#Album Review

[spectrumpulse]

#2024 #music #spectrum pulse #album review #taylor swift #the tort #the tortured poets department #pop #Youtube

[girlreviews]

Review #146: Parallel Lines, Blondie

Man oh man oh man. I love Blondie so much. I found this record in the Windsor Oxfam. I don’t remember exactly how old I was, but I remember what boyfriend was with me so that puts me between 15 and 18. Yeah, same guy. I actually don’t remember if he ended up getting his hands on this record or not. I think I still have it. Will rifle through my collection later to check.

Blondie was in the “being cool” wilderness for some absolutely crazy reason at that point, and nobody really gave a shit about them anymore. When I was 17 or 18 they were playing the Reading Hexagon which is honestly still just such an unbelievable insult I’m still annoyed about it. I’ll circle back to that.

Parallel Lines epitomizes the complete and total coolness and badassery of Debbie Harry. I have never wanted to be someone more than I wanted to be her. So much confidence. Such incredible cheekbones. Such commitment to art. No apologies. The voice of an angel one moment and snarling whimsical warnings, like, hey you, don’t fuck with me, the next. Always standing in front of all of those completely non-descript nobody dudes. Yeah they’re playing the music, but who cares, who are they? It’s all her. She is Blondie.

Can I pick a favorite? It opens with Hanging on the Telephone, in which she is really threatening to rip the phone clean off the wall. It might be that one. But we’ve also got the classic One Way Or Another, which needs no comment, and one of my actual favorites of all time, Heart of Glass which never fails to fuck me up, but like, it’s a god damn disco track? Like sure, yeah, let’s boogie away our heart break. And I did. And I have. And I will. And these are all SINGLES. We aren’t even discussing the actual album tracks yet. Just listen to it. Honorable mention goes to Sunday Girl, which I always really loved. It’s cute and it’s kind of sweet in a very teenage girl kind of way that worked for me since I was in fact, a teenage girl. Also, not on the official album release, but there was a version of that track where the latter half was sung entirely in French and I always really dug it.

Okay so circling back to the Hexagon. This is a weird story and I’m still not sure how I feel about it, to this day. As I said, Blondie were playing a show at the Hexagon. I was absolutely obsessed with them, and Debbie Harry. I was also 17 or 18 and spent every penny I had on going to shows, but those pennies were pretty limited. I worked as a waitress at the pub that was two doors down from my house. It was full of characters. One such character was a regular, he was in his late 40s, was very wealthy, didn’t drive, was single, and spent literally every bit of his spare time in that pub. Think on that. He paid a lot of attention to the various young women that worked there. Was he creepy? No not exactly. But did it make you uncomfortable? Yes it did. Because you never knew when he might make it weird. Everyone liked him well enough. One day out of the blue this guy presented me with five tickets to the Blondie show. I didn’t know what in the hell to say or whether to accept them. Or what it meant. Whether there were expectations attached to them. Whether it was okay to take them. I was uncomfortable. I was 17.

Here’s what happened. My Mom, who sort of knew him too, since he was always there, decided it was fine, because she wanted to go. But for it to be okay, she decided he also had to come. So we went, he came, and a few friends too. The thing is though, she never knew him like I did. I saw him every day. I saw him with the other girls that worked at the pub. I saw him drunk off his ass. I don’t know that I ever would have taken the tickets. Or if I did, I’m not sure I ever would have invited him. I feel a bit queasy about it to this day. I think in the end something really off-base happened one night between him and someone on staff and he got barred. That was usually the way it went with regulars who were there that often.

The other thing to note is that Blondie ended because Debbie Harry was with Chris Stein, who was literally dying of some rare autoimmune disease throughout their last tour. There were other factors at play, but essentially, they broke up because he was too sick and she stayed at his side and became his full-time carer. When he was well, he left her. They are, remarkably, still close friends to this day and still perform together. Just never forget that men are dogs, and that Blondie is and always will be Debbie Harry. I love her. To this day she looks better than I do in a mini skirt and I love that for her.

ETA: I checked and in fact, I do not still have Parallel Lines in my record collection, but I am quite confident it got lost when I moved back to the US. Also, I’m not 100% certain that show was at the Reading Hexagon. I just know it was a shitty venue not worthy of Blondie. This was 18 years ago. You get the idea.

#album review #music #music review #rolling stone top 500 #blondie #parallel lines #debbie harry

[crying-screaming-throwingup]

my thoughts on prelude to ecstasy:

the intro orchestral movement?? it felt like something out of a roman period piece. it was so perfect and just *chefs kiss* and the ending crescendo was so gorgeous

burn alive felt so dramatic like watching the lead up to a murder “let me make my grief a commodity” and “there is candle wax melting in my veins” are just such poetic lyrics. the guitar riff during the verse feels like a warning- eerie and stark. “i am not the girl i set out to be” is such a raw line it makes me feral omfg. abigail morris’ final line felt like an open wound

i’ve heard caesar on a tv screen before but in the context of the album as a whole changes it. it’s almost like a sequel of sorts, showing what she “set out to be”. musically, the contrast between the verse and chorus itches a scratch on my brain. “champion of my fate” feels so spiteful idk why

the feminine urge gives lana vibes maybe cause of the darker imagery and tone. it feels like a performer cracking their mask. “i am a dark red liver stretched out on the rocks” is sUCH A GOOD LYRIC. “to nurture to wounds my mother had” killed me my god

again i’ve heard on your side before but the album changes the feelings within it. if the feminine urge was the cracking of the mask then this song is the removal of it. it is vulnerable and raw and open about love and shame. the vocals feel like they’re pleading but already resigned- it’s heartbreaking

the flute opening for beautiful boy sounds so wistful. this so is so queer omg. “what good are red lips when faced with something dark” the lone piano chords in the chorus plus the harmonies are so ethereal they make me feel like i’m at my funeral service.

gjuha makes me feel like i’m intruding on something private, a ritual between a girl and a god. THE TRANSITION OMFG

the placement of gjuha before sinner MAKES ME FEEL THINGS OMG. like the contrast of imagery, between sin and holiness. “TURN TO THE ALTAR OF LUST” this song made me feral when i first heard it and it makes me feral now like omg. the religious imagery in this entire album is so interesting

my lady of mercy’s bass line is so groovy and perfect and amazing. and the percussive claps are so amazing. again, this so is so queer™️. the heavier sound in the chorus is so amazing and the bridge makes me feel like i’m fighting my final stand and praying to win

i love the stripped back piano of portrait of a dead girl compared with my lady of mercy. even further in the track, it remains kinda mellow and softer but no less direct. “the dignity of letting me go” when it finally gets more upbeat it the chorus it rly doesn’t disappoint. and the strings omg. also song title could be a nod to the album cover or vice versa??

the beginning of nothing matters feels like a prayer and the harp is so bloody good. “a sailor and a nightingale dancing in convertibles” the guitar riffs in the second verse are so funky i love it and the solo just makes me want to dance.

mirror feels like the end of the battle- the drums and solemn voice. it’s the end of the performance, the final death. “pretty glass and empty heart” death of the performer is the death of the album. but the final fifty seconds feels like a rebirth in a way, growth and renewal.

i don’t know if u could tell but i fricking loved this album like it’s everything i’ve ever wanted in terms of vibes and blend of dramatics and sincereness. i’m just praying that i get tickets omg

#the last dinner party #prelude to ecstasy #new album #album review #album recommendation

[album-a-day-project]

2/20/24

Yeat

2093

====

This is my first time listening to Yeat at length. I've come to the realization that I don't need 22 tracks from artists like this anymore. He seems to use the same exact flows as Travis Scott, without the same level of entertainment value, maintaining a monotone voice throughout every single track.

Upon reviewing the credits, I noticed numerous writers listed for each track, as well as various 'TikTok Producers', which initially surprised me. It appears that we're witnessing the full evolution of Soundcloud rap into TikTok rap, with the first successful artists garnering substantial industry hype and financial backing. This is likely how Yeat managed to feature Future on the track 'Stand On It', which falls flat.

There's undoubtedly a place for this type of music, and Yeat appears to be leading the charge in the zone of TikTok rap. However, the repetitive and uninspired lyrics fail to drive the overall industry forward. By the end of this album, I find myself thoroughly exhausted. Thankfully, it's finally over.

5/10

#5bones #yeat #2093 #tictok #album #spotify #albumreview #musicdiscovery #album review #albumoftheday #nowplaying #now listening #Music Review #Music Recommendation

[scarlet-and-ultraviolet]

Source: (credit to Luke & Chris from Sleep Token Fan Group on Facebook)

#sleep token #article #album review #metal hammer #im SO excited now!!! #aaaaaahhhh

[vibeswithlarysa]

you just have to be there

#tumblr 2014 #2014 tumblr #2014 aesthetic #lana del rey vinyl #tumblr grunge #sky ferreira #2014 soft grunge #sky+ferreira #lana del rey #badlands #the 1975 #the neighbourhood #born to die #ultraviolence #taylor swift #swifties #matty healy #i miss 2014 #lyrics quotes #album review #lana del rey lyrics #arctic monkeys #alex turner #girl blogger #tumblr girl #artists on tumblr #lizzie grant #tumblrcore #jesse rutherford

[reminiscentreader]

TTPD original thoughts

Fornight (feat post malone) - 6.5 definitely not what I was expecting, it was a great starting track but not really my style

The tortured poets department - 7 this was so sparkly?!? Like not what I was expecting BUT OMG THE BRIDGE i was sobbing

My boy only breaks his favourite toys - 8 this was so fucking good what the hell, it was so different but so good

Down bad - 9 MY FAV SO FAR (im writing these as im listening) this song is so so amazing like “fuck it if i cant have him.“

So long, london - 10 i- cant even, i knew it was gonna be sad but holy shit. I take back what i said about down bad, as a london girlie this is my fav

But daddy i love him- 10 why is every song on this album an absolute banger, this shit my sing HOW TF AM I GONNA RANK THESE LATer

Fresh out the slammer- 7 this song was good but like didnt really leave a lasting impression?!?

guilty as sin? -9.5 THIS ALBUM JUST KEEPS SUPRISING ME, I originally thought that I wasn’t gonna like this one but omg it’s so good

whos afraid of little old me? - another 9, I just- *deep breaths* it’s like the perfect combo of only the young and mad women

i can fix him (no really I can) - 8 she’s so delusional and I love it, she’s just like the rest of fr

loml - 9 the loss of my life theory omg I’m just- *sobbing and screaming* I can’t even rn how am I still alive

i can do It with a broken heart - another fucking 10 I told yall, I told yall that this would be my song and holy shit in fact it was it was so good guys, so unhinged I loved it

the smallest man who ever lived - 9 she dragged his ass so hard omg. this song. The second verse in screaming,

the alchemy - 10 I knew I KNEW THIS WOULD BE SO GOOD the cringey classic high school lovers OMG I EAT THAT SHIT UP Taylor is serving so hard

clara bow - 9 one of my fav songs from red is the lucky one, so obviously I was looking forward to this one so much, BUT LIKE THE NAME DROP?!? What the actually hell I loved it, the perfect album finisher

#the tortured poets department #taylor swift #ts11 #tswift #ttpd #album review

[hookhausen]

wwe stans and even some of their wrestlers are out here making some vague ass tweets like theyre on some fucking high ground lmao yall

im gonna need you all to sit this one out bc your former ceo and his company is knees fucking deep in a disgusting lawsuit at the moment so i do not! want! to! hear! it!

#aew #album review #dynamite #aew dynamite #cm punk #jack perry

[stylesslytherinskywalker]

new video out!

#hayden christensen #anakin skywalker #darth vader #james kelly #sam monroe #scott barringer #clay beresford #david rice #kurt matheson #leo campoli #spotify #bookblr #books #books and reading #london #taylornation #taylor swift #taylors version #the tortured poets department #ttpd #Poems #youtube #new video #vlog #new album #album review

[reallyunluckyrunaway]

what is the best Glass Animals song?

#glass animals #music #music video #artistsupport #music artists #song of the day #song #songs #favorite songs #playlist #album #album review #tumblr polls #my polls #poll time #tournament poll

[ok-albumreview]

The Downward Spiral by Nine Inch Nails (10/10)

BEST SONG: "Hurt" WORST SONG: "The Downward Spiral"

An essentially flawless album that makes it clear why Nine Inch Nails is one of the biggest industrial bands in the world. Abrasive synths, loud drums, and destroyed-sounding guitars that all culminate in the auditory equivalent of a bomb exploding right between your ears (in a very good way).

#music #album #album review #the downward spiral #nine inch nails

[akumanoshonen1]

New Blue Sun: A Review

By: Akuma Nensho

11/17/23

With his most recent release, New Blue Sun, André 3000 shines as a ray of creative freedom and aural creativity in a world overflowing with pop singles and formulaic rap. Without any lyrics or rapping, this genre-bending record is proof of his limitless inventiveness and steadfast dedication to pushing the frontiers of music.

From the very first note, this album transports listeners to a realm of ethereal beauty, where the virtuosic melodies of flutes and other woodwinds weave a tapestry of sonic textures that are both captivating and deeply meditative. André 3000's mastery of these instruments shines through in every composition, as he effortlessly blends traditional techniques with avant-garde experimentation, creating a soundscape that is both familiar and otherworldly.

Although André 3000's use of instruments is a radical shift from his earlier work, it seems to be a logical next step in his creative development. His versatility has always been demonstrated by his ability to move across genres with ease, from the psychedelic experimentation of The Love Below to the Southern hip-hop of OutKast. With this latest CD, he demonstrates an unmatched mastery of the instrumental medium, pushing his versatility to new limits.

The album's dreamlike aesthetic is further enhanced by its lack of vocals. Without the distraction of lyrics, the listener is forced to engage with the music on a deeper level, allowing the melodies and rhythms to wash over them and evoke a range of emotions. This approach demands a certain level of active listening, rewarding those who are willing to immerse themselves fully in the sonic experience.

I believe that New Blue Sun has the potential to inspire a new generation of musicians and listeners alike. It is an album that shows that music can be more than just a catchy tune or a clever lyric; it can be a journey of self-discovery, a catalyst for emotion, and a source of profound beauty.

André 3000 stands out as an example of artistic integrity in a period when trends and commercialism are typically the driving forces behind the music business. It is evidence of how music has the ability to transcend genres and establish a very intimate connection with listeners. I have no doubt that this record will go down as one of the most significant and important albums of our era.

#new blue sun #andre 3000 #album review

[hiphopncountrychick]

J. Cole: A Hip-Hop Icon Who Raps Without Guns, Gangs or Negativity

In the world of hip-hop, where the spotlight often shines on extravagant tales of violence, gangs, and materialism, one artist has consistently stood out for his commitment to authenticity and positivity. J. Cole, born Jermaine Lamarr Cole, is an iconic figure in the rap industry who has managed to make a profound impact without resorting to the glorification of guns, gangs, or negativity in his music. With thought-provoking lyrics and a dedication to being true to himself, J. Cole has carved out a unique path in the rap world.

On this special day, January 28th, we celebrate the birth of one of hip-hop's most influential figures - J Cole. Known for his insightful lyrics, powerful storytelling, and raw authenticity, J Cole has carved a niche for himself in the music industry. Let's dive into the remarkable journey of the artist who started rapping at the age of 12 and has since become a triple platinum-selling artist with his groundbreaking album, "2014 Forest Hill Drive."

Early Years and Passion for Hip-Hop:

Born Jermaine Lamarr Cole on January 28, 1985, in Frankfurt, Germany, J Cole developed a passion for hip-hop at a young age. Growing up in Fayetteville, North Carolina, he began rapping at the tender age of 12, showcasing his innate talent and determination to make a mark in the world of music.

The Struggles and Triumphs:

J Cole's journey to success was not without its challenges. After graduating magna cum laude from St. John's University, he faced the harsh realities of the music industry. Working odd jobs to support himself, Cole's perseverance eventually caught the attention of Roc Nation, where he would later cross paths with hip-hop mogul Jay-Z.

Meeting Jay-Z and Signing to Roc Nation:

In 2007, J. Cole was on a rap website and he read an article on how Jay Z was making his tenth studio album, American Gangster. J. Cole had high hopes of meeting Jay-Z and being signed under him.

After reading the article, J. Cole conceived of a plan on how he could make beats for Jay-Z’s American Gangster. He saw this as an opportunity, a calling from divine intervention to pursue this path to get himself in the limelight of music. He said it was as if “God is telling me to get on this album. So I was praying for it.” This was going to be how he was going to get on as a rapper.

With his plan in mind, Cole went to work and carefully selected all his best beats for Jay-Z. Cole and his friend got all the beats on a CD and waited outside the Roc the Mic studio in the rain waiting for Jay-Z to arrive. They had a hunch that Jay-Z would be there to finish working on the American Gangster album.

Two hours passed before Jay-Z showed up in a black Rolls Royce Phantom. The opportunity came, standing in front of J. Cole was the person who he had visualized, dreamt of meeting, and moved to New York for. This was the person who could hand him his ticket from his overdue rent and into stardom. As he walked up to Jay-Z, words refused to form but J. Cole mustered up the courage to approach Jay-Z and hand him the CD.

Jay-Z saw Cole and said “Man, I don’t want that.” Cole in an interview with ABC said that “I thought he was evil at that point — cause it caught me off guard, I had such high hopes, that just one little phrase like that from him.”

A year later, it was Jay-Z asking to meet J. Cole. The same person he previously dismissed. Veteran A&R Mark Pitts played for Jay-Z one song which lead to a three-hour meeting which lead to multiple meetings until eventually, J. Cole was officially the first artist signed to Roc Nation.

Things will materialize sooner or later as long as you stay persistent.

"2014 Forest Hill Drive": A Masterpiece Unveiled:

In 2014, J Cole released his magnum opus, "2014 Forest Hill Drive." This album, named after the address of his childhood home, is a deeply introspective work that earned critical acclaim and achieved triple platinum status. The tracks not only showcase Cole's lyrical prowess but also offer a raw and unfiltered glimpse into his life, covering themes of love, fame, and societal challenges.

A journey of trials and tribulations combined with lessons learned is what Jermaine Cole experiences. A vivid picture of each phase of his journey gets depicted beautifully to me.

In life, I believe that we all get distracted from different environments and prioritize materialistic things such as social media and use it as our main source of love, mistakenly.

In this album, Cole vividly portrays that this should not be the case and instead, we should prioritize non materialistic things such as friends, family, and home to bring happiness.

"Love Yourz" and "No Role Modelz" are emblematic of the album's brilliance, marrying profound messages with infectious beats. "2014 Forest Hill Drive" not only propelled J Cole into the mainstream but also solidified his position as a storyteller capable of weaving intricate narratives through his music.

Conclusion:

As we celebrate J Cole's birthday, it's not merely an acknowledgment of the passing years but a celebration of an artist who transformed dreams into reality. From the streets of Fayetteville to international acclaim, J Cole's journey is a testament to talent, resilience, and authenticity. So, to those unacquainted with his work, take a deep dive into the world of J Cole – an artist who not only raps but leaves an indelible mark on the soul of a generation.

As we conclude this deep dive into the life and artistry of J Cole, I invite you to join the conversation. What resonated with you the most about J Cole's journey? Share your thoughts, drop a like, and let me know your favorite J Cole song. Engage with me in the comments, unraveling the lyrical tapestry that defines his impact on the hip-hop landscape.

I want to hear from you—what aspect of J Cole's life or discography would you like us to explore next? Your feedback fuels my passion for storytelling. Don't forget to share this article with fellow music enthusiasts. Let's create a community that celebrates the artistry of J Cole and anticipates what's next. Thank you for being part of this journey. Stay tuned for more tales from the world of music!

Honorable mentions:

@todayinhiphophistory

@hiphop

@music

@jcoleofficial

#j cole #hiphop #hip hop #music #rap #spotify #album review #today in hip hop history

[graveyardparty]

Feeling Many Things

#pierce the veil #collide with the sky #king for a day #vic fuentes #a match into water #hold on till may #Hell Above #ptv #ptv vic #music #album recommendation #album review #music album

[album-a-day-project]

1/26/24

The Smile

The Wall Of Eyes

====

The band of Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, and Tom Skinner. I've been waiting a long time for this album as Radiohead is one of my favorite bands and I'm highly critical of anything Thom puts out. Their single "Wall Of Eyes" was released last year that I've been listening to on repeat for a while. It feels like much of the production is leading this with Thom playing backup for many of the tracks. There is also some different musical influences spaced throughout each track from jazz, dream-pop which makes this incredibly easy on the ears. I'll be continuing to listen to this album as you can tell it's very complex; I just wish it moved me a bit more like Radiohead albums do.

8/10

#8bones #radiohead #the smile #thom yorke #album #spotify #tumblr #aesthetic #albumreview #musicdiscovery #album review #albumoftheday #nowplaying #musicislife #pitchfork #albumart

[wretzkygretzky]

Dorothy Ashby was an American jazz harpist (first ever jazz harpist I’ve ever learned about), singer and composer. Born in Detroit, MI; she grew up in the jazz community and was introduced by her father who had been a self-taught jazz guitarist.

She had released her first jazz LP, The Jazz Harpist, in 1957. It was critically well received but had not sold well with the record buying public. She had released Hip Harp (1958) next, which love the name, and is acclaimed to be one of her best. My introduction to Ashby was her album, Afro-Harping, in 1968.

The first song that I had loved of hers was “Theme From Valley Of The Dolls”, track no. 8. Familiar with the movie and loving the arrangement between harp and grooving drums it became an instant replay on my playlist.

Each track has its own unique groove from a samba style in “The Look Of Love” or a sit back feel in “Lonely Girl” with great emphasis on the offbeats. The bass, drums, horn and most importantly harp make a distinctive sound that Ashby is renowned for. I would recommend this album to anyone who just needs a relaxing afternoon, perfect with a few sun rays or even a cleaning session.

#Dorothy Ashby #Afro-Harping #1968 #Jazz #Album Review