Well, I recently listen to some albums recently. Here is a short synopsis of the album I have listen to recently from least favorite to favorite.
Daft Punk-Homework
An album that does have good highs but still has the shortcomings of a debut from how some songs like Rollin and Scratchin don't feel that fullfilling.
Grade 70 but could go lower to a 65.
The Prodigy-The Fat of the Land
A pretty good break beat album that does have elements of rock. But somewhat sounds one note. Or maybe that is due to getting a headache. Might give this a re-listen. Grade 75. Might go lower or higher.
Janet Jackson-The Velvet Rope
After seeing Melon give this the classic review, I had to give this a shot. And it was a good/great album that has great songs and some quite impressive sounds throughout the album. Though, I would argue that the last third of this album got somewhat exhausting. As well as hoping that the songs that were more electronic in nature were more enveloping. So to me her 2001 album All For You is better. Grade 80.
Mac Miller-Circles
What a great posthumous album. If there was a complaint I have with the album would be having some songs have more atmosphere or body to a few of songs. But for what this is, this is a highlight for 2020. I could go into more detail for tracks like Blue World or Woods. Go listen to this. Grade 85.
Depeche Mode- Ultra
This was excellent. Like I was getting somewhat shocked how Depeche was able to adapt to sounding contemporary with other electronic acts that took place in the second half of the 90's. This would be an album that I would love to go more into detail. Hoping there 1990 album can get to me like Ultra. Though I wouldn't be surprise if that doesn't happen. Grade 90.
"So how many records did you listen today Luigii?" Five. "Five?!?" Yeah, when I have nothing to do work wise, I'm able to get some albums under my belt. Also all these albums are from 1997. I think this is the unofficial yearly roundup. Like last least favorite to favorite.
The Verve-Urban Hymns
Even though this is my least favorite of the albums I listen today, I find this album great. Hell I would argue that if I give this more listens, I could see this album climb to a 90 or even a 95. This is due to how the sound and vibe of this record is quite blissful and enjoyable. Hell, even my least favorite trope of having a song have silence to lead into a hidden track due to having a finale being six and a half minutes of sound both euphoric as well as bad ass. So while the grade is an 85, I see this being a grower.
Foo Fighters-The Colour and The Shape
Damn, this rock album slaps. Love how some tracks morph from these somewhat chilled ballads to fiery rock bangers. Also enjoy that jazzy country blend on that one particular track. "Really, you couldn't name the track?" Sorry. Having a somewhat homogeneous vibe that never feels exhausting or repetitive. Curious to see how the Foo Fighters will go after this. Grade 90.
Merzbow-Hybrid Noisebloom
Yep. We got a harsh noise album in this pile. And I do find it quite captivating like how I feel about Pulse Demom. An overwhelming as well as quite indulgent piece of demonic noise. Weirdly enough I do prefer this somewhat more due to having some structure within the album as well as the weird synths that become this counterpoint where it is a safe haven thought when I listen to those sounds, I feel like I am being hypnotized. This album is an enter on your own risk. But for me this is a 90.
Cornelius-Fantasma
For the first 100 of the new decade, this is quite amazing. While this isn't the same type of genre from the 90's, I feel like not only shares similar qualites of California as well as the big Stereolab albums from this decade, I'd argue this album tops it. I do want to keep this a bit of a secret, but this is a must listen. Also for people who have I Tunes, I will say do listen to the bonus tracks. Please listen to them.
Bjork-Homogenic
So I had this album as a 95. Yeah... that was a mistake. This is a 100. And might be my favorite album of 1997. Like even the moments from All Neon Like and Pluto that I found a little annoying just doesn't bother me at all. While the rest of the album are still quite otherworldly, somewhat transcendental. Still sounds brand new even thought all these albums will be 23 years old at this moment of time. But for the canon top 100, this is a top 10 album and easily understandable why this record has still hold as well as admired over these years.
That is it for today. Might listen to some albums tomorrow.
Last edited by Luigii on 01/27/2020 23:33; edited 1 time in total
Well, today was even more fruitful than yesterday with listening to 1997. I think I got maybe 10 albums done? Yeah, it was a hefty amount and I'm quite shocked. So lets start the mini write ups
The Flaming Lips-Zaireeka
I respect it as an album that mixes it up when listening to it. I also will mention that this sounds like a pivotal moment in there career since records like Soft Bulletin and Yoshimi. But while I do like a good chunk of it, the album sound wise isn't the most fulfilling. Grade is a 75 but could be a 70.
Eggstone-Viva La Difference
The first of sophistipop within this post. And this is a good one. Doesn't hit me the hardest, but is a recommendation to branch out in sophistipop from the 90's. Grade is a 75
David Bowie-Earthling
If the mixing was somewhat better and if Bowie's vocals were more passionate, I'd argue that this could have been even better. Because the mix of rock and drum and bass is quite great. Grade is a 80 but might be a 75 with more consideration.
Iam-L'Ecole Du Micro D'Argent
For a hip hop album from France, It is really good. Great even. Love the flow of both performers as well as a good chunk of the instrumentals. It's just the album doesn't keep me invested all the way through. Grade 80. Also, I feel like if I understood what was being talked about, I could see myself liking it more.
U2-Pop
After listening to Bowie I needed to listen to this. And I find this better. Not perfect. I feel if this album was more invested in electronics, I would be quite enamored by it. Otherwise this was a surprise. But U2's 2000 album is still my favorite. Also yes, at some point I will get to there 80's stuff. Grade:85
Prefab Sprout-Andromeda Heights
Damn! This was excellent. Very welcoming, very calming. Somewhat nostalgic with those synth tones. Honestly, while this might be a complaint to some listeners I honestly want to sleep to this. Grade 90
Fishmans-Uchu Nippon Setagaya
Gave this a re-listen and this not only retain it's score of a 90 but also now became a favorite of mine. I will still argue Walkin in the Rhythm and Magic Love might have some weak points, I still am quite engrossed by it. Might grow higher, but don't get your hopes up. Cornelius went further.
Swing out Sister-Shapes and Patterns
Holy Shit! This is amazing. Like I gave this a 95 but mark my words, this is so close to a 100. Might be even better than Love Deluxe. And Love Deluxe is also a 100. Very euphoric. Very soulful. Just, god damn. Honestly, please give this a listen and maybe get it higher in the year ranking.
So that was 7 for today since Zaireeka was after yesterdays post. 8 albums. God I'm nuts. But tomorrow will be a slower endeavor due to work. Bye.
baystateoftheartNeil Young as a butternut squashProfile Massachusetts
I respect it as an album that mixes it up when listening to it. I also will mention that this sounds like a pivotal moment in there career since records like Soft Bulletin and Yoshimi. But while I do like a good chunk of it, the album sound wise isn't the most fulfilling. Grade is a 75 but could be a 70.
Did you listen to the four discs worth back-to-back or did you listen to a mix containing all four?
I've avoided hearing this so far because there's no official mix, and there's no way I'm going to end up listening to it as it was intended. I doubt I have three friends in proximity who like Flaming Lips that much. _________________ Join us in the canon game :) / Add me on RYM
I listen to Zaireeka as a full mix. Here is the video that I listened to if you are curious bay. Though I wouldn't be surprised if you would give it a 3/5 or lower.
Well, welcome back. Let's continue this journey through 1997.
Photek-Modus Operandi
I will continue to venture through some atmospheric drum and bass that was released this year. For this album, it was good. I enjoyed that some of the tracks were seamless as well as being somewhat spacious. Though it wasn't that invigorating for me. Got somewhat boring. Grade:75 but might be a 70 on repeat listens.
Burzum-Dauoi Baldrs
Wow, I really need to start digging more into dungeon synth. Not an amazing album. I feel like if this album was more ambitious or enveloping, I'd be more impressed by it. But I did enjoy this. Enjoyed the vibe of the album. Reminded me of Dragon Quest or Final Fantasy, so that's a plus. Grade:80 but might be a 75.
Aqua-Aquarium
Oh boy. Short remark, it make me feel like a fuckin pretty princess. Actual remark, not only is this album quite sincere in how bubbly and optimistic this album is mood wise but it also feels like something that we as a society can't ever recapture due how technology and how the world has changed from 1997. Grade 85 but maybe a 90. Yeah, I'm dead serious. But then again we have two extremes of Merzbow and Aqua so it checks out.
Missy Elliot-Supa Dupa Fly
I mean I could just mention Friendly Skies and be done, but I really love this album. Very playful. Quite charismatic. I also never realized that Missy was a good singer. Also really love Timberland's beats as always. Grade:90
Secret Stairways-Enchantment Of The Ring
Now this is an awesome dungeon synth record. Very vibrant, emotional, actually quite short being on 29 minutes. But all around a welcoming record. Actually reminds me of a new age record, but feels somewhat different. I think my only complaint with this is I wish it was a little longer. Maybe add another track. But I love this. Also the video game comparison relates to this album as well. But this is way better. Grade:95
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