Iron [Import]

Product Description
Finnish folk-influenced melodic death metal produced by Flemming Rasmussen. Spinefarm. 2004.

Iron,Ensiferum,Rock/Pop

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Iron [Import]

Average customer rating: LANDMARK ALBUM. Absolutely fantastic singles Really like it Great band! Another one for the heartbreak can[n]on

Under the Iron Sea Keane Manufacturer: Interscope Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britpop | British Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Eyes Open Hopes and Fears Sam's Town How To Save A Life Black Holes and Revelations ASIN: B000FBHT1C Release Date: 2006-06-20

Tracks:

1. Atlantic
2. Is It Any Wonder?
3. Nothing In My Way
4. Leaving So Soon?
5. A Bad Dream
6. Hamburg Song
7. Put It Behind You
8. Crystal Ball
9. Try Again
10. Broken Toy
11. The Frog Prince

Amazon.com

If U2 hadn't already released a pair of career retrospective discs, this British trio's second album would neatly do the trick in one. Not much of a surprise since Keane spent a good deal of time supporting Bono and company following the release their breakthrough debut, Hopes and Fears. From the melancholic "Crystal Ball" to the sinisterly beautiful "Is It Any Wonder?" (a blatant homage to "Zoo Station"), Keane have perfected their forebear's dark stadium-rock formula on their second album, all the more miraculous considering it was once again done without guitars. If Under the Iron Sea sounds considerably edgier than its predecessor, that's because it was recorded while the band was on the verge of splitting. But the friction has also given Keane a renewed sense of purpose, breaking the mid-tempo monotony with vibrant material such as "Nothing in My Way" and "Try Again": soaring songs that make the band sound unsinkable. --Aidin Vaziri

Album Description

"Under The Iron Sea" was recorded at The Magic Shop in Soho, New York, and back at Helioscentric Studios, near Battle.

In making this record we tried to confront all our worst fears, to ruthlessly scrutinise ourselves, our relationship with each other, with other people, and with the world at large, and to make a journey into the darkest places we could find.

It made for an incredibly intense atmosphere during the writing and recording of the album, and the resultant songs and sounds very much reflect that. In the songs we created a kind of sinister fairytale-world-gone-wrong, a feeling of confusion and numbness represented by a dark place under an impenetrable iron sea. To express all this we created entirely new sounds by putting an old electric piano and various analogue synths through many different combinations of vintage guitar effects pedals, creating soundscapes that range from the percussive to vast oppressive walls of distortion.

We were writing, singing and performing with a drive, intensity and fury that is almost unrecognisable from our previous music.

It was important that this album had a strong visual presence too, and the start of that was the collaboration with Irvine Welsh on ¡®Atlantic¡¯ offered somebody who both inspired us, and found his own inspiration in our music.

His resulting film echoes the importance of that visual identity we strove for.

We wrote Under The Iron Sea because we needed a record that was going to make us feel alive again.

Customer Reviews:

LANDMARK ALBUM........2007-07-24

This is a landmark album, just as much as SGT PEPPER, PIPER AT GATES OF DAWN, or even the supreme FOREVER CHANGES, three classics from the psychedelic era - and nearly 40 years on.

From SGT PEPPER, it takes the ambition & production values, from PIPER AT THE GATES the nursery-rhyme approach & use of synthesizers, while it shares the same sense of doom & devastating impact as Love's masterpiece.

What sets this brilliant little group apart from their peers is a genuine flair for melody. Like Lennon-McCartney, they have the knack of writing a good song, their tunes working their way into your head & staying there. As with all the best songs, there is an inbuilt tension between the music & lyrics. Here, the words, often sad, bitter or uncertain, are matched with sweet, sure melodies, cleverly crafted, as on their first album, but more ambitious & expansive. Arrangements follow suit, the overall sound being most pleasing, with liberal use of synthesizers & percussion. The exception is HAMBURG, featuring plain organ/piano accompaniment, but, really, the group hardly misses a trick in presentation. The vocals, courtesy Tom Chaplin, are equally impressive, and there's a touch of John Lennon (albeit a younger-sounding & higher-pitched one) about his voice.

Highlights include:

LEAVING SO SOON - all furious energy & excitement!
BAD DREAM - 'Day in the life' has nothing on this!
TRY AGAIN - tale of woe, allied to another delightful tune.
FROG & PRINCE - classic, Fairport Convention-ish ditty.

Plus, the singles:

NOTHING IN MY WAY - catchy & memorable.
CRYSTAL BALL - an anthem for our times - supercharged!

The only down side is that I really can't see them topping this, though I'd love to be proved wrong.

Absolutely fantastic singles.......2007-06-27

While the album does have a few forgettable tracks, the singles are amazing and worth the cost of the CD. Fans of Coldplay will be drawn to this band and should definitely give Keane a chance.

Really like it.......2007-06-25

Got it after hearing Blake Lewis sing one of their songs, Somewhere Only We Know. I love listening to this in my jeep..fun, carefree cd.

Great band!.......2007-06-20

I love the singer's voice. The lyrics are pretty good too. Great sound for a 3 man band.

Another one for the heartbreak can[n]on.......2007-06-04

Not for nothing did HOPES AND FEARS' breakout "Somewhere Only We Know" include the line "This could be the end of everything". And not for nothing did the b&w simplicity of that record's graphics give way to an icy blue Siberian landscape, inscrutable feminine faces, broken soldiers lying in the snow.

With their propulsive, shifting rhythms and mesmerizing, serpentine melodies, the best songs on IRON SEA are shoutouts to the heartbroken -- tumbling mixes of incredulity, anguish and rage -- and this is one of those discs you will play 5000 times in a row the next time it happens to you. Hey, you did it with "Every Breath You Take" -- but the stalker self-pity that was thrilling when you were a kid and everything was crystal clear no longer seems so useful at an age where things are a leeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetle more complicated.

Musically, Keane has mastered the art of baroque-pop in a way that only a few have: their songs have the standout quality of being consistently surprising and perfectly inevitable at the same time.

So it isn't perfect and it won't change the world, but IRON SEA is a minor masterpiece -- a swirling, complex companion to Basho's great, stark haiku, just as true and just as uncomforting:

I think of the day before I met her
When it seemed
I had no troubles at all

Average customer rating: This aging fanboy... Cool Beans yowch love it It's been growing on me

Big Iron World Old Crow Medicine Show Manufacturer: Nettwerk Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Old-Time Country | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: O.C.M.S. Down Home Girl Hello Love Modern Times West ASIN: B000FNO1DE Release Date: 2006-08-29

Tracks:

1. Down Home Girl
2. Cocaine Habit
3. Minglewood Blues
4. My Good Gal
5. James River Blues
6. New Virginia Creeper
7. Union Maid
8. Let It Alone
9. God's Got It
10. I Hear Them All
11. Don't Ride That Horse
12. Bobcat Tracks

Amazon.com

A concept album about gigantic household appliances taking over the world? No such luck. As the images of Hank Williams, Bob Dylan and Sun-era Elvis floating in the background might indicate, this Nashville band is strictly old school, singing about unemployed riverboat workers, covering Woody Guthrie and plucking banjos like there was no tomorrow. Produced by David Rawlings, Big Iron World boasts the expected barnstormers ("Cocaine Habit") and late-night meditations ("God's Got It") alongside a handful of folkie sing-a-longs ("Down Home Girl") and a thoroughly unexpected reference to Karl Rove. And where else are you going to hear songstress Gillian Welch banging away on the drums? --Aidin Vaziri

Customer Reviews:

This aging fanboy..........2007-06-25

loves Old Crow Medicine Show, and this album is another winning entry! "I Hear Them All" is worth the price of admission by itself, but there are other choice bits; "Cocaine Habit" "Down Home Girl" and "My Good Gal" stand out, as well as the tongue-in-cheek (I think ;) "New Virginia Creeper".

Cool Beans.......2007-06-08

I really have enjoyed this CD. The music is invigorating and the lyrics are funny. I have just ordered another one to send to my son-in-law!

yowch.......2007-05-12

Good god, these guys are overrated. Hipster old time music at its worst. They sure would look good in a Details magazine spread, though...

love it.......2007-04-01

i love OCMS and there music keeps getting better and better. if you love their last album, buy this one.

It's been growing on me.......2007-02-21

Having only really listened to the most recent previous album, I didn't know what to think of Big Iron World at first; it seemed quite a bit more bluesy than O.C.M.S., and I wasn't sure the change was for the better. After a dozen or so times through, though, I've got to say, they've got an uncanny ability to bring even a reluctant audience around.

There are a few songs on the album that I still don't love: Down Home Girl has a pretty monotone, repetitive sound; Union Maid is too obviously a throw-back; and Bobcat Tracks is just hokey.

Now that I got my complaints out, though, what a great album. My Good Gal is reminiscent of my favorite Louvin Brothers song (Knoxville Girl); New Virginia Creeper demands dancing; and I Hear Them All is up there with the best of American folk political protest songs. Just a great time, great musicians, and I wish they'd come play live in New England.

Average customer rating: one rockin' butterfly 2.5 Stars- Often boring, but it occasionally makes for interesting listening. Criminally underrated Hippie rock favorite revisited ....hummmmm..in da gadda da ..BAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida Iron Butterfly Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea 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 Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Dynasty | Warner Brothers Records | Stores | Music Similar Items: Steppenwolf: All Time Greatest Hits The Very Best of Deep Purple The Very Best of Cream Light and Heavy: The Best of Iron Butterfly Ball ASIN: B0000033OB Release Date: 1995-10-31

Tracks:

1. Most Anything You Want
2. Flowers And Beads
3. My Mirage
4. Termination
5. Are You Happy
6. In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
7. In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida (Live Version)
8. In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida (Single Version)

Amazon.com

Iron Butterfly's 1968 album veritably defined the burgeoning genre of hard-rock, primarily by way of its utterly over-the-top title cut. Reportedly composed by keyboardist/lead singer Doug Ingle in such a stoned-out, numb-tongued condition that he couldn't properly pronounce its intended title--"In the Garden of Eden"--the track seemed almost a parody of every excessive inclination of psychedelia. Melodramatic vocals, repetitive riffing, aimless solos--you name it, this 17-minute behemoth had it. Aided by FM DJs who loved to program it in its entirety so they could take "legitimate" breaks, it became an unavoidable hit--and an anthem of its era. --Billy Altman

Customer Reviews:

one rockin' butterfly.......2007-06-23

Everyone knows the title song- it's a lengthy acid rock journey through all sorts of drug trips and wild musical passages. It's awesome. However, many people ignore the other five songs. What are they? They are short little psychedelic-tinged pop songs that are extremely melodic and JUST as good as the 18-minute title song. Seriously. I love them. These songs have been overlooked for WAY too many years. It's time to start accepting them for the melodic little gems they are. Great album overall.

2.5 Stars- Often boring, but it occasionally makes for interesting listening........2007-06-04

I suppose I should start with the title track: "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" is emblematic of the acid rock (for lack of a better term) scene of the late 60s, thanks to its overarching ambition, musical theatrics, proto-hard-rock sensibilities, and sheer length. It has become something of an anthem of those heady times, and these days it's a pretty interesting period piece. It's also pretentious, overblown, excessive, and often boring. The lyrics are embarassingly dated in their faux-poetic psychedelic trappings, marked by forced mysticism and hackneyed drama. Meanwhile, the long instrumental section is hopelessly misguided, meandering through a series of unnecesary solos and building to a really boring climax. The legendary three-minute drum solo is passionless and drawn out, an uninspiring and utterly lame showcase of pointless pounding. The song does have its moments- there are some neatly acidic guitar solos and some cool electric organ. On top of that, the song's main riff is undeniably catchy, and the sheer droning repetition of the whole thing gives it a hazy, druggy, stoned-outta-this-universe atmosphere. All in all, "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" is a woozy, overlong, and acid-soaked, a dated period piece that's more novelty than entertainment.

The other five songs on this album are alright. They don't have the stoned-dumb appeal of the title track, but they do have their respectible musical moments. "Most Anything You Want" is a nice, soul influenced number, and "Flowers and Beads" is every bit as catchy as it is cheesy (and it's really, really cheesy). "My Mirage" isn't halfway as haunting and atmospheric as it attempts to be, but it has a nice brooding feel. All in all, the songs are virtual nonentities, but they can be entertaining at times.

With this album, we have an occasionally entertaining, charmingly dated, and somewhat interesting historical footnote. If you like the rock n roll of the late 60s, this might give you a few kicks. Just don't expect much.

Criminally underrated.......2007-05-17

Another band that led the formation of heavy metal, Iron Butterfly is just like the name in many ways. THere are many times on this record that are very ________ hard, yet some "butterfly" melodies float along. Of course, this also has the seventeen minute long title track. IF you don't know what the song is like, if you like The Simpsons, you just might. THe beggining of Bart Sells His Soul, the hymn Bart gave out was this song (by, as he wrote, I. Ron Butterfly), and yeah, it does run 17 minutes. But ________ no, it's not boring, or a _________ 17 minute technical showoff.

Iron Butterfly is pretty sweet. The title track is cool, it's the centerpiece. But ________ no, you can't forget the other five songs. You might think they are just a bunch of ________ B-sides, _____ no. A lot of cool songs are present, and that's the best I can give. Psychedelic at it's best, this is a psychedelic record, not Sgt. Pepper. You should listen to it with headphones if anything else. Think of their sounds as early Zeppelin, not has heavy, but with a lot of cool psychedelic effects and a keyboard that should remind you of The Doors. It's a little outdated and certainly cheesy at times, but that's okay. It sounds good.

It isn't a totally _________ groundbreaking life _________________ changing album, but very cool. Get the deluxe version because it's worth it just for remastering.

Hippie rock favorite revisited.......2007-03-19

Missed this album ever since it got worn out & trashed in the late '60's and early '70's. Probably for old hard rockers only, but some of the material on this album was ahead of its time.
My only reason for the less than 5 star review was there was some distortion on some of the tracks that sounded like the recording was overmodulated on the original master tapes or when the CD was recorded from them. Not present frequently, just enough to annoy some purists who used to have the old album or tape. The CD is worth having just for the title track alone, and the unique hologram case is fantastic. Comes with a liner notes booklet. (Supposedly has some additional material, but have not had enough time to verify.)

....hummmmm..in da gadda da ..BAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2007-03-12

MUCHO ORGANO AL FRENTE, MUCHO TUFO A PSICODELIA FORZADA....SOLO EL TEMA QUE DA TITULO AL ALBUM MERECE CONSIDERACION...ESO SI, LA EDICION ACTUAL ES MUY PROLIJA, CON BOOKLET, FOTOS Y ANECDOTAS...DESPUES NO HAY MUCHO PARA AGREGAR.........

Average customer rating: What "country" music should be. Mediation in the fields Defining "the sublime" Alternative Folk good cd

Our Endless Numbered Days Iron & Wine Manufacturer: Sub Pop ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Lo-Fi | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Crane Wife In Good Company Plans Details XO ASIN: B0001ENX54 Release Date: 2004-03-23

Tracks:

1. On Your Wings
2. Naked As We Came
3. Cinder And Smoke
4. Sunset Soon Forgotten
5. Teeth In The Grass
6. Love And Some Verses
7. Radio War
8. Each Coming Night
9. Free Until They Cut Me Down
10. Fever Dream
11. Sodom, South Georgia
12. Passing Afternoon

Amazon.com

Florida's brilliant singer-songwriter Sam Beam expands Iron & Wine from solo project to a gaggle of friends and family on slide guitar, percussion, and backing vocals on his second album. Fans need not worry--the hushed immediacy and rich melodies remain the focus--but new flavors abound. For instance, the strange "Cinder And Smoke" sounds like a collaboration (with banjos of course) between America, Robert Wyatt and Low. Meanwhile, "On Your Wings," "Free Until They Cut Me Down," and "Teeth in the Grass" showcase a brooding, earthy, Southern-rock-on-laudanum side that the band had previously only demonstrated in concert. It's rare when an artist who's become known for bedroom recordings makes the transition to the studio to produce work that's better--Daniel Johnston, Lou Barlow, and Liz Phair all made their defining moments crouched above a cassette recorder at home. But Beam is the exception to the rule, as he has easily bested himself on the second Iron & Wine album. --Mike McGonigal

Album Description

Listening to Our Endless Numbered Days makes plain Sam's deft touch with words and melody; one that allows him to turn out stories about love, loss, faith, or the lack of it that are at once personal and universal, set to music that is sweetly haunting and timeless.

Customer Reviews:

What "country" music should be........2007-06-02

Most would probably not label Iron & Wine as country music, yet to me their music fits that title better than most artists that are labeled as such. Not only the lyrics, but the atmosphere of the music overall just perfectly illustrates walking barefoot down a country road, or sitting on the porch at sunset with a glass of lemonade. This really just sounds like the country, and even though I live in the big city/suburbs, this album just really takes me there, in a way that stuff like Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw definitely do not.

The sole mastermind of Iron & Wine is Samuel Beam, an unassuming fellow with an extremely simple, yet extremely beautiful approach to music. Armed with only an acoustic guitar, his wispy vocals, and the occasional banjo, Beam comes off very much like what Nick Drake might have sounded like, had he grown up in the rural south. The feel overall is somewhat similar to Drake, but with a warmer, more down-home kind of vibe. There's also a great deal of Simon and Garfunkel influence there as well, most evident on songs like "Love and Some Verses" and "Each Coming Night". However, despite all these comparisons, there's really nothing quite like this.

Musically, this is just the perfect album to relax to. It's extremely mellow and laid-back throughout, and the closest it comes to "rocking" is on "Free Until They Cut Me Down", which is still pretty laid-back. The melodies are catchy and memorable, and the musicianship, while simple, is top-notch. Perhaps my favorite song here is the mesmerizing "Cinder and Smoke", which actually took a few listens to really grow on me. It's not as readily ear-catching as most of the rest, but it's really beautiful, with its female backing vocals, and odd hypnotic chanting outro. You might know "Sunset Soon Forgotten" and "Naked As We Came" from the Dennis Quaid movie "In Good Company", which are both excellent as well (the latter being the most Nick Drake-sounding song here). Really though, every song here is great, and distinctive unto itself. The only bad thing about this album is that it's over much too soon.

So, whether you're from the country, or you're surrounded by concrete and steel, Iron & Wine will take you to a rural paradise from which you'll never want to leave.

Mediation in the fields.......2007-05-22

Sam Beam makes intimately personal music that is oddly impersonal. While these bittersweet songs often ring from universal themes, I sometimes feel like they were straight out of my mind. That is a really neat trick, considering that this genre of folk has a tendency for navel gazing. To that extent, the second CD from Beam's Iron and Wine ranks with the likes of Elliot Smith and the late Nick Drake. These are songs that get inside of your head and stay there.

While that won't certainly be to everyone's taste (a few of my friends rate this kind of music as barely above the level of Dentist Office Muzak), the ambiance of Beam's Southern stoicism is like a contemplative walk through a field of high grass. There are songs of love and death ("Sodom South Georgia" and "Free Until They Cut Me Down") simple life and love ("Sunset Soon Forgotten" and "Passing Afternoon") set to guitar, banjo and Dobro, all sung in Beam's hushed and melodious voice. Like Ray LaMontagne has in the past couple of years (or even Leonard Cohen before them), Beam is writing deeply poetic songs that are just begging to be covered or placed in a movie soundtrack to offer context.

Recommended for fans of Nick Drake, Leonard Cohen, Ray LaMontagne, Will Oldham and Bonnie Prince Billie.

Defining "the sublime".......2007-03-30

If you've ever wondered what the definition of "the sublime" is, listen to "Passing Afternoon," the last track on this perfect album.

I can't write a definition of "the sublime."

But I know that it's achieved in the last 30 seconds of that song.

Alternative Folk.......2007-01-23

Great cd for those of you folk fans who like a twist. Quiet, moody and slightly eclectic. I was pleasantly surprised. Interesting lyrics, good songwriting, and vocals that are pleasing to the ear. A great cd for any collection.

good cd.......2007-01-11

Cd was good overall but the edges seem to be damaged...not by this seller but by when the cd was made
good seller, very punctual.

Average customer rating: Knocks my socks off Iron Maiden stand at their best A METAL EPIC OF INFINATE PROPORTIONS. "NUMBER OF THE BEAST" IS DEFINENTLY A HEAVY METAL BLUEPRINT FOR FUTURE METAL BANDS........ The album that put Maiden on the map Incredible piece of metal history.

The Number of the Beast Iron Maiden Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music British Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Piece of Mind Powerslave Killers Iron Maiden Somewhere in Time ASIN: B000063CP6 Release Date: 2002-03-26

Tracks:

1. Invaders
2. Children of the Damned
3. Prisoner
4. 22 Acacia Avenue
5. Number of the Beast
6. Run to the Hills
7. Gangland
8. Total Eclipse
9. Hallowed Be Thy Name

Amazon.com

Throughout the 1980s, a damning generalization held true: British metal was essentially working man's food, loosely descended from biker-meets and Northern pubs; whereas, in the States, it was an outgrowth of stadium rock, which traditionally subordinated substance to spectacle. Plug-ugly and cartoonishly morbid, Iron Maiden were typical of the Brit effort, since they effectively emphasized a driving, no-nonsense approach to the music. Among metal aficionados, this album ranks as one of the defining moments of the entire genre. Of the nine songs here--including Maiden classics like "Run to the Hills" and the title track--only "Gangland" falls flat, though it's immediately overshadowed by "Hallowed Be Thy Name," acknowledged by many as this band's apotheosis. --Andrew McGuire

Customer Reviews:

Knocks my socks off.......2007-07-07

This was Iron Maiden's first album without singer Paul Di'anno. Bruce Dickenson joined up in 1981. First off I want to say that Steve Harris's bass playing is enough of a reason to buy this album. Metal is known for bass players riding the root notes and the guitar players ripping it up, but Iron Maiden works amazingly together. Bruce Dickenson's vocal deliveries are always powerful. "The Number Of The Beast" is really cool because it is an idea of what things could be like if the rapture described in the Bible actually happened. "Run To The Hills" is a great song about the plight of native americans. "The Prisoner" goes into the head of a prisoner's thinking, painting out the fear and concerns involving that life. Iron Maiden's music is smart and clever, discussing dark themes, flying over the christian right's understanding. This is an album that I finally discovered far too late in life. Buy this album and listen to it crush indie rock.

Iron Maiden stand at their best.......2007-06-10

Tied with Powerslave, i'd say this is their best album. For one thing, it has 3 songs which are still famous today. Second, there is a great range of songs on here.

1. Invaders: Fast paced, and loud. 9/10

2. Children of the Damned: Slower, but speeds up to be one of the best songs ever. 10/10

3. The Prisoner: The worst song, but still good. 7.5/10

4. 22 Acacia avenue: Tells a similar story to "Charlotte the Harlot" on Iron Maiden. Steady, and fierce at times. 10/10

5. Number of the Beast: My favourite song ever. Good lyrics, and a classic which will hopefully stay famous for 100 years (at least). 12/10

6. Run to the hills: Faster than Number of the Beast, and the only song i managed to get my friend into. 11.5/10

7. Gangland: Not a great favourite, but i like the chorus and intro. 8/10

8. Total Eclipse: Didn't really manage to get into this, but i still enjoy it whenever i hear it. 8/10

9. Hallowed be thy Name: A soft start, which builds up into a very fast paced song. 10/10

A METAL EPIC OF INFINATE PROPORTIONS. "NUMBER OF THE BEAST" IS DEFINENTLY A HEAVY METAL BLUEPRINT FOR FUTURE METAL BANDS...............2007-05-25

A metal epic you say!!! That is totally an understatement. Bruce Dickinson joined the Maiden crew in November 1981, and held nothing back with his debut on "Number Of The Beast". Bruces voice is ear shattering and exploding with rythmic energy. "Number Of The Beast" captures Maiden at an awe inspiring creative peak. Yeah I know "Run To The Hills" is the popular song that everybody likes and skips the other 8 tracks on the cd to listen to. "Run To The Hills" pales in comparison to most of the other tracks on the cd. "Invaders", "Children Of The Damned" "Gangland" "Hallowed Be Thy Name" just to name a few. From "Invaders" to "Hallowed Be Thy Name", "Number Of The Beast" is a riveting listen that speaks volumes of pure metal genius. "Number Of The Beast" would start Maidens incredible streak of recording greatness throughout the remainder of the big 1980s, Piece of Mind,Powerslave,Somewhere in Time,Seventh Son of a Seventh Son into the 1990s. The one thing I will give Iron Maiden is that they did'nt sell out and make more commercially favorite music to appeal and sell more cds to the public. Unlike Metallica who compared favorably to Maiden through 1983-1988 with great hard crunchy metal music with the likes of "Kill 'Em All1983" "Ride the Lightning1984", "Master of Puppets1986", got more commercial and softer sounding with their music. Maiden today is still pumping out hard crunching metal music and are no sell outs. "Number Of The Beast" is essential to any heavy metal or hard rock library, as it gets better with age, the Beast ages like fine wine. If you are not a of fan of Iron Maiden, I assure you, you need to own this cd. The packaging is really awesome with a fine mini booklet of literature about the Maiden and the remastering is incredible. Enough already laddy!!..................UP THE IRONS MATEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The album that put Maiden on the map.......2007-05-20

Following the release of their second album, Killers, Iron Maiden found themselves in need of a new lead vocalist. They recruited Bruce Dickinson, formerly of the band Samson and in 1982 released The Number Of The Beast, considered by many to be a landmark metal recording.

One thing you can't help but notice listening to this album is the level of musicmanship employed. Guitarists Dave Murray and Adrian Smith had truly cemented their working relationship by this time, and the harmonized leads, counter-rhythms, and solo trade-offs that are now an Iron Maiden stock-in-trade are firmly in place here. Steve Harris ably proves himself one of the best bass players in the business, playing basslines that manage to be highly melodic while maintaining the bassists primary role of cementing the rhythm section. Speaking of the rhythm section, drummer Clive Burr outdoes himself here in a career-defining performance. Sadly this would be his last album with the Beast. Then there's Bruce Dickinson. Finally Iron Maiden was able to find a singer with range, power and flexibility to take their music to the next level. Dickinson certainly does that here, showing no signs of nervousness or discomfort in his new position as he delivers an incredible vocal performance. The album was produced by Martin Birch, who delivered his usual terrific work and managed to record an album that sounds heavy but with good balance and ambience. Unfortunately these remasters are HORRIBLE. Jack up the levels, add lots of compression, and over-boost the bass. Dreadful. Try to find the original CD issues instead.

On the first two Iron Maiden albums bassist Steve Harris did almost all of the songwriting by himself. He still did a great deal here, and having a new "instrument" to play with in Bruce Dickinson inspired him to greater heights, writing in a more melodic fashion for a voice with a lot more range than had been available before. His efforts were also very nicely augmented by guitarist Adrian Smith, who had played on the previous album but hadn't done any writing at that point. Dickinson apparently did a lot of writing as well, but wasn't able to get songwriting credit because of a previous contract. The legendary Maiden songwriting team, in place for the first time, brought the band up a level. This record is jam-packed with killer songs like "Children Of The Damned" (starts out slow and then kicks you in the gut), "The Prisoner" (hard rocker with a great bassline and an insistent chorus), and "The Number Of The Beast" (the one that scared your parents!). It also includes the epic "Hallowed Be Thy Name", which stands to this day as one of Maiden's top five songs ever (many still think it's their best). Anybody who's familiar with my reviews knows that I grade albums mostly based on the songwriting, and this album loses a star for the disposable "Gangland", the fluffy-sounding "Run To The Hills", and "Invaders", which starts out promising but is ruined by a retarded chorus. The rest of the songs are so incredible, however, that they still earn this album four stars.

Many still consider this to be Maiden's best work, but I really can't agree. Maiden would later release albums that were great from start to finish. This album has some killer songs, but it also does have a few weak points. I see it as sort of transitional; a step up from the band's previous efforts and a springboard for what was to come. It's still a great, classic album and no rock record collection is complete without it.

Incredible piece of metal history........2007-05-16

Alright people, here's the deal. I know everyone gets this album because of, "Run to the hills". I know some people who will skip every song on the album and only listen to run to the hills. But, here's the truth, "Run to the hills" really isn't that great of a song, in my opinion. I can play about every song on this album, besides "Total eclipse", on the guitar. I like complicated guitar work that requires more than a few power chords. That's what "Run to the hills" is. The song is about 5 or 6 power chords arranged differently, besides the solo section and intro. I mean, to me it sounds a little boring. The best, and most overlooked song on this album is the amazing, "HALLOWED BE THY NAME"! I mean, talk about great guitars. That song took me forever to learn on the guitar. The intro alone took me like three weeks. Now, that's a song for you. Other highlights of this album are, "INVADERS", "CHILDREN OF THE DAMNED", "22 ACACIA AVENUE", "NUMBER OF THE BEAST", and "GANGLAND". Get this album for those songs.

Average customer rating: great single, okay b-sides

Boy with a Coin Iron & Wine Manufacturer: Sub Pop ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Lo-Fi | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Such Great Heights New Moon Family Tree The Reminder Our Love to Admire ASIN: B000T2DJRK Release Date: 2007-07-16

Tracks:

1. Carried Home
2. Boy With a Coin
3. Kingdom Of the Animals

Customer Reviews:

great single, okay b-sides.......2007-07-24

The title track single 'Boy With A Coin'(track 2) is full of energy and nicely syncopated handclap beats and should prove to be a great precursor to his upcoming album, "The Shepherd's Dog". 'Carried Home' (track 1) is a very different sound than we're used to from Sam Beam, with an electric keyboard and other synthesized sounds. 'Kingdom of the Animals' (track 3) has a nice piano track to it and some beautifully whimsical vocals and lyrics.

The first and third tracks were possibly residual detritus that fell from the recording sessions, but they do seem to indicate Beam's constant efforts to play with his sound and develop as a musician. All in all, if you're a big Iron and Wine fan who cannot wait for this fall's full length album, you will not hesitate to get this single. This man is a true poet and bard.

Average customer rating: Ties Piece of Mind "Heroic" rock done right Instant Clasic Iron Maiden's best ever album Crowning of the Metal Kings

Powerslave Iron Maiden Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music British Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Piece of Mind The Number of the Beast Somewhere in Time Seventh Son of a Seventh Son Iron Maiden ASIN: B000063DFN Release Date: 2002-03-26

Tracks:

1. Aces High
2. 2 Minutes to Midnight
3. Losfer Words (Big 'Orra) [Instrumental]
4. Flash of the Blade
5. Duellists
6. Back in the Village
7. Powerslave
8. Rime of the Ancient Mariner

Customer Reviews:

Ties Piece of Mind.......2007-07-25

Different sounding than Piece of Mind, newer sound, faster guitar, IMO, an equal, excellent cd. Maybe just a little better.

"Heroic" rock done right.......2007-07-04

I'm not going to start this by saying fanboy stuff like "Best metal album ever!" because I haven't heard every single metal album ever released. But in about a quarter century of being a fan of heavy rock then I can wholeheartedly say that Powerlsave is a true classic of "heroic" metal and probably Iron Maiden's finest moment.

It's not really down to earth, gritty stuff like Motorhead, and I'm not even sure that I'd class it as "rock and roll" (which is an althogether more hormonal beast). But for rousing, headshaking, play-the-air-guitar rock it's excellent. Despite the often regrettable Neanderthal like public perception of 1980s heavy metal, this is really pretty musically and technically accomplished stuff, with lots of clever chord changes and musical surprises. Thankfully we also have one of the best "duelling guitarist pairs" ever giving us some of the best solos in rock. People sometimes refer to Dickinsons voice as "opera like", and although I kind of dislike that term, the Dickinson era has a decidedly more "theatrical flavour" than other lineups.

There are a few problems. To my ears the drumming is rather routine and unexciting. And the drums sound rather tinny and lacking in power. A common production problem for most bands, but it's distracting. And the epic final two songs Powerslave and Rime Of The Ancient Mariner can, if I'm not in a receptive mood, sound rather monontonous. If I'm "feeling" the album, then they have a kind of heavy but hypnotic feel, but sometimes they just bore me.

That's the bad news. Other than those minor quibbles of mine, the rest is a gold mine of heavy music. And I *still* love hearing the intro to Two Minutes To Midnight, twenty years on.

Like The Pyramids themselves, Powerslave is big, bold and who knows, it may be considered one of the Seven Wonders Of Heavy Metal in the future!

Instant Clasic.......2007-06-14

Second only to The Number of The Beast, Powerslave is one of Metals greatest albums. Iron maiden has made a career of playing their own brand of Mrtal for four decades without skiping a beat. Timeless clasics on this album such as 2 Minutes To Midnight, Aces High, Powerslave and The Rhyme of The Ancient Mariner make this a must have for real Metal fans

Iron Maiden's best ever album.......2007-06-10

Don't listen to the people who say Number of the Beast is better, because i think this is their best album. I know exactly what the worst song probably is, but even that is good.

1. Aces High: An excellent opener, and a bit unusual to have a 20th century song. 10/10

2. 2 Minutes to Midnight: The song that i cant stop singing whenever i hear it. Awesome lyrics and intro, plus chorus. One of the world's best songs. 10/10

3. Losfer words: Somehow the guitaring sounds somewhat like the f-zero soundtrack. Nonetheless, a good song. 8/10

4. Flash of the Blade: Not a favourite of mine, but still good. 8.5/10

5. The Duellists: The highlight of this track is the chorus and the lyrics. 9/10

6. Back in the Village: The worst song, but still good anyway. 7.5/10

7. Powerslave: This is a very strange song which ive never seen anything like before. But i like it a lot, even if it is very long. 9/10

8. Rime of the Ancient mariner: Longest ever song from iron maiden, but what if it is? The song is still brilliant and shouldnt be underrated. 10/10.

UP THE IRONS!

Crowning of the Metal Kings.......2007-04-22

By 1984, Iron Maiden already had already released 2 back-to-back classic albums and they showed no signs of slowing down. Nobody expected them to make a record better than 1982's The Number of the Beast.

But they did.

For 1984 was the year that Iron Maiden forced the metal world to drop down to its knees and gaze in wonder as their 5th album, Powerslave, was dropped to the public.

There are absolutely no weak tracks on Powerslave. Classics "Aces High" and "2 Minutes to Midnight" start off the masterpiece, and is followed by the excellent instrumental "Losfer Words (Big `Orra)". "Flash of the Blade" features amazing vocals by Bruce Dickinson (as usual), and "The Duelists" has some great rhythm work. I love the "fight to the death" line at the end. Next is "Back in the Village", a continuance to "The Prisoner" from The Number of the Beast. With song 7 the album completely hits a new high and never returns. "Powerslave", written by Bruce Dickinson, is a masterpiece about a pharaoh struggling to come to grips that he cannot reign forever and must die. The album closes with Iron Maiden's biggest and most ambitious closer, "Rime of the Ancient Mariner". The song is based on the poem of the same name by Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

Iron Maiden are at their peak here. The guitars have the best sound that Dave Murray and Adrian Smith have ever accomplished. Bruce Dickinson pushes his amazing vocals to the limit on every song (except the instrumental, mind you). Bass god and Iron Maiden leader Steve Harris plays every note with pinpoint precision. Nicko McBrain does a phenomenal job (as always) on the drums.

After Powerslave, Iron Maiden were arguably the most powerful metal band on the face of the earth. The massive World Slavery tour followed and by the end of it the world was bowing to Maiden.

So go buy this record, its Iron Maiden at their best.

They would, however, create another record that is just as good as Powerslave, but that wouldn't happen for a little while.

Average customer rating: one rockin' butterfly 2.5 Stars- Often boring, but it occasionally makes for interesting listening. Criminally underrated Hippie rock favorite revisited ....hummmmm..in da gadda da ..BAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida Iron Butterfly Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Steppenwolf: All Time Greatest Hits The Very Best of Deep Purple The Very Best of Cream Light and Heavy: The Best of Iron Butterfly Ball ASIN: B000002IAO Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Most Anything You Want
2. Flowers And Beads
3. My Mirage
4. Termination
5. Are You Happy
6. In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida

Amazon.com

Iron Butterfly's 1968 album veritably defined the burgeoning genre of hard-rock, primarily by way of its utterly over-the-top title cut. Reportedly composed by keyboardist/lead singer Doug Ingle in such a stoned-out, numb-tongued condition that he couldn't properly pronounce its intended title--"In the Garden of Eden"--the track seemed almost a parody of every excessive inclination of psychedelia. Melodramatic vocals, repetitive riffing, aimless solos--you name it, this 17-minute behemoth had it. Aided by FM DJs who loved to program it in its entirety so they could take "legitimate" breaks, it became an unavoidable hit--and an anthem of its era. --Billy Altman

Customer Reviews:

one rockin' butterfly.......2007-06-23

Everyone knows the title song- it's a lengthy acid rock journey through all sorts of drug trips and wild musical passages. It's awesome. However, many people ignore the other five songs. What are they? They are short little psychedelic-tinged pop songs that are extremely melodic and JUST as good as the 18-minute title song. Seriously. I love them. These songs have been overlooked for WAY too many years. It's time to start accepting them for the melodic little gems they are. Great album overall.

2.5 Stars- Often boring, but it occasionally makes for interesting listening........2007-06-04

I suppose I should start with the title track: "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" is emblematic of the acid rock (for lack of a better term) scene of the late 60s, thanks to its overarching ambition, musical theatrics, proto-hard-rock sensibilities, and sheer length. It has become something of an anthem of those heady times, and these days it's a pretty interesting period piece. It's also pretentious, overblown, excessive, and often boring. The lyrics are embarassingly dated in their faux-poetic psychedelic trappings, marked by forced mysticism and hackneyed drama. Meanwhile, the long instrumental section is hopelessly misguided, meandering through a series of unnecesary solos and building to a really boring climax. The legendary three-minute drum solo is passionless and drawn out, an uninspiring and utterly lame showcase of pointless pounding. The song does have its moments- there are some neatly acidic guitar solos and some cool electric organ. On top of that, the song's main riff is undeniably catchy, and the sheer droning repetition of the whole thing gives it a hazy, druggy, stoned-outta-this-universe atmosphere. All in all, "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" is a woozy, overlong, and acid-soaked, a dated period piece that's more novelty than entertainment.

The other five songs on this album are alright. They don't have the stoned-dumb appeal of the title track, but they do have their respectible musical moments. "Most Anything You Want" is a nice, soul influenced number, and "Flowers and Beads" is every bit as catchy as it is cheesy (and it's really, really cheesy). "My Mirage" isn't halfway as haunting and atmospheric as it attempts to be, but it has a nice brooding feel. All in all, the songs are virtual nonentities, but they can be entertaining at times.

With this album, we have an occasionally entertaining, charmingly dated, and somewhat interesting historical footnote. If you like the rock n roll of the late 60s, this might give you a few kicks. Just don't expect much.

Criminally underrated.......2007-05-17

Another band that led the formation of heavy metal, Iron Butterfly is just like the name in many ways. THere are many times on this record that are very ________ hard, yet some "butterfly" melodies float along. Of course, this also has the seventeen minute long title track. IF you don't know what the song is like, if you like The Simpsons, you just might. THe beggining of Bart Sells His Soul, the hymn Bart gave out was this song (by, as he wrote, I. Ron Butterfly), and yeah, it does run 17 minutes. But ________ no, it's not boring, or a _________ 17 minute technical showoff.

Iron Butterfly is pretty sweet. The title track is cool, it's the centerpiece. But ________ no, you can't forget the other five songs. You might think they are just a bunch of ________ B-sides, _____ no. A lot of cool songs are present, and that's the best I can give. Psychedelic at it's best, this is a psychedelic record, not Sgt. Pepper. You should listen to it with headphones if anything else. Think of their sounds as early Zeppelin, not has heavy, but with a lot of cool psychedelic effects and a keyboard that should remind you of The Doors. It's a little outdated and certainly cheesy at times, but that's okay. It sounds good.

It isn't a totally _________ groundbreaking life _________________ changing album, but very cool. Get the deluxe version because it's worth it just for remastering.

Hippie rock favorite revisited.......2007-03-19

Missed this album ever since it got worn out & trashed in the late '60's and early '70's. Probably for old hard rockers only, but some of the material on this album was ahead of its time.
My only reason for the less than 5 star review was there was some distortion on some of the tracks that sounded like the recording was overmodulated on the original master tapes or when the CD was recorded from them. Not present frequently, just enough to annoy some purists who used to have the old album or tape. The CD is worth having just for the title track alone, and the unique hologram case is fantastic. Comes with a liner notes booklet. (Supposedly has some additional material, but have not had enough time to verify.)

....hummmmm..in da gadda da ..BAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2007-03-12

MUCHO ORGANO AL FRENTE, MUCHO TUFO A PSICODELIA FORZADA....SOLO EL TEMA QUE DA TITULO AL ALBUM MERECE CONSIDERACION...ESO SI, LA EDICION ACTUAL ES MUY PROLIJA, CON BOOKLET, FOTOS Y ANECDOTAS...DESPUES NO HAY MUCHO PARA AGREGAR.........

Average customer rating: Very good sampling A Pretty Good Collection a good cd for people new to maiden This is missing too many good ones Essential? Aw, Come on!

The Essential Iron Maiden Iron Maiden Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music British Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Box Sets at 30% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Essential Judas Priest The Very Beast of Dio Essential Ozzy Osbourne Powerslave A Matter Of Life And Death ASIN: B0009RQSGY Release Date: 2005-07-12

Tracks:

1. Paschendale
2. Rainmaker
3. The Wicker Man
4. Brave New World
5. Futureal
6. The Clansman
7. Sign Of The Cross
8. Man On The Edge
9. Be Quick Or Be Dead
10. Fear Of The Dark
11. Holy Smoke
12. Bring Your Daughter..To The Slaughter
13. The Clairvoyant

Tracks:

1. The Evil That Men Do
2. Wasted Years
3. Heaven Can Wait
4. 2 Minutes To Midnight
5. Aces High
6. Flight Of Icarus
7. The Trooper
8. The Number Of The Beast
9. Run To The Hills
10. Wrathchild
11. Killers
12. Phantom Of The Opera
13. Running Free (Live)
14. Iron Maiden (Live)

Customer Reviews:

Very good sampling.......2007-07-23

Liked this CD. I was looking to replace my older Maiden still on tape. To do it in this one collection is adequate for now. However, I think they were a little too diplomatic about the tracks chosen. There is no one release that is weighted heavier than any other. I would have rather seen more tracks chosen from the Powerslave/Somewhere in Time albums timeframe. Audio quality is very good though, and I would recommend this.

A Pretty Good Collection.......2007-07-10

This is another band that has a lot of albums. You'd spend a lot of money getting all these songs on their albums. Iron Maiden is a damn good metal band there's no denying. If you're a huge fan you probably own all their stuff any way. I am not one of those fans and this is all I need when I want to rock out some Maiden. I'm sure for the die hards this is missing a few songs but it satisfied me and should be enough for anyone new to the band who doesn't want to buy all their stuff. My only complaint is that they should have only put studio recordings on here.

a good cd for people new to maiden.......2007-04-07

first off, i have to ask steve why hes putting out so many best of cds. this will be the what, forth or is that fifth best of cd. I mean yeah its cool to every now and then put out a compalation disk, for people new to the band to get, so they can experience your best stuff, (thats the only people i would think would buy these comp disks, i own all their stuff including live cds/dvds/box set, so no point in me buying this stuff)but i mean it seems like they are releasing a best of cd after every new release. They just released edward the great in what, 2002/2003. and now this comp disk. are we going to have another one containing stuff from a matter of life and death? I dont want to complain or anything this is just an observation, and im just wondering really.

now onto the disk. Its good to finally see some tracks on the best of comp that have failed to make it in the past, including Phantom and killers. however there are some glaring ommissions. Hallowed Be Thy Name? I don't think there is a single Iron Maiden fan that would disagree with that being on the best of.arguably their best song...EVER. rhyme of the ancient mariner would have been another great addition, plus seventh son of a seventh son. i can see why they might not have put the second two songs on because of the length issue but Hollowed Be Thy Name should be on here no excuses.
other than that really, i cant argue too much. everyone has their own opinions of songs and we can play swap songs all day long and we still all wont agree. in the end this is a solid comp, of course then again you could take all of iron maidens weakest stuff and make that a comp disk and it would...say it with me now...still be better than 90 percent of everything else out there.

UP THE IRONS!!!

ps. even though these are all 5 star songs, im only giving this album 4 stars due to the fact that its pretty pointless, unless you own zero maiden cds. and i think its pointless to put out a best of cd every other year.

This is missing too many good ones.......2007-02-22

Maiden is my favorite metal band of all time but this is missing too many of their greats. My suggestion is to just buy all of their studio albums then make your own greatest hits CD. The best albums are Numbers of the Beast, Piece of Mind, and Powerslave. Buy those for an introduction to the band and if you like it then pick up the rest. Although some of their later CD's got poor reviews you can still find a nugget or two on each.

Below is a history of their studio albums in order, to the left I have rated them from 1-5 stars:

5 Iron Maiden (1980) Paul Di'anno on vocals (more of a punk/blues style but he still rocked.) This debut album has some beautifull melodic pieces that are timeless. Very different album than the rest. Buy it just for Phantom of the Opera (one of the best metal pieces ever.)
4.5 Killers (1981) Paul Di'anno vocals
5 The Number of the Beast (1982) Bruce Dickinson's first vocals (He is a God.) This is a must buy!
5 Piece of Mind (1983) Wow!
5 Powerslave (1984) Mind blowing material...another must buy!
4 Somewhere in Time (1986) Things start getting lighter here.
4 Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988) I like this one better than Somewhere in Time.
3.5 No Prayer for the Dying (1990)
3.5 Fear of the Dark (1992)
2.5 The X factor (1995) Dickinson out, Blaze Bayley on vocals
3 Virtual XI (1998) Blaze Bayley on vocals
4 Brave New World (2000) Dickinson returns on vocals, nice return.
4.5 Dance of Death (2003) Must buy! Paschendale and DOD are great.
5 A matter of Life and Death (2006) Most solid overall album since Powerslave. Great stuff!

I also highly recommend their live albums "Live after death" recorded in Long Beach and "Rock in Rio" recorded in front of 250,000 Brazilians. Iron Maiden is well regarded as one of the best live bands of all time and you will quickly see why if you listen to these CD's. As one critic put it "If you are in a band you don't want to follow Iron Maiden." The Rio set has some of the slower songs such as Blood Brothers but they sound great live. The Live after Death features their early and harder classics. Both of them together showcase a great balance of their career.

Essential? Aw, Come on!.......2007-02-06

"Finally an Iron Maiden compilation that doesn't suck"? "Essential Iron Maiden"? Give me a break! The idea to include two songs of every Maiden album might look good on paper. But given the fact that the quality of the Maiden albums has varied over the years from mind-blowing to plain awful, the result can never be "the essential Iron Maiden". This should be called "A Representative Overview of Maiden's Entire Career, Highs and Lows Included", even though that might not sound so catchy :-)

In any case, a compilation without "Hallowed Be Thy Name", "Children of the Damned", "Where Eagles Dare", "Revelations", "Powerslave", "Rime of the Ancient Mariner", "Ides of March", "Murders in the Rue Morgue", "Prowler" and "Sanctuary" can no way, never be called Essential. And this is not just the usual nitpicking of the hardened fan (in which case I would have also included "Another Life", "Innocent Exile", "Purgatory", "Prodigal Son", "Charlotte the Harlot", "Remember Tomorrow" and "Transylvania" to this list), no, the tracks above are very widely recognised all-time favourite Maiden classics! The hard truth is that if you really want the ESSENTIAL Iron Maiden, you should get the first five studio albums, and only after that pick up a handful of songs from the later albums in addition...

Average customer rating: Beauty check this out too Spoken words like moonlight, you're the voice that I like Meaningful songs A Great CD

The Creek Drank the Cradle Iron & Wine Manufacturer: Sub Pop ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Lo-Fi | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Indie & Lo Fi | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Passing Afternoon XO The Crane Wife In Good Company From a Basement on the Hill ASIN: B00006J402 Release Date: 2002-09-24

Tracks:

1. Lion's Mane
2. Bird Stealing Bread
3. Faded From The Winter
4. Promising Light
5. The Rooster Moans
6. Upward Over The Mountain
7. Southern Anthem
8. An Angry Blade
9. Weary Memory
10. Promise What You Will
11. Muddy Hymnal

Amazon.com

Iron & Wine is Sam Beam, a back-porch Florida singer-songwriter whose sad little songs pack a helluva wallop. Beam's immediately likable tunes paint such clear pictures that songs like "Southern Anthem" and "Muddy Hymnal" are more akin to short stories by Raymond Carver and Flannery O'Connor than to your average pop ditty. Recorded in his living room on a vintage four-track, The Creek Drank the Cradle co-stars cassette hiss, ambient room sound, and Beam himself. A stripped-down, one-man band, Beam contributes delicious Delta-flavored slide guitar, passable banjo, and deliriously beautiful harmonizing. Beam isn't just a songwriter the equal of Will Oldham and Leonard Cohen (really--and it'll be a surprise if folks don't immediately start covering him), the boy can sing. His melt-in-your-head-but-not-in-your-ears voice is instantly recognizable and will certainly please fans of Nick Drake, Lou Barlow, and Elliott Smith. --Mike McGonigal

Album Description

Debut album featuring Samuel Beam, they have been on the road with Ugly Casanova (Modest Mouse) and are described as intimate American Gothic style portraits & landscapes. Sub Pop. 2002.

Customer Reviews:

Beauty .......2007-01-05

All iron and wine albums have a crazy way of painting a beautiful masterpiece in the mind, with your eyes closed and fully focused on the music its almost like letting yourself get lost in your most beautiful dream. Upwards over the mountain, is an amazing song. I fell asleap after listening to it and it just sets me at so much peace. This album slows life down for you in a way that nothing else can.

check this out too.......2006-07-08

I am a huge fan of catchy, quiet folk music with insightful lyrics. If you enjoy this album then I strongly recommend that you check out the following:
1) Ghosts Of The Great Highway by Sun Kil Moon
2) Kings Avenue Joe Kile
3) Subtitulo by Josh Rouse

Spoken words like moonlight, you're the voice that I like.......2006-07-06

I bought this CD for one reason...I had bought "Our Endless Numbered Days" and was so blown away by the beauty of it, that I had to have more. And "The Creek Drank The Cradle" is no exception. Sam Beam, is a poet, and one that makes you feel a sense of nostalgia, as if you have been to the places he sings about or have done the things that he has done. This is a CD that makes you want to lie in the grass and stare at the clouds roll by. His breathless voice is similar to Elliott Smith or Sufjan Stevens and the lyrics will stick in your head the same. My favorite songs are: Bird Stealing Bread, Upward Over The Mountain, Lions Mane, Southern Anthem, and Faded From Winter. Beam's voice is honest and refreshing, folksy and simple, haunting and beautiful, raw and brilliant. Although not as good as "Our Endless Days," this is a debut album and it's fun to see the maturity and growth of Sam Beam. The album is also more lo-fi, which takes nothing away from the music at all. Be on the watch from Beam, because he keeps getting better and better.

Meaningful songs.......2006-05-11

I have been listening to more softer music lately, I am tired of all the usual stuff, so I am trying new bands that I never heard of before. I think this is really good. I like the quality of the songs. I think Sam is a good songwriter. He has an interesting voice, not the best I have ever heard, but he uses it in a way that really bring out the meaning of the lyrics. "Promise" What You Will is my favorite song on this album. I think I will buy more of his music.

A Great CD.......2006-03-12

I discovered Iron and Wine on the Garden State CD. Since then I have bought 3 of their CDs. One of the best things I like about this CD is the style of their music is consistent. Iron and Wine sounds somewhat like Simon and Garfunkel with an edge to it. I highly recommend this CD, and Endless Summer Days, which is just as good.

Rap Music:

1. Jerry Garcia Band [Live]
2. Just Another Band from East L.A.: A Collection [Box set]
3. Lamf [Limited Edition]
4. Lawn Boy
5. Little Criminals
6. Live: 30th Anniversary Edition [Live] [Original recording remastered] [Import]
7. Live at Carnegie Hall [Live]
8. Live! In the Air Age [Live]
9. Love Is Here
10. Love Is Red

Rap Music

rap music

Recommended Music:

Los Esplendidos [Import]

Schubert: Symphony No. 8; Zauberharfe Overture; Rosamunde Ballet Music

Raw Silk

Music: Tíreme Flechas Amor

Plays Bob Dylan [Import]

Rapmasters 4

Resurrection Rap

Picking You Up Just to Put You Down

Outra Vez Marines [Import]

Príhoda, Vása

Music Improvisation [Import] [Original recording remastered]

Present Lover [Import]

MTV Summer Lounge [Limited Edition] [Import]

Top 10 Southern Gospel Songs '97

Friday at Five