Bill Walker
Well-Known Member
Still can.
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The Album Review Club - Week #147 - (page 1942) - Blonde On Blonde - Bob Dylan
- Thread starter RobMCFC
- Start date
mancity2012_eamo
Well-Known Member
More so now?Still can.
journolud
Well-Known Member
Big Country didn't register with me at all when they were first around. It may be that I consciously or unconsciously disregarded them due to the connection to the Skids who I remember thinking were a bit shit at the time, probably due to some daft prejudice and based on only hearing one song.
I've no idea either how I came to own the Crossing on CD. Could have been a charity shop but more likely during a trip to Sifters when I was buying a few CDs, had some that I was actually after and then threw this one in. So taking a punt.
I can't remember either whether I liked this instantly or it grew on me but I'd have to say it's high up on my list of favourite albums, certainly of artists that I only have one album of. I've not had the same response to other Big Country albums but there is something about this one that does it for me.
I'm not Scottish but spent some formative years there and have an affection for the place. There's a risk of succumbing to the twee though, tartan picnic rugs and soft toys of Nessie. Guitars that sound like bagpipes? It's far from twee but can understand it's not for everyone. It's certainly a pretty unique sound. A band or an album need a bit more than a gimmick to get by though and I think this album achieves that, comfortably.
Criticisms about the mix are valid, the voice is low down but I've got used to it and it doesn't bother me. This is one of those albums that work for me as w a whole. I wouldn't countenance putting the odd track on. If it's playing in the car I want to know the journey will cover it. I don't know why but that's how it is.
Some of the themes covered, if I'm reading it right, such as domestic drudgery and violence and social despair are not the usual fare of pop/rock music and I don't think I've heard many bands attempt it in the way that I think it is on this album. (Glasvegas' first album is the only other album I can think of, I'm sure there are plenty though). There is of course more breadth to it.
So, how to score it. It's not a ten. I gave 9 to the last album up for review and I don't think this is as good as that. But it hangs together very well for me, it's an album I play a lot irrespective of whether it's up for review or not and a comfortable 8
I've no idea either how I came to own the Crossing on CD. Could have been a charity shop but more likely during a trip to Sifters when I was buying a few CDs, had some that I was actually after and then threw this one in. So taking a punt.
I can't remember either whether I liked this instantly or it grew on me but I'd have to say it's high up on my list of favourite albums, certainly of artists that I only have one album of. I've not had the same response to other Big Country albums but there is something about this one that does it for me.
I'm not Scottish but spent some formative years there and have an affection for the place. There's a risk of succumbing to the twee though, tartan picnic rugs and soft toys of Nessie. Guitars that sound like bagpipes? It's far from twee but can understand it's not for everyone. It's certainly a pretty unique sound. A band or an album need a bit more than a gimmick to get by though and I think this album achieves that, comfortably.
Criticisms about the mix are valid, the voice is low down but I've got used to it and it doesn't bother me. This is one of those albums that work for me as w a whole. I wouldn't countenance putting the odd track on. If it's playing in the car I want to know the journey will cover it. I don't know why but that's how it is.
Some of the themes covered, if I'm reading it right, such as domestic drudgery and violence and social despair are not the usual fare of pop/rock music and I don't think I've heard many bands attempt it in the way that I think it is on this album. (Glasvegas' first album is the only other album I can think of, I'm sure there are plenty though). There is of course more breadth to it.
So, how to score it. It's not a ten. I gave 9 to the last album up for review and I don't think this is as good as that. But it hangs together very well for me, it's an album I play a lot irrespective of whether it's up for review or not and a comfortable 8
Saddleworth2
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- 27 Jan 2014
- Messages
- 21,722
To the Scottish politics thread.....More so now?
RobMCFC
Well-Known Member
Happy anniversary to us! It is one year ago today that I posted the first album for review.
Week#49 is now done and @Saddleworth2 's nomination, The Crossing, managed a very respectable average of 6.63 across 15 voters. Another good nomination that seemed to stir lots of memories for people.
Now it's over to @OB1 to post some clues for this weeks choice.
(Based on his first three nominations, and my knowledge of his favourite artists in the bands poll, I reckon I know who the artist might be ...... but am now expecting a curveball!)
Week#49 is now done and @Saddleworth2 's nomination, The Crossing, managed a very respectable average of 6.63 across 15 voters. Another good nomination that seemed to stir lots of memories for people.
Now it's over to @OB1 to post some clues for this weeks choice.
(Based on his first three nominations, and my knowledge of his favourite artists in the bands poll, I reckon I know who the artist might be ...... but am now expecting a curveball!)
OB1
Well-Known Member
The opening clue is that the magical album I have chosen to review will sort the boys from the men.
BlueHammer85
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- 13 Oct 2010
- Messages
- 36,847
Boyz II Men - Cooleyhighharmony