Black Music

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Marc Anthony Thompson is an insightful singer/songwriter who put out a couple of exceptional solo albums during the 1980s. In his Chocolate Genius alter ego, Thompson's dark, stark confessionals are embellished by a crew of talented Manhattan musicians that includes guitarist Marc Ribot, multi-instrumentalist Melvin Gibbs, percussionist Dougie Bowne, and keyboard whiz John Medeski. With a wonderfully expressive voice reminiscent of Bobby Womack, Sly Stone, and even Barry White, Thompson lyrically explores hangovers, his mother's Alzheimer's disease, and, of course, broken hearts. While he reveals a particularly personal perspective, his songs are filled with wisdom, humor, and redemption. Songs such as "Stupid Again" and "Half a Man" beg for compassion while retaining dignity. Tasteful, tormented, and exquisitely tender, Black Music is a bona fide gem. --Mitch Myers

Vibe
He croons over seductive muted trumpets, mood-swinging piano/synth/organs, spatially plaintive guitars, and sweetly pendulous drum'n'bass.

Black Music

Black Music,Chocolate Genius,V2,Pop,Popular Music,Rock,Rock/Pop

Black Music

Average customer rating:

We'll never turn back
Mavis Staples rules
quafable but not transcendent
Yes and no
Passion and soul

We'll Never Turn Back
Mavis Staples
Manufacturer: Anti
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Sweet Warrior

ASIN: B000MR8SZU
Release Date: 2007-04-24

Tracks:

Down In Mississippi
Eyes On The Prize
We Shall Not Be Moved
In The Mississippi River
On My Way
This Little Light
99 And 1/2
My Own Eyes
Turn Me Around
We'Ll Never Turn Back
I'Ll Be Rested
Jesus Is On The Main Line

Amazon.com

As musical activists in the 1960s civil rights movement, the Staple Singers were powerful voices for equality and change. And more than 40 years after Pops's daughter Mavis spent a night in a West Memphis, Arkansas, jail at the behest of a racist cop, she still remembers the terror of the experience, as well as the counsel of Dr. Martin Luther King. That episode is at the centerpiece of "My Own Eyes," one of the most moving offerings on this collection of songs of racial struggle in the '50s and '60s, produced by guitarist Ry Cooder and featuring backing from the original Freedom Singers and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Throughout, the album proves both emotionally chilling and spiritually uplifting. On J.B. Lenoir's "Down in Mississippi" and Marshall Jones's "In the Mississippi River," for example, Cooder makes fine use of pounding percussion and snaky electric guitar to capture the danger and fear inherent in the Deep South at the time, while the title song and "Jesus Is on the Main Line" draw on gospel and the traditional framework of church hymns to promise positive solutions. Staples, who adlibs on several cuts, connecting the injustice of yesterday to the continuing marginalization of blacks in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, remains a remarkable performer, employing a throaty sensuality that rises from a deep well of tremulous emotion. If her album is musically uneven at times, her artistry and strength continue to shine as undimmed beacons. --Alanna Nash

More from Mavis and the Staple Singers

Have a Little Faith

A Piece of the Action

Only for the Lonely

The Best of the Staple Singers

Great Day

The Staple Singers: Greatest Hits

Album Description

From the liner notes, by John Lewis:

When I listen to this music, it takes me back. It takes me back to the red clay hills of Georgia, to the Black Belt of Alabama, and the Delta of Mississippi. It takes me back to the moans and groans and pains of an oppressed people yearning for freedom. It takes me back to the time when hundreds and thousands of us decided we were "sick and tired of being sick and tired," as Fannie Lou Hamer said. It takes me back to the days when ordinary people inspired by a dream decided to quench our hunger and thirst for justice in the fountains of mercy and love.

Back then, some people thought legalized segregation in America would never come to an end. But those of us in the Civil Rights Movement were inspired by a higher calling. And even if it cost us our very lives, "we weren't gone to let nobody turn us `round". We believed that the action of peace, the way of non-violence, and the power of love could overcome our oppression and remind our oppressors of their own humanity. Through the power of this faith our nation witnessed a non-violent revolution of values, a revolution of ideas that changed America forever.

The music you are listening to right now was the soul of that revolution. It was this music that gave us hope when it seemed like all hope was gone. It was the heartbeat of this music and its steady, reassuring message that bound us together as one solid force. So when we were beaten, arrested and jailed; when we stood together on picket lines or marched through the streets of the Deep South; when we faced the guns drawn, the billy clubs and the bullwhips raised; when we were teargassed, trampled by horses, or scattered by fire hoses, it was these songs that lifted us and pushed us to a higher place.

It is my hope that when you hear Mavis Staples, when you hear the Freedom Singers, and the other artists on this CD, that you too will be inspired. I hope this music will help you find the courage to stand up, speak up, and speak out and answer the call of your own conscience. It is my hope that this music will help you see what ordinary people with extraordinary vision can do when they decide they will never turn back.

Rep. John Lewis

Customer Reviews:

We'll never turn back.......2007-07-05

I enjoyed this cd very much. I had listened to the Staples singers years ago and was glad to see Mavis recording again.

Mavis Staples rules.......2007-06-28

This is one fantastic recording. Mavis has a magnificent voice . . . perfect for the songs and full of depth and determination. The musicians notably ry cooder and back up singers are up to the task as well. Mavis let her light shine brightly!!

quafable but not transcendent.......2007-06-27

This is a solid album, similar in tone to the recent retreads by the Blind Boys of Alabama and John Hammond. The historical and emotional baggage it carries help one to listen with a sympathetic ear, and perhaps lend it more pathos than is earned strictly on aesthetic merits.

Yes and no.......2007-06-27

A tribute to the legacy of the Civil Rights movement and the Staple Singers themselves. Doesn't really live up to the hype, though. Mavis has still got the drive and passion, but her voice doesn't have the range and nuance.

Passion and soul.......2007-06-26

Mavis Staples sings with passion and true soul the songs of the Civil Rights movement on "We'll Never Turn Back". The CD has all the sounds of a great Ry Cooder CD too because he did arrangements of many of the songs and he plays on them too. This CD's version of "This Little Light of Mine" shows what can be done respectfully to bring a whole new sound to an old song. This CD really deserves 5 stars.

Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl

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Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of The Black Pearl Soundtrack
Music review Pirates of the Caribbean
Great music
This soundtrack will make you feel like a pirate
yes, all true, but the sound!!!

Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl

Manufacturer: Disney
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

ASIN: B0000A1RJI
Release Date: 2003-07-22

Tracks:

Fog Bound
The Medallion Calls
The Black Pearl
Will and Elizabeth
Swords Crossed
Walk the Plank
Barbossa Is Hungry
Blood Ritual
Moonlight Serenade
To the Pirates' Cave!
Skull and Crossbones
Bootstrap's Bootstraps
Underwater March
One Last Shot
He's a Pirate

Amazon.com

Loosely based on the popular Disney theme park audio-animatronic ride, one might expect a modicum of good-natured "Yo-ho-ho-ing"--or maybe a little rousing Korngold/Errol Flynn/Captain Blood orchestral romanticism--here. Instead composer Klaus Badelt initially entices us with some sparing Celtic folk charm, then unleashes a furious broadside of symphonic and choral thunder to rival his ominous score for K-19. The composer's fellow German mentor is an obvious influence throughout (the album is credited with a wink as "Score overproduced by Hans 'Long John' Zimmer") but Badelt brings his own muscular instincts to bear throughout. Perhaps shrewdly realizing that genre cliches are nothing if not for reinventing, Badelt delivers his rhythmically nervous Eurocentric sensibilities--sort of Holst duels Shostakovich on the Spanish Main--with the subtlety of a scorching cannonball. It's seasoned with a little romantic respite in the final act, if a bit gingerly, and could no doubt profit by some of Korngold's sparkling melodic verve. But it's a loud, unabashed Summer Blockbuster score at heart; alert the neighbors. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of The Black Pearl Soundtrack.......2007-07-26

If you enjoy the music while watching the movies of the Pirates of the Caribbean, then you will love the soundtrack as well. This product was delivered well and was a good buy.

Music review Pirates of the Caribbean.......2007-07-18

I loved the movie, but I love the music even more. This is an excellent CD with only one problem - the last song (which is my favorite) is not long enough. It's easy to picture scenes from the movie while listening to each song. If you enjoy the symphony you will enjoy this CD. Happy listening!

Great music.......2007-07-08

A great soundtrack from a wonderful movie. Too bad the second and third pirates movies weren't as good as the first. Regardless, great soundtrack.

This soundtrack will make you feel like a pirate.......2007-07-07

i saw the movie which i recommend to buy now from amazon,i recommend to buy the three movies and have all the selection of pirates of the caribbean,this soundtrack is something that put you in the movie,words can't describe this cd,click,buy and you will see

yes, all true, but the sound!!!.......2007-06-28

I agree with the other reviewers about the music, which is fine, but also want to point out that this is a terrific work-out for sound systems with REAL sub woofers (not the scrawny boxes that say they are, but aren't). If you have a room shaker system, down to like 15 Hz, this is for you. The deepest and most sustained bass I have ever heard.

Secret - listen for hints of Gladiator and Mission Imossible. He helped with those films - maybe they are little inside jokes?

Average customer rating:

Dollars and (common) cents.
Simply put, THIS is rock and roll!
One of the best CDs ever...REMASTERED
The rebirth of AC/DC
It does'nt get much Better than this!!

Back in Black (Deluxe Digipak)
AC/DC
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Razor's Edge

ASIN: B000089RV6
Release Date: 2003-02-18

Tracks:

Hells Bells
Shoot To Thrill
What Do You Do For Money Honey
Givin The Dog A Bone
Let Me Put My Love Into You
Back In Black
You Shook Me All Night Long
Have A Drink On Me
Shake A Leg
Rock And Roll Ain't Noise Pollution

Amazon.com essential recording

Most critics complain Back in Black, the album AC/DC recorded after the death of their original lead screamer Bon Scott, is ridiculously juvenile, obvious, snickering, bludgeoning, derivative, single-minded about sex and booze, a big cartoon. All true, of course, and--on rock 'n' ragers like "What Do You Do For Money Honey," "You Shook Me All Night Long," and the title track--all great. As Scott's replacement Brian Johnson reminds us, loud and crunchy, no-holds-barred "rock and roll ain't noise pollution...it makes good, good sense." Never trust anyone who refuses to drink domestic beer, laugh at the Three Stooges, or crank Back in Black. --David Cantwell

Album Description

AC/DC's 1980 album digitally remastered and reissued in a special digipak plus a 16 page full color booklet containing all original album art, many unpublished photos, classic memorabilia and new 2003 liner notes. Epic.

Customer Reviews:

Dollars and (common) cents........2007-07-20

I'm going to rate this CD based on a $1 per song cost to total cost for the entire CD (Apple and Rhapsody charge $1 per song). Unfortunately, iTunes doesn't carry any AC/DC songs at the moment.
This CD is perfectly priced. 10 great songs for $10. If you don't already own the CD, the popular songs you'll know are Hells Bells, Back In Black and You Shook Me All Night Long. If you like them, then the rest of the songs on this CD won't take long to grow on you. Especially, Let Me Put My Love Into You. I promise that this CD will not disappoint.
This is one of my three favorite Hard Rock/Heavy Metal albums from the early 1980's. The other two are Judas Priest's "Screaming For Vengeance" and Def Leppard's "Pyromania".
Hope this helps.
Darium

Simply put, THIS is rock and roll!.......2007-07-11

I can't really think of anything too specific to say about "Back in Black". One day, I bought the album, listened to it and had one of the biggest musical joyrides I can recall! Critics may despise AC/DC, but that's no reason to neglect this album! In fact, this qualifies not only as being one of the biggest-selling rock albums of all time, but one of the greatest. That being said, "Back in Black" is probably the first album people will think about whenever AC/DC is mentioned, and while they have a great selection in their catalogue, this is, no doubt, their finest hour.
From the guitar crunch of the Young brothers, from Malcolm's rock-solid rhythm playing to Angus's legendary riffs, licks and solos, this no doubt qualifies as a great guitar album. Then comes in the rhythm section of Cliff Williams on bass and Phil Rudd on drums, and while Phil Rudd may not have the same chops as John Bonham, Phil still makes his drums sound larger than life, which makes for a great cornerstone of the AC/DC groove. And then...Brian Johnson. Who would have thought after such a great lead singer as Bon Scott passed away, Brian Johnson would be able to fill in his role, and fill it in greatly, as well. His voice may take some getting used to, but he definitely sounds best on this album.
In addition, the remastering is excellent. The volume is up and there's no static or unneccesary noise that ruins the sound. After all, there's nothing as disappointing as hearing a great song like it was recorded a mile away! Anyway, this album is just flat-out excellent for those who dig such a sound. Ten songs at a little over forty minutes, and a cross between a hard-rock crunch and an old-school groove for each song, AC/DC did just about everything they could right on this album.
As a summary, this album will make you forget your problems, imagine these guys on stage at night in a big, sold-out arena, playing these rockers loudly and proudly, and, of course, prove to be a testament of time and rock and roll. And remember, take no pressure from the critics. Be your own person! Rock out and feel good about it! And remember, "rock and roll ain't noise pollution...it just makes good, good sense!" Peace!

One of the best CDs ever...REMASTERED.......2007-06-27

I owned an original copy of Back in Black and played it constantly. It's an ideal CD for road trips and just incredible rock from beginning to end. I didn't think anything could possibly improve it until I heard the remastered version. Suddenly the bass comes out more, the drums are even more in your face, the vocals are clearer, it just ROCKS even more. There are plenty of bad remasters out there of various classic albums, but thankfully, this is not one of them.

The rebirth of AC/DC .......2007-05-16

Hands down the best AC/DC CD. This is the cream of the crop, and it doesn't get any better than this. To this day, each song rocks loud and hard, and vocalist Brian Johnson was never better. A must for any hard rock collection, your ears will be bleeding.

It does'nt get much Better than this!!.......2007-05-11

Of course, In my humble opinion, this album is in my Top Ten of all-time. It rocks, it's bluesy,crushing, sneering and has that "I'm badder than you attitude." And it's just a lot of FUN. Really, what more could you want in a Rock album? Get your hands on this bad boy!!!

Average customer rating:

Great soundtrack
Great Blues
music is life
bluestastic
Wonderful Soundtrack!

Black Snake Moan

Manufacturer: New West Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Black Snake Moan
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ASIN: B000L211NC
Release Date: 2007-01-30

Tracks:

Opening Theme / Scott Bomar
Ain't But One Kind Of Blues / Son House
Just Like A Bird Without A Feather / Samuel L Jackson
When The Lights Go Out / The Black Keys
Standing In My Doorway Crying / Jesse Mae Hemphill
Chicken Heads / Bobby Rush
Black Snake Moan / Samuel L Jackson
Morning Train / Precious Bryant
The Losing Kind / John Doe
Lord Have Mercy On Me / Outragious Cherry
Ronnie and Rae's Theme / Scott Bomar
The Chain / Scott Bomar
Alice Mae / Samuel L Jackson
Stack-O-Lee / Samuel L Jackson
Old Black Mattie / R.L. Burnside
That's Where The Blues Started / Son House
Mean Ol' Wind Died Down / North Mississippi Allstars

Amazon.com

This soundtrack to the film written and directed by Craig Brewer is as steeped in the Southern blues as his Hustle and Flow was in hip-hop. The biggest surprise here is how well actor Samuel L. Jackson (who seems to have a thing for "Snake" films) holds his own as a blues singer against selections from Son House and R.L. Burnside. He sounds like a throwback to the classic Delta bluesmen on "Just Like a Bird Without a Feather," does a convincing take on the Blind Lemon Jefferson title track, and rocks the juke joint on "Alice Mae" and a down-and-dirty recasting of "Stack-O-Lee." Produced by the Bo-Keys' Scott Bomar (who also scored Brewer's previous movie), the 17-cut soundtrack features a kaleidoscopic array of blues, from the primal throb of the Black Keys' "When the Lights Go Out" and the funk of Bobby Rush's classic "Chicken Heads" to the spiritual lilt of Precious Bryant's "Morning Train" and the North Mississippi Allstars' expansive finale, "Mean Ol' Wind Died Down." --Don McLeese

Album Description

Black Snake Moan, the latest film from Hustle And Flow director Craig Brewer, tells a tale of love, betrayal, sex and salvation. It stars Samuel L Jackson, Christina Ricci and Justin Timberlake. The film take place in Memphis, Tennessee and the local blues music from the area is a central part of the movie.

The soundtrack includes some classic and current blues artists including Son House, R.L. Burnside, North Mississippi Allstars and the singing debut of Samuel L Jackson.

While the Black Snake Moan soundtrack presents the best musical moments of the movie, as a stand-alone document, its seventeen tracks weave together a raw depiction of today's North Mississippi scene: a little bit country, and a little bit rock'n'roll, both built on a bedrock of primitive blues.

The Black Snake Moan soundtrack is a must have for fans of the film, the Blues, Samuel L Jackson or just a music fan looking for something very cool.

Customer Reviews:

Great soundtrack.......2007-07-22

This is an excellent soundtrack. I loved the movie and wanted to hear more of the music. It's a good mix of mostly blues, and Samuel Jackson sings on several tracks. Great swampy blues.

Great Blues.......2007-07-19

Saw the movie and loved the music, so had to have the soundtrack. Great traditional blues from the south!

music is life.......2007-07-14

The audio CD is not as good as the DVD.
Good story - the DVD translation to audio CD dissapoints as the soul feeling isn't there. Samuel Jackson could have a second career as he did pour his soul into the music [not evident on the audio CD of Black Snake Moan.] It's another way to make us pay more dollars for what technology doesn't want to deliver/share.

I like the DVD but if I want to listen to just the music -well you'll have to decide what is more relevant to you.

Old Mississippi blues, the heart of the soul. I'd rather have the soul.

bluestastic.......2007-03-19

This soundtrack to the excellent film was obviously put together by people who both know and feel a responsibility to the blues. Samuel L Jackson adds vocals to four tracks and does an admirable job; on 'Just like a Bird Without a feather' he more than holds his own alongside classic blues singers like RL Burnside and Jessie Mae Hemphill. John Doe--from the punk band X--adds a track as well that fits in much better than one might think.

Wonderful Soundtrack!.......2007-03-11

Watching the movie I was overwhelmed by the greatness of its soundtrack, and after purchasing this CD I was pleased to see that everything still seemed as wonderful. I am not a blues afficianado, but I do appreciate good music. I think that most anyone could enjoy this soundtrack.

Average customer rating:

Five out of Ten songs = 5 stars
Ozzy's Back
Very good album, very consistent.
Ozzy rocks
If you're a true Ozzy fan you'll really like it.

Black Rain
Ozzy Osbourne
Manufacturer: Epic
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000PAAIXY
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

Not Going Away
I Don't Wanna Stop
Black Rain
Lay Your World On Me
God Bless The Almighty Dollar
Silver
Civilize The Universe
Here For You
Countdown's Begun
Trap Door

Amazon.com

Ozzy returns with a startlingly heavy ninth studio album, a record filled with vows to continue his rock 'n' roll ways ("Not Going Away," "I Don't Wanna Stop"), meditations on the state of a world that has changed surprisingly little since Black Sabbath's early days ("Black Rain," "God Bless the Almighty Dollar") and the obligatory ballad ("Here for You," which can be read either as a letter to a lover or a love letter to his fans). With longtime guitarist Zakk Wylde providing plenty of brutal, soul-searing riffs and solos, there's no shortage of reasons to throw the horns, raise your fist, and yell. The rhythm section of Mike Bordin (drums) and Rob "Blasko" Nicholson (drums) is simply the best since Randy Castillo and Phil Soussan joined up for 1986's The Ultimate Sin and fires most accurately on the title cut, "Lay Your World On Me" and "Countdown's Begun." There's no "Crazy Train" or "Mama I'm Coming Home" here but Black Rain is a more convincing statement for it. The promises Ozzy makes here are sincere, he's not going away anytime soon--and he's still got plenty of game. --Jedd Beaudoin

Customer Reviews:

Five out of Ten songs = 5 stars.......2007-07-24

When I first listened to this CD, I was blown away because the first three tracks were all songs that I liked and I began thinking that this could become the best Ozzy album EVER! Those thoughts quickly evaporated as I listened to tracks 4-7 and found myself wondering how things went so wrong in the middle of the album. Tracks 8-10 restored my excitement and left me with mixed feelings after my first listen.

Since then, I have found that I absolutely love the songs "Black Rain" and "Countdown's Begun". I have played those over and over and I feel they really carry this album. "I Don't Wanna Stop" is probably my third favorite and then "Not Going Away" would be next. For the fifth best track, I would have to decide between the ballad "Here For You" or "Trap Door".

I know a lot of people have complained about the packaging for the CD, but I would like to remind everyone that Ozzy was giving away FREE concert tickets in those early release CDs. I am sure the thin packaging and cardboard slip cover helped cut down on the CD processing costs. This may have helped Ozzy to be able to give away an entire tour for free. I would also appreciate liner notes and better packaging, but if you had to choose between that and free concert tickets, I think the tickets provide a lot better value so I find it hard to complain.

When I think about this CD overall, I find that I really enjoy about half of the ten songs and find the others somewhat forgettable. For this reason, I decided to give it five stars, even though I don't truly feel it is worthy of that high of a rating (maybe 4.5 stars??). I suppose my logic is anytime you find an album that has five out of ten good songs that you like, I think that qualifies as an excellent album.

Ozzy's Back.......2007-07-18

Finally!!! A new Ozzy album. Good album; although a bit on the soft side (similar to Down to Earth). This album is filled with thick Zakk riffs and licks, which was worth the purchase. If you're an Ozzy fan, it's worth the purchase, if only to add to the collection.

Very good album, very consistent........2007-07-17

At first, I was not blown away by this. But after a few more spins, I really started to like it. It is not as heavy as some of his earlier stuff, but it is better than most of his later work. I like most of the songs. There are no big standouts, but not any really low points either. The album is pretty even and if you like any other work from Ozzy, you probably will enjoy this.

My favorite track is "Lay Your World On Me" and my least favorite is "Trap Door".

My favorite Ozzy album is "No More Tears" followed by "No Rest For The Wicked" which were the first 2 albums Ozzy used Zakk Wylde. I do also really like "Diary Of A Madman", but only for the few standouts it has. I did not care much for "Down To Earth" which was the last album Zakk was on.

Along with this album, I am currently listening to Megadeth-United Abominations, Dream Theater-Systematic Chaos, and Kamalot-Ghost Opera.

Ozzy rocks.......2007-07-13

Ozzy rocks with this one. I would highly recommend it. Many of the songs are on current topics, war, global warming, but with the Ozzy and Zakk Wylde sound we've loved throughout the years. His voice has never been better.

If you're a true Ozzy fan you'll really like it. .......2007-07-11

Ozzy's Black Rain

I've been listening to Ozzy since I was 12, and I'm now 37. So we're looking at my 25th anniversary as a fan. I can't give an unbiased review because Ozzy means the world to me. Just the sound of his voice makes me feel like someone else sees the world the way I do. So that said, you can take this review for what it's worth to you.

Black Rain is a very good album. Of course it's not Blizzard or Diary, but it is a solid set of songs. True Ozzy fans will appreciate it; others probably won't--at least not all of it.

Here's a brief track-by-track commentary.

"Not Going Away" is a good start for the CD. The sentiment of "I'll never stop" is a bit cliché, but it works.

"I Don't Wanna Stop" is the first single off the album and repeats the "I'll never stop" theme of "Not Going Away". It's a disappointing song given its placement in the second slot.

"Black Rain" is a timely song, speaking to the war fought over the "black rain" of oil. I hate whiney political stuff in rock songs. Think Bono. But Ozzy isn't whiney and this isn't some stupid U2 song. He's a prophet of doom and this is his latest anthem. And don't forget this is the man who gave us "War Pigs." "Black Rain" follows nicely in the tradition of "Children of the Grave."

"Lay Your World on Me" is the highlight of the CD as far as I'm concerned. This ballad may be written with Sharon or one of Ozzy's children in mind, but it works even better if you interpret it as written for the fans--and who knows, maybe that's even (partly) what Ozzy intended.

"The Almighty Dollar" laments crass commercialism and perhaps the war. It's a little tough to take, given Sharon's crass commercialism, but it has a good sound.

"11 Silver" is excellent, dealing with addiction among other things. It really rocks and features a shredding solo from Mr. Wylde.

"Civilize the Universe" is another anti-war song, a theme that gets tiresome at this point on the CD. Still it has some great hooks, especially the chorus.
"Here for You" is the second ballad on the CD and repeats the theme of "Lay Your World on Me." It's a very good song, but not nearly as effective as "Lay Your World on Me".

"Countdown's Begun" is perfectly listenable album filler.

"Trap Door" is also perfectly listenable album filler, but a disappointing note to end on.

Average customer rating:

Put This In A Black Hole
filling the gap
Stripes of Grandeur
Simply Astounding
Amazing Band!!

Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Absolution
Sam's Town
Origin of Symmetry
Under the Iron Sea
Broken Boy Soldiers

ASIN: B000FVQYYK
Release Date: 2006-07-11

Tracks:

Take A Bow
Starlight
Supermassive Black Hole
Map Of The Problematique
Soldier's Poem
Invincible
Assassin
Exo-Politics
City Of Delusion
Hoodoo
Knights Of Cydonia

Amazon.com

Sounding like the confident, ambitious superstars they already are in their native UK, Muse follows up their breakthrough Absolution with an album that tempers the trio's unabashed grandiosity and apocalyptic obsessions with a smart pop groove. The minimalist angst of the opening "Take A Bow" may bridge the goth-pop conceits of the collection's successful predecessor, but those expectations are quickly kicked aside by "Starlight"'s synth-pop bliss, the falsettoed, space-disco thump of "Supermassive Black Hole" and the chilly, New Wave redux sheen of "Map of the Problematic"; so much for being held hostage to those early Radiohead comparisons. Indeed, on the lilting "Soldier's Poem" vocalist Matthew Bellamy cannily channels Freddie Mercury while "Assassin" pulses with the familiar metallic nerve and lyrical dread of Muse past. But by the time "Knights of Cydonia" erupts in a wrenching, melodramatic climax that somehow fuses ELP, Davie Allan, Procul Harum and Chris Isaak with enough giddy abandon to suspend disbelief, Muse have long since proved their case as genre-be-damned rock world-beaters. --Jerry McCulley

Album Description

In 2004, U.K. favorite Muse broke through in the U.S. with Absolution and major performances across America that won legions of new fans. In 2006, Muse takes a bold new step with Black Holes And Revelations, a powerful, upbeat epic album that takes the band's music to a whole dimension. Once again co-produced by Rich Costey (Rage Against The Machine, Audioslave), Muse incorporates influences from electronica and Prince to pure pop. The album is sure to be a revelation to those still unfamiliar with the 2005 Brit award winner for Best Live Act who headlines this summer's Reading and Leeds festivals.

Customer Reviews:

Put This In A Black Hole.......2007-07-17

I bought this album because I went to a lyric site and their lyrics for a song on Absolution were insightful. Once I received the album I was consumed with disappointment. This world is suffering from the disease of delusion, religion is the opiate of the masses, and it is more destructive than heroin. The ignorance of musicians spouting their idiotic rhetoric, which perpetuates the myths that god exists and we have souls is sickening. Lyrics are a main component of music and musicians have to write lyrics that people can relate to in order to provide catharsis. Hopefully this band will cease to exist so intelligent artists will thrive in our culture and challenge the ignorance that infects everything.

filling the gap.......2007-07-16

a powerful, sonic stimulant that breathes fresh life into the current rock world. At their best, they capture the excitement of a band like Depeche Mode, delivering rhythmic surprises at every turn while being accessible and addictive. Muse demonstrates a deft combination of guitars with synths and manages to fill the gap left between the purists on either side. They are melodic and soothing while rocking.

The Killers are coming to town (for which I already have tickets) but Muse is showing up a few days later...think I'm gonna have to try to swing this one, as well.

Stripes of Grandeur.......2007-07-16

Absoltuion in my opinion is the most perfect album ever made. Not because it's my favorite, but the songs shift perfectly as if to form a soundtrack to an dramatically epic movie.

Black Holes unfortunately has too many lacking songs. The majority of the album is mediocre and not really catchy, however its key tracks are the best muse has ever made. First of all, "Starlight" is their first attempt at an uplifting track the end result is honestly the best song i have ever heard. I swear i've been trying for a year and i can't get sick of it.

"Map of the Problematique" is also better than any other song muse has recorded. It's fast yet haunting in the most sinister way. This song grips me in a way i cant ignore. It continues to get more and more eerie as the song goes on, without letting the beat get stale. I just can never stop raving about this song, i think it's gorgeous and one of the best songs ever written. The only reason i like starlight more is because i'm just not depressed enough for this song 24/7.

"City of Delusion" and "Knights of Cydonnia" are also very catchy tracks that i listen to regularly. They allow muse to tap into a downing rock that isnt dark enough to enter a state of overdramatic. This is how they broke away from Absolution. Other than that the rest of the album is kind of a wash. It wont bore you, but you wont be placing them on repeat.

If nothing else, download "starlgiht" and "Map of the Problematique." These 2 tracks are arguably muse's finest and must be admired.

Simply Astounding.......2007-07-06

Much like thier earlier works and but still a brand new sound.

Take a Bow is reminicent of thier older Radioheadeaque sound while Black Holes and Revelations contains more of a funk sound to it.

And if anyone is interested in the upcoming Guitar Here. Knights of Cydonia, which is also on this albulm, will be on it.

Amazing Band!!.......2007-07-05

This band is so amazing. With each listen of the cd it continues to get better!!! They have so much depth.

Average customer rating:

what can be said
Top Ten pick ups of 2007
the best alternative cd i've heard in a loooooong time...
By all means, welcome to The Black Parade!!!!
One of the best albums that I've heard in a long, long time

The Black Parade
My Chemical Romance
Manufacturer: Reprise
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Sam's Town
Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge
Infinity on High
A Beautiful Lie
Decemberunderground

ASIN: B000I5Y8ZU
Release Date: 2006-10-31

Tracks:

The End.
Dead!
This Is How I Disappear
The Sharpest Lives
Welcome To The Black Parade
I Don't Love You
House Of Wolves
Cancer
Mama
Sleep
Teenagers
Disenchanted
Famous Last Words

Amazon.com

My Chemical Romance frontman Gerard Way has alternately described his band's third album as "completely over the top" and "borderline psychotic." But even those words can't adequately prepare fans of the group's 2004 platinum major-label debut, Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge, for the onslaught of twisted song suites, glam-rock cannon fire and drama-club theatrics that make up The Black Parade. Tracks like "Mama" and "The End" make "Bohemian Rhapsody" sound like "Blitzkrieg Bop." It's no coincidence that the disc feels as dizzyingly monumental as Green Day's American Idiot--after all, the two albums share the same label, producer, studio, janitorial team, and sense of apocalyptic dread. Similarly, The Black Parade will cast its creators in a completely new light. Despite its overly histrionic tendencies and a totally oddball cameo from Liza Minelli, it offers a clear signal that My Chemical Romance is ready to be taken seriously. --Aidin Vaziri

Album Description

The Black Parade, My Chemical Romance's follow-up to its 2004 platinum major-label debut Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge, "is way more dramatic, way more theatrical, completely over the top, borderline psychotic," says Gerard Way. "It's the most pure, intense thing we've ever been involved in." Producer by Rob Cavallo (Green Day), the album is a celebration of lvoe and death and darkness. Join The Black Parade.

Album Description

Customer Reviews:

what can be said.......2007-07-18

a pure work of art. one of the most creative artist's in the industry in my opinion. great music and lyrics. :-)

Top Ten pick ups of 2007.......2007-07-18

I am a huge My Chem fan and after Three Cheers I didn't think they'd be able to top it. Damn was I wrong, I saw these guys in concert over 3 times and they're even better live. This album though is quite possibly one of the best albums i've ever purchased. Across the board the album is strong, has different styles and tells amazing stories like Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (through hell). I don't know how they'll beat this!

the best alternative cd i've heard in a loooooong time..........2007-07-16

i always heard people talking about how great that one band, "my chemical romance" was, but i never really cared. so i heard the song "famous last words" on the radio, and i was like, "who is this?" my friend told me it was mcr and i was like, "whoa, they're better than i thought they were!" i went on itunes and wasted a bunch of money downloading songs from this album like crazy. my personal favorites (in order) are "the sharpest lives", "teenagers", "dead!', "house of wolves", "famous last words", "mama", and "welcome to the black parade". anyway, this cd is really worth buying, and you should check out their other stuff, too.

By all means, welcome to The Black Parade!!!!.......2007-07-09

When lead-singer Michael Way called the album "psychotic", he wasn't kidding. Upon my first go-round with The Black Parade, I didn't get it. I sat there for a moment thinking, "Wait, what?" However, having listened to "Three Cheers...." and "I Brought You...", I knew better than to go with first impressions, so I listened to it again....and again....and again...and I'm still listening to it almost a year after it's release.

What a superb Junior effort by this group of alt-rockers (if that's the genre you choose to place them in). This album has a little something for everyone. I enjoy this albgum so much, I would love to write a review for each song on the album. However, that would prolong you from doing what you should be doing, which is listening to the album. Stop reading and start listening.

One listen and you'll hear influences ranging from Green Day to Pink Floyd to Queen. All superbly brought together with the brilliant musicianship of My Chemical Romance. If you're even remotely interested in My Chemical Romance, buy this album. And, even if you're not interested, buy it anyway. WOW!!!

One of the best albums that I've heard in a long, long time.......2007-07-06

I was driving home one night, and I heard this song playing on the radio. It was epic, big, and unlike anything that I had ever heard. My wife said that it was from someone called 'My Chemical Romance.'
I had heard of them, but I thought that they were some sort of punk rock band. I love alternative music, and hard rock. I grew up on it, however, I could never get into punk rock.
I mentioned the song to someone at work, and they said that they had the CD, and said that it was great, and that I should try it.
So I did.
I was totally blown away by this album! There's not a song on it that I would skip through. From the opening lines of 'The End.,' to the almost inspirational chorus of 'Famous Last Words,' My Chemical Romance brings an album with a wide range of styles that all seem to meld into on fantastic album. 'The Black Parade' is one of the all-time greats, and 'Disenchanted' near the very end of the album really stand out as songs that could stand the test of time.
This is an album that I could anticipate picking up ten years from now, and still like it as much then, as I do today. And THAT sort of album does not come along very often.
So I say, that if you like music, any kind of rock music, pick up this album.

Average customer rating:

Till the Sun Turns Black
Painfully good....
Great Ray
1st the Best, 2nd the same
The most calming album...

Till the Sun Turns Black
Ray LaMontagne
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Trouble
Supply And Demand
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9
Amos Lee

ASIN: B000GPIPVU
Release Date: 2006-08-29

Tracks:

Be Here Now
Empty
Barfly
Three More Days
Can I Stay
You Can Bring Me Flowers
Gone Away From Me
Lesson Learned
Truly, Madly, Deeply
Till The Sun Turns Black
Within You

Amazon.com

How do you follow a debut record that achieved out-of-the-blue grandeur on its way to selling a quarter of a million copies? For Maine's Ray LaMontagne, it's all about shaking up the formula, evading repetition and delivering the unexpected. Till the Sun Turns Black finds the introspective singer/songwriter complementing his folk-country ways with traces of strings and horns and spooky soulful background voices. Songs like "You Can Bring Me Flowers" and "Three More Days" are the most R&B-influenced, the latter shuffling about ala The Band or Tony Joe White. Despite its brooding lyrics, "Empty" has a rollicking, almost breezy delivery, a perfect balance to either the hushed title track, the unnerving "Be Here Now" or the horn-fortified waltz, "Gone Away From Me." Throughout the 11-song sequence, and especially on the final song "Within You," LaMontagne's voice remains the record's most crucial element, as vibrant as it is tattered and as harsh as it is flawless. --Scott Holter

Customer Reviews:

Till the Sun Turns Black.......2007-07-23

Essential to listen to this alone and preferably in semi darkness. Really moving and able to touch your soul and heart in places few others can get near to. The gentle melodies are very soothing, like salve applied to wounds,both old and recent. Will be played often and held in the esteem of such greats as Dylan and Cohen.

Painfully good...........2007-06-22

The first time I plopped this CD in, I was thinking "if it's half as good as `Trouble' then I'd be happy." My happiness turned into complete elation. This CD is just as good as `Trouble' and it continues to grow on me with every listen. It is a little mellower than his first effort, perhaps a little darker. Having said that, it doesn't take anything away from this beautifully crafted CD.

Highly, highly recommended.

Great Ray.......2007-05-15

If you like Ray, you'll love this too. Better then his first outing of Trouble which really was hard to top.

1st the Best, 2nd the same.......2007-05-13

The first time hearing the CD, I was a little dissappointed. I really liked his first CD and was looking forward to more of the same. I don't know what I was thinking! A second time through and I was convinced that Ray LaMontagne is the best "unknown" singer and songwriter today!

The most calming album..........2007-05-12

For an absolutely soothing passionate album, try this...Ray LaMontagne is great for the office or a road trip...love it!

Average customer rating:

If only Sam Cooke were alive today !
Excellent tribute
Sam Cooke
A real treasure
After all these years, still the best. . .

Portrait of a Legend 1951-1964
Sam Cooke
Manufacturer: Abkco
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Very Best of Otis Redding
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ASIN: B00009N1ZV
Release Date: 2003-06-17

Tracks:

Touch The Hem Of His Garment
Lovable
You Send Me
Only Sixteen
(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons
Just For You
Win Your Love For Me
Everybody Loves To Cha Cha Cha
I'll Come Running Back To You
You Were Made For Me
Sad Mood
Cupid
(What A) Wonderful World
Chain Gang
Summertime
Little Red Rooster
Bring It On Home To Me
Nothing Can Change This Love
Sugar Dumpling
(Ain't That) Good News
Meet Me At Mary's Place
Twistin' The Night Away
Shake
Tennessee Waltz
Another Saturday Night
Good Times
Having A Party
That's Where It's At
A Change Is Gonna Come
Jesus Gave Me Water
Unlisted Track

Customer Reviews:

If only Sam Cooke were alive today !.......2007-07-20

Portrait of a legend was exactly what the title suggested. Sam Cooke is amazing and has the voice of an angel no matter what type of music he is singing.His sound is so very classy, upbeat and fun. His sound is a presentation of what all music could've been. If only he were still alive today, the wonderful music that might have been. The world lost one of it's most precious gifts when we lost Sam Cooke!!!!!!!!!!!!

Excellent tribute.......2007-07-20

Just look at the tracklist and you'll realize how many standards Sam Cooke sang first. This is the best of the collections of Cooke's work with both great sound and packaging. If you're wanting to recapture this part of your youth, this is a very good Cooke CD to get.

Sam Cooke.......2007-07-14

This CD is well worth the money. All of Cooke's big hits...plus some of his very early songs.

A real treasure.......2007-05-16

This album really hooked me on the awesome talent of Sam Cooke! I had listened over the years to Sam's many hits on the radio. I tried this album to catch some of my favorites. Wow, what a revelation! it is now one of my top three favorite CDs. I can't recommend it more.

After all these years, still the best. . . .......2007-05-13

Even though Sam Cooke has been gone for so many years, time has not diminished the quality and genius of his music. The songs still have
the same meaning as they did back in the day. The world lost him much too soon, but his music lingers on and entertains many of the younger generations. This CD is the best of the best!!

Average customer rating:

Missed their mark!
Well worth the money!!! Bogus DVD or not!
world class music once again from kamelot
"Sometimes I tremble when the shades unfurl"
"WELCOME ALL/TO CURTAIN CALL

Ghost Opera
Kamelot
Manufacturer: Steamhammer/SPV
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Black Halo

ASIN: B000PA9PMY
Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

Solitaire
Rule The World
Ghost Opera
The Human Stain
Blücher
Love You To Death
Up Through The Ashes
Mourning Star
Silence Of The Darkness
Anthem
EdenEcho
The Pendulous Fall (bonus track)

Amazon.com

Kamelot's latest power metal offering seems unlikely to win the collective the kind of major attention its sought for more than a decade now. While vocalist Roy Khan still emits his signature siren wail and guitarist Thomas Youngblood crafts riffs that crunch with more power than your average fast food taco, the band still lacks a unique identity, alternating between its status as a Queensryche retread or vying for listeners more attuned to Korn and Avenged Sevenfold. "Rule the World" certainly stands as one of the outfit's heaviest works to date and "Mourning Star" carries with it its own kind of majestic beauty but repeat listens reveal that Ghost Opera is little more than by-the-numbers power metal, of the kind that didn't really work when Helloween released Keeper of the Seven Keys two decades ago and still fails to satisfy today.--Jedd Beaudoin

Album Description

American Melodic Metal masters Kamelot are back with the follow-up to their breakthrough epic The Black Halo. Ghost Opera is simply one of the most diverse metallic listening experiences of the year, containing all of the melody, power, passion and crunch that have earned them the undying respect of metal-heads around the country and around the world. The first pressing contains a bonus DVD featuring the video of Ghost Opera and a making of feature. Catch Kamelot on tour across North America late this summer!

Customer Reviews:

Missed their mark!.......2007-07-26

Songs seem very repetitive. Also, has some rip-off "Phantom" music to create the ghostly effect. Khan needs to stop with the attempt at soft singing. His vibrato kills all of the ballad style singing and his voice sounds way over trained. I am all about great vocals and this album does a poor job of showcasing them. Khan can sing better than this. Lose the heavy vibrato. I am a Kamelot fan but the album left me wanting more. Maybe next time guys.

Well worth the money!!! Bogus DVD or not!.......2007-07-23

I REALLY like this album and am glad to see that Kamelot is continuing to evolve and mature. So many bands of this genre begin to get stagnant and eventually stale after every album begins to sound the same.

But I'm kind of conflicted as well due to one simple fact. I can think of many, many cases where a certain album by a band is a better album overall than it's predecessor, but that predecessor just happens to have that one single song that is better than anything on the newer release. Of course this is all personal opinion but two genre examples that quickly come to mind are Ozzy and Maiden.

I feel that Diary of a Madman is better overall than Blizzard of Oz though nothing on Diary quite equals the one-two punch of "Revelation (Mother Earth)" and "Steal Away the Night". And while I think Piece of Mind is superior to Number of the Beast overall, it doesn't have anything that tops the magnificent "Hallowed Be Thy name".

Ghost Opera is like this; while I think it's (slightly) better overall, I haven't heard anything that tops Black Halo's "March of Mephisto". But, reading the reviews, I see that many fans like Halo better overall anyway.

In any case, I really like "Rule the World", "Love you to Death", "Up Thru the Ashes", "Edenecho" and the bonus track "The Pendulous Fall". And, if the band continues to evolve in this way...I can't wait for the next one!! But I have to say the "bonus" DVD wasn't worth it, only 2 videos and one was a making of..., but, then again I haven't seen one yet that didn't come with the DVD so I wonder how much cheaper it would have been?

Now if they'd just come to Atlanta (or anywhere closer than a 10 hr drive) so I can go see them!!!! Because, judging by the "One Cold Winter's Night" DVD and what I'm hearing on Ghost Opera..... I'd sure like to!!!

world class music once again from kamelot.......2007-07-23

From start to finish once again this band really keeps coming with great melodies. khan's keeps showing us his unlimited range of vocal notes. I love the production as well, sacha peith(spelling) is a master producer, the way instruments are arranged is just brilliant. and the album grows on you instantly and just want to listen to it again and again. my fav tracks are:
intro & rule the world, ghost opera, and number 6 which i can't remember the title!!

although as people have already said there are more than usual number of ballads, these ballads are just great, nice vocals, strong melodies and wonderful lyrics. I can't wait for their next one..hopefully they will bring out a concert dvd for this album too.

"Sometimes I tremble when the shades unfurl".......2007-07-20

4.5 stars. While this album is certainly closer to 5 stars than to 4 stars, I simply cannot put in the same category as their last, epic, majestic "The Black Halo". That album has everything that is great about Kamelot: excellent production, Khan's emotive vocalizations, and a roller-coaster ride of tempo shifts. The last bit of praise is actually my only complaint about "Ghost Opera", which contains mostly mid-tempo songcraft with the always great choruses and darkening lyrics. In fact, the only ballad here is "Anthem", which is acceptable, but it is nowhere near the fantastic level of "Abandoned" from "The Black Halo". I would also have to say that "Ghost Opera" is even blacker in tone than their past few albums. I actually enjoy this quite a bit as I prefer the darker side of emotion as it tends to be more interesting to decipher. Overall, "Ghost Opera" is a welcome addition to Kamelot's already extraordinary catalog. Highly recommended.

The bonus DVD is a joke, unfortunately, as it contains the video for "Ghost Opera" and then a replay of the same video which shows how the special effects were added and such. That's it. However, the bonus track "The Pendulous Fall" is excellent, so I heartily recommend purchasing this "Enhanced" version of the album for that reason alone.

"WELCOME ALL/TO CURTAIN CALL.......2007-07-17

Thus begins the refrain of the third and title track. If you have read any of my other reviews, you know the title is a favorite or meaningful lyric from the songs in the CD. Sometimes finding title-worthy lyrics can be difficult, but not with Kamelot. This title reflects the music type, as does the CD's name, The Ghost Opera. I find it more symphonic than The Black Halo, and if there is anything better than power metal, it is symphonic power metal. None-the-less, I think Black Halo is slightly better overall, but Ghost Opera is easily another five star production by Kamelot. Again every song is excellent in all aspects: lyrics, vocals and instrumentals.

Track one is a one minute violin solo that blends smoothly into the power of the second track. And here we immediately encounter the striking words "sometimes I tremble like a little child/that faces morning with a broken smile." Rule the World is the song, but it is about ruling your life. In fact, this whole CD is about life...and death.

You will notice a considerable contrast between The Human Stain (track 4) and track 10, Anthem, a beautiful ballad. In Anthem we have "what's a miracle/if life itself is not" and "I do know this/I'll be the best I can." Compare that to "but it hurts to be alive my friend/in this silent tide we're driftwood passing by/don't you wish you were a child again" and "but it hurts to be alive my friend/in this masquerade where all one day must die/don't you wish you were unborn again" in The Human Stain. And there in two songs, Kamelot has condensed the whole conundrum of being human. It can be wonderful just being alive and being able to comprehend life, but that package includes the knowledge of death.

Just as Black Halo had a connection to Epica, here we have two connections to The Black Halo. The first, Simone Simons beautiful voice being again included in one of the songs (Blucher, which seems to be about the death of a German sailer in World War I), is minor, but I find the second intriguing. Black Halo has the haunting Abandoned where Khan sings the part of Christ in the Agony in the Garden. In Ghost Opera, Khan moves to a subsequent setting and plays the part of Pilate in Up Through the Ashes. If you listen carefully, you will even here the crowd chant "Barabbas." I'm wondering if the next release will fittingly end with the Crucifixion. (I may have to send Kamelot a copy of this review.)

Now, since two of the songs here, Love You to Death and The Pendulous Fall, deal with suicide, and the others with life/death in general, I again, as in my previous review, must ask myself if the subject matter has not overly influenced my attraction to the music. Again I say that the music itself is enough. However, nearly everyone has experienced the grief of loss, or considered, to some extent, their own death. Therefore, this is part of the attraction, just as it is in many examples of the best books, poems and movies. I've said it before, I'll say it again, these guys can write. (Please see my profile for a brief discussion of my rating philosophy.)

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