Reviews (633)

MAKE YOUR OWN SMILE
For all you geeks out there, the answwer is simple.If you're a fan of the Beach Boys, you probably have finished versions of the key songs on this album.If you have a sound editing program, you can mix the old songs with the new.The keys and tempos are identical.I did it, and it sounds amazing.Brian's voice from the 60's is angelic, and combined with the new musicians, it's magic.So if you're so lnclined, give it a try, SMiLE will sound as fresh as if it were recorded yesterday.

Smile
Finding this fascinating album is like digging up buried treasure. A free-form cycle of song fragments in diverse styles woven into three extended suites held together with numerous recurring themes. A sophisticated melange implausibly constructed from sounds emanating from the realm of surfboards and hot rods. If Smile had been released in 1967, it would have revolutionized popular music. The era was just waiting for something like this, and even given the ensuing era of prog-rock, it is remarkable how little there is to compare this album with. Unfortunate though it may be that this music missed its moment, those with a sympathetic ear for 1960s rock will be glad to have this. The complex vocal arrangements are one of the album's strong points. Brian Wilson would make a great madrigalist.

Beach Boys-flavor Art/Prog Rock
One would rarely put Brian Wilson or the Beach Boys in the same rock sub-category as The Moody Blues, King Crimson, Pink Floyd, Supertramp, or The Velvet Underground, but Wilson is attempting their type of avant-garde thematic album with "Smile."It's not that he's trying to sound like any of those bands -- he's not -- any more than he was trying to sound like the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper."But in "Smile" you do not get the usual collection of individual songs, you get one overall storyline where each song is part of a bigger show -- like an opera made up of several arias that collectively tell one tale.
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Subjects:  1. Chamber Pop    2. Pop    3. Pop/Rock    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Perhaps you weren't convinced of the Verve's staying power until recently. Before the release of Read more

Reviews (245)

Bittersweet never sounded so good before or since...
So back in '97 I was driving along minding my own business when Bittersweet Symphony came on the radio and smacked me in the face. At least thats what it felt like. A pleasant smack. The kind that made me feel as if I had been zoned out all day until I heard the song and suddenly I felt alive! OK, maybe thats a bit dramatic, but you get the picture. I fell in love with the song, and even now 10 years later I still get swept up in the emotion of the song.
Don't Believe the Hype
But for "The Drugs don't Work," which is marginal at best,this album is boring...cookie-cutter, nothing original.

Nothing Bitter Here,It's all Sweet!
This album is a masterpiece!Most albums start out promising, then about three songs into it we lose interest and...turn it off.This album will surprise you,it get's better towards the end,"Neon Wilderness" is more of an intermission than an actual song,so you can't actually count that as a song,although I'm sure that there are some over zealous Verve fans out there that do,and that's ok.From the opening, soothing string arrangement of "Bitter Sweet Symphony" our hearts are held captive,then the whooshing rush of the full orchestra crashes in (this part,by the way,is the sample that Richard Ashcroft used and had to share writing credits with Jagger and Richards)and we are hooked without a doubt, to this beautiful song."Sonnet" is a touching ballad about friendship,"The Drugs Don't Work" isn't a song about drug abuse as the title may seem to impose,rather it's a moving ballad that Ashcroft wrote about the death of his father,it's difficult to listen to this song and not think of a loved one who has passed on."Lucky Man" is a brilliant song that Ashcroft dedicates to his wife when he performs it live.Simply put,every song on this album is a gem.Go out and buy this album now.Enjoy! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Britpop    3. Dream Pop    4. England    5. Indie Pop    6. Indie Rock    7. Pop    8. Popular Music    9. Post-Grunge    10. Rock    11. Rock/Pop    12. Shoegaze    13. Space Rock   

Features

• Original recording reissued

Reviews (100)

what a glorious surprise!
Wow, only 2 nights before I bought this CD, I saw Vienna Teng on KQED and I was transfixed from the first note. I sat glued and basking in every note she played and word she sang. Luckily a friend looked up who this awesome performer was, because as much as I craved to find out, I wouldn't move... lest I miss something. Wow a wonderful new artist, or so I thought at the time. As I sought more information, what a glorious surprise I found. It turns out years ago on garageband.com I had playlisted her only song on that site on two playlists! I'm astounded and thrilled to have found much more from her! I'm listening to the CD as I type this, and it's difficult to pick a favorite, they're all wonderful! I was so inspired and moved, I had to learn The Tower on the piano.The entire CD is truly stunning and it is a must have!

Stays in my CD player
I've owned this CD ever since I heard an interview on NPR with Vienna Teng.The album is beautifully layered with her unpretentious voice and her talent on the piano.The lyrics prove she is a singer/songwriter to be reckoned with.This is not junk food for the brain, but intelligent and clever lyrics.My favorite songs on the album (though there are no duds) are Gravity, Eric's Song, Unwritten Letter #1, and The Tower.
so glad i found her!!
this is the type of cd that you just can't stop listening to.her words are music are so powerful and have helped me get through a tough time in my life.i literally have not taken it out of my cd player since i bought it!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. As featured on LETTERMAN and NPR. Waking Hour takes listeners on an emotional ride through gentle piano ballads to multi-layered productions with lush landscapes.    3. Chamber Pop    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

It was only a matter of time before SpongeBob Squarepants became a star big enough to pull off a concept album. Where so many other megawatt celebrities, be they living and land-based or fictional and sea-dwelling, can get all high-minded and grand when cobbling together a theme for their music, though, our man Sponge proves he's as humble and porous as ever on Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (5)

For the kid in all of us -- a superb listening experience
I first became aware of SpongeBob a few years ago while working at a community college in Southern California.Two of my student coworkers were totally entranced by the little guy and his colorful world.I checked out the series and was immediately hooked.
Amazing Dace
This is truly the Pet Sounds of the Aquatic Square Pants CDs.
The Best Album Ever!
This is my favorite SpongeBob- related CD release so far! The songs are written so well. The music is fantastic and the lyrics are so clever. The musician credits are amazing! There is something on this album for everyone because it covers nearly every genre of music. This CD even comes with a cool bonus music video! The WH2O advertisements and phone calls are very entertaining too. I think this is a great album that will remain timeless to children and adults. I think anyone who buys this will not be disappointed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Children's    3. Childrens    4. Indie Rock    5. Pop    6. Soundtracks    7. V/a Compilations   

Editorial Review

Every great power pop band is all about two things: meaty melodies and oo-la-la choruses, and there's no disbelieving that this Phoenix band have the formula nailed on their sophomore album. Produced by a master of the genre (Steve McDonald, founding member of Redd Kross), the 12-tracker advances the Format's debut album by sandblasting pocketfuls of hooks and poetic prose into the consciousness. Band leaders Nate Ruess and Sam Means progress like a modern day Colin Blunstone/Rod Argent, zigzagging Zombies-like through a piano-led, choral-like pool of tuneful experimentation and falsetto intonation. The band make it almost too easy to pick out potential radio gems, which include up-tempo numbers like "Time Bomb" and "She Doesn't Get It," and especially "Oceans," with its glee club chorus that's downright impossible to shake. But Read more

Reviews (17)

A Formatted Sound Adjustment...A Great Album...
Having always described themselves as a pop band, a pop album such as Dog Problems should come as no surprise to Format fans. Ditching the bare, slender tones of Interventions amd Lullabies, The Format have created a great, new adjustment to their sound. One word can describe it. Full. Or Fuller. Or Fullest? Well, it doesn't really matter, because the songs here are damn catchy. Hearing Ruess' vocals backed by everything from horns to guitars to pretty much anything the band could get their hands on, the CD is a refreshing, theatrical taste of what The Format could do when inspired.
Oh, that's so pretty
From reviews and comparisons to other bands, I really had a different notion of what the music was really all about.There are some great harmonies and melodies.However, this is more of a modern folk/pop album with jangling guitars and pretty vocals.Not for everyone, but just something to keep in mind.

Eh...
Interventions and Lullabies was amazing, hard to live up to.Dog Problems is a great album, but in comparison with the previous album, it really doesn't hold a candle.Dog Problems definitely has a different feel to it than Interventions, and it's good for bands to progress, but it has much more of a power-pop vibe.
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Subjects:  1. Indie Pop    2. Indie Rock    3. Pop    4. Pop Underground    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. United States of America   

Reviews (47)

sometimes you can find...
sometimes you can find a very good cd well write and performed by a "not so well knowed", maybe only here in Italy, artist. I learn about Vienna from a Amazon suggestion and now i'm another fan...simply buy it you and love it

see her live
We all have our own heartaches, expectations and desires..she's smart enough to describe them well and concisely.See this incredibly talented woman in person.She is the real thing.She needs no gimmicks to captivate the audience.I have, and love, this album and her other two.Listen to the samples and buy it. She will speak to you.

A Cup of Tea for Anyone...
...If you've ever had a day that is just perfect for a hot cup of tea, or coffee, this is the album to play.Her vocals are as soothing and comforting as a warm blanket on a snowy evening, and the piano complements it perfectly.However, her talent is not relegated just to the recordings studios.Her live talent engages the audience that takes them beyond a passive listener and takes them to the point that they become and active participant in the musical celebration.
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Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Chamber Pop    3. Contemporary Singer/Songwriter    4. Featured on LETTERMAN & NPR. A dazzling collection of lush, melodic songs, incorporating Vienna's classical tendencies and folk sensibilities within a contemporary pop framework.    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop    8. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

With the same alternative-pop theme as the first Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (10)

Awesome music!
Terrific album that has a lot of variety.All the songs are cool.I especially like Forget It by Breaking Benjamin, Precious by Depeche Mode, You And Me by Lifehouse, and Dirty Little Secret by The All-American Rejects.I also love Feels Like Today by Rascal Flatts.I'd recommend this album because it's wonderful and rockin' good.

Smallville Music Volume 2
At the moment I am a huge Smallville fan, so naturally, I bought the music. Althouth I ordered both at the same time (which I recommend) this one came first. I like the music, but it does not have the feel of the show. There are about 4 songs on it that I really loved, and I was a little disapointed by the cd insert, but overall I am very happy with the purchase.
Excellent
It's a great compilation of songs and the delivery was fast and the product get to me in perfect condition ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Indie Rock    3. Pop    4. Soundtracks & Film Scores    5. TV Soundtracks    6. Television Soundtrack   

Reviews (85)

Amazing
I bought this cd during the summer and haven't stopped listening to it since. Before this band i was stuck in this rut of mainstream pop, rap, and hip hop that i really couldnt get into. But this album made me look at music through a new perspective. (yah i know thats cheesy but thats the way it is...) The lyrics are so relatable and melodies catchy. William Beckett's voice is absolutly amazing thats one of the reasons this album is so great. It just grabs you emotionally and you need to hear more. When i play this cd i play the ENTIRE thing all the way through which is crazy for me cuz i haven't been able to do that with any cd for many years. There is a negative to this album and that is that its too short. Seriously.
Overall amazing
I picked up this album at my local library after listening to 'Checkmarks' on my friend's ipod. I liked the song, but I wasn't sure how good the rest of it would be so I didn't want to spend money on something that might turn out to be bad. But as soon as I listened to it, I rushed out to Best Buy to get a copy. Believe me it was that good.
Good band
Okay, they are good. But they aren't anything special.
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Subjects:  1. Emo    2. Indie Rock    3. Pop    4. Punk-Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. United States of America   

Reviews (2)

Less idiosyncratic Lambchop = a superb release
Damaged only has 10 songs, but the result is the first Lambchop release that you actually wish didn't end so soon. Previous CDs have tended to be overlong, bordering on tediousness and somewhat same-sounding. Don't misunderstand me, their back catalog is impressive and Lambchop is a great, unique band, but it can be a chore to listen to many of their full length releases from start to finish. Not this one.
Lambchop's latest masterpiece
It may take a few listens, but Lambchop's new album soon reveals it's true worth.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Country-Rock    2. Chamber Pop    3. Indie Rock    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Chan "Cat Power" Marshall's performances have become legendary marathons marked by Marshall's shyness and her ability to create moments of fragmented beauty. Five years on from her last collection of original songs, 1998's Read more

Reviews (80)

Cat POWER
This was my first Cat Power album and my favorite in my collection. These are very beautifully stories/songs sung by a woman who is living through the harshness of life. Her voice and pure honesty is something that helps me get through the day. These songs are great to listen to when you need to cry or scream or anything. I know whenever I pop in one of her CD's I am going to be expecting a mood change and it takes me to a wonderful place were things are calm. The song Free can be taken all sorts of ways all i know is when i hear it i can not help but dance. The album is so beautifully put together both with song order to pictures in the songbook.

Minimalist, and enigmatic
It is never entirely certain what Chan Marshall ("Cat Power") is singing about, even on the songs she "covers" (rather, deconstructs entirely, picking and choosing amongst the lyrics until they are some sort of found art almost unrecognizable to the original author). This album is probably her best, where she dumped the last vestiges of her punk-ish early music and went straight minimalist melancholy, without the ornations that hide the bones of The Greatest. She never has drums where a few chords will do. She never has chords where a single note would do. The only constant is her smoky voice, singing enigmatic lyrics that often obscure more than inform.
Several tracks worth mention
Personally, I liked Shaking Paper, Good Woman, and Werewolf.Werewolf is a beautiful song because its rendered in such a slow melodic way that allows for the lyrics to be shuffled into imagery very vividly.Its like imagining a silent movie from the 20s playing, only its this song in the background.Good Woman, on the other hand, offers that heart-wrenching pain of leaving a person you hold so close.
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Subjects:  1. Indie Rock    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Rock/Pop    5. Sadcore    6. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

Denis Leary's firefighter series, Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (14)

Fantastic mix of different bands, themes and sounds
Really nothing on this is bad. The best IMHO is Rubyhorse, the Brian Jonestown Massacre and the Subways but a case could be made for any of the songs. The only problem is now I have 8 other CDs I need to buy!

Rescue ME cd - darn good
Loved it, such a variety.I however do agree with the others when said there were others that should have been included on this disc. But maybe that should come with the second disc.

Loved It!
Love the music on this CD--takes you back to certain scenes in the program.It is the best show on TV. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Indie Rock    3. Pop    4. Soundtracks & Film Scores    5. TV Soundtracks    6. Television Soundtrack   

Reviews (99)

One of the best albums of all time (believe it!)
These guys make creating incredible rock music appear easy.There's something incredibly natural about this album, and yet it feels wholly original.The songs are emotionally powerful and very well written, identifiying this as a standard indie rock album among the ranks of The Arcade Fire or Wolf Parade, but it also has a sense of groove and musicality to it that identifies it with almost a jazz/funk/jam-band aesthetic.I in no way mean to mislead people by making a connection between this CD and these other genres, because the sound of the album really has little to do with jazz, funk, or jam-bands, but it does demonstrate the power of this album and the skill of the musicians that they are able to strike a balance between a sense music-for-music's sake (as in tight grooves and great musicianship), which is primarly a concept associate with jazz, and concise, emotionally-loaded, structured songs that give this CD the strength of the indie rock albums we all know and love.This CD is enthralling, soft and gentle as a whisper, emotoinal, powerful, dreamy, and groovy.Its also remarkably consistant.What a f@#$ing great album!

Help me out
Help me out someone!? I have a wide experience of listening to every kind of (alternative) music but I really cannot see the greatness of the album. Sure, it sounds great and there are great moment but it didn't get me like the Arcade Fire, Bloc Party or even Stars, of which there are some members in BSS as well.
vocals....last time I checked, they were important
This is undoubtedly a very talented group, though you do obviously have to be of the indie persuasion to enjoy it. Many tracks really capture some beautiful melodies and wrap them up in unusual but usually effective arrangments. They also change up the sound effectively from song to song, and show considerable artistic range. One aspect, though, in which they show strikingly little originality or variance is the vocals. Every vocal is pretty much the same. Either a slightly fuzzy and faded sound with sometimes harmony from the female lead singer, or the aformentioned female (sorry, not aquanted with the names yet) singing, with her very typically indie and unimpressive voice slightly altered so that it doesn't sound crisp and clean. This in itself is fine, and is effective in many tracks to deliver an evocative, distinctive style, but because they do it continuely it really becomes a one dimensional aspect of the group, and a bit of a shortcoming. I know they are not a stripped and unproduced sessions band, and that they are not going for a traditional sound, but at some point youy have to have some confidence in the natural sound of your vocalists, without putting their voices through a million studio alterations.
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Subjects:  1. Canada    2. Indie Rock    3. Lo-Fi    4. Pop    5. Post-Rock/Experimental    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

It's only natural that the Hold Steady singer Craig Finn receives all the attention. After all, he's the one with the big mouth. And while his odd and humorous rants are essentially compelling, they wouldn't be half as engrossing if his backing group, especially fellow ex-Minnesotan and Lifter Puller guitarist Tad Kubler, didn't smack up such a glorious din, scabrous punk rock swagger dolled up with classic hard rock power chords. "Separation Sunday" is the NYC-based group's second album and it's every bit as sassy and city wise as their 2004 debut "Almost Killed Me." Finn doesn't know the meaning of the phrase 'hold your tongue' and rudely shouts down the opposition on a number of romantic and religious matters, underscoring his contempt with touching moments of true pathos. Finn's surrounded by self-mutilators, abused lovers and deluded characters desperately chasing faith. It's a good thing he has such a crack band to keep them all in check. Read more

Reviews (31)

Save your money
I bought that last cd and it SUCKED! The singer sings monotone the whole entire time and doesn't have any variations of tone. The music isn't half bad, it isn't great, but it certainly isn't so good that i can ignore the lame-o singer. its just terrible terrible terrible. if you listen to anything that i say hear this: do not buy this album, you will regret it for all of eternity!
stench
The singer doesn't sing, for goodness sake. He just talks. I guess that's the band's trademark, but I flat out hate it. I wouldn't really like the tracks if he had sung overtop of them either, because the whole album in general stinks. Don't buy this CD. It's unique, but unimpressive.

best of 05...or at least I think so
So these cats come off obviously worshipping Springsteen and avoid coming off like johnny cougar on thier album.That by itself earns them three stars. The other two come from the lyrics and the music, both of which are beyond phenomenal. I cannot describe the greatness of this album. Buy it...preferably at least three different copies.Listen to it on an unending loop...It has rocked my life all year.
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Subjects:  1. Indie Rock    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Rock/Pop    5. United States of America   

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (3)

!
jimmy lavalle does it again...i really like the way he recorded this. and where he recorded this (Iceland) it really adds to the feel..

A great album
The new Album Leaf album Into the Blue Again was released last week to relatively little fanfare with an advance track that I liked but didn't love, so it took me over a week to actually purchase the new CD.I'm not sure why.I've loved each of their previous releases, from the completely wordless but beautiful One Day I'll Be on Time to the more filled-out arrangements (and Sigur Ros influence) of In a Safe Place.And this collection does not disappoint.The Album Leaf started as a side project to Jimmy LaValle's Tristeza, which is more electronic based, but LaValle has really expanded his sound into an ambient masterwork, somewhat similar to Sigur Ros, and approximating some of the lighter sounding tracks of Mogwai.
post modern, neoclassical abstraction
Having already made an investment in the Seal Beach and In A Safe Place albums back when a melancholy state of mind stretched out time into one giant moment. One of desiring a certain invisibility and also wishing you could temporarily be exempt from the person you are.
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Subjects:  1. Experimental Rock    2. Indie Electronic    3. Indie Pop    4. Pop    5. Post-Rock/Experimental    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Recorded mildly better than his debut (Read more

Reviews (67)

Desert island pick #1!
"Self-Titled" is without a doubt, Mr. Smith's finest hour.Many people feel that this recording is too sullen---but I think it is beautiful in a spiritual way.Elliott Smith was the most gifted songwriter of his generation.Upon first listen I was not as impressed as I was with Roman Candle & Either/Or, so it stayed in its case for a couple of weeks.After a couple of weeks went by Ithought I would give it another whirl after watching "The Royal Tennenbaums."I was, and still am, completely addicted to this cd.I need almost like oxygen.It is without a doubt my favourite recording of all time.As soon as "Needle in the Hay" begins with that doomed, yet heavenly A minor chord--Mr. Smith takes you on a ride.Every song is stellar.The recording sounds a bit like opiates would when they take effect for the first time, and is just as addictive.Songs like "Satellite" and "Alphabet Town" make you wanna cry tears of joy in that music could be so brilliant and emotionally effective."The Biggest Lie" is a wonderful closer, via leaving the listener feeling a bit optimistic and hopefull.Everytime I finish this album I am always a bit catatonic and emotionally drained as if i had just fallen in love, lost a close brother, detoxed on heroin, driven 12 hours, and fallen in love again among a setting sun skyline.Any artform that can have that effect on listeners will always remain timeless.Every music fan should have this one!!!

My favorite Elliott Smith album
Elliott Smith (R.I.P.) is my favorite artist of all time. I have found something in his music that I have not found anywhere else. This album (his second) without a doubt conveys that "something" the most.
Absolutely wonderful...very deep.
I heard the name somewhere...where, I thought to myself, "Alex must listen to him." I thought I'd surprise her and learn the lyrics, so that we could sing the songs together in rush-hour of the busy grid locked traffic of Minneapolis when I visit her. On this whim I purchased the album and was shocked initially by the musicianship of the record (as a musician myself, I'm on an infinite search for music which makes me want to play). Soon after this realization, I then came to the second realization that Elliott uses words to express ideas very delicately and profoundly.
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Subjects:  1. Indie Pop    2. Indie Rock    3. Pop    4. Popular Music    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Sadcore    8. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

Of the many remarkable things about the follow-up to 2002's Read more

Reviews (7)

Great purchase
The CD was in great condition, as described, and it arrived pretty quickly after I placed my order.Thank you, I would totally purchase from this seller again.

Great for Kids and Moms too
When the kids start nagging in the car, I pop this CD in and the nags stop while the giggles and singing along start. Both my 18 MO daughter and my 3.5 year old son love it. My son loves to sing along with I"m different, Bottom of the Sea and Everybody Came and he sings "I'm different, different" all over the house on his own. I just love all of it and esp the Meow Meow song. This is great for lovers of modern rock and alternative pop. I guess you would be disappointed if you want mainstream stuff. I'd also like to recommend the Beatles Songs for Kids CD - I never would have thought that Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da would be such a hit with kids.

This one is even better than the first!!
I'm so in love with this CD and so are my kids. They are 3 and 5 y.o. and we all enjoy it equally. I prefer this one to the first For the Kids because it is quirkier and less typically "children's music". My kids love to sing the song "I'm Different" and they think the telephone song is knee-slappingly hilarious. My favorite is "Starfish & Coffee". Our other favorite CD is John Lithgow's "Singin' in the Bathtub". ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Collections    2. Childrens    3. Indie Pop    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. Sing-Along    7. Singer/Songwriter    8. V/a Compilations   

Editorial Review

The third low-tech, high-impact recording from the Akron, Ohio, duo is once again a loud and lively confirmation that passion, not precision, is what the blues is all about. With Dan Auerbach's insistent, abrasive guitar tone and drummer Patrick Carney's violent percussion workouts, the Black Keys' sound thrashes about with industrial-strength garage-band energy, but it also connects directly to the core sensibilities of the original blues creators with its primal expressions of pain and pride. With Auerbach shouting out the vocals the duo rocks hard in its stripped-down, ragged glory mode on Hendrix-influenced shredders like "10 A.M. Automatic" and "The Desperate Man," the fuzzed-out "Till I Get My Way," and the surprisingly swinging "Just Couldn't Tie Me Down." But it also delivers the same emotional intensity in a less frantic form on the moody mini-masterpiece "The Lengths." And, for all the justifiable fascination with the out-of-control excitement of the duo's punkish instrumental approach, the group continues to excel at songcraft, a talent expressed both in its own material and in its ability to recognize and expand the disguised merits of lesser-known cover songs. It follows a previous Beatles rarity recording with a nod to the Kinks this time via a personalized cover of "Act Nice and Gentle," probably the last thing the Black Keys would ever be accused of being. Read more

Reviews (55)

Rock Out
This is the only Black Keys CD I have listened to, though it will not be the last.It was great on my latest road trip.It rocks with a fresh, raw sound from start to finish.70's blues rock meets White Stripes ~ Rolling Stones from the 70's.There are so many "alternative" sounding bands, it is nice to hear some unbridled bluesy emotion in music.Create some space in your living room and get out your air guitar for this one.

good stuff
while the music isn't exactly groundbreaking, it makes you want to nod your head and has a real bluesy feel that is refreshing today. Wait, i better take that back because some people think that because this band has been called a blues band when they're not that it means they are terrible. Review the music instead of criticising them just because you don't thinkit's blues music. I love the fuzzed out punky guitar on this album and "the lengths" is a nice change up. Overall i think it's a good album, except i found that the sound got a bit grating after a while.

Their First Two Albums Laid Down a Groove, This Album Lays an Egg.
As long as people don't associate the term blues with The Black Keys, I'm okay with people hyping up their album even though it's really just commercial fodder and easy brainless listening. The songs are a lot more canned and formulated this time around giving less of a groove through out the album and I can't shake the feeling that I've heard all these melodies and riffs before. Originality is severely lacking. Eric Clapton caught a ton of flak for heavily borrowing from other guitarists but redeemed himself, much thanks to Duane Allman, with the Layla album. Not even in Dan Auerbach's dreams could he steal as well as Clapton did but yet he still blatantly tries. Junior Kimbrough and RL Burnside are rolling in their graves right about now. You don't cover these blues legends and treat their life's work, soul and pain like an ATM machine.
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Subjects:  1. Blues-Rock    2. Garage Punk    3. Indie Rock    4. Pop    5. Punk Blues    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop