The Album Review Club - Week #195 (page 1310) - A New World Record - ELO

Only a quick review from me as I listened to this whilst having the match on in the background.

It was ok, not particularly original and felt like someone who thought he was Elton John but didn't have the ability or melody and the lyrics were meh. I won't come back to it again, but wouldn't object if someone else wanted to listen to it.

5/10.
 
The Beginning reminds me of something else, or something else reminds me of it, or maybe I'm just remembering it from when it was out? Cognitive decline, boooo.
 
From YTM comments:
(Last track)


"The random dialogue that appears in the song is from the 1987 movie "The Sicilian" which Seal watched and became inspired by, and was the reason why this song was written."
 
threespires said:
The Beginning reminds me of something else, or something else reminds me of it, or maybe I'm just remembering it from when it was out? Cognitive decline, boooo.
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It reminds me of Red Alert by Basement Jax because superficially the chorus is similar. The verse melody also reminds me of something else I've not been able to place
 
Seal:1991 by Seal was a very pleasant surprise with much to commend with a refusal to remain in one mode for any length of time. I'll consider this album as existing with 3 distinct flavours with the excellent vocals from Seal anchoring all three courses.

The first modality is the electronic dance style as seen on The Beginning, Crazy(ish) and Killer. The Beginning is saved from dreadfulness and cliche and the worse chorus on the album by an almost intriguing verse lyric and melody. It is perhaps 1 minute to long and although the acoustic outro is fine it is probably unnecessary. Crazy and Killer were from memory the two biggest hits on the album and although I was never a big fan of Crazy upon release I've always really liked Killer. It's probably not the best song on the album but it is my favourite. The bass sounds huge and full but there is still enough headroom in the track to add an electric guitar.

The second modality reveals itself in a singer songwriter soulful vibe such as Deep Water, Whirlpool,Wild, Show Me and Violet. These modes are probably the real meat of the album and what caused my surprised reaction. This is where the album is really strong but also where it lets me down.

The third modality is press a button on a piece of equipment and let the demo track play. This is best seen on the back end of Deep Water, the bass on Future Love Paradise and little bits of Wild and Violet. These are the weakest moments for me and although I can admire how nice and smooth everything sounds there is tonally lots of sounds that I just don't enjoy the flavour of.

It is in the tension of the second and third modalities that stop me having an enthusiastic 8 or 9 for this album. I flip from wishing the chill tracks like Whirlpool showed a little less restraint - it seems a huge oversight that this track doesn't have some drums on it. Then I wish some of the production choices were slightly different on tracks like the second half of Deep Water. I think possibly the issue is in how the bass is played on these tracks - it is just a tone and style I don't like.

I think some of my slight criticisms may be solved by Seal being part of a band and adding some additional spice and flavour to the chiller tracks and less to the slight excess of the tracks I don't vibe with. The end result is a satisfying 7 and a realisation that Seal is an artist I have underestimated over the years. Good nomination
 
mrbelfry said:
Sometimes if something doesn't make sense it's not because you're old it's because it is nonsensical.
Click to expand...


Once I'd established with Chat GPT what an FOC was, this is what it told me you were saying. Should Mrs B have a pop at any point you can tell her that at least one GAI thinks you are infact 'playful'...

Explanation of Cultural References​


This passage is packed with references to American TV, pop culture, and internet slang. Here’s a breakdown:

Ben Folds and Google Speeches​


Ben Folds is an American singer-songwriter and pianist known for his clever, emotional lyrics and quirky style. The mention of him doing speeches at Google refers to a trend where tech companies invite musicians, writers, and thinkers to give inspirational talks. It suggests that Folds, once considered a bit edgy, has now become a respectable, corporate-friendly figure.

Bill Lawrence Shows on Apple TV​


Bill Lawrence is a TV producer best known for Scrubs, Ted Lasso, and Shrinking. His shows tend to be warm, comedic, and emotionally engaging, with a mix of slapstick and sentimental moments. The fact that his shows now appear on Apple TV+ (a premium streaming service owned by one of the biggest tech companies in the world) reinforces the idea that his work has a polished, ‘corporate quirky’ feel.

“Corporate Cool Quirky”​


This describes a type of media or culture that tries to be both mainstream and ‘alternative’ at the same time. Think of trendy brands like Innocent Smoothies or BrewDog—cool enough to feel different but still very much part of the corporate world.

“Safe Bad Guy” and Weed Smoking Reference

Ben Folds is being framed as someone who was once rebellious but in a way that’s now socially acceptable. The line about telling your friends you smoked weed with him is a joke about how people like to exaggerate their youthful wildness in a way that’s safe and unimpressive.

Curated Diverse Group of Friends

This refers to the modern tendency—especially in TV and social media—for friend groups to be carefully balanced in terms of race, gender, and personality types. It’s a critique of how diversity can sometimes feel like a checklist rather than an organic part of storytelling.

Dr Cox and ‘Calling Out Your BS’

Dr Cox is a character from Scrubs, a medical comedy-drama. He’s known for being brutally honest and sarcastic, often delivering tough love to his colleagues. When he “calls out your BS,” it means he’s telling someone harsh truths they don’t want to hear.

The Fugitive (Not Harrison Ford, the Other Guy)​


This refers to Tommy Lee Jones, who played a US Marshal in The Fugitive (1993), opposite Harrison Ford. The joke is that he seems to randomly appear in sentimental TV moments, which is a playful exaggeration.

Giving Each Other Rocks with Huge Significance

A jab at the way sentimental TV moments often feature characters exchanging symbolic gifts (like meaningful rocks) that are supposed to represent personal growth. However,
because these shows don’t want to seem too cheesy, they also make fun of the moment to keep it feeling ‘cool’.

Poison Dance

This likely refers to a viral dance associated with the song Poison by Bell Biv DeVoe, a 1990s R&B group. It represents an over-the-top, fun way of trying to improve yourself.

Talking to Teenagers on Benches (Not a ‘Peado’)

This is a joke about how, in sentimental TV shows, characters often mentor younger people in a meaningful way. The speaker humorously reassures us that it’s not creepy—flipping the expectation that a grown man talking to teenagers on a bench might seem suspect. The sweets joke reverses the usual concern (adults luring kids with sweets) by suggesting the kids are the ones bringing him treats.

Ben Folds’ Time

A song by Ben Folds, often used in emotional moments. The line “time takes time” is about personal growth and healing. It fits with the theme of self-improvement in sentimental TV shows.

“Enjoy the Smooth Creamy Latte from Starbucks”

This mocks how self-care culture often boils down to treating yourself to something nice, like an expensive coffee, rather than addressing deeper issues.

“You Deserve it, Queen” & “Mid but Classy”

  • “You deserve it, queen” is internet slang, often used jokingly or sincerely to hype someone up (like “Go on, treat yourself!”).
  • “Mid” is slang for something that’s average or mediocre. Saying “at least you’re classy” suggests that even if you’re not exceptional, you can at least carry yourself with some dignity.

Overall Meaning

The passage is playfully critiquing a certain type of modern TV storytelling: sentimental but self-aware, polished but pretending to be quirky. It’s about how media packages emotional moments into neat, controlled experiences where everyone grows just the right amount—but never too much. And in the end, we’re all just comforting ourselves with lattes and nostalgia.
 
threespires said:
Once I'd established with Chat GPT what an FOC was, this is what it told me you were saying. Should Mrs B have a pop at any point you can tell her that at least one GAI thinks you are infact 'playful'...

Explanation of Cultural References​


This passage is packed with references to American TV, pop culture, and internet slang. Here’s a breakdown:

Ben Folds and Google Speeches​


Ben Folds is an American singer-songwriter and pianist known for his clever, emotional lyrics and quirky style. The mention of him doing speeches at Google refers to a trend where tech companies invite musicians, writers, and thinkers to give inspirational talks. It suggests that Folds, once considered a bit edgy, has now become a respectable, corporate-friendly figure.

Bill Lawrence Shows on Apple TV​


Bill Lawrence is a TV producer best known for Scrubs, Ted Lasso, and Shrinking. His shows tend to be warm, comedic, and emotionally engaging, with a mix of slapstick and sentimental moments. The fact that his shows now appear on Apple TV+ (a premium streaming service owned by one of the biggest tech companies in the world) reinforces the idea that his work has a polished, ‘corporate quirky’ feel.

“Corporate Cool Quirky”​


This describes a type of media or culture that tries to be both mainstream and ‘alternative’ at the same time. Think of trendy brands like Innocent Smoothies or BrewDog—cool enough to feel different but still very much part of the corporate world.

“Safe Bad Guy” and Weed Smoking Reference

Ben Folds is being framed as someone who was once rebellious but in a way that’s now socially acceptable. The line about telling your friends you smoked weed with him is a joke about how people like to exaggerate their youthful wildness in a way that’s safe and unimpressive.

Curated Diverse Group of Friends

This refers to the modern tendency—especially in TV and social media—for friend groups to be carefully balanced in terms of race, gender, and personality types. It’s a critique of how diversity can sometimes feel like a checklist rather than an organic part of storytelling.

Dr Cox and ‘Calling Out Your BS’

Dr Cox is a character from Scrubs, a medical comedy-drama. He’s known for being brutally honest and sarcastic, often delivering tough love to his colleagues. When he “calls out your BS,” it means he’s telling someone harsh truths they don’t want to hear.

The Fugitive (Not Harrison Ford, the Other Guy)​


This refers to Tommy Lee Jones, who played a US Marshal in The Fugitive (1993), opposite Harrison Ford. The joke is that he seems to randomly appear in sentimental TV moments, which is a playful exaggeration.

Giving Each Other Rocks with Huge Significance

A jab at the way sentimental TV moments often feature characters exchanging symbolic gifts (like meaningful rocks) that are supposed to represent personal growth. However,
because these shows don’t want to seem too cheesy, they also make fun of the moment to keep it feeling ‘cool’.

Poison Dance

This likely refers to a viral dance associated with the song Poison by Bell Biv DeVoe, a 1990s R&B group. It represents an over-the-top, fun way of trying to improve yourself.

Talking to Teenagers on Benches (Not a ‘Peado’)

This is a joke about how, in sentimental TV shows, characters often mentor younger people in a meaningful way. The speaker humorously reassures us that it’s not creepy—flipping the expectation that a grown man talking to teenagers on a bench might seem suspect. The sweets joke reverses the usual concern (adults luring kids with sweets) by suggesting the kids are the ones bringing him treats.

Ben Folds’ Time

A song by Ben Folds, often used in emotional moments. The line “time takes time” is about personal growth and healing. It fits with the theme of self-improvement in sentimental TV shows.

“Enjoy the Smooth Creamy Latte from Starbucks”

This mocks how self-care culture often boils down to treating yourself to something nice, like an expensive coffee, rather than addressing deeper issues.

“You Deserve it, Queen” & “Mid but Classy”

  • “You deserve it, queen” is internet slang, often used jokingly or sincerely to hype someone up (like “Go on, treat yourself!”).
  • “Mid” is slang for something that’s average or mediocre. Saying “at least you’re classy” suggests that even if you’re not exceptional, you can at least carry yourself with some dignity.

Overall Meaning

The passage is playfully critiquing a certain type of modern TV storytelling: sentimental but self-aware, polished but pretending to be quirky. It’s about how media packages emotional moments into neat, controlled experiences where everyone grows just the right amount—but never too much. And in the end, we’re all just comforting ourselves with lattes and nostalgia.
Click to expand...
It got a lot of it right. Sad that I'm so transparent :(
 
Coatigan said:
Thanks for highlighting.

Probably best to swap you and @Mrs Grumpy as he seems ready-ish, and keep the other two as they are?

New list would be

26/03/2025 @Mancitydoogle
02/04/2025 @Mr Grumpy

09/04/2025 @Big Joe Corrigan
16/04/2025 @Kippaxpete
23/04/2025 @GoatersLeftShin

Any issues anyone, please come forward to allow others to bump up.
Click to expand...
Speaking of upcoming nominations..

Conscious the two next posters on the list have not been seen on this thread for months, and a couple @s from myself and Rob haven't got a reaponse one way or the other.

@GoatersLeftShin do you think you could be able to be ready for the 09/04 on standby if there are no-shows?

If not, bring you forward by one week to the 16th to finish this round off, and I can fill the week of the 9th with a curator's choice album on short notice. (don't worry everyone the album in mind as a back-up isn't one of 'mine' as it stands, in fact I haven't listened to it myself).
 
Coatigan said:
Speaking of upcoming nominations..

Conscious the two next posters on the list have not been seen on this thread for months, and a couple @s from myself and Rob haven't got a reaponse one way or the other.

@GoatersLeftShin do you think you could be able to be ready for the 09/04 on standby if there are no-shows?

If not, bring you forward by one week to the 16th to finish this round off, and I can fill the week of the 9th with a curator's choice album on short notice. (don't worry everyone the album in mind as a back-up isn't one of 'mine' as it stands, in fact I haven't listened to it myself).
Click to expand...

We could have a 'try again' round where people could atone for their lack of taste the first time round. I have just the album in mind:-)
 
Coatigan said:
Speaking of upcoming nominations..

Conscious the two next posters on the list have not been seen on this thread for months, and a couple @s from myself and Rob haven't got a reaponse one way or the other.

@GoatersLeftShin do you think you could be able to be ready for the 09/04 on standby if there are no-shows?

If not, bring you forward by one week to the 16th to finish this round off, and I can fill the week of the 9th with a curator's choice album on short notice. (don't worry everyone the album in mind as a back-up isn't one of 'mine' as it stands, in fact I haven't listened to it myself).
Click to expand...
I should be able to put something together - leave it with me!
 
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