Fragile [Original recording remastered]

Product Description
2003 remastered reissue of 1972 album includes two bonus tracks, 'America' & 'Roundabout' (Early Rough Mix). Digipak in a slipcase. Elektra/Rhino.

Fragile,Yes,Elektra / Wea,Album Rock,Arena Rock,England,Pop,Pop/Rock,Prog-Rock/Art Rock,Rock,Rock/Pop

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Fragile [Original recording remastered]

Average customer rating: Very good, and I'm not a big prog fan Mountains Come Out of the Sky 'Fragile' One of the Best by YES Yesssssssss!!!!! A touchstone of my youth comes back around about.

Fragile Yes Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Arena Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Close to the Edge The Yes Album Tales from Topographic Oceans Relayer Going for the One ASIN: B00007KWHP Release Date: 2003-01-14

Tracks:

1. Roundabout
2. Cans And Brahms
3. We Have Heaven
4. South Side Of The Sky
5. Five Per Cent For Nothing
6. Long Distance Runaround
7. The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus)
8. Mood For A Day
9. Heart Of The Sunrise
10. America
11. Roundabout (Early Rough Mix)

Album Description

2003 remastered reissue of 1972 album includes two bonus tracks, 'America' & 'Roundabout' (Early Rough Mix). Digipak in a slipcase. Elektra/Rhino.

Customer Reviews:

Very good, and I'm not a big prog fan.......2007-07-02

Yes' high point, obviously, with a pair of eight-minute epics that make good use of their shifting arrangements and keep themselves just absolutely stunning through their length: "Roundabout" and "South Side of the Sky". The former was of course the big hit, mixing a classical guitar introduction, a funky clavinet-mania part, the spaced-out harmony section and the hard-rock section; "South Side" is similar but just as good, and that song's hard rock section is the heaviest I've ever heard Yes. "Heart of the Sunrise" is similar, but much longer than either of those two, and in truth could've been as good if two things happened: the introduction was cut, and the transitions between sections smoothed out a bit. There are also several short songs, mostly quite good: the keyboard-driven single "Long Distance Runaround" is, that's for sure; so is the a capella piece "We Have Heaven" and the classical guitar solo "Mood for a Day" is real pretty. A couple of the other short songs ("Cans and Brahms"; "Five Per Cent for Nothing"; "The Fish") don't add much, but they're brief, so that's forgiven. I'm not big on prog, and even I admit I like this quite a bit.

Mountains Come Out of the Sky.......2007-06-28

As a self-professed progressive rock aficionado, I'd always been a little ashamed that I didn't own one of the cornerstones of the genre: Yes' FRAGILE (1971). It was on my "to-get" list for the better part of two years, but every time it came time to place an order from Amazon I found other albums that seemed more "urgent", so to speak, and I wasn't willing to pay almost twice as much at a brick-and-mortar. But then just recently I decided to splurge and order half-a-dozen CDs I'd been meaning to get for a while, FRAGILE among them.

This album marks the inauguration Yes' most familiar lineup: Jon Anderson (vocals), Bill Bruford (drums), Steve Howe (guitar), Chris Squire (bass), and in his debut with the band, Rick Wakeman (keyboards). Interestingly enough, this "classic" incarnation of the band would only record three albums together, but they made some damn fine music in those three albums. This one can be broken into two distinct halves: one devoted to full band outings, the other to individual showcases for each bandmember. Yes was basically composed of five virtuosos at this point, so each solo piece is at the least interesting; Steve Howe's lovely classical guitar piece "Mood for a Day" and the "bass orchestra" of Chris Squire's "The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus)" stand out especially.

But it's the full band stuff that really shines. Of course you've heard "Roundabout", and if it's been overplayed on classic rock radio for three decades and change, it's still brilliant, a distillation of everything good about prog into an eight-minute monster that transcends traditional pop/rock structure but never overstays its welcome - AND it's catchy as hell! When it comes to the Rick Wakeman vs. Keith Emerson debate, I side with Emerson, but Wakeman's immense talent is undeniable, especially in the middle section of "South Side of the Sky", the album's second epic - beautiful piano here. The fluid, three-and-a-half-minute "Long Distance Runaround" defines Yes as well as any of their epics and would've seemed to me the obvious choice for a single. "Heart of the Sunrise", on the other hand, sprawls its way across the better part of twelve minutes, twelve minutes that contain both the serenest and the most intense music on the disc.

Is FRAGILE the masterpiece everybody makes it out to be? After listening to it in its entirety at last, my verdict is: probably not. Is it a great album though, and does it belong in the collection of any progressive rock fan - hell, classic rock fan in general? Well, to that I have only one thing say: YES.

'Fragile' One of the Best by YES.......2007-06-26

I do believe this would make a good first buy for anyone that is new to the classic prog-rock band, YES.
As it is one of my favorites by the band, I do hear a lot of criticism on Fragile's opening track - "Roundabout". To me, this song will never get old. I heard it many years ago on classic rock radio and this would have to be one of the best opening songs out of all of the YES albums that I own, in it's full unedited 8 1/2 minutes. Very energetic and a fantastic epic to say the least.
"We Have Heaven" may seem like a simple filler to some fans, but I do think it highlights Jon Anderson's incredible vocals and the closing of the song steps into a gusty wind and now onto the second full group effort on 'Fragile' with "South Side of the Sky" possibly my favorite song on this album, containing some blistering guitar and a piano solo by newly added bandmember Rick Wakeman.
"Five Percent of Nothing" is a short track and exactly what the title says. It's Bill Buford's piece and a nice little collage of noise with time signatures. I just wish it was a little bit longer(only 35 seconds).
"Mood for a Day" is a beautiful solo guitar piece by Steve Howe. It's a good introduction to one of YES' finest efforts - the closer on the original 'Fragile' that was released in 1972 : "Heart of the Sunrise"-
a brilliant epic (the last of four on Fragile) about being lost in the city. It features driving guitars on this prog-rockin' masterpiece and haunting keyboards. "Heart of the Sunrise" is one of the most popular songs by YES and to me it doesn't even feel like a 10 + minute song. Time flies, I guess when you listen to such an amazing song.
Taking you back to Earth, the sounds on 'Fragile' goes beyond the normal classic rock sound and the whole album takes it's listener on a Musical journey from start to finish.

- If you enjoy Rock at it's most complex, I do believe nobody does sound better then YES, and I do think you will enjoy 'Fragile'- and if you do, check out other phenomenal YES classics : "The Yes Album" - "Close to the Edge" - "Tales from Topographic Oceans" and "Relayer"

Yesssssssss!!!!!.......2007-05-29

Being a more than casual fan of Yes,hearing over and over the great classics,such as Roundabout,Long Distance Runaround,The Fish, and Heart of The Sunrise,it was time to dig deep. Having listening to alternate radio,it was perfect. I discovered America,Cans & Brahms and South Side of The Sky.All,of course from Fragile.The album is just top notch and maybe one of the best,if not the best,from Yes. many of the classic artists I listen to,perhaps Yes being the perfect example,is just the right band to dig deep into. Their songs can be complex,but that just makes it the more fun and interesting.So , if you are a Yes fan and wanting to buy your first Yes,I would suggest this one. If you want to go well into the past.90125 has always been my all-time fave,being I am in my 30's.
So,go out and get this one. You won't be disappointed and will only want more and more!!!!!

A touchstone of my youth comes back around about........2007-03-17

Yes came together when Rick Wakeman brought his organs and pianos on board for 1972's "Fragile." The band suddenly had a greatly expanded dynamic and what was cinematic before became downright operatic. My first real taste of Yes was hearing "Round-About" on my transistor radio and being blown away by it. It was all so trippy ("Mountains come out of the sky. And stand there.") that every other teenage guitar player I knew was trying to learn that opening sequence by the end of the year.

There was so much more to Yes than "Round-About," though. Granted, there were what became classics of prog-rock, like "Long Distance Run Around" and "Heart Of The Sunrise," but this was also where each individual band member was giving a canvas to hang a self-portrait. Jon Anderson multitracking "We Have Heaven," Wakeman dispensing a classical quickie with "Cans And Brahms," bassist Chris Squire plucking "The Fish," Bill Bruford working out "Five Percent For Nothing" and Steve Howe folkishly fingering "Mood For A Day." Each of these was a bridge between the unified band, virtuoso show-off pieces in the days when this was not considered hubris.

"Fragile" has it all. The Post-Sgt Pepper British band urge to keep forging ahead with classical-pop synthesis of Progressive Rock, the dynamic of a young band hitting a new peak of creativity, and a delightfully spacey cover painting by Roger Dean. The dual visions of a peaceful world with a mystical boat floating in space backed by that same planet breaking apart as the boat turns out to be an escaping ark symbolised the range of "Fragile." Anderson's choir on high vocals and some of the instrumental solo songs were indicative of an almost new-agey aesthetic, while "Heart Of The Sunrise" was an aggressive rocker that threatened to splinter at any moment.

The remaster helps significantly on that level. The solos sound clearer than the older Atlantic issue, and the dynamics of the four band songs are much cleaner and crisp. The bonus of "America" (the Paul Simon song) is worth having (I recall hearing it on the radio as a youth), even if the rough-mix of "Round-About" could have easily stayed buried. None-the-less, "Fragile" is a landmark of 70's music, and should this kind of classic rock be your particular bag from ten true summers passed, you should order it now.

Average customer rating: Best Album Yet If you're Happy and you know it, get this Disk.... The Spree take a Side-Step The Spree Unleashed At Last! Wow!!!

The Fragile Army The Polyphonic Spree Manufacturer: TVT Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Chamber Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Neo-Psychedelia | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Icky Thump Our Love to Admire Easy Tiger Sky Blue Sky Together We're Heavy ASIN: B000QEIOXK Release Date: 2007-06-19

Tracks:

1. Section 21 [Together We're Heavy]
2. Section 22 [Running Away]
3. Section 23 [Get Up And Go]
4. Section 24 [The Fragile Army]
5. Section 25 [Younger Yesterday]
6. Section 26 [We Crawl]
7. Section 27 [Mental Cabaret]
8. Section 28 [Guaranteed Nightlite]
9. Section 29 [Light To Follow]
10. Section 30 [Watch Us Explode (Justify)]
11. Section 31 [Overblow Your Nest]
12. Section 32 [The Championship]

Amazon.com

No one ever thought a '60s throwback with choral vocals and exuberant horn sections wearing white robes cast off from Godspell would become a hit, but that was the case for the Polyphonic Spree and their 2004 album, Together We're Heavy. Singer Tim DeLaughter and his co-composer and fellow singer Julie Doyle have taken their baroque sound and moved it beyond a gimmick on The Fragile Army. They've also been listening to a lot of English rock in the interim. Echoes of David Bowie abound, from DeLaughter's slightly whiney vocals to the dense production. "Get Up and Go" could've been right out of Ziggy Stardust, and the title track sounds like a cross between Bowie and Pink Floyd's The Wall. It's no mistake that Bowie pianist Mike Garson shows up on the disc. There are all kinds of psychedelic touches, with odd time signatures, multi-part song structures, and symphonic flourishes. Even the mix sounds very '60s, with echo-chamber voices, intentionally over-compressed drums, and strings sometimes panned hard left--something that often happened on early psychedelic records because they ran out of recording tracks. Songs like "Mental Cabaret" are hallucinogenic sprawls of classical strings, music-hall horns, and crushing, time-slipping grooves. You either love the Spree for their trippy, power-driven "Up With People" anthems or despite those attributes. Yet there's little denying their infectious attraction. If you took away the cultish robes and feel-good vibes, I suspect this would be heralded like the latest Arcade Fire or Radiohead disc. And you know what? The Polyphonic Spree have reportedly dropped the white robes for black military garb --and there's a touch of darkness to the album, with lyrics declaring "It's time for you to lose your excitement" and "One day soon the world comes down and says goodbye." But regardless of some ominous offerings, you ultimately just have to succumb to the joy. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews:

Best Album Yet.......2007-07-24

The Polyphonic Spree's new release "The Fragile Army" may be different from "The Beginning Stages of..." and "Together Were Heavy"... but this is all for the better. This album is the best at capturing what one experiences when they attend a live show of the Spree--which is very difficult to do. This album is darker and has much more of a "rock" aspect to it. Definitely worth your time and money.

If you're Happy and you know it, get this Disk...........2007-07-05

I saw this magnificent ensemble last Saturday in DC and want to say that they are wonderful live. This disk is supposed to be deeper and darker than the other Spree offerings, and it is, but it's still the Spree, so it's still happy and affirming and absolutely the kind of music that people with hope for their Children would produce. Others have described the tracks, so I won't bother. I would like to see a live disk from this band and I love their cover of Nirvana's Lithium, which ain't on the disk.

If you want a soundtrack to a hopeful and happy life, get this disk and let the Spree accompany your happiness.

The Spree take a Side-Step.......2007-06-29

Make no mistake. This is a solid record. It's also an improvement on past work in some ways. Unfortunately, it seems that Tim and company have taken two steps forward and two steps back.

This release shows a return of sorts for Tim Delaughter to a songwriting style reminiscent of his work with Tripping Daisy. Gone almost completely are the lyrics consisting of four to eight lines which get repeated over and over again (thankfully). Instead, we get lyrical ideas which are almost entirely fleshed out. The end result is a collection of songs which are well-constructed, concise, and almost unrelentingly cheerful.

Sadly, it's this merit which is also the album's downfall. The formulaic songwriting works until about half-way through the album, and while the songs of the second half are just as strong as those of the first, it's hard to notice because there's really nothing new to surprise you by the time you get that far. And while it's nice to have more concise songs, we lose those magically epic moments found in tracks such as "Suitcase Calling" and "When the Fool Becomes a King" from their 2004 release "Together We're Heavy."

Another issue facing this record is the orchestration. While past Spree albums have placed more of an emphasis on the orchestral instruments, this album sounds like an indie-rock/pop band merely augmenting its sound with expanded instrumentation. The "extra" players are given the role of extras and don't come out of those roles very often. Even the quaint little choir is downplayed on this album. The standard rock instruments give the arrangements very little room to breathe for most of the album and little room for the tiny orchestra to shine.

However, this album shouldn't be discarded completely. There are some great tunes here including the first single "Running Away," and the track "Mental Cabaret" which made a previous appearance on the oft overlooked "Wait" EP. These songs hit us full force with the joy that The Polyphonic Spree have become so well known for. However, the end result is really something that doesn't quite harness the band's full potential. Hopefully we can look forward to them achieving that in the future.

The Spree Unleashed At Last!.......2007-06-22

If there was ever any question as to whether the Polyphonic Spree could rock your freakin socks off, it has been laid to rest with their release of The Fragile Army. This album is, in short, nothing less than a masterpiece, perhaps destined to become the Spree's all-time classic. Almost every song is excellent. The Spree, under the direction of their visionary leader, Tim DeLaughter, have taken their ultra-uplifting, relentlessly optimistic approach to music and injected it with a dose of high octane rock & roll. The result is an album with everything we always loved about the Spree (tremendous choral arrangements, regal brass flourishes, and smiley-faced lyrics), plus a bunch of new things to love (cool guitar leads, compact song structures, and a slightly harder edge). Although I loved Together We're Heavy (and still do), this is a more focused, catchy, and immediate collection of songs.

The album begins with a cool intro taken from the end of Together We're Heavy, and quickly blasts into high gear with Section 22 (Running Away). This song is clearly meant to attract the attention of new fans, with its driving beat and catchy melody. The excitement level (and volume) stays set at 11 for Section 23 (Get Up and Go), which gives us the first dose of the Spree's compelling new sound. The stomping rock beat and strident guitar leads are sure to grab your attention, while DeLaughter's sports announcer vocals ring out over the din. This is followed by the epic title track, which features a great, building middle section. The best song on the album, and one of the Spree's best ever, is Section 29 (Light to Follow). Beginning with a startling techno drum beat and ambient synthesizers, it contains some truly impressive moments that set it apart even amidst the many other great songs. Other highlights include the gentler We Crawl, the broadway-esque Guaranteed Nightlight, and The Championship.

Wow!!!.......2007-06-22

Every now and then I hear an album that just blows me away. Fragile Army is one of those albums. Raconteurs did it for me last year; the Spree has done it this year. I've been a Spree fan for a while now, but this album just really happened for them. It all came together; songs are brilliant. In short, I'm just amazed. Favorite tracks for me are "Get Up and Go" which is just wonderful psychedelic rock, Mental Cabaret, Overblow Your Nest, and The Championship. I'd give it more than 5 stars if I could!

Average customer rating: The Fragile Army are rocking out! The Fragile Army and the Strong Spirited Band

The Fragile Army (Bonus Dvd) The Polyphonic Spree Manufacturer: TVT Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Chamber Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Neo-Psychedelia | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Icky Thump Wait Together We're Heavy The Beginning Stages Of... The Else ASIN: B000QFAG44 Release Date: 2007-06-19

Tracks:

1. Section 21 [Together We're Heavy]
2. Section 22 [Running Away]
3. Section 23 [Get Up And Go]
4. Section 24 [The Fragile Army]
5. Section 25 [Younger Yesterday]
6. Section 26 [We Crawl]
7. Section 27 [Mental Cabaret]
8. Section 28 [Guaranteed Nightlite]
9. Section 29 [Light To Follow]
10. Section 30 [Watch Us Explode (Justify)]
11. Section 31 [Overblow Your Nest]
12. Section 32 [The Championship]

Product Description

Special Edition CD/DVD set includes bonus dvd with 51 minute movie about the making of the album and a unique music video for the title track, "The Fragile Army." This 2 disc set is packaged with a cloth embroidered patch placed on the front of the jewel case, under the shrink wrap. The patch can be ironed on or sewn on.

Customer Reviews:

The Fragile Army are rocking out!.......2007-07-05

Yet another fine release from The Polyphonic Spree. Great songs! The Championship and Light To Follow being the best.
The Championship should have been a 10-15 minute classic, which I'm sure it will be live.
The Polyphonic Spree are one of the best live bands going around today, and the songs from The Fragile Army are going to be an amazing addition to their live show.
Come back to Australia soon!!!

The Fragile Army and the Strong Spirited Band.......2007-07-01

Being one of the most intriguing bands of the past seven years can be a tough role to maintain when the business of pop rock music frequently demands bigger and better things from the artists and bands that employ the style. Though nowhere near the fringe of mainstream and typical pop, the Polyphonic Spree shows battle scars from the relentless struggle between indie success and the desire to make a career out of one's craft.

Sure, the Spree have many, many fans across the globe and they're surely receiving back what they most certainly deserve, but never have they appeared too focused on the business side of the career. That's what makes "The Fragile Army" such a rich experience.

No longer alienating and (as) peculiar as they were on their first full-length release "The Beginning Stages of... The Polyphonic Spree," Tim and the band have chosen a fuller, more rock-based approach to this latest release. The choral vocals and Tim's sometimes-heartaching vocals still exist, however, as many tracks still promote personal gain through positivity and the ignorance of everything sour and unhealthy. (They are sugary sweet, aren't they?) This has not changed much, and to tell you the truth, this makes them better. Sticking to one's formula, though sometimes a crutch and a means to sound dated, can also be a boon as the Spree show in bunches with "The Fragile Army."

...though it sounds so much...bigger.

Every track, with the exception of the short intro opener, has an erupting boom of multi-instrumentalist sound and fury. Guitars and drums take center stage as the harps, flutes and other secondary instruments seem to have fallen back just a bit. Again, going for a bigger, more full sound may have required a bit less experimentation. Trust me, though.. this is still the Spree. A little more confident, maybe, but nevertheless a wonderful "maturation" of their sound.

There's also no shortage of hooks and sing-songy melodies to help define each track. While it can possibly be said that some of the tracks are "helped" greatly by others on the album, this was probably the intent, as even the liner notes suggest and recommend that users treat the album as one full piece rather than simply a bunch of tracks. I love the Spree for this simply because they treat their creations as something more than a CD full of singles. (Hear that pop mainstream?)

In traditional Spree fashion, "The Fragile Army" continues the...well, continuance...of "sections." This album picks up directly where "Together We're Heavy" leaves off. Once again, this takes the Spree into the realm of pseudo-legendary status as the songs are treated as being very important pieces to the full puzzle, the full idea of the Polyphonic Spree.

As I mentioned, the experimental aspect of what the Spree has been offering us for the past handful of years now has taken a bit of a backseat to the more standard stylings of pop rock. Listening to the first album, to the second and now this third full-length release, you can tell that certain bits and pieces of what made them unique to begin with are slowly, but surely, fading out, however, they have NOT lost any of their spirit or their magic that makes them such a fun listen. If I could hear more of their history in their present day material, I'd give "The Fragile Army" a full five stars.

Take it as four and a half. This album is very, very well done and even non-fans of the Spree may find this as enchanting as I do.

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The bonus DVD is a very interesting look at the making of this particular album. While it contains the video for the title track, the introspective, strangely voyeuristic documentary on the band is a definite must-see for fans. Tim and the band obviously work very, very hard on their creation and it shows not only in the final product, but the amateurish footage present in the DVD.

Excellent album, excellent add-on to said album.

Average customer rating: Sweet and sour, but the sweet is sooo sweet Career suicide Music for the dark corners of your soul If I could give it more than five, I would Not Typical

The Fragile Nine Inch Nails Manufacturer: Nothing ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt Industrial | Industrial | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Broken The Downward Spiral With Teeth Pretty Hate Machine Pretty Hate Machine ASIN: B00001P4TH Release Date: 1999-09-21

Tracks:

1. Somewhat Damaged
2. The Day The World Went Away
3. The Frail
4. The Wretched
5. We're In This Together
6. The Fragile
7. Just Like You Imagined
8. Even Deeper
9. Pilgrimage
10. No, You Don't
11. La Mer
12. The Great Below

Tracks:

1. The Way Out Is Through
2. Into The Void
3. Where Is Everybody?
4. The Mark Has Been Made
5. Please
6. Starfuckers, Inc.
7. Complication
8. I'm Looking Forward To Joining You, Finally
9. The Big Come Down
10. Underneath It All
11. Ripe (With Decay)

Amazon.com's Best of 1999

Trent Reznor took five years to record this monstrous double-CD set, wielding a perfectionist's touch in the production and the subtlety of a chainsaw in the musicianship. The result is uncompromising, full of hysterical noise and yet utterly accessible. Somehow, someway, this is one of the best pop records of the year. --Matthew Cooke

Amazon.com

The Fragile is even bleaker than 1994's The Downward Spiral as it lurches along with a perpetual scowl. A frenzied collection of buzz-saw pop, Trent Reznor's grim opus yo-yos through two CDs with scattershot intensity. Hushed one minute and explosive the next, spite and anger intermix with heartbreaking resignation, sometimes in the course of one song. Still, Reznor's dour and uncompromising approach is accessible and undeniably entertaining, even when he eschews vocals altogether. Unchanged are the obsessive lengths that he goes to for the sake of a dynamic thrill ride. The quiet tones that open the instrumental "Just Like You Imagined" suddenly erupt into a barrage of off-time rhythms and noodling keyboard riffs, all rising to a torrid conclusion. The sheer sonic invention on display here is astounding. Reznor's production approaches Brian Eno's in terms of dynamism, though it arises from a profoundly different sensibility. "Starfuckers Inc" uses chopped-up vocals for the verses and a shouting mob for its propulsive, Ministryesque chorus to mercilessly slam some of NIN's imitators (most pointedly, Marilyn Manson). And while there's nothing here as dance-floor-ready as Downward Spiral's "Closer," "Where Is Everybody" comes close, thanks to its slow, sweaty gyrations and Adrian Belew's slippery guitar figures. The Fragile's songs are ultimately simple explorations of deep disillusionment. However, once Reznor finishes twisting them out of shape, they're towering soundscapes of rage that are at once terrifying and beautiful. --Matthew Cooke

Customer Reviews:

Sweet and sour, but the sweet is sooo sweet.......2007-06-02

Off hand, you'd think that 2 cd's is a whole lot of music to listen to. On the other hand, that WOULD be true had this album have roughly 1/2 of it as "skippable" tracks. Don't be disuaded however, this album is still chock full of some of the greatest music I've ever heard. Point blank, this album is musical genius hidden within a number of useless artsy noise. Despite the throwaway tracks, this album is really great. I recommend it entirely, you can skip to the good ones.

Career suicide.......2007-04-07

Eight long years after this album was released and I figure I might as well write a review. I know what people say, that, it wasn't the Downward Spiral 2. Well, I was hoping for something equally as impressive as the Downward Spiral, not the same. I realize bands move on, grow up, GET OLD, but, such a contrast. The Downward Spiral, and previous works, were a progressive movement towards something.. something. The Fragile may have been that something. The world will never know.

I wonder...who will hold the chalice next? Blame it on fear, blame it on drugs, blame it on pressure, blame it on ....whatever, but, this album is the ultimate opportunity lost. Successive works, such as "With Teeth", are just flat out laughable and pathetic. Was Nine Inch Nails ever a great band? I have my doubts... yet, I can still remember being dumbstruck by the glory of Mr. Self Destruct that first time... [8th grade]

As far as I'm concerned, this album was Trent's fall from Godhood. This album has no purpose, no progression. It's a mess of half committed tracks and trivial ambience. There is no plot, no experience. While Downward Spiral was a journey to something divine, this album, however, lacks any magic whatsoever...

Oh, NiN will still be around, perhaps for ten more years, perhaps even twenty. But, that spirit, that anger, that POWER which is found in the Downward Spiral (and Broken) will never show itself again. The sincerity is but a fading memory, and to those just discovering NiN, will never be felt.

All in all, I would rather have never been born than live in a post Fragile world. It was that disapointing to me, and still is. One star for destroying one of the only joys of my childhood.

Music for the dark corners of your soul.......2007-04-06

Trent and co. will wring melody from your mute cacophony. He will make grossly audible your simmering anguish. From your gut-wrenching agony he will rend headphones and speakers and piss off happy yippy-dogged minivanned neighbors. He will take the destroyed junkyard of your soul and from it fashion a japanese mecha-godzilla that no army can slay. And finally, after the journey through your private darkness is complete, he will bow his head and point you at the glimmer of light at the end.

Welcome to NIN. I love all his stuff, but this is his best, darkest, deepest, most musically interesting. If you ever find yourself in a very dark place, catharsis is at hand. This is the hair tonic for your balding soul. Best played loud.

If I could give it more than five, I would.......2007-03-28

It boggles my mind that this album didn't sell better when it came out. It totally lives up to the hype of The Downward Spiral, and is nothing short of epic. I'll try not to sound to cliche here, but this album really changed my musical life. In my opinion, it is easily one of the top ten best musical artworks of the nineties. The songs are amazing, the instrumentals beautiful, the rock is hard and danceable, and it is every bit as risque and meticulously constructed as TDS. I would give you a "list" of standout songs to keep an eye on, but I would end up naming every song on both discs. Every one is a winner here, you will find beauty and pure musical genius on each track. If you liked The Downward Spiral, put The Fragile to the test, it is every bit as good if not better. I don't know what you are waiting for, buy it.

Not Typical.......2007-03-13

If you like NIN just from hearing "The Downward Spiral" then you will either be refreshed or dissapointed. I've owned this album since the first day it was released (almost 8 years) and I still listen to it from time to time.

If you're looking for the song played during the "300" trailer, the track name is "Just Like You Imagined", one of the best instumentals ever.

Like all of NIN's albums, this is a modern classic.

Average customer rating: Not Fragile Over You Pure Thunder The Perfect Classic Hard Rock Album Great music One of the best QUALITY albums done by anyone!

Not Fragile Bachman-Turner Overdrive Manufacturer: Island / Mercury ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Arena Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Pop General | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classic Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Hard Rock & Metal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 International | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Bachman-Turner Overdrive II Fool for the City Stone Blue Head On Freeways ASIN: B000001FKD Release Date: 1989-07-03

Tracks:

1. Not Fragile
2. Rock Is My Life, And This Is My Song
3. Roll On Down The Highway
4. You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet
5. Free Wheelin'
6. Sledgehammer
7. Blue Moanin'
8. Second Hand
9. Givin' It All Away

Customer Reviews:

Not Fragile Over You.......2007-01-14

This is an anchor album in any classic rock collection. BTO has never duplicated the greatness of this effort.

Pure Thunder.......2006-10-06

A friend gave me this album in 1974 for my 13th birthday. I'd heard Roll On Down the Highway and You Ain't Seen Nothin'Yet on the radio and really liked these songs, but I hadn't heard anything else on the album. I didn't have my own stereo at the time, so I waited until the next day when I got home from school and my parents were still at work to listen to it. I put the record on the turntable of my Dad's stereo (one of those self-contained console furniture looking things), cranked up the volume (it had massive wattage - volume went to 11!)and then proceded to get slammed against the wall by the opening track - Not Fragile. I wasn't expecting this; it was heavy, and all of a sudden, a whole new world of hard rock opened up to me. I still love that song - pure thunder. Sledgehammer also has that "in your face" punch and is also great cranked at full blast. The album as a whole is very strong. Some excellent guitar riffs and leads, some with pop-oriented hooks, some really heavy, and all foot-tappin' rock and roll. The only song I never really got into was "Givin it all away", but that's just my personal thing. I have this album on vinyl and will be getting the CD so I can blow the windows out of my car.

The Perfect Classic Hard Rock Album.......2006-04-13

After a few false starts , Bachman-Turner Overdrive deliver the goods big time! Randy Bachman had been knockin' around different Canadian bands for years. As guitar player for Chad Allen's Arrows he befriends a teenage Neil Young (who's band The Squires usually played the same gigs), buying Neil one of his first Gretsh guitars. Bachman stays with Chad Allen as that band evolves into the Guess Who, pumping out hit after hit after hit.Bachman has always been a very professional musician with chops galore, he bristled at the sloppiness that success and substance abuse brought to his band so he quit. He goes on to form Brave Belt and then Bachman-Turner Bachman until these aggregations finally evolve into Bachman-Turner Overdrive.Their first two LP's contained some very interesting songs along with some songs that seemed premature. However , this , their third album nails the blueprint of rock 'n' roll for all to hear. Perfect from beginning to end , this album shines in ways we had not thought of before. From the opening chords of "Not Fragile" to the jazz stylings of "Rock Is My Life" to the thundering C.F.Turner track "Roll On Down The Highway" , this album promises so much one wonders "can they sustain this?". It does not let up , just continues to snowball , Blair Thornton Trading guitar licks with Bachman in some very tasty left-right channel duels.
Side two of the original LP crushes the competition with the 1-2-3-4 punch of "Sledgehammer" , "Blue Moanin'" , "Second Hand" & "Givin' It All Away". Givin' it all away indeed! This album rocks from beginning to end , brilliant production. One of my all-time favorite rock instrumentals closes out side one , "Freewheelin'" contains a guitar duet worthy of Clapton & Allman. No wonder as it is dedicated to the 'Skydog' himself. The band would never return to these hieghts , some great songs would be in their future , but no more great albums. This was their diamond , and it truly sparkles.

Great music.......2006-02-23

This CD is my husband's favorite band. He had lost the cassette from eons ago and was lamenting not being able to hear it. I knew I could find it at Amazon.com, so I ordered it without telling him it was on the way. He was thrilled!

One of the best QUALITY albums done by anyone!.......2005-06-23

This album will ROCK you down to your roots! If you listen to it while driving, it will be an accessory to a speeding ticket. I like all kinds of music, but this is one of my favorite albums and one that I choose when I really want to get from point "A" to point "B" fast.

Average customer rating: Very Enjoyable for all music fans Absolutely Amazing! Two CDs packed with the world's most beautiful classical music...

The Classical Album 2005 Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Meyerbeer | Meyerbeer, Giacomo | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Pachelbel | Pachelbel, Johann | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tavener | Tavener, John Kenneth | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Theodorakis | Theodorakis, Mikis | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: The Number One Classical Album 2006 Time to Say Goodbye Vittorio The #1 Opera Album Bryn Terfel - Simple Gifts ASIN: B000A8AXWW Release Date: 2005-09-13

Customer Reviews:

Very Enjoyable for all music fans.......2006-03-02

This is very good collection of music that brings to life a wide variety of music that is both old and contemporary. The selections vary from composers, historical and famous such as Pavarotti and Puccini to today's James Horner (Titanic, A Beauituful Mind) and John Williams (Star Wars, Sabrina, Jaws, Saving Private Ryan).

If you enjoy the sounds of Sarah Brightman, Charlotte Church, Enya, Kate Bush, Andrea Bocelli, and various theatre music (Andrew Lloyd Webber (Evita, Cats), then you will find this collection worthy of your appreciation.

I have often wondered why classical music radio channels do not play modern composers (i.e., Horner, Willams), and am glad that this album gives them credit that they deserve. There is so many good compositions being created every day that only appear to have a voice on the big screen, which is unfortunate.

Track 11, composed by The Doors, and is a nice version, indeed. I also enjoy the Bond players giving a new twist to some old favourites.

Ciao,
Neil

Absolutely Amazing! Two CDs packed with the world's most beautiful classical music..........2005-11-08

First, let me begin by saying that I am by no means an expert in classical music, but have grown to appreciate it immensely in the past year. I can say wholeheartedly that this is the most beautiful compilation of music I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. It's simple irresistible. There are few words to describe how emotional it is to hear Pavarotti sing "II Canto", or Placido Domingo belt out "Questa o quella". You just get numb with joy!! I have NO idea what they are saying but a translation not necessary. The entire collection (TWo jammed-packed CDs) is phenomenal (excluding the selections from "Bond" which I found to be particularly annoying and not at all "classical" in the true sense of the word). There is something here for everyone, regardless of your personal musical tastes or tolerances.

A guaranteed hit -- Don't miss this one.

CD One

Andrea Bocelli "En Aranjuez con tu amor"
Bryn Terfel - "Granada"
Bond - "Viva" ( not my favorite, sounds almost disco-ish)
Hayley Westenra - "Pokarekare Ana"
Luciano Pavarotti - "Una Mattina"
Katherine jenkins - "Time To Say Goodbye" (a heart stopper - so beautiful!)
Duel - "Canon" (lovely!)
Janine Jansen - "Allegro from 'Spring'"
Andreas Scholl - "Ombra mai fu"
Nigel Kennedy - "The Unknown Soldier"
Kiri Te Kanawa - "Nuns' Chorus"
Nelson Freire - "Chopin Etude No. 1 op. 25
Julian Lloyd Webber - "Flight of the Bumble-bee"
James Horner - "For the Love of a Princess
Hans Zimmer & Lisa Gerrard "Now We Are Free"
Renee Fleming - "Mesicku na nebi hlubokem"
Russell Watson - "Amore e Musica"

CD TWO

Luciano Pavarotti - "II Canto" (I MUST see him sing this in person!!)
Placido Domingo - "Questa o quello" (I never tire of hearing this)
Andrea Bocelli & Bryn Terfel - "the Pearl Fisher's Duet"
Jose Carreras - "Funiculi, funicula
Dominc Miller & Kaori Muraji - "Fragile"
Tavener - "Song for Athene"
Josep Calleja - "La donna e mobile"
Jean-Yves Thibaudet - "Gymopedie No. 1"
Juan Diego Florez - "Una furtiva lagrima"
Kathleen Ferrier - "Blow the Wind Southerly"
Angela Gheorghiu - "Ave Maria"
Janine Jansen - "Schindler's List Main Theme"
Bond - "explosive"
Secret Garden - "You Raise Me Up"
Hayley Westenra - "Never Say Goodbye"
The Three Tenors - "Nessun Dorma"

Enjoy!

Cris Cunningham for Amazon.com

Average customer rating: Absolutely wonderful Who is the artist? Cross over music that works brilliantly Good CD and Good Voice Listen

Summer Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Godard, Benjamin | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Izzy Myth of Red Beyond Imagination Etterna Ascolta ASIN: B0000AQS3I Release Date: 2003-09-02

Tracks:

1. Nella Fantasia
2. Aranjuez Ma Pensee
3. Palabra De Honor
4. Berceuse
5. Mal Di Luna
6. Tutta La Vita
7. Sposa Son Disprezzata
8. Cantique De Jean Racine
9. Morgen
10. Fragile
11. Song To The Moon
12. Cavatina

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely wonderful.......2007-03-24

I first came upon this CD when I was Music Director of a public radio station and I couldn't wait to get it on the air. The response from the audience (@ 53,000) was warm and grateful. This gal not only has a beautiful voice, but also the training to use that voice to its best advantage. There are no swoops and crutches here (like that singer... ah, what's her name... oh, yeah.. Sarah Brightman), just a pure, clear, steady (not a lot of vibrato) almost ethereal voice accompanied by a marvelous instinct for how and when to inject interpretation. The orchestration is great, too, not too much, not too little. Wow, talk about crossover! I hope Summer comes up with another CD soon. I've almost worn this one out.

Who is the artist?.......2007-01-24

Based on the information provided by Amazon.com the featured artist on this CD is Pino Palladino. He is listed as a "performer," along with half a dozen other people. So what does he perform, I wonder? Mandolin? Tuba? The title of the CD is "Summer," so that must mean all the songs are about June, July and August. But the reviewers all talk about a woman named Summer, who is apparently a singer.
More lousy product information from Amazon.com. Nothing new, but worth whining about.

Cross over music that works brilliantly.......2006-03-14

I heard Summer on a sampler cd I got for free from one of the local bookstores. I kept coming back to her song and liked it enough to order her entire cd from amazon. Great purchase to say the least. She moves effortlessly between classical and pop selections. She has a way of working within the song and not overextending - meaning she doesn't showboat. Don't expect any american idol grandstanding at any time. What you get is straight up professional singing from a classicaly trained vocalist. It doesn't get boring thanks to a great mix of songs. The treatment of Sting's 'fragile' is especially nice. Not an essential cd but I still give it 5 stars because it's practically flawless.

Good CD and Good Voice.......2005-04-27

Summer has a very nice sounding voice and her choice of songs is very good.Her Rich sounding voice is just perfect for the songs.

Listen.......2005-02-28

Listen and I'm sure you will buy a copy even if you already have the songs she sings. I did. The next vocal queen.

Average customer rating:

Looks Fragile After All August Burns Red Manufacturer: C.I. Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Messengers Son, I Loved You at Your Darkest ASIN: B000RMIYLS Release Date: 2007-07-24

Tracks:

1. BACKGROUND MUSIC TO HER AWAKENING
2. MISSING THIS OPPORTUNITY
3. GLORY THRIVES
4. YOU SHOULD BE TAKING FLIGHT RIGHT NOW
5. ACCIDENTAL SHOT HEARD 'ROUND THE WORLD

Album Description

AUGUST BURNS RED's debut full-length 'Thrillseeker' sold over 30,000 copies since its release on Solid State Records, and with the release of their 2nd full length, 'Messengers' in June 2007, ABR is poised to become one of the biggest metalcore acts around. 'Looks Fragile After All' represents ABR's debut EP, and comes repackaged with brand new artwork, and a bonus DVD filled with live footage, interviews, photos, and more, from the bands formative period. This piece is a must-have for anyone seeking insight into one of today's most exciting bands.

Average customer rating: A legacy of amazing songs from a great singer and songwriter Different, but not so much Perhaps Michael's Best superb as always A rock that doesn't roll

A Fragile Stone Michael Card Manufacturer: Word Entertainment ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Praise & Worship | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Poiema Soul Anchor Scribbling in the Sand: The Best of Michael Card The Way of Wisdom Michael Card - Joy in the Journey: 10 Years of Greatest Hits ASIN: B00008DKAY Release Date: 2003-03-11

Tracks:

1. A Fragile Stone
2. Sea Of Souls
3. Living Stones
4. I Left Everything To Follow You
5. I Am Not Supposed To Be Here
6. Not That Kind Of King
7. Stranger On The Shore
8. His Gaze
9. Walking On The Water
10. Mourning The Death Of A Dream
11. Sea Of Solos

Album Description

Christian music's best-kept secret creates his most artistically satisfying record to date. Based on the life of the Apostle Peter, special guests include Kirk Whalum and Bela Fleck. 11 tracks. Covenant Artists. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

A legacy of amazing songs from a great singer and songwriter.......2005-09-01

I was first introduced to Michael Card early in the nineteen eighties. My daughter bought me three of his tapes; namely "The Final Word", "Scandalon"and "Known by the scars" where MC sang through the birth, life and death of Jesus. (I waited many years for these songs to be put on CD's and they are now available on a double CD called "The Life".) Then, a few years later my second youngest daughter came to study in the States and she bought me the CD "Present Reality"... I did not even own a CD player at that time! When I started my collection of Christian music, Michael Card was up there with Steven Curtis Chapman, Dallas Holm and Ray Boltz, also three Godly men who have written awesome scriptural songs. Michael Card has left a legacy of Christian music that will last as long as there are people who love gospel music. He is indisputably the greatest composer, singer and musician of Christian songs. All his songs are based on the bible, from "The Ancient Faith" which is a double CD written on the old testament to "Unveiled Hope" which covers Revelations and many more. Over the years, his style of music has changed... bringing in the celtic sound in the CD "Brother to Brother" and "Poeima".

However, this CD is different. He has introduced a new sound as well as sticking to his old styles. This CD meant so much to me because I have always felt that I related to Peter more then anyone else in the bible. I rush in where angels fear to tread. I have (like Peter) disowned my Lord on many occasions and have gently been reminded that He still loves me despite my shortcomings and because of this I have been able to renew my love and commitment to Him.

As far as the songs on this CD is concerned...if I had to choose a favourite then it would have to be "fragile Stone" which is an awesome song regarding Peter"s life and his eventual death on the cross. Being of Irish descent I love the music that accompanies "Sea of Souls"... I can almost see Irish dancers dancing to it.

Each song on this CD is beautiful in itself and the backing orchestration and vocals are phenomenal. I truly pray that there will be many more years of wonderful music from Michael Card.

Different, but not so much.......2003-09-06

I've been a MC fan for a long time and I have to say that this album represents the biggest departure from his "traditional" musical style yet. The album is fairly heavily influenced by bluegrass themes, which is a natural progression from the Celtic flavored music from Poeima and Soul Anchor. The playing is, for the most part, very good. The song "Sea of Souls", however, is truly transcendent. At seven minutes, the listener is treated to a couple of thought provoking verses and choruses but where the song really takes off is at the extended ending that is purely instrumental. Working with several very talented artists, including Bela Fleck, MC creates a tapestry woven of many colorful, improvisationally-invented musical threads. The album is worth the price of admission for that one tune alone.

The theme of the album springs from Card's study of the role of Peter in the New Testament and in the early church. Songs are taken from all parts of Peter's ministry and life but mainly focus on his interaction with Christ. Other notable and memorable songs include the title cut, "Fragile Stone" and the gospel influenced, "I Left Everything to Follow You".

Finally, Mr. Card continues the theme of creating music in a community of faith and more than on any other of his albums that shines through here. Other vocalists are featured, other instrumentalists are given center stage and you get the feeling that you aren't being presented a finished work so much as entering into a conversation with fellow travelers on the same journey as you are. That closeness makes this album a wonderful experience for a listener that wants to join in.

Perhaps Michael's Best.......2003-04-16

I've followed Michael Card for most of my Christin life now (~16 years) and let me tell you this: if you've never discovered the music of Michael Card, you're missing out on a great musical genius! No other artist can compare to the depth of his lyrics nor the beauty of his arrangments. To top it off, I've met the man and he is indeed a living testimony to what he preaches: humble service to Christ. But be forewarned: his lyrics are heavy and convicting and are best appreciated by the most mature christians. So if your looking for some watered down pop, this ain't it!

His knowledge of the bible and theology approach that of an experienced biblical scholar and it surely shows in his projects. Take for example A Fragile Stone, Mike's best begining to end thus far. The entire album is about Simon Peter! This is Mike's latest trend after albums on Revelation and Hebrews, both awesome.

So get with man! Mike Card is one of a kind and his music, somehow, is even getting better with time!

An amazing album!

superb as always.......2003-03-22

Michael Card never disappoints w/his lyrics, orchestration and variety of musical styles. Fragile Stone offers a bit of Celtic (as most of his efforts do), soulful gospel on "Not that Kind of King" and a little bluegrass in a piece written in the 70's "Walking on the Water" (my personal favorite for use while working out!) This CD presents a look at the character of Peter, in which I think we can all identify. As always, Card continues to be my absolute favorite Christian musician in a sea of pop star wanna be's. He con't. to fill his music w/deeper thoughts and orchestration that pulls at my own heart's search for a truer relationship w/Christ.

A rock that doesn't roll.......2003-03-21

Having supposedly completed his "bible" of musical compositions based on both the Old and New Testament books of the Holy Bible a year and a half before (Anchor of Hope, 2000), Michael Card is back with another album based on the New Testament life of the first century St. Peter the Apostle, whom his Lord called "rock." This compilation examines the call of Simon the fisherman to be Peter the fisher-of-men, which, according to Tradition, would eventually lead to his episcopate of Antioch and subsequent martyrdom in Rome by inverted crucifixion for his testimony to Christ. (His relics lay under the basillica on Vatican hill, where early Christians buried his body.) As Card writes, "Simon's new title, 'rock,' was not meant to signify strength, but rather something with which to build. Peter would be the first stone to be laid of the holy house [the church] which Jesus had come to build, of which He is the foundation." From the sweet harmonies on the title track to the Celtic ballad "Sea of Souls" (remixed as a Bluegrass instrumental in "Sea of Solos" featuring the legendary banjo virtuoso Bela Fleck) to the R&B/Black Gospel songs "Everything to Follow You" and "Not That Kind of King" (featuring soloist Darwin Hobbes and the Strongtower gospel choir), from the reflective "I'm Not Supposed to Be Here" (Peter's contemplation on his Acts 10 call to the Gentile house of Cornelius) and "His Gaze" (about Peter's call by Christ and his later denial of Christ at the Passion), from an updated recording of "Stranger on the Seashore" (first recorded on Card's debut 1981 LP First Light) to the introspective "Mourning the Death of a Dream" (about the personal cost of following Jesus), A Fragile Stone will satisfy the faithful Card following and appeal to a variety of listeners (bluegrass, gospel, and contemporary Christian fans). A personal favorite is "Walking on the Water", an example of Card's Kentucky mountain music roots. I highly recommend it.

Average customer rating: WOW If your a fan of Death... Basically a collection of riffs from ex-Death members "Individual thoughts that have come missing..." Pieces don't quite fit, but still quite good. 7/10

Fragile Art of Existence Control Denied Manufacturer: Nuclear Blast Americ ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Sound of Perseverance Symbolic Live in L.A.: Death & Raw Focus United Abominations ASIN: B00002EPMF Release Date: 1999-11-30

Tracks:

1. Consumed
2. Breaking The Broken
3. Expect The Unexpected
4. What If...?
5. When The Link Becomes Missing
6. Believe
7. Cut Down
8. The Fragile Art Of Existence

Album Description

1999 debut by hard-edged metal band featuring ex-Death members Chuck Schuldiner and Steve DiGiorgio, along with vocalist Tim Aymar. Compared to Death with cleaner, smoother vocals. Eight tracks.

Customer Reviews:

WOW.......2006-08-23

This is a bit of a departure from Chuck's Death days with the tempo changes and all out thrash. The tempo changes are there of course, but the balls to wall Death is missing. This can be seen as a good thing. Fans of Death will find much to appreciate on this album (just look at who is on this 'Supergroup' album ! Digiorgio and Christy. Absolute monsters!
This album is much more in the vein of power or prog metal than death metal and the tempos can be slightly slower than before, but some of Chuck's best compositions are found here. 'Expect The Unexpected' is a definite masterpiece worthy of Chuck. Tim Aymar's voice is a nice change, sounding at times like Bruce Dickinson, though he cannot hit nearly the same high notes. This album will be an improvement for Death fans who detest Chuck's voice (though I think it's not half-bad...would you rather have Chris Barnes? or the guy from Obituary? I think not!) In summation, pick this album up is you are a Death fan, techinical metal fan, or have ever heard DiGiorgio. He really shines on this album. Hopefully Chuck's mom's lawsuit will free up the release of the second album, which the other members support. Enjoy!

If your a fan of Death..........2006-07-31

Im a huge fan of the band Death, Control Denied is the singers side project. I really enjoyed it, its more melodic than Death, but good nonetheless. So if your a fan of Death, you might want to check this out. I recommend it.

Basically a collection of riffs from ex-Death members.......2005-07-13

When you start listening to this album, it has a lot of promise in the beginning then it goes...where does it go? Since the album has a lot of ex-Death members in it, you'd expect it to sound a little bit like a Death album, which it does, but the main problem with this album is "connection".

This album is basically a collection of really cool riffs that somehow were not worked into song format very well. For example, in the song "Expect the Unexpected" it starts out with a cool intro and then a great verse which right as you're getting into BOOM, they change to another riffs. As you're finally getting into the chorus yet AGAIN, another change-up. These guys must have forgot that part of the art of music is finding a cool riff (which they have done well) and knowing how long you can use it for (another important detail) before it becomes old.

All the instruments are cool, especially the guitars and bass (DiGiorgio is THE MAN when it comes to bass). The vocals are incredibly annoyning in that kind of old-school Power Metal variety. They actually found someone worse than Chuck to replace Chuck -Wow, that just makes a ton of sense guys. Because of the cryptic/weird nature of the lyrics I'm going to assume Schuldiner wrote the lyrics.

Still worth checking out especially if you can find this one the cheap. Rather ironic title for the album too, huh?

(Goes without saying: R.I.P. Chuck)

"Individual thoughts that have come missing...".......2005-02-08

The Fragile Art of Existence is renowned Death guitarist/singer Chuck Shuldiner's swan song to his fans before he lost his two-year battle against cancer in the end of 2001. Interestingly, Chuck was in the process of composing/recording his follow-up to this album, but unfortunately nothing has come of it. Control Denied was his side project which he had put together in order to concentrate more on his guitar playing and unique songwriting. Chuck does not do his trademarked death vocals on this one. Enter Tim Aymar (Psycho Scream, Pharaoh) with traditional Heavy Metal-like vocals that are often compared to the likes of Rob Halford, Warrel Dane and Bruce Dickinson. While I don't hear the Dickinson influence, I tend to agree with the Halford/Dane comparisons to an extent, as Tim Aymar belts out some scary high screams like Halford and possesses a similar delivery to Dane. You need to check out his band Pharaoh if you want to hear more of that. This album was originally intended to have Nevermore singer Warrel Dane on vocals, but things didn't work out and Tim Aymar got the gig. I love Warrel Dane's vocals to no end, but Tim Aymar really gives this album its final touch as a killer frontman.

Shannon Hamm shares the guitar duties with Chuck, often playing cutting thrash-based riffs that sharply contrast Chuck's ethereal and textural playing which often spiral into crushing metal riffage during the solos and mid-sections of the tunes. Both guitarists interlock thrashy riffs alongside some curious tremelo picking and even add some plucked acoustic guitars ("When the Link Becomes Missing") which are later embraced by a forceful, melodic metal drive. The solo in this song is possibly my favourite on the album together with Chuck's textural playing in the closing track. It's a solo that builds up very slowly and becomes this intense, passionate expression towards the end -- it simply sends shivers down my spine every time I hear it. Steve DiGiorgio and Richard Christy continue to be an unmatchable duo in thrash/death metal driven music as DiGiorgio plays fat bass figures as well as interesting funky melodies, as in the intro of "What If ...?", and works his bass as an independent instrument throughout the whole album. Richard Christy is a great fit for this type of music, though I feel his snare sound gets a little muffled in some parts because of the mix, but he proves to be the perfect drummer for Control Denied in the way he exhibits powerful synchopated rhythms and technically impossible drum fills.

What makes The Fragile Art of Existence so great, in my opinion, is that it consists of only eight tracks and has a total running time of 50 minutes. There are no fillers here; each song is compositionally-strong, graced by brilliant musicianship and a fitting production (by Chuck and Jim Morris). The progressive side explored on Death's last album, The Sound of Perseverance, is even more boldly carried over to this album, particularly in the multi-textured "Expect the Unexpected", which not only has a great vocal melody, but also features various harmony changes. The centrepieces of the album, "What If ....?" and "When the Link Becomes Missing" are both thrash-rooted progressive songs in the way that allow Chuck to play textural guitars that fiercely contrast the otherwise heavy music, mainly driven by Hamm and DiGiorgio. This is further explored in the almost 10-minute epic, "The Fragile Art of Existence", which is Chuck's testament to stylistic cohesion and passionate songwriting. Three minutes into the song, Aymar coldly utters the words "NO TIME FOR SELF-PITY" and the textured guitar riffs are suddenly replaced by tasty guitar shred before giving way to the initial atmospheric guitar themes.

Chuck's lyrics on this one are perhaps his most introspective and personal lyrics (hence he chose a different project that would separate his musical vision from Death) and Travis Smith comes up with a very fitting artwork. The album is mixed, engineered and mastered by Jim Morris and co-produced by Chuck himself. If you're a metal fan, be it thrash, heavy or prog, and don't own this, then your collection is incomplete.

Pieces don't quite fit, but still quite good. 7/10.......2005-01-08

I have to admit, this album is a bit disappointing, but it was pretty much bound to be, from my perspective. For all intents and purposes, 'The Fragile Art of Existence' is the follow up to 'Sound of Perseverance', which is THE GREATEST METAL ALBUM EVER, which naturally makes it a tough act to follow. It's especially sad that Chuck died before getting to finish any other Control Denied work, since this was an experiment, and he likely would've gotten better with the Control Denied material given more time. But, this is all we've got, and it is a good album, even if it isn't up to Chuck's high standards.

For 'The Fragile Art of Existence' Chuck Schuldiner assembled what is arguably the greatest metal lineup ever. Schuldiner is my favorite lead guitarist and perhaps my favorite rhythm guitarist as well, and Shannon Hamm is not far behind. Steve DiGiorgio is probably my favorite bassist other than Sean Malone, and Richard Christy is definitely one of the very best metal drummers ever. Of course, each of the last 4 Death albums were filled by amazing musicians, so this is to be expected. However, they don't give their best performances. Schuldiner's leads aren't as good as most of his latter era work, and Hamm's are not as good as he was on the previous album. They're generally a bit too formless, not as melodic and grounded as the SoP work. Still, they're very good from an absolute perspective. Christy's drums are quite a bit more restrained than usual. I guess this fits the material better, but the drumwork is still less interesting in and of itself. DiGiorgio is as good as ever, however, and is given a particularly prominent role. Tim Aymar is the only new guy, and he does a good job. He's a fairly standard classic metal singer-screecher, and while he's not particularly distinctive, he's more than capable.

So, we have a great lineup here, headed by the best metal songwriter ever,but only a 4 star album. It's got some basic tonal problems which really hurt the album. The problem is, Chuck sacrificed some of Death's strengths while not gaining much in return. Though this is a very, very complex album with tons of riffs and tempo changes and whatnot, it's quite a bit more controlled and restrained sounding than your average Death album, lacking either the unrelenting speed of Human or the 80's albums, or the unhinged wildness of 'Sound of Perseverance'. The production is less intense as well, with a lighter guitar tone and less intense drum sounds. All this was done, presumably, to fit in with the clean, melodic vocals. However, the album still doesn't play to the strengths of power/classic metal. It's a very, very solemn affair, never achieving the sort of epic feeling or grandiosity of good power metal, and isn't really anymore melodic than Death's later material.(Which was plenty melodic for tech-death-thrash, but insufficient for tech-power-thrash like this) Aymar is largely quite restrained, an operatic vocalist chained by a serious, straight laced tone. So, this all comes together to say that the album as a whole is fairly lacking in visceral intensity or emotional resonance. It's both technically impressive and intriguing, but it generally doesn't have enough punch or heart. Chuck tried to combine his style with classic metal and came to a compromise that wasn't really satisfactory for either side. That, and the riffs, solos and choruses and all that stuff just aren't as good as they usually are in Death's work. though their relative weakness is doubtless related to the basic stylistic problem of the album.

I know I'm attacking this album a lot, but that's mainly because it's problems are so very clear. It's still a good album, with 2 flat-out great songs, and the rest are certainly nowhere near bad.(though they aren't terribly close to great either.) 'Consumed' is the opener. It's a brilliant song, perfectly constructed, and with more emotional resonance than any other track on the album. The main verse riff and chorus are both great, immediately memorable and really quite sad sounding. The intro and middle break are quite sweet too, and the song has some of the best leadwork on the album. 'Breaking the Broken' is the second track, as well as the second best track. Best chorus on the album, with some fine shrieking from Aymar. It's the only chorus on the album that achieves that sort of grandiosity befitting a vocalist of his nature. Furthermore, it's got some of the very best basswork on the album. Another great song. However, I don't have all that much to say about the rest of the album. There are plenty of interesting riffs, and good leads, but damned if anything on the rest of the album really reaches out and grabs you. 'Cut Down' kinda does, with it's rather angry chorus, as do parts of 'Believe' but that's about it. It's interesting music, but on an almost entirely intellectual level. Not enough melody to be that memorable, and not heavy or punchy enough to rock at optimum efficiency.

All that said, I definitely recommend this to any fans of latter-era Death, provided they aren't wholeheartedly opposed to classic metal singing. It's nowhere near the best thing Chuck did, but it's interesting as a whole, and has some truly brilliant moments.

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