American Roots Music [Box set]

Amazon.com
These are the sounds of the American melting pot in full boil, a vibrant study in musical and cultural collision. The companion box set to the four-part PBS documentary, this four-disc set skims the cream of 20th-century American "roots music"--music based in its own rich ethnic, geographical, and cultural traditions yet malleable and responsive enough to accommodate elements borrowed from other traditions. The 68 songs here traverse country, blues, folk, gospel, Cajun, zydeco, Tejano, and Native American styles, and while there are obviously huge differences between these songs, it's the similarities that are truly remarkable. Thanks to a cross-pollination facilitated by radio, recording technology, and the highway system, traditional American musical forms bounced off each other like atoms--European tradition met African tradition, urban met rural, Northern met Southern, secular met spiritual, and so it goes. This project allows you to trace each genre's development while simultaneously illustrating its connections to other forms. Like any project of this nature, you can lament all the great music that didn't make it--jazz, in fact, is completely ignored except for one boogie-woogie piano duet, presumably because Ken Burns already covered this territory--but it's difficult to find fault with what did make it here. The producers balance well-known original recordings with 20 newly recorded tracks and nine songs taken from archival film sources. Housed in a stylish hard-bound case and boasting detailed song-by-song notes and great photos, the American Roots Music box makes for a valuable gateway into America's musical heritage and a springboard for further investigation. --Marc Greilsamer

Product Description:
An impressive four-CD box-set primer that collects more than 100 years of music, from nineteenth-century gospel ensemble The Fisk Jubilee Singers to contemporary acts such as R&B guitarist Keb Mo'. Includes tracks from Robert Johnson, Bob Dylan, Flaco Jimenez, Mahalia Jackson, the Staple Singers, B.B. King, Gene Autry and Jimmy Rogers to name just a few. Contains more than 65 essential American recordings, a wealth of photographs and liner notes written by Robert Antelli, Holly George Warren and Charles Wolfe. Deluxe long digi-book with 56 page collector-quality booklet. Palm Records. 2002.

American Roots Music,Various Artists,Palm Pictures (Audio,Acoustic Blues,Black Gospel,Blues Revival,Box Sets (Audio Only),Country,Delta Blues,Field Recordings,Folk & Traditional,Folk Collections,Folk Revival,Honky Tonk,Nashville Sound/Countrypolitan,Old-Timey,Political Folk,Pop,Traditional Bluegrass,Traditional Country,Traditional Folk,Traditional Gospel,Zydeco

Average customer rating: Give Mike a Break! Only one disc? Worth a purchase even for the hardcore fans... Re-recorded hits Buy new song on iTunes and save money

Greatest Hits Social Distortion Manufacturer: Time Bomb ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music American Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: New Maps of Hell A Poet's Life Zeitgeist Libertad Icky Thump ASIN: B000QFCCUA Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

1. Another State Of Mind
2. Mommy's Little Monster
3. Prison Bound
4. Story Of My Life
5. Ball And Chain
6. Ring Of Fire
7. Bad Luck
8. When The Angels Sing
9. I Was Wrong
10. Reach For The Sky
11. Far Behind

Customer Reviews:

Give Mike a Break!.......2007-07-09

Of course if you are a longtime fan you might now want this, as it is largely a reprise. (Thus the title: Greatest Hits.) I, as a fanatic, am looking forward to checking out some of the re-recorded songs and love "Far Behind." Obviously if you are looking for new material, this isn't the place to go! Come on, guys. It looks like a pretty competent greatest hits collection to me. If you want B-tracks, etc., buy the damn original albums like the rest of us! Mike--you are one of the greatest songwriters of our era, and I can't wait for the new album!

Only one disc?.......2007-07-02

Considering that I have been enamored with Social Distortion since I was eight years old, my review may be on the biased side, but the major quips I have with this collection are that A. It's only one disc: Granted not every Social Distortion song can be called a hit, they have more than 11 tracks to consider great. B. Not all the old songs are remastered: The two tracks I'm really talking about are 'Another State of Mind' and 'Prison Bound'. If you've been lucky enough to see or hear one of their latest shows, they start off 'Prison Bound' with a beautiful piano melody, which would have been fantastic to hear in a studio form, and 'Another State of Mind' with the new dynamic duo of Ness and Wickersham would have been something for the ages. I am pleased to hear the White Light, White Heat, White Trash songs redone, but they didn't require too much reworking because of the album's sheer perfection on its release eleven years ago.

So for those just getting into Social Distortion, or the people like me who will buy just about anything they do regardless of how it's reviewed, give this a try, but don't spend too much on it or expect monumental difference in songs. Hopefully it won't be another eight years before another album hits the shelves.

Worth a purchase even for the hardcore fans..........2007-07-01

When I first learned that Social Distortion would be releasing a "greatest hits" album, I wasn't too excited about it. Of course, I have all the albums already and I wasn't looking forward to the prospect of paying $14 to get the one new song in an album of repackaged hits. I was also a bit put off by the fact that this album would only contain 11 songs. That is pretty thin for a "greatest hits" album. Still, since I can't get enough of Social Distortion and I'm a shameless completist, I knew I'd end up forking over the cash.

Let's just say that I was surprised when I first listened to this CD. As has been speculated on by Social Distortion fans for some time now, all of the songs from the major label era albums (tracks 4-9) have been given a major facelift.

This is where things get interesting. As of now, the band has not officially commented on this situation and the liner notes are no help either. Some fans are convinced that these tracks are merely remastered. Others think that the original songs have been re-mixed. Still, more think that what's on this CD is demo versions of the Sony era classics. Others think that the songs have been completely re-recorded.

I can't say that I'm an expert on mastering, mixing, or recording, but all I needed to hear was the first 5 seconds of "I Was Wrong" to realize that these songs are basically totally different. To me, the vocals and guitars sound totally different on all of the songs.

Personally, I don't buy the notion that these songs have only been "remastered". I own many remastered albums. I re-bought some of Bad Religions re-mastered releases in 2004. All of those songs sounded nearly identical to their original releases. The only difference in those releases is that they ended up much louder and crisper on the remastered discs. This is not the case with this CD. These songs have been altered and altered alot.

I'm sure some purists will be put off by the fact that the band has done this under the name of a greatest hits cd. Myself, I don't mind it one bit. It was a welcome surprise and actually made it worth me buying this cd. If I want to listen to the originals, I can pop those cd's in any time. This is a nice change of pace.

The new versions of the classic songs are interesting. I really can't call them better or worse than the originals. They are just different. I like both the originals and what's on this cd. Like I said, this is just a nice change of pace. Also, Far Behind is a great song. Classic Social Distortion.

So, I will say that this "greatest hits" album was worth the money in the end. In a perfect world, I would have preferred them to have released a b-sides/unreleased tracks cd. Social Distortion has a huge catalog of rarities that they've never released. That would have been better for the hardcore fans like myself, but I'll take what I can get. Maybe someday I'll get what I'm looking for (Mike Ness if you happen to read this: hint, hint). In the end, this will tide me over until they get around to releasing another new album. I'll just keep crossing my fingers and hoping that doesn't take nearly a decade like the last one.

If you're a hardcore SxDx fan or a newbie just looking to get aquainted with some of Social Distortion's music, you won't be disappointed with this cd.

Re-recorded hits.......2007-06-28

Let me start off by saying Mike Ness (and whoever is in Social Distortion at any given moment) are an awesome band. Period. But, this 'greatest hits' cd is a disappointment. First off, all the Sony-era tracks are not included, instead we get re-recorded ones. Secondly, 11 songs? That's it? Plenty of room to add more hits (re-recorded or not). And thirdly, the liner notes are basically a cut and paste bio. No band credits, no production credits, nothing. Then to make matters worse, iTunes has a download of the old Chuck Berry song MAYBELLENE (which you have to buy the whole album on iTunes to get ) that would ahve easily fit on here. Kind of a shame.

Buy new song on iTunes and save money.......2007-06-28

I love Social Distortion but will not be wasting my money on this "Greatest Hits" collection. I think whoever came up with the albums track listing was unfamiliar with how many hits the band actually had. Maybe the band were more popular here in the Phoenix area (where they were a rock/alternative radio staple) then in other parts of the country. At minimum the track listing should have been doubled to be a greatest hits album. I was really looking forward to buying this cd and was greatly disappointed when I went to purchase it. I am sad to say that this is the first Social D album I won't be buying. Instead I will buy the 1 new single on iTunes and save my money until a real greatest hits collection or better yet a Social Distortion Anthology or Box Set is released.

Average customer rating: Its missing something.... Great music, poor packaging!! Excellent Folk Music Non-traditional performance style disguised as traditional music. I'm extremely pleased with the re-issue

We Shall Overcome - The Seeger Sessions - American Land Edition Bruce Springsteen Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Live In Dublin Bruce Springsteen on Tour: 1968-2005 Greetings from E Street: The Story of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band Hammersmith Odeon London '75 Bruce Springsteen with the Sessions Band: Live In Dublin ASIN: B000GG4XJM Release Date: 2006-10-03

Tracks:

1. Old Dan Tucker
2. Jesse James
3. Mrs. McGrath
4. O Mary Dont You Weep
5. John Henry
6. Erie Canal
7. Jacobs Ladder
8. My Oklahoma Home
9. Eyes On The Prize
10. Shenandoah
11. Pay Me My Money Down
12. We Shall Overcome
13. Froggie Went A Courtin
14. Buffalo Gals
15. How Can I Keep From Singing
16. How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times And Live (Bruce Springsteen Version)
17. Bring Em Home
18. American Land

Album Description

A 40-minute film about the recording of the album with artist commentary. Includes filmed performances of:

John Henry Pay Me My Money Down Buffalo Gals Erie Canal O Mary Don't You Weep Jacob's Ladder Froggie Went A Courtin' Shenandoah

Plus four bonus live tour videos:

How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times And Live (Bruce Springsteen Version) Bring 'Em Home American Land Pay Me My Money Down

Customer Reviews:

Its missing something...........2007-07-04

Like stew is missing salt, this is missing soul. The music is grand, and has good flavor, but I cant feel it, you know? Im almost there, but I cant cross over. I feel a bit cheated by that.

Great music, poor packaging!!.......2007-05-31

That 5 stars I gave is for the music. It is great. However, the packaging is really poor. They just slip the discs in a cardboard case. This makes it very easy to scratch the disc. I had to put the discs in separate jewel cases. It's rediculous.

Excellent Folk Music.......2007-05-14

My family just loves this CD/DVD. My son was amazed to see how songs are sung, and how Bruce can just say "give me some of this" and make up the opening to the song with sounds from his mouth, then have another musician play it on his instrument. Very talented people. We love folk music and this is a great collection of songs. My son is practicing "John Henry" for his American Idol audition!!!!! My wife loves it because you don't have to worry about the content (cursing, killing people, etc.). It is just good old music, a happy CD.

Non-traditional performance style disguised as traditional music........2007-04-25

Springsteen is a quasi-folk singer with poor diction that doesn't know what the meaning of traditional music is. Excuse me, but throwing in everything from the kitchen sink doesn't make the music more interesting. It only makes it weird. Nothing sits right with this album. The traditional instruments are mixed with brass instruments and a cheap drum-set that add nothing to the traditional songs of American nostalgia. Nothing needs to be added to the songs if one really appreciates traditional songs as they are traditionally sung and played. This album has tried to popularize traditional music so as to make it palatable to the general public who generally doesn't appreciate the real thing. It might make your toe tap while you listen to it, but so does any rhythm in the universe.

I'm extremely pleased with the re-issue.......2007-03-26

If re-issues are going to happen, I guess this is as good of a re-issue as I could expect. I really like the live cuts from the tour on the dvd. Also, the added songs are wonderful. I don't know why people carp about this, as they don't have to buy it. There is no reason to get on to Springsteen for giving his fans what they ask for, which is why this was put together. As for the complaint that Springsteen used non-Seeger songs so he wouldn't have to pay royalties, that is silly. He doesn't get any more money by using traditional songs than if he had used Seeger songs. Seeger isn't going to need the money anyway. What Bruce did was select songs that adequately express the sentiment in our country during these troubling times. It's another political statement, and if you don't Springsteen making political statements, don't buy his music; it's that simple. Frankly, I'm glad that somebody has enough guts to speak up and do it in a creative way.

I also bought the re-issue of Neil Young's Living With War and Bob Dylan's Modern Times. I found the Springsteen re-issue to be a far better spendage of my money. At least I got new stuff with Springsteen's re-issue. The Dylan re-issue comes with videos from as far back as ten years, and only four at that. Talk to me about rip-off. The American Land Edition is now my standard edition of the Seeger Sessions. I can just give the other copy to someone who might appreciate it.

Average customer rating: It's great! Honestly, this CD sucks What an awesome CD!!! rocket ship beach review we all love it

Rocket Ship Beach Dan Zanes + Friends Manufacturer: Festival Five Rec. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Styles | Music Folk Music | Children's Music | Styles | Music Sing-A-Longs | Children's Music | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: House Party Family Dance Night Time Catch That Train! Dan Zanes & Friends - All Around the Kitchen! Crazy Videos & Concert Songs! ASIN: B000051ZNR Release Date: 2002-07-30

Tracks:

1. Polly Wolly Doodle (with Sheryl Crow)
2. King Kong Kitchie (with the Wonderland String Band)
3. Bushel and a Peck (with Donald Saaf and the Rocket Ship Singers)
4. Go Down Emmanuel Road (with the Sandy Girls)
5. Goodbye Old Paint
6. Father Goose (with Rankin' Don and the Rocket Ship
7. Keep on the Sunny Side (with the Wonderland String Band)
8. Erie Canal (with Suzanne Vega)
9. Buckeye Jim
10. Brown Girl in the Ring (with the Wonderland String Band and G.E. Smith)
11. Hello (with Barbara Brousal)
12. All My Friends Live in the Woods (with Simon Kirke)
13. Weather Report (Sophie and Emma)
14. Mole in the Ground
15. On the Sunny Side of the Street (with Rankin' Don and Donald Saaf)
16. Sidewalks of New York (with a cast of thousands)
17. Over the Rainbow (with Donald Saaf)

Amazon.com

Dan Zanes, lead singer of the 1980s roots-rock band the Del Fuegos, didn't need to enlist the high-profile help of pals Sheryl Crow and Suzanne Vega to produce a crowd-pleasing kids' record, but he got it anyway. On Rocket Ship Beach, where traditional tunes such as "Polly Wolly Doodle" (with Crow) and "Erie Canal" (with Vega) mingle in loosey-goosey, just-for-the-fun-of-it fashion with originals such as the plucky "All My Friends Live in the Woods" (written by Bad Company buddy Simon Kirke), Zanes exhibits the same plugged-in exuberance that gave his former band its unpredictable zing. Besides the no-amateurs instrumentation, which includes Zanes on guitar, lap steel, banjo-mandolin, and studiophone, and G.E. Smith on banjo-mandolin and guitar as part of a kickin' string band that performs the classic "King Kong Kitchie," plus a cluster of others, what stands out most about this 17-track funfest is its draw-you-in friendliness. Pitching in with the pros (who also include dancehall rapper Rankin' Don--he delivers the gruff stuff on "Father Goose" and "Sunny Side of the Street") are family friends such as the gang of West Indian babysitters turned vocal group the Sandy Girls, who give it up to impressive, get-you-boogying effect on "Emmanuel Road," and a kindergarten class that contributes, adorably, to "Sidewalks of New York." All told, this is way hipper than most kids' records and it also razzle-dazzles with its packaging--Rocket Ship Beach arrives in a chunky, colorful board-book illustrated with sweet, fantasy-fueled beachside scenes by banjo player and Zanes's brother-in-law, Donald Saaf. --Tammy La Gorce

Album Description

music is in the air. it's alive and it's here for everyone. if you can play an old song, you can write a new song. make it a family parade, all around the kitchen cock-a-doodle-doodle-doo. or how about a family band? on the front steps, in the back yard, in the park, on the sidewalk, in the basement. if you can brush your teeth, you can play tamborine. if you can tell a joke, you can sing.

festival five records is the sound of a neighborhood band on the front stoop playing tunes after dinner for a family dance. festival five records is the sound of a group of 9 and 10 year olds singing a sixty year old broadway song in the basement of a 150 year old row house. it's the sound of a 40-year-old dad on a blue porch singing a 400 year old story song about a frog that marries a mouse. when you feel that music in the air, try to catch as much as possible.

Customer Reviews:

It's great!.......2007-01-27

I'm a first-time Mom who was looking for a CD both my daughter and I could enjoy. We rec'd this CD at Christmas along with "Buzz Buzz" by Laurie Berkner. This one is my personal favorite. I think I enjoy it as much, if not more than my daughter (who is 1). The songs are addicting and I, like a previous reviewer, find myself singing/humming them even when my daughter is not around. Polly Wolly Doodle and King Kong Kitchie are fabulous! I highly recommend giving this CD a spin. I'm sure my daughter will love it even more when she gets a little older.

Honestly, this CD sucks.......2007-01-18

I was excited to receive this CD because of its great reviews. Once I received it however, I found it barely listenable. My toddler daughter looked and me and said "Off!Off!" and we took it off the CD player after only 10 minutes.

People can make of Raffi all they want, but at least his music is tolerable!

Don't waste your money on this lemon of a CD.

What an awesome CD!!!.......2006-12-20

My 2 year old and 1 year old think this CD ROCKS! My son will point to the CD player and cry and whine until I turn it on. From song one they both wiggle, giggle and dance all over. The songs are very folksy, upbeat, and easy to groove too. Get this CD and watch your kids get jiggy wit' it!

rocket ship beach review.......2006-11-10

Rocket Ship Beach was my introduction to Dan Zanes. I have a new son and I was searching for some music we could both enjoy. I found this and thought I would give it a shot. The cd is wonderful. The music is addicting and I find myself driving down the road singing to myself....without my son in the car! Polly Wolly Doodle, the first track, is one of my favorites (and not because I am a Sheryl Crow fan). Another beautiful song is "Hello". This cd is upbeat, fun and yet different from some more typical childrens music. My son really enjoys the different sounds and rhythms on the cd. The cd has a few little introductions where you can hear children, a phone ringing, ect. This cd is sure to put you in a good mood. I highly recommend it! I am actually waiting for another Dan Zanes cd to arrive I liked it so much.

we all love it.......2006-08-05

The whole family can enjoy this music, unlike many of the other kid's music that is so lame.

Average customer rating: One of the Greats LORD OF MERCY!!! THE BLACK CROWES' ANTICIPATING FOLLOW-UP TO $HAKE YOUR MONEY MAKER. The Best Crowes Album! One of the best rock albums of the 90's

The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion The Black Crowes Manufacturer: American Recordings ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Southern Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Shake Your Money Maker Amorica Three Snakes and One Charm By Your Side Live at the Greek ASIN: B000062XB3 Release Date: 2002-03-05

Tracks:

1. Sting Me
2. Remedy
3. Thorn In My Pride
4. Bad Luck Blue Eyes Goodbye
5. Sometimes Salvation
6. Hotel Illness
7. Black Moon Creeping
8. No Speak No Slave
9. My Morning Song
10. Time Will Tell

Customer Reviews:

One of the Greats.......2007-06-09

Truly Five stars here, probably the Black Crowes' best album. Each song is a masterpiece, wonderfully written and produced. I'd buy it just on the strength of "Remedy" or "Sometimes Salvation," two of the most wonderfully- crafted rock songs you'll hear. But you also get five or six other classics thrown on top here.
"Sting Me," "Thorn In My Pride," "Bad Luck Blue Eyes," and "Hotel Illness" are all instant classics, and there isn't a dull moment on the whole recording.
A kind of breathtaking record, actually. Any gritty rock and roll fan will eat it up. It's on par with Exile on Main St or Physical Graffiti!

LORD OF MERCY!!!.......2007-04-05

Ok. So now Captain & Tennille don't make it as cutting edge rock and roll anymore. Ditto Olivia Newton John. Time for all you Yankees to get some sense and rinse the muck out of your ears. The South gave America jazz, gospel and rock and roll. This little album here just crawls with gators and kudzu. It tastes New Orleans. Burns like Atlanta. And it breathes clean like the Smoky Mountains.

Think your little piss-ant weinie art rock collection is so golden? Nothing but a Shirley Temple to this tumbler of Jack. Time to rock like a man on heavy testosterone. Time for women to strut a like an estrogen marinated Venus.

Guys, put on your dancin' shoes. Ladies, put that blue dress on. South is gonna rise again. Stand back and prepare to be assimilated. Resistance is futile.

THE BLACK CROWES' ANTICIPATING FOLLOW-UP TO $HAKE YOUR MONEY MAKER........2007-02-13

I will be writing a review on the legendary album entitled "THE SOUTHERN HARMONY AND MUSICAL COMPANION" by one of Rock's greatest bands. I give you one of America's favorite sons and one of Georgia's pride and joy's, THE BLACK CROWES. This album was originally released in 1992 on Compact Disc on the Def American Recordings records label in association with Angelus Entertainment. As always, if I hear any new additional information concerning this legendary album or the artist, I will edit this review immediately so that you the consumer will get the best informative and most accurate review possible.

During this period, THE BLACK CROWES were on a roll. The band was celebrating their newfound fame and fortune as a result of their extremely successful debut album "$HAKE YOUR MONEY MAKER" from 1990. Their popularity was forever growing tremendously as a result of their growing fanbase and following resulting in sold out concerts everywhere they performed. The band was definitely enjoying the fruits to its fullest excesses that the good life has to offer. According to the Rock critics, lead vocalist and frontman Chris Robinson was being labeled as one of Rock's newest sex symbol's. Having accomplished all of these tasks, it was now time for THE BLACK CROWES or should I say, lead vocalist and frontman Chris Robinson, his brother lead guitarist Rich Robinson, bassist Johnny Colt, drummer Steve Gorman, lead and rhythm guitarist Marc Ford and keyboardist and piano Ed Hawrysch to head back into the recording studio and record the follow-up to their extremely successful debut album $HAKE YOUR MONEY MAKER." As a result, after a certain period of time passed, THE BLACK CROWES would complete and hand in to their record label Def American Recordings records, "THE SOUTHERN HARMONY AND MUSICAL COMPANION." In my opinion, "THE SOUTHERN HARMONY AND MUSICAL COMPANION" is a well recorded and balanced album. And yes, this album does kick a*s.

All I will say is if you really want to get down and Rock to the music of this album, listen to the Rockers such as "Sting Me," the breathtaking "Remedy," the soulful "Thorn In My Pride," the blistering "Black Moon Creeping," the killer "No Speak No Have" and the funkish "My Morning Song."

If you like Blues Rock ballads, listen to the songs "Bad Luck Blue Eyes Goodbye," "Sometimes Salvation" and "Time Will Tell."

This album does contain one Country Rock song called "Hotel Illness," this song sounds really good.

Overall, this is one hell of an album worth seeking out and checking into.

I would like to highly recommend purchasing this legendary album to own as a valuable and important part of his or her own personal music collection. This album will definitely stand the test of time and will always be around to be enjoyed, appreciated and cherished for many years to come, NOW AND FOREVER.

In closing, with the success of their follow-up album "THE SOUTHERN HARMONY AND MUSICAL COMPANION," THE BLACK CROWES would continue on the path to further fame and fortune. The band's continued sell out's of all their concerts is an indication that THE BLACK CROWES are here to stay. With this in mind, THE BLACK CROWES legend does not even come close to ending here. There will be new stories that would need to be conquered, told and written in pages and chapters about their glorious career. But that, my fellow readers and reviewers, you will have to stay tuned and read more about at a later time. So here's to you Chris, Rich, Johnny, Steve, Marc and Ed. Keep Persevering. Keep The Faith. Keep On Rockin'. And as the saying goes, "AND THE REST IS ROCK N' ROLL HISTORY," am I wrong? Thanks for reading my review and I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it for your reading pleasure. I also hope that you will read all of my other reviews in the near future when time permits. THE BLACK CROWES RULES. Long Live Rock n' Roll. Rock out always and take it easy. Forever In Rock, John L.

The Best Crowes Album!.......2007-01-14

There is literally not a single dull moment on this album! I can put this cd on play and just let the entire thing play. This album has it all; excellent vocals, great(alternately tuned) guitar work, fast songs, slow songs, and so much more! Not to be missed is an EXCELLENT cover of Bob Marley's "Time Will Tell" to close out the cd. All the other songs must be heard to believe how great this cd is. I used to think (and I think the majority of people still do) that the Crowes' debut "Shake Your Moneymaker" was better than this one. It took many years of listening to both albums for me to realize that this one had the slight edge over that one. "Sting Me" is one of my favorite Black Crowes tunes ever. Then there is the string of softer songs in numbers 3-5. These are probably my favorite part of the album. I don't like to give an analysis on every song, but I don't feel there is a need to here. They are ALL great songs. 10 songs = 10 GREAT songs on this one! Don't miss this album if you like classy, blusey rock music. Also recommended if you like this album are any of the Black Crowes' first 5 albums, though the first 3 are the truly great ones.

One of the best rock albums of the 90's.......2006-08-16

After the Black Crowes received mainstream success with their debut, "Shake your Moneymaker", the boys come out with a powerful blend of soulful rock. They also brought in highly skilled lead guitarist Marc Ford who sprinkles his guitar soloing magic all over these tracks. The brothers Robinson have also wrote a great bunch of songs from straight ahead rockers (sting me, remedy, my morning song, no speak no slave, and hotel illness) to two of their greatest ballads (thorn in my pride, and bad luck blue eyes goodbye). Throughout the album both Rich Robinson and Marc Ford show tremendous chemistry playing together, feeding off one another's playing they deliver an album jam packed for guitarist. Chris Robinson is not to outdone by singing some of the most heartfelt and soulful lyrics in the Crowes catalog. Steve Gorman pounds the drums like a man possesed reminicent of John Bonham. The Crowes decide to end the album with the only cover the band has ever recorded on a studio release. "Time will tell" was penned by Rita Marley (wife of legend Bob Marley), it's an acoustic jam that gives this album a soulful closer after rocking hard on the previous songs. This truly is one of the best albums to come along in the 90's. The Black Crowes are one of the few things still right in rock and roll, and it's never been more evident than on this album. Very highly recommended.

Average customer rating: Fantastic The Purr of Persuasion Are you people kidding me? FANTASTIC!!!! As a Live Performer (Haven't heard the CD)

American Myth Jackie Greene Manufacturer: Verve Forecast ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Blues | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Verve | Verve Music Group | Specialty Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Country | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Sweet Somewhere Bound Gone Wanderin Rusty Nails Positively 12th and K: A Bob Dylan Tribute All the Roadrunning ASIN: B000E6EHKE Release Date: 2006-03-14

Tracks:

1. (Intro)
2. Hollywood
3. So Hard To Find My Way
4. Just As Well
5. Cold Black Devil/14 Miles
6. Never Satisfied
7. Love Song; 2:00 AM
8. When You're Walking Away
9. I'm So Gone
10. Closer To You
11. I'll Let You In
12. Farewell, So Long, Goodbye
13. Supersede
14. Marigold

Amazon.com

This young Californian has apparently suffered from a case of mistaken artistic identity in his attempts to forge his own. The blazing guitar chops on this album's "Cold Black Devil/14 Miles" show why some consider him among the most promising of a new generation of bluesslingers, yet much of the material makes him sound more like a young Bob Dylan than the next Stevie Ray Vaughan. Though Dylan comparisons rarely do a developing artist any favors, it's hard to avoid them with the majestic, 10-minute build of "Supersede." Elsewhere, the horn arrangements of "So Hard to Find My Way" and "Close to You" evoke Van Morrison's California days, while the riffing of "Farewell, So Long, Goodbye" rocks like the Rolling Stones. Much of the rest is acoustic balladry that finds Greene achieving a musical intimacy that resists easy comparisons. A multi-instrumentalist featured on organ and piano as well as a variety of guitars, Greene benefits from the musical support of bassist Davey Faragher (Cracker) and drummer Pete Thomas (Elvis Costello's Attractions) and empathic production by Steve Berlin (Los Lobos). As a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, he's more than the sum of his very good influences. --Don McLeese

Album Description

American Myth features multi-instrumentalist Greene on vocals, guitars, dobro, piano, harmonica, and percussion. He is also joined by a top-notch band of Pete Thomas (drums, percussion, trash can), Davey Faragher (vocals, bass), both of whom are members of Elvis Costello's longtime group, The Imposters; and Val McCallum (vocals, guitars, banjo, slide guitar, baritone). Steve Berlin also contributes with turns on mellotron, vibes, and percussion, and the whole group is joined by a number of guest musicians including a slamming horn section on four of the album's tracks.

From the swamp-like feel of the anthemic opener "Hollywood," the record rolls right into the rollicking "So Hard to Find My Way." Greene shows off his range by cranking it up on the in-your-face "I'm So Gone" and the heartland rock of "Farewell, So Long, Goodbye" and dialing it back on the album's meditative "Love Song 2 a.m." and the wistful "Never Satisfied."

Greene's inspired songwriting, mastery of wordplay, and flawless composition technique are showcased throughout American Myth. Nowhere is that more evident than on the exquisite "Supersede," a catchy, melodic epic. Other standout tunes on the album include the powerful blues-soaked rocker "Cold Black Devil/14 Miles" and the plaintive "When You're Walking Away."

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic.......2007-04-24

I just recently went to a concert in Kitchener Canada to see Buddy Guy. We did not know if there was an opening act, but when we arrived we all were pleasantly surprised to find Jackie Greene up on stage. He would go from the piano to the guitar while playing the harmonica. Absolutely amazing to see live. I would strongly recommend seeing him in concert.

I purchased American Myth from the performance that I saw that night. As I was buying it, Jackie came out to greet all his fans and to sign the albums. It was a really genuine act from him.

The car ride home from the concert we were listening to this album the whole way. It is a fantastic album. His ability to play and song write are not seen often these days. I would strongly recommend purchasing this album and if possible, seeing him live in concert. He is the next Bob Dylan of our time.

The Purr of Persuasion.......2007-03-10

"American Myth" by Jackie Greene is a terrific CD that combines strong songwriting with creative performance & arrangement. My favorite track, "So Hard to Find My Way," zoomed to #1 on my personal top ten last autumn & was on my "Soundtrack to 2006" compilation of favorite tracks. Greene hits a catchy groove complete with Stax-like horn chart & Jackie's vocal swagger, "She turns heads wherever she's walking, she never speaks, she lets her body do the talking, & she's daddy's little baby girl, but she ain't living in daddy's world." It's an upbeat gem, a classic track. "Just As Well" is another diamond with a slower pace and Greene's hushed voice -- part purr, part persuasion -- set amidst Pete Thomas' delightful percussion, "So tell me sister, what's the use; Ain't nothing but a singer, got my head up in the noose; Somebody cut me loose!" "Love Song; 2:00 AM" is a pretty track backed in folk fashion with acoustic guitar while "Cold Black Devil/14 Miles" thunders like Cream-era electric blues-rock. "Farewell, So Long, Goodbye" perks addictively as Greene cops an attitude with bold vocal bluster, "I jumped right out of your window & I fell right on the ground; I wish you would have told me that your man was still in town." Other tracks like "I'm So Gone" are also strong. This CD builds on the strengths of "Sweet Somewhere Bound" and promises much to come from this superb singer. "American Myth" sticks in your ear while it tickles you pink! Enjoy!

Are you people kidding me?.......2007-02-21

I saw this dude open for Mavis Staples last summer in SF and it was the most masturbatory, by-the-numbers, stale as croûtons show I've seen in many years. No question this guy knows how to play, but this material is just plain boring. I mean, this smug, sunglasses-wearing, vintage-guitar-collecting poser makes the Black Crowes look like the Faces. If you're really looking for some down homey sounding tube-driven rock made within the last 15 years or so, you might want to look the way of the Jayhawks or Uncle Tupelo (and their offshoots).

FANTASTIC!!!!.......2006-08-04

Not only did he deliver a new CD but it is better than his last one....he is an amazing artist..

As a Live Performer (Haven't heard the CD).......2006-07-04

Like another reviewer, I've been an amateur player a long time (40 years), although I've never written a review before.

I went to an Elvis Costello (with Allen Toussaint) concert last night at the Montreal Jazz Festival, and didn't even know there was an opening act. I believe that he was actually introduced as "Jimmy Green". I'd never heard of him, and out strolls this kid who looks 18 years old. I prepare to sleep for half an hour.

WRONG!!! This kid has serious talent. The first thing that goes through my mind is: a young Bob Dylan (but with a voice). His songwriting is that good. Then, after a couple of songs, I'm thinking: a young Bruce Springsteen, because he works so hard at weaving many influences and styles into his music. Finally, after a couple of (all-too-brief) turns on the B3, it's: a young Steve Winwood, because he's just so smooth and soulful.

Later on (the next morning), after researching this kid on the 'net, I find out that he's got about 4 albums out already, and I've never heard of him! Maybe that's what comes from living in Canada. Anyway, I also realized that you can't pigeon-hole a budding musical genius like Jackie Greene. Just listen to him, and revel in his musicianship. I'm going to run out and buy American Myth today!

Average customer rating: Roky tribute Lightning never stikes anymore, but I can't make it rain. One of the better "tribute" CDs out there Great compilation, even if you've never heard the originals Great compilation, even if you've never heard the originals

Where the Pyramid Meets the Eye - Tribute to Roky Erickson Various Artists Manufacturer: Sire / London/Rhino ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music | Vinyl Records | American Punk | British Punk | Emo | Garage Punk | Hardcore | Post Hardcore | Proto Punk | Punk | Punk Revival | Punk-Pop | Riot Grrl | Ska Punk | Straight Edge General | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Rock | Compilations | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post-Punk | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Urban Folk | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Alternative Folk | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music 1990s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music 1990-1999 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: I Have Always Been Here Before: The Roky Erickson Anthology Gremlins Have Pictures Don't Slander Me More Oar: A Tribute to Alexander "Skip" Spence You're Gonna Miss Me ASIN: B000005JB5 Release Date: 1990-10-19

Tracks:

1. Reverberation (Doubt) - ZZ Top
2. If You Have Ghosts - John Wesley Harding & The Good Liars
3. I Had To Tell You - Poi Dog Pondering
4. She Lives (In A Time Of Her Own) - Judybats
5. Slip lnside This House - Primal Scream
6. You Don't Love Me Yet - Bongwater
7. I Have Always Been Here Before - Julian Cope
8. You're Gonna Miss Me - Doug Sahm & Sons
9. It's A Cold Night For Alligators - Southern Pacific
10. Fire Engine - Richard Lloyd
11. Bermuda - Vibrating Egg
12. I Walked With A Zombie - R.E.M.
13. Earthquake - Butthole Surfers
14. Don't Slander Me - Lou Ann Barton
15. Red Temple Prayer (Two Headed Dog) - Sister Double Happiness
16. Burn The Flames - Thin White Rope
17. Postures (Leave Your Body Behind) - Chris Thomas
18. Nothing In Return - T Bone Burnett
19. Reverberation (Doubt) - The Jesus & Mary Chain

Customer Reviews:

Roky tribute.......2006-03-29

I hate to admit this but this was my first exposure the width of Roky Erickson's talent. To hear these songs done by bands/musicians that I liked, was to open a whole new door of music to me. Roky deserves better than he has gotten. Hopefully people will keep finding this and going on the discover Roky and other unsung heroes of music.

Lightning never stikes anymore, but I can't make it rain........2005-05-20

This is a tribute album to Roky Erickson. Erickson was the lead singer of the 13th Floor Elevator and later performed solo. Roky was (and is) a mentally disturbed individual, who wrote very strange songs. Here, 19 artists perform 18 of his songs ("Reverberation" is covered twice). Most of the performances are good and this album will hopefully bring attention to this cult hero.

One of the better "tribute" CDs out there.......2003-07-02

Probably because of the GREAT material. Yes, Roky was the mad (? -- he was put in a mental institution for a while) genius behind the Thirteenth Floor Elevators. Most of the covers here are exceptional and come from a variety of folks (ZZ Top, Jesus & Mary Chain, REM, Lou Ann Barton, etc.). I was lucky enough to see Roky soon after he was released from the hospital in the mid-70s (completely weird, he and Willie Nelson showed up unannounced and jammed at a free gig outside of Austin). I'm just pleased that so many artists did such a great job for a somewhat troubled soul.

Great compilation, even if you've never heard the originals.......1999-09-06

Somebody should make this explicit: this album features covers of The 13th Floor Elevators, a psychedic band led by Roky Erickson. As you can see from the track list above, diverse musical tastes are represented. The album never fails to entertain me even though I've never actually heard any of the original songs.

Great compilation, even if you've never heard the originals.......1999-09-06

Somebody should make this explicit: this album features covers of The 13th Floor Elevators, a psychedic band led by Roky Erickson. As you can see from the track list above, diverse musical tastes are represented. The album never fails to entertain me even though I've never actually heard any of the original songs.

Average customer rating: One of the best Big, Bold And Beautiful Why they aren't superstars in the U.S. is beyond me. Best Hip Album since Fully Completely Good, not my favorite Hip album

World Container The Tragically Hip Manufacturer: Fontana Universal ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: In Between Evolution In Violet Light Trouble at the Henhouse We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank Blood on the Slacks ASIN: B000IU39JG Release Date: 2007-03-06

Tracks:

1. Yer Not The Ocean
2. The Lonely End Of The Rink
3. In View
4. Fly
5. Luv (Sic)
6. The Kids Don't Get It
7. Pretend
8. Lastnight I Dreamed You Didn't Love Me
9. The Drop-Off
10. Family Band
11. World Container

From Amazon.ca

With 11 consistent studio records under their belt, it is unlikely that the Tragically Hip would do anything to sonically surprise their fans. Truth is, the group has never swayed from their agenda of creating lyrically intelligent, melodic classic rock for the 21st century. World Container provides exactly that, and accomplishes it with a vibrancy that proves that a band who has been together for 23 years can still create affecting and entertaining music for the Canadian masses. Most of the noteworthy changes are subtle in nature; guitarist Paul Langois seems to have brought in sounds from a few of his heroes into the studio, from the Police-affected reggae in "The Lonely End of the Rink" to the Edge-esque resonance of "Luv(sic)." The band has also incorporated piano into a few numbers, most noticeably during "Pretend," a rare love-ballad. For a group who has spent decades avoiding songs that overtly follow the topic of love, the track is quite beautiful, and frontman Gord Downie's vocals soar within it. Romance aside, Downie is up to his usual tricks, yowling and chatting to himself in "The Kids Don't Get It" and "The Drop Off"--both of which contain wide-lunged, ringing choruses that will undoubtedly turn into onstage highlights. To quote Radiohead, you'll find "no alarms and no surprises" on World Container, just more of the same blues-affected music from Canada's long-reigning kings of rock. --Denise Sheppard

Customer Reviews:

One of the best.......2007-05-12

The Hip doesn't morph the way U2 does. Its albums are variations on a theme. Some are better than others and World Container is one of the best.

Big, Bold And Beautiful.......2007-04-11

Following The Tragically Hip for the last few years has been following a sinking ship. Seemingly entering the twilight of their career, remembering better records and more of the moment releases was the common feeling when listening to Music at Work, In Violet Light and In Between Evolution. Good albums, but not the bands best nor inspiring in the ways of previous records.

World Container reveals what was missing from the last few Hip albums, boldness. Great Hip records of the past were a continuing expansion of the group's hard-rock sound. Something tells me Gord Downie and company didn't know how their fans would respond to Day for Night or Trouble at the Henhouse, but were more interested in continually pushing the envelope of their style. That Hip shows-up on World Container as the songs show a willingness to further move the band forward with their blues based guitar rock.

Songs such as The Kids Don't Get It reveal this new energy as a previously unheard affection for The Police shows up with the reggae based guitar hooks from the 80's icons put front and center. Now don't mistake this record as a dance record, but it is decidedly more upbeat with the music, and possibly the band, having more of what we call fun. Bob Rock's inclusion as producer insures the record isn't shy about hooks and choruses, but the biggest plus Rock brings to the proceedings is his additional dashes on top of the proven, and in Canada anyway overplayed, core Hip sound. In View is a good example of this as the addition of some keyboard over this toe tapping rocker creates one of the Hip's catchiest songs ever. Yer Not The Ocean also benefits from some piano thrown into the mix allowing the song to seem like a familiar Hip song while still sounding fresh.

Whether Tragically Hip fans allow World Container to right the Hip ship upward remains to be seen. The title track however, which see's Gord Downie jump full into anthem mode as his poetry flows over a piano ballad in a sometimes ridiculous but none-the-less brave closing track reveals a band with the confidence to enjoy the ride wherever it may take them.

Why they aren't superstars in the U.S. is beyond me........2007-04-05

An outstanding album finally released in the states. World Container starts off moving at a solid pace in "Yer Not the Ocean" and does not let up. The band certainly has progressed since their Road Apples and Fully Completely days. Songs such as The Lonely End of the Rink have instrumentals that sound like they just came out of a Killer's album, not the hip. But it still works!!!

The middle of the CD with tracks such as Luv (sic) and In View keep everyone's head in the room happily bobbing to the beat.

The end is highlighted with songs like the feverishly paced The Drop Off where Gord's voice seriously raises the intensity of the album. The title track, World Container may be considered this generation's "Piano Man" if only it were a minute or two longer. Truly an epic Hip song.

Overall, excellent. Why are you reading this and not clicking "Add to Cart?"

Best Hip Album since Fully Completely.......2007-04-04

This album has The Tragicallt Hip back to more of a rock sound than the more melodic tones of theie more recent albums. Recommended as essential for those Hip fans.

Good, not my favorite Hip album.......2007-03-24

There will never be an album or song by the Hip that I'll dislike, for sure. This is another good one, seems a little short and is a little lighter than normal. It's been fun watching their music evolve over the years, and I look forward to seeing them live in Vancouver some day.

Average customer rating: and a half stars. some songs are pretty good, but 51 Phantom is better Amazing. Not what we expected but great anyway Remember When They Played Blues? VERY GOOD

Electric Blue Watermelon North Mississippi Allstars Manufacturer: Ato Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Southern Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Hill Country Revue: Live at Bonnaroo 51 Phantom Master of Disaster Songlines Shake Hands With Shorty ASIN: B0009Y26PE Release Date: 2005-09-06

Tracks:

1. Mississippi Bollweevil
2. No Mo
3. Teasin' Brown
4. Moonshine
5. Hurry Up Sunrise
6. Stompin' My Foot
7. Bang Bang Lulu
8. Deep Blue Sea
9. Mean Ol' Wind Died Down
10. Horseshoe
11. Bounce Ball

Amazon.com

Blues revivalists? Jam band? Power trio? Psychedelic tripsters? Southern rockers? While previous releases have found the pride of North Mississippi exploring various manifestations of their musical identity, on Electric Blue Watermelon they pull everything together and bring their artistic progression full circle. While acknowledging the seminal influence of Delta bluesman Charley Patton ("Mississippi Bollweevil") and fife master Otha Turner ("Teasin' Brown," "Bounce Ball"), the album finds common spirit in contemporary hip-hop on "No Mo" and "Stompin' My Foot," with guest rapper Al Kapone helping the band bridge past and future. Lucinda Williams teams with guitarist Luther Dickinson for a playful duet on "Hurry Up Sunrise," while steel guitarist Robert Randolph and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band extend the album's aural palette. Over the course of almost seven and a half minutes, "Mean Ol' World Wind Down" takes the listener on a musical journey from fife-and-drum roots through Bo Diddley insistence to Allman Brothers expansiveness. No matter how far they extend their musical vistas, the Allstars are always bringing it all back home. --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews:

and a half stars. some songs are pretty good, but 51 Phantom is better.......2007-04-13

I've seen north mississippi allstars live a few times the best being memphis in may 2005 during sunset on the missippi river. I got electric blue watermelon first, really loved it for a couple of times but then ran across 51 phantom later on. man that one is way more heavy down south blues, and had less of the silliar songs. ( didn't like hurry up sunrise, or stompin' my feet, or deep blue sea,) the rest were ok.

to wrap it up, move onto polaris or 51 phantom, or even shake hands with shorty, or polaris

rank 1) 51 Phantom 2)shake hands with shorty 3)Polaris 4) Electric Blue Watermelon

Amazing. .......2007-02-19

Probably one of my favorite CD's of all time. North Mississipi Allstars never disappoint and this CD is no exception. It's a shame more people don't appreciate this kind of music because THIS is talent. Most of the crap you hear on the radio is over produced garbage (Paris Hilton has a cd? seriously?!). But this just makes me realize that there ARE real musicians out there and that some people DO get it. Buy it...you WILL NOT be disappointed!

Not what we expected but great anyway.......2007-02-04

I've been a NMA fan since they started playing the Library in Oxford, MS (btw its right next to Proud Larrys where RL Burnside played too). And like you I expected NMA to stick with the hill country blues sound that got them where they are, but I shouldnt have. These guys have enough talent to branch out and still be true to the blues but break new ground. They tried to do that with Polaris but failed, but they nailed it this time. A song doesnt have to have a standard blues progression to be the blues. Blues is a state of mind and a feeling, and this CD has it! I look for great things from this band for years to come.

Remember When They Played Blues?.......2006-12-06

Despite the fact that no one ever finds it "helpful" to post a negative review, I could not hold back. This is a horrible album. I fell in love with NMA when they performed on Conan (so long ago) and I rushed out to buy "Shake Hands with Shorty." To this day it is still one of my favorite albums, played constantly. I haven't heard anything since, until I got this CD, and I've got to wonder if I'm even listening to the same band.

I should have known better, I suppose. The crowded cover artwork is a pretty good indication of what's to come--an eclectic mishmash that hits on no other levels than being an eclectic mishmash. The real charm of this band had been their authentic simplicity, and thanks to it, a dirty swamp sound that effused their tracks. Frankly, it was a good, honest sound, something seriously lacking in today's music scene. All the guests on this album serve to simply water down and dilute that sound to something devoid of heart, but easier to swallow, I suppose.

It starts off just fine with "Mississippi Boll Weevil," a stomping swamp song if there ever was one, but it's a misleading lead off track. "No Mo" has to be one of the worst listening experiences I've ever endured... and that was only the second track. I listened on in vain hopes that it would get better, and it doesn't. Yes, Lucinda Williams is here, but one track is not enough to save an album.

It's sad to say that NMA are more of a jam band than a blues band these days. If one wants to excuse these musical dalliances on Electric Blue Watermelon as experiments in genre expansion, so be it, but they'll have to be recognized as failed experiments.

VERY GOOD.......2006-08-23

GREAT BUY.
WOULD BUY ANOTHER IF I LOST THIS ONE!!

Average customer rating: Where have I been? Not a weak track All their best work! Fantastic Addition To Any Music Collection Do yerself a favor

Yer Favourites The Tragically Hip Manufacturer: Fontana Universal ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: World Container World Container Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 In Between Evolution In Violet Light ASIN: B000ASDF6S Release Date: 2005-11-08

Tracks:

1. No Threat
2. Grace, Too
3. My Music at Work
4. 38 Years Old
5. Gift Shop
6. Ahead by a Century
7. Vaccination Scar
8. Three Pistols
9. So Hard Done By
10. Fiddler's Green
11. Looking for a Place to Happen
12. Cordelia
13. 'It's a Good Life If You Don't Weaken'
14. Blow at High Dough
15. Wheat Kings
16. Fifty-Mission Cap
17. New Orleans Is Sinking
18. Escape Is at Hand for the Travellin' Man

Tracks:

1. Fully Completely
2. Twist My Arm
3. Courage (Four Hugh MacLennan)
4. Lake Fever
5. Poets
6. Fireworks
7. Boots or Hearts
8. Bobcaygeon
9. Nautical Disaster
10. Highway Girl
11. Gus: The Polar Bear from Central Park
12. Scared
13. Something On
14. At the Hundredth Meridian
15. Long Time Running
16. Darkest One
17. Locked in the Trunk of a Car
18. Little Bones
19. New Maybe

Customer Reviews:

Where have I been?.......2007-07-08

"Seemingly nonexistent in the eyes of American pop culture -- yet continually boasting some of the nation's highest grossing concerts -- Canadian rockers the Tragically Hip have managed to secure themselves legendary status both above and underground while remaining almost complete anonymous. Like any good band of the people, the Hip know that their fans are their lifeblood, so in compiling their first ever "greatest hits" collection, they left it up to the listeners. Chosen online at their website, the 34 remastered tracks that make up Yer Favorites -- two of which, the ballsy "No Threat" and the wistful "New Maybe," are brand new -- may not go deep enough for longtime followers, but for anyone who has spent the better part of their musical life wondering what all of the fuss was about, this is their chance to get schooled. Poetic yet accessible, raw yet grandiose, the Tragically Hip have often been lumped unfairly into the jam band circuit, when in reality they have far more in common with an act like Pearl Jam than they do Phish. They're an arena bar band maintaining the rawness of a juke joint amid the thunderous applause of 150,000 pairs of hands, and while their brand of heartland rock may be steeped in the Great White North, it's appeal is universal".

Not a weak track.......2007-05-13

Had Fully Completely, Phantom Power, and Music@Work in mothballs for the last couple of years, and until listening to this, forgot how much I missed the Hip's sound. Think comfort rock with obscure lyrics. This is a stellar collection which spans their early more traditional sound and later experimental leanings. Perfect sequencing too.

All their best work!.......2007-03-09

Great compilation of the Hip's best stuff. Two CD's! You can listen for hours! Enjoy!!

Fantastic Addition To Any Music Collection.......2007-02-11

For the enthusiastic Hip listener, these discs won't let you down. Definitely all their hits and most all of their favored songs are included plus an array of dynamic tracks from their twenty+ years of public rockin'. Although perhaps an excess of songs maybe listed, any band lover would conclude that this affable compilation is sure to be something to cherish and respect all what this great Canadian band has to offer.

Do yerself a favor.......2006-08-30

I already owned every Hip album, but I got this CD as part of the box set with the DVDs. To my surprise, it's not the DVDs I enjoy most but this 2-disc CD set. They did a stellar job picking songs and organizing them to flow well from one to the next.
If you've never heard the Hip, you're missing out on a fantastic experience. These guys can rock as hard as anyone or hit you with a pop tune you can't get out of your head. The lyrics range from the brilliant to the bizarre, but that's part of the Hip's allure. They're NEVER boring. Who else would sing about sled dogs, hockey players, kicking someone out of a lifeboat, imprisoned virgins, and a stripper who stops in a coughing fit? "Close. But that's not why. I'm so hard done by."

Average customer rating: One of the great albums of the 90's This grew on me Great record! not what I expected Excellent, start to finish

Kerosene Hat Cracker Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Cracker Gentleman's Blues The Golden Age Greenland Forever ASIN: B000000W4I Release Date: 1993-08-24

Tracks:

1. Low
2. Movie Star
3. Get Off This
4. Kerosene Hat
5. Take Me Down To The Infirmary
6. Nostalgia
7. Sweet Potato
8. Sick Of Goodbyes
9. I Want Everything
10. Lonesome Johnny Blues
11. Let's Go For A Ride
12. Loser
13. Silent
14. Silent
15. Hi-Desert Biker Meth Lab
16. Silent
17. Silent
18. Silent
19. Silent
20. Silent
21. Silent
22. Silent
23. Silent
24. Silent
25. Silent
26. Silent
27. Silent
28. Silent
29. Silent
30. Silent
31. Silent
32. Silent
33. Silent
34. Silent
35. Silent
36. Silent
37. Silent
38. Silent
39. Silent
40. Silent
41. Silent
42. Silent
43. Silent
44. Silent
45. Silent
46. Silent
47. Silent
48. Silent
49. Silent
50. Silent
51. Silent
52. Silent
53. Silent
54. Silent
55. Silent
56. Silent
57. Silent
58. Silent
59. Silent
60. Silent
61. Silent
62. Silent
63. Silent
64. Silent
65. Silent
66. Silent
67. Silent
68. Silent
69. Euro Trash Girl
70. Silent
71. Silent
72. Silent
73. Silent
74. Silent
75. Silent
76. Silent
77. Silent
78. Silent
79. Silent
80. Silent
81. Silent
82. Silent
83. Silent
84. Silent
85. Silent
86. Silent
87. Silent
88. Take Me (Back) To You
89. Silent
90. Silent
91. Silent
92. Silent
93. Silent
94. Silent
95. Silent
96. Silent
97. Silent
98. Silent
99. Kerosene Hat (Demo)

Amazon.com

Many alternative-rock fans considered Camper Van Beethoven an important band, but I wasn't among them. Guitarist/vocalist David Lowerey always seemed smarmy and ridiculously happy with his own cleverness. Lowrey's new band, Cracker, has the potential to be even more annoying, since the quartet places the spotlight solely on its leader and songwriter, but its self-titled 1992 debut was a strong effort with a smart, infectious single ("Teen Angst"), and Kerosene Hat is even better. Recorded with stripped- down simplicity on an abandoned soundstage at the edge of the Mojave desert, the album concentrates on the band's undeniably catchy country-flavored garage punk. "Go For A Ride" is perfect highway music, and the single "Low" is almost as good as "Teen Angst." Unfortunately, the most inspired title and song topic-"Hi Desert Biker Meth Lab"-turns out to be wasted on a short snippet of noise and studio chatter. --Jim DeRogatis

Customer Reviews:

One of the great albums of the 90's.......2007-04-20

When I first heard Kerosene Hat, it was on one side of a 90 min cassette recording a buddy made for me; the other side was of Cracker's Golden Age (another gem). This cassette didn't leave my deck until a few years later when I finally purchased the CD. Their cover of Jerry Garcia's Loser is brilliant - especially Johnny Hickman's great guitar. Speaking of Hickman (of whom I'm a huge fan), I could do without his one contribution to the album, "Lonesome Johnny Blues"; otherwise, a perfect album.

This grew on me.......2007-02-19

When I bought this back in the day it was on the strength of the lead single "Low." I listened to it once or twice, and then it sat on the shelf a while.

Then I remember a friend of mine who mentioned that he really liked these guys cos of their strong songwriting, etc. I sort of looked at him and was like sure Jon, whatever you say.

Then about 7 years back, I ripped my entire CD collection to MP3 and listened to it again. I don't know if it's because I'm in a different place in my life now, but I really like it. I still listen to this record occasionally, it's held up remarkably well over time.

Great record!.......2006-12-14

This record, Cracker's second is a very good one. The songs are catchy, the lyrics are funny and the production is almost perfect. I'm a Camper Van Beethoven fan who liked the first Cracker cd a lot but Kerosene Hat is a gem.
If you like you're music real, try this record.

not what I expected.......2006-12-01

There is only one song on the entire cd that is worth listening to.

Excellent, start to finish.......2006-05-16

I bought this album as part of a reduced price deal cause I liked one of the hidden tracks "Eurotrash Girl" Well after a couple of listens I had to admit this was an undeniably great album. In fact, I have bought everything Cracker has ever put out since, they really are a great band that just knows how to write great songs. You will not be disappointed with this one.

Music Album:

1. Away Out on the Mountain
2. Back Home in Sulphur Springs
3. Back with a Heart
4. Beautiful Day in the Cold Cruel World
5. Big City Blues
6. Blood Sweat & Tears
7. Blue Clear Sky
8. Carry On
9. Christmas Collection: 20th Century Masters
10. Cosmic Cowboy Souvenir [Original recording remastered]

Music Album