Shut Up 'N Play Yer Guitar [3 Disc Complete Set]
by Vido Arts
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 April, 2002)
list price: $99.49
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Features

• Import

Reviews (1)

Excellent from start to finish
Originally available only by mail order, this was Zappa's love letter to those who always said they love Zappa's guitar playing. Zappa loved his fans and was completely loyal to them. Originally a 3-LP set it is a collection of live and studio tracks spanning periods from about Zoot Allures up to release time, with guest spots by Jean-Luc Ponty (with Zappa on Bouzouki) and Roy Estrada (on bass). All original stuff, no reruns here. The sound quality is absolutely superb and there is no question that Zappa's guitar is the main attraction. Well paced, good listening, accessible grooves, and superb musicianship make this an essential for Zappa guitar fans and Zappa fans in general. A book of Zappa's solos transcribed by Steve Vai ("Frank Zappa - GUITAR") drew a lot of material from this album. A personal favourite from this album is "Five-Five-FIVE". ... Read more

Asin: B000063L43
Sales Rank: 302423
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Hard Rock    3. Jazz-Rock    4. Pop    5. Prog-Rock/Art Rock    6. Rock   

The Wind
by Artemis Records
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (26 August, 2003)
list price: $19.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

The Wind is like an X-ray with a dark shadow that shouldn’t be there and can’t be ignored. Recorded after Zevon was diagnosed in 2002 with inoperable lung cancer, it sounds like the work of a guy who's still fighting, but also starting to wrap things up. Although Zevon is best known for his poison-dart wit, he’s always been a bit of a softie, too. It’s no surprise, then, that The Wind leans heavily on irony-free ballads such as "She’s Too Good for Me," "El Amor de mi Vida," and "Please Stay." But there’s also a dose of defiant blues ("Rub Me Raw") and plenty of dirty slide guitar, courtesy of Ry Cooder and David Lindley. (Other guests include Bruce Springsteen, Don Henley, Tom Petty, Jackson Browne, and Dwight Yoakam).

If the lyrics generally lack the literary precision of Zevon’s best work, the songs take on greater weight given the circumstance under which they were recorded. Heard in 1983, a party-hearty anthem like "The Rest of the Night" would’ve sounded like yet another dumb argument for hedonism, and "Numb as a Statue" might have come off as the self-lacerating joke of an alcoholic unable to deal with his emotions directly. However, on The Wind, these songs are genuinely touching, the work of a guy deadened by meds but unwilling to surrender to The Big Sleep just yet. A cover of Dylan’s "Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door" is the album’s most direct comment on Zevon’s fragile health, but the most touching song is the album-closing acoustic ballad "Keep Me in Your Heart," recorded by Zevon at home after the star-studded studio work was complete. Clearly, Zevon survived one hell of a farewell party last night, but now it's morning again and there’s no telling what the rest of the day might bring. --Keith Moerer ... Read more

Reviews (247)

Zevon's asbestos figment of fans' imagination

This segues into where I admonish you 230 reviewers. I chide you as the most disreputable pawns of media propaganda who submissively bought this, now irrelevant, obsolete "musician's" CD, at the solicitation of news outlets who fooled you into believing Zevon was noteworthy, which is a distant cry from what he really was!!!! I accuse that you 230-strong are insincere double-dealers who never heard of Suicide until he stigmatically leaked the publicity stunt of conceding his mortality was inevitable, which raises additional suspicions. How dare Zevon disseminate unwanted news of his impending death, when, because of his unremarkable rank, no one would've cared, much less noticed!!!! This implicates you 230-strong as the most surrendering, imaginarily trendy sheep who subserved the media's plot-for-their-own-personal-gain, to hype Zevon after he killed himself, to a misused, patsy exercise.

Zevon having asbestos is like Hitttler likingJews:IMPOSSIBLE

Zevon must practice liberalism/socialism. Self-destroyer-presumably not functionally retarded-disowned the meanest of basic common sense regarding his LIFELONG SMOKING HABIT. He's the indiscriminately prototypical poster-boy for moronically scorned liberals/socialists who non-conformingly jeopardize themselves because of liberal/socialist thinking cancers, which dictate they'll never be responsible for their actions and/or can shift the blame. Zevon's ominously close to being lowered onto the stereotype of chronic smokers who kill themselves, then, in irrational vindictiveness, whose families sue tobacco companies immoderately. Zevon's kids should just huffily-in abnormal dissatisfaction-sue, confirming this hippie liberal's culpability!!!!You 230-strong are discomfortingly suffering from the LOWEST manifestation of hero worship-in your cases, sacrilegious idolatry of a frailly hampered, small-name studio musician, which progresses the outrage even more.

A fitting farewell
I'll keep this brief.Good last stab at an album from a renowned under the radar artist. As a comment to the plethora of one star reviews.....well, there is no such thing as bad publicity, even from conspiracy theorists. Take it with a grain of salt and enjoy the music, which is what matters in the end anyway. ... Read more

Asin: B0000AGWIK
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Album Rock    3. Folk-Rock    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Singer/Songwriter    7. United States of America   

Nonkertompf
by Exowax
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 November, 1999)
list price: $17.99 -- our price: $17.99
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Reviews (6)

That's 5 Stars and One Big OMG
Of this 35-track assault of beautifully recorded, extremely eclectic studies and interludes, Mike Keneally writes, "I started dreaming about this album when I was 12"; I think I've been waiting for this album at least that long.

Jaw-droppingly diverse, with a stream-of-consciousness yet deliberately controlled approach, Keneally wrote, performed and produced this instrumental work entirely by himself ..... and Nonkertompf is a significant testament to creative control, not to mention release.In the course of its constantly shifting 1.2 hours, on pieces ranging from 12 seconds to nearly 8 minutes, the material runs the gamut from soundtrack music to abstract jazz, from Rundgren to Residents, Frith to Zappa, Nancarrow to Larajii, and Mike to Keneally.It's very doubtful that you could find more styles and moods clashing and melding on one disc.As such, it is best approached with an open, if not hungry, mind.

Thank you, Mr. Kineally, for sharing your dream ..... we look forward to more.

Uncategorizable...even for Keneally
Former Frank Zappa protege and all-around crazily eclectic musician Mike Keneally took a break from making albums with his band Beer For Dolphins and made an actual "solo" album (he plays all the instruments himself). The album is wildly bold and experimental. While other MK discs like "Sluggo" and "Dancing" are more easily digestible, this one deserves your attention due to its uniqueness. There's really nothing else like it. It's just Mike doing a musical brain dump, truly letting go of all boundaries. If you like this, try everything else he's done! Mike is a supremely talented individual who deserves your attention!

Do you like music?
I mean REAL music.The kind where a very talented person writes a varietyof songs ranging from sad to happy, loony to somber, dreamy to rigid, and awhole bunch of other combinations that my vocabulary is not large enough toespouse into this little box.Well, then by this album.Do it now!Youwon't regret it. ... Read more

Asin: B00000JZGZ
Sales Rank: 137848
Subjects:  1. Experimental Rock    2. Guitar Virtuoso    3. Instrumental Rock    4. Pop    5. Rock   

Ulysses (Della Notte)
by E-Magine Records
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (03 October, 2000)
list price: $11.98
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Reviews (2)

EX-BOWIE GUITARIST + ROBERT SMITH... need I say any more?
UNBELIEVABLY GREAT! Discovering this record thru a friend, I've been playing it for over a month almost every day... it might be one of the truly great overlooked albums in recent years. Reeves Gabrels (ex-guitarist: David Bowie, Tin Machine) is obviously a very accomplished guitar player, but he proves here that he's a really fine songwriter too. Only one instrumental! The songs are strong and get better with each listen, I personally really like Jewel, Accident, Standing, Party Puppet, and Yesterday's Gone, which has The Cure's Robert Smith on vocals. (Most songs it's Reeves on vocals.) Other guests on the CD are David Bowie, Frank Black, Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), etc. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS CD! Five Stars.

Welcome Back Reeves!
Reeves Gabrels is back.Back in a big way.The raging riffs and rough, gritty guitar work from "Squall" are there, however there is also an atmospheric, ethereal quality to his new release.The album begins full of energy and does not let up.Gabrels' playing is still quirky, eclectic and never dull.The recording quality is outstanding.

The only problem I have with this album is that it is way too short in duration.At just over 45 minutes it leaves you wanting more.Let's hope the next release is more substantial in length.In today's era of CDs, 45 minutes is unacceptable. ... Read more

Asin: B00004YWZK
Sales Rank: 103369
Subjects:  1. Experimental Rock    2. Guitar Virtuoso    3. Pop    4. Rock   

Billion Dollar Babies (Dlx) (Dig)
by Rhino Records
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (06 February, 2001)
list price: $19.98 -- our price: $19.98
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Editorial Review

The original Alice Cooper band was one of the finest hard-rock units of the early '70s, which is why the second disc of this remastered version of Billion Dollar Babies is such a treat. Eleven bonus tracks from the band's 1973 tour display the Cooper band's taste for pop-culture--and a sense of humor, as Alice quotes from Don McLean's "American Pie" on a wonderful version of "I'm Eighteen," while the band delivers a ripping "Theme from Perry Mason" during an extended workout of "Unfinished Sweet." Rounded out with session outtakes, the second disc will have fans praying that Rhino unearths more live material. As for Billion Dollar Babies itself, it may not be the Cooper band's best album, but it was the final release of a quartet of extraordinary Bob Ezrin-produced hard-rock records (rounded out by Love It to Death, Killer, and School's Out), and it captures the moment when the band was at their peak. Including three hit singles in "Hello Hooray," "Elected," and "No More Mr. Nice Guy," the album--from Donovan's exciting cameo on the title track to the closing "I Love the Dead" (probably the prettiest ode to necrophilia ever recorded)--still sounds terrific. And the packaging, production, music, and imagery has inspired followers as diverse as the Sex Pistols, Marilyn Manson, and Hole. --Bill Holdship ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (65)

Excellent album with a live concert CD
Billion Dollar Babies was released in 1973, just after the commercially successful School's Out album.I'd say Billion is slightly better than it's predecessor, but only because it's a bit more focused.For those who don't know it, the Alice Cooper Band was just that, a band.Writing was shared by all members including producer Bob Ezrin who provided keyboards and arranging skills.The music is adventurous, rocking, complex, and filled with Alice's snarling vocals, and dark humor. The Alice Cooper band can really play, excellent guitar by Glen Buxton (whose contributions are in question as his health was failing) and Dick Wagner who does some guest leads on a couple of songs.These guys are excellent musicians and work very well together.

I've heard a lot of people call Alice heavy metal, but that's a misnomer.Rather Alice Cooper were a great example of very eclectic and theatrical '70s hard rock.Like their contemporaries Genesis, David Bowie and T Rex among others, Alice was interested in rock and roll as theatre, as a visual and musical spectacle.Billion Dollar Babies works quite well in that aspect.There's a lot of variety on this disk, from psychedelic theatrical tunes, to hard driving rockers to ballads to songs with an almost glam rock sensibility.And all are delivered with great showmanship and with Alice's tongue planted firmly in his cheek. It's shock rock, but done with a great deal of humor and wit, not to mention musical might.

As a great bonus an extra CD of a live concert from the Billion Dollar Babies tour comes with this package.With songs from Billion Dollar Babies, School's Out and others it's truly a fantastic bonus.The bandplays the songs with more power and the recording quality is very good.Some subtlety may be lost, but the energy of the performance more than makes up for any loss of nuance.The band absolutely smokes, excellent musicianship all around.I love the James Bond quote in Unfinished Sweet.If you are an Alice Cooper or an early '70s hard rock fan you owe it to yourself to pick up this excellent CD.You won't be disappointed.I'd also check out the excellent Killers as well as the semi-concept album School's Out.

Still great...
This is the last completely solid set from the original Alice Cooper band. It is an excellent finale, with all of the same wonderfully twisted elements as the three previous efforts.
The main standouts on this one are "Unfinished Sweet", "Generation Landslide" and one of only two songs about necrophilia that I've ever heard (the other is Cold Ethyl on Welcome to My Nightmare). Only Alice could make a song about something so repulsive so enjoyable. It is gleefully wicked and packed, as always, with the dark humour that was Alice's trademark. Alone, worth the price of admission. Once you've heard it, you'll never be quite the same.....(insert diabolical laughter here)

4 *'s for deluxe, 1 * for the original
so i wrote a review of the original disc and saw that amazon, in their infinite wisdom, jam that reviews of both the deluxe and regular edition together (it looks like maybe they include the dvd in the same review list ...

so here's my review of the orginal album -- 1*

i looked through a lot of the reviews on here (some of them miscategorized) and i was amazed that no one put their finger on THE fatal flaw of this record ...

"billion dollar babies" is one of the truly great rock records of the 70's ... cool to listen to now because unlike the who, the beatles, led zeppelin and their ilk (who not only were over-played on the radio then, but continue to be over-played on the "classic rock" stations today), the music feels fresh and inspired.

but this cd, amazingly, has an inexcusable flaw: when they mastered it, they actually have a tape slow-down in the song "raped and freezin';" like some drug-head at the label accidentally leaned on the reel-to-reel machine as they were mastering.i can't believe that the stupes at warner didn't find it before release -- it's pretty clear that NO ONE listened to the disc before it went out, or were so completely unaware that they just let it go.amazing.and kinda bad to think about how you, the consumer, are just so much cattle to a label like that.i was a dj in college, and own racks and racks of cd's, and i've never heard of another mastering abomination anywhere close to being in this league.

cut your head off with a guillotine, opine about making love to the dead, get shot through the heart by a flaming arrow on stage, but whatever you do, don't buy the original version of this record.

***

and now the deluxe version - 4 *'s

***

so the folks at rhino have finally resurrected and corrected one of the truly great records of the 70's.disc 1 of b.d.b. sounds great and the cd itself comes in the original packaging of the album, complete with the punch-out photos in the wallet.

unfortunately you're also forced to buy the second disc of this record which is disappointingly lackluster.like all 70's dome acts, the sound is harsh and boomy.the performances you're given, although giving you a good feel of the time, are fairly tedious ... unless your idea of hearing alice say, "here's a dirty song.you're really going to like it ..." completely out of breath, and more than a little influenced, is your idea of a good time.

rhino needs to take a good look at the universal deluxe series and come out with better source material, or just focus on making the original record sound and look as great as possible -- otherwise it just feels like a fleecing.

no cd collection of 70's rock is complete without disc 1 of the deluxe set ... none of them *need* disc 2. ... Read more

Asin: B000056W0F
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Terria
by Sony Int'l
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 November, 2001)
list price: $48.49 -- our price: $48.49
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Features

• Import

Reviews (3)

DEVIN AT HIS BEST
Before I had picked this album up, I had only known Devin for Strapping Young Lad. City, by far was my favourite of the two albums, and one of my favourite metal albums of all time. However, I was totally unprepared for the complete aural experience that would be 'Terria'. To call this album excellent would be an understatement. It has become, by far, my favourite album of all time, period.
Devin, while not being the best guitar player around, certainly has proved his worth as a songwriter. The album, not precisely metal, has so much emotion and feeling it's almost unbelievable. I think I must have listened to Terria about 100 times by now, (no joke) but I keep going back because it's one of those albums where, every time you hear it, you notice something you missed before.
Devin has to be, IMO, one of the best producers around. What goes through his mind, I have no clue, but he is insane. The way he includes so many samples and backing instrumentation without hurting the music overall is amazing. Also of note is Gene Hoglan's drumming. Fans of his are, I'm sure, used to blast beats and double-bass mayhem, but he manages to slow it down and keep it, for the most part, fairly simple. Not his best or most technically challenging drumming, but his timing and execution are immaculate.
Fans of Devin, please, do yourself a favour and go out and get this album.

A masterpiece of Melodic Devin
Well, this is the 2nd Melodic Devin CD, it is the Earth version of Ocean Machine:
1. Olives - An intro song, that gets louder towards the end then almost silent - 3/5
2. Mountain - After the silent ending of Olives, the almost death metal/grindcore scream to start this song is shocking, but the song starts to mellow out - 4/5
3. Earth Day - One of the long songs, the most vocal & most changing musically, basically, the most active song on the CD, great song - 5/5
4. Deep Peace - One of the most beautiful songs ever & on this disc, contains one of the best guitar solo's of modern time - 5/5
5. Canada - A tribute to Devin's homeland, great song, 3 mins into it is the best, great piece of music - 5/5
6. Down & Under - An acoustic & melodic 'filler' song, it gets you in the mood for the next song - 4/5
7. The Fluke - The second most 'alive' song on this CD, this shows of the talent of all the musicians after about 1min 40secs as they are like playing solos at the same time, showing time changes & difficult stuff, after that is one of the most beautiful melodies I have ever heard - 5/5
8. Nobody Here - The 'ballad' of the CD, this song is just perfect for this amazing CD, doesn't get any better - 5/5
9. Tiny Tears - The long songs continue with this one, a epic that gets more beautiful then in the last minute, hits the heaviest music on the whole disc, heavy while beautiful, it is great - 5/5
10. Stagnant - The Terria version of Life (from OM), it is the radio song from the CD, it is just catchy, & finishes the CD well - 5/5

There is a hidden song after Stagnant called Humble, it is NOT the Universal song, that is on the Double CD version of Terria, Humble is a odd song, acoustic then Devin laughing, then 3 mins of noise

On the Bonus CD, there is 7 live videos from the 1999 Japan tour, & a bonus song called:
1. Universal - It starts with a banjo then kicks into a song that would suit being on Infinity, an upbeat,good song - 5/5

Overall, this CD is a 5/5, another masterpiece by this musical genius, I can't wait for the acoustic/pop record which is being released at the same time as the new Strapping Young Lad CD, at the end of 2002

Awesome
The cliche of no words being able to describe something is thrown around to often, but here even they do not do it justice. Devin Townsend is possibly THE most important man in metal and music. This man has single handedly created the perfect sound and emotion for an album. Every single track is like a tear in your eye. The solo in Deep Peace is breathtaking, and the Nobody's Here chorus is just worthy of getting on your knees and thanking this genius, 'Cause that's what Mr. Townsend is, purely and simply. If you only like Devin for SYL then you aint seen nothin, only with Terria can you see how much this man has accomplished with this album. A better album than this is not possible, it is inconceivable, period.
This album is like heroin, except that it should be taken by everyone. ... Read more

Asin: B00005NYR0
Sales Rank: 182009
Subjects:  1. Heavy Metal    2. Pop    3. Progressive Metal    4. Rock   

Vespertine
by Elektra
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (28 August, 2001)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

Ever since Björk's vital, effusive 1993 debut, her musichas been increasingly intimate, gently private, and concerned withseclusion. It's typical then that Vespertine's first single iscalled "Hidden Place." The studious solitude is rewarding, though.Vespertine is a lush, gorgeous swell of midpace electronica,symphonic strings, and Björk's uniquely alien, spectral vocals.There are fantastical wonders here. "Cocoon" (another eulogy towithdrawal from the world) is delicate as a breath, Björk soundingtoo fragile to be flesh as she lauds "a beauty this immense." "PaganPoetry" and "Aurora," likewise, are adrift in an enchanted reverie.When she chooses, she crafts killer tunes; "It's Not up to You" is aslovely as anything on Post. Yet, frequently,on such tracks as the yearning, glancing "Undo," Björk seems to besimply thinking aloud, reveling in this wildly rich and visceral music.She's reclaimed cutting-edge electronica, so often the province ofgeeks and technicians, for the poets and the passionate.Vespertine is a landmark, a revelation, and a truly fabulousachievement. --Ian Gittins ... Read more

Reviews (366)

just beautiful music
Last year I happened to discover Bjork. Now I can tell you she has become one of my favorite artists.This album is a masterpiece in every angle; the way she expresses herself through music is unbelievable. I strongly recommend it.

Fine Follow-Up To "Dancer In the Dark"
A year before Bjork released "Vespertine", she garnered rave reviews for her performance in the film "Dancer In the Dark".This brought her career to new levels.Also, she received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song for "I've Seen It All".Beyond the infamous swan dress is genius work, including the album "Selmasongs" (the film soundtrack).Then, in 2001, she released her follow-up "Vespertine".The quality lives up to what she's always released since her debut: never below her top abilities.She earned a 2001 Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Album.

Throughout this album is unique passionate songs that send listeners to a musical trance.The unique blend of ambient, trip-hop, and chamber music remains intimate.No other artist has touched such territory successfully.She proves in every song that she's continually evolving as an artist magnificantly.Despite every song being calming rather than upbeat, the album never becomes boring.Some songs include interesting twists and turns that raise eyebrows.Bjork wrote, produced, and arranged every song beautifully.Meanwhile, she was thorough in arranging all of the melodies assuring they fit amongst one another.

Bjork's amazing vocals continue to amaze listeners as they have since her debut.As usual, anybody who listens to her can always identify her correctly.Besides her unique vocal texure, her range of tones wonderfully blend with the individual theme beautifully.She gives every song the beauty it deserves.Her expressions she the true passion and intimacy she feels about the lyrics.Therefore, the influences to her words express themselves to the fullest.

"Vespertine" is an essential album for all old and new Bjork fans.This is great for those for fresh relaxing music besides Enya, Sade, or Andrea Bocceli.This is sure to please many listeners for a long time.

Bjork's Worst
This (in my opinion) is bjork's worst release album to date, but not to say it's bad, as it, ironically, features my favourite Bjork song of all time 'An Echo A Stain' -- it is mysterious, original, and 'soft'.
This is not bjork's worst album by far, by the way, and it is ot to me her worst because of the songs, it's because that all of the songs sound very similar to each other, I know Bjork has a (good) habit of creating different moods/emotions in each album she releases, for example, Debut was shy, post was the loud... unlike Debut. Homogenic was aggressive, electronic and unique (her masterwork), and Vespertine is the opposite to Homogenic, and if it is the opposite to my favourite album of all time, one may think `it mustn't be very good', which would noramlly been true -- but all of Bjorks albums are good, so this is an exception -- now to the actual review::
Starting with the lead single Hidden Place (#21 UK), is my second favourite and very unique, Cocoon is a bit boring and never really goes anywhere -- but the originality and uniqueness is still there (#35 UK), It's Not Up To You is very excessible and creates a very positive mood. Undo is a very strange song, with a great Icelandic choir, followed by my fourth favourite Pagan Poetry (#39 UK) -- it opens with something sounding like an... Asian guitar, and finishes in style!!! Frosti is probably my least favourite B track -- it, like Cocoon never really goes anywhere, but the stuff it still present. Aurora is very good. Some say that Bjorks loud, aggressive vocals don't go well with the soft, fragile tune, but I think it just enhances it's mood (hehehe...) The fabulous "An Echo A Stain" follows, and next is Sun In My Mouth, it is very short, but still very good. Next is the lightly repudiative 'Heirloom' -- the rhythm/beat sounds like it's taken from a beat of a piano, then is the very unique Harm of Will, which is my third fifth favourite song of V, and then my 3rd favourite 'Unison" -- very commonly the fans favourite, it's light tune, and 6:47 time go very well together......

Instead of this, I would recommend any other Bjork album, especially Homogenic.

If you liked this, I recommend, well, there IS no other album like this I know, but, ........maybe Ray Of Light from Madonna.

Track by Track:
1) 9/10 2) 7/10 3) 7/10 4) 8/10 5) 9/10 6) 6/10 7) 9/10 8) 10/10 9)9/10 10) 7/10 11)9/10 12) 9/10


85% ... Read more

Asin: B00005NG4X
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Electronica    3. Pop    4. Rock   

Uncool
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 February, 2002)
list price: $11.99 -- our price: $11.99
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Features

• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (2)

Best rock album of 2001
Ronald Thal is up there with the best guitarists around, has a voice that can do just about anything, writes great melodies, songs and lyrics AND is a humble, kind fellow with heart. Where is this guys Grammy dammit, and why isn't the record label promoting the hell out of this re-release ? I want to hear these songs on the radio ! I discovered Ron by downloading almost all of his back catalogue on MP3, having never heard of him before that - it was a goldmine of gigantic proportions let me tell you and it all blew me away! He is now my favourite musician, next to Mike Patton and Victor Wooten :) And like these two guys, he doesn't give a rats about monetary success or glory, he just wants to do his art and ya gotta respect that.

An amazing journey (taken from review at cdbaby.com)
(taken from review at cdbaby.com) My favorite movies are the ones you can watch 10 times and discover new subtleties every time you watch them again. That's what this CD is like. It's like listening to a gig of Tony Clifton (comedian Andy Kaufman's alter-ego) with a metal band behind him. What really killed me is the last song, unlisted in the CD credits, it's a half-hour long with a repeating groove, where Bumblefoot does a vocal duet with a trombone and ocassionally goes off on spontaneous rants. Probably the only 30-minute song I'll ever be able to listen to in full. I guess this can be considered a concept album, but not in the sci-fi way you commonly see. And the 2 live-sounding segues are so funny! Imagine the worst frontman in a wedding band saying all the wrong things in an attempt to be sincere. There's still alot of trademark crazy Bumblefoot guitarwork on the cd, but mostly with a guitar-synth creating the illusion of an amazing flutist, pianist, or horn player. Definitely a unique album for any record collection, and one of those albums that gives you a sudden unexplainable "need" to go on a binge listening to it for 3 days straight and re-discovering it every few months... ... Read more

Asin: B000062TTR
Sales Rank: 80105

Bjork - Vessel
by Navarre Corporation/
Average Customer Review:
DVD (01 July, 2003)
list price: $19.98 -- our price: $17.98
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Features

• Color

Reviews (3)

Energetic, ground-breaking, and gorgeous...
An energetic performance of the songs on "Debut"; highlights include "Come to Me" & "There's More to Life Than This."

blast from the past
vessel was the first bj?rk video i purchased, so it holds a special place in my heart. since i own it on VHS + laser disc, i wasn't planning to buy it on dvd. my boyfriend surprised me with it one afternoon, and it brought back a flood of memories.

the concert is fabulous, and the mini interviews with bj?rk are sooo cute!

the dvd quality and sound is excellent, and i think this is one of her best live concerts! :)

Wonderful!
First off, Debut is my least favorite of Bjork's albums.When I saw this at the store I couldnt help but buying it though (its bjork, it cant be bad!)So I started it up expecting it to be a little better than the live on MTV Unplugged DVD.Well, I was very suprised!!I believe this is my second favorite Bjork concert DVD next to RoH.Bjork is so awesome :) ... Read more

Asin: B00009RGC7
Sales Rank: 36258
Subjects:  1. Music Video - Pop/Rock   

View
by Onion Boy
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (28 October, 2003)
list price: $15.99 -- our price: $15.99
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Reviews (12)

Bass Lovers Need this CD
I absolutely love this CD. This may be Bryan's first solo album, but nothing about this piece of art says "rookie". If you've never heard Bryan play acoustic bass you will be amazed at the lovely melodies and harmonies he creates.The electric songs are SO good. "7% Grade" is dangerous to play while driving as it leads to heavy acceleration... "Bite" is great crunchy rock ... it's not too hard it's not too soft.. if Goldilocks were shopping for a CD, she would choose "View". And then she should go next door and try out Mike Keneally's CD, "Dog".

Mind Blowing, Haunting Musicianship
I love The Mike Keneally Band.So I bought this CD by the Keneally's bassist because I thought it would be "interesting."I was unprepared for the mind blowing journey Beller has in store on View.Unparalleled musicianship is an understatement in describing this CD.And the guys you've heard of (Keneally on keyboards, Joe Travers on drums, Beller) give you everything you'd expect and more.But its the guys you may not have heard of that really knock you socks off -- Griff Peters and Wes Wehmuller, guitar and bass respectively.Beller said in his live performance of View that Wehmuller is a guy that makes Beller wish he played a different instrument so that he (Beller) could play with him (Wehmuller) -- that about sums it up.The bass playing on this record is, as expected, compelling.The guitar tone contributed by Peters is very special -- not "super fast" shredder material -- just unbelievable tone and an awesome sense of restraint and power (Hello, David Gilmour!) Every track is a stand out but for my money Get Things Done and View are just about the finest musical pieces that I've ever heard.Keneally "shredding" the keys on Seven Percent Grade ain't too shabby either.To me, Beller is like the best of Stanley Clarke -- phat and driving rock/fusion (and no cheesy psuedo-funk vocals either).Just one more thing -- if you are ever in the fortunate position to see Beller and this band play live (either on the same bill with the Mike Keneally Band or alone), rush to the venue and camp for good seats.Unless you don't want your mind blown!

This is a great CD
Whether you're a musician or just someone who likes listenting to good music, this CD really stands out as unique and very enjoyable. The driving rhythms of the bass playing and the overall arrangement really show off Beller's talent as a performer and writer. The compositions on this album are a very complex mix of styles that really come off well, and I would recommend this CD to anyone who is looking for a refreshing new sound. ... Read more

Asin: B0000C1HFG
Sales Rank: 92675
Subjects:  1. Bass    2. Drums    3. Experimental Rock    4. Guitar    5. Instrumental Rock    6. Keyboards    7. Prog-Rock/Art Rock   

Klavierstücke
by Purple Cow Records
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 September, 2001)
list price: $16.99 -- our price: $16.99
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Reviews (2)

File under Awesome
I friend of mine bought this album for me and I absolutely love it. It's the perfect thing to put on during dinnertime or when looking to relax. It has a nice mix of uptempo and downbeat songs. Most classical bores me to death, but I just had to come say something nice about this CD!...

"Pretty piano album" indeed!
Unfortunately, I don't think "pretty" does this album justice.Gorgeous is, perhaps, more like it.Chris Opperman is somehow able to blend wierd, beautiful, harsh, confusing, happy, fun, interesting, and about a billion other adjectives into one heck of a solo piano album.From the wierd, disjunct sounds of "the jeans of r. mattoon" all the way to the unearthly beauty of "...as if it were made of glass." Klavierstucke is varied and intricate enough to entertain the harshest critics...including myself.So, if you enjoy piano albums, or even if you don't, you should by this gem...right now.Enjoy!

These are some of my favorite tracks:
the jeans of r. mattoon, t. williams, ballad for a rainy sunday afternoon, sophia's dream, dodecahedron, an anton webern moment, hypocrisy, melodious monk, huggenkiss, and ...as if it were made of glass. ... Read more

Asin: B00005QXS6
Sales Rank: 312672
Subjects:  1. Chamber Jazz    2. Neo-Classical    3. Piano    4. Solo Instrumental   

Master Of Reality
by Castle Music UK
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (22 September, 1998)
list price: $20.99
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Features

• Import
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (9)

Black Sabbath perfect their own sound
Black Sabbath in the early 1970's were a completely unique entity, as no-one sounded quite like them. Sadly, at first this meant that they gained little praise from the critics, even if they did gain quite a large following of fans. The band's first two albums were nothing short of excellent, with their second effort 'Paranoid' being a classic which is still hailed by many to this day. Eager fans in early 1971 were promised by lead-guitarist Toni Iommi himself that Black Sabbath's next release would be their heaviest and darkest yet. 'Master of Reality', Black Sabbath's third studio album, released in July 1971 was exactly what the band had promised; an album heavier, stronger and darker than any of their previous work.

When I bought this album I wondered how the Ozzy-era Sabbath could ever top 'Paranoid', for the album was so good. However, 'Master of Reality' does exactly this and I personally think it is an even better album. Sadly, this album is a criminally underrated record, often overlooked in favour of its predecessor and the band's self-titled debut. The truth is though, that 'Master of Reality' has the best sense of completeness to it of the first three Black Sabbath albums. The songs are completely refined and any transitions within them are done perfectly. Furthermore, the album contains some of Ozzy Osbournes best vocal performances ever and some of Toni Iommis's heaviest, nastiest and most foreboding guitar playing is on the album. The album may well have the most uninspirational of all of Black Sabbath's album covers but don't let that put you off the album. The fact that five of the eight tracks on this album were covered on the 1994 Black Sabbath tribute album show how great this album is. 'Master of Reality' has also been one of the band's more influencial works, with tracks like 'Sweet Leaf' being a huge influence on 90's grunge bands, especially Soundgarden. The album itself has recently undergone a remaster. The album soundquality is now excellent but sadly no bonus tracks have been added to the release which would have been a great extra to pad out the CD.

'Sweet Leaf' is one of the band's great opening tracks. From the coughing start, this powerful song about drugs has been a real influence for plenty of bands. 'After Forever' is typical Sabbath, this song being critical of religious beliefs in the lyrics. That aside it has some excellent guitar play and strong bass play from Geezer Butler. 'Embryo' is a short instrumental which paves the way for one of the band's most revered tracks in 'Children of the Grave'. I think at the time, there will have been no song as heavy as this one, its a classic - the whispering, spooky finish is great as well. What was side 2 of the album, begins with 'Orchid', another good instrumental, this one being acoustic. 'Lord of this World' is another strong heavy tune but is then contrasted by 'Solitude'. This is the quiet, melancholy track on the album but it is also one of the best tracks on the album too. Do not skip this track, Black Sabbath were masters of the heavy sound but their slower, quieter stuff is fantastic as well. 'Into the Void' is a return to the heavy sound, were Ozzy sings about doom and pollution. The guitar work is so diverse on this track, from high to low in sound. Its a perfect finish.

'Master of Reality' is an unbelievable album. With this album, Black Sabbath mastered the heavy metal sound which they had done so much to pioneer. Whilst not nearly as popular as 'Paranoid', I personally think this is the better album, with its even heavier and darker style than its predecessor. This is one of Black Sabbath's best, along with 'Heaven and Hell'. Recommended for any fan of heavy metal, this is a must have.

Even better than the last two
Master Of Reality (1971.) Black Sabbath's third album.

Despite being rejected at first, Black Sabbath had begun to develop a following by the time the latter half of 1971 rolled around. Their first album showed what they were capable of, and their second album showed that they were destined to be classic hard rock legends. The band was really beginning to find its sound now. Before 1971 came to an end, the band shelled out its third studio album, Master Of Reality. Read on for my review.

This album is not nearly as popular as its two predecessors, Black Sabbath and Paranoid. But the truth is rather shocking - this is actually a better album! Two of the band's biggest hits came from this album - Sweet Leaf, the band's ode to marijuana, and Children Of The Grave, one of the heaviest songs of its day. The latter got a huge revival in the nineties when it was covered by White Zombie. But, as with any Black Sabbath album, or any of any band's albums, for that matter, the hits aren't necessarily the best songs present. One of the best songs on this album is the band's views on life after death, entitled After Forever. How did this song get forgotten? Lord Of This World and Into The Void are two of the band's finest rockers, and it's a shame that they, also, tend to get overlooked, even by some of the band's fans. One interesting thing about this album is that it isn't just limited to hard and heavy stuff. Solitude is about as soft and melodic as the band gets. With all of their rockers, it's surprising how good they can make softer songs! There are also two slower-paced instrumentals, Embryo and Orchid. These are good instrumental tracks, but they are hurt by their brevity. Why did the band release two short little instrumentals instead of one full-fledged masterpiece? Oh, well. I'm not complaining.

My final verdict is simple - Master Of Reality is a masterpiece of a classic hard rock album. Although many Sabbath loyalists may beg to differ, I feel this album is actually better than Paranoid, the album that the average Sabbath fan feels is best. If you're a fan of the band, do not hesitate to add this album to your Sabbath collection.

One of the 10 best rock albums, ever!
The dynamics, variation, musicianship, and continuity of this album are far above the curve.Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins) said this is his favorite album.There's nothing by any other heavy band that can compete with this album.The song "Solitude" is a slow sorrowful bluesy chant, "Orchid" is a beautiful instrumental with cellos, "Children of the Grave" is a head-banging metal masterpiece, "Sweet Leaf" is a powerful jubilation-alleluiah chorus to our favorite green sweet leaf, and there's so much more on this album. My personal favorite is "Into The Void".A heavy, doomy piece in an odd-time signature that tells a story of mankind's exodus from a polluted earth, Soundgarden "attempted" to cover the song, but gave up!
The arrangement and sequence of songs on the album is perfect!Forget Tool, forget Limp Biskit, forget Stone Temple Pilots, forget Soundgarden, and forget Alice In Chains, Sabbath were truly the Original Masters of heavy rock-n-roll.Cranium-expanding production for 1972! ... Read more

Asin: B000005RFJ
Sales Rank: 126581
Subjects:  1. Heavy Metal    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Rock/Pop   

Move
by Seoul Record
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (21 January, 2003)
list price: $26.99 -- our price: $26.99
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Features

• Import

Reviews (6)

Brilliant metal/hard rock
Simply put, this music is beyond the restrictive and often inaccessible confines of traditional progressive rock/metal.Every song is as catchy as top 40 music yet is just as complex as bands like Dream Theater, Symphony X, Rush, ect...Don't believe me? You'll just have to hear it; it's impossible not to love every song.I'm a big fan of progressive rock but sometimes I wish those bands would focus more on the actual SONG than their musicianship - well, here we have Freak Kitchen who do exactly that.Don't get me wrong the musicianship is incredible; Mattias IA Eklundh is my favorite guitarist outscoring masters like Petrucci, Lifeson, and even Vai.If I were to give an accurate description of this music allegorically...I'd say Metallica meets Zappa. The lyrics are hilarious and the music never takes itself too seriously, but damn can these guys play.This album, "Move", is the best Freak Kitchen album hands down; it's even better than their latest album "Organic".Start your Freak Kitchen journey here and then pick up their other albums and the Freak Guitar solo albums as well.

Clever, funny lyrics and great music
If some record company were smart they'd grab the rights to distribute Freak Kitchen in the USA. If these guys were better known they'd be winning Grammy awards all over the place.

Their music is great - not just well played, it also grabs you and gets you moving. The lyrics are brilliant - funny and clever with biting social commentary.

It's hard to put them in a genre - rock bordering on metal? Or maybe pop-metal? Well, whatever it is they rock!

FREAK GUITAR!
I really like this album,
But I will also recommend to you all, IA Eklundh's solo album "FREAK GUITAR" on which he plays all this cyco/weirdo stuff that'll really freak you out (released through Steve Vai's FavoredNations)...
You must also have a listen to his friend Johan Randén and his first album (written and produced by IA) "Johan: Lead Guitar",
This guy was only thirteen (13) years of age when they recorded this masterpiece!?!
Them Swedish guys just amaze me!!! (Yngwie, släng dig i väggen!)

Check these sites:
www.freakkitchen.com, www.freakguitar.com, www.johanranden.nu, www.xplanetx.com and www.spasticink.com

Stay Proggy! ... Read more

Asin: B0000894NE
Sales Rank: 84021
Subjects:  1. Heavy Metal    2. Rock/Pop   

Raw Power
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (22 April, 1997)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

Iggy's torturous, red-lined remix puts the claws, violence, and danger back in grooves first cut in '73 (and supposedly botched in David Bowie's far more tame--and somewhat more listenable--original mix).Result: Sublime Motor City mayhem. --Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (116)

This still isn't the original
This is better than the original issue, but still very tame and bubble-gummy compared to the true original recordings.

I know that sounds like a Comic Book Guy claim, but you have to hear the original to understand.

The true original recordings were issued as "Rough Power" several years ago (Bomp records, I believe) and only if you hear THAT disc will you understand why studio execs were frightened enough to get Bowie (who I consider the best pop musician of the '70s) to tone it down.

Rough Power remains one of the few albums of the era that's still fresh, unique, and worth listening to.Hunt it down if you can.

oh yeah
Ahh the stooges. I'd have to say that this cd epitomizes the energy that is Iggy Pop.While Fun House is a definite rival, Raw Power takes the cake; serving listeners with the most scrumptuous ear-pudding they'll ever experience.Never heard the Bowie-version of this cd...personally i don't give a poop.How can this cd be topped off?It's the rawest, the most powerful, the wildest it's gonna get.And for that i love it.

"The Proof's In the Pudding" (4.5 STARS)
NOTE- First things first: This review is of the "remixed" version of Raw Power. I read other reviews and they complained about how Columbia and Iggy Pop trashed "Raw Power" by remixing it. I have never heard the original version and may be unable to hear the original. It's still a great album. I will do this as fair as I can and if I hear the original version somehow, then I will review it. Now on with the review.

Right after "Fun House" was released, bassist Dave Alexander quit in 1972 before dying of an alcohol overdose/pneumonia in 1975. As a result, the sound of the Stooges became weird yet good, with former guitarist Ron Asheton doing bass with new guy James Williamson doing guitar. After not getting that impossible commercial success, the Stooges went on. This time, popular singer David Bowie, who was a fan of the Stooges, decided to produce the next album and the Stooges went to London to record. Instead of the next album being on Elektra, "Raw Power" turned out to be on Columbia as a result. It was a commercial failure and the Stooges broke up shortly, due to lack of success and drug trouble among members. Nevertheless, "Raw Power" was a good album.

25 years after RP was released, Iggy Pop and Columbia remixed the album, giving it the "New Coke" treatment (not releasing the original version in place of the new one), and it was a subject of controversy. I still liked the album.

Search & Destroy- A song about the killer instinct in everyone. I AM A WORLD'S FORGOTTEN BOY!!!!!

Gimme Danger- Aslow song (about love) where Iggy sings in a slurry voice, a-la Jim Morrison.

Your Pretty Face Is Going To Hell (AKA Hard To Beat)- Another song about love. This time, Iggy screams the lyrics (the voice reminds me of The Wicked Witch of The West).

Penetration- A weird song where some lyrics are done in drug-induced gibberish. Iggy repeats "Penetraaaaaaaaaaaatiiiooooooon" and makes weird noises. That's why the song is good.

Raw Power- A song with a melody that's a mix of "Search & Destroy" and "Pretty Face" and lyrics that resemble 50's-era rock-and-roll.

I Need Somebody- A slow, bluesy song about desperation.

Shake Appeal- Another song, this time done in the old-fashioned "Fun House" manner (repeating lyrics over and over again, same old guitar riffs, very good in the end).

Death Trip- The Grand Finale. A song where Iggy tries to get his girl to go places with him and "go down in history".

In conclusion, "Raw Power" is a very different album from the first two albums. If you listen to "Fun House" and "Raw Power" back-to-back, you will notice a complete difference between the two (in RP, lyrics are done properly instead of the "Fun House" way of repeating lyrics over and over again). Also, production is over-the-top in RP, compared to the sludgy production of FH. The original version seemed to not be as "raw" as FH, and even remixed, there's still a difference. Nevertheless, while "Raw Power" is a bit of a misleading name, it's still a very good album.




... Read more

Asin: B000002AP1
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Roxy & Elsewhere
by Rykodisc
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (02 May, 1995)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

This mostly live set features Zappa performing with the popular Mothers of Invention line-up of the early 70's--including jazz-funk meister George Duke, Napolean Murphy Brock on saxophone, and Ruth Underwood on percussion. Highlights include the souped-up funk of "Pygmy Twylyte," burning renditions of favorites "Penguin in Bondage" and "More Trouble Every Day," and the hilarious monster movie tribute "Cheepnis." Duke steals the show on several tracks, and Zappa's guitar work and "master of ceremonies" showmanship is in top form. --Andrew Boscardin ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered
• Live

Reviews (42)

No 'probably' about it- This is Frank's best live album
The title of my review says it all: this is Frank's best live album and it just so happens to be my personal favorite in his entire catalog.

Simply put- I believe that this is the finest band Frank ever assembled.Napoleon Murphy Brock in particular adds so much to the lineup that it's amazing he wasn't a star on his own.Between his incredible energy, great vocals and superb sax work- the man literally steals the show from Frank.

Combine Brock with a handful of other supremely tallented musicians (Ruth Underwood on percussion will leave your jaw on the floor on more than one occasion) and you'll know why Frank regarded this group so highly.Oh, and Frank is no slouch either- his guitar tone on "Penguin in Bondage" must be heard to be believed.

-The group is stunning.

-The songs are among Frank's best.

-The recording sounds flawless.

There is no reason not to own this album.If you're new to Frank- this is a great place to start (as is Hot Rats).If you've heard some of his stuff and are looking for more- look no further.A genuinely fun album to listen to that contains music that will blow you away everytime you listen to it.

Great Live Document
Fantastic live recording of the mid-70's Mothers.The songs and performances are first-rate, with incredible musicianship from what was probably the strongest ever lineup of Zappa's venerable band.

The only drawback, as other reviewers have noted, is that some of the "in-concert" schtick doesn't translate well to CD.

This record has a great live rock/fusion feel and some jawdropping performances.

Zapped by Zappa
WHAT AN ALBUM !!! This is the Zappa that one should first listen to . Fluid music and astonishing stage presence. The album is a must have for any rocker who has come of age. Mature yet not boring . Rocking yet not forced in. The Mothers of Invention are a brilliant backing band for the craftman ship of Zappa. I personally like the live albums where the band interacts with the crowd as it give the out there feeling to the listener. This concert was just that , good for any mood listening. Got get it RIGHT NOW !. ... Read more

Asin: B0000009SK
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Mr. Show - The Complete First and Second Seasons
by HBO Home Video
Average Customer Review:
DVD (04 June, 2002)
list price: $34.98 -- our price: $31.48
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Editorial Review

Hey, everybody, it's Bob and David on DVD! In 1995 comics Bob Odenkirk and David Cross were simply "two people you've never seen before." Since then, each has insidiously entered the mainstream with appearances on TV (Just Shoot Me, The Drew Carey Show) and movies (Scary Movie 2, Dr. Dolittle 2, Men in Black 2). But to quote Odenkirk's bio (which is included on the first disc), Mr. Show is the thing you should see if you want to check them out. Like the late, lamented The Ben Stiller Show, on which both toiled, and Monty Python before that, this midnight-hour HBO series gave a subversive twist to the traditional sketch comedy series. Classic characters include Cross's white-trash poster boy Ronnie Dobbs, the superstar arrestee on a "Cops"-like TV show. Totally out of left field is an infomercial for an instructional video series by "Van Hammersly, Champion Billiard Player," who at one point re-creates the 1974 Kentucky Derby with billiard balls (one of the equines is named "If Mandy Patinkin Was a Horse"). Punch lines? Mr. Show doesn't need no stinking punch lines, as one sketch flows into another.

Bob and David are ably supported by, among others, Second City veteran Jill Talley, Tom Kenny (the voice of Spongebob Squarepants!), Brian Posehn (the creepy guy on Just Shoot Me), Mary-Lynn Rajskub (from The Larry Sanders Show), Sarah Silverman ("Greg the Bunny"), and a pre-Saturday Night Live Jerry Minor, who enlivens one episode commentary with an impeccable Billy Dee Williams imitation. As with the Velvet Underground’s following, Mr. Show fans make up with fervor what they lack in numbers. According to Mr. Show’s own Web site, "non-fans outnumber our fans by the cajillions," but this essential set should change that. --Donald Liebenson ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Box set

Reviews (176)

Sad songs are nature's onions.
This is the fourth time I have watched this first and second season of Mr. Show, and I must admit, it is one of those rare programs that continues to get funnier and funnier each time that you watch it.Literally, you catch something new and fresh each time it is placed inside of your DVD player.What makes this series work better than most other television comedies out there is the chemistry of the cast.Bob Odenkirk and David Cross are perfectly matched while also being completely random choices for the hosts of the show.I had not heard about either of them before watching this series (which I bought due to a recommendation from a friend), now I have watched Melvin Goes to Dinner several times and listened to David Cross' stand-up comedy whenever I need a very social pick-me-up!Needless to say, I have full submersed myself into their world after watching this groundbreaking series.

What continues to work with this program is that the jokes are not your typical slapstick humor that the average "Joe" can get from watching reruns of Friends on NBC.Mr. Show is hard hitting, in your face, political, yet not so political, social satire about the world around us.While you may just see this as just another comedy show, I see it as so much more.The cohesiveness of the skits and the underlying message throughout each show seem to represent the voices that we hear coming from our local papers on a daily basis.They are not afraid to take a delicate issue and twist it into a hysterical moment.The brutal honesty of David Cross makes this show thoroughly enjoyable while the approachable Bob Odenkirk brings it to our level.Also, the interweaving of comic geniuses throughout the show keeps you wanting more.Jack Black is a regular on the program (and really proves why he is funny), and there are appearances by Dave Foley, Sarah Silverman, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Patton Oswalt, Julia Sweeney, Janeane Garofalo, Ben Stiller, Conan O'Brien, and Andy Richter. This is not a show for everyone, but it does showcase the beauty of HBO and the ability that they have to see, and go forward, with avant-garde comedy.

My favorite episodes were the News Report featured in the extras, Operation Hell on Earth, and If You're Going to Write a Comedy Scene, You're Going to Have Some Rat Feces in There, and the infamous milk machine joke song with Jack Black! Utterly hysterical. (no pun intended)

This DVD set of the first and second seasons is packaged very well.With every season uncensored (were they ever with HBO), you get Mr. Show as it should be and will always be remembered.It also is chalked full of extras that will quench every drop of Mr. Show that resides in you.The news report that they do in the extras portion of this DVD is worth buying alone.Again, it shows the creativity and originality of a program that knew no boundaries.I cannot wait to get my hands on the other seasons and fully explore the world in which I live ... which is the world showcased continually on Mr. Show.The absurdity of our culture is redefined with this program.

Grade: ***** out of *****

Kedzie Matthews is a douche
The episodes are great, don't get me wrong, BUT THE COMMENTARY IS AWFUL, especially when Kedzie Matthews is talking.I hope he's reading this review, b/c he's the dumbest, most unfunny comic ever.He can't seem to stop talking despite NOT being in ANY of these episodes.SHUT UP KEDZIE.

Buy this wonderful DVD now!
I started watching Mr Show on HBO in it's 3rd season on HBO and loved it.I ran accross the DVD for seasons 1 & 2 together and in a fit of nostalgia decided to get it.It was on of the best DVD purchases I've ever made.These men are geniuses, although not everybody gets their brand of comedy.It was fun seeing Jack Black on one of the early episodes as well. ... Read more

Asin: B00005Y3ZL
Subjects:  1. Television   

Mr. Show - The Complete Third Season
Average Customer Review:
DVD (26 August, 2003)
list price: $34.98 -- our price: $31.48
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Editorial Review

Who knew that the "Ratings Man," repository of all records concerning television viewership, is actually Santa Claus? Bob Odenkirk and David Cross, stars of the frequently inspired sketch-comedy program Mr. Show, did, and they've got an absurdist skit to prove it on this DVD collection.

Culled from Bob and David's 1997 appearances on HBO, The Complete Third Season includes the wonderful "Hail Satan Network" (a "Praise the Lord" for devil-worshippers), bogus movie-of-the-week "The Bob Lamonta Story" (about an athlete with retarded parents), a Beatles parody ("The Fad 3"), and the hilarious "Hunger Strike" (in which a starving, Gandhi-esque leader wishes to be buried in mashed potatoes).Cross proves a superior performer who salvages several underdeveloped bits, while Odenkirk demonstrates fierce gifts as a mimic. (His puerile, Strom Thurmond-like senator is right on the money.) Don't miss the "Fantastic Newness" special feature, which includes brilliant highlights from Mr. Show's first season. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned

Reviews (44)

Careful: Will Cause Laughter
Mr. Show, season Three, is quite possibly one of the funniest things you will ever see. Unless you're blind, then you're SOL.

The mad minds behind the first two brilliant seasons, Bob Odenkirk and David Cross, return to reprise their roles as "Bob" and "David" (apart from understudy Kedzie Matthews, who takes over for Bob when he has to go shopping). They bring the funny, they make you laugh, they make you wonder how such a glorious creation could exist in the absence of a just and caring God.

Quite simply, this is the finest American sketch comedy I've ever seen (and yes, I have seen Mad TV). If you want smart, savvy, hip and hilarious comedy...this will have to do. No, it's better than that. It will change your life.

I used to be in debt all the time, then I got Mr. Show...I'm still in debt, but the laughter they elicit in me distracts from my gnawing hunger pains!

Anyway, get this when you can (preferably before the Rapture)

Very funny; but you might not like it
I really love the Mr. Show series.The sketch comedy is absolutely great, but many of my friends haven't enjoyed it as much as I have.The humor is a mix of corny and intellectual, and the stories aren't as fast moving as some comedy today.If you are patient with your humor, you will like this, and if this seemed to slow for you, try Chappelles show intead.

As good as Seasons 1 & 2
Season 3 of Mr. Show is about as good as Seasons 1 & 2. The proportion of brilliant bits to bits that don't work is about the same. I was slightly disappointed, because I thought things would get tighter and better, but still, everything is pretty good.

The commentary tracks are excellent. They don't resort to the "Guest Commentator" thing (where a cast member pretends to be one of their characters from the show) as much, and when they do, it's not as cheesy. There's the usual portion of worthless onscreen trivia ("It was really hot that day."), but there's also a lot about bits they loved, bits they hated, bits that didn't quite work, and why.

The bonus features are short and almost worthless. There are two lame joke biographies, apparently extracted from Bob & David like a homework assignment, a "Best of Mr. Show" feature that collects clips from seasons 1 & 2 (which you've probably already seen, if you bought season 3), and a few funny clips from an HBO-sponsored comedy festival.

If you're a Mr. Show fan, it's worth buying just for the commentaries. ... Read more

Asin: B00009W8JZ
Subjects:  1. Television   

Run Ronnie Run!
by New Line Home Entertainment
Average Customer Review:
DVD (01 June, 2004)
list price: $19.97 -- our price: $15.98
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Editorial Review

Bob Odenkirk and David Cross, creators and stars of the HBO comedy sketch series Mr. Show, bravely stretch one of that program's premises and characters into a generally successful, feature-length film in Run Ronnie Run! Cross plays Ronnie Dobbs, a trailer-park nitwit whose pranks find him routinely chased by small-town police. When an L.A. television producer (Odenkirk) discovers Ronnie is a favorite and frequent felon on a reality TV show, he signs Dobbs to his own series (Ronnie Dobbs Gets Arrested!) and re-settles him in Beverly Hills. Unprepared for fame, money, and power, Ronnie tries reinventing his life with mixed results. Much of Run Ronnie Run! is funny, though Cross--always a strong performer--is typically better than the material. The film works best as a showcase for sight gags and one-note sketches; among the latter is a great piece involving a self-help guru and a cameo by Jeff Goldblum. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned

Reviews (68)

Tragically on point...but hilarious!
I saw this when it wasn't available commercially and it struck me as being one of the most pointed and intelligent comedies I had seen in quite some time.The bits about reality television were hysterical and to Cross and Odenkirk's credit they were filmed well before most Americans had figured out that "reality" programming is the television equivalent of lead based paint.Just classic stuff.

You don't have to check this one out, but it's your loss not mine.

Brilliantly stupid.
This was not simply a cash-in movie. That's made abundantly clear not only by the clever writing, but by the cameo appearances of Ben Stiller, Dave Foley, Andy Richter, Jack Black, Scott Thompson, Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Garry Shandling, many of the Mr. Show cast...the list goes on and on.

Simply put, if you're a (real) fan of Mr. Show - don't hesitate. You'll love it. A few of the scenes are worth the price of admission all by themselves.

HYSTERICALLY FUNNY ! ! !
Fantastic. Perfect. Full of laughter and crazy jokes. One of the best comedies there is. I watched this movie about four months ago. I loved it. It was great. I thought it wasn't gonna be that funny. but I was wrong as many times I was. There is a special appearence of JACK BLACK, one of my top five favorite actors, watch the movie 'cause I'm not saying any plot points. I never do. If you like those typical crazy movies with a lot of crude humor, then watch this one. You will pee your panties and you will love it. ... Read more

Asin: B00009ZPU7
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-comedy   

Wooden Smoke
by Exowax
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 January, 2002)
list price: $17.99 -- our price: $17.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (6)

Stay away from neo prog bull and listen to the real stuff
this really surprised me because even though Dancing is quite good i felt that Keneally was starting to get into more comercial kinda stuff, which is sad because he is such a gifted and original writter...but thank god i was wrong...It is harder and harder to find creative music these days where Ricky Martin and Eminem are supposed to be the must creative exponent in music...So, if you are craving for good imaginative compositions and excellent playing from talented musicians, this comes highly recommended! It even has bits that sound like Albert Marcoeur! and That is saying a lot!

Like a comfortable pair of pants
The music on this CD just seems to fit whatever it is you might be doing while listening.It's warm and inviting, clever and melodic.This is my first Keneally disc, and I am definitely hooked.As I approach the age of 40, I look for music that challenges my mind but not my eardrums.Wooden Smoke fits the bill perfectly.

Not That Amazing
What can you say about the most creative, gifted, talented, songwriter/musician out there today? Thank you and keep writing! It's comforting to know that real musicians still exist.

I'm a huge MK/BFD fan but I'm not impressed by this release. This CD is very mellow acoustic music, not something to be played every day. "Father's Day" is an outstanding track, but for me the rest of the CD falls flat. The packaging is also a problem, no jewel case, just a cardboard cutout, and how come the awesome Bryan Beller is on only one song?

For the novice to MK/BFD I suggest you bypass this release and pick up one of Keneally's 5 star releases: "Hat", "Sluggo", "Half Alive In Holywood", or "Dancing". ... Read more

Asin: B00005Q3RJ
Sales Rank: 98068
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Experimental Rock    3. Guitar Virtuoso    4. Pop    5. Rock   

Cannibal! The Musical
by Troma
Average Customer Review:
DVD (29 February, 2000)
list price: $24.95 -- our price: $19.96
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Alferd Packer was the only man in the United States ever convicted of cannibalism--what better hero for fellow Coloradan and future South Park creator Trey Parker to celebrate in music? Blue-eyed and boyish Parker was still in college when he wrote, directed, composed the songs for, and took the starring role as the innocent young Packer in this film, giving a gee- whiz performance as an ambitious pioneer who joins an ill-fated trek west that ends up stranded in the mountains. At times resembling a perverse community theater parody of Rodgers and Hammerstein ("My heart's as full as a baked po-ta-to!"), Parker bounces back and forth between cheery production numbers and goony songs ("Let's build a snowman," sings one starving-mad hiker) and grotesque gore (bloody body parts, festering sores, human hors d'oeuvres). It lacks in style and consistency and the juvenile gags and fart jokes wear thin over the course of a feature film, but Parker's sheer energy and inventiveness carry the overlong picture to a rousing conclusion. Regular Parker collaborators Matt Stone and Dian Bachar costar in this tuneful barbecue. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Features

• Color

Reviews (175)

Amazing and funny
Wow!My friend brought this movie over and I watched it for the first time.It might be the funniest movie I have ever seen.I loved it and the soundtrack is hilarious!If you're looking for a good laugh with some blood this movie is for you!
*LET'S BUILD A SNOWMAN!*

Oh my God! It sounds horrible!
I must say that I am very open to new film, bold styles of filmmaking, and the opportunity to see the obscure, but I am not open to a lack of excitement.I thought that this was an interesting first film for Trey Parker to create while in film school, but I think the hype behind this movie and one of the reasons that it is referred to as a "cult" film is because of the South Park fame that has subsequently followed this team.Personally, I didn't see the value in this picture at all.The actors seemed unexcited to be in the picture, the story seemed flimsy at best, and the songs had the feeling of third-gradery to them.Don't get me wrong, I am always excited about seeing student films and how powerful a fresh mind can be, but in this film I just felt that Parker was trying to press certain buttons, but failed miserably.His comedy was not funny, his scenes of gore can be credited towards Troma, and the references to South Park continued to boost my impression that this film became popular after their South Park inheritance.Parker had no control over this film, no control over his actors, and most importantly, no control over himself.It is difficult for me to watch a film where the main character is only giving 15% at best.

Again, I would like to stress that I am not against this type of filmmaking ... when it is done right.In the case of Cannibal! The Musical I didn't feel that there were any elements that stood out, seemed creative, or were original.Parker seemed to be going for the shock value more than creating a decent piece of cinema.To begin, the characters were all one-dimensional.I cared nothing for the band of men stuck in the Colorado area without any food.If they died or if they survived, I could have cared less.I didn't know them, I didn't get to know them, and Parker wasn't allowing me to see them as three-dimensional people, so my sympathy towards them further plummeted this film.Everyone in this film was silly and stupid instead of funny and independent.I went into this film wanting to see a sharp, independent film that would surprise me and make me laugh.The characters of this film brought that concept to a complete halt.Packer was the worst, providing no emotion at all to his character and simply whispering all of his words.It was pathetic and a very sad sight to see.Then, as if the other actors were following suit, they brought nothing emotional or comedic to the table, but instead went through their lines and did the bare minimum that they had to.I would have to say that the failure of this film began with the actors poorly giving us any decent characters.

Another failed element was the story, which seemed to jump around all over the place like a scratched CD.The film technique of making us believe that this was a "true" story by using pseudo-documentary moments just hurt this film more than helping it.It made the overall production seem cheap and uninformative.There was no consistency or excitement to get from one scene to the next, and I think a reason for this was the poor choice of songs.This was to be a musical, and I have seen Matt and Trey write songs (see South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut) that were both humorous and powerful, but in this film, they just felt like eight year olds created them.You could tell that they were dubbed over and that some of the actors didn't even know all the lines to the songs.These are elements that need to be addressed during production because it could either make or break a film ... and in this case it broke it.The only song that I found myself breaking a smile was the "Let's Build a Snowman!" ditty that at least showcased some originality.Outside of that, I don't believe that I broke a smile once during this film, and this was to be a comedy?

Finally, I would like to say that you can not create a film with the idea that it will become a "cult" film over time.I could see this pompous nature in Parker as he was creating this film.During his performance as Packer, you could see that glimmer in his eye that screamed, "This will be bigger than we imagined because smart people that love South Park will love this later in life."It nearly made me wretch.These actors knew what they were doing, and I think Troma did as well, since all are now cashing in on this film since the popularity of South Park.There just seemed to be this aura of arrogance while I watched the film that hampered my enjoyment.

Overall, I was very unimpressed.I was expecting bigger, bolder, and much more creativity behind this feature than what was presented.As I watch what these boys can create now, I cannot help but think that they have a much smarter head on their shoulders than Cannibal! The Musical presented.This could have been a very lucrative and intelligent film, but instead they seemed to make it just a cheap production with a catchy name and simplistic songs.I do not recommend this film, unless you are in desperate need of more sleep at night and desire to see the boys of South Park finally fail!

Grade: * out of *****

Starring Juan Schwartz!
"Cannibal! The Musical" is a wonderfully macabre offering from Trey Parker.It contains alot of Parker's trademark touches that informed his later work in "South Park" and "Team America" such as it's outrageous humor and goofy songs.The film is conventional in some ways in relaying the story of Alfred Packer and his doomed expedition into the Colorado Territories in the late 19th century and at heart there is a certain innocence in this endeavor.It's definitely a low-budget affair but it is compensated with the high spirited stylings of Parker's direction.Those turned off by the film's title fear not.Yes, there are a few instances of gore here that are brief and are leavened by the laughs.Highly recommended to anybody with an offbeat sensibility. ... Read more

Asin: B00000K3TK
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-comedy