Ocean Rain
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $11.98
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Reviews (36)

When I was 16 Years Old....
The first time I heard "Echo & The Bunnymen" was in the 80s when I was a 16 year old.To this day , I have the vinyls of their records.This album, is, in particular, one of their finest works, and one takes pleasure in each song as it is with most all of their albums. Now... many years later, I find this album in a CD and not in Vinyl, so I bought it. I do recommend it. Enjoy!

Beautifully dark chamber pop.
Echo And The Bunnymen are a gravely underrated post-punk band from Britain, alongside better-known contemporaries such as Joy Division, The Cure, The Smiths, and U2. Their albums had a great deal of influence on the alternative genre, starting back in 1980 with the excellent debut Crocodiles and continuing throughout the '80s.

1984's Ocean Rain was perhaps one of their best releases. Similar to its predecessor Porcupine (which is now back in print as a remaster), Ocean Rain features a gorgeous string section that serves to bolster the four-piece band's sound. Compared the more insular and dark, occasionally bleak previous albums, Ocean Rain is brighter and more expansive (dare I say poppier) yet still cryptic and mysterious. It doesn't "rock" as much as some of their previous work, but Ocean Rain still offers plenty of ear candy.

The lyrics are full of dark romanticism and ambigious imagery, sung to great effect by Ian McCulloch. His voice recalls the deep, brooding timbre of Jim Morrison (The Doors). Will Sargeant's shimmering guitarwork places him in the echelon of excellent post-punk guitarists such as U2's Edge and Joy Division/New Order's Bernard Sumner, while the rhythm section of Les Pattinson (bass) and Pete de Freitas (drums) is tight and fluid. The strings and other instruments (piano and the occasional woodwinds) are beautiful yet never overwhelm the other instruments in the mix.

Some of the Bunnymen's most notable songs can be found here. Silver, Crystal Days, and Seven Seas are all glorious pop gems, while Yo-Yo Man and Nocturnal Me are ominous and memorable. The title track and The Killing Moon rank among the best post-punk tracks ever cut (the latter was featured recently on the Donnie Darko soundtrack, which by the way is an excellent movie). Not all is bliss, however--Thorn Of Crowns is junk, with goofy lyrics and some annoying vocal theatrics by McCulloch, and My Kingdom is a little better but suffers from similar faults. Also the album runs on the short side--skipping over Thorn Of Crowns (like I do) leaves you with only 33 minutes or so of music.

Still, this is a classic album that makes a fine introduction to an overlooked and great band. I reccommend it highly, along with Crocodiles, Heaven Up Here, and Porcupine.

Exhilarating...
... not an adjective that can really be applied to any other Bunnymen album. Whereas its predecessor, Porcupine, had been turned in upon itself, the huge sound and sweeping strings of Ocean Rain are suggestive of wide open spaces. Silver is one of the best album openers ever, warm, exhuberant and inviting. At one point Ian McCulloch, in love with his own tune (wasn't he always?) simply sings 'la la la la la la la la la la la la la', and it's great. Similarly joyful-sounding, Crystal Days, My Kingdom and Seven Seas remain the best upbeat songs this band have ever done, although sometimes the lyrics don't seem to quite match the tunes. Enough has already been written about The Killing Moon. Suffice to say that although it's not, as McCulloch claims, the best song ever written, his authorial pride is entirely justified. The title track is of similar quality, featuring perhaps McCulloch's best ever vocal performance, swelling from a subdued introduction to an impassioned climax so naturally that you don't even notice the introduction of individual instruments, which seems to have been done purely to underscore the vocal.
The real star on this album is the overall sound, though, sweeping and magnificent, with the best use of strings I've ever heard in popular music. It's just great. What's fantastic about the first four Bunnymen albums is that each has a unique atmosphere - not just unique in the Bunnymen canon, but in the wider context of pop music itself. They've never been able to come close since, but Ocean Rain stands out as one of the best albums ever made. ... Read more

Asin: B000002L5U
Sales Rank: 8864
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. College Rock    3. England    4. Neo-Psychedelia    5. Pop    6. Post-Punk    7. Rock   

Pretenders
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $8.99
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Editorial Review

This nearly perfect debut album showcases both the extraordinary songs of Ohio-born singer Chrissie Hynde and the rhythmically complex performances of her U.K.-bred band, Pretenders. The band tramples through the sexual aggression of "Precious," "Up the Neck" and "Tattooed Love Boys"; the classic pop of "Kid" and "Brass in Pocket"; and a brilliant cover of the Kinks's "Stop Your Sobbing." Hynde's sneering vocals add resonance to these tales of sexual revenge, abuse, and longing appropriately fleshed out with blood, guts, and guitar. --Rob O'Connor ... Read more

Reviews (44)

After The Clash, the BEST Debut Ever? RIP
Got this LP when it first came out as a young teen - we all thought it was so cool when Chrissie Hynde shouted a curt "F**K Off" at the end of the album's classic opener PRECIOUS - in fact, this debut just might feature the BEST opening/closing tracks on any LP ever?!How can you top MYSTERY ACHIEVEMENT, its menace, grace, drive?Well, how about: WAIT, TATTOOED LOVE BOYS, BRASS IN POCKET, PRIVATE LIFE (later covered by Grace Jones), KID, and the list goes on.Amazingly, Chrissie and Co. balance shimmering pop anthems with balls-out rockers and never lose an ounce of credibility - but even the lighter, softer side of Chrissie's songs have a poignant, melancholy sadness and a lyrical/thematic complexity to them - and all the better for it. After the original two members of the band died (RIP), the Pretenders were never quite the same, but at least we have this document to stand the test of time - along with LONDON CALLING and a host of other landmark records, 1979 was a brilliant year for timeless music that STILL KICKS A**

Really cool CD
The Pretenders' debut album is a really good album. It has lots of punk elements in it, which I didn't expect after hearing "Pretenders- The Singles" and it also has some more mellow songs that are really good. I don't have a whole lot to say about this cd, but if you own Pretenders- The Singles you should definately buy this so you can hear what the band "really" sounds like.

If you like 80's rock or if you like Punk this is for you.

Gonna make you, make you, make you notice
Those prophetic words come from the breakthrough single "Brass In Pocket," and they completely sum up the debut album from The Pretenders. This band of English scruffs backed up ex-pat Chrissie Hynde and made one of rock's all time great debut albums. At a time when female singers either had to be disco wailers or blues chicks (the sole exception being Heart), Chrissie completely smashed all the old stereotypes and marked a new era in female singers. She, along with vocalists like Pat Benatar and Patti Smith, made it cool for independent women to make music that was sexy because it wasn't sexual. Remember Pat Benatar's classic quote of "you break my heart and I'll kick your a**"? Chrissie was that to the n'th degree.

"The Pretenders" mixed hard rock and pop sense so flawlessly that the band never again came close to matching it. From the sweet longing of "Brass In Pocket" to the cool dismissiveness of "Up The Neck" ("it was all very...run of the mill"), Chrissie delivered tough and tender in equal doses with full credibility. Having James Honeyman Scott throwing inventive riffs behind almost every song certainly helped, as did the undeniable power of Martin Chambers and Pete Farndon -- listen to his bass work on "The Wait" -- as a rhythm team. (And dammit, why did James and Pete have to OD themselves? When will we ever learn?)

All the chemistry was in perfect coordination here. Even the one moment when Nick Lowe steps in for producer, a cover of The Kinks' "Stop Your Sobbing," can't break the synergy of this album. It remains a timeless debut, standing tall alongside of first efforts of the period from Tom Petty, Elvis Costello, Joe Jackson and The Cars.

And I join in the masses that beg the remaster gods for a decent reissue of this and the rest of The Pretenders' catalog. ... Read more

Asin: B000002KO1
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Hard Rock    3. New Wave    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. Rock    7. Rock & Roll   

Violent Femmes
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (17 October, 2000)
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Editorial Review

Emerging, literally, from the streets of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where they gained notoriety through busking, this strange trio led by guitarist-vocalist Gordon Gano became a cult favorite with their self-titled debut album in 1983. Influenced greatly by Jonathan Richman's Modern Lovers, the Femmes' minimalist sound pitted Gano's low-volume electric guitar against Brian Ritchie's acoustic bass guitar and Victor De Lorenzo's ashcanlike homemade drum kit--all of which only served to make Gano's angst-ridden adolescent tirades more arresting. Highlights here are the rockabillyish "Gone Daddy Gone," the snotty "Kiss Off," and the emblematically nervous "Blister in the Sun." All in all, a fond reminder of the innocent days of alt-rock. (Note: The 20th anniversary deluxe version of the album includes an additional 26 demos and live tunes, 22 of them never before released.) --Billy Altman ... Read more

Reviews (45)

The album that sparked many genres of rock music
This album influenced many artists and sparked some genres of rock. Seriously, if you go to wikipedia.org and look up the Violent Femmes, you would eventually find out that their debut album sparked alternative, emo, as well as grunge. Everyone and anyone who can, should check out this album.

Pretty much a miracle
I remember first hearing the Violent Femmes, the summer before 8th grade (which would be 1988, when this album was already 5 years old).Some semi-deranged DJ spun 'Add It Up,' to a bunch of hormonally unbalanced kids at a friend's party.I remember thinking 'What the hell is that?!' and then forgetting about it for 2 years.Until midway through highschool, when I got around to buying this album andcame to the realization that it had essentially been written and recorded for me and me alone.

15 years later, not having listend to this in over a decade, my wife came home with the album, threw it on the stereo, and I was instantly back in high school.I mean this album is a dead on *perfect* summation of being a teenager.You got your heartbreak, lust, rage, confusion, anguish.It's all there.And I don't think I exagerrate when I say that listening to this here album got me through high school, if not unscathed, at least substantially less scathed than I otherwise would have been.

Lyrically, this is perfect.Gano's got lines that just stab you in the heart.Musically, it's stripped down acoustic punk-esque.The vocals are raw.The guitar buzzes and stutters and is more a rhythm instrument than anything else.The drums are driving and sparse.The bulk of the melody is carried by the bass, which is basically amazing. When I think of virtuosic bass playing, I think of this album.

All in all, this is an amazing album.I can't believe I let so much time go by without listening to it.Everyone in the world should own this.

tells it like it is
You know how when you're in middle school you listen to a lot of really stupid music and you think it's really great?When i was 12 and 13 I thought Rancid was the greatest band in history, bar none and I was ready to slap anybody who disagreed in the face with my little spikey bracelet.Man, I was such a loser.I even had a mohawk and everything.Anyways, sometime around tenth grade I discovered Fugazi and after that my musical tastes really matured and broadened. Anyways, the other day I was going through my old CDs from middle school and one that really surprised me was the debut album of the Violent Femmes.I think i bought it because i liked "Blister In The Sun" and "Kiss Off" and because one of my friends' older brother was really into them.I put this album on and I couldn't believe how good it was!It's so raw and unapologetic in it's depiction of alienation and sexual frustration.Gordan Gano, with his honest lyrics and his nasally voice, brings to light the feelings every confused, paranoid, unpopular kid feels in adolescence.Now, these have been tried and true rock n roll lyrical topics since...well, forever, and loads of new bands love to sing about crybaby, high school-level romance and frustration.But the Violent Femmes express these themes better than anybody else I've ever heard.The nervy guitar playing and singing and the spare acoustic backdrop are perfect for Gano's lyrics, which are insightful, self-deprecating and dead on, especially in the deeply cynical song "Add It Up" with it's grim depiction of human interactions and insecurities.I don't really remember if this album's honesty and importance got to me when i was still 13 and worrying about how my argyle socks and spiked belt looked, but now that I'm older, I realize how accurate and powerful this album's vision is. ... Read more

Asin: B00004YLBC
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. College Rock    3. New Wave    4. Pop    5. Post-Punk    6. Rock    7. United States of America   

Juju
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 August, 1992)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Reviews (26)

best of the mcgeoch albums & a great listen!
juju is by far the most consistent & effective of the banshees albums featuring john mcgeoch. a most accomplished guitarist, he was at the height of his powers during the years that are captured in part on this recording. mcgeoch's excellent work coupled with sioux's & severin's fine writing on this album makes one realize rather easily why the banshees were one of perry farrell's favorite bands, why they were certainly influential to jane's addiction's sound & why they were on the first lollapalooza (way back when, for all those folks who were grumbling back then) tour. check it out ... a great rock cd to add to any diverse or somewhat diverse collection...

Hands Down the BEST Siouxsie & the Banshees Release
I've listened to this band for nearly 20 years, and like just about everything they've done. But this was their high point; this is amazing!

While not as oppressive as "Join Hands", "Juju is a pretty dark CD. In fact, according to the "Authorised Biography", guitarist John McGeogh implied to Siouxsie that he was disturbed in spending so much time with this subject matter, suggesting that they move toward something less dark on "Hyaena".

Regardless of his comfort with material, McGeogh lays out arguably the best guitar work in SATB's career, evidenced by such tracks as "Into the Light", "Nightshift", and especially "Monitor".

Siouxsie is also at the top of her game on "Juju". Never before and never since did she deliver vocals with such clarity, richness, and insinuation. There are pieces of songs that I find myself rewinding over and over just to hear again and again the unparalled way in which she can deliver (this especially happens in "Into the Light").

Although "Arabian Nights" has been played to death since its release, I never get tired of hearing it; it remains one of my all time favorite Siouxsie songs. The grotesquely intriguing lyrics, and the mysterious and unapologetic quality of Siouxsie's voice guarantees it will never get old.

"Monitor" is also an all-time favorite of mine, for its disturbing irony and inappropriate humor riddled throughout. Going further into the darkness, "Night Shift" is a classic, and is incredible to see live. And speaking of live, "Juju" is worth every penny if for nothing more than to have Siouxsie's signature performance piece "Voodoo Dolly". Check out "Nocturne" if you've never seen her do this live--it's legendary.

I could go on and on about this CD.Sit back and enjoy the real McCoy.

Siouxsie&The Banshees - 'Juju' (Geffen)
Originally released in 1981,this was the band's fourth album.'Juju' is one of the groups's vintage masterpieces.Plenty of scorching guitar,tribal drum work,indepth lyrics and superbly written songs make this disc worthy of owning a copy.Tunes that most certainly pull you in are "Spellbound"(I still get chills running up my back when I see this video on VH1 Classic),"Arabian Knights","Nightshift" and "Voodoo Dolly".It's clear that at least some of their influences were from the Doors and the Stooges.A true alternative classic. ... Read more

Asin: B000000OPL
Sales Rank: 17615
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Singles 81>85
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (19 January, 1999)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $9.99
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Editorial Review

The question we have to ask is "Why?" Depeche Mode released The Singles, 86-98 because there was no comprehensive singles collection representing 1986 through 1998. But why release a singles compilation covering 1981 through 1985 when Catching Up with Depeche Mode already covers this turf? For one thing, the singles "Leave in Silence," "Everything Counts," and "People Are People," which were absent from Catching Up, are included here. All the songs are digitally remastered, but how much does digital enhancement really do to improve the sound of early-'80s synth-pop, which is so dated? Not much. However, it's natural to release a comprehensive singles collection that nicely coincides with 86-98. Both compilations are great for first-timers. And the two remixes on 81-85 ("Photographic [Some Bizarre Version]" and "Just Can't Get Enough [Schizo Mix]") will snag collectors. But maybe the answer has nothing to do with marketable packaging. DM have always fancied themselves as notorious. The liner notes for 81-85 include one negative review and one positive for each song. Perhaps as an attempt to fend off the specter of "where are they now?" Depeche Mode feel the need to remind us how controversial they are by reminding us how controversial they were. --Beth Bessmer ... Read more

Reviews (53)

Singles 81>85~ Depeche Mode
This singles compilation shows the early evolution of this very inluential rock band. Songs like Just Can't Enough, Leave in Silence, Master and Servant and many others show how the band chnages style many times. In the early days it was a straight forward synth pop band with bouncy and meaningless lyrics such as New Life. Later on the lyrics improve allot due to the departure of Vince Clarke and Martin Gore taking over the task to write the music and the lyrics. He manages to pen such unforgetable tracks for instence everything counts, master and servant and many others. It is nice to see how a band starts and then matures and finds their true potential. This is definetely the case with this album.

The Vince Clarke-led Depeche Mode is still my fave version.
I consider Vince Clarke a genius and a visionary. His work here as the brains behind Depeche Mode stands out as a perfect example of this.

Before Depeche re-invented themselves as some sort of alternative/industrial/techno band, they were a tight New Wave outfit. With Clarke at the helm, they released gems like "Just Can't Get Enough", "Dreaming Of Me", and "New Life". After he left, they became darker and (unfortunately) more commercial. The early years and their synth-heavy soundscapes were left behind...to the detriment of New Wave fans everywhere.

This compilation represents the high point of Depeche Mode, at least in my opinion.

EXCELLENT
PLEASE read David Hogan's spotlight review of this singles compilationhere on Amazon. It is perhaps the most intelligent thing I have read in quite some time. SPOT ON, David ! ... Read more

Asin: B00000HY5N
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Louder Than Bombs
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

This 1987 collection of Smiths album tracks, B-sides, and singles (and roughly half of Hatful of Hollow) is a worthy essential Smiths due to its scope and size. Twenty-four tracks in all, it includes hits such as the irresistible and bouncy "Ask," the Smiths prototype "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now," "William, It Was Really Nothing," "Panic," and "Hand in Glove." Lesser-known tracks like the lovely, piano-driven instrumental "Oscillate Wildly," the dark "Rubber Ring," and the weary "Half a Person" are strong enough to stand without the benefit of support from the hits. There are a few misses here, but they're hardly noticeable when surrounded by all the great tracks. Plus, a number of must-haves ("You Just Haven't Earned It Yet, Baby," "Stretch Out and Wait," "Half a Person") are virtually unavailable elsewhere. --Lorry Fleming ... Read more

Reviews (69)

A little sincerity is a dangerous thing.
These are the best of the best.Albums aside, the Smiths most rare and raucous tracks find their way onto Louder than Bombs.Living up to the title, the Smiths bash their way through the breakneck Sweet and Tender Hooligans, and brooding Rubber Ring.Bashful and dismal Morrissey's bellowing lyrics and Marr's growling guitars are beautifully featured on this compelling compilation.

The Smiths were, after all, a rock band, with pop sensibility perhaps but ultimately their charm and success worked its way from the punk influenced drums and monotone vocals.

Moving on to bigger and sometimes better things, this is a totem from the good old days.When lads were lads and the Smiths were the biggest thing.

An album in its own right!
Louder Than Bombs was a Smiths singles, b-sides, and non-album track compilation that was released right around the time they were breaking up.Even though it's not a proper album, it is a fantastic record.Songs like Half a Person, London, Sweet and Tender Hooligan, Shelia Take a Bow, Panic, Ask, Rubber Ring, You Just Haven't Earned It Yet Baby, and Asleep would have enhanced any of their albums had they been included.The only song on this album to avoid at all costs is their dreadful cover of Golden Lights, which Morrissey butchered with some post-production touches without the other band member's knowledge.Otherwise, this is indispensible.

Best Smiths Compilation
Highly recommend this to Smiths fans. They put out about a gazillion compilations, but this is the best of all. A must have for your collection. ... Read more

Asin: B000002LBH
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. College Rock    3. England    4. Indie Pop    5. Jangle Pop    6. Pop    7. Rock   

The Singles Collection
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 February, 1991)
list price: $11.98
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Reviews (13)

The Best of the Various 'Specials' Compilations.....!!!!
Possibly standing as one of the biggest and most creative artists, in the early 70's Ska/Revival scene.Combining elements of punk's energetic approach to music, with New Waves rousing & Exuberant arrangements, their music was as friendly for the dancefloor, as it was for listening at home.But what separated them from their peers and earmarked them and possibly the most crucial act in that musical scene, was the fact the amongst the party(ish) vibe of the music, their's was a manifesto that took not only a political stance, but also a social conscience that made their music that rare breed.Music that could move your feet to, but had something (useful) to say.

Their music was a perfect example of attaching Party-inspired music arrangements, to Social & Political subjects that were disenchanted and Confrontational exposes of life in Britain in the early 70's.So a lot of the songs refer to important topics, whether it be a lament for people leading criminal lives to will ultimately end in tears ("Gangsters"), Women that end up getting pregnant/married early, and missing Crucial years in their lives ("Message to You Rudy"), Pouring scorn on the peoples hopeless and uneventful & hostile evenings in nightclubs ("Nite Klub"), the everyday pointlessness and mentally conformity of getting ahead professionally ("Rat Race"), heartfelt plea's to the controlling governmental powers for the release of Mandela ("Free Nelson Mandela"), People making judgemental decisions regarding others, or lumping them in fixed categories ("Stereotype"), the slow disintergration of the city/town, and it beginning to resemble a deserted town ("Ghost Town").

All of the Specials music, was musically rich, motivationally uplifting and encapsulates everything from Ska (obviously) funk-rhythm, Jubilant 2-Step, & bouncy New-Wave everything was given a groove and an accessibility that made sure that entering their music, was easy, and understanding the message behind the songs easy to grab.There are quite a few various compilations of the specials, but this is is easily the best.It not only collects all the hits singles "Ghost Town, Nite Klub, Gangsters, Rat Race, Message to you Rudy", on the disc, but it also collects some of the lesser known but equally worthwhile B-Sides, and Rarities & Cover Versions ("Guns of Navarone,Do Nothing, Racist Friend, Maggies Farm, Why?, Friday Night Saturday Morning")...obviously there will always be a couple of omissions (I do miss: "Concrete Jungle, War Crimes, Man At C & A, Blank Expression"), but for newcomers or people (like me) that don't really want to have to buy several albums, this is the best of the various compilations for the band, and easily the most encompassing 'Best of' for the band.

A little Specials goes a long way
I like ska, but I don't LOVE Ska. This Cd does it for me. My only beef is that they could have packed a few more tracks onto it.

Now then... Unless you're seriously into ska, punk or jamaican music in general- this is probably all The Specials you'll ever need. This album is more conclusive than either the Specials (best of) CD or the More Specials (best of 2) Cd. Stylistically, it covers all the bases including several hard to fing cuts (most notably Ghost town, a sweet creepy little tune with an arabian sound to it- well used in Guy Ritchie's 'Snatch'... or maybe it was 'Lock, Stock...').

At any rate, this is all prime-rate, good stuff. If you are looking for a place to begin delving into ska, or simply trying to round out a decent CD collection- you could do far worse. No, actually, I'm pretty sure it was 'Snatch,' afterall.

some top-rank singles here
The specials are an interesting band-- Elvis Costello, of all people, produced their first album.

This is a good collection-- these songs are pretty much easy to get a consensus on. 'Ghosttown', 'Too Much, Too Young' and 'Gangsters' shine through for what they are: some of the greatest songs of the 80's. There is a bit of filler on here, yes, but, it's filler that grows on you as time passes by.

This is a must-have record for the ska/punk enthusiast. It's worth a gamble for most other people as well. ... Read more

Asin: B000003JB9
Sales Rank: 4537
Subjects:  1. New Wave    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Ska    5. Ska Revival   

Rio
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (03 July, 2001)
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Editorial Review

In the decade of decadence, Duran Duran knew how to live the life. Itwas reflected in their videos (sailboats, silly white hats, tropical surroundings, grease-painted feral women) and garishly displayed in their public lifestyles. But if you can remove these connotations from the album that started it all, you'll be left with music that is anything but gaudy. For the most part, Rio is an eerie and sumptuous record. With their raspy, arpeggio synth sounds and Simon Le Bon's uninflected vocals, the misty ballads "Lonely in Your Nightmare" and "Save a Prayer" can still tear your heart right out of your chest and abandon it bleeding on a rain-soaked cobblestone street. With the dance-oriented singles "Rio" and "Hungry Like the Wolf," you dry out a bit, but the songs are far from airy or whimsical. One anomaly in this release, though, is the inappropriate prominence of John Taylor's bass lines. In every song, it sounds as if he is mixed more in expectation of a solo than as an integral part of the rhythm section. Ignore this technical distraction, however, and you'll enjoy rediscovering this gorgeous body of water-colored synthpop. --Beth Bessmer ... Read more

Features

• Enhanced
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (58)

The perfect album...
01. Rio
I've heard people whine and complain about how much they want the real, extended "Rio" song with the bizzarre introduction and the saxophone solo. This is where you get that song. No Duran Duran collection is complete without the full version of Rio. This is a great pop song and every time I hear this song I start to think about the overplayed video on MTV. Who can forget Duran Duran on a boat? This, shockingly, gets the silver medal on my scale.
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02. My Own Way
This gets the bronze medal on my scale. I'm not sure what version of this song you have, but I have the slower version. I'd actually prefer the faster single version of the song, but the slower version is just okay. It doesn't have the energy of the faster version, which is why I'm only giving it the bronze medal.
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03.Lonely in Your Nightmare
I don't really find this one much of a heart-ripping ballad as Ms. Bessmer describes it, but it's kind of sad, I guess. The lyrics are beautiful, and the bass and guitar fit in beautifully. I think of this as one of the two songs on this album that are horribly underrated, and are one of those "Duran2 Hidden Gems".
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04.Hungry Like The Wolf
This one ties "My Own Way" for the bronze medal. You're probably shocked at this. You're saying, "But why? This was Duran's most popular song?" My answer:Exactly. It was awfully overplayed. There's nothing wrong with the song itself;fits in with the rest of 'em beautifully. It's just the popularity of the song is overwhelming. You hear it everywhere nowadays. The popcorn-like arp is pretty darn neat in this song.
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05. Hold Back The Rain
Wow. I forgot how good this song was! The saw arpeggiator is neat as always, and the bass and guitar play in unison without flaw. The lyrics, perhaps, are the weak point on this song. They rhyme perfectly, but...they're kind of simple. Nonetheless, it's still a classic DD song and I was happy to hear them play it recently on their tour. It's good to know they don't abandon the classics!
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06. New Religion
Great, great song. This is where Simon's lyrical skills are put at a test. The grade they recieved was a solid A+ in my gradebook! The "New Religion" bassline is Number 1, I believe. Unlike what Ms. Bessmer states, I feel that John Taylor's basslines fit in perfectly. And, with all due respect, maybe someone else should write Duran's editorial reviews. The unison right before the chorus is spotless as always. Great job on this one.
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07. Last Chance on the Stairway
This one recieves the tie for the gold medal. There's absolutely nothing wrong with this song. The guitars, bass, keyboard, and drums all fit in perfectly with Simon's amazing vocals.
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08. Save a Prayer
Also tied for the gold. This song is the most beautiful on the album, and I would reccomend you get the single. I'm running out of space...so I'll make it short. Nice, beautiful, nice.
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09. The Chauffeur
Okay song. The bass and keyboards are great on this song... I really can't say much of this song, other than the vocals are beautiful.
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I have to compare Duran Duran to Star Wars. The first three albums were flawless. Then came Notorious, which was as good as Episode 1. Then, Big Thing, Liberty, Thank You, Medezzaland & Pop Trash were like Episode 2. Hopefully Episode 3:Revenge of the Sith will be as good as Astronaut and Wedding Album.

Classic new wave music...what everyone today is imitating
For those that only recall "Hungry Like the Wolf" and all the countless songs Duran Duran had on the radio, one can easily forget how different, unique and innovative a band like Duran really was in the early 1980s. Duran Duran were no doubt the first "new romantic" or "new wave" outfit that bands today like The Killers, Franz Ferdinand, The Strokes, The Bravery, Interpol and the like are influenced by/imitating with a great degree of success. (Who said the '80s were never cool? The joke is on them now!)

This second album by Duran Duran showcases both elements of early Duran Duran: the dark, brooding and eerie "new romantic" sound they mastered on their first album and seen here on "The Chauffeur", "New Religion" and "Lonely In Your Nightmare", as well as the masterful pop music found in the tremendous rush of radio hits: "Hungry Like the Wolf", "Rio" and "Save a Prayer". The relevance of the Duran sound has been vindicated by the current rush of today's top acts to say Duran Duran was an influence. The songs on RIO sound as fresh today as they were then on the first days of MTV.

Some often forget Duran Duran was indeed a talented and instrumentally gifted outfit. The rhythm section of Roger Taylor (drums) and John Taylor (bass) are at long last getting their dues for the true talent they possess. Andy Taylor is an underrated guitarist who shines with both his delicate, atmospheric tones and what quickly became more urgent and rocking sounds displayed on this album and beyond, and Nick Rhodes does just the same thing, only with keyboards. Finally, Simon LeBon is perhaps the most brash and over the top front man since Mick Jagger, and that fit perfectly into the Duran style here and with what was to come, as it was the RIO period that Duran became the kings of MTV.

Many of the songs on the RIO album remain highlights in a live Duran Duran concert setting in 2005. You like The Killers? You like the rush of "new wave" influenced music currently underway? This is a great place to start to see where it all began.

Highly recommended.

Also recommended by Duran Duran for modern day "new wave" fans: albums like "Duran Duran" (their debut album), "Astronaut" (their excellent 2004 comeback), "The Singles 81-85" and "Seven and the Ragged Tiger".

The Duran Duran band conquers America
I was fortunate to interview Simon LeBon while DD was on the road in America for a tour of club dates after the surprise success of "Girls On Film" in US dance emporiums. He mentioned that he was thrilled to be in New York city and had been writing songs non-stop since the band had arrived. Those inspirations must have been the seeds for the songs that evolved into their second album, "Rio." There is an amazing amount of youthful exuberance to be found throughout this disc's nine songs, and the band plays with confidence that belied "Rio's" sophomore album status. (And contrary to what many reviewers have posted, this is closer to my original copy of the album before Capitol did an American remix to capitalize on the breakout of "Hungry Like The Wolf.")

On this album, Duran Duran hit their stated ambition of mixing the do-it-yourself energy of punk with the dance grooves of Chic. DD's concept of punk may have been rooted more in Bowie and Roxy Music than the MC5, but they were the earliest to transcend the New Wave/New Romantic label and have massive pop hits. "Hungry Like The Wolf" beat like nobody's business, undoubtedly helped by the orgasmic moans of an uncredited female. The video for that songwas embraced by MTV and "Rio" became a smash.

Take away that hit, and the rest of "Rio" still comes away as imaginative, melodic and brash. The musicianship was greater than the sum of its parts, as each member locked in flawlessly with the others (and Nick Rhodes keyboards a standout), while Simon LeBon shoots for earnest passion and hits his mark, even when the lyrics are fluffy ("Hold Back The Rain"). The manic dual vocals of "New Religion" were also a highlight, something most bands wouldn't have the maturity to pull off on a second record.

More than 20 years later, "Rio" maintains its vitality, better than many of the "important" bands of the period have. Rio maybe have been dancing across the sand, but for Duran Duran, this solid album was sugar sweet and remains their best work. ... Read more

Asin: B00005BJ9W
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Architecture & Morality
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (18 October, 1994)
list price: $11.98
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Editorial Review

Like their British synth-pop peers Tears for Fears, OMD tempered their dance-floor-friendly electro-pop with often somber philosophical or historical themes, their singles moving quickly away from the animated pop of "Electricity" to the slightly less bouncy, if increasingly brooding "Enola Gay." For this 1981 album, considered by many as their best, mainstays Paul Humphreys and Andy McCluskey worked hard to add depth and biotic ambiance to their heretofore largely minimalist electronic music. The results are an often surprising, sometimes challenging collection of unlikely disco-intended songs and soundscapes, highlighted by two of the period's most sullen dance hits, "Souvenir" and "Joan of Arc." This is music to dance to while pondering the meaninglessness of one's existence. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Gave me a whole new perspective on music
I saw them on their tour with the Thompson Twins (they were great live, blew the headliner away) in 1985, and after having bought Crush and Pacific Age, and then going to Germany to serve a tour with the Army, I stumbled upon Architecture and Morality on tape.The album was a real revelation; I never could listen to pop music again, having heard real creativity through synths.Here they were willing to experiment with their sound, as demonstrated on New Stone Age, while still make music that was jaw-droppingly beautiful.Their melodies were their strength, lines that stick in your head for days afterwards.I bought the cd version of the album in '89, and it's been in frequent rotation ever since, and since I've been in radio, the album has been in my frequent rotation.I have not heard the new remastering, with the added songs, but I'm looking forward to it.

Love that mellotron
Played this again recently for the first time in at least 15 years and it still sounds great. Clearly their finest moment, it was all downhill from here. Hit singles are often the downfall of a band (see Psychedelic Furs) and that's what happened to OMD. Oh well, they made some money, they deserved it.
I saw them live in Chicago on the 'Architecture and Morality' tour (the Park West) and I even bought a t-shirt (officially licensed, not a bootleg). Wish I still had that shirt. At least I have memories of the show.

OMDAaM
Inscrutible title aside, this was about as accessible as only Liverpool's own could be in their unique and nearly inaccessible way.It was also their most polished so far - - to mix metaphors, it positively shimmers in its sonic grandiosity.I realize this is ridiculoulsy hyperbolic, but when trying to describe tracks like the rueful single, 'Joan Of Arc', and its elegiacal follow up 'Joan Of Arc (Maid Of Orleans)' I don't have much choice.The swelling mellotrons and martial percussion, along with Andy McCluskey's Robin Gibb-like quaver make for some nicely compelling listening.'Souvinir', with one of Paul Humphrey's rare lead vocals (I think it was his first), effectively mixes the ultrapop of ABBA with a progressive sensibility and 'Georgia' bounces and bounds along very nicely, thanks.'Sealand', however, sounds at first like 'Stanlow Pt. 2' but is even more understated and less affecting.The extra tracks are B-sides (and an A-side, the redundantly extended 'Souvinir') and are no less excellent than the album, although as 'The Beginning And The End' was such a perfect conclusion to the original LP, hearing 'Souvinir' on its heels might raise an eyebrow or two at first.Overall, an apex.No doubt at all. ... Read more

Asin: B000000W6N
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

One Step Beyond
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (12 January, 1999)
list price: $22.49 -- our price: $22.49
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Editorial Review

Fuelled by the ska of Prince Buster ("Madness"), and inspired by the insanity of British music, right from the start Madness were a quintessentially English band. Two-tone more by association than fact, they came to the fore at the same time as the Specials, with a ska beat, a pop heart, and a lunatic smile (who else would update "Swan Lake" in such an unorthodox way?). While the title track lives on beyond them, there were plenty of other gems here, including "Night Boat to Cairo" and "My Girl." The Nutty Sound was infectious as measles, but a lot more fun. Chris Nickson ... Read more

Features

• Enhanced
• Import
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (8)

Life changing
I bought this album (maybe my Dad paid for it as I was only 9!!!) soon after its release. I saw them do One Step Beyond on Top Of The Pops and immediately began contemplating starting my serious music collection. The only other records I had at the time were Gary Glitter (wahha hahahahah hahahaha hahahahahahaha) and Elvis Costello's Oliver's Army 7" single.

This band really started it off for me as far as following bands was concerned. I later graduated to The Police then U2 and REM and havent really followed a band so closely since.

This band made me get a crew cut!!!

The sad thing is, the only album I have ever bought on CD is Absolutely which was my all time favourite. The vinyls are gathering dust somewhere. I saw them play at the Manchester Apollo sometime in the early 80's and they were amazing.

Classic memories...

This is THE Madness to get!
Madness did it best the first time around. Their first album has, so far, outdone any "best of" collection. "One Step Beyond," simply put, will keep the lamest party awake and hopping. Starting with the instrumental title tune, even the slowest paced tunes (My Girl, Razor Blade Alley), is a Ska-Based jolt of pep.

What I enjoy about Madness above most other Ska bands is that their early music is sheer fun spirited song & dance, written in an era where it was becoming much cooler to throw a lot of social commentary into the lyrics. My favorite examples are a little 60s pop-culture with "Tarzan's Nuts" (one of the TV Tarzan theme songs), "Rockin' In A Flat" (if you have trouble waking up in the morning, spin this tune first thing after you creak out of bed); and "Night Boat To Cairo."

"One Step Beyond" is worth the extra money spent over their various compilations. A very good second place is their second album "Absolutely," but their debut CD rocks above them all!

It doesn't get any better than this
This is a timeless album ! There are several 'Greatest Hits' CDs available from 'Madness' but this, their debut CD, is the real deal. There is not a dull moment, from the very first note of the title track to the final (goofy) track 'Chipmunks are go'. Their first single 'One Step Beyond' hit the music scene like a rocket back in 1979 and is still their concert opener. 'My Girl' shows the true musical skills of the band and is followed by 'Night Boat to Cairo', which is a fantastic, fun little SKA piece. But things are still getting better: 'Believe me' and 'Land of Hope and Glory' build up to my all time favorite Madness (and even SKA) song 'The Prince'. And 'Madness' are able to keep this high level all the way to the end of the album. This is a must have CD - whether you are a SKA fan or you just enjoy great music played by a truly great band. ... Read more

Asin: B00004SCMA
Subjects:  1. England    2. New Wave    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Rock    6. Ska    7. Ska Revival   

CD Single Box Set
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (31 October, 1991)
list price: $59.98
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Features

• Box set
• CD-single

Reviews (11)

An essential piece of the Cocteau Twins' history
The Cocteau Twins have often been unfairly derided for always sounding the same. Anybody that jumps to this conclusion either needs a new set of ears or has only listened to the releases of their final years. While it's fairly easy to track their development through their numerous studio albums, there is a significant amount of outside material that is just as important in their musical career. Few bands are familiar with the idea of an EP these days, but back in the 80s the Cocteau Twins were masters of the format. A couple of the releases included in here are a little flimsy (most notably the Peppermint Pig EP), but the gems among them really shine.

The Lullabies EP has the same bite and grit of the Garlands album, and showcases a darker side of the Twins that never really shows up again. Still, it's a great example of where it all began. The true beauty begins with the 3rd disc, however - the stunning Sunburst and Snowblind. While Head Over Heels, the album that preceded it (and also produced the first track, Sugar Hiccup), still had a certain edginess about it, Sunburst and Snowblind has more in common with Treasure, and shows a switch to the softer, textural depth of the band. The Spangle Maker EP is hardly a step down either, pushing the band even further into the thickness of their lush melodies; both the title track and Pearly Dewdrops' Drops are hauntingly gorgeous. Aikea Guinea marks a focus on the so-called "landscape music" period of the band, with melodies that paint pictures of specific locales - a style that is further explored on the Tiny Dynamine and Echoes in a Shallow Bay EPs (as well as the Moon & Melodies collaboration and Victorialand album). The final two EPs (Love's Easy Tears and Iceblink Luck) show a general cohesion into their later, more familiar musical style, as found on works like Blue Bell Knoll and Heaven or Las Vegas. A bonus, tenth CD is included with four tracks that either were released on separate 4ad compilations or just had not yet seen the light of day.

Overall, this is a collection that should not be overlooked by any Cocteau Twins fan. While the CDs are certainly short in comparison to the full-length releases, they each represent a vital piece in the beautiful jigsaw of their musical repertoire. An absolute must have.

MUST HAVE!
If you are a fan, this is a must have collectable.Every song in beautiful and haunting.

Heaven or Bust
I was first introduced to Cocteau Twins through this set. To this day, it remains my favorite collection of CT songs, which I enjoy even more than the regular LPs. It is a beautiful overview of the band's many styles and takes you from their harder earlier sound to their later lush compostions. The actual box itself is a lovely collecters item that will blend in nicely with your music collection. A charming, simple set that leaves you breathless and yearning for more. (And I did yearn for more...eventually I collected their entire catalogue.) ... Read more

Asin: B000008EER
Sales Rank: 130453
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Ambient Pop    3. Box Sets (Audio Only)    4. Dream Pop    5. Pop    6. Post-Punk    7. Rock   

First and Last and Always
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $9.98 -- our price: $9.98
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Reviews (44)

Better then than now
When this album came out in the US in 1985, it seemed really interesting to me.The mood...Andrew Eldritch keeps the accelerator going up and down, always feels like the band has a terrific pent-up energy that is never released.Perfect innovation in a time when rock music was going either to simple basics or to wretched excess.This is dark without drone.It was appealing to a college student who didn't want any more sappy love music or "Slow Ride."I cannot highlight one song over another; the theme is consistent.

Years later, I heard Fields of the Nephilim for the first time.Yes, in the earlier stuff there's some striking imitation.If you listen to "Laura," which includes pre-FALAA tunes from the Neph, then pick up "Dawnrazor," the Sisters absorption becomes obvious.

This is not to disparage Fields of the Nephilim.In my view, the Sisters of Mercy dissolved into nothing more than Eldritch's playtoy due to incessant lineup changes.The Neph hung on a little longer and took that gothic-inspired theme much farther, before exhausting it and piddling off into obscurity."Nephilim" and "Elizium" are more enduring works, not matching Eldritch's lyrical poetry but surpassing the Sisters in musical creativity and studio polish.Today, these recordings are a lot more enjoyable to listen to than anything the Sisters put up.I don't believe the Neph would have amounted to anything, though, without a serious shove from "First and Last and Always."

Over the years, I have gotten a great deal of pleasure out of all of these albums and have mourned the groups' inability to extend a momentary flourish into a more expansive genre.The great thing here is the power the Sisters and the Neph generated without guitar distortion--loud and clear.

100+ Stars...
Folks, I have a tendancy to change my favorite artist/album, very often. I know I recently stated ELO's 'Discovery' as my all-time favorite, but after listening to this album a few times today, I have been forced to change my mind. I may change again, and trust me it gets annoying - but I will never stop loving this album. The guitars are low, haunting, and chiming echos that linger in your thoughts for the longest time. Eldrich is a pure musical genious. His dark, haunting, and extremley low vocals have influenced every Goth band this side of the equator. Amazing vocals. This music sounds like something you would hear at a graveyard. It's not rock, It's not metal, It's...Goth. It is hard to describe. IT Is beautifully crafted, dark, romantic, classical influenced goth music. And It's excellent. Everything. 'Black Planet', 'Walk Away', 'No Time To Cry' and 'Marian' are all dark and brooding, dismal and dreary. They my disturb as during the music you will begin to think of death. But this music is excellent. A must own, pure brilliance - A Classic.

The Best Sisters Album?
FALAA never got the recognition or club play of its follow-up "Floodland" but that doesn't mean it wasn't as good if not better. This album, their official debut (though many EPs and singles preceded it), wasn't as clearly danceable or built for primetime. However, it was darker, more foreboding and perhaps more consistent start to finish. There are no weak spots on this. For me, the singles "No Time to Cry" and "Walk Away" are great but likely rank in the bottom 1/3 of the 10 songs. And if you can find the b-sides then get them; "Poison Door" would have been one of the best songs on the album.

There were few albums at the time this dark yet able to remain catchy and vibrant. The Cure's "Pornography" was equally dark but not nearly as accessible - not necessarily a bad thing depending what you want. Bauhaus may have been more artistic, yet it took many years for a larger audience to realize their brilliance.

All in all, this may be the Sisters best. I have heard it maybe 1,000 times and every song has been a favorite at one time or another. "Nine While Nine", "Marian", "Some Kind of Stranger and the title track are epic tales of loss, betrayed love, smoldering desperation and loneliness.A must for anyone a little dark on the inside.

Note: for people who claim that Fields of the Nephilim were nothing more than a Sisters clone, that is a sad and empty claim that reflects more on your lack of knowledge than on reality. It may have seemed true at first but Nephilim went on to release several amazing works. "The Nephilim" and "Elizium" are unparalelled in this genre and most others, including TSOM. "Elizium" might be the most fully realized vision ever created in what is called Goth but it transcends the label so greatly it is pointless to use the term. ... Read more

Asin: B000002H2J
Sales Rank: 9155
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. College Rock    3. Goth Metal    4. Goth Rock    5. Pop    6. Rock   

It'll End in Tears (Reis)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (07 July, 1998)
list price: $15.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

The debut release by this superstar-Goth outfit shined (and still does) in all its glorious misery and despair. Just how can it be so beautiful? the listener wonders. For one thing, when the project is conceptualized by 4AD Records brain-man Ivo Watts-Russell and includes artists from groundbreaking U.K. bands such as Cocteau Twins, Magazine, and Dead Can Dance, and when a chunk of the material is from musical heavyweights such as Tim Buckley (the haunting "Song to the Siren"), Alex Chilton of Big Star (the devastating "Holocaust" and the heartbreakingly lovely "Kangaroo"), and Colin Newman of Wire (the rockin' "Not Me"), you're bound to come up with something that will be remembered and revered by old-school Goths everywhere. This is lush, hypnotic, astonishingly beautiful.--Lorry Fleming ... Read more

Reviews (36)

why should you have this in your collection
This is the first of 3 Mortal coils and is the brainchild of the founding fathers of the 4AD label.This is a combination of artists that were on the label at the time and include coctaua twins, dead can dance and others.Performing mostly covers albeit obscure ones with great instrumental interludes is a trip through the looking glass and beyond.If you like to listen to a meld of music that flows in and out of time then this is for you.The "Coils" have often beenpushed into the "Goth" catogory but are beyond actual defenition.This was released in the early 80`s and untill a reprinting in 98 was hard to find.The songs are uncoventional and beautiful. They fit together like hand and glove.If you are looking for something to just take you away then this is it.If you pick this up you will not be dissapointed because it is a great CD and worth adding to your collection

A Beautiful Album, So Beautiful It Makes Me Cry
This album is more beautiful than anything I've ever heard. I never actually cry when I listen to this, but I cry on the inside... My favorite track on the album is Dreams Made Flesh. It's a haunting otherworldly track that I can't help but listen to a few times in a row. Buy this album.

Not everyting from 4 a.d is good...
Tried to like This Mortal Coil..i ADORE ethereal and gothic music..but just can't warm up to this.Do yourself a favor and try Dead Can Dance or Tanya Donelly instead-or try Kari's solo material! ... Read more

Asin: B000007SPT
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

The Art of Falling Apart
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 February, 1999)
list price: $11.98
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Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (1)

Good Follow Up
Being a huge fan of Soft Cell, I loved this album when it first came out. It is the follow up to "Non Stop Erotic Cabaret" the duo's debut.

Listening to it today, It still sounds good but at the same time, a little dated here and there. Some of the songs also run a little long and some sound completely 80ish.

The CD as a whole has a more sinister tone then their debut.While "Non Stop Erotic Caberet" sounds as though they had a blast making it, Art of Falling Apart" sounds a bit more like it was a chore. This is not to say it isn't a good Soft Cell offering. Songs such as "Forever the same", "Martin", "Heat", "loving You, Hating Me" are highlights. Then there is the demented "Baby Doll" which demonstrates just how twisted these guys really are. {in a good way} ... Read more

Asin: B00000I602
Sales Rank: 201339
Subjects:  1. Dance-Pop    2. New Romantic    3. New Wave    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Synth Pop   

Soul Mining
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $9.98
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Reviews (32)

What the The F**K?
I can no longer recall how I stumbled upon this gem back in the mid 80s, but it was my first exposure to Matt Johnson AKA the The.Since then, I've acquired just about everything he's done. I just recently heard "this is the day" again, appropriately on a beautiful sunny day on the ski slopes, and realized I'd never bought this CD in spite of the LP sitting in my LP collection for the last 20 years and only occasionally seeing the light of the turntable.This is truly the The's masterpiece.On the surface, it's got a danceable beat through most of the album, but make no mistake, Matt Johnson probes and confronts every aspect of the Jungian shadow with incisive lyrics and genre bending musical influences.Guitars sound like synths and synths like guitars. The real beauty of this album is that it can be played as background music, or, if you dare, intimate, personal mind exploring journeys.

The Rugman Reviews
On my Radio Program in College, this was arguably the best album of the year. If you could only buy one album . . .this IS it!!! Best track of all time? . . .Uncertain Smile with Jules Holland piano solo. Played it on "Mom, I'm on 91X (San Diego's Premier Radio Station with Steve West!!!)

Timeless, with something relevent to everyone
I'll never forget the mental girlfriend who introduced me to Matt Johnson and The The back in the eighties and, like Matt's work, she has popped up again and again during the interceding years, seemly at the most opportune moments in my life, reminding me that life is sometimes good, sometimes bad but always continues to move on.
Matt's work has grown and improved over the years but this is, for me, his best work and has the unique ability to immediately bring back to mind a person I once was with complete clarity.
If you've never heard of Matt Johnson or The The, then you're missing out on possibly the finest one of the few remaining true musical artists alive. ... Read more

Asin: B0000025Z4
Sales Rank: 81218
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. College Rock    3. Indie Rock    4. Pop    5. Post-Punk    6. Punk-Pop    7. Rock   

Don't Try This at Home
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (17 September, 1991)
list price: $11.98
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Editorial Review

One wouldn't imagine that a died-in-red-wool socialist agitator and spiritual offspring of Woody Guthrie would be able to make serious inroads in modern-rock radio, but Billy Bragg did indeed slip onto some playlists with 1991's Don't Try This at Home. Working with a full band (the Smiths' Johnny Marr and R.E.M.'s Peter Buck and Michael Stipe are among the guests) with bits of brass and strings shading the arrangements, Bragg came up with a surplus of hooky songs highlighted by the minor hit "Sexuality." Conflict both personal ("You Woke Up My Neighborhood," "Accident Waiting to Happen") and political ("Everywhere," "God's Footballer") intertwine among these 16 songs in customary Bragg fashion. Ultimately, Home stands as one of the Brit firebrand's most accessible efforts. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Good in spite of itself.
I never realized it was possible to be less subtle than Natalie Merchant (or Midnight Oil!) with social commentary, but here it is; Bragg spoon-feeding listeners the morally correct position on issues one song at a time, with simplistic "tv movie of the week" messages: "Everywhere" - Booooo racism!, "North Sea Bubble" - Yaaaay, revolution!, and the albums real lemon, "Trust," which has Bragg singing an absurd little dirge from the now standard viewpoint of a gay man suffering from AIDS. AIDS is bad - Booooo AIDS! The first line of that one is "He's already been inside me..."
Mmmmmm, subtle!

Other songs (Accident Waiting to Happen) trot out Bragg's familiar, posturing anger, with tin-ear lyrics ("you're a dedicated swallower of facism") that should have been dumped a few seconds after they were written down.

And yet there they are... overcoming every sachharine, maudlin urge Bragg can't contain, a really nice set of songs: Cindy of a Thousand Lives, Moving the Goalposts, Tank Park Salute, Wish you Were Her. Even the rollicking, dumb attempt at cross-over (Sexuality) is a good listen.

The CD is really uneven, but I continually pull it out. Amidst the wincing, I usually have a great time.

Try this at Home!
It's hard enough to write well. It's even harder to write well when you have a political message. Billy Bragg was never shy about wearing his heart on his sleeve, here he combines his expression of beliefs with a musicality and poetry which anyone who has ever tried to write a 'message song' can only admire.

The songs have stayed fresh and, sadly, seem to become more relevant every day. The story of the two boys, one white and one Japanese American, in 'Everywhere'has echoes in the way that Arab Americans are now being regarded; but, the song's strength comes from the way Billy draws us in, we hurt for both boys - the one in the foxhole and the other in the internment camp.

This album tears me up, makes me think, makes me want to sing along and makes me wish that I could play the guitar. What more can you ask for?

Still sounds great...
Ten years on and this CD still sounds great.I would like to add to previous comments that "Tank Park Salute" is simply a crushingly moving song.I bought this CD in '91 and that song would bring me to tears at times.It's a beautiful song.I also love "Cindy of a Thousand Lives" because it's so different from any song out there.I was fortunate to see Bragg in concert here in Atlanta on this tour and Michael Stipe came out to sing with him. His CD's translate so well in a live venue.This is my favorite Bragg CD with full production, but I still would say "Talking With The Taxman" is his pinnacle. ... Read more

Asin: B000002H9H
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. British Folk    3. College Rock    4. Folk & Traditional    5. Folk-Rock    6. Pop    7. Rock    8. Singer/Songwriter    9. Urban Folk   

Rum Sodomy & the Lash
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (29 September, 1998)
list price: $18.99 -- our price: $18.99
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Editorial Review

Produced by Elvis Costello, the Pogues' second album brilliantly courted Irish drinking music with the thornier aspects of punk. Cait O' Riordan would eventually marry the producer and leave the band, but Shane MacGowan always made it his show and here he exploits his barfly voice to full effect. "And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda" is worthy of Tom Waits, while "A Pair of Brown Eyes" is as sentimental as he gets. The addition of Uillean pipes, fiddle, and horns make this a grand statement about how all music can be filtered down to blood and guts and made to rock. --Rob O'Connor ... Read more

Features

• Import

Reviews (48)

Short and Sweet
The Pogues are the mother band for any Irish-Punk-Folk type music.If you like any bands like Flogging Molly, Dropkick Murphy's, The Tossers etc...get your hands on all The Pouges CD's you can.Try to run with the original albums before going out and buying live albums or bootlegs.Rum Sodomy and The Lash is by far one of there better albums (though all are great), it has the perfect amount of fast songs like the incredible

one of my top five favorite albums
I love this album!!!!!!I'd give it six stars if I could.

Buy it.You won't be sorry.Some day when you're feeling down come home and listen to Shane sing "They wouldn't give you service so you kicked the windows out/they took you out into the streets, kicked you in the brains/ so you walked back in the revolving door and did it all again."You'll feel better.

The Pogues do such a great job with older material, like "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" and "Navigator".If you have even an ounce of Irish blood in you, or if you like to drink at all, you owe it to yourself to buy this record.

Love this album - title comes from
a quote by Winston Churchill: "Don't tell me about British naval tradition; it's all rum, sodomy and the lash."

Buy the album and enjoy.Sally MacLanane is an amazing drinking song. ... Read more

Asin: B000005S6C
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. British Folk    3. Celtic Rock    4. College Rock    5. Folk-Rock    6. Ireland    7. Irish Folk    8. Pop    9. Punk    10. Rock    11. Rock/Pop   

Express
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $11.98
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Reviews (17)

No Ball of Confusion
Peter Murphy, Bauhaus, Tones on Tails, whatever, these guys recorded alot under different names.Easily the strongest lineup was the Love and Rockets lineup, and this CD is about as good a CD as one could ever hope to buy.

Try to find a bad song--not possible.My wife loves this album, and she listens to total crap.I remember the day I bought it (Sept. 1986)--I was looking for their first album ("Seventh Dream..." but was totally blown away when I first heard it, and it still stands up 15 years later.None of their later albums even remotely holds a candle to this, and this CD adds two tracks not found on the album release.

If you have even the remotest love for music, this is great stuff.Other bands may have been better over their careers (The Clash, Husker Du, Sonic Youth, The Jam, etc.), but few albums are strong from the first to last cut.This is one of the rare ones--get it NOW!

Skip this - buy the UK remastered version
This is a wonderful record, probably the best Love & Rockets album ever. But this CD edition was mastered around 1987, and sounds thin and faded - it has no bass punch. Spend the extra cash and buy the UK remastered import. You'll get all of these tracks plus a great cover of Syd Barrett's "Lucifer Sam." The UK version sounds much sharper, revealing bass lines you'll never notice with this thin edition. Still, if you're on a budget, this is a marvelous album regardless.

Still my favorite CD of all time.
I'm waiting for this CD to get the re-release treatment given to this band's debut release ("The Seventh Dream of Teenage Heaven"), although I'm not certain how many alternative tracks exist for the songs on this collection.This album is a first rate sonic psychedelic experience that strikes one's aural receptors like a tidal wave, beginning with the buildup of "Angels and Devils", with Daniel Ash's saxophone playing surely being the influence for the sax pieces from David Lynch's "Lost Highway" soundtrack.Ash begins "It Could Be Sunshine" with the same instrument, its soft tone belying the steady, evenly-paced bludgeoning drumbeats well-followed by David J's fretless bass.Ash switches to lead guitar and gives his tremolo bar a workout for a crunching rhythym.The song switches tempo midway through, and at this point IT'S ON.The remaining tempo is fast and rewarding, proof that two chords is more than sufficient for this band to work some powerful magic.The next song, "Kundalini Express", awash with eastern mysticism, chugs along with the best US-influenced heavy metal 4/4 rhythym, building to then shrinking from climax before fading out with a magnificent ascension scale played by Ash (possibly on twin harmonizing guitar tracks)."All in My Mind" follows as a lighter departure, using acoustic guitar effectively as a rhythym track with an understated electric guitar drone, augmented well by David J's bass and Kevin Haskins' drums (note:The reason this albm sounds less dated than this band's almost equally impressive debut is Haskins' reduced reliance on Simmons drums and expanded use of an acoustic kit)."Life in Laralay", with its sardonic look at the LA scene features an uneast, on-edge electric guitar intro and a return to the heavier percusion found on "It Could Be Sunshine".Not one of my favorite songs from the album, but the harmony vocals are impressive."Ball of Confusion" comes up next, a song that helped develop an underground following for the band in the States.It sounds most like the work from "Seventh Dream..." (and was included on that CD when it was released in the US, actually), and I don't rate it that well (Tina Turner's version of this song is still my favorite), but the next track "Holiday on the Moon" is one of the standouts on this recording, featuring some of Daniel Ash's seamless (and among his finest) lead guitar work."Yin and Yang (the Flower Pot Man)" is thrashed out at a breakneck pace with acoustic guitar supplying the rhythym track (this song was aptly featured in a "Miami Vice" episode during a speedboat chase, actually).It cuts off abruptly, leaving an echo by which the listener tries to catch his or her breath."Love Me" is another example of a perfectly written and recorded two-chord song.The acoustic guitar break after the 2nd verse never fails to lift me to a higher place.The "slow version" of "All in My Mind" follows, a comedown track of soul expansion, and we begin to feel that the storm is winding down.The final cut, "An American Dream", with its Picardy 3rd final chord, is the most satisfying end to an album I've ever heard."Closer to Nirvana", indeed...anyone who thinks the term applies only to a band from Seattle whose singer topped himself REALLY needs to hear this CD to get a better understanding of the term...and of music itself, for that matter. ... Read more

Asin: B0000038RZ
Sales Rank: 136047
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. College Rock    3. Goth Rock    4. Neo-Psychedelia    5. Pop    6. Post-Punk    7. Rock   

Power, Corruption & Lies
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Power, Corruption & Lies established New Order's identity separate from its previous incarnation as Joy Division. Containing "Blue Monday," one of the most sacredly important dance songs of all time, this album truly stands not only as New Order's most defining moment but perhaps as the most standard-setting moment in alternative dance. Yet as definitive as they may be, New Order have outsmarted any copycats. Owing in substantial part to Peter Hook's prominent and melodic bass lines, New Order's songs have always aspired to a complexity that maintains the band's timelessness. Rarely formulaic, New Order's songs are seldom overwhelmed by a four-on-the-floor throb. But interesting rhythms are just one facet of this musical diamond. Their foreboding, grim, and often just plain heartbreaking lyrics present a contradiction to most dance-pop songs, whose lyrics are almost always uplifting or even evangelical. With this album, New Order cut a path for themselves that was rarely, if ever, explored by other artists. --Beth Bessmer ... Read more

Reviews (54)

Ehhhhhhh...
I will admit that, at the time of writing this review, Power Corruption, & lies is the only New Order or Joy Division record I own. I admit to being ignorant of the history of this band.

However, my knowledge of the band does not change the fact that this record is, in a way, too consistent. The melodies almost repeat themsleves verbatim track after track, and the songs get boring fast because the songs rely heavily on them. There are a few standouts, like The Village, Leave Me Alone, and Blue Monday (CD version), but they are only temporary periods of excitement in an otherwise stagnant record. The lyrics are pretty good, that is the strong point of this album.

I gave this album three stars so that I can give in another chance.

New Wave Dance Classic: A Must Have
What would have happened if Ian Curtis had not pulled the plug on his own life?It is a hard question to ask since I am a very devoted Joy Division Fan but I also am a good fan of New Order.I have to say that I imagine Joy Division might have recorded one ore two more albumsand broken up: New Order may have never been.So while it is tragic that Curtis committed suicide it gave the way for the rest of Joy Division the license to effectively reinvent themselves as New Order.The band is very Different from JD but in "Power, Corruption Lies" , New Order's first, we hear a hint of JD with a burst of new creativity that must have been the results of a painful and cathartic period.

The music on this album is more heavily Synth and Drum based than any of the JD material though maybe not as much as later New Order work.By 1983 synths and drum machines were just coming into their own and this year saw the invention of the MIDI interface for synths etc. It was also a time when the new wave movement was finally getting solidified.All history aside, the album is great: it is upbeat, full of poppy dance tracks and a real new wave classic.If you are buying the album just for "Blue Monday" (a track so good even a horrible band like Orgy could make a hit out of it) you are in for a real surprise. You will find many of the other tracks to be great as well."Age of Consent" is among my other favorites.This is another great track for dancing.Also "the Village"is a great track as well.

If you are going to buy two New Order albums get this one and Substance.Although they share a few tracks they are both great.I find that this album get far more play though.This is a must have for the New Order fan of course.But also fans of new wave/'80's music and Joy Division fans alike should also buy this one.This album has received so much acclaim and has been so influential in its 20-year life span that it should be a must have for any modern music fan.I highly recommend it!

-- Ted Murena

First, "New Order" Album
Although preceded by a nominally "New Order" album entitled Movement in 1981, this was the first album of the group New Order as it evolved into a New Wave\Synthpop group of the 1980s and away from the the depressive sturm und drang of the late Ian Curtis and Joy Division. The result: an upbeat album that contains the dance staple Blue Monday.
Other strong tracks include "Age of Consent," New Wave dance track, "The Village," and some experimental\artsy tracks such as "Your Silent Face," and "Leave me Alone". The Dadaist structure of the latter mentioned songs are prototypal to the New Wave movement as it took its shape in the early 1980s. Strongly Recommended. ... Read more

Asin: B000002L82
Subjects:  1. Alternative Dance    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Club/Dance    4. College Rock    5. Pop    6. Post-Punk    7. Rock    8. Synth Pop