Reviews by simonh

Second hiphop album on the trot. This time someone I’ve never heard of. Actually enjoyed most of the music. Maybe I’m softening up to hiphop? 


Of course, this being 21st century hip hop, some of the lyrics are a bit crap. But in general I can’t understand what they are saying half the time and I can’t be arsed to read a lyric sheet. Like I care anyway. Nice of him to read the sleeve notes on the Outro though!
So based on the beats, the melodies, the rhythm. It’s a 3.

I don’t like to use the term dated. Everything is dated. But hip-hop for sure doesn’t sound like this any more. Which is a shame. 

No mention of fucking hoes, and shooting niggas, and Oh I’m so oppressed.

And it’s all the better for it. Found it got a bit repetitive at times, but I’d listen to it again.

I always liked The Cure but regarded myself as a bit of a part timer (y’know - greatest hits and singles) before seeing them headline Reading in 2012, where they were fantastic.

Disintegration is the best Cure album I’ve heard up to now. So good that I’ve listened to it 4 times over the last few couple of days (including the extra tracks that are not on the original release) meaning I’m getting behind on yesterday’s and today’s albums! 



I don’t know how to review it for production/songwriting/lyrics/playing.
It’s just “The Cure”.

Goodness me, reading through some of the reviews on here, these guys get a lot of hate. Quite polarising aren't they?
But I really liked this.
Typically American version of "metal". Highly polished. But melodic and suitably hard. Not sure about the scratching but I can live with it.

I wasn't previously familiar with any of their stuff. But I am now and feel better for it.

An album of your Grandad singing his old favourites.
No idea why it’s on the list. Stop press: it’s NOT on the list - it’s on the expunged list. I agree. I can see no reason why an album of covers has any worth.
Particularly BAD covers. Whatever next? Lemmy Sings Carole King? Stay in your lane, Cash!

I quite like some of Johnny Cash’s stuff, and his voice is still ok. The same signature sound. And he’s generally in tune (take note Dianna Ross!). But this is pretty dreadful.

Not bad.

But certainly not the birth of cool. More Big Band than jazz, and Big Band ain't cool.

Vibe kinda ruined by the one track that had a vocal. Really could have done without that.

I think this needs another listen but for now it's a 3.

Oh great, I thought, when this album popped up. Wilco Johnson. I don’t recognise this solo album but today looks like being a good day.

Imagine my disappointment when I realise that it wasn’t “the” Wilco, but some other bunch of Americans I’d never heard of.
But hey! It’s not at all bad. Possibly not quite as good as an unknown album by “the” Wilco would be. But today wasn't too bad after all (just a bit long).

It was a nice idea, but like curry and chips, this doesn't really go together. One good song does not an album make and even that song (Brimful of Asha) gets tiresome. Norwegian Wood is particularly awful. Sorry.

Pleasant soul album. Nondescript except for...
Highlight :Lets Stay Together. a classic.
Lowlight : How Can You Mend A Broken Heart. Total demolition job on a Bee Gees classic.

I get the Stones v Beatles war, and how the Beatles won. Listening to each of the Beatles albums I’ve had so far I recognise at least 90% of the songs. Yet listening to a Stones album then I recognise about 10%. Thousands of radio stations and playlists can’t be wrong.

This particular Stones album took a few listens to get into - apart from the 10% (Mothers Little Helper/Under My Thumb).
On the whole I like it. Apart from ‘Going Home’. That one single track must have been the launch pad for a million Jagger impressions. Totally over-acted. And too long. Drags the whole album down to a 3.

I wish I'd heard this album when it first came out.
It wasn't what I expected. Punk - but so many other things too.
Almost the polar opposite of the Sex Pistols. They could play their instruments for a start.
I'm not sure it's 5 standard and I think in a fight I'd back the Stranglers but this is still pretty good.

I have another hypocritical conundrum.
A few days ago I had a Sinead O'Connor album and I called it slow and boring. It.was. I should by rights say the same about this?
And even worse she played the diva at Glastonbury last year, turned up over half hour late and got the plug pulled pissing off everyone who waited for her.
But no. There's something about LDR I like. I don't know why. She has a dreamy voice and
I like her songs. And having seen her live I like her act too.
She's been called in some reviews a one trick pony. But I like her trick.
4.

Just like comparing a limerick io a novel , every blues song is the same old repetitive structure with different words and an ever-so-slightly different tune. It really had to evolve because it had nowhere else to go.
Hats off to Muddy Waters, the Edward Lear of popular music, for keeping old blues alive for people with simple tastes.
But thank God other people came along and developed it into something better.

Interesting sounds. Can't say I've heard anything like this. Gets better the more I listen.

Nice voice. Good stories. Reminds me of Sunday afternoons in childhood watching old Westerns on the telly.
I doubt it's something I'll come back to unless I'm riding a horse across Monument Valley.
Which is unlikely.

The songs are slow and dull. And those that aren’t slow are just dull.
I was screaming inside for the final (title) track to end which in particular was excruciating.
The use of reverb was interesting - like a 1990s attempt at autotune; trying to disguise the fact that she is a bit flat at the top end.
And I’ve never liked Nothing Compares 2 U. The song or the 'cool' spelling.
Oh - and I don’t like her hair. 

Credit to her for standing up for what she believed in though.
But only enough credit to push this up from a 1½ to a 2.

Imagine an egg sandwich made with warm freshly baked crusty bread.
Egg isn't my favourite filling, but I'll eat it. And truth be told I'd rather have the gorgeous warm crusty bread on is own with a bit of butter.

This album is that sandwich.
2 great tracks bookending a passable filling. (And I'm so glad they redeveloped this original version of Honky Tonk Woman)

Joan Armatrading is one of those singer songwriters who has always flown under the radar. 
Someone who I wouldn’t have (and didn’t) give the time of day to as a teenager when this album was released, but now I can appreciate good songs played and sung well. 

I doubt I’ll seek out any more of her stuff but my view of her has changed.

Was this the last bastion of the Hammond Organ? I don’t know but it certainly sounds perfect on a Punk record and makes this the best late 70s UK Punk album I’ve heard up to now. 

p.s. I never realised the Peaches I knew and loved was a radio edit.

"Do you know what would make that great song sound even better? A few tuneless blasts on the mouth organ"
Said no-one ever.