Sheryl Crow
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Audio CD (24 September, 1996)
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Editorial Review

Skeptics who attributed the success of Sheryl Crow's 1994 debut, Tuesday Night Music Club, to a combination of Crow's seductive good looks and a shrewd choice of collaborators have been effectively silenced by the range and depth of songs and performances on her self-produced, pointedly self-titled sequel. Playing guitars and keyboards, and building a triumphant, layered vocal style, Crow is tough as nails and drolly soulful on the deft "Change," as noteworthy for Crow's crafty lyrics ("Hello, it's me, I'm not at home/ If you'd like to reach me, leave me alone...") as for its solid, midtempo groove. "Maybe Angels," "If It Makes You Happy," and "Everyday Is a Winding Road" are only the most familiar highlights in a varied and absorbing set that argues Crow is no one's invention but her own.--Sam Sutherland ... Read more

Reviews (120)

One of the best albums of the 90s
Released in 1996, Sheryl Crow's self-titled sophomore albums is a nice blend of the sounds that represented the 90s. It mixes grunge-style electric guitar tracks--debut single "If It Makes You Happy" (Grammy winner for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance), and "Maybe Angels" (which name checks Cobain); uptempo acoustic pop numbers--singles "A Change Would Do You Good" and "Every Day Is A Winding Road"; and a variety of other styles.

All of the songs were co-written by Crow, many of them by herself, and she shows great strength in this aspect. This album is more socially conscious than her debut: the track "Redemption Day" speaks of government corruption, poverty, and suffering, while "Hard To Make A Stand" references abortion rights in the United States. Also, there is an underlying tone of depression throughout the CD. "Home" is about a woman in a loveless marriage, and "Oh Marie" talks about a girl of whom Sheryl is very jealous, until she realizes Marie really leads an unfulfilling, empty life.

There are some experimental tracks on the album which are quite good, especially considering they're far different from Crow's other stuff. "Love Is A Good Thing" is a funk song; it has a killer bass line. "Superstar" combines traditional rock instruments with Piano and Wurlitzer, as well as a large variety of percussions, to make a unique but catchy song.

Perhaps best of all is the growth in Sheryl's voice since the first album. Here it is much clearer, smoother, and seems to have a better range. She uses this well on ballad-type songs, such as "Ordinary Morning."

Overall, this is an incredible sophomore album. Though it didn't sell as many copies as its predecessor, it is in every aspect better. Sheryl's voice, songwriting, and the overall feel of the tracks show vast improvement. It's no surprise it won the Grammy for Best Rock Album.

The Must-Have Crow Album
I am baffled at the people who have posted reviews of this album saying these songs are clearly unoriginal. Alright then, what songs do they steal from? You failed to give examples. I have come across NOTHING that sounds remotely like the songs on this album. Furthermore, to the reviewer who slammed Crow for making horrible covers on the page for this album - there are NO covers on this album!

too bad there isn't a zero star
i had to choose one star, because zero stars wasn't an option. sheryl crow has no idea how to write a song. she steals a melody from a forgotten classic, adds repetetive, thoughtless lyrics, then all the morons buy it because they believe that she is authentic. No one other than sheryl crow will shamelessly cover any song. she has slaughtered so many great songs, it should be a crime. the basic criteria for a cover song is to present it in an interesting style, and to showcase it to a new audience. She just formats any song to her disgusting, popish style. Soak up the sun is stolen from "stuck in the middle" by stealers wheel. this album was only made to promote the cover of the cat stevens song. She couldn't support it with any new material, so she's gonna try to force feed the country some of her old trash. There is not an authentic cell in cheryl crow's body, and she has no business in the rock and roll hall of fame ... Read more

Asin: B000002G62
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Echo
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (13 April, 1999)
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Editorial Review

Just a few bars into song 1, "Room at the Top," and you know you're in the capable hands of a master songwriter. A mellow chorus wafts by, whispered in Petty's patented Byrdsian drawl, and the song seems to tick-tock to a stop. But storming over the top is a riff from guitarist Mike Campbell. Another chorus and you know there's a bridge creeping up. Petty, in a gesture that's both droll and dynamic, mutters "Hit it" to announce it. The proceedings slow again, then Campbell's gears start grinding again, and there's a grand crescendo that is, if you'll pardon the pun, heartbreakingly wicked. Then Petty murmurs a deep, resonate "No-oh" in a broken, brilliantly understated way that's rock & roll perfect! If you understand the alchemist genius that transmutes such humble metal into gold, you're ready to curl up with 14 songs of near-similar standing. Petty and the Heartbreakers have succeeded in making an album that's stunning in its simplicity yet as carefully ornate and wondrous as a stained-glass window. Indeed, renaissance might be an appropriate tag for the reborn Petty, except that he's never really gone away. Like that "Room at the Top" bridge, he's always been lurking around the corner, waiting to surprise you when the time is right. --Tom Lanham ... Read more

Reviews (143)

Unmemorable
There are cds in my collection that I wasn't impressed with from the get-go.Sometimes months (or years) later I'll give them another try and I'll be pleasantly surprised that they are better than I had thought originally.This is not one of those.Let me also say that I'm a big Petty fan and it's hard to call him down on any of his albums but in this case I must.Other than the opening song there's just no dynamics to speak of and the songs just run into each other without distinction.In the course of a band's career there are bound to be lulls and, unfortunately, this one qualifies for that title.But Tom and his gang weren't gone just yet.They rebounded well with the powerful and controversial "Last DJ" that showed them to still be the true rock and roll rebels they are.

Uplifting!
Tom is a great artist and this album is a great one that won't disappoint.

It is reminiscent of earlier works, laid back, mellow in a lot of ways, yet kick ass in others.You'll play it all the time.Great guitar solos.

An incredible album
I have read many of the other reviews here and I have seen many people say how this album is inferior to Damn the Torpedoes, Full Moon Fever, etc. I am baffled at how underrated this album is. I wasn't expecting much when I bought this, and boy was I surprised. I would argue this to be among his top albums. I grew up in the 90's, and let me tell you it is hard for me to listen to an album as productionally perfect as Full Moon Fever and Damn the Torpedoes without cringing just a little. I love how Rick Rubin has made everything more relaxed. The album has a down-on-your-luck-but-going-to-beat-it feel.

1. Room at the Top - lyrically and musically, an incredible song. Not much else to say.
2. Counting on You - a weaker track, but still a really good song.
3. Free Girl Now - An inspirational rocker that made me think of women in a different way (i'm not joking)
4. Lonesome Sundown - A nice tune.
5. Swingin' - Epic song that inspires
6. Accused of Love - An infectious melody with a great chorus
7. Echo - One of Tom's best ballads
8. Won't Last Long - pretty standard good melody
9. Billy the Kid - Great song.
10. I Don't Wanna Fight - worst song on the CD. Why? probably because it was written by mike campbell. just really bad lyrics, although it gets easier to listen to over time
11. This One's for Me - another catchy song with a good chorus
12. No More - this one is really good and the title explains the feel of it
13. About to Give Out - one of the most country songs he has ever written. The verse is a little cheesy but the strings that are added onto the chorus make up for all of it.
14. Rhino Skin - I have seen a lot of people complain about this song. Well I didn't like it at first, but now it is one of my favorites. I has a very epic feel, especially when the voice harmonizing comes in.
15. One More Day, One More Night - a pretty good song, although the album probably could have ended better with a different one.

This album proves that Tom Petty can still write great material and the Last DJ was just a fluke of crap. ... Read more

Asin: B00000IFWE
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Heartland Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock & Roll   

Lyle Lovett and His Large Band
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
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Editorial Review

Lyle Lovett and His Large Band remains the big man's most ambitious album in many ways. A smart split is effected, and not only between styles--the horn-driven swing of the first half backs the record's wittiest, slyest songs, while the country-folk numbers are among Lovett's most pensive. He's not so mournful that he can't raise an eyebrow at heartache, though: try "I Married Her Just Because She Looks Like You." --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Master of mediocrity
Lyle proves on this album that it does not take talent *or* looks to sell albums.This is more preservative-filled product mass produced for his moderately sized fan base.Tenative, strained, whiny vocals.cliche' filled lyrics.A needy grasping attempt to incorporate the most superficial aspects of folk and country music without any of the life experience that goes along with it.

Made me a fan
What a talent!With perfect delivery of witty and funny lyrics, stunning music, and not to be pigeon holed style, Lyle Lovett delivers!This release made me a fan, if not a believer!

Stand By Your Man
Lyle Lovett is a diamond among the rough. In this album his true talent shines through- he starts with a bluesy sound and ends with a more folk rock country style. He writes the lyrics, understands the simplicity of country music and is able to blend the lyrics and music with his marvelous melodic voice. He is a shy man and when seen in concert suddenly appears on stage in a brilliant white shirt, jeans and cowboy boots with his guitar in hand; the big band behind him making his music come to life while wearing white shirt and jeans. They are superb and easily swing from the blues to country.
A favorite song from this CD is "Here I Am" and "Nobody Knows Me But My Baby". He sings "Stand By Your Man" as if written for him.
The big band behind Lyle Lovett is able to exemplify his true voice- a simple man, singing a simple song, loving every minute of it. One of his best. prisrob ... Read more

Asin: B000002PIF
Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Contemporary Country    3. Country    4. Pop    5. Singer/Songwriter    6. United States of America   

Wildflowers
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 November, 1994)
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Editorial Review

As you listen to Wildflowers, Tom Petty's first new album in three years and his first ever for Warner Bros., you may be struck by a certain quality, new for Petty but nonetheless familiar. The predominance of the twangy rhythm guitar; the high-pitched, nasal singing; the irresistibly catchy pop hooks; and the melancholy lyrics straining for a spiritual significance just beyond their grasp--all these elements make Petty sound as if he were a Beatle imitating Bob Dylan. Then you may realize that Wildflowers resembles nothing so much as a George Harrison solo album. That's not such a bad thing; Harrison (Petty's old bandmate in the Traveling Wilburys) has a knack for giving moody spiritualism a pop tunefulness. It's just that Harrison on his own is a second-tier rock & roll figure whose best work is long behind him, and that's pretty much the case with Petty as well. Only with appropriately reduced expectations can one enjoy Wildflowers for what it is. --Geoffrey Himes ... Read more

Reviews (76)

One of the Best Albums of all Time!!
I absolutley love this album.Tom Petty became very popular with me when I first heard this album in the 5th grade. I have allways enjoyed putting it in and rockin' out.As I was thinking about it, I can not pick out a song that I like the most, I like them all, well love them all, not one of them do I not like (which is rare in any album).It is has a very up-beat, positive, go-with-the-flow, hippie feel on every track, it's great!Tom Petty's best album and possibley the best album of all time.It is a true gem!!

His best?Not even close.
If you can honestly listen to this, then listen to _Damn the Torpedoes_ or _Hard Promises_ or _Southern Accents_ or _Long After Dark_ or even _Let Me Up_ and tell me that this holds a candle, I will still respect you -- but I will still beg to differ.

I recognize that I'm in the minority here, but Tom really did phone it in on this one.I will grant you that "Time To Move On," "Crawling Back To You," and even "You Wreck Me" are terrific songs, but three terrific songs does not a five-star album make.I would take one "Runaway Trains" over every song on this album combined, any day of the week.

A Tom de force
This album is an artistic triumph for Tom Petty - a zenith of his musical livelihood, and a tireless album that defies contemporary rock par by actually delivering a product worthy of one's record-listening time from beginning to end."Wildflowers" features a mellowed Petty, relaxing a bit after the garage-fueled energy that sprung from almost two decades worth of efforts such as the spirited "Damn the Torpedoes" (1979) or the pleasant, anthemic "Full Moon Fever" (1989).Here we see a Petty of vastly greater introspective reflection, considering a variety of topics that range from his usual underdog-fighting-for-his-piece attitude to melancholic ruminations upon his troubled marriage.

The title track is a simple, alluring number - the type of song Petty has nailed with consistency in the second half of his career (i.e. "Angel Dream," "Learning to Fly," etc.)."You Don't Know How it Feels" is the type of song only he can sing, driven by his light, inimitable voice and blithe persona, it becomes an instant radio classic and spirit-of-youth mainstay, like so many of his past singles.Songs like "Time to Move On," "Only a Broken Heart," and "To Find a Friend" are tranquil and mature recordings that feature an artist who has moved beyond the pomp and exhilaration of youthful rock-stardom and taken a careful, near-poetic/near-philosophic interest in his work.At the same time, however, "Honey Bee" and "Cabin Down Below" deliver the kind of stripped-down, grassroots rock-`n'-roll that has made Petty an endless provider of young-at-heart "hipness" and energy.This is to say nothing of "You Wreck Me," a brisk and dynamic track of quintessential Petty laughing-exuberance, and the complex orchestrations and almost detached guitar cool (vis-à-vis "Mary Jane's Last Dance") of "It's Good to be King."

Simply put, what "Wildflowers" does, perhaps better than any album since, is offer fifteen tracks that stand alone as endurable play-list singles, but attain a higher overall substratum of glittering assembly when taken as a whole.What Petty does here, as everywhere, is best described as visual music - the storytelling of an underdog in whose mind dreams come to life, and an album of that rare timeless capacity both mechanically and conceptually. ... Read more

Asin: B000002MUN
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Shadowland
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
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Editorial Review

Pulling out all the Nashville stops, k.d. lang's 1988 album is a meticulously crafted work, her bid for mainstream country acceptance, and an homage to her idol Patsy Cline. Surrounded by the brilliance of Owen Bradley's string-laced production and a host of legendary pickers (Buddy Emmons and Pete Wade) and singers (Kitty Wells, Brenda Lee, Loretta Lynn), lang's voice soars and moans like a dove. After the lush Chris Isaak-penned opener "Western Stars," lang follows with more-familiar country writers, from Roger Miller ("Lock, Stock and Teardrops") to Harlan Howard ("I'm Down to My Last Cigarette"). Both a commercial (the album went gold) and artistic success, Shadowland ranks as one of the best country records of the 1980s. --Roy Francis Kasten ... Read more

Reviews (16)

One top voice
Kd Lang is ,in my opinion,the best North American female voice of her time.But not all of her Cds are as satisfying as this one.This one shows the Nashville influenced side of Kathryn Dawn Lang as arrangedby Owen Bradley who also produced Patsy Cline.In songs like BLACK COFFEE,the title track and I WISH I DIDN'T LOVE YOU SO she passionately and contemporarily delivers tunes writtenway before her time.She sings DON'T LEt THE STARS...a 50's hit with
unique vigor and belts out the CHris ISaak penned WESTERN STARS so appropriately as the disk opener.It was the first Kd Cd I ever bought and what an introduction it was!

Updated country sounds from a powerhouse voice
You don't have to like country music to appreciate k.d. lang's extraordinary talent.Produced by country veteran Owen Bradley, this was arguably the recording that put her on the map, with Bradley's super-polished array of songs highlighting her crystal-clear instrument and winning her millions of new fans.Since this CD, she has ventured far and wide, but to many, this will be remembered as the project where it all began.

The title track sets the tone, tapping into country music's wells of melancholy, although Lang's demeanor, persona and voice can't really be put squarely in the country camp.Her influences are much broader, including contemporaries like Chris Isaak, whose suave "Western Stars" opens the disc. Throughout, lang mixes hardcore country -- check out the opening chorus in the lovely "I Wish I Didn't Love You So" -- with what might be characterized as "1940's lounge," and sounds glorious.She could be equally at home in a smoky night club or at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry.

By the time the stunning "Busy Being Blue" arrives, you may think you've never heard a voice like this.After a quiet introduction, the song builds until lang is completely engulfed in a rapturous, torchy wail.This is simply great singing, whatever genre.The final track, "Honky Tonk Angels," features Loretta Lynn and Kitty Wells, whose winsome, plaintive harmonies end the set on a sentimental high note.

The recorded sound is beautifully clear, fully capturing lang's huge cries as well as her quieter moments of lazy sensuality.From an artist who has done many fine recordings, this is one of her best, with influences new and old, and also one of the great recordings of the 1980's.

"Shadowland" & "Drag" are my favorite k.d. lang albums
I'm writing this because of how often we (I) hear music on the radio, like the band or artist, decide to buy an album, look them up, and discover there are 30 records.I flip through the reviews, mostly written by ardent fans, until I'm exhausted of the task.I buy one and maybe I don't like it; I buy another and maybe I don't like it either.Then I give up.

So... if you've heard a little k.d. lang, think you might like her and want to buy an album I'm writing to say that Shadowland and Drag are the two, of hers, that I like most.Not "Ingenue" which seems to be others' favorite (too boring) and not "Absolute Torch and Twang," in which, frankly I don't hear *absolute* torch nor twang the way I do in "Shadowland."

"Shadowland" has country music in its blood.Not bluegrass or Hank Williams country, and not recent-pop country.Lang has a style all her own."Waltz Me Once Again Around The Dance Floor" makes me want to, and "Tears Don't Care Who Cries Them," beautifully sweeping, makes me want k.d. not to be the one crying.

This album has some faster (not extremely fast) songs--in a country, guitar, groove way--and it has slower, sweet, and smart songs of love and love lost.My husband commented to me that it sounds a bit 1940's to him; I'd go along with that.

I wouldn't hesitate to start with "Shadowland" as an introduction.I give 4 stars rather than 5 because, to me, 5 isperfection.4 stars is the highest without eligibility for the Nobel Prize.Try out "Shadowland" if you're looking for some country-based music with a very female and surprisingly beautiful voice that is lush and interesting.k.d. lang has personality and her voice is truly quite lovely. ... Read more

Asin: B000002LE9
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Country    3. Alternative Country-Rock    4. Canada    5. Country    6. Pop   

Step Inside This House
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (22 September, 1998)
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Editorial Review

Lovett puts down his pen and applauds the work of fellow Texas songsmiths on this inviting dissection of his musical influences. Buttressed by the fluid work of acoustic pickers such as Jerry Douglas and Sam Bush, Lovett attaches his uptown drawl to the works of writers including Robert Earl Keen, Guy Clark, and Michael Martin Murphy as well as to a pair of Lone Star traditionals. Disc 2 is dedicated to two of Lovett's biggest mentors, Walter Hyatt and Townes Van Zandt. --Marc Greilsamer ... Read more

Reviews (81)

Non-country fans, take note...
This is one of the finest albums in my collection, let alone one of the finest collection of gritty, yet subtle country/folk you'll ever hear.I don't consider myself a fan of country, but I wouldn't necessarily call this country.This, to me, is quintessential American music.The two disc set has enough variety to please all ears and its sonic qualities are nearly flawless.It's a real treat on the ears.It also rips or lifts your heart.It's the rare album that evokes such a broad range of emotions.

Imagery is big, and I can't help but be drawn to some dusty West Texas town when I listen to this music.I paint such a vivid picture of the places in my mind.It's one of my favorite albums to listen to on late night drives.

Unbelievably ironic.
Lyle Lovett "paying tribute" to texas songwriters and artists is like Vanilla Ice paying tribute to Slick Rick.Its someone who doesn't have a real understanding making a weak and, frankly, annoying attempt to claim a place in a tradition by "paying tribute" to it.Its like the old saying: Cool don't advertise.No truly authentic blues, folk, or country artist ever "paid tribute" to their musical tradition with a concept album.They just created the music in their souls and let history be the judge.Like a lot of Lovett's pseudo country and folk, this is horribly self-conscious and light weight.Four songs with the name "Texas" in the title???A "Texas Trilogy"????Come on.Did Texas Alexander create a "Texas Trilogy"?More importantly did he sound like a forlorn and whiny rail-thin white man with an underbite when he sang?I think we all know the answer to that one.

Best Lovett CD
This is a wonderful collaboration with many different artists. It is a treasure, and a good introduction Lovett for those not familiar with his passion and music.

Best tracks are "Bears" and title track...many more good ones too.

Great job Lyle! ... Read more

Asin: B00000C2CO
Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Country    3. Pop    4. Singer/Songwriter   

Tidal
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 July, 1996)
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Editorial Review

Tidal is the debut album by Fiona Apple, a New York singer-songwriter-pianist who was 18 years old at the time of its 1996 release. Apple is obviously talented--she has a dark, smoky alto and a knack for an arresting turn of phrase--but she's still several years away from realizing her potential. For every fresh lyric she writes ("Daddy longlegs, I feel that I'm finally growing weary of waiting to be consumed by you"), she provides two examples of embarrassingly precious schoolgirl poetry ("Adagio breezes fill my skin with sudden red," from the same song, "The First Taste"). She also has yet to refine her moody piano chords into actual melodies, though "Shadowboxer" comes close. --Geoffrey Himes ... Read more

Reviews (273)

Tidal is Terrific
Fiona Apple is one of the best female artiss of the 90s. Her album has deep lyrics , smokey balads and amazing vocals.
She is an awesome singer ,talented pianist anda gifted songwriter

Sleep to Dream 5/5 This song has deep lyrics that talks about a relationship that was taken for granted

Sullen Girl3/5 It is a sad and powerful song about a depressed girl

Shadowboxer4/5 a smokey balad about a brake up

Criminal5/5Great song . Fiona's biggest hit ever

Slow like Hoey 4/5 Song about someone wanting you back but you dont want them back

The First Taste 3/5 Song about someone wanting someone back

Never is a Promise 5/5 This is a song about never promising someone back

The Child Is Gone 4/5 soft balad with misery

Pale September4/5 Beautifal Song and beautiful lyrics

Carrion 4/5 light song


THIS ALBUM IS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Beautiful And Astounding Debut
I was first compelled to explore the music of Fiona Apple after hearing the complications her third album "Extraordinary Machine" has had in getting released, due to her record company's refusal to put it into manufacture because of the lack of any 'radio material'. I for one was disgusted by this, and my disgust was confirmed even more when I finally bought this album. I always kind of knew that buying an album by Miss Apple would be a wise move, but I didn't know just how good...

Let's just get a few things straight; this album is absolutely f**king incredible. Nothing less than an alternative female rock masterpiece, and undoubtedly one of the greatest albums I've ever purchased. "Tidal" is its name, released in July 1996, when Fiona was a mere 19 years old. It was certified Gold in December of the same year, and has currently racked up US sales of 3 million. Apple possesses a raw yet smooth voice, which is rather smoky and jazzy. Her music is primarily rock but boasts hints of jazz and pop. Her songwriting is incredible, totally something else. She's quite the poet.

The album opens with the amazing "Sleep To Dream." The thumping beat that opens this song soon manifests into a raging and man-hating rock classic! Fiona's vocals here are amazing, and the song has great lyrics. "Sullen Girl" is one of the most amazing songs on the album. It's such a beautiful and tranquil song. It's a really brilliant break-up song, with visual lyrics such as "Calm under the waves in the blue of my oblivion." There's some very relaxing sounds swirling around in the background towards the end of this song, making it very memorable and a perfect song to relax to. Fiona is like a mermaid in this deep ocean of a song. "Shadowboxer" is a real grower, which I didn't really like much to begin with. After a few listens, though, I absolutely love it. This song is so powerful and moving, and it all comes from that amazing voice. Here, Fiona's vocals bellow all over the arrangement which works amazingly with the piano. The song tells the story of a destructive relationship, with almost a hint of physical abuse. This may not be the case, but the ambiguity adds furthermore to its intrigue.

"Criminal" is one of the songs that was released as a single from the album, and perhaps the most well-known. The song is an uptempo rocker with lyrics about how Fiona sees herself as a criminal because she toyed with a boy's emotions. It's a great song, but it's actually not one of my favourites from the album. "Slow Like Honey" is another beautiful and relaxing song, and the most Jazz-like song on the album. The piano creates this unusual atmosphere in the song as Fiona sings a Joni Mitchell-type classic. This song may take a while to really grab you, but once it does you'll be listening to it on repeat for hours. I just can't describe it anymore, but it's very surreal. "The First Taste" is the most experimental song on the album, and features a catchy piano riff that kicks in after the unforgettable line, "I do not struggle in your web, because it was my aim to get caught. But daddy longlegs, I feel that I'm finally growing weary of waiting to be consumed by you." One of the best parts of the song comes when Fiona sings, "Full is not heavy as empty, not nearly my love, not nearly my love, not nearly." Close your eyes at this point and you'll find yourself somewhere totally different. "Never Is A Promise" is probably the most beautiful song on the album and runs for almost six minutes. It's a slow and moving song that features little snippets that may last only a second or two, but which are so memorable that will be drawn back again and again. The lyrics are amazing, the most noticeable being ones such as "I realize what I am now too smart to mention - to you." What I love most about this song is the vocal style Fiona adopts; almost weary, lagging and tired of being hurt. Beautiful and astounding.

"The Child Is Gone" is a mid-tempo number with a swaying piano riff and some unusual lyrics. I'm not quite sure what this song is about, but I do like it. This album has 10 songs of pure genius, and while some are better than others, they're still all pretty damn good. "Pale September" is one of my favourites due to the amazing piano melody that Fiona incorporates into the song. It almost sounds like a lullaby, but rather ominous too; like something doesn't bode well for the future. The lyrics, however, contrast this; they're absolutely stunning. If you read the lyrics slowly and take in each word while Fiona sings them, you'll be transported - visually - to another place. "Carrion" is another great song, but probably my least favourite from the album. This is the last track on the album, and it closes the album in fine style. Fiona's vocals are very hushed, almost whispered, which creates an intimate setting between the listener and herself.

OVERALL GRADE: 10/10

Fiona Apple has only had two albums released to date, the aforementioned "Tidal" and its 1999 follow-up "When The Pawn..." I bought both albums at the same time, and actually liked the latter much more. Tidal took a while to grow on me, but after repeated listens I can't stop listening to it. It's really impossible for me at this stage to saw which album I like the best - that kind of answer can only be given, at least in my case, in about a year. What this album brings for me is beautiful melodies, gorgeous vocals, thought-provoking lyrics and just something different to my already alternative CD collection. Only ten songs on this album, I hear you cry? Fear not, because in the case of Fiona Apple, less is most definitely more.

Shes the next BIG THING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fiona apple is a very cool mystique presence.her voice is like a dark angel humming.She is depressed and boy does she have reasoning too.Her rape, numerous therapist visit plus her evry day normal angst!This cd is a platinum masterpiece!!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Asin: B000002BE9
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Ingénue
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (17 March, 1992)
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Editorial Review

The album on which she officially gave up on Nashville and began singing torchy, adult-contemporary pop, Ingenue has been referred to by lang as her "stalker" album for its emphasis on songs about desire and obsession.Despite such onerous implications, the album is a charmer, thanks to lang's sincerity and passion and the smoldering arrangements of songs such as "Constant Craving," "The Mind of Love" and "Still Thrives This Love." The album's somewhat dark spirits are tempered by the campy "Miss Chatelaine," which lang has often performed live to the accompaniment of a Lawrence Welk-style bubble machine. With Ingenue, you can do the same in the comfort of your own home. --Daniel Durchholz ... Read more

Reviews (38)

are you kidding me
nowadays you can buy this album for 25 cents off this site. unreal, not that i mind it in a way, because i want more people to hear this album. it blows my mind. so many more people would love it, did it come 13 years too late? i don't know, will i get my ass kicked for writing a review of her? possibly but i dont care, this album is redonkulous. my god, if you like music buy this.

Not a dud in the bunch
This is one of the most perfect albums I've ever come across. I'd put it in the same category as some of the great rock albums or R&B cuts.

For the first time in my life, I'm at a loss to say which song I like the best.Having listened to this over and over and over, I still find new things.

Wonderfully crafted and full of deep truth and soul-searching, this is a must for anyone who likes K.D.And even for those who don't.

If I had to pick, "Wash me Clean" and "Constant Craving" are probably going to be the ones most people warm to, but again, there's not a dud in the bunch.

A Wonderful CD
There are two modern cds that I find to be both dark and hauntingly beautiful. One is George Michael's "Listen Without Prejudice" album, and "Ingenue" is the other. At the time, I bought this cd strictly for the song "Constant Craving." Many times I'll buy an album because I like a song or two, and I hate the rest of it. This cd was just the opposite. I instantly loved almost every track and was really impressed with the songs. This is on my short-list of favorite albums, and I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Asin: B000002LSP
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Country    3. Canada    4. Neo-Traditionalist Country    5. Pop    6. Pop Vocals    7. Pop/Rock   

Hell Freezes Over
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (08 November, 1994)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $9.99
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Editorial Review

Indeed, there were many who thought that it would take an event as cataclysmic as the one described in the album title to get these seminal '70s soft-rockers back together. But here they are, revisiting some of their most beloved tunes as well as four new ones, on this mostly live, largely acoustic disc. Frey, Henley, Walsh, Schmit, and Felder tackle iconic Eagles standards like "Hotel California," "Tequila Sunrise," "Take It Easy," "Desperado," and "Life in the Fast Lane" and new tunes like "Get Over It" and "Love Will Keep Us Alive" with the smoothly cocky assurance that originally made them icons. --Scott Schinder ... Read more

Reviews (97)

A bit of a yawn
How many times do i hear their songs on the radio.Id rather sit outside and watch the grass grow than listen to this CD.
I was going to give it one star,but as i was falling to sleep after reading the track listing i accidently clicked 2 stars and was too tired to change it back.
The only song worth half a star is Hotel California.
Desperado is pure boring.
Oh man im going to have to finish writing this review before i doze off.

a superb eagles compilation
this is absolutely fantastic.i have had this compilation since 3 years and i absolutely love it.it contains my favourite song get over it and brilliant accoustic versions of hotel california,tequila sunrise and more.very highly recommended.five stars.an essential classic to own.

Phenomenal! Brought their '70s rock togrunge heavy 1994
I never thought that the Eagles would bring their '70s rock to 1994, when grunge bands dominated the charts and harder beats of rap were common. While I like those genres, I thought about the Eagles, since I remember songs like Hotel California.They sound in fine form in their acoustic versions of these hits.Don Henley and Glenn Frey and the underrated Timothy B. Schmitt sound superb in their lead singing.The other band members sounded good in their music sections.They do it exactly like it is on the records!Proof that they have their own stamp over their music. The three studio songs that they did in 1994 sound good, though Learn To Be Still sounds a little bland from them. Love Will Keep Us Alive, I still like a good 10-11 yrs. later! And I like the attitude laden, politically driven Get Over It! If it true that the band is recording a new album, it will be another classic and sell millions of CDs!But for a band to take a 14-year break and come back like this is unheard of.They won several awards with this album and toured again.They are one of the best American bands to still consistently perform today! ... Read more

Asin: B000000OU0
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Heart Shaped World
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (06 June, 1989)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

Chris Isaak managed to turn his videogenic visage and brooding masculinity to his advantage in a big way, becoming a sort of MTV-era cross between James Dean and Elvis. Heady stuff, but don't hate him because he's beautiful. In fact, Isaak had been plying his trademark latter-day rockabilly sound for some years before the inclusion of "Wicked Game" in the David Lynch film Wild at Heart jolted sales of Heart Shaped World. (But the stylish Herb Ritts video certainly didn't hurt, either.) Still, the album is a moody gem, featuring the pensive title track, the smoldering "Blue Spanish Sky," and, of course, "Wicked Game." If you still doubt Isaak's good intentions, though, check out the album's rockin' finale, a fine version of Bo Diddley's "Diddley Daddy." --Daniel Durchholz ... Read more

Reviews (33)

Piece of my heart.....
This album is so dedicated to you sweetie. i cannot believe i discovered it when i did and i listened to it for at least a year after you stopped talking to me. i don't think any other album has ever made me feel like this one did and still does.sometimes it reminds me of moments with you so vividly i almost cannot endure the heartbreak.we were once "kings of the highway" in a "heart shaped world", but then it was a "blue spanish sky" over my head, and i could not deny that "nothing's changed" sweetie."nothings changed".

Elvis has entered the building
Well not exactly.But hey! Sounds like a good title. Back to the review. Jokes later. If you are curious about Chris issack this is a good album to start with. Buy this one and take it from there.

Beautifully romantic
I first came across this album in the late 80s.

It was the guitar that caught my attention when I first heard it in a record shop, and it was the voice that closed the deal.

This used to be my "secret seduction tool" until everyone else found out about it. You know what I mean, the sort of album you'd put on when you got home with that special friend you had just met a few hours ago. Just put on "heart shaped world" and shift into auto-pilot whileChris and his buddies did the seduction for you.

In a way I'm sad that "heart shaped world" has become so well known.Well known albums get dismissed as acoustic wall paper because they recieve so much airplay.

Despite "Heart shaped world's"public acceptance, it is still a romantic classic.Beautiful sounds and lovely words.

Don't dismiss Chris Issac as just another country and western pretty boy.Chris's music has real heart without being cheesy and the sounds that back him are perfect.

Beautifully romantic music. ... Read more

Asin: B000002LGI
Subjects:  1. College Rock    2. Guitar    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Rock    6. Roots Rock    7. United States of America    8. Vocals   

Garbage
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 August, 1995)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

Cool, calculating, and Euro-trashy in the grand tradition of Roxy Music and the Eurythmics. --Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Reviews (207)

Pour your misery down on me...
Garbage's self titled debut is an alternative/pop album that you do not want to turn away from. No, this is no Britney Spears pop this is deep and meaningful pop music with an alternative edge. Garbage's lead singer is a Scottish supervixen from Scotland with enough vocal power to blow today's pop wannabes' out of the water.

On "Only Happy..." Shirley questions why in rock you can only be happy when you are depressed (referring to the grunge movement of the early 90s). This is probably the stand-out track.

Other great songs include "Stupid Girl", "As Heaven Is Wide", "Vow" and "Dog New Tricks".

Only Happy When I Listen to Garbage!
Garbage's debut starts with a track which I at first thought was broken. "Supervixen" is one of the best "punk pop" songs ever. "Queer" and "Only Happy When It Rains" are good and depressing songs. "Only Happy..." was the first song I heard from Garbage. "As Heaven" is quite heavy lyrically. "Not My Idea" includes a great guitar riff. The rest of the songs are not so punky, a little bit easier than the first ones. "Stupid Girl", "My Lover's Box", and the ballad "Milk" demonstrate the good sides of Garbage. Also "Vow" is great. There is some group songs that at the beginning didn't turn me on...Fix Me Now, Dog New Tricks, A Stroke of Luck although the lyrics are great and Shirley Manson's voice is great. Nowadays I like those songs. I think this is a kind of great debut!
Stars: Only Happy When It Rains, Stupid Girl, Supervixen, Not My Idea

it was ok
this cd was just that...ok.i like garbage,but this was not the best.the only song really standing out is only happy when it rains.so...if ur a huge garbage fan or u like pop buy this.if ur expecting their great new single why do u love me,dont. ... Read more

Asin: B000001OAA
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Rage for Order
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $16.98
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Editorial Review

Queensryche's third album shows an increasing musical maturity that would come to full bloom in the subsequent Operation: Mindcrime. The material is more complex, blurring the line between progressive rock and heavy metal. Though some of the songs sound dated and a little overwrought, this can be forgiven given when Rage was recorded. And there is some great stuff here: you won't hear "Gonna Get Close to You", "Chemical Youth", "I Will Remember", or "Screaming in Digital" on the radio, but they're definitely worth listening to. As to the band photos on the back of the CD, just remember that there was a time when that look was cool. -- Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Reviews (39)

An Oldtime Favorite of Mine
Man, the memories I have of this, I used to be the biggest Rychian back in the day. I kid you not, one of my first usernames was Queensryche1. This album was way, WAY ahead of it's time in my books, and yes, they were definitely in an experimental stage when they released it, blurring the lines between progressive rock and heavy metal, it shows their artistical prowess and lyrical power as a whole.

I feel that while this album was certainly not of Operation: Mindcrime status, it definitely deserves props for being ahead of it's time, and ahead of the game. Some of the best songs on this album are "Walk In The Shadows", "The Whisper" and "Neue Regel". Trust me, go out and purchase this album, you won't regret it one bit. :)

Don't miss it
With this work Q have broken the schemes and entered a new field where "metallized" and cold sounds rule. It's not easy to assimilate it, but once you've done it you'll appreciate this masterpiece.

The development of the album is intense, loaded with rage, emotions,desperation, hope: guitars seem to produce such unreal metallicsounds; Geoff's voice is desperate and sharp like a blade and the other players follow the same way.

I find it difficult to listen to it very often. I need time before I'm still able and willing to put the Cd into my home or car player and enjoy it again. I know it's strange: normally, the more you like a song or an album the more you play it. In this case it's quite the opposite. And every time I do that I discover something new, something I could have missed before ( and I bought this album as soon as it was on the market !!).

Wow. Just...wow
Queensryche: How do I love thee? Let me count the ways: 1) "Operation: Mindcrime" 2) "Empire" 3) "Rage for Order." "Rage" shows what Queensryche is all about. "Rage" shows Queensryche's defiance of normality in rock bands. "Rage" shows just how kick-[butt] these guys can be.

Let's get one thing straight. "Rage" isn't just a good 'Ryche album, it's a good ANY album. It has some of the greatest songs ever on it: "Walk in the Shadows," "Surgical Strike," and "Chemical Youth (We Are Rebellion)." Okay, maybe saying that those are the greatest songs EVER is overstating things. But they are undeniably good, at the least.

So many of the songs on this album are underrated or ignored, and they shouldn't be. I haven't heard many other reviewers talking about songs such as "The Whisper" or "I Dream in Infrared," both of which are incredible songs. The truth is, the whole CD is amazing. Not a single song on the album is skip-over material.

As others have already mentioned, the songs "Gonna Get Close to You" and "Screaming In Digital" are definately chilling.

In the end though, this album is far from "Mindcrime." It just doesn't live up to their greatest album. I don't know why. Maybe it's because this isn't what I expected, exactly, or maybe it's because the songs lack the substance that those on "Mindcrime" gave me. Or maybe it's because I'm always thinking that 'Ryche is telling a story on this album, like they do on "Mindcrime," and the story that's not there isn't making sense. But anyway...

For the newcomers to Queensryche, a few words of wisdom. Don't judge Queensryche by this album. This is them at their most experimental stage, and I think that it's mainly the fans that will get the most out of this album.

This DOES deserve 5 stars, regardless. And 5 stars, it will receive. ... Read more

Asin: B000002U9T
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Hard Rock    3. Heavy Metal    4. Pop    5. Progressive Metal    6. Rock   

Collected Works
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (05 January, 1990)
list price: $47.98
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Editorial Review

Simon & Garfunkel recorded only five albums of studio material during their reign in the 1960s. Pop perfectionists, increasingly they sculpted records with extensive arrangements that made songs like "The Boxer," "The Dangling Conversation," and "America" more than mere pop songs, but compositions submerged in the delicacy of the art song. This collection is everything from those five albums, from the earnest early folk to the folk-rock that spawned their initial success ("The Sound of Silence") to the layered, methodical approach of their complex later work ("Bridge over Troubled Water"). The duo recorded music among the most successful of its era. No extra tracks were included. --Rob O'Connor ... Read more

Reviews (16)

YES--This is what I Like to See on a Compilation
Are you a big S&G fan? I know I am...an hugely avid one in fact. Well then my advice to you is NOT to buy some silly compilation with only the big hits and a few "unreleased extras " *cough-oldfriendsboxset-cough*. This is a great resource, a good solid 3-disc set with ALL FIVE complete S&G albums. Think of it as a CONSOLIDATION of all three in a more affordable format. (It's also great if you have all their albums on your old LPs and you want to switch over to CD but not break the proverbial bank.) Obviously, this set contains all the hits, as well as all the album tunes, many of which are dazzlingly unappreciated. The best part of this set is that it includes the least-known album "Wednesday Morning 3AM," which is a beautifully simple, accoustic, and earnest album. (Without being painfully earnest--it's great music too!) SO, if you're looking for the definitve S&G resource, start here with this set of ALL the ALBUMS. Maybe later someone will give you some "unreleased stuff" for your birthday or something if you really pine for it.

Best collection of S & G ever!
I listen to these CDs more than enything else I own.After September 11th, I craved the mellow sounds that only they can provide.

Excelente Recopilación
Para todos aquellos que disfrutan de la música de Simon & Garfunkel recomiendo estos 3 CD's en donde se puede encontrar una cuidada recopilación de sus más famosas obras, practicamente me animaría a decir que no faltan en ellos cualquiera de las melodías que se nos presenten en nuestra mente de este maravilloso grupo. Además viene con un libro completo en el que podremos leer las letras de todas las canciones. Si uno quisiera poseer una presentación que reuna lo mejor, no lo piense más, esta será su elección. ... Read more

Asin: B0000026VB
Subjects:  1. Folk-Pop    2. Folk-Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Singer/Songwriter   

Under the Pink
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 February, 1994)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

Under the Pink was Tori Amos' follow-up to the sensationally successful Little Earthquakes and demonstrates that she had by no means run out of faeries and demons to sport with. Amos herself describes it as her "impressionistic" album--her piano playing is perfectly attuned to the subtle, shifting colors of her lyrical moods on "Bells for Her," while "Past the Mission" indicates her growing use of distinctive arrangements to illustrate her songs. Highlights include "God," in which Amos demonstrates her often-missed humor, openly taunting the Almighty for his indifference to humanity, asking "Do you need a woman to look after you?" --David Stubbs ... Read more

Reviews (177)

You bet your life it is....
Pretty good album by the great Tori Amos. I've been a fan for years - I grew up with her - yet UNDER THE PINK is one of the last albums I bought to complete my collection. What a pleasant surprise ! I know this album spawned the everlasting and haunting "Cornflake Girl", but so many overlooked songs came from that very same place. "Past the Mission" - Lyrical, Beautiful. One of those Tori songs where the lyrics are hard to decipher, allowing an enormous free space for personal interpretation. I cannot live without the heartbreaking "Pretty Good Year". A song which always makes everything bad in your life seem fine.

Overall, this is quintessential Tori Amos. A giant step away from LITTLE EARTHQUAKES, and already sending smoke signals of the heavy BOYS FOR PELE and FROM THE CHORIGIRL HOTEL to come.

Tori has me under her spell.
I'm a fairly new fan of Tori's and there isn't much of her work that I can give less than five stars to.She is a remarkable artist and this album shows more of what she's capable of.It's really hard for Tori to do wrong.My favorite track on here is God, it's one of the most noteable as well.

Tori Amos - Under the Pink (1994)
Pretty Good Year - 10/10
God - 10/10
Bells for Her - 10/10
Past the Mission - 10/10
Baker Baker - 10/10
The Wrong Band - 9/10
The Waitress - 10/10
Cornflake Girl - 10/10
Icicle - 9/10
Cloud on My Tongue - 8/10
Space Dog - 10/10
Yes, Anastasia - 10/10

116/120

My Top 5...
1) Pretty Good Year
2) Bells for Her
3) Yes, Anastasia
4) Baker Baker
5) The Waitress ... Read more

Asin: B000002IXU
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Boys for Pele
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 January, 1996)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

Boys for Pele, the title of Tori Amos's epic third album, is as awkward and confusing as the music inside. Though it sounds like a recruitment slogan for Little League soccer, the name actually refers to the lost temples of feminine divinity. Pele, you see, is the Hawaiian volcano goddess; the boys, well, they're the sacrifices that quell the rumbling lady's rage. Attempting to regain fires stolen long ago, Pele rewrites the crucifixion to star a girl Jesus and in doing so conjures a forgotten matriarchal mythology. While Amos's characters--Jupiter, Muhammad, Lucifer--are male by name, the aural landscape into which they're thrown is as symbolically and expressionistically female as Georgia O'Keeffe's skull-and-roses paintings.Pele is a complex and formless--and often impenetrable--work of gothic-pop chamber music, both beautiful and ghostly in its nearly complete reliance on Amos's rolling Bosendorfer grand piano, chilling harpsichord (which she bangs like a courtly punk rocker), and acrobatic voice (as earthy as Joni Mitchell's and as otherworldly as Bjork's). Unfortunately, she takes us only halfway: her songs engage and challenge us to understand, but the imagery offers few clues to help us crack their frustrating opacity. Pele ends up as much a pretentious and self-indulgent trip as it is a synthesis of talent, imagination, and skewed vision. Still, there's reason to celebrate that an album as formalistically and thematically alien to pop audiences as Pele would win such quick success upon its original release. --Roni Sarig ... Read more

Reviews (308)

Favorite Tori Album
I love Little Earthquakes (I like these songs live, though). But I love BFP. What a masterpiece. I love all of the anger and passion. I just feel it. She is so amazing. This was the very first Tori album I bought, and of course did the usual back cataloging and now have the entire library. Even though there is a lot to take in, you eventually get something new with each listen. I learned a lot about Tori through this album. Though I am a guy, I relate to her anger in this album. This is the most raw Tori album, and because of the no holds barred, this is one of the best albums ever made by any artist. (yes, there is a bias). But, I love Tori, and if you are new to her music, just go ahead and start from the beginning, but you will need to listen to this album MANY times to really get it. Trust me, you will get it and you will love it!

got me hooked!
Boys for Pele is my favorite record of all time! I had both Tori records beofe this one but this one got me hooked and this was also the year I got to witness Tori live and the rest is history. it's been about 9 years since this album came out???!!!! the songs on this record are quite timeless cause they are still with me. Blood Roses was always a stand out track for me. and ofcourse they are so many Tori Classics and fan favorites on this cd! forget the greatist hits record just start here! I still put a smile on my face when I hear songs like Horses, Not the Red baron, Caught a lite sneeze. and some songs I didn't love when I first got the cd like Putting the Damage on. I guess this review is pretty much pointless cause I could never tell you how much this album really means to me in words.

I guess I'm way beyond the pale..
I admit, this album took me a little time to warm up to..but this is such a beautiful piece of work.Some of the highlights are Caught A Lite Sneeze and Doughnut Song.This is another must own CD of Tori's. ... Read more

Asin: B000002J88
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock