Editorial Review

Emotionally and musically intense, Read more

Reviews (356)

A Perfect Start...
I can't get enough of Tori Amos. Her music is so divine: lyrically, vocally, and instrumentally. My absolute favorite songs from this album are: Crucify, Girl, Precious Things, Winter, and Little Earthquakes. By the way, those songs remain top favorites among all her albums. And you'll notice I didn't list the familiar "Silent All These Years" as an album favorite; isn't it wonderful to buy an album because of a song like that, which you love so much, but find yourself loving the other songs the same or even more?

So beautiful ....
I have been learning piano for about two years now and learnt music (vocals) for two years. It is so amazing to hear someone sing using a piano so beautifully with so much grace. The songs are so meaningful and very different from the usual pop genre. This album is a must buy for all music lovers and I can't wait to hear other albums by Tori Amos.

The Beginning of a Beautiful Fanaticism
Picture it: Spring of 1992.Bush Sr. is still in power, rounding out a mediocre presidency in an age of recession and general boredom that at the time seemed dreadful but now seems nearly paradisical in 20/20 hindsight, from the vantage point of our current age of chaos.There was no internet, only a few people had cell phones, which were nearly the size of your cable T.V. remote, and we were so bored with the dominant forces of hair-metal and the King of Pop (by that, I mean Pepsi) that music audiences all over the nation screamed for regime change, which came in the form of a strange, oddly sweet yet violently self-hating man-child from rural Washington state and his two cohorts, whom we immeditaely, to his great shock and reluctance, set about proclaiming the messiah.It seemed, for a time, to a large part of my generation that Kurt Cobain would save us from the only true sin in this culture: dullness.Even the old fogies at Rolling Stone were ready to proclaim him the Christ-child of Rock, which they translated as 'The voice of Generation X.'Well, I was almost seventeen, and though I liked the music, all I saw in the videos was a scared kid with a talent too big for his ego.I wasn't looking for a saviour, or for an artist who could speak the words in my secret soul on a major public stage.And yet, around the same time, and through the same medium, I found one. . .
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Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Pop    4. Popular Music    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Singer/Songwriter   

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

The much anticipated follow-up to Paul Thomas Anderson's Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (196)

Magnolia Soundtrack
I love every song on this CD, Aimee Mann did a great job on the score. I would recomend this CD highly.

I LOVE IT
Aimmee Mann is an absolutely talented artist, and her contributions to Magnolia are of nothing less than what is to be expected of her. Each of her songs has its own taste, its own feel, and its own uniqueness to it. She definately doesn't try to overdo any of her songs on the popularity factor.
one of the GREATEST soundtracks ever in history!!
"SAVE ME", was the oscar nominated song off this soundtrack.
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Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Film Music    3. Original Score    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. Singer/Songwriter    7. Soundtrack    8. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Editorial Review

Elliott Smith's fourth solo album and major-label debut, Read more

Reviews (147)

RIP Elliott
This was the first Elliott Smith CD I ever bought and still remains my favorite.There is something so heartbreakingly haunting in his voice and lyrics and it's no surprise considering his well documented personal demons.
Masterly Crafted.
These lyrics are amazing.Never before have song lyrics had so much personal significance in my life.Excellently articulated and so very true! The words and music combined give this album its power, and there is plenty to hear for anybody willing to listen.It takes time, so be prepared to keep discovering new things long after your first listen.Buy it now; it can only grow on you!

Every breath you take
I've never heard a CD before where you can hear the singer's intake of breath before every line. The music is great and I'd love this CD if I didn't have to hear him breathing all the way through it. It drives me nuts. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Indie Pop    2. Indie Rock    3. Pop    4. Popular Music    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Sadcore    8. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

Posthumous releases fall into two categories: those which the artist was working on at the time of their death, and those which are gathered from every nook and cranny to keep fans enthused and cash registers ringing. Elliott Smith's Read more

Reviews (95)

Quintessential
Originally envisioned as Elliott's interpretation of the Beatles' White Album, From A Basement On the Hill transformed into (what I believe to be) Elliott's defining work. An unfortunately unfinished symphony, it still manages to become a quintessential piece of music history.
Not One To Miss...
First of all, let me start of by saying I am a huge fan of Elliott Smith since his basement four-track recordings of "Roman Candle" down to his upbeat "Figure 8" album. Being that this is the last Elliott Smith record to ever be released (outside of the chance that a b-side will be released) this record didn't dissapoint me in the least bit.
One of the finest posthumous releases I've heard
It's always a shame when an artist dies before completing work on a new album, especially if it's years in the making. There's always a sense of unfinished business, as cliched as it is, and imperfections that either flaw the album as a mess of embryonic ideas, or make the album a classic, out of grief of an artist's passing. There are a few posthumous releases that are just excellent, though. Elliott Smith's, from a basement on a hill, falls into that category.
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Subjects:  1. Indie Rock    2. Lo-Fi    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop    6. Singer/Songwriter   

Reviews (83)

Excuse Me, Mister... This Is a Great CD
This terrific project's songs are nimble, soulful, catchy, and meaningful. I've heard Harper's entire (sometimes uneven) catalog, and this is his most inspired work.

Another solid...
This is a solid record glad I picked it up.Probably the best all around of Ben Harpers.

Wow...just wow.
Ben can say so much in just one word.The tracks are mostly deep acoustic that you can jam along to. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Jam Bands    3. Pop    4. Popular Music    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

Marked by a distinctly more middle-aged melancholy than her previous releases, Aimee Mann's Read more

Reviews (76)

BUY IT and give it more than one listen...
I thought Lost In Space was just brilliant. I got Forgotten Arm very soon after it was released and didn't like it at all at first.
An excellent concept album...
"The Forgotten Arm" is an excellent concept album by singer/songwriter Aimee Mann. The story is interesting and the songs are catchy and enjoyable. Standout tracks include "King of the Jailhouse," "Video," and "I Was Thinking I Could Clean Up For Christmas." Fortunately, EVERY song on this album is good!

Deeply Beautiful
At first, this album seemed a bit morose, pretty but depressing, but, after a lot of listens, it blossomed in my heart, and it's absolutely gorgeous. Beautiful song follows beautiful song! I think the whole concept is great. The band is excellent, and Joe Henry's production is first rate. The packaging is cool too. ... Read more

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

Reviews (7)

Polaroids: A Greatest Hits Collection (Shawn Colvin)
A great collection of fine tunes, with the unique style and arrangements of Shawn Colvin.You wouldn't mistake her for anyone else.Some of the material reminds one of more recent work by Joni Mitchell.This might be due to the musical influence of Larry Klein who has worked with both artists and is featured on some tracks of this recording.A particular treat is Shawn's rendition of Lennon & McCartney's "I'll Be Back".Its hauntingly beautiful and simple guitar work, and a slower tempo than the Beatles' original version allow the listener to savor the lyrics, as only Shawn Colvin can so sweetly and heart-breakingly deliver them. This is a very good recording and certainly a must for the collection of any true Shawn Colvin fan.

The best songs from the first half of Shawn Colvin's music career
I saw Shawn Colvin in concert the other night at the Big Tent Chautauqua south of Bayfield, Wisconsin, and she was introduced as a three time Grammy winner.Of course two of those Grammys were for "Sunny Came Home," which won Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year in 1998.But the third Grammy was earned for her her first studio album, 1989's "Steady On," which won the Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Recording.I first picked up "A Few Small Repairs," not so much because it had "Sunny Came Home" on it, but because I was going to see Colvin perform at Lilith Fair and was buying the albums of all of the performers.From there I went back and got the rest of her work and several years down the road I am still of the opinion that "Sunny Came Home" was an invitation to check out her other albums.By definition Colvin might be a one hit wonder ("I Don't Know Why" is her only other Top 20 success making it to #16 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, but that misses the point of Colvin's music.There is a reason that she is touring with only a pair of guitars, and the trip down memory lane provided by "Polaroids: A Greatest Hits Collection" only serves to reinforce the point.
Greatest Hits?Well, sort of...
Like the other reviews here, this collection isn't EXACTLY a "greatest hits" collection.For one thing, one of Shawn Colvin's best-known songs is "Nothing On Me," which was used as the theme song for the television series SUDDENLY SUSAN, but that song is not found here.If being a TV theme song doesn't qualify as a "greatest hit," I'm not sure what would.
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Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Contemporary Folk    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop    6. Singer/Songwriter    7. United States of America   

Editorial Review

"So I'm a little left of center, I'm a little out of tune,"sings Michelle Branch on her debut album's "You Get Me." Well, maybe.Branch offers a well-produced pastiche of chiming and strummingguitars, hip-hop-lite beats, quiet-verse-to-louder-chorus templates,and positive thinking. At her best--"If She Only Knew," a propulsivelove note to an ex--she rivals the likes of Sixpence None the Richer as likable radio-aimed fare. Catchy and self-expressivewhile breaking absolutely no ground, Branch also echoes everyone from label-mate Alanis Morissetteto the solo Belinda Carlisle. She dies just a little in this crazy mixed-up world, escapes to hersecret garden for sunshine in the pouring rain, and ultimately findsher reflection getting clearer. Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (654)

This album is great!
I have been a Michelle Branch fan for a while now (about 3 years) and 3 years ago I got this album, although I never wrote a review about it and I thought I should. I first heard her music when I was 12 or 13, while riding in a car with some friends on the way to school. The song "Goodbye to you" came onto the radio, and I was pretty impressed by that song, and someone said that it was her, Michelle Branch, singing it. It was the first time I ever heard that name. Well, right now I am 16 years old and I still really love her music! I think this album is way better than her other album, cuz the songs are much prettier on this one and much more affectionate and loving (most of them, at least). Well, here are my ratings for each song:
Very Good
I bought this CD after hearing the song, You Set Me Free, being used to advertise the movie Spirit: Stallion Of The Cimarron.
Awesome
Michelle Branch has an awesome voice. Her music is VERY inspirational. This cd is definitely worth giving a listen. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Pop    3. Popular Music    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop    6. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (195)

pure talent, skill and imagination
Tori Amos can be totally original without being out-of-reach. If you just love really good music you will love her work. You don't have to be on some obscure wavelength to get into her music.
Under the Pink-- 12 Years Later, I'm Still Not Over It
At some point in 1993, the year after her first solo record, Little Earthquakes, took both the US and UK by surprise, Tori Amos spent some time in the high desert.In Taos, New Mexico, no more (and perhaps less) than 200 miles from where I was living at the time (oh, if only I had known!), Tori recorded the tracks that would become her second masterpiece, Under the Pink.It was released the following February, to the great pleasure of yours truly and other odd people with superior taste, giving us a clear indication that this angel/daemon woman who had so blown our minds in '92 was planning on sticking around.
Eclectic, Eccentric and Awesomely Classical
Like I said on my Boys for Pele review, teen pop baffles me. I have yet to hear a pop singer who oozes with as much seething originality as Tori Amos. Under the Pink is my second-favorite album of Tori's, after Boys for Pele. The thing about Tori is you cannot be undecided about her-you love her or you hate her; you can't just like or dislike her. I am the former.
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Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Pop    4. Popular Music    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

After Read more

Reviews (321)

It's OK
The great thing about Tori is that she has creative freedom like very very few artists have these days.She oversees everything from producing to writing to whatever else goes into making an album.Not sure where she was going with this one.Usually her work is very cohesive but I didn't feel it here.Maybe I am missing something.There are a couple of real beauties here like "Ribbons Undone," "Parasol" and "Toast" but overall my reaction to the album was that it was a little lackluster.Like I have said in my other quite humble reviews of her work, she's my girl and I'm stickin' with her.I will always be curious to see what she does next!That's what's great about Tori, she's very unpredictable and it's the very thing I love about her music.

The Fall and Fall of the Once Great Tori Amos
After the release of "Under the Pink", I confidentaly stated in writing that Tori Amos was the successor to Joni Mitchell. I don't believe I've ever heard a more passionate performer, and she was a great singer, pianist and songwriter to boot. While "Boys for Pele" and "From the Choirgirl Hotel" weren't up the standard of UtP and "Little Earthquakes", she clearly was still a talent to be reckoned with. "To Venus and Back" and "Strange Little Girls" were clearly weaker, but still quite interesting.
Tori - At Her Best!
I love, love, love this album! Her master stroke resides within each and every song on this CD. From start to finish, this is an album of brilliant soul-searching. The imagery can be enjoyed by the casual fan, but cherished by the Tori fanatic. It's an absolute must-have if you're a fanatic! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Rock/Pop    5. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

"What I Am," the leadoff track on Read more

Reviews (38)

Shooting Rubberbands At the StarsEdie Brickell
Excellent CD all songs on the CD are great

Shooting Rubber Bands at the Stars
Absolutely awesome!!! My 24 year olds favorite cd when he was younger and still loving it!!!

Great back up band
This CD was released in 1988.It is 48 minutes long.The sound quality is very good to excellent.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. College Rock    3. Folk-Rock    4. Jangle Pop    5. Pop    6. Pop/Rock    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Ben Harper makes elegant leaps from reggae to rock to folk to funk and back in his fifth studio album. The rootsy singer-songwriter with the silken tenor isn't merely genuflecting at the altar of his musical heroes, as here he shows more quirky imagination and inventive musicianship than on any of his earlier efforts. That said, "Diamonds on the Inside" is painted with the same brush that Bob Dylan used on "I Shall Be Released," but Harper adds his own Biblical aphorisms to make the song his own. Most of the songs display Harper's growth as a poet, as he ponders the dualities of life and love in tunes like the disturbing "Touch from Your Lust" and the disquietingly lyrical "Amen Omen." Harper is compelled to sing what is in his heart and to do what he can to make the world a better place. Witness the Marley-like "With My Own Two Hands." The only misstep on the whole disc is the overly humid orchestration of "When She Believes." Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Jam Bands    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop    6. Singer/Songwriter    7. United States of America   

Editorial Review

The bleakest heartbreak abounds on Joseph Arthur's Read more

Reviews (40)

Very good early album
This is the latest cd of his that I have bought since becoming a fan.It is very good, although I can't say I find it more enjoyable than his newer ones.But it's still pretty adicting.There is a good mixture of different types of music in here but it's not as extreme as redemptions son. HIs voice is more rough and grough sounding here also than on any other cd, but most of the time is sounds very good. In my opinion the first song "in the sun" makes this cd worth the price of admission alone, it's definitly a classic.But anyways, rather than rank each song one by one I would rather say that I pretty much can split these songs up into three categories.Fun/pop, slow/dark/seious, and signature Joe Arthur sound (being mostly him and his guitar singing about previous relationships that usually make for his most popular songs.Here is how I split them up:
A Soundtrack More or Less...
The songs on this album were the first I heard of Joseph Arthur and I was immediately mesmerized. A few were on the soundtrack for "Hell's Kitchen" with Angelina Jolie and Rosanna Arquette and when I heard them I had to know who it was. Joseph Arthur is haunting, for lack of better words. I've noticed lately, he's going a little more mainstream, which is slightly disappointing. But I think he's incredibly talented and I would definitely recommend this album.

Joseph Arthur is awesome!!
I recently have just gotten into Joseph Arthur this summer, so when I wanted to get some of his older cd's so I thought where else but Amazon.com. This album is deep and it had wonderful lyrics that express sadness, love, lust, etc. I really enjoyed it. If you like Joseph's newer stuff you will definitely enjoy "Come to Where I'm From. ... Read more

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

Editoria