Reviews by oldmancthc

I have been dreading the day I receive an actual country album. Was 100% ready to write this off as a one star review, but once again Willie surprises me. His vocal delivery is tailor fit to the music he composes; together displaying an undeniable talent. I especially responded to the stripped down feel here. No studio tricks, no textured layers. Something about this style speaks to honesty. This isn’t something I’ll find myself listening often, but I’m quite glad I was introduced to it.

I was a little nervous going into this. I like Elvis, but late era Elvis combined with a renowned country western backing band was something that didn't appeal to me on paper. You know what? I was wrong. This is a solid album full of well played, memorable tunes. Despite their penchant for honky tonk, the backing bad is incredible, and absolutely MAKE this release. Vocals sound great, better than I expected from this era. All in all, it wasn't a style I really enjoy, but is a true testament to how well a live studio album can sound when everything comes together properly.

Stevie Fucking Wonder people... What more really needs to be said? This is from the sweet spot (arguably the pinnacle) of his classic period and there isn't a bad song to be found on here. Musical serotonin injected straight into your spine right here.

I fucking LOVE the '70s. There just seems no way around it. Had zero knowledge of or experience with this release previously. Not a big Beach Boys fan, and this really took me by surprise. Influences are ALL OVER THE PLACE, mixing rock, folk, soul, and pop. Even with all this it never sounds schizophrenic. Never feels like it jumps from style to style, more so it flows between and within them, existing comfortably in its own space. I (of course) love when this hits a good groove, but even the slower more introspective tracks (which is where an artist generally loses me) are captivating with their layered (almost psychedelic at times) instrumentation. This was a release that was difficult NOT to pay attention to throughout, and that's not something I can say about a lot of music. Disappointing to learn this would be his only solo album before his death.

I have to admit to having a very big soft spot for '70s era disco/soul/funk. I Did not previously know any of this except Le Freak, which was on regular rotation at the roller rink when I was under 10. The slow burning ballads with the sexy vibe aren't my favorite, but the faster, funkier stuff make the album well worth the listen.

Been critical of this band for a long time. I can admit that I've judged them on their known hits and probably disregarded them based solely on their popularity. This one starts off great. the sort of weird psychedelic sound of Planet Telex was a very nice surprise. Definitely made me realize this wasn't a release I could totally disregard. I think they are at their best when they play slower, more melodic pieces meant to stir up your emotions. Unfortunately, I hate that shit. They do it well, and I can appreciate it from a musical standpoint, but I hate it. There are a few points where they sort of try to "rock" and it almost works, but just feels awkward somehow. First half of the album seemed to bounce some in tempo where the back half seemed to fall into a comfortable plodding pace that seemed a little too "samesy" to hold my interest. I assume it's some metaphor that went over my head. Closing track was depressing as a motherfucker and I can't believe any band would want to end that way. Sounds like the soundtrack for a slow suicide. All in all, I can respect the songwriting and talent here. I can understand why they are so loved, but it's just not what I reach for when I want to listen to music... ever.

Everything I want in '90s alt-rock! The Pixies are masters at blending multiple styles into something, if not unique, at least special in its appeal. Their punk is surprisingly approachable and fun. Their pop is challenging and never cliché. This is a band in their prime, playing off of and complimenting each other's strengths as they create. I'd only been familiar with Doolittle previous to this and that will be changing for sure!

This album is so forgettable. It's not bad. It's not good. I didn't hate it. I didn't like it. Feels like the musical equivalent of overprescribed Prozac, just emotionless and flat.

Just posting my track by track listening notes.

ACT 1:
Days of Graduation - I laughed. This talk over introduction destroys whatever emotion they are trying to build here.
Ronnie and Neil - I'm onboard with this one. Upbeat Southern Rock.
72 (This Highway's Mean) - This SUCKS in every way that I hate country.
Dead, Drunk and Naked - see above review for 72.
Guitar Man Upstairs - I guess this is "cowpunk"? It sucks too.
Birmingham - I kinda like this. It's a HUGE rip off of Neil Young's Ohio in both sound and the emotion they are trying to convey.
The Three Great Alabama Icons - exposition like the intro because they can't work it in musically. Throwaway track.
Wallace - Jesus, what are they doing here? Sounds like an untalented ZZ Top.
Zip City - More uninspiring country infused "rock". No thanks.
Moved - Wow... Who knew it could get worse. AWFUL vocals on this boring wanker of a track. Great way to close out "act 1" you dicks.

ACT 2:
Let There Be Rock - This AIN'T AC/DC!
Road Cases - More Neil Young worship. Actually listenable.
Women Without Whiskey - see above review for 72.
Plastic Flowers On The Highway - Southern rock but without any emotional feeling to it. Vocals sound like Rod Stewart.
Cassie's Brother - Oh! Now they are trying southern Soul (or R&B). I can't do much more of this.
Life In The Factory - These are all starting to blur into completely non-memorable southern rock you'd hear at any redneck bar or county fair.
Shut Up and Get On The Plane - OK, just figured out this whole thing is about Skynyrd... These guys AIN'T Skynyrd!
Greenville To Baton Rouge - Finally, Southern Rock that actually sounds like it ROCKS! Album should have been a single.
Angels And Fuselage - Neil Young rip off again, this one more early singer/songwriter style. Makes sense, this is where they are at their strongest. Still feels like a cover song when it's not. Never truly has the emotional pull Neil's voice did on tracks like this. Wow LOL they even bust out the harmonica for it!

Was excited for more brit-pop, but this ended up being all over the place and inconstant in sound and feel. I recognized Song 2 and have always enjoyed it. Super funny to learn it was their parody of American Grunge, only to chart alongside those they were making fun of. Theme from Retro was probably my favorite track; pure organ based psychedelia. All in all, it was tough to enjoy because it felt like it never became cohesive; lo-fi punky garage one minute, singer/songwriter man with guitar the next, some brit pop sprinkled in here and there, etc. Had some good tracks but really fell flat as a album.

Then it moves into You're So Great; a lo-fi singer/songwriter trip to boredom. Really wish they'd pick a style. Chinese Bombs - punky lo fi garage, nice. Just a Killer for Love lo-fi fun, experimental. Liking more than not liking. Hate the acoustic IDK even know the term for it. WEirdo experimental parts are cool.

I liked this a lot more than I expected to. Didn't know anything previously except Hallelujah, which I never really liked, so never gave anything else a try. This is a great release that can't really be pinned dow and labeled. It's always introspective, often haunting, but never feels pretentious or disingenuous. It isn't quite folk, but borrows from it. It isn't purely blues, but sits comfortably there when it needs to. The melodies are often as challenging as much as they are beautiful. There were times I'd expect to lose interest only to have something desperate pull me back in. This is the kind of album I'm here to discover.

Not into this. Kate has a nice voice but the music does little to interest me. Adult contemporary soundscapes. I started to enjoy a couple of the later, more experimental pieces toward the back half of the album but even those seemed to drift away from my interest as they fell into the same monotonous synthy tones as the rest. Honestly it was depressing to listen to.

Sometimes this is my favorite Beatles record. You can hear the experimentation of Rubber Soul solidify into a more cohesive expression. So much growth in just the two years from Meet The Beatles safe and an approachable pop melodies. This is a now a group that is reinventing something almost wholly new. The innovation of this album definitely inspired several types of music to be born.

"Taxman is a punk song!" - Seantegrity

Pleasantly surprised by this one. I'm not a fan of country, but do have a lot of respect for an artist like Willie Nelson. Turns out, this is an album full of old classic cover songs and had very little country stylings. It's not a challenging album, but it is comfortable. Willie's guitar playing and vocals are always center stage, sounding great. Production on this was handled by Booker T (as well as organ duties) and as a big fan it was evident. All around a good listen.

I hated this alum when it was released. I tried to give it a fair shake now, years later, but my opinion is largely the same. Possibly the worst representation of the Seattle scene at the time. There are a few good riffs throughout but largely this is watered down radio rock; a safe and accessible way for the major labels to play in an underground sandbox without getting hurt. Can't finish this out without touching on the fact the Vedder's vocals are god awful; floating somewhere between unintentional comedy and unlistenable garble. Hard to believe half this band was in Green River.

Another classic I've known most of my life. Probably my favorite CCR album. Chock full of hits you'd have to be living under a rock not to recognize. Travelin' Band songs like Fogerty channeling Little Richard. Even the non-hits on this one will get you moving. Not a bad track on this one.

First time listening to this album and band. Pretty impressed. Super catchy Brit-pop sensibilities mixed with the energy of garage rock. Would listen to more.

Wow. This is kinda weird to approach at this point in life. This is an album I have listened to over 1,000 times in the last 35 years. Not my favorite Beatles records, but still one that I love and think is very important. Hard to truly review because every song is colored with years of memories and has so much nostalgia attached to it. I’m trying to think what it was like being 15 and hearing this again for the first time and I think I’m just too far removed.