Supergrass Is 10: Best of 94-04
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Audio CD (28 September, 2004)
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Reviews (12)

Supergrass is 10 - - -
C'mon America! It's not you to blame for not knowing about Supergrass, because the British Media and Press kept pushing for Oasis and Blur as those who should be listened to. Nope. The brightest band on the Britpop landscape was and still is Supergrass, and this collection of their 'greatest hits', gives a very clear overview of the talent that exists in this band, the quality of their recognised material, and is enough of a starter pack to say to the average onlooker, that there is more of this quality should you buy a complete Supergrass album.

In Britain, The Scissor Sisters have caused a storm, and have been on the Top 10 album charts for at least 6 months now. Truly a success story, and I do wish them the best for the future. They write songs that Elton John used to write back in the early 70's, and the first three songs of original material on their latest album makes the album. When Supergrass released the ''Kiss Of Life'' single (issued for this collection only), the British media constantly knocked Supergrass for going for a Scissor Sisters sound and jumping on the current bandwagon.

Firstly, ''Kiss Of Life'' deserved better than that.

Secondly, trends come and go. And the media is notoriously forgetful of what happened last week, let alone what happened 5 or 10 years ago that 'Now' just echoes or regurgitates, especially in the pop world. And that same British press that accused Supergrass of ripping off Scissor Sisters:

A) Should remember that Supergrass is 10 years old. The title told them so.
B) Should listen to their previous albums, and that the Scissor Sisters are only doing things that Supergrass were doing years ago.
C) Should listen to the whole Scissor Sisters album, realise that its 3 singles are simply the strongest material on an 'average' album (no offense to SS, just not all the songs are as good as those first three original numbers, and Elton John would be lucky to get songs like that back in his catalogue or his creativity), and that a Supergrass album track-to-track can often yield a whole album worthy of praise. Not just its lead-off singles.

I even remember mentioning this 'accusation' to an HMV employee in London as I bought the ''Kiss of Life'' single (issued with a remix by Talking Heads/Tom Tom Club members Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz)made by the British media, and he looked at the Cd and said ''but Supergrass were here first? Whaddup widdat!'' In an English accent of course. And he was right. Supergrass is 10, and that should be celebrated, noted and remembered. Because British pop music has been better for their appearance, their creativity and presence, and setting a standard that their contemporaries and peers have yet to do on successive releases.

I'm not a 'greatest hit's package' collector by nature. But if you want to find out a little bit about Supergrass, without dipping into your wallet for a major withdrawal, please try this collection of their known material. The material that is missing from this collection would make a whole other album, but that's not the point. I could complain that ''Brecon Beacons'' isn't on this album, rather than '' ''. But the point is, ''Brecon Beacons'' is as good as what is included here, and the amount of material they have that qualifies as greatest hits worthy, is on 4 albums previous to their 10 year celebration.

And anything with ''Pumping On Your Stereo'' on it, is worth purchase. Even the DVD to see the video, which is hilarious.

Greatest hits, you bet ya
When I bought this cd I did not know that much about supergrass.The only songs I had even heard were "pumping on the stereo" and "sun hits the sky" and I liked both of these songs a lot.So while I was cruising the aisles in the record shop, my eyes caught a glimpse of Supergrass is 10, so I decided to buy it because it was at a great price, and I am glad I did.The CD has not left my car since I bought it two months ago.

Every single one of the songs can get stuck in your head, and you won'tbe upset.From the opening track "caught by the fuzz" to the finale "Wait for the sun" the album just rock throughout, and everytime I listen to it I want more.The album clocks in at 71 minutes, but everytime I am done listenintg to it I feel unfulfilled.That is a sign of a band making great music.

Sweet.....
Supergrass is like, a band having a great time.Where other bands are attempting to grab fame by selling out radio garbage, Supergrass is playing songs they like to play.The end result is the emergence of a fantastic, talented band having some fun.When musical genius' don't focus on appeal, they generally release some great stuff; look at Mozart.
Yes, I did just relate Supergrass to Mozart.There are plenty of immitators, but only one Supergrass baby.
Pick it up. ... Read more

Asin: B00020QWHS
Sales Rank: 9367
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Britpop    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Punk-Pop    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop   

Carry On Up The Charts: The Best Of The Beautiful South
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 October, 1995)
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Editorial Review

This is a definitive best-of from the scathingly satiric, invariably tuneful band that arose from the ashes of The Housemartins. Sadly, Paul Heaton and friends have always been too twee and clever for the colonies, though classics like "My Book" and "Old Red Eyes Is Back" deserved better. A lovely, sing-along new track, "One Last Love Song," sounds like a farewell to arms, while the limited-edition disc of B sides proves that only XTC can match them in terms of high-caliber throwaways. --Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Reviews (30)

The definitive best of
Hats off to inventiveness, but The Beautiful South began to go adrift after "Miaow".If you could capture the band's signature sound, "Carry Up the Charts" would be the way to do it.

I could gush over so many songs, but my definitive favorite is the piano tinged "Let Love Speak Up Itself". It's impossible to not hum along with"Good as Gold" and "Prettiest Eyes".

The combination of intelligent lyrics, the influence of Paul Heaton's former group The Housemartins, the wonderful female vocals (Brianna Corrigan and later Jacqui Abbot) and British wit make this a terrific pop CD.

A personal favorite.

a bit on the twee side, but...
although this band makes me cringe a few times, i have to admit that they can pen some wonderful pop tunes. the music is mostly piano-based with some light orchestral touches. there are plenty of lyrical bits containing satire and humour, some off-handed and some direct. and some downright touching songs such as "Sail This Ship Alone" and "One Last Love Song." unfortunately, some truly god-awful moments on this album force me to push the skip button ("36D," "My Book")...but even with all the bad goofy moments, no one can deny the pure shimmering beauty of "Everybody's Talking." i would recommend this band to any fan of Belle and Sebastian or The Divine Comedy or even stuff like Barry Manilow. good dramatic, quirky pop music...very pop..very British.

A must for all lovers of proper pop music!
Arising from the ashes of The Housemartins certainly wasn't going to be an easy move (as The Housemartins were also a great band), but as this compilation proves, they pulled it off with some aplomb. Their individual albums covered here are worth getting anyway (especially 0898, Choke and Miaow), but this compilation probably takes the very best songs from these albums, so one can't complain. Every song is simply excellent, even the ones you may not have heard before. The lyrics are cynical and witty, almost Morrissey - like in parts, and the music is simply (probably) the catchiest you've ever heard! It's just a shame that some people will find themselves thinking they're 'too cool' to listen to The Beautiful South, as they think all they sing is 'love songs.' But this is far from the truth; They adress all kinds of issues such as relationships, domestic violence, lust, politics etc. better than all of the moronic Nu-metal cliched bands out there, the fans of which wouldn't know good music if it smacked them in the face with a trumpet, then created music bliss with the gorgeous strings in 'Old Red Eyes Is Back.' Anyway, before I get carried away, go and buy this if you have sense. Broaden your musical horizons. It's just a shame their second 'Greatest Hits' CD was rather a cynical marketting ploy (retracting from the fact it's still a damn good, near perfect collection of songs), as 7 of the songs here feature on 'Solid Bronze.' They could've released a 'Best of 1995 - present date,' but hey, never mind. ... Read more

Asin: B000001FIT
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Definitely Maybe
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Audio CD (30 August, 1994)
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With the swaggering chords of the opening "Rock'N'Roll Star," Oasis announced that big, brash Brit rock was here to stay--at least for a few years. They wore their rock & roll with an angry young sneer, a Mancunian petulance wedded to a vision of cathartic release. Their supersonic two-guitar attack took them "Up in the Sky," where they would "Live Forever" or burn out in a blaze of alcoholic glory. Noel Gallagher's songs weren't subtle--or shy of overt plagiarism--but, spat out in the Lennonesque snarl of little brother Liam, they took on a venomous power that had millions of young Brits taking them at their own arrogant word. In the U.S., meanwhile, the response was more Maybe than Definitely.--Barney Hoskyns ... Read more

Reviews (166)

Definitely, maybe, yeah sure why not...
Oasis has gone from biggest to less, competed with Blur, and fought a lot.Before all that though Oasis started with "Definitely Maybe", a strong debut for a strong band.

One reason for this is that Oasis, probably more then any band at the time, tied themselves either musically or lyrically to the Beatles.Comparisons can be made, but Oasis draws it out probably past deserved, but this is a bit deserved.

Then again, Oasis also was able to pull out, what I believe Blur could not on their debut, a couple of good, strong singles.Specifically, those would be Supersonic and Live Forever.Because with these Oasis made some strong instrumental waves, but also preceded many favorites from "What's The Story (Morning Glory)".

Easy enough Oasis shot out of the gates bringing British rock to the forefront, and they could not have done it without the work done on "Definitely Maybe".

Massive
Whatever anybody has to say about this band there is no denying that this album is massive. It is amazing, start to finish. It kicked a hole in the music scene in the mid 90's and still sounds fantastic today.

Oasis's most definite.
I have recently bought Oasis's Definitely Maybe album as a DUAL-CD, where one side of the CD is the album and the other side is a DVD.The DVD stuff is pretty cool and hilarious at times, especially with this one crazy British guy, who keeps on flipping-out during the interviews.Definitely Maybe is a great album to own, but you know...I always had one problem with it and that is the recording quality itself.The album just sounds muffled!I can't believe recordings from the early 90's already sound a bit primitive now a days, even though they are on CD's.I began to notice this with a lot of my albums from the early and mid 90's.Although, I think Definitely Maybe was recorder with a style/techniques that makes it sound even more muffled.Oh well, it's still a great album and most DEFINITELY Oasis's best. ... Read more

Asin: B000002AS3
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. British Trad Rock    3. Britpop    4. England    5. Hard Rock    6. Pop    7. Pop/Rock    8. Rock    9. Rock & Roll   

Different Class
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Audio CD (27 February, 1996)
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Editorial Review

Like the Boomtown Rats fronted by Martin Amis. Classic Britpop. --Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Reviews (91)

The best britpop band...
Pulp was the best britpop band of the 90's..Great lyrics and great energy that just oozed from the lead singers' voice.One of my fave bands ever.

Probably the best of the Brit Pop Albums
The debate in the summer of 1995 centred around the Blur v Oasis debate. The correct answer was Pulp. Unlike Blur or Oasis, Pulp underwent a long gestation period before their instant classic 'Different Class', and their sound on this album reflects the development of a band who had gone through their probationary period and hit exactly the right tone at the right time.

The mid 1990s were marked by the 'St Martin's college' culture -posh kids pretending to slum it. The signature tune on 'Different Class' skewers this custom in a build up of bitterness and class confrontation, deliberately attacking the bourgeoise 'poor' - 'You'll never fail like common people/never watch your life slide out of view'. Puncturing the middle class attitudes of the time is a theme that runs throughout the album - wittily and acidicly too. Take the following lyric from 'I spy' - 'My favourite parks are car parks, grass is something you smoke, birds are something you shag. Take your Year in Provence and shove it up your ass'. Cocker evidently does not suffer pretention gladly.

Elsewhere there is the quizzical look at the ecstacy culture 'Sorted fo E's and Whizz' - 'Is this the way they say the future's meant to feel?/Or just 20,000 people standing in a field'.

And the other main hit on the album, apart from 'Common People', Disco 2000 with its nostalgic remembrance of a childhood sweetheart who has grown up and become pregnant: 'Would you like to come and meet me maybe? you can even bring your baby'.

A star deducted, because there are some unmemorable songs on this album. But 'Different Class' is a Britpop classic

Simply, classic.
I love this album dearly. It contains probably one of the finest pop songs ever written. If you like british mid-90's pop/rock music, then get it. Essential in every way. ... Read more

Asin: B000001E8P
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Britpop    3. England    4. Pop    5. Rock   

Duffy [Japan Bonus Tracks]
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (04 April, 2000)
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This World Needs Stephen Duffy.................
In the time it takes to read this you could be buying this CD and every other Stephen Duffy/Lilac Time release you can get your hands on. This man has created and continues to create some of the finest, most intelligent and tasteful pop music ever heard. Fans of XTC/Andy Partridge, Matthew Sweet, Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe, Aimee Mann, Michael Penn, etc..............you must get the work of Stephen Duffy into your daily musical diet. With all that's happening around us these days, a thing of beauty from such a creative, gifted artist is most welcome indeed. ... Read more

Asin: B00004SF64
Sales Rank: 228963
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Childrens    4. Pop    5. Power Pop    6. Rock/Pop   

I'm Not Following You
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Audio CD (21 October, 1997)
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It would be fair to say that the unexpected success of 1995's "A Girl Like You" left Edwyn Collins, former singer known for little but an influential early-'80s Scottish group called Orange Juice, in a creative conundrum. After all, it had been over a decade since anyone even heard his name uttered in public. He could either head back to cultdom with his more experimental output or attempt to capitalize on the triumph of the big hit. It was an easy decision. For better or worse, on his second American release as a solo artist, I'm Not Following You, the songwriter tries to fit the smoky, lounge-style vocals, casual soul rhythms and gently strummed pop guitars of "A Girl Like You" into a variety of new formats. On "The Magic Piper," Collins gives the formula a mystical spin, lacing it with flutes and synth effects; with "Downer," he turns melancholy, spiking the song with grinding guitars and morose verses; and for dramatic variation there is "Seventies Night," replete with wah-wah guitars, slinky rhythms and a gruff vocal contribution from The Fall frontman Mark E. Smith. Hearing Collins' deviations on a solitary idea is an interesting if not always substantial listening experience, a fact the songwriter himself begrudgingly acknowledges with the album's opening lines, "The first two chords that I chanced upon/Became the bedrock of this song. --Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

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Running the gambit
This is one of those insanely creative albums that takes more than one listen to sink in.A variety of musical styles are dabbled in here: there's lounge-rock (the title track and "Magic Piper") disco("70's Night," complete with cool "ELO-like" distortedbacking vocals) country rock (er, "Country Rock") andhigh-energy, going- on punk ("Adidas World").But the bestmoment comes with the thoughtful "Running Away With Myself" onwhich the narrator goes back to his old school and wonders if he's"still o.k." over a groovy laid-back repeated bass line.Worthit for this track alone.Those who liked "A Girl Like You" willlike the similar "Keep On Burning." If there are any faults here,its that Collins tends to go overboard with production tricks (thesound-effect drenched title track ends with loud machine gun sounds. Giveit a rest!).Still, this is good for those looking for somethingdifferent. Also, don't miss the included video for "Magic Piper":very creative! ... Read more

Asin: B000002C3H
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Indie Pop    3. Pop    4. Rock   

The Best of Morrissey
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Audio CD (06 November, 2001)
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Morrissey hasn't released a new album in several years, but that hasn't put a damper on the willful eccentricity of his discography. "Best," in this instance, means not most popular but most characteristic. This American greatest-hits set is very different from its British equivalent,Suedehead, omitting half of his U.K. chart singles in favor of a curious lineup of high-aesthetic album tracks and B-sides, reportedly picked by the Moz himself. The original idea of Morrissey's solo career was to reach beyond the stylistic confines of the Smiths, but these songs are in basically the same line of work, with first Stephen Street and later Alain Whyte and others playing the Johnny Marr role of guitarist and musical foil. Generally, they're overmatched: "Interesting Drug" and "The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get" still have a wry buzz to them, but a lot of these songs are little more than vehicles for the star's lyrics and unstoppable vocal presence. --Douglas Wolk ... Read more

Reviews (29)

ahhh Morrissey, ahhh Humanity
This is a great album for someone who wants a "taste" of Morrissey throughout the years.Ihighly recommend it.I don't have all of his albums, so for some of you that know "all" of his music, this might not have all your favorites.But for a casual fan, this is a great start.

No complaints.....
This includes many classic Morrissey tracks - though it is missing a few of my favorites. Overall it is a good compilation - and I will listen to it many times! Morrissey is one of our most uncompromising and talented artists in music.

ok
this was a ok cd it is missing a few songs but overall its a very good cd that covers alot of his carrer.if you like morrisey go check out the smith there a wonderful band. ... Read more

Asin: B00005R1QH
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. College Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock   

Introducing Gorky's Zygotic Mynci
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Audio CD (20 August, 1996)
list price: $21.99
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Reviews (5)

talk about grandiose...and odd
here's what i said when i got it: "my fourth gorky purchase, their first domestic release. wonderful quirky-folk stuff. lots of keyboards and knob-tweaking on this one, more so than the others, but the songs aren't weighed down too much because of it. a select few are masterpieces. i love this bandm and though this album doesn't have so much immediate appeal as i'd hoped for, it may very well climb in my estimation with future listens (sort of like spanish dance troupe, my second purchase of theirs, has climbed to a 5...now one of my favorite records)."

but, uh, yeah...this one didn't really grow on me. i rarely listen to it anymore, sticking to blue trees, spanish, and summer.

An excellent introduction to Gorky's!
"Introducing..." is a collection of Gorky's early work and is anexcellent place to start if you're new to the band. The sound is a mix ofBeatles, The Beach Boys and Soft Machine and fits perfectly in the (ratherlose) brit-pop genre. A must have for serious music lovers.

Pleased to meet you, Gorky's!
This altogether fun and wonderful CD was cobbled together out of the Welsh band's first two albums (Tatay and Bwyd Time) and a series of EP's and singles released in their native Wales.It contains their hit single inthe UK, Miss Trudy, as well as their version of Kevin Ayers' Why Are WeSleeping.Not to mention the other songs like Flordd Oren and Merched YhMeud Gwallt Eu Gilydd, which will have you singing along after the 2nd timethrough in spite of the fact you don't know any Welsh.Gorky's hasprogressed since this, their early material, but it shows their pop heartand their prog-rock brains were in the right balance all the time. Certainly a must for anyone who loves Barafundle and Spanish Dance Troupe,and for those uninitiated, well, here's the place to start! ... Read more

Asin: B000001ENB
Sales Rank: 160942
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock    3. Rock/Pop   

The Best of Blur
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Audio CD (21 November, 2000)
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Editorial Review

Scanning the track listing of this album, it's hard not to conclude that Blur aren't a little embarrassed by their early work. Opening with the chart one-two of "Beetlebum" and "Song 2" (from their eponymous 1997 watershed album) rather than the baggy groove of their debut single, "She's So High," it's apparent that they desire to accentuate their more recent efforts. Running order aside, it's hard to fault the 18 songs which chart the life and times of one of Britain's smartest, most inventive bands. From the tuxedoed ballad "The Universal" through the cartoon Brit-pop of numbers such as "Parklife" and "Country House" to the freshly recorded indie-influenced "Music Is My Radar," their searching intelligence and deft hooks are never less than admirable. --Mike Pattenden ... Read more

Reviews (77)

Good Brit Pop that can overstay its welcome
I'm not a huge die hard blur fan, but I like some of the hits that made airplay in the US (though Song 2 isn't the best IMO). But, man, a couple of the tunes that don't have a whole lot more to say than a three minute pop song should hang around for twice that long (beetlebum, for tomorrow, tender - just goes on and on and on). Harmless tunes in and of themselves but stretched out as if it's pure gold that they just didn't have the heart to end. Boys, it's not THAT great. A lot of these Brit Boy Bands take themselves way too seriously (cough... oasis). Parklife is my favorite and weighs in at a reasonable 3:07.

Maybe take a cue from Supergrass and keep'em short or make them interesting for the entire ride if you've just got to go past 4:00.

Let's face it, Blur are basically the best band ever.
Put simply, this album is the Best Of Blur. That much is obvious. If you don't own 13 and Modern Life, then get this. If you do, get it anyway since it's a wonderfully apt order for the songs, regardless of their actual chronology. If you don't want this album, then you can probably be put to bed with a shovel.

Why No Chemical World or Sunday, Sunday?
Who says this is really the best of Blur? I think every Blur fan there is would select a different playlist for this album; I'm no different. Whoever produced this album seemed to have jumped from She's so High and There's no other Way straight to cuts from Parklife carelessly omitting anything done in 1993. A travesty! Chemical World surely has to be somewhere in the top 18 best songs blur have done?

Other than this rather large snafu, we have an excellent album; I'm glad to see On Your Own made it in but Coffee & TV? Come on. ... Read more

Asin: B00005176F
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Britpop    3. England    4. Indie Pop    5. Pop    6. Pop/Rock    7. Rock   

Loss
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (07 May, 2002)
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Editorial Review

Like their British indie peers Clearlake and Belle and Sebastian, Mull Historical Society seem to live in a hermetically sealed world where reality is glimpsed only through a filter of fanciful fantasy. The band is named after a genuine society dedicated to the preservation of tradition on their home island--the Isle of Mull, in the Inner Hebrides--and are a familiarly twee Scottish band. A mere duo, consisting of frontman and songwriter Colin MacIntyre and bassist Alan Malloy, their sound is bolstered on this debut with a jumble-sale of queer, quirky little touches: an alarm bell ringing in the background of "Public Service Announcer"; a children's choir accompanying the whimsical, gently unfolding "Instead"; and a mixture of samples, electronics, and imaginatively utilized household instruments that billow out of this record's numerous nooks and crannies. If you can hack MacIntyre's occasional simpering tone, songs like "Barcode Bypass"(the tragic tale of the closing of the local corner shop) or "I Tried" (heartbreak, rendered as a chugging, theremin-accompanied indie-rock anthem) offer a world so pure, so untainted, it's got to be worth a visit. --Louis Pattison ... Read more

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Total Genius
The whole thing about Scottish people being depressed is a myth. Mull Historical Society is a one man show starring Colin MacIntyre. It is a very fresh and truly interesting approach. Colin has played gigs with such acts like The Strokes and Travis. This is his debut album. It has a balance of songs from ridiculous to the sublime. It starts out with "Public Service Announcer" that is a "wake up" call out to anyone listening. Apparently Colin worked at BT which is the UK telephone company. "Watching Xanadu" is like a Beach Boys uptempo song about not being able to love. The next open-ended song "Instead" is where MacIntyre pulls out all the punches and even has a children's choir singing "Maybe I wasn't meant to be..." When I first saw this record it looked like some bad indie crap. Looking at the booklet it is like an old scrapbook which means to me that the songs need time to take in. It's the name "Mull Historical Society" that creates distance.

As you peel through the layers of Loss you realize that this is an emotionally deep and complex album. There's a fight against consumerism and corporations. There is sort of a Brian Wilson obsession on songs like "Watching Xanadu" and "This Is Not Who We Were." There is a loss and a sadness in the songs but it is more positive in the sense of the melancholy. Time passing and getting old is the loss. MacIntyre is like the Scottish Proust. These are big ideas recorded in a lo-fi way. "Only I" is similar to the stuff Ed Harcourt is doing. In "Animal Cannabus" he claims to be "hiding from the world." Later in the song "Mull Historical Society" MacIntyre sings "We need a new hall/To fill our membership of 2." Therefore this recording is a special relationship between him and you, the listener. At least we're not alone. This record is precious and it's like looking at one of those boxes by Joseph Cornell. Loss is an impressive debut.

Magical!Fantastic!
What a CD!The songs are pop songs--verse, chorus, verse, almost no solos--with simple, direct melodies and lyrics and a wonderful sense of playfulness."Loss" reminds me a bit of late 60's Beach Boys (e.g. Smiley Smile & Friends) with Colin as Brian.A more modern comparison might be Coldplay (though MHS is less dour, especially on this CD).Check out the opening track (Public Service Announcement), one of the British hits (Barcode Bypass, Watching Xanadu, Animal Cannabus), or try my favorie--Paper Houses.

Ummmm - do you actually KNOW any Scots, Mr. Loughran???
'Being Scottish, their whimsy has less wit than their British peers?'. Come now. Such a sweeping statement has little basis in fact. What does this have to do with anything? Please explain yourself, provide examples, etc. In other words, put up or shut up. I have some Scottish Buddies who would beg to differ. And you really, really don't want to such make glib statements in their presence. Trust me.

But, I digress, 'Loss' is profoundly moving 'Barcode Bypass', anyone? , and is at times, believe it or not, a witty album. I'm not quite sure if rolling-in-the-aisles humor is what Colin McIntyre was trying to reach for. But who cares? Let's just appreciate this work for what it is - quirky, moving, witty and wholly original. Imagine a depressed, lonely Brian Wilson (not that hard, I know), on a windswept Scottish Island, and you'll get the idea. One of the best albums of 2001. ... Read more

Asin: B000066703
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Indie Pop    3. Neo-Psychedelia    4. Pop    5. Rock   

Singles
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Audio CD (02 November, 2004)
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Reviews (11)

Been waiting on this for years
Travis is hands-down my favorite band. The SINGLES cd is probably the greatest cd I've ever bought. Period.

perfect for me
hello everyone .I'm a chinese girl. I bought this record online on Amazon in china named joyo! It's such a good band that I have ever heard!perfect for me.beautiful melody with comfortable atmosphere.I love as the best. I even cried when I heard this song for the first time.I just listen to it and swing my mind~~~~(this is the first time I type my review there:)

Terrific Travis
I've just bought and listened to this album, and I have to say its one of the best albums I have heard in recent times.
The lyrics and music are simply wonderful to listen, and it's probably one of the few albums where I've enjoyed most if not all the songs - great stuff!!

I'd recommend it to anyone ... Read more

Asin: B00066VUPM
Sales Rank: 3486
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. British Trad Rock    3. Britpop    4. Pop    5. Post-Grunge    6. Rock    7. Scotland   

Elastica
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (14 March, 1995)
list price: $11.98
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Editorial Review

It all began with the perfect pop moment of "Stutter," and then everyone wondered if Elastica had it in them to produce more sublime songs. Elastica showed that they did. Never quite as much Britpop as Birdpop, Justine Frischmann parlayed a Bryan Ferry hairstyle into an individual take on the world with material like "Car Song" and "2:1," while the rest of the band showed that they were along for more than just the ride. And if they owed a debt to Wire, well, it was all paid in the end (out of the royalties). The question was, could they ever follow it up? Chris Nickson ... Read more

Reviews (36)

Catchy and Fun ButWon'tStand the TestofTime
I really liked this when it was first released.It was fresh, propulsive, and the music rocked as much as it popped.The punky yet melodic guitar lines were fairly new at the time (not so much now) and Justine's attitude and vocals were a real kick to listen to.And yet now, years later, I can't find a reason to keep this in my collection.The guitar-heavy songs sound much alike and all seem to bleed together.This is mainly because all the guitars appear to be tuned the same or nearly the same on each of the many tracks.Also, the songwriting gets tiring by hammering away at the same theme (relationships; men/boys are jerks-egotistical yet fragile-and apparently, Justine is just too much woman for any of them) over and over again.These guys had the potential to be a new kind of Blondie, or even a more mainstream X-Ray Spex, but I guess they couldn't hack it or they couldn't keep it together. Too bad, Elastica had something different there for a while.

Snap up this Elastica
I always forget how good Elastica's eponymous debut album is, so it's a pleasant surprise to pop it into the stereo.There's nothing particularly revolutionary about this record (although having three out of four band-members being female is, sadly, still something of a rarity), but what it lacks in originality, it makes up for in spontaneity.This is a fun, bouncy, catchy bunch of songs and no mistake.

The tracks don't deviate from their guitar-bass-drums sound.They're all short and fast-paced.It's slightly punkish sounding, with a harder edge to it than most of the rest of the Brit-pop that was out around this time.There are some really nice melodies running through here.It's hard, but not too hard -- tuneful, but not too tuneful.A few of the songs are great, and none of them are bad.There's nothing on here that's any worse than solid.

The album has a very consistent sound (perhaps a polite way of saying all the songs sound the same, which is a fair criticism, but since I like them, it's not something I'm going to complain about).If you liked "Connection" (which was all over the airways when this first came out) you'll probably like this; if you hated that song, then the rest of the album probably isn't your cup of tea either.

Oh, and Suede fans will note that Brett Anderson gets a song writing credit in "See That Animal" (did every song he was writing in the mid-90s have some reference to animals?!).

Amongst the best of the 1990's
Elastica is dead, long live Elastica.

Justine et all put together perhaps one of the best albums to come down the pike in the nearly barren wasteland of the 1990's (heck that extends to the 2000's).

Stutter and Connection are the obvious songs on the CD and are the glue that holds it together.Intermixed beside these two incredible songs are a load of very good songs (2:1, Vaseline, Car Song, etc.), which is a tough trick no matter what band you are.

If you do not own this CD, get out from under your rock and buy it.It is not too late. ... Read more

Asin: B000003TBB
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Britpop    3. Indie Rock    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop   

Ugly Beautiful
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 October, 2002)
list price: $24.49 -- our price: $24.49
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Editorial Review

Think of Morrissey fronting Prefab Sprout by way of the Go-Betweens, and you're in the game with New Zealander Stephen Jones. His six-year bedsit gestation period, neatly documented in recent months via three Handsome Boy reissues, suggested a pop maestro in the raw. Here he takes wing with a trio of supple, lyrically ripe U.K. hits ("You're Gorgeous," "Goodnight," "Candy Girl"), plus some sharp remakes of older material ("Dead Bird Sings," the uncanny Blue Nile imitation, "Bad Shave"). Tunefully addictive stuff from a pop original. --Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Features

• Import

Reviews (9)

Gorgeous
I first heard You're Gorgeous on the radio in the office. As soon as I heard the first line of the first verse I grabbed my pen and waited for the DJ to tell me who it was. My immediate reaction was Echo and The Bunnymen meets U2 with a splash catchy infection to top it off. Once I had Baby Bird scrawled on my memo pad I rushed out to HMV and bought the album.

Every song was great. The highly addictive riff of Candy Girl underlined the U2 - Edge influence which was a positive thing. I fell in love with the oboe on Deadbird Sings, laughed my head off at Jesus Is My Girlfriend and drowned happily in 45 And Fat. Of course, You're Gorgeous stayed infectious and still is to this day despite all the TV advertising overkill - they are seriously using it for baby's nappies now!!! Oh ek!

Somethings Going On was in the same league without the splash of catchy. Back Together is truely amazing. I havent heard any of the low-fi stuff (except Shop Girl - hilarious) but am wondering whether its worth splashing out on the box set.

I'd love to see him play live and eagerly await some new material.

cheers

Ugly Beautiful Says It All
There is some very distasteful and disquieting stuff here -- start with the insert cover which may be a toe-tagged corpse, follow that with the blasphemous-to-some Jesus Is My Girlfriend and Bad Shave, and then I Didn't Want to Wake You Up (not that he could have because the object of the song is quite dead, thank you).You get the idea.A couple other cuts miss; Atomic Soda in particular seems endless.I just hit the skip button for them and doing so still leaves eight or nine wonderful pop songs, twisted pop in a couple cases (Candy Girl and You're Gorgeous) but tuneful hooks and singable choruses abound.The CD closes with two wonderful bittersweet love songs, July and Baby Bird, pushing you out of this odd CD with a lingering taste of sweetness and, yes, innocence.

sexy & creepy & just plain good pop
babybird is amazing.excellent songwriting, excellent voice.it's, as i said, sexy & creepy, but also bouyant & uplifting."45 & fat" will get stuck in your head for weeks. ... Read more

Asin: B000024NPF
Subjects:  1. Indie Pop    2. Indie Rock    3. Lo-Fi    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Singer/Songwriter   

Temperamental
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (28 September, 1999)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $11.98
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Editorial Review

Cool but not chilly at all, Everything but the Girl's Temperamental is the sound of the sweetest melancholy. Tracey Thorn's lyrics and vocals here are among her most affecting, tracing patterns of loss, loneliness, and a slightly unsettled happiness. This electronic pop makes for the perfect winter sound, as warm and bracing as a sip of cognac. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (164)

Music leaves you cold.
Each song has a coldness to both the lead and background vocals.The electronic instruments sound like they were tuned using a can opener and the useually warm loving music that this band useually plays is totaly missing here.If this is their new style, I wish they would drop it and go back to writing songs about love and caring for each other.

EBTG ... Re-discovered
When i bought this album 5 years back, it was because of TT & her wonderful presence on Massive Attack's Protection ... I was not into House/Chill-out at that time ... I listened to it Today after 5 years, wondering as to why did I not give this album a 2nd listen ...

This is a great album with great production by Ben ... I have become an admirer of Mr. Watt's versatile production prowess ... This guy knows how to mix block busting House anthems with fantastic chill out grooves to create an Overall superior Album ...

So, after 5 years - I Discover one of my favourite all time albums ...

A Good Dance Album - Not A Trip-Hop Classic though....
Everything But The Girl released two classics with ''Walking Wounded'' and ''Amplified Heart'', In 1995 Tracy Thorn collaborated with the Massive Attack crew for the recording of two tracks which belong to the album ''Protection'' which were absolutely incredible! excellent tracks!. Oh how I yearn for the day when she will team up with Massive Attack for a full-studio album.

However, I do like her other side of music, which without doubt is dance music. 1994's ''Missing'' (When Remixed By Todd Terry) was a classic, ''Wrong'' (When remixed By Deep Dish) also became dance floor hit. Here Tracy Thorn occupies the more sophisticated side of house, this is by no means a dance album, if you're looking for something in vein of ''Walking Wounded'' and ''Protection'', then you might want to think twice about purchasing this record, foremost (it does not) include any substantial quality of trip-hop...(Unfortunately).

But I can (Honestly) assure you, that this is definitely not a waste of money, ''Temperamental'' along with Cher's ''Believe'', Madonna's ''Ray Of Light'' and Sting's ''Desert Rose (when remixed)'' were the best dance songs/albums during the late 90's. Its already 5 years since this album was released, I wonder how much longer must I wait? until they release another album.

In 1998 Madonna pointed out that it was hard to make dance/electronic music sound emotional (which is true)...and amazingly that's what EBTG also achieved, that's why I will say this album is a must-have for anyone who really liked Madonna's ''Ray Of Light''- people who preferred to hear dance music through a emotional point of view.

Concerning the tracks; My favorite is the title track ''Temperamental''...it's haunting (even though) it's made for the dance floor, her voice sounds sooooo amazing especially when she cries out ''I Don't Want You To Love Me''. While ''Five Fathoms'' brings us a thickly based house track, ''Lullababy Of Clubland'' is also a heavily based dance track, well ''Compression'' is a strange track, it's a bit too much...someone went a bit overboard with the production here... ''Blame'' is the nearest you can get to ''Walking Wounded'', as-well as ''Single'' brings in the drum-n-bass.

This is however a nice dance album. Which is worth your money if this is your preferable genre, as I expect you already know that there have been a few collaborations with Deep Dish on this CD. ... Read more

Asin: B00001QENY
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

The Optimist LP
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 May, 2001)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

Although this British duo draws effectively on early-'70s rock--mainly warm SoCal folk pop, à la America, and shimmery-cool British space glam, à la T. Rex--what makes them distinctive are their modern easy grooves and their uneasy emotional nakedness. "I panic at the quiet times, decisions at the door," sighs vocalist-guitarist Ollie Knights in "The Door," but throughout The Optimist, he and coconspirator and slide guitarist Gale Paridjanian resist the alt-rock urge to bury anxiety in walls of noise. Their debut full-length (comprising five tracks from earlier EPs and seven new originals) is rife with subtle, contemplative moments that often turn lyrically dark ("I'm sick and I'm twisted/ Like a Sunday massacre") or get carried away by cresting rhythms, like the post-breakup lament "State of Things" ("You and me used to be on fire/ There ain't no straight lines in this state of things"). Although Turin Brakes can rock when they care to (here most effectively on "Mind over Money"), their strength comes from exploring the tension in life's deceptively calm shadows.--Lisa Gidley ... Read more

Features

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Reviews (42)

Just Amazing!!
Well, what could I say that hasn't been said. I just want to add that the Optimist LP is one of the best albums ive ever heard. The music crawls into you slowly and makes you want to cry because of the beauty of the songs, the mazing voice of Ollie and the acoustic guitars in perfect tune. Its the kind of CD you want to listen while on the road, while reading a good book or when you are feeling a little bit down. Highly recommended

A New Obsession
Last summer, I became obsessed with Turin Brakes. They're not as predictably depressing as Radiohead, they've got more of a kick than Coldplay, and they're not as obsessively melodious as Travis. If you like anything about any of these bands, you will love Turin Brakes. Oh, and if you get the chance, definitely see them live. There are too many good songs on this CD. The best is probably "State of Things" a delicious breakup song that starts out, "blindfold me, tie me up or tie me down", followed by "Underdog" and "The Optimist". "Mind over Money" is also understatedly cool. Ignore any bad reviews for this album and just spend the money. You won't regret it.

Perfection!!!
Beautiful, haunting, perfect, raw, emotional... everything a debut should be. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS ALBUM and I truly adore this band. Their music is like a therapeutic massage. I just wish I had discovered them sooner. ... Read more

Asin: B0000594XF
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Britpop    3. Pop    4. Post-Grunge    5. Rock   

The Ego Has Landed
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (04 May, 1999)
list price: $16.98
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Editorial Review

Robbie Williams, a self-proclaimed casualty of the British boy-blitz Take That, scuffed his squeaky-clean image by rabble-rousing with Britpop troublemakers Oasis and reemerged as a part-James Bond, part-Frank Sinatra renaissance pop star. A little fast-living combined with his vocal charm, Williams's U.S. debut, The Ego Has Landed, offers a collection of cheeky, inescapably loveable songs served up with a nudge, a wink, and a pinch on the bum. --Beth Massa ... Read more

Reviews (302)

Was I in a merciful mood tonight?
Maybe. I heard "Millenium" in a Burger King last Tuesday, and it drove me to depression for awhile. I went on a personal crusade to find out who did that song, and I almost took it out on the Backstreet Boys(Sorry Guys). I finally tracked it down here, and I started having daggers in my eyes "KILL KILL". However, there is a rather decent sound to this except for "Millenium" of course. However, it's not enough to make me go out and buy this. I will say though that I will hopefully download "Old Before I Die" off Napster someday as that is my favorite song off here. Maybe "One Of God's Better People" too, but a definite maybe. Well now that I found the culprit who did one of the songs that can make me helpless as a kitten, and sampled more of his music I can let go of this now as I have had my say, and that is: The Ego Has Landed in the water, and has drowned. Wait for this to go on sale for .99 cents.

robbie, my love
Robbie is probably the most carismatic pop singer all over the world. He is so beatufil, and he is a nice person too. I am from argentina and i am very cheerful because last month, robbie came to our country and he gave us the oportunitty to knew him better and his show was really fantastic. In conclusion, i love you robbie.

Introducing Britian's Best to America 101
Wow.Someone really screwed up royally in the marketing department.Robbie Williams, quite possibly the best singer/songwriter/entertainer in history, has been simply overlooked by America.Why?Why is it that so many mediocre fools can make it on the U.S. pop charts and Robbie can't even make a little dent?It simply boggles the mind.Oh well, enough of my ranting.At least I know good music when I hear it.That brings me to my review of Robbie's little conglomoration called 'The Ego Has Landed.'This was initially released so that the U.S. could be introduced to the brilliance of Robbie, but we all know where that went.Anyway, I must say that it was a very good idea to take, in essence, the best of both albums and make it a semi-'Greatest Hits' package.'Ego' includes the chart-toppers 'Millenium,' 'She's The One,' and the breathtaking ballad 'Angels.'These songs are excellent, but I feel that the others are more reflective of Robbie's songwriting abilities.'No Regrets' is a cynical number aimed at a certain ex of his.'Phoenix From The Flames' is a beautiful bit dedicated to his sister.'Let Me Entertain You' is Rob's powerhouse anthem testifying how incredible his stage presence is - he even begins all his concerts with this one.My only problem with this compilation is that 'Jesus In A Camper Van' was not included, quite possibly because of his legal problems with it.All in all, however, this album represents what Robbie is - a born entertainer.So what if the U.S. doesn't embrace him....I always will! ... Read more

Asin: B00000IP2X
Subjects:  1. Britpop    2. Dance-Pop    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Rock   

A Secret History
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (05 October, 1999)
list price: $16.98
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Reviews (20)

A masterclass in POP perfection.
This is a stunning introduction to the world of the Divine Comedy. Its full of catchy hooks, delightful lyrics, stunning arrangement, full of pop splendour and performance. I normally listen to metal, but was introduced to this band at a late night party. And oh how I was converted! This is pop music at its finest, beautiful and melodic, unlike the cynical and bland muck that fill's today's charts. Revel in every moment of this epic album, and then buy the back catalogue, each filled with beautiful songs of love, loss and laughter. Quirky and irrelevent, it amazes me that this Irish group remains relatively unknown while bands from the same country such as U2, The Corrs et.al can continue to produce album after album of patronising crap, which is then gladly lapped up by their guillible fans.

I Fall for This CD Every Time....
Technically a band, "The Divine Comedy" is centred around singer-songwriter Neil Hannon. Hannon was born in Northern Ireland in 1970 and models his singing style on Scott Walker. Aptly enough for the son of a Bishop, his band provided the theme tune for the classic sitcom "Father Ted". They also recorded a version of "My Lovely Horse", the song Ted and Dougal entered into the Eurosong Contest. (Unfortunately, it isn't included on the album !!). "A Secret History" is the band's greatest hits package, was released in 1999 and covers the band's time on the Setanta label. Two of the tracks had been previously unreleased - "Gin Soaked Boy" and "Too Young to Die".

One of my favourite tracks - "National Express" opens the album. Mocking a British coach firm, it's Neil and the band at their best. A very catchy tune, the witty lyrics and Neil's crooning all add up perfectly. (The song's video was also very funny.) "The Pop Star's Fear of the Pollen Count" is another excellent tune. It's an up-tempo number, with the brass section really adding to the mood of the song. It's immediately followed by "The Frog Princess", apparently about a French ex-girlfriend. Containing snippets of the French National Anthem, the stinging lyrics are so at odds with the gentle tune, I can't help laughing at it. "Everybody Knows (Except You)" and "Gin Soaked Boy" - one of the album's "new" tracks - also deserve special mentions.

Sometimes you find an album so good, it would be easier just to list the occasional 'bad' or slightly average track. While the tracks I've listed above are my favourites, there just aren't any bad tracks here to list. It's an excellent album from start to finish - with a runing time of seventy minutes, it's filled with catchy tunes, very cleverly written lyrics and it will prove to be money very well spent.

"It'll make you smile..."
I have very mixed feelings about this collection.First of all, it's another greatest hits package that just seems to throw a lot of songs onto a CD with no rhyme or reason given to selection or order.But my reactions to the individual tracks are very different.There are some songs on here that I could literally listen to all day; there have been times while driving to or from work when I've listened to the same few numbers over and over and over again.But other tracks on here I never fail to skip over when playing this CD all the way through.For me, this record represents some extraordinary highs, but also a lot of tracks that leave me completely cold.

If you've never heard anything from The Divine Comedy (difficult as they are to find on the US side of the Atlantic), then you really should, as they're one of the most unique bands you're likely to hear. Big over the top orchestrations, booming brass sections, and soaring melodies with a big touch of rock and dance-pop.It's amusing to take a look at the liner notes to see how the number of musicians credited increases the later the copyright is (culminating in the credits for FIN DE SIECLE, which take up three-quarters of a page).But the thing I like the best about the group is Neil Hannon's wickedly dark sense of humor.

I believe it's the dosage of humor that has the greatest effect on whether I like a given Divine Comedy song or not.When tongue is in cheek, I'm happy.But when that tongue starts wandering and the songs get more serious, my interest wanes.That's not a hard and fast rule, but a decent measure of my enjoyment.Songs like "National Express" (a campy ode to British Rail), "Becoming More Like Alfie" (which samples Michael Caine), or "The Pop Singer's Fear Of The Pollen Count" (the only recorded song I can think of that feature lots of sneezing) I can sing along with all afternoon.But some of the others on here...I mean, I've listened to this album countless times, and looking at the track listing, there are titles here that I would have to play in order to remember.I listen to them, and then seconds later they've gone right back out of my head.Some of them are trying to be heartfelt love songs, but I can't quite believe in them.I just don't seem to connect.

I'm not a huge fan of The Divine Comedy.Apart from this, I only own one other full album from them.But I have a much higher regard for that regular release than this "best of".I suspect that many of the tracks chosen here don't quite work without the context of the rest of the album around them.Still, the songs on here that I do like, I really really like.You just don't get more fun than those.But the CD as a whole does suffer because of the tracks I have to skip over.Which is a pity, because the songs I settle on are solid gold. ... Read more

Asin: B00001O31X
Sales Rank: 121971
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Chamber Pop    3. Pop    4. Rock   

Laid
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (05 October, 1993)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

Along with the more overtly quirky Pavement, James sought to bring the eccentric folk-rock of the Incredible String Band into the alt-rock era, and did an especially fine job of it on this 1993 release. Still reeling from the U.K. chart success of their "Sit Down" single and Seven album, the Manchester veterans (who started out a decade earlier on their hometown Factory label) crafted this thoroughly accessible yet thoughtful collection. Especially infectious are "Sometimes," with its headlong strumming and chanted chorus, and the title track, with Tim Booth's vocals at their mannered best. Meanwhile, "Skindiving" finds the band venturing into the kind of experimental terrain that would later gain Radiohead enormous acclaim. Laid is a fine album from a chronically underrated band. --Bill Forman ... Read more

Reviews (45)

They're all out to get you...
I absolutely love this album. I bought it when I was in high school nearly 12 years ago...it was fitting then...and it's fitting now. Great to listen to on an overcast, rainy day...crank it up and chill out. :)

I'm glad this album has been 'laid'
'Laid' is a great experimental James album which mixes psychedelica, folk, rock, pop and some fascinating, dark tunes. "Out to get you" is a haunting psych-pop track, as is the stellar 'Dream Thrum', while pop gems "Sometimes" and "One of the three" contrast with The two jewels at the end, the dreamy, dark psychadelica of "Skindiving" and "Lullably".

There are a couple of not-so-great moments as well, such as the 'Twist and shout' rip-off title track, but overall, 'Laid' is a good album, with more than a few moments of genious. For some other sublime James releases, look into 'Gold Mother', 'Seven' and of course 'The Best Of...'.

7/10

You're driving me crazy when are you coming home
I have had this cd in my collection for the last 12 years and that means a lot because at the time of the album's release I was only 13 years old.I love this cd so much and I recommend to those who are fans of David Gray, Coldplay, etc.Laid is one my absolute favorite songs, I could listen to it on repeat a thousand times and still not get bored of it. ... Read more

Asin: B000001DZ8
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. College Rock    4. Pop    5. Rock   

Hopes and Fears
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 May, 2004)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $11.99
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Editorial Review

It's perhaps inevitable that Keane's debut album, Hopes and Fears, will draw numerous comparisons to Coldplay. Like them, Keane were discovered by indie label Fierce Panda, who released a single ("Everybody's Changing"). And, like Coldplay, Keane also do a fine trade in catchy and heartfelt indie-pop, all bruised verses and soaring choruses. But though their sound is sure to please fans of Coldplay and Travis, the reality is that Keane manage to sound that little bit more delicate. This could be due to the band's relatively unusual makeup: rather than guitars, the trio uses a piano.

At its best, Hopes and Fears is reminiscent of Bends-era Radiohead, and singer Tom Chaplin's voice is closer to Thom Yorke's falsetto than Chris Martin's cracked whine. On tracks such as the hit single, "Somewhere Only We Know" they manage to squeeze an epic-sounding poignancy from their stripped-down sound (a lot of this is due to the album's superb production). Across 10 tracks, all this slow-burning melancholy skates a bit close to self-indulgence, and you can't help but wish they'd rock out a bit. But Hopes and Fears is still a remarkable and surprisingly mature debut album from a young band with a bright future. --Robert Burrow ... Read more

Reviews (309)

Not just superb production - superb music!
The Amazon Editorial review stated "they manage to squeeze an epic-sounding poignancy from their stripped-down sound (a lot of this is due to the album's superb production)"

I'll completely agree with the first part of that statement - they do produce an incredibly "big" sound for being a 3-piece band. However, I just saw them live at a small venue, and Keane sounds as good live as they do on the CD.

Its about time!!!!!!
I haven't heard anything this good since the decades (50's--80's) when rock and roll songs actually meant something.Every last song on this album speaks directly to my soul.Highly recommended for anyone with a passion for meaningful music.

Hopes and Fears
This beautiful record is one of my favorite new CDs, which is odd because I'm the kind of guy who usually listens to Aesop Rock (abstract hip-hop) and Daft Punk (electronica).

"Somewhere Only We Know" is probably my favorite song on this record, you just listen to it and you feel good. I often find myself singing along. Great music in its purest form.

"This Is The Last Time" and "Bend and Break" are great tracks, with nice work on piano, drums, and vocals in both...but they both lead up to the fantastic, although rather melancholy, "We Might As Well Be Strangers". Just as good as "Somewhere Only We Know", its vocals and piano are beautiful, accompanied by a great beat.

"Everybody's Changing", the next track, has a fantasic beat and piano line with some synth in the background. A cool song to jam to. "Your Eyes Open" is another good song, and "She Has No Time" is a nice mellow, chilled track. "Can't Stop Now" is a very good song, which has some outstanding piano and drums during the chorus.

"Sunshine" has some nice rhodes-style piano, a cool beat, and what might be the best vocal work on the album. "Untitled 1" has an awesome electronic-flavored beat with some good piano and vocal work. "Bedshaped" closes off the album with a nice climax. ... Read more

Asin: B000268QB2
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Britpop    3. Pop    4. Rock   

Private Revolution
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (26 February, 1997)
list price: $11.97
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Reviews (3)

Desert Island Disc
This is one of those CDs that I've never been able to put out of my head.From day one it's been on my list of quick repeats.Flows perfectly from slow ballads to upbeat pop.I find Beatles and Waterboys influence...but it's more than that.If I could have only 10 CDs on an island, Private Revolution and Goodbye Jumbo by World Party would take up two slots.I've never gotten sick of either.I highly recommend this disc if you can find a copy.

A classic by the highly underrated Karl Wallinger.
Okay, record label guys. Please crank out a few more of these--I had this on vinyl when it first came out and I need to have it on CD to go along with my other World Party albums. I recently heard "Ship ofFools" and was reminded of how terrific this album is, and I'm itchingto add it to my CD collection. The recent CD by the New Radicals (MaybeYou've Been Brainwashed Too) completely reminded me of World Party. Note toKarl Wallinger:please crank out more music soon.

Supurb, brilliant, a very cool album
Karl Wallinger (formerly of the Waterboys) is the driving force behind World Party and this is their debut effort. The timeless 'Ship of Fools' is probably the crown jewell of this album which alone makes it worth a buy,but the other songs are almost equally as good. Since I bought this albumway back when it was released I have treasured it. ... Read more

Asin: B000005JFJ
Sales Rank: 28334