The Rock Album Survivor Reviews Thread

[The Batlord]

I don't want to restart that whole debate, but stuff like this was why I disagreed that post-punk could be a definable genre. There's just so much that doesn't fit with all the other stuff. Gang of Four, PiL, Pere Ubu, etc. Brilliant album BTW, probably my fav post-punk record.

[JGuy Grungeman]

I can see why. Speaking of post-punk...

Psychocandy by the Jesus and Mary Chain.



Styles: Noise Pop, Alternative Rock, Post-Punk
Release: 1985
Length: 43 min.
Round: Noise Rock

I'm sorry, but the production sounds like the major instrument is white noise. Other than that, the album was enjoyable. I'm still not into noise rock or noise pop (although I loved Loveless). The songs have a dark presence to combine with this noise, creating a unique and relatable atmosphere. But I don't like how a lot of the album is built on that fuzz. And I know noise pop and noise rock in general are built on an emphasis on fuzz, but this album had much more than an emphasis. But that's my only "real" problem with it. In terms of songwriting quality, it would've probably gotten a 93.

The songs were occasionally catchy, but sometimes the noise seemed to get in the way of that. Still, the vocals were crystal clear, and the songs had different vibes every time so I didn't end up feeling like I was listening to one song for the whole time. Soime of the songs were pretty fast and energetiuc while others had a mellow and merry feel reminiscant of Beach Boys style sunshine pop, like "Cut Dead." So I'll definitely give it kudos for its diversity and musicianship. As I said before, the noise sometimes gets in the way of the song, and the structures need a little work.

Don't get me wrong. I do wish I could get into noise rock/pop. I've been trying. So far, it only seems good to me in the forms of shoegaze and post-hardcore. I'll play this album sometime again in the future when I'm more used to it. One day, I'll appreciate the "wall of sound."

85/100. I'll possibly wait to vote it off. It depends on how well the other noise rock albums fair. Next up is The Chirping Crickets.

[JGuy Grungeman]

The "Chirping" Crickets by Buddy Holly and the Crickets

Style: Rockabilly, Rock and Roll
Release: 1957
Length: 25 min.
Round: Rock and Roll

I've heard a lot of rock and roll on the radio and tv. But I have to say I'm not really impressed with some of the choices on the list, and by that I mean I fail to see how they are rock and roll. Animals? The Yardbirds? British Blues and Blues Rock. So, The Circkets was a little bit of a highlight. Still, it's not the best album on the list.

What do I look for in a rock and roll album? Well, since a lot of the same ideas and songs are used, making a lot of it the same to me, I basically go by how much heart each album has. As for the Crickets debut, they have good songs and a good amount of harmonized vocals that do a good job of backing up the lead vocals. However, at the same time the songs don't seem to have the same heart that Elvis and Little Richard put in their albums. Still, I recommend it for rock and roll. rockabilly fans around, becuase it is an essential for a few great songs.

81/100. My estimate is that I'll vote it off in the middle-to-late stages of the rock and roll round.

[JGuy Grungeman]

The Velvet Underground & Nico by The Velvet Underground & Nico
Style: Experimental Rock, Art Rock, Noise Rock
Release: 1967, one of my favorite years of music.
Round: Art Rock

Thais is probably the fifth or sixth time I've heard the album. And my opinion is barely wavering from the 9/10 I previously gave it. However, it is wavering. I told myself, "If I can finally get used to the second half, I'll give it five stars." The final consensus might please you.

Sunday Morning, the opening track, is one of a couple amazing tracks on the album, songs that pass the 5 star limit. It's beautiful, perfectly atmospheric, and as long as necessary. "I'm Waiting for my Man" is a little boring in comparison and it drags on a little, but it's a pretty good song with decent lyrics. "Femme Fatale" is the real introduction to Nico's vocal talent. A perfect introduction with a great Rhythm. "Venus in Furs" is the second of the amazing tracks. The guitar work is unbelievably good for using the same note over and over again. That takes skill. And the lyrics are surprisingly deep and meaningful. "Run Run Run" has the same flow as "I'm Waiting for My Man," but it's better and more rhythmatic. "All Tommorow's Parties" is the third amazing track. The guitars in the background, as well as the worldly aura, are both amazing. But they are nothing compared to Miss Lady Nico. Amazing voice.

Next comes "Heroin." This is one of those tracks I could never get into. I admit the rhythm and production are quite good, and the song has a little creativity. But I've grown on the song. It's more slow than necessary at times, mostly because Lou Reed isn't singing enough. Seven minutes is too long for that. But the aura is flawless. It's funny when a pioneer of noise rock's influence is so atmospheric to a guy who doesn't get into noise rock. "There She Goes Again" is one of my guilty pleasures. It's such a jumpy song in comparison to the rest, which has been carefully moodswinging through the album's noisy atmosphere, from soft and cheery to noisy to mysterious. Now we have a jumpy little tune like something from an early Beatles' album, seemingly for kids. "I'll Be Your Mirror" has a vibe a little too similar to "Femme Fatale," making it obvious Nico would be singing. Still, it's a very cute song with a very sad aura that influenced goth rock. "The Black Angel's Death Song" is one that I could never understand, even to this day. It just sounds like well-timed rambling to me. "European Son" is rteally noisy, but it maintains a rhythm while taking a complete change of pace and keeping the atmosphere: a super fast noise.

Overall, 96. I've understood a little more of the album, and I hope my noise rock journey will help me give this a higher rating in the future.

Sunday Morning - 12
I'm Waiting for My Man - 7.5
Femme Fatale - 9
Venus in Furs - 11
Run Run Run - 8
All Tomorrow's Parties - 12
Heroin - 7.9
There She Goes Again - 8.5
I'll be Your Mirror - 8.5
The Black Angel's Death Song - 7
European Son - 8

OK, so I'm gonna be listening to my 1300th album next.

[Frownland]

You don't like the best parts of the album? I knew I couldn't trust you.

[The Batlord]

Originally Posted by Frownland

You like Nico's annoying, pretentious-sounding voice? I knew I couldn't trust you.

Fixed.

[Frownland]

Note how the best songs on the album also don't have Nico (although her songs are great too).

[JGuy Grungeman]

I thought Nico was lovely, even though Reed had more heart in his vocals.

@Frownland if you mean my best songs, check All Tomorrow's Parties. 12/10, Nico sings.

[Frownland]

The unequivocal Frownland ranking of the best tracks from the album are as follows

European Son
The Black Angel's Death Song
Heroin
Venus in Furs
Run Run Run
I'll Be Your Mirror
There She Goes Again
All Tomorrow's Parties
Sunday Morning
I'm Waiting for My Man
Femme Fatale

[The Batlord]

"Sunday Morning" third from last? WTF?