Something Completely Different

Album club is currently under new management. Take it or leave it!! :devil:

(https://i.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/facebook/000/018/459/53697461.jpg)

I pretty much copy/pasta some of TH basic rules from the OP but added a few things into it. So re-read this post when you get the chance because I modified it a little bit.

If anyone wants to be on the current members list let me know, if you want to be dropped down to associate member meaning you are a bit too busy to participate we can accommodate that. I would like for all the members that are on the current list to tap in. Just leave a comment say "aye" or "here" if you wanna participate in the album club with the new captain. 


Anyone who wants to take part let me know and I'll add you to the sign-up sheet. You'll then be eligible to select an album, any genre, any year. Each album will be under the spotlight for two weeks, with the first  week given over to time to listening to the album and the second to commenting on it.

You can write as much or as little about the album as you like, just please remember always to be respectful of people's choices.

I'd like to have each review end up with the star rating so that we can keep track of the ratings of the club as a whole, but the main thing is just to get people talking about music again in a fun way(after people get back from summer vacations and busy work/life schedules).


Note: full members are those who participate in each album chosen, listening to it, reviewing and suggesting their own. Associate members are those who seem to want to take part, but for whatever reason have not been able to give it the time needed. They may pop back in, so we're basically holding their seat, though it's empty at the moment. You can opt to be an Associate member, which means you can just drop in and out as you like, but that also means you're not eligible to suggest an album.


Full members
---------------------
Lisnaholic
DJ Chameleon
Mrs. Waffles
RebelYeller


Associate members
--------------------------------
Fetcher (On hiatus; we hope she'll be back)
tristan_geoff
Guybrush
Toy Revolver
Mindfulness
Janszoon
SGR(On hiatus)

Albums already reviewed (thanks to Lisnaholic for the hard work drawing up the list)

Spoiler

 

Albums Done And Dusted So Far:

Elizium: nominated by SGR: Average rating: 7.5 (first review in post #21)
We Have Fed You All: Batlord: 8.6 (#53)
Tsuchi No Ne: Marie Monday: 6.8 (#83)
Pleasures Of The Harbor: rubber soul: 7.3 (#121)
Program Music I: Lisna: 7.5 (#145)
Time Passages: Trollheart: 7.5 (#156)
The Electric Lucifer: rubber soul: 7.3 (#217)
Sleep It Off: Marie Monday: 8.5 (#233)
Beautiful Midnight: music_collector: 6.3 (#271)
Stepmother City: Lisna: 8.0 (#302)
LIQUID: Lab vol 5: SGR: 8.1 (#340)
Maria McKee: Trollheart: 7.6 (#385)
100 Days, 100 Nights: rubber soul: 7.8 (#409)
Neverending White Light: music_collector:6.6 (#431)
Cure For Pain :Lisnaholic: 6.4 (#472)
Tones Of Town: MarieMonday: 6 (#501)
Protection: SGR: 7.2 (#540)
Sackcloth And Ashes: Carpe Mortem: 8.6 (#572)
Ride The Black Wave: Trollheart: 6.6 (#599)
Paul's Boutique: SGR: 7.2 (#650)
Concrete Blonde: rubbersoul: 8.3 (#682)
From Spain To Spain: Lisna: 5.2 (#695)
Living Things : Mindfulness: 5.6 (#710)
Joy Comes Back : Trollheart: 7.1 (#745)

   

[close]

Current album:
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/2/2b/Scaring_the_Hoes.webp/316px-Scaring_the_Hoes.webp.png)
JPEG Mafia - Scaring The Hoes(2023)


Future albums:

Well done DJ ! Thanks for the "Hard Reset". I hope it serves its purpose and encourages some people to catch up and contribute to the club!

Yeah thanks Lisna for the good idea. It will make it easier on me to update the OP.

I still need to update the review scores so its WIP.

No probs, DJ !
Yep, the scoring has gona a little adrift recently, partly because a couple of members didn't like the idea, so they reviewed and didn't put a number. Also, you've started a 5-star system, where previous scoring was out of ten.
Whatever you decide to do, it may be best to "spoiler" or remove entirely my old list of "Done and Dusted Albums" as those are all from two threads ago, on another forum.
Let me know if you want any assistance with lists, as I seem to have discovered a nerdy delight in tabulating statistics.

Warsaw Village Band - People's Spring

This was pretty interesting music to tackle going in with no context. I'm guessing it's some kind of traditional Polish folk music or music inspired by such? I don't listen to much folk, honestly, and the stuff I do is generally more gentle acoustic stuff, a lot of music that would be at home on Windham Hill Records or something. This kind of stuff is more rhythmic and upbeat, so it was an interesting change from my usual preferences in acoustic music.

This album has quite well arranged and dense compositions, I liked the variety of instruments. In particular the trumpet solo on "At My Mother's" was pretty dope and I enjoyed the wailing solo vocalist on "A Red Apple", which was one of the most atmospheric tracks and my personal favorite. Special mention to the jaw harp on "Who Is Getting Married" as well.

This was a pretty vibrant and enjoyable album, though my attention tended to wander a bit during some of the instrumental passages. Overall I enjoyed it, thank you Lisna for the nomination!

Quote from: Lisnaholic on Jul 23, 2023, 06:17 PMNo probs, DJ !
Yep, the scoring has gona a little adrift recently, partly because a couple of members didn't like the idea, so they reviewed and didn't put a number. Also, you've started a 5-star system, where previous scoring was out of ten.
Whatever you decide to do, it may be best to "spoiler" or remove entirely my old list of "Done and Dusted Albums" as those are all from two threads ago, on another forum.
Let me know if you want any assistance with lists, as I seem to have discovered a nerdy delight in tabulating statistics.

I will spoiler them. I like the idea of keeping a history of albums already done and the person who recommended them even if everyone doesn't get into the habit of scoring.

I would appreciate it but it's not necessary. I just like having the list for albums already recommended so we don't end up with repeats.

Many thanks for your review of People's Spring, Mrs. Waffles ! I smiled when I read this "This was pretty interesting music to tackle going in with no context" because, yeah, it's a bit of a left-field choice given the Album Club's leaning towards modern rock.
I will try to follow your good example and post a review here soon, but in the meantime, I'm still playing catch-up, and have just put a review of the Kidneythieves album in the old thread.

Warsaw Village Band - People's Spring

I did what I normally do and listen to album club material at the gym while doing cardio.

I had just listened to the Barbie soundtrack for like the 20th time and finished up Killer Mike's album for the 8th time. Turning this on was such a welcome change of pace I loved it. The entire time listening to it. I felt like I walked into a pub somewhere in Europe. I loved all the instrumental tracks. My one minor judgement is that after awhile it all sounded super similar and I couldn't decipher which track I was on after awhile without specifically looking. I didn't care though. Just like Mrs. Waffles I went into this folk album with no context but thoroughly enjoyed the listening experience.

:3stars:

It's really supposed to be 3.5 stars but it didn't want to work properly or maybe I screwed up the command.

I'm very pleased that you both enjoyed People's Spring, but with some reservations. That's pretty much how it was with me.

Yes, Mrs. Waffles, this is a long way from Windham Hill type acoustic material! In fact, I found that whatever volume I played it at, it always sounded robust and loud; everyone playing with great determination, which meant that there weren't many nuanced, gentle moments on the album. So, as you both mentioned, that gets a little tiring.

Lyrics that I can't understand make me lose track of which song is which, just as it did for you both, I think. I identified about 4 tracks that felt almost interchangeable low points: rather generic pieces that I feel could've come from various other East European ensembles. ( The two Polka tracks, for example.) Luckily, they were among the shortest tracks too.
On the plus side, some great, longer standouts:

i) The opener, To You, Kasiunia with its calm, plucked-string beginning (possibly a dulcimer) that suddenly lurches into a kind of wild syncopated ride with the wailing singers taking us to another level.
ii) The Red Apple has sombre bass-register strings pushing it remorselessly along, while a female vocalist snakes her way through what sounds like some long passionate story. There's something about her clear strong voice that gets me every time.
iii) Cranes was notable to me because it starts out with a solo violin straight out of a Curved Air Vivaldi track 
iv) The Rain Is Falling also has some violin and/or cello right up front, a sombre beat and insistent, combined voices, with a wonderful instrumental section: that possibly-dulcimer instrument again, overtaken by violins rising to a crescendo.
v) Mateka (At My Mother's - second version) is the weirdest, best track imo, while the album finishes with Joint Affair In The Village
which seems to be an unnecessary re-working of the earlier track I had A Lover.

Some really powerful songs, but coming in at over one hour of playing time, it's a little overwhelming in intensity and duration. I think it would've sounded better if they'd cut out some of the weaker tracks, which would've made the gems shine through with greater impact. 7/10
 
I feel like a band photo helps give an idea of this album: traditional instruments in the hands of a bunch guys who look like they have their own determined, non-traditional agenda:-

(https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/d9df562a86fb4f53e422e833351429c3e243bac3/85_247_1915_1148/master/1915.jpg?width=1200&height=900&quality=85&auto=format&fit=crop&s=e6bcc94014e854cad1bf80c3c5d5d859)

Monday on the 31st we will start up the next album.

Also since there are only two albums left we need new recommendations.

I have four that I'd like us to listen to but I will sprinkle them in between the recommendations of others so it's not just only my recommendations that we are listening to.

Killer Mike - Michael
Across the Spiderverse Soundtrack
Barbie Soundtrack
JPEG Mafia - Scaring The Hoes

signing in as associate member

Quote from: DJChameleon on Jul 23, 2023, 05:26 PMAlbum club is currently under new management. Take it or leave it!! :devil:

(https://i.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/facebook/000/018/459/53697461.jpg)

I pretty much copy/pasta some of TH basic rules from the OP but added a few things into it. So re-read this post when you get the chance because I modified it a little bit.

If anyone wants to be on the current members list let me know, if you want to be dropped down to associate member meaning you are a bit too busy to participate we can accommodate that. I would like for all the members that are on the current list to tap in. Just leave a comment say "aye" or "here" if you wanna participate in the album club with the new captain. 


Anyone who wants to take part let me know and I'll add you to the sign-up sheet. You'll then be eligible to select an album, any genre, any year. Each album will be under the spotlight for two weeks, with the first  week given over to time to listening to the album and the second to commenting on it.

You can write as much or as little about the album as you like, just please remember always to be respectful of people's choices.

I'd like to have each review end up with the star rating so that we can keep track of the ratings of the club as a whole, but the main thing is just to get people talking about music again in a fun way(after people get back from summer vacations and busy work/life schedules).


Note: full members are those who participate in each album chosen, listening to it, reviewing and suggesting their own. Associate members are those who seem to want to take part, but for whatever reason have not been able to give it the time needed. They may pop back in, so we're basically holding their seat, though it's empty at the moment. You can opt to be an Associate member, which means you can just drop in and out as you like, but that also means you're not eligible to suggest an album.


Full members
---------------------
SGR
Lisnaholic
Mindfulness
Janszoon
DJ Chameleon
Toy Revolver
Mrs. Waffles
Guybrush


Associate members
--------------------------------
Fetcher (On hiatus; we hope she'll be back)

tristan_geoff


Albums already reviewed (thanks to Lisnaholic for the hard work drawing up the list)

Spoiler

 

Albums Done And Dusted So Far:

Elizium: nominated by SGR: Average rating: 7.5 (first review in post #21)
We Have Fed You All: Batlord: 8.6 (#53)
Tsuchi No Ne: Marie Monday: 6.8 (#83)
Pleasures Of The Harbor: rubber soul: 7.3 (#121)
Program Music I: Lisna: 7.5 (#145)
Time Passages: Trollheart: 7.5 (#156)
The Electric Lucifer: rubber soul: 7.3 (#217)
Sleep It Off: Marie Monday: 8.5 (#233)
Beautiful Midnight: music_collector: 6.3 (#271)
Stepmother City: Lisna: 8.0 (#302)
LIQUID: Lab vol 5: SGR: 8.1 (#340)
Maria McKee: Trollheart: 7.6 (#385)
100 Days, 100 Nights: rubber soul: 7.8 (#409)
Neverending White Light: music_collector:6.6 (#431)
Cure For Pain :Lisnaholic: 6.4 (#472)
Tones Of Town: MarieMonday: 6 (#501)
Protection: SGR: 7.2 (#540)
Sackcloth And Ashes: Carpe Mortem: 8.6 (#572)
Ride The Black Wave: Trollheart: 6.6 (#599)
Paul's Boutique: SGR: 7.2 (#650)
Concrete Blonde: rubbersoul: 8.3 (#682)
From Spain To Spain: Lisna: 5.2 (#695)
Living Things : Mindfulness: 5.6 (#710)
Joy Comes Back : Trollheart: 7.1 (#745)

[close]

Current album:
(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b2734cff4cf33de6e07c6c12cb88)
People's Spring - Warsaw Village Band (Lisnaholic)


Coming up:
The Holy Bible - Manic Street Preachers (SGR) - Starts July 31st
Changing Landscapes (Zompopa) - Arthur King (Toy Revolver) - Starts August 7th

I'd like to join  :D

Added Tristan to associate and will add you to the regular list.

Manic Street Preachers is the next one up.

Okay so I made a slight modification to the full member's list. Once a person on the associates list posts a review in this thread they will be moved back to the full members list.

I also updated the OP to include that we are currently listening to Manic Street Preachers' The Holy Bible.

Sounds good! I should be able to get on the review in a timelier manner than usual since I actually have some free time this week. Looking forward to it, that's a pretty acclaimed album that I've never actually heard a note of so I'm eager to see what it sounds like.

Manic Street Preachers – The Holy Bible

This was excellent! Really enjoyed the guitar work especially, really great riffs that sound like an interesting mix of flashy vintage rock and the dirtier 90s style. The songs really bounce and pop, even though it has a clearly sinister and twisted vibe to it. The vocalist has an enjoyable snarl to his vocals that I wasn't as hot on at first but he grew on me a lot over the course of the album. I should have listened to this back in the late 2000s when I first heard of it through MB, just never got around to it. I regret that haha, this feels like it's somewhere in the middle of old school punk, 90s indie/alt and 70s glam rock, but somehow I kinda feel a maybe even more timeless vibe from it? But whatever the subgenre this is just a straight up great rock album that did what very few albums do for me these days and actually made me want to listen to the whole thing again right away. Thank you SGR for the great nomination!

Manic Street Preachers – The Holy Bible


I listened to this on Tuesday but just getting around to the review now. I loved it in the beginning for like the first five tracks or so then it started to all feel the same to me. I had to start paying more attention to the lyrics to decipher the different tracks. When I listen to music, I mostly focus on the instrumentation and the beats(Hip Hop related). I enjoyed the album as a whole though and the last track made me think of Green Day and reminded me that I needed to get back into listening and working through all the Green Day albums.

:4stars:

I see why this album is acclaimed in the indie blog circles.

Quote from: DJChameleon on Aug 04, 2023, 03:52 PMManic Street Preachers – The Holy Bible


I listened to this on Tuesday but just getting around to the review now. I loved it in the beginning for like the first five tracks or so then it started to all feel the same to me. I had to start paying more attention to the lyrics to decipher the different tracks. When I listen to music, I mostly focus on the instrumentation and the beats(Hip Hop related). I enjoyed the album as a whole though and the last track made me think of Green Day and reminded me that I needed to get back into listening and working through all the Green Day albums.

:4stars:

I see why this album is acclaimed in the indie blog circles.

I feel you, it definitely does kinda sink into a formula after a while. I was listening to it while ironing and sewing and not really paying attention to where each track began and ended, to me it was all just dope riff after dope riff. If I were listening to it doing nothing else I can see it starting to wear thin toward the end for sure.

Changing Landscapes (Zompopa) - Arthur King (Toy Revolver) - Starts August 7th


This is the current album. I will change the OP a little bit later on tonight.

Manic Street Preachers - The Holy Bible.

There was something about this album that reminded me of a mid-career Beatles album. They have in common being packed with excellent fast-tempo pop/rock songs. In the case of the Beatles, it was George Martin's ambition (I think) that every track should be strong enough to be a single, and if a market for singles still exists, there's an album-ful of them on The Holy Bible.

I struggled to follow the lyrics, but I liked the guy's voice, and as I usually do, I was more focused on the guitars, which really were top-quality throughout. Perhaps they could've been allowed to escape from the 4-5 min pop-song structures more often. On Archives of Pain we get a hint of how that would've sounded. Something else that I would have liked to hear more of is the instrumental intro to Mausoleum: so good, but only 10 seconds long :(  But instead, Manic Street Preachers keep their songs short and keep the intensity level high. The track This Is Yesterday provides about the only calmer moment, but there are no places were the album actually flags or loses pace at all. If there's a low point, I'd chose Revol, which struck me as being not as interesting as the rest.

My only complaint is the spoke-word samples that start several tracks: my experience is that those things get irritating quite quickly - and can date a song really fast if they include (as here) mentions of Mrs.Thatcher or other political figures. So I was annoyed when I heard an industrial-type vocal start the track The Intense Humming of Evil, but in fact the band redeemed themselves completely when the song-proper began: it has a convincingly industrial vibe and is one of the most interesting tracks of all imo.

So yeah, great album from start to finish: 9/10. 

Quote from: Mrs. Waffles on Aug 04, 2023, 04:12 PMI feel you, it definitely does kinda sink into a formula after a while. I was listening to it while ironing and sewing and not really paying attention to where each track began and ended, to me it was all just dope riff after dope riff. If I were listening to it doing nothing else I can see it starting to wear thin toward the end for sure.

I always write my reviews first, then go back and read what other people have said about the album. You and DJ both make a very good point here, so I'd like to mention that I was feeling the same and stopped tha album about halfway through. Then I came back to it, refreshed, and enjoyed it more, if anything. So again, it reminded me of how I used to listen to early Beatles albums: they were guaranteed to deliver great songs, so you could just put them on at any point and listen for as long as you want - not like some fancy prog concept album which requires something different from the listener.

And yes, Mrs. Waffles, thanks for mentioning the dirty sound, the riffs, the influences, etc so that people don't get the wrong impression (from me) that The Holy Bible sounds like sixties pop.

Sorry for the delay, I'll get my review of Warsaw Village Band up soon

Quote from: SGR on Aug 09, 2023, 02:35 AMSorry for the delay, I'll get my review of Warsaw Village Band up soon

No problem after you drop your review. I will slide you up to full member from associate.

just a friendly reminder it would be cool if people suggested two albums that they would like the album club to listen to.

Warsaw Village Band - People's Spring

This is interesting stuff. Gotta say, not familiar with polish folk. And to be honest, the music here didn't resonate with me on any personal level. The language of course wasn't English, so I couldn't connect on that level either. It all felt very foreign, and maybe that's part of the point. This music isn't representative of an American experience or cultural backdrop - far from it. If anything, it sounds more middle eastern in its guitar work and vocal performances. I gotta say, the strings tired on me - and many of the songs, despite the foreign and alien aesthetic (to me personally), mostly felt very monotone. There's just not a lot of variety in the sound textures here. It all starts to blend together.

That said, interesting album - not something I'd ever likely listen to of my own accord, and I can appreciate it for giving me a taste of something different.

I just think I don't get it. Or at least, it will take me more time until I do.

6/10

Yeesh, I've written about The Holy Bible seemingly endless times at this point - should I really do it again?

Quote from: DJChameleon on Aug 11, 2023, 01:17 AMjust a friendly reminder it would be cool if people suggested two albums that they would like the album club to listen to.

Sure, here's my two picks:
Emerald Web - Dragon Wings and Wizard Tales (1979)
King Gorm - King Gorm (2020)

Both kind of sum up the vibe I've been feeling these past few days. The latter is a fairly obscure release from a band that features a synth youtuber I follow but it's on YT if you search.

It was very interesting to read your honest, first-timer's review of People's Spring, SGR. Thanks for giving the album a go even if it's not something you'd ordinarily pick out for yourself. Can't argue with any of the points you make, and I especially agree with what you say about a lack of variety in their sound. Pretty much like I said in my own review, there are several tracks that just seem to recycle the same formula and wear you down as a listener.

Yeah, it's true: a song with foreign-language vocals tells you right out of the gate that there's gonna be a cultural level missing between you and the song. For me, that's not always an obstacle: I just think of the voice as being another instrument and enjoy the music the way I might with any instrumental track.

 

Quote from: SGR on Aug 11, 2023, 01:48 AMYeesh, I've written about The Holy Bible seemingly endless times at this point - should I really do it again?

This comment intrigued me, SGR, so I went to our sister-website (or should it be birth-mother website) and discovered that there was a whole Manic Street Preachers thread, opened in 2007. Here's just a couple of things that you put in that thread:-

QuoteI think my favorite Manics song would be...maybe Of Walking Abortion...

I recently managed to win an autographed LP of the Holy Bible on eBay. I won't lie, this is like my holy grail of LPs and oh yeah, it's gonna be framed.

So you're clearly a long-time admirer of this album!

Quote from: Lisnaholic on Aug 11, 2023, 04:46 PMIt was very interesting to read your honest, first-timer's review of People's Spring, SGR. Thanks for giving the album a go even if it's not something you'd ordinarily pick out for yourself. Can't argue with any of the points you make, and I especially agree with what you say about a lack of variety in their sound. Pretty much like I said in my own review, there are several tracks that just seem to recycle the same formula and wear you down as a listener.

Yeah, it's true: a song with foreign-language vocals tells you right out of the gate that there's gonna be a cultural level missing between you and the song. For me, that's not always an obstacle: I just think of the voice as being another instrument and enjoy the music the way I might with any instrumental track.

Yup, that's exactly how I approach foreign vocals as well, but the thing with that is that the vocal performance has to sound pleasing from a vocal standpoint if I can't understand the lyrics (or at least contrast with the music in a way that's interesting or pleasing). I didn't really get that from People's Spring - compared to something like this that hits the mark in both ways for me:

Quote from: Lisnaholic on Aug 11, 2023, 04:46 PMThis comment intrigued me, SGR, so I went to our sister-website (or should it be birth-mother website) and discovered that there was a whole Manic Street Preachers thread, opened in 2007. Here's just a couple of things that you put in that thread:-

So you're clearly a long-time admirer of this album!

Oh yes, long time admirer of the album and the band. It's my favorite album of all time. I even got the chance to see them perform the whole album in its entirety during the 20th anniversary tour during their short leg in the US. They don't come to the US that frequently anymore, so it was an absolutely special experience. They killed it too. I even got the chance to heckle them a bit with 'PLAY NIXON!!" (referencing "The Love of Richard Nixon", from Lifeblood) - they didn't play it haha

That's great that you got to hear such a favourite album done live. "...don't come to the US that frequently...": I was surprised to discover that MSP are from Wales!

Quote from: SGR on Aug 11, 2023, 05:06 PMYup, that's exactly how I approach foreign vocals as well, but the thing with that is that the vocal performance has to sound pleasing from a vocal standpoint if I can't understand the lyrics (or at least contrast with the music in a way that's interesting or pleasing). I didn't really get that from People's Spring - compared to something like this that hits the mark in both ways for me:

Yes, absolutely agree about the vocal has to sound right. Your example works well because the voice blends right in, and in fact there isn't a lot of singing in the song - so song structure plays a part too: I don't think I'd want to listen to a foreign-language equivalent to Sad-eyed Lady of the Lowlands for example; it's long and repetitive and it's only the meaning of the words that hold your interest.

Review of:-

(https://akprecordings.com/cdn/shop/files/zom_webstorebanner_NEW.jpg?v=1680201640&width=3840)

With only 6 tracks, a track-by-track review is easiest, I think:-
1. La Reina: some interesting sounds at the very start, but then the depressing pace sets in. Some people like slow-moving ambient music, but not me: I find it just never suits my mood these days.
2. March In Colony: this track was better, with some low-register jazz runs on what? an oboe? They were pretty cool
3. Microfungal Expansion: Back to ambient soundscapes which I find kind of irritating. This track includes some whispering that you can't quite make out, which I find particularly annoying. The leading vocal lady contributes a motif of ah-ha-ha-hum, but then the track really picks up with some Don Cherry style sax playing.
4. Atta Cephalotes: I left the room during most of this track: did I miss the album highlight? I'd say "no" judging from what I did hear of this one, but feel free to correct me.
5. Red Water: Lots of ambient sounds, which, perhaps cleverly, made me think of water, but also of crackling at the same time. The girl with the disembodied voice comes back, with "i-ha-i-ha". Given how varied non-verbal singing can be, I find it disappointing that the vocal contribution here and on track 3 are so unimaginative that they sound like warm-up exercises.
6. Funeral De Zompopa: This track starts with what sounds like a mosquito, so once more the soundscape is, for me, more annoying than mysterious. The track does improve, especially when the moody sax comes back again.

For me, there were about two tracks, or more precisely, three halves of tracks which I quite liked, so I'm going for a generous 2/10 for this album. I'm also going back to a cd by Kilimanjaro Dark Jazz Emsemble that I have: I want to make a comparison with a band that has a pretty similar vibe, imo. 

Current album has changed today. Now that we finished up the old list of recommendations. We can go back to waiting two weeks between switching albums.

Emerald Web - Dragon Wings and Wizard Tales (1979) is the new one. I need to just update the album cover in the OP.

We will have two weeks to cover it. One week to listen and one week to review of course at your own pace if you feel like dropping the review earlier.

Also we still need more recommendations as well from the other active members. Mrs. Waffles gave me two which I appreciate.

And here's a link to the album playlist on YouTube, I wasn't sure what streaming services it's on, but I did find this official YT upload so here you go!

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kErPWGhUdeUpKNuK9cQf3pbyfrzjYmlEA (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kErPWGhUdeUpKNuK9cQf3pbyfrzjYmlEA)

OP updated.

I'd like to nominate the album Locomotora by Blops (1973).
Also Bright Green Field by Squid (2021)

I wasn't sure if we were supposed to review our own albums or not, but I'm intimately familiar with this one anyway so here goes.

Emerald Web - Dragon Wings and Wizard Tales (1979)

I love fantasy themes in music so much. I also love synthesizers, and this album combines those to create a very mystical vibe that really hits a sweet spot in the nexus of my aesthetic tastes. Sweeping string and synth brass parts, gentle twinkly arpeggios and sequences, and soaring flute solos dot the landscape here, and it's all very pretty ear candy, or as some might say "airy fairy nonsense". But I honestly think this album is an interesting precursor to, though probably not an actual influence on, the dungeon synth movement. As a fan of that genre, it's so cool to see that 15 years before it became a widespread thing, there were people like Emerald Web. They were a husband and wife duo, and I admit that does endear me more to their music in a way, as a hopeless romantic myself.

You can hear shades of Tangerine Dream, echoes of early 70s prog and psychedelic folk, and the traces of what would explode in the decade to come as new age music. I consider the 70s and early to mid 80s as a golden age for electronic and synthesizer music, and this album is a magical and beautiful example of that. The synth sounds and overall vibe are definitely a dated relic of the 70s, but it's a treasured relic that belongs in a golden shrine in the Temple of Synth.

I don't like giving ratings, but it's suggested in the OP, so I give this album 4 stars out of 5, or 4.5 if we're doing half stars.

Yes by all means review your own albums that's perfectly fine. I do it but also if you don't feel like it and have discussed it previously on MB multiple times that's cool too.

Dragon Wings and Wizard Tales:

I've listened to this album 3 times and I enjoyed it more each time I played it. I think that's to do with knowing what to expect, and therefore being able to focus on the quality of the music' s quiet, beautiful details.

At first listen, the album felt a little weak overall; there aren't any immediately catchy tracks or blow-your-head-off moments and I felt that the first five tracks were rather short and didn't go anywhere. Dragon Rising opens with nice solo flute and has a great moment that really wakes your ears up, but elsewhere there was perhaps too much delicacy about the singing and synth playing. Things improved with Lifeforce Celebration, which is a longer, lightly jazzy track which reminded me of Tangerine Dream.

After Lifeforce came a block of about four tracks which were pleasant, but unexceptional, until we get to halfway through Chasing The Shadowbeast. This is where Emerald Web finally turn the dial on their synthesizer up to 11, and this to me is the high-point of the album.

But what I discovered after a couple of listenings was that there was a lot more to the tracks I was dismissing: beautiful singing and dramatic synth effects in Flight of the Raven while the slower tracks (Loosing of the Shadows, Powerstone) contribute to the whole in a relaxing way, making this a very enjoyable listen: soothing rather than exciting, but that's fine: 8/10

Lovely writeup, glad you enjoyed it! I agree that Chasing the Shadowbeast is the album's finest hour.

I often put this album on while going about my routine during crisp autumn mornings and I find it really shines in that context.

^ Thanks, Mrs. Waffles - and thanks for the recommendation. I'm sure I will be playing Dragon Wings again.

Your review was also interesting to read, and you make some good points about how the music was an early precursor in evoking a certain kind of fantasy world, which in fact it does quite well.

Oops I'm a little late with switching to the next album that should've been done on Monday. I had a super busy week.

Next up is the Michael album from Killer Mike.

I re-listened to it AND also Mrs. Waffles's album so I might as well write about both of them now and get it out of the way.

Dragon Wings and Wizard Tales
I'm so glad that I listened to this on the way to the gym and not AT the gym. I would have definitely soured on it or had a bad first impression. I do feel like I want to give it a couple more listens because I think I missed out on the last few tracks of the album or I wasn't paying attention. It seemed to end abruptly but that's completely my fault and not a critique of the album or the music itself. I definitely felt like this was the soundtrack to a fantasy esque story. I had images of Night elves and gnomes getting together to have a shindig in my head. I would play this album during a DND session as background music that's how lovely it was.

:4stars:

Michael
So I have been listening to this album since it was first released like crazy. I didn't realize that it was going to be like a hip hop gospel album. The choir is featured promptly on a few tracks but a majority of the tracks just speak to me and my personality. On the track Run, he self censors himself to say better instead of the N word and it always feels off because when I first heard the single it was just the N word. On that track Dave Chappelle also gives a great intro speech that I feel like I would use if and when I decide to run for a political office position. Since my mother has passed I super related to the track "Motherless", even though my grandmother is still alive and kicking which is the slight difference between Killer Mike and I. Andre 3000 comes out of his dungeon to toss Killer Mike a feature and it certainly doesn't disappoint. I always love to hear Andre 3k pop up in different places but it just makes me sad because I know that he isn't working towards putting out another Outkast project. I'm sure by the end of the year when I get my yearly music wrap up this album will be in the top 3 most listened to by me.

:5stars:

Michael by Killer Mike:

Well, this was an interesting eye-opener of an album for me, DJ, so thanks for sharing it with us. It's not something my algorithms would normally select for me.

I have to say, my heart sank a little to realise I was in for an album of largely rap, because I don't enjoy that kind of rapid-fire delivery of lines. It wears me out, and I find myself saying, "If you want me to register the words, please slow down!"

In fact, Killer Mike does that once, on Shed Tears, where the music pauses to highlight this great, heart-felt line: "I shed tears every morning in the bathroom mirror, face to face with Fate." If only the album had more moments like that. Instead, there are chunks of spoken word, that I'm not generally keen on in music, and ditto bad language. On the plus side, on Slummer and elsewhere there are some cool female backing vocals which I really liked.

TBH, I've only played about half the album, and although I liked the repetition of the line, "Run, better run" on Run, in the end I just needed a  break from so much hip-hop. I might go back to the album to give it another go because I noticed a lot of clever lyrics and how Killer Mike was expressing what seems to be his own genuine experience and frustration. That's powerful stuff, and a lot of musicians don't attempt that kind of personal honesty. For me the consistent problem was the speed: he was rushing through each song too fast for me to enjoy what he was saying. Singing is like sex - it isn't always about "do it as fast as you can" ;)

If we're still giving numbers, this is about 3.5 out of 10  from me, I'm afraid.

Quote from: Lisnaholic on Sep 12, 2023, 06:33 PMMichael by Killer Mike:

Well, this was an interesting eye-opener of an album for me, DJ, so thanks for sharing it with us. It's not something my algorithms would normally select for me.

I have to say, my heart sank a little to realise I was in for an album of largely rap, because I don't enjoy that kind of rapid-fire delivery of lines. It wears me out, and I find myself saying, "If you want me to register the words, please slow down!"

In fact, Killer Mike does that once, on Shed Tears, where the music pauses to highlight this great, heart-felt line: "I shed tears every morning in the bathroom mirror, face to face with Fate." If only the album had more moments like that. Instead, there are chunks of spoken word, that I'm not generally keen on in music, and ditto bad language. On the plus side, on Slummer and elsewhere there are some cool female backing vocals which I really liked.

TBH, I've only played about half the album, and although I liked the repetition of the line, "Run, better run" on Run, in the end I just needed a  break from so much hip-hop. I might go back to the album to give it another go because I noticed a lot of clever lyrics and how Killer Mike was expressing what seems to be his own genuine experience and frustration. That's powerful stuff, and a lot of musicians don't attempt that kind of personal honesty. For me the consistent problem was the speed: he was rushing through each song too fast for me to enjoy what he was saying. Singing is like sex - it isn't always about "do it as fast as you can" ;)

If we're still giving numbers, this is about 3.5 out of 10 from me, I'm afraid.

that's fine the rating I mean. It's not gonna be everyone's cup of tea. I thought you'd appreciate the backing choir vocals on a couple of the tracks. There is another slower one near the end when he talks about his mother and grandmother.

Also I'm going to update the OP because we are now moving onto King Gorm I believe. Lemme double check.

Ah, apologies for not getting around to doing the Killer Mike album. I can throw it on in a bit after I'm done restocking some stuff around the house if you want.

yeah that's cool take your time.

Quote from: DJChameleon on Sep 12, 2023, 09:38 PMthat's fine the rating I mean. It's not gonna be everyone's cup of tea. I thought you'd appreciate the backing choir vocals on a couple of the tracks. There is another slower one near the end when he talks about his mother and grandmother.

^ Thanks, DJ. I'll look for those slower tracks you mention. :thumb:

Killer Mike - Michael

This was an enjoyable album. I liked the gospel choir flourishes here and there, and there's some production elements that really stuck in my head, such as the bassline on "Run". I also enjoyed the features from Cee-Lo Green and Andre 3000. I appreciate that a lot of the production feels a lot more timeless, like a more classic era rap album, despite some decidedly not classic-sounding artists like Young Thug and Future being featured as well. I feel like I would be able to absorb this more if I had been paying closer attention to the lyrics, but I was listening to this while I was preparing the kitchen and chopping vegetables for dinner. A Mrs. Waffles's work is never done after all. But on the whole I thought this was a pretty solid listen even if it didn't blow me away or anything. 7/10

I had a super busy past two weeks so I didn't get around to King Gorm's self titled but I will force myself to this week along with Lisna's album

Blops - Locomotora (1973)

That's right folks we are switching to a new album for the next two weeks. Blops is the current album to listen to and discuss.

Quote from: Lisnaholic on Sep 12, 2023, 06:33 PMI have to say, my heart sank a little to realise I was in for an album of largely rap, because I don't enjoy that kind of rapid-fire delivery of lines. It wears me out, and I find myself saying, "If you want me to register the words, please slow down!"

You might like southern rap because they tend to rap super slow. They even have a style where they intentionally slow down the record even more called Screwed.  I guess you weren't ever a fan of Eminem or other white rappers that thinks that speed when delivering lyrics means skill. There are other rappers besides white ones that do it as well but it's kind of a thing that a large majority of white rappers gravitate towards. Busta Rhymes and Twista are two that hop to mind that also do the whole speed thing. The difference with Busta Rhymes is that he doesn't do it for a full song usually. He takes a break and maybe just does one verse high speed then raps at regular pacing.

I'm sorry y'all. I have to take a hiatus from this. I've been really busy with work and I'm trying to purchase my first house with my wife. I just don't have as much time to properly listen and write about albums as I used to. I'll be back though, I promise.

Quote from: SGR on Sep 26, 2023, 01:19 AMI'm sorry y'all. I have to take a hiatus from this. I've been really busy with work and I'm trying to purchase my first house with my wife. I just don't have as much time to properly listen and write about albums as I used to. I'll be back though, I promise.

No problem man, we'll always be here. Go get that house!

That's a real loss to our club, SGR, but it's obviously no contest: buying a house is an exciting, sometimes stressful time, and I hope it all works out well for you and your wife.

Quote from: DJChameleon on Sep 25, 2023, 11:43 AMYou might like southern rap because they tend to rap super slow. They even have a style where they intentionally slow down the record even more called Screwed.  I guess you weren't ever a fan of Eminem or other white rappers that thinks that speed when delivering lyrics means skill. There are other rappers besides white ones that do it as well but it's kind of a thing that a large majority of white rappers gravitate towards. Busta Rhymes and Twista are two that hop to mind that also do the whole speed thing. The difference with Busta Rhymes is that he doesn't do it for a full song usually. He takes a break and maybe just does one verse high speed then raps at regular pacing.

Yep ! Correct in your guess, DJ.
Thanks for the advice about slower rap, and also thanks for updating the club for us.

Blops - Locomotora

This was a pretty colorful piece of mostly instrumental prog/fusion. I'm generally not the hottest on freeform stuff like this; it was pleasant, but it just kind of felt like a musical salad to me, a bunch of random musical ideas that didn't really seem like they fit together naturally or cohesively. I listen to a lot of stuff that sounds like this in terms of texture, so I think a tighter composition style would have made me enjoy this a lot more.

6.5/10

QuoteLocomotura by Los Blops

Lado A
"Allegro Ma Non Troppo" (Pepe Romeu) -12:44
"Tartaleta de Frutilla" (Eduardo Gatti) -9:00
Lado B
"Locomotora" (Blops) -5:27
"Pirómano" (Juan Carlos Villegas) -5:34
"Sandokán" (Juan Contreras) -9:12

This is essentially an instrumental album (apart from a few la-la-las ) with 5 tracks which run together so well that I don't bother to distinguish them. There aren't any grand memorable themes, and I haven't noticed any proper closing crecendoes either; instead, I think of Locomotura as one long studio jam, which it could almost be.* There's plenty of top-notch soloing and a steady pace that never really falters, which is maybe why they put a train on the cover and gave it that title - it's like a non-stop musical ride with a reassuring rhythm that's persistent but varied at the same time, if such a thing is possible.

Most noticeable is that a flute is the lead instrument on most tracks, which gives the music a lighter feel than you get from most jam or prog bands. Next instruments that I noticed were the drums and organ, while an elec guitar only comes in after 15 mins, and for the first half of the album the guitarist just contributes a bit of colour or highlighting and doesn't grab the main stage at all.

About half-way through, we come to the title track, which has some strange sounds and from here on the music has more of a "real" prog feel; faster tempo, more aggressive guitar and organ, and in fact the whole album has a slow build to it, so that by the end they actually rise to a proper rock riff or two. The flute has been laid aside and by the last track there is some fast and furious playing from the guitarist and organ player. Really commendable to me is the way they have waited until the end to pull out all the stops and show us just how well they can rock when they want to.

Probably clear by now that I know next to nothing about music, so describing this album is a struggle for me and the best thing to do is listen to it yourself: loud to hear the details, or low-vol as bubbling background music. It's a great album in both modes, so 9/10 from me.

* Apparently recorded in 14 hours, so yeah, that's why it has that uncluttered, small-line-up sound.   

Quote from: Mrs. Waffles on Sep 27, 2023, 07:43 PMBlops - Locomotora

This was a pretty colorful piece of mostly instrumental prog/fusion. I'm generally not the hottest on freeform stuff like this; it was pleasant, but it just kind of felt like a musical salad to me, a bunch of random musical ideas that didn't really seem like they fit together naturally or cohesively. I listen to a lot of stuff that sounds like this in terms of texture, so I think a tighter composition style would have made me enjoy this a lot more.

6.5/10

^ Thanks for listening and commenting, Mrs. Waffles, and for helping to keep the album club alive. You are the first person with whom I have ever discussed this album. :thumb:

That's good, isn't it? I like the album because of the loose approach and lack of explicit musical themes and structure, and those are the things you'd like more of. :laughing: 

Quote from: Lisnaholic on Oct 01, 2023, 04:21 AM^ Thanks for listening and commenting, Mrs. Waffles, and for helping to keep the album club alive. You are the first person with whom I have ever discussed this album. :thumb:

That's good, isn't it? I like the album because of the loose approach and lack of explicit musical themes and structure, and those are the things you'd like more of. :laughing: 

No problem! I try my best to keep up with the club since I have so much time to multitask listening to these albums.

Yeah, I do admit I struggle with a lot of more freeform stuff outside of pure ambient (especially free jazz). I like the epic symphonic compositions of prog rock, I like the hypnotic trance-like sequences of Berlin school electronic music, but usually there has to be a bit of structure for me, something for my brain to latch onto or follow along with. This album felt just a bit too loose and noodly for my usual tastes.

But there definitely were things I liked about it and I do like the angle you described of it being like a non-stop ride. At any rate I'm glad you enjoyed it so much! Maybe having a bit more familiarity upon a re-listen will do it good to my ears.

Blops - Locomotora

I don't know if me being sick contributed to me enjoying this way more than I thought I would but it's ace. I also played the new Lil Wayne album right before listening to that. So maybe the contrast also helped as well.

I listened to this while zoning out in bed covered up in blankets and it was just so cozy to listen to. It really set the mood for a nice rest session which is funny because at times during the album it does sound like a cacophony is going on but I was feeling it so much. I'm going to toss some jazz on next and see how it feels to my ears. Yes, I know this album wasn't really jazz but the influence is there I guess. Of having the instrumentation being all over the place well free form jazz I should specify.

:5stars:

Good one Lisna.

^ Sorry to hear that you've been sick, DJ, and I hope you're feeling better now.

Thanks for the positive review! I was concerned that you wouldn't like Locomotora as your recommendations are most often in a very different style, so I was happily surprised that you enjoyed it so much. In fact you describe very well how I like to listen to this album: relax, don't focus too much, and just let the music weave through your mind, as your mind weaves through the music. In that mood, the lack of lyrics, memorable themes, or catchy melodies actually becomes a virtue, even though, as you say, there's still plenty going on musically. 

That's an interesting point. I feel like maybe I was trying to focus too much on the album, it was loud and energetic enough to grab my attention but it just confused me when I was trying to follow it and kinda pin it down and it just kept going on musical tangents. I think I'll throw it on in a bit during my chores today and treat it more as background music and see if I end up enjoying it more.

Thanks for being prepared to give it another try, Mrs. Waffles :thumb:

I'll be interested to hear if it sounds any better to you this time round- but don't worry if it still doesn't do much for you. As you said in your first comments, there are other albums with a similar, noodly feel, and even I can't say precisely why this one has become a favourite.

Soundtrack time!

Across the Spiderverse Soundtrack (2023)

This is the current album and I will update the OP soonish.

Squid - Bright Green Field

Is the current album for the next two weeks.

If you listened to the Spiderverse soundtrack drop your review also.

Also we need a few more album recommendations because the next two are from me and I'd like to sandwich my albums between others. So we aren't just reviewing my album recommendations.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/eb/Spider-Man_Across_the_Spider_verse_score.jpg/220px-Spider-Man_Across_the_Spider_verse_score.jpg)

Across The Spiderverse Review

Soundtracks are not among my favourite albums for a couple of reasons, neither of which are the fault of the musicians, but are a consequence of what they are usually trying to do, which is (i) to be discreet so as to not overwhelm what is going on on-screen and (ii) to evoke various moods: one bit for falling in love, one bit for chasing the bad guy,etc.

Given those limitations, Across The S has some good tracks: the suitably dramatic opener is one, the beautiful Rio And Miles is another. They are what I would call "symphonic synth" as they seem to be doing that; using modern instruments, but often creating that sweeping orchestral sound. Generally, my favourites were the ones which were enlivened with a good electronic pulse like Guggenhim Assemble, and also the ones that lasted over 2 mins ; alas, there were quite a lot of short tracks that set a calm mood but didn't advance or develop very much. They were fulfilling their job requirement from the director very creditably, I should think, but I found them rather forgettable as I couldn't relate them to the movie. These are the tracks like Spothole I, Under The Clock Tower (which is notable for being pretty good).

Short or not, this album runs to 34 tracks, so I hope I'll be forgiven for not listening to them all. I did notice a couple of tracks that had a pace  suggestive of a chase sequence, (OK, but nothing very innovative) and one track that, I suppose, is to transport us to India (not bad of itself, but sounding rather out of place here).

TBH, I don't think I'll be revisiting this album because, even though it is very well-executed, even on the best tracks there isn't much that I sounds new to me. Spacey synth, pulsing synth, symphonic synth - I feel have have enough go-to albums in these styles and don't particularly need a new one. Sorry, guys. 3.5/10   

Ooooh I'm so sorry. I didn't specify. You listened to the score but I meant for it to be the Metro Boomin one. Like music inspired by type.

Even I haven't listened to the score yet but I had the Metro Boomin one on heavy replay

^ Wow! That's a very different style of music, DJ !

No worries, though: I like this album club for the way it motivates me to listen attentively to music that I wouldn't otherwise hear. In that sense, I was happy to try Spiderverse, even if *ahem* no one else is reviewing either the right album or the wrong one. :)

Quote from: Lisnaholic on Oct 27, 2023, 02:10 AM^ Wow! That's a very different style of music, DJ !

No worries, though: I like this album club for the way it motivates me to listen attentively to music that I wouldn't otherwise hear. In that sense, I was happy to try Spiderverse, even if *ahem* no one else is reviewing either the right album or the wrong one. :)

I think people are just a little busy lately but I will get to the current one and review it. I think I still have to review Spiderverse as well. I might have some time to do both today.

I updated the OP with the current album.

I think we are going to take a break for November and that will give people time to catch up on the last three albums. I'm going to wait until December 4th to switch to the next album.

In the mean time, we do need some more suggestions for albums to go over. So anyone that is still participating in this just drop your recommendations.

This is the list of the last three.

Across the Spiderverse Soundtrack listen to the one from Metro Boomin not the other one like Lisna made the mistake of doing.

Squid - Bright Green Field

Barbie Soundtrack. If it doesn't start with a track from Lizzo you are listening to the wrong one. I think Barbie only had one soundtrack. They didn't do the whole inspired by AND composer type soundtrack like many movies tend to do.

Sorry guys I'm super late. I had planned to start us back up on December 4th and today is the 13th.

I'm going to go through and see where we are at and set up the next album we should be listening to.


If worse comes to worst and I'm the only one reviewing albums then so be it until everyone else becomes less busy and wants to join in.


Edit: OP is updated.

We are on JPEG Mafia and Danny Brown's collab album.

Still need suggestions for future albums.

My review of Metro Boomin's inspired by Soundtrack to Across the Spider Verse.


(https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.ZegYbGbMAOy_2LIntzpvogHaE8?rs=1&pid=ImgDetMain)

Yeah, so all summer after hearing Am I dreaming? by Rosiee and ASAP Rocky. I have played this soundtrack on repeat several times. I think the overall soundtrack has like no skip tracks. I can repeatedly listen to it from beginning to end and not get bored and enjoy myself every single time. Nas Morales is a great ending to the soundtrack.

My favorite tracks are Am I Dreaming? Non violent communication, Self Love and Calling.

There is a track called Danger that is the only one I'm always tempted to skip because of the ad lib "Spider" being repeated so much but JID comes on near the end of the track and his flow just saves it. Offset almost ruined it.

:5stars:

If I had to give it a rating it would be that. I also like Silk and Cologne because it has a West Indian vibe to it that reminds me of home. When West Indians say home they are referring to their home island even if they weren't born there. My "home" is St. Thomas and St. Kitts.

I'm going to wait til January 1st to do a new album while I slowly catch up with reviews of the last few that I missed out on.

If this album club ends up turning into me just doing solo reviews so be it. I'm fine with that. I won't let the ship go down. I'll keep it pushing until people have more free time to join in.

Anyone interested in joining this anymore? I was gonna push through and just review the albums by myself but then that would be the same as if I had a journal and it's not as fun for what is supposed to be an album club.