Grin

1. Like Rain

2. See What Love Can Do

3. Everybody's Missin' the Sun

4. 18 Faced Lover

5. Outlaw

6. We All Sung Together

7. If I Were a Song

8. Take You to the Movies Tonight

9. Direction

10. Pioneer Mary

11. Open Wide

12. I Had Too Much (Miss Dazi)

13. Nobody [*]

14. Sing for Happiness [*]

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The First Album Released by Grin the Band Formed by a Nineteen Year Old Nils Lofgren. Released on the Cbs/Spindizzy Label in the USA, the Group and It's Singer/Writer, Lead Guitarist Nils Lofgren Soon Became Noticed by his Peers and Neil Young and Crazy Horse Guest on Three Tracks. Two Bonus Tracks from the Original Album Sessions Are Added to this Release Including his Song "Nobody" which Lofgren Wrote for Neil Young's Crazy Horse and that They Recorded on their Debut Album which also Featured Nils Lofgren on Guitar. Still Sounds Fresh and Vital.

Grin,Grin,Acadia Records,Pop,Pop/Rock,Rock,Rock & Roll,Rock/Pop,Roots Rock

Grin

Average customer rating:

Solid, but needs 4 plus plays
Cool
Save your cash and buy the originals
Great musicians, great songs, lousy CD
WHAT IF BARRY MANILOW SANG TOM WAITS?

Wicked Grin
John Hammond Jr.
Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Blues | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Ready for Love
Push Comes to Shove
In Your Arms Again
At the Crossroads: The Blues of Robert Johnson
Southern Fried

ASIN: B000059T5O
Release Date: 2001-03-13

Tracks:

2:19
Heartattack And Vine
Clap Hands
'Til The Money Runs Out
16 Shells From A Thirty-Ought Six
Buzz Fledderjohn
Get Behind The Mule
Shore Leave
Fannin Street
Jockey Full Of Bourbon
Big Black Mariah
Murder In The Red Barn
I Know I've Been Changed

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

Wicked Grin is wicked indeed, just as sharp and clear and perceptive as you'd expect of an album of Tom Waits songs performed by veteran bluesman John Hammond. That basically sums up what Wicked Grin is all about; only one song on the album, the traditional "I Know I've Been Changed," wasn't written by Waits. This gorgeous recording should appeal to fans of both artists: Waits's songwriting is as incisive as ever, and Hammond explores each song to its fullest potential as he makes it his own. Waits produced the album as well. Between them, the two musicians achieve a kind of synthesis that makes for a damn fine collection. The first few songs kick things off nicely, evoking urban images, specifically of New York City, that stick in the mind like a tune running through your head that won't leave. Then there's "Shore Leave," with a sort of dark harmonic drone behind everything that makes the whole song downright spooky; the bittersweet "Fannin Street," which almost sounds like one of Johnny Cash's sweeter songs; and the Spanish-inflected "Jockey Full of Bourbon," which is capable of raising goose bumps. The format of this collaboration is perhaps a bit unusual--though there's a long history in the blues of artists covering other artists' work, it's usually done after the artist being covered is safely dead and can't object--but it works so well that it makes an excellent argument for continuing the practice, even if it's doubtful that most such pairings could be as successful as this one. This may well be one of the best releases of 2001. --Genevieve Williams

Customer Reviews:

Solid, but needs 4 plus plays.......2007-03-27

I like blues and I like Tom Waits. This album is the kind you don't get tired of, but it takes at least 4 full plays through the CD to start appreciating the songs. I painted my basement which took two days and played this CD at least half the time. That was back in 2003, and this still is a regular in my CD changer. So it is definitely a grower and not a slam banger. All I can say is like a fine wine sit and savor it and you will find yourself coming back to this CD again and again. It has even made me seek out the John Hammond catalog and listen to him more. Fine guitar playing.

Cool.......2007-01-10

This guy is as cool as they come. I absolutely love this CD.I've since ordered several more.

Save your cash and buy the originals.......2006-12-30

I bought this CD fully expecting to really enjoy this since I love Tom Waits's music and I enjoy John Hammond's guitar playing. However after numerous plays I have since grown tired of this CD and I have sold it. After a while all of the songs seemed to sound the same and they don't hold a candle to the Tom Waits originals. So save your cash and buy the Tom Waits originals.

Great musicians, great songs, lousy CD.......2006-09-30

After 39 reviews, I have some doubts about any beneficial effects the 40th may have, but I feel so strongly about this disc that I decided to weigh in anyway.

Pretty straightforward, really: Tom Waits is a musical genius. John Hammond is a great blues guitarist, and a very good singer.

Didn't they listen to this CD before they released it?

Except for the passing novelty of hearing some of Tom's (deliberately) incomprehensible growling translated into english, this disc has very little to offer.

You know that sensation you get when you hear a really great song performed as elevator music?

Bingo.

WHAT IF BARRY MANILOW SANG TOM WAITS?.......2005-01-25

Okay, Tom is one of those artists who's music transfers well to almost anyone's interpretation. They are just damn good songs, and it's hard to mess up a good song. But listening to this music is like hearing Tom Waits emasculated, or maybe a Stepford Tom Waits. Hammond's voice and delivery doesn't even approach the pathos or spirit of Tom's. Sure it has a nice "Blues groove", but the spirit of Waits is lost in this recording. If Tom's music is smoked brandy,this music is a blended daiquiri with a paper umbrella. Holly Cole, who is, sometimes, so upbeat I want to slap her, gives a much more sensitive, gritty, and moving performance of Waits' songs than this Julie-Andrews-Guy. If you want mediocrity, buy this cd. If you want artistry, pass it by.

Average customer rating:

1+1/All Out
Nils Lofgren , and Grin
Manufacturer: Acadia Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Wonderland
Grin
Back It Up
Lo and Behold
Just Roll Tape: April 26th, 1968

ASIN: B000PKG62G
Release Date: 2007-05-29

Tracks:

White Lies
Please Don't Hide
Slippery Fingers
Moon Tears
End Unkind
Sometimes
Lost a Number
Hi, Hello Home
Just a Poem
Soft Fun
Sad Letter
Heavy Chevy
Don't Be Long
Love Again
She Ain't Right
Love or Else
Ain't Love Nice
Heart on Fire
All Out
Rusty Gun
Just to Have You [*]

Album Description

2007 two-fer featuring a double dose of Nils Lofgren and his band Grin featuring one bonus track: 'Just To Have You'. 1+1 was released in 1972 and features Graham Nash as guest vocalist. All Out was released the following year. 21 tracks total. Acadia.

Album Details

2007 Digitally Remastered Edition of Two Original Albums Assembled on a Single Compact Disc! Lofgren and his Band Grin Released "1+1" in 1971, featuring a Guest Appearance by Former Hollies/Csny Member Graham Nash. The Follow Up "All Out" Again Featured all Original Material Written by the Guitarist. This Reissue Includes the Rare Single B-side Track "Just to have You" as a Special Bonus.

Average customer rating:

His most misunderstood album.......
Nope, Not the Blues
fun kid's album without being hokey
Not the typical Keb Mo...
Huh, what happened to Keb' Mo'?

Big Wide Grin
Keb' Mo'
Manufacturer: Sony Wonder (Audio)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Blues | Styles | Music

Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music

Acoustic Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

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Folk Music | Children's Music | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Keep It Simple
Peace...Back By Popular Demand
The Door
Slow Down
Just Like You

ASIN: B00005K9F7
Release Date: 2001-06-05

Tracks:

Everybody By Yoself
Love Train
Don't Say No
Infinite Eyes
Grandma's Hands
Color Him Father
Family Affair
The Flat Foot Floogie
I Am Your Mother Too
Big Yellow Taxi
Isn't She Lovely
America The Beautiful

Amazon.com

Every photo included in Big Wide Grin's booklet has Keb' Mo' looking just as pleased as punch. The material on his fifth album is likewise overwhelmingly cheerful, a series of upbeat meditations on family life that, while occasionally idealized, are usually refreshingly realistic. It's this realism, the implicit understanding that families are frequently assembled out of far-flung components rather than adhering to some nuclear ideal, that makes Grin such a winner. That principle informs songs such as "I Am Your Mother, Too," addressed to an adopted child, and "Color Him Father," about the entrance of a stepparent into a family. The whole album is, in fact, a family affair, with members of Mo's family occasionally pulling background-vocal duty. Big Wide Grin is a summertime album for those still young enough to have the summer off. Fortunately, there's just enough bittersweet mixed in to keep the result from Pollyanna-hood. After all, what's the point of being reminded to count your blessings if you don't realize that that's what they are? --Genevieve Williams

Customer Reviews:

His most misunderstood album..............2005-03-23

What a lot of reviewers fail to realize about this album is that it is NOT blues! It was simply a chance for him to try something new. I think it's great that he wants to include his son on his album and feels comfortable enough as a musician to do so. His true fans realize this by not trying to group him into one category. But I guess I'm a little different than some of the other reviewers here. I am NOT a Blues fan. I am a music fan. Plain and simple. Charlie Daniels once said "There's only 12 notes in all of music. Labels don't mean a thing." So if you like music, this is great album (as well as his others), but if you only listen to blues....well this may not be for you.

Nope, Not the Blues.......2004-12-10

It would be easy to say Keb' Mo' sold out, but I guess he probably just wanted to try something different. So he pushed out this happy/silly/poppy/goofy disc. Not my style. I'm a blues fan. If you want a disc to play at your ten-year old's birthday party, this might be for you.

fun kid's album without being hokey.......2004-02-27

I am a fan of Keb Mo and was glad to see he made a kid's album. As a mother of twins, I'm trying to find music that we all can listen to. Avoiding the silly albums out there isn't too hard, it just takes a bit of research. I want my boys to be exposed to all kinds of good music, and Keb's album is one I put on often. He has a great voice, and the upbeat songs are fun to dance around to. (My boys love watching me dance and do hand movements to Love Train.) I like that he includes a wide definition of family. The grandmother's hands song is wonderful and sweet. By the way, for Keb fans he has a wonderful lullaby on Just Like You album. If anyone is looking for other kid's albums, another good one is Jazz for Kids with real jazz singers like Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Louis Prima etc. singing fun jazz songs.

Not the typical Keb Mo..........2003-12-11

I read over the reviews and observed mixed emotions about the material on this CD. I purchased this blindly and without reading about any of the songs on it, not realizing this contained mostly covers. Disappointed, I had thought about giving it away or returning it, but I have decided to keep it, for I am hoping that it will grow on me. Nothing wrong at all with the material on it, I like his interpretation of "Grandma's Hands" "I am your Mother too" and "Big Yellow Taxi". It's just not the typical Keb Mo we've all come to appreciate. It is a family CD. However, instead of criticizing him for having his son appear with him on the CD, I think it's cool. That's the great part about making a name for yourself, you're able to take some liberties and do what you like, instead of doing what the record companies tell you to do. For that, I give him 5 stars. And I will have to add that this music is full of love, and if you're a true fan of Keb... well, then you will appreciate his celebration of: "Life...love...family..."

Huh, what happened to Keb' Mo'?.......2003-11-23

I'm a big fan of Keb' Mo'. He's one of the few really new voices in blues, if you can even define what he does in that fashion. This album is a HUGE disappointment. I actually came online to see if maybe this was a children's album--at least one way to excuse what he did. Save your money, please.

Average customer rating:

There's more to early 20th Century Finnish symphonic music than Sibelius
Don't be misled by comparisons to Mahler
fine performances of wonderful but virtually unknown music
fine performances of wonderful but virtually unknown music
This is great!

Melartin: The Six SYMPHONIES

Manufacturer: Ondine
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Kurt Atterberg: The Symphonies (Box Set)
Ture Rangström: Complete Symphonies (Box Set)
Wilhelm Peterson-Berger: Complete Symphonies [Box Set]
Tubin: Symphonies
Vagn Holmboe: The Complete Symphonies

ASIN: B00001W08G
Release Date: 1999-10-19

Tracks:

Sym No.1 in c, Op.30/1: 1. Adagio - Allegro Molto Moderato Ed Energico
Sym No.1 in c, Op.30/1: 2. Adagio
Sym No.1 in c, Op.30/1: 3. Scherzo (Allegro Vivace)
Sym No.1 in c, Op.30/1: 4. Finale (Allegro Vivace)
Sym No.3 in F, Op.40: 1. Allegro Moderato
Sym No.3 in F, Op.40: 2. Andante
Sym No.3 in F, Op.40: 3. Scherzo (Vivacissimo)
Sym No.3 in F, Op.40: 4. Largo

Tracks:

Sym No.2: 1. Andante Tranquillo - Allegro -
Sym No.2: 2. Andante
Sym No.2: 3. Scherzo (Allegro Vivace)
Sym No.2: 4. Finale (Vivace)
Sym No.4, Op.80 (Summer Sym): 1. Allegro Moderato
Sym No.4, Op.80 (Summer Sym): 2. Scherzo (Vivace)
Sym No.4, Op.80 (Summer Sym): 3. Andante - Pia Freund/Lilli Paasikivi/Laura Nykanen
Sym No.4, Op.80 (Summer Sym): 4. Rondo-Finale

Tracks:

Sym No.5, Op.90 (Sinf Brevis): 1. Moderato
Sym No.5, Op.90 (Sinf Brevis): 2. Andante
Sym No.5, Op.90 (Sinf Brevis): 3. Intermezzo (Allegro Moderato)
Sym No.5, Op.90 (Sinf Brevis): 4. Finale
Sym No.6, Op.100: 1. Andante
Sym No.6, Op.100: 2. Andante
Sym No.6, Op.100: 3. Allegro
uj

Customer Reviews:

There's more to early 20th Century Finnish symphonic music than Sibelius.......2005-11-22

Read the previous reviews to get a feel for what this is, and what this is not. I don't plan to reiterate what has been so competently stated by my predecessors. From a nationalistic point of view, these symphonies do represent an original voice, however derivative it may sound to ears that are "wise after the fact." Erkki Melartin seems to be looking for his voice in the first symphony, which tends to meander (despite lofty contrapuntal intentions and the controlling principle of brevity). Things tighten up and come into focus in the next 4 works, and symphonies 3 and 4 are nothing short of masterful. Economy of thematic means is matched with a creatively-employed color pallette with cleanness of line heightening the drama. The counterpoint is complex, but never sounds like it -- it comes across as effortless (despite the fact that one is often listening to complex overlays of the cantus firmus in augmentation, retrograde, inversion, etc., all at once). Thematic unity is also emphasized: motifs in a given symphony's first movement tend to pepper subsequent movements (or, perhaps just as accurately, subsequent themes owe their heritage to previous material, but sometimes inverted, etc.). The 5th symphony is also mature and satisfying, but Melartin dabbles in darker, more dissonant waters in the 6th, which is, to me, the least successful of the set (primarily because of its first movement, although subsequent movements attempt to redeem the picture). All in all, worthy of one's patronage. The Tampere Orchestra plays flawlessly and with conviction under Leonid Grin. If you were to get one set of 20th century symphonies this year, this one should vie with British composer Edward Rubbra's set for your consideration (also available on Amazon) -- you can't go wrong with either set, and the compositional craftsmanship in both cases is exemplary.

Don't be misled by comparisons to Mahler.......2004-12-08

Melartin's symphonies are often compared to Mahler's by critics simply because he introduced Mahler to the Nordic audience. But they are hardly Mahlerian at half of the length. In fact, they are typical miniaturist's symphonies, which vaguely reminded me of Sinding. Powerful and ambitious openings are drowned out by overflowing lyricism in the middle movements, which, despite their colorfulness, are sterile of ideas. No doubt there are many good tunes in the symphonies, but they are nondescript, easily fade from memory and soon become tiresome. Grieg, though his only symphony is often dismissed as derivative, seems the only miniaturist capable of large scale works.

fine performances of wonderful but virtually unknown music.......2000-03-25

I agree completely with the other review posted here. I even came by these recordings the same way he did; I read the glowing comments on one of the single issues and decided to investigate the whole set. This is wonderful music--beautfiully crafted, sometimes lyrical, sometimes powerful, but always colorful and interesting. As a conductor Melartin brought Mahler to the Scandanavian countires, just as Wilhelm Stenhammar-- his exact comtemporary--introduced Bruckner to the north; and one can hear the Mahler influence in Melartin's dazzling orchestration. Melartin gets a very brief paragraph in Groves; and, as nearly as I can determine, these are the only recordings of the symphonies available--perhaps, ever available. I'm not going to play "is-it-as-good-as" games. The quality of this music, however, raises real questions about the standard orchestral canon--what's in and what's out. There is a great deal of music routinely heard in the world's concert halls which is not the equal of these enjoyable symphonies. I don't know much about Leonid Grin, and it's always difficult to judge performances of marginalized repertoire when you've never heard it before. I remember Bernstein took an interest in his talents some years ago, and I think he now holds a post somewhere in the US south-west. All I can say is the music is compelling and he gets top notch results from a little known orchestra. Great sound and a good price! (Check out Melartin's violin concerto with Segerstam on the same label!)

fine performances of wonderful but virtually unknown music.......2000-03-25

This is great!.......2000-02-20

What we have here is another example of a lost or forgotten composer. Melartin, a Finnish composer who lived from 1875-1937 has in essence become completely eclipsed by his contemporary, Jean Sibelius. While I'm not saying that Melartin's symphonies are better than those masterpeices of Sibelius, I am going to say that these deserve better attention and circulation than they have been given. These are wonderful, tuneful works, full of brilliant orchestration! The composer that seems to come to mind for me is Bruckner, only these are more brilliant orchestrally. I decided to purchase the complete set after reading the recommendations for Symphony #4, and haven't regretted it for a minute! Everyone of these symphonies will bring much pleasure to the listener. Please buy this set!

Average customer rating:

What a show
one of the great talents of the 70's
Nils and Grin
GRINNING
Still serching

The Very Best of Grin
Grin Featuring Nils Lofgren
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

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4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

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The Best of Nils Lofgren & Grin: The A&M Years
Grin
Ultimate Collection
Sacred Weapon
Back It Up

ASIN: B00000J7SP
Release Date: 1999-06-08

Tracks:

Everybody's Missin' The Sun
See What A Love Can Do
Like Rain
We All Sung Together
Nobody
Sing For Happiness
White Lies
Hi, Hello Home
Slippery Fingers
Lost A Number
Moon Tears
Soft Fun
Just To Have You
Love Or Else
Sad Letter
Ain't Love Nice
All Out
Rusty Gun
You're The Weight

Customer Reviews:

What a show.......2005-08-29

My first rock concert was in 1970 at Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, Maryland where Nils went to school (I was 11 years old). Grin played in the school gym and I sat on the stage in front of a PA. He was unbelievable and I was addicted to rock & roll forever. Thanks Nils - songs like Moon Tears, Like Rain and Slipper Fingers are just great music.

one of the great talents of the 70's.......2004-10-16

I never heard of Grin until three years ago, though of course I knew Nils Lofgren from his work with Neil Young. When my brother sent me this CD and I put it on, I couldn't figure out why Grin hadn't been more successful. Some of Lofgren's songs (White Lies, Moon Tears, We All Sung Together) should have been big hits. Maybe he needed a better publicist, or a better record company. The loss was mine, because I spent the first 30 years of my life unaware of this creative and enjoyable music. Lofgren was only in his teens when he recorded some of these songs, but they hold up incredibly well. Now I listen often, to make up for lost time. Highly recommended for all.

Nils and Grin.......2004-08-28

Why can't I find "If I were a song" by Grin anywhere? Anyone want to send me that song?
And I really want to get a CD copy of Nils and Grin's first album that I have on LP...cant think of the name but there are feet on the cover hanging down..right? Anyone know where I can find it? It was one of my all time favorite albums!
Nils, thanks for the free concert in MD last week! What a treat!
Tvbonnie@aol.com

GRINNING.......2004-07-14

Grin's first album was called "GRIN" and was released by Spindizzy records inc.

Still serching.......2004-04-26

I have been serching so long without any luck so does anybody know what Grin's first alblum was? What the cover might have looked like?

Average customer rating:

I love this album
Grinning for Grin
Start Grinning!!

Grin
Grin Featuring Nils Lofgren
Manufacturer: Acadia Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Very Best of Grin
The Best of Nils Lofgren & Grin: The A&M Years
1+1
Live
Ultimate Collection

ASIN: B0009MI7L8
Release Date: 2005-06-13

Tracks:

Like Rain
See What Love Can Do
Everybody's Missin' the Sun
18 Faced Lover
Outlaw
We All Sung Together
If I Were a Song
Take You to the Movies Tonight
Direction
Pioneer Mary
Open Wide
I Had Too Much (Miss Dazi)
Nobody [*]
Sing for Happiness [*]

Album Details

The First Album Released by Grin the Band Formed by a Nineteen Year Old Nils Lofgren. Released on the Cbs/Spindizzy Label in the USA, the Group and It's Singer/Writer, Lead Guitarist Nils Lofgren Soon Became Noticed by his Peers and Neil Young and Crazy Horse Guest on Three Tracks. Two Bonus Tracks from the Original Album Sessions Are Added to this Release Including his Song "Nobody" which Lofgren Wrote for Neil Young's Crazy Horse and that They Recorded on their Debut Album which also Featured Nils Lofgren on Guitar. Still Sounds Fresh and Vital.

Customer Reviews:

I love this album.......2006-12-10

I've been a Grin fan since seeing them play a free concert in a park in D.C. back in the early 70's. It is a great pleasure to find that this album is available on CD. I only wish 1+1 (their 2nd album) and the other 2 albums they cut would be re-released on CD. Great rock tunes from a very talented artist.

Grinning for Grin.......2006-08-01

Great to have this on CD for the car (and at home). Strong album with some wonderful harmonies and some early Crazy Horse style emotion and musical sense on the other tracks. Last 2 or 3 tracks not as good as the rest of the album, but still some outstanding music. Highly recommended.

Start Grinning!!.......2005-12-23

I haven't heard the two "bonus tracks", but this first GRIN album set the tone for the three that followed: ballads and rockers, guitars and pianos over bass and drums, Nils and Bob switching off the lead vocals. My personal favorites may differ from yours, but their staying power is testified by the later appearances in Lofgren's set lists of "Take You to the Movies"and "Like Rain". "See What A Love Can Do" is further notable for Nils' harmonized guitar lead, where every other note is a pinched harmonic -- making for a uniquely thrilling sound.

Nils had plenty to do here, overdubbing *all* the guitars and keyboards; brother Tommy had yet to join the band. GRIN differs from the later albums in being mostly thoughtful and sensitive songs -- only "I Had Too Much" and "18 Faced Lover" suggest their more raucous side. This is not a bad thing: the songwriting is marvelously strong for such a young songwriter, and the production is right on: "Like Rain", for example, is nicely filled out with organ and piano, and "Everybody's Missin' the Sun " and "We All Sung Together" are produced as singalongs, which job they do rather well.

My overall favorite for the "play-it-loud" category would have to be the guitar-heavy "18 Faced Lover", which nicely displays both Bob Berberich's lusty singing and Nils' soulful guitar, all over a leaden beat that hasn't aged a day since they recorded it.

Final word: all four Grin albums are important pieces of the whole; this one is no exception. The essential tracks may all appear on the various compilations, but the lesser tracks are worth at least a spin or three. Definitely recommended.

The Best of Nils Lofgren & Grin: The A&M Years

Average customer rating:

Excellent Compilation, Great Place To Start For Nils Newbies

The Best of Nils Lofgren & Grin: The A&M Years
Nils Lofgren
Manufacturer: Polygram Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music

Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Very Best of Grin
Ultimate Collection
Live
Grin
Acoustic Live

ASIN: B00000IXZ9
Release Date: 2001-08-02

Tracks:

Beggar's Day (Eulogy to Danny Whitten)
True Thrill
Nightmare
Keith Don't Go (Ode to the Glimmer Twin)
Back It Up
Sun Hasn't Set on This Boy Yet
Goin' Back
It's Not a Crime
Can't Get Closer
Mud in Your Eye
Home Is Where the Hurt Is
Happy Ending Kids
Jealous Guy
Like Rain
Rock & Roll Crook
Take You to the Movies Tonight
This Life Holds Something for Me
Shine Silently

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Compilation, Great Place To Start For Nils Newbies.......2005-02-05

This was the first Nils album I purchases, inspired to get it by listening to his song, "Shine Silently" from the Ringo All-Starr Anthology. That song was breathtaking, so I decided to look a bit deeper into the history of one, Nils Lofgren. This seemed like a great place to start, and indeed I was right. The CD contains a great mixture of his piano and guitar oriented tracks, but I should note, offers very little from his years with Grin. All three Grin tracks are taken off of the same album, and though they're great, it would've been nice to have some more Grin on here.
As mentioned, the first three tracks are by Nils with his band Grin. "Nightmare" doesn't feature Nils on lead vocals, but it's still great none the less. "True Thrill" is a real stand out to me, I love that track.
Following those are "Keith Don't Go (Ode To The Glimmer Twin)" and "Back It Up" two of Nils' signature songs so to say. "Keith Don't Go is remarkably clever in it's integration of a brief sample of The Rolling Stones' "Satisfaction". It works perfectly in the context of the song.
"Back It Up" should've had "HIT SINGLE" written all over it. The length is perfect, it's catchy, has a great little guitar solo, golden.
The next two tracks are great for their catch piano refrains, gotta respect a man who can play the piano, accordion, and guitar with great skill.
"It's Not A Crime" is extraordinary. About 1:40 into the song, Nils unleashes an INSANE guitar solo. He hits you with a remarkable flurry of notes......it's just spectacular.
I could continue, but you're basically getting the drift here. I'll just summarize. "Shine Silently" is good, not as good as it is live though, "Rock and Roll Crook" and "Like Rain" also stand out in my mind. Really, it's an awesome collection showing off Nils' guitar and piano skills, along with his vocal talents. This is a great starting point to look into the career of this under the radar musician.

Average customer rating:

Pablo
More Grimaces Than Grins
A must have!
Followups are iffy things
Well, you said I'd love it.......and I do

East Autumn Grin
Matthew Ryan
Manufacturer: A&M
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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May Day
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ASIN: B00004WF66
Release Date: 2000-08-15

Tracks:

3rd Of October
Heartache Weather
I Hear A Symphony
Me & My Lover
Sunk
Sadlylove
I Must Love Leaving
Ballad Of A Limping Man
Time & Time Only
The World Is On Fire
Still Part Two
Worry

Amazon.com

After his 1997 debut, May Day, Pennsylvania-born singer-songwriter Matthew Ryan was acclaimed as the spiritual heir to everyone from Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen to Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits. Ryan expands on those daunting expectations, yet also manages to blunt them here--his frequently astringent musical and lyrical vision is distinctly his own. And if it's true that beneath the chest of every pessimist beats the heart of an optimist just wishing their eyes weren't so damned good, Ryan just may be their wistful troubadour. "Just remember," Ryan rasps on the chorus of "Heartache Weather," "things are gonna get worse before they get better." A cliché perhaps, but a viewpoint that is in perfect sync with Ryan's clear-eyed antisentimentality. Ryan's songs also possess a seemingly effortless melodic sense, here wed to production that ranges from a warts-and-all live sound to the moody and baroque. Whether ruminating on the devastating potential of modern romantic myths, drawing parallels between his fate and his country's on "Ballad of Limping Man" (with Soul Asylum's Dave Pirner adding mournful trumpet flourishes), or chronicling the media's commodification of tragedy on "The World Is on Fire" (heralded by a Newmanesque interpolation of "Camptown Races"), Ryan usually finds some glimmer of hope, a telling sign of a troubled romantic trying to make the best of a world gone bad. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Pablo.......2004-03-04

I have enjoyed Matthew's music and raw writing style since MayDay. East Autumn Grin is by far my favorite album, from beginning to end, and this is among a phenomenal collection of good material he has put out. I recommend this album highly, the album flows like a slow but disgruntled flood of emotion and the tunes build well and his words have enough imagery to make you swerve off the road, BE CAREFUL.

More Grimaces Than Grins.......2004-02-24

No grins are straying across any lips that utter such rough lyrics and crumbling views of life. Matthew Ryan's sophomore album is a turn for the moody grim and still for the better. Ryan still manages to soar lyrically. With songwriting skills like these, how can the dismal poet dwell so long in melancholy?

With the hard-hitting intro numbers "3rd Of October" and "Heartache Weather," the songsmith pounds the irony of life into our ears. Just when we think he'll never see a sunny day, he eases us into the simple "I Hear A Symphony." The next five tunes trace through loves lost and found before quietly settling like a drowsy day on the front porch in "Time And Time Only," a sleeper standalone song with all the power of the first warm day following a long, cold winter.

Meanwhile, Ryan's panoramic landscape dips into instruments and recording techniques that drown this album with a striking resonance. Whether it's the steady drum thump in "Still Part Two" or the symphonic striking scales of "Sunk," this album hits you. Slap it in your stereo and take a long drive through the countryside, and you'll see what I mean.

A must have!.......2003-07-03

I only have a handful of CD's that I can listen to each and every song, and this is one of the best. In my opinion, this is much better than MayDay.

Followups are iffy things.......2001-09-27

Followups are iffy things and Matthew Ryan appears to struggle with his sophomore effort, but in the end he prevails with an edgy, quietly powerful album. This disc is basically a downer, but Matthew Ryan's pained, gravelly vocals make looking inward with despair a gruesomely pleasurable indulgence. Anthemic mid-tempo rockers like "3rd of October" compete with the quiet introspection of "I Hear a Symphony" and the result is a strong album that still somehow does not satisfy. Perhaps it's not intended to because satisfaction and fulfillment is not what these songs are about. The best moment comes with the beautiful and heart-wrenching, "Sadly Love", which just about says it all.

Well, you said I'd love it.......and I do.......2001-09-20

Not for a long time have I put a new album into my CD player, and just sat and listened all the way through. When it had finished, all I could think was, and this probably sounds so corny, "Now that is music!". Matthew Ryan's musical story-telling just draws you in, and keeps you there.

Average customer rating:

I just sold all of my Clash records
lost to history
dare i say......THE BEST BRITISH PUNK BAND......EVER!

The Crack/Grin and Bear It
Ruts
Manufacturer: EMI
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00009AQI0
Release Date: 2006-11-07

Tracks:

Babylon's Burning
Dope For Guns
S.U.S
Something That I Said
You're Just A...
It Was Cold
Savage Circle
Jah War
Criminal Mind
Backbiter
Out Of Order
Human Punk
West One
Staring At The Rude Boys
Demolition Dancing
Secret Soldier
H-Eyes
In A Rut
Love In Vain
S.U.S
Babylon's Burning
Society

Album Description

2 superb punk albums on one CD, this release contains the classic debut coupled with the rarely seen follow up. 22 tracks. EMI. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

I just sold all of my Clash records.......2007-05-03

That's right folks, I don't need The Clash, I got The Ruts! I remember a friend of mine asking me if I'd ever heard of these guys which I had not. Narrow minded me, the first thing that came to my mind was, "The Ruts? What kind of a name for a band is that, sounds lame." Then he persisted to put on a vinyl version of The Crack for me. I lost it man! To me, The Ruts are EASILY one of the best British punk bands of all time. Get this 2fer NOW!

lost to history.......2004-11-10

This was a GREAT band. At the time a lot of people liked them better than the Clash. They rocked harder, played their instruments better. Sadly they didn't make enough product before singer malcolm owen ODed for the biz to have any incentive to keep them available and because this music was so hard to come by a lot of people never got a chance to hear it. This, like the Clash, was punk music that got rock fans to listen to it and changed a few lives.

dare i say......THE BEST BRITISH PUNK BAND......EVER!.......2004-04-08

THE RUTS were,without a doubt the best,and most overlooked punk band to come from the late 70's explosion.They were more street than SHAM 69,more reggae/dubwise than THE CLASH,more pop than THE JAM,and easily the most talented of all the first wave punk bands.If singer Malcolm Owen hadn't died of a heroin overdose in 1980,THE RUTS would have surely surpassed THE CLASH as the premere punk band to break through to a wider U.S. audience.This c.d. combines the two proper RUTS releases,THE CRACK(1st l.p.),and GRIN AND BEAR IT (collection of singles,and rare tracks,released posthumously after OWEN'S death).This is an absolute must have for any fan of true british punk,and for any fan of quality music that is played with real soul and passion.