Reviews (3)

Massive for the masses.
Massive Attack has got to be one of the coolest bands on the planet. On many of these tracks, dark and creepy would also be a good description. Generally stuck in the trip-hop or electronica genre's, this is mood music at it's best. As with any collection favorites are missing, but for the new or casual fan, this might just be your first or only stop. Songs are drawn from all four albums, and a new track to close. Guest vocals could not have been more perfectly chosen, from Elizabeth Fraser (Cocteau Twins) on "Teardrop", Tracey Thorn (Everything But The Girl) on "Protection", and Sinead O'Connor on "What Your Soul Sings", among other singers. I really don't think this group has any equal. Only possibly Portishead comes close. If any of the people or genre's mentioned above interest you, I think you will love this. You'll most likely become a massive fan.

Future Fool Proof
It's hard to tell who's in and who's out of the Massive Attack line-up these days (since Mushroom departed under a cloud in 1998 and Daddy G took a backseat on fourth album 100th Window, the name has generally become a dark and Gothic vehicle for sole founding member 3D), yet their legacy is assured thanks to their iconic 1991 debut Blue Lines and its staggering follow-up Protection.
Either way, win or lose...
Although Massive Attack only released four albums in fifteen years, their musical ideas were usually ahead of their time, and set the tone for a lot of electronic music in the nineties. For instance, if you like Gorillaz, this compilation is really the blueprint for their fusion of rock, rap, and techno, as well as their use of different collaborators from album to album. Except Massive Attack were less flashy and more downbeat, and they drew just as heavily from soul and reggae as they did from those styles.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Dance    2. Ambient Dub    3. Club/Dance    4. Electronic    5. Electronica    6. England    7. Pop    8. Rock    9. Trip-Hop   

Reviews (6)

Hauntingly Beatutiful
This album is a beautiful and haunting electronically charged mix of pop and indie electro rock. Infused and layered with stunning and unforgettable female vocals, the album provides a soundtrack to an roller coaster of emotions.Poetry-like lyrics, dreamscape synth, unique song composition and even the seemingly contradicting fusion of innovative and cutting edge pop are just some of the experiences you will have when you listen to Venus Hum's, The Colors in The Wheel. The album could be described as Moby meets Sara McLaughlin meets Poe, however even that would be a description that would take away from the truly unique nature of this album.I highly recommend this album to people who are not afraid of slightly experimental music.

So the story goes...
Venus Hum presents an intriguing collection of soothing lullabies and sensuous edge driven songs. "Turn me around" is a perfect introduction to an album that continually changes and begins in an intense longing, moves to sexy exciting challenges and then returns to sweet purring lullabies.
Hrmph
Ok, to start off, I loved Big Beautiful Sky.It summed up a couple months of my life and still manages to Wow me to this day.I also purchased the Songs For Superheroes, which started a descent into a darker, more experimental Venus Hum.Of course, Ms. Strean's vocals were nothing to scoff at, however, I felt her voice was being placed over music that was more...violent and angry than what she sounded like.Then comes Colors In The Wheel, and I was so excited for Venus Hum!But ultimately, I feel let down.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Dance    2. Club/Dance    3. Dance Music    4. Pop    5. Rock/Pop    6. United States of America   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (18)

Gorgeous Electronica to Chill With
Ben Watt and Tracey Thorn are living legends.Not since Dave Stewart and Annie Lennox were at their peak as Eurythmics has there been a stylish British duo whose music combines solid producing and songwriting skills with the spell cast by a vocalist of great individuality and power.Furthermore, at a moment in Everything But the Girl's history when most bands would have gone under or - even worse - become a living fossil imprisoned forever within the mausoleum of Adult Contemporary, EBTG chose to adapt rather than die, and along the way became one of the most widely respected and influential bands in the business.Until 1995, EBTG were no more than a cult band, known for their jazzy stylings and nostalgic evocation of a pre-rock era atmosphere of trenchcoats, Left Bank cafes and Nouvelle Vague hip (Ben Watt and Tracey Thorn are nothing if not living examples of cool hipster Euro-chic at its best).After gaining a lot of critical attention during the mid-to-late '80's jazz-pop revival, and scoring their first top 10 UK hit (a cover of Rod Stewart's "I Don't Want To Talk About It") in 1988, EBTG made the shark-jumping decision to go for US radio success.Their first album under their deal with Atlantic records (1990's "The Language of Life") remains their only major misstep, abandoning their customary sleek jazzy stylings in favor of necrotic midtempos a la Burt Bachrach and Carole Bayer Sager.Despite some airplay on the kind of radio stations targeted at suburban housewives, the record managed to alienate their older fans and wasn't particularly memorable to boot.Then, Ben Watt developed a rare bone-marrow disease and nearly died.Tracey Thorn's voice fell silent as EBTG took a hiatus which many fans feared permanent.Fortunately, 1994 brought us the deeply felt "Amplified Heart," a collection of stripped-down folk numbers which suggested a return to the fundamental roots of popular music-making (a few good songs, a great vocalist and perfect guitar play) and a fresh start.In 1995, fate intervened.A chance introduction and a newly-recovered Ben Watt's developing interest in electronic music led EBTG to producer Todd Terry's studio and a remix of an "Amplified Heart" track called "Missing."The house beats and the emotions were equally deep, and the song was an instant classic.Perhaps not since Bob Dylan abandoned his acoustic and plugged in his electric had an artist changed styles so abruptly.Overnight, EBTG went from being a little-known cult band to massive worldwide success.What could they do for an encore?And how to avoid the accusations of "selling out?"Miraculously, their follow-up record, 1996's "Walking Wounded" demonstrated Watt's new mastery of ambient and deep house chords, which - combined with Thorn's sensuous-yet-chilly-alto and the duo's basic songwriting skill - made for a powerful set and international hits like "Wrong" and "Mirrorball."EBTG had accomplished something few acts in the music business have managed to do - they changed their musical style, became worldwide successes and attracted a horde of new followers without alienating their old fans or losing critical acclaim in the process.Amazing!Although the group has been on hiatus since 1999's smash hit set, "Temperamental," Ben Watt's work as a DJ, producer and promoter has kept them current, and this remix set makes a beautiful stopgap until the long-awaited day arrives when Ben and Tracey return to the studio together."Adapt or Die" might be subtitled. "The EBTG Story," for it demonstrates the reason for their successful transformation into an electronic act with soul.The songs here (aside from the now-inevitable "Missing" and the great "Corcovado") mostly come from "Walking Wounded" and "Temperamental," so longtime fans won't find any surprises here.The marvelous thing about this record is how fresh the songs still sound today ("Walking Wounded" is now 10 years old after all) and how relevant.Each remix puts Thorn's amazing voice front and center and never forgets (with one unfortunate exception) what makes every track click in the first place.This is first-class electronica, equally suitable to chill to or to dance to, with just the right balance between technology and soul.Highlights of this set are a gorgeous version of "Corcovado" which is impossible not to dance to, a stunning reinterpretation of "Five Fathom" and Kenny Dope's electro-jazz reimagining of "Downhill Racer."There is only one clunker on this set - an unfortunate remix of "Temperamental" which sounds like a funeral dirge and ought to have been erased the next day.Just skip over that one and let the rest of this gorgeous record flow over your spirit.For those of us wondering what EBTG will do for their next record, now that modern dance music is bigger than ever and electro-clash has come and gone, "Adapt or Die" is a great preview of coming attractions.

Pleasantly surprised
Everything but the girl has never sounded so good... truly awesome remixes, if you like good modern mixing talent coupled with oldies but goodies. I especially recommend Corcovado, which I think is unlike any other I've heard before... Beautiful voice, great sounds, and a pleasant flow from song to song. A highly recommended chillout CD...

A good dance CD that's unfortunately uneven - you'll like it but not greatly
This remix album of some of Everything But The Girl's better songs is good, albeit uneven. It does make for some pretty good dance music, though. The album starts off very strongly, but it starts to fall apart after "Corcovado". The remixes are mostly pretty well done, and on occasion even better than their original counterparts (see the first three tracks)! Singer Tracy Thorn has a pretty great voice, even if it's sort of a guilty pleasure. A good amount of people should like it, I think. This is mainly meant to be a dance album, and it somewhat succeeds in that department. I think the best way to utilize the album would be to play single tracks off of it. If you're looking for a good dance album then this will probably at least satisfy you. Recommended.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Dance    2. Club/Dance    3. England    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

As a sequel to 2004's similarly packaged Rhino box Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (27)

Indulge in your 80s nostalgia
It's obvious from the long list of reviews that purists will quibble over which tracks from which artists represent their quintessential 80ness. But us ordinary folks, who just want a cross-section of the playlist from the alternate radio station we listened to in the 80s, won't care nearly as much. If you like a particular artist from this selection (and there are 82, so you probably do), you probably have several albums by that band or performer. I know I do.
Excellent listening for '80s music junkies
This is a very comprehensive collection of all the "unheard" classics of 80's alternative/underground music scene. I use "unheard" in quotes because many of the songs were heard on college radio, independent music stations, etc. I was surprised by the inclusion of a few songs ("Message of Love" by Pretenders and "Ways To Be Wicked" by Lone Justice) as I wasn't too sure how "underground" they really were. I'm sure some more mainstream stations played them. But anyway it was really good to hear the Lone Justice song again after so many years. And I was REALLY pleased with the inclusions of "Swamp Thing" by The Chameleons and "When Love Breaks Down" by Prefab Sprout.
The music that really matters.
I bought this box set when it first came out and it still holds a prominent place on my shelf and on my iPod.Broad blanket statements are often useless, but in this case, they apply: This box is the best collection of 80s college rock/alternative rock for your money.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Dance    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. American Punk    4. American Underground    5. British Punk    6. College Rock    7. Dream Pop    8. Goth Rock    9. Hardcore Punk    10. Indie Pop    11. Indie Rock    12. Jangle Pop    13. L.A. Punk    14. Neo-Psychedelia    15. New Romantic    16. New Wave    17. Paisley Underground    18. Pop    19. Pop/Rock    20. Post-Punk   

Editorial Review

Garbage's third album is an almost total departure for modern rock's renowned poster children. Shirley Manson, Butch Vig, Duke Erickson, and Steve Marker robustly straddled the line between alternative rock and techno in their two efforts, whipping up two finely crafted CDs that captured the cultural mood of the late '90s. After six years in the saddle, they've shaken off the charge that they're a producer's creation and have emerged as a full-blown band. The band has also given up all pretext at being au courant and topical, instead combining '80s kitsch with '70s pop, with a stop along the way to worship at the altars of Phil Spector and Chrissie Hynde and even at times arriving at their own version of nu soul. "Shut Your Mouth" is raw and menacing and does as much for female empowerment as a Missy Elliott hit. "Can't Cry These Tears Anymore" is a modern take on Leslie Gore's "It's My Party (And I'll Cry If I Want To), but with all the strangeness of Glenn Close in Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (603)

Don't dismiss it too quickly.
I don't get people who love the first and second Garbage albums and want to completely trash this one.If there's a place on this CD where the Shirley from albums #1 and #2 shine through, it's Cup of Coffee, Drive You Home, Silence is Golden, and Nobody Loves You.Cherry Lips and Can't Cry These Tears deserve nods for being glossy pop tunes with comparably dissonant lyrics.There are a lot of forgetable songs (particularly the singles 'Androgyny' and 'Breaking up the Girl'), and the ending ballad, while good, isn't quite 'Milk' or 'You Look So Fine', but these are not acceptable reasons to miss at least 6 songs that definitely are worth hearing for anyone who has otherwise enjoyed Garbage.3.5 - 3.75 stars.

Who told you this was a good idea to put on the market?
Dear Garbage,
NOT FOR FANS OF GARBAGE, GARBAGE 2.0, or BLEED LIKE ME
My boyfriend and I both LOVE the first two CDs by Garbage, but when we picked up Beautiful Garbage today... It wasn't what either of us expected, and not in a good way.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Dance    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Ask people what their favorite Pet Shop Boys album is, and their answers will vary--but ask people what the most important Pet Shop Boys album is, and 9 out of 10 West End girls will say Read more

Features

• Limited Edition
• Original recording reissued

Reviews (73)

Such an appropriate title.
Although I believe 1990's "Behaviour" to be Pet Shop Boys greatest offering to date, "Very" remains my personal favorite to this day.
This is the wrong image for this product.
This CD is a re-issue of the orginal album.This CD actually features just a photograph of the original album on its front.

hasn't aged well, at least for me
I remember this album being greeted to much fanfare when it was released.It even earned a four-star review in Rolling Stone magazine.At the time, it sounded innovative, with all the synth bells and whistles.Thirteen years later, I don't find it to be the PSB masterpiece everyone assumes it is.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Dance    2. Club/Dance    3. Dance Music    4. Dance-Pop    5. House    6. Pop    7. Popular Music    8. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

When they released Read more

Reviews (42)

Not a bad collection, but falls short of "Please"
When one looks at the history of musical acts that can be categorized as "Dance Music" or "Disco", there are few acts that have achieved the success and longevity of the Pet Shop Boys. The Pet Shop Boys have been making music for over 20 years - releasing an album usually about every one or two years. In the UK, the Pet Shop Boys have consistently produced Top 10 albums. They haven't had quite the same amount of success on American shores, but nonetheless they have still maintained a solid following.It actually didn't start out like that for the Pet Shop Boys in the U.S.They actually burst on to the music scene in 1986 with a #1 song entitled "West End Girls".They would then follow "West End Girls" up with another hit - "Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)". These two songs would be part of the debut - and most successful album by the Pet Shop Boys "Please". With a successful album such as "Please" under their belt, the Pet Shop Boys were poised to show the public what they could do on their follow-up album. That second effort - "Actually" would continue to garner the Pet Shop Boys commercial success, but overall does not stand up to "Please".
Cool and timeless...
It is hard to believe that when it was first released, Rolling Stone called this "a mere pop album good for those who like pop".
UN INCRE�BLE DESPLIEGUE DE LA ELECTRONICA EN LA MUSICA POP
La m�sica de los PSB siempre me pareci� una de las m�s brillantes de la historia de lPop, por algo se les considera los "padres del Tecno"; �ste es para m� el mejor �lbum de �ste magn�fico d�o que no tiene nada que envidiarle a ning�n otro m�sico; mis temas favoritos son "Heart" (maravillosa balada tecno-disco), "It's A Sin" (obra maestra y sin lugar a dudas el sello personal de los PSB), "It Couldn't Happen Here" (puro tema de pal�cula, que precioso arreglo orquestal), "Rent" (que ingeniosa declaraci�n de amor)y que decir de sus dem�s temas, todos para m� se llevan las 5 estrellas; indispensable en la coleccion de todo fan�tico de los Pets y si t� todav�a no conoces la obra de ellos, te recomiendo que comiences por �ste disco; tambi�n indispensable en el repertorio de todo amante del pop y el tecno. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Dance    2. Club/Dance    3. Dance Music    4. Dance-Pop    5. Pop    6. Popular Music    7. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

The Soup Dragon's only commercially successful release, Read more

Reviews (6)

Great Stones Cover Track and Little Else!Poor Sound Quality Too!
Okay, I'll admit it: I bought this album because I liked "I'm Free" which I thought had a great groove and excellent wah-pedal guitar and then I found out much later that it was a Rolling Stones cover.So I thought I'd judge the rest of the tracks on the very short album which for some reason still sounds too short with the 2 bonus tracks added.I have to say that this album hasn't aged well at all and the sound quality is poor.Given the standard of recording that's out there today, if you want to do your stereo or even your eardrums any justice, I'd say pass on this until they remaster it; if they ever do.Nice psychedelic cover art though but this is essentially "I'm Free" plus 12 filler tracks.I'd recommend getting albums by EMF or Jesus Jones rather than this album.

one of my favs
This album takes me back to the good days of music better than almost any other album. Psychedelic dance groovy synth fun music. I love this one

The only classic song is a cover song...
... this is a subtle tip off that this album is not worth buying. Not for more than fifty cents.Like I said, the ONLY good song on here is the Rolling Stones cover "I'm Free". And I even like The Soup Dragons' rendition better than the Stones' original. But the fact remains that the rest of this album is a dull drudgery of a mess to get through. This album is practically a single for "I'm Free", but with twelve extra songs of filler you'll never listen to more than once (if at all). Hmmm. What else can I say about "I'm Free"? Oh, yea... the music video for the song is quite awesome. Its so trippy and tie-dyed out! But that still doesn't change my review. Or stoic state of mind.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Dance    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Dance-Pop    4. Pop    5. Popular Music    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop    8. Scotland   

Editorial Review

Erasure with dobro, mandolin, and steel guitar? Believe it. Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (30)

Just plain boring
I've tried to make it through the album twice and I'm bored to tears with these songs. Maybe it will sound better on a cold rainy day. I so wanted to enjoy this album, but can't seem to get into the versions of these songs. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone but a die-hard fan.

Not as bad as I thought it would be, actually...
Having heard Erasure's attempts at acoustic versions of their songs prior to working on this album ("Sono Luminus" in particular, which, in its original form, is excellent), I figured all of the "Union Street" tunes would sound just as terrible.Fortunately, this is the case only for a few of the songs on this album ("Blues Away": WTFWTT?).
A SURPRISE TREAT
I'm not really into acoustic music, but I gave this album a try and I'm glad I took a chance. After a few repeat listens the album has grown to be my ultimate choice for a long relaxing car ride. Andy sounds like an angel. ... Read more

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

Features

• Box set
• DualDisc

Reviews (14)

Bjork Surrounded. Why DTS?
Just received the beautifully packaged `Surrounded'.Seven discs filled with amazingly beautiful music, and mesmerizing video clips. Bjork is a truly celestial artist.It's the first time that I have seen the videos from `Medulla', and was totally blown away by the Spike Jonze clip to `Triumph Of A Heart'. Shame about the sound of the discs though. It's good, but the DTS 96/24 just doesn't do justice that this incredible music deserves. I have `Vespertine' and `Medulla' on SACD, and unfortunately the DTS 96/24 mixes on `Surrounded' aren't even in the same ballpark as the SACD versions. Why go to all the trouble of remastering the Bjork back catalogue into 5.1, only to release it in inferior DTS 96/24? All power to Mute for releasing their 5.1 titles with two discs, a SACD and a DTS 96/24 DVD.
Lava on Ice Music
Bjork... She's as fresh today as when she was playing dead.
Björk's music will stand the test of time.
If you're familiar with the way that Icelandic performer Björk releases her work, then you may know that she releases a new special edition every six months or so. That's probably exaggerating, and depending on who you ask, this may be extremely excessive or absolutely necessary. For diehard fans (and there are many), Surrounded will quickly fall into the latter category.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Dance    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Club/Dance    4. Electronica    5. Experimental    6. Experimental Rock    7. Gift Set    8. Pop    9. Rock    10. Rock/Pop    11. Trip-Hop   

Editorial Review

Death From Above 1979 made a big impact with their 2004 release Read more

Reviews (5)

Electronic Goodies
This album will please all the Daft Punk fans who have been disappointed with their last effort, Human After All. The Looks is fueled by high tempo, catchy and groovy melodies every house fanatics has been craving for the last few years. MSTRKRFT is simply brilliant when it comes to create multi-layered dancefloor tracks reminiscent of the Best of French House, melody driven, bass pumping with insane rythms.
Wow!!!
I'd heard of these guys before & had no idea they had an entire album out.I happened upon this gem by accident & let me just say WOW, I'm impressed.Other people are comparing these guys to the next Daft Punk & to be fare I suppose there might be a slight likeness to their music, but as a whole these guys have a sound all their own.As far as Daft Punk is concerned they haven't made any descent music since their 1st album(ya, I'm one of those guys that liked "Homework" better)and have been given far more credit than is deserved.There are 8 full length (meaning over 3/4 minutes, "THANK YOU!!!")tracks here, my favorites are #1 "Work On You" & #8 "Neon Knights", all are good though & anyone'll make your fanny shake.Any fan of electro house will totally dig this album, pure quality stuff!!

Fantastic
This new Album from MSTRKRFT is fantastic. Work on you is super and easy love just blew me away, I got it as a free download and have waited eagerly for the album. They are a fine successor of Daft Punk and I highly recommend this. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Dance    2. Club/Dance    3. Dance    4. Dance Music    5. Indie Electronic    6. Pop   

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (19)

Great soundtrack but who is thea??
I have been looking for hen in my search engine, and I could not find anything abouth her...where can I look for???
Great soundtrack but I've got one question....
Great movie score, love the music. There is the beginning of a famous song being played during the scene where victoria sits next to Danny and begins showing him how to play the piano, she plays only a few notes along with his assistance. I can't think of the composer. It's obviously not in the soundtrack.
the song in the trailer
eureka... the song playing throughout the majority of the 'unleashed' trailer is found on the 'being john malkovich' soundtrack.i believe the original version is called 'craig's overture' (track 15), but there are many other remixes (tracks 2,3,8,20). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Dance    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Club/Dance    4. Electronica    5. Film Music    6. Original Score    7. Pop    8. Soundtrack    9. Soundtracks    10. Soundtracks & Film Scores    11. Trip-Hop   

Reviews (19)

Dont Own a 5.1 Surround Sound?=Dont buy this product
I love Depeche Mode, and i hate to write this negative review about this PRODUCT... not the ALBUM. First of...
Fantastic album, not so great re-master
I won't review the album contents critically because that has been done countless times.For good reviews of the music, you probably should look at the reviews for the non-deluxe edition of Violator.
JUST SAY NO!
I am a massive Depeche Mode fan.This is a great album.If you don't already own Violator, then please, buy this version.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Dance    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Club/Dance    4. College Rock    5. England    6. Pop    7. Pop/Rock    8. Rock    9. Rock/Pop    10. Synth Pop   

Editorial Review

This two-man Manchester supergroup--New Order's Bernard Sumner and the Smith's Johnny Marr--made one of the best debuts of the '90s with Read more

Reviews (50)

Always Amazing
This album will prove easily why Electronic are the best New Order side project. Monaco follows in a close second spot - but then again, that's for another review.
its still new order
Hidden gem I love it. If you like new order buy it.

WOW
This is an amazing album. It's the guitair from the Smiths (Marr) and the voice/synth of NEW order (Summer) and Neil Tennant (Pet Shop Boys) as a guest vocalist. Do I have to say anything else? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Dance    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Dance Music    4. Indie Pop    5. Pop    6. Popular Music    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

When Björk became romantically involved with art-world darling Matthew Barney, the universe seemed to be uniting two of the most idiosyncratic artistic temperaments of the 21st century. The first major artistic product of this union,