Siamese Dream
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (27 July, 1993)
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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

Features

• 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   

Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (24 October, 1995)
list price: $23.98 -- our price: $20.99
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Editorial Review

Emotionally over-the-top pop extravaganzas like the string-swelling "Tonight Tonight," the Metallica-influenced alternative rock of "Zero," the techno via new wave of "1979"--the 28 songs on this swell two-disc album are as eclectic as their themes are epic and ambitious. Billy Corgan's thin whine isn't much of an instrument, but he makes the most of it by writing smart songs that take emotional chances that more-typical alt rockers would deem uncool. Pessimistic and feeling trapped but still wanting to believe in love, in a future, in something--this is the sound of Gen X at the millennium, with all the self-indulgence and power that would suggest. --David Cantwell ... Read more

Reviews (534)

Incredible Album
I'm 12, so I didn't get to really see much of the Smashing Pumpkins. They broke up before I really got into them. But I remember my sister coming home with my dad, with this album with a sun on it. I recently started listening to them, and can't get enough. This band may have had thier sucsess shunted by Nirvana, but could still put together a incredible album. This monstrous title features many big hits, such as the radio hits, 1979, Bullet with Butterfly Wings, and Zero. 1979 is a light, happier song, while Bullet with Butterfly Wings is gritty and tough. Zero has one of my favorite guitar riffs in the beginning, and inspired me to play guitar. Some of the less known songs leave thier mark as well. Tales of a Scorched Earth, one of the crunchiest, distortion-ridden songs in thier history, is great. I am also unduly impressed with James Iha's guitar playing. Examples, during Bullet with Butterfly Wings, near the end, a really cool wah-wah pedal effect under the main rythm.


This was thier biggest sucsess, and really pushed thier name onto the market. It's a dissapointment that so many bad things happened to them at once.

I give this a 4/5, only because some of the songs get repetitive and don't do much for me. But the majority are inspiring and thought provoking.

I reccomend this album to anybody, especially grunge/alt. fans and any 12 year old that dosen't listen to bad music.


-Ian Mills, 12 year old Critic.

Amazing
This cd is just amazing every track with its own personality.

bit of a slug
OK, the songs which got a lot of play on the radio back in the day were in fact the handful of good songs on this hulking album.To their credit, some of these songs are quite good and I like them... but the rest of the album is so inconsistent and not up to snuff with those good tracks which were sadly anomalies.In this case, the songs which were not well suited for radio play were really not suited for any play in general and leave me bored with a bad aftertaste. I tried to get into it, but I couldn't--and believe me, I listen to plenty of bloated long albums and pieces of music which are far more successful than this one.
The title is also a bit ridiculous, if you ask me. ... Read more

Asin: B000000WA4
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Indie Rock    3. Pop    4. Post-Grunge    5. Rock    6. United States of America   

Slipknot (Digipak)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (26 September, 2000)
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Editorial Review

The album cover of this self-titled release depicts the members of Slipknot in creepy masks, the dark image confirmed by the presence of a parental advisory sticker. Inside, foul language and subversive lyrics complete the picture. Yet Slipknot are no Insane Clown Posse, using hyperbole to mask a lack of talent. Slipknot's sound, while indebted to the likes of Korn, is more aggressive and creative. Indeed, it's a closer kin to Slayer and death metal, yet listenable and surprisingly melodic. The common denominator among Slipknot and the late '90s crop of neo-metal-rap bands is producer Ross Robinson (Korn, Limp Bizkit), who discovered the Iowa-bred Slipknot and signed them to his label, I Am Records. His stellar production, melded with wonderfully creepy percussive elements, a sampler, a DJ, metallic-grind guitars, and singer Corey Taylor's immense passion and wide melodic range, makes Slipknot immensely listenable. Slipknot isn't for everyone, but they provide a visceral and satisfying ride for fans of the hard stuff. --Katherine Turman ... Read more

Features

• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (984)

My Review For... Slipknot(self-titled)
This album is the heaviest of the three.This is when they were more for the "heavy heavy metal' fans.The best thing about this album is the fact that he sreams and sings.He is truely a great singer.I'm a metal person all the way, but some of the stuff thats out now is pure crap.Back when this came out is when some other good stuff came out.Bands like Strapping Young Lad is just plain out trash.Other then the singer being half bald, the music sucks.I dont see why people like that band.Slipknot is for sure a different story.I highly recommend this album to any hardcore fan.I noticed that on my other Slipknot review, I got no good review remarks, so i'll talk more about that now.I know that because Slipknot and Iowa was so heavy, it made Vol. 3 a dissapointment to many.I'm more into the harder Slipknot.It just had a lot more emotion.As you may know the Stonesour thing is what messed up album as far as heaviness goes.I still think Vol. 3 is a great album.You should pick that one up to.Now back to Slipknot.The songs are great and worth every penny.The enhanced version has 2 extra songs so check that out.Heres what i did. I'm cheap so i just downloaded those 2 songs and added them to a burnt copy of "slipknot".Hey, thats using your brain.

not under 13 just didnt wanna waste time with a password
i just got into slipknot n i burned this cd from a friend of mine. its amazing.
i think everyone should stop trying to stamp a genre on slipknot and just think of them as slipknot. not numetal or death metal or whatever. listen to bands people, not genres. thats the way it should be but unfortunately it isnt.

1. 742617000027- this is an intro thats just a repeated sample that says "the whole thing i think is sick" at varying pitches, with background noise. as a song, which it isnt it usually gets bad scores, but its actually just an intro, and its pretty good at that. makes the message of the album pretty clear, like the thesis of an essay. 5/5.

2. (sic)- this is the song that originally had the name that the band picked for themselves. very heavy, and towards the end the guitars get especially heavy, almost having that juicy, grating sound to them, backed by Corey's hysterical moaning. 5/5.

3. Eyeless- this song is actually about Corey's dad. "I am my father's son 'cause he's a phantom, a mystery, and that leaves me NOTHING!" the chorus is more often attributed to the literal story behind it (about the crazy man in NYC) but it actually has meaning as a metaphor. Corey makeshis lyrics especially personal in this song, an in some of the verses his screams are interrupted by compulsive yelps that make the emotional impact even greater. 5/5

4. Wait and Bleed- the typical single. you can see why they picked it, as Corey's melodic singing in the chorus is much more mainstream friendly. The lyrics are especially surreal however, "I wipe it off the tile/The light is brighter this time/Everything is 3D blasphemy/My eyes are red and gold/The hair is standing straight up" despite the song being a single (most singles are the shallower, easy to understand songs). 5/5.

5. Surfacing- a crowd pleaser, and its easy to see why. The intro of screaching high-end notes that continue throughout the song with interesting variations, and the bridge consisting of a rollercoaster of powerchords, followed up with drums that could beat asphalt into black sand, Surfacing is a stroke of genius. good scratching by Sid too. 5/5, probably the best single off the album.

6. Spit it Out- the worst single, but still a good song. Corey definately has a knack for rapping while screaming at the same time. The lyrics in this song are the most offensive but it doesnt really matter cause you cant really hear them that well. The bass lines and the DJing are very good here, when you can hear them. I would give it a 5, but the guitars in this song sound like crap. i dunno what happened or what button they pushed, but they sound overly muted, flat, and blunt, and it definately stands out after the crisp, roaring/screaming guitars from Surfacing. 4/5.

7. Tattered and Torn- a good song, gives Corey, James, and Mick a break and showcases growling basslines, freakish samples, and spooky percussion. And its good at that, but its just not one of those songs you will want to listen to over and over, unless its Halloween. 4/5.

8. Me Inside- it takes awhile for this song to get started. The high-pitched, warped guitar notes in the verses are perhaps the first thing to grab you. the next thing will undoubtedly be Corey's anthemic singing in the chorus, backed by heavy but on-key powerchords. Definately could have been a single. 5/5.

9. Liberate- this song contrasts to the last one in that it starts out strong and gets exhausted at the end. But everything in between is amazing. from Corey's screaming come rapping vocals to the sucker-punch rhythm of his words in the chorus, backed by equally rhythmic guitar chords and vibratos. This song reintroduces Corey's raw emotion and yelping, as he often lets himself trail off from screaming while rapping, even letting his voice crack. to me this shows that Corey is interested in the emotion and intensity of his vocals, not whether or not they sound cool or whether people will make fun of him. 5/5.

10. Prosthetics- The longest normal song on the record at 5 minutes flat, this is also, to me, one of two stand-out, non-single songs. It starts out slow, but with 5:00 to burn you know it has time to build up to something strong. The creepy guitars and tribal percussion. The reverb the Corey uses on his voice in the verses is very powerful in its effect, and this is followed by his screaming before the chorus which is enveloped in the effects of the guitars behind him. The chorus of this song has an incredible instrumental melody in the powerchords used by the guitars and the repeated, ghostly echo of "You brought it out of me" which contrasts with the screaming in between. The bridge of the song merely ascends to the second and final chorus in which Corey's screams grow more wounded and more violent than before, creating a miasma of emotion over the melodic guitars and echoing vocals. 5/5.

11. No Life- this track stands out purely from the guitar effects. The chorus is broken up with quirky harmonics and in the verses Mick and James use effects that make their guitars sound like machines that have just had wrenches thrown in their gears. There is more melodic singing later in the song like there was in Me Inside, which is nice but its not what makes this song stick out. but overall, good, fast, propulsive, and catchy. 5/5.

12. Diluted- this is the other stand-out non-single song. You must pay attention to the lyrics of this song because they really show a lot of drama and hurt, and good intentions met with cruel responces- "Why am I so fascinated by bigger pictures, better things?/I don't care what you think, you'll never understand me" these closing lyrics of the song put in general terms the wounded and accusatory nature of the words in the body of the song, but Corey's recurring interrogative bellowing of "What the hell... did I... do to deserve... all of this!?" also affirms the pain behind this song. The moaning guitars and the powerchords in the chorus that seem to repeat themselves in an ascending/descending way mimic the repetitive nature of Corey's problems. Sid also shows skill here with the visceral whirring squeels that lead up to the violent chorus, adding atmosphere and emotion to perhaps one of the best songs on the record. 5/5.

13. Only One- this is a good song, but by this point in the record, its nothing you havent already heard. It just wasnt necessary to put in. 2/5.

14. Scissors- An outro that is overflowing with emotion, hate, and sadness, this song isnt really describable. It goes in many different directions, and by the end Corey is gasping hysterically. The hidden track afterwards is good, but like track 13, it isnt anything you haven't heard yet. but Scissors by itself is something you will have to listen to for yourself to get the full affect. 5/5.

ok im done. sorry, but i figured i would be different from all the people who just say "this is a good song, liked the guitars" and "this song wasnt so good, i dont really know why"
At least now you know what to expect :)

happy head-banging.

ooooooook..........wow
so this is "death metal". I can't believe people listen to this stuff. I was reading a review for Led Zeppelin{which is 500X better than this} and this guy said that you should listen to "talented" music like Slipknot. I was tired of hearing about Slipknot so I wanted to see and hear what they were like. Just what I thought. (...)
If you want good music PLEASE dont listen to "death in song" and listen to rock music like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana, Led Zeppelin,Ramones, or just ANYTHING instead of this. even rap. ... Read more

Asin: B00004Y6RO
Subjects:  1. Alternative Metal    2. Heavy Metal    3. Pop    4. Rap-Metal    5. Rock   

Chamber Music
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (07 September, 1999)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

Far more diverse and dynamic than the band's unspectacular self-titled debut, Chamber Music exhibits Coal Chamber at its most eclectic and accessible. Rooting songs such as "Tragedy" and "Tyler's Song" in a foundation of de-tuned guitar bluster, syncopated beats, and growled vocals, Coal Chamber capture the primal urgency of Korn and Limp Bizkit, while tossing in enough gothic keyboard lines and minor-key melodies to appeal to Marilyn Manson fans. At times, however, Coal Chamber's sepulchral clatter seems a wee bit contrived--as in "What's in Your Mind," which features staccato vocals too similar to Korn's "Freak on a Leash," and a horrendous fragment of Peter Gabriel's "Shock the Monkey," with Ozzy Osbourne on vocals. But shortcomings notwithstanding, Chamber Music marks a major musical step forward for Coal Chamber. --Jon Wiederhorn ... Read more

Reviews (127)

Coal Chamber are so perfect
Why does scary metal always have to be fast? You know like black-metal? Actually Coal chamber are kinda scary to me like Deicide and Dark funeral . I thought their cover looked so spooky. Coal chamber have somethingso dark and sinister about them! They have powerful influences on people and it's obvious by their vocals and lyrics. I like bands that have a message and boy does Coal chamber have what it takes to be an inspiring band. They will stay an amazing heavy metal act forever.

The Only Coal Chamber Album That Stands The Test Of Time
I'll admit, when they released their self-titled disc back in '97, I was a big Coal Chamber fan. Over time though, as I grew up a bit, Coal Chamber's music didn't really satisfy me (especially their dismal final album, "Dark Days") and their discography quickly got lost in my collection. However, their second album, "Chamber Music," is the only one I still take out from time to time and still enjoy. Sounding less and less like Korn clones than they did on their debut, this follow-up shows the band maturing in leaps and bounds. Part of this, I imagine, is due to the influence of producer Josh Abraham (Staind, Velvet Revolver), but I think mainly they just wanted to get away from comparisons, and on that merit, I think they succeeded. Sonically, the album sounds better, with guitarist Meegs Rascon pulling out some better riffs than the ones on the debut, and creating a signature tone for the album. Frontman Dez Fafara (now of DevilDriver) improves his lyrical content and vocal performance on here. In all the sixteen songs, I can't find one I don't really like. Even repetitive, cliched songs like "What's In Your Mind?" and "Notion" (which boasts guest scratches by Limp Bizkit's DJ Lethal) can't help but stick in my head. There are plenty of loud, boisterous moments that are basically a more mature version of the debut, but Coal Chamber brings things down a notch a few times for the more melodic and brooding "Burgundy" and "My Mercy," which feature two of my favorite vocalists: Aimee Echo of theSTART/Human Waste Project and Elijah Blue of Deadsy. "Untrue" and "Tyler's Song" represent the solidified song writing, and "Tragedy" and "Not Living" are just straight up, Coal Chamber at their best. And who could forget Ozzy Osbourne's appearance (wow, lot's of guest appearances, huh?) on a cool cover of Peter Gabriel's "Shock The Monkey?" Every song has something special, and the album as a whole never gets tiresome. As opposed to the first and third, one-dimensional albums, this one has it all. If you liked Coal Chamber's more aggresive side, there's stuff for you here, and if you like the more experimental material, this is the only release by the band where you will find that. Even though I'm pretty much over these guys, and they have been broken up for some time now, "Chamber Music" is an album that warrants a good listen from time to time. There's a "Greatest Hits" release for them already out there, but I like to think of this as it.

Bad ace cd
This is Coal Chambers best cd! Every song on the album is very good totally no fillers.Everything about this cd is good and the drums and bass are off the wall!! I love the bass and drums the most in My Mercy.MY Mercy is an excellent song it's prolly my favorite track.Other favs on this cd is Entwined,Anything But You, Tragedy, El Cu CuY, and No Home.I seriously can't stop listening to this cd.Go GET THIS ONE IMMEDIATELY!!! ... Read more

Asin: B00000K07G
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Celebrity Skin
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (08 September, 1998)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

When last we saw Courtney Love, she was performing on the silver screen and posing for Versace, a far cry from her formative days stumbling across stages wearing ripped thrift-store clothing. But Love's Hollywood transformation is just the latest in her crusade for adoration, whatever the environment. And Celebrity Skin is just the latest manifestation of that obsession. Instead of screaming in rage over a muscular din of power chords, Love sings in a restrained, melodic alto voice; the band matches the euphony with rhythms and hooks that draw from such mainstream acts as Fleetwood Mac, the Go-Go's, and, of course, Smashing Pumpkins, whose frontman, Billy Corgan, cowrote five songs. What makes Celebrity Skin more than another good rock album, however, is Love's lyrics, which remain confessional and scathing, addressing such topics as physical abuse ("Hit So Hard"), drugs ("Use Once and Destroy"), the music industry ("Awful," "Boys on the Radio"), and her late husband's suicide ("Reasons to Be Beautiful"). If nothing else, Celebrity Skin is proof to all the skeptics that superstars have feelings, too. --Jon Wiederhorn ... Read more

Reviews (398)

Not Bad
I only heard a few songs from this CD, and I like them the lyrics and voice are still very good and the tune to them. "Northern Star", "Celebrity Skin", "Petals", "Heaven Tonight" are some of the greastest songs on this one.

My very 1st song I heard from this band was "Celebrity Skin" right away I fell in love with it, and then I read the lyrics and thought to myself Talented band. Its not their best work but its pretty good.

Sexy!
I have been willin to review this album but haven't had the chance. I've owned it since it came out and last nite I had the pleasure in hearing it again and I was blown away with it like I was the first time I heard it.

Hole's 'Celebrity Skin' can be one of the best albums ending the 90's. It's hot, sexy and it's rockin'! Courtney Love's voice is so apropiate for the music and the rest of the band gives out one great studio performance aswell. I'm not gonna lie, what really got my attention from this band (Besides the smash hit 'Malibu') was that 3 out of the 4 memebers were these sexy rock lookin chicks. Now ain't that hotter when jammin' to these tunes?

Indeed with colaboration from artists like Billy Corgan from Smashin Pumpkins, Courtney really did find the way to make this album superb in all ways. Grunge rock with good punk ingredients and that all sexy goddess Courtney's voice makes this album a great one. Was this it to Hole? If not, will be lookin foward for a follow up; but if so, what a way to end it.

Get this album!

Awesome
again, hole has made me aw at their talent and musical ability. i love this cd. i dont know which of their cd's i like the best because they are each good in thier own way.
this cd is more soft then the others but it is still great. ... Read more

Asin: B00000AFWW
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

The Height of Callousness
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (10 October, 2000)
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Editorial Review

Look beyond the headline-grabbing shock-rockers and public enemies that populate the thriving sphere of nu metal, and there's an often fascinating legion of young pretenders desperately eager to set the agenda. Spineshank, however, appear to have forgotten that it takes a little more than misanthropic attitude and clunky samplers to spar with an Antichrist Superstar. Sure, The Height of Callousness works the industrial hip-hop template for all it's worth (sometime Rage Against the Machine producer GGGarth works the controls), but with the likes of "New Disease" and "Cyanide 2600" offering precious little content between their clichés, this album begs to be pigeonholed. When this stuff works--see the electrified taboo pantomime of Static X's Wisconsin Death Trip, or the heavy black gothic mass of NIN's The Downward Spiral--it's because there's a splendidly contrary charismatic ringmaster running the whole bleak circus. Here? Well, let's just say that all this negativity isn't making any positives. --Louis Pattison ... Read more

Reviews (112)

Brutal Agro-Rock At It's Finest
Dear God, to call this CD brilliant is an understatement. A nice touch of anger in every last song that I've heard on the album, it truly is a shame that Spineshank broke up, because these guys frigging rock! Seriously, the way everything melded into a unique sound unlike anything I've ever heard is just mind-blowing. If you're a fan of agro-metal at all, do yourself a favor and buy this album, it rocks!

Sweet......
This album is amazing. I never heard anything like it. It's very original and is probably one of the best albums I've ever heard. This is a must in everyone's metal collection. Metal blended with industrial is a magnificent match. Johnny Santos' voice and lyrics are probably the best and original that I've heard in the longest time. It was sad to hear that he had left Spineshank, but then I was shown a web-site called SilentCivilians.com. Silent Civilians is the new band that Johnny Santos is singing in. It's a straight up metal band. Although I would love to hear Johnny with Spineshank again, it was great to hear him in a band again. Especially one that was really heavy. If you liked Height Of Callousness, you're going to love his new band. Look for it to be the next best thing to happen to metal.

Another Gem From The Vaults Of Roadrunner Records
Spineshank is a kick ass industrial/aggro metal band that is much better than those poor excuses for music on the radio. This CD proves it. "Synthetic"...you gotta love that song. The guitars...everything makes this song a classic, but if you think this song rules, how about "New Disease", a very brutal track that tends to shatter the restricted barrier of nu-metal. You gotta pick this up, along with the other releases. It sucks Johnny Santos left, though... ... Read more

Asin: B00004WMXQ
Subjects:  1. Alternative Metal    2. Heavy Metal    3. Pop    4. Rock   

L.D. 50
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (29 August, 2000)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
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Features

• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (372)

thier best
this is musvaynes best and probaly thier only good cd eoatte never heard lost and found standouts are-dig,death blooms,under my skin and,everything and nothing

Signs of things to Come
The debut album was snatched up by folks looking for more stuff like Slipknot.They found this in "Under my Skin" and "Dig", but found a gem in "Death blooms".

Death Blooms was the first song to let people in on the true "Mudvayne" sound.

"Severed" showed what promise Chad's voice possessed, and Nothing to (K)now Forever showed the complexity to the sound that was evolving.

A great album that foreshadowed the coming of their next album "The End of All Things to Come"

Nu metal is taking strides
Mudvayne along with several other "nu age metal" bands have been criticized since their beginnings but truly have made more progress than one may realize. This album is definately worth your money and is a prime example of where this genre of music is headed. Another band worth trying goes by the name of "Mushroomhead" who is classified as nu age only because they fit into no other catagories, whose newest album is incredible. ... Read more

Asin: B00004WK3A
Sales Rank: 15592
Subjects:  1. Alternative Metal    2. Heavy Metal    3. Pop    4. Rock   

Goldfinger
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 March, 1996)
list price: $11.98
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Editorial Review

With the goofiness of Dookie-era Green Day (not to mention their punk punch) and the skank of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Goldfinger put it all together on their debut for Mojo, and took it to the charts (as well as an opening slot on the Sex Pistols' reunion tour). Funny, catchy, it was nothing more than bubblegum, but that was fine. America's always had an open ear for pop music, whatever way it's wrapped up, and the ska package on this caught the No Doubt Zeitgeist. The right time, the right place, the right album for Goldfinger. Chris Nickson ... Read more

Features

• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (60)

Goldfinger's best album
Goldfinger's self-titlted album is near-perfect. Without a doubt, one of the catchiest punk albums I've ever heard and maybe Goldfinger's best album-to-date (although Stomping Ground is pretty damn close). This is a fun and fast cd, perfect for a drive to the beach with the top rolled down. These songs will stick in your head for a long ass time.

Two favorite songs on the album: "Here in Your Bedroom" and "Nothing to Prove". But there is not one song on the cd that is not worthy of being a hit. The cd opens with a bang and never lets up. It has a great mix of pop-punk, ska, and even a hardcore song.

Go pick up this cd right now.

Kickin' It
Ok, so my review has a bit of a bias...I really love Goldfinger, and have since I was 15 (that's 6+ years now). I have to take a minute to give this album its due...everyone ought to give this CD a shot. I'm not going to sit here and say that the lyrics are profound...because they're not. The sound...well, it's not exactly original... Their image, ok, so it's been done before, too. There is nothing absolutely spectacular about Goldfinger... yet, there is something wonderfully addictive and fun about this first album of theirs. It's a classic in my book, and as I've grown older, I've moved far away from this type of music, yet I'll always come back to this CD and hail it as one of my best CD purchases of all time. Not to mention, these guys really deserve all of the fame they can get, because they're great guys. They really earn their money - they are amazing live, they are the most fan-friendly show I've ever seen. So give this CD a shot, I REALLY don't think you'll regret it (though it is remotely possible!), but more importantly - check them out live if you get the chance. Then you'll find a true appreciation for them!!

Possibly THE best neo-punk album of the 90s
Goldfinger exploded onto a 1996 music scene that was glutted with neo-punk bands trying to soak up the success achieved by Green Day and the Offspring.On the surface, Goldfinger appeared another cutesy-pop-punk band (a la Blink 182), but the deeper one listens to their self-titled debut, the more their talent and worth shines through.

The single "Here in Your Bedroom" seemed on the surface to be a silly song about sex, but the MTV crowd may have missed the lyrics that spoke of insecurities and fear of intimacy.The whole album is laced with self-doubt and pain.While expressed in a major key with happy-sounding vocals, most of the songs on "Goldfinger" are raw, simple assesments of failed relationships, anxiety in everyday life and the difficulty of staying afloat.

I love this album.I will sing myself hoarse listening to it, because it's just so damn much fun.There's not a song on here that I don't like, from the reggae beats of "King for a Day" to the supercharged catharsis of "The City With Two Faces", all these songs are short, sharp, and full of musical punch.My favorites are "Miles Away" (one of the world's best love songs), "Anxiety", "Anything", "Mable" and "Answers."

They aren't as political as Rancid, but Goldfinger has the same relentless energy that blasts through in their music.This album is raucous, rocking, and wonderful; you have to check it out at least once. ... Read more

Asin: B000005AXV
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Ska    5. Ska-Punk    6. Third Wave Ska Revival   

For The Masses: An Album of Depeche Mode Songs
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (04 August, 1998)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Reviews (60)

You love those Rammstein vocals--they are sexy and HARD
The only song on this compilation that sends shivers up me spine is Rammstein's version of "Stripped".It is powerful, lovely, strange, and glorious.It manifests the terror that I've always felt the original song merely implied.DM are a band replete with smoldering intensities.Their agonies are subtle and exquisite in their subtlty.Rammstein turns what seemed like a mere suggestion into a demand backed with the threat of real punishment.

Locust take the opposite approach on "Master and Servant" and come up with similar results.I've never been able to take the original vary seriously.It has always possessed a high camp value for me mostly because I've seen Martin in his chainmail. The song threatens something sinister and exciting but it never comes off for me.Now Locust turns a silly song into a wondeful lounge piece replete with alternating vocals between a male and female voice.The result is jarring and far more subversive than the original.Again, DM pose the threat.This is the promise.

The Cure turn "World in my Eyes" into a strange middle-eastern number.As usual, Robert's inflections are sublime.I get closer to swooning every time I hear it.It is starting to have a similar effect on me to the Rammstein track.

Monster Magnet articulate the rage that is implied in "Black Celebration".They also brings forth a tasty dose of machismo with the Phil Lynott/Thin Lizzy vocals that build in intensity over the course of the track. It is heavy, sexy and very direct. Somehow, I imagine that their "Black Celebration" is going to involve debilitating alcohol abuse and varioius criminal activities. The original made me wish desperately for a black mass held in the forest. Monster Magnet doesn't get that, but they've at least got naked sororiety sisters dancing about a fire and that is good enough.

The Deftones shoud have amended the title of their track to "To Have and to Hold (under the water).It is dark, supremely spooky and perfect for those long jaunts alone into the woods. It reminds me of Tool somewhat, and Metallica, oddly enough.

Of the rest of the bands, I like Gus Gus and the Smashing Pumpkins a bit.Dishwalla is alright but becomes less the more I hear it. The only tracks that are completely reprehensible are by Varuca Salt, Apollo 440, and Self.Skip those every time.

Overall, this compilation features tracks by several bands not intent on just copying the master.The result is a pretty good album overall.

Hit and Miss
I am a Depeche Mode fan of the first degree, so it was only natural that I should pick up an album of covers from some pretty high-profile bands.And while there are some things for the DM fan to enjoy here, at least half of the CD is a waste of time and space.

Let's consider what was done right.The Cure and DM already have a major overlap in fan base, so I expected a good interpretation of "World in My Eyes" right off the bat.I was not disappointed; this version is more fast-paced and has almost an Arabian feel to it.Very cool and just as good as the original, in its own way.The Deftones' "To Have and to Hold" is creepy and morose, a perfect song choice to create a nexus between the bands.Chino Moreno's vocals here are less breathy than on some of his more recent albums such as White Pony, but the Deftones were still relatively new when this CD hit the shelves.I also was drawn to Gus Gus' take on "Monument", which is frankly a DM song I was not previously aware of (probably a B-side from the early days... DJs have a talent for digging up obscure early Depeche Mode stuff to show how far back their obsession really goes.Find Danny Tenaglia's remix of "I Feel Loved" for further evidence.)Between this track and their two remixes of "Only When I Lose Myself," I became a huge Gus Gus fan in no time.I like Hooverphonic's attempt at "Shake the Disease" very much, a sultry trip-hop reinvention with the same heavy heart as the original.Veruca Salt's retread of "Somebody" is not bad either, as the song already seems like it might come from a feminine perspective.

There are also some in-between efforts here that could have been so much better with just a few minor changes.Failure's take on "Enjoy the Silence" is initially stunning because it is a pretty effective acoustic interpretation of a totally synthesized song.Then the drums hit a little harder and suddenly you get whacked upside the head with a slab of distorted(...)guitar.All of this would work really well if it weren't for the vocals.This singer has a very whiney yet flat delivery that really disfigures what would otherwise be a pretty cool take on a well-known DM song.Same goes for Dishwalla's "Policy of Truth."Good sonic arrangements are ruined by a guy who sounds like he wants to be Michael Hutchence but is really pretty far off the mark.

The rest of these tracks just sound very odd and quite often get skipped.I have to admit, though, that Rammstein's "Stripped" is kind of addictive in its ridiculousness.

Worth buying if you're a deep DM fan and you don't mind skipping tracks to find the good covers.

God Lives Underwater
I bought this just because God Lives Underwater does an amazing job on 'FLY ON THE WINDSCREEN'. Smashing Pumpkins put me to sleep jeez! There are some versions that are better than the originals like GLU's, The Cure, & Hooverphonic. The rest were good but loungy/breezy, and odd.
Oh Yeah 'UP OFF THE FLOOR' GLU 4th cd will be released late September 2004 on megaforce/locomotive records! ... Read more

Asin: B000009PNY
Sales Rank: 47401
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Metal    3. Alternative Pop/Rock    4. Ambient Techno    5. Club/Dance    6. Electronica    7. Experimental Techno    8. Heavy Metal    9. Industrial Metal    10. New Wave    11. Pop    12. Pop/Rock    13. Post-Grunge    14. Rock    15. Techno    16. Trip-Hop    17. V/a Compilations   

Destruction by Definition
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (21 May, 1996)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
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Editorial Review

Though the Suicide Machines are far more punk (and pop) than ska, they nonetheless manage to fit in some infectious ska rhythms. They're a Detroit quartet with piercings in all the right places (pretty much all over their faces), big baggy clothes, and a knack for writing fun-filled, power-packed ditties. They're also a hell of a lot of fun. At a Seattle gig (at Eckstein Middle School, of all places), they invited about half the crowd to join them on stage and performed the entire gig surrounded by (mostly) teenage boys skanking up a storm. Truly a spectacle to behold.Their debut record on the Hollywood label has much of that same wackiness. The songs are totally adrenalized, manic spasms of poppy punk, jazzed up with some deliriously danceable ska. The best line of the entire album comes in the fashion-tip-laden "The Vans Song", which advises, "Worship Jeff Spicoli, not Chris Cornell." Get the picture? --Adem Tepedelen ... Read more

Reviews (57)

Real punk rock
Suicide Machines are by far, my favorite punk band on the planet. The music is powerful, erergetic, the lyrics are thought-provoking, and each band member is exceptional on his instrument. Not just power chords and screaming like most other punk bands. There's more substance. I think this is their best album.

Solid kick ass album!!!!
1st off I remember reading someone's review below who said that"overall this album is solid it's more of a good overall album to listen to when you want a punk/ska album in the player."Well let me just say I've been listening to this one since it came out in 1996. I still listen to it on a constant basis and for me it is "soul moving" and full of intense energy. There are definite highlights on this album "Break the glass" (best listened to cranked as loud as possible)is a huge adrenaline rush if it doesn't make you want to go out and kick someone's ass then I don't know what will. "Hey Ska" is another standout & let me tell you this song is amazing it has everything in it.It starts with slow and heavy guitars and changes up to an unbelievably fast tempo, between the music and Jay spitting out the lyrics it's enough to drive you insane, (and the lyrics are good) also "Insecurities" really does it for me the way the band changes it up at the end of this little tune really leaves you wanting more. (by the way does anyone know the "true" lyrics to the end of this song b/c everywhere I've looked gives you the same lyrics for "Punk out" which aren't right) The song is less than 2mins and it's the last twenty seconds of it that will have you hitting repeat..repeat..repeat.
Anyway the whole album rules.They also do a cover of Minor Threats "I don't wanna hear it" which is incredible.You will wear this album out. By the way "Battle Hymns" is just as listenable as this album but only in a different way.The band sounds a bit more pissed and the sound is heavier on that one, if you like this one I would definitely pick that one up as well you won't be dissapointed (I listen to both albums constantly).

very cool if youre into ska/punk
yes! this cd is amazing and all the buzz about it is true...wow these guys are truly great musicians and they really know how to rock. They have melodic breakdowns, they speed up the songs, they do it all..get this! ... Read more

Asin: B000000OFD
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Punk Revival    3. Punk-Pop    4. Rock    5. Ska-Punk    6. Third Wave Ska Revival   

Battle Hymns
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (07 April, 1998)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $11.98
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Reviews (24)

Punk+Ska aren't always a good combonation
Don't get me wrong, I mean I like this cd and all.In fact, it's probably one of my favorite Suicide Machines cd.But, I just don't think "ska-punk" is a good combo.Maybe it's just my opinion...Burn it from a friend or borrow/steal it or something.It's not really worth the money.

An in-your-face, angry album, with a positive message.
This album is not for everyone.Each SM CD has been so different from the last, so, this one may not appeal to those who liked the self titled album (I didn't).However, this album exemplifies what punk rock SHOULD be, but isn't.While I may be alone in this, when I hear this CD, I am taken back 15 or so years. While, yes, this disk, has a very political message, it is one that is positive. The message is about unity and breaking down racial walls.Songs like "black and white world" or "hating hate" adequately send this message, and it's loud and clear to these ears.

Another Masterpiece from the gods of ska/punk
On this album, the Suicide Machines went political, with very positive results in my humble opinion. Most of the songs have very positive, intellgient political lyrics, which is a big plus for any album. On some tracks the Machines keep the sytle that everyone loves from Destruction by Definition. But then they go into fast, hard, balls-out punk rawk. Great stuff, especially when they blend the two different styles. My favorite tracks have got to be Pins and Needles, Someone, Black and White World, and DDT. But they are all great, fun, energetic ska-core songs, signature Suicide Machines. Most ska-punk or ska-core lovers will enjoy this album, as will a lot of political hardcore punks. ... Read more

Asin: B000005ZKK
Sales Rank: 48371
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Pop    3. Punk Revival    4. Punk-Pop    5. Rock    6. Ska-Punk    7. Third Wave Ska Revival   

Dookie
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 February, 1994)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $8.99
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Editorial Review

Take one part Ramones, one part Buzzcocks, and one part Husker Du, and you've got the basic foundation of Green Day, a punky, witty, melodic San Francisco Bay area trio who became overnight stars in 1994 when this album, their third overall release and major label debut, catapulted them to the top of the pop charts. Led by guitarist/vocalist Billie Joe Armstrong and their secret weapon, powerhouse drummer Tre Cool, Green Day put '70s and '80s punk in a compact '90s package with songs like "Longview," "Basket Case," "Pulling Teeth," and the hit semi-ballad, "When I Come Around." One the few modern alternative rock bands with a bona fide sense of humor. --Billy Altman ... Read more

Reviews (466)

HI.
MY FARTS STINK.LIKE A MOTHER! DAUAUAUAHUUUHHUUHHH BY BEN



HI.

GO BIZCHNICKS!

A classic.
A little over ten years old now, yet it's already a classic. Yay for Green Day.

I prefer Nimrod only slightly over Dookie, but this is still the album that really broke Green Day. They were pretty much THE band of '94 (sorry Soundgarden fans) and, yes, the hits from this album were a tad overplayed. Still, this will forever sound great to fresh ears.

Great, catchy, fun pop-punk. How can you go wrong? Five stars easy.

By the way, American Idiot was great you bunch of quasi-pretentious, pathetically nonconformist, no-taste-having, can't-think-for-yourselves, wannabe "underground" sheep.

Sell Out or Not?
This album is great, and there is no denying it. While to some, American Idiot was "the sellout album" of Green Day. To others, those fans who have followed Green Day from their underground years.. Dookie is "the sellout album."

Comparing Dookie to American Idiot, the songs are a little more real. American Idiot and Boulevard of Broken Dreams are both OK songs, they just repeat and repeat. While songs like When I Come Around, Burnout, and most of the other songs on Dookie are good songs, with out repeat the title about a zillion times in a row. Though, there is a certin hidden track that... oh have I said too much? ... Read more

Asin: B000002MP2
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Pop    3. Post-Grunge    4. Punk Revival    5. Punk-Pop    6. Rock