Fakebook [Import]

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Japanese reissue of the New Jersey-based indie icons' 1990 album features 17 tracks including 1 bonus track, 'Lewis' (Live). Pony Canyon. 2003.

Tracks:

Can't Forget
Griselda
Here Comes My Baby
Barnaby, Hardly Working
Yellow Sarong
You Tore Me Down
Emulsified
Speeding Motorcycle
Tried So Hard
The Summer
Oklahoma, U.S.A.
What Comes Next
The One To Cry
Andalucia
Did I Tell You
What Can I Say

Amazon.com essential recording

Many people's favorite Yo La Tengo album, Fakebook puts five YLT originals up against 11 covers drawn from a college-radio DJ's dream library: there's American roots-rock heroes NRBQ up against New York City experimentalists the Scene Is Now; tracks from unknowns like the Escorts and Rex Garvin and the Mighty Cravers alongside somewhat better-known artists like the Kinks, the Flamin' Groovies, the Flying Burrito Brothers, and Cat Stevens; plus YLT's now-classic take on Daniel Johnston's "Speeding Motorcycle." Though the originals of these songs weren't shabby to begin with, YLT's versions are so heartfelt that they're well worth revisiting. And the originals sound perfectly comfortable next to the covers, giving a glimpse into what kind of songwriter Ira Kaplan was developing into. --Randy Silver

Customer Reviews:

Nothing "Fake" About This Songbook.......2006-02-05

The genuine affection for the tunes on display here make for a fine low-key listening experience. Covers and originals meld together in what seems to be a love letter to musical sensibilities of an earlier time. There's a country & western, soft rockabilly, or folk vibe throughout with understated vocals and nary a hint of the experimental "noise", contrapuntal dissonance, and detached attitude for which the band is usually known.

This is an album for fans to get their arms around and embrace. Those uninitiated in the ways of Yo La Tengo would probably best be forewarned that this album is hardly indicative of the band's usual direction, but may like it nonetheless as an album to just "chill" by.

Amazin, Reminds me of the Byds.......2006-01-28

An excellent album. I am a fan of "I Can Hear The Heart Beating" and "Then NOthing Turned Into Somethin". This cd is entirely different. Yo La Tengo pulls a complete 180, and sticks mainly to covers mixed with some original stuff. It has a misty, thematic feel to it, a certain aura of perfectly arranged acoustic guitar and slippery vocals. "What Comes Next" evokes the Byrds, especially their "Notorious Byrd Bros." phase. An excellent buy, sit back n enjoy.

Too country/americana for me.......2005-03-15

This doesn't sound like YLT at all. If you like a bunch of slow, acoustic, sad songs this is an album for you.
Maybe it's the fact that this record is a good attempt to pay tribute to some unknown bands that it gets a couple of stars...I honestly, don't get it.

Such sweet thunder.......2005-03-10

I am embarrassed to say I have only recently discovered Yo La Tengo, but what a great pleasure in doing so. The music is so strongly evocative, picking up on the rich instrumentals and harmonies of the 60's, the Byrds immediately come to mind, yet updating them to the present. I thought they did a marvelous take on "Here Comes My Baby." Looks like I will have more happy hunting judging by their rich treasure trove of music.

They rock!.......2004-07-06

Fakebook could quite possibly be one of the best albums of the year. YLT itslef could possibly one of the best bands of the decade! I am totally and completely in love with this c.d. and i highly reccommend it! The song "Speeding Motorcycle" is just the cutest, quirkiest thing ever! I gaurentee you will love this c.d.!

Average customer rating:

good, if you like radio alt. rock like weezer and greenday
Green Day, Foo Fighters and most of all Weezer...
Maybe I'm Biased...
From The Beginning
whats the max # of stars....

This Will Be Laughing Week
Ultimate Fakebook
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Open Up & Say Awesome
Before We Spark
Electric Kissing Parties
Electric Kissing Parties

ASIN: B00004VW9S
Release Date: 2000-07-25

Tracks:

She Don't Even Know My Name
Tell Me What You Want
Of Course We Will
Brokyn Needle
A Million Hearts
Soaked In Cinnamon
This Will Be Laughing Week
Little Apple Girl
I'm All Out Of It Now
Far, Far Away
Glitter & Glue
Downstairs/Arena Rock
Real Drums
Perfect Hair

Album Description

Rock trio from Kansas kicks out serious pop hooks and instant sing-along melodies. Lots of rockin' guitars and catchy riffs. This is the second CD from Ultimate Fakebook, one of the fastest rising bands in the Midwest.

Customer Reviews:

good, if you like radio alt. rock like weezer and greenday.......2005-05-06

but just not that interesting, theres just nothing new here. They pretty much sound like a generic weezer, I really think thats the only way to describe them. But hey if you cant get enough of weezer and you need something to fill the gaps between album releases, then by all means pick up this generic masterpiece.

Green Day, Foo Fighters and most of all Weezer..........2004-11-29

This is a very good alt/rock band from Kansas. I hear Green Day,Foo Fighters and most of all Weezer.

Maybe I'm Biased..........2004-05-07

Maybe I'm biased, having grown up in Manhattan, KS, where everybody at the highschool wears UFB shirts, and the local bands cover their songs endlessly. Still, "This Will Be Laughing Week" is the best from this power trio.

Anyone interested in Ultimate Fakebook might like Nada Surf or other Manhattan bands, like Podstar or Addictive Behavior.

From The Beginning.......2003-04-01

Years ago, while at a concert, I received a demo CD from Ultimate Fakebook. After the concert I got into my car and popped the CD in. I was rather impressed, and now, years later, it's a shame to see that UFB aren't bigger than they are. In fact, to this day I cannot find their CD's in any stores in my area. I had to buy them off the internet. After receiving this particular CD, I let a few people hear it and they were also impressed. "Who are they?", they ask. I'm instantly reminded that the music industry isn't always the best at making GOOD music known. I've heard UFB compared to such bands as Taking Back Sunday, Saves The Day, and OK Go. If you like that kind of music, you'll definitely want to own This Will Be Laughing Week.

whats the max # of stars...........2002-09-29

I've had this CD for over a year now and all I can say is that it straight rocks. The word around my High school is "epic." And I can't think of anything more appropriate. For 13 powerful anthems this album is epic. (perfect hair is an average song). The CD is of the rare type (a la Green Day's Dookie) where you are genuinly excited to hear every song, from the faster stuff (Little Apple Girl) to the slow stuff (A Million Hearts and the excellent Of Course We Will). I recomend this CD to fans of punk, fans of rock, fans of pop, and fans of just dang good music.

Average customer rating:

Opened up, Said Awesome
the definition of guilty pleasure
No Bro!
Open Up and Say Aw Shucks
All I can Say is Awesome

Open Up & Say Awesome
Ultimate Fakebook
Manufacturer: Initial
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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This Will Be Laughing Week
Before We Spark
Electric Kissing Parties
Electric Kissing Parties

ASIN: B0000658IM
Release Date: 2002-04-16

Tracks:

Wrestling Leap Year
The Scheme To Listen No More
Inside Me, Inside You
Forever, Forever
When I'm With You, I'm OK
Girl, Here's Another Lie
Before You Leave
Combat Fatigue
Goddamn Dance Craze
Valentines
Red Elbows
Popscotch Party Rock

Customer Reviews:

Opened up, Said Awesome.......2004-09-28

Ultimate Fakebook is best experienced in concert, but their raw energy comes through loud and clear on this album. While not as funky or exploratory as "this will be laughing week," this album does offer up catchy song after catchy song. The slow songs are inter-mingled well, and the closing song, "Popscotch Party Rock" is simply amazing. Definetly worth a look, not as crappy as everyone makes it out to be, honestly.

the definition of guilty pleasure.......2004-08-29

Some albums just get to you and this is one of them. No innovation here. The engergetic fun delivery short circuits any critical analysis that can be offered. File under pop/punk/emo tag and get over it. There is just a certain something to this album that transports me back to the early nineties when music was wide open. It is big dumb rock circa 1991. I don't know if I would buy another album by these guys since it seems like they found a sound and stick with it. There is only one song I don't like and that is the uber-cheesy "Forever". That said the songs are all about girls and being in band. Sloan does this thing better but, damn, it gets me rockin'. While I feel a little ashamed when I think about liking this album, there is no doubt when I have it pumping.

No Bro!.......2004-02-25

There's a fat bald guy playing air bass on the cover -- be ashamed of yourself for even looking at this cd.

Open Up and Say Aw Shucks.......2003-06-24

You can call it pop-punk, punk-pop, emo, or whatever you want, but "Open Up and Say Awesome" traffics in generic power pop, circa 2002. All fuzzy guitar riffs and straining teen boy vocals, there's nothing here that a thousand other bands don't do just as well. In the Fakebook's defense, however, I should add that there are fifty times more who don't do it even this good.

All I can Say is Awesome.......2003-05-14

This record is well...awesome. I've been dissing this band for a while when I've never heard them, and I feel [bad] after I listened to this. That just goes to show that you should never judge any band without giving them a chance and a good listen or two first. But like I said, this Cd blew me away. It's so well written and played, and it sounds great. This is the ultimate rock/pop album in my book. Especially for what I consider an indie band. They're on one of the best labels around (Initial Records...go Louisville!), and have been around for a while. This is their third LP (?I dunno, I just got this CD and don't know much other than that it's awesome), and I doubt that they could top this...But I could be wrong, which is why I'm going to go look these guys up and get the rest of their records. So in conclusion, "Open Up and Say Awesome" is an amazing record and should be picked up ASAP, you will love it. Rock.

Average customer rating:

Electric Kissing Parties
Ultimate Fakebook
Manufacturer: Reignition
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Before We Spark
Open Up & Say Awesome
This Will Be Laughing Week

ASIN: B0000AN4IO
Release Date: 2003-08-26

Tracks:

Far, Far Away
Diamond Ring
All the New Poisons
Roll (Electric Kissing Parties, Pt. 1)
Downstairs/Arena Rock
Having Too Much Fun
Circus Horrors
Liferaft Halo
You Won't See Us
Silver Date
Nothing Left to Start [*]

Product Description

Far, Far Away
Diamond Ring
All The New Poison
Roll (Electric Kissing Parties Pt. 1)
Downstairs - Arena Rock
Having Too Much Fun
Circus Horrors
Liferaft Halo
You Won't See Us
Silver Date
Nothing Left To Start

Format: CD

Average customer rating:

Good old fashioned fun in a more informal review
4 stars in general, but only 3 compared to their other work.
Truly talented musicians!
a fun ep for fans i wanted to give it a 4.5 but i can't

Before We Spark
Ultimate Fakebook
Manufacturer: Initial
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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Punk-Pop | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

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Open Up & Say Awesome
This Will Be Laughing Week
Electric Kissing Parties
Electric Kissing Parties

ASIN: B00008XS0Z
Release Date: 2003-05-20

Tracks:

Rotting on the Vine
Cobra
We'll Go Dancin'
Catch the Beat
Record Release Party
Slick's Theme
Inside Me, Inside You [Guarav F. Lal Mix]
Inside Me, Inside You [Music Video]
When I'm With You, I'm OK [Music Video]
Inside Me, Inside You [MP3][Mix]
Inside Me, Inside You [J-Ro Mix]

Album Description

If the Replacements perfected what Big Star attempted, Then UFB has taken the next step - an edgy combination of Cheap Trick's songwriting and Kiss' cartoonish glory, a reminder of what we loved about Weezer's first album. Initial records. 7 tracks. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

Good old fashioned fun in a more informal review.......2003-10-24

I would have given this EP more stars, but considering that there are really only 3 good songs on the album, I decided against it. That said, those 3 songs are exceptional. The first track, "Rotting on the Vine" is the highlight of the EP. It starts out with a techno feel and then goes into rock UFB style. The lyrics are catchy, the riffs will make you want to dance, and the song will just overall put you in a good mood. "We'll Go Dancing" is infectious and seriously makes me want to do just what the title says. "Record Release Party" is also nice to sing along too, but not quite as entertaining as the other tracks. The second track is completely pointless, and the fourth track, "Catch the Beat" has a great beginning, but loses momentum quickly. The remix of "Inside Me, Inside You" is not bad but I highly recommend the original version instead. It will make you smile no matter how horrible your day is going, I guarantee it. Overall, I say buy this album used for no more than 7 bucks.

4 stars in general, but only 3 compared to their other work........2003-06-25

I'm a huge fan of Ultimate Fakebook, and this EP will not deter me. But I am a little disappointed with their experimentation.

The first song, "Rotting On The Vine" starts off with a hip-hop beat from a drum machine ("You're about to hear the sounds, of Rob Base and DJ EZRock...) and my main question is "Why???" Why bother with that? Anyway, after 45 seconds, they break into typical UFB rock, with Bill's voice sounding as great as always. Ok, I'll live.

The second track is a 20 second "song" called The Cobra. It is Nick making some noise on his bass. Must be an inside joke because I don't get it.

Track 3, "We'll Go Dancing," not bad, reminicent of "I'm All Out Of It Now," off THIS WILL BE LAUGHING WEEK (amazing CD by the way), but a little slower. It's all right, you wouldn't skip ahead when listening to it, but you wouldn't put it on a mix cd either.

Track 4, Like track 1, this song rocks and McShane's voice hits the highs as great as always.

Track 5 is ok, it's a little hard to sing "Record Release Party" and not sound awkward. The song is decent, but it won't rock your socks off.

Track 6, a two minute instrumental jam. Doesn't really sound like UFB, but it works.

Track 7, a remix of "Inside Me, Inside You," has too much synth and drum machine for me and it goes on a little too long, but it's fun.

The enhanced features really make this EP worth it, two additional remixes and two full length videos give you more bang for your buck. You can't compare this two their last two masterpiece CDs, but the hardest working band in America deserves to experiment with different sounds and to have fun with their talent. I highly suggest seeing them live - the energy in their show can not be translated to a recording, although you wouldn't know it by listening to their CDs.

Truly talented musicians!.......2003-06-23

I'm in a band, ok. (mp3.com Radio Failure; hehe) This album almost makes me want to stop playing music. It's that good. How can my band possibly compete with these three guys. Record Release Party is one of the best on the EP. There is also an EXCELLENT remix of they're song Inside Me, Inside You from their last album Open Up and Say Awesome. This is also an enhanced cd that has the videos of Inside Me... and When I'm With You, I'm Ok. This EP is a must. Don't think about handing the money over the counter! JUST DO IT! Get your reciept, go home, and enjoy!

a fun ep for fans i wanted to give it a 4.5 but i can't.......2003-06-15

if you have not heard ufb before i would not suggest buying this one first...but for the long time 'electric kissing parties' fans this is an album showing the band just having some fun as usual...go see them live whenever you can...they always bring a rocking set...once again if you haven't heard them yet try out 'this will be laughing week' (2nd album) first it gives you a good feel for the band...also this cd has two videos on it, one highly produced one for 'inside me, inside you' that is really cool that i would not be disappointed to see on muchmusic and also a low budget one for 'when i'm with you, i'm ok'

Tracks:

Far, Far Away
Diamond Ring
All The New Poisons
Roll
Downstairs/Arena Rock
Having Too Much Fun
Circus Horrors
Liferaft Halo
You Won't See Us
Silver Date

Album Description

The debut CD from Ultimate Fakebook is Electric Kissing Parties. It features the original versions of "Far, Far Away", and "Downstairs/Arena Rock". Plus, live staples like "Roll" and "Liferaft Halo".

Customer Reviews:

Excellent!.......2000-06-26

I'm in the music industry and deal with bands on a daily basis. This band is going places! They recently signed a deal with Epic, so get the indie release while you can!

this cd rocks!.......1999-12-14

I saw these guys in detroit a couple weeks ago, and honestly didn't know who they were. After their live set blew me away, I had to get this cd. The guys in this band are really cool, and the hooks in the songs are really catchy. You will be singing along to this cd after a few plays. Check out these tracks: "far, far away", "roll", "Circus Horrors", and "Downstairs/Arena Rock".

Can you spell "brilliant"?.......1999-08-14

Do you like The Replacements? Bob Mould in all his guises? R.E.M.? Then you must be a fan of intelligent songwriting. That being the case then Ultimate Fakebook is for you! What you'll find are intelligent lyrics and the catchiest hooks this side of heaven. All three band members are skilled arrangers and musicians who play as if their very lives are at stake. "Far, Far Away", "Diamond Ring", "Downstairs/Arena Rock"...oh, what am I thinking - they're all great! Buy Electric Kissing Parties and their second release - This Will Be Laughing Week - and find out for yourself what we, their adoring fans, already know: UFB absolutely, utterly, and completely rock!

Breaking and Entering into Rockin Hearts.......1999-05-18

Very few bands can get so much accross on their debut, but Ultimate Fakebook has established themselves with thiers, "Electric Kissing Parties." Non-stop hooks and catchy chorus after catchy chorus. One of the best rock records of all time. Check out "Roll" and "Diamond Ring."

Average customer rating:

Fakebook
Yo La Tengo
Manufacturer: Dead Line
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00008F1MG
Release Date: 1990-07-03

Tracks:

Can't Forget
Griselda
Here Comes My Baby
Barnaby, Hardly Working
Yellow Sarong
You Tore Me Down
Emulsified
Speeding Motorcycle
Tried So Hard
The Summer
Oklahoma, U.S.A.
What Comes Next
The One To Cry
Andalucia
Did I Tell You
What Can I Say

Average customer rating:

Skip Heller plays it safe?
this is not jazz, nor is it genius
Fake is truthfully terrific
First rate eclectic guitar-organ-sax jazz

Fakebook
Skip Heller
Manufacturer: Sin-Drome Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Career Suicide: Essential Skip Heller 1994-2001

ASIN: B0001EFU82
Release Date: 2004-02-24

Tracks:

The Yodel
Sophisticated Savage
Never Can Say Goodbye
Chinatown
Arriverderci, Roma
Monk's Mood
Cold Duck Time
Sometimes It Snows In April
(Just) Squeeze Me
Powerhouse
The Man In Me

Customer Reviews:

Skip Heller plays it safe?.......2006-12-04

While not his best or most daring effort, Fakebook is Skip Heller at his most traditional. He is also at his most cautious here, which takes some of the fun out of a Heller record, which is usually a rollercoaster ride. But the unusual choice of material coupled with a solid groove organ combo base is the kind of thing that wins over the sort of jazz people who don't enjoy the forays into bluegrass, surf, klezmer, and other styles that make his guitar style so interesting. If your taste is more traditional jazz, this is the perfect starter. But if you're into jazz outside the box, you'd do better with Mean Things Happening In This Land or Bear Flag.

this is not jazz, nor is it genius.......2006-10-21

Someone has to say it, and I guess it has to be me: This music does not qualify as jazz -- it desperately tries to imitate it. As a result, despite the many accolades I have read before pursuing Mr. Heller's music, this album, as well as other mp3's I have checked out by the artist, are woefully overrated.

Heller's most obvious influence is Grant Green -- an influence he wears on his sleeve. Green's organ trio/quartet albums of the mid-1960s are the drawing point for Heller's slew of pedestrian organ-guitar outings which sounds more like a Green parody than an homage, and dangerously tread the line where the sound approaches elevator music, with none of the hard-swinging soul of Green, nor the intelligence, restraint, and awesome musicianship of the Larry Goldings Trio, another band which Heller shamelessly plunders and attempts to imitate. The album sounds nice and pleasing on the surface, but repeated listenings betray a very amateurish sensibility.

On top of this all is Heller's guitar playing, which has a decent vintage tone, but could only pass for jazz in a co-ed watering hole. His sense of line and phrasing is non-existant; he plays almost nervously, never giving his solos a single chance to breath; he nervously twiddles around with nothing more than the minor pentatonic scale; there is hardly any chromaticism at all, and a complete lack of the altered-dominant sound, which is par for the course in any type of jazz playing. With the exception of a few very-learned and often-repeated II-V-I licks, Heller's playing is timidly diatonic, and his sense of time tends to nervously rush the tempo; he's always either a little bit ahead of the rhythm section, or totally lost in space.

Putting it simply, I don't like this album at all. The organ trio idea has been resurrected to far greater effect by many other artists with one heck of a lot more talent and musical sensibility. To my ears, this album sounds like jazz played by people without the discipline to bother learning the language of the genre -- it's only an imitation.

Fake is truthfully terrific.......2004-05-09

The immensely talented Skip Heller may not have originally composed these songs, but it doesn't mean he doesn't know how to interpret them. Skip is one of the rare musicians who excels in a variety of musical styles - country, jazz, rockabilly, American classic (in the vein of Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne), to classical Mahler symphonies, but "Fakebook" concentrates on what could loosely be termed jazz - specifically, classics into which Skip and ensemble breathe imaginative and ingenious fresh air. Yet the musical vision on this CD seems to create its own genre which can't be neatly packaged with a single term.

The song, "Chinatown" showcases the incredible talent of Robert Drasnin who solos on the sax, which sings so smoothly and so seemingly effortlessly that you just want to close your eyes and allow the music to breathe for you. In the same vein, "Monk's Mood" is a beautiful and dreamy secret that's whispered in your ear through Skip's guitar.

Fake was recorded after a five-day tour of the Northwest, when the band was at its zenith for creativity and exuberance. The ears clearly concur that the songs do indeed amplify that energy. In fact, two of the songs, "Arriverderci Roma" and "Sometimes It Snows In April" are live performances from that tour.

Each song is executed beautifully with nary a throwaway in the mix. It's difficult to choose a favorite, but my vote must go to Les Baxter's "Sophisticated Savage." It's as if every sweet note helps pave a path to a gorgeous dream from which you never wish to wake. The song is soft and sensual with an occasional very light rumble from the organ, threatening to break up the smooth clouds circling around your light head.

A lot of criticism about music today involves a lack of innovation, aptitude, and simple engagement of the senses. Skip Heller's "Fakebook" is a perfect retort to those accusations and a wonderful promise of what is yet to come from this vivacious and enterprising musician.

First rate eclectic guitar-organ-sax jazz.......2004-03-15

For all of its promises of eclecticism, jazz can be a frustratingly ossified music. Musicians get in a groove and stay there, and audiences are more than happy to let them. But the best musicians in jazz --in any genre-- are akin to explorers: they want to find new songs, new styles, new means of expression; they know where to look for great songs and inspiration; and they revel in taking their audiences along for the ride.

Which brings me to guitarist Skip Heller and his CD FAKE BOOK, a set which is, on its surface, a simple guitar-organ-sax combo disc in the tradition of great rockin' roadhouse jazz records by Wild Bill Davis or Jimmy Smith. But the song selection should tip you off that there's something a little bit different going on here: in the space of twelve tracks we go from Les Baxter ("Sophisticated Savage") and Jerry Goldsmith (the theme from the film "Chinatown") through Thelonious Monk ("Monk's Mood"), Prince ("Sometimes It Snows In April") and Duke Ellington ("Just Squeeze Me") before coming out in the end with Raymond Scott's "Power House" (in Skip's words, "(the) one song every American knows but doesn't know the name of or who wrote it") and a stark version of Bob Dylan's "The Man In Me."

Such eclecticism is admirable, but of course anyone with a CD burner and a decent record collection can make a quirky mix CD. It takes a talented musician like Heller and his top-notch band (organist Joe Doria, reed player Robert Drasnin, and drummer John Wicks) to take all of the disparate stylistic elements and voices, and unite them so seamlessly that you wonder why the pieces were never connected before by someone else.

Heller and compadres play with feeling and urgency (as in "You've gotta HEAR this song...") that makes their repertoire sound new and fresh and alive. And that is the essence of great jazz... of great music, period.

If justice is served, Skip Heller should be a major voice in the jazz world by the time you read this. If not, buy this CD, play it, and pass the word on.

Virtually Alternative No. 116
Average customer rating:
Virtually Alternative No. 116
Primal Scream , Ultimate Fakebook , Bottlefly , Lit , Uncle Kracker , Wonderland , Flak , The Color Red , Bowery Electric , and and 18 more!
Manufacturer: Various
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000KRJOP0