their music feels whimsical, beautiful, and eclectic, blending indie pop with thoughtful storytelling in a way that was very different from much of what was around at the time. Every song is packed with lovely lyrics, and the album flows naturally from start to finish. While I probably prefer later albums like The Boy with the Arab Strap and tracks such as Step Into My Office, Baby, this is still a really enjoyable listen.

I especially love Stuart Murdoch’s voice. It’s soft, understated, and perfect for storytelling. His lyrics really connect throughout the album, and songs like The State I Am In feel deeply personal while still being relatable and meaningful.

Favourite tracks: Mary Jo, Expectations, and The State I Am In are all lovely tracks.
Least favourite tracks: Every song deserves its place on the album.
Album artwork: Like most Belle & Sebastian covers, it’s simple, stylish, and thoughtfully designed.

From the album cover alone, you can already tell that The B-52's don’t take themselves too seriously, and that immediately gives you a sense that The B-52's is going to be a fun listen.

And it absolutely is. The album is packed with humour, personality, and energy, and it sounds completely different from a lot of the music coming out in the late 70s. There’s a weirdness and individuality to it that makes it stand out straight away. It mixes new wave, surf rock, pop, and dance music into something that feels playful, colourful, and genuinely fresh.

What really works is the energy running through the whole album. The music has a brilliant rhythm to it, the vocals are eccentric in the best possible way, and everything feels carefree and full of life. It’s not trying to be deep or overly serious — it just wants you to have fun, and that attitude makes the album incredibly easy to enjoy.

Even when the songs are silly, there’s something really catchy and memorable about them. It feels like a band fully embracing their own strange identity and having a great time doing it.

Favourite tracks: “Rock Lobster” is a brilliant, fun, catchy tune and easily the standout for me

Least favourite tracks: Nothing on the album is terrible — it’s consistently entertaining throughout

Album artwork: Great album cover. I love how the image pops against the bright yellow background — it perfectly matches the quirky energy of the music

Bandwagonesque by Teenage Fanclub is an album I’d always meant to get around to, so I was genuinely looking forward to finally giving it a proper listen.

To really get a feel for it, I ended up listening to it two or three times throughout the day. It definitely didn’t grab me on the first listen, and initially I actually found it quite difficult to get into. But over time it started to click. It’s very much a grower of an album, with a dark, slightly moody atmosphere that slowly pulls you in the more familiar you become with it.

Looking back now, you can really hear how influential it was. Coming out in 1991, it feels like an early blueprint for a lot of indie music that followed. The mix of distorted guitars, melodic songwriting, and laid-back vocals gives it a sound that still feels fresh and authentic.

What I liked most is how easy it becomes to listen to once it settles in with you. It’s not packed with huge singles or dramatic moments, but it has a consistency and warmth that makes you want to return to it again. By the end of the day, I found myself appreciating it far more than I expected after that first listen.

Favourite tracks: “December” is a brilliant track with a fantastic opening riff and probably the moment the album really clicked for me

Least favourite tracks: There aren’t really any weak tracks — every song feels like it deserves its place on the album

Album artwork: Love the cover — simple, colourful, and very memorable

I’ve never really understood Portishead. I can appreciate the atmosphere they create, but I often find the music ultimately forgettable. I scored Dummy a 1/5 and found it pretty dull, so I went into Third hoping it might change my mind.

Unfortunately, it didn’t. Third feels like an album that’s trying to be deliberately abstract and experimental, but for me it never really lands. I struggled to understand what it was aiming for, and there aren’t any real standout moments that pull you in. The songs drift along without much variation, and while the sound is moody and atmospheric, it rarely develops into anything memorable or engaging.

Lyrically, nothing really stood out either, and combined with the slow, brooding production, the album ends up feeling quite flat. It’s one of those records that just passes by without leaving much of an impression, despite its clear intent to be something more distinctive.

Favourite tracks: “Machine Gun” was probably the most trck along with Silence.

Least favourite tracks: Nothing individually awful, but much of the album blends together and feels uneventful

Album artwork: I really like the cover, its simple but effective, and more striking than the music itself

(Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd) by Lynyrd Skynyrd just isn’t for me. It sits firmly in that Southern rock space that I’ve never really connected with, and this album didn’t do anything to change that.

At times it feels like a rougher, less compelling take on Neil Young’s style, but without the same depth or individuality. I can see why it might appeal to fans of the genre, and there’s clearly a strong identity to the band’s sound, but personally I struggled to find anything that really grabbed me or made me want to come back for more.

I gave it a couple of listens to be fair, but it never clicked. Compared to something like Fine Art by Kneecap, which feels fresh and interesting, this just didn’t hold my attention in the same way.

Favourite tracks: Nothing really stood out or stuck with me

Least favourite tracks: The album felt quite flat throughout, with no tracks that broke through or lifted it

Album artwork: Fairly standard cover, nothing particularly memorable

Machine Gun Etiquette by The Damned is a genuinely fun listen and, for me, punk at its best. It’s full of energy, attitude, and personality, but what really makes it stand out from other punk albums is its sense of humour. Where a lot of punk can feel aggressive or heavy, this is much more light-hearted and playful, which makes it incredibly easy to enjoy.

The album has everything you’d want from the genre. The guitar work is sharp and lively, the hooks are catchy, and the lyrics have a wit about them that keeps things interesting throughout. It never feels like a slog. It’s one of those albums that you can throw on at any time and just enjoy from start to finish, and it definitely feels like one I’ll be coming back to.

Favourite tracks: “Love Song”, “Liar”, and “I Just Can’t Be Happy Today” are all standout tracks and great examples of what the album does so well

Least favourite tracks: There isn’t really a weak track on here — it’s consistently strong throughout

Album artwork: Cool cover, fits the band and the energy of the album really well

Before and After Science by Brian Eno is a bit of an odd one. It’s the kind of album that’s very easy to have on in the background, and while it’s undeniably well put together, I came away feeling like there’s nothing particularly wrong with it… but also not much that really stands out or pulls you back in for another listen.

It has that typical Eno feel, drifting between art rock and more ambient, atmospheric moments. You can appreciate the textures and the production, and there’s clearly a lot of thought behind it, but it never quite clicks into something memorable. It feels more like a mood piece than an album full of songs you’d actively go back to.

Given how many Brian Eno records appear on this list, I’m not convinced this one was essential. It’s fine for what it is, but it doesn’t leave much of a lasting impression compared to some of his other work.

Favourite tracks: “Spider and I” is a decent closer and probably the one that stood out the most

Least favourite tracks: There are quite a few long, slow instrumentals that drift by without really going anywhere and make parts of the album feel a bit dull

Album artwork: Fairly standard cover, nothing particularly striking

I’ve never really got into Fleetwood Mac beyond Rumours, which is just hit after hit and genuinely superb. Every track feels purposeful and it manages to be both cohesive and varied at the same time. It’s a brilliant album and a tough benchmark for anything to live up to.

So going into Tusk, I was interested to see how it would compare. Straight away, it feels like a very different kind of record. Where Rumours is polished and full of big moments, Tusk is more relaxed, more experimental, and a lot less concerned with delivering obvious hits. It’s got a chilled, almost understated feel to it, and at times it feels like the band are just exploring ideas rather than trying to land big, memorable songs.

That approach makes it an easy listen in many ways. It flows nicely, there’s a certain style and atmosphere to it, and you can appreciate the creativity behind it. But at the same time, it doesn’t grab your attention in the same way. It lacks the energy and consistency of Rumours, and there aren’t many tracks that really jump out and demand a replay.

Favourite tracks: “Sara” is a really nice, mellow standout and probably the track that stayed with me the most
Least favourite tracks: Nothing I disliked. Everything is worth a listen, it just blends together a bit and doesn’t leave a huge impression
Album artwork: Cool album cover, I like the dog.

I didn’t realise before listening that Solange is Beyoncé’s sister. Going in, I wasn’t sure this would be my kind of album, but I was open to it.

Overall, it’s a very pleasant and easy listen. Solange has a great voice, and the production is smooth, polished, and really well put together. There’s also a clear social message running through the album, which adds depth and purpose. That said, nothing really jumped out at me as a standout moment or a track I’d go back to. It all blends together a bit too much.

There are some solid collaborations throughout, and while the album is consistently good, it never quite reaches that “wow” level for me.

Interestingly, I’d say this is better than any album I’ve heard from Beyoncé, even if it didn’t fully connect with me.

Favourite tracks: Nothing really stood out, but everything was a decent listen
Least favourite tracks: Same as above, nothing I’d single out either way
Album artwork: A standard cover, nothing particularly memorable

I’d never even heard of Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde before this challenge, so this was a completely new one for me. I went in open-minded, although hip hop isn’t usually a genre I connect with, especially after spending time on Beastie Boys the day before.

What stood out straight away is that The Pharcyde don’t take themselves too seriously. There’s a playful, almost parody-like feel to the album, which makes it more engaging than I expected. That said, the opening interlude doesn’t really set the tone, and it would have been a much stronger start if it had kicked off with Oh Shit, which is a genuinely fun track.

There’s a lightness and humour running through the album that makes it an easy listen in places, even if it doesn’t fully convert me to the genre. The production is solid, and there are moments where it really clicks.

Favourite tracks: 4 Better or 4 Worse and Passin’ Me By, both standout tracks that I really enjoyed
Least favourite tracks: The interludes don’t add much and could be removed. More broadly, I still struggle with how quickly some of the lyrics feel dated across the album
Album artwork: I’m not entirely sure what’s going on, but it definitely stands out

I’ve tried to get into hip hop through this challenge, and while there are plenty of albums here that should do it, I still find it a genre I struggle to fully connect with.

This is my second album by Beastie Boys, and Paul’s Boutique is undeniably impressive from a musical point of view. The production is superb, the sampling is incredibly creative, and the use of jazz and layered sounds is genuinely brilliant. You can hear just how influential this album has been.

Where I struggle is with the vocals and lyrics. They feel quite dated, and at times it makes the album a tougher listen than it should be, especially given how strong the music is underneath.

It also lacks some of the big, immediate tracks that made Licensed to Ill so easy to enjoy, although there are still standout moments.

Favourite tracks: The Sound of Science, a great example of how strong the production is
Least favourite tracks: To All the Girls doesn’t work for me, and it would have been a stronger start if it opened with Shake Your Rump
Album artwork: Cool cover, simple but effective

Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols by Sex Pistols is full of anger, energy, and attitude, even if it sometimes feels like that comes at the expense of musical finesse.

Listening to it now, it’s not always an easy album to enjoy, but it’s impossible to ignore how important it was. This is a culturally defining record that helped shape punk in the UK. Musically, it’s raw and direct, driven by simple, loud guitar work, while Johnny Rotten’s vocal style sits somewhere between singing and shouting, delivered with that trademark sneer. It’s iconic.

There are some undeniable classics here. Holidays in the Sun, Anarchy in the U.K., and God Save the Queen are standout tracks and capture everything punk is about.

It’s a difficult one to score. On musical terms alone, it wouldn’t rank that highly for me, but its cultural significance is huge and impossible to overlook. It does make you wonder what a second Pistols album might have sounded like.

Favourite tracks: Anarchy in the U.K. and God Save the Queen, pure punk at its best
Least favourite tracks: Liar, New York and Problems don’t quite hit the same level
Album artwork: Iconic cover, one of the most recognisable in the UK, simple but incredibly effective

I actually started listening to The Lexicon of Love a couple of days ago after ABC came up in a documentary about 1982, so this one felt like perfect timing.

This album sounds like the 80s in the best possible way. It opens with a belting track and doesn’t really let up from there. The guitar work is superb, very reminiscent of Nile Rodgers in its rhythm and style, while the bass is vibrant and gives each song a real groove. It’s a very easy and enjoyable listen from start to finish.

Favourite tracks: Poison Arrow, a brilliant pop song
Least favourite tracks: None, every song earns its place
Album artwork: I love it, it works perfectly even if I’m not quite sure why

I’ve always liked a few tracks from Dizzee Rascal, but this is the first time I’ve properly sat down with one of his albums in full. Boy in da Corner was huge during my youth, but it wasn’t really my genre, so I only ever listened to the hits. I was interested to finally give it a proper listen all the way through.

I really enjoyed it. This is a strong debut album, raw, energetic, and full of character. The beats are sharp and distinctive, and the delivery has real purpose and intensity. It flows well and feels cohesive, and considering it came out in 2003, it still sounds fresh and ahead of its time.

That said, it does feel a bit too long. The first half is excellent, but it starts to drag as it goes on. Trimming it down would have made it even stronger.

Favourite tracks: I Luv U, Fix Up, Look Sharp, and Jus’ a Rascal
Least favourite tracks: The second half dips; Jezebel and Live O didn’t do much for me, and Sittin’ Here isn’t the strongest opener
Album artwork: Iconic cover, instantly recognisable

I was an Oasis fan back in the day, and because of the rivalry, I never really gave Blur a proper chance. At the time, I saw them as a bit too middle-class and “art school” compared to Oasis.

Over the years, though, I’ve grown to appreciate them much more. Going into today, I don’t think I’d ever listened to Modern Life Is Rubbish all the way through. It also feels like a very fitting title for a day back at work, modern life really is rubbish.

This is a fun indie album with solid production and some genuinely strong tracks. For Tomorrow, Colin Zeal, and Chemical World all stand out and show the band finding their identity. That said, it does lack the big hits you get on later albums, and I’d still reach for Parklife or Blur over this.

Favourite track: Colin Zeal
Least favourite tracks: None, every song earns its place
Album artwork: Love it, I’m always a fan of a good train cover

I’m Your Man by Leonard Cohen is an album I’ve always enjoyed, and one I was really looking forward to revisiting today.

Vocally, this is Cohen at his best. His delivery is confident and commanding, and the lyrics are as strong as ever, full of sharp, powerful storytelling. Musically, I know this album divides opinion, but I really like the production. It’s different from his earlier work, more synthetic and polished, but it creates a unique atmosphere that really works.

The first half of the album is particularly strong. First We Take Manhattan is a brilliant track with a great sound, while Everybody Knows and I’m Your Man are standout songs that show just how good this album can be.

For me, it tails off slightly in the second half. Take This Waltz and Jazz Police don’t quite hit the same level, and if the consistency had been there throughout, this would easily be a 5/5.

Favourite tracks: First We Take Manhattan, Everybody Knows, and I’m Your Man
Least favourite tracks: Take This Waltz and Jazz Police
Album artwork: A great cover that really suits the tone and style of the album

Venus Luxure No. 1 Baby by Girls Against Boys is a really tough listen for me.

It’s often labelled as indie rock, but that doesn’t quite fit in my view. It leans much more into something darker, moodier, and more abrasive. While I can appreciate the atmosphere they’re going for, it just doesn’t work There’s very little here that draws you in or makes you want to come back to it. It feels quite repetitive and lacks standout moments, which makes the whole album drift by without leaving much of an impression.

Favourite tracks: Bullet Proof Cupid or 7 Seas, if I had to choose
Least favourite tracks: Most of the album didn’t land for me
Album artwork: Colourful and eye-catching, but not enough to lift the overall experience

Damon Albarn is obviously a musical genius. Blur are superb, and Gorillaz are different and brilliant, but this project just does nothing for me at all.

The Good, The Bad & The Queen feels surprisingly flat given the talent involved. Nothing here sounds particularly groundbreaking or especially catchy, and it’s hard to see why it earns a place on a list like this. For a supergroup, it lacks impact and identity. It’s not a bad album, but it’s not a good one either, it just sits in the middle and ends up feeling a bit dull overall. It certainly doesn’t come close to something like Traveling Wilburys in terms of quality or presence.

There are moments where it improves as it goes on. Tracks like Soldier’s Tale, Three Changes, and Green Fields are decent and show glimpses of what it could have been, but they’re not enough to lift the album as a whole.

Favourite tracks: Soldier’s Tale, Three Changes, and Green Fields
Least favourite track: History Song, a very dull way to open the album
Album artwork: Strong cover, dramatic and fits the tone well

Todays listen is Bostons debut album. I am going into this expecting good guitar work and bmbastic 70s rock and roll based on the hits I have heard before. I have always had Boston down as a band you cant escape from but one not a lot of people ctually listen to

Boston was exactly as I expected. Very familiar yet slightly basicwith a lack of variety that can become boring. These tracks are al classic Dad rock tracks but they ack depth and variety, this album has the kind of music on a bang average radio station.

Favourite tracks: More than a feeling is a great track.
Least favourite tracks: Hitch a ride was a bit naff
Album artwork: I love the album cover