Editorial Review

"I'm ready / Ready for what's next," Bono announces at the outset of Read more

Reviews (443)

First CD I ever owned, favorite album of all time!
No kidding, this is THE best U2 album and not only that, easily in the Top-10 greatest albums of ALL TIME.This album is flawless.I still break it out every now and then and can't believe how good it is.This album will always be special to me in so many ways.I listened to it daily for over a year during one of the greatest years of my life.
Not only U2's best album, but also one of the greatest albums ever!
Wow. What an amazing album. It seems like not enough people pay attention to U2's 90's music. After Achtung Baby was Zooropa, which I really enjoyed and then there was Pop, which I thought was just "okay". Anyways, Achtung Baby is definitely U2's best album. Here are my ratings for each song:
"One" Techno Masterpiece!
'Achtung' has to rate as one of two of the best albums by U2.It ranks with 'Joshua Tree,' which has more variety, even if 'Achtung' gratifies the listener with more immediacy.U2 reinvents their own sound wheel with the help of Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, once again, but with "Flood" added to the helm.The lyrics cover the gamut of love realized and unrealized with the fluency and passion of their best work.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. College Rock    4. Ireland    5. Pop    6. Pop/Rock    7. Post-Punk    8. Rock    9. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

On first listen, Wolf Parade is just another Canadian buzz band that plays fun, keyboard-heavy, new wave-y indie-rock and sings in weird, affected, high-pitched tones. Upon further listening, the songs reveal a lot of strange and fuzzy little details, and the lyrics have more depth than most bands do on their debuts. The Montreal-based group was brought to the Seattle-based Sub Pop label's attention by none other than Modest Mouse's Isaac Brock, modern rock radio's king of affected vocalizings. Brock even recorded much of the album in Portland, OR. The vocalist has more than a passing affinity for David Bowie, and if you love the Arcade Fire and Frog Eyes, you probably are already a fan. Read more

Reviews (63)

Clever, infectious, blisteringly fun album
Hmmmm. So I see there are comparisons to Arcade Fire abound, and I must say, if it's worth anything, Wolf Parade takes my vote. Well, at least in terms of their two latest albums -- 'Funeral' and 'Apologies'. Perhaps the comparison is in many respects irrelevent, but even so I find it an interesting debate. I know, I know -- you're about to have a panic attack because your anticipation for my reasonings is uncontrollable -- but let me tell you, I am probably the least convincing guy in the world with regard to supporting an argument maintaining some sort of poise, within ANY subject, so your adrenaline glands are pumping bodily juices for no reason at all... better go buy some xanax.
4.5 stars, For Indie Hipster or Indie Kids, only?
This album is worthy to be called one of the best of 2005 because of the harmonizing vocals, beautiful keyboard and guitar arrangements that mesh together so well and a spunky edge that comes out at you like a fairy tale. Now you may be saying what the hell is this guy talking about? Well, I'm pondering on whether Wolf Parade's "Apologies to the Queen Mary" is a success or just old news. Wolf Parade are an intriguing band none-the-less even if this effort consists of two catchy but highly inconvienent voices. You maybe uncomfortable at first (I wasn't, I dove right in) with the artistic dialogues and the expressions of the music but still you will have a good chance of finding one of your new favorite bands if you pick up this debut.

simply amazing
I'll Believe in Anything is an epic song. All around great songs on the record, also do not miss them live! ... Read more

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

Reviews (32)

Reviewing "Voice Lessons To Go"
I waited to review this CD.There is my feed back.This Vocalizing CD has good points to it as Ariella Vaccarino keeps it simple.However, it is annoying for those of us who are advanced or professional opera singers to have Ariella's comments in the background when the point of vocalizing is to exercise the voice well in peace and with full concentration.The over explaining I can understand as she needed to consider that every one can purchase her CD and they might not know operatic terms.The other point which I feel is lacking on this CD is that she does not take the voice high enough - for the over low parts one can just drop out as she suggests.The reason I purchased this CD was to have the exercises there when there is no piano to vocalize with.It is a good CD for beginners.

Do You Get What You Pay For?
Yes.The cd has clear warm up and breathing exercises.There is no long talk filler or promises of greatness.You will need a few lessons with a real teacher to check your form and technique.You will find the exercises of a professional teacher exactly what is on this cd.Great for practicing in the car and warming up before a show.

Good
The only word I can think of for this CD is good.It isn't outstanding or anything like that.You definitely get what you pay for. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. A Voice Lesson by a great experienced teacher for you at less than half the price of a real private lesson.For all ages and levels- to be used on your schedule.    2. Spoken   

Editorial Review

Hitch up your I-Pods, egg-headed hipsters of the future: They Might Be Giants, the out-there band that files its sound under the banner of "Can't We All Just Get Along" is speaking your language. What they're saying is Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (150)

Excellent album for the whole family
Our family loves this album. It isn't just a series of quiet soft kiddy songs, but some that rock and some that are quiet. We can sing along with all of them. Our kids (2 to 9 years) like this album a great deal. It is a bit quirky, as might be expected from TMBG, but that adds to the variety of the music.

My kids love it, and yours will, too
I have been "making" my kids listen to the music of TMBG for years, but I no longer have to "make" them listen.My 6 and 7-year-olds actually "want" to listen to songs like "No!," "Clap Your Hands," and "Four of Two."Although this is not TMBG's best CD (some say it is "Flood"), this is my kid's favorite TMBG's CD.

Absolutely perfect!
I teach a class of awesome pre-schoolers ages 2 and 3.I often get kids' music to play for them.This CD is by far the class's favorite.They love it!And I do too!It has appeal for kids and adults.These guys are so talented and in touch with their inner child.There are so many singer-songwriters who didn't make it who put out kids' music, thinking that a kids' audience will be easy: but they're wrong.Kids know what they like and they really like this album.It is a real stand out in an oversaturated market.Bravo and thank you! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Popular Music    3. Rock    4. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Beck brags here that he's "got two turntables and a microphone." He also has a sweeping aesthetic that sees no reason why musical allusions to hip-hop, the Beatles, James Brown, punk, Gram Parsons, cool jazz, and Dylan can't coexist in the same song. Throughout, he rap-sings with sincere irony--I bet he laughs at the sight of a jump-suited Elvis, then cries when the King starts to sing--and Read more

Reviews (171)

Formula, But Also Fun at Times
Really 3 and a half stars, but I round up.Unfortunately religion has crept into his work making the lyrics more pretentious and less insightful, despite the solid songwriting that defines the CD the songs many times fail to grab you. "Where It's At" was the first single and I don't needanother song written about the most overdone topic in rock, while others applaud it for some reason."The New Pollution" was the second single and to me this is formula at its most obvious.I am glad I own this CD though. I love many of the experimental sounds added and "Devil's Haircut" is worth the price of admission by itself.You can listen to this CD straight through, but it just doesn't match Mellow Gold or even Guero for it's abbility to draw you in.Recommended for diehard Beck fans.

Something for everyone
Odelay is one of those albums that leaves you smiling and thinking all at once. There are all kinds of genres crossed in this album. You'll hear funk, rap, bossa nova(he quotes Antonia Carlos Jobim briefly) and rock. The most interesting part of this album is not only the lesser known songs but that it still sounds fresh today almost ten years after it's release(June 18, 1996). There is something for everyone one this album which makes it a popular hit at parties. I'm new to Beck and Alternative Rock and I think I'll buy his Mellow Gold album next.

Uneven but way better than "Mellow Gold" -an influential album in its day - barely a classic
Though the album is very uneven with a lot of ok songs, as a whole "Odelay" is a great album. There are three Lo-Fi classics here - "Devil's Haircut", "Hotwax (which wasn't a hit), and "Where It's At". Not only does this make it accessible for non-Beck fans, but it makes the album that much more worth buying. Very creative with a lot of soul put into it. Its historical influence adds a lot of value to it and helps make it worth buying. Although "Guero" and "Mutations" are more satisfying as a whole (they contain no filler), "Odelay" is still a great record. Three factors give it a 5-star rating - the 3 classic songs, its creativity and its historical influence. Recommended!
Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Club/Dance    3. Indie Rock    4. Lo-Fi    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop    8. Singer/Songwriter   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (17)

Exceptional best-of set
Of course you know all these songs, and of course there are many more great cuts deeper on the original albums, but for a single-disc review of a band with over 10 years' worth of releases, this 18-track set is hard to beat.The group went through several striking stylistic changes over its lifetime, but that variation actually helps this disc hold together as an album as well as a set of songs.
A nice compilation of The Talking Heads
I've always liked The Talking Heads, they always had catchy songs that were fun to listen to. I must admit, my favorite of theirs has always been "Burning Down The House", but there are so many good songs on here, as well. The Talking Heads were one of the best bands of the 80's, that's when they had their best work. The 70's were ok, too, but their 80's work really shined. I'm quite happy with this.

Articulate Collection
Oddly, a compilation by Talking Heads should come out uneven and disjointed, but this collection is marvelously done.The songs meld well together and provide a sampler that wouldn't prevent anyone from buying their excellent original albums.('Talking Heads '77,' 'Remain in Light,' and 'Speaking in Tongues' are their crowning achievements artistically, but 'Fear of Music,' 'More Songs About Buildings and Food,' and 'True Stories' demonstrate that they had a great repertoire. (Unlike, 'Sand in the Vaseline,' which is also excellent, but perhaps takes too many gems and doesn't align them as well.)
Read more

Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. American Punk    4. College Rock    5. New Wave    6. New York Punk    7. Pop    8. Pop/Rock    9. Post-Punk    10. Rock    11. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

The last Nirvana collection recorded before the untimely death of Kurt Cobain, Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (410)

Kurts Finest hour
I was rather sceptical on buying this album since I already had the session on tape but being the huge Nirvana fanatic that I am I decided to purchess this album anyway. This is very easily one of the finest live albums ever recorded, not only does it capture the bands sound in a whole new light but it also captures Kurt Cobain as a performer at his most vulranble and bare best.
My Girl - Where Did you Sleep Last Night
This entire album bears the soul of Kurt Cobain, as did most of his work.However the last song, Where Did You Sleep Last Night is a dying persons testimony to a system that is demented.Take a look at the video.Its like the remenants of his soul went into the ending of this song.

WORLD-CLASS
I've never been much of a fan of "Alternative" music but this album is stunning. The band really shows everyone they are real musicians and artists. Kurt Cobain was a powerhouse of an entertainer and an open channel of emotion. This album is a fitting farewell.
Read more

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

Editorial Review

Iron & Wine is Sam Beam, a back-porch Florida singer-songwriter whose sad little songs pack a helluva wallop. Beam's immediately likable tunes paint such clear pictures that songs like "Southern Anthem" and "Muddy Hymnal" are more akin to short stories by Raymond Carver and Flannery O'Connor than to your average pop ditty. Recorded in his living room on a vintage four-track, Read more

Reviews (80)

check this out too
I am a huge fan of catchy, quiet folk music with insightful lyrics. If you enjoy this album then I strongly recommend that you check out the following:
Spoken words like moonlight, you're the voice that I like
I bought this CD for one reason...I had bought "Our Endless Numbered Days" and was so blown away by the beauty of it, that I had to have more.And "The Creek Drank The Cradle" is no exception.Sam Beam, is a poet, and one that makes you feel a sense of nostalgia, as if you have been to the places he sings about or have done the things that he has done.This is a CD that makes you want to lie in the grass and stare at the clouds roll by.His breathless voice is similar to Elliott Smith or Sufjan Stevens and the lyrics will stick in your head the same.My favorite songs are: Bird Stealing Bread, Upward Over The Mountain, Lions Mane, Southern Anthem, and Faded From Winter.Beam's voice is honest and refreshing, folksy and simple, haunting and beautiful, raw and brilliant.Although not as good as "Our Endless Days," this is a debut album and it's fun to see the maturity and growth of Sam Beam.The album is also more lo-fi, which takes nothing away from the music at all.Be on the watch from Beam, because he keeps getting better and better.

Meaningful songs
I have been listening to more softer music lately, I am tired of all the usual stuff, so I am trying new bands that I never heard of before. I think this is really good. I like the quality of the songs. I think Samis a good songwriter. He has an interesting voice, not the best I have ever heard, but he uses it in a way that really bring out the meaning of the lyrics. "Promise" What You Will is my favorite song on this album. I think I will buy more of his music. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Popular Music    3. Rock    4. Rock/Pop   

Reviews (124)

Great CD
This CD is a must have!I play it over and over and never get tired of it.

Wide Appeal & Worth Having
Casting Crowns got it right.I love this CD and so does my youth group.My favorite song on there is "If We are the Body" because it speaks the truth about the church.This song hits home and asks questions along the lines of - "Why does the church judge people seeking help rather than reach out to them?"
Great Lyrics
but it was too heavy overall. Could have gone for a lighter sound -- less rock influences... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Alternative CCM    3. CCM    4. Christian Punk    5. Contemporary Christian Music    6. Gospel    7. Indie Rock    8. Pop    9. Punk Revival    10. Punk-Pop    11. Religious / Contemp. Christian    12. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Reunited with producer Rick Rubin and guitarist John Frusciante (both of whom were on board for the 1991's breakthrough Read more

Features

• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (832)

Buy Them A Star On The Boulevard...
Most people who bought this CD probably did so because they wanted the title track.That's no surprise, because it's the best track on here lyrically.I love some of those lines..."Space may be the final frontier, but it's made in a Hollywood basement...""Buy me a star on the boulevard it's californication"
YES!
Any music you can describe is probably not worth listening to.This is indescribable.It doesn't come out of anything but the band's Jam.I've been waiting for many years for some geat Rock.Thank you, RHCP!

delivered as promised
I got what I wanted in the time frame promised...the way it's supposed to work. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Jokingly referred to as the White Stripes' British album, Read more

Reviews (693)

the white stripes?...or nirvana?
I like this album, and there's not really much I can say that other reviewers haven't already said, but I give it only three stars because of something a quite disgruntled reviewer said that I took to heart...
Stripe me, baby!
I love this duo! Though this is the only White Stripes CD I own so far, I am a confirmed fan of Jack and Meg White. I am in my forties and have eclectic taste in music but tend to love rock best. I own and enjoy Audioslave, Alice in Chains, the Beatles, the Police, the Foo Fighters, Bonnie Raitt, No Doubt and even some French music among many other artists and genres. The White Stripes give me everything that I love about all of my favorite music: great lyrics, a compelling beat, hypnotic guitar and a truly unique voice. One of my favorite aspects of the music on the Elephant CD is the bluesy undertone to the music, expecially on Ball And Biscuit, which may be my favorite cut. Jack's voice is a physical, seductive sensation on this one. He seems to really unleash that voice and it is powerful! Black Math is another of my favorites because of the tempo changes. I have to stop whatever I'm doing during this song and let it carry me along. Jack's voice changes with the tempo also. Brilliant! Seven Nation Army is probably the most commercially successful song on the CD and it is still as fabulous as ever but there is so much more to love. All of the songs are very good. I highly recommend Elephant.

Don't belive the hype - belive the record
In all my days of album picking, I've never approached an album with more caution than this one. Before I picked it up, I read; read everything from the praise that "Seven Nation Army" has gotten from critics across the music spectrum, to the wonderfully glorious acceptance speeches fans of the garage rock genre gave to the fourteen track monster. You can see how poised I was to listen to the blasted thing.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues-Rock    2. Garage Rock Revival    3. Indie Rock    4. Pop    5. Punk    6. Punk Blues    7. Rock   

Reviews (18)

Surprisingly excellent
I probably shouldn't say "surpringly" excellent we are after all talking about Sufjan, but when this was released I was hesitant to buy it because I thought of a B-sides and outtakes album as not up to par with regular releases. I thought that if this didn't make the album then it must not be as good, that's pretty much the case with most other artists. Artists other than Sufjan. This album is really amazing and is absolutely level with his other releases. It should be looked at as an album and not a collection of outtakes . I highly recommend this to all Sufjan fans especially those who love "Illinoise"

He's an avalanche
Sufjan Stevens has reached a new level in his musical career -- the point where every shred of his art is of interest.
Still better than anything else out there.
This album takes a handfull of listens before it starts to sink in and get comfortable.Some of the songs seem a little caotic and over the top at first, but when you start to understand the world that Sufjan creates through out the album, you realise that he is, in fact, capable of putting out better and better music.There is nothing out there better than Sufjan, other than lesser substitutes that only provide a brief brake from listening to Sufjan continuosly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Indie Pop    3. Indie Rock    4. Pop    5. Progressive Folk    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop    8. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

During and after his days as the leader of Massachusetts band the Scud Mountain Boys, which fizzled after their dazzling 1996 Sub Pop release, Joe Pernice has crafted his songs with a juxtaposed blueprint--hummable melodies and a lush pop tenor camouflaging lyrics that reek of anxiety and aggravation. "Struggling through the S's/Through the tunnels in the trees/Through the sticky optimism hardening in me," he mordantly confesses in "PCH One," among the best of the dozen songs that make up the Pernices' sixth full-length record. Backed by brother Bob and ace guitarist Peyton Pinkerton, Pernice's unblemished voice is the key instrument, whether lamenting a spurious hometown ("Somerville") or summating a breakup ("Conscience Clean") with one telltale line: "So I threw a dart at Europe/She hit Michigan." But the band saves the most poignant track for last, a remake of the Scuds' "Grudge F***," in which Pernice pleads for one last encounter with an ex-lover. It's the kind of song that once sold a million for AM radio bands like Bread, and wraps up in 4:57 what the Pernice Brothers are all about. Read more

Reviews (4)

stunning and complex
The songs on the new Pernice Brothers get better with each listen.They are nothing short of stunning - complex and elegant, yet simple.By far, their best CD to date - each song distinct and very well crafted.Ranging from hard driving (BS Johnson, Microscopic View) to more melodic (PCH One) I can't get the CD out of my car or the songs out of my head - yet each listen opens up new elements in the lyrics and the instrumentation.Joe's vocal are fantastic, Peyton's guitar work is awesome.Get this CD now - and go see them on tour if they stop in your town(they are fantastic live)!!!

The ethereal greatness of the Pernice Brothers continues...
If you're a fan of the Pernice Brothers' earlier work, stop reading this and go purchase the album right now. At first listen, I wasn't very impressed, but each song grew on me considerably with repeated listens, as I had experienced with their previous albums, and I'm tempted to call this my favorite yet. Live a Little evokes the vibe of Overcome By Happiness, with lilting melodies and clever, incisive lyrics that cut straight to the heart and mind. Joe Pernice has never been better in terms of songwriting or with the emotional impact of his distinctly breathy yet clear voice. Song arrangements have become more complex and adds to the trademark sublime quality of the Pernice Brothers' work. All the songs are excellent, but particular favorites include "Somerville" and an introduction straight from Oasis that leads into a delightfully upbeat tune; "How Can I Compare", in which Joe waxes sentimental like he did on "How To Live Alone" from "Yours, Mine and Ours"; "B.S. Johnson", with a catchy, relentlessly driving bassline akin to that of "The Weakest Shade of Blue" also from "Yours, Mine and Ours"; "Lightheaded" and its upbeat bridge; "High as a Kite" has much the same wistfulness of "Our Time Has Passed" from "The World Won't End", but with an even more beautiful chorus; and "Grudge F**k", a reworking of a Scud Mountain Boys song which I have not heard before, but cannot have been as damn good as this version. I could go on and on about the merits of all of these songs, some of the finest examples of music as art in the 21st century. Buy this album. (And the rest of the Pernice Brothers' stuff if you haven't yet).

Cap'n Sez...
Buy this album.If you don't have all the rest buy them too.There is still time to discover this world class band you never heard of.Learn new vocabulary words from Joe Pernice's great smartass lyrics.Another masterpiece. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber Pop    2. Indie Pop    3. Indie Rock    4. Pop    5. Pop Underground    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

It was easy to see where Kasabian was coming from on its self-titled 2004 debut: Take Oasis' classic rock bluster, slap it together with the Chemical Brothers' acid-soaked club beats, and shake fiercely. But how to improve on a formula the British band already perfected with early singles like "Club Foot" and "Reason Is Treason"? That's easy: more of the same, only louder. On Read more

Reviews (8)

Ace followup
This album bombards you like a cold wave...totally worthy second album.'Nuff said

Bad, bad, bad.
When I heard Kasabian's first single, "Club Foot", I was hooked. When I heard the rest of the album, I was disappointed, but still worth it. I recently downloaded their sophomore album, and I am horrified. It is very, very bad. It all sounds like a bad remix of their first album with new lyrics. Synth bass on every song, simple drums, synth guitar, uninspired lyrics, and guess what else, synthesizers. All there really is (on the majority of the album) is synth noise. Loud, synthesized noise with monotone lyrics. With most of the songs, I was ready to skip the track, but not because it's bad, but because it goes on too long. If you like it, that's fine, I'm just saying that it's just an expansion of their first album, but worse.
Not like their first but still worthy
Kasabian's self titled first release is one that I found very enjoyable. Some of the tracks I rarely listened to but cuts like "Reason Is Treason," "Cutt Off," and "L.S.F." has this disc continually in moderate to heavy rotation in my car CD collection. The reasons I liked it so much was the use of electronica/keyboards along with great melodies and a real swagger.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Britpop    2. England    3. Indie Rock    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop   

Reviews (53)

Mike Patton does quality porn music?
Am trying to work out how to describe this record but I can't think of anything better than a genre based around how the soundtrack would be on a quality porn movie, not that I'd know, but it's sort of like a very slick, sexy grindy sound which is really seductive.Might sound silly but what he has acheived is a loungey sort of feel, with a very sexy sort of sound - lots of huge bass and beat noises and so on.Definitely not the sort of thing radio will flock to, but not a revisiting of the rock or heavier stuff he's done with FNM or Tomahawk etc...
Mike Patton excellence
Definately some of Mike Patton's best work this side of Epic.I highly recommend this CD to those that like mixed work CD's and explorations of technique and electronica.For the price this CD really can't be beat.

valid
One of my favorite films of all time is Peeping Tom. Michael Powell is one of the great directors of all time. It's funny that the closely named Mike Patton has used this name for his new project. It is a big collaboration with many people that Patton has never met. The first track "Five Seconds" is much like Faith No More and features Odd Nosdam. Other people who show up on this are Dan The Automator and Amon Tobin. I am a big Kool Keith fan. So the song "Getaway" reminds me a little of Black Elvis and Prodigy. Good stuff. I also like "Kill The DJ" with Massive Attack. It's a little like some stuff off of 100th Window. Other people who show up on this are Kid Koala, Bebel Gilberto, and even Norah Jones. It's a sort of record that shows who are Patton's friends. It's all pretty good, but unlike some of his recent material. It's a valid statement. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Electronic    2. Experimental Rock    3. Hip-Hop    4. Indie Rock    5. Pop    6. Pop/Rock    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop    9. Trip-Hop   

Editorial Review

Oh to be free and frivolous, like Stuart Murdoch and his extensive cast of players as they engage Read more

Reviews (83)

A new swagger
Confident and sparky, 'The Life Pursuit' is the sound of a less self-conscious band hitting their stride on their 7th album. Their sound continues to expand, taking in Motown and even funk in addition to their standard folk, 80s indie and 60s guitar-pop influences. There's nothing here as revolutionary as between-album single 'Your Cover's Blown', which saw the long-overdue union of 60s pop and punk-funk, but 'We Are The Sleepyheads' is a leaner and less epic version of that same union, and there's a touch of bluesy funk to 'The Blues are Still Blue', and a swaggering glam to 'White Collar Boy'. 'Another Sunny Day' and 'Dress Up In You' are classic Belle & Seb, harking back to their best upbeat and downbeat tracks respectively; the latter is one of their most gorgeous since 'Sleep The Clock Around'. Most surprising is the 'Song For Sunshine', which features a Stevie Wonder-esque synthesiser and is white-boy soul of the first order. But the best track is the joyous 'Sukie In The Graveyard', which is brilliantly playful, with amusing lyrics a driving sound that sparkles with major-key pop melody. Though perhaps not their very best album, 'The Life Pursuit' is certainly Belle & Sebastian's most expansive and confident to date, despite slightly thin production after Trevor Horn's huge addition to 'Dear Catastrophe Waitress'. For those that have always wanted to hear them do the upbeat pop thing more, this will be perfect.

Absolutely Fabulous!
I'm a long time Belle & Sebastian fan, I've been listening to them since Tigermilk, and I just cannot get enough of this album.It's my favourite album of theirs to date, and it's also the very best album I've heard so far this year.It takes all the elements that have made this band so wonderful over the years: Witty lyrics, Bacharach-esque melodies; but there's a new sense of humor and fun, and even some funky 70's glam rock swagger to boot.It's the most fun album that I've heard in ages, and it just makes me want to get up and sing and dance.Amazing that a band so known for it's retro mod sound has come out with one of the freshest sounding albums of the year.

snobyyyyy
first of all this album is good, its really good actually, its Belle and sebastian good.i can say that it is my opinon that this is not their greatest album, but its smart and funny and poppy and catchy (everything i love about this band).so there that is, this album is good
Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber Pop    2. Indie Pop    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop    6. Scotland    7. Twee Pop   

Editorial Review

It's been almost a quarter century since a youthful, avant-garde band with cut-rate guitars and an impetus for experimental noise burst into the New York underground, and it's very possible that as its 21st record to date, Read more

Reviews (40)

This album is like a sunny day
I am a latecomer to Sonic Youth, having never been a fan of noise pop, art pop, or atonal experimental rock. However, as a fan of the Stooges, American Analog Set, Low, QOTSA and many things in between, Rather Ripped fits right into my groove. It's fuzzy, raw, sometimes spare, guitar-oriented, and melodic. Kim Gordon manages to sing on key and Moore, oddly, sounds like a youth Bruce Springsteen sometimes.
Pretty Good
I own Daydream Nation, Goo, and Rather Ripped. Of the three, I probably skip the most tracks on this one ("sleepin' around" and "rats" usually, "what a waste" and "rapture" occasionally). There are some really really good tracks that are classic sonic youth too though. "Jams run free", "Incinerate", "Reena", and "Pink Steam" are all great, with "jams run free" probably being my most played. If you want to get into sonic youth, this is a good start but I'd recommend "Daydream Nation" as a starting point - it may take a few more listens but overall "Daydream" is their best work.

a late-career triumph
The beauty of this album doesn't immediately jump out at you, but grows with time - the streamlined serenity of tracks like "Reena" or "Do You Believe in Rapture?", the noisy "Rats" and "What a Waste" - and the crescendoing climactic glory of "Pink Steam."