Reviews by trenear

A Frank Zappa album that I quite like. The zaniness hadn't taken over yet.

This is relentless. I haven't had a chance to fully engage with this but I like what I heard. Shame there's no bass guitar here BUT that decision does make it a compelling listen. It gives the album its character. Metallica's first 4 albums are as good as any other band's.

Really enjoyed this. The sound of Marvin Gaye's erection.

The 80s in album form. I knew the big hits, of course. I was dreading it, but also intrigued. Could it be as bad as my teenage self had imagined?

No. It wasn't that bad. It didn't speak to me in any meaningful way but it was absolutely fine.

Passionate. Steve Lilywhite did a great job on the production. Everything's crystal clear and punchy as fuck.

A very pleasant surprise. My heart sinks when prog rock turns up on here. I often find it too silly. This has got a lovely vibe going on though. A kind of English wistfulness. I'll be returning to this.

I've always struggled with The Band. I should like this. I love Dylan, I love George Harrison, I love weird old American music. But The Band have never interested me. I think it's a combination of the singing voices and the earnest songwriting.

I should like this. The krautrock influence, the production is clear and detailed, and it's generally my kinda thing. I find it all a little fussy. A bit precious. I don't mind it and I can see the appeal, but some of these ideas are not exactly original.

Classy. It'll never be one of my favourites. It's just too old fashioned for me. It still a pleasurable listen though cos its got class.

Really cool sound. Very British move to take American influences (hip hop, DJ scratching) and turn it into something moody and introspective. I don't always want to listen to this, but it's good to know it's out there.

Bit boring and unmemorable. A shame, cos their other album on here was decent.I won't return to this.

I couldn't get with this. Maybe it was the plummy English voice (and I have a plummy English voice, myself!), maybe it was the guitar tones, maybe it was the lack of tunes, maybe it was the slightly underwhelming production.
It does sound better when played really loud, but it's still not enough.
I do love the cover art though.

I really like Randy Newman. I feel like I would enjoy spending time in his company. His music makes me smile and feel all kind of nostalgic.

Oh yes. Legendary album. I nearly played it to death after my daughter was born. Listening to it while pushing her around in her buggy.
So many individual highlights and the whole still adds up to more than it's parts.
The variety of music on here and the scale of ambition (fully, fully realised) puts this easily in the realm of genius.

It's all well played and written. It's just not my thing. I love a lot of Elton's singles and the world could do with more Elton Johns but I don't click with this. Maybe the songs are too dramatic and grand.

I've tried a number of times with this album. It's never truly clicked. I can hear that the songs are there, but something holds them back. Can't put my finger on it.

I listened on Spotify, which has the demos after the album. I love the demos. The songs shine. They should have kept the songs smaller and cosier, like the demos.

I was wary about it, but I really enjoyed it. Yes, some of the lyrics aren't great. They seem to be fixated on penises, but nevertheless the music rules.

I think I respect this more than love it. It's got great attitude but lacks stand out tunes. The cover of I Heard it Through the Grapevine is excellent, however.

Lovely. A balm for the soul.
Took my daughter to school in -6C. On a bike. Her school was closed for teacher training. Took her to 2 different friends' houses while I went to my first day back at work after Christmas.
At home, this album came through for me with it's generous, uplifting spirit.
Great cover art.

I went into this open minded and optimistic.
The band are not terrible, quite solid actually. They have some very pretty, Beatles-esque melodies as well. However, this album falls off a cliff after about 5 songs. The singles are memorable and tuneful. A lot of the second half of this album is quite hard to listen to due to irritating vocals and aimless jamming from the band.