Reviews by verbaljazz

(must separate the art from the artist, must separate the art from the artist)

But, damn, this is pretty good. The songs are well crafted.

Meh.

Competent, middle-of-the-road rock. While listening, I kept wondering if it was over yet.

Nick Drake made music for quiet moments of introspection. For when you need a warm hug on a rainy day.

When I was in college, I had a friend who refused to listen to Nick Drake because he died by suicide, and he thought the music was too depressing.

Years later that friend went anti-mask, anti-vaxx, started sharing Russell Brand videos and claimed Jordan Peterson was a real intellectual.

I lost touch with that friend on purpose, but still listen to Nick Drake.

The next time my daughter complains about my singing voice, I'm going to play her this.

How exclusive was this show? People were engaging in criminal activity just to get tickets.

Seriously, how many artists now would perform in a prison?

What's the difference between a front man and a singer? There's only so much Anthony Kiedis one could take.

This album would be a lot better if it were just instrumental.

WHY IS SHE SHOUTING?

Janis had such a dynamic, powerful voice, but not everything needed to be belted. That's what makes her interpretation of "Me Bobby McGee" so great - the histrionics are dialed way down.

Are songs about how crazy it is being in a rock n roll band a sign that maybe you lack a little creativity?

They say write what you know, I guess.

Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones were seasoned session musicians by the time they made this album. You can hear the variety of influences. Bonham's drumming on Good Times, Bad Times is spectacular. And Plant brings it all together.

While the hippies were spreading peace and love, the Velvet Underground was exploring...other themes.

I'd probably like this if I listened to it more.

Lou Reed could write actual songs. This is something else. I suspect I would need to listen more to get into it.

Lou Reed could write actual songs. This is something else.

There is no one like Joni Mitchell. Her creativity is boundless.

It sounds like the soundtrack to a spy film where the spy is in deep with a femme fatale.

As long as there's art made by humans, humans will continue to challenge the concept of what is and what is not art. Hence the conceit of the concept album...or rock opera. Multiple songs that propel the same story forward. It's just like a musical now...

If Pete Townshend had been born thirty years later, this might have been competing with "Rent" on Broadway.

There are some good songs on here, but overall the concept falls flat. However, given its enormous influence in terms of what and album and what rock music could be, it's certainly earned a place here.

Don't think it's a coincidence to get this the day after Dolly died.

Dolly was a great singer, songwriter, and storyteller.

She used her fortune to enrich the lives of others. She lifted people up instead of cutting them down.

Think of the title track - the story of a family so poor that the mom had to make clothes which led to ridicule. But making that coat of many colors was an act of love...and necessity...and resourcefulness...and resilience.

Dolly was ultimately resilient, and this album is a testament to that.

This sounds like a collection of b-sides and outtakes that an artist might release to give true fans something more to ponder. It sounds and feels incomplete. It sounds like there's something bubbling under the surface that could have maybe used more focus. This sounds longer than its length. It just doesn't end.

I want to like this. I want to support an artist who struggled with demons. But, no.

Bob Marley: the sound of a college dorm room. Now guess the smell.

The bass playing is fantastic, as are the rest of the musicians.

Elevator music with a beat.

"Freedom! '90" is the obvious classic on this album, but there are a lot of good songs and interesting choices. The jazz inspired "Cowboys and Angels" comes to mind.

George Michael was a hell of a pop craftsman with an ear for melody and a gorgeous voice.

If the Beatles kept making albums like this, they would not be revered like they are today. They would be considered a good pop band who captured the imagination for a few years.

But this album is a stepping stone. You can hear the competency of their early songwriting and lyrical playfulness. Would any other band have been open to even the idea of the title "Hard Day's Night?"

When you listen to the Beatles as songwriters, you are instantly jealous. But they worked at it, they honed their craft and made each other better. The fame was a trap, but also the freedom to experiment in later albums.