Reviews by mikey_nc

I'm a big fan of Sound of Silver, and this album lives up to it. Dense and heavily-layered soundscapes with great grooves, great atmosphere, powerful rhythms, emotional punch. A lengthy album with a lot of lengthy songs, yet I never felt bored or unfocused (save, maybe, at the end). A great comeback.

Best song: how do you sleep?

I was kinda dreading this one, but there are a lot of fun and interesting moments here. There is, of course, also plenty of self-indulgence: the feedback track alone drags down the score. All things considered, they’re a notable act and it’s worth experiencing their very famous live sound, even if it’s a pass for you.

Best song: Turn On Your Love Light

Yeah this rocks. Awesome riffs, great energy, great vocals. The couple of more anthemic songs don’t really land for me but otherwise 🤘

Best song: Breaking the Law

Relaxing and pleasant with a glittery, smoky sound. Nothing especially stands out, to the point that it borders on boring, but a very solid easy-listening type of album.

Best song: I Can't Make It Alone

Yeah I could not finish this one. I kinda liked Rain Dogs but no.

A perfect one to pop up for the weather getting colder. Reflective, beautiful, melodic, impeccably crafted. Not for everyone or every mood, and no, they’re not “authentic” country woodsmen, but who really cares? Probably the only thing I can fault it for is spawning a few too many sub-par imitators.

Best song: Ragged Wood

Long, dreary, drawn out notes, blah vocals. I liked Bittersweet Symphony but this was a disappointment. Also the cover kinda creeps me out cuz they look like vampires. And not the cool kind of vampires, the skinny white guys living in a castle for 500 years kind of vampires.

Best song: A Northern Soul

A great album from a master songwriter. I do think the electric numbers aren’t the strongest: Outlaw Blues and On the Road Again could have easily been left off, She Belongs to Me and Love Minus Zero are a little too similar, and he just isn’t tapping into the bite and drive he’d later access on Highway 61. So it borders on a 4, but some of his greatest solo acoustic numbers are on the second side so gonna give it full marks.

Best song: Mr. Tambourine Man

Sometimes repetitive within songs, but pretty varied as a whole. Relaxing, creative, polished, smooth. Not sure I'd do another full listen anytime soon, but pretty fulfilling.

Best song: Inside

That shrieky falsetto the singer loves to use got on my nerves kinda fast. That aside, it's a solid album. Very 70s with the bright crunchy guitars and big dramatic vocals.

Best song: Friday Night

Wow that’s a raspy voice. The blues rock stuff was kinda forgettable but the more acoustic stuff was pretty good. Decent album all in all.

Best song: Maggie May

Not quite peak Radiohead but a dark, rich album that's worth exploring. An interesting halfway point between the electronic paranoia of Kid A/Amnesiac and the ultra-clean arpeggiated rock of In Rainbows.

Best song: 2 + 2 = 5

A highly strange and highly expansive album. The first listen was mixed, but the second was more rewarding, particularly with the long jams. Listening on headphones helped also. Closing pair of songs are incredible.

Best song: All Along the Watchtower

Not very exciting but perfectly listenable jazz. Hammond organ brings a cool element. Wish the drums weren’t so quiet in the mix.

Obviously there's not a lot of variety here, but I love Sinatra. Immaculately warm vibes.

Best song: I've Got You Under My Skin

Songs of sweeping sorrow. Marvin Gaye’s standard sexiness tempered by misery, making for a weird and distinct emotional tone. Great vocals, subtle but twisted and stretched. Drags at times and more focused on mood than melody, but a strong and memorable breakup album. (Maybe one of THE seminal breakup albums along with Blood on the Tracks?)

Best song: When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You

I wasn't excited for an hour-long album of ambient music but this legitimately delivered. Bassy atmospheric music with structure, menacing tone, and melodies that are mild but latch onto you. Interested to check out more.

Best song: We Are the Music Makers?

Calm, meditative folk songs with occasional bursts of rhythm. Only a few songs stick out but a really nice listen all in all.

Best song: Father and Son

Great sound and atmosphere. Probably need more knowledge of the band to be moved by the Syd Barrett tribute element of it but I was still kinda moved. Good album.

Best song: Wish You Were Here

This album was cute-cute in a stupid ass way

Best song: Best of Both Worlds?