Scattered

About the Artist
They are a strange mix. Young rockers Wes Hlebichuk, Paul , and Shawn Thompson teamed up with older yet highly motivated basher "Tools" in early 2000 to create the unique new rock quartet, Birch Riley.

In the summer of 2000, Birch Riley recorded a single at Turtle Recording in Canada called “Love Outside”. The song was well received by locals and garnered some airplay on KISM 92.9 FM in Bellingham, Washington.

After the summer, Shawn left the group in order to focus on his last year of college. Paul quickly stepped up to the plate and worked hard to build his bass chops.

By March of 2001 the remaining trio had worked up just over an hour of original material and started a string of northwest gigs from Blaine to Bremerton, exposing unexpecting audiences to their tight, diverse original style.

In July 2001, the trio started recording their first full CD at their practice studio. The result is the new release “Scattered” due out in mid-December. Some of the songs have been pre-released to favorable reviews:

The guitar work is incredible... the whole thing is. It fits together like one of those funny puzzles that look like they've been cut with a jigsaw... A lot different than the normal "here’s the lyrics, here's the chorus, maybe a bridge or two" format. Keep up the good work. --- Z. Walnut Creek, California

Wooaaaaaaa! great off times in this one. vocals sound pretty full and has got a full original sound and feel to this one.... --- D.D. Miramichi, New Brunswick, Canada

This sounds like a band with a great amount of talent. The song displays excellent bass guitar and the sound quality of the track is very good. --- D.C. Estevan, Saskatchewan, Canada

“Scattered” includes nine original cuts that blend styles from classic to modern rock.

The band is planning on a U.S. tour to support the album's release.

Product Description
"Scattered" is Birch Riley's debut album portraying tough life issues on nine original cuts. Progressive themes with solid changes and edgy flavor are the staples of the music contained on this CD.

Scattered,Birch Riley

Average customer rating: Scattered Pieces DMyerstc

Scattered Pieces: Live Manufacturer: Sparrow ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Alternative | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Live Recordings | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Similar Items: Live in Seattle Ripen Simply Nothing Come Undone Full Attention ASIN: B000MX7SWS Release Date: 2007-03-06

Tracks:

1. Ramblings Of A Beggar
2. I Am Nothing
3. Don't Walk Away
4. Take Hold
5. Pride
6. Simply Nothing
7. Shadowlands
8. Home
9. Hush
10. Here I Am
11. Amazing Grace
12. Rider On the White Horse
13. Gravity
14. Take My Hand
15. Beautiful
16. Free
17. Pour Out

Customer Reviews:

Scattered Pieces.......2007-04-07

I was really looking forward to Shawn's next album coz I wanted some new songs from him. Unfortunately this only has about 5 or 6 new tracks on it. I love the song 'Shadowlands' best on this. 'Take my hand' is on here again and though it's an older song it's still as awesome as ever. Much faster than previously and the scatting is a little different but cool. The rest of the album I found a little more mellow kinda like 'Ripen' as opposed to 'Live in seattle's' upbeat feel. Still a great album but a WHOLE new album would be better than redoing some songs.

DMyerstc.......2007-04-01

A awesome live recording capturing all of my favorite songs live. I cannot wait for his next new material album. Somehow Shawn needs to bring that live into the studio.

Don

Average customer rating: Great Rarities If I Could Give This Album 10 Out 10 I Would Hootie Does No Wrong Something the fans deserved! The many faces of Hootie

Scattered, Smothered and Covered Hootie & the Blowfish Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Rock Jam Bands | Jam Bands | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Tributes | Pop | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Hootie & The Blowfish Musical Chairs Fairweather Johnson Looking For Lucky Back to Then ASIN: B00004Z3F1 Release Date: 2000-10-24

Tracks:

1. Fine Line
2. I Go Blind
3. Almost Home
4. Hey Hey What Can I Do
5. Renaissance Eyes
6. Before The Heartache Rolls In
7. Araby
8. I'm Over You
9. Gravity Of The Situation
10. I Hope That I Don't Fall In Love With You
11. Dream Baby
12. Driver 8
13. Let Me Be Your Man
14. Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want
15. Use Me

Amazon.com

Proudly wearing their reputation as the "ultimate bar band," Hootie & the Blowfish have proven decisively that in a pop-music taproom bristling with full-bodied micro-brews and exotic imports, there are plenty who still crave Budweiser--and often Bud Light. It's hardly surprising then that in compiling this rarities collection, the band invited its fan base to choose a third of the album's 15 tracks (and its cover design) by voting at the Web site of a beer company. The result is a de facto tribute to much of the band's own favorite music, from vintage staples such as Roy Orbison's "Dream Baby," "Use Me" by Bill Withers, and Zeppelin's "Hey Hey What Can I Do" (13.98% of the virtual pub poll) through R.E.M.'s "Driver 8," the Reivers' "Araby," and "Almost Home" (14.24%) to seemingly improbable choices such as an unplugged rendition of Tom Waits's "I Hope I Don't Fall in Love with You," Vic Chestnutt's "Gravity of the Situation," and the Smiths' "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want" (13.11%). Even on Kim Richey's countrified "Let Me Be Your Man" (the poll topper at 15.47%), Darius Rucker and company display an uncanny ability to unify--and homogenize--seemingly disparate material into their own endlessly bubbly brew. Even if all of it doesn't all taste great, it's definitely less filling. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Great Rarities.......2006-11-01

An album that at first appears somewhat more eclectic than your average Hootie album. After a time of listening to it, the disparate styles of music, which cross from full-on bouncy pop (Araby) to mellow classics (Hey Hey What Can I Do?) to country (Fine Line) to golden oldies (Dream Baby), seem somewhat helter skelter in their scattering throughout this album. Yet after a while, the album seems to pick up a flow that almost begins to make complete sense. Sure, the styling is somewhat random, but the musical quality of the tracks selected, including a soulful live cut (I Hope I don't Fall in Love With You) allows the listener to enjoy the fullest range of Hootie's distinctive and easily identifiable sound. I am purchasing this album for a second time, since continuous play of the first copy left it so badly scratched that I am forced to purchase a second copy to make up for the unplayability of the first. I rate this album as perhaps the very best of all of Hootie's albums.

If I Could Give This Album 10 Out 10 I Would.......2005-01-31

This album is definetely my favorite Hootie & the Blowfish album. I think that it is better than all of the other albums because it has some of the best songs on this slbum, like "Fine Line" and "I Hope That I Don't Fall In Love With You" and "Use Me" those are my absoulte favorite songs of all the Hootie songs. I definetely recommened that you buy this album if you are a true Hottie & the Blowfish fan.

Hootie Does No Wrong.......2004-06-14

The first time I saw Hootie and the Blowfish was in 1993 when I was a freshman at USC and they played a frat party I went to - I was completely hooked! They continue to be my favorite band! Darius has the most amazing and distinct voice - I can't get enough. The only reason this rating isn't 5 stars is because they didn't record my favorite 2 cover songs they used to do (maybe it's a copyright thing) --> "Mustang Sally" and "Love the One You're With." But I can't complain too much - this whole album is a treat!

Something the fans deserved!.......2004-03-04

Finally, a collection of the stuff that for whatever reason, didn't make the original albums, or wound up scattered (get the title now?) over various soundtracks or import versions of the albums...all in one place. The band has been doing 54-40's "I Go Blind" for years. in fact it was recorded back during the Cracked Rear View sessions...appeared on the Friends TV soundtrack...Use Me has been a concert tune for a long time too...nice to see these and all the other songs together that up until this album have been a case of get 'em where you can find 'em. Thanks guys...and thanks for continuing to be consistently excellent...for those of you who STILL (!) aren't familiar with these guys, get their new Best Of collection...and this one...then go out and grab Cracked Rear View...and then the rest of 'em!

The many faces of Hootie.......2003-11-06

Hootie & the Blowfish began as a kick@ss bar cover b and, and that reappears here with some great covers, along with awesome B-Sides. The diversity on this album is amazing. Fine Line is bluesy, I Go Blind explodes with trademark Hootie rock, then Almost Home shows off their more bluegrass side, before a Led Zeppelin cover rocks you, then Darius lets loose with one of most soulful, incredible vocal performances I've ever heard (Renaissance Eyes). And that's just the first five songs, a taste of what this album brings. There's an REM cover, original Hootie stuff, it's all different and it's all great. Forget what you may have heard about this band, if you love MUSIC get this and their other albums and you will not be disappointed

Average customer rating: I love Webb, but why can't Cheap Trick have this kind of consistency? "three albums in one work their magic from Varese ~ Webb Wilder"

Scattered, Smothered and Covered: A Webb Wilder Overview Webb Wilder Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: About Time It Came from Nashville Doo Dad Town & Country Hacienda Brothers ASIN: B00092ZLIA Release Date: 2005-05-03

Tracks:

1. How Long Can She Last (Going Fast)
2. Horror Hayride
3. Pool Side
4. One Taste Of The Bait
5. Ruff Rider (Dedicated To Broderick Crawford)
6. Is This All There Is?
7. Scattered, Smothered and Covered
8. Flat Out Get It
9. Stay Out Of Automobiles
10. Slow Death
11. Fall In Place
12. Loud Music
13. The Webb Wilder Credo
14. Honky Tonk Hell
15. My Minds Eye
16. Rocket To Nowhere
17. I Aint Living Long Like This
18. Carryin The News To Mary
19. No Great Shakes

Album Description

This is the first CD collection to highlight Webb Wilder's recordings from the three albums he recorded for Watermelon Records, the Austin, Texas based label. All songs except the tracks taken from the CD It Came From Nashville (which was recently reissued) have been not been available for over five years.

Customer Reviews:

I love Webb, but why can't Cheap Trick have this kind of consistency?.......2006-01-06

It's maddening that we have to wait so long
for great albums like this to come out while
Cheap Trick can put out all the compilations
and DVDs, et, all they want and they are only
three quarters as good as the 'The last of the
Full Grown Man', Mr. Jack-of-All-Media trades,
Webb Wilder. Really this is three albums in one
not just a 'Greatest Hits' or 'Best Of...'.Long
time Wilder fans will notice that there are no
songs from Webb's bigger budget releases like:
Doo Dad and Hybrid Vigor here. But it's OK
since there are no EVEN just-above-average LPs
in the Webb Wilder discography:

1) It Came From Nashvegas,
2) Hybrid Vigor,
3) Doo Dad,
4) Town and Country,
5) Acres of Suede,
6) About Time,

ALL FOUR STAR RELEASES! Pick Up On 'Em!

"three albums in one work their magic from Varese ~ Webb Wilder".......2005-08-06

Varese Records presents "Scattered, Smothered and Covered: A Webb Wilder Overview", reissued tracks of albums from the past "It Came From Nashville" (1993), "Town & Country" (1995) and "Acres of Suede" (1996) all on the Watermelon Records label, featuring the one and only Webb Wilder and his Beatnecks...crazy beat and delivery with a kind of out there performance...his guitar work and stage presence is what grabs you from the git go.

Wilder's mention of the "Rock n' Roll Justice League" gives you a glimpse of what's in store on this cool and do you dig it release with...combining no nonsense rockabilly to create little jewels like "POOLSIDE" and "RUFF RIDER" (Dedicated to Broderick Crawford)." As with early rock, meaningful lyrics make way for a more visceral approach, leading to music that you feel right down to the bottom of your toes..."FLAT OUT GET IT", composed by Webb Wilder with vibes of Chuck Berry bringing the house down with every beat that hits you right between the eyes..."SLOW DEATH", call the doctor for some medication for the fever..."FALL IN PLACE", can't hide from the eye of heaven..."LOUD MUSIC", there's a forty dollar fine down the Rock Island Line for loud music..."THE WEBB WILDER CREDO", real music is out there and real people are makin' it..."HONKY TONK HELL", two many stories I can't tell, too much loss of memory..."I AIN'T LIVING LONG LIKE THIS", don't let 'em take you downtown..."CARRYIN' THE NEWS TO MARY", got to take a look see, to see what I just saw..."NO GREAT SHAKES", close but no cigar, if I tag along will you think I'm playin' dumb..."HOW LONG CAN SHE LAST (GOING FAST)", how long can rock n roll music last playin' that fast..."HORROR HAYRIDE", with shades of "The Ventures" early years..."ONE TASTE OF THE BAIT", can't forget how good she looks, the look is worth the pain of the hook...wild, cool and swingin'...can you dig it?

Hats off to my good friend Bryon Davis (producer) and his co-producers Cary E. Mansfield, R.S. Field and of course Varese Records and our man on the rock and roll caravan of Wilderian liberation...Webb Wilder (wear glasses if you need 'em) created a solid album that harked back to the roots of rock.

Total Time: 66:00 on 19 Tracks ~ Varese Records 66649 ~ (5/03/2005)

Average customer rating: Excellent and worthy followup album to self-titled debut I agree with the reviewer in Buffalo...... A Good Companion Audio CD to go with the "Solas" DVD. Solas' second near-masterpiece--don't miss it A Gorgeous Recording

Sunny Spells & Scattered Showers Solas Manufacturer: Shanachie ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD British Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Celtic Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Ireland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Celtic New Age | New Age | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Celtic | Europe | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Celtic | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music International | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Words That Remain Solas Another Day The Hour Before Dawn Edge of Silence ASIN: B000000E5M Release Date: 1997-05-20

Tracks:

1. The Wind That Shakes The Barley (Song)
2. The Big Reel Of Ballynacally/The High Hill/Flash Away The Pressing Gang (Reels)
3. Aililiu Na Gamhna (Song)
4. Tom Busby's/James O'Byrne's/The Four Posts Of The Bed (Jigs)
5. Paddy Taylors/McFadden's Handsome Daughter/The Narrowback/Franks Reel/Esther's Reel (Reels)
6. The Unquiet Grave (Song)
7. The Maid On The Shore (Song)
8. Song Of The Kelpie (Air)
9. Mom's Jig/Bill Nicholson's 67th (Jigs)
10. The Primrose Lass/Molly From Longford/The Four Kisses (Reels)
11. Vanished Like The Snow (Song)
12. The Kilnamona Barndance/Give The Girl Her Fourpence/My Maryanne (Barndance, Reels)
13. Adieu Lovely Nancy (Song)

Amazon.com

Solas are based in the U.S. and are indisputably one of the best neo-trad Irish bands--from anywhere. This is an extraordinary album, which is saying plenty, as they've never made a bad one. Solas make such urgent music that every tune sounds completely new, even when heard over and over again. The virtuosity of the instrumentalists is beyond compare, and they sometimes wreak playful havoc on the straight up-and-down of Irish time signatures without compromising their sources. Singer Karan Casey offers an astonishing combination of cool-headed technique and unfettered passion--her duet with John Doyle on "The Wind That Shakes the Barley" could raise goose pimples on a two-by-four. But the fiery temperament and precise picking of Philadelphia's own Seamus Egan is why Solas can make a simple jig or reel swing within an inch of its life. Sung in Irish and English. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

Excellent and worthy followup album to self-titled debut.......2006-08-02

Sunny Spells and Scattered Showers is more of the same that can be found on their self-titled debut, but the band has obviously matured. John Williams, Winifred Horan, and Seamus Egan are all in top form. John Doyle's guitar has become more refined and he truly shines on this album, his playing transcending mere backup. Karan Casey is a delight to hear, especially on the track "Aililiu Na Gamhna".

I highly recommend this album to anyone who likes Irish traditional music. You won't be disappointed!

I agree with the reviewer in Buffalo.............2003-12-28

(except where s/he proposes there be any reason at ALL that one should listen to Barry Manilow!!!)

I'm afraid I can't recommend this CD or this band, with Karan or without. The songs and tunes DO have a dreary sameness and predictability about them. Mind you, if that one sound happens to be one you LIKE, perhaps this is just the ticket. Karan Casey does have a beautiful voice, but it's better served on her solo efforts. What I find about Solas is that they take all the lilt and joy out of the trad Irish tunes, which are primarily dance tunes and ought to sound more HAPPY. At times frenetic, at times grinding, full of perhaps nervous energy--- this is music by which to pack for a month's vacation when your plane leaves in an hour. If you want some really lilting, cheery, irresistably DANCEABLE traditional music, have a listen to Danu. If you like the heavy-on-the-strings sound, Bohola does it much better. I can also recommend both bands our friend in Buffalo mentioned, Tempest and Horslips, with the caveat that they are Celtic *rock* bands

A Good Companion Audio CD to go with the "Solas" DVD........2003-04-29

Failte! (Greetings!) This is one of my favorite Solas CD's, but I watch and listen to these songs on the "Solas" DVD more often now. The DVD has up close and personal interviews with band membmers with Karen Casey still in the group. There many distinctive qualities to the old Solas Crew. Karen Casey was is lead, excellent voice with both English and Gaelic lyrics. When she left in later years, the group lost itself for awhile. Seamus Eagan sings, plays excellent flute, plays excellent tenor banjo and excellent octave mandolin. John Doyle is the guitar back up you want if you are interested in ripping through reels, hornpipes and jigs. Horan Winifred is an all Ireland Fiddle champion. Together, they represent a 1990's era of Irish traditional music as much as Altan, the Chieftains and the Bothy Band can be given credit for eras of this unique music. Don't miss the Solas recent efforts with Liz Carroll in "Lake Effect."

Solas' second near-masterpiece--don't miss it.......2003-02-01

As with the review of Solas' debut CD, "music fan" from Buffalo could not be more off the mark. Again (this is repeating some of the review of that debut), the criticisms sound more like a criticism of the entire genre, from someone who doesn't know the genre enough to hear the distinctions and thus thinks it all sounds the same. And to describe guitarist John Doyle's playing as "the same two chords" is just mind-bogglingly inept. Ask somebody who plays guitar for an Irish band, as I do, whether Doyle is in fact playing "two chords," or whether we have a guitarist of immense subtlety and expertise, comping the melody players with interplay that is at times truly jaw-dropping, upbeating and backbeating the rhythms, inventing progressions with twists and suspensions and various inversions that make you want to go try them yourself, if you're a player. This guy is as good as it gets in this business.

As for the allegation that Solas sounds pretty much the same as lots of other traditional bands (albeit with "a little more energy"), well...again, ask some local Irish musicians you know to listen to some of the better tracks here. Try them out on "Tom Busby's et al." or "Paddy Taylor's et al." (Actually, if you want the real clincher, let 'em hear the #8 track--"Dougie MacDonald's et al"--on Solas' debut CD. That'll do it.) This is pure virtuosity.

I mean, what Solas did with "Wind that Shakes the Barley" (the first track) is worth half the price of the CD. There you have a ballad that in its original form (e.g., the Clancys' version), love its tradition as we all do, still is not the kind of thing that would draw anyone outside Irish music to an appreciation of the genre. Along comes Solas and redoes the thing entirely by reworking the melody and giving the whole thing a Galician flavor. This is a perfect example of how the early Solas was able to breathe new life into an old standard while still working within traditional lines.

As for the carping about "soft schlocky ballads": There's probably a grain of truth here for someone _outside_ the genre, because Irish and Scottish traditional songs do tend to get repetitive (lots of verses-in-a-row kinda thing). And if you're not listening to (or not interested in) the words to something like "Unquiet Grave"--if you're waiting for something "exciting" to grab you--it's really not. (On the other hand, if you listen to the words, it's one of the truly most emotional songs around, an intensely sad expression of how the pre-Christian Celtic "dead is dead" notion affects a grieving lover.) Or if you don't understand Gaelic, maybe "Aililiu na Gamhna" will be one of those tracks you click past. But then, "Maid on the Shore" and "Adieu Lovely Nancy" are very nice ballads in the traditional vein that do not require this kind of in-genre special attention. (Also, "Maid" includes an instrumental melodic line that is close to genius--a near-reversal of the melody in "Wind that Shakes the Barley," with the line spiraling wildly upward, midway through the album, helping to establish a subtle structural wholeness to the CD.)

Hey, short version is, buy it. Or listen to it somewhere and then buy it. Then write Solas, tell them we miss them, and beg them to get back to this kind of music.

A Gorgeous Recording.......2000-09-09

This is an outstanding effort, mixing textures and tempos expertly. The cover of Unquiet Grave is beautifully haunting- Karan will be sorely missed. If you like Altan, you will not go wrong with Solas. As regards the guitar comments from Buffalo: Yes, the guitar is driving and prominent, but that has always been a cornerstone of the Solas sound. The musicianship of each and every memeber is well beyond reproach, in my humble opinion. Go see them live, and you will be ready to hug the guitarist (and everyone else around) in your excitement!

Average customer rating:

Love Me Like a Song Kimmie Rhodes Manufacturer: Sunbird Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Windblown Picture in a Frame Rich from the Journey Jackalopes Moons & Angels: A Collection, 1985-1990 Outlaw Country - Live From Austin Tx (Dig) ASIN: B00008BXGW Release Date: 2004-04-27

Tracks:

1. Darkness Lifting
2. I Have Everything
3. Only Love Can Save Me Now
4. Love Me Like a Song - Willie Nelson, Kimmie Rhodes
5. Send Me the Sun - Beth Nielsen Chapman, Emmylou Harris, Kimmie Rhodes
6. Midnight Song
7. Play Me a Memory
8. Louis' World
9. We've Done This Before - Willie Nelson, Kimmie Rhodes
10. Witness to the Crime
11. Love and Happiness for You - Emmylou Harris, Kimmie Rhodes
12. November December
13. One to Walk You Home - Kimmie Rhodes, Benmont Tench

Average customer rating: This record will blow your brains out your a**! Genuine Noise Rock, Not Noise A pioneering work of noise sculpture this album rules so hard one of the best albums all time-period.

Scattered, Smothered & Covered Unsane Manufacturer: Amphetamine Reptile ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Noise | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Occupational Hazard Total Destruction Blood Run Lambhouse: The Collection 1991-1998 Visqueen ASIN: B0000004HP Release Date: 1995-09-26

Tracks:

1. Scrape
2. Alleged
3. Blame Me
4. Out
5. Can't See
6. Get Off My Back
7. Blew
8. Empty Cartridge
9. No Loss
10. Test My Faith
11. Ruin
12. Swim

Amazon.com

It's ironic that while Unsane's debut release, Total Destruction, chose to keep their tribal noise grindings fully intact and raw, when they dropped back to indie they added elements to make their music slightly more accessible. That's not to say Scattered, Smothered & Covered is any less visceral than their previous releases, but if their earlier work hacked into the listener's skull like a rusty saw, this one slices cleanly with a more refined, razor-sharp precision. You don't bleed any less, it's just slightly less painful. Gone is the incessant, driving tribal beat that their original drummer, Charlie Ondras (who died of a heroin overdose), made an Unsane trademark. His replacement, Vinnie Signorelli, provides a more standard rock-oriented thump that makes some of the tunes downright groovy. Were it not for all of the distortion the bass, guitar, and vocals are pushed through, Scattered, Smothered & Covered might actually find some FM radio success. Unsane, however, is nowhere near ready to compromise the extreme, bleak noise rock they've gnashed out since 1991. Still, this tightening of their sound is a great step forward for a band that seemed to have reached a musical dead end, and it'll surely prove that they're more than one-dimensional distortion-mongers. --Adem Tepedelen

Customer Reviews:

This record will blow your brains out your a**!.......2005-05-17

I remember when I first discovered Unsane years ago...it was the album cover photo on "Total Destruction" that lured me in like a fish on a hook. Something about a blood splattered Cadillac got by juices flowing, and made me purchase an album totally blind. And I've never regretted it since. "Total Destruction" was a great record, but "Scattered, Smothered, & Covered" raised the bar another momentous notch. This album is a masterpiece of heavy, hard, pounding rock that beats into your head like a sledgehammer...with the tempo of early Helmet, and the intensity of the Melvins. Spencer is a real musician, and his songwriting really peaked on this release. There is just enough complexity to keep you listening from start to finish, and enough driving force to keep your adrenalin boiling the whole way. This is THE record you need to crank up lound, hold on tight, rattle the windows, and scare the neighbors. Period.

Genuine Noise Rock, Not Noise.......2005-04-09

Noise rock is also one of my most favorite genres. Stuff by artists like Today Is The Day, Neurosis, Helmet, and definitely, Unsane. This album is out of print, but you can still get the best-of CD, "Lambhouse", in stores around (not Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart sucks ass.). This CD has all the classics. "Alleged", "Blew", and the all out famous "Scrape". Remember the music video with all those skateboarders crashing and scraping themselves? That's the video for "Scrape", people. If you can find it, buy it. That is all.

A pioneering work of noise sculpture.......2004-11-21

Nowadays everyone and their brother is mixing and matching heavy-music among the first and best practicioners of the art. While Unsane's raw, scathing aggression may have screamed "hardcore" upon first listen, there are few if any similarities between these guys and lowbrow one-note "tough guy" hardcore bands like Hatebreed. In fact, the noisy, dissonant tension in Chris Spencer's guitar and the intricacy of Vincent Signorelli's drum assault clearly position Scattered, Smothered, and Covered as a forerunner to the noisecore genre that's so prevalent in heavy music today. The parallels may not be obvious at first, but listen to some Botch, Coalesce, or Burnt by the Sun right after hearing this album and the similarities become clear. Loosely structured, oppressively atmospheric noise may be all the rage these days thanks to the above-mentioned bands (and several others), but Unsane were doing it earlier.

Really, though, what makes this album an undying classic is the emotion these guys so clearly put into what they were doing. Now, when I say "emotion," I am most definitely NOT referring the prepackaged saccharine pumped out by every lame nu-metal and wuss-rock band on the airwaves these days. Rather, Unsane channelled all of their frustration and disaffection into creating some of the most compellingly demented music ever recorded, propelled by a succession of punishing rhythms and throat-ripping screams. Much like its equally brilliant followup, Occupational Hazard, Scattered, Smothered, and Covered is a sort of mood music for psychopaths. It's heavy, it's passionate, and it's technical: what more could you want?

this album rules so hard.......2003-09-06

i've listened to it over and over about a bazillion times and it never gets old. i can't say enough good things about this band. it's catchy, groovy, heavy, ...it's just AWESOME. any fan of anything should get this album and listen to it religiously everyday because it rules. ... if you've heard the song scrape and liked it, buy all their albums because the rest is just as good.

one of the best albums all time-period........2003-01-18

im not much into hardcore,but this,oh my god,its unreal.every song is just pure rock.id call them an extremely [mad],angry,and louder version of helmet.chris does a great job on vox;its nice to see some real low budget stage type vocals.the guitar work by chris tops the show.he is unbelieveable.dave currans bass cant be ignored as it drove the cd along with vinny's drums.gotta love the italian drummer.i know this was unsanes attempt at a more "commercial" record (what a way to do it,huh).the video for scrape was great.in my humble opinion,YOU CANT LIVE WITHOUT THIS CD!A MUST HAVE FOR ANY FAN OF GREAT MUSIC.

Average customer rating: Another from Mr. Zellar Scattered is by far Martin Zellar's best work to date The best yet... Another gem

Scattered Martin Zellar & The Hardways Manufacturer: Owen Lee Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Many Moods of Martin Zellar & The Hardways Born Under Martin Zellar & The Hardways They Even Use the Hooves Billy's Live Bait ASIN: B000066SZD Release Date: 2002-04-30

Tracks:

1. Here's to Everyone
2. So Far Away
3. What it is I feel
4. Scattered
5. Low Road
6. The Unrelenting Kind
7. Everything we had
8. And the Grass won't pay no mind
9. Barfly Blues
10. Summer Song
11. Always be Friends

Customer Reviews:

Another from Mr. Zellar.......2006-06-05

For those that have been a fan of Martin Zellar's before the Gear Daddies break-up and beyond, this album will not disappoint. It is also a great starting point for newbies.

Zellar does not stray far from what has worked in the past, yet many of the tracks are refreshing. I have spent a-many long Minnesotan summer nights by the campfire with MZ & GD albums playing in the background.

This is just another chapter in a near-legendary career. File with artists such as Wilco, Jayhawks, Peacemakers, Pistoleros, Golden Smog...

Scattered is by far Martin Zellar's best work to date.......2002-06-19

"Scattered" is a masterpiece! It has a good blend of uplifting songs such as "Here's to Everyone" to sad songs like "What It Is I Feel." This album is similar in its style to Born Under. Martin Zellar has definitely matured in his musical style from his Gear Daddies days. The lyrics express emotions that are real, however painful they may be. "What It Is I Feel" has got to be the most heartfelt song of a man dealing with his feelings I have ever heard. The influence of the likes of Neil Diamond and Bruce Springsteen are clearly apparent in this album.

The best yet..........2002-05-07

and that's saying something.

Martin Zellar is one of the most underappreciated and talented singer/songwriters around. It is a shame that everyone hasn't had the opportunity to hear his work, first with the Gear Daddies, but especially with the Hardways.

The album flows wonderfully together as a whole, each song highlighting the band's musical abilities and Zellar's affecting vocals and lyrics. From the first song, "Here's to Everyone," to the disc's standout tune, "What it is I Feel," a moving and heartbreakingly honest portrayal of one man's inner turmoil, to the album's closing track, "Always Be Friends," this is one CD you won't tire of quickly -- and it gets better each time you hear it.

If you are already a fan of Zellar's, you will love "Scattered," and if not, you will be after hearing this album.

"Scattered" is by far the most fully realized and mature work this band has released and I can't wait to see what comes next!

Another gem.......2002-05-07

Martin Zellar is slowly but surely building a catalog of material worthy of Bruce Springsteen, John Hiatt, Paul Kelly and other outstanding singer-songwriters who can distill elements of the human experience into elegant 3 minute songs. It's been 4 years since Zellar's last studio album, but it was definitely worth the wait, as this disc represents his strongest album since his grossly under-rated debut solo CD, "Born Under". The first 5 songs on "Scattered" may represent the best collection of songs that Zellar has recorded to date. Zellar continues to tackle issues of the heart and home, and like Springsteen and Hiatt, approaches them from the perspective of a mature adult (rather refreshing in this day and age). And the many years of playing in bars in the upper Midwest has paid off for the Hardways in spades - you can hear the cohesion and precision in the music generated by this crack 4 piece band. The music itself veers away slightly from the country-tinged sound of Zellar's previous CD's and exhibits a more modern, more rock-oriented style. And some noodling in the studio pays off big time in tunes such as the mesmerizing "Summer Song". Definitely one of the best albums of this or any other year.

Average customer rating:

Scattered, Smothered & Covered Unsane Manufacturer: Rr Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Noise | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000ERU6JE Release Date: 2006-03-20

Tracks:

1. Scrape
2. Alleged
3. Blame Me
4. Out
5. Can't See
6. Get off My Back
7. Blew
8. Empty Cartridge
9. No Loss
10. Test My Faith
11. Ruin
12. Swim

Album Description

Legendary NYC noise trio Unsane's classic album Scattered, Smothered And Covered is finally reissued, along with the famous Amrep Christmas live album recording at the mythical Amphetamine Reptile Christmas party in 1997. Formed at the end of the '80s along with NY mates The Swans, Helmet and Pussy Galore, Unsane are one of the most influential bands in heavy music. Their uncompromising mix of distorted vocals, huge bass sound and heavy percussion has become in 20 years one of the most respected reference for all the hardcore, noise, metal, whatever is loud, international scene. Chris Spencer, Vinnie Signorelli and Dave Curran have been signed to the world's finest labels this far, including Amphetamine Reptile, Man's Ruin, Matador and finally Relapse Records. Scattered.... is probably their most classic albums to date, which has been impossible to find since Amrep closed down at the end of '90s. Celebrate ! Here it is back, in a gorgeous deluxe double digipak featuring their most famous live album as a bonus CD. RR Records. 2006.

Average customer rating:

Scattered Snares Vol 1 Manufacturer: Twisted Funky Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B0007SN2HS

Product Description

1. Sonar Circle Homebound Twisted Funk 06:00 ~~~ 2. Bug Nyne Broken Rhode Twisted Funk 07:13 ~~~ 3. Hopper Feel Free Twisted Funk 07:18~~~ 4. Nubian Mindz Burning Twisted Funk 05:44 ~~~ 5. Somatik Prismatik Twisted Funk 05:13 ~~~ 6. Genotype Vision Twisted Funk 06:17 ~~~ 7. Torus Space Twisted Funk 05:16 ~~~ 8. Cold Mission D H Shuffle Twisted Funk 05:25 ~~~ 9. Moonstarr featuring Voice BB Girl Twisted Funk 04:11 ~~~ 10. Deep Blue Salvador Twisted Funk 05:29 ~~~ 11. Paradox Transfigured Knut Twisted Funk 05:14 ~~~ 12. Prophet of Soul 2 Minute Girl Twisted Funk 02:05 ~~~ 13. Nu Era Drum Ensemble Twisted Funk 05:51 ~~~ 14. Nucleus Suspended Animation~~~

Average customer rating: The Unforgettable Doors

Scattered Sun The Doors Manufacturer: Warner Music Rhino Custom Products ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Very Best of the Doors Live at the Matrix, San Francisco, March 10, 1967 The Lizard King Was Here: The Life and Times of Jim Morrison in Alexandria, Virginia The Doors Collection (Collector's Edition) ASIN: B000NNG8PK

Product Description

1 (People Are Strange) 2 (Soul Kitchen) 3 (The Crystal Ship 4 (Light My Fire) 5 (Moonlight Drive) 6 (Horse latitudes) 7 (Riders on the Storm) 8 (Spanish Caravan) 9 (L.A. Woman) 10 (You're Lost Little Girl) 11 (Break on Through) 12 (Waiting for the Sun) 13 (Take it as it Comes) 14 (Roadhouse Blues) 15 (The End) 16 (Not to Touch the Earth) 17 (Indian Summer) 18 (A Feast of Friends)

Customer Reviews:

The Unforgettable Doors.......2007-07-12

This is a great album for those people who are new to the Doors, especially younger people like Gen Y and the Millennials. It has a good representation of songs from the group's career. It even includes one of Jim Morrison's poems (Feast of Friends) at the end. Some of the songs were hits; other songs are hidden gems that you may not have heard before. The well-written liner notes inside and interesting pictures add to the CD, and most of the songs sound fresh and up-to-date, with crisp sound.

The only drawback with this album is the track "Light My Fire." Not the song, of course (it is my favorite Doors song), but the speed of the song is slower than it should be. I was hoping it would be the proper-speed recording that is in recent Doors releases. Look up "The Doors Perception" Box CD set on Amazon.com, read the reviews, and you will see what I am talking about. The box set has the re-released "The Doors" CD (their first album), and it contains the outstanding faster, corrected version of Light My Fire, as it was heard on 45rpm records in 1967. (You can also buy "The Doors" CD separate from the box set).

Once you hear the faster version of this song, you instantly recognize the older, slower version. That is why I only listen to the faster version of Light My Fire, or most of the live concert versions (i.e. 1968's Live At The Hollywood Bowl). Since this CD is newer than the "Perception" box set, one would think they would have the corrected song.

Nevertheless, this is a great CD, and highly recommended. To Bruce Botnick (Doors engineer): if you happen to read this review, please see if they will re-issue "Scattered Sun" with the proper studio version of Light My Fire (or a live version of the song, such as "Live At the Hollywood Bowl").

Enjoy the CD.

Rock Music:

1. Secrets of the Blue Bag
2. Shadow of the Future
3. Shadow of the Moon [Import]
4. Shelter
5. Sins of the Fourfathers [Import]
6. So Far Out So Good! [Import]
7. Songs For Lovers, Loners, & Losers
8. Soulfire [Import]
9. Soul Surfing [Import]
10. Stay a Little Longer

Rock Music