Reviews by tall_poppy

An important record bringing some of the energy of punk and girl rock into the mainstream, though built around (and perhaps forgotten) a few beautiful mid tempo and ballad numbers. A remarkable first statement for Christie Hynes and her stalwart band, most importantly James Homeyman-Scott.

Surprised to see this one on the list, though I enjoyed it a lot upon its release. Highlighted by a few great songs, but probably not epochal enough for consideration on this list.

It’s a landmark piece of modern jazz and a bravura performance, but it’s not a real favourite of mine. The improv style has more to do with folk harmonics then anything jazzy, which to my ears is a bit anodyne.

The apotheosis of pun rock, with brilliant songs and playing by a tight band. DS was never better.

The best Pogues record, improving the sound and song mix from their first, though retaining their raw edge, and featuring some extraordinary songs from McGowan. Sick Bed, Sally Mac, Old Main Drag, I’m a Man You Don’t Meet, and most of all, Pair of Brown Eyes, are enduring marvels. Phenomenal record.

Important in its day and an unexpected breakthrough, this merger of grunge and power pop was misunderstood as a heavy rock record. The Fannies continued to evolve and peaked a few albums later with Grand Prix and Howdy.

Highly regarded by many, and perhaps it suffers as a result. For me Summerteeth is the better record, and YHF feels a bit self conscious and cold.

Sacrilegious perhaps but really not my thing

This channeling of new wave and pop punk was a great breath of fresh air when it arrived in ‘94. Ear candy and really well made, but not best album calibre imo.

This channeling of new wave and pop punk was a great breath of fresh air when it arrived in ‘94. Ear candy and really well made, but not best album calibre imo.

A more muscular version of the Doors, showing evolution as a band. Worthy of four stars.

Though I mourned the loss of the new wave version of TH at the time, this record clearly anticipates and leads a mini revolution of sorts.

I really really can’t stand the National; pretentious morbidity, want-to-be dark poets. Godawful.

My favourite Sinatra album and one of the better vocal albums in jazz-pop history. Frank was feeling blue, midnight blue, with the (predictable) demise of his relationship with Lana Turner, and it really resonates in the choice of material and the performances.

Perhaps the best Belen of rock, Lo fi and rap, this from a guy (me) who really can’t abide most rap. So take that with a grain. Either way, this record proves that BB’s were real.

Essential alternative guitar record

Good but not great. Overrated because they are beloved.

This is a stellar idea and collaboration. Many memorable songs combining Guthrie lyrics with Bragg / Tweedy music, played with heart and spirit.

The original psychedelic blues band, with great originality, vocally unique, and a surprising amount of propulsion in its rhythm section. The extended jams are noisy and somewhat enervating, but undeniably innovative for their time

This type of show tune production across various songwriters and eras is 100% not my thing. Putting two stars in recognition of the underlying craft. But no thanks.