Best Ever Albums

Random Album #10

RadioBallet — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 08:27:14 GMT

Author: RadioBallet

Posted: 12/29/2019 13:27

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Congo Ashanti by The Congos

PREAMBLE: I recognize the name… I think I’ve seen another one of their albums around on the website. I’m not even going to bother guessing what kind of music this will be.

1 I know nothing about reggae, but hey, that’s what this thread is for. Interesting lyrics, there is a sense of urgency and struggle for righteousness brought in with the religious references to the end times. Excellent groove, I feel like I could listen to this for hours. Love that piano solo ending the track off.
2 Despite the lyrics being a little preachy, they (again) create a vivid urgency. This one brings some social commentary in as well. Another solid groove.
3 More of the same (which is a good thing) but more upbeat.
4 I really don’t have anything else to add. Every track is as good as the last.
5 That refrain is excellent and the lyrics are empowering. This track is my favorite of the bunch so far.
6 I like the high-pitched delivery scattered throughout the album and prominently on this track. Still no complaints about the album.
7 Man… ball has not been dropped. One more to go.
8 Brings closure, providing hope for deliverance from the vanity of the world that has been described during the album. Excellent track to close out the album.

VERDICT: Whether one shares the particular religious view of the group at hand or not, it’s safe to say we all seek deliverance from something that is rather insurmountable. Though this album is all about that idea, it never lays down as victim. Rather it’s about what we can do to cope with our challenges and what we can hope for as a righteous collective. The groove starts right away and doesn’t ever slow down or drag. Youth Man (5) and the closing track are my clear picks if you want to check it out.

Rating: 7/10

Random Album #9

RadioBallet — Sat, 28 Dec 2019 14:35:36 GMT

Author: RadioBallet

Posted: 12/28/2019 19:35

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Parts Primitive by Primitive Parts

Preamble: It’s got to be indie something, probably on the rockier side.

1 Yup, it’s indie rock with a punky edge to it. I like the thin, trashy sound of the band. It’s so lo-fi I can’t understand the lyrics but that’s not necessarily a complaint as much as a description. Good riff and tight playing on this track.
2 The energetic performance continues from the opener. Lyrics are even more undecipherable in this one, but at the same time it creates personality. If I’m not mistaken that’s an acoustic guitar backing up… interesting. Other than the weakly executed chorus this really gets going.
3 Interesting guitar work on this track. I find this less memorable than the last two tracks but it’s not bad.
4 Getting a little tired of the vocals which are awkwardly drenched in reverb here, though for the rest of the band this is a great track.
5 Not sure where this track is going. The riff is not very memorable and it all ends up feeling like a forced and utterly colorless Blur song.
6 Turning up the speed again but the sound is becoming stale.
7 Not a fan of the riff… the interplay with the two guitars doesn’t come out in a very appealing way. It’s as if they compete for attention in the forefront instead of sharing space and distract from the rest of the track.
8 No complaints about this one. Vocals are a little more engaging, finally.
9 This one sort of flew past me… It all sounds like it was done before on an earlier track.
10 This track sort of stands out. It has a different aesthetic with it and actually feels like it’s going somewhere though I still prefer the opening track. Don’t know what that little bonus track has to do with anything.

Verdict: A thin, lo-fi sound that is intriguing at first but overstays its welcome with nearly no variations or expansion on it is the most that this band has brought with them on their debut album. It sounds like a low-budget, punky version of 90’s britpop in garage band stages. Perhaps the opening track is your best bet if you want to check this out. It's poor but it's not a terrible listen, particularly considering it's the band's first effort. Maybe some more flesh on their very skeletal sound would do them good.

Rating: 4/10

Random Album #8

RadioBallet — Sat, 12 Oct 2019 18:45:35 GMT

Author: RadioBallet

Posted: 10/12/2019 22:45

I've made big changes to the way I rate albums, to the extent that I reset all my ratings. Someday I'll edit the ones I've done here so far but I guess I'm just gonna keep going where I left off here.

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Songs For Swinging Lovers by Radio Stars

PREAMBLE Dammit random album button another punk album?

1 Yup, another one. Well there's nothing wrong with the opener but there's not much to it either. A little generic.
2 This is not as monotonous as the opener and it has more intricate arrangements.
3 I like this one too, no drop in quality so far.
4 I like the lyrics on this one! I'm enjoying this so far I guess.
5 uh... okay? I'm just gonna pretend this is an interlude track.
6 Imagine listening to this if your name was Eric.
7 The age on these songs is starting to show now...
8 There's lots of energy here but the songs are becoming less and less memorable as the runtime goes on. I feel like track 5 sort of set a curse on this.
9 This one is definitely more remarkable than the last few but it is probably the most outdated song on the album so far.
10 Very of its time, somewhat brainless.
11 The band plays well but they really don't bring anything new with them. They have a sense of humor at least.
12 YOU KNOW THE WAY INFLATION RISES.

VERDICT Curse you, track 5. You awkwardly cast your deformed shadow over the remainder of the album. As far as the album before track 5 goes it's good enough. Is It Really Necessary (2) is my favorite track off of it but it's nothing special either. Check this out if you like punk rock of the era nonetheless. It's really not that bad. I think I might have missed some of the album's humor too. Thanks random album button.

Rating: 4/10

Re: Someone finally uses the 'Random Album' button

guzguzgarbit — Sat, 14 Sep 2019 04:09:39 GMT

Author: guzguzgarbit

Posted: 09/14/2019 08:09

Great diary so far, keep it going. Too bad I've already heard the Xploding Plastix album...

Re: Someone finally uses the 'Random Album' button

RadioBallet — Fri, 13 Sep 2019 08:42:52 GMT

Author: RadioBallet

Posted: 09/13/2019 12:42

Jameth wrote:

It was pure hysteria, but I kinda feel like it's missing something and subsequent listens might not be as much fun. Or maybe the tornado of free jazz had warped my perception of it...who knows?

You make a great point, and that's the one flaw really with the way I'm rating these albums and it's actually been on my mind for some time. With just one listen I really can't tell exactly how the album will age, or if it will grow on me or do the opposite. I may also not be in the perfect mindset or mood to best enjoy a particular random album one day and I could be the next. This really is a first-reaction kind of thing and further listens are super important to overcome the subjectivity of the moment. Not to mention I have next to no context, be it the artist's previous discography or the artist's mindset or identity. I'd love to repeat this one in the future along with that one by Tilt. If ratings change I will update them on the album's original post for sure.

Re: Someone finally uses the 'Random Album' button

Jameth — Fri, 13 Sep 2019 01:51:24 GMT

Author: Jameth

Posted: 09/13/2019 05:51

Yeah, after reading your review, I definitely had to put that album on my playlist for the day...incidentally, in the midst of some free jazz records. It was pure hysteria, but I kinda feel like it's missing something and subsequent listens might not be as much fun. Or maybe the tornado of free jazz had warped my perception of it...who knows?

Keep it going, man!

Re: Someone finally uses the 'Random Album' button

NoisyBeast — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 15:22:01 GMT

Author: NoisyBeast

Posted: 09/12/2019 19:22

Based upon your colorful descriptions, I’m really curious to check that Xploding Plastix someday! Added to Wish List. 😎 Thanks!

Random Album #7

RadioBallet — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 10:02:38 GMT

Author: RadioBallet

Posted: 09/12/2019 14:02

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Amateur Girlfriends Go Proskirt Agents by Xploding Plastix

PREAMBLE Alright cover speak to me, uh, post-punk dance revival? Wait this is from Norway... No idea.

1 Oh, of course, Nu-Jazz! Well-layered. Dramatic opening with a clear direction. This has me excited
2 Crazy breakbeat on the drums builds on the momentum of the first track. Takes a wild left turn to go into a mysterious, neo-noir sort of feel. Can't tell if it sounds like the soundtrack to a children's Halloween movie or an animated James Bond.
3 Really lounge-y track with some relentless, weirdly engaging cowbell (I love me some good cowbell). Latin feel on this one. Good sax. Album is flawless so far, really consistent though varied. Different elements and instruments take prominence at the right moments.
4 Starts off sounding like the soundtrack to a Bond movie filmed in Panama. Intensity turns up. Now the bass sounds either like a car engine or a hungry swamp monster, can't really tell. Insane drumming. This was a BLAST.
5 A laid back track, good change of pace. More electronic this one. A needed breather but not of masterpiece caliber like its contemporaries thus far.
6 Don't ask me how and I don't expect you to relate but the image in my head is an ice cream truck taking a wrong turn and getting lost in Luigi's Haunted Mansion. I don't get how that works either, no. This has my mind RACING.
7 What in the world? This album is terribly entertaining. I like how the slow tracks thus far are well placed, providing rest from the frantic ones.
8 THIS IS LITERALLY CALLED TINTINNAMPUTATION and it's trying to destroy my hearing. The tinnitus synths end up playing well with the drum and bass when they kick in. Strings are thrown in for good measure and make for a surprisingly heartfelt conclusion to another mind-melting track.
9 A little more linear than the other tracks. Would be a little underwhelming if it weren't for the insane drumming on it. Still solid.
10 bruhhhhhhh. I'm going to marry the first several bars of percussion on this. Though a little pale in comparison to the strong tracks this is still really solid.
11 The album itself is sort of slowing down now because of the last three solid though relatively lifeless tracks. I think they'd be better placed elsewhere on the track listing. Still having a great time though.
12 Insane groove on this one. Keyboard, bass and drums bounce off each other irresistibly. Magma-hot saxophone melting through the mix every so often. Still a slow track but its amazing texture bring it over the last three. I'm starting to get concerned about the song titles too.
13 Glad the bass gets some of the spotlight before the run-time ends. The album is indeed slowing to a stop and not necessarily in a bad way. It's just cruising in style with the windows down now. Have to point out the little voice samples scattered throughout the album are a nice touch as well.
14 Ends on the same slow cruise of the second half of the album with maybe a touch of melancholy.

VERDICT Definitely the best album I've ever heard out of Norway. Not that I've heard any others, but I'm sure it could easily stand in such a category...
Anyway talking seriously this thing blew my brains off and even made me verbalize my confusion at times. It was thoroughly engaging, masterfully mixed and driven by a prestigious performance (particularly on the drums). It was very consistent in its sound though always varied and innovative. Easily created scenarios in my mind (wacky as they may have been) and sent me on a journey with a clear destination. The album does begin with great intensity and shifts down a couple gears on the 9th track for a different experience, though by no means a bad one. In fact, it offered some welcome relief, that second half. Though many tracks are worth a mention I think my favorite one is a tie between Behind the Eightball (4) and Happy J**z Girls (12). I want to thank LankyLen for posting a bit ago, that got me excited to slap that button once more, and man did it pay off. To my ears and opinion, we've found our first gem, only 7 albums in! Thanks, random album button!

Rating: 9/10

Great idea

LankyLen — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 07:54:47 GMT

Author: LankyLen

Posted: 09/12/2019 11:54

Hoping you get that hidden gem soon! I’m enjoying watching your journey

Random Album #6

RadioBallet — Fri, 6 Sep 2019 13:26:58 GMT

Author: RadioBallet

Posted: 09/06/2019 17:26

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Lost Weekend by Erase Errata

PREAMBLE Not sure what to expect... maybe political?

1 Really lanky and jagged though funky at the same time. Post-punk perhaps? As to the song they could have thought out the hook a little more.
2 More linear and catchy, takes on a psychedelic tone on the instrumental sections.
3 Good sound thus far. This track is hypnotic and disorienting, though I wish the songs were better written.
4 More punky and politically inclined now. Very lacking in depth and undercooked, regardless.
5 Vocals are tame and lack the attitude to fit the music, which is actually good. This track is a little more memorable. I love the clangs, they play well with the riff.
6 Lyrics are decent but they can't be appreciated without serious concentration, this due to a lack of presence in the vocal performance which doesn't seem to change in tone throughout the album (not helped by its placing in the mix either).
7 Call and response finally spices up the vocals a tiny bit but this gets cut short before it can amount to much.

VERDICT What I liked the most was the instrumental aspect of the album though it lost texture and atmosphere by its halfway point. The vocals were weak to say the least and every song was quite underdeveloped. Given its 20 minute run time (and with research I confirmed it is not an EP) it gives me the idea that the band really rushed through this and there was not time given for any ideas to develop completely. Despite this, it's not terrible. I guess Watch Your Language (5) is my favorite track but it's not very noteworthy either in my view. Thanks random album button.

Rating: 4/10

Re: Someone finally uses the 'Random Album' button

RadioBallet — Fri, 6 Sep 2019 12:34:39 GMT

Author: RadioBallet

Posted: 09/06/2019 16:34

LedZep wrote:

What do you think are the odds that you'll discover an amazing album with the "random album" tactic? I'm really curious. And also genuinely intrigued by the idea, might try it sometime.

With the 5 albums I've hit so far my hopes are actually pretty high that we'll come across something awesome soon enough. I thought I would be hit by trash after trash and it would be a needle in a haystack kind of challenge to find something even decent. Then again, maybe it is that way and we've just had some luck. I'm just as curious as you are and eager to find a hidden gem!

Re: Someone finally uses the 'Random Album' button

LedZep — Fri, 6 Sep 2019 12:20:16 GMT

Author: LedZep

Posted: 09/06/2019 16:20

What do you think are the odds that you'll discover an amazing album with the "random album" tactic? I'm really curious. And also genuinely intrigued by the idea, might try it sometime.

Re: Random Album #5

NoisyBeast — Fri, 6 Sep 2019 11:51:42 GMT

Author: NoisyBeast

Posted: 09/06/2019 15:51

RadioBallet wrote:

10 Very intriguing instrumentation and songwriting here. The song is bizarre enough for a revisit. It's sort of like space-age pop on LSD passed through a distortion filter.

VERDICT There were many interesting ideas here but some are either not fully fleshed out, outdated, or lack some more fire to become noteworthy. Have to give praise to the vocal performance throughout the record. This is a good listen, particularly if you're into oddball 60's psychedelia. The closing title track is my pick for sure if you want a taste.

FAR Out!!! 😎

Random Album #5

RadioBallet — Fri, 6 Sep 2019 09:43:38 GMT

Author: RadioBallet

Posted: 09/06/2019 13:43

If getting laid off has a bright side it's that I can do a little more of this. Yay!

Farewell Aldebaran by Judy Henske & Jerry Yester

PREAMBLE Judging by the year (1969) and the cover we're in for a little trip here.

1 So we get some psychedelic folk rock with a real gritty edge set to a marching rhythm. What else to expect?
2 I didn't think we'd go in this direction so suddenly but now we have some very light and playful pop rock, which is sort of deceiving as there are some pretty dark undertones to this.
3 Haunting but maybe just a little corny. Really captivating vocal performance though. I'm enjoying the diversity of the album thus far.
4 Intriguing lyricism on religion though the music isn't too captivating on this track. Can't complain about that harpsichord action though.
5 I'm liking a lot of the chord progressions here. There's an otherworldly feel to the album thus far. It hasn't returned to the harder rock sound of the opener, settling on a folkier sound.
6 I love the instrumentation on this one, particularly that bell or piano thing (can't really tell).
9 This is nice but some aspects of the album feel a little outdated
10 Very intriguing instrumentation and songwriting here. The song is bizarre enough for a revisit. It's sort of like space-age pop on LSD passed through a distortion filter.

VERDICT There were many interesting ideas here but some are either not fully fleshed out, outdated, or lack some more fire to become noteworthy. Have to give praise to the vocal performance throughout the record. This is a good listen, particularly if you're into oddball 60's psychedelia. The closing title track is my pick for sure if you want a taste. Thanks for the trip, random album button.

Rating: 7/10

Random Album #4

RadioBallet — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 12:19:15 GMT

Author: RadioBallet

Posted: 08/22/2019 16:19

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Compliments Please by Self Esteem

PREAMBLE Seems interesting enough. Looks glamorous and artsy but I have no idea what to expect.

1 cool intro
2 some well-written electropop. Diggin'.
3 I like the vocalist, lots of expression in her voice.
4 these songs have intricate and varied arrangements while remaining cohesive. Good amount of colors in the palette
5 not as catchy or thought-out as the other ones
6 iffy on the interlude
7 this one tries too hard
8 songwriting quality has dropped with the last couple tracks and so has the flow of the album. Perhaps it's only a dip. Seems the album's style is tilted towards R&B as well.
9 not a fan of the gospel-style choir here. This is beginning to lose its color.
10 Yes, they pick up the pace again!
11 hand claps + acapella add some variety but the song is not that good
12 these choruses are really hit or miss... the gospel-style harmonies are becoming really formulaic.
13 better interlude
14 lyrics are also dropping in quality. Let's throw in a meager guitar solo for the heck of it. You have two songs to redeem yourself.
15 Yes! Darker and angrier. Brings some much needed variety. This was becoming bland and monotone.
16 Who is this guy and why does he just jump in? The song is okay but this was just a strange choice for a closer

VERDICT Started good but slowly made its decent into the plains of the passable. Lost its flavor and attention for detail as the minutes passed. In the end it's only decent but I liked Monster (10) and Rollout (15), sorta tied for my pick. Who knows though, perhaps the band will drop a better release later on down the road as this was only released a few months ago and this seems to be their debut. Thanks random album button.

Rating: 6/10

Re: Random Album #3

Fischman — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 11:47:07 GMT

Author: Fischman

Posted: 08/22/2019 15:47

RadioBallet wrote:

Viewers Like You by Tilt

PREAMBLE Not sure what to expect here. Being 1999 and the band called Tilt this has to be an average alternative rock album or an Offspring ripoff. Just a guess.

1 Alright! We get some raw, thrilling punk rock and a story about a little schizophrenic girl getting locked up in her house and coming back to haunt it. And we have a female vocalist! This is awesome!
2 These two songs are REALLY melodic for being punk rock. The vocalist has a great edge but at the same time sounds like she would also fit the cut in a musical with her really open phrasing.
3 So they're treating various topics very successfully and manage to do so cohesively.
4 Loving the imagery in their lyrics. It allows the songs to obtain their own identity and come to life.
5 Man, the energy does not subside whatsoever. Still melodic, still clever, still going. Could they do so for the rest of the album?
6 Adds a hint of pop into the mix just when variety was needed.
7 These songs are full of engaging details. Love the stutters on this one. The ball HAS NOT DROPPED.
8 WOAH. Point noted. An edgy and unapologetic standpoint on religion. The fire keeps catching instead of dying out and we're more than halfway through already.
9 Alright a less creative track but only marginally.
10 And they correct that by flipping out the most politically-intense line-dance song ever. Y'all gotta hear this.
11 Feels a little incomplete when compared to the other tracks so far. Could this be dying out?
12 Every time I foresee a drop they just counter it. This is a contender for the punk rock national anthem. HOW DO YOU ROCK THIS CONSISTENTLY FOR SO LONG??
13 They actually made me care about Johnny
14 Though a weaker track it is a fitting end to close with that classic "I'll do whatever I want" statement that somehow doesn't sound cliched at all.

VERDICT I tend to fall asleep when I listen to albums this late at night but this kept me engaged WITHOUT FAIL for its whole duration. They didn't even drop the ball once. There are no real masterpieces here but none of the tracks are just decent. They're all great, and you know what that means? That this album is great, and it ROCKS. Perhaps Pious (6) has the most to say but Restless, Irritable & Discontent (12) is an absolute anthem, becoming my pick. I wonder if their other albums are worth a visit as well. Recommend this one if you're looking for some fiery punk rock with a lot to say. Thanks, random album button!

Rating: 85/100

Not something I would have sought out on my own, but it did turn out to be an entertaining find.

Random Album #3

RadioBallet — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 00:51:48 GMT

Author: RadioBallet

Posted: 08/22/2019 04:51

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Re: Someone finally uses the 'Random Album' button

RadioBallet — Wed, 21 Aug 2019 18:38:29 GMT

Author: RadioBallet

Posted: 08/21/2019 22:38

Thanks guys, I just found out I won't be working tomorrow, guess what I'll be up to 😎

Re: Someone finally uses the 'Random Album' button

Fischman — Wed, 21 Aug 2019 18:03:01 GMT

Author: Fischman

Posted: 08/21/2019 22:03

Indeed.
Should be a fun thread. Thanks for venturing out!

Re: Someone finally uses the 'Random Album' button

Tha1ChiefRocka — Wed, 21 Aug 2019 17:24:26 GMT

Author: Tha1ChiefRocka

Posted: 08/21/2019 21:24

Cool Idea. I'm onboard.