Let's continue the earlier thread! Rather than use letter grades this time, I'll use a 0 to 100 scale.

Blur- Blur

65

I can tell that there is a lot to love about this album, but I can't quite crack it. There are definite highlights among the fray ("Song 2", "Essex Dogs"), but I have been unable to break through with the whole thing.

The Cure- Seventeen Seconds (Deluxe)

100

This will almost surely be my favorite release of the year. Seventeen Seconds has long ranked among my favorite albums of all time, but hearing it anew with the better sound quality brings the trees so much closer. The bonus disc features some cool live tracks with completely alternate lyrics to the album versions and the wonderful Cult Hero cuts.

The Cure- Faith (Deluxe)

95

This album also benefits immensely from the remastering treatment. The fog is so much more suffocating! The inclusion of Carnage Visors is a big plus as well.

The Cure- Pornography (Deluxe)

98

Completing the third installment of Cure remasters, Pornography does not disappoint. The sound is so huge! Of the three, this one has the best bonus material.

Death from Above 1979- You're a Woman, I'm a Machine

89

Squealing bass guitar, furious rhythms and fierce attitude! While a bit one-dimensional, this album is too short to wear thin. "Little Girl" slays me every time I hear it.

Deee-Lite- The Very Best of Deee-Lite

95

It is simply amazing to me how well their music has aged. The first album I owned was the fabulous World Clique, but this compilation offers much more. I defy anyone to hear "Love Is Everything" and call Deee-Lite one trick ponies. The recurrent "keep the hope spinnin'" chant in "I Had a Dream I Was Falling through a Hole in the Ozone Layer" is quite simply irresistible. This album is perfect for driving, cleaning or other menial tasks!

Missy Elliott- The Cookbook

80

I was one of the seemingly few people who loved This Is Not a Test, so I thought Missy had a lot of work ahead in order to compete. I've only just bought the album and listened once, and my initial reaction is pretty positive. Although not as instantly memorable as This Is Not a Test, this album seems pretty solid and rewarding. I'm sure many of these tracks will become etched in my brain in time.

Gorillaz- Demon Days

78

Having only heard "Clint Eastwood" and "19-2000" before, Demon Days was my introduction to Gorillaz. Based on this album, I think I will like their material much more than Blur's. It seems to combine the smart sensibilities of Blur with a thicker groove that is more palatable to my ears. "Feel Good Inc." is a perfect example of this blend. "Kids with Guns" and the title track also are quite pleasing. I'm quite pleasantly surprised.

Jem- Finally Woken

76

This album was given to me as a gift. I liked the single "They" and its schoolyard video, but I was a little afraid of the entire album. My fears were
misleading, though, as this album is pretty solid. While pop albums haven't been consistent with my musical journey lately, this one seems like it will hold up to repeated listens!

Grace Jones- Private Life: The Compass Point Sessions

100

Wow. All of my previous interest in Grace Jones is completely validated and exceeded with this release. Focusing nearly entirely on the 80-82 period, this compilation features track after track of amazing music that showcases Sly and Robbie's brilliant production and Grace Jones' unparalleled personality.

Pretenders- Learning to Crawl

70

I bought this album with lofty expectations created from the debut album. Aside from the singles I already knew, this album didn't live up to them. This isn't to say that the album is a complete let-down; it is pleasant enough, but not as incendiary as I would have hoped.

Roxy Music- Country Life

78

Over the course of the past year, I've fallen for this band, particularly the first two albums. While Country Life is definitely a notch below in my belt, it still has its rewards. "The Thrill of It All" is a classic raucous opener. I will enjoy listening to this more!

Roxy Music- Manifesto

60

Often panned, this album was a bit of an enigma for me. The band has shifted to a strange blend of dance music and almost gothic darkness. The album gives me a feeling of thick paranoia- sometimes welcome and other times too disturbing.

Patti Smith- Horses

93

I had put off buying this album for much too long and recently relented. Wow. What a great album! Patti seems equally masterful as a narrator as she does a siren and equally as able to sound raw and unpolished as prim and proper. PJ Harvey seems to have carried the torch lit from "Gloria" quite well. Epics like "Birdland" and "Land" are unlike anything that I have ever heard- they are truly visceral experiences. The only weak spot is the reggae-tinged "Redondo Beach". To those of you who are more familiar with her, what should I explore next.

Soft Cell- Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret

83

I picked up a hits compilation of theirs on a whim and was amazed at how much I enjoyed it, only having known "Tainted Love" and "Where Did Our Love Go". I decided to move on to their much-heralded debut and am pleased again. This album seems quite aptly named as it is at once seedy, dark, flamboyant and vulnerable. The vocals are strangely alluring and the music is both gloomy and rhythmic synth pop. This is a definite keeper.

The Stooges- The Stooges

76

I have long been intimidated by Iggy Pop's extensive catalog, not knowing where to begin. I opted to start from the very beginning. Iggy's signature snarl is present on such proto-punk rockers as "1969" and "I Wanna Be Your Dog" that channel the restlessness of distressed youth. Elsewhere, a much darker, almost medieval sound permeates the epic "We Will Fall", another high point. I think John Cale's production both helps and hinders the band as it brings a level of musical sophistication but seems to stifle the band's growl a bit. I look forward to subsequent releases.

Television- Marquee Moon

93

There were only so many references to this album I could take before I gave in and bought it. All I can say is wow. This album seems to have succeeded in forging its own unique sound and paving the way for much of what was to come. The sterling guitars and thumping bass punches give the album a sensible swagger. The sound here has remained relevant by its recent resurrection, most notably by the Strokes. From the opening kick of "See No Evil" with its delicious guitar solo about halfway through, this album does not let up. The sheer length of some of the cuts, particuarly the title track, gives the band space to flex its muscles deftly. However, my favorite tracks the ones that are a bit more subdued. The moody "Elevation" and the ode to domestic distress "Torn Curtain" both floor me. Although the vocals continue to challenge me, I feel that this will become and album I will forever revere and often revisit.

Moonbeam said:

"Torch" You know, Jem reminds me of Dido vocally. I wasn't really too crazy about "They", but the song that caught my attention was "Come On Closer". Finally Woken isn't a recent favorite of mine, but it was much better than what I expected too.

AnckSuNamun said:

It kind of came out of nowhere for me.

100...what kind of rating system is that?
[Edited 7/10/05 19:37pm]

Moonbeam said:

Don't talk to me anymore!!!!

100 for both


John Cale to the motherfuckin 100

Why are you buyng these albums when I could just give them to you for free ?
you're completly overrating the Grace Jones stuff btw, unless you're gay, and then I understand.
[Edited 7/10/05 19:38pm]

Moonbeam said:

Duh Tell us before you go record shopping for old shit, everything after the first album is a let down. [imeo]

Damn, harsh lilgish!

Nico- The Marble Index

80

Haunting, chilling, dark, polarizing. I get the feeling after hearing this and Desertshore that none of her albums except for Chelsea Girl are really accessible. However, this album really showcases Nico's stark vocals very well. It must have come as a huge shock at the time!

lilgish said:

One for a math geek like me.

lilgish said:

Keep in mind I've just bought them. They will more than likely work their way up.

lilgish said:

I like buying albums, but I am very interested in what you would recommend, particularly material produced by John Cale.

For the record, I am a straight man with gay taste.

lilgish said:

Learning to Crawl gets major critical acclaim, so I thought it was worth a shot, especially since I liked the singles I knew from it quite a bit.

Is there any reason for me to buy Pretenders II?
[Edited 7/10/05 19:54pm]

Moonbeam said:

I'm just playing, that's a good one for the marble index..

lilgish said:

I liked that one a lot more than I did Desertshore on first listen. Do you like The End at all?

Moonbeam said:

PII is a rough album, almost demo like, not as polished as the first one... but someone let the air out, the songs have the edge, edgeier even, but not as focused. You're probably familiar with Message of Love. Birds of Paradise is great song as well.


Pretenders would make some great songs after the debut, but never a great album.

Cop it, do you know anyone who could loan you a copy just to complete your collection...

Don't buy the second album.

lilgish said:

Thanks for the tip!

Moonbeam said:

I like the song the End, especially the Live versions, the album isn't so great, I prefer Desert Shore.

Honestly, I like Nico doing light pop stuff ala Chelsea and I'm not sayin. Plus her live stuff with Lou. The contrast is better imo.

Moonbeam said:

Ever hear the song Macbeth or Paris 1919, John is a great pop maker like Lou, Lou has the voice and uncanny melody, even though he fucks with the songs live..

I know Lou better

damosuzuki probably knows more about Cale's solo stuff, you bought his two best produced albums...Horses is in my top ten

also, if you like Patti you gotta get Hey Joe and Piss Factory...also cop her live gig with John at the bottom line in 75'


buy Paris 1919 with the money you were gonna spend on PII
[Edited 7/10/05 20:42pm]

lilgish said:

I haven't heard "I'm Not Sayin". What's it like?

Moonbeam said:

Heaven ..also It makes me move my head from side to side, it's on the album Nico: Classic Years it was written by Gordon Lightfoot and Jimmy Page is on that as well I think.
[Edited 7/10/05 20:50pm]

lilgish said:

His solo stuff was also intimidating to me because of the sheer quantity. I'll take the tip though.

hipster.

GangstaFam said:

Discuss, don't diss!

Moonbeam said:

Moonbeam said:

Is that your first Blur purchase?

I encourage you to keep plugging away at that album. It just may be my favorite Blur album, although I think it helps to hear the growth and change from earlier records. In particular, "On Your Own" is a classic single, catchy as all get out. "I'm Just a Killer For Your Love" is my personal fave on the album (as well as one of my all time Blur faves). It's dirty and rawky and just grabs a hold of me. And I must at least mention "Beetlebum" damn brilliant and SO sexxxy.

As for your comments about the Gorillaz. I had a dream the other nite and I woke up so angry. In the dream, Blur released a new album. I saw it in the shops and was so mad cos it had a sticker on it which said "Featuring Damon Albarn of The Gorillaz."
It was soooo wrong



That being said, I'm clearly a bigger fan of Blur and think it's tough to compare the two bands since Blur has been around for such a longer time. But, in the recent years, release by release, I do like the Gorillaz output AS MUCH AS Blur's. I just could never say I like them more.

Moonbeam said:

You know I'm just kidding. And you're not a hipster, for the record.

Jamiroquai -- Dynamite:

Cohesive and more "organic" than A Funk Odyssey. but save a few standout tracks, Jamiroquai sounds derivative of . . . well . . . Jamiroquai.

79


Sly and the Family Stone -- There's A Riot Goin' On

I mean, really. What can I say?

100

GangstaFam said:

Yeah.

So, what are your thoughts on Gang of Four?

Moonbeam said:

Unless you want me to call you a hipster?

And about the ratings...I'm workin' on it.

Moonbeam said:

I'm going to have to change this one to about an 83 now. The strings on songs like "Last Living Souls" and "El Mañana" go right through me.