Wallpaper for the Soul
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (08 October, 2002)
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Reviews (26)

"Sunshine" for the soul!
This CD is liquid sunshine.It made me feel so good to listen to it.It reminds me of '60's music, kind of like Donovan (do you remember him??) .It is innocent, sparkling, iridescent, and refreshing, like sunlight on water.It is like a very needed breath of fresh air!!!I highly recommend it!

Superb Pop Album
Wallpaper For The Soul is an incredible album of pop music that delivers a great collection of songs that feature catchy melodies and intelligent lyrics that resonate with a wide range of emotions.For example, a song like "Happy End" starts slowly with a piano accompanying the lyrics, followed by a beautiful guitar melody.A sad mood defines the first half of the song as Xavier Boyer sings "I know how the story ends, we are so predictable, but each time, your love for me, dies a little more".The song picks up near the end with a more upbeat outlook and ends with the words, "cause I know you understand, that we all deserve, just a happy end".Another favorite line is from the song "Open Book", "It makes you wish you were lost and never found, but your eyes are like an open book".

Other songs feature violins, flutes, and horn sections that help create upbeat or airy moods.There is a wide range of songs that can easily relate to how you're feeling, whether you're a bit down because of a romantic breakup or happy on a sunny day.Each listener will find a song that makes a personal connection.I highly recommend this album to any fan of smooth, relaxing pop music.

Songs to check out:

1,000 Times
Happy End
Open Book
Memories Of The Past

As a huge fan of the group Ivy, I was pleasantly surprised to see that Andy Chase was the producer of this album.

Magnificient Piece of Work--*pureexcellence*
If I was traveling in my convertible on the coast with the summer breeze blowing through this is one of the albums (and maybe the only)I would bring. This is not pop, but acoustic excellence. A refreshing sound from a talented supergroup.

Check out their other works also.

I enjoyed about 80% of the music-which is exceptional for me.
... Read more

Asin: B00006L3I6
Sales Rank: 48492
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. French Pop    3. Indie Pop    4. Pop    5. Rock   

18
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (14 May, 2002)
list price: $18.98
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Editorial Review

Following one of the most licensed CDs in history, 18 delivers more of the gospel samples and spiritual exploration that made Play Moby's breakthroughalbum. But keep your expectations in check. On 18 there is barely a body-rocker in the bunch. This is often a somber, melancholy disc, blanketed in thewashed-over cinematic orchestral melodies Moby's been fond of since his classic self-titled debut. It requires several listenings before the gems shine through theambient fog--and most depart from Play entirely. On the deceptively minimalist opening track, Moby delivers a powerful message through his thin littlevoice. "We are all made of stars," he sings, and indeed he's believable. MC Lyte punches out an infectious rap over old-school beat-box rhythms on "Jamfor the Ladies," offering one of the disc's few roof-raisers. "At Least We Tried" is a tear-jerking swan song of the highest order, and, finally, "The Rafters"resurrects early-‘90s house piano, which will make any of Moby's career-long fans pine for his earliest club hits. The diminutive DJ needn't have produced PlayPt. Two to keep his new fans engaged. Fortunately, his greatest talent for cooking up interesting sounds is still audible; you just need the patience to findit. --Beth Massa ... Read more

Reviews (257)

"Extreme" Ways
Does anyone know if the song "Extreme Ways" has an instrumental version? I love this song from "The Bourne Identity"'s credits. I prefer not to have the actual singing since the tune itself is awesome.

Can't touch Play in terms of song development but...
Play is one of my absolute favorite albums of all time. It is absolutely incredible how songs like Southside, Natural Blues, Find My Baby, and even something as seemingly simple as Rushing develop. The songs always felt like they were going somewhere... with PERHAPS the minor exception of the album's eighteenth track, "My Weakness." The long synths or violins (or whatever they were) in the background always drew out the music to great melodic levels. Here, on "18," they seem to, well, flounder around. They don't tend to build with the songs as well. They seem too indifferent, too neutral even. They seem to just be there for a relaxing feeling, which would be fine except that the repetition of such sound is too much. "In This World" makes a decent use of soulful vocals but I had the feeling Moby could've done something more for it. "In My Heart," though, brings back good memories of Play. It develops fairly well right up to that beautiful ending. Good to sing along to as well.

Where he really separates from Play and possibly even any music he's made before is "Great Escape." Strings and smooth, smooth vocals from Azure Ray. It's an extremely peaceful song. Maybe that's what I don't like most about "18"---it's basically completely peaceful, except for maybe "Extreme Ways." "Signs of Love" has nothing on "Porcelain" but it's a very sincere-sounding song from Moby. "Love & Strings" from the album 18: B-Sides, though, has basically the same music without vocals and with a faster tempo. It sounds slightly better. Now there's a problem here: Starting with "One of These Mornings" the album's getting a little repetitive. That line "And I'll be gone" repeats a bit more frequently than is necessary. Thankfully, this song is only 3:12.

Then it just gets strange with "Another Woman." It's somewhat hypnotic but "You've got another woman somewhere around..." repeating over and over isn't too soothing.
"Fireworks" is a nice break in the album just like "Down Slow" and "7" and "Rushing" were in Play. It's a good thing Moby chose to put "Extreme Ways" after this track because otherwise "Fireworks" would've sounded like just another slow track.

And now it's time to type about "Extreme Ways." It starts off a little slowly, actually. The main problem with this track is that Moby's too reluctant to venture outside of the soft sound of this album. The chorus is a bit embarrassing lyrically. Hell, it's mostly embarrassing lyrically. The guitar is nice but is overpowered dynamically by the other instruments and I'm not quite sure why. I hope it's not like that at concerts. It seems to be the Southside of this album, but it really can't compare to Southside.

"One thing's for sure... well we got soul." Or is it "Moby got soul"? Whatever it is, it's a pleasant sort of hip-hop dance distraction from the rest of the album and it's well-needed. MC Lyte raps and does a good job, and you can't go wrong with the voice of Angie Stone. I wish MC Lyte said more, though. She only has two verses in the song, and then the song just seems repetitive. Not as good as "Bodyrock" from Play because it lacks something in terms of instrumentals. I'm making a lot of comparisons to Play not only because there ARE a lot of musical similarities, but mainly because the albums have the same amount of tracks. And whereas it's clear in Play that the album is half-upbeat and half-downbeat, 18 is pretty much all downbeat.

"Sunday" develops nicely, with a good piano line. The part later in the song when the vocals change is especially notable. Then the album still gets slower, with the twelth track, "18" which won a Grammy for best instrumental track, which was kind of random. "18" is a very simple track, and it lacks the sort of generic drum part that Moby uses for songs like "Sunday," "In This World," and "One Of These Mornings." It actually might've deserved the award since the track is so incredibly relaxing.

"Sleep Alone" has the same sort of strange mood that "Another Woman" has. I don't particularly enjoy either of those tracks.

Then two nice songs in a row--"At Least We Tried" (which, ironically, quite a few Moby fans said didn't really fit in with the album) and "Harbour" with Sinead O'Connor's vocals. The vocals of the former hit you just like those of "Natural Blues." Genuine is the word for "At Least We Tried." Just when you think it's about to go nowhere, a synth sound that I don't think appears before this track on the album comes up. The best thing about this track is that Moby doesn't get lazy and repeat the same sample for the chorus each time---The singer sounds especially different after that new synth kicks in. With songs like "Harbour" you wonder why Moby even goes back to using his own voice when he can do so much with other voices.

"Look Back In" isn't much of a track. A nice refreshing song is the higher-BPM "Rafters" and then the album ends with "I'm Not Worried At All." It's a bit of a slow ending and also not too great of a track.

What's interesting is that "We Are All Made Of Stars" has very little to do with the rest of the album. It's a decent pop song.

Overall, it's good for relaxation but lacks action, which may or may not be a good thing depending on how much you like chilling out.

A more downbeat and uplifting album bores mainstream
I like this album, however, and like it from start to finish.It's solid and entertaining, but he doesn't really have songs in the mix that shred the tranquility.Overall, it just has a sunnier disposition and doesn't really even have the occasional dark mood track.That's what hinders this album from being as sucessful from the last one.What you get is still good, but it proves that people come down on you if they buy your album thinking they'll get exactly what they expect without hearing it.It also demonstrates the influence of Eminem in his put downs of him and his style.It's all good, but more mid-tempo.His choice of samples and guest vocalists is still excellent and the best song, in my opinion, is onethat he actually sings, "Signs of love." I think that's really an indication about why this album is more positive, he was in love with someone when he wrote this album. ... Read more

Asin: B0000668IF

Sea Change
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (24 September, 2002)
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Editorial Review

Beck is bummed. Really bummed. And if song titles such as "LostCause," "Lonesome Tears," "Already Dead," and "Nothing I Haven't Seen" don'tmake the point, his achingly sad lyrics and Sea Change's unerringlydowncast sound do. While 1998'sMutations--arguably thesinger-songwriter's masterwork and Sea Change's spiritual cousin--wasfilled with unflinching self-examination, moments of levity were found in songslike "Tropicalia." Not so on Sea Change. Beck's woozy, almost narcolepticdelivery seems to amplify the set's sense of ennui. But sad isn't necessarilybad, and despite the somber tone, there's much to praise, not the least of whichis the return of producer Nigel Goderich (Mutations,Radiohead), who wrapsBeck's gloom in a dreamy, warm blanket of soft strings and floating bleeps andgurgles. LikeDaniel Lanois, Goderichis all about vibe, and even Beck's most bare-bones songs benefit from billowyatmospherics. That's especially true of "Paper Tiger," a restless, slowlybuilding epic improbably propelled by a languid orchestra and Beck'sexpressionless drone. The inky black feel of "Round the Bend"--a glacially slowdirge with muffled vocals--may be the darkest thing Beck's ever written, notcounting the very grim "Already Dead." Whatever's going on in Beck's world, atleast we know he's purging, which, all things considered, may be better for hissoul than ours. --Kim Hughes ... Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (448)

Breakup Beck
This is the Beck "break up" album, recorded after his girlfriend of 9 years left. In "Hollow Log" (from "One Foot in the Grave"), he told us to "get yourself a pistol". Now, it seems like he's thinking about putting one in his mouth.

Every song here is bathed in melancholy, making it very much a "mood album". There's not really anything upbeat...or even uptempo...to break the consistent plod. It's all resignation and no anger..didn't it piss Beck off that he put 9 years into the relationship and it's just over now? Or an "I'll show you..I can get any woman I want" song? It just seems like this is a whole album's worth of a single emotion.

HIGHLIGHTS:
"Guess I'm Doing Fine" is understated and conveys its agony better by not overdoing it. ("It's only lies that I'm living/It's only tears that I'm crying/It's only you that I'm losing/Guess I'm doing fine") Single "Lost Cause" is Beck deciding it's not worth trying again. "Already Dead" proclaims him to be over her ("Love looks away/In the harsh light of the day/On the edge of nothing more") although the music belies the claim. You get the impression he's trying to convince HIMSELF, rather than the ex.

LOW SPOTS:
There aren't any really BAD songs..but outside of the highlights, the album suffers from sameness. It's not easy to tell where one tune ends and the next begins sometimes.

BOTTOM LINE:
There's no denying that the huge production and swamp of strings make it SOUND like Beck's "big statement". But ultimately the songs underneath all the windowdressing can't always carry the weight of the tracks. It's a nice album if you want to just listen to the arrangments and say "Oh, how pretty...", but there's not a whole lot here to make an emotional connection to. It's also difficult to imagine throwing this on CD repeat.

2 1/2 stars

Beck's Best!!!!!!!
This is my favorite and IMO the best Beck album. Im not a huge fan of his goofy techno dabbling that are often hit or miss and an acquired taste. This album is a lot more instrumental in the traditional sense. There is still techno dabbling, but it is kept in the background to Beck's monotone singing and his acoustive guitar. There is even some slide guitar used on the 3rd or 4th song.

The only detraction is the depressing nature of the album and the fact that some of the acoustic pieces sound a little similar.

This is the album that shows Beck is capable of writing a very good song and isnt just a gimmicky artist who hides behind studio controls and effects.

Highlights: Doint Time, Lost Cause, The Golden Age, Lonesome Tears

Epic
There is no other way to describe this album than utterly depressing, but in a beautiful and melodic way. Imagine a despondent acoustic guitar player with subtle atmospheric keyboard and string arrangements in the background. The background does not overwhelm the folk sensibilities and the song writing is superb. I don't care for Beck when he is at his goofiest, combining funk and folk, which, in my humble opinion, mix like oil and water. If you dont care for the prior releases by Beck, listen without prejudice, as I did. This album appears to be a one-shot deal for Beck, as I dont expect his future releases to sound like this. ... Read more

Asin: B00006F7S4
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Singer/Songwriter   

The Last Broadcast
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (04 June, 2002)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

The Last Broadcast sees Doves frontman Jimi Goodwin and multi-instrumentalist brothers Andy and Jez Williams soaring to new if perhaps grandiose heights. The thundering opening beat and spiraling guitars of "Words" are reminiscent of Ride at their bombastic peak, and "There Goes the Fear" has relentlessly reverberating Latin rhythms, New Order-influenced guitars, and sweeping vocals that are nothing less than breathtaking. Quiet reprieve comes with "M62," a delicate haunting reworking of King Crimson's "Moonchild," bizarrely recorded under the M62 flyover in Manchester, and its desolate atmospherics are juxtaposed against the remainder of the album. With the thrusting onslaught of "Pounding," the obligatory earthy rock of "N.Y.," and the joyous pastoral acoustic-led splendor of "Caught by the River," the Doves have crafted a liberating sophomore album that happily combines the uplifting anthemic essence of dance with good old rock & roll.--Christopher Barret ... Read more

Reviews (112)

A pleasant suprise
I picked this up after hearing "Satellites" on an internet radio station a couple of years ago.
I was more than pleasantly suprised. This is a truly unique set of songs...and it turned out that "Satellites" was one of the weaker songs. (not an insult, a compliment to the rest of the material)
High Points are "There Goes The Fear", "M62 Song"(an endorsement from a HUGE King Crimson fan)and "Pounding".
It's all excellent, though - there really isn't a weak song on here.
Still waiting for the follow up. Keep yer fingers crossed.

In a league with best albums of last 40 years!
I first heard my first Doves song in the canned music at a hamburger restaurant. It was "Catch The Sun" and I was hooked.I hoped and assumed that was the song's title as I searched Amazon's website, and lo and behold, I discovered the Doves.I bought Lost Souls and Last Broadcast at the same time.I liked every song on Last Broadcast the first time around.There are only a few albums in the past 40 years that you can honestly say every track is a delight and worthy of airplay (if only these guys had been around back in the glory days of FM radio in the early seventies! Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin watch out!).Anyway, this CD is definitely on the same par as the Moody Blues disk "In Search of the Lost Chord", the Beatles "Sgt Pepper", Led Zeppelin I, II or IV, the first CRosby Stills and Nash, or Pink Floyd's "Meddle", "Dark Side", "Animals", "Wish" or "Wall", or Genesis' "Foxtrot", "Trick of the Tail" or "Wind and Wuthering".Real music on real instruments! Definitely a must have!PS: I'm 49 years old and generally have trouble warming up to new music and new artists, but these guys are OK!

brilliant, original, but...
Being a huge fan of doves, travis, coldplay, snow patrol, oasis, stone temple pilots, blur, radiohead, supergrass, the strokes, the hives, the vines,rage against the machine, and all kinds of rock (except death metal, or gothic or metal), I find this album extremely interesting.Now, that doesnt mean that it's not weird, because it is.For example, I found the song N.Y. extremely (maybe too much) experimental and weird.It was a huge deception to learn that the acoustic version of N.Y. was not included in this album or anywhere.I heard the acoustic version of N.Y. and i absolutely loved it because you can hear Jimi Goodwin's (the lead singer's name, i think) voice more clearly plus the three acoustic guitars playing plus the harmonica solo sound like music from heaven.The problem is that I heard that song from a 'launch' sample two-song c.d. (that's when I became a true fan of the doves) and now my friend tells me he lost that c.d. (bummer!)

Despite that, the songs "There Goes the Fear" and "Words" and "Pounding" and "Satellites" are all catchy and brilliant songs."The Last Broadcast" is an o.k. song, too. I bought this album more than a year ago, and I bought it with bonus tracks.These bonus tracks are extremely good."Hit the Ground Running" sounds like Fatboy Slim's "Praise You", only less danceable and more alternative, and less repetitive.Well, "Far from Grace" is the best bonus track of the four.Its very melodic, moody, experimental, and most importantly,"lost-soul"-like (their first album, which I think is better than this one).Northenden is very folk-music-like, and its good.
I guess that I liked "Lost Souls" better because the songs sound more relax-like, more experimental, but softer and less weirder than "Last Broadcast".Plus, I could not find any "Catch the Sun"-like song in this album (I still think this is their best song).Plus no song beats the brilliant anddreamy "Break Me Gently", although "Satellites" is the closest to it.
I really hope that the doves bring something better than "last broadcast", something perhaps more catchy, less weird, more 'catch the sun'-like, and I know that they will, because the bonus tracks on 'last broadcast' prove that they can do better.
Nevertheless this is one of the best (british) alt bands that I have ever heard. ... Read more

Asin: B000065SXM
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

A Rush of Blood to the Head
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (27 August, 2002)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.49
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Editorial Review

Coldplay required a lifetime to make their wonderfully assured debut,Parachutes. But it tookless than two years for the moody British quartet to deliver a masterful follow-up. As a band, Coldplay have advanced to a stage where they outshine nearly every oneof their rivals in terms of imagination and emotional pull. A Rush of Bloodto the Head is a soulful, exhilarating journey, moving from the catharticrock of "Politik" to the hushed tones of "Green Eyes" without once breaking itsmesmerizing spell. Singer Chris Martin takes his voice on soaring flights,reaching places only JeffBuckley previously dared to go. And the music is nearly flawless, apersuasive cross between PinkFloyd and the Verve.Even if they haven't come up with another "Yellow," you would be hard-pressed tocare. This is exquisite stuff. --Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

Reviews (941)

Almost perfect
This CD is one of my all time favorite's! I wouldn't say it breaks new ground, but it certainly digs a little deeper into its genre. Chris Martin is an fantastic frontman for Coldplay and his vocals are amazing! The entire CD is filled with excellent songs, but here are a few highlights:

"Polotik". Mysecond favorite song on the CD.
It starts out loud with banging drums, but halfway through, it switches to a soft, two minute instumental with heartmoving piano playing by Martin.


"The Scientist". My favorite of the CD.
A haunting ballad of love, loss and forgiveness.
The piano is extraordinary!

Overall, the CD is never boring and I can listen to it all the way through without skipping any tracks.

At times its quiet and refelctive, or loud and incredible.

Chris Martin, Will Champion, John Buckland and Guy Berryman are truely geniuses of our time.

I cannot wait to get their new CD and I am definetly going to atten their concert in September.

Forget the Hype: They're Greater Than That
Hype makes it almost impossible to judge bands because the publicity seeps into one's judgment and becomes the story rather than the actual music. So I took a break from Coldplay for a year and went back to them and I must say their music transcends all the hype. Amsterdam, God Put a Smile on My Face, and my favorite, The Scientist, head the album's charge though you won't find one bad track. Why is Coldplay so successful? Of course, the voice. Of course, the universal themes. Of course, the melodies. But I can't explain why people of all ages love them. It's rare that such a cool band has such mainstream appeal. Many already know that the wonderful band Keane is being, rightly, compared to Coldplay. But for two lesser known bands that have similar melodic"emotional rock" qualities, check out the Swedish bands Ronderlin and Radio Dept.

Phenomenal... I look forward to X & Y
I'll make this short and sweet.This is what not only what rock and roll is about, but also music.In a recent interview I read about Coldplay in Blender Magazine, they acknowledged the fact that they weren't "flashy" in a sense where playing their instruments was concerned because "they couldn't" be.While they may have limitations (very few people don't), they used their attributes as musicians to the very best of their abilities, hence making better albums than some bands with more experienced musicians.I have no doubt that A RUSH OF BLOOD TO THE HEAD will forever be a part of Rock and Roll History as one of its best albums.After more than 2 years, it is still a much hailed/ talked about album.No offense to Simple Plan (who'm I'm a fan of), but are we going to be talking about it 2 years after its initial release (...Still Not Getting Any).No, simply on the basis that Coldplay's material is more focused and filled with more depth compared to say a punk band like Simple Plan.

With that said, everyone will most likely say that "Clocks" is their very favorite track. My favorite happens to be the haunting opening track "Politik".It is just so well written with an opening crescendo of hard rocking guitars that then grow in dimunition to Chris Martin's solo piano line while he sings in his somber voice.It will give you chills, especially when Martin ascends into his falsetto.

I won't give an individual critique of the rest of the tracks.But I will summarize with this that this is an enjoyable listening and a stellar album.I am a person who listens to more urban stuff probably than say rock and roll, but as an open-eared listener, who could deny the incredible musicianship and sound that Coldplay posess on this rock masterpiece? Well so much for short and sweet!


Track Picks:"Politik", "In My Place", "God Put A Smile On Your Face", "The Scientist", "Clocks" ... Read more

Asin: B000069AUI
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Britpop    3. Dream Pop    4. Indie Rock    5. Pop    6. Post-Grunge    7. Rock   

One Nite Alone...Live!
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (17 December, 2002)
list price: $59.98 -- our price: $53.99
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Features

• Box set
• Live

Reviews (87)

Astounding!
Let me be very clear about this: This is a great recording. Master Prince shows us that he is the Master of Ceremony when it comes to live funk/jazz/pop-fusion. Here, every movement is right. The band is incredibly tight. Songwriting is 1A. The magic is in the air.
I simply wish to congratulate Prince and his band for this incredible endeavour. I hope we may have him around producing this kind of records for a long time to come.

Amazing!!
This is the best live album I've ever heard!!Prince is the best!
The band is superb and includes Maceo Parker, Candy Dulfer, John Blackwell, Renato Neto and the amazing Rhonda Smith!!
Do yourself a favor and buy this album now!!

Only 1 Problem:
....I should have bought this sooner. It's divine. Prince and the band at their best. If you are a true friend of Prince, you'll own this one. ... Read more

Asin: B00007JGQ4
Sales Rank: 4667
Subjects:  1. Club/Dance    2. Dance-Pop    3. Funk    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. R&B   

So What?
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (26 March, 2002)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $18.98
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Reviews (4)

Great lyrics and a great beat!
Truly a CD to own, this singer combines great lyrics, infectious hooks with a heart pounding beat.It's amazing how many people have never heard her music.Hopefully these positive reviews will encourage listeners to spare a moment and experience it for themselves.The standout song is "One good reason".This is a self-impowerment anthem with an 80's feel that is comparable to "I will survive".Do lend an ear, I could not recommend her more highly.

The Diva Who Saved the Year !
2002 has been a very disappointing year for quality diva recordings.Toni Braxton, Whitney Houston, and Deborah Cox have all released crummy albums.But, Nicole McCloud fills the void and has put out the best diva album of the year, yet she barely gets noticed.Nicole is a native of South Africa.The album contains very danceable diva tunes like "One Good Reason", "If You Come To Me," the re-release of "Don't You Want My Love," and the stellar emotion of "Tell Me Where It Hurts."Her work combines the quality similarities of Crystal Waters, Sade, and top R&B vocalists.In addition, she shows off her superb vocal talent in the ballads "Lessons of Love" and "Missing You"with style, grace, and finesse."Get Your Hands Off My Man" has the pop-spunk of some of the earlier work of Destiny's Child, whereas "Why Should I" reveals an unusual, whimsical, in-your-face experimental sound bonanza."Your Love is King to Me" bolts with class and pizzaz of early Sade work.If you're looking for something fresh and classy with the New York / Miami club appeal, this CD is sure to please.Definitely check this one out, folks!

"So What" - -Nicole's great talant, that'sWHAT
I recently added "So What" to my complete collection of Nicole's albums, US and European."One Good Reason" is reason enough for me feel Nicole is still the most unrecognized US recording artist.She is an A-list Star all across Europe but much of her best work still goes unreleased here in the US, until NOW!

Every time I hear the term "Rock the House," I remember it originated from Nicole's hit of the same name. In fact "Rock the House" which she also wrote, is considered the most "sampled" recording of all time.

On this her latest album you have an entertaining mix of ballads (I wish they would let her do more) and dance tracks hot enough to sweat the pheromones out of you and put you in the mood to make the most of their effect, including a scorching remake of her hit "Don't You Want My Love" which went Gold a few years back in the US and was a #1 hit in many countries around the world.

I am sure you will be hearing "Search'n" the album's second single in the clubs as well as both versions of "One Good Reason."My personal favorite however is "Missing You"

You just cannot go wrong with this album. 14 great tracks to stir your blood and a hot pic too!In case you haven't been to South Beach lately to see Nicole perform live.The hair and great body are "real" as well as the heart from which her words flow. ... Read more

Asin: B0000634EQ
Sales Rank: 173329
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. R&B   

Point
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (22 January, 2002)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $16.98
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Editorial Review

Point is the long-awaited full-length follow-up to Fantasma, and it does not disappoint. Cornelius--a.k.a. Japanese pop auteur and clothing designer Keigo Oyamada--thrilled the world with his '97 international debut, a breezy blend of electronica that melded the thick, soupy guitar feedback of My Bloody Valentine to the gorgeous harmonies of the Beach Boys, and fed it all through a peculiarly kitschy Japanese bubblegum pop filter. On Point, the crystal-clear "Smoke" weaves a tangle of jerky new wave guitar over clip-clopping electronic beats and the raw clatter of percussion, while the heavenly "Tone Twilight Zone" elegantly demonstrates that even the most ornate, maximal production can be imbued with calm. Perhaps the album's greatest success is the way that it presents ambient cliché--the gurgle of running water, the breaking of waves, the chirruping of crickets--as just another form of instrumentation. The precise rhythms and harmonies of this enchanting, psychedelic journey into stereophonic sound confirm Oyamada's studio mastery. No one on earth is making music quite like this. --Louis Pattison ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Happy genius
These days the word `innocence' in art tends all too much to be read as naïve. This album will lay that to rest. Cornelius's second, (and by far his best) album mixes cutting edge avante guard techno with some of the most heartbreakingly beautiful vocal harmonies you'll ever hear anywhere on a recording. Utilizing acoustic guitar & Bass samples in innovative ways, & seemingly dropping anything he wants into the mix, from water being splashed around to bird & cricket noises & guitar harmonics, both in & out of rhythm with the songs they inlay, he tries not so much to create any particular atmosphere but to use the air around us as a big canvas on which to splash any sound colours he feels fit to be called beautiful or interesting. This is an interesting album but not at the expense of beauty, which so many albums seem to trade off one for the other. On top of all that, he keeps the whole experience rolling without any darkness. (Aside from `I Hate Hate' a very humorous parody on `heavy') It's all light, fun & yet still very, very credible. His obvious talent for detail proves that. Innocent it is, but light only in colour, not weight.

Make a "Point"
Japanese avant-pop-trippist Cornelius (real name: Keigo Oyamada) had a hard act to follow after 1997's "Fantasma," an electronic masterpiece. But "Point" doesn't disappoint -- it's more experimental, spacier and almost hypnotic, a twist of rock, experimental electronica and dreampop.

"Point of View Point" may be the highlight of the album -- sharp guitar strums overlaid by some intermittent blasts of drums, an eerie bright hum and "left/right/left/RIGHT!" It's lush, sunny and memorable, and the sort of pop that sticks in your head -- in a good way, like a trippier version of the Beach Boys or Beatles.

There's a wildly different sound in "Smoke's" a bouncy funky groove and "Drop's" a strummy pop. Shifting the tone is "Tone Twilight," a dreamy slow pop song with an ambient touch. Then Cornelius does an about-face in "I Hate Hate" with a spray of abrasive electronics leading to some aggressive, bombastic electro-rock.

Rock. Trip-hop. Ambient. Blues. Lounge jazz. Funk. All are woven into this album, along with some wicked vocal samples and a sprinkling of experimental sound effects. All of this to apparently illustrate Cornelius's thoughts on nature and machines, clashing and yet musically intertwined.

The guitars and drums are absolutely brilliant -- one moment they're bluesy, then bombastic, then gentle acoustics. Laid over the basic bones is an array of electronic music -- the wavy wails of "Another View Point," discordant spray in "I Hate Hate," or sparkling blips of "Brazil." But Cornelius knows when to put the electronics in the backseat and just let the instruments take over.

He also takes it one step further by laying in samples like falling water or singing birds. The birds especially show up in the two-song cycle of "Tone Twilight Zone" and "Bird Watching At Inner Forest," which sound like a rainforest soundtrack. And the vocals are inobtrusive. It's not hard to hear them, but the vocals are so submerged in the mix that they sound almost like another instrument.

Cornelius shows again that he's a master of avant-pop in "Point," a worthy follow-up to the outstanding "Fantasma." Beautiful, eerie, and fiery, this is a definite keeper for indie-electro fans.

Angular headphone music
So I got a hold of this album like the day it came out.Fantasma was one of my favorites and I had high hopes for Point.I listened to it maybe twice and felt about as let down as I ever have.Nothing grabbed me.I didn't reach the end and find myself with bits and pieces stuck in my brain.It left me feeling empty and even a little betrayed.What happened?

So I stuck it on my CD rack and didn't touch it until yesterday, when I ran across it while I was looking for something else.I figured I might as well give it another try.And, you know, I was pleasantly surprised.Maybe it's because my expectations were way lower or maybe I'm in less of a melodic pop oriented mood now or maybe I just needed some time away.

Whatever the case, this is a fine little album.Not the masterpiece that Fantasma was, but I think Cornelius is doing something rather different here.Fantasma, Monkees-in-a-blender sound aside, was fundamentally based on songs - catchy, melodic, poppy songs.Which Cornelius proceeded to chop and scramble and obscure with bits of studio trickery.Which worked like a charm - Cornelius is a virtuoso in the studio.Point, on the other hand, feels like it takes this studio trickery as the starting point, and then builds the songs up from there.

The result is that this is a chillier, less personable album.The sound is spikier and more experimental than Fantasma.And there's a distinct lack of hummable hooks (not that they're entirely absent, just deemphasized).The vocals are pushed back in the mix to the point where this is almost an instrumental record.

But, when you dig into this, it turns out to be quite satisfying.While there's less in the way of songs behind the studio tricks, the tricks themselves are entertaining enough and layered enough to (almost) make up for it.I like it.Not as much as I liked Fantasma, but a lot more than my initial impression led me to think.

This isn't a terribly accessible album - as I said, it's taken me 2.5 years to like it.And it's not a warm album.It's angular and cold and, at times, even agressive.But it's still worth the time it takes to get into it. ... Read more

Asin: B00005S6JT
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

The Rising
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (30 July, 2002)
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Editorial Review

Although it seemed the Boss had put writing rock anthems behind him after Born in the U.S.A., his longtime fans knew if any artist could write anthems addressing September 11, 2001, and not make them sound jingoistic, it would be Bruce Springsteen. The numerous anthems on his much-anticipated first full-length album with the E Street Band in 18 years are subtler than those of the Born to Run era. But the elements are all there: the joyous rocking strains of "Countin' on a Miracle," "Mary's Place," and "Waitin' on a Sunny Day"; the dark overtones of "Further on Up the Road"; the stunning guitar solo that closes "Worlds Apart," a dramatic Arabic-tinged piece detailing star-crossed love between a Muslim and an "infidel." Although most of these songs deal with death and tragedy, they still inspire. But while the lyrics are intriguing, what's more remarkable is how well The Rising works as epic rock & roll as it draws from rockabilly, soul, doo-wop hard rock, country, and even industrial. To skewer a cliché, when The Rising is good, it's great. And even when it's not great, it's still awfully good. --Bill Holdship ... Read more

Reviews (550)

Revised Titles: Let's Be Friends, Osama; Countin' on a 911!!

Springsteen maneuvers that he planned to break his political "neutrality"--fabrication since he joined 1988's "Human Rights NOW!" Tour of socialist retards--because of Admin. decisions like the Iraq war. Ergo, Springsteen convicts himself of violating America's surefooted traditions and for being a thinly veiled socialist/communist abetter who succumbs to the "stability" a dictatorship brings. America has a consistent history of intervening and selflessly sacrificing its people to combat communism, tyrannies and recently terrorism. When Springsteen chicanes that the Iraq intervention outraged him, he's unmasking himself as the revengeful socialist/extreme left-winger who extorts his president's actions to subordinate to the UN or outlaw regimes like Iran, connives with the charade of dictators being trustworthy not to reconstitute WMD and supply terrorists harbored in their country, and has no sympathy for poor civilians who're being victimized by the UN's "food program" in conspiracy with said outlaw regime. Though Springsteen masquerades as a down-to-earth American with his jeans and worker shirts, he's virulently anti-American because of his derision of classic American values!!!!

Come On Up For Mediocrity!!!!
Bruce hasn't has a good album since Tunnel of Love.He has become nothing more than a puppet for all his Left-Wing friends in Hollywood... and why the critics keep inflating his ego is beyond me.If you want songs about real people and real America then listen to anything from any Country Music artist.If you want some abstract idea of an America gone wrong because it hasn't gone down the path of Socialism like Western Europe then Springsteen is your man.He once inspired me.He has now become a joke.He fired the E-Street Band, moved to California back in the early 90's... since then he has lost his talent.Do us a favor, Bruce... Please just go away now.1984-85 was a wonderful ride.Your moment in the sun has long passed. Listening to The Rising and Devils & Dust has confirmed this.No matter who you bring in for production it doesn't take away the mediocrity of your work.Let us remember when you related to us "blue collar" souls... Let us enjoy being that guy, driving in that car or motorcycle, wandering if we will get the girl... Listening to you self-elect yourself for Mexican Immigration issues, singing about being a Hero during 9/11 (can I point out in Dave Marsh's Bio, Born to Run, that you avoided the draft, going as far to say you were even gay... isn't that a no-no now in the Left circle you are a part of now???)Yes, let us sing about hypocrisy of self-deluded hacks who claim to know all what is wrong with America because it doesn't fall in place of their own whacked idealogy!Hey, great job with the falsetto voice on Devils & Dust... I'm glad to hear that you fired the E-Street band so you can try something new... hasn't worked yet... but you keep on going... Country Music is the real American voice.Go away, please.

who is Randy Newman anyway?
Open Water is a fine movie.
The Rising is a fine T.V. show in which Tom Wilkinson plays a seven year old boy with cancer.
................ nevermind then.
The Rising is a fine album!Jeez people, when are the parade of one-star reviews going to end!?
My initial reaction to this album was negative, but, like every Springsteen album, you have to give it some time to sink in.
And that does is for this crappy review. ... Read more

Asin: B000069HKH
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (16 July, 2002)
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Editorial Review

As these dimpled moptops from Oklahoma grow pepper-bearded and transform into wizened elder statesmen of sonic adventuring, the heartfelt candy of their loving bubblegum stretches ever longer into echoing soundscapes. If Radiohead are halfway to becoming U2, the Flaming Lips are nine-tenths of the way to pop nirvana. Hardly a song on Yoshimi isn't resonated, echoed, and reverberated--floating the listener higher until they have the ultimate bird's-eye view of what makes a great band tick. As with any album by the band, it's hard not to imagine parades and a sky filled with helium balloons while you listen to any of it--in this case, the party is enhanced brilliantly by digital filters and silver shimmering asides. The most immediate songs, like "One More Robot (3000-21)," are digital (almost trip-hop) dance numbers that lift the band out of the cornfields and into the loopy land of Björk. Little surprise, then, that the band are already following up this majestic splash of gummy bear brilliance by recording a CD with kids' TV show host Steve from Blue's Clues. It's like Woodstock meets Snoopy! --Ian Christe ... Read more

Reviews (304)

sweet, sweet lips
Since their birth in 1985, The Flaming Lips have produced albums that totally rocked things off, including those highly valued socks that you are wearing at this very moment.Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots is a highly valued piece of artwork in my collection of way cool albums.I will have to admit that I did not enjoy my first listening experience, but we all know that the songs you grow to like never seem to stick at first.

Overall upbeat, this psychedelic mixing of melodies is delightfully pleasing to the ear.Yoshimi is a journey, going from an epic battle of gargantuan proportions (as in "Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots"), to an epic battle of self exploration (as in "In The Morning Of Magicians").

This album is one of few that I can listen to all the way through.There are not really any moments that I find myself skipping, although, sometimes you have to wonder what in the world head Flaming Lip Wayne Coyne was thinking when this album was put together.

"Do You Realize" is perhaps the most entertaining track on this 2002 album.In the back of my mind, I somehow envision the Muppets donating their vocal abilities to the cause.This track is all about not letting your life slip away, and being honest with everyone in your life.Essentially, this song makes you realize that the end could come at any time, only not in a so depressing way:"Do you realize that everyone you know someday will die?And instead of saying all of your goodbyes, let them know you realize that life goes fast."Those are huge ideas, and cause life wondering questions to occur inside that bundle of neurons of yours.

"Fight Test" is another one of those life reflecting tracks that forces you to think about the social stipulations placed on the male gender.Is it right to let something slip away, or should you fight for it?If you don't fight, is that wrong?Coyne is left with no answer for this one, as "it's all a mystery".

Even though this album deals with subjects that cause you to think about your life, it is accomplished in a way that you don't really notice.This album is just nicely put together, and things seem to fit to a sequence.This album is so good, although I just didn't realize it at first.The words come effortlessly, and fit with the music so well.In fact, I rate this album 4 spatulas.

Standout Tracks:"Ego Tripping At The Gates Of Hell", "Do You Realize??", and "Its Summertime".

If you like The Flaming Lips, be sure to try other artists like Wilco, The Postal Service, and Neutral Milk Hotel.Although I highly value the Lips, these groups are just as sweet and awesome.

OUTER SPACE AMATEUR HOUR
Something like a Battle of The Bands in another galaxy with the imprisoned singing prince from "Monty Python and The Holy Grail" dreamily singing into a reflective portal like a rock star canary in a cage. The bizarre idea and sci-fi atmospherics finally give way to heartfelt emotional depth, like Pinocchio come to life, as our guy in space, once pathetic, now just real sad, plucks some real human heartstrings craving for love and worship in songs like "In The Morning Of The Magicians", with it's sweet sad refrain; 'I was waiting for a moment, but the moment never came', and "Do You Realize?". Certainly "Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots" is a nifty melodic spacescape with craft to spare, but there's surprisingly little identification and empathy for this wimpy Buck Rogers with a fantasy black belt karate girlfriend crooning to a house of space cadets in some galaxy far, far away. It's as if The Flaming Lips really met this guy and his story is only slightly worth documenting.

Incredible
I love this cd. Shortly after listening to this album countless times i went on a flaming lips rampage and started buying album after album after album. They are all amazingly good. I think this album portrays the lips very well, along with Soft Bulletin. If you are a flaming lips fan, and you do not have this album yet, you have to get it. ... Read more

Asin: B000068PQ0
Subjects:  1. Dream Pop    2. Neo-Psychedelia    3. Noise Pop    4. Pop    5. Rock   

Up
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (24 September, 2002)
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Editorial Review

That Up exists at all is faintly miraculous. Over the past seven years, with guests including Youssou N'Dour, Peter Green, the Blind Boys of Alabama, and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Peter Gabriel has held recording sessions in Senegal, Atlanta, Singapore, the French Alps, and on a boat on the Amazon River, as well as at his own RealWorld studios. Having written and prepared over 150 songs, he's managed to cut this huge body of work down to just 10 tracks. There's a remarkable consistency and contemporary feel here that springs from a thoughtful layering process, with Gabriel combining tribal rhythms with complex backing vocals, samples, rock guitar, piano and--crucially--electronic effects. Indeed, the opener, "Darkness," begins with an aggressiveness that recalls the Prodigy, before hints of vulnerability and fear surface. Elsewhere, there is the dreamy "The Drop" and the orchestral heights of "Signal to Noise." Throughout, Gabriel uses water metaphors to put forward his positivist message. And it's all brilliant, sophisticated, and soulful. The man's a marvel and Up is a masterwork. --Dominic Wills ... Read more

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Reviews (369)

Masterpiece
Peter Gabriel ventures into new territoy on this album. Unlike most acts his age, Gabriel is accepting of modern music, and has done an album where he does his own take on modern music. A close listen to this album makes it seem incredibly diverse. Signal to noise is a dramatic orchestrated track which also features Gabriel doing some Australian Aboriginal sounding singing. It may be some other folk music that I haven't hear, though this came out the same year he worked with Australian Aboriginal music on 'Rabbit Proof Fence'. Anyway Signal To Noise furthers the positivist message begun with the progressive rap/rock opener, Darkness. Growing up is a dance track, Sky Blue is a gospel piece, My head sounds like that is a more negative peice that has a Harrisonesque feel and haunting chord changes, I Grieve and No Way Out both take time to build up while More than this and Barry Williams show are fun uptempo pieces. Barry Williams show, in particular, proves Gabriel to be an upholder of moral values as he criticises the unpleasant subjects used on TV shows to hopefully have an audience and make money.

Terrific album!

Excellent
Most of the reviewers have pretty well said it all and said it with great eloquence.A masterpiece.

From fear to resignation
Life has been rather hard lately, and this album has borne me through almost single-handedly for a month.I recommend Peter Gabriel's UP to those who are grieving, for, as it takes you on a journey from fear to resignation, it mirrors those complicated feelings, both transient and chronic, that accompany grief.Those locked in fear, despair, and sadness may find a kind of comfort here.

The Songs:"Darkness" presents the emotional and cerebral battleground of those mired in fear:I'm afraid (but I don't have to be), but I'm afraid (but I don't have to be)...It's a very disturbing song, but I found it very helpful to have that dynamic laid before me.The next two songs, "Growing Up" and "Sky Blue", are more upbeat but continue to ponder life's struggles."No Way Out" is a nice seque to "I Grieve," but it's subject matter, on careful listen, is very creepy."I Grieve" is a marvel of contrasts, presenting both simple grief and some kind of hope for moving forward; the lyrics and vocals ring true--the grief here is real, and the hope offered is tantalizing but out of reach (for now).It's the crux of the album; if what came before was a peeling away of layers to reach the quaking heart of grief, then what follows is a thorny path to the seat of resignation."The Barry Williams Show" is about the only levity on this album, and it's biting satire.The next two songs, "My Head Sounds Like That" and "More Than This", mark attempts to see something other than the darkness of before."Signal To Noise" is the big payoff:all cards on the table and a heart willing, at last, to embrace something more.The vocals and orchestral passages are riveting."The Drop" is short and tender:a sense of hard-won peace.

Music:This is not music I find myself singing.Rather, it's meant to be heard and felt.It's a soundtrack of the heart and borrows pop, rock, and other trappings to paint its emotional landscape; those familiar with Gabriel's other music have some idea of what to expect.The vocals range from heavily processed (e.g. "Signal To Noise" a la "D.I.Y." from Gabriel's 2nd album) to open and warm (e.g. "I Grieve" a la "Mercy Street" from SO).The songs are eclectic and utilize lots of guest artists.The use of brass band and orchestra was brilliant.The singing of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was nothing short of amazing.

In Context:Other reviewers have explored this album's place in Gabriel's oeuvre in detail.I believe this is a great album, and it needs to be listened to as an album, not just a bunch of songs.As such, it ranks up there with SECURITY as being one of his most cohesive and consistent efforts.If you liked SECURITY, you'll probably like this one, though, hard to believe, it's darker.

Recommendation:If you are in a dark place, then you may actually find this album incredibly rewarding.If not, then give it several listens before passing judgment.It may be a bitter pill to swallow for some, but for others already choking on bitter things, it's medicine in disguise.Highly recommended. ... Read more

Asin: B00006F7S3
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Pop    3. Pop/Rock    4. Prog-Rock/Art Rock    5. Rock   

Vulnerabilia
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (29 August, 2002)
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Reviews (1)

Alternative Kid A?
A staggering debut album from start to finish.Radiohead's Kid A? Forget that....buy this.I'm not a huge elecronica fan,but this is simply stunning. ... Read more

Asin: B00006G9T9
Sales Rank: 206837
Subjects:  1. Dance    2. Rock/Pop   

About a Boy
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 April, 2002)
list price: $17.98
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Editorial Review

Damon Gough, the man behind Badly Drawn Boy, opted to score the film adaptation of Nick Hornby's novel About a Boy instead of recording a regular follow-up to 2000's Hour of Bewilderbeast. Interspersed with short instrumental interludes that serve as lovely miniatures, the songs evoke the book's jaunty mood and (fittingly for something based on a Nick Hornby story) incorporate strands of pop music from the past 40 years with uncommon grace. "Something to Talk About" borrows from Brian Wilson and Paul McCartney yet doesn't feel derivative; "Above You, Below Me" is a charming waltz; the intoxicating "Donna and Blitzen" is pure Phil Spector-does-Christmas. Inspired meetings of this magnitude between film and music are rare enough that this one should be celebrated to the high heavens. --Elisabeth Vincentelli ... Read more

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Reviews (55)

CopyProtected - Unable to play on computer
Great album.Unfortuantely it appears to be copy protected and unable to play on computer systems.

beautiful
This is one of the best motion picture soundtracks out there right now- right along with Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind soundtrack.Badly Drawn Boy has achieved something here, something beautiful and bittersweet.I like what John Brookes wrote.I love "I Love N.Y.E."

The movie's great too.=)

Lovely
Badly Drawn Boy's gift is that he writes songs that end up stuck in your memory without you even realising it. Six months after listening to this album, I woke up with "River, Sea, Ocean" going round in my head and had to spend two days tracking it down. "Delta (Little Boy Blues)" was used as repeating incidental music on NPR recently and every time I heard it I went "I'm *sure* I know that song", and here it is too. You leave this album singing some songs, you leave it remembering all of them. His unique mixture of shyness and brashness is the perfect match for Hugh Grant and the movie. And he has Andy Rourke from the Smiths in his live band! ... Read more

Asin: B0000640NN
Subjects:  1. Contemporary Singer/Songwriter    2. Film    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Rock   

Private Press
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (04 June, 2002)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

Countless copycats have landed on the bandwagon since Josh Davis's debut, Endtroducing..., wreaked havoc in the dance and hip-hop world. But Davis, a.k.a. DJ Shadow, kept on top of his game with various collaborations--Blackalicious, U.N.K.L.E., Cut Chemist--and superlative 12-inches like "High Noon" and "Pre-Emptive Strike."

Now, a full six years later, he's back with a follow-up that is every bit as impressive as his debut, albeit in a different way. Once again, the producer has pushed his sampler to the limits, but this time he's brought with it a deeper, hungrier, more bad-ass spirit that's rarely found in modern dance music. There's a fabulous '80s vibe throughout (principally on tracks like "Monosylabik" and "You Can't Go Home Again"), along with the expected forays into b-boy culture (check the growling, massive "Treach Battle Break" and the funky-ass "Mashin' on the Motorway"). While it's identifiably Shadow, it ain't Endtroducing...Part 2. It is, however, a worthy and imaginative follow-up, with humor, wisdom, and musical understanding aplenty. --Paul Sullivan ... Read more

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Reviews (59)

The Private Press
Dj Shadow is in my honest opinion one of the most overlooked artists in music today. Threading the thin line between commercial and underground, and finding his niche somewhere in between (as UNKLE says, the middle ground between light and shadow) DJ Shadow continues to impress with every release he puts forth. I was fortunate enough to pick this album up right after its release, and actually purchased it before I bought Endtroducing, which is by far DJ Shadow's best album, and one of the best albums ever made. By sampling elements from just about anywhere Shadow combines elements from our pop culture to create mini-movies of his songs which few artists can touch in terms of sheer production value, and the emotional effect that is created while listening to his music. I am actually glad I bought this album before Endtroducing as it has given me the time to truly appreciate this album for what it is; a work of art, and a continual growing of Shadow's talents. Had I bought Endtroducing before this and writtwn a review I'm sure I would have garnered it with a 4 star review, but that is simply not the case here. While Endtroducing is always going to be leaques above and beyond this album, Josh Davis has found a way here to go above and beyond what should be expected of an album, and given us an album that I'm sure years from now I will still find elements in it that will grow even more on me with time. Best enjoyed while driving or relaxing at home (possibly with a little mary in tow, if you know what I mean), the songs fluctuate with peaks and valleys of highs and lows, and the beats are flawless, especially when compared to a lot of the mainstream garbage that is put out in the record industry on a regular basis. See the thing is that Shadow bases his music upon how he feels, and artists that do this correctly achieve an emotional reaction from their music that the true artists of our world truly achieve. Radiohead for example has a way of doing this, and it is not surprising then that one of DJ Shadows favorite artists is Radiohead, they both fuse these elements into their music, and achieve monumental status in my opinion. The package design is equally well done as well showing an artists eye for presentation, and a graffiti influenced design to the overall package. If you enjoy this album then I highly recommend any of Shadows works: Endtroducing, Preemptive Strike, The Private Press, and In Tune and On Time, which is a live set recorded in support of this album. UNKLE is also a well thought out album which bridges the gap between hip-hop, rock and techno, with guest appearences by Mike D of the Beastie Boys, Thom Yorke from Radiohead, and others from throughout the music industry. If you've never heard of DJ Shadow before, then I must say that you are missing out, if you are at all interested in underground music, do yourself a favor and pick up any of Shadow's albums or collaborations, I guarantee you will extremely impressed, as with any good album the songs have a way of growing on you over time. Peace out!

I GUESS I EXPECTED TOO MUCH?
How do you follow an album like "ENDTRODUCING" w/o being critisized?I guess you can't.After a 6 year wait his new album just doesn't deliver to me.I liked it but (as hard as I tried not to) just expected way more.After one full listen the CD just didn't have any memorable tracks and none that I was twitching my fingers to replay.Good album but not a classic*

sad and sick
I bought this cd because I heard Blood on motorway, in a commercial. I thought it was a hot jig. Will, It wasnt like the commercial. I wasnt expecting Suicide lyrics and empty crys of the synthesizer. It was a waste of my 14.99 and Im resaling it. ... Read more

Asin: B000067AT9
Subjects:  1. Ambient Breakbeat    2. Dance Music    3. Downbeat    4. Pop    5. Trip-Hop   

Faces Down
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (17 September, 2002)
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Editorial Review

Anybody looking for a fitting successor to Scottish acoustic pop heroes Aztec Camera and Belle & Sebastian need look no further than, er, Norway. Like his Scandinavian peers in Kings of Convenience, Bergen wunderkind Sondre Lerche has taken the melodic six-string formula and given it new life on his debut. Guitars jangle, strings swell, and rhythms shuffle as the singer effortlessly conjures warmth and romance ("Pain and sorrow must come, if you go," he muses on "Virtue and Wine"). Despite his youthful appearance, Lerche has spent years perfecting his craft--he picked up his instrument at age 8 after falling for '80s Norwegian pop heartthrobs A-ha--and the experience more than shows in the excellent musicianship and arrangements of songs like "You Know So Well" and "Dead Passengers." A most promising start. --Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Better with time...
I originally gave this album four stars because at the time of that review, I had spent too much time listening to Lerche's other album and had become somewhat biased in its favor (though it is also VERY good).I've changed this review to 5 stars because over time, I have come to appreciate the music more for what it is that for what it is compared to.This is complex (sometimes mystifying), unique, and smartly conceived pop that asks something of the listener beyond listening.The music here has a good flow, insteresting lyrics, and is mixed well enough to hear layer upon layer of instrumentation.I love it.

"An Album Worth Owning...
... and capable of being listened to over and over again" is the best and most succinct thing I can say about Sondre Lerche's "Faces Down."

Luckily for me, I stumbled upon Sondre Lerche quite by accident. Putting the CD in the CD player, "Dead Passengers" came on and I found myself saying, "What in the name of Burt Bacharach is this?" And yet, before I knew it I was hit with the Bacharach-esque horns on "Virtue and Wine."

Lerche's voice as well as this album is a lot like a spiral staircase, it keeps going up and up and you are not quite sure when you will ever arrive at the top.

The only thing I would change about this album would be to reverse "Things You Call Fate" with "Rosebud." "Things You Call Fate" sounds like a better song to close the album on than "Rosebud" but this only reinforces my staircase simile of the previous paragraph.

awesome
this is such a beautiful record. very elliott-y at times. super. worth every single penny. ... Read more

Asin: B00006IQH4
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Chamber Pop    3. Indie Pop    4. Norway    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. Singer/Songwriter   

Opus: Non Stop Remixes by Hex Hector
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 January, 2002)
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hex's greatest remixes
Hex Hector has always been the premiere remixer.His work transcends genre lines, and the remixes he produces take the songs to a whole new level.I have some of these tracks, although not on a compilation format, but this collection really represents the cream de la creme of what is already an impressive cannon of works.I would say the track highlights are Absolutely Not, I Turn To You, and Temepremental.Buy this one.It'll keep you dancing.

It was about time!!
Finally, the master of all remixers has his own album. A continuously mixed CD by Hex Hector using his own remixes! Although some of his best mixes are missing (like "I will love again" and "Waiting for tonight"), the ones you will find on this one make this CD a must-have for club-fans.
"Temeramental" by Everything but the Girl, a great opening, takes you right into the groove.
"Come" by Martha Wash, had not heard from her in a while, but here she is strong as ever.

"Spanish Guitar" by Toni Braxton, this one is kicking. The guitars, especially in the break, are phenomenal.
"Lovin' you" by Kristine W, not one of her stronger songs, but in Hex's version it perks up a lot.
"Absolutely not" by Deborah Cox. A hard to find remix (except on vinyl), so I was so happy to find it here. A great campy song, that will be played in clubs for a long time.
"I turn to you" by Melanie C. Hex in high gear.
"Everything" by Misia. Somewhat strange to hear Japanese vocals, but it works, especially in this very Hex package.
"You make me sick" by Pink. Love this one. I wish he had used the entire version, but the fiva and a half minutes will have to do.
"Nobody's supposed to be here" by Deborah Cox, already a classis Hex mix, but with those vocals it stands the test of time.
"I'm leaving" by Lisa Stansfield. Another classic. Hex made this down-tempo Lisa song into a kicking club version in his own style.
All in all, a must have. I hope Hex will do it again soon.
Robert Versteeg ... Read more

Asin: B00005NNVA
Sales Rank: 111645
Subjects:  1. Club/Dance    2. Dance    3. Dance Collections    4. Dance Music    5. Garage/House    6. Pop   

Champs Elysees Cafe
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (02 April, 2002)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $17.98
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Reviews (5)

EXCELLENT
If you like electro jazz, this is THE disc to get: great ambiance music, good compilation and variety.... :o)

Pretty good in parts, some lacking in parts
This CD definitely has some positiive aspects and has some great things going for it. The first track (performed by Luscal) is a great way to get any party started and set a great mood for an evening of either fun or relaxation. I really enjoyed tracks 1-4, 6-8, 12, 15, and 16. Most of the other tracks are ok, but some get a bit hokey (tracks 5, 18, and maybe 11). Overall, I would suggest this CD to anyone who is a fan of just driving around in their car at night with their windows down and the music up. This is definitely a great CD for just cruising the town. And if you'd rather just sit around at home and relax, this CD applies as well.

If you're looking for someplace to go from here in terms of your musical selections, look no further than Saint Germain Des Pres Cafe, volumes 1, 2, and 3.The second volume of this set is now also out.

hmmm, just ok bopping techno
(and i like bopping tecno...) ... Read more

Asin: B000063T4B
Sales Rank: 203346
Subjects:  1. Dance Music    2. House    3. Pop    4. V/a Compilations   

U2 - The Best of 1990-2000 [Deluxe Limited Edition w/ Bonus DVD]
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (05 November, 2002)
list price: $24.98 -- our price: $24.98
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Editorial Review

U2's second decade often seemed as preoccupied with the band's burgeoning superstardom--and how to confront/confound it--as it did with creating music. The band managed only four albums during the era (only of half its '80s output), projects whose gestations seemed perennially plagued by turmoil as much as mercurial creative instincts. But as this rewarding, 30-track double-disc anthology (and bonus DVD) chronicles, U2 ultimately managed a considerable feat: producing a memorable, lasting body of work in a decade when one of pop music's chief attributes was its disposability. Disc one mixes hits like "Mysterious Ways" and "One" with seductive soundtrack cuts (the title track to Wim Wenders's Until the End of the World, Batman Forever's "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me"), new mixes of "Discotheque," "Staring at the Sun," and "Numb," and a pair of strong new tracks, the Orbit mix of "Electrical Storm" and "The Hands that Built America," the title track from Martin Scorsese's Gangs of New York. The second disc compiles the band's more experimental B-sides from the epoch (many of them remixes), and offers up a concise encapsulation of the band's fascination with--and shrewd incorporation of--electronica and club music. The bonus DVD contains a generous collection of videos of songs from disc one, along with alternate versions, director commentaries, additional bonus tracks such as "If God Will Send His Angels" and "Lemon," as well as a mini-documentary of the band's historic 1997 Bosnian concert, The Road to Sarajevo. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Features

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Reviews (200)

One of"U2's" best albums !!!!
I love U2. It is on my top 5 list of the best bands EVER. But I only own one U2 album. This one. My brother Pablo gave me this one, as well as many others. I am very thankfull. This one is perfect, one of the best albums I have and it even includes some new songs and mixes which makes this album even more perfect. I love this one with all my heart. Buy this one immediatley. Why? If you've been lookin' for that answer then check this review:


Disc One: The Best Of 1990-2000.-O.K. This whole album has 2 discs and 1 DVD. I mean, this is possibly the most complete and best U2 album with their greatest hits.

1.- "Even Better Than The Real Thing".- O.K. Great start for such an album. One of my favorite U2 songs there is.- 5/5.

2.- "Mysterious Ways".- I love this one too. Very...U2. For me..a classic.- 5/5.

3.- "Beautiful Day".- One of the best songs EVER.- 5/5.

4.- "Electrical Storm (William Orbit Mix)".- This is an example of a new song they out on this album and I think this one is better than the original version (which is in the other disc on this 2-disc set. Another one of my all-time favorite's.- 5/5.

5.- "One".- Another classic song from this great, great band. Another one of my all time favorite's,- 5/5.

6.- "Miss Saravejo".- Not too crazy about this one. Nothin' compared to "Beautiful Day" or "One".- 3/5.

7.- "Stay (faraway, so close)".- Yet another classic for me.- 5/5.

8.- "Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of".- WOW. Another one of my all-time favorite's. This album is really something! .-5/5.

9.- "Gone (New Mix)".- I like this version more than the original. I like this one as much as "Even Better Than The Real Thing".- 5/5.

10- "Until The End Of The World".- Very grissly intro to this song. Then...it becomes one of my favorite's.

11.- "The Hands That Built America (Theme From "Gangs Of New York")".- Another new song. Probably some of you watched the movie "Gangs Of New York" with Leo DiCaprio and Daniel Day Lewis, I did and if you didn't, then I recomend you don't, the truth is I didn't like it, I like the song much more. But a mind-blowing performance by Daniel Day Lewis. Anyway, this one is another one of my all-time favorite's.- 5/5.

12.- "Discothèque (new mix)".- I like the original version, but I find almost no difference.- 5/5.

13.- "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me".- The banda sonora from "Batman Returns", the best Batman there is, anyway, I think it is one of my favorite's.- 5/5.

14.- "Staring At The Sun (new mix)".- I like the original version better. This version is too "whiny".- 4/5.

15.- "Numb (new mix)".- I think this song is the strangest I've ever heard. This one is the new mix.- 3/5.

16.- "The First Time".- Great. I like this one.- 4/5.



Disc Two: The "B" sides.- O.K. The second disc of this album. Most of the songs on this disc are mixes and this part of the album goes down:


1.- "Lady With The Spinning Head (Extended Dance Mix)".- I never heard the original version of this song, but I kinda like this version pretty much.- 4/5.

2.- "Dirty Day (Junk Day Mix)".- I never heard the original version of this song either, but I didn't like it, sorry.- 1/5.

3.- "Summer Day".- I love this song. Kinda reminded me of their other song "Desire", have you listened to it? If no, then listen to it now.- 5/5.

4.- "Electrical Storm".- Another new song. To be honest, I don't like this version too much, as I stated that above on disc one.- 4/5.

5.- "North And South Of The River".- Another strange song from U2.- 3/5.

6.- "Your Blue Room".- O.K. I like this one. Very much.- 5/5.

7.- "Happines Is A Warm Gun (The Gun Remix)".- O.K. I don't like this one that much either.- 3/5.

8.- "Salomé (Zooromancer remix)".- This One is more of a disco song.- 4/5.

9.- "Even Better Than The Real Thing (The Perfecto Mix)".- I like the original version better. "Perfecto" is spanish for "perfect", I should know that since I'm Bolivian. But you must have noticed that by taking out the remaining "o".- 4/5.

10.- "Numb (Gimme More Dignity Mix)".- I think this version of "Numb" is way better than the original version.- 5/5.

11.- "Mystrious Ways (Solar Plexus Club Mix)".- I like the original version better.- 4/5.

12.- "If God Would Send His Angels (Big Yam Mix)".- I never heard the original verion of this song, but this one is just fatal!! .- 0/5.

13.- "Lemon (Jeep Mix)".- O.K. This one is way way way better than the previous one.- 4/5.

14.- "Discothèque (Hexidecimal Mix)".- I hate this version of the song.- 2/5.



O.K. I think this is the best "greatest hits" U2 album. It starts off really smooth, but then, it goes dooowwwwwn big time. But either way I recomend this for you.



U2 RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!

U2 BABY!!!VERTIGO ROCKS, READY FOR MORE!!Drop the 'BOMB'
Hey everyone...bought this the day it came out, but after FINALLY being able to listen to 'Vertigo' I had to write something up!VERTIGO ROCKS!!!Anyone else agree?Is there ANY band out there even remotely close to these guys?KEEP IT UP!!

Also, while I'm here...SORELY missing is:Elevation, Ground Beneath Her Feet, Walk On, plus a few others.But then, one would assume that the diehard U2 fan already has these from other sources.GREAT album, and thanks once again U2 (the band) for making so many great memories...can't wait for the 'Bomb' to drop in November!!

A good (but not perfect) compilation of U2's later stuff
I'll have to admit that U2 isn't a "greatest hits" band, but this is a darn good compilation if you want to get into their later stuff.Personally, I bought this 2-disc set with the bonus DVD because I have all of U2's albums and I wanted the B-sides disc, along with the two new songs, the four new mixes, and the track "Miss Sarajevo" (not available on any U2 album).Anyway, this is an overall good collection, and has most of their hits, but there are definitely some songs I could replace with others.The first three tracks are excellent and are ones I expected to be on here."Electrical Storm", the fourth track, is an excellent new track and the video is great.Track five, "One", isn't a surprising choice, neither are "Miss Sarajevo", "Stay (Faraway, So Close!)", or "Stuck In A Moment...".The new mix of "Gone" is pretty good, although I like the album version better."Until The End Of The World" is a surprising choice, but a good one."The Hands That Built America" is a great song (it won an Oscar) and it's one of U2's most emotional.But then is the new mix of Discotheque, which I really do not like, I think they should have just put the album version on."Hold Me..." is another good choice, and the new mixes of "Staring At The Sun" and "Numb" I have no problems with.As the closer they picked "The First Time", which I think is a bad choice ("The Fly" would have been a lot better).As for the B-sides, most of them are remixes although I like "Summer Rain", "Electrical Storm", the Hexidecimal mix of "Discotheque" and "Even Better Than The Real Thing (The Perfecto Mix)".However, the others are so-so, but that's why they're B-sides.The DVD is nothing special, but it's a nice bonus.A great companion for this CD set is the "Best Of 1990-2000" DVD. ... Read more

Asin: B00006LU5V
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock    3. Rock/Pop   

A Wonderful World
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (05 November, 2002)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $9.99
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Editorial Review

Never mind the project's odd couple, "He's got a girlfriend; so does she" marketing shuck. This is a musical love affair in all its splendor. Produced by the seemingly chameleonic producer T Bone Burnett (who previously revived traditional bluegrass with spectacular success on O Brother, Where Art Thou?), the septuagenarian legend and his unlikely contemporary foil affectionately court a dozen songs from the Louis Armstrong repertoire with the warmth and natural grace that have been a deceptively effortless Bennett trademark for 50-plus years. The pair kick proceedings off with a playful, irony-free "Exactly Like You," then perform a tender vocal waltz across both the ages and the masterful, sympathetic orchestrations of the late Peter Matz, one of Bennett's longtime collaborators. But it's on the more melancholy performances, like "If We Never Meet Again," "I'm Confessin'," and the Armstrong perennials "Wonderful World" and "Lucky Old Sun," that the pair tap into something akin to timeless musical telepathy. Her own talents hardly in need of burnishing, lang invests the project with some gratifying new smokiness and is rewarded with a postgraduate course in saloon singing for the ages. It's an album that begs the best kind of question: When do we get an encore? --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (51)

This is a sexy, classy album
I've loved k.d. lang's sultry, beautiful voice for some time now, but I have never heard it put to better use than here. She excels on these jazzy, sexy songs. So does Tony Bennett, with his strong smooth voice, so different than k.d.'s, yet so complimentary. This album is one I listen to over and over again, and am so glad to have in my collection.

A WonderfulPairing
Pairing k.d. Lang and Tony Bennett was a stroke of musical genius.The magical synergy between them, the combination of two such diametrically opposite vocalists, the obvious chemistry between them is wonderful to behold.Tony has never been better, and k.d. displays the full range of her vocal talents effortlessly and perfectly in sync with Tony's flawless pop/jazz style.It is a masterful collaboration on everytrack, but "Exactly Like You" and "What A Wonderful World" are exceptionally good. This is an essential purchase if you collect either artist.It has all the makings of a great classic album from two of the greatest vocalists around today.Bennett proves conclusively with this gem that great vocal artistry is possible at any age and at any stage of one's career.I only hope there's 'A Wonderful World Part Two."

An Odd Couple That Works Wonderful