Crossfade [DualDisc]

Crossfade [DualDisc]

Track Listings

Disc: 1
1. Starless [Sony]
2. Cold [Sony]
3. So Far Away [Sony]
4. Colors [Sony]
5. Death Trend Setta [Sony]
6. Deep End [Sony]
7. No Giving Up [Sony]
8. Dead Skin [Sony]
9. Disco [Sony]
10. Unknown [Sony]
Disc: 2
1. Starless [DVD] [Sony]
2. Cold [DVD] [Sony]
3. So Far Away [DVD] [Sony]
4. Colors [DVD] [Sony]
5. Death Trend Setta [DVD] [Sony]
6. Deep End [DVD] [Sony]
7. No Giving Up [DVD] [Sony]
8. Dead Skin [DVD] [Sony]
9. Disco [DVD] [Sony]
10. Unknown [DVD] [Sony]
See all 12 tracks on this disc

Crossfade,Crossfade,Sony,Pop,Post-Grunge,Rock,Rock/Pop


Crossfade [DualDisc]

Crossfade
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • A good freshman album
  • A few stand-out songs save mediocre debut.
  • Hey, it was good...
  • Crossfade
  • Sappy blend of NU-Metal and POP
Crossfade
Crossfade
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Post GrungePost Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
$8.99 and Under$8.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
PopPop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
RockRock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Alternative RockAlternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
All Blowout MusicAll Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
$8.99 and Under$8.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
More Titles at Least 25% OffMore Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. We Are Not Alone
  2. Falling Away
  3. Three Days Grace
  4. Leave a Whisper
  5. Karma and Effect

ASIN: B0001XAMNQ
Release Date: 2004-04-13

Tracks:

  1. Starless
  2. Cold
  3. So Far Away
  4. Colors
  5. Death Trend Setta
  6. The Deep End
  7. No Giving Up
  8. Dead Skin
  9. Disco
  10. The Unknown

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars A good freshman album.......2007-06-17

Although I'm not sure, I think this is Crossfade's first album, which I just bought. It is a good, solid album for a young band. If you like Breaking Benjamin, Seether, Three Days Grace, Staind, etc., you should like Crossfade. A couple tracks didn't suit me--either they sounded repetitive, or just a little inferior in quality--but for the most part, I can put this album on and leave it. That's a sign of quality to me.

3 out of 5 stars A few stand-out songs save mediocre debut........2007-05-09

Of course, everyone has heard the big hit "Cold." That song carries this album along with the other hit, "Colors". There are a couple other songs worth your time, but those are found early on, and it gets somewhat weak towards the end. You'd be better off downloading the good songs, but to each his own.

5 out of 5 stars Hey, it was good..........2006-09-04

Well Crossfade may just be another modern rock Alt Metal band but that doesn't make them bad. Sure, they don't really add anything new to the music out now but that shouldn't take away from the music itself. All I know is from what I heard they have some really good tracks. I first heard the track "Cold" on the radio and it was just one of those songs that I love instantly. I just had to go out and get the album. After getting the album It turned out to be pretty good. I pretty much enjoyed everything on here. Although, my favorite tracks would have to be "Cold", "Starless", "Colors", and "Dead Skin". Here's the track ratings...

1. Starless - 9.5/10
2. Cold - 10/10
3. So Far Away - 9.5/10
4. Colors - 10/10
5. Death Trend Setta - 10/10
6. The Deep End - 9/10
7. No Giving Up - 9.5/10
8. Dead Skin - 10/10
9. Disco - 7/10
10. The Unknown - 9/10

Overall: 93% A-

Sure, it's not really anything new but It is good and a nice listen. I enjoyed this album very much and am very curious to see what Crossfade has done with their new album that was just released. Anyway, anyone who's into this style of music will probably end up finding a bunch of other good tracks for their music collection.

3 out of 5 stars Crossfade.......2006-08-29

I just got this album today and I liked the three singles. Not a bad debut, but I have heard a lot better. Since it has been out for awhile, I'm sure you can find this for way under $10 in a bargin bin. So check it out!

2 out of 5 stars Sappy blend of NU-Metal and POP.......2006-08-25

Basically, what it all breaks down to, is are these guys musicians? Are they talented? Do they have staying power?
The answers to those questions is maybe.
Their debut albums sounds too much like their influences, and that just doesn't cut it to me. It may sell well with angry teenagers and do well on the radio and MTV, but that world is a fairly trivial one, a world where your good today, and gone tomorrow.
They are seemingly one hit wonders who had one hit song. Their album is a flop, I have heard it front to back and there are no songs that really impress or let their talents shine through.
Each song is either an angry song or a depressing one about an ex-girlfriend. Lackluster lyrics(a sorry attempt to rap on one song), and average guitar playing with average drums.
The vocals could go far, if done in the right context and awesome lyrics.
They sound too much like every other NU-metal and sappy band that has come out in the last ten years! It's great to have influences, and we all have influences. But true talent is not copying and emulating what others have done, but taking what you have learned and expanding upon it, changing it, molding it to your experience in your own, original way.
Maybe their next release(if they have one) will show off more talent and creativity, rather than showcasing what other bands have done in the past ten years.
Falling Away
Average customer rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
  • Major Dissapointment
  • Not what I expected
  • Better than I've heard
  • what a dissapointment!
  • What the hell happened? Big let down.
Falling Away
Crossfade
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Post GrungePost Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
PopPop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
RockRock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Alternative RockAlternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
All Blowout MusicAll Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
More Titles at Least 25% OffMore Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Phobia
  2. Crossfade
  3. One X
  4. The Paramour Sessions
  5. Come What(ever) May

ASIN: B000GPIPO2
Release Date: 2006-08-29

Tracks:

  1. Washing the World Away
  2. Already Gone
  3. Somebody
  4. Invincible
  5. Falling Away
  6. Everything's Wrong
  7. Why
  8. Breathing Slowly
  9. Anchor
  10. Drown You Out
  11. Never Coming Home

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Major Dissapointment.......2007-06-07

I only liked one song and believe me I listened to the CD at least 5 times to make sure it was only the one song.

I still listen to their first CD over and over and over...No comparison. Cold is still one of my all time favorite songs.

I agree with many: What happened?

2 out of 5 stars Not what I expected.......2007-05-07

After listening to this cd, I would say it's definetly not what I expected. We are all use to they're catchy head banging rock melody from the first cd, but in this cd I fell asleep just out of straight boredom just listening to the melody. Now the reason I gave them a two stars is maybe one or two songs that are decently good other than that I give 1 star to all the other songs. If you are looking for the band that has replaced Crossfade look up Evans Blue you won't be disappointed.

4 out of 5 stars Better than I've heard.......2007-02-15

I personally thought the CD was a lot better than many of these reviewers are giving it credit for. The song Invincible is incredible and so is Drown You Out. I think maybe you should listen to the whole CD first and then make a judgment. :)

2 out of 5 stars what a dissapointment!.......2007-02-01

The follow-up to Crossfade's self-titled debut is...well, it just not as good. In fact, I hated this album. The only good songs are "Already Gone", "Invincible", and "Drown You Out." I tried to like the rest, I really did. But after listening to the album numerous times, I couldn't helping feeling like i wasted my money. I expected so much more from Crossfade. Seemingly all the songs have the same recurring theme (the word "pain" is used in several), and the tone of the songs just doesn't flow very well. Several songs have a number of different melodies, stopping and then starting again. It seems as if the band was experimenting and didn't know what kind of sound they were looking for, and the album suffers from it. BOTTOM LINE: borrow the album from a friend, then download the songs. Don't waste your money.

2 out of 5 stars What the hell happened? Big let down........2007-01-31

I hate it when good bands go bad. I heard the 1st track on the radio a few days ago and said to myself is that Crossfade? Then sure enough it was I was like cool they have a new cd out. It's been out sence August ('06) and I didn't even know that should've clued me in but I figured it was Crossfade their last cd rocked this one should too, boy was I wrong. Washing the world away is the only song that kind of sounds like the pervious cd which I'm sure is why it was on the air. I'm majorly dissapointed the song Colors on the last cd was really awesome then they go and ruin it with some wussy crap, the air waves are already full of that. Maybe the next cd they'll go back to what made them and stop trying to be like everyone else.
Crossfade
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Crossfade Dualdisc Audio CD Review
  • "I never meant to be so cold..."
  • Highly polished yet raw rock with a scratcher!
Crossfade
Crossfade
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Post GrungePost Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Twelve Year Silence
  2. Falling Away
  3. Leave a Whisper
  4. We Are Not Alone
  5. Us and Them

ASIN: B0007SL360
Release Date: 2005-03-29

Tracks:

  1. Starless
  2. Cold
  3. So Far Away
  4. Colors
  5. Death Trend Setta
  6. Deep End
  7. No Giving Up
  8. Dead Skin
  9. Disco
  10. Unknown

Tracks:

  1. Starless [DVD]
  2. Cold [DVD]
  3. So Far Away [DVD]
  4. Colors [DVD]
  5. Death Trend Setta [DVD]
  6. Deep End [DVD]
  7. No Giving Up [DVD]
  8. Dead Skin [DVD]
  9. Disco [DVD]
  10. Unknown [DVD]
  11. Cold [DVD][*]
  12. Crossfade Interview [DVD][*]
  13. Acoustic Sessions [DVD][*]

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Crossfade Dualdisc Audio CD Review.......2006-07-30

I first heard of Crossfade when watching MTV music videos, and seeing their music video for "Cold" on there. At first I thought the band was Nickelback, because they sound so similar, but they weren't. I ended up being addicted to "Cold" and I wanted to get the CD really badly. I got this Dualdisc version at Sam Goody. The Dualdisc version is different from the regular CD version in the way that the disc is double-sided. On one side, it is the audio, the ten tracks you will hear in your stereo or CD player. On the other side, you can put it into your DVD or computer, because that is the DVD side. This includes all ten tracks on the audio side, the music video for "Cold" and also an accoustic version of the same song, which is actually really good.

I gave this CD four stars because it is very, very good rock music. However, I fault it for being quite short (only around 30 minutes long) and not having more tracks. The DVD side is very nice to explore because it has special features, including an interview with the band, the accoustic "Cold" and also the music video.

I have to say, the tracks I enjoy most are:

Starless
Cold
So Far Away
Colors
The Deep End
The Unknown

That's about half of the CD right there. The music isn't super, nor is it really crappy. I would encourage you to buy it if you really like rock music, but it's all up to you. Thanks for reading my review!

4 out of 5 stars "I never meant to be so cold...".......2006-02-25

...because I waited so long to pick this up.

Although I thought Crossfade's song "Cold" was good when I first heard it, I still didn't really pay attention to it until it achieved some success on VH1's Top 20 Video Countdown, because very rarely do you see a hard rock song on there that isn't a pop hit. At any rate, the band's self-titled album is quite impressive.

There are great songs like "The Deep End", "Starless", and especially "So Far Away". In fhe only tracks I could really do without are "Colors" and "Disco". Though only ten tracks long, Crossfade might not have shown their COMPLETE potential, but the album is still good to add to your collection.

Anthony Rupert

5 out of 5 stars Highly polished yet raw rock with a scratcher!.......2006-02-18

This is perhaps one of my favorite disc's to demo on my mostly Krell system. (FPB 400Amp, Showcase processor preamp, Velodyne 17" digital drive sub, and Krell Lat2 speakers with Kimbercable). These boys from Columbia SC have a great sound that reminds me of (dont laugh) a bit of Alice in Chains coupled with Ted Nugent's sound on Stranglehold. Don't ask me why, but it's what came to mind when I first heard them and it's meant as a compliment! Outstanding vocals to match the depth of the lyrics (Cold and Dead Skin,wow!) and one fine job of mixing. The Cold video and the accoustic set are worth the price by themselves, and the DVD-A mix is exceptionally well done, but I do prefer the stereo mix on Dead Skin over the DVD-A. I really enjoyed the interviews with the band. A group of down to earth guys who take their music seriously, but are having a good time without getting too far "out there" like some of their peers. A great story and a great sound coming out of the unlikely locale of Columbia, SC. If you like Alice in Chains, Collective Soul, Zeppelin, Sabbath, Fuel, Creed or Soundgarden, you will love these guys. Buy the dual disc, you won't regret it.
White on Blue
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A must for every west-coast fan
  • Toto-like melodic pop/rock
White on Blue
Crossfade
Manufacturer: Mtm Music & Publish
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
RockRock | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Falling Away
  2. Crossfade
  3. One X
  4. Saturate
  5. Phobia

ASIN: B0001K9IB6
Release Date: 2004-06-15

Tracks:

  1. Day the Music Died
  2. Did You Really?
  3. Vanity Fair
  4. Flying
  5. Deeper Shade of Love
  6. Thorns of Life
  7. Loving Eyes
  8. Time
  9. Don't Really Matter
  10. You

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A must for every west-coast fan.......2005-05-27

Would you imagine that the cold Sweden is the place where the sunny atmosphere of California in the Seventies comes to life again? If not, then take a chance and listen to this CD. Refined, crystal polished-a pretty unusual sound during these days-you will enjoy the perfect arrangements, the solos, vocals, sided by a metronomical rhythm section will take you to the high places where Chicago, Pages, Toto, Airplay flew many years ago. Make no mistake: this is all but a nostalgic piece of work. It's fresh and up-to-date, but still honey for ears like the one once enjoyed Graydon & friends. Believe me: this is an absolute gem!

4 out of 5 stars Toto-like melodic pop/rock.......2005-05-15

Unfortunately there is some confusion because a recent group from America uses the same name. Be careful, because the two bands play very different styles. Crossfade is a very slick, well-produced, pop/rock band from Sweden. I only ran across this band because their CD is linked to my own on cdbaby. I sampled their music and liked what I heard.
This record (can you still say record?) is firmly AOR. I have seen this music described as "west coast." If that means to you that they sound like Toto, Ambrosia, Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins - then it is an apt description. The musicians are talented and the music is alternatively powerful and subtle, capturing moods and evoking emotions rather than just showing off. The lead vocals are very polished, somewhere between Kenny Loggins and Bobby Kimball, with a slight Swedish accent that only really surfaces on the two ballads, which are the weakest tracks on the CD; not bad by any means, but fairly conventional.
Generally, the songwriting is also strong. These songs were crafted, not just cranked out. If you are a fan of the aforementioned artists, then you will very likely enjoy this band. I look forward to more from Crossfade.
The String Quartet Tribute to Crossfade
Average customer rating: Not rated
    The String Quartet Tribute to Crossfade
    Various Artists
    Manufacturer: Vitamin Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music
    TributesTributes | Pop | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Falling Away

    ASIN: B000GY72NS
    Release Date: 2006-08-29

    Tracks:

    1. Starless
    2. Cold
    3. So Far Away
    4. Colors
    5. Death Trend Setta
    6. The Deep End
    7. No Giving Up
    8. Dead Skin
    9. Disco
    10. The Unknown
    11. Fade Out (Original composition inspired by the music of Crossfade)

    Product Description

    1. Starless
    2. Cold
    3. So Far Away
    4. Colors
    5. Death Trend Setta
    6. The Deep End
    7. No Giving Up
    8. Dead Skin
    9. Disco
    10. The Unknown

    Format: CD
    Cold/Dead Skin
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Cold/Dead Skin
      Crossfade
      Manufacturer: Sony
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
      Post GrungePost Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
      Similar Items:
      1. Crossfade
      2. Falling Away
      3. Phobia
      4. We Are Not Alone
      5. 10,000 Days

      ASIN: B000244FMS
      Release Date: 2004-05-25

      Tracks:

      1. Cold
      2. No Giving Up
      White on Blue
      Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
      • Don't be a dork
      • not what I thought it would be
      • Lost and Found
      • A must for every west-coast fan
      • NOT SAME BAND AS CROSSFADE FROM THE USA
      White on Blue
      Crossfade
      Manufacturer: Crown Japan
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
      Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
      RockRock | Imports | Stores | Music
      Similar Items:
      1. Crossfade

      ASIN: B0001DD166
      Release Date: 2004-04-12

      Tracks:

      1. Day the Music Died
      2. Did You Really
      3. Vanity Fair
      4. Flying
      5. Deeper Shade of Love
      6. Thorns of Life
      7. Loving Eyes
      8. Time
      9. Don't Really Matter
      10. You

      Customer Reviews:

      4 out of 5 stars Don't be a dork.......2007-04-06

      This is good West-Coast AOR for sure, but I am confused by the people who bought this thinking it was the American band Crossfade (who incidentally, this band can easily outplay, even though they're "grandparent" music as was so poetically stated previously). This album is not my specific taste musically, but I totally appreciate the talent and songwriting skills these guys possess. So, if you're looking for the American band Crossfade, THIS IS NOT THEM. Do some research before you plunk down $40 or $50 on an import! COMMON SENSE PEOPLE!!!

      2 out of 5 stars not what I thought it would be.......2005-12-20

      So I buy this CD thinking it was from the REAL Crossfade and was promptly disappointed. This CD is good in its own rights (good west-coast music) but, as my title says, it's not what I thought it would be. A definite loser in my book.

      1 out of 5 stars Lost and Found.......2005-09-15

      In most cases I would rather not rate an album I know little about, however I'll give a 1 star to say this. I just have to get this off my chest, being into today's rock as much as I am... How come there's never a mention about these grandparent bands until the name is hot in Modern Rock. Jet, Bush, Crossfade and the list goes on and on... If they were LOST in the vaults all this time and no one bothered looking for them, don't resurrect them as FOUND upon us X'ers. If you know of other bands of this type, in which some record label is trying to take advantage of us knowing many accidentally purchase them please send the artist's name and CD title to my alternate e-mail address: the.music.deity@gmail.com

      5 out of 5 stars A must for every west-coast fan.......2005-05-27

      Would you imagine that the cold Sweden is the place where the sunny atmosphere of California in the Seventies comes to life again? If not, then take a chance and listen to this CD. Refined, crystal polished-a pretty unusual sound during these days-you will enjoy the perfect arrangements, the solos, vocals, sided by a metronomical rhythm section will take you to the high places where Chicago, Pages, Toto, Airplay flew many years ago. Make no mistake: this is all but a nostalgic piece of work. It's fresh and up-to-date, but still honey for ears like the one once enjoyed Graydon & friends. Believe me: this is an absolute gem!

      1 out of 5 stars NOT SAME BAND AS CROSSFADE FROM THE USA.......2005-01-12

      Hi I just purchased this cd thinking it would be a great rock import for the band "crossfade" --WRONG-- this isn't the same band that has the hit "Cold" no this band is some happy Swedish folk music band....so just to warn you..unless you actually listen to this exact cd....it isn't rock...it isnt the same band...so dont get it...thought i would warn you from my mistake...D*mn Im mad about this... :(
      Top Tunes Karaoke CD+G Rock Vol. 17 TT-264
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Top Tunes Karaoke CD+G Rock Vol. 17 TT-264
        Various Artists , Nickelback; The Killers , and 3 Doors Down; The Bangles; Black Eyed Peas; Chevelle; Crossfade; Eve 6; The Exies; Fountains Of Wayne; Fuel; Hoobastank; The Mars Volta; Motley Crue; Outkast; Puddle Of Mudd; Shinedown; Simple Plan; Three Days Grace; Trapt
        Manufacturer: Top Tunes Karaoke
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        KaraokeKaraoke | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B000OVDM14

        Product Description

        KARAOKE TRACKS: (1) AWAY FROM ME - Puddle Of Mudd (2) BECAUSE OF YOU - Nickelback (3) BURNING BRIGHT - Shinedown (4) DISAPPEAR - Hoobastank (5) FALLS ON ME - Fuel (6) FEELING WAY TOO DAMN GOOD - Nickelback (7) HOME - Three Days Grace (8) IF I DIE TOMORROW - Motley Crue (9) LET ME GO (Rock Version) - 3 Doors Down (10) MR. BRIGHTSIDE - The Killers (11) SMILE LIKE YOU MEAN IT - The Killers (12) SO FAR AWAY - Crossfade (13) THE CLINCHER - Chevelle (14) THE WIDOW - The Mars Volta (15) UGLY - The Exies
        City Buzz Rocks Vol.1
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          City Buzz Rocks Vol.1
          The Zutons, Silvertide,Crossfade,Citizen Cope, Bowling for Soup, Wakefield, A static Lullaby, full scale, Jem, tegan & sara Kasabian
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD
          ASIN: B000NPQ420

          Product Description

          1.Kasabian-club foot 2.The Zutons-pressure point 3.Silvertide-blue jeans 4.Crossfade-so far away 5.Citizen Cope-bullet and a target 6.Bowling for Soup-almost 7.Wakefield-C'Mon baby 8.A Static Lullaby-stand up 9.Full Scale-party political 10.Jem-24 11.Tegan & Sara-Walking with a Ghost
          Crossfade
          Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
          • A Majority of Two
          Crossfade

          Manufacturer: Capstone
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
          ASIN: B00005UKM2
          Release Date: 2001-12-18

          Tracks:

          1. Rosas: In Five Movements
          2. Rosas: In Five Movements
          3. Rosas: In Five Movements
          4. Rosas: In Five Movements
          5. Rosas: In Five Movements
          6. Aquarelle
          7. Gottlieb Duo: Variations
          8. Gottlieb Duo: Scherzo
          9. Gottlieb Duo: Song
          10. Links No. 6 (Song Interiors)
          11. Duo

          Customer Reviews:

          4 out of 5 stars A Majority of Two.......2004-10-19


          As an intimate collaborative art form, chamber music can provide an ideal medium for the expression of individual talents, as well as the synergy of joint efforts. And while chamber ensembles may have the potential to bring out the best in their constituent members, this is nowhere more evident than when the "ensemble" of musicians only consists of a majority of two, as in the case of The Hoffmann/Goldstein Duo. Acknowledged virtuosic veterans of the new-music scene for more than two decades, pianist Paul Hoffmann and percussionist Tom Goldstein amply demonstrate the intensity and power of their individual and combined talents in their very beautifully-recorded recent release under the Capstone label.

          The title of the release ("Crossfade") is an apt summation for what we hear happening over the course of the five works offered on this recording. And, made more stark by the sharply contrasting natures of their respective instruments, the volleying of sounds and gestures back and forth, at times abrupt and at other moments just fading into each other almost seamlessly, seems to be the signature dynamic between these two electrifying music-makers on this compact disk.

          Of course, the dialectic between piano and percussion is the fundamental challenge to which each composer's work on this CD had to rise, and most did, with varying degrees of success. The least successful of these was Christian Wolff's Rosas, so named as a tribute (but actually bearing no resemblance) to two of the most renowned activists of the last century: Rosa Luxemburg and Rosa Parks. The piece seemed to find its reason for being only in its final fifth movement. The soothingly spare appeal of Jo Kondo's Aquarelle, specifically written for Tom Goldstein and Kit Young, had an unobtrusive Feldman-like water-color feel to it, as alternating antiphonal chords in the piano and vibraphone blurred echo-like into each other. As quoted in the liner notes, Kondo's "primary concern was to point out both the subtle differences and similarities between the timbral qualities of the vibraphone and piano. For that purpose I treated both instruments alternately, creating between them a very slow, rocking rhythm."

          Piercing through that bobbing tranquility were Ralph Shapey's tom-toms in the opening measures of his three-movement Gottlieb Duo, the longest work on the recording. Described by the composer as a "constant contrapuntal interplay between piano and percussion," the first movement (Variations) sounded somewhat disjointed and awkward. Though quite motoric, the more coherently percussive second movement (Scherzo) had the virtue of brevity as a way to keep its form in proportion to its content. Also brief was the third movement (Song), which sounded like a couple of young musicians haltingly experimenting with a tone row. Links #6, by Stuart Saunders Smith, very interestingly paired piano and vibraphone as if they were winding around each other like a double-helix of DNA. According to its composer, however, and while entirely imperceptible and unidentifiable to the listener (even after several hearings), this work contains "over forty bits of [American popular song and jazz compositions from the 1930s to the 1960s] woven together."

          The last track is the outstanding work and highpoint on this recent Capstone release, a work that this reviewer considers to be a masterpiece in its own right: Duo, by Patrick Hardish. Indeed, through an amazing economy of means, Hardish has created a thoroughly engaging and beautiful contemporary work, full of force, intelligence and an exquisite sense for the appropriately chosen and timed sonority. As a work that clearly understands and has met the dialectical challenge mentioned earlier, this work is worthy of immense admiration. In addition, one cannot imagine how anyone could improve on this truly magnificent performance of the work. Finally, although the works performed on this recording are of vastly varying quality, it is also clear, nonetheless, that the high quality and artistry of The Hoffmann/Goldstein Duo consistently come through loud and clear on this recording.

          John de Clef Piñeiro





          Rap Music:

          1. Defector [Original recording remastered] [Import]
          2. Dreams
          3. Elva [Explicit Lyrics]
          4. EP [Enhanced] [EP] [Limited Edition]
          5. Far Side of the World [Enhanced]
          6. Ghetto Bells
          7. Golden [Content/Copy-Protected CD] [Content/Copy-Protected CD]
          8. Growers of Mushroom [Import]
          9. Helena [CD-single] [Import]
          10. Hell Below Stars Above

          Rap Music

          rap music

          Recommended Music:

          DJ Mix Series, Vol. 5

          Luis de Pablo: Notturnino / Concerto de Camara / Dibujos / Cinco Meditaciones / Cuatro Fragmentos de Kiu - Ensemble 2e2m

          Keep on...Ya'll

          Music: Country Superstar Christmas 4

          Instinct [Import]

          Latin Locos [Enhanced] [Explicit Lyrics]

          Jesus Said He Would

          More Maximum Oasis

          Hanji [Enhanced] [Import]

          Mendelssohn: Fantasy on 'The Last Rose of Summer'

          Notes from a Drummer

          Limited Edition

          Impulsions

          I Believe

          The Complete Jerome Kern Songbooks