Reviews by tjehl

A bunch of fully developed ideas and a bunch of half baked ones. It’s never bad but it rarely soars high for long.

The amount of post-punk and new wave (especially the British variant) on this list is obviously excessive and maybe even problematic… But this is one of the albums I sure wouldn’t remove.

The songwriting is fun and catchy and Butler’s vocals are iconic - but what really makes this record stand out is Ashton and Morris’ jangly and playful guitars.

This was the first album on the list, about 600 in, that I was unable to find anywhere online. Luckily a lovely guy in Germany sold it to me.

In the form of a CD …
Which I listened to on my friend’s PS2 …
A true 00’s album experience.

I could have done without some of the more rap oriented songs. The turntables as well.

But it’s mainly just Santana lite.
And due to the fact that I now somehow own this record I might be more positive towards it than I should be - but I feel like we’ve been a journey together already.

This must have been an awesome concert to witness. Unfortunately the experience doesn’t quite transfer to whatever media you prefer in your living room - unless of course that media is somehow the actual 1972 Hawkwind lineup live.

Also; Lemmy was great on this!

The Darkness’ music is at times as hollow and inane as a lot of hard rock; but they have their secret weapon in lead singer Justin Hawkins.

The singles have become classics and if you just let go and indulge yourself in the over the top vocals, most of the album is actually quite fun.

The first side is definitely stronger than the second, but I never find myself truly bored.

It’s the same with most Prince records when comparing it to his live sound - the production can seem a bit flat and robotic. Purple Rain is no exception, but it’s nowhere near to the extend of some of his others albums.

That being said, Purple Rain contains hit after hit of legendary tracks with especially Side B being a stone cold classic. It’s still closer to a 3 than to a 5.
But it’s so obviously better than a 3.

Marty Robbins possesses one of the most iconic country vocals there is. I could listen to him tell me tales of the open prairie and its many outlaws day in and day out.

Completely harmless effort by these Australians.
The quality of the songs varies a lot, with the drum machine songs being mostly bland and the full band songs delivering some needed energy.

I don’t actively dislike it.
It’s just harmless and easily forgettable.

It really did wonders for Faith No More to get Mike Patton to join the band. He’s a creative force of nature who seem to master every genre and sound thrown at him.

Some aspects sound a bit dated, but considering this was released in 1989 it might actually just be more revolutionizing than dated.

“Fascination Street” is one of the greatest 80’s-songs of all time. Keeping that in mind it’s wild that it doesn’t really stand that much out quality-wise from the rest of Disintegration.

Robert Smith was apparently but unsurprisingly moody as hell and refused to speak at times during the recording of this to create an uncomfortable atmosphere. A lot of the other guys just had a great time and tried to remain somber whenever Smith was in the room. Pure fun.

Everything about the history of Sex Pistols is chaotic. They were really just there to make some noise, stir shit up and leave - and that’s exactly what they did.

Quite a few of my favorite artists wouldn’t have existed without Violent Femmes and this album in particular.

Also, it’s nice to be reminded once in a while that “Gone Daddy Gone” wasn’t written by Gnarls Barkley.

Listened to this immediately after Joanna Newsom’s Ys. Beauty overload.

Keith Jarrett’s spontaneity and ability to improvise even under difficult circumstances puts in a spot where few other pianists come close.

Incredibly cool start, falling a bit short toward the end and then closing with the title track.
Mayfield’s vocals are like butter throughout and you barely notice that you’re actually listening to a soundtrack.

Solid pop album by Aguilera containing some of the defining bangers of the 2000’s.

It’s just a shame that they included the 20 song, 77 minute anniversary deluxe edition for this list.

What? Are you telling me that’s just the regular edition? Well, that’s embarrassing - and completely uncalled for.

How come I’ve neglected to listen to one of the greatest new wave album of all time for so long?
Every single song is iconic and delivers on every possible scale.

I’m going to buy this immediately.

I totally understand Samberg.
Had I met Joanna Newsom the same year this was release I would have fallen in love too.

Ys is uniquely complex, fragile and beautiful.
It’s like nothing else. A rare work of utter brilliance.
I don’t think there’s ever a time when I’m not in the mood for this.

GREY Area is the album where you started to realize that Little Simz could be one of the greatest rappers of her generation.

Yet another example of the idea that if you put Mark E. Smith on an album, it’s hard for it to miss.

It’s fast, fun and well executed. Considering that it’s 14 tracks in 15 minutes, Circle Jerks manage to make most tracks sound distinct. Not bad.