In Reverse

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Australian edition of the 1999 offering from the hit American power pop/ alternative rocker with demo versions of four cuts added as bonus tracks, 'Thunderstorm', 'Even From My Eyes', 'Yes' and 'Day In The Sun'. 18 tracks total. Standard jewel case.

Tracks:

On The Way Down
Nearer To You
Who's Gonna Help A Brother
Sharpest Thorn
Tears
River In Reverse
Freedom For The Stallion
Broken Promise Land
Ascension Day
International Echo
All These Things
Wonder Woman
Six Fingered Man

Amazon.com

Some inspired music has arrived in the wake of Hurricane Katrina (mainly on New Orleans-themed benefit albums), but nothing as audaciously ambitious as this cross-generational collaboration between Crescent City mainstay Allen Toussaint and former British upstart turned adventurously eclectic veteran Elvis Costello. As a songwriter, producer, and arranger, Toussaint has been responsible for hits from artists ranging from Irma Thomas, Ernie K-Doe, and Lee Dorsey to the Pointer Sisters and Labelle. Costello, long a huge fan of Toussaint's music, sings relatively familiar fare such as "On Your Way Down" and "Freedom for the Stallion" from Toussaint's extensive songbook along with obscurities mainly recorded by Dorsey. Toussaint supplies his distinctive piano and horn arrangements--as well as lead vocals on "Who's Gonna Help Brother Get Further?"--with Costello's Imposters serving as the rhythm section. Yet the real revelation comes from the new material, including the title track (a searing Costello composition in the Toussaint soul-spiritual mode) and five new Costello/Toussaint compositions that spotlight Toussaint's signature sound without diminishing Costello's creative contributions. What could have been a curiosity is instead a hallmark in the catalog of each artist. --Don McLeese

Album Description

The River in Reverse is Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint's spirited and deeply soulful new album, including seven songs from Toussaint's remarkable catalog; five newly written by the two; and one new song, the title track, written by Costello. Sessions for the album took place over a whirlwind two weeks late last year in Hollywood, CA and at Piety Street Studios in Toussaint's hometown of New Orleans. Produced by Joe Henry, the album masterfully combines Costello's band the Imposters with Toussaint's horn section (Amadee Castenell, Joe Smith, Sam Williams, and Brian Cayolle) and guitarist (Anthony Brown).

Toussaint led the ensemble from the piano, with Imposters keyboard player Steve Nieve switching to Hammond B3. The majority of the tracks were cut with the entire group in the room and Costello singing live, occasionally adding his guitar to the mix. Costello selected songs from deep within the Toussaint catalogue such as "Nearer To You," "Freedom for the Stallion," and "Tears, Tears and More Tears." Toussaint kicks off the lead vocal on his composition, "Who's Gonna Help Brother Get Further?" and trades vocal lines with Costello and bassist Davey Faragher on several other tracks.

All of the horn arrangements are marked with Toussaint's distinctive style and, commented Costello, "add a second voice" to the title track, the one song that Costello wrote alone. Just before the recording began, the duo holed up in New York to write together throughout October, a quick-moving process that resulted in four songs on the album of various combinations of words and music.

The songwriting collaboration began with Costello writing lyrics for Toussaint's beautiful minor key variation of Professor Longhair's "Tipitina." The resulting piece is now entitled "Ascension Day." Other new titles include "The Sharpest Thorn," "Broken Promise Land," and "International Echo."

Toussaint previously produced a 1983 Costello cover of Yoko Ono's "Walking on Thin Ice" with the Attractions and the T.K.O. Horns, and also contributed piano to the New Orleans-recorded "Deep Dark Truthful Mirror" from Costello's 1989 album Spike.

Immediately following Hurricane Katrina, Toussaint relocated to New York City, where the two renewed their musical friendship at several benefit concerts and club gigs during a seven-day period from the 17th of September, leading to discussions of this new album. The powerful song "The River in Reverse" was written by Costello on September 24th, 2005, and performed by him for the first time at that night's "Parting the Waters" benefit event organized by the The New Yorker magazine.

More Elvis Costello & Allen Toussaint

King of America
Elvis Costello
Imperial Bedroom
Elvis Costello & the Attractions
Painted from Memory
Elvis Costello & Burt Bacharach

The Wild Sound of New Orleans: The Complete 'Tousan' Sessions
Allen Toussaint
Finger Poppin' and Stompin' Feet: 20 Classic Allen Toussaint Productions for Minit Records 1960-1962
Various Artists
Connected
Allen Toussaint

Customer Reviews:

Don't Overlook The CD/DVD Combo.......2007-05-05

Yes indeed! So you're thinking about getting this great collaboration that came out in 2006 on CD, which is a wonderful thing to be thinking about, as most of the other reviewers here will attest to. But hey, please don't forget to look in the next bin at THE EXACT SAME TITLE IN THE CD/DVD COMBO PACKAGE (ASIN: B000FBH476) AND IT'S FOR THE *EXACT SAME PRICE*!! What was that? Well SOMEBODY you know must have a DVD player, and they can invite you over for dinner! It's worth it on so many levels, just to see them starting the project in LA, see them at Sunset Sound breaking out the ever-so-soulful song "What Do You Want The Girl To Do" (not on the CD), see them talking about actually going to The Big Easy soon after Katrina and debating whether it's a good idea or not since it could be seriously discouraged by the authorities, not to mention real upsetting for Allen Toussaint (having just lost his house and possessions there), see them flying coach from LA to NO, and then see them pick up the sessions again at a studio right there in the Crescent City! The material from the CD comes to life ten-fold, and the city by (and still in) the river welcomes them with open arms! As Toussaint says at one point "There will always be a New Orleans, and now.. there will be a Very New Orleans!" It's a joy to watch.

So to re-cap: the CD's great, 4 stars. But don't forget to look one shelf over at the CD/DVD combo, an easy 5 star package. And at zero extra dollars, it's a no-brainer!

More than easy listening from the Big Easy!.......2007-03-15

Elvis Costello teams up with legendary New Orleans jazz pianist Alain Toussant for a collection of beautiful songs with a quiet dignity beneath the riffs. A portion of the profits go to help New Orleans musicians who were Hurricane Katrina victims. But I never knew Big Easy jass could be so thoughtful and sophisticated.

4 1/2 stars. .......2007-03-13

my, mr costello is certainly prolific in the recording studio. yet another album. and hooray, i say. the man rarely, rarely lets one down. this time out he is paired with new orleans great allen toussaint. together they have crafted an extremely fun recording. rock, blues, and funky soul ring out here. mr toussaint's piano playing is filled with infectious enthusiasm and mr costello's vocals are filled with emotion. that costello voice, to me, is stunning. it's ablility to express different moods and a variety of emotions can hardly be bettered in rock music. his songwriting has always gotten attention, but i feel his singing has not recieved the full appreciation from critics that it deserves. anyway, this is a fantastic piece of work. selected by "no depression" magazine as the 4th best album of 2006, don't miss it.

real music...real songs.......2007-01-11

very refreshing. Real songs and real musicians. Great live feeling. Great horns, keys, drums arrangement.

Thank god Costello is around to keep it high and real!

Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint...it doesn't get much better than this...........2007-01-06

This collaboration is totally AMAZING.....soulful...meaningful- probably on a personal as well as on a more alturistic/socially relevant level..and finally, very sexy. I've been a fan of Elvis since the late 70's...GOD am I that old?? He has always inspired and made me think beyond the borders. Now I am a fan of Mr. Toussaint's as well. The CD starts off wonderful and keep giving more and more. Even when you think you have already heard the best it can possibly offer, it then crescendos and ROCKS you with SIX FINGERED MAN..! It's really hard to pick a favorite on this one. FREEDOM FOR THE STALLION will make you stop in your tracks and THINK. It's is one of those basic...true...important pieces that make you take notice. THE SHARPEST THORN is extremely melancholy, and personal. BROKEN PROMISE LAND, THE RIVER IN REVERSE, ASCENSION DAY, and INTERNATIONAL ECHO (Love that one!!) have Elvis' print all over it...and can ONLY be made even better and just absolutely perfect with Mr. Toussaint's contribution. Mr. Toussaint's ALL THESE THINGS is totally amazing!!! Very true and just damn sexy. WONDER WOMAN will make you smile and just want to get up and dance. Just give yourself a gift this new year....and treat yourself to this CD. You will not be disappointed.

Average customer rating:

Favorite Album by my favorite band of all-time
very good - but not their best...
You In Reverse
I know we're getting older . . .
Damn near perfect

You in Reverse
Built to Spill
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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At War with the Mystics
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ASIN: B000EGDN40
Release Date: 2006-04-11

Tracks:

Goin' Against Your Mind
Traces
Liar
Saturday
Wherever You Go
Conventional Wisdom
Gone
Mess With Time
Just a Habit
The Wait

Amazon.com

It took Doug Martsch five years to complete this album so what's another two minutes? That's precisely how long it takes to sit through a nail-biting instrumental intro before the singer chimes in and you realize that, whew!, he still has it. The quirky, Idaho-born indie-rock group's first album since 2001's Ancient Melodies of the Future, is positively radiant. The meandering melodies have been reigned in but the songs still don't feel like they're rushing to get anywhere, even on the double-paced "Conventional Wisdom." On tracks such as "Liar" and "The Wait" the spacey guitar solos are tempered by sweet touches of slide guitar and a back porch rhythm. Meanwhile, there's a definite Neil Young influence creeping through "Wherever You Go" and "Gone," which makes the band that was weird enough to inspire Modest Mouse weirder than ever. --Aidin Vaziri

Album Description

One of the most critically acclaimed of Modern Rock bands, Built To Spill returns with its long-awaited album, the first in five years. Putting aside extensive overdubs and an atmosphere sweep, You in Reverse captures the organic, loose, impromptu feel of the band's jams. Led by influential alt-rock hero Doug Martsch and sprouting new influences and a fresh feel, Built To Spill drives ahead with You in Reverse.

Customer Reviews:

Favorite Album by my favorite band of all-time.......2007-05-18

I feel compelled to write my first ever review for a CD on amazon.com because this album is THAT GOOD.

Built to Spill is my favorite band of all-time. This is my favorite album by BtS. When I see reviews here and there about BtS albums, I consistently see that many people have many different favorite albums (except nobody really loves Ancient Melodies of the Future, though it is still a solid album). People say There's Nothing Wrong with Love is amazing; Perfect From Now On is an epic piece of artwork; and Keep It Like a Secret is stellar. I agree with all of those opinions. I say that You In Reverse shows the most growth by the band in any album, and it took five years to achieve. This is the first LP release by BtS that I have lived through as a die-hard fan, so yes, I feel biased because I felt the anticipation before its release and the cathartic release of joy after listening to it tens of times in the first several months.

YIR is a successful mixture of older BtS sounds. I am referring to the epic, long, flowing, stream-of-consciousness songs from Perfect From Now On and the catchy, powerful, rock songs from Keep It Like A Secret. On YIR, you'll experience the same poignant, relevant, timeless lyrics found on all albums. You'll find a return to longer songs (a la PFNO) with some sweet, upbeat riffs (a la KILAS). There is tight, meandering guitar-work with lengthy interludes and bridges using a number of amps. It is a fully matured, calculated, refreshing effort by the world's greatest band. The band feels "for real" in YIR, and not over-produced or fake in any way, which is the way the band felt after producing their previous album (AMOTF).

Also, this last paragraph is a general overview/review of Built to Spill's overall sound. If you like this album, then you will not be disappointed by other BtS albums. On that same note, if you like other BtS albums, you will definitely enjoy this one. Give it a chance.

very good - but not their best..........2007-03-26

Some inspired work here, as with most Built to Spill records, but not quite up to my favorite, "Keep it Like a Secret". Well worth a listen, especially "Liar", "Conventional Wisdom", and the Neil Young-ish "Wherever You Go".

You In Reverse.......2007-01-30

The last BtS CD had it's moments but now Doug Martsch keeps doing what he has always done with BTS, making an album that is equally good as the second one before it. You can place this album somewhere between the masterpiece Keep It Like A Secret and Perfect From Now On.

PFNO had songs that meandered on for minutes; it wasn't BTS's easiest album.

The Boise, Idaho based band sounds like it has always done, even though it has took them almost five years since the last one. Neil Young type guitar playing, a great wall of sound that will sweep you from corner to corner in your crazy little head. Again Martsch uses all the songwriting and soundtricks to his availibility; sudden chord-changes in the song, speeding up and down during the song.

Don't expect a completely new BtS album, that time is over, but if the consistantly keep making albums like this we have a lot of things to look forward to in the future.

And yes, this album again has some perfect singles. My favorite has to be 'Conventional Wisdom' with it's J Mascis-like riff on which the entire song is founded and which almost sound like a later Sebadoh song. Halfway through the song it gets cheery and upbeat and a little slower, a perfect song for live shows to draw it out over 10 minutes.

'Liar' doesn't sound new but it still sounds great. Carried by a great bassline it goes on for a few minutes until at minute 3 is slows down even more to end with a great little drumroll.

It's nothing new and doesn't come near the trilogy 'Nothing WRong With Love' to 'Keep It Like A Secret' but it still beats most of the indie rock of the mid 00's, as they alread were in the mid-90's

I know we're getting older . . ........2007-01-09

but this one isn't all that any of the previous albums are. It's good, solid rock with typical Built to Spill lyrics. Could be better, could be worse, but certainly not pioneering new ground. But are you really looking for that from BtS still?

Damn near perfect.......2007-01-08

After a long break, Doug Martsch stormed back with his band for an unlikely comeback that is stronger than anything else the band has ever released. While it's not necessarily anything "new" from Built To Spill - if you're familiar with the band, everything here is going to sound familiar, too - but it's all done perfectly and with such raw abandon and emotion that this could almost be considered their best performance on record. You would be hard-pressed to find better straight-up, driving guitar rock than "Mess With Time" or "Conventional Wisdom" this year, and if album opener "Goin' Against Your Mind" doesn't grab you, well, you're just dead inside.

Average customer rating:

Nothing but hits

Essential Hyperion, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Essential Hyperion (Label Highlight Compilation)
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Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet

ASIN: B00004RITB
Release Date: 2001-01-09

Customer Reviews:

Nothing but hits.......2001-01-31

As with their first collection of label highlights, Hyperion's new two-disc collection provides a broad sampling of their exceptional catalogue and performers. Particularly rewarding are the selections from Beethoven (Scherzo from String Trio in C minor, op 9 no 3, performed by the Leopold Trio) and Thomas Tallis (Salvator mundi I, performed by the Winchester Cathedral Choir), but experienced and novice listeners alike will find much to enjoy on these discs. It's also a good value--more than 2 1/2 hours of music for less than $10.

Average customer rating:

A Joyful Rage
Great
Such a waste...
Another Sharp Collaboration for Costello Who Gains Gravitas With the Soulfully Erudite Toussaint
Soulful masterpiece

The River In Reverse [CD/DVD Combo]
Elvis Costello , and Allen Toussaint
Manufacturer: Verve Forecast
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000FBH476
Release Date: 2006-06-06

Tracks:

On Your Way Down
Nearer To You
Tears, Tears And More Tears
The Sharpest Thorn
Who's Gonna Help Brother Get Further?
The River In Reverse
Freedom Of The Stallion
Broken Promise Land
Ascension Day
International Echo
All These Things
Wonder Woman
Six-Fingered Man

Amazon.com

Album Description

Customer Reviews:

A Joyful Rage.......2007-06-23

This tribute to New Orleans and the work of Allen Toussaint in the aftermath of Katrina is powerful and uplifting. A great collaboration - Elvis' agnger informed by Toussaint's humanity
The DVD is excellent as well. Typically, these are just a few videos and some scenes in the studio. The footage here of Toussaint returning to his hometown, as well as some hot live performances, could easily have made a compelling feature documentary. (And have we ever seen footage of Elvis recording an album?)

Great.......2007-01-05

This is an excellent arrangement of talent. The songs are great and the DVD provides enriching context. For those of us living along the mighty Mississippi, the music strikes deep. Allen is a terrific pianist and these guys sound very good together. Best song on the whole thing is "All These Things", with River in Reverse running a close second.

Such a waste..........2006-10-06

If you could find a way to remove Elvis Costello's voice track from the recording, this would be a very good disc. If you could replace him with a competent R&B or soul singer, it would be a fantastic one (especially if he slurred the lyrics). As it is, it's just unlistenable. EC never was much of a singer, but here he's way out of his depth -- off-key whitebread bombast is not what this kind of music calls for. His voice is fingernails on the blackboard bad, and it's relentless... there's not even a single instrumental track to relieve the pain. It kills me to toss any disc with Allen Toussaint on it, but this one's got to go.

Another Sharp Collaboration for Costello Who Gains Gravitas With the Soulfully Erudite Toussaint.......2006-08-24

Renaissance musician/troubadour Elvis Costello partners this time with legendary New Orleans R&B musician Allen Toussaint, and the results on this disc are quite fulfilling, often languorous and melancholy, all the more fitting given its context after the devastation of Katrina. Even without the relief aspect, the timing of this collaboration somehow feels right perhaps because Costello at this juncture of his career seems to be gaining more gravitas as a musical presence. Produced live and without overdubs by Joe Henry, the crisp-sounding recording effectively combines Costello's band, The Impostors, with Toussaint's guitarist Anthony "AB" Brown and the Crescent City Horns to produce frequently transcendent moments. Costello wrote the searing title tune, a biting sideswipe against the Bush administration's slow response in hurricane relief, and he performs it with his familiar angry-man vigor.

Together, Costello and Toussaint wrote five tracks, the best of which are the swinging, sardonic "Broken Promise Land" and the jaunty, inexplicably titled "International Echo". However, the best cuts are definitely the Toussaint compositions beginning with the opening song, the mournful "On Your Way Down". Several, well-turned love songs add to the texture of the blend, such as "Nearer to You" and "All These Things". It's not all dark moods as the driving "Tears, Tears and More Tears" makes a nice contrast, and Toussaint effortlessly takes the lead vocal on the soulful "Who's Gonna Help Brother Get Further". There is an invaluable DVD included, the half-hour documentary, "Putting the River in Reverse", which chronicles the recording sessions, one of which took place in New Orleans, the first major session after Katrina. Visually as well as aurally, an erudite, impeccably dressed Toussaint makes a striking contrast to the still-grungy Costello. Just as he proved with his wonderful Burt Bacharach collaboration and his orchestral work, Costello can complement his eclectic style in the most unusual of settings.

Soulful masterpiece.......2006-07-14

This is damn good stuff. It's the kind of album that you listen to while sitting on the edge of your bed, smoking one cigarette too many or maybe staring out your window while the sun sets. After all these years, Elvis Costello is still knocking them out of the park and with Allen Toussaint as a partner in crime on this recording, the result is an album that's so good that it almost hurts. The piano work is exquisite on this album as is Costello's singing.

"Nearer to You" is a great track, as well as "Tears, Tears and More Tears", which somehow reminds me of old Motown without trying too hard. "The River in Reverse" is probably the best song in the album but then again, all the songs are really good anyway so it's almost like saying that a beautiful woman in a room full of them is the prettiest.

This is a strongly recommended purchase, not to mention that there is a nice behind the scenes dvd that comes with select pressings of this album.

Average customer rating:

Matthew Sweet's Wall of Sound
A worthy entry in the Matthew Sweet catalog
Best of his albums to date
A full on return to power pop form, this is right on!
Disappointing

In Reverse
Matthew Sweet
Manufacturer: Volcano
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00001O2UZ
Release Date: 1999-10-12

Tracks:

Millennium Blues
If Time Permits
Beware My Love
Faith In You
Hide
Future Shock
Split Personality
I Should Never Have Let You Know
Trade Places
What Matters
Write Your Own Song
Worse To Live
Untitled
Thunderstorm

Amazon.com

To mix metaphors, for most of the 1990s Matthew Sweet didn't so much march to his own drummer as swim determinedly against many of the prevailing rough currents in rock music. For Sweet, the melodic sensibilities, adventurous arrangements, and production values of '60s and '70s pop have remained long-lost Holy Grails to be passionately sought. Closing out what he's termed rock's "dry decade" (for its production values, if not content), In Reverse hearkens back to Phil Spector's wall of sound and Brian Wilson's mid-'60s studio prime with a vengeance. (The great bassist of choice during those epochal recordings, Carol Kaye, is a key player here.) Epic in scope and harmonically intoxicating (if occasionally overwrought), this is an album by an artist measuring the distance between his reach and his grasp, his good sense and self-indulgence, his confidence growing with every back-to-the future track. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Matthew Sweet's Wall of Sound.......2007-04-04

When you combine Phil Spector's wall of sound and musical influences that range from Brian Wilson to Crosby, Stills and Nash, you get Matthew Sweet's masterpiece, IN REVERSE. With Sweet's distinct infectious vocals and harmonies, he is an admirable musician who weaves sounds from the past and his own thus creating a unique versatile sound. And for IN REVERSE, there is no mistaking that formula an array of instrumentation that include horns, sleigh bells, orchestral vignettes and a medley of songs stringed together making the album a concept record.

All the tracks on the album are reminiscent of the elaborate studio sounds of the 1960s and the middle of the road 1970s. However, the album would not be complete without the loud raunchy and scraggly guitars that Sweet fans know all too well from previous efforts, which can be heard on the aggressive tracks, "Faith in You" and "Split Personality." There are also the pop flavored love's forlorn songs, "Future Shock" and "I Should Never let you Know." But the album tones down a bit with the two poetic ballads, "Hide" and "Thunderstorm." "Thunderstorm" is worth noting because it is both haunting and beautiful, and may bring chills down your spine when you hear a few of the medleys that resonate sounds similar to a`70s CSN, Beatles' White Album and Abbey Road period, or a country-folk Graham Parsons.

Overall, IN REVERSE is a gem for Matthew Sweet fans or anyone who enjoys great music. It is worth revisiting or listening to more than once.

A worthy entry in the Matthew Sweet catalog.......2006-05-15

I bought this album when it first came out mostly because I thoroughly enjoyed "Girlfriend" and as a bassist, was thrilled to see the incomparable Carol Kaye listed as a player on several tracks. She does not disappoint. While not a perfect album, there are some incredible songs here, and as has been observed by many other reviewers, the production is dang near flawless. I would heartily recommend the opening "suite" - the first three songs which flow directly into one another, very reminiscent of Phil Spector. If anything, get the record just to hear Carol Kaye on "If Time Permits" and crank the bass up on your EQ - you HAVE to hear what's she's playing. She hasn't lost a step.

Best of his albums to date.......2006-04-08

Do not listen to the reviewers who say this album has no memorable hooks or melodies, they clearly must be tone deaf. Where to start? "What Matters" is arguably the best song Sweet has ever written in terms of combining songcraft with powerful lyrics. "If Time Permits" has an incredibly beatiful chorus, and "Beware My Love" is a country-tinged, brooding song that will get your head bobbing. "Future Shock" is another winner, as is the gently affecting "Untitled." Don't get me started on "Hide," which is as gorgeous a piano ballad as you will ever hear. "Worse to Live" suffers from being essentially one long coda - but what a coda it is. Have I run out of positives yet? Nope! "Faith In You" is not quite up to par with the rest but is a good rocking foot-stomper, and "Trade Places" has a great sing-along chorus. Even "Write Your Own Song" is melodic enough to outweigh its petty, vindictive lyrics. Honestly, there is almost nothing here that is not far above average in terms of catchiness. I have all of Sweet's albums, and this is the only one in which the majority of the tracks have landed on my hard drive. The biggest criticism I can come up with is that the songs are quite derivative - Beach Boys, Byrds, and many other obvious influences pop up frequently. If what you're looking for is good pop music you shouldn't care though, right?

A full on return to power pop form, this is right on!.......2005-11-29

Anybody who rips this album has no sense for catchy, layered pop melodies. This lp represented a return to the Matthew Sweet I know and love. "Millenium Blues", "If time permits", "Hide", "What Matters", & "Beware" show Sweet turning in some of his most inspired performances. This album is so filled with hooks that it will be hard to not sing along after the first few listens. It's mesmerizing. Matthew Sweet is definitely in top shape here, and If you liked Girlfriend or Altered Beast you should really like In Reverse.

Disappointing.......2004-05-25

I'm not a huge Matthew Sweet fan but I enjoyed Girlfriend, Altered Beast and 100% Fun (particularly the first half) so I thought I'd take a shot on this, considering it got some pretty good reviews. Well, I've listened to it about 4 or 5 times and I don't want to waste any more of my life trying to find a song, a melody or a hook somewhere....anywhere. This is disappointing because previously it seemed like Sweet could toss off great songs without even trying. Here, any songs that might have been intriguing (and I'm not convinced that there are any) are totally buried in this "everything but the kitchen sink" production and cluttered arrangements. Basically, it's a really frustrating album to listen to, it offers you no rewards, nothing to draw you back....it's just there. Clearly it's been painstakingly assembled but it's just forgettable. Like another reviewer said, I look at the song titles on the back of the CD and I can't think of a tune that goes with any of them. If you are new to Matthew Sweet, this is the worst possible place to start - you'll give up on him completely after this. Stick with Girlfriend, Altered Beast or 100% Fun and avoid this at all costs

Average customer rating:

Best Seattle Band E V E R !!!
If you like potatoes
Great collection of a little-known band

History in Reverse
Blackouts
Manufacturer: K. Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Post-Punk | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00065TZ8M
Release Date: 2004-11-02

Tracks:

Happy Hunting Ground [#]
It's Clay Again [#]
Chipped Beef [#]
Idiot
Writhing
Everglades
Exchange of Goods
Industry
Young Man
Deead Man's Curve
Probabilities
Being Be
Five Is 5
Make No Mistake
Underpass
Idiot [Video Version][#]

Album Description

The Blackouts were the best Seattle band you never heard of. To those who bought their records and attended their shows, this is no secret. But for the majority who didn't, this exciting anthology - long overdue - thankfully now exists. Sequenced in reverse-chronological order, it begins with their last recordings, produced by Al Jourgensen and originally released on Wax Trax! (three Blackouts members later worked with Jourgensen in Ministry after the Blackouts demise), and ends with their debut 45 single "The Underpass." Also included on 'History In Reverse' are three previously unreleased songs from the Wax Trax! session.

In 1979, following the breakup of the notorious Telepaths, several members (guitarist Erich Werner, drummer Bill Rieflin, synth/sax player Roland Barker and bassist Mike Davidson, later replaced by Paul "Ion" Barker) re-formed as a new musical alliance - The Blackouts. They had an implosive intensity and were the antithesis of the bar bands that dominated Seattle's anemic local music scene. Intentional, dynamic songs were the Blackouts' stock-in-trade. Over the next six years they released four singles and EPs on four different labels: Modern, Engram, Situation Two (a subsidiary of 4AD) and Wax Trax! Few bands from that era can claim as impressive a legacy as History In Reverse.

Customer Reviews:

Best Seattle Band E V E R !!!.......2006-05-15

Everything I read in the other reviews is true. I saw them several times, so I know. This was without a doubt the best live band to come out of Seattle.

This band had the greatest drummer I ever saw, Bill Rieflin, now with R.E.M. The rest of them were amazing too.

I only wish Amazon would give you the chance to listen to samples of this cd. I would have you listen to Erich Werner wail in the song Writhing. You would drop what you are doing and buy this cd. I know it.

A technical note:
This compilation isn't exactly a collection of all The Blackouts recordings. There is a much longer version of Everglades we used to play at KAOS Radio. You can find it on the EP called "Lost Soul's Club" (Wax Trax 006). It's only on vinyl, but if you like the song, you'll want to hear the full 12:25 minute version. I even have a studio tape of out-takes that is brilliant, but alas, that didn't make it on this cd either.

If you like potatoes.......2006-02-26

If you like potatoes than this album is for you. Depeche Mode. Big Black. Joy Division. Spazz attack, good stuff. Time to bump into the big can of worms. Sorry for this utterly bad review. This album is awesome filled with energy. sometimes makes me feel like puking on a smurf.

Great collection of a little-known band.......2004-11-23

Tracked in reverse chronological order, a new anthology from K Records featuring The Blackouts -- aptly titled History in Reverse -- is an ideal portrait of the career of this 1980s band featuring Erich Werner on vocals and guitar, Roland Barker on synthesizer and saxophone, Bill Rieflin on drums, and Mike Davidson on bass.

Originally based in Seattle, they shared the stage with The Beakers and XTC. One live reviewer even suggested that, had the Beakers evolved into XTC, the Blackouts would have been an intermediate stage. The band itself eventually folded most of itself into industrial rock icons Ministry. That band's leader Al Jourgensen's presence is felt in his production of History in Reverse's opening -- and the band's late-period -- tracks.

Being more drawn to lighter than darker material, I prefer the Blackouts' earlier work (although "Happy Hunting Ground" is nicely reminiscent of Oingo-Boingo and "Idiot" is my favorite song on the album -- in both the regular and "pre-version" forms -- especially the pinging guitar), in particular the cuts from their debut single. In general, the further along in the track listing a song appears, the more I like it.

They have a definite sense of melodic structure, but unfortunately, Werner's sometimes-histrionic vocal style can break the spell ("Being Be" and "Probability"), often ruining the effect of the song, depending on one's mood. The only track on which this is not a likelihood is "Five is 5," a bouncy instrumental. "Chipped Beef" shows an influence on Soundgarder (Kim Thayil even offers a reminiscence in the promotional materials).

If the bass were tuned any lower on "Writhing" (another favorite due to that and the repetition of the title), there wouldn't be enough tension left for it to perform successfully as an instrument and "Young Man" finds saxophonist Barker taking a jazzier approach. "Dead Man's Curve" is not a cover of the famous Jan and Dean death rock song. It's actually one of the more fun tracks, with a near-novelty feel.

It is often more fascinating to program History in Reverse in reverse. When playing the songs in their proper chronological order, the listener gets a sense of the development (rather than devolution) of the Blackouts from a simple art rock band ("The Underpass" and "Make No Mistake" from the aforementioned single) to a band who members would later blend right into the fold of one of the hardest and darkest bands in popular music.

Average customer rating:

Alternative Rock Treasure

I Was Dog
Love in Reverse
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Post Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000002N4T
Release Date: 1996-04-09

Tracks:

The Romantic Age
I'm A Contradiction
Counting On Him
I Inject You
Solo Flight

Customer Reviews:

Alternative Rock Treasure.......2003-03-04

Early in 1996 one of major TV networks featured an obscure band, Love in Reverse, in a documentary segment on one of its primetime news shows (don't recall which one). I was intrigued by their music as it played in the background and made it my business to seek out their first major label release, the 5 song EP "I Was Dog". I was stunned. This CD proves that more can be made with less as repeated listenings reveal the genius of the textured layers of guitar, bass and drums. Michael Ferentino, Andres Karu and Dave Halpern produced synergistic guitar/bass chord phrasings, augmented them with strong drumming and capped them with clever "angst ridden" lyrics. The opening song, "The Romantic Age", is one of my personal all time favorites...and I'm not sure why. Let's just say that this song will be appreciated by anyone who's suffered through a bitter break up. Unusual, hard-edged alternative rock that got harder with their follow up full length release "I Was Here". These two CD's should be treated as a set (come on, take a flyer on some used copies)as it seems apparent that they were recorded in proximity. After six years these lost gems still find their way into my rotation. This is an under-rated band that I just love (in reverse or not). Will you?

Average customer rating:

Christmas in Reverse

Manufacturer: Word Music / Kathie Hill Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000EGH4K4

Average customer rating:

I love this album
Acid tested Hollies
Real gem of the psychedelic era
Obra cumbre de Los Hollies, Indispensable Album de los 60's
The Hollies' True Masterpiece

Dear Eloise/King Midas in Reverse
The Hollies
Manufacturer: Sundazed Music Inc.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

British Invasion | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Evolution
The Hollies/Would You Believe?
Stay With the Hollies/In the Hollies Style
For Certain Because...
Moving Finger

ASIN: B000003GZZ
Release Date: 1997-10-21

Tracks:

Dear Eloise
Away Away Away
Maker
Pegasus
Would You Believe
Wishyouawish
Post Card
Charlie & Fred
Try It
Elevated Observations
Step Inside
Butterfly
King Midas in Reverse
Leave Me
Do The Best You Can

Album Description

1997 Sundazed reissue of their 1967 album complete with tracks included only on the original U.K. version. Also included here is the original artwork, new liner notes and an interview with lead vocalist Allan Clarke, The 4 bonus tracks are 'Pegasus', 'Try It', 'Do The Best You Can' & 'Elevated Observations'. 15 tracks including 'Dear Eloise' & 'King Midas In Reverse'.

Customer Reviews:

I love this album.......2007-01-25

I love this album, and bought it in the original US version, then in the UK version, than again in the Sundazed CD. Graham Nash's last album with the group before the reunion album, "What Goes Around," had so many good songs. From the beautiful atmospheric "Butterfly" by Graham Nash, to a rare Tony Hicks vocal, on "Pegasus" to the incredibly powerful vocals on "Charlie and Fred" this album is a gem. The singles from this album, "Dear Eloise" and "King Midas" are among the best from a group that produced so many great tracks. The US cover was one of the best, and showed the growing distance between Alan and Graham, just before Graham left for CSN.

Acid tested Hollies.......2005-09-06

Hollies
Butterfly CD

I'm on my second copy of their finest album, as far down the paisley path as Nash could lead his conservative bandmates. His sitar seminars and elevated observations on people with small minds who haven't gotten high yet might've been inside digs at the rest of the group. Tony Hicks' grudging entry the psychedelic sweepstages has him dolefully singing "I'm Pegasus the flying horse," promising to take you anywhere but asking you to be discreet about it. In the Hollies world, this qualifies as a Ringo song. After Nash bolted to fight the ego wars in CS&N, the Hollies' impeccable harmonies took on an annoying mosquito like sameness but any group interview thereafter makes a point of saying the Hollies enjoyed their biggest chart hits after Nash left. That's like saying Lennon had his biggest chart hits after Mark David Chapman shot him.
Serene Dominic: Phoenix New Times

Real gem of the psychedelic era.......2005-07-29

One of the best albums of the psychedelic era. A real diamond full of kaleidoscopic lights and fresh breezes of patchulie. A must for conoisseurs and lovers of the best kind of music. Expressionism full of warm colour tones. The triad Clarke-Hicks-Nash by definition.

Obra cumbre de Los Hollies, Indispensable Album de los 60's.......2004-02-15

"Dear Eloise/King Midas in Reverse" fue originalmente editado en USA en 1.967 como la versión americana de "Butterfly"(UK 1.967), y como era habitual en la época, con algunas diferencias en una y otra orilla del Atlántico: en este caso cambiaron la selección de temas, el título del disco y la portada. Gracias a Sundazed, en este remaster encontramos la totalidad de temas editados en ambos continentes, apareciendo aquí como bonus tracks ("Pegasus", "Try It", "Elevated Observations", "Do The Best you Can") los temas de Butterfly que no aparecieron hace 37 años en los USA -por cierto, todos ellos imprescindibles-.
En total 15 temas que muestran a los Hollies en su esplendor, con su trío original de intérpretes/compositores (Nash, Hicks y Clark) exprimiendo lo mejor de sí mismos: grandes temas, primorosamente interpretados -armonías vocales marca de la casa-, arreglados y producidos, y como no podía ser de otra manera en 1.967, bañados con litros de pachuli y psicodelia...exhudando un perfume arrollador.

The Hollies' True Masterpiece.......2001-07-17

Having been a fan of the Beatles for a few years I found that I had grown a taste for their British inspired harmonies. Looking in several different directions for new talent, I happened upon the Hollies. This album is as good if not better than the records the Beatles and their other contemporaries put out at the time. With it's lazy pop in "Postcard", to its backward tape effects in "Try It", it covers lots of ground. "King Midas In Reverses'" failure to take off as a single is simply amazing after you hear their tonsils lock on it. If you like the beatles and are looking for another more harmony laced group to try, start by buying this album and then go get "Evolution". You won't be dissapointed.

Average customer rating:

river in reverse

River in Reverse
Elvis Costello & Allen Toussaint
Manufacturer: Universal/Verve
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

New Orleans Blues | Regional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music

Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

Blue-Eyed Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

Verve | Verve Music Group | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

My Flame Burns Blue
Hot As a Pistol Keen As a Blade (Ac3 Dol)
Live at Massey Hall (CD/DVD)
Elvis Costello: Live - A Case For Song
The River In Reverse [CD/DVD Combo]

ASIN: B000FDF1CY
Release Date: 2006-06-12

Tracks:

On Your Way Down
Nearer To You
Tears, Tears, And More Tears
Sharpest Thorn
Who's Gonna Help Brother
Get Further?
River In Reverse
Freedom For The Stallion
Broken Promise Land
Ascension Echo
All These Things
Wonder Woman
Six-Fingered Man
Greatest Love

Album Description

Japanese double disc edition of this 2006 collaboration between the prolific British singer/songwriter and legendary New Orleans musician Allan Toussaint features one bonus track, 'The Greatest Love' plus a bonus DVD with 10 tracks from the album: Tears Tears & More Tears, The Sharpest Thorn, What Do You Want The Girl To Do, The River In Reverse, Who's Gonna Help Brother Get Further, All These Things, Freedom For The Stallion, Sweet Georgia Brown, Ascension Day and On Your Way Down.

Customer Reviews:

river in reverse.......2006-10-29

The item came promptly after my purchase and sounds great especially the Japan only track "the greatest love"

Music:

Music

music

Music

Motion Sickness [Import]

Roamin Holiday

Six Concertos Italiens Pour Trompettes

The Best of the Best of Road Music

Seven Years 1998-2005 [Import]

Rossini, Puccini, Lehar and others

Sleep Fairy: Easy Sleep

Symphony 40 in G Minor / Symphony 5 in B Flat

Swinging the Devil's Dream [Import]

Right Turn on Blues

Pyramid Song, Pt. 2 [CD-single] [Import]

Smash...! Boom...! Bang...! Beat In Germany: Die Muenchen Szene [Import]

Saladomundo

Schoenberg, Webern, Berg

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