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That's the Way I See It by Average Customer Review:  Paperback (01 September, 1996) list price: $24.95 US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Reviews (3)
Two of the sections were particularly interesting: "Art versus the Art World" and "The Power of Art". In the book, Hockney explained how places and his personal experiences have influenced his art over the years. He talks about how he is incorporating photography into his work and feels that it is an artist's responsibility to be open to new forms of expression. He says he is an "artist who is always working". I think he is always experimenting too, with different methods of expressing his artistic vision. He said he asssumes that if he is interested in painting something, others will be interested as well. I loved this viewpoint....in other words, he creates for himself. This was a lovely book---especially all of the GORGEOUS color reproductions which traced the Hockney's evolution and his journeys.
The challenge of pop art or abstract art is that to the uninitiated it seems gimmicky, and one often goes 'you've got to be kidding?' But with this wonderful exploration of the different ways that art and photography are ways of capturing a point of view, not a reproduction of a point of view. And more importantly, how Mr. Hockney comes to these expressions of point of view you get a glimpse of not only an interpretation of art, but the process of art. I love words and the essays are as magnificent as his art in their clarity and honesty. The section on his photo montages are amazing.
Isbn: 0811814874 |
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Stripped Average Customer Review: Audio CD (29 October, 2002) list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.99 (price subject to change: see help) US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review Underneath all Christine Aguilera's coy affectations and vocal gymnastics lurks a rare talent. With her second album, Aguilera allows it to flower by abandoning all pretense at courting the teenage market. Stripped is a seemingly effortless move into weightier adult territory. Using her extraordinary voice as a much subtler instrument, Aguilera sings movingly and with grit and anger about the disintegration of a relationship; she's ultimately stronger for the pain. But that's not her whole agenda. Aguilera also extols the power of women on "Can't Hold Us Down," which features Lil' Kim. Other guests include Dave Navarro, Redman, and Alicia Keys. Aguilera cowrote most of the songs on the disc and produced one cut. She also partnered with former 4 Non Blondes leader and Pink collaborator Linda Perry on four songs, which gives Aguilera a rock edge that she has never before displayed. --Jaan Uhelszki ... Read more Reviews (1310)
Asin: B00006CXXU |
$13.99 |
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The Matrix Director: Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski Average Customer Review: DVD (21 September, 1999) list price: $19.96 -- our price: $14.97 (price subject to change: see help) US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review By following up their debut thriller Bound with the 1999 box-office smash The Matrix, the codirecting Wachowski brothers--Andy and Larry--annihilated any suggestion of a sophomore jinx, crafting one of the most exhilarating sci-fi/action movies of the 1990s. Set in the not too distant future in an insipid, characterless city, we find a young man named Neo (Keanu Reeves). A software techie by day and a computer hacker by night, he sits alone at home by his monitor, waiting for a sign, a signal--from what or whom he doesn't know--until one night, a mysterious woman named Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) seeks him out and introduces him to that faceless characterhe has been waiting for: Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne). A messiah of sorts, Morpheus presents Neo with the truth about his world by shedding light on the dark secrets that have troubled him for so long: "You've felt it your entire life, that there's something wrong with the world. You don't know what it is, but it's there, like a splinter in your mind, driving you mad." Ultimately, Morpheus illustrates to Neo what the Matrix is--a reality beyond reality that controls all of their lives, in a way that Neo can barely comprehend. Neo thus embarks on an adventure that is both terrifying and enthralling. Pitted against an enemy that transcends human concepts of evil, Morpheus and his team must train Neo to believe that he is the chosen champion of their fight. With mind-boggling, technically innovative special effects and a thought-provoking script that owes a debt of inspiration to the legacy of cyberpunk fiction, this is much more than an out-and-out action yarn; it's a thinking man's journey into the realm of futuristic fantasy, a dreamscape full of eye candy that will satisfy sci-fi, kung fu, action, and adventure fans alike. Although the film is headlined by Reeves andFishburne--who both turn in fine performances--much of the fun and excitement should be attributed to Moss, who flawlessly mixes vulnerability with immense strength, making other contemporary female heroines look timid by comparison. And if we were going to cast a vote for most dastardly movie villain of 1999, it would have to go to Hugo Weaving, who plays the feckless, semipsychotic Agent Smith with panache and edginess. As the film's box-office profits soared, the Wachowski brothers announced that The Matrix is merely the first chapter in a cinematically dazzling franchise--a chapter that is arguably superior to the other sci-fi smash of 1999 (you know... the one starring Jar Jar Binks).--Jeremy Storey ... Read more Features Reviews (2882)
Asin: B00000K19E |
$14.97 |
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Madonna - Drowned World Tour 2001 Director: Hamish Hamilton Average Customer Review: DVD (13 November, 2001) list price: $24.99 -- our price: $22.49 (price subject to change: see help) US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review The Queen of Pop has done it again and offered her fans and musicimpresarios alike a music performance to be remembered. Drowned WorldTour--filmed in her home town of Detroit on August 26, 2001--is both anamazing pop concert and a visually stunning modern dance and multimedia pieceencompassing all the recent incarnations of this chameleon-like performer. Neverone to shy away from championing new styles in both clothes and music, Madonnais still as raunchy as on her Erotica tour, but Drowned World Tour alsooffers a much more effeminate and intelligent side to her performance, with ageisha/Japanese performance piece during such songs as "Frozen" and dressed as aSouthern-belle line dancer during such songs as "Don't Tell Me." The DrownedWorld Tour, rumored to be her last live show, proves that Madonna stillreigns supreme. --Nikki Disney, Amazon.co.uk ... Read more Features Reviews (133)
I was very pleased with Drowned World, but then again I think Madonna is at her most creative when she's on stage. Unlike so many other performers Madonna is extremely imaginative in creating her live shows. Of course the set design, costumes and lighting are top-notch. But that's not what makes this show work; it's the little touches Madonna adds. Take for example her soulful singing on the acoustic tracks "I Deserve It" and "Gone", which sound rather bland on the album "Music", but resonate on stage. And what about the Spanish version of "What It Feels Like For A Girl" in which Madonna sings completely in Spanish and dances with a group of women that is both gender-bending and sensual? Fabulous. Then there's the warm version of "La Isla Bonita" where Madonna plays guitar and sings and dances cheerfully with her dancers. It seems more than ever that Madonna is concentrating on singing her songs rather than dancing and flashy gimmicks. However the show is not without its' problems. Some songs seem too short, particularly "Sky Fits Heaven" which is part of the dazzling Geisha section in which Madonna becomes a flying, vengeful Geisha, and the encore of Holiday, which could have been a bit longer. The cowgirl section doesn't always work. Human Nature doesn't seem to fit in with songs like "Don't Tell Me" and "Secret". I think Madonna could have sang "Express Yourself" and/or especially "American Pie". And what a loss to not hear Madonna herself sing "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" live, especially at this point in her career where her voice has never sounded better. Hearing the instrumental version is fine, but to not see and hear Madonna re-enact that stellar moment on the Casa Rosada, well, is unfortunate. I do agree with one of the reviewers who said that some of show's ideas don't always work. I don't think Drowned World is as well developed a show as Blonde Ambition or Girlie Show in terms of its ideas and theatricality, but musically (ie. Madonna's singing and musical gifts), it's just fine.
Asin: B00005QX8H |
$22.49 |
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Velvet Underground & Nico Average Customer Review: Audio CD (07 May, 1996) list price: $9.98 -- our price: $9.98 (price subject to change: see help) US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review When the Velvets recorded this debut, they were best known as the protégés of Andy Warhol (who designed the sleeve), and as a grating, combustive live band. Fueled by drummer Moe Tucker's no-nonsense wham and John Cale's howling viola, some of the straight-up rock & roll and arty noise extravaganzas here bear that out. But before Lou Reed was singing about sadomasochism and drug deals and writing lyrics inspired by his favorite poets, he was a pop songwriter, and this album has some of his prettiest tunes, mostly sung by Nico, the German dark angel who left the band after this disc. Even the sordid rockers are underscored by graceful pop tricks, like the two-chord flutter at the center of the classic "Heroin." --Douglas Wolk ... Read more Features Reviews (175)
Those words from the bands's 1969 album "The Velvet Underground" described my conversion to VU right as it was happening, right as I was feeling it. For those looking through my cache of reviews will be a bit surprised at this since I gave the album a negative review, two stars, and called it one of the most overrated albums ever. It's been almost two years and I now rank this as one of the top five or six rock and roll albums in creation. Why the change? For a lot of reasons; my metal fanatacism has all but diminished, I'm a more patient person, and I look for art in everything, not just the shine-- the message, the nitty gritty behind the bustle. I have come to this point in music slowly but surely. I bought VU's aforementioned 1969 folk music classic first (which I would recommend as a get-your-feet-wet first step for new fans) and I feel in love with the beautiful feel, acoustic taste, and rich production. But this, "The Velvet Underground and Nico," is the killer, the jaw-dropper. I listened to this album two years ago and felt as many reviewers do know; "What is the big deal?" I also felt (as another reviewer has stated) that those who enjoy this album only do so because they feel "like they should." You couldn't convince me of that now. Not when every day while I'm waiting for the train to take me to school the "chug chug chug" hard minimalism of "Waiting for My Man" rushes through my brain. Or every time I walk by any store selling leather I hear John Cale's repeating violin squeels from "Venus in Furs." Not to mention the punk-before-there-was-punk of "Run Run Run" and the beautiful "I'll Be Your Mirror" and "Sunday Morning." And the album centerpiece to end all album centerpieces "Heroin." And "The Velvet Underground and Nico" may never be for you. Your tastes may never reach this album and that's fine. Just as you are entitled to not like it, I am entitled to think that you are greatly missing out on something wonderful. It may take you time to enjoy it, but this album is worth the wait. I promise you that. Overall: 10 out of 10.
Asin: B000002G7C |
$9.98 |
all myth...little music
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The Fat of the Land Average Customer Review:  Audio CD (01 July, 1997) list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98 (price subject to change: see help) US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review An album even the technophobic couldn't ignore, The Fat of the Land made Prodigy one of the first U.K. rave acts to infiltrate pop culture. Hard-core hip-hop-derived breakbeats, layers of unabashed (but creative) sampling, and meaningless shouted lyrics struck a chord beyond the electronic-music community. The inclusion of "Firestarter" and "Breathe" (both previously released hit singles) certainly aided the disc's widespread success, but it was the ferocity (and controversy) of "Smack My Bitch Up" that caught the world's attention. Guest Shahin Bada's Indian vocalizations convey the sense that dance music has come a long way from "Pump Up the Volume"! "Diesel Power," featuring Kool Keith, and "Funky Shit" set a wicked groove; the cover of L7's "Fuel My Fire" recalls the energy of the Sex Pistols. In fact, the dark aggression of The Fat of the Land bears closer resemblance to both rap and punk than the hedonism of techno. Leader Liam Howett simply gives up 10 solid songs with bombastic production values, transforming dance music into the art of noise. --Lisa Ladouceur ... Read more Reviews (181)
The purer techno sounds make up only a portion of the album, as said before, showing up in "Climbatize" and "Mindfields". "Narayan" is also a wonderfully crafted song, with some great vocals by Crispian Mills adding to the effect. All three of them show the genius writing and mixing of Liam Howlett, the genius behind The Prodigy. This album also goes to prove that house and dance music isn't dead and still has some hope. "Smack My B**** Up" is a fast-paced, amazingly crafted song with an Indian vocalist by the name of Shahin Bada contributing to the song's stellar performance. Also, "Funky S***", with samples taken from a Beastie Boys song, is a great, faster techno or dance song. As said before, "Diesel Power" is an amazing song which shows music that Prodigy hasn't dealt with on this level before, which is hip-hop. This song is just proof of how wide Prodigy's music range stretches, as this is a great rap and techno song at the same time. The two singles from the album, "Breathe" and "Firestarter" are unforgettable. The lyrics are loud, dramatic, and well-written and just go hand-in-hand with the amazing music. This goes for "Serial Thrilla" and the cover of "Fuel My Fire", which features some amazing guitars by Jim Davies. All in all, this album is nothing short of amazing and is the best techno can really get. I can only hope that Prodigy releases their rumored new album soon, and hope it will be as brilliant as this one.
Asin: B000002NFM |
$13.98 |
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You've Come A Long Way, Baby Average Customer Review: Audio CD (20 October, 1998) list price: $16.98 -- our price: $13.99 (price subject to change: see help) US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review Norman Cook's bubble-gum techno songs--put out under a variety of guises over the years, including Pizzaman and Freak Power--are essential staples on any international dance floor. Fatboy Slim, however, is the former Housemartin's most successful incarnation, launching a Top 40 crossover hit and popular advertising jingle with last year's "Going out of My Head." You've Come a Long Way, Baby picks up where the smash single left off, cheekily pairing acidic synthesizers and drum machines with big, dumb vocal samples. It takes considerable effort sitting through an entire album of these energized tunes, but taken in small doses, songs like "The Rockafeller Skank" and "Soul Surfing" are like rays of sunshine. --Aidin Vaziri ... Read more Features Reviews (281)
Asin: B00000D9VL |
$13.99 |
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The Golden Age Of Grotesque Average Customer Review:  Audio CD (13 May, 2003) list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99 (price subject to change: see help) US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review The Golden Age of Grotesque was inspired by the seamy underside of Weimar Berlin, circa 1930. The album is constructed along the lines of Alice Cooper's 1975 gem, Welcome to My Nightmare, dipping in to the same cabaret of Cooper's "Some Folks." Unlike Cooper, however, this is no comic nightmare. "This isn't a show / This is my f*cking life / I'm not ashamed / You're entertained," Manson snarls in "Vodevil," making it abundantly clear that the singer was born in the wrong time and place and is more at home among the absinthe-drinking revelers in pre-Nazi Germany. The album possesses a dark, accessible beauty rather than the twisted industrial dissonance that pervades much of his earlier stuff. "mOBSCENE" is a thumping rocker that features a deranged cheerleading squad. "Ka-Boom Ka-Boom" is a rousing stomper that Manson penned in response to an exec's complaint that the new songs didn't rock. Its simple yet seditious chorus decries, "I like a big car, 'cause I'm a big star / I'll make a big rock & roll hit." Since 1998's Mechanical Animals, Manson's albums have become progressively more tuneful, and Grotesque continues the trend. --Jaan Uhelszki ... Read more Features Reviews (113)
The problem with Golden Age is that it lacks the intelligence and foreboding subtlety that so eloquently framed the band's real ear-blistering moments in the past. Lyrically, this album is painful to listen to. The lyrics are limited to tired sex themes and angst about as convincing as their writer's stage makeup. Furthermore, charismatic bassist Twiggy Ramirez, who probably had as much to do with the song writing as anyone in the band, has left the group to join A Perfect Circle, and this album suffers because of it. In fact, save your money by passing this up and get A perfect Circle's Thirteenth Step instead. Better yet, pick up Faith No More's masterpiece Angel Dust. Their song "Be Aggressive" appears on Golden Age. That's right, I'd be willing to bet my soul Manson took that song, recorded his voice over it, and called it "mOBSCENE". Everything about the songs are identical, even the cheerleader chrous. "Be agressive, be be aggressive" and "be obscene, be be obscene" are sung in exactly the same fahsion, to exactly the same beat. Despicable.
Don't get me wrong, there are some fine moments on this album: "sAINT", "Para-Noir" and "Slutgarden" are all pretty good. As usual, Manson tries for the usual sardonic wit and wordplay within his lyrics, and for the most part he succeeds, even if it does end up coming off in a little stilted, angsty high-school art-and-literature student type manner. I must admit, I am a fan of some of his more belligerent moments, such as the refrain from "Vodevil": "This isn't music, we're not a band, we're five middle fingers on a motherf***ing hand". What's more, I'm sure the angry young teenagers who are going to buy this album will like it, too. And I'm sure Manson knows this. Overall though, it's not too bad, Certainly not on a par with "Antichrist" or even "Mechanical Animals", which both seemed a little more cohesive and involving. In comparison, "Grotesque" maintains a respectable distance, and doesn't draw you in quite as far into Manson's enigma-like storybook world, but it's better (and more fun) than a trip through the depressing and dull "Holy Wood", that's for damn sure.
Asin: B000092ZVW |
$14.99 |
A sad day for manson fans
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Goddess by Average Customer Review:  Mass Market Paperback (30 July, 2002) list price: $7.99 US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Reviews (12)
Isbn: 0061031135 |
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Keanu Reeves: An Excellent Adventure by Average Customer Review:  Paperback (10 August, 2003) list price: $16.95 -- our price: $11.53 (price subject to change: see help) US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Reviews (4)
Well, Mr Robb does a good job of revealing the Reevester as best he can, but asking those around him... I like this book ~ it's accurate [yeah, what do I know about Keanu ~ A LOT!!] and shows him in a favourable light. Us fans ain't got a lot to go on and I am pleased that someone has made an effort to get to know The One. It is up to date as well, with revisions made to co-incide with Keanu's up and coming movies. AND HAS LOTS AND LOTS OF DROOL WORTHY PIX OF KEANU so it's a must for the fans... And.... If ya want to get a sense of what Keanu is all about ~ BUY THIS BOOK!!
I highly recommend this book to all fans of the Ke-Master. He rules! ... Read more Isbn: 0859653137 |
$11.53 |
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The Marshall Mathers LP Average Customer Review: Audio CD (23 May, 2000) list price: $13.98 -- our price: $12.99 (price subject to change: see help) US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review Will the real Slim Shady please stand up? On Eminem's sophomore album, he can't decide who he wants to be: the deranged pseudo-psycho of the Slim Shady LP, or a nice guy who just likes to rhyme about slicing and dicing his girlfriend ("Kim"). Of course, according to Eminem, he's just kidding. He refuses to take responsibility for the misogynistic, homophobic bile he spews, whining that he's the victim of people who don't get his unique sense of humor. It's good old America's fault if the kids aren't alright (Eminem blames bad parenting), and he's just capitalizing on Uncle Sam's dark side. On the Marshall Mathers LP, he's ambivalent about his fame, angry at his life, pissed off that people take him seriously, and fightin' mad at boy bands--and a lot of other white people. But the blue-eyed brat is acutely aware of his status as rap's resident alien: he has the most offensive mouth running, but never uses the "N" word. He gives lyrical love to tragic (black) legends like Tupac and Biggie while dissing white rappers hard. Even sitting duck Puffy gets the kid-gloves treatment. Of course, Eminem is an interesting, witty rapper, and there's some nice production on this CD, courtesy of Dr. Dre and others. But the hatred in Eminem's rhymes makes the album rotten at its core. And his protests that Slim Shady is just a persona become less convincing with each arrest. Then again, Eminem's got it hard: he's rich, famous, white, and male. --Lizz Mendez Berry ... Read more Features Reviews (844)
Eminem spits in the music industry's collective face with his song "The Real Slim Shady," which disses well-known music figures like Christina Aguilera, 'NSync, and Will Smith and includes a great sing-along chorus. Continuing in the same vein is the tongue-in-cheek "Marshall Mathers," which again snarls at boy bands while Eminem ponders why little kids want to be like him. His brutally honest "Drug Ballad" showcases his once back-and-forth relationship with drugs and their brutal effects. Two of the biggest standouts on the album are "Stan" and "Kim." "Stan" illustrates the issue of fan-obsession and its extremes. The song soars with backing vocals by Dido, making it even more captivating. "Kim" is oddly gripping and emotionally exhausting--its haunting melody and lyrics paint a picture of the darker side of a relationship gone too far. Eminem wildly wavers between hate, love, dispair, and hope before ending the song with the utmost tragedy. Eminem's writing skills are amazing--his ability to tell stories conjure up disturbing mental images as he journeys to the dark side of life. Definitely not for the easily offended, Eminem will make you laugh, think, and hit the "repeat" button on your CD player. This album is worth buying and listening.
...OOL LYRICS TO SONGS, LISTEN TO "IM BACK". MARSHALL MATHERS IS A COOL SONG TOO. HOPE YOU ENJOY THE CDg there money on a cd with innoproperite lyrics, and making him that much more rich. He doesn't care about you. He will do whatever it takes to make money. He has led so many people down the wrong path in life. With his money he is probably going to spend it on drugs, beer, and other stupid stuff. Why wouyld you buy something that has lyrics that talk about sex, voilence, drugs, and more. Well hope you don't buy his cd. Peace out.lad-about drugs of course Amityville-em and his pals d-12 rappin it oy here Kim-This one is truly a very strange song this is about eminem trying to kill his wife Kim and his hate for her. Criminal-crazy last som stands out alot I like this album just give it a chance to sink in and you will like it too forget about how people diss him and say hes not talented. It's goodan awesome beat. The Real Slim Shady: Ahh, the 'friendly" radio song. It's a good single, but the happy-beat doesn't fit in anywhere on this album. Remember Me: Another "EM going off track." It's a bit slower than usual, but yet another song that makes this a great CD. Im Back: Em is mad. He thinks that you forgot about him. Overall, a good-to-fair tune. Marshall Mathers: The personal song. Em talks about his mom, and Kim. It's a great slow song. "Slow?" Trust me, it works., beautifully. Drug Ballad: Em's "love song." He mixes hip-hop choruses into it, and this is this time's "Cum On Everybody." Amityville: I don't particularly care for this song, but it's good enough to not skip. Bitch Please Part II: Guests galore. It hits hard and fast, with the most straight-rap vibe in this whole album. Kim: A funny-in-a-weird-way song. His "Na-na-na-na-na"s in the beginning is priceless, and so are the lyrics. Under The Influence: Whoa. Em starts out talking to Halley-Jade, and then...........Whoa. Criminal: The perfect closer. A potential single, you'll love it. As for the skits, Public Service Annoucement 2000 is basically a continuation of the first album's intro, Steve Berman is one where he pokes fun at a record-exec, and Ken Kaniff............let's just say, he got ICP back. Em is angry at SOMETHING. You can hear it in his voice. He yells, kicks, screams, and, ultimately, gets his message across. And in the process, he makes one of the finest rap albums ever made.
Asin: B00004T9UF |
$12.99 |
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Daydream Nation Average Customer Review: Audio CD (23 November, 1993) list price: $9.98 -- our price: $9.98 (price subject to change: see help) US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review The essential New York rock band of the post-punk era, Sonic Youth care as much about the quasi-symphonic, microtonal art-guitar music of composers like Rhys Chatham and Glenn Branca as they do about the rock-song form, and with Daydream Nation, they struck their greatest balance between the two. The songs hover gorgeously for extended lengths, letting guitarists Thurston Moore and Lee Ranaldo intertwine fragile tonalities as carefully as it's possible to do at wall-shaking volume, while Moore and bassist Kim Gordon's untutored voices disaffectedly intone words that flirt with pop stupidity, high-art eloquence, and urban cool. When they bear down and rock, they do it with a blurry intensity that finds gorgeousness at the heart of discord.--Douglas Wolk ... Read more Reviews (102)
I disagree. While Daydream Nation is a good release by Thurston Moore (guitar), Lee Ranaldo (guitar), Kim Gordon (bass), and Steve Shelley (drums), it certainly doesn't measure up to the hype despite the presence of some great songs. Why is that? Well, half of it just doesn't go anywhere. Many of these songs (Candle, Silver Rocket, The Sprawl) start out very promisingly, with cool lyrics and inventive song structures but then drift off into walls of aimless, droning feedback that try the patience. Rain King, Providence, and Kissability are nearly unlistenable, and I can't imagine that many people sit through them. It's not that I'm totally against the use of feedback (it's SY's trademark after all), but with this album it seems that the feedback freakouts are the entire point of the song, unlike other albums like White Light/White Heat or My Bloody Valentine's Loveless, in which the feedback is merely either the result of the music's intensity (the former) or a medium for the sonic beauty on hand (the latter). While I dig a nice blast of snarly feedback here and there, extended floating noise for its own sake is just boring and uninteresting. Another drawback are Kim Gordon's vocals--to put it mildly, her "riot grrl" vocal inflection is extremely annoying. She comes close to ruining what would be otherwise quality songs with her voice. Somebody put a gag on her, please. But take heart: My assessment of this album is not entirely negative. There are a few songs here that are really great (although I'm sure hardcore SY fans will slam them as "too accessible"). Teen Age Riot is an awesome opener that is tight, focused and brilliant. Total Trash and Hey Joni are also great, while Eric's Trip is nicely creepy and atmospheric. My favorite track on here might be Cross The Breeze, which features some gorgeous riffs and dual guitar jousting that is SY at their best. At least half of the 14-minute epic Trilogy is pretty good too. If the entire album were only this consistent, we'd have a classic on our hands. But it isn't. If you want to check out Sonic Youth, I wouldn't start here. For a proper introduction try Dirty and Goo first for a more song-oriented (yet still endearingly non-mainstream) approach that isn't marred by the excessive feedback that seems to be prevalent in the mid-to-late '80s releases. Then give their later releases a shot--Washing Machine, A Thousand Leaves, and Murray Street. I'd recommend most of the '80s albums to the dedicated SY fan, and Daydream Nation is no exception. Just don't start here, or you may be cheating yourself out of a rich and adventurous musical legacy. And remember the earplugs for Kim's songs.
Sonic Youth formed around about 1981 in New York, the band consists of Thurston Moore, (vocal, guitar) Lee Ranaldo, (vocal, guitar) Kim Gordon, (vocal, bass) and Steve Shelly (drums). They were a product of New York's experimental 'No-Wave' scene that did not follow the trends or conventional rules of music, their oddly tuned guitars and sudden breaks into distortion and noise mid-point into song is what makes them Sonic Youth. Sonic Youth have become one of the most well known underground bands, but have little or no air play and have only enjoyed small spread success, but that's the way they like it. I like this album because it has a different sound to most pop rock music, I like the way they tune their guitars to very strange tunings, their use of feedback and noise from the guitars and long periods of instrumentation in between vocals, but you really have to listen to this album to really know what's it's like, you have to experience it. My favorite songs from the album are 'Teen Age Riot', 'Total Trash', 'Silver Rocket', 'Hey Joni' and 'Cross the breeze'. In 1990 Sonic Youth left the independent circuit to sign to new label Geffen Records, going on to establish a reputation as the grandparents to the alternative US rock scene with powerful albums such as Goo and Dirty.
"Daydream Nation" begins with the most accessible song Sonic Youth recorded in the 80's, the sonorous "Teen Age Riot." Laced with multiple hooks and affecting lyrics, the opener is this album's guidepost, presenting listeners with a caricature of the band's principal innovation: the combination of melody and instrumentation with fury and disorganization. From there, expansive tracks such as "The Sprawl," "'Cross the Breeze," "Total Trash," and "Trilogy" conjoin beautiful, haunting passages with strident vocals and thrashing guitars, while songs like "Candle," "Hey Joni," and "Silver Rocket" are more succinct, hooky jaunts which enthrall the listener while battering his or her ear drums like a punching bag. Oftentimes, the album relinquishes control, as guitarists Lee Ranaldo and Thurston Moore weave and wind their axes into what seems to be total oblivion, eschewing convention and normalcy for avant-garde experimentation and the musical equivalent of a nervous breakdown. Nevertheless, unpredictability may be Sonic Youth's chief strength and distinguisher, and on occasions when it is displayed, they traverse where no band before them dared to go. In many respects, "Daydream Nation" is the 80's best rock album. It may not be its most influential, but it certainly ranks with Husker Du's "New Day Rising" or the Pixies' "Doolittle" in terms of its originality and presence, which could be observed many years after its release. In essence, it's unquestionable that "Daydream Nation" is a definitive must-have milestone...it was the future of rock in 1988, and today it remains as relevant and fresh as ever. ... Read more Asin: B000003TAL |
$9.98 |
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Attitude Is Everything: Change Your Attitude... and You Change Your Life by Average Customer Review: Paperback (01 May, 1999) list price: $11.95 -- our price: $9.56 (price subject to change: see help) US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Reviews (18)
Another great thing about this book is that it short and to the point. There is no time for fluff in the Jeff's phenomenal book. Jeff's a no nonsense person. His approach to self improvement makes this book really stand out from being just another self help book. I found this book to be really motivating! I feel that my attitude greatly improved by reading this book! Highly recommended! Zev Saftlas, Author of Motivation That Works and founder of EmpoweringMessages.com
Some books that I've seen in this genre are simply a tired collection of someone else's quotes, thrown together to hopefully inspire. This book does have an outstanding array of quotes, but they are used to complement an already solid, meaty foundation. Attitude is Everything covers three basic areas: thinking, speaking, and acting in ways that support your success. Keller rightly says, "...there's more to success than just having a great attitude." He also shows you how to apply that great attitude as a catalyst to your success. You will learn how to change your thinking, make a commitment, overcome adversity, form new habits, face your fears, risk failure and turn it into success. The final chapter alone, about the power of networking, is worth the price of the book. Five big stars! Larry Hehn, author of Get the Prize: Nine Keys for a Life of Victory
Isbn: 1891279017 |
$9.56 |
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Metallica Average Customer Review: Audio CD (12 August, 1991) list price: $17.98 -- our price: $13.99 (price subject to change: see help) US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review Called "the Black Album" by many (due to its monochrome cover), Metallica marks the group's entrance into the mainstream, with shorter songs, simpler song structures, and slower tempos overall. That said, this is an excellent album, featuring some of the best songwriting Metallica has ever done. "Enter Sandman," "Wherever I May Roam," and "God That Failed," despite being slower and more groove-oriented than the band's earlier work, feature the same heavy riffs and heavier rhythms that have always been a feature of Metallica's music. The band goes introspective with "Unforgiven," and proves that they can write a ballad with "Nothing Else Matters," which succeeds better than one might expect. Overall, this is a high-energy album despite its laid-back approach, and is in many ways superior to the previous . . . And Justice for All, which was weakened by overly complicated song structures and mediocre production. -- Genevieve Williams ... Read more Reviews (849)
"Enter Sandman" - I think that they were trying too hard on this song. The guitars, drums and bass guitar were decent, but by no way standard to any of their talent. "Sad but True" - They sold out with this song. Listen to Kid Rock, and you'll know why. "Holier Than Thou" - This song is actually very good. One of the better songs on the CD. "Unforgiven" - If Ulrich wrote this song, he should die. But if Hetfield did, he should just be whipped. "Wherever I May Roam" - Just.. blah. "Don't Tread on Me" - Actually one of the better songs Metallica has produced. Reminds me of the old Metallica. "Through the Never" - This song sucks so much, I can't even remember how it goes. "Nothing Else Matters" - What.. in the hell.. were they thinking? I mean, don't get me wrong, it's a good song. But it's too slow. "Of Wolf and Man" - Lyrics are horrendous, riffs are original. But it is a catchy song. "God That Failed" - Bass guitar was good, that's about it. "My Friend of Misery" - Reminds me of the last song. "Struggle Within" - Cheesy song. If you're a true Metallica fan, you will agree with me that this is not even near their best album.
Enter Sandman: One of their best and most popular songs of all. 5/5 Sad But True: Great song with great drum beats. its too bad kid rock took the rhythm for this song to make 'American Badass.' Holier Than Thou: Probably one of the heaviest songs in the album. Otherwise a great song. Wherever I May Roam: The intro is really great. This is one of my favorite songs in the album. Don't Tread on Me: .."Liberty or Death" this sounds something like from 'Justice for all'. Better than average song. Through the Never: Another really heavy song. Not as good as Holier Than Thou. Nothing Else Matters: THE SLOWEST SONG metallica has ever done. It is another radio-played song that is dedicated to loved ones. Of Wolf And Man: Great intro and a catchy tune. Lars Ulrich does great with this song. some wolf moans and noises make this song be a perfect song for a Werewolf horror movie. The God That Failed: Great song with a great bass tune in the beginning. This song is mostly about broken promises. My Friend of Misery: Another of my favorite songs. It is the longest song in the album and has probably the best songwriting. The Struggle Within: The last and probably the heaviest song in the album along with 'Holier' and 'Through the Never'. AMAZING drumming from Ulrich makes this song a favorite for the heavy-preffered fans. 5/5 This album is REALLY GOOD and it's probably the best album to start off from. If you prefer the more heavy-metal style, then 'Master of Puppets' would be the best. But overall, this one and the previous albums are the best.
Asin: B000002H97 |
$13.99 |
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A Ass Pocket of Whiskey Average Customer Review: Audio CD (25 June, 1996) list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99 (price subject to change: see help) US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review Recorded in one afternoon in the Holly Springs, Mississippi, hometown of 69-year-old blues great R.L. Burnside, A Ass Pocket of Whiskey documents a single noisy, spirited session with Burnside, his sideman Kenny Brown, and the punk-bred blues reconstructionist trio called the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion. The pairing of JSBE, led by a white Ivy League dropout turned downtown New York scuz who poses as a hard-living blues rocker, and R.L. Burnside, the last of the real down-home badass bluesmen of the Mississippi hills, is strange--perhaps sacrilege to blues purists--but oddly appropriate. And the moments of pure musical chaos caught on this record--both cross-cultural and cross-generational--sound entirely within the realm of both acts.With its unorthodox accompaniment (including wheezy theremin and Spencer's trademark shouts), the album is probably not the most fitting introduction to Burnside. But as the oldest man ever to record for the hip indie-rockers at Matador, no doubt he gladly sacrificed juke-joint obscurity for the chance to appear on MTV's 120 Minutes. --Roni Sarig ... Read more Reviews (10)
Asin: B0000036WR |
$10.99 |
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My Own Private Idaho Director: Gus Van Sant Average Customer Review: VHS Tape (16 July, 1996) list price: $19.98 US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review Gus Van Sant's often-beautiful 1991 film stars River Phoenix as a narcoleptic, Seattle male prostitute and Keanu Reeves as the rich friend who agrees to help him find his mother. After a solid hour or so of the two traveling on this quest through Idaho and Italy, Van Sant throws a wrench into the works by conjuring a gay version of Shakespeare's Henry IV, Part I, with Reeves's character as Prince Hal and filmmaker William Richert (who directed Phoenix in the 1988 Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon) as a variation on Falstaff. The experiment is interesting to watch, but you can't help wondering what on earth happened to the movie. Still, the film has a cult status one can't argue with, and Phoenix gives a tragic performance that stays in the memory. --Tom Keogh ... Read more Features Reviews (58)
"My Own Private Idaho" is a marvel: dreamlike, eerie, haunting, constantly engaging, often surreal. There are a handful of films I have seen that completely transport me out of the feeling I'm seeing a film: this is one of them. The film's first haunting image of River Phoenix, alone, on a desolate stretch of Western highway, taken by his sickness, has to be seen to be believed; the eerie "Riding the Prairie" is a perfect complement to this movie about two strangers in a very strange land, journeying among the hustlers, hookers, con-men, schemers and bon vivants in the modern American West. The plot is loose and rangy, and like its subjects, Van Sant uses it as needed to move the story along: Phoenix's character wants a reconciliation with his estranged mother, and certainly peace with himself. Keanu, sensing debauchery and fun, tags along, and the movie rambles about with them, taking note of their adventures and their pursuers (particularly delightful and outre is their awkward and funny tryst with an older woman, spoiled by Phoenix's narcolepsy, and a splendidly funny turn by Udo Kier as Hans, an unbearably kinky German john who simply will not be left behind). For all its strangeness, there is a rich, empathetic core at the heart of this movie. Interviews with the film's young, hip, pierced and tattooed street prostitutes are funny, free-form, almost documentary in style, and often surprisingly moving, but the film is not hackneyed or saccharine; Van Sant has too much respect for his characters to ever stray into preachiness or movie-of-the-week ("this week: battling child prositution!" tone is not to be found here) territory. The cinematography of "My Own Private Idaho" is lush and alluring, and the story and travels of its young and naive (albeit experienced) protagonists are fresh and intriguing enough for Van Sant to have neglected the tie-in with Shakespeare. That said, the allusion to Keanu as a treacherous Prince Hal, ready to sell out his friends to take up his destiny, doesn't harm the movie, and even accentuates its tragic tone---not to mention that indie-director William Richert is amusing as a latter-day Falstaff. "My Own Private Idaho" is certainly not for everyone, and to many will seem contrived and inaccessible. But for the discriminating viewer who welcomes the opportunity to have River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves serve as tour guides into a strange and unsettling landscape, it will very likely prove unforgettable.
Asin: 6303422969 |
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The Life of the Cosmos by Average Customer Review: Paperback (01 January, 1999) list price: $18.95 -- our price: $12.89 (price subject to change: see help) US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Reviews (22)
I agree, there are a lot of ifs in this book, with a crucial one on p. 93: 'If quantum effects prevent the formation of singularities ... then time does not end in the centre of black holes, but continues into some new region of space-time.' Smolin explains that behind the central principles of relativity and quantum mechanics lies the essential fact that 'All properties of things in the world are only aspects of relations among real things, so that they may be decribed without reference to any absolute background structures.' (p.259) Smolin's point of view is partly shared by the late Nobel Prize winner Ilya Prigogine in his difficult book 'The End of Certainty'. Even if his theory is falsified, this book is a real bargain, because it contains magnificently clear (a real bonus) explanations of the 4 basic forces in physics, the gauge principle, symmetry breaking, quantum mechanics, gravity, the second law of thermodynamics, the theory of natural selection, Leibniz's philosophy, the reason why mathematical and logical truths may be eternal ... I could go on. A great book by a true and free humanist.
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