Symphony: Alive IV
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (22 July, 2003)
list price: $24.98 -- our price: $24.98
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Editorial Review

In the Kiss universe, more is always, well, more. With this latest installment in the masked rock marauders' live franchise, they have gilded the already overweening lily even more by hiring the 60-piece Melbourne Symphony to accompany them on 10 tracks. Like those who have gone before them--from Deep Purple's coupling with the LondonPhilharmonic Orchestra back in 1970 to Metallica's 1999 pairing with the SanFrancisco Symphony--Kiss's symphonic partners add a dimension and complexity hitherto absent from their hard-rock ethos. But that's not necessarily a good thing since Kiss are true American primitives, and their anthemic songs work best in their raw, unvarnished state. The addition of the orchestra muddies their trademark sound: at times Paul Stanley's bombastic in-your-face delivery is strangled by an aggressive army of strings, which also tend to totally subsume Gene Simmons's sturdy bass playing. The symphony musicians (who all performed in Kiss makeup) are best appreciated on a lumbering beast of a song like "God of Thunder," where they become an ominous presence adding menacing sound effects and a chilling dynamic as Simmons croaks out the lyrics, or on "Beth," the band's Top 10 ballad, which brandished strings in its original form. For those who aren't enamored of the pairing of black tie and black leather, Kiss has considerately included six unadorned tracks, as well as six never-before-performed-live acoustic versions of classic hits. --Jaan Uhelszki ... Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (50)

Not a bad album at all, but....
The point here is really only one: if you like compilations (liev or not, with orchestra or not) by a beloved band of yours, then you will buy it. On the other side, if you already HAVE all the products by this band and, even so, decides to buy this one, you're a completist. And there's nothing wrong with that.

The truth is that this album is nothing more than a curiosity in KISS catalogue. It's not worth a penny in terms of freshness, new songs, whatever. But, if you want to listen KISS playing with orchestra, where else will you find it? Only here!

To put it short: this is not a bad album, but a desnecessary item in your rock collection.

If you think Great Expectations was great.........
......here's the album for you!!!!! I can hear the phone call now. Gene: Hey Paul, we haven't raked in enough money from our "Farewell Tour" to keep us living in the style we are accustomed to for the rest of our lives. What else can we do?Paul: Well, Gene, let's do like that band Metallica and hire a symphony orchestra to enhance our already bitchin' sound.Gene: Sounds great, who can we get cheap?Paul: Let me look into it........

And thus begins the chapter of what became Kiss Alive 4. Like Alive 3 was any good. Like anything Kiss has done since 1983 (except Revenge)has even remotely lived up to their earlier achievements. Like anyone but an avid Kiss fan is gonna even care. Problem is, this turned into overkill of the highest order(they released a book about it, for God sake!!!!!). Was this the way they really want go out? The orchestra idea is completely tired and worn out. As with the Metallica orchestra crap, I can understand Kiss wanting to spice their later subpar material (like all the Desmond Child songs they did in the late 80's and early 90's)but none of that is here. So why fix what ain't broke? The simplistic nature of Kiss' songs don't really get enhanced by an orchestra, it just sounds cluttered and often times the orch. sounds like it doesn't have a clue why it's there. I think the band doesn't either, but I do have some clues that support my above theories. One, why does the band stick mainly to 70's classics? (possible answer: the bulk of the 80's and 90's stuff was poop). Why do they include some non-orchestral stuff here? (possible answer: because a lots of fans are gonna think the orchestral stuff is poop, but we want them to buy it too). Why did they choose to edit material out when there was obviously more room on the disks? (possible answer: because most of it was even poopier than what is here). In summary: This really doesn't work on any level, so why bother? For those fans who seek out bootlegs of Paul's Phantom of the Opera appearance and Wicked Lester only.

Another platinum performance from Kiss
Well I guess all you Kiss haters can stop your crying and complaining. The Kiss Symphony cd has sold over 1,000,000 copies (US figures only, worldwide figures not included in this total) which makes this cd another added addition to the Kiss platinum list. This proves once again that Kiss is still alive and kicking and all of you haters can wait for another day for Kiss to dissapear off of the radar screen.And for the moron that says that Kiss is doing the 'monkey see monkey do' thing (Metallica/Scorpions).....this is just another instance where Kiss takes halfass performances of a pretty good idea (preforming with a symphony orchestra as done by some other bands) and making it bigger and better than anyone else has.You have to be out of your mind even thinking about comparing the Scoprions to Kiss.....as far as Metallica goes.......well they are good butTHEY AINT KISS also for the reviewer that said that he wouldn't purchase anything else by Kiss untill they come out with something new......goodbye......so long..... don't let the doorknob hit ya where the good lord split ya! Kiss and their real fans dont need you around. ... Read more

Asin: B0000A1REJ
Subjects:  1. Hard Rock    2. Heavy Metal    3. Pop    4. Pop-Metal    5. Rock   

Dance of Death
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 September, 2003)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Reviews (469)

Not their best moment
For a band a decade past its supposed peak, Iron Maiden's 2000 release Brave New World was shocking: it was perhaps their best. Unfortunately, it set a standard that Dance of Death cannot live up to.

It's not that Dance of Death is all bad, as there are a few top-notch songs. "Rainmaker" and "Journeyman," easily on par with the material on Brave New World, come to mind. Most of the remaining tracks, however, are either derivatives of previous Maiden work or just plain cheesy.

And in some songs, there is a mixture of high- and low-quality work. For example, the chorus to "Gates of Tomorrow" makes the mediocre verses worth sitting through, and the tapped guitar intro to "Paschendale" is interesting until the vocal spoils it.

Also, when viewed in terms of production instead of song quality, Dance of Death once again falls short of Brave New World. Namely, the vocals are a bit softer. One could argue that Bruce Dickinson's voice has simply gone downhill in the past three years-and that, likely, is a factor-but sheer volume in the mix is the biggest problem. While audible, Dickinson often fails to come through with the power necessary for epic heavy metal.

All in all, Dance of Death is only worth the price of purchase for hard-core Iron Maiden fans. Occasional listeners are not missing much, and newcomers would be much better off buying Brave New World or Seventh Son of a Seventh Son.

Ignore the review below mine.
It doesn't require the Oracle of Delphi'services to tell that this reviewer is an 80s metal dinosaur who cannot accept change. DoD rocks and features some progressive touches--something sorely needed in today's music scene!

Time to Quit
If Iron Maiden is the only band you listen to, and you worship them like the 'emperor's new clothes' then you will love this album.However, if you are intelligent you should be able to realize that there's nothing special here.Just another cookie-cutter Maiden album.It's basically just as good as BRAVE NEW WORLD, except now the excitement has worn off that Bruce is back.

'Rainmaker' is an OK song, except the German band Vanden Plas put out a song with the same name on their album, THE GOD THING.The Vanden Plas song is much better.The title track is also worthy of being played at concerts, but the band is pretty much running on vapors at this point.I don't understand why they don't get rid of Janick Gers and start putting out the kind of music we hear on Bruce's solo records.Is Steve Harris's ego really that big?

I don't even know why I bought this. ... Read more

Asin: B0000BYM3K
Sales Rank: 4076
Subjects:  1. British Metal    2. Hard Rock    3. Heavy Metal    4. New Wave of British Heavy Metal    5. Pop    6. Progressive Metal    7. Rock   

Bananas
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (07 October, 2003)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $18.98
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Editorial Review

"Have you ever had a rock that just keeps on rolling/ Ever seen a train coming down the track" Ian Gillan deadpans on the first song off Bananas. This tune gives you every single 1970s hard rock cliché at once, as it careens from cheesy guitar solo to cheesy organ solo to cheesy dual organ and guitar solo, with a gratuitous use of the cowbell effect right through the whole track. The song is a bit like seeing your grandmother in hot pants. Things do get better from there on out, though not tremendously so. Deep Purple’s first studio album in five years has new songs that for the most part sound like their old songs, which is not really such a bad thing. "Haunted," however, presents a new template for the band, a Macy Gray-style ballad. Really. The album brims with trademark DP choogling; original members Ian Paice and Roger Glover remain one of the most solid, thunderous rhythm sections in rock. If you can’t get enough of this band’s mountainous sound, with its thunderous organs, screaming guitars, and vocals that veer from ominous to operatic, this one’s for you.--Mike McGonigal ... Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (85)

Oh my
I previewed each song, and gone is the powerhouse drumming, great riffs, and interesting music. If Deep Purple released this in the Seventies, it would be a huge flop, from what I heard. Silver Tongue (?) sounded interesting, but phew, all in all this was brutally uninteresting. I am a big fan in general and love their new line-up, I should say (Steve is phenomenal).

Awesome!
There really arent that many bands around that have been together since the 60's-70's that are putting out anything worth listening to today (or even in the 90's).Matter of fact, usually a great band are great for about 10 years or so and from then on they try to find the magic they once had (and coming up with some good songs).Even when they do, they often sound tired, monotonous, only a pale reflection of what they once were.But Deep Purple is the exception, they still ROCK!!!!!I have noticed their newer CD's (since the 90's) actually sound pretty good from what I have heard of them.Then I heard Bananas and decided to give it a go and couldnt believe how great this band sounds.Ian Gillan's vocals are great, guitar is fierce, and the energy is still fresh as ever.And most of the songs are well written (only a couple duds) in my opinion yet they even play the weaker tunes with plenty of fervor.Not even bands like Page/Plant, Pink Floyd, or McCartney have come this close to reproducing their signature sound.I plan to see this band on tour this year and I bet they have the same energy in concert that is still being displayed on the new releases.Longgggggggggg live Deep Purple, and to the true fan they are not just a classic nostalgia band like Foreigner or Steve Miller.They have some DAMN good new music to offer.

There's life in the old rockers yet!
I bought Bananas to prime myself before seeing Deep Purple (with Peter Frampton and Thunder - excellent gig) at Wembley last October. I didn't have huge expectations but, whilst this collection probably doesn't contain anything destined to be a DP classic such as Highway Star, Child in Time, Demon's Eye or Smoke on the Water, there's enough foot-tapping or steering-wheel-drumming material here to keep the punters more than happy.

A few very short tracks - mainly in the first half (the rather formulaic House of Pain and its near-clone Razzle Dazzle etc.), are almost Slade-like in their stomping simplicity.Walk On, Never a Word and the highlight for me - Picture of Innocence, however, comprise more complex prog-rock styles and capture more closely the classic Deep Purple sound.The title track has a great rocking riff, showing that Purple can still mix it with the best of today's mettlers.

After buying the Come Hell or High Water DVD, I was worried that Ian Gillan's voice was shot. No problems here though - he belts it out as effectively as ever - Silver Tongue and Haunted being perhaps the vocal highlights.

Even the weaker songs are redeemed to a significant degree by Steve Morse's blisteringly fast liquid guitar style. It would have been nice to see him given a few longer solos though.Oh and some of the lyrics may make you cringe a bit with their torturous rhymes!

Enough nit-picking though. We've been waiting for a new Deep Purple studio album for 5 years and Bananas is a solid, enjoyable work.Probably won't win over many new fans, but those, like myself, who have grown up with this legendary band, surely won't be disappointed.
... Read more

Asin: B0000CNY73
Subjects:  1. British Metal    2. Hard Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock   

The Eyes of Alice Cooper
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (30 September, 2003)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $17.98
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Reviews (104)

***1/2. Half a great record
"The Eyes of Alice Cooper" is more straight-ahead hard rock and less industrial metal than its immediate predecessors, and I was pleasantly surprised when I first put this album in my car stereo.

It opens with a handful of tough, well-wrought rockers...there is nothing here as immediately catchy as, say, "Elected" or "School's Out", but "Detroit City", "Novocaine" and the joyfully venomous "Man Of The Year" aren't far behind, and Cooper still writes some of the best lyrics in all of hard rock.
"Be With You Awhile" is a nice ballad, not one to take the place of "Only Women Bleed", but...nice. And while the latter half of the album drops in quality, there are still a couple of good songs to be found, like "The Song That Didn't Rhyme".

Forgettable numbers like "Backyard Brawl" and "Spirits Rebellious" should have been cut, though...a ten-track "Eyes" would have made a stronger overall impression, but fans of Alice will appreciate most of what is here anyway.
It's tried and true, you might say, and it works quite well. It's not an exceptional record, but it's a more than acceptable one, and in the context of Vincent Damon Furnier's legendary career, one could say that "The Eyes of Alice Cooper" is far from being his best album and at least as far from being his worst.

Truly Outstanding Alice
I write this review from a rather unique perspective.

I was in Vegas in October of 2002, and he happened to be playing at Sunset Station.I had heard his concerts were legendary, but had never really heard anything other than 'Poison'.So, I bought a ticket for the Dragontown concert and was blown away.

I could remember EVERY SINGLE song after the concert.I heard songs I had never listened to before:Fantasy Man, Sex Death and Money, Under My Wheels, Elected, and Brutal Planet

I also found myself continually saying "He wrote THAT?" to such songs as: Eighteen, No More Mr. Nice Guy, and School's Out.

Basically, I became an Alice Cooper fan based on one concert and 18 or so songs.I have since purchased just about every CD the guy ever made.

I feel I have no bias toward the 'old school Alice' vs the 'Brutal Planet Alice' vs the 'Disco Alice', so I feel I can truly give a....well....unbiased review of Eyes of Alice Cooper.

What I hear on this album is a bunch of future classics.The songs are varied, to be certain; certain tracks could definitely have been placed on past albums.

An obvious example is "This House Is Haunted" which could easily have appeared in Welcome To My Nightmare.This is clearly a continuation on the "Steven" character.

However, the CD as a whole is a modern history of Alice.Key word being 'modern'.There was definitely a large attempt to make some of the tracks 'pop radio worthy' - whereas prior to this, Alice was more a niche product.

Take 'Novocaine' for instance.While listening to it, I couldn't help but think I was listening to a YOUNG band.It just didn't sound like 50-something Alice Cooper.

That's because these songs have a fresh feeling to them.In fact, if not for the morose, witty lyrics, I bet many would never expect Alice was behind the helm.

The only songs that miss for me are "Spirits Rebellious", and "Backyard Brawl".

Expect the following to be a permanant part of any future concerts:
"Love Should Never Feel Like This"
"Detroit City"
"Man of the Year"
"Between High School and Old School"
"What Do You Want From Me?"

And on a side note, I would suggest to Alice that he lay off the keyboards a little.Although it doesn't come across much unless you're listening on headphones, the synths are a little overpowering (i.e. Novocaine, Man of the Year).I'd love the turn them down about three notches.More guitar - less keyboard.

In summary, Alice Cooper is without a doubt getting BETTER with age.The thought that a guy approaching 60 can still belt them out like this is amazing.If you don't believe me, go to a concert and watch him bolt around the stage for over two hours straight.Heck, Ozzy never moved around that much when he was 30.

Incredible disc
Great CD is back to the old witty Alice!!! give it another listen!! ... Read more

Asin: B0000C7PQW
Sales Rank: 42989
Subjects:  1. Hard Rock    2. Heavy Metal    3. Pop    4. Rock   

Special One (Bonus DVD)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (22 July, 2003)
list price: $11.98
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Editorial Review

Their studio output hampered by label turmoil for the better part of a decade, the veterans in Cheap Trick instead focused on burnishing their history and stellar live reputation with 1999's Music for Hangovers and 2001's Silver. But that back-to-the-future tack hardly heralded their descent into nostalgic act, as this warm surprise of a studio album reaffirms on virtually every track. Largely sidestepping the blistering pop thrash and hook-filled acoustic ballads that have long tempted stereotyping, the Trick has produced arguably the most texturally intriguing album of their long career, a forceful reminder of the true depth of their talents and breadth of eclectic influences. The opening single, "Scent of a Woman," goes from simmer to boil in record time, while "Too Much" and the title track give a Trick spins on late '60s UK psych-pop. From there, they seem to consciously tip their hats to the growing cadre of young pop and alt stars who claim them as inspirations, with the help of Chris Shaw and guest fellow producersJack Douglas (Aerosmith and the first CT album) and Steve Albini (the sexed-up minimalism of"Low Life in High Heels" and encroaching darkness of"Sorry, Boy"). This is an album spawned by four lifelong love affairs with rock's disparate possibilities--and a special one, indeed. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (64)

Review from a Rock Legend!!!
Ignore opinion and stick with fact. I have a wall of platinum albums and have been on the scene since 1983. I opened for Trick in 1984. This album is as all their albums are, GENIUS! Best vocals, best songs, best band in the world! Every song is a musical delight. Best Friend blows your head off and helps you to see where kurt Cobain tried and failed to get his sound. The ballads and mid-tempo tunes are beyond words as well. Cheap Trick has never made an album, or written a single song that didnt fall into the category of BRILLIANT! Buy this and all their records. Ignore the review at the top. He doesnt write songs, so his review is as valid as .......nothing! Feel free to email for Cheap Trick discussion. No, I do not list my real name, just birth name. Cheers, Craig Braginsky

The energizer bunnies of rock 'n' roll
Back in the late 70's my friends and I used to marvel at how fresh sounding Cheap Trick's brand of rock 'n' roll sounded against everything else out at the time.And here it is five years into the next century and they still sound every bit as relevantly irrelevant as they did when they first hit the scene.I own every one of their releases (minus the always disappointing single CD best of collections), the always entertaining DVDs as well.Special One is just that-very special, right on target, melodic, rough around the edges, big sounding in a small way, crunchy guitars, thundering bass, concrete drumming, fantastic vocals.These guys are the most under appreciated, underrated American band of all time.(in England it was Squeeze)

It's a "Special One" alright
This is a pretty darn good album. There are 11 tracks, and each one is a good song. Zander's vocals sound as good as they always have, Bun E's drumming is superb, Nielson is his usual eccentric self, and Petersson still plays the 12-string bass like none other. In other words, this is the Trick at their best, and showing no signs of age. The sound is a little different than vintage CT. The guitars and drum sound is much more out in front than on previous albums (but isn't that what we wanted anyway?) The rockers definitely rock, and the ballads get pretty heavy too.

"Special One" is just that. Put it in, crank it up, and get ready for Cheap Trick at their finest. ... Read more

Asin: B00009V7TJ
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Hard Rock    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Power Pop    6. Rock   

Go
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (12 August, 2003)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $16.98
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Editorial Review

Pat Benatar practically invented female empowerment in rock, so it's a good to see she is back with her 17th album. Produced by her guitarist husband Neil Giraldo, Go shows that Benatar hasn't lost any of her swagger or punch. She's still the mistress of the emotional watershed as she pinpoints the precise moment when a long-suffering protagonist implodes and decides she will no longer be a victim of love. The kinetic and lyrical power released during those exchanges is still staggering, and songs like "I Won't" and "Go" visit the same teeth-gnashing terrain as "Love is a Battlefield," and "Hit Me with Your Best Shot." The only times she stumbles out of her stilettos is when she shows a softer side on the regretful "Sorry," which finds her splendidly ragged voice drowned in a sea of limpid Spanish guitars, and the Motown-esque "Please Don't Leave Me." But for most of the disc, Benatar is a hard-glittering rock gem who still can rage with the best of them. --Jaan Uhelszki ... Read more

Reviews (101)

BEAUTIFUL INCREDIBLE VOICE TOTALLY OVERPRODUCED CD
I am a HUGE Pat Benatar fan and I love this CD. BUT it is really overproduced.PAT seriously needs to work with some outside producers if she did ever seriously want a come back. Neil is a great guitar plaer, but producer...it ain't workin', her voice is still so AMAZING she deserved somethign better and a HUGE comeback.Also, why on earth they released HAVE IT ALL as a single is beyond me, GO was the obvious single, but just as the last CD they release the oddest song that no one will play.I LOVE PAT BENATAR and her music and this CD is good, but it has so many different styles on it , it makes no sense, she needs a REAL producer for her amazing abilities

As good as she gets- that's a good thing
When Pat Benatar shook off the music industry in the 90s (according to press: to focus on her family) she unfortunately managed to shake off a lot of fans. For me there was a lot of exciting music coming from female rockers at the time and it was a mild but not earth-shattering loss. I heard that she released a blues album and a torchy vocals album and it sounded like she was all over the map.

Now that I've owned and listened to "Go!" for over a year, I can say without reservation that Pat Benatar's is one of the most assured and welcome returns to form that I've ever heard. It seems to me that everything I ever liked about Pat Benatar (I've been a fan since 1980) is here, and then some.

The great choruses, the vocals that range from a growl to a soaring falsetto, the superb guitar work from Giraldo, all of it is here. It's a completely valid album with only a couple soft points. But I rate it 5 stars because within the context of Pat Benatar's entire catalog it's easily one of the most consistent and appealing releases she's made. Just the song "Go" on it's own speaks for the entire experience- defiant vocal on a rock song that puts the newcomers to shame and reminds us all why we liked rock music in the first place. Pat's got no drive to be Shirley Manson or Alanis Morrisette or to compete with Avril Lavigne for the title of "Rock grrrll" (?? whatever). She's just released the most solid Pat Benatar album in a long line of solid Benatar releases. If like me you can still put on "Crimes of Passion" or "Precious Time" or "Seven the Hard Way" and really enjoy the listen then this is a smart buy for the collection.

She still Rocks!
The new CD titled "GO" will take you right back to 1980 and all the things you love about Benatar's powerful voice and her husbands raging guitar. My kids are embarassed about how hard it makes their Mom rock out! I just can't help myself! ... Read more

Asin: B0000ALFZR
Subjects:  1. Hard Rock    2. Pop    3. Pop/Rock    4. Rock   

Mescalero
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 September, 2003)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $18.98
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Editorial Review

Midway through their fourth decade, the "Little Ol' Band from Texas" has lost none of their preternatural affinity for the blues. But, as this album ably demonstrates, that love continues to be informed by a restless sonic creativity that keeps it remarkably fresh. Proving he remains a fan of pop music in all its myriad incarnations, the grease’n’grit production of band mainstay Billy Gibbons gives it all a surprisingly contemporary edge, be it the grunge-meets-techno rattle of "Me So Stupid," the emblematic Top boogie "Buck Nekkid," or zydeco-tinged lugubriousness of "Alley-Gator." But Gibbons and company's alternately lo-fi and electro sensibilities also takes intriguing detours down country roads on"Goin' So Good" and "What Would You Do," while the en espanol "Que Lastima" see them stray rewardingly across the Rio Grande for inspiration. The bluesy, hip-hop experimentalism of "Crunchy" and "Dusted" offer up more angular treats, morphing effortlessly into the patented, greasy boogie of "Liquor," then a country-blues cover/hidden track/coda of the chestnut "As Time Goes By," the warmest surprise of an album already blessed with more than its share.--Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (69)

Open your ears for some genuine fuzz
Some complain of this album being too fuzzy or poorly mixed.Not a chance.Billy and Dusty are simply masters of the fuzz and this album is a showcase for some of the wildest tones that have ever hit my ears.Between Dusty's distortion on the opening cut and Billy's tone on Tramp- this is a total tonal masterpiece.

While not quite as strong as Rhythmeen, Mescalero certainly holds it's own despite being just a little too long.God bless the guys for giving us a monster album with over an hour and fifteen minutes of music, but if just a few tracks were cut, this would truly rank as one of Tops finest outings (it's still mighty fine as is)

This album has a great pace.It starts out with some quality songs and really ends up with some high tempo jams that remind me of old live Top from the late 70s/early 80s.Also worth noting is that the slow numbers included on this album are among Tops finest.Que Lastima and the 'bonus' cut at the end are just great.

I can certainly see how the loud fuzzy sound that Top has been riding for the past 3 albums may not be for all fans, but if you can dig a louder, harder, more agressive ZZ- you'll love this album.Along with Rhythmeen, this is the finest of Top in the past decade.

Any album featuring the Reverend Willie G is worth owning.It just so happens that this one is jammed with some really good tunes and really great guitar tones.Go for it.

Sorry. Over-fuzzed.
I'm a ZZ fan since 1974. I have most all their albums. They just keep getting better over the years. In my opinion, XXX was their last great achievement. They started using fuzz box on Antenna and it was great. They had the sound perfect on those albums. Then they put out Mescalero and over did the fuzz sound to the point it where it sounds way too distorted. Billy's leads are adversely affected. ZZ needs to go back a notch to the XXX sound where they had it just right. Example: Sin Pusher -Outstanding fuzz. I don't care for this album except for songs Buck Nekkid and What It Is Kid, which are cool but again, could have sounded better. Same thing happened to Neil Young's great songs when he started using so much feedback it became ridiculous. Come on guys, get your sound straight again.

Distortion and poor recording, mixing
Remember the fantastic sonic quality of Afterburner and Recycler? Well, don't look for that incredible sound here. This recording is rife with distortion, poor recording and atrocious mixing. It is so bad that I immediately put on another CD because I thought something had happened to my stereo (high-quality/high power), THAT'S how bad it is. It makes this CD very hard to listen to.
It's too bad because it would have made a decent release for the legends of rock-'n-roll boogie. ... Read more

Asin: B00008W2RO
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Blues-Rock    3. Boogie Rock    4. Hard Rock    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. Southern Rock   

Hallelujah
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 May, 2003)
list price: $18.98
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Features

• Live

Reviews (22)

Terrible Dolby Digial
I just can't get into this DVD for one reason. The audio is lacking something, its hollow sounding, with no bottom end. I was expecting awesome sound from Dolby Digial 5.1, it didn't happen. I really like Sammy, but who ever mixed this DVD, didn't do a very good job.

Sammy And The Wabo's Best CD
This cd is long overdue.This is one of his greatest albums.I Can't Drive 55 is one of the best songs on the cd.Along with Shaka Doobie and There's Only One Way To Rock.I have seen him in concert 3 times.He is my favorite artist.I encourage every Sammy fan to go out and buy this cd.Thanks a lot Sammy. P.S. Sammy if you ever read this I hope you make the double live cd.

the BEST live album in a long time!
and this is where I make my judgement: I kept this CD in my office, along with other CDs, to listen to while working on projects late at night. It seems that ALOT of people in my office, mostly older guys into the Dixie Tricks or other lame "young country" [stuff], were borrowing this ONE cd ALOT. their reason is all the same: its a great rock album! and this is! Hagar, after releasing a number of his own live albums over the years, has put together a great collection of songs from EVERY corner of his career, with the best band he has EVER put together. Guitarist Vic Johnson does not try to emulate Ed Van Halen or Ronnie Montrose; indeed, he gives both a run for their money by taking those great songs (from Montrose and Van Halen) and making them his own.... and does so AMAZINGLY! Classics include "I Cant Drive 55", "3 Lock Box", and "Heavy Metal" (probably the ONLY movie soundtrack song that has lasted so many years!). To make this CD more fun and interesting, and to put aside any hard feelings between Gary Cherone (Sammy's replacement in Van Halen), Hagar brings on stage Cherone to sing "When Its Love" with him, and also has Michael Anthony (VH bassist) on stage as well, PLUS the band Boston sings back-up on this tune also! (Ironically, this is all while touring with David Lee Roth, all though he makes no appearance on this album)Amazing!

Alot was said when Hagar released Marching To Mars shortly after leaving VH, as if he was washed up or something. Well, that was 6 years ago, and Hagar has released three studio CDs since leaving and this Live album, and judging by this CD Sammy isnt slowing down by any means. ... Read more

Asin: B0000996IW
Sales Rank: 17001
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Hard Rock    3. Heavy Metal    4. Pop    5. Rock   

How The West Was Won
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (27 May, 2003)
list price: $26.98 -- our price: $24.49
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Editorial Review

For a band with such an overarching legacy, the official record of Led Zeppelin's legendary--and unpredictable--live act has heretofore been poorly represented by the disappointing, scattershot soundtrack to The Song Remains the Same. But this triple-disc live set (culled from 1972 Long Beach/LA shows in advance of Houses of the Holy) addresses history with a vengeance, if a few decades late. These shows have rightfully assumed cult status in the bootleg market, showcasing a band at the peak of its creative and performing powers. Zep faithful will welcome the belated release as evidence for enduring loyalty, but younger fans may find its diversity and dynamics even more enlightening--indeed, whole careers have since been built on the musical ideas Jimmy Page and company toss off here as decorative filler. Crucially rooted in the amped-and-hammered American blues of the guitarist's former band, the Yardbirds, the marathon workouts of"Dazed and Confused" and "Whole Lotta Love" (which consume nearly an hour all by themselves) somehow encompass Ricky Nelson, Morocco, James Brown, Holst,Elvis Presley, and Muddy Waters amidst their trademark sturm und drang, while the acoustic set that closes out disc one showcases the band's--and particularly Robert Plant's--good-natured, crypto-Celtic folk appeal with energetic aplomb. Bigger and brasher than just about any rock act that followed in its historic wake, yet ever fan-loyal to its myriad influences, Led Zeppelin's live juggernaut finally gets the monument it deserves. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (354)

one of the greatest live albums ever
how the west was won was one of the greatest live rock albums along with live at fillmore east from the allman brothers.this fantastic live album contains brilliant versions of classics like dazed and confused,whole lotta love,rock and roll,black dog and more.an absolute must have.very very highly recommended.five stars.

one of the greatest live albums ever
I cant get enough words to describe how good this superb album is.this awesome double live album contains all their hits like rock and roll,black dog,whole lotta love,dazed and confused and the classic.stairway to heaven.hugely recommended with black sabbath's reunion and blue oyster cult's extraterrestrial live.

THIS CD ROCKS!!
Whoever wrote this cd sucks and should listen to creed should get sucker punched in the balls. Creed SUCKS Zeppelin RULZ!!!!!!!!THis cd is amazing get it NOW!!! ... Read more

Asin: B00008OWZC
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Arena Rock    3. Blues-Rock    4. British Blues    5. British Folk-Rock    6. British Metal    7. Hard Rock    8. Heavy Metal    9. Pop    10. Rock    11. Rock & Roll   

Vicious Cycle
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 May, 2003)
list price: $18.98
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Reviews (72)

Just not the same
Lynyrd Skynyrd is my favorite band, but this music just isnt the same. Most of the band has quit or died, including Ed King, Steve Gaines, Ronnie, Artimus, and most recently Leon Wilkeson, who died in the middle of the making of this CD. All this music is O.K, but it's just another band all together, and I think it that Johnny Van Zandt just doesnt have the same song writing abilities as his brother.

Southern Boys Still Got It
Skynyrd is Maryland style music, and "Vicious Cycle" continues the tradition.They've been huge in PG County since the early days, and it's good to hear these boys still can rock.This cd is definitely worth checking out.I listen to it before I go fishing, or before a Terps game to get me all fired up.I highly suggest getting this cd!

good album
this is a good album by lynyrd skynyrd. all these songs are great and sound great. gimme back my bullets is ok. got a mean drivin beat to it and thats pretty cool. but its nowhere near as good as it was when ronnie did it. for that song i'll stick to the first one. other than that this is a good album ... Read more

Asin: B0000996IT
Sales Rank: 96996
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Arena Rock    3. Blues-Rock    4. Boogie Rock    5. Hard Rock    6. Pop    7. Rock    8. Rock & Roll    9. Southern Rock    10. United States of America   

Rush in Rio
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (21 October, 2003)
list price: $26.98 -- our price: $24.49
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Features

• Live

Reviews (173)

Sound quality?
I don't have time to make an account so this is filed under 13 but I've been around as long as Rush has. What is the issue with sound quality? I love the sound on the version I have, did they possibly go back and fix the problems? I usually tinker with my cds by using SoundForge to lift the bass here, volume there but didn't mess with it all on this set. My only complaint is that Different Stages has a better set list. The version of Limelight on the Rio set, 3rd disc, has incredible sound on it, blowing away any version I have heard. I'm really curious here if maybe there was a remastering of this set. I know that Vapor Trails is supposed to be re-released with better sound quality so who knows, maybe they fixed it on this one as well.

I would recommend this to any fan of Rush. There is one big, "ugh" as, "Roll the Bones" is on here complete with rap vocals but it's easily skipped. Anybody that has bought a new copy recently how is the sound quality? I have a love of sound quality and can't imagine giving this up for the lack of quality. Who knows? I would get it, I did and love it.

Sound is Terrible, Rush say it isn't so!
I'm deaf in one ear so at first I thought it was just something people could hear in Stereo that I could not, until my all-ears friend listened to it, and said it sounded like a horrible bootleg someone attempted with one of those old tape players you buy at Radio shack.

It was just horrible, too much base, I tried to lower the base, change the treble, play with the EQ, no luck, still crappy god awful sound.The first poster was spot on the money, I'm just re-affirming that this is by far the worst Rush live album I've ever heard.

I'm sadly disappointed with Rush on this, they were the ones that signed off on this project, if a partially deaf guy can point out how awful the sound is, I have to ask, did Rush even LISTEN to this album?

Okay to be fair here, what's good about the album.. the art work is pretty, the set list is arranged well, the CD's are nice and round with no jagged edges, other than that there are far better live albums out there.

what are people THINKING?! >_<
This is a really good rush live set.Yes it is muddled here and there, but the whole thing is just so raw that that doesn't really matter.In case you haven't noticed, this is simply what Rush sounds like live these days.And this is them on a good night, I might add.Almost all of the songs, like "YYZ" and "The Pass" are just brilliant, awesome live tracks.I will admit that I was kind of dissappointed by "2112," but not everything can be perfect (The full version is on Different Stages, the one on here is overmuddled and includes omly the opening bit.Thats too little).One thing I noticed is that Geddy's voice is the best its ever been in years, he really improves with age.His singing breathes new life into their classic songs.And the reviewer who says the drums sound like tin cans is just completely and plainly wrong.From the stunning opening of "Tom Sawyer" to the hard rockingending of "Working Man," this is 3.5 hours of majestic rush music we have come to know and love.All those fans who grew up listening to the stale and overedited "Exit...stage left" just can't handle the hardness and power that is Rush in Rio.And the audience!wow, these guys will sing along to just about everything, including instrumentals!If your idea of a live album is strictly limited to a Grateful Dead live cd with all of the audience cut out, then of course you won't like this cd; its just to sick for you.Now go out and get this set!!
Also get Different Stages: Live, which has a cleaner sound if this set is too much for you ... Read more

Asin: B0000C0FJB
Sales Rank: 15763
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Arena Rock    3. Canada    4. Hard Rock    5. Pop    6. Prog-Rock/Art Rock    7. Rock   

Family Joules
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 May, 2003)
list price: $12.99 -- our price: $12.99
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Reviews (19)

This ain't no Foghat thats for sure-just a copy
I bought this album with thoughts of a new direction with a new singer and guitar player--believe me if you are looking for that Foghat sound-forget it--this is just a copy band with new songs that are boring--the same old rock and roll lyrics-they are not up to par of Lonesome Dave or Rod Price-after one of two playings they sound boring and forgettable--Roger Earl and Tony Stevens provide great rhythm to very boring songs--not very original at all. Charlie Huhn is an average singer with no soul and little range and Bryan Bassett is an ok guitar player-I have heard better.I guess I have to see this group live now because from other reviews I have read say that they sound great live--Just forget this CD--listen to it once and it will probably end up on the shelf with the other Foghat releases for collectors only.

Not the original, but still pretty good
OK, so this isn't all of Foghat or classic Foghat but it is still pretty darn good. Best song - Hero to Zero.

Solid album, if you like blues/rock buy it.
Was skeptical with Lonesome Dave gone and no Rod Price.But Charlie Huhn does a nice job.You can tell the band enjoyed playing together and making this album.Several very nice tracks and not a clunker in the bunch; a quality effort.This album has a couple of tracks that would be worthy of some airplay in the seventies.Classic Rock for the new century is here and it's branded Foghat; go figure. ... Read more

Asin: B000092OLX
Sales Rank: 62798
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Thickskin
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (05 August, 2003)
list price: $15.98 -- our price: $15.98
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Reviews (62)

fresh, but still skid row
This CD is great, Rather than try and rehash an old formula just to sell records, Snake and the boys came up with a fresh new aproach that should still keep the die hards happy. From the first track "New Generation" you know what to expect. Heavy and energetic rock is back. No the singer is not Sebastian, But he is very talented in his own right. As was the case before, the song writing is what carries Skid Row. If bands never evolve, eventually they put out boring material. This is not boring at all. Buy this album! You wont regret it.

it is not bach
I have been a SKID ROW fan for many years, the cd is good,and should have been in the spotlight more.. the only thing that is missing is the voice of Bach..all the tracks on this cd are very well written and put together,but the remake of I REMEMBER YOU is was not LL that great..evertime I listen to the cd, all I keep saying is that bach could have done better, the new signer has a good voice, but I think the band really tired to replace bach...(you know that can't happen)I am glade I got the cd, it is cool to jam to but I do wish Bach would come back......it is worth picking up..but just keep an open mind when you hear it......

Awesomw Awesome Album!!!
You will not be dissapointed in this release by the new SKID ROW!
I am 42 years old, a former rock club DJ and part time WCMF radio DJ from the 80's.
I was there when metal oriented rock ruled the world, and it's unfortunate that today's crap is what's being forced down our throats. It's also unfortunate that this album isn't gettin' any attention.
I'm not kiddin' you when I say that this album is one of the best albums I have ever heard.
Yeah SKID ROW when they came out were great... Bach on vocals was perfect..... Yeah, yeah, yeah....
Solinger does an awsome job, and have you heard Bach lately? He's lost it!
Every song on this album rocks from start to finish, and would get airplay on my radio station... if and when I win that LOTTO!
I was a friend of Newburgh, NY's own Rob Affuso... but hearing Phil Varrone on drums doesn't make me miss Rob at all.
The song writing of Rachel Bolan & Snake Sabo along with Scotti Hill on the heavy-rockin "Hittin' the Wall" are great... simply great!Johnny Solinger helped out in writing "Mouth of Voodoo", and a couple of outside writers helped out in a couple of other tunes.
The boys are in the studio right now workin' on their follow-up to Thick Skin. I only hope that they now get some major label attention.
... Read more

Asin: B0000A9D22
Sales Rank: 70056
Subjects:  1. Alternative Metal    2. Pop    3. Post-Grunge    4. Rock