Reviews by londonhawkredux

Here's a fun thing - instead of singing Human League's "Here comes the Mirror Man", sing "Here comes the METHOD man". More hilarious than this anyway.

I had Tom just 4 days ago, and I didn't like it then either.

This.................... this.......................... *gets hard-hat ready* really isn't that good is it.

I never really enjoyed Metallica early on - I think I was too young and, basically, they were too scary. Angry music, big angular fonts, black - lots and lots of black. I liked my rock to be more jangly, more indie

Clearly, I was an idiot.

That was unexpectedly hard work.

I always try not to "gatekeep" music. People who sneering insist that "you don't get it" if you don't like something or "well, because that track is at 102bpm it can't really be considered x genre". Music is for everyone, which means it's something different for everyone.

I am however, DEEPLY suspicious of people who say "I'm not really into music." What? Nothing? Nothing that humankind has ever produced sonically appeals to you. I am also, quietly, slightly judgemental of people who get snooty about ABBA. My good god man - the costumes, the harmonies, the musicality. So what if it's bubble-gum pop - it is absolutely glorious and should be saluted as such.

Side note - go and see ABBA Voyage. It is an absolute masterpiece

I think Nick Cave is one of those "you either get it or you don't" artists and his fans will consider you a cretin if you don't and if you don't get it, no amount of hectoring will get you to change your mind.

No Kylie? No interest.

Very much from what I would consider the "smarter" end of the punk spectrum (Buzzcocks obvs, Stranglers etc) with Devoto's unique choppy snarling vocals powering everything along. Gets a little bit samey, but "Shot By Both Sides" is an absolute masterpiece that is worthy of a re-listen any time. The drum build into the chorus that then just keeps going..........*chefs kiss*

Another one of the B-team from the Britpop era.

Heh - so silly. Ridiculous flamboyant costumes, some kind of sunblock across the face but some absolutely brilliant tunes as well.

I'm too far removed to really know how influential Artist x was compared to Band y and a lot of this album is what I would file under "generic" punk. Spiky, angsty and full of rage at the unbelievable shitness of the UK. I can only imagine how much tougher it was as a female so, despite it being very unlikely I'd feel the need to return to this album, my cap is doffed.

I assumed this would be one of the earlier "Frank" albums, but somehow was his NINTH already. Distinctive voice that undoubtedly changed what was to come, but hard to love an entire album of it.

Do not listen to this album as background music whilst you're trying to do some spreadsheeting.

Some absolutely fantastic tracks here, most notably "Two Weeks". Adored the album on release, and personally think it holds up very well.

Am worried Lana is going to go full "trad-wife" loon, but absolutely love, love, LOVE her voice. Too soon for the list though no?

My Dad really loved Rundgren so heard bits and pieces. I still struggle to think of him as anything other than "guy who did the motorbike sound on Bat out of Hell" though.

Cheap Trick should not be anywhere near this list despite the fact, and I hate myself for admitting it, "I Want You to Want Me" is absolutely incredible track.

I was on the same flight as Doves to the US once. Their manager said they were super pumped because it was the first time they'd ever flown business. Nice guys.

However, given the other music from that era, I can't really say why this made the list. It's nice, it's well made etc but it doesn't really ignite anything in me. Apart from "There Goes the Fear". Which is an absolutely glorious slice of jangly rock.

OK, with a lot of the "influential" picks on this list, I don't really hear it. With this - you can easily see the thread that becomes the base "the 60s" is built on. It's still not really my genre, but the genres I do love owe it a debt of gratitude.

Oh, I remember David Holmes. He was really big and "edgy". I forget why.