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"...Better Days Coming...You And Me Brother...We Can Make It So..."
There are now TWO CD issues of this album which requires some explanation...The first was released in 1995 in the UK on one of Ace Records label imprints - Beat Goes Public CDBGPM 101. It was a straightforward reissue of the US vinyl album on Prestige PR 7383. It ran to 37:46 minutes and had no mastering or remastering credits. The sound quality was ok, but it has been made redundant by...This 2nd issue - an upgraded 2003 remaster that adds three previously unreleased outtakes from the original session to the album's eight tracks (55:01 minutes).This new version on Beat Goes Public CDBGPM 156 has been transferred by JOE TARANTINO at the Fantasy Studios in California - and if I was to describe what's better - it's the vocals - they're far more amplified and to beautiful effect. Unfortunately, it's still a gatefold slip of paper that provides no history of the record (the original May 1965 liner notes are reproduced, but it's the usual vague Sixties babble that doesn't actually inform you of anything).Aged only 23, "New Folk Sound Of..." was recorded by Samuel Charters in the Webb Recording Studios in Chicago in just one day - 29 July 1964 - and released in the late summer of the following year. There are only 3 musicians - TERRY CALLIER on Guitar and Vocals, TERBOUR ATTENBOROUGH on Bass and JOHN TWEEDLE also on Bass. Another surprise is that all the songs are covers - five being Public Domain Traditionals while the other three were from songwriter catalogues of the time.Side 1 opens with the lovely and lonesome "900 Miles" which sets up his style and the album's overall feel. Although it's just him on Acoustic Guitar with his voice high up in the mix and the other instruments behind him, the effect is more FOLK-SOUL than just Folk or Roots. It's beautifully atmospheric - the kind of album you'd play on a quiet Sunday morning when you just want something soothing on the ear and brain.Some tracks work better than others. It's difficult to hear "Oh Dear What Can The Matter Be" now without thinking of a schoolyard song we used to sing which rudely rhymed a "Lavatory" with "Matter Be". But things get better with the quietly lovely "Johnny Be Gay If You Can Be" and "Cotton Eyed Joe". The difference on the remaster of "Cotton Eyed Joe" is stark - the vocals soar out of the speakers.One of the album's true masterpieces is Side 2's opener - the plea for racial equality and an end to all war - "It's About Time" (lyrics above). Written by a beat poet and a female US songwriter (Kent Foreman and Lydia Wood) and running to a mere 3:33 minutes, it features a lovely guitar strum, but this time it has the added double bass of TERBOUR ATTENBOROUGH which lifts the song out of it's folk-roots feel into something so much more powerful and substantial. It still sounds awesome to this day - as relevant then as it is now. It's followed by "Promenade In Green" which is a Negro song from Alabama copyrighted by Robert Kaufman and Len Chandler in 1961 (a year before Callier started singing) - it's heart-meltingly lovely. "I'm A Drifter" is excellent too, but probably overstays its welcome at just short of nine minutes.The extras are a revelation. It's easy to see why they were left off the album - it's not that they're sub-standard - it's just that they were more of the same and something had to give. Which is good news for us some 45 years later because the gambling song "Jack O' Diamonds" is superb. But the real winner is his cover of the Judy Collins song "The Golden Apples Of The Sun" which incorporated the poetry of William Butler Yates into the words. It's gorgeous. What a find!As you've no doubt gathered, I've been soppy about Terence Orlando Callier for years, so perhaps my review is overly gushing - but once your weary lugs actually hear this criminally forgotten gem, you'll understand why...Despite the lack of notes and an appreciation of the man's legacy - this is a great reissue of a soft and graceful start - and a philosophy to life that continues to inspire to this day.I strongly urge you to get this superb CD reissue into your life.PS: see also my reviews for the two albums he followed "Folk Sound" with - "Occasional Rain" (1972 on Cadet) and "What Color Is Love" (1973 on Cadet). | 45 stars
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Our favorite video
The Baby Da Vinci - From Head to Toe is my 22 month old son's favorite video. It is so well done, it is Mom and Dad's favorite too. The format that they have used is perfect to both teach and keep a child engaged. My son is rivited to the screen for the entire video. The video has segments for each main body part: eyes, ears, nose, mouth, hands, feet, and face. Each segment starts with the einstein puppet showing each word in english, spanish, and french. Then we see the parts on children, toys, and drawings / artwork. There are also cute sketchs with the puppets that focus on the staring part. This video is so very well done, I just wish all of their videos followed the same format. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. | 45 stars
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What's up Cody?!
Hey, I met Cody at St Nick's in Harlem one night and I got an advance copy of this killer CD. I am a Bass Player and I was in NYC on business from Cali and had the fortune to meet up with Cody. We hung out several nights at different clubs and got to be friends. I LOVE THIS CD!! Cody if you read this, email me man. Doug from Cali: ddenney12345@sbcglobal.net | 45 stars
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Great
I am enjoying listening to Christmas songs sung by Bing which was from my childhoos. Thanks. It was exactly what I wanted. | 45 stars
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The Most Thorough Anthology Currently Available
Like many Baby Boomers, I first heard Sandy Denny on Led Zeppelin's "Battle of Evermore." However, over the past three decades, I have gone on musical journeys which included a trip to the the British folk/rock scene and artists like Steeleye Span and Pentangle, featuring wonderful female vocalists Maddy Prior and Jacqui McShee respectively. But the most stunning vocalist was Fairport Convention's Sandy Denny.This 34-track, two-and-a-half hour anthology chronologically covers Denny's career from 1969's Fairport Convention through 1977's solo album Rendezvous. [She died the following April of a brain hemorrhage at age 30.] There's been some quibbling over what is--or isn't--on this anthology when comparing it to the Who Knows Where the Time Goes box set. I bought the box set on vinyl when it came out in 1986, and roughly half of the tracks on this new anthology are repeated from the earlier box set. But there are some worthwhile additions on this new collection which make it of special interest to Denny's fans. The following tracks are not available anywhere else: Fotheringay's "The Sea" from their only album which also included Denny's future husband Trevor Lucas; Buddy Holly's "Learning the Game" performed by The Bunch, which also featured Richard Thompson on guitar; "Here in Silence" and the 7-minute "Man of Iron" originally released as a single from the soundtrack to the film Pass of Arms; "Carnival," from Denny's third solo album Like an Old Fashioned Waltz; demo versions of "Stranger to Himself" and "One More Chance" where Denny accompanies herself on guitar and piano respectively; and the Richard Thompson-penned "For Shame of Doing Wrong." There are another half dozen tracks here not on the earlier box set that you would otherwise only find on the import anthology Listen Listen (1999).So even if you already own the earlier box set, there is more than enough here to justify purchasing this anthology as well. If you don't already own it, your decision is already made since it's out of print right now. So pick this up and enjoy the most engaging voice of British folk. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | 45 stars
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GREATNESS MADE EASY:BY T.T.D.
ALL OF T's MUSIC IS GREAT I DIDNT THINK IT COULD GET ANY BETTER BUT IT DID, THIS CD IS REALLY GOOD DONT ASK ME HOW BUT I ENDED UP BUYING IT TWICE, I CAN WAIT 4 A NEW ONE, COMING SOON I HOPE. im out (pEaCe) ...... holla if you hear me | 45 stars
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Deserve more credit than they get.
With the sudden explosion of Blink 182, you think this would pave the way for all punk bands. Well, as of yet, it hasn't. Bands like MxPx and Home Grown have just as much or better music than Blink 182. "Let It Happen" proves this. See for yourself. MxPx is great punk band! | 45 stars
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one of the beatles greatest works
Now if your thinking of buying the beatles no 1 collection because the albums will cost you too much money i think you should reconsider there are too many good songs that where never singles.revolver beats most bands greatest hits collections. revolver came after rubber soul and countinues there more experiment style witch was (in my opinion) for the better here is a loowdown of the songs.Taxman 8/10 good starter for the album very corny.harrisons very discordant guitar playing on this track words brilliantly. The chorus sounds alot like the batman theme tune and features some great harrison licks.Ealenor rigby 11/10 written by paul macartney one of his best on the album witch he genrally dominates (songs that are credited lennon/macartney may be either one of the two they just wanted to share royalties) it has a haunting tune counterpointed by the strings playing in the background. It is melenconic and haunting very different to the beatles earlier work that was light hearted and cheery.Im only sleeping 11/10 written by lennon is a very soft soothing track very unlike ealenor rigby its very relaxing and lets your imagination flow.It features warm harmonies and nice melody lines a beatles classic that was never a single.love you to 10/10 harrisons indian stylings turn out to be very convincing and this track shows how he is a very competent song writer.Here There and everywhere 10/10 paul macartneys attempt to parodie the beach boys who he very much respected. Is simmilar to im only sleeping but much slower. There are warm harmonies and great vocal interplay between the members of the band.yellow submarine 8/10 (written by paul macartney) this song is either one you love or hate. Its a good track ringos vocals are very out of tune but it works with in the song it has one of the catchiest choruses in pop music "we all live in a yellow submarine"She said 10/10 (" " john lennon) boosts from a great guitar riff and vocals from john lennon. its very much a straight pop song in my opinion.Good day sunshine 9/10 ( " " paul macartney) a very upbeat track. is very reminsant of boogie its another example of the diversity of the beatles.And your bird can sing 11?10 (" " john lennon) Starts off with some great country style guitar followed by great infecious pop melodies.For no one 11/10 (" " paul macartney) this is a very uplifting track great tune one of paul macartneys most inspired. Features a great horn solo and a nice wistful tune.Docter robert 9/10 (" " " lennon) starts off with a nice crisp riff with snappy chords.there is some of the best interplay between the beatles on the whole album there is some great harmonising between them.I want to tell you 10/10 (" " goarge harrison) Very upbeat with some nice piano fills and and good riffery and big booming bass lines make this a very rocky number.Got to get you into my life 11/10 ( " " macartney) Very sleezy and tongue in cheek but brilliant. The brass sections are incredibly catchy and paul macartney displays some his best vocal work.Tomorrow knows (" " lennon) 8/10 sounds as if the backing is being fastfowarded its a great track very wierd and experimental but a very good track to close the album with | 45 stars
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A 21st Century Gil Scott-Heron
As a 34 year old black woman who was not raised on but has grown to both love and appreciate hip-hop, I can honestly say that Mos Def's CD is the most amazing hip-hop CD that I ever owned. As a lover of The Roots, ATCQ, Black Star, De La Soul, Common and many of the other underground artists out there today, I have never heard anything so prophetic, thought-provoking and moving as the words on this CD. And NEVER, EVER does he say anything disrespectful about black women. AMEN.His LOVE for black people and his accompanying distress over the ecological, political, judicial and historical racism that we have experienced and continue to endure is simply unsurpassed.This is the type of CD that I will be playing for my children and grandchildren one day because it is like listening to black history via spoken word. Mos Def is a 21st century Griot and prophet whose socio-political poetic words, soulful singing, and slamming beats will bring tears your eyes.I would like to close by sharing the lyrical genius of Mos Def with my favorite lines from the song called "YOU KNOW THAT" which is a tribute he does with Talib Kweli to how much "you know that" he loves his people and respects his ancestors:"LET THOSE WHO MAKE THE EXODUS SEEKIN THE NORTH BEACON/ FROM BEATIN AND HOG-EATIN/ FROM PUNISHMENT ALL SEASON/ FROM HANDS CRACKED AND BLEEDIN -- COTTON THORNS IN YOUR PALMS/ IT'S FOR Y'ALL THAT I SKETCH THESE SONGS/ AND IT GOES.. /YEA THOUGH I WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW/ I FEAR NO MAN, BECAUSE FAITH IS THE AAROW ..."Thank you Mos and God Bless you for the sharing your talent, faith and inspiration with the world. | 45 stars
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Culture
This is another great disc that is definately worth checking out with a blend of slower and upbeat tracks that deserves radio-play.Limelight was the first song i ever heard off a sampler from a Different Drum and was hooked from the get go.There is great vocals and hooks that will get you energize and moving.It's a cd you can enjoy at home or in the car.Check it out!You can't go wrong and for those who love New Wave/Synthpop it's worth a listen. | 45 stars
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Mohican Madness!
Truly the most inspiring music I have ever heard. Every time I listen to it, it takes me away. The only thing better would be a full length (movie length) on track 6. It runs through a gamut of emotions from melancholy to rapture to excitement and sizzle. It is only too bad that a sequel isn't really feasible. Anyone notice the similarity between the score from Last of the Mohicans and the TV version of Cleopatra? Fabulous CD! | 45 stars
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Botched production
This box set offers examples for any kind of music that Sun Ra and his Arkestra made. Unfortunately, the liner notes are full of orthographical mistakes, the cover illustration is horrible and the sound quality often is the same. It's a bit very expensive for that. But if you focus on the music, it's worth buying. | 34 stars
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"Or The Rick Davies Jazz Ensemble"
Whilst browsing through the local record store I came across this album. Great I thought, a new Supertramp album. I wonder what they sound like after all these years? The answer is that they still have Rick Davies on vocals but forget the old Supertramp sound. This is much more jazzy and laid back. There are snatches of what most people will be expecting (you win, I lose for example) but if you are not prepared to accept a change of direction then you will be dissapointed by this album. I was very unsure whether I liked it or not on the first couple of plays. However, this is an album that definitely grows on you. Probably not for Supertramp purists but a good effort all the same. | 34 stars
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If Only More Rappers Used As Much of Their Brain...
A much awaited release from the video-game playing emcee from Oakland. Not surprisingly this is one of the few emcees that hasn't fallen off creatively. The album on a whole features Del's ability to tell comical, yet realistic stories that DO have a point. Of course, no Del album would be complete without appropriate disses going out to the wack emcees out there who so deservingly need them. An lyrical and musical work of abstract genius that is true to form for this Hieroglyphics frontman and West Coast pioneer. | 34 stars
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Great stuff
Brooklyn based Israeli rocker, Yosi Piamenta, continues "building bridges" between peoples of different cultural backgrounds through the music of The "Heavenly Jams Band". Mr. Piamenta, who together with his brother Avi, are well known in world music circles as forever changing the face of popular religious Jewish music. Piamenta injects a wildly frenetic improvisational style of Oriental based spiritual music, to a scene usually associated with the traditional Klezmer sounds of Eastern European Jewery.The Heavenly Jams Band is a loose collection of talented musicians with guitar virtuosos Yosi Piamenta (Piamenta Band) and Oteil Burbridge (Allman Brothers Band) as it's core. This CD documents the bands first show in June of 2004, featuring a great mix of rock classics and Oriental Hebrew music.Songs are:1.Cissy Strut - L. Nocentelli2.Mitzvah - Yosi Piamenta3.In Memory of Elizabeth Reed - R. Betts4.Manic Depression - J. Hendrix5.Agadelcha - Rabbi Ibin Ezra, c. 11th century6.Power of Soul - J. Hendrix7.Get Ready - O. Burbidge8.Birkat Hamazon - Yosi Piamenta9.Od Yishama - Yosi Piamenta | 45 stars
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Good Solid Album
Paul Mccartney is Without A Doubt One Of The Greatest Talents The Music World had Ever Known.& it was Really Cool that He came Back with this Good Disc.I really Enjoyed The Production&Arrangements.I dug The World Tonight.but Beautiful Night was a Wonderful Song.I also I enjoyed the title Track.this was a Album Of Mccartney Looking Back&Ahead.also a Great Tribute Too His Wife Linda.She was The World Too Him&it was Reflected Nicely here.SIR MCCARTNEY is A Genius. | 34 stars
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Welcome to Downtown....
I highly recommend this CD to any fan of Monkeybone--or anyone interested in wonderful music. The only reason I didn't give this CD 5 stars is because it is missing two wonderful tracks--Monekybone's "Loose Caboose" song from the Coma Bar and Brendan Fraser's outstanding performance of "Brick House" The best track off this CD would have to be "Welcome to Downtown" (Track 2) The beginning is a bit slow, but anyone who knows the movie recognizes the swelling music 1 minute and 19 seconds in as the roller-coster ride into Downtown--I recommend putting this on either huge speakers or headphones, turning out the lights, laying down and closing your eyes while listening to this track--it's so enriching that you can almost feel the plunge into purgatory. This CD is far from it, though--it's like a little sample of Heaven. | 34 stars
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YES!
This is the album to buy if you want GOOD QUALITY Spooky Kids sound! Period. Every song is great. It really shows how Manson evolved in his music...from this to Golden Age of Grotesque, evolved is the only word that fits. I can only complain about the DVD. It claims to have "raw" footage, but it is very obvious that the video itself is the only raw part, while the audio is obviously the studio track being dubbed over the video. Forgivable, though, because the songs on the CD are so good. BUY THIS ALBUM | 45 stars
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not punk
i simply despise this albumthis is the essence of made 2 order pop media to brainwash all of u mtv watching kidsthis is a pop rock album it was made 2 be played on the radio and become popular hence "pop" rockjust because they dress weird and sing about thing u in ur little world percieve 2 b punk does not make them punkreal punk is rancid nofx and pennywise they defy the mainstream and dont go 4 a nessecarily ear pleasing soundoh ya, and if u r a little mtv watching kid is so mindlessly brainwashed that gc is punk and this very review angers u then i suggest u find sum1 who really knows about music and ask them 4 suggestionsno i am not talking about ur little friends who also listen 2 gc | 01 star
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one of the great composers of the 20-th century!
This is a wonderful recording.Tveitt's approach to the problems of form and orchestration facing modern composers is completly unique and hypnotically compelling.His use of folk idioms in the Hardanger Concertos is unaffected and subtle.The performances of all concerned are uniformly excellent.(The more I hear of the Stavanger Symphony the more impressed I am.Their performance of Saeverud's ninth symphony,also on BIS, is extraordinary.)The engineering here is first rate,very full sounding with excellent detail and only just a bit over-reverberent.If you love norwegian music,then I think that,like me,you will not want to stop listening to this. | 45 stars
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Amazing
It is a shame that great salsa like this is not made anymore. This album is a masterpiece, many of todays salsa stars could not even begin to come close to making the kind of music that Barreto, Lavoe, Celia, and Gran Combo could produce. Take it from me this album makes it hard to just sit in a chair and listen, you will be running straight to the dance floor | 45 stars
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The Evolution of Silverchair
I bought this cd three days ago and it's been living in my player ever since. It was astonishing to hear their different kind of music, something new to the ears. It has a more redefined sound to it as the orchestra and the band complement each other. The first four songs made me buy this album. When I heard Across the Night, I was completely blown away. The harpsichord played a remarkable role as the song began. It was so catchy it got stuck in my head. The Greatest View, Without You and World Uopn Your Shoulders has the same effect on me too. I can't stop myself from singing along to it. The way the song hits you is just...totally indescribable! If you're using earphones, evry single detail will soothe you. I can't describe all the songs for I haven't got enough space. Their lyrics have grown deeper too, up to you to find out...In the cd inlet, it said that "Diorama" was made without using pitch correction software. This technology 'corrects' notes that are sung or played out of tune and it has become increasingly popular in recent years. Silverchair chose not to use this computer software on their album as it s their personal belief that such artificial perfection dimishes music. Amen to that indeed.In addition, Daniel expanded his musical horizons for he does not just bang on his guitar but plays the piano and the harpsichord as well.This album is worth your bucks people! Run to your nearest music store before it's too late.Behold the evolution. | 45 stars
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Bush Valley Country Club and Arkansas State Musician
Jed's music is second to none. CD's are great but live performances are better. Only negative to Jed is I only get to watch him perform live twice a month. Great for the whole family. Best entertainer for parties or any occasion. All CD's are a must. | 45 stars
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A beautiful opera in a stunning modern performance
If your idea of opera involves high drama (divas stabbing villains with knives, or coughing themselves to death in the last act), then maybe Rameau won't be your cup of tea (or goblet of poison). But if you actually like French Baroque music (as I do), then this is some of Rameau's most gorgeous music. Yes, the action is not fast-paced. Yes, the plot is constantly interrupted by dances. But when the stagecraft is as visually stunning as that devised by Robert Carson in this production, and the dancing is by the group La La La Human Steps, well, you really don't want things to happen too quickly: you want to linger on the beautiful stage pictures these artists create. Barbara Bonney and Paul Agnew both sing wonderfully, and Les Arts Florissants directed by Wiliam Christie get the score just right. The costumes, which suggest mid-century Dior (with a touch of S&M), make the work seem oddly contemporary. I also recommend the interviews with the artists: an engaging and informative bonus. | 45 stars
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Led Zeppelin's hard rock classic that just keeps rambling on!
Led Zeppelin II (1969.), Led Zeppelin's second studio albumAt the end of the 1960's, Led Zeppelin burst onto the scene with a hard rocking, bluesy sound that was very revelatory at the time. The band's debut, released in January 1969 was a massive hit and multiple copies were sold in the first few months of its release. Following the debut, the band embarked on a large amount of touring during '69, especially in the USA. During this time, the band worked on laying down songs for a new album and they recorded these songs whenever they could whilst on the road touring. Led Zeppelin II was released in the October of 1969 and already had half a million advanced orders; listeners eager to see how good the band's follow up album was going to be.Led Zeppelin's debut was a classic and their second effort was no less. Led Zeppelin II is for me, the album which really consolidated and established the band. Led Zeppelin II proved the band were no fluke. The album effectively continues in the same hard rocking vein as the first album. There's plenty of blues in there (i.e. 'Lemon Song') and theres plenty of songs with real attitude (i.e. Whole Lotta Love). It is quite hard to believe how good this album shapes up to be, given the erratic, stop-start way the album was recorded whilst the band were touring. With this album, Zeppelin managed the unique feat of producing two classic albums in a year. Led Zeppelin II is also the first album by the band to credit Robert Plant as a songwriter. However, that said, you can see a much greater maturity in his vocals and songs such as 'What Is And What Should Never Be' as well as 'Thank You' show his tender songwriting abilities. Jimmy Page showcases his genius again on this album with frequent stunning guitar play, as does John Paul Jones with some more great bass lines. John Bonham is well ... himself as usual; his drumming on every Led Zeppelin album is nothing short of exceptional. Overall though, eventhough this album is strangely labelled as the band's first heavy album, I would personally say that it is not as heavy or raw as the first album; similarly it is less consistent in style. However, this doesn't detract from the album's overall standard; it is still classic material. The album afterall has shifted millions of copies and stayed 100+ weeks in the album chart. The 'Brown Bomber' cover for this album is afterall instantly recognisable.Led Zeppelin's second album starts off with one of the all time famous riffs. The riff to 'Whole Lotta Love' is even recognisable by people who don't listen to Led Zeppelin, its that famous. That said, this hard rocking song is a classic. Plenty of passioned vocals from Plant coupled with some awesome whirlwind guitar play call this track home. The furious pace then settles down a little for 'What Is And What Should Never Be', my personal favourite track on the album. Dreamy verses to this song contrasted by a classic hard-rocking chorus make this track a great one. The surprise guitar entry at the end of the track is brilliant. Still fully acknowledging their blues roots, Led Zeppelin jam out the 'Lemon Song' next. Originally titled 'Killing Floor', the song features some excellent bass hooks and some catchy guitar work. Following this is an emotional lyrical offering from Robert Plant with 'Thank-You'. Written for his wife, Maureen, this is a quite a romantic song in style, with a nicely integrated organ part.Then we come to 'Heartbreaker', another of the top moments on the album. Another brilliant opening riff from Page sets this one rolling. Plant screams out more great vocals, before one of the great guitar solo exits from Page that really rocks. 'Living Loving Maid' is a short, catchy follow up; an excellent, inspired jam from the band. Then we have 'Ramble On'; another greatly atmospheric song. This song has real attitude to it and guitar play responds perfectly to some more powerful vocals from Plant. 'Moby Dick' is the one of Bonham's finest hours; a three minute drum solo. This track, eventhough it is mostly just Bonham playing does not lack interest. Bonham was a great drummer and he thunders plenty of interesting and complex drum rhythms. Finally, closing the album is 'Bring It On Home'. This song has a real 'hit the road' feel to it. Plant's masked vocals at the start are unusual but effective and the song on the whole is an energetic closer.With Led Zeppelin II, the band consolidated their popularity and continued with their groundbreaking, heavy, bluesy style. It can be argued that this is probably the last fully hard-rocking effort from the band before they began to use more acousitcs and experiment on their albums. Led Zeppelin II is a classic like its predecessor, although maybe not quite as consistent. Again though, this album is a must for any hard rock collection - a key part of Led Zeppelin's influential career. | 45 stars
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Shut up haters this a great cd
50 cent is one of the best rappers.All ya'll are just mad because ulove everyone he disses. You aresuppose to rate the music notthe way he acts. If youlike 50 don't listenthem haters who don'tknow SH$T. The best songs areIn my hoodPiggy BankGatman and RobinCandy ShopDisco InfernoHate it or Love it RemixEvery song is good but some are betta than others | 45 stars
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Woefully underrated.
How bad must it be to be the members of Catch 22? Despite having hands-down the best rhythm section in ska today (the dynamic duo of Chris Greer on drums and Pat "Mingus" Kays on bass), great songwriting, and loads of talent, the six-man group is forced to forever dwell in the shadow of their debut, 1997's "Keasbey Nights", admittedly a masterpiece of the genre."Dinosaur Sounds" is not "Keasbey Nights". In fact, the two albums are almost as far removed as two albums by the same artist can possibly be. (Of course, the departure of songwriter Tomas Kalnoky following the release of "Keasbey" certainly changed things.) Where "Keasbey" was a full-tilt ska assault, "Dinosaur" is the end result of one band's progression from a bunch of high school kids obsessed with girls and guns into a group of adults facing a very different world from the one they started in.The album certainly lacks the almost-trademark bleakness of Catch 22's first two releases, with the peppy "Chin Up" almost encouraging... wonder of wonders, positivity! Vocalist Ryan Eldred breaks into an almost Elvis Costello-like sound on this album, which is certainly no insult.If this album had been released by a rookie band, it still would have flown under mainstream radar, but given some fans' utter unwillingness to accept change, "Dinosaur Sounds" will remain a buried treasure, overshadowed by a single album seven years ago.Five stars.-HX | 45 stars
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No you're not dreaming and it's rather excellent
One of the best trance remixes of a classic song, and certainly one of the best releaseas from Lost Witness.The Minimalist remix here is my favourite on the CD.However as others have also noted, there are several producers and remixes who have put their hands on this same song with varying results, some excellent and some not up to expectations. The best version though for me remains Vengeance's which is only available on 12". Item is now hard to find, but with some luck and "deep Googling" I'm sure it is obtainable. | 45 stars
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TTTTTTTTTrash!!!!!!!!
What the hell did happen. I'll tell you what did happen. People got tired of listening to their whinny, cut you down(NIN would chew their little wimp asses heads off any day, and no one can talk about women that way, especially not Fred Durst), swear every two beepin' seconds cause i don' beepin' know what other intelligent lyrics to write. The only reason I gave this CD 2 stars is because of 4 songs. Take A Look Around, My Way, Boiler, and the One. I like these songs because they actually have a sense behind them and have good instrumental. There are 11 reasons why I hate this CD. Intro, Hot Dog, My Generation, Full Nelson, Rollin(air raid vehicle), livin' it up, getcha groove on, it'll be ok, hold on, rollin'(urban assault vehicle), outro. Play the fuckin' track, oh there it is. BANG!!!! That is the single stupidest thing that I have ever heard on a CD. Fred could actually rap on Sig. Others, and N 2 Gether now was a very good song, but the two rap songs on this CD are totally unbearable. They both suck, just like most other rap. The only thing that has improved on this CD os the instrumental, and it is a sorry thing that moron Durst put it behind his huge, over grown and sold-out ego, and hide the only good thing on the CD. Maybe their next CD will include the good from all three and actually create a really good rapcore CD. Until then I have the first two Bizkit albums, and Papa Roach, and Linkin PArk to easily hold me off, and if they never bring out another CD, OH DARN! | 12 stars
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New New Slagle
I'm a long time fan since before Steve's stint with Carla Bley's band. Been waiting a long time for this one, well worth it. The band sounds great. Gene Jackson's driving drums tastefully, melodically. Cameron Brown's bass is pulsing. Slagle and Stryker, soul and strength, simply astounding on the sax & slide statement ("Bowery Blues"). Joe Lovano's guest sit-in grounds the gig, returning the favor for Steve adding wings to Joe's Nonet. Joe Locke on vibes is touch perfect for late night ballad-"What goes Around Comes Around". All the tunes are terrific; my favorites are "New New York" (quartet version), "Blackwell's Manhattan", and "St. Marks Shuffle". Always love to hear Monk's music, excellent inclusion of "Thelonious" here. I'm an up-tempo kind of guy, but the big hit here I feel is "Manha de Hudson", another ballad, showcasing alto flute! The play between Steve and Dave is beautiful, add Brown's bass in Brazilian flavor. Somebody should write words to this, there'd be no stopping it. Oh yeah, the Mingus tune at the end-"Nostalgia in Times Square"-(I heard Steve play this with the Mingus Big Band, solid!) is like when you leave the theater at the end of a really good movie, whistling the theme song. This is my first review for Amazon, or anybody, did I use my thousand words yet? | 45 stars
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Please don't turn it has-beens Dream Theater...
Dream Theater have long been dubbed Progressive Metal. They have a huge following of both prog-heads and metalheads plus anyone else in between. Throughout their career, they've had metal influences on every album (even Falling Into Infinity). However, there has always been a debate about whether or not they are truly metal. After all, they've done just as many ballads as they have metal tracks and their most revered work is really progressive rock with a modern, heavy sound (could Change Of Seasons or Learning To Live really be classed as metal?). Taking a look at their work, it could be argued that Dream Theater have straddled the line between metal and rock when it came to their brand of prog.Until now that is.Train Of Thought is without a doubt a metal album, and the heaviest they've done so far. Only one of these tracks is not metal (Vacant): the others are heavy, technical, fast and, well, metal. I showed Honour Thy Father to a friend of mine who'd heard very little Dream Theater and he was waiting for the growling to kick in! Sounds to you like the Dream Theater of old? No, I didn't think so.However, time has taken its toll (which considering I bought this almost as soon as it came out) and I find that I rarely listen to this album. And when I do put it on, I'm not left in awe like I am with most other Dream Theater albums. The problem is that the album is a mish-mash of heavy riffs and fast solos, which doesn't make a great album alone. The instrumental sections here are very uninventive and seem technical for the sake of it. Myung is barely heard at all (even less so than on previous albums), Petrucci and Rudess failed to create a genuinely memorable solo, Portnoy's drumming seems to be lacking in creativity. The only member on fire is LaBrie, who I think sounds really good, especially considering that his voice isn't really suited for music this heavy.The band really need an outside producer. True, they struck gold with Scenes From A Memory (although I felt that even that had its down points), but both this and Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulance have a cliched prog metal sound with little attention to detail. Petrucci needs to be told when to slow down (not a problem in the past), Rudess needs to be told when his patches sound like something out of a video game and the band generally need to be told that cutting and pasting riffs does not make great music. But most importantly, they need someone who can create a wondorful sound from the music made (rather than a cliched, overdone sound), something that Portnoy and Petrucci can't do themselves.Some have slated this because it is heavy. That's certainly not the problem I have with it. The problem I have with it is far worse - that it signifies a real drop in creativity that dominates this band's earlier material. After listening to creative works such as Learning To Live, A Change Of Seasons, Home, Voices or Metropolis Part 1, I know that Dream Theater are capable of much more inventive and varied music devoid of the musical masturbation I hear here. I'd be lying if I said I didn't like it at all, this much is true. But if you're not already into Dream Theater then buy Images And Words, Awake or Scenes From A Memory first. If you're a metalhead, I still wouldn't recommend this to start off with despite it being their heaviest album. | 23 stars
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Try this beauty...
Here we can find a trully superb inspiration... I don't have words to describe what I feel every time I listen to this record. I think that this songs are about beauty. From the beginning 'till the end, the sound in here is a magical wave. What can be said about songs like "Damage", "Shadows", "Autumn Sweater", "Spec Bebop" or "We're An American Band"?All that can be said is that Yo La Tengo are one of the most magnificent and inspired bands of the Late 80's and 90's, and... in 2000... they rulled. But that was another story... | 45 stars
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Marianne's best since Broken English
Marianne took a new aproach to music on this cd. Vagabond Ways seems to lack the anger of her 70's hits such as Guilt and Why'd Ya Do It however it does seem to tell a story of the events Marianne delt with in her live. This is mostly evident in " Vagabond Ways" Marianne's version of Tower of Song, the Leonard Cohen classic is amazing. Another highlight of this CD is Incarceration of a Flower Child, a song co-written with Roger Waters. If you are a Marianne fan this cd is a must! | 45 stars
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Dixie Dregs Masterpiece
Steve Morse and Co. hit on all cylinders from "Road Expence" to "Old World", every cut is awesome. It took me awhile to finally find this CD, once I did...man 'o man, this is one smokin' album. One can see why Steve Morse was voted 5 years in a row Best Guitarist in "Guitar Player" magazine, one magazine that actually knows how to rate guitarists (Compare the fiascoic abomination of Rolling Stone Mag's "100 Greatest Guitarist" of all time...) Steve is top 5 of all time and "Dregs of the Earth" is proof positive. | 45 stars
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The best
If theres is a C.D. better it would have to be Gods because it would take a miracle. | 45 stars
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buy this if you don't already have the originals
George was the catalyst for this all star group. If you did not buy the original discs, consider this one. I do not think the videos are that great. I did not buy it for the DVD. Add this to your collection because we are all heading to the light. | 34 stars
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You've got to be kidding me
Ever since Death Row dispersed, Snoop Dogg has been in limbo. Almost like a free agent, Snoop is picked up by No Limit, and makes a much anticipated album that didn't meet up to people's expectations. He then follows it up with this release, hoping that Dr. Dre and other producers could spice up his ailing style. It doesn't work. Most tracks, his voice isn't even loud enough to understand, and it sounds like his lyrics are an afterthought to the music. You should have stayed with your old style, Snoop. Doggy Style is still a classic in my book, but the rest are all going to the Pawn Shop. Better luck next time. This CD is not worth buying. | 01 star
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Kansas' Leftoverture
I've loved this release since it came out. I had it on cassette, then downloaded the songs off of Limewire, and when that crashed, I just couldn't go without it. Every song on here is just fantastic. I ordered it with the free shipping option and got it ahead of schedule, so Thank You Amazon! You have a life-long shopper from me!! (Especially since there's no sales tax included - I buy as much as possible here!) | 45 stars
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Simply Incredible
Exquisite and simply incredible. I just picked up this cd and was blown away by the music on it. I am a fan of the group and have been following them for the past few years. Their first cd called Mystic Spirit Voices transported me somewhere while listening to it and NOW this new cd by them is an excellent follow up to the previous one. If you love the human voice and appreciate it's rich harmonies and angelicness. This cd will take you to heaven and beyond. My pick for this years New Age record. You will get chills when you listen to this music.Open to ILLUMINATION!!!!!! | 45 stars
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Celia Knight
To start with lets say that this isn't a horrible album. But it isn't amazing either. I liked half the songs on it and the other half wasn't horrible but I just didn't like them for some reason or another.The quality varies from song to song and there are some edits over curse words but if one of your favorite bands has an unreleased live track on this album you'll probably buy it. I would suggest just buying a live album from the band instead of this one. I give it three stars. | 23 stars
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Consistent with a great first single, but that's about it
To say ex-boy bander Nick Lachey is brokenhearted is an understatement. His messy, highly publicized divorce from then-fading-now-famous pop star Jessica Simpson received major attention especially after they grabbed infamy with their so-stupid-it's-irresistible reality TV hit Newlyweds, a show that had been procured to show how happy and in love both were. Instead of backlashing against his ex, Lachey used his sophomore effort What's Left of Me as an avenue to put his pain and heartache in circulation. For the most part, this works extremely well for the once-fading boy bander. Due to the publicity Nick and Jessica received due to their smash TV show, What's Left of Me became a hit. Unfortuneately, there's more filler than actual substance here. The title track is brilliant and extremely likeable, but save for that and a couple of other songs Lachey's record fails. It's not that the songs aren't listenable enough, it's just that sans for the great first single nothing else can live up to the smash that "What's Left of Me" was. But does the lack of any real hit material make this a failure? Not at all. Regardless of how bland the material may be, hormonal teenage fanatics will eat it up, eager to see how hunky Nick looks inside the album and to see a heartbroken man baring his emotions (and much of his body) for all the world to hear. In the end, What's Left of Me is at best a consistent album, but it's hardly memorable enough to be considered a classic of pop music. | 23 stars
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Excellent
I give this album 5 stars when compared to music in general, although i'd give it a 3 in comparison to Fela's later work. Still, his solo work on this album is impassioned and gives a great glimpse of what's to come. Definitely worth owning for any Fela lover. | 45 stars
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Basie and the blues singers
Cleanhead Vinson and Big Joe Turner backed by Basies band and a few instrumentals too. It's great to hear Vinson and Turner backed by Basie but they really could have used the big band a bit more and given the album a little more energy. That's why I gave it only 3 stars. Still worth owning though if you like big band blues.Well recorded. | 23 stars
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Ughhh....
Ok, this CD is awful! It was given to me as a birthday present and I never had heard of her so I gave it a try and listened to it, and after hearing an entire minute of the first song... I immediately stopped my CD player and took this piece of garbage out. This sucks! I couldn't stand listening to it, mainly because of her awful annoying unattractive voice! she sounds nothing like how she looks. You'd expect her to have a nice sexy, soothing, pretty voice, but sadly she doesn't possess that. someone should put a muzzle on her, seriously. Don't waste your money on this crap. She may have looks, though evidently doesn't have the voice to match! | 01 star
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I finally found it!!
Have you ever listened to a song and thought "It would be so cool if this part went like this, or if that part had such-and-such added or if he sang that note differently.." or whatever? The thing about this album is that every time I thought along those lines, Chris Eaton beat me to the punch. It's utterly musically "complete" in every sense of the word, at least by my tastes and standards. This is one of my ALL time favorite Christian albums and I completely wore out the cassette 10 years ago or so and have periodically searched online to find the CD version. I have found it here at last! This is a tremendously enjoyable album! | 45 stars
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Welcome to Pop Heaven!
42 cuts of pure pop dynamite! An incredible feast of the most delectable pop gems in the music industry. All sadly overlooked by the masses but loved by every power popster out there. If you're testing the jangly, hook-laden pop music waters for the first time - START HERE! A MASTERPIECE! | 45 stars
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Great mixes and new stuff.
Glorious new music mixed with some diamonds! Another great delivery from Pete and DOA. | 45 stars
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fantastic voice
when I first heard black velvet I had no idea who it was so I asked my nephew, it took awhile to find the cd but I finally did but was it ever worth it, I love every song on it, she has a fablous voice. | 45 stars
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My First Clannad
This was my first Clannad album and I think it makes an excellent introduction to both the band and celtic music. It starts with the haunting and erie sound (Caislean Oir) that celtic music is rightfully famous for. And later shows it's happy side with Journey's At An End. All together a fine album | 34 stars
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Memories of Past life Music
When I was younger, I bought this album on a whim. Once I had heard it and played it over and over again, I was hooked. As I listen to the current CD, I hear cuts that were not on the original album. They do not disappoint but reaffirms that the original record and cuts for this particular album contain the richer sound of this group.Their better work. It identified them for me as an "outsider band" with something unique to say.As time past I lost sight of them but not interest. I am refreshed to hear the wale, whine and harmony of CYMANDE once again. | 45 stars
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Different from other pop-punk bands..
I think that MEST is a little different from all the other so-called pop-punk bands. They have the catchy tunes and the sing-a-long lyrics down, but along with something extra. MEST includes horns and a bit of ska into their songs on this new album, to give it a bit of a twist. They also have some rap in their songs, like "Cadillac" which makes it more interesting than your usual Blink 182 band. Destination Unknown, along with their old album Wasting Time, is a great album that you will not be able to stop listening to. Go out and buy it, NOW! | 45 stars
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Baby will stop what he's doing as soon as he hears the music
When I first watched this video with my son he was 4 months old. I honestly didn't get what was so great about them, but I'm not the target audience. The older my son gets the more he loves this video. He will stop what he's doing if he hears the music. He has several Baby Einstein videos and this is by far his favorite. I also tried the Fisher-Price videos (they're cheaper) but he's not interested in them at all. I've started buying this as a gift for all my pregnant friends - I suggest you do the same! | 45 stars
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Fun stuff!
I had caught wind of these guys via an on-line top 40 list. I hadn't heard of them at that point - so I went to their website and listen to some of their tunes. Since then - I've been telling everyone how awesome this band is and that I believe they are going to make it big very soon! It's good stuff. | 34 stars
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CRAP
It amazes me that this group of talentless posers achieved the success that they did. Nothing about their sound was ever original or creative. They were definitely not the Led Zeppelin of the 1990s as some reviewers have suggested. Jimmy Page was and still is a guitar god as opposed to Dean DeLeo who seemed to struggle with throwing together a couple of power chords to create what STP called a song. Robert Plant and Scott Weiland aren't even in the same league. Fortunately, STP is long gone now and hopefully won't be putting out garbage like this album anytime soon. | 01 star
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Excellent!!!!!
This LP is amazing. It's the best Juliana cd ever. She plays her heart out and then keeps on playing. Each song is unique, rendering the listen a fun and exciting one. I recommend this LP to anyone who appreciates good guitar, vocals and a lot of soul. | 45 stars
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digested not to be chewed lightly
mark lanegan the genius behind screaming trees and member with QOTSA does another solo album one to add to his belt..and what a classic dark sombre up-lifting happy album this is..a menacing album with fantastic lyrics with a dark twist well you expect that with mark lanegan, then you have all the aritst contributions from the likes of p.j.harvey, QOTSA front man josh hommes duff out of GNR and velvet revolver and izzy stradlin former GNR guitarist[who's solo albums are superd aswell]this album has become part of me it affected me that much it'a a part of my skin my soul.. this man can make songs that could effect the hardest of peoplea truly modern classic in a world full of rubbish rock/pop bands | 45 stars
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WOW! WHAT A GREAT CD!!!!!
This cd is most definetely one of my favorite cd's!!It's cross between rock and metal.It sort of sounds like Limp Bizkit,but better in my opinion.There is absolutely no bad birds within the entire cd.The first song PAPERCUT is an excellent example of what linkin park has to offer.If you like this song you will like the whole cd.PAPERCUT mostly all rock with a little bit of dj techno part towards the end.Number 2 ONE STEP CLOSER is an all rock song and could definetely be there next single.Next, WITH YOU,has little bit of everything, rock, metal, and techno.Number for POINTS OF AUTHORITY is a very good rock/metal song with a little rap here and there.Number 5 CRAWLING is obviously one of best rock songs on the alblum, since it became their first single.Runaway,number 6 is a good rock song that has a catchy refrain.Number 7 is an all out great song that is mostly all metal.Number 8 IN THE END is a good soft rock song on the cd.Number 9 A PLACE FOR MY HEAD is my very favorite of the entire cd.It has evrything in it rock, rap, and a little metal I guess.This should definetely be the bands next single.Number 10 FORGOTTEN has a catchy tune but it's not the best.CURE FOR THE ITCH, number 11 is all techno it has no words but it's still a good song.Last but not least number 12 PUSHING ME AWAY is an all out great rock song.Linkin Park is one the best bands out today,I highly recommend this cd!!!! | 45 stars
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Blues that's for real
I got this set as a gift, and though I am a Christian, I appreciate the artistic value of the music. The Blues is a style of music which mostly represents the sad parts of life, and often those include words and themes that could be considered "raunchy". Some may be turned off by that, and God bless them in following their convictions. However, my father was a Blues Man who played folk music as well, so I can appreciate this style of music. This CD set accurately represents a broad swath of blues music, and for that, I am grateful for it. I tune out the worst parts, and trust me, there are more "raunchy" blues out there in concerts all the time. One can turn on this music when they are sad, and most likely some of it will resonate with your mood, and help to bring you back to a happier state of mind. Life is full of both sad and happy times, and the Blues can comiserate with you, which is one of the good things about this CD set. Many styles, artists and time periods are represented here, so some of it will reach you no matter how you feel when you hear it. It's a big enough set to pick and choose what works for you. Enjoy! | 34 stars
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Feel good movie and feel good music
This movie was a feast for the senses! The music had so much to do with the experience. This is a must have if you love the movie as much as I do! | 45 stars
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Great live sound. A must own.
Live in Amsterdam. Ha, Ha, Willie! Good one.This CD is really enjoyable. The whole CD is good. I recommend it to new, or die hard fans. The sound quality is crisp. Bravo, sound board man!Willie may be one of the most unrated guitarist of all time. He can shred like no other.Also, try the Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson "VH1 Storytellers", on American Recordings. Superior stuff! | 45 stars
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Still Top
I loved this record when it came out, and it's still one of my favorites. In my opinion, the high point of BAD creativity. Amazing craft and production...the record never stops...all the songs are tied together with amazing tidbits. Way ahead of it's time, and still does not sound a bit dated. In many ways, things I loved about The Clash are all over this record. Thanks Mick. | 45 stars
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Awesome CD.,,,very modernesque
Awesome CD>. not as solo-y and 80's thrashish as older stuff.. but still a great cd.. one of my faves... | 34 stars
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sex aims to please!
This is one of the greatest albums ever created. It show pleasure, dance, drama, love ballads and mostly SEX! This is one of the top 5 sexiest album of the 90's! Great Job! | 45 stars
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Outstanding
If you like salsa, you should get this awesome dvd, i think it's the best concert ever recorded in modern era, marc anthony gives it all he's got and the orquestra it's fabulous. | 45 stars
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great cd glad i purchased it listen to it all the time
great choice of songs on cd some repeats of what i already have but good, listen to this cd all the time | 23 stars
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Dire
More hyped up nu-metal with little style yet even less substance. This band are obviously being touted as the next Slipknot, but where as Slipknot backed up their laughable image with some of the fastest and aggressive nu-metal around, Mudvayne just churn out familiar riffs and unoriginal songs. Mudvayne are just a boy-band for metalheads and the music on L.D. 50 is just as weak, formulaic and easily marketable as your standard pop band. `Dig' is the closest to being a decent song but the rest of the album is just bland and, surprisingly, inoffensive. Don't believe the hype. | 01 star
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Rinérse '- Music Kills Me
Rinérse returns for a second round of rock-house-pop (with flutes!) on MUSIC KILLS ME. And right from "Le Rock Summer," you hear some disco being thrown in the mix, a nod to the much-vaunted 'French touch' of the late 90s, while the title track and "Dead Flowers" pump up the rock elements. "Lost Love" has a catchy soul-pop chorus, but it doesn't work quite as well on "Resurrection D'une Idole Pop." But the groove and sax squelches on "Professeur Suicide" stands up well on its own, as does the melodic retort to Jimi Hendrix, "No, We Are Not Experienced!" They enter more downtempo territory with "Brian Jones: Last Picture" and "Obseques D'un Guitar Hero," though they overdo the guitars on the latter (much better is the simpler "Highway To Heaven.") But the jazz-tinged bossa nova of "Dead Can Dance" help make up for any lapses. A nice, if inconsistent album. | 23 stars
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More of the same, and half as original.
Now, I realize I may not have the popular opinion here, because Radiohead has achieve probably the most rabid and defensive fanbase I've ever laid eyes on, but I feel I can say my piece in that I used to be one of them. I was a huge Radiohead fan when their first few albums came out, and maybe I've just grown out of it, or maybe I just don't get it, but I really don't know what Radiohead are trying to say anymore.I enjoyed Pablo Honey when it first came out. It was a good collection of rock songs. When The Bends came out, I thought I was a fan for life, because that album still remains among my favorite rock albums of all time. To me, it was perfection in music. OK Computer was great as well, but I didn't feel it was quite as solid. Kid A put me off a little, but I still enjoyed it. Around that point, I began to notice that Radiohead was, essentially, alienating all of their rock fans. Then along came Amnesiac, and while I liked a couple songs from it, I just didn't see why they were doing this. They had so much more potential as a great rock band and they became a mediocre experimental electronic band.And while I do think that the venture into the electronic/experimental genre is a bold and brave move for the band, in my mind (the mind of a long time fan, mind you), it's just simply not Radiohead anymore. I am a rock fan, as well as an electronic and experimental music fan, but I just don't see these two styles meshing that well anymore. Don't get me wrong, if this was a great experimental album, I would say so. But there's really nothing to grab onto in this album; no real substance that I can see as profound, just a bunch of blips and bleeps.I will give this album a little credit, however, as it does contain some hints of the old rock style. And *gasp* there are even a few songs where guitars set the melody, such as "Go to Sleep" and "There There". But if those songs were an indication of the entire album, I'd enjoy it a lot more. Right now what I'm hearing while listening to Hail to the Thief, is a new Radiohead, and it's a Radiohead that's trying way too hard to be eccentric. There's a fine line between eccentric and pretentious, and I think Radiohead has long since journeyed across that line. Die-hard Radiohead fans will probably enjoy this and talk about how deep and meaningful it is to them, but for this particular fan, I'll just go pop in my copy of The Bends and wallow in some nostalgia for awhile. | 12 stars
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Hello, Goodbye
My love affair with the Beatles began at age thirteen, when a friend and I listened to the "Abbey Road" album on her parents' stereo system and sang along with 'Maxwell's Silver Hammer'. I began asking for Beatles' albums for Christmas and birthday gifts, and eventually fell into the genius of the Red and Blue Album collections. The Red Album (officially known as "The Beatles 1962-1966") was my first purchase, and while I loved it, my father told me that I would like its companion much more. While I've certainly enjoyed "The Beatles 1967-1970", it hasn't surpassed its predecessor in my eyes.The Blue Album, as this one is affectionately known, catalogues the Beatles as they went through their experimental phase until the end of their career. Beginning with the nostalgic 'Strawberry Fields Forever' and 'Penny Lane', it channels the Fab Four in their drug-hazed glory. Psychadelic favorites such as 'Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds' and the confusing yet fun 'I am the Walrus' abound on disc one, which ends with two of the group's most famous songs: Paul McCartney-written classic ballad 'Hey Jude' (which, at 7:11, was the longest single to ever top British charts for over two decades) and John Lennon's rocking 'Revolution'.Disc two opens with the Beach Boys' sounding 'Back in the USSR' and then begins to showcase each individual band member. We get some of George Harrison's best work in 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps', 'Here Comes the Sun', and 'Something', as well as more Lennon and McCartney goodness with fun tunes 'Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da' and 'Come Together'. The album ends with the lush 'The Long and Winding Road' in its full Phil Spector glory.This album is, by no means, a bad one. It's a great collection of the best the band put out during the final four years of their career, at the height of their creative genius. However, I'm more a fan of the sound of their early career, before drugs, peace, and pressure kicked in. Lyrically, though, you can't argue the magic of this album. The Beatles broke new ground with the second half of their career and began a legacy that still reverberates forty years on. | 34 stars
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Rediscovered classic
After Hard Road and the 'beano album', I was originally outraged that Mayall had included 'horns' on this album. I now have 25 Mayall cds in my collection including anything since Walter Trout and Coco Montoya were members. Mayall and Paul Butterfield turned me onto the blues but this album was rejected. It was not until Kazaa came on the scene before I rediscovered this album. It is the album between 'Hard Road' and 'Crusade'. It contains some classic Mayall, Mike Talyor guitar and some wonderful moody tracks with Henry Lowther on violin. I repent, this is a great album, diminished only by the fact that the first track is a suite of tracks that should have been broken into more sizable chunks. | 34 stars
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cant describe
There are no words to describe this album, you have to buy this if you are a alternative music fan. billy corgan is the most amazing guatarist of the 90's, now i understand that kurt cobain and nirvana's "nevermind" was a huge cd and everything, but really whos a better musician kurt cobain or billy corgan? you tell me after listening to siamese dream and nevermind, but dont get me wrong i love nirvana but people need to know that the smashing pumpkins were a more talented band during that time. | 45 stars
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Adam Sandler's first and hillarious debut album
Over the years, Adam Sandler has appeared in several movies and released several albums, and in 1993, while Sandler had been on "Saturday Night Live", he released his debut album, "They're All Gonna Laugh at You", which proved to be not only a first debut, but a hilarious debut also. The album, while it has no plot during the whole album, it really is about high school, and the little "adventures" both high school students and high school teachers go through. There are several guest stars on this album such as Rob Schneider, Allen Covert, David Spade, Conan O'Brien, etc. Track one, "Assistant Principal's Big Day", is about a high school who's principal, Principal Cambell, is out, and once Principal Cambell is out, Vice Principal Dunbar is in charge. The policies stay the same, but there are a few extra regulations that Vice Principal Dunbar leaves for the school, and boy, once Dunbar is in charge, his regulations are PERVERTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Track two, "The Buffoon and The Dean of Admissions", is where a high school buffoon named Michael goes to visit the college he wants to attend and meets the dean of admissions (Conan O'Brien)who has this high school buffoon tell him more about himself, and the stuff Michael tells the dean about himself and his family are definitely not things you would tell a college dean. I won't give away the whole album, you'll just have to hear the rest for yourself, but this album was very well done, and you may be able to take some of the skits on this album and connect them with your own high school experiences, as I have been able to do with mine. | 45 stars
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Something's Been Lost
The first thing that most people think when they listen to a Yellowcard CD is the pretty standard realization "is that a cello in the background?".Ok, it's a violin, but whatever. The fact that there is a violin playing in an otherwise traditional pop-punk band may add a bit of novelty value to an initial listen, but the fact is that within a few minutes of pressing play, one starts to forget about it, and treat it as just another instrument (in fact, often the balancing seems to have been overlooked and the initial stringed melody is lost underneath thundering guitar riffs and hammering drum beats).Yellowcard play refreshingly fast pop-punk music that is a worthwhile addition to anyone's CD collection.They do not, however, stand out from the crowd of what is an overflowing genre, and while in older albums such as The Underdog EP they have a more melodic and sobre sound that makes for attentive listening, this has been lost for this album, and unfortunately the sound is worse off for it. | 23 stars
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"The sun goes up and the sun goes down, I drag myself into the town, all I do I wanna do with you ..."
I was introduced to The Servant the same way everyone else was: through the trailer for "Sin City", in which the instrumental version of their song "Cells" was used. I eventually found the album (it's not easy to get in America), and listened to it.The album's greatest song is undisputedly "Cells". There's something about it that just makes it extremely catchy and cool. Maybe it's the guitar, or the vocals, or the heavy drums. I dunno, but it's a damn fine song. The album's other highlights are "Orchestra", "Jesus Says", and "Liquefy", but none light a candle to "Cells".This is an impressive debut album, but it's nothing spectacular (with the exception of "Cells"). The lead singer's voice seems annoying on every song but "Cells". However, I think we can expect some great things from the band in the future. | 34 stars
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A Perfect Platter for the Casual Fan
Containing 21 classic Rolling Stones hits from the period before fame got the best of them, "Hot Rocks" is the perfect collection for the casual fan. Although the Stones have managed to survive for more than three decades since this anthology's 1971 ending date, they haven't recorded as many great songs in those thrity-plus years as are included here. The track listing reads like a playlist for classic rock radio, "Satisfaction," "Get Off My Cloud," "Paint it Black," "Brown Sugar," "Ruby Tuesday," "Under My Thumb," "Jumping Jack Flash," "Sympathy for the Devil," etc. All of these prove that in their heyday the Stones were among the best singles bands ever, even if their studio albums tended to be more uneven. Even one of the few less well known songs included here, "Wild Horses," is a masterpiece which was written for Gram Parsons and was the signature tune for Parsons's influential band, The Flying Burrito Brothers.Overall, a classic double disc anthology album that will be of interest mostly for fans who want the Rolling Stones's biggest hits without having to buy all of the albums. | 45 stars
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Easily Thier Worst
Well honestly I can't see the attraction that so many have to this album. I feel that the only good this album did in any sense was set Type O Negative in good direction to later create "October Rust" and "World Coming Down" which both got 5 stars from me.This was Type O's unfortunate breakthrough because it denoted the bands ability to stand on firm ground with a more diverse base of fans. This "notorious" album pales horribly to associate with the bands inevitable growth. This album is decadent and lacks thier more profound and cunning facetiousness, thier brutal satire with gorgeous melody.Be good to yourself wont ya? Buy "October Rust", "World Coming Down" and "Life is Killing Me" they are just far superior to this album. | 12 stars
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Nainmeinsider.com
This is a big sneak preivew of kingdom hearts 2: Final countdown, fan version( see more info on kingdom hearts nainme reviews) This is the cd Nainme records in Twilight town and is rumoured to perform this during the meetings of the unknowns.It is said that Riku and Nainme will reinunite after 2 years apart, but according to the creator, Nainme clearley shows she has lost interest of him and is now with new boyfriend Vixen( Equivalent to Justin Timberlake). The single released are:I,m a slave 4 u: The comeback single that shows and tells the NEW Nainme Spears." All you people look at me like I'm a lttle girl"Lonely: Tells about the relationship with Riku and how lonely she felt when he dissapeared." I think about the times that I wasted"Inagnyaw: Nainme tells that she is not the innocent girl she was but still isn't a women yet" there is no need to protect me"anticapating: Nainme goes out shopping with her sister Namine and.."feelin this way"i luv rock and roll: nainme admits her addiction to rock and roll and bad stuff like smoking." I luv rock and roll"cinderella; explains the old side of nainme who she nick names cinderella."cinderellas got to go"lmb: released in kh 1bombtastic love: at a party in the castle she dances with vixen." Bombtastic luv so fantastic"b4 the goodbye: When Vixen dumps Nainme" I'm alwats missing you"wil2bme: A DUET WITH vIXEN to intimidate her new gimmic of Riku's jealousy. More info coming soon kh fc will be realeased early 2006 or late 2005 hopefully! | 45 stars
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Lauryn, I feel you...
As a young person growing up and trying to figure out who the hell I am, Lauryn's self-dissection is more than comforting. To think a celebrity of her status has issues..who knew? She is all too human, all too familiar, all too universal, and all too honest. Which is all too much of a good thing because that's life...all too consuming. Those who criticize the imperfections of the notes or the rambling are failing to understand the purpose for this endeavor. Lauryn is literally bleeding for us all on stage. This cd is a soundtrack to self-discovery and self-criticism. Is it any wonder Lauryn is a student of philosophy? Self-actualization at its finest...thank you Lauryn for being honest. | 45 stars
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Almost as Good as Dead
Garcia gave to the Dead, and the band's members gave back so much to him in their choice of material, delivery and a style of jamming that has rarely been equaled. Thank God they put up with him.This album is SO good, in its dynamic range, in its choice of material, in the performances and Garcia's state-of-mind -- and in the extraordinary value you get for such a beautiful package, it is quite frankly, better than half the Dick's Picks releases I own and as good as the Dead's best live recorded performances.In general, Jerry's band had less status than the Dead, but musically they could equal their musical ancestors. I recognize this may really anger some listeners, but all I can say is-- just listen and then: you tell me.Garcia was a strange man. He had so many failings, but musically was so imaginative and generous. He knew how to make people happy, and in this release that's exactly what he and his gifted engineers achieve.One of the best vintage rock releases of 2004 -- bar none.Rhino is also getting better, not merey recycling old releases but generating impressive material that has never been presented before.You'll love it. | 45 stars
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Ulyana Lopatkina is definitely the swan to watch! There are ballerinas who can technically do the swan but only few can be the
Ulyana Lopatkina is definitely the swan to watch! There are ballerinas who can technically do the swan but only few can be the swan. It is a must see 'Swan Lake' for anyone who loves a traditional 'Swan Lake'. Danila Korsuntsev did a fairly good job as the Prince Siegfried - very tentative and an excellent partner. The overall production is beautiful. A highly recommended DVD. | 45 stars
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music critics don't know ****!
there's too many good songs to choose from: the lost children, don't walk away, butterflies, speechless, threatened, heartbreaker, unbreakable. the whole cd rocks! you don't hear songs like butterflies, don't walk away and threatened on the radio anymore. these songs would go straight to #1 if they were singles right now. i think every music fan should get this album. | 45 stars
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Interesting
I hate techno, rave, dance music, etc...but I have found Moby's mobysongs quite interesting. I slip over the dancy, techno tracks and go to the ambient tracks. Here is where Moby connects. He is kind of like the modern version of Brian Eno with a pop flair. In fact, I wish he would become more Enoish and drop the dancy stuff altogether! Mobysongs is a good place to start for someone new to Moby like myself as is the similarly interesting (for the same reasons) Play. Give it a listen. | 34 stars
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WILDLY implausible...
...and totally self indulgent filmmaking. One-note performance from Thornton (whom I've liked in other films), up there with Sean Penn's performance in "I Am Sam." If you liked that, you may enjoy this. I just kept yelling "WHAT?" at the unmotivated actions of the characters.From the first incident, in which a middle-aged formerly homicidal mental patient, incarcerated since the age of 12, is released into society with NO placement services and is expected to fend for himself, right through to the signaled-way-ahead-of-time totally predictable ending, this is just an illogical mess."Oh, you've just been released from a mental institution, have struck up a friendship with my adolescent son, and need a place to stay? Well, by all means, move in with US!"Can't understand the critical praise heaped on this mess. Oh yeah, and the self-conscious camera work doesn't help either.If you like logic and emotional coherency, skip this one. | 01 star
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Kid A - Innovative, Provacative - Simply Amazing.
What can you say about Radiohead's latest release 'Kid A'? Despite the fact that there are no singles, no videos, and the band has performed few interviews and/or television appearances in recent months, the album hit number 1 in its first week on the market. In fact, the only promotion consisted of 30 second internet clips.An explanation of this approach (one that likely gave the record executives at EMI nervous fits) is in order. Radiohead's previous release, 'O.K. Computer', as far as many critics were concerned, marked a revival of creative rock in an otherwise dull period in the genre. Seemingly overnight Radiohead became the most hyped rock band in the world. Media and critics alike thrusted upon them the title 'saviors of rock' and the leading band members were quickly vaulted into celebrity status. However, instead of basking in triumph, this period marked a very uneasy time for Radiohead. Their video tour documentary 'Meeting People Is Easy' says a lot about the band's mentality during this period. In the video they adamantly denied the preconception that they are a guitar band, and seemed uneasy with their role in shaping rock history. The documentary shows their international touring schedule becoming a nightmare of methodically jumping from city to city and interview to interview. Even worse for Radiohead, the now large stadium venues crushed any intimacy that the band had with its audience.'Kid A' in some ways represents the band's response to all of this. The album defies rock traditions: standard verse/chorus formation is all but forgotten; many of the songs don't even feature guitars at all; others have no drums. Has all typical rock melody and style become an embarrassment to Radiohead? It would seem so. And in a related development, the band also has recently announced that they will be touring North America next year under a large pavilion tent! (check the official web-site for details) Certainly it would seem that Radiohead just wanted to do things as differently as possible in order to avoid the chaotic lifestyle that followed 'O.K. Computer'. Fortunately due to the enormous success of that album, Radiohead were given complete liberty in their next album's creation, including free reign on timing. The band was also finally given a year off after non-stop touring, studio, and interviews since the early 90's when they first hit it big. This freedom and space gave Radiohead time to reflect on themselves and their wishes for the future of the band.The release of 'Kid A' reflects this period and marks a new beginning for Radiohead. They now had to go about their creative process in a new manner - learning the studio equipment in new ways, experimenting with new instruments, sounds, and song structures. Ed O'Brien (guitarist /singer) in his online dairy has written about their approach to recording in the studio. He discusses how the band had to throw away their preconceptions about recording an album, including all the methods that worked for them before, because they knew they would never yield new results. The challenge for Radiohead being essentially to start over again, and to do it well.When first listening to the album it is important that you hear it as a complete work, start to finish. Some songs flow immediately into others (reminiscent of 'Dark Side of the Moon') and your impressions of them are directly affected by the preceding song. The album just doesn't seem to have the same emotional effect when the songs are heard in isolation. It is difficult to describe the impression that the album makes on the listener and will, in all probability, effect each person differently. To use a cliché, the album represents an expression of inexpressible feelings. The music seems to stimulate the sub-conscious mind and, in the end, leaves the listener feeling emotionally exhausted. But this is just as true lyrically as it is musically. Thom Yorke (singer/guitar/piano/song writer) has said that some of the lyrics on the album were literally pulled out of a hat. During the period after 'O.K. Computer' Thom wrote down various verses and thoughts which he couldn't organize into a whole, he then cut them up randomly, yanked them out of a hat and sang them during jam sessions. This apparently produced some great results. However it is impossible to find any objective meaning within them, they are just subconscious notions which sound interesting together and as a result create a bizarre effect on the listener.Musically there are many highlights and memorable moments on the album. In fact one of the great aspects of the work is the diversity that is found between each of the songs. Especially to note is the 9 piece brass band on 'The National Anthem' which is reminiscent of a traffic jam in downtown New York City; the serene and innovative string section in 'How to Disappear' (composed by Jonny Greenwood the 'guitarist' in the band); the bizarre time signature(s) in the jazzy yet haunting 'In Limbo'; and the break beats and layered vocals on 'Idiotec'. There are many other great moments on the album which are worth mentioning but perhaps would destroy the excitement of discovering them for yourself. If nothing else 'Kid A' is a very interesting listening experience, it may be a challenge at first, but should grow more satisfying with repeated listenings.Note: 'Kid A' will sound great on your hifi system! The opening keyboard sound in the first few seconds will quickly convince you of that, and from there on the excellent production becomes even more apparent. Also, in case you haven't heard, there is a hidden booklet underneath the cd tray, a bonus to compliment the already fascinating sleeve art. | 45 stars
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Can't knock this.
This is a tremoundous collection. But... if you are really interested, and they are still available, go out and get the first 3 cd's. You cant go wrong. | 34 stars
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braff understands
if you are a soul that feels a bit awkward, that never really completely fit in, but find beauty in the dissonance/melancholy of life, and yet still have hope . . . this cd can be a great travel companion down that uncertain path of life. it might not change anything but it will keep you company. | 34 stars
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freddie
I keep hearing from Eric Clapton and many others that Freddie King is this hot blues guitar player. Well, I have been picking up his records inexpensively as I find them.I must be buying the wrong albums--later ones--because like Buglar, the Freddie King I have found is more rock inflected funk R&B.;But I have said the wrong word when I said "wrong" Freddie King albums, because from what I hear, these will do just fine.This album is funky, creamy blues funk, played by a master musician with a master backing band. I love King's ability to form potent leads out of a few notes. Like any King bluesman or great guitar player, Freddie has an amazing talent for taking a small pattern, and just ringing the hell out of it. Minimum playing, but maximum emotion.His voice is just amazing. Pure blues and soul.If I knew Freddie like others know Freddie. Well, with albums like this, beleive me, it won't be too long. | 34 stars
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One for the Collection
I've read some of the negative reviews below and I have to wonder if those reviewers and I heard the same CD. There is a reason this record was nominated for a Grammy. Banaszak takes a fresh approach to each of these pieces, with my personal favorite being the Dubois Concerto. Each performance is filled with passion and fire that creates a moving experience for the listener. Banaszak's tone is full and bright and is a lovely blend of both French and American schools of saxophone. Don't take my word for it or the word of the other "soon to be band teacher" saxophonists. Buy the CD and form your own opinion. It won't disappoint. | 45 stars
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Hit And Miss
Eagle When She Flies, Dolly's first album in the 90s, is a collection of songs that are hit and miss. The album does have its strong tracks (The soaring Eagle When She Flies, simple Silver and Gold, accepting type song Family, Dreams Do Come True, etc) but it falls short on some songs (What A Heartache, Best Woman Wins). This is still a nice album, as Dolly always releases quality music, she has the best voice in country music (even to date). | 34 stars
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I only had to go through about 7669 CDs to find this
Competent if not amazing R&B/hip-hop girl group. Nothing really special here, but nothing bad either, and the slow jam "Changes" is pretty cool. | 23 stars
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Did I miss something here?
Sorry, but this album didn't impress me at all. The riffs are really short and distorted, and try too hard to be heavy, but aren't. The solos (if you can even call them that) are more of the "use your distortion to make noise" technique that many nu-metal bands seem to be picking up these days, and the repetition is ridiculous. It's very easy to listen to this album, and think you accidentally hit "repeat". The vocals are not bad, the guy can actually sing, but a lot of the time he just gets on my nerves, and the guy screaming in the background is even worse. The only good song is "Denial", because it's different from the rest, but that's not really enough to save this album. The female vocalist on "Licking Cream" is cool, but Chino Moreno is (as always) just irritating. I don't see any point in buying this. If you like this stuff, go buy some Staind or Godsmack, or (the ultimate) Alice in Chains, but this just ain't worth it. | 12 stars
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This CD Destroyed my Disc drive
As others have stated, you can not download this CD into your computer to transfer to an MP3 player which is completely unacceptable. Portable CD players are all but obsolete, like Walkmans in 2000. However, I have recently found out that not only do the Sony copywrighted CDs not play on computers, they make your computer vulnerable to viruses and destroy CD drives. It can't be a coincidence that after I downloaded this CD into my computer, I was infected with 2 Trojan horses (which I had to wipe the computer clean 3 times to get rid of, and I still don't think they are gone, that computer can not access the internet without crashing) and then 2 weeks later, my CD drive quit working forever. Do not buy this CD!!!!! Don't support the A-Holes who do this! My computer can not access the internet anymore because if it does, the trojan wreaks havoc, even though I have reinstalled the operating system 3 times. I have only one CD drive to work with now (ha ha, it is the burner, I can still make CD mixes for the car!). My computer crashes every other day. Sony sucks. I am never buying another Sony CD again, no matter how much I love the artist! | 01 star
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Good white noise, works as described
This CD worked quite well - it was almost like white noise, but a little more interesting. We found that putting it on repeat so it ran for the duration of the baby's nap was best. I used it in the car a few times, but it made me sleepy. | 34 stars
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Excellent product
Great product - awesome for kids. The tracks make singing fun but the music book allows students to learn correct notes, time values etc. | 45 stars
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Wow! EM doesn't disappoint! But wait till you see the NEW CD!
Well, I guess I have to admit, I have NEVER heard a BAD Edwin CD. I just haven't. I LOVE good music; I have no patience for even mediocre music. This CD is one of Edwin's finest! ---Austin Sessions is for ME... and for all of the people who truly enjoy his live shows. It is a true example of what you get LIVE. So, if you haven't had the chance to see a LIVE acoustic Edwin McCain concert, get Austin Sessions, turn the lights down loooooowwwwww, and just soak it in. You WON'T be sorry! ---To go a step further, if you want to see how multi-talented Edwin McCain is, get Far From Over, too! I think what I love best about FFO is the fact that you can get EVERY STYLE of music there that Edwin performs. Jazz, Hard Rock, Soft Rock, Ballads, Folk, WHATEVER! BTW, anyone who has been touched in ANY way by adoption... given up a child for adoption, adopted a child or even been adopted... you need this CD. Edwin was adopted at birth by an amazingly wonderful and loving family. He does not know who his birth mother is. Listen to the song, "Letter to My Mother." It will just slay you. He is writing to his adopted Mom about how much he loves HER... and yet saying there is another woman out there that he loves... thanking her for giving him LIFE. AMAZING STORY, but an even more amazing song. Also, if you are a Christian, you will LOVE "Jesus, He Loves Me." It is a sort-of combination of Jesus Loves me and the Footprints poem. You can tell by listening that this is something coming from the depths of his spirit. He wrote and performed this song on the soundtrack, "Jesus: Music From & Inspired by the Epic Mini Series." This CD is also available on Amazon.com. Compare this song with the others, and tell me which one most openly tells about Jesus and His effect on a person's life. ---Edwin is one-of-a-kind; a singer/songwriter like no other. Far From Over is one of the best EMB has ever given us. Just check out the sound clips above. Also go to the listing for the "Scream & Whisper" CD and listen to those clips. Couldn't Love You More is HANDS DOWN the most beautiful love song Edwin has ever written or performed. It surpasses "I'll Be," {{{I LOVE THAT SONG!!!}}} AND "I Could Not Ask For More." BTW, when Dr. Phil ran an online survey, announced on his TV show, asking for everyone's favorite WEDDING SONG, "I'll Be" not only won... [Dr. Phil had Edwin, Larry and Craig on the show to perform it.] it had more votes than ALL of the other songs COMBINED. Does that tell you something about the kind of music Edwin gives us? What an awesome talent! Scream & Whisper gives you a lot of insight into more than just his life over the past 30+ years... It also tells us what Edwin's personal life has been like the past couple of years... coming out of his recent past of drinking and usage of drugs, you can see the resulting clarity of him being clean; it shows in his songwriting AND his beautiful voice! ---Now are you ready? The good news is there is a NEW CD on the way: "LOST IN AMERICA" is CD #8 for Edwin and his band. Anyone who attends his live concerts... hundreds of shows every year... has already heard him sing some of these songs. This CD is going to be even more amazing than the last. Scheduled release is April 11, so hopefully Amazon will be like Edwin.com and allow pre-orders so you can get one ASAP. This new CD will be Edwin's first since signing with Vanguard Records. It should be the beginning of many more great things to come! ---Also, if you haven't already, go to iTunes and download "Hold Out a Hand," by Edwin McCain & Maia Sharp. Maia also performs, "Scream & Whisper," with Edwin on the S&W; CD. They are together again on "Hold Out a Hand." All profits going to the victims of the hurricanes. It is a moving song... one of those typical Edwin songs that makes you look at your own heart and life by being painfully honest about his own. ---While you are looking for more and more Edwin, send an email to angelpaz at earthlink.net and ask for information on obtaining a sampler CD of Dois Gemeos. That is a new CD by Larry Chaney {lead guitar for Edwin's band} and Craig Shields {sax and keys for EMB}. The new CD will be available in the Spring of 2006... but email about how to get the 5-song sampler. It is a Jazz/Bossa Nova style CD and even has a track with Pete Riley playing and Edwin on the vocal track. The final FULL CD will have contributions of each of the EMB guys on it.Enjoy Austin Sessions... you won't be sorry you bought it! AND WATCH FOR THE NEW CD, "LOST IN AMERICA" THAT WILL BE RELEASED ON APRIL 11, 2006! | 45 stars
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Exceptional
Truly, what else can you say about Johnny Cash but that a legend was living amongst. He was the country singer that could unite different people to embrace his music. Who can deny Johnny Cash's gargantuan role in shaping country music. That question is rhetorical as Johnny was one of the greatest if not the greatest country singer of our time. When Johnny passed on in 2003, just like Ray Charles to R&B;/jazz/blues, country music and the music world in general lost a huge innovator. While listening to Cash's posthumously released AMERICA V: A HUNDRED HIGHWAYS, the great and surprising quality of the album is made bittersweet by its said content. Here Johnny reflects on the things that many men, especially men nearing the end of their earthly journey reflect on: his own death, the death of June, spirituality, God, among other deep issues. I have no doubt upon hearing AMERICA V, that it will be a huge force to beat at the 2007 Grammys. It is a simple album, yet it is filled with depth and poetry.Rick Rubin did a masterful job with the production on AMERICA V. While the average listener may say that it is nothing extravagant or truly impressive, the task was a bit overwhelming. Hard core Johnny fans will realize how coarse and "flawed" Cash's voices grew in his old age. Old age weakens the voice and to make Cash actually sound strong here despite his affected voice, means Rubin deserves huge kudos. Futher more, Cash's vocals also were more prone to intonation problems as showcased by a track like "Further On Up The Road". However it is those slight falters in pitch here that actually characterize Cash's voice, hence using a bad means (bad intonation) to make a phenomenal ends. The spare arrangements here actually work very well with Cash and still allow Cash to be the hero as opposed to the arrangements themselves. Also as a listener, once you hear Cash start to sing himself, you don't wish for any drums or any other contemporary country devices to enhance the songs.The songs featured on America V are all consistent. One might argue there is not one better than the other, but I enjoyed personally "Help Me" which gives you chills as you hear Cash try to affirm to spirituality and asking God for help. Further down the track list, "The Evening Train" deals with the dark, cold issue of death and having a loved one taking away. Even in such a track as "The Evening Train", Johnny finds hope in singing about being in a better place. Here the piano, fiddle, and acoustic guitar complement each other very, very well making for one of the most beautiful, touching tracks on the entire album. "Love's Been Good To Me", uses strings, piano, and acoustic guitar for Johnny to reflect upon his love for none other than his late wife and love of his life, June Carter Cash. Those tracks are just three of the eleven. The foot-stomping hand clapping effects on "God's Gonna Cut You Down" embodies black gospel, southern gospel, folk, blues, and traditional country music all in one. "Like The 309" channels death again, but lighter than the later, more somber "The Evening Train". "Further on Up The Road" adds a touch of organ to the arrangement, giving that exceptional tune even more character. So much could be said about any one of the eleven tracks because they are all consistent, just as music used to be.No, AMERICA V is not the best Johnny Cash album, nor may it be the best album of 2006. What it is is one of the strongest releases of 2006 and a phenomenal album to cap off a phenomenal career by Cash during his life. What a great way to remember Cash with such a fine album as AMERICA V. 4 stars. | 34 stars
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What happened here?
You know something's wrong when all the twelve-year old kids at your local middle school are belting out the lyrics to a half-assed political song (the title track). This band was never political before, and boy were they good. Their 1994 release "Dookie" is considered a punk rock classic. Their last two albums, "Nimrod and "Warning," are also very impressive. But, anyway, these guys are one of the many who jumped on the political bandwagon because it looked promising. Hey, let's talk about how Bush sucks and how American civil rights are being shorn at and get paid for it! Don't think I'm for Bush or anything, because I'm not. But these guys are posing as political singers for the cash. Grammy Awards? What a load of crap. The actual music on this is average, and sub-par compared to everything else punk rock has accomplished without these corporate posers. The media is just gobbling these guys up, and they're loving every minute of it. If you insist on buying a Green Day CD, get "Dookie." If you want real political punk, look toward NOFX and Bad Religion. Bands that know what they're doing, and are not getting paid or having corporate-music-industry back ups. | 23 stars
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Wonderful!
This is really nice CD containing the best of the Boston Pops playing all the Christmas music the way we want to hear it. We have played this Pops CD quite a bit; it has that Christmas sound that some other orchestras just can't quite muster. We enjoyed this CD and highly recommend it; it is a great addition to any collection of Christmas music. | 45 stars
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this is has close as you can get to perfect
this album is by far the best album that you can by to remember Frankie by, ofcourse there are some songs missing, but you can't put them all, maybe if they would have made it a 3 cd set it would have been better. but everything is here, the only notables that are missing to me are:1. vuelvo a nacer: he's last song, it's in the mega mix at the end, but it would have been nice to have the whole song2. amantes de otro tiempo: this song was awesome, I can't believe its not in herethere's a few others, but most of his hits are here, if you love frankie this is one of the best albums to buy | 45 stars
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Nice - but not great!
This is a nice little album with some nice little songs sung by the nice little voice of British actress (former weather girl) Denise van Outen. Don't get me wrong, Lloyd Webber's tunes are still great, but Denise just doesn't have the pipes of former Emmas, e. g. Bernadette Peters or Betty Buckley. Just listen to Denise's rendition of "Unexpected Song", this song requires an accomplished singer who can belt her heart out. However, her version of the new song "Somewhere, Someplace, Somtime" is beautiful, although this recording differs somewhat of what is heard at London's Gieldud Theatre. My advice: If you like Lloyd Webber this CD is a must have, the same holds true if you are a fan of Song & Dance - if not, try to get the Original Broadway Cast Recording starring Bernadette Peters. | 23 stars
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