Limited edition Japanese pressing of Motley Crue's 1987 album, re-released on CD and packaged in a 12 x 12 inch album sized LP replica sleeve with all the original artwork and tracks. Universal. 2005.
Girls Girls Girls,Motley Crue,Universal,Rock,Rock/Pop
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Shanghai
12 Girls Band Manufacturer: Manhattan Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000PC1QLA Release Date: 2007-06-25 |
Tracks:
- Glory
- Shining Energy
- Fragile
- Carnival
- Bach Tribute: Concerto For Violin In A Minor (1st Mvt.)
- My Heart Will Go On (Theme From Titanic)
- Loulan Girl
- Flowers And Juveniles
- Take Five
- High Mountain And Floating Water
- Handel's Music For Royal Fireworks
- Nessun Dorma
- The Great Canyon
- Freedom
Amazon.com
12 Girls Band began as a series of auditions held throughout China, seeking thirteen attractive and versatile young female instrumentalists (although only twelve appear onstage at any time). After taking Japan by storm, their debut US release, Eastern Energy (2004), created a sensation, crowning Billboard's World Music chart. Since then, the group has become a firm favorite at PBS and NPR, with several prestigious international concert bookings on the horizon. For the present recording, the ensemble ranges between local folk songs, newly composed tunes and works by Sting ("Fragile"), J.S. Bach (an excerpt from Concerto For Violin in A Minor), G. Puccini ("Nessun Dorma" from Turandot), and James Horner ("My Heart Will Go On," the love theme from Titanic). Arranged by Bob Belden and Liang Jianfeng, who leads the ensemble's backing guitar combo, the overall effect is not unlike an Eastern equivalent of Celtic Woman, minus the vocals but every bit as energetic, polished, and astutely marketed. Musically, the tunes are tightly conceptualized and performed, marred only by overuse of a 4/4 snare backbeat and the fact that certain Chinese instruments, although breathtakingly lovely in a more traditional setting, are not always ideally suited to the material at hand. But even so, it's a charming, graceful and high-spirited enterprise; as good-will ambassadors, these ladies can't fail to please. --Christina RodenCustomer Reviews:
An unusual treat.......2007-07-05
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Despite Our Differences
Indigo Girls Manufacturer: Hollywood Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000GG4SOC Release Date: 2006-09-19 |
Tracks:
- Pendulum Swinger
- Little Perennials
- I Believe In Love
- Three County Highway
- Run
- Rock and Roll Heaven's Gate
- Lay My Head Down
- Money Made You Mean
- Fly Away
- Dirt and Dead Ends
- All The Way
- They Won't Have Me
- Last Tears
Amazon.com
The Indigo Girls, now marking their 20th anniversary, were in a bit of slump before turning to producer Mitchell Froom, who serves them well on this energized effort--their 10th studio album and first for a new label. Recorded at Froom's home studio in Santa Monica, California, the album finds Ray, Saliers & Co. trying a few new things--recording with everybody in the same room, for example, and stepping further out of their acoustic framework for an enhanced sonic landscape, e.g., the Beatlesque "Little Perennials." They also invited impressive newbie Brandi Carlisle to harmonize on "Last Tears," one of the disc's most memorable tracks, and called on Pink (the IGs appeared on I'm Not Dead) for "Rock and Roll Heaven's Gate." All this contributes to a fresher sound and attitude, but the songwriting (Amy's rock leanings, Emily's moody balladry) is up a notch, too, with the social activism ("Pendulum Swinger") better expressed and more sophisticated than their usual banner-waving. What hasn't changed is the way the duo's vocal lines entwine like tangled lovers--at their best, it's hard to tell where one leaves off and the other begins, their corduroy-and-denim harmonies becoming a sort of third tone. That's a neat trick for voices as diverse and distinctive as these, still commanding as they enter their third decade. --Alanna NashCustomer Reviews:
Great Album.......2007-06-08
Interesting listening.......2007-05-22
Great New CD.......2007-05-14
Froom!.......2007-04-04
Memorable...........2007-02-26
With a new producer and a new label, it seems as though IG has shaken off the doldrums that populated their last effort, when they replaced strong songwriting with lots of instrumentation. They use a variety of guitars here, mostly acoustic, but with electrics, slide and mandolin counterpoints. (No banjo, more's the pity.) Their back up musicians are solid and sparse. Pink appears on one song, and although her appearance and the rocker quality of the song made waves when the CD first appeared, the song "Rock and Roll Heaven's Gate" is an anthem about the music business, and, while clever and tuneful, fades away in the power of the other songs.
I normally gravitate towards Emily's songs, and here she is the sad balladeer of love lost, for the most part. She writes the opening song, "Pendulum", which is the most political ("the ticker of the nation breaking down like a bad clock") of the songs here. As in all Emily's political statements, she blends the political and the spiritual; it's a woman's power song, and lyrically stirring. My favorite of her songs on this CD is also one of those songs I can't let go of. It's entitled
"Run". In this song, Emily is relegating herself to the role of one of many lovers who've been left by someone who becomes fearful of giving too much in a relationship:
...."And you run, that's all you've ever done
It's all you know to do
I can't hold that against you.
And you'll flee, you're born to be free
And if you go, I'll understand
But you better get out while you can."
Her lyrics are as intense and as fiery in "All the Way", and her "Last Tears" and "I Believe in Love" are equally beautiful in the combination of lyrics and music. Only "Fly", with its metaphors about birds, is a weak contribution in her portion of the CD.
Amy Ray surprises with a rhythmic "Little Perennials", my favorite of her songs on this CD and the tune that keeps coming to mind whenever I look to find the CD to play again. It's a bit nonsensical, and finds, uniquely, Emily doing the low harmony instead of the high. Amy's two "rural" songs are drawn from the land on which she lives, with "Dirt and Dead Ends" the most striking and "They Won't Have Me" describing how little she fits into the rural southern landscape, despite her good intentions.
"Three County Highway" describes just about every little town I've been in and it's a love song, a little different than what Ray usually writes about.
Musically, "Despite Our Differences" is a great blend of two musicians coming together and blending their differences in a collaboration that weaves back and forth. Lyrically, it is outstanding. As usual, it gets more frequent play than anything else I've purchased in the last 6 months in my car. It's good road music, it's articulate, it's everything I buy an IG collaboration for.
I hope you listen and enjoy.
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Spice
Spice Girls Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000000WCA Release Date: 1997-02-04 |
Tracks:
- Wannabe
- Say You'll Be There
- 2 Become 1
- Love Thing
- Last Time Lover
- Mama
- Who Do You Think You Are
- Something Kinda Funny
- Naked
- If U Can't Dance
Amazon.com
Putting aside the Girl Power phenomenon--really, what were the chances five scantily-clad birds flashing their knickers with kung-fu kicks wouldn't make it in the music industry?--the Spice Girls really do mean something: great singles. There's not a dog in their whole back-catalogue. They kicked off their career with "Wannabe", "Say You'll Be There" and "2 Become 1"--that's the pop equivalent of an Olympic gold in the triathlon. They're all here on Spice, along with the live favourite "If You Can't Dance"--one that Geri always looked particularly picked-upon whilst singing--and that irresistible champagne effervescence of pop history in the making. The only mistake they made at this point in their career was not releasing the slinky R&B track "Naked" as a single; and if that's because the video plot automatically suggests itself as too obvious, it's not as if that curtailed any other facet of their career. --Caitlin MoranCustomer Reviews:
don't even think spice girls needs reviews; they are icons!.......2007-07-11
Still searching for the clues and secrets.......2007-05-11
Never have I seen such a beautiful woman. She is the object of all my desires. The perfect female specimen can be wrapped up in just two words 'Baby Spice'. When I first heard the song 'Naked' I was taken to a dream world. I listen to this album 14 times a day, everyday. And when I hear the song 'Naked', I become naked and always have the same vision, kneeling behind Baby Spice and using her pig-tails like the handlebars of a motorcycyle.
Now for the album. I only share this with you because I have come to a point in my research where a partner is mandatory. I did not want to bring an outsider in, but for the love of Baby, I must. I must have Baby Spice all to myself, and I promise a great reward for anyone that can help me. If you can assist me in my quest, I promise you fame, power, and glory. All I seek is Baby Spice, the rest of the world is yours.
SPICE is an acrynom, it stands for "Supernatural Place In Central Europe". I first discovered this after listening to 'If you can't dance' backwards. After more listens, I realized that SPice World is a real place and the peretual Baby Spice needs to be rescued. After wrapping my face in tin foil, sitting on a carrot, and listening to 'Love Thing', the vision was revealed to me as seen through a pink cloud. Baby is trapped in a tower in Prussia, as if that was not bad enough, a three headed dragon guards her.
I went to Wal-Mart and purchased a plastic sword that glows in the dark. The voices told me I would need it. 'Who do you think you are' confirmed my belief that I was the knight to rescue Baby. Only the man that rescues her can fulfill the prophecy of '2 become 1'
My quest is temporary on hold. I must find the 'yan uber gorrsay'. I discovered this after listening to 'Mama' from :23 to :27 of the song and then playing the last 14 seconds of 'Last Time Lover'. It was then I discovered that I must enter the 'Spice-rit World' never to return. I must bypass the gates of the Spirit World and locate the afterlife that contains all Spice. It is there that I find the Path of Spicage. I will follow it to the Spice Sea where the keeper will sail me to the Island of Spices. But for a ride on his boat I want answer the riddle "What do you really really want?" When I anwer the 'The love of Baby', my journy will continue.
But to enter the Spice-rit World, I must find a person with Spice of heart and Spice of mind. He or she must split my skull with one blow with a hatchet, separating my left and right brain. Immediately after doing this, he or she must shove the CD directly into my split brain and then tape my head back together with duct tape.
I ask all who are reading this listen to "Some Kind of Funny". Write down every tenth word and also include the 14th, 27th, and 56th word. When you have all the words written down, take the middle word and write down the last letter of the word. If that letter is also the first letter of your first name, then continue.
With your list, take the first letter of the first word and write it down. On the next word, write dwn the 3rd letter. Alternate between 1st and 3rd letters of the words until you reach the end, but beware on the 6th, 9th, and 13th word, you must use the fourth letter. When all the letters are written down, arrange the letters so that it spells your name EXACTLY!!! First, middle, and last. If you can make out your exact name with no letters left over, you are the one I seek. Please contact me.
I am serious, this world has nothing for me. I must rescue Baby to find my true happiness. She has been so lonely for so long, she needs her warrior to rescue her. It is my destiny to be with Baby Spice in a world where it is always 1997.
Spice Girls.......2007-05-06
Posh Spice- Victoria Adams
Scary Spice- Mel B
Sporty Spice- Mel C
Ginger Spice- Geri
Baby Spice- Emma
I have 2 say, I'm quite impressed. The Spice Girls, without a doubt, is the most popular gurl-group of all time. Hey, they brought the world of pop back!!! And major style. They all wear fab clothes, especially Posh and Baby Spice.
Did any of u ppl out there in the world go to a Spice Girls concert?? One where there is ALL 5 of the Spice Girls?? If so, what was it like?? Did they wear fab clothes?? And etc??? My Gawd, I >33 dem sooo much!!!!!
My absolutely fave song is Wannabe, it just rox!!! And it's gream 2 jam w/ u and ur friends!!!!
I almost 4got about the Spice Girls until I watched Spice World, which happens 2 b a fantastic movie, one of my actual favourites. I hope the Spice Girls reunite!! I want dem 2 sooooo baaaadd!!!!!!
Can be used so many ways.......2007-04-03
Wannabe is Great.......2007-03-13
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Our Little Corner of the World: Music From Gilmore Girls
Various Artists Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00006JIBS Release Date: 2002-10-01 |
Tracks:
- Waltz #1 - Sam Phillips (cue)
- What A Wonderful World - Joey Ramone
- Child Psychology - Black Box Recorder
- Know Your Onion! - The Shins
- I Found Love - The Free Design
- Car Song - Elastica
- Oh My Love - John Lennon
- Getting Married (Sam Phillips cue)
- Where You Lead I Will Follow - Carole King & Louise Goffin
- Clear Spot - Pernice Brothers
- One Line - PJ Harvey
- I'm The Man Who Murdered Love - XTC
- Maybe Next Week (Sam Phillips cue)
- Thirteen - Big Star
- Human Behavior - Bjork
- I Don't Mind - Slumber Party
- Tell Her What She Wants To Know - Sam Phillips
- It's Alright, Baby - Komeda
- God Only Knows - Claudine Longet
- Smile - Grant-Lee Phillips
- O'oh - Yoko Ono
- Rory And Lane (Sam Phillips cue)
- Girl From Mars - Ash
- My Little Corner Of The World - Yo La Tengo
Album Description
Full Title - Our Little Corner Of The World - Music From The Gilmore Girls. First soundtrack of music from the hit WB series. The show is packed with musical references and refreshing songs which Gilmore Girls audiences are seeking. Includes newly recorded, original songs, and music by Sam Phillips and Grant-Lee Phillips just for the soundtrack, plus opening theme song 'Where You Lead I Will Follow' by Carole King & Louise Goffin. Other artists include Joey Ramone, John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Yo La Tengo, XTC and more. Rhino. 2002.Customer Reviews:
For the true Gilmore Fan.......2007-07-16
Music from Gilmore Girls.......2007-06-29
Gilmore Girls Sound.......2007-03-11
Gilmore Girls Soundtrack.......2007-01-18
Great music.......2007-01-10
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Some Girls
The Rolling Stones Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000000W5P Release Date: 1994-07-26 |
Tracks:
- Miss You
- When The Whip Comes Down
- Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)
- Some Girls
- Lies
- Far Away Eyes
- Respectable
- Before They Make Me Run
- Beast Of Burden
- Shattered
Amazon.com essential recording
A fresh, uncompromising attempt to incorporate 1978 pop techniques into the band's familiar sound, Some Girls opens with the disco sass of "Miss You" and closes with the self-destructive punk of "Shattered." (Both songs, especially "Miss You," with its distinctive Mel Collins sax solo, remain live showstoppers.) So the Stones declared credibility in the dance circuit without sacrificing their hard-rock reputation. Though the anti-love "Beast of Burden" and the stylishly slow "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)" continue to rack up the most airplay, the obscurities stand up surprisingly well. Worth replaying: Keith Richards's rickety rocker "Before They Make Me Run." --Steve KnopperAmazon.com
Few rock stars have played in the intersection of real life, image, and fans' imaginations as smartly (and comically) as Mick Jagger does on Some Girls. With the Stones again running at top pace, Jagger aims his gimlet eye at his and the boys' gossip-column lives (the Chuck Berryish "Respectable," the archly blues-wailing title track), his collapsing marriage (where was Bianca when Mick's pals were trying to hook him up with the "Puerto Rican girls who're just dyin' to meetchoo?) and the mores and modes of New York society in the Studio 54 era (practically everything here). Slot in Keith's lament "Before They Make Me Run," and this is one of the greatest Stones albums. --Rickey WrightCustomer Reviews:
Rock N Roll ! .......2007-07-12
(4.5 stars) TOP OF THE LINE ROLLING STONES ! (could have been their best with a little more effort) .......2007-04-24
the last great stones album........2007-03-30
Some Girls.......2007-01-10
a great rolling stones cd.......2006-12-30
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Boys Like Girls
Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000MQ590I Release Date: 2007-04-03 |
Tracks:
- The Great Escape
- Five Minutes To Midnight
- Hero/Heroine
- On Top Of The World
- Thunder
- Me, You And Medication
- Up Against The Wall
- Dance Hall Drug
- Learning To Fall
- Heels Over Head
- Broken Man
- Holiday
Customer Reviews:
I LIKE BOYS LIKE GIRLS.......2007-06-13
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Spiceworld
Spice Girls Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000000WFF Release Date: 1997-11-04 |
Tracks:
- Spice Up Your Life
- Stop
- Too Much
- Saturday Night Divas
- Never Give Up On The Good Times
- Move Over
- Do It
- Denying
- Viva Forever
- The Lady Is A Vamp
Amazon.com
"Spice up your life," the Spice Girls advise on the first single from Spiceworld, their second album, which was made quickly to capitalize on the movie of the same name. If that sounds more like an advertising slogan than a call for variety, solidarity, and fun, it's not the only time the disc echoes the language of a carefully planned campaign: The chorus of "Move Over" is built around the phrase "Generation Next," the rallying cry of the Brits' Pepsi spot. And if, in turn, you come to the conclusion that this record isn't nearly as much fun as its predecessor, you're right. Any question about the creative input of Scary, Posh, Baby, Ginger, and Sporty into their own music is moot; like "Candle in the Wind 1997," Spiceworld was made to be bought, not listened to. Sure, they trade vocals this time, leaning less on the Bananarama-style gang approach of their debut, and yeah, the Motown-lite confection "Stop" doesn't exactly hurt the ear, but this disc is ultimately a bigger insult than anything a bunch of diehard anarchists such as Chumbawamba could imagine--without the kick of "Tubthumping." It also ends on a note so jarring as to settle the group firmly in the avant-garde with the fake-lounge "Lady Is a Vamp," which unfortunately praises Jackie O and Marilyn Monroe in the same verse, then ups the ante with a shout-out to Sandy Denny(!) as a Spicy role model. All together now: Uh huh. --Rickey WrightAlbum Description
Japanese edition of their second album with 'Step To Me' added as an unmarked bonus track. 11 tracks total, also featuring the hits 'Spice Up Your Life' & 'Too Much'. A Virgin Records release.Album Description
Great Import only coupling of their first two albums packaged in their individual size jewel cases which are housed in a cardboard box. While retaining the same tracks as the domestic pressings this is great value for the money. 2000 release.Customer Reviews:
oh my God! wow! love this album!.......2007-07-11
CLASSIC!.......2007-04-04
The Best Stupid Movie I've Ever Seen.......2007-03-12
Cruel Brittania.......2007-02-13
Loves It.......2007-01-25
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Daddy's Little Girls
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000LV6W0K Release Date: 2007-01-09 |
Tracks:
- Struggle No More (The Main Event) - Anthony Hamilton
- Don't Let Go - R. Kelly
- Greatest Gift - Tamika Scott
- Brown Eyed Blues - Adrian Hood
- Family First - Dionne Warwick
- Step Aside - Yolanda Adams
- I Believe - Brian McKnight
- Daddy - Beyonce
- Struggle No More - Anothony Hamilton
- Blood Sweat & Tears - Governor
- A Change Is Gonna Come - Charles 'Gator' Moore
Amazon.com
Themes of faith, family, love, and patience reverberate through the soundtrack to celebrated director/ playwright/ actor Tyler Perry's film Daddy's Little Girls. It's a typically excellent album from start to finish; even the songs that don't appear in the film and were "inspired by" it actually for once do sound inspired by it, and seem in fact to have been written specifically for the movie. The record has gained some notoriety for including a song called "Family First," the first-ever recording by the Houston Family, pairing Whitney Houston with her mother Cissy, daughter Kristina, and her cousin Dionne (Warwick, that is). It's a joy to hear Whitney back in (almost) top form, though the soundtrack's best moment belongs to another collaboration, the remix of Anthony Hamilton's emotionally charged "Struggle No More" by Jaheim with Musiq Soulchild. Charles Moore's cover of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come" wins points just for trying, and for not swathing the tune in modern production, but it can't help but fall short. Contributions by R. Kelly, Yolanda Adams, and Governor are reasons enough to own this moving collection. --Mike McGonigalAlbum Description
The soundtrack features The Houston Family (Whitney Houston, Cissy Houston & Dionne Warwick), Yolanda Adams, Anthony Hamilton, Jaheim, Music Soulchild & more. Music plays an integral part in this project and most of the soundtrack is featured in the film. This soundtrack just like everything else Tyler Perry takes on is a true partnership and companion piece to the film. Both previous soundtracks to Tyler Perry films have sold more than a quarter million units each.Customer Reviews:
Where is the song???.......2007-07-01
Missing Song.......2007-06-15
Roy
Palmdale,California
inspirational soundtrack.......2007-05-15
3.5 stars.......2007-03-07
Same case here. There are some songs that I really could go on without playing again (I really am not interested in hearing another carbon copy of "A Change Is Gonna Come...), but there are a handful of gems on here that make up for it.
The opening track, "Struggle No More (The Main Event)" a collaboration between Anthony Hamilton, Musiq Soulchild and Jaheim, is amazing. When I first heard the song on BET, I knew I had to have it. Beyonce's addition, "Daddy," was already included as a hidden track on her debut, but it definitely deserves to be here. (Especially because it fits the theme). It is a beautifully personal ode to her father - and all fathers -who take responsibility and raise their children well. I enjoyed Yolanda Adams' new song. Any song by her is appreciated by me. But my absolute favorite track on here is "Family First" by Whitney Houston, Cissy Houston, Dionne Warwick and the rest of the family. What a beautiful song! When there is no one else around during hard times, you can always run to your family. (Whitney is back, people!) This song alone was worth the purchase to me.
Not that the other songs weren't good, they just didn't capture me as much as the highlights. Some of them are a little bland and generic and I really found R. Kelly's song boring and irrelevant to the movie/ soundtrack. Either way, this, and all of the other Tyler Perry soundtracks, are worth a buy and a listen.
Soulful Soundtrack.......2007-02-09
The Daddy's Little Girl's soundtrack is one for the grown ups. There aren't a lot of hip-hop beats and featured rappers. It's a soulful R&B soundtrack. Other artists featured on the soundtrack include R. Kelly, Tamika Scott, Yolanda Adamns, Governor, Charles Moore, Brian McKnight, and Adrian Hood.
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Eastern Energy (Bonus DVD)
Twelve Girls Band Manufacturer: Platia Ent USA Inc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0002KQO3U Release Date: 2005-12-19 |
Tracks:
- Miracle
- Clocks
- Liu San Jie
- Earthly Stars (Unsung Heroes)
- Freedom
- Shangri-La
- Reel Around The Sun
- A Girl's Dream
- Forbidden City
- The Great Valley
- Alamuhan
- Mountains And Rivers
- Only Time
- New Classicism
Tracks:
- Shangri-La (DVD-Live From Budokan)
- Alamuhan (DVD-Live From Budokan)
- New Classicism (DVD-Live From Budokan)
- Forbidden City (DVD-Live From Budokan)
- Freedom (DVD-Live From Budokan)
Customer Reviews:
Eastern Entertainment.......2007-05-25
A fusion of classical and traditional Chinese music.......2007-05-22
An excellent Primer.......2007-01-03
Clocks.......2005-10-14
Twelve Girls Band..........2005-08-18
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Boys and Girls in America
The Hold Steady Manufacturer: Vagrant Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000HIP3X4 Release Date: 2006-10-03 |
Tracks:
- Stuck Between Stations
- Chips Ahoy!
- Hot Soft Light
- Same Kooks
- First Night
- Party Pit
- You Can Make Him Like You
- Massive Night
- Citrus
- Chillout Tent
- Southtown Girls
Amazon.com
Craig Finn loves books and bars. It's not just that he pinched the title of he Hold Steady's third album from the ultimate manual for boozehounds, Jack Kerouac's "On the Road" ("Boys and Girls in America have such a sad time together"), but that every leery line of every song is crammed with the wayward poetry and passion of someone who is more familiar with the bottom of a whiskey glass than the sun. Thanks to his raucous Brooklyn band, his music--louder than its predecessors this time, with a few more ballads--also happens to make a great soundtrack for an all-night bender where broken-hearts and broken bottles become one. --Aidin VaziriCustomer Reviews:
Live Good.......2007-05-12
So Here's the Thing.............2007-05-06
So here's the thing.......This band is indeed a group of talented musicians, so what I heard in the store had some validity; BUT the problem with this album is that ALL 11 SONGS are essentially either about drug or alchohol experiences, or contain drug/alchohol references. Seriously. As a result, I was bored by track 5 or 6 and skimmed the remaining tracks to make sure that I wasn't missing anything (I wasn't) and have no desire to ever listen to this CD again.
It's a shame, really, because these folks are really innovative and fresh musically - they are simply a one trick pony lyrically, and that gets old real fast. If The Hold Steady could diversify the subject matter of their lyrics, this could have been a decent album. As it is, I can only give it two stars.
Another superb effort by one of the most passionate, intelligent bands in the world.......2007-04-24
So, on to what I have to say that could be construed as criticism. I give this album five stars because it deserves it. But I will add that I think this is the band's least brilliant album to date. Mind you, I don't think they are in decline or that this represents a disappointing effort. In many ways it is their slickest, most polished album yet. They are obvious masters of their craft and I think they well deserve their #4 ranking in the prestigious Village Voice Pazz & Jop Poll, which I think laps the Grammies several times in terms of credibility. The Poll is voted on by nearly 500 of the most prestigious rock critics in the world. For any album to finish in the top five means it has some serious chops going on. Nonetheless, my favorite Hold Steady album remains ALMOST KILLED ME followed by SEPARATION SUNDAY.
I could very well be wrong, but it seems to me that BOYS AND GIRLS IN AMERICA lacks just a hint of the edge that I found in the earlier albums. And I find that I don't love as many songs on the album as passionately as I do on previous albums. Not that songs like "Chips Ahoy" and "Hot Soft Light" aren't incredible. And they've never played as intensely as on "Same Kooks." But nearly every song on ALMOST KILLS ME simply blows me away. Not so on this one. Also -- and I confess this is a purely personal bias -- I don't like the way that the addition of keyboards to the mix. I didn't like it on SEPARATION SUNDAY and I like it less on BOYS AND GIRLS IN AMERICA. I prefer the band as a quartet than as a quintet.
If you get this as your first Hold Steady album, if you have any musical taste or sophistication at all, it is going to blow you away. You will be amazed at how literate and articulate Craig Finn's lyrics are. He is an amazing front man, though he is also the focus of much of the hatred for the poor souls who mindlessly shut themselves out from the band. His delivery of the lyrics is astonishing, but what he does can barely be described as singing. And he simply doesn't look like a rocker. He looks, in fact, like he should be selling household appliances at Best Buy. Or perhaps doing your taxes at H & R Block. If you saw the guy on the street and were asked to list the 1,000 most likely occupations for him, rock star would not make the list. He doesn't even look like he could be a record store clerk. But he is one of the most brilliant people in rock today. So also is guitarist Tad Kubler. My one regret about the Hold Steady albums is that they don't give Kubler enough room to put his vast skills on guitar on display. Still, this is a great album. And if you love this but don't have their two earlier albums, you've got a lot to look forward to.
BORING.......2007-04-11
You call this music? I call it garbage........2007-03-06
Rock Music:
- Go for It [Import]
- Greatest Hits [Import]
- Hi This Is Sun'dra [Import]
- I'm Your Girl Friend [Original recording remastered] [Import]
- Just Beyond the River [Import]
- Last Call's Happy Hour [Import]
- Legacy of Kings [Enhanced] [Import]
- Let the Transmitting Begin Ep [Import]
- Liberty Belle and the Black Diamond Express [Enhanced] [Import]
- Liquid Light
