Dropout

Editorial Reviews
Matthew Sheahan - NYSOUNDS.com
Certainly worth your while to listen to, as they are able to fuse different styles: rock with funk with psychedelic music. It's a rare bunch that can make unpretentious hippie music, and The Drop Band does it well.

Jennifer Layton - indie-music.com
Type of Music: Totally groovy. Put K.C. and the Sunshine Band in a recording studio with The Grateful Dead and tell them to collaborate on re-recording the entire soundtrack to Godspell and a couple of Led Zeppelin tunes and you have some idea of what this sounds like.

Album Description
Dropout is the Drop Band's debut release on Squelch Records. It highlights the unique sound of the band which extends the tradition of guitar-driven psychedelic rock. The well crafted songs are catchy and interesting - sometimes funny and frequently insightful. If you like old Pink Floyd or Spiritualized with a touch of the Dead and a little Red Hot Chili Peppers thrown in - check out this band!

Dropout

Tracks:

Intro
We Don't Care
Graduation Day
All Falls Down
I'll Fly Away
Spaceship
Jesus Walks
Never Let Me Down
Get Em High
Workout Plan
The New Workout Plan
Slow Jamz
Breathe in Breathe Out
School Spirit Skit 1
School Spirit Skit 2
Lil Jimmy Skit
Two Words
Through the Wire
Family Business
Last Call

Amazon.com

This debut from the most sought-after hip-hop producer not named Pharrell delivers the unthinkable: West magically sledgehammers home his opinions on taboo topics over beats that are equally daring. The envelope-ripping beats shouldn't come as a surprise given that he's supplied the soundscapes to monster singles by everyone from Alicia Keys ("You Don't Know My Name") to Talib Kweli ("Get By"). What is freakish is that in West's world, rhymes about strippers, God, college life, and guns can co-exist tidily and not undermine each other. On "Breathe In Breathe Out" he raps "I gotta apologize to Mos and Kweli/is it cool to rap about gold if I told the world I copped it from Ghana and Mali"--tongue firmly planted in cheek. On the catchy "Through the Wire," fuelled by a Chaka Khan hook, he spits some impeccable rhymes despite his jaw being wired shut after a near-fatal car accident. Maybe it was this brush with mortality that kicked his lyrics into high gear on "All Falls Down." The skits on here are just as potent, one poking fun at the overeducated underclass that makes a small fraction of the loot he does. With jaw-dropping cameos from Jay-Z, Common, Mos Def, and the Harlem Boys Choir plus the feel-good club tune of the year, "Slow Jamz" featuring Twista, College Dropout is as explosive, contradictory, and complex as rap music gets. --Dalton Higgins

Customer Reviews:

He really does save the best beats for himself..........2007-07-15

Love this album, probably should write a genuine review of it, but just a note here: one of his lyrics here (I think it's in this album) is about saving the best tracks he's produced for himself to rap over and it's actually true. Listen to songs he's produced for people like The Game or "Lucifer" on Jay-Z's Black Album.... they usually consist of one kinda-interesting loop played over and over dozens of times. The tracks on Kanye's albums tend to be more spacious and have lots of flourishes and development to them. Kind of a jerk-thing to do, but it makes his albums highly memorable.

Almost a Classic - 4.5 Stars.......2007-05-12

This album has everything done properly, even the skits made me laugh. Kanye shows a lot of talent on this album, and his lyrics are quite solid. Not to mention, he has quite a number of featured artists on this album, however, the spotlight usually stays on Kanye. Combined with some major talent such as Mos Def, Jay-Z and Talib Kweli.

Some may not like the last song, "Last Call", since he raps in the beginning, for about 4 minutes, and the other 8 minutes is Kanye telling his own story, from his past to present. Truly a great debut!

A Real Solid Debut For Kanye (Rating: 7 out of 10- -3.5 stars).......2007-03-01

I'm going to say this to all these people who interject pointless reviews about Kanye that has nothing to do with the album: If you hate his music so much, why did you buy his album? People are making comments about Kanye like this some kind of message board of such.

As for "The College Dropout", I found it to be a very solid debut. Perhaps overrated, in my opinion. What stands out to me is his production. Some of his production is nice. So what if he uses samples in his production. If that is his style, let him run with it. "Get 'Em High" has one of the best beats on here made by Kanye. While I believe some of his production is lackluster, like on "All Falls Down" and "The New Workout Plan".

As for his lyrical skills. Some people do the "either love him or hate him" thing for Kanye. People love Kanye because he rhymes about alternative subjects, such as the obvious "Jesus Walks". As I said on my Lupe Fiasco review, just because you rhyme about something different than everybody else doesn't necessarly make you better than anyone else. I believe Kanye is an excellent rapper, but his mic skills are more limited than everyone in the world thinks. Also I seem to notice that people hate Kanye because they claim that his rhymes are arrogant. I do believe that is true, but everyone has a reason to be arrogant. Kanye just lets a lot of heat off his chest in a direct way, possibly because he was affected by past events in his life. Hey, I'm not mad at his arrogance, because a lot of what he says I can relate to.

As for bad songs, I can name a lot. As mentioned before "Jesus Walks", I found that the be one of the most overrated songs that I heard 2004. It was a good song, but everyone played it into the ground. A few more songs that I had no feel to was "The New Workout Plan", "Breathe In Breathe Out", "All Falls Out" (another song I thought was overrated, thanks to BET). The good songs was "We Don't Care" which I thought was good and entertaining. "Spaceship" with GLC and Consequence, which I could relate to as well. One I really enjoyed was "Family Business" which was very laid back and excellent song put together.

The College Dropout to me was solid. People love it or hate it, but I find this in the middle. Kanye has skill to carry an entire album, lyrically and production wise, as it was shown on his debut. I personally like "The Late Registration" better than this, and is looking foward to his third album "The Freshman Adjustment". This CD had an effect on me in so many ways. I recommend that you don't play this CD right after you graduate high school (like I did, lol). Some of the skits "School Sprit Skit" are somewhat kind of wasteful (hey I've been in College going on three years). So I don't think anyone should take them seriously. Another dissapointmet was that a week befor the CD came out, The Music Choice Channel played a song with him and ODB called "Keep The Receipt" that didn't make the final cut (I liked that song). I have no bias against Kanye, and I enjoyed this album.

In response to one reviewer: When you mention the track that follows "Jesus Walks" as "a track about getting falacio" I'm guessing you are talking about "The New Workout Plan" which does not follow "Jesus Walks".

Lyrics: B
Production: B+
Guest Appearances: B+
Musical Vibes: B
Overall: B

Favorite Tracks: We Don't Care, Spaceship, Never Let Me Down, Get Em' High, Slow Jamz (New Version), Two Words, Family Business

Honorable Mention Tracks: Through The Wire, Last Call

Peace Everyone!!!

Entertaining Contradictions.......2007-02-07

This album is full of contradictions. He talks about hoes, money and head on the one hand and Jesus and social issues on the other. The album is however very entertaining and I can play it through for the most part, without too much skipping except when I got to tracks 13 to 17 - too many skits.

My favorite tracks are:
4. All Falls Down - hot single; good message about people who are lost in school etc. Syleena Johnson is featured and she sounds great.
6. Spaceship - I love this song - it's about working someplace you hate. Consequence & GLC are featured and their rhymes are tight.
7. Jesus Walks - hot single with some good messages.
8. Never let me down - love it - the beat is sick - the singing is beautiful - JayZ's flow is outstanding on this.
9. Get em high featuring Common and Talib Kweli - good beat. Common and Talib Kweli's raps are both on point.
18. Two Words - nice beat; good raps by Mos Def and Freeway. The Harlem Boys Choir sounds good.
19. Through the Wire - hot single.
21. Last Call - long outro but it has a nice beat and tells the story of how he became a rapper.

Kanye has an annoying personality and so it shows on the worse tracks. The worse tracks are:
3. Graduation Day - silly, pointless interlude;
11. The new workout plan - this is a joke - it's about giving head as a workout;
13. Breathe in breathe out - another head giving song;
14. School Spirit Skit 1 - annoying interlude;
15. School Spirit - song about nothing;
16. School Spirit Skit 2 - annoying anti-education interlude;
17. Lil Jimmy Skit - another annoying anti-education interlude;

His anti-degree interludes are supremely annoying. Doesn't he realize that not everyone can end up in the arts, whether it's being a professional dancer, singer, producer, actor or artist? If you have no artistic ability, then a college education in a marketable major is a good choice. Besides most people who aspire to be rappers/singers/producers never get discovered and never become famous. Hopefully kids listening to this CD won't take his rants seriously.

Kanye West's best album.......2007-01-26

Kanye West is a good lyricist but to say that he is bringing hip hop back(especially when cornball groups like D4L and Dem Franchize Noize can make crappy albums and go gold)is a bit much. Kanye's production especially on this album is solid and innovative and not simplistic sounding like the beats you get from these overrated producers(think Nitti and Swizz Beatz). Standout tracks: ALL FALLS DOWN, SPACESHIP, JESUS WALKS, NEVER LET ME DOWN, GET EM HIGH(Kanye and Talib's verses were hot but Common steals the show), THE NEW WORKOUT PLAN, SCHOOL SPIRIT, TWO WORDS, THROUGH THE WIRE(crazy first single) and FAMILY BUSINESS. Filler: Breathe in Breathe out(corny snoozer alert), Slow Jamz(I never liked this track but to put and extended version is going overboard) and all those skits(while truthful) were not funny. Bottom line: Kanye West shows and proves on this highlight album of 2004. His flow is impressive, the production is great and the guest appearances shine along with him. A classic debut.

Average customer rating:

You 're The One That I Want
Prepare to be transported to Summer Nights
Great Soundtrack & Fun Extras from an Enduring Musical.
If You Love Grease, You'll Love This - Only 1 Major Flaw
Grease CD Reveiw

Grease - Deluxe Edition
Olivia Newton-John , John Travolta , and Stockard Channing
Manufacturer: Polydor / Umgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000C16OQ
Release Date: 2003-09-23

Tracks:

Grease - Fankie Valli
Summer Nights - Olivia Newton-John
Hopelessly Devoted To You - Olivia Newton-John
You're The One That I Want - Olivia Newton-John
Sandy - John Travolta
Beauty School Drop-Out - Frankie Avalon
Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee - Stockard Channing
Greased Lightnin' - John Travolta
It's Raining On Prom Night - Cindy Bullens
Alone At The Drive-In Movie (Instrumental) - Jim Jacobs
Blue Moon - Sha-Na-Na
Rock N' Roll Is Here To Stay - Sha-Na-Na
Those Magic Changes - Sha-Na-Na
Hound Dog - Sha-Na-Na
Born To Hand-Jive - Sha-Na-Na
Tears On My Pillow - Sha-Na-Na
Mooning - Cindy Bullens
Freddy, My Love - Cindy Bullens
Rock N' Roll Party Queen - Louis St. Louis
There Are Worse Things I Could - Stockard Channing
Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee (Reprise) - Olivia Newton-John
We Go Together - Olivia Newton-John
Love Is A Many Splendored Thing (Instrumental) - Sammy Fain
Grease (Reprise) - Frankie Valli

Tracks:

Grease (Instrumental Version) - Gary Brown
Summer Nights (Sing-A-Long Version) - Jim Jacobs
Hopelessly Devoted To You (Sing-A-Long Version) - John Farrar
You're The One That I Want (Sing-A-Long Version) - John Farrar
Sandy (Sing-A-Long Version) - Louis St. Louis
Greased Lightnin' (Single Version) - John Travolta
Rydell Fight Song (Instrumental) - Jim Jacobs
Greased Up And Ready To Go (Instrumental) - Jim Jacobs
Grease Megamix: You're The One That I Want/Greased Lightnin'/Summer Nights - Olivia Newton-John
Grease Dream Mix: Grease/Sandy/Hopelessly Devoted To You - Olivia Newton-John
Summer Nights (Martian Remix) - Olivia Newton-John
You're The One That I Want (Martian Remix) - Olivia Newton-John

Amazon.com

There's no better example of American pop culture's hall-of-mirrors ethos than producer Alan Carr's relentlessly buoyant 1978 film adaptation of the stage musical Grease. Inspired by that decade's rampant 50's nostalgia, it now paradoxically evokes the campy 70's excesses that spawned it. That sense of recycled decades in collision is underscored repeatedly on this deluxe, double-disc Grease-fest, especially on the set's second disc of bonus materials that spans vintage singles of the title track (its instrumental B-side) and "Greased Lightnin'," some sing-along karaoke tracks, and a handful of alternately slick/techo-savvy remixes (originally produced for the film's 20th anniversary) that are testament to its enduring, era-defying appeal. The original soundtrack itself has been treated to a stellar digital remastering that fills disc one, and remains a joyous monument to camp, sheer ambition, and exuberant nostalgic illusions. Includes a slip-cased, double-fold-out case and new booklet with complete song lyrics. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

You 're The One That I Want.......2007-04-03

The complete Grease experience. This cd is a two disc-set with disc one being the complete soundtrack, while disc two is all bonus material including the popular Grease Megamix. Fans of the movie would want to make this cd an essential part of their music collection.

Prepare to be transported to Summer Nights.......2006-03-26

Well here we are with a great piece of history.

This album has not only captured the spirit of the movie but the essence of a 1970's version of the 1950's. I have seen this play live and yes some things are different. Yet I grew up on the movie. I even find myself singing some of the songs now and then. Of course you will never see me singing "Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee." However I do keep this in my car as great driving music. This album is not you can pick apart and say things like missing songs, in the wrong order etc. It sounds and feels just right. There will be many versions yet this one is the Grease - Deluxe Edition [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED] [SOUNDTRACK] gives you more information about each of the tracks allowing you to feel that you have inside information and to feel that you know more of what went into the making of each song.

Great Soundtrack & Fun Extras from an Enduring Musical........2004-07-06

I'm enjoying listening to this great soundtrack that I loved as a child after a long hiatus. I had it on 8-track 25 years ago. So it's fitting that I should get the 25th Anniversary Edition on CD. The 24 songs from the movie are just as everyone remembers them, so I'll talk about the Bonus Disc, which contains 10 alternative versions of the songs plus 2 previously unreleased instrumentals from the film.

Track 1 on the Bonus Disc is an instrumental version of the film's theme, "Grease", written and produced by Barry Gibb. Frankie Valli's voice has been replaced by a saxophone. The chorus is vocal, but the voices are not those in the original song. You could use this as a sing-along version, as it would be easy to sing over the sax. Tracks 2-5 are officially sing-along versions. "Summer Nights" includes the chorus vocals from the film and sounds good. "You're the One That I Want" has new chorus vocals of questionable merit. "Sandy" is a new arrangement. It's not as good as the film version, but you can sing along. Track 6 is the single version of "Greased Lightning" that you may have heard on the radio back in the day. It's differs from the original in that the bad words have been replaced for radio airplay. Tracks 7-8 are previously unreleased instrumentals from the film. "Greased Up and Ready to Go" is lively. Tracks 9-10 are mixes that I occasionally hear on the radio. The "Grease Megamix" and the "Grease Dream Mix" are fun, if awkward. Tracks 11-12 are Martian Remixes of "Summer Nights" and "You're the One That I Want". They retain the original vocals, but set them to a Latin rhythm. They make pretty good dance tracks.

This 2-disc set isn't in a jewel case. The case is paperboard with 4 panels that fold out. This is inside of a clear vinyl slip case on which the tracks are written. This isn't convenient packaging. On the bright side, the case won't crack in the mail. Tucked inside one of the panels is a booklet that contains lyrics and credits.

The "Grease: 25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition" is a terrifically fun soundtrack to one of the all-time great movie musicals. And for all those preteen girls who go wild over the movie with each new generation, the bonus material is perfect for parties and horsing around.

If You Love Grease, You'll Love This - Only 1 Major Flaw.......2004-05-15

Disc 1 is like the original album, which I also own. 1 major flaw is that "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing" cuts off at the very end of it! I was upset by this, hence the 3 stars instead of 4. Disc 2 is a lot of fun w/some remixes and sing-a-longs, all in all, I'm pretty happy with it being that I'm a HUGE Grease fan. If you like Grease, you'll love this, it's fun. Too bad when they "remastered" it, they didn't catch there 1 mistake. Oh well, at least I have it on another album.

Grease CD Reveiw.......2004-04-26

This Grease CD is the best! I listen to it every week. I just love Your The One That I Want.:) Amazon.com has everything!Olivia Newton-John and the boy singer have the best voices. Now thatnks to Amazon.com I can listen to it! The Grease CD is the best!:)

Average customer rating:

Game-changing (4.5/5)
Great Album "The Man's A Genius"
Get over ya self kanye
Just One Simple Word: Wow!
Kanye's da bomb

The College Dropout
Kanye West
Manufacturer: Roc-a-Fella
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0001AP14E
Release Date: 2004-02-10

Tracks:

Intro
We Don't Dare
Graduation Day
All Falls Down
I'll Fly Away
Spaceship
Jesus Walks
Never Let Me Down
Get Em High
Workout Plan
The New Workout Plan
Slow Jamz
Breathe in Breathe Out
School Spirit Skit 1
School Spirit
Lil Jimmy Skit
Two Words
Through the Wire
Family Business
Last Call

Customer Reviews:

Game-changing (4.5/5).......2007-07-12

After years as a celebrated producer behind the boards at Roc-A-Fella Records, Chicago native Kanye West finally delivered his own solo debut, "The College Dropout," in 2004. "The College Dropout" really is a wonder of a project to behold, an overblown and at times ridiculous showcase of a man and his life. While the production is the kind of excellent music you'd expect, I think Kanye really made this album special because of his work on the microphone. He's not the kind of street rapper and vocabularist like most of his labelmates, rather, I think he found so much mainstream appeal because he comes across as very human. His verses sound very conversational, a lot of people can relate to his everyday subject matter, and he makes himself look like an underdog in a world full of gangsta rappers. What also makes him endearing is that although he really is a great rapper, he does his best not to flaunt it. Sometimes, he'll rhyme a word with the same word in the next line, or end a verse by flowing off the beat just to show he's human. The journey he speaks of from college dropout to depressed wage worker to lucky hip hop producer is fairly inspiring and part of what makes him so likable. Before the media started portraying him as someone with an oversized character, "The College Dropout" made many believe otherwise. The songs throughout the album are emotional, thought-provoking, and fun. The production ended up having a wide influence throughout hip hop. Kanye's sample-heavy beats are nostalgic for an earlier era, using squeaky, sped-up vocal samples. His sound is very unique and is almost as friendly as his microphone presence. There are a few very minor missteps over the course of the debut, but "The College Dropout" is a winner, an unlikely champion and a widely influential album.

After the intro, the album begins with the anthemic "We Don't Care," an anthem for kids from the wrong side of the tracks about overcoming struggles. The song is funny and very catchy. On the single "All Falls Down," Kanye recounts the ways of an image-troubled woman, and his lyrics here might be the best on the album, full of irony and funny one-liners. The beat is also quite clever. Another one of my favorites is "Spaceship," a song where a depressed Kanye provides insight into the life of a poor man with few options, another excellent production with an anthemic quality. The hit "Jesus Walks" was a landmark for hip hop. Despite being a lyrically and musically piece of creative genius, this song really brought Christian influence to urban radio, and Kanye should be respected for that. Jay-Z and J. Ivy guest on the inspired "Never Let You Down," a highlight, and Talib Kweli and Common are featured on the light, loopy club track "Get 'Em High." "The New Workout Plan" is meant to be a humorous song, it's a low point on the disc though, it doesn't fit in too well and doesn't come off very well. The classic "Slow Jamz" follows, the hit collaboration with Jamie Foxx and Twista. The version on "The College Dropout" is a slightly remixed version from the one you might be familiar with, but it maintains its creative genius and hilarious hook and gorgeous music. "Breathe In Breathe Out" is another club song along the lines of "Get 'Em High," this one featuring Ludacris. It's not my favorite, but a perfectly fine addition to the tracklist. "School Spirit" is a very ironic look at American culture. Kanye maintains that the structure of high schools and poor people's feelings that they must pay for college is unnecessary, it's a very interesting take to hear. Mos Def and Freeway guest on the rough "Two Words," followed by Kanye's classic first single, "Through the Wire." I absolutely love this song, a dramatic and epic count of his near-fatal car accident, over a perfect beat anchored with a Chaka Khan sample. This song was infamously recorded with his jaw wired shut, and it was a perfect single. The album closes with the sad "Family Business" and the 13-minute "Last Call," an interesting track where he recalls his entire musical career.

Overall, "The College Dropout" is an inspired, entertaining, and fulfilling debut from a truly multitalented artist. It's received a fair amount of hate for all the success it had, but I think this was undeserved. From a lyrical and musical perspective, this album is excellent from all sides, and I highly recommend it to all hip hop fans.

Great Album "The Man's A Genius".......2006-07-31

If you can get your head around some of the lyrics.
Credit where credit is due. Quite simply one of the best albums i have listened too. The man is a genius.

Get over ya self kanye.......2005-09-15

This is one awesome CD if you love high pitched vocal samples. He introduces, popularized, and simultaneously wears the ever loving fool out of that little bit of studio wizardry all on this one release. What's left for the next album? He could do a sweet chipmunks hip hop album. I would trade this one for that anyday

But what is up with the SKITS and attempted COMEDY tracks?? Okay who is going to listen to those more than once? SO now you got to press skip 12 times anytime the CDs in. TO me there is nothing more annoying that that stuff and having to search past it.

What is his message on some of these tracks? Don't go to college?? Okay...not sound advice.

From "Jesus Walks"
"They say you can rap-about-anything except for Jesus
That means guns, sex, lies, video tapes
But if I talk about God my record won't get played, Huh?"

--no you can put his name in there, as long as its trite, and MTV/radio will be fine with it considering the context of your body of work (they know its just a cultural nod, not a christian message). Actually they will be quite proud of themselves for giving it so much airtime.

I kept listening to some of the tracks for a while, but eventually I just was turned off by this guy, especially after his hateful attacks on Pres. Bush. I wish i had not contributed the $12 or whatever to his cause, but it was an impulse buy and i tried to get some enjoyment out of it.

I will admit there are some nice beats and production on this album, "Family Business" is pretty enjoyable. He may be more intelligent and insightful than Lil Jon, slightly.

Just One Simple Word: Wow!.......2005-03-22

When I first saw the name Kanye West it was when I realized that he was the one that produced Beanie Sigel's "The Truth", which was a song from Beanie Sigel's solo CD. I would see Kanye West's name once again on Jay Z's "Dynasty: Roc La Familia" CD. Kanye produced a nice collaboration with Jay Z, Scarface and Beanie Sigel called "This Can't Be Life". He used an old Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes song and all three rappers had nice verses on the song. Other well known Kanye produced beats are also "Get By" by Talib Kweli, "Takeover" by Jay Z and "Guess Who's Back" which is another collaboration with Jay Z, Scarface and Beanie Sigel. The first time I heard Kanye West rap was on "Champions" featuring Young Chris, Beanie Sigel, Cam'ron & Twista from the Paid In Full soundtrack. I wasn't sure if Kanye would release a CD but by the sounds of his debut CD, we definitely have a classic on our hands.

His first single, "Through The Wire" sampled the old Chaka Khan slow jam, "Through The Fire". Kanye detailed the near fatal car accident that he was in and he basically did the whole rap, "through the wire". "Slow Jamz" is an interesting collaboration between Kanye, Twista and Jamie Foxx. Twista clearly steals the show but Kanye produces the track and he also has a nice verse on the song as well. His current single, "All Falls Down" samples a song from Lauryn Hill's MTV Unplugged CD. Lauryn wouldn't clear her vocals on the song so Kanye had Syleena Johnson sing the chorus. Kanye has a clever way of rapping. He likes to use metaphors, sometimes humorous, and you can tell that he is intelligent by the words that he says in some of his verses.

"Jesus Walks" is my favorite song on the CD. Kanye talks about God in a way that no other rapper has before and Kanye plays off of the fact that if he wasn't the person that he was that no one would even pay attention to what he is saying. He is sending a message saying that there is nothing wrong with pubicly diplaying your love for Jesus Christ. While the song may not be played in a club or on local radio stations, his message is loud and clear. Jay Z accompanies Kanye West on "Never Let Me Down". Jay has two "fire" verses inbetween Kanye and J Ivy. This song also serves a motivational song as the chorus goes: "When it comes to being true, atleast true to me, one thing I found, one thing I found is that you'll "Never Let Me Down". "Get 'Em High" features Talib Kweli and Common and definitely contains the best lyrics on the CD. We have an Erykah Badu less Common sounding like he did on "I Used To Love Her" and Talib at his best as well after Kanye raps to verses at the beginning of the track. Other stand out tracks include "Spaceship" where Kanye takes you back to almost an oppressive way of how people came up in the world, "We Don't Care" where Kanye has his own version of a kid's national anthem, "Two Words" featuring Mos Def and Freeway where it's nice just to hear Mos Def rapping and not see him in a movie or a play and the hilarious "New Workout Plan" where Kanye claims to have the remedy for all of the ladies' problems.

I also can't exclude "Family Business" and "Last Call". Kanye plays off of habits in alot of families today like the aunt you don't eat food from and many other things. On "Last Call" Kanye finishes "The College Dropout" right as he raps for about 5 minutes and he gives you a summary of how he came up in the producing and rapping game.

Overall, you can't afford to miss what may be the best rap CD of 2004. Kanye West has clearly outdone himself on this CD.

Bobby's Top 5 Tracks

1) Jesus Walks
2) Spaceship Featuring GLC & Consequence/Two Words Featuring Mos Def, Freeway and The Harlem Boys Choir
3) Breathe In, Breathe Out Featuring Ludacris/Get Em High Featuring Talib Kweli & Common
4) Never Let Me Down Featuring Jay-Z & J. Ivy/We Don't Care
5) All Falls Down Featuring Syleena Johnson/Through The Wire

This album is DEFINITELY worth every cent you pay for this album. It's a good buy.

hopefully this review helps you out a bit when you're deciding whether or not to buy this.

Kanye's da bomb.......2005-01-08

It doesn't matter whether u buy the clean version or the explicit version. It just depends. 2 me I love Kanye and Kanye will always be my favorite rapper 2 date. I love him to death since he put out this album which became a classic. He does talk about real issues and serious stuff about politics, religion, our nation, affecting our culture to come better, trying 2 take hip-hop 2 another level, etc. Definitely check the ARC Choir too 'cuz they're still sing "Walk with Me" which Kanye sampled for his hit song "Jesus Walks" (I know everybody knows this). Anyway love the album hope Kanye puts out 'nother one that drops out in April or May. I hear the title of his second album is gonna be name LATE REGISTRATION which gonna have my man and superstar John Legend (everybody should have a taste on his new CD, GET LIFTED which I may go cop), Common of course and especially my girl Keyshia Cole who's gon appear on the album or not. I hear she has an album coming which I'm not sure they say it's gon soon in the spring of 2005 or so. 'specially it's gonna be off of Kanye's imprint label G.O.O.D. (Getting Out Our Dreams). Make sure u keep in contact with her. Praise and give thanks for my man Kanye for putting out a album that is so spiritual and ominscent. May God bless his soul.

Double Feature: Saturday Night Fever/Grease

Average customer rating:

Double Feature: Saturday Night Fever/Grease

Manufacturer: Madacy Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

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Tributes | Pop | Styles | Music

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4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

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4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

Tracks:

Night Fever
Stayin' Alive
Disco Inferno
How Deep Is You Love
You Should Be Dancing
More Than a Woman
Jive Talkin'
Boogie Shoes
If I Can't Have You
Boogie Child
Fifth of Beethoven
K-Jee
Salsation

Tracks:

You're the One That I Want
Grease
Summer Nights
Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee
Hopelessly Devoted to You
Greased Lightning
Beauty School Dropout
Blue Moon
Love Is Many-Splendored Thing [Instrumental]
Sandy
Tears on My Pillow
We Go Together

Average customer rating:

Worth every penny...
astounding
Get it.

No Flashlight
Mount Eerie
Manufacturer: Artschool Dropout
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
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Window
Who Will Cut Our Hair When We're Gone?
Neutral Milk Hotel's In the Aeroplane Over the Sea (33 1/3) (33 1/3)
Spirit They're Gone, Spirit They've Vanished/Danse Manitee
Drum's Not Dead (CD + DVD)

ASIN: B000BDH4PK
Release Date: 2005-09-26

Tracks:

I Know No One
I Hold Nothing
Moan
In The Bat's Mouth
No Inside, No Out
(2 Lakes)
Stop Singing
No Flashlight
(2 Mountains)
Air In The Morning
Universe Is Shown
What?
How?
No Flashlight
(2 Moons)
Intimacy Of The World With The World (Bonus Track)
Same Ocean Where Blue Whales Dive & That Fell On White Mountains (Bonus Track)
Waterfalls (Bonus Track)
Where (Bonus Track)

Album Description

Having generated cult status with four studio albums on K Records, Washington based songwriter Phil Elverum of The Microphones has made some subtle changes - dispensing the Microphones moniker altogether in favour of 'Mount Eerie'. No Flashlight marks Mount Eerie's first debut long player. Musically, there are few distinct differences between Elverum's aesthetic as The Microphones and now as Mount Eerie. Through dark, dense arrangements with lonely and introverted vocals, Elverum explores the infinite boundaries of his newly created persona. The bold self produced effort is sure to please fans and sooth unfamiliar hearts. The CD is packaged with four bonus tracks exclusive to the Australian release. Art School Dropout. 2005.

Album Details

Having Generated Cult Status with Four Studio Albums on K Records, Washington Based Songwriter Phil Elverum of the Microphones Has Made Some Subtle Changes - Dispensing the Microphones Moniker Altogether in Favour of 'mount Eerie'. No Flashlight Marks Mount Eerie's First Debut Long Player. Musically, There Are Few Distinct Differences Between Elverum's Aesthetic as the Microphones and Now as Mount Eerie. Through Dark, Dense Arrangements with Lonely and Introverted Vocals, Elverum Explores the Infinite Boundaries of his Newly Created Persona. The Bold Self Produced Effort is Sure to Please Fans and Sooth Unfamiliar Hearts. The CD is Packaged with Four Bonus Tracks Exclusive to the Australian Release and is Only Available in the Us as a Dual VINYL/CD Package.

Customer Reviews:

Worth every penny..........2005-12-22

Once in a pink moon I become aware of an artists work that affects me in such a way that all of my personal creative ambitions are left flat; Phil Elvrum, three years ago, put all my inadequacies into perspective. (Then recording under his "The Microphones" moniker) Elvrum created a world of his own with The Glow Pt. 2, only to outdo himself a little over a year later with the release of (one of my all-time favorite albums, as well as the first album I reviewed for Whatzup) his Mount Eerie LP.
The Glow Pt. 2 was a long album comprised of twenty tracks full of immeasurable ideas-while Mount Eerie was the opposite. More or less a focused, continuous musical work, Mount Eerie was an oddly cerebral rock opera of sorts about both worldly and personal discovery. Eerie received mixed reviews and thus, Elvrum slowed his productivity, releasing only a live album and an online EP in the last two years. After changing over his artistic handle to Mount Eerie, Elvrum (also changed, now spelled Elverum) finally released his follow up album, No Flashlight.
Available only through his recently established P.W. Elverum and Sun record label as a LP/CD combo pack, Flashlight's presentation is the work of an art school over-achiever, featuring not only beautiful white vinyl, but a six by five foot fold out poster that doubles as an extensive set of liner notes. In the text, Elverum not only explains each song in detail, but contributes photos, poems, lyrics and drawings that he believes enhance the overall Flashlight experience-thus leaving anyone who attempts to review the album with almost too much information, and anyone who buys the album with no reason to read reviews. Elverum's liners are an interesting read that offer a peak into a true musical eccentric that for the first time in his career, seems to inhabit the common desire to be fully understood by his listeners.
The albums opener "I Know No One," works as an introduction to Elverum's "story of the night," singing "what does Mount Eerie mean? I've tried to explain, through difficult song," over washed out accordions, gently plucked nylon string guitars and a slew of rhythmic percussion in classic Eerie style. As the story begins, Elverum opens with the great line, "your love swells and pounds me, and I know nothing now that I know you. My face goes blank, my eyes go open gates;" it's clear right off that Elverum's focus, while once that of musical textures, has made room for his newfound penchant for high lyrical quality and storytelling grace.
So as not to ruin the surprises, I'll leave the details of Elverum's latest riddle a mystery. As quickly as his cryptic cuts slip in, so do Elverum's customary musical flourishments. Elverum's production style would be best described as a "left of the dial" version of current hot-shot Jon Brion, with Phil playing an uncountable number of instruments, many of which you aren't likely to hear on your everyday rock album. Those familiar with The Microphones past work will unquestionably be contented with No Flashlight while those who aren't should find it a good preparatory listen for Elverum's quickly budding catalog.
Sounding as if it should have fallen somewhere between The Glow Pt. 2 and Mount Eerie, No Flashlight incorporates the general format and approach of The Glow while continuing on with the earthy progressive direction of Eerie. As much as I loved The Microphones and Elvrum, Elverum's Mount Eerie seems to be working out just fine. With two more releases on the horizon before the end of the year, things should be getting interesting for P.W. and Sun, and certainly exciting for his followers, few as they may become. Next up, Eleven Old Songs of Mount Eerie as well as Mount Eerie's long labored Singers project.

astounding.......2005-11-27

I didn't think that Phil could ever top what he did with Mt. Eerie. I couldn't have been more wrong. This goes far beyond that album and in a very different direction than one might expect. Phil has given up on form and melody almost completely in favor of mumbling obscure, cryptic poetry and DYI lo-fi production on a grandios scale. He takes on most of the major influential music genres: IDM, ,post rock, drone, music concrete, DIY indy, psych, and even goth, and does it all well with a very limited tool kit. You won't hear any fancy synths, flashy guitar playing, drum machines or computer manipulation here, but Phil manages to create nothing short of an indy avant garde masterpiece with an acoustic guitar, some drums, a fuzz bass, voices, and various human-made percussion sounds. Those of you who loved the album Mt. Eerie know what I'm talking about. If you think that Mt. Eerie is his best album then it's likely you'll be blown away again as I was. If you are one of those who loved The Glow Pt. 2 and hated Mt. Eerie it's very likely you won't like this even more. As a special bonus If you buy the vinyl record you get the CD for free and the foldout artwork and crazy renderings are a sight to behold.

Get it........2005-10-18

Phil Elverum Is amazing...And this album is one of those that only come around once in a while. Just sit down, listen and let it wash over you.

Average customer rating:

The College Dropout
Kanye West
Manufacturer: Universal
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

East Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0001MLLZK
Release Date: 2007-04-24

Tracks:

Intro
We Don't Care
Graduation Day
All Falls Down - Syleena Johnson, Kanye West
I'll Fly Away
Spaceship - Consequence, GLC, Kanye West
Jesus Walks
Never Let Me Down - Jay-Z, , Kanye West
Get Em High - Common, Talib Kweli, Kanye West
Workout Plan
New Workout Plan
Slow Jamz - Jamie Foxx, Twista, Kanye West
Breathe in Breathe Out - Ludacris, Kanye West
School Spirit Skit 1
School Spirit
School Spirit Skit 2
Lil Jimmy Skit - Harlem Boys Choir, Mos Def, Kanye West
Two Words - Freeway, Harlem Boys Choir, Mos Def, Kanye West
Through the Wire
Family Business
Last Call

The Kanye West Tribute: Indie Translations of the College Dropout

Average customer rating:

this is awful.
College Dropouts
This Isnt Kanye WEST at all

The Kanye West Tribute: Indie Translations of the College Dropout
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Vitamin Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

General | Compilations | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
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Late Registration

ASIN: B000A2H9SY
Release Date: 2005-08-23

Tracks:

We Dont Care
All Falls Down
Spaceship
Jesus Walks
Never Let Me Down
Get Em High
The New Workout Plan
Slow Jamz
Breathe In, Breathe Out
School Spirit
Two Words
Through the Fire
Family Business
Last Call
Graduation Day
Ill Fly Away
School Spirit Skit
Lil Jimmy Skit
Intro
Work Out Plan
School Spirit Skit 2

Product Description

1. WE DON’T CARE - Rise of the Speedman
2. ALL FALLS DOWN - Strong & Wrong
3. SPACESHIP -Accidental Gentlemen
4. JESUS WALKS – Leafcutter
5. NEVER LET ME DOWN - For Those Who Know
6. THE NEW WORKOUT PLAN - Clap!Clap!
7. BREATHE IN BREATHE OUT - La La Land
8. SCHOOL SPIRIT - This Blush
9. TWO WORDS – Rapatron
10. THROUGH THE WIRE – Belaire
11. FAMILY BUSINESS - Single Hill

Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

this is awful........2007-04-16

this is in no way a tribute to kanye west. more like a disgrace. there is not a chance in the world that kanye appreciates these tracks. anyone who likes kanye - you will not like this compliation. for those of you that want nothing to do with kanye west - go ahead and buy it. it is nothing like kanye, sounds horrible and should be lost forever. terrible.

College Dropouts.......2005-09-20

'The College Dropout' (Kanye's version) is one of my favourite albums of all time and I got this merely out of curiosity. True, the samples didn't provide much hope, but I took the risk anyway. I expected it to be bad: it's been put out by Vitamin Records, a label who's entire business and output is so called "Tribute" albums. I mean, these guys released a "Piano Tribute To Iron Maiden" and, even stranger, a "Piano Tribute to John Legend" (in case you didn't know John Legend actually IS a piano player). I strongly recommend you go to their website and listen to some of the samples (like the lounge version of Without Me by Eminem - one of those so bad it's funny type things).

I don't know if the other reviewers of this have actually listened to the entire album (one seems to perhaps be judging this only on the samples here). Regardless of whether they have or not the crux of what they're saying is completely true: this sucks. As I said, I actually OWN this album and, basically, I hate it. Ultimately, this aborted mutant of a record been created by bad indie rock bands that the people at Pitchfork Media would give a 1 star review of but then secretly hang out with that night (and probably even perform with). Ryan Schrieber on tambourine! Chris Ott on triangle! Dominque Leone on wood blocks!

So why am I giving it two stars instead of one? Because there are three gems on this album. Those are: Belaire's interpretation of 'Through The Wire' (think Le Tigre, only not quite as good), 'School Spirit' by This Blush and 'Breathe in Breathe Out' by lalaland. There's a sort of quirky, clumsy charm with these tracks (something that made the ORIGINAL version of College Dropout so good). As I write this I realise all those groups have female singers (and are probably mostly female). Why would that be? Obviously, there's more pseudo-intellectual, upstart wannabe hipsters in the form of males than females. I haven't heard any of the featured bands' other music, but I'm guessing most of them should just give up and go back to whatever record store or mediocre radio station they work in.

This Isnt Kanye WEST at all.......2005-09-18

Dont be fooled by the title at all , this cd has nothing to do with Kanye West in fact he may be taking legal action aginst these artist for using his name. In this album some random kids attempt to redo some of Kanye's songs with a terrible result. Dont buy this cd These artist are clearly using Kanye's Name to put out this horrible music.

Average customer rating:

Uplifting

Prime Meridian

Manufacturer: Channel Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
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Ensemble Ambrosius: The Zappa Album

ASIN: B000000T17
Release Date: 1995-08-07

Tracks:

Fanfare For A New Theatre
Peaches En Regalia
Let's Make The Water Turn Black
Oh No - Benjamin Herrington
Igor's Boogie
Eat That Question
Echidna's Arf
Song For Someone
Ice Rose
A Carrot Is As Close As A Rabbit Gets To A Diamond
When I See Mommy, I Feel Like A Mummy
Apes-Ma - Daniel Grabois
Dropout Boogie - Daniel Grabois
Suction Prints
Fanfare For All
Songs For A Dead King
Pandora's Magic Castle
Jessica
Bucket Cue
Freaky Guitar Freylekhs
V'erastikh Li (Divine Betrothal)
Full Moon, Ancient Waters
Psycho-Klezmer
Paterson

Customer Reviews:

Uplifting.......2002-01-28

The great advantage of using Amazon.com is one has an opportunity to listen to a sample of a CD prior to purchasing it. I did this with PRIME MERIDIAN. This opportunity caused me to purchase it.

I love the stylishness of the tracks on this CD. For me, the music has a calming effect. When I know that I am going to have a bad day at the office, I’ll listen to this CD while driving to work. When I arrive, I don’t feel so bad.