Circuit des Yeux - -io
100

After initially thinking what the hell, I was intrigued to play it again. Ten plays later, I have now ordered the vinyl and, although it is early days, this could well be replacing KId A as my favourite album of all time. So many wonders, but Stranger is a good starting point to capture the power of this record.

The Microphones - Microphones in 2020
40

This is the ultimate niche album. Sure, it has its proponents, but most will glaze over listening to this. It's nice. It has moments where you sit up, but it's incredibly self-indulgent. The kind of thing someone might try and get away with on an acoustic night down the local. The big test for me is does it intrigue me enough to want to play it again. Sad to say, I got it in one. Unlike say, Kid A, which took many repeated listens to reveal its true glory, this is the opposite. Nice, but ... read more

Run The Jewels - RTJ4
10

Personally I pay little attention to lyrics, which may be great - or not. I listen for how an album moves me, how it makes me feel, how original and artistic the music is, its creative process. This has got some good reviews but is it as fresh as Public Enemy's first albums? Most definitely not. Is it as witty and original as Marshall Mathers? No. Has it got mastery of both samples and melody as Kanye's MBDF. Nowhere near. And has it got the variety and attack of To Pimp a Butterfly. Again, ... read more

Fiona Apple - Fetch the Bolt Cutters
100

After initial bewilderment, 2 days later I believed this to be the most exciting, exhilarating music I have ever heard. By the way I was born in the 1950s.
Three months later and the album has got even better in my estimation. Listening on headphones is a must. There is so much going on, so much subtlety. After having OK Computer for 3 months I described it as the best album of all time, for which I was widely derided at the time, but ultimately proved correct. This album is most definitely in ... read more

Mitski - Be the Cowboy
94

Played this at least 100 times and I'm still not sick of it. Keep coming back to it. Its only let down is that the songs aren't allowed to grow as they're too short. Definitely an album that leaves you wanting more. My fave album of 2018.

Jessica Pratt - Quiet Signs
92

Utterly gorgeous album that sets its tone on the first track, an Eric Satie type instrumental and keeps it throughout it's too short 28 minute length. The tracks lock together so well, it almost feels like one elongated song, so well does the mood hold. Definitely an album, rather than a selection of songs. Indeed I can't imagine any of these songs appearing on her previous albums. Hard to categorise, but my kind of Nick Drake mixed with Astrid Gilberto singing Girl from Ipanema.

Nilüfer Yanya - Miss Universe
95

Wonderful throughout, with the songs revealing more on every listen. Being a lover of many types of music, its variety is a joy, especially when the songs are this good.

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Recent Review Comments
On gertshzam's review of Fiona Apple - Fetch the Bolt Cutters
"What! Heavy Balloon is one of the best."
On WildChameleon's review of Fiona Apple - Fetch the Bolt Cutters
"Bang on with your review. Plus by reading other comments of yours, we have similar thoughts on Bjork and Joanna Newson, In that if the music don't make sense at the time, give it time."
On KT KnifeTrick's review of Nilüfer Yanya - Miss Universe
"I wouldn't dream of giving an album a review if I hadn't heard it multiple times. Sure you can tell after 5 listens if an album isn't growing on you, but my fave all time album took over 30 listens before I finally got it. By the way this Nilufer's album repays many multiple listens."
On MasterCrackfox's review of Aldous Harding - Designer
"Agree they're all top notch, but Nilufer Yanya's album is possibly better. It certainly repays repeat listens. My favourite album in years."
On KingLukas's review of Nilüfer Yanya - Miss Universe
"Kudos for reassessing. Always make a point of listening to an album at least 10 times before judging. Having said that, my favourite album, Kid A, took about 30 listens. I find if you're hearing something new on each listen then it's worth hearing again and Miss Universe keeps on giving."
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June Playlist