Absolutely [Import]

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
UK reissue of the 1980 album from the much loved new wave/ska act, digitally remastered with special packaging. Includes CD-ROM videos for 'Bed And Breakfast Man', 'Baggy Trousers', 'Embarrassment' and 'Return Of The Los Palmas 7'.2000 release. Standard jewel case. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Absolutely Free
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
  • Absolutely brilliant
  • Absolute Garbage
  • Is this part two of Freak Out?
  • (4.5 stars) Brilliant
 Absolutely Free
Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention
Manufacturer: Zappa Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Proto PunkProto Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Experimental RockExperimental Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Progressive RockProgressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Comedy RockComedy Rock | Comedic Music | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
ProgressiveProgressive | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Freak Out!
  2. We're Only in It for the Money
  3. Burnt Weeny Sandwich
  4. Uncle Meat
  5. Hot Rats

ASIN: B0000009RV
Release Date: 1995-05-02

Tracks:

  1. Plastic People
  2. The Duke Of Prunes
  3. Amnesia Vivace
  4. The Duke Regains His Chops
  5. Call Any Vegetable
  6. Invocation & Ritual Dance of the Young Pumpkin
  7. Soft-Sell Conclusion
  8. Big Leg Emma
  9. Why Don'tcha Do Me Right?
  10. America Drinks
  11. Status Back Baby
  12. Uncle Bernie's Farm
  13. Son Of Suzy Creamcheese
  14. Brown Shoes Don't Make It
  15. America Drinks & Goes Home

Amazon.com essential recording

Sandwiched as it is between Freak Out!, Zappa's 1966 debut with the Mothers of Invention, and We're Only in It for the Money, arguably his artistic zenith, Absolutely Free comes in a distant third--but that's only because the competition is so darn fierce. Absolutely Free is a continuation of the weird freakiness--both in sounds and concepts--introduced on Freak Out! "Plastic People" and "America Drinks & Goes Home" continue the artist's lampooning of Middle American values, while this time out, Zappa also seems obsessed with the fruits and vegetables that "keep you regular" ("The Duke of Prunes," "Call Any Vegetable"). The music here jumps from avant-garde jazz snippets to gritty garage rock to operatic vocals in a manner that was truly innovative at the time; in fact, it often sounded like true musical insanity. The definitive highlight here, however, is "Brown Shoes Don't Make It," a seven-and-a-half minute mini-operetta that initially ridicules America's suburban culture of the era before comically looking at the repressed sexual perversions hiding underneath that same culture. With its 13-year-old "Teenage Queen" ("who's rockin' and rollin' and acting obscene"), the Lolita-like obsession of the brown-shoed gentleman in the title, the track was a precursor to the naughty sexual themes later found in tracks like "Dinah Moe Hum" or the entirety of the Fillmore East, June 1971 album--themes that became Zappa's artistic stock in trade. --Bill Holdship

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars If it ain't broke, don't fix it........2007-05-16

The original release,"Absolutely Free" is a masterpiece.
It is a complete work like a symphony or an opera.
The inclusion of Big Leg Emma and Why Don'tcha You Do Me Right
interrupts the flow, the direction, the theme.
The listener should skip these two if they wan't to hear
"Absolutely Free" as it was intended to be.

5 out of 5 stars Absolutely brilliant.......2007-02-05

The first time I listened to this I didn't like it. It's definitely not one of those albums you just casually listen to. But once I absorbed all of the lyrics and themes expressed in this album, I recognized it for its brilliance and its humor. It mocks its own "freakiness" by such asides as "Think this'll sell in New York?" as it covers themes ranging from reaching out to lonely people to the phoniness of society and its politicians to the dullness of everyday life to underage sex. One of the funniest and most brilliant albums I've ever listened to.

2 out of 5 stars Absolute Garbage.......2007-01-13

Thankfully this was not my first Zappa album or I may not have bought another. Zappa shows his disdain for the ignorant listening public with Absolutely Free which is only slightly better than Were Only In It For the money. If your a first time Zappa listener start with Zoot Allures. Live at the Fillmore East, Joe's Garage or Roxy and elsewhere. At least then you'll here some of the best R&R guitar soloing ever recorded. Freak Out was possibly the best debut album ever recorded but man did he ever go downhill, although briefly, from there. Even Sheik Yerbouti and Ruben and the Jets would be better choices.

5 out of 5 stars Is this part two of Freak Out?.......2006-12-04

First of all, who IS this Peter Gooch who does the incredible reviews of Freak Out and Absolutely Free? He does a hell of a review.

That said:

Burned out my mind on Freak Out. This vaporized the cinders that were left.

5 out of 5 stars (4.5 stars) Brilliant.......2006-11-03

Okay, I wanted to give this a "real" five-star rating, and I would've if only the Big Leg Emma/Why Don'tcha Do Me Right single had been omitted. Let's face it, it really doesn't belong. Still, I don't know how many times I laughed out loud during the Duke of Prunes suite... my god it is HILARIOUS! Imagine a sex song, only with constant cheese and prune metaphors. And he also hilariously works in a parody of Duke of Earl ("Duke, Duke, Duke of Prunes!") . Same with Call Any Vegetable, which combines absurdist humor (it deals with being friends with vegetables, of all things); a complex arrangment, and Zappa's guitar skills during the "Invocation and Ritual Dance of the Young Pumpkin" (one of the great song titles, ever) section. There are also a trilogy of funny, biting satires: the opening Plastic People (which works in a demented variant of Louie, Louie during the beginning); the underrated war protest Uncle Bernie's Farm, and, of course, the unforgettable Brown Shoes Don't Make It, certainly Zappa's finest hour. Here he deals with mindless conformity ("Be a loyal plastic robot for a world that doesn't care"); the dumbing down of society ("Do your job and do it right/Life's a ball!/TV tonight"); secretive politicians ("A world of secret hungers/perverting the men who make your laws/every desire is hidden away/in a drawer/in a desk") and pretty much whatever else Zappa was thinking of at the time. And the song shifts styles rapidly, moving from hard rock to opera to '30's jazz (this is the only time you'll hear lyrics about an underage hooker doing her "business" with the mayor set to a Duke Ellington-esque backdrop!) I cannot praise this song enough. And America Drinks and Goes Home is hilarious, right down to the title. Especially the title. Great stuff. Really, really, really great stuff. I know that some people don't "get" Zappa, and his music is challenging. But it's very, VERY rewarding. I still think Hot Rats is the man's finest moment, but this is great!
Shut Up I Am Dreaming
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Excellenté!
  • Wolf Parade is radical...
  • More than a side project...
  • Rivals the Arcade Fire's "Funeral" in terms of beauty
  • My top release of 2006
 Shut Up I Am Dreaming
Sunset Rubdown
Manufacturer: Absolutely Kosher
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Indie RockIndie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The Gulag Orkestar
  2. Return to the Sea
  3. Yellow House
  4. Return to Cookie Mountain (with Bonus Tracks)
  5. Six Demon Bag

ASIN: B000F8DB9E
Release Date: 2006-05-02

Tracks:

  1. Stadiums And Shrines II
  2. They Took A Vote And Said No
  3. Us Ones In Between
  4. I'm Sorry I Sang On Your Hands That Have Been In The Grave
  5. Snakes Got A Leg III
  6. The Empty Threats Of Little Lord
  7. Swimming
  8. The Men Are Called Horsement There
  9. Q-Chord
  10. Shut Up I Am Dreaming Of Places Where Lovers Have Wings

Amazon.com

Sunset Rubdown's music is lo-fi, shell-shocked, dissonant, and very reminiscent of David Bowie/Brian Eno's post-apocalypse fixation, circa Station to Station. The images and music that singer Spencer Krug has put to tape tell of futility and disconnectedness through his warbled, pained singing--a style that almost distracts too much from the music. It's similar to the way that Conor Oberst's rawness sometimes overwhelms Bright Eyes. However, there are standouts like "I'm Sorry That I Sang on Your Hands That Have Been in the Grave," where a weirdly gorgeous meditation over a click-track coughs up a glimmering loneliness. On "The Men Are Called Horsemen There" glam and drama are dialed all the way up and mixed with a heavy Spectorian wall of sound. "Shut Up I Am Dreaming of Places Where Lovers Have Wings" swirls with tension, then opens into an '80s New-Romantic sad dance party. Employing unusual instruments, off-kilter arrangements, and an all-around herky-jerky feel, the album is intriguing and unsettling, not unlike Krug's other projects, Frog Eyes and Wolf Parade. --Gabi Knight

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Excellenté!.......2007-07-09

I love this album. If you like Wolf Parade, then I highly recommend this album as its complement.

4 out of 5 stars Wolf Parade is radical..........2007-05-14

If you like wolf parade you'll like this album...I like spencer's voice, I don't know why but it reminds me of david bowie.

4 out of 5 stars More than a side project..........2007-03-27

I found out about this group the same way that many others most likely have: I listened to Wolf Parade, wanted more and realized that singer/songwriter/keyboardist Spencer Krug had another band.

That band is Sunset Rubdown and while it is quite different than Wolf Parade (it's softer and more musically sparse), it still contains the unmistakeable love-or-hate vocals that Krug supplies for both groups. But if you loved Krug's somewhat-strained delivery on Wolf Parade's Apologies to the Queen Mary then you'll likely enjoy this side project of his.

The album does need quite a few listens for it to really grow on you but I instantly loved such tracks as "Us Ones In Between" with it's cryptic and poetic lyrics and it's simple piano melody. "I'm Sorry I Sang On Your Hands That Have Been in the Grave" has a wonderfully eerie, carnival-like, music-box esque charm to it that makes it stand out from the rest of the album. And finally, "The Men Are Called Horsemen There" and "Snakes Got a Leg III" give the album its most musically intense moments.

I have to mention that Sunset Rubdown also has an LP and an EP that were released prior to this. I absolutely love the EP. I highly recommend trying to find it and if you do - buy it! It has 5 tracks and they are all fantastic. I especially love "Three Colours". While "A Day in the Graveyard" parts I and II are probably the two best songs written and recorded by the band.

5 out of 5 stars Rivals the Arcade Fire's "Funeral" in terms of beauty.......2007-01-09

Simply put, this is a beautiful album. For the longest time, the Arcade Fire's "Funeral" stood on its own as the most beautiful album in my collection. Sure, many albums have beautiful songs - even several beautiful songs, but no albums until "Shut up I Am Dreaming" have struck me as comparable to "Funeral", and that's saying a lot.

I'd now like to address the spotlight reviewer. Musicans/ artists (esp. good ones) create from their heart. Sometimes a lot of people like their contribution and they are recognized i.e., fame, and sometimes their contribution never catches on. However, it is insulting to insinuate that this is "music for the scenesters" like spencer championed them as his key demographic. I am 26 and far from a scenester kid, yet I enjoy this music very much. It's like insinuating that pink floyd made music for drug users. The fact that scenesters may (or may not) like this album is just a side-effect; scenesters weren't the impetus for its creation.

This is an album for anyone that appreciates a beautiful piece of work, be it a scenester, a stoner, or a conservative, etc.

5 out of 5 stars My top release of 2006.......2006-12-22

I cannot state more emphatically that Sunset Rubdowns album is my pick for album of the year, not just for how surprisingly good it is to anyone that enjoyed Wolf Parade's incredible debut but because it is simply inspiring from start to finish. As a whole this is the most delightful kind of album, the one you wish everyone's side-band would put out to keep the enthusiasm going. The fact that it will remain under almost everyone's radar is not entirely bad, as it leaves it open for discovery many, many years down the road.
Absolutely
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Absolutely Awesome!!
  • Best album yet
  • Good but could have been great
  • Sister Hazel's best album yet
  • All I know is I LOVE being with you...
 Absolutely
Sister Hazel
Manufacturer: Adrenaline Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Adult AlternativeAdult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Lift
  2. BAM!, Vol. 1
  3. Fortress
  4. Somewhere More Familiar
  5. Chasing Daylight

ASIN: B000HKCUII
Release Date: 2006-10-10

Tracks:

  1. Shame
  2. Mandolin Moon
  3. Meet Me In The Memory
  4. Beautiful High
  5. Hey Hey
  6. Hello It's Me
  7. Tear By Tear
  8. Where Do You Go
  9. Anyway
  10. This Kind Of Love
  11. Truth Is
  12. One Time
  13. Everything Else Disappears
  14. Little Black Heart

Album Description

The affirmative overtones of the CD's title only serve to underscore the pride the band feels with the end result; that it's the best record they've made in a decade-plus career. While wanting to create a cathartic experience for fans, this release also comes close to capturing that elusive live show magic. Sister Hazel have sold over 2 million albums, have six top 30 singles, have a certified platinum album "Somewhere More Familiar", and a certified gold release, "Fortress".

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Absolutely Awesome!!.......2007-03-01

Sister Hazel has done it again. This is a great album with something for everybody. Their first release off the album, Mandolin Moon, is a fun song and completely addicting! The thing I love about Sister Hazel albums is that you can listen to the entire album without having to skip over songs because they're all fantastic. Hey Hey, Shame, Hello It's Me are some of my favorites....along with Everything Else Disappears, a wonderfully poetic song about meeting your soulmate. I highly adivise you to check out this CD. I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

5 out of 5 stars Best album yet.......2007-02-24

I love this disc. Cannot play it enough and I think Sister Hazel is just taking off. Stay tuned!

3 out of 5 stars Good but could have been great.......2007-01-10

This album is good, but not as good as their other cds that I listen to religiously (chasing daylight, self titled, somewhere more familiar, and fortress). I'd honestly give it a 4/5, but the reviews are really biased by the extreme fans. There seems to be a general reduction in the instrumental complextiy and vocal variety/harmonies from their past albums -- lots of basic guitar parts and little vocal variety. I know that they are better musicians than this! Each song starts out good, but then don't really go anywhere. The refrains always seem to disappoint and are not catchy -- they just seem 'off'. With a little more work, I think that all of the songs could have been great, instead of just consistently pretty good. Also considering the poor mixing (see other reviews), it seems like this album had great potential but was rushed, perhaps for a holiday release. It's worth buying, but not as your first sister hazel cd.

5 out of 5 stars Sister Hazel's best album yet.......2006-12-28

I wanted to wait until we really listened to this album to review it. The jury's back and this album is awesome - their best ever.

In our family of six musicians, each one of us has a different favorite song. I love "Meet me in the memory" with words that resonate and a melody that plays itself over in my head all day. The kids love "Tear by tear", a melancholy story of loss and depression, with un underlying uplifting message. They love the music and "words that are like a poem."

"Beautiful high" is addictive and the harmonies engaging. I'm not sure what the other reviewers are talking about in criticizing the harmonies or the mixing of this album. We just don't see it.

This is another great by one of the great rock bands of our time - discover Sister Hazel before the rest of the world does. If you are used to buying albums where you find yourself skipping tracks, or feeling let down after the first 3 songs, this album will shock you with its depth. You'll be hooked through to the end. If you don't own any Hazel yet, this is a great place to start. Then work your way backwards with Chasing Daylight and Fortress. What's not to love about Sister Hazel? It's no surprise this album is at the top of the alternative rock lists right now - this may finally be their breakthrough.

5 out of 5 stars All I know is I LOVE being with you..........2006-12-19

Sister Hazel has turned out some fantastic, yet little known, music since "Somewhere More Familiar..." was released. As they themselves have said, Sister Hazel has gone "back to the basics" with "Absolutely" by returning home to Florida to write and record demos and indeed, the feelings from their earlier albums come back into play, only better this time! Upon putting the album into the CD player, it's instantly easy, relaxing, and enjoyable to listen to. The lyrics are strong and honest. The instrumental work is feeling and comfortable. The two combined create an album that is full of emotion and beauty and familiarity. Going back to basics doesn't mean going backward at all in this case. It's coming back after experiencing a different part of life and appreciating what they've always had and always loved and creating something amazing. It's that loved, classic sound of Sister Hazel that has alaways set them apart that comes through in "Absolutely".

Personal favorites: "Hey Hey", "Truth Is", "Beautiful High", "Mandolian Moon", and "Little Black Heart". "Little Black Heart" is the hidden track is definitely worth it.

Also, Sister Hazel recently appeared a survey on the website Rate The Music, which is pretty fantastic considering it's a website that sends out surveys asking people to rate popular music. Good things to come for Sister Hazel...
Absolutely the Best of the Archies
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 9 more tracks on "Sugar Sugar"
  • Music They Don't Make Anymore
  • I never get tired of this
  • Back down memory lane
  • BUBBLEGUM AT ITS BEST!!!
 Absolutely the Best of the Archies
The Archies
Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music
BubblegumBubblegum | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music
CompilationsCompilations | Pop | Styles | Music | Dance Pop | Easy Listening | General | Oldies | Traditional Vocalists
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The Best of the 1910 Fruitgum Company: Simon Says
  2. 25 All-Time Greatest Bubblegum Hits: The Ultimate Bubblegum Collection
  3. The Best of the Ohio Express: Yummy Yummy Yummy
  4. Archies - Greatest Hits
  5. Come on Get Happy! The Very Best of the Partridge Family

ASIN: B00005J73V
Release Date: 2001-05-22

Tracks:

  1. Eveything's Archie (Archie's Theme)
  2. Get On The Line
  3. Bicycles, Roller Skates And You
  4. Bang-Shang-A-Lang
  5. Feelin' So Good (S.K.O.O.B.Y.-D.O.O.)
  6. Truck Driver
  7. Melody Hill
  8. Who's Your Baby?
  9. Sugar, Sugar
  10. Who's Gonna Love Me?
  11. Jingle Jangle
  12. Inside-Out, Upside-Down
  13. Sugar And Spice
  14. Sunshine
  15. This Is Love
  16. Archie's Party

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars 9 more tracks on "Sugar Sugar".......2007-07-06

Anybody into bubblegum needs the Archies, but nobody needs more than one compilation, so it's either this one or Repertoire's Sugar, Sugar

"Sugar Sugar" has all the tracks from "Absolutely" except the 1-minute cartoon theme song (which you can download from iTunes).
Plus "Sugar Sugar" has an additional 9 songs not on "Absolutely".

Only catch: "Sugar Sugar" costs 30% more, but you get 50% more music.

The question now is how much do you want that theme tune, and how much do you want to spend?

Hmm...dilemma

4 out of 5 stars Music They Don't Make Anymore.......2007-01-09

I received this as a birthday gift last year. I knew a few of The Archies songs on the disc (Sugan, Sugar, Bang-Shang-A-Lang, Truck Driver & Jingle Jangle) so I popped it in and listened. I loved it. It just made me think they don't make music like this anymore. Happy sounding, upbeat kinda music much like the Bubble Gum Music Era of the 1960's with bands like The Ohio Express & 1910 Fruitgum Co. This disc was great. Not a bad tune on it. If you like music of this era I would highly recommend it. It's about 40 minutes of pure listening pleasure.

5 out of 5 stars I never get tired of this.......2005-12-22

I remember liking the Archies at a very young age and my older brothers making fun of "Bubblegum". Hey, I liked some heavy metal at times but it feels good to be old enough not to care what others think when it comes to ALL the music I enjoy! Enya? Yes! Bodeans? Darn Right! John Denver? well, sometimes. But this Archies CD is soooooo groovy, and makes me feel ALRIGHT, all over. Every song is fun. I don't remember the cartoon show, but who cares. If you like Sugar Sugar, you'll like the rest. But did anybody else hear that Reggie got into trouble? Here's hoping he can turn his life around and clean up; maybe somebody will offer him his own radio show.

4 out of 5 stars Back down memory lane.......2005-09-17

I have enjoyed this CD and remember back to the albums of the Archies that I so foolishly gave to Goodwill many years ago. Of course when you are a child you do not always pick up on words and phrases so I have been tickled by the silly words to the songs. "Sunday after mass, picnic in the grass, diggin Momma Cass with Skoobydoo"(LOL). I have been driving down the autobahn singing my little heart out! This collection of the the Archies hits is pretty good. Just one song that I felt could have been left out but we all have our preferences. I have enjoyed reading the historical information about the voices and people behind the Archies sound as well as information about the music included in the insert. I would suggest that other Archie fans purchase this CD. It will be money well spent.

4 out of 5 stars BUBBLEGUM AT ITS BEST!!!.......2005-09-02

Finally, we get an Archies compilation with great sound that includes all of the Top 100 hits. The only bad thing about this disc is that the total time is just shy of 40 minutes. In this day & age there is no excuse for not filling a "best of" cd with 75+ minutes. They could've fit at least a dozen more songs on here! I think a "Volume 2" is in order, or better yet, reissue the albums as two-fers with bonus cuts. Now we're talking!
Absolutely the Best!
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Absolutely the Best!
    The Chiffons
    Manufacturer: Fuel 2000
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    Girl GroupsGirl Groups | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. The Shirelles - 25 All-Time Greatest Hits
    2. The Best of the Ronettes
    3. The Best of the Crystals
    4. The Ultimate Collection
    5. The Ultimate Collection

    ASIN: B00065U0RC
    Release Date: 2004-11-02

    Tracks:

    1. He's So Fine
    2. One Fine Day
    3. Sweet Talkin' Guy
    4. Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow
    5. My Boyfriend's Back
    6. Did You Ever Go Steady
    7. Sailor Boy
    8. I Have A Boyfriend
    9. A Love So Fine
    10. I Wonder Why
    11. When The Boy's Happy (The Girl's Happy Too)
    12. Just For Tonight
    13. Tonight I Met An Angel
    14. Keep The Boy Happy
    Tears of the Valedictorian
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Best Frog Eyes Release To Date
    • AHhhhhhhHHH!H!1!!!!!
    		 Tears of the Valedictorian
    Frog Eyes
    Manufacturer: Absolutely Kosher
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    Hardcore & PunkHardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music | Vinyl Records | American Punk | British Punk | Emo | Garage Punk | Hardcore | Post Hardcore | Proto Punk | Punk | Punk Revival | Punk-Pop | Riot Grrl | Ska Punk | Straight Edge
    Indie RockIndie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    Post-PunkPost-Punk | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    Experimental RockExperimental Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    Experimental MusicExperimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Fourteen Autumns & Fifteen Winters
    2. Mirrored
    3. New Moon
    4. Armchair Apocrypha
    5. Person Pitch

    ASIN: B000OLHG84
    Release Date: 2007-05-01

    Tracks:

    1. Idle Songs
    2. Caravan Breakers, They Prey On the Weak And the Old
    3. 'Stockades'
    4. Reform the Countryside
    5. The Policy Merchant, the Silver Bay
    6. Evil Energy, the Ill Twin Of...
    7. ...Eagle Energy
    8. Bushels
    9. My Boats They Go

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Best Frog Eyes Release To Date.......2007-06-30

    "Tears of the Valedictorian" is Frog Eyes' best effort to date. Years of touring and recording have caused the band to become tighter as a whole, and the addition of Spencer Krug of Wolf Parade on keyboards fills out the sound expansively. Also, additional years of playing have benefited the drummer immensely, who only began playing shortly before Frog Eyes was conceived. Tracks such as "Bushels," "Reform Your Countryside" and "Evil Energy, the Ill Twin Of . . ." are undoubtedly among the greatest Frog Eyes' tracks to date.

    4 out of 5 stars AHhhhhhhHHH!H!1!!!!!.......2007-05-03

    I am a big fan of the frog eyes. This album is good. More refined, more mature. More emphasis on the playing, less on the voice. He doesn't quite sound like the raging madman he was on folded palms. Honestly I wish he did, but the playing is so good, it makes up for it. Probably more accessible than before to newcomers. Still awesome.
    Absolutely the Best
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • WONDERFUL AND GREAT TO HEAR ALL THE TIME
    • Unbelieveably Good
    • okay if you like mono
    • Good material, but it's not enough
    • A bit short on running time, but still some great music
    		 Absolutely the Best
    The Zombies
    Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    BritainBritain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    Baroque PopBaroque Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    Psychedelic RockPsychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
    British InvasionBritish Invasion | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Kinks (The Ultimate Collection)
    2. The Lovin' Spoonful - Greatest Hits
    3. Happy Together: The Very Best of The Turtles
    4. Retrospective
    5. The Grass Roots - All Time Greatest Hits

    ASIN: B00000JMX0
    Release Date: 1999-07-13

    Tracks:

    1. She's Not There
    2. Leave Me Be
    3. Tell Her No
    4. The Way I Feel Inside
    5. She's Coming Home
    6. Nothing's Changed
    7. I Want You Back Again
    8. Whenever You're Ready
    9. If It Don't Work Out
    10. I Love You
    11. Is This The Dream
    12. Remember You
    13. Just Out Of Reach
    14. Gotta Get A Hold Of Myself
    15. Time Of The Season
    16. Imagine The Swan

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars WONDERFUL AND GREAT TO HEAR ALL THE TIME.......2007-07-20

    LOVE IT! GREAT VOCALS AND JUST PERFECT. I LISTEN TO IT ALL THE TIME.IT'S LIKE BEING BACK IN TIME WHEN ALL OF THE SONGS WERE RELEASED.

    5 out of 5 stars Unbelieveably Good.......2006-07-15

    The Zombies are definitly one of my favorite bands. These songs were back made back in the 1960's and they were VERY ahead of their time. The melodies are so intricate and touching. They are one of the greatest bands in history, but sadly never got the rewards for it. Their 1968 album Oddesey and Oracle is in the Rolling Stone top 100 albums listing. This music is timeless. Its a relief to hear this real music compared to the complete garbage being pumped out by the money- obsessed music industry of today. If you dont like this music you apparently have no taste.

    3 out of 5 stars okay if you like mono.......2005-07-09

    Granted, I don't know if some or most of these songs were only recorded in mono (I doubt it), and that format is true to the 'transitor radio' ethos of that era, but still, the label should have acknowledged on the outside CD packaging that all but one or two songs are in mono. Okay, enough whining. The Zombies were among the greats, IMO, in Britpop. Someone said Partridge family-esque. Say what?! Listen to these gems. Great melodies, great harmonies. In addition to the obvious Rod Argent-penned hits - "She's Not There," "Tell Her No" and "Time of the Season" - there's Chris White's "I Love Her," an incredible song that was taken to the charts by "The People" (who?!) in '68. All in all, an exceptional slice of the 60s, except...

    3 out of 5 stars Good material, but it's not enough.......2003-09-18

    The Zombies were one of the finest rock groups of the sixties. It's no surprise they still get oldies and classic rock airplay. Needless to say, over the years, a number of compilations have been released for these guys. How does this one measure up? Read on and find out.

    PROS:
    -If you're the casual Zombies fan who just wants to get Time Of The Season, She's Not There, and Tell Her No on one disc, you've come to the right place!
    -There are a plethora of underrated masterpieces here as well.
    -You get two bonus tracks - alternative versions to two of the band's biggest hits.

    CONS:
    -The major problem with this compilation is that it's hard to come by. You may have to search a few stores before you find it.
    -It's only fifty minutes long, and you can fit eighty minutes onto a CD.

    OVERALL:
    If you're a casual fan of the Zombies (and nothing more), than this compilation is recommended. These guys played REAL rock and roll, not the junk that has flooded the airwaves in the modern age.

    4 out of 5 stars A bit short on running time, but still some great music.......2003-01-01

    With their Byrds-ish jangle, Beach Boys-ish harmonies and Moody Blues-ish keyboard parts, it is difficult to argue that The Zombies were a band ahead of their time. Yet, one of the major reasons this St. Albans, England quintet only had three hits, despite being one of the best singles-orientated bands of their day, is that popular music was not quite ready for their tricky time changes and winding melodies. Certainly, the quality of the material was not a problem. A survey of Absolutely the Best, which collects sixteen of The Zombies' greatest tracks, reveals a plethora of almost perfect pop-rock singles, such as the gently rolling "Remember You;" the hauntingly bleak "Imagine the Swan;" the masterful alternations between jazz-ish virtuosity and R&B-ish oomph, "Is This the Dream" and "Just Out of Reach;" and the remarkably clever "Whenever You're Ready," which is probably the best snide, offhand rejection song this side of Bob Dylan's "Don't Think Twice It's Alright." Then there are the hits: The frantic "She's Not There," the serene "Tell Her No" and the playful "Time of the Season," all of which are bonafied classics.

    The consistent excellence of their work makes listening any Zombies collection a delight, but it also makes one hungry for more after this particular compilation, lasting a mere forty minutes, has ended. Surely, project supervisors could have found more material to treat listeners to, especially considering "Time of the Season" is the only track from the group's only proper album, 1968's Odessey and Oracle, which is considered a masterpiece in many circles. Hopefully, The Zombies will someday be granted a best-of compilation with a more satisfying running time. Until then, Absolutely the Best, although somewhat scanty, remains the best introduction to this astounding and underrated band.
    Absolutely ABC: The Best of ABC
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Nice mixes
    • Good Overview, since updated
    • Great career overview
    • An underrated band
    • I LOVE ABC!
    		 Absolutely ABC: The Best of ABC
    ABC
    Manufacturer: Polygram Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    New WaveNew Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    Dance PopDance Pop | Compilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Human League - Greatest Hits
    2. The Best of Naked Eyes
    3. The Best of Howard Jones
    4. Thompson Twins - Greatest Hits
    5. The Psychedelic Furs - Greatest Hits

    ASIN: B000001FWD
    Release Date: 1990-08-07

    Tracks:

    1. Poison Arrow
    2. The Look Of Love
    3. All Of My Heart
    4. Tears Are Not Enough
    5. That Was Then But This Is Now
    6. S.O.S.
    7. How To Be A Millionaire
    8. Be Near Me
    9. When Smokey Sings
    10. The Night You Murdered Love
    11. King Without A Crown
    12. One Better World
    13. Ocean Blue
    14. The Look Of Love (Remix)
    15. When Smokey Sings (The Miami Mix)
    16. Be Near Me (Munich Disco Mix)
    17. One Better World (Pickering-Park Mix)

    Amazon.com

    The only problem with this collection is that all the best stuff, the choice cuts, pretty much come from their first album, Lexicon of Love, when Martin Fry and friends found the magic mix of words and synthesizers. Verbose, punning, and as overblown as a society wedding cake, there was still something about it that was perfect for the times. "Poison Arrow," and "The Look of Love" put heartbreak to a beat while "Tears Are Not Enough" took it all over the top. After that first album, there were only two songs of note, "How to Be a Millionaire," and "When Smokey Sings," really worthy of inclusion here, which is probably when four of the tracks have been needlessly remixed to fill up the remaining space. --Chris Nickson

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Nice mixes.......2006-07-20

    This is a nice compilation of ABC's work including their well known tracks as you would expect on a "best of" CD. The remixes of Be Near Me and When Smokey Sings are great party tracks.

    4 out of 5 stars Good Overview, since updated.......2005-09-17

    While this made a pretty good retrospective when it was first released, the 2002 compilation, "Look of Love," eliminates the superfluous remixes, adds four more songs and is a better remaster. Skip this one and jump up to "Look."

    4 out of 5 stars Great career overview.......2005-08-17

    "Absolutely ABC" plays it absolutely safe, showcasing the biggest hits for one of the New Romantic movement's biggest bands. The tracks skew heavily towards their most successful releases, "Lexicon..." (five tracks including remixes), "...Zillionaire" (five tracks including remixes), and "Alphabet City" (four tracks including remixes). It would have been nice to include the original demo for "Tears Are Not Enough" to show how quickly the band progressed and it's a bit strange they left out "Where is the Heaven?" from "Up" which was a pretty big club hit. Most ABC releases tend to append remixes so it seems rather strange and pointless to include them here, but that's all minor quibbling. The Munich Disco Mix of "Be Near Me" is the one everyone danced to at clubs so it seems appropriate to add it here. "Absolutely ABC" is a nice thing for completeists or for someone wanting a survey of ABC's greatest hits only, but most of their individual releases are worth buying. Better still is "The Remix Collection" which comprises of extended mixes and remixes covering the same era. It's a bit of a shame this hasn't been repackaged to include later tracks from "Abracadabra" and "Skyscraping" but I'm sure that will happen in time.

    4 out of 5 stars An underrated band.......2005-03-15

    ABC is one of the more "forgotten" New Wave pop bands of the 80s. Forever in the pop-culture shadow of the likes of Duran Duran, Human League, Simple Minds, and even A Flock of Seagulls. Yet ABC had a sound all their own, a sort of cerebral intelligence to their lyrics to go with the catchy hooks.

    The best songs on this compilation are "Poison Arrow", "The Look Of Love", and "All Of My Heart" (all big chart hits). The underappreciated "Tears Are Not Enough" and "Be Near Me" are also solid. Yes, there is some filler on this compilation (senseless remixes for the most part), but overall a good reminder of why ABC was a critical (if not a smashing commercial) success in the 80s.

    Be warned, however, that this CD does include the lamentable song "When Smokey Sings". While not a bad listen musically, it definitely marked the point at which ABC's career came to a crashing halt. A New Wave band singing a paen to the Motown sound? Isn't that a bit like a hard-rock band writing about the joys of Disco? Motown is about as far as you can get from what the New Wave movement stood for. No wonder fans bailed in droves at that point!

    4 out of 5 stars I LOVE ABC!.......2005-03-09

    With a title like that, you would have assumed I would have given this hits package 5 stars. I bought this CD when it first came out back in 1990, and have played it many, many times since then. I was ecstatic that one of my favorite bands of the 80's had put out a greatest hits package. However, I was always disappointed that they had left off "Vanity Kills" in favor of 4 remixed tracks. I eventually got "Vanity Kills" on an 80's compilation CD, so my collection of ABC songs to hit the Billboard Hot 100 was complete. Since this was issued, 2 more ABC hits packages have been issued ("20th Century Masters-The Millenium Collection" and "Look of Love - The Very Best of ABC"). I have not listened to either of these recent hits packages, so I am not in a position to compare them, but I do know that these newer packages do include "Vanity Kills" plus some other tracks. So, if you are a casual ABC fan that only remembers the "big" hits ("The Look of Love", "Poison Arrow", "Be Near Me", "How to Be [A Millionaire]", and "When Smokey Sings") then this CD will suffice. But if you are looking for all of their Hot 100 chart entries, then I suggest checking out one of the other titles available.
    Absolutely Right: The Best of Five Man Electrical Band
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Five Man Electrical Band - 'Absolutely Right: The Best Of.... (Polygram)
    • A breath of 60's fresh air
    • Absolutely Rockin'
    • Fantastic
    • fun
    		 Absolutely Right: The Best of Five Man Electrical Band
    Five Man Electrical Band
    Manufacturer: Polygram Int'l
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
    CanadaCanada | North America | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
    Soft RockSoft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music
    CompilationsCompilations | Pop | Styles | Music | Dance Pop | Easy Listening | General | Oldies | Traditional Vocalists
    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    Album-Oriented Rock (AOR)Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
    RockRock | Imports | Stores | Music
    PopPop | Imports | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Open
    2. The Best of Sugarloaf
    3. Sugarloaf/Spaceship Earth
    4. Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye
    5. The Very Best Of The Foundations

    ASIN: B000006YPE
    Release Date: 1995-11-24

    Tracks:

    1. Signs (LP Version)
    2. Dance Of The Swamp Woman
    3. Hello Melinda, Goodbye
    4. Moonshine (Friend Of Mine)
    5. The Man With Horse And Wagon
    6. Absolutely Right
    7. Coming Of Age
    8. Country Girl Suite
    9. Julianna
    10. I'm A Stranger Here (LP Version)
    11. We Play Rock 'N Roll
    12. Money Back Guarantee
    13. Werewolf
    14. Signs (Single Version)
    15. I'm A Stranger Here (Single Version)

    Album Description

    1995 Mercury/Polydor records release out of Canada

    Album Details

    Assemblage of Tunes from the Canada's Own Five Man Electrical Band. Features Highlights from the Group's Various Albums, 'Goodbyes and Butterflies' (1970), 1971's 'Coming of Age' and More. Contains the Quintet's Crowning Show Piece 'Signs' (LP and Single Version), 'i'm a Stranger Here' (Also Two Versions) plus 'Country Girl Suite', 'Coming of Age', 'Julianna', 'Moonshine' and More.

    Customer Reviews:

    3 out of 5 stars Five Man Electrical Band - 'Absolutely Right: The Best Of.... (Polygram).......2007-01-23

    Looks to be the only CD available at the current time of this short-lived,two hit maker(not a one hit wonder,as most might assume)Canadian radio-friendly AM rock 'n roll five piece. Fifteen track anthology of Five Man's repertoire. Couldn't help but to notice the band had a slight country music direction. No matter,this CD is still worth a listen by you older fans(like myself). Most memorable cuts here are both the lp and single versions of "Signs", "Dance Of The Swamp Woman", the catchy "Absolutely Right" (the B-side to the "Signs" 45 single+their second actual hit), the well played "Julianna", "We Play Rock 'N Roll" and "Money Back Guarantee". Line-up:Les Emmerson-guitar&vocals,Brian Rading-bass,Ted Gerow-keyboards,Bobby Bruce-violin and Rick Belanger-drums.Another classic rock act from up north.

    4 out of 5 stars A breath of 60's fresh air.......2007-01-20

    Good music from back in the day.This was a very underrated band and listening to them is a pleasurable trip back in time.

    5 out of 5 stars Absolutely Rockin'.......2005-12-20

    A great collection by a great band. Originally known as "The Staccatos" in their hometown of Ottawa Ontario they recorded an album for Capitol and used one of the cuts from the album to rename themselves. From the rock anthem "Signs" and its "B" side "Hello Melinda Goodbye" to the underplayed "Julianna" and other great tunes such as "Absolutely Right, Werewolf" and "I'm a Stranger Here" this is a definitive cross section of the band. The group's leader Les Emmerson even had a decent solo career afterwards with some hits of his own.

    5 out of 5 stars Fantastic.......2002-12-23

    Very few bands can successfully combine folk, rock, blues, and psycadelic pop into one unified sound, but Five Man Electrical Band pulled it off with flying colors. Every song here is of high calibre, and for those who have only heard "Signs," that is actually weaker than many of the cuts on this disc. True, the sound quality isn't sterling, but the quality of the playing and complex harmony vocals cuts through any technical imperfections. A must buy, even if it is hard to find.

    5 out of 5 stars fun.......2002-11-15

    I found the original Lp, 'coming of age' in the basement the other day, it is absoultely amazing, and those songs on it, coupled with the other hits certainly are great and fun to listen to.
    Absolutely the Best
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Quintissential Bobby Goldsboro
    • The Worst Song of All Time
    • Original recordings remastered
    • Brilliant pop singer of the sixties and seventies
    • Excellent
    		 Absolutely the Best
    Bobby Goldsboro
    Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    Nashville SoundNashville Sound | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music
    Soft RockSoft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music
    CompilationsCompilations | Pop | Styles | Music | Dance Pop | Easy Listening | General | Oldies | Traditional Vocalists
    GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    Traditional Vocal PopTraditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. All the Best
    2. The Best of Mac Davis
    3. Honey: The Best Of Bobby Goldsboro
    4. The Vogues - Greatest Hits
    5. Bobby Goldsboro - All Time Greatest Hits

    ASIN: B00008W2UF
    Release Date: 2003-04-15

    Tracks:

    1. Honey
    2. See The Funny Little Clown
    3. Summer (The First Time)
    4. Watching Scotty Grow
    5. Whenever He Holds You
    6. Little Things
    7. Voodoo Woman
    8. It's Too Late
    9. Blue Autumn
    10. The Straight Life
    11. I'm A Drifter
    12. Autumn Of My Life
    13. With Pen In Hand
    14. And I Love You So
    15. I'm A Rock

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Quintissential Bobby Goldsboro.......2007-07-03

    Speaking of the trip down Memory Lane - this is it. Bobby's voice,in pure form,will bring the past alive for you.

    1 out of 5 stars The Worst Song of All Time.......2006-04-21

    CNN Eye on Entertainment named "Honey" the worst song of all time. I whole heartedly agree. Just listen to the lyrics. Absolutely pathetic!

    4 out of 5 stars Original recordings remastered.......2005-11-04

    As another reviewer pointed out, this compilation stands out among all of the Bobby Goldsboro collections. This fine selection contains the original recordings remastered beautifully. BEginning with the world famous hit "Honey", you just know you have got yourself a great CD. My all time favourite "Summer, the first time" is included and is such a spine tingling song - haunting and beautiful. Also included on this compilation are his impressive covers of "I am a rock" and "And I love you so".

    If you are looking for the best Bobby compilation, this is the one. It does not contain any of the re-recordings that he did in the early 90's (urgh).

    5 out of 5 stars Brilliant pop singer of the sixties and seventies.......2005-06-13

    Bobby was never a prolific hit-maker but he wrote and recorded plenty of great songs. Most of the best songs are included in this wonderful compilation, which primarily focuses on his American hits.

    Bobby's biggest hit came with a song he didn't write - Honey, a song that many people have strong opinions about. Honey made number one in the American pop and country charts in 1968. It also made number two in the UK pop charts that year. Re-released in the UK in 1975, Honey again made number two. Many singers have covered this song but the strangest cover is that by Tammy Wynette, who adapted the lyrics, taking the role of the woman who died in the song and singing from beyond the grave, even apologizing for dying.

    Bobby's first American hit came in 1964 when he made the top ten with See the funny little clown. Apart from Honey, he never again made the American top ten though he came close with Little things (a UK top five hit for Dave Berry) and Watching Scotty grow. His other American top forty hits were Summer the first time (which made the UK top ten for Bobby), Autumn of my life, Voodoo woman (different from Bobby's usual mellow style - this one has an R+B feel to it), Whenever he holds you, It's too late, The straight life and Blue autumn. Bobby had other American hits that didn't make the top forty including With pen in hand (written by Bobby but it had previously been a hit for both Billy Vera and Vikki Carr), And I love you so (a cover of a Don McLean song that gave Perry Como a major international hit) and I'm a drifter. The compilation is completed by Bobby's cover of I am a rock (Simon and Garfunkel).

    This compilation does not contain every Bobby Goldsboro song worth having. For example, it omits Hello summertime (a UK top twenty hit) and Cowboy and the lady (covered by Dolly Parton as Cowgirl and the Dandy for her album, Here you come again). Nevertheless, this is a very strong compilation of Bobby's music.

    It is worth noting (in case you're tempted by a track listing of a rival compilation) that some compilations contain inferior re-recordings I do not mind re-recordings as such, but with Bobby's music, it is wise to stick with the originals. If you only want one compilation of Bobby's original recordings, this is the one to choose. If you decide to buy a different compilation, make sure that you know what you're buying.

    5 out of 5 stars Excellent.......2005-01-07

    I really enjoyed this disc. Bobby Goldsboro is best known for "Honey" but I like some of the lesser known songs even more. I rate 7 of the 15 songs as very good or excellent. My favorites are "I'm A Drifter" and "Autumn Of My Life".

    If you like "Honey" but don't know many of the other songs, you won't be disappointed with this disc.

    Music:

    1. Across the Airwaves [Import]
    2. All the Stuff & More
    3. Animositisomina
    4. Az Da World Turns [Explicit Lyrics]
    5. BBC Live in Concert [Live]
    6. Best Of Graham Parker (Vertigo)
    7. Best of [Import]
    8. Between
    9. Boces [Import]
    10. Brain in The Wire

    Music

    music

    Music

    You Will Gasp and They Will Breath

    Boatrite: Sonatas & Suites

    Filippo Gragnani: Three Sonatas for Violin & Guitar / Three Duets for Two Guitars

    Harold, Lew, Phil & Don

    Faux

    Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor

    Feels Like Home

    Brahms: Quintet, Op. 111/Beethoven: Trio, Op. 70, No. 2

    D'Lectrified

    First Trane

    Don't Go Away [CD-single] [Import]

    Contemporaneos [Import]

    California Doo Wop

    Recital Works-Mark Sparks

    Best of Dana Dane