Reviews by tall_poppy

Essential punk-pop, formative for so much of what came with Green Day etc.

In my view the best of their albums.

Fela Kuti is one of the most important artists of the rock era, popularizing the Afro-Jazz scene and creating some extraordinarily euphoric dance-inducing protest music. This album is one of many classics from the 1968-75ish era. Give it a listen.

Fela Kuti is one of the most important artists of the rock era, popularizing the Afro-Jazz scene and creating some extraordinarily euphoric dance-inducing protest music. This album is one of many classics from the 1968-75ish era. Give it a listen.

Holger Czukay’s solo record after leaving Can is some interesting shit. It goes on a little too long at times but the foundational concepts and at times funky fun are well worth a listen.3.5 stars

This is the record where Dylan took electric to heart. Adding Al Kooper, Mike, Bloomfield, etc., and rocking the hell out of some absurdist lyrics, as well as some beautiful and mournful, classic ballads. In its day, just extraordinary record, even if you excluded Like a Rolling Stone.

Out of place in its time, from 1976, and a five year wait from their previous record. This has pop gems on it which feel like the mid 60s meets the mid 70s. Unique and it day and still sounding really solid. Four stars.

Perhaps the band’s apotheosis, a diverse mix of songs showcasing their evolution as a capital R rock band. Setting the tone for their early seventies releases, while bookended by two of the great songs of the late 60’s. If they had included Honky Tonk Woman (instead of the somewhat flaccid Country Honk) it would be even further up critics’ best of lists.

Catchy infectious roots pop at a very high level. Lots of talent on display and songs you will remember. 3.5

An exceptional artefact that ends the 60’s and introduces the 70’s, with extraordinary talent and personality in each song.

Brilliant sophisticated often morose adult rock from the criminally under-heard Aussie band. Other albums are as good if not better than this, but it’s a winner

Important record of jazzy introspective folk. Unusual in style and Buckley’s voice is extraordinary, bringing great power to the material.

True punk DIY ethos, great in small quantities, sparse, satirical, but ultimately more attuned to one hit wonder status

Adore this record and the unabashed under sensitive tweeness and humour of this era of Belle and Sebastian.

Brilliant stuff!

Fantastic record, an artefact from the peak era of grunge, during which bands like the Whigs added an extra crunchy, angsty guitar layer, in this case, to an already potent dark soul sound. It’s a triumph in moody confessional self-loathing, Greg Dulli’s lyrics and vocal performance have a black shine to them. At times, absolutely extraordinary. 4.5

Country rock flourished in the 70’s largely because of Gram Parsons, the later Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, and their diaspora. Jot entirely my cup of tea, and the next wave even less so, but important and innovative music.

Classic Crosby, musically his distinctive jazz folk stylings, lyrically with his (typically) hipster philosopher paranoiac blend. It’s performed beautifully, very attractive, though more of a sideways step from his late Byrds and CSN contributions than a step forward.
Croz, despite his prickly personality, was better as a collaborator than a solo artist, brilliant harmony singer and capable of rich melodic innovation. Good but not great. 3.5

Less a fully conceived album and more a collection of stellar - at times extraordinary - showcases of this SF band with five singer songwriters, who played with fervour and skill. In its own way, one of the more extraordinary debut records in rock history. The band was in retrospect doomed to the dustbin after a couple of records, criminally mismanaged by Matthew Katz and unable to continue to harness their talents after some inevitable burnishing after this start. Listen for the harmonies, the guitar prowess, and the phenomenal rhythm section. Recommended songs : Omaha, Hey Grandma, Changes, 8:05, hell the whole damn record. 4.5 stars

No sir