The Better Life

Amazon.com
The Mississippi-based quartet 3 Doors Down has only one thing that sets them apart from other hard rock bands: lead vocalist Brad Arnold is also the drummer. The group shops the sounds of Pearl Jam and the Goo Goo Dolls, pointing at what they like, picking it off the shelf, and throwing it into the stew. While the music on The Better Life, their debut, sounds overall both competent and confident, the songs themselves are equally uninspired and clichéd. For example, the riff from the track "Loser" is straight out of the Alice in Chains songbook, adding much more cringe-worthy lyrics ("Addiction needs a pacifier, the buzz of this poison is taking me higher"). In fact, most of the lyrics zero in on well-worn rock themes of aggravation, confusion, and frustration, feelings that 3 Doors Down will easily coax out of discriminating listeners. --Jason Josephes

The Better Life,3 Doors Down,Universal,Alternative Metal,Alternative Pop/Rock,Pop,Post-Grunge,Rock,Rock/Pop

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The Better Life

Average customer rating: Accessible rock that's rough around the edges Good introduction to rock Im Passing Away onto the better life Not at all what I expected... 'The Better Life' couldn't have been much better...

The Better Life 3 Doors Down Manufacturer: Umvd Labels ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Away From The Sun Seventeen Days Silver Side Up Another 700 Miles All the Right Reasons ASIN: B00004C4QQ Release Date: 2000-02-08

Tracks:

1. Kryptonite
2. Loser
3. Duck And Run
4. Not Enough
5. Be Like That
6. Life Of My Own
7. Better Life
8. Down Poison
9. By My Side
10. Smack
11. So I Need You

Amazon.com

The Mississippi-based quartet 3 Doors Down has only one thing that sets them apart from other hard rock bands: lead vocalist Brad Arnold is also the drummer. The group shops the sounds of Pearl Jam and the Goo Goo Dolls, pointing at what they like, picking it off the shelf, and throwing it into the stew. While the music on The Better Life, their debut, sounds overall both competent and confident, the songs themselves are equally uninspired and clichéd. For example, the riff from the track "Loser" is straight out of the Alice in Chains songbook, adding much more cringe-worthy lyrics ("Addiction needs a pacifier, the buzz of this poison is taking me higher"). In fact, most of the lyrics zero in on well-worn rock themes of aggravation, confusion, and frustration, feelings that 3 Doors Down will easily coax out of discriminating listeners. --Jason Josephes

Customer Reviews:

Accessible rock that's rough around the edges.......2007-07-09

3 Doors Down's 2000 debut "The Better Life" is an appealing album from a band that exudes a lot of potential. While they don't really distance themselves from familiar sounds of lots of 90s alternative rock, they display some good songwriting and instrumental talent. Singer and drummer Brad Arnold speaks of anger, depression, and troubles in life, but his delivery and raw emotion set him apart. Musically, their sound is unrefined rock, often pretty hard. The heavy guitars and rough percussion are tough, yet the songwriting is clever enough to put them to effective use. There are some well-constructed pop songs here, as well as some deep-album tracks that are equally worthy. The songwriting is not consistent to the point that every track is as good as the last, and towards the end there are a couple skip-worthy songs. But overall, "The Better Life" is a worthy modern rock album.

The first song is the monster single "Kryptonite," an unforgettable pop rock song. Arnold's lyrics emit loss and confusion, yet very emotionally. The guitar riffs at the end of the song and early pluckings are part of what make this song so great. The next song was also a single, "Loser." I like this song a lot. The lyrics speak darkly of depression and addiction. My favorite part is towards the middle, when the song breaks into a furious guitar battle, before dipping back into the spinning midtempo of the beginning. "Duck and Run" is an inspiring song with a great performance from Arnold, a highlight. I think my favorite song, though, is "Not Enough," a well-written and memorable song about a struggling relationship. "Be Like That" is a slow, sad songabout troubled yet hopeful folks, I remember this being a hit too, and for good reason. "Life of My Own" comes off as very similar to "Not Enough," but it's pretty good too. The title track is fast, classic-sounding hard rock with a great guitar line. "Down Poison" is the album's most disturbed song by far, an eerie and loud but quite effective track. "By My Side" is not bad but forgettable, and the faster "Smack" is better. The final song "So I Need You" isn't very memorable either.

"The Better Life" is a very solid and enjoyable album of late-90s styled alternative rock, but it's a very accessible sound that should appeal to many types of listeners. Except for a few slight missteps towards the end of the tracklist, it's a very nice album to have and I recommend it.

Good introduction to rock.......2007-02-07

This is the first rock album I owned. It got me into rock at a time when talentless hacks like Limp Bizkit were dominating the airwaves. I, like many others, got into it after hearing the catchy Kryptonite on the radio. Back then I would have given this album 5 stars. But as I said, it got me into rock music and as a result I found out about much better bands. Six years later, after hearing a wide variety of music, this album just seems a bit bland to me.

Don't get me wrong, this isn't a bad album. It's got some pretty good hooks and the guitarists aren't bad. Brad Arnold is a decent vocalist, although he can sometimes be a bit monotonous.

But now I'm going to focus on the negatives, because not many reviewers have done that yet.

I didn't really like the guitar tone. I can't really explain why but I think it needed better production. Of course, this is a minor problem.

Also, I didn't like how the guitarists always played in a staccato style. Although it works really well on fast paced songs like Smack, they often used it when it was inappropriate. I felt they should have held their notes longer on songs like Kryptonite and Better Life. Often there will be very noticable gaps between their notes, with nothing to fill them in, and it ends up sounding pretty amateur. It also makes the playing sound very mechanical and lifeless. It kinda takes the soul out of the music, if you know what I mean.

Also, the drummer, although he gets the job done, was pretty ordinary. It just seems like he's playing the same drum beat in every single song. This is exacerbated by the bad sound production, which makes the bass drum and the toms harder to hear and the cymbols easier to hear. In the end, it just sounds like he's just sitting there hitting the symbols the whole time.

My greatest problem with this album, however, is not the individual songs, but the album as a whole. The songs on their own a very good, but it's difficult to listen to the 11 tracks consecutively because they are too similar to each other. The whole album is very monotonous, lacking in variation to keep the listener interested. There is little variation in the tone and dynamics of the album as a whole. Most of the songs have the typical soft chorus with acoustic guitar followed by a loud chorus with powerchords from the electric guitar type of song structure which was popularised by Nirvana in the early nineties. The problem is this song structure has been so overused by rock bands in the past 16 years that this album automatically becomes mediocre for its overuse of it. Every song on the album except the ballad Be Like That and the last 3 songs utilises this song strucure. The only difference is, the first 6 songs start with an acoustic guitar riff and the rest (apart from the last one) start off with an electric guitar riff. None of the songs start with a drum beat, or ambience or anything different. Most of the songs seem to have the same mood or themes and this makes it very tedious. Brad Arnold's singing is also very monotonous. He hardly changes pitch or volume throughout the whole album.

This is not a bad album for those who are new to rock. It certainly contains quite a few catchy hooks. But in the end, the album, as a whole, comes off quite bland due to its monotony. If you want something heavy, alternative, or if you want variety this is not the album for you.

Im Passing Away onto the better life.......2006-08-18

This is the perfect cd by 3dd before they changed their sound (much to my dissapointment). The songs are all in your face, straightforward rock songs so no bulls**ting around and no soft songs (except for 'Be Like That' which kicks @$$!). The better life is my fav song on the cd but all the songs are worthy of 5 stars as they display real talent and appreciation towards the rock genre. I cant compare this cd to any other as its sound is very unique and special in its own right. Pick it up today and ROCK ON!

Not at all what I expected..........2006-07-05

When I first got this album years ago, through a CD club - I fully expected to sell or trade it. Well, I sill have it.
Everyone knows the hits Kryptonite, Loser, etc. - you couldn't turn on the radio back then without hearing one of them. Those songs are fine however, the best songs on the album may be Not Enough and Life Of My Own. Both songs are straight ahead rock with hooks and melodies that grab you.
This album isn't anything new. It's just basic rock that came back after the "grunge" era. A very good rock album and well worth the inexpensive price.

'The Better Life' couldn't have been much better..........2006-06-30

Anyone who knows me knows of my fading love for this band. When this album dropped I was floored at the presence this small, out of no-where band had, but with each following release I've become more and more hesitant to pick 'em up. The whole reason a band stays with you is the fact that they can evolve into something better, and 3Doors had a great start and should have kept growing, but with each album we get the same recycled songs, and quite frankly none of them are half as good as the ones found on this album. SO that brings me to here and now and the fact that this review is for 'The Better Life' and so I'll stop griping and start writing. 'Kryptonite' was a large success and rightfully so...it was new, it was good and it was catchy. 'Be Like That', which was on the American Pie soundtrack, was also a success, mostly because of the success of the film, but the sound they aquired by stripping things down and delivering a ballad suited them perfectly and provided a base for them to work from. Songs like 'Duck and Run' and 'Down Poisen' stand out as the two best tracks here, while 'So I Need You' serves as a brilliant closing track and a sweet love song at that with great lyrical content and a catchy vibe to it. This album is awesome and will stand time as their best effort, which is sad because if they would only improve they could knock this of the park.

Average customer rating: Sweet Charity: Sweet Memories Sammy Davis Jr. is awesome Great Memories (better than current 2005 Broadway Revival) long-overdue reissue of the classic soundtrack Sweet Charity

Sweet Charity (1969 Film Soundtrack) Cy Coleman , Shirley MacLaine , and Sammy Davis Jr. Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Classic Vocalists | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Sweet Charity Gypsy (1962 Film Soundtrack) Sweet Charity: A New Musical Comedy (1966 Original Broadway Cast) Sweet Charity (2005 Broadway Revival Cast) Cabaret: Original Soundtrack Recording (1972 Film) ASIN: B0000AYL1W Release Date: 2003-08-26

Tracks:

1. Overture
2. My Personal Property
3. Big Spender
4. The Pompeii Club
5. If My Friends Could See Me Now
6. There's Gotta Be Something Better Than This
7. It's A Nice Face
8. Rhythm Of Life
9. Sweet Charity
10. I'm A Brass Band
11. I Love To Cry At Weddings
12. Where Am I Going?
13. Finale

Customer Reviews:

Sweet Charity: Sweet Memories.......2007-07-13

Listening to this Soundtrack brought back so many sweet memories of a fun time in my life - college. Hearing "Rhythm of Life" done by Sammy Davis Jr. was most memorable. This is such a fun soundtrack to play. I look forward to many years of enjoyment and recommend it to anyone who was in college in the late 60's.

Sammy Davis Jr. is awesome.......2007-01-10

I have been converting my old LP's into CD's then putting them on my Ipod. I am picky about what I put on my Ipod, selecting only certain tracks from each CD. This CD, however, I put all tracks onto my Ipod except the overture. While I find Shirley MacLaine's voice a bit weak, the songs overcome any such problems with their energy. And one of the main reasons I wanted the movie rather than broadway CD was because of Sammy Davis Jr. His contributions to this album are worth every penny.

Great Memories (better than current 2005 Broadway Revival).......2005-08-06

I saw the movie version for the first time a couple of years ago and continue with fond memories. I saw the 2005 Broadway Revival in June. Trust me, stick with the movie cast recording. Paula Kelly, Chita Rivera, and even Shirley MacLaine have a magic and zeal that is lost in the current revival. My main disappointment is that the movie soundtrack's version of The Rich Man's Frug is too short and doesn't have the best parts of the full number from the movie. That aside, who could ever top Sammy Davis' performance in Rythm of Life. Chita and Paula are beyond comparison in Something Better Than This.

This cast recording makes me wish I was old enough to have seen them during the original Broadway run.

Consider buying the DVD to the movie to accompany this DVD. That way, you'll also get to see Ben Vereen at his best. I will warn you that the movie was a bit indulgent with extended scenes whose length is not justified by their contribution to the overall film. It's about 20-30 minutes too long. But the musical and dance numbers are really great. Who doesn't love Fosse?

long-overdue reissue of the classic soundtrack.......2003-10-09

SWEET CHARITY was turned into a not-so-successful film in 1969, starring Shirley MacLaine. Originally appearing on Broadway in 1966 starring Gwen Verdon, the musical is based on the classic Fellini film "Nights of Cabiria".

The score was heavily revised for the move to celluloid. "You Should See Yourself" was replaced by "My Personal Property", "I'm the Bravest Individual" was replaced by "It's a Nice Face". The melody for "Sweet Charity" was re-jigged for a more uptempo feel. Songs cut from the score altogether included "Baby Dream Your Dream", "Too Many Tomorrows" and "Charity's Soliloquy".

Shirley MacLaine was joined by a cast including veteran Broadway talents Paula Kelly and Chita Rivera, John McMartin (recreating the role he originated on Broadway opposite Gwen Verdon) as Oscar Linquist, Sammy Davis Jr. as Daddy Brubeck, Stubby Kaye as Herman and Ricardo Montalban.

Shirley MacLaine sings her numbers with her sweet pixie-esque voice, gliding through showstoppers like "I'm a Brass Band" and "If My Friends Could See Me Now" with great ease.

Another fantastic package from Decca Broadway. Peter Filichia, as always, offers comprehensive liner notes, and sound quality is quite good. In addition to this CD I also recommend the still-superb 1966 original Broadway cast album with Gwen Verdon.

Sweet Charity.......2003-09-14

I've been waiting for this version of Sweet Charity to come out for years. My parents use to listen to the Decca LP many years ago and the tunes grew on me. From hey Big Spender, If My Friends Could See Me Now, I'm A Brass Band, etc, etc Great music all around with not one bad track. Before this version I had brought the Broadway Show versions and to me they were all kind of flat. Maybe because I grew up on the film version I couldn't appreciate the show versions as much. The vocals and the scoring are great. Shirley MacClaine doesn't have the greatest voice in the world but she's still great.
My biggest complaint about this CD release is that it is not complete. You think that Decca Records would do a complete Cd release as previous musical soundtracks have done. This is a direct copy of the Lp released so many years ago. There is so much more music in this film that I was disapointed when I found it it was only a Cd of the original album. With Cd's fitting up the 80 minutes of music it is very surprising that this truncated version was released. Maybe because it's not considered a classic. This is am underrated film as far as I am concerned and in my opinion a far better score than Chicago (with all due respect to Bob Fosse who directed this film) This would be a great CD if only it wasn't abbreviated.

Average customer rating: question Hear what u see Perfect soundtrack to a nearly perfect TV show Best TV Soundtrack The Best soundtrack EVER from a TV series!

Alias Michael Giacchino Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Television Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Alias - Season Two Alias - The Complete Fourth Season Alias Declassified: The Official Companion Alias - The Complete Fifth Season 24 ASIN: B0000TAZ88 Release Date: 2003-11-18

Tracks:

1. Main Title
2. Dissolved
3. Red Hair Is Better
4. Spanish Heist
5. Double Life
6. Tunisia
7. In the Garden
8. Looking for a Man
9. Anna Shows Up
10. Home Movies
11. On to Paris
12. Page 47
13. The Prophecy
14. Badenweiler
15. Arvin at the Poles
16. Sleeping Beauty
17. Blow'd Up
18. It's Not the C.I.A.
19. Oh My God!!!!
20. The Tooth Doctor
21. It Was Anna
22. Wet Suits
23. Ball Buster
24. The End?
25. Bristow & Bristow
26. SD-6 Dance Party

Amazon.com

Its muscular aura of international intrigue informed by smart characters, sharp writing, and a sleek cinematic sense, the episodes of the hit Alias often seem more like a chapters of a successful movie spy franchise than mere network television series. Key to achieving that masterful illusion is young composer Michael Giacchino, whose soundtracks range across a dizzying range of musical styles and dramatic undercurrents. This anthology of cues from the show's first season incorporates shrewd, techno-savvy club beats, sweeping orchestral sequences of pounding action, brooding suspense worthy of Bond, and inventive indigenous music of indeterminate nationality. Firmly grounded in rich Hollywood traditions, yet hip enough to keep an ear cocked to pulsing, contemporary styles, Giacchino's TV scores often outshine those of the pricier, big budget Hollywood boilerplate he's competing with. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

question.......2006-04-25

ok, as most reviews, said, it is amazing and fits the show perfectly!
but...
does anyone know which episodes/scenes go with each song?
i've tried to watch and listen for them, but i get too into it!

Hear what u see.......2005-08-12

while listenin to this album in every track i feel like i can feel the energy and danger

Perfect soundtrack to a nearly perfect TV show.......2005-03-17

If Henry Mancini and Ferry Corsten collaborated on a TV soundtrack for a spy drama set in the 21st Century, the results couldn't be any better than Michael Giacchino's work on this CD. Giacchino can compose for an orchestra like the best of them, but he's also savvy enough to add a contemporary edge with multiple nods to electronica. Synth pads and drum loops are phased through various low-pass and comb filters on several selections here, resulting in a delicious, chewy-sounding percussive effect. Other reviewers have commented on this being a great exercise CD; I agree and would also add that this is a great CD for driving or browsing through glossy photo magazines.

My favorite pieces on the CD are "SD-6 Dance Party," "Red Hair is Better," and "Spanish Heist." I've no idea who the guitarist is on the latter two cuts, but he's quite good!

I recommend this first and foremost to anyone who fears that soundtracks are a dead medium; Giacchino's a challenging composer and takes some real risks. Alias fans will snatch this up (although it doesn't include any soundbites from the TV series), as will anyone willing to play both techno and retro lounge on their CD players. Completists may not be happy with this CD as none of the popular music heard in the show is reproduced here, nor is the torch song Jennifer Garner sang in one episode. But that's what future installments of Alias soundtrack CDs are for!

Best TV Soundtrack.......2005-01-09

This is well worth your money for any Alias fan, and it's better than most movie scores.

The Best soundtrack EVER from a TV series!.......2004-08-23

I think the title says it all, but it's true. I bought this CD knowing and loving the show and realizing just what the music adds to all of the highly enjoyable adrenaline rush scenes. This CD does not disappoint. I now exercise/kick box to it and if your pumped up by just watching the series, you'll really enjoy playing this CD in your car while driving....just try not to get a speeding ticket because the impulse to floor it will definately be there!!

Average customer rating:

Better Things in Life/Cookin' Jerry Reed Manufacturer: One Way Records Inc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Nashville Sound | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music Rockabilly | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Smell the Flowers/Jerry Reed Hot A' Mighty/Lord, Mr. Ford When You're Hot You're Hot/Ko-Ko-Joe Pickin' Flyin' High ASIN: B00004TEVE Release Date: 2000-05-09

Tracks:

1. Roving Gambler
2. Pride Today
3. Like of Me
4. Blues Land
5. Coming up Roses
6. Johnny Wants to Be a Star
7. There's Better Things in Life
8. Oh What a Woman!
9. Patches of Blue
10. Swingin 69'
11. Somebody You'll Call My Name
12. I'm a Happy Man

Tracks:

1. Turn It Around in Your Mind
2. How Many Tomorrows
3. Sometimes Feelin'
4. Just to Satisfy You
5. Plastic Saddle
6. I Shoulda Stayed Home
7. Alabama Jubilee
8. Aunt Maudie's Fun Garden
9. Semi-Great Predictor
10. My Next Impersonation
11. Gomyeyonyo

Average customer rating: "Life is Great" for the Easters on New CD

Life Is Great and Gettin Better Jeff Easter , and Sheri Easter Manufacturer: Word Entertainment ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Similar Items: Sunshine My, Oh My! By Request Love Can Turn the World Sittin' on Cloud Nine ASIN: B000LP6KP8 Release Date: 2007-01-23

Tracks:

1. Life Is Great And Gettin' Better
2. Livin' In The Rain
3. Over And Over
4. Joshua's Song
5. Feelin' Alright, Doin' Okay
6. I Wouldn't Change You If I Could
7. All The Days That End In Why
8. A Lullaby
9. Come See Me
10. Daddy Hung The Moon
11. Old Chunk Of Coal
12. Dance

Customer Reviews:

"Life is Great" for the Easters on New CD.......2007-03-07

Prime Cuts: Over and Over, Joshua's Song, Dance

The album title--"Life is Great and Getting Better"--says it all. Surmounted by the celebatory themes of life, God and love informed by the promises of Scripture, there's not the slightest penetration of despair. In fact, these 12 tracks' effervescent gambol has such a boomerang effect that it can lift any spirit of melancholy. Musically, this award-wining couple has kept in balanced tandem the slickness of modern country and the rustic edges of Southern Gospel. Not unlike their previous efforts, this is a mostly in-house affair with the Easters taking the lead in songwriting department with their pal Woody Wright. However, in terms of outside material, the Easters have cast their nets venturesomely into portfolio of Americana artist Billy Joe Saver's "Old Chunk of Coal." Though it does not have the grit and weathered-worn feel of the original, this paean of humanity's latent potential fits into the overall theme of the album like hand to a glove.

In terms of songs with a striking melodic immediacy, lead single "Over and Over" is an infectious uptempo that grooves with praises about the Lord's continual faithfulness over life's disappointments. Packing a wallop of inspirational boost is the similarly-themed "Livin' in the Rain" which also features some dexterous sounding fiddles to boot. And the sing-a-long hook of the title track is enough to etch its way into the memory bank in no time. However, such sanguinity does not mean that the complexities of life's toils are swept underneath the carpet. Rather, they are brought unto the feet of Jesus in complete trust as evidenced by "All the Days that End with Why," which calls to mind somehow Clay Walker's similarly titled "All the Days that End with Y."

However, the apogee of the album is in the ballads. "Joshua's Song," a slow pensive ballad featuring Sheri Easter on lead, functions on two levels. On the surface it's a devotional mediation of the Biblical story of Joshua on the other hand it's the Easter's gift to their son Joshua. "Daddy Hung the Moon," a tribute to paternal love, finds Jeff Easter in Paul-Overstreet territory. In fact, vocally Jeff's lightweighted tenor does not sound too distant from the ace-songwriter. Though listening to "Dance" may conjure up echoes of Lee Ann Womack's career smash "I Hope You Dance," the slow built-up of the song that blossoms into a full-blown Gospel convocation is delightful.

Though this record's sunny disposition has a way of re-assure us in our journey of faith to trust God deeper, the major flaw lies in the lack of originality of some of tracks. As aforementioned, many of them mined the same territory others have labored without more penetrating insights. Nevertheless, with the montage of happy smiling family photos displayed throughout the CD sleeve, this couple seems to be living out what they are singing. More importantly, the Easters'overarching message that in Jesus life is great and getting better deserves repeated heeding!

Average customer rating: Pretty, experimental loathing I talked to God... honesty Warm music for cold harsh nights My thoughts exactly

Novena on a Nocturn The Good Life Manufacturer: Better Looking ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Emo | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Such Blinding Stars for Starving Eyes The Hate Yourself Change Neva Dinova Uneventful Vacation XO ASIN: B000050825 Release Date: 2000-11-14

Tracks:

1. A Dim Entrance
2. The Moon Red Handed
3. Your Birthday Present
4. An Acquaintance Strikes A Chord
5. Twenty Two
6. What We Fall For When We're Already Down
7. Waiting On Wild Horses
8. The Competition
9. A Golden Exit

Customer Reviews:

Pretty, experimental loathing.......2006-03-20

With the usual songwriting skills by Tim Kasher of Cursive, his solo outing does at times feel a bit vapid, but only in those few moments where he gave himself too much drum beat space to deal with effectively, or when he stays too much in love with his own vocal misery..For the most part the album is tight, get this if you want your Postal Service with a little more grit...

I talked to God..........2003-09-22

Something strange happened to me one night, like three years ago listening "The good life". I still believe that, that night I talked to god, we had this great chat by napster, and he was the only user who had "good life files", when they were unknown.
I don`t know why, but I have this great affection to this band. I recommend you to get "bLACK OUT", one of my favorites.

honesty.......2003-06-03

i live in lincoln which is only an hour from omaha the establishment of the good life. i am only 19 years old, which would cause some reading this to reject my opinion of this album. although i'm young i do have over 300 cds spanning from miles davis to grateful dead and dylan to rhcp and many other independent recordings and different genres. i love music and it is my life and this album means everything to me. every song is flawless in my opinion. i think everyone should have an album to listen to when they need help, this album carried me through a great friend of mine's death and other hardships and that's what i think music is meant for. tim kasher is the most underrated songwriter of today. i believe that once people fall upon his work and give it a try they will understand his genius. the nine ballads that make up this album are irreplacable memories in my life and i hope whoever reads this gives the good life a chance.

Warm music for cold harsh nights.......2001-08-15

I got to see these guys back in feburary touring with spoon. I felt they stole the show. This is deep mellow dark rock, along the lines of cure, or the smiths, sometimes musically but there in the emotionally, potentionally embarassing, honest lyrics. (The influences show, but take it on a unique direction of sonic sacrifice.) The lyrics are embarassing because they are so stark and vulnerable. The fact that this band is basically one man, makes it known of the genius that is Tim Kasher. Perfect for a generation that did not grow up with the 80's emotional soft supple rock. It is the clever retort one could never think of, when their ex-lover dumped them. The man behind Good Life is in Cursive, which is a completely different, but wonderful band.

My thoughts exactly.......2001-05-19

To make a long story short...This cd has not seen the sleeve of my cd case since I borrowed it from my ex about 3 months ago...I was swallowed from begining to end. Track 6 successfully shook the tears right out of me...Tim Kasher's words hit me like a runaway train..."Your son is a glorious mess, who wrecks anything he adores". Wow...This is a magnificent cd...I would highly recommend this to anyone who eats, breathes, feels, has skin, blood, a brain and somewhat of a thought process...

Average customer rating: Classic form 1992

Better Than Life Manufacturer: The Acappella Company ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CAGW82 Release Date: 2005-06-28

Customer Reviews:

Classic form 1992.......2006-03-12

Released in 1992 this is another classic from this gospel vocal group. Songs are:
1. How Majestic Is Your Name
2. Better Than Life
3. He Gave Her Water
4. When I Say Farewell
5. The Time Has Come
6. More Than A Friend
7. Rock-A-My-Soul
8. What Was I Supposed To Be?
9. Lay Down The Burden Of Your Heart
10. Let's Get Together

Average customer rating: Not what I was looking for. A great tribute for easy listening... Incredible !!! Incredible !!! Awesome!!!

The String Quartet Tribute to 3 Doors Down Manufacturer: Vitamin Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music Post Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Tributes | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Someday: The String Quartet Tribute to Nickelback The String Quartet Tribute to Creed The String Quartet Tribute to Metallica In the Chamber: The String Quartet Tribute to Linkin Park ASIN: B0000DIJSC Release Date: 2003-11-04

Tracks:

1. Duck And Run
2. When I'm Gone
3. Kryptonite
4. Loser
5. Sarah Yellin'
6. Away From The Sun
7. Going Down In Flames
8. Better Life
9. Here Without You
10. By My Side

Customer Reviews:

Not what I was looking for........2005-06-18

This is OK. I much prefer Inquisition Symphony Metallica (Tribute) by Apocalyptica. I preferred the four cellos of Apocalyptica to the over use of the violin in the String Quartet Tribute. In my opinion this album would have been much better if they had brought the violin down an octave or two. As it is, the violin sounds too whiney. It's not that I do not like violins, I love Vanessa Mae and Hilary Hahn's work, it is just that this album is almost painful to listen to.

A great tribute for easy listening..........2005-03-10

This is quite an amazing tribute to 3 Doors Down if you're looking for a relaxing version of American Rock & Roll. It didn't blow me away, but I did find it surprisingly good. Very good. Just don't expect to be rockin' to this, because, well, it's a string tribute, meaning violins, cellos, ect... It's meant to be soothing and relaxing.

I'm quite a big fan of both 3 Doors Down and the String Quartet Tributes, and I have to say that this is one of the finest tributes they have done. The tribtes are pretty much on que with the original songs, so you'll pretty much be able to distinguish which songs are which from the beginning. You might even want to sing to it.

I'm not going to do a song by song review, because they're all great. Some are better than others, but it's a great tribute overall. My favorite songs, though, are "Kryptonite", "Loser", and "Here Without You." I think those are the most well done songs on the album. I must note, though, that it's pretty much necessary to know the songs beforehand. Otherwise, you really won't be able to fully appreciate this tribute, and the songs will probably get repetitive. When you listen to the tribute, you'll pretty much be thinking about the original songs and putting them together in your mind.

I suggest this tribute to any 3 Doors Down fan, as I'm sure they'd appreciate it as much as I did.

Incredible !!!.......2004-08-08

Wow ...
This CD is TRULY amazing !!! This CD was my first "Blind Purchase" I have ever made, seeing as how everyone gets hyped up when they hear "3 Doors Down" and let me tell you !!! This CD rocks !!! This CD inspired my to purchase all the rest of the 3 Doors Down CDs, and now, I can sing along with the music !!! Also, I have been playing the violin for 5 years {Going on 6 !!!}, so now, I can even play the violin along with the songs !!! After All ... Once you listen the the ENTIRE CD on repeat mode, for 6 hours straight, you get to REALLY know the melody !!! This CD also inspired me to purchase more of the STRING QUARTET TRIBUTE CDs !!! So far, I have the: SQT to Evanescence, SQT to Beyonce, SQT to Clay Aiken, and the SQT to Staind !!!
Here is the order in which my Top 5 favorite songs are listed:
1. Kryptonite
2. Here Without You
3. Duck and Run
4. Sarah Yellin
5. Away From The Sun
Even if you havent heard of this WONDERFUL band, you ABSOLOUTLY need to purchase this CD !!! You wont regret it !!!
So what are you waiting for ?!?
GO GET THIS CD !!!

Incredible !!!.......2004-08-08

Wow ...
This CD is TRULY amazing !!! This CD was my first "Blind Purchase" I have ever made, seeing as how everyone gets hyped up when they hear "3 Doors Down" and let me tell you !!! This CD rocks !!! This CD inspired my to purchase all the rest of the 3 Doors Down CDs, and now, I can sing along with the music !!! Also, I have been playing the violin for 5 years {Going on 6 !!!}, so now, I can even play the violin along with the songs !!! After All ... Once you listen the the ENTIRE CD on repeat mode, for 6 hours straight, you get to REALLY know the melody !!! This CD also inspired me to purchase more of the STRING QUARTET TRIBUTE CDs !!! So far, I have the: SQT to Evanescence, SQT to Beyonce, SQT to Clay Aiken, and the SQT to Staind !!!
Here is the order in which my Top 5 favorite songs are listed:
1. Kryptonite
2. Here Without You
3. Duck and Run
4. Sarah Yellin
5. Away From The Sun
Even if you havent heard of this WONDERFUL band, you ABSOLOUTLY need to purchase this CD !!! You wont regret it !!!
So what are you waiting for ?!?
GO GET THIS CD !!!

Awesome!!!.......2003-11-19

This cd sounds awesome. It takes a little while to tell which song they are playing, but when you recognize it you just start singing along with it. My favorite way to listen to this cd is playing it simultaneously with "The Better Life" or "Away from the Sun."

Average customer rating:

Better Than Life Manufacturer: Breakaway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items: Many Walks One Road The Spirit Moves ASIN: B0008IUMA2

Product Description

Track Listing: 1. Light The Fire; 2. Clap Your Hands; 3. Face To Face; 4. His Banner Over Me; 5. Prayer; 6. You Are My Treasure; 7. Lord, I Lift Your Name On High; 8. I Awaited; 9. Grace & Peace; 10. Grace Flows Down; 11. I Lift My Eyes; 12. We Love Our God; 13. Worship In Truth; 14. The Way; 15. Love Of My Life; 16. In Need

Average customer rating: A touching English Butterfly

Puccini - Madam Butterfly / Cheryl Barker, PO, Yves Abel [in English] Giacomo Puccini , Yves Abel , Cheryl Barker , Paul Charles Clarke , and Simon Birchall Manufacturer: Chandos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Turandot (Chandos Opera in English) Puccini - La bohème / Haymon · O'Neill · Opie · McLaughlin · A. Miles · Dazeley · Shore · PO · Parry Verdi: La Traviata Tchaikovsky - Eugene Onegin / Te Kanawa · Hampson · Rosenshein · Gedda · Sir Charles Mackerras [in English] ASIN: B00005QF3K Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

1. Act I: Introduction - Cheryl Barker
2. Act I: 'So The Walls And The Ceiling...' - Ann Taylor/Stuart Kale
3. Act I: 'I Think Your Honour's Smiling' - Jean Rigby/Ann Taylor/Stuart Kale
4. Act I: 'It Can't Be Much Further Now!' - Gregory Yurisich/Stuart Kale/Ann Taylor
5. Act I: The Whole World Over - Ann Taylor/Gregory Yurisich
6. Act I: 'Fate Can't Crush Him' - Ann Taylor/Gregory Yurisich
7. Act I: 'Is The Bride Very Pretty?' - Gregory Yurisich/Stuart Kale/Ann Taylor
8. Act I: 'True Love Or Fancy' - Ann Taylor/Gregory Yurisich
9. Act I: 'See Them! They're Climbing The Summit Of The Hill!' - Gregory Yurisich/Cheryl Barker/Gregory Yurisich
10. Act I: 'We Are Honoured' - Cheryl Barker/Ann Taylor/Gregory Yurisich/Stuart Kale
11. Act I: 'The Imperial Commissioner' - Stuart Kale/Ann Taylor/Cheryl Barker/Simon Birchall
12. Act I: 'Oh, Indeed, My Friend, You're Lucky!' - Gregory Yurisich/Cheryl Barker
13. Act I: 'Come, My Beloved' - Ann Taylor/Cheryl Barker/Stuart Kale
14. Act I: 'My Fate I Have To Follow' - Cheryl Barker
15. Act I: 'Silence! Silence!' - Stuart Kale/Roland Wood/Cheryl Barker
16. Act I: 'Congratulations' - Roland Wood/Ann Taylor/Gregory Yurisich/Frances Brett/Clive Bayley/Stuart Kale
17. Act I: 'Dearest, My Dearest, Weep No More' - Roland Wood/Ann Taylor/Jean Rigby
18. Act I: 'Evening Is Falling...' - Roland Wood/Ann Taylor/Jean Rigby
19. Act I: 'Child, From Whose Eyes The Witchery Is Shining' - Ann Taylor/Cheryl Barker
20. Act I: 'Ah, Love Me A Little' - Cheryl Barker/Ann Taylor
21. Act II Part I: 'Izaghi Izanami' - Jean Rigby/Cheryl Barker
22. Act II Part I: 'One Fine Day' - Cheryl Barker

Tracks:

1. Act II Part I: 'Come, Let's Enter' - Stuart Kale/Gregory Yurisich/Cheryl Barker
2. Act II Part I: 'Yamadori, And Has your Unrequited Love Not Yet Released You? - Cheryl Barker/D'Arcy Bleiker/Gregory Yurisich/Stuart Kale
3. Act II Part I: 'Now, At Last!' - Gregory Yurisich/Cheryl Barker
4. Act II Part I: 'Just Two Things I Could Do' - Cheryl Barker/Gregory Yurisich
5. Act II Part I: 'This Child! This Child, Then!' - Cheryl Barker/Gregory Yurisich
6. Act II Part I: 'Do You Know, My Darling' - Cheryl Barker
7. Act II Part I: 'I Must Be Going' - Gregory Yurisich/Cheryl Barker/Jean Rigby
8. Act II Part I: 'Ah! Ah!' - Stuart Kale/Jean Rigby/Cheryl Barker
9. Act II Part I: 'Look, It's A Man-of-war!' - Jean Rigby/Cheryl Barker
10. Act II Part I: Flower Duet: 'Shake The Cherry Tree' - Cheryl Barker/Jean Rigby
11. Act II Part I: Humming Chorus - Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
12. Act II Part 2: Prelude - Jean Rigby/Cheryl Barker
13. Act II Part 2: Daybreak Over Nagasaki - Jean Rigby/Cheryl Barker
14. Act II Part 2: 'It's Morning' - Jean Rigby/Cheryl Barker
15. Act II Part 2: 'Who Is It?...' - Jean Rigby/Ann Taylor/Gregory Yurisich
16. Act II Part 2: 'I Know For Such Misfortune There Is No Consolation' - Gregory Yurisich/Jean Rigby/Ann Taylor
17. Act II Part 2: 'Farewell, Oh Happy Home!' - Ann Taylor/Gregory Yurisich
18. Act II Part 2: 'Then Will You Tell Her?' - Ann Taylor/Jean Rigby
19. Act II Part 2: 'Suzuki, Where Are You?' - Cheryl Barker/Jean Rigby
20. Act II Part 2: 'You, Suzuki, You're Always So Faithful' - Cheryl Barker/Jean Rigby
21. Act II Part 2: 'Viper! I Want You To Answer' - Cheryl Barker/Jean Rigby/Gregory Yurisich/Ann Taylor
22. Act II Part 2: 'Your Little Fluttering Heart Is Beating' - Jean Rigby/Cheryl Barker
23. Act II Part 2: 'Death With Honour Is Better Than Life With Dishonour' - Cheryl Barker

Amazon.com

This performance, the only one available in English, is problematic. Best is Yves Abel's leadership of the orchestra, which sounds wonderful, imbuing Puccini's lush score with just the right exoticism and emphasis. But aside from Gregory Yurisch's fine Sharpless, the singers don't please. Paul Charles Clarke as Pinkerton is lacking stylistically and vocally, and as Butterfly, Cheryl Barker sounds under strain and never pretty. While she has the power and feeling for the big second-act climax (the sighting of the ship), she never for a moment sounds fragile or girlish, not even in the all-important early scenes. English or not, this set isn't in the running. Stick with Callas or Scotto in Italian, and follow the libretto. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

A touching English Butterfly.......2002-03-27

Anyone familiar with Cheryl Barker's Butterfly will be interested in hearing this recording. I have heard her in the role twice - in Auckland and London - and her voice has filled out as the years have gone on. She hasn't a large italianate soprano; the sound is too slender somehow. Yet there is the paradox - it has great carrying power and a decent cutting edge to make itself heard above the orchestral climaxes. What really impresses is the sense of vulnerability and moral strength she imparts, making sense of the big moments of the secong act. The sound in Act one is gorgeous (and a super D flat in theentrance aria) and she differentiates impressively between the child-bride and the embittered woman of the two acts.

She is surrounded by a mixed supporting cast. Jean Rigby is maternal, warm and affecting as Suzuki. Gregory Yurisich makes Sharpless' dilemma more understandable than usual, rather than being completely ineffectual. Paul Charles Clarke perhaps illustrates Pinkerton's arrogance with a degree of vocal swagger, but the sound is rough-hewn and unlovely save for some moments in the love duet. Stuart Kale's Goro is suitable ingratiating and oily.

Abel's conducting is the other chief draw of this set. That he has experience of the score in the theatre means that his pacing is really superb, and the lush orchestration is given its due, the potent intermezzo during the overnight vigil sounding suitably ominous.

This won't replace the classic Butterfly recordings, but in the absendce of any new ones recently, and for acceptable diction in an English version, it is certainly worth the (not very high) price. Recommended.

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