Load
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (04 June, 1996)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

With Load, Metallica takes a dramatic left turn with their music, continuing in the direction suggested by Metallica, their previous album. The songs on Load have groove; they're slower, with far fewer of the lightning-fast riffs that have been Metallica's trademark since their inception. While songs like "Ain't My Bitch" and "Wasting My Hate" are up-tempo and full of the vitriol one would expect from the quintessential heavy metal band, "2 X 4" is hard rock with a blues beat, "Hero of the Day" sounds positively mainstream, and "Mama Said" is an actual, honest-to-god ballad. While some diehard fans may find this mix unappealing, there's plenty to like about this album, including its laid-back, rhythmic orientation, and James Hetfield's characteristic growl tempered by his growing maturity as a vocalist. -- Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Reviews (508)

A Few Bricks Shy Of A Full Load: But One Heavy Son of A.....
Load is a departure from everything Metallica ever did in many respects but it still holds true in many others. First off for those who are seeking thrash or a heavy song Aint' My Bitc_ suffices. For those who are seeking black album type lyrical brilliance and more melodic sound we turn to King Nothing and esspecially The House That Jack Built. For a departure into uncharted areas you have really the really good songs Until It Sleeps or Bleeding Me. And then also a mix between thrash and black The Cure(one of the best Load songs). So as I've said in other reviews metallica's only real crime is being human. Humans mature and advance in thought, you don't think one specific way throughout your entire life. For instance aside from the obvious example of the title Kill 'Em All was in general about being as big of a bad as_ as you possibly could, seeing about hell, death, destruction, and other things...not suitable for family television.

And Justice is where you really see the change. Specifically with One. But then the Black Album was obviously an even bigger change leading to even bigger things.

But I think Lars said it best "...No ones gonna [...] sit down and tell me what the [...] Metallicas about. That felt right at the time and (no one can tell us what our sound is)". And it gets the point across, Metallica does whatever the hell they feel like doing and as I've said in other reviews it's better to take things with an open mind, enjoying all rock instead of just one kind. From Puppets to Reload to St. Anger it's all good, you just have to listen with an open ear and try and find a meaning in the lyrics, it provides a new...passion previously concealed in the lyrics. And load is no different. The only thing I didn't like was the absence of lyrics in the lyric books.

Load
First off let me say this is no Master of Puppets or Ride the lightning nor is it a St. Anger, ...And Justice For All, or Kill 'Em All, and its not much like the Black Album.It is in a league of it's own along with ReLoad. Load was released in 1996, while ReLoad was released in 1997.This album features shorter more melodic and mature songs. The riffs are not very metal and there is no fast frantic classic Hetfield type singing you find in the other albums.Though the lyrics are probably best on this album.

I will only review the first part of the album because I dont listen to the second half as it is quite weak.

1. Aint My Bitch- a faster Black Album style song that James wrote about an ex girlfriend. It's allright. (6.5/10)

2. 2x4- Kind of a weird song good lyrics bad solos. (6/10)

3. House That Jack Built- Great and I mean Great song. 6 minutes with outstanding lyrics and vocals. Kirk has a "talkbox" solo which is very unique and sounds pretty good. Very catchy chorus sounds great.
"the higher you are
the farther you fall
the longer the walk
the farther you crawl
My Body, My Temple
This Temple it tilts
Step into the house that Jack built"

great lyrics right there and they are sung so well by James. Second best song on Load. The song is about James' addiction to alcohol and probably specifically Jack daniels whiskey(house that jack built as in jack daniels.) (9/10)

4. Until It sleeps- Good song with a weird guitar song but great lyrics and great vocals. With a catchy chorus it demands attention which is why it is a very frequent radio song. The lyrics are very depressing and sad and are about one of James' parents dying of cancer.(8/10)

5. King Nothing- catchy Radio song, nice solos and good vocals. You probanly have heard this on your local rock station.(8/10)

6. Hero of the Day- My personal favorite song on Load. Real catchy, and has great lyrics with some real nice guitars in there.The song has to do with Children these days who look to tv and media for idols, heros and role models when there are ones living with them at home(their parents)(10/10)

7. Bleeding Me- Real long song, a bit more heavy with real complex guitars and lyrics.I still have no idea what it is about but good song none the less. (8/10)

Buy this Album for Hero of the Day, The House that Jack Built, Until It Sleeps, and Beeding Me. And hey you may like the second half of the album. I wouldnt say this is better than 80's metallica but it is better than Reload and possibly St. Anger(very Underrated). Although I really hate ReLoad(only good song is Fuel).

metallica's melow side but still good songwriting
load is definetly metallica's melow side but thats not all bad i mean this album proves how great their lyrics can be and even though the guitar work is not up to par with master of puppets and my personal favorite And justice for all!! i still think its a really good album i have owned it for many years and i can still listen to it all the way though and believe i am a die hard metallica fan. i still think this cd is a good listen.
if would like to hear a more mellow tone on metallica then this is the cd for you.

my metallica cd ratings
kill em' all- 4 out of 5 great debut album
ride the lightning 4 out of 5 fight fire with fire and for whom the bell tolls are awesome
master of puppets- 5 out of 5 great guitar and bass work love it
and justice for all- 5 out of 5 jason proves what he can do
black- 5 out of 5 so many great songs so little time
load-4 out of 5 my review says it all
reload-1 out of 5 only 4 good songs
garage inc-5 out of 5 all great covers
s and m- 5 out of 5 beautiful concert i own both the cd and video version and i plan to get the dvd
saint angry- 3 out of 5 still a good effort
... Read more

Asin: B000002HMH
Subjects:  1. Hard Rock    2. Heavy Metal    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Speed Metal    6. Thrash    7. United States of America   

Eye of the Zombie
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $16.98
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Reviews (9)

Fogerty humbled
Following (perhaps too soon?) his massively successful"Centerfield", "Eye of the Zombie" takes chances and,for the most part, fails. Perhaps Fogerty had too much on his mind at thetime, what with the lawsuits with former CCR label Fantasy and thedifficulty with recording (and re-recording) "Centerfield".Themain problem with "Eye of the Zombie" is the songwriting; you'dbe hard-pressed to find bigger JF duds than "Wasn't That aWoman", "Knockin' On Your Door" or "Soda Pop" andthe progression on each track is nearly identical. On the bright side,Fogerty learned he was not pop's best multi-instrumentalist, so the hiredhands on "EOTZ" gave the album a glossier, more professionalsound than its predecessor. And there are some good tracks: theinstrumental opener "Goin' Back Home" shows JF hadn't lost hisedge on the guitar; the title track does chill you in a "Bad MoonRising" sort of way; the slightly over-long "Change in theWeather" manages to rekindle CCR's trademark bayou sound. But the realstandout on "EOTZ" is the closer "Sail Away", a sadtale of accepting a way off this weary earth via jumping on a waitingUFO...simply one of JF's best moments ever. Throughout, Fogerty's voice is asgrowl-y, endearing and unique as ever. Lastly, if this album is everre-released, Warners (or whomever) needs to include the 45 b-side "MyToot Toot", a jam with Rockin' Sydney. It totally kicks!

Eye Of The Zombie
A passionate and enduring John Fogerty fan will quickly recognise that this album is an inspiring demonstration of the completeness of this man as composer, musician and singer.

It disappoints me when critics' commentsclearly demonstrate a shallowness in knowledge of the artist and merelykeep reflecting on his past performances for whatever past qualities theydeem to be superior and that each and every one of the subsequentpresentations must be a clone of the past.

Fogerty displays fortitude inchoosing a wide variety of material for this album, including a hauntinglystunning instrumental (Goin' Back Home) as his first track.He surprisesthe avid fan by dispensing with his normal delivery to finish with SailAway, a song of electro-magnetic quality full of eeriness and stillness inthe scenario of an impending encounter with aliens.

Throughout his careerFogerty has segmented his songs into a number of categories.One such isthe category of near cataclysmic fear and the unknown.Eye Of The Zombieand Change In the Weather fit into this category and are worthy of being upwith the best of them.Fogerty has often depicted a strong antiestablishment base to his music and lyrics, which send strong supportingmessages to the underdog in our society. Two songs on this album whichcontinue this trend are Headlines and Violence Is Golden.Both, especiallythe former are true blue renditions and very much in the Fogerty mould ofdirect, confrontational delivery of lyrics.

Soda Pop, Knockin' On YourDoor and Wasn't That A Woman are a departure from the traditional Fogertysound but give a nice balance to the album by falling into the middleground between the softness of the first and last tracks and thetraditional confrontational style.

Another highlight of the album is thebass baritone sounds developed by the background vocalists Bobby King,Willie Green Jnr and Terry Evans.The timbre in these voices blendssuccessfully with Fogerty's aggressive falsettos (repeated again in thelater Premonition concert with the Fairfield Four for Hundred And Ten InThe Shade).This is pop harmony of the highest order, the backgroundvocalists ably complimenting a great rock & roller.

In readingcritical reviews of all John Fogerty albums there has been muchpreoccupation and acrimony about John's past involvement with CreedenceClearwater Revival. This has spilled over into comparing his voice then andnow, his old songs and his new and generally what CCR did has now become asort of benchmark to which John must aspire.

Let the new listener beinformed.John Fogerty has already eclipsed the benchmarks set by CCR. His new compositions are equally as good and arguably better.His voice ismore naturally Fogerty now that he doesn't have to prove himself anymore. His rhythm guitar virtuosos are incomparable.

The more you listen tothis album and to his later ones (Blue Moon Swamp and Premonition -specifically the new material) the more you realise you are listening toprobably one of the best composer/musicians in the history of this music. You are most certainly listening to the best voice.

Fogerty's "average" beats most others' "best ever"!
This one's a mixed batch (hey, it had to happen sooner or later)."Goin' Back Home" is a heavenly instrumental in the style of Dvorjak's "Going Home".Then he hits you with "Eye Of TheZombie", a terrific Halloween song-- where's Karl Kolchak when youneed him?With its disco beat, it seems possibly inspired by MichaelJackson's "Thriller"-- but a LOT scarier! Much of the rest--"Headlines", "Knockin' On Your Door", "Change InThe Weather"-- is kinda average.I guess Fogerty has just set such ahigh standard for himself that his fans don't want anything less. "Wasn't That A Woman" and "Soda Pop" are actuallyBELOW-average.But "Sail Away" ends the album on a very pleasantnote.(Now-- how many songs can YOU name with that same title? Even StuCook wrote one...) In a repeat of history, Fogerty practically dropped outof sight after this for another 10 years!But when he came back-- WOW. ... Read more

Asin: B000002L9V
Sales Rank: 177235
Subjects:  1. Heartland Rock    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Rock & Roll    5. Roots Rock   

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

This is the album that started it all for George and Andrew! Whether or not it will ever be "cool" to admit liking them, Make It Big sounds pretty good after all of these years. Granted, "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" is an impossible notion to begin with--who could possibly sleep after this sugar binge? But "Everything She Wants" has a sophisticated tension in its syncopation, and, wow, could the boy sing! "Careless Whisper" really showed that George Michael had a firm grasp on R&B and soul. --Steve Gdula ... Read more

Reviews (52)

My obsession with death metal began with Wham
Wham changed my life when I was but a wee tyke back in the '80s.The band's slam-hard guitar chords, sexual ambiguity, deep lyrics and devil-may-care demeanor put me over the edge and displayed to me what true, gritty, in-yer-face rock + roll was all about.

To be sure, after and before Wham, there really is no other band of consequence...agreed?

Singer George Michael changed the rules of what a lead singer could be.He made us all wake up and contemplate the lives we were living.Up until Wham, most rock singers were kind of airbrushed and pompous, faraway people who the average person could in no way relate to.

But Michael changed all that with his down-to-earth, farmboy style and self-depricating wit behind the mic.In all, the guy is a living legend on par with Don Henley, Jim Morrison, Simon LeBon, Joe Elliott, Dylan and Vince Neil.Kudos, Michael, for being true to yourself and loving what the G-man gave you!!!

The music on "Make it Big" is transcedent euphoria - one must hear its synthetic momentum to appreciate the album's naturally organic authenticity.Like angels come home to roost, this record was Michael and company's finest hour, and I intend to spread the word!!!!!

Ya want stoner rock: It's here.
Ya want hard rock: It's here.
Ya want fun rock: It's here.

Whips, chips, dips and flips - "Make it Big" has it all, music fans.

Believe the hype and spread the word.

This record didn't wint "Album of the Year" in '84 because of favortism in the biz or because Steven Tyler had an off year.No, this album won on chops, glory and a fierceness of rock + roll all but missing in today's world of Britney Spears, Robert Plant and Diomond Rio.

One last thought:

Speed kills...but who's looking!!!!!!!!!!

Teen-idol pop that still remains tolerable 20 years later!
Because I can occasionally recall memories as far back as 20 years ago (I am now 24), acts like Wham! are ones that I remember almost like they were yesterday, and with George Michael's recent "retirement" from music, maybe it is inevitable that looking back at his "entire" career is warranted. While George has often been considered a musical personality unto himself, he in fact started as one part of a duo with childhood friend Andrew Ridgeley, even though George remained quite obviously the mind & body behind the project.

Their 1983 debut album FANTASTIC was reasonably pleasurable pop music that did not set the charts on fire as their next album would, perhaps deservingly since FANTASTIC only scratched the surface of what George was able to do. By the time 1984's MAKE IT BIG came along, it was quite apparent that Wham! had at last established themselves, even as it became more increasingly apparent that it was all but a solo vehicle for George himself.

Whereas FANTASTIC failed to even spawn a top 40 hit, MAKE IT BIG literally steamrolled it by creating 3 #1 hits and a top 5, going multi-platinum where FANTASTIC even failed to go gold. The insanely infectious "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" at last introduced George Michael to the big leagues of stardom, topping the charts for 3 weeks, and while it may in fact be a song that makes Backstreet Boys music sound utterly GT (gifted & talented), its unabashedly lightheaded nature (the line about shining brighter than Doris Day certainly applies to the song itself) is oddly inviting. Not to mention the idea of George asking his lover to forgo a night of dancing for some midnight loving at home certainly put it a notch or two above normal, often inoffensive teen-idol fodder.

If there was any doubt about who was really the brains behind Wham!, the second #1 hit being credited to "Wham! featuring George Michael" made it more than crystal clear. "Careless Whisper" once again showed George as much smarter than your average teen idol by creating a truly soulful lost-love ballad miles ahead of simplistic "you broke my heart & now I'm blue" fare. This was clearly a song for adults, and 20 years on from its success, the song could still be a surefire hit if covered today, which it has been several times over. Even Bananarama (Keren Woodward would eventually become Mrs. Andrew Ridgeley) gave it a whirl on their most recent album EXOTICA.

The final #1 came with an uptempo song revisiting the old soul convention of "I work so hard to give you my money, but you still treat me like a dog". "Everything She Wants" was George's take on that standard, and once again demonstrates him taking the high road with regards to his material rather than cozying himself on typical "love-hate" relationships that teen idols rehash over & over again. Most importantly, George asks for an equal amount of giving from the other party rather than one-dimensionally saying "Love me for me, or I'm outta here". This was the 1980s, after all, when even women were engaging in the "spend, spend, spend" mentality of the era.

After 3 #1's, one would think the streak continued, but not quite. The 4th single "Freedom" petered out at #3, but that is certainly no bearing on its overall worth. It remains quite as strong as its more famous counterparts with a punchy horn arrangement that would have had Motown clamoring for it in its 1960s heyday. Even with AIDS becoming a cold hard fact of life in the 1980s, the one-night stand seemed to still hold court in relationships, but George again goes for higher goals by asking his girl to commit to him, and that he no longer needs to play the field breaking hearts all over the world. With Wham! being the first group to ever tour China, the video for "Freedom" featured scenes from that trip, and remains one of my most memorable videos of them.

With half of MAKE IT BIG having been released & hit (a common occurrence for 1980s albums in the wake of THRILLER), that likely meant the other half could not measure up. Well, not really. "Heartbeat" does border dangerously close on your typical lovey-dovey teen-idol pop, but the oh-so-80s synthesizer arrangement makes it a bit more tolerable even if just as a period piece. "Like A Baby", on the other hand, demonstrates the facility with ballads George would develop on 1987's FAITH by laying the foundation for sultrier, more grown-folks fare similar to "Father Figure" & "Kissing A Fool". To show where George's heart was in regards to his musical inspirations, his cover of the Isley Brothers' "If You Were There" shows that maybe George always had a more refined, developed musical taste. Finally, "Credit Card Baby" again plays to the "let's make [and blow] lots of money" attitude of the 1980s by telling a girl she can have her man's finances at her disposal, but do not masquerade that attitude in faux-romantic devotion. This could likely be the prequel to "Everything She Wants" & the result of this "spend first, love later" scenario.

Some would say the 1980s was not really the finest decade for popular music with more one-hit wonders than you shake a platinum record at, and with more undeserving acts having hits instead of the truly talented & timeless ones. By embracing something as often-disposable as teen-idol pop (at least in the beginning), Wham! could have become an ordinary footnote that would have a few people who matured during the decade smiling in rememberance. But even if George Michael did become well-plastered on girls' bedroom walls all over the world, at least he got there by making music that would transcend its origins & still manage to hold up long after its time in the sun was finished. MAKE IT BIG is, in fact, one of the 1980s most finely-crafted & memorable pop albums, demonstrating that we had a real icon in the making with George Michael, especially since it appeared he was the one who really wanted to put in the elbow grease to MAKE IT BIG & stay that way.

its a pretty good cd
this is a good cd. the songs are catchy and have a good 80's sound to them. george michael is a really talented guy. (not to mention that he was really hot when he recorded this) its amazing how a guy can hit such high notes like "i wanna hit that hiiiiiiiiggggghhh". im glad he recorded his last cd because i think his time has come to retire. my favorite song on the cd is everything she wants because its a really catchy, kind of slow song and it shows off george's vocal range. i wish i had lived in the 80's. it would have been a lot more fun than living now. ... Read more

Asin: B00000261P
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Dance-Pop    3. New Wave    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. Rock   

Cargo [Bonus Tracks]
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (11 February, 2003)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Reviews (8)

two words sophomore success
cargo was a brilliant second album from the great men at work and was as good as their great debut.get both.hugely recommended.

Two words: sophomore slump
Technically speaking, Men at Work's second album didn't flop, but it sold considerably less than its debut, which got the band a curse-in-disguise Best New Artist Grammy. The album had only ONE hit single: the aptly-named "Overkill," which came in and out of the singles charts rather quickly. The second single was "It's a Mistake," and no doubt it was a "mistake" since it FLOPPED on the charts. "Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Jive" did so much worse. By this point, a huge red flag popped up, hinting the inevitable demise of this marginally talented group. They stuck it out for one more album, "Two Hearts," which completely bombed and forced the group to go belly-up. [...]

Essential for '80s fans
Men At Work's second album was released in the Spring of 1983 when their debut album was still in the Top Ten. And while "Business As Usual" would prove to be a hard act to follow, the success of this album was enough for them to avoid the dreaded sophomore jinx.

"Cargo" yielded two huge hit singles: the creepy "Overkill" and the anti-nuclear anthem "It's A Mistake" along with the minor hit "Dr. Heckyll & Mr. Jive". Other noteworthy tracks include "Settle Down My Boy" written and sung by Ron Strykert, "No Sign Of Yesterday", "Blue For You", and "High Wire". Unfortunately there are at least two tracks here worthy of being called filler: "Upstairs In My House" and "No Restrictions".

The bonus tracks are interesting at best. The humorous "Shintaro" and the mostly instrumental "Till The Money Runs Out" were B-sides while the last two live tracks, the reggae sounding "Fallin' Down" and "The Longest Night" haven't appeared previously on a Men At Work album until now.

Differences in songwriting & management took its effect on this album resulting in two members leaving a year later and eventually their breakup but this album proved that they could still make good music together. "Cargo" may not be quite as solid as "Business As Usual" but if you grew up in the eighties listening to MAW like I did, then I strongly suggest you add this to your collection. Because they may have been together for only a short time, but they accomplished so much in that short amount of time that they've become one of the most memorable bands of the eighties..maybe of all time.

Okay, maybe not. ... Read more

Asin: B000088E76
Sales Rank: 7087
Subjects:  1. Australia    2. New Wave    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Rock   

Can't Get Enough: Ricky Martin
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (03 August, 1999)
list price: $6.98
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Reviews (5)

Blast from the past
If you ever wanted to hear Ricky Martin when he first got started...here is where you should be.In addition to Robby, Ray, Sergio & Charlie.Wonder where they are?Me too.This recording from 1986, yes....this album does have the sound of the 80's.The album is full of fun loving dance music when times seemed a bit more simple.SUMMER IN THE STREETS and WE HAVE A SONG definately tell you what summer is all about.Even though the album doesn't have the hi-tech sound of the today, but it is a nice trip down memory lane.

Fantastic
This song is cool and very weird..it makes me feel like i can't get enough of the song..The first time i heard it i go crazy wanting to heard more about it..by the way i feel like flying to the moon..i had a feelin' thatsong was meant to me and anyways i think its perfect,fantastic and veryenjoyable ..i really like it!

HELLO !WAKE-UP !
To say this "group" helped define the music in the 80's is true. THey helped define mediocrity, industry-orientated music. For Christ's sake, fellows, we're not talking about QUEEN, IRON MAIDEN, MICHAEL JACKSON,PHIL COLLINS, POLICE or dozens of other really importants bands! We'retalking about a bunch of kids who couldn't even sing properly live! ... Read more

Asin: B00000JSA8
Sales Rank: 106345
Subjects:  1. Latin    2. Latin Pop   

Thriller
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 November, 1999)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

Michael Jackson's Thriller is the bestselling album of all time, with 45 million worldwide sales powered by seven Top 10 U.S. singles and eight Grammy Awards. The 1982 album was also a success from which the pop superstar never really recovered--subsequent albums seemed to have no other goal than to beat the records set by Thriller. The highly-polished sound of Quincy Jones's production sounds almost organic compared to Jackson's more recent work, and in the same regard, Thriller was significantly slicker than its predecessor, Off the Wall. Both albums established a Jackson style that aimed for the dance floor with songs built on a state-of-the-art bed of percussion and keyboards. Elements of milestone Thriller tracks like "Billie Jean" (arguably Jackson's best-ever performance) and "Beat It" (with its hard-rock solo by guitarist Eddie Van Halen) influenced not just Jackson's records, but those of the entire dance-pop world. On the song "Thriller," Jackson indulged his taste for the juvenile and invited Vincent Price to rap in a really scary voice. With Thriller the album, Jackson created a different kind of monster--a hit album of such magnitude that it would have an irrevocable impact not just on the singer's art, but on his altogether kooky life. --John Milward ... Read more

Features

• SACD

Reviews (267)

mj is one of the best musicians of all time
Thriller is a once in a lifetime type of album. It's not only the best selling album of all time, but it also has some of the most memorable pop/rock and r&b/dance jams of all time such as billie jean, beat it, thriller, pyt, wanna be starting something, and r&b ballad jams like baby be mine, the girl is mine, human nature and lady in my life. Michael's vocals are great, the music is timeless and the music videos for billie jean, beat it and thriller are the most well known of all time. Everybody knows these videos and/or songs or at least one of them. I can't wait till michael brings out more records after the trial, remember 100% innocent!

POP STINKS AND SO DO CHILD MOLESTERS!!!
WAKE UP PEOPLE!!! Mr. Jackson is a stupid rich spoiled brat who already had a childhood. Peter Pan Wannabe my @$$!!!HE'S HAD 5 FACE LIFTS!!! COUNT EM', FIVE!!!!Kinda like the Jackson 5 BUT THATS BESIDES THE POINT!!! I'm surprised that more people haven't written 1 star reviews for this rich idiot. And by the way his music is terrible and have you seen his videos?One word. Idiotic. Like I said, He already had a childhood and even if he didn't he has kids, so its time for him to grow up!!Go ahead and click the helpful or not helpful button, either way will please me.

Ma ma see, ma ma sa, ma ma coo sa".................
In a sense it's sad. Michael Jackson, clearly the best and most influential entertainer of my lifetime(and maybe ever), has had to deal with controversy regarding his sexuality, his eccentricities and his equally whistfully weird family. Now that he is fighting for his life ina court of law(he's alredy lost the battle in the court of public opinion), let's revisit happier times in the life of Mr. Jackson; a time where his reign in the world of popular music was unchallenged and his lifestyle was unquestioned, just as long as he kept pumping out hits. And speaking of pumping out the hits, Thriller had seven of its nine tracks go to number one of the pop charts. How is that possibile, you ask? Well, Thriller has something for everybody; synth-funk and breakbeats bordering on hip hop("Thriller" and "Wanna Be Starting Somethin'"), hard charging guitar riffs("Beat It", courtesy of guitar genius Eddie Van Halen), laid back semi-cheesy pop)"The Girl Is Mine, featuring Paul McCartney, who he would later fall out of favor with over a dispute over the purchase of the Beatles master recordings). Michael mania took hold of the world from 1982-1984; everybody was wearing sequined white gloves and moonwalking(which became the default move for everybody who couldn't dance), and Michael became the main target for the tabloids(like he isn't now?) while he ould release albums tht would have great success for him, the shadow of Thriller would loom over him (and everybody else, for that matter) ever since. ... Read more

Asin: B00004I9VE
Subjects:  1. Club/Dance    2. Dance-Pop    3. Funk    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. R&B    7. Rock    8. United States of America    9. Urban   

Faith
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $9.99
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Editorial Review

"Well I guess it would be nice, if I could touch your body...." Given George Michael's restroom hi-jinks in early 1998, those words from "Faith" sound pretty funny, but they sounded fresh and exciting blasting out of car radios all over America in 1987. Michael's stunning solo debut (after four years in the lightweight British duo Wham!) sold seven million copies and yielded six Top 10 hits. Some of those were among the decade's best pop, including the hiccuping title track, the heartfelt ballad "Father Figure" and the wicked R&B groove of "I Want Your Sex." Unlike so much 1980s treacle, this disc hold ups surprisingly well--even if Michael hasn't always done so himself. --Michael Ruby ... Read more

Reviews (60)

A brother like no other!
When listening to this CD you come to realize that there is no one to compare this guy to. He is in a league all by himself! All of GM's CD's are as strong today as when they were originally released. I think it's because his heart is in every written line. He sings pages from his life. The voice quality is like no other as well. He is blessed with such a beautiful tone. It is a pleasure to listen to. You simply do not get tired of it. If one listens to what's currently out there that calls itself music, and then listens to a GM CD, it's like night, and day. The songs of Faith are brilliant in composition, and phrasing. "Father Figure" what female wouldn't love to hear these words? "One more Try" I really would like to who the teacher is? "Kissing a Fool" is just beautiful. "Monkey" has the Most hard hitting sound. It pounds you down in a good way. "I Want Your Sex", I really wanted to have a smoke after listening to this. All the songs on this CD are worth the price of admission so to speak. By the way, for those die hard GM fans, he is letting you inside just pay attention.

Out of the Loo
This is pre-bathroom escapades GM at his finest - the first in an endless string of one word album titles, that are sure to bring a tear to the eye and smile to the lips - of nobody!

You've Got To Have Faith!
It's tough breaking away from a cheery pop outfit and becoming a serious solo artist. Will people take you seriously? Will you still dwell on your group? Not in the case of George Michael, who to this day, has made one of the finest breakout debuts. I have to hand it to him, he did a killer job, writing all if not most of the material and singing the hell out of it. The "Choose Life" T-shirts and "Wake Me Up (Before You Go-Go)" seem but only a distant and embrassing moment in George Michael's life. "Faith" brought bigger and better things for him, such as spawning a numerous crop of hits ("Faith", "I Want Your Sex", "Kissin A Fool", "One More Try", "Father Figure", "Hard Day" and "Monkey"). I like the fact that "Faith" isn't your ordinary run-of-the-mill pop album. There are twists and turns in music, such as going from the rockabilly hit "Faith" to the soulful, gospel tinged "Father Figure" (my favorite) then jetting straight into the controversial and oh-so-sexy funk/pop fest of "I Want Your Sex". The ballads even contrast from the soft, suttle and blusey "One More Try" to the jazzy, smoky nightclub-ish "Kissing A Fool". The only very basic pop song featured here is "Hard Day", still it's a grooving piece that will be sure to please. "Faith" also touches on some heavy topics, like the beautiful piano driven, "Hand To Mouth" which hints at the Reagan-era America, another rockabilly/pop tune "Look At Your Hands" focuses on domestic violence as the funky bass-line of "Monkey" tells of a relationship revovling around the use of drugs. Also the second (Brass In Love-funky, funky, funky!) and third (A Last Request-cool and calming and verry seductive) parts of "I Want Your Sex" are featured here which kind of gives an ongoing theme to the album.
Admist the socially concious, soul searching and romantic/heartbreaking cuts and the numerous jumps into pop, funk, soul, jazz and rock, this album remains consistant and a very enjoyable listen. At times it doesn't even feel like it was released in 1987, it sounds fresh and sharp. George Michael has a heavenly voice and he has such immense talent, I'm amazed that he hasn't done anything today that America (I don't know about the Brits) has taken notice. This is a classic, tried and true, and it will be on heavy roatation on my CD player. You have got to have "Faith"!

StarSprinkles05 Top 5
1. Father Figure
2. Kissing A Fool
3. I Want Your Sex (1,2,3)
4. Hard Day
5. Hand To Mouth ... Read more

Asin: B0000026CH
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Dance-Pop    3. England    4. Pop    5. Pop Vocals    6. Pop/Rock    7. Rock    8. Urban   

The One That You Love
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (06 February, 2001)
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Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (4)

YEAH BOY!!!
"Don't Turn Me Away" is one of the most fun songs ever!"I'll Never Get Enough of You" is also an amazing track. But you can't talk about "The One That You Love" without talking about the one take vocal track by the ever talented Russell Hitchcock. ONE TAKE!!! Listen to this song and you will be stunned outta yer britches. I LOVE AIR SUPPLY mostly because if you're falling in love, already in it, or heart broken,there's at least 9 or 10 Air Supply songs that you can relate to. God bless y'all

the best album AIR SUPPLY have ever released...
Of every album they have ever released, this ?wTHE ONE THAT YOU LOVE?xhas been being the best album for me. the reasons are various..beauty of their harmony..RUSSEL's impressive voice..high quality of the songs..beautiful front cover design(JAPANESE version CD). specifically, "Here I Am" is the one of the finest song i have ever listened to(unfortunatery, this song is NOT AIR SUPPLY's original. this one is NORMAN SALEET's composition). "I Will Never Get Enough Of You" is also romantic ballad and it was used for main theme of the TV drama in JAPAN 1983 and it became top 10 hit at the same time! and ofcourse, many other great songs are in this album. although I guarntee that almost all AIR SUPPLY album give listener a beautiful music,
if I am forced to choose 1 album of AIR SUPPLY for my recommendation, I would choose this album.

The one that I love! Yeah!
A very good CD! Air Supply's second album in the US (sixth album total), this showcases their many talents. They have skills from the ballads like "I Want To Give It All" and "The One That You Love" to the more upbeat songs like "Sweet Dreams" and "This Heart Belongs To Me". "Keeping The Love Alive" and "Here I Am" are kinda sappy (okay, really sappy), but they're just so... you know. This album reached #2 on the charts, and included many Top Five Hits. Not to mention the title track, which became their only #1 hit. Worth a listen! ... Read more

Asin: B0000589EH
Sales Rank: 100188
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Aussie Rock    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Rock    6. Soft Rock   

Unison
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (21 August, 1990)
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Reviews (49)

good album!a heralder of what celine can do!
Unison is the debut album of one of the most powerful and successful divas in the world music industry. I rate Unison with 3 stars eventhough I'm a big BIG fan of Celine. In this album, the sound engineering and the choice of instruments and synthesizers are very reminiscent of the pop sound of songs from the 80's era. The very first single, "Where Does My Heart Beat Now" is outstanding enough for the uninitiated Celine Dion would-be devotee. It shows her indomitable vocal power and her truly truly immense octave range. This is one song that whispers: "Hey Mariah (who also began her career in the same year 1990) and hey Whitney!!!!" "You may as well move over-I mean vocally!!!"Dion's intonation of vowels is just so wide and so big that she effortlessly rises inches above Mariah and Whitney. Her powerful delivery is the one to beat and it seems quite impossible since her dynamics were also hugely-incredible.

The sound of the song, the power of its message, Celine's grandiose delivery, the excellence of its arrangement(especially how the song moves from the 2nd stanza towards the first chorus) and the thundering drumbeats which makes us say: "gosh, were back in the 80's era again at this moment!!!" are the absolute highlights of "Where Does My Heart Beat Now", a track to be listened as good as the hundredth time as it was the first time. Hear for yourself. Period.
I must close my review for now and be back next time but please allow me to say that "The Last To Know" is also a great album highlight but still no match for "Where Does My Heart Beat Now"

Amazing Voice!
In the album "Unison" Celine Dion shows the world her great amazing voice.In this album she gives us 10 well sang songs.In my point of view Celine Dion and Mariah Carey are the voice of the 90's and beyond.I recommend this album to anyone who is a Celine Dion fan.

CELINE WILL LEAVE YOU IN UNISON
At just 20 years old Celine Dion released her American debut album titled Unison in 1990 that would make her one of America's most loved singers of all time.And now for a song by song tracklist,
1. If there was any other way,
This was the second single to be released from Unison and with a pop dance beat Celine's lyrics and neat voice made this song a worthwhile hit,
2. If love is out the question,
This song is a rock styled song in which we find that Celine is no Steve Perry and shows her rock style in this rock filled song,
3. Where does my heart beat now,
This was the first single from Unison that introduced many Americans to Celine Dion and this song has a power ballad sort of feel and a very awesome guitar solo.The video that accompanies this song features Celine singing this song in a concert and is really cool.This song was lucky enough to grant Celine a top 40 single on the charts in 1990,
4. The last to know,
Originally sung by the late Laura Branigan Celine takes this remake and makes it her very own.With it's Survivor-like sound and a very pretty flute solo this song was lucky to be the third single from this album.It's also written by Phil Galdston who has wriiten many hits for some of my other favorite singers including Brandy Kathie Lee Gifford and Vanessa Williams and should not be missed,
5. I'm loving every moment with you,
This ballad has a very soothing tempo and is about how love is very strong no matter how much your crush is there to help you along the way.If you have a loving relationship with your crush this song is for you,
6. Love by another name,
This song is one of Celine's most funnest songs to dance to on the album and the chorus features a Zapp and Roger sounding voice singing the chorus on the song.The song features Ruth Pointer on background vocals,
7. Unison,
The fourth and final single from the album seems like a ripoff of Eddie Murphy's hit Party All The Time but has a catchy sing along chorus and is where the title of my review is from,
8. I feel too much,
Could easily fit at home in the freestyle category,
9. If we could start over,
Like every Celine Dion album this is the power ballad of Unison and has a rock soft pop sound to it.I think this song sounds like Vanessa Williams Save the best for last but this song would have been lucky to be released as a single,
10. Have a heart,
The last song on the album is about a troubled relationship gone wrong and Celine tells her crush to have a heart or he will miss her,
If you got to have one Celine Dion album or you are just a Celine starter make Unison the album to have,
For Celine's French roots take a look at these rare French imports, Celine Dion- Incognito, Celine Dion- 1 Fille and 4 Types, Celine Dion- Le Collection-1982-1988 ... Read more

Asin: B0000027F5
Sales Rank: 29619
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop Vocals   

Dirty Dancing: Original Soundtrack From The Vestron Motion Picture
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
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Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (74)

Great memories!
This is album really rocks! Maybe just the first song "The Time of My Life" pays the whole value! Although you never saw "Dirty Dancing" I'm sure you'll recognize that song anywhere. The second song is "Be My Baby" (The Ronettes) an oldie song that makes people wanna dance with that special person... a nice feeling (and memories, of course!)
A Patrick Swayze contribution comes with "She's Like a Wind" a soft ballad not so much diffused but a nice one. Te album is completed by a mixture of very nice rhytmhs, which can be for both: listening and dancing.
In summary, a great album to be part of a collection, great music that will remind you "the time of your life"

Breath-taking!!!
The Dirty Dancing soundtrack is the best CD in the history of the world!! The song on it are amazing and I absolutely love them! Especially "I've Had The Time Of My Life!!" I'm only 16 but when I get married I am playing it at the reception! Go out and buy it!! You won't regret it at all!

Lauren, Do You Still Wonder?
In 2001 Lauren Rakowski asked if anybody knew the song playing when Baby (love that name) first discovered the employees dancing.I'm pretty sure that was "Love Man" by Otis Redding.The definitive compilation for this soundtrack is (I believe) called "Ultimate Dirty Dancing" with all of the singles from this package AND the more soulful "More Dirty Dancing" which I am sure you all have now. The "ultimate" one is available but not, so far as I know, on Amazon.Good memories here, but it doesn't compare with its follow-up.Notable exception: One-hit wonder Bruce Channel's "Hey, Baby" with Texas bluesman Delbert McClinton on blues harp. So for one-time contributor Lauren who was 13 in the summer of Baby and Johnny, there's your answer. ... Read more

Asin: B000002W9Q
Sales Rank: 952
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Film Music    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. R&B    6. Soundtrack    7. Soundtracks    8. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Dust on Mother's Bible
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 November, 2003)
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Reviews (2)

Maybe the BEST Buck album
In terms of sheer consistency and quality of songs, Dust On Mother's Bible might be the best Buck and the Buckaroos album.I'm not a religious person, but these songs are moving and entertaining at the same time.Pick this one up regardless of your beliefs.Honky Tonk Saviors would have been another appropriate title with multiple meanings!

+1/2 -- Bakersfield praises the Lord
The bulk of this album was recorded at the end of 1965, right in the middle of Owens' phenomenal run of Bakersfield Sound recordings. The albums "I've Got a Tiger By the Tail" and "Christmas With Buck Owens" were lighting up the charts, and the Buckaroos triumphant Carnegie Hall concert was just ahead in 1966. This timing produced twelve original songs of faith that were written and recorded to the band's high-powered twang, rather than being adaptations of the band to a more traditional gospel sound.

From the opening bars of "Pray Every Day," it's clear that the joyful sound of the Buckaroos' hits was perfectly suited to stories of prayer, bible and family. Owens sings with the full-throated honky-tonk conviction of Hank Williams', but with harmonies (either his own, or those of Don Rich) mindful of the Louvin Brothers. Add the twang of Telecasters and pedal steel, and you have the soundtrack to Bakersfield's salvation.

Owens co-wrote many of the album's songs with the legendary Red Simpson; he also co-wrote a pair of tunes, "Bring it to Jesus" and "Eternal Vacation," with his mother, Macie. The album's title tune, along with "I'll Go to Church Again with Momma," recall Macie's own mother, Mary Myrtle, and reflect on the supportive family from which Owens' career sprang. The album is a Bakersfield hymnal of waltzes ("Jesus Saved Me" "All the Way With Jesus"), two-steppers ("Would You Be Ready?" "Satan's Gotta Get Along Without Me"), and fiddle-and-steel weepers ("Dust on Mother's Bible"). Every one of them is stamped through-and-through with the classic Buckaroos sound.

For reasons unknown, this album was not released with the bulk of Sundazed's reissues in the late `90s. Wrong finally righted, it's time for fans to rejoice and enjoy this essential entry in the Buck Owens catalog.

4-1/2 stars, if allowed fractional ratings. ... Read more

Asin: B0000DG020
Sales Rank: 115087
Subjects:  1. Bakersfield Sound    2. Country    3. Honky Tonk    4. Pop    5. Traditional Country   

Hot August Night
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (22 August, 2000)
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Features

• Original recording remastered
• Live

Reviews (33)

A serious lesson in music and sound production
Folks, no matter what you're musical persuasion and even if you don't have any, you should have this in your collection.
If you know of a better piece of work by any artist I wanna know!

Down the years my tastes have drifted to the likes of Vangelis, classical, you name it.. Still I have come back to this album again and again. It's a magnificent blend of energy and beauty and I aggree that it is rare that you find a live performance so good. It will serve music history as "Citizen Kane" has served film history. Well maybe that's an overstatement but I'm not sure..
Now there's just one thing I am dying to know - when will we ever get to buy this gem on video/DVD? Were those "Hot August Nights" even captured on film at all?

Finally, if anyone attended these concerts back in '72 I would dearly appreciate if they sent me an email - steve@aztechouse.com

His best album...
This was the second album I ever bought. Considering it is a live album the production qualities are as good as any studio album.

The highlights on this album are the show stopping rendition of Brother Love, the best version he has done on any album. Song sung blue sung live, Cherry Cherry and it's infectious beat. Red Red wine country style. Soggy pretzels. Girl you'll be a woman soon, which was later used in the movie Pulp Fiction.Can you remember that scene where Uma and John Travolta were dancing.There are many more I could mention.

The arrangements on this album differ from the studio recordings with beautiful acoustic guitar being more prominent here.

If you were to find this review helpful, please click yes.

Hot August Night drips with energy.
Anyone else looking for real music should look at Neil Diamond. I am a Neil Diamond fan. My admiration for the Man, the Singer and his Music is unconditional. Being a product of the `70s rock culture, I never saw Neil Diamond as a rock artist. His songs came to me as folk, country, pop and some gospel. I guess this is the reason why I was able to adjust to Diamond's transition to musical progressions. I love his ballads and I just go crazy listening to them.

Hot August Night is probably the best live concert ever recorded. The intensity is sustained all throughout the performance, electrifying his audience and listeners alike, making this record drip with so much energy. The intro, "Prologue", is a killer tune. It is a masterpiece. Just listen to it build up to a climax as it gets layered into an atmosphere of strings, keyboards, acoustics and percussions (the sound is greatly improved on the remaster--crisp sounding). It is a majestic piece. Sure, Neil has those songs with corny titles and lyrics to it (i.e. "Soggy Pretzels", "You're So Sweet Horseflies Keep Hangin' Round Your Face", "Crunchy Granola Suite", "Porcupine Pie", and even "Song Sung Blue"), but aren't artist allowed to tease and have fun?

"I Am... I Said", "Morningside" and "Canta Libre" are some of the more emotional tracks of the set as Neil Diamond takes you to one moving song to another as he connects with his audience through songs and banter. While "Holly Holy" (a definite favorite of mine), and definitely the best version compared to the stale and thin sounding original studio recording off the Touching You, Touching Me album, sets the tone and pace as the show climaxes to a thunderous end to some of Neil's percussive moments on the album. The big climax of "Holly Holy" sees Neil Diamond exploding into dramatic rage and passion (this is repeated on the closer "Brother Love`s..."), making this a high point of the album. "Holly Holy" is a very beautiful song and a masterpiece as well. Band and orchestra should be applauded here. This leads into a quieter, almost solemn intro into "I Am... I Said" (the calm before the storm) that builds up into a huge emotional burst, full-orchestra, keys and percussions kicking into the music. The Walk Off as orchestra and band explode to a built up "I Am... I Said" instrumental before everything breaks loose as nonstop percussions rumble into "Soolaimon/Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show" medley.What a listening experience this brings on repeated play. As the band and orchestra encores to the tune of "Brother Love's...", I stay glued, still, onto my seat, moved by it all like I where in that concert, wishing that it never ended--it always feels that way with me. Musicianship is topnotch and cohesive, and yes, special mention has to be given to drummer Dennis St. John for his amazing distinct and tireless work all throughout. (The first time I ever heard "Holly Holy" playing on the radio in the early `70s was by Hugo Montenegro. I did not even know Neil Diamond existed, but even when I finally discovered Neil, it was the Hugo Montenegro cover that became my measure of that song's beautiful style. The Touching You, Touching Me original version, despite the strings has a poor and uneven mix, and the Gold (first ND live record) version is raw and simple with only electric guitar, bass and drums as backup instruments.)

The beauty about Hot August Night is that all of the songs Neil performed are his original compositions. He got to do this again the last time when he recorded Love At The Greekafter the Beautiful Noise album. In retrospect, I wish Neil also sang in this concert "High Rolling Man" (I love the piano riffs on this one), "Captain Sunshine" (beautiful lyrics and melody) and "Lordy" (beautiful melody and beat). Incidentally, I read years ago that the string section was used on this particular night only for the recording purposes of this show.

If you are a Neil Diamond fan but don't own Hot August Night yet, get it. It is worth more than the countless ridiculous ND greatest hits and compilations that are being released faster than you could say "You're So Sweet Horseflies Keep Hangin' Round Your Face". If you are not a Neil Diamond fan yet but are contemplating on becoming one, Hot August Night is definitely the best start for you (though In My Lifetime and Play Me: The Complete Uni Studio Recordings are also well recommended for their sheer historical overview of Neil Diamond`s music), mind you, this concert was recorded in 1972, so you should know what Neil Diamond songs to expect from that era--timeless classics. What were you expecting me to say?

As for Dave Barry's inclusion of "I Am.. I Said" to the "Worst Songs Ever" list, who cares? That is his opinion and he can keep it. Like most of us, we also have our opinions and "I Am... I Said" is a song with profound lyrical content--a true masterpiece. ... Read more

Asin: B00004WK2L
Sales Rank: 1299
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop Vocals   

America's Premier 60's Garage Band
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 May, 2000)
list price: $10.98
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Reviews (1)

raw
energetic and unprentious. These guys are not flashy and they dont need to be. OK the recordings arent fantastic but these songs dont need all the hype and glamour to shine through and have fun with.This is the bestversion of "Louie Louie" I've ever heard. You can tell that thisis a tight unit getting off on their music - totally sold. The obscurityof this band surprises me. Surely they must be one of the most underrated60's outfits.For similiar kiwi stuff from my part of the world, check outthe 60's NZ band Ray Columbus and the Invaders when it comes available inyour part of the world cos I know your a few years behind! ... Read more

Asin: B00004T48N
Sales Rank: 346590
Subjects:  1. Frat Rock    2. Garage Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock & Roll   

Cucumber Castle
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 September, 1997)
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Reviews (18)

A lovely album
I have always enjoyed Cucumber Castle great deal, but I have come to cherish this album since Maurice's tragic death in 2003. Written and recorded by Barry and Maurice after Robin briefly left the group, this collection of songs showcases Maurice's skills as a musician, songwriter, arranger and a harmonist, and let's us hear the beautiful but seldom-heard blend of Barry's and Maurice's voices. Not all of these songs rank among the strongest in the vast Bee Gees catalog, but the harmonies are magical, and the album is one of the most listenable, taken as a whole.

If the short but ugly dispute between Barry and Robin had any upside, it's the existence of this album, and the little bit of spotlight it gives to a man who spent more than his share of time in the shadows. I am grateful for all of Maurice's work, and every recording that gives fans a peek at the musical skills and tastes of the "quiet" Bee Gee who left us too soon.

Kooky Kastle
I wan't going to do this, and I'll try to keep a straight face.I mean, just check out that cover.This is approximately the second greatest album in the world, ever.I won't bother saying what the greatest is.CUCUMBER CASTLE is probably the Bee Gees' most wistful album, even without Robin, and that's saying a lot, folks.Don't let the kooky cover fool ya.Right off the bat, from track one, you know they'd rather be doing something else.And from then on it's pretty much one wistfest after another ('The Lord' is an exception, but what do you expect with a title like that?).And lush?CUCUMBER CASTLE makes the competition sound like morse code.It's almost over-orchestrated, in fact; 'Then You Left Me' has loads of Mellotron and drips with full orchestration and wonderfully choking, lachrymal vocals from Barry.Also great are the haunting 'I Was The Child', the faux-jazzy acoustic 'My Thing' (yet another transcendent Maurice moment) and the staccato-piano driven 'I Lay Down And Die' (love these titles!).But the greatest song here is the gospel/country 'Bury Me Down By The River', with backing vocals from PP Arnold.This astonishing little piece of work just soars into regions wherein the Brothers had previously only gazed longingly.Smashing, transcendent- -and I can't tell whether any of it means a damn thing.Don't care, either.The whole affair concludes with the Patsy Cline-stylized single, 'Don't Forget To Remember', its soaring chorus the perfect epitaph for the first phase of the Bee Gees' career.You really should hear CUCUMBER CASTLE; if you haven't already, it just might change your life.

The Bee Gees minus Robin
First Vince Melouney and Colin Petersen left the Bee Gees and now due to some kind of dispute,Robin Gibb left. Robin's departure was brief. He recorded his solo debut ROBIN'S REIGN while his twin Maurice and older brother Barry recorded this album. The title was first a track from the Gibbs' 1967 debut,BEE GEES 1ST. Robin returned for good,reconciling with his brothers to record the follow-up,2 YEARS ON. The only hit from this album is DON'T FORGET TO REMEMBER which would appear on 2001's THEIR GREATEST HITS-THE RECORD. SAVED BY THE BELL from ROBIN'S REIGN appeared on TGHTR as well. I think this was the worst album of their career. If Robin hadn't quit,I'd think otherwise. ... Read more

Asin: B000001FNF
Sales Rank: 33270
Subjects:  1. Australia    2. Baroque Pop    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Rock    6. Soft Rock   

Great Jewish Music: Burt Bacharach
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 May, 1997)
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Reviews (2)

Great Bacharach music
This was the first of Tzadik's 'Great Jewish Music' tributes, and definitely the best, due to the musicians involved, and of course the source material. There's been quite a resurgence of Bacharach's music of late (thanks to Austin Powers, among other things) and this tribute helps to show that this resurgence is well-deserved. When some of the biggest names in modern music (Bill Frisell, Eyvind Kang, Marc Ribot, Fred Frith, etc.) record your music, that is some pretty high praise.

So, onto some of the music... Dave Douglas reworks 'Wives And Lovers' into a wonderfully swinging version for trumpet, piano and bass sax/piccolo/flute, and one wonders why we haven't heard more of Dave with this lineup. Accordionist Guy Klucevsek mixes 'Who Gets The Guy?' with 'This Guy's In Love With You' with a result that is almost unrecognisable due to his extreme reharmonisation. 'Walk On By' gets a relatively straight but beautiful reading by downtown legend Kramer.

And so it goes - most of the tracks are reworked beautifully, or covered relatively straight, but great versions nonetheless. One that most notably breaks the mold is Joey Baron's solo drum version of 'Alfie'. Kind of interesting, but doesn't really hold up to multiple listens.

As another reviewer said, there's probably just too much music here - though I love Marc Ribot, it is probably not necessary to have two tracks by him (one solo, one with band). And some of the tracks, towards the end of the second disc in particular, are a bit lacking.

But all in all, this is a worthy tribute to a great songwriter.

Great for the musically adventurous Bacharach fan
If you are a fan of Hal Wilner's tribute albums to Charles Mingus, Thelonious Monk, and Nino Rota, and also of Burt Bacharach, this album is right up your alley. At 20 songs, there are about six too many, but atleast two of them are worth the price of admission by themselves. I'mspeaking of Bill Frisell's beautiful solo version of "What the WorldNeeds Now Is Love" on what sounds like an acoustic archtop guitar(none of his volume pedal/tape delay effects, just pure Bill), and also ofMedeski Martin and Wood's super-funky version of "Do You Know the Wayto San Jose." If only MM&W had such strong material to work withon their own albums...The more experimental things work in about half thecases on this album, and there are a small number of tracks you will neverwant to hear again. I distilled my favorites onto one CD so I wouldn't haveto program and switch the discs out to get to all my favorites. ... Read more

Asin: B000003YTQ
Sales Rank: 169565
Subjects:  1. Baroque Pop    2. Experimental Rock    3. Int'l & World Music    4. Jewish Music    5. Jewish: Trad. & Klezmer    6. Pop   

Get Lucky
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $9.98 -- our price: $9.98
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Reviews (25)

Despite the cover picture, this is a great album!
I could have done without a closeup picture of a man's leather-clad butt on the cover of this, but that's my only complaint about this album.

It's full of great rocking songs. Everyone knows the big hits on here, but there are some great lesser known songs like "Jump" and "Take Me To The Top."

My least favorite track is "Emotional" - and even that one is a pretty decent song.

If you like Loverboy at all, then you'd definitely like this album. It's probably their best one.

Cool album!
Canada's Loverboy put out their second album in 1981,contractually,after the success of their self-titled debut the previous year. There are some hard-rockers on this album such as WORKING FOR THE WEEKEND and WHEN IT'S OVER. These guys are one of the best new wave bands of all-time. Loverboy fans are also fans of Blondie and The Cars. The other songs are good. These guys love having Billy Joel,Bruce Springsteen and Barbra Streisand as their Columbia Records labelmates. The aforementioned artists were under contract with the label in 1981 also.

Loverboy's Best Album - No Doubt
"Get Lucky" is without a doubt Loverboy's best album.Great songs from beginning to end.

'Nuff said. ... Read more

Asin: B0000025OR
Sales Rank: 8622
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Arena Rock    3. Canada    4. Hard Rock    5. Pop    6. Pop/Rock    7. Rock   

Whipped Cream & Other Delights
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $11.98
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Editorial Review

By adding a Mexican flavor to his trumpet-led Tijuana Brass, Herb Alpert had numerous hits. While Whipped Cream doesn't have the same feel as some of his other efforts, it still has a 1960s swing (that would be further enhanced today by a stiff cocktail and some comfortable dancing shoes). The sultry "Tangerine" continues the fruit theme of the hit "Lemon" with an equally ripe rendition. Part of Alpert and the Brass's popularity came from their fondness for other recent musical releases, and their cover of "Love Potion #9" actually rocks. Alpert's expertise with his instrument is showcased throughout Whipped Cream but is probably most evident in the bubbly "A Taste of Honey." Alternately playful, sensuous, and hip, it stands as one of his finest moments.--Steve Gdula ... Read more

Reviews (31)

Still Great after 40 Years
Songs like "A Taste of Honey," "Green Peppers," "Love Potion #9," and the title track "Whipped Cream" all bring back strong memories from childhood. My father used to play this a lot when I was 8 or 9 years old.Still great stuff.

Great album, outdated mastering...
Musically, this is the album that broke the TJB wide open for their commercial success, and established A&M as a record label.It seemed like everyone's parents owned this album, which bordered on iconic status in their record collections!The music itself features TJB originals and rearranged cover songs, all based on a food theme.

One important note: this Amazon item is the original mastering from 1988.As such, this version of the CD does not sound all that good.April 2004 will see the reissue of this classic title on the Shout! Factory label, with two previously unreleased songs as bonus tracks.Search for this album in its newly remastered form in the Herb Alpert Signature Series, and you will not be disappointed!

CD Being released again April 5, 2005
The reviews for this classic speak for themselves.
***Also, Amazon shows this CD will be re-released April 5, 2005 in its original sleeve cover with a Herb Alpert signature strip along the side! ... Read more

Asin: B000002GA9
Subjects:  1. Instrumental Pop    2. Jazz    3. Jazz-Pop    4. Pop    5. Trumpet   

Solitude/Solitaire
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (17)

Sure Cetera, I'll forgive you. . .NOT!
After breaking the collective hearts of the soft rock-loving populace by leaving the powerhouse group Chicago, Traitor Cetera made a half-baked attempt to reconcile himself with his fanbase by recording this stinker.It's coincidental that the first track is titled "Big Mistake", as if Traitor knew his leaving one of the premier groups of our time was the worst decision he would ever make.I bought this album way back in 1986 with some birthday money, and after I had listened to the album once, I made myself go and apologize to all of my family members for wasting their money so foolishly.

What else is here?Oh, you have the "Karate Kid II" ballad "Glory of Love", a tune so nauseating it's made me completely ignore the second film in the canon, and go straight from the original "Karate Kid" to "III" and "Next" whenever I do my yearly film marathon.I just pretend the second film never existed.It also has the semi-smash "Next Time I Fall", where Traitor makes it a point to hog the spotlight completely from guest vocalist Amy Grant.

In short, if you a) thought Cetera's leaving Chicago was a great decision, or b) like your music pointless and nauseating, by all means get this album.If you want music with real heart and soul, just go buy some Chicago.You'll be glad you did.

comment
im actually taking the time not really to write a view but let it be known that this is NOT Cetera's solo debut i have seen quite a few reviews on here that say it is but i guess they dont remember his 1981 self titled(which i actually own on vinyl) and i bought about a month ago for a buck really was worth it i must say just figured i'd point that out to the not so loyal PC fans.

Boy am I going to be unpopular?
Leaving Chicago behind him, Peter released this album to kick of his solo career, (perhaps he should be a footballer then. Sorry, that was an awful joke.) to some success. I will try and be fair in the review that follows however my personel opinion is undoubtibly going to creep in.
Now, first of all I shall say that this deserves 3 stars, no more no less. This is because, firstly it is a very dated album. It is the definition of eighties pop. However that is not to say it is bad, just very uncool. Musically it is actually quite good, not up to Chicago's declining standerds, but still decent. It is the sort of album you put on when you've listened to all your other albums and got bored of them. And upon listening to it you think 'Oh, it's better than I gave it credit for.' In my opinion, it is perfecly decent and worth getting but it will not be one of those great albums. Of course, many of you reading this have looked at this album because you love it, a few because you want to buy it, and another few because you hate it. So, for those of you who want to hear the album being praised, go to a 5 star review, for the few looking for advice on buying it, look at any review (preferably continueing mine) and for those of you who came here to hate it... It's an awful album, I can't believe it was ever released, and as for Peter... Happy now you haters? Anyway, in conclusion, if you like latter Chicago get this, if you like other Cetera works get this, and if you like eighties pop get this.
I hope I've steered you right.
Thank you, and goodnight/day/morning/evening... ... Read more

Asin: B000002L9Z
Sales Rank: 12543
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Soft Rock   

Love Will Keep Us Together
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (16 April, 1995)
list price: $17.49 -- our price: $17.49
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• Import

Reviews (3)

APop Gem That is as Fresh and Fun Today as It Was in 1975
As a child growing up in the 70's, I adored Captain & Tennille.For this I endured the merciless teasing of my peers, as the duo was deemed not cool enough for general pre-adolescent consumption.Never the less, there was something about them that always appealed to me.

Gripped by nostalgia, which seems inevitable as one approaches midlife in this post "9/11" world, I re-listened to the debut album of this apparently all but forgotten 70's husband and wife team. (For those of you too young to remember, Toni Tennille sang lead vocals backed by her husband, keyboard player, arranger and former Beach Boys touring musician Daryl Dragon.)

What I discoveredwas a pop gem that is as fresh and fun today as it was in 1975.High quality production and musicianship are consistent throughout all 11 tracks of the album.Ms. Tennille's straight forward approach to the vocals is complimented well by her husband's intricate, layered, almost "Baroque" arrangements - a style they perfected on subsequent recordings.

The title track, Love Will Keep Us Together, written by the legendary Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield is probably all that most people remember about Captain & Tennille. But it is the lesser known tracks on the album where the pair's talent and creativity shines through.

Most outstanding are the emotionally charged cover of Beach Boy Brian Wilson's God Only Knows, and the beautiful vocal harmonies on I Write the Songs.Also noteworthy are the tender ballads Cuddle Up and Gentle Stranger, penned by Daryl Dragon and Toni Tennille.

Overall, there is a warmth and sweetness about this album which is evocative of more innocent times.

The Captain and the woman who should have been a Beach Boy
The Captain and Tennille exploded on the music scene in the last half of the Seventies in the same sort of way that the Carpenters did at the start of the decade.The similarities were obvious, with Toni Tennille doing the singing while spousal unit Daryl Dragon, who had played keyboards with the Beach Boys, playing anything with a keyboard.The big differences, of course, were that Tennille played piano instead of the drums and the couple were married instead of siblings.Musically the signature sound of the Captain and Tennille were their vibrant harmonies, courtesy of background vocals that usually include sisters Melissa and Louisa Tennille.The title song from this 1975 album, co-written by Neil Sedaka as if you could not tell, sold a million copies and made it to the top of the charts while the album itself peaked at #2.The album produced another #1 hit with a reissue of "The Way I want To Touch" you, an original Tennille composition.The key thing is that once you get past the hits you might find you like some of the other songs on the album better.There are a pair of covers of songs by another former Beach Boy, Bruce Johnston ("Disney Girls" and "I Write the Songs"), "Cuddle Up" was co-written by Dragon and Dennis Wilson, and an emotionally charged cover of Brian Wilson's "God Only Knows" that show cases Tennille's depth as a singer.But while the Beach Boys related songs tend to dominate the album (and make you wonder why Tennille did not just go become a Beach "Girl") the original compositions by the Captain and Tennille are really the heart of the album."Gentle Stranger" and "Honey Come Love Me" are love songs spawned by a happy marriage, which is exception and not the rule both in terms of performers and songwriting contexts.Toni Tennille's voice combines tenderness and maturity, with a touch of southern sultriness, that obviously contrasted with the more cynical rock `n' roll singers of the time.If you have followed her career at all during the last two decades then you know the woman can sing just about anything.Daryl Dragon was never compared to Elton John, but his keyboard playing always added a nice musical contrast to his wife's voice.

The first Captain & Tennille album
This is the Captain & Tennille's first album.It contains two top ten hits:the title track & "The Way That I Want To Touch You".It also contains "Disney Girls", which evokes memories of days long ago.Solid engineering, vocals, and vocal arrangements.Noteable cuts are:"The Good Songs", "Honey Come Love Me", and "God Only Knows". ... Read more

Asin: B0000047R9
Sales Rank: 37247
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop Vocals    3. Soft Rock    4. Vocal   

Lift Me Up Sonny
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD
list price: $11.99
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Reviews (2)

Beware of these strange imports
Some of the songs on this import are really nice executions from Cher's early folk rock career on Imperial. The other songs are from her late 70's-80's Disco/Casablanca years and are in stylistic conflict with theformer. This has already been released basically in an import called"All I Really Want to Do". For Cher enthusiasts only. The coveris a color distortion of the Cher image, and the lack of sensitivity ofthis track combination is no favor to Cher the artist. Only buy if you liketo collect everything she does.

Funny cover, great music!
The cover on this CD says it all, the tracks are sung with such POWER and beauty that it's hard to get this one out of your CD player.You'll become attached to this CD, but it while you can! ... Read more

Asin: B00004TQZY
Sales Rank: 255589
Subjects:  1. Rock/Pop