Best Ever Albums

Re: HazeyTwilight's ULL

HazeyTwilight — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 16:24:57 GMT

Author: HazeyTwilight

Posted: 12/28/2014 21:24

In Conclusion

What an album to end this thing on. Heh...

Well, I guess this is it. We made it guys. We finally reached the end of this thing where I waffle for about 600 paragraphs talking about music. At points it got a bit deeper than that, maybe a bit too TMI at some points, but I said just enough information that it didn't turn into a pity party or whatever. That's what I think at least. Though, I'm going to be honest, there were times where I almost did try to make that a reality. Where I would end this thing with a huge "fuck you guys" and just start packing my things and leaving this site for good. I thought that you guys would've celebrated over the fact that I would've left, like I was this burden on you.

But, I soon realised that wasn't the case. I noticed that my ULL was getting all of this warm reception from well respected users and they acknowledged what I said about these albums with consideration. I just wondered why they would do something like this. Then I figured it out: it's because they love their music so much that they'll listen to anything that anyone says that will spark discussion. That's the reason that I love this site so much. Even if we are getting new members every day, we're still a relatively small community, and we have each other. We are devastated when a regular leaves the site or deletes his/her account, because all of that discussion that we've had with that user is all replaced with an automated artifact. I'm not blaming anyone for this kind of responsibility, but it is sad when we do see a factor that a user we once knew is gone.

I've made myself a promise that I will never officially leave this site. That's still true to me, however I feel like because of this site, I'm not really getting anything with my life done or I'm not focusing on other interests that I have on my mind. So that's why I've decided to take a break from the community for a while. I know that sounds really contradictory to what I said earlier but I hope you understand that I can't really keep listening to music every single day. This was a new for me to experience, and while I did have a blast with it, I couldn't keep it up forever, and I'd feel fatigued every single day.

Don't worry though, I'll still be here for the remainder of what's left in 2014, but if you notice my absence in 2015, I hope you understand why. Here's my favourite song to remember me by:

Link

I hope to see you guys soon in the Summer sometime, though. My time on here is clearly not over yet. Seeya guys. 😄

Re: HazeyTwilight's ULL

HazeyTwilight — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 15:53:33 GMT

Author: HazeyTwilight

Posted: 12/28/2014 20:53

8:09 PM

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Painful by Yo La Tengo

Spending the last days of Summer vacation with your significant other and have some wholehearted fun together and jam until the sun goes down. The day ends at your place, with your partner asleep snuggling up beside you. This day couldn't get any more perfect.

Again, like with a lot of other artists featured here, I'm not the biggest fan of Yo La Tengo. In fact, I find I Can Hear The Heart Beating As One quite overrated. The only song I like off that album is Sugarcube and that's a really big problem if I only like one song off of it. Oh, I must be experiencing deja vu with another indie band with another less than satisfying album. However, I didn't want to give up on these guys entirely. So what if I didn't like arguable their most popular album among critics and fans alike, they've been around for thirty years now, they must have something that appeals to me. Thankfully, this album, not only do I find it good, is an absolute spectacle to behold.

In all my years of delving in indie rock, this is by far the most romantic album from the genre that I've heard. The shoegaze/dream pop influence is already romantic enough, but it has so much substance that it can live on its own ground without being compared to other albums at the time. Despite the outbursts of Ira's blaring overdrive ridden guitar and some controlled improvisation this album still maintains incredibly sweet and sanguine design. Heck, if anything, it's made the already prepared sweet sound even better. The lyrics are incredibly simple but they pack a lot of weight to them and they really hit you right in the heart strings at points. There are so many standout tracks - both versions of Big Day Coming, Nowhere Near, A Worrying Thing etc - that I'm inclined to say that the whole album is a standout on it's own.

Re: HazeyTwilight's ULL

HazeyTwilight — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 15:08:59 GMT

Author: HazeyTwilight

Posted: 12/28/2014 20:08

If you couldn't see from the lack of any well written and convincing notes for the albums I'm listening to, I'm getting pretty tired. 🫢 But I don't want to end this just yet. So, I'll listen to one more album tonight and then I'll wrap this whole thing up.

Re: HazeyTwilight's ULL

HazeyTwilight — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 14:59:02 GMT

Author: HazeyTwilight

Posted: 12/28/2014 19:59

7:04 PM

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It's A Wonderful Life by Sparklehorse

Waking up in the morning of Spring, feeling miserable as always. A new beginning and you're still regressing your past mistakes. How pathetic.

The story of how Sparklehorse started and how it will inevitably end has always intrigued me. With the news about Mark Linkous tragically killing himself in 2010. I know he will be missed and how he will always live on in his music, but with context like that, I kept thinking to myself; how depressing could his music be? The idea of dead musicians has always fascinated me, and if their music was a factor and an insight into what their life was really like, I could feel a sense of comfort and so sign that I'm not alone in experiencing these feelings. But, maybe I'm just really sick and twisted if I really think of it. I shouldn't base how good a person's music is because of how memorable they committed the act of suicide. I mean, the reason I love Nick Drake and Elliott Smith so much is, not because of their tragic departures from life but, because of how fucking proficient their music was.

With all that being said, is Sparklehorse musical ability up there with them. In my opinion, no. But, Sparklehorse has a completely different style and outlook on music than those two. I would say that they resemble more Eels than anything else, but even Eels never had this experimental side to their indie sound. But, let's stop comparing, it's clearly not fair on Linkous's part, who probably worked really hard to display his feelings to this experimental baroque sound. His tortured voice that's on it's last breath reads out all of his disturbed poems with incredibly dark subject matter at hand. It's very poignant but it also has a lot of desperation. The only problem I have with it is merely a personal problem with me, but I feel like I don't feel a connection to it. There are moments where I should feel the emotions run through my system, but I don't get them as much as I do with similar artists who do this exact same thing. It's a sound I really do love to hear when it's played, but somehow I don't feel it hear. I hope this is just a personal miscalculation with me. But, overall I thought it was pretty good.

R.I.P. Mark Linkous (September 9, 1962 – March 6, 2010) You will be missed. 😢

Re: HazeyTwilight's ULL

HazeyTwilight — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 13:23:00 GMT

Author: HazeyTwilight

Posted: 12/28/2014 18:23

5:07 PM

Surrealistic Pillow by Jefferson Airplane

Strolling through the streets of Liverpool where pavements are covered in flower beds and everyone had their clothes tie dyed.

I allowed this album to consume my soul for 34 minutes. It feels like I'm swimming in acid where the beach is made out of candy. This isn't an album to be writing a lot of technical terms about. Just listen to the music and you'll be swimming with it too.

OK, I knew you'd be disappointed, so I'm going to have another double album post! Yay!

5:44 PM

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Visions by Grimes

Having your hair done in the last hair salon at the end of the universe. I may be diminishing in health, but at least I go out looking fabulous.

I almost feel like saying nothing about this album at all. I mean, how can I describe this thing? I can't. It's so unlike anything I've ever heard before. Like if new-wave merged together with industrial with a mythical fairy projecting the most eccentric but also purest R'n'B melodies. But, even that isn't giving it enough credit. Even though I don't know what I'm supposed describe this as, I like it. It has that odd charm to it. It feels mystical and otherworldly, even though it has this mechanical aid around it. I mean, I don't see it becoming one of my favourites one day (sorry Brandon), but it's something I could see myself putting it on once in a while, or maybe something a little bit more.

Re: HazeyTwilight's ULL

HazeyTwilight — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 11:50:40 GMT

Author: HazeyTwilight

Posted: 12/28/2014 16:50

4:40 PM

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Everyone Asked About You by Everyone Asked About You

The scene kids start a benefit concert to help their terminally ill friend.

I wasn't actually planning on listening to this, but I heard of the premise of emo and indie pop being fused together, my interest was piqued. As soon as I started listening to the first track all the way to the last track, it was unlike anything I've ever heard. There's this anger and rawness that has this biting attitude which would've sounded generic and uninteresting, but add the female's vocals and dabble a bit of electronics in there and you get that really angst-y sound and make it really triumphant. Loneliness getting you down? You feel you're not getting enough respect? You ready to give up now? There's no need to, this album will help you through it. Some rivals may have won the battle, but it's about time you won the war.

Re: HazeyTwilight's ULL

HazeyTwilight — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 09:53:20 GMT

Author: HazeyTwilight

Posted: 12/28/2014 14:53

2:07 PM

Blue Train by John Coltrane

A cab drive through New Orleans and the radio is playing some empowering tunes recreated by a magician.

2015 for me is going to be the year of jazz. I've been thinking about this for a while now whether or not I would want listen to RYM's top 100 jazz albums (traitor!). But, hopefully, this idea would come into fruition because, even though I've listened to very few albums from the genre, I could see it become a genre that I would love in the future. And I guess what adds to my motive is that my grandfather used to be in a jazz band. He played the saxophone for this band all around the country and apparently he was really good. I miss him dearly, since I never got to know this fact about him until much later after he passed away. I had a go at his saxophone earlier this year, and while I may not be able to return the favour of giving me my musical ear (I'm one of those rare people who thanks their grandparents for being responsible for their grandchildren's traits, yeah I'm weird) by being able to play the saxophone, but maybe if I listen to what he might've been listening to/playing when he was with his band at the time.

Although, I wouldn't call myself the biggest John Coltrane fan. A Love Supreme was good but I don't think it has clicked with me in the way other people have. I think his work boils down to is whether you get it or not. I think I'm in the latter category. Maybe I wasn't ready to handle his spiritual side and maybe go for more of his carefree hard-bop beginnings (I have no idea what these jazz terms mean #BawpOfTheYear). And yeah, this is definitely a lot more accessible, even though there are instruments improvising scales left and right. I do prefer the slower and sophisticated side of the album more than the youthful and energetic side of the album. Not to say that it's bad or anything, it's just a lot harder to appreciate, in my opinion. I'm Old Fashioned has all of your favourite traits in jazz, but it's backed up by the most relaxing bass melodies ever.

I think I prefer this to A Love Supreme. It's just a lot more accessible and it's more laid-back and cool. I guess that's how I may like my jazz when my jazz excavation reaches its conclusion, but you never know what's going to happen in 2015. Holy shit, A Love Supreme is going to be 50 years old by that point...well, that gives me the excuse to listen to it this year. 🤣

Re: HazeyTwilight's ULL

HazeyTwilight — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 07:53:39 GMT

Author: HazeyTwilight

Posted: 12/28/2014 12:53

11:46 AM (And other various points in time)

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69 Love Songs by The Magnetic Fields

The greatest American love story ever, written by an English teacher from the other side of the Atlantic. Who just so happens to be more understanding of the country's culture than most of its natives.

Right it's time to finish this juggernaut. My body is ready. I promised many people I would finish this and today will be the day I will complete it. Though I last left it off at Papa Was A Rodeo...welp that's 40 songs down, only 29 more songs to go! Honestly, I never thought I'd make it this far. When I first heard of this album, I was so certain that I wasn't going to be able cover it because it felt like it was a really ambitious task. And I just "Nope'd" it for the longest time. Then, the talk about how great it was grew bigger and bigger to the point it overwhelmed me so much that I just went "fuck it, I'm going to listen to it and see what it was all about". I was surprised about how I was actually doing this, but I was more surprised to find that I was actually enjoying it a great deal.

For an album of this size and length, there was surprisingly little filler involved. I got something from each and every track. I guess because all the themes tie into each other into one, I think it's easier to grasp on what the instrumentation and production is doing and the lyrics play second fiddle - but there are some great examples of references and wordplay to be found. Even a concept as sensuous and dramatic as 69 love songs is decisively clever, yet the lyrical content is surprisingly platonic, heartfelt and down-to-earth for that nature. The instrumentation complements the lyric's tone and subtleties really well. It's diverse from giving us authentic, desolate southern influenced guitar, banjo, bass and drums, to upbeat hints of electronica used sparingly, but when used gives a really interesting effect.

I'm really happy that I decided to give this a shot. It's like a bunch of college students studying majors in English assigned on a project to represent a theme. They get their three sketchbooks of ideas and decided to put some stellar instrumentation to the mix. Some ideas may go down in flames of misery, whilst some ideas will blossom like the most gorgeous flower beds of opportunities. I may actually buy all three volumes so I have a soundtrack to my college days! That is, if I ever have the chops to ever be accepted! 🤣

Anyway, I love this album. I'll probably more generic by putting this on my chart, but I just love it so much that I might eventually have to. I especially adore Disc Three. It's my favourite disc. 🥰

Re: HazeyTwilight's ULL

HazeyTwilight — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 07:50:30 GMT

Author: HazeyTwilight

Posted: 12/28/2014 12:50

If Alien Lanes, is a grower, then I might want to give it a relisten. Maybe it'll be better the second time around. Even I felt the strangeness of me not liking it as much. I'll listen to again in the future and if my opinions don't change, I probably don't get it.

Re: HazeyTwilight's ULL

meccalecca — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 07:42:08 GMT

Author: meccalecca

Posted: 12/28/2014 12:42

RepoMan wrote:

And I agree with whoever pointed out that Alien Lanes is a grower. Bee Thousand's still the best though.

Agreed. It's really only a small step below Bee Thousand, and Motor Away is one of the best songs of the 90s.

Re: HazeyTwilight's ULL

HazeyTwilight — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 06:44:26 GMT

Author: HazeyTwilight

Posted: 12/28/2014 11:44

RepoMan wrote:

=D> Fantastic ULL, Hazey!

Great picks and even better slants. This Is Our Music is under-hyped for no good reason. And I agree with whoever pointed out that Alien Lanes is a grower. Bee Thousand's still the best though.

If you haven't checked out Mobb Deep's Hell on Earth, I highly recommend it. It recently made my overall list.

Blur rules! Fuck Oasis! :wink:

🤣 Thanks. I'm glad you're enjoying it, Repo. 😁

Re: HazeyTwilight's ULL

Anonymous — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 06:39:37 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 12/28/2014 11:39

�'� Fantastic ULL, Hazey!

Great picks and even better slants. This Is Our Music is under-hyped for no good reason. And I agree with whoever pointed out that Alien Lanes is a grower. Bee Thousand's still the best though.

If you haven't checked out Mobb Deep's Hell on Earth, I highly recommend it. It recently made my overall list.

Blur rules! Fuck Oasis! 😉

Re: HazeyTwilight's ULL

HazeyTwilight — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 06:27:44 GMT

Author: HazeyTwilight

Posted: 12/28/2014 11:27

10:40 AM

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Leisure by Blur

That post-graduation Summer party with all of your mates, but it absolutely reeks of acid and a refusal to grow out of your adolescence.

I think it suffices to say that I fucking love Blur. Nowadays, they're the only Britpop band that I really care for now. My days with the mindset that "oasis is the fookin dogs bollocks m8 best fookin band in the best fookin world innit" are far behind me. I do find some of their songs good from time to time, but it's a time in my life that I'm not really proud of. With Blur, I've always appreciated them but never really got their appeal until recently. When I look back at my past musical experiences, no other person has influenced my taste more than Damon Albarn. He's probably the reason the most things I like I really love. Every artist that has been associated with either Blur, Gorillaz or with any side projects he's involved in, I've absolutely adore them. From Brian Eno to MF Doom, this wonderful man just has an ear for quality and moving forward. Something that Oasis never had. The most that Oasis ever did for me in retrospect is introduced me to Andy Bell from Ride, but I doubt that they would've paid any attention to what Ride did pre-Going Blank Again.

But I digress. Anyway, Blur are consistently fantastic in everything they do. Even though this is widely regarded as their weakest album, and frankly I agree, there are still some aspects that I like about this album. Obviously, She's So High and There's No Other Way are the best songs on the album, with Sing getting a special mention too. Those songs are undeniably catchy. The rest of the album is feels lacking. Like Blur are trying to be something that they're not. It feels like an act. I know The Stone Roses, Nowhere and Screamadelica were the biggest thing at the time in terms of acclaimed music being played to the masses, but, come on Blur. You would do so many fantastic things after you put out this piss poor 50 minute rendition of I Am The Resurrection. If only you realised it sooner.

But this is still not the worst thing in the entire world. It's passable. It could've been great. But, it just falls short. But maybe it's for the best. Make the critics think that this band isn't worth all the attention of the people, then two years later put out Modern Life Is Rubbish and to the most diabolical turn around while influencing millions of people in the process. You cheeky scamp, Damon. 😉

Re: HazeyTwilight's ULL

HazeyTwilight — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 05:38:52 GMT

Author: HazeyTwilight

Posted: 12/28/2014 10:38

Sunday 28th December

Last day of my ULL. I've made it this far so, I don't want there to be any unsatisfactory ending. I want there to be some closure. If this plan of mine backfires, then, well, I don't know what I'll do. I'll probably distance myself from everyone because I failed my objective. Oh well, at least I feel fine at this moment.

Link

Re: HazeyTwilight's ULL

pa — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 18:35:21 GMT

Author: pa

Posted: 12/27/2014 23:35

HazeyTwilight wrote:

Wait, they're married?! It makes so much sense now!

well according to wiki they divorced in 2012...

Re: HazeyTwilight's ULL

HazeyTwilight — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 15:43:57 GMT

Author: HazeyTwilight

Posted: 12/27/2014 20:43

6:30 PM

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Black On Both Sides by Mos Def

The most introspective fancy dress party. There is no prejudice and no care. The style of their costumes shouldn't judge a character. Everyone has equal right to be here.

I've been wanting to listen to this album for a very long time. I have absolutely no idea what attracted me to this album, but it did. Maybe it was the ominous album cover with an disturbed Mos Def? Maybe it was the concept of actually bringing up topics about black rights on a mainstream hip-hop album? I didn't know what it was going on about or how it was going to go about doing all of those things. All I know that I felt some kind of connection with this album...without actually listening to it. I had really high expectations for this...even though I didn't know what it was about. Huh, that's weird, but was it justified having high expectations? For any other album: no, but for this album: HELL. FUCKING. YES.

As much as this album has to be talked along side the other classic 90s hip-hop albums in a somewhat lesser light than them, Black On Both Sides still has a very unique attitude. As the tracks seamlessly flow into one another, some tracks have to end rather abruptly. That could be seen as detracting but it adds something more mysterious, cutting off his points short and going to the next one leaves us wanting more. I also love the production on this as well. It's very eccentric and odd but it has that smooth and suave vibe to it. I assumed that it wasn't easy to find a perfect balance between those two conflicting emotions, but it really works.

The lyrics also take a really interesting direction. While Def's performance is brilliantly understated, there are some interesting references to be found. Like how in Brooklyn it plays with the melody of Under The Bridge and how it says the iconic titular line from Good Morning, Vietnam. Was it necessary to include those? Debatable, but at least it's something to talk about.

I love it.

Re: HazeyTwilight's ULL

HazeyTwilight — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 13:30:27 GMT

Author: HazeyTwilight

Posted: 12/27/2014 18:30

meccalecca wrote:

Fantastic ULL Hazey. I haven't been around this week, but finally catching up and this is really one of the best ULL's I've seen. You've put a ton of thought into each album you've described, and it doesn't hurt that so many of them are personal favorites.

A Place to Bury Strangers are an old favorite and old friends. I've seen them live more times than I can count, and they rival MBV in just how loud and powerful they can get. I definitely recommend catching them next time they cross the Atlantic to your side.

I'm glad you've enjoyed it so much, mecca. 😄 And if A Place to Bury Strangers is touring on my side of the world sometime in two or three years, then I'll definitely go see them. If I'm not back on BEA by that point, I'm probably in the hospital for having severe hearing loss and a massive spasm at the same time from seeing them!

Re: HazeyTwilight's ULL

meccalecca — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 10:16:34 GMT

Author: meccalecca

Posted: 12/27/2014 15:16

Fantastic ULL Hazey. I haven't been around this week, but finally catching up and this is really one of the best ULL's I've seen. You've put a ton of thought into each album you've described, and it doesn't hurt that so many of them are personal favorites.

A Place to Bury Strangers are an old favorite and old friends. I've seen them live more times than I can count, and they rival MBV in just how loud and powerful they can get. I definitely recommend catching them next time they cross the Atlantic to your side.

Re: HazeyTwilight's ULL

HazeyTwilight — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 10:07:51 GMT

Author: HazeyTwilight

Posted: 12/27/2014 15:07

2:17 PM

It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back by Public Enemy

A new promoted revolution through the radio that all started through a battered boombox spouting the truth.

This is my last minute redemption act to make you love me again BEA! FORGIVE ME!!! *ahem* sorry about that. Anyway, I'm going to be visiting a classic among the hip-hop community. The album that changed the entire nature of the game, screw all of the Fresh Prince shit, this is what all of hip-hop mellowed down to. All you need are lyrics, dirty drum timbres, a mixtape filled with all your samples and a screeching high-pitched noise in the background. I believe that the whole Don't Believe The Hype thing for them was too modest for Public Enemy.

Seriously, how have I overlooked this album's reputation?! Although, I can see why people wouldn't buy into this as much as myself. If you're not into old school hip-hop - you find it dated and a bit corny - I can completely understand where you're coming from, but I love that old school hip-hop sound. It's like an artifact found from millions of musical ruins that when you dig it up it's the most lovable thing ever. So yeah, I really like this album. So raw and so energised.

Re: HazeyTwilight's ULL

HazeyTwilight — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 09:15:34 GMT

Author: HazeyTwilight

Posted: 12/27/2014 14:15

pa wrote:

thank u for Takako Minekawa, kick ass rec !!
I didn't know she married Keigo Oyamada (Cornelius), he produced a few songs in Fun9.

Wait, they're married?! It makes so much sense now!

I'll go back to listening to music now...