The Album Review Club - Week #196 (page 1316) - Aja - Steely Dan

[denislawsbackheel]

How do you vote?

 

[Stiff Little Wingers]

Loved Johnny Cougar. First album I bought was American Fool in 1982.
Him and Steve Forbert still spend a lot of time on my turntable.

Firstly, what a lovely thread this is. Its nice to have a mature set of conversations.
I too am a big fan of John Mellencamp. I regret I was never able to see him play live.
Albums and music can be so important at certain times in our lives or if not important, then resonate with that time in one's life. Its slightly different to a City game because the match can only be played once and then something new comes along. I was having a difficult time in my life (when I reflect, it wasn't really difficult but rather self indulgent, spoilt feeling sorry for myself) but nevertheless this album was a comfort. I played it a lot sitting on my own
I really like violin in rock similar to piano in rock and think Soozie Tyrell has strengthened Bruce's live shows - similarly, Lisa Germano is so integral to the sound. I find LJ a bit more rounded than Uh-Huh and Scarecrow even though the latter 2 have some great songs on but it's another example of the failed American dream.
Its not my fave of all time but I'll go be it a 9 but there's not a bad song and aside from faves mentioned by others I'd add Hard Times for an Honest Man. I love the integrity of Mellencamp - stays true to himself and what you see is what you get

 

[Saddleworth2]

Firstly, what a lovely thread this is. Its nice to have a mature set of conversations.
I too am a big fan of John Mellencamp. I regret I was never able to see him play live.
Albums and music can be so important at certain times in our lives or if not important, then resonate with that time in one's life. Its slightly different to a City game because the match can only be played once and then something new comes along. I was having a difficult time in my life (when I reflect, it wasn't really difficult but rather self indulgent, spoilt feeling sorry for myself) but nevertheless this album was a comfort. I played it a lot sitting on my own
I really like violin in rock similar to piano in rock and think Soozie Tyrell has strengthened Bruce's live shows - similarly, Lisa Germano is so integral to the sound. I find LJ a bit more rounded than Uh-Huh and Scarecrow even though the latter 2 have some great songs on but it's another example of the failed American dream.
Its not my fave of all time but I'll go be it a 9 but there's not a bad song and aside from faves mentioned by others I'd add Hard Times for an Honest Man. I love the integrity of Mellencamp - stays true to himself and what you see is what you get

Nice review mate. It’s funny how you can frame your life around the albums you loved at any given time. I find that far more than say films or books.

 

[crublue1]

No worries - you like what you like so that’s fair enough.

Very kind words there, thank you. But listen, three people have given this a 10 (and obviously if I was voting it would be four of us). So if gets a few low scores, that’s fair. You won’t upset me - it is my favourite album and nothing anybody says will change my opinion, but I respect that people have different tastes so any opinion is welcome.

I do understand what you are saying about this thread being different. You are correct, there’s a good chance people are putting albums, in which they have years of emotional investment, up for potential slaughter! But as long as people are respectful and honest, that’s all we can ask.

I've had this on a few times today while doing some painting in the house. Then I took it with me in the car to b+q.
Just so you know i'm giving this the proper attention it deserves.

 

[crublue1]

Firstly, what a lovely thread this is. Its nice to have a mature set of conversations.
I too am a big fan of John Mellencamp. I regret I was never able to see him play live.
Albums and music can be so important at certain times in our lives or if not important, then resonate with that time in one's life. Its slightly different to a City game because the match can only be played once and then something new comes along. I was having a difficult time in my life (when I reflect, it wasn't really difficult but rather self indulgent, spoilt feeling sorry for myself) but nevertheless this album was a comfort. I played it a lot sitting on my own
I really like violin in rock similar to piano in rock and think Soozie Tyrell has strengthened Bruce's live shows - similarly, Lisa Germano is so integral to the sound. I find LJ a bit more rounded than Uh-Huh and Scarecrow even though the latter 2 have some great songs on but it's another example of the failed American dream.
Its not my fave of all time but I'll go be it a 9 but there's not a bad song and aside from faves mentioned by others I'd add Hard Times for an Honest Man. I love the integrity of Mellencamp - stays true to himself and what you see is what you get

Nice post mate.

 

[crublue1]

How do you vote?

Just post your score out of 10

 

[denislawsbackheel]

Lonesome Jubilee 8/10

 

[RobMCFC]

How do you vote?

Just post a score out of 10 in here. You can also give a mini review, say why you do or don’t like the album, but all that’s optional. Also, stick around and get involved. I’ve discovered over the last few months that we have some great and knowledgeable posters on this and the Top 1000 album thread.

Firstly, what a lovely thread this is. Its nice to have a mature set of conversations.
I too am a big fan of John Mellencamp. I regret I was never able to see him play live.
Albums and music can be so important at certain times in our lives or if not important, then resonate with that time in one's life. Its slightly different to a City game because the match can only be played once and then something new comes along. I was having a difficult time in my life (when I reflect, it wasn't really difficult but rather self indulgent, spoilt feeling sorry for myself) but nevertheless this album was a comfort. I played it a lot sitting on my own
I really like violin in rock similar to piano in rock and think Soozie Tyrell has strengthened Bruce's live shows - similarly, Lisa Germano is so integral to the sound. I find LJ a bit more rounded than Uh-Huh and Scarecrow even though the latter 2 have some great songs on but it's another example of the failed American dream.
Its not my fave of all time but I'll go be it a 9 but there's not a bad song and aside from faves mentioned by others I'd add Hard Times for an Honest Man. I love the integrity of Mellencamp - stays true to himself and what you see is what you get

Really nice read and thanks for posting. See the comments I’ve made to Dennis above - it would be great if you stick around for the albums we’ve got coming up over the next few weeks and months. Same applies for the Top 1000 albums thread.

I've had this on a few times today while doing some painting in the house. Then I took it with me in the car to b+q.
Just so you know i'm giving this the proper attention it deserves.

Your dedication to the cause is noted, sir. And as I said yesterday, any score you give it is fine by me. Stay true to yourself and you’ll be fine.

Mellencamp has a song called “Pop Singer” on the album that came out after this. There’s a lyric in that song that’s always resonated with me, and I think applies here:

“Just want to make it real - good, bad or indifferent”

 

[RobMCFC]

Nice review mate. It’s funny how you can frame your life around the albums you loved at any given time. I find that far more than say films or books.

Agree 100%. My family always wonders at how I remember when certain, in some cases trivial, events occurred and it's mostly because of the albums I was listening to at the time. Well, since 1986 anyway.

 

[crublue1]

Just post a score out of 10 in here. You can also give a mini review, say why you do or don’t like the album, but all that’s optional. Also, stick around and get involved. I’ve discovered over the last few months that we have some great and knowledgeable posters on this and the Top 1000 album thread.


Really nice read and thanks for posting. See the comments I’ve made to Dennis above - it would be great if you stick around for the albums we’ve got coming up over the next few weeks and months. Same applies for the Top 1000 albums thread.

Your dedication to the cause is noted, sir. And as I said yesterday, any score you give it is fine by me. Stay true to yourself and you’ll be fine.

Mellencamp has a song called “Pop Singer” on the album that came out after this. There’s a lyric in that song that’s always resonated with me, and I think applies here:

“Just want to make it real - good, bad or indifferent”

Rob this isn't my genre at all if i'm honest. I'm well out of my comfort zone with this one.
But it did get me thinking, if so many people like it, then I must be missing something.
Therefore I must spend a bit more time to find out.
Let's see.
I'm enjoying the journey.
When's the cut off for review mate?

 

[RobMCFC]

Rob this isn't my genre at all if i'm honest. I'm well out of my comfort zone with this one.
But it did get me thinking, if so many people like it, then I must be missing something.
Therefore I must spend a bit more time to find out.
Let's see.
I'm enjoying the journey.
When's the cut off for review mate?

I was going to round up and post the average on Monday, probably in the afternoon.

Based on what you said you must either be fed up of it by now or warming to it. If I'm being honest, I think some of the bigger scores you are seeing are Mellencamp fans from the 80s. Whilst the hip kids didn't go for this album when it was released, it was very well received by the press at the time and championed by DJs like Johnnie Walker and Roger Scott.

 

[GoatersLeftShin]

I love these music threads! Everyone posts interesting reviews and is very respectful of others opinions. Given how subjective music is, it's pretty amazing ha ha! I only wish the football threads were the same! :)

I'm really enjoying finding new music from these threads. There's so much great music to listen to and thanks to everyone for pulling out some great stuff, particularly artists I'd not heard before!

I'm a big Spotify fan as I've found some amazing new music, some became some of my favourite new music that I would never found without it. I prefer to listen to a full album, but playlists are great too. However you want to listen to music is totally up to you!

Thanks everyone, it's a fantastic read!

 

[Mancitydoogle]

Loved Johnny Cougar. First album I bought was American Fool in 1982.
Him and Steve Forbert still spend a lot of time on my turntable.

Really like Steve Forbert too, seen him live a few times and chatted after a gig with him, really nice down to earth guy.One of the shows was in the states before he released Streets Of This Town during his wilderness years as he was going through a record company dispute,there was only about 20:in the audience.

 

[Invisible Man's Bandage]

I've had this on a few times today while doing some painting in the house. Then I took it with me in the car to b+q.
Just so you know i'm giving this the proper attention it deserves.

It's either growing on you or you are a glutton for punishment :)

 

[crublue1]

Not my cup of tea at all, the whole genre that is, not just jcm.
Having said that, this record is book ended by 2 great tracks, 'paper in fire' in particular is a belter, and has gone onto my driving playlist. So if nothing else, thanks to Rob for that.

Musically it's pretty interesting too, I like how he's using instruments that aren't often heard, kudos for that.

His voice however, well for me it's a bit generic and dare I say it, a tad bland. He never tests himself to any degree. Swap his vocals out for adams or springsteen and it would still sound the same. I much prefer pettys voice for this type of thing, it's at least different enough to keep me interested. 'Check it out' for instance would sound much better with him at the helm.

It's not a bad album, far from it, it's probably top notch in this genre, but try as I might (and trust me, I did) I cant get along with it.
It's a 5 from me.

 

[RobMCFC]

Not my cup of tea at all, the whole genre that is, not just jcm.
Having said that, this record is book ended by 2 great tracks, 'paper in fire' in particular is a belter, and has gone onto my driving playlist. So if nothing else, thanks to Rob for that.

Musically it's pretty interesting too, I like how he's using instruments that aren't often heard, kudos for that.

His voice however, well for me it's a bit generic and dare I say it, a tad bland. He never tests himself to any degree. Swap his vocals out for adams or springsteen and it would still sound the same. I much prefer pettys voice for this type of thing, it's at least different enough to keep me interested. 'Check it out' for instance would sound much better with him at the helm.

It's not a bad album, far from it, it's probably top notch in this genre, but try as I might (and trust me, I did) I cant get along with it.
It's a 5 from me.

Can't argue with your attempts to "get" this album if your previous posts are anything to go by, so thanks for sticking with it. Glad you eventually enjoyed "Paper In Fire", probably my favourite song of all time (if you asked me today, of course!)

 

[RobMCFC]

OK, it's time to round up at the end of week #1.

19 votes were cast and The Lonesome Jubilee finishes with a very respectable average of 7.05.

Scoreboard is on page #1.

Thanks to everybody who took part. I'm humbled by the number of posts this week - not just those who, like me, obviously love the album but all those who gave it a try and were willing to get involved in the discussion. Like the Top 1100 albums thread, I think we've got a good group here and it was nice to see a few different names joining in as well, so let's keep it up.

It's now time to hand the floor over to our latest nominator @FogBlueInSanFran. He's given me a little clue as to what he's got up his sleeve but I'm still none the wiser so I'm sure he'll be along soon to set the ball rolling. Officially, new albums are presented on Tuesday, but I'm happy with any timeframe for clues and announcements from here on in, especially as he's on PST.

 

[FogBlueInSanFran]

Thanks @RobMCFC!

We'll be staying in the 1980s, staying in America's heartland, staying with a variety of instruments . . . but with a different genre and theme.

Indeed I am prepared to argue that my selection had an enormous influence on many bands and records that followed.

See you tomorrow.

 

[Onholiday(somemightsay)]

OK, it's time to round up at the end of week #1.

19 votes were cast and The Lonesome Jubilee finishes with a very respectable average of 7.05.

Scoreboard is on page #1.

Thanks to everybody who took part. I'm humbled by the number of posts this week - not just those who, like me, obviously love the album but all those who gave it a try and were willing to get involved in the discussion. Like the Top 1100 albums thread, I think we've got a good group here and it was nice to see a few different names joining in as well, so let's keep it up.

It's now time to hand the floor over to our latest nominator @FogBlueInSanFran. He's given me a little clue as to what he's got up his sleeve but I'm still none the wiser so I'm sure he'll be along soon to set the ball rolling. Officially, new albums are presented on Tuesday, but I'm happy with any timeframe for clues and announcements from here on in, especially as he's on PST.

Top man Rob............

 

[RobMCFC]

Thanks @RobMCFC!

We'll be staying in the 1980s, staying in America's heartland, staying with a variety of instruments . . . but with a different genre and theme.

Indeed I am prepared to argue that my selection had an enormous influence on many bands and records that followed.

See you tomorrow.

Think I might have an idea now based on a band you mentioned in the other thread a while back.