The Album Review Club - *** Christmas Break Playlist (next album 7/1/26) ***

RobMCFC said:
I do know what B&W means and I agree. I know you nominated The Jam, but this is the same criticism I have about all these bands - why do they have to sound like they have an attitude problem? Why can’t they just step up to the mic and sing? Some of the music on this album is really good but they don’t half spoil it with those vocals.

Like you said, each to their own. I keep using Bon Jovi as an example - not my favourite band but a good example of what, to me, sounds like a great voice. I know plenty on here would disagree, but JBJ, Steve Perry, and Jimi Jamieson of Survivor are examples of the kind of voice I like to hear (outside of those gruff Americana voices, of course :) )
Click to expand...

Next week should be interesting ;) ;(
 
RobMCFC said:
I do know what B&W means and I agree. I know you nominated The Jam, but this is the same criticism I have about all these bands - why do they have to sound like they have an attitude problem? Why can’t they just step up to the mic and sing? Some of the music on this album is really good but they don’t half spoil it with those vocals.

Like you said, each to their own. I keep using Bon Jovi as an example - not my favourite band but a good example of what, to me, sounds like a great voice. I know plenty on here would disagree, but JBJ, Steve Perry, and Jimi Jamieson of Survivor are examples of the kind of voice I like to hear (outside of those gruff Americana voices, of course :) )
Click to expand...

If you put Bon Jovi to this punk sound it would be god awful, I think vocally bands like this, specials, Jam should be sung this way - it adds to the raw and authenticity of punk.
Of course it was of its time, if a band tried it now they’d get slated.
 
BlueHammer85 said:
If you put Bon Jovi to this punk sound it would be god awful, I think vocally bands like this, specials, Jam should be sung this way - it adds to the raw and authenticity of punk.
Of course it was of its time, if a band tried it now they’d get slated.
Click to expand...
You’ve probably got a point there, but I just find it so hard to listen to (for pleasure).
 
bennyboy said:
Interesting that you loved the music but not the vocals so the score ended up a lot lower.
Did the vocals really spoil your listens that much.
Ps.Not a criticism each to their own.
Click to expand...
It really took away from the music on some of the songs for me. On the tracks I mentioned I liked, I thought the vocals were fine.
 
RobMCFC said:
You’ve probably got a point there, but I just find it so hard to listen to (for pleasure).
Click to expand...
BlueHammer85 said:
If you put Bon Jovi to this punk sound it would be god awful, I think vocally bands like this, specials, Jam should be sung this way - it adds to the raw and authenticity of punk.
Of course it was of its time, if a band tried it now they’d get slated.
Click to expand...

Some of it suits fine. There are some gems on there. I just think some of the album’s vocals sound contrived. Trying too hard.

It is of it’s time although devotees would tell you it’s timeless.
 
RobMCFC said:
I do know what B&W means and I agree. I know you nominated The Jam, but this is the same criticism I have about all these bands - why do they have to sound like they have an attitude problem? Why can’t they just step up to the mic and sing? Some of the music on this album is really good but they don’t half spoil it with those vocals.

Like you said, each to their own. I keep using Bon Jovi as an example - not my favourite band but a good example of what, to me, sounds like a great voice. I know plenty on here would disagree, but JBJ, Steve Perry, and Jimi Jamieson of Survivor are examples of the kind of voice I like to hear (outside of those gruff Americana voices, of course :) )
Click to expand...

Having said that week about finding the vocals on the jam a bit gimmicky, it is maybe a touch hypocritical of me to argue this point.

But in some ways that's a bit like saying, why can't Peter Howson just gie us a wee nicey picture of the seaside with seaguls in front of a perfect blue sky. There is expression, and a style that goes with it. For me the problem is more when the two don't overlap well. With the Jam I felt it was out of place, but partly swayed by knowing Paul's later ability and tone. With this one it didn't bother me in the slightest. Hammer nails it I think, it sometimes comes with the territory.
 
BlueHammer85 said:
If you put Bon Jovi to this punk sound it would be god awful, I think vocally bands like this, specials, Jam should be sung this way - it adds to the raw and authenticity of punk.
Of course it was of its time, if a band tried it now they’d get slated.
Click to expand...

Plenty bands still do it now.
 
Protein Junkie said:
Interesting that you like bands not constrained by genres.
Good debate but I’m not sure bands consciously get constrained by this unless they are manufactured.
Enjoying what you produce, lack of ability, doing what the fans want etc.
Love your train of thought so welcome more context or examples 3S.
Click to expand...

Bonsoir PJ, don't often see you in these parts! I'm sure you're right in terms of why most bands stay within a genre, maybe 'constrained' was the wrong word.

I suppose there's a few different categories of acts where genre is irrelevant. There's the big beasts like The Beatles, Zappa, Bowie and Prince who were simply capable of and wanted to do all manner of things. Then there's bands who seem to consciously genre hop either within or between records, like King Gizzard or Gomez. Then there's bands who are difficult to put into a genre full stop like the Budos band.
 
threespires said:
Who knows? I was merely pointing out @Coatigan 's pedantry ! Even if it is Idles give it time and it'll reveal it's glories after a few listens :-)
Click to expand...
I will admit that I go into almost all nominations with a pre-conceived notion about it. Sometimes I'm pleasantly surprised and I will give all nominations a fair listen.
 
Being already familiar with Rattus Norvegicus but less so with the rest of the Strangler's catalogue beyond the hits I thought I'd take the opportunity to explore a bit more. And was truth be told disappointed. They have their moments on later albums but by the time I'd got to The Raven, fourth one in, I was thinking that there is actually less to them than meets the eye.

Still, I'm not being asked to do a career retrospective on them. When it comes to this album, I love it. Despite all the reservations, raised by others as well as myself about the aggressive and misogynistic nature of their output I still hold that on this album at least there was a sense of them not taking themselves too seriously. On later albums I think there was a darker edge to them.

Obvious stand out tracks are Grip, Hanging Around, Sometimes and Down in the Sewer but I think there is a cohesive sound throughout and it remains an album I will listen to time again. I give it an 8.

Incidentally when I mentioned to my wife that it was the Stanglers this week and we got talking she mentioned that she had No More Heroes when she were a lass. She claimed not to remember the more dubious tracks on that album and when I quoted the lyrics to her seemed more forgiving than I thought she would, mumbling something about those being different times. I can tell you she isn't that forgiving about Benny Hill!

PS! All the Doors comparisons are obvious. Strangely despite loving some of their tracks they are also a band I've never really listened to full albums of. Think I'll do a bit of that over the next few days while I wait for the next album up.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Unread Posts

Don't have an account? Register now and see fewer ads!

SIGN UP
Back
Top