Reviews by tjehl

Dreary vocals and only half-interesting songwriting. Quite the drag.

Swampy, psychedelic and bluesy.

Dr. John is one of the best at what he does. He has proved that countless times.

It was with Gris-Gris that he unfolded his voodoo world for the world to explore with him. A lot of the record works really well and he knows when to demand your attention, as in “I Walk On Guilded Splinters”.

Unfortunately there is also room for songs like “Croker Courtbullion” - and those really aren’t working.

Legendary and highly influential album by one of the most creative musicians ever.

Freak Out! is not quite as provocative and extreme as it would have been in ‘66 - remember that this was just the second rock double album to be released; almost immediately after Blonde On Blonde.

Today it is still fun, exciting and way, way ahead of its time - but it’s important criticism is not as relevant.

The angsty punk vs. girls girls girls balance in the songwriting is a bit off, but it’s a really fun listen nonetheless. It sounds like it’s just a bunch of friends in a garage shouting the backing vocals into a single mic - as it should be.

I was really excited about this after the opening tracks - and while it never became bad, I had a hard time understanding some of the instrumental choices. Maybe it was just a tad too goofy at times?

Pet Shop Boys at their most danceable.
It’s simply a thrill. They could have probably cut a song or two to make it more streamlined and tight - but I don’t really care that much.

Slightly more sophisticated but just as avant as its successor, Club Penguin.

Sometimes you don’t know why a band picked a certain album cover.

Other times you feel it physically.

Stone solid record by the group’s only actual Beach Boy. The ambience is spot on and the songwriting is great, as it should be on a Wilson-record.

Metallica’s first albums relied heavily on Burton’s impressive bass playing - it’s a big part of what makes them so good!

After his tragic death the band chose to somehow honor his legacy by producing an album with almost no discernible bass … And it turned out to be one of their greatest accomplishments.

While I think Doug Yule is great, you can still sense that John Cale is missing from this line-up.

“Pale Blue Eyes” is an obvious highlight, but the record truly peaks with the chaotic “The Murder Mystery” that is just pure imagination run amok.

The opening track, “Milonga Is Coming”, instantly became one of my favorite instrumental compositions - devastatingly beautiful.

A captivating live recording that made me forget about anything else during its entire duration.

Dylan probably never had a better band than the one on Blonde On Blonde. Another peak in his 60's discography, almost making it seem like an entire mountain range.

Teenager Of the Year is a bit like watching Pixies live - the songs just keeps coming and coming and coming.

Is 22 songs too many? Probably. It seems excessive.

Should the record be any shorter? I mean, it’s Black Francis doing his thing. So probably not.

Sublime cover art. I could just sit and watch it the entire time listening to the record. Love it.

Curtis Mayfield's smooth vocals and striking political message provides an excellent listen. Despite its short length it still comes across a bit one-sided - but it's definitely worth a listen.

Joseph Byrd is an under appreciated genius. This is far ahead of its time.

Pushing boundaries and both provocative and innovative in themes as well as production.

Not particularly a fan of Courtney Love, but there’s no denying the importance of Hole on the 90’s rock scene.

I really appreciate the pretentiousness of Rufus Wainwright for some reason. He’s in a world of his own.

That being said, this didn’t have the same impact on me as Want Two had; it’s still good, but I never felt as involved.

The Boo Radleys have no idea what kind of band they are. Giant Steps is all over the place and almost feels like a compilation of different genres or a random playlist.

I will end on a conversation that must have taken place during recording:

“Guys, this song is also kind of bland. Can we do something about it?”

“You know what worked the last 11 times?”

*all band members in unison*

“AN OUTRO WITH NOISY GUITARS!”

So much emotion, so much soul.
Just enjoy and let Al Green take over for just about half an hour.