Away

Zinda Magazine, July 23, 2001
"With his new album, Walter has reinvented himself and Assyrian pop music. "

Product Description
For over a year, Walter Aziz has been working hard on an album that, in his opinion, "can open the world's eyes to our music." Titled "Away", this album marks the birth of a new music genre: Assyrian pop.

Powered by a new sound, a new label, and a new vision, Walter extends the boundaries of Assyrian dance. "I've never put so much work into an album like I have with this one," Walter explains. "This is my biggest project ever."

With 11 tracks on the album, no mood is left untapped, however the enigma of the dance is where the album thrives. With upbeat, traditional meets modern, East meets West type tracks like Lorque, Eaman N'ashkali (When She Kisses Me) and Kouleh D'leleh (All Night), Assyrian pop truly takes its shape.

Collaborating with other artists was another important aspect of the project. Young Latin sensation Jacqui Lynn, and Assyrian star Sargon Gabriel, along with the many International musicians and producers set "Away" apart as a global undertaking.

Away,Walter Aziz

Average customer rating: Simply addictive! Haunting sounds The phenom Ms Jones Glad i bought it ( Part II )...! I'd Love To....

Come Away with Me Norah Jones Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music Acoustic Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Feels Like Home Not Too Late Careless Love Taking The Long Way Corinne Bailey Rae ASIN: B00005YW4H Release Date: 2002-02-26

Tracks:

1. Don't Know Why
2. Seven Years
3. Cold Cold Heart
4. Feelin' The Same Way
5. Come Away With Me
6. Shoot The Moon
7. Turn Me On
8. Lonestar
9. I've Got To See You Again
10. Painter Song
11. One Flight Down
12. Nightingale
13. The Long Day Is Over
14. The Nearness Of You

Amazon.com

It is not just the timbre of Norah Jones's voice that is mature beyond her 22 years. Her assured phrasing and precise time are more often found in older singers as well. She is instantly recognizable, blending shades of Billie Holiday and Nina Simone without sounding like anyone but herself. Any way you slice it, she is a singer to be reckoned with. Her readings of the Hank Williams classic "Cold Cold Heart" and Hoagy Carmichael's "The Nearness of You" alone are worth the price of the CD. Jones's own material, while not bad, pales a bit next to such masterpieces. They might have fared better had she and producer Arif Mardin opted for some livelier arrangements, taking better advantage of brilliant sidemen such as Bill Frisell, Kevin Breit, and Brian Blade; or if the tunes had simply been given less laconic performances. Jones has all the tools; what will come with experience and some careful listening to artists like J.J. Cale and Shirley Horn is the knack of remaining low-key without sounding sleepy--sometimes less is not, in fact, more. --Michael Ross

Amazon.com

Norah Jones Photos (by Danny Clinch)

More from Norah Jones

Not Too Late

Feels Like Home

The Little Willies

Customer Reviews:

Simply addictive!.......2007-07-12

This is her best album!
Her voice is unbelievable, the delivery is amazing and the lyrics are stunning!

Haunting sounds.......2007-07-06

For 3 months, my Norah Jones CDs have taken over my car stereo. This woman is very talented!

The phenom Ms Jones.......2007-06-27

This is such an outstanding production, so much better than the later(I think) CD. Miss Jones should be careful which guitar players back her up. She should stick to Bill Frizell or maybe she should try Mark Knoffler, if she can get him away from Emmy Lou.

Glad i bought it ( Part II )...!.......2007-06-20

I knew that Nora Jones was good music but i had no idea just how good...My sister-in-law bought me this CD for Father's Day...i have listened to it 3 times today. The way i would describe her lyrics and delivery is equal to "Musical Rose Petals". So smooth and so inviting is her voice. I really love the Piano work also. Her birth name being "Geethali",Nora Jones along with the likes of Michael Buble have added a nice,new,fresh selection of music to today's currently enemic sound. This album made her only the second artist ever to sweep the "Big Four" being Album,Song,Record,& Artist of the Year at the Grammy Awards in 2003. Standouts for me include: "Come Away With Me","Don't Know Why", and i really like her rendition of Hank Williams SR.'s "Cold,Cold Heart". With her throw back to Billie Holiday/Roberta Flack days voice coupled with a very welcomed piano based style, Nora Jones can take me away anytime! If you've waited to give her a listen ,as did I, do yourself a favor and don't wait any longer.

I'd Love To...........2007-06-05

Okay, she's not quite a standards specialist, but a lot of people think Norah Jones is well on her way to setting some new standards of her own.

The daughter of famed Indian sitarist Ravi Shankar, Jones grew up in Dallas with her mother, and her work is firmly rooted in the dry Texas soil. The youngest in this survey (she was born in 1979), Jones burst on the scene in 2002 with this debut album of nine original songs plus a handful of country and pop standards. Renowned for her sweet and soulful set of pipes, Jones has often been compared to Billie Holiday. There's also a touch of Roberta Flack and Emmylou Harris in there.

Come Away with Me is an honest-to-goodness country-blues recording that you can sit back with on the front porch rocker on a brisk autumn afternoon. Sort of like an early James Taylor, Jones mixes a little bit of country, folk, and soul into a collection that's the perfect antidote to today's insincere fare. The public must have sensed the same thing, because it bought this CD in boxcar loads, and in 2003 Jones walked away with eight Grammies, including album of the year and best new artist.

The title track, written by Jones, is the first new song I've heard in a long time that's utterly believable. "Come away with me and I'll never stop loving you," she begs, and it's as though she's singing it to you, personally. To Hank Williams's "Cold Cold Heart" she brings an R & B feel, petitioning in anguish to her lover man to come back, body and soul. "I've Got to See You Again" is an exquisite modern torch song in the same vein, while "One Flight Down" is an upbeat tune with chord progressions right out of Paul McCartney's Wings songs, like "Carry That Load." She ends with Hoagy Carmichael's "The Nearness of You." Close your eyes, let Jones's words envelope you with their soulful caress, and you'll sense that she's a lot nearer than your living room speakers.

Average customer rating: No wincing to be done HERE! Absolutely Fantastic! Wincing Worth Listening To More confident, more edgy = their best yet Jamming the Night Away!

Wincing the Night Away The Shins Manufacturer: Sub Pop ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Crane Wife We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank The Good, the Bad & the Queen Sky Blue Sky The Information ASIN: B000K2VHN2 Release Date: 2007-01-23

Tracks:

1. Sleeping Lessons
2. Australia
3. Pam Berry
4. Phantom Limb
5. Sea Legs
6. Red Rabbits
7. Turn On Me
8. Black Wave
9. Spilt Needles
10. Girl Sailor
11. A Comet Appears

Amazon.com

Indie-rock's hardest-working slackers finally release their third album, on which they've made the clear transition from bedroom-pop to stadium-rock without losing everything that makes them great. Those soaring vocals that sound like the unholiest collision of the Cure and Simon and Garfunkel, the nimble pop hooks that are never overused, those lyrics that are as self-deprecating and razor sharp as they are playful--dude, it's all still here. Relax, you can still swoon. Musically, there are some new elements, from the ragged surf-rock that propels "Pam Berry" to the near hip-hop beats of "Sea Legs" and percolating electronica on "Sleeping Lessons" (which two thirds of the way through shows Band of Horses how to write a song). Wincing is neither the clever genre recombinant exercise of their second album nor is it the perfect little self-contained universe of their debut. This is not the Shins' best album; it's their growing pains third record. James Mercer has learned how to shout his words so the folks in the back row can hear; a slightly harder edge and more confidence is on display. But it doesn't gel fully. Mercer remains one of the most talented songwriters working in pop today, and what this album proves is that the group deserves to move beyond the little Zach-Braff-movie-watching, This-American-Life-listening, Frappuccino-sipping demo-ghetto they've found themselves in. Wincing confidently bristles with stupendous and smart rock music that deserves to be enjoyed by your kid brother and your folks as much as your dorm-mates. --Mike McGonigal

The Shins Get Their "Sea Legs"

More from the Shins & Friends

Oh, Inverted World

Chutes Too Narrow

Garden State Soundtrack (Features tracks by the Shins)

Album Description

It could be said that the Shins third album, Wincing the Night Away is the most heavily anticipated record of 2007. Post Garden State notoriety, the band has reached beyond their indie-darling status to something approaching mainstream recognition. Recorded over time in James Mercer's basement studio, Phil Ek's Seattle digs, and in Oregon City with veteran engineer Joe Chiccarelli (Beck, U2) - Wincing the Night Away is a whole new animal. It is the sound of a band growing up and out. Mercer's infectious, indelible melodic style is still at the core, and unfaltering. But anything can happen around it - and in this case, it does. Channeling a Morrissey vibe, "Sea Legs" pairs a hip-hop (yes, hip-hop) beat with lush melodic lines and searing guitars. Elsewhere the band toys with tweaked-out piano steeped in psychedelic strings ("Red Rabbit"); fractured synth samples ("Spilt Needles"); gauzy, arpeggiated keyboards cloaking thunderous anthems ("Sleeping Lessons"); and, taking cues from early Jesus and Mary Chain albums - sweeping, fuzztoned epics ("Phantom Limb"). Finally, "Turn on Me," "Girl Sailor" and "Australia" are the lilting, exhilarating, rollicking, rock-solid pop songs we've all come to covet from The Shins.

Customer Reviews:

No wincing to be done HERE!.......2007-07-16

I never got a chance to listen to the Shins' first album Oh, Inverted World, but I picked up Chutes Too Narrow and enjoyed it; the only real problem there was that a lot of the songs were too short in that the band was building up to something but then decided to just end the songs. Well, I have absolutely no complaints about their latest album, Wincing the Night Away.

This was another one of those cases where the announced Saturday Night Live musical guest was an artist that I didn't know had any recent material out (and speaking of SNL, FYI: the woman singing with the band was Viva Voce vocalist Anita Robinson). But I was pleased because that's when I was first introduced to the single "Phantom Limb", which might be the best song on the album; but the funky "Sea Legs" runs a close second. And "Red Rabbits" and "Sleeping Lessons" are haunting yet enjoyable.

Other notables include "Australia", "A Comet Appears", "Turn On Me", and, well, everything else. While it's true that "wincing" usually denotes what one would do if something was bad, this album definitely won't have you doing that, so pick it up.

Anthony Rupert

Absolutely Fantastic!.......2007-06-25

Very, very rarely do I think an album is a masterpiece. This one is. The only other album that I like from beginning to end like I like this one is Sgt Peppers by The Beatles.

Some of the songs on this album are so good, that it's truly amazing these guys seem to be sort of slipping under the radar. You never hear about them! But don't let that sway your decision. I'm a music connoisseur and I really just can't relay in words how impressed I am with these guys. Very well done!

You will not be disappointed if you purchase this album. I'm so glad I bought it!

Wincing Worth Listening To.......2007-06-16

Listening to The Shins' album, Wincing The Night Away, is like falling into an oceanic daydream. The music is sleepy, the lyrics are poetic, and the sound is rich and harmonious.

The album cover depicts organisms that have tentacles and baleen mouths, revealing the ocean theme that lies beneath. The song titles such as Sea Legs and Girl Sailor suggest an ocean-exploration theme. The music is rich, but quiet and understated. It is often unclear which instruments are being used, which gives the songs a mysterious feel, like being in a dream.

The music is set up to provide a kind of dreamlike state and is complimented by James Mercer's voice, which has an uncanny similarity to The Cure's Robert Smith's. The first track, Sleeping Lessons, draws the listener in with harmonies coming from what sounds like a synthesized, muted, echoing vibraphone. Then, with about a minute left in the song, the music gets rolling and guitar and drums enter, setting course for what's to come. Pam Berry, a kind of interlude, uses a softened surf guitar that conjures images of surf rock and beaches and enhances the album's ocean theme. Phantom Limb, the hit single, has a stronger beat than the others, using drums, bass and even guitar strums to pronounce it. The final track, A Comet Appears, ends the album on a soft note, and sounds like something Simon and Garfunkel would play. The twangy background sounds were made by a hammered dulcimer and a bouzouki. Even a French horn is featured in the song.

The album's lyrics are poetic, but obscure. And just as dreams hide the deeper meaning of ones thoughts, The Shins' lyrics hide the deeper meaning of their songs. Even so, the lyrics could use clarification as fans are aching to know what the songs are really about. But it is still refreshing to hear rock music with poetic lyrics.

Overall, Wincing The Night Away is quite an experience and worth listening to.

More confident, more edgy = their best yet.......2007-06-14

Well well, I guess it's safe now to say there's no doubt as to the level of talent The Shins possess, and as a band they are here to stay. With this album, they've cemented their place as one of the more provocative, complicated, and catchy bands constantly deserving more airplay. I don't think people should be cringing, or should I say wincing, in anticipation of future releases. `Wincing' is definitely a breakout album, as it shows the band taking a definite stand in upgrading their sound from a quirky, complex indie group to a full-fledged complex rock `n roll band. From the opening track the additional, atmospheric layers of sound are complemented by the more confident drums and the ever present pensive lyric. Confidence is a good description for this; the musicianship is just more confident, bolder on this album. I get the feeling that these guys are no longer relishing their indie status, but have other priorities. Maybe it's a conscious decision to steer clear of the overblown `Garden State' references, as well as James Mercer's brilliant collaboration on Modest Mouse's new album; whatever it is, it's noticeable and feels natural.

As for the album itself, each song is consistently good, but I think the more groundbreaking stuff comes in the first seven or eight songs (mind you there are only eleven), especially `Sleeping Lessons' `Australia' `Phantom Limb' and `Sealegs'. These songs make me ponder the limits of the band's potential, which is frightening. By the time we get to `Black Wave' I get the feeling, though, that the band slowly reverts to their previous efforts. It's at this point that I feel the lyrics may slightly be too dense for the length of the songs, or that we're hearing more of Mercer than The Shins as a group. For example, `A Comet Appears' appears much like the ending songs in `Chutes Too Narrow' as well as in `Oh, Inverted World'; a slow, introspective song that carries softly until it fades to the light sounds of birds chirping. Ending on a more upbeat, less folkish note would have marked this release as a more complete maturation, not to say that their lyrics are immature by any means. But still, there is no doubt this is a breakout album and their best yet.

Jamming the Night Away!.......2007-06-07

This is my favorite album of the year, with New Moon by Elliott Smith as my second choice.

I bought it the day it came out for a mere $9 or something crazy.

I listened to it on the way home and sat in the car in my driveway and finished listening to the whole CD because it was simply that amazing.

As much as I love the old Shins, I'd say this is their best album yet.
Why? Because it contains so many more emotions and it encompasses their various musical abilities.
If you buy any album this year, buy this one.
My favorite songs are "Sea Legs," "Black Wave," "Spilt Needles," "Sleeping Lessons" - hell, the whole album.
This really is one of those albums that grabs you. It becomes impossible to press the "NEXT" button - you will want to listen to every single song in full. I listened to this disc over and over on a recent roadtrip, and never got tired of it.

Every song has a lyric that can be considered genius.

"A dual tone under wall
Selfish fool and hoped you'd save us all
Never dreamt of such sterile hands,
You keep them folded in your lap,
And raise them up to beg for scraps"

All of "Red Rabbits"

"It's like I'm pressed on the handle bars,
Of a blind man's bike,
No straws to grab, just the rushing wind,
On the rolling mind"

and so on.

Considering how epic this album really is, $9 is an absolute steal.

Average customer rating: Away From Originality For a follow up - its a bit of a letdown 3 Doors Down What were these guys thinking? The beginning of a slump in both sound and a rejection of their old fans

Away From The Sun 3 Doors Down Manufacturer: Umvd Labels ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music 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: The Better Life Seventeen Days All the Right Reasons Silver Side Up No Name Face ASIN: B00006ZCFG Release Date: 2002-11-12

Tracks:

1. When I'm Gone
2. Away From The Sun
3. The Road I'm On
4. Ticket To Heaven
5. Running Out Of Days
6. Here Without You
7. I Feel You
8. Dangerous Game
9. Changes
10. Going Down In Flames
11. Sarah Yellin'
12. Bonus Track 1

Customer Reviews:

Away From Originality.......2007-05-03

I've listened to 3 Doors Down for about 2 years now and their songs never get old. Songs such as "Here Without You" and "Changes" are more than songs that sound awesome; they are songs with lyrics that people can relate to for it describes situations and emotions that many of us face daily. Each song has it's own share of meanings and 3 Doors Down compiled music and emotion together into one pleasing form. Their work is inspiring not only muscially but also emotionally.

For a follow up - its a bit of a letdown.......2007-01-31

Well, if you've listened to the 'The Better Life', then you realise how difficult it is for a band to make such a success of a follow up in their second album as they did in the first.
I was a little disappointed with 'Away from the Sun', it was less rocky and the tunes didn't seem to appeal as much to me as the ones in 'The Better Life' did. One song that does stick out from the rest of the album is 'Here Without You'. I was breathless when I heard this one, didn't actually know what to say but amazing.
'Here Without You' is the song that makes the Album as popular as it is, and if I were to think about buying this album now, I would just for that one song. For every '3 Doors Down' fan, its like law, you have to buy every album!!
If your a newcomer to '3 Doors Down' then buy 'The Better Life' first - its a much better album, or even the third album 'Thirteen Days'.

3 Doors Down.......2007-01-17

Excellent mix from an excellent band. Every song perfectly executed. No cursing or explicet lyrics. Just good old rock and roll.

What were these guys thinking? .......2006-10-21

I just got done listening to away from the sun. WTF! This cd sucks beyond sucks. *hucks it out the window* I figured these guys would do better then the better life guess not. All the songs are about the same. Those of you who like the album title track......may have mercy for you. There's no greatness to it. I agree completely with the other reviewers. That it has no originality, lyrics are garbage, oh and when brad arnold is "singing" on the track I feel you...he mentions the new title for the next album "another 700 miles" which shows the album is a sellout. yeah another 700 miles and we will fall asleep at the wheel to this [...]. I can understand people liking the tracks chosen for the radio...but as far as album wise. It's no good.

The beginning of a slump in both sound and a rejection of their old fans.......2006-08-11

When I first heard 3 doors down 'the better life' I thought it was an amazing cd and still do to this day. When I heard a new album was coming I was so excited but when I got it and played it my heart sank. This ladies and gentlemen is a sellout cd, gone is their old heavier sound and lyrics and thus they made this cd more mainstream with tracks like 'here without you.' This cd would be good to listen to if you were VERY VERY VERY depressed. Its really hard to listen to this cd all the way through without wanting to turn it off. Still theres a few good tracks on here like 'When Im Gone' Going down in flames, Sarah Yellin and changes. I think if your around 16 years old or younger and are going through that omg Im so lost wtf someone help me then youll like this otherwise stay clear, better yet pick up the better life and listen to 3dd at their best and heaviest.

Average customer rating: I guess it's finally come out. Stands the Test of Time Perhaps Solinas should have done his research... Grown up, but not blown away

Grow Up and Blow Away Metric Manufacturer: Last Gang Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Old World Underground, Where Are You Now? The Reminder Knives Don't Have Your Back Icky Thump Our Love to Admire ASIN: B000Q677JA Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

1. Grow Up And Blow Away
2. Hardwire
3. Rock Me Now
4. The Twist
5. On the Sly
6. Soft Rock Star
7. Raw Sugar
8. White Gold
9. London Halflife
10. Soft Rock Star

Customer Reviews:

I guess it's finally come out........2007-06-28

I like to think I was one of the first ever Metric fans. I saw them live in Toronto in August of 2001. At that time, they'd only played a handful of gigs and this is the album they were plugging (their first). Nobody knew who they were. After the show, I met them and got their autographs because I knew they'd become famous. Anyway, I became a member of their fanclub and they sent me a free CD with a lot of these songs on it. About a year later, they'd gotten a little more recognition and I bought the Static Anonymity EP from their new website which featured some more songs from this collection as well as a couple of songs not included here. This album never came out until now. I already have all of these songs. They originally come from that free CD they sent me in 2001 or the Static Anonymity EP from 2002. So I don't really need to buy this one, but I will anyway because I think it's the best way to close a chapter that was left unfinished for the longest time.

Stands the Test of Time.......2007-06-26

Does anyone remember the i-Zone? It was a little Polaroid camera that could print little messages on the instant photo. That was the gimmick, and quite unsurprisingly, it failed miserably. However, the North American television ads that accompanied this sure-fire failure contained a hidden gem. Floating in the background was a woman singing, "If this is the life, why does it feel so good to fly away?" The woman was Emily Haines, the band was Metric, and the song was a TV-friendly version of "Grow Up and Blow Away," the title track to their ill-fated debut album. Originally recorded in 2001 (or 1999, depending on your source), the album features Metric as a two-piece and was delayed again and again by their record label until it was finally shelved to make room for "Old World Underground, Where Are You Now?" Six years later, and the album is finally being dusted off. Is it worth the wait?

Absolutely! "Grow Up and Blow Away" is immediately captivating, thanks to the lead-off and title track. The lyrics are back in their original form, Emily singing "Why does it feel so good to die today?" One of the things that's instantly noticeable is that Metric as a two-piece is a much more toned-down affair. With just James and Emily, the songs are often just comprised of a drum machine and synthesizer. The result is a Metric that is just as awesome as their current incarnation, just less chaotic.

It's all still really cool music though. "Rock Me Now" features a funky musical accompaniment and finds Emily merely speaking throughout its playtime. It's actually James that does all the singing on the song, which is quite a shock to hear. At the same time, it's an undeniably cool song, making you feel like throwing on your MIB-shades and bobbing your head uncontrollably. "The Twist" is another great song that utilizes an almost hip-hop beat. In the chorus, when James and Emily are harmonizing with each other, it's absolutely beautiful. It makes me wish that more of this will happen on future Metric albums, though the actual chances of this are slim.

Though hints of their current new wave sound are apparent throughout the album, the majority of "Grow Up and Blow Away" feels much more like a straightforward pop album than anything else. "Raw Sugar," for example, has a Corrine Bailey Rae-esque musical accompaniment and features Emily singing "I don't want to die living in a high-rise grave" in a very soulful way. It's very un-Metric like, but at the same time, it's still a really great song. "White Gold" is another un-Metric song, sounding more like it could've been ripped off of Emily's solo album, "Knives Don't Have Your Back" if it weren't for the harmonies and non-minimal production.

In the end, "Grow Up and Blow Away" is an album that all Metric fans should definitely check out. Though it peaks at the very first song, you'd be a fool to stop listening there. Even in their early history as a band, Metric shows an uncanny ability to craft brilliantly infectious pop songs that will stick with you for weeks and weeks. Although the sound of the album has a definite early-2000s feel to it, most of these songs stand the test of time (unlike the i-Zone). It may have taken six years to hit the shelves, but "Grow Up and Blow Away" is well worth the wait.

Recommended for fans of Metric and anyone who still rocks the i-Zone like it's 1999!

Key Tracks:
1. "Grow Up and Blow Away"
2. "Rock Me Now"
3. "The Twist"
4. "On the Sly"
5. "White Gold"

7 out of 10 Stars

Perhaps Solinas should have done his research..........2007-06-26

This is not a new album by any means. This is the first album Metric ever made and it was largely underground until now that it has been redone and repackaged (with some extra songs thrown in to keep the fans happy).

Grown up, but not blown away.......2007-06-26

Like many a hit indie band, Metric recorded songs before they hit it big with "Old World Underground, Where Are You Now?" In this case, it's "Grow Up and Blow Away" -- which despite its "early stuff" label has musical polish and maturity, and an enigmatic twist that keeps their sprightly jazz-flavoured pop fresh.

A child's voice says "Grow up, and blow away." That's the springboard to a tangle of sensual synth twists wrapped around some solid riffs and beats. Emily Haines murmurs a bittersweet song -- alcoholism, disillusionment, and having a child without regard of where it will be: "If this is the life/why does it feel/so good to die today?... nobody knows which street to take/he took the easy way/what was the easy way?"

Things get more uptempo with the jazzy-pop vibe of "Hardwire," all about "leaving behind the basement life," and apparently trying to start a band. Then Metric slips into a series of polished pop tunes: retro-flavoured beats, sexy noir tunes, delicate electronic tunes, sweeping piano balladry, and combos of all the above.

"Grow Up and Blow Away" has a tumultuous history -- the label diddled around with it, and then the band decided that fans wouldn't like it. So it took six to eight years to hear Metric's initial take on electropop, flavoured with different sounds that faded away in subsequent albums.

The most relevant sound is jazz, which is hardly surprising as Haines is the daughter of a jazz musician. They have the basic indiepop staples -- piano, solid drums and guitar, and Haines provides swirls, bubbles and wobbles of synth. But where their last album was laced with blazing rock'n'roll, Metric infuses their new album with a heavy jazz influence, with a little bit of funk.

And Haines herself sounds like a young girl who's seen too much real life -- her voice is high and sweet, but she sings enigmatic songs of disillusionment, tormented minds, and living in a "high rise grave." The happiest ones seems to be all about touring and travelling ("I should be living/Giving my mind a chance to rewind/And playback beautiful music...").

Metric has grown up but thankfully not blown away just yet, and their previously unreleased first album shows why. Striking, memorable, and beautifully polished.

Average customer rating: Great return to form! Leaves you wanting more! Return to form Glorious return to form!! comfortingly superb

Send Away the Tigers Manic Street Preachers Manufacturer: Sbme Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britpop | British Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Boy with No Name The Great Western Favourite Worst Nightmare Lifeblood Everything Must Go ASIN: B000NJLQUQ Release Date: 2007-05-14

Tracks:

1. Send Away the Tigers
2. Underdogs
3. Your Love Alone Is Not Enough - Manic Street Preachers, Nina Persson
4. Indian Summer
5. Second Great Depression
6. Rendition
7. Autumnsong
8. I'm Just a Patsy
9. Imperial Bodybags
10. Winterloves
11. [CD-Rom Track]

Amazon.com

It didn't look good: Both singer-guitarist James Dean Bradfield and bassist Nicky Wire spent 2006 promoting their solo debuts; The Welsh trio's last studio album, 2004's Lifeblood, was snubbed by fans and critics alike; and public attention moved on to younger, feistier British guitar acts like The Arctic Monkeys and Kaiser Chiefs. So how exactly did the Manic Street Preachers pull this off? Send Away The Tigers is the group's most potent work in ages, containing 38-minutes of massive arena rock riffs, raw political vigor, and first-class tunes. With tracks like "Imperial Bodybags" and "Autumnsong" the band reaffirms its promise to carry on the incendiary spirit of The Clash, while Nina Persson of The Cardigans swoops in just in time to melt a few hearts on "Your Love Alone Is Not Enough." --Aidin Vaziri

Album Description

2007 album from the fiery Welsh trio, their first studio release since 2004's Lifeblood. In the meantime, both vocalist/guitarist James Dean Bradfield and bassist Nicky Wire both released critically successful solo albums. Send Away The Tigers is the Manics' eighth studio album overall and was produced by longtime associate Dave Eringa. This album sees the boys return to an ambitious, edgier and energetic Rock sound ('The Clash and The Sex Pistols are our biggest inspirations' - Nicky Wire), and includes the single 'Your Love Alone Is Not Enough' which features Nina Persson of The Cardigans, of whom the band have been long time fans. Columbia.

Album Details

From Nicky Wire's Keyboard:"[this] Isn't a High Concept Album, but the Theory Behind it is Important. We've Written About 30 Songs for this Album...and These Are the Best Ten Songs. It's Short...38 Minutes. We Began Writing for the Album in Late 2005, and Began Recording in Earnest in March 2006 with Dave Eringa. The Album was Recorded at Stir Studios in Cardiff and Grouse Lodge in County Westmeath in Ireland, Finished in November 2006 and Then Mixed in California by Chris Lord-alge (Green Day, My Chemical Romance). The Clash and the Sex Pistols Are Our Biggest Inspirations. We've Denied it for a Long Time. But They Are. And on this Album, We've Gone Back to Source. We Never Contemplated Splitting. We Didn't have a Friction-based Disaster Because We're Not Those Kind of People. Send Away the Tigers is a Phrase the Comedian Tony Hancock Used Whenever He Started Drinking. I Saw a Parallel Between that Line and the Animals Being Released from the Zoo in Baghdad When the Allies Invaded.

Customer Reviews:

Great return to form!.......2007-06-06

The manics never do things in a half-baked way. If it is good it is excellent and if it is not I am not that interested. After reaching their high point (OK the previous efforts were also great) with Everythinng must go, they had soemehow lost breath but now they seem to have bounced back with new energy. The first song "Send away the tigers"statrs of in their typical instantly recognizable rocking and epic way. there is no doubt that this is their nest record of the last 10 years.

Leaves you wanting more!.......2007-06-06

And that's a good thing, unlike some Manics' records that grow a bit tiresome in the latter songs. This is quick stuff - not a single song over 4 minutes. The guitar and vocal hooks leap off the disc. Probably the most immediately accessible thing the Manics have ever done. Bradfield continues the vibe on his solo disc and is absolutely brimming with energy and verve. His vocals and solos soar merrily along, backed by steady Wire and tight Moore. I could have used another 2 or 3 songs, but like one reviewer pointed out - there's no filler here. All the fat has been trimmed off. I have a friend who has a theory that every band has 3 and only 3 really good albums in them. He thinks the Manics' 3 good albums are Holy Bible, Everything Must Go, and This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours. He hasn't heard Send Away the Tigers yet. I can't wait to see which he revises: his list or his theory. Something's gotta give! Hope the boys tour the States this time around. I would love to see them perform some of these songs live.

Return to form.......2007-05-28

The Manics are back! Not that they had gone anywhere, they just, faultered, a little bit.

Their last two albums are not favorites of mine. Know your enemy was unfocused and for the first time, their views and oppinions felt like they weren't delivered, as much as rammed down my throat. As for their next effort, lifeblood, it just seemed so wishy washy. Squishy even.

This time they have gotten their house in order. The songs are delivered right away. You hardly get time to relax before one sharp hook is delivered after another. The lyrics are a lot more of everything this time as well. And when things might start to sound a bit too familliar, in comes 'Your Love Alone Is Not Enough'. Bringing in a female voice, the wonderful Nina Persson of The Cardigans, ads another dimension, and lets you sing along to what should be deemed as the pop/rock singel of 2007.

I was a bit worried when I saw the cover. It looks like a Beautiful South album (not that I don't like that band, I do, and they will be sorely missed). I thought perhaps they had gone in some sort of nostalgic pop tune direction.

But, one song in and my worries were laid aside.

This is easily one of my top 5 albums for album of the year, so far, in 2007.

Glorious return to form!!.......2007-05-26

At last the Manics are back with a near perfect 38 minute gem that lacks all the filler of their past three album releases. This 10 song collection doesn't miss a beat, with some great playing, and it sounds like the lads are having fun for the first time in the post-Richie era. Sean sounds great, maybe his best work since their masterpiece "The Holy Bible", his drumming hard and fast, with able support from Nick on bass, the lots of glorious guitar work from JDB, from nice rhythm work, to his trademark screaching solos. Very much in their best anthemic voice, and certainly produced in a crowd pleasing style, the superb "Your Love Is Not Enough" typifies this, the production is crisp, the use of keyboards appropriate for their sound, overall it's a perfect power pop record that reminds me more of their debut than anything they've recorded since. A great introduction to the best British band of my generation.

comfortingly superb.......2007-05-22

So good to hear another great Manic's album. The last effort deserved an F but this is solidly an A. Political bite, intimate confessions and stadium disintegrating anthems fuse together without any gaps. I put this album on in the morning and then left it on all day - there was nothing else I would rather have been listening to. I think it's a classic. Really.

(BTW - check my review for Holy Bible as I love this band a lot)

Average customer rating: BUY! BUY! BUY! Great game - great music Hug your pillows girls best video game soundtrack ever. classical music listeners stop complaining

Halo 2, Vol. 1 Various Artists Manufacturer: Sumthing Else ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Anime & Video Game Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Halo | Game Titles | Specialty Stores | Computer & Video Games Similar Items: Halo: Original Soundtrack Halo 2, Vol. 2 Halo, Books 1-3 (The Flood; First Strike; The Fall of Reach) Ghosts of Onyx (Halo) The Art of Halo ASIN: B00067RF6E Release Date: 2004-11-09

Tracks:

1. Halo Theme Mjolnir Mix
2. Blow Me Away - Breaking Benjamin
3. Peril
4. Ghosts Of Reach
5. Follow (1st Movement Of The Odyssey) - Incubus
6. Heretic, Hero
7. Flawed Legacy
8. Impend
9. Never Surrender - Nile Rodgers
10. Ancient Machine
11. 2nd Movement Of The Odyssey - Incubus
12. In Amber Clad
13. The Last Spartan
14. Orbit Of Glass
15. 3rd Movement Of The Odyssey - Incubus
16. Heavy Price Paid
17. Earth City
18. High Charity
19. 4th Movement Of The Odyssey - Incubus
20. Remembrance
21. Connected - Hoobastank

Amazon.com

Further proof that the 15-year-old male is the nexus of contemporary popular entertainment, this anthology of music from and "inspired by" the sequel to the earth-conquering Halo saga also showcases how capably the video game industry can trump even Hollywood's vaunted production values. The original synth-heavy underscore by Martin O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori is filled with enough brooding, mock-Goth atmospherics, and pulsing exotica of indeterminate ethnicity to give the Hans Zimmer stable a run for their money, while a slate of (mostly) worthy rock star guest turns give it a welcome edge. Legendary axe-slinger Steve Vai's sinewy riffing punches up the reworked main theme and "Never Surrender," while alt.metal contenders Breaking Benjamin serve up the suitably dramatic inspired-by cut "Blow Me Away." But it's Incubus' four-part "Odyssey" suite that's the centerpiece, bridging 1970s prog and modern rock with its moody aura and evocative musical dramatics. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

BUY! BUY! BUY!.......2007-03-05

This CD stayed in my truck's CD player for months before getting tired of it. Enough said.

Great game - great music.......2007-01-10

My son wanted this Cd. I had never sat long enough to listen to the music when he played Halo, so I didn't have a clue what I was buying. He let me listen to some of the tracks once it arrived and I had to "borrow" it from him so I could download the cd onto my pc. Needless to say I bought volume 2 and the original Halo soundtrack cd as well. They may belong to my son, but I love these cds too!

Hug your pillows girls.......2006-08-06

THe only reason I am writing anything about this album is because it contains the Odyssey by Incubus, and its probably some of their best work and will go down as their most unnoticed. While the rest of your nerds are huggin your pillows at night thinking about your video games and the "gnarly instrumentals" on this album you sit there and bash Incubus' work. The first track by them, Follow, is not all that great however it was re-released on an additional cd with their Alive at Red Rocks DVD and it sounds sooooooo much better on that cd (with some real lyrics) But after listening to the Odyssey I was really hoping this to be a new direction for Incubus, a more proggressive/conceptual sound. Whether this is the direction they go on with their new album is yet to be heard. Its a shame that this work will go unnoticed, and the only reason it will be that way because a bunch of losers decide to try and impress people with (what they think) is a sense of music just because its of a classical nature. Yes, the rest of the music on the album is amazing, and I give big ups to its composition, but come on people, show some love to good music when its presented to your faces.

best video game soundtrack ever........2006-08-03

i understand that many people are a bit angry with breaking benjamin and hoobastank being in here. i'm not particularly happy myself with the last track, but i think contemporary music is appropriate here, albeit lyrics may not be the greatest form of expressing the mysterious feeling behind everything. i think o'donnel and salvatori have what it takes to compose a score of music, but it's not a score, it's a soundtrack. i found that if you don't like them you can just skip them. the second to last track is a great way to end the soundtrack.

classical music listeners stop complaining.......2006-05-10

The worst part of this album was songs with lyrics (breaking benjamin, techno, hoobastank)...i dont understand then why people are upset with the incubus - follow has one word the whole song (two if you count "yeah") and their instrumental songs are brilliant, floyd-esque at times. for those of you reading others criticizing this album, ignore them, ignore the three bad songs on this album, and purchase it and enjoy it.

Average customer rating: Good blues If you like guitar blues, you must own this album. Back Door Slam Rock With " Roll Away" A GREAT debut album from a REAL Band with massive potential!,

Roll Away Back Door Slam Manufacturer: Blix Street ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Blues | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Close as You Get Solid Ice Power of the Pontchartrain Moment of Truth In the Palace of the King ASIN: B000QEILGU Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

1. Come Home
2. Heavy On My Mind
3. Outside Woman Blues
4. Gotta Leave
5. Stay
6. Too Late
7. Takes A Real Man
8. It ll All Come Around
9. Too Good For Me
10. Roll Away
11. Real Man

Product Description

Hailing from the United Kingdom s Isle of Man hardly a bastion for the blues Back Door Slam is fronted by 20-year-old singer, songwriter and guitar prodigy Davy Knowles, and has already begun to develop a following in the U.S. via high profile performances at SXSW in Austin and the Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis. From the same Running Media Group management stable as multi-platinum Grammy nominee Corinne Bailey Rae, they recorded the album at the Isle of Man s DAM Studios with RMG s Dave Armstrong producing.

One of the season s most compelling debuts, ROLL AWAY finds Back Door Slam displaying its powers of what has been described as "Back To The Future Blues" on a diverse program of tough rockers, moving ballads and cleanly executed blues. Highlights include the guitar-driven opener Come Home, the dark Albert King-styled Heavy on My Mind, rock-funk groover Takes a Real Man, and the album s one cover song, the highly-charged Outside Woman Blues. Too Good for Me is a quiet, change-of-pace piece featuring mandolin and guitar; it is more folk than blues, more Bruce Springsteen than Stevie Ray Vaughan. Stay is a powerful paean to a fallen comrade (the band s original rhythm guitarist, Brian Garvey, killed in an auto accident in 2004), while the title song, a reflective, largely acoustic track with Celtic overtones, deals with a young man s love of his safe, idyllic home and his need to break away for the uncertainties of the world beyond.

Back Door Slam s name comes from the Robert Cray blues classic, and Cray s influence and that of other blues greats like Eric Clapton, John Mayall, Rory Gallagher, early Fleetwood Mac plus the late Stevie Ray Vaughan imbues their intoxicating, guitar-driven sound. Knowles, who also writes most of the songs, first picked up the guitar at age 11 after hearing Dire Straits Sultans of Swing on his father s cassette. Skipping the usual three-chord songbook approach to learning the instrument, he taught himself to play the classic song in its entirety and, in doing so, also discovered his destiny.
After hearing Back Door Slam at SXSW in March, 2007, Patrick MacDonald wrote in the Seattle Times: I heard the spirit of Jimi Hendrix coming from the open, streetside windows of a joint called B.D. Riley's. It was Red House, executed superbly by a surprisingly young trio called Back Door Slam, from the Isle of Man in the U.K. The club was packed and so was the street outside. Folks were transfixed by this kid on guitar, who played with a fiery spirit and sang with conviction, making the song his own.

Customer Reviews:

Good blues.......2007-07-14

I happened to catch Back Door Slam at the House of Blues in Las Vegas. Just out for a night after a grueling conference, I was in the mood for some relaxing blues. On stage came BDS, to setup for their show. Watching a group of kids, wearing t-shirts, jeans and sneakers, it didn't appear quality blues were going to be heard that night. But then they began to play and for a group of 21 year olds, they sounded real good. In no time at all the audience was into the music. Leag guitar and singer, Davy Knowles, made his presence known immediately.
If you ever have a chance to catch this group, I would advise you to do so. They are good and have a long life ahead of them in this business.

If you like guitar blues, you must own this album........2007-07-09

I saw this band in the Blues Tent at Memphis in May 2007, and they were unbelievable. I have not heard anyone play a guitar like that since Stevie Ray Vaughn. They put on an unbelievable show which received numerous standing ovations.

Back Door Slam Rock With " Roll Away".......2007-07-03

Wow...finally a blues player with grit and who can play and sound fresh!
The cd is fantastic!One of my all time favorite tunes is Outside Woman Blues by Cream and the band do it right on Roll Away! Fantastic voice on this kid and I know that Back Door Slam will have staying power for sure.....I am a fan of early Fleetwood Mac , Cream and Hendrix if you enjoy these as well you will not be disapointed ....Davey Knowles is the real deal and I wish them the best..buy this cd !

A GREAT debut album from a REAL Band with massive potential!, .......2007-06-26

Finally.. the wait is over! After years of waiting for some superb REAL music and genuine musical TALENT to come out of Britain, or more specifically, the Isle of Man..here are the guys who have the raw talent to put the British rock /blues music back on the map. Forget all those slack-jawed, self-obsessed, over-hyped pseudo-celebrities you see on celebrity TV that have as much talent and depth as an empty box of chocolates..BACK DOOR SLAM are THE REAL DEAL.
Guitarist Davy Knowles continues to amaze and inspire with his seemingly effortless guitar playing that draws on so many great influences and takes them somewhere new and with utter class. Also Davy has 'that' voice which puts him into the realm held by only a few rock legends - you won't believe your ears believe me. His songwriting, like his guitar playing and singing, belies his years and you can bet this is just the beginning of something VERY special as audiences in the USA have been discovering on the first part of their 2007 debut tour. The talented trio is completed superbly with fellow school mates, Ross Doyle on drums and Adam Jones on bass guitar who together bring out the best in Davy's playing and their chemistry live is not something you see every day... It's not often that you hear of a band getting several standing ovations at a gig as prestigious as the Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis, but that's just what Back Door Slam got! Now their debut CD, Roll Away has been released, you can bet that the word is going to spread even faster, and a lot of that live magic has been captured here - though as any of you who have seen them live, dripping with raw sweat and passion will know there's a heck of a lot more to come in the future. A BIG thumbs up to Davy, Ross and Adam!
**[...] **

Average customer rating: Love it! Just when you thought you'd heard it all... audio endorphine absolutely must!! Ulrich to the rescue!

Far Away Trains Passing By Ulrich Schnauss Manufacturer: Domino ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Techno | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Electronic Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Campfire Headphase Compounds + Elements: An Introduction to All Saints Records Music Has The Right To Children Distance Before the Dawn Heals Us ASIN: B0007LLOVG Release Date: 2005-11-01

Tracks:

1. Knuddlemaus
2. Between Us and Them
3. Passing By
4. Blumenwiese Neben Autobahn
5. Nobody's Home
6. Molfsee

Tracks:

1. Sunday Evening in Your Street
2. Suddenly the Trees
3. Nothing Happens in June
4. As If You've Never Been Away
5. Crazy For You
6. Wherever You Are

Amazon.com

Ulrich Schnauss is a German electronic artist who is influenced by forebears like Tangerine Dream and Kraftwerk--but unlike retro-space artists, he doesn't sound like he just emerged from their dusty studios after being marooned there for 30 years. Instead, his synthesizers bristle with contemporary electro-rhythms, a bit of New Wave romanticism, and melodies you want to last forever. Schnauss has perfected a balance between quiet yearning and joyful heroism in his music, with sweeping major-chord progressions that are triumphal without being ostentatious, expansive without being pompous. For someone who is so rhythm-centered with crackling snares and electro-glitches, it's ultimately the melodies that draw you in, turned on glistening, bell-like timbres and space-organ sustains. Far Away Trains Passing By is actually his first album, released in Europe in 2001, but it's been out of print and is being issued in the United States for the first time. The reissue comes with a bonus CD that includes six pieces pulled from various Schnauss side projects and tracks that didn't make the original album. Far Away Trains Passing By is electronica with a melancholy soul, and it has lost nothing in the intervening years. --John Diliberto

Album Description

The long-awaited domestic release of Ulrich's dreamy 2001 debut. His 2004 set, "Strangely Isolated Place" was a hit with shoegazer and electronic fans alike, and toured with much fanfare in support of M83. Includes a 6-track bonus EP of non-LP material

Customer Reviews:

Love it!.......2007-07-19

Swirling melodic build-ups that end in joyful light house dance grooves - this album is excellent! I agree with the reviewer who stated that this was very happy music. One of the best finds in the ambient/electronica genre I have made in some time. This is very well made giddy stuff.

Just when you thought you'd heard it all..........2007-07-12

Don't get me wrong, I love music...but my tastes are pretty narrow in the overall scheme of things. I'm a mad electronica and dance music fan, like some more alternative rock, some mainstream...but not much. I also don't write reviews very often (probably more because I go on about other things instead and stay away from the topic at hand...oh well...

But then I came across this gem. My favourite artists are Depeche Mode, UNKLE, d*note, Cinematic Orchestra, Faze Action, Beastie Boys, Slowdive, Ride, etc, etc...I love them all...but this - this is something special. Yes there are aural soundscapes, yes there are gently evoked moods and rhythms (we've read it all before), but this is music that touches your very core. It talks to you and folds you into its melodic conversation. And THAT doesn't happen often. Buy this...and then buy everything else that Mr Schnauss has done. For what it's worth, I don't recommend music often, but this is absolutely beautiful.

audio endorphine.......2007-06-27

I noticed Ulrich Schnauss' work listening to Internet radio 'chill' stations, and simply had to have it.

I've been listening to electronic music for quite a long time -- all the way back to Wendy Carlos' 'Switched on Bach', and have tried my hand at it a bit too. Ulrich Schnauss has taken his place among the masters of the genre, and 'Far Away Trains Passing By' is a must-have for anyone interested in electronic music.

His selection and control of sounds and layering is a delight to the ears. The mix invites you to test the limits of your sound system. The compositions are more harmonically interesting than most electronica artists and his rhythmic sense is subtle and polished, and not guilty of the awkwardness or formulaic tedium that too often burdens European artists.

That said, Ulrich Schnauss' work transcends dissection. It is the feeling of love that pours forth -- alienation, yes, isolation, that too, coolness and detachment. But through it all, love. This music is art.

Thank you Ulrich.

absolutely must!!.......2007-05-14

i have been listnin to this for 1 or 2 yrs. now (god bless P2P networks) but i liked it so much that i have ordered the orginal even though it cost a fortune to ship it to India
neone who like IDM or Chillout sud listen to this
mezmerising soundscapes

Ulrich to the rescue!.......2007-05-12

I rate songs according to their 'longevity', and this is one I can listen to over and over. having been disenfranchised by the 'unrelenting' whining of today's 'Contemporary' (whatever the 'genre'), I appreciate music inclined to the 'experiential' rather than the 'self-aggradizement' of individuals void of depth and inspiration. whew! that having been said, the music of Ulrich Schnauss is not for the 'skin deep' or people afraid to be still. 'anger' has become today's plague, and it has infected every arena of every day life. the world needs to chill, and we need all the help we can get. Ulrich to the rescue! Far Away Trains Passing By is a welcomed 2 disc CD (includes bonus tracks) engineered with that in mind. 'Blumenwiese Neben Autobahn' will keep you within the 'posted' Speed Limit. 'Between Us & Them' whispers the promise of a new day. 'Passing By' declares our will to resist. 'Nobody's Home' instills that longing to return for those 'far away'. and 'Knuddelmaus' brings you home, safe & sound. I first heard Ulrich over an iTunes Ambient Radio station, and previewed several of his songs before purchasing 2 albums from Amazon. (A Strangely Isolated Place). I keep copies of both in the car. think I'll call AAA to see if I can get a discount on my policy!

Average customer rating: PLEASE BE AWARE Bubble Bath Baroque Cleansing Sounds To Wash Away Tensions Great Classical Music Series Gorgeous Music A relaxing serenade

Baroque at Bathtime: A Relaxing Serenade to Wash Your Cares Away Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Cimarosa, Domenico | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Corelli | Corelli, Arcangelo | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Pachelbel | Pachelbel, Johann | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Telemann, Georg Philipp | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Alessandro Marcello | Marcello, Alessandro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Telemann, Georg Philipp | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Clarinet | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Flute | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Oboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Antiqua Musica | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Cimarosa, Domenico | ( C ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Corelli, Arcangelo | ( C ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Marcello, Alessandro | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Pachelbel, Johann | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Telemann, Georg Philipp | ( T ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Antiqua Musica | ( A ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Bach for Breakfast Beethoven at Bedtime: A Gentle Prelude to Sleep Bach at Bedtime: Lullabies for the Still of the Night Mozart for Meditation Beethoven for Book Lovers: An Intimate Companion for Reading ASIN: B0000041DS Release Date: 1995-08-15

Tracks:

1. Guitar Concerto in D: Largo
2. Oboe Concerto In D Minor: Adagio
3. Oboe Concerto In D Minor: Siciliano
4. The Four Seasons ( Winter): Largo
5. Flute Concerto No. 3 In D: Cantabile
6. Guitar Concerto in A minor: Largo
7. Oboe d'Amore Concerto In G: Adagio
8. Flute Concerto In G: Arioso
9. Concerto No 1 In B Flat For Oboe, Strings & Continuo: Adagio
10. Oboe Concerto No 1 In B Flat: Largo
11. Concerto In A: Sicilienne
12. Concerto In G For Two Guitars: Andante
13. Concerto In D For Oboe, Strings & Continuo: Grazioso
14. Concerto In C For Oboe, Strings & Continuo: Introduzione (Larghetto)
15. Oboe Concerto In C: Siciliana
16. Water Music (Suite No 1 In F): Air
17. Oboe Concerto No 2 In B Flat: Andante
18. Suite No 1: Andante
19. Concerto In F: Preludio
20. Canon In D

Customer Reviews:

PLEASE BE AWARE.......2007-02-25

The audio samples given here are from the Vivaldi for Valentines CD in this same Philips series. NOT Bach.

The Vivaldi was great, though.

Bubble Bath Baroque.......2005-09-27

Light some candles, run a bubble bath, put in bath beads, pop this CD into your stereo and indulge in a bath that would mean you've pampered yourself in extremis. This particular recording from the popular Set Your Life To Classical series is a real treat for Bathtime, or in my opinion, anytime. It is indeed, as the title suggests, a relaxing serenade to wash your cares away. It is therapy, a perfect companion to a massage, reading a book, drinking tea, anything you can do alone to pamper yourself and to relax. Iona Brown, a female conductor, takes Sir Neville Marriner's place and conducts the Academy of St Martin In The Fields performing such works as the opening track - the Lute Concerto by Vivaldi as well as Track 4's Largo from the Winter movement in The Four Seasons, track 12's Concerto For Two Guitars by Corelli and the Oboe Concerto in D by Telemann. Also featured on here Oboe Concerti by Handel and Water Music Suite, and other conductors featured on here are Raymond Leppard and his English Chamber Orchestra. The Canon in D has never sounded more radiant than on here as it is conducted by Sir Neville Marriner and closes the CD nicely. A more relaxing way to take a bath you'll be hard-pressed to find. This music is gorgeous, it's affordable (on the Used Item section and the regular price) and is as always, a great intro to classical music and a fun, innovative way to enjoy it.

Cleansing Sounds To Wash Away Tensions.......2003-01-09

This is pleasing, pastoral music picked to relieve that which tenses up our bodies and souls.

Turn on this excellent baroque collection from the likes of Vivaldi, Telemann, Handel and Pachelbel (among others) superbly played by such virtuosos as Rampal, Holliger et al.

Sweeping instrumental arias are so relaxing! This one will soothe the savage beast as well as those tired bods.

Great Classical Music Series Gorgeous Music.......2002-12-22

The cd series "Set Your Life To Classical Music", composes a variety of baroque, classical and romantic instrumental music that serves the purpose of leisure and background while you engage in the day or evening's activities. The purpose is therapeutic. There are other titles in the series, such as "Bach For Breakfast", "Beethoven For Book Lovers" "Chopin And Champagne", "Baroque For Bedtime", "Puccini and Pasta", "Mozart For The Morning Commute", the series goes on and on. It is a great way to soothe your tensions and provides stress-free, nearly New Age style music that you'd more than likely hear at a masseur's place of business. One can also make the argument that this is the music you'd hear at an elevator. What I like about all these series is that they are also a great introduction to instrumental/classical music. The ensembles performing the classical works are virtuosic and well known in world of classical performance, such as Sir Neville Marriner and St. Martin In The Fields, I Musici and the New Age, Yani-style musician, Zamfir, who specializes in rare instruments such as pan pipes.

On this recording, specifically designed to accompany your bubble bath, there are beautiful, slower-paced movements from Baroque flute, violin and oboe concertos. There are the Sicilian style movements of such composers as Vivaldi, Bach and Telemann. The largo from the Winter movement is a richly melodic and dreamy piece for strings, and the concluding work, Canon In D Major, is an elegant, graceful and heartfelt chamber piece that has become iconic in Baroque music. It was used in the film, Ordinary People and is very popular in classical music for weddings. I strongly recommend all the cds in the series. They are a perfect way to get you into some of the most beautiful classical music ever written, and are a great way to involve music as the wordless, instrumental soundtrack in your life.

A relaxing serenade.......2000-12-28

This is a wonderful collection of Baroque pieces that will truly relax and wash away stress and tension. I especially like the oboe and classical guitar pieces. If you are a fan of the pan flute, this is also a good CD for you, but the pan flute actually is the down side of the CD for me. All the songs are first rate!

Average customer rating: THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST STYX GREATEST HITS COMPILATION ALBUM THUS FAR. Philosophical Breakthrough Awesome Collection of Styx Groan! THIS ALBUM IS FRIGGIN AWESOME

Come Sail Away: The Styx Anthology Styx Manufacturer: A&M ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Arena Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Essential REO Speedwagon The Complete Wooden Nickel Recordings The Essential Journey Retrospectacle: The Supertramp Anthology Foreigner - Complete Greatest Hits ASIN: B0001ZMXDG Release Date: 2004-05-04

Tracks:

1. Best Thing
2. You Need Love
3. Lady
4. Winner Take All
5. Rock & Roll Feeling
6. Light Up
7. Lorelei
8. Prelude 12
9. Suite Madame Blue
10. Shooz
11. Mademoiselle
12. Crystal Ball
13. The Grand Illusion
14. Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)
15. Come Sail Away
16. Miss America
17. Man In The Wilderness

Tracks:

1. Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)
2. Sing For The Day
3. Renegade
4. Pieces Of Eight
5. Lights
6. Babe
7. Borrowed Time
8. Boat On The River
9. A.D. 1928
10. Rockin' The Paradise
11. Too Much Time On My Hands
12. The Best Of Times
13. Snowblind
14. Mr. Roboto
15. Love Is The Ritual
16. Show Me The Way
17. Dear John
18. One With Everything

Amazon.com

Styx may have had their musical roots in the UK's burgeoning late-'60s/early-'70s prog-rock bombast, but they were true pioneers in at least one sense: The Chicago-bred quintet virtually defined the hugely successful "corp rock" boom that followed a decade after prog's original fortunes tarnished. And if that label suggests a certain sense of the formulaic, in Styx it actually denoted a band with sharp ears and a shrewder sense of rock history, attested to immediately here by the Yes-inspired harmonies of "You Need Love" and the staccato rhythms of the Beatles' "Getting Better" on "Winner Take All." This 35-track double-disc anthology charts a course from sudden fame to its sometimes stormy aftermath, spanning the band's 1972 debut and its resilient 2003 comeback contender, Cyclorama. But after working their way up from the Grand Funk-worthy, meat 'n' instant potatoes of "Rock and Roll Feeling" and bald-faced melodramatics of "Lady" and "Come Sail Away" to the gutsier edge of "Blue Collar Man" and "Too Much Time on My Hands," rising tides of punk and new wave began to erode their younger demographic. And by the time "Babe" gave way to the faux techno of '83's "Mr. Roboto," even those sympathetic to the band's hook-rich, prog-lite sensibility seemed restless. Still, their Tommy Shaw-dominate output in the '90s and beyond showcased a band that had subtly matured from their arena-rock cliché salad days. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST STYX GREATEST HITS COMPILATION ALBUM THUS FAR........2007-06-26

I will be writing a review on the legendary masterpiece 2-CD compilation album entitled "COME SAIL AWAY, THE STYX ANTHOLOGY" by one of Rock's all-time greatest premiere bands ever. I give you one of America's favorite sons and one of Chicago's many pride and joy's, S-T-Y-X! "COME SAIL AWAY, THE STYX ANTHOLOGY" was originally released in 2004 on the UTV Records / A&M Records label on a special 2-CD Gold disc set series using the Original Recording Remastered process. As always, if I hear any new additional information concerning this legendary compilation album or the artist, I will edit this review immediately so that you the consumer will get the overall best informative and most accurate review possible.

STYX will forever go down in Rock n' Roll history and be remembered for composing and recording some of Rock's all-time greatest "slow ballads exploding into Hard Rockers" ever. I guess you can say that STYX followed along the same lines and tradition of LED ZEPPELIN and one of their many legendary Rock songs that would forever be the band's signature and trademark Rock anthem, "Stairway To Heaven." "Stairway To Heaven" would start out as a beautifully slow romantic and poetic acoustic arrangement which would end with a fast upbeat and explosive Hard Rock ending that would have you begging for more. In true retrospect, many of STYX'S classic Rock anthems follow the same LED ZEPPELIN formula but would take it a step further. I will mention more about this formula throughout this review. When the original members such as acoustic and electric guitarist Tommy Shaw met up and joined forces with guitarist James Young, keyboardist, vocalist and synthesizers Dennis De Young, bassist Chuck Panozzo and his brother, drummer John Panozzo, STYX would be born and a new era of arena Rock was about to begin and unfold. It was full speed ahead for STYX and the band would delight us for many years to come from 1972 to 2003 with such beautifully slow, poetic and romantic acoustic sound arrangements thus resulting in blowing us away with a fast explosive and electrifying sound fury at the end of their songs with such grace that the band made it look so easy to perform when it really wasn't. Which now brings me to the legendary compilation album I'm about to review for you today. "COME SAIL AWAY, THE STYX ANTHOLOGY" would be the result of the many great Rock anthems that STYX would deliver to all of us during the 1972 to 2003 period. In my opinion, "COME SAIL AWAY, THE STYX ANTHOLOGY" is without a doubt, a true testament of the greatness, pure genius and musical creativity of five extremely multi-talented musicians. This legendary compilation album is also a fine fitting tribute to a great band that was truly indeed, far ahead of their time. This is the story of STYX, their music is their story that speaks for itself.

It is now time to let the music of STYX to do all of the talking and back it up musically as it was truly intended. "COME SAIL AWAY, THE STYX ANTHOLOGY" from 2004 begins with DISC ONE starting with the CROSBY, STILLS & NASH sounding and incredible acoustic turned acoustic and electric Hard Rocker "Best Thing," the fast paced and explosive Hard Rocker "You Need Love," the formula at its best, the beautifully slow, poetic and romantic arrangement which would soon thrust into a Hard Rockin' masterpiece anthem, "Lady," the explosive and energetic Hard Rocker "Winner Take All," the sizzlin' and loud a*s kickin' Hard Rock anthem with a lot of heart and feelin', "Rock & Roll Feeling," the powerfully slow synthesized turned funkish Hard Rocker "Light Up," the synthesized Hard Rocker with a backbone, "Lorelei," the beautifully sounding acoustic arrangement "Prelude 12," which would evolve into the beautifully arranged mild acoustic number which would later explode into a Hard Rock extravaganza "Suite Madame Blue," the a*s kicking Hard Rocker "Shooz," the amazing guitar sounding effects and wizardry developing into a QUEEN-sounding Hard Rocker, "Mademoiselle," the brilliantly sounding acoustic arrangement turned Hard Rocker, "Crystal Ball," the unbelievable synthesized KANSAS sounding Rocker, "The Grand Illusion," the circus like atmospheric synthesized number turned into an acoustic Rocker, "Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)," this next song is another fine example of the formula performed to its fullest potential. This beautifully slow STYX stamped trademark song would erupt into the Hard Rock anthem it was destined to become, a masterpiece. The Hard Rocker of Hard Rockers, "Come Sail Away," the daring and in your face Hard Rocker "Miss America" and the beautifully slow mystical and mysterious number growing into another Hard Rock anthem, "Man In The Wilderness." END OF DISC ONE.

DISC TWO picks up right where DISC ONE left off beginning with the a*s kicking synthesized Hard Rocker "Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)," the uplifting synthesized mild Rocker "Sing For The Day," the a*s kicking Hard Rock anthem "Renegade," the Rock n' Roll opus with a synthesized and orchestrated Hard Rock sound touch, "Pieces Of Eight," the heartfelt synthesized mild Rocker "Lights," the beautifully slow sounding Rock anthem that would be another STYX stamped trademark song, "Babe," the rude awakening sounding Hard Rocker "Borrowed Time," the beautifully slow and mandolin filled mild song "Boat On The River," one of the most beautifully sounding Rock anthem ballads ever, "A.D. 1928," which would grow and shake Rock n' Roll to its very foundations with the rugged Hard Rocker "Rockin' The Paradise," the synthesized Rocker with a life of its own, "Too Much Time On My Hands," another one of STYX'S trademark Rock anthems, the beautifully sounding and breathtaking mild Rocker "The Best Of Times," the slow a*s kicking Hard Rocker "Snowblind," the synthesized and energetic Rocker "Mr. Roboto," the synthesized progressive Rocker "Love Is The Ritual," the beautifully slow and encouraging song with hope, "Show Me The Way," the beautifully sounding acoustic and orchestrated song "Dear John" and the true STYX Hard Rock anthem that kicks a*s, "One With Everything." END OF DISC TWO. May I also add an important note and highly commend all of the bandmembers on a great job well done. Much of the music contained on this album is extremely difficult to play. However, the band's timekeeping was laid down perfectly resulting in enabling the other bandmembers to join in and harmonize beautifully and perfectly together. WHAT A SOUND!

This legendary greatest hits compilation album is another great album for everyone of all ages to hear, enjoy and appreciate. This compilation album should automatically be considered an necessity to own as a valuable and important part of his or her own personal music collection. This compilation album will definitely prove to stand the test of time and will always be around to be enjoyed, cherished and appreciated for many years to come, NOW AND FOREVER. You can do all of your album researching and purchases either on Amazon com or at your nearest local Borders Books and Music store.

In closing, STYX has successfully continued in entertaining sell-out audiences the world over up to this very day. STYX has also persevered through many band personnel changes through the years but STYX'S own special blend of magical sounds remain fully intact. With this in mind, STYX has forever left their place and mark in Rock n' Roll history and their accomplishments, contributions and achievements speak for themselves and will never ber forgotten. Knowing this, I guess it is safe to say that STYX is here to stay to delight us further with their sound resulting in many more gothic tales and stories within the STYX saga and legacy that would still need to be told and written in pages and chapters. But that, my fellow readers and reviewers, you will just have to stay tuned and read further more about it at a later date. So here's to you Tommy, James, Dennis, Chuck and John. Thanks for the great memories and moments with many more still yet to come. And as the saying goes, "AND THE REST IS ROCK N' ROLL HISTORY," need I say more? Thanks for reading my review and I truly hope that you have enjoyed reading it as much as I have truly enjoyed writing it for your reading pleasure. I also deeply hope that all of you will read all of my other reviews in the near future when time permits. STYX RULES! Long Live Rock n' Roll. Rock out always and take it easy. Forever in Rock, John L.

Philosophical Breakthrough.......2007-05-30

This CD finally proves beyond any shadow of a doubt that there is no God. No benevolent ruler would sit idly by while music this bad was being unleashed on innocent people. A plague of locusts would be much easier to take than this CD.

Styx featured the kind of song writing that only developmentally delayed junior high kids would pen. Then, they performed their songs over a barrage of generic guitars and cheesy synthesizers. The result is the most synthetic, formulated music ever to come out of the corporate music industry.

Awesome Collection of Styx.......2007-01-08

Styx is one of those groups that many people seem to hate, and yet has always done well both in concert and on tour. One likely explanation is that Styx has sung songs that often almost "gimmicky" or too cute for some fans. One example is "Mr. Roboto." Furthermore, their commercial success may turn some critics away because some people have the opinion that commercial success means little or no artistry. Regardless of why the opinions are what they are, Styx had a long successful career and though they had many pop hits they began life with a progressive and harder edge.

As Styx's popularity waned they tried to experiment with their music, which is always dangerous for a long-established group since their existing fans may feel betrayed and the genre they are trying to break into either reviles their music or doesn't recognize what they are trying to do. "Kilroy Was Here," from which "Mr. Roboto" was taken, was such an experiment. "Kilroy Was Here" was a concept album. I think that had Styx been a new group the album may have worked. However, many longtime Styx fans felt betrayed by an album that appeared to diverge from Styx's traditional music. This album marked the end or the beginning of the end for a monster group that had churned out many top 40 songs.

Styx continues to release albums, with two albums released in the 1990's and two released after the beginning of the new millennium. This album covers up to the 2003 release "Cyclorama."

This CD is a significant improvement over "Styx - Greatest Hits." As with the previous release, I'm not sure that all of the songs on the CD are "greatest hits," but certainly they are representative of Styx from the beginning of their career to the end. This CD is much like "Styx - Greatest Hits" in that it makes a great sampler of Styx. However, serious fans will want to move beyond this collection and acquire Styx albums.

Styx has been classified many ways. Some critics call their music prog-lite. Some critics call them arena rockers and glam rockers. I guess I do not understand what any of these definitions mean when applied to Styx. I think many of these songs still have an edge to them. As an example, "Miss America" is a rocking song. "Crystal Ball" and "Renegade" are also rockers on this CD. There are other fast-paced songs, but they are more pop, such as "Fooling Yourself" and "Lorelei."

Ignore the criticism of Styx if you are a fan of Styx. They created their own style of music, which added, not subtracted, from rock music. They did not try to be like anyone else. I think most groups, including Styx, would rather be thought of as creating their own genre rather than fitting into an existing genre. I think in many ways they did exactly that. In the process they created detractors. Oh well. There will always be someone who wants to denigrate a successful artist. If you like what you've heard of Styx's music and are looking for a good overview of their career, this is the CD. If you are looking for early Styx that had yet to be a pop success, try "The Complete Wooden Nickel Recordings."

Enjoy!

Groan!.......2006-10-29

Just what we needed. Q:What could be worse than a CD of Styx greatest hits? A: a TWO CD set of Styx greatest Hits! Double the swill! I know there's lots of you Mr.Roboto heads who'll hate me for saying this,but Styx were undoubtably the worst band who ever made it big. Overwrought,overblown,and sappy. Just to be fair,though, Tommy Shaw was a pretty good guitarist. Too bad he didn't have better songs to play on. Miserable.

THIS ALBUM IS FRIGGIN AWESOME.......2006-08-16

I became a Styx fan about 2 years ago when I was a senoir in high school. The first time I heard the song Blue Collar Man (long Nights) I instantly fell in love with the classic lineup of Dennis DeYoung, The Panozzo Brothers, James Young, and Tommy Shaw. This was the very first Styx CD I ever bought and I loved it so much I had to go out and buy the rest of the Styx albums. I love every song on this CD from "Best Thing" all the way to "One With Everything". I do think that there are some songs missing though such as "Don't Let It End", "First Time", "Haven't We Been Here Before", "Queen Of Spades", and "Superstars", and there are no songs from BRAVE NEW WORLD which really is a great album. And I also feel that there isn't enough from the wooden nickel era. But that is the truth with every greatest hits or anthology album something is always missing to someone that is why we buy the individual albums and why artists release more than one greatest hits album.

But enough negative stuff this is a great album to start with. They start with their first Top 100 hit off their self-titled album STYX with "Best Thing". And then comes two songs off of Styx II The Top 100 hit "You Need Love" and the original "Lady" their first Top Ten hit. They then showcase "Winner Take All" off of THE SERPENT IS RISING and "Rock & Roll Feeling" from MAN OF MIRACLES. Then comes their best off of EQUINOX with their classic songs, "Loerelei", "Light Up", and the two parter "Prelude 12" and "Suite Madame Blue". Then comes the start of the Tommy Shaw era album CRYSTAL BALL with the songs "Crystal Ball", "Shooz", and the Top 40 hit "Mademoisselle". Then the THE GRAND ILLUSION with the songs "Come Sail Away", "Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)", "Grand Illusion", "Miss America" and the full length version of "Man In The Wilderness".

Then they start disc 2 with my favorite album PIECES OF EIGHT. They start out the 2nd CD with my favorite song too. "Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)" they also have songs "Sing For The Day", "Renegade", and "Pieces Of Eight" from that album. Then comes the songs off of CORNERSTONE with their only #1 hit ever. "Babe" plus other songs like "Lights", "Borrowed Time", and "Boat On The River". Then comes the songs off of the album PARADISE THEATRE with "Too Much Time On My Hands", "The Best Of Times", "Snowblind", and the two-parter "A.D. 1928" and "Rockin' The Paradise". Then comes "Mr. Roboto" from their album KILROY WAS HERE. Then comes two songs from their first reunion EDGE OF THE CENTURY. Their Top Ten Hit of the 90s "Show Me The Way" and their spin on the music of that day with "Love Is The Ritual". Then comes the emotionally gripping song dedicates to their late and great drummer John Panozzo in "Dear John" off of RETURN TO PARADISE and then they finish off the anthology with "One With Everything" from CYCLORAMA which features Lawrence Gowan.

Well thats it sure its missing a few things but doesn't every greatest hits album for any band have songs that they miss. This a great album to start or end your collection. I highly suggest that you buy this album today.

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