Underground [Import]

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
Analog Pussy are Jiga and Jinno, A Girl/boy trance duo located in Germany. Jiga was born in Jerusalem and played bass for metal bands. Wanting be more than a bassist, she bought a $50 synthesizer and a computer and began producing on her own. Jinno, A synthesizers freak, was experimenting with noises and sounds from age 16. He built a studio in his parents’ storage room and produced music 18 hours a day. The two met and formed Analog Pussy in 1997. With no money or label they used the internet as a promotional tool, giving their music for free download. They built a huge following this way. Without an album out, they became well-known and performed live all around the world. In 1999 they released their first melodic trance album "Psycho Bitch from hell" . In 2000 they relocated from Israel to Germany and established their own label "AP Records". 2 albums followed: ‘Underground’ - minimal techno-trance and ‘Trance N Roll’- Edgy rocky trax that made a rebellious use of live bass and guitars in the trance formula.

Album Description
2nd full length Analog Pussy album. A blend of Trance, Techno, House and Ambient - all with one common motive - Underground Psy trance music.

Traffic and Weather
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • I'm going to be listening to this one for a long long time
  • Awesome
  • Corny
  • More of the Same from Fountains of Wayne
  • Fun fun fun!
 Traffic and Weather
Fountains of Wayne
Manufacturer: Virgin Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000N4SKFK
Release Date: 2007-04-03

Tracks:

  1. Someone To Love
  2. '92 Subaru
  3. Yolanda Hayes
  4. Traffic And Weather
  5. Fire In The Canyon
  6. This Better Be Good
  7. Revolving Dora
  8. Michael And Heather At The Baggage Claim
  9. Strapped For Cash
  10. I-95
  11. Hotel Majestic
  12. Planet Of Weed
  13. New Routine
  14. Seatbacks And Traytables

Amazon.com

Punctuated by 2005's sprawling compilation of B-sides and outtakes (Out-of-State Plates), a nearly four-year interval between fresh recordings has done nothing to tarnish Fountain of Wayne's pop-drenched songwriting tandem of Chris Collingswood and Adam Schlesinger. This 14-song bash is a late-'60s/early-'70s time warp that exploits every facet of the pop action plan (chiming guitars, infectious choruses, sinful harmonies) and begs for radio play. As usual, the band never takes itself too seriously, crafting melodies around a lively, vigorous cast of characters that practically come to life. There's a DMV attendant who can't shake our attention (the bouncy, piano-boosted "Yolanda Hayes"), an airport-stranded couple waiting impatiently for lost luggage (the folksy "Michael and Heather at the Baggage Claim"), and ex-lovers who blame it on the highway ("Fire in the Canyon," which explores the radio country-rock of the Eagles and America). They sing of an old-model Japanese car to get the girl ("'92 Subaru") and Renee seeing you "at the Gap in a baseball cap" ("This Better Be Good"), and any way they shake it, even after a too-long interruption, Collingswood and Schlesinger rarely miss the mark. --Scott Holter

Album Description

A new, indelible cast of characters is inducted into the FOW pantheon of stars on Traffic And Weather: Yolanda Hayes, a sullen object of affection behind the glass at the Department Of Motor Vehicles; Seth Shapiro and Beth Mackenzie, two lonely, hardworking New Yorkers who cross paths - sort of - in "Someone To Love" (which features Hole/Smashing Pumpkins bassist Melissa Auf Der Maur singing backing vocals); the exhausted couple in "Michael and Heather At The Baggage Claim", dragging themselves onto an airport shuttle bus after a long trip; newscasters in heat in the album's title track, and many others. Hapless protagonists like the suspicious boyfriend of "This Better Be Good" and the hit-man target in "Strapped For Cash" are also classic Fountains Of Wayne narrators.

Travel and transportation continue to figure heavily in the on-the-go world of FOW. The guy who buys himself a "'92 Subaru" is convinced that the right pimped-out ride is all he needs to get the girl; in the Beatlesque "i-95" a driver explores a rest area gift shop late at night, on the way to visit his loved one; we hear of "an eerie kind of sadness on the highway today" in the Gram Parsons-tinged "Fire In The Canyon" (featuring backing vocals by the Candy Butchers' Mike Viola, who was the voice of "That Thing You Do"). The misery of sitting in coach on a delayed flight is examined in the wistful waltz "Seatbacks And Traytables" (which contains a guest appearance on guitar by James Iha). And in the semi-epic "New Routine", we follow a series of characters who each randomly pick a new place to live, only to discover someone else there who can't wait to move away.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars I'm going to be listening to this one for a long long time.......2007-07-24

Let's make it simple. The music is catchy, the lyrics are fun and original. I hear and feel Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Sheryl Crow, and a whole lot of great 80's bands on this one. I dare you not to bob your head while driving and listening to the title track!

5 out of 5 stars Awesome.......2007-07-20

It makes me laugh when I read reviews of people complaining about this record. I like all of FOW's records and I to might've liked a little more guitar driven rockers on this release but for the life of me I can't understand how anyone can put this record down. Nobody out there is as creative lyrically or hook wise and nobody is doing or can do what they are doing and I'm grateful as heck that there is a band out there that I actually look forward to hearing and learning those smart snappy lyrics. These guys are real musicians and that seems to be a long lost artform these days. Go listen to the radio and you'll see what I mean.

2 out of 5 stars Corny.......2007-07-18

This album is either 2 or 3 stars - I decided for 2. This is the first Fountains of Wayne album I have listened to, but I have heard a few of their singles from years ago. The songwriting on this album is real corny, and intentionally so. A lot of the instrumentation is just as corny too - overly catchy hooks and harmonies that grate with only a few listens. Oh, and the name dropping and brand-slinging is rampant and also becomes grating.

Sure, they don't take themselves too seriously, but nearly every single song is obsessed with cars, trains, airplanes, and travel in some way. This obsession certainly is familiar to me - perhaps the songwriter is autistic? Or, to be fairer, maybe they were trying to create a theme album, however, I hear that this band is always obsessed with transportation. I don't know; I must say that I can easily remember each song, which is a good sign, but many songs are not memorable in a good way. I hear other albums, like their self-titled, are better. I recommend listening to that first if, like me, this is the first FoW album you are about to hear.

3 out of 5 stars More of the Same from Fountains of Wayne.......2007-07-15

Fountains of Wayne's latest album doesn't change much of their formula. There are 14 songs, all some variation of pleasant, ultra-catchy pop-rock. It's all well-written and some of it is clever, and yet, the overall effect is something a bit diminished this time. I thought I personally had an endless appetite for cool variations on power-pop, but maybe that's not so true anymore. It's tough to pin down exactly what, if anything, is wrong with Traffic and Weather.

The songs, taken individually, are pretty darn good. There's opener and single "Someone to Love," which features a slight curveball in the familiar FoW formula by including a hyped-up disco-beat chorus. Then there's "Yolanda Hayes," a bouncy song with sweet lyrics about the narrator's attempts to woo a DMV attendant. "This Better Be Good" is about the paranoia of a man who keeps hearing sketchy rumors of his girlfriend being seen with other men and in places she isn't supposed to be. I-95 is a wistful country song with lyrics about driving down the titular interstate to visit a long-distance lover. "Planet of Weed" is a one-joke song that's made to work with the ambient sounds in the background- various clinking and low talking. Plus the piano that fades in and out, playing bits completely unrelated to the main song, and the tambourine that keeps showing up that isn't on the beat at all. "New Routine" is a strong rocker that zooms around the world and tells several stories of disenchanted people making a change in their lives.

But then there's the rest of the songs. The band's penchant for pop-culture references verges on the out-of-control on this album; it'll be dated by 2008. "Someone to Love" works entirely on its music and chorus, the verses reference Coldplay, King of Queens, and The Late Show, and you're getting a bit aggravated on the first song. Then there's "'92 Subaru," a song whose narrator is a pompous jackass talking about how he is pimping out his car. I think it's supposed to be ironic, but the "irony" comes across about as well as Motley Crue's "Dr. Feelgood" came across as an anti-drug song (now they've got me making the references- dammit!). "Traffic and Weather" is a one-joke song that doesn't work, as a male news anchor spends the whole song telling his female co-anchor "we belong together, like traffic and weather." The effect is creepy, and not so funny. "Michael and Heather at the Baggage Claim" is a boring story of a couple who have lost their luggage, and it's supposed to be sweet, but it's piled on too thick and becomes cloying. And "Strapped for Cash" features another unlikeable narrator that's supposed to be funny, this time a loser who owes money to everyone.

Leaders Adam Schlesinger and Chris Collingwood are as strong as ever in the songwriting department. But since their style hasn't changed nearly at all over the past decade, the weaknesses in the lyrics keep this album from being a home run. Too bad the guys didn't write more stuff like the two great new songs off of their 2005 B-side collection, "Maureen" and "The Girl I Can't Forget." Despite the complaints, this is still a pretty good album. I'd give it a 3.5 on the Amazon scale, or a solid 7/10.

5 out of 5 stars Fun fun fun!.......2007-06-08

My only prior experience with FOW was Welcome Interstate Managers which I love. Listening to this band never fails to bring a smile to my face. No, they are not very "deep," but they are clever and I always feel like I am in on the joke. Their rhymes put me in mind of Lily Allen. The song that runs through my head these days is Traffic and Weather, but I love Strapped for Cash, and the part that makes me go Awww! is in Michael and Heather at the Baggage Claim where Michael asks Heather "Have you had enough?" and Heather says "Michael, you know it's you I love." And how about the places people end up in New Routine? Too funny. This is pop at its finest - catchy, funny and makes you feel smart.
Here Come the ABCs [CD/DVD Combo]
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Pretty Good
  • All-time favorite DVD for kids
  • Fun for Kids and their Grown-ups!
  • My daughter loves it!!!!
  • my little one loves this DVD!
 Here Come the ABCs [CD/DVD Combo]
They Might Be Giants
Manufacturer: Disney
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000BEZPSC
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Here Come The ABC's
  2. Alphabet Of Nations
  3. E Eats Everything
  4. Flying V
  5. Q U
  6. Gor For G!
  7. Pictures Of Pandas Painting
  8. D & W
  9. Fake - Believe
  10. Can You Find It?
  11. The Vowle Family
  12. Letter / Not A Letter
  13. Alphabet Lost And Found
  14. I C U
  15. Letter DHapes
  16. Who Put The Alphabet In Alphabetical Order
  17. Rolling O
  18. L M N O
  19. C Is For Conifers
  20. Fake Believe (Type B)
  21. D Is For Drums
  22. Z Y X
  23. Goodnight My Friends
  24. Clap Your Hands
  25. Here In Higglytown (Theme To Disney's Higglytown Hero's)
  26. Hovering Sombrero '05
  27. I Never Go To Work

Amazon.com

No stranger to the realm of children's records, They Might Be Giants have seen success with their CD No! and the book-and-CD combo Bed, Bed, Bed. Their latest CD, Here Come the ABCs, offers up 25 alphabetically themed songs. However, as is their charming way, the two Johns (Flansburgh and Linnell), use the letters as merely the connective tissue, allowing them to pursuit intriguing flights of fancy that consider everything from the relative power of letters and sounds to animal hijinks. Just as they've always done, there are wistful ballads and high octane rockers. TMBG have always been a family-friendly band, and this disc works just fine for adult fans, who can rightfully consider this simply their newest release. --David Greenberger

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Pretty Good.......2007-07-23

My son of 18 months likes this. The DVD is good, the CD loses a little something since some of the songs need the visual clues (like where is the letter). My wife just finds it strange :-)
Dan

5 out of 5 stars All-time favorite DVD for kids.......2007-07-18

My family loves this DVD. All of the songs and accompanying animation is very creative, while teaching kids the alphabet. The songs are not annoying like some kids music, and my husband and I find ourselves going around singing the songs all the time. The CD that comes with the DVD is great for taking along in the car.

5 out of 5 stars Fun for Kids and their Grown-ups!.......2007-06-10

I bought "Here Come the ABC's" for a friend for her birthday after she watched it with my son. She adores the set. They Might Be Giants performs wonderfully catchy songs that are both easy to remember and challenge thinking. My son, who is 2, enjoys the puppets and the vivid and sometimes strange animation sequences. Favorite songs in our household include "Alphabet of Nations" (me), "E Eats Everything" (my son), and "Alphabet Lost and Found" (my husband). This set is one that I would recommend to anyone who interacts with young children learning to play with language. It grabs their attention, and they don't mind at all.

5 out of 5 stars My daughter loves it!!!!.......2007-05-30

At least once a day my daughter asks to watch the video. I don't mind because the songs are fun, origional, and educational. I find myself singing along!

5 out of 5 stars my little one loves this DVD!.......2007-05-04

My son has been watching this DVD since he was about 9 months old. He is over a year old now and loves it even more than when we first got it. Its also the only dvd he has that i don't get sick of watching over and over. I can't wait for here come the 123's
Desire
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Pretty good, but you gotta get the Best Buy version
  • Not up to Monch standards
  • 8 years later, Pharoahe Monch does it again
  • Makes you think.
  • P Monch is back
 Desire
Pharoahe Monch
Manufacturer: Umvd Labels
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Pop RapPop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000JJRIOI
Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

  1. Intro
  2. Free
  3. Desire
  4. Push
  5. Welcome To the Terrordome
  6. What It Is
  7. When the Gun Draws
  8. Let's Go
  9. Body Baby
  10. Bar Tap
  11. Hold On
  12. So Good
  13. Trilogy

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Pretty good, but you gotta get the Best Buy version.......2007-07-25

This is my first Pharoah Monch album. Having listened to some of his collaborations over the years ('Dub Plate' w/Wyclef, 'Love' w/J Dilla, etc.), I knew he was going to have a classic album with this one. Well, at least it's classic compared to a lot of what's coming out these days.

The big problem with this disk is the production. I believe a great beat can save a bad MC, but a so-so beat cannot save a great MC, and that's the case here on 'What it is,' 'Gun Draws,' 'Hold On,' and 'Trilogy.' I haven't heard much from Mr. Porter before (Only 'Around the World' on Game's Doctor's Advocate album, which also wasn't that great), but after learning he learned under J Dilla and Dr. Dre, his work's really disappointing here.

Enough with that negative ish, you gotta love the intro to the album, a slave song that compliments many of the issues PM talks about on this CD. This naturally leads into 'Free,' which is as hard as any song released this year. Then The Alchemist produces 'Desire,' an incredibly soulful song that's probably the best on the album. A great beat compliments 'Push,' but as another reviewer commented it's not long enough. 'Welcome to the Terrodome' is a cover of the Public Enemy classic with a political introduction by Chuck D himself. It's as good as always, and Pharoah adds a bit of his own flavor here. 'Let's Go' is pretty good, a more laid back track compared to some of the other songs here. 'Body Baby' has the best beat and hook on the record, further proving that blues and hip hop mix rather nicely. 'Bar Tap' has a decent beat from one of my favorite producers at the moment, Black Milk (go cop his CD too, while you're at it), and it's also pretty funny. I love Erykah Badu, but she can only do so much for the boring 'Hold On,' but it's immediately redeemed by 'So Good,' one of the best pre-sex hip hop tracks of all time. Try playing this during a romantic night and see if clothes DON'T come off. Finally, 'Trilogy' does get better as the track progresses, so skipping ahead makes this an ok track.

But you gotta get the Best Buy version, which has the excellent 'Book of Judges.' This is what 'Gun Draws' should have been, it's angrier, more controversial and fresher. With this version, PM has just released the hip hop album of the year so far, though it could be replaced shortly by Common, Kanye West and Chamillionaire.

2 out of 5 stars Not up to Monch standards.......2007-07-23

In the barren wasteland of the current hip hop desert, one tends to look at anything that doesn't sound exactly the same as the mainstream trash as something better than it truly is. If this album were released in 1994-2000, it would be considered in Paharoahe Monch's minor works. Surely we wouldn't place it with his seminal masterpiece Stress: The Extinction Agenda, or even the now defunct solo record Internal Affairs. This album has way too much sugary r & b hooks throughout, this from the same guy who posited "Why do you choose to listen to R & B?" Gun Talks is a standout cut, but haven't true Organized Konfusion fans already been down this road with Stray Bullet?
Pharoahe's skills on the mic are always going to be at the top of the game, the production and lack of subject matter needs to catch up. Mediocre and redundant.

5 out of 5 stars 8 years later, Pharoahe Monch does it again.......2007-07-20

I remember Pharoahe Monch from Organized Konfusion, but to be honest with you other than "Fudge Pudge" with O.C. and (Crush, Kill, Destroy) "Stress" I couldn't tell you too much about them. I was blinded by A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Gang Starr, EPMD, and several others from those days, so I didn't get around into knowing too much about Organized Konfusion. In 1999, I definitely had to start paying attention to Pharoahe Monch once I heard "Simon Says". It was hard for me to believe that Pharoahe could produce a track that was so tight and have the lyrics to back them up. Internal Affairs was definitely a nice, versatile CD. You had a little bit of everything on this CD. My favorite track was the "Simon Says (Remix)" because of the dope Redman verse but you still had classic tracks like the MOP featured "No Mercy", "The Next S____" featuring Busta Rhymes, "The Truth" w/Common and Talib Kweli, "Queens" and "Behind Closed Doors".

I figured that Pharoahe would wait a couple of years and then release another CD but I never figured that there would be 8 years inbetween releases. He attempted to hold us over with tracks like "The Life" w/Styles P., "Guerilla Monsoon Rap" w/Black Thought and Talib Kweli from Talib's "Quality" CD and "Oh No" which featured Mos Def & Nate Dogg from the Lyricist Lounge Volume 2 CD.

One of my boys from high school called me and told me that Pharoahe Monch was releasing another CD and I honestly didn't believe him. Finally, I realized that "Desire" would be droppin' soon. The "Intro" sets the tone for the first part of the CD. Once you hear the beat for "Free" start blaring out of the stereo, you almost forget that it was 8 years between releases. Pharoahe drops some knowledge for people who haven't heard a CD displaying an actual message since Common's "Be" CD. Pharoahe mixes in his actual MC skills while spreading knowledge at the same time and that's actually a good thing. The Alchemist stops by to produce my favorite track on this CD and that is the title track. "Desire" has a nice beat to it but Pharoahe's lyrics are what you will want to focus on this time around. They will make you forget about the beat altogether, as well as, Showtyme sounding like K-Ci, during his sober days, on the track. Once you hear the beat to "Push" you'll wish the track was alot longer. Pharoahe starts the track trying to harmonize but he does his best when he raps his verse at the end of the track. Showtyme, Mela Machinko & the horns from Tower Of Power all add a nice flavor to the track. This is definitely one of the best beats on the CD. "Welcome To The Terrordome" is a remake of the Public Enemy track that was featured on "Fear Of A Black Planet". Chuck D even starts the track with a spoken word intro and Pharoahe Monch adds his own flavor to the track with some new lines to the song on Verse 2 of the song. "What It Is" has Pharoahe Monch simply displaying his MC skills. The track actually sounds like a freestyle and T. Jamerson gives Pharoahe a nice beat as well. Just like the track "Push", you'll have yourself wishing that the track was alot longer that it ends up being. "When The Gun Draws" is produced by Denaun Porter from D12 and from what I understand it is a sequel to the Organized Konfusion track "Stray Bullet". Some people may see the track as being controversial but all I see is a MC who is simply telling it like it is. People have been at the candy shop for so long buying a "drank", that anytime someone makes a song that you actually have to think about, then some people act like a crime has been commited. That's a shame. "Let's Go" is a pretty good track especially because of Pharoahe Monch's lyrics. My only disappointment is that the beat sounds just like "Safe To Say (The Incredible)" from Fat Joe's "All Or Nothing" CD. "Body Baby" is clearly a track made to be a single for "Desire". It might not catch you the first time you listen to it, but the more you listen to the track, the more it will grow on you. Most people will find the track a nice change of pace to the serious tone that is on the majority of the CD. "Bar Tap" might be the worst track on this CD. However, 1 bad track on a 13 track CD is definitely not a problem compared to some of these rap CDs that have been coming out lately. "Hold On" features Erykah Badu and the track has Pharoahe spreading positive messages throughout the song. "So Good" is Pharoahe's dedication to the ladies as he attempts to get grown and sexy over a nice midtempo track. "Trilogy" ends up being a 3 part track where Pharoahe describes a situation where a man has found that his wife has cheated with his best friend and he finds the 2 of them together. The 3 part track ends up being over 9 minutes and adds different perspectives of what the man in question would be thinking after seeing the 2 of them together and the actions that follow afterwards. Dwele adds some smooth vocals and horns to the 2nd part of the Trilogy and this track should definitely end up being one of your favorites on "Desire".

Overall, once you listen to "Desire" a couple of times, you'll scratch your head wondering why Pharoahe Monch waited 8 years before he dropped another CD. With the way hip hop is going nowadays we need more CDs that you can actually listen to and learn something from. If you're a fan of any of Pharoahe Monch's past work with Organized Konfusion or "Internal Affairs", then you should also pick up "Desire".

James' Top 6

1) Desire
2) Free
3) Push
4) Gun Draws
5) What It Is
6) Trilogy

Honorable Mention:

Welcome To The Terrordome
Hold On w/Erykah Badu
So Good
Body Baby

3 out of 5 stars Makes you think........2007-07-19

I think this is a pretty good album. I only recently started listening to this dude. I like how he's conscience of the politcal environment and speaks his feelings about it. The first few tracks are hot fire but over all the album is thought provoking.

4 out of 5 stars P Monch is back.......2007-07-18

The follow up to the Classic Internal Affairs, this album is great. Original Hip Hop where everything lately sounds the same. Buy this album, support the artist. We need more hip hop like this.
Greatest Hits
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Solid Greatest Hits Record
  • Give Mike a Break!
  • Only one disc?
  • Worth a purchase even for the hardcore fans...
  • Re-recorded hits
 Greatest Hits
Social Distortion
Manufacturer: Time Bomb
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
PunkPunk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
American PunkAmerican Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000QFCCUA
Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

  1. Another State Of Mind
  2. Mommy's Little Monster
  3. Prison Bound
  4. Story Of My Life
  5. Ball And Chain
  6. Ring Of Fire
  7. Bad Luck
  8. When The Angels Sing
  9. I Was Wrong
  10. Reach For The Sky
  11. Far Behind

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Solid Greatest Hits Record.......2007-07-24

I have been a huge Social Distortion fan since 1988. I remember hearing "Prison Bound" when I was skateboarding a lot. My first Social Distortion show was in 1990 on the self-titled tour. I remember hearing "Ball and Chain" and "Sick Boy" live and it was the most awesome thing ever. The energy at the show was amazing. I have seen them many times since then and through many line-up changes. One thing stays the same and that is that Social Distortion is the greatest band of modern times. Mike Ness always impresses me with his lyrics and signature sound. This greatest hits record is really cool and I appreciate the re-recorded sound. It is very tastefully done and anyone who loves Social Distortion will gladly welcome this as an addition to their collection. I can't wait to hear the new record when it comes out and to catch another fantastic Social Distortion show.

5 out of 5 stars Give Mike a Break!.......2007-07-09

Of course if you are a longtime fan you might now want this, as it is largely a reprise. (Thus the title: Greatest Hits.) I, as a fanatic, am looking forward to checking out some of the re-recorded songs and love "Far Behind." Obviously if you are looking for new material, this isn't the place to go! Come on, guys. It looks like a pretty competent greatest hits collection to me. If you want B-tracks, etc., buy the damn original albums like the rest of us! Mike--you are one of the greatest songwriters of our era, and I can't wait for the new album!

4 out of 5 stars Only one disc?.......2007-07-02

Considering that I have been enamored with Social Distortion since I was eight years old, my review may be on the biased side, but the major quips I have with this collection are that A. It's only one disc: Granted not every Social Distortion song can be called a hit, they have more than 11 tracks to consider great. B. Not all the old songs are remastered: The two tracks I'm really talking about are 'Another State of Mind' and 'Prison Bound'. If you've been lucky enough to see or hear one of their latest shows, they start off 'Prison Bound' with a beautiful piano melody, which would have been fantastic to hear in a studio form, and 'Another State of Mind' with the new dynamic duo of Ness and Wickersham would have been something for the ages. I am pleased to hear the White Light, White Heat, White Trash songs redone, but they didn't require too much reworking because of the album's sheer perfection on its release eleven years ago.

So for those just getting into Social Distortion, or the people like me who will buy just about anything they do regardless of how it's reviewed, give this a try, but don't spend too much on it or expect monumental difference in songs. Hopefully it won't be another eight years before another album hits the shelves.

4 out of 5 stars Worth a purchase even for the hardcore fans..........2007-07-01

When I first learned that Social Distortion would be releasing a "greatest hits" album, I wasn't too excited about it. Of course, I have all the albums already and I wasn't looking forward to the prospect of paying $14 to get the one new song in an album of repackaged hits. I was also a bit put off by the fact that this album would only contain 11 songs. That is pretty thin for a "greatest hits" album. Still, since I can't get enough of Social Distortion and I'm a shameless completist, I knew I'd end up forking over the cash.

Let's just say that I was surprised when I first listened to this CD. As has been speculated on by Social Distortion fans for some time now, all of the songs from the major label era albums (tracks 4-9) have been given a major facelift.

This is where things get interesting. As of now, the band has not officially commented on this situation and the liner notes are no help either. Some fans are convinced that these tracks are merely remastered. Others think that the original songs have been re-mixed. Still, more think that what's on this CD is demo versions of the Sony era classics. Others think that the songs have been completely re-recorded.

I can't say that I'm an expert on mastering, mixing, or recording, but all I needed to hear was the first 5 seconds of "I Was Wrong" to realize that these songs are basically totally different. To me, the vocals and guitars sound totally different on all of the songs.

Personally, I don't buy the notion that these songs have only been "remastered". I own many remastered albums. I re-bought some of Bad Religions re-mastered releases in 2004. All of those songs sounded nearly identical to their original releases. The only difference in those releases is that they ended up much louder and crisper on the remastered discs. This is not the case with this CD. These songs have been altered and altered alot.

I'm sure some purists will be put off by the fact that the band has done this under the name of a greatest hits cd. Myself, I don't mind it one bit. It was a welcome surprise and actually made it worth me buying this cd. If I want to listen to the originals, I can pop those cd's in any time. This is a nice change of pace.

The new versions of the classic songs are interesting. I really can't call them better or worse than the originals. They are just different. I like both the originals and what's on this cd. Like I said, this is just a nice change of pace. Also, Far Behind is a great song. Classic Social Distortion.

So, I will say that this "greatest hits" album was worth the money in the end. In a perfect world, I would have preferred them to have released a b-sides/unreleased tracks cd. Social Distortion has a huge catalog of rarities that they've never released. That would have been better for the hardcore fans like myself, but I'll take what I can get. Maybe someday I'll get what I'm looking for (Mike Ness if you happen to read this: hint, hint). In the end, this will tide me over until they get around to releasing another new album. I'll just keep crossing my fingers and hoping that doesn't take nearly a decade like the last one.

If you're a hardcore SxDx fan or a newbie just looking to get aquainted with some of Social Distortion's music, you won't be disappointed with this cd.

3 out of 5 stars Re-recorded hits.......2007-06-28

Let me start off by saying Mike Ness (and whoever is in Social Distortion at any given moment) are an awesome band. Period. But, this 'greatest hits' cd is a disappointment. First off, all the Sony-era tracks are not included, instead we get re-recorded ones. Secondly, 11 songs? That's it? Plenty of room to add more hits (re-recorded or not). And thirdly, the liner notes are basically a cut and paste bio. No band credits, no production credits, nothing. Then to make matters worse, iTunes has a download of the old Chuck Berry song MAYBELLENE (which you have to buy the whole album on iTunes to get ) that would ahve easily fit on here. Kind of a shame.
Daydream Nation (Deluxe Edition)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • beautiful daydream
  • a deluxe edition done right
  • The best album of 1988...and 2007!
  • HOLD UP. Daydream Nation Got Better?
  • Deluxe Treatment of Sonic Youth's Breakthrough Album
 Daydream Nation (Deluxe Edition)
Sonic Youth
Manufacturer: Geffen Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000Q3648S
Release Date: 2007-06-12

Tracks:

  1. Teen Age Riot
  2. Silver Rocket
  3. The Sprawl
  4. 'Cross the Breeze
  5. Eric's Trip
  6. Total Trash
  7. Hey Joni
  8. Providence
  9. Candle
  10. Rain King
  11. KissabilityTrilogy:
  12. a) The Wonder
  13. b) Hyperstation
  14. z) Eliminator Jr.
  15. Eric's Trip (home demo- bonus demo track)

Tracks:

  1. The Sprawl
  2. 'Cross the Breeze
  3. Hey Joni
  4. Silver Rocket
  5. Kissability
  6. Eric's Trip
  7. Candle
  8. The Wonder
  9. Hyperstation
  10. Eliminator Jr.
  11. Providence
  12. Teen Age Riot
  13. Rain King
  14. Totally Trashed
  15. Total Trash
  16. Within You, Without You (Cover Song)
  17. Touch Me, I'm Sick (Cover Song)
  18. Computer Age (Cover Song)
  19. Electricity (Cover Song)

Album Description

"100 Greatest Albums of the 1980s" (Rolling Stone, 1989)
"100 Alternative Albums" (Spin, 1995)
"Top 99 Albums of `85 to `95" (Alternative Press, 1995)
"The Essential 200 Rock Records" (Rolling Stone, 1997)
"Top 100 Albums of All Time" (New Musical Express, 2003)

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars beautiful daydream.......2007-07-23

to hear the live daydreaming on record is true beauty. the demo of eric's trip shows just how far the songs travel from idea to finished work.
if i had to recommend one sonic youth album to be part of every true music lover's record-collection this would be it. every aspect of their music comes together perfectly on this one.

still on of the greatest records of all times even 19 years after it's original release. hats of ...

5 out of 5 stars a deluxe edition done right.......2007-07-13

Disc One is the reissued definitive recording of the 1980's.
Disc Two is chocked full of noisey Daydream Nation goodness performed live.

So often reissues are a ripoff. This set delivers the goods and then some.

5 out of 5 stars The best album of 1988...and 2007!.......2007-06-22

The fifth album (more or less) by The Best Rock Band of the Last 25 Years should need no introduction, and indeed if you're interested in buying the deluxe edition of Sonic Youth's "Daydream Nation," I can presume you're probably already a fan. You already know how the album summed up and then changed the course of the underground rock movement of the 80s, how the ample attention of critics, then music fans, then record labels set the stage for the alternative rock revolution of the 90s--oh well whatever Nevermind and yada yada yada. If, however, you haven't already drank the Kool-Aid (and you should!), some brief notes about the "basic" edition...

"Daydream Nation" is still hailed as Sonic Youth's grand masterpiece, and yeah, it still holds up as such (confession: it's my second favorite SY album after Sister), even if it doesn't seem as radical today as it did when it came out. Sure, there are swirling whirlwinds of oddly-(de)tuned guitars and feedback fading in, out and sometimes interrupting the songs, but make no mistake, there are definitely songs to be found here. The openening "Teenage Riot" is, for its galloping drums and lyrical cheekiness (imagining Dinosaur Jr's J. Mascis as president, or so Thurston Moore has said) basically a melodic and even hummable pop song. Even a more "experimental" song like "The Sprawl" has a certain immediacy, with bassist/vocalist Kim Gordon saying straigt out "does f**k you sound simple enough?" Heck, the closing "trilogy" of the album has all the power and intensity familiar to any classic rock fans, only with a live-wire buzzing and skree that comes from playing in one of Glenn Branca's guitar-army ensembles. Really, it's not so radical after all (for a taste of something far weirder, check out Twin Infinitives, which was released around the same time as DN by Royal Trux, a New York band friendly with Sonic Youth).

For us fan(atic)s, the real treat here is the second disc of this set, which features live versions of all the album's tracks, culled from the band's original tour supporting the album, albeit in a different order (SY has recently announced it will play "Daydream Nation" as part of a special show, presumably in the album's running order). These tracks, mostly of excellent sound quality, are shorter but sharper than the album versions. "Total Trash" is done as an instrumental (I could be wrong, but they seem to be quoting the early Pink Floyd's instrumental "Interstellar Overdrive" in one spot), preceded by another instrumental, "Totally Trashed," which toys around with electronics a bit. Mostly these are no-holds-barred performances that clearly draw on the band's love of hardcore punk and NYC No Wave (DNA, Teenage Jesus & the Jerks). I don't know how a non-fan would react, but for yours truly it's pure Sonic bliss.

Another great bonus on disc two is the inclusion of four cover songs, three of which were taken from now hard-to-find tribute albums (this was before that concept got beaten to death): "Within You Without You" (The Beatles), "Computer Age" (Neil Young) and "Electricity" (Captain Beefheart). There's also a version of Mudhoney's "Touch Me I'm Sick," with demented vocals from Kim, taken from a split 7" (as in vinyl, kids) that had the other band doing SY's "Halloween" on the reverse (alas, that version isn't included here). The Beatles cover in particular shows how the band could translate their sound into completely different realms--the original, of course, was played mostly with sitars.

Add all that to a package that includes ultra-Kool, and rare, pictures and an extensive essay by longtime SY friend Byron Coley, and you have a true Sonic feast. Like they did with the Goo Deluxe Edition and the Dirty (Deluxe Edition), Sonic Youth rewards fans and newcomers alike almost to the bursting point. Now let's hope they burn down the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame before too long...

5 out of 5 stars HOLD UP. Daydream Nation Got Better?.......2007-06-13

Q: Sonic Youth is amazingness wrapped in pita bread?
A: Yes.

Q: Daydream Nation defined an entire generation of amazingness?
A: Yes.

Q: The new re-issue of Daydream Nation preserves the original amazingness while adding just enough ancillary material to make it that much more perfect?
A: Yes.

Q; Everyone should buy this new disc, regardless of whether they like Sonic Youth or not?
A: Yes.

Sweet.

5 out of 5 stars Deluxe Treatment of Sonic Youth's Breakthrough Album.......2007-06-12

Daydream Nation is clearly Sonic Youth's breakthrough album. A two lp set that focused all their previous ideas into one cohesive and brilliant album. The songs are stretched out more (though still song length)giving more of an idea of what they sounded like live. Music at this time was stuck in pop doldrums. Sonic Youth, which had built up a cult following, after the release of this album were then signed by a major label and brought all the indie rock bands into the light eventually including one that was just getting a start in Seattle that would soon eclipse all of them in popularity. However, back to Daydream Nation. The sprawling, though in no way self indulgent quality of the album took Sonic Youth into a new direction. Now, in getting the deluxe reissue treatment,it sheds new light on the album. On the 2nd disc you not only get live versions of all of the songs on the album (and Sonic Youth live takes what they do in the studio to a new level) but rarities as their version of "Within You, Without You" which was previously only available on a rare tribute album. If Daydream Nation were released for the first time this year, it would be one of the best albums of the year and with this deluxe reissue, in many ways it is.
The Velvet Underground & Nico
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Class of Their Own
  • Good music.
  • Rock from the other side.
  • The record that happened
  • Brilliant debut, one of the most perfect in rock history...
 The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground , and Nico
Manufacturer: Polydor / Umgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. The Velvet Underground
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ASIN: B000002G7C
Release Date: 1996-05-07

Tracks:

  1. Sunday Morning
  2. I'm Waiting For The Man
  3. Femme Fatale
  4. Venus in Furs
  5. Run Run Run
  6. All Tomorrow's Parties
  7. Heroin
  8. There She Goes Again
  9. I'll Be Your Mirror
  10. The Black Angel's Death Song
  11. European Sun

Amazon.com essential recording

When the Velvets recorded this debut, they were best known as the protégés of Andy Warhol (who designed the sleeve), and as a grating, combustive live band. Fueled by drummer Moe Tucker's no-nonsense wham and John Cale's howling viola, some of the straight-up rock & roll and arty noise extravaganzas here bear that out. But before Lou Reed was singing about sadomasochism and drug deals and writing lyrics inspired by his favorite poets, he was a pop songwriter, and this album has some of his prettiest tunes, mostly sung by Nico, the German dark angel who left the band after this disc. Even the sordid rockers are underscored by graceful pop tricks, like the two-chord flutter at the center of the classic "Heroin." --Douglas Wolk

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Class of Their Own.......2007-05-26

The first time I heard The Velvet Underground, I thought and still do think their style is so distinctive, like no other.

Lou Reed has great versatility in his voice,and can be quite commanding as in Heroin and Run,Run,Run.

There up there with Nico, just wow !!!!!

Thankfully through Andy Warhol artist on canvas film and music, we have The Velvet Underground.

4 out of 5 stars Good music. .......2007-05-14

Not so fond of Nico's voice, but Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground are awesome!

5 out of 5 stars Rock from the other side........2007-05-10

The Velvets had always been different. In the mid sixties, when just about every band in business was trying to be the Beatles, the Stones, Bob Dylan, or somewhere in between, the Velvet Underground were doing their own thing. And what a thing it was! Led by swaggering, snarling hipster-junky Lou Reed, this was a band of cultured weirdos and playful freaks. Their music was different from just about everyone else's: It was miles beyond any of the mainstream music of the times- even the height of the Beatles' experimental phase doesn't come close to the otherworldly insanity found here. The band's alien sound is all over the place: Multi-instrumentalist John Cale is a one-man noise factory, drenching songs in his wailing electric viola, pulverizing bass lines, and droning keyboard playing. On drums, Maureen Tucker reduces rock n roll's signiature rhythm to its bare essentials, pounding primal, sensual pulses of pure musical incantation. The partnership of Lou Reed and Sterling Morrisson on guitars is equally jarring- the two play their instruments like a pair of disgruntled folkies, jumping back and fourth between clean lines and ugly distortion, hyperactive rhythms and sky-scraping melodies, crazed strumming and whiplashing fingerpicking. Reed's lyrics and singing are, as you've probably guessed, just as out-of-this-world: He kicks aside the typical boy-meets-girl fare for grimy drug anthems, dark surrealism, back-alley sexuality, and tense paranoia. He delivers these distinctive musings in a choppy, throaty chant that epitomizes detatched cool. Joining the band for this album only is Nico, the icy-voiced German model who lends her distinctive voice to three of the songs on the record. Now, experimentation is all fine and good, but it would be totally worthless if the songs weren't great. After all, there's nothing more pretentious or unpleasent (musically, anyway) than a mess of unlistinable noise that tries to pass itself off as "experimental." Not to worry! The Velvets may be weird, but they've got an impeccable knack for creating great music. It may take a few listens to get used to, but once you've pushed your way past the initial surprise and confusion, you'll find that this is a set of highly original, fantastically listenable, outta-this world rock 'n' roll.

"Heroin" sums this up quite succinctly: The song builds from a pretty, delicate, yet slightly unsettling guitar strum. Lou plays the deranged folk singer, intoning his emotionally ambiguous lyric over the song's glowing chords. From there, the tune builds in intensity, morving into a galloping nightmare ballad, while Reed's lyric slips back and forth between dreamy self-reflection and nightmarish chaos. Soon, John Cale joins in, pummeling his viola into screeching submission, building the whole thing into a screaming, violent catharsis. "Venus in Furs" is a gloomy, doom-laden death drone, built around a disquieting, stomping rhythm section and a creepy ascending guitar line, over which Lou, chanting like a man in a deep trance, celebrates the joys of masochism. "All Tomorrow's Parties," one of the songs that feature Nico as vocalist, is a regal, decadent epic that features some wonderfully sinewey guitar lines. Nico's voice fits in with the proceedings nicely, arcing over the strange melody with clipped Teutonic precision. Other highlights include "The Black Angel's Death Song," in which Lou spits out a slippery, surreal, stream-of-conciousness ramble over a rumbling, dizzy guitar line and a flailing viola line, as well as the outta hand group improvisation "European Son." "I'm Waiting for the Man" and "There She Goes Again" reveal the band's debt to traditional rock and R&B- the former is a pummeling, piano driven blues-rock churner, while the latter is a souring slice of greasy proto-blue-eyed soul that kicks off with a musical allusion to Marvin Gaye (listen to his "Hitch Hike"). But even those two songs are plenty subversive- Lou Reed's lyrics are unsentimental evocations of the seedier aspects of urban life, relating tales of back-street drug deals and the kind of girl your mother warned you about. Reed is particularly good on "Waiting for the Man," as he moans, chants, and struts his way through a set of lyrics that casually narrates the joys and bitter pains of drug addiction with equal parts foolish optimism and complete self-loathing. Similarly, "Run Run Run" builds off of a pummeling rock backbeat, mixing in bursts of jagged guitar noise and violent lyricl poetry. "Femme Fatalle" and "I'll Be Your Mirror," Nico's other two contributions to the album, prove that the Velvets could make beautiful music if they wanted to- along with the eerily gorgeous album oppener "Sunday Morning," these songs are airy, otherworldly ballads that still manage to convey an amazing ammount of tension and discomfort.

As a whole, the Velvet Underground's debut is a brilliant album, a set of pop songs the likes of which you've never heard. It may have flown over the heads of listeners back in 1967, but its still managed to inspire countless musicians and musical movements. Influence aside, it's still a fantastic listen, a rock n roll album that'll blow your mind with every spin. Get it now.

5 out of 5 stars The record that happened .......2007-04-14

THE VELVET UNDERGROUND & NICO is longer running than most records of its era and loaded with interesting, exciting, and beautiful yet strange songs. Also the content is odd for its time, or any time, but I think the "homosexual" perception was grafted on post-facto ("I'm Waiting For The Man" is of course actually sung "I'm waiting for MY man. . .") and though long perceived as "gay" because of certain references, such as the narrator's lack of interest in black girls instead of his purpose in being up town ("Oh no sir!") It sounded "queer," but it's queer only in the sense that Lou Reed is waiting for his drug dealer "...he's always late" who gives him "sweet taste." Our narrator then swiftly exits, presumably to consume his drugs. I think Reed's later admissions of juvenile homosexuality, drug use, and a kind of artistic bisexuality lead to over-interpretation of the lyrics on this most challenging of VELVET UNDERGROUND records. That being said, this record, a low-seller in its day, is unique, endlessly listenable, and tuneful. The long stated commentary about "drone" and "buzz" is fair, particularly on tracks "Heroin," "European Son" and my own favorite, "The Black Angel's Death Song." But, this record is much more than a Punk predecessor, Andy Warhol bank rolled project, or Art Rock oddity. THE VELVET UNDERGROUND & NICO remains one of the most important, intriguing, and unusual of records in the Rock catalog and a must for students of modern music.

5 out of 5 stars Brilliant debut, one of the most perfect in rock history..........2007-04-13

The Velvet Underground only put out 4 albums (5 if you include the Doug Yule only Squeeze album, which most of us Velvet fans don't), but everyone was a masterpiece, and the journey commenced right here. This is my favorite VU album. It is adventurous, eclectic, tuneful, scary, moving, and assaulting, a true work of art. There isn't one throwaway track (in fact, the Velvets never wasted a track on any album). Sunday Morning begins the album beautifully. I love the drug songs Waiting for the Man and Heroin. Venus in Furs is sad and powerful, and All Tomorrow's Parties is scary and hypnotic (with Nico's best vocal). The Black Angel's Death Song is pure, avant garde Cale, and European Son predates the sonic assault we were going to get on White Light/White Heat. You think that the Velvet Underground would have choked after making such a fine debut album, but they followed it up with 3 masterpieces. How many bands only made a handful of albums and yet have had such a lasting impact? The MC5 is the only other band that comes to mind. This is one of my favorite albums of all time, and I listen to it once a week. Lou, John, Mo, Sterling, and Nico rule.
St. Elsewhere
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • mixed
  • I like it more with each listening
  • A lot of filler songs
  • product: great but postage: lengthy
  • How Great is St. Elsewhere
 St. Elsewhere
Gnarls Barkley
Manufacturer: Downtown
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000F3AAUW
Release Date: 2006-05-09

Tracks:

  1. Go-Go Gadeget Gospel
  2. Crazy
  3. St. Elsewhere
  4. Gone Daddy Gone
  5. Smiley Faces
  6. The Boogie Monster
  7. Feng Shui
  8. Just a Thought
  9. Transformer
  10. Who Cares?
  11. On-Line
  12. Necromancing
  13. Storm Coming
  14. The Last Time

Amazon.com

In 2006, Danger Mouse is King Midas of the music world. He has an uncanny knack for creating jagged, dense, frenzied beats and odd, eerie, vivid soundscapes that never compromise the music's natural flow. Meanwhile, rapper and singer Cee-Lo, a veteran of Atlanta's Dirty South scene, has never been one to be constrained by hip-hop conventions, and is a willing partner in adventure. The result is an intrepid psychedelic blend of pop, hip-hop, soul, and rock that consistently challenges and delights. It's no wonder that "Crazy," with its modest riff, irresistible hook, and disarming opening line ("I remember when, I remember, I remember when I lost my mind") became a worldwide Internet sensation a full six months before the official release of St. Elsewhere. But that relatively simple soul-pop gem is the tamest track on this wide-ranging, often dark and introspective collaboration. (In fact, the duo considers Gnarls Barkley to be a wholly new creation, as opposed to a collaboration of existing artists.) "Everybody is somebody, but nobody wants to be themselves," Cee-Lo croons on "Who Cares?" He and Danger Mouse try very hard not to be their old selves as they creatively and confidently break down boundaries, but the brilliant cores of their musical personae--Cee-Lo's eccentric spiritual soul man and Danger's bold sonic explorer--remain. --Marc Greilsamer

Album Description

Gnarls Barkley is the highly anticipated collaboration from Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo. Danger Mouse is one of the most important artist/producers in music today. "Demon Days" sold over 5 million worldwide and Dangerdoom's "The Mouse And The Mask" sold over 100,000 units. Accolades include GQ's "Men Of The Year" honor; Spin's "Eccentric Genius Of The Year", NME's "Hottest Hip-Hop Producer In The World", Entertainment Weekly's "Album Of The Year", Grammy nomination for Producer Of The Year, and more. Cee-Lo is a Grammy-nominated, founding member of Goodie Mob. He wrote and produced the Pussycat Dolls #1 smash hit "Don't Cha", and his two solo albums for Arista scanned over 500,000 units combined. He also wrote hit singles for Ludacris, Common, P Diddy, Trick Daddy, and others. "Goodie Mob" has sold over two million albums worldwide. "Crazy", from this release, is all over UK's Radio One.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars mixed.......2007-07-12

rap, reggae, gospel...quite a variety of sounds, but no unique "sound" to define the group's style. Not very impressed.

4 out of 5 stars I like it more with each listening.......2007-07-09

The first time I heard the album, I listened to it all the way through. I thought it was just OK. "Who Cares" was sort of clever. And how on earth did "Crazy" get to be such a hit? But I listened to it again a week later, and I found a little more to like. A few days later I wanted to hear those two songs again. Now I can't stop listening to them, and, yes, I agree that "Crazy" is amazing, and I love it. The songs on this album have richly layered beats that you find something new in each time you hear them. Cool, baby!

4 out of 5 stars A lot of filler songs.......2007-07-03

I would give it three stars, if I didn't like at least one of the songs on the CD so much.

3 out of 5 stars product: great but postage: lengthy.......2007-06-27

gday
im an australian who enjoys purchasing their music via the internet either via ebay, amazon, etc. It is usually cheaper to purchase music material over the internet but i understand that given that this requires time for postage i am usually patient. this is the second time i have purchased an music album from the US but the last time i ordered the item from ebay and i recieved the item within 10 days.
Im not sure what efforts can be made but to wait 20 days for a CD from the US seems excessive when other items are able to be sent in a quicker span of time between payment/purchase in the US and receipt in Australia.
This is my only complaint. I appreciate the range of products but surely postage could be arranged so it arrives within a quicker time-frame than 20 days.
Thank you

5 out of 5 stars How Great is St. Elsewhere.......2007-06-02

Here is my 2 cents on this album. Last summer when I heard the single "Crazy" I INSTANTLY took notice...I was stunned how great it was.
And this was playing on commercial pop radio? I gave the record a chance anyway, and man let me tell you...after the 2nd listen to this disc I was HOOKED! This record is interesting, soulful, edgy, thoughtful, original, and fantastic. A musical masterpiece. I can't wait to hear what Cee-Lo and Dangermouse do next.
Highly recomended.
Broken Boy Soldiers
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • So many influences, so little time
  • Top Ten Stranded on an Island Albums
  • Jack White knows 3 chords and I'm sick of hearing them...
  • Really good
  • It's all good!
 Broken Boy Soldiers
The Raconteurs
Manufacturer: V2 Records/Third Man
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000F48CD8
Release Date: 2006-05-16

Tracks:

  1. STEADY, AS SHE GOES
  2. HANDS
  3. BROKEN BOY SOLDIER
  4. INTIMATE SECRETARY
  5. TOGETHER
  6. LEVEL
  7. STORE BOUGHT BONES
  8. YELLOW SUN
  9. CALL IT A DAY
  10. BLUE VEINS

Amazon.com

Smothered by the indulgence of his rock star ranking, Jack White steps into the eccentricities of the supergroup, and at first glance, this seems to be a band where White's imposing presence could overshadow the rest. Not the case with these Raconteurs. Teaming with fellow Detroit songwriter Brendan Benson and Jack Lawrence and Patrick Keeler, the rhythm section from Cincinnati band the Greenhornes, White exhales a bit, deferring enough to his mates to make Broken Boy Soldiers play like a team effort. Following the Benson blueprint, "Steady as She Goes," which opens as a slice of 1960's radio pop, the record steers away from pigeonholing the rest of the way. White's in a Middle Eastern mood for the title track as he pulls off a wicked Robert Plant howl, while Lawrence and Keeler excel on the chorus-strong "Intimate Secretary" and the optimistic acoustic rocker "Yellow Sun." Like so many all-star bands before them, The Raconteurs could be one and done. But don't place the blame on this fertile and genuine debut. --Scott Holter

Leading up to The Raconteurs...

The Alternative to Love
Brendan Benson
Get Behind Me Satan
The White Stripes
Sewed Soles
The Greenhornes

The Greenhornes

One Mississippi/Wellfed Boy
Brendan Benson
De Stijl
The White Stripes

Album Description

The Raconteurs are a new band made up of old friends, consisting of Jack Lawrence (bass), Patrick Keeler (drums), Brendan Benson (guitars, vocals, keys) and Jack White(guitars, vocals, keys). The seed was sewn in an attic in the middle of a hot summer when friends Jack White and Brendan Benson got together and wrote a song that truly inspired them. This song was "Steady, As She Goes" and the inspiration led to the creation of a full band with the addition of Lawrence and Keeler. While each of these four individuals have had successful careers with their own bands, the culmination of all of their talents is what truly makes The Raconteurs a force to be reckoned with.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars So many influences, so little time.......2007-07-24


The Raconteurs mesh together so many influences on their debut that it's easy to lose track of how many there are in a given song much less throughout the CD. Aside from the bands like the Beatles and Led Zeppelin, whose influences you can hear everywhere, I even pick up bits from such divergent sounds as Queen, (A little "Keep Yourself Alive" riff in "Hands") and ELP (Opening organ on "Store Bought Bones") and they make it work for them. This is not a White side project (as if it could be with Benson's participation) but a fully realized band with a great sound. Hopefully, this is not a one shot deal and The Raconteurs continue to record. I would like to see them further develop this sound, leaning a bit less on the past and taking a few more chances.

5 out of 5 stars Top Ten Stranded on an Island Albums.......2007-06-22

Indie Rock's answer to a "Supergroup". Every track on the disc should be on the radio. The most underrated and unrecognized band of the year. The band has great chemistry and passion for what they do. Incredible Live act. If you love good music, buy this NOW!

1 out of 5 stars Jack White knows 3 chords and I'm sick of hearing them..........2007-06-17

Most under talented, overrated performer/entertainer in pop in the last 30 years. Terrible album. Indulgent, completely forgettable regurgitations of the things one learns when they first pick up an instrument. I don't think the whole amateur rock think is cute at all... Terrrrrrible...

4 out of 5 stars Really good.......2007-06-12

I love artists who can make a new sound from old influences, and the Raconteurs deliver on this albumn. Some of the guitar work sounds like it's straight out of the sixties, yet the songs sit comfortably among other contemporary alt-rock projects. Check this one out.

5 out of 5 stars It's all good!.......2007-06-04

I'd heard a song or two on the radio while traveling and thought I'd give the cd a go. Fabulous! Truly these musicians enjoy what they do and each others company. Only through genuine collaboration could such a creation happen. They had me from the first song to the last. The style is definately not that of amateurs. Well produced but not to the point that it sounds plastic. In fact one thing I love the most is how they have retained a slight raw edge that was quite refreshing. I hear influences of the Beatles, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin but with completely fresh insight and I only hope they keep it up so I can add more to my music collection!
In my opinion, not just one or two songs but, all of them are good!
In Time: The Best of R.E.M. 1988-2003
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • good stuff
  • GOOD MUSIC
  • R.E.M. Rocks
  • Good Collection Of Hits
  • R.E.M? G.O.O.D.
 In Time: The Best of R.E.M. 1988-2003
R.E.M.
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B0000CC6QF
Release Date: 2003-10-28

Tracks:

  1. Man on the Moon
  2. The Great Beyond [from Man on the Moon soundtrack]
  3. Bad Day [previously unreleased]
  4. What's The Frequency, Kenneth?
  5. All The Way To Reno (You're Gonna Be A Star)
  6. Losing My Religion
  7. E-Bow The Letter
  8. Orange Crush
  9. Imitation of Life
  10. Daysleeper
  11. Animal [previously unreleased]
  12. The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite
  13. Stand
  14. Electrolite
  15. All The Right Friends [from Vanilla Sky soundtrack]
  16. Everybody Hurts
  17. At My Most Beautiful
  18. Nightswimming

Amazon.com

How do you condense 15 years of music down to 76 minutes? In the case of this survey of the second phase of R.E.M.'s career, the answer is: Exceptionally well. The dangling carrot for diehards is two new songs; the rapid fire "Bad Day" hurtles along like the kissing cousin of "It's the End of the World as We Know It," while "Animal" is anchored by a majestic drone reminiscent of the Beatles' "Tomorrow Never Knows." In a surprising, but gratifying move, the rest of the program shortchanges the band's breakthrough, Out of Time (no "Shiny Happy People"), to better accommodate movie soundtrack contributions, and spotlight gems from the less commercial, post-Bill Berry albums Reveal and Up; with its baroque piano and multi-tracked vocal harmonies, the Beach Boys homage "At My Most Beautiful" is particularly gorgeous, while the burbling keyboards and slightly dazed singing of "All the Way to Reno" will appeal to Flaming Lips fans. --Kurt B. Reighley

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars good stuff.......2007-07-18

this is a great compilation but the only reason i bought this album was for losing my religion and man in the moon...im not a very big fan of their other stuff.

4 out of 5 stars GOOD MUSIC.......2007-05-16

REM have a unique sound and this CD is one of their best.

5 out of 5 stars R.E.M. Rocks.......2007-05-13

I love this CD. Great song selection and a true joy to own.

4 out of 5 stars Good Collection Of Hits.......2007-05-12

This is good collection of songs from R.E.M. from their Warner Brothers years but there are some hits missing. The obvious hits are there, like Man On the Moon, What's The Frequency, Kenneth?, Everyboby Hurts, etc. This collection is of their mainstream hits while there is another collection of hits "The IRS Years", which are songs from before 1988, which were hits in nerdy college radio stations.

4 out of 5 stars R.E.M? G.O.O.D........2007-03-30

Enjoyed this very much. Will be checking out other cd''s of R.E.M.
Demon Days
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant!!!
  • Don't listen to the 1 and 2 star's
  • wonderful
  • Even better than their first album
  • A Smooth, Haunting Album
 Demon Days
Gorillaz
Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00082IJ08
Release Date: 2005-05-24

Tracks:

  1. Intro
  2. Last Living Souls
  3. Kids With Guns
  4. O Green World
  5. Dirty Harry
  6. Feel Good Inc.
  7. El Manana
  8. Every Planet We Reach Is Dead
  9. November Has Come
  10. All Alone
  11. White Light
  12. DARE
  13. Fire Coming Out Of A Monkey's Head
  14. Don't Get Lost in Heaven
  15. Demon Days

Amazon.com

A side project doesn't usually hit gold, especially when said project is a quirky virtual collective fronted by cartoon characters. But the first, self-titled album by Gorillaz--the brainchild of illustrator Jamie Hewlett and Blur frontman Damon Albarn--actually hit platinum and turned into a surprise worldwide hit. Naturally expectations were a lot higher for Gorillaz's sophomore effort, but Demon Days actually is even better than its predecessor. With producer Dan "the Automator" Nakamura gone, Albarn, a.k.a. 2D, has paired up with DJ Danger Mouse (responsible for the infamous Grey Album that illegally mixed the Beatles and Jay-Z) to steer the musical ship, while a whole new slew of guests enlivens the proceedings. Albarn has described Demon Days as being darker, but there's a real kooky dance-party vibe coursing through the CD. Despite its somber tone, "Kids with Guns" is lifted by a killer bass line, for instance, while the catchy first single, "Feel Good Inc," is augmented by an appealing contribution from De La Soul. Other noteworthy guests include Roots Manuva and Tricky collaborator Martina Topley-Bird on the dubby "All Alone" and Happy Mondays singer Shaun Ryder on the bouncy "DARE." And yet it's a 69-year-old actor who gets to deliver the most baffling contribution--just listen to Dennis Hopper's spoken-word narrative on "Fire Coming Out of the Monkey's Head." Elisabeth Vincentelli

Amazon.com

Gorillaz Photos

More from Gorillaz

Gorillaz
G-Sides
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Gorillaz - Phase One - Celebrity Take Down
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Demon Days Live

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant!!!.......2007-07-24

You HAVE to buy this, Gorillaz fans! :)This is the completion to your collection, if you have one without it. If you do, then all you need is the newest item, Rise of the Ogre. And I understand why you can't listen to El Manana .....watch the video, Noodle fans, and make sure to have tissues ready!!!:(

5 out of 5 stars Don't listen to the 1 and 2 star's.......2007-07-09

They are a bunch of idiots who bought this album for the radio friendly singles. This is easily one of the most complex, intelligent, and layered albums of the decade. A addictive mix of Rock, hip hop, and brains, everysong on this album is brilliant, the only low being the far to long "Every Planet We Reach is Dead".
I've seen some people complain about it being depressing. SO WHAT? It's not emo, just honest, and truthful.
For me the album is about the wrongs of modern society, But interpratation seem to vary, with the Iraq war in the lead. Far from the "collection of random sounds" some would have you think. Yes, they are heavy on the synths, but the songs are brilliant on musical level as well, as the lyrical.
I think this album is supposed to take place in some kind of apocalyptic/and or totalitarian future, by the way.

Just so you know, lyrically this is a VERY bleak album, barely letting up in DARE

Last Living Souls 4/5- Simple opener, asking if they are the last good people left on this Earth, finally deciding that they must be with the line "Yeah, we're the last livin' souls"

Kids With Guns 5/5-My favorite track, Killer bass line, either about how we let society turn ourselves to monsters(So they're turning yourselfs to monster's/Setting yourself on fire/Turning you all to monsters/ Its all desire), or the Iraq War depending on your interpretation of the album as a whole

O' Green World 4/5-A song about either mans destruction of our only planet through polution, or mans destruction of its only planet through nuclear war. I said the album was bleak

Dirty Harry 5/5- A initially light and jumpy song, until you realize that the lightness is supposed to symbolize how those of us who have not been in war are innoncent and iggnorant of the horror AND the Iraq war(I need a gun/To keep myself from harm/ those poor people/ are burning in the sun/...I need a gun/'cus all I do is dance) The act of dancing in the song represent innocence, and about half way through, one of the best rap's i've ever heard comes out, this time from the point of view of a soldier ending in a few lines aimed directly at bush, and a couple of line of him remembering when he could dance,or be innocent(The war is over/So said the speaker/with the flight suit on/Maybe to him I'm just a pawn /So he can advance /Remember when I used to dance /Man, all I want to do is dance)

Feel Good inc. 5/5- You all know how it sounds. Its about how we surround ourselves with stuff that we think makes us feel good, because the corporations(symbolized by the De La Soul, the rapper) tell us so. But in the end all we need to be happy is purity and love(I.e. the windmill)

El Manana 5/5-Slow, and mournful. About a lost love, or maybe a soldier who commited atrocities so bad he's god has forsaken him

Every Planet We Reach is Dead 3/5- I like this song, but its drags on, and I don't mind a long song, but this DRAAAGGGGSSSS. So I have no clue what its about, because i skip it :P

And i'm stopping there, you can figure the rest out yourself. My fingers are hurt and i'm tired.

Oh, and it passes generational barriers as well, my 50 year old grandma loves this album to! Then again, she's not into what you would think of as "Old person music"(Frank Sinatra FTW!) so don't go buying it as a gift for you grammy.

5 out of 5 stars wonderful.......2007-07-01

i've been a fan of gorillaz since my college years. they've stayed true to their style. but of course you already know that or you wouldn't be considering buying it and reading reviews.

5 out of 5 stars Even better than their first album.......2007-06-27

Every song on here is unique, catchy, and just plain fun. If you enjoyed their first album, you won't be disappointed.

5 out of 5 stars A Smooth, Haunting Album.......2007-06-17

I recently reviewed Gorillaz first self titled album, giving it two stars.

Who can say why things happen the way they do, but somewhere between the release of their first album, and their second, the Gorillaz got their s~~t together.

For the first sound of 2D singing "Are we the last living souls?" to the last haunting sounds of the choir singing on "Demon Days" aside from a slight misstep, this album takes off and doesn't look back.

Each song has its own distinctiveness, but a thread of melancholy invades almost every second of the album, due almost entirely to Damon "2D" Albarn's raspy, intentionally tired sounding voice. This voice fits perfectly with 2D on the Gorillaz music videos, who looks like he's either been crying, or high on pot. LOL

Its hard to choose favorites, each song is a gem (accept, perhaps, for White Lights, but that, I'm sure, is debateable), but if I were to base it on the songs I listen to the most, it would be Last Living Souls, Kids With Guns, Feel Good INC, La Manana, All Alone, and Dare. As you can see that is like half the album, and I definately would have to point out, the other soungs are great themselves.

"Demon Days" utilizes, in a way the first album was unable to do, a perfect blend of solid beats, smooth vocals, and strong raps. I bought this album a couple of years after its release so the only question now is: when does the next one come out!?

Music:

  1. Underwater
  2. Waking Up
  3. Walk On, Pt. 1 [CD-single] [Import]
  4. Young Team [Extra tracks] [Import]
  5. 13 [Import] [Extra tracks]
  6. Abnormal Love
  7. All the Better to See You With
  8. Bad Blood [CD-single] [Import]
  9. Between the Senses
  10. Between the Senses

Music

music

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Soundsystem (Clean) [Clean]

Winter: Songs of My People

Ultimate Manilow [Import]

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