Fizzy Fuzzy Big & Buzzy
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (27 February, 1996)
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Reviews (63)

Hidden Treasure
This is actually one of my favorite albums.Once it gets into my car stereo, it tends to stay there for weeks.I bought it for the well-known "Banditos" and the rest just grew on me.Some of the songs should be on b-movie soundtracks (and would help you like the movie).Some are just poignant - "Mekong" reminds me of all the business travel I've done where the hotel bar was the only place to go and meet your new best friend who is doing the same thing.I've always considered this one of my desert island CDs because it's solid cover to cover and no matter how many times I play it, I still really love it.

Great Music and a sense of humor
This album is great.The music fits just about anyone and goes with almost any momnet.

SUPERB!
If you had to bring one CD to a desert island with you, this would be the one.The beat and lyrics are genious...as is Roger Clyne (frontman).I suggest if you love this CD you go to www.azpeacemakers.com and check out their tour dates and go see them because they are SO much better live.Even though they have changed their name and a band member or two they still play songs off of this CD.I suggest their new CD (their new name is Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers) "Americano!" because it is just as good, if not better, than this CD.It also comes with a DVD which rocks!I have nothing but great things to say about these guys. ... Read more

Asin: B000001EID
Sales Rank: 18368
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

The Bottle & Fresh Horses
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (16 September, 1997)
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Reviews (33)

shame this band is gone
Everyone who owns FFBB probably agrees that that album was far superior to this one in respects to music. The band lighten up the beats and a more cheerful country rock sound is b/c of this. Songs such as "Tributary Otis", "Sin Nombre", "Good Year", and "Una Soda" are excellent songs. "Horses" is a slight disappointment in the case it really isn't a song, and I'm not too fond of "Dolly". Other than that, the whole album is strong.

I wish this band was around still. They showed great musicianship in their songs and the lyrics are sentimental and tell a story each time. Almost as if they are bar stories or cowboy tales. Whatever way, the songs are good. The Bottle and Fresh Horses is a unique clash of southwest country, and cali rock, all w/ a mexican influence. If you have FFBB give this a shot, I'm sure you'd like it.

very refreshing!! check out Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers!
what can i say that hasnt been said about this group? very underrated on both albums, it was very dissapointing that they disbanded.good news though, Roger clyne is still around. if you like the alt-southern rock and alt-country style of the refreshments, check out ROGER CLYNE AND THE PEACEMAKERS. They have 3 very good albums, a bit more alt-country than the refreshments, but Roger has that voice and those incredibly fun and touching lyrics that show what a great character he is.LONG LIVE ROGER CLYNE!!! (also, check out their concerts, very cheap and tons of fun!!!)

Music Security Sucks
Bought the CD after discovering them. RIPing it to my PC results in no music. As I have never been able to listen to it, I don't recommend buying it. ... Read more

Asin: B000001EWQ
Sales Rank: 6022
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Pop    3. Post-Grunge    4. Rock   

Honky Tonk Union
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (04 April, 2000)
list price: $12.98
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Reviews (22)

Desert Rock @ its finest
If your not sure which Roger Clyne album to get, this is the one.Emotional highlights from happy to sad, rock 'n roll to rockabilly - this one has it all.10/11 songs are classics!

The best band you've never heard of....
Sublime.They set out to create a new sound, a sound for Arizona, and ended up creating a masterpiece.From more rock-oriented pieces like "Beautiful Disaster" to bluesy-country tunes like "City Girls" to the heartbreaking and genre-busting love sone "Green and Dumb," it is perfection.I can't think of the last time I've enjoyed an album so much, and their live show is even better (if that is possible).

If you don't own this album, you are missing a treasure.

Thank God: Roger's still making music
I loved the Refeshments.One of the best bands I've ever heard, and when they went away I was disappointed.I'd rate their first CD, Fizzy Fuzzy Big and Buzzy as an all time classic. It's a the drinkinest, most fun CD, Jimmy Buffet for people in or stuck in their 20s and 30s.This CD heads a little into the country side of rock, but not horribly so.It's definitely not Nashville, more alt-country if that.Mostly it's just rock.This is about the only band that I will travel to see play (3 states so far, www.rogerclyne.net).I'm not even a concert person, but this band live is unbelievable, if you don't have a good time at one of their shows, it's more a reflection on YOU than them. High lights of this CD are Easy, Beautiful Disaster, Tell Yer Momma, and Never Thought.I've bought this CD probably 4 times as gifts, you should buy it as a gift to yourself. ... Read more

Asin: B00004UAI1
Sales Rank: 125195
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Real to Reel
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (06 March, 2001)
list price: $17.99
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Reviews (3)

Roger Clyne- Folk Hero
Roger Clyne is our Bob Dylan.
Big bold statement, you say? Insupportable, you mutter? I, however, contend that if Roger Clyne had the inclination to live in NYC and the advantage of Dylan's booming scene, we'd be hearing much more from this supremely talented singer/songwriter. Instead, CLyne prefers to stick close to his native Arizona. While that's bad news for his fans in the northeast, one can't complain too much when the man writes such bewilderingly great songs. Nearly every song on the live "Real to Reel" is a polished pop/country gem (With one regrettable selection- "Beautiful Disaster", a supposed homage to Springsteen's "Born to Run", just sounds as though Clyneripped off The Boss to lesser effect)

Reading the lyrics to the disc's best track ("Green and Dumb") reveals Clyne's gift for phrasing and imagery: "I haunt her house from the outside; watch her bake cornbread and talk on the phone. THe wireless on the inside sings a sad, sweet song. A mute, moonlit statue am I..She waltzes alone."

Veering from the melancholy to the funny and almost gleefully bizarre, Clyne's newest material builds on everything he learned from his time with The Refreshments, and then adds a healthy layer of dirt and grit to the proceedings. A great album.

donde esta los refrescos?
Roger Clyne still knows how to give up the goods, even with the demise of the late, great Refreshments and all the goodness they provided. Gone are so-great-it'll-make-you-cry guitarist Brian Blush and Buddy the bassist, but the new guys certainly hold their own on a great mix of country-mex, heartfelt and pretty damn funny tunes.

The live format is great, with just enough between song banter and crowd noise (especially during "tell yer momma") to make it more interesting than a studio version. Great version of "Mekong" off the original, limited run Wheelie disc [note to Refreshments fans: give Fizzy Fuzzy away and track down a copy of the real McCoy]and a livlier version of "Horses", off the underappreciated Bottle & Fresh Horses album.

If you still wish the Refreshments hadn't headed south of the border, get this one. It won't light quite the same fire under your enchilada, but some spicy sauce is always better than none.

Gracias.

near perfect peacemakers
the raw powerful vocals are acompanied by one of the best alt-country bands that has ever been assembled. the songwriting is original and extremely creative. while a few songs on the album are a bit eccentric and comical, it is in a good way. i cant believe a major record label hasnt signed this band!! they are one of the best i have heard in a long time, and i hope the world gets a chance to hear their music. they will probably be as blown away as i am :) ... Read more

Asin: B00005ASG8
Sales Rank: 148253
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Sonoran Hope & Madness
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (12 February, 2002)
list price: $14.98
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Reviews (17)

Move over Bruce, the new Boss is here
No one in rock plays harder live than Roger Clyne, including the Boss.If you like your rock, fun, hard, meaningful, thoughtful, sometimes whimsical and all together eclectic, this it the band.From straight rocking it on songs like Colorblind Blues, to breaking your heart with a song (from a terrific storyteller like Roger Clyne,) about a dearly departed friend as in Ashes of San Miguel, to silly, "celebrate your inner White Trash" roots, country-fried rock in Bury My Heart at the Trailer Park, this CD has a little for everyone, and lot to offer if you got the mind open enough to hear what Roger has to say.With a couple of decidedly more Mexican border rock tracks with songs like Better Beautiful Than Perfect, and the title track you'll soon have a whole new perspective on living in those dusty borderlands. Thanks Roger.

album: 5 stars, live show: 6 stars.wow.
I listenend to Roger Clyne while he was in the Refreshments and really appreciated his first album.He had a freshness and charismatic outlook that makes you younger for having heard it, and the way he seamlessly blends his Southwestern lifestyle with his music makes me at once envious of him and proud just to bear witness to it.I lamentably stopped paying attention to them after Fizzy Fuzzy Big and Buzzy and missed their second CD, Bottle and Fresh Horses.Then just recently I downloaded a bunch of songs from his catalog and to my great surprise I realized that not only had he not fallen off the face of the earth, but he has been steadily grinding out what may be the only true American music for the last decade with his new (sort of) band the Peacemakers.While I can't say with certainty that he has been getting better, I can say that he has been traveling in a (pretty) straight line and you can literally watch him grow from an immature young savant into a pensive and wise man.He has equipped himself with equally awesome band members. Danny Blanco, PH Naffah (from the Refreshments) and Steve Larson (from Dead Hot Workshop) all do a spectacular job but they are eclipsed by that divine young man Roger Clyne.

Really Great Music
This is a great new CD which is similar to the defunkt "The Refreshments", it has some great songs.. and I recommend anyone pick it up! ... Read more

Asin: B000060O1R
Sales Rank: 75262
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Americano
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 January, 2004)
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• Enhanced

Reviews (27)

overall very strong album from talented group
If you liked any of Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers albums or any refreshments albums you will definetely find something you like on this disc.Most of the songs are quite good, ecspecially "i don't need another thrill", counterclockwise, and leaky little boat".The best overall though is the hidden track, "a little hung over you" which plays as number 13.

do yourself a favor and give this disc a try, you won't be disapointed.

I Don't Need Another Thrill
Listening to this disc for the first time, I was reminded of Creedence Clearwater, Buffalo Springfield, and Tim O'Brien.All in the best way.This band has a similar way of linking together songs that aren't necessarily thematically homogenous, and making them stand up as a unified whole.This collection of twelve originals (there is an unbilled track) rocks along, with a country-fried front porch undertone, both a party time soundtrack and a little something for when you're just chilling.

There are no out-and-out bad tracks on this album.The closest there might be is "Your Name On a Grain of Rice," which rambles a little, but is still quite good.Other tracks, like "Counterclockwise," "Leaky Little Boat," and "God Gave Me a Gun," weave in and out of a guitar rock sounscape that moves from the driving electricity of the title track, through dark reveries like "Switchblade," to the acoustic-based "Leave an Open Door" with scarcely a hiccup.

Not everyone will like this album, but not everyone should.There's an atmosphere to it like two beers and a basket of mozarella sticks with good friends.Gleefully unsophisticated and kickingly friendly, this is music for the kind of people who don't mind lying to the spouse about why you spent an extra hour at the pub with that guy you hope your kids never actually meet.

Some versions of this CD are packed with a DVD about the making of the album.This isn't exactly something you want to watch over and over again, like "Lord of the Rings," but it's a fun insight into the creative process and a peek into the life of the kind of band who deserves more attention than they get, but is happy to play for a core of devoted fans.

If only more albums like this came out for the devoted music lover, there would be no complaints against modern American recording.If you've heard of this disc, you're already ahead of the curve.Pick up a copy and play it loud, and see if you don't feel like there's hope for American music in the early Twenty-first Century.

Get this.Period.
I've yet to meet anyone who even knows of this band.This is truly sad.I've seen them four times in the past two years, and they f**king KILL on stage.As great as this is, it's not even their best effort; if you like this, you'll LOVE the two studio and one live CD that preceded it.By all means, get the two Refreshments CDs as well.These guys f**king RAWK!!! ... Read more

Asin: B0001CNR0W
Sales Rank: 6930
Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Heartland Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Roots Rock   

Great Divide
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 April, 1996)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Reviews (36)

Great Divide is just Plain Great
Why, if it's so great, am I holding back the remaining star? A valid question: this album, in effect one of the most assured debut efforts ever (not counting the band's Pleasure EP) is deserving of another half-star, it's true, but while Great Divide is frequently irresistible, it doesn't quite reach legendary status. That said, I've heard very few albums that are so consistently listenable on a repeated basis. I first saw Semisonic, so surprisingly without their registering a memorable impact upon me, when they led off for Aimee Mann on the Whatever tour in 1993. So I didn't even realize at first who was making the sweet but chunky music issuing from my friend Dave's car speakers. After hearing "If I Run", I was useless, and as with "I Should've Known" from Whatever, went on to play it over and over and OVER again on the 100 - mile ride back home; in fact, in excess of 1,000 total airings to date- no exaggeration. As he was a drummer that occasionally gigged, it and the movie "Phenomenon" became forever associated with my late brother's tumor-related travails. For that reason alone, Great Divide will always hold a very special place in my heart. But there are a host of other pleasures to be had with this record, just a little better than Feeling Strangely Fine, its far more successful follow-up (indeed, combine the stellar moments of both -specifically, "Closing Time", "Built To Last", "Singing In My Sleep", "Never You Mind" and "This Will Be My Year" with "FNT", "If I Run", "Great Divide", "Down In Flames", Falling", "In Another Life" and "I Feel For You" - you'll have one of THE all-time best albums in any genre, guaranteed). Classic Seventies AM radio touches abound, especially on the sardonic reincarnationparable "In Another Life", which closely references the Beach Boys' haunting harmonies by way of "Wishing You Were Here" (Chicago) and "Shannon" (Henry Gross) while still remaining original. Semisonic stumbled badly with 2001's All About Chemistry and never regained its footing; listening (after much assumed resistance) to the samples for .....Chemistry provided by this site, I realize that it deserved a kinder fate - in some ways the material isn't at all far-removed from Songs About Jane, the final Kara's Flowers sessions that ultimately carried Maroon 5 to superstardom. It's not that the songs are terribly inferior; there just seems to be an element missing from the mix, and for me, it's unquestionably the 'crunch factor' that vitalizes both Great Divide and Feeling Strangely Fine. And had the music been of an equal measure to those very cool insert graphics, Semisonic's future might not now be in doubt. Lead singer and composer Dan Wilson subsequently pursued a modest solo career, collaborating with Bleu for the absolutely stunning "Something's Gotta Give", while drummer Jacob Schlichter wrote 'So You Want To Be A Rock n' Roll Star', referred to by some book reviewers as one of the most witheringly funny and accurate accounts of popular music's business end. It would be interesting to see if I made it on to any of its pages but that, as they say, is another story.....anyhow, one or two listens and it's abundantly clear that Great Divide demands a spot on any discerning music lover's 'go-to, no-brainer' list of favorite records.

Almost better than Feeling Strangely Fine!
As a devout Semisonic fan, saying that 'Great Divide' is better than 'Feeling Strangely Fine' (one of the great rock albums of the 90's) is almost sacreligious, in a way. But I'm saying it. From the moment you first hear the opening lick to 'F.N.T.', you're sucked in for life. The whole album does that to you. I still don't know what my favorite song is, because they're all so good, but it's between 'F.N.T.', 'If I Run', 'Across the Great Divide', 'Falling', and 'In Another Life.' If you like your music with a beat that brings out the inner optimist in you, then buy this album!

Gentlemen, Roll Down Your Windows
Great Divide has lived in my CD player for 8 years now, and I think it's safe to say that I'll never get sick of it at this point. The funny thing is that, the first few times I listened to it, only a couple of songs struck me. Of course, the scrumptious "oo-ooh!" chorus of Delicious grabbed me right away, and FNT sizzles with electricity from the first listen, but most of the songs seemed less stellar. That didn't last long though. These songs are my adopted babies now.

I hesitate to label an album that didn't crest 100,000 copies sold as the greatest album of all time, but I will at least say that Great Divide is by far the best car soundtrack I've ever heard. Roll down those windows and crank it up!! I'm getting an adrenaline rush just thinking about it. ... Read more

Asin: B000002OZU
Sales Rank: 88720
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Feeling Strangely Fine
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (24 March, 1998)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

The second record from this Minneapolis trio firmly established them as one of the most promising hard-edged pop bands to surface in the 1990s. The leadoff track, the modern rock radio hit "Closing Time," neatly encapsulates everything that makes Semisonic special, from its irresistibly catchy chorus to an ingeniously minimalist keyboard riff to a simple lyric that speaks volumes to the 20-something nightclubbing set. Elsewhere, the band broadens its base with touches of psychedelic production ("California"), boogie-woogie- influenced piano ("Never You Mind") and tender string accompaniment ("Gone to the Movies"). The disc drags a bit in the middle with less memorable tracks such as "Completely Pleased" and "This Will Be My Year," but overall, Feeling Strangely Fine finds Semisonic blooming radiantly. --Peter Blackstock ... Read more

Reviews (186)

Feeling Strangely Fine=Shrineworthy
I first heard Semisonic through a mix tape given to me 4 years ago, and the one song that always stood out to me was 'Singing In My Sleep.' It took me a while to find this album, and when I did, it did not leave my CD player for a very long time. It is an amazing piece of rock genius by the rock genius himself, Dan Wilson. Every song on this album is a standout, especially 'Singing in My Sleep,' 'Never You Mind,' 'Secret Smile,' and 'California'(my favorite song right now off this album.) I love this album so much. It has gotten me through many tough times and has helped me realize the promise of a better day. I have even convinced my friends to love this album. I am always going to love it and listen to it, and it really is shrineworthy, in a sense. Semisonic is a shrineworthy band. Pay homage.

One of the most influential albums from the '90s
I have owned this album since it came out, and I still listen to it regularly. This has to be one of the best purchases I have ever made, not to mention one of the most influential in my life. Whatever mood I'm in, this CD has something to offer for me. Semisonic is easily one of my favorite bands of all time, and I recommend them to anyone who likes alternative rock, '90s music, or just music in general. Check out their other albums, which don't quite live up to the standard set by Feeling Strangely Fine, but are quite good too.

One of the most underrated bands ever.
When I think of seriously underrated bands, Semisonic always comes to mind. Most people will only remember them as the band that sang "Closing Time", and will never bother to purchase the album, thus missing out on some of the greatest music out there. I honestly feel sad when I listen to energetic and melodic masterpieces like "Never Your Mind", brief but soaring songs like "All Worked Out" and soft, cute, sexy songs like "Completely Pleased." I feel sad for those that are missing out. It's a shame.

What's interesting is that the weakest track on this album is probably "Closing Time." It's good, but it's by no means the best. Every other track is stellar (with the exceptions being "DND" and "Secret Smile" - but even those are good.)

I bought this album when I was in middle school - I'm about to be a freshman in college and I still play this album constantly - it's consistantly brilliant and worth every cent. ... Read more

Asin: B0000062XN
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Pop    3. Pop Underground    4. Post-Grunge    5. Power Pop    6. Rock   

All About Chemistry
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (06 March, 2001)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $18.98
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Editorial Review

Semisonic struck a chord with barflies all over the world in 1998 with the breezy, free-flowing hit "Closing Time." The song was hard to resist, but with their third time out, the Minneapolis trio fails to capitalize on the chemistry that elevated earlier efforts. Instead, the majority of the 12-song CD is forced and humorless, lacking even the merest hint of irony that would have elevated "Get a Grip" (a paean to masturbation), to campus-classic status. Rather, the band weighs down their songs with earnestness. With "Act Naturally" and "She's Got My Number," singer-songwriter Dan Wilson cautions against his secrets being revealed. He disregards his own advice with "One True Love," which features the soaring vocals of '70s chanteuse Carole King, who elevates the track above everything else on All About Chemistry. --Jaan Uhelszki ... Read more

Reviews (58)

Different, but still effective
Semisonic has always made albums which grow on you, and Chemistry is no exception.The band has undergone another major change of sound, much as they did between Great Divide and Feeling Strangely Fine, and thus it may be a bit of an adjustment for long-time fans of the band.This album is marked jointly by what I feel is the best musicianship by the band and by songwriting and production which lacks some of the edginess and intimacy that distinguished many earlier Semisonic songs.Songs like the title track and Follow get a little sugary for my tastes, but other songs like I Wish, Surprise, and She's Got My Number create a warm soundscape without coming off as overly pop.Other songs like El Matador and One True Love would be too sweet if they weren't so good.If you don't generally find anything involving guitars to be too sweet, you will love this album from first listen.If you liked the more electric pop of Singing in My Sleep, buy Great Divide before you buy Chemistry; it's lived in my CD player for 8 years.In any event, Chemistry is an excellent album worth owning.

just buy all three MONEY WELL SPENT
its hard to tell which of semisonic's CDs gets forst prize. This band is known around my house to lift spirits and make you feel like a better person. Not one song on here dissapoints, but that can also be said about their other two CDs. Pick up all three its money well spent. The lyrics will inspire you to be a better person, and help you feel better on the harder days.

Excellent - though a different sound...
Closing Time will no doubt be the pinnacle of Semisonic's creative powers, but this album comes pretty close to matching it. Sonically, the music has taken new twists and turns along with some pleasant suprises. I have always loved the lush orchestration and deep, layered, atmospheric music that this group produces, along with Dan Wilson's very boyish and Californian voice, creating a very unique pop/rock sound. "She's Got My Number" is a steady, almost techno-ish rocker with some great vocal work and layered sound. "All About Chemistry" is straightfoward, light-aired pop. Though admittedly the rest of the songs fail to impress me as much as these two, the CD's highlight is "El Matador", which for me, is Semisonic's best song since Closing Time. The soft, lush acoustic guitar and the muted drumbeats really make this the kind of song you'd listen to lying on the hammock watching the summer sunset go down. It's beautiful. If you like U2, Oasis, The Verve, Radiohead or any atmospheric rock, you'll find good "chemistry" with Semisonic. If not, it doesn't matter. This is pop rock - evolved. ... Read more

Asin: B0000589RB
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Disc One: All Their Greatest Hits 1991-2001
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (13 November, 2001)
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Editorial Review

Electrifying performers and pure-pop songwriters of the highest order, Toronto's Barenaked Ladies have emerged over a decade as that strangest of beasts. They'll never land a dishy cover story in Mojo Magazine, but as they reflect on those ribald years between 1991 and 2001, the five can allow themselves wry smiles, knowing that sometimes, just sometimes, the cream rises to the top. In addition to familiar radio staples such as "Pinch Me," "The Old Apartment," "Jane," "Alternative Girlfriend," and the ubiquitous "One Week," there's a trump card on All Their Greatest Hits that will prove irresistible to completists: the Ladies' buttery, acoustic version of Bruce Cockburn's "Lovers in a Dangerous Time." Recorded eons ago for a Cockburn tribute disc that almost immediately went out of print, the song has until now been a rare and highly coveted collector's item. Two news songs--"Thanks That Was Fun" and "It's Only Me (The Wizard of Magicland)"--were recorded specifically for this collection, while two others ("Brian Wilson" and "What a Good Boy") are captured live. But what really brings this album home is, ironically, "If I Had $1,000,000." One of their very first hits cut as the Ladies were learning to dovetail their so-called "acoustic hip-hop" into slicker pop sensibilities, "$1,000,000"--a simple knock-kneed love song with harmonies so tight they're practically braided--is a snapshot of a band with all the pieces in place just as the planets were about to align. --Kim Hughes ... Read more

Reviews (80)

Fun music, if sometimes annoying
I must admit, I am not one of the diehard Barenaked Ladies fans who have followed them since the beginning.My first exposure to them came when "The Old Apartment" made the Top 40.Then "One Week" became a huge hit and they were all over the place.Since then they have had other songs out that I liked including "Call and Answer" and "Pinch Me".I certainly did not like them enough to buy their individual albums, so when this hits package came out, I figured it would be the best way to own their hits.After playing it, I came to like some of their earlier material that I had never heard before.My one drawback is that they can sometimes come off as a little too clever for their own good."Be my Yoko Ono" is probably my least favorite track on the CD."If I Had $1000000" was clever the first couple of times I heard it, but now it seems a little stale.The fun songs certainly help balance out the CD and keep them from being like all of the other very earnest 90's rock bands.But after repeated listens, those songs can also come off like someone who sits around and makes bad puns all day.Enough is enough.I recommend this CD for the hits and some obscure gems, but listen to it sparingly so as not to burn out on the cleverness.

"I'm only here to witness/ The remains of love exhumed"
BNL is one of those strange bands that should by rights be much more popular than they are. They write hooky, cute songs with profundity layered under the earworm riffs, they don't take themselves terribly seriously, and they seem like decent people. Perhaps it's their very affability that keeps them firmly under the radar, but make no mistake - these guys are worth your time. "Disc One" is a terrific compilation, with all the verve and charm of more popular bands like Matchbox 20 and none of the soul-sucking banality. BNL substitutes smirky wit for faux-emotional balladeering, and the few really studied meditations on love stand out all the brighter for their rarity and intelligence.
Best of the disc -
"Call and Answer" is thoughtful and feeling at the same time, and worth hearing.

"Jane" is a character portrait par excellance and makes Jane herself sound like someone you'd want to meet.

"Falling for the First Time" is the quintessential crush song, and funny to boot.

And of course, everyone knows their favorites.

The best of my best of's
I'm normally luke warm on the idea of "best of" albums especially when they include new songs recorded especially to convince completists that they need to fork out hard earned cash for two bonus tracks tossed off in an idle weekend. BNL however have managed to remain true to their long term fans by including a rare cut ("Lovers in a dangerous time") and news songs that are up to the high standard of the rest of the work. Owners of the BNL catalogue will find themselves playing this as often as their favourite BNL album and newcomers will find it an excellent introduction to a band that are so much more than just "One Week". ... Read more

Asin: B00005R1Q8
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. College Rock    4. Jangle Pop    5. Pop    6. Post-Grunge    7. Power Pop    8. Rock   

Live at the Belly Up Tavern
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 November, 1997)
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Features

• Live

Reviews (2)

A must have of progressive reggae
I first heard Common Senses in the Orlando Surf Expo, they were playing live and they rocked... A great band with outstanding stamina that can bring crowds to the limit.. A mix of Reggae, Ska, Punk and Rock that canchear up anyone, anytime. Also highly recomendable Psycodelic Surf Groove.

awesome live cd from awesome band
for those lucky enough to have seen a live common sense show this cd does a good job of capturing the music, spirit, all that stuff. best songs include 69 time, reaching for the sky,first 4 songs, pretty mucheverything, buy it, support a way underated band. ... Read more

Asin: B000005QZN
Sales Rank: 69955
Subjects:  1. Alternative Rap    2. Pop    3. Rap & Hip-Hop   

Psychedelic Surf Groove
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (29 July, 1997)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $11.98
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Reviews (3)

Good CD, better live......
To be quite honest, Common Sense' music is much better on the live platform. Although the CD is a good representation of the band, its harking melodies are a bit "studio-ized". If you don't live in San Diego or you never get to see them perform live, you really miss out on the raw Cali-reggae beauty reality behind the band's spontaneous flow. All in all, The CD can be a sufficient substitute for all.

I love these guys!
If you've never seen Common Sense live, then you're missing out on a great show!The next best thing is this CD.No matter what mood I'm in, it's always a better mood after listening to it.Nick Hernandez has an awesomevoice, Chuck Morris rules the skins, Larry Young always delivers a greatbass line, Jai Vatuk and Billy Sherman really wail at guitars andkeyboards.I highly recommend this CD-and if you happen to be in SanDiego, catch Common Sense live!

This cd is awesome especially at 4:20!!!!!
common sense is a great mix of reggae, punk, ska all that stuff. Theyhave a ton of great songs esp. Never give up and sexual healing. perfectmusic for that special time of day 4:20.this cd is a must buy. ... Read more

Asin: B000000WEP
Sales Rank: 37215
Subjects:  1. Club/Dance    2. Pop    3. Rock   

Super Colossal Smash Hits Of The 90's
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 November, 1999)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
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Editorial Review

It's not encouraging that only one of the four new songs on this 1999 greatest-hits package, arriving after a layoff of more than a year, was cowritten by Raul Malo. But we come not to bury the Mavericks' future, but to praise their past. They're the strongest argument that the change in Nashville in the '90s hasn't all been for the worst. Whether the songs lean toward country or early-'60s pop-rock, they invariably have a good feel, good melody, good hooks. They ring simple and from the heart, without guile or pretense. The musicians are invariably smart, stylish, and sympathetic. Their chops are undeniable, but the ensemble playing makes it all work, and the soloists never upstage the songs or Malo's unforgettable voice. Finally, for all the talk about the Mavericks' Latino-country fusion, it's really more pan-Caribbean than strictly Latino. This is the most festive-sounding country music ever. --John Morthland ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Great band..great alternative country
Love the Mavericks...this is a great CD.Though I must admit that I don't like all the songs by them, but their 'mixed-genre' and their alternative styles of country music are as attractive as it gets, not to mention ..HIS voice!My personal favourite is "Things I Cannot Change", which is not included in all their other greatest hits CDs, such as the '20th Century Masters' version...which is disappointing.This album also includes other catchy hits such as "Here Comes the Rain" and "I Should Have Been True".I may have not learned to adore most of their songs yet, but those 'few' favourites that I like, have already earned them as one of my top 5 favourite country artists/groups.And those 'few' songs are not only good, they are just plainly some of the best!

Let The Good Times Roll
While I'm writting this, I'm listening to Things I Cannot Change.I just can't stop listening to it. It gets you, like all (I mean all) Mavericks songs. Ironically, it wasn't written by Raul Malo (actually, only one out of the 4 new songs in this compilation was). But it could've been. It has his signature, and only the Mavericks could have done it. What about the other songs? Yes, cause, after all it's a compilation! That reminds me a review I read long ago about Great Days, John Prine's Rhyno compilation. At one point, the reviwer said that the customer would regret buying it, cause it'd make him wanting to buy all the albuns. The same thing would apply to Mavericks if it wasn't for those new songs. Don't try to label the Mavericks. They make great songs, for all occasions I must say, and you have that sort of feeling of being brought back to the 50's in a time capsule. Those good days. Unfortunatelly, these are strange days, where Garth Brooks (just to mention the most pathetic) sells millions of something I can only describe as....well, never mind. You can fill in the blanck. Cheers, and let the good times roll. Mavericks still doing SWELL.

Buck Owens meets Jimmy Buffett
After hearing "Dance the Night Away" at a baseball game, I set out on my quest to find this band.I snapped up this CD as soon as I found out it was the Mavericks and was amazed at the depth and breadth of the music on the CD.Mostly upbeat with a 60's retro-country style but somehow feeling new with strong latin beats and horns.Bottom line is an amazing mix of songs that are hard to categorize but easy to enjoy.This has quickly become one of my all-time favorite CD's, often listened to from grilling in the back yard to keeping me company on road trips.You won't be disappointed! ... Read more

Asin: B0000296IR
Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Contemporary Country    3. Country    4. Neo-Traditionalist Country    5. Pop