4-Track Demos
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Audio CD (19 October, 1993)
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Reviews (30)

4-track wonders
Over the last decade, PJ Harvey had had some amazing albums. However, each one was different from the one before it, and in my opinion were not as good as the albums before them. PJ Harvey came out of virtually nowhere back in 1991/1992 with her debut album, "Dry". Incredible album. Raw, uninhibited, and very enjoyable. "Rid of Me" followed, making the Dry/Rid of Me albums like Jekyll and Hyde. "Rid of Me" was a vicious collection of rage and pain, and was an album that required some headache medication after you listened to it.

This seemed not to be a problem for the fans PJ was picking up along the way, and "Rid of Me" made them beg for more. To satisfy, PJ released "4-track Demos" in the same year.

I have heard some pretty intense music so far in my life, but none of it matches "4-track Demos". These versions were recorded before "Rid of Me", so it's pretty obvious that PJ was at her angriest and in-the-moment when recording the demos. Nothing sounds pleasant, and somehow that's beautiful. The guitar EQ's are made so crunchy that sometimes the vocals and guitars clash so badly you don't know whether to shut the album or turn the volume up. Again, this is a beautiful quality of this album.

Needless to say, this was a milestone in both PJ Harvey's career and the music world's career. This is an album you'll hear and say: "I've never heard anything like this before." "4-track Demos" is a must-have, especially if you own "Rid of Me". You need to hear the music that WAS...before producer Steve Albini unleashed his production demons on "Rid of Me" and drowned out most of the emotion found on "4-track Demos".

So, grab some Tylenol and get ready for one unique listening experience.

Worth it for the tracks absent on rid of me
Wow, this album is really excellent. I have owned rid of me (and all of PJ's other albums) for the better part of a year now and because I love her music so much I decided to buy this album to complete my collection. The demos of the tracks on rid of me are not really that great actually, with the exception of rid of me, legs, and yuri-g. The real reason to buy this is for the other songs previously unreleased. Hardly Wait has to be one of my top five pj harvey songs ever (if I could narrow it down that much...) and reeling, driving, easy, and m-bike are also PJ Harvey's voice at it's very best. The music is also very hypnotising, and suprisingly the absense of drums didn't take away much from the album at all. I strongly suggest that any PJ harvey fan -or music fan - get this album as soon as possible!

Stripping the words down to its Soul
...ok so after picking up raw,gritty Rid of Me, I moved on with the 4-Track Demos that were released years after the release of Rid of Me. And even listening to it now, I still sit there in utter silence with my mouth to the ground. Think of this album a more unpolished than Rid of Me. This album is amazing, simply, and clearly crafts the amazement of this cult-heroine. She coughs,screams,moans,and messes up which gives a more intimate acosoutic feel to it. But also when things get intimate, things get raw as bones with this album. I feel that this album kinda separted the true fans from everyone else, because its such a hard pill to swallow. Water isn't going to help it go down,you nearly have to choke down her words,and ever gasp she makes..she is absolutly brillant... ... Read more

Asin: B000001E26
Sales Rank: 30085
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Indie Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Singer/Songwriter   

If You're Feeling Sinister
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Audio CD (23 June, 1999)
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Editorial Review

There are several schools of thought about Syd Barrett, the early leader of Pink Floyd. Some think he was a genius songwriter, even when he was utterly whacked out. Others think he was just a druggie tosspot (those people are wrong).If you subscribe to the former school, you need to hear Belle and Sebastian, who seem to inhabit a musical universe close to Syd's. Songs seem to fly off the cuff, as attractive as a summer day when you were 16. We're not talking self-conscious strangeness here, but just natural, organic weirdness with melodies that make these songs work. --Chris Nickson ... Read more

Reviews (159)

I'm Feeling Sinister
This is truly one of the great albums of recent years.One of the reviews said that they "disagreed that this is a rainy day album, but that rather it was a sunny road trip record."Personally, I believe that it is both.It is a beautifully done record that can be scene as a sunny road trip record, or as a record to reflect to while sitting inside watching the rain spatter against the windows.With a single listen you don't realize all the nuances of this CD and just how great it is.

This was the soundtrack to my spring break in New York City and will forever bring me back to NYC whenever I here any of these songs.Belle and Sebastian incorporate a number of sounds to make their own distinct sound.If you like the Shins or Tegan and Sara, I believe that you will enjoy this CD.

Ratings of songs (Every song got an A, simply one of my all time favorite CDs):
1. The Stars of Track and Field - "A" This moody song has a number of different levels to it and is simply beautifully done.

2. Seeing Other People - "A" This is a light hearted song, a nice pick-me-up after the previous track.Once again beautifully done.

3. Me and the Major - "A" Yet another great song.Combination of the harmonica and piano sound great in the fast paced song.Nice lyrics.

4. Like Dylan in the Movies - "A" Continues the fast pace of the previous track but turns its that fast pace into a whole different song.Becomes wistful (rainy day song perhaps)

5. The Fox in the Snow - "A" Another "rainy day" song.Beautiful and fragile.Piano and guitar are great together.

6. Get Me Away From Here, I'm Dying - "A" Great song.Picks up from The Fox in the Snow.

7.If You're Feeling Sinister - "A" Fast guitar with a nice piano part.Kids playing in the background is a nice touch.Makes you reminisce about childhood.

8. Mayfly - "A" Different sound to the guitar as with the previous tracks.Awesome organ in the background.Female vocal backing up main male vocal is great.

9.The Boy Done Wrong Again - "A" Sad song.Rainy day song.Beautiful.

10.Judy and the Dream of Horses - "A"Nice cheery song that starts off sounding sad.Great closing track.

EVERY SONG IS GREAT!

They've done good albums...this isn't one of them
Belle and Sebastian (on this album) are very, very, very melancholy. It's as if they're trapped inside "Eleanor Rigby"...not the song...actually BEING "Eleanor". I say this because they never step back and become detached from the sadness...they just allow it to swallow them whole and this continual focus on the downside of life tends to be wearing over the course of a whole album. Couple this with the limited range of the lead singer and influences (Smiths,Donovan) worn clearly on their sleeve and it becomes apparent that this is one of those albums people listen to so they can assure themselves of the superiority of "indie" music rather than out of any basis in the music itself.

BOTTOM LINE:
This one is extremely overrated. If you want a better B&S album, try BOY WITH THE ARAB STRAP or DEAR CATASTROPHE WAITRESS first. Those are more musically accessible and don't fall prey as often

takes a bit of getting used to
When I first bought and then listened to this album only one thought went through my mind "i wish his voice was different" and what I am talking about there is his times where he is off key but aside from that (and the sometimes repetitiveness at the end of some of the songs" this is a great album. For some people it may just take some getting used to. ... Read more

Asin: B00000JHAU
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Strangeways, Here We Come
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Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
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Reviews (55)

*MY* vote for their masterpiece
While the popular consensus is that The Queen Is Dead was their masterpiece, I tend to find Strangeways their finest studio achievement, which unfortunately was followed by the breakup of the band after the recording was complete (but before the album was released).How daring is it that the opening number, the great A Rush and a Push and the Land is Ours, contains not one bit of guitar?Or the overlooked masterpiece Death of a Disco Dancer, where the band fires on all cylinders and Morrissey delivers some of his wryest and best lyrics to date?Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before is awesome, and if Last Night I Dreamed That Somebody Loved Me doesn't tug at your heart, from the eerie intro to the pleading performances from all 4 band members, then something is wrong with you.Bitterness and sadness drip from Unhappy Birthday, which is often overlooked in The Smiths' canon of work.Even the final track, I won't share you, which is simply Marr on autoharp and Morrissey singing with a little bass from Rourke, is pure perfection.As is the album (with the exception of one song, the lame Death At One's Elbow).

Magnificent in a word
If wrote nearly as well as these songs are composed I'd be able to express better my admiration for this work; this is thoughtful, soulful pop music as it was meant to be.
Oh yeah, and it KICKS.

Not As Obviously Brilliant As "The Queen Is Dead"
"Strangeways, Here We Come" brought an end to what is probably the most remarkable 4½-year, organically whole recording career in the history of popular music. The Smiths were wise to not try to follow up "The Queen Is Dead" with "Our Greatest Masterpiece, Part II".However, since they probably did not know that it was to be their last new album, "Strangeways" has the feel of a transitional record, much like "Meat Is Murder".But while
"Meat Is Murder" would have ended the band's career (not that it threatened to) with something of a whimper, "Strangeways" ends it with a bang.

The cliché of the "sophomore slump" has been too much of a reality for some artists .The Smiths managed to eschew this with "Hatful of Hallow", which, though it was more of a collection than a proper studio album, contained some of the the band's greatest material.Following what might be called a "junior slump", The Smiths delivered their masterpiece, "The Queen Is Dead".Havingleap-froged the sophomore slump, they were now back at square two, so to speak.Following up a masterpiece can be as arduous as delivering on the promise of a great debut.Although a masterpiece gives a band some room to maneuver, it also sets a high standard to live up to.This what The Smiths faced as they entered the studio for what was to be their final recording together.

"Strangeways" turned out to be a Janus-faced record.The band tried to move forward with more ornate production, but they generally ended up sounding better when they stuck to what had always worked for them.The longer and shorter songs sit comfortable among one another, even if the longer songs can feel too long at times."Girlfriend In A Coma" is a truly classic Smiths song, with its two minutes filled to the brim with every ounce of bitterness, love, and irony that Morrissey can muster.(And what better setting for a Smiths song than a hospital?)On the other hand, "Paint A Vulgar Picture", at 5 ½ minutes, is probably the most entertaining song on the CD.A swipe at the record industry's efforts to milk artists for all that they are worth, Moz still manages to splice in verses about how he has lost his true love. The song has also proven to be pretty ironic given the fact that The Smiths' own catalog has gone through extensive re-issuing and re-packaging, including several best of's and most of's.(Another swipe on the CD, "Death of a Disco Dancer", - featuring Moz on piano - is less effective than "Panic", the band's other swipe at the same subject.)

Among the other songs are the guitar-less "A Rush and a Push and the Land is Ours", which kicks of the disc with energy and aplomb, and expresses Morrissey's typical sentiments without crashing into caricature.(Note Morrissey's wonderful growling as well.) "I Started Something..." - in which Moz ruins a perfectly good friendship by saying "I love you" - "Stop Me..." - in which he gets beat up on the way to meet someone he loves - and the string-laden "Last Night I Dreamt..." are also bona fide Smiths classics.Meanwhile, "Unhappy Birthday" and "I Won't Share You" are smaller but equally valuable gems, and "Death At One's Elbow" is a nice slice of Smiths-style rockabilly.

On the whole, The Smiths may have slipped a bit from "The Queen Is Dead" on their final album, but they had plenty of room to do so.They still ended up with a brilliant record.It was wise and brave of the band to challenge themselves, even if the best songs on "Strangeways" are not necessarily the result of this. Moreover, it was clear from this album that the break-up was not due to the creative well running dry, but rather, to the personal and creative differences between Morrissey and Marr. (I have heard one interpretation of "I Won't Share You" to be Morrissey's way of telling Marr that he didn't appreciate Marr's moonlighting on sessions with other artists.) So while this may not be the *very* best Smiths record or the favorite of most fans, it is still worthy of 5 stars.

And just for the record: Johnny Marr, speaking over a decade after "Strangeways" was released, said the following:"I don't think this album is what we're about to most people.They've decided that "The Queen Is Dead" is the better album and I don't agree.All the songs are better, it's better produced and it's got better atmosphere.I might be wrong but I don't think I am....It's the one Smiths record I've actually sat down and listened to since the break-up." Morrissey, when asked how he felt about Marr's opinion that "Strangeways" was their best album, said,"Well, it is.We're in absolute accordance on that. We say it quite often.At the same time.In our sleep.But in different beds."Food for thought, indeed. ... Read more

Asin: B000002LCX
Sales Rank: 8464
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. College Rock    3. Indie Pop    4. Pop    5. Rock   

Maxinquaye
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (18 April, 1995)
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Editorial Review

Less experimentally brash than his more recent release, Tricky's debut CD Maxinquaye is actually a better introduction to the British hip-hopper turned international trip-hopper than his later work. The dozen smoldering, moonlit tracks are less concerned with loopy aural exaggeration than they are with showcasing Tricky's slow-mo rap and singer Martine's sexy soprano. With the exception of the stellar "Pumpkin," (featuring vox from Alison Goldfrapp), the duo mix a colorful palate of rhythmic vocals, throbbing backbeats and gravelly electronic textures. Toss in large doses of sexual innuendo and Maxinquaye becomes a libidinous foray into languor and lust. --Nick Heil ... Read more

Features

• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (93)

A definite break from the NORM!!!!!
This is definitately a break from all the mainstream music out right now. It may not be understandable for those who thrive on the radio mayhem. I became a Tricky fanatic ever since i was looking on the internet for a Bjork song featuring Kelis the Oceania Remix.Then i noticed an artist named Tricky among all the downloads. Out of curiousity i downloaded some songs from him, and ever since then i have bought all of his cds. I bought all except JUXTAPOSE,AND PRE MILLENIUM TENSION.This is some of the best songs ive heard because they are so different, and they are not as easy to understand. This makes the listener sit there and brainstorm. And buy a couple of listenings you start to enjoy this. I can also identify with Tricky, someone who doesnt fit into a certain group because of different musical ideas.

SO anway for those people who like adventurous,somewhat dark but not to me,mind boggling music you should definately buy Tricky cds.

tried &tried
had this album for a long time but could never get into it.dunno why!!

Maxinquaye's influence on Waterlog's Brained Off Drugs
I just recently purchased this ablum after hearing it was a major influence in the recordings of Waterlog's album Brained Off Drugs. I immediately got a hold of this album and was absolutley blown away to say the least!!! Maxinquaye's influence over the world of trip hop has been amazing. This album is boundless and full colors. I recommend to anyone! ... Read more

Asin: B000001E7V
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Electronica    3. England    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Trip-Hop    7. Underground Rap   

Kruder & Dorfmeister Session
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (03 November, 1998)
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Editorial Review

Viennese trippers Peter Kruder and Richard Dorfmeister fry up beats like a fine Wiener schnitzel. With crisp percussion, tender melodies, and subtle bass flavor, they more than know their way around the production kitchen. Take the remix skills of these two chefs de musique; add a dash of fresh electronic ingredients, including Roni Size, Rockers Hi-Fi, David Holmes, Alex Reece, and others; run it through a beats processor; and you have one sumptuous and definitely not calorie-free meal. Tastier sound bites can be sampled during the Roni Size "Heroes" course, as K&D strip down and reconstruct a new and improved recipe for downtempo soul. Lip-smacking good. --Daniel Shumate ... Read more

Reviews (129)

Yes, this it what you are looking for!!!
These 2 records will transfer you to the long expected land of really excellent music. First I have heard it was in a small club and after hearing No.5 song (Bomb the bass) I really HAD to ask the bartender what the hell it was :-)

And this is just a part of this jewel; you will hear song of Depeche mode which is definately much better than the original, excellent remix of David Holmes "Gone", Roni Size and a lot of nice stuff.... If you want a change your musical life, you may try this!!!!

these sessions jam
this is the quintisenntial downbeat collection that is the standard to which music in this genre should be measured.old school yes!! still relevant?absolutely.while there will always be new and upcoming music that will break down barriers or start new trends, it is important to remember that K&D are pioneers in this field.with their quirky personas and magic carpet chill ride, they have dubbed quite literally a masterpiece.I have had this set for years and still listen to it.i even like the dm remix.I think the way that the original songs are interpreted by K&D is what makes them special.They just seem to have the knack of pushing the music into steamrolling jugernauts that send the listener off into a hypnotic trance.this album is K&D at its highest and a must have for music afficionados into all different types of music.get it, you will like it!

Love it, Dance to it, and everything else to it :D
I love the liquidy ryhthmic sound to it.I put tracks 7 & 8 on repeat and just dance or workout till my body feels like its jello. ... Read more

Asin: B00000G257
Subjects:  1. Dance    2. Dance Music    3. Pop   

Tidal
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 July, 1996)
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Editorial Review

Tidal is the debut album by Fiona Apple, a New York singer-songwriter-pianist who was 18 years old at the time of its 1996 release. Apple is obviously talented--she has a dark, smoky alto and a knack for an arresting turn of phrase--but she's still several years away from realizing her potential. For every fresh lyric she writes ("Daddy longlegs, I feel that I'm finally growing weary of waiting to be consumed by you"), she provides two examples of embarrassingly precious schoolgirl poetry ("Adagio breezes fill my skin with sudden red," from the same song, "The First Taste"). She also has yet to refine her moody piano chords into actual melodies, though "Shadowboxer" comes close. --Geoffrey Himes ... Read more

Reviews (274)

And remember that depth is the greatest of heights...
If you look back on the second page of reviews, you will see my 2004 two star review. Don't read it; it's wrong. I gave this album a few more spins, because I was desperate for thoughtful lyrics by a solo voice. Fiona is the one. Tidal, a calmer cd than When the Pawn..., is one that I listen to repeatedly now. Not only because the lyrics are astounding and can be linked to so many aspects of life... also because her voice is so soulful and at times calm. The music glides over you like a wave.

My favorite songs are "Sullen Girl," "Criminal," "The Child is Gone." These took awhile for me to get into, except Criminal. The Amazon critic says she doesn't write tangible melodies, but he is wrong. With her beautiful voice, the scattered notes stay in a flurry in your head. It isn't conventional pop or rock songwriting so one can't confine her greatness to a genre.. believe me. Just put the cd in loud in your stereo, and you will hear it. Tidal is a classic.

Tidal is Terrific
Fiona Apple is one of the best female artiss of the 90s. Her album has deep lyrics , smokey balads and amazing vocals.
She is an awesome singer ,talented pianist anda gifted songwriter

Sleep to Dream 5/5 This song has deep lyrics that talks about a relationship that was taken for granted

Sullen Girl3/5 It is a sad and powerful song about a depressed girl

Shadowboxer4/5 a smokey balad about a brake up

Criminal5/5Great song . Fiona's biggest hit ever

Slow like Hoey 4/5 Song about someone wanting you back but you dont want them back

The First Taste 3/5 Song about someone wanting someone back

Never is a Promise 5/5 This is a song about never promising someone back

The Child Is Gone 4/5 soft balad with misery

Pale September4/5 Beautifal Song and beautiful lyrics

Carrion 4/5 light song


THIS ALBUM IS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Beautiful And Astounding Debut
I was first compelled to explore the music of Fiona Apple after hearing the complications her third album "Extraordinary Machine" has had in getting released, due to her record company's refusal to put it into manufacture because of the lack of any 'radio material'. I for one was disgusted by this, and my disgust was confirmed even more when I finally bought this album. I always kind of knew that buying an album by Miss Apple would be a wise move, but I didn't know just how good...

Let's just get a few things straight; this album is absolutely f**king incredible. Nothing less than an alternative female rock masterpiece, and undoubtedly one of the greatest albums I've ever purchased. "Tidal" is its name, released in July 1996, when Fiona was a mere 19 years old. It was certified Gold in December of the same year, and has currently racked up US sales of 3 million. Apple possesses a raw yet smooth voice, which is rather smoky and jazzy. Her music is primarily rock but boasts hints of jazz and pop. Her songwriting is incredible, totally something else. She's quite the poet.

The album opens with the amazing "Sleep To Dream." The thumping beat that opens this song soon manifests into a raging and man-hating rock classic! Fiona's vocals here are amazing, and the song has great lyrics. "Sullen Girl" is one of the most amazing songs on the album. It's such a beautiful and tranquil song. It's a really brilliant break-up song, with visual lyrics such as "Calm under the waves in the blue of my oblivion." There's some very relaxing sounds swirling around in the background towards the end of this song, making it very memorable and a perfect song to relax to. Fiona is like a mermaid in this deep ocean of a song. "Shadowboxer" is a real grower, which I didn't really like much to begin with. After a few listens, though, I absolutely love it. This song is so powerful and moving, and it all comes from that amazing voice. Here, Fiona's vocals bellow all over the arrangement which works amazingly with the piano. The song tells the story of a destructive relationship, with almost a hint of physical abuse. This may not be the case, but the ambiguity adds furthermore to its intrigue.

"Criminal" is one of the songs that was released as a single from the album, and perhaps the most well-known. The song is an uptempo rocker with lyrics about how Fiona sees herself as a criminal because she toyed with a boy's emotions. It's a great song, but it's actually not one of my favourites from the album. "Slow Like Honey" is another beautiful and relaxing song, and the most Jazz-like song on the album. The piano creates this unusual atmosphere in the song as Fiona sings a Joni Mitchell-type classic. This song may take a while to really grab you, but once it does you'll be listening to it on repeat for hours. I just can't describe it anymore, but it's very surreal. "The First Taste" is the most experimental song on the album, and features a catchy piano riff that kicks in after the unforgettable line, "I do not struggle in your web, because it was my aim to get caught. But daddy longlegs, I feel that I'm finally growing weary of waiting to be consumed by you." One of the best parts of the song comes when Fiona sings, "Full is not heavy as empty, not nearly my love, not nearly my love, not nearly." Close your eyes at this point and you'll find yourself somewhere totally different. "Never Is A Promise" is probably the most beautiful song on the album and runs for almost six minutes. It's a slow and moving song that features little snippets that may last only a second or two, but which are so memorable that will be drawn back again and again. The lyrics are amazing, the most noticeable being ones such as "I realize what I am now too smart to mention - to you." What I love most about this song is the vocal style Fiona adopts; almost weary, lagging and tired of being hurt. Beautiful and astounding.

"The Child Is Gone" is a mid-tempo number with a swaying piano riff and some unusual lyrics. I'm not quite sure what this song is about, but I do like it. This album has 10 songs of pure genius, and while some are better than others, they're still all pretty damn good. "Pale September" is one of my favourites due to the amazing piano melody that Fiona incorporates into the song. It almost sounds like a lullaby, but rather ominous too; like something doesn't bode well for the future. The lyrics, however, contrast this; they're absolutely stunning. If you read the lyrics slowly and take in each word while Fiona sings them, you'll be transported - visually - to another place. "Carrion" is another great song, but probably my least favourite from the album. This is the last track on the album, and it closes the album in fine style. Fiona's vocals are very hushed, almost whispered, which creates an intimate setting between the listener and herself.

OVERALL GRADE: 10/10

Fiona Apple has only had two albums released to date, the aforementioned "Tidal" and its 1999 follow-up "When The Pawn..." I bought both albums at the same time, and actually liked the latter much more. Tidal took a while to grow on me, but after repeated listens I can't stop listening to it. It's really impossible for me at this stage to saw which album I like the best - that kind of answer can only be given, at least in my case, in about a year. What this album brings for me is beautiful melodies, gorgeous vocals, thought-provoking lyrics and just something different to my already alternative CD collection. Only ten songs on this album, I hear you cry? Fear not, because in the case of Fiona Apple, less is most definitely more. ... Read more

Asin: B000002BE9
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Best of
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

Leonard Cohen is famous as a major seller in much of the world outside the U.S., the Canadian singer-songwriter's adoptive home; in Europe, this album's title is Greatest Hits. Even listeners barely familiar with Cohen's name will know "Suzanne" and "Bird on a Wire," but those oft-covered numbers are the least of it. The former novelist's mission as a wry, resigned troubadour is better reflected in songs like "Chelsea Hotel No. 2," a remembrance of Janis Joplin with a devastating closing line, and "Who by Fire," which updates a Jewish prayer. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (50)

Simply, the best.
Leonard Cohen has long been one of my favorite poets, song writers and singers. Once labeled "the poet laureate of pessimism," Cohen has brought me much pleasure during his thirty-six years of songwriting and eleven albums. His style, lyrics, interpretation and music resonate with me strongly. They always have. "The Best Of Leonard Cohen" is one of my favorite CDs. Look at the cuts - no other explanation needed.

"Famous Blue Raincoat" is probably my favorite Leonard Cohen song. The love, resignation and utter loneliness of this piece about a love triangle is poignant and emotional. "Bird On A Wire" is a fantastic poem of a song. It's also classic Cohen, the ladies' man, seducing through remorse. "Chelsea Hotel No. 2" is another great one. I live in NYC and the Chelsea Hotel, that preferred residence of writers and poets of the Beat Generation, is memorialized here, as is the long ago lady who said, ""Well never mind, we are ugly but we have the music." "Take This Longing" is rife with intense yearning, love and a touch of bitterness - beyond brooding. "Who By Fire" is yet another favorite, for its great sound, the extraordinary lyrics and because it is based on a prayer recited during Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement. I have always loved the romance and courage behind the lyrics and spirit of "The Partisan." Cohen says that he had the "curious notion that the Nazis were overthrown by music." Would that it had been so easy!

"Suzanne," Sisters of Mercy," "So Long Marianne," and "Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye," all take me back to a time and place long past, but the music, and Cohen's voice, never fail to bring back the images along with the emotions which originally accompanied them.

Simply, the best.
JANA

Very good best of
The 2 reasons i bought this is because i was really impressed with jeff buckley's version of halleujah, and my father used to listen to cohen alot. All the songs are great on this album i especially like old rain coat and sussanna. He does not have the best of voices but who cares when his music and lyrics are so great.

The perfect rainy day album
Other than "The Future", I am relatively unfamiliar with Leonard Cohen's music. I first discovered Leonard's music when I heard "Closing Time" on the radio back in the early '90s and loved the irresistably catchy song. When the film "Bird on the Wire" came out, I didn't realize that The Neville Brothers' rendition of "Bird on the Wire" was originally by Leonard Cohen. One of my favorite Leonard Cohen covers is the late Jeff Buckley's interpretation of "Hallelujah". It is one of the best cover songs I have ever heard. My favorite Leonard Cohen cover has to be Tori Amos' version of "Famous Blue Raincoat". I first heard her version during Tori's Strange Little Girl tour in 2001. I was completely moved by the melodies and the melancholy lyrics. Tori's version was the sole reason why I had to buy "The Best of Leonard Cohen". I wanted to hear the original version. Both Tori and Leonard's versions of the song are wonderful. While listening to this album, I couldn't help but notice a contrast in Leonard's singing style back in the '70s and compare it to the raspy vocals on "The Future". As a song lyricist, Leonard Cohen is truly a poet. Unlike many of his contempories, Leonard's lyrics truly shines through the fragile acoustic melodies as opposed to being drowned out by drums, bass, keyboards, and electric guitars. Leonard's music is the ideal music to listen to on a cold, rainy day while you are snuggled up underneath a blanket and reading by the window. "The Best of Leonard Cohen" is a nice introduction to newcomers to Leonard Cohen's music. I find his music very soothing and comforting to listen to any day. ... Read more

Asin: B00000256G
Subjects:  1. Folk & Traditional    2. Pop    3. Rock   

Walking Wounded
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (21 May, 1996)
list price: $9.98 -- our price: $9.98
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Editorial Review

Ben Watt and Tracey Thorn of Everything but the Girl have done their share of style-hopping, from jazz pop to Britpop to orchestral pop to contemporary R&B to jazzy R&B. Their seventh album, 1996's Walking Wounded, finds the duo landing, good as new, onto the dance floor with a batch of songs based around techno-derived beats. The shift toward electronics may seem extreme for a group that courted adult audiences, but given the huge success of their 1994 beat-driven remix single "Missing" and their fruitful collaborations on Massive Attack's breakthrough trip-hop record Protection, the rewards of embracing club sounds had already been well proven.Everything but the Girl's music has always focused on Thorn's lush, soulful voice--a tribute to its versatility, it weathered well through all the group's stylistic incarnations. Walking Wounded, however, introduces a second focal point in the insanely attractive, intricately sculpted beats of the jungle offshoot drum & bass. On cuts like "Before Today," "Single," and the title track, the interaction of a beat's minutely detailed rhythms and a voice that rides smoothly over the top makes for an elegant symbiosis. And even with the help of progressive dance specialists like Howie B. and Spring Heel Jack, Everything but the Girl retains a maturity that shouldn't alienate old fans.--Roni Sarig ... Read more

Reviews (60)

My favorite album ever.
Let me save you some time: stop reading these reviews and buy the album immediately. It is that good.

Listening to this album has brought so much joy to my life I would gladly pay 10 or even 20 times its price if I had to. In fact, when I was looking through my albums recently, I decided that although I have many favorites that I hold very dear, this is the one album I would be most unable to do without.

Tracey Thorn's vocals are absolutely perfect, and perfectly recorded. The songs flow into each other so well, I always, always listen to the album all the way through. This is, to my mind, the mark of a perfect album. Each song can hold its own, and none make you reach for the "skip" button, even after you've heard the album countless times. It sounds just as good now as it did when it first came out. I honestly expect the music will sound just as good 10 or 20 years down the road. In other words, a true classic.

This album always sounds great, but it really deserves to be heard on a quality hi-fi system. It brings out details in the music you can easily miss on an iPod. And Tracey's voice sounds so beautiful you will want to hear every nuance.

To recap: Best album ever, every song is great, a true classic and a masterpiece. What in the world are you waiting for?

Simply Fantastic
This is the kind of album that resonates through your whole body and makes you feel the bittersweet lyrics deep inside. One of my favorite all time records.A 'must have'

Electronic music that you can take to bed with you...
...among other places."Walking Wounded" ranks as one of my favorite albums of all time.

I was a late adopter of EBTG falling in love with their most recent release ("Tempermental" in '99), and then devouring their work backwards.EBTG's sounds have morphed very significantly since the 80's but I would say that "Tempermental" and "Walking Wounded" are quite similar (Tempermental is my personal favorite).This band is always at the razors edge of innovation.As evidence, this album could be considered "modern" if released today despite its being almost a decade old.

Similar to "Tempermental" in theme, this CD is even more melancholy; centered around the pain in losing love, coming to grips with a new life, and suffering the understandably conflicted feelings of blame, optimism, and nostalgia as a newly single woman...

Aside from the extraordinarily addictive rhythms, the asymmetrical tempo of percussion and base, the ominous sounding samples that pepper this entire album, it's the voice of Tracey Thorn that stitches everything together, softening it, warming the clinical into the comfortable...as I note in the title of this review, this is one of those few electronic CD's that, despite the occassional speed in tempo, I take to bed with me.

Every song on the album is worth getting acquainted with, although my favorites are:

"Single"...if this isn't THE SONG to listen to post-breakup to stir your emotions (as if they'd need any more rousing)...

"Before Today"...just as with "Single", this song shares the same theme but is laid against more determination (vs. resignation); much faster, and less likely to make you...well, let's just say it's less likely to make you feel very emotional (forgive me, but I'm a man and would rather not be advertising the potential of this song to "make you cry").

"Walking Wounded"...erratic electronic tempo (which may be an intentional reflection of the kind of conflicted and pained emotions she attempts to convey in her lyrics) set against hauntingly beautiful vocals.

"Good Cop Bad Cop"...i almost always forget to play this song when I'm listening to this CD (it's track 9); just a gem of a song.Very simple lyrics (almost all hook) set to a background that oscillates between near silence, and machine-gun fast percussion.

I really couldn't say enough good things about this album.For those of you who've only heard what's been played on the radio, and love it, absolutely buy a CD from this group.I guess the only question would be "which one".As I mentioned earlier, "Tempermental" is my favorite album of theirs, but not by too wide a margin.

If you find yourself absolutely in love with this type sound I'm afraid I won't be much help in finding you a close match, although consider checking out "Zero 7", their new album "When It Falls" is a fantastic (albeit slower) type sound with similarly beautiful vocals against modern and interesting rhthyms.

Hope this helped. ... Read more

Asin: B000002JA3
Subjects:  1. Alternative Dance    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Club/Dance    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Sophisti-Pop   

Music for the Masses
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

This album is a culmination of Depeche Mode's middle-period experimentation. More informed by Goth than techno, it is still anchored by plenty of the larger-than-life-baritone melodrama so distinctive of David Gahan's vocals. The most experimental track is "Pimpf"--a song that heave-hoes along with the synthesized emulation of a Russian men's choir. Although nowhere near fast enough to be danceable, the commanding "Never Let Me Down" ranks as the best single on the track, with the most hummable "Strangelove" coming in at a close second. Each song is a praiseworthy accomplishment, but the singles here set off the experimental tracks, making the album seem thematically schizophrenic. --Beth Bessmer ... Read more

Reviews (66)

depche music mode masses
whooooooooooooooo!!!!!

GREAT! it's even better than all of that nasty joe jackson poop

Music for the Masses~ Depeche Mode
1986 and 1987 Depeche Mode released two albums, i.e., Black Celebration one this one, Music for the Masses. Music for the Masses is an amazing studio production piece and it shows Alan Wilder at his creative peak with songs like Strange Love, Behind the wheel, Never let me down again to mention a few. Pimpf is also a great experimental track and it shows Depeche Mode's best experimental effort in the studio so far.

Depeche Mode !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
All through high school i listened to nothing but hard metal rock. Thats what kids my age would normally listen to, either hip-hop or rock. I am huge huge huge deftones fan and i found that their lead singer was a huge fan of The Smiths and Depeche Mode. So curious as i was i downloaded some songs from both bands, The Smiths were alright but i past on them. However, once i downloaded Never Let Me Down Again i was hooked. Davids vocals is just amazing! This is my first Depeche Mode album. I didn't get the Singles albums because i am planning on getting every DM album. In Music for the Masses i found myself enjoying Never let me down Again, Strangelove, To have and to hold, Little 15, Behind the Wheel and Nothing. I heard this album is their most experimental one, so i think they did a good job at it with dark music and that deep, mellow voice of David. Depeche Mode is a great band, i wish more kids my age would listen them, because i dont want this band to die off in the future so we Depeche Modeholics should blast its music to spread it out again!! ... Read more

Asin: B000002LCI
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Heaven Or Las Vegas
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (21 August, 1990)
list price: $11.98
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Reviews (74)

Beautiful
This album is most definitely one of the most beautifully innovative and captivating musical pieces I have ever heard. Elizabeth Fraser's voice is magnificent and the music itself is fresh and mesmerizing. Everything about this album is entirely beautiful and rich. Fotzepolitic is one of my favorites............wonderful wonderful.

Beetles and eggs and blues and bells
I thought of writing a review for Heaven Or Las Vegas and thought against it for a long time. A few months back a friend of mine recommended me this album . I downloaded the album and can I say most conveniently that this is just the most autocratic sound in the world. If I told someone music like this exists they would nod along but its quite difficult to describe the power it commands over me.

Cherry Coloured-Flunk caught me all unawares. I notice they have the most awkward of titles but then that is quite justified because of their "alien sound" The vocalist seems quite unreal and she's like that bird which I heard of as a child that sang.
Cherry Coloured-Flunk influenced my mood and gave me something to soothe my soul during these cold mean winters.

Pitch The Baby,at first sounds less unreal than Cherry Coloured Flunk but then it induced me into believing that I in a way belong to an unreal dimension when listening to Cocteau Twins.

"Iceblink Baby" seems like the most earthly song on the disc from the start but when the vocals kick in I feel like I've been lifted at an altitude never before.

I love the music on this disc for it introduces to me a band beyond my imagination. I wouldn't use cheap terms like "catchy" to describe them. They're not catchy. However they're in one word "Stunning" I dont know when it happened but they bring out a side in me that I can describe as an emotional fool.

"Fifty Fifty Clown" and "I wear Your Ring" are my one of my ten favourite songs on this album. Both are haunting.

I can try but I cant possibly jot down my feelings as far as this album goes. If you like Cranberries, I suggest you get this.If you like surprises and awakenings, by this record. If you like knowing whats on the edge of the world and beyond and wanna know what it sounds like, buy this record.

My absolute favourite track on this disc would be "Fifty Fifty Clown" Changing my favourite for the 4th time now.

Timeless, trendless beauty
If indeed the 4AD music label was created to harbor "music that was timeless, free of any trend, movement or era", then Cocteau Twins (along with contemporaries Dead Can Dance) have got to embody the quintessence of the label.

Having only heard Elizabeth Fraser's beautiful voice on her collaborations for the Lord of the Rings' scores, 'Heaven or Las Vegas' became my first plunge into her musical world alongside bandmates Robin Guthrie (guitars and her spouse too) and Simon Raymonde (bass), and I sure got soaked by what I ran into. At first, I was ready for a Dead Can Dance-like album, but what I found was more of a crossover between Japanese pop and ABBA-like choruses with layers of Fraser's angelical voice, framed by some of the most exquisite guitar and bass sounds you can imagine by her side and a fairly innocent beat to go with it all. Something so all-encompassing, that it's almost impossible to put your finger on it...

From the opening track, this 1990 album puts out a happy note after another, and if you have a chance to check out the lyrics too, you'll realize that the Twins' play of words goes merrily hand in hand with the tunes to peak somewhere around track #7 ("Fotzepolitic" -don't ask me about songtitle meanings yet, though) and leave you much in a positive note, just feeling a bit sorry for how fast time flies when you listen to the whole 10 songs. ... Read more

Asin: B00000DRAX
Sales Rank: 20035
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Boys Don't Cry
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

When Robert Smith's long-running group made this debut (actually the resequenced American version of the British Three Imaginary Boys), they weren't the Goth-and-reverb, new wave heroes they later became; they were just a trio of disaffected kids who didn't like what was on the radio, because it wasn't smart enough or dark enough. Smith's lyrics are bleakly sarcastic (as when he spells out the title of "Fire in Cairo") and literate (the single "Killing an Arab," a nihilistic sketch based on a scene from Albert Camus's The Stranger). The band matches them with swift, tingling arrangements that dodge skillfully around rock's machismo and self-indulgence, even when Smith launches into the occasional gnarled little solo. --Douglas Wolk ... Read more

Reviews (39)

A strong debut
Right from the start, The Cure was obviously a band to be reckoned with.While there has always been an attempt to categorize the band (e.g. "post-punk," "new wave," "gloom-and-doom") all one can really definitively say is that The Cure was, and still is, a terrific band with a unique sound.

Obviously The Cure is the brain-child of Robert Smith, who wrote all of the lyrics on all of their albums, probably most of the music as well, sings, and plays the guitars."Boys Don't Cry" still holds its own as one of their better albums.It contains two of their best all-time songs: the infectious "Jumping Someone Else's Train," and the exotic "Killing an Arab."The latter, controversial because of its title, references the writings of Camus, and is about the inhumanity of war, and how those engaging in battle must become drone-like and de-humanize their enemy ("I'm a stranger, killing an Arab").

There are other gems in this album.The title track, though lighthearted, is irresistible."Plastic Passion" is Robert Smith's ode to a female sex toy, and "10:15 Saturday Night" perfectly describes a young man's angst at that time, waiting by the telephone for a certain girl to call, while listening to the dripping of a faucet.I really like "Three Imaginary Boys" as well.Of course, Smith would soon start writing longer, more complex work, but "Boys Don't Cry" was an excellent starting point.

Footnote: I mention above two of what, in my opinion, are the all-time best Cure songs.The others, in chronological order, (again, in my opinion) are as follows: A Forest, Primary, Hanging Garden, Night Like This, Just Like Heaven, Lovesong, Pictures of You, Fascination Street, and From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea.These great songs, and, of course, dozens of other near-great ones, are the reasons that The Cure has been my favorite band since the early 1990's.

yes they do
I felt like I should give this a good review since I slammed Pornography. This is the best album the Cure ever recorded. It has the somber tone of the next three albums, but it is also upbeat and wistful, too. I wish they would have tried to reproduce what they did here again. I am sure they could have done it. The next best thing is the singles comp "Japanese Whispers."

good sounds.
i don't like the cure's output post-disintegration (and liking disintegration is sometimes very difficult) but GUESS WHAT this came very early on in their career and is pretty dag good!it sounds like really good pop and then it gets dark but that doesn't mean pop can't be dark just that it sounds less poppy sometimes. ... Read more

Asin: B000002H5V
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. College Rock    3. Goth Rock    4. New Wave    5. Pop    6. Post-Punk    7. Rock   

Living With Ghosts
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (21 May, 1996)
list price: $9.98 -- our price: $9.98
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Reviews (93)

Yeah, she yells now and then...
...but hey, that's the POINT! This is simply put a cross section of a heart. Sometimes there are things in our hearts we would rather not know of... and Patty Griffin brings all the texture, emotion and gritty experience right out for all to see on this CD. If I had 1/100th of her talent, this is the sort of CD I would make... straight up, a guitar and voice, nothing more, everything and nothing extra... but, since I don't have even 1/1000th of her talent...

I bought this CD back in 1997, listened to it a few times, it found a dusty home in my old CD case for 8 years... then I bought "Impossible Dream" last year. Feeling like I knew her music from somewhere, I hunted this CD up, bought it and loved it all over again. So now I have two of them... and sometimes she does yell. Sometimes singers yell. And that is a good thing...

Don't Miss This!
It isn't like the other stuff you may have heard from Patty Griffin, but the first time I ever heard her music was when KGSR in Austin played "Every Little Bit" off this CD.It is hard to believe a major label like A&M would produce a CD consisting entirely of one skinny redhead with an acoustic guitar and a voice so raw with emotion it can knock you over with its power.But they did, and this is it.

The album seems to be filled with songs about relationships both with lovers and with family and all the aspects of those relationships, the joy and the pain, are laid out naked here for the listener to experience in Patty Griffin's voice."Let Him Fly" is beautiful."Every Little Bit" may be the most haunting acoustic ballad I ever heard."Poor Man's House" is deeply moving to me in the visuals it evokes.

For those who found Patty Griffin behind the hits she penned for Emmylou Harris and the Dixie Chicks, you owe it to yourself to check out this CD.It may be the most powerful solo recording I have ever encountered.

excellent addition to the singer/songwriter tradition
Original songs, with just a voice and an acoustic guitar... it's a powerful, marvelous tradition.The trick is keeping the dynamics up, and the lyrical interest, and the musical interest. Patty Griffin pulled these off with panache on her debut album.The songs range from at least good to quite wonderful, and her voice is truly amazing. ... Read more

Asin: B000002G4U
Sales Rank: 2801
Subjects:  1. Contemporary Folk    2. Contemporary Singer/Songwriter    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Singer/Songwriter   

Come from Heaven
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (30 September, 1997)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $14.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Alpha--Corin Dingley and Andy Jenks--are among the best of the trip-hop generation. Signed to Massive Attack's Melankolic label, their debut owes debts to Scott Walker, Burt Bacharach, and John Martyn, weaving shreds and swatches into something new. Yes, it is downbeat, the kind of music for long, lonely nights, but it is absolutely perfect for those nights. Guest vocalists help out as Dingley and Jenks manipulate the sounds and the strings, fill it all out beautifully. Crafted and inspired, one of '97's standouts. --Chris Nickson ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Looking for the song from "My Life Without Me?"
FYI - My Life Without Me has no soundtrack available. But imdb.com gave me enough info to at least pin down this song. "Sometime later" from this album is what's playing at the end credits of My Life Without Me. (And the song playing in the car when Lee and Ann kiss is "Senza Fine", I forget the artist.)

Looking for the song at the end of "My life without me?"
FYI - My Life Without Me has no soundtrack available. But imdb.com gave me enough info to at least pin down this song. "Sometime later" from this album is what's playing at the end credits of My Life Without Me.

WOW
You know, I purchased this CD in 1997, and I listened to it all the time because I just loved it.Well, I went about a year without listening to this CD, and then I picked it up yesterday, and it just kicked me in the stomach all over again.A review just doesn't do this CD justice, you have to listen to it to experience it.That's what this CD is, an EXPERIENCE. ... Read more

Asin: B000003MK6
Subjects:  1. Alternative Dance    2. Club/Dance    3. Dance Music    4. Electronica    5. Pop    6. Trip-Hop   

Bridge Over Troubled Water
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $9.98
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Editorial Review

No one can say Simon & Garfunkel went out with a whimper. The popular duo's 1970 swan song produced four hit singles and won six Grammy awards, including Record, Album, and Song of the Year. An involving mix of sweeping epics ("The Boxer," the title track) and breezy throwaways (a live cover of the Everly Brothers' "Bye Bye Love," the rock & roll trifle "Baby Driver"), Bridge was one of the most popular albums of its era. What's particularly striking about this collection is how brightly lesser-acclaimed songs like "So Long Frank Lloyd Wright" and the gorgeous "The Only Living Boy in New York" shine.--Steven Stolder ... Read more

Reviews (40)

AGELESS GEM
More than three decades later this album still reveals its treasures with every listen. It's the absolute highlight of the folk-influenced or singer/songwriter genre that emerged in the 1960s. The greatness of the songs are proved by the many cover versions that they inspired: Bridge much be one of the most covered songs on earth - the versions by Aretha Franklik and Linda Clifford immediately come to mind. El Condor Pasa has exotic Andean flute and Cecilia is a naughty, uptempo song that became a dance hit again in the 1980s by some obscure disco singer. Songs like The Boxer and Bye Bye Love are sheer poetry, I mean lyrically and in their flowing melodies and the beautiful blend of the voices. This album remained in the album charts for many years after its original release and one listen will show you the reason why. Poetic, intelligent lyrics set to heavenly melodies characterise these outstanding songs to make the album a timeless classic.

A Grand Finale
First of all, I must admit that I've only recently become a Simon & Garfunkel's fan . I mean,my dad has had albums by this fantastic duo since I was very little, but I only stopped to listen to them carefully in the last three years or so. However, S&G have become, little by little, one of my trully favourite bands - and obviously my favourite duo.
OK, now let's move to "Bridge Over Troubled Water", then. I've bought it less than a week ago, but it was enough to discover that it's an amazing album. I've heard many people complaining about it not being very homogeneous, and I'm affraid they're right: it's not homogeneous at all. I wonder, though: does that really matter? Take the tittle track, for example: simply gorgeous, probably THE song about friendship, loyalty and self-sacrifice. It always gives me goose bumps, no matter how many times I listen to it. Take then "The Boxer" - it's just so moving. Take "Cecilia", certainly not a "calm" song like the other two I mentioned above, but still great. Actually, take the entire album and you'll see - listen, actually - how great it is. And you'll regret deeply that after this Simon and Garfunkel went separate ways. This was their Grand Finale and I couldn't imagine anything better to close their short, yet powerful, career.

Oh So Worthy
An enduring classic indeed.These songs are all gems.The title track stands out not only because of its poignant lyrics but mainly due to the beautiful arrangement and instrumentation.Art Garfunkel's crowning moment as a singer.

And oh what other great tunes.The Only Living Boy In New York is an underatted gem. Just love the tone between the vocals and the instrumental support.Cecilia, Baby Driver, Bye Bye Love, and meandering ballad The Boxer are all great songs to singalong to.Song For The Asking is pretty way to close this chock full of classics recording.

One of the few times, an recording group concluded with their best original work.Paul Simon wnet on to record some excellent solo material but truthfully this recording may be his best one of them all. ... Read more

Asin: B0000024UX
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Little Black Numbers
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (12 June, 2000)
list price: $22.99
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Editorial Review

There's a hushed intimacy to Kathryn Williams's voice that recalls NickDrake (without being quite as haunting or profound) and Beth Orton(without being as sonically diverse as, say, Central Reservation). Little Black Numbers is quietly seductive, like the second glass of a good red wine. There's nothing flashy here, but the tasteful accompaniment of acoustic guitars, cellos, and Jonny Bridgwood's melodic double-bass serve Williams's sad, sweet songs well. This album won't dramatically change lives, but it will greatly improve almost any late evening. --Keith Moerer ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A gem
A gem is a phrase all too often used in the sweet world of singer-songwriters, but here it applies. Kathryn Williams, along with the better known David Gray, is one of my two favorite singer-songwriters of the last couple of years. Her songs are intimate, her voice lush and appealing. The backing is subtle and effective; the tone reflective and gorgeous. The really special song here is track 8, 'Tell The Truth As If It Were Lies' which is the perfect acoustic folky tune, very catchy and beautiful. It is also great at night, as the whole of this album is.

Fantastic Album
I bought this album after hearing it play in my local record shop.I had never heard Kathryn before and I immediately enquired as to whom this mellow, soulful woman was. I was totally spellbound after hearing the thoughtful lyrics combined with soft yet not syrupy vocals wrapped around smooth musical arrangements.I have seen Kathryn live and she is every bit as good.Her voice needs no gimmicks or fancy production styles. For people who haven't heard Kathryn's work, the vocals are reminiscent of maybe The Sundays or St Etienne, mellow and dreamy. However I feel the real strength lies in the excellent song writing ability. She writes mainly about her friends and relationships but some of her songs focus on the abstract.In both arenas she is consistent in her bare, questioning style. Unlike some modern folk singers she doesn't have political points to make or a chip on her shoulder and so the result is refreshing and more accessible than some of her contempararies.

She has that magical storytelling quality and so you feel you can identify with all she says.A little bit like Joni Mitchell but instead of being drawn in all the way you are with Mitchell's work, you remain on the edge a spectator, wondering. She retains a sense of mystery. By keeping this distance the whole package is less intense and thus it is perfect chill out music. I feel this album is stronger than her first album "Dog Leap Stairs".Kathryn sounds a lttle more at ease with her self and it is a quietly confident album. Musically it is bolder in the way that it uses more instruments which lift the mood and save it from the danger of becoming too sombre or self indulgent.Particularly good is the use of the Cello.If you are new to Kathryn's work, this is an excellent place to start. If you get a chance go and see her live.She is an excellent performer and I am sure we will hear much more from her.

Full of promise...
Kathryn Williams' Little Black Numbers won a well-deserved Mercury Album of the Year nomination in the UK in 2000 and while this budding folk/pop album contains many delightful touches, it feels like the gateway to greater things.

Progressing from the sparse, minimal arrangements on Dog Leap Stairs, LBN delivers at least two potential crossover hits on Soul To Feet and the mannered, brooding Jasmine Hoop.Worthwhile and highly recommended, Williams is an artist to watch. ... Read more

Asin: B00004TJ48