Reviews by scritters

Pre Listen:
Another Smiths album! I liked the last one a lot, Morrisey's lyrics sent me laughing several times. Still not sure if that was intentional or not, but I guess we'll see here. Higher than usual expectations.

Notable Tracks:
That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore - Favorite song by lyrics on the album, but I couldn't really get into the melody. It's alright, relatable.
Barbarism Begins At Home - Favorite song overall on the album. It's such a jam, that bass is going so hard. Morrissey's vocal work is pretty bad, but I especially like the instrumental part at the end. I've noticed that I'm a big fan of bass-led songs from this project at this point.
Meat is Murder - This sounds like something from Pink Floyd. Specifically, the extended intro, inclusion of disconcerting sound effects, slow tempo, and division of the songs into various distinct parts.

Post Listen:
A lot more mid than I anticipated, and unlike the last Smiths album I got, I thought Morrissey's vocals actively detracted from just about every song here.

It gave me David Byrne vibes how Morrissey would yip, wail, moan, and hoot at random points through a lot of the songs. Beyond that, everything in the album was mostly just passable. I didn't overtly dislike anything in particular, but I really didn't enjoy anything either. Became background music faster than I realized, instrumental work felt fairly generic. No lyrics really popped to me either, or sometimes the audio mixing was odd to the point I couldn't even understand them.

Lisa Simpson approves the messages of this album. 3/5

Pre Listen:
Another album I'm familiar with, man September has been the month that just keeps on giving for this project. It's all downhill from here. I'm familiar with the song that shares the name of the album of course, but I don't recall which other Eagles songs are on here. It's been a while.

Notable Tracks:
Hotel California - Classic rockin banger right here. I've heard this song so many times, yet it still has yet to grow stale, unlike other songs of similar nature. Such a lovely place.
Life in the Fast Lane - Another classic rock hit. I like this song, but not nearly as much as the one mentioned above. It's good.
The Last Resort - I almost fell asleep listening to this song, which isn't good, because I was driving. Least favorite track, awful was to end an album.

Post Listen:
To be blunt, this album would've been a 2 if it weren't for the two classics I mentioned above on it.

No wonder the two hits are all I recalled on here, everything else is so painfully bland and boring. The track length I think is what really sunk my opinion here, every single unmentioned song goes on for a great deal longer than it has any right to. The A side too is so much stronger than the B side, it's crazy. Another one of those albums where from a foundational perspective, the music is all done well enough, but it's lacking in so much substance.

Gonna take a nap now thanks to this snoozefest. Hotel California carries this thing to a 3/5

Pre Listen:
I know of Amy Winehouse mostly regarding her sudden and controversial death. If I recall, it's argued to be either an intentional suicide, incidental overdose/poisoning, or willfully negligent murder on the part of her family or producers? I also know (or think?) she was British, and astro-turfed into the industry by her wealthy and connected family, hence why her career was constantly followed with scrutiny even while she was alive. That association aside, I couldn't name any of her songs off the top of my head.

Notable Tracks:
Intro/Stronger Than Me - Least favorite track, and in incredibly weak start to the album. Set low expectations for the rest of the album. I found her scatting at the start of the album annoying, and the beat mix overpowering the rest of the backing track for the rest of the song.
I Heard Love is Blind - Favorite track. I love that soft guitar, and Amy's voice is...alright here. Backing track is smooth as fuck.

Post Listen:
That was....different? I expected generic pop music, and instead I got an interesting mix of hip hop, R&B, and both smooth and big-band style jazz.

The album got stronger the longer it went on. The trashier stuff I feel was front-loaded, and the better stuff tucked further back along the album. I will say, Amy's vocals were really hit or miss for me. She bounced back and forth from great vocal control to rival that of many female vocalists I adore, to singing with a trashy, incredibly fake sounding New York/Jersey accent. The lyrics too bounced back and forth from trashy and goofy, to rather poetic and sweet. The backing tracks were the highlight of almost every song, Lo-Fi remixes of established genres that just play so smoothly.

I'm very torn between a 3 and a 4. One of the few cases were I think the vocalist *should've* dragged this down a point, but the production quality is just so damn high, it actually overpowers Amy's lowpoints. I won't be adding anything to my playlist, but I respect the value of this music. 4/5, close to a 5/5 if you listen to just the instrumental version of this album.

Pre Listen:
I think I've heard of Run-D.M.C. before, though anytime I hear "DMC" my brain defaults to Devil May Cry, so I'm not really sure to be honest. Expecting rap or hip hop of some sort, based on year and release date.

Notable Tracks:
Rock Box - Best track on the album and my favorite. The guitar carries so hard here it's crazy. Their lyrics are also the best here, and flow well with everything else.
It's Like That - Painfully repetitive and bland, least favorite track on here.
Wake Up - This song is another lowpoint. I appreciate the message, any positive message is always appreciated, but man it sounds so juvenile. This belongs on Sesame Street.

Post Listen:
One of those albums where I kept checking the clock like a man waiting to leave work.

I found Run and D.M.C's lyrical ping-ponging kind of charming at first, but it grew so, so stale by the end of the album. Beyond that, their verses flow so slow and lack so much substance, it's like they were trying to make PG rap for a white suburban audience. The beats and samples too were so basic and boring, beat and snare with no flare.

At least now where the inspiration behind the Donkey Kong rap came from. Except that song is better than anything here, somehow. 2/5

https://youtu.be/rWSgsbWiX_g?list=RDrWSgsbWiX_g&t=22

Pre Listen:
Never heard of them, but that's quite a striking album cover. Papier Mache figurines? Why are her shoes off? I appreciate a neat album cover, but no expectations going in regardless.

Notable Tracks:
I Got the Hots - Least favorite song. I just dislike this sort of rompy, dirty bar-styled type rock. Utterly boring to me.
You'll Have to Go Sideways - Favorite track of the album. I know there's a pattern of my favorites being lyric-less songs on albums I'm unfamiliar with, but this is just such a jam.

Post Listen:
Neat album. I was impressed by the number of rock genres explored throughout.

Album had a sprinkling of psychedelia, punk, prog, classic, and probably a few more. I liked the lyrics in a good few songs, and the vocals were pretty decent, especially the occasional harmony. I definitely felt some Beatles influence through the album as well, which was alright because they didn't let it define them. Good variety of instruments, all played well too. On occasion the melodies could become a slight bit repetitive, but no song lasted long enough where that became an issue. My only complaint is feeling like some songs were left just a bit unpolished- the occasional odd vocal moment, or off-beat percussion, or odd guitar choice.

Very close to being a 5-star album. If I was a producer in the 80's I'd have bet a ton of money on these guys. 4/5

Pre Listen:
2nd to last Talking Heads album on here, this one I actually like. I still despise the fact they included their "More Songs About..." album, rather than "Speaking in Tongues", as the latter is their strongest album in my opinion, but it is what it is. Feeling good about listening through this album again.

Notable Tracks:
Uh-Oh, Love Comes to Town - Great start to an album, I think it sets the tone and energy for the rest of the album quite well. On my playlist already.
Happy Day - Least favorite track. David's singing here is just too weird for me, and the instrumental work is incredibly mid.
Psycho Killer - The hit classic of the album, and a major highlight for me as well. Fun lyrics with a catchy melody. I too, hate people when they're not polite.
Pulled Up - My favorite track of the album, and a great finish to it. It's got the catchiest melody on here to me, and I love the positive lyrics. I feel them!

Post Listen:
Just like the album cover, I think this is the Talking Head's plainest album. It's not bland, it's still the Talking Heads, but it's noticeably toned down compared to some of their other stuff.

Each track does have its own identity and feel to it, which is always a bonus for any album. I just don't really connect with the majority of the tracks. I think the whole thing makes for a good enough introductory album to the band, to those who've never heard of them before, but as I've said on every Talking Heads album on here so far, they have better stuff. David's singing is as weird as ever though.

4/5

Pre Listen:
I haven't heard of the album or artist, but man does that album cover look familiar to me. Perhaps I'll have heard a song or two from this, and I'll remember where later down the album.

Notable Tracks:
Mad Cyril - Favorite track, and the only song on the album I somewhat enjoyed. I think it's the only song where the repetitive nature of Happy Monday's style actually somewhat works.
Bring a Friend - My patience for the album started to really drop here. It just got too badgering.
Do It Better - Only song I skipped on the album, and my least favorite. The singing sounds like it's being done by a cracked-out junkie, and the backing track is so awful and repetitive.

Post Listen:
One of those albums that feels as though I'm listening to a broken record.

In every song, the isntrumental work starts solid enough, for all of 10-20 seconds. Then it loops, and the band sticks to that 10-20 second melody for the rest of each 3 to 6-minute-long song. Then the vocals kick in and make it even worse. Bro sounds like how a toddler given the mic might sing. It's just ramble, noisy nonsense, I couldn't understand him more than half the time.

Bummed, the album, got me bummed out by how shitty it was. 2/5

Pre Listen:
Never heard of these lads either but based on the release date and album cover I have a feeling it'll be some sort of punk or alternative rock. Somewhat lowered expectations as a result.

Notable Tracks:
Liberty Ship - Favorite?
There She Goes - Ahhh it's these fellas. Yeah, I've heard this one, I think it's regarded as a classic, but it's always just sorta been alright to me.
Doledrum - Least favorite track, the vocals are killing me. What's worse is that this would've been a major highlight if it weren't for the drunken singing, as the guitar work is quite good here.
Feelin' - It was at this song where I realized why these guy's sound felt familiar to me. Expanding more below.

Post Listen:
I think this band could be summarized as "What if the Beatles, specifically during their earliest period, were formed in the 90s?" and then presumably never hit their stride as they did.

I say that as after a couple songs, I realized this band had a somewhat similar style the the Beatles. *Especially* their song Feelin' which has a riff incredibly similar to the Beatle's 'I Feel Fine', which I think has got to be intentional. They have their own distinct, more gritty/punkish sound compared to the lads from Liverpool's younger days, but it's still somewhat similar, I think. That said, everything they played was just sort of alright, with the guitar being the best consistently, and vocals consistently not the best.

They were alright. Not quite good or great, but certainly better than mid. Another toughie where I wish I could give them a 3.5, but alas, 3/5

EDIT - Learned these guys are also from Liverpool! My ears do not deceive me.

Pre Listen:
The inner joy I felt the nanosecond I saw this album as my one for the day. This right here is my favorite YES album, and is among my top 5 albums of all time. I've listened to this thing front-to-back so many times the number hovers probably around three dozen. With this being the first of my top albums I've known before starting this project, this will be a lengthy review, as I plan to discuss every track on here to a degree.

Notable Tracks:
Roundabout - Something something Hamon, something something Vampires, the Stand user could be anyone! Jokes aside, if this song doesn't hook you in to YES' style for this album, I feel sorry for the way your brain is wired. This shits an absolute banger, from the progression, to the lyrics, to every instrument featured. Favorite song on the album, and I love every song here to death.
Cans and Brahm - Yes asks the question, "What if Johannes Brahm's work had synth and a general prog-rock feel to it?" and answered with this. It's alright. Kinda goofy.
We Have Heaven - I adore the layered vocals on this song. It creates a building sense of chaos until it gets the door slammed upon it, and the listener runs away from it all.
South Side of the Sky - The progression of this one has such great story telling. I love the piano which meshes so well with everything else. The sound effects of the wind, the hard riffs, it all paints such a vivid picture.
Five Per Cent for Nothing - Alright yeah this is the weakest part of the album. Meaningless noise. Thankfully it's only 37 seconds long. Other albums on this project are this song but it's 6 minutes or longer.
Long Distance Runaround/The Fish - I've always considered these two songs as one for obvious reasons considering their flow. I think the guitar work of Steve Howe and the bass work of Chris Squire stand out the most on these tracks, as part of the larger band. I particularly love the Fish section of the song, it's so smooth, gets me utterly locked into whatever I'm doing while listening.
Mood for a Day - This is where Steve Howe really lets his talent as a guitarist and composer shine. Combining elements of Flamenco, classical composition, and classic rock all into one fluid song. Lowers my cortisol by a noticeable amount every time the motif of the song hits.
Heart of the Sunrise - Absolute banging way to end an album. A rocking finale where every instrument gets to shine at some point, with wonderful changes in tempo, and lyrics I relate to deeply.

Post Listen:
I'll try and keep this summary brief, since I've gushed enough discussing every track.

The lyrical story-telling, instrumental work, harmonies, melodies, everything is nigh perfect on this beautiful gift of an album. Everything is so well rehearsed and meshed, with weak moments far and few. This album speaks to me on a spiritual level, probably due to the album's themes of being in/experiencing Nature, all of its beauty and fury, and how we find ourselves within it all.

Critics of this album call it overindulgent, overly complicated nonsense. Why shouldn't want my music well composed and complex? Masterpiece 5/5

Pre Listen:
It's been a while since I've gotten an album of which I have no idea who they are, what genre this could possibly be, and can gleam absolutely nothing from title or cover alone. No expectations!

Notable Tracks:
Magical Dream - Not a fan of these lyrics/singing, but the beat is alright I guess?
Pacific 202 - Favorite of the album, would be going on my playlist if it did away with the bird sample after the first minute or so. Otherwise, it's a pretty funky song, got the best energy.
Sunrise - Another highlight, it's got this Half-Life type melancholic feeling while also being sorta bumping?
The Fat Shadow - Least favorite track, thankfully it's only a minute long. I guess this is where the artist finally greened out after taking all those drugs.

Post Listen:
That was an album alright. I don't think I could've expected any of that, even if I tried.

I feel like if this album had released as part of a soundtrack to an early console/pc game, it would've been revered as some of the most influential soundtrack music of it's time. That said, this album offers the strange trend that for every cool/high point of the album, there is an equal and opposite baffling/low point of the album. It occurs in literally every song, it gave me whiplash. Every good sample is followed up by a miserable one, every neat synth rhythm is followed up by forks on plates. My opinion of the overall sound

Reminds me of Pizza Tower's soundtrack somewhat. Tentative 3/5, with only it's innovation keeping it from lower. Might come back to that later though, idk.

Pre Listen:
More classic American country eh? Never seen a more midwest 60's album cover in my life. Middling expectations, for genre alone :/

Notable Tracks:
The Streets of Laredo - I wish this bassy vocalist was on every track. What a voice man, that's great.
A Maiden's Prayer - Favorite track, kept expecting vocals and didn't any, but that's ok, because just that fiddle is all it needs.

Post Listen:
Ayup, that's exactly what I anticipated. It was a little better than expected I guess, but still about 95% of expectations met.

What is there to say about an album like this? It's pretty forgettable as someone who isn't the biggest fan of this genre in the first place, though it isn't bad nor even remotely offensive. Buck sings well, and his fellow vocalists compliments him well. The guitar is relaxed and melodic, the drums slow and sleepy for the most part. Just ain't my horse to ride. Yee Haw.

Saloon music. 3/5

Pre Listen:
Oh boy, more Kinks! After this one all I'll have left from them on this list is Face to Face. Bittersweet feeling, considering how much I like 'em. That said, I only have one song from this album on my playlist, 'Waterloo Sunset', the rest I don't really remember all that well. Looking forward to listening through regardless.

Notable Tracks:
Tin Soldier Man - Most repetitive song on here I think, to the point it forces it's way in to your head. I don't know if I love it or hate it, but I know the bland bridge will be stuck in my head for longer than I'd like now.
Love Me Till the Sun Shines - Least favorite track. My god the singing and lyrics are making my ears bleed.
Waterloo Sunset - Favorite track, this one has been on my playlist for years, probably amongst the first 50-100 tracks I ever added once I started building my library. I love the progression and the warm feelings of the song.

Post Listen:
Once again I'm reminded why I don't recall the rest of the songs on the album. That was pretty mid.

The album feels very juvenile. Not amateurish, just juvenile, like half the songs were either meant for children or written by children. The lyrics especially are pretty miserable in some songs, extremely repetitive and utterly lacking in substance. The instrumental work is solid, and has some highs, few lows, but it's mostly just so...juvenile, by virtue of being simplistic and repetitive.

I didn't really like this album. Would be a 2 if it weren't for Waterloo Sunset. 3/5

Pre Listen:
More Jazz? Joy! I've heard the name Stan Getz, but Charlie Byrd is an unfamiliar one. "Jazz Samba" gives me a pretty clear picture on what to expect, so if it breaks that expectation, I'll be a bit disappointed.

Notable Tracks:
Samba Triste - Least favorite track. I get it, "Sad Samba", what an antithetical title to all that Samba really is. Just call is Blues Bossa Nova man, you can do Blues and Jazz at the same time. Boring song too on top of the annoying misnomer.
E Luxo So - Favorite track on here, it's the only Samba-Jazz like song I think the album offers. You can at least jive to this, as opposed to the rest of the songs on here.

Post Listen:
Ack, it broke expectations! Disappointment.

For an album with "Jazz Samba" in the name, I feel it was 80% smooth Jazz, 19% Bossa Nova, with the most minor of 1% Samba-inspired flakes included. Samba is fast-tempod music which ought to get you out of your chair and dancing. Every song on here was way slower, less bombastic, and way sleepier than anything "Samba" adjacent should ever be. That said, the music on its own is well done, if rather boring and sleepy. Nothing overtly offensive about anything from a foundational perspective, I simply wish Stan and Charlie were a bit more inspired in their compositions.

If you want to listen to good Jazz-Samba fusions, don't look here. If you want Smooth Jazz with a base of Bossa Nova, this is for you. 3/5

Pre Listen:
2nd Bowie album on here, neat. I know Changes from this album, as I got it on my playlist, but I've never listened to this album in full. As I've said from the last Bowie album I got on here, my relationship to Bowie music is enjoying a couple of his hit singles. Having explored his lesser-known catalogue to a degree, it's mostly the odd diamond in the rough to my ear.

Notable Tracks:
Changes - Great song, makes this album a 3/5 at the bare minimum. Catchy, well done rock pop with lyrics most can sympathize with. Favorite track.
Life On Mars? - A significant highlight, love the story telling in the lyrics, the melody is great, and that piano is just superb. I do think the song goes on for a tiny bit longer than needed, they could've removed one or two bridges and it would've been perfect.
Andy Warhol - Least favorite track. I don't know what the fuck David was smoking to make him think 'Yeah lets put 40 seconds of random beeping noises at the start and end of a decent song'. I know some artsy-fartsy dickheads out there probably drool over this song; to them, I hope your concussion is healing well.

Post Listen:
The album gave me Rolling Stones vibes a couple of times through, specifically the Stone's attempts at making more American-Rock/Blues type tracks.

I got the same feelings on this album as I did from Ziggy Stardust. Overall solid music, it's just the majority are forgettable, a one or two tracks are flat out bad, and one or two are absolute gems. The piano is incredible throughout, and Bowie's singing is welcome most of the time. The lyrics are ok for the most part, and everything else is acceptable overall.

I'm feeling this one between a 3 and 4, I hold Changes so close to my heart though I gotta give this a 4.

Pre Listen:
Yeah, I know Van Halen, they're the guys who did "Jump". I like the song well enough, it alright. Mid expectations, however.

Notable Tracks:
Eruption/You Really Got Me - I had no idea this was Van Halen, I always thought this was by some punk/alt rock band from the 90's. The guitar solo as part of 'Eruption' is my favorite part of this whole album, it's electric. That said, I must've only heard the Radio edits of 'You Really Got Me' cause the rather "Passionate" noises towards the end of the song ruin it all for me.
Atomic Punk - Least favorite track. I didn't know you could make a guitar sound like it's brushing its teeth. The lyrics and vocals are really what sucks here though. I'm staying off bro's streets if it means I don't have to hear him yap.

Post Listen:
They just about met my expectations, if a little bit more mid than expected.

I get the same feelings listening to back-to-back Van Halen songs as I did from listening to Boston (1976). Its rock done with professionalism and gusto, but it just lacks that special something that would make it memorable to me. That said, the guitarist was making his instrument wail in ways I've never really heard before, which was incredibly impressive at times, and is certainly noteworthy. The lyrics are middling throughout, and all the songs don't really stick out from one another, sound wise.

I've never met a big Van Halen fan in my life, despite their popularity. 3/5

Pre Listen:
Bruh! This project's gotta slow down with banger after banger album, it's completely destroying my rating average!

I've listened to this one many times before, it may even be my favorite Billy Joel album. Expecting this one to be a 5/5 right from the get go.

Notable Tracks:
Movin' Out | Vienna | Only the Good Die Young - Classics! Total bangers, love em.
The Stranger - Favorite track, I love how the track goes from melancholy, to jazzy, to more pop-rock. Lyrics are superb here too. A song worthy to name an album after.
Get It Right the First time - Least favorite track, not because it's necessarily bad, but it's the most forgettable song on the album in my opinion. Just sort of meh.

Post Listen:
Yup, favorite Billy Joel album. Wonderful stuff right here if you enjoy musical story-telling and lyrical greatness.

I adore this album's commitment to it's theme on the twists, turns, pits and peaks of life. It speaks of love, of struggle, just great lyrical content overall. The album both depresses and reinvigorates the soul, all backed by professional instrumental work. Billy's piano is always welcome, and he works with a great time. I really can't gush enough about how much Billy's lyrics resonate with me. Such a treat.

Vienna waits for you! 5/5

Pre Listen:
Thelonious Monk sounds like the name of a DnD character who COULD be an ally, or could be a conniving, traitorous antagonist. All seriousness, this another one I feel like I've heard the name of, but I don't know where. Guessing ultra-classic rock based on release date?

Notable Tracks:
Ba-Lue Bolivar Ba-Lues-Are - First highlight, awesome track right here. I know the music's amazing when 13 minutes feels like 4, and I'm left wanting more.
Pannonica - Favorite track. It has this warm, almost Christmas like feel to it. I think it's the low-register notes on the brass and piano, paired with a slower tempo, and high-register Glockenspiel (or what I think is a glockenspiel?)
Bemsha Swing - Love that drum solo! Just love it!

Post Listen:
Absolute best album I've heard on this project to date, what an absolute treat. I might be adding every single track to my playlist.

Just good old classic Jazz, no if's and's or but's. Every single instrument is played so damn well, but the standout to me was the Piano. What a rich, full sound it carries, and for a '57 recording, it sounds so full-bodied. But seriously, can't overstate how talented every single musician feels on this album. I can tell each song has been rehearsed several times over, they're all so clean.

Fuck you Miles Davis, take a lesson from the Monk. 5/5

EDIT - After revisiting this album and my favorite songs a few times over, a couple of pretty glaring cracks made themselves known to me. Specifically some songs go on for much too long than needed, and have some wacky solo's here and there. Still a great album, but not as good as I felt it was upon initial listen. 4/5

Pre Listen:
Oh, another Nick Drake album! I quite liked the last one I got from him (Pink Moon). I also did some research into the guy after I finished the last one and wasn't expecting his tale to be so tragic. Wish he could've lived longer to see his music be appreciated on a website like this.

Notable Tracks:
Hazey Jane 2 | At the Chime of a City Clock | One of These Thing's First Time | Poor Boy - All of these songs are completely tied for my favorite. They all blend so many genres, all have this sound that transports me somewhere, they're all just so great.
Hazey Jane 1 - Would've benefited from stripping it down, the strings, while well done, don't really add to Nick's guitar, vocals, and superb lyrics. Still good, just 1 step away from perfection.
Bryter Layter - Least favorite track, another well done song, but it's a bit too whimsical for me. Sounds like something I'd see from children's show on BBC 2.

Post Listen:
My god, Nick took every minor complaint I had from the last album I listened to of his (4/5, Pink Moon) and fixed it. I think I can solidly call myself a Nick Drake fan now.

As per my last review of Nick's work, my praise for this album can be extended: "Nick's voice is really soft, soothing, and gentle, as is his guitar playing. Every song feels like a warm blanket, or sitting by a low fire on a cool summer evening." On the flipside, my main critic: "For a full album I look for a bit more variety." was completely fixed. We got jazzy sounds, we got symphonic rock, we got psychedelic, we got classic, and it's all done so well. Every instrument played oozes professionalism and talent. Majority of the tracks on this thing are coming to my playlist.

Why do all of my favorite artists have such limited catalogues. It's not fair. 5/5

Pre Notes:
I think I've heard the name Van Morrison somewhere before? The album cover/his face is unfamiliar to me, but I swear I've heard him somewhere before. I think he sings folk? I guess I'll find out shortly.

Notable Tracks:
Moondance - Might be the song I've heard before? Sounds very familiar, I also quite like it. Probably my favorite.
Everyone - I don't know how I feel about this one, opinion on it spins between loving it and hating it. It's got great energy, but the sound bounces around from being enjoyable to a little bit cheesy.
Glad Tidings - Melody and tempo reminds me of "Brown Eyed Girl" by Jimmy Buffet. That's all.

Post Listen:
Very solid album, I enjoyed the mix of classic rock and jazz, with a sprinkle of folk and country in there.

Personally I think the album's at it's best when it really leans into the Jazz angle. His ensemble plays to their strengths, specifically the piano stood out to me. Van's voice is also pretty good. If I heard this album live I feel like it'd have made me into a life-long Morrison fan. The whole album has this relaxing, warm feel to it, like I'm back in my hometown sipping on a beer on a temperate day. Each song also feels unique, and has catchy bridges that are easy to pick up on and enjoy. My only gripe is a few songs go on for a bit too long, and there's a few too many slow songs for my taste.

Overall though, good start to September. Feels a fitting album for the start of the Fall. 4/5

Pre Listen:
I don't think I've heard of these guys, the album cover looks unfamiliar. On guard with any album released after 1990. Low expectations.

Notable Tracks:
Time to Pretend | Electric Feel | Kids - Holy generational songs. I did NOT expect all three of these things on this album. These songs are so ubiquitous with the post 2010's, I think when my brain is old and dementia-ridden, someone could play these songs and I'd probably remember them better than my great grandchildren.

Post Listen:
NPC music, but like, in a good way! I guess I did know em' after all.

Minimal notes here. Every song is professionally done, with universally-appealing lyrics, and a safe sound you can play at any lighthearted function. Even the songs that weren't played 1,000,000 times are actually pretty good. Feels like the YouTube anthem.

First album I'm giving a 5, and have no plans to add any of the songs to my playlist. I don't have to add them, for I know I will hear them again, somewhere, sometime. I am contractually obliged to give this album a 5/5.