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What Will Santa Say When He Finds Everybody Swinging?
Jingle Bell Swing is a Sony CD release of various artists performing different tunes associated with either Christmas or at least the winter season.Leasding off is Duke Ellington and his Orchestra in a swinging version of "Jingle Bells" recorded in 1962. Duke and the band are also represented by "Sugar Plum Cherry," a version of "Sugar Plum Fairy" recorded in 1960. Louis Prima is also present on this CD with "What Will Santa Claus Say When He Finds Everybody Swinging?" from 1936 as well as "Shake Hands with Santa Claus" from 1951.Also among the 14 holiday tunes on this CD are Herbie Hancock & Chick Corea doing "Deck the Halls" from 1969, Tony Bennett doing "Winter Wonderland" from 1968 and The Glenn Miller Orchestra directed by Tex Benecke playing Claude Thornhill's "Snowfall" recorded in 1965.Also included is a recording of Benny Goodman and his Orchestra with Peggy Leedoing "Winter Weather" in 1941. Other highlights are Russell Malone's "O Christmas Tree" and Art Carney's jumping 1954 version of "Twas the Night Before Christmas."Included too is Pony Poindexter doing "Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer," along with Lambert, Hendriks and Ross swinging out with Walt Kelly's "Deck Us All With Boston Charlie" and Miles Davis's 1962 "Blue Xmas" followed by Carmen McRae"s 1962 recording of "The Christmas Song."I rate this unusually fine holiday CD five stars just because of its good overall musical quality and a couple of really unusual and rare recordings that are included. | 1positive
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first rate jazz album
A long time McCoy Tyner fan, and a more recent Michael Brecker fan, I figured this album was a good bet, especially with the stellar customer reviews it has earned.I was not disappointed.A few things that were noteworthy for me:1). Incredible virtuosity from Michael Brecker on a number of the songs.2). Considerable diversity of style in the songs. Happy Days has a substantial R&B; influence. Hey, I'm not a big R&B; fan, but with McCoy Tyner at the helm, it's a first rate piece of music.3). All the songs are oustanding, not one of those many jazz albums where there are one or two songs that blow you away and the others you can take or leave.I don't have a large library of jazz CDs but this one immediately earns a spot among my most favorite. | 1positive
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Horrible!
I recently pulled this CD out of my collection and gave it a listen. Horrible music from the first track to the last. Cookie cutter riffs, formulaic song writing and inane cock rock lyrics: "Now we'll keep the fire burnin' And this old world will keep spinnin' 'round and 'round, and around." I loved mechanical resonance and I remember eagerly buying this CD and seeing them on tour in support of this stinker over 20 years ago. The concert was in Pensacola FL and these tools had the guts to play "Freedom Slaves" to a primarily military audience to a chorus of boos. I wasn't impressed with them then, and it still holds true today. UGH! Save your money! | 0negative
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Not animated enough to keep baby's attention.
I like the Brainy Baby line, but this video, although has great information, did not keep my one year old interested at all. At least with the My Baby Can Read and Sesame Street series she gets a little animation and songs while she is looking at the words. | 0negative
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Incorectly labeled DVD
The distributor did not label this DVD correctly. The songs listed on the cover are NOT the songs on the DVD! Buyer Beware. I sent for a replacement and it is the same as the first one. | 0negative
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The title says it all ! This is truly one of the best !
I was fortunate to see Joe and Eddie perform live at the "MECCA" in SO.CALIF in the '60's. I have three of their LP's and transferred them to cassette. I can't wait to hear this wonderful album on CD ! Their music is timeless. You won't be disapointed! | 1positive
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St. Anger far from the days of classic Metallica
Before I present my assessment of St. Anger, I would like to say I have been a Metallica fan since the late 80's. I have all of their alblums and I have personally been to four of their performances since 1989. I think Metallica are the greatest metal band of my times. However, their latest edition of St. Anger is far from the Metallica we once knew. It only took one time listening to the full cd uninterupted to realize that it was not a very good piece of work. I hate to say it, but it appears that Metallica has made a faulty attempt to keep up with the times. They have tried to embrace the most current style of metal from this decade, a continuance of what Pantera and Korn started and what bands like Godsmack, Disturbed and Cold have success with now. St. Anger starts out with some decent tracks, but the meat of the alblum is very repetitive both lyrically and musically. Listening to James repeat one phrase 10 times consecutively was irritating and eventually embarassing! The lack of great guitar harmonies and melodies really does lead one to wonder if Kirk had anything to do with this alblum. And, the nature of many of the tracks is very stop and start, as if Metallica wanted to include some kind of break-beat influence. It doesn't work very well with their style of music, and with beats and drumming like that it is not very fun to listen to. Metallica may well have tried to go back to their early, angry roots, but it was in vain. They ARE angry enough, but to cross over to the metal sound of the 21st Century is almost unforgivable. Crossing over didn't work for bands like Motley Crue and Def Leppard when they needed revival, and it won't work for Metallica. My advice to Metallica is twofold: Play mostly old material at live shows with maybe the two best tracks on St. Anger (Frantic and St. Anger) and use AC/DC or Motorhead as a good example of not changing with the times. AC/DC sounds just like they did in 1980 and they still rock! No great band needs to change with the times. Tampering with a successful formula is a gamble, and this has not paid off for the venerable Metallica. Stick with the style that got you so famous to begin with and the crowds will love you. As for the Metallica fans, being a loyal one myself, I won't tell you not to buy St. Anger. But I will tell you that it is not what 95% of you expect or want.Best regards to you all and try to enjoy.JT | 0negative
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Awesome album of Bad Religion!
I love the songs of this album. My favourite ones are "I love my computer" and "whisper in time". I've grown with it more than with any other albums. Five stars is what I give! | 1positive
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Thanks, but No "Tank"s.
When Blur acrimoniously parted ways with member Graham Coxon, not only did the group lose its guitarist, but apparently its ability to craft melodic, note-perfect pop tunes. "Think Tank," the group's first long-player in 4 years, sets a new precedent for Blur: they've actually created a record that's dull. I didn't like it the first listen, and having given it a second go round, I can honestly say that the material doesn't get under my skin like previous albums "Parklife," "The Great Escape" or "Modern Life Is Rubbish." Not that I was looking for a sequel to any of those CDs, but on "Think Tank, there's nothing that compares to the perky "Country House," soulful "Tender," or the hook-heavy "Boys and Girls." But there are a couple moments. "Crazy Beat" and "We've Got a File On You" bring to mind the playful brashness of "Song 2" and are the only tracks that come closest to a classic Blur song. The rest of the album, co-produced by Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim), finds Damon Albran and Co. trying to fill the void Coxon left behind. It's an album built on promising ideas and interesting textures, but the potential is often left unrealized. "On the Way to the Club," "Brothers and Sisters," and "Ambulance" are all haphazardly arranged songs that are all dressed up with no place to go, while it takes supersize patience to sit through the instrumental "Jets," which aimlessly cruises on autopilot. It pains me to say anything bad about Blur, a group I've admired since their debut "Leisure." They were one of the best British groups of the 1990s. But "Think Tank" shows that even great bands are capable of releasing one subpar album, and this puppy is it. | 0negative
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No duds on this disc!
Love every single track on this disc. I play this in my car more than anything else, to date.Gail StrumbergerAuthor, "Shock Therapy: Planaphobic" | 1positive
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Whadda debut!
Very few debuts are as strong as this one. Everything that made Little Feat a great band is here: Lowell George's great songwriting and slide guitar, tight ensemble playing and funky grooves. This album was really something the first time I heard it and I find myself blown away everytime I put it on and turn up the volume. I defy you to not smile during "Crack In Your Door" or "Fourty-Four Blues/How Many More Times" and if you don't tap your foot to "Snakes on Everything" and "Hamburger Midnight," you have no pulse. Also, the early version of "Willin'" (with Ry Cooder on slide guitar) is a hill of fun. | 1positive
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The Stargazer's Journey
I added The Stargazer's Journey to my John Serrie collection...I play it when driving, working, thinking and just sitting outside at night watching the sky.I find it soothes my tired mind and refreshes my soul. | 1positive
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This isn't music!
Trust me, my mom has this CD at home and it makes me want to die. Nirvana is the worst band ever. And who wants a baby swimming around in the ocean NAKED trying to catch a dollar on a fishing line? Unfortunately, Nirvana. Guess what this CD smells like. It's not teen spirit. It's not Nirvana (if you have listened to Weird Al, you will get that joke). It smells like horrible, yucky, grunge music. Do NOT waste your money on this crud! | 0negative
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ummmmmmmm...how can i put it,oh yeah,THIS IS TERRIBLE!!!!!!
where should i start.....well first uv all itz their WORST album yet,itz sooo sell out,if ya r a real metallica fan,then go and buy AND JUSTICE FOR ALL and die happY:) | 0negative
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Wonderful, one of the best albums of all time!
This is my favorite album of all time. I bought if for the track "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (Angry American)" alone. It is the only song, besides Daryl Worley's "Have You Forgotten", that captures the truth behind the horrible events of 9-11. The sentiment is true: if you don't believe in what we're doing in Iraq, go someplace else and whine. Maybe France will take you; they love cowards there any way. They hit first, so we hit back. This is a song for REAL Americans. The rest of the album is excellent, but this song is the best song ever written. It's a song the coach sings to the troops before the football players hit the field, and the same is true in both instances: boys, go get them! | 1positive
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Fantastic Selection from Gene
I LOVE this collection of music from Gene Pitney. There are 75 tracks! They are organised in chronological order which makes it easy to choose which of the three CDs to listen to (his style changes quite a lot over time, in my opinion). Any other CD of his greatest hits that I have seen or own only have a limited selection of music. It's actually incredible that these are all hits between 1962 and 1972. An added bonus is the poster type thing included which has photos and a history of sorts written by him in 2005. I don't know what it is about his music but I love it. It was very sad to hear of his passing. | 1positive
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Good song
It's amusing to read reviews of this song when people say it has a good beat and it sounds good, because led zeppelin, the greatest rock band to grace the earth of which jimmy page is from, who is one of the greatest guitar gods ever, had a hit with the song "Kashmir" which is what this song samples from with of course newly recorded guitar parts. This song is a pretty good song and should be listened to by anyone who enjoys music. I believe the blending of styles that have occured in music today are proof of open eyes and ears of the fans who love music. | 1positive
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From bad to worse
Judging from "The Voice" and "Encore", the singing of Russell Watson has gone from bad to worse. His voice in "Encore" has lost its shine and there is no improvement in the singing skills. I just don't understand why Watson's recording company can release such substandard stuff. | 0negative
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EC Proves Nietzsche's Postulate
Well, God may not be dead, but he seems to be ailing. This record seems to have little to do with Robert Johnson other than the lyrics of the songs. I have been listening to and playing (professionally) Robert's music for 25 years. I can hear no connection between these recordings and Robert's at all.I loved EC's 'From the Cradle'; classic Chicago blues songs with Clapton's stamp on them, but maintaining a healthy respect for the elements that made those songs great in the first place. In contrast, this record seems to have been formulaically conceived and executed from the gitgo, great lyrics over merely adeqate performances of hackneyed Chicago blues grooves.If you're gonna make a record of Robert Johnson songs, either stay close to the original or (as Clapton has done in the past) take'em way out ('Steady-Rollin' Man'on '461 Ocean Blvd.', for example). Either approach is a testament to the timelessness and strength of the material. This record, however, trivializes the significance of Johnson's influence. I you wanna hear these songs done in a soulful fashion check out Robert Lockwood, John Hammond or hey, just buy the Robert Johnson set! | 0negative
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Jewish music
The music is not to my taste..and from the reviews I thought it would touch my soul in some way. I am sorry for this man's loss but the CD was a disappointment to me. | 0negative
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Old flavored country music without the heavy twang
From my nwbluegrass reviewing friend, Mark Gensman:Features: Steve Sprugin - vocals and acoustic guitarDennis Caplinger - Electric and acoustic guitar, slide guitar, electric bass, banjo, Dobro, fiddle and mandolin.John Moore - MandolinByron Berline - Acoustic bassBill Bryson - FiddleRaymond Folton - Drums, percussionSharon Whyte - AccordianJay Dee Maness - Pedal steelHerb Pederson and Chris Hillman - Harmony vocalsThe CD has 13 cuts on it and the first thing I can honestly say right off the bat is that this is not in any way bluegrass. This is good old laid back country, pure and simple. Very easy to listen to even if you don't much care for country music.In the 70's I wandered into a Holiday Inn in Nashville and this is the kind of music the band was playing for their first set. Country Coffee Music.The song writing is first class, the musicians are great and if you like easy listening country music with a great warm produced feeling, this would be your CD.Steve either wrote or co-wrote all the songs and there are a couple that are quite funny.Grandma's Remedy and The Talking Cigarette Blues are just fun songs. Grandma's Remedy is the only song that does not have drums and might be classified as a remote cousin to a bluegrass tune.So, in conclusion, if you enjoy old flavored country music without the heavy twang, Steve Spurgin does a good job, has a great voice and is backed up by some fine musicians. (Mark Gensman, Ground Zero Sound GZsound@hotmail.com) | 1positive
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Danny!
Fantastic music!I got all of Danny's mixes, and this is my absolute favorite.Really eclectic and shows all the great styles he can play. REAL HOUSE RIGHT HERE! | 1positive
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Fooled again...
We have been fooled by the sales and marketing tactics. This CD could have been a single with that "Irish Party In Third Class, An - Gaelic Storm" song. James Horner seems to be sticking to just ONE tune throughout his classical music. Just like he did in Braveheart. | 0negative
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doesn't age well
when this album came out i listened to it a million times. Recently i listened to it again and discovered how corny the lyrics really are. I also discovered the music itself isnt much better then average-bad. I can't believe i liked this so much when it came out. It isn't very good at all. | 0negative
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Honestly, people, this is not good.
This metalcore movement is becoming the new trend, much like the nu-metal movement of the late 90's-early 2000's, only it's more annoying. Let's combine Metallica with sappy emo! YEAH! No, wrong. If you want metal, please go back to Sabbath. End of review. | 0negative
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Not Music as I know it
I have a great respect for all music and while I don't like all music, I rarely write a negative review because music is subjective and personal HOWEVER this is not music as know it.I like to play pool but I know I'm not very good at it.It's not a crime for me to record a video of my average at best pool playing and put it on the web. So ... in this respect Nico commits no crime here BUT these reviews are a forum for people to share their opinions and for folks that are searching for a type of music they may like - to find it and the reviews are one point of consideration to use prior to purchasing. Of course, amazon is great in that you can sample a bit of most albums before purchasing and make your own decision. So, that said, here is my opinion - unless you want a very specific mood setting (not saying what mood mind you) collection of music, unless your ear is tuned to accept other than "western" tonalities, look elsewhere. This album really points out the lack of talent by virtue of the covering of songs by other artists you may well know. If you don't, I suggest you seek them out instead - such as Jackson Browne's original version of These Days which is a beautiful, haunting reflective piece of music.To the less than one tenth of one percent that may well enjoy this album and Nico's brand of whatever it is she is doing - enjoy. For the rest of us, we will continue to wonder about all the great music out there that can't get a record deal! | 0negative
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melodramatic hogwash
Funeral was an infectious album fueled by youthful angst and unbridled enthusiasm where nearly every track proved anthemic. The choruses were rousing and the percussion monsterous. Though the lyrics left something to be desired, it was difficult not to get caught up in the group's enthusiasm, especially with their killer live show. Critics unanimously hailed the album as one of the best of the year -- quite a feat for a debut album.So of course Neon Bible has a lot to live up to.I wasn't expecting them to top Funeral, and really, Arcade Fire don't attempt to with Neon Bible. This album goes in a pretty different direction. Sort of a goth-rock indie hybrid, Arcade Fire go for a darker sound with Neon Bible and come off melodramatic. They sacrifice the personal for the political in the songwriting, which would be fine if they had the lyrical chops for it, but sadly they fall far short. Instead of the youthful intensity of their debut, most of the tracks on this album intend to be moody and introspective, but just lack content. There are exceptions: namely, "Keep the Car Running", which is just as good as anything off Funeral, "Intervention", with its driving organ part making up for the silly lyrics, and "No Cars Go", despite that it sounded better on their debut EP.Arcade Fire had good intentions with Neon Bible, but I think they bit off more than they could chew with this album, and the product comes off as pretentious. I can see it pleasing a lot of younger fans, but those with more mature musical taste will probably detect the poor songwriting. And even with those who like it, I doubt it will have the staying power as Funeral. "My Body is a Cage" is a strong contender for worst track of the year...I hope with their next album Arcade Fire tone down the melodrama and theatrics and focus on writing solid rock songs. | 0negative
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Pudo ser mejor
Si pudo ser mejor pero desafortunadamente no incluyen el video del concierto en México que fue tal vez el mejor concierto que ha dado Metallica en Latinoamérica, se hubiera llevado las 5 estrellas pero ese detalle les fallo, además de haber incluido el libro dentro del DVD y no como lo hicieran el la caja de VHS. Pero aun así Metallica es el mejor grupo de Heavy Metal en el mundo.SEE YAA!!! | 1positive
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alice cooper brutal planet
shock and awe is back!alice invades britan in this oneout of the five i have seen,this is the best. | 1positive
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A Poor Followup
I certainly enjoyed the first Slipknot CD, which I found interesting for it's experimentation. Iowa, however is nothing but a collage of unfocused anger. The only redeeming feature here is the drummer, who is almost as good as the one in Cryptopsy. People=S*** is an honest effort, but the other tracks seem to be variation and embelishments of the same sordid formula. I can't seriously figure out the roll of all the members, when all you can think about is the drummer and Corey.The lyrics are presented as if they were dramatic ballads of angst, but they come out as being hollow, pathetic poetry.There are many Slipknot fans in my area who I feel are a little carried away. However awful, Slipknot can act as a gateway to connect the pointless Nu-metal scene to the agression of death metal and the beauty of black metal. If one truly enjoys this album they ought to check out acts such as In Flames, Emperor (my fav. band), Burzum, Carcass, At The Gates, Winds, Morbid Angel and anything from Norway. If you want to lean more towards unmelodic, pure chaos, you should look into Cannibal Corpse (before 1996)Cryptopsy (great drummer!) and the ambient-death band Beherit. | 0negative
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What's the point??
I saw Siouxsie live on the "Itch" tour in San Francisco and my jaw dropped when I realised she couldn't hit the high notes. She was completely off key in some songs. They might have fixed this on the cd - you know these live cd's are actually rerecorded in the studio later-. But obviously her voice is not the same. Musically, if I remember there were only 3 instrumentalists, with the one guitar player having to play in a way that "filled" as much space as he could, instead of being able to play in a way that creates "ambience" like on their studio albums. Another dissapointment is that the album doesnt really have a strong "new" song in it! I mean after all these years, they could have written one new song! Few weeks after I saw the "Itch" tour, I went and saw "Midight Oil" live and thought to myself: "now this is realy good live performance and not that Siouxsie chick!". | 0negative
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a must have
I am not worthy to review this perfect piece of jazz. Few musical CD's come close to this. A must have. | 1positive
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Take Amazon reviews with a grain of salt!
I bought this CD because all the Amazon reviews were glowing. That was pretty stupid; most people don't bother to write bad reviews, right? So I'm writing one. Don't buy this CD, it is eminently forgettable. I was expecting some interesting rock and clever lyrics and every song sounds the same and the lyrics are hardly decipherable. If you can't sing along with something, why buy it? So don't buy it, is my recommendation. | 0negative
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Groove World
This is the best CD that Soulive has made so far. These guys can really groove. You really have to check them out live to get the full vibe. This is one of Blue Note Records best. I play this and Soul Manifesto by Rodney Jones all of the time. First Soulive for the appetizer and Soul Manifesto for the main course. I hope that Blue Note does more of this type of music. Jazz is not dead. The groove is alive!Jazz Doctor | 1positive
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SHAKIRA FOREVER
I've had this album since shortly after it's release and I still listen to it everyday, religiously. Shakira's talent, both lyrically and vocally, go beyond what words can describe. She wears her heart and soul on her sleeve in every song. Her meloncholy ballads reach out, grab your heart and make you feel her pain. Her fast tracks keep us in tune with every woman's catty side. To prove how great her music is, my boyfriend who, speaks no Spanish, absolutely loves her songs. He even went out and bought one of her albums for himself! She is truly an outstanding artist, not to mention the fact that she is a woman and she is latin. These are 2 stigmas, that even in today's society, are hard to overcome. She sets an example for all young latin girls with aspiring dreams, that anything is possible with a little hard work and dedication. At this rate, the thought of a new album makes me salivate and I can't wait for the day! Praise to you Shakira, you truly are an amazing artist.. | 1positive
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Get A Life
... I heard somewhere that he sings rap. Yeah right. Jay Z is rap. Eminem is rap. Aaron Carter is noise. It is annoying noise that is used to give people migranes. I mean, I just don't see what people see in him. Take my advice, save your money and buy another CD. | 0negative
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Eager --- To be disappointed
Kiss is a great rock band. It is very difficult to find anything negative to say. Unfortunatly this dvd is an exeption. I saw the music video on t.v. for the live R n R allnight. Exposed was the dvd this version was on. So I bought the dvd -Gene and Paul Reality show-. Every important scene in the dvd was in the music video.I guess I was expecting a live concert of some type. Thank you | 0negative
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"I wonder how that goes"
This is one of Paul's worst efforts. Having all of his work, I read the tracklist and can't remember what's the tune for each one (except maybe the chorus of "Talk more talk"). I write this review in order to "promote" the fact that Paul said he has the same impression with this cd, claiming he didn't know what he was on and wondering "how this goes" as he reads the tracklists. For fans only, and what a pity, considering this album took about two years to make -one of Paul's greatest efforts-, and Linda McCartney is in the cover. For Paul's best 80s music -'Press to play' is from 1986-, check his 'Flowers in the dirt' (with the extra tracks) and 'Tug of war'. The 1980 album 'McCartney II' is mostly made of demos Paul wasn't even aiming to release in the first place, so it's a take-it-or-leave-it offering. | 0negative
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OMG!!!
Holy crap!!! I am totally intimidated by these black guys with long chains! Jesus christ, please Mr.50cent, don't come crashing down my door and capping me like a sucka. I mean not only are they stereotypical... but they have guns!!! OMG!!! GUNS ARE LIKE SO AWESOME AND MANLY! I'm beggin for mercy 50, please be merciful when you someday rule the world like you obviously think you do. You're like my role model for now on I'm going to dress just like you, because when I grow up I'm going to be a gangster too! OMG OMG OMG!!! | 0negative
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Where's the Rest?????
I'm sorry, but 20 minutes and 5 songs do not a cd make!! Feel ripped off. | 0negative
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Amazing
This album is one of the best this year. It really brings out Clay's amazing voice and range. It is a double platinum CD and deserves to be. Best I've heard. | 1positive
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MADONNA..ESTHER..GO AWAY!!!
Look, i love Madonna, but this is ridiculous.. Madonna $^@@#& it up once again, why didnt she rethink it all with Music? American life is crap for people with no life, as it is a very depressing album that is very dark and gloomy, at least Marilyn Manson can pull it off to look good, she makes a mockery of it. The only good track on it is Die another day, and that isnt morbidly depressing at all. WHERE's the Dance Madonna we loved way back when?WHERE OH WHERE? | 0negative
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Its Been a Long Slide
When I heard Charlotte's first album, "Voice of an Angel", I had expected her to be the consumate Diva by the time she was 18. However, her latest CD, Enchantment seems to have continued a downward slide where her albums are getting worse instead of better. As other have noted on this album, she does not have the strength or volume in her voice that she use to. If Charlotte is to continuing singing, then she will need someone who can write music for her so that the songs are equal to what her voice is. Otherwise, if she still trys to sing classic songs like which are in Enchantment without a voice to match, she will only continue to disappoint her fans. | 0negative
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D-BLOCK ya herrd me!!
This album is overall incredible. I don't like giving 5 star reviews unless its a true classic. 4.5/5 for me. The lyrics are tight, beats incredible with productions by Kanye, Em, Pharrell, and Dre. Collabo-s are awesome. Errbody's on dis album: Em, Styles, Sheek, Snoop, Kanye, DJ Quik, Nate Dogg, Antwone Hamilton (pick his cd up), Pharrell, Swizz Beats and Mariah Carey.1. Intro - 9/10 - Tight beat, no meaningfull lyrics2. What You So Mad At? - 7/10, well produced, horrible chorus,lyrics are good though3. Shine - 10/10, I believe it is Kokane singing in the background. Snoops flow is smooth as hell, and jada adds a real nice touch, quik's verse mdiocre4. Bring You Down - 8/10 Beat is great, well flowing, meaningful lyric, poor chorus5. Times Up - 10/10, First single off the album with Nate Dogg, beat I believe is by Dre (sounds of Still Dre, has sounds of TheWatcher and tha violon from Forgot about Dre), just a good song6. Why - 11/10, Second single off the album, this song points out all tha garbage goin on in tha game and in tha world. Anthony Hamilton is incredible!7. U Make Me Wanna - 8/10, good lyrics, ok beat, horrible chorus, the note at the end doesn't even sound human.8. Hot [skit] -9. Hot - 9/10, although Pharell is tha third best producer in the game (1st dre, 2nd west) i hate his horrible singing. The beat is awesome, same with tha lyrics, gay chorus10. Real Hip Hop - 7/10, Produced by Swizz so beat is incredible, lyrics flow well, bad chorus, Sheeks verse is realchoppy11. Shoot Outs - 10/10, I love dis beat! Jada and P do a great jjob at alternating lines. Overall tight as hell12. Still Here - 9/10, beats aight, but lyrics are real nice13. By Your Side - 9/10, i personally like this song a lot. jada is great again, beat is tight to chill to14. Gettin' It In - 10/10, kanyes tha man. great beat, great lyrics, wut else ya want15. Air It Out - 10/10, best lyrics on tha cd, jada is on point! generic beat, but fitting, great just to drive down tha road in, especially if your pissed16. Welcome to D-Block - 10.5/10, Beat is incredible (i think by em) flows are great by everyone except sheek, who cant flow cuz errthing is so choppy, is doesn't flow at all17. Kiss of Death - 9.5/10, great flow, good beat, overall just a good song18. I'm Going Back - 8/10 - Lighthearted song good to end the CD wit, not my type of hip hop, but good lyrics again.Overall, one of the best CDs to come out in years. Pick up The College Dropout, The new Banks CD is hot too (seriously pick dat up), also, the new Akon cd is garbage (only good song is Locked UP, which is HOT) | 1positive
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A Britney Spears wannabe...
She is even worse tha Jlo... Thank God she did not get the best new artist grammy. Her collabo in the Sly tribute was awful. She got a grammy for missy's video.Grow up and focus your career in dancing! | 0negative
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Don't Bother
As a professional performer I have one word of advice: Don't waste your money on this show. I have seen it performed with an excellent cast and thought it was the most boring waste of my time EVER! As I matter of fact, I walked out in the second act. Save your money and hope like heck that these fine people perform in something worthy of their talents! | 0negative
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Underrated Gem
I've read peoples' complaints that this recording is too muffled sounding, only contains a few good songs and was one responsible for the "downfall of thrash." I completely disagree.First of all, Kreator experiment on every album they've made by redefining their own vision of metal. On Extreme Agression, they solidified their songwriting skills and transistioned from above-average thrash to burgeoning metal maturity. Coma of Souls is a great album and a landmark in thrash. The record's major-label production brought Kreator's power forward like never before. Many people were expecting Coma of Souls pt. 2 before Renewal was released but from a musician's perspective it gets a bit dull constantly rehashing the same style, album to album. To be honest, Renewal is very much in the same vain as Coma of Souls' lyrical themes (abuse of power, environmental destruction, war) as well as musical structure. The difference is that songs on Rewnewal have some slower tempos and really great explorations of dynamics. Also, Ventor's drumming is just incredible. He experiments a lot with different hi-hat techniques and programming (espeically on the self-penned "Realitatskontrolle.") His drum sound is a bit different but I wouldn't say it is muffled (as others have indicated). The snare is slightly higher up in the mix but is recorded seemingly "dry," without reverb.Remember, that the same unjustly harsh criticism was levelled upon Metallica's ...An Justice for All for the same reasons. Now the album is considered among the finest in hard music history.Anyway, if you like Kreator (or any extreme music) give this album a chance. It's often available through an Amazon marketplace seller for pretty cheap because it's received a lot of negative criticism. However, if you are open minded about music, you're in for a treat. | 1positive
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Mind-Blowing!
This is perhaps the greatest example of why Yes is the greatest Prog Rock band ever. Listen to the album some place relaxing and the long, evolving melodies draw you in. Nothing in this album seems derivitive and nothing is mundane. This CD should be an essential inclusion in any music library. | 1positive
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Not worth importing....
This is a Japanese import (and you can get it somewhat cheaper at the Amazon in Japan if you're able to navigate through the site) and compilation with the majority of songs being SAW produced. Nothing is really special here as all the songs can be found on every other SAW-related compilation. Included in the mix are some euro-dance songs that have also appeared on every other 80's euro-dance compilation. Recycling's nice, if you're trying to save trees, but record companies should really try to put out really hard to find stuff that we all know and love but can't get on CD. A pity. | 0negative
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Ja Rule Ja sucks
Just from looking on the back, you can see how much time Ja put into the conception of this album, and get an idea the level of creativity you can expect. From "Let's Ride" to "Bitch Betta Have My Money," you know you're in for something new, right? And with astounding titles like "Kill Em All," "It's Murda," and my favorite "Murda 4 Life," shoot, that's creative... Lyrically, there are few artists from any part of the world who can match Ja Rule's complete lack of talent. Although Ja has the vocabulary of a first grader, he still manages to deliver lyrics that rival those of Dr. Suess. Ja also maintains that loveable charm of a child who's just learned his first curse word, and can't seem to find anything else worth saying. | 0negative
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What's Up?
I'm mad as HELL. I waited for this Master Piece to happen and Evil is on back to back! That Sucks! I love the song but not twice in one sitting. Come On. NOT THE BANDS FAULT. Learn how to remaster music. If you can't do the job right GET OUT! YOU SHOULD BE FIRED, NO EXCUSE This is Unacceptable. Things like this really bug me. | 0negative
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A Sparkling Traditional 'Cenerentola'
I agree with just about everything Mike Birman had to say in his exhaustive and very informative review of this wonderful DVD of Rossini's 'La Cenerentola.' (I urge you to read it. My review is really just an addendum to his.) I would only add that I thought the musical direction by Vladimir Jurowski was spot on, beautifully shaped. He doesn't dawdle and that is a plus in Rossini. (Yet he was able to linger appropriately in Cenerentola's opening aria about the lonely king.) The all-but-patented Rossini crescendi and accelerandi are marvelously timed. The London Philharmonic are masterly in this June 2005 production at Glyndebourne.My only very minor quibbles -- and this comes from this being a live production -- are that sometimes there is some problem with the singers being a bit behind the beat in the faster passages of the buffo arias. All the singers are excellent although Alberghini (Dandini) is a bit wooly-voiced, especially in the early scenes. I was not at all bothered by Donose's lower register as Birman was, but I see why he mentions it. At first I thought Mironov (Don Ramiro), whose voice was aptly described by Birman as 'reedy', had a bothersome Supervia-like rapid vibrato/tremolo but he got that under control and impressed with his accurate coloratura and some sly comic acting.I loved that this production was traditional. Sir Peter Hall knows not to mess with a librettist's invention and yet he did come up with some inventive stage action within the context of the traditional mise en scene. Bravo for that. (Though I was a bit taken aback when the stepsisters, early in Act I, appeared to be receiving the prince's heralds while still in their undergarments. Tsk tsk.)This is definitely five-star production and gets my hearty recommendation.Scott Morrison | 1positive
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Hey hey, Bob Rock here. (Thanks but no thanks Les Claypool)
Dear Bob Rock:Thank you for taking away one of the few musical inspirations I grew up with. Metallica, a once monsterous force in heavy metal with releases like Kill Em All, Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets, have become a mindless nu metal band with St Anger, an album slopped together like Lar$ couldn't even care any more.I am forever grateful for the fond Bay Area memories brought to me in the early days, but I am as equally disappointed that Metallica opted for you as a producer and in doing so, carelessly set aside a foundation Cliff Burton created, for even more money than you were already making. St Anger is the Bob Rock of Metallica albums, both of which abandon passion, aggression, thoughtfulness, intensity, but perhaps most importantly, a desire to strive for flawless perfection that came on early Metallica releases. St Anger shows a complete lack of heart from any of its members, as they are obviously more interested in raising families or detox than they are in the music they create.Regarding St Anger, please pass on these sentiments to the band: Let Lar$ know he is a bigger discrace to heavy metal with this St. Anger release than ever before. Jaymz on this St Anger release you are a dim shadow at best of the guy who grinned at me in the Oakland pit at Day on the Green in 1990. Guy from ST, with this St. Anger release you sealed your fate as a once brilliant bass player who made a poor career decision. And Kirk, from someone who watched you cover AC/DC when Death Angel got in a bus accident in 1991 and couldn't play that night in San Francisco so long ago, I am crushed that you apparently didnt even show up to play on St. Anger.I sum things up by saying this: In the late 80s, no woman on earth could drag me away from a Metallica show. In 2003, I give away my Metallica ticket to go see Dave Mathews with my girlfriend. St Anger is a complete discrace.:(Steve | 0negative
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Relaxing music to read or meditate to.
Of all the CD's I have which I play while relaxing on the weekend, this is my favorite. I read books, magazines or just think while listening to this. Even my 2 dogs become calm while listening to this. Soft gentle music with no voice songs in it. You can do Yoga to it also. Sandy - ILuv2dogs@aol.com | 1positive
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Excellent album, but this CD edition is not the best
Amazon claims that this Fuel 2000 edition of Jazz as Played in an Exclusive Side Street Club, aka Little Girl Blue, the essential debut album by Nina Simone, is remastered -- but I beg to differ. I'd heard a better sounding version of these songs from a different CD, and I bought this edition thinking it was the one I was looking for. However, the sound quality is pretty terrible. It's not the worst I have heard, but it really doesn't do justice to Nina's beautiful voice and her piano playing, both of which should envelope the listener and not let go until the album is finished. I sold the Fuel CD and purchased the 2004 import CD by Snapper, offered here:Jazz as Played in an Exclusive Side Street Club. It is slightly more expensive, but it was remastered from the original session tapes (and sounds like it). You can get it from the marketplace for much cheaper than the list price, so I highly recommend that you skip buying this edition and get the Snapper one instead.As for the album itself, I shouldn't have to say anything about it to convince you to buy a copy, but I will say this: It is perhaps the most perfect, mind-blowing album I have ever heard in my life. | 0negative
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Plain out bad!!!
The first Hostel movie was really scary, suspensfull, and bloody. That's what any horror movie should have. But, Hostel part II failed in those aspects miserably. The 3 main characters didn't have to much personality and you just coulden't find yourself rooting for them. I really liked the reappearence of Jay Hernandez from the origional Hostel. But, after Jay's appearence was over, I found myself really bored throughout the rest of the movie. It's to bad that Hostel part II was a bad movie. The origional Hostel had the potential to spark a wide range of sequals. But with the failures of Hostel part II, I don't think that there will be any more Hostel movies. I hope my review was helpfull. Bye now. If you would like to contact me about this or any other of my other reviews, my e-mail address is Justinw151@yahoo.com | 0negative
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Review of Lean on Me-Best of Bill Withers
Wanted the classic track "Ain't no sunshine" and hoped naively for more of the same on this album but got only dated soul as honestly expected. 5 Stars are deserved just for that one track. | 1positive
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Madonna regresses.....
as an avid fan of madonna, i eagerly purchased "american life". i was expecting to find the same originality she poured into "ray of light" and "music". while there are a couple good songs (namely "hollywood") the rest of it is madonna ripping off of the previously named albums...but not for the best. while each of the latter two discs had their own flavor to it, this one had none. to make matters worse, madonna seems to be regressing in her abilitiy to make innovative lyrics. in most songs she complains, moans, and complains some more. in the song "nobody knows me", she declares that ..well...nobody knows her. wow. should we feel sorry for her with all her millions and fame? or should we classify her now into the gansta rap category- a.k.a. hard knock life/feel sorry for me even though i get money, cash, hoes everyday. get back to being original, madonna. ..i still have faith. | 0negative
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Not the highest quality
The first time I put this in the CD player, I got an error message. And the 2nd time. Eventually it played. I still get error messages regularly, although it will eventually play. The CD came out of the shrink wrap with a couple of scratchs on it, and when compared with other CDs, it obviously is not of the same quality. Once it plays, it plays fine. There are 20 tracks, with odd numbered tracks have a singer sing the songs, and the following even numbered tracks the instrumental. | 0negative
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Worth the Wait!
I LOVE this CD! I think all of the tracks are great! If you are a Beastie Boys fan you will love it! | 1positive
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BORING!
A friend of mine couldn't stop raving about the new Audioslave CD so I got it for myself. I never was a fan of RATM but I did like some of Soundgarden's songs. I thought that Chris Cornell was the premiere vocalist to emerge from the nineties din of grunge and alternative. While Audioslave does offer up some heavy riffs, the songs seem monotonous and one dimensional. It's as if they did the basic tracks and then put vocals on them and called it a day.If you like HEAVY, then you will probably like this disc. When I listen to this disc, I have yet to get past track ten before being bored to tears. Heavy Metal by definition is monotonous riff bashing. Therefore, the prerequisite for Heavy Metal bands used to be a guitar player that could smoke a lead and provide some well needed relief from the chunka-chunka monotony. Audioslave's guitar player doesn't play a descent lead on the entire disc! Instead he drenches his ... attempts at lead breaks with a plethora of digital effects.The only reason I gave this disc 2 stars instead of just 1 is because I do think that Chris Cornell is a great rock singer and he does have a few nice dynamic moments here. | 0negative
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I see Roger and David and.......
......who knew "Romper Room" with a splash of petty anger could be so awful??? Pink Floyd's "Wall" album reminds us all why we're so glad the 20th century is over. Mundane and myopic testaments to boredom mix with crappy musicianship to produce this, the largest pile of art-rock crap ever produced. I don't know about you, but Color Me Badd sounds pretty good right now. I'd rather hear Henry Kissinger recite the periodic table of elements. | 0negative
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Destiny fulfilled indeed!
Wow! Like, oh my god, it doesn't sound like anything else on the radio! Whatever. It does. Too bad though, they are talented. Wouldn't it would be nice (for once) to see major R&B artists take the sound and spirit in a fresh new direction............. | 0negative
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Astounding break-through in musical content and variety
As the Slayer saga continues after 1986's Reign in Blood, South of Heaven assents to be one of their most brilliant pieces yet. This album is unique and changes the entire atmosphere of Slayer's world as opposed to Reign in Blood. The music has slowed down, Tom Araya has learned to tone down his bass, and the guitar solos are original and mind-blowing. Guitar frontmen Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman launch an explosive arsenal of heavy riffs and excellent solos, while Dave Lombardo hammers it out with pulse--pounding beats and original rhythms. Also, Tom Araya actually does some singing on this album as well as his usual yells and screams. The lyrical content has also become more intelligent as opposed to Slayer's "torture, pain, mutilation, agony" realm from Reign in Blood and Hell Awaits. The anti-war message in Mandatory Suicide and Behind the Crooked Cross displays a lucid understanding of war and the soldier's mind. Read Between the Lies provides a legitimate contradiction to the corruption of Evangelism and the church. Although quite cynical, Slayer's philosophies display a witty and astute look at the world and the essence of life. This album is just the beginning of Slayer's astounding attributes. With Seasons of the Abyss in 1990, they have proved themselves to be one of the most anticipated thrash/speed metal bands ever. This album is a must own for any Slayer fan and an excellent choice for new fans who are looking to purchase their first Slayer album. | 1positive
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Really bad!
This has to be one of the worst albums to be put out in years. I'm not going to jump on the whole I hate disco bandwagon, however I will say when you take a classic song like Pink Floyd's Comfortably Numb and redo it, then you better do it well. I am very disappointed in the ear torturing sound that song represents to them and the lack of creativity it takes to butcher it like that. The rest of the album pretty much drags on bad musicianship and overall lack of lyrical depth. Do yourself a favor 1. Don't buy this album and 2. If you happen to see the lead singer in concert or on the street punch him in the nose from a horrified Pink Floyd Fan. | 0negative
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There is nothing original about George...
George Throrogood is a run of the mill bar-band talent that somehow got lucky and has seeped into the national limelight, and infected us all with his pounding one-dimensional frat-boy take on "the blues." He's not that bad, but he ain't that good either, but I guess that's what mainstream white-trash America thrives on. It's loud and cocky and full of flavor, just like cheese-whiz and Cheap Beer (& they ain't good for ya neither). But at least Cheese whiz is an ORIGINAL flavor! Big Bad Georgie on the other hand is a fraud. A thief in "BluesGuy" clothes who owes his entire career to some of the all time great ones like - Bo Diddley, John Lee Hooker, and Hank Williams Sr. It is a pathetic commentary on the average American's ingnorance of there own musical & cultural legacy, when in passing conversation they holler "Oh, that's a George Thorogood song!" when in fact it is ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!! It is the genius of these previously mentioned Songwriters. Unsung heroes, with timeless songwriting abilites, that shine on through and entertain us, despite George's thick, stupid, "got-drunk-at-the-pep-rally" barfing, struting,screaming approach. He is one lucky mediocre bastard that George, and he owes a lot, to a lot of people. Grow up America! Go back to school and Get some "Class!" Go back to the sources like Bo Diddley, John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, and Ol' Hank Williams himself if you want to see some REAL style.... if you want to know who is REALLY "Bad to the Bone!" | 0negative
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Not what I expected
This CD is only pop and a few reggaeton songs. How does that represent the best of Latin? There is no salsa, merengue, bachata, or anything. I was hoping for a nice mix, of top songs from the year in every latin music style. You WILL NOT get much out of this CD. The only reason I gave it a rating of 2 is because I do like 5-6 songs on it. But there should be 20 #1s!! | 0negative
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Buy it for Bel Air Blues video alone
Stan Ridgway is an American treasure that like most will never be fully appreciated in his lifetime. So any opportunity to purchase one of his works should be jumped on immediately. This video (or set of videos) is a grab bag, some of my favorite songs have mediocre videos (Bing Can't Walk) and some of the songs that are so-so for me have great videos (Operator Help Me by the late great Jim Ludtke). But as the title of this review states buy it if only for the easter egg of The Drywall project and for the video that follows it Bel Air Blues. | 1positive
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<a href="http://www.churchillsblog.com">CHURCHILLS BEST BAND 2005</A>
THE ALBUM LIKE THEIR LAST SHOW IS PERFECT. Its awesome. Every song captured your attention and built you up to witness the tales of a year of trials and tribulations that ultimately brought our wordsmiths to the place they are at now, Home- New York City. This group of rockers have passion in their story. Their songs are top quality chart topping hits. These musicians are the best I ever met. The are great musicians and wonderful human beings.The New York City show at The Cutting room was a great success. At 7:30 after sound check, the crowd left the bar and came into the listening room which consisted of 30 or so 4 top tables and a bar. The band came on and played for almost an hour.The fans got to sit at the tables and sip their drinks. They had waitress service. It was really nice. Every seat was taken. It was standing room only. Everyone was really happy, they were popping out of their seats once in a while when the songs really rocked and hooting and hollering at the songs peaks, it was a powerful show! My only complaint-the hour went way too fast! I looked into the crowd serveral times and heard dozens of people singing along with every song almost. It was really great to see and hear. I am definetly looking forward to the next Churchills show. | 1positive
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NOT BAD!
Some tracks are alright, but your better off getting something else. | 0negative
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Too many remixes
I bought this CD for the older tracks such as Johnny and Mary and Clues not the newer tired hits.To my disapointment, it sounds as if these tracks and others have been remixed. Some sort of notice should be given whenever a track is not the orignal. | 0negative
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A GREAT CD FROM A WONDERFUL MUSICAL
THIS IS THE BEST SOUNDTRACK. THE MUSIC IS FANTASTIC AND THE ACTORS ARE WONDERFUL SINGERS AND THE MUSIC IS BEAUTIFUL AND MEANINGFUL. I HAVE LOVED THIS MUSIC FOR OVER 30 YEARS. | 1positive
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Captain Beefheart lives in hiphop
Really this record reminded me of some of Beefhearts more brilliant efforts. It is brilliant, bizarre and always original. ODB staked out his claim as the mad scientist of hip hop with this album. | 1positive
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for real and fully true
Isnt it wonderful to hear some music where effects, computer and technical aids dont play ANY role and it is all about mastering the instrument???! Who needs more comments on Miles?! But here is one I found searching for the name Schildkraut. a) Because I love the tune "Solar" from day one I heard the Chet Baker version b) I am German and there is no two ways about this being a German name...HAHAHA and c) his solo on "Solar" is something else. But before you pay attention to my comnents - check out this one: Schildkraut's playing was fluid and brilliant in pure bebop style: so much so that, during a blindfold test for Down Beat, Charles Mingus mistakenly identified him as Charlie Parker. Quod erat demonstrandum | 1positive
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Dumb4life (0 stars)
I will make this review short and sweet. This is easily the worst rap album I've ever heard especially coming from the south. If you thought that Laffy Taffy and Betcha Cant Do It Like Me suck, you're in for no surprise when you find out the rest of this album is terrible. Scotty has to be one of the most nonsensical song on here(relative statement) and that song somehow became an anthem out here in South Florida! Stuntman and S***in me sound exactly alike as a matter of fact this whole album sounds exactly alike. Do You Like Me Baby and What Can U Do are laugh out loud hilarious and if Make It Rain and Bankhead doesnt clear a whole club I dont know what will. In short this the worst rap album of 2005 from the worst rap group ever. The lyrics are weak, the beats are horrible and this album unfortunately set the South back 100 years while going gold. Anybody who gives this album more than one star is a very psychotic person that you need to stay from(example being the top 100 reviewer giving this three stars!). Standouts: You cant be serious! | 0negative
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Same old thing
I really would like Will Smith to create his own music instead of borrowing whole records from other artists. He hasn't made anything of his own in 10 years. I'm sure he could come up with something he could call his own. He has the money now I'm pretty sure he could pay someone to come up with something orignal. Like his own beats. Cassie | 0negative
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Immitative and Boring. Don't Waste Your Money!
If you have enjoyed Norman Cook's Fatboy Slim singles you will find nothing much to love about this wretched album that is slow (without being uniquely trancy)in most spots and just plain limp in most others (Gee, beats like it's 1992! Maybe he'll get on the Arsenio Hall show . . .). While it's true that the best two tracks feature Macy Gray, the first of the two is unmemorable and grossly repetetive while the second is wonderful but seems like it came from somebody else's album--a breezy kind of groove that, while unoriginal, seems so for Gray's lush yet raspy vocals. And while the review indicates her tracks are "worth the price of admission alone," I'd add this: do you really think it's wise to plunk down over ten bucks for one good song (or two if your an optimist)? Of course not. I couldn't wait to get this disc, and when I played it I kept waiting for the one track I would enjoy the most (which I don't think ever came . . . not until track ten did I even slightly not hate this thing). But what most annoyed me was the shameless Moby rip-off piece co-opting an old gospel song. It sounds like junior high kids in a Moby worship club trying to paste something together to honor their idol. Wouldn't have even made Moby's B-sides disc. Even when I have liked Norman Cooks singles (and I really have liked them a lot), his albums continue to prove what this new one slam-dunks: the man cannot make a quality album. I'm incredibly disappointed in this release. | 0negative
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AMAZING ALBUM
I loved Dion's gospel albums on vinyl and am now inspired by them on CD in my car. A clear and practical gospel message packaged in songs by perhaps the greatest rock and roll singer ever. | 1positive
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Perfect - probably best of genre
I'm probably a little older than the usual Weezer fan (39 soon) and my leanings go towards KISS, AC/DC, Ozzy, Doro, and Joan Jett primarily to give you an idea of where I am coming from, but Weezer has just blown me away. This album in particular is just unbelievable. Every time I listen to it all that goes through my mind is this is just perfect and only on someones first release can this level of basic innocence be captured. I have several hundred other CDs many of which I love from start to finish, but I can't think of any that I think "perfect" about.Can't say I've listened to a ton of their contemporaries but I've listened enough to No Doubt (besides their singles they can have some just dreadful things on CD), Green Day (this is better than their international greatest hits album by a ton), Blink 182 (they delivered on Enema and not much else but this still tops Enema), Good Charlotte (love the young and hopeless cd but it's not quite this good - their first cd sucks and the last ones singles blew so bad I didn't bother with it), and other than the Donnas who are kind of fun no one else has done anything interesting enough for me to do anymore than download a song or two of theirs, so as far as I'm concerned this is likely the best of the whole genre of emo pop punk or whatever this thing is being called. The rest of their albums are great too, but you can't top perfection is their only real crime. | 1positive
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Vertigo - 2 songs at full CD price - ripoff
I was expecting a great CD. What I got was 2 songs at more than what a regular 12 song CD would have cost me. There was definately false advertising with this one. | 0negative
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Fantasy, Exoticism, and Nationalism!!!!
If you're reading about this CD, you probably have some interest or experience in the Russian Romantic tradition of the late 19th Century. Even if you are new to this genre of music, this is a great place to start. As usual, the Naxos label offers an exceptional classical recording at a low cost. Almost 70 minutes of wonderful music for only $7!! The Moscow Symphony Orchestra (under Igor Golovchin) performs an excellent interpretation of these works. Alexander Glazunov's orchestral music has, in my opinion, been rather neglected and overshadowed by the popularity of his ballets. This really saddens me, considering the complexity and greatness of these lesser known pieces. Furthermore, Debussy's "La Mer" (1905) and Britten's "Sea Interludes" from Peter Grimes (1945) are so oft performed in concert halls that audiences over time have begun to regard them as the definitive portrayals of the ocean in music. In my opinion, Glazunov tops both of these with his Fantasy for Orchestra in E major, Op. 28 "The Sea" (1889) - then again I will admit I'm a bit biased toward the German and Russian Romantics : ) Fortunately the Naxos label has brought Glazunov more accessible to the public - this disc, by the way, is the 16th in Naxos' series covering Glazunov's orchestral works. I have most in the series, but this remains my favorite.Op. 28: This symphonic fantasy is a highly descriptive, colorful, picturesque portrayal of the ocean in music. Glazunov begins the work with a "wave-like" melody in the bass section of the orchestra. This melody gains intensity then is relinquished into several beautiful motifs noted by the flute and harp glissandos. The intensity again rises as Glazunov writes a "storm-at-sea" into the piece which is simply magnificent - one can recognize the influence of Wagner on the young Glazunov (he was around 25 at the time). It is at this point (about 15 minutes or of the way into the piece) where the powerful horn section representing the storm secedes. The remainder of the work is an evocative diminishment carried wonderfully by the wind section and echoed by the strings - calm and tranquility are finally restored. The composer ends with one last "wave motif" in the double basses, suggesting the repetition of this natural cycle at sea. In Op. 28 Glazunov shows the many faces of the sea - it is beautiful yet it is very powerful and can be dangerous and destructive.While Op. 28 is richly orchestrated and performed superbly by the MSO (who does not get enough recognition in the world of classical music recordings by the way!), the true gem on this disc is Glazunov's Oriental Rhapsody (1889). This is a program work, divided into 5 movements and clocking in at around a half hour. Exoticism remained an important trend in the late Romantic period and here Glazunov incorporates it beautifully. Op. 29 begins with the subdued horn call of a night watchman. It is a repeated a few times until the main theme is developed - a gorgeous, heart-rending melody delivered by the cellos and supported by the harp and violins. A small, rural, peaceful village comes to mind when one hears this movement. Near the end the watchman's theme is repeated and one is prepared for the next movement, which is a lively Asian dance played first by the oboe and then flushed out by the strings and the rest of the orchestra. One also hears a peculiar use of the tambourine in this movement as well which adds a Turkish flavor. The dance gets faster, wilder, and more passionate as the movement progresses. Glazunov displays his exceptional skill with the dance form here that is seen in his ballets. One wonders if Reinhold Gliere picked up a few ideas here when writing his Orient-inspired ballet "The Red Poppy" (1927). An abrupt end to the dance brings the listener into my favorite movement of this piece ("An old man's ballad"). The opening of the ballad never ceases to interest and amaze me - the grave, heavy chords of the lower strings accompanied by the harp. This brief intro is followed by a rising melody in the woodwinds that seems to suggest a wise old man looking at those around him and softly saying "Let me tell you a story..." or "Once upon a time...". Glazunov brilliantly sets the mood for what is to follow. The ballad itself or "the central theme" of the movement is first assigned to violins. This poignant narrative section is then entrusted to the wind section. It is then developed into a fanfare in the horn section, providing a perfect bridge to the final movements, which begin with a joyous military celebration; victorious armies are returning home from battle. Several brief flashbacks to the earlier sections are here, giving the work a sense of unity and cohesion. Finally, the dance concludes and the composer, in a celebration of sound, concludes the piece with a triumphant horn section serving as a recapitulation of major themes. The timpani provide the "exclamation point" and help create a fiery, very Russian ending.Glazunov's Op. 78 Ballade in the key of F major (1902) also deserves a good listen. Beginning and ending with lush, moving, slower segments, the central section is filled with a 3 minute hymn - sounding somewhat militaristic and regal with its repeating drum rolls. This work also displays a maturer and more subdued Glazunov - here he has really developed his own style as a composer and it shows. The last work on the disc, the "Cortège solennel" (1910), is a simple, stately fanfare/hymn dominated by the brass section and percussion. Here, Glazunov gets nationalistic and patriotic, composing an anthem-like piece for his Mother Russia. A smashing, triumphant ending to a great CD! | 1positive
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Fresh and Retro at the same time.
After the surprisingly poppy lead single, I was relieved to hear the rest of the album. There are some great, infectious beats on this album, and Janet explores music that is more "hip-hop" than anything else she has done in the past. I agree with people who think the short interludes are lame, but to discredit the music because of the short 15 second clips is kind of absurd. That's what the skip forward button is for. It's a shame that the Super Bowl mishap is overshadowing this album. | 1positive
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it was ok
Maybe the best cd I ever bought. | 0negative
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Too much Denizen Kane
The first album was a classic, but on this album, the beats feel more organic and Denizen Kane has lame flow on just about every song. The true talents of this group are Qwel and Qwazaar and they simply aren't on this record enough to make it a worthwhile purchase like the first record. I urge you to buy "the harvest" by Qwel and Maker instead. Very disappointed that this record was such a let down | 0negative
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Music and the thought
It shouldn't matter but it does so I might as well say im white.. whatever. I like a lot of what they have to say, kinda similiar to artist such as Immortal technique and rage against the machine... very revolutionary obviously. The production to this CD is great, and from what Ive heard almost all done by DP themselves. Their flows are both sick and compliment eachother well. Though you nay not think that the message to music matters thanks to the MTV rap, i would say diferent.. If i dont like the message I can't liten to it. I like a lot of what these guys have to say, though I think a lot of what they say is fueled by hate (dont listen to people who say their use of the word cracker only targets high class white people, because we all know what the word cracker means and they wouldve chosen a word with less hate and generalness if they didn't mean it). The only song I dislike completely is "I'm an African", which doesnt make since. Im Irsh and Italien, but no way in hell would I ever make a song all about how Im Irish and not American.. I dont even speak italien... and Im sure they don't speak any dialect of Africa. But thats just one song, and the rest are genious. From Hip Hop to Police State to They Schools, its clear they have a lot of good and intelligent things to say. also they sprinkle songs like Happiness and Discipline in the CD, which is genious. If your a real hip hop fan get this CD, no question.... get this CD, i wouldnt suggest their next one 'Revolutionary but Gangstar" which has probably the stupidest titles Ive ever heard of. | 1positive
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A beautiful voice and spirit, for singing beautiful music
This CD must be close to the best, if not the best, recent addition to my growing collection of Christmas CDs. Jewel's voice has a unique vibrancy which suits it pervectly for traditional Christmas carols. Her renditions of "O Holy Night", "Silent Night", "O' Little Town of Bethlehem", and "Ave Maria" are the best examples. On the other hand, she conveys a relaxed and swinging style on "Winter Wonderland" and "Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer. Her inner spirituality is feelingly expressed in her own originals, "The Face of Love", and "Hands". I hardly consider this a CD to use as background at a party. It's too beautiful to waste on a group not really listening to it. Instead, I recommend it for personal enjoyment and to share with special friends of like mind. | 1positive
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Not so elegant
To the point. I used to like this album so I purchased it on CD.Great guitar playing but it sounds so dated! Spinal Tap jazz fusion rock...yuck. | 0negative
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a pop-culture phenomenon
My last two reviews were on my first-ever metal album (now 608) and my long-standing favorite video game. I figured I'd mix it up a bit.Korn pretty much piloted this pop-culture phenomenon - however briefly it lasted - called nu-metal.I'm going to hack away at this tree from the bottom up.To begin with, Korn's influences. According to Korn's official website, founding member Jonathan Davis "faced many hardships (including alleged child abuse, violent schoolyard bullying, and an abusive step-mother), and he later used these experiences to inspire his song writing for Korn." It also reads he can play other instruments, such as the piano, bagpipe, and harp. Tough life. No arguments from this reviewer here. According to Wikipedia, musical inspiration came from: Metallica, Sepultura, Faith No More, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Helmet, Rage Against the Machine, Slayer, Pink Floyd, Primus, Tool, Ministry, Mr. Bungle, Biohazard, Nine Inch Nails, Pantera, Beastie Boys, Black Sabbath, and Jane's Addiction. Nu-metal as a genre is supposedly a "fusion genre" drawing from far-separated genres including grunge and hip-hop. Make no mistake, that is a wide diversity of influences.In the 2010 Adam Sandler movie, Grown Ups, the Chris Rock character asks upon seeing the daughter(s) of the Rob Schneider character, "How do you get that from that?" I wonder the same thing here. In fact, a vast majority of fans of bands like Gamma Ray, Dissection, Emperor, Bathory, Pagan's Mind, Kalmah, Crematory, Swallow the Sun, Catamenia, and Angra have issues even calling bands like Korn any kind of "metal" at all. Let's figure out why.Before I do that, I'm not the stereotypical nu-metal hater. I like some of it. I find Slipknot's Before I Forget catchy, and I thoroughly enjoy The Blister Exists for its unique presentation (the drums, the riffing, comparibly merciless vocals...). I really enjoy Ill Niño. Their song, If You Still Hate Me, has a concrete place in multiple playlists on my iPod and the album it is off of gets a spin in my CD player more often than many. I also enjoy some American Head Charge, Mudvayne, Mushroomhead, and Spineshank.But Korn falls into monotony to my ears, and Untouchables is a fine example of this. This is a huge shock to me; how can you, with so many different influences, go into the recording studio with so many songs that sound so similar? (Listen to the song-to-song diversity of the bands two paragraphs above to see what I mean.)The lyrics of nu-metal are what garners so much attention, especially from parents of adolescents in the genre's heyday. At least in Ill Niño, you have the lines "If You Still Hate Me / you're thinking of me," and I hear hopeful (aka positive) thinking coming from that. I listened to every song on Untouchables for the lyrics, and not one of them has me wanting to come back for a second listen. One song was mildly captivating, Hollow Life (track 4). It's the only song that establishes a fixed position from which the speaker is coming from - bleakness, hopelessness, and then questioning God how he can allow so much suffering. Additionally, the music does a good job supporting these feelings. The other songs all are centered around anger and frustration that lacks both origin and direction; who is the speaker so angry at and what has gotten him that way? Better yet, the intensity of the music doesn't back up the hatred the way it does when you listen to bands like Bathory, At the Gates, The Haunted, and Children of Bodom. These bands SOUND angry, frustrated, and neglected. Korn doesn't. So what justifies how angry they sound?Back to the pop-culture phenomenon I opened the review with. Once upon a time, disco was "in." Then, it became "cool" and "funny" to ridicule disco. Girls would wear bellbottoms in around 1999. Those were "in" for a short while, and then you were ridiculed if you wore them. Nu-metal was once "in," then it became "cool" to hate it. (Look at the September 26, 2002 one-star review for an example.) Let me ask you this: If something was once truly good, would anyone up and decide to hate it? This makes me want to revisit how nu-metal ever became popular in the first place since we now find it so appalling. Korn might be in the double-digits of how many albums they've released (a new one due out next month) since the self-titled debut in 1994, but just what are they continuing to do that is so great? Someone I was around at Ozzfest 2007 said about Static-X playing on the main stage said, "Don't they know nu-metal is dead?" Truly great bands (ex. the Scorpions out of Germany - 40 years last year) know how to change with the times and +continue+ to pave the way. Madonna and Kylie Minogue do this with pop/dance. Nickelback is going strong with the modern rock sound. Aerosmith never let up with being the forefront of kid-friendly stadium anthems. Helloween and Gamma Ray do this with power metal. Dimmu Borgir continues to raise the bar for theatrical black metal. Dream Theater and Symphony X have a firm grip on progressive metal. Some nu-metal bands have changed. Fear Factory was a death metal band for an album and an EP before releasing the timeless nu-metal classic in 1995, Demanufacture (of which the opening track is the only nu-metal song with more plays in my iTunes than If You Still Hate Me). Since, they've changed with the times to appeal to fans old and new alike.On the other hand, some bands are heralded by the masses (and hated by none) for staying true to a successful sound, the most noteworthy examples of these being bands like Dio, Slayer, Immortal, Amon Amarth, and Graveland (yeah, these are all metal bands too, and draw quite a crowd). People are still loving Venom 30 years after they coined the genre title, black metal, back in 1982. Korn has fallen into mediocrity.Mediocrity. And monotony. Not adjectives typically associated with a so-called "great" band.Lots of people follow Korn. Just look at all the 4 and 5 star reviews. I'd love for someone to shine some light on the mysteries I see surrounding Korn's "greatness." | 0negative
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Eh.
I think it's really horrible to make kids listen to this jargon. "WOO! It's got kids on it! They'll listen!" It's like bad karaoke. The only reason I gave it any stars at all, is because they have kid's best interests at heart, and you've gotta love that. | 0negative
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Goran Ljubic
Bata Bulic 13 12300 Petrovac na Mlavi (Serbia)Yugoslavia | 0negative
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ahaha
Seeing the reviews before this, I decided to buy it to see how bad a video could possibly be. On the first ten minutes of the video, I laughed so hard that I choked on my saliva and I went on for a one minute coughing fit. The video is so bad that I cracked up at every single ridiculous thing that happened. I didn't finish it, I walked away half way through. One start for the video itself, 5 five stars for the laughter. | 0negative
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EH
I gave it 2 stars because my kids do like the poses... until they get board with it. I wouldn't call this yoga. Its just a lady doing things with kids and moving with kids. But not really yoga poses. When showing the "poses" it goes from kid to kid to instructor then to kid from kid again so fast its hard to know exactly what you are expected to do. You know those people who have too many pictures on the wall so its hard to look at any of them. Its like that with every pose. They just switch the camera from kid to kid. There is no real guide lines on how to do any of it... and the kids on the movie don't even do it right and they are there with the instructor. not the best. | 0negative
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Ugh. This is horrible
I'm shocked at all the good reviews I'm seeing! I'm a huge Queen fan, and have been since 1980. Day at the Races is wonderful. The Game is a classic. Night At the Opera is quirky, but still a good listen. But Hot Space is atrociously bad. Let me repeat that: atrociously bad. It sounds like somebody fooling around with a drum machine who didn't realize they were being recorded. It's a bad karaoke nightmare.Admittedly, yes, Under Pressure is a great song. But it couldn't possibly be more out of place unless it were included on a Megadeth CD. Really, it's that bad. Am I making myself clear? :) | 0negative
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Believe the truth
This is Oasis' best album since Definitely Maybe in 1994, it's just like nothing I've ever heard. I mean, I love every song on this, and that has never been the case with an Oasis album. I love The Importance of Being Idle and Part of the Queue, Noel Gallagher really outdid himself on those. Although, the one's that Liam wrote are good as well. Hell, even the one's Andy Bell and Gem Archer wrote are good. The point is, the entire album is good. Fast-forwarding through tracks isn't an option, because every single one is good. The music is the best it's been in a long while, and the lyrics are more coherent. Musically, this album is simple and very Velvet Underground, but you can also trace some Bob Dylan there, especially on Mucky Fingers. Turn Up the Sun has all the potential to be the next single, and the Meaning of Soul is awesome as well. Let There be Love is the kind of song that would be great to close their set with at some festival, such as Glastonbury, it would set the mood perfectly. Even old Oasis fans won't be dissapointed with this one, it's different, but it's a damn good kind of different. | 1positive
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Legion of Snooze
After the awesome releases of 'Community Service' & 'Tweekend', there is not a TCM fan who didn't realise the next album would be a failure. No way could the energy & beats of the previous 2 slabs be surpassed or even equalled.The tracks seem to almost be on auto-pilot; some of them proving blatantly boring & amateur.Not a total loss, though...there are 2 or 3 tracks that burst out with expected Crystal Method style; 'Bound Too Long' & 'Acetone' actually woke me out of a 'Legion of Boom' nap.The rest of the disc, i cannot recall anything unique or of good mention, even after several dozen plays in the cd deck.Diehard fans only should consider buying this, as it is a pathetic example of what Scott & Ken are capable of. | 0negative
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Excellent performance
As an amateur pianist of moderate+ ability, I have often struggled with many of the Scriabin preludes, both from a technical and an interpretive viewpoint. However, I always found them worth the effort. Unfortunately, there haven't been too many recordings of these (other than the op. 11, of which I have very good LPs of Ruth Laredo and Vladamir Horowitz), so I was entirely on my own for the later pieces.How wonderful it was to find this recording of the complete preludes! I must disagree with the earlier reviewer that Lane is lacking; I thought these were fine performances (I can also highly recommend his recording of the complete etudes). | 1positive
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ACE Sets the Standard for Sixties' Reissues
Using the blueprint from their enormously successful Golden Age of American Rock 'n' Roll (1954-1963) series, ACE Records now turns its attention to the second half of the Sixties (1964-1969) with the first installment of their Chartbusters series. You get a 20-page full-color booklet filled with info on the bands and their songs, original hit versions taken from the best source tapes possible (most in stereo), and a whopping 30 songs and 79 minutes of mostly Top 20 music. [Exceptions: The Soul Sisters' "I Can't Stand It" barely cracked the Hot 100 and the Seeds' garage classic "Pushin' Too Hard" stalled at No. 36.]As would be expected of any comprehensive overview, there are numerous music styles represented. You get the Tex-Mex sound of the Sir Douglas Quintet (with the late Doug Sahm and keyboardist Augie Meyers) on "She's About a Mover." The goodtime sound of the Lovin' Spoonful's first hit "Do You Believe in Magic." The blue-eyed soul of Mitch Ryder's "Jenny Take a Ride!" The lush harmony vocals on the Mamas and the Papas' "California Dreamin'." The baroque stylings of the Left Banke's "Walk Away Renee." The California sound of Ronny & the Daytonas' "G.T.O." Barry McGuire's protest anthem "Eve of Destruction." Paul Revere & the Raiders' anti-drug song, "Kicks." The funk of Sly & the Family Stone's "Dance to the Music." And the hits just keep on coming. There is not a bad track on this album. [Here's the rest: "Brown-Eyed Girl," "Wooly Bully," "I Fought the Law," "Games People Play," "Gimme Little Sign," "Elusive Butterfly," "Working in the Coalmine," "Hi Heel Sneakers," "Treat Her Right," "Hawaii Five-0," "Green Tambourine," "On the Road Again," "Psychotic Reaction," "Let It Out (Let It All Hang Out)," "Soul Deep," "Remember (Walkin' in the Sand)," "The 'In' Crowd," "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" and "Expressway to Your Heart."]ACE has certainly raised the bar when it comes to reissues. [I'm not aware that Rhino has ever put more than 20 songs on a single disc.] If you love Sixties music, you have got to own this CD. All I can say is, when can I get volume 2? HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | 1positive
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Disappointed
folks..when I read the reviews and heard that Jim Crow was the next big thing to come out of the south, I bought this album..what I got however, were tracks on par with the latest No LImit or Cash Money release. I am an east coast fan to the very end, but I give every region of hiphop a chance and am sorry to say that these guys just aren't on the same ATl level as Outkast or Goodie Mob. I just hope Music WOrld lets me exchange it..nuff said. Peace | 0negative
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I'm impressed
Before this CD came out I thought that it wouldn't be that good. I thought that Joc would be one of Diddy's one hit wonders. But once New Joc City came out I was quick to bite my words. It is surely one of the best albums that came out of Bad Boy in a long time. The beats was on point and the lyrics was tight. Good Job Yung Joc! | 1positive
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Well, I guess it might be a bridge to some quality music...
I went to their concert at SBC park with some friends who happen to be big Green Day fans. I could get into a lot of their old stuff, but I was already pissed off from hearing Jimmy Eat World's boring set. There's no reason why this album should be so popular. It doesn't stand up to their old material from Dookie, it doesn't stand up to any of the punk produced in the 70's and 80's, and it doesn't even stand up to the best albums of 2004. Social Distortion's "Sex, Love, and Rock 'n' Roll," which came out the same year, is a far superior album. If you have any interest in the punk side of "pop-punk," you need to check it out.Anyone who found this album too radio-friendly and musically unsatisfying should check out the bands that were on the scene long before Green Day, many of which are still touring. Search for the Germs, Black Flag, the Circle Jerks, the Damned, Social Distortion, Minor Threat, Dead Kennedys, GBH, Bad Brains, and the UK Subs. The old pioneers of punk are also worth a listen, but have been discussed ad nauseum: the Sex Pistols, the Clash, and the Ramones.Once you listen to some of these bands, you won't accept anything less. There's a reason why the people you see wearing American Idiot shirts are predominantly 11 years old. They're too young and ignorant and stupid to know when and where the good music was and is."American Idiot" is the worst song on the album, and it never gets much better. The popular "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" is like whiny, angst-ridden version of Whitesnake's power ballad "Here I Go Again." "Wake Me Up When September Ends" completely fails to capture emotion like "Good Riddance" did for me when I was in second grade. This guy I knew kept going on and on about the genius of "Jesus of Suburbia" but the only special thing about it is that there's like 9 yawn-inducing minutes of filler instead of 3 or 4. This review is making me nauseous. Green Day is almost as pretentious and annoying as U2. "American Idiot" is still better than "How to Disassemble an Atomic Bomb," hence 2 stars. It's not like my single rating could have an effect with all the fanboys running around. | 0negative
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