Posts by Nancy Carter43

The album "happy child" by Igor Mirković 😁 isn't up on YouTube yet; they haven't really broken out into the mainstream just yet 😁

Man, Led Zeppelin definitely won this round. It’s a shame they didn't include something like Jim Croce... those guys absolutely deserve a spot on any "album of the week" list. Maybe not with these specific records, but as songwriters? Absolutely.

So, following that logic, I’d suggest checking out *You Shook Me*. After that, if you happen to have some picks for this week's listening session—especially for those who don't feel like sitting through full albums but still want to appreciate top-tier songwriting from artists they haven't encountered yet—here are my thoughts.

...for the folks who are short on time (honestly, same here; life is just too busy lately, even this week), but still want to follow along and understand what makes Led Zeppelin so legendary, or why a songwriter like Jim Croce hits so hard. These two are perfect entry points to understanding their genius.

I also mentioned a few posts regarding the album *Straight to the Bottom*. For anyone wondering why The Doors was such a premier American new wave/post-punk outfit back in the day... the soul and blues influences, the rock and roll vibes, and everything else really started to blend in right around this record.

Anyway, that's my quick little take. As I told Lisa Davis46, I hope she’s happy with my contribution to the thread. My style is a bit less "academic essay" and more like a casual chat during a quick break between American History classes. 🎉

He hey, Lisa Davis46! I knew you’d be hunting for suggestions right away. I won't bore you with them—honestly, you guys are all far too academic for my taste. I'm not big on writing long introductions, though I might drop a comment here or there if the mood strikes me, much like it did today... but don't count on me being regular during the week. It really just depends on how I'm feeling at the moment.

That said, huge props to you and Amanda Robinson4. You two did a fantastic job organizing this thread; I can see it's become quite the hit.👍

P.S. I remember there being some great breweries back in Tikal, but I can't recall any record stores being around there.

I’m totally with you on loving that era, Lisa Davis46 👍, though if I had to pick, my heart belongs to the "Straight to the Bottom" album. To me, that record is an absolute classic—it perfectly captures the raw energy and true spirit of what Azra was all about back then. There are definitely some great tracks on this one, too, but as a complete package, the album just never quite hit the mark for me.

I won't have any time to sit down and listen or write anything else for a while, so I'll hold off on making any suggestions. That said, I’ll definitely sketch out some ideas whenever there are new posts popping up. Honestly, it's always such a blast reading what you all have to say! 👍

Lisa Davis46 said:Starting with the next one—the 20th Album of the Week—Amanda Robinson46 is going to add a much clearer rule to the opening post. Basically, suggestions will only be accepted from Wednesday evening through Thursday morning, capped at maybe 5 or 6 albums within that window. That is, unless this current method of allowing more entries and double voting proves to be more productive... if it does, we’ll just brainstorm a better way forward. 🙂

I think I'll actually pass on making any suggestions this time around; I'm sitting this week's discussion out.

On another note, I think the decision to clarify the rules in the intro post is a great move for everyone's future reference...

Lisa Davis46 said:🙂
Oh, come on, don't stress about the intro. Honestly, since I started getting involved here—probably even later than you did—nothing has ever been set in stone. As long as you drop the essentials and a link to the album, you're golden. Maybe toss in a few extra words to pique interest. It doesn't need to be a manifesto or a tiny blurb; I personally struggle with writing enough in my daily life, but I’ve decided to try just sticking to a few coherent sentences next time, intentionally stepping outside my usual 😁 zone.

Besides, having different people write the intros is actually better. It shouldn't always fall on Amanda Robinson4 to do everything... and honestly, I think this album is just as much of a mystery to her as it is to me. It'll probably be fun to see whatever story you cook up for it.

I was actually dwelling on something yesterday after you asked about the whole purpose of "Album of the Week"... I didn't reply right away, so the thought slipped my mind by the end of the day. For me, this thread is incredibly useful because I’ve always discovered music through full albums. That's just how my brain works—I don't really do singles or specific tracks unless it's something like classical music. So, when an album catches my eye, I love digging deeper. I much prefer reading someone's personal take over a polished review, especially when you can tell the person actually cares about the record. It makes it feel real.

Regarding that bolded part... isn't there something thrilling about stumbling upon something totally new that bears zero resemblance to what you usually listen to? To me, that's the ultimate find—not just here, but in life in general. Though, lately, those moments seem to be getting rarer...
It’s such a great feeling to find exactly what you were looking for when you least expected it. But you really have to keep your ears open to the wider world.

In previous threads, we maybe only had one album like that, even if I already knew the author. But it happens more often with all the various suggestions that don't quite make it to a full discussion. That's why I loved this last one by Dogbowl so much... and it actually occurred to me that it might be cool eventually to compile a full list of every suggested album, not just the winners.

Look, it's fine if the person who suggests the album also writes the intro once it wins; that's how the concept was designed from the jump. 🙂 I'm just a bit particular. This week fits perfectly into my listening schedule, but sitting down to write an intro just didn't feel right... but hey, no big deal, we have our intro and our Album of the Week! I'd actually love to see a comment from you too. Even if this isn't exactly your genre, I noticed you mentioned Talking Heads before—I know them a little bit from some old compilations. Do you think there's a connection between them and, say, The Banshees? Maybe something in the drumming or those African rhythms... plus the whole "Happy House" and "Once in a Lifetime" vibe. That era of American New Wave is so fascinating; it's worlds apart from the British scene, though they definitely influence each other and pull from one another in subtle ways.

Steven Newman50 said:Come on, William Foster15, there’s definitely a reason you picked that specific album. Give us some context, otherwise, this whole thing is just going to feel generic—like "here it is, go listen." People usually like to have something to latch onto from the opening post. Think about it.

Look, Amanda Robinson4, first you tell me to explain myself, then you tell me to "think about it." I'm stuck in the middle here... what am I supposed to do? 😁

William Foster15 is thinking:

William Foster15 is still thinking:

William Foster15 has stopped thinking:

William Foster15 turned on the music:

The Specials - Do nothing



and threw the laptop out the window.

P.S. switch (don't move) to the notebooks.

P.P.S. I didn't actually throw the laptop out the window (I'll 😁) while writing this; I finally hit on an idea for the intro. It won't be formal, and it won't be generic, but don't expect high art either. I tried to warn you all ahead of time that I wasn't going to write an intro because, frankly, I don't have the expertise for it...

But hey, you asked for it, and now you've got it.

Or maybe it's the other way around: I asked, and I got it.

I suggested the Album of the Week, and now I'm on the hook for the intro.

OK, let's go! Opening the thread now.

I’ll leave it up to you guys to kick things off—just drop the link and some basic details... I can't really offer much more than that since I only just discovered this album myself, and I still need to sit down and give it a proper, deep dive.

So, what’s the actual point of this thread? 🤔 Are we hunting for something totally fresh that hasn't crossed our ears yet, or just revisiting the stuff we already have on repeat? 😁

Personally, I’d love to stumble upon something that hits the same notes as my usual favorites—though that hasn't happened quite yet. Or, maybe it's about revisiting an old flame, something I've heard of but never truly *gotten*, allowing me to finally connect the dots with other albums. It’s about building a context and looking at things through a more critical lens, rather than just deciding if it "vibes" or if it's pleasant to listen to. That’s where I find this thread actually useful.

Anyway, regarding the suggestions:

Indian music—if there isn't a sitar involved, count me out. It would be better if it were Ravi.

If we're talking about the United States, you can't go wrong with rap. This Run The Jewels track feels like it's heading in that direction... though it hasn't quite hooked me enough to dive deeper just yet.

Dogbowl doesn't strike me as psychedelic to me; it feels more like something lighthearted and fun.

When it comes to lo-fi production, I find it pretty intriguing. I suspect there's a lot of hidden depth there, especially regarding the lyrics. I really dig that specific blend of irony—humorous and subtle without being overly sarcastic or blunt. To me, combining lo-fi vibes with humor is a fantastic way to critique society. You don't need all that heavy-handed sarcasm and aggression you typically see in punk. I clicked on a few tracks by Ariela Pinko and some other modern alternative lo-fi artists to see what was going on under the hood. It’s not that I'm dying to listen, but in a daydreaming sort of mood, I could definitely see myself diving deep into those lyrics.

If my suggestion actually wins, there won't even be an introduction, so please, don't cast your vote for "metamatic" 😁

In my book, Electric Ladyland and Are You Experienced are easily Hendrix's greatest hits. If I had to cast a vote right now, I’d go with those in a heartbeat. As for the rest of this list? I haven't really spent much time with them yet. I think I'll do a little digging and give them a listen before I officially submit my ballot—who knows, there might be some absolute gems in there.

Is it time for some suggestions? It’s been pretty quiet today 😁

I was thinking back to a few albums I recently discovered. On that first listen, they definitely hit the mark, though I haven't sat down for a deep dive yet to really give them a fair shake. It feels like the perfect moment to circle back to them, especially since I’ve started noticing these cool sonic threads connecting them to the Gary Numan and Siouxsie and Banshees records I've been spinning lately...

John Foxx: Metamatic - my pick for this week

Duran Duran: Duran Duran - my pick for next week

If I can get these in now, let's get them on the books so I don't miss my window to suggest them! 😁

I'm casting my vote for Siouxsie just because I love seeing a tie in these polls! 😁

Besides, I feel like I've been waiting on this band forever, and for some reason, the little bit I've heard so far hasn't quite hooked me... so, hey, maybe now is finally the time to give it a proper listen. Since I've got a bit more breathing room this week, I might even drop a few thoughts instead of just leaving a rating...

👍 for the proposers

Nine Inch Nails seem like a high-quality band worth studying. To me, they feel somewhat similar to Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, whose work I know a bit better... I'm not entirely sure, just guessing, but I suspect they both follow a similar trajectory within that alternative rock vein that emerged in the late 80s and carried through the 90s all the way to today. They maintain a certain continuity, with minor stylistic shifts from one album to the next, while keeping a diverse yet recognizable body of work. I imagine they share a similar fanbase too. Honestly, they might even be higher quality than the Bad Seeds, just less famous... hm, why is that? Perhaps they aren't as populist-driven, which naturally makes them less mainstream...

Maybe that’s exactly why they haven't won me over either. I actually heard about them a long time ago—I ended up with some cassette during my college days that I picked up from someone at a party—but I didn't like it one bit. I never got around to discussing that specific album with the person who gave it to me, and now I can't even remember which one it was. It sounded pretty heavy and dramatic, and frankly, I'm not a fan of "tragedy for tragedy's sake" in music unless it's being used ironically. That works occasionally in some genres, but in alternative rock, it just doesn't sit right with me because it rarely feels pleasant to the ear; it usually focuses on the tragic aspects of a theme rather than the comedic ones...

If I had to say, this feels like a band for the teenage, high school, or college crowd—a group whose sound and lyrics are aimed squarely at them. I moved past that stage a long time ago, and I think it's too late for me to start burdening my ears with it now. In other words, I don't have the inclination to listen closely to this album, or the rest of their discography for that matter. That doesn't mean the lyrics aren't worth diving into or revisiting for a deeper analysis, but unfortunately, I am chronically short on time, and I'll admit I lack the expertise. Because of that, I'm actually looking forward to the reviews from other members here who might have both the time and the knowledge to provide those types of critiques—the kind that lean more toward literary analysis than pure music criticism... or perhaps a perfect blend of both to create a truly complete review...

So, there you have it. I'm hoping I might read something about this album, and generally about this band, since you can't find much info on this forum or elsewhere on the internet. Greetings to everyone following this thread... lately, I've been swamped with various obligations, and as things stand, it looks like I'll just be an occasional reader for the foreseeable future...

👍 for the

Swans music feels like a high-quality band worth studying. I think there are some similarities to Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, whose work is a bit more familiar to me... I'm not entirely sure, just guessing, but I suspect both bands follow a similar trajectory within the alternative rock genre that emerged in the late 80s and persisted through the 90s right up to today. They maintain a certain continuity, with minor stylistic shifts from one album to the next within a diverse yet recognizable body of work. I imagine they share a similar audience too, and honestly, they might even be higher quality than the Bad Seeds, just less famous... hmm, why is that? Perhaps they aren't geared toward the mainstream, which naturally makes them less popular...

Maybe that's exactly why they haven't won me over either. I actually heard about them a long time ago—I ended up with some old cassette during my college days that I picked up from someone at a party—but I didn't like it one bit. I never really got the chance to talk about that specific album with the person I got it from, and now I can't even remember which one it was. All I know is that it sounded quite heavy and dramatic. Personally, I don't care for "tetralogy" or overly heavy themes in music unless it's being used ironically; sometimes that works in certain genres, but in alternative rock, it just doesn't sit right with me. Usually, it isn't pleasant to the ear and tends to dwell on the tragic rather than the comedic aspects of its subject matter...

If you ask me, this is a band for the teenage, high school, or college crowd. Both the sound and the lyrics seem exclusively aimed at them, and I moved past that stage a long time ago. I think it's a bit late for me to start burdening my ears with this kind of thing. To put it plainly, I don't have the inclination to give this album—or the rest of their discography—a closer listen. That doesn't mean the lyrics aren't worth digging into, though. You could revisit them many times to analyze them in detail, but unfortunately, I am chronically short on time, and I'm a bit intimidated by the depth of it all. That’s why I’m actually looking forward to the reviews from other members here who might have the time and the expertise to provide those kinds of deep dives—reviews that feel more like literary analysis than standard music criticism... or perhaps a perfect blend of both to make a review truly complete...

Let's call this a tie 😁 I just cast my vote for those guys who were sitting at 3 votes

Raymond Walker5 said:If you don't have them yet, go grab those Bruce Springsteen albums—Water Sign, Shamrock Diaries, and definitely On the Beach (don't confuse it with King of the Beach).
Also, his biggest hit is probably The Road to Hell, though personally, I find Auberge to be even better.

I’ve just got a bunch of random mixes on old cassettes and CDs, plus a few newer tracks in MP3 format...

I know "The Road to Hell" is one of his absolute best pieces; it's a masterpiece, and I think that's the track that really put him on the map. I actually forgot to mention it a moment ago when I was talking about his ballads versus his faster stuff—it sits right in that sweet spot in between. The arrangement is just flawless, which is why it works so well. I also know "On the beach," which I love more for the vibe it creates than the lyrics themselves, though if I recall correctly, the songwriting is solid too. Then there's "Auberge"—it's a good listen, just doesn't hit me quite as hard.

Anyway, I was talking about just being laid back, and here you are immediately telling me to go buy this and buy that! Honestly, I haven't even listened to 10% of what Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, or Elton John have to offer, even though I promised myself 😁 I would, I would, I'll get around to it eventually! If not in this life, then maybe in the next, haha. 😁 I hope I can find more time in the future to make music one of my main hobbies again...

He’s such an intriguing artist with a massive discography. I’ve only scratched the surface of his work, but from what I know, there are certain tracks I just adore. His faster, rockier stuff isn't really my cup of tea—with a few exceptions like "Let's Dance," of course. I much prefer his ballads. And I totally agree with what someone else noted about his playing style being reminiscent of Gilmour... to me, the connection has always been there. It's not about the vocal tone, but rather that laid-back way he sings and plays. It feels soulful without ever feeling superficial.

edit: My mistake, I meant Knopfler, not Gilmour. Just a slip of the tongue.

edit 2: Here are the snippets from the previous page I was referencing in my post.

"Vocally, he reminds me of Knopfler, and even his musical style feels similar. Personally, I think Knopfler's solo work is better."

"For me personally, choosing between Knopfler and Rea as a musician and guitarist, I’d pick Knopfler. When it comes to the voice, Rea is unique and stands apart from everyone else, including Knopfler. As for the musical style, I can see the similarities, but to be honest, I don't hear much overlap in their voices. Maybe you were aiming more at the delivery?"

"I was thinking of that relaxed, laid-back singing style; Knopfler and Rea are the first two names that come to mind. And if we look at American artists, maybe someone like James Taylor. They can always pull those songs off because they aren't overly demanding vocally—they don't go for those flashy vocal acrobatics that wouldn't fit the music—yet they still maintain a very distinct and specific vocal color."

That mention of James Taylor is interesting. You could probably throw someone like Van Morrison into that mix too. He has a much more powerful vocal range and a different tone, but in terms of that effortless, easygoing interpretation, the vibe is similar...

Now that I think about it, Neil Young belongs in that group of laid-back, mellow vocalists. Even though his guitar playing is a world apart from everyone mentioned above and he blends so many different styles together.

Great topic 👍

I really love how diverse the musical genres have been so far. It makes this whole discussion much more meaningful and, frankly, way more interesting for everyone here. I’m hoping this thread keeps heading in that direction, and maybe I’ll be able to drop some recommendations of my own down the road.

Looking at what’s been shared up to this point, I’d have to highlight Hugo Largo and Onnakodom. There’s something uniquely special about them—they feel a bit more unconventional and perhaps even higher quality than the rest of the links provided.

Sheila Chandra also strikes me as a high-quality artist, even if the album ABoneCroneDrone isn't exactly easy on my ears. Still, her broader discography definitely deserves an investigation once I find the time.

Crippled Black Phoenix, Other Lives, and Brandi Carlile all look intriguing, so I’m adding them to my "must-listen" list.

Heartless Bastards have been on my radar for a while now. My impression of them is a bit mixed, to be honest; some of their tracks are fantastic, some are perfectly fine for background listening, and others just don't do it for me at all.

As for the rest, there might be a few gems worth adding to a playlist, though nothing jumps out as being particularly groundbreaking or worth a deep dive right away. Once I finally get around to diving into Bruce Springsteen—which is high on my priority list—I might also check out some work from Little River Band, Matt Andersen, John Moreland, and José González.

Kudos also for bringing up The band in this context. They aren't exactly household names here in the States, as far as I can tell. I listened to them ages ago during my folk, blues, rock, and psychedelic phase, mostly because of their collaboration with Bob Dylan. I actually recently rediscovered them after stumbling upon The Last Waltz on YouTube.