Yeah, it's certainly a lot darker than Lovecats (which I consider to be more of a novelty track than anything - a fun one though), Caterpillar and the sort. It's no Bubblegum for sure. And thematically it does harken back to their earlier, darker stuff. With the title track and Fascination Street street even being callbacks in terms of sound for instance. I'd still consider it Pop though - cleaner production, a lot catchier, more melodic, etc.

But that really comes down to how one defines the term "Pop". There is no general consensus on that, apart from it being music that is "popular". So, I see your point. It is certainly inspired by different styles. There are said callbacks to their earlier, more gloomy output and there are the emotional themes. But there are also dreamy soundscapes, which I think Robert Smith himself once called "Rainy day Dream Pop" (I think he might have used the term "Shoegaze", but I think "Dream Pop" would be a more accurate description - also, don't quote me on that). It's an amalgamation of a lot of good things. And you're welcome :)

Yyyyup

“Plainsong” is one of my favorite album openers ever.

Fun-fact: When I saw them perform in Vienna a few years ago, they opened their set with Plainsong and proceeded with Pictures Of You and Closedown. The first three of Disintegration are so beloved and well-sequenced, that they didn't dare putting them into a different order for the concert. And that was fucking sweet.

THE REM / I, Eternal - The Ruined Tymes Of Family Dinners

A great split released on Cinco de Mayo!!!

The actual songs from the OKNOTOK White Cassette.

Considering that the tape is literally just 80 minutes of leftover shit from the OK Computer sessions, it's astonishingly fun listening. Thom's solo acoustic demos of 'Let Down', 'Airbag', and two unreleased songs ('Attention' and 'Are You Someone?'); a soundcheck of 'No Surprises'; a live performance of 'Man of War'; a full band demo of 'Nude'; the alternative 'Paranoid Android' ending; and - my favourite - a very different alternate take on 'Climbing up the Walls'.

Bought this last week and have been working my way through it. Its 14 full albums as well as two live albums of solo material. So many songs I've never heard before, until then I had only a compilation of songs from the 70's.

I actually read a great piece about his New York album. That made me realise I need to listen to more of his solo stuff, as I'm like you in only knowing his 70s stuff. Thanks for the reminder.

I think New York divides people here a bit but I like it a lot. It's a fairly straight Rock album. As a Springsteen fan I think you'll find a lot to like in it.

The Fecal Matter demo tape. While it's not winning any awards anytime soon, you can definitely see where Cobain came from.

Must spread some reputation around blah blah

Grass Widow -- everything

I totally missed this band when they were around. Really loving what I've been hearing, their records have been on repeat for the past 3 days. Great stuff!!!

I saw them on this tour. that was one of the greatest shows I've ever seen even now.