Reviews by tjehl

Music For the Masses is ironically the record where Depeche Mode really embraced the darkness and minimalistic approach... And in this gloomy realm the band truly seems to shine.

Gahans vocal is haunting and the compositions are, for the most parts, incredibly subtle yet powerful.

Pimpf is not an ending though. Feels like the introduction to an epic album but somehow only leads over in a hidden interlude. Just plain ridiculous.

Best: Strangelove / Little 15

The lo-fi approach almost feels like a direct attack on the growing grunge sound of the same era. Still noisy as hell, but with absolutely no obvious attempt at writing something even resembling a hit.

Also the fact that Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins was genuinely furious at the band for referencing them in Range Life is hilarious!

Deep Purple is certainly at their best when they allow for their songs to build up. They possess a skill for grandiose songs but unfortunately they only really showcase it on the magnificent Child in Time.

Apart from Gillan’s singing, Blackmore and Lord are the absolute highlights of the record. Blackmore seems to overshadow Lord on this record, but when the organ gets to shine it’s always a joy.

While a shocker in 1970 for sure the more classic blues and jam heavy parts don’t quite hold up today. In the end, while having some excellent and timeless moments, it just doesn’t hold my attention throughout.

Rio is one of the greatest album openers of the 80’s. The energy, the composition…. THE SAXOPHONE…. Jesus!

The songwriting is beyond great, Le Bon sounds amazing and the band plays their hearts out. I almost cried due to the sheer emotions on display in Save a Prayer.

It’s worth noting that ⅗ of the band is surnamed Taylor. Without being related.
A British band if there ever was one!

Novocaine and Susan’s really did a great job getting my attention with unusual songwriting, structures and production.

I like the simplicity that seems to haunt the entire record… Even though it at times also turns out to be its greatest weakness. Especially regarding the lyrics.

A solid 3 for having My Beloved Monster appear in Shrek.

An album by Cubans, recorded in Cuba, sung by Cubans, written by Cubans… And now selected for preservation by the United States National Recording Registry.

What a milestone!

More than a decade after its release MBDTF still stands as a monolith of modern hip hop… Fuck it, modern music in general.

If released today it would be just as fresh, progressive and impressive as it was 12 years ago.

Best: Dark Fantasy / POWER / All of the Lights / Runaway

Van Morrisons voice is such an incredibly powerful instrument. They could’ve stripped the record of instruments and it would still sound intriguing.

The songwriting is beyond incredible (especially on Beside You), even though the scarce instrumentation is beginning to wear out towards the very end.

It’s feels like one cohesive stream of consciousness - and what a journey it is.

Why this is consistently considered to be one of the greatest albums to ever be released is simply beyond me.

The first half features only one great song and by “Never Had No One Ever” I’m always about to call it a day.

Luckily the second half puts on a show and almost manages to save the day with a couple of extremely well-crafted songs by Marr. But in the end I think it all comes down to wether or not you find the character of Morrissey interesting enough.

And I just don’t.

Best: The Queen Is Dead / Bigmouth Strikes Again / There Is a Light That Never Goes Out

Worst: Frankly, Mr. Shankley / I Know It’s Over / Vicar in Tutu

I couldn’t imagine a more appropriate Juneteenth release. Filled with anger, sorrow, power and a demand for change.

The production is so raw and in your face (especially the drums) that at times it almost hurts. Absolutely brilliant!

Unfortunately I also knew what to expect when I saw the 20 song tracklist… And this album doesn’t change my mind regarding the overflow of interludes.
The lyrics in general are strong enough to get Sault’s message across. There really is no need to keep hammering the same nail; even when delivered via whispering poetry.

Best: Stop Dem / Bow / Why We Cry Why We Die / Monsters

Worst: Don’t Shoot Guns Out / Black / Pray Up Stay Up / almost every interlude (but especially June Child)

A stark but most welcome departure from the Wham! and Faith-days!

It really suits Michael’s vocal to be accompanied by less synth and kapow and more guitars and piano. Freedom of course being the huge but amazing exception.

A sizable deduction for thinking that pan flute is appropriate anywhere else than in the lobby of a mid-range all-inclusive Greek hotel chain.
All in all Mother’s Pride is really the start of a 2nd half that’s nowhere near as strong as the 1st.

Best: Freedom! / They Won’t Go When I Go / Cowboys and Angels

Worst: Mother’s Pride / Heal the Pain / Soul Free

Balancing the thin line between hyper-tense and insane, the Mael Brothers delivers a record that is the exact opposite of the B-52’s… Festive and fun in just the right way.

While a few of the songs seem to miss the mark, I never feel bored - maybe it’s the excitement and energy in Russell’s falsetto or maybe it’s the playful songwriting. I’m entertained nevertheless.

Best: This Town … / Thank God … / Equator

Worst: Falling In Love … / Complaints

From the first sound of the gong you are aware that you’re about to witness greatness.

Jones’ cymbal washing and later use of timpani is breathtaking, but it is nonetheless Coltrane that stands out as the main character in what can easily be described as his magnum opus.

Another milestone by Coltrane that still stands tall almost 60 years later.

I mean, if you really, really, really like Blitzkrieg Bop this is great. Because it’s literally just 30 minutes of the same inane song.

No amount of attitude and cool leather jackets can change the fact, that Ramones is one of the most overrated bands to ever release a record.

Best: Blitzkrieg Bop

Worst: Blitzkrieg Bop (the next 13 times)

Somehow this isn’t in my Radiohead top 3.
With most other bands this ranking would’ve meant a good but not GREAT album. That isn’t the case here.

I would have liked for a couple of the tracks to be a bit more focused, but with Pyramid Song, Knives Out and Life in a Glasshouse appearing on this thing… Who actually gives a shit?

Best: Pyramid Song / I Might Be Wrong / Knives Out

Worst: Pulk/Pull Revolving Doors / Hunting Bears

It’s been years since I last listened to this. And I forgot that the singles are really doing some truly heavy lifting on this thing. Especially Tears Dry… Jesus Christ is that well written or what?!

The Spectoresque sound is ridiculously well produced, Winehouse’s voice is obviously incredible and the lyrics are at times hard hitters.

Nevertheless my interest slowly fades away during the songs filling out the space between the album singles.

Best: You Know I’m No Good / Back To Black / Tears Dry On Their Own /

Worst: Just Friends / Wake Up Alone / Some Unholy War

Listened to this album the other day.
Listened to it again today.
Will most certainly listen to it again soon.

The cover also prominently features Lennon with a fake beard. Very cool.

Best: Eleanor Rigby / I’m Only Sleeping / She Said She Said / For No One

Unbelievably strong start. As in I genuinely don’t believe how great the first half is!

With more than 100 songs recorded during this session and a runtime of more than 50 minutes, I don’t understand the inclusion of the Jimmy Hickey’s Waltz. A filler on an album that most certainly don’t need fillers.

Steve Wickham’s violin proves to be the secret weapon on a record that is already loaded with great musicians. Blown away!

Best: We Will Not Be Lovers / World Party / Sweet Thing / The Stolen Child

Worst: Jimmy Hickey’s Waltz

Not sure I quite get the almost surreal hype that, apparently, surrounds this album.

Sure, for the most parts it’s a thrilling and enjoyable ride, but the first half feels slightly too long. The second half picks up the pace nicely but unfortunately ends on a lackluster note.

Best: Trouble Down South / Hard to be Human Again / Last Dance

Worst: Darkness and Doubt / Lost Highway

A couple of really great tracks like Kicks, Steppin’ Stone and Take a Look at Yourself keeps this record fun throughout.

A few fillers here and there is almost unavoidable on a record like this, so I’m really not that bugged about that; even though it’s a shame that two of the weakest tracks, Get It On & Louise is right next to each other.

A fun record nonetheless!