Reviews (41)

Every Song is Great
I love every Blue October song.They repeatedly impress me.I suggest, however, that you look at the "Argue With a Tree" album.Many of the songs on that album will repeat here (although in live format on the Argue with a Tree album).Their are some differences between that album and this album that make it worthwhile to have both, but some people may not want to pay to have a lot of songs repeated.Check it out.

Blue October is amazing!
If you like their other stuff, you'll love this too, still a great variety of music styles, just a little more on the serious side as far as lyrics go, but still great to listen to over and over again!

Blue Blooded
This is an all around good band with an individual sound. I'm not saying they sound like they've been locked in a box with no influences and they're going to revolutionize the industry, but they do rock out.If you ever get a chance to see them play live, do, because they're all about the music.music is easy to get your hands on but long term play music is another story.
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Subjects:  1. Indie Rock    2. Pop    3. Post-Grunge    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Sure they look pretty and sound pretty and all, but is this Montreal-based quartet ever going to amount to much, you know in the course of "rock history"? Very likely, if their captivating third album, Read more

Reviews (61)

All I can say is WOW!
This band hails from Montreal, which is like the new Seattle or UK these days. Stars is really a spin off from Broken Social Scene, but boy are they fabulous! I had the pure pleasure of seeing them live at Austin City Limits Music Festival and they blew me away live. Some bands do not sound as good live, but this band sounds even Better! They have great stage presence also.
The triumph of the heart
If you've ever said "I love you" and haven't heard it back, if you've ever come across your ex and wondered what could have been, if you've ever made love one last time even though both of you knew it was over, then this CD is for you.Especially if you love beautiful voices, squiggly keyboards, driving guitars and hip-shaking bass.
I Chose to Feel It
This album is an amazing conglomorate of majestic lyrics and astonishing musical ability.The song flow and intermingle with each like nothing I've heard since Broken Social Scene's "You Forgot It in People".I would recommend this album to anyone who can admit they like good music with life-like lyrics. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

The star-crossed fracture of London's much-hyped, woefully short-lived Libertines initially yielded the mixed blessings of Pete Doherty's ongoing, tabloid-chronicled flirtation with self-annihilation and Read more

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Reviews (5)

reflections2
"I gave you the Midas touch/You turned round and scratched out my heart!"In my opinion you cannot understand Waterloo to Anywhere without seriously listening to Down in Albion.That is probably because I have them in rotation on my player.If there are flaws in either record it is the missing hand of the other master.But since Carl allegedly taught Peter the wherefore's of the guitar I'll give him the benefit of the doubt about who is the better tunesmith.I can't wait until the get back in the studio together.

This US release is a better value, but is missing one track
The track listing for this album is:
Where's B.U.R.M.A.?
This is my favorite album of the past 2 months. Unfortunatley, I can only say that half the songs are worth listening to and one of those didn't make it to the US version! Three songs into the UK version I was convinced I was listening to the album of the year, the next six bored me to tears. The US version spreads the wealth a bit by moving Doctors and Dealers to the middle of the album but that portion is still the weakest link.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Britpop    3. England    4. Garage Rock Revival    5. Indie Rock    6. Pop    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Well before the release of this solid but slender debut, the Brooklyn-based Yeah Yeah Yeahs were the subject of so much international press hype that the WhiteStripes were probably taking quick, nervous peeks over their shoulders. But while Read more

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Reviews (234)

Transgress All Limits
4.75 stars--not perfect, but almost
Just...Don't buy it.
It...just...burns. Karen O screaming so much?! SCREAMING ISN'T MUSIC! I can scream. But I don't sell music. She like when you're choking and you're screaming at the same time. She sounds like she's hoarse. My mouth just popped open after listening to one song of the album at my friend's house. The singing girl sounds like SHE'S DYING. This is not good music... I don't know what she's trying to do or say during "Man". And all those pointless noises in the other songs. -999999999999999 STARS.

mmmm...Yummy Music!
I Don't know about any of the hype involved with this band...Someone simply recommended them, I listened, and after the first track I was HOOKED!! This band rocks, thats it, plain and simple! Vocals are truly top notch!! Good sound! Want some good rock?? Then get this CD!! ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

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Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (6)

HEY KIDS - BE THE FIRST ON YOUR BLOCK!
Malvina Reynolds'"Little Boxes" is indeed an older song. Still not funny to the people of Daly City, who DO live in boxes that are red, green, yellow and purple. When you become a doddering old grandpa trying to explain the significance of NIRVANA's "Smells Like Teen Spirit", and your grandkids are staring back blankly, you'll come to understand the respect that is shown here for a song that ripped the flesh off the mindless masses of the 1950's - which are trying to re-assert themselves today (read any newspaper lately?). Aside from Roy Zimmerman, there are no satirists working today that have the bite and charm of Malvina. Her song about the mouse that f***cked up the computer was 40 years ahead of its time. Let's talk, after you put on a few more years!

Terrificlly original and slightly odd music from a terrificlly original and slightly odd show.
I rented the first season of Showtime's "Weeds" on a whim this past weekend.I had heard good things and the show featured an intriguing and fresh concept as well as a talented, diverse and funny cast.My gamble paid off as I quickly breezed through the entire series and found I had discovered a great show.Besides the aforementioned assets, the other thing that struck me about "Weeds" was its eclectic mix of terrific music.Some of them are odd little numbers, all of them though display the same subversive wit and in-your-face, literal lyrics that the show's writing itself does.My biggest (and maybe only) complaint about the show and its soundtrack is the horrible theme song, "Little Boxes."Yes, I get why it is appropriate and used in the show, and I also understand that the sheer oddity in which it is performed is why many people will like it, or at least find it curiously entertaining.But to these ears it is an utter chore to endure during the opening credits, much less in it's extended form here.I'd compare it to nails on a chalkboard, but that would be an insult to both that person's nails and the chalkboard.Other than that song though, this is a terrific, eclectic mix album.It may get old listen after listen after listen.I'd wager most would agree, you have to be in the mood for many of the songs included here, and there isn't really a "typical" song, like you'd hear on top 40 radio (a refreshing, good thing in my book) in the bunch.But as an album to pull out now and then, or to just appreciate some dry, witty, poetry and prose style lyrics (se "Wacky Tobacky" and "Satan, Lend Me a Dollar" for two big examples), this album might just be some sort of masterpiece. Like the series, this album is a true original - and in this day and age (in both music and television) that is a compliment of the tallest order.

Weeds Soundtrack
An amazing series and an amazing soundtrack. My only gripe is that it somehow manages to avoid including Kava Kava's 'Don't Stop the Music' from episode 1 which I had to track down on itunes. That said Ganja Babe by Michael Franti and Satan Lend Me A Dollar more than make up for this oversight. How I love that track! More series should take notice and go for the obscure KCRW end of things. Here's hoping theres a second series soon ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Indie Pop    3. Indie Rock    4. Instrumental Pop    5. Pop    6. Singer/Songwriter    7. Soundtracks & Film Scores    8. TV Soundtracks    9. Television Soundtrack   

Editorial Review

Along with Versus, Silkworm, and Red Red Meat, Chavez were one of the best guitar-rock bands in a decade oversaturated with such acts, in both the over- and underground. Fans and newbies alike can rejoice with Read more

Reviews (1)

a breath of fresh air, ten years later...
When you look at the back of the new Chavez retrospective Better Days Will Haunt You there is something that jumps out at you.It's the pumping fists of college kids rocking out, with no smug smile on their faces, just unadulterated joy.Do you remember that?Rocking for the sake of rocking?Well, Chavez friggin rocked it back in the day, and this is something I think we all could use a dose of.
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Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock    3. Rock/Pop   

Reviews (93)

One of the best bands of all time.
I never really was into punk music too much. I thought it was too much screaming, and not enough instrumentation. THen, I discovered Flogging Molly, one of the greatest things to ever happen. I listened to Drunken Lullabies, and was immedietely hooked on this band. THis is an amazing CD that truly deserves recognition. This was the first Flogging Molly CD I listened to, and got me completely hooked on this Irish/Folksy punk band.
buy it!!!
My review comes with certain disdain for punk music and in my cd collection the only "punk" I own is Dead Kennedy's. My girlfriend bought this cd one day And it ripped my skull open. My favorite type of music is folk and/or bluegrass and this cd, in my humble opinion, is a cross between them two generes mixed with a dash of tasteful punk rock fury.The lyrics are as excellent as the music so pseudo-folk fans like myself can find gold here with this cd.....its a surefire CLASSIC! I seen them live in columbus recently and they brought the city down!!

"Wipe that golden tear from your mother dear...And raise what's left of the flag for me!"
My first experience with Flogging Molly was actually in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4, which featured "Drunken Lullabies" on the playlist. I heard the banjo intro and actually started laughing, but by the end of the song I was shaking my fist to the chorus. That was about 2 years ago. I bought this CD finally on St. Patrick's Day this year, and I was singing the songs with friends while consuming copious amounts of Killian's Irish Red. I absolutely love this album. So full of emotion and balls at the same time, this album is truly a masterpiece. The songs that I particularly loved are Drunken Lullabies, What's Left Of The Flag, If I Ever Leave This World Alive, Rebels Of the Sacred Heart, Death Valley Queen, The Rare Ould Times, and The Son Never Shines(On Closed Doors). This was my first adventure into Flogging Molly, so when I buy "Within A Mile Of Home" and "Swagger", they may not hold that special place in my green, white, and orange heart that "Drunken Lullabies" did. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Indie Rock    2. Pop    3. Punk Revival    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop    6. Traditional Irish Folk   

Editorial Review

On the Mountain Goats' previous albums, songwriter John Darnielle bluntly sang about broken marriages and broken souls. With 2005's Read more

Reviews (8)

I Had Never Heard Of The Mountain Goats Before Today
My "listen" comes from a very different place than some of the previous reviewers - I had never heard of The Mountain Goats before, and, to my knowledge, have never heard any of their songs before.I just borrowed this CD from someone and am going to buy it.It is very mellow and almost bittersweet.With the sound of the acoustic guitar and the singer coming through with occasional different tones overlaid (bells, piano, drums, etc.) for an almost otherworldly sound on some songs.Overall I really like the effect and the lyrics and it's a nice change from most of my collection which tends towards much higher energy, but more highly distracting stuff (of late White Stripes, Dandy Warhols and Interpol are new faves that I can think of offhand) and this is a nice mellow alternative.

Get This
Another outstanding cd from the Mountain Goats. My favorite tracks are Get Lonely and Woke Up New. These two songs are really moving.

Maybe it's a grower?
I've followed the MGs faithfully from boombox to lo-fi studio to the "new direction," and I've loved it all. I trust Darnielle, which is what makes me wonder if "Get Lonely" might be a
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Subjects:  1. Indie Rock    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Rock/Pop   

Reviews (37)

Excellent debut LP
Jeff Mangum comes out in full force for this early indie release. I heard "In The Aeroplane Over The Sea" before hearing this album, and while i generally regard that album as being amongst the Top 3 greatest ever created, this is a superb album that'd rank at least in my Top 20. The "fuzzy" sound that Elephant Six is known for, is executed masterfully even though this is the band's first full-length album.
Should Be an Amazon Essential Recording
This album is our generation's The Velvet Underground & Nico. Not a commercial success, but a huge influence and a perfect album.

Just as good - if not better - than In the Aeroplane
I would only recommend On Avery Island to fans of Neutral Milk Hotel who have already become familiar with their more successful and higher praised album, In the Aeroplane Over the Sea. On Avery Island is a little more difficult to adapt to than the band's final album; that said, it certainly holds its own when compared to Aeroplane, as it holds the key to what made that album so incredible- Jeff Mangum's frighteningly honest lyrics. With perhaps the exception of the closing track (a 13 minute noise-fest that tests the ears of even the most open-minded of listeners), On Avery Island is entirely enjoyable and every bit as moving as Aeroplane. In fact, such songs as Gardenhead and Naomi bring me back to this album more often than what is considered by many to be the band's prime achievement. If you enjoyed In the Aeroplane Over the Sea, pick this one up- you're sure to love it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Indie Rock    3. Lo-Fi    4. Neo-Prog    5. Neo-Psychedelia    6. Pop    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop   

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Reviews (1)

Awesome CD!
I highly recommend this CD. If you like Bloodhound Gang (comady music, basicly) and heavy metal, I would recommend this to you.
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Subjects:  1. Comedy Rock    2. Heavy Metal    3. Indie Rock    4. Pop    5. Rock   

Features

• Live

Reviews (45)

Great!
The 10,000 Maniacs have been around since 1981, and it has been a great ride. This album came out in 1993, and features Natalie Merchant's excellent vocals. The band survived Natalie's move to a solo career, and she has done well on her own, but I must say that this album is when they all reached their absolute peak! With the excellent instrumentation and Natalie's beautiful voice, this is a great album to listen to.
A surprising little find
It's amazing what you can find buried under a pile of junk in the local as-is Goodwill. Sometimes you can find near mint condition CDs, such as "10,000 Maniacs Unplugged." That's exactly what happened to me a few months ago.
My favorite live album
I have never been a fan of live albums because most live albums seem to have audio problems and at times it seems like the vocalists can't even come close to what they are able to pull off in the studio.This album is an exception and in this case I actually enjoy the "unplugged" live versions better than the originals.I think a lot of the 10,000 Maniacs albums of the 80s suffered from what a lot of albums suffered from which is being just WAY over produced. I don't think a band like this should have ever been given the glossy shine their albums were given back in the day.Here we have a chance to hear the band as they actually sound in an intimate live environment that if it wasn't for the fact you hear the applause between tracks you wouldn't even know it was recorded live.I think another thing that helps this album is Natalie Merchant's voice has matured quite a bit at this point and is now much more pleasant to listen to.I think this has also benefited her much in her solo career.If you like what you hear here I would recomend Natalie Merchant's two disk Retrospective. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. College Rock    4. Pop    5. Popular Music    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Filling the gulf between Read more

Reviews (1002)

I might have liked this before
Radiohead released their last 3 cds, but they didnt release it then and it proves to belimited in concept,tired in execution and basically reveals the end of the line for the group in its current direction. I cant wait to see where they head next.

A Suggestion
Get over f***ing ok computer.I do not find any fascination or anything superior, unique, or defining within ok computer.It has some good songs. I do not consider ok computer as anything but a stepping stone toward Kid A and then beyond, in *my* personal interst - in generosity I see it as an INSULAR event, which means you do not expect it twice under ANY circumstances, and do not allow its shadow, if it has one to you, to land anywhere that it does not apply.In this situation it does NOT.Your listening capability is being colored by prior experiece, which is degrading to artistic value, and furthermore a selfish act.It is FINE to draw comparison, it is not okay to put two unlike things on an unbalanced scale.
Excellent!!!!
Absolutely mind boggling!!!Radiohead have done it again with a CD that blows your mind away.I followed Radiohead for this tour and listening to them live is like listening to the CD.Absolute perfection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Britpop    3. Experimental Rock    4. Indie Electronic    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

When Beck mangles folk, hip-hop, country, blues, and lo-fi rock into a unique sonic species, he pays homage to his influences in a way that is utterly entertaining. Indeed, the alt-rock vagabond is responsible for some of the 1990s' most indispensable music. In his lesser moments, however, Beck's attempts at emulating his preceptors fall flat, creating only B-grade versions of the genuine articles. Read more

Reviews (346)

Beck's Most Eccentric, Enthralling and Mystifying Disc to Date
When lil' Beck Hansen stumbled into stardom with his quirky white-boy raps and sitar-haunts in 1994's "Mellow Gold", none could have foreseen his progression as a musician, entertainer and artist. With "Odelay" Beck molded a compelling stew of rock, country and hip-hop; sampling Bob Dylan and screaming about having a "Devil's Haircut" in his mind. It's a classic to be sure, as is his low-fi, majestic followup; "Mutations". Yet no one could have foreseen what was to come out of Beck's fascinating noggin next...
Perhaps Beck's most wild major-label stint.
And actually, the only reason I think I gave it a four instead of a five is that I prefer the three predecessor albums, which I feel were the masterpieces. But make no mistake, "Midnite Vultures" is just as good of an album. While it was intended that way, it does seem like more of a party album for Beck than any of his other releases. Besides, I love listening to tracks where the lyrics just make me smile, and that happens a lot on here. The themes on sex are really tongue-in-cheek and possibly more relevant today than the seven years ago when it was recorded. Also beware, this is like the polar opposite of "Mutations."
one I'd need if stranded on a desert island
I never get tired of listening to this CD, and I like all of the songs on it.His lyrics are so weird and interesting.The music is so original. Great anywhere... in the car, cleaning the house, during a party, working out, etc. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Death Cab for Cutie turn difficult personal issues into literary rock songs while straddling the narrow line between blissful pop and driving indie rock. The Northwest act's songs soar high like Built to Spill's or Beulah's, and almost every track on Read more

Reviews (68)

Honestly, one of their weakest releases
I am a huge Death Cab for Cutie fan.When I disovered them, I bought all of their albums except one.For some reason, I never got around to buying The Photo Album.I've read all the reviews of this album and most say that it's Death Cab's best and beats Transatlanticsm and Plans.Well, I finally bought it and was very excited to listen to it and I was expecting something better from what I am used to hearing from Death Cab.The cd started, and wow was I dissapointed.First off, there are only 10 songs - 9 if you don't count the mediocre first track.You'd think that this small amount of tracks, every song would be real good...wrong.This isn't like any other Death Cab album.Yeah there are a couple tracks that are beautiful but what the hell is up with Ben Gibbard's singing on this cd?It just sounds to me like he just rushed and threw some vocals on top.Most of time he sings off timing (but not off key) and that makes it very hard to listen to.And also on the third track, the song is ruined because you can barely hear Ben's vocals!!I don't know what the band was thinking on that song because it's a great song but the volume on the vocals are unnessary low.The songs overall just don't really pop out to you.My only favorite songs on this are Blacking Out The Friction and Coney Island.Now those two are exactly what I love about Death Cab...catchy lyrics and amazing music.I was so dissapointed and I shouldn't have listened to all these people that said this was Death Cab's best release.So don't make the same mistake.But you know, it's not 100% bad but after listening to Transatlanticsm and Plans, it just sounds weak compared to those.This is an honest review from a loyal Death Cab for Cutie fan so please don't ignore this.Pick this up though if you want to complete your collection.

Very good collection of songs
This CD is obviously one of the catchier DCFC releases. I love this CD. It is the DCFC album I go back to again and again. One of my big complaints are albums with 1 good song, 2 ok songs and 7 bad songs. It makes me feel like I wasted my money buying a whole CD, but The Photo Album has a very good collection of songs. This is the 3rd DCFCAlbum I own, and it is very good. The music is so amazing. These guys have real talent. DCFC have definately won me over as a long time fan. The melodic pop mixed with deeply emotional lyrics are just what the world needs more of, good no nonsense music. I am looking forward to the next album.

favorite death cab album
This album is my favorite from Death Cab. I first heard them right after they released Transatlanticism and fell in love. Some of my favorite songs are "A Movie Script Ending," "Why You'd Want to Live Here," "Blacking Out the Friction," and "I Was a Kaleidoscope." However, the entire CD is good, and I never skip a track when listening. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Fret not, fans of filth, who worry Read more

Reviews (19)

ROCKS
Peaches' best album so far.She keeps getting better and better... Such an individual!

So dirty, you'll need a shower after listening!
This album is one of the most enticing and addicitve albums I have ever heard. The beats are hot, and the lyrics are dirty beyond description. Peaches knows how to push boundaries, and even when she is seamingly doing what has already been done a thousand times, it always sounds fresh and inviting. Right from the irresistable 'Tent In Your Pants' to the hot 'Rock the Shocker', this album is a sleazy undergound ride you'll want to take over and over. It's worth grabbing if only for the greatest album title in history!!!!
PEEEACHEEES
THIS CD KICKS IT - Peaches has bigger balls than Bruce ever will!!! IMPEACH THE BUSH - THE BEST PEACHES YET!!! ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

While comparisons to nerd-rock dandies Weezer are probably inevitable for the fabulously named All-American Rejects, discerning listeners will note that where the cheeky lyrics about painfully awkward love end, the group's rhythmic force picks up, positioning the Oklahoma crew more as a geeky Green Day than the above-named preppy pop dabblers. No shame in that--on their major label debut, the All-American Rejects marry punk and pop with a clear sense of purpose and no particular loyalty to either form, cherry-picking the best of each and arriving at a spiky, effervescent middle ground. Singer Tyson Ritter is especially convincing in his role as hapless lover. But on tracks like the muscular "Too Far Gone" and the vaguely orchestral "The Last Song," Ritter's comrades drive the whole shebang home with instrumental freight. And you'd have to be pretty hard-hearted not to find yourself echoing the sing-singy strains of "Swing Swing" and "My Paper Heart." Fans of ironic pop--Box Car Racer, Fountains of Wayne, and their ilk--get crackin'. Read more

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• Enhanced

Reviews (643)

I loved this album!

Good CD
I was skeptical about buying this CD, but to my surprise, it was quite good. I love many of the songs on here. Has good replay value too.

ALL AMERICAN REJECTS ROCK
I love this CD. It's so fun and upbeat. I have loved it ever since it first came out and I haven't gotten sick of it yet. I purchased this one to replace my old one that is scratched. LOVE IT! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. American Trad Rock    3. Bar Band    4. Emo    5. Indie Rock    6. Pop    7. Pop Underground    8. Punk-Pop    9. Rock    10. Rock/Pop    11. United States of America