andconham's Diary

This one is disappointing. I'm a faily new listener of Loathe, but I did quite enjoy their last album. This one is so washed out and generic sounding though. The mix is terrible. There's hardly a memorable instrumental or vocal moment on this whole album. The vocals alternate between flat and generi…

Crushing riffs and brooding vocals make up this juggernaut of a sludge metal album. It all hits hard, with the sound sitting somewhere between Korn and Swans(?). It works so well, looking forward to the new album coming out this year. Favourite Tracks: - I Am Dog Now - Frown Land - Funny Man - Camc…

lts fuzzier and heavier than their later albums, it's also not as good in my opinion. Not bad, but it does drag a little towards the end. There's some great riffs here, but it's lacking the character of future works as well as the catchy songwriting. But still, the bones of QOTSA's sound is here so…

Some killer riffs on this album, and I like the way the songs flow together. There is a bit of a lack of variety that results in the album feeling a bit samey down the stretch. Still, if your after some sludgy goodness, then this is definitely worth a spin. Favourite Tracks: - Scapegoat - Said and…

Continuing the journey of The Cure slowly becoming my favourite band. This release is quite cold and moody. Less catchy than albums that came before and after, but the craft is incredible. The bass guitar really stands out in many songs here which I love, and Smiths vocals croon over the soundscapes…

It's an odd and eclectic collection of songs that don't really adhere to any genres. Don't know what to make of some of it, buts never dull. The production is pretty raw, as are the vocals, and the songwriting is unique to say the least. Favourite Tracks: - Bone Machine - Break My Body - River Euph…

This one struggled to stand out for me. May just be because I'm looking at it from a modern lens, but I feel there is punk from this era with much more character. Passable while it's on but not much I will return to here. Favourite Tracks: - Love Song - Plan 9 Channel 7 - Smash It Up

SMTB continue to show why they are one of the best Hardcore Punk band going today. They take a more simple approach this time around, and for me it works quite well. I will say the interludes are unnecessary, and bring the album down a touch though. Favourite Tracks: - Eat For Peace - No God - Good…

This somehow already sound nostalgiac for me. Some pretty chill alternative pop music, that works if your in more of a somber mood. Some good glitsy instrumentals and catchy hooks make for handful of memorable tracks. Favourite Tracks: - Nomadicon - Coax & Botany - My Favourite Fish - Fill Me Up An…

Music made by troubled deceased artists always seems to hit a bit harder, and this album is no different. Pairing good song writing with the indirect melancholy of their death can make for pretty effective listening. I think this album lacks a little variety for me personally, but I'll definitely be…

Another essential album In a discography full of them. For better or worse, you can of tell this album doesn't bear the weight of expectation that their later releases would. There's a focus on moving past the sound of their debut, but doesn't feel like they are aiming for 'masterpiece'. I dig it.…

Another classic in the Zeppelin catalogue. I personally prefer their debut, but there is still huge tracks all over this one. Kicking off with one of the best songs they ever wrote, and the quality never really dips outside of a couple of meandering moments (Moby Dick being the worst offender). Fav…

Never been much of a Madonna fan outside of tunes like 'Like A Prayer', that are undeniable. Never disliked her music, just never really bothered. This is some pretty quality Pop-House though, having a nostalgiac feeling without over-relying on this. The songs get more introspective deeper into the…

A great display of anger and depression that sits on the heavier end of Grunge music. Instrumentally it hits hard, great riffs with some tasty almost serpentine sounding bass lines throughout. All this paired with powerful vocals from Layne harmonizing well with Jerry. Not every song is a winner for…

A transition period in Faith No More's discography. New vocalist Mike Patton mostly stayed within the confines of the FNM had been doing prior to his arrival, the signs of his later vocal infelection would peek through in parts. Not my favourite FNM album, but essential none the less. Favourite Tra…

Ngonda follows up his great debut with an equally great follow up. While not as instantly snappy as the debut, repeat listens reveal Ngonda has a great ear for the past without feeling tacky or derivative. Favourite Tracks: - Doctrine of Love - Burning Temptation - Live is Gone - Hang it on the She…

A good combination of indie and 80s pop. A bit overlong, with some filler but for the most part this album holds up well. The instrumentals are fun, and the songwriting is catchy and and clever. Favourite Tracks: - The City - Chocolate - Sex - Heart Out - Robbers - Girls

Classic NYHC album here. Good lyrics over top of chunky riffs. It sounds a little dated but it still go hard. Favourite Tracks: - Born From Pain - New Ethic - The Discipline - Deliverance - Asphyziate - Fortress

A dark album that is best enjoyed in full, rather than singling out specific songs. It's dreary and moody, and maybe a touch repetitive. It's not my favourite album of theirs, but it's still an important album in their discography and is perfect when you're after this specific mood. Favourite Track…

Big, epic stadium rock with some classic tracks on this album. Outside of the big singles there isn't too much that grabs my attention, but there's nothing bad and the good songs are really good. Favourite Tracks: - Starlight - Supermassive Black Hole - Invincible - Assassin - Knights of Cydonia

Better than I remember. I remember being disappointed with the departure from their earlier sound at the time, but with time to grow used to their later sound I can now appreciate this album a bit more. While I still prefer the less 'serious' tone of their first two albums, the musicianship here is…

It's darker than their debut, and better off for it. Essential goth music that keeps if fairly minimal while still holding you attention, even through the instrumental tracks. Favourite Tracks: - Play For Today - In Your House - A Forest - M

Rating just based on the studio recordings that make up the first half of the album. Admittedly never listened to Mudhoney despite being a big fan of their contemporaries. This is a great grunge / punk crossover, with a raw unpolished sound that works quite well. Given this is a reissue with additio…

A pretty forgettable skate punk album, for me. Instrumentally there's nothing really notable here, and the vocals become quite grating towards the end. Not something I will be coming back to. Favourite Tracks: - Bleeding Heart Disease

It's introspective and sad, so may resonate with others more that it did for me. There's some good songwriting here, just not likely anything I see my self returning to. Favourite Tracks: - Punching the Flowers - Stone over Water - I Built You a Tower (b)