Sublime
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (30 July, 1996)
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Editorial Review

For all his tattoos and bulked-up frat-boy persona, singer Bradley Nowell had real soul, which made his fatal heroin overdose even more tragic. There's more to this Long Beach, California, trio's debut, released shortly after Nowell's death in 1996, than white suburban punks imitating Jamaican ska music. The band comes up with great songs, notably the catchy MTV hit "What I Got"; spooky dub-reggae undertones, produced by the Butthole Surfers' Paul Leary, to go with the snappy horns; and surprisingly progressive lyrics that attack sexism and other social ills, especially on "Wrong Way." Like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Fishbone, obvious forebears, Sublime become slightly tiresome after 17 songs, but the band is great in short doses. --Steve Knopper ... Read more

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Reviews (403)

A sure buy
This is one of the few albums that you can listen to every song. Sublime was short lived but the couple albums released are well worth buying.Just press play

Sublime at its best..
To start off, I got this cd shortly after 40 Oz. To Freedom, which I didn't find to be the "super-amazing" cd that everyone believes it to be. This cd, on the other hand, is amazing. In comparison to 40 Oz To Freedom, this cd has a lot more great songs and a lot less filler.
Garden Grove: Nice and easy, good track to start off. Maybe drags on a bit too long at the end. 4/5

What I Got: There is a reason why this gets played on the radio. Basically, a great song and without all the long dragging on. 5/5

Wrong Way: Personally, I am a much bigger fan of ska than of reggae styled music, which is why I love this song. The lyrics are interesting also. 5/5

Same In The End: First introduction on this cd to the more punk Sublime sound, and a very good introduction at that. 4.5/5

April 29th, 1992: The most "hip-hop" of all the songs on this cd. One of those songs that people can love or hate. Personally, it's not one of my favourites. 3/5

Santeria: This track also gets a lot of radio play. After listening to this, my friend learned how to play it on bass, and he played it non-stop for a week. 5/5

Seed: Very unique and amazing song. It shifts from heavier punk style to reggae beats very well. Overall probably one of my favourite songs on the cd. 6/5

Jailhouse: Some people call this a filler track, but I think it is a very good song, except for it is repetitive. 4.5/5

Pawn Shop: In my opinion, the weakest song on the cd. It is 6:06 of pure boring repetitive guitar with the odd words thrown in here and there. Would be much better if it was about 4 minutes shorter and had more words. -FILLER- 2/5

Paddle Out: The shortest song on the cd has good drumming and is an interesting song. Sounds a lot better listening to it after 'Pawn Shop'. 3.5/5

The Ballad Of Johnny Butt: Strong, reggae style song. Normal Sublime song but nothing too special. 4/5

Burritos: When I first heard this song I thought it was very good and after a few listens wondered why this one did not get radio play that I know of. It has good guitar work and lyrics. One of my favourites if not my favourite. 6/5

Under My Voodoo: Right from the start this song is dominated by the guitar. The singing goes perfectly with the guitaring and makes for a good song. Very catchy as well, was stuck in my head for a good month. 5/5

Get Ready: Good song, about doing anything to smoke. Listening to it a few times in a row calms you down. Not spectacular. 4/5

Caress Me Down: This song has also been played on the radio a lot and it is indeed a good song. The lyrics are a bit crude but you get a few of these with every Sublime release. 4.5/5

What I Got (Reprise): This song, if possible, is better than the original version. This song goes a lot better at the end of the album than the start. A favourite. 6/5

Doin' Time: Good closing track. The background music drills into your skull eventually though. Not a song to listen to on repeat but good for finishing listening to the cd. 4/5

All in all this is a great cd and my favourite release. If you like any kind of music like ska or reggae or softer punk, check out this cd. In conclusion, the cd itself just seems to flow through and is an easy listen.

RIP Bradley Nowell - February 22,1968 - May 25,1996

completely awesome, their most popular cd
sublime always made awesome, and well, subliminal music.the reggea rock arrangements on the cd are awesome, these guys could really craft some terrific songs.I really enjoy the whole cd, it sounds so good and there is no filler at all.A lot of people become absolutely obsessed with this band; its easy to see why when you listen to such good songs like "Wrong way" and "Santeria."a perfect addition to you collection; if you like it get all their others cd's, they're all good.Have fun! ... Read more

Asin: B000002OZS
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Pop    3. Punk Revival    4. Rock    5. Ska-Punk    6. Third Wave Ska Revival   

40 Oz to Freedom
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 July, 1996)
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Editorial Review

Ska music has been deeply ingrained in the punk rock culture since the Clash adopted their rude boy stance near the end of the British punk invasion and the 2-Tone label put ska on the map. Suddenly, punks stopped kicking the crap out of each other long enough to dance. The debut release by Orange County, California's Sublime is a positively infectious record that marries varied styles of dub, reggae, rap, sampling, scratching, and badass dancehall ska with old-school punk overtones. Musicianship on this record is exceptionally tight, featuring Brad Nowell's innovative guitar work and bright, soulful voice.Packed with 40 oz. of rock (21 tracks) including the ultimate pot-smoking anthem "Smoke Two Joints" and the novelty hit "Date Rape." --Gail Worley ... Read more

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Reviews (263)

A Must Have
Sublime is one of the few bands that is (was) able to break down the barriers between genres and reach people that less diverse artists will never be able to. If this CD is not in your collection, you are missing out!

an original piece
sublime's debut. all good songs, the only problems isthat a lot of the drums and guitar sound the same. but it's still worth buying.

Appealing Album for most people
This is a good, upbeat album that defines a good genre. This in my opinion, is the band's best album, although the Self-Titled was also very good.

There are great melodies on this CD. Although these melodies are relatively simple and not complex, they are very enjoyable to the ear. Sublime has a really positive feel to it, and this album will leave you satisfied.

There are only a few songs on the album which resemble "Punk-Rock", as the majority are ska-like reggae music. It's easily recognizable that Brad Nowell was a good vocalist with talent. It's pretty easy to play these songs if you can play the guitar, but its not the complexity that makes the CD genius, it's the fact that the band was actually able to come up with the melodies that sound really good.

There's also humour in a lot of the lyrics which adds a good element to the music. It's always funny to hear Brad talking about stuff like encounters with the police, and getting high/drunk. The album flows really well, and you probably won't be dissapointed by any song. The album is appealing overall.
That's what made it a hit and in my opinion, a classic.
... Read more

Asin: B000002P22
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Robbin' the Hood
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 July, 1996)
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Editorial Review

Long Beach garage kings Sublime rode the cresting wave of late-'80s/early-'90s Cali punk to a well-received 1996 major-label debut whose success was overshadowed by tragedy: frontman Brad Nowell died of a heroin overdose just a month before its release. This 1994 album was their freshman indie outing and the record that largely secured their ticket to the majors. Instead of building on the energetic, if formulaic,punk-reggae fusion of their 1992 40 Oz. to Freedom (with its sometimes awkward, too-dumb-to-be-ironic lyrical bent), Robbin' displays a Nowell whose slow evolution as a songwriter is more than compensated by an eager plundering of old-school rap influences and ska beats. It's a record that moves the band beyond often-stultifying punk clichés to a true musical adventure whose buoyant sense of discovery is almost palpable, and one that proves that their '96 big-label breakthrough was no accident. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

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Reviews (98)

An often mis-understood classic
It's easy to see why this album is either really well liked by fans or completely passed over by fans. It contains, with few exceptions, songs that dont quite fit into what most people see as the sublime mold. i think this album just shows how genius brad actually was in terms of both songwriting and technicality. he was able to put this whole album together on a 4 track, which is insane how much depth there are to these songs. my advice is just dont reject this CD because it doesnt have songs like 40 oz to freedom or santareia, but listen to it becuase of those reasons. songs like Steppin' razor or Waiting for Bud or Cisco Kid are perfect examples of how wide brad's musical ability stretched. give this album another open-minded listen and see if you dont chagen your mind

Pretty Good Listenin'
This is a great album, my favorite are #5 Steppin' Razor and #10 Pool Shark. For a wonderful Sublime site go to http://sublimespot.com/sublime/
Peace out!!

buy it for the good songs
I am a huge and hardcore sublime fan.40oz. to freedom is my second all time fav. album.This is good for the fans but not for the casual or first time listener.It has good songs."Saw Red", "Greatest Hits" and "Boss DJ."I would have like to have heard Sublime re-record that song in the studio because it is such a good song (good to learn on guitar and play for friends. Easy too G and C all the way through).Anyways. ... Read more

Asin: B000002P24
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Pop    3. Punk Revival    4. Rock    5. Ska-Punk    6. Third Wave Ska Revival   

Weezer (Green Album)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 May, 2001)
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Editorial Review

Weezer, those geek rockers who topped mid-'90s charts with those oh-so-precious pop fables "Undone (The Sweater Song)" and "Buddy Holly," were almost undone by 1997's bombastic Pinkerton. Their sophomore release turned its back on the band's clean-cut debut, with a thrash approach more influenced by Sabbath and Kiss than the Beach Boys. On their third album (self-titled, like their first, but referred to as the "Green Album"), the band makes a concentrated effort to return to anthemic '60s punky pop, demonstrating that, for Weezer at least, it's rather easy being green. In fact, one could say they're almost as green as Green Day, especially on "Knockdown Dragout." At their best, Weezer show such boundless energy and gleeful aplomb that you'd swear you were listening to a lost Badfinger album. Conversely, Rivers Cuomo's twisted genius makes its way onto the anxious and paranoid "Hash Pipe" and the jittery "Glorious Days," making the "Green Album" the most absorbing and rounded vision from these pop masters yet. --Jaan Uhelszki ... Read more

Reviews (717)

Weezer is the best!
I just love to listen to this CD, I don't know what it is. Every song is so finely crafted and the sound is truly the best. How does a group come along and just make wonderful mucis like this? Some days I have played this CD more than once in a row, as in like three times in a row! It's incredible to find music that is so good these days. I like most of the music on the radio, but sometimes its fun to fine music that is not played o nthe radio, but is still good. This is truly the best out there!!

Weezer Hits Midstride
Weezer fans long anticipated the arrival of Weezer's third release, which came five years after the smash album Pinkerton. Alas it came, but it wasn't a home run, but a fun album nonetheless. Here are my ratings for each song:

1 - Don't Let Go (6/10) Eh, it was good for an opener.

2 - Photograph (8/10) The meat of the album begins with Photograph, a catchy song in it's own.

3 - Hash Pipe (9/10) The awesome, yet strange first single that came off of this album. Strange indeed, but very good.

4 - Island In The Sun (10/10) GREAT song. You can just lay back and listen to this one, it's catchy and relaxing.

5 - Crab (10/10) My favourite song on the album. It may only clock in at 2:34, but it's still on awesome song with some good riffs on it. I like it the more and more I listen to it.

6 - Knock Down Drag Out (6/10) Kind of one of those songs that you hear on a kid's TV show. It's fun, but it's only 2:08, so that brings it down.

7 - Smile (8/10) The mood switches to mellow, and improves upon the last song. Still, the song doesn't even make 3 minutes, but is enjoyable, and relaxing.

8 - Simple Pages (7/10) The album begins to thin out here, with a song that's enjoyable, but if it gets more than a few plays, it gets to be unbearable.

9 - Glorious Days (7/10) Another weaker song, but it's cool and has a fun feel to it.

10 - O Girlfriend (6/10) This song is 10 seconds shy of 4 minutes, which is easily the longest song on the album. Too bad this wasn't done as a shorter song, as near halfpoint it begins to drag on.

In all the album is enjoyable, but better purchases are found in that of Pinkerton and The Blue Album.

It's really 4.5
I'm going to list the songs starting with the worst and ending with the best.
10.Crab
9.Don't Let Go
8.Smile
7.Simple Pages
6.O Girlfriend
5.Island In The Sun
4.Glorious Day
3.Hash Pipe
2.Photograph
1.Knock-Down Drag-Out
... Read more

Asin: B00005ICAW
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Emo    3. Indie Rock    4. Pop    5. Punk-Pop    6. Rock   

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 (444)

Great Album
People think Weezer's a bunch of emo kids trying to be rock, but thats not true. Just because the lead singer has glasses doesnt make him emo. I remember when I 1st heard this album from my friend Ashley. She was obessed with Weezer, I only liked a few songs but then again I really wasnt paying very much attetion to it. Then later on as I got older(now 15), I was making a radio station on yahoo, and when I played it Weezer was on. I listened to and loved it right away, then I went out and brought the CD when I was at the races. I loved every song on this album. This would have to be one of the best Weezer albums ever. "Buddy Holly", "The World Has Turned and Left Me Here", "Sweater Song", "Surf Wax City" are there best songs ever. You should check them out if you havent heard much of this band.

not a kid
I had a gift certificate to a record store, and with Beverly Hills on the radio now, i decided to score myself some weezer cds.

In the time of Dookie, this sounds so much more professional and comunicatative(is that even a word?) then that time. But the fact remains, Weezer don't comunicate and don't even like each other, but it doesn't show here.

My name is Jonas starts the album so innocently and well done.
Buddy Holly is probably the next great track, Undone, Say it aint so, in th e garage, and holiday are probably the best. But where green day passed weezer was when green day made albums where every song is good. Weezer never does that. But what do I know?

WWW!
This is so terrible! These guys make poor music...I they are just ne*ds!!!! And try to make rock music! No,,,no!!!! It's just like long haired and black leathered guy tried to make pop music! ... Read more

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

Nevermind
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (24 September, 1991)
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Editorial Review

If Nevermind's sound is familiar now, it's only because thousands of rock records that followed itwere trying very hard to cop its style. It tears out of the speakers like a cannonball, from the punk-turbo-charged riff of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" onward, magnifying and distilling the wounded rage of 15 years of the rock underground into a single impassioned roar. Few albums have occupied the cultural consciousness like this one; of its 12 songs, roughly 10 are now standards. The record's historical weight can make it hard to hear now with fresh ears, but the monumental urgency of Kurt Cobain's screams is still shocking. --Douglas Wolk ... Read more

Reviews (1424)

oh my god
im 13, and i wasnt even born when this came out. it sucks, this music is dying fast - the alternative image in rock is crumbling to a joke and people are goin to stop spiking their hair up and listening to a joke. grow your hair and bow down and worship metal

nirvana sucks!
nevermind is amongst the most overrated and lousiest rock albums of all time.awful songs like smells like teen spirit and polly reek!.there are absolutely no guitar solos in this album.this is just noise.THIS IS ONE ALBUM WHICH EVERY ROCK FAN SHOULD AVOID.get any album from LED ZEPPELIN,BLACK SABBATH or DEEP PURPLE instead.

Nirvana Rocks
One of my favorite albums of 1991. This along goes great with Use Your Illusions 1 and 2, Metallica, and On Every Street. My favorite one would be Smells Like Teen Spirit. Lithium would be my second fave. In Bloom would be my 3rd favorite. Come As You Are would be my 4th favorite. This is a must have for any rock fan. ... Read more

Asin: B000003TA4
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Californication
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (08 June, 1999)
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Editorial Review

Reunited with producer Rick Rubin and guitarist John Frusciante (both of whom were on board for the 1991's breakthrough Blood Sugar Sex Magik), the Chili Peppers waste no time in burying their last effort, the so-so One Hot Minute. Californication's kickoff cut, "Around the World," swaggers around the room, reacquainting itself with old fans and welcoming new ones. Fuzzy Hendrix vibes and popcorn bass lines still rule the roost, along with a heaping helping of disco magic and some unexpected twists. Ten years ago, Anthony Kiedis and company wouldn't have been comfortable doing revamped new wave ("Parallel Universe") or unpretentious ballads (the acoustic "Road Trippin'"), but such material fits Californication's extra-wide canvas. Except for a few meandering numbers that could have been excised, the Red Hot Chili Peppers succeed and regain their footing on the mountain of adrenalized funk. --Jason Josephes ... Read more

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Reviews (803)

Best Band
I love the chili peppers because they are just the best you cant explain.(...)

there is so much to get out of this cd
probably the songs on here are the most beautiful songs they ever made.touching, arranged perfectly, with elements of funk and soul only RHCP could have crafted.This album was my introduction to the band, and I recommend it wholeheartedly for new fans.There is no way in the world that you cannot enjoy all the tracks here, they are just put together so well.This album made them really popular with teens today, more than any other album of theirs.just get it, its absolutely wonderful music.

An amazing album from an amazing band

When i went to see The Red Hot Chili Peppers in london last summer their set consisted mostly of californication tracks,which was great because i have always thought of californication as a really summery jump about album partly due to its number of upbeat songs (and hot front cover!).The track that stands out for me from this album will always be californication but there are some real other quality songs and each one goes in a different direction.There are quieter tunes such as this velvet glove and porcelain and faster paced tracks such as right on time and paralell universe.Alot of the tunes are quite experimental for the chili peppers as soem are quite unlike the bands previous material.The album has a good balance of fire fuelled tracks and moving mellow ones.
Californication is a must because the chili peppers,such talented and experienced musicians who are really at one with what they do,make its catchy guitar riffs and feel good beats cant help but work their way into your head!Defnitly my faviroute and i hope it becomes your too!
... Read more

Asin: B00000J7JO
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Funk Metal    3. Pop    4. Rap-Rock    5. Rock   

Dookie
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 February, 1994)
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Editorial Review

Take one part Ramones, one part Buzzcocks, and one part Husker Du, and you've got the basic foundation of Green Day, a punky, witty, melodic San Francisco Bay area trio who became overnight stars in 1994 when this album, their third overall release and major label debut, catapulted them to the top of the pop charts. Led by guitarist/vocalist Billie Joe Armstrong and their secret weapon, powerhouse drummer Tre Cool, Green Day put '70s and '80s punk in a compact '90s package with songs like "Longview," "Basket Case," "Pulling Teeth," and the hit semi-ballad, "When I Come Around." One the few modern alternative rock bands with a bona fide sense of humor. --Billy Altman ... Read more

Reviews (466)

HI.
MY FARTS STINK.LIKE A MOTHER! DAUAUAUAHUUUHHUUHHH BY BEN



HI.

GO BIZCHNICKS!

A classic.
A little over ten years old now, yet it's already a classic. Yay for Green Day.

I prefer Nimrod only slightly over Dookie, but this is still the album that really broke Green Day. They were pretty much THE band of '94 (sorry Soundgarden fans) and, yes, the hits from this album were a tad overplayed. Still, this will forever sound great to fresh ears.

Great, catchy, fun pop-punk. How can you go wrong? Five stars easy.

By the way, American Idiot was great you bunch of quasi-pretentious, pathetically nonconformist, no-taste-having, can't-think-for-yourselves, wannabe "underground" sheep.

Sell Out or Not?
This album is great, and there is no denying it. While to some, American Idiot was "the sellout album" of Green Day. To others, those fans who have followed Green Day from their underground years.. Dookie is "the sellout album."

Comparing Dookie to American Idiot, the songs are a little more real. American Idiot and Boulevard of Broken Dreams are both OK songs, they just repeat and repeat. While songs like When I Come Around, Burnout, and most of the other songs on Dookie are good songs, with out repeat the title about a zillion times in a row. Though, there is a certin hidden track that... oh have I said too much? ... Read more

Asin: B000002MP2
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Pop    3. Post-Grunge    4. Punk Revival    5. Punk-Pop    6. Rock   

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers - Greatest Hits
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (16 November, 1993)
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Editorial Review

He's sold millions of albums, filled arenas, and hobnobbed with George Harrison, Bob Dylan and Roy Orbison, but Tom Petty's driving heartland rock has often been taken for granted by the same critics who hail John Mellencamp as a genius. Greatest Hits is an airtight argument for Petty's own greatness.Starting with "American Girl," the rollicking, Byrds-inspired single from Petty's first album in 1976, this compilation presents a chronological overview of the guitarist-vocalist's career with and without the Heartbreakers, also chronically underrated as one of today's best bands. Every one of the 16 older tracks is a well-crafted gem, full of solid guitar hooks ("Here Comes My Girl"), arresting images ("Don't Come Around Here No More") and simple but poetic lyrics ("The Waiting").

Petty isn't an innovator; he's a talented craftsman with impeccable taste and a strong sense of rock history, internalizing influences ranging from the Beatles' psychedelic masterpiece, Revolver, to the best of '70s punk. (It's interesting to remember that early efforts such as "Refugee" and "Don't Do Me Like That" first won Petty attention as a New Wave artist). With his Dylanesque vocals and chiming 12-string guitars, Petty is more often linked these days with the sounds of the '60s. But recent tunes such as "Learning to Fly" and "Into the Great Wide Open" are as smart, relevant and (dare I say) alternative as anything in MTV's Buzz Bin. --Jim DeRogatis ... Read more

Reviews (105)

Not Bad
Tom Petty's wroth listening to many people, some lyrics can be sad, yet alot are very happy. Although most of his songs are about weed and he was a stoner doesnt mean much, he was still a great vocalist and a great songwriter. If you like rock music from the older days Tom Petty's the type you would like to listen to. "Last Dance With Mary Jane","Breakdown","Running Down A Dream" are some of his greastest works.

Missing A Few Songs, but Still Great
Unfortunately, this CD came out before Tom's release of Wildflowers, as well as the Concert for George CD, so a lot of great material such as "Wildflowers," "You Don't Know How It Feels," and his cover of the Beatles' "Taxman" are absent. Still, this collection does a good job anthologizing Tom's career up to 1993. This album shows the progression of Tom's career in chronological order from his self-titled debut album through 1991's Into the Great Wide Open, and including two bonus tracks, "Mary Jane's Last Dance" and "Something in the Air." The standout tracks on this compilation are "American Girl," "Refugee," "Runnin Down A Dream," "Free Fallin," and "Mary Jane's Last Dance." Each of these tracks are among my favorite songs of all time. I was particularly surprised to see that "Mary Jane's Last Dance hadn't been released until the Greatest Hits album came out. It is an incredible song, possibly the overall best on the CD. Tom's sound is noticeably different on the tracks from Full Moon Fever, the first album he worked on without his fellow Heartbreakers. His collaboration with Jeff Lynne (of ELO fame) really makes the tracks from that album stand out. I would have given this compilation 5 stars, but it is lacking in material from Tom's more recent career (which has been encompassed in the latest anthology), as well as his work as a member of the Traveling Wilburys. If songs like "Handle With Care" and "Heading For The Light" had been included, this easily would have qualified as a five star compilation. Another missing track is "Stop Draggin My Heart Around," Petty's collaboration with Stevie Nicks. Fortunately, this song is present on the Anthology.

BEST SONGS: "Refugee," "Mary Jane's Last Dance," "American Girl," and "Runnin Down A Dream."

SONGS TO SKIP: N/A

Overall, this is a great CD for casual fans of Petty's, and a great starting point for getting into his music, but there are quite a few songs that should have been included in this compilation that are mysteriously absent. You'd be better off purchasing the Anthology that recently came out if you are willing to spend a few more dollars.

Jammin' Me
Tom Petty is truly an American Classic. It was once said that as a young boy growing up in Florida, Tom made it close to the set of an Elvis movie being shot in the Sunshine state.He peeked through a fence and saw the King himself; from that point on, he was so inspired that he vowed never to do anything else for a career other than make music.If that story alone doesn't get you off, then you have no business cueing up this CD.For the rock 'n roll enthusiast, this collection conjures up the best of rollicking romantic visions.When I listen to "American Girl," I see the sweetie herself standing on that balcony, beckoning for me to come hither.When I crank up "Here Comes My Girl," I know that T.P. is talking about my lovely little lady and the "way she walks." On "Free Fallin," I feel the warm California sun basking over me and my honey on the beach. Tom is one of the few artists that has stayed true to the rock 'n roll basics of such groups as the Byrds and Beatles, and maintained consistent albums sales and a loyal concert attendance base.I believe that it's because he writes and sings from his heart. I've been listening to Tom Petty since 1979, and I think this collection showcases everything positive about this American Original.Keep it real, T.P., and keep on rockin' in the free fallin' world. ... Read more

Asin: B000002OO0
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Bar Band    3. Hard Rock    4. Heartland Rock    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. Rock & Roll    8. United States of America   

Piano Man
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 October, 1998)
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Features

• Enhanced
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (35)

The First In A String of Classics
Billy Joel's major label debut album showcased his vocal and songwriting talent and set the stage for what was to come.
As we would learn on Behind The Music, part of this album tales came from his time on the West Coast, "Piano Man" and his trip back home to the East Coast "Your My Home", and the struggles long the way.

"Captain Jack" long a concert favorite, and in the recent past reserved for tour stops in Philly (thanks to WMMR supporting this track back in the day) has to be the ultimate 70's angst song, with "The Ballad of Billy The Kid" a tamer alternate.

To me the strongest song on this offering is "If I Only Had The Words (to tell you)". I am so sick of always hearing relationship songs sung by female artists, and in turn always blaming the guy for whats goes wrong.As an old saying goes It Takes Two to Tango, and with the track Billy spills his heart out yearing for something more meaningful, that clearly has been lost on his girlfriends at that time. Few straight male artists have the guts to sing a track like this.

Sence I was three
Proabally my dads most played albums.Ive been listening to this one sence I was three. When I would go some where with my dad I would beg him to put on piano man. By the time I was ten the tape would hrdly work any more ,and when the tape finally broke I cryed my eyes out. now that I have it on cd i listen to it all the time. This is most deffinatly Billy's most AMMAZING, most TOUCHING,and BEST EVER. Buy this album you wont be sorry

He'll sing us a song,he's the Piano Man!
This album is Billy Joel's second overall,but the first distributed by Columbia Records. It was released in early 1974(Joel said this on 2000 YEARS-THE MILLENIUM CONCERT nearly 26 years later),spawning hits like YOU'RE MY HOME,CAPTAIN JACK and of course,the title track which would earn Joel that same title by reporters to this very day. YMH,CJ and THE BALLAD OF BILLY THE KID would be recorded live in 1980 for 1981's SONGS IN THE ATTIC. The latter track would again be recorded live on December 31,1999 for 2000 YEARS. The title track and CJ would be recycled for 1985's GREATEST HITS VOL. 1 & VOL. 2. The other songs are great. ... Read more

Asin: B00000DCH9
Sales Rank: 10032
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Piano    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Rock    6. Singer/Songwriter    7. Soft Rock   

Are You Experienced
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (22 April, 1997)
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Editorial Review

As emblematic of its time as of its sorcerer-like creator, 1967's Are You Experienced unleashed Jimi Hendrix onto a world in the midst of such cultural and musical shakeups that it really didn't seem as "far out" as it actually was. It wasn't just Hendrix's virtuosic skill as a pure player that was so impressive; it was, even more, the range and scope of sheer sound that he coaxed, cajoled, and ripped out of his instrument. "Purple Haze," "Manic Depression," and "I Don't Live Today" filled ears with indelible sonic images, and songs like "Foxey Lady" and "Fire" pointed the way toward a new brand of rock-charged soul music. And how about a hand for drummer Mitch Mitchell? --Billy Altman ... Read more

Reviews (249)

Hendrix Masterpiece; Unveils Innovation To The World
A musician with sensational creativity, a fascinating feel for the guitar, and, above all, a marvelous songwriter. Are You Experienced? is maybe the greatest debut album of all time, as it immediately and thoroughly lets us into the mind of one of the greatest musicians of all time.

Alright, I won't put his songwriting above his guitar work, however many underestimate Hendrix's songwriting abilities, and, the fact of the matter is that they were exceptional. Possibly he branched them out even further after this album, nevertheless Are You Experienced? has ugly rockers, slow ballads, and guitar masterpieces all built around excellent lyrics.
To give my impressions on some of the songs, I found Hey Joe to be a classic the moment I discovered it. It carries a contagious melody, with some mind twisting lyrics and guitar riffs beyond imagination. There of course is the metal sensation, Purple Haze, and the guitar blaster, Foxy Lady, 2 immediate classics. Manic Depression is a vicious rocker, stabbing guitar power down your eardrums the second it comes on. Fire is equally as powerful. Stone Free is a nice, energetic rocker. Love Or Confusion is beautiful lyric wise. Lesser known tracks like I Don't Live Today and Highway Chile are rock numbers with a solid core. A great deal of consistency lies on this album, in a sense that you're getting a great balance of songs, as The Jimi Hendrix Experience change the style of songs. Remember is a smooth track with strong riffs. 51st Anniversary, said to be the only Hendrix song on the album without a guitar solo has a light moving quality to it. The longest song on the album, Third Stone From The Sun, incorporates the band playing very well as a whole (of course that's the case on the entire album)and offering sensational jamming innovation. The bluesy song, Red House, should be among a list of the greatest blues songs ever written. Hendrix lets his feel for blues fly loose, and the guitar soloing in this song is so well timed and kept within the base of the song. The self titled track is also a keeper, very low key and less energetic, but certainly not a step down from any other song lying amongst this collection of tracks.

AYE? will be rightfully considered a phenomenal debut and a Hendrix classic. Recommended to all listeners of music.

Groundbreaking Indeed
Many revere Jimi Hendrix's Are You Experienced? as the most influential debut recording by a rock n roll artist.At the very least itsa high energy recording that is loaded with big hits.

With six bonus tracks, now ten of the twelve songs from Smash Hits appear on Are You Experienced?Add to this sevven strong album cuts and you have a gem on your hands.

Much of the recording is indeed hard rock.However, there are so many softer touching melodies such as May This Be Love, The Wind Cries Mary, and the jazz flavored Third Stones From The Sun.

Its a true joy to listen to Jimi Hendrix, Noel Redding, and Mitch Mitchell weave their talents through these seventeen stunning tracks.Groundbreaking Indeed!

Overrated and So Dated
Time Waits for no one, and this album is the proof why. Pruple Haze Indeed contains probebly the greatest Guitar riff ever recorded but the rest of the album not very much.Buy something from the Rolling Stones. ... Read more

Asin: B000002P5Y
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Steve Miller Band - Greatest Hits 1974-1978
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

Greatest-hits collections often deprive the listener of the chance to experience an artist's true scope of talent. Not so with Steve Miller--his strength has always been more in crafting an occasional blast of FM-radio heaven rather than a dozen solid album tracks.Greatest Hits 1974-78 chronicles the best singles from Miller's most successful years, after he veered from Haight-Ashbury bluesy trippiness to more accessible blues-based pop-rock. There are the slippery grooves of "The Joker" and "Fly Like an Eagle," and there's the air-guitar-beckoning riff rock of "Take the Money and Run," "Jungle Love," "Rock n'Me," and "Jet Airliner." Don't expect groundbreaking art, expect references to the "pompatus of love" and instant gratification. Requisite listening at the classic-rock keg party. --Neal Weiss ... Read more

Reviews (60)

Well before Abracadabra, Steve Miller rocked!
Although those who grew up in the 70s were probably fans of Steve Miller when these songs were first released, children of the 80s like myself were first exposed to Steve Miller via the incessantly played pop hit "Abracadabra."It wasn't until I went to college that I discovered the classic tunes featured on this album, as songs such as "Jungle Love" and "Rock 'N Me" were staples of my collegiate life.Unfortunately, it seems that modern-day "best of" radio stations (e.g., "the best of the 70s and 80s"), have co-opted some of these tracks to play them to the point of exhaustion, namely "The Joker," "Fly Like an Eagle," and "Jet Airliner."Still, if you are a Steve Miller fan, there is plenty to enjoy here that you won't find on the airwaves, "Abracadabra" not withstanding.

70's classic songs all in one place!
A great cd of Steve's best songs from his best albums.All of these songs are arranged really well, showcasing his songwriting talent.This is a great album of party rock that anyone can enjoy, with a little country thrown in for good measure.It is a really good cd that will enhance any collection.If you are new to the music, you will still probably recognize many songs.For more great Steve Miller songs, get Best of 1968-73 (I think thats what it is called).But get this greatest hits collection before that one.

Will never tire of this one
I will always have a copy of this, which means I have had to buy several copies...I am very bad on CD's. ... Read more

Asin: B000002U98
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Arena Rock    3. Blues-Rock    4. Hard Rock    5. Pop    6. Pop/Rock    7. Rock    8. Rock & Roll   

(What's The Story) Morning Glory?
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (03 October, 1995)
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Editorial Review

This big rock candy mountain of an album justifies some if by no means all of the poses and pretentious statements made by Manchester's natural-born rock & roll deities. A dramatic attempt to rekindle the flames of the original British Invasion, Morning Glory rolls 30 years of Britpop tradition into one irresistible (if achingly self-conscious) whole. "Wonderwall" can be read as a Beatles tribute, "Don't Look Back in Anger" feels like a Mott The Hoople anthem and "She's Electric" and "Morning Glory" are chewy pop confections.--Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (356)

The Best Album Ever Made
When I bought this album, I listened to it straight through two times in a row and I was instantly hooked.This album is perfect, literally perfect.
For those who want to rock, turn up "Hello", "Roll With It", and "What's The Story Morning Glory."
For those who want to mellow out, Oasis serves up four classics, "Wonderwall", "Don't Look Back in Anger", "Cast No Shadow", and "Champaign Supernova."
Throw in the amazing "Some Might Say" and you have a complete and flawless album.This album defined the 90's and brought the greatness of Britpop over the pond.
Oasis-more than hype, more than attitude.The greatest rock and roll band on Earth.

Good, but not OASIS's BEST!
Alright!I'm tired of hearing that this is OASIS's best album.I personally do not think so, especially...after listening to Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants, which I think destroys (What's The Story) Morning Glory?Don't get me wrong...I love OASIS...and for some weird reason I don't like The Beatles(but that's a whole other story).It's kinda funny when I notice people only have (WTS)MG? album in their CD collections and refuse to get any other OASIS albums.

OVERRATED NONSENSE.......
This really is a dull, unimaginative and ultimately boring album. How on earth people can claim it to be the best album ever, and even in one instance, 'life changing' is beyond me! Definitely Maybe was okay (Slide Away and Live Forever are fine songs) but apart from Some Might Say, this really is a very poor album. I think the reason it was so popular in UK is that it was just a case of the UK record buying public following the herd and buying what everyone else was buying (a la Phil Collins in the late 80s and Simply Red (remember 'Stars'?) in the early 90s).

My advice to those of you who regard this as the finest album ever is to try and broaden your musical horizons a little - check out the Super Furry Animals, The Flaming Lips, Kings of Leon, Wilco, Arcade Fire, Doves, Joy Zipper, The Mars Volta, Modest Mouse etc and a thousand other lesser known acts - you might be surprised. Experiment!

... Read more

Asin: B000002BBY
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Britain    3. British Trad Rock    4. Britpop    5. Hard Rock    6. Pop    7. Pop/Rock    8. Rock    9. Rock & Roll   

We Sold Our Soul for Rock 'n' Roll
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
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Editorial Review

An excellent introduction for one of the bands that set the standard for heavy metal. We Sold Our Soul for Rock & Roll features the original lineup of Black Sabbath, including Ozzy Osbourne on vocals; the songs are selected from the band's recordings up through 1975. The album features several classic songs, several of which are still on rock radio play lists: "Paranoid," "War Pigs," "Iron Man," and the ballad "Changes." There's also the humorous "Fairies Wear Boots," the vaguely psychedelic "Am I Going Insane," and the dark, macabre "Black Sabbath" and "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath." Most Sabbath fans will already have the albums from which the songs on this collection are taken. However, for the listener new to Sabbath, it's the perfect place to start. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Reviews (75)

AMAZING
there couldn't of been a better greatest hits than this. Truly a great compilation.

u n b e l i e v a b l e
i love metal and grunge and punk, so mainly im into anything that has distoted guitars in the musicand none of that would have happened if sabbath hadent came alonh, and for the fact that tony ioomi has a bit of his finger missing so had to tune the strings lower and focos more on riffing then playing.

Excellent
A good introduction to Black Sabbath in all their sabbathy wonder. It's got all the classics here (well not ALL), as well as a few others that are just as good. I would've liked to see Electric Funeral on here, however.

1. Black Sabbath- 5/5 Creepy and awesome. The vocals here are chilling.

2. The Wizard- 4/5 Haven't heard another song that rocks as hard with a harmonica.

3. Paranoid- 5/5 Yeaaaaahh!!! Who doesn't love this one?

4. War Pigs- 5/5 Powerful.

5. Iron Man- 5/5 Definitely one of my favorite Black Sabbath songs, awesome riff.

6. Tomorrow's Dream- 3/5 Doesn't really stand out, but give it a listen anyway.

7. Fairies Wear Boots- 5/5 A nice weird song you can listen to over and over again.

8. Changes- 4/5 A good ballad. No guitars here though.

9. Sweet Leaf- 4/5 hahahaha... Ozzy loves his sweet leaf.

10. Children of the Grave- 5/5 Really good heavy song.

11. Sabbath Bloody Sabbath- 5/5 I just might love this one more than iron man. If you don't like this song than just stay away from Black Sabbath.

12. Am I Going Insane-3/5 A change of pace here, not that bad.

13. Snowblind- 5/5 Another classic.

14. N.I.B.- 5/5 The best song to end this cd. It's evil I tell you! ... Read more

Asin: B000002KGA
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. British Metal    3. Hard Rock    4. Heavy Metal    5. Pop    6. Rock