February is Music Writer Exercise Month #MWE • Page 50

Day 5 was The Fragile by Nine Inch Nails from 1999. I wasn't aware this was a double album and 100+ minutes long, so quite a daunting first listen. While I did find myself flagging towards the end of it, there's a lot to like here, with Reznor's talent as an arranger and producer very clear.

I think I probably preferred my first listen of The Downward Spiral to this, because of how much more aggressive and visceral it felt, and felt there were quite a few moments here where it didn't grip me fully, and found it a bit plodding. I also fully appreciate that a first listen to 23 songs and nearly two hours of music is going to be a difficult one, especially as I've barely heard much of NIN.

Lots buried in there I'm sure.

 

This is a point of frustration for me. Like, why didn’t this artist get a push, at all? Like Chris mentioned, there are some definite parallels with artists that got all the press in the world. It bums me out that this record got almost completely ignored when it probably had the potential to be something that a lot of people loved.

 

Day 5: Rumours by Fleetwood Mac
what can I say? Every one knows the hits: “Dreams”, “Go Your Own away”, and “The Chain” are just the start. Every song is great on its own, and as a collection they work together, just like their disparate songwriters, to form something quite special. Nothing made me feel more like a dad than listening through this while doing Saturday chores.
New Favorites: “Second Hand News” and “Oh Daddy”

 

I recently listened to a podcast where one of the hosts said that the origin/making of this album would be the ultimate music biopic, and now that’s all I can think about when thinking about Rumours.

 

I would love to see that. Or even a well made documentary. Some quick research made it seem like things were very tense between the band during its making. After watching Get Back, I feel like that would scratch a similar itch.

 

The Behind the Album episode is only a toe-dip but very much worth seeking out.

 

absolutely loved this wild ass shit

 

Today's album was Play by Moby from 1999. I think I must have been massively misjudging Moby, because this was fantastic. I was expecting it perhaps to be a little dreary, a little whiney, or sound a bit like the dull bits of Radiohead, but I was totally wrong. Full of energy and soul, with these dancey, trip-hop esque pop songs and remixes, with some great use of samples. It's lively, and creating some really interesting and varied sounds here.

An excellent first listen, and I feel like I should listen to more Moby now.

 

Was enjoying listening to new albums everyday and then listened to the new Black Country, New Road and have that on repeat s have to put this activity on hold

 

Yeah, February can be a really big release month. Some people look ahead to what comes out and incorporate new stuff into their lists, but I just consider it part of the challenge.

 

immediate recommendation to all. holy shit it’s good.

 

Day 6: Halcyon Digest by Deerhunter

Have pretty much no context/experience with this band. I just remember seeing this striking album art all over the end of the year lists back in 2010. I tried checking it out back then but was 16 and not ready to appreciate it. Spun through this while driving in the dense fog this morning and it totally hit. Both ambient and dense, this album has amazing pop songs buried under layers of fuzz and echo. Highly recommended, I’m stoked to spend more time digesting this and the rest of their discography. No favorite songs, just listen to the whole thing.

 

i don't love the band but desire lines is one of the top tier songs

like, ever

 

Yes! Had to listen to that one twice, it’s a jam.

 

That’s objectively a really good record, I’ve just always had a hard time working up real enthusiasm for them

 

yesterday's was good

 

one of the best albums ever

 

i’ve played it like five times today lol, 29 minutes is the perfect album length

 

my favorite VU album!

 

I feel like people might have an interest in this one

 

the GOAT

 

Struggling to come up with an album for today. Any rec’s are welcome. Genre doesn’t matter that much, so anything you’d consider essential listening would be appreciated.

 

Posting my first week:
2/1 - Archers of Loaf - All The Nations Airports - Very enjoyable, fun album
2/2 - The Waterboys - This is the Sea - This album just made me feel good while listening
2/3 - Pink Floyd - Animals - Great album, though never really into their sound
2/4 - Echo and The Bunnymen - Self Titled - So 80s
2/5 - The Misfits - This album hits so quick, I could barely process what I was hear, definitely hear the influence on future pop punk bands
2/6 - Deftones - White Pony - There is an audience for this band, but I am not it
2/7 - Big Theif - Two Hands - Honestly struggled to get through this, the vocals are just brutal, I know they are much renowned on this site, but I just don't get it