Reviews (5)

Wonderful!
I have owned this CD by Hem for over a year.I purchased it based on the original review in Entertainment Weekly magazine.I listened to it nearly every day for almost 6 months.It is still in heavy rotation in my CD player and I have recommended it to numerous friends.I find the music soothing and calming.I was surprised and pleased to hear Hem's music as part of the recent Liberty Mutual ad campaign.If people are attracted to the music through the ad, great!The same thing happened to Iron and Wine with their M & M ad.I hope you enjoy this CD as much as I have.

Pure Americana Musical Bliss
Hem composes and plays some of the most honest and gorgeous music ever committed to recording material today.This antiquated (and I mean that in a very nice way) collection of heartfelt and emotional songs seems to harken back to a nice and simple time when America was bathed in a pastoral haze of sunshine and simplicity.To achieve their unique andhomespun organic sound, Hem utilizes acoustic and electric instrumentation that takes the listener to a place where one can truly escape the everyday hectic drudgery of the rat race and chill out.In this ho hum world of musical dreck, I highly recommend listening to Hem!See them live if you can.Excellent musicianship!

Half and Acre and More !
Excellent CD !!!Different sound.Mellow. Something different to listen to. I would recommend this CD to anyone who wants to sit back and relax. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Arty, lightly orchestrated folk/ pop    3. Contemporary Folk    4. Indie Pop    5. Lo-Fi    6. Pop    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop    9. Singer/Songwriter    10. Twee Pop   

Editorial Review

Emotionally over-the-top pop extravaganzas like the string-swelling "Tonight Tonight," the Metallica-influenced alternative rock of "Zero," the techno via new wave of "1979"--the 28 songs on this swell two-disc album are as eclectic as their themes are epic and ambitious. Billy Corgan's thin whine isn't much of an instrument, but he makes the most of it by writing smart songs that take emotional chances that more-typical alt rockers would deem uncool. Pessimistic and feeling trapped but still wanting to believe in love, in a future, in something--this is the sound of Gen X at the millennium, with all the self-indulgence and power that would suggest. Read more

Reviews (584)

The Wall of the 90's.....Yes!
I at first didn't care for the album that much and only listened to the songs which had videos playing on MTV. Later I decided to put the album on and just let it play through while I cleaned my room...it was then that I saw this album for what it is...a complete masterpiece!
Sadness Leads to Godliness Leads to Emptyness
I had been a Smashing Pumpkins fan for 10 years. I formerlly collected every CD that ever existed. I've met James Iha, Jimmy Chamberlain, and even Billy Corgan.
MCIS
I don't know, why it has taken me this long to write a review for this album.I purschased this album in 1995 when it first came out.After my first listen, I was impressed, but I did not truly apriciate this album, until I listented to it several times all the way through.This is truly a masterpeice of an album.It has every emotion on this album.Yes I love Siamese Dream and Gish, but this album is the best and I understand why Billy went a differnt direction after this album, because how do you top a masterpiece.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Indie Rock    3. Pop    4. Post-Grunge    5. Punk    6. Rock    7. United States of America   

Editorial Review

The Shins' sophomore album is a joy from start to finish, though it's rather different from their 2001 leftfield pop genius stunner Read more

Reviews (295)

Great Pop (Which May or May Not Change Your Life)
The Shins are truly unique. It's as if they are visiting us from a slightly parallel universe where whimsy and beauty are more highly prized.

the shins are mindblowing
The thing that stands out most in this exceptional album are the lyrical depths that this band manages to reach. Although most tracks are not immediately catching, once you listen to the lyrics it is impossible not to be hooked. I can't compliment this band enough, and anyone who appreciates music should definatly own this album!

Stroke of Genius
These guys are the real deal.Comparing The Shins to The Beatles is not far fetched at all.If Mercer and the gang keep producing albums of this quality, they could easily attain legendary status.However you've managed to stumble upon The Shins, I congratulate you; it's only a matter of time before everyone jumps on the bandwagon.Get "Chutes Too Narrow" asap! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Indie Pop    3. Indie Rock    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. United States of America   

Reviews (19)

Ewww...
Let's face it. Once in awhile, life hands us something that makes us want to say "ewww".That happened to me last night about 2:30 in the morning after listening to the debut album Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs! from cute boy band Hellogoodbye.
Fluffy Pretentiousness
HelloGoodbye has a sound that's really in vogue right now. The problem is they forgot that no amount of 'being hip' can replace 'tired cliche writing'. In many regards - most of the songs on the album could have been sung by a female pop group in the 90s and it would have sounded perfectly in place (especially Touchdown Turnaround (Don't Give Up On Me) which is borderline annoying).
Hellogoodbye scores with Debut CD
Hellogoodbye has recently become one of my favorite new bands. They have a unique emo sound , with a touch of techno . The best tracks on their Debut " Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!", in my opinion are their first single " Here (in your arms)", " Baby , It's Fact" , " Touchdown Turnaround (don't give up on me) " , and " All of your love" . Their lyrics are just plain catchy , and their songs vary throughout the album . Some are loud , and some are soft love songs . Out of all the songs on the album , I can totally see Touchdown Turnaround as their next single . It's a great song , with really fun lyrics . If your a fan of Bright Eyes , you'll like this band . For some reason , they remind me of them in some songs . It's a fun CD that can be played over and over again. ... Read more

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

Features

• Limited Edition

Reviews (85)

dont even bother!!!!!!!!!!
try enya , or sarah brightman, yes they may be overated, but they are also THE BEST PERIOD..i hate to say it but emiliana needs to go back to iceland...try celine dion, dolores from the cranberries,italian singer laura paussini, eroz rammazotti, now thats creme!!!!!!!!! notEMILIANA TORRINI from iceland!!! in my opinion, she doesnt hit a single note, humm thats so sad..whats up with tuna fish????the only way i like my tuna is in a sandwich...not in a song.....lol

Emiliana's Best So Far...
This is an amazing piece of work: haunting, memorable, captivating.It was in my CD for weeks last summer, couldn't take it out.I can't say the same for Fisherman's Wife though - if you're into acoustics, it will be right up your alley.It's definitely not in the same vein as LitToS.Try Daugher Darling or Baxter if you are looking for similar 'moods'.

Iceland Rocks!
Love In The Time Of Science is an interesting mix of Emiliana Torrini's haunting voice and lyricism and Roland Orzabal's synth loving producing.I've heard Torrini compared to fellow Icelandic chanteuse, Bjork.Their voices sometimes do sound alike, but there the comparison ends.Where Bjork likes a heavy disco beat, Torrini prefers a jazzier, more ethereal sound and unexpected chord changes.Her cool, understated style is nicely complemented here by Orzabal's synthesizers.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Dance    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Dream Pop    4. Pop    5. Popular Music    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop    8. Singer/Songwriter    9. Trip-Hop   

Editorial Review

Their fifth album, Read more

Reviews (413)

Interesting Mix of Songs
I really liked this as a full album.The songs all fit really well together, but they all had very different musical influences to them from old timey to funky.I love a good beat and all the songs had that.The lyrics were also inventive and fun.It is really the type of record that you can get into and listen to over and over again.I highly recommend it for rock lovers and people who like to listen to music that makes them bop around in the house, car, or on the street with their ipod.Give it a try and have a little fun!

Good Instrumentals,but too Simple Songwriting
"The White Stripes" is a band that has some perfected examples of instrumental composition. Yet, the band's minimalist lyrics make them a little too basic when they begin to concentrate on them; and through that they then begin to loosen their sly, diverse, and devilish charm that they have propelled exceptionally onto the listener, otherwise.
If you think the songs, Jack wrote em all wrong, well ya just don't belong man.If you like it but try to resist, do the twist!
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh............
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Blues-Rock    3. Indie Rock    4. Pop    5. Punk    6. Punk Blues    7. Rock   

Editorial Review

Just when this Icelandic crew seemed stuck in loud/soft/loud/ soft rut a la Mogwai or Godspeed You Black Emperor, they release their most beguiling, subtle and beautiful album yet. This album, allegedly the group's first sung in Icelandic rather than their own made-up "Hopelandic" (not that this listener could tell the difference) is relentlessly joyous, unaffectedly rad and inventive but never just for its own sake. Strings hold an ever more prominent place in the music, and this is a good thing. Songs unfold slowly as usual, but they take unexpected turns as often as not. The brilliant "Glósóli" burbles with as much melodic invention and anything by their fellow Icelanders Mum.Read more

Reviews (162)

Takk is amazing
All of their albums have been gold, takk is no different great album.

a strong statement
Sigur Ros are one of our very best and most special bands, and this album is no different. Some detractors had said that after () they looked like they may have been caught in the same sort of trap that many post-rock bands get caught in, the loud-soft-loud syndrome. Takk answers this charge by containing, to my ears at least, a fair deal more diversity. Though that really seems almost meaningless when the songs are as beautiful as they are. Takk/Glosoli exemplifies this. I was shocked the first time I heard the crescendo and explosion towards the end of this track, and knew great things awaited. What makes the album so great is that it contains so many extremes. Glosoli contains a subtle sense of innocence and joy (indeed one of the most striking images from its music video is that of a small girl kissing a small boy on the cheek), and the sense of grandeur that is so often invoked on the album (Saeglopur), and also the sorrow and longing (the 10+ minute Milano-that never seems to drag-and the amazing Andvari) just here create a total experience. It is music not for life, but rather it illuminates life. They, in their most profound moments, allow you to view and identify with all that is beautiful, and sorrowful, and terrible and majestic, making their music in my mind far from "weird" as many put it, but rather intensely human.
David
it was agaetis byrjun that got me into the sigur ros style of music and that one is still better than this album...dont get me wrong but if someone wanted to get into sigur ros i would highly recommend starting with agaetis or ()...this is still a great album but it sounds a bit more pop-ish than id like...i grew accustomed to the long and "nothing else like it" sound of the untitled album as well...it is a bit of a sleeping pill like others mention but this one is more likely to keep u awake and listening to that beautiful music that sigor ros produces. i bought it on expectations of it being an extention of () but was only slightly dissapointed...still worth every penny ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ambient Pop    2. Chamber Pop    3. Iceland    4. Pop    5. Post-Rock/Experimental    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop    8. Space Rock   

Reviews (17)

And now for something completely... uh... different?
Suffice it to say that the debut from Under The Influence of Giants is easily a hodge-podge of styles.Generally, I think such a mixture can yield some very interesting results.In this case, I'd say the results are interesting, but not for the reasons you might think.
FUTURE CLASSIC INDEED!!!
Honestly, I thought I reviewed this album already, but I guess I didn't...well, here we go again!!!I agree with the reviewer that this debut rekkid by UTIOG will, in 10+ years, be viewed as a future classic, and right now, I think it's an easy contender for my top 10 of 2006...possibly best DEBUT album of this year, no doubt!!!
Awsome
I discovered this album purely by chance. I went to buy Scissors Sisters's cd, and the guy in the store introduced me to this cd. As soon as I heard Mama's Room, I was hooked. Actually now I love this CD much more than the Scissor's cd. Great album. It's hard to lable them, it has bit of everything. You have to listen to it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Dance    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Dance-Pop    4. Indie Pop    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop    8. United States of America   

Features

• Box set
• Enhanced
• Limited Edition

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   

Editorial Review

If you are an artist at a crossroads/ "maturing point" in your career, it's a great idea to seek out the original musicians who played on music you adore and that inspire you greatly–it's the opposite of what Rick Rubin does with the old folks. The results, however, are often lackluster; it can just be too hard to forge a connection in a short period of time with studio dudes twenty to thirty years older than you. Chan Marshall, who took just three years between albums this time, returned to Memphis to record with many of the architects of Southern soul music at Ardent Studios on Read more

Reviews (63)

Overproduced, but still better then most
This is an ok album, but i dont think its going to be the album that makes her go main stream or anything. She has done better with less help in the studio.
Never heard of Cat Power before this one ....
... So the other reviews here, necessarily, have me baffled.
A strange new direction
It's been released for a while now, so if you were going to do it, you would have done it already, but if you like her other stuff I would dissuade you from buying Cat Power's latest album "The Greatest".
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Subjects:  1. Bass    2. Drums    3. Horn Section    4. Indie Rock    5. Piano    6. Pop    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop    9. Singer/Songwriter    10. Strings    11. Vocals    12. Vocals (Background)   

Editorial Review

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Features

• Limited Edition

Reviews (72)

Rare Intersection of Quality and Danceability
Since this is my first outing with Spoon, I have no way to compare it with their previous works. However, if Gimme Fiction is any indication of the quality of previous albums, I am eager to hear more of them.
great, new sound
this album is a great representation of what spoon is about. great music along with fantasticly written lyrics provide a feeling of sheer uphoria to one's ears. spoons sound is somewhat like cake but different in ways as well. they are a very good band that should be getting more cred than what they are getting. some of my faves on this cd include mathematical mind, the two sides of monsieur valentine, sister jack and i turn my camera on. i would strongly recommend this cd to anyone that like alternative rock. definately money well spent.

Good voice, good music, bad mixing.
I like the main voice(s) and I like the music, but the voices are over powered by the music. If they turned up the voices a bit I think this would be a great album.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Indie Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. 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

My Bloody Valentine's entire career has been aiming toward the perfect guitar noise that Kevin Shields has in his head: a pure, warm, androgynous but deeply sexual rush of sound. Read more

Reviews (383)

Yes, this deserves every star.
I came to Bloody Valentine a little late in the game (late 90's) and I wasn't too enamoured with their other works. In fact, I had a difficult time getting into this album. I think this album is like one of those 3D puzzles where you really have to relax your eyes, or better yet, don't try and find the picture you're supposed to be looking for. Relax your brain, turn off your active listening, and then put this album on repeat. I found that in order to really get the initial experience of this album it should be on very low volume while your doing other "brainy" things. After a few hours of writing heady material, solving the world's problems, or replacing the brake pads on your car, somehow everything about Loveless will magically "click". Once I figured out how to introduce this album to people I have yet to have anyone call me back and tell me "they don't get it".

Brilliant & Revolutionary
I've owned this album for ten years now...I can't think of a more awe inspiring cd in my collection.I relisten to it from time to time and still in 2006 it seems ahead of its time and revolutionary.
As close to perfection as I've ever heard
What can I say about this album that hasn't already been said?There are a handful of albums that have altered the musical landscape with their genius, and this is definitely in that class.The knock-off bands are still coming out of the woodwork 15 years later.As close to perfection as I've ever heard... and maybe ever will hear... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative/Indie-Rock    3. Dream Pop    4. Ireland    5. Noise Pop    6. Pop    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop    9. Shoegaze   

Reviews (8)

a minimalist work of art.
First off, let me preface this review by saying that my two favorite albums right now are Converge's "You Fail Me" and Pelican's "The Fire In Our Throats Will Beckon The Thaw"
Emily Haines Fans- Dig Deeper
OK, I really love this record.Some of it's pretty sad, all of it's pretty beautiful, and the best part- 100% Emily Haines.If she isn't the most creative, talented, artistic person making music in the alt/rock world, I don't know who is.Warning, repeated listening may cause depression in the thoughtful or weak of heart!
I disagree!
This album is beautiful. No would have, could have's here.
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Subjects:  1. Indie Pop    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. 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

Styled more along the lines of a revolutionary cell than a band, Bloc Party approach the medium of rock'n'roll with the sort of high seriousness usually reserved for philosophy lectures. Yet on Read more

Features

• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (144)

Great
This cd is amazing and gets better with each listen. "Banquet" and "Helicopter" are the hit tracks but "This modern love" stands out as the most beautiful track along with "Blue Light" and "Little Thoughts." With the fast guitar work and Cure-like lyrics, this cd is a must buy for any rock and roll fan.

My Personal Favorite Album of '05
Bloc Party has a unique style of music that I personly find very amusing. When the singer hits some chords that I've never heard before It sends shivers down my spine everytime I hear them. Hear is a list of tracks and ratings:
Hype killers beware!
Hype can be a very bad thing: all too often I am disappointed.This album was hyped; Bloc Party took their sweet time getting it out there, teasing listeners with delicious EPs and forcing the murmurs to swell to a quiet uproar.Well, for once, an album lives up to the hype.
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Subjects:  1. England    2. Indie Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop   

Reviews (5)

Not quite a classic (but getting close)
My first experience with Ratatat was an unforgettable performance when the duo, Evan Mast and Mike Stroud, took to the stage when touring with Mouse On Mars.Never having heard of them before I had no idea what to expect. Just two guys, their guitars, and a drum machine, yet I haven't been more pleased with an opening act like the energy Ratatat put onstage. Needless to say I was a convert by the time they had finished their set, and I was eagerly anticipating the next studio release.
More Fat Beats From RATATAT
Ratatat's second album Classics, is full of energy, but mostly great instrumentation. The music is yet again all synthesizers, drum machines, guitar and bass. But this time it seems that the duo has grow up a little, with a much more mature follow up to the very good self titled album. This album has a lot more substance to it, and is faster as a whole. I got to see them on their Classics Tour and live you can see all the energy that each song has.
Truly a "classic"
"If you like Explosions in the Sky, Depeche Mode, and Air's "Moon Safari" than buy this album."I never heard of the band until it was recommened to me from the record store teen and the guy was right on.This is a cool album, very creative and by far one of my best purchases in several years and I own lots of cd's. It lacks the gimmicky pop sound often with electronic music and is not the constant repeating of a looped melody: this keeps the songs fresh after many listenings. This album goes to the top of my list as best of 2006 and will certainly be a Christmas gift for friends and family.If the band continues on this path and doesn't get lazy (like Air and Royksopp) there is little doubt they will be very well known.The next Depeche Mode?? Only time will tell, but this album is promissing and a good addition. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Indie Electronic    2. Indie Pop    3. Indie Rock    4. Instrumental Rock    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop