Quirky. Bonkers. Unlistenable, Christ, she can’t half shriek.

⭐

It’s been a while since The Postman Delivered some CD’s tbh. I’ve been rather restrained in my late night online spending sprees. I’ve managed to resist the daily ebay emails for what seems like half the back catalogue in the entire history of popular music.

But then two searches hit the spot with prices that I couldn’t ignore: Stephen Stills' debut, and Genesis' Selling England by the Pound. They’re hardly cutting edge new music to carry me into 2026. Don’t worry. I still dip my toe into some DIRTY D ‘n’ B each week.

Both albums came via the 1,001 Albums list. I’ve already ticked off the entire list, apparently. But each day, a new offering is sent m way. If we’re looking to point the finger at anyone for my CD addiction, then the 1,001 Albums list is a decent starting point.

The Stephen Still debut was a lot more soulful than I was expecting. It all hangs together with a lovely Hammond organ lilt. I’ve always had a soft spot for Genesis - the earlier, the better. Selling England drifts in places, but I love the Wardrobe song.

Less than a tenner all in - not bad. I do need to seriously address the CD storage situation sometime this year.

Right from the opening beats of Buffalo Stance, Sushi is pure joy. Uplifting, thoughtful, cheeky, experimental and funny as fuck in places. This is what I ask for in my music.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

This wasn’t the outlaw album as advertised. It was country twee with only a slight hint of rebellion. There’s nothing dark or sinister, only country-lite songs that seem to be sung with a smile and no menace. Sure, you don’t always want gloom. But you don’t always want generic country crap either.

⭐ ⭐

Over-produced. The songs would have benefitted more if they were raw. Sure, she has a half decent voice. But it’s also too AOL and MOR for me. No ta.

⭐ ⭐

This has way more balls than I was expecting. It was also quite soulful in places. The hammond organ hangs it all together.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐

I wanted to enjoy this. But it dragged. The rhythm and bounce of the album starts off decent. But then nothing much changes. You’ve heard it all after the first couple of tracks.

⭐ ⭐

Blue Lines still sounds fresh as fuck. I listen to it at least once a month. It makes me think that I am a character caught up in a film plot, walking around, as each scene and relationship changes. There’s so much in here - not just with the music, but the mental images that are created. Horace Andy steals the show, although any one of the nine tracks are worthy of being the best song on the album. My only disappointment was that it was over so soon. Outstanding.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

For all their cold, European coolness, Stereolab write bloody good pop songs. The melodies and hooks aren’t hidden away underneath all the electronica, despite their best attempts. It’s makes for a compelling combination.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

I use to own a copy of this over 35 years ago. From memory I absolutely adored it. I barely recognised a song, apart from the Velvets cover, when I played it back this morning. It’s still a decent album. It just didn’t leave me hanging, wanting more. The mood is more late night than early morning. The ambience thing with the single mic works well. But not the masterpiece my memory wanted it to be.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐