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Stan Kenton Christmas
I love Stan Kenton Big Band Music. I know I will love this. Waiting for the holidays to play it. | 45 stars
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Superbly recorded performances
Kitka is a remarkable women's vocal ensemble of eight sophisticated singers who blend contemporary sensibility with specialized vocal techniques that have been distilled in Eastern Europe for centuries. Wintersongs features an impressive repertoire whose individual selections range from Bulgaria to Belarus and from Georgia to Greece. The twenty numbers comprising this enthusiastically recommended CD album that includes "Aliolo" from Georgia's Racha region is a traditional Christmas Eve song performed by masked carolers who are rewarded with drink and treats, and such superlative numbers as "Av Jerusalime" from Southern Russia and the Ukraine. Songs from Lativa, Moravia, Romania, Hungary, Belarus, Macedonia, and Israel are superbly recorded performances that will introduce American audiences to traditional music, some of which has their origins in antiquity. If you only have time for one new CD, then make it Wintersongs as sung by Kitka and recorded by Diaphonica. | 45 stars
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The Greatest Female Country CD EVER
I cannot overstate how good this CD is. Sherrie Austin is without question the greatest female country singer out there today (In fact, no one is close),and this is her best. Songs like "Dreaming Out Loud", "All The Matters", and "Little Bird", are country classics, and there is not ONE SONG on this CD that is LESS then 10/10. There are only two CD's that come close: Sherrie's "Words" and Deanna Carter's "Did I Shave My Legs For This?".The dirty secret out there is this woman cannot get airtime on Great American Country, and little on CMT. It makes no sense to me, except for the fact that quality country music is not supported these days I am a Sherrie completist, who believes that for EXCEPT for George Strait (She is the equal of Tracy Lawrence), that this is today's finest singer. If you get this CD, you will fall in love with her, and have to get the entire collection. | 45 stars
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What An Album
'Reptile' is a fitting title for an album that could one day serve as a humble retrospective of Clapton's maturation as an artist. On the album, listeners find Clapton jumping from Jazz to Blues to Pop Rock and Gospel Twinged songs, all of which find Clapton's voice in fine form and his performances very honest and laid back. "Laid Back?!?" you think? Don't worry, he is still the guy who played on "White Room", so it's not as if he traded in his Strat for a ukelele on 'Reptile'.The album starts off with the title track, a jazzy number that shows off the talent of the band and the technique Clapton is capable of outside of the standard 12 bar blues. 'Got You On My Mind' is New Orleans blues at its best; hammond organ, slide guitar, sweet vocals. At this point, your toes are tapping. From there on in, Clapton throws you a few curves. After doing another J.J.Cale song that sounds like an airliner commercial, he turns up with 'Believe in Life', a rare original song on the album that has shades of Stevie Wonder's 'Sunshine of My Life'; ditto the senimental 'Find Myself', a song about Eric's beloved uncle that grows on you with each listen.Beyond that, Clapton pulls out all the stops on Ray Charles' 'Come Back Baby', a Gospel/Blues number that shows off the gravely tone his voice has achieved; he no longer sounds forced when singing the blues. The rest of the album is pepperred with blues and jazz flavored songs that leave you in a good mood and significantly impressed with how fresh sounding the songs are. While the album was released without much fanfare (compared to Riding With The King or UnPlugged), it is truly one of the most complete of his solo career. | 45 stars
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SOUNDS GOOD
I heard some of this cd. It sounds good, but i would get there newer stuff first, then get this cd. | 34 stars
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Beautifully Directed
One of the best things I find intriguing about Eurythmics, is their ability to make incredible music videos without employing a dozen directors and producers, just simplistic artistic pieces of work. There is plenty of unforgettable videos notably "Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This), which Annie Lennox reveals her androgynous image, "Love Is A Stranger" with Annie discuised as a first-class call girl going undercover, and later dresses in various other discuises, "Would I Lie To You" where Annie totally ditches her boyfriend in an attempt to declare independence, "Beethoven (I Love To Listen To)" is the most interesting on the video, here Annie appears to be an ordinary house wife but goes out of her mind and reveals her sexual side (she pulls of her wig, to reveal her blonde hair and wears a very revealing outfit), and last but not least "Don't Ask Me Why" where Annie & Dave Stewart are dressed in high fashion avoiding eye contact to let the viewer know that it's over between them. If your for high-class and good quality music videos, or if your a fan of Eurythmics, this is definitely the tape to buy! | 45 stars
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amazing
This is an amazing CD. It is without a doubt my favorite Green Day CD. The best song on the whole CD I think is Misery. I've played this CD for a friend who hated Green Day and afterwards she went out and bought the Cd. Its just amazing, one of those CDs you can listen to start to finish and not have to click to the next song. | 45 stars
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Unexpected Greatness, One Of The Best Albums With A Female Vocalist!
In late 1996, Paula Cole released her sophomore album "This Fire" which was entirely self-produced. From start to finish, this album contains eleven solid tracks; none of them can be considered "fillers." Highlights from the album include the powerful "Throwing Stones," and the singles "Me" and "I Don't Want To Wait.""Tiger" - 4/5"Where Have All The Cowboys Gone?" - 3/5"Throwing Stones" - 5/5"Carmen" - 4/5"Mississippi" - 4/5"Nietzsche's Eyes" - 4/5"Road To Dead" - 3/5"Me" - 5/5"Feelin' Love" - 4/5"Hush, Hush, Hush" - Featuring Peter Gabriel - 4/5"I Don't Want To Wait" - 5/5 | 34 stars
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A lost classic
Sleep and Release is one of the most emotionally powerful albums I have ever heard. Sometimes brutal, sometimes delicate; this a journey to take over and over. The production is widescreen and detailed, ala Siamese Dream. There are metal guitars in some songs, and string quartets in others. The voicemail sample (authentic, by the way) at the end of A Simple Process of Elimination is just devastating. It leaves a lump in my throat everytime. I can't believe more people don't know about this Oughts masterpiece. | 45 stars
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Greatest Live Punk CD Ever!!!
I cant get enough of this CD every single song is just outstanding! Sid Vicious just kills it on vocals. Better than any Sex Pistols concert I have ever heard. Every song is just so punk! The only studio track the alternate version of "My Way" is killer I cant decide what version is better this or the one on the Sex Pistols-Rock N Roll Swindle both are just mind blowing. Sid has the perfect punk voice he sounds so amazing singing "Born To Lose" "Take A Chance On Me" "Stepping Stone" and "Chatterbox" just to name a few. If you are a fan of real punk rock you must buy this CD!!! | 45 stars
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Fantastic for massage sessions
This is a Great cd to play for massage therapy sessions. Definitely 1 of the top 3 that I use often. Highly recommended. | 45 stars
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GREAT MUSIC
Con Funk Shun is One OF The Baddest Bands From the 70's.their Grooves Never Let Up.FFUN that Flute&Groove.Love's Train is One Of The Baddest Slow-Jams Ever.this Band Gives You Grooves,Slow-Jams&Many Styles in Between.Very Essential&Strong Musicianship. | 45 stars
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Laura can be like a religious conversion
One often has to wade though rivers of gushing, uncritical praise from Laura's devotees, for whom she is the Great Whore/Madonna Goddess of pop music (Madonna is a pretender). Yes, finding Laura can be like a religious conversion; it happened to me many years ago. But now even her best albums seem erratic, veering off into emotional excess & lyrical preciousness. As "Art Song," I've always loved New York Tendaberry best of all. Mercy on Broadway is an exquisite miniature. Captain for Dark Mornings still shivers me timbers & has a wonderful, long fade out. Time and Love is, of course, a straight pop song as good as anything from her first LP. Save the Country has cinematic sweep plus those great horns at the end. On this album, Laura's personal metaphors & self-referential tales are less evasive. Later, Laura's live journeys were increasingly directed at her female cult followers while the rest of us - men especially - were relegated to the second class berths.Please note that order of songs on the CD has been changed from the LP & it has hurt the album's flow.Bob Rixon, WFMU | 45 stars
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The BEST boy band in years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This cd is the best I've ever heard.Ilove these guys.To me their the best boy band in years and I hope they go Triple Plantinum so go and get the CD.ITS HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | 45 stars
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Yes and no....
I really like this record but it's not what it claims to be. I hear very little "blues" in this... Lot of classical and a lot of techno. It's a great record if you like this kind of music, which I do, I just think it missed the mark of what it was supposed to be... The song "Culture Clash" is either a direct sample (with some effects removed) or a blatant rip-off of the bass line from Bjork's "Army Of Me". I'm surprised no one has mentioned that yet... Overall a good record. I like everything by this cat (Fearsome Brave), especially the B-Tribe stuff. I just feel that this effort didn't really meet what was targeted within the genre it was supposed to appeal to... | 23 stars
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Janet the singing queen
Janet is and always will be one of my favorites,for all of you who hate her please her performances are great and stop writing if you hate her I think she is really cool. I want to be like her as: "The Next Janet." | 45 stars
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I BELIEVE
Cher like wine has gotten better as she and I age together . Knows how to say what few of we weak women can't Strong Enough right up there too.. | 45 stars
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If you buy 1 Phil CD, make it this one
Serious Hits Live is one great live CD. The sound quality is incredible. Actually, the only negative thing I can really say about it is that sometimes it just sounds TOO clean. But that does not take away from the overall quality. I don't understand why anyone would even bother with Phil's HITS cd when they could have this! 1) Unlike HITS, "Do you Remember" and "Don't Lose my number" are both here! And they sound great! 2) Serious Hits Live has ALL the same songs as HITS except "Dance into the Light," "Both Sides," "True Colors" (no big loss so far) and "I Wish it Would Rain Down." 3) Every song that appears on both HITS and Serious Hits Live sounds twice as good on the latter!The only sound argument, in my opinion, for buying HITS instead of Serious Hits Live is that "I Wish it Would Rain Down" is only on HITS. And that is truly one of his best songs, perhaps my overall favorite Phil song. But all other arguments are [junk]. Every song sounds great here. "In the Air Tonight" is truly breathtaking, gives me chills every time I hear it. Songs like "One More Night," "Don't Lose My Number," "Sussudio," and especially "Separate Lives" are seriously 5 times better than the respective originals (seriously...get it?).Just as a side-bar, Phils vocals sound much better here than on any live Genesis album (and I have them all). I think it's because his solo stuff has always meant more to him personally than the stuff Genesis did. Sometimes on Genesis live albums, for no apparent reason Phil will start singing with some weird Turkish-like accent which is really annoying (Genesis fans know what I'm talking about...and I don't just mean on "Illegal Alien"). | 45 stars
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Powerful Tool for Personal Transformation
I love this CD because it enables me to live more in the flow of life, more joyful and loving. I don't have to force this, it easily and naturally wells up from within. I feel profoundly relaxed and I am reminded on a visceral level of my connection with the Divine.Over this past year I have been troubled with the focus on violence. Through participating in the 4th selection of this CD "Prayer for World Peace" I am assisting in creating the peaceful world I want to live in.This CD is an enjoyable, powerful tool for personal transformation. | 45 stars
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Nothing But A Typical Hit Strategy Reaping In The Cold Bucks
No Run Like Hell and Young Lust from THE WALL? Welcome To The Machine and Have A Cigar excluded from WISH YOU WERE HERE? And finally, Speak To Me/Breathe In The Air, Brain Damage and Eclipse ignored like DARK SIDE OF THE MOON was just another contract obligation. I appreciate this isn't an all-inclusive box set, yet with digital technology advanced the way it is most of the above songs I am sure could somehow have been granted extra space onto this anthology. I don't want to advise you to do something you don't want, but as an associate customer you might try to forget this compilation and instead take another listen to those songs/other hits from their original discs. This way you not only could get the recordings but best of all you give yourself the chance to hear others without any been given the re-mix. Pink Floyd was always a progressive band in their own right and never something a couple of CD's could accurately represent them with. If you were born in the mid-60's or earlier or even if that was before your timeline, again I recommend you recognize the Floyd studio discs their big hit songs first were introduced from and give them their deserving respectful listen before thinking only half a dozen cuts are missing from this memory-listing. Better to do that before taking any hit gathering as replacement for a band's entire history... | 12 stars
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Magnificent desert western sounds!
One of those cd's where you can imagine the non-existent movie that oughta come with sounds like these! Imagine Calexico sleeping with Ennio Morricone and using some weird drugs together, travelling to the Arizona/Texas desert and jamming together! By far the best Friends Of Dean Martinez cd so far and the first one where everything falls into place! Genius! | 45 stars
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Slides is simply great
I've adored "Slides" since it came out new in the early 70's. Richard Harris performs each song as both an actor and singer and Tony Romeo's compositions are simply beautiful. Both artists are gone now, but this music will live on forever... | 45 stars
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great irish music
Steeleye Span are wonderful musicians that deliver unique music. Maddy prior has a beautiful strong voice and loads of talent. Well worth the price of the album. | 45 stars
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Virtuoso musicianship... on a punk album!
I love this album; I consider it the best punk album ever recorded. Despite my love for this album, I've never checked out any of the other Stranglers albums... perhaps I'm afraid I'd be disappointed when comparing them to this masterpiece. (This strange quirk of mine extends to the "bonus tracks" on the CD; I don't want to hear them for fear they'll turn a perfect album into an imperfect disc.) I can't imagine The Stranglers - or punk music - getting any better than the original "Black and White" album. I don't have a favorite track on this album; they're all gems.What makes this record unique is its balance between traditional "punk" sounds and attitudes on the one hand and virtuoso musicianship on the other. Punk bands have never been known for talented instrumentalists; oftentimes, it's a person's ATTITUDE that gets him hired by a punk band, not his ability to play an instrument. As a result, most punk bands don't have very talented musicians. That's not the case here... the members of The Stranglers are all exceptional on their chosen instruments; they all have "chops" and play as though music theory matters. Bassist Jean-Jacques Burnel is perhaps the best in the band... his tone and basslines on songs like "Toiler on the Sea" and "Nice n' Sleazy" blow me away.Punk musicians with chops? Time and tempo changes in punk songs? It hardly seems possible, but it is. Prog Rock meets Punk? Prog Punk? What's next, will the members of Yes join the Clash?(The only complaint: the CD format robs the buyer of the art on the original album. The LP had a "marbled vinyl look" that was entertaining to stare at as it spun beneath the record needle.) | 45 stars
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Not Punk, Pointless.
If you're looking for Black Flag music, this isn't the album for you. This is spoken word and instrumental. Yep, I missed that on the cover when I purchased the album and regretted it.The spoken word might have a few nuggets of gold in it, but not enough to buy the album or continually listen. The instrumentals aren't good enough to stand alone. Plus, I believe in the immortal words of MC5: "Kick out the Jams,..." Punk was the answer to self serving instrumental pieces like the ones that fill the last half of this album. This album reaffirms my belief that artists shouldn't break boundaries just to break them. It usually results in mediocre art.For the die hard Black Flag fans, embrace this album. I'm not trying to stop you. For music fans, avoid this album. It's pointless. | 01 star
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It doesn't get much better than this
Arguably Radiohead's finest effort, this album has something for everyone. The intense solos, a lot of experimenting, and even some slow beautiful tunes like Karma Police and The Tourist. Even though I'm not the biggest fan of Thom Yorke's voice, it doesn't make much of a difference, because the music speaks for itself, especially on Paranoid Android and Climbing up the walls, my two favorite songs. The tracks here are adventurous and thought-provoking, sure to keep you listening for awhile.While I'm not about to call this the best album of the 90's, it's very close, and deserves the recognition that it gets. | 45 stars
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I've been looking for this recording for 16 years!!
My tuneful Cleveland-based roomies in college at Ohio State (music major and criminologist) introduced me to Aaron Copeland, Manhattan Transfer and the favorite son of Cleveland, Michael Stanley Band. I never caught on to MSB but I did discover Donnie Iris through them.Sure, he looks like a geek, but he definately can jive & wail. The last song, "The Last To Know" is my favorite and brings back memories of keggers and term papers (and getting dumped). I haven't heard the song in 16 years and I still have it buzzing in my brain. The story is soooo pitiful to listen too and Iris' singing carries the message. The guitar work is unique and enjoyable. The entire album is chockful of good tunes, unlike the album with "Ah, Leah" which has two good songs. I'll get that one too, however.I've been looking these two Iris' albums for the past two decades but nobody gotz in their catalogs--until Amazon. I think I'll go look in the Stylistics section as well. | 34 stars
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the riot grrls best
Listen to all sleater-kinney albums in one day and then tell me this isn't there best.the reason this album isnt as popular with the fans of the band cause there earlier stuff is more punky and there later stuff is more pop and this one seems to be neither. From the first to last track this is a classic | 45 stars
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great buy
I bought this cd primarily because it had "Kathy-O" on it, and this single is very difficult to get. I would recommend this cd for everyone who enjoys the Diamonds and remembers their songs! | 45 stars
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Great album by a great artist
Rock, R&B or whatever, Christine Ohlman does it with class, style and chuzpah. She is as good as any arena rocker around today. | 45 stars
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Love the music
The music from this movie is excellent. I only wish they had included some of the Greek Island music the islanders were dancing to. | 23 stars
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AMAZING PLAYER
I heard and bought Bill Allred's CD and was very impressed and then I heard Bill had a son John and got his CD (this is his only CD available,apparently) and was astounded by his even better playing. These guys are truly on the same level as the Great Fontana. Where can I find more CD's? | 45 stars
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Rip Offf
This DVD is a rip off, Songs are edited, and cut off after 2min into the song. | 01 star
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Cerebral, polyrhythmic metal from another dimension
Catch 33 is probably the most controversial release thus far from these Swedish mathematicians. I've heard people say this is Meshuggah's most conceptually advanced release yet, I've heard others who prefer whatever past-release is their favorite, and every opinion in-between. I picked up this CD up when it came out, and it still hasn't completely "clicked." Instead of a conventional album, this a one long, 45 minute composition populated with the all the angular time signatures and sinister arpeggios that made me think "what the hell am I listening to?" when I first heard Destroy Erase Improve. Not exactly easy listening. The spidering eight-stringed riffs are ridiculously downtuned and slow, reminiscent of "Nothing"-- often utilizing shambling, mocking breaks, casting a dark and engrossing atmosphere that lurches way beyond mere math metal confinements.Unfortunately, Thordendal's crazy jazz solos are absent, but the pulsing serpentine riffs just wouldn't have the same momentum over the course of Catch 33's full 45 minutes otherwise. Contributing to the dehumanized, frightening aural soundscape are Kidman's vocals, which seem to grow more atonal and harsh in execution with each passing Meshuggah release. It's been a while since these guys played rather average Metallica-derived thrash metal, and their progression can only be described as inhuman. I could drone on longer, but this is about how you should listen to Catch 33, not about my mastery of word-salad. In conclusion, this recording is not unlike being trapped in some sprawling maze and being chased by demons. Get it.- Thus says the Pellington | 45 stars
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No possible words
When I listened to this album for the first time, I was speechless, I really had no words to describe it, I still don't know how she managed to evolve so much from her past works, the album has no fillers, from the great beat of "Me against the music", "Boom Boom", "Toxic" or "Outrageous", to the amazing ballads like "Shadow" and "Everytime", passing through the sensuality of "Showdown" and "Early mornin'", and what can I say about that spark of her previous albums called "Brave new girl".This is by far Britney's best album to date and if you ask me, the finest I've ever bought, You really have to get it, my favorites are: me against the music, showdown, breathe on me, Early mornin', shadow, brave new girl and the answer (bonus track). | 45 stars
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ALL PRAISE METALLICA
This is metallica's best album...that is, besides "master of puppets"...it displays pure genius when it comes to heavy, powerful kick-butt speed metal! No matter how old this album gets, it will continue to live on as one of the best in history of music. If you like rock, metal, or even punk music i guarantee you will love this cd. They are my favorite band and will continue to be so even though their new album is nu-metal. The solos can't get better and all of the instruments flow perfectly together. As a musician, i rate this album 5 stars, and if you like it you should check out Leigh Williams!! (LEIGH WILLIAMS, ABSOLUTE ZERO <--check out his web site!) you should also check out "master of puppets"...masterpiece!! | 45 stars
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Hmmm ...
This was just strange as far as I'm concerned. It's not unusual for a band to do cover songs, but it is unusual for a band to put out an entire album of cover songs. I wonder why they - or let's be frank here, Axl - felt like he needed to do this. To say this was a weak ending to their career is the difference between shooting a bullet and throwing it. After the phenomenal success of the Illusion albums we get ... this? Well, it's something. Covers are covers, even if it's one you really like. I never listen to this one, but it will remain in my collection. This is like all those boxes of cereal in the pantry - not enough to eat but too much to throw away. | 01 star
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Garage, Inc.: Incredible!
Metallica does not hold anything back in their interpretations of other songwriters' music. Disc one with the new covers will floor you from the start; disc two from the 80's follows up with the knockout blow.Some reviewers have trashed the first disc as being inferior but it is not; it shows that a hard-core band can successfully mature without losing their intensity. Die Die Darling is just as powerful as Stone Cold Crazy, with a more refined feel. Whiskey in the Jar totally envelopes the listener on an emotional joy-ride.As a long-time fan of Rush, I have heard the arguement a hundred times that a band's early material is superior to their newer stuff. I counter with this - if a band's music does not evolve and mature as its members do, then what's left is just a shell of that band's former self. I cite AC/DC as a perfect example (they have tried to duplicate Back in Black a half dozen times with total failure and now fail to even recapture the magic of Powerage and High Voltage).Metallica is neither better now nor worse than before; they are different in their approach and maturity. Thankfully so, as we all may hope to enjoy their music for years to come without it feeling fake (Rolling Stones?). Granted, some fans with narrow views and tastes may be turned off, but the no band can please everyone all the time. That's what CD collections are for!I highly recommend Garage, Inc. without any reservations.I also welcome any comments on the above views. | 45 stars
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well done
If you like Stevie wonder you'll love this DVD. Great sound, great picture. All his hits. Opens with "All Blues". Great band. | 45 stars
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United Abominations
I love Megadeth and I applaud his effort to keep the metal scene alive. But Sleep walker or another Metallica twist aka Enter Sandman.Dave you got to let it go. You are a success in your own right. If Megadeth is not as big a name as Metallica it is your own fault because you chose to be a full time drug addict first when albums likeCountdown to Extinction,Rust In Peace,YouthanasiaandCryptic Writingswould have put you on the same playing field as Metallica. Although they were big time Alcholics they put their music first.So stop crying and be your own man. | 23 stars
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Stevie-rave-on!
This 1980 radio broadcast of the 25-year old Stevie Vaughan (not yet known as Stevie Ray) and his band was only released two years after his tragic death in a 1990 helicopter accident.It features Vaughan, drummer Chris Layton and then-bassist Jackie Newhouse tearing through a nine-song set with youthful enthusiasm....three of the songs, including the smoking Elmore James-inspired slide guitar instrumental "Slide Thing", are Stevie Ray Vaughan-originals, the rest are cover versions of classic blues and R&B; tunes.Stevie Ray does a funky rendition of Eddie "Guitar Slim" Jones' "They Call Me Guitar Hurricane", a supremely groovy "All Your Love (I Miss Loving)" (the Otis Rush classic) with some excellent syncopated drumming by Chris Layton, and a very good and very mature take on the slow blues "Tin Pan Alley".His vocal prowess doesn't quite match that of Elmore James or Howlin' Wolf, obviously, but Stevie Ray still manages to pull off a fine performance of Wolf's "Tell Me", and he and the band swing mightily on Willie Dixon's "Shake For Me", proving (if proof was needed) that Vaughan actually had a powerful and often underrated singing voice.And you get to hear early versions of his own "Love Struck Baby", the opening track on his debut album three years later, and the wonderful, swinging blues-rocker "I'm Cryin'", which was called "Live Another Day" back in 1980, after the line "(If) I can't love my baby / I can't live another day".This is a really good "live in the studio" album, with only a few SRV originals, but featuring some well-chosen and masterfully executed cover songs. A more than worthy addition to Stevie Ray Vaughan's catalogue. | 34 stars
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Rage's Masterpiece
Man, this is a great album. I have had it since I was in middle school and I still jam to it almost everyday. This is when Rage was really [angry] and it shows. Songs like "Killing In the Name" and "Bombtrack" show off Zack's fury at the fullest. Every song on this album is a masterpiece, it is impossible to pick a favorate. Everybody play's at their fullest, Brad's drumming is very interesting and creative, Timmy's Bass is funky and has many hidden fills, Mr. Morello was just as weird and inventive with some of the strangest effects I have every heard, and Zack perfectly releases his anger with a combination of rap and punk-like vocals. All in all, I really wish they still made them like this, if you haven't heard this yet you really should check it out and give it a chance. | 45 stars
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On and On, Across the Universe...
You know the story: by 1969 the Beatles were on the verge of a meltdown as the musical, personal, and business differences that had grown between them since Brian Epstein's death in late '67 came to a head. So in a last-ditch attempt to rescue what had really become HIS band Paul McCartney devised the Get Back project: the Beatles "getting back" to basic, straight-up rock & roll, live in the studio (and once on a rooftop) without overdubs. Ultimately this only served to erode even further a "marriage" that was already on the rocks, but it did produce some mighty fine music - as captured on 1970's "posthumous" Let It Be.Neither John nor George had much interest in the group at the time and their contributions (Across the Universe, one of John's best ballads, notwithstanding) may seem rather slight. So it's a bearded, scruffy Paul that takes the reins and steals the show, throwing off anthemic ballads and classic rockers as easily as if he wasn't even trying. And there are two moments (primarily Paul songs though they both are) that showcase the Lennon-McCartney partnership one last time, as bold and as poignant as ever. It's hard to believe that these two were anything but the dearest of brothers after listening to their intertwined parts on I've Got a Feeling, or their loving duet on the stunning Two of Us. The performances themselves are bereft of all the studio trickery that had transformed rock & roll on Revolver and Sgt. Pepper's - just the Fab Four (and keyboard legend Billy Preston, enlisted to ease the tension and beef up the sound), ragged but oh so right.Of course, in such an atmosphere as Let It Be was created in, there are bound to be a few rough spots - a few unfinished ideas here, a little sloppy musicianship there. Not to mention the personal arguments, as chronicled (in part) on the documentary of the same name. But the most glaring is (surprise, surprise) Phil Spector, who was called in to salvage the project at the last minute and whose typcial over-the-top "Wall of Sound" production was heaped on several cuts (most notably Let It Be and The Long & Winding Road, much to McCartney's chagrin). Thank goodness the songs are strong enough to withstand it.Of all the Beatles' albums, Let It Be has been most sorely mistreated. It may be the fact that after the grandiose swansong of Abbey Road, the rough-hewn epilogue of Let It Be seemed out of place. It may be that as the Beatles disintegrated critics felt the need to give them just one panning before their reign ended. I don't know. All I know is, it doesn't really deserve it, and is as direct, as human, and as classic a record as the Beatles ever released. | 45 stars
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What's the Message? ... Will you Show Me? I've been Waiting
-What can I say.....the music is intense when listening to cd/tape/radio/lp whatever.....BUT these guys were so outrageous LIVE in concert down in Atlantic City NJ....If you think they sound good on cd and speakers you will be blown away at STP's live shows!WOW! and if ya cant see them live well then buy the CD! | 45 stars
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Chris Martin doesn't miss me anymore
"The truth is.... I miss you." That lyric in "Warning Sign" made me realize Chris Martin was special, and it began my relationship with Coldplay. "The Scientist" broke my heart, "Trouble" freed me from guilt, "Spies" made me feel cool, "Rush of Blood to the Head" made me shiver with anger.... On X&Y;, sadly, Chris doesn't even seem to glance my way. He seems like a figurehead, preaching to the masses. I'm afraid he may have lost his mojo.The volume on the other guys is louder on this album. Don't get me wrong, I adore the other guys too, but turning them up draws attention to the fact that, in spite of their glorious music, they're not the best musicians on Earth.There's another feature of this album that keeps distracting me. I can't keep from hearing bits of other artists embedded in these creations, like a seek-and-find:Song 3. in "White Shadows" is hidden the chorus from Midnight Oil's "Beds are Burning"Song 4. in the middle of "Fix You" Johnny Ramone pops in for a guitar soloSong 6. in "X&Y;" can you catch "Mole From the Ministry" by The Dukes of Stratosphear (XTC)?Song 13. in "Till Kingdom Come" lurks "On the Turning Away" by Pink FloydChris, if you're reading this, I miss you. | 34 stars
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Peter at his best !!!
Peter Gabriel's "SO" album is an absolute masterpiece in all aspects. He utilised the best session musos of the time (84' to 85') and recorded the album in a state of the art studio with a producer and engineer who's ears must have been made from gold. It was one of Manu Katche's first big albums showing his expertise in drumming (and still does) and thanks to Peter for introducing Manu to the mainstage of pop music. The musicality and lyrics are, even in the 2012's, at the pinnacle of brilliance. Just go and buy the album, you will love it !!!! | 45 stars
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Good quality
I was a little hesitant to order this as it was an import. However, the quality is very good. The CD's are a little difficult to remove from the case, but that probably just needs a little practice. The sound was good, and I like the songs. A great addition to my Elvis collection. | 45 stars
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Making a beautiful noise again
Where's the man downstairs huh? Satan always gets a bad rap. Well, Slayer is the penticle of Death once again but Satan doesn't get near enough attention this time. It's all unadulterated HATE here, hence the title. It works but I miss Satan just a little bit. There's enough attitude here to make it hit home. Reminded me a little bit of Divine Intervention, only WAY heavier. Nice work. Can't wait for the next one. | 34 stars
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Real strength in Goo Goo Dolls and Alanis Morrisette.
"Iris" is a very touching song and obviously very passionate... John R. exceeded his usual standard for music... Alanis M. also did very well with "Uninvited", a haunting yet hallowed piece with real feeling. | 45 stars
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Interesting to say the least...
Having bought(and loved)Final Straw, I decided to give When It's... a chance. Although this album is not as indie downbeat as Final Straw it's still an excellent album. There are some genuinely excellent songs on this like Making Enemies, Chased By I dont know what and One Night Is Not Enough, while simple but geniusly done songs like Black and Blue, Make Love To Me Forever and the title song work well. So, overall, a good but not great album. | 34 stars
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good ole bb
THIS ALBUM KNOCKED ME OFF MY FEET.AT LAST A GREAT SOUNDING PERFORMANCE FROM A SUPER ERA IN THIS ORIGINAL BLUESMAN'S STORIED HISTORY.BB IS MAGICAL.YOU WON'T STOP LISTENING FOR AT LEAST AMONTH. | 45 stars
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FORGET ALL ELSE
Forget everything but this... this album is the hottest rap on CD. if you never heard it then you need to. So that you know what real rap is supposed to sound like. | 45 stars
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Cue the Glockenspiel ... This is Going to be Good
I first heard of this album on a Best of 2006 indie rock show, and I wonder what rock I was hiding to not heard of these guys. The truth is, I may have breezed through it when looking for new music but it didn't stick. There's a good reason why:There is not a song on this album I liked in the first few seconds of listening to it. The combinations of instruments and what sounds to be like conservative singing and lyrics didn't really shine through to me. But once I let the song play, there wasn't a song I slowly fell in love with.I love the Crane Wife songs (that's "Crane Wife 3" to start the album, and the one song "Crane Wife 1 & 2" later). I love them so much, its hard for me to play the other songs, because I just want to keep hitting repeat on those. But the potential of everything else is there. "Sons & Daughters" is an easy sign-a-long (I dare you to play it in car and not get into the final round). And "Shankhill Butcher" freaks me out real good.This is a great album, and I'm just scratching the surface of what it will be to me. That's why you have to give it a try. | 45 stars
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I have a question?
I figure since people are asking questions I have one too. I would like to know the name of the song that was played in the scene were they showed Omar Epps winning a basketball game and Sanaa Lathan sitting on the bennch at her game. It's the scene right before he talks with his father at the bar. It was a female voice but I don't know who's. The album was good but I was upset about the Maxwell thing. There were a lot of good songs that were left off the soundtrack. However the ones that made it were great. If anyone can answer my question please let me know. THANKS | 34 stars
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A Hammer horror film in all but name
At the end Hammer films churned out a number of overwrought films with heavy handed direction and weak scripts. What has all that got to do with Hannibal? Read on and you'll find out. First, the title should have been a dead give away that this was not SOL or Red Dragon.Hannibal has more in common with Alien than with Silence Of The Lambs. Ridley Scott has made a mainstream horror film. It's a shell game really. Scott has taken the genre trappings and put them under another walnut too swiftly for most folks to see. The baroque novel that Thomas Harris wrote really wasn't a very good sequel to his two popular bestsellers Red Dragon and SOTL. The screenplay does the best with what it's got.The performances are over the top as can be expected in a gradiose horror spectacle. Gladiator, Scott's previous film, took Spartacus and merged it with a sword and sandal b movie creating a new sort of gory epic. With the added element of that film's satire (greatly on display in Hannibal as well), this uneasy alliance of different genres worked pretty well.It's a pity that Jodie Foster didn't return to the role of Clarice Starling. Having Julianne Moore play the role brings a different element to the role. She has a world weariness and maturity that Foster might not have been able to bring to the table. That's not slightling Foster. It's a compliment to Moore in that she brought her own interpretation and emotional baggage to the role. Anthony Hopkins is, as befits his character, all over the place. He overplays the role a bit but it works given the film's context as a horror film. Ray Liotta plays a scummy FBI agent that is everything Starling is not -- a perfect foil who is more glory hound and politican than devoted government agent.The screenplay improves Harris' feeble novel. The elements that were taken out are more in line with how the audience believed the characters would behave. In fact, it seems as if Harris' novel has completely different characters with the same names as in the previous work. That's not the case with the film. It's true to its character sources.Is this film detestable? Frankly, there are moments that are pretty disgusting. But these moments also prevent Hannibal from becoming the anti-hero of the piece. He does unpleasant and disgusting things because he's evil. There's no cosmic sense of justice at work. That's where Moore's performance as Starling works well--she becomes the moral center of the film. Despite her dishonor, she continues to hold on to her sense of morality. It isn't dictated by politics but by what is right.The film runs too long and the convulted plot doesn't hang together as well here as it did in SOTL (or Red Dragon). The later is due to the poor source material. I read Harris' book and, frankly, he was trying to destroy the sense of "romance" that had arisen around these two characters. While his intention was honorable, the plotting for Hannibal was sloppy and the character motivations poorly thought out. The screenwriters do a good job of cleaning up the book and making the story more coherent and presentable. Scott does keep Harris' tone though and that's probably what disgusts people more than anything else but it was meant to disgust at the same time as entertain.You'll enjoy this film if you accept it not as a thriller but as a horror film. Silence Of The Lambs was a thriller in the Hitchcockian sense. Hannibal is clearly informed by all the European (particularly Italian) low budget horror films made during the 70's and 80's. Hannibal could have been directed by Mario Bava (if he was alive of course) with similar results. The film is powerful, unpleasant and atmospheric. It's also entertaining in a sick sort of horror film way. Which is precisely what Scott was aiming for. The cult of Lecter needed to be shaken up so that the audience can see him for what he is; a charming, arrogant sociopathic monster. Hannibal is a clear descendant of the type of films Hammer churned out in the late 60's and early 70's. Perhaps that's how it was intended. I'd suggest avoiding Hannibal if you're pretty easily sickened by gore. | 23 stars
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A new "Life" for Madonna
I've been a long time fan of Madonna and have to admit that I did not care for her last two singles, Die Another Day and American Life. So, I was a bit worried when I picked up the album that it would be more of the same electronica mess. Well, I was pleasantly surprised that there are a number of songs that actually showcase her voice without all those blips and whistles and there is a return to beautiful melodies. I was blown away by the track "Nothing Fails" and think it is one of the prettiest songs she has ever produced. She has never sounded better and when the choir kicks in - amazing! "Hollywood" is a bit of fun and definately single-worthy. Other highlights for me are the dance track "Nobody Knows Me" and the folk ballad "X-Static Process". This album does not reach the heights that she set with Ray of Light or Like a Prayer but it is definately worth owning and gets better with each listen. | 34 stars
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Untouchables KIX!
This is one cd that everyone who likes rock music should have. This and Korn's first CD are the best two cd's that I own. I love how this cd has some melodic, rather "mellow-heavy" songs, and still gives you the hardkore KoRn that you are looking for. this CD is what i have been waiting for, I love it. Untouchables delivers.This CD has so much soul and meaning, it blows everything else away. If it werent for korn i dont know where I'd be. | 45 stars
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A Discovery
How fortunate I bought this CD! I have discovered Janacek's string quartets, previously unknown to me. They are totally different - Janacek has his own voice, he cannot be compared to any other composer. There is nothing inaccessible here, moments of melody interweave quirky spasms and spiky rhythms. This is interesting music, unlike anything I have heard before. And the Guarneri Quartet is a most persuasive advocate of what for many listeners will be a new sound. Though brief, at 40 minutes, there is ample musical nourishment. I'm so glad I took a chance on an "unknown" quantity. Not for the faint of ear! | 45 stars
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Dead: Miracles
Well, JA/JS are at their predictable worst, live in concert. Maybe if they had straightened up, like for their studio sessions, the music might have been passable, but unfortunately it's not. Don't get me wrong: JA/JS is my favorite band, but not in concert. Stick to the studio recordings, like Surrealistic Pillow, Dragonfly, Freedom at Point Zero, and/or Modern Times (in that order.) | 01 star
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Brother against brother
I have been a civil war re-enacter for many years now. The battles and events seem to all run together in my mind as one great solidifying experiance. No matter what side you take, this was a time of horror on a level and scale that we have not known in our generation. Everythime I take the feild, I try to put myself "there."Ever since I started in the hobby, I have made a great endeavor to understand the emotions of that era through it's music. You can't conect with this era until you listen to it's music. I think that the MTC has done a great job of turning these old songs into good choral works. The lyrics are muddled in some places but still an overall good recording worthy of your consideration. | 34 stars
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all hail the king playa fly
if you the type dat like lyrics ova abc rap you'll feel playa fly on dis one. | 45 stars
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Full of energy
I've never heard a live perfomance of Peter Frampton until this one. The CD is full of energy is very dynamic. The beginnig of the recording pulls you completely into the music, then it slows down and then it picks up speed, energy and power again. I don't know how many times I've heard it so far. My favorites are 2, 10 and 11. It's not boring at all. | 45 stars
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Exceptionally strong writing
I was first given this to listen to by a friend of mine (a cellist and college professor) who thought I would enjoy it (I gave him Nothingface-Violence). We both wound up buying a copy of the CD we loaned each other for ourselves.I can honestly say there isn't a single weak track on the entire CD. If the lyrics don't grab me, there is something happening instrumentally that does--a groove, a guitar lick, some new beat, a motif in the keyboard, or some kind of cool ambient trick. I don't think people should get into the habit of comparing this band to others in the sense of who is better or worse. Bands, like composers, take and borrow from each other and influence each other all of the time. As I listen to this CD I hear some NIN influence, I hear some Skinny Puppy influence, I hear some Electronica influence, some Ambient influence, all put together in their own original way. I think it is safe to say that nobody sounds like Stabbing Westward, and they have successfully integrated all of those different genres into something extremely interesting. I own a lot of NIN and Skinny Puppy, and so far I come back to listen to Stabbing Westward far more often.If there is any drawback to the album (and really the only reason I give it 4 instead of 5 stars) it's that the album is extremely and consistently DARK. Every song has misery and pain dripping from it lyrically, even if the instrumental part of it is busy and uptempo. Thankfully I'm at an age now where this doesn't affect me terribly, but I imagine it would be perfect for that late-teen, early college year angst. | 34 stars
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Great
I'm a big fan of all sorts of jazz, blues, swing and neo-swing music and this SF local band is my favorite. They've got a gritty, saxy, wailing sound that is neither too fast to get in some great licks like most swing bands or too slow like many old-time smooth jazz artists. I especially reccomend "That Night." | 45 stars
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Great Album
Of all the records, tapes, and cd's I've ever bought, there's only been maybe a few where I liked every song on them. This is one of the few. Great CD. | 45 stars
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top drawer!
this album is one of art farmer's finest - justawesome. and how can you go wrong with masterguitarist jim hall? it's a no-brainer that"To Sweden With Love" is a 5-star album! | 45 stars
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Jazz that grows on you
Initially i thought there was something questionable about this album...maybe too smooth or something. Possibly the seamlessly smooth integration of Metheny's synth quitar with Lyle's great piano and the excellent vocal support..Blaimes et al. Eventually i was hooked...great compositions, and once you recognize the synth for what it is,well only PMG could make something sound so very melodic. This is solid jazz. | 45 stars
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Hardcore Fans Only!
One thing you need to know before buying any interview CD is how much you like the artist you're paying to hear talk. If you're only a casual fan, I say skip this CD, as it is one long interview between Geri and a Japanese interviewer. It's at sometimes funny, sometimes boring, and somewhat entertainaing throughout, but, I am a big Geri fan, so it's cool to me. If you're just a tad into her, I don't think you'd be too interested in hearing her stop the interview to point out a bird *L* But if you're a mega-fan, don't hold back! It's worth your dough! | 34 stars
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A great new label
This one is a must for any Vangelis collector. The music really has no high, nor low points, but contiunues, like one archaic road, straight through the wilderness of old Spain, stopping off at little villages, a festival, and stone-hewn abbeys. This is a new kind of musical journey coming from Vangelis, his first with a true historical motif. | 34 stars
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Where is the bounus track from the Razor & Tie issue
I'm a big fan of David Johansen since this album, but where is the bounus track "The Rope Song"from the Razor & Tie issue of this CD? Also why can't American Beat{Which is a cool name for a reissue company} add more bonus tracks on these reissues? Does sound good though, and this is my favorite album by David Jo! | 45 stars
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Possibly XTC's most underrated album
This album doesn't always receive as much recognition as it deserves, even from XTC fans. I'm not entirely sure why. No, it's not their best album, and perhaps it could have done without the drum machine, but there's just so much on here to love. It includes the sea sounds of "All You Pretty Girls" (apparently inspired by both Jimi Hendrix and Gilbert and Sullivan), the wacky (not generally a good word to use in reviews, but it's hard to describe it any other way) fiddling of "Shake You Donkey Up," the chaos and imagery of "Seagulls Screaming Kiss Her, Kiss Her," the local flavour (I have to use the U, since it's about an English town) of "The Everyday Story Of Smalltown," and, to end things as splendidly as possible, the noisy railroad sounds of "Train Running Low On Soul Coal." There are also three bonus tracks on here. While I'm not that fond of "Blue Overall" (it's okay, though), "Red Brick Dream" (which, although calmer than most of the album, fits the theme better than much of what originally made the cut) and "Washaway" (with a carnival-style piano reminiscent of "Lady Madonna") both make you (or me, anyway) wonder why they didn't get on the album in the first place. Some people complain that Geffen decided to put the bonus tracks in the middle of their XTC CD releases, but I think it's a better decision than putting them at the end of the album, especially here, since putting other songs after "Train" would be messing with perfection. Overall (not Blue Overall), this is a fine example of XTC's work, and a record that should be praised more than it usually is. | 34 stars
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A Unique And Masterful Performance [REVIEW PART 1]
I couldn't write this review in less than the 1,000 word maximum, so I had to cut it into two.Somewhere back in the late 90s two of the world's most powerful forms of music were to collide live on stage in front of an audience of thousands. Metallica's uncompromising style of thrash metal was to meet with the San Fransisco Orchestra, in a 2 hour set which would feature some of Metallica's greatest tracks given a new lease of life in a monster of a jam session. S&M; is the result of that meeting - and a damn fine album it is too.~~The Tracks~~---------------------------------------------~~Disc 1~~~The Ectasy Of Gold~The album opens with Ennio Moriconne's classic orchestral piece from the Western `The Good, The Bad and The Ugly', accompanied by the San Fransisco Orchestra. Not a Metallica track obviously but somehow the perfect introdution to this album and Metallica concerts in general - as well as being a superb piece of music in itself.~The Call Of The Ktulu(Ride The Lightning)~The call of the Ktulu is an excellent instrumental track from the Ride The Lightning album. This is the perfect start to an album which sees the seemless integration of two of the most powerful forms of music colliding in a cachophony of sound which manages to be both melodic and beautiful whilst losing none of the aggression and power which is the typical Metallica sound. The Call Of The Ktulu could never be described as the best Metallica track out there but here, on this album, in conjunction with the SF orchestra it is given a new dimension and goes up a couple of notches in terms of my favourite tracks.~Master Of Puppets(Master Of Puppets)~The orchestra seem to stay firmly in the background on this track, perhas because there was little they could add to a track so fine, or because this track just doesn't lend itself to an orchestral backing. Either way, it sounds little different to that track already found on the Master Of Puppets album, with the orchestra adding little more than a wall of noise in the background. This is one of the few collaboratins which doesn't work on this album and its a shame that it was both included in the set and so early on in the play list - it put me off the first time I listened as I thought the rest of the album was going to be pretty hit and miss - thankfuly I was wrong. Its not awful, but its not that great either.~Of Wolf And Man(Metallica)~WOW! Of Wolf and Man, was always a pretty powerful track. Coming off the `Black' album it investigates man's closeness to nature - or lupine nature anyway but always seemed to be missing a little something to me. Here it finds that something, with the San Fransisco Orchestra adding an 'Edgar Allen Poe' feel to the track, an insidious, creeping malice which makes the hackles rise - just as the song always intended. Awooooooohhhh!!!!!!~The Thing That Should Not Be(Master Of Puppets)~And if you thought the last track was menacing then you find that you hadn't heard anything yet. The Thing That Should Not Be, is a dark, slimy, pitdwelling beast of a track. An underlying sense of brooding evil which slithered out of your speakers from the Master Of Puppets album is given new strength and power by the orchestral strings. A deep dark treacly sense of foreboding and dark brooding evil is created by the superb collaboration. One of the best tracks on S&M; - absolutely superb.~Fuel(Reload)~A high-octane track is given an extra injection of adrenaline in the collaboration seen here. Pacey strings, accompanies Metallica's own thrashy guitars and rasping vocals to throw Fuel on the fire~The Memory Remains(ReLoad)~It strikes me when writing this review, just how weak the first CD in this double album actually is. The Memory Remains is yet another off of the ReLoad album and is again one of the weaker Metallica tracks. Perhaps its just me, but Metallica just didn't sound up to much on either Load or Reload and although the orchestral backing helps this track it is still quite weak. Its worth the listen just to feel the atmosphere created, but its not great. There are loads of tracks from the older albums which Metallica could have played instead of opting for the commercial success again and going with the newer ones - the least popular ones to push a few albums.~No Leaf Clover(New Track)~Complex and Powerful, No Leaf Clover is great track and one of the better of the more recent offering. The orchestral backing adds new depth and a greater dimension of impending death seeking you out.~Hero Of The Day(Load)~Hetfield 'singing' again? Yep, and again its not worth a light. Both Load and Reload were rather weak albums and its a real shame to see so many of the tracks from these on this album. Hero Of The Day, is quite frankly boring, completely un-Metallica-like and worthy only of the 'skip' button. The orchestral backing does a little to aid its case - but not enough.~Devils Dance(Reload)~Just superb! Strangely 'funky' for a Metallica track, Devils Dance is easily one of the best tracks I have heard from them and its miles better on here.~Bleeding Me(Load)~This is one of my least favourite Metallica tracks in the first place, and here it is little better. Bleeding Me, is another where Hetfield attempts 'singing' and sounds rather silly. Its a slow churner, and really difficult to say anothing positive about...but there's always the skip button.---------------------------------------------~~Verdict~~S&M; is a historic album, probably never to be repeated. The mixture of the two musical style is absolutely amazing, making you wonder why it has never been done before(although it probably has and I missed it). The live recording is good and you can feel the crowd anticipation and the energy of Metallica's live show throughout even though you are not there. I can not recommend this highly enough to Metallica fans and non-fans alike. If you are not sure whether its going to be to your taste or not, then check out a few tracks from KaZaA first - you will be blown away! | 45 stars
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Time machine
As soon as I pressed play, I was whisked off to my childhood again. I could have sworn my mom was in the kitchen baking Christmas cookies. My favorite has to be "Christmas Time Is Here". The methodical sound of the piano is hypnotizing. There is no real way to describe the feeling you get when listening to this CD. You get to re-live the best parts of your childhood again. This should be in everyone's CD collection. | 45 stars
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The Live Olivia Newton-John CD That You've Been Waiting For!
If you wanted a greatest hits and a live recording of Olivia Newton-John's music in one CD, then this is a must buy for you. For over 25 years, Olivia has released countless hits, but always lacked a live CD to her repertoire. This is a must buy for any Olivia Newton-John fan. There is a renewed emotional strength to her songs, especially in "Don't Cut Me Down," and "Precious Love." She sings all of her classic movie hits, like "Xanadu," "Magic," and "Hopelessly Devoted To You" as if she hasn't aged in twenty years, except the words seem to mean much more to her. Just to hear Olivia still hit those high notes at the end of "Jolene" will make you applaud with the rest of the crowd. You're instantly transported back 20 years when she breaks out into "Physical." I think the crown jewel of the CD is the fact that Olivia is still here, chatting with the crowd about her journey in life, and gracing the world with her beautiful gift of song. And after listening to this CD, I can say that I still "honestly love" her. | 45 stars
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Shirley Bassey-Something
This album, recorded in 1970 is one the most beautiful albums from Shirley Bassey.Something is an classical album, with more greatest hits like: My Way, What You Doing The Rest Of Your Life, What About Today and each others songs. Is an album essential! | 45 stars
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This is my favorite CD
This was the first CD I ever bought (10 years ago!). I never get tired of listening to it. Even though I have no idea what "Bad Man's Son" is about, it is my favorite and sounds best very loud. Buy this CD, it stands the test of time. | 45 stars
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Once Upon A.... it's the only and true heavy metal album.
This album really rocks, Cinderella without a doubt is the best rock band from the 80's followed by Guns n Roses. They sure know how to play cause all of their songs are very instrumented, probably more than any band from the past two decades and they do it perfectly. By putting most of their best songs in one album, they create a master piece for all rock n' roll fans. In my opinion this should be the best album of the 90's and all rock fans should defenetly get it. Cinderella can make any alternative group sound like yesterday's crap!!!! | 45 stars
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Ignore these tasteless people below.
Midtown's Forget What You Know is one of the most ambitious records of the year. The members of the band paid for the recording out of their own pockets, with Butch Walker producing. Columbia ended up signing them and releasing it. In my opinion, this is the record of the year...and here's why...1.Armageddon An intro that leads into the next track with a chant.2.To Our Savior (5/5) Awesome first song of the album. Fast-paced and catchy.3.Give It Up (5/5) The album's first single. It's very Police-influenced and catchy as hell.4.Is It Me? Is It True? (4.5/5) This is the track you would never find on their past releases. Good depressing rock tune.5.God Is Dead intermission track. Piano leads you into the next track.6.Whole New World (5/5) Other vocalists step in more than Gabe. Slow, smooth rock song. It's excellent. "Save yourself, there's no salvation." Pessimistic.7.Empty Like The Ocean (5/5) Probably the strongest track on the album. Rocks harder than most Midtown songs.8.Nothing Is Ever What It Seems (4.5/5) Another rock song. Slower verses with explosive choruses.9.Tragedy Of Human Condition Last intermission track of the album. Starts off Waiting for the News10.Waiting For The News (5/5) Catchy pop rock song. Mellow track with an awesome chorus.11.Until It Kills (4.5/5) Slower song. Clean (for the most part) and catchy.12.Hey Baby, Don't You Know That We're All Wh*res (4.5/5) Fast-paced rock track gets the cd's speed going again. Very Foo Fighters-ish.13.Help Me Sleep (4.5/5) Smooth verses with a heavy explosive chorus. Awesome song about insomnia.14.Manhattan (4/5) Song I enjoy the least...Slow soft ballad song...very depressing. Explodes at the end.15.So Long As We Keep Our Bodies Numb We're Safe (5/5) Reminiscent of older Midtown songs. Catchy and fast-paced. Has a bridge that repeats over and over again for about 12 minutes, yet I never get sick of it.Go pick this album up if you haven't and you enjoy the following bands: Foo Fighters, Autopilot Off, Northstar, Saves The Day. | 45 stars
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Bring on the 50's
I love mostly all types of musice, even tho I didn't grow up in the 50's, I love the sound and beat of that generations music | 45 stars
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Greatest Hits
I have every Les Paul and Mary Ford vinyl and this was my first CD....will not be the last CD....just wish the CD's had more selections and when they say greatest hits, they should be the greatest but always seems to be a lesser one tossed in....however, am not complaining....these two folks will forever live in our hearts of the best.... | 45 stars
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Bad start but becomes something pretty good...
I only began to enjoy the entire set after listening over a few times.CD1 has a great start with "Dead Can Dance" vocals then it flows into the next track "Majestic" by Tone Depth which is strange but original, eventually I got to like it alot. The next few tracks are mediocre at best, Led Zeppelin's vocal's are sliced and diced into the mix, the music itself is way too repetative and doesn't even sound good, there is no build or drop like traditional trance/dance and the vocals seem out of place. Before that, "Take Me Away" is just boring, lacking a good melody and beat; the samples are excellent however nothing good is done with them. Timo's "Ubik" is one of those annyoing tracks that gets stuck in your head and you just wanna liste to it over and over, except that this one you dont really wanna hear again. It is again too repetative and the tune is not very good. Starting with about track 7 the CD gets more "trancy" though still repetative, but enjoyable. The music becomes more progressive and ambient. Dead Can Dance shows a good peformance. The first REALLY good track is probably "Darker" with its strong beat which is not simply 4x4 like traditional trance music; also the piano part tho not very melodic and long adds darkness to the track, great track overall. Then Graham's "Bar None" with it's good beat and hit-hat, etc and offcourse the wonderfull piano part, really cool sounding and though repetative, you want it to repeat. The there is a rather sudden and at the same time smooth flow into "Tears In Rain" a very slow and relazing track which flows very slowly into the best track of the entire set "Piledriver". Probably one of the greates trance tracks of all time this is very progressive yet the same basic melody ittereates through the entire 9 minutes. These vocals really take me away with the British accent and ambient atmosphere.CD 2 Is more like the last tracks of CD 1 so that means its great. Becomes more melodic and progressive and finishes of with some great vocals and the catchy 404 part of "Animal". | 34 stars
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Ricky Martin at His Best - One of The Best Music Video Collections Ever
Four-time Grammy winner Ricky Martin has been one of the best entertainers in show business for over 15 years now and this excellent career retrospective of his music videos well illustrate what a versatile, appealing vocalist he is (as well as being one of the best-looking men on the planet in case you hadn't noticed LOL). This collection is almost exclusively of Spanish songs but you don't have to know the language to enjoy the music and the videos. Many of these tracks are simply among the best music videos ever made.1. TE EXTRANO,TE OLVIDO,TE AMO - Ricky's first hit from 1995 (a #4 record in France), it's still one of his best vocal performances and most romantic songs. Alas we are getting the circa 1998 remake video (this one and "Maria" were redone then apparently to capitalize on Ricky's burgeoning career and not make the songs seem "old" as Ricky's hair was much longer in 1995) which is very beautiful but rather uninvolving; the original video was so lovely, haunting, and bittersweet, I wish the DVD could have included it at least as a bonus track.2. MARIA (REMIX SPANGLISH VERSION) - The original video from 1995 was a very exciting mix of concert footage and studio footage expertly edited; this one is just as appealing however albeit quite different with terrific on location footage, an endearing flirtation subplot, gorgeous blue sepia tints, and Ricky utterly appealing.3. FUEGO DE NOCHE,NIEVE DE DIA - good song but not one of my favorites of the videos with it's rather pretentious storyline and Ricky in not one of his most flattering looks with a goatee and longer hair although he's still handsome of course.4. VUELVE - Gorgeous song, gorgeous photography, gorgeous house, gorgeous Ricky!5. LA COPA DE LA VIDA (SPANGLISH VERSION) - a #1 hit in many countries, this is the song that won Ricky his first Grammy and broke him in the American market via his performance that night. The video is a brillantly edited video fully capturing the excitement of a Ricky Martin concert and Ricky at his best.6. LA BOMBA - Very sexy and quite macho Ricky struts through this excellent Latin partying song.7. LIVIN' LA VIDA LOCA (SPANISH VERSION) - His most famous song of course, an international #1 hit, it's essential and very entertaining.8. BELLA (SHE'S ALL I EVER HAD" SPANISH VERSION) - Ricky hit #2 with the English version of this song in America; the Spanish translation hit #1 on the Billboard's Latin chart (one of 10 #1 hits for Ricky on that chart). Very nice song and video.9. SHE BANGS (SPANISH VERSION) - One of his biggest hits, a top five record in many countries, this one however works better in English particularly the video where Ricky was much more playful (I miss the head-tilted eye roll!). Great special effects and Ricky at perhaps his sexiest.10. LOADED (ENGLISH) - The only song in this collection completely sung in English; a fun track but a rather conventional video even if the song's melody is uniquely 70s pop.11. SOLO QUIERO AMARTE - a solo Spanish version of his hit English duet with Christina, "Nobody Wants to Be Lonely"; excellent song and performance, beautifully shot and Ricky is ultra handsome.12. TALVEZ - a #1 Latin hit for Ricky in 2003, moving song and video. Outstanding.13. JALEO - another chart topper, another great song, the video well captures a film noit mystique even while it's in gorgeous color.14. Y TODO QUEDA EN NADA - Very good video with an "alone even at a party" theme, most notable for the Mexican-flavored color pallets, unfortunately a little too heavy-handed with it's imagery at times but Ricky gives an especially superb vocal performance here.15. JURAMENTO - Excellent song is almost overwhelmed by the video's special effects with a woman dancing with multiple Rickys but it's very entertaining.16. QUE MAS DA (I DON'T CARE) FEAT FAT JOE & AMERIE (SPANISH VERSION) - It's fun to see Ricky tackle hip hop, quite successfully in fact although American radio refused to give him a chance at all during this period. The song did much better internationally.17. DEJATE LLEVAR (IT'S ALRIGHT,SPANISH VERSION) - Ricky really rocks out in this fantastic song with a great groove; the special effects are sensational in this video. One of his alltime best songs and videos.This DVD does have one of the more burdensome chapter starts out there and can be difficult to navigate with it's thin light grey on white background, you might just want to hit play all ("ver todos") and jump to the song you like. The bonus features are short promo films for two of his albums (one of these is in Spanish with English subtitles; the other in English with Spanish subtitles) and one of Ricky's earliest videos, a 1993 Spanish cover of "Self Control". Ricky Martin is one of the best when it comes to infectious pop, be it in Spanish or English, and he is equally superb handling ballads. This is one DVD you will play over and over. Highly recommended. | 45 stars
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wonderful
Luis miguel is the best singer in this world , energetic, romantic, full of life the number one beautiful cd | 45 stars
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A brilliant album with something for everybody
Flow is hands down my favorite Foetus album yet, and here's why:1) It came from nowhere. Recent Foetus releases have been so uninspiring that I had practically written him off. Flow took me by complete surprise.2) The lyrics are some of his best ever, e.g. these serious winners from The Need Machine: "whoever has the most toys always wins / they'll genuflect then kick you in the shins / give me librium or give me meth / I'll filter out the nutrients / and cut the rest to mix your Mickey Finn."3) All of his masterful instrumentalism is at his peak performance. Crazy drumming. Great horn playing. The orchestral samples / performances (I'm not really sure how he gets all those sounds) are magnificent.4) More jazz influence is always nice, and the hilarious track Heuldock #7b gives us more of that fast crazy death-swing that we want, on top of the scathing lyrical torture of some unfortunate ex (hmmmmmmm... wonder who that could be). Plus the gospel influence in "Grace of God," and the oddball bossa "Cirrhosis of the Heart."5) The companion album "Blow" with all the remixes is also excellent and makes you appreciate "Flow" even more.6) While I normally don't like the slow tracks so much (and here the long slow grind of "Mandelay" doesn't suit my palate), the excellent "Someone Who Cares" is a notable exception. Slow and sexy, it makes you want to drink yourself into the gutter with this poor old sod.Anyway: I see/hear many people repeat the adage that all of Thirlwell's best material is the "old stuff," you know, Ache and Hole and Nail and all that. Those are incredible albums, no doubt, and I love all that stuff. But if I wanted to introduce someone to Foetus for the first time, Flow is the album I would play for them.Flow rules. Buy it. Now. | 45 stars
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I JUST LOVE THE CARPENTERS!
THIS CD BRINGS ME BACK TO A MUCH DIFFERENT TIME IN MY LIFE AND ONE THAT I'LL NOT FORGET. IT CONTAINS ALL OF THE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC THE CARPENTERS WERE ALWAYS KNOWN FOR AND FOREVER WILL BE. I WAS REALLY SURPRISED BY THE INEXPENSIVE COST OF THE CD AND THAT IS WHY I PURCHASE A LOT OF THINGS THROUGH AMAZON.COM--EVEN WITH THE COST OF S&H, I STILL SAVE A BUNCH OF MONEY. | 45 stars
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A bit uneven, but continued Bush's impressive run of albums.
Though many critics believe The Red Shoes conceded too much to accessibility, in fact Bush produced another impressive album which combine her unique spiritual sense with accessibility.Though not quite as good as "Hounds of Love" or "The Sensual World", owing to collaborations with Eric Clapton ("And So Is Love") and Jeff Beck (the tepid "You're The One") which simply do not work because both guitarists are incompatible with Bush's strong mystical sense, "The Red Shoes" contains several songs that are as good as anything Kate has ever done."Rubberband Girl" may sound like commercial funk to the nave, but Bush's deep voice, wonderful mood changes, and intriguing lyric (a childlike reference to out-of-body mystical states) makes it a wonderful song that I cannot get enough of. "Top of The City" is her most emotionally charged and powerful song ever, whilst "Lily" is an impressive and passionate rocker about the wisdom and fears of a mystic. "Song of Solomon" is a beautiful ballad about a woman's search for sensual desires, which gains from its use of Biblical themes and the voices of the Trio Bulgarka. "Why Should I Love You", a collaboration with Prince, is the most complex song on the album, but is exceptionally beautiful - spiritual but romantic. "Eat The Music", which likens fruit to sexual desire, is a wonderfully joyful tune quite in contrast to her previous albums.However, it must be said that the second half of the album is a bit of a let down, for "Constellation of the Heart" and the title song fail to rival the passion and mysteriousness of "Rubberband Girl, "Eat The Music" and "Lily".In summary, an impressive and moving work that is not far below "The Sensual World. | 34 stars
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i'm not a conformist
i think people kill this album because they think they suppose to. i can't give this album 1 star when i like most of the songs, it's more like a 3.5, my favorites are staying power, back chat, life is real, words of love and the hit under pressure. the worst are 'dancer' and 'body language,' (their biggest mistake), but as a whole it's not horrible by any means, it's weak by queen's standards, but still pretty good. | 34 stars
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Pardon the cliches...
So much has written about Sgt. Pepper that calling it either The Greatest Album Of All Time, or the Most Overrated Album of All Time are both cliches. My own personal opinion will do nothing to shift the tide of the argument, but for the record, I veer more into the "Overrated" crowd, and here's why:Much, much too often I hear "influence" cited as a factor or what makes a particular album great. "Influence" is something that is completely intangible and impossible to accurately measure, but more importantly, the way a particular work of art affects people has no bearing on the quality of such work. Say you are handed an album that you are told is considered the greatest of all time. You listen to it and find the music somewhat underwhelming. When you question this, you are told that the main reason it is considered great is because of the "influence", not the music. That'd be a bit dissapointing wouldn't it? And perhaps worst of all, the citing of "influence" as positive factor is completely arbitrary. Bands like Queen and Styx were, and continue to be, critical whipping posts. They also happen to be two of the best-selling rock artists of all time and have undoubtedly influenced thousands of musicians. The critics don't seem to care about that do they? Simply put, what is great music should be judged solely on the music, and nothing else, and by those standards, calling Sgt. Pepper the greatest album of all time is laughable.Rolling Stone proclaimed that Sgt. Pepper was "an unsurpassed adventure in concept". Just how fully-realized is this concept that nobody has been able to surpass in nearly forty years? Well, the first track introduces a concert by a fictional band, and it smoothly segues into a performance one of the band's members. And then.....and then well, you're treated to ten completely unrelated tracks and one reprise of the first track in an unsuccessful attempt to drive home the idea. This is the concept that hasn't been surpassed by say, Pink Floyd's The Wall, The Who's Tommy, or David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars? Even the afformentioned Styx' "Kilroy Was Here", while miserable in its execution, is more of a concept album than Sgt. Pepper.The tracks themselves are mostly excellent, but when they miss the mark, they miss it by quite a bit. Some proclaim Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds a masterpiece. I find it a terribly self-indulgent piece. While I am in awe of how effortlessly the lyrics mesh together, the arrangement is extremely bland, and the vocal nauseating to endure. Getting Better comes off as just alot of noise in search of a melody and coherent song. Things go up from here. Fixing A Hole is a stripped back McCartney tune with a strong melody and psychadelic undertone. She's Leaving Home is a poignant ballad kicked off with exquisite strings and beautiful counterpoint harmonies. Being For the Benefit of Mr. Kite is possibly the highlight of the album, a seamless blend of psychadelic whimsy and fully-realized music. When I'm Sixy-Four is another stripped-back McCartney number, with poignant lyrics about getting older over a charming understated clarinet. Lovely Rita is little more than a catchy pop song, disposable but ultimately harmless. Then comes another big misstep, Good Morning, a nauseating clash of concrete sound and boring lyrics. The album closes off with (finally) bringing the original concept back to life, and then the masterpiece A Day In The Life.I am of the opinion that things should be judged on what they are today, not what they were. And as of today, as a concept album, Sgt. Pepper is entirely unremarkable. The Beatles themselves made far, far more adventurous music in Magical Mystery Tour. Seen as a collection of tracks, Sgt. Pepper scores six great tracks, three outright bad ones, and a couple good ones. In today's wasteland of "alternative" rock albums composed of two or three singles and several tracks of filler, this would be mighty impressive. By the Beatles high standards, it's not. | 34 stars
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Beautiful, Waters best solo
The music grows on you. I bought this CD recently (about three months ago). Each passing week, my frequency of listening to this CD has gone up. The opening song is smooth, but my personal favorite was The Three Wishes. Exhibits some depth in thought. Overall, a good album. Wouldnt it be a dream come true if Waters reunited with Floyd? | 34 stars
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A good one
I liked this album quite a lot.I consider it's modern music and it can be listened everywhere because you won't realize it's from the 80's; i think the best are: Granz Wien and Einzelhaft. Interesting music but not for ordinary people. | 34 stars
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Oops! She did it Again
Britney holds both the #3 position for most sales in a week overall and #1 for most sales for a female album in one week. But is it really worth it. Is this album worth the 1.3 million one week sales figures. Let's see if the songs back up the sales.Track 1 (Oops! I did it Again)- This is the title track and overall I gave it a 3. It sounds just like "Baby One More Time" which is a definite no no in the industry. One time is enough. The thing that really messes up this song is the mocking of Titanic. Really childish. The first time I heard this sound I thought it was okay but now she needs a new hit. It's getting annoying.Track 2 (Stronger)- Good song with a new sound. Kinda techno with a sing and stop thing going on. This song basically says that she is invincible. She can take take the negative comments. They can't knock her down, but they can make her "Stronger". Cute.Track 3 (Don't Go Knockin' On My Door)- This is really a new sound. More urban and hip-hop like. One of the best songs on the CD (I Believe). Could be better.Track 4 (I Can't Get No Satisfaction)- Okay. So she decided to cover a classic that she shouldn't have. Her vocals on this song are terrible for something amplified. This suppose to be a single of the album. Can't wait to see this one.Track 5 (Don't Let Me Be The Last To Know)- This was written by Mutt Lange & Shania Twain. Personally I think it would've been better if it was made for Shania. But Britney did good on this song. Her vocals aren't the best but she carries the song out really well.Track 6 (What U See Is What U Get)- Good song. Definitely about the talk going on about her. She saying if you don't like her deal with it and move on. Don't try to change her cause she can only be herself. Vocals are good and the tune is one of the best I've heard.Track 7 (Lucky)- MY favorite song. Reminds me of "Sometimes". Really nice vocals and overall tune. This sound I believe is about her. Everyone says that she has it all and is very happy. This sound says something is missing and bringing her tears.That's all I'm gonna review. I'll leave the rest of the songs up to you to judge. Overall, this is a good CD and is a whole lot better than the first. There is no doubt in my mine that this album will be a smash hit but mostly due to her fans. Not the music even though it gives some help. I'd buy it even if you only somewhat like Britney. It's not a waste of money. That just my opinion though. Let me know what you think about it. | 34 stars
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"Glam" but Classic
While this is a collection of their best hit singles, there were a few that were missing, especially "Back Home Again", which to those who prefer the harder edge of Heavy Metal, the omission of this song is rather disappointing. However, the album does catch the essence of the band, who although presented itself as a Hard Rock band people labeled them as a Glam Rock band. Glamour and big hair was their signature look, but this was one of the few "Glam Rock" bands who actually had talent. Their bluesy-hard edge was a little ahead of their time, but all-in-all they earned the right to be called Classic. | 34 stars
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A record beyond time
The Band's two acknowledged classics are Music from Big Pink and the second, self-titled album. Like the other reviewers, I prefer Big Pink. The Band is a great record, rooted in Americana, and definitely shows more a more developed approach; but Music from Big Pink is a completely timeless masterpiece. It has hints of 60s psychedelic rock, but has a rootsy aesthetic, with well-crafted songs and an almost obsessive emphasis on arrangements. Every song is a classic. Pianist Richard Manuel contributes about a third of the songs, including the anguished "Tears of Rage" (co-written with Bob Dylan) and "In a Station" while Robbie Robertson wrote the classic rock hit "The Weight" and three other songs. The album closes with a beautiful recording of Dylan's "I Shall be Released". Music from Big Pink definitely belongs in your collection. | 45 stars
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WHAT A BEAUTY!
I don't agree with the attitude that the opera has a happy end and not with the suspicion that the last part is lost.After all, the classics were the bread and the butter of the education at that time, and it's not a wild guess to suppose that every french who had access to this music at that time, knew quite well the story of Orpheus and Euridyce.So i believe that at the end of the opera the audience knew what next.This opera is quite different from those unbearable and boring operas from, let's say, 1750-2011, especially because it's simply a great piece of music, no matter the genre, and also... because it's not 3 or 4 hours long.The performance is superb in every respect: the great Christie and his orchestra,and the excellent role of Orpheus performed by Paul Agnew. If i was Plouton, i would not let him return to the earth!The recording is good and quite balanced.A MUST! | 45 stars
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The Best of Stephenwolf
Stephenwolf was never categlorized as being morally right, yet the lyrics of their songs were representitive to the time period in which they were written. I belive that some of his most popular songs such as, "Born to Be Wild", "Magic Carpet Ride", "Rock Me", and "who needs Ya", were wriiten to give the listner a sense of spiritual freedom as well as a profound sense of political awareness. "The Pusher", "Magic Carpet Ride", and "It's never to late" in my opinoin are great songs and make the best of Stephenwolf's album complete. Being able to feel spiritually free while listening to a song helps people to see themselves from a different point of view, which can be beneficial to finding out more about their inner souls while at the same time they are at least able to feel good for a couple of minutes. The reason Stepenwolf was popular and well liked as an artist is because he wrote songs with lyrics that were in demand by the public. | 45 stars
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This Is One Of My Favorite Things
The Liner Notes written by Bill Coss indicate that John Coltrane, one of the giants in the jazz scene, draw his inspiration from other jazz icons such as Lester Young, who was his first real influence and whom he learned "simplicity," John Hodges, who filled his musical experience and became his first main influence on alto, Thelonious Monk, who answered dozens of his musical questions and the first one to show him how to make two or three notes at one time on tenor, Earl Bostic, who showed him a lot of things on his horn, Jimmy Heath, who shared his musical appetite, their friendship and practice together added a great deal to his musical development. Miles Davis, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie were also his greatest influences.John Coltrane is surrounded by a gifted crew that includes McCoy Tyner (piano), Steve Davis (bass), Elvin Jones (drums). Together they present four notable jazz tunes starting off with my favorite song from the "Sound of Music," Rodgers & Hammerstein's "My Favorite Things," Cole Porter's "Everytime We Say Goodbye," George & Ira Gershwin's "Summertime" and "But Not For Me."Let your ears feast on the some of the most recognizable sounds of jazz music from one of the greatest jazz artists of all-time, John Coltrane. This is one of the best albums ever made and it's one of "My Favorite Things."A classic of an album worthy to any jazz lover's collection.* * * * * TEN STARS * * * * * | 45 stars
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Phenomenal Contemporary Jazz
I bought this CD after hearing a couple of samples, I popped it into my stereo and was amazed. Smooth, soultry love songs drifted out of my speakers all night. It made me want to just head out to a jazz club and sip on a latte and just enjoy the atmosphere. Although the CD is only 47 minutes long it is a great debut of a man with awesome talent. This CD is definitely a must have for anyone who can appreciate good contemporary jazz.***Update*** I still listen to this CD as much as when I first bought it. I have turned several friends to that would not normally listen to this type of music and they ended buying the CD. It is Great! | 45 stars
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John Mayer is on his way up--and with good reason!
I have no idea what is wrong with the Amazong reviewer, but I had the privilege of seeing John in concert last night after the insistance of my friends and I am wowed by his amazing vocal and musical talent. I was an instant fan. His songs are amazingly catchy but not trite---original and multi-layered. I could really tell that he loved his music as he beautifully sang and I could see his fans loved him too as they sang every word. Room for Squares is an awesome CD with not one song that I skip over. Great guitar, great voice. What more could I ask for? | 45 stars
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Secured Their Footing
Foreigner's second album in 1978 including their major hits such as HOT BLOODED, BLUE MORNING, BLUE DAY, and DOUBLE VISION is an excellent example of late 70's melodic rock. They made a sensatiojal debut in 1977 and this follow-up consequently secured their status in American pop scene. In addition this album should be noted as the work that helped propell the melodic rock genre into prosperity. Their crisp, catchy, palpable pop rock style caught wide attention and eventually influenced a number of rock-stars-to-be that followed including Survivor and 38 Special. Magic of songwriting might have come from Mick Jones (an archirival of Jim Peterik) who had previously worked with top-level musicians including Gary Wright.This album has a number of mid-tempo power ballads such as YOU ARE ALL I AM (lyrics are wonderful!) BACK WHERE YOU BELONG, LOVE HAS TAKEN ITS TOLL as well as an instrumental TRAMONTANE that alone can be the reason to buy this album.Highly recommended for late 70's pop rock fans and Survivor, Journey, TOTO, and Kansas fans. | 45 stars
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Should have won a Grammy
"Star inflation" is a factor on Amazon - understandably enough, people tend to review music that they feel strongly about. This is the first time I've given a recording 5 stars, but "Diamonds In The Rough" is a genuine musical treasure, and could legitimately have been a Grammy winner.This record came about when Bill and Bonnie Hearne fan Barney Crutchfield offered to finance a first-class studio production of their music. The first step was hiring producer Jim Rooney, who brought together some of the finest session musicians in Austin and Nashville (Lloyd Maines and Roy Huskey, Jr, among many others) to back up Bill and Bonnie, along with old friends Jerry Jeff Walker, Lyle Lovett, Tish Hinojosa, and Nanci Griffith (who dedicated her classic "Other Voices, Other Rooms" in part to "Bill and Bonnie Hearne, who play the best darn folk music I ever heard"). They even got Kris Kristoffersen to do the photography.What makes this CD so rewarding is not the stellar production or the guest appearances. The true stars of this record are Bill and Bonnie, and the songs they chose. Bill and Bonnie are both worthy of the name of instrumentalists, Bill flat-picking his guitar and Bonnie playing the piano with fine honky-tonk style, but it is their harmonizing, polished over 25 years of performing together, that provides the finest moments on this recording. The session musicians stay mostly in the background. The guest artists, famous as they may be, only sound like old friends trading verses. (The only one who sort of takes over is nephew Michael Hearne on "New Mexico Rain.")Bill and Bonnie's version of Ian Tyson's "Wild Geese" is simply exceptional. Geese, which are supposed to mate for life, leaving for winter quarters. Bill and Bonnie's voices so different, yet blending so touchingly after many years.The songs as a group are exceptional. They are real stories about people living through life's joys and struggles. Unlike many current Nashville hits, the people in these songs have their disappointments and failures but they don't boast about them or make them into a joke. A Nashville song may catch your attention on Top 40 radio, as being a reflection of your day, but the songs on "Diamonds In The Rough" are reflections of well-lived lifetimes. These songs are built to last.In every way, this CD is an absolute gem. Barney Crutchfield, who made his money in fast food, has given us a wonderful gift. May he sell a billion hamburgers. | 45 stars
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