Reviews by theblanderman

Technically my average of these songs is a 2.1, but unfortunately for Billy and the gang the 1s were so egregiously bad (Hoodoo Voodoo, jesus take the wheel, and I guess etc), and this album is so unessential, I'm rounding down a digit. 1/5

Johnny pretending like he's a tough guy in front of an audience of actual criminals who have been convicted of who-knows-what crimes is a weird concept. I like that this recording exists (really needs to be the only live prison album by him on here) but it's really not that spectacular in terms of storytelling (egg sucking dog is the worst) - it's mostly just him pandering stories to the audience. Meh+. 2.5/5 -> 3/5

There are many reasons that I love this album. 1) It's goal to stand in direct contrast to the muzak of the time is admirable. If you define pop music as structurally homogenic music that is engineered to placate the masses, you could consider this to be anti-pop. 2) I love the idea of this music being as forgettable as it is intriguing. So many subtle nuisances and textures throughout that make this a worthwhile active listen, though I've used this for working as well. 3) I've built countless memories around these moments, from falling asleep on my couch in Chicago listening to my vinyl version the first time, to giving my kids kitchen-sink baths and throwing this on as "spa music".
One of my favorite records. 5/5

As marginally interesting it was to hear where mbv started, we really don't need such a subpar addition to this list when Loveless (and to a much lesser extent, the "mbv" album) is around. Some ok moments but a lot less to like, here. 1.8/5 -> 2/5

The lyrics and content are great and all, I just find the music really boring. If more songs were Tennessee-adjacent or a bit bassier that would have improved the experience. As it stands now it's good, and I get it's impact, but I probably won't listen again. 2.7/5 -> 3/5

This was ok. Took me to another place a bit, but was mostly just 3 people diddling around. 3/5

Not a bad album. Not a great album. The singles are pretty good, but Chris Martins vocals are so soft. All around fine. 2.7/5 -> 3/5

Thought this was fine when I listened the first time while working,cthen fine the second time when I was driving to Tofino BC. Just fine. 3/5

This album tried to set itself up for failure. The band name made it seem like this was some country hoobastank shit, and "Session" made me assume it was just some live tracks that weren't planned to be an album experience. Both were kind of misguided, they present themselves as a calm and very melodic folk group with a number of well-crafted songs recorded in an interesting way. Was it mind blowing? Not really. But still an interesting story on here in the midst of all the other samey garbage. 3/5

For a "rock-n-roll" album this wasn't horrible. Some interesting songs and some that were meh. 3/5

This wasn't bad in the context of other blues albums. I could generally hear differences between songs and liked his voice.

From the moment the first drum strikes launch this album, it feels like the air is thick with sound. A perfection of the shoegaze genre. 5/5

I guess I appreciate the idea here. Some songs were cool and experimental, and others just sounded like background noise. Not really an album I expect will stand the test of time, nor the best "soundtrack for a non-existent movie" album I've heard ("Soundtracks for the Blind" by Swans comes to mind) but fine I suppose. 2.7/5 -> 3/5

An o.k. progish album. I listened to this 5-6 times but rarely left much of an impression, but also wasn't bad. 2.7/5 -> 3/5

I hate to say it, but I find the Roots to be... boring. Their music is good enough, but it just doesn't move past that for me. All I can say is that it makes semse they are the house band if the tonight show now. 3/5

Not bad for a post punk album. Shot by Both Sides and Motorcade elevated the album a bit. Some of the other songs are more standard diddling. 2.7/5 -> 3/5

This album might make sense in the Norwegian list of 1001 albums, but not a chance everywhere else. Just another damn Byrds entry as far as I'm concerned. 1975 was a good closer, and it's nice the album was short, but truly an inconsequential listen. 2/5

This is a pretty ok jazzy album with a few good parts. I like the lean into funk, but certainly not earth shattering. 3/5

Not bad, Personal Jesus and Hurt were the clear highlights in 50 mins of covers and some originals. I'll give it flowers, but probably won't listen again. 2.5/5 -> 3/5

The music is fine, but Morrissey's delivery is so one-note and constant that it's just grating after awhile. 2/5