Jan 14th - 20th

Jan 14th - 20th
This was the week I really started to make sure I listened to every new album at least twice before giving it a score and forming a proper opinion, as I feel like I have disregarded a lot of great albums but only giving it 1 average listen and moving on, and I'll be soon to get to them at some point, but to stop that from happening more, I'm making sure to pay attention to every record more now.

I started off the week with Microphones - The Glow pt.2 (51). I really wasn't a fan of this album, and to diversify my scores a bit more I gave it a rather harsh rating compared to than I would a couple months ago but I feel like it's justified, despite being a highly acclaimed album to many, it just feels like a bit of a mess to me. Sure, it's experimental blend of soft indie folk rock combined with distorted noise rock is an interesting combination on paper, but I just felt like it didn't work at all. Many songs I felt were ruined but just turning a gentle indie rock song into distorted noise, and it just felt really unneeded. One song on here I actually enjoyed - "I felt your shape" simply because it was so short it ended before it got ruined. But even if the individual tracks contains their own different genres It didn't feel as if they belonged on the same album together - like two completely different albums mashed together for the sake of it - I probably missed the point but I didn't enjoy it regardless.

Next was a Japanese pop/rock recommendation: tricot - T H E (76), a fun and consistent record but nothing I hadn't really heard before, it was just an album's worth it of all in one place. I probably would have enjoyed this a lot more if I found is 6 years ago or so before my JPop/rock binge, but definitely doesn't take away from the good quality of the album.

Next up was a re-listen of Lou Reed - Transformer, simply becasue I had it downloaded and wanted to put something on quick, but interestingly enough, I enjoyed it a lot more this time round and totally see the appeal and critical acclaim for the record. Looking forward to listening to this one again soon, upgraded the score from (77) to (80).

After that a re-listen of Pink Floyd - Meddle. I had only listened to this once a while back when I was going through their discography and just felt it was "Echoes + 5 other songs", which I found out I was quite mistaken, "One of these Days" is a fantastic opener and the rest held their weight too. Of course "Echoes" was the main attraction, but it definitely felt more like a cohesive album this time round, and enjoyed it more because of it, securely placing it as the best Floyd record behind the big 4. Score upped from (82) to (84).

Next was two re-listens of Bruce Springsteen's Born to Run as my friend really enjoys this record and I listened to this quite a while ago and wanted to try it out again, and although I'm still not a massive fan - mostly due to the southern accent making it sound like a country & western singer, the production and instrumentations - specifically the saxophone in the last 2 songs were very impressive and enjoyable. I completely understand why people love this record, just not quite for me, although I do appreciate parts of it. Score increased from (67) to (76).

After that was another Japanese recommendation, Toshiki Kadomatsu - Sea is a Lady, and I must say I was much more impressed with this album that the last one. To put it bluntly, its instrumental city pop, but wow, is it good city pop. Incredibly funky and pleasurable to listen to, can easily just stick this record on as background music or enjoy it fully as an active listen. Very enjoyable all the way though and I can see myself playing this one a lot in the future, rated 83.

Next up was another Sheena Ringo album, as I thoroughly enjoyed her 4th, and also decently enjoyed her debut. Her second, Shoso Strip, was also very decent, a bit of a step up from her debut in terms of creativity and interesting elements, but I really spoiled myself listened to - what I assume is - her best first, but in terms of order chronologically this is a decent follow up and rated accordingly with a strong (80). This would stand taller on it's own, but really is in the shadow of Kalk Samen Kuri no Hana unfortunately.

After that I listened to Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill (82) and found myself very impressed by it and enjoying most, if not all of the record. Not too much to say about it really apart from it was consistently great and would give it a solid recommendation to fans of the alternative rock genre.

Another re-listen was on the cards with My Chemical Romance - The Black Parade, as I was already surprised to enjoy it in the first place, but after giving it a more focused re-listen I can safely safe I enjoy this record and "Welcome to the Black Parade" is a fantastic song and not just emo trash, which is what I had thought before listening to this album. Score updated from (79) to (81).

Next was a somewhat disappointing listen to Fat Jon's Wave Motion (62). As a light recommendation comparing to Nujabes and Uyama Hiroto's work, something just felt lacking. Sure, it was chill and had good beats but just felt lacking compared to Nujabes and Hiroto's much more interesting and impressive records.

After that was a long overdue re-listen of King Crimson's In the Court of the Crimson King, I realised that I underrated this album quite a bit, score-wise, and it really deserved to be up there with Zeppelin and Floyd. As much as this has been memed to death, you can't deny the incredibly quality behind the "Screamy red man" album. Tremendous musicianship and instrumentation and creativity truly makes this one of the greats. Upgraded score from (88) to (92).

After that was another re-listen. This time Neutral Milk Hotel - In the Aeroplane Over the Sea, simply because I felt like listening to it, and realized I actually quite like it, more so than I thought. I liked it at first, but it buried itself into my brain a little, and made me want to listen more, so I did, and I enjoyed it more - especially the 8 minute "Oh Comely". Score changed from (82) to (84).

Next up was the excessively titled: Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven by Godspeed You! Black Emperor. Unlike it's unnecessary long title, the length of the album actually works. Only 4 songs with a total of about 90 minutes, I was intrigued from the start. Listened to twice in the same morning, this was much better enjoyed with headphones, and a very enjoyable experience, in a slow and thought-out way. A slow burner, but filled to the brim with quality. Not something you can put on on a whim, but not everything needs to be. Rated an impressive (87).

Straight after that was the debut self titled Run the Jewels. As much as I do have positive things to say about this record, it had the unfortunate timing of being listened to after Lift your Skinny Fists, which was just a constant reminder that this wasn't exactly what I would call brilliant. That being said, It was better than expected, with a very poor track record of 2010s hip hop, I expected trash, but I was pleasantly surprised with the creative and interesting instrumentals and decent rapping without being completely overbearing like Death Grips. It also having a short length of about 33 minutes made so that it didn't drag on or bore me, so although it was better than I expected, the quality I was looking for wasn't quite there, and would never really want to put this on over a Nas or DOOM record. Regardless, rated a respectable (67).

After my surprise enjoyment of My Bloody Valentine's Loveless, I decided to try out their 2013 follow up M B V - over 20 years in the works, they certainly had a lot to live up to, and although I didn't think it was as good, it certainly wasn't a complete disappointment and will probably grow to enjoy it just as I did loveless. For now though, my go to for shoegaze is the former album. Rated (70).


Next up was Fishman's Uchu Nippon Setagaya (81) after my enjoyment from their previous, this was also a very good record, moving away from dub/reggae a bit and starting to incorporate their dream pop sound, this had slightly less catchy tunes but was made up for from the fantastic 14 minute track "Walking in the Rhythm".

Also during the week there was a few more listens to one of my new favourites, MBV's Loveless, which I increased from (84) to (86).

One of my lowest ever ratings for an acclaimed album I revisited this week - The Ramone's self titled debut. Unlike everything else this week I listened to and enjoyed more, I remembered why I disliked this so much and why I never want to listen to it again, it just sucks. The punk rock sound is boring and easily replacable and the vocals are poor and annoying. Lowered from (45) to (38).

The next new discovery this week was Joanna Newsom - Ys (82). I really didn't know what to expect but from it's very high rating decided to check it out, and yeah, it was great. A very interesting and unique sound (for me at least) and some enchanting vocals throughout with beautiful instrumentations.

From the same vein as Ys was Sufjan Stevens - Illinois (79). Also with a nice voice and stunning instrumentations at times, this was also an enjoyable record, although at 75 minutes, it felt a bit long and lost interest here and there. As much as the excessively specific track names are entertaining, it doesn't save this from a higher score. Maybe my mind will change at some point, but for now it stays at a reasonably high score but nothing crazy.

The last new listen this week was Black Sabbath's third record, Master of Reality. Following up their phenomonal second, Paranoid and their great self-titled debut was this. Sitting just above their debut for me, great and consistent throughout but missing those fantastic songs that Paranoid housed. Enjoyable regardless, rated (80).

Ending off the week was a re-listen of the critically acclaimed Remain in Light by The Talking Heads. I felt like I didn't give this the time of day first time round and wanted to see what the hype was about. I still don't think I see it though, it's certainly interesting but... that's about it. It didn't really pull me in apart from being a bit experimental. 80's post-punk/wave isn't really my scene so maybe It's greatness went over my head but all I heard was an average record. Score lowered from (72) to (68).

Fairly enjoyable week of music with some meaningful re-listens throughout. Highlights were Sea is a Lady, Ys and Lift Your Skinny Fists.