Your hackles may raise at the sight of Darol Anger or Mike Marshall's name in the context of country or folk music, but as avatars of an indefinable genre--call it "jazzgrass"--they've taken fiddle, mandolin, and guitar into some shockingly imaginative places, even if the results can sometimes be more intriguing as theory than as music. The two former David Grisman sidemen may claim to be making "stringband music for the next millennium," but this collaboration jettisons traditional structures completely, while still finding some shockingly beat-savvy textures--courtesy of Derek Jones's moaning fretless bass and Aaron Johnston's half-rock/half-jazz drumming--as well as some luxuriant, Eastern-based melodies, especially the opening "Couscous" and the final group improvisation (of three) "Autumn Aleatorics." The eclectic influences can be measured in the cover choices--Hendrix, Bach, and Brazilian mandolinist Jacob Do Bandolim--and the overall approach is that of world music shot through with heady, challenging improvisation. Jam is the funkiest, earthiest album Anger and Marshall have made to date. --Roy Kasten
Jam,Darol Anger,Mike Marshall,Compass Records,Adult Alternative,Bluegrass,Chamber Jazz,Country,Folk,New Acoustic,Pop,Progressive Bluegrass
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Good Girl Gone Bad
Rihanna Manufacturer: Island / Def-Jam ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000OZ2CZW Release Date: 2007-06-05 |
Tracks:
- Umbrella feat. JAY-Z
- Push Up On Me
- Don't Stop The Music
- Breakin' Dishes
- Shut Up and Drive
- Hate That I Love You feat. Ne-Yo
- Say It
- Sell Me Candy
- Lemme Get That
- Rehab
- Question Existing
- Good Girl Gone Bad
Amazon.com
There's a cool new development in summer singles: they no longer need to be sunny. In fact, the wetter the better. "Umbrella," the first single off Rihanna's ragingly good third album, may be her strongest ditty yet, and that's saying something considering her run of past summer chartbusters. More stylish than "S.O.S." (from A Girl Like Me) and more interesting than "Pon de Replay" (from Music of the Sun), "Umbrella" barrels forward with big, brawny drums and a hot but haunted-sounding vocal. From there, the upbeat numbers chug forth like chilled pina colada mix into a blender: "Breakin' Dishes" trades skillfully on a recent vogue for man-directed venom, and "Shut Up and Drive" borrows "S.O.S."-style from the '80s New Order song "Blue Monday." Both are irresistible. So, too, are a couple of late tracks. "Rehab" and "Lemme Get That," both produced by Timbaland, prove that being an island girl is no barrier to holding one's own amid a sizzling stew of urban beats. In fact, it's a boon--one that'll register with pop music fans instantly. -Tammy La GorceAlbum Description
Multi-platinum, award-winning SRP/Def Jam recording artist -and CoverGirl spokesperson - Rihanna has taken over the charts with her # 1 smash single "Umbrella" (featuring JAY-Z) and her chart topping album GOOD GIRL GONE BAD. Rihanna's third album release in less than two years, GOOD GIRL GONE BAD is the follow-up to 2006's platinum A Girl Like Me, with the back-to-back #1 hits, "S.O.S." and "Unfaithful"; and her gold debut from 2005, Music Of the Sun, featuring the worldwide smash, "Pon De Replay." GOOD GIRL GONE BAD boasts the production skills of Timabland, C. "Tricky" Stewart, Stargate, and the team of Evan Rogers and Carl Sturken (responsible for "S.O.S." and "Pon De Replay"), as well as songwriting contributions from Justin Timberlake and Ne-Yo, among others.Customer Reviews:
This is why it's HOT!!.......2007-07-16
GO RIHANNA!!!.......2007-07-10
Okay, for what it is.......2007-07-09
Some of the song lyrics struck me as being a little silly, but that didn't bother me too much.
I don't think I'd listen to this album very often, but if I had a lot of guests over for a party, I'd consider playing it if people looked like they may want to dance.
great.......2007-07-09
Good Girl Gone Bad Review.......2007-07-09
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I Am
Chrisette Michele Manufacturer: Def Jam ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000Q364KG Release Date: 2007-06-19 |
Tracks:
- Like A Dream
- Work It Out
- Best Of Me
- Your Joy
- Good Girl
- Be Ok feat. will.i.am
- If I Have My Way
- Mr. Radio
- Golden
- Let's Rock
- Love Is You
- In This For You
- Is This The Way Love Feels
Amazon.com
If you didn't get to know Chrisette Michele by way of Jay-Z (she was the one singing sparkling hooks on "Lost Ones") or Nas (she channeled Billie Holiday on "Can't Forget About You"), stop wasting valuable seconds. Though the hype on this pure-voiced, raunch-resistant songstress has her resuscitating a classic jazz sound that rarely infiltrates R&B--comparisons to Lady Day, Nina Simone, and Ella Fitzgerald are mounting--she's more her generation's answer to Erykah Badu: any notes she wraps her lips around come out fresh-sounding, and she adds to the effect with a built-in elegance that's irresistible to R&B and non-R&B fans alike. Hip-hoppers get a custom dose of Michele's magic on "Be O.K.," featuring the flabbergastingly prolific yet still likable Will.i.am, jazz sentimentalists will instantly succumb to "Like a Dream," and anybody with ears on his or her head will warm to the slinky slow jam that is "If I Have My Way." Michele's is a rare talent; count on this outstanding debut propelling her to stratospheric heights. --Tammy La GorceAlbum Description
I Am, her soulful debut album, is an artistic exploration that fuses 24-year old Chrisette Michele's diverse musical interests into a wonderland. "I realize that I'm new to the music world, but I've been preparing for this moment for long time," says the Long Island native. Even before signing a recording contract, Michele had performed on concert bills with more established artists like Kem, India.Arie, Angie Stone, and Lionel Richie. "India saw me singing at the Village Underground in New York City. She came backstage that first night and graciously offered me a gig as her opening act," says Michele. Working hard in the studio writing songs and recording demos, Michele finished an album's worth of material before even trying to get signed. "I've been creating songs since I was 12, so I knew I needed the right musical blend in order to stand out from the many other performers trying to get a deal." Though already a fan of gospel and classical, it wasn't until Michele was 17 that she also developed a passion for jazz. "When I was still in high school a teacher introduced me to jazz singer Astrud Gilberto, and afterwards my life was all about jazz," she remembers. With the release of I Am, Chrisette Michele will soon be sharing those musical dreams with the rest of the world.Customer Reviews:
Lend Her Your Ear!.......2007-07-11
"I Am" is easily a 5 star album. This album is completely void of fillers, haphazardly written songs and "commercialism". Every song is unique and worth listening to. "If I Have My Way" is the albums most vibrant highlight. It's a remarkable love song. Chrisette is telling her listener that she could easily render herself to this man, however, she knows that it is best if she takes her time and lets love lead them. This song has some of the most profound lyrics I have heard in a long time. "Best of Me" has a catchy hook and once again we are blessed with great songwriting. "Best of Me" is about a woman who wants to give all of herself to a man but he simply doesn't deserve it. "Let's Rock" is my favorite uptempo track on this masterpiece. To describe this song concisely, Chrisette is introducing herself, but she manages to make you dance in the process. "Golden" is just beautiful. Yearning for love and wanting to get married and stay together is this song's subject matter.
I encourage anyone reading this review to check this CD out because you will have a masterpiece added to your music collection. "I Am", Chrisette? Yes, you ARE! You are wonderful, and that may be an understatement.
Best New Artist goes to . . ........2007-07-10
Chrisette's raspy, strong voice and song's lyrics both entice men, while encourages and empowers women listeners.
This CD is on shuffle and repeat in my CD player rotation.
Might be my favorite cd released this year.......2007-07-09
My favorite songs on this album are Good Girl, Golden, and I Am One.
Highly recomended.
So excited!!!!! BUY IT .......2007-07-09
Hands down, one of the BEST albums ever........2007-07-09
Chrisette reminds me of a young Jill Scott with a mix of Teedra Moses, a dash of Corinne Bailey Rae, and a sprinkle of Alicia Keys. Which leads her to sound like the best of the best rolled into one. Her album is mellow and melodic, soulful and sweet, and has more grooves than a record. If I HAD to choose my favorite tracks (which is a hard decision, by the way), it would have to be "Good Girl", "Mr. Radio", "In This For You", and "Let's Rock".
This album has been on repeat in the car, on my iPod, and on iTunes on my home computer since I bought it a few weeks ago, and I'm STILL not tired of it.
Basically...IF YOU LOVE MUSIC, YOU NEED TO GET THIS ALBUM.
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Because Of You
Ne-Yo Manufacturer: Def Jam ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000NVL4EW Release Date: 2007-05-01 |
Tracks:
- Because Of You
- Crazy (feat. JAY-Z)
- Can We Chill
- Do You
- Addicted
- Leaving Tonight (feat. Jennifer Hudson)
- Ain't Thinking About You
- Sex With My Ex
- Angel
- Make It Work
- Say It
- Go On Girl
Amazon.com
Kelly Clarkson, kindly step aside: the title "Because of You" now belongs to Ne-Yo, who has done things with it no one with a pair of hands to clap will soon forget. And not just on the phenomenally appealing first single. Throughout Because of You, the sophomore disc by the songwriter responsible for such monster hits as Beyoncé's "Irreplaceable" and Rihanna's "Unfaithful," a flutter-voiced fluidity--the kind seldom heard since Michael Jackson's Off the Wall days--reigns. Jay-Z makes room to let it rip on "Crazy," and Jennifer Hudson wraps herself around it with restraint on "Leaving Tonight," a lovers' quarrel that could hold its own against anything Marilyn McCoo & Billy David Jr. cared to toss off in their heyday. If it's MJ who's lingered in Ne-Yo's ear longest, Prince hasn't gone silent, either: echoes poke up on the far-out "Sex with My Ex." Elsewhere, shades of contemporaries such as Nelly and Diddy show through. Overall, though, Ne-Yo's flammable hooks, flirty vibe, and flawless vocals reveal an R&B genius in the making. If the talent bar for up-and-comers is set impossibly high in the coming years, chances are it will be all because of him. --Tammy La GorceCustomer Reviews:
Quite Impressive!.......2007-07-12
This sophomore release by Neo shows maturity, growth and solidifies his presence in the R & B genre. Because of You, Crazy minus J-Z intro., Do You, Leaving Tonight, Aint Thinking About You, Make it Work, Tell Me, are most noteable. Which is quite a number of tracks, practically the whole CD. Each track flows into the next, you can really just press play and relax, let the music work it's magic.
BET Awards Show said it "Best R&B Male" enough said.
Love This CD.......2007-07-12
2. Crazy f/ Jay-Z
4. Do You
6. Leaving Tonight
11. Say It
I recommend this CD to listeners who prefer a CD that isn't filled with featured rappers!
"say it".......2007-07-10
Great Sophomore Album!.......2007-07-07
My favorite songs on the album: "Crazy" (featuring Jay-Z, it's well written and a really smooth entry on the CD); "Can We Chill" (smooth dance track about being in a club, which I usually hate, but this one is pretty well written as well and I love the beat and melody), "Addicted" (the premise is funny, and if you can laugh good-naturedly at Ne-Yo's grandstanding in the CD -- it's a great song), "Leaving Tonight" (I love Jennifer Hudson, she sounds like a goddess on this CD, American Idol shouldn't have cut her and I hope she comes out with a CD ASAP!) and "Sex With My Ex" (Prince fans should flock to this one, it sounds like something The Artist would've sung.)
Best.......2007-07-06
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Legend (New Packaging)
Bob Marley & The Wailers Manufacturer: Def Jam ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0000669JL Release Date: 2002-05-21 |
Tracks:
- Is This Love
- No Woman No Cry
- Could You Be Loved
- Three Little Birds
- Buffalo Soldier
- Get Up Stand Up
- Stir It Up
- Easy Skanking (Bonus Track)
- One Love/People Get Ready
- I Shot The Sheriff
- Waiting In Vain
- Redemption Song
- Satisfy My Soul
- Exodus
- Jamming
- Punky Reggae Party (Bonus Track)
Amazon.com essential recording
Even as greatest hits packages go, this is an utter gem. Every song is inspired, in a class of its own, whether the real version of "I Shot the Sheriff," the hymnlike "No Woman, No Cry," or the sheer joy of "Jamming." Even allowing that Marley never wrote any bad material, then Legend is still the crème de la crème, the heart and soul of the Jamaican people packed into one five-inch compact disc. He was unique, and the message of this record, more than any other, is that he died far too soon. --Chris NicksonCustomer Reviews:
A must-have for any music collection.......2007-07-11
The compilation begins with "Is This Love," one of the most purely roots songs here, a lyrically simple, musically catchy tune. "No Woman No Cry" is my favorite song of Bob's music, and this seven minute live recording is beautiful. The lyricism of this song is simple but really moving, from his talk of growing up poor in Jamaica to his philosophies on life, and the break for the guitar solo and background vocals complete the beautiful arrangement. I absolutely love "Could You Be Loved," a clever production that's immediately catchy, with a great chorus and standard Bob Marley performance. "Three Little Birds," one of his most well-known tunes, is fun, light, and fairly uplifting. "Buffalo Soldier" is an ingenious look at the movement of peoples from Africa to the Caribbean, and Bob praises his ancestors. The politically-fueled "Get Up, Stand Up" is a very effective rallying cry for civil rights. Another of my favorites is the winding "Stir It Up," a laidback, enjoyable and fun song. "Easy Skanking" is included as a bonus on the new remaster, a welcome bonus to the classic tracklist. "One Love/People Get Ready" is a happy call to equal treatment and some light philosophy, one of his most definitive songs. If you haven't, you must hear his ingenious cover of Eric Clapton's "I Shot the Sheriff," which is followed here by the easy "Waiting in Vain" and the very inspired "Redemption Song." "Satisfy My Soul" and the incredible "Exodus" follow, with another of my favorites, the unforgettable "Jamming." The remaster also includes "Punky Reggae Party" as a bonus, a unique party track.
Bottom line, this album is a must have for anyone. People of all ages and backgrounds can love "Legend," even if they're not a reggae fan. This music is clever, catchy, and fun, and Bob Marley is really a genius. Make this purchase if you haven't already, you will not be disappointed by "Legend."
Reggae's Ruler.......2007-07-09
Is this Love - great opener, an uplifting reggae love song
3 Little Birds - great, soulful, makes heart soar
Buffalo Soldier - phenomenal tune about black soldiers who were sent to fight American Indians. Great story and great music
One Love - awesome tho simple, it's a call to unity
Redemption Song - slow with soft guitar, a stirring call to free your mind and free yourself, resist opression
Jammin- - a fun party tune, no message here but just to jam
Timeless CD.......2007-05-28
Jimmy Buffett was right.......2007-05-13
Album name says it all..........2007-05-08
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From Nothin' to Somethin'
Fabolous Manufacturer: Def Jam ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000MCID4Q Release Date: 2007-06-12 |
Tracks:
- From Nothin' To Somethin' Intro
- Yep, I'm Back
- Change Up feat. Akon
- Make Me Better feat. Ne-Yo
- Baby Don't Go feat. T- Pain
- Return Of The Hustle feat. Swizz Beatz
- Gangsta Don't Play feat. Junior Reid
- Real Playa Like feat. Lloyd
- First Time feat. Rihanna
- Diamonds feat. Young Jeezy
- Brooklyn feat. JAY-Z & Uncle Murda
- I'm The Man feat. Red Café
- Jokes On You feat. Pusha T
- What Should I Do feat. Lil' Mo
Amazon.com
It's hard to catch a break when you're Fabolous. Though his skills as a manufacturer of blazing-hot street bangers and pop-crossover hits have not gone unnoticed by the hip-hop hype machine, the Brooklyn rapper hasn't come close to matching 50-Cent and similarly gifted superstars in the sales department. Which accounts for his decision, with album No. 4, to do somethin' about it. From Nothin' to Somethin' rounds up a massive herd of talent--Akon is here, and so are Swiss Beatz, Rihanna, Young Jeezy, Jay-Z, Lloyd, Junior Reid, Ne-Yo, and T-Pain. It's a little hard to locate Fabo on "Change Up," the Akon track, but otherwise he goes about spreading his Fabolousness throughout: "Diamonds," a bling-centric track with Jeezy, benefits from a borrowed take-it-easy Southern drawl, "Brooklyn" brings it home for New York with a spirit seldom seen since the East Coast/West Coast war was at its nastiest, and "Return of the Hustle" solidifies a career built on street cred with an asphalt-hot beat. Start to finish, but especially on the Timbaland-helmed "Make Me Better," production is top-notch. If there's a disc that can restore the fabulousness to being Fabolous, Somethin' is it. --Tammy La GorceCustomer Reviews:
Best Cd Yet.......2007-07-19
LOSO DOES IT AGAIN.......2007-07-19
Fab's has another hit.......2007-07-12
Decent.......2007-07-11
"From Nothin To Somethin" is a 15 track release with collaborations on all but 2 songs.
The album gets off to a pretty good start with "From Nothin To Somethin Intro", a decent opener that kind of sounds like a freestyle. the beat is crazy. And if the song was a little bit longer instead of just being an intro it would probably be one of the better songs on here. This album is basically the typical rap album these days. You got the songs where he constatly brags about himself ("Yep, I'm Back", "I'm The Man" feat. Red Cafe & "Jokes On You" feat. Pusha-T of The Clipse). As well as the songs for the ladies ("Baby Don't Go" feat. T-Pain, "Make Me Better" feat. NE-YO, "First Time" feat. Rihanna & "Real Playa Like" feat. Lloyd). You got the club bangers ("Diamonds" feat. Young Jeezy & "Return Of The Hustle" feat. Swizz Beatz). "Brooklyn" feat. Jay-Z & Uncle Murda has a great beat. But the hook is very dissapointing. It reminds me of "New York S**t" from Busta Rhymes's cd The Big Bang. The standout track for me is "Gangsta Don't Play" feat. Junior Reid. The beat is tight and Fab and J Reid deliver a solid street track. The only two songs that Fabolous really shows any hunger on are "Change Up" feat. Akon and the deep track "What Should I Do" feat. Lil Mo. And the bonus track "This Is Family" feat. Ransom, Freck Billionaire, Red Cafe, Joe Budden & Paul Cain is a solid posse cut. This album will go platinum but it isn't album of the year material.
My Top 5
1. "Real Playa Like" feat. Lloyd
2. "Diamonds" feat. Young Jeezy
3. "Change Up" feat. Akon
4. "Return Of The Hustle" feat. Swizz Beatz
5. "Make Me Better" feat. NE-YO
Honorable mention tracks
- "Gangsta Don't Play" feat. Junior Reid
- "Brooklyn" feat. Jay-Z & Uncle Murda
- "What Should I Do" feat. Lil Mo
From Nothin' To Somethin'.......2007-07-10
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Live at the Gorge 05/06
Pearl Jam Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000Q677KO Release Date: 2007-06-26 |
Tracks:
- I Believe In Miracles[Disc 1]
- Small town [Disc 1]
- Off He Goes [Disc 1]
- Low Light [Disc 1]
- Man Of The Hour [Disc 1]
- I Am Mine[Disc 1]
- Crazy Mary [Disc 1]
- Black [Disc 1]
- Hard To Imagine [Disc 1]
Tracks:
- Given To Fly [Disc 2]
- Last Exit [Disc 2]
- Save You [Disc 2]
- Do The Evolution [Disc 2]
- Alone [Disc 2]
- Sad [Disc 2]
- Even Flow [Disc 2]
- Not For You [Disc 2]
- Corduroy [Disc 2]
Tracks:
- Encore Break [Disc 3]
- Love Boat Captain [Disc 3]
- Insignificance[Disc 3]
- Better Man [Disc 3]
- Rearvewmirror [Disc 3]
- I Won't Back Down [Disc 3]
- Last Kiss [Disc 3]
- Crown Of Thorns [Disc 3]
- Blood [Disc 3]
- Yellow Ledbetter [Disc 3]
- Baba O'Riley [Disc 3]
Tracks:
- Wash [Disc 4]
- Corduroy [Disc 4]
- Hail Hail [Disc 4]
- World Wide Suicide [Disc 4]
- Severed Hand [Disc 4]
- Given To Fly [Disc 4]
- Small Town [Disc 4]
- Even Flow [Disc 4]
- Down [Disc 4]
Tracks:
- Encore Break [Disc 5]
- Footsteps [Disc 5]
- Once [Disc 5]
- Alive [Disc 5]
- State Of Love And Trust [Disc 5]
- Crown Of Thorns [Disc 5]
- Leash [Disc 5]
- Porch [Disc 5]
- Last Kiss [Disc 5]
- Inside Job [Disc 5]
- Go [Disc 5]
- Baba O'Riley [Disc 5]
- Dirty Frank [Disc 5]
- Rockin' In The Free World [Disc 5]
- Yellow Ledbetter [Disc 5]
Tracks:
- Severed Hand [Disc 6]
- Corduroy [Disc 6]
- World Wide Suicide [Disc 6]
- God's Dice [Disc 6]
- Animal [Disc 6]
- Do The Evolution [Disc 6]
- In Hiding [Disc 6]
- Green Disease [Disc 6]
- Even Flow [Disc 6]
Tracks:
- Encore Break [Disc 7]
- I Won't Back Down [Disc 7]
- Life Wasted [Disc 7]
- Big Wave [Disc 7]
- Satan's Bed [Disc 7]
- Spin The Black Circle [Disc 7]
- Alive [Disc 7]
- Given To Fly [Disc 7]
- Little Wing [Disc 7]
- Crazy Mary [Disc 7]
- Comatose [Disc 7]
- Fuckin' Up [Disc 7]
- Yellow Ledbetter [Disc 7]
Amazon.com
Perhaps it's the color scheme and imagery on the slipcase art for Live at the Gorge, recalling Roger Dean's classic 1970s-era album jackets, but this 7-disc set of live Pearl Jam feels warmly retro. Fans will concur, of course, since the 100 tracks favor Ten and Vs. And let's not kid ourselves, it'll be mostly committed fans that buy Gorge, given the sprawl and the fact that several tunes appear three times. That fact alone is retro: Fans buy live albums; generalists stay away. What fans will get--and generalists miss--here is an old-school, road-proved rock throwdown, from start to finish. Eddie Vedder's connection to fans is palpable in the between-song chatter and the Brit-style sing-a-longs (not to mention the Tom Petty goading he has going strong on the 2005 gig or the two appearances of Petty's "I Won't Back Down"). The general soundscape goes like this: The 2005 set is somber and slow-to-build, with its highlight in "I Believe in Miracles" as a show-opener. The 2006 discs, all four of them, are heated and gritty, with the final show's opening, "Severed Hand," providing a great vantage point into Pearl Jam's version of what Keith Richards calls "guitar weaving." It was a sweltering day at the Gorge (in George, Washington, no less), and the music embodies the heat. --Andrew BartlettAlbum Description
From the time of their spectacular arrival 17 years ago, Pearl Jam has continually earned and maitained the respect of one of popular music's most devoted followings. Live at the Gorge represents why. Weighing in at 7 1/2 hours of unparalleled, nonstop, incendiary rock 'n' roll, this box set faithfully presents an all-time legend at the height of their power.Customer Reviews:
BEST LIVE PJ SET EVER!!.......2007-07-18
This is a must buy for any Pearl Jam fan... my single complaint is thier are nor liner notes.
Pearl Jam rewards their fans again.......2007-07-13
The 05 show is contained on Discs 1 - 3. Disc 1 is an acoustic set, similar to the Mansfield set from 03. This particular set list is not as strong as the Mansfield acoustic set, but is still enjoyable and includes Hard to Imagine. Discs 2 and 3 contain the remainder of the show, and a number of rarities including Alone, Sad and Undone. Other notable songs include Dissident, MFC, Not for You, and In My Tree. The only downside of this show is that the attempts to annoy Tom Petty occasionally take away from the music, in my opinion.
Discs 4 and 5 contain the first 06 show and this show is the highlight of the entire box set. A great set list is highlighted by Wash, great performances of Corduroy and Hail Hail, Down, Daughter/It's OK, and Blood. But it is the first encore (Disc 5) that really shines. The band plays through Footsteps, Once, Alive, State of Love and Trust, Crown of Thorns, Leash and Porch without stopping. This is a real treat for fans of older Pearl Jam as these are all classics - but the best is yet to come when they play the rarely played Dirty Frank in the closing set.
Discs 6 and 7 contain the second 06 show and again fans are treated to some gems including God's Dice, In Hiding, Green Disease, Betterman/Save it for Later, the re-worked Garden, Rats, and Whipping. They close with Yellow Ledbetter, to which Mike adds the Star Spangled Banner. Those familiar with the 06 tour know that Mike frequently played the Star Spangled Banner during Yellow Ledbetter, and together with Eddie's vaguely anti-war lyrics, this classic song has taken on a whole new meaning, one that is especially relevant given the current state of affairs in the world.
In summary, Pearl Jam continues to reward their fans by making their live shows available, in one format or another, for reasonable prices. This set is no exception and it highlights the greatest band doing what they do best. A great mix of classic songs, new versions of songs, and rare songs make this set especially attractive. This is a must have.
Fantastic Live Shows.......2007-07-10
The first show recorded on September 1st 2005, not September 5th like the box says, is the second best show of the set in my eyes. The first disc of this show is just incredible and is worth 40 bucks alone. The band opens up with I Believe In Miracles. Ive NEVER heard a version of this song I liked better. Its really the best Ive ever heard, not to mention a lot of other PJ fans can agree. The takes on Low Light, I Am Mine, Crazy Mary, and Black are also some of the best Ive heard. When I was listening to Black on that disc I actually cried! Ive heard the song hundreds of times, but that version did it for me. The only mistake on this disc is where Eddie messes up the lyrics on Off He Goes, but its forgivable and he just laughs it off. I cant forget the awesome version of Hard To Imagine. The band doesnt play this one much, so its certainly a huge plus. Eds voice has never sounded better. Whoever thinks Ed Vedder has lost his pipes should listen to this. The second disc starts off with the only version of Given To Fly I even listen to. I think the song is overplayed, but this one has the energy like no other. Other stong takes on this disc are Last Exit, Save You, Alone, Sad, Not For You, Dissident, and Undone. Some of those songs are hard to come by live and they are played perfect. Ed messes up on Do The Evolution and Insignificance, but I believe he just got too excited. Disc 3 also has a few good versions of Love Boat Captain, Last Kiss, and Blood. Theres the version of I Wont Back Down thats a little rusty, but is played better on the third show of the box set. The September 1st show was a great one. Really an all around perfect live performance.
The second show recorded on July 22nd 2006 is my personal favorite out of the entire box set. It makes my top 10 favorite PJ shows for sure. The setlist, the energy, and the whole vibe is just WOW. Not to mention the show opens up with a killer take on Wash. I havent got the room to type all the great versions on this show because nearly all are great! The ones that stick out the most as being special are Hail Hail, Severed Hand, Unemployable, Black, Insignificance, Life Wasted, and Blood on the first disc. The second disc is the real treat in my eyes. So many awesome songs that are played perfect. Once, Alive now Ed can certainly belt this one out, State of Love and Trust played so sweetly, Leash, Porch, Inside Job, and Go are all just mind blowingly excellent. The performance of Last Kiss is most likely the best Ive heard... ever. I usually dont like the song live, but its really good here. I didnt list Footsteps because this version is in a league of its own. My God, Ed has never sung the song better. It sends little chills through my whole body. Cant forget Dirty Frank, this song isnt played much at all. Its really cool to hear this live. Ed can still sing it good too. This show is just fantastic anyway you can look at it.
The last show from the Gorge Box Set is my least favorite, but is by no means anywhere near bad. Its still incredible, but compared with the other two shows it lacks. The first disc is the best of this show. I love opening up with Severed Hand. Other really great versions are In Hiding where Eds voice sounds great, Marker In The Sand, and Army Reserve sounds better here than on the studio version. This discs last 5 songs are just pure intense energy. Its so good to hear Garden, Jeremy, and Why Go played with so much energy and raw passion. Garden sounds better here than on the studio version for sure. Its another song where Ed sounds better now than he ever has. I cant believe people say the band sounded better in the early 90s. They sound better here to me. The second disc has good takes on Life Wasted, Big Wave, Satans Bed, Alive, and a wicked version of Crazy Mary. So this show can really hold its ground as being awesome too.
If you read all this Im sorry its long, but with 7 whole discs of music theres a lot to cover. I highly recommend this set to anyone who likes rock music or is just a casual PJ fan. You cant beat 7 discs for 40 bucks. This set just shows how great this band is, how talented, and how hard these boys still rock. God, I wish I could have been a teen in the 90s to hear them!
Classic live box, must have it..........2007-07-10
Sept. 1st 2005
One show = 36 songs, what to say. On first 3 cd's you can find classic songs like "Black", "Small Town", "Even Flow", "Daughter", "State of Love and Trust", "Alive", "Last Kiss", "Betterman", "Yellow Ledbetter"... and many rarities like "Man of the Hour", "Hard to Imagine", "Alone", "Undone", "Crown of Thorns", "Sad"... plus they played 3 great covers "I Believe in Miracles" (Ramones), "I Won't Back Down" (Tom Petty) and "Baba O'Riley" (Who). They also played "Love Boat Captain", song written after Roskilde tragedy in 2000.
July 22nd & 23rd 2006
Last two shows on American Tour in 2006. On these 4 cd's you can hear almost the whole new album they had released in 2006 (selftitled album "Pearl Jam"). Again, like in 2005 they played many rarities like "Mamasan Trilogy" (Footsteps, Once, Alive), "Leash", "Dirty Frank", "Wash", "Down", "God's Dice", "In Hiding", "Garden", "Rats", Jimi Hendrix "Little Wing" and Neil Young "Rockin' in the Free World" and "F*ckin' up" plus many classics...
After all, if you decide to buy this box, trust me, you won't regret because this box is a piece of art.
Notice: tracklisting on Amazon is incorrect:
Sept. 1st 2005: 1st cd has 9 songs, 2nd cd has 17 songs, 3rd cd has 11 songs
July 22nd 2006: 1st cd has 17 songs, 2nd cd has 15 songs
July 23rd 2006: 1st cd has 18 songs, 2nd cd has 13 songs
9/10.......2007-07-07
But packaging aside, here is some vital information I assembled that might be useful to some of you who may be indecisive as to whether or not to acquire this box. I did a tally of all the songs and arranged them by era, based on the studio albums, so you can quickly see how many songs you're getting from whatever albums you love. Non-LP songs include b-sides and session songs. (Yeah, I was bored at work.) So here are the album-eras of Pearl Jam, followed by the number of songs performed live in this box set:
Ten ......... 12 (eight LP, four non-LP)
Vs. .......... 11 (nine LP, two non-LP)
Vitalogy .... 7
No Code .... 3
Yield ......... 5
Binaural .... 3 (two LP, one non-LP)
Riot Act .... 6 (four LP, two non-LP)
Pearl Jam ... 12
Covers ...... 8
Other ........ 3
Amidst the three long shows, totaling exactly 100 tracks (there are tracks not listed on Amazon for some reason), there are five threepeated songs (Evenflow, Alive, Corduroy, Given to Fly, and Yellow Ledbetter). As you can tell from the tally, it's a good mix of material; not entirely representative of every album, but most likely representative of the albums that the majority of people want to hear (i.e. Ten and Vs.). But all the performances are spot-on and well done by the band, and of course there's a lot of mid-song banter that gives that "realness" to the shows, and makes you feel like you were there even if you weren't. So if you're a fan, there's really no reason not to pick this up.
A couple of side notes: Among the "other" songs is a dual performance of Mother Love Bone's "Crown of Thorns," which they have been playing fairly often in the past few years. I didn't think it fair to consider that a cover song. Also included in the later versions of Yellow Ledbetter is a Hendrix tribute that McCready has been squeezing in in recent shows, which includes excerpts from "Little Wing" and "The Star-spangled Banner," the former of which is covered as a separate track on the last disc.
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Grand National
John Butler Trio Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000N3ST4S Release Date: 2007-03-27 |
Tracks:
- Better Than
- Daniella
- Funky Tonight
- Caroline
- Good Excuse
- Used To Get High
- Gov Did Nothing
- Groovin' Slowly
- Devil Running
- Losing You
- Nowhere Man
- Fire In The Sky
- Gonna Take It
Album Description
The pigeonholes that exist have long been a bad fit for John Butler anyway. Roots band, protest band, jam band, groove band . . . these labels may or may not have applied in the past, but the John Butler Trio of 2007 has come too far and seen too much to sit in anybody else's niche. "GRAND NATIONAL" is more about love than injustice, more about ass-shaking than finger-pointing, and more about maintaining the funk than any particular hairstyle. It's an album of sharp focus and wide variety that matches and surpasses monumental expectations.Customer Reviews:
Totally grand.......2007-06-21
Could they really have gotten better? .......2007-06-01
There aren't any political statements here, just good, solid rocking fun. If you haven't heard them, start with this CD.
Great CD! Why haven't I heard of these guys before?.......2007-05-28
This album is definitlet JBT's BEST!.......2007-05-18
Eclectic and energetic.......2007-05-15
Sometimes the marriage of rock `n roll and social and environmental injustices either smacks of self-righteousness or ceases to be graceful and fluid. For the most part, Mr. Butler sidesteps those hindrances yet he does stumble a bit on the awkward, even embarrassing second track Daniella.
But it's pretty easy to put those sorts of moments in the rearview mirror when the JBT hits full throttle on Funky Tonight, the kind of song that energizes the inner whirling dervish in us all.
If I were to sum it up in two words, I would offer eclectic and energetic.
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Meet Me In Margaritaville: The Ultimate Collection
Jimmy Buffett Manufacturer: Utv Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00008OLX6 Release Date: 2003-04-15 |
Tracks:
- Margaritaville
- Migration
- Growing Older But Not Up
- Holiday (Live/New Recording)
- Come Monday
- Fruitcakes
- We Are The People Our Parents Warned Us About
- Cheeseburger In Paradise
- Jolly Mon Sing
- The Pascagoula Run (Live/New Recording)
- Tin Cup Chalice
- Pencil Thin Moustache
- Grapefruit/Juicy Fruit
- Coconut Telegraph
- Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes
- Last Mango In Paris
- Fins
- Why Don't We Get Drunk
- Brown Eyed Girl
- One Particular Harbour
Tracks:
- School Boy Heart
- Everybody's Talkin' (New!)
- Volcano
- Son Of A Son Of A Sailor (New Recording)
- Take Another Road
- Knees Of My Heart (New Recording)
- In The Shelter (New Recording)
- Havana Daydreamin'
- Desperation Samba (Haloween In Tijuana)(Live/New Recording)
- Barefoot Children
- Saxophones (New Recording)
- Cowboy In The Jungle
- He Went To Paris (New Recording)
- Creola
- Bob Robert's Society Band
- A Pirate Looks At Forty (Live/New Recording)
- Sail On Sailor (New)
- The Captain And The Kid (New Recording)
Amazon.com
Jimmy Buffett may have made his millions, but that doesn't mean that he has eased up on his workload. After releasing 33 albums, mounting grueling annual tours, and fashioning an entire industry and lifestyle out of his signature song "Margaritaville," Buffett trots out this two-CD collection. Yet, Meet Me in Magaritaville, which spans 30 years, isn't merely a retread of his long, storied career. Buffett has written two new songs for the package and re-recorded six alternative versions of fan favorites (including a moving version of "The Captain and the Kid," which he included for his ailing father, who died shortly after the album's release). He's also added two new cover songs--a spicy bossa nova version of Fred Neil's "Everybody's Talking" and the Beach Boys' "Sail on Sailor"--as well four live tracks, which shows the singer at his best, conjuring up his own Yuppie Atlantis, an idyllic place where no one has to wear shoes, the sun is always shining, the bar never closes, and Junior Mints are always available at every cinema. A must-have collection for every Parrothead (or aspiring Parrothead), if only for Buffett's track-by-track descriptions. --Jaan UhelszkiCustomer Reviews:
Parrotheads Must Have CD Set.......2007-07-13
typical island music.......2007-06-27
mararitaville.......2007-05-10
Great music!.......2007-03-25
It's Jimmy Buffett, what else could you ask for?.......2007-03-19
I highly recommend this album to anyone who enjoys slipping away to Margaritaville for a little while. It's music that crosses the generation gap. I'm in my 40's, my parents are in their mid - 60's and my daughter is a teenager, and we all enjoy Jimmy Buffett. If you purchase this album, you won't be disappointed.
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Three from the Vault
Grateful Dead Manufacturer: Rhino Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000Q677CM Release Date: 2007-06-26 |
Tracks:
- Two Ditties [Disc 1]
- The Merry-Go-Round Broke Down [Disc 1]
- Spring Song [Disc 1]
- Truckin' [Disc 1]
- Loser [Disc 1]
- Cumberland Blues [Disc 1]
- Hurts Me Too [Disc 1]
- Bertha [Disc 1]
- Playing In The Band [Disc 1]
- Deal [Disc 1]
- Dark Hollow [Disc 1]
- Smokestack Lightnin' [Disc 1]
- China Cat Sunflower [Disc 1]
- I Know You Rider [Disc 1]
Tracks:
- Greatest Story Ever Told [Disc 2]
- Johnny B. Goode [Disc 2]
- Bird Song [Disc 2]
- Easy Wind [Disc 2]
- Deal [Disc 2]
- That's It For The Other One [Disc 2]
- I. Cryptical Envelopment [Disc 2]
- II. Drums [Disc 2]
- III. The Other One [Disc 2]
- Wharf Rat [Disc 2]
- Good Lovin' [Disc 2]
- Casey Jones [Disc 2]
Amazon.com
Readied in the early '90s (but not released until the summer of 2007) this multi-tracked document of a strong twenty-song, two-hour set by the Dead from February 1971 in Port Chester, NY brims with subtle pleasures and myriad rave-ups. The sound is immaculate throughout, thanks to the group's adoption of radical technology for the time. The band was at a creative peak at the start of '71; both Workingman's Dead and American Beauty had been released the previous year. There are a few points where the group seems a tad lead-footed, but this is understandable as second drummer Mickey Hart had left the previous day for a several year hiatus after it was discovered that his father had ripped off the group while acting as their manager. Overall, the band 's clearly moving towards a more mean and stripped-down sound. And the rocking numbers like "Bertha"--debuted at this gig, along with a handful of other numbers--do benefit from this. To top it all off, the songs sung by Ron "Pigpen" McKernan here are among the strongest the blues interpretations ever recorded. There are a lot of Dead shows out there, and some have historic value, while others just sound great in terms of the performance and fidelity. This show has the full trifecta; it's not to be missed by even the casual 'head. --Mike McGonigalAlbum Description
This 2-disc set features an epic pop-cultural event by capturing a 1971 Grateful Dead live concert.Customer Reviews:
Big on highs and understandable lows .......2007-07-13
I won't try and turn anyone off this release because the "good" stuff is hot! I personally prefer full shows and am ready to accept that not everything works on every show but that doesn't justify an automatic 5 stars for every release based on the "good" stuff.
Is it one of the better GD live releases?? Not entirely - read on. The sound may be crisp and clear but some of the performances are a hard listen - PITB shocked me in this embryonic and sloppy version however, it's understandable that new songs have to be road-tested.
Yes, i know that they played a heap of new, still undeveloped songs that would turn into monsters in years to come - It's amazing that some of those very tracks like PITB, GSET and Deal ended up as grand as they did because listening to these versions you'd have thought they'd be dumped for eternity by the end of the month. Thanks to GD for NOT doing that.
There are heaps of positives to be drawn from this release - i don't beleive i've heard a better Smokestack, Hurts Me Too or Easy Wind. Cumberland Blues is always a "fun" track even if lines are forgotten. Did the band have an energy drink (or maybe something different??) before playing Bertha - sounds like it - gets you moving. Continuing on with that energy is China/Rider - a stand-out sounding more confident with age (and will get better after '71). Other One is my favourite GD song (along with UJB & EOTW) and hardly ever disappoints - this version is no exception. Wharf Rat rides on the crest of raw emotion, flows, and ultimately drags you in. Truckin' and Loser also deserve worthy mentions.
A single cd version for the average listener would be 5 stars and i've made a compilation of the highlights just right for the car (apologies for leaving out johnny b. goode which is one of the best i've heard but it didn't fit on the cd-r). This is it:
1. cumberland blues
2. hurts me too
3. bertha
4. smokestack lightnin'
5. china cat sunflower
6. i know you rider
7. easy wind
8. that's it for the other one
9. wharf rat
Was it worth the purchase - ohhhhhhhh yeahhhhhh!! They can keep releasing mixed-bags of goodies like this and i'll keep buying them and asking for more! Yummy!!
Classic Dead with Pigpen........2007-07-12
Philip in SC, living free. 7/12/07
Bring Out Your Dead.......2007-07-06
Mediocracy reigns for this one - can't win them all!
The Pig Pen Blues tracks sound great on this.......2007-06-28
I'm Thinking of a Number Between One and Ten!.......2007-06-27
I'm sure there will be plenty of reviews, that recount better than I can, what a busy week Jerry & the boys were having in mid February '71. How they were premiering a truck load of new songs ("Loser", "Bertha", "Playing in the Band", "Warf Rat" "Greatest Story Ever Told", "Bird Song", "Deal"). How this particular show (2nd of a 6 night run) was the first without drummer, Mickey Hart, after an embarassing, embezzlement scandal, involving his father. How the GD used this particular gig's audience in a bon-i-fied, sci-en-ti-fic experiment (try saying it in Mr.Hainy's voice...) of the par-a-normal, thus giving it the nickname of "The ESP Show". But lets leave these details too Dennis McNally and the other historians in the crowd.
Whats really important is that this is really a gen-un-ine (try that Mr. Hainey voice again..) kick-a** show! You'll know it, when you hear it. Some GD archival releases, while interesting, tend to gather dust in your Dead music collection. Others keep finding their way again and again into the ol' CD tray, because they really have something special (think Dick's Picks 8). Well this is one of those releases. If there is any one recording, I would compare this show to, it would be the Dead's live 1971 "Skull & Roses" album. It not only shares the same material and time period, but it also seems to have the same boundless energy. But this is even better! While "Skull & Roses" had terrific performances ("It's been a favorite all these years!") it was mined from several performances ,while the "Three From the Vault" release feels much more unified, since it's all one complete show.
While many of the songs are in embryotic forms (and more tentative then what they would eventually become), they still are fun to listen to. I love this version of "Bird Song". It seems to have an almost light and spritely sound. Jerry's guitar is just wonderful on it. Other standouts include Bobby's folky "Dark Hollow", a rockin' "Greatest Story Ever Told" and Pigpen doing what only Pigpen can do on "Easy Wind". But for me the center piece of the show is "Thats It For the Other One". Maby Billy had something to prove that night, since he was taking over all the percussion duties. Who knows? But you can certainly hear him giving it his all in an artistically pleasing performance. This show's performances are hardly the most improvisational ones in the Dead's history, by a long shot, but they certainly are just plain terrific in their own way!
Finally, I want to mention how great "Three from the Vault" sounds. The guitars have an almost jangly Byrds-like sound and the vocals are crystal clear and out front in the recording. Kudos to all the folks involved in the mixing, mastering and engineering of this recording! It's like 'mother's milk'! A great show, that will find a lot of time in my CD player. Highly recommended!
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Special Occasion
Bobby Valentino Manufacturer: DTP / Def Jam ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000GPIPNI Release Date: 2007-05-08 |
Tracks:
- Intro
- Anonymous (feat. Timbaland)
- Checkin' For Me
- Special Occasion Interlude
- Rearview (Ridin') (feat. Ludacris)
- If I Had My Way
- How `Bout It
- Turn The Page
- Home Is Where You Belong
- Let Him Go (feat. Fabolous)
- Only Human
- Can't Wait `Til Later
- I Was Wrong
- Soon As I Get Home
- Over & Over
- Right There (Thank You)
Amazon.com
There is an excellent advantage to owning a Bobby Valentino disc and it is this: no matter how many other discs you've shuffled it with, you will never get confused as to who it is you're listening to, because Bobby V.--V. Tino, if you will--name-checks himself consistently throughout every track. Special Occasion is no exception, but it also earns its keep by way of solid, sexed-up R&B. When the limber-voiced ladies' man isn't strutting his stuff à la the dancefloor-ready "Checking for Me," a full-on stomper about a lady who likes to pretend she doesn't have an eye out for Bobby V., he's pleading his case to a lover in dire need of reassurance ("Turn The Page," "Home is Where You Belong," "Soon As I Get Home"). What binds these tracks is a hard-bitten refusal to skimp on the passion; no matter how quick the tempo or quirky the beat ("Tired of Being Alone" is especially exotic), Valentino delivers with all the fire he can muster. He also has a flair for recalling his mentors without being derivative--check out his Jeffrey Osborne moment on "If I had My Way." --Tammy La GorceCustomer Reviews:
Great CD.......2007-07-16
So, so..........2007-07-09
Fan mail.......2007-07-07
A scorcher!!!.......2007-07-06
Loved It!!!.......2007-06-28
Music Album:
- Jewel of the South
- King of the Railroad-21 Country Tracks [Import]
- Large As Life & Twice As Natural [Import] [Original recording remastered]
- Let Er Buck: 25 Authentic Cowboy Songs [Import]
- Live [Import] [Live]
- Lone Star Rag: 1937-1949, Vol. 2 [Import]
- Love Letters
- Mark Chesnutt
- My Hits & Love Songs [Import]
- Night To Remember
