69 Love Songs
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (07 September, 1999)
list price: $39.98 -- our price: $35.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Singer-songwriter Stephen Merritt's ironically morose lyrics, Tin Pan Alley stylings, sugary melodies, and idiosyncratic sound have earned his band the Magnetic Fields cult status and the adulation of grad students everywhere. The ambitious, genre-hopping, and intensely heart-tugging three-disc set 69 Love Songs probably won't gain Merritt the wider recognition he deserves, but the clever misanthrope likely wouldn't have it any other way. --Mike McGonigal ... Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (118)

Campy and Great
This album is one of those you think mught be just too cool to be good but it is lovely and funny and brilliant. I love the sound and the content. I have an image of genius artists living in a communal apartment amusing themselves by composing these songs. Get it and be glad

taking the good with the bad
I'm not sure whether to call this album overrated. It has more than enough amazing songs to fill a standard-length LP, but the amount of completely unbearable tracks in between makes it difficult to listen to. You can't just lie back and relax when any of the 3 discs in this set are on: one finger must continuously stay trained on the skip button.

The other problem is that even the amazing tracks have irony-soaked lyrics that can alternately be hilarious and annoying, depending on your mood. some real gems: "we've got so many tchotchkes we've practically emptied the louvre/ in most of our palaces, there's hardly room to manoeuvre" (from Zebra, and candidate for one of the greatest rhymes of all time); and "be we in paris or in lansing/ nothing matters when we're dancing"

Most people can't get into something that's basically sublimely beautiful novelty songs, let alone shell out $35 for it. If you know a friend who has it, it's definitely worth a listen.

Originality and Talent Finally Combined
The only "boxed set" I have ever purchased.Each song is better than the last, even when it's on repeat. ... Read more

Asin: B00000JY1X
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Box Sets (Audio Only)    3. Indie Electronic    4. Indie Pop    5. Indie Rock    6. Lo-Fi    7. Pop    8. Rock    9. Rock/Pop   

99 Luftballons
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $9.98 -- our price: $9.98
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Gabriela "Nena" Kerner's American debut combines tracks from her first two European releases, including everyone's favorite antinuclear dance-pop single in both English and German. Likable as "99 Red Balloons" and "99 Luftballons" were, their international success was not to be repeated, even though tracks like "Kino" and "Just a Dream" have a similar just-this-side-of-kitsch appeal. "Leuchtturm" and "Uner Kannt Durch's Marchenland" are also strong, but the clumsy "Let Me Be Your Pirate" makes you wish Nena had stuck to her native tongue. Then again, it was that bilingual approach that allowed her to transcend her stateside status as a one-hit wonder--if only through a technicality. --Bill Forman ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Neunundneunzig Luftballons
Though the title I chose seems so foreign (pronounced Noin Und Noin Sish Luft Balons), it is the true title. It is the true song of this one hit wonder. I know some people might not like that, but it's true (Jimmy Hendrex was also a one-it-wonder!). The song is a ballad, but in English, it's not telling a story, it's during the story (The english version is the Club Mix on this CD, so don't keep your hopes up for hearing the original.)
SO many Nena songs lose meaning in translation. But I suppose literal translations won't work if they don't rhyme (for true Nena fans: In irgendwie Irgendwo Irgedendwann, which isn't on this CD, the chorus still rhymes, and loses meaning bye becoming: Give me your hand, I'll Build You a Castle of Sand, Anyplace, Anytime, Anyhow.)
But to keep from straying, Nena is great! This is not her first album, though! Ich Liebe Dich, Nena!

nena
I liked the album but the 1st track has been redone.its not the same as it was on the original recording.I was kind of disappointed as this song (99 red balloons) was the reason I bought the album. the rest of the english tracks are still as I remember.

awsome cd
This is a really awsome cd. Nena is a remarkable artist. I think she deserves more credit in the U.S then she got. I loved every single song. Even her bad english at times can be very attractive. ... Read more

Asin: B0000025ZI
Subjects:  1. Dance-Pop    2. Germany    3. New Wave    4. Pop    5. Rock   

The Mamas & the Papas - Greatest Hits
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (10 March, 1998)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $9.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The Mamas and the Papas had a sound that helped define a portion of the 1960s. Their breezy folk classics had a bit of San Francisco psychedelia woven in, and, despite the sweet harmonies, there was also a noticeably dark feel to some of their more popular work. "California Dreamin'" and "Monday, Monday" both utilized enough minors to give them a spooky edge. Greatest Hits is an essential part of any audiophile's collection, especially if they don't have the original recordings that spawned the hits."Dedicated to the One I Love" is almost ironic for its tenderness, considering the turmoil that rumbled through the band's interrelationships. While John and Michelle Phillips and Denny Doherty were all responsible for the success of the Mamas and the Papas, listening to this collection reveals that the late great Mama Cass was not only the heart but the soul of the band. Greatest Hits closes with her "Dream a Little Dream of Me," and serves as a touching tribute to Cass Elliot's talent. --Steve Gdula ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (38)

This is Beautiful Music!
The Mamas and the Papas' music is something truly awe-inspiring. And most people find, when they sit down to write a review, that it's difficult to classify. Rather than shuffle it into some odd mix of a genre like "choral rock pop folk hippie jazz minstrel jump swing," it's much easier (and far more accurate) to just give it the title "beautiful music." Because that's what it is.

For a single disc compilation, Greatest Hits is absolutely packed to the brim with wonderful material that sounds great without being dated. It's an album you can just pop into the player without bothering with programming or track-skipping; you'll want to play every track. Then start it over and play every track again. It's a wonderful CD with wonderful music that'll bring you hours of enjoyment.

Highly recommended!

SOOOOOOOO GOOD!!
The Mamas and Papas have a classic harmony that never fails to thrill.This is their greatest hits package and gives u the best of the 2 1/2 years together.In that short span of time, they managed to record countless classics that are still played everyday throughout the world.

Music To Raise Kids By
The Mama's & the Papas hit pay dirt just a couple of years before I was born, and thank God my parents had good taste in music. The sweet sounds of this folk pop band enjoyed constant and continual play on the record player for over a decade as I grew up. I've literally been a fan my entire life.

"Greatest Hits" is a pretty good collection of their hits and most memorable tracks. While there are a few "skippers" on the disc (nearly inevitable when 20 songs are included), most songs here are essential.

Of course everyone should have somewhere in their music file "California Dreamin'" and "Dedicated to the One I Love", but there are other reasons to invest in "Greatest Hits". For example, "Twelve-Thirty" may be the band's all-time best and most underrated song ever recorded. Other highlights include "Monday", "I Saw Her Again", and the ever entertaining "Creeque Alley".

Mama Cass' "Dream a Little Dream" is a sure bonus.

Greatest Hits is a great way to start building up your Mamas & Papas collection that might have been laid to the side since the slow death of vinyl. ... Read more

Asin: B0000062XS
Subjects:  1. Folk-Rock    2. Pop    3. Pop/Rock    4. Rock    5. Sunshine Pop   

Best of
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

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   

The Velvet Underground & Nico
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (07 May, 1996)
list price: $9.98 -- our price: $7.99
(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

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (204)

beginning.
i own a thousand albums of all different kinds of music.this one is a centerpiece of my collection - the start of so much, but more than just an influence for what came after it.there's almost more variety than should be possible - from the flowing "i'll be your mirror" to the biting "black angel's death song".at the center of the album is perhaps the greatest song of rock and roll, or even modern music - "heroin" - which by itself could have been an album.no matter what your music taste leans toward, this album belongs in your collection and in your head.

"Its all the streets you crossed, not so long ago..."
Dominated by Lou Reed's ultra-hip chant vocals and John Cale's wailing viola, The Velvet Underground made some of the greatest music ever to come out of the Sixties.
The sound captured on this, their debut, can be called pop music from Mars; Its a set of deceptively simple, impossibly catchy tunes that happen to sound completely different from anything you've ever heard. Art-pop, if you will.
This is exemplified by songs like the medieval death-march "Venus in Furs," a filthy little number driven by a particularly slimy viola riff and drummer Maureen Tucker's slow but relentless skin-smashing, a simple beat which just may stop your heart. All the while, Lou Reed is romanticizing sadomesochism with a sneer that could freeze mercury. Then there's "Heroin," a seven minute shiver that buries a two-chord guitar riff in some of John Cale's most atmospheric and subdued playing, as well as some downright unsettling percussion from Moe Tucker. The album's more far-out moments, particularly the closing one-two punch of "The Black Angel's Death Song" and "European Son" have alaienated quite a few listeners, whih truly is a shame when you consider how great these two songs are. In "Death Song," Cale's viola caries almost all of the melody, making for a piece of music that sounds as slippery as ice. Reed skates across it effortlessy though, all the while spitting out a bizarre but catch lyric. "European Son" starts out as an equally weird tune, one that's propelled by a few simple but devestating chords and a beat that keeps shifting ever so slightly. From there, things get realy strange, as the song becomes an all-out white-noise jam that one would have to hear to concieve of liking.
But for all of the weirdness, the Velvet Underground and Nico still posesses some great and relatively straight-forward rock tunes. The most obvious of these is the rhythmic churn of "I'm Waiting For The Man," with its grease-soaked guitar licks and sublimely primative drum line. The amphetamine rush of "Run Run Run" is a propulsive rocker that's fueled by a totally out-of-control John Cale and some truly inspired lyrics from Reed. "Sunday Morning" is a delicate and haunting song that opens the album with sublime beauty and draws the listener in. The wide-eyed chorus is one of the best things that the Velvets have ever done. "Here She Goes Again" is the closest thing to simple R&B tinged rock to be found on the album. Its a bouncy, catchy, and downright fun tune with some great vocal harmonies and some impassioned lead vocals from Lou Reed. The opening bars are a nod and a half to Marvin Gaye's "Hitch Hike," which signals just what kind of tune it'll turn out to be.
Andthen there's Nico, the mysterious German chanteuse whose presence gave the album its title. Although she only preforms on three songs, its clear that she has one of the most distinctive voices to be found; its an icy, tender, and intricate thing, simultaniously romantic and haunting. Its effect on the songs is unmistakable: "Femme Fatale" is transformed from a gentle pop ballad into an etheral and sultry accusation. The subtle but passionate chorus is a thing of beauty.
Bottom line, the Velvet Underground and Nico is one of rock's greatest achievements, and it belongs in every CD case or (better yet) vinyl collection.

"The most Prophetic Album ever made"
Rollingstone Magazine Simply called this album "..The most prophetic rock album of all time.." and with a Good reason. It's a record of fearless breadth and lyrical depth. ... Read more

Asin: B000002G7C
Subjects:  1. Experimental Rock    2. Pop    3. Proto-Punk    4. Rock    5. Rock & Roll    6. United States of America   

Really Rosie (1975 Television Special)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 May, 1999)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Carole King's 11 songs for the Really Rosie TV special (it originally aired in1975) came from characters found in Maurice Sendak's books The Sign on Rosie'sDoor and Nutshell Library, but it can easily be argued that the charactersnever really lived until given voice by King. Ostensibly the story of Rosie--a little girlfrom Avenue P, who, dontcha know, is a star just waiting to be discovered--there areother delightful characters here, including Johnny ("who lived by himself and liked it likethat!") and Pierre (who learns to care after being eaten by a lion). There are also a coupleof straight-up educational songs: one an alphabet song (the wonderfully alliterative"Alligators All Around"), the other a calendar song ("Chicken Soup with Rice"). Greatmusic that's delightful for children and parents alike, Really Rosie remains a familyfavorite for all the right reasons. --Randy Silver --This text refers to the Audio CDedition. ... Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (53)

Finding Really Rosie Has Made My Year
I can't tell you how happy I am to finally find this childhood favorite of mine and my sisters.The first time we watched Really Rosie I was 6 and my sisters were 4 and 2.We listened to the soundtrack constantly.

I now have a 6 year old daughter named Rosie and I have been looking for this soundtrack since I became pregnant with her.I have tried for years to find this soundtrack or even the book by Maurice Sendak with no luck.

My sisters have both just given birth and I can't think of a better baby gift that would have the same sentimental value.Thank you so much for making it possible to share this favorite of ours with our children.

Fabulous Childhood Memories
I saw the original broadcast of this when I was only 6 years old.

My parents bought me the album - and I listened to it, until it just completely wore out.

We bought a Maurice Sendek video over the weekend...I cried when I realized how many songs I remembered.Went looking for this - it's been a quest for 4 years to find the CD...WOW.

I'm tickled ROSIE!!!!!!!!

Memories Galore
When I was a kid I had this album. I found it again on cassette probably 15 years ago now. It's finally available on CD and I can't wait to get my hands on it. The music is perfect for kids but mature enough that adults enjoy it too. I can listen to these songs over and over again and I still love it. ... Read more

Asin: B00000J2PJ
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Verve Jazz Masters 17
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (19 April, 1994)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $11.98
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (14)

MSNINA SIMONE
Whole heartedly agree with all the reviewers who have commented on this selection by Verve.This is THE cd for first time Nina Simone listeners, and, an absolute must have for those who are already devoted to her.Superb live recordings such as 'My Baby Just Cares for Me', 'I Loves You Porgy.' Actually, the majority of them appear to be live takes, or at least sound that way. 'Ne Me Quitte Pas' is glorious, 'See-Line Woman', unforgettable. Mississippi Goddamn, a live concert version, shows her passion and strength. 'Work Song' is another track that will stay in your head long after you've stopped listening.There's just too many things that are so good about this compilation. Hearing is believing!What a truly great musician she was!

The one, the only, NINA SIMONE!

Nina's best!!!
I have been a fan of Nina Simone for about 6 years now.I have listened to a TON of her music and I can say (i believe) with some objectivity that this is the best collection of her material that I have heard.All of Ms. Simone's albums have at least a couple of interesting tracks but this album is consistent from start to finish.
Quite honestly, Nina Simone has a very unique voice that can range from beautiful to shrill often on the same album.She is definately best when her material is slow because when she stretches, it can be quite grating (hey - i'm a fan - just being honest).
From the opening Black Is The Colour (of my true love's hair) with Nina holding onto her notes for dear life, there is not one misstep.Absolutely one of my top 10 favourite albums of all time - this one is a must - especially if you are a new and interested listener.

Stirringly beautiful album by a master artist
I only began listening to Nina Simone, following her death.I don't know why I didn't start listening sooner.This woman is truly one of a kind!From her interpretations of classic ballads like BLACK IS THE COLOR OF MY TRUE LOVE'S HAIR, where she adds her own distinctive brand of flavor--a smokey, soulful feel--to her take on Gershwin (I LOVES YOU PORGY), to two classic songs penned by her (FOUR WOMEN and the explosive and stirring MISSISSIPPI GODDAMN) this woman commands the ear of her listener to surrender to her power.

I don't think there is a singer out there who could ever take the place nor compare to Ms. Simone in power, energy, and expression.That's not even taking her electrifying piano accompaniment into consideration.Nina wanted to acceptance into Julliard, but never made the cut.She attributed this her race (as an African-American woman), and, contrary to the song that might say otherwise (I HOLD NO GRUDGE) she most certainly had bitter feelings toward the United States--particulary the American south, where she came from--and race relations.That is why Nina Simone ultimately relocated to Paris, and lived the final years of her life there.

Finally, I would just like to say that every cut on this CD is riveting and it's as though she is playing her piano to you and for you, and only you.Her dialogue between piano and voice is like no other I have ever heard before in music.
Please give this a spin. ... Read more

Asin: B0000046PQ
Sales Rank: 48036
Subjects:  1. Jazz    2. Pop    3. Standards    4. Vocal Jazz   

The Best of New Order
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (14 March, 1995)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $9.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Manchester's pivotal post-punk quartet offer a 16-track opus that skips obscurities and early material in favor of their greatest singles. Highlights include "Blue Monday," "Thieves Like Us" and "The Perfect Kiss" and sparkling Stephen Hague remixes of "True Faith" and "Bizarre Love Triangle." --Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Reviews (50)

New Order Rocks, Dude!
I bought this CD in 1995, and it's been a great friend these past ten years.I'm not a dance music kinda guy, but I make an exception for New Order (or Future Sound of London!), as their music not as devoid of substance as the vast majority of music that exists to make us shake our rumps.There's a hard-to-define melancholy running through much of this music, almost mystical in feeling.I often find myself quietly singing these songs and am not surprised when they conjure up some strange emotions, or the longing ache in the solar plexus."Vanishing Point" has always reminded me of William Blake.

The best of indeed...
This album is more like a summary of new order's work, with the songs chosen being shortened from their original versions...It's a great album with a nice mix of their acoustic and electronic songs, but they should have included the original blue monday and not the '88 version, which is garbage...My favorite songs from this CD are vanishing point and the round and round remix...Good Stuff from a great band, but if you really want to listen to their music, buy ALL their albums and you won't regret it! Technique and Power, Corruption and Lies are in my opinion their best albums, but buy all their cd's and you'll listen to what real versatility in music is compared to all the other garbage out there today!

Theres NO better techno band than New Order
Forgett about Depeche Mode, Forgett about Kraftwerk
NEW ORDER rules the techno world.
thats all i have to say
HM ... Read more

Asin: B000002MVM
Subjects:  1. Alternative Dance    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Club/Dance    4. College Rock    5. England    6. House    7. Pop    8. Post-Punk    9. Rock    10. Synth Pop   

Mädchen
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 April, 1994)
list price: $13.49 -- our price: $13.49
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Import

Reviews (2)

Excellent Music!
This is a great CD.It contains several different types of music, which provides a nice mix.The songs are fun and it's a great way to learn some slang German.I love listening to it!

A great tool for learning German "slang."
This is a great CD for someone who enjoys upbeat modern German music.A great tool for learning the language. Packed full of slang words and fun sayings. Also, quite a mix of different styles of music. Maedchen is agreat song, because I am a girl, that is why. ... Read more

Asin: B00000AV0P
Sales Rank: 172720
Subjects:  1. World Music