Monday, July 20, 2009
This Week
This is a note for you who follow this. This week we will be reviewing Nine Inch Nails - With Teeth.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
The times have changed, Bob Dylan week.
I chose this album for many reasons, the first, Bob Dylan is one of my top favorite artists of all time. His music has a timeless feel that you really don't get from many artists. The album The Times They are A-Changin' is one of Dylan's most definitive works and is it one of my favorites. This album was written and recorded by Dylan in 1964. Dylan told stories, protested, and gave us an album that is apart of the amazing decade that is the 60's.
First Impression: While I consider myself a big Dylan fan, I haven't listened to many of his albums all the way through, this has been a mistake. After my first listen of the album, I was struck by the simplicity of it, it was Dylan, a guitar, and harmonica. He combines those 3 elements to make, what I feel, is a folk masterpiece. First impression 4.5/5
My favorite track: This is tough, as I really enjoyed all of the tracks. Prior to listening to the album my favorite track would've been the title track, The Times They are A-Changin'. I wrote a paper about this song, and its effect on the generation of young adults in the world. This song was, for a time, an anthem of a generation. But, as I listened to this album, my favorite song changed to Boots of Spanish Leather. Dylan, at 23, wrote this song about a far away love, that cannot be attained, and in the end, he accepts a gift, Boots of a Spanish Leather. The way he wrote song as a conversation between him and his love, is beautiful, it makes me believe that Dylan is one of the best poets in the last 100 years.
Least Favorite Track: I would have to say, my least favorite track, is The Ballad of Hollis Brown. While it is a great song, and great story, it was my least favorite. I think this speaks very highly of the album as a whole, because this track is by no means a bad one. The reason why it is my least favorite, is I feel the guitar rifts aren't as strong as others on the disc.
Final Impression: This album, while listening to it, inspired me, that a 23 year old kid, could write so many songs about so many things. That he could put it together on an album that stood out as a voice of a generation. He was writing, not just for him, but the change that was eminent in America. He was pleading with many, to allow the changes to take place, that they would make America and the world a better one. The 1960's were a time of dramatic change, in politics, beliefs, technology, and many other things. Dylan's album was a mark of that change. Final impression rating 4.8/5
First Impression: While I consider myself a big Dylan fan, I haven't listened to many of his albums all the way through, this has been a mistake. After my first listen of the album, I was struck by the simplicity of it, it was Dylan, a guitar, and harmonica. He combines those 3 elements to make, what I feel, is a folk masterpiece. First impression 4.5/5
My favorite track: This is tough, as I really enjoyed all of the tracks. Prior to listening to the album my favorite track would've been the title track, The Times They are A-Changin'. I wrote a paper about this song, and its effect on the generation of young adults in the world. This song was, for a time, an anthem of a generation. But, as I listened to this album, my favorite song changed to Boots of Spanish Leather. Dylan, at 23, wrote this song about a far away love, that cannot be attained, and in the end, he accepts a gift, Boots of a Spanish Leather. The way he wrote song as a conversation between him and his love, is beautiful, it makes me believe that Dylan is one of the best poets in the last 100 years.
Least Favorite Track: I would have to say, my least favorite track, is The Ballad of Hollis Brown. While it is a great song, and great story, it was my least favorite. I think this speaks very highly of the album as a whole, because this track is by no means a bad one. The reason why it is my least favorite, is I feel the guitar rifts aren't as strong as others on the disc.
Final Impression: This album, while listening to it, inspired me, that a 23 year old kid, could write so many songs about so many things. That he could put it together on an album that stood out as a voice of a generation. He was writing, not just for him, but the change that was eminent in America. He was pleading with many, to allow the changes to take place, that they would make America and the world a better one. The 1960's were a time of dramatic change, in politics, beliefs, technology, and many other things. Dylan's album was a mark of that change. Final impression rating 4.8/5
1964: Bob Dylan - The Times They Are a-Changin'
Introduction: In general I'm familiar with the majority of Bob Dylan's work, and have listened to, I'd like to believe, almost all of his studio output. The Times They Are a-Changin' is a pivotal album in Bob Dylan's career, so I was pleased that Richie suggested it for this weeks review.
First Impression: On my first listen through, I would have to say, the album is as I vaguely remembered it; a good solid "folk" (as folk was typified in the era, although with more original compositions). I would have to say that I enjoyed the album, although it isn't my favorite of his work.
First Impression Rating: 4.0/5.0
Favourite Track: My favourite track for some odd reason was "Ballad of Hollis Brown". I'm not completely sure what elevated it to my favorite, but it definitely had a good "vibe", at least in my opinion. A close second would have to be "When the Ship Comes In". Ask me on another day, and it may be my favorite.
Least Favourite Track: This is a hard question, because for the most part I felt like that the album was pretty consistent in the quality of the material. So, with that in mind, I won't list one, since otherwise, I'd have to just pick randomly.
Final Impression: Overall, this is a good solid album, in a genre that doesn't seem to exist in much of any scale these days. Really my main complaint about the album, is not that it isn't good, because I feel it is good, but that it isn't Dylan's best.
For me, this album was sort of a kick off point for even greater adventures into sound and lyric. The lyrics on this album aren't lacking, they're fun, and definitely "Dylan-esque" for that time period.
It is too bad though that far too many people stereotype this as the definition of Dylan. Dylan shouldn't be slotted into one particular genre (as he has duly demonstrated throughout his career), and people need to listen beyond this era. The man has a lot to offer, and there aren't many lyricists that can beat him.
So, check this album out. This album is good. But, on the other hand, if you don't like this album, don't let it turn you off on Dylan. This isn't ALL he is about, he has a whole lot to offer.
Final Rating: 4.2/5.0
First Impression: On my first listen through, I would have to say, the album is as I vaguely remembered it; a good solid "folk" (as folk was typified in the era, although with more original compositions). I would have to say that I enjoyed the album, although it isn't my favorite of his work.
First Impression Rating: 4.0/5.0
Favourite Track: My favourite track for some odd reason was "Ballad of Hollis Brown". I'm not completely sure what elevated it to my favorite, but it definitely had a good "vibe", at least in my opinion. A close second would have to be "When the Ship Comes In". Ask me on another day, and it may be my favorite.
Least Favourite Track: This is a hard question, because for the most part I felt like that the album was pretty consistent in the quality of the material. So, with that in mind, I won't list one, since otherwise, I'd have to just pick randomly.
Final Impression: Overall, this is a good solid album, in a genre that doesn't seem to exist in much of any scale these days. Really my main complaint about the album, is not that it isn't good, because I feel it is good, but that it isn't Dylan's best.
For me, this album was sort of a kick off point for even greater adventures into sound and lyric. The lyrics on this album aren't lacking, they're fun, and definitely "Dylan-esque" for that time period.
It is too bad though that far too many people stereotype this as the definition of Dylan. Dylan shouldn't be slotted into one particular genre (as he has duly demonstrated throughout his career), and people need to listen beyond this era. The man has a lot to offer, and there aren't many lyricists that can beat him.
So, check this album out. This album is good. But, on the other hand, if you don't like this album, don't let it turn you off on Dylan. This isn't ALL he is about, he has a whole lot to offer.
Final Rating: 4.2/5.0
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Don't let the Bastards drag you down. A week of Achtung Baby.
Introduction: A week ago, Dave asked me on IM, if I would co-write a blog reviewing albums, one a week from 1960-2009. I was excited for the opportunity, as I love music, and writing. Combining both into a blog would be a great idea. After agreeing, he told me the album he chose for the week, Achtung Baby by U2. I have to be honest, I wasn't enthused, a week ago I considered myself an 80's U2 fan, I love Joshua Tree and Unforgettable Fire, but I am less enthused about their later work. But, I agreed, thinking that I should at least give it a shot.
First Impression: My first listen through the album was a surprising one, I was extremely surprised by the flow, the lyrics, and just the tempo of the album. I was also taken aback, by the passion I felt from Bono and the rest of the band. I like some tracks more than others, but I generally liked what I heard. Initial rating: 4 out of 5
Favorite Track: I agree with Dave on this one, Ultraviolet, has to be my favorite track on this album. This song may even be one of my favorite U2 songs, period. In my mind, good music, must have two things. 1) Good lyrics 2) Atmospheric Effect. This song, does both for me, I love the jangly guitar rifts, they have a definite Smith's feel. I love the lyrics, a line from the song:
When I was all messed up and I heard opera in my head
Your love was a light bulb hanging over my bed.
Least Favorite Track: Mysterious Ways, I tried to enjoy this song as much as other songs on the album. But for me, this is the weakest song on the album. It seems a little out of place in comparison to the other outstanding tracks this disc offers. I like this song ok, but its not my favorite.
Final Impression and Conclusion: I think this blog was masterminded by Dave to get me to like more of U2's later work. He was responsible for getting me to begin to like U2. I remember a day, after school, Dave took me to his house in Woodland Hills, and had me listen to U2 songs, he gave me a history of the band, how they were influenced by the Ramones and other punk acts. This left me with a favorable impression, and I began to enjoy many of U2's earlier albums. I must say this week long listening of Achtung Baby, has had the same effect, I left my first thoughts at the door, and listened to this album with an open mind. I enjoyed the flow, the lyrics, and the general atmosphere the album gave. This album is very differet from other U2 albums, but its different in a good way. It was as if U2 wanted to break away from the stereotypes they were given, they wanted to show the world that they could redefine themselves, without losing what makes U2 special. It was supposed to be, as U2 said, four men burning down the Joshua Tree. Final Impression rating 4.6/5.
This next week, we will be reviewing an album from 1964, Mr Robert Allen Zimmerman's The Times They Are a-Changin'
First Impression: My first listen through the album was a surprising one, I was extremely surprised by the flow, the lyrics, and just the tempo of the album. I was also taken aback, by the passion I felt from Bono and the rest of the band. I like some tracks more than others, but I generally liked what I heard. Initial rating: 4 out of 5
Favorite Track: I agree with Dave on this one, Ultraviolet, has to be my favorite track on this album. This song may even be one of my favorite U2 songs, period. In my mind, good music, must have two things. 1) Good lyrics 2) Atmospheric Effect. This song, does both for me, I love the jangly guitar rifts, they have a definite Smith's feel. I love the lyrics, a line from the song:
When I was all messed up and I heard opera in my head
Your love was a light bulb hanging over my bed.
Least Favorite Track: Mysterious Ways, I tried to enjoy this song as much as other songs on the album. But for me, this is the weakest song on the album. It seems a little out of place in comparison to the other outstanding tracks this disc offers. I like this song ok, but its not my favorite.
Final Impression and Conclusion: I think this blog was masterminded by Dave to get me to like more of U2's later work. He was responsible for getting me to begin to like U2. I remember a day, after school, Dave took me to his house in Woodland Hills, and had me listen to U2 songs, he gave me a history of the band, how they were influenced by the Ramones and other punk acts. This left me with a favorable impression, and I began to enjoy many of U2's earlier albums. I must say this week long listening of Achtung Baby, has had the same effect, I left my first thoughts at the door, and listened to this album with an open mind. I enjoyed the flow, the lyrics, and the general atmosphere the album gave. This album is very differet from other U2 albums, but its different in a good way. It was as if U2 wanted to break away from the stereotypes they were given, they wanted to show the world that they could redefine themselves, without losing what makes U2 special. It was supposed to be, as U2 said, four men burning down the Joshua Tree. Final Impression rating 4.6/5.
This next week, we will be reviewing an album from 1964, Mr Robert Allen Zimmerman's The Times They Are a-Changin'
1991: U2 - Achtung Baby
Introduction:
My familiarity with Achtung Baby goes back quite some time, so for the most part my review of the album may be slightly different than Richie's. This is to say, it will be more boring. I know this album pretty well, but I haven't listened to it very much recently. So, here we go.
First Impression:
My first impression of this album is that it definitely is one that people shouldn't forget about. People tend to think of Joshua Tree as U2's ultimate masterpiece, which tends to overshadow this one, which is essentially its immediate successor (not counting Rattle and Hum), but I feel like this one is their other quintessential piece of music. Yes, it may not be exactly the same full blown masterpiece the other album is, but does it have to be? The answer is no, because absolute repetition doesn't necessarily equate greatness.
I enjoyed this album as much as I remembered it, in fact, in some small ways, I may have enjoyed the thing more. It sort of had the "old friend" factor, since I hadn't listened to it for awhile, and a definite sense of warm familiarity accompanied this first attempt through the album.
First Impression Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Favorite Track: The track that kept popping out to me is Ultraviolet. This album is loaded with thoroughly good tracks, but this one for some reason just stands out. Another song that was a close second was Acrobat, but mainly for its lyrical content.
Least Favorite Track: Probably would have to be "So Cruel". Originally I thought this would fall to "Mysterious Ways", but for some reason that one grew on me. "So Cruel" doesn't have bad lyrics, but just doesn't feel completely at home on the album, or at least as much as I'd like.
Final Impression: After listening to the album thoroughly for an entire week, I would have to say that the album only sounds better with repeated listening attempts. Nuances in the music tend to come out, that with only one listen don't seem to exist. The music definitely doesn't have minimal layers.
Sonically, I find the album very pleasing. As with U2's good albums, it maintains a certain level of ambiance, and for me this is very important. If something has the right vibe, then consider me a subscriber to that frequency.
Lyrically, it is a grower as well. Songs that may be less exciting musically usually don't suffer on this album lyrically; that is to say, if the song is less impressive sonically, the lyrics on this album rarely take a hit.
My first impression was rated relatively high, but by the end of the week, I only liked the album better. Yes, there were a few tracks I liked less than others, but overall, the album had good flow, even with a couple tracks that seemed to fit less. In total, the album, even with flaws, was definitely one I'd keep in my favorites, and hopefully I won't wait this long to take a listen to it again.
Final Impression Rating: 4.9 out of 5
My familiarity with Achtung Baby goes back quite some time, so for the most part my review of the album may be slightly different than Richie's. This is to say, it will be more boring. I know this album pretty well, but I haven't listened to it very much recently. So, here we go.
First Impression:
My first impression of this album is that it definitely is one that people shouldn't forget about. People tend to think of Joshua Tree as U2's ultimate masterpiece, which tends to overshadow this one, which is essentially its immediate successor (not counting Rattle and Hum), but I feel like this one is their other quintessential piece of music. Yes, it may not be exactly the same full blown masterpiece the other album is, but does it have to be? The answer is no, because absolute repetition doesn't necessarily equate greatness.
I enjoyed this album as much as I remembered it, in fact, in some small ways, I may have enjoyed the thing more. It sort of had the "old friend" factor, since I hadn't listened to it for awhile, and a definite sense of warm familiarity accompanied this first attempt through the album.
First Impression Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Favorite Track: The track that kept popping out to me is Ultraviolet. This album is loaded with thoroughly good tracks, but this one for some reason just stands out. Another song that was a close second was Acrobat, but mainly for its lyrical content.
Least Favorite Track: Probably would have to be "So Cruel". Originally I thought this would fall to "Mysterious Ways", but for some reason that one grew on me. "So Cruel" doesn't have bad lyrics, but just doesn't feel completely at home on the album, or at least as much as I'd like.
Final Impression: After listening to the album thoroughly for an entire week, I would have to say that the album only sounds better with repeated listening attempts. Nuances in the music tend to come out, that with only one listen don't seem to exist. The music definitely doesn't have minimal layers.
Sonically, I find the album very pleasing. As with U2's good albums, it maintains a certain level of ambiance, and for me this is very important. If something has the right vibe, then consider me a subscriber to that frequency.
Lyrically, it is a grower as well. Songs that may be less exciting musically usually don't suffer on this album lyrically; that is to say, if the song is less impressive sonically, the lyrics on this album rarely take a hit.
My first impression was rated relatively high, but by the end of the week, I only liked the album better. Yes, there were a few tracks I liked less than others, but overall, the album had good flow, even with a couple tracks that seemed to fit less. In total, the album, even with flaws, was definitely one I'd keep in my favorites, and hopefully I won't wait this long to take a listen to it again.
Final Impression Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Introduction
Just a brief introduction for those of you who haven't visited us before. Each week, we will be reviewing an album, and listening to it once a day, every day for that week long period. At the end of that week, we will post our thoughts about the album, including our first impressions, what we felt the highlight tracks were, our first impression rating, our final impression, and our final impression review.
In the first run of Album in Review, we will review one album from each year between 1960-2009. As far as other runs go, only time will tell.
With that in mind, the first album we have decided to review is Achtung Baby by U2, and we have already gone through the one week review period. So, prepare yourselves, here come our reviews.
-David
In the first run of Album in Review, we will review one album from each year between 1960-2009. As far as other runs go, only time will tell.
With that in mind, the first album we have decided to review is Achtung Baby by U2, and we have already gone through the one week review period. So, prepare yourselves, here come our reviews.
-David
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