Boards

This caught my attention:

"‘Take My Head’ is very similar in a lot of ways to Dot Allison’s ‘Afterglow’ (see previous post) in terms of its dated production values. It suffers mainly because of its inconsistency: one track sounds like generic late-90s ‘chill-out’ stuff that only ever gets played in corporate coffee shops nowadays; another track sounds like they went into the studio after Garbage had recorded ‘Push It’ and used their equipment set up, INCLUDING THE HORRIBLE VOCAL EFFECTS, but didn’t actually have a decent song to record; another one sounds like a cheesy, sub-X-Factor soulful ballad that would have even Simon Cowell complaining that it was too generic; while another sounds like a song that Robyn would reject for being too poppy."

http://keeporcull.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/archive-take-my-head.html

Bullshit. These vocal effects are important for "Push It", a song that still sounds amazing after 14 years since release. They're not horrible by any means. If you have Garbage CDs, could you review them next? I'm curious what you think of them.

PS: great to find Aphex Twin's SAW 85-92 reviewed.

I actually think Push It is a great piece of music.
I've posted a review of Ash's 1977, and will post an Atlas Sound review up some time tomorrow.

So, could you listen and review the Garbage CDs, please?

PS: I'm a big fan of this band ;)

that's very funny. I can imagine all the answers too.

This is a great idea with good writing. I'll be reading, good luck keeping it up.

But I will be deciding whether to Keep or Cull Garbage at some point, so keep checking back! I'm working on Atlas Sound at the moment, so will have that up on the morrow... then I've noticed an Afro-Celt Soundsystem CD that slipped down behind my CDs: that could be fun :S

I'm quite impressed by the song & its music video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dm2q2MIHnY

I've not long updated the site with a new post

I take a look back at Afro Celt Sound System's debut, Sound Magic...
Is it a keeper or a culler?

http://keeporcull.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/afro-celt-sound-system-volume-1-sound.html

The domain is now keeporcull.co.uk

Latest post looks at Arrested Development's debut:
http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/08/arrested-development-3-years-5-months-2.html

The latest is on Aphex Twins DrukQs:

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/08/aphex-twin-drukqs-2001.html

please feel free to leave feedback and comments on the site

with a reflection on my A Level results day. I also look back at Air's Moon Safari:
http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/08/air-moon-safari-1998.html

I take a look at Alice in Chain's Dirt, and reflect on internet piracy.

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/08/alice-in-chains-dirt-1992.html

curse my bad grammar

"When I accidently plugged my photo-printer plug into my external hard drive, and it started to smell all burny and never worked again - I was gutted. I’d spent half a decade collecting and cataloguing music and now it was all lost. "

I can't believe you didn't do a backup for all your mp3s... The value of that music is much higher than the price of a hard disk.

I looked at Antony and the Johnsons' I am a bird now and Best Coast's Crazy for you.
http://www.keeporcull.co.uk

Latest is on Ian Brown's Unfinished Monkey Business:
http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/08/ian-brown-unfinished-monley-business.html

If any other music bloggers want to do a link swap, my email's on the site.

I look at Battles' debut and talk about dogs

I realise that they aren't your usual music reviews...
I've just added a new post on Bjork's Vespertine:
http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/08/bjork-vespertine-2001.html

on Blur's Parklife:
http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/08/blur-parklife-1994.html

I consider the Blind Boy's of Alabama and talk a bit about one of the greatest TV shows ever made:
http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/08/the-blind-boys-of-alabama-spirit-of.html

looks at Beta Band's Three EPs - is it a keeper or a culler?
http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/09/the-beta-band-three-eps-1998.html

I think I went on a bit of rant in this one:
http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/09/the-beatles-sergeant-peppers-lonely.html

my next review is looking a bit more relaxed in tone... no burials of Paul McCartney...

I take a look at Martina Topley-Bird's Quixotic from 2003.

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/09/martina-topley-bird-quixotic-2003.html

New post up on Cowtown's Pine-cone Express:

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/09/cowtown-pine-cone-express-2007.html

I take a look at the Cure's Disintegration... is it a keeper or a culler?

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/09/the-cure-disintegration-1989.html

Is is it a Keeper or a Culler?

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/09/coldplay-parachutes-2000.html

is Julian Cope's Jehovahkill:

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/09/julian-cope-jehovahkill-1992.html

To clean your home

For me it's about listening habits. I give more time to albums when they are in a physical format. I wrote about this in detail, here:

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/08/alice-in-chains-dirt-1992.html

today I look at Crystal Castles' debut... and talk a bit about the game of the same name.

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/09/crystal-castles-crystal-castles-2008.html

It still worth keeping it.

Also, latest update is on Death From Above 1979's second album You're a Woman, I'm a Machine... it one for the charity shop?

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/09/death-from-above-1979-youre-woman-im.html

I haven't listened to it in years but will do now.
I'm glad you decided to keep it, oh and I'm loving your site, great stuff.

It's what I want most from DiS - personal experiences with tunes, the best thing about talking about music online is how it soundtracks our lives. I can't get enough of stories about how certain songs went with a 'life event' from different people.

Jehovakill: 'She walked up to me and made the sign of the cross and said 'Julian H Cope, you're a real dead loss'

Definitely cull.

I had a tad over a 1000 cds and thought enough is enough. Since about 3 years ago I started selling cds one by one on eBay and now have only around 144 cds left. I don't regret selling any one cd and I feel a lot better for it to be honest. It's liberating not having shelf after shelf filled with cds I hardly listened to.

MP3.

Just written a little thing about Dinosaur Jr.'s Without a Sound album

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/09/dinosaur-jr-without-sound-1994.html

Great album & 100% behind your verdict

Today I've had a listen to Daft Punk's Discover and mulled over whether to keep or cull it...

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/09/daft-punk-discovery-2001.html

These are great by the way. Good luck.

This time I review De La Soul's 3 Feet High and Rising, a classic album but does it stand the test of time?

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/09/de-la-soul-3-feet-high-and-rising-1989.html

Sticking with the hip-hop theme, I take a look at Danger Doom's 2005 album The Mask and the Mouse.

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/09/danger-doom-mask-and-mouse-2005.html

Latest update looks at the Doors' 1967 self-titled debut:

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/09/the-doors-doors-1967.html

I explain why in my latest post on the Eels' debut Beautiful Freak.

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/10/eels-beautiful-freak-1996.html

today I had a listen to Editors' The Back Room... is it a keeper or a culler?

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/10/editors-back-room-2005.html

review of De La Soul's 3 Feet High and Rising.

QUOTE

‘Cool Breeze on the Rocks’ is a bit of a pointless interlude that drops a few dozen samples of the word “rock” from various sources

/QUOTE

Say-what?!

That track is a timeless (and flawless and ingenious!) piece of turntablism, and a testament to the DJ/record digging/sampling origins of hip-hop production.

Prince Paul has said it was part-inspired by Double Dee and Steinski's pioneering Lessons series (which I totally recommend if you haven't heard 'em), which went on to inspire not only Prince Paul but also countless DJ/producer type dudes, like Cut Chemist (who you mention in your review), DJ Shadow, and so on.

It's not such a flippant skit as it might seem! There is serious artistry involved and there is a fair old amount to learn from what is a mere 45 second skit.

I seriously recommend digging into some more early hip-hop, whether it's old school battle tapes, break DJ mixes or just LPs/12"s from the 1980s, to learn a bit more on the culture and art. (DJ Cash Money's Old School Need to Learn mixtapes are a pretty decent place to start). I don't mean to sound condescending or patronising by the way!

I do agree with you though that De La (Prince Paul) are the masters of turning a sample into something great, and Eye Know is also one of my all-time fave joints.

PS- Are you a fan of De La Soul Is Dead?

PPS - Surely you didn't mean to write 'De La Orgee' in your review!! Were you thinking Buddy?

Peace.

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/10/forward-russia-demos-2005.html

Thanks. I know baby talk isn't to everyone's taste, and doesn't really have much place on a music blog, but I needed to get it out of my system!

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/10/green-day-dookie-1994.html

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/10/helmet-betty-1994.html

Excellent idea mate, spent the last few days in work reading through your blog, loving the 'Beautiful Freak' piece. I have an extremely strong affinity with that album, albeit for different reasons, and have dug it out and been listening to it all day, it's a true masterpiece.
Congratulations to you and your wife as well. Keep all the records for your children, don't even consider selling them. :-)

Thank you, I really appreciate that. I was a little bit worried that the Beautiful Freak article might get some heat because I know how much some people hate baby talk, but instead I've had some really nice comments and emails about it.

Anyway, the latest update is up, today I decided to take it old skool... with the Ink Spots!

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/10/the-ink-spots-jukebox-memories-2003.html

I've given a fair few away that I've ended up buying or downloading again at a later point

and usually slept on it, or went with my gut. So far I've kept 30 and sent 12 to the charity shop.
What I like about the process is that it is forcing me to take time to consider my record collection and what it means to me. Because I've not given myself a third option, it's also forcing me to make a firm decision.

It's a critical look at the new Bat for Lashes album. Not a Keep or Cull article, but readers of the site might enjoy it...

http://www.artfist.org/2012/10/music-review-bat-for-lashes-haunted-man.html

skipped to the last paragraph to see if you like the album. I was glad to find you did. People are definitely going to look back on this album with a differing positivity. Shall read the rest now.

So really, you still have the full record collection just nowhere near as cluttered. When I pay/nab a download of a full album, I consider that a copy I now own.

I take a listen to a little Robert Johnson CD I own:

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/10/robert-johnson-complete-recordings-1990.html

http://www.joncronshaw.co.uk/2012/10/music-placebo-b3-ep.html

it's time to review the Kaiser Chiefs' debut album:

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/10/kaiser-chiefs-employment-2005.html

today I look back at The Stolen View by Leech

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/10/leech-stolen-view-2008.html

quite relaxing to read - and I like the diary quality to it, you could almost format a book in such a way. Though I must say I think your opinions on The Beatles are batshit crazy

for the Forward Russia demos - forgot how exciting and fresh they sounded back in 2005

I just feel that the fetishism surrounding them ia ridiculous. And I really don't like Paul McCartney.

Inspired me to revisit this.

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/10/the-music-music-2002.html

Isn't Anything is up on the chopping block today... is it keeper or a culler?

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/10/my-bloody-valentine-isnt-anything-1988.html

Slightly differently for the music they'd have been much more influential and revered. As it is they stack alongside TCTC in the 'you had to be there' excitement stakes. Both of those bands live felt like something enormous was happening. Alas, Kasabian.

it would be 'keep'- the rest of their catalog is edging towards 'cull'.

it comes down to a different between something being technically interesting or accomplisted compared to being enjoyed as a piece of music.

I'll have a look into some of the Cash Money stuff. Thanks

I realised I'd written about Buddy, noy De La Orgee... thanks!

Downward Spiralbrings back some long-forgotten memories about school:
http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/10/nine-inch-nails-downward-spiral-1994.html

I dug this out a few months ago and enjoyed it immensely; the production still sounds amazing. One of those albums you think you'd grow out of, but never do.

Do not cull her!

on that album that still make my skin go all goosebumpy...

I love the Music

As I say, they're a band that underachieved - talented, innovative, and at times awesome

Offspring's 1994 album Smash... is it a keeper or a culler?

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/11/offspring-smash-1994.html

that was amazing, your school sounds like something out of a kids novel. You should turn it into a big story. I love this blog, don't stop.

I have no idea how you kept your shit so well.

Today I've had a wee listen to Primal Scream's 2000 album XTRMNTR.

So far I've culled 13 of the 50 CDs I've listened to, I wonder if I'll keep around the 26% level, or whether the next bunch of albums I review will be a load of crap?

Anyway, here's the link:

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/11/primal-scream-xtrmntr-2000.html

Time for something fun, today I listened to Get Up and Dance by the Quad City DJs...

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/11/quad-city-djs-get-up-and-dance-1996.html

I think they were still trying to find what worked and what didn't. It's because of their education model that loads of students get encouraged to do BTECs.
I know that I was a little shit in school, but that deputy head was a complete nightmare. I think one of my cousins might be at the school, so I'll have to find out what happened to him.

some of it sounds quite dated, but still pretty decent. I'll have to give it a few more listens to let it settle.

Thanks for the recommendation.

Today I've had a listen to Green by REM and was taken back to my primary school days:
http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/11/rem-green-1988.html

is up on artfist.org - today I've had a listen to Dark Horses' debut...

http://www.artfist.org/2012/11/music-review-dark-horses-black-music.html

Very good, well done! I love the idea behnd it. Being the owner of too many cd's to count or mention I wish I'd have come up with a similar idea.....but alas, I know nothing about starting up a blog. I should learn these modern ways.

that for me it's a hard decision offloading cd's. I have done many times over the years, some go to charity shops, some for pittance at second hand emporiums, some to friends, some on ebay. Plenty of times I've regretted it then re-bought the cd again only to play it a few times and then have it disappear into the cd tower ether once more. I do hold emotional attachment to cd's, I much prefer a hard copy to an mp3, the case and sleeves/artwork/notes.
This thread has made me want to go home and spend an evening browsing my collection, making a couple of piles....keep or cull. Well done.

Thanks for the kind words. I'm really enjoying the process more than anything else of listening to an album a couple of times, thinking about it contents, what it means to me.
I know there're a few people who really hate my style because I'm not 'objective' (I might post an email conversation up about it at some point) - music is such a personal thing, with so many stories and memories attached to songs and albums.
What I've liked most of all is that listening to an album can trigger a long-forgotten memory that makes me think about something I haven't for years.
That's part of the reason why I love music: it becomes a part of who you are.

is up for consideration today... is it a keeper or a culler?

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/11/suede-dog-man-star-1994.html

self-titled mini-album is up for review today:

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/11/this-town-needs-guns-this-town-needs.html

have suggested that I put together a 'Best of so far' for kindle (though I don't feel that I'm near that point yet). If I was to do this, are there any posts which stand out for inclusion?

she's still on the shelves of Scope in Pudsey last time I checked

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/11/ub40-signing-off-1980.html

up for review today:

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/11/the-verve-urban-hymns-1997.html

is the subject of today's review:

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/11/weezer-weezer-1994.html

I think I might starting doing some themed weeks.
Film Sountrack and Live album weeks are my initial thoughts... what would people like to see?

is the subject of today's review - is it a keeper or is it a culler?

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/11/xtc-white-music-1978.html

is up for consideration today:

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/11/yeah-yeah-yeahs-ep-2002.html

The EP is great. 'Bang' easily ranks as one of their best songs

Today I look at Zion Train's Homegrown Fantasy from 1995.

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/11/zion-train-homegrown-fantasy-1995.html

The first few letters of the alphabet have more posts because I was going to do them completely in alphabetical order, but then I got bored :)

with Jonnie Owen of Last Republic fame about his new project Bloodflower: http://www.artfist.org/2012/11/interview-with-bloodflowers-jonnie-owen.html

the soundtrack to Trainspotting. Is it a keeper or a culler?

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/11/trainspotting-original-soundtrack-1996.html

continue my soundtrack theme, I had a listen to the Crow soundtrack:

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/12/the-crow-original-soundtrack.html

Now let's see..

It's excellent.

Iron Maiden's 1982 album, Number of the Beast:

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/12/iron-maiden-number-of-beast-1982.html

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/12/esg-come-away-with-esg-1983.html

it's an awesome body of work

I've just finished the Keep or Cull book for Kindle, just going over final edits, so should hopefully have it released in the new year. I've taken the best 50 articles and expanded, edited and revised them. I'm starting a year-long NCTJ journalism post-grad in a few weeks, so hopefully funds raised from this will help towards me becoming a music journalist.

Also, I've just written a new post about James' Best Of:

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/12/james-best-of-1998.html

This is my truth...

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/12/manic-street-preachers-this-is-my-truth.html

http://www.joncronshaw.co.uk/2012/12/the-best-albums-of-2012.html

the top 10 alternative Christmas anthems:

http://www.artfist.org/2012/12/top-10-alternative-christmas-anthems.html

Dalek - Absence. Noise rock meets hip-hop... is it a keeper or a culler?

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2012/12/dalek-absence-2004.html

The Boo Radleys' Giant Steps is up for consideration. Does it stand the test of time after 20 years?

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2013/01/the-boo-radleys-giant-steps-1993.html

are up for review today:

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2013/01/faith-no-more-real-thing-1989.html

Also, the book is now finished - 50 of the best articles expanded, revised and edited. Will aim to have out on Kindle by the end of the week!

Saw them tour this album 3 times at The Marquee in Charing X Road (07/07/1989, 20/10 & 21/10/1989). For those that remember the venue, someone stage dived from the balcony area and was caught!

It's a great album that is grossly overlooked. I only saw them once at Download, and that was something else. I remember they opened their set with a cover of Peaches and Herb's 'Reunited'. Hopefully if I see them again, they'll do a cover of Ashford and Simpson's Solid as a Rock.

For those interested, the keep or Cull Kindle book is now available on Amazon. It includes 50 of the best articles expanded, edited and revised.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Keep-Cull-Greatest-Hits-ebook/dp/B00AY73PIS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357635885&sr=8-1

And it costs less than your average coffee.

Today I had a listen to Tool's 1996 album Aenima:

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2013/01/tool-nima-1996.html

would like a review copy of the Keep or Cull book, email keeporcull@gmail.com and I'll get one sent to you.

but I've managed to get a review done of Johnny Cash's American IV: The Man Comes Around.
http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2013/01/johnny-cash-american-iv-man-comes.html

http://www.joncronshaw.co.uk/

Today I review Smashing Pumpkins' Siamese Dream

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2013/02/smashing-pumpkins-siamese-dream-1993.html

I've done my first Keep or Cull podcast.

http://www.keeporcull.co.uk/2013/02/happy-mondays-pills-n-thrills-and.html

Let me know what you think.