Reviews by marcusmuck-again

I liked the title track but struggled to gain purchase on the other tracks.

I kept wanting to put Sly on.....

It's easy to pan this and there are elements that could grate but after 54 years we're still listening (albeit under duress in some cases).

He has a good voice but little variation in theme or style.

Good for a melancholy afternoon in October before moving onto other things.

I bought his first album 'Life's a Riot with Spy vs Spy' and played it to death. To be honest this is basically the same thing with different lyrics but the same sentiment.

I like his voice and the crisp guitar. He speaks from the heart so you can't pull the guy- he's unique.

C'mon guys, this is Britain's answer to Bobby Dylan...... lol

I kinda like the lo-Fi effect but it does come across as a cut-price Sheryl Crow due to it.

I certainly don't think it deserves all the plaudits (I guess those are to do with the Feminist angle) but it's ok to listen to in the background

I don't think some people understand the concept of Genres and representation.

Having said that this isn't my favourite niche.

I guess it's the Country version of bubblegum pop? Catchy gimmicky and corny but fun.

I've listened to a few Rolling Stones albums and some of them are quite different and even experimental.

This one however has them on autopilot.

It's just nothing special- just the usual bluesy rock with Mick's swagger.

This was massive way back in it's time.

Relistening now there's 4 distinct hits which are out and out pop with a soul slant (thanks to Helen Terry). It's only really worth listening for nostalgia as it's so 80s.

Still, variety is the spice of life and all that......

I expected to dismiss this as repetetive and derivative and whilst it's not the most original album it's hypnotic and very well put together.

I like it.

I've always thought Japan an underrated band and although this album isn't even my favourite of theirs (Tin Drum is) it has All Tomorrow's Parties and Quiet Life (plus a real slow burner 'Despair') so it hits the spot with me.

It has real Roxy Music and Bowie vibes which is a positive and of course David Sylvian's voice is like silk.

It's soooo smooth.

Love it.

It took me so many years to finally get into this band that I'm not letting go now.

The lyrics are the driving force ably assisted by the laid back disinterested vocals and beautifully poignant musical accompaniment - guitar, drums and occasional trumpet (and even a harmonica!)

The words conjure up wet Wednesday evenings contemplating doing your Geography homework whilst daydreaming about the girl in the French class who you like but don't know her name (you know someone who spoke to her yesterday so you're going to ask them what it is.......you hope it's something like 'Julie' or 'Lisa').

Bittersweet.

I understand this appeals to some- smalltown aspirations and dreams, Americana and 70's stadium rock but it sounds samey to me.

It's not that I dislike it only that it does nothing for me.

Having said that he deserves his niche. He's very good at what he does.

Wow, this is pretty bland. Inoffensive but ultimately meaningless pop.

I guess it's counted as being high on the list in it's genre?

I quite enjoyed this- it felt retro and earlier than 1992 to me.

It's fun to listen to but no more than that.

I almost feel guilty slating this.

It's not just the album or the artist but the whole genre I find so generic and dull.

It's just not challenging. The songs, singing and lyrics just feel like they're manufactured.

It's a shame really because there's a wealth of subject matter out there and plenty of room for depth.

It's just never taken, or at least I've not listened to anyone who has grasped the opportunity.

Try as I might I've never managed to get into the Smiths.

Everything is there it's just that all the songs sound so samey and limp.

Sorry.

It doesn't bother me in the slightest what Morrissey's opinions on anything are now but it's that Johnny Marrs guitar riffs just sound insipid.

Again this is one of my faves.

There's a lot of haters though I guess. I think they're forgetting this is the height of the 80's here. It's 80's sensibilities.

Let them hate.

The rhythms, melodies are hypnotic and the lyrics cutting.

One of the best.

Awww, I was into them early 80's (I bought Songs to Remember and Wood Beez).

This takes me back but I realise a lot of people will hate it as 80's pop.

Good solid tunes but nothing special I guess.

The Manics are one of the bands I never fully engaged with.

Turns out I already know most of these tracks without ever consciously listening to it.

They're catchy all right.

Anthemic which sets them slightly apart from other 90's British bands (they are Welsh after all...)

Iconic.

If ever there was an album to divide us between 1 star and 5 stars this is it.

One of my favourites of all time and one of the Greatest albums imo.

I love the whole vibe- West coast laid back Rock. It conjures up hot 70's evenings driving down the freeway with the top down. Bright lights as the hungry sharks circle.

Sitting here in the cold wet North of England I'll let you make the choice?

The Mekons were one of those bands I'd heard of in the late 70's/early 80's but this was way before Spotify and Rogers Records on the highstreet didn't stock this kind of things so they remained a distant legend.

Listening to this now I know for a fact I would have been disappointed.

These guys are too clever for their own good.

Listening to it now I can kinda 'see' what they were trying to do but it's like someone dressing up as a nurse. It don't make 'em a nurse.........