Best Ever Albums

Re: Why the Benji Love?

WindowAbove — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 14:34:09 GMT

Author: WindowAbove

Posted: 02/24/2014 19:34

While it doesn't beat the first two Red House Painters albums, it's still an amazing album that I keep coming back to. It is very emotionally resonating and it is my AOTY.

Re: Why the Benji Love?

Anonymous — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 13:30:19 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 02/24/2014 18:30

You really need to listen very closely to this album to get the most out of it. When I first heard it, it was just sort of background music, but my second listen on the way to school, it hit me like a tonne of bricks. Might well be better than Ghosts of the Great Highway.

I actually really like 'I Love My Dad', I think it really reminds me of my own Dad and contrasts perfectly with 'I Can't Live Without My Mother's Love' in comparing the different values of each parent. His mother is clearly supporting him on almost a spiritual level, whereas his Dad provides him with rational advice and encouragement which proves equally as important - it also sounds like a song my Dad would listen to. Neither song would be as effective if they didn't co-exist.

'Richard Ramirez Died Today Of Natural Causes' just doesn't resonate well with me as a song, but the techniques used are interesting, as are the lyrics (as always). Honestly 'Ben's My Friend' is one of the weaker tracks, and I'm still not sure if the saxophone works or not, it's original, but still feels out of place.

Re: Why the Benji Love?

HoldenM — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 00:36:20 GMT

Author: HoldenM

Posted: 02/24/2014 05:36

There is not a bad song on this album. There are clear hits, and clear steps-down, but not a weak track. The more I listen to it though, songs I originally didn't like as much are growing on me a lot more.

Near-perfect.

Re: Why the Benji Love?

Norman Bates — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 15:10:54 GMT

Author: Norman Bates

Posted: 02/19/2014 20:10

paladisiac wrote:

i disagree with this.

Even an_outlaw disagrees.

Re: Why the Benji Love?

paladisiac — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 13:25:27 GMT

Author: paladisiac

Posted: 02/19/2014 18:25

an_outlaw wrote:

New albums are the only ones which should still be added. Albums more than 10 years ?old? which are still not added are probably not added for a reason.

i disagree with this.

Re: Why the Benji Love?

alelsupreme — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 11:09:36 GMT

Author: alelsupreme

Posted: 02/19/2014 16:09

For me, the two weaker songs are Truck Driver and Pray For Newtown.

Re: Why the Benji Love?

meccalecca — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 10:52:58 GMT

Author: meccalecca

Posted: 02/19/2014 15:52

Sexaybachay wrote:

"Dogs" and "I Love My Dad" are not good songs. Others range from pretty good to amazing, the highlights being the opener and the last two songs. It's a very good album (a little inferior to last year's Perils From The Sea). Could do better with a little bit more compositional variety tho.

I love "Dogs"

I think it's interesting that everyone seems to have a different song or 2 they don't particularly love. but they seem to love everything else.

Re: Why the Benji Love?

Sexaybachay — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 10:36:46 GMT

Author: Sexaybachay

Posted: 02/19/2014 15:36

"Dogs" and "I Love My Dad" are not good songs. Others range from pretty good to amazing, the highlights being the opener and the last two songs. It's a very good album (a little inferior to last year's Perils From The Sea). Could do better with a little bit more compositional variety tho.

Re: Why the Benji Love?

Patman360 — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 20:24:58 GMT

Author: Patman360

Posted: 02/19/2014 01:24

Because Mark Kozelek is a fucking beautiful musician, think I still prefer Among The Leaves though.

Re: Why the Benji Love?

elparacaidas — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 20:18:32 GMT

Author: elparacaidas

Posted: 02/19/2014 01:18

Because Pitchfork.

Re: Why the Benji Love?

Trickington — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 23:41:47 GMT

Author: Trickington

Posted: 02/18/2014 04:41

Alright well I've been listening to it quite a bit lately.

The album is unorthodox while remaining very good, meaning that it strays from the normal structures that songs have, not always going for some catchy chorus or rhythmic appeal but makes things interesting.
Of course, along with that, I kinda would've liked to have more instrumentation/rhythm.

The lyrics are phenomenal, and are brutally honest. Dogs gives me chills, and Jim Wise and Carissa hold some sentimental value to me.

My only complaints are that some songs aren't interesting enough in terms of the instrumentation featured in Ghosts of The Great Highway and other Red House Painters albums. While production was impressive on the album, I would've liked to hear more electric guitar, drums, bass, etc. I didn't really understand why he kept referencing the names of commercial restaurants he ate at. Not that it felt like product placement, but it felt unnecessary.

The acoustic and desolate feelings reminds me a lot of Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen.
I hope it breaks into the top 2,000, it deserves a place there at the least.
Regardless of what BEA thinks, I really enjoy the album and I plan on buying it.

Re: Why the Benji Love?

samistake2ice — Sat, 8 Feb 2014 12:59:26 GMT

Author: samistake2ice

Posted: 02/08/2014 17:59

an_outlaw wrote:

i would never presume to try and change a person or think less of them for their musical "tastes" :D.
That is why i choose to focus my disdain on Pitchfork.

an_outlaw wrote:

No, I don't have a music "taste". 😜 Such a thing is not for me. I have musical imagination and musical tongs. The music I put on my chart is me :)

how about we agree that we dont share the same semantics. I think of taste as a sense. Sure it can be unique but a person has it just as much as they have the ability to see or feel. I dont mean your "tastes" can be charted and cataloged an compared to others tastes. But, i still feel everyone has tastes of their own. it is possible, of course, that you are the exception. 🙄 😄

Re: Why the Benji Love?

meccalecca — Sat, 8 Feb 2014 12:57:25 GMT

Author: meccalecca

Posted: 02/08/2014 17:57

an_outlaw wrote:

Never once said that. 😮 You were the one who started this whole "outlaw is so mysterious" thing too.

You're not mysterious?

Re: Why the Benji Love?

Anonymous — Sat, 8 Feb 2014 12:54:00 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 02/08/2014 17:54

meccalecca wrote:

there's something ironic about this...

Never once said that. 😮 You were the one who started this whole "outlaw is so mysterious" thing too.

Re: Why the Benji Love?

Anonymous — Sat, 8 Feb 2014 12:51:48 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 02/08/2014 17:51

"When I say stuff like that I'm joking. Duh."

Re: Why the Benji Love?

meccalecca — Sat, 8 Feb 2014 12:51:06 GMT

Author: meccalecca

Posted: 02/08/2014 17:51

an_outlaw wrote:

I don't think it is right to regard anyone as "the sheeple".

there's something ironic about this...

Re: Why the Benji Love?

Anonymous — Sat, 8 Feb 2014 12:46:27 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 02/08/2014 17:46

samistake2ice wrote:

Your positive outlook is certainly admirable, and I know not everyone on here is willing to have 2 way discussions (i was trying to give the benefit of the doubt). But, you are kidding yourself if you think "sheeple" dont exist. and while i try not to look down on anyone as individuals, i dont respect how some people "wont" decide for them selves, not cant decide for themselves, as you put it.

There are absolutely people who exist that like music based solely on the fact that someone else likes it too. Pitchforks status is such, that I believe they have the ability to tell some people what to like and what not to like.

regarding "tastes" : your "tastes" ARE what you like, i dont distinguish between the two.

I see. Just using a word such as "sheeple" is going to have a bad effect on ones judgement. If you are sure they exist pretend they don't and pretend you can't see them. Don't make it known to them you don't respect them and don't ever try to change them. It makes an easier life in the long run.

No, I don't have a music "taste". 😜 Such a thing is not for me. I have musical imagination and musical tongs. The music I put on my chart is me 😄

Re: Why the Benji Love?

samistake2ice — Sat, 8 Feb 2014 12:10:23 GMT

Author: samistake2ice

Posted: 02/08/2014 17:10

an_outlaw wrote:

I don't think it is right to regard anyone as "the sheeple".

Being on BEA does not mean one is necessarily open to a 2-way discussion about music. Some may like to say what they think and leave it there.

To use the term "the sheeple" suggests looking down on them. The "sheeple" can not decide for themselves. Next to nobody is just following what the many publications say. No one behaves like such. Likewise, you and everyone else here will be influenced subconsciously to some degree by the acclaim, praise or bashing albums receive. There are always people here who will listen to an acclaimed album they don't like 5 times and put it down to them "not understanding it" if they find it bad but will be fine with one listen of a multi platinum pop album. Perhaps they will rate it the lowest they can and have not listened to it once, just the song they played on the radio was enough. Ofcourse I can't point a finger and accuse anyone of behaving this way as I can't tell them what they are thinking. I do understand the mindset however as I have been guilty of it in the past. I know it is a trap which can be fallen into.

Hmm... I might be thinking aloud now. 🤔 I don't have "tastes" either. I mostly put on what I like.

Re: Why the Benji Love?

Anonymous — Sat, 8 Feb 2014 11:54:27 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 02/08/2014 16:54

samistake2ice wrote:

regarding pitchfork

im not accusing anyone on this site, because the fact you are here means you are open to a 2-way discussion about music.

too many publications today write reviews and then "the sheeple" just accept their words as cannon.

i just think pitchfork happens to be the most cynical and elitist of them.

read reviews if you want, but let yourself be the judge of what you think is good. only you know your own tastes

Re: Why the Benji Love?

quincytejani — Sat, 8 Feb 2014 11:45:46 GMT

Author: quincytejani

Posted: 02/08/2014 16:45

It IS a very good album and deserving of praise. Don't know about the 9.2 rating though