Surrealistic Pillow [Bonus Tracks]
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Audio CD (19 August, 2003)
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Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (15)

Jefferson Airplane's Most Consistent Album!
"Surrealistic Pillow" was Jefferson Airplane's second album, and the first to feature Grace Slick. Slick brought to the band two outstanding songs from her earlier carreer, "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit!". These two songs along with "My Best Friend", "DCBA-25", "How Do You Feel" and "Plastic Fantastic Lover" make it the most consistent J.A. album, and in my opinion the one that has aged the best.

Some later J.A. albums like "Volunteers" somehow suffer from sounding like the band was taking themselves too seriously at the time. Most songs are catchy pop/rock tunes; still with room for musical experiments, indicating that this was a band that did not want to stay within the limited frame of doing 2-3 minute pop songs.

It's one of the few J.A. albums ( if not the only one ) where all tracks are still worthwhile listening to here almost 4 decades later.


The songs are written by all band-members (except Cassidy) in various combinations with lead singer Marty Balin as the main contributor.

Among the fine bonus tracks Skip Spece's "J.P.P. McStep B. Blues" was the biggest positive surprise for me; like "My Best Friend" almost folk-music.

Psychedelic pop masterpiece
Jefferson Airplane's Surrealistic Pillow is their most successful album and widely recognized as one of the best albums of the psychedelic era. This is the first album featuring vocalist Grace Slick whose image and strong vocals helped make the band become '60s superstars. However, the former vocalist from The Great Society's biggest contribution to the band are the two songs she brought with her, "Somebody To Love" and "White Rabbit", two of the best singles from the late '60s, which became the band's biggest hits.

Unlike their future releases, Surrealistic Pillow puts less emphasis on their stellar musicianship and more emphasis on writing good songs. Strong tracks such as "My Best Friend", "D.C.B.A.-25", and "How Do You Feel" with their memorable melodies and excellent harmonies actually sound closer to bands like The Mamas and The Papas than to the psychedelia that the Airplane were known for. Marty Balin's songs are all very good whether it's the reminiscent folk of "Comin' Back To Me", the haunting ballad "Today", or the hard rockers "She Has Funny Cars", "Plastic Fantastic Lover", and "3/5 of a Mile in 10 Seconds." Although his playing is lower in the mix than on future releases, you can already hear Jack Casady forming his own signature style as his bass work is a highlight on "3/5 of a Mile in 10 Seconds", "Somebody To Love", and "Plastic Fantastic Lover." Rounding out the original tracks is Jorma Kaukonen's memorable acoustic instrumental "Embryonic Journey" which recently gained exposure to a whole new generation as it was played in the closing moments of the Friends series finale. As with all of the band's classic albums, Surrealistic Pillow has been remastered and includes several bonus tracks. "In The Morning" and "Come Back Baby" are great blues songs which highlight Kaukonen's stellar guitar playing while "Go To Her" and "J.P.P. McStep B. Blues" are more in line with the psychedelic pop that comprises the original tracklist. There are also mono versions of the hits "Somebody To Love" and "White Rabbit." Overall, a classic '60s album that along with Volunteers is their best work. Highly recommended.

this is really, really great 60's trippy stuff
I guess there is a bit of fuss over the remastering on this cd.All I have to say is that it sounds awesome, all of the songs are funny in a weird way.I mean, just listening to "white rabbit" cracked me up.Hippies are so fun, and funny!This is a classic from the 60's, and you can't miss by getting it.It might sound a little dated, but hey, it is still a classic, a document of its time.The remastering doesn't really concern me at all because the songs are quite wonderful, but I wonder what Jerry Garcia (from the Grateful Dead, as any fule kno!) actually did on this cd.He is listed as "spiritual advisor" and said to be the man who came up with the name for this cd.For quite a long time it has been a mystery as to whether Garcia had even shown up to their recording sessions (band says yes, management and record company says no)I like to believe he did come occasionally, probably just to sit around and smoke a fat joint (har har).JA captured the magic of the 60's, but they also captured the silly idiocy of it.For all of that, look no further than this great cd. ... Read more

Asin: B0000A0DRY
Sales Rank: 1779
Subjects:  1. Folk-Rock    2. Hard Rock    3. Pop    4. Psychedelic    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. United States of America   

Dark Side of the Moon
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Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
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Editorial Review

Dark Side of the Moon, originally released in 1973, is one of those albums that is discovered anew by each generation of rock listeners. This complex, often psychedelic music works very well because Pink Floyd doesn't rush anything; the songs are mainly slow to mid-tempo, with attention paid throughout to musical texture and mood. The sound effects on songs like "On the Run," "Time" and especially "Money" (with sampled sounds of clinking coins and cash registers turned into rhythmic accompaniment) are impressive, especially when we remember that 1973 was before the advent of digital recording techniques. This is probably Pink Floyd's best-known work, and it's an excellent place to start if you're new to the band. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Reviews (1091)

Boring
This thing sold about 500 zillion copies, and yet it is absolutely boring, turgid stuff. "Money", the big radio hit from this, is a very dull bluesy song. The rest is sleep-inducing, pseudo-spacy, sound-effects laden rubbish. Yuck! It doesn't get more overrated than this.

A Review From A Casual Floyd Fan
Dark Side Of The Moon seems to offers sensational complexity, soothing colourful songs, compelling acid rock and dark, deep, well constructed meaningful songs with lyrical luminosity.

Dark Side Of The Moon will be considered an outstanding achievement, placing a great deal of influence on the patterns and shapes of rock, as well as a superbly innovative accomplishment to be idolized by many musicians. The reason it accumulates so much praise is perhaps in its heroic creativity, lyrical beauty, and gorgeous rhythms. It opens with a mind yielding melody in Speak To Me/Breathe, a composition primarily beautiful through the soothing lyrical rhythms and comfortable music tones. On The Run heatedly expresses an escape attempt without the use of lyrics, and rather complex formities of sounds and vibes. Time is another soothing rhythm, incorporating more drums into its fluorescent sounds. The Great Gig In The Sky stresses more lyrics, still very light rather than being absorbed by the heavier sounds of rock n' roll that time surrounding it. However, it does feature a compelling guitar solo halfway through, unleashing more of an extreme rock sense into the song. Certainly a beautiful track. Reaching Money, we find a different phase of music, more rock based, and an obvious album highlight. Us And Them is another glorious song, much contributing to the exceptional succeedings of Dark Side Of The Moon. Brain Damage has rhythmic beauty to it, with a much different lyrical style as the key component in setting as different from any other song on the album. Ending with poetic brilliance, using the album title highly incorporated into the solo, Eclipse is more than necessary to create the acclaim that Dark Side Of The Moon managed to garnish.

It is more than obvious that this album isn't for everyone, so, if you're familiar with Pink Floyd's works and enjoy their music, this album is a must buy. You shouldn't be wrongfully advised by those who lash out at Dark Side Of The Moon, referring to the poetry as an acid trip. It is hardly that, rather it is art. An extraordinary album, possibly the most original work ever recorded. Highly recommended to all music lovers of 60s rock and Floyd fans casual or diehard.

Well, at least they're original
I'm not going to make a speech, but at least Pink Floyd was original enough to come up with thier own style ... Read more

Asin: B000002U82
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Pet Sounds
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Audio CD (13 July, 1999)
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Editorial Review

If you need some pointy-headed pundit to sell you on the merits of Pet Sounds, your money might be better spent on an ear specialist. Brian Wilson's gift to 20th-century music elevated this pop album into a beguiling musical and emotional cogency that still operates outside pop culture's fickle space-time continuum--and limited critical lexicon. There's never been another record to compare (Rubber Soul, its inspiration, is close; Sgt. Pepper's, its response, misses the point), and certainly no album has been as dissected, overanalyzed, and predigested for public consumption. In 1997 Capitol Records devoted an entire four-disc box set, The Pet Sounds Sessions, to its thorough deconstruction. The techno-marvel centerpiece of that project--the album's first true stereo mix, painstakingly conjured out of multitape session sources by producer-engineer Mark Linett (under Wilson's supervision)--was at once heresy and revelation. Now the label has gratifyingly seen fit to offer both mixes on a single disc (along with alternate versions of "Hang On to Your Ego," the original title of "I Know There's An Answer"), an idea that should please the orthodox and heretics alike. And while the album has always clearly been The Brian Wilson Show featuring the Beach Boys, David Leaf's concise new notes attempt to be more inclusive of a wider band perspective. The result (three of the five band members claim credit for the album title) sometimes resembles Rashomon. If Pet Sounds forever crystallized the band's various creative (in)differences, it also became Wilson's grand karmic joke on his band mates; its burgeoning reputation (Mojo magazine's panel of pop experts once elected it greatest album of all time) guaranteed they would sing its songs--and praises--until the end. And if putting two different versions of the same album on one disc seems like overkill, look at the bright side: it's a perfect excuse to listen to the glorious Pet Sounds twice. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Features

• Extra tracks
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (233)

A Symphonic Pop Masterpiece
You read the title right. This album is better than anything the beatles ever did.

Part 3 of the trilogy of reviews for Dad's Birthday.
Ok, now this is the 3rd of a trilogy of reviews I'm doing as a birthday present for my dad.The first was Sargent Pepper, the second was Blonde on Blonde, and now this Beach Boys record. Click on the part at the top of this review that says "See all MY Reviews" to read the entire trilogy. Once again, I am going to apologize to all the fans of my reviews because I'm only reviewing these old records for my dad.He thinks it will be some kind of bonding for me to listen to stuff he likes.Iv'e made it through 2 so far.This is NOT easy, and I probably won't do this again.He better appreciate this.I could be reviewing things that I like and actually enjoying myself.Ok, let's get this over with.

Ok, I'm looking at the cover...it's green. It says "Beach Boys"....and it's called.....Pet Sounds!?What...what the........the Heck is "Pet Sounds"?Oh god, why me?You would not believe how stupid this looks.The Beach Boys (who are no where NEAR any water by the way) are petting some animals on what appears to be a farm.They look soooooo dumb.One of them has this really stupid beard and everything too.What IS this?Animal sound effects?Like cows and horses and crap?Forget it.I'm not doing this.Dad, I tried, I really did, but I don't want my fans to think I'm getting soft.And what if I got caught listening to it by someone at our house?I would be embarrassed even if Morris saw this and he's a dog. Actually I'm just going to put the record in Morris' mouth and he can do the review.He seems to like it.

Ok dad, I really wasn't trying to hurt your feelings with my trilogy of reviews of your favorite records, but the people that read me expect me to be honest and to the point.It's not worth it to fake a good review of this stuff when my reputation is on the line.In the long run, they will be the ones putting food on the table when I go pro and finally get to move out.Happy Birthday.Oh, and to you guys out there, I apologize yet again.The REAL reviews will resume ASAP.Later.

The "Citizen Kane" of pop music -- for better and for worse
I understand why some people don't like "Pet Sounds."It's kind of the "Citizen Kane" of albums.People hear the rep -- that this is one of the greatest records ever -- and they put it on expecting the direct propulsive creativity of, say, something like "Sgt. Pepper" or "Good Vibrations."And what they get is something milder, something innocent, something strangely muted.Then when it's over they think, "THAT'S one of the greatest albums ever???"

To an extent, I was one of those people.I got "Pet Sounds" when it first hit CD, when I was just about 20, and I'd heard all the hype and I definitely liked it... but at the time I also felt I wanted something more, something that grabbed me by the collar and shook me.

But this is not an album that will shake you, at least not violently. An old girlfriend of mine once came into my house while I was listening to this and actually got angry at it: "This is lullaby music, this is like Sesame Street. Why are you listening to this?"

I couldn't explain it to her anymore than I could explain it to myself but this is an album that almost has to grow on you.The more you listen, the more you learn, the more you live, the better it gets.

There is a clutch of albums that I have a tendency to drag out on dark nights of the soul -- Nick Drake's "Five Leaves Left," "Beatles for Sale," John Coltrane's "Soultrane," "Thelonious Monk Plays Duke Ellington," "Astral Weeks," "Dark Side of the Moon," "Imperial Bedroom," "The Band" and a few others.But this is the one I put on when I just want to sit alone and stare out the window or drive around dark, snowy neighborhoods at night.

Anyway, I would never tell anyone, "Like this album or you are WRONG!"But for people who think it's a sham, I'd recommend they listen to some key moments and reflect on what they're hearing:

** The bells and harmonies of "You Still Believe In Me," and particularly the line, "I wanna cry," in which the word cry is given something like 15 lilting syllables.

** The cellos of "Don't Talk" and "I'm Waiting for the Day," particularly the strings that kick in at the 2:21 mark (followed by rumbling kettle drums that would make Phil Spector tremble).

** All of "God Only Knows."

** The flickering texture of the bass guitar in "Here Today."

** The closing refrain of "I Just Wasn't Made for These Times."

** The weird, kitschy sound of the title track.

** Brian's truly beautiful lead vocal on "Caroline, No," followed by train sounds and vocals by his dogs, Banana and Louie -- maybe the greatest, saddest, most wistful ending of any album ever made. ... Read more

Asin: B00005ASHM
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Electric Ladyland
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Audio CD (22 April, 1997)
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Editorial Review

Bursting with ideas and energy, Jimi Hendrix's second album release of 1968 (following Axis: Bold as Love) was a double-LP set that showcased virtually everything the guitar genius had to offer: blistering blues ("Voodoo Chile"), galaxy-patrolling space jams ("1983... A Merman I Should Turn to Be"), psychedelic soul ("Crosstown Traffic"), and skyscraping rock ("Voodoo Child (Slight Return)"). In the midst of all this was even a hit song--Hendrix's remarkable reading of Bob Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower," featuring a series of baton-passing guitar solos, all distinct and brilliant. Seemingly diffuse when first released; in hindsight, kaleidoscopically eclectic. --Billy Altman ... Read more

Reviews (198)

Highly Recommended Hendrix!
"Electric Ladyland", the last Jimi Hendrix Experience album, is usually regarded as the trio's definite masterpiece; and the record do contain some of the greatest and most influental music to come out of the late 1960's. I can't help feeling that Hendrix'use of harmony vocals must have influenced artists like T.Rex, David Bowie and Mott the Hoople. Hendrix' guitar-playing is innovative, and at the same time catchy and melodic. There are many highlights on the album; the best known track on the album is probably their terrific cover of Bob Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower" - the ultimate version of that song, which also made it to the top 20 singles-charts. Songs like "Burning of the Midnight Lamp" and "Voodoo Chile" were also single-hits. The intro of "Burning of the Midnight Lamp" is simply great.

Released in 1968 as a double album, the record contains some tracks with extensive playing time. Some of these may appear somewhat too long-drawn-out.

For me the long version of "Voodoo Chile" and "1983" are examples of this.

On the original vinyl version I never really got into "Side C"; so here on the CD version it's nice to be able to hear the tracks in new playing orders. I can recommend to trythe shuffle/random feature. This made recognize the qualities of the more experimental tracks like "Rainy Day" and "1983".

Conclusion: This album is highly recommended for anyone interested in the history of rock music.
 
 

Flawed but great anyway: Hendrix's "Sgt. Pepper"
Much of this album was made on (the then-new technology) 8 track, 12 track and even 16 track machines for the first time..giving Jimi the space to do more with his artistic vision. He's able to layer phased echo effects over the music, overdub replacements for Noel Redding's bass parts when he didn't think they had enough fire, and make mini-"choirs" of his own vocals. It's the first time he acts as his own producer and it becomes at once an advantage (he'll keep going until he gets the sound he wants) and a liability (artists seldom have the discipline to realize when a "jam" runs too long..resulting in the 15 minute "Voodoo Chile". The song should ALWAYS come first, rather than "look at what I can do!" guitar pyrotechnics, economy is always better...put only the parts there that NEED to be there.)

This also was a double album and, as with most of them, there's plenty of filler material. Coming as it did in the wake of the Beatles "Sgt. Pepper", it's easy to view this as Hendrix's artistic reaction to that landmark album.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Kazoo and guitar propel the classic "Crosstown Traffic", a fluid funky bass riff keeps "Gypsy Eyes" on track, the "guitar as harpsichord" tone Hendrix gets on "Burning of the Midnight Lamp" makes it seem like something that slipped through a hole in time. "House Burning Down" is either Jimi's generic reaction to riots..or perhaps inspired by the ones that happened in Newark, NJ in July of 1967. ("Well someone stepped from the crowd/He was 19 miles high/He shouts 'We're tired and disgusted, so we paint red through the sky'/I say 'The truth is straight ahead, so don't burn yourself! Instead, try to learn instead of burn'")"All Along the Watchtower" is absolutely amazing and clearly one of the best rock songs ever performed. It travels from strength to strength culminating in the ecstasy of its bridge at 2:00 that incorporates doubletracking, wah-wah effects, panning, and finally some propulsive rhythm work to take it back to the verse. It's not difficult to see why Dylan began to model his own song on Hendrix's version in live performances after this rendition was unleashed upon the world. The shorter "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" distills its mythos into just over 5 minutes and is all the stronger for it.

LOWS:
"Voodoo Chile" continues on long past the point at which it's still interesting. While the seagull and boat bell effects of "1983..(A Merman I Should Turn to Be)" are startling, Hendrix seems bent on making this track merely to show how many effects he can create and use within the track and it sinks it. The repetitive echoed and slowing down vocal is cool once, but after about 5 usages it loses something.

BOTTOM LINE:
There's too many weak spots for me to consider this "5 star" material ["Are you Experienced?" gets that nod...clearly a better collection of songs..] but it's nonetheless a high water mark in rock music and as such should be owned by anyone with an interest in rock music and certainly any Hendrix fan. To get more out of the album, I'd suggest you read a companion book from John Perry along with it (ASIN 0826415717) to get a better gauge of where Jimi's head was at while this was being recorded. I will gripe a bit about noise on the CD..there's a TON of hiss on opener "....And the Gods made love" (probably from the extensive overdubbing that was done) but it's not as noticeable on most other tracks.

Nothing short of excellent
Great album by Jimi. This is where he really experiments and breaks boundaries. That's why it's still relevant 50 years later. There's no real way to to describe the sound of album, like for instance the way you would describe 'Led Zeppelin I' as having a bluesy sound. This album has everything from strange sci-fi tracks like 'Moon, Turn the Tide...Gently, Gently Away" to stone cold hard rock like "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)"--which after 50 years of innovation is still one of the most insane guitar tracks ever made. And as always with Jimi, great lyrics. This album has some of his best lyircal work. Overall, just sounds great. Classic album. ... Read more

Asin: B000002P5U
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

The Turning Point
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $11.98
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Reviews (13)

A True Classic From The Godfather Of British Blues
How luck one of the other reviewrers was to have seen this concert. This is a absolute masterpiece of live blues. John mayall and all the band at there best and all sound like they are enjoying themselves. And the whole concert with no drums makes me want to listen to other cd's to see if they were really needed. The harmonica work is magically and makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck. They is nothing else really to say apart this CD should be every blues fans collection. I have this on vinyl as well and recomend to vinyl fans to try and get a copy. Not sure if i should mention it but bluestorm is the place to go. So buy this CD TELL EVERY ONE TO GO OUT AND CRANK UP THE VOLUME

I was there when this LP was recorded at the Fillmore East
My buddy Mike Cinelli and I were big Brittish Blues fans back in the late 60's.We had seen most if not all of the greats...Fleetwood Mac (the original with Peter Green) et al. We got the tickets for Mayall's concert not knowing that he had switched gears and had revamped the Bluesbreakers.The night of the concert arrived (July 12, 1969...the late show I believe...I usually went to the late shows at the Fillmore).The curtain goes up and the announcer fumbled the intro but John made it right...and there before us on a naked stage (no Joshua light show...no diversion of any kind) stood this quartet. What most fans of the lp don't realize is that this night was also the debut of John's old pal, Eric Clapton's new band...Blind Faith...up at Madison Square... John invited the half-capacity crowd to come on closer and make the event more intimate as it was going to be recorded....(surprise to us...a good surprise...because now I have a 'living testament' to the night's events.The music was astounding, breathtaking and immediate.It remains a turning point for me both as a fan and as a musician.John blew our minds with his superlative understated sound.The recording quality (after all it was the Fillmore East...the same place the Allman Brothers and many other bands would choose to record...for it has excellent acoustics.)You not only heard the blues going through its evolution but you felt it...it drew you in...and it didn't/doesn't matter who you are or where you came from.It is powerful music.One I rank as part of my 5 all-time favorite lps...or CD's to many of you.Nylon string guitar, flute/sax, elec. bass and harp/vocals/slide guitar...all in a rich and textural format...no excessiveness at all.....this was one of those times when less proved to be more...so much more... I will never forget the event...the music...the message... This is truly one of the great albums of the 60's...the blues...and of music...period. Vince DeLucia 7/17/01...

A must for Mayall Fans
This album show the versatility of John Mayall. Without a drummer, the band still produces a driving sound based on the soaring sounds of sax and flutist Johnny Almond. While not normally a fan of horn based blues, I still play this album after 30 years. ... Read more

Asin: B000001FAK
Sales Rank: 81723
Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Revival    3. Blues-Rock    4. British Blues    5. Electric Harmonica Blues    6. England    7. Leader    8. Pop   

On the Threshold of a Dream
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 May, 1997)
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Editorial Review

Released in 1969, just eight months after In Search of the Lost Chord, Threshold continues the Moody Blues's journey as cosmic seekers but in a less exotic manner. Here, Justin Hayward packs away the sitar and the band has swept most of the mystical and Eastern influences under the Kilim rug, replacing them with a science-fictional search for meaning and futuristic production methods. As on two earlier albums, Graeme Edge regales listeners with esoteric poetry, this time adding a whimsical, ironic edge to his ponderous verse. The songs have also undergone a similar overhaul, allowing the band's talent for melody to overcome the psychedelic whirls that embellished the earlier albums. John Lodge's assertive bass takes control of the bucolic "Lovely to See You," Roy Thomas's deceptively cheerful "Dear Diary," and the upbeat "Lazy Days," which also contains an unexpected lyrical sting. Indeed, the entire album is underpinned with a wistful melancholy as the grandiose rockers capture the bittersweet fleeting moments of the '60s. --Jaan Uhelszki ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (44)

5 stars for Threshold
This is the first of many 5 star (in my opinion) efforts to follow. The songs are all great. The weakest tunes on here are Pinder's 'Have You Heard' pts 1&2. They are still very good songs - just not stellar. Everything from the concept and songwriting to the musicianship and sound production is fantastic. This music in itself justifies a very confusing period in the culture of popular music circa 1969. There is so much crap out there, why don't you just pick up an album like this and let it speak to you!!!??? Timeless music. Pertinent today as it was nearly 40 years ago. A nice collection of great songs. The Moodies were on the threshold of something BIG with this release. Pick it up - tickle your ears and lift your spirit.

On the exact point of magnificence
I love how there is quite a lot of diversity and energy on this album. Two lodge rockers, 'Send me no wine' and my favourite track from the album, 'To share our love', are so energetic and catchy. Ray Thomas really hits his stride as a songwriter here with the humourous 'Dear Diary' and humourous but albeit sad 'Lazy Days'. This album really asserts them as a band who is just a group of 'ordinary guys'. They aren't big rock stars sniffing cocain, just everyday guys who feel the same pain that you do, as the liner notes point out. Just as an aside, I listened to the Amazon samples of 'Keys of the Kingdom' yesterday, and all I can say is "I CAN'T WAIT TO GET MY HANDS ON THAT ALBUM!", I suppose we all have different tastes/perspectives.

Inspiration To Step Through Your Own Threshold!
I have loved the Moody Blues since 1987 when I was in the fifth grade.I was awakened to their strikingly different sound when I first heard "Question" on KLSX 97.1back then.I've had a deep love affair with their music ever since."On The Threshold of a Dream" has long been a favorite of mine.It's rich musical tapestries will sooth you from a hard day at work that's for sure.Please don't pay any mind to those saying that there is "filler" on this album.There's not a stich of it!My personal favorite on this record has (and always will be) "Send Me No Wine."It's upbeat carefree melody and harmonies have lifted me from out of a "blue funk" many a time.It saddens me to read that people don't care for this tune very much.This album is classic Moody Blues...as is many of their other L.P.s.As a kid I used to get those Salesian Inspriational Books (little Catholic poem booklets that contained beautiful artwork), read them and look at the paintings while listening to the Moody Blues...this album in particular.Their music flowed right along with the country scenes in the booklets and would take me to peaceful places in my mind.I still ocasionally do that too because the Moody Blues are all about peaceful places.Buy this album and let then escort you somewhere far away! ... Read more

Asin: B000002GQH
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Baroque Pop    3. British Psychedelia    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. Prog-Rock/Art Rock    7. Psychedelic Pop    8. Rock   

Beginnings
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (14 October, 1997)
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Editorial Review

For once, a record label actually gives us more bang for the buck, combining two indisputable classics--1969's self-titled debut and the 1970 follow-up Idlewild South--onto one glorious CD. Five urgent notes kick off Spencer Davis's "Don't Want You No More," and by the time that searing instrumental morphs into Gregg Allman's superb slow blues "It's Not My Cross to Bear," it's clear these Georgians mean business. Everyone talks of the Muddy Waters and Willie Dixon covers, the furious twin leads of Duane and Dickey Betts, Gregg's soulful voice and formidable organ, the percussion attack of Jaimoe and Butch Trucks, but what about the songwriting skills? Just start with "Cross to Bear," "Whipping Post," "Dreams," "Revival," "Elizabeth Reed"--are you kidding? These two records blend gritty blues, Southern soul, and psychedelic rock into an exciting creation, and they serve notice: the Allmans will contend for the title of best American rock & roll band. --Marc Greilsamer ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (25)

The Enitre Gang's Here
If you have bought 'Live At the Fillmore East' and are now looking for some more stuff from this band, I think this is the album you are looking for. Most of it is blues/rock but 'Dreams' has got a jazzy feel to it and 'Black Hearted
Woman' is a bit faster than the rest of the songs. Although I enjoy all of these songs I'd have to say the strongest point is 'Whipping Post' and the weakest point is 'Hoochie Coochie Man' a song sung by bassist Berry Oakley.

I think that everyone in this band is amazing Duane and Dickey's solos are really inspiring to any guitarist. Greg's skills on the hammond b-3 and the way he sings some of these songs tells you that he's felt this sorrow before.

There is 70+ minutes of music on this CD, so it's very good value.

The "real" Allman brothers
The only reason I'm not giving this a 5 is because this "beginnings" package seems overproduced. I had these two original albums at onetime, and this was overdigitized or something. It's missing the raw power the original records had.

A must have!
The *Beginnings* album is actually a compilation of their first two albums: Idlewild South and The Allman Brothers Band [first record], which were both excellent.

This album is actually a bonus...you don't have to buy the first two.They are famous for doing repeat recordings and renaming albums.Regardless, they are the best and so is this album.

Duane Allman is featured on this and all albums through *Eat a Peach*.He died during the making of that album, and Berry Oakley died soon after.

Subsequent albums are good, but these are the best.Enjoy! ... Read more

Asin: B000003CMA
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Abbey Road
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.49
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Editorial Review

The Beatles' last days as a band were as productive as any major pop phenomenon that was about to split. After recording the ragged-but-right Let It Be, the group held on for this ambitious effort, an album that was to become their best-selling. Though all four contribute to the first side's writing, John Lennon's hard-rocking, "Come Together" and "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" make the strongest impression. A series of song fragments edited together in suite form dominates side two; its portentous, touching, official close ("Golden Slumbers"/"Carry That Weight"/"The End") is nicely undercut, in typical Beatles fashion, by Paul McCartney's cheeky "Her Majesty," which follows. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (844)

Beautiful Album
I wont bore you with things that have been said before about this masterpiece. These guys knew it was the end, and boy did they deliver.

Best Beatles Album, hands-down.

music for wankers
yes you red right, it pisses me off to listen to such bad and talentless music. This band should quit right now. The only good song is not on this CD. Try Prince's sign o' the times and Inca son first before you lose yourself COMPLETELY in the barren landscape of rok musick.

Peter Penn

ANOTHER GREAT ALBUM!!!!!
It's strange to think that this turned out to be their Swan Song as this is better than most bands are at their peak.

All the turmoil and distrust that must have surrounded the making of this and the previous album Let it Be (although Let it Be would be the bands final release in 1970) yet they some how constrive to make on of the greatest albums ever.

There are so many highlights, Come Together,Summer Son, Octopusses Garden, I want you (she's so heavy), but the main attraction of the album is the intergation of tunes from You never gave me your money to polythene Pam, and She came through the bathroom window to End.

This section is pure genius, and is worth buying for that alone.

Like this album, why not try:

A Hard Days Night
Rubber Soul
Revolver
Sgt Peppers
The White Album ... Read more

Asin: B000002UB3
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. British Psychedelia    3. England    4. Hard Rock    5. Pop    6. Pop/Rock    7. Prog-Rock/Art Rock    8. Psychedelic    9. Rock    10. Rock & Roll    11. Sunshine Pop   

Beautiful Guitar
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (22 February, 1994)
list price: $24.49
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Reviews (3)

Nice Compilation!
The beautiful guitar is a compilation of 14 mellow, almost jazz like,tunes from 6 of Satriani's previous CD's that was released only in Germany. The disc demonstrates Satriani's mastery of his instrument.With theexception of "I Believe" the CD is entirely instrumental.If youbelieve that Satriani only plays heavy rock guitar, this CD will make yousecond guess that belief.A nice compilation for your collection but alittle pricey.

A great collection of Satriani's softer ballads.
This really is a beautiful album. It features all of Satch's softer songs up to the year 1993 and is great for any fan of excellent, well-written guitar music. It has a nice mix of electric and acoustic numbers. Includedis one of his most famous and best songs "Always With Me, Always WithYou" which is a popular selection for many figure skaters to performto. "All Alone" is another that is used in skating and is just asgreat. "Cryin'" is another very heartfelt number that is one ofmy favorites. "Why?" is slightly heavier, but just as nice as anyof the others. I could go on, but I'll just say that this album is greatand well worth the price. And it would be excellent to dance to, by theway.

A must-buy CD
If you love Satriani and beautiful guitars, this CD is for you. ALL the songs inside are awesome, compiled from Satriani's various albums. It is worth the price! ... Read more

Asin: B000026X93
Sales Rank: 199825
Subjects:  1. Rock/Pop   

Physical Graffiti
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (16 August, 1994)
list price: $24.98 -- our price: $22.99
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Editorial Review

This 1975 release came smack in the middle of a long and nearly mythic career. Physical Graffiti is the last great Led Zeppelin title, recorded before the influences of the day (synthesizers, disco) ended Zeppelin's reign as the kings of loud and sexy blues-metal. Playfully experimenting with new sounds, the band blended Middle Eastern rhythms, folk-stylings, heavy blues, and deeply impassioned rock riffs into a two-disc set that sounded as if they were still enjoying their place in the rock pantheon. As sprawling and adventurous as this collection is, there are some tracks so tightly focused--so ultra-Zeppelinesque--that it's tempting to name this as a number one or number two must-have. "Trampled Underfoot" and "Custard Pie" alone are almost worth the double-disc price tag. --Lorry Fleming ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (286)

The Pinnacle of Zeppelin's Run
Physical Graffiti is Zeppelin's greatest and, unfortunetly, last great album. While I and II might be famous for supersizing old Chicago blues classics, III for introducing British folk rhythms, IV for its Zeppeln standards like "Black Dog" and "Stairway to Heaven", and "Houses of the Holy" for its sweeping instrumental arrangements, "Graffiti" is the only album that is entirely symbolic of Zeppelin's sound alone. Out of all of their albums, this is the one I would choose to play for a non-Zeppelin fan to demonstrate what they were all about. Of course, there is the standard review of the album, which always requires a mention of the blending of their classic blues-rock hybrid with "Middle-eastern and folk rhythms." But any band can bog down an album with an eclectic gathering of different genres. What makes "Graffiti" so great is that the songs are musically amazing, but also incredibly listenable. Despite using orchestras, "Middle-eastern" instruments, and synthesizers, "Graffiti" never at any point comes across as pretentious or arrogant. Zeppelin used those instruments not just to look special, but because they knew it would result in great music. Side one is the greatest six song span in their entire career. "Custard Pie", to use layman's terms, is arguably the most kickass song in their entire repetoire. "The Rover" is a tour-de-force that is the forerunner to every early-eighties metal band from Priest to Maiden. "In My Time of Dying" never tires during its exhilerating 11 minutes, and "Houses of the Holy" stands out despite not being on the album that shares the same name. "Trampled Underfoot" is a classic, which, with its humorous lyrics and ultra-funky rhythm, displayed Zeppelin's incredible versatility. And, of course, side one ends with "Kashmir," for which words cannot do justice. Side two is slightly less remarkable, but that is similar to saying that Julius Erving was slightly less remarkable than Michael Jordan. It includes the hard-edged "The Wanton Song" and "Sick Again" and the epic "In the Light" and "Ten Years Gone", among other classics. Quite simply, it is their best album.

A DOUBLE DOSE OF ZEP..don't get trampled underfoot!
Great double-album, I never get tired of listening to this!My favorite songs are Houses of the Holy and Trampled Underfoot.Trampled underfoot is one of the most driving, hard rock songs I know of.Well that is just my opinion.Kashmir and Bron-Yr-Aur are 2 other classics you may have seen on a previous album.If you have not listened to much zep I suggest going and listening to albums 1-4 before getting this one, that way you'll be on the straight and narrow when taking the path that leads you on the journey through their music.One of the greatest bands of all time!Physical Graphitti is awesome!

1. Custard Pie
2. The Rover
3. In My Time Of Dying
4. Houses Of The Holy
5. Trampled Under Foot
6. Kashmir
7. In The Light
8. Bron-Yr-Aur
9. Down By The Seaside
10. Ten Years Gone
11. Night Flight
12. Wanton Song
13. Boogie With Stu
14. Black Country Woman
15. Sick Again

5 STARS, Led Zeppelins Grand Double Disc Experiment
This is zeppelins most unlike theirselves moment in their carreer. Almost every song is an experimental, and the album for the first time in zeppelins carreer contains some filler, but hey all great double disc albums contain some filler (The Wall, The White Album).On this album Zeppelin are at their progressive rock peak with songs like Kashmir, In My Time Of Dieing and Ten Years Gone. Here what I think of the songs.

Disc 1
1.Custard Pie (9/10)-cool bassline
2.The Rover (9/10)- a great hendrix like riff
3.In My Time Of Dieing (9.5/10)-a great experimental slide guitar song
4.Houses Of The Holy (10/10)-One of the few non experimental songs on the album, and a great one at that
5.Trampled Underfoot (10/10)-A great riff, featuring John Paul Jones jamming alongside with Jimmy Page on keyboards
6.Kashmir (9/10)- The product of Plants trip to india
Disc 2
1.In The Light (9/10)-Another Kashmir like eastern trip out song, the intro is done on a sitar
2.Bron-Yr-Aur (9/10)- A great acoustic folk instumental
3.Down By The Seaside (8/10)-an experimental country song, an okay song
4.Ten Years Gone (10/10)- A great progressive rock song, Jimmy Pages opening and main riff is classic, the solo is great too
5.Night Flight (7.5/10)- It starts off good but after awhile just gets repetitive
6.Wanton Song (9/10)- Robert Plant sounds so different on this song
7.Boogie With Song (7.5/10)- An experimental 50's styled rock and roll song
8.Black Country Woman (7.5/10)-a strange folk song, kinda annoying
9.Sick Again (5/10)-A weird experimental song, total filler

I wouldnt recommend anyone buy this album without listening to it first because lots of people wont get it at first.

If You Liked This Album youll probably also like:
The Beatles- The White Album
Aerosmith- Toys In The Attic
Rush-Bastille Day
Rush-A Farewell To Kings

... Read more

Asin: B000002JSN
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

In The Court Of The Crimson King: 30th Anniversary Edition
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (14 September, 1999)
list price: $15.98
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Editorial Review

When King Crimson released In the Court of the Crimson King in 1969, a year after the band formed in London, the world discovered a music that has never gone away. At times, it is a rush of raw energy that mutates into an impossible balance of light and shade. This was the stuff of musicians who had no fear of stepping boldly into the unknown. Led by crafty guitarist Robert Fripp, who later added his own magic to Bowie's Heroes, King Crimson got big fast with this release. --Paul Clark ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (155)

An incredible achievement, opening the door of possibility
I am just astounded that a band could possibly come out with a sound so developed and so epic with just their debut album. Many of the most successful bands take years and albums upon albums to reach their peak. This is one of the genre-defining albums, the direction of progressive rock through the 70s with bands like Pink Floyd was based largely around this album, which contained something hard to define, a feeling of epicness and grandness, combining some of the ideas of music which previously had been detatched from rock music, for example classical music, something that really hadn't been explored before through rock & roll. Directly after this came out Pink Floyd seemed to change their direction to a far more ambitious style which can be seen in their album Atom Heart Mother which came 11 months after this one and the idea of progressive rock started to get attention. Tracks 1, 3 and 5 are the highlights here, track 5 (the title track) is the greatest achievement to me, featuring a chorus reminicent of the final choir section of Floyd's A Saurcerful of Secrets done the year previous. Epitaph is a towering track with the mellotron giving it and the title track much of that epic feel that I was describing, when combined with the smooth voice of Greg Lake and the surreal lyrics of Peter Sinfield. Track 1 seems to me to have been influenced by Floyd's Interstellar Overdrive (an improv bookended by the similar sections at the start/end) but they've taken it into a new direction, exploring with some jazz styling in the middle. At the time this album was an incredible achievement and it still stands today.

The first and one the best
I remember when i saw this album for the first time in a CD shop I thought for my self what a hell is that? it yust standed out from all the ather CDs and i whundered what the music whuld be like. I dident bought it, but i whent out here on amazone (this was i think 3 years ago) and read about the album and then i run to the store and bought it right awey and was blown awey my god it was one of the best albums i hade ever heard the beauty the power! It was fantastic. I have loved it ever since.

deviates strongly and powerfully from "flower power" of time
this is an album you either love or hate, and I happen to enjoy it a lot.It is an underrated classic of prog rock, a genre that has been despised over the years.The powerful opener is heavy metal before heavy metal existed, and the control of the arrangement and vocal distortion is just stunning.The rest of the album is mellower, but no less powerful.If you like Rush and Yes and similar bands, than you need this cd.Read the other great reviews for more detail. ... Read more

Asin: B000003S09
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. England    3. Pop    4. Prog-Rock/Art Rock    5. Rock   

The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 September, 1994)
list price: $24.98 -- our price: $22.99
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Editorial Review

When it comes to making albums of epic proportions, few rival this magnificent production that a trip the band took to New York City inspired in 1973. The underlying story is of a street kid named Rael who, thanks in part to the realities of big city life, undergoes a weird and mystical transformation. Containing extended instrumental sections showcasing the extraordinary talents of Tony Banks, Steve Hackett, and Phil Collins, as well as the expressive vocals and often disturbing lyrics of Peter Gabriel, this is the album that located Genesis truly on the map. --Paul Clark ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (188)

Peter Gabriel Time Was So Much Better!
I haven't liked Genesis until I heard Peter Gabriel's Genesis. "The Lamb Lies Down..." is much more complicated than the Phil Collins gabriel times...that's why like it so much more and also Gabriel's voice is much much better than Collins'. This album includes not only short songs but also very long songs. It is obvious that this is one of the best ones that rock has to offer. I like this album very much...Especially the title song, the funny song "Cuckoo Cocoon", "In the Cage", "Carpet Crawlers", "Lilywhite Lilith", "Anyway" and "The Lamia" are the ones I like to listen many many times. Also the instrumental song "The Waiting Room" is a great song. The lyrics are great because they are funny...and some of them may sound sad. "It." is a wonderful song because it is so fast...it actually brings me energy. This is another piece of art just like Pink Floyd's "The Wall" and Led Zeppelin's "Physical Graffiti"...they are also double albums. If you like more complicated stuff...try for example "Foxtrot" or "Nursery Crime".
Stars: The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, Lilywhite Lilith, Carpet Crawlers, The Lamia

Aaaaaaaaagh!
Thank God for the Sex Pistols. After them all this bilge was a chicken decapitated, still running around for a while. But headless. ( see also Yes, Free, Doors, Supertramp, Phil Collins, Led Zep, etc ruddy ect.)

Wow
I own this album on vinyl and have it on tape as well. I just heard a cover of Back in NYC by Jeff Buckley from Sketches for my Sweetheart the Drunk. It reminded me of how great this album really is. I must own it on CD and so must you. No time for romantic escape...buy it now... ... Read more

Asin: B000002J1S
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Tommy (1969 Original Concept Album)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (12 March, 1996)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $12.99
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Editorial Review

Tommy had the dubious distinction of being the first-ever rock opera; however, it's none the worse for that, Ken Russell's adaptation notwithstanding. Due largely to Pete Townshend's skill as a songwriter and composer, Tommy tells a coherent story and includes quality rock and roll at the same time, an impressive feat by itself. While surprisingly more linear than the later Quadrophenia, Tommy boasts several songs that stand up well on their own, including the classic "Pinball Wizard," "The Acid Queen," "I'm Free," and "Sally Simpson." Much of the rest doesn't make much sense lyrically unless you listen to the entire album, but you'll probably want to do that anyway, preferably with the lights low and the stereo cranked. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (174)

Many good songs...

...but only OK as an album.

This one is interesting in that it ranks high in all other categories except listenability.I like many of the songs, but listening to them all straight through is exhausting.Most are very catchy and singable, which is both a blessing and a curse.After I heard them a few times, I got tired of them, yet they stayed in my head for weeks.

If you're new to The Who, or to classic rock, it's required listening.It's a big part of history and the evolution of rock.It was ahead of its time, not just in terms of the music, but also the format and the subject matter.Townshend, at his peak, was one of the most creative songwriters and best rhythm guitarists.This album showcases his talents.

Many of the songs have been played to death on the radio.But imagine hearing this album when it first came out in '69.It's important to keep this in mind when listening.

Songwriting: 10/10
Musicianship: 10/10
Sound Quality: 10/10
Originality: 10/10
Listenability: 7/10

an "amazing journey"
this album changed my life. it raised my standards for music. this was the first album that completely blew me away. everyone who is a fan of music needs to own this album. its absolutley perfect. pete townshend is genious. this ablum will change you forever.

if you don't give it five stars.. something is completely wrong with you.

a superb who masterpiece
Tommy was one of the best hard rock albums along with quadrophenia,who are you and live at leeds from the legendary who.no self respecting rock fans should be without them.hugely recommended ... Read more

Asin: B000002OZY
Subjects:  1. Opera    2. Pop    3. Rock   

Aja
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 November, 1999)
list price: $9.98 -- our price: $7.99
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Editorial Review

History gives Steely Dan's Walter Becker and Donald Fagen the last, hearty laugh on this, the crown jewel in their remarkable canon of '70s Mensa pop.Sneaking onto the charts a half-decade earlier with sinuous, jazz-inflected "rock," the dysfunctional duo's acerbic, anti-heroic visions had been critically lauded for their band identity and killer guitar riffs, then promptly challenged when the two songwriters retired from the road, dissolved any formal band lineup, and used the studio as laboratory. Aja carried the added indignity of its increased focus on sophisticated jazz models and musicianship, which carried the Dan's ambitions even further in terms of suave harmonies, intricate song structures, and brilliant playing.Time has proven them wiser than their rock crit detractors: These seven songs abound in knotty plots, sneaky imagery, and drop-dead brilliant performances from a blue chip studio repertory studded with first-call jazz players epitomized by Wayne Shorter's towering solo on the title song.From the hard-boiled jazz romance of "Deacon Blues" to the twisted Homeric vamp of "Home at Last," the veiled but ominous swing of "Peg" to the sci-fi eroticism of "Josie," Aja is a modern pop classic and the coolest fusion record no one ever thought to lump in that category. --Sam Sutherland ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (136)

Aja
Steely Dan is my favorite band, so it's only natural for me to like Aja. Only a fool wouldn't. This is the big one, a fushion of jazz and rock that no one's ever done before (unfortunately no one else tried) It's got an impressive starting lineup, one of Black Cow, Aja, and Deacon Blues. Three impressive, amazing songs that just blow me away. Black Cow is bitter, Aja seems a bit more reminiscent (but who or what is Aja?) and Deacon Blues is a masterful work about someone who wants to break the musical barriers.
However, I'd be commiting a sin not to mention side two. Or, to be more accurate, Home at Last and I Got the News. Home at Last is one of the best songs anybody ever did aand is a nice tale of homecoming. I especially enjoy the jam that makes up the better part of the song, with the tenor and the guitar. Absolutely hypnotic song.
Then there's I Got the News. I Got the News is another kick-you-know-what song by the Dan. One of the songs that makes me want to get up and at least move, if not dance.
Peg and Josie are the two major hits, the songs you normally hear off Aja, but I don't really like either of them as much as the rest of the album. Do I like them? Yes, but they don't seem to match the rest.
It's funny how not many can release an album as good as this. Look toward the Dan! Donald Fagen for President, Walter Becker for VP! Hey, they make as much sense as any other politician...

Minimalist perfection
Without exception this album is a masterpiece.Totally unrivaled,unparalleled.A sumptuous feast of elegance,sophistication,urban cool,bubbling vitriolic undercurrents,and minimalist instrumental precision you won't find anywhere else.
Nobody beats Steely Dan when it comes to setting a groove or a hook in a song that "you can hang your coat on",and this album ups the ante considerably."Peg" is a spectacular example of this,"Deacon Blues" too,and my favourite "Home at Last",with the swinging horn section,and Bernard Purdie's pulsing beat. In many ways the latter part of the songs is the best part,anchored with a rock steady rythm section,and a tasteful, measured solo.
Check out Walter Becker's? guitar solo on "Home at Last",a showcase of perfect timming and space.
But most of all,check out Steve Gadd's drum solo on the closing moments of "Aja"..... crank up the volume,and listen to a master at work.He is going absolutely flat out,listen carefully to the fade out and the cymbal work is just astonishing.......apparently it was done in one take,and everybody stopped what they were doing they were so stunned.
This album is just simply a must for any Dan fan,and for any Steely Dan newbie it is an EXCELLENT place to start.
I cannot say enough about this album.It is pure stunning brilliance,utter genius that has stood the test of time.
BUY IT!

Karl Rothko,
Auckland,
New Zealand

The smirking duo at their peak
Man, I loved Steely Dan. One of the luckiest coincidences of my life is that my college years pretty much tracked the career of Donald and Walter. Freshman year - Can't Buy a Thrill. Sophomore year? Countdown to Ecstasy. And so on - every year brought a new album from two guys whom I was convinced were stalking me. And the general disillusionment felt by all liberal arts grads in '76 was exactly summed up by The Royal Scam.

Skip a year - my live-in GF of three years has left, I'm working 60 hour weeks, my best friend's father has died suddenly and I drove 14 hours straight to get her home in time for the funeral. I get back from all that and want nothing more but to sleep for a couple days. But my main man is waiting for me with a copy of Aja, hot off the press. We put it on and begin to deconstruct the music. Or attempt to, anyway - we're still listening almost 30 years later, trying to figure out how they did it.

This is a document, a text (for all you lit crit fans) of brilliant form and function. I sincerely hope that musicologists and sociologists are studying this album in 100 years. Why sociologists?As the old joke goes, it's hard to explain the late 70s unless you were there. Post Nixon, post Vietnam, post everything. America at that point was a truly ugly place, a kidney stone of a decade. And here comes Aja to prove that artistic endeavor wasn't dead after all. There was something in that smooth cynicism that was actually hopeful.

And the music hasn't lost any of it's allure. It's a wonderful CD to have in the car on a long trip and I'll always catch myself wondering how they got those harmonies on Peg.

After Aja? I found Gaucho to be a little too self-conscious, as if Walter and Dan were a bit puzzled at their critical acclaim. In truth, I thought The Nightfly was a better album and heralded a new direction to their work. But after that, silence for a long time.

True story: in the early days of the web, SD had a website on the old Pathfinder network, tended by Walter behind his usual facade. I sent a note expressing the hope that he had fully recovered from his injury and illness. To my great surprise, he responded. After a paragraph or two of murky allusions, he admitted it was indeed good to be alive and well. Good on ya, Walter. Long may you run. ... Read more

Asin: B00003002C
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Tumbleweed Connection
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 February, 1996)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

Tumbleweed Connection is part of the early catalog of Elton John's work that Guns N' Roses singer Axl Rose reportedly once said he would love to own the publishing rights to as a work of art. Indeed, it does contain some of John's most expressive work as an artist, but with the showy stage presence and pop melodicism still under construction. Tumbleweed is characterized by John's balladeer approach, with John at his storyteller best on songs like "Burn Down the Mission." Even if the lyrics were generally written by Bernie Taupin, John's voice and inflection made every song seem deeply personal. The beautiful "Come Down in Time" displays the subtleties and sophistication of his talent, with the piano not yet serving as the instrumental focal point it would later become. The album also features the favorite "Ballad of a Well-Known Gun" and "Where to Now St. Peter?" --Steve Gdula ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (91)

Before Elton was fab
As time has gone by, the music audience's awareness of Elton John's "classic" period has boiled down to his hit singles (a disproportionate number of them novelty songs or nostalgia exercises) and his most outlandish costumes. Although in recent years, he has clearly tried to put the emphasis back on his music, the image of Sir Elton John paying court to Princess Diana, wearing peacock feathers and giant clown glasses while collecting royalties on 70s nostagiac fluff like "Crocodile Rock" seemed to eliminate him from serious consideration. He was good for fun memories and a few million for good causes, but not someone whose music should be considered alongside the Stones, Springsteen, Aretha Franklin or The Band.

But at the same time as his hit singles were topping the charts, Elton John put out four or five of the best "rock" albums of rock's classic era."Tumbleweed Connection" is the finest of them all, but it is the most neglected because nary a song off it shows up on a Greatest Hits package.Not because the album "failed" to produce a single, but because there is not one song on it that sounds like an artistic compromise, or playing for the galleries. While not exactly a "concept album," it is clearly meant to be played all at once.It sustains a mood, and is adroitly balanced between some pretty hard rockers, some gorgeous love balladry, and a couple of songs that perfectly reflect the questing, questioning qualities of rock at its most meaningful--"My Father's Gun" and especially "Where To Now, St. Peter?"

Like so many albums of the early 1970s, "Tumbleweed Connection" was heavily influenced by The Band. The lyrics also borrow heavily from the Bob Dylan of "John Wesley Harding," and the words Robert Hunter contributed to the Grateful Dead for "American Beauty" and "Workingman's Dead."The old-west/Civil War atmosphere is so thick, it is reflected in the sepia-toned packaging.The packaging also gives prominence toTaupin, underscoring that this album is a collaboration.

But it wouldn't be a great album without the artistry that Elton John brought to it as a songwriter, singer and pianist. The piano-playing is especially strong on this disk, and his singing is powerful, emotional, real; none of the archness or forced irony that started to infect his work a few years later.The piano is mixed right up front on most tracks, and is stunningly great.The guitar is rock's signature instrument, but the piano has a long tradition too, from Fats Domino and Little Richard, to brilliant sidemen like Roy Bittan and Nicky Hopkins. On this album, Elton tops them all.This record is to rock piano what "Electric Ladyland" is to the guitar.

An overrated snoozefest.

I don't get it.This has often been touted as the perfect EJ album."Burn Down the Mission" is the only memorable song that I can tell.The rest put me to sleep.

My sense is that EJ was still trying to find himself at this point.He had a few great songs, lots of filler songs, and an identity crisis.So he tried to get twangy and capitalize on the singer/songwriter thing.Based on this album, it seems like he tried too hard.In retrospect, he did much better with ballads, melodies, and gospel.

Here is where it's important to separate the music from the artist.I get the impression that many are embarassed by EJ's flamboyance and excesses during the mid 70s, so they over-idealize his earlier period.Who wants to remember the glasses, or the feathers?It wasn't pretty, but a lot of great songs came out of it.

EJ did mostly hits and filler.I don't fault him too much for this, because his hits were outstanding, and the times required putting out a new album every week, whether you had enough good songs or not.

I recommend a greatest-hits or other compilation instead.

Songwriting: 6/10
Musicianship: 7/10
Sound Quality: 7/10
Originality: 5/10
Listenability: 5/10

Like the breeze blowing the tumbleweed, my mind gently sways
I often listen to more high intensity hard, acid, prog rock and fusion jazz (I'm a guitar player) but once in awhile I remember this sweet classic...you put it in the player...and all of the intense daily energies melt and you want to climb in a hammock and feel the gentle breeze of this masterpiece flow across your brain.The tone of Caleb Quayle's acoustic strumming is so soothing it is unreal (Leslie Duncan's one guitar piece - "Love Song" is beautiful as well...I guess a few other guests are adding guitars here and there).The sound of the guitars on here reminds you that intensity can be of the quiet variety.The overall professionalism and synergy of the band is a sound to behold!I could wax poetic on the other members talents as well but it would take too long.A special mention must go to the cool version of Madman with Mick Ronson on guitar, nice extra!Now on to Elton for a minute; I have been a fan since I was about 8 years old and was one of my first purchases as a little kid.I see that I had great taste!The early albums are incredibly good and Elton was doing some of his best work here in my opinion.His playing is inspired and the purity of his voice is sublime.This is a true musical genius with a muse that won't quit!Of course it would be unfair not to include Bernie Taupin in the previous statement since he often thought up the lyrics and concepts, etc.WHAT A PAIR!!Can they do wrong?Every song is great.Actually, this run of greatness went on for many years, but is highlighted here.But, even if the lyrics were substituted for jibberish, the music would still be sublime.If you like melodic, harmonious, beautiful, inspired, soul calming & compelling music - GO BUY!!!(I am a music lover and musician so this may effect me differently than some others) ... Read more

Asin: B000001EG4
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Country-Rock    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Rock    6. Rock & Roll    7. Singer/Songwriter    8. Soft Rock   

Rumours
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

With the pop sense of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks now leading the band, Fleetwood Mac moved completely away from blues and created this homage to love, Southern California-style. Each songwriter makes his or her presence known: Nicks for her dreamy, mystical reveries ("Dreams," "Gold Dust Woman:); Christine McVie for her ultra-catchy slogans ("Don't Stop"); and Buckingham for his deceptively simple pop songs ("Second Hand News," "Go Your Own Way"). "The Chain," written collectively, is the Mac at their most dramatic. But it's the ensemble playing, the elastic rhythms, and lush harmonies that transform the material into classic FM fare. --Rob O'Connor ... Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (215)

Piece of my heart.....
"Songbird" is enough reason alone to buy this magnificent album and i dedicate it eternally to my friend Rosebud.

One of the Best Selling Albums of all time!!
The new lineup that Fleetwood Mac successfully unveiled with their eponymous 1975 album became even more successful with the multi-platinum Rumours, which became the band's most celebrated album and one of the best-selling albums of all time. To be sure, this was a very different sounding Fleetwood Mac than the blues-rock outfit of the late '60s. This edition of the band generally wasn't well received by rock critics. But as commercial and slick as Rumours is, the music has a lot of heart and never comes across as insincere. From Christine McVie's optimistic "Don't Stop" (which President Bill Clinton used as his campaign theme song in 1992) to Lindsey Buckingham's remorseful "Go Your Own Way," Rumours is consistently memorable. And the folkish "Gold Dust Woman" (covered by Courtney Love and Hole in 1996) and the melancholy hit "Dreams" made it quite clear just how much depth and substance Stevie Nicks was capable of.

Greatest Album Ever Written
"Rumours" is an unbelieveable album, anyone who has heard it will agree with me. "Rumours" is a great album beacue it was written in the right band at the right time.
This version of Fleetwood Mac was formed in 1975, when Mick Fleetwood(drums), John McVie(bass), and Christine McVie (keyboards and vocals) recruted guitarist and songwriter Lindesy Bukingham and his singing and songwriting partner Stevie Nicks.
In 1975 the debut album "Fleetwood Mac" was released. It sold over five million copies and gave us great songs such as "Landslide", "Rhiannon", "Say You Love Me", "Monday Morning," and "World Turning".
In 1977 the long term relashionship between Stevie Nicks and Lidnsey Buckingham fell apart and Christine and John McVoe were getting a divore. These events fuled "Rumours" into being one great album.
Every single song on "Rumours" is great. It starts with Lindsey's song "Second Hand News" a good song with great guitar work. Next is Stevie Nick's "Dreams" a melincholy song that shows off Stevie's vocal power. The third song is "Never Going Back Again" a short, sweet, Bukingham song. Next is "Don't Stop" a positive, upbeat Christine McVie song that will put a smile on your face. After that is "Go Your Own Way" another great Lindsey Bukingham song where he shows off his guitar. After that is "Songbird", a slow, Christine McVie, lo
ve song that is played almost entirely on the paino. The next song is "The Chain" hands down the greatest song ever written. It's credited to all five members of the band and is made great by using the vocals of all five and giving a solo to both John McVie and Lindsey Buckingham at the end. Next is another Christine McVie song "You Make Loving Fun", it's a very positive love song. Next is "I Don't Want to Know" a Stevie Nicks song that fetures her and Lindsey Bukingham on lead vocals. Next is another slow Christine McVie song "Oh, Daddy". Finally there's "Gold Dust Woman" a haunting Stevie Nicks ballad.
Of those eleven songs nine became top forty hits (the only tow that didn't make it were "I Don't Want to Know" and "Oh Daddy") And twenty years later a B song that didn't make the final cut, "Silver Springs" became a hit off the live album "The Dance".
"Rumours" is still one of the highest selling albums of all time and is the acne of Fleetwood Mac's carrer.
Following "Rumours" Fleetwood Mac released the experimental album "Tusk" in 1979. "Tusk" failed to achive "Rumours" commerical success, but is still a great album with songs like "Tusk", "Sara", and "Think About Me". In 1984 Fleetwood Mac came back and relesed "Mirgae". The album was much more commerical than "Tusk", with songs like "Gypsy", "Hold Me", and "Love in Store". In 1987 the band released "Tango in the Night". Another great album with songs like "Big Love", "Caroline", and "Little Lies." In 1997 the band came back together and released the concert album "The Dance", which included four new songs most noteablr among those were "Silver Springs" and "My Little Demons". In 2003 Fleetwood Mac (minus Christine McVie) released "Say You Will" with songs like "Say You Will" and "Peacekeeper"
In conclusion Fleetwood Mac is a band that (in my opinion) has never relased a bad song. But if you want to get the difintve Mac album this is it. But I still recomend all the Fleetwood Mac works.
... Read more

Asin: B000002KGT
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Pop    3. Pop/Rock    4. Rock    5. Soft Rock   

Alone with the Blues
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 May, 2000)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
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Reviews (4)

5 stars for Greenie
Why five? Because you loved the man's touch and feel on the strings; because he sounded so good with soulful down-hearted blues on "Trying So Hard to Forget" and "Coming, I'm Coming"? Dig that slide he's teasing. Or kick it back on the porch with a "Kind Hearted Woman" by way of Mr. Robert Johnson.

And tell me how woeful and hurtin' Peter cries on "Jumping At Shadows"--who's in more pain, his song or his guitar? Listen to those peals of sorrow--the voice AND the tortured notes he's pulling off that Les Paul. You didn't feel the knife cut you that deep until you heard the end of his solo, did ya?

If grief could be made into work, he could sing the nails out of the wall, and don't forget the squeals and squawks he'd grind out on lead guitar.I heard "Same Old Blues" by Bonnie Bramlett; Peter would make the perfect duet. And lookee-here, Albert King's "Born Under a Bad Sign" is as menacing as theoriginal. Those are Albert's signature licks, aren't they?

Shake it, shake it, with "Tribal Dance." It's spacy and it moves. And could that be a hint of a David Gilmore-like influence on "Time for Me To Go"?

Get this because you loved the early Fleetwood Mac. Buy it because you have a friend who loves to learn new guitar ideas from an old source.Keep it because you need it in your collection.

Much Better Than I Expected!Peter Does The Blues!
I bought this not knowing exactly what it was.I had hoped it would not be Peter doing the weird stuff that I had heard plagued some of his post-Fleetwood Mac solo records.I was not disappointed!This is a really great collection if you are just looking to recapture some of the old Bluesbreakers/Fleetwood Mac sound.Much of what is here would have sat comfortably next to any of the Fleetwood Mac era tracks.

In response to one of the other reviewers, if you had read the back cover notes you would not have been misled into thinking it's all from the Fleetwood Mac days - in any case I knew this couldn't all be from the Mac era since I didn't recognise most of the songs, and I know all of them from the box set. Actually, only Sandy Mary and Jumping at Shadows are definitely from the Fleetwood Mac lineup (from the Boston Tea Party concerts).

It is not clear exactly where some of the rest of the songs originate - the liner notes are no help at all although it is claimed that at least one track is from the Bluesbreakers era (but, no indication as to which one!).

Walkin' Down The Road opens the disc with a classic blues cut that I had never heard - great stuff!Worth the price of admission alone just for that song!The next three songs are probably from a live show and the sound quality suffers, but actually this adds to rather than detracts from the music - gives it a certain vibe!In any case, the performances on those live tracks are really great!Especially "Kind Hearted Woman" which you should compare to the later version that Peter did recently.I think I like this one better!

The rest of the tracks (including the first song) are in fine sound quality and I would guess are from the post-Mac era(?).Good stuff, and every song is blues-based - no weird experimental stuff.

I highly recommend this disc if you want a sample of the post-Mac Peter Green filtered to give you just the real blues stuff, you will not be disppointed!

Where's Fleetwood Mac?
I thought I was getting an album of Original Fleetwood Mac, but only twoof the 16 cuts feature Mac.Eleven are solo Peter Green from after he leftthe band.I've been a fan of Peter Green since I first heard Albatross in1967, so I still enjoyed the music, but it is grossly mislabeled. ... Read more

Asin: B00004RIMP
Sales Rank: 12075
Subjects:  1. Blues-Rock    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Rock/Pop   

Performance: Rockin' the Fillmore
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Features

• Live

Reviews (34)

one of the greatest live albums
performance at the fillmore is one of the best live albums.humble pie boasted of two of the greatest guitarists in Steve Marriot and Peter frampton.this live album features superb live versions of pie classics like STONE COLD FEVER,ROLLING STONE,FOUR DAY CREEP and the excellent I DONT NEED NO DOCTOR.get this with FRAMPTON COMES ALIVE.very highly recommended.

"PERFORMANCE..EXTRAORDINAIRE !!!"
My poor and feeble written abilities can do little to add to the already prodigious acclamations described previously herein! Suffice it to say, I was there at the "Fillmore," at the tender and impressionable age of 17, and can attest to the fact that it really did sound that good! I consider this particular recording a "PROMETHEAN" effort by an all but forgotten SUPER group!! Like fine wine or an incrdebile woman;
this album will only get better with time, and most certainly accrue in value! Acquire it post haste and fear not, the currency spent, will most certainly not go to waste !!

EXCELLENT
Look....what can I say about HUMBLE PIE that really hasn't been said before???? They are a primo band....Peter Frampton at his finest....Steve Marriot in his prime.....these 2 guitarists were explosive together...is a real shame they had such a power struggle to see who would control the band....because the pie never achieved the power they had when Peter was on board.

This album captures all the raw power and creative drive this band was famous for....long extended versions of songs that never gets boring or redundant..if you wanted a testament of this bands crowning achievement....THIS IS IT...

BUY THIS ALBUM... ... Read more

Asin: B000002GKT
Sales Rank: 4631
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Blues-Rock    3. Hard Rock    4. Pop    5. Rock   

Disraeli Gears
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (07 April, 1998)
list price: $9.98 -- our price: $7.99
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Editorial Review

Fresh Cream, the album that introduced this seminal super-blues trio to America, was perhaps a bit too blues-based to do the advance hype ("Clapton is God!") justice. Two of its three best-known tracks, after all, were blues covers. It was Disraeli Gears that turned Cream into a "supergroup." Here they pursue the psychedelic ideals of the era with total abandon (the LP cover art still stands as one of the 1960s' most striking designs), merging these ideals with their take on the blues and adorning the amalgamation with some superb pop craftsmanship. Of the eleven originals here, four--"Tales of Brave Ulysses," "SWLABR," "Strange Brew," and "Sunshine of Your Love"--earned major airplay. This, their excess-free greatest moment, does the Cream legend proud. --Bill Holdship ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered