Editorial Review

Having nearly exhausted their capacity for pop-song politics on Read more

Reviews (427)

`I Stand With The Sons Of Cain'
I first purchased a copy of `The Joshua Tree' on tape when I was 15 years old after I had bought `Rattle and Hum'. I loved many of the new songs on `Rattle and Hum' like Heartland, Desire and Hawkmoon 269 so `The Joshua Tree' was a natural purchase. This is where the problem starts and where I differ from a lot of other `Joshua Tree' fans but the reason may be lost on the CD generation. (Side A / Side B) Bands often put all their best material on Side A of a record through a sometimes pain staking selection process. The problem I have with this album is that I prefer and believe side B to be infinitely superior to Side A.
Essential in any rock collection
This album is quite possibly their crowning glory and is what all their other albums are judged by. It continues in the direction that Unforgettable Fire paved the way for. The opening three songs show U2 looking inward, loneliness, relationships, have become rock anthems and a staple for their concerts. The sound is carried over to In God's Country & One Tree Hill. The other tracks display U2's interest in America and it's music. And the way Exit builds is simply superb. An essential album in the annals of rock history and an essential addition to any music collection. Their recent offerings pale compared to this. What do you mean you don't own it yet?

U2 finds what they have been looking for.
Alright I am a diehard U2 fan and have all their LPs, a few EPs and three singles.Back in 1987, I bought the CD thinking "Wow, another U2 release," and flying down to FL to visit my parents.To tell the truth, "Fire" disappointed me a little bit, so I was very curious about this release.When I first heard the opening notes to "Where the Streets have No Name" and Edge's ringing guitar, I was spellbound.Yes, I loved U2 but I hadn't expected anything like this.I continued listening to the CD and it was a masterpiece, classic song after classic song.I kept listening to it even after I got home, and even now, I still listen to this CD on iTunes, ages after it first came out.From "Streets" to the tear-jerking closer of "Mothers of the Disappeared", there is not one bad song ("Exit" isn't as good as the rest but still awesome).
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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

One need hear only the first notes of this collection--the Edge's ringing guitar notes ushering in "Pride (In the Name of Love)"-to be taken back to 1984: Ronald Reagan and Maggie Thatcher rule the Western world, the L.A. Olympics is the top sports story, and Ms. Pac-Man reigns at arcades. In rock & roll, there's U2 growing in stature with each new title. Even doubters of the Irish lads have to concede that together they formed the one '80s band with the skill and sense of scale to take over the airwaves and concert stages in a decade of diminished expectations. This 15-song '80s best-of assortment (stick around for the hidden track) spans the decade, reaching back to 1980's "I Will Follow," when Bono and company were peach-fuzzy and earnest as choirboys, and tracking their path through their most glaring misstep, 1988's overblown Read more

Reviews (226)

Toast with Guinness (Paul or Extra Dark)
U2's 'The Best of 1980-1990' may be straightforward, but that simply shows how important and successful they have been for harnessing passion. This compilation works because their singles are often their best material. The '[Limited Edition]' is worth the extra purchase because it has some essential material. (There are some weaker songs as well, but the B-sides will prevent the collection from becoming repetitious.) "Pride (In the Name of Love)," "New Year's Day," "I Will Follow," "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," and "Desire" have all rewritten the history of pop/rock music. They resonate well even today. The other allegedly lesser songs are merely great. Singles were their strongest suit, but their albums are solid and consistent as well. (Although the nineties found some uneven albums, but that should be saved for another day.) Passion is rock's hallmark, and Bono's primal singing, The Edge's inventive guitar, Adam Clayton's throbbing baselines, and Larry Mullen's athletic and idiosyncratic drumming all have come together for some of the best big rock band songs since The Beatles.
This is good but the '1980-1990, special edition' is better!!
Hey, did you know that the 'Best Of 1980-1990' exists in a double CD. The second CD is less famous but it is worth the money! There is a version of 'Everlasting love' and a nice version of 'Unchained Melody', plus,songs like 'Dancing Barefoot', 'Walk to the water', 'Bass Trap', 'The Three Sunrises' and 'Love comes tumbling' among other things. This second CD is actually very good.
ho-hum
Not bad, but not their best. compilations can be pretty bad and this one ?????????? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Album Rock    3. Alternative Pop/Rock    4. College Rock    5. Ireland    6. Pop    7. Pop/Rock    8. Post-Punk    9. Rock    10. Rock/Pop   

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.
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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   

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.)
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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   

Features

• Import

Reviews (25)

Police - 'Greatest Hits' (Polygram)
Nice! Sixteen track compilation of the Police's best work, of course their hits.Nothing new here, just most of the tunes that any true Police fan holds sacred within their hallowed CD collection.Tracks like "Roxanne", "Message In A Bottle", "Bed's Too Big Without You", "Invisible Sun" and the spiritual "Wrapped Around Your Finger" makes me often think these guys really should reunite at some point. How many of you feel the same way?

A great collection, far superior to the US collections
There have been three collections of the "best" of The Police.The first, EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE: THE SINGLES, was released in 1986.More recently, we were given the U.S. release EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE: THE CLASSICS, which contains the biggest Police titles as well as "Don't Stand So Close to Me '86" and a remixed version of "Message in a Bottle".What most people don't know about is this lovely little set, titled simply GREATEST HITS.
The Police
The Police Greatest Hits cd is one worth purchasing buy one for the house and one for the car.I really love eight of the songs that are in this compilation.When I first heard "Every Breath You Take" I was instantly impressed the bass playing at the introduction of this song is really nice and still today even thouigh they are not together Sting is the glue that held The Police together he wrote many of the song they sang as well as played several instruments."Don't Stand So Close to Me"reminds me of what a person might say when they get mad at their little brother or sister or if someone is just in their space.I think we can identify with title if nothing else.Another song that stays in your head all day if you listen to it is "De Do Do Do De Da Da Da"it is just a fun sounding song it makes you wonder where Stings gets the titles from.But all and all this is a really great cd.Stings
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Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. New Wave    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. Post-Punk    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

As Read more

Reviews (83)

They should release a 2-disc Greatest Hits Compilation.
...and this is the list of songs they should put on the compilation
Hidden stuff
I found this info on the Internet; I haven't verified it yet. A bit thin of a career retrospective.
A career overview of tracks selected by Robert Smith, "Greatest Hits" may be a bit of a misnomer, at least here in the United States, but nonetheless this proves to be a fine overview of the Cure's tenure with Fiction Records-- the only shortcoming of the piece is that as a single disc, selection had to be carefully performed and a number of critical pieces were omitted.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. College Rock    3. Goth Rock    4. New Wave    5. Pop    6. Post-Punk    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Emerging, literally, from the streets of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where they gained notoriety through busking, this strange trio led by guitarist-vocalist Gordon Gano became a cult favorite with their self-titled debut album in 1983. Influenced greatly by Jonathan Richman's Modern Lovers, the Femmes' minimalist sound pitted Gano's low-volume electric guitar against Brian Ritchie's acoustic bass guitar and Victor De Lorenzo's ashcanlike homemade drum kit--all of which only served to make Gano's angst-ridden adolescent tirades more arresting. Highlights here are the rockabillyish "Gone Daddy Gone," the snotty "Kiss Off," and the emblematically nervous "Blister in the Sun." All in all, a fond reminder of the innocent days of alt-rock. (Note: The 20th anniversary deluxe version of the album includes an additional 26 demos and live tunes, 22 of them never before released.) Read more

Features

• Original recording reissued

Reviews (52)

Very good album but,
Don't pass up Hallowed Ground you won't be disappointed. This first album was such an over played college classic that I think the lyrics have been burned into my brain. It's hard to be listening to this and not reminiscing about 1983. I find it hard to believe that you do not already own this. It's so pivotal in musical history that it will eventually be submitted as an icon of popular culture. The "bonus" tracks kind of blow but I am not entirely sure that it's because they disturb the original flow of the album or if they actually blow. Ugly is awful and I feel that Gimme The Car would have worked better on Hallowed.

Awesome CD, From Beginning to End
Most teens and young adults today are familiar with Blister in The Sun.But that is just one of the catchy and sincere songs on this CD.The Femmes are probably considered a "one hit wonder", if even that.But truly, every song here makes me want to dance and sing along.They are all unique and some are brutally honest.I just love this CD.

Much better than Milwaukee Beast.
If there's one thing the Violent Femmes are great at, it's making relatively simple music with witty, snarling lyrics.Gordon Gano's distinct vocals (which I find sexy) are the clear highlight of this debut album.I was in the midst of my teen angst when I bought it, and every song seemed PERFECT - it spoke right to me.He's vulnerable when it comes to girls and god damn, he's pissed about it.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. College Rock    3. New Wave    4. Pop    5. Post-Punk    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop    8. United States of America   

Editorial Review

The final album of U2's early period, before the group broadened its sonic palette and lyrical vision, Read more

Reviews (157)

"All's Fair in Love and 'War'"
U2 started a string of masterpieces with 'War' their first brilliant album from their early years.While 'Boy' and 'October' are excellent and reinvented the wheel of pop music, 'War' is more accomplished and varied musically and is conceptually sound.The raw power of their early years is harnessed on this album as well as an expertise the two predecesors lacked.There are really two sides to the album:One could be called "War;" the other could be called "Love," but they are both intertwined throughout.
Excellent album
I have been looking to purchase some U2 CDs for quite some time now.I finally began my U2 collection about a week ago with this CD - WAR, probably their most popular album.Released in 1983, WAR was U2's breakthrough album, beginning their journey toward becoming one of the decade's most popular bands.From what I've heard, it's probably the group's most political album, though I can't back that up, as it's the only U2 recording I've heard so far.However, having heard WAR, I intend to hear many more.
Sorry - Surprisingly inconsistent:
U2 wanted to broaden their musical horizons and vary their styles. U2 does make a very talented and varied record with War. Instead of putting out the blockbuster everyone says this is supposed to be, War just finds U2 in transistion sounding at times confused and unfocused. Sunday Bloody Sunday gets my hopes up and it is my all time favorite U2 song. Seconds and New Years Day keep the hope alive. The next two are pretty good and I am still optimistic this will be great. Well my jaws drops when I hear the second half of the album, just horrible. Refugee is a genuine attempt at something different, but fails miserably. Bono sounds awful and the instrumentation is all over the place. Two Hearts beat as one contains no real melody that is complete. The rest of the album is rather forgettable. War makes a valiant attempt establish U2 as a band who will be around for a long time. This feels like they were not sure what direction they wanted to take. They would struggle to find their niche until their breakthrough Joshua Tree. I am a U2 fan and owned war, so get the album you will probably love this album. I am one of the few that just was not sold on War. Not a bad album, but I wished it was better. ... 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   

Reviews (22)

Que joya
Todavía estoy sorprendido con este disco. No ha parado de sonar en mi auto, en mi computadora....
LOVE LIVE LAUGH CRY SCREAM SILENCE
All I will say is you will weep, cry, laugh and fall in love. THIS ALBUM IS FOR IT ALL!!! One of the best bands I have ever heard. I can't stop falling in love and crying to the heartfelt lyrics as it beats in my head daily. If you have ever had an emotion in your life this band will bring it out of you at one point in time. Look at a loved one, your children, God,wife/husband, or even a total stranger, this music will feel like one of them. At least if Im wrong about the others, Im right about this to myself. Take care.

Comme un voyage
J'ai decouvert la chanson "how it ends" comme de nombreuses personnes qui ont vu la bande-annonce de "Everything is Illuminated." C'est une chanson au premier abord envoutante et emouvante. J'ai donc decide d'acheter l'album "How it ends" pour decouvrir ce groupe totalement inconnu pour moi. Et je ne suis pas decue.
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Subjects:  1. European Folk    2. European influenced sad bastard music    3. Folk-Rock    4. Gypsy    5. Indie Rock    6. Pop    7. Post-Punk    8. Rock    9. Rock/Pop    10. United States of America   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (288)

While I am a huge Henry Rollins fan...
...I must disagree with him. He has obviously put up a mental wall to anything by the Cure, but someone who ruminates on depression (in fact, makes a living off of it) so intensely can surely appreciate the level of intensity and emotional impact of Robert Smith's outlet, especially this album. Disintegration is flat out one of the most amazing albums of all time, by anyone. One thing I noticed while listening even for the first time was the visual impact it had. Not so much in the form of reality based images, but more like paintings. It's also one of the shortest long albums I own, meaning that it's 70-some minutes seem much shorter due to the album's ability to keep you mesmerized the whole time. As someone who generally listens to hardcore, extreme metal, and grind, I can tell you that all of those genres have nothing on this album in terms of intensity.
Amazing Album
The last 3 tracks on this album are as perfect for my soul as anything I've ever listened to. It's like Smith found a Chakra for our modern existence. If you are deep and contemplative, then turn the lights out, lie down, and put this record on.
On my top 5
They just don't make music this good anymore. This is one of the few albums that I could listen to over and over and was one of the last great albums of the 20th century. Great stuff! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative/Indie-Rock    3. College Rock    4. Goth Rock    5. New Wave    6. Pop    7. Post-Punk    8. Rock    9. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Manchester's pivotal post-punk quartet offer a 16-track opus that skips obscurities and early material in favor of their greatest singles. Highlights include "Blue Monday," "Thieves Like Us" and "The Perfect Kiss" and sparkling Stephen Hague remixes of "True Faith" and "Bizarre Love Triangle." Read more

Reviews (56)

Better than the UK Version
All tracks are classics in their own way a must have for any diehard New order fan as the track listing differs from the UK version. Gone are the tracks found on Substance and in come the opening tracks from new orders first 3 albums + Lets Go(Nothing for me) a barnstormer of a track which I believe is only available on here or on the Retro box set. All in all a fine add on to your collection.

7 Years and Going Strong
That's how long it's been since I've discovered New Order and, consequently, it's also how long they've been my favorite band.I am reviewing this album a second time because I forgot the e-mail and password I had for my other account (brilliant move, I know).With that said, this sweet, resplendent compilation was the second CD I purchased by the group, following Substance.While I love both collections with about the same intensity now, I have to admit that I liked New Order's "Best Of" much more at the start.While Substance is an awesome album of singles that is a nessecity for any true fan of the band, "The Best Of New Order" is more accessible to new fans as well as to those who may be only casual listeners.The songs are short, but sweet: an excellent fusion of rock, pop and techno.It's difficult to choose the standouts, because doing so would mean having to name at least 3/4's of the tracks on this CD.
Very Innovative
I'm a college student, and I find that current pop music doesn't do it for me. In fact, most of my friends listen to music that dates from the 1960s to the early 90s. I love this CD, New Order is very easy to listen to and enjoy. You can even hear the foundations of modern day house music within some of the tracks. The melancholy tone of the lead singer is definitive of a lot of the pop in the 80s, yet he does not bore you. Although I do admit, you can tell that all the tracks have somewhat of a general way of being constructed; so I recommend listening to the 30 second snippets that Amazon provides to decided if you really want to buy it. However, if you want a CD that is somewhat definitive of 80s Brit Pop, and made a huge impact on the Pop scene, I would definitely recommend buying this. It's a great compilation of the music by New Order. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Dance    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Club/Dance    4. College Rock    5. England    6. House    7. Pop    8. Popular Music    9. Post-Punk    10. Rock    11. Rock/Pop    12. Synth Pop   

Editorial Review

So Depeche Mode releases a singles compilation featuring only one previously unreleased song ("Only When I Lose Myself") in anticipation of a major tour. Sound suspiciously like a shameless cash-in? Sure. But Read more

Reviews (149)

Great for the casual DM fan
The Singles 86>98 covers all the hits the popular synth-pop band Depeche Mode put out during this 12 year period. Included are the radio classics "Personal Jesus", "Enjoy the Silence" and "Policy of Truth" as well as more recent material like "Home", the exclusive track "Only When I Lose Myself" and a live version of the old single "Everything Counts." It seems as though this 2CD set was compiled mainly for the casual fans of the band, such as myself, but it still does a good job laying out all of the band's top work in chronological order.That said, it seems as though maybe 2 discs are a bit unnecessary - as several tracks from the second CD don't particularly hold up quite as well as those from the first. Still, this is an excellent package that showcases some of the finest work of Gore, Gahan and Fletcher.
Depeche Mode's best.
All the singles are great. This is a must have for any Depeche Mode fan. Better sound than Violator.

A truly amazing compilation album
This teriffic 2 disc set spanning the second half of Depeche Modes' career is amazing. Among the hits such as "Personal Jesus" and "Enjoy the Silence", this album, along with the original greatest hits, is an essential collection to pop fans everywhere! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Dance    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Club/Dance    4. College Rock    5. England    6. Pop    7. Popular Music    8. Post-Punk    9. Rock    10. Rock/Pop    11. Synth Pop   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (193)

Ok, so "Violator" is mainstream Depeche Mode
but I don't think it lessens the value of this recording.
Not as long as "Music for the Masses", but just as definitive!
Whereas "Music for the Masses" was my personal soundtrack for the summer of 1989, Depeche's follow on album "Violator" was my soundtrack for the summer of 1990.Neither as long nor as eclectic as "Masses", Violator still rocked my young world when I popped it into my car stereo in the spring of 1990, and kept me rocking until the first frosts hit in October.
Bliss
I discovered Depeche Mode lately and simultaneously realized why so many sad little kids back in the day loved them so.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Dance    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Club/Dance    4. College Rock    5. Pop    6. Pop/Rock    7. Popular Music    8. Post-Punk    9. Rock    10. Rock/Pop    11. Synth Pop   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (18)

Missing Tracks
I'm surprised that this compilation of the Best of Simple Minds omits two of their best recordings:"New Gold Dream" and "Book of Brilliant Things."I suggest buying the "New Gold Dream" and "Sparkle in the Rain" CD's to get those tracks.

A very good collection
The majority of the older "prime cuts": for Simple Minds were on this CD. As a 20-yr. fan there are a few I would have added as I much prefer the older material over the newer.
No New Gold Dream???
What the heck is going on here?New Gold Dream wasn't on Glittering Prize either!I can't understand why the bands greatest track has been omitted yet again!Go figure!Knock one star off for that!Great compilation otherwise. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. New Wave    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Post-Punk    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

The ill will that initially greeted Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (106)

Outside It's America...
This is one of those albums that you just keep coming back to. Here it is almost 20 Years Old (!) and yet, it's solid. If you don't have this album then you've probably been listening to Kelly Clarkson or Justin Timberlake. If you don't have it, pick up a copy, and if you do have it, turn it on and turn it up LOUD!

"[Inside] It's America"
'Rattle and Hum' ranks with the all time best live and double albums of rock and roll.Although there are a few mistakes with the tape acetate in the recording, giving it a shimmering effect that wasn't intended, it hardly mars this fabulous recording.The C.D. showcases the best of their music and harnesses it to a live performance.However, there are new studio recordings as well.Nothing is extraneous and much of it is hypnotic, powerful, or both.
Overrated and Pretentious--It Really Hasn't Aged Well
I saw this movie in the theater when it came out and did like it more than I thought I would based on the reviews and having expected a really terrible set of tunes.I even bought it on Laserdisc after getting it on tape and the soundtrack on CD because there are a couple gems on there.
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Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. College Rock    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. Post-Punk    7. Rock    8. Rock & Roll    9. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Most holidays exclude somebody--on grounds of religious beliefs, political persuasion, or refusal to eat our fine feathered friends--but not good old Halloween, which has a little something for everyone. The same can