Editorial Review

This fourth effort from the soft-rock-masquerading-as-country band Rascal Flatts moved more than 721,000 copies its first week out, which let the female-friendly trio rub elbows with some mighty heady company. Only four other country artists (Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, the Dixie Chicks, and Tim McGraw) have rolled out numbers like that, and only 24 other acts total (including Eminem, 50 Cent, U2, and Coldplay). So what's the hook, besides Gary LeVox's wounded tenor and Joe Don Rooney's boy-band face? Clearly, it's the songs. Or it Read more

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Reviews (118)

Great country
Of the numerous country cds I bought this year, this one is my favorite.A great cd!

Definately a miss....
I have to say that I'm a musician, and as a musician I have respect for the guys.But just because I respect them as musicians doesn't mean I'm obligated to like their songs.Honestly, I never really had a problem with Rascal Flatts until this album came out.
Nashville "Trash"? Please.
I read one review on here calling Rascal Flatts "Nashville Trash". It definitely gave me a good laugh, for how wrong they were, but it also made me shake my head in disgust. Why? Simple. The person was just trying to copy what everyone else (that dislikes the group) was saying.
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Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Pop   

Reviews (13)

Very Nice Album
Boney James has once again released a superior album. James always manages to compose a fine album, and Shine is no different. This album combines upbeat and relaxing music along with exceptional sound quality and nice ballads. I would recommend Shine to any smooth jazz fan or to someone who enjoys relaxing music. Shine is a must have.

Boney is "SHINE" ing bright
Just a great CD.A lot of vocalists enhance this CD.I would say this CD rocks with great ballads, nice sax, and beautiful blending.This is one you want to throw into you CD or ipod and just sit back and enjoy!

Comes up with the goods
once again. Boney James rules. Forget about classifying the music he plays. He does what he does, and he does it well. I read a few reviews, which I only use as guides, as well you should, and then I went ahead and parted with my hard earned cash. If you like his type of groove, then you know this type of groove, and make no mistake about it-IT'S A GROOVE.Highlights are many. Sure the purist of you out there will cry out for less vocals, and I understand where you're coming from. I was a bit concerned too, until I bought the disc and listened to it. Highly enjoyable. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Contemporary Jazz    3. Crossover Jazz    4. Instrumental Pop    5. Jazz    6. Jazz-Pop    7. Pop    8. Smooth Jazz    9. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Their second album and first for Interscope is almost wholly brilliant. Like Mogwai, Sigur Ros and a dozen others, TVOTR excels at making slowly-evolving tunes with vaguely anthemic choruses and lots of loud-soft dynamics. Unlike virtually any of those other bands, TV on the Radio mix a genuine and actual songwriting ability with their knack for finding sounds that appear to be "new." This record is crisper-sounding and incorporates more dance-based elements, but it's essentially a pop album. While the lack of the free web-released "Dry Drunk Emperor, a tribute to President Bush, is initially a bummer, the album percolates with enough pre-apocalyptic tension to satisfy anyone. In a Prince-pitched falsetto, the group sings "I was a lover/ Before this war," While throughout, the combination of melody and invention is always pitch-perfect (well, except on "Province" and "Let the Devil In," those songs sort of suck.) People of Earth: please make this band into total superstars and buy several copies of their album: one for the car, another for the office, etc. What we really need in our popular music is more weirdness, and more truth.Read more

Reviews (11)

The best of 2006 so far.
This album is so good that I finally decided to write a review. I had to add some thoughts especially since some of the other reviews aren't that positive. Return To Cookie Mountain sounds fresher than anything I have heard in a long time. "Wolf Like Me" is amazing and what drew me to them in the first place. But it's the other songs that will hold onto you for much longer. "I Was A Lover" is a great intro and sets the tone perfectly. "A Method" which no one here has really discussed much, is a beautiful song with layers of harmony that lead into wonderfully sinister drums. It is that kind of juxtapostioning that keeps you on your toes through out. the last part of the album drags a bit, but it's only because the first part is so extraordinary. If you really like eclectic and beautifully crafted music you can go wrong with this. Gets better with every listen!

Turn off the tv on the radio!
This band is getting alot of critical acclaim right now, but I'm just not feeling it. The single "Wolf like me" is the only song that stands out to me on the whole album. It is a great song, but everything else is just blah. I think the band could use a different singer, the guy they got doesn't sing very well or very "soulful". The music is good, very original and the only reason I haven't sold the cd yet. I really think ppl need to hear this one for themselves before they buy. Don't be fooled by these 5 star reviews. Just listen to the cd before you buy it. That's my advice.

When it works it is friggin' wonderful...
...but when in doesn't, it really, really doesn't.I have to admit that if the review were based solely on the songs I really enjoy from this album it would be 5 instead of only 3 stars, but alas as a whole the album, for me at least, doesn't work.That is not, however, to say I don't respect these guys for trying something new.On the contrary, I think that their mistakes are brilliant attempts.That said, the songs that work are, as the headline says, "Friggin' Wonderful"."I Was A Lover" and "Wolf Like Me" are fantastic.The later of the two will definitely stay in constant rotation on my Nanopod for years to come(Not that the Nanopod will actually last that long, but that is another story all together).I would definitely suggest it to fans of the first.The album is a logical progression in their sound, and I can't wait to hear what they do next. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Audra McDonald may well have the best voice and interpretative skills of all current musical-theater singers. This album, though, is oddly disappointing. McDonald's gorgous soprano is as pure as ever, but her feisty attitude and sly sense of humor are less in evidence than on previous recordings (just check out "A Little Bit in Love" on a studio recording of Read more

Reviews (11)

Harsh words for a well-crafted CD
Gee..in reading over the reviews, it seems as though many have chosen to be a little too hypercritical of McDonald and the legendary appeal of her vocal talents.I recently saw Ms. McDonald at the Bass Hall in Fort Worth, Texas and was stunned not only by her live range but her amazing ability to captivate an audience's emotions no matter what song she sings with her remarkable way of living within the song's lyrics.Her promise last spring in that live concert was a full new CD in the fall and she has definitely delivered.No matter how much I love to hear Audra sing the standards, she is a true artist in that she is continuously trying something new.While I was not 100% thrilled with her choice of material, her delicately beautiful work on Adam Guettel's "Build A Bridge" and the poignant "Dividing Day" proves this CD was worth it.Other highlights I am supremely overwhelmed by was "I Wanna Get Married" and "Wonderful You".And while it's probably quite a stretch for her to actually pull off Laura Nyro's "To A Child" and "Tom Cat Goodbye"---(which she really doesn't)it is a pleasure to hear her try some new work, particularly her deft styling on (could it actually BE?) the John Mayer song.Anyone who has seen her live recently knows that the CD's true treasure is the piece that did not leave a dry eye in the house, the parent lullaby "Cradle and All".Mc Donald has plenty more years to captivate us with her exceptional range, intricately expressive style and, most of all, her ability to keep the great songwriters memory alive. I'm not really sure "denizen"(as one reviewer deemed her) is an appropriate moniker for McDonald as it connotes negativity of an unusual nature and I believe supreme stylist is more apt.As for the reviewer who found fault with her technicality, I'm pretty sure four Tony Awards and a degree from Julliard might prove that hypercritical assumption wrong.At least, this is probably why McDonald never wanted to really stay at Julliard: she wanted to stay true to her gift and that is her immpeccable voice and her fervent desire to share it with others in ANY musical vein she chooses.Wonderful work here.

AUDRA CAN'T SING
Well just watched Audra's new PBS special singing these songs and I have a record or two of hers so I'd thought I'd try a review - hoping for the future. First off, Audra is a drop dead gorgeous, first rate entertainer and good musician - there is only one problem with her presentations - she can't sing. She knows what to do with the great material as a good musician the problem lies in her having very little singing talent - especially in the upper register. Several times in each song when she gets above a certain altitude she completely and consistently demonstrates she has no ear to hear her own voice. She sours countless times above a certain note - and has a tremendous problem with singing sharp - especially in falsetto - bad habits that probably cannot be broken at this point no matter how much training she should pursue. It is absolutely painful to hear her hit certain notes and hold them off pitch. She should start from scratch with a great coach and completely re-learn how to sing and learn what falsetto is and avoid it at all costs, therefore removing all the songs in her repertoire that require the painful sharp notes - and bring everything down about an octave. Though she is very successful at what she does and probably a millionaire several times over for it all - I don't think she will be considered one of the all time greats till she accomplishes a lot of hard work with a singing coach - and if she already has a singing coach, he or she needs to be fired as soon as possible. Since she refuses to let herself go in the looks department and we all can't take our eyes off her, I wish it were possible that these problems can be overcome - good luck Audra - I love ya, in spite of the bad habits - now get to work - and prove to us you really do have some talent - build a bridge to a new career !!!

Always new, always surprising, never disappointing...
I worship Audra McDonald for her voice, her acting talent, and her shining personality which I have had the good fortune to encounter in multiple live performances. Although I adore each album that has come along, this one feels particularly warm and deep to me - I have the feeling I will continue to listen and find new things each time. I was struck in an NPR interview by her comment that people have asked if she's trying to be Norah Jones - no offense to Norah, but Audra is not even in the same category. She can't be background music, or lull you into a stupor. She makes you pay attention, she makes you cry, she gives you goose bumps. If she doesn't, maybe you've been permanently damaged by top 40 music for too long. I only wish she could find the time and financial backing to release more and more CDs- I want a recording of the Lola song about the bass, and the old-fashioned but perfect I-just-can't-stop-talking-about-him-and-talking-about-him and many others that she performs live. Hey, even a live recording would be fantastic. Like Joni Mitchell (another artist I deeply admire) she just keeps reinventing herself while staying true to who she is as an artist, and that is a completely unique and wonderful thing that we should all be grateful for. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop Vocals    3. Rock/Pop    4. Show Tunes    5. Vocal Pop   

Editorial Review

Constantly exhorted to "sing," string players naturally try to emulate that most beautiful musical instrument, the human voice; no wonder they literally want to get their fingers on the treasures of the vocal repertoire. Joshua Bell has appropriated some of its best-loved songs and operatic arias, from Mozart through the romantics to Orff. Slow, sustained, lovely and yes, singing, these beguiling melodies and wide emotional range are eminently well suited to the violin. Credit for most of the arrangements is given to J.A.C. Redford, a well-known film and television composer, and indeed the throbbing strings and jarring modulations typical of sound-tracks invade his orchestrations, in startling contrast to the composers' own. In Debussy's "Beau soir," pianist Frederic Chiu partners Bell so beautifully that one wishes he had supplanted the orchestra in all the songs with piano accompaniment. The violin transcriptions of the vocal line closely follow the originals, except for Redford's compulsive habit of adding octaves in the repeats and jumping from the lowest to the highest register. Of course, Bell is very good at all this, and it's the playing that's really the thing. His tone is ravishingly beautiful, warm on the G-string, radiant up high, and always deeply expressive. His love and innate feeling for the music---its inward simplicity, romantic yearning and passionate ardor---speak straight to the heart. In the only authentic violin part, the obbligato of Richard Strauss' "Morgen!" he is joined by the golden-voiced soprano Anna Netrebko; at first overly intense, she relaxes into a blissful, magical ending. Read more

Reviews (7)

Prolific recording artist whose entirelibrary is worth owning
Joshua Bell has this unearthly ability - almost eldritch result to his music.His violin has profound impact and hearing him play live is like a spiritual experience.This cd doesn't deviate from his formula of pouring his love of music through his instrument and conveying a joy for every piece he plays.
JB are you reading
I ordered a cd from az, then later found out bn has extra track on their edition, bought that one too.Why did they do that?But the extra track, smaller orchestra version of Mozart's laudate dominum, is worth it.Bell is breathing into his music, just like a singer put their heart in their song, just like gould humming along as he played... is that how artists enjoy their own arts, any other way?If I am the tertiary audience the artists themselves must be (what's the word for zero ordered?) audience.Anyhow, if an art is so beautiful I would like to enjoy it purely, no need of accompaniment, or just at minimum.Check out Yoshikazu Mera sings Uguisu.Check out Hong-mei Yu playing Three Sighs At The Guan Pass in String Glamour. Will Joshua Bell ever do Morgen in double track even?I was expecting voice of the violin, not human!Joshua Bell and his violin: every sound is beautiful.I just wish that there was less interference.That is why it was worth it to get the 2nd cd from bn.The 16th track is leading really gently, quietly into the beautiful voice of Bell and his violin.
Absolutely gorgeous violin music!
The violin is the instrument closest to the human voice in its ability to express a multitude of shades of emotion, with a tonal and dynamic range that allows the violin to sing with a voice unique among instruments. Joshua Bell beautifully exhibits the expressive potential of the violin's voice in the carefully chosen and sensitively played pieces on this CD.
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Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Art Song (General)    3. Cantata    4. Chamber    5. Chamber Music    6. Chamber Music & Recitals    7. Choral    8. Classical    9. Classical Artists    10. Classical Pop    11. Czech Romantic Opera    12. French Romantic Opera    13. Italian Romantic Opera    14. Keyboard    15. Mass    16. Opera    17. Orchestral    18. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    19. Sacred Choral Music    20. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra   

Editorial Review

When Madeleine Peyroux's debut, Read more

Reviews (134)

Dance Me To The End Of Love
I really like this album and Madeleine's song selection is superb with the exception of Dance Me To The End Of Love. This song written by Leonard Cohen really creeps me out. Most people think it's a love song between a man and a woman. Leonard Cohen explained the song in an interview:
Nice enough, but...
Madeleine Peyroux has a great voice and terrific taste in songs to cover, and the band backing her up here hits all the right mellow, jazzy notes.If she keeps up the effort, she's bound to produce some classic recordings.But she isn't quite there yet.There's nothing really wrong with these twelve songs - certainly nothing jumps out as poorly done.The problem is more that nothing really jumps out, period.Hearing their songs so tastefully copied makes me want to listen to Bessie Smith, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and Hank Williams, but Peyroux doesn't make much of a case as to why we should listen to her versions instead of the originals.Not bad at all, but only not bad.

Good Golly... the first time you hear Dance Me To The End
of Love???i STOPPED what i was doing, ordered the cd from amazon, then downloaded this song from iTunes and spent the night listening to the song on repeat!
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Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. American Popular Song    3. Jazz    4. Pop    5. Rock/Pop    6. Standards    7. Vocal Jazz    8. Vocal Pop   

Editorial Review

This is not a review about Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon's hair. However--as any self-respecting fan knows--in country music, after proving you can pluck a guitar and carry a tune, the power of the right hairstyle is not to be underestimated. Johnny Cash, in fact, was famously vain about his locks--perhaps one of the few things he Read more

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Reviews (179)

Just Won't Play the Audio !!!!
Be prepared for disappointment if you buy this enhanced CD, and your PC is somehow excluded from playing the audio tracks.I have a 2 year old Sony Vaio desktop with all the bells and whistles, and a 3 ghz processor.I've played every audio and video cd and dvd without a problem at all.When I put this cd in I got the graphic screen and played the 2 videos fine.But there's no link and no way for me to access the audio tracks, whether through Windows Media Player, or Windows Explorer.Somehow the people who made this enhanced CD didn't make sure it was compatible with all PC's, even if you have a high end, fairly new machine.I'll be returning the CD ASAP.

Humbled
The acting was emotional and impressive, the singing was amazing and the movie was chilling and enjoyable. In fact, I can't stop watching it - it's like a train wreck everytime it comes on. My parents dragged me when I was a young child to a Johnny Cash/June Carter concert. As much as I hated the fact they couldn't get me a sitter, or leave me at someones house - I am truly touched now at the backstory to this concert I didn't want to go to, but enjoyed nonetheless. I wish I could go back in time to enjoy it knowing what I know now.

won't play on my computer
I listen to all music on my computer. I don't even have a CD player any more. This CD will not play on my computer. Therefore, great as the music was in the movie, this CD is worthless to me. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Pop    3. Rock & Roll    4. Soundtrack    5. Soundtracks    6. Soundtracks & Film Scores    7. Traditional Country   

Editorial Review

15+ years after their winsome indie debut, Canada's Barenaked Ladies come full circle here, dropping off the major label merry-go-round to re-embrace a DYI sensibility with typically breezy aplomb. But, as this collection's strong songs and crisp production attest, that hardly means the band didn't learn a thing or three during its successful tenure in the majors. The gorgeous melancholy of "Adrift" is apt preamble to a collection that's more thematically balanced and graced by an expansive sense of artistic democracy. While mainstays Steven Page and Ed Robertson contribute such patently torqued, BNL-mirthful fare as "Bank Job," "Bull in a China Shop," "Rule the World With Love" and "Wind It Up," there's a growing maturity and sense of reflection in their work as well, as evidenced by Page confessing his own emotional disconnection via the evocative, banjo-accordion lament "Everything Had Changed." But it's the strong, equally literate contributions of fellow band members Jim Creeggan ("Peterborough & the Kawathas") and Kevin Hearn ("Sound of Your Voice," "Vanishing") that truly expand BNL's horizons at a career juncture when many bands are all too happy to rest on their laurels or hew religiously to the formula that garnered them. Read more

Reviews (33)

A Downer
I love BNL but found this album very disappointing.The tagline for the CD was that it is their best work since "Stunt".If you liked the upbeat "Stunt", you probably will NOT care much for this CD.Very melancholy.

The other CD is better!
There is another CD of this same album with 14 more bonus tracks giving the CD 27 tracks.About 17 of those are quality tracks with some of the better ones in the bonus group. You can ck it out at Rapsody. JT

Great CD, might even be their best
I have been listening to the Barenaked Ladies since I was [...]and have loved almost everything they have done. Although at first I was not a huge fan of Everything to Everyone I grew to like it a lot, but they were still great because of the old stuff and they are an excellent live band. I am glad I didn't give up on them! Barenaked Ladies Are Me is unbelievable and it might be their best album ever! I have listened to it about ten times now and I like it more everyday. It is definitely their most emotional album since Born on a Pirate Ship. "Home" is one of the best songs they have ever written and is up there with "Call and Answer" and "Break Your Heart" in terms of emotional power. "Adrift","Sound of Your Voice", "Bull in a China Shop" and "Everything Had Changed" are great. The last one even brought me memories of Elliott Smith R.I.P. It was also great to see Jim and Kevin get into the action since they are horribly under utilized. Maybe next time around we can even get a Tyler solo, haha. Anyway, buy this album it is great and go out and see them live if you can, because they are amazing! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Canada    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

It takes guts, if not outright egomania, to abandon your given surname and adopt a loaded one like Legend, but the former John Stephens must have sensed that loftiness would one day be his calling card: Read more

Reviews (1)

Studded with Standout Tracks
John Legend proves that he is indeed capable of living up to the tall prophesy of his name (adopted or otherwise) on this great new album featuring a smorgasbord of songs that recall everyone from Otis Redding to Lauren Hill to Jeff Buckley.Some of the songs may be a tad too long, and "Coming Home" feels middle-of-the-road, but these are minor quibbles for an album studded with standout tracks.Destined for multiple Grammys. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary R&B    2. Neo-Soul    3. Pop    4. R&B    5. Rock/Pop    6. United States of America    7. Urban   

Editorial Review

This is a dream pairing: Pat Metheny, the Baby Boomer guitar god whose musical palette embraces everything from Ornette Coleman to contemporary jazz, teams with pianist Brad Mehldau, the brooding Gen X prince of the piano on the verge of becoming himself.After admiring each other for years, they're now on the same label, and this dynamic duel extends their mutual admiration into a very personal and simpatico release that recalls the intimacy of that 1960s Jim Hall/Bill Evans masterpiece, Read more

Reviews (13)

the Cover Art Says It: Two Flat Shades of Blue
I've purchased and listened to ALL of the previous recordings by both the principals of this recording. I've never found ANY of them irritating and annoying. But this recording I can't listen to more than 3 tracks. I may regret this review, and it may not be helpful to you, but all I hear is busy, busy, busy playing in a tiny, narrow range of texture, grooves, and expression. Sometimes with a recording, I instantly feel "what a great session". And sometimes I instantly feel, "what a misguided session". I may try to listen to it in the car or some different setting, I mean, I SHOULD be able to hear something here ...

Eminently listenable
I note that the few critical reviews so far have said the music was not 'memorable' or blah...sorry guys, you just don't appreciate great music...they would have said the same for Mozart or whoever.
Great names do not constitute a great album
Great names do not constitute a great album. This is almost always the case when two great musicians are trying to create music while ego problems, lack of the same background and lack of time brings a somewhat shallow music which seems "good" and "enjoyable" but at the end of the day, this CD (as much as many others which brought two talents together) will lay in the back of your private catalogue never to be heard again. This album is no different and it has listening time of about two weeks from now before it will be forgotten. Yes, this CD has its good minutes, the playing is really out of this world but this is really the only good thing that one can say about it. The ones who like Methney style, will continue purchasing all his never ending alike CD (which, for me, seem the same) while Mehldau' fans will wait for a new good art of trio music without the necessity of reading who much these two great musicians admire each other as customary writen in the nice booklet annexed to these kind of CD'. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Jazz    2. Fusion    3. Jazz    4. Modern Creative    5. Pop    6. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Texas quintet Blue October has bounced from Houston-based indie darlings to the majors and back twice since their '98 bow. Yet there's little sense they've compromised much of their eclectic, creatively restless ethos in the bargain on this, their fourth studio album (and second major label stint). In the hands of less ambitious musicians, the personally harrowing, perfectly crafted "Hate Me" would have become template for the entire collection; here it's but the most commercially focused of band leader Justin Furstenfeld's eclectic musical obsessions. His taste for early '80s UK New Wave evinces itself in a fondness for lyrical shadows and fleeting sonic echoes of Richard Butler's P-Furs and Peter Gabriel. But it's in the collection's quieter, more reflective songs ("Let It Go" and "Congratulations" turn on Ryan Delahousaye's signature violin phrases; "X Amount of Words" effortlessly morphs through several intriguing techno conceits; "18th Floor Balcony" bristles with an almost neo-classical elegance) where Blue October sets itself a cut above its post-grunge contenders. Read more

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Reviews (68)

Staind meets Paul Simon
Well, everyone is reminded of 80's new wave . . . hmmmmm. I actually find a kinship between Blue October and Simon and Garfunkel. Blue October's acoustic efforts like "18th Floor Balcony" remind me of the work of Paul Simon. Also, the overlapping harmonies on "Into the Ocean". . . very much like the stylings of Simon and Garfunkel. Likewise, the magnificent lyrics and personal introspection in the songs. "Hate Me" is a masterpiece as it remains commercially successful while not betraying the essence of the band. I found only one song on the album to be strangely out of place and that is "Drilled a Wire through My Cheek". It was a bit loud and angsty . . . reminded me too much of Staind. Great album.

Blue October = well done Peter Gabriel clone band
This is a well composed CD and a remarkable band.I had never heard of them until recently (Sept 2006) on the radio.
defies classification
Ok, like millions of other music fans, I heard "Hate Me" and "loved it". So I went out and bought the CD, and was pleasantly surprised and impressed. It's a great album! I'm surprised this band isn't way more popular. This is one of those CDs which could easily spawn many singles-there are some really great, catchy tunes here. There is something for everyone: some of the songs are harder than others, others are more pop, but they are all really quite good. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Pop    3. Post-Grunge    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Since not liking the Scissor Sisters is tantamount to not liking fun, let's just assume that everyone already adores this band and go on from there, OK? The Sisters' hotly anticipated second full-length feel like a streamlined continuation of their debut. It's hard to imagine no one had ever called an album Read more

Reviews (25)

An ecclectic, thoroughly entertaining record
I first heard the Scissor Sisters' music when a friend of mine played me a couple videos of theirs.At first, I thought it was Fleetwood Mac (please note, I was listening and not paying any attention to the actual video).When I heard it was a relatively new band, one with such a distinctively retro sound, I immediately became interested.
The best CD I've bought in years
So rarely do I buy a CD that I find myself listening to over and over again without getting sick of it. This is the first CD in many years I've been able to play repeatedly, loving it more each time I hear it.
Good, Though Not As Good as their debut; 3.5 Stars
After making both one of the most hailed and one of the most controversial albums of 2004, Scissor Sisters had to find a new path for their much anticipated sophomore album TA-DAH. You have to feel some sympathy for the quirky band considering how do you supercede or surpass a gay concept album the quality of SCISSOR SISTERS.Sure TA-DAH once again affirms the sexuality of the majority of the band through glamorous pop things, but it is nowhere near the level of SCISSOR SISTERS.With that said, TA-DAH is consistent and nearly as good as SCISSOR SISTERS, though it isn't as exciting.Here you don't have the "gay-concept" think as heavily as ingrained as the debut and the listener must rely on the pop, dance, electronic arrangements more as opposed to the lyrics such as "t*ts on the radio" or "I left My heart in San Francisco/ at a motherf**king disco".While there may be no hit the size of "Take Your Mam", the Sisters have definitely still got it, if not to the same exciting level as they did before.
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Subjects:  1. Club/Dance    2. Pop    3. Pop/Rock    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop    6. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Smothered by the indulgence of his rock star ranking, Jack White steps into the eccentricities of the supergroup, and at first glance, this seems to be a band where White's imposing presence could overshadow the rest. Not the case with these Raconteurs. Teaming with fellow Detroit songwriter Brendan Benson and Jack Lawrence and Patrick Keeler, the rhythm section from Cincinnati band the Greenhornes, White exhales a bit, deferring enough to his mates to make Read more

Reviews (90)

A must-have!! Two thumbs up!
THIS is a great album!! I've always been a nominal fan of The White Stripes, but I heard "Steady As She Goes" and it just stuck in my head and I knew I had to buy this CD, and what a great investment it was. I would highly recommend it. The White Stripes are great, but I can only take them in small doses, if you know what I mean. The Raconteurs are different. I can listen to this entire CD over and over.

wow!
I came to Amazon awhile back and listened to a couple of tracks, didn't think much of it.A few weeks later, I had some extra cash and decided to buy it, as I love The White Stripes.From the first listen I was blown away. I had heard "Steady as She Goes" on the radio, but the rest of the cd lives up to that song, and surpasses it.Loved the vocals on "Hands," the Middle Eastern flair on "Broken Boy Soldiers," and the silliness of "Intimate Secretary."The rest of the songs are solid, with "Blue Veins" being one of Jack White's best songs ever.Don't know if this is a one and done thing, hopefully not!Saw an interview with Jack and Meg on the Charlie Rose Show, and this guy is for real.What he did with Loretta Lynn was amazing, and I'll buy pretty much anything in the future from him.

*****WOW*****
Wow, this is one of the best cd's I have heard in years, not a bad track on here! There are elements of great bands (Zeppelin, Beatles) here but with a modern edge that makes this effort sound almost experimental.Check out Broken Boy Soldiers and Blue Veins, freakin' amazing!The beat on the title track is driving, raw and practically primal.Blue Veins is bluesy with a provocative edge.Run, don't walk to your favorite music store and buy this!Be warned, tho, this cd has teeth, once they sink into you, it won't let go. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Garage Rock Revival    3. Indie Rock    4. Pop    5. Pop Underground    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop   

Reviews (48)

Mesmoirized!! This boy has soul!!
I don't know what I was expecting with this cd, but I didn't expect to be floored. Robin has definately filled a musical void in today's R&B, and music period.He is a true artist and musician.I can hear his influences, but he still maintains his own individuality.This cd is holding my cd player captive right now, and will be on heavy rotation for long time.i'm hoping that they don't try to market him to be a immitation ofJustin Timberlake, though.
The Eminem of R&B and Soul?
I could easily see Robin Thicke receiving that title with this masterpiece here. The album is fantastic, and a showcase of what's missing in R&B today. While many are likely to compare him Justin Timberlake, the fact of the matter is that the two artists are in two different classes. Comparing Thicke to Timberlake is similar to comparing Usher to Marvin Gaye, or any of the greats from back in the day. Speaking of those greats, Thicke emulates quite a few of them while still maintaining a bit of his own sound. Keep in mind that he is a singer/songwriter and has produced hits for many artists, including the young JoJo, who's latest I also recommend. There are only really two tracks that I always skip on the CD, namely All Night Long and Everything I Can't Have. The latter seems a bit out of place on the album with heavy latin jazz influence. It's... just weird. Sometimes I will listen to it, but I rarely get through the entire thing. As for the former, I pretty much detest Lil' Wayne, although I can't explain why I like Shooter. Cocaine is also one of my lesser favorites, possibly because it's a bit on the funky side, and I have to be in a certain mood for funk. Lost Without U is my main favorite, with 2 The Sky, a bit of a gospel song, coming in as a second. I'm kind of glad that Pharrell Williams didn't have too much involvement with the album as it probably would have changed the album completely. An excellent album. Defintely worth it.

DO NOT COMPARE THICKE TO JUSTIN
This album is Hot to Death.Thicke is crazy talented and Justin just had good dacnes moves.Thicke is crazy talented and lyrically, Justin can't shine his shoes.Check this out if you miss really good music and diverse production."Ask MySelf" is HOT TO DEATH..My favorite track!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "Cocaine"- That guitar and base makes it hard to stay drug free! JUST KIDDING!( seriously drug addictions ruin lives, If you are reading this and are struggling please call 1 800 784 6776 ) but I like this track a lot.THE BASS IS N-A-S-T-Y!!!!!!!!The faith track is ridic."Lost without you" is Whoa! If you like thicke show some love to Jamie Lidell ( out of the UK), Ernesto ( hailing from Sweden) a band called Liquid Loop (outta Germany)and go ahead and pick up JT's new one:) WBs are doing big thangs.:) DO NOT SLEEP!There is some good musica out there.
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Subjects:  1. Neo-Soul    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Bob Seger has racked up a lot of worthy tracks over the years, but it took until 1994 for a greatest hits package to appear. Voilà. The bad news: We're missing an awful lot of songs here. Read more

Reviews (135)

Bob Seger Greatest Hits
I am glad that I have purchased this CD, all Bob Seger's greatest hits is compiled on this one CD. Great listening music, if you liked the 80's type of music.

Blast from the past
I had never bought music from him before.But I am collecting lots of old rock and roll artists to remember from time to time.Great collection of music.

Bob Seger - Greatest Hits
I can't believe this CD was not in my collection years ago. This is one of the best greatest hits collections I own. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Detroit Rock    3. Hard Rock    4. Heartland Rock    5. Pop    6. Popular Music    7. Rock    8. Rock & Roll    9. Rock/Pop    10. Singer/Songwriter   

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Pop   

Editorial Review

Taking as her base 12 works of Bach, Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Montero proceeds to play variations on each. The works are familiar and most Classical fans will recognize their melodies instantly. But Montero, who is closer to a jazz improvisationalist than a classical pianist merely embellishing, alters rhythm as well as melody, and the results are invariably both surprising and delightful. The Presto from the Italian Concerto is positively wacky, but "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" sticks to the piece's mood with truth and originality. Montero plays "beyond" Bach with good taste and respect, and always with intense musicality. The results may seem improvised, but I doubt they are---they seem to well worked through---but that is more of a plus than a minus. You'll revel in hearing old favorites "interpreted" and find some unexpected pleasures here. Read more

Reviews (4)

True improvisations -- a wonder!
I struggle for the words to express how thrilled I am. Ms Montero is resurrecting the art of spontaneous improvisation in the field of classical music. Robert Levine, the Amazon site reviewer, hopefully has listened to the NPR interviews or the podcast and is now aware that Ms Montero did indeed improvise these on the spot. The only preparation lies in the fact that Gabriela Montero has been playing in this spontaneous way since before she was 3 years old! She was given a toy piano when she was 7 months and soon started picking out the songs her mother sang her to sleep with. Her talent today truly is astonishing! Give her a tune or theme never heard before, and she magically weaves a new piece out of it. We have read of Bach, Handel, Mozart, Beethoven, Gershwin all doing this -- it's a wonder and a fresh delight to hear how marvellously she does it for us. Kudos!

Very gifted pianist playing beautiful music
I have her CDs playing in my car and in my home.Her improvisation skills are top notch.Beyond Bach is one of my favorite pieces in this collection.Her other pieces are excellent as well.You can also find her interview on NPR.

Bach, Mozart and Beethoven Would Be Delighted...
It's an often neglected fact that Bach, Mozart and Beethoven were master improvisers, and I often wonder how they would feel about 'classical music' having become so exclusively addicted to reproducing the notes on the page. It seems that the latter of the three important legs of a musician's stool -- technique, interpretation, and improvisation -- has been forgotten in lieu of endless variation on the former two legs.
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Subjects:  1. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    2. Cantata    3. Choral    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Concerto    7. Concerto Grosso    8. Contrapuntal/Improvisatory Keyboard Music    9. Invention for Keyboard    10. Keyboard    11. Keyboard Concerto    12. Keyboard Music    13. Miscellaneous    14. Miscellaneous Music    15. Orchestral    16. Orchestral & Symphonic    17. Toccata for Keyboard    18. Violin Concerto   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (1303)

5 stars because there aren't 6
I am so glad that Apple finally has gapless playback in iTunes 7.0 because I can finally hear this album in the way it is intended: no gaps and seamless segue between songs. I will have to buy one of the new iPods to get the same effect mobiile-wise.
"Hanging on in quiet desperation is the English way"
'Dark Side of the Moon' marks the point where Pink Floyd were catapulted from being a decent size rock/psychadelic band with a healthy following, into the realms of musical immortality. This album is an astonishing and groundbreaking achievement in terms of both its musical, and lyrical content.
I wish I could give this less than 5 stars, but...
it's too damn good.Dark Side of the Moon, perhaps more so than any other album in rock and roll history, tends to be liked because of a certain cool factor (possibly tied with Nevermind and Zeppelin IV).Every stoner and wannabe stoner will put this in their top 5 and say things like "It's a trip,maaaaan", while making to sure to wear a Dark Side T-shirt to let everybody know they have cool status.Nevertheless, I must give credit where it is due, and this truly is one of the most innovative and pleasing works of the past 50 years.In fact, the only Pink Floyd album that tops it IMO is The Wall, which I would rank as the single greatest album of all time.
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Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Art-Rock/Experimental    3. England    4. Hard Rock    5. Pop    6. Popular Music    7. Prog-Rock/Art Rock    8. Psychedelic    9. Rock    10. Rock/Pop    11. Synthesizer   

Editorial Review

On its self-titled 2002 debut, OK Go nailed the two things every decent power-pop band needs--deadly looks and deadly hooks--to deliver the knock-out hit "Get Over It." Its follow up, produced by Tore Johansson (Franz Ferdinand, the Cardigans) and recorded in Malmöö, Sweden, offers more of the same. Much more. The Chicago quartet can't seem to move through its record collection fast enough, piling on the Beach Boys harmonies, Cars synthesizer squelches and Queen-inspired fanfare on breakneck songs like "Here It Goes Again" and "Crash The Party." Without any pauses for breath or quiet contemplation, it's frankly almost too much to take in one sitting. Then again, it can't be easy trying to cram the entire history of pop in just under an hour. Read more

Reviews (92)

OK GO is the best new thing
Let me get straight to the point: OK GO's Oh No is the best album I have ever owned in my life. Yes, this is a very bold statement, and no, this isn't the only album I've ever bought, but after listening to the album about 50+ times, I still stand by this claim.
Oh ...
While OK Go still is a little to concerned with their fashion and try a little too hard, they have managed to produces a fairly satifying album that was much better than their first (nothing was as good as Get Over It though).
Not terribly innovative, but fun nevertheless
If you feel they sound familiar, they do. OK Go may be the "most recent" revival bands to hit the airwaves (think Franz Ferdinand). However, they've managed to reach pseudo-cult status thanks to their fun videos. If you can, check them out on YouTube: you will have a good laugh! ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Craig Finn loves books and bars. It's not just that he pinched the title of he Hold Steady's third album from the ultimate manual for boozehounds, Jack Kerouac's "On the Road" ("Boys and Girls in America have such a sad time together"), but that every leery line of every song is crammed with the wayward poetry and passion of someone who is more familiar with the bottom of a whiskey glass than the sun. Thanks to his raucous Brooklyn band, his music--louder than its predecessors this time, with a few more ballads--also happens to make a great soundtrack for an all-night bender where broken-hearts and broken bottles become one.Read more

Reviews (10)

nauseating
if i could give this music negative stars i would. no kidding i got nauseous listening to this band. i seriously was on the verge of losing my lunch as one song led into the next and i headed straight to the bathroom after being tortured by them all. a hard-to-believe reaction, i know -- i was wondering myself how it was possible to get physically sickened by a cd, but then i figured it out: it just goes in circles and circles and circles and circles and circles and circles and circles. HOLD STEADY? i WISH! it's TORTUROUS. on top of having a boring-as-hell voice, vocally this guy "sings" the SAME 2 or 3-note "melodies" for every song. wtf? + musicwise it's the same level of Abysmally Boring and Uninventive -- and let me repeat -- CIRCLES. the "band" does the exactly the same "music" for EVERY song. how can anyone say good things about these guys??? bravo to the other two reviewers who gave them one star. i'm happy to see that at least two people in the world have ears. it's astounding to me that crap like this gets recorded. even more astounding that crap like this generates fans.

Good for Hold Steady beginners
Okay, I didn't really care for Hold Steady's previous album, "Separation Sundays."It had great lyrics, but the musical side was lackluster and the lyrics, though the saving grace, were often hard to decipher."Boys and Girls in America" is, however, excellent.The lyrics maintain the same quality, and the musical end has improved drastically.If you've heard a little of the Hold Steady and don't get the appeal, check out this album.Or, if you're looking for a jump-off point, this is it.If you like this album, then you should look into "Separation Sundays," but I would advise going with this one first.

It's always entertaining....
Being an Eastsider a stone's throw from Sweet Payne Ave., I am once again thrilled to know solidarity with a (at one time local) band that makes room for a lot of life in their music--not just romantic idealism and not just defeatist nihilism--they tend to capture pieces of life's dialectic nature, which is nice, nice: Hope/Despair, Progress/Setback, Connection/Isolation--life that always ends in death, but death that has at least lost its sting.The Hold Steady continue to be who they are, you may or may not like them, but it is hard to judge or dismiss something this unapologetically unique.The more you demand likeability from music the less you'll probably like The Holdsteady--not because they aren't likeable, but because you'd be missing the point.This album is good alone and better when put in its narrative context (following Almost Killed Me and Sep. Sunday).I was pleased to get an update on the messed up teenage lives of Holly et al.And was especially glad to hear something resembling a ballad or two (First Night, Citrus, Arms and Hearts), Crucifixion Cruise got me wanting more of that.If you're not into or can't meet the demands of the recorded poetic/talk lyrics of an Ivy League grad, then I beseech you to see The Hold Steady in concert--I've been three times and can testify that what might be lacking in a snapshot recording is made up in the storytelling energy of the moment--stories are meant to be told not recorded after all. ... Read more

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