Reviews by socksonfire

Yes, the rumours are true. 2 years before Nevermind dropped, alternative music poked its little head out of its dirt hole and gave mainstream listeners a little kiss on the cheek. And it sounds even better now. Breakfast at my house never sounded so good.

The legend exceeds the reality. But still a very off-kilter weirdo of an album, perfect for Halloween. It reminded me of Abbey Road: a bunch of great ideas poured into a blender and presented with some charm.

This is an album with some great songs. But way too long, and very inconsistent.

Sometimes simplicity is a good hang.

2012? 2012???? Practically a new release! I’m not saying I disliked it. I didn’t. There were some cold tracks I think would sound great popping up on a road trip set list. I just don’t see how an album like this could ever be someone’s personal favourite. Didn’t have enough wow. Solid mid.

I played this tape cassette a lot when I was in grade 12. I recalled it as long and meandering. Turns out it’s pretty tight and good.

The production and DJing on this album is still unparalleled, and the rapping is fun but definitely of it’s time.

Party album! The skits bugged me but the songs were a ton of fun.

Yessss. When this album popped up a slow smile grew across my dumb kisser. A perfect excuse to blow the dust off my ragged old LP. Those dueling guitars. This album f’ck’n rules from the first second to the last.

Knowing the two massive radio hits primed me with low expectations. But then, suddenly, I didn’t mind it much at all!

My favourite 80’s pop album not made by Prince. I have listened to this thing seems like a hundred times. Still gets a spin a few times a year.

Oh, Canada. I often find mid-aughts records don’t age that well. This one stills feels very good. The music on this album fills a room in a way that is cozy and epic at the same time.

I wanted to really dig this one, but felt more neutral. I didn’t dislike it at all. I liked it not at all.

Neutral isn’t good.

After getting through the interminable Shout, a bunch of decent tracks on here, all culminating with a resounding thud of a closer. Still, a 3-star experience.

GK is a maniac, and those slinky soul samples are so smooth. The closer you listen to the lyrics the more insane it becomes. Full marks for this sweet baby!

PS: that this album is pushing 20 years old is ill.

This shoegaze hypno-pop kinda music can hit real nice with the right mood-enhancing cocktail, but doesn’t work as well on a sober school night.
That said, I’ve heard way waaaay worse versions than this.

4-star first spin. Idiosyncratic and intriguing. Got lost in the 15-minute final track.
Then during the second spin I got very interested in shutting it off halfway. Ask me again in a month.

How can I express my thoughts about an album that is as intensely beloved as this one without sounding like a complete asshole? Those multitudes who connected REALLY connected.
I’ll go this way: I like the songwriting. The delivery and her voice are just so plain that it accomplishes whatever the opposite of “elevating” is.
I feel like maybe if I spent more time listening it could grow on me though. Bonus star for how when I was singing “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman” at the top of my lungs the whole family laughed.

I believe Rolling Stone magazine probably would have called this “an assured debut.” I call it fckn rad!

This album is trash. Fills my heart with garbage.