Music

Average customer rating:

BUY THIS VERSION!!!!
Here comes The Fear again...

This Is Hardcore
Pulp
Manufacturer: Umvd Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Different Class
His 'n' Hers
The Peel Sessions
Jarvis
We Love Life

ASIN: B000GQLR4G
Release Date: 2006-10-09

Tracks:

Fear
Dishes
Party Hard
Help the Aged
This Is Hardcore
TV Movie
Little Soul
I'm a Man
Seductive Barry
Sylvia
Glory Days
Day After the Revolution

Tracks:

Cocaine Socialism [Proper Version][#][Version]
It's a Dirty World [Recording Session Outtake][#][Outtake]
Like a Friend
Professional
Ladies' Man
Laughing Boy
We Are the Boyz
Tomorrow Never Dies [#]
Can I Have My Balls Back, Please? [#]
Modern Marriage [Demo][#][Demo Version]
My Erection [Demo][#][Demo Version]
You Are the One [Demo][#][Demo Version]
Street Operator [Demo][#][Demo Version]
This Is Hardcore [End of the Line Mix][Mix]

Album Description

UK digitally remastered two CD set features their 1998 album which includes the hit singles 'Help The Aged', 'A Little Soul' and 'This Is Hardcore' plus a bonus disc which brings together a collection of bonus material (personally selected by leader Jarvis Cocker) which features single b-sides and previously unreleased versions of 'Cocaine Socialism' & 'Tomorrow Never Dies' along with six more previously unreleased demo recordings! The package comes complete with picture booklet containing previously unreleased photos and extensive sleevenotes written by Jarvis! Universal. 2006.

Album Details

A Different Kind of Album from 'different Class' it is Still Home to Some of PULP'S Finest Work, Including the Brilliant, Slow-burning 'help the Aged', the Emotional 'a Little Soul' and the Epic 'this is Hardcore', One of the Very Finest Tracks in their Considerable Canon. 'this is Hardcore' is an Overlooked Classic that is Ripe for Rediscovery. This Deluxe Edition is a Double CD Set. The First Disc is the Original Album in Its Full Glory, featuring the the Hit Singles 'help the Aged', 'this is Hardcore' and 'a Little Soul'. The Second Disc of Bonus Material Has Been Personally Chosen by Jarvis Cocker, featuring B-sides, Previously Unreleased Versions of 'cocaine Socialism' and 'tomorrow Never Dies' Alongside Six More Previously Unreleased Demos. This Luxuriously Packaged Set Comes Complete with a 32 Page Booklet featuring Previously Unseen Photos from the Album Sessions and Sleevenotes Written by Cocker.

Customer Reviews:

BUY THIS VERSION!!!!.......2007-03-04

Admittedly, I was not to fond of this CD when it first came out since it was such a departure from the Pulp of His n Hers and Different Class. There were a handful of very good songs but I felt the best song on here didn't reach the level of the worst song on the previous 2 albums. Time has been kind to this album. The deluxe edition has been even kinder. Knowing the background on the album and what was going on at the time this album achieves brilliance yet totally redefines Pulp. When I first had this album I'd say there were songs I would skip repeatedly. This IS Hardcore would be one of them. Now, I find every song wonderful. I really do believe it just came out at the wrong time under the wrong expectations. The second disc is a surprise since it consists of a lot of demo's. Due to this I wasn't expecting much. I had already heard all the B-Sides and knew they were good but the demo's i figured would be ok at best with not so great sound quality. I was wrong on both accounts. The sound quality is fine. Hardly a demo in my book. The songs itself are good be why the album failed on first released. They were the bridge between the 2 albums. If included the album may have gone over better on it's initial release. Even though I adore this album now this is NOT the first place you want to start. Start with Different Class knowing it is the best album they've released and then go back and get His N Hers and Hardcore. I warn you to not go any further back in their catalouge. Sorry, what I have heard before His n Hers is really not that good. Now, if I would only get the deluxe editions of His N Hers and Different Class that I ordered 2 weeks ago!!! I'd be in heaven.

One last thing. This is the LAST Pulp album. We do not want to discuss Tree's or Weeds or whatever that wreck was called. Do yourself a favor and just buy the Bad Cover Version single and say that was the last thing Pulp ever did. That album will leave you wondering, "what happened?"

Here comes The Fear again..........2006-09-04

Despite the critical acclaim and feverous fan acceptance, Pulp's 1998 masterpiece "This is Hardcore" failed to build on the momentum that started with their landmark 1995 album "Different Class," and it will be remembered as Pulp's arty career-killer. If there ever was an album that proves that commercial success and quality of output don't always meet, this is it.

I was a diehard Pulp fan in the 1990's, and I especially remember the excitement of this album being released in April 1998. After buying "Different Class" on cassette and listening to it repeatedly (the tape actually broke from so much play), I was expecting the new album to be more of the same. That is was something totally different became apparent from the opening bars of "The Fear." "This is Hardcore" was (and still is) a dark, textured, and pessimistic album about aging, loss, and failing hopes. If "Different Class" was the all night party, "This is Hardcore" is the morning after. But the strength of Pulp has always been in Jarvis Cocker's songwriting, which makes this album actually stronger than it's predecessors.

The unquestionable standout tracks are "Help The Aged", the first post-DC single about Jarvis hope for the world to be kind to him as he grows older, "Party Hard," which is perhaps the most rocking of the album tracks, and the title track - a glorious 7 minute track about...err...pornography. Lyrically, these songs are among the strongest that Pulp has ever produced. For people hoping for more DC-like material, tracks like "Sylvia," "I Am a Man," and "Glory Days" are excellent rock songs.

Despite the failure of this album to break the bank, Universal has seen it fit to release it as a deluxe, 2 CD special edition, along with Pulp's two previous albums. The extras are contained on the second CD, and it's a mix of B-sides, demos, unreleased songs, and alternate mixes. The standouts are the excellent "Cocaine Socialism", "Like a Friend" (from "Great Expectations") and the fantastic "Tomorrow Never Lies" (a b-side for "Help The Aged") Most of these deluxe releases contain plenty of filler, but the Pulp re-issues are the exception. This new edition is well worth the extra cost.

"This is Hardcore" is the album the separated the true Pulp fans from the casual listeners who dug "Common People." It is a challenging, complex, and criminally underrated album that is well deserving of a deluxe re-issue. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Excellent late 90's alt pop
WHAT HAPPENED?
every single day
this is pure genius
A classic in a slightly darker mould from "Different Class"

This Is Hardcore
Pulp
Manufacturer: Island
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Britpop | British Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Different Class
His 'n' Hers
Suede
We Love Life
Pulp Hits

ASIN: B000006DI9
Release Date: 1998-03-31

Tracks:

The Fear
Dishes
Party Hard
Help The Aged
This Is Hardcore
TV Movie
A Little Soul
I'm A Man
Seductive Barry
Sylvia
Glory Days
The Day After The Revolution
Like A Friend

Amazon.com's Best of 1998

Pulp frontman-lyricist Jarvis Cocker is still obsessed with making his concerns those of his audience and the even wider world. Drawing again on classic British pop like the '70s Roxy Music, Pulp attempt to make sense of--and draw together--everything from the aging process ("One time they were just like you / Drinking, smoking cigs and sniffing glue") to doing the dishes. This is Hardcore is slightly less charged than its predecessor Different Class, but only slightly; Cocker is one rock star who knows how to raise his fans' expectations and then surpass them. --Rickey Wright

Amazon.com

Bespectacled Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker is a crooner from the old school, a frock-sleeved dandy who's not afraid to emote with exaggerated aplomb. And it's been tongue-in-cheek humorous, for most of his career, to hear the Brit turn that talent on sarcastic societal subjects, poking fun wherever he could. Things have changed this time around, though--Cocker hit 33 and began looking inward, for some of his darkest, most soul-baring work yet, all set to an elaborate quasi-cinematic score. As the CD booklet itself says, "It's OK to grow up. Just as long as you don't grow old." Maturity may not be encouraged in show business, but it sounds very appropriate here. --Tom Lanham

Customer Reviews:

Excellent late 90's alt pop.......2007-05-15

Fluid set of English Alterna-soul found Pulp finally receiving the success critics had thought them deserving. More then proving why they remained giants of 90's indie rock in Britain, the songwriting is infectiously hooky, depressively catchy, and lyrically potent all the way through. Every song may not be as memorable as the title track or a few others (in particular the effectively rousing final few), yet each cements a certain replayability with the well measured, easily accessible, melodic pop songwriting. The band became a mainstay for fans of loud, semi-experimental music, falling somewhere between the predictability of Spiritualized and the randomness of Radiohead. Whatever small market the still under-valued (in America) band conquered during the mid 90's across the pond, This is Hardcore still makes the case for being the modern alternative classic some have made it out to be.

WHAT HAPPENED?.......2006-08-14

OK, I've looked through all the other reviews on here, and I know that anyone who does the same will probably go with the looming majority vote and get this album but PLEASE DON'T!!! About a year ago I first heard Different Class and thought it was great. So much fun, excellent lyrics, and just really great! the melodies, the instrumentation...amazing. So recently I heard This Is Hardcore. A few of the songs are pretty good (Dishes, The Fear, The Day After The Revolution) but for the most part it's just plain BORING!!! Where did the fun go? This album is sad, dreary, and dull. Yes, it is a darker mood, and I realize that Jarvis Cocker probably had a reason to write such melancholy songs, but after hearing Different Class, who wants to listen to them? Many of the songs sound the same and, while not being terrible, were completely uninspiring. Buy Different Class instead. It rocks.

every single day.......2005-03-02

i guess i missed out on the days when pulp was popular. where was i?? oh yeah i was listening to meatloaf and megadeth probably. well now i have this cd and i have to say, yes, i have to say, it is very good.

this is pure genius.......2005-01-25

At the same time a shaggable genius and a skinny loser, Jarvis Cocker frontman and lyrics writer for Pulp is truly inspiring, one of the last REAL ROCK STARS offered to us by the XXth century. Yet Pulp is now dormant and a bit forgotten, what a pity ! Surfing on the Cool Britania wave of the mid 90's the Sheffield band that had started on the independent circuit in the 80's makes itself noticed and provides Britain's underdogs with a voice. and what a voice !!! breathy, sexy, deep or fragile, Cocker knows how to use his organ, and even takes you very close to musical orgasm. Delightfully pervert but also touchingly sincere and simple the lyrics are just wonderful and served by surprising tunes.
This is Hardcore is the 3rd "commercial" album of the band and was written at a point when Cocker was trying to get himself together, after as he himself put it "getting as hammered as possible". Yet, contrary to Oasis's Be Here Now which musicaly suffered from drug and alcohol abuses, Pulp's This is Hardcore is their best album. Suffering is sometimes source of greatness and Cocker sure knows how to sublimate his angst into breathtaking songs.
Opening with The Fear (the best song ever written on depression) sets a dark mood, but also a sophisticated and demanding quality. It's not because he is depressed that he gets sloppy! But the mood lightens up a bit with track 2: Dishes, in which Pulp displays its simple musical talent and which lyrics are pure Jarvis humour, singing "I'm not Jesus Christ though I share the same initials..." proving a modesty unknown to most rock stars. This is Hardcore is off course the absolute highlight of the album, a drifting number that pulses like blood in your veins. The absolute beauty of the production on this song proves that the band has reached maturity. The following, TV movie, is yet another simple piece with touching lyrics, but Cocker never really let's himself fall into stupid pathos and the self derision and critical stance he takes on himself is reffreshing as ever. Other great songs on the album are Party Hard, a more upbeat song, a bit more agressive and something u can definitely dance to. The album like a therapy finally lets us hear signs of hope with Glory Days, a great reflexion on the common victories of life, but don't worry nothing to existencial.
This is Hardcore is an absolute must have for anyone who loves rock. It is stylish, honnest, moving, even arousing (a great specialty of Jarv); yet for all it's sassy sophistication it stays true to the band's origins and to the common people feel. Working class Britain, we love you !!!

I definitely recommend to listen to Different Class as well, released before TIH it is the album Pulp will be remmembered for and is characteristic of the sound and mood of the band. Together these 2 albums form a magnificent diptic of genius. Essential.

A classic in a slightly darker mould from "Different Class".......2004-08-14

"This Is Hardcore" is a slightly darker and seedier, yet more vulnerable sequel to the social observations and issues of fury, frustration and desire addressed on "Different Class". Indeed, the bitterness and rage felt on "Different Class" seems to have given way to a kind of sadness on "This Is Hardcore". After the success and the brilliance of "Different Class", whatever album followed was bound to be compared to it, but "This Is Hardcore" sounds a little more "grown-up" than "Different Class" in a way, for if "Different Class" was the soundtrack to a life from age 16 to 29, then "This Is Hardcore" feels more for life at age 30 and over. The lyrics are still as ingenious as those on "Different Class", but with less humour and more sentiment. "A Little Soul", "Dishes" and "Sylvia" are almost tragically touching. "Party Hard" sounds like a Bowie track from his late 70's "Eno-produced" album period, with Jarvis Cocker even sounding vaguely like Bowie on the song. My favourite songs on the album are "I'm A Man" and "The Day After The Revolution" which has a strange kind of "bittersweet" air of finality to it without being sickly, like a happy ending to a particularly tense film where everything turns out okay. The only track I'm not too keen on is "Seductive Barry". It just moves too slow and lacks any real hook. Overall though, another really great album from Pulp and enjoyable to listen to both on it's own and back to back with "Different Class".

Average customer rating:

Easily one of the best Hardcore Albums ever!
Taang should reissue this.
Rich Kids
AHH....THE BOSTON 80's SCENE !!!!
Compilations rule in punk rock and this is one of the best

This Is Boston, Not L.A.
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Wicked Disc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000005AAM
Release Date: 1995-10-10

Tracks:

Straight Jacket - Jerry's Kids
Uncontrollable - Jerry's Kids
Wired - Jerry's Kids
Desperate - Jerry's Kids
Pressure - Jerry's Kids
I Don't Wanna - Jerry's Kids
Options - Proletariat
Religion Is the Opium of the Masses - Proletariat
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Angel
Preskool Dropoust - The F.U.'s
Radio Unix USA - The F.U.'s
Green Beret - The F.U.'s
Time Is Money - The F.U.'s
Snob - Gang Green
Lie Lie - Gang Green
I Don't Know - Gang Green
Rabies - Gang Green
Narrow Mind - Gang Green
Kill a Commie - Gang Green
Have Fun - Gang Green
Slam
Broken Bones - Freeze
Idiots at Happy Hour - The Freeze
Now or Never - The Freeze
Sacrifice Not Suicide - Freeze
It's Only Alcohol - The Freeze
Trouble If You Hide - Freeze
Time Bomb - Freeze
This Is Boston, Not L.A. - The Freeze
Selfish - Gang Green
Empty Skull
Voodoo Economics - Proletariat
Machine Gun
Ceta Sucks - The F.U.'s
Refrigerator Heaven - Freeze

Customer Reviews:

Easily one of the best Hardcore Albums ever!.......2006-10-19

The title says it all, Gang Green, the Freeze, Decadence, Jerry's Kids, these are all great songs from great bands. But, don't pay $50 for this...

Go to Newbury Comics website and buy direct from them for $15. Taang also lists this CD for $16, buy it from them, don't buy it for $50, that's not punk... and the people on this comp would be appauled at it also...

Taang should reissue this........2005-12-01

Finally, this is being sold at a fair price - $14 - so take advantage quickly and acquire yerself a copy of what is one of the best hardcore compilations ever..and then some seeing as you also get the "unsafe at any speed" compilation single on here too.

If, however, those couple of cheap copies are gone by the time you're reading this and you're thinking of purchasing a copy for $45 - $80 then STOP! As great as this is it is not worth paying some greedy schmuck $80 for. I wouldn't even pay that for an original vinyl copy nevermind a reissued cd which is barely 10 years old. Personally, i blame Germans and the Japanese for paying ridiculous prices for rare records. "Get it away" 12" lp by S.S.D used to go for around $20-$30 until Japanese traders started paying $200 for copies and changed the whole game. One can only speculate on how much rare hardcore classics will be going 5 years from now if still not reissued if these morons continue to keep paying silly prices for records thus putting the prices up for all of us.

Instead of paying a ridiculous price for one cd you can find much of "this is Boston not L.A" and "unsafe at any speed" elsewhere on Amazon. Let's take the Gang Green tracks : you can find all of those and the excellent "sold out"/"terrorize" single on the "pre-school" cd. As for The Freeze tracks, you'll find those alongside marvellous early Freeze singles and rare/unreleased songs on the "token bones" cd. You want the F.U's tracks then you can get them on the cd release of the "kill for christ" ep and the Proletariat songs can be found on their "voodoo economics and other American tragedies" double disc discography. Here's the science bit : even after buying all of these it will still be cheaper than paying $50-$80 for a copy of "this is Boston not L.A"/"unsafe at any speed" and you'll get so much more superb bonus material too. It's up to you, dear reader, but that's what i'd do until this is reissued again and is sold at a normal price.

As for this cd, it's a no-brainer - a hardcore classic, of course. The Gang Green and Freeze material are the highlights. Gang Green's are ultra-fast and wild pre-dating even the mighty Siege while The Freeze's are snarling punk, fellow Boston legends Jerry's Kids, The F.U's and Proletariat rip it up with some blazin' '82 Boston hardcore plus the little known Decadence and The Groinoids also contribute strong material. It's yet another example of why Boston wiped the floor with every other hardcore scene in the early 80s.

Rich Kids .......2005-10-26

Great CD. Paying 50.00 for it used or 70.00 for a new copy would not be Punk Rock. Finding a friend with a copy of it and putting it on eb*y for cheap would! so somebody please do that. Thank you , and Cheers!

AHH....THE BOSTON 80's SCENE !!!!.......2005-01-19

Prolly one of the county's best HC scenes,at least the faster,louder and more politically oriented.This is an incredible comp I used to have on vinyl but I worn it so bad I had to get the cd.And what a good move that was.It's got all of the tracks not only sounding way better than on vinyl but extended playtime in the way of unknown bonus tracks !!! These tracks are worth the album price in its on right.A really comprehensive overview of the best early 80's bands

Compilations rule in punk rock and this is one of the best.......2004-12-19

From the song listing I'm guessing they added the Unsafe At Any Speed comp 7" that came out right after this album. Together they actually make the perfect CD cuz they have tracks from the same bands from the same period which is like 1982. Punk has been, of course, out of the grip of the massive music industry. What happened, as a result, is local sounds. That used to be the case in the 50's and 60's in the U.S. A song could become a regional hit and then possibly break out nationally. Once radio stations became part of conglomerate networks and researchers began to dictate what DJ's should generally play for maximum commercial success, regional sounds and hits began to disappear, in general. Not so in punk rock. The Seattle area, the San Francisco Bay area, Southern California, Texas particularly Austin, Florida, Virginia, D.C., NY, Boston, Chicago, Detroit and probably generally the Midwest, were all distinct punk musical regions with a bit of their own general tendency to have a distinct sound. Of course, many unique sounding bands sprang up from the various cities but, overall, there were regional sounds. When you listen to this CD you can definitely tell that it's not from Southern California or Seattle or D.C. I'm not quite sure how to describe how they sound different. Maybe it's about beer? That's one possible theme difference, particularly with GANG GREEN. It's really a somewhat subtle difference.

If you are ever lucky enough to tour the U.S., or were, you get a real feel for the distinct differences in each punk scene in each city. El Paso is different than Tucson, San Diego is different from the general L.A. region and so on. All I know is, who ever it was who put this comp (actually this album and the 7") did a beautiful job. As you may know if yer into punk, punx typically are not competitive with each other, rather, they often voluntarily cooperate because none of them typically is making a living at bein' a punk band. The band members usually have day jobs. So it's common for bands to be on a compilation album with one to several songs.

Another common sharing thing in punk is the split release. Albums with two punk bands on them are quite common while being quite rare in the big business world of music. Ah, just another reason to love punk rock.

But, I'm not trying to convince anyone of anything here. Just reveling outloud at the joys of this scene, the attitude and it's music, particularly the music. This CD is definitely like having 5 or more 7"s all on one record, and not just any 7"s. Almost every single song on this CD is very strong, a few more strong than others but I don't remember a single one bein' a weak link. Ok, ok, I was just listening to this CD today and there's some songs that are just nice punk rock and not wonderful. Course, I'm also more picky about the HC I listen to the older I get. If it ain't smasho/well written/sounds great, I'm not gonna listen to it. So, it's like 4 great 7"s and 2 ok ones. The sign of a strong comp is no weak songs. It's one reason this comp is legendary in the world of punk, I guess I gotta say now, old school, least to be descriptive. Cuz, after all, time has passed. But, ya know what? This music is not an ounce weaker when you listen to it today. Snappy, real punk rock, made for the pure pleasure of it with no big record executives or producers tellin' the bands how to modify their tunes to get sold to the masses.

This stuff, like most punk rock, is the straight creative artistry of the bands and the people in indie studios and doin' indie labels who just get a thrill making and releasing high quality punk rock. That's what this is. chrisbct@hotmail.com

Average customer rating:

Sincerely disappointing
Good tribute to a great band
Marred Voltage
One thing to keep in mind...
First At the Drive-In CD I ever heard...

This Station Is Non-Operational
At the Drive-In
Manufacturer: Fearless Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Relationship of Command
In Casino Out
Acrobatic Tenement
Vaya
El Gran Orgo

ASIN: B0008FPIPO
Release Date: 2005-05-24

Tracks:

Fahrenheit
Picket Fence Cartel
Chanbara
Lopsided
Napoleon Solo
Pickpocket
Doorman's Placebo (B-Side)
Metronome
198D
One Armed Scissor
Enfilade
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Take Up Thy Stethoscope and Walk (Pink Floyd cover)

Album Description

Four years since their "indefinite hiatus", the band members (now split into The Mars Volta and Sparta) have unveiled this collection of greatest hits, videos, BBC sessions, b-sides, re-mixes, EPK, and covers of The Smiths and Pink Floyd tunes. Includes an 18-track audio CD, a companion DVD, and a booklet containing 20 unreleased photos.

Customer Reviews:

Sincerely disappointing.......2007-02-14

Perhaps it's a little bit refreshing for a normal album to significantly overshadow a greatest hits compilation, but that doesn't mean it should happen.

Simply put, Relationship of Command is a far better, and far more listenable, cd than this greatest hits compilation. There's just something missing from most of the songs on this cd (save the ones from Relationship of Command); that edge and distinctive sound that's so prevalent with the mars volta and (to a significantly lesser degree) sparta just isn't there with most of these "hits."

Do yourself a favor if you're just getting into these guys: Pick up relationship of command, then forget this hits compilation ever existed. Repeat if neccesary.

Good tribute to a great band.......2006-07-29

If you were a radio sucker like I was back in the 90's, you more than likely missed out on great bands like Modest Mouse, At the drive in, among countless others on the indie scene. Well ATDI is now Sparta and The Mars Volta (for the music noobs). This is an outstanding tribute which holds some of their best elements that helped them craft their relentless sound. Any fan or introductee of ATDI should pick up this prverbial aural encyclopedia of the silohuette of one of the best things that ever happened to rock.

Marred Voltage.......2006-03-22

With the brain-melting lyrical overload, elongated musical style and impenetrable concepts of The Mars Volta getting more overwhelming with each album, it's getting harder and harder to conceive that Cedric Bixler and Omar Rodriguez once fronted an inciting and insightful punk outfit that generally got to the point in three minutes bursts. Back in the late 1990s before At The Drive-In splintered into the divisive acts The Mars Volta and Sparta, the El Paso outfit acted as a saving musical grace amongst a sea of scripted popstars and nu-metal lunks. While short on proper `hits', This Station Is Non-Operational contains At The Drive-In's explosive peak in the form of One Armed Scissor, rarities such as the quiet moments of Doorman's Placebo and cover versions including Pink Floyd (the Syd Barrett tune Take Up Thy Stethoscope And Walk) and The Smiths (This Night Has Opened My Eyes). Unsure specifically want it wants to be, This Station Is Non-Operational teeters between rarities round-up and record company cash-in, although the sea shanty sounds of Napoleon Solo, the ghostly Relocator and the Suzanne Vega-tackles-reggae sounds of Rascuache show an interesting flipside to the normal At The Drive-In twists. The final ATDI studio album, Relationship Of Command, saw the flashpoint of insurrection serendipitously cause their musical formula to fall into place, with three of the album's tracks and some video clips from the record also making it to the DVD included here as a bonus. Varied and atmospheric, This Station Is Non-Operational is an ominous yet fascinating (final?) addition to the defunct Texans' back catalogue.

One thing to keep in mind... .......2006-02-13

First of all, I think it's important that you sepperate the fact that yes, At The Drive-In has split into two different bands. If you have heard either Sparta or The Mars Volta's work, you should regard At The Drive-In as a complete and seperate band, because it is. While it's important to know that they started with ATD-I, it's hard to hear it as a new sound if you've already heard the new work.

I think "This Station is Non-Operational" is great for people just getting into ATD-I or that want to learn about a band that inspired another band or if you want to hear previous works from members of Sparta or The Mars Volta. Everybody says "Relaionship of Command" is their best work, but I disagree. It's just a continuation of their previous album, "in/CASINO/OUT".

All and all, this album is great and a good listen. It DOES leave out some of the best songs and tracks from other albums like "Acrobatic Tenement" (except for the BBC session of Iniatiation), but I think it's worth it - especially if you're a first time listener of the band.

First At the Drive-In CD I ever heard..........2005-12-16

I was turned on to this band via The Mars Volta's, Francis The Mute album. I know a few of these tracks are not great, but the collection as a whole was enough to make me a fan of this band.
R.I.P. At the Drive-In. A band that never got enough recognition.

Average customer rating:

good times head banging

This Is Solid State, Vol. 6
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Tooth & Nail Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000NA28DY
Release Date: 2007-03-20

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Forgive Me Nashville - The Chariot
We Don't Believe - Life In Your Way
Stitches - Haste The Day
Epoch Of War - Becoming The Archetype
Search Of The Alley Dwellers - Twelve Gauge Valentine
Songs Sound Much Sadder - Norma Jean
A Call To The Faithful - Inhale Exhale
You're Ever So Inviting - Underoath
Pallbearer - Destroy The Runner
Pride & Humility - August Burns Red
Stampede - He Is Legend
The Soldier's Song - Demon Hunter
A Toast To Bad Taste - Far-less
The Hoard - As Cities Burn
My Heartstrings Come Undone - Demon Hunter

Customer Reviews:

good times head banging.......2007-03-23

This is a pretty good solid state overall. If you are into the roster right now on solid state this is a pretty good representation of what the new cd's are like. It was nice to hear becoming the archetype's new song before the album is even released. THe only reason I gave this album 4 stars is because i don't like a few of the songs (only like 2 of them) and the last demon hunter track my heart strings come undone the acoustic version didn't really flow with the rest of the cd. Other than that it is great. I got mine for 6 dollars so i can't complain!!!!!!!!!!!!

Average customer rating:

This is Satire = Fun
NMB Never Fails to Create a New Sound!

This Is Satire
None More Black
Manufacturer: Fat Wreck Chords
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Punk Revival | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Post Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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Loud About Loathing
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File Under Black
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Cuban Ballerina

ASIN: B000ETRBAE
Release Date: 2006-05-02

Tracks:

We Dance On The Ruins Of The Stupid Stage
Under My Feet
My Wallpaper Looks Like Paint
Zing-Pong
With The Transit Coat On
Opinions & A**holes
I See London
Who Crosses State Lines Without A Shirt?
D Is For Doorman (Come On In)
10 Ton Jiggawatts
You Suck! But Your Peanut Butter Is Ok
Yo, It's Not Rerun
Majestic

Customer Reviews:

This is Satire = Fun.......2006-10-14

None More Black's This is Satire is great and a must for fans of hardcore. The album is like Kid Dynamite but toned down to a "lower" leval of in your face punk. By that I mean the vocals are super punk, but the music is a little lower and peacful and somewhat popy, but with the combonation it makes for an amazing sound that is both fun and easy to listen to. The best tracks on this album are "You Suck! But Your Peanut Butter is Ok" the opening track, and the second track. The whole album is great though, and if you love old school hardcore with a mellow sound and great punk vocals, you will love this. If you're a fan of Kid Dynamite, Paint it Black, and bands alike, you should get this. Or if you just like fun, this is a great album. I hadn't really listened to any other releases by None More Black before I bought this, but This is Satire has definitly opened my eyes to the band. I give it 4 stars though, because a few songs on the album are sort of "too slow" but still good, none of the songs are terrible, however the album would be better off without the few songs I don't like. However, overall This is Satire is great.

NMB Never Fails to Create a New Sound!.......2006-06-22

Alright... I already wrote a review... but since it hasn't been registered, I will write another (it will be much shorter).

Alright, I think that this is their best album. Now, even though it took me a little while to get used to it, after I listened to it a few times, I soon found myself turning to "This Is Satire" instead of "File Under Black" and "Loud about Loathing".

None More Black's sound has evolved quite a bit. It is not as raw... or hardcore punk sounding, but I think that it is better this way. We all got Kid Dynamite and we will always love it. But this is a new band. None More Black now has created their own unique sound that no one else can duplicate. While still keeping some of that raw sound that we love, they are able to put more melody into their music, while still keeping their amazing lyrics and song titles. Keep it up NMB!!

Average customer rating:

this is hell
It's the "ghost" of Wes Eisold...!!
Hardcore makes a triumphant return.
Hardcore Is Not Dead.

Sundowning
This Is Hell
Manufacturer: Trustkill Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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4-for-3 Alternative Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

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4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
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The Search Party Never Came
Broadcasting...
Crisis
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ASIN: B000FA57XA
Release Date: 2006-05-16

Tracks:

Retrospect
Prelude (Again)
Here Come The Rains
Permanence
4/8/05
The Polygraph Cheaters
Deliver Me
The Absentee Ballot
Broken Teeth
8/27/05
Procession Commence
Nobody Leaves Without Singing The Blues
Epilogue

Album Description

Every few years the hardcore scene gets a breath of fresh air, a young band that gets everyone excited about the scene once again... THIS IS HELL is that band. From Long Island, this band is known for their relentless touring and energetic live shows, proven to the masses on their recent full US tour with labelmates Most Precious Blood, and with Comeback Kid, Ignite, and First Blood! Hardcore is alive and well folks.

Customer Reviews:

this is hell.......2007-04-18

this album is serisouly one of the best things i have ever heard in my life...

It's the "ghost" of Wes Eisold...!!.......2006-08-18

Do not hesitate, hardcore and American Nightmare/Give Up The Ghost fans, to get this album right away. The hype surrounding this album was definitely justified. While not a carbon copy of the now defunct hardcore greats, the vocals sound somewhat like Wes and the music is total hardcore with a few innovations here and there, to keep it from getting stale. People who swear by hardcore music often praise the genre for it's unrelenting sound, and boast that innovation is mostly an afterthought and not that important. No one can deny, however, that some of the greatest (Gorilla Biscuits, Judge, GUTG) are undeniably distinct and innovative in their own way. This Is Hell are on their way.

Hardcore makes a triumphant return........2006-07-21

This cd is what the hardcore scene needs to get back on it's feet. Stick To Your Guns is doing a good job of that as well.

This cd reminds me a lot of American Nightmare combined with Comeback Kid. I'm usually not a fan of this style of music, particularly because of the vocals, but Travis yells and screams, so I think that's the first thing that got me to like the cd, besides the amazing and catchy music. The guitars are melodic and catchy as hell. I got this cd a few days ago, and it hasn't left my cd player. I love it. In addition to Travis' great hardcore vocals, he does a great job of writing lyrics as well. There are a few breakdowns scattered across this cd to get the crowds moving at shows.

The only thing disappointing about this cd had nothing to do with the cd itself. It says on the front of the cover there is a coupon for a free This Is Hell t-shirt. The catch is that the coupon can only be used at "the merchandise booth or any This Is Hell performance".

Considering the only disappointing thing had nothing to do with the actual cd, this should let you, the reader, know that this cd is nothing short of amazing. It is a current favorite cd of mine. Permanence is probably my favorite song off the album, but all of the songs are amazing in their own way.

Hardcore Is Not Dead........2006-07-20

Hardcore is not dead. With hardcore bands becoming regulars on MTV, endorsement as well as major label deals, the spirit of hardcore and the do-it-yourself ethics are easily replaced with dollar signs. Self-releasing their debut EP release as well as self-booking their trek across the North America and Europe, Long Island natives, This Is Hell, return hardcore back to its glory days. The five piece's dedication and passion attracted the attention of hardcore heavyweight, Trustkill records which signed and released the bands full length debut, "Sundowning". At just under thirty minutes, "Sundowning" is as much a declaration as it is a testimony to the resilient and spirit of hardcore. Featuring hardcore stalwart and former vocalist Travis Reilly of Scraps and Heart Attacks as well as members of The Backup Plan, members of This Is Hell combine to form a sound that combines the fury and aggression of old school seminal bands Youth of Today, Gorilla Biscuits and Minor Threat with personal tales chronicling regret, loss and hopelessness reminiscent of American Nightmare/Give Up The Ghost. Admittingly, "This Is Hell" is not breaking any new ground but the power, passion and intensity they possess is what deserves a listen to. This intensity and passion is displayed on "Polygraph cheaters" where Reilly issues a manifest about the current state of today's music scene. Screaming for a medic and asserting "all our heroes are tragically flawed", the band's message is clear. With Converge's Dean Baltulonis behind the helm managing the recording and mixing, the other thirteen tracks on "Sundowning" display the same level of intensity. Elevating the album higher are guest appearances by Daryl Palumbo of Glassjaw/Head Automatica fame on the track "Procession Commence". Complementing the album is the stunning cover artwork of Converge's Jacob Bannon. "Sundowning" is a devastating release that will waken the heart of a "stone hearted cynic" and will be sung as the anthem of the gathering masses inside VFW halls across the nation.

Average customer rating:

Better than #1
An Awesome Variety

This Is Solid State, Vol. 2
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Tooth & Nail Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Punk Revival | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

This Is Solid State Vol. 3
This Is Solid State, Vol. 1
This Is Solid State, Vol. 5
This Is Solid State, Vol. 4
Victory Style, Vol. 2

ASIN: B000053UBQ
Release Date: 2001-02-13

Tracks:

Conditional - Living Sacrifice
Trashcanhands (Keyboard Cowards) - Zao
Ember - Extol
Through My Actions - Stretch Armstrong
One Less Addiction - Embodyment
King Of The Closet - Blindside
Monarch - Society's Finest
Tennessee Midget - Training For Utopia
Blacksmith - Luti-kriss
Coat Of Arms - Lengsel
Motivation Song - Selfmindead
Nothing More, Nothing Less - Born Blind
3rd Root - Wah Wah
Council Of Perfection - Strongarm
The Two Forty Eight Lie - Spitfire
When I Die - Focal Point

Customer Reviews:

Better than #1.......2003-10-22

1. Conditional - Living Sacrifice 5/5
2. Trashcanhands (Keyboard Cowards - ZAO 5/5
3. Ember - Extol 5/5
4. Through My Actions - Stretch Armstrong 5/5
5. One Less Addiction - Embodyment 4/5
6. King of the Closet - Blindside 5/5
7. Monarch - Society's Finest 5/5
8. Tennessee Midget - Training for Utopia 5/5
9. Blacksmith - Norma Jean/Lutikriss 4/5
10. Coat of Arms - Lengsel 5/5
11. Motivation Song - Selfmindead 5/5
12. Nothing More, Nothing Less - Born Blind 4/5
13. 3rd Root - Wah Wah 2/5
14. Council of Perfection - Strongarm 5/5
15. Two Forty Eight Lie - Spitfire 5/5
16. When I Die - Focal Point 3/5
Love it. Buy it. Great variety of Death/BlackMetal, Hardcore, rapcore, and Metalcore.

An Awesome Variety.......2001-03-24

I've never been much for CD's with a ton of different artists on them, but this is definitely an exception. Every single song on this CD is great! Plus, there are 16 songs, which beats the length of a typical album. Solid State is an excellent recording label, with some really talented bands, and this CD is a superb display of that talent. All the songs are nice and different, which helps keep you from getting bored listening to it. I highly recommend this CD to anyone who likes metal/hardcore music!

Average customer rating:

great album
Great Mix
Great compilation
Buy it.
This is Solid State Vol. 1

This Is Solid State, Vol. 1
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Tooth & Nail Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Punk Revival | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Alternative | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

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4-for-3 Christian & Gospel | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
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This Is Solid State, Vol. 2
This Is Solid State Vol. 3
This Is Solid State, Vol. 5
This Is Solid State, Vol. 4
This Is Solid State, Vol. 6

ASIN: B00000IOQ4
Release Date: 1999-04-06

Tracks:

Enthroned 98 - Living Sacrifice
Outside Looking In - Stretch Arm Strong
To Think Of You Is To Treasure An Absent Memory - Zao
Progress - Selfmindead
Halo Of Winter - Embodyment
A Knife In The Dark - Warlord
Human Shield - Training For Utopia
Celestial Completion - Extol
Invert - Blindside
Quintessence - Spitfire
Threatened - Living Sacrifice
Absence - Focused
Meet Us Here - Unashamed
These Times That Try Men's Souls - Strongarm
When Beauty Dies - Overcome
Broken Bonds - Focal Point

Customer Reviews:

great album.......2004-03-07

big shock to most that all thest guys are god fearing xians, however this isn't your grandma's xian music, this cd, and these bands was my introduction to a musical genre that i've fallen in love with, and even though i'm not a xian and don't care much for they're morals, i love this cd and most of the artists i listen to all the time. this is an album you can throw on in the pressance of ANY metal head and be like "so yea it's xian metal" and unless they've heard of the band you'll have to show them liner notes, this album rocks hard, if you like metal than pick it up!

Great Mix.......2003-10-22

GReat mix of hardcore, metalcore, thrash, and metal. It's great.
1. Enthroned 98 - Living Sacrifice 5/5
2. Outside Looking In - Stretch Arm Strong 4/5
3. To Think of You Is to Treasure an Absent Memory - Zao 5/5
4. Progress - Selfmindead 4/5
5. Halo of Winter - Embodyment 5/5
6. Knife in the Dark - Warlord 4/5
7. Human Shield - Training for Utopia 5/5
8. Celestial Completion - Extol 5/5
9. Invert - Blindside 5/5
10. Quintessence - Spitfire 5/5
11. Threatened - Living Sacrifice 4/5
12. Absence - Focused 5/5
13. Meet Us Here - Unashamed 5/5
14. These Times That Try Men's Souls - Strongarm 5/5
15. When Beauty Dies - Overcome 4/5
16. Broken Bonds - Focal Point 3/5
It's a great mix. Get it for some good varoiety. Favorite track is 8.

Great compilation.......2002-07-12

This is one of the best Solid State compilations. Mostly becuase of Living Sacrifice and Zao, and of course Blindside. Great CD to buy when looking for a new metal artist

Buy it........2000-05-17

This album introduced me to death metal, it absolutly blew my mind. This only the second of my 50 cds I'v given five stars. Top cuts from Extol, Zao, Living Sacrafice, Blindside, and Focal Point. If u like black metal, thrash metal, or just great death metal this album has it all. Only one of the 16 songs is boring (Training For Utopia) Buy it if u like heavy musik and u will not be dissapointed.

This is Solid State Vol. 1.......2000-03-28

This is a great compiliation of the artist on the solid state records. It puts the power of harcore and heavier music right at your fingertips.

Average customer rating:

AMAZING!!
absolute classic
Kwest is the blueprint of a freestyle/battle MC.

This Is My First Album
Kwest tha Madd Ladd
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

Gangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

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Lune Tunz
From Tha Ground Unda
Give Em the Finger
Breakin' Combs
#1 Player

ASIN: B000002MAJ
Release Date: 1996-04-09

Tracks:

Everyone Always Said I Should Start My Album off With a Bang
101 Things to Do While I'm With Your Girl
Disnexone
I Met My Baby at V.I.M.
Blase Blah (Off Tha Head)
Lubrication
What's the Reaction
Daddiez Home
Kwest's Theme Song
Skin Care
Day in the Life of My Asspipe
Butta-Few-Co
Disk and Dat
125 Pennies for Your Thoughts
Herman's Head
Bludawnmeyesneekhuz (Through Tha Eyez of a Hood)
Damn
Say My Name Again

Customer Reviews:

AMAZING!!.......2005-10-08

This is probably the best hip hop CD to be released in 1996. It stays true to the roots of hip hop. Kwest's style and humor is reminiscent of Pharcyde's first album "Bizzare Ride II The Pharcyde". Which if you listen carefully, he's listening to that album in his car in one of the skits. I am very sad to see this was his only album. The beats on this album are top notch. It's great that in 1996, he was still keeping that sample-based true hip hop feel. Last I read, he was actually homeless, and had to do an interview from a payphone or something. If that's true, it's such a shame, because this is one of the most talented, original, and funny, emcees to ever be in the game.

absolute classic.......2005-09-18

this is a very impressive cd, he hasnt done anything since, but kwest has a quick, slick flow and is very humorous, but he also speaks on some issues too. the beats on the album are all made by unknown producers, but they are some of the best i ever heard in hip hop. i wholeheartedly urge you to get this album, as in a few years there prolly wont be many copies left and its the kinda ish youll play to death.

Kwest is the blueprint of a freestyle/battle MC........2005-07-16

This album was an amazing surprise and I loved it.
I first heard of Kwest in an old issue of "The Source," where a small article wrote about a NY battle he took part in...later released on limited ed. vinyl, entitled "Biography of an ass-whuppin'." It was dubbed by the "The Source" as one of the dopest, most degrating (of the other guy) one-sided battles they've ever heard. That got me wonderin'.

Later I copped an old issue of "Rap Pages" w/ Kwest on the cover...the issue was called "Who the %$@* is Kwest tha Madd Ladd?" He had a 8 page article about him and his album (which dropped in '96). That was the last straw, so shortly afterwards I bought this album.

Let's say I had no idea what to expect. I read that Kwest was a wizard w/ his words and charismatic as hell...well, he's all that and...(insert favorite played-out metaphor here).

This album is pure fun. More than half the songs deal w/ the oppostie sex in many different scenarios: "Disnexone" is about trying to find the perfect ho in a sea of ugly fish, "101 Things..." is self-explanitory, "Daddiez Home" is about what happens when Pops catches you phuckin' his princess, "Butta-few-co" is about hookin' up w/ a 13 year old (sounds gross, but he flips it mad jokes style). So you get the idea.

The best track is his freestyle joint "Blase Blah," where you fully understand that this man was born to rhyme...he flips some of the craziest sh*t w/ a flow that knows no bounds.

The production is dope, but not so dope that it outshines Kwest's lyrical lickin'. Think of the production on Ras Kass' "Soul on Ice," dope enough to keep you noddin', but low-key enough to not out-shine Ras and just let him do his thing.

Most of all Kwest makes you laugh and smile...his talent shines on this LP...it's pure carefree fun, not a commercial crumb in it.

Bottom Line: I love this album. Kwest is very unique and has personality fallin' outta his pockets. 4 1/2 stars (only 'cause 5 would be a classic). COP IT! Peace.

Music:

Music