Your first paragraph is RIGHT on point. Kudos. It’s also worth noting that TOO MUCH of the criticism has been made after one listen. I don’t think anything can be properly judged after one listen.

The “hype” and “personal expectation” factors are huge in determining public opinion on a record. A similar thing happened with Centipede Hz (the latest example I can think of). That’s actually rewarding album. Once I laid aside the expectations of what I was HOPING for, I was able to really enjoy it. CentHz, like RAM, is rewarding if you’ll allow it to be.

As someone who’s never too much though to Daft Punk but was sorta swept up in the hype (because, really, how could ignore it??), I think the album’s pretty good. After two listens I think it’s pretty nice. I want to listen to it again, not just because it’s a pleasant listen but because people are getting so bent out of shape about it. It’s kinda fun watching people get SO invested in something they, ultimately, have nothing to do with.

Because, really, this is not your music. it’s Daft Punk’s. And Daft Punk doesn’t owe anyone anything. They play music, and if you like it, you’ll like. If not, well, you’ll move on to some other artistic to lay expectations on.

But anyway…

Everything I’ve heard from this album has been kinda “Meh.” Which is really too bad. Rated R and Songs for the Deaf are STILL two of my favourite albums ever. Oh well. We always have their live show…

Pink Floyd’s easy (minus the soundtracks):

1) Piper at the Gates of Dawn
2) Dark Side of the Moon
3) The Wall
4) Wish You Were Here
5) Meddle
6) Animals
7) Atom Heart Mother
8)Ummugumma
9) The Final Cut
10) Saucerful of Secrets
11) Obscured by Clouds
12) Division Bell
13) More
14) Momentary Lapes of Reason

And go…

I’ve heard maybe three Prince songs in my life. It’s not that I don’t like him, I just haven’t been that exposed to him, nor have I had much energy to seek him out. I’m from Vancouver and was born in the ’80s. The point being that he’s not as ubiquitous in North America these days as this interviewer seems to think.

With that in mind, what’s a good album to start on? I’m clearly missing out on something.

This probably because music is becoming more amorphous. Genres are blending more with each passing year. There is no such thing as “indie rock” any more. Any band that presents that style sound derivative of bands that were popular five years ago. This list (particularly the top 10) mirrors what North American listeners have latched on to and acknowledges where music is heading.

WHAT IS THE APPEAL with Cloud Nothings? I don’t get it. Someone please explain.

“Oh Mary.”

“Night of Wine and Roses” is my jam. LOVE THAT SONG. Doesn’t get nearly enough love on these year-end lists.

Yeah! Finally some love for Moms. Surprisingly underrated.

That, I think, has been the issue with most people’s take on the album – everyone EXPECTED much, much more. The bar had been raised so high after 9 years of stellar songwriting. So when they release an album that doesn’t raise the stakes – which is the case here – it’s considered a massive disappointment. The expectations were just too high and the album couldn’t possibly live up. The *big* review was just one example of this.

But, when that’s all put aside, what we have is a complicated album with some truly great Animal Collective moments. It’s not a brilliant album but it’s no flop either. There’s been a real shortage of brilliant music released this year and I think this one hold’s its own among the everything else released this year.

In Rainbows is #3? Puh-LEASE.

There should really be two lists here: the objective list — taking into account historical relevance, maturity, overall listening experience — and the writer’s personal favourite list.

Objective:

1. OK Computer
2. Kid A
3. The Bends
4. In Rainbows
5. Amnesiac
6. Hail to the Thief
7. King of Limbs
8. Pablo Honey

MY personal fave list:

1. Amnesiac
2. In Rainbows
3. OK Computer
4. Kid A
5. Hail to the Thief
6. TKOL
7. The Bends
8. Pablo Honey