Reviews by korb

It's a fine album and if it were the only Depeche Mode album on the list, I'd be going with a 3. Thing is this is the 3rd Depeche Mode album that I've seen (so far) and I don't think it has something new or different enough to offer.

It could be argued that the death metal genre was named after this group. This album is a peak example of the genre, and the influence of the group, the album, and the genre can be heard throughout modern metal. Solid pick!

The music is good, but Anthony Kiedis is not. If there is one thing that this album list has challenged me on repeatedly is how I rationalize the art relative to the artist(s). I've found I can't really compartmentalize them.

Which brings up something I had hoped to find a way to respond to.

One of my other reviews is along similar lines, and it was interesting because someone called me out for being inconsistent in my views. I'd like that person to know that I have taken their challenge to heart, and it has altered how I approach this 1001 list and art in general.

What is clear to me now is that there are numerous artists where I don't know, and haven't tried to know, more about them. Initially that was pure ignorance in that I didn't even think to try and know more. Now, it's something of an on-going conundrum because I honestly do fear just how much art will be indelibly dimmed (for me anyhow) by realizing just how many artists are shitty people. Nonetheless, it's important to me that I not just consume the music, but that I understand what goes into it more fully.

I still can't compartmentalize my views. I can't be like, "setting aside their rapist past, I found their album upbeat and infectious - three stars," so my opinions stand. If I could change my votes on past reviews, there are likely many where I would, given what I know now.

With all of this said, I completely understand why other users would nominate this to the list. I'm sorry if this hits like a dig on the person that nominated it. That isn't my aim.

I do believe that the author of the book that the OG list came from has an opportunity with their platform to revise their list. Where an artist is undeniably influential, but they have problematic pasts, they can challenge their readers with that information. If there is an equally influential artist that isn't on the list, consider swapping them in instead.

I am admittedly a sucker for The Decemberists and concept albums.

It's a novel combination of musical elements - I'll give it that much. I can see why people would enjoy it, but album became pretty monotonous for me.

The album is a solid representation of the metal sub-genre. I'm just not a fan of the sub-genre.

I listened to it at 1.5 playback speed on YouTube, and it reminded me of something between Lightning Bolt and a John Zorn project. Then I turned it down to 1.0 playback and just couldn't stay interested.

If you like Imagine Dragons, I suspect you'll like these guys. I don't like Imagine Dragons.

That was really not good.

Dear, Robert Dimery, No one -- I repeat NO ONE -- must hear this many Elvis Costello albums before they die. They all sound like each other. Narrow it down to one or two and make room for other artists who deserve the attention.

I couldn't get past 25 seconds into 'Junk Shop Clothes'.

This album will never be anything less than a five to me because of the countless number of times that my daughter and I have belted these tracks out together over the years.

His flow is incredible. The subject matter is mind-numbly redundant. I look forward to the next remastered edition, where P Diddy's moaning hype man routine has been edited out of the back track.

I'm not sure that we needed three Prince albums.

and legend has it that he is still walking down that road...

This happens to be in my musical wheelhouse, but I suspect there won't be too many fans.

Just because Starbucks corporate, the Apple store, and the umbrella company that owns the GAP, choose to blare this album over their storefront speakers -- in an attempt to woo an indie demographic and mask their true capitalism-driven wallet-felching nature -- doesn't mean I (or anyone else) has to hear this garbage before death.

It is neither novel nor exemplary.

Take a jazz song and give it to five musicians; two playing sax, one playing upright bass, and to more playing drums. Tell them to simultaneously improvise that song, but do it as blisteringly fast as their musical ability allows. Then do that over and over again for 40 minutes, or so.

It's hard to listen to but also oddly enthralling. Not sure I'd like to hear it more than once though.

Oh, The Band. Every time I start the album I'm like, "Oooh yeah. Nice vibe!" Every time I get to the last few tracks, I'm like, "GAHHH! Make the muppetian falsetto STAHP!"

Overall, I definitely dig it, but it's pretty clear to me that their strengths lie in their abilities as a backing band, not backing vocalists, up to that point for a reason.

Pretty much the same song played 10 times.