Editorial Review

Country music's hottest boy band really doesn't do anything that hasn't already been done just as well or better by earlier country-pop "all-guy" bands like Diamond Rio and Restless Heart. Yet Rascal Flatts' pretty harmonies, so full of painful earnestness and pubescent yearning, are often very affecting, particularly coming from a trio that looks--and often sounds--like its members are still trying to grow their first chest hairs. And now and then, as on Marcus Hummon's rousing "Dry County Girl" and the Nickel Creek-like "Shine On" (cowritten by the three band members), these rascals even show fleeting innovation. But on too many of the remaining nine tracks the trio's youthful exuberance doesn't quite escape the confining shackles of generic production and overly predictable song fare. Read more

Reviews (100)

Where is the Rock and Roll?
I picked this hoping to hear some good music but someone sent me their flotsam disguised as a CD. Someone told me that I would like Rascal Flatts. I think I'll ask this person if he's had a mental exam lately. Now if it's real rock and roll music, buy Rainbow's "Rising" or Black Sabbath's "Heaven and Hell".

They're so great, it's almost SCARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Awesome! Fantastic! MIND-BOGGLING!!!!!!!!!!
A NOT-[...]-AWESOME SONGS-GR88888 ALBUM---I MELT FOR NETHING OF RASCAL FLATTS
COUNTRY IS NOT [...]AND RASCAL FLATTS IS THE HOTTEST COUNTRY ACT EVER...SO DONT EXPECT THEM TO BE GONE SOON.......AND CALL ME CRAZY BUT I LOOOVE THE BALLADS AND BLUEGRASSY SONGS: YOU, FALLIN' UPSIDE DOWN, DRY COUNTY GIRL, SHINE ON, AND I ABSOLUTELY LOVE LIKE I AM..........I LOVE EVERY SONG ON THIS CD; NOT A BAD ONE IN THE BUNCH..........SO IF UR LOOKIN TO BUY THIS CD, DONT READ THE BAD REVIEWS.........RASCAL FLATTS AND COUNTRY MUSIC ARE NOT CRAP......THEY ARE A GIFT FROM GOD. LOOK, IM A TEENAGER AND SHOULD BE LISTENING TO RAP AND ROCK BUT EVER SINCE I STARTED WATCHING GAC AND GOT MY DAD THE FEELS LIKE TODAY CD FOR FATHER'S DAY AND TOOK IT FROM HIM TO LISTEN TO ALL THE TIME, I HAVE BEEN IN COMPLETE LOVE WITH THEM....I DONT LISTEN TO NETHING ELSE BUT COUNTRY (MAINLY RASCAL FLATTS)....NELLY AND D4L MAKE ME SICK.......SO IF U WANNA BUY THIS ALBUM, IT'S WORTH THE MONEY. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Pop   

Editorial Review

Six years in the making, Read more

Reviews (267)

Love it!
I am thoroughly enjoying this CD, every song on it. [You know how after you've listened to a CD several times, there are songs you eventually want to fast forward through?not so with this CD.]
Jason - I Know!
I've always loved this album. I always liked how Lucinda says what she feels, plainly and sweetly. I've never cared for new country; but Loretta, George, Hank (sr.) were always heroes of mine.
An unrelenting masterpiece
Lucinda Williams is, in my opinion, the preeminent bard of loss and longing."Car Wheels On A Gravel Road," as others have said, takes you deep into the experience of loss and grief just like the best fiction does, or even like the actual experience of grief itself.The album is a milestone in American music which will probably never be topped by Williams or anyone else--and that's ok, because it would be nearly impossible to do so.It is an equal with the greatest work of Dylan, Chuck Berry, Robert Johnson, the Carter Family, etc.It will be remembered and listened to 100 years from now.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Country-Rock    2. Americana    3. Contemporary Folk    4. Folk-Rock    5. Pop    6. Popular Music    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop    9. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

In paying tribute to her roots, Martina McBride doesn't merely cover a selection of classic country favorites, she conjures an entire era. You'd swear that was Floyd Cramer playing piano on the album-opening "You Win Again," and Chet Atkins picking guitar on the following "I'll Be There." The steel guitar featured so prominently throughoutRead more

Reviews (95)

MCBRIDE BRINGS BACK THE OLD COUNTRY
MCBRIDES SONGS ARE TIMELESS IN THE CONTENCT AND ARTISTS WHICH MADE THEM FAMOUS. HER STYLE, BRIGHT, BOUNCY RENDITIONS ARE REMENISSENT OF THE GRAND OLD OPRY ON SAT. NIGHT......ONE OF THE FEW "NEW" "COUNTRY" SINGERS WHO KNOW WHAT COUNTRY SOUNDED LIKE WHEN IT WAS THE OLD COUNTRY.

AWESOME
ANYBODY WHO LOVES COUNTRY MUSIC AND MARTINA GO OUT AND BUY OR ORDER THIS ALBUM IT IS AN AMAZING PIECE OF WORK OF OLD SONGS BY MARTINA I WOULD RECCOMEND THIS ALBUM TO ANYONE

Country Heaven
A terrific album of some of the greatest country songs originally recorded by all of the famous names in Country Music. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Country-Pop    4. Neo-Traditionalist Country    5. New Traditionalist    6. Pop    7. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Two years and a pair of band members have passed since My Morning Jacket's Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (140)

An amazing listen
I bought this album at the same time I bought Yoshimi by the Flaming Lips at a time when I was becoming very discouraged by modern bands and modern music in general. Jaded by those bands that sounded great upon first listen but lose their appeal after only a few spins (The Strokes being the most obvious), I decided to take a chance on these two albums I heard about from Paste Magazine (a great music mag!) and was absolutely blown away. Yoshimi was the favorite, right off the bat, but Z by MMJ just stayed with me. I would plug it in every week, listen, and hear something amazing I didn't hear before. Some new guitar solo, or subtle drum break. And so I started listening twice a week and now I listen to MMJ (not just Z, but other albums as well) at least once a day! Their music is something that has affected me on a deeper level, something that has not happened for almost 16 years (since Primal Scream's Screamadelica in 1991). Start here, then do yourself a favor and delve deeper into their back catalog and buy them all. Including their early version compilation albums which are worth the price due to the inclusion of their cover version of EJ's "Rocket Man", among others.
Great Album, it's one of their best!
I love this album and still listen to it frequently, MMJ is a great band because their music is always changing and every new album from them is like opening a new gift for Christmas.
The Best Album of 2005!
Not much to say about this except it is the best album released in 2005! While different from previous MMJ releases, this album proves to contain the most well-crafted songs and shows the band matured, but still weird. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Country-Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Dream Pop    4. Neo-Psychedelia    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop    8. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Neko Case's third solo effort is a moody, atmospheric affair that both satisfies and mystifies. Recorded in Tucson with a stellar band that includes Calexico's Joey Burns and John Convertino, Read more

Reviews (79)

So Original
This is quintessential Neko Case. This cd says it all. The singing is so sensual. The songs have a deep sense of longing burried deep within. The whole cd really is over the top. "I Wish I Was the Moon" is deffinately a must have. This cd either stays at the top of my case or in my player at all times. What more can I say except if you don't buy this album you aren't truly living.

Who Could Blacklist This Backlist?
Although I've read her work typified as "alt-country," a better way to describe Neko Case on BLACKLISTED is "country noir." Her beautiful voice drifts over rootsy, poignant, and even desolate arrangements with a haunting quality. And those lyrics... she is just a very talented woman.
I'll crash my boat happily on the rocks for her siren song
To limit Neko Case to the category of country or alt-country would, I think, miss the point.Her work with New Pornographers should indicate that her musical interests and influences are more wide-ranging and, consequently, deserving of broader attention.Which is not to diminish the quality of the country-inflections of this album, for they are country in mood and timbre, not in artifice or image.The result is one of authenticity--personal authenticity, that is, not an "authentic" recasting of something someone else has done before.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Country-Rock    3. Americana    4. Contemporary Singer/Songwriter    5. Indie Rock    6. Pop    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop    9. United States of America   

Editorial Review

One of the finest composers of rootsy Americana since his years with the Blasters, Dave Alvin here celebrates the quintessential songs (and songwriters) of his native California. Some of his choices--Merle Haggard, John Fogerty, and Alvin's occasional collaborator Tom Russell--are artists who have obviously influenced his own writing, but he extends the selection to include some surprise choices, such as Jackson Browne, the Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia, and the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson. As revelatory as the songs he selects is what Alvin does with them, turning Browne's "Redneck Friend" into a shuffle worthy of Big Joe Turner and giving an equally bluesy twist to Fogerty's "Don't Look Now," while removing the blues that had characterized Los Lobos' original version of "Down on the Riverbed" in favor of a banjo-driven folk arrangement. The opening rendition of John Stewart's "California Bloodlines" establishes the album's theme; the closing "Surfer Girl" is a stunner, Alvin's most tender vocal to date, giving the Beach Boys ballad a warmth that borders on reverence. Whatever Alvin may lack in vocal range, there's no doubting his Read more

Reviews (9)

Phenomenal
Rather than spout and blather, I'll just say that Dave Alvin is an unbelievably terrific artist who truly, truly knows and practices great songwriting.He is a fantastic guitarist, and I love the hell out of this album."I Am Bewildered" is raucous, sexy, perfect, and "Here In California" is touching an beautiful."Surfer Girl" is over the top.

The Industry Reviewer Says It Best
My introduction to the music of Dave Alvin came several years ago when an old friend in Carlsbad turned me on to him. I already knew of him from the Blasters, but at the time I had no idea he was doing solo work. Since that time, I have heard Alvin grow musically with each successive album.
Not Alvin's best
Covers of old songs that is now way over done. And these are average at best versions. (I really dislike his California Bloodlines) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Country-Rock    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Rock/Pop    5. United States of America   

Editorial Review

A lonely Westerner in Nashville, Marty Robbins salved his soul by cutting an album (in one afternoon) of mostly self-composed cowboy ballads. One of them was a four-and-a-half-minute epic, "El Paso," that broke every rule of Top 40 programming to become a No. 1 pop and country hit in 1960. Robbins was arguably the most surefooted and accomplished singer in all country music, and that was never more obvious than on these Western ballads performed to often breathtaking perfection with a very small group and a vocal trio. Other titles include "Big Iron" (also a Top 30 hit), "Running Gun," and Western classics like "Cool Water," "Billy the Kid," and "The Strawberry Roan." Three extra tracks flesh out the 1999 release, including "Saddle Tramp" (the B-side of "Big Iron") and "The Hanging Tree" (title song from the 1959 Gary Cooper Western). Read more

Features

• Extra tracks
• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (53)

timeless masterwork
forget any labels...country, western, whatever...this is a timeless piece of art.people from all walks of life and fans of all genres will appreciate the soaring baritone of marty robbins, and the beautiful stories told on this record.an aboslute classic.

Marty Robbins
I was thinking this CD would be one of those that I like despite the cheesiness; but it's not cheesy.It's sincerely cool.Marty Robbins makes an even cooler cowboy than even Bob Dylan or Jerry Garcia.And the recording sounds better than most anything else from the 1950s.
gunfighter ballads & trail songs
We had this album in the 1960's and my dad loved it. It was a real treat for me to find it as a CD and get it for him...he loves it ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Country-Pop    4. Cowboy    5. Hawaii    6. Nashville Sound/Countrypolitan    7. Pop    8. Traditional Country   

Editorial Review

San Diego is not exactly known as a hotbed of contemporary bluegrass music, but then again, Nickel Creek are a far cry from most bluegrass bands you've ever heard. On their Alison Krauss-produced debut, they serve up a lilting, ethereal fusion of bluegrass, Celtic, modern folk, and even classical influences, offering exquisite harmonies that would be more at home at a Crosby, Stills & Nash tribute than at a musical salute to the late Bill Monroe. Yet it makes for delightful listening, all the same. The three principals (Sara Watkins on fiddle and vocals; her brother Sean Watkins on guitar, mandolin, and vocals; and Chris Thile on mandolin, banjo, bouzouki, and vocals) are either barely out of their teens or still in them. Individually and as a band, they've already won a slew of awards and notoriety on their respective instruments. The three prodigies (joined by Thile's dad, Scott, on bass) really strut their eclectic hot licks on a few soaring, skittering instrumentals, but even more impressive are Nickel Creek's graceful, heartfelt harmonies on the many lovely ballads. Hot licks, when you get right down to it, are a dime a dozen; this sort of pluperfect tunefulness is a much rarer thing. Read more

Reviews (262)

Don't Waste Your Money
No argument with the musicianship, which is sadly wasted on insipid songwriting and truly wretched lyrics. A song about a heartbroken lighthouse? Give me a freakin' break.

Great find!!
Seems like every great bluegrass group generates reviews that contain the disclaimer "This is not really bluegrass.", and I guess that's to counter the perception that OTHER people associate the term with the banjo scene in Deliverance and not much else.
Nickel Creek
Since Chris Thile is a member of this band, I got two of their CDs. NICKEL CREEK and THIS SIDE. Music reviews can be so subjective, can't they? They're technically quite accomplished musicians, but somehow they bore me. I can't explain it. They just don't touch me in what the locals would call my deep heart. Same problem I have with Brahms. Sorry, mate.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Contemporary Bluegrass    3. Contemporary Country    4. Country    5. Mandolin    6. Neo-Traditional Folk    7. Pop    8. Progressive Bluegrass   

Editorial Review

"Appalachia circa 1907" is the way they described it in the postgame interviews. It wasn't, of course, but it was as close as you could come in 1987 and still hope to sell the million copies that this ended up selling. The "Three Tenors" of country music juggle leads, complement each other to often haunting effect, and subjugate their egos to a greater cause. The songs run the gamut from primordial country favorites like "Rosewood Casket" and "Hobo's Meditation," to '50s pop (a rather anomalous "To Know Him Is to Love Him"), and mainstream country. The instrumentation is restrained, the vocals areunfailingly lovely, and the result is a trio that is more than the sum of its parts. Read more

Reviews (35)

Only Somewhat Impressed
I enjoyed the harmony of the singers and a few of the songs, but to really enjoy the CD, you need to be an OLD folk songsenthusiast.
Trio (Dolly Pardon)
This is one of my favorite cds.I never get tired of listening to it.All of the ladies are great singers.

A Perfect CD
This recording, almost 20 years old now, has everything going for it: a varied and beautiful selection of songs, excellent backup musicians-- and most importantly-- the heavenly voices of Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris. The rumor is that these fine artists wanted to do these songs for years but couldn't get their managers in sync. So we have a perfect example of what happens when performers and not the money men get their way.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Pop   

Editorial Review

From the second the majestic overture of Rodgers and Hammerstein's 1949 show starts, you know you're in for a treat: In this age of diminished Broadway pits, hearing the 45-piece Orchestra of St. Luke's firing on all cylinders is just thrilling. And that's only the beginning of the fun in this most traditional, most delightful musical, recorded live at Carnegie Hall in June 2005. As Nellie Forbush, Reba McEntire deploys a homespun Southern charm that works marvels against the urbane Emile de Becque, i.e., Brian Stokes Mitchell and his impossibly buttery baritone (check out his rendition of "Some Enchanted Evening"). Of course we shouldn't be surprised, since country star Reba had turned out to be musical-theater star Reba when she replaced Bernadette Peters in Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (33)

THERE IS NOTHIN' LIKE REBA
With music and lyrics by Rodgers and Hammersteins' "South Pacific" in Concert features a jubilant Reba McEntire in a kicky, knock 'em dead in the aisles performance as Nellie Forbush is a "died and gone to heaven" listening experience. With her homey Southern twang she fits the bill perfectly as,(Nellies self-description)"I am just a hick". Her Emile DeBecque on the recording Brian Stokes Mitchell confirms his justified status as one of Broadways best leading men with his rich and powerful voice. Jason Danieley gives a fine and sweet-voiced rendition of "Younger Than Springtime" that would be fine in any season.
Great Job of Patching It Together
I saw this concert and was amazed that the CD and DVD turned out so well. Reba read many of her lines and song lyrics directly from her script at the concert, so much of the material must be from the dress rehearsal.
A wonderful blend of voices
I have been a Reba McEntire fan for many years. I had the good fortune to see her on Broadway in "Annie Get Your Gun". Her performance was amazing, and it was hard to believe that she was not trained in the musical theater, she held the audience in the palm of her hand.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Music Theater    3. Musical Theater    4. Pop    5. Showtunes / B'way   

Editorial Review

Country music's infatuation with the puka-shell rock of Jimmy Buffett has been one of the genre's less fortunate indulgences. Most of Nashville's hat acts do little more than dip their toe in the water and do nothing to build upon Buffett's signature sounds. That's why Read more

Reviews (203)

Keep 'em Coming
Another good CD from Jimmy! Need to keep the studio CD's coming and not take so long between. This CD has a great mixture of vocals from several country stars and some good tunes with Buffett solo. Trip Around The Sun with Martina is great.

Just chillin'
Have almost worn out this CD.Really great duets PLUS!Particularly with Martina McBride.Takes me on a vacation every time I listen to it.

Jimmy & friends
I really enjoyed the country style with the calypso beat. I liked the duets also.It was great to hear "Hey Good Lookin" in a new way. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Contemporary Country    3. Country-Rock    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop    8. Singer/Songwriter    9. Soft Rock   

Editorial Review

Within the song cycle of innocence and experience that is Read more

Reviews (28)

Give it a try
A weird wonderful mixture of Bruce, Warren Zevon and Robert Earl Keen.His lyrics make you want to hurry up & learn the words so you can sing along.A most enjoyable CD.

About 20 years too late!
While musically James McMurtry has talent, the message of his album and especially the hit song "We Can't Make It Here"is outdated and unrealistic. In the song McMurtry laments about shirts being made in Singapore and the problems of outsourcing jobs, among other ridiculous things. It seems he would like to live in the world of the 1950s. While appealing on the surface, it is a waste of time to think like this.
Wonderful surprise
Wonderful surprise.I bought this CD based on one song I heard on the radio, ususally a mistake.I am thoroughly enjoying the whole CD.I will definitly buy more. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Rock/Pop    5. Roots Rock    6. Singer/Songwriter    7. United States of America   

Reviews (43)

Great
This CD is not bad. When I first played a Marriah Carey song came on so I kind of regretted buying the CD. As the CD moved on it started to get better because a rather dancy song came on by the "The Pussycat Dolls" sang a song called "Stickiwu" came on. Other songs such as "Dirty Little Secret" by "The All American Rejects" and "Unwritten" by Natasha Beddingfield were good too. Nickleback was a little rusty throated on "Photograph" because the lead singers voice is scrachty. "Dare" by "Gorrilaz" had a great tune so over all I give Now 21 an 8 1/2. Bottom line is this is a good CD and if you wanna buy it you go for it!

The Greatest!
1. Don't Forget About Us- (A+) Oh so now Mariah finally gets put on a NOW complication. This songs the greatest, beter than "We Belong Together," because it doesn't sample anything. (#1)
Now using Kids' Bop standards
let me start by saying, the nows from the 90's were a lot better than what now is making now.they usually start off with hip-hop/rap (THere's plenty)then pop, then rock/alternative, then keith urban. the Now series should have started in the mid 90's.in the mid 90's they had way better sh-it than they do now.they had pearl jam, green day, tupac.BOY HAVE THINGS F_UCKING CHANGED!like if you look at the track listings for now 22, the middle to end of the album are all 2-bit pro tool users!someone commented that that dude nick lachey sounds better now than when he did in 98 degrees.yeah, cause he's just discovered that all his pop classmates like teddy geiger, david powter, jesse mccartney are using these pro recording tools to improve their sucky voices, and now nick wants to join the band wagon.and another thing to nick, "Dude, forget about Jessica, ur songs all sound the same because u keep crying like a lil' bit9ch about her. its fine to release 1 song about her, but 2?is that all ur songs are about, man?thats pathetic.look at jessica, she's singing about going out and having fun with friends.her videos have color and dont take place on a tacky beach shore. ur a handsome guy, go look for a hot groupie and do the damn thing wit her. get ur mind off jess.also i think pink should be on this album.u may think she's squeeky clean pop, but shes cool cus she's unlike natasha bedingfield and kelly. she broke the pop mold!it makes me wonder did the same people that made the first nows the sames peeps that made these pot headed compilations of today. also now has the habit of featuring one or two singles from an artist and then forgetting about them.they must be stealing Kids Bop's formula. they should a link on their web site so fans can vote for what they want to hear on the next disc. i stopped buying these albums at now 14 when they started cramming these worthless hip-hop disasters on their discs. ewwww.and can now no go overboard when they edit the songs.they should release a clean and explicit version.and they should stop cutting the endings to songs. when i make my own mix cd's i have several songs passed 4:30 and i'm able to fit 22 or 23 songs on the disc easy.now is the kind of series that takes even a song that ends at say...4:10 and edits down to like 3:20thats almost a whole minute!now should stop chuggin that bong and release true to heart authentic compilations.not comps that they hurry and just put any crappy song on so they can make their profits and take it up the a.ss from jesse mccartney's record label ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Contemporary Country    3. Pop    4. Pop-Rap    5. Pop/Rock    6. Post-Grunge    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop Collections    9. Urban   

Editorial Review

While the hype machine forever proclaims this or that new artist to be "unique," "original," or "a fresh new voice," most of the time what you hear is more of the same old, same old. Thus, it is a rare joy to hear a newcomer that actually qualifies as all of the above. Mindy Smith fits loosely in the alt-country genre but adds some distinctive touches that set her apart from the field. A residency in Nashville brings a welcome Music Row level of craftsmanship to the playing and production, while her singing and songwriting take the music to places where cliché has never been. A song like "Hurricane" has a hook Faith Hill would kill for, but tells a tale of rebirth that might prove a little raw for her emotional range. Like Julie Miller, Smith writes songs that deal with redemption and spiritual matters in a way that is powerful without being off-putting to the more secular among us. Likewise she can write about her stepmother's passing in terms general enough to make it a stirring ode to the loss of any love--and do it in a voice that could make a statue misty. Smith more than held her own on the Dolly Parton tribute, Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (127)

Love this cd
This cd has been so uplifting to me, I am not a real religous person nor do I listen to country music, but there is just something about her voice and the lyrics that she wrote that it makes me cry, it makes me smile, lets just say it makes me just plain feel, human.

The Real Deal and Then Some...
There have been so many reviews of this CD that I will keep mine short and sweet.Mindy is a major talent with a beautiful,distinctive voice both in her singing and her writing.Please don't pass her by because you think she might be too country,too spiritual or too anything.Hers is a talent that transcends genres and labels.I can't wait to hear from her again.

Mindy The Maverick.
Mindy Smith is one hell of a lady.
Read more

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

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (12)

Waylon Jennings
A Great Double Disc Of A True Legend In His Own Time Excellent
Waylon's NOT "Just a Good Ol' Boy!"
Waylon Jennings is awesome! This CD shares some of his greatest tracks and is a must have for any music lover.These songs are timeless...you can never hear them too many times.

A must for a classic country rotation
If you're looking for the "best of" various artists for your classic country playlist, this album is a must.The size of the talent and the impact to country music cannot be overestimated -- but beyond that, it's just plain good music.(My only complaint is that in the remix, the fades were shortchanged, so if you listen to music with a "studio ear" be forewarned that this might bug you.)Otherwise, flawless. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Country-Folk    4. Outlaw Country    5. Pop    6. Progressive Country    7. Traditional Country   

Editorial Review

After laboring in Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Neil Young finally hit perfect pitch--if his endearing off-center whine can be called "perfect"--with his third album. He's equally passionate with trippy riddles (has anybody figured out what "We've got mother nature on the run" means in the title track?) and pointed protest (after 30 years of rock-radio overplay, "Southern Man" still rings with truth about redneck racism). His creaky ensemble, including pianist Jack Nitzsche and rotating members of Crazy Horse, transforms ramshackle country and folk songs into soulful hippie hymns. Read more

Reviews (98)

exquisita fragilidad que estalla y es capaz de lastimar cada vez que la escuchas..
gran obra de NEIL YOUNG... desfile incandescente de poesia y melodias que eluden el paso del tiempo, resguardando un presente eterno encerrado en dolor, denuncia, soledad y ternura....TELL ME WHY...ONLY LOVE...los sueños desvariados de toda una generacion reflejados en AFTER GOLD RUSH...y las guitarras indomitas, hirientesy perpetuas de SOUTHERN MAN....una placa esencial de un artista que sigue sembrando belleza en el infertil camino que nos ha tocado seguir..

One of the Best Folk-Soft Rock albums ever!
Neil Young has made a lot of classic rock albums through the years: Everyone Knows This is Nowhere, On the Beach, Tonight's the Night, Rust Never Sleeps, Sleeps With Angels, etc.
Pretty much there's only a couple of gold nuggets left here the rest is stubble
I will admit I pretty much held onto this album for 2 songs in particular, and they are "Southern Man", and "When You Dance I Can Really Love". They're the 2 strongest on this album. "Till The Morning Comes" is the next best after those 2, but since it's under a minute and a half it's over before you can get into the groove. "Tell Me Why" is also halfway decent, but not to start the album off with. After that it's all stubble; "I Believe In You" is a love song that just doesn't seem to go anywhere as far as I'm concerned, then "Cripple Creek Ferry" pretty much suffers the same fate as "Till The Morning Comes". "Birds" is forgettable, "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" is another lame love song. Neil Young's cover of Don Gibson's "Oh Lonesome Me" is by far one of the top 5 worst covers of a hit song, finally the title cut is beautiful piano playing, but the lyrics are horribly weak, and finally the worst song on here which is about as depressing as a Sunday afternoon working at a job you hate, and not getting done until 4:30 at the earliest. "Don't Let It Bring You Down" I know I never liked it; it's by far one of the worst Neil Young songs other than his "Sugar Mountain" recorded at Cantaberry House released as a non l.p. 45 in the 70's b/w "Heart Of Gold". I would have "Don't Let It Bring You Down" playing in my head those Sunday afternoons I had to work shortly after my wife passed away, and also after coming back from a suspension at work from where I was falsely accussed of doing something I know I didn't do. This song it just has a way to empty all of your soul out, and leave you with nothingness. Mind you there was alot going on in Neil's life at the time; his marriage was breaking up, he was starting to run around with Carrie Snodgrass, he also was showing his free spirit ways also as he would also release an album with Crosby, Stills, Nash that same year called "Deja Vu". The album only has 2 songs on it that make the backbone; perhaps that's enough, but if you're going to spend money on the cd you would hope that it will be better than just 2 good songs, and perhaps 3-4 more that are decent. I would be downloading the songs I like off of Napster, and forget the rest. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Canada    3. Country-Rock    4. Folk-Rock    5. Pop    6. Pop/Rock    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop    9. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

Album 2 for the Aussie transplant and former member of the Ranch kicks harder than his debut and fulfills Keith Urban's goal of capturing the elusive "band feel." The solid arrangements are particularly well tailored to Darryl Brown's ruptured romance ballad "You Think of Me" and the swampy "You Look Good in My Shirt." Urban catches fire lyrically on the moving "Song for Dad" and "What About Me," a cautionary view of selflessness he cowrote with Rodney Crowell. That, unfortunately, is as good as it gets. While the Ranch enjoyed a cult following, Urban, who should bring an idiosyncratic side to his music, is clearly out to play Nashville's game. Proof? A preponderance of bland material aimed at pleasing radio consultants and programmers. Consider his original "You're Not Alone Tonight," replete with harmonies used on countless country hits of recent past. True, a banjo occasionally surfaces throughout the album. Nonetheless, reviving David Dunda's 1976 Top 20 pop hit "Jeans On" reveals much about Urban's true musical roots. Read more

Reviews (366)

Upbeat feel good country...
Keith Urban can sing a ballad with the best of the country crooners, but I love him for his upbeat songs. Somebody Like You and What About Me are gems. You Look Good in My Shirt is a fun song that I love to crank up in the car and sing along to. Who Wouldn't Want to Be Me is a precious song to me because it has cheered me up on so many blue days. Its a real life affirming song.
One of my favorites
This has got to be one of my favorite albums ever. The different paces set by each song, the different moods they all have. You have some romantic ones "Somebody Like You", "Rainin' On Sunday", "You're Not Alone Tonight", some fun ones "You Look Good in My Shirt", "Jeans On", and some really heartfelt, personal song "You're Not My God", "Song For Dad". It is a great cd, with 7 or 8 songs written and co-written by Keith. And don't miss the hidden track at the end of the cd. It's called "The One Cord Song" You have to hear it. It's awesome

Sweet Sounds
Keith Urban has a smooth flowing voice;the beat of his songs is always postive and uplifting.You will feel terrific listening to this CD.It is full of love and hope and joy.I was lifting to the clouds by his music. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Pop   

Editorial Review

Gillian Welch has captured the ethos of mountain music in a way that few lowlanders have managed, and that's just a little disconcerting. Outsiders aren't supposed to be able to infiltrate tight-knit clans. Producer T-Bone Burnett creates intimacy by recording Welch live with a small cast of supporting players, including Welch's partner, David Rawlings. While many of the songs are built around duo acoustic guitars and two-part harmonies, Burnett spices up a few of them up with some neat tricks, mixing an upright bass above the vocals on "Pass You By" and getting a fat, dirty sound out of three instruments. Welch's vocals, meanwhile, are stoical and matter-of-fact as her songs, which are infused with a repressed dread and contrition that's utterly convincing. White gospel tunes like "Orphan Girl" and "By the Mark" feel as if they were culled from hymnals, yet they were written when Clinton, not Coolidge, was president. Read more

Features

• Original recording reissued

Reviews (70)

melancholy
True Gillian Welch sound and soul...but a bit more melancholy than I expected. Good for those times when you want to feel quiet and philisophical...not good for those days when you just want to dance!!!

very much enjoyed
Gillian Welch has a beautiful voice and sings bluegrass country music well. Our whole family has enjoyed it.

Splendid
This is truly a "splendid" CD, I had not heard of Gillian Welch until Amazon reccomended it several times. I finally listened to the sample tracts and really liked her voice. This is a great addition to anyones music collection,especially if you are a folk song lover.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Alternative Country-Rock    3. Americana    4. Folk & Traditional    5. Neo-Traditional Folk    6. Pop    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop    9. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

It's an irresistible concept: Wayne "The Train" tearing it up on 14 original juke joint/swing tunes backed by a raw, first-rate band. He's got the assets to make it work: sharp, incisive vocals, fresh numbers, Lloyd Maines as producer, and an awesome recording band featuring the blazing lead guitar of veteran Hancock sideman Eddie Biebel, guest guitarists Paul Skelton and Dave Biller, and non-pedal steel guitarist Eddie Rivers. By avoiding self-conscious imitation (a pitfall that's done in many acts inspired by the past), they often come fetchingly close to capturing the feel of any number of obscure '40s Texas honky-tonk 78s: swinging out on "Tulsa," down and dirty on "Drinkin' Blues" and the Ernest Tubb-inspired "I Don't Care Anymore" and "Goin' Home Blues," and the earthy "Brother Music, Sister Rhythm." Given Hancock's often-stated affinity for Bob Wills-style swing, the sole disappointment is the scarcity of those sorts of songs here. With a group of musicians this dynamic, a few more rip-roaring moments would have been welcome. Read more

Reviews (3)

Can't fault the music
I like it.I really do.The music is great.One of things I really, really, like about Wayne is that he always plays with five-star musicians and it makes a HUGE difference.I'm just not completely sure that he needs to keep recording CD's that are entirely or mostly made up of his own compositions.Not that he's not above-average, but a theme is one thing and repetition is another.The music is great and the songs are good, but maybe not so distinct from one another, or particularly distinguishable from anything he's already recorded.I still recommend it, though.

Tulsa is the album for me!!!
Well worth the wait! Wayne's been playing many of these songs at his shows for a while now and I've been dying to get this album.It did not disappoint.Every track is solid, and like all of Wayne's albums, there is no filler here.Do yourself a favor and get this album now! It will prove to you that REAL music still exists.

The Train does it again!
I got this a couple of days early because I pre-ordered and recieved it a tad early.All I can say is WOW.This is a classic album, The Train & the band are firing on all cylinders with this album.There's not one bad cut on this album.This is genuinely REAL swingin' Honky Tonk Music that would even have Bob Wills & Hank Williams get up and do jig.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Pop   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (11)

Beautiful Collection
This is a terrific collection with a wide range of songs from one of the most spectacular voices the music industry has ever heard. Patsy Cline's gorgeous voice and the emotion she put into her songs makes them heartbreaking to listen to, or if an upbeat song, especially fun to listen to. She just can't be topped. I only wish there were a Patsy Cline Christmas album available. I highly recommend this CD to any Patsy Cline or country music fan. Great selection of hit songs!

What a voice.
I just love listening to this old style of music. Patsy Cline has such a pure tone to her voice. I have to remind myself that even though some of these subjects are a little degrading to women it was a different era and it's the lady's voice that I love. I experienced some volume fading and getting louder in few of the songs. But, that's my only complaint.

The Only Collection
This is the only Patsy Cline CD you'll ever need.Every song is as good as the last one.If you like classic country or just plain classic, it will be tough to stop listening to this CD. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Nashville Sound/Countrypolitan    3. Pop    4. Traditional Country    5. United States of America