noelblair

this album sounds cool as fuck not gonna lie (i absolutely love some of the kookier instrumental tracks on this album and the instrumental of 'heroes' is just mind-blowing)

i hope sufjan finds healing soon, both emotionally and physically. of course, in the midst of all this pain, he releases one of his best works, with the cathartic Christian elements of "Carrie and Lowell" mixed with the layered instruments and harmonies and whimsy of "Illinois." thank you sufjan for all of the music that helps us heal in our trying times and we all hope the same is done for you.

i don't care if he adds his own backing vocals to bach it gives the rigid and sometimes mundanely technical goldberg variations some expression and also his piano playing absolutely rips. this is the definitive version of the goldberg variations in my opinion. his 1956 version is great as well but this feels more melodic, playful, and emotive. nobody could play bach like glenn gould could.

87 > 100

frank zappa is an absolute legend and 'peaches en regalia' is my favourite instrumental piece of all-time. this album is where he truly displays his mind-boggling talent as a guitarist and bandleader. every single instrument on this album is so wonderfully played and they are compiled together so well it's crazy. truly the greatest experimental (jazz) rock album. if you haven't heard this masterpiece yet, what are you doing? why are you reading this review? go experience it for ... read more