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

OB1 said:
This is basically my review from last time we reviewed this album. Maybe a bit harsh given that I did buy the album but I do still think it is massively overrated so I am unrepentant.
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Totally agree. The huge overkill on the synths here alone would be enough to put most reviewers off most other albums, so I'm genuinely surprised that it is so highly regarded. Nostalgia is a strong emotion (and rose-tinted specs are doing a roaring trade).
 
Further listens to this following my previous comments haven't done anything to shaft my perception of it, or the Talking Heads as being a tad dull. I'll keep Once in a Lifetime on my playlists and play Remain in Light from time to time but not heard anything to make me want to explore further. I get that these are a very popular choice and the film has gone down well but this is no more than a 6 for me
 
mrbelfry said:
If people think Byrne killed Pyscho Killer then you've not heard anything yet!
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I don't object to Miley Cyrus per se but that cover is just criminal pap. One of my kids alerted me to the existence of the album so I had a listen, with a couple of exceptions I thought it was pretty lame.
 
I do love the strong feelings either way on all offerings that folks put forward. Its funny when you get such strident views, which is reinforced by the (almost) universal love in for Oasis.
It always reminds me....
Talking Heads, just a band
Oasis, just a band
 
threespires said:
I don't object to Miley Cyrus per se but that cover is just criminal pap. One of my kids alerted me to the existence of the album so I had a listen, with a couple of exceptions I thought it was pretty lame.
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You can absolutely say Byrne is not a great vocalist but those songs without his voice lack a certain something
 
LGWIO said:
I do love the strong feelings either way on all offerings that folks put forward. Its funny when you get such strident views, which is reinforced by the (almost) universal love in for Oasis.
It always reminds me....
Talking Heads, just a band
Oasis, just a band
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Liverpool, just a football te…

Oh wait ;)
 
So to the album....

Having watched the film I have listened to the music a few times more. It was like watching the concert with an empty seat in front and suddenly the largest widest tallest person with a six gallon hat sits directly in front of you. You can still hear the music but can't see a bloody thing! How frustrating is that?
The visuals definitely help massively but having enjoyed the film so much I did hear the music with far less jaded ears. Tracks that sounded 'samey' before were now far more defined. I appreciated the instrumentation far more - that is one hell of a rhythm section with the wonderful Tina Weymouth and Chris Franz. The band fizzes and the groove is very strong. I didn't dislike any of the tracks but particularly enjoyed Al Greens Take me to the River, Slippery People, Life during Wartime and all the singles. A great concert paces itself. Some build to a climax, relax a bit then build again. This built track by track and just kept going.

There has been lots of discussion about vocal style and singing being secondary to the music. I think this album nails that little diversion. Without Byrne's vocals and the completely wonderful backing singers this album would be a shadow of what it is. Ok, he will not feature in any opera anytime soon but his delivery is absolutely perfect for this music.

Thankyou @LGWIO, I forgive you for the football team you support (almost). This was a wonderful pick and I will give it 8 for the content and 1 for introducing me to the film and ensuring I will play this repeatedly and explore TH back catalogue. That's a 9.
 
Saddleworth2 said:
So to the album....

Having watched the film I have listened to the music a few times more. It was like watching the concert with an empty seat in front and suddenly the largest widest tallest person with a six gallon hat sits directly in front of you. You can still hear the music but can't see a bloody thing! How frustrating is that?
The visuals definitely help massively but having enjoyed the film so much I did hear the music with far less jaded ears. Tracks that sounded 'samey' before were now far more defined. I appreciated the instrumentation far more - that is one hell of a rhythm section with the wonderful Tina Weymouth and Chris Franz. The band fizzes and the groove is very strong. I didn't dislike any of the tracks but particularly enjoyed Al Greens Take me to the River, Slippery People, Life during Wartime and all the singles. A great concert paces itself. Some build to a climax, relax a bit then build again. This built track by track and just kept going.

There has been lots of discussion about vocal style and singing being secondary to the music. I think this album nails that little diversion. Without Byrne's vocals and the completely wonderful backing singers this album would be a shadow of what it is. Ok, he will not feature in any opera anytime soon but his delivery is absolutely perfect for this music.

Thankyou @LGWIO, I forgive you for the football team you support (almost). This was a wonderful pick and I will give it 8 for the content and 1 for introducing me to the film and ensuring I will play this repeatedly and explore TH back catalogue. That's a 9.
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NO! Thank you.
Forget the scoring, its the fact that one person may have discovered/enjoyed something they wouldnt have heard before. That to me is what is wonderful about this. Its how I felt about Fantastic Negrito and to a degree Budos Band. Both wonderful "finds", that I doubt I would ever have listened to.
Now its time for quick change and head up to Belfast for the Pixies. I may even have a little drink tonight.
Keep safe all
 
LGWIO said:
NO! Thank you.
Forget the scoring, its the fact that one person may have discovered/enjoyed something they wouldnt have heard before. That to me is what is wonderful about this. Its how I felt about Fantastic Negrito and to a degree Budos Band. Both wonderful "finds", that I doubt I would ever have listened to.
Now its time for quick change and head up to Belfast for the Pixies. I may even have a little drink tonight.
Keep safe all
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Enjoy it mate.
 
RobMCFC said:
Totally agree. The huge overkill on the synths here alone would be enough to put most reviewers off most other albums, so I'm genuinely surprised that it is so highly regarded. Nostalgia is a strong emotion (and rose-tinted specs are doing a roaring trade).
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Or they just like it is another possibility:-)
 
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