Reviews by sterry2289

Cartoonish and over-the-top 70's ROCK and I don't hate it.

I listened to this all weekend and tried harded to get into this than maybe any album we've had to date. On paper I should love it, but I just don't. It is a cool and enjoyable experience listening to this on headphones, so glad I did that (several times), but I don't think I'll be coming back for more.

Super high quality sound and production, technically impressive, but there were very few moments where I was really hooked. I was also listening to a bit of The Royal Scam this weekend and it occurred to me both Rush and Steely Dan are elevating above the genre in a finer class. Prog rock and yact rock doesn't really desribe it properly.

There is a lot to like about the technically sound and ambitious arrangements, but IMO its gotta have a groove, something to latch on to. Not sure about this take but I was struck by how quickly I was consumed by "Haitan Divorce" maybe the 7th or 8th best song on the Dan album and how I just never got a fraction of that level of engagement from the Rush songs. Will hang up and listen.

I have had Beyond Belief on the rotation for a while and legit love that song. The rest of the album Elvis has his head way too far up his ass. The same tonality that works so well when he's doing his punk/cool nerd thing comes across as incredibly self-important and smug when hes doing slow burns and weird vaudeville (?) sounding tunes. I particularly hated the Shabby Doll / The Long Honeymoon duo.

There are a few other bright spots on here. Man Out of Time, but to my ear it sounds like this Dion song, Only You Know (great song). You Little Fool was good too.

Not my first time with this one but definitely the first really active listening experience. Love the sound of this in the same way I love Exile. Rock/Psychedlic/Country with some R&B covers. Feels like a 5 but I'm going to play it safe.

Went down a rabbit hole on this Squares song. Daydream is the original, where they pulled the hook from. Isaac Hayes did a version which was then pulled by Portishead, then a few years later this. I don’t think the song justifies this many rip offs, and I think the Beta Boys added the least? Was not a fan of this, and it’s hard to say how much of it is because my growing resentment of Brit Pop and this guys forcing it on us. The effect I kept hearing that’s hard to describe, I think it’s the sound of a cymbal reversed. The stereotypical DJ sound. You know the one. Anyway, don’t love that!

Ending with Eclipse and their very irritating and overly simplistic ideas about the haves and have nots left me feeling mostly annoyed. There was some interesting stuff here but overall not for me.

Didn’t love it, didn’t hate it. I also didn’t really notice the lack of bass, I think because they mixed in the synth? Need to spend more time investigating 2000’s NY rock. The attitude landed for me, whereas for bands like this if it doesn’t it can result in the worst shit imaginable. Will be checking out more YYY’s.

Second Almost Famous reference in a few weeks… but Lester Bangs declares Rock and Roll dead but says “at least you’re here for the death rattle, last gasp, last grope”. This feels like a serious death rattle of rock. 87 and people are thirsty for some straight ahead rock, meanwhile grunge is taking off and hip hop is about to replace rock as the most relevant genre. Another album that at the time probably felt refreshing, pure rock and roll, but almost 40 years later it just sounds like recycled garbage. At times fun garbage. Slash is good, and I’ve heard good things about Adler. The hits are good. Sweet Child of Mine has… 2.1 BILLION streams.

Sweet, sweet baby James. Silkyyy smooth. I don’t want to keep giving everyone a 5 but I really can’t find a fault on here. Maybe too many blues tunes? Didn’t bother me though. Took a walk through the woods and this couldn’t have been a better soundtrack.

I returned my rental car and the guy started it up to check the gas and Queen Latifah was blaring through bluetooth. Really hard to explain that.

I like her vibe but this didn’t do much for me.

This album is like a musical blitzkrieg. Pretty fucking sick.

It has moments of musical genius (Peaches in Regalia and Son of Mr. GG) and also has some completely deranged chaos. Haven’t read other reviews so this may have been said, but if you were to make Rock Jazz I think this is what you’d make?

Sounds very pretentious but this album is incredibly rich. Constant weird and interesting turns.

I’ve listened to peaches en regalia and son of mr gg many times but it must be a camel was my favorite new discovery. I heard son of Mr. Green Genes described as regal by a friend and I think that’s a perfect description.

Also just the right amount of Cpt Beefheart. I hope we get Trout Mask Replica (for the discourse)

I’m on a business trip and this album reminded me that life is and can be strange and interesting (unlike meetings in NJ OR

Great stuff here for sure, but U2 isn’t doing it for me. The different things they’re doing to define their sound and make them unique start feeling pretty hallow after a few tunes. Bono wailing, Edge syncopated rhythm, SMASHING the offbeat snare, reverb etc.

Looking back at some of the records we’ve had like Joni and Neil, they have a unique sound that feels more authentic.

I was tempted to go 4/5 because of some of these misses, but the highs are so high. Everybody Knows This is Nowhere is one of my all time favorite songs.

Huge album in my life. Down By The River was one of the first songs my Dad taught me and I’ve probably “jammed” playing over those chords 100 hours. Em….7th!? Revolutionary. To be fair, I also have vivid memories desperately changing the song when Round and Round, Losing End or Running Dry hit. Round and Round is...inexplicable.

Been thinking about my critiques of Pavement, that they were sloppy, when listening to this. At first glance some of this may seem "sloppy" as well, but in my mind this playing style is free / instinctual vs. careless / sloppy. I think its a fine line.

An imperfect album for sure, but one of my favorites.

This one is pretty sad. Between the lyrics and the minimalist recording seems like he was pretty low. Sort of a tough listen. Nice sounding but not as strong as Bryter Layter.

I'm not sure if this is unique to me, but this music makes me very uneasy. I suppose that's what they're trying to convey. It also makes me feel very much like a Dad... I want to slap these guys and tell them to speak up, apply themselves and contribute to society. If you're gonna do anything do it well god damn it! Obviously this is not resonating with me but I do appreciate what they're doing. A sloppier Replacements/Wilco.

All this boils down to the fact I have a blind spot for 90's alternative/grunge music (unless you're REM or Nirvana).

I've always been skeptical of Pharrell. He seems like a pretty big phony. Very smug. This music hits the same chords. Just learned Pharrell is Timbalands cousin.

Because it’s Oscar’s season, this reminds me of the cinematic achievement that you don’t want to see. Now I know more about Bjork, as advertised.

How the hell have I not heard of Joan?! Extremely puzzled by this.

Great sound, songwriting and production. According to wiki Glyn John’s said this was the best album he’s been a part of… sounds like he had a few drinks maybe, but still interesting.

Glad to have Armatrading in my musical universe now.

They’re on pot….

Wish we got more of that synth in save the life of a child. Fucking love S&G.

Also, props to Patrick for giving SY a shot. My frustration is misguided, I just wish the algorithm would space those out.

No mas.... waving the white flag. 1001 you've made your point. I'll do whatever you ask just please, please no more Sonic Youth.

I stand by the guitar sounds are good.

Either he's too depressed or I'm too depressed. Maybe both. Regardless I can't stomach this.