Red [Import]

Disc: 1
1. With a Little Luck
2. Now That You're Gone
3. Do the Right Dance
4. Wing & A Prayer
5. Giving Up the Ghost
6. Make Love to Me
7. Say You Will
8. Love Song
9. Let It All Fall
10. Sweet Dreams
Disc: 2
1. Heart and Soul '97
2. China in Your Hand [Live and Unplugged]
3. Do the Right Dance [The Demo]

Red,T'Pau,Import [Generic],Britain,Euro-Rock,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop

Average customer rating: Another Outstanding Album from N Finn and Company Sorry, but this album bored me I'm blown away... Run, Don't Walk, to Grab This One More of the Excellence You've Come To Expect

Time on Earth Crowded House Manufacturer: Ato Records / Red ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Farewell to the World Easy Tiger Our Love to Admire Sweet Warrior Zeitgeist ASIN: B000Q9OD7G Release Date: 2007-07-10

Tracks:

1. Nobody Wants To
2. Don't Stop Now
3. She Called Up
4. Say That Again
5. Pour Le Monde
6. Even A Child
7. Heaven That I'm Making
8. A Sigh
9. Silent House
10. English Trees
11. Walked Her Way Down
12. Transit Lounge
13. You Are The One To Make Me Cry
14. People Are Like Suns

Amazon.com

Fourteen years, a live CD/DVD, some solo albums, and one tragic suicide after Crowded House's last release comes this highly anticipated reunion. Singer/songwriter Neil Finn and bassist Nick Seymour reunited after the 2005 death of drummer Paul Hester, brought in a new member and two producers (Ethan Johns and Steve Lillywhite) to replace longtime cohort Mitchell Froom, and the impressive result is a logical and overdue addition to the band's previous four albums. Finn's knack for a melodic ballad remains firmly in place as Time on Earth coasts on his dreamy voice and introspective, hook-laden pop choruses. However, this is a more reflective collection that requires a few spins to fully reveal its charms. Finn co-writes "Even a Child" with Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, and that and the frisky "She Called Up" are the most buoyant tracks on this predominantly pensive disc. Finn has generally shaded towards a darker edge and this hour-long set might have benefited from more of the lighter touch he applies to "Transit Lounge," a song enhanced by Beth Rowley's lovely and startling wordless vocals along with jazzy electric piano and even airport sound effects. Strings, sitar, and intricate production add subtle elements that bolster the timeless musical qualities Finn has always reveled in. The ominous, even brooding "Silent House," a co-write with all three Dixie Chicks, is another highlight that sounds like nothing either has done before as it floats along on fuzz guitar and hurdy-gurdy, both courtesy of Johns. Trimming some weaker cuts would have made this a more focused listen, but Time on Earth is a worthy successor to Crowded House's existing catalog--a high compliment indeed. --Hal Horowitz

Customer Reviews:

Another Outstanding Album from N Finn and Company.......2007-07-19

You can never go wrong with a Crowded House purchase! I have been a fan from the very beginning (actually back to Split Enz) and have just about every piece of music that was ever available in their back catalog (b-sides and whatnot). This album is not quite as good as the other four albums, but still a 5-star rating because it is better than 95% of everything else out there. Neil Finn is the master craftsman when it comes to lyrics and musical composition and this album does not disappoint in that regard. The band broke up in the early 90s and then their drummer Paul Hester committed suicide in 2005, thus the album is generally slower and has many more reflective moments than previous efforts. They have an excellent new drummer now and they plan to continue as a recording band for what could be a long while! I am sure glad to have them back! Peace to Paul Hester- all us "Crowdies" miss you too.

Sorry, but this album bored me.......2007-07-18

I almost feel unpatriotic saying this, but "Time on Earth" bored me. I have listened to this album many times in my work place - alone in an office and through the company's general sound system. I have genuinely tried to like this album - I haven't minded some of Crowded House's other recordings in the past, although I rather liked Split Enz a trifle more.

The instrumentation didn't seem to be very interesting to me and the vocal delivery seemed to be somewhat on the perfunctory side. I listened to the words and didn't find myself engaged with the sentiments of any of the songs. However, it is a very competent and professional recording and people are likely to notice that. But the whole thing sounds very staid, conservative, dour and even a little too earnest for me - I make this judgement on the overall effect/affect of the music I hear here. I guess that this sounds like a strange complaint from a bloke who professes a love of the music of Haydn, Palestrina, Schumann and David Sylvian! However, Crowded House ostensively make Pop Music and I try to get into a different mind-set when I listen to Pop Music. I don't quite know what I am supposed to do with this new Crowded House album - play it at dinner parties? dance to it? listen to it in my favourite armchair? listen to it in the car? play it at barbecues? put it on if I ever threw a wild party?
I can't really imagine that I would turn to this album in any of the situations outlined above. The "Time on Earth" exhibited by Crowded House sounds very unadventurous to me.

Is Crowded House trying to communicate some interesting and important messages to us via this new album or simply entertain us or are the members simply trying to return to their chosen profession via this album and make some dough?

I can't honestly say.

I'm blown away..........2007-07-17

At the outset, I'll admit that I have never considered myself a huge Crowded House fan. Oh sure, I enjoyed Don't Dream It's Over and Something So Strong like the rest of the world in the '80's, but I never bought an CH album before this one.

On a whim, I picked this up last week. To be succinct, I'm completely blown away. I'm usually a prog-rock fan (ie Rush, Yes, etc.). Coming from this perspective, this new CH album reminds me of "prog-pop," in that the songwriting is smart, well-crafted, and pushing the boundaries of the genre. Additionally, Finn and the gang seem to have been around long enough to know, for example, how to utilize just one or two notes on the piano in order to subtly "make" the entire song.

This being said, this album has something that most prog doesn't contain: absolutely beautiful, personal, and touching lyrics. Although often melancholy, the songs never degenerate into a mere joyless apprehension of life. Rather, the lyrics are deeply bittersweet; consequently, they come across as refreshingly unaffected and ultimately, quite heartfelt. They, along with Finn's delivery, make this a very special album.

In short, I am deeply impressed by this record and I am now looking forward to discovering CH's back catalog.

Run, Don't Walk, to Grab This One.......2007-07-15

It's hard to articulate how good this disc is. If you're a fan of melodic and smart pop/rock, you will love this album. Neil Finn is at the very top of his game, and the songs are more stick-to-your-ribs hooky than the last few of his efforts. I bought this three days ago and have sat and listened to it front-to-end six times since. That's extremely rare these days!

More of the Excellence You've Come To Expect.......2007-07-13

When I heard in 2006 that Neil Finn's planned next solo album was going to be a Crowed House album, I was a little disappointed. Owning CH albums, Split Enz albums, and the two Finn Brothers albums, I ultimately find Neil Finn's solo material (_Try Whistling This_ & _One Nil_) to be his best work. However, since this is Neil Finn we're talking about--easily one of pop music's best songwriters--regardless of what name was going to be on the album, it would likely be up to par with his previous work. However, stacked up against such phenomenal post-CH work, _Time on Earth_ does ultimately dissapoint a little bit.

Lyrically, the suicide of original drummer Paul Hester looms over nearly the entire album. From the beautiful opener "Nobody Wants To" to the Split Enz-like "She Called Up" to the plaintive "Silent House," Neil Finn is clearly mourning within this material. The first half of the album is just as good as anything Crowded House has done, with "Pour Le Monde" being another stunning, melancholy work of songwriting genius that fans have come to expect from Finn ("he imagines the world/as the angel ascending/like the ghost of a man/who is tied up to the chair/and he tries to believe/that his life has a meaning/with his hand on his heart"). About midway through the album, the momentum slows down a bit. "Heaven That I'm Making," co-written with Johnny Marr sounds like something that might've made it onto _One Nil_, but fails to make much of an impression, and is followed by the pretty, but again, slightly lackluster "A Sigh." Along with "Silent House," "A Sigh" sounds like something more from the "Rain" movie score that Finn was involved with a few years ago than a CH or Finn album--very subtle, low-key, lo-fi offerings. "English Trees" continues the pretty, plaintive, reflective mood that dominates the middle of the album before jumping back into the upbeat, mysterious "She Walked Her Way Down" ("and i know what the answer is/but i'm happy to be here tonight/and when you're in the moment/everything you want is right"). "Transit Lounge" sounds like the experimental side of Neil Finn' solo work and is one of the best, freshest sounding songs on the album. Closing out the album are two more low-key and subtle songs--"You Are The One To Make Me Cry" and "People Are Like Suns." Closers on albums that Finn is involved with--"Together Alone," "Addicted," "Into The Sunset," "Gentle Hum"--are usually breathtakingly beautiful. "People Are Like Suns" does not match the heights achieved by those songs, but it comes close, ending the album with the "appreciate every moment" theme that is displayed on this CH album in the wake of Paul Hester's death: "better take all the love that you got in a single hand...." People are like suns..."they come and they go...."

_Time On Earth_ is another great album to add to your Crowded House collection. It's a far more subtle offering than _Woodface_ or _Together Alone_, but it rewards the listener more and more with repeated listenings. Fans of Finn's prior work will not be disappointed.

Average customer rating: Awesome Snow..the hit from the soundtrack Thank God it's a double CD Just good music... Best Peppers Album

Stadium Arcadium Red Hot Chili Peppers Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Funk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Metal | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Pearl Jam Broken Boy Soldiers Greatest Hits Californication 10,000 Days ASIN: B000EMGAOY Release Date: 2006-05-09

Tracks:

1. Dani California
2. Snow (Hey Oh)
3. Charlie
4. Stadium Arcadium
5. Hump De Bump
6. Shes Only 18
7. Slow Cheetah
8. Torture Me
9. Strip My Mind
10. Especially In Michigan
11. Warlocks
12. Cmon Girl
13. Wet Sand
14. Hey

Tracks:

1. Desecration Smile
2. Tell Me Baby
3. Hard to Concentrate
4. 21st Century
5. She Looks To Me
6. Readymade
7. If
8. Make You Feel Better
9. Animal Bar
10. So Much I
11. Storm In A Teacup
12. We Believe
13. Turn It Again
14. Death of a Martian

Amazon.com

Four-year career hiatuses followed by sprawling double-albums could spell trouble for a band of the Chili Peppers' stature: consider they'd originally recorded enough for three discs. The restless, trouble-plagued outfit that helped break alternative rock into the mainstream with a potent fusion of punk 'n' funk in the '80s finds itself two decades on almost completely devoid of the former's energetic abandon, while the latter's effusive rhythms are considerably subdued over the course of this two-hour, 28-track collection. It's not so much that the Peppers have lost their muscular, often uber-macho edge as they have willfully tamed it in service of mature reinvention here. The mellower, often introspective, if no less potent pop ethos that characterized the crossover hit "Under the Bridge" blossoms fully here on tracks like disc one's "Snow," "Wet Sand," and the jazz-cool of "Hey."

The title track, "Desecration Smile," and "She Looks To Me" finds them venturing further into laid back pop ballad territory, while the tricky rhythms of "Dani California," "Charlie," and "So Much I" eventually kick into familiar top gear on the pop-savvy "Tell Me Baby" and hip-hop seasoned "Storm in a Teacup." It's not that there's a paucity of musical adventure here ("If" and "Animal Bar" finds them wafting into Floydish neo-psychedelia while "Make You Feel Better" seems to channel no less than Joe Jackson) but that it's delivered with a subtlety--and dare we say it?--tasteful musical restraint that's a stark contrast to the band's early, overly overt nature. There's perhaps too much mid-tempo simmering and reflection going on; like most double-albums it could be focused into a much more compelling single disc. But that seems largely beside the Peppers' hooks-over-histrionics point here: an unlikely record to kick back to, and one that both challenges assumptions and eases the band into middle age with an oft languorous, if undeniably savory groove. --Jerry McCulley

Album Description

Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers calls the band's first new album in four years, Stadium Arcadium, the most-anticipated album of the spring, "the best thing that we've ever done…. There's this weird kind of sublime, subliminal undercurrent that is suggestive, in a spirited way, of our earliest records." Exuding all the passion, energy and funked-up rock that have made the Red Hot Chili Peppers one of the most popular bands in history, the 2-CD Stadium Arcadium, simply put, will knock your socks off.

Customer Reviews:

Awesome.......2007-07-13

I bought this because of the singles that have been released so far, but have really enjoyed the other songs. After listening to it 3 times, I really like most of the songs. Good, solid Chili Peppers.

Snow..the hit from the soundtrack.......2007-07-11

Okay, I am going to review one song, and not the entire album (yeah, yeah. Go ahead with the negative votes). But please read on.

For the past two days I've been listening to one song, Snow, over and over. The cool thing is with iTunes repeat, it's the kind of song that just undulates into highs and lows, mellow and rapping and metal and back to mellow; like it never ends (and by the way, I DON'T do drugs anymore. Just want to clarify).

This is what the Chili Peppers represent to me. They have that definite sound that's been imitated ad-infinitum. But they started that sound (at least for white people) and added the heavy guitars to rapping found only in Run DMC's second hit, Rock Box back in the early 80s. Punk? Yeah. Well, that's just part of their story. Much more multicultural than that.

But what I want to say is, you know how there's that song that represents a certain time in your life? I call them life soundtrack songs. They're powerful and give you goose bumps, and you remember that time when you were, say, just walking down the street, and this beautiful serene rhythm took over from hearing that one song. Two years from now I'll try to recapiture this song's impact, but it will be second hand by then.

So, thank you Chili Peppers, for coming up with what I see as tPart II of that beautiful/desperate epic of pain and resurrection; Under the Bridge. That's when I knew you guys were incredible, and that you'd been there.

You know.

And that it made you better in the long run.

Thank God it's a double CD.......2007-07-11

RHCP have been my favorite band for years. As you can imagine I was hungry for their new material. I bought this immediately after it came out and all I can say is WOW! This is, by far, their best work. THey show such a range of musical talent from balladry to hard rock to funk (often in just one song). Even thought it is a double CD set, they have left me craving for more. Let's just say, I have had a year to totally wear it out.

Just good music..........2007-07-10

If you like music, looking for something new and inexpensive buy this album. I put both disc in my cars cd player and havent taken them out for months.

Best Peppers Album.......2007-06-28

Stadium Arcadium may be the best album of 2006 and the best thing the Chilli Peppers have ever done. The band just keeps getting better with each album since John Frusciante came back for Californication. His influence on the band is immense and Chilli Peppers have been at their best when he is there. That is not to say that the other members take a back seat. Keidis especially shines with his more mature lyrics and vocals. The sound is all Chilli Peppers. Older fans complain that the songs is not as funky but I think they just need to listen a bit harder. There is plenty here to go around for everyone and all of it is good.

Average customer rating: Great Retro debut from really talented singer Whatever 'school' you put him in, Ryan Shaw's definitely head of the class True Soul - Not New Soul deja vu You'll Be Rocked With This One

This Is Ryan Shaw Ryan Shaw Manufacturer: One Haven / RED / Columbia ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Back to Black We'll Never Turn Back Breakfast in Bed Introducing Joss Stone The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster ASIN: B000NJXBYA Release Date: 2007-04-17

Tracks:

1. Do the 45
2. We Got Love
3. Nobody
4. I Am Your Man
5. Working on a Building of Love
6. I Found a Love
7. I Do the Jerk
8. Lookin' for a Love
9. I'll Always Love You
10. I'll Be Satisfied
11. Mish Mash Soul
12. Over & Done

Amazon.com

Just when you thought the 21st century retro-R&B revolution was grinding to a sunken-hearted halt, Ryan Shaw comes along and revives the revivalist moment: This Is Ryan Shaw, the 26-year-old's phenomenal debut, dazzles not just because he can sing a song like Bobby Womack's "Lookin' for a Love" without letting the rear-view mirror leach him of his own soul, but because his originals--first single "Nobody," "We Got Love," and set closer "Over and Done"--convincingly replicate the classic sound of such forebears as Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, and Wilson Pickett. Here's a man who can plead, please, and play out love-struck dramas with his voice as though the '60s never ended; if his sound borrows heavily, it pays back what it owes with genuine contributions to the genre. Shaw's is real R&B without the raunch--a return to uplift too self-respecting and sincere to land on the retread pile. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Great Retro debut from really talented singer.......2007-07-12

Ryan Shaw has a great voice, a really great voice, similar to Terence Trent D'Arby without all his dramatic attitude and he sounds like he's actually having fun. He clearly loves the genre of old school R&B, Motown, and Soul and could hold his own among all but Otis, Stevie, Marvin, and James Brown. The majority of the songs however are too retro for my taste. They have that late fifties, early sixties simplicity that's full of energy but offer nothing you haven't heard before on a Time Life commercial for oldies compilations and the arrangements offer nothing new like Joss Stone's latest does.

That said, the songs "Nobody" and "We Got Love" are unbelievably good and worth the price of the disc alone. I've been playing them constantly. In another era they'd garner him instant stardom. They may even do that now.

Whatever 'school' you put him in, Ryan Shaw's definitely head of the class.......2007-07-10

What a voice. The first time I heard "Nobody" I thought I was on an oldies station. Ryan Shaw can belt the lyrics out with more soul than I've heard in a long time. He does make me think of Sam Cooke or Otis Redding, but honestly--he's himself and that's way beyond fine with me.

Shaw clearly demonstrates the old adage of RESPECT as well. There's no explicit language or situations that would prevent an Old School grandparent from introducing the kids to this music.

True Soul - Not New Soul.......2007-07-06

From the blog [...]:
Want some new music that's not filled with "B*&%$ and H@$"? You've got to check this young man out! Ryan Shaw is a 26 year old from Decatur, GA that will take you back to the days of sweet soul music with Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, and Sam Cooke. Great voice and slammin' retro tunes. I'm hoping he gets the air play he deserves on the so-called 'urban' stations.

The cd is a stable, midranger - a few new tunes by the artist, familiar standby's from Bobby Womack and Otis Redding. Right now I'm listening to Nobody, It's Over, and We Got Love. Sweet. Check him out, he's touring this summer with Joss Stone.
Now when you've finished checking this out, go tell yo' momma AND your daughter!

deja vu.......2007-06-28

You will think you've traveled back to 60's Motown with this disc, but it's well worth it! Don't play it while driving, as all you will want to do is DANCE!!!

You'll Be Rocked With This One.......2007-06-27

This young man is awesome! I first heard him sing live on Whoopi's radio program. I couldn't get online fast enough to order this CD. And I have been playing it everyday since then! Ryan Shaw reminds me of legends like Jackie Wilson, Otis Redding and Muddy Waters. Just imagine a mixture of the three sprinkled with some Anthony Hamilton!!! This 26 old can sing anything!! Thank you Whoopi! Ryan Shaw has this person as a fan for life. Keep up the excellent work, your heart in gift, and feet on the ground.

Average customer rating: OUTSTANDING Fantastic Debut THE FIRST OF TWO EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD AND SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT ALBUMS Carlile's music should include a Warning Label: You will become a Carlile Addict Always looking for new music

Brandi Carlile - Brandi Carlile + ( Bonus Tracks ) Brandi Carlile Manufacturer: Red Int / Red Ink ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Story Live at Neumo's The Story (Digi-Pak) West Back to Black ASIN: B000FP2ZM6 Release Date: 2006-06-13

Tracks:

1. Follow
2. What Can I Say (New Recording)
3. Closer To You
4. Throw It All Away (New Recording)
5. Happy
6. Someday Never Comes
7. Fall Apart Again
8. In My Own Eyes
9. Gone
10. Tragedy
11. Sixty Years On (Live)
12. Tragedy (Austin Cello Version)

Customer Reviews:

OUTSTANDING.......2007-07-14

I can Honestly say, this is the best artist I have heard EVER! She is unique, REAL, and her voice is beyond compare. Songs are Honest and she sings about what we all can relate to.

Fantastic Debut.......2007-06-17

I know that many people caught on to Brandi from Grey's Anatomy, but I hope that they all chose to stay - this girl is a truly gifted singer-songwriter. I rarely review music, and when I do it tends to be the stuff I really like. There is something about Brandi's music that is catchy and heartfelt without feeling manufactured. The album is even all the way through and is the kind of thing you won't get tired of listening to. For fans of Terra Naomi, Jewel, Lisa Loeb, and similar sounding songstresses, this album will surely be one of your go to albums.

THE FIRST OF TWO EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD AND SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT ALBUMS.......2007-05-21

I recently bought BC's new album ('The Story') and I liked it so much that I decided to buy this one too (the version with 2 'bonus tracks' - so, strictly speaking, this is not her first album). I think we all have artists, whose voices we find so appealing, that we will go out and buy almost any of their albums; for me, Brandi Carlile is one such artist. In fact, I suspect that if she made a recording of 'The Amazon Terms and Conditions of Sale', I'd probably buy this too - it's that bad (my addiction, NOT her voice, I should hasten to add). The superlatives accorded to 'The Story' (also reviewed) are no less applicable here, so I won't bother repeating myself; instead, I will concentrate on the differences between the two albums (at least, as I perceive them) :

'The Story' combines some songs which are fairly dramatic (sometimes climactic) with others that are gentler and which have a strong 'folksy/rootsy' flavour. By comparison, on 'Brandi Carlile', although these influences are also present, many of the song structures and melodies are more conventional (more 'mainstream'). I'd say the songs have slightly stronger melodies with 'hooks' which give them more of a 'pop feel'; on the other hand, they don't seem to have quite the same intensity ('Sixty Years On' being one obvious exception) - but I think this has more to do with the types of song rather than any lack of commitment by BC.

With the possible exception of a couple of songs, the overall mood on 'The Story' is moderately sombre and this is reinforced by the absence of any up-tempo songs; however, on 'Brandi Carlile, there is much more variety in mood and tempo. On both albums, production is never overdone (so you get a very 'stripped down' sound) but I thought it was cleaner and more 'disciplined' on 'The Story'.


There isn't a single bad song here (or on 'The Story', for that matter); everyone will have their own favourites - here are a few brief comments about some of mine (songwriters in brackets):

WHAT CAN I SAY (Tim Hanseroth) - A mid-tempo very catchy song with a soft undulating melody giving it a 'folksy' feel; the addition of fairly emphatic percussion produces a song that 'rocks a bit' also.

CLOSER TO YOU (Brandi Carlile/Tim Hanseroth) - Another catchy song - this time fairly up-tempo; some of the acoustic guitar breaks remind me a little of early Simon & Garfunkel.

THROW IT ALL AWAY (Brandi Carlile/Tim Hanseroth) - A song which has relatively gentle passages alternating with more powerful ones and these have an intensity that is reminiscent of some of Roy Orbison's music.

HAPPY (Brandi Carlile) - Mid-tempo song with some really fluent guitar and delicate 'feathery' percussion; again, there is something here that reminds me of Simon & Garfunkel.

SIXTY YEARS ON (LIVE) (Elton John/Bernie Taupin) - A fine song this (as are many from EJ's first half dozen or so albums). It is a bit 'angst' laden so it may not appeal to everyone, but there can be no doubt that this is a potent rendition. You can detect some of EJ's vocal intonation in BC's singing but, nevertheless, she makes the song her own - there can't be many singers who can interpret EJ songs in a way that does them full justice.



As I am clearly 'hooked' on BC's music, my reviews will be biased; so, if you are thinking of buying either of her albums, it might be prudent to check out some of the less favourable reviews also (if you can find any). In terms of my enjoyment, I preferred 'The Story' (to put things into perspective - I enjoyed 'Brandi Carlile' very much, but The Story' just 'blew me away'!); but any differences that might exist between her two albums are slight. All I can say is that I find BC's voice and music very addictive - great stuff.

Carlile's music should include a Warning Label: You will become a Carlile Addict .......2007-04-20

She's the girl next door, with the vocal roar of a tiger. She will command your attention with her musical instincts and aptitude! If you worry about purchasing a freshman CD from a newcomer...Worry NOT! She is a phenom with unparalleled vocal dexterity....to be placed among the respected ranks of music's classic icons.

(Fair Warning! Listening to this CD may result in a Carlile Listening Addiction)

Always looking for new music.......2007-04-01

This album is magic. A year ago I was waiting in the checkout line at Barnes & Nobels, and heard one song in the background from this album that I liked, then another and another. At first, I wasn't paying attention, but her voice drew me and I bought the CD. I'm glad it did. I have listened to it dozens of times since then. The poetry of the lyrics takes time to settle in, but the music is sweet from the start. I don't know why she isn't better known. That one experience, standing at BN, is the only time I've heard her outside of my music collection. Can't wait for "The Story" to come out.

Average customer rating: Up a notch...... amazing version Mark's Version of other hits!! It delivers the goods in style. Magic upbeat splendour.

Version Mark Ronson Manufacturer: Red Int / Red Ink ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Dance | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Back to Black Icky Thump The Reminder Our Love to Admire Favourite Worst Nightmare ASIN: B000PGTF4G Release Date: 2007-06-12

Tracks:

1. God Put A Smile Upon Your Face (featuring The Daptone Horns)
2. Oh My God (featuring Lily Allen)
3. Stop Me (featuring Daniel Merriweather)
4. Toxic (featuring Tiggers)
5. Valerie (featuring Amy Winehouse)
6. Apply Some Pressure (featuring Paul Smith)
7. Inversion
8. Pretty Green (featuring Santo Gold)
9. . Just (featuring (Phantom Planet)
10. Amy (featuring Kenna)
11. The Only One I Know (featuring Robbie Williams
12. Diversion
13. L.S.F. (featuring Kasabian)
14. Outversion

Amazon.com

Following up his success in helping produce Amy Winehouse's Back to Black, Mark Ronson's second solo project covers a series of mostly British indie-rock songs but with a funky soul remake. The meeting of two styles you ordinarily wouldn't associate with one another makes for some interesting hybrids. The cover of Radiohead's "Just," done with Phantom Planet is unexpectedly excellent but hearing Tiggers and Ol' Dirty Bastard remaking "Toxic" by Britney Spears will probably leave more folks scratching their heads than nodding them. Overall, the balance is positive and should hopefully open up both indie rock and funk fans to both respective genres. In a class by itself is Winehouse's cover of the Zutons' "Valerie," --the best song Paul Weller and Martha Reeves never made. --Oliver Wang

Product Description

A lot has been said about Mark Ronson. Some have called him "a 21st century Quincy Jones," while others know him as one of the worlds finest DJ's with International renown, favored by the decadent fashion cognoscenti, the Hip-Hop elite and anyone in general who likes to party... Now add to that list THE PRODUCER DU JOUR! From his stellar production on Christina Aguilera's multi-platinum "Back To Basics" to his cutting edge contributions on the much buzzed about Lilly Allen album "Alright, Still Back To Black" and the genre bending Amy Winehouse release that's taking fans and critics by storm, Mr Mark Ronson is strutting his stuff, and strutting it well.

With all the production credits for other artists under his belt, he's now turned his attention to his own project, Version, the album the UK critics are calling a Major winner. Version is a beautiful collection of cover songs, re-imagined by Mark. His philosophy on Version was to work with songs he's long loved- while not trying to make them better, he just wanted to make them bounce... From the feel good "Valerie" cover (The Zutons) featuring Amy Winehouse, to the quirky and fun "Oh My God" (Kaiser Chiefs) featurung Lily Allen, to the piece de resistance: "Stop Me" (The Smiths), featuring the soul stirring vocals of newcomer Daniel Merriweather, Version is poised to be the must-have album this summer

Customer Reviews:

Up a notch.............2007-07-20

Knows whats up. "Stop Me" and "Oh my God" better than the originals.
Ronson kills it.

amazing version.......2007-07-17

Mark Ronson's latest album could be one of the best albums that i have heard this summer. His fresh beats that he mixes with every track are unlike anything I have heard in a long time. Whether it's Coldplay, Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen or Kasabian each and every track has it's own flare. I went to a concert in Manhattan just last week and I am telling you his music is just as good if not better in person. I highly suggest buying this album!!!

Mark's Version of other hits!!.......2007-07-11

Mark Ronson is a DJ/producer, and on "Version", he takes other peoples songs, some hits, others obscure, and does his version using guest vocalists. The general sound is rich in horns, set to a funky, danceable rhythm, and loads of guest artistes on vocals. The album has already hit #2 in the UK.

Lead off single, and #2 UK hit "Stop me" is a lovely remake of The Smiths' "Stop me if you think you've heard this one before" which segues into The Supremes' hit "You keep me hanging on" over Hip hop beats. It features the lovely vocals of Australian Daniel Merriweather

Amy Winehouse (whose brilliant "Back to black" album he produced parts of) guests on the sunny Motown-like "Valerie", which was originally done by The Zutons.

Lily Allen (whose lovely album "Alright, Still" he also produced parts of) guests on the retro funk sounding "Oh my God", a remake of the Kaiser Chiefs song. It is currently in the UK top 20.

Britney Spears' hit "Toxic" is slowed down and almost unrecognizable, featuring vocals by Tiggers and a rap by ODB.

The Maximo Park song "Apply some pressure" is given a slight ska feel, set to an almost marching beat. Vocals by Paul Smith.

Kasabian show up on a funky remake of their "L.S.F", while Coldplay's "God put a smile on your face" gets the big horn section treatment.

Robbie Williams (his "Rudebox" album was also part produced by Mark) shows up on the Shaft-like remake of The Charlatans "The only one".

I like it!!!

It delivers the goods in style........2007-06-18

Mark Ronson's a busy man. He's been producing for Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen and Robbie Williams, yet has still found time to focus on his own studio album.


Comprised of new versions of old classics, it's a very entertaining listen from back to front, featuring the likes of Amy Winehouse, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Daniel Merriweather and Kasabian, all helping Ronson put his considerably fresh and funky twist on familiar tunes.


Highlights include the late ODB rapping to the Britney Spears refix of Toxic, Winehouse making vast improvements on the original with 'Valerie' and Phantom Planet singing an uber cool version of Radiohead's 'Just'.


Impressively suited for a party play through, this is definitely one to pick up for the nearing summer months.


With "Version", super-producer Mark Ronson has set out to prove that pop voyeurism and experimentalism don't have to be bad things using his own unique re-interpretive style.


Hence, he has assembled an album of spectacular cover versions that deliver very alternative versions of modern classics from Coldplay, The Charlatans, Radiohead and The Smiths.


Some listeners will undoubtedly write it off almost instantly as disastrous. Others may take some convincing.


But for many, "Version" is a brave, bold, blast of an album that almost always gets things right.


Ronson, for his part, emerges as a musical artist of the highest calibre -a music innovator whose funk-strewn re-interpretations effortlessly place themselves on the right side of cool.


On the whole, "Version" is a cut above most cover version compilations, as well as a darn fine party album for the approaching summer season. It probably won't impress the die-hard cynics - but for those willing to open their minds, or anyone in search of some expert funk, it delivers the goods in style.





My picks: "God Put A Smile Upon Your Face", "Oh My God", "Valerie", "Pretty Green", "Amy", "Just" and "Toxic".

Magic upbeat splendour........2007-06-12

Previously better known as the studio genius behind hits by Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen - and as the well-connected stepson of Foreigner's Mick Jones - Mark Ronson is one of the increasing number of producers making their own star-packed albums.
In fairness, this is his second solo effort and it was his first ( 2003's Here Comes the Fuzz) that helped win the stellar admirers.
Here his inspired idea is to take his favourite rock and pop tracks, rev them up with funky beats, a horn section and his famous mates and transform them into Motown/Stax era party tunes.
When it works - Coldplay's "God Put A Smile Upon Your Face", The Smiths' "Stop Me" and The Jam's "Pretty Green" - the result is magic upbeat splendour from sulky classics.
But it's not long before the formula begins to grate.
As covers go, Robbie Williams singing The Charlatans' "The Only One I Know" is as tawdry as Paul Young's "Love Will Tear Us Apart".

Average customer rating: Some good stuff, missing lots, HORRID sound quality Red Hot Chili Peppers Excellent Great mix of music Awesome!!!

Greatest Hits Red Hot Chili Peppers Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Funk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Rap Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Metal | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Stadium Arcadium rearviewmirror (Greatest Hits 1991-2003) Greatest Hits The Smashing Pumpkins - Greatest Hits - Rotten Apples Californication ASIN: B0000C1733 Release Date: 2003-11-18

Tracks:

1. Under the Bridge
2. Give It Away
3. Californication
4. Scar Tissue
5. Soul to Squeeze
6. Otherside
7. Suck My Kiss
8. By the Way
9. Parallel Universe
10. Breaking the Girl
11. My Friends
12. Higher Ground
13. Universally Speaking
14. Road Trippin'
15. Fortune Faded
16. Save the Population

Album Description

ALBUM HIGHLIGHTS : The Modern Rock #1s are "Give It Away," "Soul To Squeeze," "My Friends," "Californication," "Otherside" and "By The Way" (also Top 40 Pop). The Top 20s are "Higher Ground" and "Suck My Kiss."

Customer Reviews:

Some good stuff, missing lots, HORRID sound quality.......2007-07-05

I'm not going to into track selection much. You can see the track selection yourself fairly easily. I will say all the songs on this album I enjoy.

However, the sound quality is as bad as it gets. It's easily the loudest album I own, and anything that was the chili peppers is flattened out as much as possible. Give It Away is a far, far cry from the original release quality.

Do yourself a favor, since RHCP have only released a few albums in the past 15 years, pick those up individually (you'll get 90% of this Greatest Of by picking up their last 3 releases). Then track down the ORIGINAL ISSUES of RHCP's early stuff, they used to care about sound quality and had some really great stuff back in the day. Just don't get fooled by the "Remastered" editions, they will have hacked sound quality just so it can sound as loud as modern releases.

Red Hot Chili Peppers.......2007-06-14

Fast delivery - item exactly as described.

Excellent.......2007-05-14

I received the CD earlier than expected and in the exact condition promised. It was a great experience! Thanks.

Great mix of music.......2007-03-31

Awesome songs on one CD. I only buy CDs from Amazon. Get two or sometimes three CDs at a time so I can go over $25. I save a good amount of money compared to stores, not including the gas I save. Long live Amazon!!!

Awesome!!!.......2007-03-16

I forgot how much I like their music and all of their big ones are on this CD. I love it! My mom even loves it.

Average customer rating: Flat-Out Unique No, I'm not a kid. Red Jumpsuit Apparatus you rock!! **sigh** Blehhk.

Don't You Fake It The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Emo | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: A Beautiful Lie The Black Parade Decemberunderground Phobia Infinity on High ASIN: B000G0MI86 Release Date: 2006-07-18

Tracks:

1. In Fates Hands
2. Waiting
3. False Pretense
4. Face Down
5. Misery Loves Its Company
6. Cat and Mouse
7. Damn Regret
8. Atrophy
9. Seventeen Aint So Sweet
10. Justify
11. Your Guardian Angel

Customer Reviews:

Flat-Out Unique.......2007-06-21

This is one solid band. Although I enjoyed the demo of "Face Down" (recorded in 2005 or 2006, I believe) more than the re-recorded version on this CD, it gives you some thing a little twisted. And I don't mean that in a horrific or bad way.

It's nearly impossible to fit this band under a genre other than Alternative. Believe me, it is. This band has so many different sounds of music, varying from pop-punk to metal to screamo to post-hardcore, it gives you some thing not very many artists aim for, these days. It's a good change for those looking for some thing new.

"In Fate's Hands" is an energetic start to a great album, as the position of the first track. "...Who finally understand, what it takes to make this dream come true..." It gives you the message that they really write themselves, and really give a crud about their music, and not their image, unlike many mainstream bands. Hell, just look at the band's name.

They have some meaningful lyrics, to say the least. They have a good beat. They have a freaking awesome vocalist (or in this case, vocalists, because since I last checked, they all sing). They have a unique sound. They'll make you go crazy.

Pick this up if you have the money and the chance. You won't be disappointed, let me tell ya.

No, I'm not a kid........2007-06-13

First of all, I'm over 13. I just just afraid to say my mom's credit card number and real name and everything in the registration.This is a GREAT album. It's not a rip off emo band like a couple people who only gave this album 1 star said.This CD has great songs on it that people can relate to."Seventeen Ain't So Sweet" is probably one of the better songs on this album.

Red Jumpsuit Apparatus you rock!!.......2007-05-30

OMG!!! i love u guys! i listend to your song face down first and fell in love with it... u guys have helped me.. through alot of problems.. your music is so inspiring.. i love it so much i would rate it 5/5 all the way... love u guys so much <3 <3

**sigh**.......2007-05-19

this is a rip-off band. it takes all band's work and changes the guitar and lyrics. im sick of emo bands just coming out and all they do is complain, scream about slitting their wrist, and saying how horrible life is. i even saw the music video for Face Down and they have their hair completly in their eyes pertending they are all that. i agree with whoever wrote "This is a Boy-Band that screams"

Blehhk........2007-05-18

Okay, so, this CD was on my listen to list for maybe a couple months but I just never got around to it. Then earlier today, I was disappointed. Possibly the only good songs on this CD are Face Down, and Your Gaurdian Angel. That's all I'm gonna say. So yeah. If you like this kind of "Ooh, look at me, I'm trying to be so hardcore" stuff. Then this CD's for you. If you don't, then don't even bother. All i have to say is...Blehhk.

Average customer rating: FIRECRACKER One of the Best Albums I've Heard in a While! the Wailin' Jennys Firecracker Great music! Great album

Firecracker The Wailin' Jennys Manufacturer: Red House ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: 40 Days These Times We're Living In, A Red House Anthology Adieu False Heart Hello Love All the Roadrunning ASIN: B000FFL2MU Release Date: 2006-06-06

Tracks:

1. The Devil's Paintbrush Road
2. Glory Bound
3. Begin
4. Things That You Know
5. Swallow
6. Starlight
7. Apocalypse Lullaby
8. This Heart Of Mine
9. Long Time Traveller
10. Avila
11. Some Good Thing
12. Prairie Town
13. Firecracker

Amazon.com

When Winnipeg's Wailin' Jennys recorded their debut disc, 40 Days, back in 2004, their enthusiastic fan base--cultivated in part by significant airplay from CBC Radio One--provided the young group with a fast track to fame. Their fans' praise came first, critical acclaim arrived shortly thereafter, and a 2005 Juno for Best Roots & Traditional album soon followed. Surprisingly, as opportunities arose, founding member Cara Luft left the band, expediently replaced by Annabelle Chvostek. Thankfully, the Jennys' sound is none the worse for wear, even stronger in the respect that Chvostek's deft fiddle and mandolin playing helps to further uplift their melodies, while her warm alto adds a nice touch to the three part harmonies.

On this sophomore release, founding members Nicky Mehta and Ruth Moody continue in the tradition of writing songs independently, with each songwriter taking the lead on her own tracks. Moody seems to have the strongest songwriting sense: Listening to "Things That You Know" and "This Heart Of Mine" makes one yearn to hear the Dixie Chicks cover these tracks with the vocal strength and three-part power that the Wailin' girls do not have… yet. With a country edge and a Celtic lilt, Firecracker is an enjoyable listen, but those looking for edgy, O Brother-style country and alt-folk might find a better fit seeking out Gillian Welch or the Be Good Tanyas. Roots fans looking to dip their toes into easy listening-style acoustic music, however, will find this to be a fine fit. --Denise Sheppard

Customer Reviews:

FIRECRACKER.......2007-07-05

This is a wonderful record.

The Jennys have an otherwordly ability to harmonize. Their voices weave beautifully together. I really hope this record gets the recognizition and air play it deserves. Standout tracks are Glory Bound, Starlight, This Heart Of Mine and Things That You Know, but ALL of the songs shine.

One of the Best Albums I've Heard in a While!.......2007-05-25

Usually, when I purchase a CD, there are a couple of songs that I skip whenever I listen to it. Not this one. Every single song is highly enjoyable. Lovely lyrics, beautiful harmony vocals, quality musicianship -- Firecracker has it all.

the Wailin' Jennys Firecracker.......2007-05-23

I love the Wailin' Jennys.... what more can I say? The two cd's I have just make me very happy!!

Great music!.......2007-03-09

Not a very well known group....but excellent music....give it a try and you will want more of their albums!

Great album.......2007-02-19

They are a terrific group. Excellent harmonizing! Saw them in person, a must see and HEAR!!!

Average customer rating: Getting Better LOVE this CD!!! Simply Red Simply Red Returns Outstanding Album

Stay Simply Red Manufacturer: Simplyred.Com ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Blue-Eyed Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Similar Items: Simplified Stay with Me The Very Best of Simply Red Stretched & Reconstructed: 12" & Remixes Introducing Joss Stone ASIN: B000N3ST2U Release Date: 2007-04-24

Tracks:

1. The World and You Tonight
2. So Not Over You
3. Stay
4. The Don't Have To Know
5. Oh! What A Girl!
6. Good Times Have Done Me Wrong
7. Debris
8. Lady
9. Money
10. The Death of The Cool
11. Little Englander

Amazon.com

With young, British, soul stars like Amy Winehouse, Paolo Nutini, and Joss Stone crashing the American charts, what better time to celebrate the return of one of the original great blue-eyed soul singers, Simply Red's curly-mopped Mick Hucknall? Despite being dropped by its label in 2002, his band has flourished on its own, both artistically and commercially. Stay, Simply Red's third independent release, loses none of the crisp soul-jazz beauty that marked the group's late '80s heyday. It has a younger, fresher feel than 2003's elegant Home, but that does lead to more of a mixed bag. A pair of bite-the-hand-that-feeds protest tunes, "Money TV" and "The Death of the Cool," fall wide of the mark, but Hucknall makes up for it when he lets his shimmering voice rise above the electronic fanfare, delivering the classic love song "So Not Over You." Meanwhile, "They Don't Know" and the lively "Oh! What A Girl" prove that he can still give the new generation of soul singers a run for their money. --Aidin Vaziri

Album Description

2007 album produced and co-mixed by Andy Wright (Annie Lenow, Natalie Imbruglia).

Customer Reviews:

Getting Better.......2007-07-13

If you love Mick Hucknall's voice, you will not be disappointed. Every song is worth the purchase. All new material keeps getting better. I can't wait for the next Simply Red release.

LOVE this CD!!!.......2007-07-13

Honestly, I did not even know "Simply Red" was still recording. I remember them from the 80's (Holding Back the Years), but can't remember anything from them since then. I was listening to a jazz station last week and heard "So Not Over You". I immediately came home and ordered the CD. I love it!!

Simply Red.......2007-07-11

I was very pleased with the process of this purchase. It arrived in a very timely manner, and undammaged. I was also very pleased with this new CD by Simply Red. It has been many years since their last release, but it was worth the wait. I just hope it does'nt take as long for the next to arrive on the shelves.

Simply Red Returns.......2007-07-06

This album reminds me of the earlier Simply Red works. It is a pleasure to have it on in the background. Be warned though, as in the past, there are songs on this album that will stick in your mind. Good to have Mick Hucknall and the band back.

Outstanding Album.......2007-06-27

I have been a big fan of Simply Red, and was not disapointed with this album. I took it with me on a long road trip and listened to it several times, and it gets better with age! Even my husband loved it... The melodies are outstanding...

Average customer rating: "Suicide," she said. "What happened to the revolution?" Highly disappointing.. Superlative Rock and Roll Album.... B.R.M.C. is back in form - in fact, the best yet! No Disappointment in Baby 81

Baby 81 Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Manufacturer: Red Int / Red Ink ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | 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 Similar Items: Icky Thump Favourite Worst Nightmare Because of the Times Sky Blue Sky Year Zero ASIN: B000NVIXPA Release Date: 2007-05-01

Tracks:

1. Took Out a Loan
2. Berlin
3. Weapon of Choice
4. Window
5. Cold Wind
6. It's Not What You Wanted
7. 666 Conducer
8. All You Do is Talk
9. Lien on Your Dreams
10. Need Some Air
11. Killing the Light
12. American X
13. Am I Only

Customer Reviews:

"Suicide," she said. "What happened to the revolution?".......2007-07-14

This record is excellent from the first track to the last. So good I almost cried with joy after the first play-through.

Highly disappointing.........2007-07-06

I had big expectations for this album; I love their style and 'Howl' even grew on me more and more as time went on, to where I think it might be their best work.

This album starts out strong: "Took Out A Loan" and "Berlin" (though you have to leave out the iffy lyrics, both songs have great grooves, like some of their best), "Weapon Of Choice" is where things start to go south. The song is a total return to form for the band, and is short and tight, but the chorus just sounds forced to my brain, even though it makes me want to pump my fist.

The Beatles-y "Window" I like, but it sorta derails the album. It's solidly written, but it's the first of bassist/singer Robert Been's contributions to the record that I just don't much dig, because it doesnt' seem to fit. Back to guitarist/singer Peter Hayes' great angsty track "Cold Wind", which fares much better, and encapsulates everything I like about the band. Then comes the string of songs that I inevitably have to skip--"All You Do Is Talk", "Lien On Your Dreams"; really sub-par stuff for a band like this. It gets better; "Need Some Air" and especially "Killing The Light" (the album's best track) bring the album back before the slightly dull "American X", which seems to strive for the vibe of the 'BRMC' album but falls short. It all ends with the slightly anti-climactic "Am I Only"--with it's endlessly repeating 2 chord structure, it's neither really good or bad, it's just there.

Believe me, I don't like to criticize a band I respect as highly as these guys. I just feel they can do better than 60% of this material. I'd hate to see them turn into the kind of band they railed against in "Whatever Happened To My Rock n' Roll?"

Superlative Rock and Roll Album...........2007-06-30

I got into B.R.M.C. quite by accident, but what has drawn me to this band is the fact that smart, solid, unpretentious rock and roll is so hard to come by these days.

It seems far too many popular bands today toil either in the poppy and superficial, or the absurdly inaccessible and needlessly complex.

Given that dichotomy, Black Rebel drives it right down the middle of the fairway (an analogy the band would probably hate). "Baby 81" is smart enough to have meaning, but accessible enough to get heads moving and fists pumping.

For those about to rock, enjoy tracks like "Took Out A Loan", "Berlin", and "Lien On Your Dreams." Although slower tempo tracks like "All You Do Is Talk" and "Killing the Light" are also worth a listen.

The highlight tracks, however, are the first single ("Weapon of Choice") and, for many, the anthem of the album ("American X"). Both are simply brilliant: the former a concise and energetic three minutes and the latter a thundering nine-minute condemnation of the contemporary American mindset. Both act as musical genius and incisive social commentary, at the same time.

Content to share the role of frontman, both Peter Hayes and Robert Levon Been get the job done. Either could carry the show, but the alternating leadership with each song makes for an interesting texture to the album.

As with the rest of their catalog (four albums to date), this is highly, highly recommended.

B.R.M.C. is back in form - in fact, the best yet!.......2007-06-21

I was a big fan of BRMC's 1st cd, found the 2nd a little less exciting & "Howl" was just lost on me. When I heard this latest cd , I instantly loved it. In fact, I would say that I am enjoying it as much (if not more than) their 1st album. It seems as though they've perfected a laid-back, narcotized blues-based rock guitar sound. Their lyrics straddle a balance between melancholic disillusionment & individualistic defiance. Better still is the fact that the hooks are more infectious, but not at the expense of the unique sound that sets them apart from their contemporaries - the songs are catchy, but in no way do they sound like they've " sold out " to pop sensibilities. Comparisons to Jesus & Mary Chain are still fair, one song even sounds as if it could be a nod to the late Elliot Smith. Overall, the affect is hypnotic, driving & manages to scratch a certain rock n' roll itch that no other band seems able to reach. It's rock played loose, but solid... & for a basic "power trio" it's an amazingly "big" sound.

No Disappointment in Baby 81.......2007-06-18

Baby 81 is absolutely the best cd release of 2007. BRMC's bluesy rock lifts and fills you. It's their well-crafted sound that transports you; their lyrics are uneven and could be improved, but you won't care. It's the group's music and craftsmanship that is the draw here. There's not a wasted cut on the entire play list.

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