Reviews by mikey_nc

I'm not sure what I was expecting out of a "folktronica" album; acoustic guitar backed by beeps and boops?; but this really surpassed whatever those expectations might have been. Occasionally sluggish but often beautiful. A real treat that I will definitely revisit when the mood is right.

Best song: Sweetest Decline

This project has done a number on my opinion of punk rock in general. This album did very little for me until the pretty fun final song.

Best song: Smash It Up

I like the sound although most of the songs don’t quite get there for me. Also I’m honestly not into his vocal approach; there’s a ton of falsetto and it’s pretty thin and breathy. Overall kind of forgettable.

Best song: When Seasons Change

Not the most energetic listen, but a fulfilling one. Humble and reflective ballads from an old master.

Best song: Hurt

This is quite something. On the strange side and sometimes icy, but also full of moments of beauty. Layered production, varied sounds. If you can learn to love Bjork’s voice and get past the weird lyrics this is really strong.

Best song: Unison

That wasnt very good

Well it’s definitely Bob Marley. A very solid reggae album though not my favorite material I’ve heard from him.

Best song: Midnight Ravers

Christmas :) I liked it. Phil Spector knows his stuff even if he is a murderer or whatever

Best song: Sleigh Ride

An unfriendly and slightly strange album; the Pavement influence is pretty clear. It’s interesting to see their style filtered through more of an indie rock approach, but I don’t know if I enjoy it too much. Opens really strong before getting hazy and kinda boring.

Best song: Beetlebum

Good songs delivered by a warm, rich voice to simple, earthy music. Don’t need much more than that for a good album.

Best song: Way Over Yonder

Super slow burn and sort of same-y, but I’m crazy about the vibes here. Incredible atmosphere and an arresting singer help form a strong if unorthodox album.

Best song: 200 More Miles

Okay so uh. There’s interesting stuff happening here. It’s not unlistenably bad. I kinda want to give this a 2 just for the fascination factor of it, but I’m rating it in the middle because I’ve heard enough. It’s not good. What the captain is doing is not for me. But I support him.

This might be my favorite Stones album? It's weird because they're supposed to be rock gods and then this album is 80% acoustic country and blues music. Five coke-addicted art students from London shouldn't be able to pull off this type of music this well, but if you ask me they got a serious handle on it. And the classics are, of course, classic: the opener alone demands you to listen to the rest.

Best song: Sympathy for the Devil

The production is pretty expansive and creative, though a lot of the songs themselves feel like afterthoughts for the simple joy of snipping together beats. Still more or less enjoyed it.

Best song: B-Boy Bouillabaisse medley

A pedophile mumbling over elevator music. Yeah, absolutely not.

Not a huge fan of the big band sound in jazz, at least not compared to what smaller acts do, but there are good moments here. That big sax solo (mostly) met the hype.

Best song: Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue

Ultra-polished R&B-flavored pop. The hits are good and the rest is at least passable. Album’s too long. Doesn’t hit me hard but worthwhile.

Best song: Rock My Body

Very distinctive, atmospheric. You can tell it's foundational for metal but maybe not metal itself because a lot of the album is just heavy blues stuff, close but not quite there, and honestly kinda monotonous. I wouldn't put this on it again but I liked a good amount of it.

Best song: Black Sabbath

A very pleasant surprise after my meh feelings toward Dry, and a confirmation of my impression that she had a lot to offer despite that. A great turn-of-the-2000s rock album with melody, grit, and heart.

Best song: A Place Called Home

Gorgeous glimmering music, loud and powerful yet gentle and soothing. Impeccable atmosphere.

Best song: Take Care