Reviews by mikey_nc

An eerie, atmospheric, and well-crafted album. Embraces the computerized, almost alien sound of synthpop to good effect. I don’t think I loved it, but I would give it another listen or two.

Best song: The Things You Said

Sure. That’s cool I guess.

There are a lot of good beats here, and the album is packed with melody, harmony, and great energy. But wow is it corny, and the preachiness really is too much sometimes. My view of this group is possibly colored by Todd in the Shadows’ review of this album’s follow-up, Zingalamaduni, but songs like People Everyday and U definitely make me understand why they drove some people nuts when they were popular.

Best song: Tennessee

Loud, catchy, and 80s as hell. This is one of the best takes on pop metal (AKA hair metal) that you’re going to find, but I do find it starts to get repetitive at a certain point.

Best song: Stagefright

Sharp, pulsing, and (for the time) genuinely modern rock, carving a new direction for the genre. It didn’t necessarily follow that direction, but I still really enjoy this album. Feels like a next step from the garage rock of the Strokes and the White Stripes, with a British twist.

Best song: Fake Tales of San Francisco

I’ve never smoked weed but that still ripped

Best song: Legalize It

Strange, psychedelic, creative, and colorful. I’m pretty into this despite its wonky sound.

I definitely didn’t need to hear that before I died. A few good tunes I guess.

Best song: I Like You

Considering this is one of the most hipster-coded albums I've ever heard in my life, it’s really not bad.

Best song: I Could Be Dreaming

Well that sure was weird. Some interesting sounds here, but also some weird mixing decisions—I often felt like the melody was way too low in the mix. And then the last song was more tedious than anything.

Best song: Lazy Sunday

The peak of Beatlemania. Bright, fresh, happy, energetic. Fills me with good feelings.

Best song: If I Fell

Thoroughly strange and unique, mixing show tunes with folk music and a grim naturalist approach to lyrics. I can’t say I loved it, but it’s definitely well-made and something I appreciated being exposed to.

Best song: Ballad of the Ship of State

I must be thoroughly uncool, because I don’t get these guys at all and I have no desire to.

Best song: Shadow of a Doubt

Twangy and mournful with a full sound. Great mix of instruments. Great songs.

Best song: Buenas Noches from a Lonely Room (She Wore Red Dresses)

Incredibly dated 80s synth-pop. I guess some people go for the detached tone here, and I actually kind of liked their last album we got, but this is not for me at all.

Best song: What Have I Done to Deserve This?

A rawer and angrier album than Nevermind, almost like a rejection of that album’s success. I can’t say I enjoy it quite as much, but I do appreciate its darker tone and rawer emotions. Strong production and dynamics, and of course, Cobain’s ear for melody is still here and strong ever.

Best song: Heart-Shaped Box

Britpop that leans hard into the pop side. Oasis was clearly a reference point. A little vapid, but I enjoyed it.

Best song: Angels

Awesome beats, better production, catchy melodies, great vocals and vibes. A peak intersection between 90s hip-hop, R&B, and pop.

Best song: Waterfalls

The unique and expansive production definitely elevates this album. Unfortunately, we’ve gotten to a point where the sound is pretty dated, and Madonna’s voice has never really been my cup of tea. Still some good stuff here despite those factors.

Best song: Little Star

Bright boyish punk rock, full of loud hooks they keep hammering on you. Not my favorite, but pretty fun.

Best song: (She’s a) Runaround