Tales of Power

About the Artist
Hailing from Pennsylvania, the band played and recorded from 1973 to 1980. This CD is the bands first official release, never having released any material in the 70's due to commercial music overshadowing art.

Product Description
The last official Shroom Productions CD release and it's an instant classic. Like Hands, this band managed to exist in America playing progressive rock, totally original music, and go completely unnoticed during their career. Since they started 30 years ago we thought that maybe now would be a good time to release the band's lost recordings, many of you agree! Complex, dynamic, well constructed and expertly performed music in an early Genesis meets Camel sort of style but definetly quite original.

Tales of Power,Arabesque,Shroom Productions

Average customer rating: Their best so far; a good choice for Dandy's newbies One hit wonder? Buy this album now! This Album Is Incredible I don't smoke...but I just may need a cigarette

Thirteen Tales From Urban Bohemia The Dandy Warhols Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Power Pop | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Welcome To The Monkey House The Dandy Warhols Come Down Tepid Peppermint Wonderland: A Retrospective Odditorium or Warlords of Mars Take It from the Man! ASIN: B00004TA8K Release Date: 2000-08-01

Tracks:

1. Godless
2. Mohammed
3. Nietzsche
4. Country Leaver
5. Solid
6. Horse Pills
7. Get Off
8. Sleep
9. Cool Scene
10. Bohemian Like You
11. Shakin'
12. Big Indian
13. The Gospel

Amazon.com's Best of 2000

"I wear my influences like a f***ing badge," proclaims lead singer-songwriter Courtney Taylor regarding Thirteen Tales from Urban Bohemia. But while the Dandy Warhols liberally steal Rolling Stones riffs, Iggy Pop vocals, Britpop sonic surfing, and even Burt Bacharach horn sections, they give it back in spades, delivering one of the best rock albums of 2000: a masterpiece of sex, beauty, strife, and wry, raunchy-cool attitude. --Beth Massa

Amazon.com

The long hiatus that led to the Dandy Warhols' masterful third album, Thirteen Tales from Urban Bohemia, promoted leaps-and-bounds growth in this already excellent band's music. Layers, layers, and more layers of guitars coexist here with trippy soundscapes, doot-doo-doo choruses, and even an eyebrow-cocked nod to hip-hop ("Yo, bitch," frontman Courtney Taylor mutters, sounding like Lou Reed reading an Ice Cube lyric sheet). By turns galloping, propulsive, hushed, and majestic, this is music that openly steals--from the Stones, Kinks, and Cars, among others--while fusing its sources into a unique whole of its own. Taylor lives up to the wide-screen promise of the disc's title, offering a series of what Game Theory once called "pointed accounts of people you know." The characters here brag about how they "got a beautiful new Asian girlfriend" ("Solid"), live the bicoastal high life in "itsy-bitsy teeny-weeny ridin'-up-your-butt bikini[s]" ("Horse Pills"), seek reassurance that an affair is "just a casual, casual, easy thing" ("Bohemian Like You"), and offer advice in the middle of a breakup argument: "Hey, man, turn that shit off." Seedily glamorous and replete with the best vocal asides since Jarvis Cocker let it bleed all over Pulp's Different Class, Thirteen Tales will convince you that rock is alive--and that you should still care. --Rickey Wright

Amazon.com

Dandy Warhols Photos

More from Dandy Warhols

The Dandy Warhols Come Down

Odditorium or Warlords of Mars

Welcome to the Monkey House

Album Details

Third Album, the follow up to 1998's 'Come Down', which produced two singles: 'Everyday Should Be a Holiday'& 'Not If You Were the Last Junkie on Earth'. This new album adds further depth to the band's sound. It's the most complete D.W. record to date.

Customer Reviews:

Their best so far; a good choice for Dandy's newbies.......2007-07-11

I think this is the best Dandy Warhols album so far, and I like the band a lot. "13 Tales" is much more solid than the previous "Come Down" and consistently better songwriting. If you don't know their music, this album is a tasty starting point.

It is a rockin' album, but it is very dynamic - from quieter and melodic tunes to 'balls to the wall' blasts of fuzz and distortion intended to annoy neighbors. Song-writing varies from fairly simple and repetitive (Nietzche) to clever songs with hooks, complex chord structure, and intricate harmonies. At times dissonant, at others sweetly harmonious, and sometimes a bit of both. Harsh fuzz guitar sounds are mixed with clear, ringing acoustic guitars.

The album's sound is basic alt-rock, but draws from a variety of classic bands (Stones, Iggy Pop, Velvet Underground and others). They add a unique sound, sensibility, and tongue-in-cheek attitude that makes it refreshingly their own. There even hip-hop beats on one track. Some tracks are deliberately dissonant, others with sweet harmonies. It is the musical variety here that makes this one fun to listen to from top to bottom, meriting many listens without getting old or sounding the same.

What makes this album great is the wide range of sounds and styles, and the fact that there's not a bad track on it. The songs are seg'ed together to give a nonstop music experience, great for listening to the whole album. The seg transitions make for disruptive transitions on mix tapes, unless you do some editing.. When you play the entire album on most mp3 or computer music players, there is a brief gap in the transition as the player switches from one to the next track, unless you have gapless playback capabilities (like foobar2000, or are playing directly from the CD). For that reason I ripped the mp3s both separately and altogether as one track.

Tracks:

The first three tracks ("Godless", "Mohammed, "Nietche") are a powerful opening, starting slow and gaining strengthy until finally bursting out all over with "Nietchzhe"... a splendid trio. "Country Traveller" comes next. It's a great country-ish song on its own, but in terms of the mood it's an about face from where they took us with the first three.

The most obvious pop singles are "Bohemian Like You" (which got some airplay) and "Get Off" (which I have not heard on the radio). "Solid" and "Horse Pills" are hilarious snarky tunes that would be more at home on college radio.

The closing track, "The Gospel", is my least favorite, because it is slow and somber, and because it marks the end of a great album. But overall, there isn't a bad track on the album, though of course some are stronger than others.

There are various CD singles you can get from Amazon delears featuring tracks from this album. The title cuts on the singles are identical to the album tracks, so it is the alternative versions that are the reason to buy them. "Godless (mix)," from the "Horse Pills" single, reworks the song considerably. I like the result a lot - not better than the original, but as much as I like the song it's fun to hear a reimagined version.

I would give the album 4 1/2 stars if it were available. I usually reserve 5 stars for one of the best albums of all time. Objectively, I don't think that it is, because the quality varies; subjectively, it is certainly one of my essential favorite albums.... so 5 stars here.

One hit wonder?.......2007-05-07

This band is known to be a one hit wonder in Europe. Since one of it's most well known hit, A Bohemian Like You, has been used for a commercial (Vodafone, around the year 2000). Unfair, because this band has more to offer than just that.

If a equasion should be made, I would say it is a mixture of The Stones, Iggy Pop and Lou Reed. Loungy when it comes to numbers like "sleep" and energatic when it comes to songs like "Solid". A CD you can listen to when driving the country. Singing along with "a Bohemian Like You" and leaving the gas closed when listening to things like "Nietzsche".

I, for one, am very hapy to have obtained this cd. It will be one of those which is at the front row in my collection!

Buy this album now!.......2007-04-19

Just to add a few words to echo most of the other reviews. Yes, there are a couple of weaker songs, so really it's not a perfect five stars, but it's close. As a whole, the album plays well and seems to be a rarity these days: an album that evokes a mood and makes sure all of its songs follow it. Most albums out there are a collection of songs thrown together. This group knows how to write listenable music. You won't be disappointed.

This Album Is Incredible.......2007-03-04

I'll keep it short: If you need an album to strut around town feeling cooler than everyone else while listening, this is the one to do it with.

However, if the Dandys are going to do country, they really need to keep it off the front-porch hoedown vibe (Country Leaver), and keep it more on a "wearily crawling the dusty trail home after seeing some spirit visions" mentality (The Gospel). The latter is done really well, while the former is done poorly at best.

Country Leaver is really the only downside to this record, but do not let that dissuade you from getting one of the best indie rock records ever made.

I don't smoke...but I just may need a cigarette.......2007-02-27

The Dandy Warhols take a lot of guff for being posed, insincere, and party-addled. The irony is thick enough to use as a construction material: it is in fact this appearance of pose that IS the pose. Ultimately, the joke is not on the listener, though, as the post-Velvets/post-13th Floor Elevators confections that they (regularly) drop with such casual nonchalance betray a workmanship and a sensitivity to songwriting that tips its hand. This is not a band of party-hardy dilettantes, but an informed and eclectic group of talented musicians who probably have stupefyingly impressive record collections. They (wisely) steer clear of change-the-world soapboxing and churn out anthem after anthem -- and "13 Tales" is their magnum opus (so far).

There are weaker tracks, where the pose is overplayed, like "Horse Pills" or "Solid." But on the whole, "13 Tales" carefully balances bombast with craft in such a seductive way that lyrical foibles are quickly forgiven and the cohesive, anthemic whole -- thick with winking guitar and snaky organ riffs -- becomes as satisfying as morning sex.

Average customer rating: THIS ALBUM IS BETTER THAN ANYTHING. Those "weird dreams" you've been having are telling you to buy this classic Great Album!! Blind Guardian embraces the power metal sound Here's some awesome power metal!

Tales from the Twilight World Blind Guardian Manufacturer: Century Media ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Progressive | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Imaginations From the Other Side Somewhere Far Beyond Follow the Blind Batallions of Fear A Night at the Opera ASIN: B00000IP3V Release Date: 1999-05-11

Tracks:

1. Traveler In Time
2. Welcome To Dying
3. Weird Dreams
4. Lord Of The Rings
5. Goodbye My Friend
6. Lost In The Twilight Hall
7. Tommyknockers
8. Altair 4
9. The Last Candle
10. Run For The Night (Live)

Album Description

Reissue of the German dark metal quartet's third album, originally released on Virgin Records in 1990. Kai Hansen of Helloween, Gamma Ray & Iron Saviour) guests on vocals, lead guitar & backing vocals. Also features the original cover art & all 10 of the cuts that first appeared on the recording. 1999 release.

Customer Reviews:

THIS ALBUM IS BETTER THAN ANYTHING........2007-06-15

this is the first great Blind Guardian album, and despite its differences to their latest, _Twist in the Myth_, there is a "unity in differences" that has set the rails upon which this band has ridden. Here, where the band at first sounds immature, within a deflated creative dimension of its musical ideas. Yet there is a sublime craftsmanship beneath the surface that distinguishes them from the rabble of power metal. Below its ostensibly unpolished exterior, _Tales from the Twilight World_ exhudes not only intelligence, style, and proficiency, but the higher artistic virtues of character, and the happy rashness of imagination. They have everything going for them. Not to mention that Hansi's voice is still the awesome presence it always is. Hansi's screaming power metal voice is better than anything. The songs are brilliant. "Traveller in Time" and "Welcome to Dying" make two killer opening cuts. "Lord of the Rings", while elevated to sheer magic on the later acoustic/orchestral version (see _Forgotten Tales_), is a charming ballad with the embryo of their future medieval-esque, textural constructions. "Goodbye My Friend" is among their very best, with super-heavy, blazing and grinding guitars and one of hansi's most unforgettable vocal performances. "Lost in the Twilight Hall" is killer and Kai Hansen's guest vocals are hilarious. "Tommyknockers" is actually pretty sweet also but you can't help but chuckle at the chorus. Then best of all is "The Last Candle" -- incredible intro, incredible guitars and vocals, and one of the most perfect demonstrations of Blind Guardian's mastery of songcraft, emotional inflection, and sheer kcikazzery. as always (except on NIME), their closing songs top everything. BLIND GUARDIAN IS THE BEST BAND EVA

Those "weird dreams" you've been having are telling you to buy this classic.......2007-06-07

If you've never really heard much from Blind Guardian (like me before I bought "Tales from the Twilight World"), but you think you know exactly what kind of music that they make just by your research and related bands' music, then your thinking is most likely completely wrong. Blind Guardian is a band that you really have to hear firsthand to grasp what they're all about. If you think that all they compose is power metal (BG's most connected genre), then you're only partially correct. And if you think that they are all speed metal or thrash, then again, only part of that reasoning is true. The band, in fact, combines elements of thrash, lightning FAST thrash... you know, the kind with scorching solos, double-bass drumming, and the like, power metal (mystical lyrics, anthem chorus, soaring vocals), epic metal, and everything in between. Their distinctiveness, their uniqueness lies not in what type of music they play, but the way that they combine different varieties of metal to merge as one.

Their singer, Hansi Kursch, is a big part of that diversity. He's got that thrash vocal presence (menacing & ominous verbal presentation, high-pitched screams, etc.), but can also share his lyrics in a sometimes tranquil or soothing manner. However, while his forte might be that thrash or a "power metal" type voice, his talent can easily spread to several different genres. What I'm trying to say is that he's completely unique, varied, and has loads of genuine personality (which means he doesn't rip-off any other singer); the man is truly a remarkable singer. The guitarists also have tons of variety. They can distribute thrash-like riffs and blazing solos (such as on "Welcome to Dying"), but they have melodic tendencies too, which can be seen on "Lord Of The Rings". The drummer has to be insane or have A.D.D or something, because his job is to keep up with those blistering guitar pieces, doing blast beats, double-bass techniques, plenty of tom-rolls, and he never skips a beat. In short, the musicianship is phenomenal, very diverse and unique, that WILL amaze you and leave you awestruck.

The songs on "Tales" are well-ranged and diverse as well. The album was very well-produced (or very well-remastered), but it still retains that raw feel (evocative of mid-eighties thrash). "Weird Dreams", for example, is a short instrumental full of sweet riffs, various time-changes, and classic solos. "Traveler in Time", "Welcome to Dying", "Lost in the Twilight Hall", and "Goodbye My Friend" are certified rockers that have no short supply of bittersweet metal. All four contain anthem-like chorus', insane guitar work, and incredible drumming. One of my personal favorites, "Lord of the Rings", is a shorter, three-minute piece that is very emotional and powerful. The vocals are so heartfelt and very talented, and the acoustic guitars weave among themselves ever so intricately. The lyrics are also special, and if you're a LOTR fan, you should be able to relate. "Altair 4" and "Tommyknockers" are the weakest off the album, but still add a lot to the C.D. "Altair 4" is short, but it's pretty diverse. The intro is unusual, but when it gets going, there's some well-done vocals and great guitar slices. "Tommyknockers" is another rocker that isn't bad at all, but it's not the best. While the lyrics may seem over-done, the song's actually about a Stephen King book, which is sweet. The closing song "The Last Candle" is thrash metal personified, complete with double-bass setting the tempo and crunchy riffage. That chorus is just so catchy and Hansi really hits those high notes perfectly. Quite an amazing closure to this '90's classic!

I strongly urge all of you to get into this band. I've heard that Hansi's voice is an acquired taste, but I can't picture any fan of fast-paced metal tunes, that contain soaring vocals full of passion and power, hating this band. If you like 80's thrash, epic power metal, or all-around medieval-esque themes, then you'll be in heaven with these guys, believe me. Also, I haven't heard much of BG's other stuff, but to my knowledge "Tales from the Twilight World" seems like a great starting point, because it's their third studio album, therefore they've "been around the block" so to speak, but it's also classic enough to be enjoyed by purists. Just think of Metallica's "Master of Puppets" or Slayer's "Reign in Blood", (no it's not as good, but like those two, it's BG's 3rd studio album). In conclusion, "Tales from the Twilight World" flat-out rules, and if you like power metal, thrash, and innovative metal genius', then really you must buy this album!

p.s. Also check out Demons & Wizards. Hansi from this band teams up with Iced Earth's Jon Shaffer and together they make unbelievable music.

Great Album!!.......2007-01-09

These is one of the Blind Guardian's master pieces. I also recommend the Imaginations From The Other Side and Nightfall In Middle Earth albums.

Blind Guardian embraces the power metal sound.......2006-07-26

While 1990's Tales from the Twilight World is perhaps not as impressive as later Blind Guardian releases, it is noteworthy in that it is the first album where the band totally embraces a power metal sound. Blind Guardians previous albums (Battalions of Fear and Follow the Blind) may have embraced the fantasy themes that are power metal standards, but the music itself was firmly in the thrash/speed metal style.

Tales from the Twilight World is still undeniably fast, but it is a power metal album from start to finish. The lyrical content is still very much in the sci-fi/fantasy realm. The overall songwriting has improved to become more melodic and incorporate more intricate song structures (and some amazing guitar solos). Basically, the Blind Guardian sound we're all familiar with was born here. Songs like Welcome to Dying and Lord of the Rings are fantastic power metal tracks, and are still considered among the band's best material.

Gamma Ray's Kai Hansen makes another guest appearance on this album, further establishing Blind Guardian's credentials as a major German power metal band.

Overall, the album is not as memorable as Imaginations from the Other Side or Nightfall in Middle Earth (then again, what is?), but it is an important milestone in Blind Guardian's career, and is worth checking out if you're a Blind Guardian fan.

Here's some awesome power metal!.......2006-06-24

Along with Kreator, Blind Guardian are my favorite German band ever! They're one of the most underrated metal bands of all time and they should get more attention. Vocalist/bassist Hansi Kursh is an amazing singer and sounds a lot like the great Bruce Dickinson! The guitars are the real strong point of this band with epic solos and great duel play with Marcus Siepen and Andre Olbrich. The production quality isn't great but is quickly overlooked by the amount of talent this German group has! If you want an awesome album that isn't played like hell on MTV, then take a look at this one!

Average customer rating: Killer Collection of Blind Guardian Rarities if only for one song, everyone should have this. Very good, but very overlooked and ignored. UNFORTUNATELY PROPHETIC Soft and satisfying!!!

The Forgotten Tales Blind Guardian Manufacturer: Century Media ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Follow the Blind Batallions of Fear Tales from the Twilight World Imaginations From the Other Side Somewhere Far Beyond ASIN: B0006Z3DEO Release Date: 2005-02-08

Tracks:

1. Mr. Sandman
2. Surfin' USA
3. Bright Eyes
4. Lord Of The Rings
5. The Wizard
6. Spread Your Wings
7. Mordred's Song
8. Black Chamber
9. The Barb's Song (Live)
10. Barbara Ann / Long Tall Sally
11. A Past and Future Secret
12. To France
13. Theatre of Pain

Customer Reviews:

Killer Collection of Blind Guardian Rarities.......2006-10-03

Originally released in 1998 (and re-released in 2005), the Forgotten Tales is one of my absolute favorite Blind Guardian albums, even though it's not one of their proper studio albums. The Forgotten Tales is basically a compilation of the various cover songs the band has performed as well as some alternate versions of some (at the time) recent Blind Guardian songs. The various demo/acoustic/live/instrumental versions are cool enough - and the live version of the Bard's Song is pretty spectacular - but I love this album because of the cover songs.

If there's one thing that Blind Guardian does better than any other band, it's their ability to record the most diverse (yet always powerful) covers. Well, that and the whole epic power metal thing that they do that no other band will ever touch even in their wildest dreams, but you get the general idea. From oldies like Mr. Sandman, Surfin' USA and Barbara Ann, to classic rock tracks like the Wizard (Uriah Heep) and Spread Your Wings (Queen), Blind Guardian always delivers unique cover songs. Some are obviously done just for laughs (you have to chuckle at a speed metal version of Mr. Sandman), and others, like the Uriah Heep and Queen songs are done to pay tribute to bands that had a profound influence on the band's sound. Whatever the reason, I've yet to hear a less than great cover song from this band, and it's particularly nice to have so many collected in one place.

My only gripe about this disc is that it doesn't capture all of the band's cover songs. It is missing the band's version of Don't Break the Circle (Demon). Their breathtaking covers of Judas Priest's Beyond the Realms of Death and Dio's Don't Talk to Strangers are also absent. I know they were released after the Forgotten Tales, but they would have made great bonus tracks on the 2005 reissue.

Omissions aside, the Forgotten Tales is a fantastic collection of unique material from the best power metal band on the planet. I wouldn't recommend it to new Blind Guardian fans right away, but once you have a handful of the band's great studio albums, you owe it to yourself to check this compilation out.

NOTE: There is a version of this album with a 14th song - a live version of Lord of the Rings - added as a bonus track.

if only for one song, everyone should have this........2006-08-18

first of all, Blind Guardian does really bad cover songs. so just skip all of those. You want to get this album for the wonderful variations of Blind Guardian originals. And for that, EVERYONE NEEDS THIS ALBUM. "Lord of the Rings", acoustic/orchestral version, is the greatest single nugget of song perfection ever. incredible vocals, a chorus that will break your soul into pieces, and masterful arrangements (some of the instruments are out-of-tune -- i think it was self-produced, but either way it add HUGE character to the sound). oh whatever, you don't even have to get this album -- just hear this disc's version of "Lord of the Rings" at all costs! sell your soul if you have to. i will buy it. I HAVE NEVER HEARD A BETTER SONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! who would have thought a song about magic rings, dwarves, elves, and evil dark lords would be the greatest thing ever.

Very good, but very overlooked and ignored........2006-02-01

Very good CD, but a very ignored CD.

I would say that this is a CD to start off with when listening to Blind_GuardiaN.

This has all their slow stuff, and a lot of their Medievialish style of music as well.

Although, they did put 2 Brutal Power Metal versions of the 50's songs "Mr. Sandman" and "Surfin' USA". (Headbanging to 1950's songs).

"The Wizard" almost reminds me of Zeppelin acoustic song.

"To France" is a great slow song as well, very catchy song actually.

There are also some rare acoustic versions of some classic Blind_GuardiaN songs on here as well. Acoustic version of "Bright Eyes" and acoustic version of "Mordred's Song" are awesome sounding. (I actually like the acoustic versions a whole lot better of these 2 songs than I ever did of the original versions).

UNFORTUNATELY PROPHETIC.......2006-01-27

The title of this album by the German band Blind Guardian is, as you see, "The Forgotten Tales". Sadly, it appears that this album has indeed been forgotten by many music-listeners out there. But that doesn't mean that this album is all bad. Although there is no original material here I prefer some of these versions compared to the originals on previous albums. Out of 13 total tracks I only really (but sometimes REALLY) liked 4 of them, hence my rating of 2.5 stars.

MR. SANDMAN: A song with an identity crisis. Starts off as a tame but mostly faithful version of the original by the Chordettes but then halfway through it the guitars go a bit overboard and everything just gets loud. Don't get me wrong, I love hard and heavy music, but why do it to a song that is meant to be soft and dreamy-sounding?

SURFIN' U.S.A: Yet again, another lyrically faithful version of the original by the Beach Boys, except that there is one part where the guitars go a bit overboard but not as bad as on the previous track. Still, there is no reason why I would recommend this version over the Beach Boys.

BRIGHT EYES: An acoustic version. Three other versions exist: One each on the albums "Imaginations From the Other Side", "Mr. Sandman", and "Live 2003". For me though, this song was neither good nor bad, just "blah".

LORD OF THE RINGS: This is it! My favorite track and in my opinion THE BEST Lord of the Rings-related song out there. This song is just chock-full of magic, excellent vocals (great chorus!). There is no way you can listen to this song and not feel uplifted. As a sidenote, this song first appeared in their album "Tales from the Twilight World" yet I always seem to bump into this version (maybe this is the better of the two since it's orchestrated).

THE WIZARD: An OUTSTANDING Blind Guardian version of a song originally by Uriah Heep. I actually like the Blind Guardian version better! Very upbeat and the whole band comes across as being very comfortable with this song--after all, it's about a WIZARD and that is totally up Blind Guardian's alley.

SPREAD YOUR WINGS: Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Queen did the original of this song. I haven't heard the original so I'm unable to say how it compares, but after a listen or two it's just another "blah" track for me.

MORDRED'S SONG: An acoustic version. The original Mordred's Song is found on their album "Imaginations From the Other Side". Good piano work.

BLACK CHAMBER: An orchestral version. Originally comes from their album "Somewhere Far Beyond". At scarcely over a minute in length this song doesn't have much opportunity to impress.

THE BARD'S SONG (IN THE FOREST): A live version of one of Blind Guardians more successful, sing-along-friendly songs. Just listen to how crazy the Germans go over it at the beginning! Hell, Hansi scarcely sings in this one, the crowd sings half of it! A really good fantasy ballad that will transport you back to the age of Hobbits and wizards. The original was on the album "Somewhere Far Beyond".

BARBARA ANN / LONG TALL SALLY: Yup, you're reading that right. For this track they sing Barbara Ann for about a minute and then it seamlessly turns into Long Tall Sally. Both are pretty peppy but for me Little Richard's version of Long Tall Sally will always be the best from having heard it in the movie "Predator".

A PAST AND FUTURE SECRET: I just love the medieval sound to this song. The title of the song provokes one to think of T.H. White's "The Once and Future King" and King Arthur. Check out "Imaginations From the Other Side" if you want to hear the original of this. This version is very good and a welcome addition to this album.

TO FRANCE: Not one of the songs I like. Nevermind the subject matter, I just don't think it's a great song to begin with. Originally done by Mike Oldfield.

THEATRE OF PAIN: A purely orchestral piece. No vocals whatsoever. Unfortunately I found the title of the song and the music itself rather poorly suited to each other. Nothing about this song makes me think about a supposed "Theatre of Pain." And why you would want to listen to this song AGAIN is beyond me--there were already two different versions of it on "Somewhere Far Beyond".

Soft and satisfying!!!.......2005-07-10

Although this album has gotten bad reviews in the past, I found it to be awesome!!! Some of the songs aren't as satisfying as their original versions, their still awesome. The covers aren't the best, but still pretty cool.

I highly reccomend this CD to anyone who likes ballads.

Average customer rating: An excellent live offering! BLIND GUARDIAN LIVE! FANTASTIC LIVE ALBUM

Tokyo Tales Blind Guardian Manufacturer: EMI Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Hard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Live The Forgotten Tales Tales from the Twilight World Follow the Blind Imaginations From the Other Side ASIN: B000005RT2 Release Date: 1993-12-21

Tracks:

1. Inquisition
2. Banish From Sanctuary
3. Journey Through The Dark
4. Traveler In Time
5. The Quest For Tanelorn
6. Goodbye My Friend
7. Time What Is Time
8. Majesty
9. Valhalla
10. Welcome To Dying
11. Lost In The Twilight Hall
12. Barbara Ann

Album Description

Recorded live in Tokyo on December 4th & 6th, 1992, this is the German metal quartet performing 11 of their best originals, including 'Banish From Sanctuary', 'Welcome To Dying' & 'Valhalla', plus a cover of 'Barbara Ann'. 12 tracks total. 1993 release on Virgin.

Customer Reviews:

An excellent live offering!.......2006-12-02

I've wanted to purchase this album for a while but never seemed to get around to it but now that I have I'm glad I did. The songs on the album are well performed and the crowd is really into the music and you really get that 'live' feel which is cool. My only complaint is that Somewhere far beyond is not on the album. It is one of my all time favorite Blind Guardian songs, at least during this particular time period. Barbara Ann was a little odd as well. I actually think that is why I held off on buying it. But other than that the album is quite good. An excellent addition to a true Blind Guardian fan's collection.

BLIND GUARDIAN LIVE!.......2003-02-14

Awesome live album. 12 great songs mostly from Tales From The Twilight World and Somewhere Far Beyond. Blind Guardian are a great live band and this is a perfect example of it. For Blind Guardian fans this album is a must buy.

FANTASTIC LIVE ALBUM.......2000-02-25

Blind Guardians top live production.(There is also an unreleased in Frankfurt) but Tokyo tales with now doubt is one of their best albums.Fantastic tokyo fans create a great atmosphere for the Band to performe a masterpiece live show....great job Blind Guardian

Average customer rating: Awesome Best Sousa recording out there Mid-Line Sousa Quality

Sousa, Vol. 4 Manufacturer: Altissimo Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Sousa | Sousa, John Philip | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Sousa 3 Sousa Original II / United States Marine Band Sousa Original / United States Marine Band Fennell Conducts Sousa Sousa: Marches; Band of HR Royal Marines; Lt. Col. G.A.C. Hoskins ASIN: B00005TQ7F Release Date: 2001-10-16

Tracks:

1. Century Of Progress
2. Atlantic City Pageant
3. Free Lance
4. Glory of The Yankee Navy
5. March Of The Mitten Men
6. Minnesota March
7. Northern Pines
8. Our Flirtations
9. Pride Of The Wolverines
10. Solid Men To The Front
11. White Rose
12. Bullets And Bayonets
13. In The Land Of The Golden Fleece
14. Pathfinder Of Panama
15. Liberty Loan
16. Peaches And Cream
17. National Fencibles

Album Description

Sousa 4 is the fourth in a series of Altissimo! releases from The US Marine Band featuring the music of John Philip Sousa. The selections on this album, with the exception of "National Fencibles", were recorded live in 1999 and 2000 while the band was on tour. The historic "National Fencibles" recording was completed in 1890 using the acoustic cylinders invented by Thomas Edison.

Customer Reviews:

Awesome.......2007-03-31

I originally purchased this CD for the track "White Rose March" because I absolutely love that song, but couldn't find it anywhere else. However, when I received the CD and began listening to it, I discovered a bunch of new Sousa songs that are awesome! I recommend this for any Sousa fan, but not if you're just getting into his music, because it doesn't have this most famous tunes (or greatest hits, if you will)--it contains more of the underplayed ones (like White Rose!) But definitely a good buy!

Best Sousa recording out there.......2005-09-10

This CD is not mid-range quality but the best buy out there. The performances are excellent and the recording quality very good; the band playing to a very appreciative audience.

I've many CDs of Sousa, including the other 3 Sousa Originals and some top-class performances by the Eastman Wind Ensemble (directed by Frederick Fennell)on Mercury and the Royal Marines Band (conducted by GAC Hoskins)on the EMI label but Sousa 4 is my favorite. If looking to start a collection again I wouldn't buy the Sousa Original box set, preferring to get Sousa 4, the Fennell and Hoskins recordings for a comprehensive range of interpretations(the other 3 Originals are very good by any standard but I think the Fennell and Hoskins better).

There's so many Sousa albums out there, many of them poor, that you can be picky, and Sousa 4 is the one to pick first.

Mid-Line Sousa Quality.......2004-03-04

One of the slightly better Altissimo! titles on Sousa. Here we have a series of live recordings taken from Marine band tours. The sound quality is a bit off at times, but overall they sound good. For a change Altissimo! has provided a few liner notes, something they were too cheap to do before. The length of the CD is close to an hour, a bit better than the 45 min. quickies these guys usually put out. Still over-priced for what you git, but probably the best in the Sousa series from Altissimo! I think I would still go with the Naxos series on Sousa.

Average customer rating: A Box Of Brilliance

A Box of Sousa Manufacturer: Altissimo Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Sousa | Sousa, John Philip | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B00005Y7U0 Release Date: 2001-10-16

Tracks:

1. Semper Fidelis
2. Presidential Polonaise
3. Manhattan Beach March
4. Comrades of the Legion March
5. Saber and Spurs March
6. Gridiron Club March
7. King Cotton March
8. Easter Monday on the White House Lawn
9. Who's Who in Navy Blue March
10. Invincible Eagle March
11. Excerpts from Mars and Venus
12. Washington Post March (1890)
13. Washington Post March (1988)
14. Stars and Stripes Forever [Live]
15. Man Behind the Gun
16. Selections from the Operetta, the Bride Elect
17. Reine de la Mer
18. Sound Off
19. Royal Welch Fusiliers
20. By the Light of the Polar Star
21. Beneath the Southern Cross
22. Mars and Venus
23. Gallant Seventh
24. Thunderer March [Historic 1896 Recording]
25. Fairest of the Fair
26. Hands Across the Sea
27. Diplomat
28. Rifle Regiment
29. Occidental
30. Riders for the Flag
31. Hail to the Spirit of Liberty
32. High School Cadets
33. Boy Scouts of America
34. Picador
35. Directorate
36. Black Horse Troop
37. Nobles of the Mystic Shrine
38. Beau Ideal
39. Belle of Chicago
40. Corcoran Cadets
41. National Game
42. Loyal Legion
43. Liberty Bell
44. Liberty Bell [Historic 1894 Recording]
45. Century of Progress
46. Atlantic City Pageant
47. Free Lance
48. Glory of the Yankee Navy
49. March of the Mitten Men
50. Minnesota March
51. Northern Pines
52. Our Flirtations
53. Pride of the Wolverines
54. Solid Men to the Front
55. White Rose
56. Bullets and Bayonets
57. In the Land of the Golden Fleece
58. Pathfinder of Panama
59. Liberty Loan
60. Peaches and Cream
61. National Fencibles [Historic 1890 Recording]

Album Description

Box Set of 4 CDs by The United States Marine Band.

Customer Reviews:

A Box Of Brilliance.......2004-01-13

Brilliant is a good word for this set of must have band classics, all of these songs are as american as apple pie. Its a must have for any true patriot or band lover. Sousa is the Motzart of the marchign band world and truly this capture so much more than any other collection.

Average customer rating: Sousa Authenticity

John Philip Sousa: Music for Wind Band, Vols. 1-5 (Box Set) Manufacturer: Naxos American ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Sousa | Sousa, John Philip | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Classic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: John Philip Sousa: Music for Wind Band, Vol. 6 ASIN: B0002TNI8A Release Date: 2004-09-21

Album Description

This five CD box set to commemorate Sousa's sesquicentennial includes Volumes 1-5 in this ongoing American Classics series. Highlights include: Looking Upward Suite, King Cotton, The Fairest of the Fair, The National Game, The Glory of the Yankee Navy, The Atlantic City Pageant, Cubaland, Semper Fidelis and The Stars and Stripes Forever.

Customer Reviews:

Sousa Authenticity.......2006-11-01

My review as stated separately for Volume V in this series goes for this boxed set even more emphatically!

Average customer rating: The wision is so close behind! a short but honest review Satisfactory melodic metal album A Modern Traditional Metal Classic How overrated...

Tales of Mystery and Imagination Nocturnal Rites Manufacturer: Century Media ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Progressive | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Sacred Talisman Afterlife Shadowland New World Messiah Grand Illusion ASIN: B000006DH7 Release Date: 1998-04-21

Tracks:

1. Ring Of Steel
2. Dark Secret
3. Test Of Time
4. Lost In Time
5. The Vision
6. Warriors Return
7. Change The World
8. Pentagram
9. Eye Of The Demon
10. End Of The World
11. The Curse
12. Burn In Hell

Customer Reviews:

The wision is so close behind!.......2006-10-09

The title of my review is a joke, of course, alluding to the lead singer Ander's thick accent. I took a listen to this album before buying and decided to purchase when I heard the Queen-esque breakdown in Ring of Steel. Now, I find that this album and Sacred Talisman (also by NR) are two of my favorite power metal albums. I will echo other reviews and say that NR's best work by far was with Anders. Each song on these albums is memorable, fun, and catchy. The newer albums are alright at times, but seem cookie-cutter and homogeneous. In my opinion, early NR runs circles around the Hammerfalls and Stratavari of the world.

a short but honest review.......2006-03-12

one of my first heavy metal albums since my old university years in Chile. even this is de secon album most of people think is first. This and sacred talisman are the classic and best work of Nocturnal Rites . TO Say simple the voice of Zackrisson made a totally different sound talking about the similar music in heavy metal melodic groups, Guitars and harmonics are constantly shouting and telling to you that this is the real classic heavy metal.
i was very sad when knew Zackrisson left.... Then the band took the tipical progresive way that you find in to many bands today
In my collection this is top ten
hope that it helps you

Satisfactory melodic metal album.......2004-09-12

If you enjoy melodic European heavy metal, this is a moderately satisfactory album, with no innovations a all in any department,but very professionally performed.

A Modern Traditional Metal Classic.......2002-09-04

This band, hailing from Sweden, has been doing traditional metal alot longer than there coutrymates Hammerfall. Starting out as a death metal band, they evolved to the classic/power metal band they are today slowly. This album stands as their best to me, seeming to be a mixture of Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force and Riot's Thundersteel if it had Uriah Heep's original singer Dave Byron. All in all, an AMAZING album, the sweep solos done by their lead guitarist are alot more memorable than Yngwie's and the riffs rule !

How overrated..........2001-02-05

I was driven to this CD because of the title.I thought it would be a pack of good songs,and blah,blah,blah.But in my opinion,the sound is very 80's nostalgic,and,by the way,a bit unoriginal.Zackrisson is a very weak singer,and it's really noticeable how a black metal singer tried to switch to a more melodical style,and failed miserably.The only rescuable of this album is the guitar work.Norberg and Mannberg do it really good,and they sound as if they could give even more than they did in this album.Getting rid of the awful singer,and working their capacities to the top,this band could be really interesting.But,with things at this point...

Average customer rating: Ten More Tales...A Solid Effort Superb blend of melody and heavyness Commercial Progressive Metal, what a concept! Balance of Power: Perfect Name For This Band

Ten More Tales Balance of Power Manufacturer: Perris Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Perfect Balance [U.S. Version] Perfect Balance From the Depths of Time Desert Land Melancholy Beast ASIN: B00004TL5F Release Date: 2000-05-09

Tracks:

1. Day Breaker
2. Prisoner of Pride
3. Savage Tears
4. Under the Spell
5. Blind Man
6. About to Burn
7. Under Innocence Wing
8. Sins of the World
9. The Darker Side
10. Ten More Tales of Grand Illusion

Customer Reviews:

Ten More Tales...A Solid Effort.......2003-01-11

I am new listener to this very underrated band from the UK! I purchased their latest effort, Perfect Balance, first, and I have most recently purchased Ten More Tales. This is a very solid effort on this band's part, and I highly recommend Ten More Tales and Perfect Balance to any power/prog metal fan.

Superb blend of melody and heavyness.......2002-11-06

I had only heard of this band recently and that they are from the uk which is where i am from, so that was nice to know. relatively unknown here, they have success in asia and europe. the singer sounds like geoff tate often and the musicianship and songwriting is excellent. there is plenty of plam muting but also softer moments. I much prefer this to Dream Theatre or Symphony X. Buy this album !

Commercial Progressive Metal, what a concept!.......2000-06-01

The review that Joe White gave was dead on, yet for all the reasons he gave, I would give it 4 to 4½ stars! The only reason I wouldn't give it 5 stars, is because the songs aren't original enough to stand out, yet they are very enjoyable to listen to!

The best songs are "Daybreaker", "Savage Tears", and "Ten More Tales". This is their 3rd CD, and I would suggest that you try to find their 2nd CD, "Book of Secrets", which has a bit more of the progressive rock feel to it, since it uses a bit more keyboards, and voice-over narration.

Someone else reviewed their 1st CD, "When The World Falls Down", giving it 5 stars. While personal tastes vary, these 2 are better than the 1st, by about 1 star each. The vocalist for the 1st CD is different, and he doesn't have the range of Lance King. He's still pretty good, but I prefer Lance's vocals. The guitars aren't as full as on Ten More Tales.

What I really like about this CD, and this band, is that they have somehow found a niche, using unoriginal styles, to create an original sound! With them, the melody is the key. If you're familiar with Narnia (with better songwriting, and minus the Yngwie style leads!), then you'll get an idea of what these guys sound like. Definitely worth adding to your collection!

Balance of Power: Perfect Name For This Band.......2000-05-19

Three stars? Okay, maybe three and one-half stars.

The full name of this album is "Ten More Tales of Grand Illusion".

Ten interesting "tales", indeed.

Imagine a band who's vocalist is in the Brad Delp (Boston)/Steve Perry (Journey)/Dennis DeYoung (Styx) vein. Okay, now imagine that same vocalist singing vocal melodies that are reminiscent of Boston, Journey and Queensryche. Are you with me so far? Now add a guitar that reminds me of Dokken at their heaviest -- times two -- and even a bit like Iced Earth's (guitars). Now throw in a keyboard in the Kamelot style and sound. This is Balance of Power.

It is an interesting combination of music styles: arena rock plus power metal with progressive tendencies. I've never heard a band quite like Balance of Power. Ten More Tales... isn't a great cd but it is solid album and a satisfying listen. The songs are all good and catchy and the production is perfect. The song "Day Breaker" is equal parts Journey and Dokken (but heavier), "Prisoner of Pride" is Boston meets Iced Earth and "Savage Tears" sounds like Empire-era Queensryche coupled with recent Kamelot. I would think that if you are a fan of arena rock bands such as Boston and Journey and a fan of power metal (like Kamelot) and progressive metal (Queensryche), that this cd is for you.

Average customer rating:

Darkness with Tales to Tell Manticora Manufacturer: Nightmare Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music ASIN: B000B2WKB4 Release Date: 2005-11-15

Tracks:

1. ... from Far Beyond
2. Chance of Dying in a Dream
3. Dynasty of Fear
4. Dragon's Mist
5. Felice
6. Nightfall War
7. Puzzle
8. Critical Mass
9. Lost Souls
10. Twilight Shadow
11. Shadows with Tales to Tell
12. Dead End Solution [*]

Product Description

1. ... from Far Beyond
2. Chance of Dying in a Dream
3. Dynasty of Fear
4. Dragon's Mist
5. Felice
6. Nightfall War
7. Puzzle
8. Critical Mass
9. Lost Souls
10. Twilight Shadow
11. Shadows with Tales to Tell
12. Dead End Solution [*]


Format: CD

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