Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.49
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Before Sgt. Pepper, no one seriously thought of rock music as actual art. That all changed in 1967, though, when John, Paul, George and Ringo (with "A Little Help" from their friend, producer George Martin) created an undeniable work of art which remains, after 30-plus years, one of the most influential albums of all time. From Lennon's evocative word/sound pictures (the trippy "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds," the carnival-like "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite") and McCartney's music hall-styled "When I'm 64," to Harrison's Eastern-leaning "Within You Without You," and the avant-garde mini-suite, "A Day in the Life," Sgt.Pepper was a milestone for both '60s music and popular culture.--Billy Altman ... Read more

Features

• Deluxe Edition

Reviews (917)

Great Album by a great Band.
I love this album but...i think Abbey Road,White album and Revolver is even better.

The guitarr solo on the first song...is made by Mccartney. He are also doing the guitar solo on Good Morning Good Morning and Fixing a Hole.

A True Work Of Art
This album really does sound overrated. I thought that before I heard it. I am a 15 year old male that has discovered old music. It is WAY better. There are two bands that have stuck out for me as the best bands of all time. The first is Led Zeppelin. The second is.....

THE BEATLES!

This is their first concept album and MAYBE the first concept album. (I can't remember). Either way it's a true work of art. It's also the first Beatles album I got. (I got the compilation "1" first). I am going to "grade",if you may, each song out of ten. It will mainly be based of relativity to the rest of the album. Most of the songs would get tens otherwise.

"Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band"
7/10 This song is very cool. Especially the solo at the beginning. That George is a VERY careful, gentle soloer and it makes him amazing.

"With A Little Help From My Friends"
9/10 This song is very pretty. Ringo's voice makes it softer.

"Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds"
10/10 Very pretty and poetic. Then a rockin anthem....

"Getting Better"
8/10 Very pretty chorus. The rest isnt so pretty. Paul song. (Most of Paul's are pretty, like Blackbird)

"Fixing A Hole"
6/10 This song is very cool and fun to sing along with.

"She's Leaving Home"
8/10 This song is like a ballad. It is very pretty. It makes you feel out of this world. Quite distant. I think the harp causes that.

"Being For The Benefit of Mr. Kite"
9/10 This is like a fun circus song. Very experimental.

"Within You Without You"
5/10 George's only song on the album. It's Indian. My only complaint is it's to long for only one chord (you heard me, one chord).

"When I'm Sixty-Four"
8/10 The sing-along song of the album.

"Lovely Rita"
9/10 It's a really cool song. I can't describe it. Your just gonna have to listen.

"Good Morning Good Morning"
4/10 The least memorable song on the album features Pet Sounds! (haha a rock music pun).

"Sgt. Pepper's... (Reprise)"
9/10 Better thanb the first version. More upbeat. Gets you singing.

"A Day In The Life"
10/10 Not only the best song on the album, possibly the Beatles' best song.

All in all, quite an amazing album. I think everyone should buy this, but not before RUBBER SOUL and REVOLVER, because they lead from beatlemania to this.

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
This 1967 release is a monumental rock album. Prior to this release rock was considered low brow and not an art form.However all this changed when The Beatles released this amazing album. With songs like a day in the life, lucy in the sky with diamonds, and I could basically count numerous more. The cover art is a modern day classic and many copied it for several reasons, i.e., the simspons and it is one of the best covers ever created. The beatles also have an awesome collection of muisicians and vocalists. It is not all about Lenon and McCartney. ... Read more

Asin: B000002UAU
Subjects:  1. British Invasion    2. British Psychedelia    3. England    4. Hard Rock    5. Pop    6. Pop/Rock    7. Psychedelic    8. Rock    9. Rock & Roll    10. Rock/Pop   

Live at Red Rocks 8.15.95
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (28 October, 1997)
list price: $21.98 -- our price: $18.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Like a lot of his jam-band compatriots, Dave Matthews's personality can come off as muted in the studio, but really spreads out live--which makes this a must-have for fans who don't already have the bootleg, or nineteen more from the same period. But absent a hits sampler, Live at Red Rocks could also be the best Matthews album for more tentative listeners. It draws heavily from the Under the Table and Dreaming material, as well as from the then-upcoming Crash. "All Along the Watchtower," previously only available on an indie EP, ends the set. --Gavin McNett ... Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (194)

Out of 7 Live CDs From DMB This Is The Best
This was DMB first real live concert release, not including "Remember Two Things" which was a mix of songs from different concerts.You can tell that they wanted the jam sessions that they were creating at these concerts to be released in the right way.I doubt that they could've picked a better concert.

This consists of songs from their "Under the Table and Dreaming" with a portion of experimental songs from their up and coming super hit album "Crash". You can tell that the album,"Crash", hasn't been released yet because the audience doesn't go crazy when they hear the intros of the songs.That still doesn't stop them from getting blown away with songs like "Tripping Billies" and "Two Step".

One aspect that makes this concert unique is the appearances of Tim Reynolds.He has been considered the 6th unofficial member of DMB, and his guitar work has been in many of their albums too.His playing is shown throughout the concerts on songs like "Satellite", which is probably the best version out there, and most notably his solo on the end of "Two Step".You can't go wrong with Tim's playing.

So look no further the best live album from Dave Mtthews Band, so far, is Live At Red Rocks.

Wonderful intro to DMB: everythings perfect
I got this at the library the other day and love it now, especially DM's strange contorted singing that is haunting and beautiful all at once, not to mention the playing of the band.Pick this up ASAP, don't wait 3 years like I did.This cd is always worth having!While there are better jam bands, like phish, I actually like DMB better because they seem more like honest musicians and players, especially in a live setting.No hype, just music.If you are trying to "get" dave matthews, unlike other bands there is nothing to get.He is just there playing his songs.So get it and be amazed!

ps see if you can pick out all of the John Denver musical and vocal references (hee hee) my sister freaked out when she heard them!

Much better than Matthews Live In Chicago
Is just my copy, or does every copy have a digital defect during the first 20 seconds of the acoustic guitar that opens this CD set?Also, the little tabs that hold the CD in place all snapped off.

Dave Matthews Band is one of the best and most important bands to come out of the nineties.But, because of Matthews insistance on releasing whole concerts, the band has yet to put out a great live album.

All of the truly great, classic live albums have taken the best performances from several different concerts.These include the Allman Brothers, Live at the Fillmore East; Derek and the Dominoes Live; Grateful Dead, Live/Dead; Quicksilve, Happy Trails; etc.

When you have a single concert, you don't get the best performances of each song.Plus, you get all the songs from that concert.These include the obligatory hits or songs off of the latest studio CD.There is nothing special about how these songs are played, and the studio versions are usually better.

The other problem with the Dave Matthews live releases is that many of the songs are on every one of the live albums.Some songs are played a little differently and some are not.Lie In Our Graves is played almost the same on the Chicago album.

All of the truly great, classic live albums have great sound with the audience noise kept to a minimum.On these albums, it is sometimes difficult to tell that music is being played live.I don't need audience cheering to let me know that the music is good.The yelling and screaming during great musical interludes just distracts.

The sound quality on this CD is not very good.And the audience is turned up way too loud and actually drowns out the band in parts.There is no need for this.Someone purposely had to turn up the audience track when this CD was mixed.To get audience noise, the band has to place special audience microphones.The music comes in through different tracks into the soundboard.

This album does have some great parts to it.The opening is fantastic.Like the other Matthews CD's, things seem to slow up on the second CD.This is because Matthews starts playing more of the new material later in the show.The new material is featured to market the new CD and there usually isn't much done with these songs to make them better or more interesting than the studio versions.

With a CD burner, I can 1 great CD out of this set.On the plus side, this 2 CD set doesn't cost much more than a single CD.
... Read more

Asin: B000002X4Y
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. American Trad Rock    3. Jam Bands    4. Pop    5. Rock   

Life-changing
This album is sadly underrated by several reviewers.Some call it sluggish and some call it phony.The first complaint has an element of truth to it, the second has none at all.Radiohead are nothing if not absolutely sincere, and what's more they actually have meaning to spare behind their songs, as well as some welcome irony.

How else can you take a song called "The Tourist", written about the way people speed through life without ever stopping to take in the world around them, when it's played at nearly the slowest tempo possible?And how can you respond when that song rings true not only for the way we as a race behave today, but also for your own life?

The way I respond is by giving the album five stars.This is without a doubt one of my favorite albums.Every song is special in its own way, from the first brooding, then uncontrollable menace, anger and insanity of "Paranoid Android" to the breathtakingly creepy yet strangely beautiful "Climbing Up The Walls", on into a emotional climax that is slow and quiet but definitely earned in the final three songs.OK Computer simply feels complete, both musically and conceptually, and if and advertisements for himself. Even when questioning his young life, Mayer's doubts come off glib; not one second of "Why Georgia" convinces that "the stirring in my soul" keeps the artiste awake at night. Between his Dave Matthews-wannabe vocals and the accomplished but bland lite rock of his band, he could be just as easily offering tunes for hire to a coming-of-age network series as making a stand for himself and his worldview. The premise of "City Love"--that Mayer couldn't find his way around Manhattan until finding a girlfriend to root him to the place--is nice but not edifying. "My Stupid Mouth" is similarly fuzzy; letting us in on just what he said to alienate a dinner partner would've gone a long way toward fleshing out the song's pat self-deprecation. Ultimately, Mayer comes off less like a commiserating friend than a blabbermouth who's forever forgetting there's someone else in the room. And instead of whining about a discarded lunch box ("83"), dude, learn to brown-bag it the way the rest of us did. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Asin: B000002UJQ
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

This big rock candy mountain of an album justifies some if by no means all of the poses and pretentious statements made by Manchester's natural-born rock & roll deities. A dramatic attempt to rekindle the flames of the original British Invasion, Morning Glory rolls 30 years of Britpop tradition into one irresistible (if achingly self-conscious) whole. "Wonderwall" can be read as a Beatles tribute, "Don't Look Back in Anger" feels like a Mott The Hoople anthem and "She's Electric" and "Morning Glory" are chewy pop confections.--Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Asin: B000002BBY
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Britain    3. British Trad Rock    4. Britpop    5. Hard Rock    6. Pop    7. Pop/Rock    8. Rock    9. Rock & Roll   

By the Way
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 July, 2002)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

When the Red Hot Chili Peppers first appeared smeared in neon body paint with socks dangling precariously from their wieners, even the most faithful funk-metal convert couldn't have conceived they would be around some 20 years later, carrying on in much the same fashion. Despite a long history of tragedies and personnel upheavals, the California quartet's eighth album is mostly business as usual--and business, as usual, is quite good. The title track, "By the Way," is a powerful, bruised piece of slap-bass and intermediary white-boy rapping. "Universally Speaking" pays sweaty, soulful tribute to singer Anthony Kiedis's hometown of Detroit. And "Lemon Trees on Mercury" sounds eerily like it could have been lifted from 1984's Freaky Styley. The band's reliable eclectic side, meanwhile, surfaces on the Latin-flavored "Cabron" and moody "Venice Queen." But the biggest surprise is "Tear," a masterful homage to the Beach Boys that suggests the Chili Peppers' perpetual state of arrested development may someday lift.--Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

Reviews (651)

Awesome
This is a follow-up to the excellent Californication.Another great album, By the Way is the ideal rock summer release.With a sunny California vibe mixed with sad undertones, it taps into both a rock attitude and a summer desire to relax and have fun.

Though fans of early RHCP may not like the fact that it lays off the funk and rap of the 90's, the song quality of this record makes it their best.Each song is catchy enough to inspire multiple listens, and many are sure to become RHCP staples.

Breathtaking
By the Way soars as one of my favourite albums. RHCP manages to pull off yet another unique cd, balanced with the upbeat and funky ''This is the place'' and ''Throw away your television'', and the slower ''Venice Queen'', ''Dosed'' and ''I could die for you'' that add that melancolic, yet beautifull ring to the album. No need to say Flea's bass riffs are purely excellent, as he stands one of the best bassist of his generation. The guitar's harmonics and catchy rythms are great, though it's not the leading instrument, its takes you away with breathtaking solos. The instruments mix perfectly with Kiedis' melodic vocals, that support the strong lyrics. One of the best tracks on the album, Minor Thing, kicks off with a solid intro and almost rap-sung lyrics. Beautifull. The 16-track album is a masterpiece, a must-have in your RHCP collection.

Personal favourite: Can't Stop

Am I the only one...
After reading the reviews of this album (finally, of course years after its release) I feel like another opinion must be heard.

I have been a die hard peppers fan since the early 90's.Yes i missed some of the late 80's (i was too young) but once i was hooked i was hooked. I have collected every album this band released and nearly every single.I could not get enough of this band.

Like most other pepper fans I can see the struggle that existed while creating One Hot Minute.Then to have Californication come out was strange at first but then a breath of fresh air for this band.So with my hopes up I waited for this album to be released...I hate to say this but I was disappointed.

By the Way missed the mark for me as a peppers fan and for many other peppers fans i know.In other reviews it is said this album attracted a new crowd while keeping the old fans.Well I haven't heard any old fan who think this was a great album especially not the bands best.I mean as an old fan one album won't make me stop liking the band, so of course none of the old fans were lost.

In another review someone mentioned this album will eventually become a classic like a REM or U2 album.What? I listen to the peppers cause those bands just could never do it for me.And again I can not name a single person who loved the peppers and wanted them to sound like U2.They were a breed of their own and their energy/creativity is what seperated them from those entirely way too main stream groups.

I just want to give some perspective on this album.It is a good album for this band and maybe great compared to most the awful music being released these days (U2's Vertigo, my number one example) but not the best for the peppers.The songs are catchy and are well written.I just think the entire album is missing that old peppers spark.Its kind of bland at times.I know the band is changing musically and i completely respect that, so that is not the problem for me either.But many reviewers feel "radio play" seems to be a factor.

On another topic, I feel the musician who really shines on this album is John.But if you really want to hear some great music by him please check out his solo realeases.They may not be "pop" but they are great pieces.Also don't think i am a John junky who only likes him.Flea was the reason i started liking this band and is the main reason I still love this band.

So wrapping up i just want to tell you that i am still a huge peppers fan (and always will be) but this album just isnt their best.I am writing this in response to the other reviews here on amazon so not everyone who reads the reviews believes this album to be the best peppers you can buy for your money.If you are interested in this band first buy Blood Sugar Sex Majik, then you will know what this band is about.Plus, now that the band is back in the studio who knows what the future will bring. ... Read more

Asin: B000067CPX
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Funk    3. Pop    4. Rock   

Eagles - Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.49
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The pre-Hotel California years were arguably the best for The Eagles (though there were, thanks to Joe Walsh, some stellar future moments). Their mix of country, folk, and rock had a harder, grittier edge, and helped define what would become known as the Southern California sound. There was just enough of a country feel in the beautiful harmonies of "Best of My Love," to blur the edges between the genres. "Take It Easy" and "Lyin' Eyes" could easily have come out of the new Nashville school, as well. The twang that characterizes the guitar intro to "Already Gone" and the leads in "Witchy Woman" and "One of These Nights," also pays tribute to country's guitar greats. Greatest Hits 1971-1975 houses a scant ten singles, but not only does it illustrate the magic of the collaboration between Glen Frey and Don Henley, it shows the breadth of The Eagles impact on the many who would follow their lead. --Steve Gdula ... Read more

Reviews (131)

TORTURE
I just thought I'd pop in to say that the Eagles are by far the WORST band of all time.

a superb eagles compilation
the greatest hits from 1971 to 1975 gives a good insight to the work of this great american rock band.this excellent compilation features all their great songs from their earlier years like peaceful easy feelin,tequila sunrise,desperado and take it to the limit.very highly recommended with hotel california.five stars.

Like a collection of your most hated '70s Commerial Jingles
I wanted to like this album.i really did, but it's full of the most overplayed songs
in history.I'd rather listen to the greatest commercial jingles of the 70s.(The Dr. Pepper song, Sometimes You Feel Like a Nut, Sometimes You Don't, Plop-Plop Fizz Fizz, Oh What A Relief it Is).the problem with the Eagles is their soulessness.No soul. And no sense of humor. All they did was rip off The Flying Burrito Brothers.If you want to hear a great album of easy listening Country Rock Pop, I suggest you buy the Best of Bread. ... Read more

Asin: B000002GVS
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Third Eye Blind
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (08 April, 1997)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $9.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (732)

best $14.99 you can spend
I've worn out 3 copies of this album and had to beg, plead and cry to get my 4th back after I loaned it out. 'Nuff said.

Best CD Ever
This is a great CD from start to finish there is not one bad song that you need to skip over on the entire CD. It has all the real popular songs like 'semi-charmed life' and 'jumper' ect, but all the other less known songs like 'narcolepsy' 'backround' and 'motorcycle drive by' are also really good. Definatly one of the best CDs I ever bought

The best CD I ever Bought
First, let's look into value.This CD, like the other reviewer said is WORTH EVERY PENNY that you pay for it, even if it was twenty bucks.Normally when you buy a CD you enjoy a couple of tracks, and that's about it.I enjoy almost everything single one of the tracks from start to finish.It is one of those albums that make you think, "That was a job well done."
I don't appreciate the missuse of God's name in the first track, but I just skip that one; all of the other tracks are top notch.The music is so crisp, clear, original, and catchy, and the more you listen to it, the better it gets. The only tracks I don't like are God of Wine and Motorcycle drive by, I don't know what the big deal with God of Wine is, but anyway, buy this incredible album as soon as you can. ... Read more

Asin: B000002HOK
Sales Rank: 1158
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Pop    4. Post-Grunge    5. Rock   

Mad Season
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 May, 2000)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Sell 10 million copies of your debut album and you might find yourself putting on a few airs. Evidence that it's happened to matchbox twenty can be found in the new, spelled-out format of their all-lowercased name and the pretentious insertion of that name into the title of this, their sophomore set. The level of popularity achieved by their 1996 debut, Yourself or Someone Like You, posed a more profound problem, though--should they follow in the footsteps of that smash effort, or strike out in a different direction? To their credit, the Orlando quintet puts their massive popularity on the line by opting mostly for the latter course: there are no obvious retreads here of earlier hits such as "Push," "3 a.m.," and "Real World"--or of "Smooth," the multiple-Grammy-winning Santana hit penned and sung by matchbox frontman Rob Thomas. Instead, the album sports a nice mix of material that is catchy, but may take a little longer to settle into your memory banks, such as the moody yet intense "Bent," the horn-driven rocker "Black & White People," and several songs examining various aspects of relationships, "If You're Gone," "Rest Stop," and "Bed of Lies." Whatever the members of matchbox twenty want to call themselves, these guys may yet be able to have it all--artistic growth as well as massive sales. They're not headed for Hootieville just yet. --Daniel Durchholz ... Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (513)

Too overproduced, and trying to jump over the moon.
Well I finally decided enough was enough, and decided to sample this album. I first heard "Real World" in 1998, and I thought to myself "This is not bad at all", but the album was released in 1996. I feel that the group fell under the Guns and Roses syndrome as there is almost a 4 year span of releases. I feel that the group was either trying too hard to make up for lost time, or they exposed themselves to too much too soon. I feel that if another album came out before this one it may have been complemented instead of "What the hell were they thinking?" "Bent" is without a doubt my favorite song on here as it has traces of the first album with more of an edge. "If You're Gone" could belong here as it shows the group growing a little bit more with organ and a horn section. The title cut makes me actually want to puke. Don't ask me why, but the opening riff is so lovely, but then it's watered down with organ, and it's one of the few songs in the key of b flat that doesn't sit well with me. After the riff I can picture that scene in an episode of "Will and Grace" where the 2 guys are tongue kissing. I guess it was because the night that episode aired the last song I heard before going home from work was "Mad Season". The rest is either passible, or just too much experimentation. This would've been an ideal 3rd album, or maybe 4th, but since it's the second one it just was much too much.

Mad Season
I like this album, but it's the type of album that I only play once in a long while. What I like about this record and what really shines on it, is the lyrics. Rob's song writing skills really show good on this album. It's worth buying, but I recommend buying their debut and third release first.

Great Cd, Great Tunes...
Another great effort by the boys of Matchbox 20. Follow-up albums usually pale in comparison to a smash debut album, but "Mad Season" just continues the show! ... Read more

Asin: B00004SVM8
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. American Trad Rock    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Post-Grunge    6. Rock   

On And On
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (06 May, 2003)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $9.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Jack Johnson has found himself a groove. Indeed, the Hawaiian surfing champion turned alternative pop-folk star really hasn't changed things one iota for his sophomore release. Fans of Brushfire Fairytales should be delighted with the results. The groove is a mellow one--most of the 16 tracks here are semi-acoustic--and that easy-going spirit filters into Johnson's lyrical philosophies. "What will be will be / And so it goes" he sings on "Times Like These," the opening track. Thankfully, Johnson is never too mellow, and there's a "Don't worry, be happy" vibe to most of his music. "The Horizon Has Been Defeated" even has a pseudo-reggae feel to it. Although classified as an alternative musician, the singer-songwriter's compositions owe much to past hits. "Traffic in the Sky" is reminiscent of Jim Croce's "Operator" and Looking Glass's one-hit-wonder, "Brandy." On the splendid "Taylor," Johnson sounds an awful lot like Donovan. And "By The Way" recalls the Lovin' Spoonful. -- Bill Holdship ... Read more

Reviews (228)

Another Classic
A great follow up album with plenty of the same great Jack Johnson sound. More of the simple acoustic jamming that is perfect for driving with the windows down. Some classic tunes here.

Breezy...
Jack Johnson's CDs are not available in my country, but after I heard his latest single 'Sitting,Waiting,Wishing' on the radio I immediately fall in love with his music! ^^ So I borrowed 'On and On' from my friend and since then it's been playing in my cd player every single day.. I just lOVE it! Anywayz, here's my track-by-track review:

1. Times Like These -- it's a great opening track,very mellow.. Kinda sets the tune for the whole album.. 4/5
2. The Horizon Has Been Defeated-- this one kinda sounds like reggae music but it's still fun.. 3.5/5
3. Traffic In The Sky -- one of the best songs.. it's been stuck in my head for quite a while now. =P really laid-back n mellow.. love it! ^^ 5/5
4. Taylor -- definitely the best song in this album! a really catchy song with great lyrics & it's really fun to listen to.. 5/5
5. Gone -- deep lyrics.. really slow n sounds kinda sad. 4.5/5
6. Cupid -- short & sweet! 4/5
7. Wasting Time -- actually b4 i got this cd, this is the 1st song off the album that i downloaded from the net and it's awesome! very laid-back & makes me wanna sing-along to d song.. 5/5
8. Holes To Heaven -- not bad, but it's so-so for me.. 3/5
9. Dreams Be Dreams -- inspiring lyrics,beautiful song.. 4/5
10. Tomorrow Morning -- one of the best songs.. great intro,very relaxing and there's lots of luv in it! =P 5/5
11. Fall Line -- a nice short song.. 3.5/5
12. Cookie Jar -- haunting melody,dark lyrics about d bad effects of TV.. 4/5
13. Rodeo Clowns -- awesome rhythm n kinda upbeat.. but i've heardanother version of the song by Donavon in a surfing DVD and imo it's better coz it's faster & more upbeat.. 4.5/5
14. Cocoon -- one of d best.. really sad,deep lyrics,beautiful melody.. what else can u ask for? 5/5
15. Mediocre Bad Guys -- my least fave track on the album.. gets a little annoying after a while.. mediocre.. 3/5
16. Symbol In My Driveway -- it's an awesome track to end the album! i like the waves' sound in the background.. makes me feel like i'm at the beach.. 5/5

You should really pay attention to the lyrics coz it has some stories n philosophy in it.. The depth of the lyrics r really refreshing for this kind of music coz we'll get bored easily if the lyrics suck..

Overall, this is a MUST HAVE CD for anyone who likes accoustic,laid-back music and even better for the fans of surfing culture.. Highly recommended! ^__^V

The next Ben Harper.
Cross John Mayer with a Hawaiian surf champion, mix in a little Marcy Playground, and an occasional reggae rhythm, and you get Jack Johnson.

He plays with a straight forward approach -- singer/songwriter/guitarist -- thathas a sparse, quiet, understated elegance. The disc has a soulful, funky groove not usually heard from in folk rock artists.

Johnson apparently has never heard of the sophmore slump: This charming, must hear album every bit as good as his debut effort, Brushfire Fairytales. Solid from start to finish.

Simply one of the best new artists to arrive in some time. ... Read more

Asin: B00008NG5V
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Bass    3. College Rock    4. Drums    5. Drums (Steel)    6. Guitar (Acoustic)    7. Guitar (Electric)    8. Percussion    9. Piano    10. Pop    11. Rock    12. Singer/Songwriter    13. Slide Guitar    14. Vocals   

Pet Sounds
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (13 July, 1999)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $9.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

If you need some pointy-headed pundit to sell you on the merits of Pet Sounds, your money might be better spent on an ear specialist. Brian Wilson's gift to 20th-century music elevated this pop album into a beguiling musical and emotional cogency that still operates outside pop culture's fickle space-time continuum--and limited critical lexicon. There's never been another record to compare (Rubber Soul, its inspiration, is close; Sgt. Pepper's, its response, misses the point), and certainly no album has been as dissected, overanalyzed, and predigested for public consumption. In 1997 Capitol Records devoted an entire four-disc box set, The Pet Sounds Sessions, to its thorough deconstruction. The techno-marvel centerpiece of that project--the album's first true stereo mix, painstakingly conjured out of multitape session sources by producer-engineer Mark Linett (under Wilson's supervision)--was at once heresy and revelation. Now the label has gratifyingly seen fit to offer both mixes on a single disc (along with alternate versions of "Hang On to Your Ego," the original title of "I Know There's An Answer"), an idea that should please the orthodox and heretics alike. And while the album has always clearly been The Brian Wilson Show featuring the Beach Boys, David Leaf's concise new notes attempt to be more inclusive of a wider band perspective. The result (three of the five band members claim credit for the album title) sometimes resembles Rashomon. If Pet Sounds forever crystallized the band's various creative (in)diffoll ... Read more

Features

• Extra tracks
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (234)

Wilson's great album
"Pet Sounds" is the Beach Boys masterpiece, some kind of reply to the contemporary folk rock music trend at the time. Beach Boys previous music had been mostly about summer, sun, beach and surf but finally Brian Wilson decided to get serious and write songs about more deep and personal issues. This album is considered among the best of all time and it did influent many others in the future. The sound of this album was very unique when it came out and it's a beauty to the ear aswell. Folkish sound with the classic Beach Boys sound singing in voices.

After the Beatles "Rubber Soul" was released Wilson wanted to reply to that and that's what he did here in his own way ofcourse, the music in the mid 60's had changed alot from the early part. It's difficult to not comapre the two albums though, some people even rate this as the greatest of all albums, agead of Rubber Soul and Abbey Road, I don't. Rubber Soul was the most influentual album for rock music in the 60's but Abbey Road is my favorite album. I don't think we should compare the albums with each others actuall. Beatles is Beatles, and Beach Boys is Beach Boys. The Reason I'll only give 4 stars however is that I feel that there isn't enough variety on this album. Most songs if not all were Wilson pennned and most songs are emotional midtempo or ballads. With Beatles, there were atleast 3 diffrent writers on most albums and the music they made at this time were more contemporary rock infleunted and most songs sounded very diverse aswell and gave them many more hits then "Pet Sounds" did, which only had 2 big hits "Wouldn't it be Good" and "Sloop John B". I'm not trying to take anything away from this album though, it's a very good album on it's own right.

There are many good songs here. "Wouldn't it be Good" one of a few uptempo songs here and a big hit aswell. "That's not me" and "Don't Talk" are both good balalds. "I'm waiting for the Day" is a midtempo folk rock song. "Let's Go Away for a While" is instrumental. "Sloop John B" is a midtempo song and also a major hit. "God only Knows" is a great ballad, and "Here Today" reminds me abit of "Good Vibration" based on the musical backround in the beginning and in the end it actually sound very much like "Eye of the Tiger" from Survivor. "Hang on to Your Ego" is a uptempo song aswell with great instruments.

Overall, a great 60's album worth your time, with quite a few top hits that influented the contemporary music back then.

A Symphonic Pop Masterpiece
You read the title right. This album is better than anything the beatles ever did.

Part 3 of the trilogy of reviews for Dad's Birthday.
Ok, now this is the 3rd of a trilogy of reviews I'm doing as a birthday present for my dad.The first was Sargent Pepper, the second was Blonde on Blonde, and now this Beach Boys record. Click on the part at the top of this review that says "See all MY Reviews" to read the entire trilogy. Once again, I am going to apologize to all the fans of my reviews because I'm only reviewing these old records for my dad.He thinks it will be some kind of bonding for me to listen to stuff he likes.Iv'e made it through 2 so far.This is NOT easy, and I probably won't do this again.He better appreciate this.I could be reviewing things that I like and actually enjoying myself.Ok, let's get this over with.

Ok, I'm looking at the cover...it's green. It says "Beach Boys"....and it's called.....Pet Sounds!?What...what the........the Heck is "Pet Sounds"?Oh god, why me?You would not believe how stupid this looks.The Beach Boys (who are no where NEAR any water by the way) are petting some animals on what appears to be a farm.They look soooooo dumb.One of them has this really stupid beard and everything too.What IS this?Animal sound effects?Like cows and horses and crap?Forget it.I'm not doing this.Dad, I tried, I really did, but I don't want my fans to think I'm getting soft.And what if I got caught listening to it by someone at our house?I would be embarrassed even if Morris saw this and he's a dog. Actually I'm just going to put the record in Morris' mouth and he can do the review.He seems to like it.

Ok dad, I really wasn't trying to hurt your feelings with my trilogy of reviews of your favorite records, but the people that read me expect me to be honest and to the point.It's not worth it to fake a good review of this stuff when my reputation is on the line.In the long run, they will be the ones putting food on the table when I go pro and finally get to move out.Happy Birthday.Oh, and to you guys out there, I apologize yet again.The REAL reviews will resume ASAP.Later. ... Read more

Asin: B00005ASHM
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

By the Way
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 July, 2002)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

When the Red Hot Chili Peppers first appeared smeared in neon body paint with socks dangling precariously from their wieners, even the most faithful funk-metal convert couldn't have conceived they would be around some 20 years later, carrying on in much the same fashion. Despite a long history of tragedies and personnel upheavals, the California quartet's eighth album is mostly business as usual--and business, as usual, is quite good. The title track, "By the Way," is a powerful, bruised piece of slap-bass and intermediary white-boy rapping. "Universally Speaking" pays sweaty, soulful tribute to singer Anthony Kiedis's hometown of Detroit. And "Lemon Trees on Mercury" sounds eerily like it could have been lifted from 1984's Freaky Styley. The band's reliable eclectic side, meanwhile, surfaces on the Latin-flavored "Cabron" and moody "Venice Queen." But the biggest surprise is "Tear," a masterful homage to the Beach Boys that suggests the Chili Peppers' perpetual state of arrested development may someday lift.--Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

Reviews (651)

Awesome
This is a follow-up to the excellent Californication.Another great album, By the Way is the ideal rock summer release.With a sunny California vibe mixed with sad undertones, it taps into both a rock attitude and a summer desire to relax and have fun.

Though fans of early RHCP may not like the fact that it lays off the funk and rap of the 90's, the song quality of this record makes it their best.Each song is catchy enough to inspire multiple listens, and many are sure to become RHCP staples.

Breathtaking
By the Way soars as one of my favourite albums. RHCP manages to pull off yet another unique cd, balanced with the upbeat and funky ''This is the place'' and ''Throw away your television'', and the slower ''Venice Queen'', ''Dosed'' and ''I could die for you'' that add that melancolic, yet beautifull ring to the album. No need to say Flea's bass riffs are purely excellent, as he stands one of the best bassist of his generation. The guitar's harmonics and catchy rythms are great, though it's not the leading instrument, its takes you away with breathtaking solos. The instruments mix perfectly with Kiedis' melodic vocals, that support the strong lyrics. One of the best tracks on the album, Minor Thing, kicks off with a solid intro and almost rap-sung lyrics. Beautifull. The 16-track album is a masterpiece, a must-have in your RHCP collection.

Personal favourite: Can't Stop

Am I the only one...
After reading the reviews of this album (finally, of course years after its release) I feel like another opinion must be heard.

I have been a die hard peppers fan since the early 90's.Yes i missed some of the late 80's (i was too young) but once i was hooked i was hooked. I have collected every album this band released and nearly every single.I could not get enough of this band.

Like most other pepper fans I can see the struggle that existed while creating One Hot Minute.Then to have Californication come out was strange at first but then a breath of fresh air for this band.So with my hopes up I waited for this album to be released...I hate to say this but I was disappointed.

By the Way missed the mark for me as a peppers fan and for many other peppers fans i know.In other reviews it is said this album attracted a new crowd while keeping the old fans.Well I haven't heard any old fan who think this was a great album especially not the bands best.I mean as an old fan one album won't make me stop liking the band, so of course none of the old fans were lost.

In another review someone mentioned this album will eventually become a classic like a REM or U2 album.What? I listen to the peppers cause those bands just could never do it for me.And again I can not name a single person who loved the peppers and wanted them to sound like U2.They were a breed of their own and their energy/creativity is what seperated them from those entirely way too main stream groups.

I just want to give some perspective on this album.It is a good album for this band and maybe great compared to most the awful music being released these days (U2's Vertigo, my number one example) but not the best for the peppers.The songs are catchy and are well written.I just think the entire album is missing that old peppers spark.Its kind of bland at times.I know the band is changing musically and i completely respect that, so that is not the problem for me either.But many reviewers feel "radio play" seems to be a factor.

On another topic, I feel the musician who really shines on this album is John.But if you really want to hear some great music by him please check out his solo realeases.They may not be "pop" but they are great pieces.Also don't think i am a John junky who only likes him.Flea was the reason i started liking this band and is the main reason I still love this band.

So wrapping up i just want to tell you that i am still a huge peppers fan (and always will be) but this album just isnt their best.I am writing this in response to the other reviews here on amazon so not everyone who reads the reviews believes this album to be the best peppers you can buy for your money.If you are interested in this band first buy Blood Sugar Sex Majik, then you will know what this band is about.Plus, now that the band is back in the studio who knows what the future will bring. ... Read more

Asin: B000067CPX
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Funk    3. Pop    4. Rock   

Eagles - Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.49
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The pre-Hotel California years were arguably the best for The Eagles (though there were, thanks to Joe Walsh, some stellar future moments). Their mix of country, folk, and rock had a harder, grittier edge, and helped define what would become known as the Southern California sound. There was just enough of a country feel in the beautiful harmonies of "Best of My Love," to blur the edges between the genres. "Take It Easy" and "Lyin' Eyes" could easily have come out of the new Nashville school, as well. The twang that characterizes the guitar intro to "Already Gone" and the leads in "Witchy Woman" and "One of These Nights," also pays tribute to country's guitar greats. Greatest Hits 1971-1975 houses a scant ten singles, but not only does it illustrate the magic of the collaboration between Glen Frey and Don Henley, it shows the breadth of The Eagles impact on the many who would follow their lead. --Steve Gdula ... Read more

Reviews (131)

TORTURE
I just thought I'd pop in to say that the Eagles are by far the WORST band of all time.

a superb eagles compilation
the greatest hits from 1971 to 1975 gives a good insight to the work of this great american rock band.this excellent compilation features all their great songs from their earlier years like peaceful easy feelin,tequila sunrise,desperado and take it to the limit.very highly recommended with hotel california.five stars.

Like a collection of your most hated '70s Commerial Jingles
I wanted to like this album.i really did, but it's full of the most overplayed songs
in history.I'd rather listen to the greatest commercial jingles of the 70s.(The Dr. Pepper song, Sometimes You Feel Like a Nut, Sometimes You Don't, Plop-Plop Fizz Fizz, Oh What A Relief it Is).the problem with the Eagles is their soulessness.No soul. And no sense of humor. All they did was rip off The Flying Burrito Brothers.If you want to hear a great album of easy listening Country Rock Pop, I suggest you buy the Best of Bread. ... Read more

Asin: B000002GVS
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Third Eye Blind
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (08 April, 1997)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $9.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Live

Reviews (43)

best $14.99 you can spend
I've worn out 3 copies of this album and had to beg, plead and cry to get my 4th back after I loaned it out. 'Nuff said.

Best CD Ever
This is a great CD from start to finish there is not one bad song that you need to skip over on the entire CD. It has all the real popular songs like 'semi-chet the greatest people to party with and herd the songs "The General" and "Elias". Once i listened to it i couldn't stop. Then i found out just a week ago that Dispatch broke up in July during the same week when i was in Botson where they had thier concert. Though i haven't bought a second cd even though i have had this one for a year and a half i highly recomond the band and get excited when i see my freind put parts of the song up in thier buddy info.

Utterly Amazing
I have been following Dispatc for a number of years now, and they have become one of the best badns of all time in my book, i just love the harmony, the beat and the rhythms. This new cd added to the dispatch collection is incredible, i just couldnt believe how every single song on the cd was good, not one bad one

DISPTACH DOES IT AGAIN!
Gut The Van is an amazing album! It includes classics such as The General, Bang Bang, and Elias.Although the quality is not great, it is still good.This is one of my favorite albums and it's a must get for any music fan.Dispatch is an awesome band that brings the goods each and every time. All I can say about Gut The Van is, believe all the positive reviews and hype. ... Read more

Asin: B000002HOK
Sales Rank: 1158
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Pop    4. Post-Grunge    5. Rock   

Fortress
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (27 June, 2000)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

If innovation is the yardstick by which you measure the worth of a rock band, Sister Hazel won't measure up very well. The Gainesville, Florida, septet is the very definition of a mainstream jangle-pop band, and you've heard their brand of music before, most recently from the likes of Hootie & the Blowfish, Edwin McCain, matchbox twenty, and Third Eye Blind. But in terms of sheer tunefulness and the way their melodies and lyrics lodge in your frontal lobe, Sister Hazel's songs on Fortress can make efforts by the other bands seem pale in comparison. The group's third album leads with "Change Your Mind," a feel-good summer song if ever there was one. Simple, straightforward guitar-based tunes like "Shame on Me," "Fortress," "Save Me," and "Champagne High" (featuring Indigo Girl Emily Saliers) ring with high harmonies and hook-filled choruses. If nothing else, Sister Hazel proves that it's not necessary to reinvent the wheel every time a band puts out a record. --Daniel Durchholz ... Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (127)

Excellent Music
ok, first off i'd like to say this is an example of excellent musicwriting. The whole cd is really good and if you are looking for one of those cds where you can just lay back and listen to the whole album all the way through, then i would highly recommend it. "Champagne high" is probably my favorite song on the album with its mezmorizing melody, tune, rhythym, and lyrics. i honestly play that song non-stop on repeat. But, its very hard to have just one favorite on this one! They did a very good job of producing this cd and is a great choice for the Sister Hazel fans of the world and even for the lovers of good jam music.

the BEST Sister Hazel album
I bought Sister Hazel's newest album, "Lift" because I wanted to go to a concert and found out they were playing near me.It was an impulse buy, but they had me hooked and by the time the concert came around, I had two more of their albums and they had risen to become one of my favorite bands."Lift" is a good album, but Fortress is amazing.It's the best album so far from this awsome, talented band.I think the reason I like it so much is because it has more of a southern rock feel to it.It seems like one of the only albums that I can listen to straight-through anymore."Change Your Mind" is a great opener, and "Back Porch" is short but never fails to bring a smile to my face."Champange High" has beautiful lyrics and harmonies."Beautiful Thing" is twangy and bouncy with a great hook.The best Sister Hazel song ever is "Strange Cup Of Tea", which can make you feel good any time of day.

If you liked any of the other Sister Hazel albums, or are buying your first, this is a great one.I have all their CD's, and each one is slightly different but still conveys what a great band Sister Hazel is.They are a band fueled by happiness, which is evident if you've seen them live.There will never be a band that can make mefeel as good as Sister Hazel does.

Good Album
This is the first album by Sister Hazel I've ever listened to and it is pretty good. One of the best songs {in my opinion} is "CHANGE YOUR MIND". "BACK PORCH" is only instrumental, so, well, I don't know. Every song has it's own way of.....
um, being itself in it's own special way.......
Sometimes I feel the earth move. Anyhoo, there is also a song called "FORTRESS" which is also special......
and sometimes I like time to myself to listen to this album. The album's cover is hazy looking and inside of the booklet it shows the lyrics.........
...........and finally I...
like to feel the earth move... ....
......and I like to have time to myself to listen to this album.

... Read more

Asin: B00004U029
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. American Trad Rock    3. Pop    4. Post-Grunge    5. Rock   

O
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (10 June, 2003)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.49
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Irish troubadour Damien Rice doesn't so much reinvent the folk genre on this lush, impossibly mature debut album as push its boundaries in several compelling musical directions at once--all the more remarkable considering the album was largely self-produced and home-recorded. His songs revolve around familiar, bittersweet concerns of life, love, and their attendant frustrations, but delivered with conspiratorial intimacy on melodic wings (like on the graceful "Cannonball") that Rice seems almost embarrassed to share. If there's anything like a template here, it's "The Blower's Daughter," the song that first attracted the interest/stewardship of film composer David Arnold (whose guest production provides "Amie" with expansive cinematic elegance) and became a massive Irish hit. His plaintive vocal, embroidered by the mournful solo cello of Vyvienne Long, is suddenly brightened by an instrumental flourish and Lisa Hannigan's vocals--before just as quickly wafting on the breeze. With touches that range from "Day in the Life"-styled string collages to the dizzy, exhilarating neo-operatic excesses of the 16-minute "Eskimo," Rice's musical palate here is as adventurous as his songs are grounded in emotional intimacy. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (235)

Can't get past "Blower's Daughter"
Like I'm sure countless thousands of others, I scrambled to find out who sang the beautiful, haunting song that opens Mike Nichols' adaptation of 'Closer.'I know a bunch of people must have followed the same path, because when I went to Virgin to pick up a copy, there was a large sign that said "If you want the music from the film CLOSER" (last word in about 128 point font on the signage) "then you want Damien Rice's 'O'."

My problem is that that song ("Blower's Daughter") is so good that the rest of the CD (to my ear, at least) pales in comparison.I've yet to find anything else that resonates with me.Regardless, 'O' deserves at least four stars simply based on the perfection Rice achieves on that one track.

my eskimo friend...
I have found my favorite album of the year with Damien Rice's "O".I am not afraid to shout that from the top of the tallest mountain or from the bottom of every ocean.When friends ask me, from now on, who I think is one of the best singer/songwriters out there, it will be very easy for me to reply "my friends, it is Damien Rice".Never before have I witnessed such passion, emotion, and consistency as I did with this album.It just oozes sincerity and epitomizes the true meaning of folk music.

While I am not afraid to admit that I found him when I watched the film Closer, and was pulled in by his song "the blower's daughter", I quickly discovered there was more to him than what this film allowed.While I do think "the blower's daughter" is nothing short of perfection, there are other songs that I think better represent the overall tune of Rice.My favorites on the album are such:

1) Volcano
2) Cannonball
3) Eskimo (with a brilliant orchestra finale)
4) Cold Water

In fact, I am not afraid to admit that there isn't one song on this album that I do not like.I have placed this CD into my surround sound system at home and do not intend for it ever to leave.This is the type of music that you can listen to when you need to relax, reflect, or just enjoy the bits and pieces of your life.It is the type of music that forces you to remember that you are alive and to take each moment, each day, and embrace it for everything that it is worth.

The consistent tone and raw emotion behind Rice's vocals is by far the most impressive.His poetic lyrics remind me of early Dave Matthews moments, while the welcomed intrusion of Lisa Hannigan left my jaw on the ground.Why hasn't his music become more popular here in America?Honestly, I have never been so impressed with an album purchase as I was with this one.The simplistic packaging of the disc and bold artwork only force you to sit on your couch and become engulfed with the intrinsic tunes that Rice offers us.

I cannot speak any better of this album, if Amazon would allow me to give it more than five stars I would.For those folk music fans that are looking for that quintessential album that fully represents the genre, this is the one for your collection.I am impressed, and cannot wait to see what else Damien has for us in the future.

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

amazing
i love every single song on this CD. i have been in love with this CD since the first time i heard it. the songs are so beautifully filled with emotion that they had me in tears (that is a very hard thing to do considering that i didn't even cry when my grandma died). my friend and i have listened to O 1,000 times and each time it is still as beautiful as it was the first time. ... Read more

Asin: B00009V7P8
Subjects:  1. Alternative Folk    2. Contemporary Folk    3. Contemporary Singer/Songwriter    4. Folk & Traditional    5. Folk-Rock    6. Ireland    7. Pop    8. Post-Grunge   

The Ugly Organ
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (04 March, 2003)
list price: $12.98 -- our price: $11.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (100)

The Worst is Over
With gritty, gorgeous songs that make use of the band's advanced musicianship as well as singer Tim Kasher's ability to craft melodies and lyrics, Cursive has created a truly jaw-dropping album in "The Ugly Organ".It is a tightly-wound concept album, and more amazingly, Kasher's second consecutive concept album (his other is the equally wonderful yet different "Album of the Year" with The Good Life).

"The Ugly Organ" begins with (what else but) the sounds of an organ, played in quite an ugly manner, and one can make out screams in the background, conveying the feeling of being at some sort of evil carnival.This sets the tone for the rest of the album, hardly a happy romp."Some Red Handed Slight of Hand" introduces the material: "And now we proudly present/ Songs perverse and songs of lament".He pretty much hit the nail on the head with that description, telling tales of loss, mourning the failure of his marriage in a way that most times remains compelling without sounding too over-dramatic.

But the real value of "The Ugly Organ" lies in its musicality.With the addition of a cello, the music has a larger, more orchestral scope than that of most other rock bands.The album flows, ranging in dynamics from the whispered "The Recluse" to the pounding first half of "A Gentleman Caller".They play with various rhythms, tempos, and dynamics on both "Harold Weathervein" and "Bloody Murderer".Themes are tied together as Kasher makes reference to "The Ugly Organ" more than once (a title which in itself is a perverse metaphor).More noticeably, in the final minutes of the epic closer "Staying Alive", a chorus of overdubbed voices sings the theme from the second half of "A Gentleman Caller" repeating time and time again: "The worst is over".This acts as a recapitulation for an album that should be viewed as a singular work, not just a grouping of songs.Despite the bitterness that abounds, these resonating words give way to hope, and in this way Cursive transcends your typical immature rock band.

A Beautiful Sound from The Ugly Organ
Why has this cd not been better publicized? It is amazing, artistic, and everything that music should be. Perhaps the reason it is not incredibly well known is because it isn't quite rock nor is it quite emo. It is hard to catagorize.

The song Art is Hard is an excellent commentary on the uniformity of popular music. It serves as proof that this band does not play for the radio and probably not for fans either; they play for themselves.

Despite the fact that The Ugly Organ cannot be truly catagorized, it is quite universal. Anyone who has ever suffered in a relationship whether they be the dumper or the dumpee can relate to the lyrics. The songs are quite pessimistic but they are not presented as whiney like so many popular bands. They're candid and mature.

The vocals are not perfection, but they quickly grow on the audience. They're presented with the appropriate emotion and carry incredible lyrics throughout the cd.

The album seems to be somewhat experimental but what is used works. A cello and an organ accompany the traditional guitar, bass, and drums. Some of the music played is played in the negative transitions between songs. Some songs like Butcher the Song and A Gentleman Caller read like a musical. In fact, the cd liner notes include cues and pieces of script between the lyrics to narrate the underlying story in the music. The cd is better when read along to. What all of these elements form is a very creative contribution to the music world.

The Ugly Organ is filled with songs of regreat and songs of sad inevitablitiy but it does not end on a melancholy note like one might expect. The end is optimistic and thoughtfully aware of a sad past.

NOTE: PLEASE VOTE REGARDING THE QUALITY OF THE REVIEW, NOT WHETHER YOU AGREE WITH IT.

they've come a long way
from a Nirvana-esque rock band to this.a being unto themselves, cursive are true leaders of emotional rock music.the addition of a cello just adds to the effect.sure, their earlier work was more raw, and that's all good, but this album is just flawless( some people complain about the little "noise" parts between some tracks, but they're just retarded.) Tim really knows how to tell a story in his lyrics, as he does just as well in The Good Life, truly a gifted song writer who will get his due credit given time. ... Read more

Asin: B00008AY6D
Sales Rank: 7212
Subjects:  1. Emo    2. Indie Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock   

The Madding Crowd
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (16 May, 2000)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The Long Island-based Nine Days' major-label debut will most likely be remembered for the track "Absolutely (Story of a Girl)." Prominently showcased on TV's Dawson's Creek, the song's mindless but infectious hook was almost guaranteed to hit its mark in yearning young adults. Even without the visual aid, Nine Days' sound works best when they're going for universal emotion instead of quirky wordplay and, though definitely not original, the songs on The Madding Crowd are well-produced and competently executed. While the band claims Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan among their influences (hence the track "Bob Dylan"), they're not far from Third Eye Blind ("Absolutely") or even Bon Jovi ("Sometimes") thanks to vocalist/guitarist John Hampson's raspy voice. The group's mixture of folk, rock, and essential emotional bombast comes naturally to them, even if it seems like the band could be doing so much more. --Jason Josephes ... Read more

Reviews (156)

Good Group...Now Whered They Go?
Ok, I really do like this group (they remind me a lot of newer Vertical Horizon), but I have no idea where they went! After they made this album, they just dissapeared off the map totally. I think they already broke up, although why I am not really sure. Too bad too because this CD is pretty good.

GREAT CD!
I can't imagine not being able to listen to Amazon's music samplers and reading the reviews-either good or bad.I rely on these reviews and samplers and I can say I have not been disappointed yet.After listening to this CD, I am happy to say I still have not been disappointed!Please disregard the bad reviews on this one!

Good
As one reviewer said.."quirky wordplay." and "infectious hooks."
Many of the melodies are easy to latch on to.Definitely music not of my generation(I'm 44 years old) but it's high energy and so much more positive than a lot of the gangsta rap garbage that is posing as music today for young impressionable minds. Parents, know what your children are listening to!! ... Read more

Asin: B00004TB79
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Hard Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock   

Diamonds on the Inside
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (11 March, 2003)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $13.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Ben Harper makes elegant leaps from reggae to rock to folk to funk and back in his fifth studio album. The rootsy singer-songwriter with the silken tenor isn't merely genuflecting at the altar of his musical heroes, as here he shows more quirky imagination and inventive musicianship than on any of his earlier efforts. That said, "Diamonds on the Inside" is painted with the same brush that Bob Dylan used on "I Shall Be Released," but Harper adds his own Biblical aphorisms to make the song his own. Most of the songs display Harper's growth as a poet, as he ponders the dualities of life and love in tunes like the disturbing "Touch from Your Lust" and the disquietingly lyrical "Amen Omen." Harper is compelled to sing what is in his heart and to do what he can to make the world a better place. Witness the Marley-like "With My Own Two Hands." The only misstep on the whole disc is the overly humid orchestration of "When She Believes." --Jaan Uhelszki ... Read more

Reviews (124)

Disappointing listen.
Ben Harper is much hyped but after taking the plunge and listening to this album I was very disappointed. Harper's thin and whiny voice is probably the worst aspect, but the songwriting is insipid and repetitive, the arrangements standard off-the-shelf fare, and the lyrics trite. I'm sorry, but Harper is another derivative sound-alike and lacks the talent and originality to interest me. I'll give him a second-star for the admittedly competent musicianship, however.

For all those complaining about the copy protection of the CD, I borrowed it from a friend and ripped it to MP3 using MusicMatch 10 with no problems whatsoever - in fact I only became aware of the copy protection much later while reading these reviews.

killer
ben is tha mannn!! this guy really has soul! one of my current favorite artistes! altho fans new to harper shuld probably start with "fight for you rmind"!

Ben continues to blow me away...
When I listen to this cd, and Ben Harper in general, I think its probably how someone in the 60's felt listening to Bob Dylan, or in the 70's listening to Bob Marley. Everyone of Ben Harper's songs tells a story, and it never gets tedious. Its also refreshing to hear spiritual themes, without being hit over the head with a message. With My Own Two Hands, Diamonds, Brown-Eyed Blues, and Amen Omen are examples of this using vastly different styles.

The only downside to this is that Diamonds on the Inside is kinda all over the place, it doesn't quite flow together like his previous works. I am glad though that Ben isn't getting complacent. This is a great transitional album. I kinda compare it to Pearl Jam's No Code. By experimenting on this album and on his new one with the Blind Boys of Alabama, I'm sure fans like myself can expect a lot more great songs from Ben Harper for a long time to come. ... Read more

Asin: B00008AY3L
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

A Great Anthology for a Band That Can't Be Anthologized
"Echoes" is a 2-CD Pink Floyd set that leans heavily on their mid 1970s glory period. Most of the Pink Floyd songs still heard in classic rock rotation can be fcs. The anxious expectorated sputum of "Am I Missing," is an existential assault on your very sanity, with its fretful drumming and spectral chorus, butthis album doesn't sound just that one apprehensive note; Carraba is equally at home with the sparse, acoustic ballad "Ghost of a Good Thing" and the folksy rocker "Carve Your Heart Out Yourself," which could have been lifted from a Buffalo Springfield album. By giving voice to the thoughts that go bump in the night, Carraba gives vulnerability and sincerity a good name again. --Jaan Uhelszki ... Read more

Asin: B00005QDW5
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. British Psychedelia    3. Hard Rock    4. Pop    5. Prog-Rock/Art Rock    6. Psychedelic    7. Rock