Band of Gypsys
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Audio CD (13 January, 1998)
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Editorial Review

Tired of the showboating image that his early live performances had saddled him with--and that his black audience viewed as demeaning and degrading to his musical talent--Hendrix dissolved his Experience in 1969 in search of a more terra-firma-grounded, blues-oriented persona. On New Year's Eve, Hendrix, his old Army buddy bassist Billy Cox, and ex-Electric Flag drummer Buddy Miles performed a loose, jam-filled set at New York's Fillmore East (completists will want the panoramic though uneven Live at the Fillmore East). Released a few months after his New Year's Eve 1970 concert, Band of Gypsys underscored Hendrix's desired return to basics--even if his basic was at a level most guitarists could never attain in a lifetime of playing. --Billy Altman ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered
• Live

Reviews (159)

Hendrix's best live performance?
Anyone who thinks Hendrix was in musical decline in the last few months of his life has not listened to this. It is true that drugs were beginning to take their toll, but this album shows Hendrix as a pioneering artist at the peak of his ability. Band of Gypsys also features Billy Cox on bass, and Buddy Miles on drums. With Hendrix and two other brothers, you just can't go wrong. And they didn't. This concert revealed a bold new direction for Hendrix - a more funk and groove oriented music, but not lacking the spacy and soulful psychedelia that characterized all of his playing.

The Sayers of 'Nay' just don't like to boogaloo
As if it were an academic study, Hendrixology ain't never gonna reach a Master status. The opinions differ too much. That said, Band of Gypsys to me is and always will be the greatest album Hendrix recorded. Side-stepping the issue of race, which in my humble opinion indeed had little to do with the rather quick disbandment, I'd like to mosey on over to the issue of taste. While Buddy Miles has been criticized by Hendrix-fans and 'connaisseurs' alike, not liking his funky drumming next to Hendrix' guitar isn't a reason to state: golly, how 'pedestrian' and 'substandard' that screaming big black guy is. I love Buddy. Matter of fact, I can only listen to Hendrix with Buddy on drums. I needs that thump, you see. Mitch Mitchell was a great drummer, no questions asked, but not funky in the indomitable way Miles was. Showmanship and freeform jazziacs were up Mitchell's alley, and yeah, it probably suited Hendrix' music better, but no one can deny the deep range of ultimate stanky groove on BOG.

Band Of Gypsys, or better yet, Buddy Miles, has had to take plenty of misguided, ill-willed, at time downright wicked and false criticism from the Popular Music Elite. It ain't Miles, it ain't Mitchell: it's a question of funk versus rock. Hendrix fused the entire thang together; now the choice is yours. If you like heavy boogaloo funkativity, BOG is the bomb. If you don't, it won't be... Just don't try to make this LP a heap of cowpoop because 'ya couldn't git in to it'.

Funky rifts, but pure Jimi Hendrix also
This amazing album is the last album that Jimi Hendrix released while he was alive. It offers a fusion of pure Hendrix and funky rifts that have just a great rhythm to them. This album set the tone for the rest of the decade music wise. This is Jimi's finest live album, maybe album alone. Not suggested for beginners, get Are You Experienced, Axis and Ladyland and their greatest hits first. ... Read more

Asin: B000002UVX
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

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

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

Features

• Live

Reviews (89)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So What
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (02 March, 1993)
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Reviews (15)

A hell of an album from a hell of an artist
Most fans agree that Walsh's true peak was in the 70's, and this is an excellent snapshot of him in top form. Much like 'The Smoker You Drink, the Player You Get', this album falls under the category of rock but is a collection of quite a few genres.
The album opener, "Welcome to the Club," shows his excellent musicianship; instead of trying to ignite the fretboard every single second and clog a song with so-called 'talent,' his skill lies in knowing when to let loose and when to lay back. After a crashing opening, the song gradually unfolds, with the standard wise-ass Walsh wit, and solos that fit perfectly, neither too flashy nor too dull, and uniformly great. Other highlights include the (mostly-)acoustic half-ballad "Help Me Through The Night" (I say half because most ballads don't end with someone blowing a raspberry at the end), the spacy "County Fair" with a well-crafted backward solo through the middle (where other artists used this to make a mediocre solo better, Walsh made it into an artform of its own), and "Time Out", the counterpart to the opening track, with great slide-work and an attention to detail most blues-based rockers didn't have (for instance, the layers of guitars during solos), as well as the classic smart-ass lyrics Joe's known for ("The maids were in the hallway, bangin' on the door/Askin' what the funny smell was,/Wake you up to tell you 'It's okay to sleep some more! By the way, is there any you can sell us?"). In fact, most of the album is a highlight--"Falling Down" and "Song for Emma" show Walsh's softer, sadder side--but with no less songwriting skill or style. And for those who like his oddball sense of humour, there's "All Night Laundromat Blues," which, he attests, was written in college at a laundromat, waiting for his clothes to dry.There's a reworking of "Turn to Stone" here, too; it's much less ragged and fiery and much more refined than the one off 'Barnstorm'--personally, I prefer the original, but some like the smoother, less-grungy sound. Also included is a version of Maurice Ravel's "Pavanne (De La Belle Au Bois Dormant)" on the ARP synthesizer.

I'd really rate this 4.5 stars--it didn't break new territory or create a genre unto its own, but it's a should-own for any classic-rock fans, and a great place to start if you're looking to get into some of Joe Walsh's music.

(I'd say listening to this brought me back to my college days...but I'm 19 and I'm still in college.)

Fabulous.A great "listen to" album
I echo Michael J. Muscato's comments.No Joe Walsh fan should be without this album, and if you've not heard any of this after all these years, you've missed out on some truly great work.I have owned this album -- yes on vinyl -- since back in the day when it came out.I have since upgraded to the CD.It is a great album to just sit back and listen to and enjoy.

Song for EMMA...a prayer to Joe's 4-yr old girl...
Emma was killed in a car accident involving a drunk driver, while her mom was driving her to preschool...a gorgeous, moving piece about the beauties/incomprehensibilities in life. The heavenly choir and prayer-like lyrics had always haunted me, but I never knew the backstory, and then I heard Joe HIMSELF on a radio show recount the story...how he and his wife spent the following year seated on the floor in an embrace, crying for Emma...
it's a beautiful tribute capping a strong effort by J.W. ... Read more

Asin: B000002ON9
Sales Rank: 40618
Subjects:  1. Arena Rock    2. Blues-Rock    3. Hard Rock    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. Rock    7. Rock & Roll   

From the Archives, Vol. 2
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (11 August, 1998)
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Reviews (2)

ANOTHER HEALTHY SERVING OF THE MAN
Just as From The Archives Vol 1. left off, From The Archives Vol 2. picks up. Another great and excellent quality collection of Tommy Bolin songs to feed all those hungry fans druelling for more. In between Vol 1. and Vol 2.the Tommy Bolin Archives released about 5 other Tommy CD's exculsivelythrough the fan club so check that out. On this release we have the samepattern as on before, 5 acoustic numbers being the highlight odf thiscollection. Alexis, Celebration, Slow Driver, Love Home and Gypsy Moon showTommy's nakedness with just him and a guitar. Beautiful songs by the way.ANother treat are some early demos Tommy was recording to fetch a solo dealand these songs wound up on his first solo album Teaser. The title track,Dreamer and The Grind are presented in raw and rockin' form. A unique songon here is a James Gang instrumental demo called Journey, and Tommy does ademo of another future James Gang song, called Alexis, another fine piece.This is another great collection of unreleased Bolin stuff. Long Live TheMan!

Tommy Bolin's basement tapes
What an outstanding job the Tommy Bolin archives has done in presenting this material to the public.The follow up to archives vol I delivers such tasty moments as an in your face reading of "teaser", an acoustic version of "alexis", a James Gang demo preformance of "journey" which later became "marching powder" and much more.This material has been on the shelf over 20 years and we know somebody is smiling up there now that its finally available. ... Read more

Asin: B000009NIG
Sales Rank: 126779
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Guitar Virtuoso    3. Hard Rock    4. Heavy Metal    5. Pop    6. Rock   

The Allman Brothers at Fillmore East
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Audio CD (14 October, 1997)
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Editorial Review

There has never been a better showcase for improvisational rock than this 1971 concert recording, and few (if any) live rock albums are in its rank. With only two studio albums (and plenty of touring) under their belt, the Georgia sextet tore into the Fillmore East with road-tested buoyancy. Titanic guitarist Duane Allman was at the peak of his powers, pushing his foil, Dickey Betts, to unsurpassed peaks. Vocalist-keyboardist Gregg Allman would have been a star in any other setting; here he's merely one more component in a brilliant ensemble. Duane Allman died shortly after At Fillmore East shipped, and the Brothers haven't scaled such heights since. But, then, neither has anyone else. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered
• Live

Reviews (139)

one of the greatest live albums ever
the allman brothers band live at fillmore east is certainly one of the greatest live albums ever recorded.IT IS A MASTERPIECE.i own this cd since 10 years and still listen to it frequently.this brilliant southern rock group contained two of the greatest guitarists in Duane allman and Dickey betts. and featured blistering live renditions of classics like STATESBORO BLUES,WHIPPIN POST and more.very very highly recommended.get this with THE OUTLAWS'S BRING IT BACK ALIVE and LYNYRD SKYNYRD'S ONE MORE FROM THE ROAD and FOGHAT'S LIVE album.five stars.please avoid crap like 50 cent,ludacris,ja rule,nelly,usher,green day,linkin park and any band which features on MTV and TRL.

Badd Boring Long Songs With Dumm Solo's!!!
Yo my hip- hop lovers, whut is down this nite??By now, we all be in agreeance that hip-hop, nu-rock and rap rule the world, its all over MTV and gets the respect of journalists and fans alike!!For some reason though, some old dinosaur rock stations continue to play boring old bands that only seem to care about long dumm solo's in songs with no real hint of song writitng talent or any kind of trendy fashion sense!!Worst of all, none of these bands like the Allman Brother's have never been on MTV, TRL or any pop radio station that matters!!This Allman Brother's CD is apparently some old live show recorded ages ago, its not like anyone remembers this show or cares about it, so why in da hekk would they release this??Its just lots of long boring noise with toons that go nowhere!!You can't dance to this stuff and this music won't get you the respect of MTV DJ's either!!People, please, just stick with TRU talent, whether its great punk rawk like Good Charlotte, Simple Plan, Blink 182, My Chemical Romance and the funny Green Day, or talented rapperz like 50 Cent, The Game, Nelly, Ja Rule, U$her, Ludacris, and the very dark Will Smith....and of course the best is TRU medal bands such as Limp Bizzkit, KoRn, Linkin Park, Slipknot, Disturbed, Mudvayne, Endo, Breaking Benjamin, Kid Rokk, Staind and the very brutal Creed!!Let these stinky old bands that play too many boring notes fall by the wayside, we don't need their kind in our day 'n age!!Hekk, by now their probably assistant fry cooks at a truck stop in south central Mississippi!!Peace out greasy rock fans!!

the best high water mark of southern rock
the allman brothers band have always been the best southern rock band, and the least political of those groups.They had a resident guitar god in Duane Allman, who is also famous for being a session musician, and they were famous for their southern style jams on live albums like this one, which is universally considered their best album overall.terrific guitar work and licks abound, the band pulling off one of the best live sets ever recorded in rock music.If you are a fan of live music or rock in general, you have to have this.If you like southern rock you already do; if you don't you can't possibly be a real fan yet (Lynyrd Skynyrd, while good, aren't as classy or classic a band as the Allman's.You should get both in your collection).Also get Eat A Peach, their best studio album overall. ... Read more

Asin: B000003CMB
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

B.B. King - Greatest Hits
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 August, 1998)
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Reviews (16)

Influential................
B.B. King is the most influential blues guitarist of all time. B.B. is the real deal for so many reasons, and this greatest hits complination is the very best. The first two tracks are taken from Live At Regal one of the best live B.B. King recordings including Every Day I Have The Blues, and Sweet Little Angel. Some other known tracks for the early listner are The Thrill Is Gone, and Hummingbird those are both two tracks that really stand out. Their is a track called Playin' With My Friends (with robert cray), and When Love Comes To Town(with U2). I highly encourage anybody to try this bb. king's greatest hits complination. I also would highly recomend Live At The Regal!

No doubt this guy IS history himself!
Later in life I`ve discovered the power and energy of B.B.King, and amazed I`ve become his fan. This is a good sample of his style and tempo, and no matter he gets old, his quality remains intact.

Too focused on mediocre latter-day material
This certainly isn't everything you could ever want from the Beale Street Blues Boy, but it does give the first-time listener a pretty accurate idea about what to expect from B.B. King. For better or worse.

His excellent and highly influential 50s singles are missing, which is a shame, especially since some of those were actually sizable hits and this compilation has the audacity to call itself "Greatest Hits".
There are lot of great moments here anyway, like the swinging "Paying The Cost To Be The Boss", the epic "Why I Sing The Blues", and the slow burner "How Blue Can You Get" among them, and they sit next to two cuts from King's highly succesful "Live At The Regal" album, an excellent "Sweet Little Angel" and a hideous "Every Day I Have The Blues" which falls miles short of Memphis Slim's potent original ("Nobody Loves Me").

And there are just too many mediocrities on this album. B.B. King experimented with some sort of pop-blues fusion in the 70s and 80s, and the compilers have included "To Know You Is to Love You", "I Like To Live The Love" and "Hummingbird" from that unfortunate era. The duets with Robert Cray on "Playin' With My Friends" and rock group U2 on "When Love Comes To Town" are not much more uplifting, and too much of this material was recorded well after King's prime.

If you like B.B. King at his most pop-friendly, you will probably enjoy this compilation. If you like him at his grittiest, you will certainly be disappointed. May I suggest the double-disc "Anthology" instead, along with "Do The Boogie: B.B. King's Early '50s Classics". ... Read more

Asin: B00000ADG3
Sales Rank: 3071
Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Memphis Blues    3. Modern Electric Blues    4. Pop    5. R&B    6. Soul-Blues   

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

The party was pretty much over for Fleetwood Mac by 1982; the blockbuster pop classics Fleetwood Mac and Rumors were mid-1970s memories, 1979's Tusk had been a grand experiment but a commercial bust, and Stevie Nicks had already launched a solo career. Still, that didn't mean Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, and Christine McVie couldn't continue to write engaging, appealing pop in their sleep. Mirage has a handful of high points any Mac fan would appreciate, from Buckingham's soulful "Book of Love" to Nicks's twirl-inducing "Gypsy" to McVie's catchy "Love in Store." Overall, the Mac's magic touch seems usurped by a band merely going through the motions--but those motions still resulted in a few worthwhile moments. --Peter Blackstock ... Read more

Reviews (60)

A solid outing
This CD found the Mac trying to steer back towards a more commercial sound after the musical adventure of "Tusk". It's not "Rumours, Part 2"...it would be far too difficult to live up to that achievement. But it is solidly listenable with no resolute clunkers, making it better than average among their catalogue.

HIGHLIGHTS:
I'll agree with what seems to be the consensus that "Gypsy" is the most realized track on here, an absolutely gorgeous track and lyric. But outside of that tune, most of the best bits on the CD belong to Christine Mcvie. Her "Hold Me" was the album's other big hit. She also turned in the dreamy "Only Over You" and closes it with her wistful "Wish You Were Here". Other standouts are Lindsey's 50s tribute "Oh Diane" (a hit in Europe for FM) and his percolating "Can't Go Back".

LOWS:
Stevie's "That's Alright" and Lindsay's "Empire State" aren't BAD but they are somewhat mediocre. They're the valleys of the album.

BOTTOM LINE:
For fans just getting into the Mac, I would probably buy this 3rd, after "Rumours" and the 'white album' (1975's self-titled debut of the Nicks-Buckingham lineup). After this, the fortunes of the Mac would begin to wane...

AWESOME!!!!!!!
I don't like this album as much as the other Mac albums but I give it 5 stars because of Gypsy, Straight Back, Love in Store, and Eyes of the World.I especially like Straight Back.If you like Sister of the Moon you will like this song.
So I think you should buy this album.

That's alright
When asked why was this album called 'Mirage' in 1982, Christine McVie, with her typical english humour, replied "because that's what the band is now". One feels that isolation in the album, and concludes that it was probably broken only when the extense tour to promote it was over. The album happened as the result of coincidences, since (as it would be the tonic for at least three more upcoming Fleetwood Mac albums) it was going to be a solo Lindsey Buckingham album, in which he, almost confused by the mixed reviews that the raw and experimental Tusk album (1979) had gotten through the press, the fans and even the rest of the band, was wanting to return to a somehow 'popper' approach to the music, without leaving the experiments in its entirety. He took the role as the producer of the recordings of the band (formally, as he already was the main producer since he joined in), and the arrangements were, as always, in his hand. Stevie Nicks was saying, prior to the release of Mirage, that it was going to be 'Rumour-esque'... and it's clear that it was the attempt, although the results were not as succesful, mainly because the quality of most of the songs was far inferior than the ones we could find in Rumours, and because this albums sounds more fragmented.

Still, the results, even though not as brilliant, are not bad at all. The tight and strong rhyhtm section that gives the band its name (Mick Fleetwood on drums and John McVie on bass guitar) is still there... and in song quality terms, the album is saved, especially because of the two women in the band. Singer/songwriter Stevie Nicks was already beginning to have a very own shining star as a solo artist, having released her wonderful album Bella Donna in 1981, but her loyalty to Fleetwood Mac was untouched and she remained a member of the band after a few dates of a solo tour to promote her own release. But one feels that she was somehow 'punished' for her success, as she's only allowed to perform three of his numbers in this album. She manages to shine, nonetheless, since "Gypsy" is one of the best songs in her album, and even in her whole carrer, an astonishing travel to her youth, and projecting it with suggestive metaphores ("lightning strikes, maybe once, maybe twice") to her troubeled present. "That's Alright", a simple country-ish rock ballad, is another of the high points on the album, showcasing some of Stevie's roots; and "Straight Back" has to be one of her most underrated rockers ever. It could have used a little more guitar, and perhaps that's the way they'd work it out nowadays, but it is still a great song, with brilliant witchy imagery and strong harmonies by Christine McVie, in one of the few duets between the two women of Fleetwood Mac.

Speaking of keyboardist/singer/songwriter Christine McVie, her songs are also strong and competent. With "Only Over You" being a track that I ALWAYS skip (the only one by her at that), at least two of the others ("Wish You Were Here" and "Hold Me") deserve extreme praises. Whilst the first one features a haunting melody, vulnerable lyrics, a great lead vocal and ends up the album with an oh-so-powerful guitar/piano duel with Buckingham (and it's injustly underrated most of the times), the second one, a huge hit single around the world thanks to its own merits, is a vocal duet with Lindsey Buckingham which proves just how good do their voices sound together, when joined by a catchy melody and the impressive bed of arrangements that Buckingham prepared for the ocassions. It is one of the anthems of the 80's rock. "Love In Store" was also a single, which featured touching harmonies between Nicks and Buckingham, but was a little bit weaker in terms of lyrics.

From Buckingham's side we get two REALLY good songs ("Can't Go Back" is a short and simple way of showing desperation and dispair with very well-crafted short verses; and "Eyes Of The World", in spite of the never-ending repetition in the chorus, is a rocker that works out perfectly as a crowd-pleaser), another pleasant one (the meaningless but catchy "Book Of Love") and two that help the quality of the album to become lower: "Oh Diane", a terrible attempt to pay tribute to Elvis Presley or another 50's idols (strangely enough this was a succesful single in some european countries), and "Empire State", which is not helped that much by the weird instrumental background and the terribly bad lead vocal. He did explorations in terms of sounding, of course, in both his songs and the songs by the girls, and that's what we thank him a lot for.

A mixed bag, really. You'll really like some of the songs in this album, and you'll probably hate some others. Plus there's the problem of the horrible mastering that this had to suffer in the transference to CD, which lets the mix be only partially audible throughout the songs. This needs urgent remastering with bonus tracks (there are lots of studio outtakes; rehearsals like "If You Were My Love" or "I've Been Loving You Too Long"; B-sides or hidden songs from the sessions like "Cool Water", "Goodbye Angel" or "Teen Beat"; alternate versions of songs from other albums like "Smile At You" and so on...), and one really hopes that a reissue would help this album to be more appreciated between fans. For now, buy this version only if you're a really big Fleetwood Mac fan. If not, there are always the compilations to get the hit singles. Oh, and by the way, the title of the album was really an idea of Lindsey Buckingham's aunt. ... Read more

Asin: B000002KXO
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Pop    3. Pop/Rock    4. Rock    5. Soft Rock   

Shaman
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (22 October, 2002)
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Editorial Review

How could Carlos Santana hope to follow the massive comeback album Supernatural? The solution he settled upon was to once again pull in as many guest artists as possible. Shaman features a slew of stars, but, despite their presence, the instrumental "Victory Is Won" is the standout track here, as Santana blazes through an exhibition of his patented fusion of Latin and rock. In contrast, the sugary pop single "The Game of Love," sung by Michelle Branch, illustrates the lack of consistency that mars the album. Only Ozomatli and Macy Gray seem to totally get Santana. That said, his cover of Angelique Kidjo's "Adouma" is storming, and Santana stands strong when he ventures into world-music territory ("Foo Foo," "Aye, Aye"). However, if the celebrated guitarist had concentrated a little more on who he is and not on who he believes people would like him to be, he'd have made a better album. --Jake Barnes ... Read more

Reviews (225)

This music is excellent.
This music has excellent beat, rhythm, and instrumentals.This music is very good for the heart and soul.I wholly recommend it because it is very good stuff for people to listen to.The music offers protection with a harmonizing effect.Anybody would love this music.

a nice followup, if a little uneven
I enjoyed Supernatural and was looking forward to this release, and I was very happy listening to it.I wish Santana would stop focusing on collaborations, he would be so much better with just himself and a band, he is one of the strongest guitarists alive today.I enjoyed some of the collaborations, with people like Michelle Branch, Chad Kroeger and POD (though these people are all pretty weak musicians and are all in for 15 minutes of fame; they only hold up with Santana's support).

Worse than that is that he still feels the need to put dumb rap singing by pathetic nobodies in his songs; he should cut out the atrocious style altogether.Other than this, the album is wonderful.It sounds a lot like Supernatural, except it sprawls more into unpredictable places and is completely wild.Santana continues to lay down mellifluous lines on his guitar that are impressive, keeping interest throughout.I don't think this album as a whole is as strong as Supernatural, but its darn close.I dig it, but I would cut out the rap, definitely.

For Music's sake !
I wish people liked music simply for music's sake! Why should one Album of a Musician sound the same as the next or the next ever?

Shaman is different from the usual Santana, but still great great music. As long as it sounds great and makes you feel great, then it is music to the ears. ... Read more

Asin: B00006IR5V
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Blues-Rock    3. Hard Rock    4. Latin Rock    5. Pop    6. Pop/Rock    7. Rock   

Classic Masters
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (29 January, 2002)
list price: $5.98 -- our price: $5.98
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Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (1)

GREAT SOUND QUALITY - BUT WHAT ABOUT HAPPY TRAILS?
THE SONGS ON THIS CD HAVE BEEN 24 BIT REMASTERED AND SOUND SUPERB.IN MY OPINION, IT EVEN SOUNDS BETTER THAN RHINO'S 1991 "SONS OF MERCURY" COMPILATION WHICH RHINO HAS ASSURED ME WAS MASTERED FROM THE ORIGINAL MASTER TAPES.BUT THE FLY IN THE OINTMENT IS THAT "WHO DO YOU LOVE" FROM "HAPPY TRAILS" (HT) IS STILL JUST AN EDIT, AND "MONA" IS NOWHERE TO BE FOUND.SINCE CLASSIC MASTERS CLOCKS IN AT JUST UNDER 51 MINUTES, CAPITOL COULD HAVE EASILY INCLUDED "MONA" AND "MAIDEN OF THE CANCER MOON."AND WHILE I'M ON THE SUBJECT, WHY WON'T CAPITOL 24 BIT REMASTER THE ENTIRE HT CD?CAPITOL'S CURRENT HT CD IS EXACT SAME VERSION FIRST PUT ON CD IN 1988 - THIN SOUND AND NO LINER NOTES.IF QMS AS A BAND IS WORTHY OF A "CLASSIC MASTERS" COMPILATION, THEN SURELY ITS BEST LP (AND ONE OF THE BEST EVER LIVE ROCK RECORDINGS) IS DESERVING OF THE SAME TREATMENT.THAT BEING SAID, THIS CD IS A MUST HAVE FOR ANY FAN OF QMS, IF FOR NOTHING ELSE THAN ITS PRISTINE SOUND QUALITY AND EXCELLENT LINER NOTES. ... Read more

Asin: B00005V5Q3
Sales Rank: 13429
Subjects:  1. Acid Rock    2. Pop    3. Psychedelic    4. Rock   

Verve Jazz Masters 38
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (08 November, 1994)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $11.98
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Reviews (5)

A Great Collection By A Great Artist
If you are looking for a more than representative collection of the work of the great Django Rheinhardt you could not do better than this cd. Recordings from the 1930's and 1950's with various artists (including Stephane Grappelli and Le Quintette du Hot Club de France) have been nicely remastered. This is really a great listen especially if you are a bit down. Rheinhardt left us at the far too young age of 43 in 1953 but he has left a very fine recoded legacy that will keep his artistry and name around for a long time to come. Try this album and you'll be convinced.

A must for any fan of the guitar or jazz
Although Django recorded well over 500 tracks in his 20 year career, this release is a pretty good overview even though it ignores the first few years of his career.Aside from the stunning, at times almost unbearable, beauty standard on any Django release, this album has some rare tracks, including Vous Et Moi, which features Django on VIOLIN.This track alone makes this CD a must and is extremely rare.Django's solo on Love's Melody is an example of one of those pieces of auditory magic which compels the listener to rewind over and over again in blissful disbelief.Furthermore, the last three tracks offer a rare glimpse into Django's experimentation with the electric guitar and bebop.But be warned: if you buy this, you will very likely become obsessed with finding more of this genius' work and may neglect the other music in your library for a while.

This Guy Gets Around.
Wow. I am stunned. I am listening to this album as I speak and I feel as if I have been sheltered all my life. How many artists has this guy influenced? I can hear shades of groups as diverse as the Squirrel Nut Zippers, Tones on Tale and even the Rolling Stones. Ray Bryant was so moved by Django he named a song after him.

While this particular album hops around a bit, it all blends nicely together. The older tracks are nicely mastered, and hey...who doesn't appreciated the crackle of a little static?

If I was going to go out on a limb, I would suggest that Django was way ahead of his time. Listening to the interplay of melody and rythm, I'd say this guy was 15 years early, and could easily have played a role in the birth of modern jazz...though I guess he really did anyway.

So. Jazz guitar. This is where it all started. I guess it could be argued that some of the ragtime guitarists paved the road here, but I don't see it.

This is a fun and historically significant collection that will probably get a lot of play time. ... Read more

Asin: B0000046O9
Sales Rank: 62881
Subjects:  1. Continental Jazz    2. Gypsy    3. Jazz    4. Pop    5. Swing   

Bebe Le Strange
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $9.98
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Reviews (10)

4.5 stars - Heart begins their forgotten transitional era
Bebe Le Strange (1980.) Heart's fifth album.

By 1979, Heart had released four albums. On every album, they demonstrated excellent musical ability and diversity. They were one of the few bands of the day that could do both hard rockers and folksy tunes, and practically everything in between. But with the transition from the seventies to the eighties, the music industry was fast changing. Many of the classic seventies rock bands attempted to change with the times - and very few succeded. Following the transition between the times, Heart basically disappeared from the charts (although they'd resurface in a big way about half way through the decade.) Read on for my review of Bebe Le Strange, Heart's first album of the eighties.

As my review title states, this is first Heart's transitional album between two periods. And accordingly, you get plenty of diversity here. There is plenty of classic seventies-style rock that you had come to expect from the band in that decade, along with some of the folksy tunes. But what really makes this album stand out is the new elements that the band incorporated into their sound starting on this album. Nancy Wilson's guitar playing here is faster and more aggressive than what you had heard on earlier albums - the guitar work here is comparable to that of many of the early punk rock bands that were popular in the day and age. This, in many ways, serves as a premonition of the band's popular mid-late eighties material. This album's diversity is arguably its greatest strength. Unfortunately, though, the album was not one of the band's more popular releases, and the album never achieved the same kind of popularity as, say, Dreamboat Annie or the band's 1985 self-titled smash. The two albums that followed this one up gained even less popularity and are relatively unknown. This album marks Heart's entry into a new decade - and it didn't get half the audience it deserved.

Three of Heart's classic albums - Little Queen, Dog And Butterfly, and Bebe Le Strange all got remastered and rereleased. And the new versions of the albums feature expanded liner notes, track-by-track commentary, and even some rare bonus tracks! Do yourself a favor - if you don't have the albums yet, get the remasters.

Bebe Le Strange was the beginning of a new age for Heart, and despite it not being one of the band's larger commercial successes, it was still a very strong release. Although I wouldn't recommend this album for a fan who was just getting into the band, I would certainly recommend it to any tried and true Heart fan.

Heart: Bebe Le Strange (1980)
In February of 1980, Heart delivered their fifth album entitled, BEBE LE STRANGE, their first album with Epic Records. Some long-time fans will reveal that they consider this to be Heart's last greatest album. But they are wrong. Heart was still pretty much well on their way. But this album is definitely one hell of an album. Fortunately, Heart modified their look just a bit, where the Ann & Nancy Wilson appeared with their hair permed in that rock perm look.

BEBE LE STRANGE
The first single from the album, and the album's title track. Another one HEART's greatest classic tunes.

DOWN ON ME
I was really impressed with this song. I can't help, but play this one over and over.

SILVER WHEELS
Instrumental song. The second single from the album. Not bad.

BREAK
The third single from the album. I remember the first I heard this song. I heard it when I saw the video on VH1 Classics. I knew that this song was from this album, because of the way Ann and Nancy wore their hair. But I had to wait until the end of the video to find out what the name of the song was. Once I knew the name of the song, I immediately said that this song was a kick a** song.

ROCKIN' HEAVEN DOWN
Not bad.

EVEN IT UP
The third single from the album. The music and arrangements are incredible, but the harmonies could have been better.

STRANGE NIGHT
Not bad.

RAISED ON YOU
Unbelievably incredible.

PILOT
Not bad.

SWEET DARLIN'
The fourth & final single from the album. Beautifully performed.

This is definitely an incredible album and all of you Heart fans out there should own a copy. I don't care what format the album is in: CD, CASSETTE, VINYL,... whatever. You all should own a copy of this album.

not bad
This is a nice album.Unlike what others said, it is not the best album ever made and it isn't even the best Heart album.This is Heart's fifth album and is probably their fifth best.I don't see how anyone could compare this to the monster Dreamboat Annie, or even Dog and Butterfly.

This album has three very good songs.Sweet Darlin' is a cross between rock and folk, which Heart does just about as good as anyone.Straight Night is a good straight ahead rocker-something that Heart does well sometimes, and sometimes not so well.Down On Me is a blues number, which is really a new area for Heart.It is always good to see a group explore and experiment and be successful at it.They should have continued doing more of this.

Raised On You is one of the few songs from the first five albums with Nancy on lead vocals.It sounds as if the band is trying to copy Fleetwood Mac (Christine McVie), with a little Grateful Dead (Donna Godcheaux thrown in).Nancy would eventually become the center piece of the band as Ann would gain wait and Heart went after the MTV crowd.

The rest of the songs are mediocre to bad.Bebe le Strange and Even It Up sound just like any other rocker Heart did on the first 4 albums.

Note that Roger Fischer left the group just before this album.His departure does seem to have a little impact on this album.His absence will really be felt in later albums.I always hated him.What was he doing with Nancy, when I wanted the Wilson sisters all to myself. ... Read more

Asin: B0000025I2
Sales Rank: 111802
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Comes a Time
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

Often overlooked as it comes between Young's career-defining 1977 three-LP set Decade and the decade-ending Rust Never Sleeps, Comes a Time is a gentle album that includes some of Young's most soft-spoken material. "Lotta Love" became a hit for Nicolette Larson, who adds harmonies throughout the album, and tracks such as "Look Out for My Love" and "Human Highway" are indicative of Young's divergent styles. With four producer credits, six studio listings, an orchestra, and Crazy Horse all on the same album, Comes a Time is an interesting pastiche of all the things that make Young tick. Lacking his usual conceptual thrust, you'll just have to settle for some great songs.--Rob O'Connor ... Read more

Reviews (31)

time has come today
There are people who would contend that `Comes a Time' is Neil Young's finest work. While it is truly a beautiful collection of songs, what it lacks is a demonstration of Neil's versatility, something clearly established on works such as `After the Goldrush' or `Rust Never Sleeps'.Neil can rock, and Neil can psychedelicize (a word coined by The Chamber's Brothers, doncha' know...), but that's not what `Comes a Time' is about. `Comes a Time' is a country/folk album cast from the same mold as his best selling album, `Harvest', but superior to `Harvest in two respects:

1) Young is more mature, as a composer, as a musician, and most importantly, as a person.He is for instance, able to bring in the 'Gone With the Wind Orchestra' without allowing his music to be overwhelmed by it, as `There's a World' and `A Man Needs a Maid' were on `Harvest'.There are many subtle nuances in the musicianship that lend depth and texture to many of the compositions, beginning with the very first waves of his pick over his guitar strings on the opening cut, `Goin' Back'.And lyrics such as "In my new life I'm travelin' light, eyes wide open for the next move, I can't go wrong till I get right, but I'm not falling back in the same groove" from `Already One' show that Neil had exorcised many of the demons that had tormented him since the death of friend Danny Whitten, and his divorce from actress Carrie Snodgress earlier in the decade.

2) Many of the songs on this album are as fragile and delicate as a pile of pick-up sticks, but Young is able to convey strength and conviction through their gentleness.He's killing us softly with his song.While `Harvest' will most likely bring you down, `Comes a Time' will lift you up.

The only criticism I would have of the disc involves two songs: `Lotta Love' and `Motorcycle Mama'.The problem with `Lotta Love' is that it has been so darned overplayed.The late Nicolette Larson, who contributes fine `countryfied' background vocals to this album, and leads on `Motorcycle Mama', turned her own version of`Lotta Love' into a number 8 hit in 1978.It also is included on Neil's `Live Rust' album and the `Rust Never Sleeps' film.That's a lotta la la la la la la la la la's to absorb.

`Motorcycle Mama', on the other hand, is more of a gritty blues tune that feels out of place here. Unlike the inclusion of `Alabama' to beef up the low-key tone of `Harvest', this album is shimmering enough not to require a wake-up call on track nine.It's a good song, and despite it's `Harley-ness', does manage to feel `country-ish'.Nevertheless, Neil should have left Old Black in its case this time.

It's instructive that my criticisms of the album involve good songs.There simply is not one loser in the entire collection, and tunes such as `Goin' Back', `Already One', `Field of Opportunity' and the title track are among Neil's finest.Since you've already demonstrated your interest in Young's work by opening to this page, let me tell you that you can't go wrong in purchasing this disc.It can certainly be the starting point in putting together a Neil Young collection, and I guarantee that if it is your first, it will not be your last.Then again, who hasn't owned a Neil Young album at some time in their life?If you haven't, beware that there comes a time...

One of Neil's most consistent releases
I wrote in my review of the recently-released-on-CD _Old Ways_ that I liked it as well as I like _Comes a Time_. A minor correction: I think _Comes a Time_ still has a slight edge.

So that you know where I'm coming from: if I were asked to name Neil Young's very best album ever, I'd dither between _Tonight's the Night_ and _On the Beach_. But by and large, my favorite stuff to listen to over and over is his acoustic material. (Not exclusively, but overall.)

That means my favorite 'repeater' albums are _After the Goldrush_, _Harvest_, the acoustic 'sides' of _Rust Never Sleeps_ and _Hawks and Doves_, _Old Ways_, _Harvest Moon_, _Silver and Gold_, occasional songs from his other albums (e.g. 'Ambulance Blues' from _On the Beach_), and this one. (Oh, and of course _Decade_, which is where you should start if you haven't listened to Neil before.)

On to _Comes a Time_ itself. I've had it since it was first released on vinyl; I liked it then and I like it now.

It's mostly straightforward country-inflected folk. For most of it Neil is accompanied by the 'Gone with the Wind Orchestra' (led by Grant Boatwright, whose last name is consistently misspelled in the liner notes; they also play on the acoustic side of _Rust Never Sleeps_). Crazy Horse sits on on two tracks, though: the haunting 'Look Out for My Love', and 'Lotta Love'. The latter was also a hit for the late Nicolette Larsen, who sings harmony with Neil on nearly every song on this release (but _not_ on 'Lotta Love'; apparently they knew she'd be releasing a version of her own).

I feel almost disloyal to Neil in mentioning that one of my very favorite tracks is the one he didn't write: he and Nicolette do an absolutely stunning version of 'Four Strong Winds', written by Neil's fellow Canadian Ian Tyson (of Ian & Sylvia, whose version of the tune you can find on their album of the same name).

At any rate, the whole thing is gorgeous from start to finish -- even the unexceptional 'Motorcycle Mama', which Nicolette manages to bring to life. And if you read the liner notes carefully, you'll spot one or two interesting guests (notably J.J. Cale).

There weren't any 'hits' from this album, but I think it's one of Neil's most consistent efforts. If you like his acoustic side and you don't already have this one, check it out.

More great Neil!
If you love Neil...get this one. It's more on the acoustic side,l but real great songs! ... Read more

Asin: B000002KCV
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Country-Rock    3. Folk-Rock    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Singer/Songwriter   

Stephen Stills
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (05 December, 1995)
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Editorial Review

He wasn't the most accomplished member of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young--or even of Crosby, Stills &Nash, for that matter. But his songs are certainly in a league with those of the other members, and it's chiefly on his solo albums that Stills's own personality comes through. Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth" belongs to Stills, which shows where his influences lie. The hits "Love the One You're With" and "Sit Yourself Down," both of which live here, show how they developed. Sensitive? Lyrical? Not exactly. Think rugged denim, an acoustic guitar, and a woman at home to sew on his appliqués and pick the seeds out of the pot. --Gavin McNett ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (47)

Who said ``not accomplished"?
Stills WAS CSN and CSNY. If not for his musicianship and knowledge of production, the first CSN LP would never have existed. Why do you think even Crosby ans Nash called ``captain Fingers".
This cd is uneven, but brings together all his influences.
Combine this cd with Super Session and you get the full effect of what Stills was abe to do with his guitar. One listen to Season of the Witch on Super Session and it will convince you that Stills was a very underated player. The solo Cdshows that he was a fisrt rate composer and arranger.
Yeah....we all wish that he could turn out another collection that would be on the par of the quyakity of CSN, but those days are gone....thank God we have these recordings tro remind us how good he was.

The amazing Stephen Stills
I do believe that Stephen Stills is the most talented musician
in Buffalo Springfield, CSN, CSNY, Manassas, etc. etc.
Sure he's released some clinkers, who hasn't?But, when Stills is on, he's hot. His voice, his guitar, his songs, his production, his arranging, his ATTITUDE. Stephen Stills is a rocker, and his first solo album backs up that statement very well, as do the 3 Buffalo Springfield albums, and anything and everything CSNY have done.Think of it this way..do you honestly think Crosby
or Nash would have had a solo career without CSN? I do not think so. But Stills and Young would have. In fact, Neil Young had a very good beginning to a solo career before he was invited to join CSN. I have no doubt that Stills would have been close behind had CSN not happened. All you naysayers leave Stills alone. Stephen Stills is one hell of a fine artist.

The Best and the Greatest
A few thoughts about Stephen Stills and this CD:
(1) Stills plays all the instruments except when he's joined on a track by Booker T and the MGs, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and, of course, Richie aka Richard Starkey.
(2) He was and is the driving force behind CSN and CSNY
(3) This CD went gold in November of 1970 (RIAA certified)
(4) It contains one of the greatest gatherings of rock-n-roll talent on one record.
(5) Stills is the only rock artist inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ON THE SAME DAY for his work with Buffalo Springfield and CSN.

Long may you run. ... Read more

Asin: B000002J6H
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Pure Blues
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (26 September, 1995)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Reviews (19)

If you love the blues , this CD is for you !
Alvin Lee recorded one of his best works . You will never find a hole through every track .
Help me , The bluest blues, Wake up momma , i woke up this morning are simply great but there is still more .
consider this album as a collection item and keep it in a very secure place because works like this are simply conosseur albums .

Look ma!We need more stars!
I actually wore out this CD the first time I bought it.Blues with a passion.Such a clean album.Blues in Slow C just stops me in my tracks whenever I hear it.I couldn't decide between this or the Saturday Night Sleazer soundtrack, but I think I finally made the right move (God knows I've made enough bad ones).

Blues Delivered With Power and Sincerity
I bought this recording on am impulse after surfing in and reading the reviews. I was not disappointed. This is a great collection expertly pulled together by each musician's obvious reverence for the Blues. Alvin Lee is brilliant. Crank up the volume and get out your air guitar because you can't help but get the blues by
listening to this album. ... Read more

Asin: B000003JD5
Sales Rank: 6447
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Pete Townshend Live: A Benefit for Maryville Academy
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (21 September, 1999)
list price: $15.98
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Editorial Review

The advantage Pete Townshend has over many of his contemporaries is he's found nonmusical outlets for his creative urges. Engaged in publishing in his post-Who semi-retirement, the windmilling guitarist has returned to the stage infrequently, which may partially explain the energy he brings to this performance, a benefit for a treatment center for abused children. The two-disc collection features Townshend backed by a quintet on one disc and stretching out with Eddie Vedder and keyboardist Jon Carvin on remakes of "Magic Bus" and "Heart to Hang Onto" on the second disc. Townshend scatters a couple of unexpected covers (Canned Heat's droning "On the Road Again" and Dylan's "Girl From the North Country") and a few more obscure originals ("Now and Then," "Drowned") among the staples ("Anyway Anyhow Anywhere," "Let My Love Open the Door," "Won't Get Fooled Again"). The original art punk now approaches his material with a certain mature reserve, but he's consistently engaged and in fine voice. Here's one '60s hero who isn't treading the same worn path because he has no interest in arriving at the same old destination. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (32)

He's a Rock'n'Roll Wizard
I've had the pleasure of seeing the WHO live in their reunion tour.It was great fun - huge arenas, great production values, high energy performances - but it was not art.It was 55 year old people performing songs that were mostly written 10 years and more before I was born.They pretended for a while that they were still in the 1970s, and that, Keith Moon or not, the Who were still the people of old, and that nothing has changed.But they were wrong, and so what we got was a great concert - but very little in the way of novelty or excitement.It was a nostalgic act - energetic and capable, but belonging in a museum nonetheless.

But, this - Pete Townshend's Live album - is the real thing.This is the work of an artist, not a historian.

I'm completely unfamiliar with Townshend's solo work, but I love the WHO, and dig live concerts, so, when this was sold at a reasonable price, it was an obvious purchase.

Townshend here presents material roughly equally distributed throughout his career.Fortunately, the reworkings of oldies breath new lives into them - Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere is no longer a proto-punk quickie - rather it becomes a rich, complex and powerful composition testifying for Townshend's youth.Drowned is truly improved upon, getting a more subdude approach.I don't know the original versions of 'Now and Than', ' Let My Love Open the Door', and You Better, You Bet, but they all work wonderfully here, the latter, especially is a great song, containing pop sensability combined with real energy and fine songwriting.

The only disappointments come from the most popular and best songs on this CD - Magic Bus and Won't Get Fooled Again.Those songs suffer from opposite problems:Magic Bus, despite some changed lyrics (Sometimes emberassingly weak 'every bus has two decks - the upper deck, and the lower deck'), is essentially the same song as it was in the album. Won't Get Fooled Again is reworked heavily, but since WGFA is arguably the WHO's best song, it can't be reworked to work any better than the original, and while Pete Townshend is a fine singer, he can't compete with Daltrey's vocals.

Those are especially unnecessary, as various live performances of these songs are available elsewhere - certainly 'Live in Leeds' include the ultimate version of Magic Bus - and non other is necessary.

On the other hand, including some lesser known Townshend songs would probably have been preferable to repeating these ones, and if, they wanted to use classic Who stuff, why not ' The Kids Are Alright'which was apperantly performed in that concert, which is thematically logical to this concert, and which doesn't appear on nearly as many Who live albums.

But those are minor complains.This is a wonderful album.It ends with Townshend's solo performance of I'm One - Solo only if you disinclude the crowd, which recieved Townshend with the enthusiasm the performance deserved.

They Call Me The Strummer
Speaking as a huge Townshend/Who fan, I think I'm qualified to say that this album is dissapointing at best.

Townshend sounds good, and the show was probably great if you were in the building, but listening to Pete strum some old favorites gets a little dull.

He is the best, when he's with a band.And you know which band I mean.

By the way, I didn't find the "bonus disc" to be much of a bonus: there's less than 11 minutes of music on it.

Try "Deep End Live" instead--it's a great live Townshend CD.

Unplugged it ain't
Some artists age like fine wines.Clapton and his unplugged ablum is a perfect example of this generation of rocker who has managed to stayrelevant.Alas, the same can not be said of Pete and this album.As anavid fan of his solo work and his work with the Who, I was so disappointedwith this album.The voice is weak, the guitar playing insipid, theexecution of each song pathetic.Save your money, put on some Clapton. ... Read more

Asin: B00000JJOZ
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Pop    3. Pop/Rock    4. Rock    5. Singer/Songwriter   

Incredible Jazz Guitar
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 July, 1991)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

This 1960 record solidified Montgomery's reputation as the mostimportant jazz guitarist to emerge since Charlie Christian in the1930s. His two most-distinguishing traits---the mellow thumb-pickingapproach and the soft and round use of octaves--are in full bloom here.Montgomery tackles two standards, one tune each from Sonny Rollins andDave Brubeck, plus four originals, including the classics "WestCoast Blues" and "Four on Six." His solos are remarkablyfluid and melodic while still capturing the essence of the blues idiom.He achieves a near-perfect balance of technique and emotion. On"Polka Dots and Moonbeams," his approach is unhurried anddelicate; on the original "Mr. Walker," he produces lengthy,bop-inspired runs without ever losing control. Tommy Flanagan'sgracefully understated piano proves a perfect match. Rather thancompete with horn players and their styles, Montgomery relished thedistinct and unique qualities of the guitar. --Marc Greilsamer ... Read more

Reviews (30)

The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery
Wes Montgomery. The world's greatest jazz guitarist. Many copied his octive style that made him so unique. He played all of this, even at killer tempos, and only used his thumb!

In my opinion, this was Wes Montgomery's first real important album. He displays everything here. His big swinging sense, his thumb technique and the beautiful octive sound.

This is the epitome of great jazz guitar. Wes, himself, the virtososo he was, played all of these tunes with such ease. If he was alive today, and was making these wonderful recordings, I'd be out getting all those great albums.

Wes does a great job covering Sonny Rollins' Airegin, my favorite Sonny Rollins composition of all. Wes even does a great job at Gone With The Wind. Perhaps only Dave Brubeck's version can compare.

There is no irony in the title of this album. And if anyone has any doubt about that, just listen to this album. Wes displays it all here.

All Hail the Great One!
Wes achievs the impossible with apparent ease on this one. His chords and octaves and even single line play will continue to be analyzed by guitarists for a very long time. While other guitarists have captured some of the licks-none of them have accomplished the Wes Montgomery approach to guitar.

The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery
Wes Montgomery. The world's greatest jazz guitarist. Many copied his octive style that made him so unique. He played all of this, even at killer tempos, and only used his thumb!

In my opinion, this was Wes Montgomery's first real important album. He displays everything here. His big swinging sense, his thumb technique and the beautiful octive sound.

This is the epitome of great jazz guitar. Wes, himself, the virtososo he was, played all of these tunes with such ease. If he was alive today, and was making these wonderful recordings, I'd be out getting all those great albums.

Wes does a great job covering Sonny Rollins' Airegin, my favorite Sonny Rollins composition of all. Wes even does a great job at Gone With The Wind. Perhaps only Dave Brubeck's version can compare.

There is no irony in the title of this album. And if anyone has any doubt about that, just listen to this album. Wes displays it all here. ... Read more

Asin: B000000Y27
Subjects:  1. Jazz    2. Pop   

Don't Let Go
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 January, 2001)
list price: $22.98
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Editorial Review

A particularly spry, nimble, and spacious incarnation of the Jerry Garcia Band is chronicled on this double-disc release, the first official CD release to present a JGB show in order and in its entirety. Recorded at San Francisco's Orpheum Theater on May 21, 1976, the band includes Garcia's Dead mates Keith and Donna Godchaux (on acoustic piano and vocals respectively) plus longtime bassist John Kahn and drummer Ron Tutt. It's one of the few Garcia ensembles to feature piano rather than organ, and everyone has plenty of room to maneuver here, as evidenced especially on a wonderfully funky, airy, slow-grooving "That's What Love Will Make You Do." Four of the cuts come from the then-recently released Reflections. Though many of these tunes remained staples of Garcia's repertoire for the rest of his life, there are a few gems that did not: the extended boogies on "After Midnight" and "Lonesome and a Long Way from Home," the Donna showcase on the blues chestnut "Strange Man," and the bonus cut, a romping "Mighty High" recorded four months later. Those fans familiar with only later versions of the JGB will be pleasantly surprised upon hearing this agile, streamlined crew at work. --Marc Greilsamer ... Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (43)

Fifty bucks for a used copy?
Highway robbery.
But it for $19.00 (plus s&h) on the Dead's own website, save money, and support the people who make the music.
And by the way, it is a great album.

For completists
A release such as this reminds me that there are other factors involved in deciding which Dead/Jerry shows to release on CD. By that I mean this performance, although it has some bright moments, (only musical, none vocal) is not as inherently valuable as many other shows the JGB played in the mid seventies. It is painfully tentative at times. Especially during song intros and vocal parts. Listening to them get these songs off the ground, (some never really do) I feel as though I’m witnessing a potential train wreck in slow motion. But I’ll say again, there are some very bright shining musical moments on these discs, I just don’t feel there are enough to justify the release. The sound quality isn’t great either. I do appreciate GD records for encoding new releases in HDCD which this one is. But it’s rather lost on this release. There’s lots of tape hiss and wobble and the soundstage sounds rather repaired. If you’re new to GD/JGB, or if you don’t care for Donna, don’t bother with this one. If you’re a completist collector, save this â€~til last. Spend your money on something else on your list.

Super JGB!
A brilliant Jerry Garcia Band gig from a golden era is documented on this indispensable double CD set. This is as warm, gentle and funky as '72/'73 era Dead, although this particular show is from '76. The "Sugaree" which opens proceedings is one of the very best performances ever, maybe the definitive version! Jerry's voice is sweet and blends especially well with Donna - they do a wonderful version of "Sitting Here In Limbo", another all-time favourite. John Kahn's bass-playing throughout the show is as good as Phil Lesh (the best bass guitarist ever!). And Ronni Tutt is simply marvellous. Keith's old-time piano is incredibly versatile - so many American music traditions flow through (jazz, country, blues).

I urge everyone to get this! ... Read more

Asin: B00004ZEJH
Subjects:  1. Blues-Rock    2. Folk-Rock    3. Jam Bands    4. Pop    5. Rock   

Essential Bob Dylan
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (31 October, 2000)
list price: $24.98 -- our price: $20.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Two discs of music don't exactly provide for a thorough overview of four decades of recording, particularly if the subject of the retrospective is one of the most important and prolific performers of his time. So The Essential Bob Dylan definitely skates over the leagues-deep oeuvre of Dylan, summarizing his monumental first half-dozen years in disc one and skirting over the following 34 years in disc two. Delving into Columbia's three Dylan greatest-hits packages (though curiously purging "I Want You," a genuine hit single in its day), Essential offers only a few surprises, opting for The Basement Tapes version of "Quinn the Eskimo" over the Self Portrait remake that made it onto Greatest Hits Volume II and tossing in "Things Have Changed" from the Wonder Boys soundtrack for completists. But this 30-track overview is designed with newcomers, not Dylanologists, in mind. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Features

• Limited Edition
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (96)

Bob Dyaln Is A Master
I love the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Bob Dylan was around then. His music is powerful. The song "Like A Rolling Stone" is masterful. I also love "Mr. Tambourine Man". The songs are awesome. My father introduced me to Bob Dylan's music. I read about him and he was a fascinating man.

I'm surprised that people haven't heard of Bob Dyaln, of course everyone now is listening to that brain numbing crap. This man was a true artist. He understood that he needed to be different. That's what singers now are missing. Years ago, artists were pure and wrote their own music. Today they buy it from song writers who write crap just to make a quick buck. I miss the pure music time. Buy this album because it'll show you true music.

Great Collection, but Only One New Song
Though there is a lot of great stuff on here, but with the exception of "Shelter from the Storm" which is from the Tom Cruise film "Jerry McGuire" and has a different verse than the version on "Blood on the Tracks," there is nothing new. Of course, if you own no Dylan records, this is certainly a fine place to start. Here you get five songs from his early acoustic period, five songs from electric Bob before his motorcycle accident, two of the three excellent songs he performed with Happy Traum for "GH 2", "Knocking on Heaven's Door" from the movie, "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid", The best song from "Blood on the Tracks" and "Desire" and the best song from "Slow Train". And all of this blends into a fine listening experience, almost like these songs were meant to be played in this order.

This is a very good collection. You can't go wrong with it, but if you've been into Dylan for a while, you probably have all this stuff, except "Shelter," but you can get that on the soundtrack with a lot of other good stuff, so even though this is a five star collection, it really is for the person who has no Dylan records in his collection. I know it's hard to believe, but there are a lot of those out there, so this double disc set really does have a place in the world.

Jack Priest, Writer from the Darkside

Nod to Bob
This is the Essential Bob Dylan. Containing his best radio hits on two cd's, in pretty much chronological order.This is a nice place to start if you only plan on buying one Bob album ever, or you are on a limited budget and want more bang for your buck. This album combines 3 greatest hits albums plus adds some songs that would be placed on "Greatest Hits Vol. 4" (if there was such an album). If you plan on exploring Dylan's entire catalogue you should probably skip this. I am a huge Dylan fan (you will probably be in the same boat with me if you have a large collection of Dylan's stuff) these songs are the ones you end up skipping when listening to the studio albums they are on (because you've heard them so many times). Studio B sides are all a bit darker and more mysterious then the commercial common denominator A sides (contained here). But all in all if you haven't checked Dylan out...you should very soon. This is a good place to start. But for someone who wants to dive deeper 3 or 4 more dollars will get you either Bootleg 4, 5, or 6 (live versions (along with a bit of history) of most of these). Then you can get these songs when you buy the studio albums. ... Read more

Asin: B000050HTO
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Country-Rock    3. Folk-Rock    4. Political Folk    5. Pop    6. Pop/Rock    7. Rock    8. Rock & Roll    9. Singer/Songwriter   

Magic Two
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (14 July, 1995)
list price: $19.98
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Reviews (3)

Tired blues by a tired old white guy
Don't waste your time!! Go get Son House, CharliePatton, Robert Johnson, & Gary Davis!!!

Jorma = Magic
Originally, there was "Magic" - a great live recording that Relix put out in the 80's.Then when CDs became the norm, Relix reissued the recording with a slew of bonus tracks making the cd twice as long as the orginal release.The result was "Magic two" and it is a great recording.The sound is so clear and the audience is so vibrant, you'll sware you'll be smellin' smoke! Jorma is one of the FINEST guitarists around.This recording is a classic and a MUST HAVE for those who know what music means.

Acoustic Virtuoso
Jorma pulls out all the stops on this one cause he's solo and he's providing all the sound himself instead of playing off of the usual (incredibly talented) suspects. He supplies the extra bass, the extrarhythm, the extra voicings, the extra everything as he floats in thestratosphere of the guitar gods. Unbelievable version of "Mann'sFate" where he sounds like Paco de Lucia slaying the flamenco style.Other moments remind me of the freewheelin' Michael Hedges with hisincredible right hand, percussive technique shining through in all itsglory. A must recording for any serious student of the acoustic guitar, orany acolyte of Jorma. ... Read more

Asin: B000000SUH
Sales Rank: 227326
Subjects:  1. Folk-Rock    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Rock & Roll