Big Joe Corrigan
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The Album Review Club - *** Christmas Break Playlist (next album 7/1/26) ***
- Thread starter RobMCFC
- Start date
mrbelfry
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He's huge!
journolud
Well-Known Member
Find myself a bit snowed under woth work today so wish I had written this yesterday...
I think Echo and the Bunnymen have done much better than this album suggests. I've been listening to Crocodiles which confirms the fact and there have been some great singles and other tracks along the way as well.
I had this album downloaded on my phone which I think is because I had previously bought all the CDs as a set and would have "ripped" them all at that time we were shifting from CDs to digital. I can't remember ever listening to it though before it came up for review.
A couple of people have mentioned that there is a noticeable step up in quality from the Killing Moon onwards and that was my initial thoughts although having said that I'm not sure how long that improvement is sustained. Seven Seas is good.
But it's the first half of the album that are disappointing for me. Silver sounds like a Spandau Ballet tribute act, the Yo Yo Man an ugly twin to the Doors Back Door Man and while the recitation of various vegetables might have seemed like a good idea, well, it wasn't.
McCulloch has got, or had, a great voice and there is an intensity to the Bunnymen's best work that sits well with me but it feels like they were running out of ideas by this time.
My partner by the way agrees. She was very much a bunnygirl back in the day. Can I say that? Probably not...
But she doesn't get to vote anyway. This isn't a terrible album but it's a long way short of their best. A 6 for me
I think Echo and the Bunnymen have done much better than this album suggests. I've been listening to Crocodiles which confirms the fact and there have been some great singles and other tracks along the way as well.
I had this album downloaded on my phone which I think is because I had previously bought all the CDs as a set and would have "ripped" them all at that time we were shifting from CDs to digital. I can't remember ever listening to it though before it came up for review.
A couple of people have mentioned that there is a noticeable step up in quality from the Killing Moon onwards and that was my initial thoughts although having said that I'm not sure how long that improvement is sustained. Seven Seas is good.
But it's the first half of the album that are disappointing for me. Silver sounds like a Spandau Ballet tribute act, the Yo Yo Man an ugly twin to the Doors Back Door Man and while the recitation of various vegetables might have seemed like a good idea, well, it wasn't.
McCulloch has got, or had, a great voice and there is an intensity to the Bunnymen's best work that sits well with me but it feels like they were running out of ideas by this time.
My partner by the way agrees. She was very much a bunnygirl back in the day. Can I say that? Probably not...
But she doesn't get to vote anyway. This isn't a terrible album but it's a long way short of their best. A 6 for me
BlueHammer85
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This is probably my favorite genre from the 80's , that kind of dark melodic jangly post punk sound that few bands could pull off - reminded me of a cross between previous nomination Cocteau Twins and The Cure but can also see the influence of The Doors - so quite a winning combo! however not all of it i could warm to as much as i thought i would - for sure the stand out is the biggest hit ' Killing Moon ' , 'Seven Seas' & 'Silver' both very good , also enjoyed 'My Kingdom' and 'Nocturnal Me' - Good lyrics, Production is perfect, love the strings throughout.
7/10
7/10
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Black&White&BlueMoon Town
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Ocean Rain - Echo and the Bunnymen
My list of 1984 albums would be much different than @bennyboy's, but that's what makes going back in time to touch nostalgia fun. I look at those albums and some have stood the test of time, and some have not. I'll still say Bruce, U2, REM, Henley, and Rush albums are ones I'll still listen to from time to time - VH, Foreigner, The Cars and others from that same year - not so much. It just shows the changing and evolution of music we once liked and reminds us of a time gone by, and what moves that needle today. Going back to teenage years is expected to meet with both a sometimes smile and cringe. That year for me too was still pre-college where the FM AOR-fed radio stations dominated and before things opened up to independent college radio and its endless diversity of music and artists.
It should come as no surprise that I didn't hear this album in the year it first came out, but I did hear a few of the songs - from the following year release of the compilation Songs to Learn & Sing from my freshman college roommate, who loved this band and other artists on benny's list.
That's where I first heard the hits, and make no mistake, "The Killing Moon" is THE one and is much deserving of the accolades it receives. I love how Ian McCulloch remarks "When I sing that song, I know there isn't a band in the world who's got a song anywhere near that." How true and I now think of that line every time I hear it. Anyone who wakes up in the morning with these lyrics in their head of “Fate up against your will. Through the thick and thin. He will wait until you give yourself to him.” has had some amazing inspiration. Ian is correct that most don’t dream things like that and remember them, so an amazing backstory to a fantastic song.
The problem I have as Rob and others have noted is that the rest of the album doesn't grab me like that one track does. I do like how "Silver" opens up with the strings, and it does remind me of ABC in places, which is nice. The lyrics here are strong too, and the backing "awwww" harmonization gives it that haunting sound. I also enjoyed "Crystal Days" at about a minute in when the guitar really gets going. "Seven Seas" was also a worthy compilation track from this album, but I don't remember singing along to "kissing the tortoise shell" back in the day. Other highlights from "My Kingdom" is the guitar solo 2 minutes in, so that was not one I heard back in the day.
Overall, I'm giving "The Killing Moon" a 10/10, but the rest of the album, despite the high points just noted, leaves me overall at a 6/10 with a renewed interest in listening to them, just mainly in compilation form going forward. Bring on the Dancing Horses, indeed.
(a Doors and vegetable free review)My list of 1984 albums would be much different than @bennyboy's, but that's what makes going back in time to touch nostalgia fun. I look at those albums and some have stood the test of time, and some have not. I'll still say Bruce, U2, REM, Henley, and Rush albums are ones I'll still listen to from time to time - VH, Foreigner, The Cars and others from that same year - not so much. It just shows the changing and evolution of music we once liked and reminds us of a time gone by, and what moves that needle today. Going back to teenage years is expected to meet with both a sometimes smile and cringe. That year for me too was still pre-college where the FM AOR-fed radio stations dominated and before things opened up to independent college radio and its endless diversity of music and artists.
It should come as no surprise that I didn't hear this album in the year it first came out, but I did hear a few of the songs - from the following year release of the compilation Songs to Learn & Sing from my freshman college roommate, who loved this band and other artists on benny's list.
That's where I first heard the hits, and make no mistake, "The Killing Moon" is THE one and is much deserving of the accolades it receives. I love how Ian McCulloch remarks "When I sing that song, I know there isn't a band in the world who's got a song anywhere near that." How true and I now think of that line every time I hear it. Anyone who wakes up in the morning with these lyrics in their head of “Fate up against your will. Through the thick and thin. He will wait until you give yourself to him.” has had some amazing inspiration. Ian is correct that most don’t dream things like that and remember them, so an amazing backstory to a fantastic song.
The problem I have as Rob and others have noted is that the rest of the album doesn't grab me like that one track does. I do like how "Silver" opens up with the strings, and it does remind me of ABC in places, which is nice. The lyrics here are strong too, and the backing "awwww" harmonization gives it that haunting sound. I also enjoyed "Crystal Days" at about a minute in when the guitar really gets going. "Seven Seas" was also a worthy compilation track from this album, but I don't remember singing along to "kissing the tortoise shell" back in the day. Other highlights from "My Kingdom" is the guitar solo 2 minutes in, so that was not one I heard back in the day.
Overall, I'm giving "The Killing Moon" a 10/10, but the rest of the album, despite the high points just noted, leaves me overall at a 6/10 with a renewed interest in listening to them, just mainly in compilation form going forward. Bring on the Dancing Horses, indeed.
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RobMCFC
Well-Known Member
Ocean Rain by Echo and The Bunnymen pulled in 15 reviews at a very respectable average of 7.07. Thanks to @bennyboy for the nomination.
Next up, fresh from keeping us entertained for 5 months in the Bluemoon Cup, is @BlueHammer85.
Next up, fresh from keeping us entertained for 5 months in the Bluemoon Cup, is @BlueHammer85.
BlueHammer85
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Will be back in one hour! sorry.
Here's ya clues.
Here's ya clues.
RobMCFC
Well-Known Member
Blonde on Blonde - Bob Dylan
The scarf from the cover, the Leopard skin pillbox hat.
The scarf from the cover, the Leopard skin pillbox hat.
mrbelfry
Well-Known Member
First concert I ever went to was Bob Dylan. I went with my dad but was too young to appreciate it. I remember I had a carton of orange in my pocket that had got very warm by the end of the gig. Literally remember nothing else. It may have been at Maine Road or the Apollo.
My mum and dad just spent an absolute fortune going to see him in Edinburgh last month.
My mum and dad just spent an absolute fortune going to see him in Edinburgh last month.
There is a good metaphor in there somewhere.
BlueHammer85
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Well done Rob, easy peasy and you know me to well.
It is of course Big Bad Bob.
I’ve waited long enough but finally it’s time to nominate my favorite Robert Allen Zimmerman Album and one of my favorite albums ever – Blonde On Blonde
I did weigh this up with Highway 61 revisited, Bringing It Back Home (What a ridiculous run of Albums from 65-66) or go for a later Dylan Album ‘Blood On The Tracks’, ‘Time Out Of Mind’ or even a 00's one, too many to choose from but for me ‘Blonde On Blonde’ is the perfect peak Dylan spot – I cant recall any other artist than can conjure up the imagery in lyrics like Dylan does and so many tracks on here just keep me engaged with the next line after the next, even after countless listens. There is a perfect mix on here, Rock, Blues, Folk, slow stuff and Dylan goofing around.
The production is perfect, rich and layered through out yet retains that 60’s folk sound – From the psychedelic opener ‘Rainy Day Women’ ..everybody must get stoned! To upbeat blues rock stuff ‘Pledging My Time/Absolutely Sweet Marie/Obviously Fiver Believers’ , slow lyrical classis ‘Visions Of Johanna’ & ‘Sad Eyed Lady’ it’s just a perfect mix. My favourite is probably ‘Temporary Like Achilles’ if only for that Harmonica Intro and the opening lyrics and also 'I Want You' is a sweet number, there's very little fillers here although i do confess to skipping 'Visions Of Johanna' and 'Sad Eyed Lady' at times, both classics of course but do drag on a bit.
It was actually my History teacher that played a Dylan song in the class-room once, I think it would have been Blowin’ In The Wind he played to a classroom full of 14/15 year old stoners, cap wearers and little shits like myself at the time – most of the class didn’t give much notice to Mr Little as he put this on and talked about war and oppression but I remember hearing something so unique and going up to Mr Little after class and asking what that was – the next day Mr Little bought in a cassette tape with some of Dylans best tracks. I played it through when I got home, remember Dylans voice grating and some tracks sounded horrendous so I didn’t really persist – however, around a year later and working my first job at the Co-Op , standing at the till, late at night in a empty shop – ‘Like A Rolling Stone’ blasted on, boom – that was it, I was hooked on Dylan.
The next few years I was obsessed, bought as many CDs as I could and nearly had the whole catalogue.
After that I was clubbing and too into girls and drugs and put Dylan back on the shelf – yet whenever I had some alone time and feeling the blues, I would always reach for one of his albums and it would take me away from the confusion and stresses in life.
Back to the Album and using a bit of Wiki - Blond On Blonde is the seventh studio album by the American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, released as a double album on June 20, 1966.
Critics often rank Blonde on Blonde as one of the greatest albums of all time. Combining the expertise of Nashville session musicians with a modernist literary sensibility, the album's songs have been described as operating on a grand scale musically, while featuring lyrics one critic called "a unique mixture of the visionary and the colloquial".It was one of the first double albums in rock music.
The album peaked at number nine on the Billboard Top LPs chart in the US, where it eventually was certified double platinum, and it reached number three in the UK. Blonde on Blonde spawned two singles that were top-twenty hits in the US: "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35" and "I Want You". Two additional songs—"Just Like a Woman" and "Visions of Johanna"—have been named as among Dylan's greatest compositions and were featured in Rolling Stone's "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time" list in 2003. In 1999, the album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and was ranked number 38 in Rolling Stone's list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" in 2020
-
Now, I know many on here can’t stand Dylan and I will have my bingo card at the ready for how many will say ‘it’s just his voice is unbearable’ or something like that – but hopefully away from the endless discussion about his voice some will enjoy the music, the lyrics, the imagery and much more from this. Enjoy!
It is of course Big Bad Bob.
I’ve waited long enough but finally it’s time to nominate my favorite Robert Allen Zimmerman Album and one of my favorite albums ever – Blonde On Blonde
I did weigh this up with Highway 61 revisited, Bringing It Back Home (What a ridiculous run of Albums from 65-66) or go for a later Dylan Album ‘Blood On The Tracks’, ‘Time Out Of Mind’ or even a 00's one, too many to choose from but for me ‘Blonde On Blonde’ is the perfect peak Dylan spot – I cant recall any other artist than can conjure up the imagery in lyrics like Dylan does and so many tracks on here just keep me engaged with the next line after the next, even after countless listens. There is a perfect mix on here, Rock, Blues, Folk, slow stuff and Dylan goofing around.
The production is perfect, rich and layered through out yet retains that 60’s folk sound – From the psychedelic opener ‘Rainy Day Women’ ..everybody must get stoned! To upbeat blues rock stuff ‘Pledging My Time/Absolutely Sweet Marie/Obviously Fiver Believers’ , slow lyrical classis ‘Visions Of Johanna’ & ‘Sad Eyed Lady’ it’s just a perfect mix. My favourite is probably ‘Temporary Like Achilles’ if only for that Harmonica Intro and the opening lyrics and also 'I Want You' is a sweet number, there's very little fillers here although i do confess to skipping 'Visions Of Johanna' and 'Sad Eyed Lady' at times, both classics of course but do drag on a bit.
It was actually my History teacher that played a Dylan song in the class-room once, I think it would have been Blowin’ In The Wind he played to a classroom full of 14/15 year old stoners, cap wearers and little shits like myself at the time – most of the class didn’t give much notice to Mr Little as he put this on and talked about war and oppression but I remember hearing something so unique and going up to Mr Little after class and asking what that was – the next day Mr Little bought in a cassette tape with some of Dylans best tracks. I played it through when I got home, remember Dylans voice grating and some tracks sounded horrendous so I didn’t really persist – however, around a year later and working my first job at the Co-Op , standing at the till, late at night in a empty shop – ‘Like A Rolling Stone’ blasted on, boom – that was it, I was hooked on Dylan.
The next few years I was obsessed, bought as many CDs as I could and nearly had the whole catalogue.
After that I was clubbing and too into girls and drugs and put Dylan back on the shelf – yet whenever I had some alone time and feeling the blues, I would always reach for one of his albums and it would take me away from the confusion and stresses in life.
Back to the Album and using a bit of Wiki - Blond On Blonde is the seventh studio album by the American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, released as a double album on June 20, 1966.
Critics often rank Blonde on Blonde as one of the greatest albums of all time. Combining the expertise of Nashville session musicians with a modernist literary sensibility, the album's songs have been described as operating on a grand scale musically, while featuring lyrics one critic called "a unique mixture of the visionary and the colloquial".It was one of the first double albums in rock music.
The album peaked at number nine on the Billboard Top LPs chart in the US, where it eventually was certified double platinum, and it reached number three in the UK. Blonde on Blonde spawned two singles that were top-twenty hits in the US: "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35" and "I Want You". Two additional songs—"Just Like a Woman" and "Visions of Johanna"—have been named as among Dylan's greatest compositions and were featured in Rolling Stone's "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time" list in 2003. In 1999, the album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and was ranked number 38 in Rolling Stone's list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" in 2020
-
Now, I know many on here can’t stand Dylan and I will have my bingo card at the ready for how many will say ‘it’s just his voice is unbearable’ or something like that – but hopefully away from the endless discussion about his voice some will enjoy the music, the lyrics, the imagery and much more from this. Enjoy!
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Black&White&BlueMoon Town
Well-Known Member
Very nice write-up, felt like I was there seeing all of this take place, all the way to the Co-Op.
Looking forward to giving this a re-listen and cheers on picking such a great year for a release of great things! ;-)
journolud
Well-Known Member
1966!? I had no idea this album was that old. For some reason the only Dylan album I've ever really been able to take to is Highway 61 which I love, it has a fairly unique mood. I've listened to this before and discarded it so will be interesting to give it another go.
Black&White&BlueMoon Town
Well-Known Member
This is the first reviewed album that actually might have a page on this thread discussing it in the year it was released. D-Day is in 2 pages. Those of us numbers obsessed think like that. ;-)
BlueHammer85
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Highway 61 is like the Sister album to this one for me, both superb and released within months together - crazy how he was churning out these songs in short succession, similar to the Beatles - Blonde On Blonde is probably a bit more melodic and richer than Highway 61 so just gets the edge.
RobMCFC
Well-Known Member
I thought you'd go for this sooner or later. It was the leopard-skin hat that gave it away.
Kippaxpete
Well-Known Member
I hope that bingo card includes an entry for Dylan's much derided mouth organ playing BH! I'm not a huge Dylan fan but, in spite of his detractors in the harmonica department, I quite enjoy its raw quality.