Redemption's Son
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (26 November, 2002)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
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Editorial Review

One of the most promising of Peter Gabriel's Real World label protégés came not from some dusty, Third World village, but from that American tire and rubber mecca, Akron, Ohio. But while Arthur's previous Gabriel-inspired adventures netted him considerable critical kudos and even a ‘99 Grammy nod for his self-created album art, he turns an even neater trick here. The frameworks for Arthur's 16 poetic, alternately introspective and impressionistic songs may be more firmly rooted in traditional folk and singer-songwriter formula than ever, but the influence of Gabriel seems even more pronounced on the album's evocative, often hypnotic sonic textures.Densely layered yet deceptively organic, it's a record of endless production subtleties in service of songs that trickle and dart like a playful stream of consciousness. Whether putting his own peculiar spin on romantic foibles in the dirge-turns-anthem "Favorite Girl," the upbeat energy of "Let's Embrace" and "In the Night," or conjuring more intriguing existential imagery on the fragile "You Are the Dark," Arthur has produced an album that reveals itself anew on every listen. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Heartbreaking Revelation
When I heard a review of this album on NPR a few months ago, I had to pull over to the side of the road and listen. I'd never heard of Joseph Arthur before, but the strength of his lyrics (what little I heard) made me wonder who he was and where I could find his work. I bought "Some to Where I'm From" and "Redemption's Son" at the same time and am now driving my coworkers crazy with it. I'm not usually the kind of person who slavers over an artist, but I now recommend those two albums to anyone I know who've lost love, faith, or perspective and think about how to get any of those things back. "Honey and the Moon" as well as "Exhausted" spoke to me on a visceral level and "Dear Lord" has converted a few of my friends to Joseph Arthur's introspective style and occasionally creepy imagery.

beautiful music from a talented singer/songwriter
This is one of my favorite recent albums.

If you're familiar with Joseph Arthur's work, you may find this album more mellow in tone than some of his past work. The themes and lyrics are very spiritual and introspective. The music is laid back much of the time, featuring beautiful instrumentation and some really interesting percussion styles. His music easily switches styles from folky to funky, between meditative ballads and soul-searching indy-style rock.

Out of 16 songs (on the European version), I think most of them are amazing, only a few songs seem a bit outshined by the brilliance of the rest of the album. Among my personal favorites are the wonderful title track, the oddly beautiful and melodic 'You could be in jail,' the epic, 9 and 1/2 minute long 'Termite song,' and the achingly intimate 'You are the dark.' The lyrics on this album are beautiful and quite touching at times.

For people unfamiliar with his work, I recommend this album as a great place to start. His work might appeal to fans of Beck, Peter Gabriel, Jim White, maybe Tori Amos & Cat Power... Not that these artists are really so similar, but the introspective singer/songwriter thing is common between them.

I think Joseph Arthur's music deserves a much wider audience with this amazing album. Be among the first of your friends to 'discover' this talented, young musician and share the joy!

Wonderful, inspiring music.
So many artists struggle to put 10 songs on an album, of which maybe half could be considered decent. Joseph Arthur manages to create 16 for this album and there's not a loser in the bunch.

His songs are pure poetry surrounded by swirling layers of gorgeous music - sometimes simplistic folk, other times upbeat rock. But his lyrics carry each one with often times devastating results (in a good way). Tales of love lost and struggles to love are the most common, but they never get tiring due to the diversity of the tracks.

For those who do love this album as much as I do, check out Gavin DeGraw as well (his album Chariot is arguably the best of 2003).

ebhp ... Read more

Asin: B00007E6WW
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

A Rush of Blood to the Head
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (27 August, 2002)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.49
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Editorial Review

Coldplay required a lifetime to make their wonderfully assured debut,Parachutes. But it tookless than two years for the moody British quartet to deliver a masterful follow-up. As a band Coldplay have advanced to a stage where they outshine nearly every oneof their rivals in terms of imagination and emotional pull. A Rush of Bloodto the Head is a soulful, exhilarating journey, moving from the catharticrock of "Politik" to the hushed tones of "Green Eyes" without once breaking itsmesmerizing spell. Singer Chris Martin takes his voice on soaring flights,reaching places only JeffBuckley previously dared to go. And the music is nearly flawless, apersuasive cross between PinkFloyd and the Verve.Even if they haven't come up with another "Yellow," you would be hard-pressed tocare. This is exquisite stuff. --Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

Reviews (854)

Should be 2.5 bt 4 a band that made parachutes i'll round up
Coldplay's new album to be released on 26 august 2002 and exicitment courses. Into the shop and then into the cd player, shoot score! WELL good album. and then i listened to it again and i worked out how irritating a whisper is and then daylight and then Mtv murdered clocks and narrowly avoided distroying the scientist. Last month they release one of the weakest songs: god put a smile upon your face. And we're supposed to be happy. Parachutes was an album of absolute brilliance ft. amazing songs like Parachutes, Everything's Not Lost and Trouble. The album's only amazing points are Amsterdam, AROBTTH, and Warning Sign. there are other good points like the scientist and politik. but what has become of the band who wrote See You Soon and Careful where you stand and even Bigger Faster. Check out those songs and you'll understand how good coldplay really can be. The thing is right, Coldplay were a band that envoked so much emotion inside of you that you wanted to burst into tears and alot of that was due to the subtlety of the music making it seem like they were holding some part of themselves back for the next release and urging you to listen to the album over and over again. This time round Coldplay goes pop, they sound like a band more concerned with sales than music and it shows with how successful it has been. There is no doubt Chris Martin is brilliant but he is using that brilliance soley to make money

Voted #1 album of 2002 in Billboard Magazine
I first saw Coldplay live a few months ago. What a treat! This is one of the few bands that sound the same live as they do on their CD- no studio creation here. The band opened with the 1st track on "Rush of Blood to the Head", which is "Politik"- once you've heard lead singer Chris Martin perform that one live, you'll be a hardcore Coldplay fan forever.

With the huge success of the band's freshman CD "Parachutes" came the fear that their sophomore effort wouldn't be able to measure up. Not so. Beautiful and powerful all at once- particularly "Green Eyes" (being a green-eyed girl myself, I'm fed up with all the blue or brown eyed girls getting all the swoony songs- every other song about green eyed girls makes them out to be evil!). I can't get enough of this London band, who announced at their concert that they couldn't believe how America has embraced them. Humility, charm AND indisputeable talent. Get this CD and DEFENITELY see Coldplay live when you get the chance.

They are still kicking it!
The sophomore effort from Coldplay is in no way a "sophomore jynx". It is not an extension from Parachutes either. It is totally different; not so much as a radiohead record but never-the-less different. Instead of coming off as indieish and a complete band effort, it sounds more mature and like a showcase for Chris Martin. This is due to the seemingly more emphasis put on the lyrics and vocals. Both of which are improved from their last outting. Also, their seems to be more keyboard used here especially on the two hit singles "clocks" and "scientist". It is difernet also in that it is much longer than thier debut; by over twelve minutes.

This record excels on many levels along with the aforementioned. It works more as a pop record and therefore seems more appealing to the casual listener. It also contains the groups strongest songs to date. However, despite its brillience, it is not perfect by any means. Among its flaws lie within lyrics. The greater emphasis draws people in. And on a couple songs, like the title track, the lyrics try to be way too philisophical and fail to accomplish their goal. Also, the record contains a couple straight forward rock songs. They are not bad but not what Coldplay excels at.

All of the flaws seem to make this record feel less complete, inviting track skipping and quick boredom. These are not qualities that Parachutes had and therefore AROBTTH is a slightly inferior record. I must urge people to pick this up though since it is still very very good. Don't expect the utter brillience from the first album to carry over however.

TRACK RUN-THREW
Politik- good opener despite werey lyrics.
In my place- pure pop
God put a smile upon my face- best rock song on the record
The scientist- sweet piano and lyrics
Clocks- captivatingly brilliant piano play
Daylight- worst track but listenable
Green eyes- good range of vocals and lyrics
Warning sign- beautiful
A wisper- driving guitar
A rush of blood to the head- too philisophical but still good/great
Amsterdam- best track ... Read more

Asin: B000069AUI
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

The Last Broadcast
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (04 June, 2002)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

The Last Broadcast sees Doves frontman Jimi Goodwin and multi-instrumentalist brothers Andy and Jez Williams soaring to new if perhaps grandiose heights. The thundering opening beat and spiraling guitars of "Words" are reminiscent of Ride at their bombastic peak, and "There Goes the Fear" has relentlessly reverberating Latin rhythms, New Order-influenced guitars, and sweeping vocals that are nothing less than breathtaking. Quiet reprieve comes with "M62," a delicate haunting reworking of King Crimson's "Moonchild," bizarrely recorded under the M62 flyover in Manchester, and its desolate atmospherics are juxtaposed against the remainder of the album. With the thrusting onslaught of "Pounding," the obligatory earthy rock of "N.Y.," and the joyous pastoral acoustic-led splendor of "Caught by the River," the Doves have crafted a liberating sophomore album that happily combines the uplifting anthemic essence of dance with good old rock & roll.--Christopher Barret ... Read more

Reviews (106)

Could Be the Best Album of the Year
I decided to buy "The Last Broadcast" on a hunch, not ever hearing a note and trusting all the positive notices it had received on its release, so I hoped to like it at least somewhat. It took a few listens to sink in, and this, for me, might be the album of the year (though "A Rush Of Blood To The Head" is close), and on the strength of this album I went back and searched out all their previous singles, along with the first album, "Lost Souls". This is one of those records that will renew your faith in music when you're almost out of hope that great bands still exist. It also makes you want to kick yourself for not getting a CD player in your car! These guys truly love making music and it shows. My favorites are probably the obvious choices: "Words" is a terrific first track (after "Intro") with chiming guitars at the forefront. "There Goes The Fear" is a textbook example of chill-inducing arrangements and it bursts with optimism; it sounds absolutely enormous. The wonderful "Pounding" starts with the guitars revving up and comes charging out of the gate: when Jimi Goodwin sings the opening line, "I can't stand by...and see you destroyed" with that huge sound behind him, it's one of those moments where you freeze in place, wondering how in hell they created something so beautiful. The closer, "Caught By The River" (the next single, maybe?), seems like an anti-suicide plea to a close friend, and ends the album on a quiet note of hope, enveloping you in the harmonized line, "Would you give it all away...?" into the fade. Britain's New Musical Express (pretty certain it was them!) had it nailed when the reviewer called "The Last Broadcast", "The most life-affirming album of the year". This is the type of record where you find yourself ministering to increasingly-annoyed friends, insisting again and again, "You HAVE to hear this!" Here's hoping that Doves stick around for a while - they're a true rarity.

a monumental release
I've been listening to a promo copy of this since early April, so I've had some time with it. Simply put, this is a fantastic record - the most rewarding rock album since OK Computer, and current frontrunner for best of the year. Even better than Doves' stunning debut, 'Lost Souls.' Think of the best work from The Beatles, Radiohead and The Verve, add in a bit of electronica, turn the creativity meter all the way up.. it comes out sounding like music you've known forever, while remaining fresh and exciting. Jimi's voice is better than ever, and drummer Andy even gets a turn on the mic on 2 tracks. Great songwriting, gorgeous arrangements, and amazing detail.

There is zero filler here, as should be the case with every great record. A chilling intro gives birth to "Words," opening the album with waterfall-guitars and huge sound. "There Goes The Fear" is the first single, and possibly the best song of the year..love it. Next is the fragile and beautiful "M62 Song" - the acoustic guitar work on 'Broadcast' provide some of the best moments on the record. "N.Y." is simply a stunning rock song, one that melts into the spiritual and dreamy "Satellites." While still fantastic, this track ultimatley comes off as the brightest song on an album filled with bright songs. "Friday's Dust" is a haunting acoustic tune with delicate string and horn arrangements..a very cool song. After this comes one brilliant track after another to close the album - the relentless and soaring "Pounding," perfect melancholy dream-pop in "Last Broadcast"..by this point Doves have defied categorization, the only place for a song like "The Sulphur Man." The closer, "Caught By The River," is an anthem remeniscient of the very best of Oasis or The Verve. The album ends huge and warm, a big difference from the way they closed out 'Lost Souls.' 'Last Broadcast' is stunning in all of its psycadellic glory - all of the different colors, emotions and textures are both instantly acessable and continually rewarding. Not to mention the packaging and artwork is tops as well.

So basically Doves will be making great music for a long time, and it'd be best to get on the bandwagon as soon as possible.
I cannot reccomend this album highly enough.

what you stole my queen margaret stamp!!!!
this four is based entirelly on a few of the songs(words,satellites,pounding,last broadcast). this is probably because i am normally a fan of death, black, and doom metal (with a bit of rock thrown in because its good and to avoid being totally hated by scum who think they're better than me because they like things that lots of other people like as well). there are however a few CDs such as this which i like for no apparent reason that i or anyone else could ever explain. i don't know why i like it but if I do there is no good reason for anyone else in the world to not like it. ... Read more

Asin: B000065SXM
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Neon Golden (Import)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (14 January, 2002)
list price: $19.99
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Features

• Import

Reviews (11)

Listen..... and listen again.... and keep listening!
...I had heard of The Notwist. I listen to everything that comes out on Duophonic and their previous release 'Shrink' was released on Stereolab's label... and I have been in love ever since. But NOTHING could prepare me for Neon Golden! Having lost touch with the European scene a bit(because I moved to the US), I didn't have any clue as of what was coming. They have had very favourable reviews, and very rightfully so.

If you have chance, buy this album, it blows every release from this year out of the water. Once you get past Markus Acher's way of singing, you can focus on their music. Hisses, breaks, guitars, drum machines, loops, et cetera, all of it in a perfect balance. Everything sounds very... well... 'organic' in a way. Now, who would've thought you could say that from a German band?

Stand out tracks: 'Off The Rails', 'Pick Up The Phone' & 'Consequence'.

But... don't compare this to Kid A or Vespertine! It's unique in it's own right!...

Related bands: Console, Lali Puna (Scary World Theory!!), Tied & Tickled Trio
Other great German bands: Tarwater, Ma Cherie For Painting, Neu

DOMESTIC RELEASE
Notwist's long-awaited "Neon Golden" is to be released in the US on February 23rd through the Domino USA label. Finally! The album of 2003 is soon to see domestic release! I cannot wait to finally hear this album. Check it out!

Number one pick for 2002
this is my number one pick for 2002... amazing record. completely fresh approaches..perfect blending of electronics and acoustic instrumentation coupled with great songwriting.. ... Read more

Asin: B00005NY9B
Sales Rank: 127322

Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (16 July, 2002)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $12.99
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Editorial Review

As these dimpled moptops from Oklahoma grow pepper-bearded and transform into wizened elder statesmen of sonic adventuring, the heartfelt candy of their loving bubblegum stretches ever longer into echoing soundscapes. If Radiohead are halfway to becoming U2, the Flaming Lips are nine-tenths of the way to pop nirvana. Hardly a song on Yoshimi isn't resonated, echoed, and reverberated--floating the listener higher until they have the ultimate bird's-eye view of what makes a great band tick. As with any album by the band, it's hard not to imagine parades and a sky filled with helium balloons while you listen to any of it--in this case, the party is enhanced brilliantly by digital filters and silver shimmering asides. The most immediate songs, like "One More Robot (3000-21)," are digital (almost trip-hop) dance numbers that lift the band out of the cornfields and into the loopy land of Björk. Little surprise, then, that the band are already following up this majestic splash of gummy bear brilliance by recording a CD with kids' TV show host Steve from Blue's Clues. It's like Woodstock meets Snoopy! --Ian Christe ... Read more

Reviews (285)

DO YOU REALIZE??
How can a band follow up two albums like Zaireeka and the Soft Bulletin, both '90s
masterpieces?

Fans have anxiously awaited July 16, 2002, for a seemingly silly concept album -- Yoshimi
Battles the Pink Robots (come on . . .). To be honest, i didn't expect much. It seemed to
be a throwback to their more jacose and ridiculous antics a la Transmissions from Satellite
Heart and Clouds Taste Metallic. Think: "Christmas at the Zoo" and "She Don't Use
Jelly." Great tracks in their own rite, but i feel the band has steadily improved since
Transmissions. But how good can you get?

Pink Robots is a pleseant surprise, i must say. At times moodier than Bulletin, Wayne
Coyne and the gang mix somber pop ballads (albeit fused with Flaming eccentricity) in
"Are you a Hypnotist?" and "It's Summertime" with the aforementioned glimses into their
past with "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt. 1" which is the album's delve into the Lips'
patent hilarity.

"Where are the one-mic distorted drums?" many of you will ask. It's true, the Lips break
off into more electronics with (gulp) trip-hop beats and Kid A-like synthesis, but with
fabulous results. Don't you trust the Flaming Lips with more electronics? the bottom line
is that the Lips still pack the brilliant pop and bizarre minimal lyrics that we've come to
expect. In many ways, this album is a step forward for the band, despite the universal
acclaim of The Soft Bulletin.

The jury is still out on whether this album completely equals the spralling grandeur of
Bulletin or the beautiful community experience of Zaireeka. Even if it doesn't, it's still one
of the best albums of 2002 so far, and a no-brainer essential purchase.

Her name is Yoshimi; she's a black belt in karate...
And so it begins.

I had never listened to a Flaming Lips album before, but I kept seeing "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" on some of last years "best albums" lists, so I thought I'd take a chance and check it out. It took about three listens before I was hooked on this cd. I can't help smiling when I listen to it, and I listen to it at work, while I'm driving, and at home. While not usually a fan of the concept-album per-se, this one has really stuck to me. It has a hint of Pink Floyd, with almost dreamy, ethereal, qualities. It is full of some wonderful bass lines, creative percussion, and thoughtful lyrics. My favorite songs are "Flight Test", "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt. 1", "Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell", and "Are you a Hypnotist", but "Do You Realize" is my stand-out favorite, just a beautiful song, and it sickens me to now hear it on a television car commercial.

If you have eclectic tastes in music, and don't limit yourself to pop radio, I think you will enjoy "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots".

5 STARS BABY!!
This album is off the hook. I love the flaming lips and would definitely buy this album. ... Read more

Asin: B000068PQ0
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

With the Spirit of a Traffic Jam
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 April, 2002)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $16.98
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Reviews (12)

Wow, futurock is here!
This second full-length album by Gruvis Malt is by far the best CD I've heard in awhile. This album blends elements of jazz, rock, and rap; and they do blend together, as this mix feels cohesive and never too forced. The stop (red light?) and start (green light?) elements are jawdropping at times, and go well with the overall theme of the album (the traffic light cover is apt in this respect). This one is miles ahead of Sound Soldiers: while SS had great grooves, the tracks were not carried out to their full potential. GM is clearly beginning to challenge the parameters of "popular" music.

Words cannot do this music justice, so I recommend you visit www.gruvismalt.com and listen for yourself.

Amazing stuff
Take 1 part SCIENCE era Incubus, add two parts jazz, and one part hip hop and you get the masterpiece that is Gruvis Malt. In a time where truly great music is harder to find, for me to stumble upon something this great is amazing.

Gruvis Malt are incredibly talented musicians, this isn't easy music to play, and it sure musn't be easy to come up with. Each member has truly mastered their instrument. So musically you know this album is incredibly sound, from "Filling In a City"'s opening keyboards to the violin solo on "Aggression Then Silence" this disc never fails to leave me in awe of what these guys can just pull off. And vocally the album is excellent too, their vocalist has both a great voice for singing as well as the occasional rap, and his lyrics are top notch too. Very cynical and metaphorical.

But not only are the bare bone instruments of the album sound, the production is supurb, little effects like the tweaked drums in the bridge to "Even the Scars Forget the Wound" to the atmospheric "Mr. Prince" the album always casts a mood that heightens the experience.

Extremely recommeded for fans of Incubus, Mr. Bungle, or Anticon artists.

Shazaam!!
That is all there is to say about this album as well as this band. Terrifically crafted musicianship without pretentious overproducing, makes this a phenomenal aural experience. My only wish is that more people were exposed to music like this. Talented musicians such as Gruvis Malt need to be heard. I will undoubtedly recommend this to anyone with an open mind and a keen sense for kick ass stimulation. ... Read more

Asin: B000060MMF
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Redhead
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (17 June, 2003)
list price: $11.79 -- our price: $11.79
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Editorial Review

It probably didn't take Bleu brainchild James McAuley III too much effort to entice reclusive Jellyfish frontman Andy Sturmer out of hiding to co-write and sing backup on "Could Be Worse," so potent are the hooks and cascading harmonies on his second full-length album. With Semisonic's Dan Wilson joining the Boston rocker on "Something's Gotta Give," Redhead is an all around power-pop treat with enthusiastic nods to AM radio mainstays like Badfinger and Supertramp, and warm, playful songs like "I Won't Go Hollywood" and "Could Be Worse." "Something Else," which also appears on the Spider Man soundtrack, is an obvious high point, but so is the surging ballad "We'll Do It All Again" and the hidden track "Dance Dance Baby Doll Dance." --Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Power Pop At It's Finest
It just doesn't get any better than this. From beginning to end this album is on a mission to rock ! Really focusing on the roots of the eclectic power pop sound, if you listen really hard you pinpoint all the different musical influences in the songs. It's eclectic, but approachable like the Man himself. Bleu is so kind and his music is so Grand.
I hear Beatles, Beach Boys, Elvis Costello, Weezer, Queen, ELO, Shoes, 20/20, Wondermints, maybe some Brendan Benson and more...
I highly recommend this album to anyone looking for some awesome Power Pop... sure to make your summer more fun.... He's even great live! So buy it , and turn it up full volume... And don't forget to listen to the secret tracks!!!!!

This rocks!
Each song on this record display Bleu's amazing versitality as a songwriter with a voice to match. It's been awhile since I've heard a singer with such range and emotion.. Production on this record reminds me of the first time I heard bands like ELO, or Queen on the radio. But Bleu's sound still maintains it's own distinctive quality. It doesn't hurt that Andy Sturmer from Jellyfish, makes a co-writing and singing appearance...Pop/rock is back and Bleu is here to lead the way!

Love it.
Yes, as many of the reviewers mentioned, I did get a chance to see Bleu live, and very close to me. I had no idea so many people knew who he was. Anyway, I adore this album, and I bought it after seeing him live and have no idea who he was to him becoming a favorite band of mine. I love "Feet Don't Fail" so much, and other songs like "Searchin' for the Satellites" make this album awesome. I swear, this guy could really go for a record deal. With rock becoming warped, we need to warp it in a GOOD way. We need a new voice. Put Bleu on the radio! ... Read more

Asin: B000095J1T
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

By the Way
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 July, 2002)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

When the Red Hot Chili Peppers first appeared smeared in neon body paint with socks dangling precariously from their wieners, even the most faithful funk-metal convert couldn't have conceived they would be around some 20 years later, carrying on in much the same fashion. Despite a long history of tragedies and personnel upheavals, the California quartet's eighth album is mostly business as usual--and business, as usual, is quite good. The title track, "By the Way," is a powerful, bruised piece of slap-bass and intermediary white-boy rapping. "Universally Speaking" pays sweaty, soulful tribute to singer Anthony Kiedis's hometown of Detroit. And "Lemon Trees on Mercury" sounds eerily like it could have been lifted from 1984's Freaky Styley. The band's reliable eclectic side, meanwhile, surfaces on the Latin-flavored "Cabron" and moody "Venice Queen." But the biggest surprise is "Tear," a masterful homage to the Beach Boys that suggests the Chili Peppers' perpetual state of arrested development may someday lift.--Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

Reviews (610)

Best Sugar Ray album ever!!!
Okay, its not quite that bad, but that was my reaction on the first listen - because stylistically, with hooks this big ("Zephyr song" i skip everytime), ballads aplenty, and production this overdone ("midnight") its hard to tell the difference. The rock funk hybrid that made the Chili's distinctive/musically interesting only appears on "By The Way" (the hardest rocking song on the album), "Can't Stop" and a few others (and "Venice Queen" is cool). this isnt taking their sound to a new place, its ditching all together for some conventential, classic rock, easy listening. at this rate of "maturation" the chilis are destined to become the 21st century's eagles - catchy, inoffensive, mild & bland.

yeah, a few songs grew on me, but this one is bound for early retirement from my cd player. this from someone who was permantently attached to BSSM when it came out and who's summer of '99 was spent with californication as soundtrack.

A massive disappointment - led me to write my first amazon review. I recommend sonic youth's "murray street" for a band that still keeps it interesting

Missing something, but still good music
I bought this album after listening to it at a Virgin Megastore. Aside from the fact that it's the Chili Peppers, the single selling point of the album for me was "Don't Forget Me." It's slow build-up and sheer emotion reminded me of the classic "Under the Bridge." Unfortunately, the cd really wouldn't get any better for me after that--partially because "Don't Forget Me" is such a great song, but also because a lot of it is simply so-so.

Don't get me wrong. The songs all fit together pretty well, and the quality of the music is decent if not the Chili Peppers' best. However, it feels like it's missing something. The beats are there, but not quite as funky; Fruiscante's great riffs are there, but not as rocking; the drumming seems to lack feeling. There are none Flea's REALLY good bass solos. A couple songs, such as "By the Way" and "Can't Stop" almost capture the feeling of their older music, but even they're kind of weak.

It's not that I expect the Red Hot Chili Peppers to be still jumping around white-boy funk rapping with socks hanging off their persons. I think it's cool that in this time of cheap numetal rock-rappers that all sound the same, the Chili Peppers have decided to expand their horizons. However, I miss the funk and the feeling of their older stuff, particularly Blood Sugar Sex Magik (definitely one of the best albums of the 90s) among others. I wouldn't say they've sold out, they're just not quite at their best here.

Despite my complaints, this is still comparatively good music. "Don't Forget Me" is excellent, if I haven't mentioned that before. "Cabron" and "On Mercury" are catchy and original. "Can't Stop," "By the Way," "This is the Place," and "Venice Queen" are all good too. I'd definitely recommend this album to any open-minded RHCP fan or anyone who wants to hear something unique, because the Chili Peppers at their weakest are still a lot better than most other bands at their best.

Smooth, Melodical Bliss
In this astounding CD by RHCP they really take it down a notch. They deliver a smoother, slower, more in touch album. The songs are very emotionally packed. It has a certain melancholy sound to it. There are a few of their more trademark rap/hard rock songs but for the most part, expect that melancholy sound I was talking about. They have some really good songs, my top 3 being:

Dosed- A slower more heartfelt song
Can't Stop- One of their fast paced rap/rock sounds
I Could Die for You- Very melancholy with good voice overs ... Read more

Asin: B000067CPX
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Riot Act
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (12 November, 2002)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

It's strange to think Pearl Jam was once herded under the grunge umbrella alongside pathos-spewing acts like Nirvana and Alice in Chains. The Seattle group's eighth album (give or take the 72 bootleg-style double CDs they released in 2001) has more in common with classic rock institutions like Crazy Horse and the Band than the snarling forces that were trying to tear away at their legacies. Appropriately, Riot Act is built on thematic pillars--love, death, politics--and fueled by dense, uncompromising power chords. It takes yet another step away from the courteous tones of the band's cornerstone LPs, Ten and Vs, and proudly flaunts egotism ("I know I was born and I know that I'll die/ The in-between is mine," Eddie Vedder sings on "I Am Mine") and a dark underbelly ("Green Disease"). But it's far from insufferable: If any band can make self-obsession sound hospitable, it's Pearl Jam. And when Vedder sneaks in the line "All you need is love" on the rollicking "Love Boat Captain," he proves that despite his furrowed-brow demeanor, he's a born entertainer. --Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

Reviews (332)

A great sequel to Yield and Binarual
Although many people would disagree with me, to my mind Yield and Binarual were the best PJ albums they made since their debut. You can hear many dissaponted fans wich think that everything PJ released since 1994 couldn't be compared to Ten. F**k them! Ten wich contained such great songs as Jeremy, Release, Black, was indeed great and powerful, but PJ have changed their style with every upcoming album, and they ARE NOT WORSE than they were 10 years ago. They're just different. So is Binarual, and so is Riot Act.
Riot Act kicks off with an amazing intro "Can't Keep", followed by a stunning and raging rock song "Save You", wich sounds kinda like "Spin the Black Circle" from Vitalogy. "Love Boat Captain" is one of the best songs on the album, it is also dedicated to 9 Pearl Jam fans who died in Roskilda few years ago ("Lost nine friends I'll never know"). "Cropduster" and "Ghost" are Ok, but they just take time to grow on You. First single "I am mine" is terrific, and so are the next two songs - acoustic "Thumbing my way" and guitar experiment "You Are". Next highlight in my opinion is Ed's speech on "Bushleaguer". The album closes with an excellent depressive ballad "All or None"
I can only once more remind you that every Pearl Jam album is worth 5 stars, you just have to see beyond "Ten" and "Vs", as they evolve and become more stable.

Never thought this would happen....
Let me begin by saying I am a big fan of Pearl Jam. I own and enjoy all of their albums (not just Ten and Vs). Actually, Yield is my favorite. This band has been a huge influence on me both musically and in general on my teenage-to-mid-twenties life. All that being said, I have to now give the bad news. Riot Act is a very big disappointment to me. There is not one track that stands out as engaging. The only one that has some life to it is the single, "I Am Mine". But even that song is somewhat boring. I read a rolling stone review that said Eddie sounds tired. I wouldn't exactly say that... I would say that the songs sound tired. It sounds as if all of these songs were written at the last minute and not thought through very well. Thus, creating an uninteresting, incoherent rock album to add to the list of recent disappointments (like Tom Petty).

I never thought I'd see the day that Pearl Jam (one of the most exciting rock bands I've ever heard) would bore me. But that day has unfortunately come. I was really really looking forward to this cd, not only because I love this band but because I am hoping for a music revolution similar to the one in the early 90s where bands like PJ, U2, REM, and Nirvana dominated the charts. Music of substance. But I suppose the only way for this to happen is for new blood to come to the surface. Nothing beautiful lasts forever.

Check out Audioslave.

Alternative continued.
We always try and formulate rock and roll. We try to make it into something different, mixing styles, adding roots, etc. But, then there's the sub categories we try to continue onward. In the case of alternative, grunge if you will, many bands either died off or died trying. Pearl Jam was one of the bands that remained, still remains. In their recent and current album, Riot Act, they formulate alternative rock...

With the addition of an organ, we see a new style. Songs like 'Love Boat Captain' almost belong on Classic Rock stations rather than Rock. But then there's 'Save You', a classic rock vibe with that original Pearl Jam feel. It's all there, but something is...different. This is a different Pearl Jam.

The difference is age. Simple. These guys are a decade and more older, so therefore, their music is going to change. With venturing aspects of music, with the ecletic 'No Code', and the electric 'Binaural', this one takes a different turn...a more traditional approach.

What 'Riot Act' seems to be is this, a stance. It's political, it's low key, and it's very timid. There's only a few select songs that are in any way wild and crazy. Songs like 'I am Mine', 'Thumbing My Way', etc...are all lower, more central songs. I think Pearl Jam is starting a transition, or maybe an exit? I doubt this.

With the band changing, the music changes. Their grunge sound as they were called, is almost a classic rock jam. With this change in mind, you need to look at the record differently. This is not your standard Pearl Jam record.

'Bushleaguer' a song that caused such poltical whatever, is one of the sparks to the album, but even then...it never goes wild.

This is a mild album, but it's a good album. I enjoy listening to this occasionally. Is it one of their bests? When you have Yield, Vitalogy, Vs, beforehand, then, no. But it stands out and it's something different. That is a reward in music, so treat yourself to it.

Pearl Jam, hopefully, will continue...as their generation of music is fading. ... Read more

Asin: B00006M183
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

A New Day at Midnight
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (05 November, 2002)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

Loss and resilience figure heavily in A New Day at Midnight, David Gray's follow-up to his massively popular breakthrough, White Ladder, in 1999. Gray cloaks his painful subject in the kind of impressive songcraft that has marked his work since 1993's A Century Ends. Still, both Ladder and Midnight add a layer of flash to his dependable formula, as dashes of studio trickery and understated electronics (helped along by songwriting partner Clune) give Gray's wistful lyrics and bittersweet, emotive voice a tough-to-resist freshness. Midnight exploits Gray's singing for maximal effect, as songs like the opener, "Dead in the Water," mask sad words with bright reminders of catharsis and faith. At times, Gray could use a little more faith in simplicity. Some songs--"Freedom," for one--could stand just fine with only Gray's voice and a guitar. More often than not, though, Gray's natural, amiable phrasing and ability to create a mood show off his continued growth while staying firmly in the groove that's made him a star. --Matthew Cooke ... Read more

Reviews (107)

Fresh, inventive, beautiful
Give the man credit for persistence: it took years of making several unfairly obscure albums while polishing his brand of thoughtful songcraft, but David Gray finally hit pure gold with 1999's White Ladder. That's where it all came together - the brilliant melodies and inspired lyrics, the Welshman's voice that makes him impossible to mistake for anyone else, the omission of drums in favor of a home-programmed mix of light techno beats and lushly subdued electronics. I guess we can't blame him for taking a similar road with A New Day at Midnight, or for not quite matching the same level of perfection this time (that's a monster of an act for anyone to follow). But thankfully David hasn't lost sight of his biggest strengths in the wake of such sudden popularity - it's the writing that makes anything in the vast singer/songwriter genre (as unfair a label as I've ever heard) sink or swim, and in that department he's still got talent and imagination to spare.

Like Nick Drake or Bill Evans, Gray has an uncanny ear for weird chords and unusual keys, but somehow makes everything come out as accessible and even catchy as the simplest three-chord ballad. Even if ANDaM's lyrics fall into predictable cliches once or twice (e.g. the cute-but-cheesy "Be Mine" or the repetitive "see you on the other side" chorus of.. well, you can guess which one), the originality of the others easily puts off any danger of generic inanity. "Dead in the Water" alone is very possibly the most wonderful Gray song ever with its slow-bouncing groove, sinuous minor harmonics and singable melody. "Kangaroo" bounces with optimism amid hints of despair. "Real Love" glides through the air with hope and wonder; "Caroline" weaves semi-country slide guitar and an ear-catching grid of programmed buzzbeats into a sweetly addicting lament.

I'm trying to avoid using terms like 'pop' or 'folk' or 'soft rock' because they're inaccurate, and because such accessible & heartfelt songwriting deserves (and needs) no labels. All I can describe is the sound: lush, subdued, low-key, ranging from quiet melancholy to bright peppiness without missing a beat. There's a little more of the sad side than usual; the themes touch on the state of the world and the loss of a parent among others.. but no matter the mood, it's all beautiful. Sometimes the tinge of electronica isn't strictly needed - see: "Freedom" - but it still never detracts from the songs themselves. Which, of course, is just how it should be.

Curious about the man? White Ladder is (so far) his career masterpiece; take a gander at that first. No one's perfect all the time, but A New Day at Midnight should be more than enough to please anyone who wants some more.

An Unbelieveable Album
David Gray's follow-up to White Ladder is unbelievable. The much-anticipated follow-up to his smash album, "White Ladder" is very strong and very soothing to listen to. The first track, "Dead In The Water" I believe is one the best on the album. It has an unbelievable beat and background and David Gray's voice is so strong. Personally, I believe the greatest song on the album is "Caroline". It is a very upbeat and catchy tune. The lyrics are meaningful. It has much more depth and quality than anything you would hear on the radio. All of the songs in-between are also well thought out and very talented. "Be Mine" and "Real Love" are sure to be favorite hits to David's true fans. The album ends with "The Other Side" a song that expresses the death of David's father. Many critics say the success of "White Ladder" can never be reached again by David. "White Ladder" has been David's most successful album to date and is also an unbelievable album. "A New Day At Midnight" is a different album than "White Ladder" as it should be. Why would you want to cut the exact same thing? David Gray is so talented and would never sell-out. He is a true artist who is true to his music and fans. He expresses his own life through his music and shares it with the world. "A New Day At Midnight" is the absolute best follow-up that could have ever been imagined to "White Ladder". Actually, it's better than I could have imagined. Thank you, David Gray!

1. Dead in the Water
2. Caroline
3. Long Distance Call
4. Freedom
5. Real love
6. Kangaroo
7. Last Boat
8. Knowhere
9. December
10. Be Mine
11. Easy Way to Cry
12. The Other Side

Pretty grood...
I only really liked 6 songs on this, and considering there are only 12 anyway, it's not a great amount. They were Dead in the water, Freedom, Real Love, Be mine, Easy way to cry and The Other side. As i said in the title, it's pretty grood (good, but not great) and if you're gonna get a David Grey album, buy White Ladder. Happy shopping! ... Read more

Asin: B00006L7XN
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Have You Fed the Fish
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (05 November, 2002)
list price: $17.98
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Editorial Review

The second full-length album (not counting his superb soundtrack to About a Boy) by Damon Gough, a.k.a. Badly Drawn Boy, reveals the true depths of his songwriting and arranging talents. While his debut, The Hour of the Bewilderbeast, knocked us dead with his fey, indie-folk-rock sensibilities, Have You Fed the Fish shows a musician striving for top-shelf greatness in the pantheon of British pop, à la the Beatles, Oasis, and Radiohead. Lush arrangements with strings, horns, a very grand piano, and guitars abound, with a richness rarely found in pop and rock music these days. Gough's songwriting is topnotch and by turns catchy and clever, stinging and personal. But you've been warned: this album gives us less of the indie-pop hero you may want to love, and more of a classic rock idol in the making. Beck/Elliott Smith producer Tom Rothrock is at the helm, and the glossy sheen that results may offend some lo-fi "slacker pop" aficionados. --Lorry Fleming ... Read more

Reviews (50)

Smahing
Everything great about the first album (The Hour of the Bewilderbeast) minus the commercials (Body Rap, This Song). Beatlesque in his originality, Badly Drawn Boy hits us again. Right in the face, again. The title track is amazing and "You Were Right" is an absolute masterpiece. The album is classic.

Strong album - From start to finish.
I bought "Bewilderbeast" after seeing a couple videos for the songs on MTV2 late at night. I loved the album. "Have You Fed the Fish" takes it up another level. From "Coming in to land" to the end of the album, it's consistent and strong. Quirky lyrics are very interesting and keep the listener smiling. The composition of the music itself is second to none. While this album diverges somewhat from "Bewilderbeast" and even moreso from the "About a Boy" soundtrack, it's unmistakably BDB, and in my opinion, his strongest effort

Standout tracks:
The Further I Slide (my favorite with a "Sexual Healing"-like beat, great lyrics)

40 Days, 40 Fights (once again, great lyrics, great composition)

You Were Right (college radio hit)

Born Again

All Possibilities

good album that pales in comparison to Hour
It's been a busy year for Damon Gough, releasing two follow ups to his groundbreaking Bewilderbeast.

Have You Fed the Fish sounds like Badly Drawn Boy's struggle to return to the experimental style of Hour of Bewilderbeast while still retaining the poppy sound of About a Boy. Quite frankly, this is exactly what went wrong with the album.

After an intriguing opening, the title track kicks in with something that rivals REO Speedwagon. Is this good? That's a matter of preference, I guess, but then again, I choose not to own any REO Speedwagon records. 40 Days and 40 Fights is like a Troma film- It's entertaining... sorta. The second to last track What Is It Now is possibly the blandest song to be on a BDB full length.

However, some of the album's highlights are simply incredible tracks. The two punch of I Was Wrong and You Were Right will be the first to catch anyone's ear, particularly with it's American Pie-ish lyrics which I won't reveal here. Centre Piece provides an instrumental that's too good to be passed off as filler. How?'s constant tempo change takes some getting used to, but it is worth it; and the closing track Bedside Story may possibly be the best last song on any LP period.

Personally, I really tried to find this to be a great album; the proper follow-up to Bewilderbeast. With each listening, I liked the good songs more and more, but hated the bad ones even greater. My final verdict was determined when, after listening to Fish, I popped in Hour of Bewilderbeast and realized that Fish just doesn't simply compare to the brilliance of Badly Drawn Boy's 2000 full length debut. ... Read more

Asin: B00006LHW4
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Little Airplane
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (02 July, 2002)
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Reviews (5)

A bright new talent - 4.5 stars
I heard Blake for the first time performing at the Middle East in Cambridge opening for Gorky's Zygotic Mynci. The hype about her is pretty valid. Her stage presence is strong and it still masks how big her voice is. There aren't many female artists whose voice impresses stongly on me, maybe Neko Case and Aimee Mann, and her voice is one of those. The other striking thing about her is how well she plays guitar. Whether it is a dreamy plucked melody, or standard rock rifts, her guitar playing is very strong.

The CD has several high points and definitely merits a listen. I think the real standout track is the title track, Little Airplane. It almost sounds like a song Wilco wishes they wrote, yet the female lead takes it to such a different place. Other excellent tracks are Paper Stars, with its hypnotic texture, the melancholy and interesting Saint Sebastien, and In the sun. Lyrically, it could be better. Some of the themes have been done too many times in too similar ways, but it doesn't detract too much. I think the production is quite good and a lot of credit is owed to John Dragonetti.

Blake is hard at work on her next CD, and given what I heard in concert, it should be a very worthy follow-up. If you can hear her live, I highly recommend it. If you are in the market for a female voice that is distinct, interesting, and not sucky, I highly recommend checking out this CD.

Where are the songs?
I was really dissappointed with this record, having heard about what a great songwriter she is. While her voice is pleasant (albeit she overdoes the breathy/pseudo-seductive thing) I was underwhelmed by her writing ability. It's just trite melodies and tired chord progressions docotored up with Dragonetti's sound wizardry.

Charmingly honest
Have you ever listened to a song that made you think that the writer was inside your head like they were talking about how you felt? and you can feel every emotion of the song in yourself well this whole cd is like that for me, its great. And the music is brilliantly put together ellectric pop, with a hint of folk. I love the way Blake's voice just flows so smoothly over the music... ... Read more

Asin: B000069B0V
Sales Rank: 198251
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

( )
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (29 October, 2002)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.49
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Editorial Review

Are Iceland’s Sigur Rós the saviors of 21st-century rock or true heirs to the silk-robed-and-platform-booted, pompous progressive rock of the '70s? On their third album (first for a major label), they are a little bit of both. The group continues to mix the most interesting aspects of U2 (the anthem), Low (the maximalist slow-mo thing), Radiohead (the utter lack of irony in the quest to make meaningful art for stadium crowds), and My Bloody Valentine (guitar as texture), while not sounding like anyone else on this planet. The average song length on the eight untitled tracks is eight minutes, with cascades of moaning, bowed guitars colliding with low-end keyboards while the lovely, alien-registered vocals of singer Jónsi float on top. Dynamics are employed spectacularly, but half of the album is spooky soundtrack music that never really goes anywhere. However, the actual songs on Two Sausages Kissing (or whatever you want to call it)--the third, sixth, eighth, and especially fourth tracks--are mind-blowers, spectacularly worth the price of admission. If they just stopped trying to reinvent the wheel all the time, Sigur Rós could really be a band for the ages. --Mike McGonigal ... Read more

Reviews (262)

An Ethereal, Ambient, Winter-Symphony
Bassist Georg Holm has once said in an interview that Sigur Ros weren't a political band, and didn't necessarily have too much to say, other than the fact that they wanted to communicate emotion (subconscious, unconscious) through their instruments. Perhaps this is why the band chose to leave absolutely no credits or lyrics in the sleeve for ( ) (2002).

You don't necessarily need written lyrics (or titles) for this intense experience. Just close your eyes, slip into this 72-minute slice of nirvana, and follow whatever feeling states draw to the surface as you listen. Like the icy-looking cover art, this music is the equivalent of a Winter night, and the thoughts and emotions that are conjured with it: cold, beautiful, dreamy, poignant, nocturnal, encircling, haunting and soothing. While the music is "cold," it isn't cold in an unemotional sense, as the album features nothing but overflowing emotion. The soundcapes are mellow, lush and elegant, while the instrumentation is generally used in ambient fashion, which allow certain atmospheres to be created more effectively. And added to this, the tracks are mostly extended, so the album is probably not recommended for listeners who want quick blasts of aggression, or who want short, catchy pop tunes.

As far as my personal interpretation of the album, or what it conjures through me? I see it as an album divided into two halves (which can also be equivalent to the two parentheses): The first four tracks comprising the "(" half seem like the equivalent of a lonely Winter night, featuring a long snow-capped landscape, and the stars shining at their brightest above. Winter and snow in general remind me of hope, longing, and the necessity (as opposed to luxury) of love, which are what I'm reminded of when listening to the first four tracks. The music in this half is generally the more lush, elegant, dreamy, nocturnal and mellow. Track 3 happens to be my favorite, as an elegant piano chord is repeated constantly, and used for atmospheric proportions, while the basslines ascend in a particular pattern, and lush orchestration tops it off to create an aura of bliss.

The ")" half features soundscapes that remind me of a misty dawn: a somewhat murky sunrise. While the first half seemed generally more nocturnal, there seems to be a diurnal (morning) presence on the second half: night is calm, day is active. Piano was the dominant instrument in the first half, while the second one hears the guitar dominating. This half tends to get more tense, aggressive and somewhat restless in atmosphere, and also features guitar feedback/distortion not heard in the first. Track 7 sees vocalist Jonsi using a pitch in his voice that was not heard at all in the first half.

This album is so dear to my heart for it's ethereal, calming, encircling, evocative and emotional nature. Atmospheric music for escapism, reading, relaxing, lovemaking and possible other pastimes. For best results, listen at nighttime, turn down all of the lights, and light up a few candles. Remember to relax, close your eyes, and let the music take you where it may. Enjoy.

By the way, here are the supposed songtitles that weren't listed in the sleeve:

1. Vaka
2. Fyrsta
3. Samskeyti
4. Njósnavélin
5. Alafoss
6. E-bow
7. Dauðalagið
8. Popplagið

If you're thinking about checking this out...
Look, it doesn't matter what kind of music you like, or what you're looking for. Buy this album, and buy Agaetis Byrjun while you're at it, and experience Sigur Ros. You'll notice a lot of superlatives being thrown around about this band: listen to them. Believe the hype, because Sigur Ros simply makes the most beautiful music that you'll ever hear. This album is another stunning example of that, and I find it to be superior to the nearly un-matchable Agaetis Byrjun, as it is more coherent and flows beautifully from song to song. These songs do have names (they've been a part of Sigur Ros' touring set for at least a year and change now), but they're presented in this way to focus the listener on the album as a whole body of music. It is slightly less accessible than its predecessor, but it will still quickly pull in an eager listener. You won't be disappointed.

As an aside, Sigur Ros is touring now...don't miss it (I'm looking at you, Western USA!). Seeing them perform these songs live (and produce these sounds) is indescribably powerful. Go.

( )
please stop reading the reviews and buy this album. words cannot do it justice--as the members of sigur rós recognized also. you need to hear this work of art for yourself. every single track on this album is just everything more than astonishing. i love every single track. i love the keyboards in track one. i love the singing in track two. jonsi your voice is fn breathtaking. i love the keyboards and melodies in track three. i love track four, hands down. i love the eerieness of track five, oh man i love how he sings. i love the ending of track six. beauty. track seven is just...just close your eyes and listen. you will know. and track eight. what to say about track eight? track eight is fn awesome. all of these tracks are amazing. i am not singling any of them out for a standout or any of them for a track of lesser beauty. amazing album. honestly. get this one. ... Read more

Asin: B00006LLNU
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Sharpen Your Teeth
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (21 May, 2002)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

It's hard to say what distinguishes this from a de facto Modest Mouse release, other than the fact that the only carryover member is singer-songwriter Isaac Brock. But this is hardly a problem, considering the flannel-clad Northwestern trio is one of the most engaging and inventive avant-garde rock bands America has to offer, right up there with the Flaming Lips and Built to Spill. Sharpen Your Teeth doesn't miss a step, throwing up a familiar mix of lovesick vocals, funeral march rhythms, and terminally discordant song arrangements. "Diamonds on the Face of Evil" floats on a haunting bed of clarinets and rattling chains, while "Things I Don't Remember" charts the unlikely meeting point between psychedelic period Rolling Stones and early Tom Waits. Side projects historically serve as a venue for self-indulgence for disgruntled band members, but for Brock--working with former Red Red Meat members Tim Rutili and Brian Deck, the Black Heart Procession's Pall Jenkins, and friend John Orth--it appears Ugly Casanova is merely a way to keep a foot in the indie world, since Modest Mouse signed with Epic two years ago. As luck (and contractual obligations) would have it, the group's debut album is also its last, so the confusion is only fleeting. --Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Sadly, this will be the only Ugly Cassanova album
The story behind Sharpen Your Teeth is quite interesting. I've heard several different versions from various reviews and fanzines, so I'm going to do my best to be accurate. Ugly Cassanova was a roadie for Modest Mouse that wrote constantly. (In fact, you would notice his name in the writing credits of the "Whenever You See Fit" single.) Little was known about his background. Occasionally, he would record demos of his songs. Eventually, he just disappeared, so MM frontman Isaac Brock got together with members of Califone and Red Red Meat to record their interpretation of Ugly's songs as a way to hopefully find out what ever happened to him.

The songs are simply gorgeous, and are best described as a cleaned up, more accessable Modest Mouse. The catchy riffs of Hotcha Girls, the twisted folk of Smoke Like Ribbons, and the sheer catchiness of Things I Don't Remember are arguably the best contributions to this stellar album.

Any Modest Mouse fan, especially those who loved Moon and Antarctica, should take special notice of this album. Also, anyone who loved Modest Mouse and Califones' take on Slayer's "South of Heaven" on the I Love Metal comp may also want to give this album a listen. (In fact, MM should look into more projects with Califone, because this album and that cover prove they make a wonderfail team.)

not modest mouse, or is it
If you are looking for a modest mouse album, don't look to Ugly casanova for an answer. Yes it is the side project for Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse and it is a lot like some Modest Mouse songs, but it is also much diffrent. Its clear that it is the work of Brock who does the lions share of song writing for Modest Mouse, but there are so many elements that seperate it from his work in Modest Mouse. The producer from Modest Mouse's "the Moon and Antartica" also produced and played on "Sharpen Your Teeth", which also gives this album a bit of the Modest Mouse sound. The songs are involved more with total sound, not just sounds of guitars, bass, and drums. There are a variety of instruments used such as clarinets, keyboards, slide guitar, banjo, harmonica, drum machines, violin, mandolin, organ, and a fiddle. It is easy to see the similarities to Modest Mouse through the harmonies, voice overs, reverb, twisted an ironic lyrics, and many other elements. Ugly Casanova never really rocks at any point like Modest Mouse. There are also other vocals on tracks other than Isaac Brock's including John Orth, Tim Rutili, and more. The song "Spilled Milk factory" almost sounds a little like Ween for a minute. There are a lot of different sounds from psychadelia, country, rock, and some beats mixed in , which combine beautifully. All in all if you are looking for another Modest Mouse album, this isn't it. If you enjoy Modest Mouse chances are you'll like this album and notice some familiar elements. Its a different kind of album to say the least. Just get it and give it a chance.

its like modest mouse... just better
This cd takes everything that was good in modest mouse and takes it to a whole different level with songs like
hotcha girls, which, to me is obviously the best song. ... anyhow. This cd is slower than modest mouse, but altogether lacks the same kind of mood as modest mouse does... but for the better. altogether id give it a generous yet well earned FIVE STARS. ... Read more

Asin: B0000666WE
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

From Here On In
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (19 February, 2002)
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Editorial Review

London-based trio South are envoys of that "new" ethic of guitar-stroking, comedown-friendly rock & roll ambience also practiced by the likes of Turin Brakes and Kings Of Convenience. For the most part, From Here On In makes like a celestial meeting of Nick Drake and the Stone Roses, with South's delicate finger-picked melodies launching out into the outer realms of the sprawling space-rock jam. However, as the first indie-rock band signed to James Lavelle's notoriously hip beats label Mo' Wax, South are a guitar band who do occasionally take in dramatic rolls of DJ Shadow-esque drums, fuzzy Money Mark-style keyboard washes, and moody orchestral strings torn straight from UNKLE's hymn sheet. "Everyone / Will come down in time" promises the harmonized chorus of "I Know What You're Like." Not yet, though; this fine album guarantees a 70-minute trip, so strap yourself in and experience the latest rebuff to the tired chants of "Rock is dead." --Louis Pattison ... Read more

Features

• Extra tracks

Reviews (19)

Chill Out
I've owned this album for years but I only really started listening to it on a recent cross country plane trip. It's the perfect album to listen to while staring out the window watching mountains and fields beneath you. The lead singer has a "laddish" voice more suited to sitting in the pub watching soccer and drinking pints of lager with his mates than pouring out his heart to music. In my opinion, that's the biggest appeal of this album. He seems like an ordinary, but vunerable, guy. The music does sound a lot like the Stone Roses, although not as "pop"ish, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. The lyrics are not as sarcastic and angry but they have the same emotional quality.

Just sit and listen
I first heard the song keep close on much music (the canadian version of mtv). It was on the hour late at night when they play stuff that's not quite mainstream.

The song keep close just got to me and i had to get the album. This band has everything to make it big but i hope they don't. I would hate to see what commercialism would do to something this good.

can't review as I haven't heard the whole thing, but...
granted I can't be very objective as I haven't listened to the whole cd, but it must be said (and yes I know they have been compared in the main review) that the song Paint the Silence sounds so much like The Stone Roses I was convinced that they had simply stolen the song note for note and just changed the name. personally if two bands sound that much alike, I'm going to chose the original over the remake every time. The Stone Roses all the way. ... Read more

Asin: B00005V62Z
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Heathen Chemistry
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (02 July, 2002)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

At their career zenith, Oasis were lauded as the best band in the world. They were actually never the greatest rock & roll band at any time, but for a few years they were the biggest. While they offered the '90s two of its most defining albums, and a resurgence of '60s-influenced Manchester rock, Oasis tumbled off the top of the mountain in the last half of the decade. Heathen Chemistry is their first step back up the ascent, albeit a small step. The album opens with "The Hindu Times," which will certainly be listed among Oasis's best anthems, and it closes with "Better Man," a distorted-guitar-driven thrill that revs up to 60 mph in second gear. But between the strongest songs on the disc, Noel "Walrus" and Liam "Eggman" Gallagher exploit the Beatles references almost to the breaking point. It's no secret that the Gallaghers worship the Beatles (who doesn't?), but here they've gone beyond obvious influences and stepped right into infringement territory. On "Born on a Different Cloud," Noel's guitar weeps a little too gently, and Liam's signature rasp now sounds like a deliberate imitation of Lennon with a cold. Further, Liam shares the mic with Noel, who sings lead on several tracks, the best being "Force of Nature." Unlike on Beatles albums, however, the switch back and forth is jarring (Liam might be the biggest troublemaker, but he is also the better singer). Nonetheless, if a band is going to unapologetically rip off what was unquestionably the best band in the world, no one does it better than Oasis. --Beth Massa ... Read more

Reviews (220)

Still The World's Greatest Rock-n-Roll Band
Thank goodness for Oasis. In a popscape littered with talentless rappers, nu-metalheads and bubblegum poppers, the new release from Manchester's Fab Five rises so far above the competition, it's almost scary. Unlike ninety-percent of current artists, the Gallagher brothers(Liam pens three tunes here...) simply write great songs with unforgetable melodies.

While "Heathen Chemistry" is a tad less consistent than 1995's classic "What's the Story Morning Glory", it remains, nonetheless, one of the essential releases of 2002. The notorious swagger and attitude, practically an Oasis trademark, is back in full tilt on rocking numbers like Better Man and Force of Nature. Even more impressive is the band's willingness to turn down the volume and explore acoustic pop on Liam's Songbird and Noel's She is Love. Ripe with sensibility, sensitivity and more melody than you're likely to hear anywhere else, both tracks would sit nicely on the Beatles'"Rubber Soul". Sonically speaking, the spooky Lennon-esque Born on a Different Cloud is the set's most explosive track. Featuring Liam's finest vocal performance to date, the echo-shrouded Different Cloud is one of the best tracks the band has ever laid down. Simply spine-chilling. Finally, there's the climactic Stop Crying Your Heart Out, a soaring ballad which epitomizes what Oasis does best. Cut from the same mold as Wonderwall and Champagne Supernova, Stop Crying starts gently, then builds to a glorious finale complete with strings and an powerful sing along chorus. Simply put, Stop Crying Your Heart Out IS Oasis!

Overall, "Heathen Chemistry" is a much welcome return to form by the World's Greatest Rock-n-Roll Band. Recent releases by talented bands like The Hives, The Shins and Swag indicate that, perhaps, a true rock-n-roll revival is underway. Rest assured though, so long as Oasis is around the genre will never die quietly. Long Live Rock!

fiery, multi-hued piece
Oasis return from their unremarkable last album with a fiery,

multi-hued piece that doesn't drunkenly overdo it like Be Here

Now or rely too heavily on their carefree sentiment.

It opens with the galvanizing The Hindu Times and then Noel

Gallagher takes up

vocals on the piano thump of Force of Nature. Hung in a Bad

Place is a Gem Archer tune

gripped by the ragged row of Liam Gallagher's voice. Stop Crying

Your Heart Out gets carried away

by its glimmering guitars, strings, and hopeful feel. Songbird

is a minor classic penned by Liam,

his vocals beautifully restrained, and pushed gently by a fluid

music.

Little by Little has Noel singing again, then there's Andy

Bell's easing shortcut (A Quick Peep) into

(Probably) All In My Mind, the fullest sounding song, and with

the best interplay by the band.

She Is Love is the third song sung by Noel, he wrote six on this

album (he usually writes all) and

it is pleasant enough, soon into beat-clapping.

The next two songs have Liam writing again; the first doesn't

have its influences all

tucked in, with a kind of spacey undertow behind the slowly spun

out vocals.

The second takes advantage of Liam's guttural chewing of the

lyrics and his brother's

punctuations.

The hidden track, twenty some minutes afterward, shows the

band's capacity for subtle soundscapes.

Overall, this is a very good album, pulled off with the

puncturing open of the band line-up; the new songwriting sources

adding a fresh cohesiveness, and Liam's vocals moving from his

abrasive all-consuming bray into

a wider territory, a more vulnerable, yet fearless one that

lilts up and around the always alert

musicianship.

MM,
July 4/02

Great Album
Heathen Chemistry may just be Oasis's most consistent album. Every song is enjoyable to listen to, and the the album flows extremely well. For those of you who think this album doesn't rock enough, you obviously don't know what your talking about. "Hindu Times" is one of their best songs, and it contains some great guitar playing by Noel. In fact, the first three songs on this album all rock. "Force of Nature" and "Hung in a Bad Place" are some of there more underrated rockers. Another great rocker is the closing number "Better Man", which obviously has some influence from John Lennon. Also, after listening to "Born on a Different Cloud", I was amazed at how much Liam sounds like John Lennon, and I now feel that that song is a tribute to him. This album is highly critized because of sounding too much like the beatles, but I do not think that is a bad thing. In fact, Oasis through out their career have been bashed by many critics for ripping off the beatles. Here's a news flash for everybody, almost every band today has ripped off the beatles in one way or another, and I still fail to see how Oasis is any different than any other band. Noel and Liam are great song writers and they can play great music, even if they sometimes sound a little like the beatles. Now back to the album, the rest of the songs on this album are just as stong as the ones already mentioned. "Stop Cryin Your Heart Out" is a beautiful ballad. "Songbird" and "She is Love" show Oasis on a more accoustic note, and even show flashes of country. Overall, this album is a must buy for any Oasis fan, and I do feel that this album may help the band find their old magic again. I can't wait for their next album. ... Read more

Asin: B000068QY7
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Maladroit
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (14 May, 2002)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
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Editorial Review

After taking five leisurely years to follow up on 1996's Pinkerton, Weezer are apparently on a roll. Arriving just over 12 months after The Green Album, Maladroit finds the Los Angeles power-pop band in the midst of a particularly fertile creative period. "Dope Nose," which is easily stronger than anything on the last album, flexes a sinister shout-along chorus and vintage Van Halen riffs, while the potent garage-punk blast of "Fall Together" wipes out any lingering discomfort over the thoroughly Sugar Ray-sounding "Island in the Sun." In a sense The Green Album was just a taster for this, the blissfully thunderous main dish. Sure, there are some deadpan emo moments ("Death and Destruction") littering the course, but mostly Maladroit is Weezer doing what they do best--inverting and embracing dumb rock stereotypes and somehow making them sound smart. --Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (351)

The 'death and destruction' of Weezer
I have been a huge fan of Weezer ever since I heard 'In the garage' from the outstanding Blue album. All three previous albums , Blue, pinkerton and the green album' have lived up to the weezer name, yet Maladroit as the name may suggest is a lazy, dull affair which diminushes the point of weezer.

Weezer are/were so good because of Rivers ability to produce uplifting, lyrically simplistic and above all catchy songs. Maladroit fails on 2 of the three accounts. Admittedly the lyrics are still as rhyming dictionary selected as ever but uplifting and catchy, briefly. In replace of classic Weezer is a moody, amateurish collection. 'Dope Nose'in particular lacks any sense of professionalism. The inclusion of the green album hit single 'Island in the Sun' demonstrates just how they've struggled to improve upon earlier material.

Stand out Tracks
-Keep fishin- this one is reminscent of Weezers former glory, upbeat and catchy.
-Slave - This one I really like and earns this album its 2 stars
-Fall together - This one also saves the album from drifting into obscurity.

Ones to avoid
- Dope nose - i know many will disagree perhaps its just a matter of opinion.
-Love explosion - the chorus sounds like a remix of Kylie's 'do the locomotion'
-Slob - this along with 'take control' defines the unwanted moodiness which buries the Weezer circa 'Buddy Holly'

I would strongly recommend any of the other three Weezer albums but this one fails to impress. Perhaps it's the inclusion of too many tracks or perhaps its just 'Dope Nose'.

Yet more catchy melodies from Weezer
Now onto their fourth record, Weezer show no signs of decline, coming exactly a year after the pop-tastic Green Album. Whereas Green Album was designed to be a wake-up call for people who have totally forgotten Weezer after Pinkerton stumbled (initially of course, since become a fan favourite), then Maladroit is about consolidating the fan base and moving into a more rock direction. First single 'Dope Nose' has memorable backing vocals, bizarre lyrics and trademark guitar hooks. This is clearly a good thing and what people now expect from Weezer. The album is most notable for breaking the 10-song formula (all 3 albums previously only had 10 songs) and straying into 70s rock riffing (take control) and self-analytical subject matter (slob). Of course the big question is: Is Maladroit the best Weezer record to date? The short answer is no, I don't think so, but.....some of the band's strongest material is here (American Gigolo, Gone Fishin', Slob).

Compared to the back catalogue: The debut simply has stronger, timeless songs, Pinkerton is more personal and rewarding, the Green Album is more catchy, accessible and immediate. However Maladroit is a combination of all three and god damn, it's great regardless. So that's why the album deserves top marks.

a new weezer
With 2001's "The Green Album", Weezer re-invented themselves,as a straight-foward rock band. Their songs became shorter in length,and packed less of the emotional punch of their two previous efforts (see "The Blue Album (1994), and "Pinkerton" (1996), what remained were the extremely catchy melodies that have propelled songwriter Rivers Cuomo to stardom. With "Maladroit", Cuomo once again seeks to re-invent himself, and has for the most part succeeded. "Maladroit" is infinitely "heavier" than it's predecessor, both lyrically, and musically. The songwriting is also far darker and often delves back into the rocky emotional terrain, Cuomo previously explored in "Pinkerton". While the work is not entirely strong as a whole, contained here are some of the best Weezer songs to date. There are several standout tracks including, "Slob", "Slave", "Death and Destruction",and "Take Control". These tracks showcase blistering rock riffs, as well as intelligent and personal songwriting. The rest is more fun-time rock n' roll, and I mean that in the best way. Simply put, Weezer has made an album that rocks, and that was all they set out to do. ... Read more

Asin: B000065BW8
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Gravity
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (18 June, 2002)
list price: $12.98 -- our price: $11.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

One of the most prominent mainstream rock bands in Canada, Our Lady Peace can't seem to get a break in the States. Their consistently engaging (if not always inventive) music deserves better. While slick, self-important songs like "Do You Like It" and "Made of Steel" may not help the group's case, they are more than compensated for by the expert playing and towering choruses of slow-burners like "Somewhere out There" and "Sell My Soul." Singer Raine Maida definitely has one of the more distinctive voices in rock & roll--part Scott Weiland, part Michael Stipe--and when it takes flight on the former track, Our Lady Peace truly sound like a force to be reckoned with. Here's hoping people are listening.--Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

Reviews (277)

Supermans Dead?
Many say that Our Lady Peace sold out to the mainstream on their new album, Gravity. Many would say that Superman is dead and so are the true Our Lady Peace. I disagree with these peoples notions completley. Whether you are a die-hard OLP fan or a newbie you will love every second of this album. From the opening chord of "All For You" to the closing note of "Story About a Girl". Each song has a unique sound but still resembles the OLP formula fans have grown to love over the past four albums. A major change in lyrical quality from "Spiritual Machines" is what some fans are criticizing. What they dont realize is that lead singer Raine Maida is just putting out his feelings in the open with no sugar coating as he did in the past. This is quite obvious in the very personal "All For You" and the following song "Do You Like It". What is one of the best qualities of OLP songs are that they give the listener the ability to apply their own meanings to the songs. No one knows what "Somewhere Out There" is truley about but everyone can find a personal meaning in OLP's songs. Strong lyrics make "Made of Steel" and "Sorry" two of the stand-out songs on the CD. The melodic "Bring Back the Sun" and "Sell my Soul" allow for a more relaxed listen. The song "Innocent" combines all these qualities into one and creates a song that is sure to impress every listener. Every song on this CD is sure to impress and it is a must have for every rock fan. After giving Gravity a try you will have to buy OLP's other albums Naveed, Clumsy, Happiness.., and Spiritual Machines because one CD is just not enough! If you think the CD's are great you need to check out OLP live, they are bringing the rock back to a venue near you!

Gravity.....
Gravity, the fifth album of the Canadian band Our Lady Peace is a great album. True, Our Lady Peace has changed their sound from the days of Naveed and Clumsy, but this is still great. OLP has still managed to escape the mainstream with this album, despite how they are no longer using twelve string guitars to produce tracks like Naveed or Superman's Dead. This album is heavier than the others, and with Steve Mazur as guitarist instead of Mike Turner, the songs aren't quite as creative as the earlier ones, but still are masterpieces. Here's a track by track:
1. All For You: This song is one of the tracks that makes up for the heavier side of OLP. It hardly used their old style at all, but still manages to sound good.

2. Do You Like It: Possibly the worst track on the album because it's slow and hardly uses the talent that's been revealed from OLP.

3. Somewhere Out There: This song made people think OLP had sold out just cause people played it on the radio and cause it had a music video. Not true, this song still is one of the best on the CD, with it's instrumentation and vocals.

4. Innocent: A great song from the album, uses a type of sound that OLP hasn't really used before....an excellent song.

5. Made of Steel: The opening guitar and stuff on this song are really good, reminds me of their earlier song Neon Crossing. The lyrics aren't bad, but this is mediocre OLP.

6. Not Enough: This song isn't that bad, it's pretty close to what OLP made in the earlier days, but still with a bit of their new sound.

7. Sell My Soul: Same quality as Do You Like It, not the best but okay.

8. Sorry: See above.

9. Bring Back the Sun: A slow song, yet I find it a masterpiece. The instruments were played in just the right mood, and the lyrics were great. Reminds me of 4a.m.

10. Story About a Girl: The most catchy song on the album in my opinion and incredibly underrated....excellent chorus.

Hope that helps.

Gravitating Indeed
This album demands listening. The vocals and guitarring stlyes on this album are just spellbounding. Its something I definitely enjoy while on the road. In simple words , its energetic. The songs never really die on you instead they grow. "Not Enough" is my favourite track and I think I have seldom heard anything better. It has this amazing build up.

Other songs of the disc that really rock are "All For You","Bring Back The Sun" , "Innocent" , "Sell My Soul" , "Made OF Steel" ,etc. Some say the band became commercial with this album well Im sorry but I just couldnt possibly care less.
Amazing album from an amazing Band.
Our Lady Peace rule! ... Read more

Asin: B000065V1W
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock