Whilst this album would not catapult the band into the stratosphere in the same way its predecessor did, I have a real soft spot for it. I wasn't that into grunge, but at my cousin's insistence I devoted some time to this record, and I always felt more than adequately rewarded for my time.
The raw, less slick production of the album placed it in direct contrast with the super-accomplished Nevermind that preceded it. Recorded by Steve Albini, the natural acoustics of the studio, and even neighboring kitchen for the drums, were used to give a more authentic feel. Serve the Servants is garage rock-esque, with its simple, distorted guitar, and laconic vocal delivery, and Scentless Apprentice is all squeals and angst; both show the rawness yet pop-sensibilities of the Nirvana sound.
Pennyroyal Tea was the song I always remembered off this album, and the only reason I can think of is that it seemed like a perfect pop-rock song. It has the loud chorus, the quiet, reflective verses, and an anthemic quality to it. Such preferences are hard to shake of, so it was this track I found myself most drawn to. Heart-Shaped Box is a track I can't think of without picturing the bizarre music video, and All Apologies is a quintessentially great album closer. There are lapses, such as the slightly anaemic Dumb, and the OTT Tourette's, but I can see why some might like them.
It's a really good album, and whilst not my natural genre of choice, it has some superb song-writing in it. The simplistic, fuzzy recordings seem to really capture the essence of the band, who were never designed to make it at the scale they did. At its heart are catchy songs, and each band member contributing to the overall success of the collective. Cobain is obviously at the heart of this, with engaging lyrics and an impressively varied yet compelling vocal performance. That this would be his swansong is both a shame, and captures him in at his peak, to my ears.
Chloe's album rating: 7
Chloe's favourite track: 2. Scentless Apprentice
Olly's album rating: 7
Olly's favourite track: 9. Pennyroyal Tea
Next up is 156. In a Silent Way by Miles Davis.
I bloody love a bit of Aretha, but I really only know of her singles rather than albums. Whilst probably not in the minority in this focus on the big hits, looking at the track list on this album showed a few I was familiar with.
It's hard to talk about this album without leading with Aretha's voice, which is expectedly jaw-dropping. Kicking the album off with her cover of Otis Redding's Respect is pure class, with a better message from a female voice, and a horn section that is to die for. Do Right Woman - Do Right Man shows the power of her slower numbers, and the title track has a great deal of passion. Don't Let Me Lose This Dream and Soul Serenade are a bit too stodgy in the middle of the album for my taste, although Chloe loved the latter, but that is also in comparison to the stellar standard elsewhere. Dr Feelgood demonstrates the captivating sassiness of Aretha at her very best drawing the listener in with her narrative and then holding them in the palm of her hand. A Change is Gonna Come is another standout, with a stiff-jawed defiance that is awe-inspiring.
Whilst this was Aretha's eleventh studio album, it was her first with Atlantic. Having become stuck in a rut at Columbia, and not feeling that she was being given the creative freedom she deserved, this change of scenery clearly did her no harm at all. Indeed, it was after this shift that Aretha's career reached its most dizzying of heights, with Spirit in the Dark and Amazing Grace coming later on down the line.
It's clearly an exceptionally album, and showcases Aretha's immense talent. There are some classic songs on here that it is hard to tire of listening to. However, what stops it from being great is that it appears a bit too disjointed as an overall album. A great album is more than the sum of its parts, and this one falls the wrong side of that equation for me. That doesn't make it bad, nor does it reduce the quality of the individual songs, but it does mean that it wasn't the utter revelation I hoped it would be.
Chloe's album rating: 7
Chloe's favourite track: 4. Soul Serenade
Olly's album rating: 7
Olly's favourite track: 9. Do Right Woman - Do Right Man
Next week's album is 738. In Utero by Nirvana.
Whilst I knew this album pretty damn well, which is hardly a surprise given the hype and number of sales it managed, I'd never really listened to the lyrics. In hindsight that's like visiting a top restaurant when you've got a heavy cold.
Take the opening track as an example - lines like "When the 2 for 1s end all the writer's block" to describe drunken texting is brilliant. What pushes it beyond mere brilliance though is that it was written by an 18 year old. Talent like that led to the Mercury Award deservedly going their way, which has since been followed up by a host of other tributes and accolades. Their most recent album, A.M. is superb as well, and it's interesting to spot their development since their debut, although I don't think they've topped it yet.
The singles that you all know, I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor and When the Sun Goes Down, stand up to repeated listens, and remain almost as good as the first time you heard them. From the Ritz to the Rubble, an homage to John Cooper Clark, is a stunning song, complete with meaty guitars and a great narrative. Mardy Bum is a slower, more reflective track that hints at the versatility of the group, although it's probably fair to say that this is the one area the band's lack of maturity comes to light. The tracks have a tendency to merge a bit, and I still find it hard to remember what track is called what.
This album remains a bit special. There are no weak tracks, and whilst it may plough the same furrow a bit, it is being ploughed with enthusiasm and joy, and there are at least hints of variety. The guitar sound is utterly superb, and whilst there is a simplicity to the sound in a sense that it is pure rock and roll, there is a passion and intelligence that sets this album amongst the greatest debuts ever.
Chloe's album rating: 8
Chloe's favourite track: 1. The View From the Afternoon
Olly's album rating: 9
Olly's favourite track: 12. From the Ritz to the Rubble
Next week is 91. I Never Loved a Man the Way that I Love You by Aretha Franklin.
