AOTY 2023
Nico - The Marble Index
93
The History of The Albums – n°404

It wasn't until the Hollywood revolution that we found artists who were as comfortable in movies as in mu-sic, obviously we think of the iconic Bill Crosby, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Dolly Parton, up to Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and the list is as long as it is full. However, there are also a large number of hydrid artists who have not known the glory of awards and red carpets, but few of them have known how to mark the history of culture. ... read more

The Kinks - The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society
96
The History of The Albums – n°403

[I recommend you to read my previous reviews on the Kinks in order to better understand this one]. The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society (no less) is probably one of the albums that clearly impact-ed my musical tastes in my youth! I grew up with it, I wouldn't go as far as to say that I would go on a desert island with it if I had to choose only one album, but clearly it wouldn't be a bad idea. Finally I discovered the rest of the ... read more

black midi - Hellfire
91
Finally hell is not so bad

https://spectrumculture.com/2022/07/17/black-midi-hellfire-review/

While black midi has only been around for five years, that’s all the time they’ve needed to become one of the most compelling noise rock bands of the moment. The London-based band has already released three superlative albums, none of which are alike. It’s strange to think that their 2019 debut, Schlagenheim, already feels like an old memory when the tour accompanying the album ... read more

The Beatles - The Beatles
98
The History of The Albums – n°402

The period of the White Album strangely coincides with that feeling that comes over us when we watch with admiration and suspense a TV series where we feel that we have to enjoy it thoroughly because the conclu-sion is coming soon. You know that paradoxical feeling of nostalgia, where you say to yourself that it was still great although there is still time. Because basically, the Beatles' adventure in their management was almost irreproachable until ... read more

The Impressions - This Is My Country
85
The History of The Albums – n°401

It is well known that each geographical area, even within a country, is so different in its culture, customs and roots that this difference is reflected in music. Far from the musical megalopolis like New York, Los Angeles or London, one city has always seduced me by its particular timbre and flavor, I make the case of course to Chicago. Whatever the period studied, the city of Chicago and its regional periphery is such a rich pool that many musical ... read more

Perfume Genius - Ugly Season
90
Hadreas manages to render imperfection into something perfectly majestic and seductive..

[Hello AOTY, I recently participated in the "Best Albums of 2O22 So Far" list for Spectrum Culture, supporting the latest Perfume Genius album "Ugly Season", so here's the whole of my work + a complementary exclusive version especially for you. Love]

https://spectrumculture.com/2022/06/28/best-albums-of-2022-so-far/

Two years ago Mike Hadreas a.k.a Perfume Genius seemed to have ... read more

The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Electric Ladyland
97
The History of The Albums – n°400 !!!

[I suggest you read my previous reviews of Jimi Hendrix - Are You Experienced / Axis: Bold as Love, to get a better understanding of the subject]. If in the space of a few months, Jimi Hendrix went from being a strug-gling and totally misunderstood artist to a high profile icon, the 1967 Monterey festival made him a legend, and Electric Ladyland did much more. In my opinion, it is from this last studio album that Jimi Hendrix became one of the ... read more

Ray Barretto - Acid
84
The History of The Albums – n°399

I discovered while working on this review that Salsa is not that old, nor even that traditional. Although its roots were developed in the 40's, Salsa was mostly created in New York in the 60's by musicians of Cuban and Puerto Rican origins during the so-called exotic period that America was going through in search of new flavors. Personally I was persuaded at the base that the Salsa was a current dating at least of the beginning of the 20th century, ... read more

12 RODS - Split Personalities
91
Hey AOTY,

I hope you are well, for those who noticed that I was not publishing reviews anymore and that I was more discreet, I would like to tell you that indeed I don't have too much time nor motivation to write right now, but I hope it will come back, because I miss AOTY, in any case, don't worry, I'm fine !
I'll try to be more available to answer or discuss music soon, so don't hesitate to come and chat on the shootbox, and sorry to all those who wrote me since and that I couldn't answer. ... read more

Fontaines D.C. - Skinty Fia
84
Skinty Fia is an analysis of evolution and change, but this new album reflects above all the own progression of a band that climbs the ladder with talent.

[Today 2 rather concise reviews compared to usual, as you may have noticed I don't have much time to write at the moment, but it's a nice week so here we go].

Fountains D.C is one of the archetypes of the Post-Punk Revival band of this last decade but the Irish prove on this 3rd album that they want to break those chains forever. I ... read more

Pusha T - It's Almost Dry
77
It's Almost Dry is as its name suggests, not sharp enough to scare, not consistent enough to shine as it should. If we see the glass as half full, we can say that it remains an interesting adventure.

It's no surprise to say that Pusha T has been sitting comfortably at the table of Hip Hop's greatest for 20 years now. He will be a legend in the pantheon. Whether it's with Clipse, the group with his brother in the 2000s, his solo career the following decade until the presidency of the label ... read more

Daniel Rossen - You Belong There
88
In life, everything comes to an end, and the adventure of Grizzly Bear has seemed to follow this same fate as the New York indie folk band has gone on hiatus over these past two years. The time is ripe, then, for Daniel Rossen to really take off on his own after more than 15 years in the band, and his first solo album, You Belong There, is of exceptional quality.

Crafted in isolation during the pandemic, in the middle of New Mexico, Daniel Rossen faced only himself and had the time and space ... read more

Father John Misty - Chloë and the Next 20th Century
75
Let's get carried away by the nostalgia of a time that no longer exists in Chloe and the Next 20th Century, a timeless love story in black and white settings. Father John Misty succeeds again in the challenge of the concept and he seems to take pleasure in doing it

[ Hey AOTY, It's a pleasure to see you again after a 2 weeks break, Love]

Beyond his musical content, Father John Misty is also known for his remarkable and fascinating career. Born in Maryland, the artist began his career under ... read more

Denzel Curry - Melt My Eyez See Your Future
84
It is a Denzel Curry 2.0 that we find on Melt My Eyez, See Your Future to write a new era, more liberated, more mature, more melodic, more accessible, without touching his divine mastery.

Born in Carol City, Denzel Curry is obviously not to be introduced anymore, he is the most appreciated modern rapper of the musical communities as here in AOTY, or on RYM. And rightly so, because Denzel Curry never makes a mistake. He perfectly combines all the criteria of a good student, i.e. being ... read more

Rex Orange County - WHO CARES?
68
« We find all the ingredients which play to his strengths as a singular artist and his ability to build catchy songs around contagious melodies. Once again, Rex Orange County delivers a lasting sense of warmth through a naïve but seductive romanticism »

Please click and read, your support is essential, love
https://spectrumculture.com/2022/03/22/rex-orange-county-who-cares/

Dillard & Clark - The Fantastic Expedition of Dillard & Clark
84
The History of The Albums – n°398

[I advise you to read also my review on The Dillard - Back Porch Bluegrass (1963), in order to better under-stand the context]. 1968 sounds like a pivotal year for the whole "Country" family. Let's scan the horizon to prove my point: First of all, it's impossible to miss the unavoidable and probably the most cult live album of all time with Johnny Cash's "At Folsom Pri-son". We find the creation of the Outlaw Country movement. ... read more

78
Like the theme of the album, based on duality, MOTOMAMI is divided between an over-ambitious concept and on the contrary the fact that Rosalia offers a unique and tasty project despite its flaws

I don't look too long to say that Rosalia and Arca are the most brilliant and creatively prolific "Spanish / Latin" artists for more than 5 years now in my opinion (see comment section). Their music crosses language barriers, their musical genre to graft as the vanguard of Pop. Today the soon ... read more

Magic Sam - West Side Soul
86
The History of The Albums – n°397

Today we're going to visit a very unrecognized classic in a rather concise review compared to usual. I hesitated for a while to write this episode, because there is not much to say about the character's life, but this album is so excellent that I decided to go for it. At that time, no one had added a note to this album, yet for those curious about old school stuff and guitar lovers I strongly advise you to give this product a chance. You have to ... read more

Big Brother and the Holding Company - Cheap Thrills
89
The History of The Albums – n°396

If not the top band in the Bay Area, wouldn't "Cheap Trills" be the best album of the San Francisco Psychedelic Rock band during the 60s? I'd say it's not far off. Among all the Bay Area bands, generally better known as Jefferson Airplane, Grateful Dead or Quicksilver Messenger Service, the jammers Big Brother & the Holding Company managed to make a place for themselves in a flourishing and innovative scene before becoming ... read more

Jenny Hval - Classic Objects
82
With Jenny Hval, we are never at the end of our surprises. "Classic Objects" is further proof that the artist has an inexhaustible imagination and talent.

Direction Oslo, in the heart of a Scandinavian scene always as prolific as interesting. Pop and traditional culture is constantly animated and there is always something to eat. Today we are going to talk about a multi-talented artist, far from being a beginner, the brilliant Jenny Hval, who in my opinion remains one of the most ... read more

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Recent Review Comments
On Nico - The Marble Index
"I appreciate it very much, with pleasure my friend ! @JohnLouisHoward"
On Nico - The Marble Index
"It's kind! Really impressive my friend, you are a visionary! Thanks for the recommendation and the details, I'll check out this movie ! And yes indeed I didn't really hear about his drug addiction, maybe finally it was so ordinary at the time that the biographies I read didn't mention it! But I guess you made the right decision What is your favorite Nico album? @ocrakraut"
On Nico - The Marble Index
"Thank you very much! I advise you to listen to it in chronological order, it's much more enriching @josephdcater"
On The Kinks - The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society
"I really appreciate it, thank you 🙏 @Tristan"
On The Kinks - The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society
"Yes this record is really really really great !! @SoundOwl Thank's buddy, it's very kind ! @Jamobo"
On Pusha T - It's Almost Dry
"I also respect yours, but Im curious to know why you have doubts on this subject? @ImplicitDoom"
On Pusha T - It's Almost Dry
"I don't know what more you need: The Clipse, Daytona, multiple great featurings and being Kanye's ghostwriter since late 2000 @ImplicitDoom"
On black midi - Hellfire
"I hope it lives up to your expectations, thanks again 🙏 @okcomputer12127 @Nona @emomu"
On The Beatles - The Beatles
"It's quite amazing indeed, since watching your video we are far from having a similar result, yet this information is taken from reliable sources (2 books, and a Mojo list as well), Donovan had himself inspired by the work of the Carter Family who apparently knew how to master this technique Thanks for the clarification in this case! @ocrakraut"
On Manos's review of George Harrison - All Things Must Pass
"Great review !"
On The Beatles - The Beatles
"It is a sort of reverse picking technique, oriented downwards rather than upwards Thanks a lot buddy! Hahaha I was so wrong I was thinking about what the lyrics meant! It was the fantastic and underestimated Donovan who taught Lennon this technique during the meditation stay, apparently Lennon mastered it in no time! I totally understand about "Im tired", it's a paradox given the level of this song if you put it in any album that comes out today @ocrakraut"
On The Beatles - The Beatles
"That's very kind of you, thank you! You will enjoy it! I will write about this masterpiece for this series, no doubt about it! @Manos Lmfao 😂 @Quet"
On The Beatles - The Beatles
"I appreciate your stand! I m now waiting for someone who could defend "Wild Honey Pie" ahah! @landlalt @Ethan_J_M Thank you very kindly! I'm glad to see that others share the same opinion about Helter Skelter, and also this craze for the White Album, I hear very often ( and more than for the other albums) that this is the Beatles' favourite album! @Docky @Geem"
On Perfume Genius - Ugly Season
"Thanks to you, friends! It's a pleasure to read you! @JohnLouisHoward That's the way to start a really good day! Can't wait to see the rating you give it @ocrakraut"
On The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Electric Ladyland
"Thank you very much, it's kind! I agree with you that Electric Ladyland is that type of album with generally forgettable songs, but I think it's part of the concept that reflects the creative will of its author, to be free to do what he wants. I also think that this album and the Beatles' white album are the first projects to really introduce the idea that an album is alive with imperfections, as if the concept of the A/B side was erased in order to put forward the idea of a global project rather than an album form Because basically, if Electric Ladyland and the White Album were to contain only the 10 fabulous songs, you could say that it's almost a 100/100 @NickTheMusicMAN"
On Docky's review of Paul McCartney - McCartney
"I think it was Billy Martin ! You’re welcome !"
On Docky's review of Paul McCartney - McCartney
"This is an excellent review my friend! I think you have to take the time to appreciate this kind of singular album, and the context (which you tell perfectly) is to be taken into account By the way, in order not to be unmasked by others, McCartney recorded under another pseudonym"
On The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Electric Ladyland
"It is a great pleasure to read your kind words ! @TrashyTasteGeek"
On Perfume Genius - Ugly Season
"Thanks buddy (: @Jamobo"
On The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Electric Ladyland
"Soon, very soon @TrollFaceReview"
On Ray Barretto - Acid
"it is deserved! What a lucky guy, I'm jealous! Personally I discovered the beach boys when I was 6/7 years old with this compilation: https://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/224347-the-beach-boys-the-very-best-of-the-beach-boys.php Apart from Pet Smile, I would say that Surf's UP/Sunflower are equal for the top of the ranking, but I have a mini preference for Surf's Up Then I find that Today and Smiley Smile are as underestimated as excellent The first one is fun and contains a lot of great songs, the second one is so innovative and singular that it is irresistible (Lo-fi pioneer) @Docky"
On Ray Barretto - Acid
"Thanks guys! I return the compliment, I follow attentively your revisiting of the Beach Boys discography, being myself a big fan ! @Docky It's very kind to you! I am very happy to be able to pass that ! @Tj_King I am waiting for your opinion my friend, especially for a big fan of rhythmic and percussion parts like you! @ocrakraut"
On 12 RODS - Split Personalities
"I am very honored and happy to read your kind words, it touched me a lot! Thanks ! @Ryannn"
On 12 RODS - Split Personalities
"A pleasure to read you, thank you 🙏 @Cry @Jamobo"
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November Playlist