Dead Letters [Enhanced]

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The Rasmus were already massive rock stars in their native Finland, as well as various other parts of Europe, by the time Dead Letters was finally released in the U.S. in March 2004. Really, one can't help but wonder what took them so long to get here. Boasting hook-heavy guitars and anthemic lyrics, most of the tracks on Dead Letters sound tailor-made for radios and stadiums, from hit single "In the Shadows" to the urgent "In My Life," which has an epic, fists-in-the-air chorus worthy of later Bon Jovi. Still, those expecting rock in the vein of the Darkness will be disappointed by the overpolished earnestness of Dead Letters--the Rasmus's sound is more akin to a goth INXS than any spandex-clad rock gods. A lot of that could well be down to the production, which is at times too clean and sanitized; several of these tracks would benefit from being just a bit rougher around the edges. Still, those who find H.I.M too heavy or Evanescence too wet will probably find something to love in the Rasmus. --Robert Burrow

Dead Letters,The Rasmus,Interscope Records,Adult Alternative Pop/Rock,Alternative Metal,Finland,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop

Dead Letters [Enhanced]

Average customer rating:

It just hits the spot...
The Singer Looks Like a Pat
very talented voice and good music... but lyrics are another story
i can't believe this was in my cd player a year ago
I LOVE THIS ALBUM

Dead Letters
The Rasmus
Manufacturer: Interscope Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0001JXQAQ
Release Date: 2004-03-23

Tracks:

In The Shadows
Guilty
First Day Of My Life
Still Standing
In My Life
Time To Burn
Not Like The Other Girls
The One I Love
Back In The Picture
Funeral Song
F-F-F-Falling

Amazon.com

The Rasmus were already massive rock stars in their native Finland, as well as various other parts of Europe, by the time Dead Letters was finally released in the U.S. in March 2004. Really, one can't help but wonder what took them so long to get here. Boasting hook-heavy guitars and anthemic lyrics, most of the tracks on Dead Letters sound tailor-made for radios and stadiums, from hit single "In the Shadows" to the urgent "In My Life," which has an epic, fists-in-the-air chorus worthy of later Bon Jovi. Still, those expecting rock in the vein of the Darkness will be disappointed by the overpolished earnestness of Dead Letters--the Rasmus's sound is more akin to a goth INXS than any spandex-clad rock gods. A lot of that could well be down to the production, which is at times too clean and sanitized; several of these tracks would benefit from being just a bit rougher around the edges. Still, those who find H.I.M too heavy or Evanescence too wet will probably find something to love in the Rasmus. --Robert Burrow

Customer Reviews:

It just hits the spot..........2006-08-08

I am not big on writing reviews on anything. But I am compelled to put in my two cents here. I have been hooked on "In the shadows" ever since I saw the video for it. Never cared to actually explore the entire album. Now I finally have. The CD sounds a little repetitive in terms of music melody of the tracks, but it definitely hits the spot for me, so I must give it 5 stars.

The Singer Looks Like a Pat.......2006-03-05

Hi, I saw "In The Shadows" on MTV Asia (India) and I was like, is that a guy or a chick? It's Pat (remember SNL skit?). Anyway its listenable pop rock alternative (goth?, no but they have a goth look, escpecially Pat). Anyway, they will never make it in the US big, but that singer looks like Kelly Osbourne's double. You could listen to worse. BTW, MTV overseas is totally different than the homo agenda reality show and rap videos MTV in the States, its actually like it was in the early 80's playing mostly rock music videos. That tells me the American market is being manipulated to listen to rap or else Americans like rap and the rest of the world likes rock (I doubt that unless your a black American). I'm glad I don't follow trends and stayed true.

very talented voice and good music... but lyrics are another story.......2005-11-20

alright, the lead-singer's voice is completely amazing. his range and flexibility is breathtaking. he doesn't go too high or anything like that, he just hits every note flawlessly. a lot of the tunes on this album are really good too. i mean, i'm humming the songs after the CD's through all the time. ... but this band's got a HUGE flaw, and that is, they can't write very meaningful lyrics. their lyrics all sound like they're trying too hard to be dark while all the while "pop"ish music is bouncing about in the background. a lot of the songs have lyrics like something a 6th grader would write. i'm sorry, this band could be friggin' awesome if they weren't so shallow. you'll buy "Dead Letters" listen to it nonstop for about a week simply because it's really fun to sing along with and then discard it somewhere unseen to collect dust. it's a shame, it really is, because these guys have potential... but then again, they have been labeled as "goth-pop"... i mean... they're probably trying to be just that, because it IS unique. obviously people do like them. ...tis a shame still the same. they could be awesome if they grew up!

i can't believe this was in my cd player a year ago.......2005-11-18

i really can't believe i bought this album after hearing the catchy but rubbish single "in the shadow" with it's catchy immature chorus their will be teenyboppers round the world thinking their goths and dark just because their singing a chorus about being in the shadows...there was one song i like from this album but i gave it to a charity shop so i can't remember anymore and don't care
this band is good if you like sweet innocent pop music
but if you want real gothic music buy the cult, NIN, midnight oil, etc...
the rasmus are posers for a world who has no taste

I LOVE THIS ALBUM.......2005-10-11

Bought this album last year after seeing the video for the song "In the Shadows" on yahoo music. It was the only album I listened to for weeks, I just couldn't get enough, had to hear it over and over again. Their music is not too heavy or too pop.. it's just ROCK!

Apparitions of Melody: The Dead Letters Edition

Average customer rating:

A step in the right direction.
EXPLAINING THE "GETTING OVER YOU GETTING OVER ME SONG"
good album, but not much different than A.O.M.

Apparitions of Melody: The Dead Letters Edition
Kids in the Way
Manufacturer: Flicker Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Comatose
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ASIN: B000GIW9DW
Release Date: 2006-08-08

Tracks:

Fiction
Apparitions Of Melody
Safety In The Darkness
Even Snakes Have Hearts
Getting Over Me
Last Day Of 1888
Breaking The Legs Of Sheep
The Seed We've Sown
Sad And Guilty Ways
Blind Behind The Wheel
Burt Rutan
Head Over Heels
This Could Be The Song That Change Your Heart

Customer Reviews:

A step in the right direction........2007-06-25

The reason I bought this Cd was for "Apparitions of melody" and "Fiction" but what I found was even better. almost every song was great, just the way they put the Word out there is great. it's like there preaching but in a way the world hears it, but doesn't even realize it.

Kids in the way is probaly the best Christian rock group out there right now, and with there new CD coming in Aug.

EXPLAINING THE "GETTING OVER YOU GETTING OVER ME SONG".......2006-10-13

This song has been drilling at my skull for a whole week. I first thought that it was addressing to God...that didn't make any sense...Well it appears this is a song about war.Dave Pelsue is directing an experience(from himself?)of a friend that was close that died in war. And that while in war the only thing he could be sure of was God's love. And that God's love was what held him through the death of his friend. The song holds a meaning that can relate to anyone who has fought in a war.The loss of a friend, the emotional stress, and the question , "What am I fighting for?" But despite all these questions, and despair God's love will hold us through.

Cirkit(I'm 17 and don't like my computer being hacked!!!)

good album, but not much different than A.O.M........2006-08-29

I like this album a lot, but it isn't much different from the original A.O.M. album. There r only 2 more songs. Even tho the members r different, I was hoping 4 atleast 4 or 5 new songs. If you really like the 2 new songs like i do, & u already have A.O.M., I suggest just downloading them on an mp3 player if u have 1.

Average customer rating:

The definition of Musical Genius
Epistolary reflections on Costellian themes...
Beauty? Truth? You Can't Handle Either!!
Deep and moving music from Elvis Costello.
Give it a Try

The Juliet Letters

Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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For the Stars
North
Brutal Youth
All This Useless Beauty
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ASIN: B000002MI4
Release Date: 1993-01-19

Tracks:

Deliver Us
For Other Eyes
Swine
Expert Rites
Dead Letter
I Almost Had A Weakness
Why?
Who Do You Think You Are?
Taking My Life In Your Hands
This Offer Is Unrepeatable
Dear Sweet Filthy World
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This Sad Burlesque
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Good on Elvis for risking the ridicule of a blinkered pop world with this unprecedented (for him, certainly, and most anyone short of Kurt Weill) and quite lovely album of bitchy, wise, and funny art songs accompanied by strings. His freshest, most evolved work in years. --Jeff Bateman

Customer Reviews:

The definition of Musical Genius.......2007-05-22

If/when this ever is reprinted you MUST purchase it. It is beautiful in ways that I can't describe. For a writer/musician who is known for writing some amazing pieces, this is his pinnacle.

You will sob. You will laugh. You will rage. You will be haunted.

From a purely musical perspective, when you listen to this CD you are in the presence of great genius.

Listen to it alone, at least at first. Listen in the dark and let the imagery flow over you like fog.

Epistolary reflections on Costellian themes..........2006-01-16

Elvis Costello (Declan MacManus) has done his fair share of collaborations in the past decade. From the Grammy-award winning project with Burt Bacharach in 1998 to 2001's subdued "For the Stars" with Anne-Sophie von Otter Costello has branched out from his rock roots in diverse directions. "The Juliet Letters" from 1993 was the first in a long line of such collaborations. Costello and the Brodsky Quartet were brought together by mutual appreciation (Costello went to Brodsky Quartet concerts while the Brodsky Quartet attended Costello concerts). And Costello's now ex-wife Cait O'Riordan provided the epistolary theme for the project. She spotted a newspaper article about a professor that responded to letters addressed to "Juliet Capulet". Costello then presented the article to the quartet for inspiration. The group of five ended up writing all of the music and words (though much of the music is credited to "MacManus"). The results fall somewhere between classical song cycles and Beatle-inspired "string rock" (a la "Yesterday" and "Eleanor Rigby"). Feelings of melancholy and anger pervade most of the songs. The strings punctuate these feelings perfectly. Fans of Costello's rock music probably won't find much to appreciate here. But the album contains many of the same classic Costello themes and vocal styles utilized in his rock.

Like a Richardson novel, letters provide the basis for the project. Failed and frustrated relationships abound. "Thank you for the flowers / I threw them on the fire / And I burned the photographs that you had enclosed / GOD they were ugly children" Costello sings venemously on the driving "I Almost Had a Weakness". After all, nothing seeps loneliness more than an unanswered love letter. But more than love gets the treatment here. Other songs include a suicide note ("Dear Sweet Filthy World"), a letter from a soldier to a stranger ("I Thought I'd Write to Juliet"), a bizarre experiment in selective exhumation ("Damnation's Cellar"), a reflection on separation ("Why?"), and a letter full of hope in the face of despair ("The Birds Will Still Be Singing"). Many songs explore the sad one-sided nature of letter writing. And no song responds to any other song. This fills the songs that deal with ineffable questions with an almost desparing isolation. But not everything is doom and gloom. "This Offer is Unrepeatable" picks up the mood with a humorously exaggerated letter from a scam artist (and it more than a little resembles the Tom Waits' classic "Step Right Up"). The final song injects some hope into the stark themes in the manner of "Old Man River": "Banish all dismay / Extinguish every sorrow / If I'm lost or I'm forgiven / The birds will still be singing". So in the end, things aren't as bad as they seem. The world goes on regardless of our ephemeral concerns. And as long as the world goes on hope exists.

This CD contains a lot of very beautiful and moving music. Two violins, a viola, a violincello, and voice provide all of the instrumentation. Costello branched out into something very different here. And not all of his fans appreciated it. Regardless, in retrospect "The Juliet Letters" pointed to the future. This year Costello will tour orchestra halls. Not only that, he also wrote a full orchestral score ("Il Sogno"). Strings appear more frequently in his recent music. And year by year he seems to embrace "classical" music more intensely. Still, he hasn't abandoned rock and pop (as "When I Was Cruel" and "The Delivery Man" testify). Though this early collaboration remains somewhat underappreciated, it nonetheless fully showcases Elvis Costello's diverse, adaptable, and broad musical scope. Costello will doubtless appear somewhere on the list of accomplished twentieth and twenty-first century musicians.

Beauty? Truth? You Can't Handle Either!!.......2006-01-06

The reason the Costello/Brodsky collaboration "Juliet Letters" is such a difficult listen is also why its the MOST SINGULARLY BRILLIANT ALBUM IN THE ENTIRE ELVIS COSTELLO DISCOGRAPHY! And this declaration is coming from a man who could write a thesis on "Armed Forces" and "Imperial Bedroom" in his sleep! The idea of setting "letters" to music has certainly been done before, but Costello sticks his neck out, both as a composer and singer in ways he'd never done before. Accompanying yourself with just a string quartet (no snarling guitars or euphonious keyboard filigrees,) is the surest way to test your mettle as a vocalist. And sure, sometimes Costello's voice isn't exactly the strongest, but like say, Billie Holliday it always seems to occur precisely when the lyric calls for it: check out "Who Do You Think You Are?" or "The Birds Will Still Be Singing" and you'll hear exactly what I mean. Even his ode to a chain letter, "This Offer Is Unrepeatable" serves up a cheeky bit of satire worthy of "Three Penny Opera." Of course, you can only experience this album sporadically - could anyone watch "Death Of A Saleman" or "Long Day's Journey Into Night" repeatedly without losing one's mind? Emotionally-wrought exercises like "Letters" take a lot out of you, even when you're merely the observer (or listener,) rather than the participant. But that's what makes the journey, however bittersweet, one worth taking.

Deep and moving music from Elvis Costello........2005-06-18

The Juliet Letters is a moving colaboration from Elvis Costello and the Brodsky String Quartet. His deep vocals are complemented by the string quartet. This album is
neither fish nor fowl (classical or pop) it's just a musical
exercise. The strings are some of my favorite compositions,
(viola, cello and violin). Elvis Costello not only got the Brodsky Quartet a bigger audience but he inspired them to
write their own music (a third of the songs are composed by the Quartet).

While it might not be everyones cup of tea, the music is brilliant and Elvis reaches octave levels I thought I would never imagine he could ever attain. Maybe sometime in the near future he'll work with them again. I applaud him for taking such a bold step in making a non-commercial album.

Highly recommended.

Give it a Try.......2004-03-03

I've been listening to a lot of Philip Glass and Steve Reich lately,and its caused me to go back to this album to give it another go.Previously I thought that it was an interesting experiment which hadn't worked out very well.Now I think that it is a good album for rockers and classical music lovers to use to stretch their ears a little.So called crossover albums are usually horrifying-does anyone else remember that album that Procol Harum did with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra? Elvis flatly denounces the concept in the liner notes.And not everything on this album works.It isn't the brilliant work that some of the other reviewers seem to think that it is.But it is a worthwhile experiment and a work that should be given a fair chance.Rockers and classical music lovers tend to be snobbish and dismissive of one another.This is a good work for them to live with for a while.When Elvis and the Brodsky's click-on "Jackson Monk and Rowe" or "Romeos Seance"-the results are as beautiful and valid as anything either of them have ever done.
Three stars because some of this simply doesn't work. But this is a work anyone who likes Elvis or the Brodsky's should have in their collection.

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Rawsthorne: Film Music

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004RDVO
Release Date: 2000-04-25

Korngold: Symphony in F sharp; Einfache Lieder; Mariettas Lied

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Korngold: Symphony in F sharp; Einfache Lieder; Mariettas Lied

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
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ASIN: B0005EZWTA
Release Date: 2005-01-11

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1: Moderato Ma Energico
2: Scherzo (Allegro Molto)/Trio (Molto Meno Tranquillo)
3: Adagio (Lento)
4: Finale (Allegro)
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No. 3: Serenade
No. 4: Love Letters
No. 6: Summer
Happiness That Once Dwelt Here (Marietta's Song)

Average customer rating:

Pure acoustic music with great writing and singing

Dead Letters
Sunshone Still
Manufacturer: Self-Release
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Binding: Audio CD

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Fox Confessor Brings the Flood

ASIN: B000ALJ7Z8
Release Date: 2005-07-19

Tracks:

Land of Tar and Cotton
Fireflies
Smoke Rings
Damn You, California
Julie Christie
Barstool
Saturdays in the Sky
Dear Emily
I Found Jesus
All Roads
Roan Mountain
Old Ruralist Prayer

Customer Reviews:

Pure acoustic music with great writing and singing.......2005-09-01

Sunshone Still isn't easily classified (Americana, ART-country, alt-country). Just listen- his music is heartfelt and pure. He puts together a stripped down album similar to Nick Drake or Jack Johnson, but with southern soul. People who like Wilcon for their early americana sound mixed with some modern twists will like this music. He's not following any set pattern and not trying to create music people expect him to- he plays his music and it works. The tunes are VERY well written, clean, with intelligent and searching lyrics. I caught a live shown in Columbia recently- great in person as he is on disc, and funny to boot. Try this album out- you will definitely become a fan.

Average customer rating:

oh yes
Amazing Ryhtym Machine
The Letters have organized and they spell out the word R-O-C-K!
Nitro is on a roll!
Something different but great none the less

Dead Rhythm Machine
The Letters Organize
Manufacturer: Nitro Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Songs to Fan the Flames of Discontent
The Shape of Punk to Come: A Chimerical Bombation In 12 Bursts

ASIN: B0007O24XA
Release Date: 2005-03-22

Tracks:

Dressed Up in Gatwick
Matador
These Words
I Want I Want
They Call it Rock N Roll (and Other Lies)
Trouble Sleeping
There's Room For One More
Don't Move
Perfection?
Costume in the Corner
A Song of Hope
A Book for Dummies
Operation Dead

Album Description

Seeping out of the humid, murky outer-crust of Atlanta Georgia, The Letters Organize deliver a brutal and unique sonic-assault that melds spastic, off-kilter rhythms and powerful guitar riffs with an odd hint of rock 'n' roll swing, adding up to a strangely-original and intense brand of post-hardcore. The Letters Organize will bring to mind such revered bands as JR EWING, REFUSED and FUGAZI, while simultaneously channeling the likes of TURBONEGRO and THE HIVES. This is intense and energetic punk rock created for the bored and disenfranchised, those disheartened people who wonder when the danger disappeared.

Customer Reviews:

oh yes.......2005-11-26

I picked this CD up after hearing they were opening up for VAUX, and reading all the amazing editorial reviews...and I was definetly not disappointed! They sound similiar to what REFUSED would sound like if they would have stuck around and cleaned up their production a little. It is most definetly not watered down 3 chord punk, they are more of a hardcore band that doesn't take themselves too nihilistically, if that makes any sense.
They will kick your ass live, also.

Amazing Ryhtym Machine.......2005-09-08

Easily my favorite new band. I picked up this cd after hearing Dave Grohl was a fan and was not disappointed. The Letters Orgazine have an amazing unique sound combined with a ferocious energy that keeps you listening to this cd over and over again.

The Letters have organized and they spell out the word R-O-C-K!.......2005-07-19

I bought this cd after reading Alternative Press magazine. I have wanted it for quite some time but AP sealed it for me. They did an interview of Dexter Holland of The Offspring (owner of NITRO records) and he listed this cd as one of the 5 must have cd's from his label. It sounds like Street Punk meets up with his good buddy Hardcore and then they go and pick up The Hives. This cd is absolutely amazing! It reminds me of Showbread in some aspects and Since they are both from Atlanta, GA I think there may be a good reason behind that. Whoever said that this was like Manson is crazy. It sounds nothing like that devil-worshipping faggot! You need to learn to appreciate good music and this disc my friends...deserves A LOT of appreciation!

Nitro is on a roll!.......2005-06-17

Between Bullet Train To Vegas, Letters Organize, Aquabats, and Rufio, there's plenty going on over at Nitro Records.

The energy of Letters Organize is astonishing. The production value is fantastic. These guys rock it so hard it's pretty ridiculous. This is a punk record, and these guys are very much a punk band, but this is much more than that. This works for emo fans, punk fans, hardcore fans. These guys just have it. Here's to hearing more. Cheers!

If you like this album, I strongly suggest checking out Bullet Train To Vegas. That's all I've got to say about that.

Something different but great none the less.......2005-05-27

From the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia comes THE LETTERS ORGANIZE, a punk rock machine with an explosive temperament fueled by their loud, in-your-face brand of hybrid punk consisting of equal parts metal, screamo and what many may perceive to be classic early 80's west coast punk. This volatile concoction is delivered on a musical surface that has unbelievably precise guitar riffing, unheralded screams mixed with naturalistic conversational vocals and a rhythm section hell bent on maintaining a sporadic, but well defined, pace. Although it seems improbable, they withdrew elements from THE CIRCLE JERKS repertoire, the unhinged rage of a hard-line screamo band and the deepened tonal quality of a heavy metal beating with traces of a FUGAZI "In on the Killtaker" vibe in mind. For the non-believers, be sure to check out tracks like "Matador" and "I Want I Want". Those should be enough evidence to convince you of their punk rock prowess. Not only do they know how to hammer out killer riffs but they also have an astonishing understanding of crescendo and decrescendo as displayed time and again through ultra catchy hooks that are desirable to anyone with an ounce of rhythm. They made not be responsible for the advent of fire but they certainly know how to use it...especially to burn your eardrums.