Ben_Sachs
Chicago, IL
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I think this album is a lot more complex than just a collection of standards, just like “Nilsson Sings Newman” is so much more than just a singer and a pianist in a room. In both cases, Nilsson is using the studio to create something eerily precise, to create these idealized versions of songs that clearly mean a lot to him. The arrangements on this album are also intricate and subtle, adding to the richness of the project. It’s one of those “movies for your ears” ... read more
On the one hand, this is aggressive music in the traditions of the best thrash and stoner metal, and the imagery (especially on side 2) can be horrific. On the other, the lyrics reflect a humanistic concern for the fate of life on this planet, and there’s musical sophistication to how the band interprets these metal genres they clearly love. These contradictory elements combine to make complicated music that also just slays. Kind of mind-blowing that this is the same band who did Paper ... read more
A remarkable collection of story songs from one of the greats. Callahan has always been gifted at conveying an emotionally detached worldview and the feelings of guilt and loneliness that come with it. Here, the songs cover bad romance, torpor, and being a stranger. The lyrics are poignant and sometimes even heartbreaking.
Callahan produced this with Jim O’Rourke, who brings in some of the sounds one might expect to hear on one of his solo records. The instrumentation is often colorful, ... read more
As much as I want to give this album a rating of 100, to do so would be doing it an injustice. Royal Trux albums are messy by design; they reject the notion of perfection, and that’s part of what makes them great rock and roll.
Accelerator is my favorite Royal Trux record because I think it has the catchiest songs. And while the lyrics are characteristically inscrutable, they’re delivered with tremendous feeling. The epic guitar work makes this a great party record when played on ... read more
I’ve loved this album for decades now, and it never gets old. Al Green’s vocal performance on this record is among the greatest I know, imbuing practically every word with startling, spontaneous feeling. He conveys this aching need for love in every song; it’s so intimate yet so commanding.
I should make mention of the band, centered around the Hodges brothers on bass, guitar, and keys. The rhythm section keeps things simple and tight while also throwing in wonderful little ... read more
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Member since July 7, 2025