Reviews by theblanderman

In the broad scheme of prog albums I've listened to over the years, this was ok. I feel like the "concept" is kinda just thrown together in a way that is less of a story and more just a random train of thought. Though I gotta say the raven/castration part was pretty wild. 3/5

This was overall ok. Some moments were pretty clear knockoffs of Scott Walker, but there was enough here to like overall. 3/5

Side One/Side Two are an easy 5 for me, but unfortunately Side Three/Side Four leave quite a bit to be desired. That and the pervasive religious undertones slightly bring this down. All around though Stevie Wonder is an extremely talented musician. 4/5

I've listened to this off and on for days now. In some moments I feel like I'm listening to something experimental and novel. in others I feel like I'm listening to an arcade fire/death cab for cutie cover band. Still though, I can't deny that I like it overall. 4/5

I listened to this album today as I ferried into Seattle for work during the sunrise. Really hit the spot.
I do wish this was an instrumental album as I find the vocals to be a bit jarring, but a nice listen nonetheless. 4/5

I loved rock lobster as a child. I knew all the lyrics and would sing it by heart. Unfortunately, not only does the song Rock Lobster not age well for an adult palate, but the rest of the songs are annoying and just kinda chant along. I'll give them extra points for having fun but they were annoying while doing it. 1.5/5 -> 2/5

I didn't know what to expect going in here but was impressed. The songs were memorable, the instrumentals were impressive and overall it didn't sound too dated. 3.5/5 -> 4/5

That was a great snapshot of the car radio in the mid-late 90s. While some of these songs were pretty forgettable, I enjoyed the themes and the singles are incredible. 3.5/5 -> 4/5

Really not for me, but I can hear more interesting elements than in other post punk albums: the guitars are occasionally more ear catching, and the vocals are ok. The first half was a fraction more interesting than the second half. Meh. 2.5/5 -> 3/5

Honestly, I'm all for experimental music and making a statement, but Freak Out felt underbaked and messy. The songs were not ultra memorable, and the lyrics were pretty blatant in their meanings with less finesse than I've come to expect of a FZ project.
"We're Only in it for the Money" has more interesting songs and the social commentary is more refined. "Hot Rats" leans into experimental jazz fusion which is really fun. "Trout Mask Replica" (which was produced by FZ) have weird little ear worms that stay with you ("Fast and bulbous!") and leaves you with a feeling of accomplishment at the end. "Sheik Yerbouti" and "Apostrophe" both lean into catchy, memorable, and absurdist humor, with the latter also reflecting Frank's expansion in the realm of "concept albums" (Along with his album "Joe's Garage").
Again, while I appreciate that this was the point of inception for many of the diverging pieces of work I enjoy above, I can't say Freak Out was a particularly enjoyable listen. 2.4/5 -> 2/5

Nevermind is a really important album for me.
Being born the year Nirvana exploded into a global phenomenon, and raised in the Seattle area throughout my childhood, the legacy of Kurt Cobain was palpable. Three of my first CDs were Bleach, In Utero, and Nevermind. Nirvana's influence would go on to set the initial foundation for all the music I love to this day: prog, metal, hip-hop, hyperpop, jazz etc etc etc. (though I hate most post-punk, which grunge is very much adjacent to, ah well).

Listening to Nirvana fills me with a sense of regional pride I can't explain, and every time I listen to Nevermind commuting in to work on the ferry looking at downtown Seattle, I sincerely wish I had been able to meet Kurt. RIP.

5/5

Nice voice, just a bummer that at the time so few artists wrote their own songs/relied on covers. Good overall, though. 3/5

A bit of a B-Side Prince, but there were some nice moments throughout. 3/5

Started off pretty dicey with the "handmaid's tale"ish track made to love, but got a little better after that with some unique bits. 2.5/5 -> 3/5

While I didn't hate this album, there were no memorable moments nor interesting sounds. The singers voice was abysmal and off key. Not my vibe. 2/5

Personally, I think that album was much longer than it was worth, and not part really stood out much other than those jackass notes. 2/5

What a stupid, annoying album. I feel like two dorks in dumb bibs are rambling nonsense to me from across the dinner table - constantly reminding me that "boys will be boys" and "girls will be girls" for some reason. 1.3/5 -> 1/5

A pretty good look into Indian music. I thought the teaching tracks were basically just filler, but the other songs were quite technical and impressive. Good more or less. 3.4/5 -> 3/5

A beautiful, well constructed album from front to back. 5/5

This was a nice, hard reprieve to the usual alternative brit stuff on the list. Some moments were a bit too "nu", and the end was a tad anticlimactic but overall a headbanger. 3.7/5 -> 4/5