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Queen – “Innuendo”
Innuendo is often called a return to form for Queen but that’s, quite literally, only half true. Innuendo is split right down the middle between Queen’s progressive touches from the ’70s, and their schmaltzy ballads of the ’80s. Predictably, this leads to an album that’s varied in quality. Regardless, Innuendo is properly hailed as one… (read more)
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My Bloody Valentine – “Only Shallow” (1992)
Only Shallow is My Bloody Valentine‘s (MBV) sole single release from Loveless, unless you count earlier versions of some album tracks on predating EPs. Slightly baffling when considering the incredibly consistent, high quality of every song on Loveless. Perhaps it’s a magnanimous move, as no one should be discouraged from purchasing the entire album. Truly… (read more)
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Queen – “Made in Heaven”
Made in Heaven is basically to Queen what Coda is to Led Zeppelin. When Freddie Mercury died there was no one under the illusion that the band could continue. But Mercury and co. intentionally fought to the end to fill out what remained of their lives with what filled it: more music. Innuendo, expected to be their… (read more)
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David Bowie – “Low”
Evidently, every time I come back to Low by David Bowie, I’m a little less impressed. It’s a condensed, lightened version of textures that were already thoroughly explored in the Berlin School movement. I don’t see the point. When he pulls the reigns in a bit more and develops a sort of ambient pop sound… (read more)
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The Kinks – “Kinks”
The first Kinks album consists mostly of a bunch of mediocre R&B covers and terrible original songs penned by the band’s producer at the time Shel Talmy. Odds are you already have any good songs on here on some Greatest Hits album. If you see any songs you don’t have, then take solace in the fact that… (read more)
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Arcade Fire – “The Suburbs”
Name(s): The SuburbsArtist(s): Arcade FireFormat(s): Album (63:55)Genre(s): Indie Rock / Indie Pop / Indie FolkRelease Date(s): August 3, 2010 I don’t completely understand why some people malign The Suburbs so much. It makes sense Arcade Fire would strip down their rambunctious sound and lyrical obscurities to reflect the simpler nature of their suburban youths. It’s… (read more)
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Ladytron – “Gravity the Seducer” (2011)
A huge departure for Ladytron. ‘Gravity the Seducer’ has an atmospheric vibe that borders on ambient pop as it softly glides by. (read more)
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Nicole Atkins – “Neptune City”
As the trend of female-led soul-influenced indie pop goes, ‘Neptune City’ and Nicole Atkins stand about at the top of everything I’ve heard. (read more)
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The Beatles – “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”
Sgt. Pepper’s some of The Beatles‘ simplest material. Considering they were writing songs like “Strawberry Fields Forever” and “I Am the Walrus” around this time, this album seems far below what they’re capable of. There are a couple of brilliant songs on here, like “With a Little Help From My Friends.” “A Day in the… (read more)
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The Beatles – “Abbey Road”
The first half of Abbey Road is full of generally amazing songs that unquestionably rank among The Beatles‘ best-ever material, which is quite an accomplishment. George Harrison’s songs in particular are lovely (“Something,” “Here Comes the Sun”). A few stragglers don’t match up to the rest of the first side’s quality (“Maxwell’s Silver Hammer,” “Octopus’s… (read more)