I love how our relationship with music—even specific albums or songs—evolves over time. This is a great example of that. We “hear it” when we’re ready to hear it….or maybe we never do.
A common entry for both of us! Maybe someday I'll really get into her music and fully understand why it means so much to so many, but I'm not there yet...
Wonderful to read - like you, I got it in 1991 and it made an immediate impression on me. Over the years my taste and listening has varied but you can put this on and it’s like the sensation of coming home - warming, loving, smiling, reassuring, maybe a bit (too) comfortable. It’s a cuddle of an album. Now that I’m writing my own songs I’m realising that its influence on my own work is very significant. Just on Wednesday I was talking about the ‘power pop’ sound and of course TFC were on a playlist. If I could write ONE chorus that’s even as quarter as good as ‘What You Do To Me’ or a song that rocks as brilliantly as ‘Star Sign’ I will die a very happy man.
I loved that record when it came out possibly because nothing else sounded like it at the time (that I knew of, anyway). And then I lost track of them after their second record. Did you ever catch up with that Robyn Hitchcock record? It's great.
Oh, Sam (sigh). I grew up a UK fan and was devastated by his injuries. His sophomore year, he put up something like 19 and 8 for the season and was a big man unicorn 40 years ahead of his time. He actually averaged decent numbers over ten years in the league -- something like 11 and 9 -- but of course, never got past the MJ comparisons.
For years, I purposely tried to distance myself from whomever the Blazers drafted. Playing "what might've been" is a recipe for disaster. That was also the year the team lost a coin flip for first overall pick to the Houston Rockets. They used that to draft Hakeem Olajuwon.
Like you, I'm reluctant to give up on things, especially when people I respect give them high praise. That said, I've tried with this album over the years...and again today - and it does nothing for me. As I always say, our only obligation is to listen!
Just tryna be more like you Kev! P.S. Just read your FTR and it really took me back with the Throwing Copper article. Was really obsessed with Live and that album was the perfect post-grunge bridge although I didn't realize it at the time. I was just beboggled that there was a song that prominently featured the word "placenta" 👶
I loved this album when it first came out and it was my go-to for months. Here's how you know how much I loved it- not one but both of the CD case hinges broke. ;)
I remember reading a review for this album back in 1991 and didn't find anything to appeal to me. Maybe it was the cover, maybe it was the Rolling Stone review. I remember scoffing at Spin's assertion that it was the best album of the year. And with that, I never paid attention to the band again...until a friend put "Is This Music?" on a mix CD for me in the late 90s. I was intrigued, but it wasn't until Four Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty-Six Seconds came out that I took the plunge and quickly realized what I'd been missing out on. Saw them in concert for the second time a few weeks back and it was a great show. One of my favorite bands, for sure.
Great post. It's incredible how some records finally click once we've experienced certain things in life, or simply once we are ready. It's a beautiful feeling.
I love that you eventually came to love this album. This was a wonderful read and I love the Sam Bowie analogy. o me this is still the best record from that year, and it isn't even the best Teenage Fanclub album. That is how damned great they are.
This record saved me from 90s grunge & metal. I was at a friends house as a teenager and saw the CD. The cover drawed my attention and I was forced to ask... My friend shyed as a metal fan and said "You can have it, didn't liked it".
Took it home and became a huge fan. I love all TFC music but this record is perfection
...and apparently not to be missed! Can't remember if it was on here, or another page, but someone was saying they haven't missed a beat.
I love how our relationship with music—even specific albums or songs—evolves over time. This is a great example of that. We “hear it” when we’re ready to hear it….or maybe we never do.
I love this, too. There are artists who I respect but have never clicked with me and that I revisit once a year. Joni Mitchell leads that list. ;-)
A common entry for both of us! Maybe someday I'll really get into her music and fully understand why it means so much to so many, but I'm not there yet...
100%.
I'm not sure I could put it any better!
Wonderful to read - like you, I got it in 1991 and it made an immediate impression on me. Over the years my taste and listening has varied but you can put this on and it’s like the sensation of coming home - warming, loving, smiling, reassuring, maybe a bit (too) comfortable. It’s a cuddle of an album. Now that I’m writing my own songs I’m realising that its influence on my own work is very significant. Just on Wednesday I was talking about the ‘power pop’ sound and of course TFC were on a playlist. If I could write ONE chorus that’s even as quarter as good as ‘What You Do To Me’ or a song that rocks as brilliantly as ‘Star Sign’ I will die a very happy man.
I'm willing to bet a brilliant chorus or two show up on your next record!
I loved that record when it came out possibly because nothing else sounded like it at the time (that I knew of, anyway). And then I lost track of them after their second record. Did you ever catch up with that Robyn Hitchcock record? It's great.
Oh, Sam (sigh). I grew up a UK fan and was devastated by his injuries. His sophomore year, he put up something like 19 and 8 for the season and was a big man unicorn 40 years ahead of his time. He actually averaged decent numbers over ten years in the league -- something like 11 and 9 -- but of course, never got past the MJ comparisons.
For years, I purposely tried to distance myself from whomever the Blazers drafted. Playing "what might've been" is a recipe for disaster. That was also the year the team lost a coin flip for first overall pick to the Houston Rockets. They used that to draft Hakeem Olajuwon.
I remember being impressed by this record, but never got to live with it. Now I will give it the close listen you say it deserves.
I'd love to know what you think, Professor!
This album was not on my radar in '91. I need to check it out!
As someone coming to it for the first time, I'm interested to hear your thoughts (good, bad, ugly).
Love it. I was a little late hopping on the bandwagon, but I'm in the Fanclub.
oof, apologies.
Lol. 11/10 dad joke, No notes.
Like you, I'm reluctant to give up on things, especially when people I respect give them high praise. That said, I've tried with this album over the years...and again today - and it does nothing for me. As I always say, our only obligation is to listen!
Exactly! We like what we like. No everything's gonna land.
I'm enjoying a re-listen to the LP almost as much as I enjoyed your analogy. Well played.
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Loved it right away, one of my fave albums of all time by any band!
That's 'cause you have impeccable taste!
Just tryna be more like you Kev! P.S. Just read your FTR and it really took me back with the Throwing Copper article. Was really obsessed with Live and that album was the perfect post-grunge bridge although I didn't realize it at the time. I was just beboggled that there was a song that prominently featured the word "placenta" 👶
I loved this album when it first came out and it was my go-to for months. Here's how you know how much I loved it- not one but both of the CD case hinges broke. ;)
Damn! Definitely a tell-tale sign.
hahahah!! right?!!
I remember reading a review for this album back in 1991 and didn't find anything to appeal to me. Maybe it was the cover, maybe it was the Rolling Stone review. I remember scoffing at Spin's assertion that it was the best album of the year. And with that, I never paid attention to the band again...until a friend put "Is This Music?" on a mix CD for me in the late 90s. I was intrigued, but it wasn't until Four Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty-Six Seconds came out that I took the plunge and quickly realized what I'd been missing out on. Saw them in concert for the second time a few weeks back and it was a great show. One of my favorite bands, for sure.
Great post. It's incredible how some records finally click once we've experienced certain things in life, or simply once we are ready. It's a beautiful feeling.
Its a classic but I don't think its ever made my Top 50 must have....in the 100, for sure (maybe)
I love that you eventually came to love this album. This was a wonderful read and I love the Sam Bowie analogy. o me this is still the best record from that year, and it isn't even the best Teenage Fanclub album. That is how damned great they are.
This record saved me from 90s grunge & metal. I was at a friends house as a teenager and saw the CD. The cover drawed my attention and I was forced to ask... My friend shyed as a metal fan and said "You can have it, didn't liked it".
Took it home and became a huge fan. I love all TFC music but this record is perfection