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Reviews (5)

Open Sauce music
This has to be the best bargain since I found a Harry Partch record for 50 cents in a public library sale. The first CD alone in "A Lazarus Taxon" is worth the cover price. In the liner notes, Alan Licht quotes Brian Eno's "Unfinished" essay: "It used to be the case that a record was expected to contain the definitive and perhaps only version of a song, and that the job of the band and the producer was to create this "ideal" object." This collection does a great job of dispelling that old notion forever, as some of the tracks are so much developed from the originals that they resemble a house built around 300 year old foundations. To hear how "Gamera" evolved out of "His Second Story Island" is intriguing--maybe it should be the subject of a documentary in itself. This is now my favorite Tortoise CD;I thought "Millions Now Living" would never be bettered, but this one makes this band's music more like the living, open source language it should be. The production is so good that I decided to buy better earphones, and better speakers. (Maybe it wasn't so much of a bargain, after all.)

A great deal
The videos on the DVD are great.Some of the live stuff is pretty good, particularly the recording of "salt the skies" and the 40+ minute set.The CD's may include a little too much material, but there is plenty of good work to find on these 3-discs.Recommended.

fantastic deal
First off, if you're a Tortoise fan and are expecting some kind of comprehensive, best of overview, well think again. I do want to say however that the music included in this compilation is indeed awesome. You have some very early, more rare material, all the long deleted remix collaborations, all so well done, and a very artful, visually pleasing dvd showing some excellent concert footage, music videos, and more. All this for under twenty dollars, plus some beautiful packaging. Again, it seems the first reviewer here thought this to be some sort of greatest hits box set or something, and thus his opinion soured. Don't listen to him--listen to the music and simply enjoy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Experimental Rock    2. Indie Rock    3. Instrumental Rock    4. Pop    5. Post-Rock/Experimental    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop   

Reviews (11)

Bitter:sweetJust the way I like it
The first week I was out in San Diego one of the radio stations
A World of Similarity
This album sounds like everything.Alright, that may be a bit of an exaggeration, but to anyone who's heard the entire thing all the way through, you can probably agree.But this review isn't for all of you who know what this sounds like, this is for those of you that are sitting at your computer, thinking about purchasing this.Why should you?Why should you indeed.I'll break it down. Nice stuff!
One of the first cd's I've bought in a long time that I like in its entirety: every song is well-crafted and just alot of fun to listen to. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Dance    2. Dance Music    3. Electronica    4. Pop    5. Rock/Pop   

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Reviews (304)

amazing.
this cd is absolutely amazing. how anyone could not be in love with it is beyond me! i cant wait for the re-release with a dvd.

Great CD!!A must have!!!
This CD is great. It has up-beat songs and easly listening. If you like Jack Johnson or the Red Hot Chili Peppers, you should definetly buy this CD! Dark Blue is one of the best songs. Their new tour with The Academy Is... will be great. I cant wait to go to one of their shows!

Everything an album should be
I love SoCo, so I was pretty hyped to hear what Andrew McMahon's side project, Jack's Mannequin, would sound like. After previewing some songs online, and not being able to get them out of my head, I immediately went out and bought the CD. It was more than worth it! Over 6 months later I still find myself putting the CD on repeat and listening to it again and again and again. All of the songs are catchy, well crafted, and incredible lyrically. It is hard to pick out a favorite song because every single one is great. I go through different phases of which song is my favorite (currently it would have to be "Dark Blue" and "Bruised.")
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Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Country-Rock    3. Pop    4. Pop Underground    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

For haters eager to see Kanye hit a sophomore slump--no such luck. Read more

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Reviews (648)

Hip-hop head, to the rescue yet again.
I swear, some of the rants metal elitists go on in anything remotely related to hip-hop is intolerable. A person a few reviews below this one decided to diss this album without giving any sort of info into why this album was unsatisfactory; he simply called Kanye a douche. You know what? Kanye is a douche, but you're worse; what you are, is a closed-minded fool who can't escape the boundaries your musical tastes have set for you. I'm a metal head myself, but I still appreciate all forms of music; so how about you crawl into the cave you wandered out from, and listen to your CoB and Sepultura, whilst leaving hip-hop heads to listen to the music they enjoy?
Nice Sophmore Effort
There was no way Kanye West could even come close to making an album quite like "The College Dropout".However, he gives it his all, and comes up with a perfectly respectable and high-quality sophmore effort.
Want to be in the Bible, Kanye West?
Fine, you'll be the person that gets stoned to death outside the city walls. As for this album, well, the booklet is good toilet paper, and a broken shard of the CD case makes a good shank for stabbing all your village wiggars. Other than that, this is nothing short but a waste ofplastic, by the world's biggest douchebag. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Rap    2. East Coast Rap    3. Hip-Hop    4. Midwest Rap    5. Pop    6. Pop-Rap    7. Rap    8. Rap & Hip-Hop    9. United States of America    10. Urban   

Editorial Review

Moving to Los Angeles after an unproductive stint in Nashville, Kentucky-born Dwight Yoakam made a name for himself by reviving the more robust honky-tonk traditions of the Bakersfield Sound--a bold contrast with Music City's assembly-line approach. In 1984, his independently released six-song EP, Read more

Reviews (25)

I would have given 10 stars
Best CD in my collection. Terrific backing.
Great Album!!!
I'm not a BIG fan of Country Music now a days.But when I listen to this Album, it's a different story.Being from Kentucky Myself it's good to have a Country ICON from here.If you like flat out Country Rock N Roll, please buy this album you want be sorry.

Some Really Good Music
I listen to a lot of country music, but I always go back to Dwight's music. There's just something about it that's addictive.This CD has some of his best. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Bakersfield Sound    3. Country    4. Country-Pop    5. Country-Rock    6. Neo-Traditionalist Country    7. New Traditionalist    8. Pop    9. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Not since the days of the Clash and the MC5 has rock seen such political force as in the uncompromising debut from this L.A. quartet. Expanding the hip-hop/metal style of bands such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage tap the spirits of vintage Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, coupled with hardcore punk intensity and Public Enemy-style grooves. "Bombtrack" opens the LP with a shot of adrenaline and singer Zack de la Rocha's infuriated chorus of "Burn, burn, yes, you're gonna burn!" The intensity doesn't let up an inch on the militant "Killing in the Name" (with the inspiring chant, "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me!"), the ultrafunky "Bullet in the Head," and the engrossing "Fistful of Steel." Tom Morello combines time-honored metal guitar riffs with sounds that suggest a hip-hop scratcher over a rhythm section that simply takes no prisoners. Intelligent and aggressive, this is unimpeachably one of the best hard-rock records ever made. Read more

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Reviews (553)

With the D the E the F the I the A the N the C the E
Ah, how can you describe Rage? I will in one word, Briliance.Its hard to belive this album came out in 1992, 14 years ago. Wow. Listening to it today, it still blows away pretty much everything on the scene today. This album started it all. It really did, RATM only released 3 albums in the 90's and they are easily one of the most powerful and influential bands from that decade.
Killer Funk Metal Riffs!
4 Stars = Classic
A must have.
This album is what, 14 years dated? Yet young new listeners LOVE this album. Its funky, its hard, its rebellious, full of passion. This album alone, not RATM has its place in history, is a classic already in many avid music fan collections. It was ahead of its time, it was the band's best, ultimate life effort squeezed into one album. Unfortunately they could never live up to it. Released in a time of jaded generation X, rebellious punk/undustrial movement, it GOT the recognition it deserved. Not overrated, but maybe under appreciated. There are no synthesizers, sampling of music. All the funky sounds played through REAL talent. It blows away any alternative / industrial music produced today. Even new young fans ask - where are bands like this today? There just arent, so sad. RATM, holds its legendary place is music history. Paved the way for the Linkin Parks, the LImp Bizkits, the Korn - but no one could touch RATM's style. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Metal    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Heavy Metal    4. Pop    5. Rap-Metal    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop   

Reviews (13)

Fresh and innovative
I can't decide if this is happy music that sounds sad, or sad music that sounds happy. I am absolutely captivated by this cd. His haunting voice, unbelievably comforting and soothing though it's hard to understand a word of what he's singing. The instruments all blend very nicely together. It does get a little repetitive at times but oddly enough, at the end of the cd I'm craving more. Postcards From Italy is hands down the best track on the disc. But really there isn't one single song on this cd that I don't like. It's nice to come across something as catchy as this, that sounds different that the latest humdrum of our time. Cheers to this new artist. Looking forward to more!

Don't understand the hype
While I admit it is an interesting concept to incorporate this brass style music with an indie/rufus wainwright twist. One can't help but be bored to sleep with the same sound over and over. An ambitious undertaking yes... but unfortunately Neutral Milk Hotel was way more eclectic with the use of the brass and DID NOT OVERUSE it like beirut does. Every time I put this on I feel like I'm part of some international parade looking for a way out

Stunning.
If you like Goran Bregovic or Johnny Cash or Roy Orbison or David Byrne or Mostar Sevdah Reunion or Zlatne Uste, you'll like this music; if you like all of the above, you'll love it. It's that simple. Indie crooning plus Balkan brass music. How come nobody ever thought of this before? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Folk    2. Indie Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Her intensely personal lyrics grabbed the headlines, but the bravest departure here is the way Morissette's unique vocals stand naked in the mix--a technique that drives home the painful honesty of tracks like "Right Through You," "Forgiven," and "All I Really Want." Sheryl Crow or an earthier Tori Amos are fair analogies, but Morissette is a genuine original with a rare ability to make listeners care, think, and question. Read more

Reviews (469)

Rock music's queen of hurt
Radio-friendly rock music had a new queen once Alanis Morissette stepped into the picture here.Her oft-excruciatingly personal lyrics and blazingly unique singing scored her numerous radio smashes and with her first official rock record Jagged Little Pill the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter delivers one of the best albums in music history.From its first international No. 1 smash "You Oughta Know," album Jagged Little Pill's presence became known on the charts with numerous other hit singles like "All I Really Want," "Hand In My Pocket," "You Learn," "Head Over Feet" and "Ironic."Morissette has a slight misstep here with the cooing sometimes-good-sometimes-just-so-off ballad "Perfect" and "Mary Jane," Pill's most unmemorable moments--but in the end this genuine songstress produces original and unbelievably unique rock music with real hurt and heart.

Something everyone needs to swallow
What more can be said about Canada-born singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette?She has proven herself over and over as being one of music's leaders with her overly personal lyrics and radio-friendly beats.Jagged Little Pill is as perfect as a commercial rock record can get.It's not only hardcore and controversial, it's more importantly marketable.Every song here is a brilliant piece of art (speaking in terms of rock music, that is--like most music, it may not be everybody's choice), but more interesting is how Morissette sings it--the pain, anger and hurt come off in a wrenchingly shrill, nasally and sometimes annoyingly unique sound that's all her own.Blisteringly personal and full of angst, Jagged Little Pill is definitely something everyone should swallow.

Dynamic, chance taking album!LOUD!
I still have the cassette of this album (which I've had since 1995) and I plan on getting the CD soon. I bought her best of album last November.Alanis Morissette made a dynamic album that fully defines grunge and alternative rock's 6-year dominance in the 90s.Everything all clicks on here!I still like to scream when singing the chorus of You Oughta Know! And still like to turn it up every time!She's not taking no mess when she chews her man up for cheating on her in that song! This song just came out of nowhere in 1995 just as people were still playing their 1994 Hootie and the Blowfish albums way too much.A lot of this album has to be personal, especially You Learn, Hand In My Pocket, Wake Up, Forgiven, Ironic and many others.This album is strong in its rock sound, its lead guitars and full wall of sound on every cut! You Oughta even has shades of hip-hop's beats in its rock sound.I was so pleased that it won Album of the Year at the Grammys (and I didn't even watch that show!) because it broke the mold of the same kind of safe pop album that those voters like to choose (soft and sappy Diane Warren-like pop ballads and so forth). This was the LOUD album that the Grammys finally chose long after Michael Jackson's hugely succesful Thriller from the '80s!Alanis has still maintained a strong fan base and her music still sounds great with her later albums.She does the music SHE wants to do and she is winning at all counts.Jagged Little Pill will always be a favorite and a classic from me! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Canada    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. Post-Grunge    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop   

Reviews (21)

Saosin got it right!
For me, this album rates right up there with AFI and Rise Against's newest releases as the best albums to come out this year.The songs are very catchy and I like that Saosin doesn't fall back on trite screamo tactics that everybody else seems to be doing these days.As bummed as I was this summer when they didn't play "I can tell" at the warped tour show, they fell back into favor with this release.Lastly, I hardly ever notice drummers but this guy is unbelievable!

Wonderful LP
Saosin truely proves itself to be a strong force in the music industry with its first self-titled full length release. Between the sharp guitar riffs of Justin Shekoski and Beau Burchell, to the fierce bass line of Chris Soreson, the expert drumming of Alex Rodriguez, and the wide vocal range of Cove Reber. The album truely shows off their musicianship in this long awaited album. The album moves from its post-hardcore roots (fronted by Anthony Green) in songs such as "Come Close" and back to its now mostly area-rock type feel shown in the single "Voices". The differnces between the "Translating the Name" EP and this album are immense but still are the same in many aspects. Though the band has been through various line-up changes they still manage to keep a strong focus on their music. Also despite them being on a major label they still seem to have a very loyal fanbase that stays true to the band as well.
Saosin goes softer, but still is good
At first, i have to be quite honest. I didnt like this cd because it was completely weak and 100% totally different from their old stuff with Anthony Green. Ever since he left the band has gone down in a direction for worse in my opinion. The guitar players can do sooo much better and the drummer is holding back beyond belief. I cant believe he doesnt even do any double bass solos, its very dissapointing compared to thier old stuff. But, like said before, this is the new Saosin. The old Saosin was one of a kind and this is the new of it. The new Saosin contains lyrics that can be understand and guitar melodies that are slow but still catchy. They are plain standard rock. Which i actually like, its a good start for a band that lost an unbelieveable singer but still gained a whole new type of music that anybody who likes rock will enjoy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Metal    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Pop    4. Post-Hardcore    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Screamo    8. United States of America   

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Reviews (248)

You mean they have two records
So as you already know 30 Seconds to Mars have begun to burn up the airwaves as well as MTV and like-minded television stations.So much so that some people are checking out their previous release to see what else they have to offer, and they definitely don't disappoint.I got my copy last January, having already purchased A Beautiful Lie the previous September.I have to say that the old CD is just as good as the new one, even better in my opinion.That being said, the two really aren't anything alike.The only thing they have in common is that they were released by the same band, but you wouldn't know if they weren't labeled.A Beautiful Lie is geared toward the pop-rock/alt-rock audience and their self-titled album is more metal infused with a slight industrial flavor- "Capricorn [A Brand New Name]" and "Echelon".
very, very surprising
30 Seconds to Mars are something of an anomaly on several levels.First of all is the matter of their frontman, one Jared Leto, who accomplishes a nearly impossible feat in that he is both an actor and musician, and exceeds in both fields.This is not entirely unheard of, since one need not look any further than William Shatner to find proof that this sort of thing is possible ;).But anyway, the band also stands out (note the use of the word band - this is not simply an outfit for Leto to sell his face to the public) in that on this, their debut album, everything sounds surprisingly well-crafted.That is not to say that it's a perfect album - it has its flaws, primary among them the fact that the creative songwriting runs out of steam for roughly a third of the album.Also irritating is the "concept" behind the record.Now I've nothing against concept albums, but when a band tries so blatantly to be thought-provoking and cryptic it ends up sounding rather pretentious and ultimately quite silly.Despite this, at certain points the lyrics actually come close to the lofty intelligence they crave, as on the songs "Edge of the Earth," "Fallen," and "End of the Beginning."Musically, the majority of this album is pretty average hard rock, though with some spacey technical influences and metal sensibilities thrown in for good measure.Highlights are "Fallen" (which features a pretty simple yet memorable drum beginning and a nice atmospheric feel for the verses, and builds to an almost alt. metal-sounding chorus), "Oblivion" (a rather addictive piece ridden with cliches but still rather well-orchestrated), the radio-friendly "Welcome to the Universe," and my personal favorite, "Echelon," complete with almost darkly romantic overtones and an epic chorus.But not all of the album is quite so listenable."93 Million Miles" begins promisingly but is marred by a chorus that lacks any real saving grace, melodic or otherwise."Year Zero" drives its simplistic melody into the ground and then adds insult to injury by piling on the standard-issue spoken-word concept jargon.And then we have "Buddha for Mary," which seems to be a perennial favorite among listeners of this album.While not terrible, I just can't get into this song for several reasons.First of all the conceited lyrics and their even more pompous and out of place symbolism are pretty terrible.When you couple this with the fact that this song is essentially a diluted and very thinly-veiled attempt to write a song akin to Tool's "Reflection," you get what I consider the low point of the CD.The remaining songs are all decent and reasonably memorable, especially the stop-start pattern of "The Mission" and the chorus of "Capricorn (A Brand New Name)."Despite all my criticism, this is a surprisingly solid release.Though the general tone of this review may seem negative (as it does to me upon looking at it), I can't help but like this CD.Sure it can be grating at times (mixing formulaic melodies and then trying to sound complex through the use of white noise or high-concept lyrics has never really worked), but it can also be beautiful.As such, it is worthy of four stars, and a place in every open-minded rock fan's collection.

An Amazing Debut.
The reason that I know this is one of the best albums I've ever heard is because I bought it in 2002 and to this day I'm still listening to the album at least three or four times a week. This album has such an epic and immense feeling to it..almost as if every song could take you away to a new world or galaxy (Perhaps this is why they chose the name 30 Seconds To Mars). The lyrics are extremely well written and the songs will get stuck in your head for days. You can tell from listening to the first couple songs that there's more then enough different influences in this work..yet at the same time this album sounds nothing like anything else. The only thing I could honestly say almost sounds like this album is Deadsy's "Commencement" , another masterpiece. I'd have to say that the standout tracks for me are "Echelon" , "Welcome To The Universe" , "The Mission" , and "Edge of the Earth" . The only songs that sort of lag a bit are the last two..but the rest of the album is so amazing that it's forgiveable . Definently pick this one up. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock    3. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Although this is officially singer/fiddler Carrie Rodriguez's solo debut, her musical mentor Chip Taylor--with whom she has recorded three previous discs of duets--is an integral ingredient. Taylor wrote or co-wrote all but one track and is also the album's producer. With Read more

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Reviews (5)

great debut
this is the record nora jones was supposed to make. adult music. complex and very listenable. it keeps getting better. highly reccommended.

A Texas Fiddler Expands Her Horizons
Carrie Rodriguez is well known to me because of three excellent CD's she made with her collaborator and mentor, Chip Taylor, songwriter, professional gambler, and uncle of Angelina Jolie.The style of the two was mostly down-home folk and country.Carrie's Texas fiddle and twangy voice fit the music.
Great Album
Haunting and Mysterious and Original - a great album.Every track is solid.I really like this cd. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Country-Rock    2. Alternative Folk    3. Americana    4. Country-Folk    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop   

Reviews (47)

Classic at its best
Just purchased this album yesturday and was very excited to find out how perfect it was.My wife is not yet a fan of Sufjan's, so I am going solo to his only appearance in LA in October to see him, but the wife actually says that she kinda digs this album.So its definetly Sufjan but its more acoustic and more banjo than his newer stuff which is great.Check it out if you can find it until its re-released...

Like Iron and Wine, but more spiritual
From the banjo on the first song to the lyrics "Son of Man! Son of God!", Sufjan pulls together an album worth remembering.Highlights include: All The Trees..., To Be Alone With You, Abraham, We Won't Need Legs to Stand, and Seven Swans.At times poetic, at times prophetic, and at times just lush and beautiful, Seven Swans will grow on you more and more with every listen.With its gorgeous overt Christian lyrics and folksy songs, Sufjan has proven that he is an upcoming singer/songwriter that means business.In an industry flooded with such perverse imagery, Sufjan gives us the word of God and the observations of an imperfect man who recognizes God's perfect power.Whatever the subject, Sufjan can tackle it head on without compromising who he is.For fans of Iron and Wine, this CD is a must have.

Excellent
This was my intro to Sufjan Stevens, and it was a wonderful place to start.I was at first a little turned off by the Christianity themes, references, etc., but I couldn't deny that I loved the music (and oddly enough, The Transfiguration, perhaps the most blantantly Christian and certainly most Biblical, is my favorite song).Perhaps not as... impressive as Illiniose, but if you enjoyed any of his other albums, you should certainly get this one, too, or if you're just checking it out, at least listen to the samples so you know what you're getting into, or rather, just get it.You'll be pleased with this purchase. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Folk    2. Americana    3. Indie Pop    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda steps out for a wall-to-wall hip-hop project on which he faces his critics ("High Road"), gets autobiographical ("Remember the Name"), shares family history ("Kenji") and emerges as a hip-hop reformist ("Cigarette").Standing shoulder to shoulder with, among others, John Legend, members of The Roots and Styles of Beyond, Read more

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Reviews (141)

A review from an actual hip-hop head..
It's very clear that the majority of the reviewers here are either disgruntled metal elitists, who haven't heard any hip-hop not on MTV, and think it's all "talking rhythmically over a beat," or Linkin Park fanboys who will give five stars to anything involving Mike or Chester. I am neither the former, nor the latter; while I'm a fan of metal, elitists have always irked me, and as for Linkin Park, they only have a few choice cuts that I've actually enjoyed.
Linkin Park is infinitely superior
Mike Shinoda had no need to do this solo album; it puts on a false front too with its hits. The absolute only songs I liked on it were "Where'd You Go" and "Believe Me", and what do ya know; they're the hits! Sounds like he rushed through every track but the hits and then shoved it off to the radio stations. The song "Get Me Gone" is absolutely intolerable lyrically, I have no idea why Shinoda made a whole rap about how he proved to people that his rapping talents belonged in Linkin Park. That's just ridiculous and stupid. Anyway, this CD is just as much crap as every rap CD out there today. There are only a few exceptions for me, the Black Eyed Peas and Beastie Boys. Aside from the B. Boys, Black Eyed Peas are the only rap group I know of that has used creative beats and lyrics in their rap. Bands like Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Nelly... give me a break! In a few years rap will be dead after everyone realizes that it takes NO TALENT! Anyone can talk rhythmically and tap on a trash can or whatever. This stuff shouldn't be getting popular; although in this case the hits from the album are quite good. Get the singles if they're out there (I would assume they would be), but do not buy the album or any other rap album that isn't by BEP or BB. 'nough said

Good Album
I am not familiar with Lincoln Park, but i kinda stumbled upon this album after hearing the song Remember the name. I really liked the album. It was put together very well and has some nice guest appearences from Common and John Legend. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Rap    2. Pop    3. Rap    4. Rap-Metal    5. Rock   

Editorial Review

The crazed genius of the Lips comes to full flower on the sonically massive and majestic Read more

Reviews (347)

One of those
I few years ago I randomly picked up Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots and was hooked. Hungry for more F'Lips I went back in time to this -- and was disappointed. Besides Race for the Prize and Waitin' For A Superman I didn't find much else to like. I decided to pick up this CD again recently, since I was going to one of their shows (it was unbelievable) and I was blown away. This is one of those albums that takes some time and careful listening to in order to fully appreciate its beauty. Tracks like Feeling Yourself Disintegrate and A Spoonful Weights A Ton are so well crafted I can only smile and sometimes even shed a tear. Simply gorgeous and worth every second.

Have a nice day.
The Flaming Lips are perhaps the ultimate "happy" rock band.Their music is just perfectly fluffy and uplifting, without having to be too overtly sunny and positive.I really think it's impossible not to feel good while listening to these guys.Heck, even Trent Reznor lists the Flaming Lips as one of his favorite bands, and look at what a gloomy guy he is.
A Modern Day Symphony
The major reason that "The Soft Bulletin" is such an amazing album is because at the time that it came out no really excepted that the Flaming Lips could make an album like it. Whilst they constantly realised albums that were brilliant, they were very much a cult college band.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Dream Pop    3. Experimental    4. Experimental Rock    5. Neo-Psychedelia    6. Noise Pop    7. Pop    8. Rock    9. Rock/Pop    10. United States of America   

Reviews (13)

er.... I don't think I like it
I proudly proclaim Veruca Salt to be my favourite band of all time (with or without Nina)and have come to adore all of their music in all it's variety and uniqueness...even Nina's off-spin albums... I'm confused, then, that I don't think I like this album at all! Where are the belting hooks? Where is the clever crafted angst? Where are the lyrics that suprise and challenge you? Where is Louise's beautiful voice souring above the din? "You've got me running but I can't see you coming, baby" ...???? Every time I try and listen to it I can't help skipping through the songs hoping the next will be better.I do like "So weird".Sort of.Sorry Veruca Salt... I still love you.But I think I must be getting old.

Let me clarify the negative reviews....
Don't even bother reading the negative reviews because they are not genuine opinions, but rather emotions fueled by Nina Gordon's departure from the band. I don't know why people continue to take their anger out on Louise for continuing to rock, Nina is the one that left us. I've been a fan of Veruca Salt since the beginning and this album is just as good as any other. Don't be fooled or skeptical.
I can't stop listening to it
I've been a fan of Veruca Salt from the beginning, and right now this is my favorite of their albums.Louise Post is a total rock goddess, and her vocals are even stronger and more nuanced than before.I'm finding lately that when people are talking to me, I'm pretending to listen, but really singing Louise's lyrics (from IV) in my head. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Grunge    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop    6. United States of America   

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Reviews (455)

Balancing it out
First of all let me say that i'm really rating this album with THREE STARS. I gave it 5 stars to balance the rating due to all the idiotic hate reviews this album and band are getting.
Crazy
This cd is one word Crazy.I Love every song on it.If you love rock/metal.You will love this cd.

Don't give them all the power when your future's in desperate trouble
Since I bought this album a year ago I've moved onto harder and heavier bands, like Slayer and Cradle of Filth, and even some older ones too, like Iron Maiden and Ozzy. Avenged Sevenfold has evolved into something that fits right in the middle of all of that. They even seem to have an anti-war feeling in two of the songs, despite the fact that they claim to not be a political band at all.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Metal    2. Emo    3. Heavy Metal    4. Pop    5. Post-Hardcore    6. Rock   

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Reviews (39)

Not bad.
Bullet for my Valentine basically take emo/hardcore elements, and serve them up with a healthy dose of thrash and melodic death metal, to create a sound that is definitely a cut above the rest.Sure, frontman Matt Tuck can get a little emo-ish at times, but he's also a good screamer, and the band is always quick with a blazing riff, a scorching solo, an Iron Maiden-ish melody, or a blistering double bass attack.I'd say this album is really more metal than anything, so if you've always wanted a bit more metal in this type of music, then you're likely to find plenty of enjoyment here.These guys are great musicians, who really know how to rock hard.Best song is "The End", a 7-minute epic that alternates between dark, haunting melodies, and powerful climactic riffs.The rest are in the 3-4 minute range, and a bit more straight-forward, but still full of interesting dynamics.It never gets boring for a second.
Finally, a band that does new metal the right way.
First off, I'm an 80's metal guy. I love bands like Metallica, Iron Maiden, Dio, Megadeth. And for years, it's been difficult for me to get into any new metal bands...until now! What an amazing band. Finally, you have a band that has the makings of a great modern day metal band, yet their music still firmly reflects their 80's roots. I love this album. If you love your metal with pounding riffs, killer solos, and a whole lot of attitude, buy this cd. This is the best British rock band to come onto the scene in years.

Stop listening to other people
Go buy it yourself and see what all the hype is about. These guys are the real deal. And while it might not be groundbreaking, it is metalcore executed perfectly. ...