Not at the start of the decade

Album Rating: 5.0

It was Nirvana, they scuzzed up what was considered normal on the radio. You went from Michael Jackson 'Black and White' or Guns n Roses 'November Rain' to suddenly something like 'Smells Like Teen Spirit', and what's more it was ten times as huge.



Honestly at the time it was chalk and cheese.

Album Rating: 3.0

I don't get Nirvana honestly. They and the whole grunge scene all seemed like phonies to me, cock rock but "hip". I would say that they more represented (and arguably, in the process neutered) the scuzzing up of things rather than caused it.

We also had a big underground late 80s dance scene that crossed over. Top of the Pops playing 808 state. Madness.

Album Rating: 5.0

Compared to Jacko and Axl Rose? Nirvana seemed to be from another planet, nothing seemed fake about them at all. No media training and they tore it up touring. They were more rabbits in the headlights a lot of the time. Bands are 'helped' with media image now, branding and all that, different days. Do you genuinely see a band out of control now? No. Remember the underground wasn't a click away then, you had to hope your local record store had a copy of the album you wanted.

Album Rating: 5.0

Really dig the direction the lead singer of this band went after Microdisney, very The The meets Ministry...



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnvsgWD_pAQ

Interesting

Album Rating: 5.0

As I said in the review, the music on this album would be zero without Couglan, I really mean that.



He's become a bit of a new musical hero for me last couple of months. The other songwriter just turned into a production-aholic Brian Wilson worshipper as The High Llamas. Their stuff isn't bad, but the Fatima Mansions stuff is much more intriguing.



Still most enjoy Couglan trapped in the Microdisney straightjacket though.



Julian Cope actually reviewed the Microdisney album after this one which is even more saccharine/polished.

Album Rating: 5.0

Cope equates this band to Brian Wilson sending songs for Charles Manson to sing over on Terminal Island. Classic, that's it.

Album Rating: 3.0

Sorry Doof, aside from the couple highlights I mentioned earlier not much of this is standing out to me. Will try it a few more times out of principle but I don't think I'm going to love this one.

As for what you said above, you're probably right about Nirvana; you were there, I wasn't and you have a much better understanding than I do of the music of the era regardless of that.

Album Rating: 5.0

That's cool Boney, feel like I've come full circle now with reviews - I'm just writing up stuff for myself again :D



Probably be back reviewing early Richmond Fontaine albums in three months time at this rate...



I tend to bond with vocalists I feel are world builders and have their own language and style and Couglan is just one of them. Something about his whole style I'm addicted too right now, 'objectively' this is probably far from a 5 but it has the 'magic factor' for me after listening to half of the stuff the man ever recorded.



Did you try that Youtube clip I put up of his other band? Bit different, even less your bag I'm guessing.



The 90s thing is hard to explain, but as Zak suggested '89-'92 was a very different time from '95 onwards. I'm not saying 'Nevermind' was an underground album by any means but it was a surprise 'worldwide smash' and its style was fresh as a daisy at the time of release.

Album Rating: 5.0

Ranked/Rated:



1. Past [5/5]

2. Begging Bowl [5/5]

3. Birthday Girl [5/5]

4. And [4.5/5]

5. Horse Overboard [4.5/5]

6. Genius [4/5]

7. Humane [4/5]

8. Goodbye its 1987 [4/5]

9. Are You Happy [4/5]

10. Friend...Big Mouth [3/5]

should at least mention that this album is fantastic

Album Rating: 5.0

Uni, you’ve just made my year

Album Rating: 5.0

If you can track down Crooked Mile that’s just as good if not slightly better

I did and it's not as good, but still a goodie.

Album Rating: 5.0

Can't stop watching this:



https://www.facebook.com/nationalconcerthall/videos/10156168154695907/UzpfSTgyMjc2MzIwNToxMDE1NzQ4MDIzODMxMzIwNg/?q=microdisney



Cathal looks like he'd sooner smack you in the jaw than sing, the fucking man



'Past' is the greatest song ever, really

Album Rating: 3.0

RIP Cathal Coughlan. Should give this another try, I guess.

Album Rating: 5.0

Try something else from him I’d say - probably his solo stuff, start with ‘The Sky’s Awful Grey’ maybe.



Though his solo debut is incredible…just a bit impenetrable.



Once his style clicks with you he’s amazingly consistent