| 1. Thanks For The Love |
| 2. Seek The Truth |
| 3. Man Of Sorrow |
| 4. You |
| 5. I Don't Miss You |
| 6. Mr. Max |
| 7. When Love Found It's Way |
| 8. Standing Stronger |
| 9. Morning Star |
| 10. I Can Feel Your Touch |
| 11. Lost And Found |
Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
Born in Havanna, Cuba, Omar Martinez has been the powerhouse drummer for Paul Revere & The Raiders for over 30 years. He is also a studio musician who has played in many rock and pop recordings. This is his 2nd solo CD.
Product Description
Original rock n' roll music with Latin flavors and a Christian message. Powerful vocals and unique musical arrangements.
I still love LD 50 the best, and had the most fun with that album, but I can't say that I am disappointed with their newer albums. They all offer something different, and that keeps things interesting.
Best tracks:
"Determined" 12/10- Man I love this song! Just the way I like it........
short and sweet.
"Happy?" 10/10- This song is more into hard rock. Good chorus and love the ending.
"IMN" 12/10- Now this song is the darkest and angriest song ever! The beginning was all silent and out came some guitars and Chad's screaming and swearing. LOVE IT!!
"Choices" 10/10- Very thick, heavy guitars at the beginning, love the chorus and Chad's singing here. Love when Chad sings "we don't have a choice, anymore, anyways".
"Forgot To Remember" 10/10- Good beginning with Chad's soft singing, love the screaming part, the chorus and the ending.
"Just" 12/10- Now who doesn't like this song?!! Awesome, great beginning. Started with thick guitars along with good drumming and then out came Chad's vocals. Just love how Chad sang here, so angry too!
Chad is the world's best singer ever! With clean vocals that go along with hard rock and screaming that go with alternative metal, just love it!
I would prefer not buying this album, just listen to it in youtube and wait for their new album coming out around the end of 2007! Nice job, boys!
Plainly, this album blows. LD 50 was a startlingly complex and original release for a genre that was destined to die off, and their sophomore release was only a few steps behind. While TEOATTC was technically sound, I never cared for it much, and was jittery when they announced this new album would be a return to their experimental, neo-progressive sound.
If anything, this album is just Mudvayne fattening their wallets and equally fattening their chords. The ruthless complexity is completely gone, the lyrics are blatant and angsty, and the bass has been completely buried (although the bass lines on here aren't standout anyway...).
Mudvayne may have removed their stage antics and image from the equation, but everything that would appeal to a devoted fan of their early sound has been trashed as well.
3) What You Don't Know About Women
6) With Every Breath I Take (destined to be a classic)
9) Lost and Found (wonderful solo)
10) All You Have To Do Is Wait (FUN! FUN! FUN SONG!!! Hilarious as well)
11) You're Nothing Without Me
13) You Can Always Count On Me (Randy Graff's Tony!)
Double Talk
What You Don't Know About Women
With Every Breath I Take [beautiful song!]
Lost And Found
You're Nothing Without Me [the show's hit]
You Can Always Count On Me
Funny
Great cast ... great buy!
DESIGN:
Remarkable-- simply outstanding. A miniature heavy board glossy hatbox, complete with a sturdy pull string that holds the box lid in place-- inside are four CDs surrounded by gray foam. They're stored on plastic holders that are covered by hard-paper books. Each of these packages has silver paper inside the front cover, and the overall look is of four differently styled powder compacts. Also included is a luxurious 204-page book that sets the standard for all-time. The jewel case sized book, made from heavy stock semi-gloss paper is replete with studio and other photos, advertisement and 45 label repros, and some of the most detailed text ever.
CONTENT:
This is where not all will be interested in this set. It's ideal for the obscurity collector, but not necessarily the TOP 40 fan-- there's only a sprinkling of commonly known tunes here. A lot of these tracks are unknown for a good reason-- some aren't even 'B' side quality. A good percentage of artists in this collection are as obscure as the songs they perform, and for the familiar groups or vocalists, many of their songs may not ring a bell either. This collection is called "LOST AND FOUND" for a good reason.
TOTAL RUNNING TIMES --
DISC ONE -- 77:34
DISC TWO -- 76:19
DISC THREE -- 75:17
DISC FOUR -- 75:50
This set, which is highly imaginative in packaging, includes some rather rare tracks that one would at times would need to find the original 45 release to get in order to hear.
I won't dwell on the obvious tracks here, like by the Shangri-Las, Darnells, Chris Clark, etc., but a few are worth the price of the whole.
My favorite is the contribution by Dolly Parton, "Don't Drop Out". Her voice seems so appropriate, but as we know which direction she chose, this track is one of the best unheard of gems, which is sad, as it should have done something.
Another classic is the 'stereo' version of Alder Ray's "Cause I Love Him", which in sound is alot different than the mono 45 version I possess. Crystal clear in sound, it still packs a punch.
One last great track that this package includes is Reparata & The Delron's "I'm Nobody's Baby Now". This track literally jumps out and bites. Not a Phil Spector sound-alike in intention, but does have a Righteous Brothers "Lovin' Feelin'" to it. Again, another clear and clean production.
I will say that with any package, there will be a few tracks that seriously should have been omitted, like "Egyptian Shumba" by The Tammys, which could have been replaced by another rarity that is not included, like Suzy Walli's "Be My Man" a powerful David Gates production from 1965, but everyone has different tastes. I for one admit that despite the few clunkers, this package is an excellent example of a time when girl groups and girl singers were everywhere.
Consider the fact that about 200 singles were released a week, and only a handful were graced on the Pop Charts. There are bound to be many that are excellent songs, but without the proper advertising, radio play, and touring, the obvious would happen. A good single that bombs.
One of my favorite artists is included, April Young. A shame that this package only inlcuded one track, "To Be Loved By You". It is a good song, but her energetic and rather forceful "Gonna Make Him My Baby" still sounds fresh.
Maybe in time Rhino will release a companion to this set. Sure, there are literally thousands of girl group records that were released in the 60's, like Marcia Strassman's "Out Of The Picture". Who's she? She later played the wife of Mr Kotter in 'Welcome Back Kotter", or "He's My Dreamboy" by Maria Antoinette, and other great girls like Beverly Warren, Roberta Day, Candy & The Kisses, The Joys, The Gleams, Carol Connors, etc. Can go on and on, but this package is worth the price, even to the most infrequent listener of the 'girl group' genre.
There are 4 cd's, so my advice is to just take a lazy afternoon, and while listening to the tracks, read the diary that is supplied. It's a good read, and at times rather refreshing, especially the rare pictures and even the pictures of the rare labels that sometimes one has never seen before.
Like i said, this package is worth the price.
Before it goes out of print, you need to pick up this incredible Rhino box
set.
One little problem is that Rhino's definition of "girl group" was too broad; some songs are female solo recordings on which backup singers play little or no role. And in an apparent attempt to appeal to the British market, they put on some British songs by people such as Cilla Black. The English had no handle on the girl-group sound at all; it was strictly an American phenomenon.
But with four CDs and 30 songs on each CD, who can complain? Some songs, such as several Shangri-Las rip-offs, are hilarious. Then
there's one called "He Makes Me So Mad" by the Hollywood Jills on which the lead singer is reciting her complaints about her boyfriend, and after each gripe the rest of the group comes in with a sarcastic reply. Example: "He told the gang that I swim raw." The reply: "Well, don't you?" Classic!
There's a great Wall of Sound-type song called "Bobby's Come a Long Long Way," produced by Al Kooper. I can't make out any of the lyrics, but
supposedly the song is about Bob Dylan!
You won't regret buying this box.
Would surely recommend it ...
Well, I can say this album is really, really good. Along with Matt Nathanson and Amos Lee, those cds can play in my cd player forever on repeat and after a few hours I just start thinking "hey it's still the same cd in".
Yes it's that good and smooth. No track where you want to skip to the next, they're all good.
(yes I used the same review for Matt since both are in the same genre and as good)
He is awesome.
He has his own style and plays for the music. His lyrics are powerful and moving... I got goosebumps on more than one occassion.
Buy it, listen to it, you'll love it.
Give it a listen (or two, maybe three) before you judge it.
Anyway, after the duo split in early '95, Pete already had a few artists in the stable, and he hoped they could fill C.L.'s huge shoes. "Lost & Found" is a two disc set of Pete Rock productions recorded in 1995. But more specifically, they are actually two shelved albums. Disc 1 is InI's "Center of Attention," and Disc 2 is Deda's "The Original Baby Pa." Due to label disputes, both of these albums remained unreleased until Pete regained the rights to the masters and released them independently in 2003 through the English label Barely Breakin' Even.
InI is a trio consisting of Pete's brother Grap Luva, Rob-O, and Rass. These guys made appearances on the Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth LPs, and they are a pretty unique trio. They are very artistic and experimental in nature. Their raspy, understated voices add to this quality, but they come across as very laidback. They are also known to bring some old-fashioned New York battle raps too, and they are a lot of fun to listen to. On "Center of Attention," Pete's production is different than anything else he ever put together in his career. Overall, I'd say it was a little bit simpler, usually not quite as dense as his thick, rich work with C.L. It takes more from soul than from jazz, and his favorite horn loops are for the most part absent. Instead he employs some funkier synths and electronic elements for a focused sound, it's hard to explain really well. Pete also sings a lot of hooks here. "Center of Attention" is all-around a really great and unique listen.
Amazon's tracklist is wrong and the snippets are incorrectly matched. After a short intro, "Center of Attention" begins with "No More Words," a simple and effective track musically and lyrically. "Step Up" is excellent, musically a little reminiscent of "Straighten It Out" and lyrically entertaining, just some talented MCs callin' others out. Pete drops a verse on "Think Twice," a fairly sparse track that's nice but not a highlight. "Square One" is a great example of this album's focused sound, the cool beat matches the laidback, low deliveries of InI. The happy, nostalgic "The Life I Live" precedes my favorite, "KrossRoads." This song is just cute. The simple, blippy beat provides a backdrop for the conversational raps kicked to a woman, they're quintissentially New York. The fairly forgettable "To Each His Own" comes next, followed by the single "Fakin' Jax." This beat is soulful and Pete's verse and hook combine great with Rob-O and Grap Luva's, this song is well-executed. A winding bassline in "What You Say" recalls a low-key jazz song, and "Props" is some joyful, upbeat jazzy funk. The nice title track and piano-laced "Grown Man Sport" provide good moments, and so does the C.L.-sampling "Mind Over Matter." The very memorable "Don't You Love It," which has Rob-O's best performance, and the absolutely gorgeous "Microphonist Wanderlust" close the disc strongly.
Deda is a very different MC from the others Pete has worked with. He's a gruff, rugged rapper who's definitely raw around the edges. I'm surprised the other reviewers slam him so hard, he's not as bad as they make him sound, and he has some redeeming qualities even if he's not much of a lyricist. Basically, he's a pretty average borough rapper who was lucky enough to befriend the greatest beatcraft in the business. And believe me, Pete more than makes up for any shortcomings on Deda's part. These beats are spectacular, among the best he's made. They are ripe with vocal loops, upbeat, funky basslines, horn samples, and instrumental breaks. The spotlight never comes off the beats, and that's why I find "The Original Baby Pa" enjoyable. This album's all about fun, and it's got Pete's unmistakable sound all over it. Pete's beats are awesomely head-nodding, and when Deda's flow is on they can make some great results.
"Everyman" kicks off the disc, a cut that vibes nicely. "Baby Pa" is funky, but unmistakably East Coast styled. The okay "How I'm Livin'" comes before the horn-laced, rugged yet funky "Blah Uno." "Can't Wait" has some understated keyboards, and "I Originate" is a DJ showcase. The collabo "Markd4Death" sounds more like an InI song, and Nasty Scene is highlighted by a good instrumental hook that also samples an AZ verse. "Nothing More" and "Press Rewind" showcase inventive instrumentals, the latter using sleighbells and sax blasts. "Rhyme Writer" is good fun, and "Too Close" is musically among the best, this sampling PMD for a hook. The last cut is "Understand?," a provocative, nice finish.
InI and Deda are going to get hated on because they're not C.L. Smooth. But basically, not really anybody is. These guys are mid-90s east coast MCs that are blessed with truly incredible production. Pete uses these albums as platforms for some experimental sounds. But the fact remains that Pete Rock does NOT make bad beats. His sound is always meticulously engineered to perfection, and that holds true. His music can make you feel good. I really recommend "Lost & Found," it's not as complete as some of his other projects but musically is equally as fulfilling. Also, at two albums for the price of one, you can't beat it. Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth fans will find hours upon hours of enjoyment through these discs, and fans of the east coast sound that Pete helped pioneer will love them. If you like the InI disc, also check out Rob-O's recent solo release Rhyme Pro, and in addition to all of the Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth albums (the best ever!) I recommend Pete's solos like Soul Survivor.
As you may or may not know, due to label problems, Center of attention has been Pete Rock's most slept-on and "under the radar" MASTERPIECE to this day, as it was pushed back and feared by many that the project would never come together and just slip into the darkness for it to be merely dubbed another "unfortunate loss". Thank God!, 8 years later after it's intended release date (1995/1996), Soul Brother has taken charge and finally been able to bring, arguably, Pete Rock's most impressive work yet, to the unsuspecting Hip Hop fans. Coming equipped with brother Grap Luva, Rob-O & Ras G, Center of attention is seriously a testament to the soul brother's legend status in Hiphop and his clear supremacy over all but few producers. The fact that it was recorded in the mid 90's, explains the, unmistakable, trademarks of the; fantastic jazz breaks & horns that are so-clearly associated with Pete Rock's work, a trademark he would grow out of later in his career. Although despite this, make no mistakes about it, overall center of attention posesses a very different sound to both releases and has much more of a "laid back" vibe.
On COA, we see Pete drop a few more verses than he ever did on "Mecca & the soul brother (1992)" and "The Main Ingedient (1994)", which demonstartes his versatility as an artist and also his desire to show that he is much more than just a producer.
However, luckily pete is not required to do too much as brother Grap Luva, Rob-O & Ras-G are more than suitable to compliment pete rock's layered and jazzy beats. Agreeing with another reviewer, I believe that although these MC's will never reach anybodys list of favourite MC's, they are the PERFECT match flow-wise & sound-wise, plus the lyrics are far from wack. Very, Very smooth & laid back. I would even go as far to say they do a better job of complimenting the beats than CL Smooth, on this occasion.
The obvious well-known highlights of the album being the most recognised "Fakin Jax", which samples prodigy (mobb deep)on the hook & the title-track "Center of attention" with its replenishing(piano) melody with which all MC's drop some knowledge over. However, despite this, what some seem to forget about when recomending/promoting this work of art is that every single track (except for #15 which is a cd bonus)is equally as brilliant as the last, and offers it own individuality to the album. Most notably "Life I Live" which samples Biggie's authoratively delivered statement "Damn Right I like the life I Live!" over one of pete rock's best beats, which for me might be my favourite on the whole album. "Step Up" offers a very relaxing and beautfil sound to the album, of which Grap Luva & Rob-O justify to the fullest, total classic. Similarly "Think Twice" also being one of my favourites, sums up just why Center of attention is a total essential to all those fiends looking for some more real ish. Straight conscious & straight-talking material. "Sucka Mc's please think twice, you don't know what you're doing...think about that". That being only 5 of 15 Classic tracks, I hope you can understand & imagine just how hard-hitting and consistent this album truly is. I cannot even explain just how replenishing it is to hear music of this caliber back in the '03 for our minds to feed off.
One of Hiphop's most forgotten about & slept on classics along with others, InI's "Center Of Attention" is an album truly worth any price tag it comes with. Stop sleepin' and get this, you've been missing out. PEACE
Lyrics - 10/10
Beats - 10/10
Replay Value - 10/10
Originality - 10/10
If you found this helpful, check my other reviews
If this CD is any indication, I now understand why.
With the exception of no more than three songs, the same disco beat and song structure permeates, no, infects this CD. Were it not for the quiet parts between the tracks I would have little ability to tell one "song" from another. Perhaps this is the desired effect. If so, I'd just download one song from the CD and then replicate it 16 times and you'd have the same result as buying the CD.
So why even two stars? Well the vocalist has a pretty good voice even if the lyrics are incredibly banal and if she is the woman on the CD she is good looking. How shallow is that?
After I download a couple of songs to add to my running tunes on my Nano I will have a very lightly used copy of this CD for sale cheap.
I am a fond lover of trance and follower of the great spinners of trance, progressive trance, and some of the newest electronica. I would say my love for vocal trance probably started around the era of Sarah McLaughlin's SILENCE, remixed by Tiesto who I've seen, and has progressed from there.
Don't get me wrong - Ian Van Dahl's Vocal voice is astounding and is comparable with Jan Johnston, Sarah McLaughlin, and dare I say even Justine Suissa, and the trance music itself is comparable to what the Thrillseekers would play and even AVB and PVD and Tiesto (all of whom I've seen turn a room of tranceheads into a screaming yelling stadium of EUPHORIA) with some of their own productions work and/or remixes. It's the content of the words in this particular album which has me left looking for more.
Of all the trance vocalists and great remixers/producers I have mentioned, one theme resonates thruout - is that nearly EUPHORIC feeling (call it "trance" like) like you are flying upto the clouds or watching the sunrise from a vantage point of floating in the clouds. That's what trance (to me) is supposed to do. It elevates to euphoria. Ian Van Dahls song's on this particular album is all about unrequited love and painful loss. Every song resonates a feeling of having to overcome prior pain and trying to move on...Is this how one reaches a higher level of euphoria?
Recall Chicane's Autumn Tactics, or "Sun is shining" Tiesto Remix, or Synthethesia, or Take me Away, or Clear Blue Skies from Suissa, or the forever monumental Silence..All these somngs, ALL OF THEM, sing of great skies, great love, and passion to be achieved...in short of Trance=like Euphoria.
I felt like I was listiening to a remix of a Nine Inch Nails Song, or Stabbing Westward, or even the Evanesence genre where pain and sadness is understood and goes so well with the music. Here the content of the lyrics just do not go with the type of song...all sadness with trance/happy music...It's almost redundant. It's a waste of a beautiful voice really as well as good trance music to boot. I want to re-emphasize that her voice is beautiful, and that the trance music is good and build-up, drops and sustaining rhythm...this is what great euphoric trance music is made of. What is said tho..keeps it at a very normal level. This is an insult to Ace album and the popular "Castles in the sky"
I would be remiss if I did not give my fellow trance afficianados a rundown of what some songs are about as that is my only gripe with this lackluster album.
1. I can't let you go - "Can't stop thinking about a love from the past"
2. Inspiration - "No need to be alone, I'm here for you"
3. Where are you Now - "I thought our love was strong - where did it go?"
4. Crying - Self Explanatory
5. Crazy - "I'm crazy for you, now that you're gone"
6. My Own - "Wonder where you are.. I need you "
...............
I think you get the point on the general theme of the album
If you're looking for how heartwrenching lost love music sounds with trance and a soprano like voice, then this is the album for you. However, if you're looking to fly to the sun , to feel passionate about the loves of your life and all the experiences this great music has brought to us and to run even faster ih the gym, or bike further, climb higher, or to feel that oceanbreeze...then this is NOT the album for you. This album will make you cry over sadness...not happiness. This album is NOT uplifting trance....and so what then is the point??
1. I can't let you go- A great song with a great beat. A bit commercial sounding, but that's what singles are for. Very catchy song that is definitely one of my favorites. 10/10
2. Inspiration- Another great song. This one really stands out and is different from the other tracks. Also, it isn't all about lost love. 10/10
3. Where are you now- Good song. Not as good as some of Ian Van Dahl's other singles, but still good. 9/10
4. Crying- This is probably my favorite song on the CD. Although the song is a little long at 5 and a half minutes, it's still a great song. Very catchy. 10/10
5. Crazy- This song should have been a single. Although it's kind of commercial sounding, it has a good beat, and Annemie's voice sounds AMAZING on this song. 9/10
6. My Own- A great song. Although it is long, the way the layers build onto each other is great. Repetitive, but still a great track. 9/10
7. Waiting for You- An amazing ballad. listening to it almost makes me cry sometimes. 9/10
8. Do You Feel the Same- This track has a slightly different sound to it, but the difference makes it a great song. 8.5/10
9. Come to Me- At first it's kind of annoying, but then it gets stuck in your head. It has a simple melody, but that's not a bad thing in this case. 7/10
10. Time to Go- Probably one of the best tracks on Lost & Found. Time to Go is my favorite after Crying. This song shows what real trance is about. 10/10
11. Rollercoaster- A great instrumental track. Has a kind of creepy sound to it, but still fun to listen to. 8/10
12. Without You- Okay track, but it doesn't really stand out. Not amazing, but still good. 7/10
13. Believe- LOVE this song. it's quite catchy and inspiring. 10/10
14. Walking Away- A little better than just okay. 7.5/10
15. To Fall in Love- This melody has a dark, haunting sound to it, but I still like it. THis is one of those songs you have to be in the mood for or else you won't like it. 8/10
16. State of Mind- AMAZING SONG!!! It's kkind of different, but I love the difference. It is unique, yet not weird. 10/10
This CD is definitely worth buying. Even if you don't completely LOVE it at first, listen to some of the tracks again, and you will realize how great the songs realy are. Hope this review was helpful to you :)
This album, he becomes more serious than any of his latest albums I've heard. He gets real emotional on the song "Tell Me Why" as he asks questions why so many things are going on in life. "Lost & Found" is a good track for his standards too. There are a lot of tracks that he explains whats on his mind and within his heart, something that I never heard before. Although "Loretta" is a sad/emotional story about a fan of Will that chased him down (I hope it isn't true either, because I feel sad for her). For Will, that song does work for him though. Most of the songs are for party atmosphere like, such as "Pump Ya Breaks". "Mr. Nice Guy" he does a take-it-easy type diss to Eminem and Wendy Williams (don't expect any line to be rememberable though). "Switch" is a cool song too that I'm feeling. Actually there are a lot of songs that have a nice beat that made my head nod on this album.
There are problems with this album though. "Swagga" really goes no where at all and I believe it makes no sense. "If You Can't Dance" is somewhat forgettable on some levels about rules on how to dance. "Wave 'Em Off" is not good at all. And I'm not feeling the two remixes of "Switch" on any level...well the R&B version is okay so that will be my "honorable menton track".
Trufully, this is one of Will better solo albums he's came out with. Of course movies is where he makes his cash now. Comming back to make an album like this, I'll give him a lot of credit for, giving this album a 7 out of 10 (3.5 stars) for that alone. Most of these albums are for party type for older people, and I have no problem with that. I recommend that you give this album a try before judging it. Will has came a long way in his career, and where he's at right now, I believe that he is always welcomed to come back and drop another album whenever he wants to.
Lyrics: C
Production: B
Guest Appearances: B
Musical Vibes: B
Overall: B
Favorite Tracks: Switch, Mr. Nice Guy, Lost & Found, Tell Me Why, Pump Ya Breaks, Loretta,
Honorable Mention Track: Switch (R&B Version)
Peace!
I was about to give up on mainstream hip hop. It was getting dull and repetitive. Every track was basically a knock off of the one that came before it. I had retreated into my dungeon of underground records when someone bought me Hitch. The movie came with a Lost and Found concert. I popped it in figuring...Hell, it's free and I was pleasantly surprised.
To tell you the truth Switch is the worst track on this disc. If you are fed up with mainstream hip hop then you'll fall in love with Lost & Found it's basically a song that lists everything that is wrong with mainstream hip hop today. Tell Me Why is a very strong track that starts off with Will's reaction to the events of 9/11 and then goes onto question the problems of society. Ms. Holy Roller is another powerful track about those Christian Nazi's that condemn you to hell for your actions even though you've been down with the G-O-D forever. I Wish I Made That is another great song about the evils of mainstream hip hop and also digs into the topic that you have to be "gangsta" these days to move records...and Slide is just a very entertaining track about people who can't dance. There are other songs but they aren't really worth reviewing.
All in all I highly recommend this album to any TRUE rap fan.
In rap, there are two types of Will Smith fans. The type who loves his raps because they are clean and the type who will buy his albums to support him in the face of the hardcore fans who diss him. I, however, have been listening to Smith forever and feel that he was a better rapper when he was The Fresh Prince. In fact, "Summertime" is the best song he ever made. I still bought all of Will Smith's albums and this one, Lost and Found (his first one for Interscope), has got to be his worst. This is not your typical Will Smith-bashing review so hear me out.
A common theme in Will Smith's records is "girl, get on the dance floor", and it doesn't stop on this album (see "Switch" and "Party Starter", which isn't one). There is another common theme, as well: while Will Smith and Eminem remain enemies of some sort, there is one thing they share - THEIR CONSTANT TALKING ABOUT THEIR WIFE AND KIDS. If I hear one more rap about Jada, his kids or his successful movie career for that matter, I'm gonna scream. But the main problem is Will's flow. His delivery is stilted and his rhymes are inconsistent. Once I start to feel his flow, like in "If U Can't Dance (Slide)", he throws in a cornball lyric. Also, it's embarrassing to see the spotlight get taken by Snoop Dogg: lyrically, he too has seen better days but he still outshines Smith in "Pump Ya Brakes". And Smith himself sounds bitter on "I Wish I Made That".
The only decent (read: not as wack) songs are "Ms. Holy Roller" and the introspective "Tell Me Why" with Mary J. Blige. For the next album, Will should go in the studio and craft an album from his heart and not just to appease other rappers and critics, which is what I feel he's done here. Yes, with this album, Will Smith shows that he will always be the Fresh Prince...of acting. -EJR
Love Always
-Will Lover
Born in Havanna, Cuba, Omar Martinez has been the powerhouse drummer for Paul Revere & The Raiders for over 30 years. He is also a studio musician who has played in many rock and pop recordings. This is his 2nd solo CD.
Product Description
Original rock n' roll music with Latin flavors and a Christian message. Powerful vocals and unique musical arrangements.
Lost And Found,Omar Martinez
Average customer rating: 
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Lost and Found
Mudvayne Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD  General
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Alternative Metal
| Hard Rock & Metal
| Styles
| Music
General
| Hard Rock & Metal
| Styles
| Music
Pop Rock
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
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ASIN: B0007WF1X2 Release Date: 2005-04-12 |
Tracks:
- Determined
- Pushing Through
- Happy?
- IMN
- Fall Into Sleep
- Rain. Sun. Gone.
- Choices
- Forget To Remember
- TV Radio
- Just
- All That You Are
- Pulling The String
Album Description
Lost And Found is the third album from American metallersMudvayne. This release steers away from the nu-metal scene that they became part of and sees the band mix metal with more commercial sounding rock. It was produced by Ugly Kid Joe's Dave Fortman.Customer Reviews:
Yeah, they've evolved, but so what? They still write good music........2007-04-13
I still love LD 50 the best, and had the most fun with that album, but I can't say that I am disappointed with their newer albums. They all offer something different, and that keeps things interesting.
BEST HARD ROCK ALBUM EVER!.......2007-04-09
Best tracks:
"Determined" 12/10- Man I love this song! Just the way I like it........
short and sweet.
"Happy?" 10/10- This song is more into hard rock. Good chorus and love the ending.
"IMN" 12/10- Now this song is the darkest and angriest song ever! The beginning was all silent and out came some guitars and Chad's screaming and swearing. LOVE IT!!
"Choices" 10/10- Very thick, heavy guitars at the beginning, love the chorus and Chad's singing here. Love when Chad sings "we don't have a choice, anymore, anyways".
"Forgot To Remember" 10/10- Good beginning with Chad's soft singing, love the screaming part, the chorus and the ending.
"Just" 12/10- Now who doesn't like this song?!! Awesome, great beginning. Started with thick guitars along with good drumming and then out came Chad's vocals. Just love how Chad sang here, so angry too!
Chad is the world's best singer ever! With clean vocals that go along with hard rock and screaming that go with alternative metal, just love it!
I would prefer not buying this album, just listen to it in youtube and wait for their new album coming out around the end of 2007! Nice job, boys!
Not so great.......2007-04-07
Garbage.......2007-02-26
Awful.......2007-01-15
Plainly, this album blows. LD 50 was a startlingly complex and original release for a genre that was destined to die off, and their sophomore release was only a few steps behind. While TEOATTC was technically sound, I never cared for it much, and was jittery when they announced this new album would be a return to their experimental, neo-progressive sound.
If anything, this album is just Mudvayne fattening their wallets and equally fattening their chords. The ruthless complexity is completely gone, the lyrics are blatant and angsty, and the bass has been completely buried (although the bass lines on here aren't standout anyway...).
Mudvayne may have removed their stage antics and image from the equation, but everything that would appeal to a devoted fan of their early sound has been trashed as well.
Average customer rating:
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City of Angels (1990 Original Broadway Cast)
Cy Coleman , David Zippel , James Naughton , and Randy Graff Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General Modern
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ASIN: B00000272K Release Date: 1990-02-09 |
Tracks:
- Prologue-Theme From City Of Angels
- Double Talk
- What You Don't Know About Women
- You Gotta Look Out For Yourself
- The Buddy System
- With Every Breath I Take
- The Tennis Song
- Ev'rybody's Gotta Be Somewhere
- Lost And Found
- All You Have To Do Is Wait
- You're Nothing Without Me
- Stay With Me
- You Can Always Count On Me
- Alaura's Theme
- It Needs Work
- L.A. Blues
- With Every Breath I Take-Duet
- Funny
- I'm Nothing Without You
- Epilogue-Theme From City Of Angels
- Double Talk Walk
Amazon.com
Cy Coleman and David Zippel's City of Angels is a seductive depiction of 1940s Los Angeles, capturing swinging jazz, torchy ballads, witty lyrics, and even a Manhattan Transfer-like Greek chorus (arranged by ManTran guru Yaron Gershovsky). James Naughton and Gregg Edelman star as Stone and Stine, respectively a tough Raymond Chandleresque PI and the writer who dreams up his adventures. Randy Graff plays Stone's long-suffering secretary and Dee Hoty the requisite femme fatale. Loads of atmosphere and tasty songs such as "What You Don't Know About Women," "With Every Breath I Take," "You're Nothing Without Me," and "You Can Always Count on Me" make City of Angels a modern classic. It won 1990 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Leading Actor (Naughton), Featured Actress (Graff), Best Book (Larry Gelbart), and Best Original Score. --David HoriuchiCustomer Reviews:
Fun Show, Average Score.......2007-02-21
Cleverness personified.......2006-10-16
Fantastic Jazz Musical That's FUN!!!.......2006-04-14
3) What You Don't Know About Women
6) With Every Breath I Take (destined to be a classic)
9) Lost and Found (wonderful solo)
10) All You Have To Do Is Wait (FUN! FUN! FUN SONG!!! Hilarious as well)
11) You're Nothing Without Me
13) You Can Always Count On Me (Randy Graff's Tony!)
Great Jazz-Oriented Score.......2005-06-25
Double Talk
What You Don't Know About Women
With Every Breath I Take [beautiful song!]
Lost And Found
You're Nothing Without Me [the show's hit]
You Can Always Count On Me
Funny
Great cast ... great buy!
I love it!.......2005-02-22
Average customer rating: 
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All At Once Well Met: English Madrigals; The King's Singers
John Dowland , Thomas Morley , Thomas Weelkes , John Wilbye , William Byrd , John Farmer , and The King's Singers Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Byrd, William
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ASIN: B000002RPZ Release Date: 1990-10-25 |
Tracks:
- English Madrigals: A Little Pretty Bonny Lass
- English Madrigals: Weep No More, Thou Sorry Boy
- English Madrigals: Shoot False Love
- English Madrigals: Now Is The Month Of Maying
- English Madrigals: Four Arms, Two Necks, One Wreathing
- English Madrigals: Hark, All Ye Lovely Saints Above
- English Madrigals: Since Robin Hood
- English Madrigals: Though Philomela Lost Her Love
- English Madrigals: O Wretched Man
- English Madrigals: Weep, O Mine Eyes
- English Madrigals: The Nightingale, The Organ Of Delight
- English Madrigals: Come, Sirrah Jack, Ho!
- English Madrigals: Cruel, Behold My Heavy Ending
- English Madrigals: Fair Phyllis I Saw Sitting All Alone
- English Madrigals: Sing We And Chant It
- English Madrigals: On A Fair Morning
- English Madrigals: Oft Have I Vowed
- English Madrigals: Is Love A Boy?
- English Madrigals: Say, Love, If Ever Thou Didst Find
- English Madrigals: All At Once Well Met
- English Madrigals: Construe My Meaning
- English Madrigals: Lord! When I Think
- English Madrigals: Cruel, Wilt Thou Persever
- English Madrigals: Fine Knacks For Ladies
- English Madrigals: Strike It Up, Tabor
- English Madrigals: I Love, Alas I Love Thee
- English Madrigals: Farwell, Dear Love
- English Madrigals: See, See The Shepherd's Queen
- English Madrigals: Have I Found Her
- English Madrigals: Lady Your Words Do Spite Me
- English Madrigals: Were I A King
- English Madrigals: Come Again
- English Madrigals: Tan Ta Ra, Cries Mars
- English Madrigals: Why Should I Love?
- English Madrigals: This Sweet And Merry Month Of May
Customer Reviews:
Very pleased.......2007-06-10
Sumptuous and mellow.......2002-11-28
One of the Best Collections of English Madrigals.......2002-03-27
This album offers a veritable feast of the choicest English madrigals found on any comparable album. From the obligatory "Now is the Month of Maying" and "Fair Phyllis" to the more obscure "Tan ta ra, cries Mars," there is certainly enough on this album to bring a smile to lovers of Renaissance music - and a spark of recognition to anyone who sang traditional madrigals in high school or university. For serious students of early music, this album comes very highly recommended.
Among the more sonorous offerings on this album, Jones' "Farewell, Dear Love" and Dowland's "Come Again," cannot be ignored. Nor can Bennet's immortal "Weep O mine eyes" be matched more musically than here by the King's Singers.
This album has been played again and again for almost 6 years as both serious listening and background working music. And it has yet to lose its delight.
A Delightful Collection of English Madrigal.......2000-08-16
A wide variety.......2000-04-28
Average customer rating:
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One Kiss Can Lead to Another: Girl Group Sounds Lost and Found
Various Artists Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
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ASIN: B000B5KRV6 Release Date: 2005-10-04 |
Tracks:
- Needle in a Haystack
- He's Got the Power
- Nobody Know What's Goin' On (In My Head But Me)
- I'd Much Rather Be with the Girls
- Keep Your Hands Off My Baby
- Nothing But a Heartache
- You Don't Know
- Boys
- Big Bad World
- Out in the Streets
- Is It True
- Please Don't Wake Me
- I'll Keep Holding On
- Oh No Not My Baby
- May My Heart Be Cast into Stone
- Magic Garden
- I Never Dreamed
- He's a Bad Boy
- Happy, That's Me
- Dream Boy
- Try the Worryin' Way
- I Can't Let Go
- Go Now
- You're No Good
- Opportunity
- Life and Soul of the Party
- Break-A-Way
- What Am I Gonna Do with You
- He Did It
- Baby That's Me
Tracks:
- I Adore Him
- Train from Kansas City
- Please Go Away
- Let Me Get Close to You
- I Have a Boyfriend
- I'm into Something Good
- I'll Come Running
- If There's Anything Else You Want (Let Me Know)
- When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes
- It Comes and Goes
- Baby, Baby (I Still Love You)
- Girl Don't Come
- That's When the Tears Start
- What a Lonely Way to Start the Summertime
- Don't Drop Out
- One You Can't Have
- I'm Nobody's Baby Now
- You're So Fine
- When You're Young and in Love
- My One and Only, Jimmy Boy
- Friend of Mine
- Chico's Girl
- Cause I Love Him
- Bye Bye Baby
- First Cut Is the Deepest
- I Won't Tell
- Egyptian Shumba
- I Sold My Heart to the Junkman
- Walking in Different Circles
- Hideaway
Tracks:
- Trouble with Boys
- Lookin' for Boys
- Dream Baby
- Condition Red
- Should I Cry [Alternate Take]
- I'm Blue (The Gong-Gong Song)
- I've Been Wrong Before
- Love's Gone Bad
- Nightmare
- She Don't Deserve You
- Will You Be My Love
- Take Me for a Little While
- Funnel of Love
- I'm Gonna Destroy That Boy
- Terry
- Untrue Unfaithful (That Was You)
- Sophisticated Boom Boom
- Saturday Night Didn't Happen
- Don't Ever Leave Me
- Don't Forget About Me
- Wanna Make Him Mine
- Only to Other People
- Big-Town Boy
- Daddy You Gotta Let Him In
- After Last Night
- How Can I Tell My Mom & Dad
- Too Hurt to Cry, Too Much in Love to Say Goodbye
- Up Down Sue
- When I Think of You
- Good, Good Lovin'
Tracks:
- When the Boy's Happy (The Girl's Happy Too)
- Don't Drag No More
- I'm Afraid They're All Talking About Me
- That's How It Goes
- Some of Your Lovin'
- Peanut Duck [#]
- Thank Goodness for the Rain
- Steady Boyfriend
- He Was Really Sayin' Somethin'
- I Know You Love Me Not
- Whatever Happened to Our Love
- Heart
- I Can't Give Back the Love I Feel for You
- He Makes Me So Mad
- I Can't Wait Until I See My Baby's Face
- Crying in the Rain
- We Don't Belong
- You Don't Love Me No More
- Hey, Tell Me Boy
- Brink of Disaster
- Who Do You Love
- I'm 28
- They Never Taught That in School
- Dressed in Black
- Ain't Gonna Kiss Ya
- Every Little Bit Hurts [Del-Fi Version][Version]
- Mister Loveman
- Make the Night a Little Longer
- Mixed Up, Shook Up, Girl [Live]
- Good Night Baby
Amazon.com
Girl groups have enchanted humankind since the era of the ancient Greeks, when legend has it the Sirens attempted to lure wayfarers Odysseus and Jason to their fates; Persephone's chanteuses would eventually even lose a battle of the bands to the Muses. A couple millennia later, female singers would become a dominant force in the pop and rock of the `60s, the era anthologized on this four-disc, 120-track collection from Rhino. If the "group" tag is something of a misnomer (many of the acts here are solo artists), the vibrant female pop spirit of the times gets showcased in rare fashion by a collection that eschews the obvious to revel in showcasing rarities and surprises at every turn: the bittersweet, life-is-over-when "I'm 28" musings of a two-decades-pre-"Mickey" Toni Basil; a healthy sampling of gems by the Cookies and their various alter-egos, including the Palisades' fervent ode to uber-necking, "Make the Night Just a Little Bit Longer"; the Shangri-Las' mini-epic, "Out in the Streets"; hit songwriter Ellie Greenwich's solo turn on the haunting "You Don't Know." An impressive collection with an inclusive bent, its tracks range across the classic r&b of the Marvelettes, Chiffons and Irma Thomas, country-crossovers Skeeter Davis and Wanda Jackson, the blue-eyed soul of Jackie DeShannon and Dusty Springfield and wounded white-girl pop of Lesley Gore and Connie Francis. It's all contained in one of Rhino's most elaborately designed packages yet: each disc comes in a mock compact; its extensive liner notes and track info printed as a mini-diary; all housed in a smart replica of a vintage hat box--a treasure-packed delight for lovers of the genre and curious novices alike. -- Jerry McCulleyAlbum Description
It's the kiss that will be heard 'round the world: Rhino salutes the fabulous girl group genre with what is-amazingly and historically-the first boxed set ever to do so! This supersized collection luxuriates through almost five hours of the plethora of sounds, styles, and subjects that represent the beautiful, vibrant, and influential music women were making in the early to mid-60's. A footnote to the pop and rock of the day no longer, the raw emotion and spirited savvy of girl group greatness finally gets its due. Compilation producer Sheryl Farber notes, "Fans have always known how rich and varied this music is-how the sound encompasses soul, garage, Bacharach-style pop, countrypolitan, the British take on the American girl group sound, and more." Now the world will know and fall in love with girl group music too!Customer Reviews:
More important than the bible.......2007-03-09
Young, female, and unknown.......2007-02-24
DESIGN:
Remarkable-- simply outstanding. A miniature heavy board glossy hatbox, complete with a sturdy pull string that holds the box lid in place-- inside are four CDs surrounded by gray foam. They're stored on plastic holders that are covered by hard-paper books. Each of these packages has silver paper inside the front cover, and the overall look is of four differently styled powder compacts. Also included is a luxurious 204-page book that sets the standard for all-time. The jewel case sized book, made from heavy stock semi-gloss paper is replete with studio and other photos, advertisement and 45 label repros, and some of the most detailed text ever.
CONTENT:
This is where not all will be interested in this set. It's ideal for the obscurity collector, but not necessarily the TOP 40 fan-- there's only a sprinkling of commonly known tunes here. A lot of these tracks are unknown for a good reason-- some aren't even 'B' side quality. A good percentage of artists in this collection are as obscure as the songs they perform, and for the familiar groups or vocalists, many of their songs may not ring a bell either. This collection is called "LOST AND FOUND" for a good reason.
TOTAL RUNNING TIMES --
DISC ONE -- 77:34
DISC TWO -- 76:19
DISC THREE -- 75:17
DISC FOUR -- 75:50
Superb Overview Of The Girll Group Era.......2007-02-19
This set, which is highly imaginative in packaging, includes some rather rare tracks that one would at times would need to find the original 45 release to get in order to hear.
I won't dwell on the obvious tracks here, like by the Shangri-Las, Darnells, Chris Clark, etc., but a few are worth the price of the whole.
My favorite is the contribution by Dolly Parton, "Don't Drop Out". Her voice seems so appropriate, but as we know which direction she chose, this track is one of the best unheard of gems, which is sad, as it should have done something.
Another classic is the 'stereo' version of Alder Ray's "Cause I Love Him", which in sound is alot different than the mono 45 version I possess. Crystal clear in sound, it still packs a punch.
One last great track that this package includes is Reparata & The Delron's "I'm Nobody's Baby Now". This track literally jumps out and bites. Not a Phil Spector sound-alike in intention, but does have a Righteous Brothers "Lovin' Feelin'" to it. Again, another clear and clean production.
I will say that with any package, there will be a few tracks that seriously should have been omitted, like "Egyptian Shumba" by The Tammys, which could have been replaced by another rarity that is not included, like Suzy Walli's "Be My Man" a powerful David Gates production from 1965, but everyone has different tastes. I for one admit that despite the few clunkers, this package is an excellent example of a time when girl groups and girl singers were everywhere.
Consider the fact that about 200 singles were released a week, and only a handful were graced on the Pop Charts. There are bound to be many that are excellent songs, but without the proper advertising, radio play, and touring, the obvious would happen. A good single that bombs.
One of my favorite artists is included, April Young. A shame that this package only inlcuded one track, "To Be Loved By You". It is a good song, but her energetic and rather forceful "Gonna Make Him My Baby" still sounds fresh.
Maybe in time Rhino will release a companion to this set. Sure, there are literally thousands of girl group records that were released in the 60's, like Marcia Strassman's "Out Of The Picture". Who's she? She later played the wife of Mr Kotter in 'Welcome Back Kotter", or "He's My Dreamboy" by Maria Antoinette, and other great girls like Beverly Warren, Roberta Day, Candy & The Kisses, The Joys, The Gleams, Carol Connors, etc. Can go on and on, but this package is worth the price, even to the most infrequent listener of the 'girl group' genre.
There are 4 cd's, so my advice is to just take a lazy afternoon, and while listening to the tracks, read the diary that is supplied. It's a good read, and at times rather refreshing, especially the rare pictures and even the pictures of the rare labels that sometimes one has never seen before.
Like i said, this package is worth the price.
Outstanding!.......2007-01-16
Before it goes out of print, you need to pick up this incredible Rhino box
set.
One little problem is that Rhino's definition of "girl group" was too broad; some songs are female solo recordings on which backup singers play little or no role. And in an apparent attempt to appeal to the British market, they put on some British songs by people such as Cilla Black. The English had no handle on the girl-group sound at all; it was strictly an American phenomenon.
But with four CDs and 30 songs on each CD, who can complain? Some songs, such as several Shangri-Las rip-offs, are hilarious. Then
there's one called "He Makes Me So Mad" by the Hollywood Jills on which the lead singer is reciting her complaints about her boyfriend, and after each gripe the rest of the group comes in with a sarcastic reply. Example: "He told the gang that I swim raw." The reply: "Well, don't you?" Classic!
There's a great Wall of Sound-type song called "Bobby's Come a Long Long Way," produced by Al Kooper. I can't make out any of the lyrics, but
supposedly the song is about Bob Dylan!
You won't regret buying this box.
SIMPLY BRILLIANT!.......2007-01-04
Average customer rating:
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Lost & Found
Griffin House Manufacturer: Nettwerk Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
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Singer-Songwriters
| Pop
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ASIN: B0002IQIHO Release Date: 2004-07-27 |
Tracks:
- Amsterdam
- Ah Me
- Tell Me A Lie
- Waste Another Day
- Waterfall
- Liberty Line
- The Way I Was Made
- Why Won't You Belive?
- Just A Dream
- Missed My Chance
- New Day
Customer Reviews:
Fantastically Wonderful Album.......2007-04-20
Soothing and funny..........2007-04-11
Would surely recommend it ...
Another album you can pick confidently.......2007-01-25
Well, I can say this album is really, really good. Along with Matt Nathanson and Amos Lee, those cds can play in my cd player forever on repeat and after a few hours I just start thinking "hey it's still the same cd in".
Yes it's that good and smooth. No track where you want to skip to the next, they're all good.
(yes I used the same review for Matt since both are in the same genre and as good)
A real gem.......2006-11-07
He is awesome.
He has his own style and plays for the music. His lyrics are powerful and moving... I got goosebumps on more than one occassion.
Buy it, listen to it, you'll love it.
Great CD, but kind of an acquired taste...........2006-04-20
Give it a listen (or two, maybe three) before you judge it.
Average customer rating: 
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Lost and Found
Ledisi Manufacturer: Verve ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| R&B
| Styles
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Pop Rock
| Pop
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| Vocal Pop
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ASIN: B000RO8UAQ Release Date: 2007-08-28 |
Tracks:
- Been Here (Intro)
- Joy
- You And Me
- Best Friend
- Alright
- Think Of You
- Today
- Get To Know You
- Upside Down
- In the Morning
- I Tried
- Lost And Found (Find Me)
- We Are One
- The One
- Someday
- Been Here (Outro)
Album Description
Named by Billboard Magazine as one of the Top 10 Faces to Watch in 2007, the acclaimed Bay Area-based vocalist and songwriter makes her major label debut on Verve Forecast with a show-stopping blend of soul, funk, gospel, jazz and R&B on Lost and Found.
Average customer rating:
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Lost and Found
Pete Rock Manufacturer: Rapster ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| Jazz
| Styles
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East Coast
| Rap & Hip-Hop
| Styles
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General
| Rap & Hip-Hop
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Experimental Rap
| Rap & Hip-Hop
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Pop Rap
| Rap & Hip-Hop
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ASIN: B0000D9Y5N Release Date: 2003-11-04 |
Tracks:
- Rob O BeatTalk
- Fake'n Jax
- The Life I Live
- Square
- Mind Over Matter
- Center of Attention
- To Each His Own
- CrossRoads
- No Words
- What They Say
Tracks:
- Everyman
- Baby Pa
- How Im Livin
- Blah Uno
- Cant Wait
- I Originate
- Markd4death
- Nasty Scene
- Nothing More
- Press Rewind
- Rhyme Writer
- Too Close
- Understand?
Album Description
Pete Rock is considered by many in the Hip Hop community to have made one of the most significant musical contributions to the genre. The release in 2001 of Petestrumentals on independent UK based label BBE (Barely Breaking Even) highlighted the fact that Pete's fan base is still strong in the US.Now, BBE/Rapster are proud to present two of Pete's previously unreleased albums.
While in the process of leaving Elektra Records, Pete Rock started up his own label, "Soul Brother Records"... the year was 1994. INI was the first group signed to the label. Very little is known about this group and they soon disbanded. Even less is known about Deda, but both albums are infused with Pete Rock's distinctive brand of beat wizardry.
Album Details
The Ace Producer, DJ and Mixer Presents a Full Program of Classics from the Archives of Rap and Hip Hop.Customer Reviews:
What you missed between 1994 and 1998 (and best believe you MISSED it!).......2007-06-17
Anyway, after the duo split in early '95, Pete already had a few artists in the stable, and he hoped they could fill C.L.'s huge shoes. "Lost & Found" is a two disc set of Pete Rock productions recorded in 1995. But more specifically, they are actually two shelved albums. Disc 1 is InI's "Center of Attention," and Disc 2 is Deda's "The Original Baby Pa." Due to label disputes, both of these albums remained unreleased until Pete regained the rights to the masters and released them independently in 2003 through the English label Barely Breakin' Even.
InI is a trio consisting of Pete's brother Grap Luva, Rob-O, and Rass. These guys made appearances on the Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth LPs, and they are a pretty unique trio. They are very artistic and experimental in nature. Their raspy, understated voices add to this quality, but they come across as very laidback. They are also known to bring some old-fashioned New York battle raps too, and they are a lot of fun to listen to. On "Center of Attention," Pete's production is different than anything else he ever put together in his career. Overall, I'd say it was a little bit simpler, usually not quite as dense as his thick, rich work with C.L. It takes more from soul than from jazz, and his favorite horn loops are for the most part absent. Instead he employs some funkier synths and electronic elements for a focused sound, it's hard to explain really well. Pete also sings a lot of hooks here. "Center of Attention" is all-around a really great and unique listen.
Amazon's tracklist is wrong and the snippets are incorrectly matched. After a short intro, "Center of Attention" begins with "No More Words," a simple and effective track musically and lyrically. "Step Up" is excellent, musically a little reminiscent of "Straighten It Out" and lyrically entertaining, just some talented MCs callin' others out. Pete drops a verse on "Think Twice," a fairly sparse track that's nice but not a highlight. "Square One" is a great example of this album's focused sound, the cool beat matches the laidback, low deliveries of InI. The happy, nostalgic "The Life I Live" precedes my favorite, "KrossRoads." This song is just cute. The simple, blippy beat provides a backdrop for the conversational raps kicked to a woman, they're quintissentially New York. The fairly forgettable "To Each His Own" comes next, followed by the single "Fakin' Jax." This beat is soulful and Pete's verse and hook combine great with Rob-O and Grap Luva's, this song is well-executed. A winding bassline in "What You Say" recalls a low-key jazz song, and "Props" is some joyful, upbeat jazzy funk. The nice title track and piano-laced "Grown Man Sport" provide good moments, and so does the C.L.-sampling "Mind Over Matter." The very memorable "Don't You Love It," which has Rob-O's best performance, and the absolutely gorgeous "Microphonist Wanderlust" close the disc strongly.
Deda is a very different MC from the others Pete has worked with. He's a gruff, rugged rapper who's definitely raw around the edges. I'm surprised the other reviewers slam him so hard, he's not as bad as they make him sound, and he has some redeeming qualities even if he's not much of a lyricist. Basically, he's a pretty average borough rapper who was lucky enough to befriend the greatest beatcraft in the business. And believe me, Pete more than makes up for any shortcomings on Deda's part. These beats are spectacular, among the best he's made. They are ripe with vocal loops, upbeat, funky basslines, horn samples, and instrumental breaks. The spotlight never comes off the beats, and that's why I find "The Original Baby Pa" enjoyable. This album's all about fun, and it's got Pete's unmistakable sound all over it. Pete's beats are awesomely head-nodding, and when Deda's flow is on they can make some great results.
"Everyman" kicks off the disc, a cut that vibes nicely. "Baby Pa" is funky, but unmistakably East Coast styled. The okay "How I'm Livin'" comes before the horn-laced, rugged yet funky "Blah Uno." "Can't Wait" has some understated keyboards, and "I Originate" is a DJ showcase. The collabo "Markd4Death" sounds more like an InI song, and Nasty Scene is highlighted by a good instrumental hook that also samples an AZ verse. "Nothing More" and "Press Rewind" showcase inventive instrumentals, the latter using sleighbells and sax blasts. "Rhyme Writer" is good fun, and "Too Close" is musically among the best, this sampling PMD for a hook. The last cut is "Understand?," a provocative, nice finish.
InI and Deda are going to get hated on because they're not C.L. Smooth. But basically, not really anybody is. These guys are mid-90s east coast MCs that are blessed with truly incredible production. Pete uses these albums as platforms for some experimental sounds. But the fact remains that Pete Rock does NOT make bad beats. His sound is always meticulously engineered to perfection, and that holds true. His music can make you feel good. I really recommend "Lost & Found," it's not as complete as some of his other projects but musically is equally as fulfilling. Also, at two albums for the price of one, you can't beat it. Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth fans will find hours upon hours of enjoyment through these discs, and fans of the east coast sound that Pete helped pioneer will love them. If you like the InI disc, also check out Rob-O's recent solo release Rhyme Pro, and in addition to all of the Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth albums (the best ever!) I recommend Pete's solos like Soul Survivor.
Pete Rock...He Is Legend.......2007-03-10
Tru Hip Hop, and Underground Classee.......2006-08-07
THE SOUL BROTHER'S FORGOTTEN MASTERPIECE.......2006-06-23
As you may or may not know, due to label problems, Center of attention has been Pete Rock's most slept-on and "under the radar" MASTERPIECE to this day, as it was pushed back and feared by many that the project would never come together and just slip into the darkness for it to be merely dubbed another "unfortunate loss". Thank God!, 8 years later after it's intended release date (1995/1996), Soul Brother has taken charge and finally been able to bring, arguably, Pete Rock's most impressive work yet, to the unsuspecting Hip Hop fans. Coming equipped with brother Grap Luva, Rob-O & Ras G, Center of attention is seriously a testament to the soul brother's legend status in Hiphop and his clear supremacy over all but few producers. The fact that it was recorded in the mid 90's, explains the, unmistakable, trademarks of the; fantastic jazz breaks & horns that are so-clearly associated with Pete Rock's work, a trademark he would grow out of later in his career. Although despite this, make no mistakes about it, overall center of attention posesses a very different sound to both releases and has much more of a "laid back" vibe.
On COA, we see Pete drop a few more verses than he ever did on "Mecca & the soul brother (1992)" and "The Main Ingedient (1994)", which demonstartes his versatility as an artist and also his desire to show that he is much more than just a producer.
However, luckily pete is not required to do too much as brother Grap Luva, Rob-O & Ras-G are more than suitable to compliment pete rock's layered and jazzy beats. Agreeing with another reviewer, I believe that although these MC's will never reach anybodys list of favourite MC's, they are the PERFECT match flow-wise & sound-wise, plus the lyrics are far from wack. Very, Very smooth & laid back. I would even go as far to say they do a better job of complimenting the beats than CL Smooth, on this occasion.
The obvious well-known highlights of the album being the most recognised "Fakin Jax", which samples prodigy (mobb deep)on the hook & the title-track "Center of attention" with its replenishing(piano) melody with which all MC's drop some knowledge over. However, despite this, what some seem to forget about when recomending/promoting this work of art is that every single track (except for #15 which is a cd bonus)is equally as brilliant as the last, and offers it own individuality to the album. Most notably "Life I Live" which samples Biggie's authoratively delivered statement "Damn Right I like the life I Live!" over one of pete rock's best beats, which for me might be my favourite on the whole album. "Step Up" offers a very relaxing and beautfil sound to the album, of which Grap Luva & Rob-O justify to the fullest, total classic. Similarly "Think Twice" also being one of my favourites, sums up just why Center of attention is a total essential to all those fiends looking for some more real ish. Straight conscious & straight-talking material. "Sucka Mc's please think twice, you don't know what you're doing...think about that". That being only 5 of 15 Classic tracks, I hope you can understand & imagine just how hard-hitting and consistent this album truly is. I cannot even explain just how replenishing it is to hear music of this caliber back in the '03 for our minds to feed off.
One of Hiphop's most forgotten about & slept on classics along with others, InI's "Center Of Attention" is an album truly worth any price tag it comes with. Stop sleepin' and get this, you've been missing out. PEACE
Lyrics - 10/10
Beats - 10/10
Replay Value - 10/10
Originality - 10/10
If you found this helpful, check my other reviews
Lost & Found- Listen to this double CD carefully!.......2006-03-15
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Lost & Found
Ian Van Dahl Manufacturer: Robbins Ent. Llc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| Dance & DJ
| Styles
| Music
Trance
| Dance & DJ
| Styles
| Music
General
| Dance Pop
| Dance & DJ
| Styles
| Music
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ASIN: B0002IQH2K Release Date: 2004-07-27 |
Tracks:
- I Can't Let You Go
- Inspiration
- Where Are You Now?
- Crying
- Crazy
- My Own
- Waiting 4 You
- Do You Feel The SAme
- Come 2 Me
- Time 2 Go
- Rollercoaster
- Without You
- Believe
- Walking Away
- To Fall In Love
- State Of Mind
Customer Reviews:
I still like it........2007-06-09
One Very Long Song.......2007-05-24
If this CD is any indication, I now understand why.
With the exception of no more than three songs, the same disco beat and song structure permeates, no, infects this CD. Were it not for the quiet parts between the tracks I would have little ability to tell one "song" from another. Perhaps this is the desired effect. If so, I'd just download one song from the CD and then replicate it 16 times and you'd have the same result as buying the CD.
So why even two stars? Well the vocalist has a pretty good voice even if the lyrics are incredibly banal and if she is the woman on the CD she is good looking. How shallow is that?
After I download a couple of songs to add to my running tunes on my Nano I will have a very lightly used copy of this CD for sale cheap.
Great trance and vocals - lousy content.......2006-11-14
I am a fond lover of trance and follower of the great spinners of trance, progressive trance, and some of the newest electronica. I would say my love for vocal trance probably started around the era of Sarah McLaughlin's SILENCE, remixed by Tiesto who I've seen, and has progressed from there.
Don't get me wrong - Ian Van Dahl's Vocal voice is astounding and is comparable with Jan Johnston, Sarah McLaughlin, and dare I say even Justine Suissa, and the trance music itself is comparable to what the Thrillseekers would play and even AVB and PVD and Tiesto (all of whom I've seen turn a room of tranceheads into a screaming yelling stadium of EUPHORIA) with some of their own productions work and/or remixes. It's the content of the words in this particular album which has me left looking for more.
Of all the trance vocalists and great remixers/producers I have mentioned, one theme resonates thruout - is that nearly EUPHORIC feeling (call it "trance" like) like you are flying upto the clouds or watching the sunrise from a vantage point of floating in the clouds. That's what trance (to me) is supposed to do. It elevates to euphoria. Ian Van Dahls song's on this particular album is all about unrequited love and painful loss. Every song resonates a feeling of having to overcome prior pain and trying to move on...Is this how one reaches a higher level of euphoria?
Recall Chicane's Autumn Tactics, or "Sun is shining" Tiesto Remix, or Synthethesia, or Take me Away, or Clear Blue Skies from Suissa, or the forever monumental Silence..All these somngs, ALL OF THEM, sing of great skies, great love, and passion to be achieved...in short of Trance=like Euphoria.
I felt like I was listiening to a remix of a Nine Inch Nails Song, or Stabbing Westward, or even the Evanesence genre where pain and sadness is understood and goes so well with the music. Here the content of the lyrics just do not go with the type of song...all sadness with trance/happy music...It's almost redundant. It's a waste of a beautiful voice really as well as good trance music to boot. I want to re-emphasize that her voice is beautiful, and that the trance music is good and build-up, drops and sustaining rhythm...this is what great euphoric trance music is made of. What is said tho..keeps it at a very normal level. This is an insult to Ace album and the popular "Castles in the sky"
I would be remiss if I did not give my fellow trance afficianados a rundown of what some songs are about as that is my only gripe with this lackluster album.
1. I can't let you go - "Can't stop thinking about a love from the past"
2. Inspiration - "No need to be alone, I'm here for you"
3. Where are you Now - "I thought our love was strong - where did it go?"
4. Crying - Self Explanatory
5. Crazy - "I'm crazy for you, now that you're gone"
6. My Own - "Wonder where you are.. I need you "
...............
I think you get the point on the general theme of the album
If you're looking for how heartwrenching lost love music sounds with trance and a soprano like voice, then this is the album for you. However, if you're looking to fly to the sun , to feel passionate about the loves of your life and all the experiences this great music has brought to us and to run even faster ih the gym, or bike further, climb higher, or to feel that oceanbreeze...then this is NOT the album for you. This album will make you cry over sadness...not happiness. This album is NOT uplifting trance....and so what then is the point??
Best Female Trance Album!!.......2006-09-26
Trance at its best!!!.......2006-06-26
1. I can't let you go- A great song with a great beat. A bit commercial sounding, but that's what singles are for. Very catchy song that is definitely one of my favorites. 10/10
2. Inspiration- Another great song. This one really stands out and is different from the other tracks. Also, it isn't all about lost love. 10/10
3. Where are you now- Good song. Not as good as some of Ian Van Dahl's other singles, but still good. 9/10
4. Crying- This is probably my favorite song on the CD. Although the song is a little long at 5 and a half minutes, it's still a great song. Very catchy. 10/10
5. Crazy- This song should have been a single. Although it's kind of commercial sounding, it has a good beat, and Annemie's voice sounds AMAZING on this song. 9/10
6. My Own- A great song. Although it is long, the way the layers build onto each other is great. Repetitive, but still a great track. 9/10
7. Waiting for You- An amazing ballad. listening to it almost makes me cry sometimes. 9/10
8. Do You Feel the Same- This track has a slightly different sound to it, but the difference makes it a great song. 8.5/10
9. Come to Me- At first it's kind of annoying, but then it gets stuck in your head. It has a simple melody, but that's not a bad thing in this case. 7/10
10. Time to Go- Probably one of the best tracks on Lost & Found. Time to Go is my favorite after Crying. This song shows what real trance is about. 10/10
11. Rollercoaster- A great instrumental track. Has a kind of creepy sound to it, but still fun to listen to. 8/10
12. Without You- Okay track, but it doesn't really stand out. Not amazing, but still good. 7/10
13. Believe- LOVE this song. it's quite catchy and inspiring. 10/10
14. Walking Away- A little better than just okay. 7.5/10
15. To Fall in Love- This melody has a dark, haunting sound to it, but I still like it. THis is one of those songs you have to be in the mood for or else you won't like it. 8/10
16. State of Mind- AMAZING SONG!!! It's kkind of different, but I love the difference. It is unique, yet not weird. 10/10
This CD is definitely worth buying. Even if you don't completely LOVE it at first, listen to some of the tracks again, and you will realize how great the songs realy are. Hope this review was helpful to you :)
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The Lost & Found
Rasputina Manufacturer: Instinct Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
Goth
| Goth & Industrial
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Dance & DJ
| Styles
| Music
General
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Pop Rock
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Goth
| Goth & Industrial
| Alternative Rock
| Indie Music
| Stores
| Music
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ASIN: B00007JGP7 Release Date: 2003-01-21 |
Tracks:
- Bad Moon Rising
- Wish You Were Here
- Tourniquet
- Fire And Ice
- This Little Piggy
- All Tomorrow's Parties
- Rock And Roll
Album Description
The natural result of your fave cello-rock trio meeting up in a dark alley with Page, Plant, Fogerty, Waters, Gilmour, Benatar, Manson, Reed and Cale! Instinct. 2003.Customer Reviews:
Okay, but not Melora's greatest.......2007-05-21
Victorian Rock & Roll?.......2004-09-06
Lost with time but found and reclaimed.......2004-07-09
Rasputina is definitely an acquired taste but if you never cared for them in the past you just might be surprised with this one. And if you've always liked them than rest assured; this will not disappoint. I do, however, wonder... Where can I find the 1st Edition?
fun collection of covers.......2004-06-14
Any cover has the potential to go horribly wrong, particularly when done on classical instruments, but Rasputina usually manages to pull them off nicely.
They're particularly effective on the slower and more soulful songs, such as "Wish You Were Here" and "Bad Moon Rising", which Melora claims is her "favorite song about the weather", and is done in a slower, more melancholy fashion than the original. I think it's a very pleasant reworking, and I even prefer it to the original (but I am, admittedly, not a huge CCR fan). My favorite song on the EP is probably Tourniquet, which is a very effective reworking. It uses drum programming to capture some of the industrial flavor of the original, but without any sense of aggression.
The big rock songs are a lot of fun and come off fairly well, I think. They have a certain wry sense of humor and if you can appreciate that, then you're sure to like them.
Three Little Piggies is cute at first, but can wear a little thin on repeat listens.
As with any covers, if you hold the originals in near sacred regard, then you probably won't enjoy this little album very much. But if you like quirky reworkings and enjoy a good cello rock song, then give it a shot. It's not the best starting point, if you're a new fan, but if you're an established fan of Rasputina, then it is definitely worth picking up.
Now, if only they'd record their cover of the Pretenders' "I Go To Sleep"...
A must buy if you "get" Rasputina..........2004-06-10
To the Rasputina neophyte: DO NOT START HERE! Listen to the albums first, then if you decide you're a fan, then and only then, buy this.
To be fair, I don't regret buying this one bit. I giggled non-stop throughout it the first time through, and you haven't lived 'till you've heard Rasputina cover a Floyd or Zeppelin tune. There's just something deliciously subversive about it.
Highly recommended to Rasputina or Richard Cheese fans.
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Lost and Found
Will Smith Manufacturer: Interscope Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| R&B
| Styles
| Music
General
| Soul
| R&B
| Styles
| Music
East Coast
| Rap & Hip-Hop
| Styles
| Music
General
| Rap & Hip-Hop
| Styles
| Music
Pop Rap
| Rap & Hip-Hop
| Styles
| Music
Similar Items:
ASIN: B0007QS4IC Release Date: 2005-03-29 |
Tracks:
- Here He Comes
- Party Starter
- Switch
- Mr. Niceguy
- Ms. Holy Roller
- Lost & Found
- Tell Me Why
- I Wish I Made That/Swagga
- Pump Ya Brakes
- If U Can't Dance (Slide)
- Could U Love Me
- Loretta
- Wave Em Off
- Scary Story
- Switch (R&B Remix)
- Bonus Track 1
Customer Reviews:
Lost and Found..........2007-02-03
Benefit Of The Doubt (Rating: 7 out of 10).......2006-10-31
This album, he becomes more serious than any of his latest albums I've heard. He gets real emotional on the song "Tell Me Why" as he asks questions why so many things are going on in life. "Lost & Found" is a good track for his standards too. There are a lot of tracks that he explains whats on his mind and within his heart, something that I never heard before. Although "Loretta" is a sad/emotional story about a fan of Will that chased him down (I hope it isn't true either, because I feel sad for her). For Will, that song does work for him though. Most of the songs are for party atmosphere like, such as "Pump Ya Breaks". "Mr. Nice Guy" he does a take-it-easy type diss to Eminem and Wendy Williams (don't expect any line to be rememberable though). "Switch" is a cool song too that I'm feeling. Actually there are a lot of songs that have a nice beat that made my head nod on this album.
There are problems with this album though. "Swagga" really goes no where at all and I believe it makes no sense. "If You Can't Dance" is somewhat forgettable on some levels about rules on how to dance. "Wave 'Em Off" is not good at all. And I'm not feeling the two remixes of "Switch" on any level...well the R&B version is okay so that will be my "honorable menton track".
Trufully, this is one of Will better solo albums he's came out with. Of course movies is where he makes his cash now. Comming back to make an album like this, I'll give him a lot of credit for, giving this album a 7 out of 10 (3.5 stars) for that alone. Most of these albums are for party type for older people, and I have no problem with that. I recommend that you give this album a try before judging it. Will has came a long way in his career, and where he's at right now, I believe that he is always welcomed to come back and drop another album whenever he wants to.
Lyrics: C
Production: B
Guest Appearances: B
Musical Vibes: B
Overall: B
Favorite Tracks: Switch, Mr. Nice Guy, Lost & Found, Tell Me Why, Pump Ya Breaks, Loretta,
Honorable Mention Track: Switch (R&B Version)
Peace!
Awsome Album for TRUE rap fans.......2006-09-11
I was about to give up on mainstream hip hop. It was getting dull and repetitive. Every track was basically a knock off of the one that came before it. I had retreated into my dungeon of underground records when someone bought me Hitch. The movie came with a Lost and Found concert. I popped it in figuring...Hell, it's free and I was pleasantly surprised.
To tell you the truth Switch is the worst track on this disc. If you are fed up with mainstream hip hop then you'll fall in love with Lost & Found it's basically a song that lists everything that is wrong with mainstream hip hop today. Tell Me Why is a very strong track that starts off with Will's reaction to the events of 9/11 and then goes onto question the problems of society. Ms. Holy Roller is another powerful track about those Christian Nazi's that condemn you to hell for your actions even though you've been down with the G-O-D forever. I Wish I Made That is another great song about the evils of mainstream hip hop and also digs into the topic that you have to be "gangsta" these days to move records...and Slide is just a very entertaining track about people who can't dance. There are other songs but they aren't really worth reviewing.
All in all I highly recommend this album to any TRUE rap fan.
1 1/2 stars - Sorry, I tried to like it but..........2006-09-09
In rap, there are two types of Will Smith fans. The type who loves his raps because they are clean and the type who will buy his albums to support him in the face of the hardcore fans who diss him. I, however, have been listening to Smith forever and feel that he was a better rapper when he was The Fresh Prince. In fact, "Summertime" is the best song he ever made. I still bought all of Will Smith's albums and this one, Lost and Found (his first one for Interscope), has got to be his worst. This is not your typical Will Smith-bashing review so hear me out.
A common theme in Will Smith's records is "girl, get on the dance floor", and it doesn't stop on this album (see "Switch" and "Party Starter", which isn't one). There is another common theme, as well: while Will Smith and Eminem remain enemies of some sort, there is one thing they share - THEIR CONSTANT TALKING ABOUT THEIR WIFE AND KIDS. If I hear one more rap about Jada, his kids or his successful movie career for that matter, I'm gonna scream. But the main problem is Will's flow. His delivery is stilted and his rhymes are inconsistent. Once I start to feel his flow, like in "If U Can't Dance (Slide)", he throws in a cornball lyric. Also, it's embarrassing to see the spotlight get taken by Snoop Dogg: lyrically, he too has seen better days but he still outshines Smith in "Pump Ya Brakes". And Smith himself sounds bitter on "I Wish I Made That".
The only decent (read: not as wack) songs are "Ms. Holy Roller" and the introspective "Tell Me Why" with Mary J. Blige. For the next album, Will should go in the studio and craft an album from his heart and not just to appease other rappers and critics, which is what I feel he's done here. Yes, with this album, Will Smith shows that he will always be the Fresh Prince...of acting. -EJR
Where there is a Will there is a way!.......2006-07-24
Love Always
-Will Lover
Rock Music:
- Loud Rocks [Import]
- Low Life [CD-single] [Import]
- Lycka [Import]
- Matthew
- Maybe It's Me [Import]
- Michael Krahn - The Weight of Glory
- Mocking Bird [Import]
- New World Relampagos
- Note on the Door [Import]
- Octoberon [Import]
