Maybe we are working with different definitions of what’s concept album is, but I thought it was well accepted that Frank Sinatra’s 1955 In The Wee Small Hours was considered the first concept album.
Another great piece, Dave. Re Radiohead - I really like 'OK Computer', and most Radiohead before that album. But I've really not been able to connect with anything since. I've tried, I really have, especially when I see over-the-top reviews about their brilliance. Still nothing connecting yet. I'm prepared to accept it's my loss.
GREAT way to put it - it’s my loss. That leads to the attitude that I don’t want to dislike anything, but it just happens sometimes - some internet people seem to thrive on actively looking for things to hate.
It also inspires next week’s piece about how to properly and respectfully dislike music. *Must repress the urge to be a disrespectful online moron about things I don’t like*
In a piece I was writing today I said music is made with the best of intent (contractual obligation and drug influences aside) so it seems unfair to be negative. But not everything turns out well. Not all reviews can be good. The subtle art of constructive criticism is needed.
Thanks Ian! And I totally agree. The instinct to ridicule stuff I dislike is so strong but so useless. And it doesn't help that negativity often sells better.
I listened to " Pearl " yesterday. Albeit recommended by YT Music algorithm . I was blown away. As for post - streaming plans, time to make them. I like your idea of spreadsheets. Thanks.
Love this post! I’m currently buying up albums on vinyl as with streaming I found I was never really ‘listening’ to music at home. It’s surprisingly tough though, when dropping £20-£30 on a record, to decide on what to buy. Will I listen to this enough times to validate the purchase or will it sit gathering dust after a play or two? For every personal classic album I buy I’m also trying to find new music to purchase as well, mainly getting inspo from substack like these and online music review sites, rather than streaming algorithms. Looking forward to reading through your back catalogue and finding some new (to me) music.
Maybe we are working with different definitions of what’s concept album is, but I thought it was well accepted that Frank Sinatra’s 1955 In The Wee Small Hours was considered the first concept album.
I think the issue is I wrote this off the cuff and neglected to edit properly after doing my research! Sorry about that, but thanks for the catch.
I also grew up in the era when concept albums were long established practice, so I’m definitely not trying to argue against the consensus!
And funnily enough, In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning is coming up in a couple of weeks - I’ll get it right the second time around 😃
I am looking forward! Recently discovered your blog and am loving what I’ve read so far.
Thanks so much! Always appreciate that feedback! (and fact checks, of course!)
Yep. And still one of the best.
Another great piece, Dave. Re Radiohead - I really like 'OK Computer', and most Radiohead before that album. But I've really not been able to connect with anything since. I've tried, I really have, especially when I see over-the-top reviews about their brilliance. Still nothing connecting yet. I'm prepared to accept it's my loss.
GREAT way to put it - it’s my loss. That leads to the attitude that I don’t want to dislike anything, but it just happens sometimes - some internet people seem to thrive on actively looking for things to hate.
It also inspires next week’s piece about how to properly and respectfully dislike music. *Must repress the urge to be a disrespectful online moron about things I don’t like*
I’m looking forward to that post, Dave!
In a piece I was writing today I said music is made with the best of intent (contractual obligation and drug influences aside) so it seems unfair to be negative. But not everything turns out well. Not all reviews can be good. The subtle art of constructive criticism is needed.
Thanks Ian! And I totally agree. The instinct to ridicule stuff I dislike is so strong but so useless. And it doesn't help that negativity often sells better.
Fortunately, I'm a terrible salesman.
I listened to " Pearl " yesterday. Albeit recommended by YT Music algorithm . I was blown away. As for post - streaming plans, time to make them. I like your idea of spreadsheets. Thanks.
It was so good! I had high expectations and it was somehow even better than I thought it would be. One of the reasons this project is so fun!
If you’re interested, I keep my spreadsheet viewable at a link on my Substack - always looking for feedback!
Love this post! I’m currently buying up albums on vinyl as with streaming I found I was never really ‘listening’ to music at home. It’s surprisingly tough though, when dropping £20-£30 on a record, to decide on what to buy. Will I listen to this enough times to validate the purchase or will it sit gathering dust after a play or two? For every personal classic album I buy I’m also trying to find new music to purchase as well, mainly getting inspo from substack like these and online music review sites, rather than streaming algorithms. Looking forward to reading through your back catalogue and finding some new (to me) music.