Still

1. Still

2. Po' Folks

3. Mama Sang a Song

4. Bright Lights and Country Music

5. Golden Guitar

6. I Love You Drops

7. Three A.M.

8. Tips of My Fingers

Still,Bill Anderson,Rcr / Cbuj Ent.,Country,Country-Pop,Pop,United States of America

Average customer rating: Very Funny CD The Most Fun of Them All Cheeky and Fun Fun, catchy music Really enjoyable to listen

Alright, Still Lily Allen Manufacturer: Capitol Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music $8.99 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 All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $8.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Back to Black The Good, the Bad & the Queen Begin to Hope Costello Music Introducing Joss Stone ASIN: B000KG5EQE Release Date: 2007-01-30

Tracks:

1. Smile
2. Knock 'Em Out
3. LDN
4. Everything's Just Wonderful
5. Not Big
6. Friday Night
7. Shame For You
8. Littlest Things
9. Take What You Take
10. Friend Of Mine
11. Alfie
12. Nan You're A Window Shopper (US Bonus Track)
13. Smile (Version Revisited) (US Bonus Track)

From Amazon.co.uk

Being, as she is, the daughter of prominent British actor Keith Allen, the cynics could easily dismiss the rise of Lily Allen as an act of backroom nepotism, a talent-free starlet helped to the stage by the right connections. But one listen to her debut album Alright, Still dispels any doubts about young Ms. Allen's star quality. Possessed of a feisty wit and taste for urban storytelling that should see her compared to Mike "The Streets" Skinner, these 11 tracks of sunshine-friendly reggae-pop cover topics including frustrating potential closing-time suitors ("Knock 'Em Out"), being happy when your ex is having a bad time ("Smile"), and having a little brother who likes a bit of a smoke--and not just of the tobacco variety ("Alfie"). Wisely, however, Allen doesn't let the grittiness of the subject matter tarnish the golden pop suss of the songs, a suite of gleaming productions by names including Mark Ronson and Gwen Stefani collaborator Greg Kurstin that take inspiration from the lighter end of reggae and vintage rocksteady. Doubtless some corners of the press will pillory her as a poor role model, but there's an engaging honesty to the likes of "LDN"--a love song to a city filled with teenage muggers, pimps, and crack whores, narrated by someone who's cycling because "the filth took away my license." Like father, like daughter. --Louis Pattison

From Capitol Records

The 21-year-old Lily Allen, pronounced by NME "the archetypal singer-songwriter for the iPod generation," took Britain by storm in summer 2006 with her debut album Alright, Still rocketing onto the U.K. Album chart at No. 2 and her first U.K. single, "Smile," topping the U.K. Airplay chart for six weeks in a row. Now she's set her sights on America--and early reports indicate she won't exactly be flying under the radar here either. "She symbolizes a new blogging-age, middle-class girl: cockily ambitious, skeptical yet enthusiastic, technically savvy, musically open, obsessed with public expression and ready to fight back," said The New York Times in a feature on Lily.

Allen was born in Hammersmith, a borough in Greater London, and grew up all over London - Shepherds Bush, Bloomsbury, Islington. "I went to 13 different schools so I never had time to make enduring friendships. Music became a lifeline to me. I listened to punk, ska and reggae, courtesy of my parents' record collections," she says, which explains why, in addition to numerous up-and-coming dance artists, she counts The Specials, T. Rex, The Slits, and Blondie as favorites.

"I got expelled from various schools and was sent to boarding school as they thought it would be a restraining influence, but I ran away when I was 14," she recalls. "It was obvious I didn't like authority." Although she dropped out of school, Allen continued to have a voracious appetite for books and music. "I always felt I couldn't articulate my feelings as much as I wanted to. Books and music helped me do that," she says. "I started to feel like I could have a voice."

Lily's incisive lyrical observations belie her years. "With the kind of music I do you have to be direct and quite literal," she says. "I don't play an instrument, which really makes me focus on the vocal melody, and the lyrics are incredibly important to me. I don't want to be part of a scene - the whole idea of that makes me feel sick - and most of the music I listen to is by outsider figures, which is where I feel happiest."

There was a little old lady who was walking down the road She was struggling with bags from Tesco There were people in the city having lunch in the park I believe that is called alfresco Then a kid came along to offer a hand But before she had time to accept it Hits her over the head, doesn't care if she's dead 'Cause he's got all her jewelry and wallet (from "LDN")

In November 2005, Allen started posting tracks on her MySpace site to see what fans thought of them. "Since then it's gone mad," she says. (Her songs have received over five million total plays to date.) "The online support I got for my music grew quickly, then the next thrill was hearing it on the radio. The reaction has been so positive it's left me reeling a bit. But I'm happy and I know the songs can live up to people's expectations."

And indeed they have. "Through and through, it sounds like part Millie Small, part Gwen Stefani, part Blondie, without ever really sounding much like anything other than Allen's own mash-up of cool," said Rolling Stone. The New Yorker has praised her "delightful, ska-inflected songs" and Pitchfork said "Alright, Still isn't anything else but a fantastic success. Not only does Allen deliver on the musical promise hinted at in her MySpace demos, she also acquits herself as a genuine personality with wit and attitude to spare."

Allen's cheeky, street-smart observations imbue Alright, Still with an unerringly modern female point-of-view. On "Smile," Lily admits to feeling guilty - but not that guilty - for feeling good when an ex-boyfriend cries because she won't give it another go. Perhaps he shouldn't have slept with her neighbor. On "Knock 'Em Out," a lame pick-up line is met with a litany of bogus reasons (ranging from various sexually transmitted diseases to a house fire) why "it's not gonna happen/not in a million years." And while the chorus of "LDN" brims with unabashed affection for London, the verses are a deft social commentary exposing the warts of a town intent on keeping up appearances. Cynicism and a sunny outlook aren't mutually exclusive in Allen's world, which goes a long way towards explaining her unbridled confidence and contagious joie de vivre. The world is still her oyster - even if it was dredged from murky waters.

Lily Allen Photos

More Capitol Artists

Corinne Bailey Rae

The Crane Wife, the Decemberists

LeToya

Customer Reviews:

Very Funny CD.......2007-07-18

Lily Allen has to be the best British female artist ever! Well, besides Amy Winehouse. This CD is brutally honest and very, very funny. Lily does an amazing job on this CD. Why? Because like I said, it's brutally honest. Get the PA version because even though there's cursing, it's used sparingly and in context, but it's still not for anyone who isn't at least a preteen yet. The lyrics are in the liner notes, though.

The songs on the CD and what I rated them, 1 to 5:

1. Smile. Well, it's on the radio a lot but it's pretty funny with Lily Allen kicking out a boyfriend and enjoying his cries to get her back. 4/5

2. Knock 'em Out. Bad boyfriends trying to get a girl's number. Hilarious excuses ensue, especially "I've got herpes, err, no I've got syphilis...AIDS! AIDS! I've got AIDS!" 5/5

3. LDN. Lily loves a city with teenage muggers and pimps? Interesting. 4/5

4. Everything's Just Wonderful. She thinks about the world, weight loss, spaghetti bolognaise, getting a flat, and having her ex's money but not getting it, but in the end, she supposes "that's the way that things go". Funny, but not up to potential. 4/5

5. Not Big. Childish rant about her boyfriend being good enough. Like the sound though. 3/5

6. Friday Night. Girl goes to bar, other girls try to get boys, girl gets revenge. Too generic at first, but becomes good. 5/5

7. Shame For You. Now she's back on track! Very funny song about dumping a boyfriend. 5/5

8. Littlest Things. WHAT? A love ballad? Shocking surprise, but overall, as sweet as sugar. 5/5

9. Take What You Take. Good song about doing what you want to do, but it may shock parents. 5/5

10. Friend Of Mine. A childhood friend becomes a bad girl. Good message about self-respect. 5/5

11. Alfie. Song about Lily's brother Alfie smoking weed and Lily trying to talk to him. Really good messages and great beat. 5/5

12. Nan You're A Window Shopper. Very tongue in cheek parody of Window Shopper by 50 Cent about Lily's nana. But may offend some. 5/5

Overall: 4.5/5

I wish I could do 4 1/2 stars! This CD is a must-have.

The Most Fun of Them All.......2007-07-17

Short Version: BUY THIS ALBUM...YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!

Long Version: Lily is the british version of Pink in my mind because of the attitude she brings to her music. I love this chick. She has a maturity that I think will sustain her as an artist for a lot of years. We may never really get to know her in America, and that is too bad (I hope differently though). However, of the 15 albums I brought, this is honestly my favorite. Any chick who sings "...you must be joking me, if you think that you'll be poking me" has something I want to her more of down the road.

Mostly, she is really refreshing change of pace. Part of me want to know what she listens too when she has time.

Kevin

Cheeky and Fun.......2007-07-13

Lily Allen is probably one of the most talented young artists around. Her lyrics are hilarious and the music is very upbeat and fun. I haven't taken in out of my CD changer since I bought it.

Fun, catchy music.......2007-07-07

I really like this album by Lily Allen. It is really fun to listen to. She's a cute, sassy singer. Check her out!

Really enjoyable to listen.......2007-06-22

This is different from most of the mainstream music that is out there right now. Lily Allen definitely has some mixes in her music that make the songs stand out. If you want something upbeat to listen to when you are in the car or even at the house, this is a good buy. LDN is one of my favorites to listen to when I am in a bad mood. All in all....a good buy.

Average customer rating: Sweet superb Oh my Gosh, Josh! a true star Floodgates of the Heart

Josh Groban Josh Groban Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Morricone, Ennio | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Film Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Closer Awake Josh Groban in Concert (with Bonus DVD) Il Divo Andrea Bocelli - Amore ASIN: B00005RGNI Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

1. Alla Luce Dal Sole
2. Gira Con Me
3. You're Still You
4. Cinema Paradiso (Se)
5. To Where You Are
6. Alejate
7. Canto Alla Vita - featuring The Corrs
8. Let Me Fall
9. Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)
10. Un Amore Per Sempre
11. Home To Stay
12. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring (w/Lili Haydn)
13. The Prayer - featuring Charlotte Church

Amazon.com

There are worse things in life than making your acting debut on the much ballyhooed season finale of Ally McBeal, though teen operatic baritone Josh Groban doesn't seem destined to encounter them anytime soon. As the awkward high school student-client who asks the typically romance-jinxed Ally to his senior prom, Groban performed this debut album's "You're Still You" (adapted from film-composing legend Ennio Morricone's Academy Award-nominated score for Malèna, with lyrics by Linda Thompson) as a heart-tugging, literal showstopper. The young phenom was just 17 when veteran producer-writer David Foster tapped him to fill in for Andrea Bocelli at rehearsals for the 1999 Grammys, where Groban found himself suddenly dueting with Celine Dion.

Indeed, such were his fortunes that the young Foster protégé was forced to drop out of Carnegie Mellon when professional commitments--including this record--interfered. And if this collection tends to hew sometimes uncomfortably close to Foster's own MOR sonic instincts, the material offers enough challenges to display Groban's talent and the potential of his warm, mature voice: a lyrical take on another Morricone classic, "Cinema Paradiso"; melancholy readings of Don McLean's "Starry, Starry Night" and Albert Hammond's "Alejate"; masterfully dramatic takes of the Neapolitan "Alla Luca Del Sole" and "Canto Alla Vita," the latter featuring the Corrs. Many of Groban's performances here, including a neo prog-rock-opera take on Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" (with Lili Haydn), seem both bigger and bolder than their precious musical frameworks, a telling hint that Grand Opera can't be far from his grasp. As said earlier, there are worse things in life. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Sweet.......2007-07-13

Josh Groban and Charolette Church! Yum. This is a very good album and a must buy!

superb.......2007-07-05

What a voice, what an artist, what a man.
Underestimated in Europe. His concert on 21 May 2007 in Amsterdam was superb!

Oh my Gosh, Josh!.......2007-07-03

I love Josh Groban's music! It is romantic, mellow and beautiful :)
This CD has two songs on it that are very unusual. I believe both are from Cirque de Soleil, and draw you into the music--warning-- While driving, do not close your eyes!

a true star.......2007-06-24

First saw and heard Josh on the Tv and was blown away by his talent! it was about a year later that I found out who he was and bought the first album and can honestly say that I have never tired of his work. Every song is magical and he is truely wonderful. Have since purchased all his work and have also had the priviledge of seeing him live in concert in Glasgow/Scotland and was amazed. such a talented young man with a truely magical voice

Floodgates of the Heart.......2007-06-05

This CD played almost constantly in my wife's car for several years. Josh Groban's voice is so gentle and can go from gentleness to anthematic, almost operatic, textures. He sings in Italian effortlessly. The orchestration on "Cinema Paradiso" is enthralling with its emotional reach, powerful even with lyrics beyond my understanding. "To Where You Are" is one of the most gorgeous songs. Knowing how it moved my wife in the years before breast cancer proved stronger than her body, it touches me now, "Fly me up to where you are beyond the distant star I wish upon tonight to see you smile, if only for awhile to know you're there; a breath a ways to where you are." The song opens the floodgates of my heart. The Corrs were on Groban's 143 label when this release came out in 2001 and join him on the upbeat "Canto Alla Vita." Groban makes an interesting selection with Don McLean's "Vincent," polishing the melody to a fine sheen in ways that surpassed the original. Listening to Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" is like being in a sonic cathedral with Groban's voice matching the grandeur of the music. With Charlotte Church on "The Prayer," Groban concludes the set with the Carole Bayer Sager/David Foster composition that makes one contemplate the eternal, "Lead us to a place, find us with your grace, give us faith so we'll be safe." Groban's first CD enhances with repeated listening by virtue of the depth of musicianship and performance. I listen to it now hearing the music that moved the one I love to tears. It does the same for me. I hope it touches you too. Bravo!

Average customer rating: Good girl fun! 70's music snob finally finds SOME REALLY GREAT MUSIC Good [grief] man, what the [heck] is this? Clean? Explicit? BAD! Irreverent and just plain fun this cd is awesome

Alright, Still Lily Allen Manufacturer: Capitol Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Back to Black Corinne Bailey Rae Alright, Still The Reminder Introducing Joss Stone ASIN: B000KGGF12 Release Date: 2007-01-30

Tracks:

1. Smile
2. Knock 'Em Out
3. LDN
4. Everything's Just Wonderful
5. Not Big
6. Friday Night
7. Shame For You
8. Littlest Things
9. Take What You Take
10. Friend Of Mine
11. Alfie
12. Nan You're A Window Shopper
13. Smile (Version Revisited)

From Amazon.co.uk

Being, as she is, the daughter of prominent British actor Keith Allen, the cynics could easily dismiss the rise of Lily Allen as an act of backroom nepotism, a talent-free starlet helped to the stage by the right connections. But one listen to her debut album Alright, Still dispels any doubts about young Ms. Allen's star quality. Possessed of a feisty wit and taste for urban storytelling that should see her compared to Mike "The Streets" Skinner, these 11 tracks of sunshine-friendly reggae-pop cover topics including frustrating potential closing-time suitors ("Knock 'Em Out"), being happy when your ex is having a bad time ("Smile"), and having a little brother who likes a bit of a smoke--and not just of the tobacco variety ("Alfie"). Wisely, however, Allen doesn't let the grittiness of the subject matter tarnish the golden pop suss of the songs, a suite of gleaming productions by names including Mark Ronson and Gwen Stefani collaborator Greg Kurstin that take inspirat! ion from the lighter end of reggae and vintage rocksteady. Doubtless some corners of the press will pillory her as a poor role model, but there's an engaging honesty to the likes of "LDN"--a love song to a city filled with teenage muggers, pimps, and crack whores, narrated by someone who's cycling because "the filth took away my license." Like father, like daughter. --Louis Pattison

Amazon.com

The 21-year-old Lily Allen, pronounced by NME "the archetypal singer-songwriter for the iPod generation," took Britain by storm in summer 2006 with her debut album Alright, Still rocketing onto the U.K. Album chart at No. 2 and her first U.K. single, "Smile," topping the U.K. Airplay chart for six weeks in a row. Now she's set her sights on America--and early reports indicate she won't exactly be flying under the radar here either. "She symbolizes a new blogging-age, middle-class girl: cockily ambitious, skeptical yet enthusiastic, technically savvy, musically open, obsessed with public expression and ready to fight back," said The New York Times in a feature on Lily.

Allen was born in Hammersmith, a borough in Greater London, and grew up all over London - Shepherds Bush, Bloomsbury, Islington. "I went to 13 different schools so I never had time to make enduring friendships. Music became a lifeline to me. I listened to punk, ska and reggae, courtesy of my parents' record collections," she says, which explains why, in addition to numerous up-and-coming dance artists, she counts The Specials, T. Rex, The Slits, and Blondie as favorites.

"I got expelled from various schools and was sent to boarding school as they thought it would be a restraining influence, but I ran away when I was 14," she recalls. "It was obvious I didn't like authority." Although she dropped out of school, Allen continued to have a voracious appetite for books and music. "I always felt I couldn't articulate my feelings as much as I wanted to. Books and music helped me do that," she says. "I started to feel like I could have a voice."

Lily's incisive lyrical observations belie her years. "With the kind of music I do you have to be direct and quite literal," she says. "I don't play an instrument, which really makes me focus on the vocal melody, and the lyrics are incredibly important to me. I don't want to be part of a scene - the whole idea of that makes me feel sick - and most of the music I listen to is by outsider figures, which is where I feel happiest."

There was a little old lady who was walking down the road She was struggling with bags from Tesco There were people in the city having lunch in the park I believe that is called alfresco Then a kid came along to offer a hand But before she had time to accept it Hits her over the head, doesn't care if she's dead 'Cause he's got all her jewelry and wallet (from "LDN")

In November 2005, Allen started posting tracks on her MySpace site to see what fans thought of them. "Since then it's gone mad," she says. (Her songs have received over five million total plays to date.) "The online support I got for my music grew quickly, then the next thrill was hearing it on the radio. The reaction has been so positive it's left me reeling a bit. But I'm happy and I know the songs can live up to people's expectations."

And indeed they have. "Through and through, it sounds like part Millie Small, part Gwen Stefani, part Blondie, without ever really sounding much like anything other than Allen's own mash-up of cool," said Rolling Stone. The New Yorker has praised her "delightful, ska-inflected songs" and Pitchfork said "Alright, Still isn't anything else but a fantastic success. Not only does Allen deliver on the musical promise hinted at in her MySpace demos, she also acquits herself as a genuine personality with wit and attitude to spare."

Allen's cheeky, street-smart observations imbue Alright, Still with an unerringly modern female point-of-view. On "Smile," Lily admits to feeling guilty - but not that guilty - for feeling good when an ex-boyfriend cries because she won't give it another go. Perhaps he shouldn't have slept with her neighbor. On "Knock 'Em Out," a lame pick-up line is met with a litany of bogus reasons (ranging from various sexually transmitted diseases to a house fire) why "it's not gonna happen/not in a million years." And while the chorus of "LDN" brims with unabashed affection for London, the verses are a deft social commentary exposing the warts of a town intent on keeping up appearances. Cynicism and a sunny outlook aren't mutually exclusive in Allen's world, which goes a long way towards explaining her unbridled confidence and contagious joie de vivre. The world is still her oyster - even if it was dredged from murky waters.

Lily Allen Photos

More Capitol Artists

Corinne Bailey Rae

The Crane Wife, the Decemberists

LeToya

Customer Reviews:

Good girl fun!.......2007-07-08

These songs are great to share with all of your girl friends! We have all been there one time or another! It has a lot of variety of music and the lyrics are hysterical. ENJOY!

70's music snob finally finds SOME REALLY GREAT MUSIC.......2007-06-21

LILY ALLEN is very talented (ok; i admit she does need to find a better back up band); her music is funny and a fun sticky treat of yummy smack; kindof like cotton candy with a swig of vodka after it. I havent heard 1 new artist in 6 years that i adore and my sister and i have been laughing, dancing and grooving to this CD for months now. Lily has amazing wit and wisdom beyond her years.
i grew up on Blondie, The Specials, English Beat and Bob Marley so this albulm balms my old tattered soul. This girl is going far! catch her now as she will be a huge star in 2009. "smile" is an amazing tune, but "alfie" "Knock em out" and "nan, you're a window shopper" are my favorites; i crack up every time i hear them.

Good [grief] man, what the [heck] is this? Clean? Explicit? BAD!.......2007-06-15

This was compared to Amy Winehouse????? Why on earth are the 2 mentioned in the same sentence?????

I now see why the uproar over the 2 new artists. They should never be compared. Yeah, they're both British and female; that is where it ends.

This CD sounds like The Spice Girls got together one night and recorded some covers of Gwen Stefani songs written by Gnarls Barkley (I like Gnarls Barkley, but Lily Allen isn't pulling off what they did). It's just not good music, lyrics, mixing or production.

Worse still, every song on the album sounds about the same. Her "singing" is more of an attempt at talking over the music (can't really call it rap) and it just comes off as poetry (bad poetry) over drum machines and loops of boring, unemotional, uncreative, synthesized music (let's say it's Def Jam lite backed up by Blondie or Devo).

This has been very enlightening however because when I read reviews from people who liked this album and didn't like "Back to Black" by Winehouse, I wondered why. Now I know. They are nothing alike; polar opposites.

I guess it just comes down to taste, preference. This ain't my preference. I'll give it 2 stars for the effort, but I don't get this sound, this album or this "artist".

So, be forewarned. Don't buy this just because it is recommended as a companion to "Back to Black" by Winehouse (or "Introducing" by Joss Stone, for that matter). You may well be very, very, very disappointed.

Sorry Lily; this just doesn't do it for me. And if you take a look at the response to the 4 and 5 star ratings of this album, it may give an indication of what this album really accomplished. Pretty much every person that has given this album a 4 or 5 star review has gotten about 50% helfpulfness votes on their reviews. That should say something about this album. It is not for everyone, and I would say it is not for most.

Irreverent and just plain fun.......2007-06-08

21 yr. old Lily Allen shot out of nowhere last year in the UK with a number 1 hit "Smile" and her debut album "Alright, Still". After it became clear that this was not a one hit wonder, and single after single kept riding the UK charts, the decision was finally made to also release the album in the US earlier this year.

"Alright, Still" (13 tracks; 43 min.) starts off with that smash-single "Smile" and it immediately sets the tone for the album: the song has an easy flowing reggae undertone (though not all songs on the album are reggae-flavored), and it deals with guys and a failed relationship, both of the singer's favorite topics throughout. "Ldn" (2nd UK single) is an ode to Allen's hometown of London, and another irresitable reggae hum-along, with a splash of Spanish/Mexican musical undertones. "Shame for You" (4th single) is something that Fiona Apple could've done. "Littlest Things" (3rd single) is the most introvert song on the album, a ballad Lily Allen-style. "Alfie" (to be released in July in the UK as the 5th single) is another little ditty. Not to say that the non-single tracks are no good. Check out for example "Friend of Mine", "Friday Nights" and the closer, a souped-up reprise of "Smile".

In all, this is really fun album to listen to, and at 43 min. it clips by in no time. I happen to catch Lily Allen at the Coachella festival in late April, and her live show is simply irresitable, she won the crowd over with her easy going manner and her live band was just outstanding.

this cd is awesome.......2007-06-08

Its good to hear that there is talent in todays youth, and this artist fills the bill quite nicely. My favorite tunes are Friday Night, Littlest Things and Alfie. There isn't a loser on the whole cd, though. I have diverse tastes in music, from Pink Floyd, the Police, Beatles and Beach Boys, to Avril Leveign (sp?) Led Zep and Eminem, and I liked this cd from the first listen. You'll either love it, or hate it. I say give it a try!!

Average customer rating: Okay Wow Great debut Chick with rockabilly I love this album!!!

Stand Still, Look Pretty The Wreckers , Michelle Branch , and Jessica Harp Manufacturer: Maverick ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Taking The Long Way Enjoy The Ride The Road to Here Taylor Swift Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing ASIN: B0009F43V8 Release Date: 2006-05-23

Tracks:

1. Leave The Pieces
2. Way Back Home
3. The Good Kind
4. Tennessee
5. My, Oh My
6. Stand Still, Look Pretty
7. Cigarettes
8. Hard To Love You
9. Lay Me Down
10. One More Girl
11. Rain
12. Only Crazy People

Amazon.com

The Wreckers are Grammy-winning songstress Michelle Branch and friend/journeywoman Nashville singer-songwriter Jessica Harp, a team whose solid craftsmanship and soaring, airtight harmonies often lift their hook-smart contemporary country stylings above what's too often mere fizzy, pop-crossover formula. They may have entered the public consciousness via the wide exposure of "Good Kind" on the primetime soap opera One Tree Hill, but the bracing, back-porch charms of the single "Leave the Pieces" should find them a following well beyond that series' teen audience. The reflective title track, gritty folk charms of "Tennessee" and giddy crowd-pleaser "My, Oh My" are suffused with a lyrical maturity that's the perfect counterpoint to the duo's sturdy musical constructs. Solid songs all, delivered with a muscular vocal conviction that does considerably more than merely sell them. --Jerry McCulley

Album Description

The Wreckers are about creation, not destruction. Bringing together two young, fearless female singersongwriter-acoustic guitarists—Grammy®-winning, platinum-selling Michelle Branch and collaborator Jessica Harp—The Wreckers' debut album, Stand Still, Look Pretty, blends Branch's pop-rock sensibility with Harp's country-folk style. Edgy yet rootsy, on Stand Still, Look Pretty, The Wreckers have a ball.

Customer Reviews:

Okay.......2007-07-09

As many of you probably have, I listened to this album because it had Michelle Branch in it. I have to say that the vocals with Jessica Harp are fantastic and the sound of the songs are nice, but most of the songs aren't that great. Leave the Pieces is a nice song, but not that great. The only ones I enjoyed are Lay Me Down, Rain, The Good Kind, and Tenessee. The rest is mediocre. My, Oh My for instance is just plain boring. Rain is a great song, which sounds exactly as if it came off Hotel Paper, and isn't country at all. Lay Me Down isn't a truly great song, but I really enjoyed it. The Good Kind is a nice sounding song, and the melody reminds me of Breathe. Tenessee is a really good song.
I hope this review was helpful.

Wow.......2007-05-28

I love that Michelle Branch can be successful with mainstream and well as country music. She has such a transitional voice and is well suited for both genres. This CD is amazing!

Great debut.......2007-05-23

Overall, I really liked this album. Some of the songs were surprisingly short and sounded the same, but all in all this is a great start for the Wreckers.

Chick with rockabilly.......2007-05-22

Good album that is as easy on the ears. A good blend of country rock

I love this album!!!.......2007-05-08

I bought this album because I like one of the girls (the rock girl) and I am not disappointed :) I really like this album and I hope there's more to come.

Average customer rating: Somewhere Between Fair to Blah Better to get a root canal Still the Same Still has that voice, the Rod Stewart sound AWESOME

Still the Same...Great Rock Classics Of Our Time Rod Stewart Manufacturer: J-Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Duets: An American Classic The Greatest Songs of the Sixties Bring It on Home... The Soul Classics Thanks For The Memory...The Great American Songbook IV Face The Promise ASIN: B000HEVYR2 Release Date: 2006-10-10

Tracks:

1. Have You Ever Seen The Rain
2. Fooled Around And Fell In Love
3. I'll Stand By You
4. Still The Same
5. It's A Heartache
6. Day After Day
7. Missing You
8. Father & Son
9. The Best Of My Love
10. If Not For You
11. Love Hurts
12. Everything I Own
13. Crazy Love

Amazon.com

Unquestionably one of rock's greatest vocalists, Rod Stewart should have titled this album Great Rock Classics of My Time. Most of these Top 40 tunes and others like Dylan's "If Not for You" were popularized in the early to mid-'70s, when Stewart was entering his rock prime. He's perfect to croon Elvin Bishop's "Fooled Around and Fell in Love," soulfully pained on Bonnie Tyler's "It's a Heartache," and right in the pocket on the Pretenders' "I'll Stand by You." And his unmistakable raspiness puts another layer of wisdom on the old Cat Steven's classic "Father & Son." But you also have to wonder about some of the safe song choices, such Badfinger's "Day After Day" and Nazareth's "Love Hurts." Why he continues to record mossy cover songs is a legitimate question. What's stopping him from getting back in trenches with some contemporary rock songwriters and really reinventing himself? The karaoke lounge is no place for a guy this great to hang. --Martin Keller

More Great Rod Stewart

It Had to Be You... The Great American Songbook

It Had to Be You... The Great American Songbook [ENHANCED]

Thanks For The Memory...The Great American Songbook IV

Customer Reviews:

Somewhere Between Fair to Blah.......2007-07-16

Gosh darn, I was really looking forward to this CD, glad to see that the singer was getting back to roots & away from the schlutz of the previous Frank Sinatra style disaster. It's probably my own fault for not inspecting the traks more carefully. Anyway, I listened to it once & probably won't again. It's not a total waste, but geeze it's dull.

Better to get a root canal.......2007-06-11

First off, I like Rod Stewart. But this piece of dreck SHOULD be called "The tape is full, when do I get paid?". It's fun sometimes to hear a performer at a concert jump into an inspired cover. This is neither inspired, nor at a concert. It's a whole CD of, "well I need some money and I am too lazy to even add something to a cover song, let alone actually come up with something new." Bad enough it's all covers, his performance is lifeless, lethargic, and apathetic. Certainly, if I wanted to hear any of these songs, I would reach for the original first. This collection is unnecessary.

Still the Same.......2007-05-23

Rod Stewart still makes beautiful music. I recommend this CD highly.

Still has that voice, the Rod Stewart sound.......2007-05-18

Rod is still the same, he still can sing a ballad better than most rock stars, and his voice is once again unmistakably Rod. I was worried when he started singing 40s and 50s music that he'd lost his touch, or his voice after surgery. I'm glad for the success of those albums, but it's grand to hear Rod doing "our" standards.

AWESOME.......2007-05-10

LOVE IT, EVERY SONG!
Cant wait to catch ROD on Tour this summer
He's still got it!

Average customer rating: hauntingly beautiful Shaken By A Low Sound Solid follow-up to "Hop High", but with a muted edge The Madman of the Cello! Love at first sight

Shaken by a Low Sound Crooked Still Manufacturer: Signature Sounds Recordings ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: Migrations Hop High The Duhks She Waits for Night Waterloo, Tennessee ASIN: B000GCG60K Release Date: 2006-08-22

Tracks:

1. Can't You Hear Me Callin'
2. Little Sadie
3. New Railroad
4. Oxford Town/Cumberland Gap
5. Lone Pilgram
6. Come On In My Kitchen
7. Ain't No Grave
8. Ecstasy
9. Mountain Jumper
10. Railroad Bill
11. Wind And Rain

Amazon.com

Like Nickel Creek and the Duhks (and Alison Krauss and Union Station before them), Crooked Still employ bluegrass elements as a springboard for an eclectic, expansive dynamic. Behind the sweetly ethereal and occasionally jazzy vocals of Aoife O' Donovan, the interplay of Gregory Liszt's banjo, Rushad Eggleston's cello (both bowed and flatpicked), and Corey DiMario's double bass gives the young New England band a sound that is closer to chamber-grass than hoedown. Though none of the material on this label debut is original, the transformations typically are, with the murder balladry of "Little Sadie" given a surprisingly sprightly reading, Bob Dylan's early "Oxford Town" taken at double-time speed, and Robert Johnson's "Come On in My Kitchen" sounding more meditative than bluesy. The band and veteran producer Lee Townsend enlist a number of guests for harmony and instrumental support, but it's plain that the drummerless quartet has the talent and musical vision to deliver on this album's considerable promise. --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews:

hauntingly beautiful.......2007-05-14

my wife and i heard aoife o'donovan a couple of times when she was one of the singers with wayfaring strangers. when we were perusing the concert schedule at the somerville theatre my wife recognized her name as the vocalist for the band crooked still. we decided to give it a try but we weren't sure what to expect. within the first 10 seconds of the concert i was in love with the group. we travelled over to vermont later that month to hear them again and then travelled down to club passim in cambridge a couple of months later for a tuesday 10 o'clock at night concert to try out new material. we're going to see them again in july. i've bought four copies of each of their cd's, one copy for us and the others for friends. i am thinking of rewriting my will and leaving everything to aoife if she will sing at my funeral.

i really like wayfaring strangers and have lent my wayfaring strangers cd's to friends and relatives. hardly anyone cares for them as much as i do and i understand that it can take some getting used to. crooked still is not like that. it is so accessible that i think just about anyone would like it and some people will love it.

Shaken By A Low Sound .......2007-05-13

Great CD, I bought it after hearing then in concert!!

Solid follow-up to "Hop High", but with a muted edge.......2007-05-10

So, what do you get when you combine a lead singer with an airy, sultry, velvety smooth voice, a rocking double bass, a banjo player that actually earned his Ph.D. from MIT, and a cellist that's totally bonkers? You get Crooked Still, a band who's unique style of bluegrass music is turning heads wherever they play. I had the fortune of stumbling across these guys at Merlefest and I was hooked from the first song. Their style of music is generally referred to as "Alternative Bluegrass"; basically, they take a traditional song, break it down, and then add their own unique rhythm and melody. These guys take a _very_ creative approach to bluegrass/American folk music (for example, flat-picking a cello), and if your listening habits tend towards the more traditional approach, this may not be the band for you. As good as they are, I'm hoping at some point they will start creating some original material. Also, as many have noted, their second album "Shaken by a low sound" lacks the freshness and edge of both their first album and the live performances of the songs on the album--though that may reflect the influence of the label rather than a conscious decision by the band. Bottom line: if you can only purchase one Crooked Still album, get the first one, "Hop High". If you get a chance to see this band live, do so. You won't be disappointed.

The Madman of the Cello!.......2007-02-27

This record is fine...wonderful, in fact. The band (a cello-bass-banjo power trio!) combines a profound understanding of the "trad" repertoire with hot chops and a hot chick singer with a breathy-but-tasteful delivery. BUT GO SEE THIS BAND LIVE!! I have just returned from Wintergrass and feel safe in saying that I have seen the future (of something or other) and his name is Rushad Eggleston, virtuoso madman. Rushad is evolving into a major force and, in addition his magical cello, he has--for lack of a better word--a schtick you have to see to believe. He is the Jimi-Django of this fabulous aggregation. GO SEE HIM BEFORE HE EXPLODES. Holy, holy bejesus!

Love at first sight.......2007-02-06

I love this band and this CD does them great credit. My favorite cut is Come on in my kitchen, a song I knew 40 years ago but they do it here with depth and feeling.

Average customer rating: Outstanding! Be Still My Soul by Selah Awesome group wow again!!!! Be Still My Soul - by Selah

Be Still My Soul Selah Manufacturer: Curb Special Markets ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Christian General | Christian & Gospel | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Christian General | Christian & Gospel | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Press On Hiding Place Greatest Hymns Rose Of Bethlehem Bless the Broken Road: The Duets Album ASIN: B00000IXTI Release Date: 1999-05-18

Tracks:

1. Bika Mono Ve (Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior)/It Is Well With My Soul
2. Be Still My Soul/What A Friend We Have In Jesus
3. Precious Lord, Take My Hand/Just A Closer Walk With Thee
4. Great Is Thy Faithfulness
5. His Eye Is on The Sparrow
6. Sweet, Sweet Song Of Salvation
7. When I Survey The Wondrous Cross
8. The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power
9. One Thing I Know
10. Wayfaring Stranger
11. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding!.......2007-05-17

This group is fabulous! Selah has become one of my favorite praise groups. I highly recommend any and all of their CD'S.

Be Still My Soul by Selah.......2007-04-04

Beautiful Music, some of the best I've ever heard.

Awesome group.......2007-01-16

Selah is one of the most awesome groups in Contemporary Christian music today. Love this album.

wow again!!!!.......2007-01-08

you simply cannot buy too many selah cd's. this is an almost perfect cd, only a couple of songs do not rate a full 5 rating. buy it if you like selah, you'll like this.

Be Still My Soul - by Selah.......2006-08-25

If you enjoy classic gospel music this CD is for you. I love all the songs and Selah has a unique version of each classic hymn. I believe it is one of their best CD's along with "The Hiding Place." Both makes your soul want to worship our Saviour and joyfully sing along.

Average customer rating: I love Lily Allen Great CD! AWESOME! Love it! a very well-executed album......

Alright, Still Lily Allen Manufacturer: EMI Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Begin to Hope Back to Black Return to Cookie Mountain (with Bonus Tracks) The Crane Wife The Reminder ASIN: B000FMGWRS Release Date: 2006-08-01

Tracks:

1. Smile
2. Knock 'Em Out
3. LDN
4. Everything's Just Wonderful (Explicit Version)
5. Not Big
6. Friday Night
7. Shame For You
8. Little Things
9. Take What You Take
10. Friend Of Mine (Explicit Version)
11. Alfie (Explicit Version)

From Amazon.co.uk

Being, as she is, the daughter of prominent British actor Keith Allen, the cynics could easily dismiss the rise of Lily Allen as an act of backroom nepotism, a talent-free starlet helped to the stage by the right connections. But one listen to her debut album Alright, Still dispels any doubts about young Ms. Allen's star quality. Possessed of a feisty wit and taste for urban storytelling that should see her compared to Mike "The Streets" Skinner, these 11 tracks of sunshine-friendly reggae pop cover topics including frustrating potential closing-time suitors ("Knock 'Em Out"), being happy when your ex is having a bad time ("Smile"), and having a little brother who likes a bit of a smoke--and not just of the tobacco variety ("Alfie"). Wisely, however, Allen doesn't let the grittiness of the subject matter tarnish the golden pop suss of the songs, a suite of gleaming productions by names including Mark Ronson and Gwen Stefani collaborator Greg Kurstin that take inspiration from the lighter end of reggae and vintage rocksteady. Doubtless some corners of the press will pillory her as a poor role model, but there's an engaging honesty to the likes of "LDN"--a love song to a city filled with teenage muggers, pimps, and crack whores, narrated by someone who's cycling because "the filth took away my license." Like father, like daughter. --Louis Pattison

Album Description

Debut album by this critically adored British female pop vocalist. 11 tracks including the single 'Smile'. It's been a whirlwind couple of months for Lily Allen. After signing a low key deal with Regal, late last year, no one could have predicted how quickly she'd make an impression on the nation. Lily, like many artists, started posting tracks on her Myspace site in November 2005, so she could gauge what people thought. The response has been phenomenal. Listens on her Myspace site now are staggering, over 2 million and rising. The support from the press, radio and TV has been fantastic. She is already a 'red top' favorite with her honesty and sharp tongue, but also has fans across the digital world and within cult publications. Regal. 2006.

Album Details

The Outstanding 2006 Debut Full Length CD featuring the Single "Smile". "Lily Allen - the Cool as F**k Sound of the Summer" - Nme.

Customer Reviews:

I love Lily Allen.......2007-07-11

Great cd. Her songs will make you smile, and her attitude is unique. Her music is sure to please. I play it in my car all day long. Good stuff!

Great CD!.......2007-06-13

This album is fun! The songs are upbeat and funny. None of the lyrics are very deep or insightful, but they're catchy! You'll probably be able to relate to quite a few of them as well.

AWESOME!.......2007-05-08

This is the best CD I have bought in years. I can't get the songs out of my head. Lily Allen rocks!

Love it!.......2007-04-05

I can't stop listening, she is a great artist. Cheerful, fun and different.

a very well-executed album.............2007-04-05

Twenty year old Lily Allen has the knack for performing deceptively cutesy tunes with lyrics that cut like a knife, and they run rampant on this album. This CD starts off on a high note with "Smile," the ultimate ex-girlfriend revenge song. Yes, it sounds as bright as a sunny day in London, but when you listen carefully to the lyrics, Lily is bent on getting even with her ex-boyfriend (the jerk!). This is probably the revenge anthem of the year (or of 2006, when it was first released). The rest of the songs are equally deceptively bright and upbeat, but then you hear Lily's disenchanted thoughts on society ("LDN"), and a beautiful ode to a romance that ended way too quickly ("Littlest Things") with a gorgeous classical music sample (I wish I knew what this was, but it's fantastic).

I really reccomend this album because Lily's future is so bright she needs shades, and, for good reason. Check it out......

Average customer rating: Kook & The Gang: They've Still Got It! WOW!! They are definitely still KOOL!

Still Kool Kool & the Gang Manufacturer: New Door Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music R&B | 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: Planet Earth I Am Feel the Fire Private Show If Only ASIN: B000QFCDD6 Release Date: 2007-07-10

Tracks:

1. Dave
2. Steppin' Into Love
3. America
4. What's Happening Brother
5. It Is What It Is
6. Everything's Gonna Change
7. Too Low For Zero
8. Bang Bang With The Gang
9. Made For Love
10. Give It Up
11. Trust Me
12. Miracles
13. Livin' In The 21
14. Sorry
15. Someone Like You
16. Sailing (Instrumental)

Tracks:

1. Celebration
2. Hollywood Swinging
3. Summer Madness
4. Joanna
5. Ladies Night

Album Description

Throughout the years, Kool & The Gang have made music we've danced to, loved to, and been awed by, and their musical brotherhood is still strong. The celebration continues with their latest album, STILL KOOL, which is rich with good vibes, serious messages, signature horns, rockin' guitar, beautiful ballads and jammin' new grooves, and it shows why Kool & The Gang remain as relevant and contemporary as ever.

Customer Reviews:

Kook & The Gang: They've Still Got It!.......2007-07-18

Wow! A must have! What A Comeback!!! You can hear a lot of their 80's flair with a current groove. "Steppin' Into Love" and "Trust Me" are nice grooves for dancing. My favorites of the entire listing are "Too Low For Zero" and "Made For Love". Mellow grooves to enjoy during a quiet rainstorm, a mellow glass of wine and someone to cuddle with! "Too Low For Zero" is a tearjerker! The entire CD is wonderful! I think you will be pleasantly surprised if you're looking for something fresh and engaging! Enjoy!!!

WOW!! They are definitely still KOOL!.......2007-07-16

Now I know you may be thinking: "Kool & The Gang?.... When dinousaurs roamed the earth" LOL. While there may be much truth in that, as they've been around for decades, I'm here to tell you this album is as good as any they've ever recorded. Matter of fact, as a body of work, pound for pound, right now this is the best album I've heard all year. From the opening track, the bouncy "Dave", all the way down to the smooth jazz grooves of "Sailing", what a surprise treat this is. Other highlights? The whole CD is a highlight, but I would like to point out that you can't go wrong with the sweet stepper "Steppin' Into Love", smoking slow jams like "Everything's Gonna Change", "Made For Love", "Someone Like You", party funk like "Give It Up" with it's tropical influence, and also "Living In The 21". A dangerous CD that does 'em proud. I didn't think music was made like this anymore. By the way, "JT" Taylor ain't on here cel-e-bra-ting and having a good time. You won't miss him, trust me. Oh! Just so's you know, he is cel-e-bra-ting and having a good time on the bonus CD as it has five of their past hits on it. Not sure why this release is marketed this way, but I presume the suits know what they're doing. Anyway, the verdict on this one? Essential. Yeah hoooo!!!

Average customer rating: correction to the editorial review Slippery slopes A MUST HAVE!!! Paul Simon in a different direction Not crazy about it but worth it for the already converted

Still Crazy After All These Years Paul Simon Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: There Goes Rhymin' Simon Paul Simon Graceland The Rhythm of the Saints One-Trick Pony ASIN: B0002847VS Release Date: 2004-07-13

Tracks:

1. Still Crazy After All These Years
2. My Little Town
3. I Do It For Your Love
4. 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover
5. Night Game
6. Gone At Last
7. Some Folks' Lives Roll Easy
8. Have A Good Time
9. You're Kind
10. Silent Eyes
11. Slip Slidin' Away (Demo)
12. Gone At Last (Orginal Demo)

Amazon.com essential recording

Paul Simon's third solo album unifies the varied threads running through its predecessors--confessional ballads, wily story songs, agnostic spirituals and snapshots of modern life, circa 1975, are extensions of the models on his self-titled debut and--There Goes Rhymin' Simon. Here, Simon and producer Phil Ramone establish a more cohesive, explicitly urban setting that burnishes the artist's acoustic folk accents to spotlight his sophistication as an inventive composer and, as always, deft wordsmith. Included is his last great collaboration with Art Garfunkel, the bittersweet "My Little Town," a pop gospel romp with Phoebe Snow on "Gone at Last," and the sly adulterer's solution of "Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover" (arguably the antithesis of Willie Dixon's classic "29 Ways"), along with the tender "I Do It for Your Love" and the woozy, dissolute "Have a Good Time." Best of all, of course, is the brilliant title song, shifting from anecdotal verse to soaring bridge and colored by keening strings and Phil Woods's knowing tenor-sax solo. Simon was crazy, like a fox. --Sam Sutherland

Customer Reviews:

correction to the editorial review.......2007-06-22

Track 1 (the title track) of this album has perhaps one of the greatest jazz/fusion tenor sax solos ever recorded by the late virtuoso Michael Brecker (RIP). As a s sax player, I cant sit here idily and read this aggregious error. Phil Woods is a great contemporary saxophonist, but he did not record this solo.

Slippery slopes.......2007-05-31

One of the neat things about living today is you can turn back to yesterday and plan tomorrow by accessing anything you want now in music in seconds....if you have money...so I thought of Slip Sliding Away (actually just a line with Delores in it-listen-) and down loaded the album to hear tonight as quick as you can hit the button on your bank account.
Of course being a day away from payday and slightly over drawn this buying of song will earn me a fee and another massive reminder of "who is the real boss around here." Slip sliding away. So go to Finland, leave your wife to go it alone and expect to be immortalized on return. I may order two more tonight. I kind of want that Aja download..and a Taj Mahal. And what about Graceland? Slip and slide right away...

This was a favorite album, listening I'm back in 1975-76 and I know exactly what I felt. Music is amazing this way. Feeling. Transported to a long streak of bad luck tune...pray it's gone at last. Man. I had long streak..pray it's gone at last....love the trip listening to memories to try to lift out of pain today.
This remix has a terrific couple songs at the end too (demo version whatever that is). Rhythm is great. Not the Ramones but I saw them too, and Simon in New York I think it was 1977 or maybe 80?, it was in the height of this, saw a Saturday Night Live...live.

In that time this album was so much fun to listen to, wistful, urban, interior, about love failed, changing. Of course I was young, 18. My daughters age now. What did I know then? Wow, we seem so very different. She's so very smart, choosing, charting. At that time I wasn't going to get married or involved, ever. Oh we are kind of alike in those words.

Hop on the bus Gus, drop off the key, slip out the back Jack, you don't need to discuss much, get yourself free. Running days....days I got around to sing and live. And here I am listening to these tunes some for the first time in 15 years. I'd forgotten My Little Town, hanging shirts in the dirty breeze...such a great tune about growing up in nowhere in the times I became me. My little town, just hanging your life on the line ...black rainbows. God what writing. The lack of imagination in a small town has never changed. I sang this to move away and beyond the dead and dying dreams I had...

I Do It For Your Love was a tune I love to hear others cover, but listening today I remember it was sweet to listen to Simon. Too much... we were married on a rainy day. The sky was yellow, grass was gray. I do it for your love....you can love that writing too. I recall all those early married years living in a migrant town in a shanty where I saw the dirt through the floorboards. And lost all my jewelry in a plastic bag to a break in.Worth only the memories. By the time I was married nine years and owned a mattress and a table, and three kids. Made the love fade, life so hard getting all the degrees after working all day and trying to do it all....on a shoe string I suppose. The orange bled the blue. Sting of reason, splash of tears. I do it for your love. Beautiful tune. Like listening to Bill Evans lay it out.

Do you like harmonica lilting through your head, listen to Night Game....I recall on this album Sanborn, Brecker, Bob James, Ralph Mc Donald, Grady Tate, Steve Gadd, Phoebe Snow...but you know poor memory... I mostly enjoy listening which I'm going to do now. Was this really the reason, "I like to sleep with the window open and you keep the window closed", so goodbye? Yeah, it's as good as any reason. Sad. I recall this is an 'after a marriage ends release', is that right...it fades in my memory. Goodbye was it?

This beautiful bed of stones holding Jerusalem...I'd forgotten it's here too. I was playing this one night years ago, over the December break...alone in my tiny apartment, no food...a friend stopped over just as I was singing this out (giving them a scary show I suppose) they'd brought me a food care package. That I was singing this ballad at the time struck me as something very like proving you have connections to universe...call of this song in the dark ...we tumble and fall through no fault of our own....never catching our stars......but times seem to leave me wondering listening tonight....his is a tune I can almost not take, bone felt, still. Very beautiful.

So now I'm slip sliding away. Again. Good thing we can sing. It's about all you've got in the dark. A day tomorrow, I lie in bed and think of things that might have been....have A Good Time those that can. Will.

Good memories. In a year with great music this got a lot of awarding. And I still enjoy it 'cause awards are a sure killer.

A MUST HAVE!!!.......2007-04-02

For serious Paul Simon fans only!!! This cd showcases the first glimpse of his musical genius!!! Still a relevant cd 30 yrs after it was first released!!!

Paul Simon in a different direction.......2006-10-29

The best way to describe this album would be "melodically pleasing and mellow". In fact, the mellow atmosphere combined with the excellent songwriting will show you that Paul Simon really is a great singer and songwriter. He can do it all, folks. Buy this collection for a completely consistent album.

Not crazy about it but worth it for the already converted.......2006-07-14

This album had a few too many low-key cuts that wafted by without a lot of impact. I love Simon's stuff (and not just the "hits", for instance "St. Judy's Comet" is one of my favorite songs of his..) but sometimes he veers a bit into pretension. He's at his best when he's doing stuff that COULD be hits..if they weren't a little "too smart" for the room.

HIGHLIGHTS:
The title cut picks up a nice smoky jazz ambience thanks to jazzers like Michael Brecker adding a tasty sax solo and the string and woodwind arrangement by Bob James heightening the drama of the tune while not plunging it into melodrama. Perhaps the last great pairing with Art Garfunkel, "My Little Town" is another high point as Simon recalls his childhood in a one horse town ("And after it rains/There's a rainbow/And all of the colors are black/It's not that the colors aren't there/It's just imagination they lack"). The duo share production chores on the song with Phil Ramone (Billy Joel's producer). Crisp military snare drumming from Steve Gadd guides cheater how-to "50 Ways to Leave your Lover" which became a #1 for Simon. Simon hooks up with Phoebe Snow on the gospel-esque barnburner "Gone at Last" with gospel's Jessy Dixon Singers along for the ride. The lazy musical backing for "Have a Good Time" perfectly enhances the 'take it as it comes' hedonism. ("I've been loving and loving and loving/I'm exhausted from loving so well/I should go to bed/But a voice in my head/Says 'Ah, what the h**l')

LOWS:
"Night Game" is a finely etched word painting but it just never grabs me musically. I can't decide if Simon is genuinely desiring Jerusalem in "Silent Eyes" or if it's an ironic lament. It's just another one that 'lays there' for me.

BOTTOM LINE:
If you're already a fan you'll probably like it but if you've heard NEGOTIATIONS AND LOVE SONGS (Simon's greatest hits) and you want to go on from there, I'd try THERE GOES RHYMIN' SIMON next or GRACELAND and RHYTHM OF THE SAINTS for his world music excursions.

3 1/2 stars

Music Album:

1. Tanya Tucker: Live at Billy Bob's Texas [Live]
2. The Best of Charley Pride [Import]
3. The Best of Texas Tornados
4. The Gift
5. The King Years 1961-1965 [Box set]
6. The Normaltown Flyers
7. The Song of Robbins
8. The Very Best of Frankie Miller
9. The Very Best of Love
10. The Woman in Me

Music Album