Reviews by mikey_nc

Solid if mostly unexceptional acid rock. I like the title track a lot and don't mind the length on principle, but it does drag some in the middle.

Best song: In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida

I do not like Taylor Swift very much. I am also perfectly willing to concede that this is a pretty decent album. Well-spun story songs, polished production, downbeat sound. It’s a pleasant listen that achieves the wintry acoustic vibe it’s going for.

I also have to admit that despite the folksy window dressing, Taylor Swift is still 100% Taylor Swift, and so the album is only going to go so high for me. I don’t really like her singing voice, and as much praise as her lyrics get, I feel sometimes they're clunky and overwritten in the name of being “heartfelt.” Also, as tired and unfair as it is to scrutinize Taylor’s personal relationships… wow so many Taylor Swift songs are breakup songs. Like SO many. I just wonder if she gets tired of writing them. She has to, right?

Best song: willow or no body no crime

The talent and vision here are pretty obvious. Big sweeping soundscapes, pretty string arrangements. Honestly, I can’t love this because it makes me feel uneasy. There’s a piercing quality to the vocals and the droning empty spaces that get under my skin ever so slightly. It’s a unique and artful album that deserves props, but as of now I don’t see myself listening again.

Best song: Olsen Olsen?

Not all that big on Zeppelin’s acoustic stuff and that’s the main focus here. There are a couple strong tracks, but they’re not exactly brilliant songwriters and it’s harder to hide when they’re not rocking out. It’s still a solid album, just not their best to me.

Best song: Since I’ve Been Loving You

Soulful (shockingly enough). Something to vibe to and feel. Great strings. Sometimes overlong and self-indulgent, but consistently passionate and self-assured.

Best song: Walk On By

Grungy 90s indie rock. Not terrible, but kind of tuneless and boring despite all the gestures at experimentation. Not a fan of the vocals.

Best song: maybe Homemade

I liked this, though I didn't love it. Breezy country-rock with occasional interjections of heavy guitar. Never been a huge Eagles person (beyond Hotel California, that one rules) but have always been cool with them, so no surprises here.

Best song: Take It Easy

Very interesting and unique. Sound is light yet spacious and serious, drifting you through the clouds. The kind of ambient music I can get behind. Not something I would have sought out on my own, but a cool project that I'm glad the list introduced to me.

I think rap rock/rap metal is usually an ill-advised medley, but I’m almost convinced it could work off of this album because it rocks. Anger, power, rhythm, awesome awesome guitar playing.

Best song: Killing in the Name

I'm a little surprised by how much I love this, though I guess I shouldn't be considering the obvious mid-60s influence. The band is crazy tight: sometimes big and distorted, sometimes jangly and sweet, always working just right for the song. Even the two super-long jams don't feel excessive to me. Hate that it seems like they never put out anything else on the level of this, though I'll still seek out their other work to see for myself.

Best song: She Bangs the Drums

It's not the worst thing I've ever heard. It's not good at all, either. I honestly couldn't wait til it was over so I think it has to be a 1.

On a wider note I'm not sure I get this one's inclusion. I guess it's a historical interest thing to know what Syd Barrett was doing after he left Pink Floyd, but like, who is this for? This album feels more like a set of demos or 30 mins of noodling around in the studio than an album.

Best song: Octopus? maybe?

Really into the atmosphere of this. The old-school sound combines with Lang's heavy, yearning voice for a dark, almost film noir vibe on many of the songs. It's somehow both devotedly old-school, with a sound straight out of the 1950s, and yet really off-kilter and unique in its context. The last song doesn't quite fit but is neat as a tribute to the singers who inspired it. Not for everyone, but I'm a fan.

Best song: Tears Don't Care Who Cries Them

Groovy. Probably a little too straight-up dance for me; not much variety, overlong songs (particularly when it’s one I don’t care for). Still liked it mostly.

Best song: Around the World

Great atmosphere and guitar sound, good dynamics. Sometimes Bono’s a bit much for me but when he wants to be he’s an incredible vocalist. Album starts off extremely strong before tapering off through the middle, but overall this is pretty excellent.

Best song: I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For

Wow that was lowkey the same song 12 times. And sometimes I liked the song, but by the end yeah I was kinda tired of it. Jailbait’s gonna bring it down a point.

Best song: Ace of Spades but it could probably be any of them

What the hell is this 😭 This is almost a 1 because I'm almost certain I will never touch this again, but yknow what, they're vibing, they're grooving. Groove is in the heart

Best song: Good Beat

Yep this was definitely a Nick Drake album. I think I liked it a little less than Pink Moon, even though in a lot of ways this one was actually more engaging; more varied song structures, sounds, a few more instruments, etc. I did enjoy it, although it is kind of soft and blurry in the middle. I fully understand the praise he gets even if he's not an everyday kind of listen for me.

Best song: Three Hours

Definitely interesting. Some songs are way too repetitive for what they have to offer, but there are a few legit bangers here. More than anything I appreciate how unique the blend of styles and influences is.

Best song: Paper Planes

Abstract, dark, compelling. Not every song hits equally but they all contribute to a rich, unsettling atmosphere. The jazzy instrumentation fits very well. A swan song for an artistic giant.

Best song: Lazarus

Probably the peak of MTV Unplugged as a program/concept? Some of the hype was definitely due to the unavoidable reality that Kurt had just died when it dropped and the record company was looking to capitalize, but it's also a legitimately great performance. Some songs gain a totally new atmosphere with this backing; Pennyroyal Tea feels downright menacing as a solo acoustic song, and On a Plain feels much better suited to this environment.

It's not perfect. The sound is sometimes muted to the point of sleepiness, there's too much mumbling between songs, and Plateau and Oh Me probably could have been left off the set list without a problem. But the highs are high. It’s a quiet, reflective, soul-baring recording from a legendary band dissolved too soon.

Best song: Where Did You Sleep Last Night