Vs.
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (19 October, 1993)
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Reviews (220)

Rockers and Ballads, VS. made them here to stay!
With VS., PJ's sophomore effort, they blew the door wide open on 90's rock.Not only proving they could jam but throwing in the occasional sad, slow tempoed type song like "Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town"Which is about someone they met once while in Moscow, Idaho.

Animal, Daughter, Glorified G...there is no "filler" on this album.Rearviewmirror is a great tune as it reaches high crescendo's and has an initial statement that grabs the listener.

It's one of my favorite from PJ, and unlike a lot of fans out there, I personally like it more than their debut "10".
The word grunge is gone now, just like disco.The bands that started in it and are still around are in my opinion, rock bands.So stop the grunge hating:If you like guitars and drums and well written songs sang by a stable frontman, VS. is your album, and PJ is your band!

1. Go
2. Animal
3. Daughter
4. Glorified G
5. Dissident
6. W.M.A.
7. Blood
8. Rearviewmirror
9. Rats
10. Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town
11. Leash
12. Indifference

Amazing follow up to Ten
Rating: A+
After the amazing success of Pearl Jam's first record Ten, some wondered how they would follow up their impeccable success to one of the most popular and highest selling albums to emerge from the Seattle "grunge" movement in the early 90's. Hence, Pearl Jam triumphantly returned with their most blistering and powerful album ever conceived. By taking the raw and unmitigated audacity and power inherent in Ten with the unmistakable guitar talents of Mike McCready, and Jeff Amaent, the ferocity of Jeff Ament on Bass, and Dave Abbruzesse nailing away at the drums like an animal hyped up on acid who hasn't eaten for days, Eddie Vedder nails the lyrics to the wall for all to read and contemplate, as Pearl Jam come to the forefront of what they would record in their entire catalog with this wholely impeccable and flawless album.
From songs about Vedder's disgust for law-enforcement officials in WMA (due from an encounter he and an Afican-American friend had while standing outside of PJ's recording studio), to breaking up and forgetting about a loved one in RearView Mirror, each song is a relentless assault on your audial cavities, as each song holds such power and meaning that few could argue that this sophmore effort was not only one of Pearl Jam's best albums, but one of the best rock-albums of all time. From the opening track Go we are greeted with an audial burst of creativty, as the guitar solos have become more compressed, and diligently placed along with the vocals, thus creating a faster paced and more accutely accurate portrayal of the bands increased talent and intensity, along with the ability to create songs that echoed the shadow of the early to mid 90's. There are no throwaway songs, as the album meshes together in such a way that you just pop the cd in let it play and let your senses take over. For you radio friendly types though heres the list: Go, Animal, Daughter, Dissident, RearView Mirror, and Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town (you just gotta love that name), each of these songs was a hit radio single, and the other songs in between just help bridge the gap between the songs included beforehand. However, it is in songs such as Leash, where Vedder lets the parents know to drop the leash and get out his Fu**ing face that we see just what PJ was striving for; the ability to do what we want without the restrictions of not only our parents, but perhaps even society as well holding us back. Perhaps it is in the heartfelt and closing masterpiece of Indifference, that as the album closes we find ourselves taken back from the intensity of their whole opus, as we lay back in our chair and let the soothing closure of this amazingly conceived album come to a close, as the second chapter of PJ's history comes to a close only to be followed up the obscure and experimntal masterpiece that was Vitalogy. Grade A+ material in every respect, and an album no true rock and roll fan should ever be without.

Theres a reason it sold nearly a million in its first week
Its because Vedder and company made one of the best follow-up albums in the history of rock n' roll. Just LISTEN to "elderly woman behind the counter" a truly awesome all acoustic jam with Vedder proclaiming "hearts and thoughts they fade...fade away" as the song comes to a close, truly awe-inspiring. ... Read more

Asin: B0000028UK
Sales Rank: 6084
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Grunge    3. Hard Rock    4. Pop    5. Rock   

In Utero
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (21 September, 1993)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $7.99
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Editorial Review

Overwhelmed by sudden success, Nirvana promised to take a harsher, more abrasive route on their second major-label release. Enlisting Chicago-based noise maven Steve Albini (of Big Black fame), Kurt Cobain and company succeeded in producing a record that was violent, disillusioned, and deeply moving. Every song reads like a commentary on the cost of fame ("Serve the Servants") and the unhealthy relationship between performer and fan ("Milk It"). Of course, they might all simply be about Courtney Love. Gossip aside, there is no denying the sheer power of Cobain's songwriting, his singing, and the band's amazing, visceral power. Cobain even manages a John Lennon-like mantra at the end of the heart-wrenching "All Apologies." "All in all is all we are," he intones repeatedly, only for Cobain that's no consolation. --Percy Keegan ... Read more

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• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (538)

In Utero Raped to the Top
This is easily Nirvna's greatest album. Many believe Nevermind was but it gets tiring after awile. You can listen to this album thousands of times over. You can't really choose a greatest song on thatt album because they are all so good. "Serve the Servants" is about the troubles he had with his father and just sounds like a classic Nirvana song. "Heart-Shaped Box" combines a Nirvana ballad and distortion pedals. "Rape Me" the most controversial song on the album. Even so that Wal-Mart refused to sell it, but eventually edited it to "Waif me". It begins with "Teen spirit"-like riffs and gets harder and harder. Although it repeats a lot it is a great song. "Frances the Farmer will have her Revenge on Seattle" sounds like a mix of "(New Wave) Polly" and "Been a Son". "All Apologies" is just like "Heart-Shaped Box".
The album deals with sex, internal anatomy, abortion, etc. This album is a stupendous triumph of a time when gay-a** "gansta" rap was developing. Definetely one of the top ten grunge albums.
LONG LIVE KURT COBAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I Have To Give Them Credit
Nirvana is far from being the best the best grunge outfit. I don't know why people deem Kurt Cobain as a guitar legend. Seriously, he's not that great of a guitar player. If you want a guitar legend, how about John Petrucci of Dream Theater? Anyways, if it weren't for this band, the grunge era would have not been paved (or stopped), and as I am a Seattle native, I have experienced the sweet sounds of grunge, and I was only about 5 years when this was released.

Anyways, to the album: it's overrated, but it's not terrible. Not as overrated as "Nevermind", but still really popular amongst audiences. A song from this album that you are probably familiar with is "Heart-Shaped Box", possibly my favorite song from this album. It's very dark and tends to bring back the good old days (I miss the 90's). "Rape Me" is possibly one of the most vile Nirvana songs I've ever heard, but to be honest, it's fair. "Dumb", for some reason, is a favorite track. However, songs like "Pennyroyal Tea" and "All Apologies" weren't really necessary in this case.

To sum this all up, it's mediocre. It's not bad and it's not great. You may like it, you may hate it. However, I recommend "Bleach" or the B-sides album, "Incesticide", as they are much less overhyped and are a better breath of fresh air. But to be serious, I don't know why radio DJ's in Seattle are praising Nirvana as their god. To be honest, there were more underground grunge acts that were more talented than Nirvana, yet they got NO attention.

To sum this up: I'd only download some tracks and forget the rest. There are better grunge groups out there, like Soundgarden and Alice in Chains, or underground groups like Tad, Gruntruck or Love Battery.

A work of genius?!?! YEAH RIGHT! HAHAHA!
Go listen to "Dirt" or "Superunknown" instead, n00bs. ... Read more

Asin: B000003TAR
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Grunge    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. United States of America   

Siamese Dream
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (27 July, 1993)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

An introductory drum roll drops out and is replaced by a single suspended electric guitar, which is then paralleled by a snare, filled in with the bass, and--crash!--"Cherub Rock," the opening track, is enveloped in an explosion of metal guitar. So the journey begins. This album is pre-experimentation vintage Pumpkins. Produced by Butch Vig (Garbage, Sonic Youth, Nirvana's Nevermind), Siamese Dream is first about guitars. Lots and lots of guitars. A very close second is Jimmy Chamberlain's unquestionably excellent power drumming. Throughout each song, Billy Corgan delivers angsty lyrics in his signature breathy whine. "Disarm" is a nice intermission halfway though the album. As the title of the song suggests, it throws the listener into a different mood with its full string arrangements and radiant orchestral chimes. But then it is back to the aural masochism--a pain that rarely sounds so sweet. --Beth Bessmer ... Read more

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• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (395)

The Only Good Radio Band Of My Youth
The Smashing Pumpkins were a perfect radio band.I can't think of any other band with the same amount of alt-pop sensibilty in the 90s that wasnt technically indie.
Most other radio alt acts had some sort of subcategorization and ethos.(Radiohead-Experimentalism, NIN-Brooding Nihilism, Beck-
Goofy Postmodernism) SP had egos as well but it really felt like they in were in it for their audience. I'm so glad that i can rock out to 'today' or '1979' in the car rather than boston's 'more than a feeling'.

Their best and only really good album!
Siamese Dream isn't that innovative as some say, and SP never were that influental or innovative as many claim, the influence is mostly from The Pixies and Zeppelin. And basically SP remind much of Nirvana in some songs too, but Corgan always hated Nirvana, but yet said they were competing against them in popularity, and that's what I don't like 'bout the guy, the competing (?), that wasn't the point with grunge (since bands worked together all the time and were friends), but Corgan said he had to compete against other grunge bands and be better ? dumb! and yeah, they were better than many definitely, but not that original...okay, that's my introduction...
To the songs; "Cherub Rock", an awesome riff and great vocals and melodies, an awesome track with probably the sweetest guitar solo of the whole 90's! "Disarm", is a little cheesy and easy, but it's beautiful, it's probably the most personal track here, and slightly touching, the powerful strings and an easy acoustic guitar plus some bells make this an interestingly beautiful, however simplistic song, truly a masterpiece, maybe even a little overdriven, this song is at the line, if you should cry or laugh to it, it's so weird but yet makes a lot of sense, however. "Mayonaise" ,"Rocket" and "Today" are harder songs with mellow singing and crunchy thick guitars, and these type of songs were I think the best part of SP, easy, yet inventive and extremely powerfull riffs and mellow and sensitive singing by Billy Corgan, great! Lyrically I think the band fails to bring anything that extraordinary, but the songs are never statement songs, mostly personal themes, or themes that get in the shadows of the music, I guess those songs with deeper meanings often are too hard to understand, while the easy ones are really easy indeed, like "Today". I think the Pumpkins have taken the most influence by The Pixies, but are very aware of the "grunge" sound, if you know what I'm saying, Nirvana and especially Alice In Chains does ring a bell. All in all I think this album is a masterpiece, I don't think the most innovative music's never been the best, like Radiohead, who always try to be so original, but they're so boring, I think the very best songs of all time are songs that have a tight structure and that are after all very simplistic, not too cryptic or slow, powerfull and majestic riffs and some almost childishly sensitive singing by Corgan made the magic of Smashing Pumpkins. I think "Mellon Collie", was still okay, but "Machina" and "Adore", were boring, especially with over-experimenting and electrics, I guess the Pumpkins never figured out how to make great music after this and the follower, guess they didn't want to repeat and they made some crappy music, but this one here is a timeless and epic classic, a must-have for 90's rock diggers!

The start of something special
I admit, I never bought or heard "Gish".

I, like many out there in the early 90's, started my Pumpkins experience with this album and 12 years later, it is still one of the best investments I've ever made.

I absolutely ADORE (pardon the pun) their follow up "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness", I think it is the crowning achievement of not only the Pumpkins, but 90's rock music.

But all these years later, I am gaining further pleasure from "Siamese Dream" than I did even when it came out, and that's saying something because I LOVED it from day 1.

I find myself going back to my 90's music collection because of how horrible "rock" music has been throughout this decade, with very few exceptions (System of a Down, White Stripes and a handful of others).

I always liked "Today" basically from the first time I heard it back in the early 90's, and I thought "Disarm" was a masterpiece the levelof which I never heard before in the world of rock music.

But I am even more into songs like "Mayonnaise" and "Soma" now then I was then upon re-listening to this cd lately.

"Mayonnaise" is a tremendous song and in my opinion, the best on the cd, which is really saying something considering that I love basically every song on this masterpiece.

I am a HUGE Pumpkins fan and can't wait for Billy's solo album to come out next month.

This album IS everything it was cracked up to be, for people looking to get into the Samshing Pumpkins, buy this first, then their best and THE best rock album of the 90's "Mellon Collie and The Infinite Sadness".

You will not be disappointed AT ALL.

The Smashing Pumpkins were the best band of the 90's hands down and maybe the best American Rock Band EVER !!

Genius and pure bliss...that is their sound.

Billy Corgan is one of the true geniuses in rock history and this brilliant piece of work was his first real opportunity to share it with us, don't miss out on it.

You will thank me later !!!

This album is priceless, a true classic, eclipsed in 90's rock only by their own follow up "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness" in the history of alt rock and rock in general. ... Read more

Asin: B000000WJZ
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Pablo Honey
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 April, 1993)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $9.99
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Editorial Review

Before Radiohead became the biggest critics' darling since Pavement or Dr. Dre, they were just another pre-Oasis British band with some loose indie ties, trying to gain some cred. Loopy enough to name this moody, often battering debut album for a Jerky Boys routine, they were also a lot more interesting when they hadn't yet learned the word "soundscape." "Creep," the miserably majestic single they now claim nearly ruined them, may not even be the best thing here; try "Anyone Can Play Guitar," an epitaph for River Phoenix before the fact. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (171)

Pure sh**!
How can anyone listen to this kind of sc***? This is just pure garbage...just like Coldplay...don't waste your time...this is just whining!

Best Radiohead Album
I don't why most radiohead fans don't love this album, the crunchy guitars, wicked lead hooks, Its amazing how they created something so brilliant, I keep playing this album over and over again, i also have it on vinyl and can't put it down. Because of this album Johnny Greenwood is begining to be my top influence for guitar playing. If you need another classic 90's album for your collection this is your best bet.

Solid Debut from Legendary Band
A lot of people bash Pablo Honey, namely because Radiohead became so much more as the years progressed. True, Radiohead's later albums are superior to this grunge-britpop fuse album, but the album in itself is a decent one.
Here is a rundown of the songs on the album:

You: Very agressive opener that sets the tone for the album. Pretty much an angry pop song. Sometimes hurt by its three guitar attack. 8/10

Creep: Radiohead's most popular song and also personally detested by the band themselves. Its basically a song of angst and inadequacy in the face of love. Its popular for a reason. 9/10

How Do You: Anthem-like, rock driven song where Thom basically screams a lot. Its a catchy song. 8/10

Stop Whispering: Very catchy, pleasant pop song. Almost drowns in its own electric guitars, but a good song nontheless. 8/10

Thinking About You: A beatiful acoustic piece about a man who loses the woman he loves as she becomes famous and drifts away from him. This song is beautiful and alluring, and drives its point into the listener. 10/10

Anyone Can Play Guitar: Very scratchy, upbeat tune with references to Jim Morrison. Neat Song. 8.5/10

Ripchord: This is a solid song, probably the one on the album most benefited by the three-guitar attack. 8/10

Vegtable: This song is somewhat overplayed, but the lyrics are very good: 8/10

Prove Yourself: Starts off very good, but dies in the three guitar attack. One of the major flaws in this album is most exhibited in this song. 7/10

I Can't: Decent song. That's about all I can say. 7/10

Lurgee: A beautiful, soothing song. The lyrics are very simplistic and nothing is overdone. This song stays on a mellow plane until the very last note. 9/10

Blow Out: A neat sounding song with cool lyrics. Not the best song on here, but it warrants a listen. 8.5/10

Creep [Clean]: Just creep again. The radio version without the profanity. 9/10 ... Read more

Asin: B000002UR7
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Britpop    3. Pop    4. Rock   

Human Wheels
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (07 September, 1993)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Reviews (15)

One of his best!
This, to me, is one of the best albums of 1993. It was not the status quo from John Mellencamp. He put his heart and soul into this one. This would be in the top 3, for me, of all John Mellencamp albums.

Excellent!
This album was my first known introduction to John Mellencamp -- bizarrely from Top 40 radio.I admit that it's odd for a twelve-year-old (my age at the album's release) to have John Mellencamp as the angsty-music of choice, but it's still a helluva lot better -- deeper, more emotional, better written and so forth -- than what a lot of kids that age and even *my* age are listening to these day.

The style seems timeless -- it's unlike that of the other popular home-grown-sounding white rock-stars of the day -- which makes it a fine album both then and now.While _American Fool_ can sound dated, _Human Wheels_ still seems classic over ten years later.

Mellencamp returned to form with this one
After the disappointment of Whenever We Wanted I was concerned Mellencamp was all burned out, but I saw this follow-up album going cheap on cassette in '94 so I bought it. Hooray! The good tunes were back, along with meaningful lyrics. JM had threatened back then that this was to be his last album, but he's threatened that several times since then. And thankfully, he stills puts out albums.
The title track is the standout song for me, a sad but beautifully worded poem on the state of the nation. JM also uses vox effects in the last verse. "Beige to Beige" is also a good song, the melody reminding me of earlier Mellencamp. "Case 795 (The Family)" is another sad song, on family abuse and murder. On side two, "Suzanne and the Jewels" stands out. The closing song, "To the River" has an interesting Eastern sound in its intro and the song is a blend of blues and rock.
Mellencamp has written about serious topics before but this whole album seems darker than his other work. Still, it's a good album. It's unfortunate that Human Wheels was not really appreciated by radio and was quickly forgotten when the next big single ("Wild Night") was released from its follow-up, Dance Naked. ... Read more

Asin: B000001E1G
Sales Rank: 32637
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Heartland Rock    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Rock    6. Rock & Roll   

Debut
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (13 July, 1993)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

Her first album following the breakup of the Sugarcubes, Debut is Icelandic trickster Björk's statement of purpose: bringing curious experimentalism to the dance floor and putting her startling, expressive voice front and center. Her perspective is a little alien--it's no accident that the first song talks about "getting close to a human"--but her leveling of genre distinctions has some wonderful results, especially the eroticized easy-listening reggae sway of "Venus As a Boy." Paired with producer Nellee Hooper (of Soul II Soul), she comes up with a series of invitingly artificial settings for her pipes, built from late-night beats and peculiar timbres, and sings like she's overwhelmed with joy from all her senses. --Douglas Wolk ... Read more

Reviews (127)

"Debut" stands the test of time.
This is my favorite of all of Bjork's work, both with the 'Cubes, and as a solo artist.This album is wonderfully crafted, and takes you through so many emotions.All the songs are great; I love "The Anchor Song," which doesn't get enough credit; it's classic Bjork--quirky, odd and humorous.I love the horns in this song.But, by far, THE best song on this album is "Come to Me."This song is just...incredble...my all-time favorite song from Bjork.I lose myself in its etherial string arrangement, scattered piano notes, and Bjork's floating, overlapped lyrics.The song is so powerful...enough to make you cry.

Mesmerizing (never mind the dead swan dress ... )
Outward appearances can be deceiving -- this album proves it.If Bjork is a little off the wall, that must come with the territory of being a gin-yoo-wine artist, because she is the real thing.

I was growing out of 80's music when the Sugarcubes came along and annoyed me with their insta-success (just add water!), so at the time of this debut album (named, mysteriously enough, Debut, go figure) I didn't have much of an interest in giving it a listen.Fast forward a decade (give or take a few years), add Napster to the mix (oh joy, my PC is now a jukebox!) and oh, I see, NOW I'm getting what all the hoopla is about Bjork and why so many people on the "im"personals cite her as a favorite artist.Her voice is bright, expressive, expansive, beautiful -- how does a voice like that come out of such a little person?Beyond that, she is truly unafraid to explore virtually any musical styling which strikes her fancy, without sounding embarrasingly like a dilettante.Combine these two with her deceivingly pixie-ish persona and the mix is beguiling, surprising and fresh, fresh, fresh.This album, to my ears, sounds fresh even thirteen years after it was released.Bjork is one of a kind, strangely beautiful in many ways, but not so alien that you think she must be using a tonal scale from another planet.If you're noodling around for something new (or new to you), give this a listen.Bjork really is worth the price of admission ... she'll never make it to the top 40 (though Liz Phair did, so who knows?) but that's not necessarily such a bad thing.

Bjork, come to my house for tea and veggie delights.Please!!

She lost the Sugar, But this Album is Sweet

Bjork's "Debut" is certainly one of the finest albums of the early nineties.Mixing great dance beats with artful lyrics and her unmistakable voice, Bjork shed the punky sound of the Sugarcubes and really made her mark as a serious recording artist with this album.I have owned this album for well over ten years and continually return to it because it is amazing.The sound is careful to not sound too "dancy" even though many of the tracks certainly havea disco beat.Transcending any one musical style Debut has maintained its currency through its unique sound and well written songs.

Going from the bombastic "Human Behavior", which shows in itself the power of Bjork's voice, the album moves quickly to "Crying" which ispoppy but terrific.The next notable is "There's more to life than This" which has a rowdy party sound complete with a bar room background
track and driving beats. While I don't want to list every track I think its notable to mention the cover of "Like Someone in Love" Which is serene and beautiful and "Violently Happy", a song that has more energy and confused emotion than should be legal.

To say that I like this album doesn't even approach my feeling toward it.Bjork's later recordings all don't seem to come close to this one. It is a great album and I think it would garner the same praise if it were released today as it had twelve years ago.The sound is fresh, artistic and beautiful.This is an album that will hook you on the first listen.Take my advice I am sure you will enjoy it too.

-- Ted Murena ... Read more

Asin: B000002HCO
Subjects:  1. Alternative Dance    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Club/Dance    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Trip-Hop   

Duran Duran 2 (The Wedding Album)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 February, 1993)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

With the appearance of fashion-oriented acts like Adam Ant, Culture Club, and Duran Duran, the early '80s gave birth to an emerging genre called "new romantic." Appealing to a young, mostly female audience, the Duran gang--named after a character in the kitschy, futuristic Jane Fonda movie Barbarella--helped move U.K. music away from punk and back towards the early-'70s sound of groups like Roxy Music and T. Rex. Fronted by singer Simon LeBon, and anchored by keyboardist Nick Rhodes and guitarist John Taylor, the band made quite a splash with this 1981 debut via the British hits "Planet Earth" and "Girls on Film," whose pornlike video was banned by the BBC, thus helping the band's notoriety. --Billy Altman ... Read more

Reviews (48)

Who Writes for Amazon???
John Taylor was the bassist not the guitarist. Get it right dummies.This album was a surprise in 1993 and is now a classic.I am happy that the original band is back together but Warren Cuccurilo did a great job here- great guitar sounds on Come Undone.By the way does anyone know who the chick is in the video?josephmarkdavis@aol.com I read that the voice belongs to Tessa Niles on back up.

Definitely a MUST HAVE DD ALBUM!
This cd for me falls into the catagory of "I would never want to lose this cd, and if I do, it will be replaced ASAP!"

This Duran Duran album is a classic IMO. Ranks only second to my beloved Notorious album, but Wedding Album contains some rocking rocking tracks!
The way Duran Duran fused some new electronica sounds (like Come Undone, and Love Voodoo) with more acoustic-sounding tracks (like Ordinary World) is just a testament to their genius and cool music sense!

My track favorites are-Too Much Information (heavy on drums and guitar, very cool "harder" Duran!) Very fun driving song!
-Ordinary World..needs no explanation..just a real hot track..very somber, but also uplifting at the same time! Classic
-Love Voodoo-actually is one of the top 2 non single tracks for me. Very powerful and slinky..."Night after night I try to prove..that I can resist you"...very sexy! Very 'Come Undone' ish in production ... LOVE THIS SONG!
-Come Undone-classic DD! Great performed live in concert too
-None of the Above-Definitely a great Duran track..one of my favorite songs of all time! Cool fusing of electronica sounds and kind of acoustic guitar sounds! GREAT gem on this cd!

I also agree that this cd is an underrated gem from the '90's and an unbelievable DD cd!

DD's re-emergence onto the popular scene
It's always funny to read the mainstream reviews for your favorite artists, and how they make not so ancient hits (Big Thing) sound like they happened decades ago. After a short hiatus, the boys returned to the airwaves with yet more proof that they had some staying power.

Just before the album was released, the band performed 'Orindary World' live on NBC's The Today Show, and I was enthralled. After the ho-hum of the single 'Too Much Information', I was blown away by this song's simplicity, and its depth. And the follow up 'Come Undone' was equally beautiful and powerful. So I went out and purchased the album.

Half of the album I flat out don't like - songs like 'Shotgun' and 'Femme Fatale' are just filler, and others are just mainstream pop blather, lacking in real creativity and interest. But then there are songs like 'Love Voodoo' with its pervasive bass and catchy hooks, and the penultimate power track, 'Sin of the City', which, when clustered along side the singles, make this album a must-have for fans of Duran Duran.

Is it as good as previous DD albums? No. And I don't think it's as good as their newest offering, Astronaut. But its an excellent album nonetheless. ... Read more

Asin: B000002V1D
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Zooropa
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (06 July, 1993)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $9.99
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Editorial Review

Following the band's Zoo TV tour, which took aim at consumerism and media overload, U2 brought those themes and the complex, futuristic sound of its preceding album, Achtung Baby, to their somewhat illogical conclusion on Zooropa, the group's most chaotic, cutting-edge work. The monotone techno-rap "Numb" leads the way, while "Lemon" offers reminders of David Bowie's Berlin trilogy of more than a decade before. Best of all is "The Wanderer," featuring a guest vocal by country-music icon Johnny Cash. His bottomless baritone sounds bizarre over burbling synthesizers, but Bono's trenchant lyric about a postapocalyptic seeker of sensation and experience before he repents nails Cash's legend at least as well as he ever has himself. --Daniel Durchholz ... Read more

Reviews (183)

Garbage!
This is just terrible! "Lemon" is maybe the worst song in the world ever! This is awful! LIsten to great music like Led Zeppelin!

This is the best U2 album
Zooropa reminds me of the Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour in that both albums are simultaneously each band's best album and also most underrated.

While Zoo has 3 weak songs, 7 songs are very good. I am astonished at the less than stellar reviews this ablum has on this website. Likewise, when talking to U2 fans I am amazed at how many dismised this album.

Like Magical Mystery Tour, there is a level of depth with respect to both the songwriting and the various background noises which gives this album incredible depth. Quite frankly, I think this album went over the head of the average person who was looking for another "Mysterious Ways".

It is a shame really as there is a lot to this album which allows one to listen to this album repeatedly sans getting sick of it.

A BLAST! . . . these guys had creativity to spare . . .
Still coasting on the euphoria from their ACHTUNG BABY juggernaut and the most successful tour of their career up to this point, U2 ventured into left field with ZOOROPA, far away from the more earnest monumental rock of their 80's heyday. The band sounds like thy're having a blast as they experiment with electronics, possibly more than they ever have before or since. Typical of Bono, the lyrics are great. I love every song on this album. It reminds me of one of the best summers of my life which is one of the really cool things music can do.

My impressions of ZOOROPA:

"Zooropa" - This is in fact my absolute favorite U2 song (I won't argue that it's their best, just my personal favorite although my favorite album is still THE UNFORGETTABLE FIRE despite its perceived flaws). An alien signal creeps in followed by haunted keyboards from the EDGE. Then a hyper-effects laden guitar bleeds into view before the song slides into focus with Bono's voice hovering in the background: "What do you want . . ." At one point the song REALLY launches into orbit, swirling and spinning as if it's trying to break into the 7th demention. The lyrics teeter on the edge of something dangerous while embracing the possible: "And I have no compass/ And I have no map/ And I have no reasons, no reasons to get back/ And I have no religion/ And I dont know what's what/ And I don't know the limit, the limit of what we've got!" Absolutely freakin' brilliant song!

"Babyface" - a song of twinkling wonderment in awe of a beautiful woman. Slightly hammy but totally sexy.

"Numb" - fun and very cool song has the Edge robotically spewing negative commands. Loaded with hissing tapes and other background effects and Bono singing falsetto in the background.

"Lemon" - a disco-fried wonder with shimmery synths. Bono in falsetto again. Great song! Although some people find Bono's performance embarrasing, you gotta admire the way the guy sticks his neck out there. Bono always puts his soul into it, even on this song!

"Stay (Faraway So Close!)" - beautiful, slightly country-tinged song that really soars. Heroic, heartfelt vocal from Bono and a perfect example of his talent for layering on angelic background harmonies.

"Daddy's Gonna Pay for Your Crashed Car" - a perfect example of U2's tongue in cheek decadence in the 90s. Larry Mullin Jr. lays down a tripped-out groove on this spacey rocker. Killer!

"Some Days Are Better Than Others" - playful, bouncy song, Clayton's bass turned up too loud (in typical fashion). Chime-y guitars from the Edge reminds me of the ancient U2 B-side "Things to Make and Do."

"The First Time" - solumn, floating serenity. Subtle, yet intense.

"Dirty Day" - another song on the serious side of the fence, this one has a quiet intensity with blasts of scorching guitar and a potent climax.

"The Wanderer" - guided by a rather cheesy, tinkly-bonk synthesiser that manages to evoke a country and western feel. Guest star Johnny Cash delivers a solid vocal with that distinctive voice of his. Some of Bono's best lyrics! ... Read more

Asin: B000001E18
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. College Rock    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. Rock   

Ten Summoner's Tales
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 March, 1993)
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Editorial Review

The former jazzman-turned-punk is now more middle-of-the-road than a yellow stripe. But Ten Summoner's Tales is by far the most engaging of his solo records. The singles "If I Ever Lose My Faith in You" and "Fields of Gold" prove the man can lighten up long enough to go deep. "She's Too Good For Me" would have been a good Police single if it weren't for the pseudo-classical midsection that takes its joke far too seriously. Still, you wish he would loosen up and enjoy the rock once in a while. --Robert Wilonsky ... Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (78)

Second only to Sting's first solo album
I loved Sting's first solo album, The Dream of the Blue Turtles, from when it was first released during my early post-graduate years.Although I appreciated the title of his next album (taken from a line in Shakespeare's Sonnet 130 "My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun"), I was never as enamored with his second or third solo efforts.However, my belated discovery of Sting's fourth solo album, Ten Summoner's Tales, caused me to fall in love with his melodic, expressive voice all over again.

The best-know from this song, "Fields of Gold," didn't appeal to me when it was being overplayed on the radio, but I've come to appreciate its sweet, gentle qualities.My favorite song on the album is "Seven Days," which contains great lines/plays on words reminiscent of some of the Police's best work; plus, it has an upbeat, sing-out-loud chorus.Other fun songs from this album include "Love is Stronger Than Justice," "She's Too Good for Me," and "Epilogue (Nothing 'Bout Me)."However, I prefer the album's more soulful tunes, particularly "Heavy Cloud (No Rain)" and "It's Probably Me."All and all, this is a can't-miss album for Sting fans and most fans of the Police as well.

This album is ridiculous...
...ridiculously good. I've no hesitation in giving it five stars. From beginning to end it's spectacular. I can think of few solo artists with the quality of Sting's music, at least for my tastes.

AWESOME
This has to be one of my favorite Sting albums ever. Or actually , one of the best albums ever. ... Read more

Asin: B000005IL1
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Adult Contemporary    3. Album Rock    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. Rock   

Pork Soda
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 April, 1993)
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Editorial Review

Corrosive grooves, minimalist noise, and surreal banjo interludes make this weird and not very wonderful. --Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Reviews (55)

A Culinary Delight
Although it truly is an acquired taste, Pork Soda is Primus's best work.

First off, Les Claypool is a genius. This is common knowledge for the most part, but it has to be said. His basswork is stupefying and his lyrics are surprisingly succinct, once one gets through their absurdly nasally delivery. He seems to have a knack for portraying traumatized lunatics with anger management problems--I'm not complaining. The drums and guitar compliment each other magnificently; the whole band supports one another, which is part of why this album's so great.

The aspect of Pork Soda that turns people away from it or draws them in is its absurdity. This music is rambunctious and entergetic, though a veritable cornucopia of emotions are portrayed. A feeling that I can only describe as a suppressed mania pervades this album, and is a contributing factor to its excellence.

Like most people, I disliked Pork Soda at first. It is weird, even for Primus. However, after listening to Frizzle Fry, I reluctantly put it on and, surprisingly, found myself right at home. A sort of morbid fascination, if you will. In this way, it's easily compared to Tool's AEnema; both were engineered for longevity.

Pork Soda is, at first, grating, corrosive music, but give it chance, then give it another one maybe, and you'll really appreciate it.

Alright!
This Was the best Primus album ever! OK, some may argue and say that either "Frizzle Fry" OR "Sailing The Seas Of Cheese" was best. But if you ask me THIS was the best, PORK SODA!Here's What I think Maybe you do too!

1.Pork Chop's Little Ditty 10/10 (I don't know what it is but I like like this song!)
2.My Name Is Mud 10/10
3.Welcome To This World 8/10
4.BOB 9/10
5.DMV
6.Ol' Dimondback N/A
7.Nature Boy 9/10
8.Wounded Knee 6/10
9.Pork Soda 9/10
10.The Pressman 10/10 (Originally from "Suck On This")
11.Mr.Krinkle 10/10
12.The Air Is Getting Slippery 10/10 (FUNNY!)
13.Hamburger Train 9/10
14.Pork Chop's Little Ditty 10/10
15.Hail Santa 7/10

There you go thats what I think. Anyway bottom line BUY THIS ALBUM!!!!!!!!

More wine plz.
Corrosive grooves, minimalist noise, and surreal banjo interludes make this weird, and very very wonderful.

Hehehe. ... Read more

Asin: B000001Y5P
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Tuesday Night Music Club
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (03 August, 1993)
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Editorial Review

Sheryl Crow's proper debut--an earlier, slicker record was scrapped in favor of Tuesday Night--occasionally reaches too far in attempting Significance, as when the album opens by name-checking Aldous Huxley. Usually, though, Crow and her band of L.A. session and singer/songwriter collaborators strike just the right tone. The "Stuck in the Middle with You" homage of "All I Wanna Do," the clanking guitar riff of "Can't Cry Anymore," and the funky threat of "What I Can Do for You" meld perfectly with the lyrics, resulting in a peak of mainstream pop-rock. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (94)

Tuesday Night Music Club
This is one of the best debut albums by anyone. Everybody knows the big hits All I Wanna Do and Strong Enough, but EVERY song on this album is good. If fact, I think several of them could have been big hits if they had been released as singles. My favorites of the non-hits on here are The Na-Na Song, What I Can Do For You, and I Shall Believe.

Hard to believe this album is over 11 years old. 11 years and I still don't get tired of playing it. That sure doesn't happen too often with debut albums.

Energetic
When Sheryl Crow emerged in 1993, few people would be able to guess what the blue-eyed music teacher from Missouri would accomplish. However, her debut album, "Tuesday Night Music Club", put the critics to rest with its string of radio hits and impressive songs. At the time, few women were on the inside of the rock world, and none of them had successfully combined folk and rock. Crow was paving a new way for future female artists like Meredith Brooks, Jewel, and Alanis Morissette.

The album immediately conveys a sense of something different with its first track, the soulful `Run, Baby Run'. Featuring the sounds of a lounge club mixed with rock, it is both laid-back and bluesy. Radio hit `All I Wanna Do' is a quirky look at life in Los Angeles as seen through the eyes of a foreigner, and `The Na-Na Song' is a psychedelic journey through pop culture.

However, the three greatest tracks on the album are two ballads and its greatest hit. `Leaving Las Vegas' was written by Crow and Bill Bottrell after a friend wrote the novel; after the release of the film, it soared to new heights. With a memorable chorus and honest lyrics ("Such a muddy line/Between the things you want/And the things you have to do"), it captures the spirit of the film. Ballad `Strong Enough' is about the insecurities every female faces when she wonders if she has too much baggage to be in a loving relationship. `I Shall Believe', my personal favorite, is a heart-felt look at the blind comfort we all reach for at some point - wanting to hear that things will be all right, even if they realistically won't.

Few debut albums stack up to "Tuesday Night Club". It is full of soulful lyrics, memorable melodies, and an energy that is rarely seen in music. Though it was Sheryl Crow's first album, it is also perhaps her best album. With not one bad track on it, this record is one to enjoy time and again.

The real scoop
There's one and only one reason why this project attained such success, and thus, launched what has been, by most accounts, a stellar career for SC. And that reason is/was Kevin Gilbert.

In the beginning of this vapid, arid, non-musical torpor into which we seem to have fallen, there was a singer/writer/producer so gifted, it's entirely justified to draw comparisons to the works of Collins/Gabriel, Lennon/McCartney, and Becker/Fagen. But, apparently Kevin brought too much raw talent to the table to be easily pidgeon-holed by the major labels (a requirement if you're going to be signed).

Kevin brought SC to the Tues. Night Music Club as a vocalist/keyboardist. That's how she came to the attention of the majors, who were, thereafter, easily able to box her up for general consumption. Meanwhile, his career languished, and not long after, Kevin's life came to an entirely unnecessary, and sadly 'premature' end. It's interesting to note that Kevin was scheduled, at the time of his death, to fly to Britain, to audition for a spot in Genesis -- a move which, had it succeeded, would have doubtless brought his phenomenal gifts to an industry and listening public sorely in need of them.

I only found out about kevin after his death in '96, and I'm still blown away by the loss of an artist of his magnitude, at so young an age.

Go to www.kevingilbert.com, and check out "Toy Matinee", "Thud", and "The Shaming of the True". Find out where the REAL talent behind this release lay. And imagine what might have been... ... Read more

Asin: B000002G1T
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. American Trad Rock    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Rock    6. Singer/Songwriter   

Everybody Else is Doing It So Why Can't We? (The Complete Sessions 1991-1993)
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Audio CD (30 July, 2002)
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Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (8)

real cranberries
I just can say i love this album for the simple reason it is the first one and never equaled in sound, elegance, quality, essence, delicate sadness and youth. It is incomparable and it deserves to be listen by good and pacient tastes in post XX century pop music.

I do recomended.

(...)

awesome
Her voice is so soothing, sweet and real.
I love this album.

"Everybody Else" not quite the caliber as everything else
This is a great album of the Cranberries' but it's definitely not quite the same caliber as say, No Need to Argue or To the Faithful Departed. In some ways this album seems a lot more shallow, a lot less variety and experimentation, but if that's more your style of the Cranberries' songs, you will enjoy this one. The songs are a lot less political and a more limited subject matter is in this CD. Her voice doesn't really have the same fluctuating quality from song to song as does in the other two albums I own, and neither is the music better in comparison. I would recommend the other two aforementioned in place of this one, but there are some very good ones, such as "Sunday" (slow beginning, spontaneously upbeat, awesome instrumental of strings). I don't think the Cranberries really let themselves go until their next albums. (In the midst of all these love-elation-and-despair songs you almost can't distinguish the Irish accent until the "linger" in Linger is a jarring realization of their heritage, though that's beside the point. )Great, but could be better. ... Read more

Asin: B000068VHP
Sales Rank: 27926
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Indie Pop    4. Indie Rock    5. Pop    6. Rock   

August and Everything After
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (14 September, 1993)
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Editorial Review

It's amazing the difference a year makes. Upon its release, August and Everything After sounded remarkably fresh, a welcome change from the crunch and screech of grunge. Blending the vocal athleticism of Van Morrison with the moody rock of The Band, the Counting Crows turned on a whole legion of fans turned off by modern rock. But what sounded fresh soon became stale as dozens of bands flocked to the radio with euthanized versions of the Counting Crows' sound. But you shouldn't hold that against the Crow boys. August and Everything After is a fantastic rock album. Though "Mr. Jones" was the moneymaker, the disc features such standout cuts as the dark lilt of "Anna Begins," the morose "Rain King," and the outstanding U2-meets-Grant Lee Buffalo anthem "Murder of One." Maybe time, and another listen, will heal the damage wrought. --Tod Nelson ... Read more

Reviews (249)

still the best
I heard AAEA as a medical resident driving late nights to work and it was always an inspiration to me.Every song on this album is PERFECT.It sat in my CD player and was replayed almost incessantly for 6 months.It was and is my favorite album of all time.Then the inevitable happened.It was stolen from my car in a New York minute!!!I only got around to replacing it now!!! I am now bathing in nostalgia for the past 10 years of life gone by.This album has branded an era in my head.I think it will play for months to come in my CD player once again.

Brilliant Album
Easily one of the better albums I've ever heard. With the moody melodies and deep, affecting lyrics it blows away "everything after".

One of the best albums of all time.
It stands right up there with the best of Pink Floyd and the Beatles. Counting Crows debut August and Everything After is not only widely accepted to be their best, but also has been heard by almost every real fan of rock music. In fifty years, AAEA will be viewed as one of the greatest and most influential albums ever made. Every great 90's band (matchbox 20, sister hazel, fastball, dogs eye view, and many others) owes at least a bit of their success to Counting Crows. However, most band's pale in comparison.
August and Everything After was also the band's most successful album, do largely in part to the single Mr. Jones. It's been over ten years and you still hear Mr. Jones on the radio regularly. The lesser singles, Round Here and Rain King are better songs, but not as widely heard. The album was one of the biggest debut of the 90's, and one of the best ever made.
From the stunning Round Here, all the way to the incredible Murder of One (which could be one of the best songs ever written), this album seems to do everything right. Adam Duritz, the singer and songwriter, has an incredible way with words and music. Whether you like the slower ballads (Round Here, Anna Begins, Sullivan Street, Raining in Baltimore, Time And Time Again) of the faster more upbeat songs (Mr. Jones, A Murder Of One, Rain King) there is something for everyone on this record. August and Everything After the song does exist, it just didn't make it to the album because they couldn't get a good recording of it. It's too bad becaue the song is a classic. You can get a live version of it on one of the singles. Here is my track rating.

Round Here: One of the greatest songs in the band's library, and definatelysome of the best lyrics Adam has written. Completely outstanding. 5/5

Omaha: The weakest track on the album. It's still good, but doesn't have the beautiful lyrics that so many of the songs on this album have. Still good, but not one of the best. 4/5

Mr. Jones: The song that need no explanation. Everyone who is reading this will have heard it. This is truly legendary. 5/5

Perfect Blue Buildings: This song it a fan favorite. It's not my favorite, but definatly great. This first time I heard it, I thought it was too slow, but it's got this great atmospheric sound to it that I just love. It's a little depressing, and it's long, but it's still great. 4.5/5

Anna Begins: There is just something about this song that gets better with every listen. It's slower, and it has some excellent lyrics to it. 5/5

Time and Time Again: Another slower song. This is one of the more underrated songs on this album. A bunch of people seem to pass it over as nothing special, but it's really quite good, do in a big way to the lyrics. 5/5

Rain King: This song is the only song that's at all like Mr. Jones. Its upbeat, fun, and just seems to flow. If you like Mr. Jones, Chances are you'll love this. 5/5

Sullivan Street: Another slow one, but far less depressing than Perfect Blue Buildings. I like it a lot more than that song. 5/5

Ghost Train: As the title may suggest, this song sounds a bit mysterious. It's far from being the best song on the album, but definately seems to belong here. 4.5/5

Raining in Balitmore: A piano ballad. Either the third or fourth best song on the album. Sad, but not even close to perfect blue buildings. Beautiful music, piano, and lyrics. 5/5

A Murder of One: Nothing even comes close to this song. It's definately the best song on the album, perhaps the best of 1993, and it may even be the best song released in the 90's. It's upbeat, but not like Mr. Jones, and it's refreshing after so many sad songs. From the fast and addicting drum beat that imediatly draws you in, Adam's best vocals on the album, and excellent guitar work, not to mention the wonderful lyrics, this is a perfect song if there ever was one. This is songwriting at it's best, and it's beyond perfect. An excellent way to close such a great album. 10/5

As you see, the only thing that is even remotely wrong with this album is that some parts may be too depressing for some. None of the other counting crows albums are like it though. If you want happy, get their fourth album Hard Candy. In my oppinion, that album is the best, but AAEA is beautiful beyond any of the other albums. All of the albums have a different sound, and you can chooseone depending on what you like most, but I recommend just picking them all up if you haven't already.

August And Everything After will be remembered long after the band is finished recording music. Until then, I look forward to what's next for the Counting Crows.

Overall: 5 stars out of five. ... Read more

Asin: B000003TAP
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. American Trad Rock    4. Pop    5. Rock   

Get a Grip
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 November, 2001)
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Editorial Review

While Aerosmith were busy capitalizing on the successes spawned by its improbable, career-revivingPermanent Vacation and Pump albums, the rock world was undergoing a Nirvana-inspired seismic shift. And although the Boston boogie-rockers had long worn the "dinosaur" tag as a badge of honor, this 1993 album is evidence that they took the twin challenges posed by the upsurge of alternative and hip-hop as something more than mere inconvenience. Unfortunately, the sometimes painfully forced, something-for-everyone results only argued that musicians should stick to their guns, come hell, high water--or ominous fashion trends. Or maybe they should have heeded the old adage about too many cooks. Indeed, Aerosmith is supplemented--and sometimes seemingly supplanted--here by no less than six outside writers (including previous vets Desmond Child and Jim Vallance, as well as Hudson brother Mark and retro soul-rocker Lenny Kravitz), and the schizoid production of Vacation and Pump helmsman Bruce Fairbairn, who seems as comfortable with alt rock's less-is-more ethos as Stone Cold Steve Austin would be in a tutu. The band should've known better, too. The social consciousness of "Livin' on the Edge" seems contrived, with Steven Tyler's intermittent rapping utterly disconnected from that on his pioneering "Walk This Way," while "Eat the Rich" inexplicably promotes auto-cannibalism. It's an album that goes all over the map to get uncomfortably close to nowhere. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (25)

Aerosmith Everlasts.....
Rock groups come and go, but Aerosmith shows us why they endure with this remastered CD. My favorite A albums are still "Toys in the Attic" and "Pump" but 'Cryin'" alone would made this CD worth the money.

Community Album***1/2
"Get a Grip" is the apex of the Aerosmith Mach II, along with "Pump."While Pump sounds more like Aerosmith the bar band, "Get a Grip" is Aerosmith the arena rockers.Every note of this album is calculated for better or worse;Outside writers (Desmond Child), outside musicians (Lenny Kravitz), rehashed material (the "Walk this Way" intro).Much of the album hasn't aged well either, like the rapping on the title track or the over-produced "Flesh."Many of the songs that acted like songs of a generation in 1993 sound like filler today.Having said all that, "Get a Grip" is still a compelling listen and yes, it DOES have something for everyone.

"Eat the Rich," though admittedly a bit hypocritical, is still better than the Stones have done in the last 30 years."Fever" borders somewhere on the line of high-octane blues and country (well, Garth Brooks DID cover it).Lyrics on some of the lesser tunes, a la "Shut Up and Dance," are poetic, clean-cut, and still funny as ever.Finally, say what you will about their late ballads, but "Cryin" and "Amazing" still play in the messy rooms of generation X, 90s-minded individuals.

Overall:7 out of 10.

A big comedown from Pump
As many have pointed out, these are very slickly produced and radio ready, which is fine if there's substance under the veneer. Sometimes there is, but more often there isn't. The album is definitely at its strongest in the first half where nearly all the best songs reside.

"Eat the Rich" is a fabulous screed against the high and mighty, "Get a Grip"'s rapid-fire chorus sticks in your brain, and "Livin' on the Edge" was deservedly a radio hit (although, in the end, his message is a bit fuzzy. The first part obviously lambasts racists, but in the section where he says there's something RIGHT with the world today, he never lets you in on what the 'good thing'is. And even when he's saying we're 'on the edge', he seems to lampoon the notion at the same time with the 'chicken little' reference, so I'm not sure ultimately what the song's about..)

After this, things go downhill in a hurry. The theme of "Flesh" has been done over and over by the band and usually much better, "Shut Up and Dance" doesn't inspire any hoofing, and "Gotta Love it" is downright insipid. "Cryin'" is the only bright spot in the 2nd half of the disc...a nice bluesy ballad that became one of the CD's hits. The Stephen Tyler harmonica solo really kicks this one into overdrive.

"Amazing" COULD have been one of Tyler's best songs ever. It's certainly probably his most introspective and meaningful lyric, but the music just isn't up to snuff to accompany it.

This is certainly one that has a few choice moments and lots of bland bits in between.

2 1/2 stars ... Read more

Asin: B00005QENZ
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Arena Rock    3. Hard Rock    4. Pop    5. Pop-Metal    6. Pop/Rock    7. Rock   

Wandering Spirit
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 February, 1993)
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Reviews (19)

Missed Opportunity
Mick shouldn't have made this album. He should have saved all the best tracks here for Voodoo Lounge. Imagine Sweet Thing, Don't Tear Me Up, Evening Gown, Wired All Night and I've Been Lonely for So Long, combined with Voodoo Lounge's best stuff -- Love is Strong, The Worst, Thru and Thru, Moon Is Up, Out of Tears and Suck on the Jugular. Had all the fat from Voodoo Lounge been replaced with all the best songs from Wandering Spirit, the Stones would have had one last masterpiece in the mid-1990s on the level with Some Girls and Tattoo You. Oh, what might have been ...

Mick has done us a great service.
When Mick first came on the scene with the Stones, their covers of black artists introduced us to music many of us weren't hearing otherwise. Thanks. But nowwe know. Now we regularly enjoy Marvin Gaye's"Hitchhike", not Mick's, and Howlin' Wolf's"Little Red Rooster", not Mick's. From this cd: We're all familiar with James Brown's "Think", and we've all heard "Use Me" so many times, in it's original form. Mick is no longer needed to show us the music.Covers now are merelycovers, and no more. Specifically to this cd: bad covers.

blah!!! buy deep purple new album Bananas!
avoid this! buy Deep Purple new album BANANAS!
UNSATISFIED EGOS for the new mundane songs! the cd has full of clichees! it is a fact that Mick Jagger still needs money from all fans!! The songs are uninspired outside his Stones activities. I said WHAT A unsatisfied egos!! the songs are boring, Mick just titled himself as the best Rock and roll singer in the world just because he is a big boss of stones.

PS:
Deep Purple one the greatest Hardrock contemporary on earth is on the studio again by producing their new album BANANAS. The Purple new album has composed most of good songs and freshing sounds....Deep Purple is also an old band like Beatles and Stones, but they always produce new LPs and albums for their fans. As a result the PURPLE new album BANANAS got many good critics....see the reviews of BANANAS!!!

... Read more

Asin: B000002IUO
Sales Rank: 24081
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Pop    3. Pop/Rock    4. Rock    5. Rock & Roll   

Fate of Nations
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (27 May, 1993)
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Reviews (26)

Best 80's album made in '93?
Nirvana and Nirvana'a quickly expanding bandwagon ruled much of '93. But Robert Plant stuck to his own well-crafted modern blues-rock style he developed in the 80's and made some terrific music. I recall feeling FATE OF NATIONS sounded a bit bland and less adventurous compared to MANIC NIRVANA when it first came out (and I would rate FATE lower than that one as well). But despite a few lackluster songs, FATE OF NATIONS holds up well as a natural extention of Plant's 80's material and it contains some of the most mature-sounding, professional songs of his career. Plant's style is unabashedly his and, having established himself as a "golden god" in Led Zeppelin, he can pretty much do whatever he wants and get away with it anyway.

FATE OF NATIONS is a protest album of sorts. The children watching planet Earth melt away on the cover also observe scenes of man-made environmental devestation on the inner sleeves which are accompanied by chilling statistics. Still, this album puts the music first.

"Calling To You" - heavy-hitting opener with Middle Eastern influences woven throughout. Fantastic violin from Nigel Kennedy. ****1/2

"Down To The Sea" - More Middle Eastern flavor (a style much explored by Plant) pervades on this perfectly agreeable little rocker that's quite easy on the ears. ****1/4

"Come Into My Life" - Deep, dark and beautiful, Plant longs for someone to "come into my life - here where nothing matters." Possibly the album's best and certainly my favorite on it. *****

"I Believe" - good, uplifting tune. ****1/4

"29 Palms" - steady rock song and a pretty, worthy radio single. ****1/2

"Memory Song (Hello, Hello)" - typically great guitar work on this somewhat unusual tune with great, pleading vocals from Plant (who is in excellent form throughout). Could've used a better song title and it suffers a bit for following "29 Palms," but it's good. ****

"If I Were A Carpenter" - Already a classic in some peoples' minds, this is a gorgeous rendition that faithfully compliments the original. ****1/2

"Promised Land" - One of my favorite Plant songs, this is a chugging rocker loaded with tough guitars, piercing harmonica bursts and plenty of attitude. *****

"The Greatest Gift" - A.C.O.D. - (adult-contemprary over-dose). May not be that bad a song, but it's not my style. ***

"Great Spirit" - another A.C.O.D., but groovier with more soul. ***1/2

"Network News" - a nasty blues-rock riff drives this indictment of war and it's environmental costs. The only overtly political song on the album, it also blasts the media's obliviousness and suseptability to government propaganda. The song gets a bit drawn out, but as the album's closer, it's appropriate. ****

Great stuff by a fine singer
This is a mature, ecletic album that does not neglect the glorious past of Plant ("Calling to You" is a heavy rock-middle eastern opus not unlike "Kashmir" and "Promised Land" has Zepp all over the place)but the singer/composer here has the time, good material and great arrangements to display many sides of his considerable talent. Plant's voice definitely is not as phenomenal as ii was in the early Zepp-days, but in this album he sounds particularly warm and effective. My girlfriend, who does not know about Led Zeppelin, considered his voice "sexy" so I guess the old lemon-squeezer's charms were still effective in this album...
Many good moments in this album - the violin coda of "Calling to you" is quite thrilling, the terrific balads "Greatest Gift" and "Great Spirit", the pop perfection of "29 Palms" and "I Believe", the sensuos slow-burning "Come into my life"... It is a great album for a more mature audience.

Mediocre Plant lite - Actually 2.5 stars
I don't get why many people are saying this is Percy's best release. Does it have a certain warmth to it as well as a decent vibe? Yes.

Vibe aside what else does it bring to the table? Not a lot. Plant drops his banshee wailing for a more subdued personal style. In some cases it works alright (29 Palms) but in others its really bland. This album doesn't make you get up and move, nor does it inspire you. It just drones on.

I'm not really a fan of his backing band (1988 - 1991). I think they are somewhat hokey. They try to mix a "big" rock sound but end up sounding almost amateurish. Thats been one of the big problems with some of Plant's solo work. The borderline amateur feel to it.

The verdict on this album? Marginal, this "deep and enviromental conscious" album really isn't the holy grail some claim it to be. If anything it was the first shot across the bow of Plant's new whiney, husky, subdued style. Worthy of a buck or two used. For more artistically ambitious works pick up "Pictures at 11" or even "Principle of Moments." ... Read more

Asin: B000002JQP
Sales Rank: 6191
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Modern Life Is Rubbish
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (16 November, 1993)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

Until this album, Blur was just another English dance-pop band recycling'60s guitar licks and that tired Manchester beat (dugga-dugga-cha, dugga-dugga- dugga-cha). But Modern Life is Rubbish turned out to be the weirdest andmost endearing head-rock album since the Flaming Lips' Transmissions from theSatellite Heart. The 17 songs revel in strange chord changes, bizarre soundeffects, off-kilter beats, gonzo lyrics, and English eccentricity, bringing tomind Ray Davies, Syd Barrett, and Julian Cope jamming together under theinfluence of what Blur calls the "Chemical World." Songs like"Colin Zeal," "Pressure on Julian," and "SundaySunday" boast killer hooks amid the chaos, making Modern Life IsRubbish valuable trash indeed. --Jim DeRogatis ... Read more

Reviews (48)

There finest
Blur would continue on to build upon the moderate success of this album and the return of there critical stock. But this is also the work of a band building a scene and style all there own. the lyrics are so heavily identified as kinks esque in many reviews but the strength of this album lies in its punkish straightfoward manner, though it betrays post punk and american alternative leanings among others (check out the My bloody valentine styled break in Oily water or the beautiful Lo-fi of miss america)Damon slurs and scowls throughout the album, it remains Blurs most cohesive and stands as a statement of there intent. they would explore diffrent facets of there sound from here but this album remains there finest. ragged intellegent and untainted.

Modern Life may be rubbish...but this album isn't
Modern Life is Rubbish is a pretty cool Blur album. "For Tomorrow", "Colin Zeal" and "Star Shaped" make this album worth getting, along with several other songs. On the other hand, this album does have some downsides, "Villa Rosie" for example hits a couple really "off" notes.
This album in a way is similar to Parklife, with it's catchiness and occasional "off" notes, but this is different. The quiet songs on here are better, the other songs seem to be a little more "full" and enjoyable, as opposed to songs like "Magic America" on Parklife.

I couldn't bring myself to give this album 5 stars... it's been really hard for me to 'get into' it. Don't get me wrong though, it's a very splendid album.

a fine moment in Blur's pop period
what happened to this goofy band who had the hit song "There's No Other Way" from their first album? they grew up, got smarter, and infused a high dose of british wit into their music. the massive leap in style, content, song craft and sound on "Modern Life..." from their first album is truly a thing to behold. every song on here sizzles with class. it's some of the most intelligent pop rock and roll that the UK would unleash on the world in the modern age and would be the first of the three proper great Blur albums (this is, of course, open to debate). my absolute favorite moments on this album are the songs "Star Shaped" and "Blue Jeans." they are both absolutely perfect songs that stand the test of time. I truly do not understand how both of these amazing tunes could have been left off of the Blur "Best of" cd. ahh well...no matter... this whole album is great. a modern classic, a real milestone and something to be proud of. ... Read more

Asin: B000002USH
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Britpop    3. England    4. Indie Pop    5. Pop    6. Pop/Rock    7. Rock   

Kerosene Hat
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (24 August, 1993)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

Many alternative-rock fans considered Camper Van Beethoven an important band, but I wasn't among them. Guitarist/vocalist David Lowerey always seemed smarmy and ridiculously happy with his own cleverness. Lowrey's new band, Cracker, has the potential to be even more annoying, since the quartet places the spotlight solely on its leader and songwriter, but its self-titled 1992 debut was a strong effort with a smart, infectious single ("Teen Angst"), and Kerosene Hat is even better. Recorded with stripped- down simplicity on an abandoned soundstage at the edge of the Mojave desert, the album concentrates on the band's undeniably catchy country-flavored garage punk."Go For A Ride" is perfect highway music, and the single "Low" is almost as good as "Teen Angst." Unfortunately, the most inspired title and song topic-"Hi Desert Biker Meth Lab"-turns out to be wasted on a short snippet of noise and studio chatter. --Jim DeRogatis ... Read more

Reviews (32)

Not a single bad note
This album is a masterpiece, as good as Sticky Fingers or Let It Bleed.Great tunes, great performances.Cracker's version of Jerry Garcia's "Loser," is, in fact better than Jerry's.Pretty damn amazing!

Essential "Alternative"
A relic from the era when everything was "alternative" and radio played actual rock music (doesn't seem like that long ago, does it?).Most of this album is brilliant; the psychadellic grunge of "Low" couldn't be improved on as a song or a single and "Get Off This" is an irresistable sing-along, while the haunting nonsense of "Kerosene Hat" manages to evoke just a touch of The Legendary Pink Dots, and "Eurotrash Girl," is an epic of listless, world-weary beauty.The two or three country numbers might catch the listener off-guard the first time through, but most of them grew on me (still not totally sure what to make of "Lonesome Johnny Blues.")"I Want Everything" and "Take Me Down to the Infirmary" are a little smarmy for my taste, but i guess that's subjective.Overall, a solid, original rock album, with a lot of diversity in style and a couple moments of true genius.

A Soundtrack for Life
I'm ordering Cracker's The Golden Age, which, for some reason, I don't own, and I started reading the reviews for Kerosene Hat. It's very validating to read that others feel like I do--that this album is pure brilliance from start to finish. I've had it for years, of course, and keep returning to it again and again (along with the 3 other Cracker albums I own). It's one of the 15 or so CDs I have that never get to rest for long. One of my best memories of it, however, came only a couple of years ago when I discovered that, like me, my cousin is a huge Cracker fan. A few months later, a group of us were walking to a free Cracker show at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, New York, and he and I started singing "Take Me Down to the Infirmary" at the top of our lungs. Every time I listen to the album, I hear something new to love. The songs are so well written and executed while sounding spontaneous and real, not slick and manufactured. I like that Cracker is not hugely popular. I don't want to share with just anybody. In conclusion, here's a great description of the band I read in some online review a few years ago (can't remember where, or the exact wording, but thanks, whoever you are....): "Cracker is the most normal weird band out there and the weirdest normal band out there." ... Read more

Asin: B000000W4I
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Are You Gonna Go My Way
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 March, 1993)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $16.98
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Editorial Review

The irony of Are You Gonna Go My Way is that, by the release of his third album, Lenny Kravitz had finally started internalizing the influences of his musical heroes--Curtis Mayfield, Prince, John Lennon, and Sly Stone--who had been so nakedly copped on Let Love Rule and Mama Said. So what becomes the album's big hit? The title track, a Jimi Hendrix rip-off if there ever was one. Kravitz backslides elsewhere, too: "Is There Any Love in Your Heart" is plainly drawn from Led Zeppelin and "Eleutheria" from Bob Marley, while "Believe" takes a more inventive approach--its chorus is in the style of the Beatles, while the verses and guitar solo again recall Led Zep. What's especially damning about the album though, is that the more Kravitz strikes out on his own, the more lackluster his songs become, evidenced by the dippy come-on "Black Girl" and the weak psychedelia of "My Love." --Daniel Durchholz ... Read more

Reviews (39)

5-STARALBUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GREAT ALBUM FROM START TILL
FINISH I HAVE NOTHING BAD TO
SAY ALL THE SONGS ARE GREAT.
I REALLY DIDNT PAY LENNY ATTENTION
UNTIL ONE OF MY HAD HIS CD IN
THEIR CD BOOKLET AND SAID LET ME BORROW THAT
CD AND SEE IF I LIKE IT OR NOT AND IT TURNED
OUT THAT I DID SO BROUGHT ALL HIS OTHER MATERIAL
WHICH IS EQUALLY ENJOYABLE AND EVERY SINCE I'VE BEENING
JAMMING TO HIS ALBUM.

Weird looks at Lenny
It's hard to follow lenny album to album only to see people mentioning his abundant influences in a bad way. Lenny sounds like zeppelin, lenny sounds like lennon, lenny sounds like mayfield. There are so many bands and artists out there who do the same, in my opinion with less personal flare, and enthusiasm, but which are welcomed or even praised for it. Lenny is in a way like the kid in highschool who always gets frowned on for doing something even though he did the same thing that another kid was or will be welcomed for doing.

Poor lenny, it makes me feel bad for him. Because he really is a talented artist, as it can be seen in "let love rule" and "mama said", and even here, and it makes me wonder where he could have gone if he had more positive incentive, which i feel he justly deserved from his environment, for doing what seems to enjoy doing most, which is making more good music of the kind he likes to listen to.

One of his better cds
In order to like Lenny Kravitz you have to have a wide range of musical tastes because Lenny is all over the map on this one. Heres the tracks:
AYGGMW- title track always reminded me of Hendrix when i first heard it. this was a huge hit and it deserved to be. this song proves that Lenny Kravitz is one of the best drummers in rock.
BELIEVE- starts off with kind of a Zeppelin keyboard.has a great melody great harmonies and excellent buildup ending
COME ON AND LOVE ME- more great drumming from Lenny but not really a great song
HEAVEN HELP- nice piano work from Hirsch, Lenny does his Michael Jackson impression.nice+ mellow
JUST BE A WOMAN- another Plastic Ono Band ripoff with exact Lennon drum beat and sound
IS THERE ANY LOVE IN YOUR HEART-maybe the best song on here , a total rocker with great falsetto singing from Lenny
BLACK GIRL-another favorite with some weird production effects that probably sound great when stoned
MY LOVE- a bare bones stoner song , very 70s
SUGAR-a poor ripoff of It aint over til its over
SISTER- starts off with some noise from an amp and continues til the guitar comes in , pretty cool song trying to sound alittle more important than it really is
ELEUTHERIA- boring reggae song that sounds like every other reggae song ive heard ... Read more

Asin: B000000WJA
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. American Trad Rock    3. Neo-Psychedelia    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. Rock    7. Rock & Roll