Well, this was a looong, yet varied and mostly very interesting prog rock album. 10 songs and 87 minutes of so much music, music with lots of little details and ideas and I liked it. IDK sometimes with music I feel somewhat out of my depth. Especially with prog or classical or some jazz or fusion. Music that is more technical and ambitious musically sometimes loses me emotionally while engaging me mentally. This mostly did that, engage me brain that is. But some emotional stuff too. The opener is killer and has some great lyrics. And Little Man What Now has some sick sax solos which caught me off guard and was passionate and I liked that. There were times, if I'm being honest, where I was just completely bored shitless and trying to force myself to listen. Anyway, that isn't really an indictment of this album or artist, I just prefer shorter albums and its been long enough since I last listened to a new prog artist with no prior hooks in me to keep me focused or feeling a connection that I guess I just need practice.
blah blah blah #deepthoughts2021 - This was a 6/10.
3.
Top 10 albums of 2020 per RYM that I have not heard (excluding some stuff I am not really interested in delving into at this time. Also it seems the chart has changed quite a bit and I have updated it as well as the top 10 obviously.)
1. Shore by The Fleet Foxes
2. NO DREAM by Jeff Rosenstock
3. ๅ่ฅฟๅๆ่ทฏ่ก (Inside the Cable Temple) by ไธ่ฝ้ๅนดๆ ๅบ [Omnipotent Youth Society]
4. Ohms by Deftones
5. Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs by Klรด Pelgag (#54)
6. Dwellers of the Deep by Wobbler
7. Vice Versa in Such Things by Avenade
8. Ummon by Slift
9. Shabrang by Sevdaliza
10. Man Alive! by King Krule _________________ -Ryan
Light Up Gold by Parquet Courts
This hovered somewhere between something I'd really love and something pretty good. Almost took off a couple times. Kinda fun to hear this sound re-created a few decades later.
2.
I hear people like this : NO DREAM by Jeff Rosenstock
3. Purple Pash Top 100 (2 picks left)
53. Sunbathing Animal by Parquet Courts
4. Infected by TheThe
17. Sound Of Confusion by Spacemen3
19. More Than Any Other Day by Ought
22. Mclusky Do Dallas by Mclusky
80. Without You I'm Nothing by Placebo
87. Frogstomp by Silverchair
37. Where You Been by Dinosaur Jr.
23. Slightly Odway by Jebediah
48. Man It Feels Like Space Again by Pond
MercuryTurn your back on the pay-you-back last callProfile St. Louis
I never got the hype on Rosenstock. I listened to Post I think a couple years ago and I wsn't feelin it. Well now that I've listened to No Dream I get the hype a little more. He is good. This album is a cool and quite energetic mix of classic pop punk, some hardcore sounding bits here and there and the occasional earnest power pop song. The whole thing was consistently quite good if not really great to my ears. The closing track "Ohio Tpke" is freaking great though. Love it when a good album ends so skillfully and leaves me with a nice memory. 6.5 to 7/10.
I got really into Minecraft and whilst doing this important task I listened to several 2020 albums, namely that Klรด Pelgag album and that Sevdaliza album. I had a feeling I wanted someone to nominate them too much and this would make it so no one would ever nominate them.
I am also ready to face the metal and hip hop albums that for the longest time I was just skipping. So here is the updated list with a couple albums later still included cuz I want them to be still on the table.
Top 8 albums of 2020 per RYM that I have not heard PLUS 2 hold outs that are a little lower in the ranks that I just didn't wanna replace just yet.
1. Visions of Bodies Being Burned by clipping. (#4.... I listened to most of this and even liked it but I just couldn't take the darkness at the time and I ran away to country and folk albums to regain the light. I'm ready now.)
2. RTJ4 by Run The Jewels (#7... not a fan of RTJ but maybe this'll change my mind.)
3. Brass by Moor Mother & Billy Woods (#8)
4. Mestarin kynsi by Oranssi Pazuzu (#9... Avant Garde/Black Metal, lovely.)
5. Alfredo by Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist (#13... a Freddie Gibbs album that's 35 minutes?!? How come I haven't heard this yet?)
6. Stare Into Death and Be Still by Ulcerate (#14...Death Metal, meh... wait, TECHNICAL Death Metal?!? sign me the fuck up!)
7. Heaven to a Tortured Mindby Yves Tumor (#22... Have heard this and even on my chart, but I think I need to hear it again. Honestly, even if not nominated I'll check it out soon and really pay attention this time.)
8. Manger on McNichols by Boldy James & Sterling Toles (#23)
9. Shore by The Fleet Foxes (#27)
10. ๅ่ฅฟๅๆ่ทฏ่ก (Inside the Cable Temple) by ไธ่ฝ้ๅนดๆ ๅบ [Omnipotent Youth Society] (#29)
Full disclosure, I still skipped 2 albums - Im Wald by Paysage d'Hiver cuz its 2 hours and black metal. And Final Fantasy 7 Remake Soundtrack cuz i don't do soundtracks and I played the game and I love the soundtrack and know it already...oh and because its EIGHT AND A HALF HOURS LONG!!! Other than that these first 8 are accurate and the last 2 albums included are hold overs from last list.
I'm talking too much. Maybe cuz its 2:16AM and I am a little lonely and just wanna be "heard". _________________ -Ryan
I'm sort of glad I have never heard this album this album until now. At the time my immature anti-country bias would have stopped me from enjoying this, but over the last five years I've been getting into a bit of alt-country, which has lead me to an appreciation of some country over the last couple of years. Leading me to listening to this album know really understanding how good this is. Good enough to kind of start a whole genre. There is definitely a foundation in country music here but the integration of alternative rock in the music and vocals makes it easily accessible and highly enjoyable. Great vocals and I really liked the upbeat energy that is throughout most of the album. 8/10, and 23/57 in my 1990 chart.
Top 43 Music Albums of 1990 by Mercury (last pick left)
5. Steppin' On The Blues by Lonnie Johnson
9. Ragtime Guitar's Foremost Fingerpicker by Blind Blake
10. 1990 by Daniel Johnston
14. Feel The Darkness by Poison Idea
20. The Victor Recordings In Chronological Order (1928-1929) by Frank Stokes
21. Son House And The Great Delta Blues Singers - Complete Recorded Works 1928-1930 by Various Artists
22. Eye by Robyn Hitchcock
23. Danger In The Past by Robert Forster
24. Still Got The Blues by Gary Moore
28. Flat Duo Jets by Flat Duo Jets
I think the only complaint I would have with this album, it would be I kind of wish some of the tracks were a bit longer just to give the tracks in the first half had a satisfying finish. Felt like there could be a little more wiggle room.
This is the reason why in the Symbolic vs Individual Thought Patterns debate I often prefer Symbolic's proggy tendencies. Don't get me wrong, I like straight up death metal that kicks ass, especially if it's as spicy, inventive and technically well done as ITP. But Symbolic has longer songs which seem more developed and often have several fantastic sections which make for a more satisfying experience. And it still doesn't lose any punch despite the length. Glad you liked ITP Luigii, good review!
(1)
Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.
Vision Creation Newsun by ใใขใใ ใน [Boredoms]
This is a band that's been on my bucket list for a loooong time. I thought I was in for some crazy Boris-esque noise/sludge, I think I've heard they were a noise band. It's not nearly as ugly as Boris, but it's noisy, shogazey and psychedelic all at once. Vocals weren't abrasive or shouted, instead they provided more of a soothing background. It sounded like a more psychedelic Swans record. In fact a lot of the experimental rock elements and chanted, repetitive vocals reminded me of Swans. But while they go for cathartic, long and structured epics which go hard, Vision Creation Newsun was much more jammy and bright. It seems this is one of those meme albums, the YT comment section was wilder than under an average Death Grips video. All in all a wonderful experience, very creative and consistent. 8.5/10
(2)
Here's a fun one Purple, Daniel Johnston's 1990. Very interested in your opinions on this one.
Boubacar Traorรฉ - Mariama
Oidupaa Vladimir Oiun - Divine Music From A Jail
Rokia Traorรฉ - Bowmboรฏ
Soungalo Coulibaly - Dengo
Various Artists - The Roots Of Chicha: Psychedelic Cumbias From Peru
--------------------------------------
The Magnetic Fields - The Wayward Bus
Belle And Sebastian - The Life Pursuit
The Magnetic Fields - The Charm Of The Highway Strip
Camera Obscura - Let's Get Out Of This Country
Beach House - Devotion _________________ Overall chart Fake overall chart
There are many classics I can't say I'm really a fan of, but this was so disappointing. I mean, 21 tracks in 35 minutes, what's this? Do they try to make fun of the Ramones or are they serious? If they were (serious), they weren't convincing at all. Most of the tracks just pass you by without leaving any lasting impression. I wonder if I'll be able to recognise a single song in case of a -rather unlikely to be honest - second listen. Also, it seems to be labelled as both punk and post-punk, but it sounds much more like the former than the latter, which is a vague term anyway, but you get the point - this not a complaint or a criticism, just an observation. There is some variety that most punk records miss, but the vocals for example are just too punk(a bit whiny, a bit annoying, you know) . Stand out moments? There were some cool riffs for sure, if I had to pick one track, I'd go with Champs. I'm sure there's something I'm missing here, if anyone who is into it - and I guess there's many of you- would like to point out any of the qualities of this album, please do. There are many albums which don't make much sense out of context, so maybe one should be there as it happened to "get" it. I'm gonna say 60/100.
3.
Mercury's chart
1. Time (The Revelator) - Gillian Welch
2. Nilsson Sings Newman - Harry Nilsson
3. 16 Lovers Lane - The Go-Betweens
4. Prowler In The Yard - Pig Destroyer
5. The Magnolia Electric Co. - Songs: Ohia
6. I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight - Richard & Linda Thompson
7. How I'm Feeling Now - Charli XCX
8. Old Chestnut - Ned Collette
9. Tapestry - Carole King
10. So Far - Bob Theil
MercuryTurn your back on the pay-you-back last callProfile St. Louis
There are many classics I can't say I'm really a fan of, but this was so disappointing. I mean, 21 tracks in 35 minutes, what's this? Do they try to make fun of the Ramones or are they serious? If they were (serious), they weren't convincing at all. Most of the tracks just pass you by without leaving any lasting impression. I wonder if I'll be able to recognise a single song in case of a -rather unlikely to be honest - second listen. Also, it seems to be labelled as both punk and post-punk, but it sounds much more like the former than the latter, which is a vague term anyway, but you get the point - this not a complaint or a criticism, just an observation. There is some variety that most punk records miss, but the vocals for example are just too punk(a bit whiny, a bit annoying, you know) . Stand out moments? There were some cool riffs for sure, if I had to pick one track, I'd go with Champs. I'm sure there's something I'm missing here, if anyone who is into it - and I guess there's many of you- would like to point out any of the qualities of this album, please do. There are many albums which don't make much sense out of context, so maybe one should be there as it happened to "get" it. I'm gonna say 60/100.
I gotta say I was surprised you didn't love it. I got excited when someone nominated it yesterday and I went and gave it a spin for the first time in years and I was so happy I did.
It is sort of a mix of punk and post punk, I think its one of the first Post Punk albums. Although not exactly Joy Division or Gang of Four, it was a stepping stone from Damned to them. What I love about it is how it sorta flies by, gloriously stripped down to its most basic parts, with each riff and shout and sound hitting harder. I love the production, I love the crushing simple and powerful riffs on parts - especially on "Lowdown" (that song always makes me feel so good.
I guess what I love about it is in 1977 and 1976 there were lots of bands in punk taking the excess of rock music and stripping it down to its essentials, but Wire took it further by taking Punk and stripping it down to ITS essentials and as a result there is no fat, no added verse or riff or anything, if the song gets its brutal or pop point across with 1 verse and chorus and a shout and a badass riff then that is it, the band ends it even if its only 80 seconds.
I love how unique it is, I love how influential it was sure, that has something to do with it. I remember Hardcore punk bands worshipped this album, especially I was turned on to them by Minor Threat.
Also its an album that when its being pop or pop punk it does that better than anyone or anything else imo. I think "Mannequin" is a perfect pop song. With some other latter half songs like "Champs" and "Feeling Called Love" not being far behind.
Anyway, I adore this album. 10/10 legend status in my eyes. Bummed you weren't a fan. But I get it. I don't feel I did a great job describing why I love this album.
Anyway, back to regularly scheduled program....
--------------------------------
Well this was stellar. Not sure what I was thinking. The first 4 songs just hit so hard and were so intense I almost held my breathe the whole time. Killer Mike is incredible here throughout and El P while not being nearly as great as Mike is also good. El P is brilliant with the production. I'm not particularly good at describing hip hop and why I love it. The thing I loved about the production is that it was utterly unrelenting, the beats while being detailed and lush and so fun were somehow just as angry and aggressive as the Killer Mike lines and delivery. The 2 halves of the album at times just absolutely destroyed me. It was powerful. The way the album starts the first 40% or so is so good I feel that it was inevitable that eventually the strength would lessen. And it did. Not bad or boring at all lol but just not as mindblowing as those first 15 minutes. I feel like this is the most punk of any album I've heard in 2020. Not punk rock, but punk. Its so present and its absolutely impossible to ignore the statement this album is.
Now I really need to go and relisten to 1 and 2 and finally listen to 3 (I may have heard the 3rd as well, but can't remember.). Anyway 8 to 9 out of 10 and going pretty high on my chart for 2020.
------------------------------------------
2.
well, now I'm scared you'll hate it, but its a little different stylistically lol and I think it may be my fave album ever (on the short list I can count on 2 hands anyway) so listen to this godly creation...
obviously, if you don't like it u don't like it.
------------------------
3.
Top 10 albums of 2020 per RYM that I have not heard.
1. Visions of Bodies Being Burned by clipping. (#4.... I listened to most of this and even liked it but I just couldn't take the darkness at the time and I ran away to country and folk albums to regain the light. I'm ready now.)
2. Brass by Moor Mother & Billy Woods (#8)
3. Mestarin kynsi by Oranssi Pazuzu (#9... Avant Garde/Black Metal, lovely.)
4. Alfredo by Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist (#13... a Freddie Gibbs album that's 35 minutes?!? How come I haven't heard this yet?)
5. Stare Into Death and Be Still by Ulcerate (#14...Death Metal, meh... wait, TECHNICAL Death Metal?!? sign me the fuck up!)
6. Heaven to a Tortured Mind by Yves Tumor (#22... Have heard this and even on my chart, but I think I need to hear it again. Honestly, even if not nominated I'll check it out soon and really pay attention this time.)
7. Manger on McNichols by Boldy James & Sterling Toles (#23)
8. Little Dominiques Nosebleed by The Koreatown Oddity (#25)
9. Shore by The Fleet Foxes (#27)
10. ๅ่ฅฟๅๆ่ทฏ่ก (Inside the Cable Temple) by ไธ่ฝ้ๅนดๆ ๅบ [Omnipotent Youth Society] (#29) _________________ -Ryan
I don't know if this is consider a lame album, but I do adore this. Like a lot. Even the song Shape of My Heart, which has had a big resurgence through being sampled, It was still a great song. There is one I am shocked that used that song. And that would be Utada Hikaru. Listening her 1999 album right now and the first track slaps. But back to this, love its jazz rock tendencies, its somewhat spacious instrumentals and Sting vocally is really good. This is one of those albums where I don't have any true complaints about it. I think the only thing I wasn't crazy about, would be the spoken part in Saint Augustine in Hell. To me, Gil Scott Heron did a better job with the similar trope with Dead Dumb and Blind. Otherwise, another highlight for 1993. A little short, though I do want to put a pin on this once we get to a different album on this list. Grade:95
(2)
Alfredo Mercury. Though you had some killer choices.
(3)
BEA's Top 100 Albums of 1993
(64) Meat Loaf-Back Out Of Hell II (would have to listen to the first Back Out Of Hell album)
(65) The Auteurs-New Wave
(67) Buffalo Tom-Big Red Letter Day
(70) Urge Overkill-Saturation
(71) Midnight Oil-Earth And Sun And Moon
(73) Donald Fagen-Kamakiriad
(74) Lovesliescrushing-Bloweyelashwish (R)
(76) The Posies-Frosting on the Beater
(77) Cocteau Twins-Four Calandar Cafe (R)
78 Souls Of Mischief-93 'til Infinity
babyBlueSedanUsed to be sort of blind, now can sort of seeProfile
There are many classics I can't say I'm really a fan of, but this was so disappointing. I mean, 21 tracks in 35 minutes, what's this? Do they try to make fun of the Ramones or are they serious? If they were (serious), they weren't convincing at all. Most of the tracks just pass you by without leaving any lasting impression. I wonder if I'll be able to recognise a single song in case of a -rather unlikely to be honest - second listen. Also, it seems to be labelled as both punk and post-punk, but it sounds much more like the former than the latter, which is a vague term anyway, but you get the point - this not a complaint or a criticism, just an observation. There is some variety that most punk records miss, but the vocals for example are just too punk(a bit whiny, a bit annoying, you know) . Stand out moments? There were some cool riffs for sure, if I had to pick one track, I'd go with Champs. I'm sure there's something I'm missing here, if anyone who is into it - and I guess there's many of you- would like to point out any of the qualities of this album, please do. There are many albums which don't make much sense out of context, so maybe one should be there as it happened to "get" it. I'm gonna say 60/100
While I like this one more than you did, I do think it's a bit overrated and a lot of the tracks aren't very memorable. "Mannequin" is a big exception though, as it presents a bit of a poppier side of the band. And on that note I think the two albums that followed this - Chairs Missing and especially 154 - are much better than this because they explored a lot more sounds. Give "Outdoor Miner" or "The 15th" a listen and you'll find something that (in my opinion) is a lot more exciting than what's on this album. Maybe I just like it because it's poppier. _________________ And it's hard to be a human being. And it's harder as anything else.
MercuryTurn your back on the pay-you-back last callProfile St. Louis
I really liked this. Such a chill yet also kind of intense listen, okay that doesn't make sense. I guess the whole vibe of it is so loose and so cool yet there is some seriously sinister gangster vibes as well. I love Freddie's voice and he's great. Love the features especially Earl was really cool. I like that its a nice bite size piece of super smooth and memorable jazz rap. 8/10.
Top 10 albums of 2020 per RYM that I have not heard.
1. Visions of Bodies Being Burned by clipping. (#4.... I listened to most of this and even liked it but I just couldn't take the darkness at the time and I ran away to country and folk albums to regain the light. I'm ready now.)
2. Brass by Moor Mother & Billy Woods (#8)
3. Mestarin kynsi by Oranssi Pazuzu (#9... Avant Garde/Black Metal, lovely.)
4. Stare Into Death and Be Still by Ulcerate (#14...Death Metal, meh... wait, TECHNICAL Death Metal?!? sign me the fuck up!)
5. Heaven to a Tortured Mind by Yves Tumor (#22... Have heard this and even on my chart, but I think I need to hear it again. Honestly, even if not nominated I'll check it out soon and really pay attention this time.)
6. Manger on McNichols by Boldy James & Sterling Toles (#23)
7. Little Dominiques Nosebleed by The Koreatown Oddity (#25)
8. Miles by Blu & Exile (#26... I avoided this cuz its 90 minutes, but really I love some other Blu and Exile, and I heard this is great so I will just face the length. lol.)
9. Shore by The Fleet Foxes (#27)
10. ๅ่ฅฟๅๆ่ทฏ่ก (Inside the Cable Temple) by ไธ่ฝ้ๅนดๆ ๅบ [Omnipotent Youth Society] (#29) _________________ -Ryan
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Mercury
RoundTheBend
Purplepash
LedZep
babyBlueSedan
