Editorial Review

Texas quintet Blue October has bounced from Houston-based indie darlings to the majors and back twice since their '98 bow. Yet there's little sense they've compromised much of their eclectic, creatively restless ethos in the bargain on this, their fourth studio album (and second major label stint). In the hands of less ambitious musicians, the personally harrowing, perfectly crafted "Hate Me" would have become template for the entire collection; here it's but the most commercially focused of band leader Justin Furstenfeld's eclectic musical obsessions. His taste for early '80s UK New Wave evinces itself in a fondness for lyrical shadows and fleeting sonic echoes of Richard Butler's P-Furs and Peter Gabriel. But it's in the collection's quieter, more reflective songs ("Let It Go" and "Congratulations" turn on Ryan Delahousaye's signature violin phrases; "X Amount of Words" effortlessly morphs through several intriguing techno conceits; "18th Floor Balcony" bristles with an almost neo-classical elegance) where Blue October sets itself a cut above its post-grunge contenders. Read more

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Reviews (68)

Staind meets Paul Simon
Well, everyone is reminded of 80's new wave . . . hmmmmm. I actually find a kinship between Blue October and Simon and Garfunkel. Blue October's acoustic efforts like "18th Floor Balcony" remind me of the work of Paul Simon. Also, the overlapping harmonies on "Into the Ocean". . . very much like the stylings of Simon and Garfunkel. Likewise, the magnificent lyrics and personal introspection in the songs. "Hate Me" is a masterpiece as it remains commercially successful while not betraying the essence of the band. I found only one song on the album to be strangely out of place and that is "Drilled a Wire through My Cheek". It was a bit loud and angsty . . . reminded me too much of Staind. Great album.

Blue October = well done Peter Gabriel clone band
This is a well composed CD and a remarkable band.I had never heard of them until recently (Sept 2006) on the radio.
defies classification
Ok, like millions of other music fans, I heard "Hate Me" and "loved it". So I went out and bought the CD, and was pleasantly surprised and impressed. It's a great album! I'm surprised this band isn't way more popular. This is one of those CDs which could easily spawn many singles-there are some really great, catchy tunes here. There is something for everyone: some of the songs are harder than others, others are more pop, but they are all really quite good. Highly recommended! ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

15+ years after their winsome indie debut, Canada's Barenaked Ladies come full circle here, dropping off the major label merry-go-round to re-embrace a DYI sensibility with typically breezy aplomb. But, as this collection's strong songs and crisp production attest, that hardly means the band didn't learn a thing or three during its successful tenure in the majors. The gorgeous melancholy of "Adrift" is apt preamble to a collection that's more thematically balanced and graced by an expansive sense of artistic democracy. While mainstays Steven Page and Ed Robertson contribute such patently torqued, BNL-mirthful fare as "Bank Job," "Bull in a China Shop," "Rule the World With Love" and "Wind It Up," there's a growing maturity and sense of reflection in their work as well, as evidenced by Page confessing his own emotional disconnection via the evocative, banjo-accordion lament "Everything Had Changed." But it's the strong, equally literate contributions of fellow band members Jim Creeggan ("Peterborough & the Kawathas") and Kevin Hearn ("Sound of Your Voice," "Vanishing") that truly expand BNL's horizons at a career juncture when many bands are all too happy to rest on their laurels or hew religiously to the formula that garnered them. Read more

Reviews (33)

A Downer
I love BNL but found this album very disappointing.The tagline for the CD was that it is their best work since "Stunt".If you liked the upbeat "Stunt", you probably will NOT care much for this CD.Very melancholy.

The other CD is better!
There is another CD of this same album with 14 more bonus tracks giving the CD 27 tracks.About 17 of those are quality tracks with some of the better ones in the bonus group. You can ck it out at Rapsody. JT

Great CD, might even be their best
I have been listening to the Barenaked Ladies since I was [...]and have loved almost everything they have done. Although at first I was not a huge fan of Everything to Everyone I grew to like it a lot, but they were still great because of the old stuff and they are an excellent live band. I am glad I didn't give up on them! Barenaked Ladies Are Me is unbelievable and it might be their best album ever! I have listened to it about ten times now and I like it more everyday. It is definitely their most emotional album since Born on a Pirate Ship. "Home" is one of the best songs they have ever written and is up there with "Call and Answer" and "Break Your Heart" in terms of emotional power. "Adrift","Sound of Your Voice", "Bull in a China Shop" and "Everything Had Changed" are great. The last one even brought me memories of Elliott Smith R.I.P. It was also great to see Jim and Kevin get into the action since they are horribly under utilized. Maybe next time around we can even get a Tyler solo, haha. Anyway, buy this album it is great and go out and see them live if you can, because they are amazing! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Canada    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Smothered by the indulgence of his rock star ranking, Jack White steps into the eccentricities of the supergroup, and at first glance, this seems to be a band where White's imposing presence could overshadow the rest. Not the case with these Raconteurs. Teaming with fellow Detroit songwriter Brendan Benson and Jack Lawrence and Patrick Keeler, the rhythm section from Cincinnati band the Greenhornes, White exhales a bit, deferring enough to his mates to make Read more

Reviews (90)

A must-have!! Two thumbs up!
THIS is a great album!! I've always been a nominal fan of The White Stripes, but I heard "Steady As She Goes" and it just stuck in my head and I knew I had to buy this CD, and what a great investment it was. I would highly recommend it. The White Stripes are great, but I can only take them in small doses, if you know what I mean. The Raconteurs are different. I can listen to this entire CD over and over.

wow!
I came to Amazon awhile back and listened to a couple of tracks, didn't think much of it.A few weeks later, I had some extra cash and decided to buy it, as I love The White Stripes.From the first listen I was blown away. I had heard "Steady as She Goes" on the radio, but the rest of the cd lives up to that song, and surpasses it.Loved the vocals on "Hands," the Middle Eastern flair on "Broken Boy Soldiers," and the silliness of "Intimate Secretary."The rest of the songs are solid, with "Blue Veins" being one of Jack White's best songs ever.Don't know if this is a one and done thing, hopefully not!Saw an interview with Jack and Meg on the Charlie Rose Show, and this guy is for real.What he did with Loretta Lynn was amazing, and I'll buy pretty much anything in the future from him.

*****WOW*****
Wow, this is one of the best cd's I have heard in years, not a bad track on here! There are elements of great bands (Zeppelin, Beatles) here but with a modern edge that makes this effort sound almost experimental.Check out Broken Boy Soldiers and Blue Veins, freakin' amazing!The beat on the title track is driving, raw and practically primal.Blue Veins is bluesy with a provocative edge.Run, don't walk to your favorite music store and buy this!Be warned, tho, this cd has teeth, once they sink into you, it won't let go. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Garage Rock Revival    3. Indie Rock    4. Pop    5. Pop Underground    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

On its self-titled 2002 debut, OK Go nailed the two things every decent power-pop band needs--deadly looks and deadly hooks--to deliver the knock-out hit "Get Over It." Its follow up, produced by Tore Johansson (Franz Ferdinand, the Cardigans) and recorded in Malmöö, Sweden, offers more of the same. Much more. The Chicago quartet can't seem to move through its record collection fast enough, piling on the Beach Boys harmonies, Cars synthesizer squelches and Queen-inspired fanfare on breakneck songs like "Here It Goes Again" and "Crash The Party." Without any pauses for breath or quiet contemplation, it's frankly almost too much to take in one sitting. Then again, it can't be easy trying to cram the entire history of pop in just under an hour. Read more

Reviews (92)

OK GO is the best new thing
Let me get straight to the point: OK GO's Oh No is the best album I have ever owned in my life. Yes, this is a very bold statement, and no, this isn't the only album I've ever bought, but after listening to the album about 50+ times, I still stand by this claim.
Oh ...
While OK Go still is a little to concerned with their fashion and try a little too hard, they have managed to produces a fairly satifying album that was much better than their first (nothing was as good as Get Over It though).
Not terribly innovative, but fun nevertheless
If you feel they sound familiar, they do. OK Go may be the "most recent" revival bands to hit the airwaves (think Franz Ferdinand). However, they've managed to reach pseudo-cult status thanks to their fun videos. If you can, check them out on YouTube: you will have a good laugh! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Indie Rock    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Rock/Pop    5. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Craig Finn loves books and bars. It's not just that he pinched the title of he Hold Steady's third album from the ultimate manual for boozehounds, Jack Kerouac's "On the Road" ("Boys and Girls in America have such a sad time together"), but that every leery line of every song is crammed with the wayward poetry and passion of someone who is more familiar with the bottom of a whiskey glass than the sun. Thanks to his raucous Brooklyn band, his music--louder than its predecessors this time, with a few more ballads--also happens to make a great soundtrack for an all-night bender where broken-hearts and broken bottles become one.Read more

Reviews (10)

nauseating
if i could give this music negative stars i would. no kidding i got nauseous listening to this band. i seriously was on the verge of losing my lunch as one song led into the next and i headed straight to the bathroom after being tortured by them all. a hard-to-believe reaction, i know -- i was wondering myself how it was possible to get physically sickened by a cd, but then i figured it out: it just goes in circles and circles and circles and circles and circles and circles and circles. HOLD STEADY? i WISH! it's TORTUROUS. on top of having a boring-as-hell voice, vocally this guy "sings" the SAME 2 or 3-note "melodies" for every song. wtf? + musicwise it's the same level of Abysmally Boring and Uninventive -- and let me repeat -- CIRCLES. the "band" does the exactly the same "music" for EVERY song. how can anyone say good things about these guys??? bravo to the other two reviewers who gave them one star. i'm happy to see that at least two people in the world have ears. it's astounding to me that crap like this gets recorded. even more astounding that crap like this generates fans.

Good for Hold Steady beginners
Okay, I didn't really care for Hold Steady's previous album, "Separation Sundays."It had great lyrics, but the musical side was lackluster and the lyrics, though the saving grace, were often hard to decipher."Boys and Girls in America" is, however, excellent.The lyrics maintain the same quality, and the musical end has improved drastically.If you've heard a little of the Hold Steady and don't get the appeal, check out this album.Or, if you're looking for a jump-off point, this is it.If you like this album, then you should look into "Separation Sundays," but I would advise going with this one first.

It's always entertaining....
Being an Eastsider a stone's throw from Sweet Payne Ave., I am once again thrilled to know solidarity with a (at one time local) band that makes room for a lot of life in their music--not just romantic idealism and not just defeatist nihilism--they tend to capture pieces of life's dialectic nature, which is nice, nice: Hope/Despair, Progress/Setback, Connection/Isolation--life that always ends in death, but death that has at least lost its sting.The Hold Steady continue to be who they are, you may or may not like them, but it is hard to judge or dismiss something this unapologetically unique.The more you demand likeability from music the less you'll probably like The Holdsteady--not because they aren't likeable, but because you'd be missing the point.This album is good alone and better when put in its narrative context (following Almost Killed Me and Sep. Sunday).I was pleased to get an update on the messed up teenage lives of Holly et al.And was especially glad to hear something resembling a ballad or two (First Night, Citrus, Arms and Hearts), Crucifixion Cruise got me wanting more of that.If you're not into or can't meet the demands of the recorded poetic/talk lyrics of an Ivy League grad, then I beseech you to see The Hold Steady in concert--I've been three times and can testify that what might be lacking in a snapshot recording is made up in the storytelling energy of the moment--stories are meant to be told not recorded after all. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Indie Rock    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Rock/Pop    5. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Since not liking the Scissor Sisters is tantamount to not liking fun, let's just assume that everyone already adores this band and go on from there, OK? The Sisters' hotly anticipated second full-length feel like a streamlined continuation of their debut. It's hard to imagine no one had ever called an album Read more

Reviews (25)

An ecclectic, thoroughly entertaining record
I first heard the Scissor Sisters' music when a friend of mine played me a couple videos of theirs.At first, I thought it was Fleetwood Mac (please note, I was listening and not paying any attention to the actual video).When I heard it was a relatively new band, one with such a distinctively retro sound, I immediately became interested.
The best CD I've bought in years
So rarely do I buy a CD that I find myself listening to over and over again without getting sick of it. This is the first CD in many years I've been able to play repeatedly, loving it more each time I hear it.
Good, Though Not As Good as their debut; 3.5 Stars
After making both one of the most hailed and one of the most controversial albums of 2004, Scissor Sisters had to find a new path for their much anticipated sophomore album TA-DAH. You have to feel some sympathy for the quirky band considering how do you supercede or surpass a gay concept album the quality of SCISSOR SISTERS.Sure TA-DAH once again affirms the sexuality of the majority of the band through glamorous pop things, but it is nowhere near the level of SCISSOR SISTERS.With that said, TA-DAH is consistent and nearly as good as SCISSOR SISTERS, though it isn't as exciting.Here you don't have the "gay-concept" think as heavily as ingrained as the debut and the listener must rely on the pop, dance, electronic arrangements more as opposed to the lyrics such as "t*ts on the radio" or "I left My heart in San Francisco/ at a motherf**king disco".While there may be no hit the size of "Take Your Mam", the Sisters have definitely still got it, if not to the same exciting level as they did before.
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Subjects:  1. Club/Dance    2. Pop    3. Pop/Rock    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop    6. United States of America   

Editorial Review

If U2 hadn't already released a pair of career retrospective discs, this British trio's second album would neatly do the trick in one. Not much of a surprise since Keane spent a good deal of time supporting Bono and company following the release their breakthrough debut, Read more

Reviews (140)

Outstanding Musicians
As a person who LOVED Hopes and Fears, I didn't think they could do any better. I'm extremely pleased to say that I was wrong. This is the best album I've heard in years. It is complete from the first song to the last. I just love the fact that it's so different from what is out there (I don't own any coldplay or U2 albums so I can't say if they're similar). The lowest rating I would give any song is 8.5/10. Almost every song gets a 10/10. This album gives me goosebumps it's so good.

WOW!
It is perhaps true that you don't like this album like Hopes and Fears in the first hearing, but, man ITIS SO MUCH BETTER THAN HOPES AND FEARS!! The frog prince, Crystall ball and Leaving so soon? are songs to make any band proud of their efforts. Tom Chaplin's vocals in The frog prince are simply awesome. There aren't many singers today that can sustain the chorus (Inherit the earth/ while your prince's crown) at such a high note. The music also is much better and varied than Hopes and Fears, where the songs were much similar from one to another (Listen to the intros of Somewhere only we know, Bend and break and Everybody's changing, for instance). Maybe, simply, I like the new darker and at times eerie sound of Under the Iron Sea more than its predecessor. After considering (and I still do) Hopes and Fears a five star album, I'd rate this one higher, if I could. I do really love this CD.

Mediocre
This is not truly a step down from their last album. (I still believe it is above Coldplay.) But this album is too smooth.There are just too many weak clichés and earnest heartfelt vocals.There is nothing original here and the band lacks any real substance.That being said this is a very tolerable album and is not trash and while the other album was not great, not a single song on this album matches "Your Eyes Open" from their last."Is It Any Wonder?" is a little edgy but it feels extremely commercial as it gets old after several listens.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Britpop    3. England    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

For a man who gets his biggest kicks surfing the waves and strumming his guitar on a lonely beach in native Hawaii, singer-songwriter Jack Johnson has carved out quite a remarkable career on the mainland. His 2003 album, Read more

Reviews (352)

I love Jack Johnson
Do any other bro's love Jack Johnson as much as I do? Sometimes I chill with my bros and we listen to it together.It gets you so pumped.
I like this one a lot
Although Flake will probably always be my favorite song of his this is my favorite album.

Boring and repetitive
This guy gets two stars since he is one step above a street performer.His music is a bad resurrection of old-style Blues from the South.He gets more popularity he deserves, but thats true for most mainstream artists of the 2000's. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. College Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop    6. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

Barely out of high school when signed as the first act for Powered By Ramen's new Decaydance imprint, guitarist Ryan Ross and drummer Spencer Smith of Panic! at the Disco had previously cut their musical teeth in a local Las Vegas Blink 182 cover band. It's that familiar, contempo-punk-pop sensibility, bolstered by the amped-up emo-core ambitions of singer Brendan Urie (typified by the snarky gem "The Only Difference Between Martyrdom and Suicide is Press Coverage") that dominates the opening tracks of the album. It's a shrewd hook, one the band steadily expands -- sonically and lyrically -- thereafter. The nervous energy of "London Beckoned Songs About Money Written By Machines" is set off by sonic embroidery that's sounds as intriguing as the vocoder shtick of "Nails For Breakfast..." does dated. Yet "Camisado" quickly shakes up Supertramp's prog-pomp with a double-shot of modern punk-pop smarts, an alchemy the band and producer Mint Squire performs with similarly inventive, genre-blurring ambition (complete with a quasi-Grand Guignol "Intermission" nearly worthy of Queen) on "Lying is the Most Fun..." and such standouts as "But Its Better If You Do" and the arch delight "Build God, Then We'll Talk." Too many young bands are content slaves to fashion; this one has forged a promising debut by shrewdly taking fashion hostage, then standing it firmly on its head. Read more

Reviews (322)

Very Good CD
I personally love this CD. It is a mix of rock and tech in a sense, and is different from other things that I've heard. My favorite songs from it were "The Only Difference Between Martyrdom and Suicide is Press Coverage", "Nails for Breakfast, Tacks for Snacks", "Time to Dance", "Camisado", and "There's a Good REason Why These Tables are Numbered Honey, You Just Haven't Thought of it Yet".
Awesome!
This was awesome. My favorite songs were It's Time To Dance, Camisado, But It's Better If You Do, Build God Then We'll Talk, but my number one favorite song was I Constantly Thank God...
Eh.
When the video for "I Write Sins, Not Tragedies" came out, I never bothered to watch it or listen to the song. When "But It's Better If You Do"'s video was released, it just seemed to pop up on almost every music station. I listened to it once or twice, thinking it's not that great. Suddenly, one day, (mind you, my friends had the album already) I was in love. I borrowed it from one of them and I'd been listening to it for about 2 days tops. Final opinion:
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Subjects:  1. Emo    2. Pop    3. Punk Revival    4. Punk-Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Let's see...a rap artist is hyped insufferably, his music is leaked incessantly, his album is delayed indefinitely, the hype grows, rinse, repeat. Welcome to the world of pop music in 2006, when "unauthorized" Internet seepage can somehow manage to simultaneously make and break an aspiring young performer. Lupe Fiasco's unfinished debut CD was slathered all over the Web for months, like some sort of Lonelygirl15, before finally seeing the legitimate light of day. That said, the Chicago-bred rapper, who rose to prominence thanks to his "Touch the Sky" collab with Kanye West, is hardly a slouch. His skittering, low-key rapping style is truly distinctive, and his lyrics are mostly thoughtful and creative without being heavy-handed. Despite frequent comparisons to "thinking man's rappers" from Tribe and De La Soul to Nas, the most apt comparison might be to Kanye West himself: Like West, Fiasco rises above the trappings of the street without sounding condescending or out of touch, and his sound has the same "timeless" quality--partly old-school, partly of the moment. Yet somehow, Read more

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Reviews (57)

A REALLY REALLY!!! good album
I'd first heard of Lupe Fiasco on a track off of Kanye West's album "Late Registration" called "Touch The Sky" i said to myself man this guys good. As 2006 rolls around I kept hearing his first single "Kick,Push" on the radio I knew I had to get this cd when it came out. When I opened it and first played it in my truck OH MAN it was like opening your first present on christmas day. I couldn't stop playing it from "Real" to "The Emporer's Soundtrack" and the track that makes you think of the special girl in your life "Daydreamin" featuring Jill Scott, this is album you should DEFIANTLY add to your collection.

Might be the best album of the '06!
I picked up this album just 2 try something different 4 a change. There hasn't been 2 much good rap/hip-hop lately, but I spoke 2 soon because this album is definitely a classic. Name a rap/hip-hop album u can play from beginning 2 end, there aren't many. This dude is on some other s***, I really was surprised how great this album was. Anytime Jay-Z is backin' u, it is some magic there and Lupe Fiasco opened another door for people who listen 2 rap/hip-hop and others who don't. If u can't feel this joint, something is seriously wrong with u. The only album that may top this is Jay-Z's new joint and Luda's joint wasn't 2 bad either.

the return of "happy rap" for the kids, but with dark undertones
As interesting and clever as Lupe Fiasco is, I have to say, don't believe the hype.What we have here is the return of "happy rap," similar to the Fresh Prince, early De La Soul, and the other middle class rappers that basically influenced Kanye West (who put on this kid).As evidenced by the other posted reviews, Lupe shows that "happy rap" is effective in crossing over and appealing to white kids (and kiddies) and even rock fans. Many of his songs, with their pop rock structures, even sound like rock, especially "Instrumental."Lupe actually sounds a lot like The Future Sound (not of London), a two man crew from New York who had an album back in 1992 called "The Whole Shabang, Vol. 1" which included a lot of clevel jazz and rock samples and also had psychedelic sounds and raps just like this CD.That said, I have to say that the main difference between Lupe and his predecessors is that he does have a bleak side as well as a happy one, and ironically, this is where the young brother shows promise.Some may look upon his stuff as "dork rap" given his square kid flow, schoolboy glasses, and skateboarder personality.But on songs like "He Say She Say," "American Terrorist," and "Kick Push II" (which sounds so much like an old school De La track it borders on plagiarism) he shows an edge that balances out the dorkiness.Maybe the problem lies with his flow itself.At times his raps sound affected like he's trying to say too much in his cadences.Listen to how many times he inhales while he's trying to rhyme fast.Maybe he should stop using so many silly methaphors and similies and just use direct language to make his point (and that doesn't mean he needs to cuss either).In any case, if this kid would just work on his flow some more, develop a little more of an edge, and not come off so much like "I'm Kanye's dorky little brother" than he would be worth the hype. Until then, peep Kenn Starr or Skyzoo for the real kids who are coming up with the hypeness.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Rap    2. Hip-Hop    3. Midwest Rap    4. Pop    5. Rap    6. Rap & Hip-Hop   

Editorial Review

On his third disc, the one-man musical marvel known as Five for Fighting proves yet again that all that's standing between him and peace of mind--not the fleeting kind, but full-on, to-the-bone, heart-and soul-cleansing peace of mind--is a song. Read more

Reviews (28)

Trilogy
Completes the trilogy of America Town and The Battle for Everything.If you liked the other albums, this one is more "musical" with stronger arrangements.Favorite songs include "World," "Freedom," and "California Justice."

Something I really listen to
This to me is what good music is I think this is a CD that should be required listening in life it's truly listenable and likeable it's not offensive or distracting is music you can listen over and over again and i have this is one of the best pieces of music this year if not this decade.

Two Lights- 5 Stars
I just purchased this CD and I have fallen in love with it. John Ondrasik is one of the best out there. I highly recommend you to get this CD. It's one that I will always enjoy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop    6. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

The success of his debut, Read more

Reviews (64)

Nice album from a very nice guy
This review contains nothing new from what you have already read from the other customers who have heard, and own this particular album. This is straight up country music album, as what a country album should be. I bought this album mainly because I was blown away by the song "Your Man". Although the songs here are strong, besides that smash hit "Your Man", highlights of this record are: Lord Have Mercy on a Country Boy, Way Down South, and Gravity. Why I didn't give this album a full 5 star is there are some songs that I didn't particularly enjoy: "No Rush" is a drag, too slow for my liking therefore I think it's entitled appropriately and "White Noise" is an okay song, I just never was a fan of Jon Anderson. Overall, Josh's second release is worth the listen. Enjoy!

blown away
At work, I only needed the traffic report before hitting the hiway, and found it on some country station. I normally do not listen to country, being a classical music lover. Whilst listening, this singer came on with the 'your man' song, and I found myself amazed at this voice. Days to follow I looked forward to the traffic report, and to hopefully hear this voice again. They played another song 'will you go with me' by this singer, and his name was mentioned after, and so in knowing his name, I found his albums on amazon. Well now I can say I definately am a country fan, and am ordering his music. Am very impressed and happy for finding thisopen door into a beautiful sector of music that I haven't explored before.
Not a perfect album, but good
From the first time I heard "Would you go with me" I loved that song. (The video is good, too.) The banjo and mandolin combine so beautifully that the tune sticks in your head and heart.I am not a big country fan to begin with, but Turner's voice was so good I figured I'd buy the album.
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Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Contemporary Country    3. Country    4. Neo-Traditionalist Country    5. Pop   

Editorial Review

Sounding like the confident, ambitious superstars they already are in their native UK, Muse follows up their breakthrough Read more

Reviews (107)

Heavenly Muse-ic
This is my first true exposure to The Muse and I have to say I am just blown away by their sound.I just love the vocals and the way that the cd just naturally flows from one song the other.If you are a fan of British alternative music then I would highly recommend this cd.

they're losing it!
...and it makes me so sad.i'm a huge fan of "showbiz" and was even more blown away by "origin of symmetry."but they started to push it with "absolution," and after this one, i'm afraid they're finished.i'm getting very tired of the uninspired and repetitive piano arpeggios, and while the guitars are decent and high energy, they ultimately lack the creativity and distinction that muse achieved in the previous albums.the lyrics are trite, and the vocals are more whiney than ever.it's just a very dull, unimportant album.
Supermassive!
Muse brings the pomp on their fourth CD, and let it be known that they are ready to fill every arena with the bombast. This is meant in the most complimentary of ways. From the opening crescendos of "Take A Bow" to the prog-space epic "Knights Of Cydonia," this is the best rock record since Queen and Yes hung up their fog machines.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Neo-Prog    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Despite their signing to Def Jam, on Read more

Features

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Reviews (47)

THE ROOTS CREW
Yo the roots come sick wit it again! The title track ranks among thier best ever. The first 5 songs are all fya. Questlove, though the human beat machine breaks off some crisp beats. He alternates between electric and traditional sets. There is nothing as jazzy as "one shine", "what they do", or "break you off". Progessive hip hop/rock comes alive on title track (my fav). "Here I come" is another dope track. The keyboard guitar and bass breath 2gether on this album. This is truly one of the few hip-hop concept albums. G.T. is bold, thick, daring, melodic yet heavy. Though it ain't classic The Roots lived up to the wait of this album. I wish they got mo props and pub. They deserve it. They signed to Def Jam and went more underground. F^CK JAY-Z!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT DONT FEEL RIGHT SUPPORT THE ROOTS One.

CD Review: The Roots - Game Theory
I don't know what took me so long to review this CD, but here it is.
Game Theory
All, I have to say is wow.Who would have thought The Roots would have grown into mighty musicians.They are a movement and if you are just catching on, then you need to go spend the $200 on released material, white labels, mixtapes, concert tapes and DVDs.The Roots have always delivered the right music for the right moment.Somehow, they have never been able to escape the realm of the backpackers.After signing with Def Jam under the Jay dynasty, I was hoping Def Jam's massive marketing machine would send them skyrocketing into mainstream music success.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Rap    2. Hardcore Rap    3. Hip-Hop    4. Jazz-Rap    5. Pop    6. Rap    7. Rap & Hip-Hop   

Editorial Review

John Mayer's big-label debut was a multiplatinum breakthrough success whose sensual anthem "Your Body Is a Wonderland" scored him an unlikely Grammy for Best Pop Vocal. That out-of-the-box succes--and more than a few critics grousing that Mayer's muse was cloned from Dave Matthews--primed him for the typical sophomore slump. Instead, Mayer delivers an album whose tone and title suggests a gentle, tongue-in-cheek rebuke to his naysayers. Propelled by the subtle ambitions of an expanded pop-jazz framework (largely courtesy of Sheryl Crow/No Doubt/Jellyfish producer Jack Joseph Puig), Mayer's breathy vocal tack now suggests a detached, conflicted, and significantly less precious incarnation of Michael Franks. But, the way he weds fluid pop hooks to lyrical concerns whose self-obsessions are undercut by telling dollops of self-deprecation from the my-spirit's-too-big/smart-for-my-body laments of "Clarity," the upbeat single "Bigger Than My Body," and the bluesy plea "Come Back to Bed" to the cautionary, melodically-rich "Daughters" and even the antimaterialist agitprop of "Something's Missing should clearly draw in listeners." Read more

Reviews (616)

He Ain't Heavy...
Up until getting Continuum and listening to it twenty times, Heavier Things remained in my head as my all time favorite JM CD.Everyone loves Room for Squares and we all got introduced to John through that one, and everyone loved it immediately.But the first time I listened to Heavier Things, I thought, "not quite as good as Squares."The second time I listened to it, I thought, "hey this is pretty damn good."Then I started listening to it out on my daily walks, and the more I listened to it, the more I thought it was amazing.I liked John after Squares, but it was listening to Heavier Things over and over that really made me fall madly in love with him.Made me want to see him in concert, and again... Made me buy Try! and Any Given Thursday (DVD and CD, both great), and Continuum, and devour them and play them at home, in the car, etc. etc.I hope that John will keep putting out new stuff for a long, long time.I can't can't can't get enough of his music.He ain't bad to look at either!

Holds up to Squares....
John Mayer is a true musician in a time of mindless pop & annoying celebrity singer wannabees. I had to listen to Heavier Things a couple times before I appreciated the more subtle and mature tone. That may be the reason why some were disappointed. It lacks the "hooks" and some of the "wit" of Squares but has an abundance of true musicianship, emotion and maturity. For me the big hits of Room for Squares (No Such Thing & Your Body is a Wonderland) have worn a bit thin over time. There are no such tracks on Heavier. I've listened countless times & none have gotten old for me. Heavier is a beginning to end listen. No tracks need be skipped.
John Mayer: New to me.
Though John Mayer is new to me, I have always liked the 'soft rock' genre. I got drawn in by the easy rock guitar selections, (especially 'Clarity') and listening to the lyrics came later.
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Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Country-Rock    3. Alternative Pop/Rock    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

Some writers and fans have taken to calling this album Read more

Features

• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (163)

Subtly, strangely catchy..brave new world robotic pop..
From the beginning of the title song on Thom Yorke's new solo album, with the grainy piano sample and all, I was prepared to not like this album. This album is predominantly electronic, and I really like electronic music (Warp, Aphex, Global Goon, Boards, Plaid). I even liked Radiohead's last few albums more than anyone I know, most of my friends despise them. But I was hoping Yorke would do something on this "side project" more like old Radiohead, honestly. Right, expectations dashed, and once I got over that, I could appreciate this album for what it is.