Salt

Amazon.com
Arto Lindsay has gone from arty new wave icon (in seminal bands DNA and Ambitious Lovers) who sometimes focused on such sins as envy to genre-breaking solo artist who wants to talk about sex. His sixth solo effort, Salt, has sex on the album's artwork and in such half-whispered lyrics as "She covers herself in honey/Stretches but won't succumb." But what redeems this budding pervert is Lindsay's continued melding of global pop melodies, electronic beats and samba groove into an urban soul music appropriate for New York, Sao Paulo or anywhere else. A half step back from 2002's more abstract Invoke, Salt still eschews the near-shocking balladry of earlier solo efforts---it was during this period that he proved himself to be a first-rate crooner---but Lindsay has pulled the extremes toward the center for a more cohesive overall sound, never better illustrated than on "Into Shade." The results on this one are no less ambitious, but more consistently musical. --Tad Hendrickson

Product Description
When it comes to unleashing the cultural and sonic clashes between the streets of Rio and New York, no artist has been more proficient than songwriter/producer/guitarist Arto Lindsay. On Salt, his sixth solo album and third on Righteous Babe Records, Lindsay continues to offer an uncanny meld of earthy Bahian grooves and in-your-face electronic textures, exploring the outskirts of both forms and returning with some fantastic melodies.

Taking inspiration from Carnaval, Brazil’s yearly celebration of the tawdry and sinful, Salt is both musical celebration and lyrical steam bath. From the opening "Habite Em Mim" (translated "Inhabit Me") to the closing title track (which contains the lines "She covers herself in honey/Stretches but won’t succumb"), this is a visceral, sexually-charged piece of work.

Produced by the usual team of bassist Melvin Gibbs, electronic wizards Kassin and Berna Ceppas, and Lindsay, Salt contains an intoxicating blend of harmony and instrumentation. "Into Shade" may be the richest, most elegant song in Lindsay’s catalog, full of lush string arrangements and guitar flutters. "Habite Em Mim" and "Personagem" will likely be mined by hip-hop producers for their stark, throbbing beats. "Kamo (Dark Stripe)" is a sleepy, undulating mix of multi-cultural pop. As usual, Lindsay’s voice is soft and seductive, beckoning listeners in both English and Portuguese, with little more than a reedy whisper.

It’s altogether fitting that Arto Lindsay has titled his record after one of the most basic and organic substances in Mother Nature’s spice rack. Salt is a wild and surprising ingredient, examining the mysticism of human desire without ever losing sight of the hook. Add a pinch to your daily listening; your senses will be thankful.

Salt

Salt,Arto Lindsay,Righteous Babe,Brazilian Pop,Electronica,Experimental Rock,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop,Worldbeat

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Salt

Average customer rating: good debut Move Over Cassanda Wilson A Masterpiece... Smokin' Gun A voice so fresh it will lift your spirit, songs so strong you will want to sing along!

Salt Lizz Wright Manufacturer: Verve ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Verve | Verve Music Group | Specialty Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Dreaming Wide Awake A Change Is Gonna Come Thunderbird Dance of the Infidel Outrun the Sky ASIN: B00008ADAP Release Date: 2003-05-13

Tracks:

1. Open Your Eyes, You Can Fly
2. Salt
3. Afro Blue
4. Soon As I Get Home
5. Walk With Me, Lord
6. Eternity
7. Goodbye
8. Vocalise/End Of The Line
9. Fire
10. Blue Rose
11. Lead The Way
12. Silence

Amazon.com

The release of the long-anticipated debut from this talented, 20-something, Georgia-bred chanteuse shows that Norah Jones isn't the only "it girl" out there. Wright's cool contralto, which was previously heard on Joe Sample's The Pecan Tree, is a southern stew cooked with ample helpings of soul, jazz, R&B, and gospel. This CD, equally produced by Tommy LiPuma, John Cowherd, and drummer Brian Blade, features mostly mid-tempo renditions of a jazz-fusion ditty, a spiritual, a Broadway tune, a Latin number, light classical, and original compositions. Wright's vocal weight and fluent delivery echoes the talents of Lalah Hathaway, whether she's putting her own sepia spin on Flora Purim's '70s gem "Open Your Eyes, You Can Fly," Mongo Santamaria's "Afro Blue" (with pianist Danilo Perez), or "Soon As I Get Home" from The Wiz. Though this record is a promising debut from Wright, one gets the sense that she's a soul singer at heart, as evidenced by the down-home title tune. One thing's for sure: the road to Lizz Wright's future is wide open with no barriers in sight. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

Customer Reviews:

good debut.......2007-01-26

I actually went in reverse. I bought dreaming while awake first. So, the two cd's have a different feel. Salt is more blues,jazz,and gospel . I do however love :Open your eyes, you can fly,then Blue rose and finally Vocalise. The rest of songs were good too, but it's just a matter of taste. I prefer those songs the most.
Dreaming while Awake is Incredible as her 2nd cd. There is not a song that I don't love on this one! This one is Neo-soul. Just smooth and laid back. I loves it!I may burn a whole in the cd,how much I play it!
Buy both and see.
But you could never lose with a voice as commanding and incredible as hers!

Move Over Cassanda Wilson.......2006-11-13

I became SO addicted to this particular album that I bought 2 copies for personal usage, and I played it over the phone to my companion who was stationed in Iraq during the time. Lizz's voice is so powerful and detailed when it comes to setting the mood for each track on this album that when the song is over you will reach for the remote to demand an encore. I guarantee that every track will leave a positive impression amongst its listeners for the combination of Lizz's voice and song selections is what I have been waiting for Smooth Jazz to introudce to the scene- and I am 100% satisfied!

A Masterpiece..........2006-04-22

There are many great female vocalists....Lizz is of godess stature!

Since the very first time I heard Lizz on the radio during an interview - her singing moved me to tears. No one else has ever had that kind of effect on me so quickly. 'Afro Blue' really gets to me. The jazz piano perfectly accompany her tremendous voice - which takes me away and hypnotically consumes me....

'Vocalize/End of the Line' is also another favorite song of mine. 'Blue Rose' is also a great song. Every song on this CD is great listening. You won't be disappointed. Very highly recommended!

Smokin' Gun.......2006-04-19

I first would like to say that I almost never give a CD five stars. I am very critical and I evaluate the entire project. Lizz Wright has managed to come up with 12 gems and she did it on one CD. Now as a consumer, this is great. I was able to pop in this CD and get a variety of quality sounds that touched every emotion that one could feel. I don't see a comparison to anyone out there. Lizz is an original!!! If I have to pick favorites, then here they are:

1. Salt 2. Soon As I Get Home 3. Open Your Eyes 4. Eternity....You know, they are all favorites. Do yourself a favor and buy this CD. Your ears will thank you.

A voice so fresh it will lift your spirit, songs so strong you will want to sing along!.......2006-04-16

This is a most amazing album. I think I have played it so many time I am surprised I have not literally worn it out. I first heard her deep, richly expressive vocals on Joe Sample's album, The Pecan Tree, and had to hear more. What hooks you on every last song on her debut album is the strong storytelling quality of the lyrics and her phenomenal ability to deliver with both uplifting strength as well as a vast range of emotional sensitivity that I have not heard in a vocalist in awhile. Open Your Eyes is awesome, and many of the songs have a strong gospel and blues drive to them (Walk With Me, Lord, Salt) as well as classic song appeal (Soon As I Get Home, Eternity). There is down home deep rhythm and blues (Lead the Way, Fire, Silence).
The arrangements of the songs are well done, providing variety as well as consistency to support and complement Lizz's vocals, which have fantastic dynamic range. This is an album that will grow on you over the long haul, a masterpiece!

Average customer rating: What can I say? Very Necessary ~ Salt-N-Pepa Salt N Pepa great hip hop Simply The Best Album Ever!

Very Necessary Salt-N-Pepa Manufacturer: London / Umgd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music East Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Hot, Cool & Vicious CrazySexyCool A Salt With a Deadly Pepa Blacks' Magic FanMail ASIN: B000001FHM Release Date: 1993-10-12

Tracks:

1. Groove Me
2. No One Does It Better
3. Somebody's Gettin' On My Nerves
4. Whatta Man
5. None Of Your Business
6. Step
7. Shoop
8. Heaven Or Hell
9. Big Shot
10. Sexy Noises Turn Me On
11. Somma Time Man
12. Break Of Dawn
13. I've Got AIDS (PSA)

Amazon.com

There are two ways of combating the blazing misogyny of gangsta rap: with water or with fire. Journalists, teachers, and ministers have been trying to douse the flames of sexism with intellectual and moral arguments. The reasoning is persuasive, but it's doubtful it reaches rap's hard-core young audience. For that crowd, you have to fight fire with fire, and that's just what the female rap trio Salt 'N' Pepa have done so successfully with Very Necessary. With their explicit rapping about bedroom gymnastics, Salt 'N' Pepa are unlikely to be held up as role models in classrooms or churches anytime soon. For a sexually active teenage girl, however, the trio shows how you can get your pleasure without putting up with any disrespect. Salt 'N' Pepa's hit singles "Whatta Man" and "Shoop" are both sensual appreciations of the men they like, but the album also contains some hilarious, pitiless putdowns of the men who don't treat them right. --Geoffrey Himes

Customer Reviews:

What can I say?.......2007-04-11

It's Salt and Pepa. Soooo good! The only thing I wish was on this CD was 'Push It' but this CD will not disappoint you if you choose to buy it

Very Necessary ~ Salt-N-Pepa.......2007-01-09

I like this CD. It can get me uplifted in the mornings so that I may begin my day!

Salt N Pepa.......2006-02-23

I enjoyed recieving this CD. I had it before, but it was stolen by some near-do-wells who couldn't buy there own. Anyway, it is an excellent CD for you old school-ers by a group of ladies that knew how to rap. You won't find this type of sophisticated rapping anymore (at least not in my age bracket).

great hip hop.......2005-08-06

salt n pepa knew how to make some of the most memorable hip hop hooks of all time

Simply The Best Album Ever!.......2004-10-15

Salt 'N Pepa's "Very Necessary" is one of the few albums where you never think of skipping a track. Every song is not good, not great, but EXCELLENT. They were, of course, the first and best women in hip-hop music (not to mention the cutest). Although only three of the songs on Very Necessary made it to the Billboard Top 40, they're all on the list of my 100 favorite songs of all time. If you were a kid in the '90s, you'll certainly love Salt 'N Pepa's 1993 album Very Necessary.

Average customer rating: Best Hip Hop CD EVER Can't Knock A Classic Love it Hot,, Cool, & Vicious debut album from the ladies. ADD THE SEASONINGS .......

Hot, Cool & Vicious Salt 'N Pepa Manufacturer: London / Umgd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music East Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Rap & Hip-Hop General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Rap & Hip-Hop General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 R&B | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rap & Hip-Hop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: A Salt With a Deadly Pepa Very Necessary Blacks' Magic The Very Best of MC Lyte The World's Greatest Entertainer ASIN: B000001FHE Release Date: 1992-12-08

Tracks:

1. Push It (Remix)
2. Beauty And The Beat
3. Tramp
4. I'll Take Your Man
5. It's Alright
6. Chick On The Side (Remix)
7. I Desire
8. The Showstopper
9. My Mic Sounds Nice

Amazon.com

One of the first albums to challenge hip-hop's machocratic sovereignty, Salt-N-Pepa's Hot, Cool & Vicious takes as its musical model Run-D.M.C.'s potent distillation of streetwise repartee, hard-ass bluster and beatbox rhythms. Determined to say it loud and say it proud, r-r-r-rappers Cheryl "Salt" James and Sandy "Pepa" Denton wield their womanhood like an urban-jungle machete, busting unfaithful lovers in "Chick on the Side," threatening female competitors "just for spite" in "I'll Take Your Man," dishing distaff disses at Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick in "The Showstopper," and condemning mindless male promiscuity in "Tramp." With its aerobic BPMs and synth-pop hook, the Top 20 hit "Push It" is the album's most obvious--and most effective--bid for dancefloor immortality. --Greg Siegel

Customer Reviews:

Best Hip Hop CD EVER.......2007-06-08

This is my favorite CD of all time. As soon as I lose it or a friend "borrows" it, I have to get another! Hard to find songs....
If you're a Doug E Fresh fan or even Beastie Boys- you will LOVE this! Check it out! You'll love it a much as I do,fo sho!

Can't Knock A Classic.......2007-03-08

If you "like" SNP, you will "love" this album, particularly if you enjoy the simplicity and creativeness of old school hip hop. The beats are clean, the lyrics are fun, and the variation provided by the tracks keeps the album moving. And of all, knowing the signature track "Showstopper" and how it vaulted SNP's career takes the album up a tier.

Love it.......2007-03-07

Brings me back to high school when these songs were rap anthems for us. So glad to have Amazon to buy these old skool records (as we used to call them!)

Hot,, Cool, & Vicious debut album from the ladies........2006-05-27

When I was young I use to write down all the words to my favorite songs on this album by rewinding the cassette playa numerous times till I got it down pack.

This is one of the first albums to be released by an all-female rap group, Hot, Cool & Vicious is paced by its opening track, "Push It," one of the first rap songs to hit number one on the dance singles charts. Considering how little Salt-n-Pepa actually rap on "Push It," which is all about its instrumental hook, they maintain a surprisingly strong presence over most of Hot, Cool & Vicious.

Written and produced by Hurby "Luv Bug" Azor and recorded by the original Salt-N-Pepa line up -- Cheryl "Salt" James, Sandy "Pepa" Denton and Latoya "Spinderella" Hanson (later replaced by Deidre "Spinderella" Roper) -- HOT, COOL & VICIOUS made Salt-N-Pepa the first female rappers to earn a Grammy nomination.

No, they aren't technical virtuosos on the mic, but their fairly basic raps are carried off with brash confidence and enthusiasm. Some of the other key tracks borrow ideas from outside sources: the single "Tramp" is a rap remake of the Otis & Carla soul classic, and "The Show Stopper" is an answer record to Doug E. Fresh's "The Show." The duo's sass comes across very well on "My Mic Sounds Nice" and "I'll Take Your Man," and they're equally assertive on "Chick on the Side."

If I would have to choose my favorite party tracks would be "Chick on the Side," "My Mike Sounds Nice," "Tramp" and "Push It," which topped the pop charts in 1987.

ADD THE SEASONINGS ..............2005-11-05

SALT N PEP DEFINATELY ARE ONE OF THE CORNERSTONES OF FEMALE RAP AND HIP HOP PERIOD. STILL TILL THIS DAY HAVE I SEEN OR HEARD A FEMALE GROUP ROCK THE MIC AS MANY YEARS AS THESE WOMEN. I LOVE THIS ALBUM MOST OF ALL. I THINK THEIR SOUND WAS MORE B BOYISH WITH THE 1ST SPIN THAN THE 2ND BUT THEY STILL MANAGED TO MAKE HITS... THEY ARE FEMALE LEGENDS IN THE RAP GAME !!!!!

Average customer rating: Like getting high represents the good and the bad of its era A must own classic.... "You can go and burst my tiny bubble..." Please enter a title for your review

American Thighs Veruca Salt Manufacturer: Geffen Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Grunge | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Eight Arms to Hold You IV Resolver Tonight and the Rest of My Life Bleeding Heart Graffiti ASIN: B000003TBD Release Date: 1994-10-25

Tracks:

1. Get Back
2. All Hail Me
3. Seether
4. Spiderman '79
5. Forsythia
6. Wolf
7. Celebrate You
8. Fly
9. Number One Blind
10. Victrola
11. Twinstar
12. 25
13. Sleeping Where I Want

Customer Reviews:

Like getting high.......2007-07-03

There was a stretch of time in the mid 1990s that women were making ballsier, and therefore better, rock than their male counterparts, and this was one of the best examples of that phenomenon.
While bands like Gin Blossoms, Better Than Ezra, and eventually every band with a number in its name were making good pop, it was acts like VS, Belly, Throwing Muses, The Breeders and others that were making the most noteworthy contributions to the rock lexicon.
'American Thighs' made me feel like I'd just gotten high even while stone cold sober. Its atmospheric production and at times otherworldly lyrical content was enough to blow me away.
Of course "Seether" is the tune that most remember, if they remember at all. But Louise Post's howl at the beginning of "All Hail Me" is enough to make the hair on the back of your neck stand on end, and the remainder of the song doesn't disappoint the announcement of its beginning.
"Victrola" is one of the best short, straight forward rock songs in a long time, and that's fitting seeing how it's simply an ode to a record player.
"Spiderman 76" was always the one that just set me over the edge in terms of the ethereal stuff. The mention of Ritz in a can made me remember being a little kid in the 70s like few things ever have brought back that feeling.
This is a great record, and though the pop ambitions of Nina Gordon ultimately led to Post's rather odd personality taking over what left of the group after Gordon's departure, it's a must-have album for anyone trying to put together a collection of the best releases of the 90s.

represents the good and the bad of its era.......2007-02-02

This album would have faded completely into obscurity if not for the pop-perfection single "Seether". Beyond that song, the rest of the album represents to me the best and the worst of the early '90s alternative explosion. The good was that you had people like Nina Gordon and Louise Post making hit records, people who if born five years earlier probably would not have advanced their music careers further than their own basements. The traditional rules about how to "make it" went out the window after grunge broke, which was refreshing at a time when music had gotten real stale. I can recall listening to this album and almost being transfixed by the unusual melodic structure, slightly off-key vocals, and unusual harmonies. It was like two fragile adolesent girls with decent songwriting skills were given a record contract, and it was like nothing I'd ever heard before. However, with the good always comes some bad, and the sad fact is that the things which give songs their staying power such as resonating lyrics, quality musicianship, and good production, were missing in action on many albums of this era. However relevant American Thighs might have been in 1994, the album comes across as utterly irrelevant today. There are a few tracks that still draw you in, such as 'Forsythia' and 'Victrola' (despite the latter's cringe-inducing solo), but overall VS should be thankful that they were able to unleash "Seether" on the world before fading into obscurity.

A must own classic...........2006-10-22

This is probably the most important post-grunge album that doesn't get anywhere near the praise it deserves. Louise Post and Nina Gordon formed a singing duo that could easily be compared to a female version of Lennon and McCartney. Like Lennon and McCartney, Louise and Nina shared lead vocal duties and both wrote equally powerful songs. But the comparisons stop there because Veruca Salt was formed out of Chicago, not Liverpool.

The greatness of this album is its rawness and sincerity. It's poppy, yet grungy, dark yet cheerful, a whirlwind of emotions are captured in this unforgettable 13 track debut. This album is a must-hear for anyone who is fan of 90's rock/grunge/alernative etc. Though no Veruca Salt album is a let down, this is arguably the best.

"You can go and burst my tiny bubble...".......2006-04-26

Veruca Salt's American Thighs is an under-rated American masterpiece. What a great band they were, well they still play today but Louise Post is the only original member left standing. Nina Gordon and her were very special and gifted girls. This album is produced by Brad Wood who also produced Liz Phair's highly-acclaimed Exile in Guyville the same year as this record. All the tracks are great and low-key. Half the songs are written by Louise Post and the other half is written by Nina Gordon. Post's songs include: the terrific Celebrate You, the completely cool Wolf, Spiderman 79, Victrola, All Hail Me, and the soothing Fly. Gordon's songs include: the catchy Forsythia, Seether, Twinstar, Sleeping Where i want, Get Back, the epic 25, and Number one Blind. There is something special about this album, it doesn't grab your attention right away but after a few listens, you appreciate its simple and mellow texture. American Thighs is a piece of Americana. Also check-out their follow-up record Eight arms to hold you produced by Bob Rock.

Please enter a title for your review.......2006-01-02

You know what really makes this album awesome? Well the fact that it's awesome. But aside from that, the fingers scratching across the strings on every chord change. Oh my god I luv that.

Average customer rating: Definitely worth the wait Excellent Music! Not living up to their potential? This album was DOA thank you

IV Veruca Salt Manufacturer: Sympathy 4 the R.I. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Grunge | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Bleeding Heart Graffiti American Thighs Eight Arms to Hold You Crushing Love Stromata ASIN: B000HCO854 Release Date: 2006-09-12

Tracks:

1. So Weird
2. Centipede
3. Innocent
4. Circular Trend
5. Perfect Love
6. Closer
7. Sick As Your Secrets
8. Wake Up Dead
9. Damage Done
10. Blissful Queen
11. The Sun
12. Comes and Goes
13. Save You
14. Salt Flat Epic

Album Description

Veruca Salt skyrocketed to fame in 1994 with the alternative radio mega-hit "Seether" off their Minty Fresh debut album "American Thighs," and followed with an equally successful sophomore effort, 1997's "8 Arms to Hold You." After co-founder Nina Gordon left to pursue a solo career, lead singer/guitarist Louise Post reformed the band with guitarist Stephen Fitzpatrick and drummer Kellii Scott, to produce 2000's critically acclaimed "Resolver," described by Chicago Sun Times' Jim DeRogatis as "the best album to be released under the band's Willy Wonka-inspired moniker, as well as one of the strongest albums of the year ... a galvanizing rock 'n' roll statement in a pop-dominated time." The success of Veruca Salt's 2005 EP "Lords of Sounds and Lesser Things" and its accompanying US tour secured the band a record deal with indie label powerhouse, Sympathy for the Record Industry. Now six years after Resolver, Post and Fitzpatrick have been joined by bassist Nicole! Fiorentino (Radio Vago), and rejoined by drummer Kellii Scott (Failure, Blinker the Star, Enemy), to create the fourth and latest full length Veruca Salt album, "IV," which is slated for release in September 2006. Produced by Rae DiLeo (Filter, Army of Anyone), "IV" features the classic heavy guitar thunder, pop sensibility, and soul-wrenching lyrics of previous Veruca Salt efforts, coupled with the stirring musical maturation of Louise Post and Co. Songs written and performed live to worldwide acclaim over the past six years (such as "Blissful Queen," "Save You," and "The Sun") have been combined with powerful new material, and the resulting effort promises to be the greatest Veruca Salt album to date. TRACKS: So Weird Centipede Closer The Sun Perfect Love Blissful Queen Wake Up Dead Save You Circular Trend Sick as Your Secrets Comes and Goes Damage Done Salt Flat Epic

Customer Reviews:

Definitely worth the wait.......2007-07-16

I've loved Veruca Salt ever since American Thighs came out in 1994. I always thought of their music being likened to a female Smashing Pumpkins type grunge rock and the perfect subject of the angry feminine prior to Alannys Morrisette. After waiting so long after their last album, Veruca Salt continues to add to their great sound. I have to agree with the repeat listenings as I was not impressed with the first spin, but I've always had that problem with Veruca Salt. It took me forever to get to really enjoy Resolver, which I had til now, considered the best VS.

The raw, grungy emotion is there in songs like "Damage done" and "So Weird". Veruca Salt always seems to have a lighter song in the mix to throw you off the crashing wave of sound to a deep, dreamy and lyrically lifting groove and IV was no exception. "Sick as your secrets" has a wonderfully rhythmic guitar play and soft to hard female vocals from Louise Post as does "Salt Flat Epic". Its a very clean and well produced album and it was worth the wait.

However, I wold not recommend this for the first time Veruca Salt listener. My suggestion would be to start with American Thighs to get the first real bite into a truly extraordinary band. Veruca Salt IV delivers more each time I listen to it.

Excellent Music!.......2007-06-12

There is lot of extraordinary groups that aren't the famous they should be (it may be selfish, but in a certain way it's also great that this happens because they produce excellent music that it isn't compromised; they are no commercial groups)... Veruca Salt is one of these great and non common Groups!

Not living up to their potential?.......2007-04-18

I have been a Veruca Salt fan for a long time. I drove from Kentucky, to Chicago, to Champaign, IL and back to see them on tour in 2005. I loved Resolver, and the EP that they sold on their 2005 tour. I was greatly anticipating the new album.

When I purchased the cd, I was beyond disappointed. I thought the band sounded amateur, not like it was fronted by a seasoned music veteran. I would never guess that the woman singing on this album was the same woman singing on Resolver or the earlier albums. The only new song that I really enjoy is 'Circular Trend'.

I was glad to see that Blissful Queen was put on the album since I loved the demo, but I was confused why they put two songs from the just released EP on there. I thought that to be a waste of track space, any diehard VS fan knows that they have a large selection of demos and unreleased tracks that could've gone on the album instead. Also, since the EP and the album sound so different, they stick out like a sore thumb.

However, if they did a show within a hundred miles of me, I would drop everything to see them in a heartbeat. Louise and Stephen still put on an incredible live show.

This album was DOA.......2007-04-06

I've been a long-time fan of VS, ever since hearing Spiderman '79 on American Thighs, way back in the early 90s. They have always producing great songs, full of witty lyrics and tight production. I've been to several shows - both pre- and post-breakup. I actually liked Resolver and I REALLY wanted to like this album (especially having to wait 5+ years for it!) but this album is trash, pure and simple.

There is no coherent "theme" to the CD, making it seem like the songs are disjointed and slapped together haphazardly. Previous albums had a certain "flow" to them, each song nicely transitioning from one to another. Not here. Louise has seemingly lost a lot of her vocal talent as well, as her two ranges seem to being either screaming at the top of her lungs or speaking in a conversational tone. Gone are the sexy whispers and actual singing Louise was known for.

I'm also not impressed by the "talent" of her new backing band members. Lackluster at best.

One other thing as well (to address certain previous reviewers comments) - just because someone doesn't like this album, isn't because they're bitter about the Gordon/Post break. But, if Louise didn't want the "new" VS to be compared to the "old" VS, why keep the name? Answer: It's easier to ride the coat-tails of an established band name, then strike out on your own. It's only logical to compare the two and quite reasonable

thank you.......2007-04-02

this was an easy pick for me. bought it as a gift for someone close to me and she loved it!

Average customer rating: Exceptional One hit wonder worth one star "My heart skips around when i hear the sound..." what a moron WOW!

Eight Arms to Hold You Veruca Salt Manufacturer: Outpost Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Grunge | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music $8.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $8.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: American Thighs Resolver IV Tonight and the Rest of My Life Last Splash ASIN: B000002RBT Release Date: 1997-02-11

Tracks:

1. Straight
2. Volcano Girls
3. Don't Make Me Prove It
4. Awesome
5. One Last Time
6. With David Bowie
7. Benjamin
8. Shutterbug
9. The Morning Sad
10. Sound Of The Bell
11. Loneliness Is Worse
12. Stoneface
13. Venus Man Trap
14. Earthcrosser

Amazon.com

There's more of producer Bob Rock (AC/DC) here than the feisty band that recorded Seether two years previously. That's a good thing on the single "Volcano Girls," complete with its squealing guitars and "I Am the Walrus" nod. Titles like "With David Bowie" and "Venus Man Trap" are the best thing about the rest of a rather one-dimensional package. --Jeff Bateman

Customer Reviews:

Exceptional.......2006-10-02

This was a great record. Even better than the first record that was also quite good but simply better than the EP "blow it out". This is really exciting pop-punk with beautiful female harmonies.

One hit wonder worth one star.......2006-09-18

C'mon! I was struck with terror when I saw all the good reviews on this one. At it's best this is a mediocre album. My copy of the album hasn't seen daylight, nor laserlight for a good ten years, but since I'm in the process of burning my CD's to my Itunes catalogue I gave "Eight Arms To Hold You" another chance. After having heard the entire CD again - almost ten years after, my conclusion is the same as when I bought back in 1997!! One star for the catchy power rock hit "Volcano Girls" with a nice touch of the Bob Rock sound and production. Why Veruca Salt sounds like a high school band on the rest of the album is beyond me.

"My heart skips around when i hear the sound...".......2006-04-26

This is my favorite album by Veruca Salt. Eight arms to hold you is a staple in female/male rock music. Louise Post and Nina Gordon were at their best both vocally and musically on this record. Post's songs include:Venus Man Trap, The Sound of the Bell, Shutterbug, One Last Time, Straight, and Don't Make me Prove it. The best song from her creation is Shutterbug with lyrics like:"It's freezing in Bristol, there's love on the telly, a girl grinning at me, she's doing the shimmy..." Gordon's songs include: Volcano Girls, Loneliness is Worse, Earthcrosser, The Morning Sad, Benjamin, With David Bowie, Awesome, and Stoneface. Her best song is a toss-up between Loneliness is Worse:"Dont you wanna be happy with me, if you don't come around soon I'll turn sadder than you ever were..." and Benjamin,"When you were falling from my tree i was not scared, I thought you'd meet me back up there, it never dawned on my you were home-free..." Eight Arms to hold you is a great and rip-roaring fun time. Just listen to the way Nina Gordon holds the the note: "Where's my lip glossssssss.....!" it will blow you away. I miss this band dearly, also check-out Nina's solo record Tonight and the rest of my life and Salt's first record American Thighs.

what a moron.......2006-03-22

the editorial review on this album is ridiculous. the way that veruca salt managed to seamlessly work out a 14 song album that frequently flops back and forth between arena rock and power pop and have it be one coherent and beautiful collection of music that addresses a variety of topics is anything but "one dimensional." people who don't like music shouldn't review music.

WOW!.......2005-10-23

If you like awesome music I suggest you buy this cd. I listen to it unstop. It's addicting

Average customer rating: The dopest Female Rap Group Great Album, Even Greater Remixes {4 Stars} S-N-P's Magic Dope old, but still good!

Blacks' Magic Salt-N-Pepa Manufacturer: London / Umgd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music East Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Very Necessary Hot, Cool & Vicious A Salt With a Deadly Pepa Brand New A Blitz of Salt-N-Pepa Hits: The Hits Remixed ASIN: B000001FHC Release Date: 1992-12-08

Tracks:

1. Expression
2. Doper Than Dope
3. Negro Wit' An Ego
4. You Showed Me
5. Do You Want Me
6. Swift
7. I Like To Party
8. Blacks' Magic
9. Start The Party
10. Let's Talk About Sex
11. I Don't Know
12. Live And Let Die
13. Independent

Amazon.com

Striking the perfect balance between the B-girl breakbeats of their early recordings and the svelte R&B jams of 1993's Very Necessary, Salt-N-Pepa's third album is a masterstroke. A loose concept album concerned with African American empowerment and feminist enlightenment, Blacks' Magic is a funky wake-up call for both mind and body, exhorting listeners to, by turns, "work that body" ("Expression") and "put some faith in your race" ("Negro Wit' an Ego"). Elsewhere, SNP celebrate the transformative power of music ("Blacks' Magic") and insist on sociopolitical taboo removal ("Let's Talk About Sex"). Throughout, longtime SNP producer Hurby Luv Bug underpins the ladies' charged flow-a-thons with high-tech samplescapes and streamlined grooves. --Greg Siegel

Customer Reviews:

The dopest Female Rap Group .......2007-04-03

These sistas ruled the rap game for females in the late 80's and early 90's. This album had a lot of hits like "Expression", "Do You Really Want Me", and the commercial hit "Lets Talk About Sex". This was also the first project where Salt N Pepa got to show their skills as writers and producers besides Herby Luvbug and this album was just incredible this is definitely a Salt N Pepa classic and should be copped by all hip hop fans.

Great Album, Even Greater Remixes {4 Stars}.......2006-07-03

I guess the title says it all. If you're buying this album in search of SNP hits that you heard on the radio, you may be in for a bit of a letdown. Most of these songs are great and contain pretty much the same beats as their remixes, but they haven't been tweaked, so they're don't make for the same experience. "Do You Want Me" is still fun to listen to 16 years after its release. "You Showed Me", "Expression", "Let's Talk About Sex", and "Independent" are all classic cuts -- but, like I said, they all have remixes or alternate versions that are WAY, WAY better. Who knows, maybe there's a rerelease with the remixes attached, but my copy is an original pressing and doesn't include those brilliant cuts. There is a remix album out there from this group, so they may be included on that album. Other standouts like "Live & Let Die" and "I Don't Know" bolster an already solid album. Production is handled mostly by Hurby "Luv Bug" Azor. You know his resume' already (Kid N' Play, Salt & Pepa, Dana Dane, Sweet Tee, etc...), so you can expect that phat late 80's/early 90's style production. Salt, Pepa, Spinderella, and Stevee O also contribute some beats.

There are a few filler tracks on the album though. "Negro Wit' An Ego, despite a great message, isn't anything memorable. "Swift", "Start The Party", and "I Like To Party" are definitely skip material. The title track suffers from some questionable production from Spinderella. The rest of the album is pretty good.

Blacks' Magic is probably the best representation of Salt & Pepa at their peak. They would go on to have more hits, but none of their following albums are as well put together as this one. About half of this album is nothing but classic tracks. I recommend checking this one out.

Standout Tracks: Live & Let Die, You Showed Me, Expression feat. Jacci McGhee, Independent feat. Sybil (My Favorite), Let's Talk About Sex, Doper Than Dope, Do You Want Me, and I Don't Know feat. Kid N' Play

S-N-P's Magic.......2005-03-08

This is SNP's best album. I am baffled why there has been no release of SNP's greatest hits or even a re-issue of "Blacks' Magic".
I think that just as Biggie's "Ready to Die" was issued on the 10th anniversary, "Blacks' Magic" deserves a 15th anniversary edition. Here are the bonus tracks I would add:

14. You Showed Me (Suburban Club Mix)
15. Let's Talk About Sex (single remix)
16. Do You Want Me (single version f/ Herby "Luvbug" Azor)
17. Expression (remix)
18. Independent (remix)
19. Let's Talk About AIDS (PSA)
20. You Showed Me (Urban Club Mix) [single/video version]

And maybe some soundtrack entries or live recordings from this era would be good, too. One thing I would caution - or maybe wonder aloud - is that there are different versions of this album. I got mine in 1990 when the album first came out, but later versions (post-pop exposure) had different versions of the songs, including the single/video version of "Let's Talk About Sex" - which along with "Do You Want Me" and "You Showed Me" have original album versions much different than what was heard on the radio or television.

Dope.......2004-10-01

This isn't my favorite album by them. But it has some of my favorite SNP songs. Express yourself, is an awsome R&B song. Their rymes are awsome. The hook by singer Sybil, makes this song memorable. Independant, is my favorite track. It's has an 80's old school sound to it. It's reminicent to Shanice's music in the 80's. The hook is also sung. But by an unknown singer.

Salt involves herself in writing and producing. Which is something that female rappers weren't really credited to at that time.

old, but still good!.......2003-11-18

Blacks' Magic from Salt-N-Pepa is a very well done piece of work. The ladies really shine on this one! And we even hear Spinderella's rap vocals on a few of the songs such as "Negro wit' An Ego" and "I Don't Know" (feat. Play). I have had this album in my collection for a very long time, as this album is very old, yet still sounds great! The ladies get their point across in each track and really speak their minds, especially on "Negro Wit' An Ego." They really "express" themselves completely and don't put up with any crap, lettin men know they're "independent" and don't need them. And they also show they know how to party on songs "I Like To Party" and "Start The Party" I have 2 copies of this album and there happens to be two slightly diff versions of "Let's Talk About Sex." They're basically the same, the only difference is they start off on the intro differently. One goes: "Spinderella cut it up one time" and the other goes: "Hurb..."
This is a must have for any rap or hip hop fan. Salt-N-Pepa paved the way for many other female rap artists and groups. So keep in mind, when you diss them, you actually diss yourself! so show them respect and get this album today!

Average customer rating: Relive Olde Times Quintessential "Classic" Steeleye Span... The best of the best Beautiful British folk music Steeleye Spans Their Talent in Their Fourth Album, "Below the Salt"

Below the Salt Steeleye Span Manufacturer: Shanachie ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD British Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music Folk Rock | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Parcel of Rogues Please to See the King The Lark in the Morning: The Early Years All Around My Hat Commoner's Crown ASIN: B000000E75 Release Date: 1989-08-08

Tracks:

1. Spotted Cow
2. Rosebud In June
3. Jig: The Bride's Favorite/Tansey's Fancy
4. Sheep-Crook And Black Dog
5. Royal Forester
6. King Henry
7. Gaudete
8. John Barleycorn
9. Saucy Sailor

Amazon.com

Like Fleetwood Mac would five years later, Steeleye Span had lost its most celebrated members, Fairport Convention alumnus Ashley Hutchings and guitarist Martin Carthy, when they reconvened in a comparatively anonymous lineup that proved to be their most successful. This 1972 album found vocalist Maddy Prior and guitarist Tim Hart (who'd worked as a duo prior to joining Steeleye) taking the reins, with violinist Peter Knight providing an instrumental foil for the then-drummerless quintet's electric and acoustic guitars. Prior's regal alto and a carefully chosen program of traditional songs (including a medieval Christmas hymn, "Gaudete," that's among the few rock songs extant boasting a Latin lyric) sustain the album's decidedly pre-industrial mood. Below the Salt stands as a British folk-rock classic. --Sam Sutherland

Customer Reviews:

Relive Olde Times.......2007-06-08

This has always been a personal favourite of mine - having done it to death on vinyl, it was pure joy to listen again to the amazing vocals of Maddy Pryor and the instrumental genius of Peter Knight et al. One of the best Steeleye Span albums in my opinion.

Quintessential "Classic" Steeleye Span..........2007-05-02

Steeleye Span pioneered folk rock along with Fairport convention (whose music I still haven't picked up yet, though I've been meaning to for variety's sake). If you're a Steeleye Span fan, you will like this CD. Period. It's a Steeleye classic, and one of my many favorites.

Skip the newer releases, like: They Called Her Babylon, Bedlam Born, Bloody Men.

Go for the Classics: Tempted and Tried, All Around my Hat, Sails of Silver, Storm Force Ten, Rocket Cottage, Hark! The Village Wait, Please to See the King, Ten Man Mop, Commoners Crown, Now We Are Six, Parcel of Rogues, Below the Salt, Back in Line.

If you must pick up "modern" Steelye albums, pick up: Time (one of their best "modern" releases) and Horkstow Grange (their other good "modern" release). "Winter" is supposed to also be good, on par with the classics (traditional arrangements of holiday songs), though I haven't yet seen it.

The above "classic" albums cover the early and middle years.

The best of the best.......2007-02-17

I don't suppose there's really any need for me to join the chorus, but what the hell: I can say without hyperbole that Below the Salt is one of the greatest albums in the universe. Listening to the band's mostly-uninspiring post-seventies albums, it's easy to lose perspective about how awesome Steeleye Span was in their prime, but listening to BtS brings it all back. This is just sublimely beautiful, deeply evocative music.

The opener, "Spotted Cow," is a very sweet love song--certainly a rarity for this band. Then the acappella "Rosebud in June" shows off the group's vocal abilities to breathtaking effect. It's a sort of fertility song, equating human and ovine fecundity. I suppose in this instance the word is being used in a manner similar to the French "jolie," but I can't help but smile at the line about the jolly, jolly sheep. The instrumental jigs are fine, if inessential--but then there's another stunner, "Sheep-Crook and Black Dog." It features some of Maddy Prior's best vocals--which, given her track record, is high praise indeed. I suppose that, broadly speaking, it's about feeling incapable of following societal expectations, in spite of the pain this causes--but that makes it sound way more like a sociology lecture than it should. It's beautifully sad, and the denouement is quietly devastating: "But she wrote that she's led such a contrary life/She said that she'd never be a young shepherd's wife."

Then there's "Royal Forester," which takes a mischievously proto-feminist approach to the "stolen maidenhead" trope that's so common in the band's oeuvre--even if the conclusion, wherein the maiden in question's violator's "punishment" is being forced to marry her, forcibly drags things back to a more medieval context.

"King Henry"--man, seriously, what can you say? At eight minutes, with several phases and complex arrangements, it's the album's obvious centerpiece. It's a tale of hospitality and duty with obvious echoes in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and the Wife of Bath's Tale, among others. It sort of feels like there should be another verse or two--but there I go, applying modern narrative sensibilities to an ancient song. Bad! I suppose I'd also be guilty of that if I noted that Henry's "hospitality" seems, in places, remarkably indistinguishable from plain ol' cowardice--but regardless of how you read it, it's a great song.

"Gaudete"--eh, it's decent enough, very pretty, great singing, and so forth, but, while I know it's one of the band's best-known (best-loved?) songs it doesn't exactly set me on fire.

"John Barleycorn" gets things back on track, however--there are innumerable variations on the "patron saint of alcohol" theme, including a number of well-known versions of this same song, but this one is, predictably, one of the best. "Saucy Sailor" finishes things well, even if the instrumental section at the end drags a bit.

So yeah. In summary: fantastic stuff. Easily the band's best album. Commoner's Crown is another popular candidate, and I think (somewhat surprisingly) that their reunion album Time ought to be another--but, great as those albums are, I don't think they can really touch Below the Salt. If you think you might be at all interested in archaic British folk music, this is the only place to start--and even if you don't, give it a try. You may well surprise yourself.

Beautiful British folk music.......2006-10-26

British folk music has really grown on me over the years, and this is one of the best cds of the genre. I am especially fond of the lovely vocal harmonies in Rosebud in June and Gaudete, the instrumental Jig/The Bride's Favorite/Tansey's Fancey, Maddy Ryan's disarming vocal in Royal Forester, and the seductive strings in the closing Saucy Sailor.

This will make you want to further explore Steeleye Span's catalog of cds, and you will want to delve further into Irish Celtic music. I highly recommend this beautiful, catchy, folk music cd.

Steeleye Spans Their Talent in Their Fourth Album, "Below the Salt".......2006-05-28

In medieval times, the monarchs and rulers of the house would sit at the north end of the table. Salt, being a rare mineral, would be put in the center to symbolize its extreme superioriority above all other foods. The salt would also serve as a divider from the servants and dependants, and the family and intimates. As you can see if you flat out your album, they symbolize this in the front and back photographs. The poor people eat below the salt. Below the Salt. Being probably the only Steeleye Span fan under the age of twelve, I would asure you that my tastes have been delighted by this collection of sad mellodies clashed with joy unparalleled by the most joyful recorder. Steeleye's amazing knowlegde of folk music broadens as they excel even without a steady percussion section to back them up. Their true magic is portrayed in Guadete, (Pronounced, Gaw-day-tay), the only true Steeleye hit, which made to the UK's top ten list. Gaudete, which in Latin means rejoice, is a beutiful vocal-only short, with Maddy Prior's sheer soprano voice cracking your strongest window. Saucy Sailor, a beautiful love story, will make your eyes water.The charming jigs will get you kicking your feet in joy. The album is so harmonizing it will give you chills. And just to let your know, the small child on the cover isn't an instrument, nor a prop. He is just a child, a small child.

Average customer rating: Fresh. I love it. Habit forming ...

Honey And Salt Dead Rock West Manufacturer: Cindy Wasserman ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items: Easy Tiger Plug It In and Play The Wyatts Sky Blue Sky Last Good Kiss ASIN: B000NO3VA4 Release Date: 2007-04-20

Product Description

12-track CD on Populuxe, 2007.

Customer Reviews:

Fresh. I love it........2007-07-18

I actually heard track 1 (Highway One) while on a plane. The song impressed me so much that I looked up the album and bought it. I really enjoy this band. They are comparable to Little Big Town (but less folksy). Anyway, I recommend this CD to my friends. Enjoy!

Habit forming ... .......2007-07-12

I received this CD as a gift from an audiophile friend. It hasn't left my CD player since (which, quite honestly, is totally out of character for me). Great writing, wonderful harmonies, terrific hooks -- a masterful blend of simple and complex that just gets better with every listen.

Average customer rating: salt song by stanley turrentine Top Notch Everything So and so ... OK but not his best work Great Music

Salt Song Stanley Turrentine Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Soul-Jazz & Boogaloo | Jazz | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Jazz General | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Jazz General | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Jazz | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Sugar Don't Mess with Mister T. Complete Blue Hour Sessions Sky Dive Rough 'n' Tumble ASIN: B000002AGS Release Date: 1997-09-02

Tracks:

1. Gibraltar
2. I Told Jesus
3. Salt Song
4. I Haven't Got Anything Better To Do
5. Storm
6. Vera Cruz

Customer Reviews:

salt song by stanley turrentine.......2005-08-19

i have been a jazz fan for over fifty years. i have always prided myself in being able to know good jazz.i go back with Stanley since the late fifties. To me he has always demonstrated excellent abilities as a tenor sax man.the album sugar is certainly a reflection of this.

Top Notch Everything.......2004-11-27

This music is beautiful, interesting, even a bit challenging to listen to because there is so much going on in these tracks. Turrentine is in top form here, playing with great confidence and feeling throughout. You definitely feel as if he's singing through his horn. The arrangements by Eumir Deodato are superb and varied (the man is simply a genius), and played by top-notch session players like Ron Carter, Airto Moierera, and Billy Cobham, each of whom is a superstar in their own right. This disc is a great journey through great melodies, layers of rhythm, and superb playing that you hope won't end. But that's why you have a "repeat" button on your remote.

So and so ... .......2004-09-06

Stanley's great, here too. But ... We all know CTI records are not big deals generally. With few exceptions they came out in a confused period (the seventies) when jazz musicians were forced by record companies people to enter in a sort of middle ground between jazz and other things and to play borderline styles. The results considered with a long sighted eye were often awkward. The CTI artists were among the greatest musicians Jazz had to offer. George Benson, Milt Jackson, Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock, Stanley Turrentine, Joe Farrell but CTI and Creed Taylor had strange visions about how they should play in that period. They should play more melodical and less Jazzy .. it's a strange thing to ask to jazz musicians .. do you agree? It would be like trying to limitate a marvellous painter. Think about it ... "Please Leonardo use only red for this painting because people nowadays love only red, don't use all the colours... " !!!! This approach obviously produced the worst records these great musicians has ever recorded. But ... the fact that these guys were so big in the end helped this records a lot. I mean that even if they were surrounded by bad arrangements they were so big that they even reached the almost impossible goal to record a good album. This is the case. Stanley was still in perfect shape, his sound, his ideas, his musicianship were still at the highest levels so even if some CTI musical choices were terribly wrong he delivered. The first tune is probably the best. It has two kinds of rhythm, a more rock oriented beat and straight ahead swing. It is a long tune and Stanley has the chance to blow here and there. The second tune "I told Jesus" it is a gospel wannabe, but in the end it is more similar to some Pink Floyd's stuff. I'm talking about "Shy on you crazy diamond" stuff. Ok, don't cry, try to resist. The rest of the album presents some good moments (the ballad "I didn't have nothing better to do" or whatever 's the title) and some weak ones. The stuff is always the same. A great bop musician (limitated in his playing by marketing purpouses) surrounded by strange pretentious seventies arrangements. Stanley is still great. At least you can still hear him if you don't pay to much attention to what surrounds him ... it's up to you. I bought it. I'm happy? So and so.

OK but not his best work.......2003-01-06

I've liked Stanley Turrentine's work for years. With him, my attraction is the SOUND - uniquely his: big, bright, yet warm, with roots in soul and blues as well as mainstream jazz. His playing on this CD lives up to his usual high standard. He sounds great in a versatile selection of pieces. It's everything else that disappoints.

This album on Sony is a reissue of a CTI Album from 1971, with a bonus track added. It has the best and worst features typical of CTI recordings. Best: good players (Ron Carter and Billy Cobham are in the supporting cast, among others), good recording quality, for the most part. Worst: gratuitous arrangements chosen to sell records, strings, background voices, sound effects, generally short album durations - even with the bonus track it's barely 42 minutes.

There's a nice versatile mix of rhythms here: Gibralter shifts between latin and swing, latin (Salt Song and Vera Cruz), ballad, neo-gospel (I Told Jesus), urban blues (Storm).

Some arrangements mildly detract from the CD. Deodato's arrangement of I Told Jesus is the musical equivalent of "dumbing down" and moves away a bit from a true gospel feel. The strings detract from the ballad, I Haven't Got Anything Better To Do, and the storm noises and Stanley's reverb in Storm are each downright annoying.

The best track is the opener, a Freddie Hubbard tune called Gibralter.

This would be ok for someone who likes saxophone who doesn't have a cd of his. Plus, if you like Stanley's playing, you'll like this. Still, there are other recordings early in his career that are better: Easy Walker, Sugar and Don't Mess With Mr. T are a few that come to mind, along with a couple of Jimmy Smith recordings on Blue Note, Back to the Chicken Shack and Midnight Special. There are others, too, especially a live recording with Freddie Hubbard whose title escapes me.

So, 5 stars for the body of Stanley's work - he always comes to play and always sounds great. 1 star for the strings, noises, reverb and CTI arrangements. That averages to a 3. Some Stanley fans might consider this as a 4, but I like some of his other things a little better.

Great Music.......2000-09-28

Stanley Turentine Sounds Great on this Set.the Music here was arranged&Produced to Relax your mind.the music here is Timeless&a Tribute to the Genius Mind Of MR.Turentine.

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