Rattle and Hum
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 June, 1990)
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Editorial Review

The ill will that initially greeted Rattle and Hum--the follow-up to the band's massively successful Joshua Tree album--was due in large part to the bloated and self-important feature film that accompanied it, which showed the band as being simultaneously naive and pretentious as it "discovered" America. But as the film mercifully slips from memory, the music has remained, from the furious swirl of "Desire" and a clutch of live hits to insightful musical nods to heroes such as Bob Dylan, John Lennon, and Billie Holiday. Songs like "When Love Comes to Town," a supercharged blues duet with B.B. King, suggests the quartet knew more about America from listening to its music than Phil Joanou's unintentional mockumentary suggested. --Daniel Durchholz ... Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (89)

Piece of U2!
This is terrible! this is just another piece of shÄ*! why make this kind of sc***! I hate this albuM!

They`ve got soul!!!!!!!!
This is the best album U2 ever have made! It is even better then Joshua three, which definetly is the second best. Many songs are taken from Joshua three, but there are lots of new songs too. If you haven`t got any U2 CDs, buy this one. The best songs are here, and it`s the Cd with the most tracks. Bonos vocals are even better live. Oh yea, this is Bono in his right element! But I won`t forget one of the greatest guitarplayers, which has much of the honor that this band has become as popular as they are, The Edge of course. But Adam is good too, and Larry Mullen Jr. is a great drummer. Thanx U2. You gotta buy this. It`s a must. Also check out
Joshua three
The Unforgettable fire
How to dismantle an atomic bomb
All that you can`t leave behind and
October and the rest of the albums are great too.

A few of their best songs,a few not so great . . .
I suspect U2 at the time realized it would be difficult to follow up THE JOSHUA TREE (possibly their greatest album) with their next album and they kinda freaked out. RATTLE & HUM tries for something different, combining live tracks with studio ones and other little diversions. A lot of people panned the accompanying movie, but I quite enjoyed it at the time, although U2's ego had clearly spun out of control a bit.

Actually, I think the best studio songs on RATTLE are as good as any they've done (especially "Love Rescue Me," "All I Want is You," and I really think the Lennon tribute "God Pt. 2," is rockin' - and I love the lyrics) . These songs are more clearly influenced by American music than any of their others (I had a friend who insisted that "Angel of Harlem" copied some obscure American group, but I digress). The live tracks range from great ("Helter Skelter," "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" which is augmented with a fantastic choir) to lackluster ("All Along the Watchtower" - how could they even attempt this after Jimi Hendrix's version? - "Pride" which I've seen them perform much better). To tell you the truth, though, as a fan I like everything U2 has done - that is, up until the recent albums ATYCLB and HTDAAB which, unfortunately, I like a lot less.

As it is, RATTLE & HUM is their least focused album. I think if they had stuck it out and released a normal studio album, it could've worked out much better. Here's my impression of the album that might've been, their studio songs from RATTLE & HUM plus a few great B-sides from around the same time with that same sort of American feel:

Desire
When Love Comes to Town
Silver & Gold (studio version of course)
Heartland
Love Rescue Me
Hawkmoon 269

Angel of Harlem
Hallelujah, Here She Comes
Van Dieman's Land
God Pt. II
A Room at the Heartbreak Hotel
All I Want is You

And while I'm getting creative, how about the rare "Jesus Christ" as a hidden track, maybe even stuck BEFORE the first song so that you could only get to it by hitting the rewind button making it the "real" first song! (This is apparently the kind of thing a crazy/obsessive U2 fan like me comes up with when unemployed).

I think my imaginary version of RATTLE & HUM would've been great, maybe still a bit of a letdown compared to THE JOSHUA TREE for some, but certainly respectable. ... Read more

Asin: B000001FS6
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. College Rock    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. Post-Punk    7. Rock    8. Rock & Roll   

One [UK] [CD]
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (03 March, 1992)
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Features

• CD-single

Reviews (33)

Piece of sh''!
This is just another g*y song! It is terrible! It is one of the worst songs I have ever heard!

Why are you wasting your time?
Am I the only one that thinks writing a review for a single is a big waste of time? I mean, if you bought the single it's becuase you like the song. No one ever buys a single because they think "I wonder what this band is all about. I think I will buy their single and find out." No way, It doesn't happen that way. Maybe for a whole album but not a single. You buy a single because you are afraid to gamble on the whole album yet you like that one song (no pun intended) or you are a fanatic of the band and must consume every product that they produce. Either way you are gonna give the single a positive review.

Oh, and by the way, "One" is a great song; buy the single.

get the meaning right people!
Im a bit concerned that reviewers on here are still calling this song one of U2's best "Love" songs....this is not a love song.First, it was the song that kept the band together at a time that their fights were driving them apart - so the words can relate to that.Secondly - it was a political song about the fall of the Berlin wall and EAst and West germans having to "come together" and become "one".thirdly, one of the three videos for this song has buffalo going off a cliff - this is a connection to AIDS - with the artist of this having died from it - and there is a myth that the song is a conversation between a gay son and his father (the father in the video actually played by bono's father).(this version was for the AIDS charity)

So although people may love this "love song" - those people obviously still dont "get" the fact that U2's lyrics have a deeper meaning and havnt really listened to the words properly.

Sorry! rant but i want to make sure that people realise the pure genius of this song.And dont get me wrong - I love love love this song and it is my favourite - perhaps that is why i get a bee in my bonnet when people mis-interpret!

thanks! ... Read more

Asin: B000001G41
Sales Rank: 37033
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. College Rock    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. Post-Punk    7. Rock   

Elvis TV Special [RCA]
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (27 August, 1991)
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Editorial Review

As pivotal a moment in his career as "That's Alright, Mama" and "Heartbreak Hotel," this was the show that put Elvis Presley back on his throne. It came at a time when the Beatles, the Stones, Hendrix, and acid rock ruled the genre and followed a decade of nothing but mostly lousy Elvis movies. On December 3, 1968, the camera panned in on the King's incredibly handsome face: "If you're lookin' for trouble, you came to the right place," he snarled before bursting into a terrific "Guitar Man." From that moment through the special's goose-bump-inducing finale, "If I Can Dream" (after which, legend has it, Presley collapsed from exhaustion backstage), this stands as one of rock music's great moments. Alas, it was recorded for television, so the audio quality on both vinyl and CD has never been of the highest quality. Memories, a two-disc compilation with cleaned-up sound, includes all the outtakes from the "unplugged" segment, but the stuff remains best viewed on video via either the special itself or the One Night with You outtakes video. --Bill Holdship ... Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (6)

The King's return to the Stage.
After a few years in the army and a few years of doing movies,Elvis hadn't performed live in front of an audience for a decade. Elvis-Tv Special is the audio recording of the 1968 NBC-TV Special, that marked Elvis' return to stage.At the time of this concert the king still had it. He went out there with his band and rocked the house with many of his best songs.The performances are quite good, and much better than most of the live albums that would follow. If you're curious about Elvis in concert this is the CD to buy.

WhyElvis IsTheKING
This will be the 25th year Elvis has left the building.(Even though alot of people have seen him at Burger Kings and KFC)If there is anyone out there who can't understand why THE KING,IS THE KING?Just play this one record.The MAN was at his Peek,and everyone thought he was washed up.MTV,unpluged,has stollenthis 1968 idea for there private concerts.Elvis talks about each hit,and lets it all out on his biggest hits(Heatbreak Hotel,HoundDog,All shook Up," and later,"Big Boss Man,Guitar Man)My all time favorite cut is "Where Could I go But to the LORD up Above my head/Saved"medley,and "Memories." We even get a live version of "Blue Christmas," on this Masterpiece of Elvis,Live,and recorded for his great comeback special in 1968.This recording is perfect except for the sudden cuts between some of the numbers.I know now why THe King IS THE KING.

Desert Island
This album is awesome. What a mix of styles, in addition to live performances and great taped stuff, too. Buy this and the Aloha Special and you're set for life. (Tiger Man is worth a nod, too.) ... Read more

Asin: B000002WGE
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop/Rock    3. Rock    4. Rock & Roll    5. Rockabilly   

Electro Glide in Blue
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 September, 1997)
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Reviews (14)

Forgotten, but still great
Apollo four forty got my attention after the exelent track "Ain't Talkin''Bout Dub" which is a awesome dance track with some awesome samples from Van Halen. Really that kind of song that makes you feel in a good mood. They are a british dance group, i would say a new-wave dance group, cause they aren't afraid tom mix genres and add cool samples with their music. After hearing "Dub" i decided to take a look at the whole album. Their second single "Raw power" had a cool sound too, but was far from as good as the first one, but could there perhaps be others that was?. "Altamont Super-Highway Revisited" Drum and beats songs that somehow reminded me of Kraftwerk. "Electro Glide In Blue" The title track is slower but it got a nice sound, that kept me interested. "Vanishing Point" is powerful. Some slow beats and someone screaming of joy. It somehow gives me a picture, I can imagine how the video would look like only by hearing it and that what's so good with music sometimes. "Krupa" which got the name after a band member, is one of many highlights of this album. Also a Drum and beat song with some cool glad catchy sample's. "Pain In Any Language" could have been the beginning of a rock ballad. I have relized that this album is a million times better then i though. THey never got that much attention and you heard mor of the single's then the album itself. But in the other hadn this is no commercial stuff. If you like electronica music then you're gonna love this weither it sells a million copies or not. I just feel that they never got the same status as Basement Jaxx and the Chemical Brothers eventhough this album is on par with their best. Go and get it to find out yourself!

It's No "Getting High", but I'm Glad I Got It
I bought Getting High on Your Own Supply after I heard an interview with the band during "Transmissions" on WEQX here in DC. I really loved that album.

I wasn't enthralled with Electro Glide as I was with Getting High, but it's a really cool album.

-Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Dub is awesome driving music.

-Carrera Rapida is from some Playstation game, and it's kind of a neat song.

-Krupa is a little like dueling bongos. To me though, it also sounds like an early ancestor of "Stop the Rock" - start with one or two samples, add two more, add two more, and suddenly you've got the whole beat. Great beat to dance to.

-Stealth Mass in FM sounds a bit like something Enya would do.

-Stealth Overture I like much better than Stealth Mass, but it's based on the same sample which can get confusing. I would have left one or the other off this cd.

-Tears of the Gods has a great beat, and the samples always make me smile ("What's that?" "The tears of the Gods").

I took a chance on Electro Glide in Blue and stuck it on my wishlist. I was glad to see it under the tree Christmas morning.

Listen. Dance. Listen while dancing?
Wow. Still sound good after all this years. ... Read more

Asin: B000002C1Q
Sales Rank: 11629
Subjects:  1. Dance Music    2. Pop   

Live
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 July, 1997)
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Features

• Live

Reviews (3)

The best of the Spankers
If you only buy one of their albums, let it be this one.Live and funny, and a little raunchy, it is the essence of what live performance should be.Beg, borrow, or steal (except my copy!), to get this CD.

One of my favorite albums
The Asylum Street Spankers record their music with one single, solitary microphone. How they get a sound this incredible is a mystery that eludes me. They cannot possibly be this good.

This band has taken several tunes,some of their own, some remakes, and infused them with an energy that isalmost hypnotic. This album simultaneously captures the front rowexcitement of a live show with the sound of a worked over recording. Thisis a band that uses no fancy tricks. They are actually this good.

Listento Christina Marrs' powerful, lusty vocals on "Coffee GrindinBlues", Kevin Smith's amazing slap bass solo on "Deep EllumBlues", Wammo's hilarious lyrics on "Children of theCornuts", Guy Forsyth's killer guitar and preacher's voice on"Walking Blues", and the entire band's jump up and shoutrendition of the classic, "Mama Don't Allow...", a song whichallows them all to show off, one at a time. Thank God.

I really can't putinto words the absolute joy of listening to artists this talentedperforming, knowing you are hearing them completely raw and unenhanced, andstill being bowled over by their power. I know I make this album sound togood to be true, but it very nearly is.

If you want a swingin', rocking,bluegrass/jazz/dixieland/country/blues and more album to restore your faithin modern musicians, look no further than the Spankers. In the era of highpaid, low talent "music", this band is a breath of fresh air.

Great foot-tapping to all out swinging music
The Asylum Street Spankers make some of the best music around. Their renditions of 20s risque tunes get your feet tappin' before your head realizes it. This album can't help but brighten your mood. Be prepared for spontaneous dancing. Look for the live show if you're down in Austin, Texas. ... Read more

Asin: B000000FF3
Sales Rank: 166229
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Paint Your Wagon (1969 Film)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (12 April, 1994)
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Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (16)

PAINT YOUR WAGON
OF ALL THE MUSICAL SOUNDTRACKS OUT THIS ONE IS THE ABSOLUTE BEST I EVER HEARD.I HAVE THE DVD BUT THE AUDIO SOUNDTRACK IS A LOT BETTER THAN THE SHOW--ALTHOUGH THE SHOW IS GOOD, TOO.THE SONGS ARE THE BEST LIKE."WAND'RIN' STAR THEY CALL THE WIND MARIAI TALK TO THE TREES AS WELL AS THE OPENING SONG ["GOT A DREAM--GOT A SONG--PAINT YOUR WAGON AND COME ALONG"].

Enjoyable soundtrack
I have an obsession for soundtracks, and Paint Your Wagon is one of the best.Perhaps not a "musical" in the same sense as "Singing in the Rain" or "Sound of Music," the soundtrack and film are definitely in a different class.Imagine scores of men seeking a better life out west, just as the gold strike fever of the late 1840s is peaking--farmers, gold miners, merchants, immigrants, gamblers--all kinds of men and manners, trying to find a better way.Imagine this kind of mass migration without many members of the fairer sex, and you have the makings for a lot of carousing, hooting and hollering behavior!

Paint Your Wagon, the film, showed a more outrageous side of the film musical, with "ordinary" men like Ben Rumson (Lee Marvin) and "Partner" (Clint Eastwood) humming and singing songs that moved their hearts or added to the drinking spirit!The film and soundtrack are high on testosterone, and a wee bit low on estrogen, but let's face it--the film and soundtrack are not meant to be for folks listening to Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly or even Fred Astaire!These are the rough and ready days of the move across the U.S.A.--not something for the meek or mild!

The soundtrack weaves between some delicate ballads, such as "I Still See Elisa," "A Million Miles Away Behind the Door" and "Wand'ring Star," to potent tunes like "They Call the Wind Mariah" and go to the opposite extreme with rip-roaring fun, like "Hand Me Down that Can of Beans" and "There's a Coach Coming In."Very few songs on the soundtrack fail to contribute to the overall sense of ribaldry and comaraderie.

The soundtrack is emminently enjoyable on its own, but I would suggest that people also make an attempt to see the film in one fashion or another, just to see the images that inspired the soundtrack, and the soundtrack that inspired the film and play presentations.

A Tivo Stinko
I was watching this movie as a Tivo recording when suddenly, to my infinite relief, I realized I could stop the pain by turning it OFF! It was hokey beyond belief, which I suppose is why the actors blatantly did not believe in themselves or their world.

I have a feeling I'm missing some sort of movie-musical point here, and god knows "They Call the Wind Maria" is exquisite, but this movie was an orgy of cornballs shoved in all the wrong places.

Buy the songs, skip the movie. ... Read more

Asin: B000002PEY
Sales Rank: 14240
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Xmas Song
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 August, 1995)
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Reviews (1)

Old Favorites You Can't Resist
The songs are all old favorites, but when you hear them sung by Roger Whittaker's mellow voice, they are fresh again.The one that many might not be familiar with is Sussex Carol.
This CD will be one you will play while you write Christmas cards, and on many other occasions to get you in the holiday spirit.It's a beauty. ... Read more

Asin: B000003FYM
Sales Rank: 56498
Subjects:  1. Christmas / Chanukkah    2. Pop   

Highway to Hell
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (16 August, 1994)
list price: $17.98
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Editorial Review

What Highway to Hell has that Back in Black doesn't is Bon Scott, AC/DC's original lead singer who died just months after this album was released. Scott had a rusty, raspy, scream of a voice, like he might break into a coughing fit at any moment. In other words, on crunchy, hook-heavy metal classics like the title track, and on "Get It Hot" which is more roadhouse rock than metal, he had the perfect instrument for such wild-living anthems. Too perfect, it turned out.--David Cantwell ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (126)

WHAT A WAY TO GO OUT!!!!
WOW, what a fine piece of work to call your last. Shortly after this album dropped, Ac/Dc lead screamer (and commedian) drank himself to death. What a waste. This album is his last piece of work, and what a fine piece of work it is. The thing that always makes me smile about this album is the front cover. Here are these guys who are suppoosedly SATAN WORSHIPPERS (remember those stupid, bogus stories????? Ridiculous. F*** You P.M.R.C.)and Angus is trying to look all tough with his sneer, but off to the right, with a big silly smile on his face, appearing non too threatenting......is Bon Scott, frontman, comedian extrordinarre. This band was always about GOOD TIMES. Drinkin, smokin, partyin and women. And this album is no different. Every song on here is a great hard rock tune, enjoyable from beginning to end. A must have for any music fan, and especially anyone new to Ac/Dc. RIP Bon!!!!! We love you

HIGHWAY
This album is actully a better CD than BACK IN BLACK! Bon is a much better vocalist than Brian. My favorite song on this would be Highway to Hell! And other than that, Walk All over You is quite good! BACK IN BLACK is good for songs such as You Shook Me,
and Have a Drink on Me. These other songs are quite bad after I've heard those 2. This CD is a must have for any fan!

LEGENDARY
this albom was my 1st ac\dc albom. When i listen toit the 1st time i desided to listen to it again.I loved it. Every song was well thought out and well played. There was only about 1 curse word or less in the whole albom.

Do you know what rap stands for ? I do its retared atemped poetry.So f*** you 50 cent
PS rap is only "yoyoyoyo im great" ... Read more

Asin: B000002JS8
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

The Complete Hank Williams
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (22 September, 1998)
list price: $169.98 -- our price: $152.99
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Editorial Review

Hank Williams rose to prominence at the exact middle of the 20th century, and this fact helps to explain why he remains such a unique figure in country music. Put simply, he is the thread that connects (however loosely) Jimmie Rodgers and Garth Brooks. This 10-CD mother lode brilliantly captures the essence of the man and his spellbinding music. The official studio takes provide the foundation, while the demos, outtakes, and live recordings are the putty in the gaps. --Marc Greilsamer ... Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (45)

The bible
Ive been putting this box set off for a good 2-3 years. I finally purchased it used at an amazing price and its an amazing set. I dont know what people are talking about when they complain about the book falling apart and ruining the cds; Its actully a great idea. Maybe if your in a hurry and just open the book fast and shove the cd in that way, that'd ruin it. This guy wrote some of the greatest songs ever, and this collection is like a bible. As too all you anal collectors who complain about songs that arent in this collection, you have to remember the quailty of some songs have no stood the test of time, so they had to leave them out. Other then that, im very happy with the product and anyone who rated it below 4 dont know music.

Worth the Money
As a boy , I hated all country music, because my father hated Rock'n Roll.But I knew that Hank Williams was something special.I bought his 40 greatest several years ago, thinking that this was the ultimate collection.However, for some reason, when this 10 CD collection came out, I bought it.If anyone thinks Hank Williams was one of the greatest preformers ever based on his hits, YOU NEED TO HEAR THESE CD's.His versions of songs such as "Cool Water" "The Old Home" "Rocking Chair Money" and many others make his hits seem tame.These recordings are masterpieces.

As complete as possible. Awesome!
Hank Williams will always be the KING of Country music! No matter how hard CMT tries to make Johnny Cash look better or to seem more important, even the legacy of Johnny Cash, a hundred years from now, will continue to fall short of that of Hank Williams'. They named Johnny Cash the #1 all time male artist in Country Music History, with Hank at # 2, they gave cash the #1 video ever with "Hurt", and placed the historic "There's a Tear in my Beer" duet with Hank JR. all the way down at #18, they gave Cash five songs in there all time top 100 and Hank only four, and made sure that the highest ranking Cash song in that countdown was right in front of Hank's highest ranked song. These things only go to prove that CMT is uncreditable and silly. This set and even the "Original Singles Collection" by Hank, put to shame the three disc set by Cash "Essential Johnny Cash, 1955-1983" and his new "Unearthed" set. As much as I love Johnny Cash(I actually believe that Merle Haggard is more talented and more influential to pure Country music than anyone but Hank) the Name Hank Williams will always be the reason Country made it to the mainsteam and stayed there. Now, for the review. When you consider that The "Health andHappiness" performances, of which only five appear, make up two discs them selfs, with the songs he recorded on those shows being here in their original studio format or being done live on a different radio shows on the set, and the same for the demos, at least one version of that particular song being present, and the fact that the only songs Hank ever did that are not here, in some way or another, are tied up in the courts, then this is as Complete as we are going to get. If you can not get this collection, at leat get hold of "Original Singles Collection" which contains 84 songs, do not settle for any one or even two disc collection. ... Read more

Asin: B00000AFE0
Subjects:  1. Box Sets (Audio Only)    2. Country    3. Honky Tonk    4. Pop    5. Traditional Country   

The Patsy Cline Collection
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (22 October, 1991)
list price: $59.98 -- our price: $53.99
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Editorial Review

The Country Music Foundation offers 104 songs--more than four hours of music--even though Patsy Cline died at 30 after less than a decade of recording. Given the wavering quality of her later string-laden work, four CDs might be excessive, but this set comprehensively follows Cline from upstart country boomer to pop diva. She could take charge of a song from day one, as the two 1954 radio transcriptions prove. On her vibrant late-1950s work, she moves from honky-tonk and rockabilly to soft ballads in commanding fashion. "Walkin After Midnight," her first hit, features Don Helms's gentle steel guitar while her vocals blend raw power with emotional vulnerability. By 1957, vocal groups had entered into the mix, and in 1961, hits such as "I Fall to Pieces," "She's Got You," and Willie Nelson's "Crazy" brought her pop stardom.--Marc Greilsamer ... Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (21)

This is THE best.
This is possibly the best purchase I have ever made when it comes to music. This is my second copy, the first one I over-used and wore out. This is a true gem. When Patsy was starting out, she often complained about the quality of the songs she was getting handed- but her voice makes up for the songs. (Even though I enjoy each and every song she ever recorded- early and otherwise). She was and still is the greatest voice, not only in country music, but in MUSIC.

Patsy Cline Box Set
This is a must for fans of "the Cline" it is 4hours and 25 min.of an artist who was sadly taken from us at such a young age.You will not be the least disappointed in making this purchase..You will enjoy it for a lifetime..The recordings sound as if they were just recorded yesterday instead of almost 40+ years ago..

Never Enough Patsy
If you're a fan of Patsy Cline, you know that everything she recorded, from the most moving ballad to the rockingest honky-tonk, simply compels you to listen. Her powerful voice and her immaculate control command your attention from the git-go and never let up. If you're not yet a fan, I promise you will be.

This set is perfect in every way, including all the important recording she made and a number of enjoyable sidelights -- radio transcripts, live recordings -- from the very beginning to the tragic end. The book gives an in-depth look at her life and times. Why begin with a ten-song CD when you WILL want more? ... Read more

Asin: B000002OIE
Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country Boogie    3. Nashville Sound/Countrypolitan    4. Pop    5. Rockabilly    6. Traditional Country    7. United States of America   

Beautiful Maladies: The Island Years
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (16 June, 1998)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
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Editorial Review

Tom Waits pulled off a neat trick with the 1983 release of Swordfishtrombones: he disengaged himself from the present (and his own recent achievements) and allied himself with the past. And yet no one could accuse him of becoming mired in nostalgia. A decade before the phrase lo-fi gained favor, Waits purposely ravaged his songs by stomping them into peculiar shapes and utilizing arcane instruments and recording techniques to further bend them into new kinds of aural sculptures. The result was a genuine musical breakthrough. Beautiful Maladies gathers 23 tracks from Waits's seven post-Swordfishtrombones Island LPs. These pretty/ugly tracks provide a riveting view of Tom's wild years. While at least four Waits Island titles qualify as essentials, Beautiful Maladies and the 1988 live set, Big Time, provide compact introductions to a matchless body of work. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Beautiful Maladies: The Island Years~ Tom Waits
Tom Waits is one odd and strange fellow. This compilation takes tracks from the time that he recorded for island records.Waits has created some really strange and avantgarde music. It is not really blues, or rock and I to be honest I can not put my finger on it. Yet, it works and he is a quite accomplished lyricist and writes very escoteric yet functional lyrics. The cover for this compilation is very well done and the photo is very nice and the book-let is well done with easy to read font. His vocals are very unusual but for this kind of music (call it what you want), it works and Tom Waits is truly an eccentric genius that creates great music and writes some odd but effective lyrics.

You've Got To Start Somewhere...
...so it might as well be "Beautiful Maladies."

Tom Waits is, quite simply, and without any doubt in my mind, the greatest musical genius since John Lennon.That is saying quite a lot, and I also haven't heard every musician the world has to produce, so maybe I'm being presumptuous.BUT, if you've heard bits of his music and you like it, and you need somewhere to start, this collection is perfect.Eventually you'll need to move on to SwordfishTrombones, and then I'd recomend Rain Dogs, which is "uneven", but a great collection of songs.From there, go back to his pre-Island, pre-Kathleen Brennan (his wife and contributer) days, which I never thought were as good, but still...and get Small Change.

Now, about the songs. Certain songs are a necessity, and on here for obvious reasons.Hang On St. Christopher, Jockey Full of Bourbon, Johnsburg ILL, 16 Shells From a Thirty Ought Six, and Downtown Train are the closest to being his "greatest hits" (if he were to ever chart his music based on whats a "hit"), or at least fan favorites.The REAL classics are: Underground, Cold Cold Ground (my favorite Tom song, beautifully done LIVE), I Don't Wanna Grow Up, Time, and Singapore.What's left off the list?Necessary classics including, but not limited to: Cemetary Polka, Telephone Call From Istanbul, Rain Dogs, Tango Till They're Sore, and SwordfishTrombone, just to name a few.

Oh well, nothing in life is perfect.I'm sure Tom and the producers themselves had plenty they wish could have been added on here.The truth is, the only real way to get a "Best Of..." for Tom is for there to be a Box Set, which would be the only way to fit all his classics into one collection.But, for starters, this is good.

Real nice
Speaking as a casual Tom Waits fan, I have to say putting all of his best stuff on one disc was a great idea. "Hang on St. Christopher", "Way Down In The Hole", "16 Shells From a Thirty-Ought Six" are all classics. "Downtrain Train" isn't too bad either. Tom Waits is an acquired taste, I suppose, and for me the greatest hits is just right. ... Read more

Asin: B000007QQL
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. College Rock    3. Experimental Rock    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Singer/Songwriter   

Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos.3 & 5
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 May, 1990)
list price: $7.98 -- our price: $7.98
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Editorial Review

This was Anne-Sophie Mutter's debut recording, made when she was fourteen. Too bad the original photo of her smiling angel face wasn't reprinted from the original LP. But the music was, and that's what counts. Schnabel said that Mozart was too simple for children and too difficult for adults. Apparently the adolescent Mutter fits right between. She plays Mozart with charm, grace, and fluency, picking up the subtle fluctuations of emotion and making every gesture count. Not even the bland accompaniments of Herbert von Karajan can hamper this glorious playing, one of the great debuts in recorded history, and the 1978 recording still sounds fine. --Leslie Gerber ... Read more

Reviews (3)

first date
I enjoy the music on this CD.As with much of Mozart's (1756-1791) works, it absolutely shimmers.No one need fear this classical music.It is a 1978 recording with Ms. Anne-Sophie Mutter (b 1963) as soloist under the direction of Herbert van Karajan (1908-1989).Mr Bernhard Uske writes "ad-copy" on the liner notes, "When the new record reached the shops, the cover showed the maestro and the child prodigy facing each other, eyes on the same leve: two artists of equal rank, both holding the insignia of their musical competence - baton and bow - eagerly ready for action, rather like a pair of fencers presenting arms, and there is not a sign of pouting or fireworks."Mozart wrote these pieces when he was 19 years of age.It then, seems fitting that Ms. Mutter would play these to introduce herself to the world of recorded music.I am astounded at her abilities at this young age.If you are interested in delightful classical music, or in the career of Ms Anne-Sophie Mutter, this CD will be interesting to you.

interesting but not worth keeping
I actually bought the cassette of this recording. When the first time I listened to it, I was so surprised that Karajan was working with someone who had a "non flawless" kill.After I figured it out that shewas only 12, I was amazed. But there are tons of better recordings outthere, why should we keep this one?

Mutter's debut recording
This was Mutter's debut recording when she was in her teens. One can already see her great potential at that time. Here, her playing is sweet and precise. However, Karajan is a little overbearing and tends to dominatehis young soloist. This is an interesting CD in that one can see thedifference in Mutter's style when compared to her later recordings. ... Read more

Asin: B000001GDG
Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Concerto   

Pastel Blues/Let It All Out
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 July, 1991)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $11.98
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Editorial Review

Most of Nina Simone's Phillips records (cut from 1964 through '67) are available in a series of single-CD two-fers: In Concert/I Put a Spell on You, Pastel Blues/Let it All Out, and Wild Is the Wind/High Priestess of Soul. All are worthwhile, though this collection of small-combo recordings is particularly consistent and cohesive. The Pastel Blues portion of the CD features the backing of a quartet led by stalwart Simone accompanist Al Shackman. Highlighted by the aching "End of the Line," a riveting cover of Billie Holiday's "Strange Fruit," and the 10-minute-plus "Sinnerman," this is prime studio Nina. The remaining 10 cuts include three live selections. Simone's vaunted eclecticism is in evidence in the Let It All Out portion of the package, with Bob Dylan's grim (and then nearly new) "Ballad of Hollis Brown" abutting Irving Berlin's "This Year's Kisses." --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Reviews (4)

My favorite
Out of all of her recordings that I own, this is easily my favorite.It shows her incredible range of emotion and talent. It may be rude to say this, but I find her much better than Billie Holiday.Nina has better emotionality, in my opinion. If you only buy one, let it be this one.

Pay my royalties, Nina
I loved Nina for recording my song, End Of The Line on Philips in 1961. What a thrill! Since then it has been released on three compilation albums: Pastel Blues/Let It All Hang Out, After Hours and NightSong. I would still be thrilled, except that she is obligated by contract to pay writers' royalties and a co-publishing share, and shehas refused to even acknowledge my or my co-writer's existence. So, we have never receivedroyalties on the three compilation albums since their release starting in 1990. I've lost a great deal of respect for Miss Simone, not to mention time, effort and grief. Anyone have a suggestion for my plight?

One of My All-Time Nina Favorites
This really is an excellent CD!Philips is to be commended for puttingtwo excellent albums onto one CD. The title says it all--Nina really doeslet it all out, vocally, that is. This remarkable artist tackles everythingin the music book---Ellington songs, Billie Holiday ballads, R&B, soul,pop---she can do it all. It's amazing how she takes songs of Billie Holiday(there are 3 here) and remakes them into her own.The covers are just asgood, if not better, than the original Lady Day versions. Nina's warm,soothing voice just washes you over and caresses you, and if need be--evenjolts you--on some of the songs.Sound quality is excellent. ... Read more

Asin: B0000047B9
Subjects:  1. Jazz    2. Pop    3. Standards    4. Vocal Jazz