Elephant
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 April, 2003)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

Jokingly referred to as the White Stripes' British album, Elephant is scattered with cultural references that give away the fact it was recorded far from home. Just listen to the lyrics on "Seven Nation Army" ("From the Queen of England to the hounds of Hell") or the album outro, in which someone chips in, "Jolly good, cup of tea?" But while there are new twists here, from Meg White discovering her voice to a tongue-in-cheek threesome with Holly Golightly, Elephant is no great departure for Jack and Meg White. They still push their creativity (and the boundaries of their eight-track) to new heights. Check out the startling, Queen-inspired "There's No Home for You Here," while the deep bass line on "Seven Nation Army" makes it a classic indie dance track. But while some songs fly off into new realms, there's plenty of their trademark straight-up bluesy rock, notably the overtly sexual "Ball and Biscuit." And there's Jack's plaintive, resolutely modest and yet theatrical voice. --Caroline Butler ... Read more

Reviews (659)

Elephant poopie
I like the White Stripes, I liked De Stijl and White Blood Cells but this... album... was... horrible.One good song (Seven Nation Army) for 15 bucks.I kept waiting and waiting for something decent after the first track.Didn't get it.I might give them another shot because I like the band, but this was a really weak effort.I'm not going to get into the musical debate, (Are they talented, are they not?) and so forth.I personally like their raw sound, I like the band, I "get it."But Elephant just sucked, plain and simple.Hey Jack and Meg, I want my 15 bucks back!

I'm not totally obsessed...
Unlike the previous three albums from the rock/blues duo the White Stripes, this CD seems to have a slightly softer and darker quality to it.Not that that's a bad thing.This is definitely another unique White Stripes classic.Recorded and mixed without the modern help of computers, as the inside booklet says, it sounds more like 1970's rock and almost reminiscent of Led Zeppelin.The album is full of catchy melodies (like on "The Air Near My Fingers") and foot stomping beats (like on the Grammy-winning "Seven Nation Army"), not to mention Meg's first solo singing song "In the Cold, Cold Night.""Ball and Biscuit" is 7 minutes of perfection and "Hypnotize" is a fast paced, amplified guitar jam (I apologize for my use of the word 'jam'-I hate when people use it to describe a song, but I couldn't think of another word to use) that is sort of like the "Fell in Love With a Girl" of Elephant. Everything else in between that I haven't listed is great and pure White Stripes.If you're as obsessed as I am with them (... but I wouldn't say to an unhealthy level...) [awkward silence] then go and buy this album now.

Great Album
This is the most original new band to come out and in my opinion the best. The reason Jack White is a genius is not that he is one of the greatest guitarists ever but in a similar way to Kurt Cobain. Not the best voice, not the best guitar, but there's something that sets them totally apart from everyone else. There's not denying it when you see them and hear them. They justify there hype by having success after success. And this album is proof. ... Read more

Asin: B00008J4P5
Subjects:  1. Blues-Rock    2. Garage Rock Revival    3. Indie Rock    4. Pop    5. Rock   

The Beatles (The White Album)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $34.98 -- our price: $27.99
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Editorial Review

Better known as the "White Album," this was meant to be the record that brought them back to earth after three years of studio experimentation. Instead, it took them all over the place, continuing to burst the envelope of pop music. Lennon and McCartney were still at the height of their powers, with Lennon in particular growing into one of rock's towering figures. But even McCartney could still rock, and the amazement on "Helter Skelter" was that he had vocal cords at the end. From Beach Boys knock-offs to reggae and to the unknown ("Revolution #9"), this has it all. Some records have legend written all over them; this is one. --Chris Nickson ... Read more

Reviews (867)

THE SOUNDTRACK OF ANCIENT SUMMERS (Part 4 of 6)

I'M SO TIRED, I HAVEN'T SLEPT A WINK
I'M SO TIRED, MY MIND IS ON THE BLINK
I WONDER SHOULD I GET UP AND FIX MYSELF A DRINK
NO, NO, NO!-- from 'I'm So Tired'

(*Continued from the album, 'Pirates' by Rickie Lee Jones.)
...I awakened the morning after and opened my bottle of Excedrin and headed toward the kitchen for a glass of water, tip-toeing around the fallen bodies as I went.There were three people sleeping on the living room floor and Bill was on the couch.The room looked like a battlefield.After a short while, life was restored to the fallen soldiers and they began to stir.Napoleon and Twinkie came out from their rooms groaning, as the others sat up holding onto their heads and calling out for aspirin.There were two questions that remained unanswered that morning : Did we pay any sort of cover charge to get into O'Mahoney's the night before, and was there a live band playing at the pub?Everybody had a different opinion.Pooh said that we paid to get in and that there was a band.Twinkie said that we paid to get in but there was no band.Napoleon and I believed that we did not pay and that there was a band.Torch said we didn't pay and there was no band.Cranium wasn't sure about anything.A Lucky Liquor trip was made that morning and we each bought a couple of beers.Suddenly it seemed that we were all overcome with an incredible abundance of energy.Twinkie put on side two of The Beatles' "White Album" and we all did The Hangover Waltz in the living room, singing, hollering and joking.Our house had to be the wildest in the Los Angeles area that morning.A real estate agent standing on the sidewalk beside our house was trying to sell one of the condominiums across the street to a couple.While he was delivering his big sales pitch, our door and windows were open and Paul McCartney and John Lennon were singing much too loudly.If the agent figured his odds of selling to the couple were slim, they got even slimmer when all sorts of objects began flying out of our front window.Napoleon had thrown an empty beer bottle through the window that Bill and I had accidentally broken the night before.Soon, everyone was tossing stuff out that same window - bottles, trash, even our three foot high ashtray stand went out.Twinkie had found a large, white plastic RCA / Victor dog at a construction site a few days earlier.He threw it out the window and a handful of Mickie's dog food soon followed.The salesman outside continued his spiel, doing his best to pretend that what was happening really wasn't happening; meanwhile the prospective buyers were staring at our house with horror.The couple could hear maniacal singing and yelling while all of these strange objects were flying through the broken window to the tunes of 'The Beatles', side two, at eight in the morning.Wisely, the couple did not move into the condominium...

-- Adapted from the copyrighted book, 'The League Of Soul Crusaders' by Stephen T. McCarthy.
Soundtrack by THE BEATLES available on Capitol Records.Buy it today and listen to the echo of ancient Summers.

(*Story continued on the album, 'Closing Time' by Tom Waits.)

"White" is right
I was never a fan of Beatles. I grew up (like the rest of) being aurally assualted by them during every television docu-drama, in every elevator, amidst every familiy road trip. By the time I formed my own musical opinions, I was utterly turned off to anything Beatles so I'll be the first to admit that this cultural inundation prevented me from listening to their music with anything close to a fresh ear. For reasons I cant explain, I re-examined them toward the end of High School. I listened to all the records I was familiar with, namely everything before the White Album and I was impressed. They came up with one adorable melody after another, and paired them with simple lyrical conciets that scanned almost perfectly. None of the music gave me any visceral feeling of musical fulfillment but I must say that there were moments during Sgt. Pepper and Magical Mystery Tour that came damn close.

A couple months later, I heard the White Album during (gee-wiz) a road trip. I recognized some songs (Ob-la-di, USSR, Blackbird) but most of it was entirely new to me. By the fifth track I began to get that feeling. What I found in the White Album was an intesity and vibrance that was missing from every other Beatles CD (Abbey Road has since become my second favorite). The thing that amazed me most was how or why Lennon and McCartney waited this long to start singing their songs with some fricken balls. There are pre-White Album moments mostly on Lennon tracks like "I am the Walrus," or "A Day in the Life" but thats just what they are, moments. The first disc starts off kind of lukewarm but picks up almost immediately with "Dear Prudence" and doesn't really begin to let up until near the end. To be sure, there are plently of weak spots: "Ob-la-di," "Dont Pass me by," "Birthday," "I Will," "Long Long Long," "Revolution #9," "Good Night" which is why most people are quick to critisize this opus since most Beatles albums dont have "weak spots." Then again, most Beatles albums dont even come close to the White Albums high points of which there are plenty. Harrisons compositions are generally weaker but succeed (for the most part) on sheer ingenuity. Ringo's song is a good effort but pretty disposable. But even McCartney who provides most of the albums cheese, pulls "Helter Skelter" out of his hat which is quite possibly the greatest Beatles recording I've ever heard. Each song on the album displays an interesting musical idea and is worth listening to but in the end, the album belongs to Lennon. Every one of his tracks (with the exception of his lengthy Cagian exercise) hits the mark. He succeeds on song after song at being personal, witty, and utterly euphonious all at the same time and he seems to do it more effortlessly than any other Beatle. Thats not to say he didn't struggle with his compositions. Songwriting is hard work even for a musical genius. Lennons specific genius is his ability to compose songs which SEEM effortless and natural as opposed to McCartney's more contrived approach. Nowhere is this temperamental difference more apparent than on the White Album which is one explaination for why its completely schizo.

This lack of coherence provides most of the fuel for White Album detractors who just cant seem to accept the arguement that the very absence of a unifying concept is, in itself, a concept. This was an experimental album in more ways than one in that it SEEMS to force the listener into a song by song experience SEEMINGLY providing a stark contrast to Abbey Road which is nothing if nota cohesive whole. I believe The White Album can be experienced the same way, though. That is, in fact, why we call it the White Album. Or more accurately, that is why the Beatles didn't give it a real name and made the cover white. You sit back and listen to an array of songs (colors) which are very different (blue, yellow, green, red) when experienced seperately but can also be experienced together as well (white-assuming these colors are light based) thus bringing the listener into a trance-like meditative state--and the Indian influence thus rears its ugly head. In this way, all the supposed filler and mediocre songs serve a purpose. Epstiens death and the ensuing lack of leadership is not the unfortunate cause of the White Album as many people are wont to claim. The Beatles were perfectly capable of not making silly crap like "Wild Honey Pie," "Piggies," or "Martha my Dear." They where perfectly capable of opting for a single disc full of grandiose themes and top 40 hits. Instead they chose to make one of the greatest CDs of all time

Experimental, thought provoking music
I am mainly writing this review to clear up one thing. I have read reviews from other people saying that "kids should not be able to review" because they "don't have good music opinions". Well guess what? I am 14 years old. I have every Beatles album past Revolver, every Led Zeppelin album, about 7 Pink Floyd CDs, and a lot more. 99% of the music I listen to is from the 60s and 70s. So don't go saying that kids have horrible music opinions.
Anyways, on to the review.
This is an incredible album. Aside from Pink Floyd's The Wall I think this is the greatest double album ever. It is very interesting to watch the band progress from around the Revolver days where they worked together on everything, to albums like this and Abbey Road where you could tell it was only one member working on an individual song. Some of my favorite songs are "Helter Skelter", "While my Guitar Gently Weeps" (which great guitars provided by Eric Clapton), "Happiness is a Warm Gun", and "I'm So Tired". The reason this did not get 5-stars from me is I only assign albums 5-stars if they are the best by that particular band. I happen to feel that this is not the best by The Beatles, I think that award goes to Let it Be. Many people may disagree, but that is my opinion. If you like this album, you should also listen to the rest of The Beatles later material, andsome of the bands it sounded like they were immitating, i.e. The Beach Boys. One of the other reasons I gave it 4-stars was because I have this on Vinyl, and in the booklet it has information that was not on the original album, and I was not informed that that would be there. I do not have a problem with that, but I think I should have been told. However, that should not stop you from buying this album. I think you get a much greater experience listening to it if you do with the music up and the lights off.

So please do not click the "No" button below saying you did not find it unhelpful because I only gave it 4-stars or because I am 14 years old, actually listen to what I have to say before deciding to click it. ... Read more

Asin: B000002UAX
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Baroque Pop    3. British Psychedelia    4. Folk-Rock    5. Hard Rock    6. Pop    7. Pop/Rock    8. Psychedelic    9. Rock    10. Rock & Roll    11. Singer/Songwriter   

Speakerboxxx/ The Love Below
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 September, 2003)
list price: $21.98 -- our price: $17.99
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Editorial Review

At a time when experimentation is taboo in most overground rap, that’s all Outkast seem intent on executing. Firstly, this double CD has no cohesive link, other than the fact that it sounds like a pair of solo albums stitched together to demo exactly how Andre’s yin works to augment Big Boi’s yang. Andre 3000’s Love Below disc rates as the more eclectic of the two, given that he’s turned in his emcee credentials to become a full-on funk-soul-jazz vocalist who mostly sings about items of love ("Happy Valentine's Day"), carnal lust ("Spread"), and female adoration ("Prototype"). Minus the big band schmaltz of "Love Hater" and cheesy cover jobs ("My Favorite Things"), Andre’s disc is sick (meaning great). As is to be expected, the Big Boi disc is less arty, more gangsta and worldly, and features the less-progressive guest raps of ATL crunk purveyors Lil’ Jon and The Eastside Boyz ("Last Call") and Jay-Z who rhymes the hook on "Flip Flop Rock". Unlike Big Boi, Andre keeps his collabos to a minimum, once crooning alongside Norah Jones on the cool yet sappy "Take Off Your Cool", and once with Kelis. Boi fulfills his Dungeon Family duty with flying colors by flipping some dirty southern up-tempo raps over electro beats on "GhettoMusick". By the time Cee-Lo sermonizes on "Reset", Speakerboxx and Love Below rate mostly as majestic and inspiring, with the remaining 23 per cent being just plain incredible --Dalton Higgins ... Read more

Features

• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (786)

Nice and experimental
I like this album and heres my 2 discs review
Speakerboxx (Big Boi)
This is the more Hip Hop disc and the better. Big Boi raps about something diffrent to the likes of Eminem and 50 Cent. Dont get me wrong, I like Eminem and 50 Cent but Big Boi dont rap about 50 hating Ja rule. Anyway the beats stand out and Ghettomusick is the best song. U will get guest apperences on tons of the songs. These include Jay Z, Ludacris, Lil John and the eastside boys, Sleepy Brown and some unknown group called Konkrete and many more. I like this and this is why Big Boi and Andre 3000 should go their seprate ways. U can call this non gangsta but it is good. If u want a change from what rap normally raps about listen to this. Good job Big Boi and your disc gets 9/10 because there is too many records with people helping out but not as many as Dr Dre 2001! 9/10

The Love Below (Andre 3000)
Here are my track ratings
1. Intro- I thought this was mixed up with a choir disc when I heard this. 2/10
2. Love hater- Way too jazzy for me and I thought what is this? 3/10
3. God- Little skit not much. 4/10
4. Happy valentines day- 1 of the few I like and 1 of the few Hip Hop like ones. 8.5/10
5. Spread- OK beat but lyrics dont appeal. 6/10
6. Where are my panties?- What is this skit? A joke? 1/10
7. Prototype- What the hell is this junk? Terrible beat and lyrics plus a worse video. 0/10
8.She lives in my lap- RnB like track which is OK. 5/10
9. He Ya- Well overplayed but OK. Once I heard this 8 times on 1 channel in 2 hours. 7.5/10
10. Roses- Well appeals and not too over played unlike Hey Ya. Big Boi appears too. 9/10
11. good day good sir- skit again 3/10
12. Behold a lady- ? 1/10
13. Pink and blue- Never listened to. NR
14. Love in war- When I read the lyrics I didn't bother to listen to it. 1/10
15. Shes alive- See above. 1/10
16. Draculas wedding (Feat Kelis)- Good 1 of the few stand outs but a little short. 8/10
17. Take off your cool (Feat Norah Jones)- What is Norah Jones doing here? Lame beats and everything. 1/10
18. My favourite things- Cover song of a nusery rhyme. Need I say anything? 1/10
19. Vibrate- Is This country music or what? 0/10
20. A day in the life of Benjamin Andre- Finally a Hip Hop track but too late final song on the album. Great rhymes and beats give this song a 10/10
I hate this album except for A day in the life of Benjamin Andre, Hey Ya, Roses, Happy valentines day and Draculas Wedding. This has tons of music styles which r listed below
Country e.g vibrate
RnB e.g She lives in my lap
Rock a ballad/country e.g prototype
Soul e.g. Hey Ya
Hip Hop e.g A day in the life of Benjamin Andre
This is not my kind of album The Love Below so I give it 4.5/10
Summary on the 2:
If u like Hip Hop u will only like Spearkerboxx because that is the Hip Hop side but credit goes out to Andre 3000 for trying out so many kinds of music so my verdict is its time for the 2 to go their seprate ways and as for who will keep the outkast name, they should forget about it if they want to stay friends. But then if that happens, I'll not buy any Andre 3000 albums but Big Boi I would so my star ratings are
Speakerboxx 5 stars
The Love Below 2.5 stars
It gets 7.5 stars out of 10 stars so its good but not a classic. Best 5 songs on both discs
Speakerboxx
Ghettomusick
Flip flap rock (Feat Jay Z and Killer Mike)
Last Call (feat lil John and the eastside boys, Slimm Calhoun and Mello)
The way you move
War
The love below
Hey Ya
Roses
Draculas wedding (Feat Kelis)
Happy Valentine's Day
A Life in the Day of Benjamin Andre
So buy it for just Hip Hop(Spekerboxx) on 1 disc and a variety of music on the other (The love below) and I liked their idea of releasing a double album because it shows off the 2 guys styles well because like Big Boi is stuck in Hip Hop while Andre 3000 likes to try out diffrent music styles so even though I dont like Andres disk, I give it credit for being a variety of music which is clever.

fell the fu*k off!
first off, most people that LOVE this album probably wasn't listening to outkast albums like Atliens and Aquemini but probably came in on the whole Stakonia uproar. this album is a joke. outkast has lost their minds. for one thing, andre is the better lyricist of the two but he decides to sing on his disc and big boi is left by himself to rap which is not that good of an idea. you want some GOOD outkast then listen to their first three albums and leave this commercial pop trash alone.

Innovative?
To be honest, I haven't heard this music more than a few times, so I'm not going to review it, but I quite enjoyed it actually. Clearly, it's a very creative mix of a wide variety of musical influences, especially on Andre's LOVE BELOW. I just want to say "Hey Ya!" isn't the revelatory genius morphing of hip-hop people make it out to be. It just sounds like old New Wave. Fun and poppy. If you like this, you should go check out some old XTC records. Peace! ... Read more

Asin: B0000AGWFX
Subjects:  1. Alternative Rap    2. Contemporary R&B    3. Dirty South    4. Hip-Hop    5. Pop    6. Rap & Hip-Hop    7. Southern Rap   

Permission to Land
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (16 September, 2003)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Features

• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (637)

"The Darkness"
The thing with todays music is there just isn't that much
rock music today.These Guys are one of the few.The Albulm
is great fun and I suggest it.

Yep I like 'em They Grew On And They Will For You
When I first herd A Thing Called Love I absolutly hated it but I started listining to it and I realised it accualy a great song.I really respect the group especially Justin Hawkins. I myself am in a Glam Metal band and am kind of in the same situation The Darkness is in Trying to revive a past style and I think the Darkness have done it perfectly. Growing On Me is my fave song by them I never get sick of it.Check them out if you like Classic 70's 80's Metal

thetriumphant return of classic rock
permission denied is an aweome recent rock music album and is a return to the classic rock music style.all the songs are terrifichugely recommended with audioslave's debut album.five stars. ... Read more

Asin: B0000AZKM0
Sales Rank: 5604
Subjects:  1. Hard Rock    2. Heavy Metal    3. Pop    4. Power Metal    5. Rock   

White Blood Cells
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (29 January, 2002)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

Rock & roll is constantly splintering into multiple personalities. Big radioplayers layer thick slabs of studio shine on their albums, while back-to-the-basicsrockers keep the sound so raw it rubs calluses on your ears. The White Stripes fallin the latter category. The duo strips down to the fundamentals of Meg White's simpledrumbeat and Jack White's garagy guitar and pleading vocals. While the elements aresparse, the Detroit act create a noisy, hip-grinding batch of punk R&B, displayed againon White Blood Cells, the Stripes' third full-length. While it's hard to pickfavorites from such talent, this band only gets better with time. White's vocals weresounding like a young Robert Plant on De Stijl--definitely not a bad thing--buton Cells, he's developed his own persona. He throws musical fits on "Fell in Lovewith a Girl," gets almost loungy on the piano number "This Protector," and keeps the bluesvibe running on "Now Mary." The album is so rich with basic variations on a simple themeit's hard to believe such soulful energy comes from just two people. White Blood Cellsis an amazing piece of work, a benchmark that ought to inspire new legions of garage rockersfor years to come. --Jennifer Maerz ... Read more

Reviews (362)

THE BEST EVER
Being a completely insane white stripes fan, I love this CD ( i can't wait for get behind me satan btw)Well anyway, this is an amazing CD.everthing about it is.......good.. I LOVE THE WHITE STRIPES I LOVE THE WHITE STRIPES!!!!! THEY ARE MY RELIGION!!!!!!!!how much doi love them? sososososo much!!!
this CD is a perfect accumulation of tracks that are so contradicting.I mean i think i smell a rat? how great was that.and this protector is so good.his voice is so nice in that.and fell in love with a girl is just a classic i can't believe the ppl that don't know that song!!! i mean what!!!

well all in all i love the white stripes

the White Stripes can do no wrong
The White Stripes' third album, White Blood Cells (if you're a little slow), is probably the best punk/garage/underground (if those all aren't the same thing)/blues record ever made.It had me entranced from the blaring opening track "Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground," to the softer, piano-driven "This Protector."Blood Cells isn't one of those albums you put on for just 2 or 3 good songs, either; you can just put it in and let it play- every song is awesome.It also probably contains the widest range of music than any of their other CD's.It can go from kind-of-almost-country to pure punk rock in just 4 minutes.Wrapping up: buy this CD now...and the White Stripes can do no wrong.

WOW
I bought this CD the day after I saw the music video for "fell in love with a girl." I figured any band that makes a music video out of legos can't be all that bad. I was absolutely blown away after listening to the CD. I hadn't heard this kind of dark creativity from a band in years. I assumed that this band was gonna be a one hit wonder, I was shocked to discover fell in love with a girl wasn't the best song on the album, it was the worst and I love that song. The White Stripes are an amazing band, I can't believe that two people can create such an awesome sound. The new Led Zepplin. ... Read more

Asin: B00005YTFQ
Subjects:  1. Blues-Rock    2. Garage Rock Revival    3. Indie Rock    4. Pop    5. Rock   

Revolver [UK]
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.49
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Editorial Review

Revolver wouldn't remain the Beatles' most ambitious LP for long, but many fans--including this one--remember it as their best. An object lesson in fitting great songwriting into experimental production and genre play, this is also a record whose influence extends far beyond mere they-was-the-greatest cheerleading. Putting McCartney's more traditionally melodic "Here, There and Everywhere" and "For No One" alongside Lennon's direct-hit sneering ("Dr. Robert") and dreamscapes ("I'm Only Sleeping," "Tomorrow Never Knows") and Harrison's peaking wit ("Taxman") was as conceptually brilliant as anything Sgt. Pepper attempted, and more subtly fulfilling. A must. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (668)

Got To Get This Into Your LIfe
Lets get right to it, shall we? Revolver is a pretty good Cd, and although there were really only two hits on this album, most, if not all, of these songs are quite amazing. This is the official transition from the early, touring, ed sullivan appearing, drug-free beatles, to the drug-addled, beautifully lyrics, and innovative sounds.

Taxman- A good opener. George Harrison was my fave Beatle, but still, a good song. I especially like the intro, and the song takes a lot of influence from the old Batman theme song. 8/10

Eleanor Rigby- A great song, classic. Love the string selection, extremely sad, yet very thougt-provoking, and McCartney is awesome in this song. Great vocals. 9/10

I'm Only Sleeping- In my opinion, the best song on the album. Incredibly underrated, amazing lyrics, catchy tune, awesome chorus and verses, and classic Lennon vocals. Crazy how awesome this song is. I really, really love it! 10

Love You To- Another Harrison song. Pretty awesome intro, cool lyrics, and his voice is pretty awesome to boot. George is the only one playing on this track, and uses his beloved sitar, first used on Norwegian Wood (Rubber Soul). This track ends the energy-filled start of the album temporarily, but the energy will come back quite soon. 8/10

Here, There, And Everywhere- A great ballad by McCartney, with a very catchy tune, and awesome guitar in the background. Very realxing, a great love song. Continues the pause of the uptempo songs in the beggining of the album. 8/10

Yellow Submarine- Pretty good song for the kiddies, good lyrics, Ring does a pretty good job, but the song soon gets incredibly annoying. 6/10

She Said She Said- Written by Lennon during an acid trip w/ George and Peter Gonda. Apparently, George had such a horrible trip that he saw visions of his own death, and was totally "freaking out, man." But, Peter Fonda, who almost killed himself when he was a little boy, calmed George down. He kept saying, "I know what it's like to be dead," thus leading to that line in the song. Good sound, even better story. Also resets the album with a heavy chorus.7/10

Good Day SUnshine-Written by Paul, a nice little diddy with great sound. 7/10

And Your Bird Can Sing-John, who wrote this awesome song, hated it and even went as far as to say, "That song was a piece of trash, a piece of Sh*t," in an interview. A little harsh, considering that the guitar here is pretty awesome and strong for a beatles tune. 9/10

For No One- Pretty boring...sounds sorta cool..yeeah...(cough)..6/10

Doctor Robert- About Robert Freymann, adoctor who supplied celebs with drugs and stuff. Awesome song, will grow on you, especially the "Well. well, well, you're feeling down.." part. 8/10

I Want To Tell You-Another Harrison song, with a pretty cool intro. natch. 8/10

Tommorow Never Knows- Tied for the best song along with "I'm Only Sleeping," throughout the whole song is a c-pedal playing, and Lennon again is uncanny on this drug-influenced track. 10

Basically, it goes like this; 4th-rubber soul, 3rd-Revolver,2nd-Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band, and the best ever is Abbey Road.

The Revolutionary Groundbreaker of Music History
Revolver is without a doubt the most statistically and musically the greatest album of all time. For more than one reason. One is that you can literally listen to this album and not skip a song because its not good.You can listen to it the whole way through. Not many albums have achieved that.And second, near the end of the album, you get a sense of musical satisfaction that literally hasnt been achieved since this album or the legandary Dark Side of the Moon. Many say that Sgt. Pepper was the ground breaker for the Beatles and rock. But Revolver was the real groundbreaker. With every song as good as the one before it. I give to you, the Revolutionary, awe inspiring, musically changing, REVOLVER!

Pure sh**!
This is pure sh**! Led zeppelin and Black sabbath stared making great rock music...this album is awful! ... Read more

Asin: B000002UAR
Subjects:  1. Lo-Fi    2. Pop    3. Rock   

Layla
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 August, 1996)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $9.99
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Editorial Review

Layla stands as one of a handful of pillars of classic rock. The short-lived ensemble that was the Dominos provided an outlet for Eric Clapton to vent his then unrequited (and secret) passion for the wife of his best friend, George Harrison. Romantic anguish inspired Clapton to write and collect an embroiling and interconnected song cycle. Meanwhile, latecomer Duane Allman prodded Clapton to tear it up on guitar, so as not to be overwhelmed by his even more talented foil. Of course, Clapton eventually won the hand of his lady love. And then he divorced her. Sometimes real life messes up a good plot line. --Steve Stolder ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (117)

The pinnacle of blues-rock
First, let me say that I believe this album will one day finally receive the acclaim it deserves. That acclaim is here (read any of the other reviews), but it's not yet widespread enough (as in "Stairway"-type recognition) to match up to the phenomenal music within.

I have for a long time though of the Layla album as a concept album. Perhaps it was intended as one; we may never truly know. Some of the tracks don't quite fit into my ideas, but I figure that's to be expected. Just review the tracks:
"I Looked Away": The intro piece. Sets the scene; it could be a man looking back sorrowfully on his troubled past. Then again, maybe he's come past his emotions and can quietly smile at his memories.
"Bell Bottom Blues": The protagonist takes us back to his day, when he could think of nothing but that girl that seemed so beautiful and when the next time he could talk to her was.
"Keep On Growing": His friends tell him he'll get past it. "Don't worry, kid, ob-la-di, ob-la-da, life goes on."
"Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out": He hits a low point; he hasn't seen the girl in days. He hasn't heard that sweet voice or stolen a gaze at those alluring eyes.
"I Am Yours": He's back on top. He's seen the girl, talked to her about music, TV, and all the clichés of life. His head swims with the euphoria of the moment.
"Anyday": The euphoria begins to slip away. He fantasizes to keep his mind off the moment, but his mind wanders.
"Key To The Highway": He hasn't seen her in too long, and is trying anything he can to keep his mind off her.
"Tell The Truth": He thinks about what he'll say the next time he sees her. A meticulously placed comment here, a witty crack there.
"Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad": The night after the days he sees her again; he is happy enough to stay upbeat, but wistful enough to reflect.
"Have You Ever Loved A Woman": His friends (who still can't understand) think they know what he's going through. He doesn't think so.
"Little Wing": Tragedy strikes somewhere else in his life; probably a close family member or friend dies. He is crushed, already unstable anyway.
"It's Too Late": He sees here with another man. He laughs crazily instead of actually accepting the truth.
"Layla": The lowest of the low. He contemplates suicide, but lacks the resolve. His emotion tears him apart with violent force. But somehow... it all works out. She breaks up with the other man and comes to the narrator for comfort. He tells here everything. They fly to a little island in the Caribbean and sleep in a hammock on the beach. (Or something like that.)
"Thorn Tree In The Garden": She dies; we don't know how much later. He is sad, but treasures the time he had enough to stay clear.

These are mostly just some musings I threw down; now I'll get to the real review.

The opener, "I Looked Away", sets up the album perfectly. It mixes nice guitar work with the right feel to segue into...
"Bell Bottom Blues", the raging torrents of emotion surging together.
"Keep On Growing" is acceptable; not the best on the album, perhaps, but it's in elite company.
"Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out"; a classic blues standard with new life pumped into it. Allman makes his sizzling debut.
"I Am Yours", a blissful piece of calm.
"Anyday", full of emotion (though not the same caliber as "Bell Bottom Blues" or the title track).
"Key To The Highway", a nice, lengthy blues jam.
"Tell The Truth"; see "Keep On Growing".
"Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad?", blazing guitar work from both guitarists.
"Have You Ever Loved A Woman", the definitive version thereof, Allman and Clapton dueling calmly.
"Little Wing", the blistering Hendrix tribute. Stunning.
"It's Too Late", the nice little piece that gives the final setup to "Layla".
"Layla". The whole album builds up to it. I'll never forget how I felt the first time I heard it; me, this silly little teenaged kid who had had two crushes in his life, could feel every fiber of emotion raging through this piece. The guitar work is superhuman. The vocals are overpowering. And then, when you think it can't go any emotionally higher... it doesn't. The bliss of the piano coda crests over you, calming all your fears and worries. Let it suffice to say that if the Democrats lose in 2008, it won't be the first time "Layla" has prevented my suicide. There has never been a shred of doubt in my mind that it is the single greatest piece of music ever recorded.
"Thorn Tree In The Garden", the quietly beautiful closer.

If Rolling Stone submits its apologies and reranks the Layla album in the top five or ten, I would accept that.

Clapton rips it up blues style
EC was not messin around here. He starts off with a few songs written by both himself and Bobby Whitlock and jumps right into another Clapton REMASTERED with "Nobody Knows You When Your Down and Out." An excellent new version of a song originally written by James Cox. Among his other remastered songs on Layla is "Little Wing" written by the late great left handed guitarist Jimi Hendrix. Which is personally my favorite track on this album. Maybe I'm just too big of a Hendrix fan but he knows how to write blues songs and Clapton and Duane Allman certainally knows his blues guitar solos. That's pretty much what this album comes down to, BLUES GUITAR SOLOS. Great ones, especially on the opening track, "I Looked Away" and one of Claptons distictive riffs with "Layla". Yep if you love blues style guitar solos you will definetly not be disappointed at all. Blues....

Classic Albums of 1970:No. 1
It's been thirty-five years, and Clapton has yet to put out a better album than this 1970 release. After touring with Delaney and Bonnie, Clapton went into the studio with band members Bobby Whitlock (keyboards, guitar),Jim Gordon (drums), Carl Radle (bass), and guest artist Duane Allman (guitars).In less than ten days they recorded one of the classic albums of all time.

Whether they are putting their own stamp on blues standards like "Nobody Loves You When You're Down and Out" and "Key to the Highway," or performing originals like "I Looked Away," "Keep On Growing," "Anyday, "Tell the Truth" and "Why Does Love Have To Be So Sad?" (all written by Clapton-Whitlock), these songs are filled with passion, soul and fire.And then, of course, there's the title track, the seven-minute "Layla." [Note:"Layla" did not become a Top 10 hit until eighteen months later when it was included on the compilation album HISTORY OF ERIC CLAPTON. That album also includes an earlier Phil Spector-produced version of "Tell the Truth" that was released as a single, but re-recorded during the LAYLA sessions.]

While these sessions occured during what had to be an emotional low in Clapton's personal life, he channeled those emotions into the most powerful album of his career. There's a huge gap in your CD library if you don't own a copy of this albumESSENTIAL ... Read more

Asin: B000002G87
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Hysteria
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
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Editorial Review

Probably Def Leppard's best album, and certainly their most successful, Hysteria pretty much sums up 80s hard rock: catchy, tuneful, and fun. It's also one of the few albums from the period that doesn't sound dated now, and singles like "Pour Some Sugar On Me", "Armageddon It", and "Rocket" remain staples of rock radio. The rest of the album is equally entertaining; "Animal" and "Hysteria", while mid-tempo, have the same slick intensity, and "Love Bites" is one of the few pop-metal ballads that doesn't sound saccharine over a decade after its release. Def Leppard may be remembered more for their hair than their music these days, but that's more due to changing tastes than anything else. It's still good. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Reviews (185)

Re-issue?
When will the record company EVER re-issue this album?A remastered 2CD set would be nice.All the B-sides on disc 2....NOT the Retro-active versions either! The real raw original recordings...my fave "Tear it Down" (remastered of course!). Not to mention a few unreleased bonus tracks...hmmm....how about some real old stuff? I can hear the original version of "Ride Into The Sun" buzzing in my head now....A head banger can dream can't he?

Whatabout the price?
Are you nuts?. US$ 214????. This is the best band that I had ever heard but US$ 214.....I can buy all their cd collection for that money....finally, the normal edition sounds the same!!!

Transcendent Masterpiece
Every once in a while an album transcends it's own genre to become part of the mainstream.It's even more rare when the genre is hard rock.AC/DC's Back in Black did it.And, with this cd, DL did the same.There are several songs on here that make even the most conservative music lover reach for the volume knob to "crank it" when the first snippets of the song reach their ears.It is simply perfection in its production, musicianship and songwriting.This one should be part of everyone's collection for those moments when you want to play drums on your steering wheel in 5 o'clock rush hour traffic. ... Read more

Asin: B000001FKY
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

De Stijl
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (11 June, 2002)
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Reviews (107)

I Am Pretty Good Looking For A Girl
This Cd Made Me Dance Around the room while singing along. The only problem is that i tripped and accidentally cut something off. Well, I guess now i'm pretty good looking for a girl!!!!!!

Bluesy. I like it!
Personally this is even better then any of their other albums. They are a very hard band to figure out. Their 1st album seemed to have a lot of punk rock kind of songs. Now this album is unmistakenly blues mixed with a little bit of rock. Perfect combo. Most talented band of the 21st century.

Great CD
A Great CD.Jack White has mastered the art of different singing and preforming techniques, while Meg White has a mostly subtle part.In De Stijl, Blues, Folk, Rock, and other styles are fused into one CD.It surprised me how different these songs are at first, but the more they are listened to the more enjoyable they become.His lyrics are not the greatest compared to those of Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, etc.But, in favor of his part he adopted some song lyrics from other artists(such as "Your Southern Can Is Mine).Fortunately, his guitar mastery makes any song you listen to of his enjoyable. ... Read more

Asin: B000068OSJ
Sales Rank: 4505
Subjects:  1. Blues-Rock    2. Garage Rock Revival    3. Indie Rock    4. Pop    5. Rock   

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
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Editorial Review

Before Sgt. Pepper, no one seriously thought of rock music as actual art. That all changed in 1967, though, when John, Paul, George and Ringo (with "A Little Help" from their friend, producer George Martin) created an undeniable work of art which remains, after 30-plus years, one of the most influential albums of all time. From Lennon's evocative word/sound pictures (the trippy "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds," the carnival-like "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite") and McCartney's music hall-styled "When I'm 64," to Harrison's Eastern-leaning "Within You Without You," and the avant-garde mini-suite, "A Day in the Life," Sgt.Pepper was a milestone for both '60s music and popular culture.--Billy Altman ... Read more

Features

• Deluxe Edition

Reviews (914)

Arguably rock's greatest album hands down
The Beatles' classic ninth UK and twelfth US album Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band was released in June of 1967.
The album was the start of the band's studio phase and was the benchmark of all future rock albums to come.
Some people may think Revolver is the greatest(IMHO it was the end of the mop top era) but Sgt Pepper was the first Beatles album I ever heard start to finish and was the album that paved the way for the album to be an important vehicle to the music business.
The album starts off with the title cut and bass player Paul McCartney just rocking out in a grand way. Next is drummer Ringo Starr singing Paul and John Lennon's With a Little Help From My Friends, which is a great song that will stay in the head for days. Guitarist John Lennon's Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds is one of the best songs on the album and was inspired by his son Julian's picture that Julian drew in school(and not by a certain hallucinogentic that was popular in 1967). The rocking Getting Better is a timeless song to sing when you're feeling blue and Macca would resurrect this song on his 2002 US tour. Fixing a Hole follows and is a great song to mend a broken heart. The sweet and poignant She's Leaving Home is a touching piece with a sweet Macca vocal with great backing vocal work from John. Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite is a great song written and sung by Lennon and is a great song and makes you feel like you are at a circus.
The second half starts with Within You Without You written by guitarist George Harrison. The track is pure genius with it's Indian sounds and genius lyrics. The funny When I'm Sixty-Four does a great job of helping the mood and is one of Paul's best songs and sounds like it could have been recorded in the 1930s. The ballad Lovely Rita follows and is a nice little love song. Good Morning Good Morning is a lyrical improvisation written by Lennon and is a great rocker. SPLHCB (reprise) is a great and revolutionary hard rock re-do of the album's intro, thought up and re-written by Lennon. The last song on the album has been voted one of the best rock songs ever, and it remains that to this day. A Day In The Life, written by Lennon on a piano with a newspaper in front of him, is the best song by the Fab Four and therefore is a masterpiece and also has a vocal interlude by Macca on the song's bridge. The song finishes with a bang bigger than Hiroshima.
The album broke ground as it was the first album ever to go to #1 without any hit singles and stayed for 17 WEEKS and has now sold 12 or so million copies in the US alone!!!!
This album was also voted Greatest Rock Album ever by many classic rock stations and rock magazines!
If you haven't already done so, click on the 'Add to Cart' button at the top of the page and get next day delivery immediately.
The album is worth it and is just as important to rock albums as Dark Side of the Moon, Sticky Fingers, Who's Next and though I hate to disagree Nirvana's Nevermind.
Highly recommended!

The Four Horsemen Triumph Again
The argument over which Beatles album is best will never end with this album vying with Revolver etc for the title.Personally I think it's Abbey Road but Sgt Pepper is very close,and if in the right mood maybe my favorite.These things change ya know!
Now the songs,not a weak one among them as the Beatles perfect psychedelic music and make rock music a bonafide art form.As the reviewer states no one took rock seriously until Sgt Pepper though an argument could be made that Revolver also did. The album itself is a melange,yes a melange! of quirky english psychedelia,rock and old style english pop that some would say is the blueprint for brit-pop along with Revolver. Musical escapism at it's best and a testament to the unsurpassed musical genius of the Beatles.
Buy!!!

MASTERPIECE!!!
No, Just kidding. This album isnt worth the time the beatles spent making it. A truly weak and dissapointing effort. ... Read more

Asin: B000002UAU
Subjects:  1. British Invasion    2. British Psychedelia    3. England    4. Hard Rock    5. Pop    6. Pop/Rock    7. Psychedelic    8. Rock    9. Rock & Roll    10. Rock/Pop   

Rubber Soul [UK]
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
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Editorial Review

Rank 'em how you like, Rubber Soul is an undeniable pivot point in the Fab Four's varied discography no matter where, or how, you first heard it. The album was softened up in its original12-song American edition to jibe with the Dylan/Byrds folk-rock sound, as well as squeeze money from the Parlophone catalog. The 14-song U.K. edition--the version now available on compact disc--is a different, more dynamic, and ultimately more accomplished achievement. So many classics: "Drive My Car" and "Nowhere Man" (both omitted from the U.S. edition) merge the early combustible Beatifics to a burgeoning studio consciousness; "The Word" can be read as a pre-psych warning shot; the sitar-laden "Norwegian Wood" and the evocative "Girl" (the latter written on the last night of the sessions) stand as turning points in John Lennon's oeuvre. George finally emerges too, with the McGuinn-ish "If I Needed Someone." --Don Harrison ... Read more

Reviews (483)

the first Beatles masterpiece
RUBBER SOUL remains a milestone in The Beatles' recording careers.It ushered in their most celebrated and sophisticated musical phase that is unrivalled to this day.

In the 20 months since The Beatles landed in America to the time the band recorded this album, rock 'n' roll had undergone a revolution, sparked by The Beatles themselves.The British invasion inspired Bob Dylan to go electric, while The Beatles converted the L.A. folk quartet, The Byrds, to replace their acoustic guitars with electric music.Add to this the whiff of American grass and you get the influences which shaped the late-1965 Beatles.

Above all, the Beatle's songwriting takes a big leap forward with RUBBER SOUL.For the first time John, Paul and George avoid the cliched boy-meets-girl songs and address introspective themes.Though RUBBER SOUL was widely viewed as Just Another Beatles Album in late-1965, some listners took notice of the words with as much care as they did Dylan albums.Some started to use the word "poetry" to describe Beatles music.

The album opens superbly with the funky Drive My Car which features a sharp vocal by Paul and a gorgeous bass influenced by Motown.John's Norwegian Wood is one of the record's highlights and introduces the sitar to Western ears.It obliquely tells of an affair John once had.You Won't See Me could've easily been a single.Paul's song, it is simply structured but strong.Nowhere Man was actually pulled as a single in the U.S. and is the first Beatles song not to talk about love or girls.John looks in the mirror and finds himself lost in a lyric that was one of his best (Dylan covered it many years later).George's Think For Yourself also steers away from the love song and features Paul playing the distinctive fuzz bass.The Word preceeds All You Need Is Love and discusses love not in boy-girl terms but universally (at a time when the Anti-War Movement was growing).Michelle closes side 1 in style.Love it or hate it, it is a fine love song with another great bass line.

Side 2 opens and closes with two disposable songs, What Goes On? and Run For Your Life.RUBBER SOUL would have been far better with the double-sided single, We Can Work It Out and Day Tripper, taking their place.However, the rest of side 2 shines with Girl and I'm Looking Through You -- John and Paul's complex views about women which are light-years away from She Loves You -- and In My Life which the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation recently named as the best song of all time.In My Life is a milestone in Lennon's career, featuring a nostalgic but bittersweet lyric.Lennon has never been this candid with his audience.Word is merely a leftover from the Help! sessions, though George's If I Needed Someone features the chiming Rickenbacker put to good use.

Today, RUBBER SOUL remains fresh.Amazingly, it was rush-recorded in two weeks with most of the songs written in the studio.John and Paul are at the height of their powers, while George is keeping pace with two songs instead of his customary one (or none).The album's acoustic sound allow's the band's maturing lyrics to be heard, while the arrangements are simple, yet intelligent.Few Beatles albums can rival RUBBER SOUL insongwriting.The sound of the album sounds unified which will pave the way for their next two albums, Revolver and Sgt. Pepper.RUBBER SOUL is The Beatles' first masterpiece.

Another Brilliant Beatle CD
The problem with saying which is your favourite Beatle album,is that there is so many good ones to choose from.This is a definite master peice.
I wont bother going through the songs and saying which ones are good and which ones are bad.There is no bad songs here.This album is consistent from start to finish.
It often amazes me that with all the modern tech,they cant better what The Beatles did.
What you have here is realy good tunes,something alot of modern singers struggle to do.
If its value for money you are looking for,get this.

Simply Put, Beautiful
I find Rubber Soul shines in almost every aspect as a studio album, and that was the real accomplishment for this album. Now to review some of the music.

We begin a great catchy tune, Drive My Car. A nice kick start to this impressive album, with a hard based rock style to it. Moving on, we get some lyrically beautiful songs, including You Won't See Me, a very likeable song, and in essence, I found it to be very representative of The Beatles as a band. More great music follows, as Nowhere Man is a strong, very lyricallydriven thing of beauty. A very impressive guitar solo as well compliment this track. Think For Yourself is overall very consistent lying among the group of songs on Rubber Soul, and, of course, it is great. Michelle is the typical ballad, with the glorious melody of the song, and John Lennon sending us to heaven with the lyrical delivery. Carries similarities to Yesterday, of the album Help! The album picks up its pace again with What Goes On, and I essentially found this to be a lowpoint of the album. It really isn't a very memorable song for me. Nevertheless, I enjoy listening to it. I'm Looking Through You seems to drive the album forward again, with heavier guitar riffs then usual constructed nicely around a catchy chorus. Another melodic song comes with In My Life, reflecting past times. A well written song, with a nice flow. The album finishes nicely, highlighted with Run For Your Life, lyrically exceptional, and the guitar melody is perfect.

Pyschedelia really wasn't present at the point of this release for The Beatles, and they kept their sound barriered. This is not in any way a criticism, however, I myself prefer the psychedelic sounds that they conveyed with Revolver. I am personally not a big fan of The White album though. Therefore this should be the one Beatles release that no one can complain about. This album is quite simply beautiful music, for most people, that's all that's important. So, to conclude, I highly recommend this is as one of the prime Beatles purchases, and along with Rubber Soul, I will highly recommend Revolver(my personal favourite), Abbey Road, Help!, Sgt. Peppers, and Magical Mystery Tour. ... Read more

Asin: B000002UAO
Subjects:  1. Bass    2. British Invasion    3. England    4. Folk-Rock    5. Pop    6. Pop/Rock    7. Rock    8. Rock & Roll    9. Singer/Songwriter   

Weezer
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (10 May, 1994)
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Editorial Review

There's a classic episode of The Little Rascals where one of the gang can't join everybody else on the ballfield because he has to stay home with his younger brother, who has the croup. "I can't come out and play," he whines. "I've got to stay home and grease Wheezer!" Nobody at Geffen Records knows whether this was the inspiration in naming Weezer, but it makes sense. Like many of their peers, the members of the Los Angeles quartet seem to have spent their formative years in front of the TV; when they were a little older, they were just as entranced by college rock. Finally, ala the Rascals, one of the gang said, "Hey, kids, let's put on a show!," and the result is Weezer's uplifting, unpretentious, and extremely endearing debut.

The self-titled Weezer is lean and mean at 10 short, punchy tunes, but nearly every one is powered by a larger-than-life chorus or a simple but effective lyric. "Undone-The Sweater Song" uses an unraveling sweater as a metaphor for a relationship on the rocks; "Buddy Holly" pays heartfelt tribute to the '50s rocker, and "In the Garage" paints a scene of suburban teens jamming while surrounded by posters of Kiss. Producer Ric Ocasek of Cars fame pushes the vocals and rhythm guitars, and this bare-bones approach may earn comparisons to fellow garage-pop band Green Day. But Weezer has more in common with the late, lamented Big Dipper, another group of slacker wiseguys that you just had to love. --Jim DeRogatis ... Read more

Reviews (441)

Breathtaking.
I can't say I love any album more than this.From the moment I heard that amazing fingerpicking intro to My Name Is Jonas to the last bass note in Only In Dreams, I was enthralled.I literally got goosebumps, it was so great.

The Blue Album is written with a different spin than any bands of the time.It's emotional, yet fun and cheerful at the same time.From the real life twist of Say it Ain't So to the cheerful atmosphere of Holiday and the nostalgic song Only In Dreams, Blue is solid all the way through.It's thought by many fans, including myself, that it will never be surpassed by Weezer or another band.Pinkerton, their next album, came close, but in a different way.

There's no reason why not to buy the Blue Album.Weezer earned a name from this CD that sold less than a hundred in the first week, yet came back to sell millions.Listen to the Blue Album, and find out why.

Au Contraire
I don't mean to ruin the five-star party, especially given that a number of good friends of mine do love this album.But, despite the fact that I really liked Undone, Buddy Holly, and Say It Ain't So on the radio, I just have a hard time listening to this album and getting into it.Weezer seems stuck in a rut stylistically-- every song has the same heavy guitar sound, mixed in with the occassional light acoustic guitar.While other bands do the same thing without it getting really bothersome, Weezer's sound grates on me after a few songs.That said, Holiday and Garage are good songs, and you probably already like the singles if you're reading this.But for what it's worth, the bulk of the album doesn't do anything for me that the singles didn't.3 and a half stars.

Modern Rock Masterpiece
I can't begin to describe the feeling I get whenever I hear those opening finger picking notes on the acoustic guitar ridden song "My name is Jonas." The Blue album is the apex of what music means to me. All then tracks are phenomenally written Pop gems. This album will never get old to me. I'm buying a copy for my nephew when he turns 8 years old. I was 8 years old in 1994 when it came out. Don't listen to a single negative review of the blue album if you ever come across one. This is music from a great band that hit it right on the head with this release. Go and buy Blue, you will not be dissapointed in the LEAST bit. ... Read more

Asin: B000003TAW
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock    3. Rock/Pop   

Complete Recordings
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 August, 1990)
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Editorial Review

This two-CD box contains all 41 recordings Johnson made, including 12 alternate takes, and each cut remains a classic. This set's release in 1990 caused quite a stir, selling more than 500,000 copies, and, on the basis of endorsements from Eric Clapton and Keith Richards, introduced a great number of rock fans to Delta blues. Amazingly, Johnson built his enormous legacy on the strength of just two recording sessions: the first session, in November of 1936, produced among others "I Believe I'll Dust My Broom," "Sweet Home Chicago," "Cross Road Blues," and "Walkin' Blues," making it perhaps the most influential single session in blues history.--Marc Greilsamer ... Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (89)

This release has been superseded.
The 'King of the Delta Blues Singers' CDs (Volumes 1 and 2), as re-released in 1998 and 2004, respectively, effectively render this release obsolete. On the newer CDs, the digital cleaning is much more apparent and makes a huge difference to sound quality.

However, the 'alternate' takes contained on this edition have yet to be released elsewhere. But to complicate things, the 'King of the Delta Blues Singers' CDs contain a mixture of 1st and 2nd takes, so it's a hit and miss affair. Personally, I prefer the 1st takes of 'Crossroad Blues', 'Me and the Devil Blues' and 'Love in Vain' - and the newer CDs contain the second takes (which is how they appeared on the original releases in the 1960s).

So, for completists (at this point in time), the best bet is to own this set and the newer CDs - which I am sure you do already. Then you'll have everything (until they turn up another alternate take!), but for beginners, check out 'King of the Delta Blues Singers' Vol. 1 and 2.

Raw and unique
MOst of the criticism of this album comes from two angles: either it is not accessible material (read boring acoustic blues) or overated and not as worthy as others.The first is perfectly understanding if your preference is lively electric blues (ala BB King or Buddy Guy).The second misses the point; even if the material is not original or the best craftmanship from its era (and musical playing skill does not necessarily equate to greatness, hence the greatness of Bob Dylan).That's just academic snobbery; no one can deny the profound effect it had on the giants of modern rock.

On its own merits the album is by no means an easy listen, and I only listen to it sporadically now (after my initial fascination) and for short periods before it gets too repetitive.Nonetheless, I give it 5 stars for the unique sound of his guitar playing, which is very intriguing (often haunting and mesmerizing) and often turns suddenly in unexpected directions.While most blues is straight ahead and builds on a rythm, Johnson's songs are very sporadic and lurching, with very interesting note choices.In the blues medium I would compare him to Thelonious Monk's playing in Jazz: disjointed but extremely compelling.

I like the blues, acoustic I really like Lonnie Johnson, Lightning Hopkins and Sonny Boy Williamson.While the academics might sneer at the "soul" of modern rock or purity of electric blues, count me among those who loves fast paced rock or blues (especially in blues Albert King and Albert Collins).While I'm not a big Clapton fan, there is lot of his stuff I do like (his Robert Johnson tribute is too milk toast for me).

Robert Johnson's Complete Recordings is powerful stuff.

Most tribute albums are second rate and overally derivative.However, if I was to compile a Robert Johnson cover album that kicks tail, here's how I'd put it together (song, artist, album):
1. Stop Breaking Down, Rolling Stones, Exile on Main Street
2. Steady Rolling Man, Eric Clapton, 461 Ocean Blvd
3. Drunken Hearted Boy, Allman Bros. (live), Fillmore Concerts
4. Traveling Riverside Blues, Led Zeppelin, Box Set
5. Walking Blues, Grateful Dead (live), Without a Net
6. Love in Vain, Rolling Stones (live), Get Yer Ya Ya's Out
7. Crossroads, Derek and Dominoes (live), Crossroads Box Set
8. Come on in my Kitchen, Allman Bros., Shades of Two Worlds
9. They're Red Hot, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Blood Sugar Majik

From Robinsonville to San Antonio
Old 78`s.....black and with an odd shine,contain no more than 6 or 7 minutes of music - counting both sides.Some of the best music thats ever been recorded sits inside of those records.Robert Johnson was one of the best blues singers and guitarists ever....hands down.Followed in chronologic order the music gets more serious over time...maybe more desperate.He knew this was it,his chance....he gave his all and it shows.He learned and watched and listened and felt everything that was going on around him.
And his teachers were the true greats of the delta blues - Son House,Charley Patton,Sonny Boy Williamson,Willie Brown,ect. - he was the student and he took in everything and then went away to come back with an impressive talent honed into a scary,even technically perfect playing style.That and a really fine voice and some great lyrics.But the brightest stars burn the fastest,Robert Johnson died at the age of 27...poisoned by a jealous husband for the relationship Robert had been having with his wife.This collection of songs and two pictures are all thats left but he did exist and was trully great - find out for yourself.
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Asin: B000002757
Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Box Sets (Audio Only)    3. Pop   

Appetite for Destruction
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $9.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

A glimpse of the future, and not because of its huge influence and umpteen million sales. The poor-little-rich-boy protest "Out ta Get Me" intimates that Axl Rose's egotism and martyr complex were soon to grow bigger than his head; still, Appetite's night-train wreck of punk and metal sounds and sensibilities make it more than just an emblem of its time. Whether GN'R are dancing with Mr. Brownstone, penning a callow kiss-off letter to some chick named Michelle, or passing out on somebody else's sofa, this was and remains a savage journey to the heart of the American--or at least the Hollywood--dream. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Features

• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (580)

My review for .... Appetite For Destruction
Ok. I noticed that my other reviews are sorta short, so I was gonna make this one a lil more longer.This album is great.Every song is good.I mean every song.I will go more in depth later.Here are my reviews for the songs.

Welcome To The Jungle--- this song is probably the best opener for an album in metal history. Its Guns N Roses first album and they express how they live and what they are encountering.L.A. is in fact a jungle.This was even more so in the 80s.

It's So Easy--- This song is so cool.The bass lines are Duffs at his best.It has nice lyrics[ first song in which they say f*** ] which is good in every metal album.It is not a metal album unless it has f*** in it!

Nightrain--- This is by far the best song to open up a concert with.They did this on Use Your Illusion Tokyo World Tour.You can buy these two videos on Amazon.com and your local video store.They should have it.This song is great to wake up to.I dont like waking up at all so you would imagine.This is axl at his best.He screams with harmony.No screechs like me.

Out Ta Get me--- ok. People dont like this song.Just look at other Amazon reviews.I dont see how.This is a song to kick someones ass to.The guitars are great.It has one of the best openers in GN'R history.Its so simple, but so cool.Its to get you fired up.The drums are cool.Axl's voice seems to be sorta "out of it" in this one.

Mr. Brownstone--- This song is awesome too.The drums are cool in this one.It has way-over-the-top lyrics.

Paradise City--- ahhh.... everyone's favorite.This song is by far the best 2nd best... #1 being Nightrain.The few songs that I listed are enought to buy it.The drums are cool.The guitars are top of the game.

My Michelle--- very catchy tune.Not much to say about it.. its an awesome filler.

Think About You--- I DONT SEE HOW ANYONE COULD NOT LIKE THIS SONG!People are saying in other views that this song sucks.This is better this Mr. Brownstone and everyone likes Mr. Brownstone.The lyrics are average.The music is great.

Sweet Child O' Mine--- This song is so awesome.Everyone that likes music likes this one.Its top of its game.

You're Crazy--- This one is another one that people dont like.I still dont know why not.Awesome tune.

Anything Goes Tonight--- This one is another one.I like every single track on this record.Best metal record of the last 80s.

Rocket Queen--- This song is f***n' awesome.Yes. I cursed in this one.Anyone who doesn't like this is mental.Great way to finish an album.

Overall, I would give this album 9.99 out of 10.I say that and not give it 10 because the cover sucks. lol.

a superb heavy rock album
this is the one gnr album to buy if you had to choose one.this fantastic album contains terrific songs like welcome to the jungle,paradise city and sweet child of mine.hugely recommended.

Buy this CD heavy metal fans!!!!!!
I fist started listening to Guns N' Roses a few months ago and bought their greatest hits cd. It was so good that I needed more GN'R. I bought this album and its excellent! It's awesome heavy metal, but not extremely heavy. I like Axl Rose's Voice and slashes guitar- their awesome! Here's what I rate the songs individually-

Welcome to the jungle 5/5
It's so easy 5/5
Nightrain 5/5
Out ta get me 4/5
Mr. Brownstone 5/5 Best song on the CD!!
Paradise City 5/5
My Michelle 5/5
Think about you 4/5
Sweet Child O' Mine 5/5
You're Crazy 5/5
Anything Goes 4/5
Rocket Queen 4/5

The only thing that's bad about this cd is sometimes the language and other offensive lyrics. Otherwise it's the best cd I've heard in a long while. BUY APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION!





... Read more

Asin: B000000OQF
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Hard Rock    3. Heavy Metal    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. United States of America   

Straight Outta Compton [Clean]
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $16.98
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Editorial Review

A lone voice sneers "You are about to witness the strength of street knowledge," and with that warning the greatest-ever gangsta album begins. Then these Niggas with Attitude--wicked rhymes by Ice Cube, Easy E, and MC Ren; soulful production courtesy Dr. Dre; beats provided by DJ Yella--come barreling into your face, just daring you to ignore the streets of Compton (or any American city) even one day longer. From the anti-police brutality anthem "F__k Tha Police" to the angry, unflinching realism of "Gangsta Gangsta," to the pro-free speech "Express Yourself," this is slammin' and ruthless.--David Cantwell ... Read more

Features

• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (98)

TOTALLY ILL!!!!!!!!!!
This baby isAWESOME! Its a classic. Every songs great,here is a review for each song.
Straight Outta Compton-***** ILLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!
Gangsta Gangsta -***** Best on the album.
If It Ain't Ruff-****Great.
Parental Discretion Iz Advised-***** Awesome.
8 ball-***** Hilarious!
Something like that -****Good.
Express Yourself-***** I'm running out of things to say.
Comptons In The House -***** It is in the house!
I ain't the One -***** Cool.
Dopeman -***** I am out of things to say uggh cool.
Quiet On the Set-***** ugghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Something 2 dance 2 -***** Great way to end it.

Straight Classic
I bought this cd when i was about 11 without my moms consent, of course she knew what it was im 18 now, and i still have it and still listen to it, this is one of the breakthrough albums for true gangsta rap along with Public Enemy which was alot more political than NWA but pretty much all rap was in those days..but anyway if you havent already heard this cd then you're way behind on times without a doubt go pick this up.

amazing
this NWA cd is a classic. dre, eazy, ice cube, ren, and yella all do great. heres a review of the whole Cd

1. Straight outta compton (5/5) classic
2. F**k tha police (5/5) another classic
3. Gangsta, Gangsta (5/5) CLASSIC
4. If It aint ruff (5/5) ren solo=great
5. Parental Discretion Iz Advised (5/5) awesome
6. 8Ball Remix (5/5) my second favorite solo. eazy solo
7. Something like that (5/5) dre and ren do great
8. express yourself (5/5) dre solo. my favorite solo track
9. comptonz in tha house remix (4/5) good song but not that much of a beat
10. I Ain't tha one (5/5) ice cube solo great
11. dopeman remix (5/5) not as good as i aint tha one but a great ice cube solo
12. quiet on the set (4.5/5) another good ren solo. but not as good as If it aint ruff
13. Something to dance to (5/5) great way to end a classic album ... Read more

Asin: B000003B6J
Subjects:  1. Gangsta Rap    2. Golden Age    3. Hardcore Rap    4. Pop    5. Rap    6. Rap & Hip-Hop    7. United States of America    8. West Coast Rap   

Old School (Widescreen Unrated Edition)
Director: Todd Phillips
Average Customer Review:
DVD (10 June, 2003)
list price: $19.99 -- our price: $14.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

When three thirtysomething friends with woman troubles (Luke Wilson,Will Ferrell, and Vince Vaughn) decide to form a fraternity, it's supposedly tosave Wilson from losing his house, which the nearby college is trying to claimfor academic purposes. But really, Ferrell and Vaughn are desperate to return tothe reckless, feckless days of beer bongs and hot chicks, and they drag Wilsonalong with them as they throw themselves into gathering frat pledges of allages. Old School could have been just another string of bad jokes hangingon a flimsy plot, but the script and the cast have a jovial energy and justenough grounding in reality--at least, up until the obligatory beat-the-systemending, but by that point you'll forgive the excesses of this silly, cheerful, and frequentlyfunny movie. Featuring Jeremy Piven and Juliette Lewis, with cameos by SnoopDog, Andy Dick, and others. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (233)

soooooooooooooo funny!!
this film is hilarious, it had me in stitches throughout. will ferrell leads this film completely, he is hilarious, altho Luke Wilson and Vince Vaughn are excellent aswell. I recommend u watch it cos it is fantastic!!
The wedding singer in it rules lol

The mascot engulfed in flames is worth the whole film...
One of the funniest movies of 2003, Old School is silver screen gold for anyone who lived the life of a college party animal or once inhabited the halls of a beloved fraternity house. In the spirit of Animal House and PCU, Old School brings together a strange amalgam of immature males who wreck havoc on their college campus through wild parties, outrageous pranks, and outright criminal activities. Starring Luke Wilson, Vince Vaughn, and Will Farrell (of Saturday Night Live fame), Old School reads like a great SNL skit. You'll laugh yourself silly over this one.

When Mitch Martin (Luke Wilson) returns home early from a business seminar at his extraordinarily boring job, he finds his girlfriend cheating on him. They break up, and he's forced to move out. Moving into an off-campus dwelling at his old school, Mitch's friends Frank Ricard (Will Farrell) and Bernard "Beanie" Campbell (Vince Vaughn) reminisce about the glory of their fraternity days. The days of all fun and no work... Frank gets married, despite Beanie's attempts to talk him out of it at the altar (during the ceremony), but he quickly grows despondent and longs to enjoy the freedom of his youth once again. Meanwhile, Beanie is a bona fide family man with a successful business, but he too would like to relive the fun of their fraternity days.

Together, the three men decide to turn Mitch's house into a fraternity. They recruit a series of misfit students from around campus - nerds, social rejects, homeless men, and ninety-year-old womanizers. The hazing rituals are beyond description, and the parties are ridiculously outlandish and hilarious. All is going well (for everyone but Frank whose wife catches him running down main street naked) until Dean of Student Affairs Gordon Pritchard (Jeremy Piven), a former estranged classmate of the three men, decides to crack down on the fraternity. When he does, the fraternity must pass a series of tests and obstacles in order to retain their charter (and this, the climatic high-point of the film, is also the funniest of all).

Fun from beginning to end, Old School will not win any awards for dramatic scenes or cinematography. But it will win a lot of points as an outright hilarious comedy. If you haven't seen this film, then you really don't know what you're missing. Old School is a classic cult comedy fulfilling the dreams of countless former college fraternity members who ache to relive the greatest party days of their lives. Because it's so funny, Old School is a definite must-see film. Miss it at your own risk...

The DVD Report

I wish I could choose 0
I have yet to understand why so many people find this film amusing. Some have said that it was a modern day Animal House, and while I find Animal House uninteresting I think that is a serious dis to Animal House. I don't know it just seems that this movie continuously tries to be funny way to hard and ends up falling into a pile of its own crummy jokes. This movie is like a stitched together hybrid of every other "guy" film out there. I say guy film meaning, "hey lets put some girls chest on the screen and it'll be an instant hit." Well atleast its seems to have a lot of special features, so when you get tired of the film you can watch those instead. This is probably the only bad rating on here for this film but man, I've watched it once and that was more than enough. ... Read more

Asin: B00005JM1F

The Royal Tenenbaums (The Criterion Collection)
Director: Wes Anderson
Average Customer Review:
DVD (07 September, 2004)
list price: $19.99 -- our price: $14.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

In a fitting follow-up to Rushmore, writer-director Wes Anderson and cowriter-actor Owen Wilson have crafted another comedic masterwork that ripples with inventive, richly emotional substance. Because of the all-star cast, hilarious dialogue, and oddball characters existing in their own, wholly original universe, it's easy to miss the depth and complexity of Anderson's brand of comedy. Here, it revolves around Royal Tenenbaum (Gene Hackman), the errant patriarch of a dysfunctional family of geniuses, including precocious playwright Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow), boyish financier and grieving widower Chas (Ben Stiller), and has-been tennis pro Richie (Luke Wilson). All were raised with supportive detachment by mother Etheline (Anjelica Huston), and all ache profoundly for a togetherness they never really had. The Tenenbaums reconcile somehow, but only after Anderson and Wilson (who costars as a loopy literary celebrity) put them through a compassionate series of quirky confrontations and rekindled affections. Not for every taste, but this is brilliant work from any perspective. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Widescreen
• DTS Surround Sound

Reviews (630)

How long have you been smoking?
The fact that The Royal Tenenbaums wasn't a major success is baffling.The fact that it is a great movie is not.Wes Anderson is a sly genius when it comes to deadpan, dry, somehow dark-lit humor.The cast is great, the humor is sublte and stifflingly funny.Definitely one of those great flicks that you have to watch more than once to get all the nuances in place.The Criterion double disc set is packed with all kinds of kewel stuff.So sit back, take a breath, and meet Royal and the rest of the Tenenbaums.You won't regret it.

Best Film of the Last Decade.
It's taken me a few viewings of this modern classic to conclude that The Royal Tenenbaums has to be the greatest film of the last ten years.I cannot imagine a better performance than the one that Gene Hackman gives in this movie.He moves the plot along as if he's an Escalade.Every single actor is superb and we can thank the director for that as this was the first time that I ever loved Gwyneth Paltrow on the silver screen. She's never impressed me in this way before or since.Wes Anderson hit Valhalla with this one.It is unquestionably his highest achievement and, if The Life Acquatic is any indication, he may never ascend to this level again.Bill Murray is only a minor character but is quite memorable in his role. The same can be said about Owen Wilson and Danny Glover.The humor, the flow, and the art of The Royal Tenenbaums cannot be improved upon.If amazon would let me do it, I'd give it 10 stars.

Too unfunny
This was the most boring movie i've ever seen. Such a waste of funny comedians. The Life Aquatic sucked, too. ... Read more

Asin: B0000640VJ
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-comedy