Ill Communication
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (31 May, 1994)
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Editorial Review

By 1994 the Beasties had settled into their cultural role as the grand arbiters of cool, and Ill Communication is pretty much a catalog of coolness: live funk, a bit of hardcore, ingenious samples of obscure records, keyboards by analogue master Money Mark, guest shots by Q-Tip and Biz Markie, MCA's cop-show metal number "Sabotage," and the inevitable cascade of witty old-school rhymes. But it's also a surprisingly mature record from a band that had, after all, been at it for 12 years already. The original jazz-funk instrumentals hold their own with the group's favorite sample sources. Their voices are modestly buried in the mix, and they've tempered their old snottiness with lyrical compassion: check out "Bodhisattva Vow," a salute to Buddhist spirituality. --Douglas Wolk ... Read more

Features

• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (96)

The is the Beasties best album, for sure!
All I can say is that this is my favorite Beasties album. My fav. song is "Get it Together" Kewl! This is a really swinging hip-hop, rapping treat CD. I would give this album a 5, but there are not enough songs on the album I like, to support it.

Crossover appeal
Favorite B-boys by far.
I hear or read where so many people say that they feel there are too many directions on this album, but honestly, that's why I like it. B-boys used to be a bunch of skate-punks back in the day so i'm glad they stuck w/ some of the heaviness like in Check Your head, and I also love that they shifted gears w/ the hip-hop getting a bit more serious.
The Album is almost layed out like how I would make a Mix-tape or comp for a friend. Having different types of songs next to each other as opposed to hears the Hardcore section, now heres the instrumentals, now here are the Hip-hop cuts.
The first 7 tracks are sheer genius.

Some of my favorites would have to be 'B-boys making w/ the freak-freak,''Root Down,''Sabotage(of course, it's a great song damnit),''Get it together(awesome awesome track w/ q-tip and the Biz),''Flute Loop(Nice short and powerful),''Do it(love the growls),' and 'Shambala/Bodhisatva Vow(these two really take the cake for me, can't get enough of the Funky/soul guitar,drum and bass in shambala that mixes in w/ the chanting thats in both tracks).'

Anyway, I think its the multiple styles that helped to win over alot of the B-boys current fanbase. Still the oldschool NYHC sensibilities, mixed with the jazzy snippets(Yauch using an Upright bass on alot of the tracks is sheer genius, amazing), and their new approach at rap/hip-hop. The common sense to keep these styles seperate also helps, as oppose to trying to make individul songs with elements from all of these help.This album definitly helped to broaden my musical soundscapes.I could listen to more hip-hop after this and more metered, instrumentation as well. Thank you B-boys for opening my eyes.

Moving in several directions at once
This one can't really seem to decide if it wants to be 70s pimp movie music (most of the instrumentals), hardcore ("Tough Guy","Heart Attack Man"), old school party rap ("B-boys makin' with the Freak Freak") or some sort of groundbreaking conscious rap ("Bodhisattva Vow",""The Update").

Best tracks here are mostly the singles: "Sure Shot", "Root Down". and "Sabotage". Of the instrumentals, "Eugene's Lament", a highly dissonant trainwreck with atonal violin screeching, is the most interesting although not necessarily one I'd like to hear often. "Transitions" is the most listenable sounding like some lost score track to a blaxploitation flick.

Worst here are usually the instrumentals..most simply aren't that interesting, as well as the preachy tree hugger/one world rant "The Update". ... Read more

Asin: B000002TP7
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rap & Hip-Hop   

You Forgot It in People
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (03 June, 2003)
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Reviews (80)

unabashedly
good, mon.imagine for yourself, mon, the best bits and songs from de following:new order (and yet not new order), sonic youth (and yet not sonic youth)--ok, mon, you got it now...
dis is one HELL of a record, mon.indescribable (see--i just gave up...)...it rocks to hard, so artfully...addictive...then you will let it go...and you'll hear it again and be HAUNTED!
de also remind me of two shamefully obscure band i know and you should, mon:HYPNOLOVEWHEELand THE BLACK WATCH.brilliant, mon...

Lovely.
My good friend is a Russian drunk and an indie purist. Recommending this album to me in the name of, "That one with KC Accidental on it", he opened me up to one of the most innovative, genius musics created.

The first track (capture the flag)seems a waste of time, but it's ambience makes me wonder if it was to drive away reviewers and entertain specifically me.

KC Accidental : Godly. It's a burst of electronica with some crazy drumbeats. BSS is the beauty inherent in the system, and breaks into it with this song.

Stars and Sons: The guy whispering does not cease to amuse me. He sounds affected by SOME substance. But the song itself is great, kinda cheery without lyrics. Hah.

Almost Crimes: It perks me up. I can hum it with only the song title to guide me. When listening it's often pleasant to be under some tree, running in circles. That's a good thing.

Looks Just Like the Sun: It's good the first couple of times. I guess I haven't listened to it enough, because its kinda monotonus, which reminds me of polvo, which makes me giggle.

Pacific Theme: AHHHH, there we go. It's like sitting on a beach with orangina, and then some fish start dancing. Beautiful, kind of jazz influenced, where the rest has been electronica/folky electronica/the forcefield known as "post - rock."

Anthems of a 17 year old girl: It grows on you. First you hear it and get frightened. Then you hear it and feel all teary, because a) you doubted it and b) the strings, man, are so moving.

Cause = Time: Quintessential AWESOME, STANDOUT track of the album. It's lovely, and perfect, and reminds me of the beauty of the rain. That sounded trite. Sorry.

Late Nineties Bedroom rock for Missionaries : As an insomniac, this kickass song sends me further into a "need sleep" hallucination. It's totally awesome, to sound like Spicoli. I'd rate it an 129864/10 for the song title.

Shampoo Suicide: Great title for an electronica song. It's kind of calming, yet genius, much like Icy-Hot.

Lovers Spit: You can slap me, but it reminds me of Beck. Electric Beck. mmm. It's a gorgeous song, although i haven't the foggiest of it's meaning. Another "Orangina on the Beach with dancing fish" track.

I'm Still your Fag: These guys come up with the best titles. EVER. Another classic work of genius. These guys should rule the world. They're godly.

Pitter Patter Goes My Heart: This made me cry. It's a magnificent ending. It's lovely end to lovely means.

This might take long to get into, but it remains the hardest rocking ... thing on the face of the earth. Unclassifiable, it seems to have a intangible "krazy glue" substance on the surface of it, for it remains in your CD player.. possibly forever. What BSS did to be so great was combine different genres into a crazy, eponymous whirlwind of love and beauty.
All with a fantabulous band. Get this. Or, if you know me, don't, because I'd end up slapping you for not getting it soon enough.

Hypnotizing
This is the kind of record that starts getting you on the mood, preparing you for a sensorial journey through non linear music, made with a lot of sense.
Listening to this record you can actually get in trance, but not the kind of trance that radiohead's "amnesiac" or "kid A" demands...this one, you can actually understand and not get depressed by it.
There isn't magical virtuosity within the instruments or notes; it just sounds so encircling that it can actually fill the room you are in, no matter what size it is.
From song to song you can't guess what's coming next, because each and every one has its own magical message and atmosphere.

In sum, Great Record!
... Read more

Asin: B00008RBJU
Sales Rank: 1490
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

TNT
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (10 March, 1998)
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Editorial Review

Like their moniker suggests, Tortoise wield a thick exterior of styles while the essence of their sound smoothly beats on. They brazenly titled their latest endeavor TNT as if to signal a break from their former shell. But don't be deceived by explosive associations, for the acronym is meant to stand for "Tough-N-Tender." The album displays a tenacious level of technical proficiency and creative divergence from five Chicago guys doing what they love. Tortoise avoids the experimental minimalism displayed on earlier releases in favor of a more accessible and upbeat turn of the collective dial. Rooted in jazz structures, the dripping electronic treatments on most of the tracks further distinguish the sound. Because the thematic expressions jive with unassuming clarity, no vocal or lyrical elements are needed nor occur. While darker sides of psychedelic guitar emerge, the loungy low end sections evoke intrepid fantasies of isolation on the swankiest of desert islands. --Lucas Hilbert ... Read more

Reviews (43)

Exquisite four-and-half star Ambience
Where their debut had been a mixed and largely unstructured collection of leftfield soundscapes, followed by Millions Now Living's surprising love-letter to Krautrock, the third Tortoise release, the all instrumental TNT, was almost a lounge album - but lounge for thinkers.You certainly couldn't call this a rock album, any more than you could call it techno, acoustic, ambient or jazz, but Tortoise take all of those styles and more, building fabulously fat beds of bottom end, overlaid with gorgeous multi-layered guitars, vibes and sampled found sounds, and emerge with one of the last decade's most endlessly satisfying releases.

With it's frantic, sampled drum pattern, `Jetty' could almost be trip-hop, (in fact trip-hop is the lasting after-image of the album), `Swung From The Gutters' has a vague jazz structure to it, at the same time throwing in backward tape effects, `I Set My Face To The Hillside' combines - almost unbelievably -both Spaghetti Western and oriental themes¼ and so it goes, constantly bewildering, constantly enchanting.And then there's the divine beauty of the title track... (sigh)

And it gets better with every listen.

Kim Porter
Forté Magazine, Australia

Solid all around
A very solid record, not a bad track found here. This is not music you would listen to with friends, but it is perfect for mornings or evenings alone as well as for driving at night. I think the song "the Equator" is the finest electronic song I have ever heard. I imagine this would be the music that would play in the background of a movie as someone ran through the rain forest at night. Very vibrant and imaginative textures. You won't be dissapointed.

GOOD STUFF.
"TNT" by Tortoise is rife with lush soundscapes, compositions with tasteful tranquility, and an overall ambience that provides the listener with aural enjoyment of an orgasmic nature.

As you can tell, I really dig this album.The "repeat" function is frequently used on my CD player whenever this disc is played.Highly recommended. ... Read more

Asin: B000006A97
Subjects:  1. Experimental Rock    2. Indie Rock    3. Pop    4. Post-Rock/Experimental    5. Rock   

Coltrane's Sound
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (16 February, 1999)
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Editorial Review

When Rhino Records released The Heavyweight Champion, which collected all John Coltrane's recordings for Atlantic Records, it was finally time to witness in whole how incredible the saxophonist's output was in October 1960. The material for Coltrane's Sound, Coltrane Plays the Blues, and the vastly successful My Favorite Things all came together over the course of several October days. And here, finally, is the missing piece of the October trilogy. Coltrane had pioneered a new musical architecture in early 1959 when he cut the groundbreaking Giant Steps (also available as the 1987 reissue), and with these three albums, he merely extended and exercised the new approach. Bebop was in the rearview, stretchy modal formulations in the distant foreground. In between, 'Trane was using his soprano sax to great effect--as on the low-end wonderland "Central Park West" and part of the cooking "26-2"--and playing closely related chords forwards, backwards, and in instantaneously reconstructed formations. Coltrane's Sound shouldn't surprise, then, with what sound like drop shadows behind other recordings of the 1959-60 period. It's vintage stuff, bristling with his discovery and powerhousing with the utmost sensitivity. --Andrew Bartlett ... Read more

Features

• Extra tracks
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (10)

A hidden masterpiece
This was never envitioned as an album by Coltrane. The record company had a bunch of tracks in the can, and they decided to split them off in different albums. Sounds like a bad idea, but they actually got it right here, maybe by accident. Coltrane sound flowswith a great track selection. The best Atlantic after 'Giant Steps',and highly recommended, even as a first purchase for someone interested in getting in John Coltrane.

Often overlooked but worthy 'Trane release...
Recorded in the same month as his famous "My Favorite Things" LP, in the fall of 1960, and by the same ensemble, this album was not put on the market until 1964 for some reason. While no one selection here has the cachet of his ten-minute treatment of that song from "Sound of Music", overall, this one is just as good. This album is not normally named as one of the ten best Coltrane efforts in his prolific recording career, but I'd rate it as deserving a spot right about number ten or so. Others will rank it higher. I prefer the early 'Trane to his more experimental efforts such as "A Love Supreme", so take my bias into consideration. This one is accessible and melodic. I like "Blue Train" and "Giant Steps" and "Soultrane" and "Trane's Blues" all ahead of it, but "Coltrane's Sound" is more enjoyable than "Supreme" or the "Duke Ellington and John Coltrane" collaboration, or the Prestige compilation "Coltrane Plays for Lovers." It swings and sways, and in the collection it stays. This particular edition comes in cardboard rather than a plastic case, but the booklet is great...one of the best you'll find in Coltrane collecting.

The best of the Atlantics
Coltrane's Sound was recorded at the same October 1960 sessions as My Favorite Things.(Coltrane Plays the Blues also comes from these sessions.)Though it has never achieved the same popularity as MFT, in my opinion Coltrane's Sound is actually a better album!It comes from a period where Coltrane finally got a working band (McCoy Tyner, Steve Davis, Elvin Jones) together and was shifting direction away from the harmonic density of Giant Steps and "sheets of sound" toward modal improvisation and more open structures.

Coltrane was experimenting with a bunch of approaches around this time, making variety one of this album's strengths.He plays soprano saxophone on the beautiful ballad "Central Park West" (pretty rare for him -- he usually played ballads on the tenor)."Satellite" is a piano-less trio tune."Night of a Thousand Eyes" and "Liberia" are explosive workouts which already showcase Coltrane's powerful tenor playing and his special relationship with Elvin Jones."Equinox" has him digging deep, deep into the blues -- some of Coltrane's finest, most powerful blues playing this side of "Chasin' the Trane".Throughout this album, his playing is overflowing with ideas.

The Atlantic recordings contain some of John Coltrane's best, most accessible, and most focused music.If you've already heard Giant Steps and My Favorite Things (or if you haven't), don't hesitate to pick up Coltrane's Sound. ... Read more

Asin: B00000HZEX
Subjects:  1. Hard Bop    2. Jazz    3. Pop   

Apostrophe
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (18 April, 1995)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

Thanks to the surprise radio airplay of "Don't Eat that Yellow Snow," Apostrophe introduced a whole new audience to the music of Frank Zappa in the early '70s. Like its companion set, Over-Nite Sensation, this album found Zappa producing highly polished jazz-rock, mixing tales of absurd characters with musical showmanship and snarling guitar work. The first half of the album is a sort of mini-concept album, relating the adventures of an Eskimo named Nanook, and the second half features such Zappa classics as "Cosmik Debris" and "Stink-Foot." --Andrew Boscardin ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (67)

Frank Zappa was a musical genius
If you have to read the reviews, you're not that familiar with 1970s rock 'n roll I suppose.Frank Zappa was a prodigy out of the 1960's rock scene, but far more.Truly a brilliant composer, his music influenced many other musicians from Parliament-Funkadelic to the Monkees, from pop and dance to avant-garde symphonic and jazz music.His political satire influenced the Simpsons cartoon, and he was truly a unique, bizarre, and interesting man.He didn't take illegal drugs, though said he had a real coffee jones, and yet his music was associated with the 1970s recreational drug subculture.Zappa fans have close to a hundred recordings to enjoy and debate about relative merits, but this is probably the best CD to introduce the novice to his music.You know he once said "It's not important to even be remembered," but I think a composer of this magnitude shouldn't be forgotten.By the way, I got married at St. Alphonso's and I asked the priest about the pancake breakfast (where I stole the margarine), although I'm not sure he ever got the reference.

Zappa for Begginners
Not that there is anything wrong with this album, but besides a greatest hits type of thing this is what would be good for a person who wants to check out Zappa. It's only a skim but it will let you know if your interested in his other cd's or not.
Another thing, many will critizize him and saying he's over rated, he's a shi**** songwriter, etc. However, there is a depth to it and he's very much a cult act. Definally not commerical.
People with deep music appriciation (and a sence of humor) should appriciate the album. His most famous hit, 'Don't eat that Yellow Snow' is on this cd. This probably is one of his best selling works.
I must warn you the sound clips certainly are not enough to get a true sence of the album.

watch out where the huskies go
FZ is brilliant. enough said. the musicianship on this cd is great and all of the tracks are enjoyable. if you are thinking about zappa this is probably a good place to start. zappa is a brilliant songwriter. ... Read more

Asin: B0000009SI
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Deviation
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 June, 1995)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $17.98
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Reviews (2)

expression
I own many, many, flecktone cds... of all, this is one of the albums that constantly has a place on whichever insufficient electronic medium that I happen to be playing music on, which i do AT ALL TIMES. The transition from omac to jalmon with salmon is worth the cost of the cd alone (in all honesty, worth alot more. Money is transient and an intangible force that one should strive to keep out of your creative judgement). whats good is good, and this has enough variability to satisfy most tastes.

moontides also.

-V

Early Fleck-sibility
Don't look for a typical representation of the New Grass Revival in Bela's foray into jazz and blues. Purely instrumental, the selections here demonstrate the flexibility and range of Bela Fleck, not to mention his New Grass companions. The title track is in a fast groove, with New Grass members trading their usual hot licks, but the selections ease off from there into a slower pace jazz. For die-hard Fleck and New Grass fans, this recording is certainly a "deviation". While not necessarily essential, itdoes offer an insight into the virtuosity of these thrilling musicians, especially with Bela fronting the group. ... Read more

Asin: B0000002GD
Sales Rank: 177866
Subjects:  1. Fusion    2. Jazz    3. Pop    4. Progressive Bluegrass   

Loveless
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (05 November, 1991)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

My Bloody Valentine's entire career has been aiming toward the perfect guitar noise that Kevin Shields has in his head: a pure, warm, androgynous but deeply sexual rush of sound. Loveless is overwhelming, with Shields and Bilinda Butcher's guitars and voices blending into each other until they become a distant orchestra, the rhythm section striding in majestic lockstep, and occasional bursts of dance rhythms (as on the single "Soon") buoying the live instruments' warp and drift. Furiously loud but seductive rather than aggressive, the album flows like a lava stream from one track into another, subsuming everything in the mix into its blissful roar, and pulsing like a lover's body. --Douglas Wolk ... Read more

Reviews (342)

Breathtaken
When I heard the name My Bloody Valentine, or more like when I found their name online I was thinking another Metal band, but knowing me I am in love with music so I though hey I'll check them out why not? I loved it right away. "Sometimes" was so breathtaken. Then I came online and declined to buy one of their CDS, knowing it would cost to much at Sam Goody and Walmart doesnt have it and I dont go to the mall very much or up to Aberdeen all that much. I listened to the Album and I was speechless it was amazing. Its a must have.

An indescribable classic.
Loveless will take your breath away and the rest of MBV's catalog will too. The only way I can describe this sound is that it is like the musical equivalent of the logic of a dream. It cascades, it's fleeting, it reverberates and resonates, it's like warm fingers massaging your nervous system. It's coming from a place that is ephemeral and attainanble for only a moment. It's no wonder MBV didn't release that much music, I can't imagine trying to sustain the kind of creativity that produced music like this.

This is not a review as such
Just a comment.My God, it's a sad day when someone buys a copy of this album and then hates it because "it wasn't as good as the smashing punpkins".

I feel like I just read a review of The White Album that ends with "well, Lennon you know, he was no Billy Ocean".

Jesus.However I will say that when it first came out I thought this album was 10 years ahead of it's time.Now we are in 2005 and the world STILL hasn't caught up.If you haven't heard it yet just buy it, it's beatiful.

... Read more

Asin: B000002LRJ
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Waking Life - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 October, 2001)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $17.98
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Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (15)

Quirky, Fun, Fantastic
I know nothing about tango; I got this soundtrack because I like the movie so much, and the music is such an important part of the movie's wandering, convoluted and dreamy feeling. I don't think I'll probably buy other Glover Gill albums, but this one is wonderful -- I often put it on while I'm working; it's great background music but it somehow manages to stay in the front of your mind.

Some reviewers have lamented the inclusion of Chopin's Nocturne on the album, but this CD was my first experience of the piece, and I love it. It has a totally different flavor from the rest of the tracks, so it provides a nice break.

The only bad thing about this album is that it gets a little repetitive. That's part of the nature of the music, which makes sense in the movie, but because many of the tracks have these climbing melodies that repeat and spiral ever upward, I find that after one listen to the whole thing I've had enough, and I'll stay away from the CD for a while. But that doesn't diminish its value in my opinion -- certainly one of the more interesting soundtracks I own, and I recommend it especially to people who've seen the movie, but also to the more adventurous of those who haven't.

Fascinating!!!
Recently, an Austin friend turned me on to a Glover Gill CD called Solo Tango. I liked it a lot and so looked him up on this site to see what else of his I could find. After reading the reviews of this one, I sort of half-heartedly ordered it.
Mistake!!! This is a fascinating piece of work. No, its not warmed-over Piazzolla as some have insinuated. The mere fact that it displays the characteristics of"new tango" doesn't automatically mean that the music will be a Piazzolla clone.
I've listened to and enjoyed lots of tango in my life, from the Guardia Vieja all the way through El Troesma to the present, and I can hear plainly that Glover Gill knows tango. The brooding melancholy jumps out and if you close your eyes, you can imagine being in the arrabal. Guess I'll have to see the movie, too!
Those familiar with tango of the 20s-40s will recognize snippets of some of the most famous tangos expertly worked into Gill's compositions. This is a great CD to kick back to and just enjoy. I've had it on all day soaking up its many pleasures. If I had to chose a favorite piece, Nocturna and Super Sport would vie for that honor.
If you have an open mind about tango and the possibilities of the genre, you should find as much to enjoy here as I do. I look ahead with eager anticipation to the next offering of Glover Gill and his Tosca Tango Orchestra.

Fabulous entertainment in itself
This soundtrack is actually quite incredible, an excellent achievement despite what some others say.The music has a distinctive quality that makes it entertainment all on its own; it hardly needs a film to go along with it(although thefilm was fantastic).

One of my favorite aspects of the music is that it doesn't remind me of certain parts of the film-- I do like being reminded of parts of films in some soundtracks, but this is great.
An exception is track 8, El Cholulo, which brought to my head images of the group of people just tangoeing, and it was actually a good thing to have a familiar image for part of the film. I also love the opening and finishing tracks, which are quite haunting and beautiful.
Simply listening to the samples in the record store, my face broke into an involuntary smile as I listened to it...
Enough said. This is great music. Get it. ... Read more

Asin: B00005RDDB
Sales Rank: 20496
Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Film    3. Keyboard    4. Miscellaneous    5. Pop    6. Soundtracks    7. Soundtracks & Film Scores    8. Tango   

Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (Deluxe Edition CD + DVD)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (18 November, 2003)
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Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (27)

Prepare to be engulfed in the music of the Flaming Lips
This is one of those great albums that comes every once a year. A MUST HAVE CD/DVD set. Not only is this a great album, it is also far superior due to the 5.1 surround audio on the DVD. When you listen to this in the 5.1 audio, be prepared, this music will swallow you up and swish you in its mouth. It is AMAZING! You will feel as if you are in another world with spacey sounds, swirling drumkits, crazy synths, oh and of course the Flaming Lips behind it all. This is truly the only way (5.1) to listen to music. AND AN EVEN MORE EXTRA BONUS is the CRAZY ANIMATIONS THAT DANCE TO THE MUSIC on the DVD. Its incredibly mind-blowing to watch and listen. The Flaming Lips have a masterpiece of music and animations on this CD/DVD album. Ear Candy tracks include: "In the Morning of Magicians", "Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell", "Fight Test", and "Are you a Hypnotist??".

Excellent, but not the best
Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots is a great album, and yes, the 5.1 surround sound is quite something.If you've never heard DVD-Audio or SACD before this will totally blow you away.The sound is incredible and it's quite an experience to hear guitars, voices, and drums coming from different corners of the rooms or moving in circles.However, if you want to hear what surround sound music CAN sound like at its best, check out the Super Audio CD of Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon.Yoshimi's audio channels are too clearly defined, when a sound switches from one speaker to another you can hear the switch instantly, taking away from the "circling" effect.DSOTM mastered this effect by gradually shifting sounds from one speaker to the next.Regardless, this is totally worth buying even if you already own the CD, it's awesome to hear music you know and love as if you'd never heard it before.

Good night baby, Mommie is so sorry
AWFUL. Yoko Ono sounds like an angel compared to this pure cr*p. I have discharged the fool that bought this for my princess, and monthes of therapy later she still has nightmares. ... Read more

Asin: B0000B1A2O
Sales Rank: 9257
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Dream Pop    3. Neo-Psychedelia    4. Noise Pop    5. Pop    6. Rock   

G. Love & Special Sauce
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (10 May, 1994)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

With Beck's unexpected commercial breakthrough, everyone's suddenly interested in a new kind of music best described as "slacker-rap." Although it uses the sing-song cadences of hip-hop, it's the polar opposite of gangsta rap; in both its laid-back delivery and self-deprecating lyrics, slacker-rap acknowledges vulnerability and failure. It was done first and best by Washington's Basehead, but it gets an invigorating twist on "G. Love and Special Sauce," the eponymous debut album from this Philadelphia trio.

G. Love not only looks like Michael Stipe, but he has the same mealy-mouthed vocal delivery. If Stipe ever decided to record his first rap album with an unplugged blues trio, it'd probably sound a lot like "G. Love and Special Sauce." Recorded live with no drum machines, samples or overdubs, the album creates a fresh, distinctive sound with its odd blend of lazy rapping and funky acoustic blues. Unfortunately, G. Love's absurdist observations on life aren't as funny as those by John S. Hall of King Missle, and the laid-back minimalism of the music wears thin after a while. Only "Baby's Got Sauce," which boasts a pop hook and a valentine to a domineering woman, holds up on repeated listens. --Geoffrey Himes ... Read more

Reviews (42)

Acoustic blues-rap--a unique listening experience
G. Love & Special Sauce have a loose, bluesy acoustic sound.For the most part, their songs are carefree and amusing rap numbers with heartfelt lyrics and an intentionally lazy vocal style that is quite endearing.My favorite track is the one that opens this disc, "Things That I Used to Do."As soon as it started, I felt like I was in for something special and I wasn't disappointed.I don't think you will be, either.

GLaSS: the best band in the world
The best band in the world. The lyrics touch on everything in this world, from social problems to summer love, and everything inbetween. but all with a truth and liveliness you rarely see. their concerts are the best i've ever been to! as someone already said, if i could only have one cd to listen to, it would be g.love and special sauce, any one of them! i dont know what crappy music i was listening to before GLaSS, but no band/musician will ever beat GLaSS!

cold. beverage.
'Cold Beverage' is a masterpiece.If you need a reason to buy this CD, now you've got it. ... Read more

Asin: B0000029IS
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Rap    3. Pop    4. Post-Grunge    5. Rock   

Wanna Buy A Monkey?
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (19 February, 2002)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

Dan the Automator's release on the DJs-only label Sequence Records is a blessing to music lovers who've slowed down their record collecting. Most of the songs featured on Wanna Buy a Monkey? are culled from the artist's own albums, but the sophisticated blend of journeymen MCs and edgy ambient groups makes it easy for every listener to find something "new" to dig. Hard-core De La Soul fans may fall in love with Lovage's whisper-soft groove, while Bobby Digi's loose and funky turn on the Tru Master-produced "The Rhumba" might inspire those who appreciate Zero 7's chill-out lullabies to discover the joy of hip-hop. Both camps will enjoy the original version of Gorillaz's "Latin Simone," which recalls the languid, horns-influenced sound of the later-era Specials. But the clear winner here is Black Rob's "Smoothness." Produced by Dan the Automator, the much-slept-on Bad Boy alumni's flow is reminiscent of Big Daddy Kane at his peak--so tightly focused, so all-out smooth it'll have you begging for more. --Rebecca Levine ... Read more

Reviews (10)

The Automator Proves He's not just an Expectional producer..
Experiential Hip-Hop producer and one half of "Handsome Boy Modelling School"...Dan the Automator, has a CV in Hip-Hop few can compete with, Having Produced some of the most influential Alternative Hip-Hop albums ever: ("Handsome boy Modelling School/Dr Octagon/Deltron 3030), most people forget that he's also a gifted Dj. And it's with this album that Dan produces a sublime mixtape of tracks that he's produced, as well as other artistes work. His tracklist mixes Progressive Hip-Hop tracks: (Deltron, Black Rob, X-cutioners), Funky breaks, Trip-Hop & smooth Electronica: (Brand Nubian, Dilated Peoples, Bobby Digital, Lovage), with the completely unexpected & not strictly Hip-Hop: (Doves, Air, Gorillaz, Tortoise)....but the moment he moves approximately a quarter of the way in to the mix, from the flat out Hip-Hop of "Deltron's - Positive Contact" into "Air's - Le Soleil est Pres de Moi", and then into "Zero 7's - Destiny" is pinnacle moment in Mix tape sensibilities...as mixing Hip-Hop into Electronica is absolutely no easy task, and it just beautifully illustrates why Dan is so vitally important to the ongoing evolution of Hip-Hop. (P.s. It should be noted that I rate this superb Album 4 1/2 Stars)

Dan the Automator Doesn't Dissapoint
This has to be one of his best works I think. i loved Hansom Boy and then I bought this cd. This cd has music for every kind of occasion. Just pop this in the cd player and chill with it. There is no need to skip around on this cd. Each song blends nicely into each other, so really I think this cd is one long track. The artists on it are also very different. From Bobby Digital from the Wu Tang Clan to Air, everyone who buys this will be very happy about the purchase. This is one of my favorite cds in the Hip Hop genre. This mixtape is a great job done by Dan. So spend your $... now to get it. You won't be sorry for long, infact you won't be sorry at all.

The Art of Mix-tapes
For all those that gave this a bad review because it's "nothing more than a mixtape", obviously missed the point. The art of the mixtape is difficult to master (watch High Fidelity), and The Automator has created a pure masterpiece. This album flows seemlessly from one stlye to another, while including timeless classics (Big Daddy Kane) along with modern freshness (Air, Doves). I'm not going to describe every track, because it's more like one long track, with no need to hit the double arrow button on the right. I am very selective with music, as I'm sure you are if you read all these reviews, so trust me, it will be the best 16 dollars you ever spent (see Handsome Boy). ... Read more

Asin: B00005Y1UK
Subjects:  1. Alternative Metal    2. Alternative Rap    3. Electronica    4. Euro-Pop    5. Experimental Rock    6. Funky Breaks    7. Pop    8. Rap & Hip-Hop    9. Trip-Hop   

Automatic Midnight
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (27 August, 2002)
list price: $15.98 -- our price: $15.98
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Editorial Review

For anyone saddened by the realization that Drive Like Jehu would have to be remembered by two records and a handful of singles, the news of Hot Snakes surely inspired a surprised smile. As the story of Hot Snakes goes, Jehu wunderkind John Reis took a break from his duties as Rocket from the Crypt's frontman and started to pen some songs for fun. As they lacked a certain "oomph," Reis sent a tape of his noodlings to former Drive Like Jehu vocalist Rick Froberg. Legend has it that Froberg flew to San Diego and jumped right into the studio to fill his vocal duty. The first few songs of Automatic Midnight confirm the suspicions: we have what appears to be a Drive Like Jehu record in disguise as Hot Snakes. The rollicking opener, "If Credit's What Matters I'll Take Credit," is an exercise in musical reminiscence. Froberg's scream over intense guitar and smart rhythm resembles even the best vintage Jehu. Not all of Automatic Midnight is an indulgence in the past, though. Fast-forward to "Salton City," the first peek at the unique sound of Hot Snakes. Hypnotic drums fill the first minute, leading to discernable, smart lyrics accented by Velvet Underground-inspired guitars. "Our Work Fills the Pews" is one of the catchier songs to grace an indie record in some time: a slow tempo underscores an "Uh-huh-huh" chorus that will get even the stodgiest aging indie rockers to bob their heads dutifully. --Kerry Murphy ... Read more

Reviews (14)

A noble spirit embiggens the smallest man
Man, few albums provide an immediate jolt like Hot Snakes' debut.For a rocking good time, this band is pretty tough to beat."Automatic Midnight" is aggressive, in-your-face, and extremely fun to listen to, coming off sort of like Nirvana with loads of swagger instead of self-conscious angst.While Hot Snakes' sound is loosely classifiable as punk or hardcore, the band transcends easy genre labels with tight, focused songwriting, razor-sharp musicianship, and a stunning level of rhythmic heft.Rick Froberg screams with such urgency his vocal cords sound like they could snap at any moment, and the band behind him is a marvel of intensity and efficiency.

The concise opening double shot of "If Credit's What Matters I'll Take Credit" and the title track (total running time: about four minutes) proves the band to be noise merchants of the highest order, with Froberg's fierce shout joined by a pummelling wall of guitars, piledriving drums, and basslines that sound like nukes going off.It doesn't let up from there, either: "Automatic Midnight" is pure adrenaline from start to finish, perfect for waking up on a hungover Sunday morning (or so I'm told).The album's best song, the woozy "Salton City," wavers and staggers like a drunk, propelled by a surprisingly intricate drum beat from Jason Sinclair.If you're into indie music, you owe this album a listen.Highly recommended.

it's good to have jehu back.
i love the jehu, but i was pretty skeptical about this album. then, i got the album and at first i was disappointed. the rhythm section and the production is kinda different from jehu... anyway, after i listened to the cd some more, i realized that, while it's not jehu, it's pretty damn close and it's still ROCKING! so, buy this album. it's awesome.

the funnest ride to hell you'll ever take
from the opening chords of this masterpiece, you will know you're in for a treat.the guitars are a menacing aural assault that, backed by a relentless rhythm, forges a melody that is engaging and haunting.The shouts of the vocals seem relevant, although I can't say I understand the themes of many of the songs.That said, this is clearly an album made with...love.

absolute favorite is the title track, which turns all in its path into smoldering embers.The whole album is great, though...quite possibly my favorite album ... Read more

Asin: B00006AATW
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock    3. Rock/Pop   

Daydream Nation
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 November, 1993)
list price: $9.98 -- our price: $7.99
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Editorial Review

The essential New York rock band of the post-punk era, Sonic Youth care as much about the quasi-symphonic, microtonal art-guitar music of composers like Rhys Chatham and Glenn Branca as they do about the rock-song form, and with Daydream Nation, they struck their greatest balance between the two. The songs hover gorgeously for extended lengths, letting guitarists Thurston Moore and Lee Ranaldo intertwine fragile tonalities as carefully as it's possible to do at wall-shaking volume, while Moore and bassist Kim Gordon's untutored voices disaffectedly intone words that flirt with pop stupidity, high-art eloquence, and urban cool. When they bear down and rock, they do it with a blurry intensity that finds gorgeousness at the heart of discord.--Douglas Wolk ... Read more

Reviews (113)

#1
I tried to think of what rekid could be in the same class as daydream nation, and i really couldn't come up with one.If there is such a thing as perfection, this is it...To go on about how this changed the face of music blah blah blah is really not even what matters the most -- if you have an ear for rock and roll, put this rekid on, and just see what it does to you.

.
i never really could hear this as a masterpiece as seems to be the general consensus.there's plenty of interesting stuff on it, some quite nice to listen to, but it's a little long and some of the vocals are really annoying.in general the lyrics aren't really my thing, but they probably appeal to people with different tastes.this and murray street are the only sy albums i own, and i prefer the latter.

A mysterious Master piece
well... after listening to this album 50 times atleast it hit me 1 time in study hall what i was listening to, this is one of the most influencial albums ive ever listened to, i have evol and goo, but i still think this is their best. I didnt like it the first 30 times i listened to it, but it kept me coming back, then after awhile.... it hit me, this is AMAZING. im into jazz, fusion, and a little bit of rock. i think this is really an album any music fan could benifit from. You might not like it the first time u hear it, but to truely appreciate it you need to give it alot of tries. Sonic Youth not really a talented guitar band (i play guitar so usually it matters) but instead of having guitar talent they add in things that arent plesent to the ear, or something totally melodic, You can call it a "Noise" rock revolution. Buy this album, its worth it...I used to listen to Teenage Riot which i thought was a great song, and when i listened to the rest, i was liek what is this crap.... But key truely enjoying this album is to listen to it alot before you just think u bought a horrible album. :) ... Read more

Asin: B000003TAL
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

26 Mixes for Cash
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 March, 2003)
list price: $21.98 -- our price: $21.98
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Editorial Review

It's hard to imagine Aphex Twin having a more appropriately named label (Warp); fitting also that 26 Mixes for Cash should have such an honest title. Having passed off a random gabba track as a Lemonheads remix and not bothering to hear the Nine Inch Nails originals before handing over his mixes, Aphex Twin has historically proved a little wayward in his methods. Not so much remixing as recycling, Richard D James's method is not unlike flinging tracks into a garbage crusher just long enough so only the bare bones of melody and structure survive. Covering a decade's work, this stunning eclectic mix effortlessly flicks from cinematic ambience (Nine Inch Nails--"At the Heart of It All") and industrial pandemonium (Mescalinum United's "We Have Arrived") to squelching acid trance (his own previously unreleased acid edit of "Windowlicker").The disparate range of artists remixed is as remarkable as the music, with Mike Flowers Pops and Wagon Christ making unlikely bedfellows. Improbable yet inspired highlights come in the form of his haunting interpretation of David Bowie's "Heroes" symphony conducted by Philip Glass and the breathtakingly ethereal transformation of Curve's "Falling Free." --Christopher Barrett ... Read more

Reviews (43)

Bleeps. Bloops. Kinda blah.
I bought this after hearing the remix of Gavin Bryars' "Sinking of the Titanic," (the original is a beautiful piece of music; the remix is cool, too). The rest of 26 Mixes, well....

Disc 1 is ok, but most of the tracks make their points early and then go on for too long. Disc 2 is, however, pretty lousy. Apparently, taking a tune, dicing it up and making it sound like basically a hard drive crashing is of interest to some folks. It's of interest to me, too .... briefly.

Marvelous mix of sounds..
This dual-disk CD is like most of Aphex Twin's work; its a very mixed bag but as usual there are 1 or 2 tracks that have a long-lasting effect. "26 mixes" has more than 2, the first 2 tracks on disk one are simply incredible. The construction and overall effect of "Time to Find Me" and "Raising the Titanic" is very hypnotic.

"Journey" is by far one the best pieces of music that I have heard in a long while and the "Heroes" remix had me searching for my old Philip Glass albums. Sure, tracks like "Ziggy" and "Change" tend to break the mood but there are more gems than rocks in this CD set.

Well worth one's $$.

worth the cash
it's amazing that alot of this work here on this 2 cd set was done over the period of many many years but still sounds quite coherent. it just goes to show the staying power of aphex twin. there are some great tracks here: the Nobukazu Takemura remix is excellent as is the Saint Etienne workup. i'm closer to all the ambient pieces here rather than the dancefloor workouts; but it's all quite well done so i can't complain. well...maybe one little complaint...the Phillip Glass track, "Heroes" sounds horrible to me and i have to skip it everytime i listen to disc one. i know alot of people love that track...but Bowie's vocals bug me to no end on that one. ahh well.... ... Read more

Asin: B000088EGP
Subjects:  1. Acid Techno    2. Ambient Techno    3. Drill'n'bass    4. Electronica    5. Experimental Jungle    6. Experimental Techno    7. IDM    8. Pop    9. Rock    10. Techno    11. Trance   

Endtroducing...
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (19 November, 1996)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $12.99
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Editorial Review

DJ Shadow, a.k.a. Josh Davis, could be credited with bringing newfound introspection to the gloating sounds of hip-hop. Condensed with urban oscillations and scatological beats, Endtroducing shutters with eclectic samples and aural montages that reach beyond the constraints of hip-hop style. Enhancing the mix with fundamentals of rock, soul, funk, ambient, and jazz, the modern fusions fail to go unnoticed, even by the casual listener. While most of the tracks are compiled by layering samples from vinyl treasures found in used-record bins, the production quality of the mosaic is unmatched. Darkened melodies carry throughout the album with its eye on the end of the tunnel. The narration samples come from numerous sources and keep the listener involved and waiting for resolution. With a message as fragmentary as an overheard conversation, Endtroducing conveys no apparent conclusion, but begs the mind, body, and soul for some rewind. --Lucas Hilbert ... Read more

Reviews (173)

There's anything like this out there? It would be great!!
It's a nice balance between hip-hop rythms and chill-out melodies. It's funny and introspective at the same time. You can pass from nice and strong rythms like in "The Number Song" through chilling and deep melodies like in "Changeling" until you get to dark, groovy and cinematic songs like "How Does Your Soul Look Like". In my opinion, this album is DJ Shadow's best, this is the one album who asecured him a place into the greatest ambience, chill and trip hop compositors.

Absolutly groundbreaking and ahead of it's time.
Think back to the year 1996. Before Radiohead was embraced as electronic rock geniuses, before the New York music explosion of 2002, even before Massive Attack became popular. Now listen to this album. It is extremely groundbreaking and paved the way for future artists to follow.

DJ Shadow is an absolute genius. He was doing the trip-hop and using samples and slow repetitive melodies to create an amazing atmosphere before anyone. This album was at least 5 years ahead of it's time, before it was embraced by Radiohead for their album Kid A.

The songs are just brilliant, with the slow groove of "Building Steam With A Grain Of Salt," the slow jazz of "Changelings," and the moody sounscape of "Stem/Long Stem." This entire album was made using samples. There is hardly anything original on the album, yet DJ Shadow combines, cuts, pastes, and scratches these samples to make something completly new.

If you're a fan of intelligent indie music, or trip-hop, this is for you. You won't be dissapointed.

Little too repetitive & noisy at some moments -Overall good!
I will keep this short, I'm into ambient, electro-jazz, trance with rich beats... basically Amon Tobin's Permutation is my all time favorite. I find this album very interesting and unique, I love free-style music and I would definitely recommend this album to anyone open-minded (even if you don't like hiphop). I would give this album 5 stars if it wasn't repetitive at certain moments and noisy in two or three of the songs. Very unique overall. ... Read more

Asin: B000005DQR
Subjects:  1. Ambient Breakbeat    2. Dance Music    3. Electronica    4. Hip-Hop    5. Pop    6. Trip-Hop    7. Underground Rap   

Goodbye Enemy Airship The Landlord Is Dead
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (27 March, 2000)
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Reviews (5)

goodbye enemy airship the landlord is dead
If you cannot sleep, this album is for you.It has all of the liveliness of a pair of Galapagos tortises mating.The drummer knows one riff, and he plays it over and over....No one else has a clue.This is what happens when a "band" gets near recording equipment before they learn to tune their instruments.All in all, something only a Canadian could love.But then again it proves the only thing a Canadian can do is brew beer.

A postrock classic that has brought countless hours of bliss
Do Make Say Think are a Constellation Records post-rock outfit along with Godspeed You Black Emperor! While they share GYBE!'s formula of slow crescendo to cathartic release, they have their own original sound. Elements of jazz puts their sound closer to Chicago post rockers.Most tracks hinge on a simple dark theme that is built up to explosive conclusion.The magnificent last track is a 12 minute shoegazer epic, truly worth the cost of this disc for that track alone.The musicianship is great, and no less than a sax, trumpet, flute, electric guitar, sexy fretless bass, and live drums can be heard on this disc. Recorded in a barn, which works well for this moody, cinematic album...with good speakers the quiet chirp of crickets can be heard in the background, and you can almost feel the cool winter air. All I can say is this is my unchallenged fav of 2000.

An amazing album
This is definitely one of the best post-rock bands I've heard. My favorite songs on it are "Minimin" and "Goodbye enemy airship"... truly great songs, you should definitely check them out. Then get this album, you won't regret it. ... Read more

Asin: B00004RGC9
Sales Rank: 19279
Subjects:  1. Indie Rock    2. Pop    3. Post-Rock/Experimental    4. Rock   

Jaco Pastorius
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 August, 2000)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

In 1976, the first 10 minutes of this eponymous disc took the listener on a jazz world cruise directed by the instrumentalist-composer Jaco Pastorius, who thus gave notice that there was a new sheriff in town and that narrow definitions of jazz would simply not do. More so even than his groundbreaking work as a member of Weather Report, Jaco's music on this, his debut album as a leader (and in a trio setting with his soulmate Pat Metheny on the guitarist's maiden voyage, Bright Size Life), defines his greatness, his outreach, and his ambition. Boppish changes à la Miles Davis come through with Jaco's incredible touch, tone phrasing, and rhythmic locomotion--as does the musical leap of faith from bebop to funky-butt R&B delivered with lyrical majesty on Jaco's aptly titled "Continuum."

This reissue greatly enhances the fidelity of Jaco Pastorius, particularly in the bassist's famous, elusive tone, from lightly chorused, vocal-tenorlike glissandos on "Continuum" and the bell-like harmonics of "Portrait of Tracy" to his percussive, hand-drumlike rhythmic cycles underneath Peter Gordon's august French horn on "Oknokole Y Trompa." Even more stunning are the manner in which Jaco deploys a steel drum choir underneath Wayne Shorter on "Opus Pocus" and the ferocious Latin-inflected groove Jaco, Lenny White, and Don Alias conjure under Herbie Hancock on two takes--one unissued until now--of "(Used to Be a) Cha-Cha." Pat Metheny contributes an extraordinary set of liner notes to this set, putting Jaco's contributions to jazz and the bass in sharp perspective. Still, a spirit of innovation and discovery suffuses every note on Jaco Pastorius, and it is startling how modern and engaging this music remains. --Chip Stern ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (58)

So you thought YOU could play bass?
Jaco shows all of us that he is the electric bass player for all times. I'll be quite surprised if anyone surpasses him.
If you think you can play bass put this on the player and humble yourself with his creativity, his moves, his endurance.
This is a great CD to use to set some (probably unattainable) goals for yourself.

Who Loves Ya'
Everything has been said about this man already and yet it will never all be said about him. Everyone I've had listen to Jaco is immediately astounded, even though this album is nearly 30 years old (older than Jaco was at the recording session). It never gets stale and it even reaches out to my own young boys of 10 and 12. Jaco should be entered into the music history dictionaries along with other great virtuosos.

This debut album is certainly a must and should not be missed from anyone's collection, no matter what your taste in music.

Good follow-up is to read about his life and family through the family website(s), the biography written about him and to explore his other work with Weather Report, Joni Mitchell, Pat Mathaney, etc...

MASTERPACE
Jasco is the best bass player ever. come on over has sam and dave ov vocals. all the songs are amazing. it is so hard to say how good it is. he is the master of the bass. he does stuff only people dream of. this cd is a perfect 10. if you like fusion jazz or the bass go buy this.i would say this is one of the best jazz cds ever. jaco went before his time. R.I.P. Jaco ... Read more

Asin: B00004VWA7
Subjects:  1. Bass    2. Fretless Bass    3. Fusion    4. Jazz    5. Pop    6. Post-Bop   

The Beginning Stages Of...
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (24 June, 2003)
list price: $14.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (72)

polyphonic what?
I bought this CD based of some of the customer reviews. I was SO disappointed. If polyphonic means, no two singers ever hit the same tone nor do the voices fit to the music, then well, its polyphonic. The lyrics are just trite, the melodies are poor. Do yourself a favour and listen to the 'Long day' intro above. Do you really want to spend money on more than half an hour of that... that... electronical experiment? If so, my CD is for sale, and I hardly ever do that: usually I find something interesting in almost every kind of music. But in this polyphonic thing, there was just nothing to find.

A long strange trip, but worth the ride.
It is very rare that the word "unique" can be honestly used to describe an album or a band. But "unique" is the most appropriate descriptor when it comes to talking about Texas-based symphonic pop group The Polyphonic Spree.

The Polyphonic Spree had their beginnings in the alt-pop band Tripping Daisy. That particular band folded after the death of the guitarist, and remaining members Tim DeLaughter (vocals, guitar) and Mark Pirro (bass) decided to continue on under a new name and with a mission unlike anything else ever seen in popular music. The Polyphonic Spree is first and foremost different because of the expansive lineup-some 24 members with talents ranging from vocals to trombone and from piccolo to timpani. Needless to say, the music that results from the amalgamation is creatively wild and free.

But it is also near perfect. The Polyphonic Spree manages to put together rousing, intelligent, fun, and whimsically entertaining pop music that harkens back to The Beatles among other influences. But whereas The Beatles were limited by their comparatively small membership, The Polyphonic Spree benefits from a vast number of talented individuals. This is the most uplifting brand of pop music anywhere. There's no question that the ambitious self-described symphonic-pop act is one of the most incredible things to grace the music industry in quite some time.

It really is a shame that more people haven't heard of them, but then again those who have know the truth and the secret pop goodness that the act's first album boasts. That album, The Beginning Stages Of..., is brilliant. It lacks nothing in intelligence, emotion, or musical variety. And as strange as the relatively obscure act seems, their music would most certainly appeal to a wide variety of people ranging from fans of psychedelia to fans of chamber pop. Complex, timeless, and unexpected The Polyphonic Spree is something that needs to be heard to be believed.

The first thing listeners will notice about The Beginning Stages Of... is that the songs are not titled on the disc. They are simply referred to as Sections 1-10. But the songs do indeed have titles (although they aren't always used). There's so much that can be said about this disc, but I have to just demand that anybody even slightly interested in neo-psychedelic chamber-pop craziness pick this wonderful album up.

A few songs do stand out to me, but this isn't to say that they are any better than the others. I just particularly like a melody here or some vocals there. The Polyphonic Spree is always on target. Album opener Have a Day/Celebratory/Section 1 starts modestly with just a piano. But as the track progresses, it is clear that there is much more to this act than classical acoustics. Toss in a French horn here and a flute there, and the resulting song would seem at first to be too fantastic to be appealing. But as more elements are added-including DeLaughter's vocals-the song builds to a crescendo. It works wonderfully as the opening introduction to this outstandingly flawless album.

The act's luscious sound continues in perfect step with It's the Sun one of the favorites on the cd. The song regardless of lyrics is uplifting, but DeLaughter speaks with vitality about hope and happiness and thus everything else wonderful in the world. The brightness of the disc could seem trite or sarcastic, but the fact remains that he music is so incredibly well arranged that I find it difficult to even criticize the group, for anything but being incredibly talented.

Days Like This Help Me Warm continues in the same vein. At first light and melodic, the song picks up in pace as it progresses and more instruments are added. I'm truly set aback by the childlike optimism here (and everywhere else). Music just doesn't get better than this. It is pop, it is classical, and it is uniquely a creation of The Polyphonic Spree all at the same time. La La is a complete change, catching the listener off guard with the surreal combination of trombone, a chorus of "la-la la-la la la-la-la" behind DeLaughter's uneasy voice, and hip percussion. The fact that this song can so perfectly fit this album lends credence to my claim that this is a band that should appeal tonear everybody.

Middle of the Day definitely experiments in the combination of jazz and psychedelia. Listen to the songs very closely, the layers are deep and the arrangements are complex. Each experience with The Polyphonic Spree should add to the respect the listener feels upon the positive initial reception. A fascinating, entertaining, truly outstanding arrangement is at the center of the two versions of Hanging Around the Day. The first part is an entirely instrumental selection while the second eventually adds DeLaughter's voice to the already upbeat song. The Beginning Stages... is a gift. It is the bright, shimmering light that is so very necessary today when most of what music offers up is dark, dank, and all too often angry for no particular reason. The Polyphonic Spree gives listeners a reason to be not just content but gleeful.

Soldier Girl my other favorite on the cd. I'm particularly fond of the combination of percussion, the upright strings, and a harp (I think-these elements are so seamlessly combined it is difficult to delineate instruments). This track proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that creative passion can prove to be very, very entertaining but only when done well. And very few (if any) acts are this adventurous or this unabashedly free.

Wrapping things up, Light & Day/Reach for the Sun is a wonderful, light, whimsical, sparkling song. It is, in fact, being used in a Volkswagon Beetle commercial. DeLaughter's voice is at the center of the whirring, tapping, and synthesizers. So much about the song just smacks of perfection. From the arrangement to the vocals to the lyrics to the instruments themselves, this is the best kind of pop music I've heard in quite some time. The lyrics here are absolutely representative of the feeling of the album on the whole. If these happy lines can't cheer you up for the day, nothing will:

Just follow the day
Follow the day and reach for the SUN!

What finishes everything up is the the unfortunately chaotic A Long Day. On many levels I love it. I really appreciate the hypnotic nature of the track, but I'm still unsure as to what to make of the synthesized, droning melody (if you can call it that). Overall, it just puts points of ellipses on the album, leaving listeners wanting more. And for people who purchased this album starting in late June, more is exactly what you got!

Included is a four-track EP with re-recordings and remixes of already familiar songs. Have a Day is slightly slower and less complex than the original, but it is nonetheless recognizable and absolutely lovely. It's the Sun and Light & Day too are worth hearing. But I'm most impressed by the UK Single Version of Soldier Girl. It is imminently obvious why the UK fell in love with the band more so than the US. With songs this incredibly pleasurable, The Polyphonic Spree is unquestionably a force to be reckoned with.

Are they weird? Most definitely. Are they unlike anything else you've heard? No way. Should you buy this album? Without a doubt. The Polyphonic Spree and their debut The Beginning Stages Of... represent the best that music has ever offered up. Just open your eyes, you ears, and your heart and take it all in.

MUSIC FOR THE MANSONS
Aside from the obvious lack of lyrical creativity or musicianship, this group of mindless wastes of stage space are far more disturbing due to their eerie resemblance(mostly musical) to a cult, a la "Ticket To Heaven." Do yourself a favor and STAY AWAY. ... Read more

Asin: B00009V7TI
Sales Rank: 6182
Subjects:  1. Chamber Pop    2. Neo-Psychedelia    3. Obscuro    4. Pop    5. Rock   

Dog in the Sand
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (30 January, 2001)
list price: $18.98
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Editorial Review

In theory, there was no reason why Frank Black, a.k.a. Black Francis, shouldn't have carried on making great records after he left the Pixies; after all, he wrote and sang almost all the songs. However, all truly great bands are more than the sum of their parts, and Black's solo career has served largely as a resounding confirmation of this truth. He has had his moments, but has never come close to the towering heights he scaled with his old band. Perhaps by way of grudgingly acknowledging this, Dog in the Sand finds Black re-enlisting Pixies' guitarist Joey Santiago. Santiago, a dazzlingly inventive and versatile player, has been bewilderingly quiet since leaving the Pixies, and seems keen to make up for it here, deploying his formidable range. His contribution to what is certainly Black's best solo album is crucial, from the frenetic power chords of "If It Takes All Night" to the subtle picking of "Robert Onion" to the exuberant solo of "Bullet." Now, if Black can only persuade Kim Deal and David Lowering to come out of retirement as well, he might really be onto something. --Andrew Mueller ... Read more

Reviews (69)

Rock with a brain
Many other reviewers have said it, but I will too since the analogy is good: throw the Stones into a blender with some steel guitar..add a thesaurus and some obscure literary/cultural references and you've got this album. This one was cut with a back to basics mentality: live, straight to tape without overdubbing.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Far and away, "If It Takes all Night" (which was played on the radio here if not in sections of the U.S. other reviewers are from) is the track here that fully catches fire. "St. Francis Dam Disaster" has the feel (if not the sound) of a folk standard about a killer flood.("A cascade down to Santa Clara way/Near sixty feet high/Now she's a mile wide/It was clear she was going far away/And whole towns were too/A few got lucky in Piru") "I've Seen Your Picture" is a tribute to the ubiquity of commerce with Black doing his best Mick Jagger pout. "Robert Onion" with its line "Makes me feel so tired/Another layer and layers and layer, oh no/Robert can you find your way?/Show me the way to come" is probably self-referencing its inscrutability. It's great wordplay that incorporates mythology (siren, possibly Diana), chess (Zugzwang), and marine lore (Jack-Tar, cinnabar may also be a reference to a coral reef since cinnabar is a reddish mineral). "Bullet" also delves into myth. "Swimmer" apparently derives from a true story of a person headed toward "the latitudes" (Horse latitudes..a calm area of the sea in the Southern hemisphere)..maybe somewhat of a merman as he's adept at "Finding all the edible/Prize of the sea"? Nicely poetic if a bit odd.

LOW POINTS:
"Blast Off" is a mildly enjoyable Stonesish low-key rocker but it goes on WAY past necessity. Get out the razor blade and edit that puppy somewhere around the 5 minute mark. "Dog in the Sand" is a bit weak lyrically.

BOTTOM LINE:
Definitely one that will have you reaching for the dictionary, but some very good tunes here. If you want basic no-frills rock with a bigger IQ behind it, this might be your ticket.

Excellent Record
as a long time pixies and frank black fan i this is my favorite frank black album with the catholics (the only one i have not heard yet is "show me your tears").the songs are engaging and sonically the record does not disappoint.

i also recommend the first two frank black albums prior to joining up with the catholics : "frank black" and "teenager of the year", and, of course, the pixies stuff is brilliant.(note that the cult of ray features the guys dubbed the catholics on the later cd's.)

One of the better recent FB LPs
Yes, the Pixies are gone, but Frank still rocks hard. I've spent the last few months catching up on all his releases since his 3rd LP, and this one is one of the better albums. Some of his newer stuff, while technically proficient, and written well, just didn't have that certain thing that's drawn me to his earlier work. This album does. I don't know how to describe it any better than that, except that this is one of my favorites of his work. Hope that helped. ... Read more

Asin: B0000560GU
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Indie Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock   

Up in Flames
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (08 April, 2003)
list price: $13.99 -- our price: $13.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (27)

from the perspective of ignorance
This is Dan Sniath's second album that is so completetly different compared his previous effort you'd think it was a different artist. I haven't heard Start Breaking My Heart so there'll be no compariosons here. I should also add that genreally speaking I like my music a little dark and towards the heavy end and that I'm not well versed in the 1960's or psychadelia.Consequently rather than reviewing tracks I've simply listed a series of word that come into mind when listening to this record- pretty much because I can't adequaltely review this record (i'd like to have included song references in my world list alas...)

I've lived on a dirt road all my life- bird calls, whispering vocals
Skunks- crickets, jazz improve saxaphone
Hendrix with ko- toe tapping, hand claps
Jacknuggeted- simple guitar chords, childlike hummings,
Why the long face- ???
Bijoux- raining chimes, folk rock, bah bah bahhhh bah bah bah and some violins at the end
Twins-a couple of guitar chords followed by drums from a high school football game (WOW!!!)
Kid you'll move mountains- flutes floating in the atmosphere, shimerring vocals, video game sounds
crayon- child giggles, xylophones, dogs barking and old school electronic effects
Everytime she turns round it's her birthday- vocally the strongest track, hummings and hand claps, jazz, silence

Up in Flames is founded on psychadelic shimmerings complete with hand claps, glockenspiles and animal sounds. I guess if you're going to label it you could tryfolktronica but which has recently come in for some stock by the stylus magazine people. Hope fully you've got a sense from my 'descriptions' that this album is composed of some wierd and wonderful instruments. The vocals are not a strong point of the album but the instrumentation is fascinating and there are some really melodic omoments. There's also a couple of pop-folk- toe tappers which are great- Hendrix with Ko for instance. I imagine if you like this record you'd probably have some Animal Collective records, mabye Boards of Canada, some psychadelic pop records. I didn't intially like it but know I think it's pretty good.

This Album Sounds Like...
.......Laying on your back in a field of crayola-green grass, staring at the clouds and noticing the river and mountains behind it, and feeling the ground spinning beneath you, then getting up and walking down a path through the woods that, you soon notice, has golden writing on it, and then you see one of your best friends and shes smiling and you're smiling (zonked!) and so you and her and your other friends pile into the car and leave the park........and then you're driving and a record is playing and the trees are flying by and so are houses...

Pleasant enough semi-electronic meanderings
What's here is all pretty listenable `twisted' psychedelia.I can't quite fathom the logic of those who place among `best albums' though.I would really rate it about 3 & ½ stars, but feel it is currently rated too highly overall and 39 minutes is slim pickings for a full-price CD.

The best tracks for me are:

- `I've lived on a dirt road all my life' -full of life, with shimmering floaty lyrics - a good opener
- `Skunks' - warped - jagged sax snatches and eerie synth themes complementing a jaunty beat.Fabulous
- `Jacknuggeted' - minimalist intro, morphing in a number of ways before deconstructing and dissolving into the ether
- `Kid you'll move mountains' - a bit like Jesus and Mary Chain on Prozac - strangely engaging
- `Crayon' - a joyful, bubbly and captivating little tune - definitely the album highlight; which flows effortlessly into:
- `Every time she turns round it's her birthday' - shimmery synth washes around Brit-pop-like fuzzy vocals - a warm and vibrant way to end a good, though not great, album

A few of the other tracks are a bit forgettable.This is an album best listened to on headphones, as there is a lot of inner detail you could miss otherwise.

Don't be fooled into thinking this is an electronica album - far from it!I was sucked in by others' rave reviews and Amazon's `people who bought this also bought...' recommendations.It is just reasonably engaging psychedelia, inventive and easy to listen to.
... Read more

Asin: B00008OM39
Sales Rank: 26942
Subjects:  1. Downtempo    2. Dream Pop    3. Indie Electronic    4. Indie Pop    5. Indie Rock    6. Noise Pop    7. Pop    8. Rock    9. Shoegaze