★★☆☆☆ = Eh, fine
Progressive metal
Self indulgent and overly technical
Did I like this at one point? I don't anymore. The whole thing feels self indulgent with overly technical instrumentation and lyrics that are forced.
https://www.discogs.com/Dream-Theater-Metropolis-Pt-2-Scenes-From-A-Memory/release/387439
Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1W4BwLEykGU
Spotify
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★★★★☆ = Quality release and suggested listening
Emo pop rock
A melodic ode to coming of age relationships.
I've listened to this album a lot, it's impossible to talk about objectively. It doesn't sound as good or profound as it did 20 years ago but I think I'm the one that's changed. Addressing its faults I'd point to overly wordy lyrics and bland instrumentation. However the melodies and just straightforward memorability of these songs is hard to deny. The basic Moog lines add just the right amount of emotional highlight.
I think it does stand the test of time rather than just serving as a nostalgic memento of emos golden age. Is it for everyone? Definitely not but I'm sure this and the rest of the get up kids early catalog could find some modern fans.
https://www.discogs.com/The-Get-Up-Kids-Something-To-Write-Home-About/release/1262915
Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgqxFcVD89M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-nuYrZE94A
Spotify
Schema Info
★★☆☆☆ = Eh, fine
Pop Alt folk country, like wilcos most straightforward pop from their earlier albums
Sounds like it'd play well in a barn
Not a bad record by any means just not really my style. Lacks the memorable weirdness of my favorite alt pop country act, Wilco.
https://www.discogs.com/Old-97s-Fight-Songs/release/3705572
Spotify
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★★★☆☆ = Good!
Golden age emo meets math rock
Songs I play when walking over to your place
Adds to the typical somber 'classic' emo format with well timed brass and tasteful/tight percussion. All of this additional instrumentation is good with songwriting that builds in a skillful way. I think it's a stretch to call this emo jazz as it's referenced on Wikipedia but it's distinct enough to call out.
‘Honestly’ is a great highlight showing the strengths of this album: mellow catchy introspection breaking into an extended jam type thing; letting emotion and tension playout in a natural way. You can feel the frustration and confusion of a breakup.
This type of genuineness is what drew me to emo initially and is captured beautifully here. Recommended for golden age emo fans who need something more than the pop-punk mold.
https://www.discogs.com/American-Football-American-Football/release/450722
Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NfnXdXpjL0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Uj2JpvsvX4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CU4VGgX0nA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsCBUK_mvY4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mr_DMGZ-JrY
Spotify
Schema Info
★★★☆☆ = Good!
Sounds like?
A variety of 90s electro including synth ambient and breakbeat
Moods
An intelligent dance party
Thoughts
Enjoyed the breakbeat tracks (not sure if it’s true breakbeat but reminds me) ‘Nlogax’ and ‘Seeya later’ but the others are very good as well. ‘Hi Scores’ and ‘Turquoise Hexagon Sun’ are almost like ambient trip hop.
One of my favorite boards of canada releases that I’ve heard so far.
More Info
https://www.discogs.com/Boards-Of-Canada-Hi-Scores/release/3416582
Listen!
Youtube
Spotify
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★★★★★ = Classic, essential listening
What’s it sound like?
MF Doom’s distinct style over production that samples a variety of soul and jazz; kinda like a choppy J Dilla. Allmusic has more:
Doom was at his rawest and, lyrically, most dexterous. The out-of-left-field edge of Doom’s production — which features ’80s soul and smooth jazz mixed with classic drum breaks — is indeed abstract at times, but his off-kilter rhymes are palatable and absent any pretentiousness. In fact, the album arguably contains some of the freshest rhymes one might have heard around the time of its release.
Thoughts
Doom’s style certainly isn’t for everyone but the more I see rap evolve the more I realize just how remarkable his distinct style is.
Not much to add to the allmusic review. This album is raw – both lyrically and production wise. His raps are dense, he’s clearly an intelligent guy, switching topics quickly; a tactic which rewards repeat listens. Something about his delivery reminds me of Wutang, a rare quality. The production works well and I’m not mad at the super-hero interludes.
A true classic.
More Info
https://www.discogs.com/MF-Doom-Operation-Doomsday/release/213193
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Youtube
Spotify
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★★☆☆☆ = Eh, fine
What’s it sound like?
Indie guitar/drums/keys trio makes record to mimic found sound sample album.
Thoughts
I’d skip this album and go for their other two,songs feel less finished then the debut. Beats are laid down just kinda hang without real direction, repeating until the tracks end. Gone are the funky keys solos that made their first album so engaging. OK as background listening but for what?
More Info
https://www.discogs.com/Emperor-Penguin-Extreme-Gaming/release/153812
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Spotify
★★★☆☆ = Good!
What’s it sound like?
A band performing the format of an instrumental sample driven hip hop record. Styles range from funk to hip hop to rock
Thoughts
This is an interesting take on the usually tiresome instrumental beat album. At its best songs are gfunk funky and successfully creates a hazy stoner dusty rich sample atmosphere.
Reminds me of the beta band 3 ep’s at times, that’s a mighty compliment.
More Info
https://www.discogs.com/Emperor-Penguin-Shatter-The-Illusion-Of-Integrity-Yeah/release/155404
Listen!
Spotify
★★☆☆☆ = Eh, fine
What’s it sound like?
Post rock
Thoughts
Sparse, slow and boring.
More Info
https://www.discogs.com/Labradford-E-Luxo-So/release/18227
Listen!
Youtube
Spotify