Songwriter [Extra tracks] [Original recording remastered] [Import]

Product Description
Digitally Remastered Edition of the 1977 Debut Solo Album from the Leading Moody Blue on the Deram Label. The Original Lineup is Augmented with Four Bonus Tracks that were Either Left off the Original LP and Released as an Individual Single.

Songwriter,Justin Hayward,Universal Int'l,Pop,Prog-Rock/Art Rock,Rock,Rock/Pop,Soft Rock

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Songwriter [Extra tracks] [Original recording remastered] [Import]

Average customer rating: WHAT A BAND! Oh my HANDLE WITH CARE - THIS SET IS A REAL GEM Don't listen to the naysayers Just good music

Traveling Wilburys (2 CD / 1 DVD) The Traveling Wilburys Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Memory Almost Full Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur Memory Almost Full [Deluxe Limited Edition] Live In Dublin Icky Thump ASIN: B000P0J024 Release Date: 2007-06-12

Tracks:

1. Handle With Care
2. Dirty World
3. Rattled
4. Last Night
5. Not Alone Any More
6. Congratulations
7. Heading For the Light
8. Margarita
9. Tweeter And the Monkey Man
10. End Of the Line
11. Maxine - (previously unreleased, Bonus Track)
12. Like A Ship - (alternate take, Bonus Track)

Tracks:

1. She's My Baby
2. Inside Out
3. If You Belonged To Me
4. Devil's Been Busy, The
5. 7 Deadly Sins
6. Poor House
7. Where Were You Last Night?
8. Cool Dry Place
9. New Blue Moon
10. You Took My Breath Away
11. Wilbury Twist
12. Nobody's Child - (Bonus Track)
13. Runaway - (Bonus Track)

Amazon.com

The Traveling Wilburys were one of the few supergroups that lived up to their promise, because they didn't try to. Things started inauspiciously when George Harrison, needing a B-side for a 1988 single, called in friends Jeff Lynne, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Roy Orbison for assistance. Two albums later--the second without Orbison, who had passed away shortly after the first was released--the loose-knit collective had recorded material that was as durable, and occasionally eclipsed, the participants' legendary solo work. The Wilburys succeeded due to a genial and contagious camaraderie that permeates both discs. What could have been a train wreck of ego clashes instead resulted in a frothy meeting of the minds. These guys are having a blast, trading lead vocals and harmonies on energetic folk-rock, quirky rockabilly, and Beatlesque pop that shimmers with the respect and esteem the members clearly hold for each other. Harrison and Lynne's rather slick production polishes off edges that might better have been left unvarnished, but there's no denying the loosey-goosey craftsmanship at work in tunes such as "Handle with Care," "End of the Line," and a striking Orbison performance on "Not Alone Anymore" that ranks with any of his finest. Both albums were million-sellers, but oddly went out of print for about a decade until Rhino resurrected them, adding two rare tracks per disc as well as a DVD of music videos and a band documentary. The resulting package is a comprehensive overview of a once--well, twice--in-a-lifetime project that, especially after Harrison's passing, will never be repeated. --Hal Horowitz

Album Description

Featuring classics like "Handle With Care," "End Of The Line," and "Heading For The Light," super-group Traveling Wilbury's Collection highlights all of the band's music and previously unreleased bonus tracks through this re-mastered double album. The DVD features behind the scenes footage of the band writing and recording, along with their 5 video clips.

Customer Reviews:

WHAT A BAND!.......2007-07-25

I am writing a review on the legendary landmark album entitled "THE TRAVELING WILBURYS COLLECTION" by one of Rock's all-time greatest bands ever. I give you one of America's and England's greatest pride and joys and one of Britain's and America's most favorite sons, T-H-E T-R-A-V-E-L-I-N-G W-I-L-B-U-R-Y-S! "THE TRAVELING WILBURYS COLLECTION" was originally released in 2007 on a Two-Compact disc / one-DVD set on the Wilbury Records label which is exclusively licensed to Rhino Entertainment Company, a Warner Music Group Company.

THE TRAVELING WILBURYS will forever go down in Rock n' Roll history and be remembered for creating the all-time greatest Hillbilly and Country Rock n' Roll music ever. If that wasn't enough, THE TRAVELING WILBURYS will also forever be known for having one of the greatest mega-star line-up's in all of Rock n' Roll history. And just think, this all started when GEORGE needed a B-side for the hit single "This Is Love" from GEORGE HARRISON'S "CLOUD NINE" album. When EX-BEATLE GEORGE HARRISON recruited his close friends and legendary artists BOB DYLAN, JEFF LYNNE, TOM PETTY and ROY ORBISON, THE TRAVELING WILBURYS were born and Rock n' Roll would rise once again and put the sun back up in the sky one more time. In my opinion, "THE TRAVELING WILBUYS COLLECTION" is without a doubt, a true testament of the brilliant talents and musical creativity of five extremely talented mega genius'. This legendary landmark collection is also a fine fitting tribute to a great legendary band that was truly indeed, way far ahead of their time. This legendary collection is the tales in the life of THE TRAVELING WILBURYS, their music is their story.

DISC ONE begins with the legendary Hillbilly Rocker "Handle With Care," the uplifting mild Rocker "Dirty World," the 50's style Country Rocker "Rattled," the heartfelt Country Rocker "Last Night," the beautifully arranged and well sung Country Rocker by ROY ORBISON, "Not Alone Any More," the beautifully slow and harmonious number "Congratulations," the breathtaking Rocker sung by GEORGE, "Heading For The Light," the fast Country Rocker "Margarita," the continuation of THE ROLLING STONES own "Monkey Man," "Tweeter And The Monkey Man" and the 50's style Country Rocker "End Of the Line." BONUS TRACKS are the latin style acoustic "Maxine" and the beautifully slow and acoustic number "Like A Ship." END OF DISC ONE.

DVD DISC TWO contains the entire true history of THE TRAVELING WILBURYS. This is one hell of a disc and a fine introduction to the band especially for the new and curious ones. This DVD Disc also contains the great videos of "Handle With Care," "End Of The Line," "She's My Baby," "Inside Out" and "Wilbury Twist." This is one great collection that no TRAVELING WILBURYS fan would want to be without.

DISC THREE begins with the a*s kickin' Rocker "She's My Baby," the breathtaking Country Rocker "Inside Out," the beautiful Hillbilly Rocker "If You Belonged To Me," THE BEATLES sounding mild Rocker "The Devil's Been Busy," the beautifully slow song that sounds so much like THE BEATLES version of "This Boy," "7 Deadly Sins," the fast Country Rocker "Poor House," the beautifully and well arranged acoustic mild Rocker "Where Were You Last Night?," the acoustic Hard Rocker "Cool Dry Place," another great song that sounds like THE BEATLES, "New Blue Moon," the beautifully slow acoustic Rocker "You Took My Breath Away" and the fast merciless acoustic and electric Hard Rocker "Wilbury Twist." BONUS TRACKS are the slow Country Rocker "Nobody's Child" and the incredible rendition of the legendary classic song "Runaway." END OF DISC THREE. I would like to commend the late great GEORGE HARRISON, BOB DYLAN, JEFF LYNNE, TOM PETTY and the late great ROY ORBISON on a great job well done. Their voices and harmonies were breathtaking and blended perfectly together as one. Their guitar riffs and licks were extraordinary. This is one collection that you have to hear to believe.

In closing, THE TRAVELING WILBURYS were a band to be reckoned with but it would not last for long. In December 1988, ROY ORBISON would pass away leaving a missing ingredient in THE TRAVELING WILBURYS sound. THE TRAVELING WILBURYS would record one more album with just the four remaining members entitled "VOLUME THREE." The album was an instant hit but would be the last for the band. During that brief period, THE TRAVELING WILBURYS gave us a lifetime worth of music to cherish and enjoy. The remaining members would enjoy further success on their own until tragedy would fatally strike once again. In November 2001, the world would lose one of its all-time greatest and most beloved musicians ever, EX-BEATLE GEORGE HARRISON. For all of us, we will always remember those brief moments when these great legendary artists put aside their egos and joined forces just to give us all some special Rock n' Roll magic even if it was just for a short time. As we all well know, some of the members have already received the highest ultimate possible by being inducted as members of The Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame. In my opinion, THE TRAVELING WILBURYS has forever left their place and mark in Rock n' Roll history and their many contributions, accomplishments and achievements as solo artists, as well as a band, will never be forgotten. So here's to you late great GEORGE, JEFF, BOB, TOM and the late great ROY. Thanks for the many great memories and moments that you all shared with us. GEORGE HARRISON LIVES! ROY ORBISON LIVES! Thanks for reading my review and I truly hope that you have enjoyed reading it as much as I have truly enjoyed writing it for your reading pleasure. I also deeply hope that you will continue in reading all of my other reviews in the near future when time permits. THE TRAVELING WILBURYS FOREVER! R.I.P. GEORGE HARRISON, Born 25 February 1943, Died 30 November 2001 at age 58. Also R.I.P. ROY ORBISON, Born 23 April 1936, Died 6 December 1988 at age 52. Long live Rock n' Roll! Rock out always and take it easy. Forever in Rock, John L.

Oh my.......2007-07-25

These cds have some of the best sounds you will hear. The music is not only played well, but this one is mixed to perfection. Every time I hear it, I am impressed. If you are interested in just plain good sound, get this. Oh, did I mention that the music is unbelievable as well? This is truely a masterpiece.

HANDLE WITH CARE - THIS SET IS A REAL GEM.......2007-07-24

The Traveling Wilburys were one of the few supergroups that lived up to their promise, mostly because they didn't try to. Things started off simply enough when George Harrison, needing a B-side for a 1988 single, called on friend Jeff Lynne who happened to know that Bob Dylan had a studio nearby in L.A.. George's guitar was at Tom Petty's house and by that point they decided to do the group thing.

The group was complete with the addition of Roy Orbison, acclaimed by many as "The Most Beautiful Voice in Rock n' Roll." Unfortunately, Orbison passed away shortly after the first album was released, but the Wilburys succeeded due to the genial camaraderie that is reverberates through both discs. What could have been a train wreck of ego, instead resulted in these guys having a blast, trading lead vocals and harmonies that shimmer with the affection and respect the members clearly held for each other.

Harrison and Lynne's beautiful production make these records both listenable and memorable, particularly "Handle with Care," "End of the Line," and a breathtaking Orbison performance on "Not Alone Anymore". The CD's went out of print for about a decade until Olivia Harrison completed George's wishes to re-master and re-release the material, adding two rare tracks per disc as well as a DVD of music videos and a band documentary. The Deluxe package also includes a hard cover book of rare photos and a sticker.

This is a comprehensive overview of a twice-in-a-lifetime project that, especially after Harrison's and Orbison's passing, will never be repeated.

Don't listen to the naysayers.......2007-07-24

Wow, I can't believe how many reviews are negative on Vol. 3. It rocks! Maybe it's because I'm more of a Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne fan but it has all of their trademarks--strong rhythm section, great production, rock steady drumming (and just okay lyrics). I would stack Vol. 3 up against Petty's Full Moon Fever (produced by J. Lynne)--if you love that album, you'll love Vol. 3. If your feet aren't tapping to this music you just don't love rock'n'roll.

Just good music.......2007-07-23

I always loved George Harrison and seeing him in the DVD that came with this compilation was awesome. How can you go wrong with Jeff Lynne, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and Roy Orbison? They are having such fun and enjoyed playing together - it comes across in the music.

Average customer rating: Loved it! Oh, it's amazing A movie not to miss well worth a listen Once I found it I had to have it.

Once Original Soundtrack Manufacturer: Columbia ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Cost Fitzcarraldo Release the Stars The Reminder Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur ASIN: B000PFU7OO Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

1. Falling Slowly
2. If You Want Me
3. Broken Hearted Hoover Fixer Sucker Guy
4. When Your Minds Made Up
5. Lies
6. Gold
7. The Hill
8. Fallen from the Sky
9. Leave
10. Trying to Pull Myself Away
11. All the Way Down
12. Once
13. Say It to Me Now

Amazon.com

Even those allergic to musicals may be won over by Once, a tender-hearted Irish romance with songs by Czech Republic-born Markéta Irglová and Frames frontman Glen Hansard. (The film's director, John Carney, actually used to play bass in the group.) The trick here is that Irglová and Hansard also play the leads; because their characters are shown busking, writing music, or rehearsing, the songs are smoothly integrated in the film. The overall acoustic mood won't surprise fans of the Frames--some tracks ("Say It to Me," "When Your Mind's Made Up") have even popped up on the band's albums, though the arrangements are more pared-down here, befitting the scruffy, street-musician setting. Being the lesser-known entity, Irglová feels like a revelation; she sounds a bit like a folkie Björk on "If You Want Me," and her song "The Hill" is downright heartbreaking. Irglová and Hansard had already made the 2006 album The Swell Seasontogether, so their collaboration here feels really organic--they sound particularly good together on the title track, for instance. Now that's the kind of magic you want from musicals. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Loved it!.......2007-07-26

Loved the movie and loved the CD. This music sticks to your soul and you'll want to listen to it over and over agin.

Oh, it's amazing.......2007-07-26

Yes, it is. I liked the film but the music is what keeps me coming back for more.

A movie not to miss.......2007-07-24

Story - acting - music - vocals. Each of these elements one their own is outstanding, and when they are put together it creates a phenomenal movie. If you haven't seen it yet you are denying yourself a great experience.

well worth a listen.......2007-07-23

Although the movie "Once" is not very well known, I am recommending it, followed by purchasing the CD to all my friends. I play it all the time and because I saw the movie I think the emotionality of the music comes through loud and clear. It's a great CD and I look forward to hearing more from Glen Hansard and Maketa Irglova.

Once I found it I had to have it........2007-07-22

This soundtrack is not widely available over this side of the Atlantic, despite the location, nationality of cast and crew. Fantastic vocal and impressive instrumental work produce songs that stay with you having heard them just once.

Average customer rating: This country's best songwriter Very cool album Another snoozer Tiger goods Solid Album

Easy Tiger Ryan Adams Manufacturer: Lost Highway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Icky Thump Sky Blue Sky West The Reminder New Moon ASIN: B000P29B1W Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

1. goodnight rose
2. two
3. everybody knows
4. halloween head
5. two hearts
6. tears of gold
7. the sun also sets
8. off broadway
9. rip off
10. oh my god, whatever, etc.
11. pearls on a string
12. these girls
13. i taught myself how to grow old

Amazon.com

Easy Tiger, Ryan Adams's ninth solo studio album, is a return to form in every way. He's already shown that he can bash out three albums in one year--not to mention the hilarious fake hip-hop records posted for free on his Web site--and that he can sound as much like the Grateful Dead as he wants to in his constant subsequent touring. Backed once again by the Cardinals, Adams synthesizes and refines his approach to smooth, gorgeous country-pop. "Tears of Gold" is one of the best songs he's written in ages, while "Two" is a slowly percolating, sweet little number that recalls Sean Hayes in its soulful folksiness (someone named Sheryl Crow accompanies Adams on vocals). One of the greatest treats of this languorous, twangy album is the subtle ways that genre gets played with. "I Taught Myself How to Grow Old" is the best Harvest outtake Neil Young never wrote, while the treated, synth-sounding guitar solo on the druggy, chooglin' "Halloweenhead" sounds like it comes straight out of Journey. And "The Sun Also Sets" sounds more than a little like Rufus Wainwright covering Fred McDowell's "Write Me a Few of Your Lines." It bursts with enough melodrama as to border on musical theater. But, as is clear on these songs of love and loss, Adams has always been at his best when giving into his most mellow, dramatic side. --Mike McGonigal

Ryan Adams Photos

More Ryan Adams

Heartbreaker

Gold

Love Is Hell

Album Description

I think there are really only two kinds of pop music CDs these days. There are the ones you listen to only once or twice, maybe downloading the single good song to your iPod or computer; then there are others that grow stronger, sweeter, and more necessary each time you play them. Gold was that way; Cold Roses was that way; so was Jacksonville City Nights. I won't say Adams is the best North American singer-songwriter since Neil Young...but I won't say he isn't, either. What I know is there has never been a Ryan Adams record quite as strong and together as Easy Tiger; it's got enough blue-eyed, blue-steel soul (with the faintest country tinge) to make me think of both Marvin Gaye and the Righteous Brothers. Probably ridiculous, but true. And the songs themselves are beautiful--the lyrics tightly focused and brief, the feeling one of melancholy calm that will probably be a revelation to fans that remember the old, sometimes angry Ryan Adams.

Now there's this, maybe the best Ryan Adams CD ever. And I know you want to listen to it right away. But slow down. Take your time. This album asks for that, and it will reward your full attention.

In other words--easy, Tiger.

--Stephen King

Customer Reviews:

This country's best songwriter.......2007-07-26

Stephen King was right. Ryno keeps up the good work with his latest album. As many have already stated, it is best described as a combination of many of his past albums and styles. Nonetheless it is a collection of great, well written, heartfelt songs that sound great and grow on you with each listen as all his songs do.

Very cool album.......2007-07-25

All I had to do before I made my mind up to buy this album was to sample one or two tracks. Ryan Adam's 9th album was actually my introduction to his music. It's only once in a while you come across an artist like this and I look forward to discovering his back catalogue.

Another snoozer.......2007-07-25

Ryan - please reunite with Whiskeytown or go back to what you were going for Gold / Heartbreaker.

The last 6 or 7 albums aren't remotely as good as your first ones.

Tiger goods.......2007-07-22

I am middle aged and grew up listening to lots of music. Every morning when I was getting ready for school I would play "the constant three" on my record player (yep, record player): Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and B.B.King live at Folsom Prison. I don't know at what point in time I got turned onto Ryan Adams but I do know that I fell in love with Cold Roses a couple years back and told everyone I know about it. So I picked up Easy Tiger at Starbucks and I was astonished that I had not made this connection before. Ryan Adams sounds like a new Neil Young. Like Neil young sounded to me when I first started to listen to him 35 years ago. He writes great songs, he sings them with an emotional honesty and a slight twang, he means to get his song across, he wants to entertain too, and rock and roll and get it out. Easy Tiger is easily one of the best out there this year and will hold up, as Neil Young has, for years and years to come.

Solid Album.......2007-07-19

Once again Ryan Adams makes another solid album. every song is great. My favorites are Hallowenhead, Tears of Gold and Everybody Knows. So go ahead and buy it you won't regret it.

Average customer rating: Something is missing Make time for Time On Earth. If There is Hell on Earth - There Must Be a Heaven Too Crowded House returns... Finn with Crowdie Flavor

Time on Earth Crowded House Manufacturer: Ato Records / Red ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Farewell to the World Easy Tiger Beauty & Crime Sweet Warrior Our Love to Admire ASIN: B000Q9OD7G Release Date: 2007-07-10

Tracks:

1. Nobody Wants To
2. Don't Stop Now
3. She Called Up
4. Say That Again
5. Pour Le Monde
6. Even A Child
7. Heaven That I'm Making
8. A Sigh
9. Silent House
10. English Trees
11. Walked Her Way Down
12. Transit Lounge
13. You Are The One To Make Me Cry
14. People Are Like Suns

Amazon.com

Fourteen years, a live CD/DVD, some solo albums, and one tragic suicide after Crowded House's last release comes this highly anticipated reunion. Singer/songwriter Neil Finn and bassist Nick Seymour reunited after the 2005 death of drummer Paul Hester, brought in a new member and two producers (Ethan Johns and Steve Lillywhite) to replace longtime cohort Mitchell Froom, and the impressive result is a logical and overdue addition to the band's previous four albums. Finn's knack for a melodic ballad remains firmly in place as Time on Earth coasts on his dreamy voice and introspective, hook-laden pop choruses. However, this is a more reflective collection that requires a few spins to fully reveal its charms. Finn co-writes "Even a Child" with Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, and that and the frisky "She Called Up" are the most buoyant tracks on this predominantly pensive disc. Finn has generally shaded towards a darker edge and this hour-long set might have benefited from more of the lighter touch he applies to "Transit Lounge," a song enhanced by Beth Rowley's lovely and startling wordless vocals along with jazzy electric piano and even airport sound effects. Strings, sitar, and intricate production add subtle elements that bolster the timeless musical qualities Finn has always reveled in. The ominous, even brooding "Silent House," a co-write with all three Dixie Chicks, is another highlight that sounds like nothing either has done before as it floats along on fuzz guitar and hurdy-gurdy, both courtesy of Johns. Trimming some weaker cuts would have made this a more focused listen, but Time on Earth is a worthy successor to Crowded House's existing catalog--a high compliment indeed. --Hal Horowitz

Customer Reviews:

Something is missing.......2007-07-26

I say this as one of the biggest Crowdies in the world. I have been a huge fan of every Finn project from the start, but something is missing from this album. To me this is not Crowded House. I will give it 5 stars as an amazing Neil Finn and Friends album, but not CH. I relate my experience listening to this album as I did Warren Zevon's The Wind. The musicianship is still there. Neil's lyrics are as poignant and haunting as ever, but the fun is gone. The magic that was Neil Finn, Nick Seymour, and Paul Hester is sadly missing.

I think this is a fitting tribute to Paul and I understand the reasons for reforming Crowded House, but Paul's absence is palpable. With all that being said, this is a beautiful and haunting album that every CH and Finn fan should own. You won't be disappointed with the album at all. I want to make that clear. You will, however, feel a sense of loss I think. This is as cathartic an album as you will find in some ways. Buy it, enjoy it, love it, but remember the good ol' times in your heart.

I respect your wishes Paul, but we miss you.

Make time for Time On Earth........2007-07-24

Things in the world these days tend to be geared towards providing instant gratification. Pop music these days is disposable - instantly catchy (annoyingly so in most cases), played to death for a few weeks and then forgotten about. It's almost like there is too much music and too many bands around.
So what a delight it is to have Crowded House back together again to give us this album which can be enjoyed at a much more relaxing and rewarding pace. That's the thing about Neil Finn - he writes melodies that don't instantly reveal their true beauty - they take their time to hit home. And this is the case with Time On Earth. On first listen it sounds pleasant and inoffensive and just kind of "pretty good". I'll admit I was left slightly disappointed on the first hearing. But sit with this album and give it a few plays and like a polaroid photograph all it's colours, lights and shades are gradually revealed. I have a new favourite every time I hear the album now and as the songs become more familiar to me I find myself humming and singing them to myself during the day. This is a drawn out pleasure and is all the more rewarding for it. An album that will actually give you something back if you take the time to appreciate it. Who'd have thought it in this day and age!?

All good songs here - not a duffer among them. Early favourites for me were 'Pour Le Monde','Silent House' and 'Nobody Wants To' and then the others arrived at different times. At the moment I'm stuck on 'People Are Like Suns' a stunning emotional closer and it's obvious that the loss of Paul Hester has coloured the writing of the songs on Time On Earth.

Neil Finn is a master of his craft. Great album.

If There is Hell on Earth - There Must Be a Heaven Too.......2007-07-24

I struggled with a 3 or 4 star rating. The disk surely deserves 3.5, but the question was to round up or down. I opted for up.

Unlike the other four Crowded House disks, this one is spotty, and I hate saying that. But 14 years and an incomplete original roster doesn't necessarily make it a 'Crowded House' disk in my book.

There is some great material on here ("Walked Her Way Down"), some really good material ("Nobody Wants To", "Even a Child", "Don't Stop Now", "Heaven that I'm Making" & "Say That Again").

But there is some really bad material too. "She Called Up" starts promising enough - and different too. But then it falls into a 'la la la la' chorus that makes the Carpenters' "Sing" sound like musical genius. I am not a fan of "A Sigh" either.

There is some good, but borderline marginal music here - and that's the hardest part to swallow. I don't like marginal Neil Finn. "Silent House" is ok, but I think the Dixie Chicks covered it better. "Pour Le Monde" sounds like something that didn't make John Lennon's 'Double Fantasy' disk - and the rest of the songs are too bland to comment on. Nothing sticks out - good or bad.

Yes, I stick with my four-star rating, but it is based on that the good material is strong and Neil Finn has a pretty good at-bat record. Had it been a lesser artist, I would have gone to three.

Crowded House returns..........2007-07-24

It's been very interesting watching (hearing) Neil Finn's progression as a songwriter. He's always had what we've called a dark side and that's been refelctive in each CH and solo albums. For me he is the most human songwriter I have ever heard.

I must admit, after a few listens, that in whole this album makes me feel a bit sad and somber. There are some great songs on here, though! "Don't Stop Now" and "Pour Le Monde" are my immediate favorites.

As a whole I find this one closer to Neil's 1st solo CD "Try Whistling This".

Finn with Crowdie Flavor.......2007-07-24

While a huge CH fan, I've always liked Neil's solo and Finn Brothers material better -- a bit more mature and groundbreaking. In fact, I was a bit disappointed to hear that Neil's solo album had morphed into a CH album.

Don't worry either way, though. Neil has always been the front man, and the bottom line is -- the album is amazing. It has the elements of a great Neil solo album, but you can definitely feel the influence of Mark Hart and Nick Seymour, which gives it a more upbeat Crowdie flavor. The songs are smart, Beatlesque with inventive arrangements, moving and haunting lyrics. Definitely more mature (and more melancholy) than most of the Crowdie material from years past. But Neil has a way of doing it without sounding melodramatic or shallow.

The cuts get better with more listens, which is the sign of truly rich material. The album could have stood trimming of 2 or 3 songs, but overall it's a great effort and real tribute to the effect Hester had on the band and Neil over the years. Add it with no regrets.

Average customer rating: Excellent CD Not bad: Some good tracks, some I could live without Great songs but hello, Lennon had more to cover Fabulous Music Pass on this one....

Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur Various Artists Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Tributes | Pop | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Traveling Wilburys (2 CD / 1 DVD) Memory Almost Full Live In Dublin Memory Almost Full [Deluxe Limited Edition] Icky Thump ASIN: B000PMG9G2 Release Date: 2007-06-12

Tracks:

1. Instant Karma -- U2
2. #9 Dream -- R.E.M.
3. Mother -- Christina Aguilera
4. Give Peace A Chance -- Aerosmith with Sierra Leone Refuge All-Stars
5. Cold Turkey -- Lenny Kravitz
6. Whatever Gets You Through the Night -- Los Lonely Boys
7. I'm Losing You -- Corinne Bailey Rae
8. Gimme Some Truth -- Jakob Dylan Feat. Dhani Harrison
9. Oh, My Love -- Jackson Browne
10. Imagine -- Avril Lavigne
11. Nobody Told Me -- Big & Rich
12. Jealous Guy -- Youssou N'Dour

Tracks:

1. Working Class Hero -- Green Day
2. Power to the People -- Black Eyed Peas
3. Imagine -- Jack Johnson
4. Beautiful Boy -- Ben Harper
5. Isolation -- Snow Patrol
6. Watching the Wheels -- Matisyahu
7. Grow Old With Me -- Postal Service
8. Gimme Me Some Truth -- Jaguares
9. (Just Like) Starting Over -- The Flaming Lips
10. God -- Jack's Mannequin feat. Mick Fleetwood
11. Real Love -- Regina Spektor

Amazon.com

John Lennon would have turned 67 in 2007. If alive, he could well be at the forefront of bringing peace to Darfur, where more than half a million have died from violence and disease during four years of rebel discord. So to create awareness of the ongoing conflict, Amnesty International (with permission from Yoko Ono) has mined Lennon's solo work and rounded up nearly two dozen current artists to reinterpret the music, which spans the ex-Beatle's entire post-band catalog (plus a pair from while the Fab Four were still in business). As with any attempt to cover Beatles-related music, results are hit and miss, with kudos going to Snow Patrol and the Postal Service for capturing the starkness of "Isolation" and "Grow Old with Me," respectively, Mexican rock band Jaguares for uncovering the fear and fury in "Gimme Some Truth," and (surprise!) Christina Aguilera for nailing the complex composition and mood of "Mother." Other highlights include Jackson Browne's piano-led "Oh My Love," Green Day's louder straight take on "Working Class Hero," and the Black Eyed Peas turning "Power to the People" into a gospelly protest. Will resurrecting 30-to-40-year-old messages of peace and love be enough to help end the brutalities in Darfur? That remains to be seen. But selecting John Lennon as the author of those messages will make people listen and, with this collection, may keep them listening. --Scott Holter

Album Description

Featuring songs by the iconic John Lennon newly recorded by some of today's biggest as well as emerging artists, Instant Karma: The Campaign to Save Darfur is a major benefit-album project. In an effort to mobilize activism around this catastrophe, musicians unite to save lives. Some of the biggest artists in the world, along with today's emerging artists, all coming together for an unprecedented, brilliant collection of JOHN LENNON "covers." Proceeds from the campaign will go directly to support Amnesty International's urgent work on Darfur and other human rights crises worldwide.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent CD.......2007-07-26

We used this as background music for an outdoor picnic -- it created the perfect vibe for the day.

Not bad: Some good tracks, some I could live without.......2007-07-26

I generally avoid tribute or cover albums; they seem pointless unless the arrangements are substantially altered from those for the original recordings. However, I purchased this CD because I heard and loved Regina Spektor's version of "Real Love." It is better than the overdubbed version created for the Beatles Anthology, and more akin to the demo recorded by John Lennon's as heard on the Imagine film soundtrack. The rest the album, as others have said, is hit and miss. Nothing surpasses the original versions, but the material they are working with is so good, it is hard to do too much harm. The one exception is "God," covered here Jack's Mannequin and Mick Fleetwood. The original is a centerpiece of one of the greatest albums of all time. Yet, if ever there was a song inappropriate for a cover version, this one has got to be it. The lyrics and point of the song simply do not lend themselves to being sung by anyone but John Lennon himself.

Great songs but hello, Lennon had more to cover.......2007-07-25

This is a valiant effort, and the songs that are here are terrific, but was it really necessary to include TWO versions of "Imagine" and "Gimme Some Truth"? What's the point when there is so much more Lennon material out there? Another beef: where are Julian and Sean? Other than that, great disc for a great cause. Tons of talent. Highlights for me include Green Day and Jakob Dylan with Dhani Harrison (at least Dhani showed up).

Fabulous Music.......2007-07-25

What a great idea for a great cause. John Lennon was so talented. It's wonderful that other artists recognize this talent and were able to enhance his music beautifully.

Pass on this one...........2007-07-25

While saving Dafur is an extremely important cause, listening to this album is really difficult. Most, if not all, of these covers are really unimaginative, boring, tedious, plastic, crappily rendered. The only decent cover is Whatever Gets You Through the Night by Los Lonely Boys. It's just decent, not great, and the only reason I like it is because I never liked the fast tempo of the original. Los Lonely Boys slow it down, and get it in a nice groove. But that's the only good song. There are no great ones, and some are downright obnoxious. Steven Tyler's Give Peace a Chance is histronic, Aguilera's Mother has no feeling at all, REM's #9 Dream is boring, and Nobody Told Me is really bad, with a smarmy lead vocal on it. Avril's Imagine sucks, too. Like another reviewer here said, just give the money to Dafur. That's the best thing to do.

Average customer rating: Smooth! Personal, Intimate, Incomparable Definently not Heavier Things pt 2 Is this really John Mayer??? excellent cd !!!

Continuum John Mayer Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Not Too Late Corinne Bailey Rae Room for Squares Heavier Things How To Save A Life ASIN: B000H0MKGK Release Date: 2006-09-12

Tracks:

1. Waiting On The World To Change
2. I Don't Trust Myself (With Loving You)
3. Belief
4. Gravity
5. The Heart Of Life
6. Vultures
7. Stop This Train
8. Slow Dancing In A Burning Room
9. Bold As Love
10. Dreaming With A Broken Heart
11. In Repair
12. I'm Gonna Find Another You

Amazon.com

Continuum is about as apt a title as it gets for John Mayer's third studio disc. Every element, from the peerless guitar playing to the plainspoken poetry of the lyrics to the breathy-sincere singing, makes a return from previous efforts. But to weakly pronounce this another worthwhile effort from an artist the world has come to expect a whole lot from and then call it a day would be no minor misdeed, because it's also the best, boldest disc he's ever made. Taking maturity as a theme throughout, Mayer tackles a batch of adulthood's bogeymen: indifference on the uptempo chart-climber "Waiting for the World to Change," aging on the melancholy-sweet "Stop This Train," and emotional trainwreckage on the big-rocking "In Repair." That's not to suggest he's turned overly introspective--check the Jimi Hendrix cover "Bold As Love," where he hits one home for guitarists who've been living in the shadow of legend everywhere, and the hard-charging "Belief," which benefits from a mesmerizing, liquid groove. Continuum may be the third in a series, but a creative cop-out this is not; Mayer is his generation's musical superman--powerful, unassailable, and magnetic. Hand that man a cape. --Tammy La Gorce

Amazon.com

John Mayer's third studio album follows the multi-platinum "Room for Squares" (2001) and "Heavier Things" (2003), and marks his first turn as producer. It is his most soulful, cohesive collection yet and he says it's no accident that this project is where all of his efforts, his potential, and his disparate influences fully come together.

More from Mayer

Room for Squares	Heavier Things	Try!, the John Mayer Trio
Inside Wants Out (EP)	Any Given Thursday (CD)	Any Given Thursday (DVD)

Customer Reviews:

Smooth!.......2007-07-23

This CD is easy on the ears....I listen to it at work and in the car.

Personal, Intimate, Incomparable.......2007-07-19

I am not familar with John Mayer's work prior to "Continuum", but this dude got it right with this particular disc. I was drawn in by his breakout song "Waiting on the world to change" impressed with its political conscience. But after listening to the whole disc a number of times, the other outstanding songs unfolded.

The song "Slow dancing in a burning room" was the first song to jump out at me; any person that has been in a tumultuous relationship can definately relate. The lyrics in that song are amazing. After I wore that song out, I noticed "Gravity" and its awesome lyrics. Next, was the old Hendrix song "Bold as Love" Mayer might not be on Hendrix's guitar playing level, but he does a masterful job on this one. The more uptempo "Belief" then caught my ear. A song I believe is ultimate truth. Finally I felt the flavor of "Dreaming with a Broken Heart" A very haunting and compelling song and performance by Mayer.

He will be performing with Eric Clapton tommorow Bryant PK NYC 7.00AM free. They say get there early, but if he is with Clapton you might have to camp out the day before. I don't know the classification of Mayer's music, but I do believe this record brings back "excellent" lyrical content to the mainstream.

Definently not Heavier Things pt 2.......2007-07-17

I don't know what it is but I just can't get into this cd. I could only find 2 standout tracks, and that doesn't say much.

Is this really John Mayer???.......2007-07-17

I guess I must plead ignorance; I never liked John Mayer and thought he was a lightweight who sang schlocky, whiny stuff, but I must apologize! This is a really melodious, pleasing CD! I must listen more to really appreciate it, but it is so easy and rewarding to listen to. Give it a try. I NEVER thought I'd be saying this! Go John!

excellent cd !!!.......2007-07-16

I haven't heard a cd of his I didn't like. I just love the way his music makes me feel when I listen to it. I listen to it at the end of the work day and all my stresses seem to melt away.

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

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

Tracks:

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

Amazon.com

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

Amazon.com

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

Suzanne Vega Photos

Album Description

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And thats just the FIRST VERSE!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Worst female album of the Year. Avoid.

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating: Robin Thicke- Greatest CD ever Love it! GREAT MUSIC FROM A GREAT ARTIST Soothing love music Robin Thicke's Evolution CD - Only Liked Half

Evolution of Robin Thicke Robin Thicke Manufacturer: Interscope Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: A Beautiful World Collaborations Once Again Luvanmusiq Introducing Joss Stone ASIN: B000M8NMV4 Release Date: 2007-02-09

Tracks:

1. Got 2 Be Down
2. Complicated
3. Would That Make U Love Me
4. Lost Without U
5. Ask Myself
6. All Night Long
7. Everything I Can't Have
8. Teach U A Lesson
9. I Need Love
10. Wanna Love U Girl
11. Can U Believe
12. Shooter - Lil' Wayne
13. Cocaine
14. 2 The Sky
15. Lonely World
16. Angels

Amazon.com

R&B with tempo: Justin Timberlake resurrected it, and it's proving way more influential than that other lost commodity--sexy--he claimed to be bringing back in 2006 on FutureSex/LoveSounds. Timberlake is to Robin Thicke what 'N Sync and Backstreet Boys were to a band like O-Town, in fact: he pretty much made it all possible. But even though it took one blue-eyed soulster with a hot look and an achy falsetto to bang down the door for another, Thicke presents a convincing case here that he had the goods to get us grooving all along: Evolution is a classy disc that tiptoes up to its listeners, first with an elegant duet with Faith Evans ("Got 2 Be Down"), next with a slick lament that wouldn't sound out of place on a Boyz II Men disc ("Complicated"), and then with a sweet plea that commands a finger-snap ("Would That Make U Love Me"). By the time we reach the long, sweeping lullaby that is the final track, "Angels," we've also had a taste of Thicke's swaggering side ("I Need Love," "Cocaine"), his hip-hop loving side ("All Night Long" and "Shooter," both with Lil Wayne), and the side that fantasizes about 1950s Latin ballrooms ("Everything I Can't Have," a hot tamale of a number that commands a visual if ever there was one: it's impossible to hear this song without imagining a raven-haired woman with a red rose between her teeth). Despite the range of moods on display, they're all in service to Thicke's inner R&B smoothie, and they all brush up against the ear with something like affection. Hard as it will be for listeners of a certain age to get past knowing that Thicke is the son of Alan Thicke, the actor who did his part to cheese up 1980s TV with the sitcom Growing Pains, they're going to have to: with his fan base swelling by the second, the evolution of Robin Thicke is going to be a deservedly loud one. --Tammy La Gorce

Album Description

NOTE: This deluxe edition features a ringtone of "Lost Without U," an autographed poster, and cell-phone wallpaper.

The Evolution of Robin Thicke is the second solo album from the critically acclaimed, Grammy award winning songwriter and producer of records for such artists as Michael Jackson and Christina Aguilera. The album is a timeless work of art. With a voice of purity, passion and soulfulness, Robin brings to life the stories and emotions of the last two years of his life.

The album is filled with incandescent magic. It is an album that tells the tales of love, loss, temptation, redemption and finding hope when all the odds are against you. "My greatest desire with this album was to write songs that were completely honest and sing them with the emotion I was feeling when I wrote them, so that whoever listens to my music is brought as close to my experiences and life as possible."

Reflective, redemptive, passionate and etched with a soulfulness that is undeniable, The Evolution of Robin Thicke is an imaginative and heart-felt album that you cannot help but be moved by, bob your head to and smile throughout.

FEATURING GUEST APPEARANCES BY Faith Evans, Pharrell, and Lil' Wayne PRODUCTION BY The Neptunes

Customer Reviews:

Robin Thicke- Greatest CD ever.......2007-07-25

If you haven't purchased this c.d., you're definitely missing out. This is one of those c.d.s that come along every blue moon where you can listen to every track and enjoy it without skipping to the next. His voice is a voice you will definitely fall in love with. He made a great choice by collaborating with Lil' Wayne and Mary J. Blige on a few of the tracks. What I really enjoyed about the c.d. were the tracks with the bass guitar. I've recommended this c.d. to all my friends, and they love it as well. I recently purchased his first album- "A Beautiful World" and it's great as well. Get it now!!!!!!!!

Love it!.......2007-07-20

Well I just received this CD in the mail from Amazon and bought it because I saw Robin Thicke on Good Morning America where he sang "Lost Without You" which I love. The rest of the CD in most cases is excellent - with the exception of one or two songs on it I think it deserves to do very well. I also like the fact that he doesn't only sing falsetto, and he sings in very different styles which really shows his versatility.

GREAT MUSIC FROM A GREAT ARTIST.......2007-07-20

I have been a Robin Thicke fan since I saw the once long haired singer belting out "When I Get You Alone". Another early song to fall in love with is "Stupid Things". I have to admit that when I heard "Shooter" with Lil Wayne, I was not even thinking about getting this CD. I HATE THAT SONG!! But once I heard "Can U Believe", I ordered it, and have been listening to the entire CD everyday now. You won't be dissapointed!! I hope the rest of world learns to love him like I have been doing for a while now.

Soothing love music.......2007-07-15

I absolutely loved one or two of the songs but I found the album as a whole a bit bland. I did not really see the evolution but I do not know his earlier music.

Robin Thicke's Evolution CD - Only Liked Half.......2007-07-12

Robin Thicke is talented vocally and lyrically, unlike other people who sell CDs but cannot sing or people who write songs with incredibly boring, repetitive lyrics (i.e., Justin Timberlake). I like Robin's voice, but didn't like about half of this CD. Also, I thought the track about the "school girl" was in poor taste, given the focus on pedophiles and inappropriate advances by teachers toward students that have hit the news in the last five years. Would recommend CD to others with "conditions." Even so, I do like Robin Thicke and hope his fronting on tour for Beyonce goes well.

Average customer rating: Totally Wonderful! I LOVE IT!!! Anti-climax, but not bad. Best new sound in a long time The Best Album of the Summer!!

Coco Colbie Caillat Manufacturer: Republic ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Similar Items: Little Voice One Cell In the Sea Who We Are My December Wild Hope ASIN: B000R7I30A Release Date: 2007-07-17

Tracks:

1. Oxygen
2. The Little Things
3. One Fine Wire
4. Bubbly
5. Feelings Show
6. Midnight Bottle
7. Realize
8. Battle
9. Tailor Made
10. Magic
11. Tied Down
12. Capri

Album Description

Singer/songwriter Colbie Caillat is one of the most celebrated artists to emerge from the growing talent pool of digitally-savvy self-launched artists, whose rise to prominence as the #1 unsigned artist on the popular myspace site has been largely due to her refreshing sense of understatement.

With no marketing push and only the power of the music behind her, Caillat became a sensation on the social networking site. Rolling Stone highlighted her as one of the top female artists on myspace. Ultimately, her number of friends swelled to more than 100,000. Her profile has been visited over 3 million times, and she has more than l0 million plays. She's currently averaging 50,000 + a day.

The songs on Caillat's debut album COCO mirror the Malibu-born Caillat's low-key, refreshing style. Armed with her acoustic guitar and her dusky vocals, she evokes the same gentle, yet spirited style of her musical influences John Mayer, Bob Marley, Lauryn Hill and The Weepies. The laid-back tempo of Hawaii, where she spent twice annual family vacations, is echoed in the music.

"She's the real thing," stated Monte Lipman, President of Universal Republic Records. "From her unique songwriting skills to her powerful but understated presence, Colbie has connected to millions of music lovers simply through the power of her music.

Customer Reviews:

Totally Wonderful!.......2007-07-26

I've just got to say that Colbie Caillat is amazing! I love her voice, the lyrics in her songs, and the music itself. I got started with her on MySpace and absolutely fell in love with "Bubbly." When I got the album I realized that she has many amazing songs. I have recommended this album to MANY of my friends and no one has been dissatisfied yet! Buy this album it's totally worth the price, in fact it's under-priced as far as I'm concerned. Wonderful, I can't wait to see what she comes out with next!

I LOVE IT!!!.......2007-07-26

This is a wonderful cd. The music is so refreshing and calming and her voice is so angelical. So far, this is my favorite cd of the year! It is a must have.

Anti-climax, but not bad........2007-07-25

I've followed Colbie's budding career via MySpace this past year, watching with great interest how she became the # 1 unsigned artist on that site, was put under pro management, then was signed to a major label, and now sees her debut record launch, complete with offical website where one can buy Colbie T-shirts, stickers, etc. It's a study in how you can make the public believe that an artist has come from virtually nowhere when in fact her rise has been pretty carefully planned out. Nothing wrong with career planning, but please, marketing/PR people, don't make it look like something it's not.

Her dad Ken Caillat helped produce this CD - he just happens to be the guy who helped produce one of the alltime bestselling albums: Fleetwood Mac's classic "Rumours" as well as other F. Mac albums. So I'm guessing he's got a pretty neat Rolodex of friends in the record biz if ya get my drift.

Having said that - before I get accused of being utterly unfair: Colbie does have talent - she has a sweet mellow voice, albeit not one that stands out from many other female singers in the acoustic folk/soul vein. She does seem genuinely nice and unpretentious - big bonus points for that in a biz where there are far too many divas.

For the past year, several songs from what is now her debut album "Coco" (her nickname) could be heard on her My Space page. "Bubbly" became the big hit - "the single" as it is known in the industry. "Battle" was always my personal favorite and I still think it's by far the stand-out in the batch of 12 tracks. "The Little Things" and "Magic" have been big faves with her My Space fans as well and they are sweet tunes which wisely put Colbie's sunny voice in the spotlight. (according to her bio, the born and bred CA beach girl grew up in Malibu and has often vacationed in Hawaii - sounds kinda like the TV character Hannah Montana!).

Whoever have been the caretakers of her My Space page this past year or two chose to tease the growing fanbase to the point where it was borderline sadistic. Everyone would desperately ask in the comment space on her page "When is your album coming out??!!" and yet it was not until this month that it was finally released. This strategy could have easily backfired: her fans are overwhelmingly teenage girls and twentysomething women and like most young 21st century consumers, they will often loose patience and move on to the the next "hot" thing. However, her fans have proved to be loyal so far - the result is that "Bubbly" shot to the top of iTunes this week and the album followed suit. Her My Space page gets about 50.000 plays - a day - and her total is past 10 million, going back to 2005.

One very unfair practice on My Space is that of so-called "auto bots" which is software that enables a My Space user to automatically "add" friends to their page, which is clearly cheating and officially not allowed on the site, but is becoming more and more common. Reading the comments on Colbie's page, it appears that autobots were used. However, it is also well-known that teenage girls and twentysomething women can make a brand or a name popular in no time because of the "viral" "wildfire" nature of their networking via the web and textmessaging and cell phones. Ya wanna be big? Tell a girl and she will tell 5 girls and they will tell 5 girls in turn, and so on.

I bought the CD today, listened to it, skipping the tracks I was already familiar with for now. My taste in music is unsually eclectic - I will listen to almost anything or at least give it a fair chance. And I love a lot of new music that "old" people like me (I'm 42) wouldn't touch with a ten-foot pole - lots of snobbish babyboomers out there!

However, I have to say that the record ultimately felt like an anti-climax after all the teasing. I had hoped for more songs of the "Battle" caliber, more variety, more strongly defined melodies. I'm not asking for heavy duty lyrics - after all, Colbie is just 22 and thankfully not pretending to be singing "the blues" by way of blue eyed soul music. (Joss Stone and Amy Winehouse - are you listening?) But a little more surprises would have gone a long way.

But ultimately, this is a sunny breezy summer album which is what many people supposedly want and need at this point, with our world going to the dogs in so many scary ways. I used to think that we songwriters could wake people up and give them food-for-thought, at least once in a while - now I think that perhaps we are increasingly like the stoic classical quartet that keeps playing on the deck of the "unsinkable" Titanic, right up until she sinks. In other words: songwriters are perhaps merely here to entertain the people - rich, middleclass, working class and poor - on first class, second class and below deck until the bitter and possibly ugly end. Colbie entertains, nothing more, nothing less and I guess there's nothing wrong with that. She seems sweet enough and I'd rather have her be the number 1 artist on iTunes than any of the unnamed divas we are used to seeing these days.

The video for "Bubbly" is very pro and slick , but like a bowl of candy, hard to resist: makes you wanna head to the beach and cuddle up with your boyfriend or girlfriend at the bonfire. Malibu or Hawaii or any other beach for that matter.

3 stars for Colbie's personality, for a sunny album, for excellent production that puts the Ace - her voice - right up front and doesn't bury it under a mess of drum and bass and guitar and keys - or worse - drum machines and synths. And she did pick up the guitar a few years ago and also co-wrote all of the songs - she gets bonus points for that.

I predict that we may see her in feature movies soon, following in the footsteps of Mandy Moore?

Best new sound in a long time.......2007-07-24

Every song on this album is a pleasure. Just basic guitars and vocals, with some musical padding. The lyrics are nicely crafted and Colbie's voice is wonderfully interesting. I couldn't get enough of this sound. What concerns me is that this is the same feeling I had when first listening to Norah Jones (a little Norah goes a long way). I'm hoping Colbie continues to bring us this sound but also grows and offers new twists so it doesn't become the same old thing.

The Best Album of the Summer!!.......2007-07-21

Finally...a listenable CD!! After wasting a ton of money on other summer releases only to be miserably disappointed, I stumbled upon this CD at Target and blindly took a leap of faith. I'm really glad I did. This is the perfect summer album. A mix of semi-tropical sounding, pleasantly lyrical songs that work on a number of different levels. I'm not one to sit and listen to all the words of songs to detect their meanings, I just know what sounds good to me, so I can't comment on the "depth" of Colbie's musicality. But I do know that I had a summer seafood dinner party at my house on the Oregon Coast last night and had this album playing in the background and it set the mood perfectly. Almost everyone there wanted to know who it was and where I got it. That alone is proof that we have finally discovered the ultimate CD for the Summer of 2007.

Average customer rating: LOVE IT! The Voice and the Soul Not as strong as the her first two releases Not her best Insipid and inoffensive, uninspired and uninspiring

Not Too Late Norah Jones Manufacturer: Blue Note ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Corinne Bailey Rae Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7) Continuum Taking The Long Way Introducing Joss Stone ASIN: B000KCHZK6 Release Date: 2007-01-30

Tracks:

1. Wish I Could
2. Sinkin' Soon
3. The Sun Doesn't Like You
4. Until The End
5. Not My Friend
6. Thinking About You
7. Broken
8. My Dear Country
9. Wake Me Up
10. Be My Somebody
11. Little Room
12. Rosie's Lullaby
13. Not Too Late

Amazon.com

Although the music of Norah Jones continues to blend pop, soul, folk, and country with a seasoning of jazz, her third album for Blue Note is the first where she's written (or collaborated on) all the material. Beneath the smooth surface lie darker strains on the album-opening "Wish I Could" (about a boyfriend lost to war), intimations of mortality in "The Sun Doesn't Like You," and the post-election horrors of "My Dear Country." The last seems to channel the inspiration of Brecht/Weill, while the equally bleak "Sinkin' Soon" is set to a jaunty Dixieland rag. Throughout, Jones's vocal intimacy and melodic warmth remain as disarmingly understated as ever. The soulful "Thinking of You," the countryish "Wake Me Up," and the syncopated "Be My Somebody" reflect the captivating style of her previous work. Although too much in the same midtempo mode becomes a dreamy lull, cut by cut, Jones's voice is irresistible. --Don McLeese

From Blue Note

Album Details

1. "Wish I Could" (Norah Jones-Lee Alexander): Norah Jones: vocals; Jesse Harris: acoustic guitars; Julia Kent: pizzicato cello; Jeffery Ziegler: bowed cello

2. "Sinkin' Soon" (Lee Alexander-Norah Jones): Norah Jones: vocals, piano; Daru Oda: vocals; M. Ward: vocals; Jesse Harris: guitjo; Kevin Breit: mandolin; J. Walter Hawkes: trombone; Lee Alexander: bass; Andy Borger: drums, slit drum, pots and pans

3. "The Sun Doesn't Like You" (Norah Jones-Lee Alexander): Norah Jones: vocals, piano; Jesse Harris: acoustic guitar; Adam Levy: electric guitar; Lee Alexander: bass; Andy Borger: drums; Paul Bryan: Chamberlain keyboards

4. "Until The End" (Norah Jones-Lee Alexander): Norah Jones: vocals, Wurlitzer, piano; Jesse Harris: acoustic guitar; Adam Levy: electric guitar; Lee Alexander: bass; Andy Borger: drums; Larry Goldings: Hammond B-3 organ

5. "Not My Friend" (Norah Jones): Norah Jones: vocals; Jesse Harris: acoustic guitars; Adam Levy: backwards electric guitars; Lee Alexander: bass; Andy Borger: marimba, cymbals

6. "Thinking About You" (Norah Jones-Ilhan Ersahin): Norah Jones: vocals, Wurlitzer; Chuck Mackinnon: trumpet; Rob Suddith: tenor sax; Lee Alexander: bass; Tony Mason: drums; Devin Greenwood: Hammond B-3 organ

7. "Broken" (Norah Jones-Lee Alexander): Norah Jones: vocals, electric guitar; Julia Kent: outro cellos; Lee Alexander: pizzicato, bowed basses

8. "My Dear Country" (Norah Jones): Norah Jones: vocals, piano; J. Walter Hawkes: trombones; Jose Davilla: tuba; Bill McHenry: tenor sax; Larry Goldings: Hammond B-3 organ

9. "Wake Me Up" (Norah Jones-Lee Alexander): Norah Jones: vocals, acoustic guitars; Lee Alexander: bass, lap steel; Andy Borger: drums

10. "Be My Somebody" (Norah Jones): Norah Jones: vocals, Wurlitzer; Richard Julian: vocals; Tony Scherr: electric guitar; Lee Alexander: bass; Andy Borger: drums; Larry Goldings: Hammond B-3 organ

11. "Little Room" (Norah Jones): Norah Jones: vocals, acoustic guitar; Lee Alexander: bass; Daru Oda: whistle

12. "Rosie's Lullaby" (Norah Jones-Daru Oda): Norah Jones: vocals, Wurlitzer; Daru Oda: vocals; Adam Levy: electric guitar, vocal; Robbie McIntosh: electric guitar; Lee Alexander: bass; Andy Borger: drums

13. "Not Too Late" (Norah Jones-Lee Alexander): Norah Jones: vocals, piano, Mellotron; Lee Alexander: bass; Andy Borger: drums

Produced by Lee Alexander

Norah Jones Photos (by Danny Clinch)

More from Norah Jones

Come Away with Me

Feels Like Home

New York City

Customer Reviews:

LOVE IT!.......2007-07-19

What's not to love about Norah? She once again gives us super music on this cd. Can't think of anything bad to say about it.

The Voice and the Soul.......2007-07-15

Bought this CD after hearing "Wish I Could" on the radio; this is a gorgeous, hauntingly beautiful, moving song.

I too am surprised to see the strongly negative reviews here. Her 3 CDs have sold more than 39 million copies worldwide, so there is clearly a strong fan base somewhere! The added plus on this third CD is that Norah wrote or co-wrote every song, so we are gaining a glimpse into her musical soul as well as hearing the beauty of her voice.

There are some real gems here. "Sinkin' Soon" evokes 1930's jazz with its honky-tonk piano (played by Norah) and its wah-wah trombone. "Until the End" has country roots. "Not My Friend" is a mellow, dreamy, wistful song with dagger-sharp lyrics. "My Dear Country" is a lament about what election day hath wrought. The final title cut, "Not Too late," winds things up on an optimistic note.

It is not surprising that Norah has good musical genes. Her father, Ravi Shankar, brought his sitar to the Beatles and Indian music to a global audience. Norah's seamless blending of country, jazz, blues, pop, and folk brings great talent and aural delight to a new musical generation.

Not as strong as the her first two releases.......2007-07-11

In my opinion, this CD is simply not as strong as her first two CDs. Most of the songs are fine, but forgettable. A couple are just a bit weird-sounding for my taste. Out of her 3 CDs, I preferred "Come Away With Me", although I understand that Ms. Jones feels that her current CD is a truer reflection of her musical style.

Right after I bought this CD, I was privileged enough to see her in concert. She is clearly talented, and has an accomplished band. The concert was wonderful and was over before I knew it. Her performance got rave reviews in the local newspaper the next day.

I look forward to her next release, mostly to see how her artistic style evolves.

Not her best.......2007-07-11

I own all three of her CDs. Come Away with Me is the best IMO. Her passion and talent shine through. Each song was worthy to be on the CD. In Feels Like Home, it seemed she relaxed a bit, had a little more fun, but lost some of the passion, a couple of the songs were not up to what I expected, but passed as entertaining. This third CD is the worst. My impression was that now that she has made a name for herself she can put any track on a CD without much scrutiny. I have listened to it a few times, but it just doesn't do anything exciting for me. A big disappointment.

Insipid and inoffensive, uninspired and uninspiring.......2007-07-08

That's about the highest praise I can muster for this effort. It isn't that it's BAD, but it just never achieves "lift off."

I wish I could wax enthusiastic, but after quite a few listens at this point, I don't think my opinion is likely to change appreciably.

Time for Ms. Jones to find her passion. It isn't evident on this CD.

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