The United States of America [Extra tracks]

Product Description
Fueled by the avant-garde sonic ammo of keyboardist/composer Joe Byrd and the haunting vocals of Dorothy Moskowitz, the United States Of America found a way to permanently hard-wire space-age electronic music to the heart of rock and roll on their highly desirable, self-titled 1968 debut. Byrd’s kaleidoscopic musical excursions and Gordon Marron’s searing violin orbit around the icy vocals of Moskowitz, who—with a passing resemblance to early Jefferson Airplane belter Signe Anderson—remains the group’s center, steady as a rock. This heady mind-trip is reissued with the participation of both Byrd and Moskowitz, sports 10 amazing bonus cuts, comprehensively fascinating liner notes by Byrd, himself, and—newly mastered from the original analog source tapes—has never sounded better.

The United States of America,The United States of America,Sundazed Music Inc.,60's,Experimental Rock,Pop,Pop/Rock,Psychedelic,Rock,Rock/Pop

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The United States of America [Extra tracks]

Average customer rating: Showing Their Stripes Again Pretty Sweet CD Highly Entertaining A Candy Coated Infectious Confection from the White Stripes Icky Thump, Who'd-a Thunk?

Icky Thump The White Stripes Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Garage Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Easy Tiger Era Vulgaris Sky Blue Sky Zeitgeist Favourite Worst Nightmare ASIN: B000OYC3J8 Release Date: 2007-06-19

Tracks:

1. Icky Thump
2. You Don't Know What Love Is (You Just Do As You're Told)
3. 300 M.P.H. Torrential Outpour Blues
4. Conquest
5. Bone Broke
6. Prickly Thorn, But Sweetly Worn
7. St. Andrew (This Battle Is In The Air)
8. Little Cream Soda
9. Rag And Bone
10. I'm Slowly Turning Into You
11. A Martyr For My Love For You
12. Catch Hell Blues
13. Effect and Cause

Amazon.com

Bagpipes, a song written as the soundtrack to a Michel Gondry music video, Patti Page's musical shadow, and Jack and Meg co-narrating a scavenger's rummages: It must be time for Icky Thump, the many-flavored riposte to 2006's Get Behind Me Satan. The duo starts big with the title track--Jack's fast-tumbling, falsetto-tinged lyrics jagging on hyper keyboard-sounding segues and Meg's pounding drums. They rarely shy from an idea, invoking acoustic Bob Dylan to frame "300 M.P.H. Torrential Outpour Blues," but interjecting a series of distortion-laden guitar paroxysms for good measure. The end of Icky, on "Effect and Cause," is where Jack's trademark vocal warble and spare, quick acoustic strums meet Meg's single-minded beats. Everywhere on Icky giant riffs leap and shout, with Flamenco horns and those eerie bagpipes and rhythmic shifts and Jack's impatient vocal kinetics, marking new territories even as the White Stripes again populate them with vintage ideas. --Andrew Bartlett

Album Description

The White Stripes are back with the most bombastic album they've ever produced! While revealing the band's roots in American folk music, Icky Thump is an explosive, revolutionary assault that brings together garage rock, every blues style of the past 100 years, nouveau, and flamenco. This is truly a modern rock and roll masterpiece!

Customer Reviews:

Showing Their Stripes Again.......2007-07-26

I find this release to be no different than any other the Stripes have put out. There is really only a couple of works that are worthwhile, with the larger portion being there to satisfy the freaks that are satisfied by weirdness for being weirdness. I would recommend caution purchasing this...it will not remain in my collection. Jack should put out fewer albums, with more quality creation...he is obviously capable from the good stuff...what little there is...Jack White, or Jack WHAT?

Pretty Sweet CD.......2007-07-26

I have never been a fan of The White Stripes, until Icky Thump. This album renewed my faith in today music. Its intense guitars with somewhat simplistic drums, combined with good lyrics and a good voice give this CD a very unique, western feel. Its a good CD, worth buying if your a White Stripes fan, or if you just want to listen to a good, new, rock album.

Highly Entertaining.......2007-07-25

I am going on my 15th or so listening of the CD and it has not yet become boring. The different tracks are different in style enough so that you don't feel at all like you are listening to the same song over and over and yet it retains that White Stripes magic throughout.

A Candy Coated Infectious Confection from the White Stripes.......2007-07-25

I don't believe Icky Thump tops the previous White Stripes release but in it's own right, It is a great CD. New listeners and established fans will find themselves singing to song genre's they would not otherwise have.

Icky Thump, Who'd-a Thunk?.......2007-07-24

For the longest time the White Stripes were my guilty pleasure. Saying their name around musicians is like uttering the name Charles Darwin among Christians or George Bush among Democrats. However, the Whites seem oblivious to outside praise and criticism. They are an anomaly: A two piece band who reduces genres to their bare essentials to see how many ways they can twist, hammer, and shape it into something viable. They do this without an ounce of flash or technical abilities. Jack's near juvenile guitar playing, and Meg's "trained monkey on drums" abilities are among the worst in all of music. The Stripes are essentially an exercise in maximization through minimalization. The variations and nuances they're able to saturate this simplicity with is extraordinary. The results are endlessly surprising and rewarding.

They also seem to alternate - album wise - between interpretations on traditional forms (rock, pop, folk) and experimentation: Although these two sides - the traditional and experimental - are almost always integrated, the focus usually remains on one. De Stijl was their most traditional blues/pop album, with Elephant being a logical progression on that concept that expanded the overall palette. White Blood Cells is perhaps their quirkiest, as it leaped into vast new territories and styles, with Get Behind Me Satan being a focused, refined, near perfection of that stylish mishmash. Now to Icky Thump: At once a return to tradition and complete perfection of it. The spiritual precursor to Icky is Elephant - not the experimental Get Behind Me Satan. The first three songs epitomize this concept:

The title track is monumental, crushing rock. Featuring a towering riff from Jack White, A pulsing "thud" beat from Meg. Along with a vocal delivery that teeters on the edge of manic breakdown and complete control, spitting venom the entire time. "You Don't Know What Love Is" is a foray back to De Stijl and pop in its purest form with no excess. It's also perhaps (and I say this tentatively) the best pop song Jack has written. From electric and eclectic to calm with aplomb (bad wordplay, I know) we get to "300 M.P.H. Torrential Outpour Blues" (I have to gasp just saying it!). This song evokes Bob Dylan like nothing else I've heard from the White Stripes or anyone. The reiterated acoustic lick is absorbing in its meditative restraint. The electric breaks only provide a contrast rather than a driving force to the track.

Then we head into the experimental grasp of Jack again. "Conquest" is pounding and incessant, with its horn flourishes evoking a definite Mexicano vibe. From Mexico to Ireland (or Scotland) we get "Prickly Thorn, But Sweetly Worn". An acoustic, Irish (Scottish?) clog dance that's as charming as anything Jack has done. "St. Andrew" provides a kind of epilogue to "Prickly Thorn' with its accelerating rhythm being lead by a lively bagpipe and miniscule female vocals. "Little Cream Soda" continues the 'Little' tradition, returning to the metal tones of "Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground" with a distortion drenched riff from Jack that's as good as any he's produced. "Catch Hell Blues" features a tumultuous slide riff that's vaguely reminiscent of "Little Bird" from De Stijl, but more hellish and electric. Jack also hasn't lost his sense of humor. Both "Rag & Bone" and "Effect & Cause" are as whimsical as anything he's done. The former being a rhythmic, comical take on requesting people's unwanteds and the latter being a country-esque romp on refusing to accept the consequences of one's actions.

What catapults this album above the previous Stripes' efforts is Jack's transcendent leap in his lyrical and vocal stylings. I normally don't care for lyrics, but Jack White forces you to pay attention to his due to the inventiveness at which he writes and the originality in which he delivers. The title track being a prime example: At first it sounds akin to a rapper's delivery as Jack rhythmically blurts out variations on "ump", while expanding on this concept throughout. Jack wrenches, bends, twists and distorts syllables; emphasizing serpentine rhythmic drive over melody. This is similar to The Beatles' most experimental vocal work, and Dylan's flow of delivery. Jack's variety of emotive abilities are among the best in all of modern music. If the idea of song is the fusion of music and words - where one acts to enhance the other - then The Stripes may personify that idea better than any other these days.

This album only 'fails' - a better term would be "fail to surpass previous efforts" - when Jack doesn't push himself. Reverting back to comfortable territory. "Bone Broke" is an attempt to return to their punkish, garage days - but it is no Fell In Love With a Girl. Both "I'm Slowly Turning Into You" and "A Martyr for My Love for You" are decent, but lacking in the freshness the rest of the album permeates. However, their inclusion is welcome as they're too good to be considered filler.

If any Stripes albums could truly be called serious, then Icky Thump is the furthest away from that definition. Rather, this is Jack and Meg at their most playful and fun. Confident in what they can do, they produce songs that effortlessly fit within their respective abilities. As always, variety is key. Acoustic, electric, and ultimately eclectic, Icky Thump isn't a radical departure for the Whites, but just an assured, adept execution of their wealth of styles and ideas. It's the nuances that reward repeated listens. This isn't musically dense material, but it's subtle music all the same. Perhaps the only other fault is that in the Stripes' refusal to strive for eminence they may also never reach the heights of albums like Highway 61, Sgt. Pepper, or Born to Run (insert your applicable favorites). If Icky Thump is their peak (and it may be), then I only wonder where they go from here.

The White Stripes have transformed me from a hesitant supporter into an avid one. If Get Behind Me Satan was my acquiescence, then Icky Thump was my revelation. No longer do I consider them my great "guilty pleasure". I could solely appreciate the fearlessness at which they tackle everything. Most bands walk on eggshells afraid of failing, but The Stripes seem apathetic to the notion that they could - with any misstep - ruin their popularity. Instead, they seem rather insouciant about the entire thing - likely wondering how a quirky garage band ended up being hailed as the 'saviors' of pop music. They seem to belong to a bygone era. One in which bands pushed themselves into uncharted waters - daring themselves to improve - growing and evolving in the studio instead of behind closed doors. Perhaps, most importantly, they seem to produce everything with a real sense of passion and honesty, completely lacking any of the contrivances and pretenses in modern pop and rock music.

In the end, I can only echo what Steve Vai (I believe it was) said about them: "Out of tune. Out of time. Beautiful."

Average customer rating: Disappointing One of the better comebacks They're back, in an interesting way. Back, but not quite. Excellent

Zeitgeist Smashing Pumpkins Manufacturer: Martha's Music / Reprise ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Icky Thump Libertad Our Love to Admire Year Zero Era Vulgaris ASIN: B000OQF6N6 Release Date: 2007-07-10

Tracks:

1. Doomsday Clock
2. 7 Shades of Black
3. Bleeding the Orchid
4. That¹s the Way (my Love is)
5. Tarantula
6. Starz
7. United States
8. Neverlost
9. Bring the Light
10. (Come on) Let¹s Go!
11. For God and Country
12. Pomp and Circumstances

Amazon.com

Inside the buzzing hive of Smashing Pumpkins' guitars is clearly where bandleader Billy Corgan feels most comfortable. So, after a seven-year hiatus for the short-lived group Zwan and his surprisingly sunny 2005 solo album, Corgan has revived the Pumpkins in all the six-string-spattered shades of emotional gray that made them one of the greatest bands of the alt-rock era. Longtime drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, along with famed boardsmiths Roy Thomas Baker and Terry Date as well as Corgan himself coproduced. Chamberlin also supports mountainous layers of guitar with his fiercest playing. California musicians Ginger Reyes (bass) and Jeff Schroeder (guitar) complete a version of the band dedicated to early bare-knuckled form, with a few exceptions: Corgan's grown into a more powerful wordsmith and his lengthy guitar solo explorations of yore are replaced with a trim, barbed textural approach that's ultimately more vicious. That is, until the centerpiece "United States" stretches into an epic punk-metal-informed sibling of Jimi Hendrix's "Machine Gun," with Corgan's strings singing like explosions and twisting metal as he warbles about revolution. Much of this album conjures literal and sonic visions of apocalypse, but there's grace, too, in the blithe grind of the hopeful "That's the Way (My Love Is)" and the melodic "Neverlost." Overall, Corgan's captivating effort to mine both the spirit of these turbulent times and the soul of his defining band is a smashing success. --Ted Drozdowski

Album Description

The Smashing Pumpkins are back! After seven years, the acclaimed Pumpkins have returned with Zeitgeist. Featuring the single "Tarantula," this new sound is not to be missed.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing.......2007-07-26

It's hard to believe Corgan's song writing has gotten so bad. I kept listening through the album, waiting to find a great song. Tarantula is OK but it's one of the best songs on this mediocre album. All this album reveals is Billy is a narcissist, who doesn't realize he's lost his songwriting talents.

One of the better comebacks.......2007-07-26

Let me start off if you don't like what Billy Corgan has been reforming "The Pumpkins", you don't like some harder songs on this album or you don't agree with his views (Fan Or Not), even though I mainly don't (Still respect him, unless he does something major). As being a "Pumpkins" fan since "Mellon Collie" since I was introduced to them to my babysitter, they have been the only real band I have listened to since being around 10. After "Mellon Collie", "The Pumpkins" never could match the success of it. After losing Jimmy for a while and D'Arcy not anymore in the pumpkins (After Adore), they would release "MACHINA" (Which I consider one of the worst albums ever by a band I like) and problems with Virgin Records, they would break-up in December 2000. It's amazing that they lasted over 10 years. As I heard Billy put an full page ad an newspaper, I was doubtful that D'Arcy would ever want to join "The Smashing Pumpkins" again.(Of course some of you may say Billy wants to throw his name back into the mix again, but I still believe that his reasons for reforming "The Pumpkins" were legit Even more suprising there is no word from her yet about the new "Pumpkins". James Iha turned down the offer. So he had to get two members. I personally would have expected Billy to rehire Melissa auf der Maur, since she writes her own songs and had released a solo album (I would expect on the next album, that Billy writes less songs). It was very shameful to hear, that Billy would rather support the big retail store than the independent music stores. In my opinion this (You have to admit is better than "MACHINA". This is either is my (I don't rate albums and songs) second favorite album behind of course "Mellon Collie" or behind it, Gish and Siamese Dream. The album starts off with "Doomsday Clock", which should have been the first single and which is one of their best guitar-drum songs since "Cherub Rock". The next song "7 Shades Of Black" I would say is about 7 out 10 stars and fits great on this album. "Bleeding The Orchid" is one of the softer songs on the album sounds to me like "The Pumpkins", would have today. Even if you like the old "Pumpkins" you should at least like "That's The Way (My Love Is)", which would be another song like "Doomsday Clock" that should be on a hits complation (If there is another one). "Tarantula" of course being the first single and being leaked to later be released I would rate as great as "Doomsday Clock" and "That's the Way (My Love Is)". The next song "Starz" may seem somewhat "Zwan" it is a lot better than any song on that album (To be honest, there is no song on this album that could be bad as a "Zwan" song. The next song "United States", is somewhat overlong and could have been better. "Neverlost" to be honest should have been a B-Side. "Bring The Light" could have been a little better. "(Come On) Let's Go!" is the last great song on the album and could be another single. For God And Country and Pomp And Circumstances could also have been B-Sides, but still aren't anything from horrible. In all this album was worth the wait and will should at least sell around 1,000,000 copies. The bad thing about the tour, even though "The Pumpkins" had an album release party at the 9:30 club in Washington D.C. and will be performing at the Virgin Festival soon in Baltimore is that they need to play more east coast dates and they should tour more in the USA before they go overseas. My main hope is that Billy starts to let his new bandmates write songs and even Jimmy. By the next album, if it's just really bad, I won't support "The Smashing Pumpkins" then. If you like really bad stupid pop/any rap music artists (Like Rihanna, Fall Out Boy) just because there popular or just like to bother people because you like to then don't bother me, rate this review or message me, because you will me wanting to climb back into your hole.

They're back, in an interesting way........2007-07-24

I liked and still like the Smashing Pumpkins with their albums Siamese Dream and Mellon Collie, which were hits and had their own sound. So when I picked Zeitgeist up, I was anxious of what they would sound like. The result wasn't all bad, just different. Billy Corgan seemed to change his guitar from piercing riffs and blazing solos to a kind of muddy "wall of sound". Also the absence of James Iha and D'Arcy Wretzky is definitely noticeable.

1.Doomsday Clock- One of their first singles, it's pretty catchy and rocks hard. 8/10
2.7 Shades Of Black- The verses in this song are pretty catchy, but the rest of the song gets kind of repetitive. 7/10
3.Bleeding The Orchid- An OK song, mellower than the first two, but not really a standout. 6/10
4.That's The Way (My Love Is)- My favorite song off the album, it's extremely catchy and has a more upbeat melody than the rest of the album's seemingly darker tone. 10/10
5.Tarantula- The album's first single, it has a faster beat and catchy lyrics. 8/10
6.Starz- This song is almost eerie and has a dark tone. Not really a standout. 6/10
7.United States- Billy Corgan dives into politics with this song, which has a cool jamming second half, but is kind of boring in the beginning. 7/10
8.Neverlost- A very good song with a light melody, it's a breath of fresh air from the muddy guitars. 8/10
9.Bring The Light- This song has kind of an atmospheric feel to it, but gets repetitive pretty fast. 7/10
10.(Come On) Let's Go!- This song has catchier guitar than a lot of the other songs, and leaves more of a lasting impression than "Bleeding The Orchid" or "Bring The Light". 8/10
11.For God And Country- The last two closing songs kind of fade out and leave more to be desired, like this one. Overall just boring. 5/10
12.Pomp And Circumstances- This is better than the previous song, because it has an oddly light melody and sounds like something off of Mellon Collie. 7/10

Overall, Zeitgeist has some songs that kind of blend together, but the ones that stand out are worth it. The Pumpkins' comeback was definitely interesting, whatever way you put it.

Back, but not quite........2007-07-24

Upon first listen, I was disappointed. Not much on this album reached out and grabbed me as "This is Pumpkins!!!", but it did enough so to keep me listening. After a few spins through the album and a review of the rest of the SP catalog, it began to grow on me. In all, it is a good listen, but may not satisfy some die hard fans or casual listeners.

I suspect several singles will get airplay, including "Tarantula", "That's the Way (My Love Is)", and "Bring The Light". "(Come On) Let's Go!", which would be MTV bound if they still played videos, is among my favorites along with others that seem to have all the SP elements, are "7 Shades of Black" and "Bleeding the Orchid".

If you want something a little different, but catchy and upbeat, sample "Starz". There is obviously some political content amongst the tracks, like the anthem "Unites States" and "God and Country", but Corgan's lyrics are so fractured that it's easy just to enjoy it for the music, or make up your own meaning! (Sorry Billy, I just ain't buyin, so stop tryin)

I am really enjoying this album now, and find myself far less boring and depressing than the odd ballads of Mellon Collie. I'd say this album is a good blend of Siamese Dream and Mellon Collie while showing some growth in most elements, if not lyrics.

Excellent.......2007-07-23

This is an excellent album. Smashing pumpkins in very fine form. And being now a christian, its very interesting to see Jesus stiring up Billy's soul.

Average customer rating: Stunning Not more of the same Interpol it pains me to do this... Incredible! i'M AMAZED!

Our Love to Admire Interpol Manufacturer: Capitol Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Icky Thump Zeitgeist An End Has a Start Favourite Worst Nightmare Easy Tiger ASIN: B000PY32CO Release Date: 2007-07-10

Tracks:

1. Pioneer To the Falls
2. No I In Threesome
3. The Scale
4. The Heinrich Maneuver
5. Mammoth
6. Pace Is the Trick
7. All Fired Up
8. Rest My Chemistry
9. Who Do You Think
10. Wrecking Ball
11. The Lighthouse

Amazon.com

Moving up to a major label has hardly lifted Interpol's spirits. This is a good thing. Even with the twisted Wild Kingdom album cover and bassist Carlos Dengler's unexpected Wild West makeover, on its third studio album the black-clad New York quartet still sounds inflexibly menacing, grasping tighter than ever to its doomy post-punk influences and delving further into frontman Paul Banks's emotional unrest. Everything sounds a little bigger and brighter, sure, but at their core songs like "Rest My Chemistry" and "Wrecking Ball" are heroically sinister, goaded on by prickly riffs and slow-bleeding rhythms. The group briefly jumps to life on the buzzing "Heinrich Manouver" and exhibits an unexpected dash of humor on "No I in Threesome," but it's the closing "Lighthouse" that best defines the set--a late-night lament that simply steals away into the dark. --Aidin Vaziri

Amazon.com

Our Love To Admire is at once unmistakably Interpol and undeniably new. The witty and perverse "No I In Threesome" is an upbeat ode to shaking up a staid relationship propelled by Carlos D's peerless bass melody while the tenderly observant "Pace Is the Trick" proves that the band are still the masters of the dramatic - check the painful pause right before the sinfully satisfying return of Sam's thundering drums and Daniel's ringing lead guitar. The band's impressively seductive evolution is obvious all over the record, but never more so than on tracks like "Mammoth," "Who Do You Think" and on the album's lyrical centerpiece, the ghostly "Rest My Chemistry." While Daniel is understandably proud of the song he cautions against reading too much autobiography into its lyrics. "We always leave the interpretation to the listener," he says. "I mean, you shouldn't watch a movie for the first time listening to the director's commentary!"

Our Love to Admire closes with "The Lighthouse," a funereal dirge that is among the most unexpected and memorable songs ever recorded by the band. Almost entirely percussion-free, the song is constructed around Daniel's mournful guitar and Paul's sparten lyrics. Not only is it one of their finest moments to date, it provides the album's most goose-bump inducing moment, the very same reflex shivers that make Interpol live shows such an exhilarating experience. As the very last song the band recorded for the album it was, they say, the hardest to play. The hypnotic guitar part was played on a 50-year-old guitar that had toxins on the strings, providing Daniel with a blistering and painful sensation in his fingers. The band weren't even sure the track would make it out of the studio, but once they heard Paul's remarkable vocals they were floored. The song - and the album - doesn't so much end as it bleeds to a close with a long, echoey coda filled with feedback and strings. A fittingly dramatic end to a stunning and emotional journey. Interpol is back, every bit as good as before but charged with a new spirit, a new direction, a new label and, most of all, a new confidence.

Interpol Photos

More from Interpol

Antics

Turn on the Bright Lights

The Black EP

Customer Reviews:

Stunning.......2007-07-25

The long expected return of Interpol topped all expectations I had. Simply the album of the year in my humble opinion. Most of the songs gives you that thrilling sensation down your spine, especially the ending of it. They have done an outstanding job and musically they have been developing through the albums. AMAZING. Our love to admire makes you feel like listening over and over again.

Not more of the same Interpol.......2007-07-24

When I heard Antics I liked it but it was just a continuation of the first album. When Our Love to Admire came out I bought it thinking "What else can these guys do?" I have my answer. OLTA is Interpol but different. They kept the Interpol sound but did different things with it, some of it more upbeat and some not. I am a satisfied customer. It gets better with every listening.

it pains me to do this..........2007-07-21

a major let down, from one of my favorites,
so close, if they would of just inched a bit closer to that edge,
and they did on a few numbers "pioneer" is great, as is "the lighthouse" and "wrecking ball",
sadly the rest ranges from average to very subpar
"threesome" "h. manuver" "chemistry" and "mammoth" are very by the numbers interpol
the remaining 4 are total clunkers...
i will go and see them on this tour, as they are great live (except at festivals and larger shows) but i will pray and hope the rebound from this
honestly, i am not trying to slag on them, but it makes me so sad i wanted this to be so good

Incredible!.......2007-07-20

All of these people who are complaining are either deaf, dumb, or both. This is a killer album, and every single song is excellent. This is a great band, and I don't care who they sound like, or who sounds like them...neither Joy Division, nor She Wants Revenge are as good of a band as Interpol. Yeah, I said it!!!

i'M AMAZED!.......2007-07-20

This is my first Interpol album, and I am amazed!!! I knew that they were verry simulur to Joy Division because that's what all of the critics and fans say...but even though they may not be the absolutel most original band in the world.......I really like what they do. This album is so beautiful, and so damm good. Good, good, good!!! I love it!!

Average customer rating: Velvet Revolver is better than ever! Surprisingly Good unimpressed Good, solid affair if nothing truly stellar; 3 ½ Stars This band has truly come together

Libertad Velvet Revolver Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Zeitgeist Icky Thump Carry On Era Vulgaris Black Rain ASIN: B000P29B62 Release Date: 2007-07-03

Tracks:

1. Let It Roll
2. She Mine
3. Get Out The Door
4. She Builds Quick Machines
5. The Last Fight
6. Pills, Demons & Etc.
7. American Man
8. Mary Mary
9. Just Sixteen
10. Can't Get It Out Of My Head
11. For A Brother
12. Spay
13. Gravedancer
14. Re-Evolution

Amazon.com

When they exploded out of the gates on their 2004 debut, Contraband, Velvet Revolver were met with as much diffidence as appreciation. After all, supergroups have tended to detonate as often as succeed, and with vocalist Scott Weiland, bassist Duff McKagan, and guitarist Slash all vying to keep the lit match away from the fuse, the odds against this band ever seeing album #2 were even money at best. Surprise! Not only have Velvet Revolver survived three years with unreckless abandon, this album blows the doors off its predecessor. Save a pair of disinfected ballads ("The Last Fight," "Gravedancer"), Libertad is all about hand-grenade chords, drag-racing riffs, and circus-tent choruses. The ageless McKagan and Slash continually gun for the disorderliness of their former band (most notably on the punkish opener "Let It Roll" and its lewd brother "Spay"), while Weiland sounds--knock on wood--positively clean and like a voice of boisterous renewal on tracks like "Mary Mary," "She Builds Quick Machines," and the melt-in-your-mouth cover of ELO's "Can't Get It Out of My Head." Obviously egos have been checked at the studio door, as Velvet Revolver have already exceeded their anticipated existence. And now that existence goes back on the clock, trying to outshine a second album that's head-and-shoulders better than the first. --Scott Holter

Customer Reviews:

Velvet Revolver is better than ever!.......2007-07-24

I eagerly awaited the release of Velvet Revolver's 2nd album, Libertad but I was a bit nervous, too...in between worrying whether Scott Weiland could keep himself sober, could they do better than a very good Contraband album?? Well, they did it!!! My very first impression was, they sound so much crisper, tighter, playing as a unit rather than everyone separately playing their part, which was sometimes the case on Contraband. I have never heard Scott Weiland sound better, his vocal range is amazing!! There is not one bad song on Libertad & some critics are railing against their cover of ELO's Can't get it out of my head, I loved it!! I think they made a mistake making She builds quick machines their 1st single, I would've gone with Mary, Mary which I literally can't get out of my head. The 3 slower songs are very good, loved Gravedancer, loved it!! I even love the country ditty at the end, it somehow perfectly ends the album, it is just absolutely amazing that this band, which obviously enjoys playing together, can produce this much good music. They are now purely Velvet Revolver, no longer former members of GNR & STP. Run out & buy this excellent album ASAP!!!

Surprisingly Good.......2007-07-23

I have been saying since about 1997 that Scott Weiland's voice was finished. He lost his voice BADLY following the STP "Purple" album, and never seemed to fully regain it. I guess the drugs really took their toll on his vocal chords. I'll also note that I wasn't too keen on the first Velvet Revolver CD. I don't want to sound like a broken record with the rest of the reviews, but they did NOT sound in sync.

I wasn't expecting any more from this Sophomore effort than a whiny, broken down Weiland singing, over Guns N' Roses music, that sounds nothing like GN'R in their prime. However, I was actually very surprised to see I was wrong. Not only wrong, but very wrong.

Libertad is actually a very good album. First off, the band actually came up with some melodic hooks, rather than just flat out jams. Secondly, Scott Weiland's voice sounds better than it has since 1994. Granted, he's not wailing like he was on "Core" and "Purple", but his voice sounds the best it has since. I don't know what happened; maybe it's the sobriety and detox, but his voice sure made one heck of a comeback.

If you have given up on Weiland like I had, do yourself a favor and give him one more shot. It'll be worth your effort.

unimpressed .......2007-07-23

Didn't like it, maybe 2 tracks are listenable. Smashing Pumpkins new album is far better, but has lower ratings on Amazon.

Good, solid affair if nothing truly stellar; 3 ½ Stars.......2007-07-23

Velvet Revolver is an admirable band for the simple fact that they are keeping the traditionalist, hard-rocking sound alive where other bands are opting for different avenues for rock. In some ways, the fact that Velvet Revolver have such a throwback appeal also might set them back from having a huge audience. While this probably should've hindered their first album, CONTRABAND, it worked in their favor as CONTRABAND debuted easily at No.1 with 256,000 copies and went on to sale a cool two million copies, hence garnering double-platinum certification. As much as you wish LIBERTAD could be just as commercially successful, especially following all of front man Weiland's problems of drugs, and crazy marital issues (for lack of a better phrase amid the rumors), you know that LIBERTAD will be a clear mark of the sophomore effect. Unfortunately, it was more of an effect than one expected as LIBERTAD slid on the Billboard 200 Charts at an impressive enough #5 bow, but with a tepid 92,000, down 164,000 copies from CONTRABAND opening. Despite cool receptions from buyers as well as radio ("She Build Quick Machines" isn't a radio hit by any means despite being top-notch), quality isn't sacrificed on LIBERTAD. Sure, there are a couple of "clunkers", but even the worst is never horrible and always minimally average. LIBERTAD is a strong album with a couple of flaws that don't really affect it that much.

"Let It Roll" gets things rolling for Revolver, and very well I might add. It's the perfect duration at only 2:32 and I guarentee if you buy this album you won't be able to stop listening to it. Weiland sounds exceptionally well here and the driving guitars coupled with the rockin' drum groove is 'in the pocket' as jazz musicians would say. "She Mine" isn't quite a stellar for me as "Let It Roll", but it is definitely a standout from this set. "Get Out The Door" is solid, though not stellar by any means while the underrated but great "She Builds Quick Machine" is Revolver at their best. Three more strong tracks follow in my eyes via "The Last Fight", my favorite of the bunch "Pills, Demons & Etc", and the straightforward "American Man" which truly does embody being 'the American Man' of which Weiland so convincingly sings about.

Following "American Man", the album cools down for a couple of numbers. Despite the slight downgrade in quality, nothing at all is horrible or as I stated earlier less than average. "Mary Mary" and "Just Sixteen" are solid, but not truly memorable when stacked against the best of LIBERTAD. "Can't Get It Out Of My Head" brings the album back to the quality instilled with such undisputed hits as "Let It Roll" or "She Builds Quick Machines". "For A Brother" seems like a backstep after "Can't Get It Out Of My Head" while the incredibly addictive "Spay" makes up for any missteps. "Gravedancer" isn't the 'finale' is should be (though it is solid), but the embedded hidden track makes it worth it.

Overall, LIBERTAD isn't 2007's best album and perhaps not even its best rock album, but it is certainly a contender and is deserving of any and all accolades that it receives. I personally enjoyed it and I hope anyone who buys it will enjoy it as much as I did. 3 ½ stars in my eyes.

This band has truly come together.......2007-07-21

Always a big fan of GnR and STP. The boys in Velvet are a talented bunch.
I was impressed with their first album and had high hopes for Libertad. It's safe to say the album has far exceeded all expectations. You can really tell this band has started to gel. I think the vocals are supreme and the guitar work is extraordinary. Not a bad track on the album.

Average customer rating: Not nearly as good as previous cds From a Person Who... Another great album Brad does it again! Brad has outdone himself with this one! Love it!

5th Gear Brad Paisley Manufacturer: Arista ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music New Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: Big Dog Daddy Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace Let It Go Lost Highway Time Well Wasted ASIN: B000PFUA9G Release Date: 2007-06-19

Tracks:

1. All I Wanted Was A Car
2. Ticks
3. Online
4. Letter To Me
5. I'm Still A Guy
6. Some Mistakes
7. It Did
8. Mr. Policeman
9. If Love Was A Plane
10. Oh Love Featuring Carrie Underwood
11. Better Than This
12. With You, Without You
13. Previously Featuring Kung Pao Buckaroos (Little Jimmy Dickens,
14. Bigger Fish To Fry Featuring Kung Pao Buckaroos (Little Jimmy Dickens,
15. When We All Get To Heaven
16. Throttleneck

Amazon.com

Like his friend Vince Gill, Brad Paisley has achieved the often-difficult feat of reconciling being an entertainer and world-class guitarist. He's proven that on four admirable albums, and 5th Gear follows in that vein. Certainly "Ticks," an airy, radio-friendly ditty, is not the true substance here. That comes with such superior fare as the insightful "All I Wanted Was a Car" and "Online," a sly satire of people's Web facades. While his duet with Carrie Underwood ("Oh Love") is a bit cut and dried, Paisley ably handles "Letter to Me," "It Did," and "Mr. Policeman," a 21st-century outrun-the-law tune. The closing hymn, "When We All Get to Heaven," and ripping instrumental "Throttleneck" are Paisley at his best. It's admirable that he invites his venerable buddies, Little Jimmy Dickens, George Jones, Vince Gill, and Bill Anderson, along with Dolly Parton, to join in, but the obligatory "Kung Pao Buckaroos" skit is wearing a bit thin. Better to feature them musically, the way he includes Dickens, Gill, and Anderson on "Bigger Fish to Fry." In a time where lines between county and pop are blurring far too much, it's comforting to know Paisley still realizes and respects the differences. --Rich Kienzle

Customer Reviews:

Not nearly as good as previous cds.......2007-07-25

This whole cd is bland compared to the previous releases. There just aren't as many great guitar licks and the mixing doesn't sound as good to me. On top of that, they lyrics are clever but too racy for my younger children.

From a Person Who..........2007-07-25

Normally doesn't listen to country, I'll have to say that I was pretty impressed with this album. I heard a review of it on NPR one morning and as soon as I heard excerpts from the song "Online", I knew I had to have this album. The rest of the album doesn't disappoint. It doesn't sound like your typical stereotype of country, the lyrics are fairly intelligent and the music is pretty well written.

I give it 4 stars becuse I still a little biased.

Another great album.......2007-07-25

Brad Paisley has done it again... this is a wonderful album! A little slow for my taste, but the slow songs are definitely growing on me. Every faster song on this album is a hit... a must-buy for any fan!

Brad does it again!.......2007-07-20

Admittedly, I am a big fan, but this album is great. Paisley's keen wit shows through in songs like "Ticks" and "Still a Guy." And he doesn't forget to woo us with some love and love-lost songs as well. Great album!

Brad has outdone himself with this one! Love it!.......2007-07-20

This CD really shows the humorous side of Brad Paisley. Even most of the slower songs on this CD have a funny side to them and for the most part the CD is very upbeat. It puts a funny twist to the normal my girlfriend just left me, my dog just died, or I'm dying stuff Tim McGraw's been doing for the last few years. Tim could definitely take some pointers from Brad on this one in my opinion, lighten up, and quit with the put you to sleep songs he's been doing so boringly for quite a while now!

Average customer rating: Love those VW ads... Simply just good music an experiment in refinement Wilco at its best! U.T. Fans--Get over it

Sky Blue Sky Wilco Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Country | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Icky Thump Easy Tiger New Moon The Reminder We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank ASIN: B000NVIGC0 Release Date: 2007-05-15

Tracks:

1. Either Way
2. You Are My Face
3. Impossible Germany
4. Sky Blue Sky
5. Side With the Seeds
6. Shake It Off
7. Please Be Patient With Me
8. Hate It Here
9. Leave Me (Like You Found Me)
10. Walken
11. What Light
12. On And On And On

Amazon.com

After their wild experimental streak of the past decade, Wilco's sixth studio album might feel like a bit of a comedown. Sky Blue Sky is mellow, moody, and uncharacteristically monotone, opening with a pleasant jangle and Jeff Tweedy singing a simple song: "Maybe the sun will shine today, the clouds will blow away." He doesn't even follow it up with a barbed punchline. Could it be that the restless Chicago band has settled back into its gentle Americana roots--or does this sudden mid-career reappraisal represent Wilco's gutsiest move yet? Mostly written in the studio by the full band, it's certainly the group's most cohesive album in ages, presenting a dense song cycle padded with intricate guitar work, brushed rhythms, and '70s soft-rock accents. In places it sounds like Wings ("Hate It Here"), in others Harry Nilsson ("Walken"), and in the middle it goes a bit Grateful Dead ("Shake It Off"). At the same time, there's a distinct sense of hearing a band finally at ease in its own skin. Sky Blue Sky represents the sound of Wilco finally pulling through its petulant adolescence. --Aidin Vaziri

Album Description

"Sky Blue Sky" has hints of early-seventies Southern California folk-rock sweetness in the harmonies. The album is filled with brash guitar solos that take songs like "You Are My Face" and "Shake It Off" in unexpected directions.

Customer Reviews:

Love those VW ads..........2007-07-25

Wilco is unquestionably one of the best bands of our time, and this is certainly worth a listen.

This is very different from Ghost / YHF in that the songs are much more direct, with less elaborate mixes / elusive lyrics than their prior two masterpieces. Sort of hearkens to Being There, but with less of an alt-country sound.

One of the best of 2007 - but not quite as good as at least this fan was expecting (check out Cassadega for the best to date this year).

Simply just good music.......2007-07-21

I know it's hip to scrutinize a band's intentions, personal backgrounds, blah blah blah, but whatever happened to just listening to the music? Yes, Wilco has been experimental, using dissonance and space to create compelling noise. This time, they wrote songs that could actually be played on the radio (the nerve!) and listened to while mowing the lawn (how dare Wilco make a fun record!). I am a Wilco fan from the beginning. First record, OK. Second, became a great American band. Third, tried too hard. Fourth, became pretentious to their success. Fifth, remained pretentious to their detriment. Sixth, made a very thoughtful, cool record. Remember when Radiohead made "The Bends" and we could all sing along? Then Thom Yourke decided he should change the world and use an Atari 2600 to write "songs"? Let's hope Tweedy realizes that his fans like to hear the great songs only Wilco can write.

an experiment in refinement.......2007-07-21

Wilco's incessant experimentation and growth between albums are instantly intriguing. Despite the fact that their work is often changing genres, it is always exciting. However, as is always the case, if you fell in love with Wilco because of the 'style' of one album or another, you might be disappointed here. The moody and sublime landmark 'Yankee Hotel Foxtrot,' with its amazing juxtapositions of griding guitars and harmonic acoustics, has evolved into 'Sky Blue Sky,' a more even keel work indicative of introspective, peaceful summer days. The earlier instrumental experimentation has, on 'Sky Blue Sky,' evolved into somewhat superficial and cliche solos.
This album is reflective in a way that no other Wilco album has been- it is somehow singular and introverted, as though Jeff Tweedy were singing only to himself.
Wilco's evolution is inevitable and admirable. It's the subtleties that I miss on this album- the storytelling, the raw experimentation.

This is, if nothing else, what Wilco sounds like all dressed up with nowhere to go.

Wilco at its best!.......2007-07-20

Sky Blue Sky is practically flawless, by far the most complete Wilco album. The songwriting, guitars, piano, drums, etc. blend seamlessly. From start to finish an instant classic!

U.T. Fans--Get over it.......2007-07-20

My husband loves Jay Farrar. I love Jeff Tweedy. I introduced him to Uncle Tupelo in 1992 and he became a true believer, as we all were at the time. Yet he, as well as many, many hard-core alt-country fans, remains unwilling to understand the process of change and the need to challenge oneself musically. Screw the fans with ego. Sometimes that's O.K.

I admit, I've had a hard time with some of my other favorite bands' evolution from their early works to what they've now become (e.g. R.E.M.), but somehow, Wilco's growth has not bothered me one bit. Maybe because I see the importance of following what you believe in as an artist (and maybe because now I'm over 40). Maybe I just have empathy for what Jeff Tweedy has gone through in the last 20 years.

Sky Blue Sky doesn't sound like what people may think Wilco SHOULD sound like, but really, what SHOULD Wilco sound like? The point is, Tweedy follows his calling, and it's not always what's expected. This new album has more elements of his earlier works--the U.T. roots stuff--than any of the band's more recent efforts, from "Summerteeth" on. Tracks like the title "Sky Blue Sky," "Please Be Patient with Me," and "What Light" are so reminiscent of Uncle Tupelo, it makes my heart weep. What more do you want?

Personally, "A Ghost is Born" is one of my favorite Wilco albums, because of its noisy, disturbing guitar solos (just the fact that Tweedy, who's NOT a lead guitarist, played lead on that album is enough for me). That album, the precurser to his time in drug rehab, has a disjointedness and a pleading cry to it that is hard to ignore. Yet, the more refined sound on "Sky Blue Sky" (thanks mainly to Nels Cline joining as lead guitarist) should not be dismissed as just another one of Tweedy's "moods." This album has merit--forget all the references to the blankety-blank Grateful Dead and Bob Dylan and all the other 70's crap America can't seem to get enough of or get over. Listen up and hear what Tweedy and the band are trying to say. Long live 'em, I say. Tweedy turns 40 soon; give him the credit he deserves. Not many in his shoes and with his upstart background in the music scene could even come close to his talent. Keep up the good work Wilco, it's well worth the listen...and listen, and listen, and listen.

Average customer rating: Enjoyable Americana Music Gets better with age great album Glad I bought this Lucinda Williams, Who Knew...

West Lucinda Williams Manufacturer: Lost Highway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Alternative Folk | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Not Too Late Van Morrison At The Movies: Soundtrack Hits The Calling Freedom's Road A Hundred Miles or More: A Collection ASIN: B000LXHGFI Release Date: 2007-02-13

Tracks:

1. Are You Alright?
2. Mama You Sweet
3. Learning How To Live
4. Fancy Funeral
5. Unsuffer Me
6. Everything Has Changed
7. Come On
8. Where Is My Love?
9. Rescue
10. What If
11. Wrap My Head Around That
12. Words
13. West

Amazon.com

Though the arrangements stray from Lucinda Williams's motherlode blend of blues, country, and folk, West may well be her best album. It is easily her most musically adventurous, and often her most lyrically inspired. Williams's singing has never sounded better, from the aching tenderness of "Where Is My Love?" to the ravaged catharsis of "Unsuffer Me." New York producer Hal Willner, who has worked with artists such as Marianne Faithful and Lou Reed, enlists the support of eclectic progressives like guitarist Bill Frisell, keyboardist Bob Burger, and violinist Jenny Scheinman, along with harmonies from the Jayhawks' Gary Louris, to weave a subtly rich sonic tapestry. Much of the material was inspired by the death of Williams's beloved mother ("Mama You Sweet," "Fancy Funeral") and the bitter breakup of a relationship (the jagged-edged emasculation of "Come On," the repetitive incantation of "Wrap My Head Around That"), though "Are You Alright?," "Learning How to Live," and "Everything Has Changed" could reflect the aftermath of both. Other highlights include "Rescue," with a languid subtlety and ambient pulse reminiscent of Beth Orton, and the dreamy, wistful title track. Where Williams's music has long cut close to the bone, the best of West slices right through it. --Don McLeese

Lucinda Wiliams Photos

More Lucinda Williams

Car Wheels on a Gravel Road

World Without Tears

Essence

Customer Reviews:

Enjoyable Americana Music.......2007-07-24

I first heard cuts from this album, on the "Imus In The Morning" show, earlier this year. He has such a great ear for music, and I liked what I heard on his show. The album is very earthy, and soulful. Lucinda Williams is a powerful singer/songwriter, and "West" is the perfect showcase for her talent. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys soulful, Americana music.

Gets better with age.......2007-07-22

Simply put Lucinda just paints a sound and words that rings true. She as far the wide buyind audience is unknown, very underrated as trash female artits do their stuff.

great album.......2007-07-21

i really like this album. have a few LW songs in a few of mu alt country compilation cd's and have heard an album or two that other people owned. Happy to have one of my own. i think I picked a good one. Theres one or two songs on the album that are wierd to me and slightly grating, but overall i think that this is some of her best music.

Glad I bought this.......2007-07-17

I had never listened to Lucinda Williams before and saw her performance recently on Jay Leno and liked it. I sampled the album and decided to buy it. Some of her older fans have shown disappointment in this album but I don't have anything of hers to compare it to and I love it. At first the songs sound overly simple and the lyrics seem plain. But it grows on you more and more each time you listen to it. It just gets better and better. It's a unique style, I think, a little blue grass, soft rock and blues all in one. If you saw her performance on Jay Leno and liked that, you'll like this CD and it's a bargain now at $9.99.

Lucinda Williams, Who Knew..........2007-07-12

I know a lot of people have listened to Ms. Williams for years. I had heard of her, but never listened to her music. I was definitely missing out!

This cd was incredible. I loved all of the songs.

I mostly listen to mainstream country music, and I think it's sad that people like Lucinda Williams and Alison Moorer aren't played. Their music is amazing.

I have since bought two more of her cds, and plan to buy more!

It's nice to listen to songs that actually have something to say.

Average customer rating: Fantastic Album Relaxing Music Not a traditional bluegrsss album, but worth listening to several times before judging Alison Krauss CD Buy Two

A Hundred Miles or More: A Collection Alison Krauss Manufacturer: Rounder / UMGD ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music New Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Traditional | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Rounder Records | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: The Calling Waking Up Laughing Not Too Late West Call Me Irresponsible ASIN: B000ND91SG Release Date: 2007-04-03

Tracks:

1. You're Just a Country Boy
2. Simple Love
3. Jacob's Dream
4. Away Down the River
5. Sawing on the Strings
6. Down to the River to Pray
7. Baby Mine
8. Molly Bán
9. How's the World Treating You (duet with James Taylor)
10. The Scarlet Tide
11. Whiskey Lullaby (duet with Brad Paisley)
12. You Will Be My Ain True Love
13. I Give You to His Heart
14. Get Me Through December
15. Missing You (duet with John Waite)
16. Lay Down Beside Me (previously unreleased duet with John Waite)

Amazon.com

A Hundred Miles or More carries the subtitle A Collection, and what a curious collection it is--cuts from soundtracks, side projects, and tribute albums, plus guest duets on other artists' albums and five previously unreleased tracks. In other words, this is a collection of Alison Krauss performances that have never appeared on an Alison Krauss album, though it holds together better than such a grab-bag approach might suggest. Highlights such as her duet with Brad Paisley on "Whiskey Lullaby" and her a cappella rendition of "Down to the River to Pray" from O Brother, Where Art Thou? will be familiar to most Krauss fans, though it's doubtful that many share her infatuation with retro rocker John Waite (with whom she revives his "Missing You" and duets on a cover of Don Williams's "Lay Down Beside Me."). Other projects represented range from Disney to the Chieftains to the Louvin Brothers (she duets with James Taylor on their "How's the World Treating You." There's minimal contribution from her Union Station band--making this a solo release by default--and little information to indicate whether the previously unreleased tracks were outtakes from earlier releases or recently recorded for this one. --Don McLeese

More Alison Krauss

Lonely Runs Both Ways

Live

Now That I've Found You: A Collection

Album Description

"A Hundred Miles or More: A Collection" is comprised of 16 tracks, highlighting Alison Krauss's career outside of her traditional releases with longtime band Union Station. The album features Krauss's collaboration with John Waite on the single "Missing You," as well as Krauss's contributions to film soundtracks, including the Oscar-nominated songs "The Scarlet Tide" and "You Will Be My Ain True Love," written for the motion picture "Cold Mountain," and "Down to the River to Pray" from the film "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" Known for her collaborations, Krauss also includes several duets in the collection such as the 2003 hit with Brad Paisley, "Whiskey Lullaby," and her duet with James Taylor for the tribute album "Livin', Lovin', Losin': Songs of the Louvin Brothers," "How's the World Treating You." The collection debuts five new songs: "You're Just a Country Boy," "Jacob's Dream," "Simple Love," "Lay Down Beside Me," and "Away Down the River," all of which feature Krauss as a producer.

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic Album.......2007-07-23

I really liked the album especially "Missing You" with John Waite. Any fan of Alison will like this album.

Relaxing Music.......2007-07-18

This cd is wonderful. It is great to listen to in the car when you need something soft and relaxing. Alison Krauss has the voice of an angel. I highly recommend this cd.

Not a traditional bluegrsss album, but worth listening to several times before judging.......2007-07-17

Many remakes dot this album. Some very surprising collabrations. AK could have done very standard remakes, but instead reinvented many songs. I prefer Simple Love, which is not a remake, Sawing on Strings, a very traditional bluegrass song. These are two songs she is singing on her current tour with Union Station. She does not sing any of the duet songs on this album on her current tour.

Alison Krauss CD.......2007-07-15

Beautiful voice and great songs, but somewhat melancholy. You have to be in the right mood to listen to it.

Buy Two.......2007-07-14

If you like Alison Krauss, you had better buy two of these. It's fabulous.
You'll wear it out.

Average customer rating: Not their best Just okay Why linking Park! Why? Terrible / Garbage Way off Par

Minutes to Midnight Linkin Park Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | 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: It Won't Be Soon Before Long Year Zero Meteora The Best Damn Thing [CLEAN] Libertad ASIN: B000OCXMAE Release Date: 2007-05-15

Tracks:

1. Wake
2. Given Up
3. Leave Out All The Rest
4. Bleed It Out
5. Shadow Of The Day
6. What I've Done
7. Hands Held High
8. No More Sorrow
9. Valentine's Day
10. In Between
11. In Pieces
12. The Little Things Give You Away

Amazon.com

Minutes to Midnight stands to defend Linkin Park's status as the hardest-rockin' softies in mainstream music. Like its predecessors Hybrid Theory (2000) and Meteroa (2003), Minutes to Midnight flexes plenty of decibel-heavy muscle ("Given Up," "Bleed It Out," "No More Sorrow") and made-to-order, melodic radio fare ("Leave Out All the Rest," "Shadow of the Day," "In Pieces"). But for all its volume, Linkin Park likes to paint its heart openly on its sleeve with suspicious sonic drama, as in the palpably saccharine "Valentine's Day." Fortunately, co-producer Rick Rubin brings all these elements to pinnacle effect with the surprise "Hands Held High." On past efforts, the combination of breezy keyboard, arpeggiated guitar, choral vocals, and a military snare-beat would yield another slab of smarm, here MC Mike Shinoda drops the two best verses of his career, blending vocal styles with singer Chester Bennington for a moving piece that's as welcome a repertorial addition as Linkin Park is ever likely to muster. --Jason Kirk

Album Description

"Minutes to Midnight" is rock's most anticipated album of the year. This album redefines one of today's most adventurous, accomplished and acclaimed bands.

Customer Reviews:

Not their best.......2007-07-26

I really like Linkin Park, but I feel this is not their best album. Their style has changed and you can hear it in this album. I like the new style, but I really miss the old style.

Just okay.......2007-07-26

This CD was okay. It would have probably even been good if I hadn't been spoiled by their first two albums. There was not a single song on either of their first two albums that I didn't absolutely love. This album has a couple of really good songs and a whole lot of filler, which is typical of most albums out there. I just expected more from LP than I do from most bands.

I like "Given Up" and "What I've Done" (over-hype and all), and the rest of the songs are okay except "Bleed It Out" - that one just reminds me of a square dance and I always want to jump up and swing my partner. If you don't get distracted by the square dance beat, though, it's also an okay song.

Bottom line: this CD is not a total waste. It's just not as good as I thought it would be.

Why linking Park! Why?.......2007-07-25

Im going to make this quick. I've been a huge linkin park fan since I first saw the video for crawling. After that I had to have all their tracks and I enjoyed every bit of their last albums. But I dont know what happined here! This cd sounded like a pop album with sad songs for chicks. Omg I couldnt believe what I was hearing. So I gave it another listen while on my way to work. And their were only about 2-3 songs that were ok. What I liked most about the Linkin Park sound was the rap/rock mix and chesters vocals when he screams. It used to send chills thru my back. Well thats all gone now. I wish I could ask these guys wtf happined dudes!? You guys were on a role! Well anyways So if you enjoyed the other linkin park albums you might want to skip this one. Because im telling you you wont like it! I just hope they go back to the old sound on their next album. I just hate having to wait again. -_-

Terrible / Garbage.......2007-07-24

As a very enthusiastic and loyal linkin park fan this cd is horrible. This is what we have been waiting 4 years for? If they release another wierd cd like this that doesn't have the linkin park feel that we have all been waiting for since meteora came out and for some since hybrid theory they will start losing a lot of fans. For the amount of time they put in between alblums they should release with a better product. The only reason this gets two stars instead of one is because it's by linkin park.

Way off Par.......2007-07-24

I purchased this album months ago and waited a while to give it a chance. I do agree that it is important for a band to branch out try new things and open up new doors, what LP does here is branch out too far. In doing so they lost what originally attracted so many

Average customer rating: The best so far? She's Like A Fine Wine, She Gets Better With Age Arrest this Woman! - More Pointless Music from Vega Better than ever Sounds Better With every Listen

Beauty & Crime Suzanne Vega Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Similar Items: Time on Earth Theology Courage Breakfast in Bed Are You Listening ASIN: B000H6SU9A Release Date: 2007-07-17

Tracks:

1. Zephyr & I
2. Ludlow Street
3. New York Is a Woman
4. Pornoghrapher's Dream
5. Frank & Ava
6. Edith Wharton's Figurine
7. Bound
8. Unbound
9. As You Are Now
10. Angel's Doorway
11. Anniversary

Amazon.com

With a career spanning more than two decades, Suzanne Vega has long stressed quality over quantity. It's no surprise, therefore, that her first release in six years is more than worth the wait. Her eye for detail, laconic vocal cool, and thematic focus on New York City continue to distinguish her artistry, but the sonic sheen applied by British producer/multi-instrumentalist Jimmy Hogarth sparks a musical renewal. Crisp guitar riffing recalls the streetwise work of fellow New York chronicler Lou Reed, while chamber strings, electronic atmospherics, and multitracked background vocals lift the results well beyond the folk realm. Vega writes from a perspective of memory and maturity, recalling the New York of old on "Zephyr & I" and "Ludlow Street," showing the musical sophistication of bittersweet seduction on "New York Is a Woman," applying a musical Brazilian wax to "Pornographer's Dream," and contemplating her life as a wife on "Bound" and as a mother on the lullaby "As You Are Now." The results are richly satisfying throughout. --Don McLeese

Amazon.com

On Beauty & Crime, Suzanne Vega's Blue Note Records debut, the Manhattan native uses New York City as the backdrop for a collection of eleven new songs that juxtapose acoustic guitar-driven melodies with coolly synthesized beats; intensely personal lyrics with compelling, short story-like narratives; images of today's scarred cityscape with memories of Vega's old Upper West Side 'hood and Lower East Side haunts. The past commingles with the present, the public with the private, familiar sounds with the utterly new, just like the city itself. Making her first new studio album in six years, Vega says, "I feel like I really stretched my limits. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone--to sing in keys I wouldn't have sung in before, to work with different textures, to be unafraid of doing what ever sounded good to me. I wanted to make a modern classic."

Suzanne Vega Photos

Album Description

2007 album produced by Jimmy Hogarth. She is accompanied by an eclectic group including Will Malone, Gerry Leonard, Lee Renaldo, Mike Visceglia and Doub Yowell. EMI.

Customer Reviews:

The best so far?.......2007-07-22

Trying to objectively assess any record a matter of weeks after its release is difficult, particularly when it's from such a complex artist as Suzanne Vega - as her previous albums show, her inherently "catchy" songs need time register for their underlying strength and hidden depths to be revealed... but, with time, it's quite possible that this could well prove to be the best release from this supremely gifted artist.

Why? Well, first off, "Beauty & Crime" once again confirms that for sheer songwriting skills she's extremely hard to beat. As with most of her previous output it's infused with great tunes, disarmingly sincere lyrics and clever production, all of which combine to make it not only instantly "likeable" but a record that just grows on you with every repeat playing. Few, if any, artists have delivered this type of eclectic combination with such consistency and now, over 20 years from her debut, it further establishes her status as the most under-rated female singer/songwriter out there.

And, compared to her previous albums? Well the bad news is that, as with her last release, "Songs in Red and Gray", there's not much innovation here... bad news because as she showed on her 90's recordings her style is perfectly suited for more adventurous production, taking her out from the comfort of folk/rock into more challenging areas. But that's clearly not where she wants to be... "Beauty & Crime" is what she wants us to hear and the good news is that it's not only a stunning return to form but a quite beautiful record that's packed full of hauntingly memorable songs. Sure, the edginess of standout tracks on her early albums such as "Left of Centre", "Neighbourhood Girls", Luka" & "Solitude Standing" may be missing but it's been replaced with something equally good: the maturity & reflection that comes with age - check out "Zephyr And I" and "Ludlow Street" to see how good this can be.

Time will tell where this stands in her already brilliant discography but, in the meantime, sit back and enjoy another pure 5 star outing.

She's Like A Fine Wine, She Gets Better With Age.......2007-07-20

When I picked up Suzanne Vega's seventh studio release "Beauty & Crime", I did what a lot of people do these days - I ripped MP3 files for my computer. When I saw that the total time of the songs was only 34 minutes, I was a little disappointed because I have waited 6 years for her follow-up to the terrific "Songs in Red and Gray". But then I played the songs. Wow! The lady still has the magic. Although the songs are pretty short (only one exceeds 4 minutes and I actually think that song - "Bound" - drags on a little too long), they pack a punch. Personal favorites are "Edith Wharton's Figurines", "Unbound" and the one everyone seems to like, "New York is a Woman", which is about a suburban man's first trip to New York City. As a suburban man who will soon take his first trip to New York, I feel like Suzanne just gave me a tour!

I thought the CD was great and I hope she sees enough success with it that we'll hear from her again, hopefully sooner than 6 years from now. I'm looking forward to seeing her for the first time live later this year.

Arrest this Woman! - More Pointless Music from Vega.......2007-07-20

You know, I love acoustic female singer-songwriters as much as the next person (which isn't saying a whole lot), but I also know trash when I listen to it. This, unfortunately, falls into the latter category. I had highly anticipated this release, alongwith the new Sinead O'Connor record, but Sinead eventually let me down with her tepid double album of a release. Vega somehow manages to outdo her with this certifiable doozy of an album, which is a pity, since her last studio album was rather pretty.

"Beauty & Crime" (Suzanne evidently has very little of the former, and she has committed the latter here), is Suzanne's "Ode to New York" (did we really need another one?). I think Tori Amos did it best when she limited her political consciousness to one song about New York on her "I Can't See New York" from the "Scarlet's Walk" album. Well, this album is no "Scarlet's Walk". In fact, its not even "99.9F", which is amongst the weakest of the Vega albums. On its own, its an oddity with no definable purpose - which is OK if the music was great. But when the recently mangled Bjork record has more replay value than this monstrosity, I don't know what to say.

Lets consider the track "Ludlow Street". Even if you're a Vega fan put aside your love for this woman for an instant. On this track, her songwriting abilities are on par with lets say, Lindsay Lohan or Jojo. I kid you not. Here is a sample:

L"ove is the only thing that matters.
Love is the only thing that's real.
I know we hear this every day.
It's still the hardest thing to feel."

And thats just the FIRST VERSE!

Things only get worse on "Pornographers' Dream", which as a tune is acceptable enough (but then again, so were "The Garbage Pail Kids"). Here, Suzanne is apparently talking about a mans' pornographic muse or something - it isn't especially clear (or interesting):

"Bettie Page is still the rage
with her legs and leather;
she turns to tease the camera, and please us at home,
and we let her."

The problem then, if we turn from the lyrics, is the abject disrespect that Vega has for the listening audience. Granted, her tinny voice isn't exactly a selling point, but she is known for making harmlessly average folk-pop songs. What she's done here however, is bewildering. Even if you're a past fan, or a lover of music by Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, Aimee Mann etc, theres nothing here of any worth, really.

Whats even worse is the cover photo that does nothing to elevate this beyond a vanity project of the most ill conception. I hate getting personal about artists, but in this case, one has to wonder how the record company could greenlight something so abjectly pedestrian. Its Vega after all, so its not like we expected anything groundbreaking (how could we?), but still - this is beyond whatever low expectations you had coming in.

"Frank and Ava" is a song that is again a mis-step. I have to wonder, is THIS the New York that Vega is observing? Its not terribly inviting. At best, this is like someone took the concept of sitting in a cozy Starbucks drinking a cup of coffee, and reverse engineered it on the premise of "how bad could we do this". I kid you not.

People, there have been only three great albums this year. "American Doll Posse" by Tori Amos, "Release the Stars" by Rufus Wainwright, and "Paige Aufhammer" by Paige Aufhammer. This record is nowhere near the top (read the critical reviews), and I would advise Vega from avoiding the recording room like the plague, in the future. This woman is not a musician, has no right recording music, and her place can be taken by someone more deserving. Sorry, but thats the truth.

Worst female album of the Year. Avoid.

Better than ever.......2007-07-19

Loved it from the first note. So reminiscent of her first album...yet modern at the same time. Marvelous.

Sounds Better With every Listen.......2007-07-19

This is the kind of music that seems to get better the more it's listened to. While I'm a big fan of Suzanne Vega and her music is instantly recognizable to me, I had hoped for a trailblazer. All of the songs are very reminiscent of something she's recorded before. Perhaps this is due to the small group she's using which can easily perform everything live on the road. The accordion was a nice touch on a previous CD. Maybe she can throw in a brass section (a la The Beatles, "Got to Get You into My Life" ) or use a few more exotic instruments, e.g., a sitar, on future projects.

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