WWK's Rough Guide to Music

[revbob]

We now need Rev's Guide to Rough Music.

Hoo boy, seems too daunting even for me. Maybe I can do a Sabbath one.

[WestwayKid]

Surf's Up ... here's my take on the Beach Boys!

Surfin' Safari (1962) - A straightforward debut that effectively captures the California surf vibe. It's catchy, but the songwriting is basic and the production feels thin.

Surfin' U.S.A. (1963) - An improved production, but it relies too much on covers and filler, making it feel rushed and repetitive. It's an enjoyable listen, but it doesn't yet show their full potential.

Surfer Girl (1963) - The first signs of Brian Wilson's growth as a songwriter emerge on this album. The production is full, the harmonies are lush. It's charming, but limited in scope as it still relies on formulaic surf themes.

Little Deuce Coupe (1963) - A loose concept album about cars. It's fun and energetic, but its limited subject matter holds it back.

Shut Down Volume 2 (1964) - This album finds them finally starting to move on from surf and car songs and their attempt to diversify their sound is admirable. There is still too much filler, but the standout tracks truly stand out.

All Summer Long (1964) - A vibrant summer album, this one is a big step forward. It feels more mature and well rounded and the majority of the tracks are strong. Like every BB album of this period, however, their is a reliance on filler that can bring the whole recording down.

The Beach Boys Today! (1965) - Wow. This is where it all finally comes together. There isn't a bad song on this album (except maybe for the throwaway final track). It's consistent, sophisticated, lush.

Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!) (1965) - This is not quite as good as Today, but it's still a very good record. Brian continues to grow as a songwriter, arranger, and producer. It has some true moments of brilliance, but a few of the tracks while fun, feel thrown together.

Beach Boys' Party! (1965) - It's fun and unique for it's time, but also clearly a stopgap release while Brian was finishing Pet Sounds. An entertaining novelty and that's fine.

Pet Sounds (1966) - A masterpiece of emotional depth. It's intimate, innovative, and beautifully arranged. One of my favorite recordings of all time.

Smiley Smile (1967) - This is fascinating in its weirdness, but ultimately feels incomplete and undercooked. This makes sense as it was thrown together following the collapse of Smile.

Wild Honey (1967) - A raw, soulful, back-to-basics recording. The simpler production is refreshing, but the songwriting feels thin at times. That said, the BB don't get much more fun and enjoyable than this recording.

Friends (1968) - A mellow, introspective album with a laid back vibe. It's peaceful, with some charming moments, though a bit too slight. It feels like it's here and then it's gone.

20/20 (1969) - A mixed bag, more of a compilation than a true album. This makes it a bit disjointed, but there is plenty of good stuff here.

Sunflower (1970) - It's diverse and cohesive and the highlight of their post Pet Sounds years.

Surf's Up (1971) - A dark, ambitious album that finds them trying to tackle social issues. The sound is atmospheric and bold, though it's definitely not a happy album. It could also have used a bit more Dennis Wilson.

So Tough (1972) - A soulful album that finds them trying to shift away from their signature sound. I think it's an interesting, yet flawed experiment.

Holland (1973) - A mature, reflective album. The songs are sophisticated and well crafted. It's a tad over ambitious at times, but they wouldn't come anywhere near these artistic heights again.

15 Bigs Ones (1976) - A mix of covers and originals that feels like a step back. The covers (mostly) lack inspiration, and the new tracks sound like a band trying to sound like what they think the public wants them to sound like. It's not beyond redemption at all, but overall a disappointment.

Love You (1977) - An eccentric, synth-heavy album. It's bizarre, but enduring. A strange, quirky detour before they would return to mediocrity.

M.I.U. Album (1978) - This album is lightweight and mostly forgettable. It feels uninspired and disconnected from their earlier work. There are few standout tracks, making this maybe their weakest release.

L.A. (Light Album) (1979) - This is slightly better than the album that came before it, but only slightly. It's again inconsistent and uninspired, highlighting a band struggling to stay relevant.

Keepin' the Summer Alive (1980) - It has a few pleasant moments, but it's not great: weak production and bland songwriting. By this point they're just turning out a tired rehash of their past hits.

The Beach Boys (1985) - I want to say things get a tick better here. The songwriting is better, as are the harmonies, but the synth heavy production now sounds dated and shallow. If you can get past that, it's a decent effort.

Still Cruisin' (1989) - A mix of new tracks and past hits. The new songs are mostly lackluster, however, it feels like a cash grab, relying too heavily on nostalgia.

Summer in Paradise (1992) - An attempt to sound modern that falls flat. The production feels dated and the songwriting is weak. There is little, if anything, to redeem it.

That's Why God Made the Radio (2012) - A surprisingly solid comeback with great harmonies and reflective lyrics. It's a respectful swan song that captures their spirit.

[Flex]

No Stars and Stripes vol. 1? Maybe that's their secret masterpiece!

Directionally agree with all these takes, may engage with a few more thoughts when i have some time.

[revbob]

No Stars and Stripes vol. 1? Maybe that's their secret masterpiece!

Directionally agree with all these takes, may engage with a few more thoughts when i have some time.

I learned from WWK's overview that apparently the BBs sang about more than just surfing, cars, girls and Kokomo ?

[Dr. Medulla]

No Stars and Stripes vol. 1? Maybe that's their secret masterpiece!

Directionally agree with all these takes, may engage with a few more thoughts when i have some time.

I learned from WWK's overview that apparently the BBs sang about more than just surfing, cars, girls and Kokomo ?

Occasionally there are songs about food.

[WestwayKid]

No Stars and Stripes vol. 1? Maybe that's their secret masterpiece!

Directionally agree with all these takes, may engage with a few more thoughts when i have some time.

I learned from WWK's overview that apparently the BBs sang about more than just surfing, cars, girls and Kokomo ?

Occasionally there are songs about food.

And Johnny Carson.

[oliver]

Got to say, I'm incredibly impressed by your dedication to listening to the entire catalogue of a given band. I'm a lot less forgiving... a couple of duds and I'm probably not going back.

[Dr. Medulla]

Got to say, I'm incredibly impressed by your dedication to listening to the entire catalogue of a given band. I'm a lot less forgiving... a couple of duds and I'm probably not going back.

So, yeah, about the Clash …

[oliver]

Got to say, I'm incredibly impressed by your dedication to listening to the entire catalogue of a given band. I'm a lot less forgiving... a couple of duds and I'm probably not going back.

So, yeah, about the Clash …

:)
I meant I'm not going to seek out subsequent releases... Manic Street Preachers are a good example. I'm happy enough with the first 4 albums and that's all I need. I got diminishing returns from This is My Truth and Know Your Enemy and then kind of gave up on anything post ~1996.

[WestwayKid]

Hey Oliver, this one's for you:

Morrissey

Viva Hate (1988) - His solo debut feels like a natural extension of his work with the Smiths. It misses Johnny Marr's knack for melody and at times it feels a little over reliant on melodrama, but overall a strong outing.

Kill Uncle (1991) - This album suffers from bland production and a scarcity of memorable hooks. If you look past that you can find a handful of good songs, but overall a low energy, largely forgettable effort.

Your Arsenal (1992) - Morrissey sounds revitalized on this album, tapping into a fun, rockabilly inspired swagger. It's sharp, with outstanding production.

Vauxhaull and I (1994) - This release smooths off some of the rougher, tougher edges of Your Arsenal, creating a lush, introspective album that might be the best thing he's ever done.

Southpaw Grammar (1995) - Morrissey leans into a darker, almost prog direction. This works on some of the songs, but on others the experimentation seems forced. It's an acquired taste.

Maladjusted (1997) - This is not as bad as some critics would have you believe, but overall it feels uninspired. There is a lack of direction and the production feels lazy.

You are the Quarry (2004) - This is another comeback for Morrissey. The production sounds a tad overly polished to my ears today, but the lyrics are sharper and the music is more memorable than it had been in several years.

Ringleader of the Tormentors (2006) - This is maybe his most bombastic album, with a huge sound from Tony Visconti.

Years of Refusal (2009) - A personal favorite, this one has a gritty, harder-edged sound. Morrissey sounds invigorated.

World Peace Is None of Your Business (2014) - Thematically ambitious, but inconsistent. The melodies can be uninspired and his lyrics are starting to veer towards preachiness. A mixed bag.

Low in High School (2017) - Slightly better than World Peace, but essentially more of the same.

California Son (2019) - This is a fun listen, but I'd be hard pressed to say that he improves on any of the originals.

I Am Not a Dog on a Chain (2020) - A surprisingly catchy album, finding Morrissey willing to try out new sounds and textures, but yet again bogged down by his too often confrontational persona.

[matedog]

Summer in Paradise (1992) - An attempt to sound modern that falls flat. The production feels dated and the songwriting is weak. There is little, if anything, to redeem it.

[Kory]

Kill Uncle (1991) - This album suffers from bland production and a scarcity of memorable hooks. If you look past that you can find a handful of good songs, but overall a low energy, largely forgettable effort.

I think I might be the only person in the world who actually like-likes this album.

[WestwayKid]

Kill Uncle (1991) - This album suffers from bland production and a scarcity of memorable hooks. If you look past that you can find a handful of good songs, but overall a low energy, largely forgettable effort.

I think I might be the only person in the world who actually like-likes this album.

This was the first time I bought a Morrissey/Smiths release when it was new. I had gotten a copy of Bona Drag on cassette and loved it and then when Kill Uncle came out I picked it up and didn't like it much at all. Sure, I found some songs I kind of liked, but it was a major disappointment for me. I dislike it a little less these days, but I will never like it.

[Kory]

Kill Uncle (1991) - This album suffers from bland production and a scarcity of memorable hooks. If you look past that you can find a handful of good songs, but overall a low energy, largely forgettable effort.

I think I might be the only person in the world who actually like-likes this album.

This was the first time I bought a Morrissey/Smiths release when it was new. I had gotten a copy of Bona Drag on cassette and loved it and then when Kill Uncle came out I picked it up and didn't like it much at all. Sure, I found some songs I kind of liked, but it was a major disappointment for me. I dislike it a little less these days, but I will never like it.

I like the slapback echo on the vocals and I think it's by far his funniest album, lyrically.

[Dr. Medulla]

Kill Uncle (1991) - This album suffers from bland production and a scarcity of memorable hooks. If you look past that you can find a handful of good songs, but overall a low energy, largely forgettable effort.

I think I might be the only person in the world who actually like-likes this album.

This was the first time I bought a Morrissey/Smiths release when it was new. I had gotten a copy of Bona Drag on cassette and loved it and then when Kill Uncle came out I picked it up and didn't like it much at all. Sure, I found some songs I kind of liked, but it was a major disappointment for me. I dislike it a little less these days, but I will never like it.

I like the slapback echo on the vocals and I think it's by far his funniest album, lyrically.

He loses major major major points for the lame pun of "King Leer."