898. The Slim Shady LP - Eminem

Released in 1999, myself and Chloe knew most of the singles from this album, and a couple of other tracks too, but I would say 60% of this album I didn't know at all. Given the acclaim in which it is held I was looking forward to getting to know it.

After the first couple of listens I realised that I felt deeply uncomfortable listening to it. I get the idea that Eminem was trying to court controversy to increase sales, as well as being genuinely angry from some pretty tough times. However, listening to the violence and brutality that he espouses is very not a pleasant experience. I am so far removed from his target demographic that trying to get into the mindset of an angry young twenty-something with a huge chip on his shoulder is beyond challenging.

I appreciate some of the clever devices used, such as the back-and-forth nature of Guilty Conscience and the quality of some of the backing tracks, but as soon as I find myself start to enjoy a track, there's a line about "slitting throats" or "shooting that bitch", and I lose all interest. The story-telling is pretty compelling, again until something deeply offensive is said. 

I understand that art should be provocative, and maybe Eminem was filling a need in society for people to let off steam without actually hurting anyone. I understand that this album is a product of of where Eminem came from, and that he was a mouthpiece for thousands of people. But that doesn't mean that I have to like listening to it, and I don't.

Chloe's rating: 5
Chloe's favourite track: 2. My name is
Olly's rating: 4
Olly's favourite track: 3. Guilty Conscience

Next week's album is 90. I had too much to dream last night - The Electric Prunes. No, me neither.