Kind of Blue
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 March, 1997)
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Editorial Review

This is the one jazz record owned by people who don't listen to jazz, and with good reason. The band itself is extraordinary (proof of Miles Davis's masterful casting skills, if not of God's existence), listing John Coltrane and Julian "Cannonball" Adderley on saxophones, Bill Evans (or, on "Freddie Freeloader," Wynton Kelly) on piano, and the crack rhythm unit of Paul Chambers on bass and Jimmy Cobb on drums. Coltrane's astringency on tenor is counterpoised to Adderley's funky self on alto, with Davis moderating between them as Bill Evans conjures up a still lake of sound on which they walk. Meanwhile, the rhythm partnership of Cobb and Chambers is prepared to click off time until eternity. It was the key recording of what became modal jazz, a music free of the fixed harmonies and forms of pop songs. In Davis's men's hands it was a weightless music, but one that refused to fade into the background. In retrospect every note seems perfect, and each piece moves inexorably towards its destiny. --John Szwed ... Read more

Reviews (495)

I GET THE CHANCE TO SAY WHAT I REALLY THINK
I'm rating this 5 stars, because this is the most listened to Jazz album of all time. People who don't listen to Jazz listen to "Kind of Blue". I like the album. I don't adore this album. The first four songs are classics. "Flamenco Sketches" is Ok. I could live without this song. Miles is great, very cool, Just the coolest, as usual. It's a modal exercise and a very bluesy, cool experience. Paul Chambers' bass opening on "So What" is just a classic and something you want to own, just to experience it. Parts of the album are dark, courtesy of Bill Evans, and I like that. It gives a very relaxing, cool, feel. It isn't dated at all. It sounds as relevant today as it did in 1959. The thing about the performance that ruins it for me is the alto sax. I don't like the playing. It's grating, and a style that doesn't fit in with the recording. John Coltrane could have carried the sax improvising by himself. I have to get past the alto player on every track he plays on. I grate my teeth having to endure it. My opinion. You may have a different experience when you hear it, but this is my experience with this album. I experience this with the album every time I listen to it. I don't like the style of the player. Everyone is so totally cool, and the alto is a grating, cartoonish sound. The alto doesn't belong here. It would have been a much better album with different personel. Of course you have to buy it, because it's an album of major importance in the history of Jazz. Another side light is that this is only place you are going to get to hear "So What" played slow, making it the ultimate cool song here. Every recording of this song after this album; the song is played at a fast pace and run through quickly. I do not understand why Miles played the song like that, but this is clearly the best version of the classic song. This is the only place you can get it, so buy this disc.

A Wonderful Piece of Jazz History!
'Kind of Blue' has to be one of THE best jazz albums ever recorded! As many other reviewers have stated, if you aren't too familiar w/ jazz, this would make a great introduction cd...real easy on the ears. Miles Davis has always been an anchor for jazz music and I feel this is one of his best works. Oringinally recorded in 1959, you'll find some of the best jazz has to offer in this cd, with Davis on trumpet, the greats Julian "Cannonball" Adderley and John Coltrane on alto and tenor sax respectively, the ultimate Bill Evans on piano (who by the way, along with Vince Guaraldi & Dave Brubeck, is one of the best jazz pianists to ever play), Paul Chambers on bass and Jimmy Cobb kickin' the sticks on drums. Also Wyton Kelly joins on a gig playing piano. Not a bad lineup, huh. The cool thing about this album...you're not only hearing the legendary sweet trumpet blows of Davis, but you're also being introduced to some, who go on to be jazz greats in their own right. The musical influence that 'Kind of Blue' has had is huge. That influence traveled outside the realm of jazz and seeped into other musical scopes as well. It's certainly an art, so that must make Davis the Picasso of jazz. The music on this cd flows so smoothe and crisp, it stirs something deep within you. I've only seriously gotten into jazz over the last few years, and although I am not a jazz connoisseur, I can tell you it doesn't get any better than Miles Davis.

A bonus on this cd is the alternate take of Flamenco Sketches, not on the origional LP....there are some advantages to today's technology....and the sound is much improved w/ this digital remastering. The improvisation on this recording is the ultimate and that can often be difficult to acheive within a group. But then again, bravo to Davis, who carefully handpicked his players to accompany him on this recording. I don't know what more I could say that hasn't already been said by some other reviewer. I just felt compelled to share my take on this incredicble cd. Over the years, Miles Davis has put out album after album after album...I have read from great jazz enthusiasts, that this recording is one of jazz's all-time best. Why not find out for yourself!?! You will not be disappointed.

This album is the jazz's quintessential !
This album is incredible , amazing . It doesn't happen very often one recording reachs so cosmic heights .
You may consider a simple account about this statement.
Think in I love Paris (Michel Legrand)(see my review) . In this case Davis is present in the recording session , and we are just talking about the supreme jewel of the instrumental music in any time . I mean , if I love Paris (made in 1954) reached this status (years before A kind of blue) , you must agree with me that Miles Davis owned the magic playing , moreover, the poetic level (and when I talk about poetry , I mean the greek sense of the term , which is creation ).
Specifically , Davis was a very illustrated man , with a strong introspective approach . The notes are there , but the scope is the difference , the velvet touch , the exact expressiveness and the precise instant in what the note must sound vibrato or languish . Davis played music as he would be making a film, writing a book or painting , his trumpet was a brush , a pen or a script according the case .
Notice for instance the Davis sound . I mean Davis was original because he goes to the origin , and transforms the notes , making them "sing" . There are other examples in jazz such as Stan Getz in the saxophone , Wes Montgomery in the guitar or Bill Evans in the piano .
In Davis there was a deep sense of the expression and the wholeness meaning about jazz represents : this sense of freedom , and also a wide spectre of changing sensations , loneliness , happiness , sadness , anguish , desperation or seduction . This gradual sense of the tonal color about every note he played , you may find in the classical music giants , like Casals in the cello playing the Bach suites , Sandor Vegh conducting Mozart or Furtwangler conducting Beethoven or Bruckner , or Lipatti playing Chopin waltz . The sense of the expression and the real presence of commitment to achieve one specific sound and no other one.
A Kind of Blue will be a reference standard not only for many years but also centuries .
I have not any kind of doubt about that. ... Read more

Asin: B000002ADT

Liturgy a Legacy & A Ragamuffi
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (26 October, 1993)
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Reviews (34)

Can Anyone Say "Masterpiece"?
The world needs more people like Rich Mullins. He was a theologian, a musical genius, a poet, and a teacher all rolled into one. His passion and honesty were refreshing in a Christian music industry whose posterchildren all had perfect hair and teeth and lived a "blessed" life in their million-dollar mansions, safe and sound from the real world. Now he's gone and the only people out there making Christian music worth listening to are Phil Keaggy, Michael Card, and The Lost Dogs. Oh well. On to the album itself. Rich and his Ragamuffin band reached the peak of their ability on this record. Split into two parts -- the liturgy and the legacy -- these finely crafted songs range from agonizing prayers, to amazement at God's creation and everything in between. There's even a Christmas song that showcases Rich's amazing knack for capturing child-like wonder. The one instrumental track is a real treat for those who love the hammered dulcimer, one of the many instruments Rich knew how to play. If you're a serious pilgrim looking for music that will comfort and uplift without drenching you in bubblegum fluff, I heartily reccomend this work to you. You won't be disappointed, I promise. In closing, CCM magazine put out a list of the 100 greatest Christian albums of all time. This album was # 3 (after commercial sell-outs Amy Grant & Michael W. Smith). That oughtta say something, shouldn't it?

3 great themes...1 great album!
This album, which introduces the Ragamuffin Band that was to become yet another of Rich Mullins' great legacies, is one of Rich's best albums. Only The Jesus Record and the Songs anthology CD are better, in my opinion. Fittingly enough, the album begins with Rick Elias making the disclaimer that he isn't ready to start recording but that they should begin anyway. With that statement, Elias has captured the Ragamuffin spirit by putting the matter in God's hands and letting Him lead the way. The album itself is arranged so that the opening track (the beautiful ballad "Here In America") is followed by "The Liturgy," 5 songs that express the themes of proclamation, praise, confession of sin, affirmation of faith, and celebration of grace. The songs "The Color Green" (praise) and "Creed" (affirmation of faith) are two of Rich's most popular songs, and deservedly so. "The Liturgy" is followed by "The Legacy," 6 songs that speak of how our beliefs and ideals play out in a secular society. The songs within "The Legacy" all describe normal scenes from our lives, such as children dragging their parents out of bed on Christmas morning ("You Gotta Get Up"); and they also remind us that our stay here on Earth is only temporary ("Land Of My Sojourn") and that something better awaits us. It's ironic that the Ragamuffins (the word refers to anything that is disorderly or ragged) would be introduced in an album that is so beautifully structured and organized. What I like the most about this CD, however (as with all of Rich's other albums), is the humility and down-to-earth tones that these songs carry. I think the spirit of this album - and the message that Rich most wanted to convey to us - can be found in the refrain from "Creed" - "...I believe that what I believe is what makes me what I am. I did not make it, no it is making me. It is the very Truth of God and not the invention of any man..." - This one is definitely a must-have for any Rich Mullins fan.

Possibly the Best!
This CD is so rich lyrically! (No pun intended. Honest!) Another reviewer rightly noted that "The Color Green" is a huge standout in this collection. This song declares the glory of God through the observation and wonder of nature itself. Rich was wonderful at this and has made use of nature in so many of his songs. His excellence was in taking commonplace themes and making them wonderful.

"Hold Me Jesus" and "Creed" are each wonderful songs that deserve mention. "Hold Me Jesus" is a song of refuge for those times when life leaves us, "shaking like a leaf." "Creed" is very simply a statement of belief. It reminds us that these truths that we cling to are, "the very truth of God and not the invention of any man."

This CD explodes with exceptional songs. "I'll Carry On" is an anthem of encouragement. "You Gotta Get Up" has become one of those songs that just *makes* Christmas for me.

Yet one of the crowning moments of this CD comes in the form of Track 6. "Peace" is a gentle, comforting song that takes you into the heart of Rich Mullins.

"Though we're strangers, still I love you,
I love you more than your mask."

Yes, Rich was gifted at saying things in such a special way. Take your pick. There is so much good in this disk. This is a CD that every Mullins fan must have! ... Read more

Asin: B0000004SD
Sales Rank: 14011

Songs
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (30 July, 1996)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

This 1996 collection of Rich Mullins's finest work is a must-have for any Christian-music fan. A quick glance at the song list will make one marvel over the significant influence this masterful songwriter has in the CCM world. "Sing Your Praise to the Lord," Mullins's first recorded work, helped launch Amy Grant's superstar career. "Awesome God" has become an anthem sung by youth in many churches in America. But let's not forget the plaintive "Calling Out Your Name" or "Hold Me Jesus," two oft-covered numbers that further testify to Mullins's genius. The praise-and-worship theme that flows throughout Songs aptly captures the sincere spirit of this well-missed man. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (65)

One of the best "best of" out there!!!!
By the music industry standards, Rich Mullins had a long and illustrious career of 15+ years. To his millions of fans, he had a very short career, which ended when God called Rich home in September, 1997.

Whether or not you think Rich Mullins' career was long or short, few could argue that he created songs that resonated with his fans. To this day, many Christian radio stations play more Rich Mullins songs than just about any other artist.

Included in this "best of" collection are such hits as:

"Sing Your Praise To The Lord" - written in 1981 by Rich, this song has the distinction of being the first hit of two different artists: Rich and Amy Grant.

"Awesome God" - considered by most Rich fans as being his best song ever, thousands of contemporary praise & worship churches around the world now include this song in their rotations. In addition, many of today artists, including Michael W. Smith, have recently re-recorded this song for their albums.

"Sometimes By Step" - many contemporary praise & worship churches have also included the chorus to this song in their rotations.

"Creed" - one of the most straight forward holy-trinity songs to ever be recorded

"We Are Not As Strong As We Think We Are" - few people have listened to this song and not fallen down on their knees asking God to forgive them for thinking we could live our life on our own

"Screen Door" - one of my personal favorites, this is the "radio version" that was released for airplay back in the late 80s (which was much better than the actual album version). You can generally count on this acapella song ending up in the top 20 of any listener compiled "top 100" list.

"Boy Like Me / Man Like You" - re-recorded by Geoff Moore in his 1999 self-titled solo album, Rich Mullins first recorded this favorite in 1991.

"Alrightokuhhuhamen" - written in 1989, this is a extremely fun song that has a great message. Another one of my personal favorites.

"Verge of a Miracle" - recorded in 1986, this song is the first memory of Rich Mullins that I have. His biggest hit before "Awesome God" two years later.

If you are looking for an album that will give you a wide view of the talent God gave Rich Mullins, this is the one to get.

An Awesome God gave Rich Mullins an awesome talent!
This album has touched my life in such a profound way that I don't know where to begin describing it. I've been listening to Christian music for quite some time now, and I was already familiar with the songs "Awesome God" and "Sing Your Praise to the Lord". Still, it wasn't until this past Christmas, when my brother gave me the "Songs" anthology CD, that I became a real fan of Rich Mullins's music. When Rich was tragically killed in a car accident in September 1997, the sense of loss among his fans and within the Christian music community was something I couldn't truly appreciate. But over the past month, as I have listened to this CD time and again, that sense of loss has finally hit home. I'll probably always regret the fact that I never truly appreciated Rich Mullins while he was alive, but at least I can enjoy the work that he has left behind. And I can take comfort in the fact that his legacy will continue to touch the lives of many for generations to come. For those of you who are just now discovering Rich Mullins (like me) and want to sample his music, this is a great introductory CD. But I encourage you to listen to his other albums as well, because he recorded a lot of other great songs, too many in fact to be able to fit them all into an anthology. So listen, enjoy, and then come back for more!

An Awesome CD!
Mullins' cd is an honest reflection of his own personal relationship with Jesus Christ and challenges the listener to realize his/her utter dependence on the Lord.

Songs that particularly struck a chord with me include: My One Thing, Hold Me Jesus, While the Nations Rage, and Awesome God.

Indeed, while the songs are my personal favorites in the cd, each song challenges the listener in some way to deepen his/her personal relationship with Jesus Christ and to get past the "feel good" religion that many people are content with.

Unfortunately, Mullins' untimely death left a void in Christian music.

Purchase the cd and be encouraged and challenged in the Lord! ... Read more

Asin: B0000004TR

Brother to Brother
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 June, 1996)
list price: $15.98
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Reviews (19)

beauty does not equal truth
I loved the "joy in the journey" CD and was really looking forward to hearing this one. I have really enjoyed the wonderful way that Michael Card is able to weave spiritual truths with beautiful music. I listened to this CD with increasing unease and although the music was beautiful, it wasn't as uplifting as the previous albums. Finally I sat down and looked at the 'blurb'. I can't express the awful feeling of disappointment in my stomach over this. The music may well be beautiful, the sentiments expressed may well be sincere and keep within the bounds of doctrine for both faiths, but that is the problem isn't it? It is fenced in by big no go areas, and no entry signs that must not be ventured into or disunity might result. truth is truth. In 'Scandalon' michael wrote 'the long awaited one would make men stumble' people have to see the truth and the truth can be difficult, but if it is glossed over then "the image we present could be stepped over". I'm afraid this beautiful glossy album is very easily stepped over, the music is beautiful, no doubt, the voices harmonious, but neither of those things authenticate it as being truthful. I believe the mormon choirs sing beautifully too! This album is comfortable and cosy and ultimately empty.

Of my collection, my third favorite!
Brother to Brother is a great album by two of the most honest Christian recording artists of recent years. This is filled with sincere, intense imagery with a style all its own, powerful more because of its truth than because of its already-excellent playing. Other than Rich Mullins Songs and Liturgy, Legacy, Ragamuffin, this CD spends the most time in my player. I often listen to it on Sunday mornings before leaving for church, or evenings when I'm doing my homework.

Anyone who enjoys folk-driven hymns or thought-provoking lyrics rather than some of the fluff other artists are releasing will definitely enjoy this album. I would say it is a must-have album for anyone who buys Christian music in order to feel worshipful or convicted; this CD draws you in and then sends you out rejoicing!

Shalom!

A triumph of collaboration
This album is a masterpiece of shard talent, featuring two artists whose skills and styles are different yet complementary. In an age of shallow "Jesus Jazz" this music stands out as a candle in the darkness. By the way, I must respond to some of the Catholic bashing which I read in previous reviews. Most of these criticisms are based on erroneous information, and do not take into account recent ecumenical statements issued by combined Catholic/Protestant theologians. In particular, I would refer the curious to the web site of the Evengelical Lutheran Church, where they can read the statement on justification by faith, issued by a united group of Catholic and Lutheran theologians. Let old prejudices die so that unity may be restored..... ... Read more

Asin: B000002BLF
Sales Rank: 53041

Starkindler: A Celtic Conversation Across Time
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (17 November, 1998)
list price: $16.98
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Editorial Review

There are more glamorous artists in the contemporary Christian music stable; there are surely those with a slicker, more pop-based sound. And then there isMichael Card, Bible scholar, teacher, and musician. Not unlike John MichaelTalbot, with whom he made the somewhat controversial Brother to Brotheralbum, Card seems beyond such worldly concerns, crafting intelligent parablesand homilies in deceptively simple structures. Following that logic, while acursory look might poise Card as a bandwagon jumper, Starkindler: A CelticConversation Across Time is a bountiful harvest ofrhyme and reason; all thebetter to glorify the fundamental truths of Christ-centered worship. "Be ThouMy Vision" and "Jesus, Lover of My Soul" are but two outstanding examples.From their humblest beginnings, many of our most familiar hymns are rooted incenturies-old traditional Irish tunes, and that is the premise on whichStarkindler is built. Thoughtful arrangements incorporate fiddle, harp, and tin whistle to Card's uniquely chorded guitar work. --Paige La Grone ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Excellent - a soul stirring collection
This is only my second Michael Card CD (the first being Scandalon which I love) but I was wary of making a mistake just because I knew his name. But no mistake - I love every track. The old celtic hymn which I had learned in school as a child "Holy God, we praise Thy Name" is so moving I have to close my eyes and just listen and worship. The Starkindler track itself really lifts the spirits. I think any new christian (like myself) would benefit from listening to the music of Michael Card. His use of scripture in his music is a wonderful means of focusing the mind on the Lord while relaxing/uplifting the spirit.

Beautiful!
I bought this tape after hearing Michael Card at a concert. I love real Celtic music, but I expected to be dissapointed with Starkindler as with so much other "Christian Celtic" music I had bought.(Basically normal hymns played with a few Irish instruments.) This album was awesome! M.C. gave the old hymns a new life, with a real Celtic twist. I especially like Come Ye Sinners.

Too bad there's only 5 stars!
I grew up listening to Michael Card's music. I particularly loved this album because it joined two things that I love dearly.Hymns and Celtic music.Michael's talent is certainly amazing.He began performing when he was still in college.He plays nine instruments and is an amature astronomer.So you can see why "starkindler" is not just a desplay of the gifts God's given Him but it is also his tribute to His maker as He gazes at the sky in awe of the Creator of the Universe,the "Star kindler" who made the heavens and the earth.
I would definately reccomend this to anyone who's seeiking to buy something good and uplifting. ... Read more

Asin: B00000FC6B

Light Inside
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (13 September, 1994)
list price: $11.98
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Editorial Review

Gary Chapman is probably better known as the host of TNN's Prime Time Country and, of course, as the husband of widely popular singer Amy Grant.But the guy can play a guitar lick or two, as evidenced on The Light Inside. Chapman lights up with the gospel-tinged rocker "Sweet Glow of Mercy" and augments it with some well-placed riffs. While the opener, "Where Are the Broken Hearts," sounds suspiciously like Tom Petty's "Freefallin'," Chapman provides just enough leeway to have you tapping your toes by the song's finish. But it is the ballad "Sweet Jesus" that ends the release on its finest note. The powerful lyrics and emotionally charged vocals Chapman belts out leave little room for doubt: the man has soul. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (6)

One of the best voices in music today...
I just love this guy's sound. He's been writing for everybody else for so long, I was really glad to see him make a solo project, and he certainly didn't disappoint me. The songs are poignant and honest, but it's his vocals that send you to the next level. Heartfelt and passionate, strong and tender at the same time, Gary knows how to communicate what's in his heart. "Give Me Tomorrow", "Treasure," "Where are the Broken Hearts," and Love Will Be Our Anchor" are a few of my faves from this set. If you love strong male vocals, coupled with tender melodies, you'll love this!

I feel the Spirit too...
I am a fan of Gary who believes so much in worship. I feel the Spirit behind Gary's songs, how sold-out his heart is onto God which is revealed alot in the emotion and passion that he puts into his songs. I believe he is truely inlove with God and he happens to a mentor to me. I have always loved his songs and his wife's and I hope they enjoy their own company too. I long to have a wife that loves God passionatly like I do(and that probably sings too). Keep the lights on Gary and just keep shinning..

"Treasures, the treasure of the heart.
Treasures is my absolute favorite Gary Chapman song. It as though it was written and sang in the same spirit of David (King David) of the Bible, a man after God's own heart. I have great respect for Gary's music and career, considering that he is married to such a celebrity, yet he has a big enough heart to be humbled in his music. It is obvious that he is a changed man, from his youth. Treasure the relationship that we have in our Lord Jesus Christ. ... Read more

Asin: B0000004SR

The Late Great PFR
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (07 October, 1997)
list price: $11.98
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Reviews (17)

PFR is one of the best examples of modern Christian Music
In this compilation, PFR gives listeners a glimpse of the past five years of PFR. And songs from every album are taken (with some slight alterations on Pray for Rain and Do You Want To Know Love).

While some songs, like Name and Pour Me Out just plain rock, others, like The Love I Know, Wait For The Sun, and Forever are beautiful in both lyrics and song. Many have shared stories of going through a hard time in relationships, then only to hear The Love I Know. The lyrics can be powerful.

The Music is varied from Hard Rock to country (the last song, not listed on CD). And It closes with the retrospect, Fare Thee Well.

Of the 17 tracks, 3 are new. 2 are from Pray For Rain (1992), 5 are from Goldie's Last Day (1994), 4 are from Great Lengths (1995), and 2 are from Them (1996).

Five stars aren't enough
Anything from PfR has a touch of greatness. They have the uncanny ability to make beautiful, catchy, touching songs, never repeating themselves, never a dull moment. This CD can never attempt to show the complete spectrum of each PfR CD ("Pray for Rain", "Goldie's Last Day", "Great Lengths", and "Them"), but it does give you a good taste of their outstanding musical ability and creativity. The Late Great PfR also includes 3 (actually 4) new tracks. The 3 listed on the album are "Name" (rock), "Forever" (soft & powerful), and "Fare Thee Well" (a touching farewell). Also included is a bonus track, carefully hidden at the end of the album. (you'll know it when you find it, just let the CD play after track 16, or go to Track 17 and rewind a bit) This one was just for fun.

If you are a die-hard PfR Fan, this is a must have. If you haven't heard them before and want to get an idea what their music sounds like, at least listen to a demo of this disc. Also consider their other 4 wonderful projects.

Joel, Pat, Mark, if you guys are reading this, Thanks for your last concert in Brainerd. It meant a lot! We love you guys! God bless.

Just the best
For anyone who likes decent Christian rock, PFR is hard to beat, and this is a great album. I have listened to it to the death and still love it. There are a lot of songs on the album, ranging from ballads to harder rock. I first got into PFR from the song, 'Wonder Why', wich is on this album. Great lyrics too. ... Read more

Asin: B000000V5X
Sales Rank: 114021

Stevie Ray Vaughan - Greatest Hits
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (31 October, 1995)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Reviews (63)

Great artist, severely lacking compilation
Although he tends to go unappreciated these days, Stevie Ray Vaughan was one of the greatest rock guitarists out there in his day. Along with his band, Double Trouble, he served up a number of classic rock masterpieces, many of which must be heard to be appreciated. In 1995, a Stevie Ray Vaughan hits compilation was released. How does it measure up? Read on and find out.

PROS:
-Let's say you're a casual fan of SRV, and you just want the big hits. You'll get most of them on here, including Pride And Joy, Cold Shot, Crossfire, The House Is Rockin', and even a cover of the Jimi Hendrix classic Little Wing.
-A plethora of underrated masterpieces can also be found here.
-There is a previously unreleased bonus track on here - a cover of the George Harrison-penned Beatles tune Taxman.
-This is an affordable compilation.
-This is an easy compilation to come by, so you shouldn't have to look too hard for it.

CONS:
-WAY TOO MANY MISSING SONGS. Where are Love Struck Baby, The Sky Is Crying, and Queen Bee? These omissions simply cannot be forgiven. A greatest hits should have all the hits!
-NOT LONG ENOUGH. You can fit eighty minutes onto a single compact disc, and this only has fifty minutes worth of material! What a rip!
-The Essential Stevie Ray Vaughan is, in all ways, a superior compilation.

OVERALL:
Although this compilation was a good idea, the record company didn't do a very good job. As with any artist, I recommend buying all of SRV's albums, but if you absolutely must purchase a hits compilation, get The Essential Stevie Ray Vaughan instead. This compilation can't do him justice.

SRV's music is not of mere mortals.
And Greatest Hits proves my point. Only Jimi Hendrix could pluck a string like he did, but not even he could play the blues like SRV. Listen to the breakneck speed of Pride and Joy, or the slow blues jam of Texas Flood. The jam of Little Wing is pure genious, taking a bit from Lenny of his debut album.

When it came to playing blues, through adversity as well,Stevie Ray Vaughan has achieved a level of immortality. If you call yourself a true blues/rock fan don't go without this CD in your collection. In fact if you're a true blues/rock fan you shouldn't be without SRV period, end of discussion. So I also reccomend for beginners The Real Deal; Greatest Hits 2, Texas Flood, and Blues at Sunrise. Experienced SRV fans should buy this anyway in order to complete their collection with the unreleased Taxman.

Great music, mediocre compilation
A really great compilation makes the artist in question seem better than he actually is.
Really, it does. It compiles all of the artist's best material, leaving out the fat and the gristle, thus making the albums it summarizes - and by extension, the artist - seem better than they are.

Stevie Ray Vaughan's "Greatest Hits" does the opposite.
It has some magnificent songs, sure, but it is much too brief, and too many of these eleven selections, particularly "Crossfire", "Couldn't Stand The Weather", the instrumental "Little Wing", and Vaughan's cover of "Taxman", aren't really among Vaughan's most memorable. They are not bad, far from it, but the track list just doesn't demonstrate how great Stevie Ray actually was. And besides, the compilers could have fitted another half dozen songs onto the disc had they wanted to.

Now, the new "Greatest Hits 2" goes a very long way towards rectifying these problems, but this album by itself just doesn't do it. Sure, "Pride And Joy", "Texas Flood" and "Cold Shot" are here, but way too many great songs are not: "Ain't Gone 'N' Give Up On Love", "Scuttle Buttin'", "Love Struck Baby", "I'm Cryin'", "Dirty Pool" and "Willie The Wimp" to name but a few.

If you are looking for a really good Stevie Ray Vaughan compilation, go for the double-disc "The Essential Stevie Ray Vaughan And Double Trouble".
That one costs less than "Greatest Hits" and "Greatest Hits vol. II" put together (and features 33 songs, as opposed to 27), and if you really want to limit your SRV-collection to just one or two discs, "The Essential Stevie Ray Vaughan And Double Trouble" should be the one. ... Read more

Asin: B000002AOU
Sales Rank: 1030

"Creedence Clearwater Revival - Chronicle, Vol. 1: The 20 Greatest Hits"
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Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
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Editorial Review

Few bands of the 1960s retained as much a sense of the roots of rock and roll as did Creedence Clearwater Revival. Their music is rife with country, rockabilly, and R&B influences, a combination that produced several hit singles--most of which are present on this collection. These include "I Heard It through the Grapevine," "Lodi," "Up Around the B ," "Who'll Stop the Rain," and of course "Bad Moon Rising." This is an excellent greatest-hits collection, and a perfect introduction to the music of a band that has been enduringly influential. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Reviews (152)

Essential Music From America's Band
This disc contains EVERY single that charted (including b-sides) during CCR's brief career. As such, it makes it an indispensable part of any serious music fan's collection. Beginning with their first million-seller "Susie-Q (Part I)" through their 11-minute version of the Motown classic "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" (released in 1976, three years after the breakup of the band, when it peaked at No. 43), CCR put out a string of hits unparalleled by any other artist of the era. With John Fogerty's gift of melding a variety of influences into a truly American brand of rock 'n' roll, coupled with his signature guitar sound and smooth as sandpaper vocals, CCR produced such classics as "Proud Mary," "Green River" and "Travelin' Band." Although CCR never had a No. 1 single, they did reach the No. 2 spot five times. In addition, eleven of their singles sold more than a million copes and five sold over two million! As further testimony to their popularity, CCR did something few bands other than the Beatles had accomplished--many of their b-sides also charted, including "Lodi" (No. 52), "Commotion" (No. 30), "Fortunate Son" (No. 14), "Who'll Stop the Rain" (No. 13), "Run Through the Jungle (No. 48), "Long As I Can See the Light" (No. 57--it went to No. 20 in the UK!), and "Hey Tonight" (No. 90). If you're going to own only one CCR album, this is it. Chronicle Two contains no hits, but plenty of strong album tracks (including part II of "Susie-Q"). ESSENTIAL

An Honest to Goodness Greatest Hits Compilation
Creedence Clearwater Revival's greatest hits compilation proves that John Fogerty should be included on the list of greatest song writers in the rock genre. Fogerty has an unique ability to write many different types of songs from mellow to rocking, from pop to protest, and from blues to straight rock. What's even more amazing about this compilation is that most of the songs were written in a five year burst starting in 1967. Most musicians couldn't put out this many great songs in 20 years and CCR did it in five.

The thing that really says how much I like this album is that it's easier to name the songs I don't like than the ones that I do. Perhaps the only song I would take off this album is "I Put a Spell on You". For some reason, Fogerty's voice doesn't work on this soul cover quite the way it does on "I Heard It Through the Grapevine". Barring that one song though, I listen to every single one of these tunes. There aren't many albums, greatest hits included, that I can say that about.

My favorite song on this compilation is probably "Fortunate Son". Although "Commotion" and "Lookin' out My Back Door" give it a run for its money. The nice thing about "Chronicle" is that it is difficult to pick a favorite song. Most times my favorite depends upon what type of mood I'm in when I'm listening to it. One day it could be "Fortunate Son" and another it could be "Have You Ever Seen the Rain?". Ah, so many choices.

Fortunate One
This, ladies and gentlemen, is what a greatest hits album should be. Not one weak track, all the hits accounted for (well, except maybe 1 or 2), and as a whole - it perfectly represents the band's short career. Unless you are a die hard CCR fan, this is all you need, folks. 20 classics from one of the greatest American bands of the late sixties. From the moment Fogerty howls "Oh Suzie Q...", you won't want to skip around or turn this one off. Great stuff. ... Read more

Asin: B000000XB9

Best of the Doobies [Warner Bros.]
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Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
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Editorial Review

The Doobie Brothers' career is best be divided into two camps. The band originally started out as a good-time party band, as their name implies, churning out a string of rock hits like "Jesus Is Just Alright," "Take Me in Your Arms," and "Black Water." The guitar intro to "China Grove" is a rock classic, lending itself to every bar band in the world. There was something infectious about the early hits--strong melodies, great harmonies, and a genre-bending beat lifted the songs above the ordinary. That rollicking, rocking edge was all but abandoned when Michael McDonald joined. McDonald brought an urban, white-funk feel to the band, as best exemplified by "It Keeps You Runnin'" and "Takin' It to the Streets." Best of The Doobies draws more heavily upon the hits before his arrival, which, to many, should make the collection almost perfect. --Steve Gdula ... Read more

Reviews (50)

The Greatest Greatest Hits CD of all time
I wasn't even born when this album came out, but it's my favorite of all time. It has never left my cassette deck. You have Hard Rock with songs like China Grove, Without You and Jesus is Just Alright. You have catchy, acoustic rock with Long Train Runnin' and Listen to the Music. You've got fast driving rock with Rockin' Down The Highway, and Take Me In Your Arms And country/folk/rock classics in South City Midnight Lady, and the immortal #1 hit Black Water. Michael McDonald's tunes are so different, yet Takin' It To The Streets is a great boogie song as well as the emotional It Keeps You Runnin'. If you think you can find a better collection of songs to show off a band - any band, you must be living a dream. My only complaint is that Sweet Maxine, Another Park Another Sunday, and I Cheat The Hangman are not on here, but the Old LP's couldn't hold that many minutes of song. All I can say is that if you like classic rock, there's only one thing to do - "Listen to the Music" of The Best of The Doobies (one of the first albums in history to recieve the Diamond Award signifying 10 million copies sold).

It's not definitive, but it's their best work
Best Of The Doobies covers the best of the Doobie Brothers from '72 to '76. After the release of this album, Michael McDonald would become their leader and take them into a slicker pop-soul direction and to even more success. But like another band from this era, the Eagles, it's their earlier tracks featured here which have stood the test of time and are their best work.

Unlike their later greatest hits albums, everything here is first rate, with many of the tracks still getting regular airplay on AOR radio. It also shows that whether they were playing hard rock, laid-back acoustic rock, or blue-eyed soul, they could do it all very well. The biggest hits here include the riff-rocker "China Grove", the laid-back rock of "Listen To The Music", the heavy percussion of "Long Train Runnin'", the soulful "Takin' It To The Streets", and their first #1 hit and the best example of their great harmonies, "Black Water." The rest of the tracks are all great as well. "Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me)" with its backing vocals sounds very much like Motown. "South City Midnight Lady" is a great acoustic ballad. The tracks "Without You" and "Rockin' Down The Highway" are among their best rockers. The remaining tracks "Jesus Is Just Alright" and "It Keeps You Runnin'" are great as well. This is one of the best greatest hits albums ever released. Highly recommended.

The Doobies Are Just Alright
Awesome collection! Amazing Jams! The Doobies Are Just Alright With Me. Here's your song-by-song review

1. China Grove - [5 star] - The first time I heard this song, I had no idea it was a town. I thought the China Grove was a bunch of Chinese people that grouped together in one town...or maybe some kind of plant...

2. Long Train Runnin' - [5 star] - Awesome acoustic riff. I call this song SKIPPY because on my CD it skips...over and over....But nonetheless, it's a great track

3. Takin' It To The Streets - [5 star] - My favorite Michael McDonald song EVER. A must here for blue-eyed soul fans!

4. Listen To The Music - [5 star] - My favorite Doobies track. Probably the first chorus I ever heard, which EVERYBODY knows.

5. Black Water - [5 star] - The first Doobies song I knew. I remember hearing the older members of my family play it in my grandparent's living room.

6. Rockin' Down The Highway - [5 star] - Awesome road song. Another chorus that EVERYBODY knows

7. Jesus Is Just Alright - [5 star] - Yes, he is. The guitar on this sounds a LOT like Hendrix.

8. It Keeps You Runnin' - [3 and 1/2] - Alright track. I think the chorus is definitely the best part.

9. South City Midlight Lady - [5 star] - The music reminds me a lot of where I live. I can definitely relate to it. You probably would, too, if you grew up in a small southern town. More than likely their most famous singer-songwriter song

10. Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me) - [5 star] - Smooth rock & roller with a jumpy, bouncy beat

11. Without You - [5 star] - Probably their most popular vocal part with the young people

Considering this album was made in 1976, it's definitely got the better bit of their best up until that year. I advise everyone of the free world to buy this album. One of my highest recommended. ... Read more

Asin: B000002KHW

Lord of the Rings; Symphonie No. 1
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Audio CD (14 July, 1998)
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Reviews (26)

Excellent music, horrible interpretation
Having read the Lord of the Rings a few times and being fairly learned in Tolkien's literature, I was disgusted when I heard de Meij's interpretation of the book. The music itself was pleasant, especially considering it was first symphony, I enjoyed that part. It just his interpretation! He paints Gollum as a flat malignant villian as opposed to the complex and pitiful creature that Tolkien writes of; he portrays the hobbits as a grandiose people with triumphant brass and forte phrases-even the most successful of the hobbits, i.e. Frodo et all, were anything but grandiose; and with his piece on the Elves, Lothlórien, he captures the joy and beauty of them, but leaves out the sorrow that Tolkien repeatedly mentions (He calls them beautiful yet sad, de Meij describes them as just beautiful). The interpretations really caught me off guard, especially after listening to them. I cannot give this a poorer rating because the music is very commendable. His use of woodwinds and brass definitely creates a mood with well-formed phrases and interesting rhythms; its just his interpretation sucks.

Poor
No one can deny the scope and power of De Meij's visionary work for wind ensemble. This is truly one of the gems in the literature. However, this performance is singularly bad. The balance is unforgivable, the precision is nearly nonexistent, and it gets worse from there. Most other recordings are out of print, but De Meij recommends one by the Amsterdam Wind Orchestra, if you can find it. Whether or not you can find another recording, this one is a waste of your money. You'd do better to try and hum it.

In retort to W. G. Ellis's review.
It is important to have an understanding of a piece of music before simply popping off and giving a review. The symphony written by Johan De Meij is NOT a reflection of what middle earth music would sound like, it was not even written to intend that. The symphony was written to reflect and evoke the feelings, emotions, and aesthetics of the story itself. Therefore, to say the music does not reflect what one might interpret middle earth music to sound like would be completley inaccurate considering the piece wasn't even written to reflect that "genre" of music. ... Read more

Asin: B000009Q5Q
Sales Rank: 87389

Under the Table & Dreaming
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Audio CD (27 September, 1994)
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Editorial Review

With popcorn acoustic guitars, trampoline fiddles, bumper-car bass lines, and caramel-coated sax, the Dave Matthews Band's major-label debut is like an evening at the fair. "The Best of What's Around" and "What Would You Say" swirl like the amusement-park ride on the album's cover, sweeping the exhilarated and lightheaded listener higher as the ride spins faster. "Satellite" glides breezily like the prettiest horse on the carousel, "Ants Marching" runs around hitting the bell with the sledgehammer and winning the largest stuffed animals at the target-range booths, and "Lover Lay Down" is the quietest moment on the disc--like the sun setting on a baby's sleeping, snow-cone-stained face collapsed on her daddy's shoulder. --Beth Massa ... Read more

Reviews (252)

DMB Strikes Gold
The flawless Dave Matthews Band examples come together on "Under the Table and Dreaming." Exsquisite saxophone and violin by Leroi Moore and Boyd Tinsley separates this album from the rest.
The songs are all great.
1. The Best of What's Around- Real fast, loud song that really gets your attention from the beggining.
2. What Would you Say- A classic DMB sound. Not the best studio version, yet still good.
3.Sattelite- Always a good song. Great guitar song.
4.Rhyme and Reason- Dark and gloomy 'Rhyme and Reason' shows DMB's versatility and originality with a different sounding song.
5.Typical Situation- Soft, slow. Definetly listen to the lyrics.
6. Dancing Nancies- A weird song, but cool lyrically.
7.Ants Marching- There is no better Dave song that this catchy tune.
8. Lover Lay Down- My all-time favorite Dave Matthews Band song. I love it.
9. Jimi Thing- My second favorite. Great guitar beat.
10. Warehouse- This song is good, but better when performed live.
11. Pay for what you get- Not great, but still fun.
12. #34- Amazing sounding guitar.

A must-have album
This CD is certainly one of Dave Matthews Band's finest. It is difficult NOT to enjoy listening to this album. Each and every song has a strong point:

1. Best of What's Around- A catchy tune with good lyrics. This is a great opening tune.
2. What Would You Say?- This song is catchy and fun.
3. Satellite- A DMB classic. Amazing lyrics. Also, this song spotlights the talents of every band member.
4. Rhyme and Reason- A "darker" tune, with lyrics that make you think.
5. Typical Situation- Poetic lyrics, good instrumental solos.
6. Dancing Nancies- "What's the use in worry, what's use in hurry?"
7. Ants Marching- I'm sure everyone has heard this catchy song before.
8. Lover Lay Down- The slowest tune on the album. Very sweet.
9. Jimi Thing- Another good, catchy song.
10. Warehouse- "Turn all the lights on, so we can see the black cat changing colors..." Great solos from all the band members.
11. Pay For What You Get- By far, my favorite song of all time. Slow and jazzy.
34. #34- A purely instrumental number, which showcases the wide range of talents from all the members of the band.

Overall, this album proves that Dave Matthews Band really is the Best of What's Around. I highly recommend this CD!

like totally cool
This is the worst band in the history of music and just as expected they come with the worst fans in the history of the world! Frat boys and girls in white hats driving around in SUVs while drinking Starbucks while listening to "Under The Table & Dreaming" sounds like a stereotype but its the truth! Sadly this band is even more predictable than their damn fans.

Please for the love of humanity stop hazing the rest of humanity by blaring this crap wherever you go. This band is horrible, has no talent and re-writes the same song 100 times. ... Read more

Asin: B000002WQS

Led Zeppelin IV (aka ZOSO)
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Audio CD (19 July, 1994)
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Editorial Review

Also known as the "rune" album or Zoso because of the medieval symbols adorning the inner sleeve, Led Zeppelin's fourth album, released in 1971, turned them from mere superstars into giant behemoths of the rock world. On tracks like "Black Dog," "Misty Mountain Hop," and "Rock and Roll," the combination of Robert Plant's banshee wails and Jimmy Page's frenetic guitar playing forever altered the stylistic bent of hard rock music. And the foreboding "When the Levee Breaks" demonstrated that Zeppelin could indeed play the blues fairly straight if they so desired. Still, everything here ultimately took a back seat to the album's (and, ultimately, the band's) magnum opus--the expertly constructed and deftly executed classic, "Stairway to Heaven." --Billy Altman ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (634)

Arguably Zeppelin's finest hour
After the critical hammering and somewhat commercial sales of Led Zeppelin III, English hard rock legends Led Zeppelin struck back with their classic untitled fourth album. The album kicks off with the Top 20 charting classic Black Dog which was a great opener with Robert Plant's vocals kicking ass. Also, Jimmy Page's guitar work, John Paul Jones' bass playing and drummer John Bonham just kicked ass on the track. The rocking Rock and Roll follows and is a superb track. The Battle of Evermore follows and is a great folk song with Robert and the late Sandy Denny singing lead vocals. Next is the album's classic Stairway to Heaven, always voted greatest rock song ever. At eight minutes, this song has held up well, even today. The heavy Misty Mountain Hop follows and is a killer song. The track Four Sticks follows and is so-named that Bonham used two drumsticks per hand whilst recording this track. The folk-tinged Going to California follows and is another great song. The album closes with the bluesy When the Levee Breaks which is a kick ass rocker with killer harmonica work from Plant and slide work from Page. This album has sold over 21 million in the US alone because of the material within and not because of the name. It may have peaked at #2 in 1971 but is consistently voted greatest hard rock album ever and Zeppelin proved that the band was about SUBSTANCE and not style(unlike other acts that permiate music today). Highly recommended!

A DEFINING MOMENT IN ROCK 'N ROLL HISTORY
By 1971 Led Zeppelin were no longer strangers to the music industry. They were one of the leading bands during that time and it was a big year for rock 'n roll. Led Zeppelin's fourth album is arguably one of their greatest. It only had eight tracks but these songs defined rock 'n roll music.

Although truly Led Zeppelin IV is not a huge change from the group's previous albums it is none the less one of the band's best albums. It has more variety than their earlier albums. Whether it be hard rockers like Led Zeppelin I or II or beauitful acoustics similar to Led Zeppelin III this album has both styles.

The opening track BLACK DOG is a huge rock classic that has been considered by many one of Zeppelin's best tunes.
ROCK 'N ROLL basically defines the genre of music as wild raw and raunchy. BATTLE OF EVERMORE is amazing check out the mandolin! Of course everyone knows STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN Led Zeppelin's most popular song and it was never released as a single! MISTY MOUNTAIN HOP is a fun tune. I find FOUR STICKS is kind of repetitive and the weakest song here but it is still listenable. GOING TO CALIFORNIA is a beautiful acoustic ballad with a touch of mandolin. And finally WHEN THE LEVEE BREAKS is an awesome hard rock closer.

In conclusion Led Zeppelin IV is perhaps the band's best album although it is not my personal favourite (Led Zeppelin II is for me) it is definelty one of the group's finest works.
The bottom line is if you don't have this album you are not a true Led Zeppelin fan because this is truly a Rock 'n roll monument! Highly recommended!

One of the definitive rock albums of all time!
Alright, to kick off this review I would like to assure everyone that the Avril Lavigne#1 fan was obviously a joke account satirizing modern pop culture (being 13 I can see right through this)I'm going to give a step by step review of what I think of this album:

Black Dog (9/10) What a great way to kick off an album! rocking riffs from Page and screaming vocals from plant define this track, a great way to get motivated.

Rock n' Roll (8/10) Another great track with wailing vocals from Robert Plant, the only flaw is that it can be repetitive at times, but otherwise this song is great.

The Battle of Evermore (9/10) A bit laidback compared to the previous two tracks but beautiful nevertheless. The lyrics with Sandy Denny's vocals add a great presence to this Zep track.

Stairway to Heaven (10/10)I'm going to be different in saying that this is definitely not the greatest song of all time, but it's a classic, an epic. And a song with such variety packed into less than 10 minutes has yet to be duplicated. (Especially by Slipknot)

Misty Mountain Hop (8/10) You cant go wrong with this one, Very interesting vocals throughout the whole of it. A bit too poppy for my tastes.

Four Sticks (6/10) A decent track, great drumming from Bonham throughout, but it doesn't have much else going for it.

Going To California (9/10) Pretty folksy for Zep. The first time I heard this on the radio i fell asleep, I know that doesn't sound complimenting but it also happened with "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" by The Beatles, and it's a good thing.

When The Levee Breaks (8/10) A very strange sounding track that's a trip and nothing less. Heavy Blues is what I would call it. ... Read more

Asin: B000002J09

From the Cradle
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Audio CD (13 September, 1994)
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Editorial Review

The full-tilt blues album that Clapton had been promising for years, From the Cradle proves the guitarist's enduring devotion to a form he had long relegated to merely a flavor in his music rather than the main ingredient. Clapton's singing on the album is somewhat mannered; he tries to compete with original versions of these songs by Muddy Waters, Charles Brown, and others, and there's no way he's going to win that battle. Still, you can feel the emotional connection Clapton has with these songs, and guitar aficionados will swoon over his fretwork on songs such as "Third Degree," "Someday After a While," and the incendiary "Groanin' the Blues." --Daniel Durchholz ... Read more

Reviews (109)

Lacks SOUL! Are you nuts? This album IS Soul!
I almost laughed reading what a previous reviewer said about this album "lacking soul". Man, this is what Eric Clapton is all about. He loves the blues, he lived the blues, he is a blues man. When you hear him growl in "Groaning the Blues", that's Eric practically ripping out his larynx singing the blues to its low-down-and-dirtiest. Eric keeps the blues's integrity alive by recording the songs straight-forward without any overdubs (sans Motherless Child), and yet the sound of the songs are uniquely his own even though they are covers.

And his guitarwork in this album is unparalleled. FIVE LONG YEARS will blow you away. I listened to that song over and over and over and I couldn't get enough of it. If this won't get you to play air guitar, nothing will.

This, in my opinion, is Eric Clapton's best work, period. Eric should have never gone astray to record hoary pop standards; his home is the blues. Don't listen to what the purists say; they don't know anything. Listen to this CD instead.

Finally, the Blues by Clapton, but, a bit too forced
This long anticipated CD, for me, was disappointing. It should have been the next best thing to a live concert recording (live studio recording with no mixing) but, in fact, Eric is really not himself here. He plays superbly, of course. Even Eric can't ruin Eric's amazing skills; however, there are no thrills here and no surprises in the arrangements. It all seems slightly tepid and forced. His voice sounds VERY forced and almost embarrassing - he does not come across as the soulful black bluesmen he seems to be trying to emulate. I don't hate this CD, and, I don't love it either. EC did better blues before this album and definitely after this album - but - this IS an ALL BLUES offering by CLAPTON. It's great to have Chris Stainton back on keyboards and Jerry Portnoy's harmonica is stunning. If you're an EC fan (and you probably are if you're reading these reviews) then you should have this CD. It's a great comparison to before and after (he's recorded all these songs before) and your Clapton Collection would not be complete without it. DI

ONE OF THE BEST
I have to recommend this cd to ANYONE that is interested in listening to the blues and some RAW emotion displayed through music. This cd was one of the first that I ever listened to by Mr. Clapton along with TIME PIECES and UNPLUGGED. I thrived off of them. I wanted to learn more and branched off to other genres of blues and jazz performed by artists such as BB KING and JELLY ROLL MORTON. This artist not only kept my interest alive but inspired me to LEARN about the culture of this type of music as well as enjoy it. I saw Mr. Clapton in concert tonight for the first time, and if you think this man does not know how to include SOUL, RYTHM, or BLUES into his music, you have never seen him live. From the time they unrolled his oriental rug on the stage, to the second standing ovation he received, it had to have undoubtedly be one of the best concerts I have ever seen. If you are a fan of the blues, you are a fan of Eric Clapton! ... Read more

Asin: B000002MTU

Blue Light, Red Light
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (24 September, 1991)
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Reviews (30)

Incredibly hip swing from a guy no older than me.
Like others, I first encountered Harry singing "Danny Boy" in Memphis Belle. What a style! What A VOICE! I kept rewinding the tape! I wondered whether he was a real singer (at the time) or "dubbed", so I hit the music shop and there he was. Of course, I was looking for "Danny Boy" but I found Blue Light,Red light and bought it. TOTALLY HOOKED. He's brought 40's style swing to the 90's for all of us new kids. The album has a lot of different flavors, but all done with the Big Band and his unique style. A little long though. Otherwise, very cool.

My favorite
This album is by far my favorite of all Harry's offerings. I first saw him on Donahue ages ago and ended up getting this CD. Harry since put out several other albums trying to re-invent himeself along the way with a little funk but the songs from Red Light Blue Light are what I measure all his other albums up against.

Harry on Red Light Blue Light is backed up by an extremely talented big band whom much of which are also featured on a Harry Connick Jr. DVD I highly recommend called The New York Big Band Concert.

Can never be replicated
This is by far Harry's most complete album. I got this CD in 1991 when I was twelve and just getting into music and fell in love with it. Thirteen years later I am still listening to the CD. It starts out with a powerful ballad in Blue Light, Red Light, comes to the halfway point with a great dixie land swing mix in With Imagination (great solos) and ends with a high energy big band piece, Kiss Me. People who appreciate jazz and music alike will be assured to enjoys hours of listening. P.S. Go see Harry live, the man puts on a great show and is an audience pleaser. ... Read more

Asin: B00000284F
Sales Rank: 4284

O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (05 December, 2000)
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Editorial Review

The best soundtracks are like movies for the ears, and O Brother, Where Art Thou? joins the likes of Saturday Night Fever and The Harder They Come as cinematic pinnacles of song. The music from the Coen brothers' Depression-era film taps into the source from which the purest strains of country, blues, bluegrass, folk, and gospel music flow. Producer T Bone Burnett enlists the voices of Alison Krauss, Gillian Welch, Emmylou Harris, Ralph Stanley, and kindred spirits for performances of traditional material, in arrangements that are either a cappella or feature bare-bones accompaniment. Highlights range from the aching purity of Krauss's "Down to the River to Pray" to the plainspoken faith of the Whites' "Keep on the Sunny Side" to Stanley's chillingly plaintive "O Death." The album's spiritual centerpiece finds Krauss, Welch, and Harris harmonizing on "Didn't Leave Nobody but the Baby," a gospel lullaby that sounds like a chorus of Appalachian angels. --Don McLeese ... Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (440)

O Brother, I have found thee.
Let me tell you first off, being a 13 yr old girl, in the middle of the pop world, I hate country. I would beg my parents in the car to let me listen to my Pop/Rock/Rap stations, but one day my dad popped in this Cd, and now we all sing along to it on road trips, or trips to the store.

1)Po Lazarus... man, this 1950's was originally recorded by a prision chain gang, the song being written by James Carter. I just wish that the chopping didn't drown out the lyrics.

2)Big rock cany mountians.... the original adult version. This funny song is no Willy Wonka favorite.

3) You are my sushine... Such a sad, touching song. I love this song, with it's syncappated country sound.

4) Down to the river to pray... this is my favorite song to sing and listen to. I love picking out all the bacground harmonys. it is a beautiful song, with Aloson Krauss as lead vocalist.

5) Man of Constant Sorrow.. a catchy, great song. If you've seen the movie, how could you think of anything other than George Clooney's eyebrows?

6)Hard time Killing Floor Blues.. a beautiful song. Chris Thomas King's voice is so rich. Very thought-prevoking

7) Man of constant Sorrow.. a beautiful guitar instrumental that gets you in a mood for music appreciation.

8)Keep on the sunny side.. the titel says it all. A happy true-bluegrass number

9)I'll fly away... an old hym that is very moving, though I like the higher pitched version in the movie better. Wonder why they changed it?

10)Didn't leave nobody but the baby.... Ahh the sirens, the vocals are supurb, but when u really listen to the lyrics, they are quite desturbing.

11) In the Highway.... if u haven't seen the movie (u need to) then u will not understand why there are three little girls singing.

12)I am weary (let me rest).... one of my favorites, the Cox family is very talented.

13)Man of Constant sorrow... I love this violin instrumental. It is my favorite song. A violin player myself, i guess I appreciate it, but it's just so beautiful!!

14)o death.... O DEATH!!!! Ralph stanley's haunting tenor voice is perfect for this song. It upsets my mom, but I love it. It makes me thankful for life.

15)In the Jailhouse now... a funny, uplifting song, with a suprising yodel. you should hear my family on this part, haha.

16) Man of Constant sorrow... The full band id behind them this time, and I like it better than Just the gitar accompaniment (sorry tommy) (see the movie)

17)Indian War Whoop... don't worry, it's not what it sounds like. it portrays the village idiots... once again, WATCH THE MOVIE

18)Lonesome valley... while this is kinda a weird song, u have to admit, the vocal harmony is amazing.

19)Angel Band.... this is a beautiful song. The stanley brothers are very good. In the movie i liked it better, but it's still wonderfull.
I hope u found this movie.

The greatest movie soundtrack EVER!
With the country music airwaves currently being dominated by fresh, new artists like Faith Hill who fit better in the pop circuit, it is refreshing to see an album composed entirely of traditional bluegrass and country do as well as the soundtrack of O BROTHER WHERE ART THOU. Even further impressing is the fact that although none of the songs were released to radio, the soundtrack was propelled to the #1 spot on Billboard's country album charts solely from people hearing the music in the movie theater. This soundtrack is a phenomenal album that is proof to country fans everywhere that although traditional country has appeared to have gone out of style, it is still very much alive and well.

The O BROTHER WHERE ART THOU SOUNDTRACK is composed of nineteen songs recorded by some of the most talented country/bluegrass artists in the business, including Gillian Welch (who also served as musical director for the motion picture), Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss, and the Cox Family, and and is truly a gathering of musical talent. Also included in the soundtrack is music by musicians who appeared in the film as well as working on the CD, such as the Whites and Tim Blake Nelson.

The O BROTHER WHERE ART THOU SOUNDTRACK is truly, as the CD ads claim, "The ULTIMATE American roots collection!" So, grab your acoustic guitar, fiddle, and Dapper Dan hair pomade, and let the soundtrack from O BROTHER take you on a journey through one of the greatest periods in country music history.

Music the way is should be
This is perhaps the best soundtrack ever made. It is a stunning mix of mostly acoustic tracks by most of the best bluegrass artists ever. There is work on here from Ralph Stanely, Allison Kraus, and Emmelou Harris, to name a few. This CD won a lot of Grammys the year that it came out, and that is because it was the best CD of that year.

Highlights include the Big Rock Candy Mountains, Man of Constant Sorrow, In the Jailhouse Now and O Death. If you have ever wondered what bluegrass sounded like but have been afraid to try, this is the CD for you. It will show you the magic that this genre of music can provide. ... Read more

Asin: B00004XQ83

Appetite for Destruction
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $12.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

A glimpse of the future, and not because of its huge influence and umpteen million sales. The poor-little-rich-boy protest "Out ta Get Me" intimates that Axl Rose's egotism and martyr complex were soon to grow bigger than his head; still, Appetite's night-train wreck of punk and metal sounds and sensibilities make it more than just an emblem of its time. Whether GN'R are dancing with Mr. Brownstone, penning a callow kiss-off letter to some chick named Michelle, or passing out on somebody else's sofa, this was and remains a savage journey to the heart of the American--or at least the Hollywood--dream. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Features

• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (478)

One of the best heavy metal albums of all time
The significance of this album is unquestionable. This was the 80s metal album that united those who liked hair metal (Poison, Warrant, etc), and thrash metal (Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, Slayer). It's an excellent mix of blues, hard rock, attitude and machismo.
Guns N Roses were one of the most essential and important bands of the 1980s. Axl Rose's aggressive and shrieking vocals were very adequate (despite the fact that he burned out too quickly and cheated his fans), and Slash's blistering guitar solos are amazing, and he's certainly one of the best guitarists ever. "Welcome to the Jungle," "Sweet Child O'Mine," "Paradise City," and "Mr. Brownstone," are already rock radio classics that still sound juts as awesome today as they did back in 1987. You can still feel the power of the band in those songs, and for other songs on this album like "Night Train," "Out To get me," and "Rocket Queen." What a great album. I listened to this all the time when I was 6 when I'd steal my Dad's tape of it, until my parents took it away from it because of all the 'dirty words' on it. It is one of the most essential albums of all time, especially in such an era like the late 80s where bad music was just as normal as apple pie.

Best rock album of all time
Everythings been sauid about this album, but check out this guys post:

Yo hip-hoppa's, how ya'll be?? You know, just like everyone, when I turn on the radio, I wanna hear nu rock, nu metal and hip hopp!! Yet all I keep hearing is dumb old bands that have NO prupose now and have never had any purpose at any point in their careers actually!! Why is the airwaves clogged up with this junk anyway?? "Welcome To The Jungle" has a horrible riff, dumb lyrics, and is the theme song for the Cincinnati Bengals, the wrost football team ever!! "Sweet Child Ov Mine" is a cheesy toon about remembering childhood, "Mr. Brownstone" is about a cooky neighbor, and "Paradise City" goes on for about 6 minutes too long!! Enough with all the annoiyng guitar solos, their sooo annoying!! Axl also has the most whiny voice ever. Plus the bass playa sounds like he's just tapping his bottom string and not playing, listen to the intro of "It's So Easy" and ya'll see whut I be meanin'!!! For good music, look to bands like Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, Disturbed, KoRn, Bubba Sparxx, Eminem, Puff Daddy, Puddle Of Mudd, Seether, Saliva, Nickleback, Drowning Pool and the new talent like Clay Aiken and Smile Empty Soul :]!! Skip this WASTE of plastic!!! Peace out G'N R dudes....

First, DO NOT take this f*g seriously. He doesn't like guitar solos, and he listens to Eminem. Paradise City is the second best song on the album, and in no way is it to long. remember, most of the 2nd half is the outro solo, which, by teh way, is AMAZING. Second, if anyone's familiar with music here, you'll know that Bass is to support the band. To add bottom. Limp bIzkit and Linkin Parks bassists are 10 times worst than Duff (bassist for GNR) Plus, the intro to It's So Easy is played on the guitar you dumbass. it sounds like the bass, but it's not. Third, Mr. Brownstone is about the bands drug addictions, not some cooky neighbor.
This guy is obviosly a p*ssy a*s teen who doesn't appreciate real music. I mean come on, look what he said: " You know, just like everyone, when I turn on the radio, I wanna hear nu rock, nu metal and hip hopp." This guy doesn't appreciate rock n roll, so he has no buisness posting a review about music he hates. i think all Gnr fans should go post crappy reviews for nu bands liek Linkin Park and Limp Bizkit. I think i speak for all true rock fans, when i say that Appetite For Destrucion is a CD of true talent, and is, in my opinion, the greatest rock album out there. Long live GNR (the originals atleast!)

Appetite for Amazement
"Appetite for Destruction" is a CD in a league of it's own. It surpasses "Led Zeppelin IV" and "Back in Black" by far. It is the best CD's ever by one of the best bands ever. Guns N' Roses came into the spectrum at the height of hair metal band faz. Such as Def Leppard, Poison, and Motley Crue were all the rage. Not that these bands don't rock, it's just that GN'R does so much better at it than them. This CD is the third best selling rock CD in the nation (behind the 2 earlier mentioned), and it is hard to see why it isn't numero uno. It definitely is in my book.

First off, there is Saul Hudson (Slash) on lead guitar. The best guitarist of all time. He has his own distinct style and has the speed to keep up with Eddie Van Halen and Toni Iommi. Although he has had his problems with drugs (he was clinically dead for over 30 seconds), what Rock-star hasn't. Next there is the amazing frontman Axl Rose (Bill Baily). That is simply all you have to say about Axl. Amazing. Although he doesn't have the best voice in the buisness, he makes up for it in stage presence and attitude. He has to be one of the best frontmen of all time. While the other members of the band aren't as prominent as Axl and Slash, they still deserve to be mentioned. Izzy Stradlin (Jeffrey Isabel) on rythym guitar. Steven Adler on Drums. And Michael "Duff" Mckaegen.

These songs were instant classics. Who can resist that opening to "Welcome to the Jungle." Or the emotion behind "Sweet Child of Mine," (plus the best guitar solos ever). This debut CD for the band was all about their lives, the good and the bad. Such tracks as "Mr. Brownstone," "Paradise City," and "Rocket Queen," have obvious drug and partying references behind them, and rock just much as they should.

This is the CD that spawned millions of fan-clubs and websites all about the band. It is one of the essential rock CD's to have and of course I recomend it. ... Read more

Asin: B000000OQF

Metallica
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (12 August, 1991)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $13.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Called "the Black Album" by many (due to its monochrome cover), Metallica marks the group's entrance into the mainstream, with shorter songs, simpler song structures, and slower tempos overall. That said, this is an excellent album, featuring some of the best songwriting Metallica has ever done. "Enter Sandman," "Wherever I May Roam," and "God That Failed," despite being slower and more groove-oriented than the band's earlier work, feature the same heavy riffs and heavier rhythms that have always been a feature of Metallica's music. The band goes introspective with "Unforgiven," and proves that they can write a ballad with "Nothing Else Matters," which succeeds better than one might expect. Overall, this is a high-energy album despite its laid-back approach, and is in many ways superior to the previous . . . And Justice for All, which was weakened by overly complicated song structures and mediocre production. -- Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Reviews (849)

Not near their best
People are always going on and on about how this album is Metallica's best. Um.. look at the name METALlica and you'll see the name "Metal" in there. Their previous albums were masterpieces, just works of art. Then they pretty much go downhill after "... And Justice For All". Is it a coincidence that after Metallica's self proclaimed "Black Album" that their other CDs turned out to be total crap? This CD is the one that killed Metallica.

"Enter Sandman" - I think that they were trying too hard on this song. The guitars, drums and bass guitar were decent, but by no way standard to any of their talent.

"Sad but True" - They sold out with this song. Listen to Kid Rock, and you'll know why.

"Holier Than Thou" - This song is actually very good. One of the better songs on the CD.

"Unforgiven" - If Ulrich wrote this song, he should die. But if Hetfield did, he should just be whipped.

"Wherever I May Roam" - Just.. blah.

"Don't Tread on Me" - Actually one of the better songs Metallica has produced. Reminds me of the old Metallica.

"Through the Never" - This song sucks so much, I can't even remember how it goes.

"Nothing Else Matters" - What.. in the hell.. were they thinking? I mean, don't get me wrong, it's a good song. But it's too slow.

"Of Wolf and Man" - Lyrics are horrendous, riffs are original. But it is a catchy song.

"God That Failed" - Bass guitar was good, that's about it.

"My Friend of Misery" - Reminds me of the last song.

"Struggle Within" - Cheesy song.

If you're a true Metallica fan, you will agree with me that this is not even near their best album.

The Album for New Metallica Fans
Ok, most of everybody has probably already heard the songs "Enter Sandman," "The Unforgiven" or "Nothing Else Matters." Why? Because they get some radio-play. They are probably the songs that get most listeners into this band and pretty soon they purchase all the albums and become a metallica fan. That's how i became a metallifan because The Black Album was the first studio album i bought. Now i own all the albums and i would have to say that their best are 'Master of Puppets' and 'Ride the Lightning.'
But the Black Album is a great album with a more melodic side compared to the previous album "..And Justice for All." Their songwriting has evolved into a more complex meaning. The rhythm in all the songs are very catchy and well all the solos are strong and powerful because Hammett remains as probably one of the best lead guitarist along with Dimebag Darrell, Kerry King and Marty Friedman.
Here are reviews for the songs:

Enter Sandman: One of their best and most popular songs of all. 5/5

Sad But True: Great song with great drum beats. its too bad kid rock took the rhythm for this song to make 'American Badass.'
4/5

Holier Than Thou: Probably one of the heaviest songs in the album. Otherwise a great song.
4.5/5

The Unforgiven: A great slow song that talks about the government controlling weaker peoples' lives.
5/5

Wherever I May Roam: The intro is really great. This is one of my favorite songs in the album.
5/5

Don't Tread on Me: .."Liberty or Death" this sounds something like from 'Justice for all'. Better than average song.
3.5/5

Through the Never: Another really heavy song. Not as good as Holier Than Thou.
3.5/5

Nothing Else Matters: THE SLOWEST SONG metallica has ever done. It is another radio-played song that is dedicated to loved ones.
4.5/5

Of Wolf And Man: Great intro and a catchy tune. Lars Ulrich does great with this song. some wolf moans and noises make this song be a perfect song for a Werewolf horror movie.
5/5

The God That Failed: Great song with a great bass tune in the beginning. This song is mostly about broken promises.
4.5/5

My Friend of Misery: Another of my favorite songs. It is the longest song in the album and has probably the best songwriting.
5/5

The Struggle Within: The last and probably the heaviest song in the album along with 'Holier' and 'Through the Never'. AMAZING drumming from Ulrich makes this song a favorite for the heavy-preffered fans.

5/5

This album is REALLY GOOD and it's probably the best album to start off from. If you prefer the more heavy-metal style, then 'Master of Puppets' would be the best. But overall, this one and the previous albums are the best.

Do the words, "Best CD Ever," mean anything to you?
There is no better hard rock band than Metallica. That issue isn't even up for question. They are amazing musicians who have stood the test of time and will never back down. Getting that out of the way, THE BLACK ALBUM as it is fondly called is specatacular. Although it has a few more slower tracks than fans are used to, it still has the in your face thrash metal that Metallica fans love.

Everybody knows who Kirk Hammet is, and if you don't, you don't know rock music. He is one of the greatest guitarists ever and is a brilliant musician. His bandmate James Hetfield is also amzing. Besides being a great guitar player, he is and excellent frontman. He has a low growling voice that can have it's softer moments too. Lars Ulrich, the drummer and the founder of the band is also a revolutionary rock musician. His drum solos are that of legend. And to think, he was almost going to be a pro-tennis player instead of a drummer for the best band ever.

Introductions done with, let's get to the CD. It starts out with the ever popular ENTER SANDMAN. This is one of Metallica's most famouse songs thanks to the ever present MTV. Besides it's overplay, it is a fantastic song. Next is SAD BUT TRUE, a track that really shows Lars' true abilities. There is nothing "sad" about this song. HOLIER THAN THOUGH comes next with a true Metallica spirit behind it along with good lyrics(like in every song). My favorite track comes next, THE UNFORGIVEN. It is the first of the slow ballads, but it still has it's kick-ass moment, such as Kirk's amazing solo. Following THE UNFORGIVEN, are three hard-hitting metal songs that all have self-explanatory titles. WHEREVER I MAY ROAM, DONT TREAD ON ME, and THROUGH THE NEVER. Another slow song comes next, that is and instant classic. NOTHING ELSE MATTERS. With great lyrics, guitar parts, and vocals, this song has nowhere better to go. All the other songs are great, but you've probably stopped reading this by now, and I'm tired of typing.

All in all, this is a great CD that I recomend for every rock fan out there, no matter what genre you like, you'll like this. ... Read more

Asin: B000002H97