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HIP HOP CLASSIC, NO DOUBT ABOUT IT !
IF YOU'RE A HIP HOP FAN, THEN YOU ALREADY KNOW WHAT'S UP WITH THIS ALBUM. AND IN ALL HONESTY NAS DEFINETLY FELL OFF. IT SEEMS LIKE WHEN RAPPERS FINALY MAKE IT, THEY SELL OUT JUST TO STAY RICH. BUT ENOUGH PROPS GOES OUT TO THE NAS OF 94' AND EVERYONE WHO TOOK PART ON MAKING THIS ALBUM A CLASSIC. ONE | 45 stars
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not their best
This is an album with plenty of good tunes on it, particulary the title track and deep fascination. An old girlfriend gave me this on cassette back in '91 because she didn't like it. As a VU fan it really turned me on to this band. Too bad some of their better works like "The Good Earth" are out of print. | 23 stars
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Wonderful music... Not in stock anywhere :(
This is an absolutely awesome cover of the classic album. It preserves the structure and lyrics of the songs, while adding funky reggae beats and rhythms to them.I listened to MP3s only, because unfortunately I cannot find this album available at any online store or vendor. Everyone is out of stock. It's unfortunate that the publisher was so unprepared for the demand. But I will be buying the full CD as soon as it becomes available. Wonderful artistic efforts like this must be supported. | 45 stars
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HE HAS THE LOOKS, TALENT BUT THE SONGS LACK ORIGINALITY.
Okay, Ricky is the latin sensation of 1999. His song "Livin La Vida Loca" was a catchy tune.But this CD lacks originality. Most of the songs are bland, and being a Martin fan, it was disappointing to see "Maria" and "Cup Of Life" on this CD, as well as English versions, and spanish versions of "Livin La Vida Loca", "Cup of Life", which takes up a good part of the CD.Other songs include "Shes All I Ever Had" which is a run of the mill ballad, as well as "Shake Your Bon Bon" which is pop candy at best.Martin deserves better, and so do his fans who own previous albums do not appreciate to see those songs on his American debut album.A ok to good effort at best., I just hope Martin gets a chance to do better.Other songs include "Private Emotion" and his duet with Madonna which goes of the boredom meter at full speed.If you like Martin buy it, otherwise I promise you after you play it a few times it will end up in that seemingly "I am tired of this CD" pile very quickly. | 23 stars
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an extra- not a priority
I initially bought this CD because I loved the lead vocalist after hearing her on the "Josie and the Pussycats" soundtrack. I was disapointed with "Go", however. I feel it lacks any sort of varying emotion and doesn't move me at all. While the songs are upbeat and cheerful, after the first few tracks they begin to blend together and sound repetitive. I would suggest making this CD an extra, not a priority. If you enjoy the vocals, try the "Josie and the Pussycats" soundtrack for more variation. | 23 stars
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Not SurpRising
If you are looking here to read a deliberative, critically balanced, highly analytical, completely objective review of Bruce Springsteen's latest album, fuhgeddaboudit! Try Rolling Stone, or Time Magazine, or The Today Show, or go ask Ted Koppel (although we're not certain any of them are particularly objective either). We've placed Bruce on such a high pedestal, you have to crane your neck just to get a gander of his scuffed, black, motorcycle boots. Perhaps because we are the same age, listened to the same music growing up, share similar working class roots, and hail from Joisey, Bruce's music has meant more to us than that of any other artist. Therefore we are not gonna waste your time babbling about his reunion with the E-Street Band, or the new producer, or September 11, or the inspirational and restorative songs of love, faith, determination and hope that sprung from the events of that day. Instead, we will herein attempt to succinctly and biasedly give this cd its due using just eleven letters (most of them `U's) and one exclamation point: BRUUUUUUUCE! | 45 stars
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Madonna Rules! The Queen Of Pop....Often Imitated,Never.....
Duplicated (hear that Britney!). The Immaculate Collection showcases Madonna at her best. This is her best music to date. Here's a breakdown (not neccessarily in order):1.Holiday-Madonna's best dance tune. A Classic. 3.5/52.Lucky Star-An amazing track. Brings back memories for anyone who grew up in the 80's and wanted to be Madonna *raises hand*. 3.5/53.Borderline-Another amazing track, great dance tune, fun to sing along with. 3.5/54.Like A Virgin-Like A Virgin/Touched for the very first time/Like A Viiiirgin/When your heart beats/Next to mine. Classic. How can you not like Madonna? she just rules. 4/55.Material Girl-Great track. Another sing-along song. 5/56.Crazy For You-Great ballad. Showcases Madonna's strong vocals. Originally a song on the "Vision Quest SDRK". 5/57.Into The Groove-Another great dance song of Madonna's. How can anyone not want to dance to this song? Impossible. 5/58.Live To Tell-Great song, but a little to slow for me. A song during her Sean Penn days, I believe from Shanghei Surprise. Great ballad. A man could tell a thousand lies/I've learned my lesson well/Hope I Live To Tell the secrets I have learned till then/It will burn inside of me. 4/59.Papa Don't Preach-Forget her belly button, this song got alot of criticism, as it advocates a single women keeping her baby. Great song. 4/510.Open Your Heart-One of my all time favorite Madonna songs. From 86's True Blue. This song brings back alot of memories. I wanted to be Madonna, from wanting to dance like her, to just wanting to sing and dress like her, Madonna the goddess. 5/511.La Isla Bonita-Great song, another great dance song. 5/512.Like A Prayer-Slightly different version than the original, but nonetheless awesome. 5/513.Express Yourself-Come on girls/You believe in love/Well, I've got something to say about it/And it goes something like this.....nuff said. Madonna rules! 5/514.Cherish-Great song! 5/515.Vogue-What you looking at! again, different than the original, but still great. Ladies with an attitude/Fellas that were in the mood/Don't just stand there/Let's get to it/Strike a pose/There's nothing to it...Vogue!....5/516.Justify My Love-Very sensual.....the video is even steamier, as Maddy got into the 90's, she got more and more daring and controversial, which is why this video got banned by MTV....facists! Co-written by Lenny Kravitz with additional lyrics by Madge, JML is a great song.5/517.Rescue Me-Great song, one of the "new" songs (at the time anyway, along with JML), not as good as her other songs on the album but still a great closing to a wicked album.4/5In conclusion:Great songs, with NO filler. My only complaint is some songs that are missing like:Dress You Up,Causing A Commotion,True Blue,Where's The Party,Who's That Girl,Burning Up,Oh Father and Angel. Plus, some songs are remixed while some songs are shorter than the originals, otherwise AWESOME greatest hits from Madonna, if you are a big fan of her 80's early 90's stuff, then this is a must have for any Madonna fan. Madonna is the best....no one will ever take her place as the reigning Queen of Pop, even as she approaches middle age and is a wife and mom, she will always be beautiful inside and out, she's been entertaining us for 2 decades (going for three) and there will never be a more daring public figure than Madonna. Even after her all the controversies, she will always be the best Pop star that ever lived (don't laugh, she is). Madonna:The Pop Goddess!Madonna:Often imitated,NEVER duplicated. | 45 stars
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Richard Searles' Best
Found "Dream of the Troubadour" tape at my local thrift store and bought it to enjoy while driving. Fell in love with it immediately and play it almost exclusively to and from work. Wanted to enjoy it at home so I purchased the CD. This remains my favorite Richard Searles' CD and would be a great purchase for someone just discovering this awesome artist. | 45 stars
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Jazz
I have heard jazz played in many countries by many very talanted people. But no one can play it and sing it better than Americans. It is an American form of art and only American artists can feel the depth of it. | 45 stars
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NOT the same as the movie soundtrack
I bought this so that my daughter would have the music to practice with when she was cast in "Beauty and the Beast". There are additional songs that aren't in the Disney movie version and this helped her to put in extra practice. Actually, one of her favorite songs from the production was one that was in the play that wasn't in the movie. She still listens to this CD, even though the play was over with months ago. | 34 stars
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Great Movie
I have probably watched this 5 times and it never gets old!Love it! Tim Burton is simply amazing!!Enjoy. | 45 stars
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meee-like!
im a little biased. I admit it. Im in LOVE with Lady Keir.They got that forth guy in this group and its even better! I wish for Dee Lite to get back together and make some of this groovin' tunes! | 45 stars
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LISTEN TO WITH FANTASIA 2000
This is really an amazing album without visual props, but happens to fit almost perfectly with Disney's Fantasia 2000. Start the cd after the THX screen, when the first blue screen with the Walt Disney Insignia on it appears. Just watch Fantasia 2000 all the way through without fast forwarding either at all. If done right Outsiders will end about eight seconds after the final credits are over. Enjoy! | 45 stars
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An Genuine Diamond From An Era Of....Too Many Zirconias
During the mid 1990's the R&B world was completely saturated with hip-hop/R&B divas who were being directly marketed to compete with big and creatively successful people such as TLC and Mary J Blige. It seemed as if this era of R&B was beomming more about raking in the bucks rather than musical diversity. So it was all too easy to go through the record racks of the period and easily dismiss album after album due to the fact so much of music sounded alike and this is an issue that's extended into the modern era. On the other hand their were exceptions to the rule and those "exceptions" actually wound up maintaing careers and remaining musically and culturally relevent. In 1994/1995 three new teen stars were introduced: Aaliyah,Brandy and in this case Monica. All were in the 14-15 year old age group when they made their debut albums and as it turned out all had something unique and special to offer. Later on Brandy and Monica would team up but at this point Monica stood alone. Vocally Monica is the more expressive and rangy of the singers,presenting a maturity not only Mary J in a sense but with a jazzier,quaverier phrasing and some of the weepy vocal effects that Brandy possesed. Also for a girl her age her voice had quite a rasp to it and all of that allowed for her to be seen as the teen equivilant of an interpretive singer. This album was produced by Dallas Austin and therefore has a mixture between the slower crawling hip-hop/R&B alternative to new jack swing and some of the drum machine break/synthesizer style electro funk of the 1980's. As far as Monica's ability as a vocal interpreter she's given plenty of wonderful changes to throw out her ability in that respect on tasty,80's funk styled versions of The SOS Band's classic "Tell Me If You Still Care" and Jermaine Jackson's "Don't Take It Personal". As far as the original material goes the title song,"Like This And Like That" and the deep groove of "Get Down" all showcase a slinkier,jazzier take on the hip-hop rhythm that seperates it from a lot of the other things that were happening in music at the time. This allowed for Monica to have that distinct sound she needed to have to survive in this era. There's also the polyrhythmic,musically layored funk of "Skate";horns,guitars,basslines and different loops coolide into a very P-Funk friend style groove in the end. "Let's Straighten It Out",a powerful duet with Usher along with "Angel","Never Can Say Goodbye" and "Forever Always" are all wonderfully punchy and funky approches to midtempo 90's R&B and actually aren't as hip-hop oriented as some other songs on this album is. So here we're presented with someone who delivers a diverse,creative and intelligent collection of songs that assured here was an artist who had her future very securely squared away. | 45 stars
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A Phantom to be Cherished
From the opening moments of this CD, it is clear that everyone listening is in for a big treat. With tighter and clearer orchestrations, fine vocals, and a lovely booklet, this is a real winner for Phantom of the Opera fans. But why not just give you a track by track review?1. Prologue- This is a rather boring, and unexplained track. The Auctioneer is too loud and boisterous for my liking, and only a short portion of the scene is included. This is the only track on the CD which should have been left off.2. Overture- The thunderous Organ overture will leave chills running down your spine, with it's beautiful melody, and haunting beat. A wonderful beginning to the show, and if you close your eyes you can almost see the majestic chandelier rising up above your head.3. Dress Rehearsal of Hannibal- It's so nice to have this song on the CD at all, much less done so nicely. The actor portraying Piangi is especially good. This song is not included on the Original London Cast Recording, so that makes it an even bigger bonus.4. Think of Me- Rebecca Caine's gorgeous soprano lifts through the song, although her Raoul is a little too over the top, even for the stage. Still her cadanza saves the ending, and makes her a welcome break from Sarah Brightman.5. The Mirror- I find it odd that Angel of Music was not included on the CD, as it is one of the key numbers, but no matter. Here's the first time we hear Colm Wilkinson as the Phantom, and he does a very nice job. He doesn't try to sound like Michael Crawford, and gives the Phantom a fresh, deeper voice, which is quite welcome, and works well with Rebecca Caine.6. The Phantom of the Opera- One word- GORGEOUS. Rebecca's wide range comes in handy here, and her cadanza at the end is gorgeous, in addition to her lovely low notes in the beginning. Colm is entrancing with his "Sing my Angel" at the end, and the acting in their voices is remarkable. Again, a welcome break from the OLC.7. The Music of the Night- Sooooo superior to Michael Crawford's it's not even funny. The song works soo much better with Colm's deeper baritone, though his falsetto and final note are inferior to MC's his overall singing and acting through his voice is amazing.8. Notes/ Prima Donna- Very nice to have Notes on the CD, even though the Raoul and Carlotta here are rather bland, the Managers are funny, and the song still sounds nice. More of the story is unfolded by the inclusion of Notes, which is definately a plus if you are not familiar with the story. Another lovely track, with Colm's haunting threats at the end.9. All I Ask of You- A gorgeous love song. Rebecca is amazing as usual, and her Raoul is nice here. Lower than the OLC, but equally as beautiful, and you can just feel the chemistry leaping from the disc.10. I Gave You My Music- A nice track to be sure, but definately not something to stand up and cheer for. Colm's emotions are nice, but the singing here is just not appealing. The entire thing is sung in falsetto, something Colm Wilkinson does not have. Could have been cut, but sadly is vital to the story.11. Entr'acte- Fine, beautiful orchestrations. Most people tend to skip over it, but listen to it, because it is a nice opening for Act 2.12. Masquerade- Pretty much identical to the OLC, still gorgeous, though sadly Why So Silent is not included.13. Graveyard- Frankly this should have been included at the begining of the next track, because it's just too short to be an entire track. Still beautiful though, and deserving of being on the CD, just not in its own track.14. Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again- Gorgeous, Rebecca Caine's big showcase. Her voice moves beautifully through the melody, including some impressive high notes at the end.15. Wandering Child- Another beautiful duet between the Phantom and Christine, and helps along with the story. Nothing exceptional here, but it's nice to have to explain the upcoming events.16. Point of No Return- Wow! Can you just hear the sizzling sensuality? This is the most amazing song on the CD, the voices blending perfectly in a mix of gorgeous notes, with Rebecca and Colm showing off everything they have, and making this a real showstopper.17. The Lair- The ending of the show. The orchestrations are fine, but the vocals lack in places, and the whole thing is very over-acted. Still it's VERY important to the story, so it needs to be here, it just lacks.All in all, this is a very beautiful CD, definately a must for all Phantom Phanatics, and a nice addition to all theatre collectors' shelf. | 34 stars
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Worth the wait
I've been anticipating Kelis' new CD for quite a while. I appreciated Kaleidoscope's offbeat and quirky vibe and looked forward to her second album. Unfortunately, I don't own Wanderland because I couldn't justify the import price. Tasty was worth the wait and, in this case, the third time is the charm!Tasty is full of R&B; and hip-hop flavors, but it also has hints of rock ("Keep it Down") and trip-hop ("Millionaire"). Kelis' singing style and lyrics are as unique as ever. Several producers contribute to this project, which lends more variety than in the past. Still, the Neptunes make great music with Kelis. My favorite tracks on Tasty include:3. Milkshake - super catchy lyrics and beat. If I hear this in the morning, it's in my head all day!4. Keep It Down - I love the rock/hip-hop vibe of this song. It reminds me of an old-school Run D.M.C. or L.L. Cool J. beat.5. In Public - Kelis/Nas collaboration with a simple beat, sexy lyrics, raspy singing. This will probably be a single, with lots of censoring ;)10. Sugar Honey Iced Tea - great song! It's a laid-back track with a dope Neptunes beat. I really like the chorus on this song. Definitely single-worthy.12. Rolling Through the Hood - quintessential Kelis track, with her singing over a hard Neptunes beat with that...melody. This song could have easily been on Kaleidoscope. "Maybe tomorrow..."14. Marathon - no doubt one of my absolute favorites on Tasty. Raphael Saadiq truly outdid himself here. That clap beat with the strings is amazing! Everything about the way Kelis sings this song is great, even the 1.5 minutes without real words.On a side note, as a visual person, I always enjoy Kelis' unusual CD art & layout (Kaleidoscope was beautiful). Tasty is no exception. Check out the hickey on her neck on the cover of the CD and the half-naked tattoo of her on, I'm guessing, Nas' arm. Ha! Leave it to Kelis to push the envelope. At least it's tastefully done. Also, the picture on her the inside is really beautiful. | 34 stars
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good...for a loser
Soft and sentimental. However, he's an ass. (...) I hate him. But his music is addictive. Just relax, enjoy, and forget about his engorged genitalia. He wants you to dwell on his package. He's a businessman, not an artist. Listen to his music and watch his films, but attempt to refrain from ever enhancing his ego. The other day on television he claimed to out-rap Ice-T. He's not God. He can't do it all. He's jealous of Basquiat's legacy. He'll never live up to it. Just laugh and cry for the monkey in the cage as long as he turns tricks for us. Furthermore, take any opportunity to fling his poo back at him. | 45 stars
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Bad track on Sweet Sixteen
This has all of Sam's great numbers and is generally a good album except the quality on one single track. Unfortunately the problem is for one of his greatest hits ["Sweet Sixteen'] where there is a very noticable issue on the left speaker. When this track was re-recorded for stereo they had a problem and never bothered to correct it so one of his best songs got trashed. | 23 stars
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Strange
Does this album have a soul (or lack thereof) of its own? I swear, the more times you listen to it the more it takes on its own personality.Also, now that I've listened to it one-thousand times, I really am starting to like the differnce- yet cohesive force- of each of the songs. | 45 stars
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Sophisticated progressive rock!
I knew this album of course before buying it, but it really amazes you when you listen to the whole thing song by song in your home stereo. | 45 stars
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A Story for the Ages in "X & Y"
I became a Coldplay fan when "A Rush of Blood to the Head" was first released and I was not sure Coldplay could top or equal that masterpiece. However, "X&Y;" not only equals their previous album but stands out as a masterpiece in its on right. "X&Y;" is an album that anyone can appreciate because the album itself is about emotions, in particular love. However, this album is also the deepest album Coldplay has put out in the music world yet. The album is split in the track listing on the case for good reason...the first section represents "X" and the last represents "Y". "X" are songs that are dedicated and meant to be sung to the "XX" gender (aka female gender) and seem to embody the elements of feminity. The last section, "Y", are songs that are the pourings out of the male heart to a female and embody masculine emotions even more so. As such, that tone is shown in the tracks and where they appear on the album was definitely planned out perfectly."Square One" opens up the album and the "X" section of the record with a very dreamy opening and then a strong chorus section filled with strong guitars and drumming. It is a song that asks for someone to listen to a person and that it doesn't matter who it is...it's also about a person who is trying to break free into becoming who they are supposed to be. It is filled with emotions that a woman feels when she is going through changes in her life and this song seems to have this on the underside of the lyrics. "What If" has been called the new "The Scientist". However, "What If" is more of expression of what if things didn't happen as they should, what if you couldn't be with that person you thought you were meant to be with forever. If anything, this has an undercurrent of the feelings of fear that a female might feel when she is in a relationship and trying to see if it's meant to be forever. "White Shadows" is about those things that haunt everyone and make us think about what we want in our lives. "Fix You" is a song about loss, about comforting someone who has experienced loss...if anything it is a song dedicated to female and helps her realize that she is understood in the time of loss. It seems simple but it is also a very tender song. "Talk", something key to relationships, and something that females do quite often to work out things...Coldplay seems to build upon that and makes it a plea to talk to someone and communicate about what is going on in life. "X & Y" may end off the X section but it is the unity of X and Y, male and female. The lyrics in "X & Y" are absolutely beautiful and amazing...this is a song celebrating the marriage of man and woman, speaking of being "best friend" and of floating and drifting together as one throughout time."Speed of Sound" opens the Y section of the record, one that seems to identify more with the masculine set of emotions and how they are expressed in conveying love and other things. Though the similarities between "Clocks" and "Speed of Sound" are inevitable, "Speed of Sound" is the answer song to "What If"...it is a song of encouragement and one that paints what beauty is ahead in a relationship. "A Message" is the male answer to "Fix You"...it is the observation of the female suffering and the male offering himself to help fix the female and give her comfort. "Low" is of course about love but it's also a song about looking for love beyond what may be seen or unseen...this song is the compliment to "White Shadows" and is a song that encourages to look for those things that are more than just black and white. "The Hardest Part" is an admittance of pain of letting go and being broken...it is about communication, about talking through things and serves as the answer to "Talk." "Swallowed by the Sea" is a song about togetherness, being in unity in a relationship forever...the answer and compliment to "X & Y". "Twisted Logic" ends the Y section and also the album but brings the album full circle. "Twisted Logic" serves to tell how important love is, how amazing it is, how it changes and twists everything but is so logical at the same time. Where the album started at "Square One," symbolizing the beginning of a journey, "Twisted Logic" is the ending of the journey, the fulfillment of the journey and the only perfect logical ending, twisted as it may seem.The bonus track, "Kingdom Come," was written to be sung with Johnny Cash but has now been recorded without him but is done as a dedication for Johnny Cash. It is obvious that Mr. Cash was at the end of his life but he was just waiting for the end to come and prepared for what it had in store. This dedication is very heartfelt and so very appropriate. It is also a great way to end the album because Johnny Cash's life ended shortly after that of his wife, their love a story for the ages to know and to wish for always, years of commitment and love."X & Y" is quite possibly one of the most perfect albums made because of its symmetry in how the songs flow and also in the lyrical quality. "A Rush of Blood to the Head" made Coldplay popular and stands as one of the best albums of the 21st century; however, "X & Y" is quite possibly one of the top 5 records that will have been recorded in the first decade of the new millennium. | 45 stars
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One hell of a roller coaster ride
At first listen to this CD, you are taken by the variety of sounds the album contains. Some are dark and heavy, some are soft and personal. But when you put the pieces together you get one hell of an album. Though it isnt a concept album, Darkest Days seems to start out with depressing songs and then moves onto more inspirational songs about our will to survive the trials and tribulations of life. The songs all seem to blend perfectly together, making listening to the whole CD straight through enjoyable. This is a very impressive CD and I wouldnt even consider myself a fan of the industrial-metal scene. | 34 stars
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Fun rock 'n' roll - not perfect, but worth your money
Yes, this IS the album with Fortunate Son, CCR's signature tune, on it. Yes, it's also got Down on the Corner, which charted a good eleven places ahead of Fortunate Son (I'm a dork for knowing that. So what?) even though the former is far better-known. These are the best songs off Willy & the Poor Boys. But most (not all, mind you) of the rest unfairly rests in the shadow of those two tracks. They actually manage to breathe new life into the oft-covered Midnight Special (which has transcended the level of "standard" at this point), thanks to them very much making it their own. It Came Out of the Sky is pretty damn funny; Don't Look Now, a great love song; Side o' the Road, one of their best instrumentals; and Effigy, easily their best extended song. How'd all of these songs disappear? Okay, their cover of Leadbelly's Cotton Fields is far from essential; Poor Boy Shuffle's a bad instrumental; Feelin' Blue, an overlong jam. But this is a solid record overall! | 34 stars
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"Live" is the absolute best!
This cd (and my Rufus Wainwright cd, *self titled*, highly recommended,) are two cds that I never, ever tire of! Ellis Paul was at a local coffeehouse recently (which we went to), and he just left us all in complete amazment. He is very sweet, and his rapport with the audience is half the fun of his work. His Live cd captures that very well, with a few hilarious monolouges/stories in between songs, it's fabulous. His lyrics are wonderful... they're fun, romantic, sweet, funny and thoughtful. His voice is very easy to listen to. I highly recommend sitting in a quiet room with a lava lamp on, and putting on this cd... it's soooo relaxing. :-)You should sooooooooooooo buy this!! Highly recommended!! | 45 stars
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I had high hopes...
From the description of the band and it's music. And there's a lot of potential there.But this album is a muddy mess. Every instrument is being played at every moment, and all are set at the exact same volume. | 12 stars
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all production, no songs
Let me first say that I really wanted to like this cd. In fact, I gave it more spins than it deserves. I keep hearing comparisons to Sparklehorse and Mercury Rev, but those records have some emotion and brilliant songs. There's absolutely nothing engaging on this cd, it's like having your housemate strum the guitar while you're watching television. Since the only interesting thing on this record is the sound of the record, than it may be a good dish washing soundtrack, but nothing more. | 12 stars
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Great album, good production
Although, this album wasn't as good as their previous two, it's worth purchasing. On this CD, Cinderella joined up with the producers who created Guns and Roses first album, "Appetite for destruction". I thought this was a good move, on their part. This album added a newelement, the saxophone on some of the tracks. If you ever listened toAerosmiths "Permanent Vacation", you'll find some similiarities withthat CD and the saxophone in some of their songs. Overall, a fine album. Four stars. | 34 stars
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Sprawling bombast
For the most part this album is alright, but it does contain a good dose of ELP's trademark overblown pretension. What really hurts this albums rating is the horrific recording quality. The piano sounds passible but everything else sounds like it was recorded with mics in the back of the auditorium. Lake's vocals are all but buried in the mix. No amount of remastering can fix that. I get the feeling a remix may not do much either. This is for someone who can overlook the the sound issues and must absolutely have every ELP release. | 12 stars
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significant highlights
not as moving as some of the other work of Nusrat, but songs like the title song and Nothing Without you are up with his best | 34 stars
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Bubba K--represents
I love Bubba K.'s new cd, "The Charm". To me, it is just one of those cd's you put in your player and just let it play. I love the fact that he represents tha' dirty south sound/music so well.Bubba has the talent and skills to maintain. I love the fact that Bubba does not waste his talent dissin' other rappers, musicians, etc. NO. NO. Not Bubba. He basically states in his music, "I am Bubba. This is what I am about. Let me share this with you".I love his deep down south accent,his beats, and most of all---his lyrics. My favorite is "Ms. New Booty" (and all others) and for a change of pace, I love "Run Away".The charm is one enjoyable cd. Everyone and their momma should get a copy (alright. So that is going overboard), but I love that Bubba k!!! ;)*****5 Stars***** | 45 stars
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Consistently Electric!
I can't seem to figure out why other reviewers find this album inconsistent ... I can play this album from start to finish all the time and never feel the need to skip tracks. This as pointed out by a good friend of mine, is like a greatest hits album. Other albums during that time (late 70s) that garnered such praise would be Blondie's Parallel Lines and The Cars' debut album. I love those two but they can't hold a candle to ELO's Discovery. Perhaps it's the disco trappings, or the overexposure of ELO by the time of the previous album (Out of the Blue with its 4 hit singles). I for one feel that this album is pure pop and a great fun to listen to.Lynne knows how to write a good song and his chord changes have the ability to wrench emotion out of you. He does it brilliantly here in tracks such as Midnight Blue and Confusion. The discofied numbers (Shine A Little Love and Last Train To London) fare surprisingly well and are two of the catchiest songs. The bass line in Last Train to London would surface a couple of years later in Hall & Oates' I Can't Go For That!Diary of Horace Wimp is a whimsical but charming Beatlesque number (along the lines of McCartney's Maxwell's Silver Hammer but without the black humour!) while Need Your Love is a superb ballad. Then of course there is the big hit Don't Bring Me Down ... groooose! The other two remaining tracks On The Run and Wishing, although the least catchy of the 9 tracks, are still great to listen to.The bonus tracks are interesting but not essential. Besides this remastered copy, I also possess the Gold Mastersound CD which is just a tad better in sound quality (more body) but has poor colour reproduction of the artwork.Get this if you are starting your ELO collection. You can then follow it up with Time (more progressive but just as brilliant), Out Of The Blue (their double album - when is it going to get remastered?) and A New World Record (not yet remastered as well). And if you are a completist, get the ELO DVD of the Out of the Blue Tour (the 'live' recording isn't all that great) but you get to see all the videos of the Discovery album, altho' they are all similarly shot in the studio. | 45 stars
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one of he best r&b albums of the 90's and the past 25 years......
janet jackson took a huge gamble and step with her 5 studio album intitled "janet." she tested all kinds of music with this album (hip hop, funk, disco, jazz, rock, opera, country, etc.) there was no holding back and that is why i think this album was so successful...'if' is one of janet jackson's signature songs and can still be heard on may ipods and cars. obviously a fan favourite. the video clip was very sexy with some of the best choreography i have ever seen (thanx tina landon). my favourite song of all time...another favourite of mine is 'throb'. i love the dance feel to the song. very sexual song and she pulls it off very well. the horns blazin and all the synthezisers going off it makes anyone be in the groove.standout tracks:"the body that loves you""this time" w/ Cathrine Battle"again" (another favourite of mine)'that's the way love goes''because of love''new agenda'"funky big band''what i'll do''janet.' is just a overall brilliant album. there is not one track on the album i dont like.... this album could get you ready to go to the club or it could get your ready to do plenty of things i cant say right now...5 out of 5 stars: this is a must have for all r&b; collections | 45 stars
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A must hear!
It's unfortunate that so few recordings are available from this group. The musicianship is superb; the arrangements are first class; the recording wonderful to the point of being listenable through high quality headphones without hearing some technician adjusting the knobs behind the scenes. Don't miss this one. | 45 stars
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Best movie of all time
I watched this movie when I was about 5 years old. and to this day it still remains one of my favorite movies of all time. I am a die hard Michael Jackson fan and anybody whom is in love with Micahel as much as I am needs to buy this movie. He is truely a great entertainer and a brilliant performer/actor. Very good story, GREAT MUSIC SEQUENCES, classic Michael Jackson at his greatest!I mean, what else could you ask for? He was the hero in this movie and is my hero in real life. Even with all the alligations surrounding him, you can't deny his emaculate influence to the music industry and the world. It has been a long time since I have seen this movie and I am so glad that I recieved the opportunity to buy a copy for myself. His legacy will continue no matter what.... | 45 stars
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Nice Surprise
Bravo Michael you did it again. I was very impressed by the big band sound. The diversity of the diferent songs are a welcome surprise. I would highly recommend this CD. My favorite being one I have never heard " Swing Is Back In Style" | 45 stars
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A must-have - for Kiss fans or not
My first metal album... If it wasn't for it i'd have been listening to what-not ever since. Changed my whole perspective on rock. Excellent album. | 45 stars
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the best
I've had this disc for a while, but it only recently made its way into my car CD player. That's when I really listen. And oh, boy, did I listen.One late night after a party I just got zapped by 'Secret God', mesmerized by the dissonant harmonies that repeated over and over. And it's not even my favorite track - that would probably be 'Driving Me Mad'. But they're all great. Not a single skipper, as they say.Finn is a great songwriter - I can't think of any better. | 45 stars
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the 2nd best Gary Stewart cd ever!
So the "Out of Hand / Your Place or Mine" two-fer disc is the very best Gary Stewart cd ever--obviously--but "Battleground" is pretty darn close. Gary's voice, song selection, and energy level are all very strong here, and this band can't be beat. "Bedroom Battleground" and "Nothing Cheap..." are probably my favorite tracks at this moment, unless you count "Delia" or "Let's Go Jukin'." Whatever.Just don't expect me to name the 3rd best Gary cd ever: I've found the rest of his Hightone and RCA output to be extremely disappointing, usually due to shortcomings in Gary's voice, song selection, or energy level.As for "Battleground," I say 4 and 1/2 stars, easy! | 34 stars
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It doesn't get any better
If you like the Beatles music, and if you're particularly fond of George Harrison, this is simply a wonderful musical. Clapton is a superb mc, we now all know why Billy Preston was considered "the 5th Beatle", and the performances, all my George's friends, are superb. Every once in a great while, something gets put together that simply gets it all right. Have a good time - it doesn't get any better than this. | 45 stars
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10 stars!
i'd give this 10 stars, if i could! this was the 4th green day, well 'thing' i guess, that i bought(i acctaully found it at tower records for much cheeper then this), i'd had had AI, insomniac, and bullet in a bible before hand. it has awesome awesome awesome preformances, for ALL the songs on it, some which i greatly prefer over the studio recs. its a really wonderful line up aswell, except that at the end of FOD, billie does the 'hey-oh' thing into the crowd he does at alot of concerts, so not a terrific way to end, it makes you want more. but, really, even though it is an EP, it is still by far my favorite CD of all that i own. truely superb. | 45 stars
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I Love Street Love
I Love It...Prayers Player,Killing Me, What You Wanna Do, Street Love Is my Farovite's.. | 45 stars
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Not Razorblade Romance, but a Dark Light
Fans familiar with HIM's older work may be a bit disappointed with their newest release, Dark Light. However, Dark Light is a trasitional point for HIM. All bands, must continue to change and grow, to survive and keep old fans from being bored while bringing in new fans. This is the case with Dark Light. With US radio friendly tracks such as Wings of a Butterfly, Vampire Heart and Killing Loneliness, there music is an attempt to appeal to the masses of US listeners while trying to remain true to their self titled genre, "Love Metal".Although it isn't as dramatic as Razorblade Romance, it is noteworthy. The beginning of the CD has a definate different feel from the end of the album. Vampire Heart, WOAB, Under the Rose, Killing Loneliness, and Behind the Crimson Door are all musical and lyrical masterpieces. The second half of the album tends to mellow out a bit, but Ville's voice carries them to the end, and brings a perfect light to the darkness. | 34 stars
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Beautiful!!!
Beautiful interpretation! I have acquired others works performed by Frans Bruggen and the Orchestra of the 18th Century. I highly recommend this CD. | 45 stars
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ARE YOU READY FOR FREDDIE?
THIS CD IS AN ALBUM THAT WAS RELEASED ON LEON RUSSELL'S SHELTER RECORDS LABEL IN THE EARLY 70'S, AND FEATURES LEON PLAYING PIANO WITH FREDDIE. THE THREE ALBUMS RELEASED ON SHELTER RECORDS WERE A TURNING POINT IN FREDDIE'S CAREER. AFTER RECORDING A LOT OF GREAT BLUES, R&B AND INSTRUMENTALS FOR KING RECORDS IN THE EARLY 60'S, FRDDIE PRETTY MUCH FELL OF THE MAP FOR AWHILE, EVEN THOUGH GUYS LIKE ERIC CLAPTON PAID HOMAGE TO HIM AND RECORDED A LOT OF HIS OLD SONGS. THEN WHEN WHITE AUDIENCES "DISCOVERED" THE BLUES, AND THAT MUSIC CAME INTO VOGUE IN THE MAINSTREAM, ARTISTS LIKE FREDDIE AND BB KING FOUND A NEW AUDIENCE, WIDER ACCEPTANCE, AND MADE TRIUMPHANT RETURNS TO THE MUSIC SCENE, EVEN THOUGH THEY NEVER REALLY WENT AWAY IN THE FIRST PLACE. THE SHELTER RECORDS RECORDINGS FROM FREDDIE KING ARE GREAT, ON THIS CD HE PLAYS ORIGINAL SONGS AS WELL AS OLD STANDS LIKE "DUST MY BROOM" AND "KEY TO THE HIGHWAY" (ELMORE JAMES), AND "WALKING BY MYSELF" (JIMMY REDD). A GREAT CD. | 45 stars
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Poltergeist: The Legacy
This is an awesome soundtrack. It's fun and enjoyable to listen to. the best songs on this soundtrack are all of them. if you have not listened to this soundtrack then i recommend you do | 45 stars
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Maybe The Greatest Rock Album Ever
'Masterpiece' is a ubiquitous word, but it's the only one that properly describes this album. This is the definitive album from five extremely talented Californian hipsters known as Jefferson Airplane. Grace Slick, Marty Balin, Paul Kantner, Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady and Spencer Dryden all merged their creative strengths together to turn rock music into something revolutionary and monumental.First of all, this re-mastered version is a real treat. Super sound quality, bonus songs and a detailed booklet full of rare photos and liner notes. The band had already set the world on fire with their first three albums, showing their remarkable, divine vocal harmonies, and CROWN OF CREATION proved their excellence even further.They open the album with three of the most magnificent ballads ever written. "Lather", "In Time" and "Triad" are all unbelievably beautiful and soothing. Grace's "Lather" is based on drummer Spencer Dryden. Spencer was about to turn thirty at the time, hence the line "Lather was thirty years old today". It's also based on a little incident that occured with Jack Casady. Jack was given a pill by a drug guru named Owsley, but he made the pill much too strong, and Jack totally went berserk when he took it. He was arrested for running naked on the beach and drawing pictures in the sand, which is also referred to in the song. And as for the song itself, Grace sings it in a way that just sends shivers down your spine, amongst many strange sound effects and some peaceful acoustic guitar. The hauntingly graceful "In Time" is even better, and it's probably my favorite Airplane song ever. The choruses are pure bliss, with Kantner, Slick and Balin ALL singing in harmony, combining their voices in such a way that it sounds like the essence of beauty itself."Triad" was written by David Crosby, but it's hard picturing him singing it better than Grace does here. Her crystalline vocal cords have never sounded better, and she delivers an extremely emotional performance that really touches the depths of your heart. In particular, listen to the way she sings the line "We love each other, it's plain to see" and tell me that isn't the loveliest voice that you've ever heard in your life.Kaukonen's "Star Track" features some of the most blistering wah-wah guitar licks ever put on record. They're fast, vicious and totally chaotic. Indeed Jorma was one of the most overlooked guitarists in the world. Balin's vocal on "Share A Little Joke" is rapturous, especially that middle section ("...Your eyes are never tired, your mind is on fire..."). Like Grace, he manages to practically give you goosebumps with his singing. That's enough proof that nobody could rival the Airplane when it comes to vocal harmonies (except the brilliant Simon And Garfunkel)."Chushingura" is the only weak spot on the album, as it's just a bunch of weird sounds. "If You Feel" is an upbeat rocker with glorious vocals and a marvelous melody. Some have said that the title track was plagiarized from a novel called "The Chrysalids", but I couldn't care less because the song is so great. The tandem vocals of Jorma and Grace on "Ice Cream Phoenix" are yet another highlight, and Grace's battle cry of "Still not cry when it's time to go" is indeed very hypnotic. And speaking of Grace, her "Greasy Heart" is a moody tune that talks about how women try too hard to make themselves look good. A little known fact is that she's actually singing about HERSELF on this one. She was a model before she became a singer, so she understood about all that stuff. In the liner notes, she even says "It sounds like I'm pointing fingers in the song, but I'm actually living it".So that leaves the gloomy, hypnotic "House At Pooneil Corners", an eerie number that tells about the end of the world. And I do mean EERIE. Everything about the song is very dark: the bass line, the organ, the sound effects and, above all, the intoxicating vocals. The lyrics are brilliant, too. This is a song that really makes you think: is the destiny of mankind doomed forever? Creepy stuff.As for the bonus cuts, they're not all that great. They're basically just a bunch of weird sound effects, and it sounds like the band were just killing time in the studio. But the sound quality and the booklet are definitely worth having.So yes, I consider this to be in the top five greatest rock albums ever made. Listen to it and you'll see why. | 45 stars
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a*teens rock
I was glad when i heard that the A*teens were coming out with a new album. Their first album was full of ABBA covers, but this one is full of original songs.1. Upside Down- I like this song and the video for it rocks. I was suprised to hear Dhani and Amit (the boys) sing parts on this song. (10/10)2. ...To The Music- Not a song I like to listen to all the time. This beat isn't really fast, but you can at least tap your foot to it. (8/10)3. Halfway Around The World- My second fave song. I love this video. Again, the boys sing a part on this song, and the lyrics are really great. (10/10)4. Firefly- MY FAVE SONG!! I memorized the words real quick and was soon singing along with them. This is a mid-tempo love song about wanting your lover back. (10/10)5. Sugar Rush- My 3rd fave song. This is definetly a song you'd put on a tape for your crush. "..I start to blush/You are my sugar rush..". (10/10)6. Rockin'- This a real dark song about fame and love. Sometimes the words stray and lose meaning, but the beat makes up for it. (6/10)7. Around The Corner Of Your Eye- This title may seem like a little kiddie song, but this is actually a love song. It's slow, guitar-driven beat sounds good mixed with their voices. (10/10)8. Slammin' Kinda Love- This used to be my fave song, but not any more. I love the dark ringing beat. (8/10)9. All My Love- Dhani and Amit sing lead on this spanish song. I kinda don't like this song. (7/10)10. For All That I Am- This is a good song to dedicate to your bf/gf if you've been treating them bad. (9/10)11. That's What (It's All About)- Before "Firefly" or "Slammin' Kinda Love", this was my absolute fave song. But this beat seems like it was made for Britney. Still a good club song, though. (8/10)12. Morning Light- My 4th fave song. It seems like a sunny song. Dhani and the girls sing this song, and it seems like they added a bit of hip-hop in it. (10/10)13. Back for More- Sounds like "..To The Music". This song is short and not really memorable. (6/10)14. Don't Even Know Your Name- This is a bonus track. This song reminds me of myself. I pass notes to my crushes and I hope someday they will see me. (10/10)The CD was very enjoyable and kept me listening to it over and over and over again. Go out and buy this if you like pop music. And pick up their latest album "Pop Til You Drop". O and I don't care what anybody says, A*Teens "Sugar Rush" is better than Dream Street's. | 45 stars
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Desert Island Disc!!!
One of my top 10 albums of all time!I have been listening to this disc for 10 years now & can honestly say I have NEVER grown tired of it. Beautiful swirling ambience with a melancholic bent, Michael Plaster has achieved a tour-de-force. Mysterious and dense textures are the order of the day, with occasional reverby vocals and acoustic guitar. Please do yourself a favour and snap this one up. | 45 stars
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great band, great cd
I've had the extreme pleasure of seeing these guys in my home town about 4 times, always playing at small venues (i was usually about 3-4 feet away from them) and headlining the show. It's really too bad that they've been touring so much as an opening band, they deserve to be headliners. If you have the chance to see them live, DO IT. Excellent cd, but I think I still prefer Like the Exorcist. | 45 stars
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Satie: Piano Works
He has written some very simple but beautiful pieces. Enjoy them very much. They're a good selection for calm sweet days. | 34 stars
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Most amazing movie!
This is absolutely my all-time favorite movie ever, and I am thrilled to finally have a copy on DVD so I can watch it whenever I want! I got the movie fast from Amazon, and love the free shipping as well. | 45 stars
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Sorry I bought it.
I could not believe that anyone could ruin Christmas more than Scrooge but Destiny's Child Christmas CD has managed to do just that. The arrangement of the Christmas classic's are so bad that any attempt to sit through them made me long for the fast forward button on the CD player. Their voices have no harmony for the tempo. Had they done them in the manner they were meant it may have been a pleasurable CD. Instead I'm using it now as a coaster for my coffee table. | 01 star
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Awesome
This Cd is awesome. When it came out, it started a whole new world of music. Every song on it is great. From the well known titles such as Smells Like Teen Spirit, Come as you Are, to the not so well known songs like On a Plain, and Drain You. This is a great Cd, one of the best of the decade. | 45 stars
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Godly
When I first heard this album, I was completely blown away, and it gets better every time I hear it. Harper plays a Weissenborn guitar with the precision of Leo Kottke, and the intensity of Son House to create one of the most impressive and distinctive styles today, combining rock, blues, folk, reggae, soul, funk, and even gospel. If you aren't moved after listening to God-Fearing Man, check your pulse. You may be dead. For the true Harper experience, though, make sure you catch him live, because as great as this album is, it can't hold a candle to his live show. | 45 stars
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SO DISAPPOINTING! EMBARRASSING TO LISTEN TO
I've long since been a fan of No Doubt, and Gwen, so I was really looking forward to this CD, but it's awful! I cringed with embarrassment at some tracks. Even with a boatload of help with the songs, it's pitiful. Rich Girl is a gret plug for her (and Eve's fashion line) but this CD belongs in the garbage. The lyrics of all songs are inane and incrdibly repetative. Gwen! I thought you could do better! :( | 01 star
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It's Nothing Special
I bought this CD pretty much randomly after seeing Avril on TV once. I know she is all about being different but not trying to be but honestly this CD isn't anything amazing or different than anything else. It definately isn't a punk CD no matter what she says about being punk or just "being herself." Seriously though, even if she is trying to be herself she can wear a different outfit everyonce in awhile and she doensn't always have to wear a tie to establish that she can do what she wants. It doesn't matter if you are being yourself nobody wants to see you wear the same thing everyday. Anyways, I will admit that I did like her song Skater Boy (or Sk8ter Boi, the "cool way") when I first heard it but it is so overplayed on the radio it's ridiculous. I listened to this CD about two times and put it on my shelf somewhere and haven't listened to it since. So the bottom line is, if you like the songs of hers that you hear on the radio then you will probably like this CD otherwise don't expect to hear anything exceptional or different than any of the other female pop artists out there right now, even if they do all claim that they're different. | 23 stars
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good debut album
I first heard about Kellie Coffey when I heard her single, "When You Lie Next To Me" on radio a few years ago and decided to buy her album. It's a very good country-pop cd. If you enjoy that type of music, then I recommend buying Kellie's album.Tag: country music | 45 stars
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DJ Clue Snitches on the Best
DJ Clue, one of the most influencial DJ's in helping the street mixtape circuit make it's jump to the major labels in the '90's has returned to his street roots with "It's Me Snitches". This CD has tracks and drops featuring all the biggest artists in the game, Fabolous, Styles P, Remy Ma, Busta Rhymes, Lil Kim, Usher and many more. I especially liked track 22 featuring up & coming rapper Kiotti. | 45 stars
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ricky martin live: black and white tour
ricky martin is one of the greatist preformers of our time. an extremly talented person in more than one field. excellent singing voice, excellent dancer. combine that with a sure self-knowledge of his abilites and a true humility, producing a well rounded individual. his stage presense on this tour was without a doubt one of his finist. top notch video and audio on this dvd add up to a truly enjoyable experiance | 45 stars
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Time tested sound
Unfortunately, the Xymox releases aren't going to appear of the upcoming "Best of..." and that's a real shame."Evelyn" is my favorite track, moody and gothic. "Obsession" is a nod to their earlier sound, very good as well. Brighter and much poppier but equally satisfying are "Imagination", "Blind Hearts" and "In the City".A lush, moody and masterful work that still sounds terrific. | 34 stars
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I was there, it moved me, but had flaws
To be honest, I haven't viewed the DVD yet. I have bought it because I saw first hand what will be on the disc's. To the 1 star review, you are way off, but I doubt it could be 5 stars as well. Bono forgets some words, mixes up verses and phrasing. At the same time Electric co and an catdubh were special treats. I hadn't seen them perform those songs since 1982. A girl from the audience comes onstage and plays party girl, solo and all. I've seen every tour they played in Chicago. This was not there best ever, but it was a great rock show. If You connect with U2's music, this should be a must buy. To end the show with 40 reminded me of their War tour at the Aragon Ballroom. The band left the stage and the audience chanted the "how long" seemingly forever. None of us wanted it to end. It wasn't quite the same at this show as us old timers were trying to lead the newer fans in the chant. But the meassage still races my heart. The show was a great mix of old and new. It seems they would have to play 5 hour shows to please all their fans, which I would love to see. Until then this DVD was on my Xmas list, but I couldn't wait and bought it anyway. I won't be disappointed. | 34 stars
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A Young Children's Runaway Hit Sing-Along
I have had many children in my preschool throughout the past ten years who enjoy sing alongs. But, this sing along from Bobby Susser is the first that I've seen that got the children involved from the very split second they heard the beginning of each song. The choruses are fantastic in every possible way. The music and lyrics to all the songs are so great that the children ask me to repeat playing each one. The beautiful thing here is that while the songs are great, they are also informative so the children learn while singing and singing. This is the most exciting, entertaining, interesting, and educational sing along I ever had for my preschool classes. It is absolutely a runaway hit sing along for young children. | 45 stars
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cosolidation of art
having had the chance to actually know members of the band has been an inspiration on alot of the topics in their music. it is realy to bad that more people are not aware of them,we all can gain insights from them as well as a lots of other music.there is no falseness to thier words they live by them.i am a jazz musician,it is refreshing to here music with the depth and emotion it takes to produce art as they do.quincy jones once said we have already played everthing the only thing now is to mix it together and thats what these guys do. | 45 stars
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Hail to Jarreau
Al Jarreau is a phenomenal artist. Even though I'm fairly young (23) I am a true fan of Al Jarreau. His vocal ability and style is timeless. But this c.d, has a very hip flair to it and the change does not take away. Some artists try to change their style up and you wish they wouldn't have, but I can not say that for Al Jarreau. From the funky title track "All I Got" to the soothing "Oasis", this c.d is a masterpiece. | 45 stars
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a voice teacher and early music fan
SCHUBERT AND BOSTRIDGE: THE WEDDING OF TWO GREAT TALENTS."Bostridge's peculiarly beseeching voice enshines the vulnerability, tender feeling and obsessive love of the youthful miller,,,A soul-searching interpretation..." GRAMOPHONEThe story of the beautiful maid of the mill (its origin unknown)has been used by various composers through the years, In fact, Schubert may have heard it first in a Paisiello Opera entitled: La Belle Molinara. Each song in the cycle is a "gem" portraying all the varied moods of a lover yearning for his desire, but not attainable. As in many Schubert songs "Nature" is much in evidence such as in "Wohin" when the lover talks to the babbling brook.Included on this disc are six other poems by Wilhelm Muller that have not been set to music. They are read by Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau who was originally slated to make this recording, but circumstances prevented it and then he retired in his seventieth year, after dominating the world of Lieder for over forty years. He happily agreed to do the reading of the six poems on this disc.The 20 songs are: Das Wandern(wandering)-Wohin? (where to?)- Halt (halt)-Danksagung (Thanksgiving to the brook)-Am Feierabend(after work)-Der Neugierige(the inquisitive one)--Ungeduld(impatience)-Morgengruss(morning greeting)-Des Mullers Blumen(the miller's flowers)-Tranenregen(shower of tears)- -Mein!(mine!)-Pause (pause)-Mit Dem Grunen Lauterbande(to accompany the lute's green ribbon)-Der Jager(the huntsman)-Eifersucht Und Stolz(jealousy and pride)- Die Liebe Farbe(the beloved colour)- Die Bose Farbe(the loathsome colour)-Trockne Blumen(withered flowers)-Der Muller Und Der Bach(the miller and the brook)-Des Baches Wiegenlied(the brook's lullaby).With his favored composers (Britten and Schubert)Ian Bostridge pays vivid attention to text and immaculate phrasing, that few of his contemporiaries can match. This type of approach certainly contradicts the idea of the 'singer' as a simply intuitive-and therefore unthinking- creature of nature.Who but an Ian Bostridge with his clear and sweet-sounding young voice could do justice to this beautiful music! Schubert would be pleased. No need really to comment on the excellent skilled accompaniment of Graham Johnson. This is listening pleasure of the highest quality. | 45 stars
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REM Monster
Was just listening to this yesterday. Really good album. Quite energetic. Peter uses some cool effects on his guitar as does Michael on his voice throughout most of the album. Reverb, Distortion, Feedback, excellent. | 45 stars
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Itzhak Perlman's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2
A good selection of music. Excellent playing by Mr. Perlman. Relaxing, lilting, stirring. I highly recommend this CD to all violin music fans. | 45 stars
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Ms.Kia DadeCounty chic
Yeah, this Trina album is off the chain. I like every song on the c.d. me,Trick,and Trina came from the same home town. Miami Dade County is in the house (Richmond Heights). | 45 stars
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Best Album of 2004
Along with The Arcade Fire's "Funeral", this has become a great year for inventive sound. This is an uplifting, feel-good album in a questionable time in our history. It goes against all expectation of what the world of music should be expressing now, and damn it, if I don't feel fine.Bouyant cheerleading chants, scratching hip-hop girl sounds (as if jumping rope), serial TV theme song samples with horns, harmonicas and banjos, trashcan drums and switchblade street creed in a very lo-fi production that adds to the feeling of this being just flung together by young people who just love music of all sorts. Reminds me a little of the Avalanches, but this has more soul. The best 1/2 hour of music that will feel up the entire day if you don't watchout. | 45 stars
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Truly Unappreciated talent!
I brought this album in '97 on a whim, just to try out a new artist, and I'm so glad I did!! Rahsaan Patterson is underappreciated becauseradio stations don't play his musicand dj's don't play him in the clubs the, and he's not marketed at all.If it wasn't for BET, and seeing his video for "stop by" I would not have heard of him. Even when I play this album today, seven years later, it sounds good, I never get tired of it. It's one of my favorite albums and when I wear this one out I'm buying it again. I also glad to hear he's got something else out. A note to Rahsaan, if you're reading these reviews, know you have a life long fan in me. Much Love and keep doing your thing!!!! | 45 stars
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What can I say...... Diana Krall has the old era magic
As a jazz fan for many years with most of my heros being from the 40s and 50s, I can say that Diana Krall would compete with the best of them. Head and shoulders above most of the new talent entering the jazz arena today. I say that even though I want to like them, because I want that era of music to continue. Diana just has that old style magic. This CD is just no exception. You cannot go wrong with any of her CDs if you like the play list. | 45 stars
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Greendale grows on ya
The more I listen, the more I've come to believe "Greendale" is one of Neil's true masterpieces. At first, it seems like just another Crazy Horse album with the volume, distortion and anger turned way down. But, like a Steinbeck novel, its brilliance grows on you. For a Crazy Horse collaboration, there is an intimacy to these songs that I find thrilling. Without question their best work since "Ragged Glory". The feeling is one of sitting on a beat-up couch in a garage some lazy summer evening while Neil and the boys jam and tell you the story of small town dreams, both dashed and realized. "Carmichael" and "Grandpa's Interview" are nearly perfect both musically and lyrically; the beauty lies in a masterful balance of Ralph and Billy's propulsive rhythms and Neil's barely-restrained fuzzed guitar and seemingly stream-of-consciousness singing. The rest of the album is just as satisfying, especially the way-too-cool-for-words rockabilly anthem "Double EE" and the opening track "Falling from Above," which so wonderfully sets the stage for the hour+ journey. A definite candidate as a desert island disc. | 45 stars
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This is an excellent addition to a collection of ELO CD's
This would not be the first CD I would by to start my ELO collection. I rate 4 others CD's slightly better. But this one is very good. This was done during the Xanadu Movie score Jeff wrote. I wish Xanadu the song was part of this CD (it should have been). He got a little grief from his band mates about giving to much attention to the Movie. | 34 stars
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You could say she "Rose" to the occasion
Sometimes I hear snippets of a song on the radio, and I buy a couple discs looking for that song.I bought this (and Jen Foster) looking for Stacie Orrico. Silly me.So yeah, when I actually heard this disc, I was disappointed. The songs seemed contrived, and she sounded like she was desperately pushing for rhyming lyrics.Then again I've learned never to trust my first impression.I listened to it again and again and again...and I must say that this girl has the talent to last years. That is, as long as she lives off her anger and neurosis rather than giving it up like Alanis Morissette.Katy has a good thing going for her here...her ability to manipulate words and current events. They aren't just lyrics, or poems...they are words spoken straight from the heart that truly seem to pour effortlessly out of her mouth.Typically I list some key tracks but that would seriously be doing her a disservice. Just...listen. And then buy, because you can. | 45 stars
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One of my all time favorites.
Having graduated high school in 1984 (the olden days), I cut my rock and roll teeth on U2. Unfortunately, U2 is a band whose music got worse with time. I much prefer the "old stuff" any time, and it doesn't get much better than U2's The Unforgettable Fire. | 45 stars
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It's All Leon Russell and Some Gary Lewis
Not to slight Gary but this record is mostly Leon Russell. If you've not heard of him search the internet. What you will see mostly is Russell from the 70's on: Mad Dogs And Englishmen, Concert For Bangladesh, but from ~ 62 to 69 he was a go to LA session player, producer and arranger. Russell also wrote a handful of the best songs on this album, but as told by others, not only produced, but also arranged and played filler parts on everything. (Gary provides great detail in the liner notes.) When you listen you will hear excellent backing harpsichord on many of the songs - but especially on 'Just My Style', and 'Green Grass'. And the piano work on 'Without a Word of Warning' is really good. All in all, GREAT work.Note also that Russell wrote many other songs you already know: Superstar, A Song For You (to name a couple).While you're on Google also search The Wrecking Crew. Then I recommend you fill out your music library by getting Russell's great independent work and the new album he did with Elton John - whom he heavily influenced ... along with countless other musicians... titled 'The Union'. An instant classic. Leon Russell is indeed a national treasure. | 45 stars
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Good Music Good Lyrics
This is one of MxPx's best cd's and I love it. Another good thing about this album is they don't talk about god a lot. | 34 stars
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All Killer, No Filler
Pardon the title of my review, but honestly, this album is great from beginning to end. There is not one song on it that is not worth listening to again and again. "Hearts" has one of the best guitar solos you can imagine. Most certainly a desert island cd.Purchase this and enjoy. | 45 stars
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Slash
The Second album from Slash's Snakepit (featuring the now permanent lineup) proves that Slash has still got what it takes ... This hard-rocking, anthemic CD left me not only yearning for more from the top-hatted one, but is on par with any Guns N' Roses album, or for that matter, any hard rock/metal album to date. A definitive example that some things do get better with age. | 45 stars
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Consume hallucinogen and play in loop.
Consisting of nothing but dark twisting lines of organized yet chaotic audio patterns, this album is a very well thought out ambient piece. If you like Aphex Twin, this will blow your mind. Buy it. If you're more the mainstream fan (i.e. Crystal Method), this album is not for you. | 34 stars
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HONKY TONKY TRITTY!
What can I say? I love the guy! You know it's Travis from the first note, Waylon re-incarnated but with his own way of doing things. Can't you just hear that talent and drive as you place the disc on the tray. Sit back, close your eyes and let it all flow over you. Magic! | 45 stars
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Underrated cd .
I love the way this cd varies in beats and rhythm. I like what I hear so far from the upcoming thugline artists, definately future potential for solo albums. I'm truely impressed with the Kneight Reiduz. I hope they drop a cd soon. Krayzie did a nice job on this cd even though alot of people are hatin on his style. | 45 stars
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The Eagles' Best
This is the Eagles at their best. Every song on Hotel California has substance in both lyrics and music, and because of this, the album has really stood the test of time. There are obvious classics like the title track and "Life in the Fast Lane", but lesser known songs like "Wasted Time", "The Last Resort", and "Pretty Maids All in a Row" are great tunes, too! If you only own one studio album by the Eagles, this is the one to have. | 45 stars
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AC/DC=Great Band Ballbreaker=Bad Album
AC/DC is my all time faviorite band, no questions, hands down. They have great albums like Highway to Hell, Back in Black, Stiff Upper Lip etc. But this album plain out blows.. There are no memorable tracks except hard as a rock.New to AC/DC? BUY BACK IN BLACK2 stars for Hard as A rock (Awesome song) | 12 stars
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Disappointing
I have listened to and enjoyed the Cardigans since I spent a year in Finland in 98 when Gran Turismo came out and was overplayed like crazy. I was shocked at how good their 2004 album, Long Gone Before Daylight was. And I was equally surprised at how much this album sucked. The annoying thing is that I can't put my finger on why. It is just boring, not well developed and uninteresting. The one exception is the song Good Morning Joan which is excellent and probably belongs on the Long Gone Before Daylight album. I was so excited to buy this album because of how good Long Gone Before Daylight was, damn what a disappointment. | 12 stars
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A great album to relax to.
This is one album that I can put on,lie back,and just let the music flow.A masterpiece. | 45 stars
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A Must Have
I immediately fell in love with her voice without even seeing her. She just has the type of singing style you hope will be around forever. I am gonna tell on myself agewise, but she reminded me very much of Phoebe Snow, who was very popular in the 70's.Don't Know Why, of course, is the best song on this cd, but Come Away With Me, cuts deep into the soul if you listen carefully.This is a must have for any music collector of good new music. | 45 stars
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"Full Moon", Brandy's Back, and better than ever!
Anyone who has not already bought this CD needs to hurry up and get it. Brandy is back and better than ever, with her edgy beats and mature lyrics she proves that she is a new woman. Tracks like " When you touch me" and "He is" are sure to be on repeat in your CD. Kudos to Brandy for doing again, but this time on her own terms! | 45 stars
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Only cause i can't give negative ratings!
Why do people buy this crap? The Darkness is nothing but a passing fad that no one will remember in a year after the novelty wears off and Mtv stops supporting them. Some people say metal went away and the Darkness are the saviours of it, if this is true I hope metal dies soon cause I sure as hell don't want it to saved by a crappy band like this. Metal never died, it went out of the mainstream to the underground and when the crappy nu-metal wave came the true, talented metal stayed in the underground. Bands like Angel Dust, Dragonforce, Edguy, Dark Moor, Beholden, Control Denied, Sinergy and Sonata Artica have been making power metal all those years metal was supposedly dead and next to them the Darkness seem like nothing but a bad, bad joke. To say otherwise proves your close minded and ignorant of the talent that is out there if you just search a little. Here's to hoping that the Darkness are forgotten soon and the bands with true talent are finally given some respect. I know that will never happen, but it's a nice thought isn't it? | 01 star
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WOW!
I was trying to find Mason's old live album "Certified Live" when I stumbled on this title. I bought it thinking it would be a good addition but not expecting a whole lot out of it. Boy, was I wrong. I have had this now for less than a week and I've played it at least 15 times. The set they play here is as good as any live set I've heard. Not only the classic Mason songs but the inclusion of old Traffic songs really set a great tone. My favorites are All Along the Watchtower and Low Spark of High Heeled Boys, although just about any song here is just a blast to listen to. Whether you're a Dave Mason fan or not, whether you're a Traffic fan or not, do yourself a favor and grab this before it disappears. | 45 stars
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GREAT GOSPEL ALBUM!!!
I think this is a Great album for Brandy's father, I can see exactly where Brandy & Ray J gets there talent from. I have the song wit Brandy and Willie singing a duet on repeat I think that is definitely the best song on the album. If you're into Gospel i recommend you to buy this album, it's a great album. | 23 stars
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It's good....very good!
Dude man, bro...this CD is the rockinest comp. to come out in a long time, dude man, bro. The band Nuclear Saturday is soooooo zippadeedooda great! | 45 stars
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Change for the better
This is one of the best CDs of the year. The Plan has made a nearly-perfect indie pop album, one that takes all of the strong traits from _Emergency & I_ and expands on them. I love all of their previous CDs, and this is definitely their best. It's also their most sobering - if you love songs like "The City," "Spider in the Snow," and "This is the Life," _Change_ will be your Album of the Year. I don't know what horrifying experiences Travis Morrison had over the last two years, but it made for an incredible work of art. | 45 stars
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Track Listing
Great item. A wonderful piece to have in your collection.Track Listing:LOS GRANDES VALSES VIENESES1. Sangre Vienesa2. Vals del Tesoro3. Sueños de Primavera4. Amor, Vinos y Canto5. Oro y Plata6. Cuentos de los Bosques de Viena7. Danubio Azul8. Vida de Artista9. Ondas del Danubio10. Vals Emperador11. La Tempestad12. AdiosAMOR, BAILE Y VIOLINES13. Hasta Mañana en la Luna14. Un Dia un Niño15. Cancion Latina16. Buenos Dias Estrella17. Ensueño18. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang19. La Búsqueda20. Tal Como Era21. Amame Esta Noche22. No te Tardes Demasiado | 45 stars
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A solo effort that is just 'Simply Deep'......
The CD is good it is alot better than Beyonce's "Dangerously In Love". She could have positioned the songs a little bit better because I can't stand "Stole" being the opening track because it is misleading of the rest of the CD. I really like the second single "Can't Nobody". That is a highlight of the album. Also the song "Simply Deep" , "Beyond Imagination", "Make U Wanna Stay" are some tracks that stand out and that shine. Some songs that should have not been incorporated into the CD because IT IS HORRIFICALLY BAD is "Dilemma"--if you wanted that song you would have bought "Nellyville". "Past 12" -doesn't even fit the vibe and "(Love Lives In) Strange Places"-- The lyrics, the way it is sung and everything is HORRIBLE other than that CD deserves 4 stars because the good song override the bad ones and it is just 'Simply Deep'. | 34 stars
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Universal sound !
A discovery for me (thanks to "Lost and Delirious"-Sanctus-) and a very moving trip to the African (Kenyan) expression of faith...The voices and melodies are so good that they hurt you : you just can't get escape this heavenly sound !The BEAT is outstanding and you'll even feel like dancing OR AT LEAST STANDING UP !This CD is just a masterpiece and you just cannot afford not to own it. The good thing is that it doesn't matter if you're practicing or not : you will find your way anyway and it really matters especially through these very troubled, difficult times... GOD BLESS YOU ALL PEOPLE OF THE WORLD !!! | 45 stars
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The fires still burn!! ELP hasn't lost a thing!!
Emerson, Lake & Palmer consider themselves to be primarily a "live-performance" band, which probably accounts for the number of live albums they've released through the years (6). "Then & Now" shows that even in their later years, the trio has lost little of their energy. The CD cover art harks back to the band's "Brain Salad Surgery" days with a nicely-rendered Giger-esque painting. The "Then" portion on CD#1 contains material that differs little from the group's 1974 "Welcome Back My Friends..." release, save that the "Toccata" track on the current CD features only Carl Palmer's percussion solo and leaves out the rest of the song. The track is unfortunately abortive and should have been either expanded or left off. More satisfying is the "Now" portion of the CD, which yields live performances of "A Time and a Place," "From the Beginning" and "Bitches Crystal" that have never been released on any of the band's live CDs. These tracks alone are worth the price of the CD. "Then & Now" also features a complete live version of "Karn Evil 9, 1st Impression, Part 2" that has been sadly missing from the groups' other recent live releases, and it's nice to hear it once again. On the down side, some numbers -- particularly "Knife Edge" -- have been performed so many times before on previous live albums that the inclusion of this track seems utterly unnecessary, and seems intended to fill space rather than to contribute anything new or different. This is a pity, in that so little of ELP's recent studio material (particularly from their "Black Moon" release, but not forgetting their "In the Hot Seat" CD) has made it to live albums. Granted that the fans want to hear the classics, nevertheless some of the more recent studio material is equally exciting and deserves to be released live. Unfortunately the band has recently disbanded, so the possibility of this is more remote than ever. In any event, the two final tracks of "Then & Now" -- "Fanfare for the Common Man" and "21st Century Schizoid Man" -- manage to capture all of the power, drive and virtuosity that have been the hallmarks of this band since the early 1970s. "Fanfare" in particular showcases Emerson and Palmer at the top of their respective games. Though not without flaws, this album is a must for any ELP fan! | 34 stars
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disappointing
We have enjoyed the Koln concert recording for years, and found this one quite disappointing. Seemed aimless and unfocused. | 12 stars
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The Best Rock and Roll Album ---- EVER
This album is truly a masterpiece, truly genius, truly epic, almost thirty-five years after its release it still holds true. "Aint it hard to discover that, he really wasn't where its at...." "Trying to prove that your conclusions should be more drastic.." "Everybody said they'd stand behind me when the game got rough, but the joke was on me there was nobody even there to bluff.." "At midnight all the agents and the superhuman crew come out and round up everybody that know more than they do.."I mean, c'mon, all other writing and song could be destroyed in the world except this and we still would have a glimpse of perfection. | 45 stars
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oh yeah
Rock and Roll at it's best. Glad to get it, thanks ,I need to type nine more words to post! | 45 stars
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