Reviews by simonh

Heavy heavy beat, but a bit more repetitive than I recall the previous TCQ album (Peoples Instinctive Travels) and consequently I don't like it as much. But still better than the usual hip-hop offerings

A modern album for a change. Only 12 years old so a mere baby.
Loved the immersive sound and the vocal. An 80s inspired sound in the noughties.
4½

Cool funky rhythms. For which the album gets a 3.
But I don't want to hear a load of singing (and even more talking)! In a language I don't understand. Call me a xenophobe I don't care, but I wouldn't listen to this again.
I would actually say it's probably more because I don't particularly dig the fella's voice, because if this was Astrud Gilberto it would be added to my playlist.

A lot of this isn't quite hip-hop. But the the standout is, of course The Message.

So what the hell happened to rap/hip-hop after this?
Ah yes it got taken over by the foul mouthed whining tossers from da hood. So sad.
3½

Another album in my collection that hasn't been listened to for a long long time.

Like a lot of hard rock bands in the early 80s, this is about the time that they discovered and experimented with synthesisers. Van Halen made a far better job of it than, say, Rush, and thankfully gave up after just a few tracks on this album (great though Jump is) and reverted to their USP, Eddie's guitar.

I think this is the last album to feature Dave Lee Roth. His light-hearted interludes and stage presence to a large part made the band what it was. He was a sad loss to the band and they were never the same afterwards

Yesterday I had Television.
Today Germs.
Both late 70s, both American, both 'punk'.

But worlds apart.

One melodic, the other angry with short tracks that are generally cut off at the knees after 2 minutes.
Sad to read that their leader went the same way as Sid Vicious.

Chalk and cheese - but liked both the same.
Great until the final track Shut Down which is just a total mess and makes this a 3

Punky but melodic. I was interested to read how Television were revered in the UK in the late 70s punk explosion. Personally I'd never heard of them, but then I was only 13 at the time.
I can see why we liked them though.

Lovely soundscape. Eno could learn a thing or two from these guys

A standard for Christmas Lunch parties since my Graduates group of friends started having them annually in 1985.
Can be nothing but a 5

There are some people that have such unique voices. Not because they are perfect but just because they have a tone or a quirk that makes them instantly recognisable. Donald Fagan is one.
I had no idea he had made an album outside of Steely Dan. Some songs on here I recognise but have always thought WERE Steely Dan.
As a collection it's quite MOR and an easy listen. Add that voice and it's a 4

Sounds like these guys took a lot of drugs and saw a lot of Rolling Stones concerts.
I quite liked the stuff that didn't have screeching harmonica in it.
The guy making constant 'durka durka durka durka" sounds throughout most of the tracks gets annoying after a while although he did give the band quite a unique sound. But I can see why they never hit the big time.

I really wasn't sure about this after one listen. But again with certain bands and reputations I'm more inclined to give them a second chance.
Of course there are some absolutely brilliant songs on here (Blackbird , While My Guitar...) but also a lot of stuff I've never heard. The lyrics are often a bit simple, or plain silly, but the tunes are quality.
Could have been a 5, but I can't give a 5 to an album that has a track of jumbled sonic mess. It's a skip every time (though I will make an exception when I finally review The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway)

The only Herbie Hancock I have previously heard was a single of his that was out in the late 70s. So I was expecting a vocal rather than a jazz funk instrumental album. What do I know!?
A reasonable listen nonetheless. But a bit samey.
2½

I like Morrissey's lyrics even if I don't agree with them all (but do some!). At least he has something to say and you can hear it clearly.
But also the music is good too. I'm surprised I liked this so much.

Is this album really under 40 minutes? This is how you vacuum pack quality.
For a man with dubious skills himself, Mick Fleetwood definitely knew how to surround himself with talent. He's basically a CEO of every big successful multinational.
Great songs. Even the ones I didn't realise were on this album. It deserves its success.

Jangly 60s music in a great way. A reminder that the Beatles weren't the only jangly band about and kinda refocussing the way I think about 60s music.
Tambourine Man is so much better than Dylan's version.
All I Really Want To Do. I recognise. What a good tune.
Well meet again. I also recognise. But not such a good version (you can't beat Vera Lynn.
3½

I'm not going to question what should and should not be on the list. I find people who do to be selfish and unfairly critical. Its not our list and I'm grateful to have different choices each day to listen to. Usually stuff I've never heard before or that I would choose to listen to.

And this is one. Probably one of the best in it's particular genre. I don't know. And whilst a reasonable listen it's not really recorded for me. Similarly I wouldn't choose to read a book written in Albanian. The music was pleasant if a bit repetitive and long. Nothing I hated. Nothing I particularly loved. So a fair and average 3

A sweet little album. I found the songs pretty simplistic with nothing I'd heard of, but I guess she couldn't write bangers all the time.

Probably great if you love country but it's not really my bag. Due respect for all she's done though.

It wasn't until I got half way through this that I realised I have it on cd in my collection.

I'd stick my neck out and say this is probably their last great album before being totally suffocated by Bono's ego. It's certainly the last U2 album I ever bought.

But I'm really glad to have the reason and opportunity to reaquaint myself with it.

Good voice and diction. I like that accent, alhough I can't really tell the difference between her and Salt n Pepa (is that blasphemy? Are they from the same place?).
Mama Give Birth is horrific with the creepy fake baby voice. But the rest is bearable.