Reviews by londonhawkredux

Legendary riffs naturally, but a rhythm section that really grooves behind Hendrix wibbling.

Ah, early Kings of Leon. How I've missed you. As a review once memory put it "a vocalist who sounds like he's gargling rock". I loved these guys first couple of albums, there was something very raw and gritty about them (plus, bonus fact, possibly the SWEATIEST gig I ever went to on a boiling hot London night at the Astoria). Yes, they went on to become stadium rock superstars, but the bluesy rock of the first couple of albums - magical.

Well known from 7 Seconds, but didn't know much of his work outside of that. It's short and beautiful, fantastic vibes that transport you to somewhere hot and dusty.

Not an artist I'd ever heard of before which is why this place is GREAT.
Soulful voice, certainly not an unpleasant listen. "Everybody's Talkin" the track that would be most recognisable thanks to Nilsson and tough call which I prefer.

2 stars for generic 60s wibbling UK blues. +1 star for Layla (although, even now, that songs drags on after the monster opening doesn't it?) -1 star for being a racist bigoted prick

Yep - all the monster tracks are present and correct so it's hard to think of this as anything other than a 5. Shame Daltrey is so insufferable.

Weird. I've had both Banquet and Let it Bleed in recent weeks and this....... well, it's not the same is it. They were clearly an accomplished covers band, but little sign here of the satanic majesty to come.

Fine, but doesn't need to be on the list.

Well aware of his legendary status in France. Not bowled over by the "chanson", my lack of French probably not helping with that, but certainly a pleasant enough vocal. Will almost make you want to chain smoke Gitanes if you listen to it for long enough

2 of my favourite songs ever. 5 stars.

Reading the other reviews there are a lot of people that "don't like reggae" but "love this album". Whilst not a genre I'm overly familiar with, of course all the hits are here. The blend of "chilling at a beach shack" with the hint of spiritual overtones is clearly very impressive and there's a lot to love here. Stick it on in the background on a cold winter's day, or whilst grilling on the BBQ on a hot day - it still works.

Funky. Verrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry funky.

It's fine. All fine. Had it on in the background and it was all very soothing and calming. But isn't this meant to be the greatest EVER? Some recency bias here I suspect.

If you'd spent the past 10 years wearing flowers in your hair, dreaming about California on a winters day or picking up good vibrations then............ well, this would have come as a shock right? Testament to the impact and longevity is that (a) plenty of people born post '70 still have this as one of their top albums to this day and (b) the fact that "metal" / "hard rock" was pretty mainstream by the time I was growing up in the late 80's.

4.49 out of 5. Doesn't quite get to the magic 5 because it doesn't give me the "feels" but it gets pretty darn close.

Don't think I've ever listened to any 2Pac before now. And unlikely to do so again. Based on reputation alone I was expecting so much more from this but it came across as the most generic "hey baby, you're fine" 90s R&B imaginable. I have no doubt plenty of guys got lucky from playing this after a 3rd date, but..................... it's a no for me Clive.

Maybe it would be different if I drove a beaten up 68 Chevy pickup, but the whole jam band movement really passes me by. Yeah, you guys can play guitar, but I just don't care that you can play guitar.

Gimme Shelter is just an automatic 5 stars even if the rest of the album had been Mick breaking wind into a set of bagpipes for 30mins. BUT you get Midnight Rambler as well along with a variety of "white men play dirty blues" tracks

I like metal, but the "thrash" flavour always felt a little bit as if it was simply to try and play as fast as possible. Where's the emotion? The occasional soaring vocal?

This is odd. Not "bad odd", but odd. At times very strong flower-power vibes with harmonies and strumming and other times veers into freewheeling jazz territory.

Conclusion : I didn't hate it.

Absolutely drips with anger and energy. Fabulous album.

Feels like I listened to a Stooges album recently. Did I need another one? Probably not.