Editorial Review

At this point, who else but Tony Bennett would have the clout to round up stars on the scale of Elton John, Paul McCartney, Bono, Celine Dion and Barbra Streisand for some duets? (Note also that unlike some similar projects, all the parties involved on this CD were alive when it was recorded!) The material consists of relatively obvious classics in standard big-band arrangements, and Bennett himself is in top form at age 80, so much so that he doesn't need anybody else to handle "I Left My Heart in San Francisco." But the fun comes from checking out how his collaborators fare. The Dixie Chicks provide wonderful Andrews Sisters–type harmonies on the percolating version of "Lullaby of Broadway" that opens the festivities. The best songs tend to be the ones where Bennett's slightly craggy voice is juxtaposed to smooth female ones, like Diana Krall on "The Best Is Yet to Come," familiar accomplice k.d. lang on the sultry "Because of You" and Streisand—-perhaps Bennett's only equal in stature at this point—on "Smile." Among the less expected guests, soulman John Legend is a revelation on the hard-swinging "Sing, You Sinners," while George Michael confirms he’s quite the crooner on "How Do You Keep the Music Playing?" Elvis Costello, Celine Dion or Juanes don't sound as comfortable, and sometimes it feels as if they overdo it to compensate, but overall this collection is among the best of its kind, with most guests rising to the occasion. Read more

Reviews (53)

Dissapointed
I am sorry to say this is one of the worst CD's I bought. I thought with all the wonderful performers it was gone to be awsome. The backgrond music sounds boring. I know it's old songs but I guess I expected it to be more upbeat. I wouldn't sugest this to anyone unless you were a big Tony Bennett fan.

BUY THE TARGET SPECIAL EDITION!!!!
I highly recommend you to buy the Target special edition. It contains a "making duets" DVD (about 20 minutes) and 4 bonus tracks with Diana Krall ("I've Got The World On A String" recorded live in 2000...WOW!!!), Micheal Bublé ("Steppin' Out With My Baby" a studio duet), Judy Garland ("I Left My Heart In San Francisco" from the Judy Garland Show) and Frank Sinatra ("The Lady Is A Tramp" recorded live in 1988). Enjoy!

Embarrassing ;80 year old needs retirementmoney.
An early reviewer said it best : "Tony Bennett's old-age pension CD is much less embarrassing than Frank Sinatra's post-70 Duets projects." However, it is disappointing...a shame to hear his great voice straining for high notes and the intonanation so raspy.His choice of duet partners were selected for the bellowing style that attempts to gloss over Tony's shortcoming.They mostly creat a cacophonus soundtrack.Spend the money if you want to help The Bennet Retirement Fund which is a worthy cause, after all the beautiful phrasing he has given us in the past. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American Popular Song    2. Pop    3. Pop Vocals    4. Standards    5. Traditional Pop    6. United States of America    7. Vocal    8. Vocal Jazz   

Editorial Review

Unquestionably one of rock’s greatest vocalists, Rod Stewart should have titled this album Read more

Reviews (75)

ITS A HEARTACHE, BONNIE TYLER WINS 100%
HELL this cd is just trash. Mess of every single cover. I say Rods covers of Its a heartache and have you ever seen the rain are so bland. Go for BONNIE TYLER's versions. She maybe a chick, but by god she is the goddess of rock. More gutsey versions that Rod. I have to say i reckn Rod is paying the record company to release this rubbish. I couldnt rate under 1 star, bugger

Actually remarkable
This is as awful as his days in Faces were just bloody brilliant.
Where is Rod?
Where has Rod Stewart gone?This is so bad that I couldn't even finish listening to the CD.I am such a big Rod Stewart fan, but I think his glory days are over. I have had my fill of his remakes at this point.Don't waste your money on this one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. England    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (139)

Eloquent and Excellent
John Mayer is back and better than ever with Continuum.This album from this brilliant singer-songwriter is destined to be a classic.He eloquently, vocalizes the thoughts and fears of our generation from heartbreak to the fear of losing our parents and aging.He also does an excellent job of addressing social issues with the utmost class and without forcing his opinions on anyone.Kudos, John!I am pleased to see someone talented represent our generation, and I look forward to buying his music for many years to come.

Satisfied
I was sitting up late Saturday night and turned it to Soundstage already in progress. I saw Buddy Guy on stage playing with this young guy I had never seen. I became enthralled with the performances but I never caught his name. So afterwards I looked up the Soundstage tv schedule and found out it was John Mayer. Did some further checking and found out about his turn toward the blues, and I love blues. Took a chance and bought the cd next day. Best music I've bought in a long time. No, it's not straight blues. But it's definitely honest. And in this day and time of kitsch glorification, I'll take it. I feel like my money was well spent. Can't say that for a whole lot of things I've bought.

A wonderful, thoughtful album...
The fact that I am taking the time to post, speaks volumes about how special I think Continuum is...I often find myself "suckered" into buying a CD these days, because a track suggests that the rest of the album may prove to be a pleasant surprise. It is a bit like the movie trailer that entices you to head to the theater, only to be disappointed that you have already seen the only enjoyable part of the movie. Continuum is the exception to that unfortunate rule...It is an extraordinary piece of work. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Album Rock    3. Blues-Rock    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop    8. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

At a time when the majority of those his age are drifting into retirement, 65-year-old Bob Dylan has put the capper on a three-record run that ranks with the best in his storied, 44-album career. Like Read more

Reviews (153)

Fresh Breeze Blowin
The music contained within this CD is simply brilliant, particularly when compared for what passes as commercial music these days.Dylan's songwriting and vocals are superb and his production efforts are flawless. The band is in top form and the mix is spot on.This project,as most of Dylan's recorded work, will stand the test of time. My only criticism is the absence of any acknowledgement for songwriting inspiration. Certainly at least a "tip of the hat"is deserved by Big Maceo Merriweather for his influence of Worried Life Blues for Someday Baby. Same goes for Hambone Willie Newbern as it relates to Rollin and Tumblin. Perhaps, we'll have to wait for the next chapter of Chronicles to acknowledge these artists.

Like Wine
Like wine, and as another reviewer has already commented, Dylan really does get better with age... though that's not to detract at all from his past masterpieces. There are several in depth reviews written so I figure I can make this one short and sweet: the album is great and worth a listen whether you're a long time DYlan fan, a Dylan neophyte, or never cared for him (can't imagine many belonging to this last group...)

Still Magical
Having grown up with hard rock and merging in to jazz with age,I'm not sure what prompted me to buy the album.I hadn't heard it or about it.Bob Dylan was just some wierd musician to me - This one album has changed all that; I'm a new Bob Dylan fan -Modern Times is pure musical magic.It is at the same time haunting, ironic, true, brilliant...(yes I'm beginning to purchase older stuff now..I've a lot of catch-up work to do!)One review labled the music "pedadantic" - likely not a musicians point of view.No it's not oversaturated with gizmo sound and yes it lacks the immediately catchy Brittany Spears pop sound.Bob Dylan is the wrong place to look for that anyway.Relax, reminisce, day-dream - older is sometimes better! ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

This album appears in the footsteps of 2004's Read more

Reviews (43)

Her best CD!
George Benson once said "people are going to remember you/your show, NOT for how much you impressed them, but for how Good you made them feel". I'm a strong believer of that theory. And this CD, makes a PERFECT example.
Classy interpretation of standards...
Diana Krall's music can be a real hit-or-miss thing with me - her voice is enjoyable but not always her biggest strength. Yet with the right arrangement framing her vocals her music can be irresistible. With the right arrangement, what sells Krall's vocals is her superb sense of rhythm and timing. In that sense she's similar to Fred Astaire - he had a very thin, reedy quality to his voice but because he was the consummate dancer, rhythm simply oozed from every fiber of his being. More than his film recordings, this quality is evident in his jazz recordings with Oscar Peterson from the fifties. In this tradition, From This Moment On is one of Krall's strongest and most enjoyable efforts. She receives superb musical backing from the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra -- the arrangements hum with energy, especially the swing numbers, which are fantastic. "From This Moment On" has an incredible, manic rhythm (and features some swinging brass) to it that reminded me of recordings of the song's original bow on Broadway in Kiss Me, Kate. Krall's interpretation of "Come Dance With Me" rivals Frank Sinatra's (from the Capitol Records album of the same name) for energy and exuberance. On the slower side of things, Krall gives a touching interpretation of the Rodgers-Hart classic "Little Girl Blue." That song and "Willow Weep for Me" provides a nice counterpoint to the album's generally upbeat, swing-filled mood. The album is available from Target with one bonus track -- "My Shining Hour." This is really a very enjoyable album -- one gets the sense that Krall was incredibly relaxed and comfortable when making this record, freeing her to really have fun and breathe fresh life into these classic songs.

Classy execution.
Diana Krall's big strengths when she first emerged were a musicality about lyrics that savoured the weight of every syllable, an instrumentalist's timing and ideas (though her piano-playing isn't up to her singing, it's been a crucial complement to it) and a delicate intimacy that made every member of an audience feel they were getting her personal attention.
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Subjects:  1. American Popular Song    2. Canada    3. Jazz    4. Mainstream Jazz    5. Modern Big Band    6. Pop    7. Standards    8. Swing    9. Vocal Jazz   

Reviews (17)

What Happened Bubba??
After the big time success of "License to Chill" the expectations on this one were big, but it opens with the ballad "Bama Breeze" and thumps along from there without much trademark JB tropical breezin' to carry the listener along. The lyrical content is confusing and borderline annoying, especially "Reggabilly Hill" and "Wheel Inside the Wheel", which is surprising because JB didn't write these two so it's strange why he would include them. Jimmy wrote only four of the songs, which maybe explains why this one doesn't quite take you where you expected to go with him. At least there are no clunkers like "Math Suks" or "Simply Complicated", or better yet, no Bruce Cockburn drama duds like "Pacing the Cage". I'm a die hard Parrothead here who owns everything JB has put out, and this cd has been given 4-5 listens all the way through. I've tried hard to let it grow on me but it instead gets a bit more grating each time. "Boats to Build" and "Trip Around the Sun" definitely raised the bar, and this one doesn't come close. OK, rack it up to "going in a different direction". Trust me, I will always buy anything Jimmy puts out. Hopefully more steel drums and more songs written by Jimmy himself.
Great New Album
I really like this new Buffett album, it's a bit of a return to his roots and has some really mellow tracks...
Back to the Island
I have to agree with one of the original reviewers here in that Buffett really dug deep and went back to basics to cull this CD.If you're buying it because you got hooked on License to Chill, you may be disappointed, but those who appreciate the "old school" stuff certainly won't be.
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Subjects:  1. Country    2. Pop    3. Pop/Rock    4. Rock/Pop    5. United States of America   

Editorial Review

All hail the return of novelty music's reigning king! Read more

Features

• DualDisc

Reviews (75)

Yankovic to Rock Hall of Fame!!!
It's been 27 years since Weird Al first displayed his genius to the world with My Bologna, so why isn't he in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? I implore all fans to take whatever drastic actions are required to make the short-sighted entrance commitee to that august organization make Weird Al a member.
There is no one like Weird Al
AGAIN, he does a fantastic job. He is able to morph his voice to handle any style of song.This one also really shows what a lovely voice he really has. BEAUTIFUL job AL, keep it up.

Its Funny, hopefully it will stay that way...
I not a gigantic fan of Wierd Al, since he can become a victim of his own success (anybody want to hear "Eat It" again, ever?) but I heard "Weasel Stomping Day" on Cartoon Network's Robot Chicken show and I was laughing out loud. Hopefully cuts from this CD won't get played to death because its worth a listen. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Comedy    2. Comedy Rock    3. Novelty    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. Song Parody    7. Spoken / Comedy / Radio Shows    8. United States of America   

Editorial Review

This may be his first album in over a decade, but veteran Detroit rock icon Bob Seger shows he's lost none of his signature songwriting chops, sense of blue collar yearning or distinctive vocal prowess during his record biz sabbatical. Rather than reinvent himself for a turbulent marketplace that's regressed from alt.rock to teeny-pop in his absence, Seger stays largely true to his roots here. The album's Nashville recording locale and Seger's winning duet with Patti Loveless on "The Answer's in the Question" reaffirm how much the lines between roots rock and contemporary country have blurred while he was on the sidelines, a notion that's underscored on Seger's raucous turn with fellow Motor City native Kid Rock on their cover of Vince Gill's "Real Mean Bottle." Yet forceful ballads like "Wait For Me" and "Won't Stop" show there's still gold to be mined in the vein of the singer's epochal '70s work, while "Wreck This Heart" rocks admirably and the melancholy closer "The Long Goodbye" showcases Seger as accomplished one man band. All in all a compelling musical argument for the notion that Read more

Reviews (49)

Broken Promise
I grew up in Detroit.I saw Bob Seger about a gajillion times with various bands.He rocked and we loved it, and we loved him.
Buy It Now!
This is his best work since the seventies. A case could be made for this being his best disc ever. Don't waste your time, just order it. If you have any Seger CDs or records that you like, you are going to love this one. I haven't been as taken with a Seger disc since Beautiful Loser (okay, Night Moves and Stranger in Town are pretty much awesome). No matter which one is your favorite, order this one because it will be one of your favorites after the first listen.

good old time rock and roll
Welcome back, Bob! It's been too long. And he didn't go & change things up on this album. It's classic rock. If you liked his previous stuff, you should like this new album. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Hard Rock    2. Pop    3. Pop/Rock    4. Rock    5. Rock & Roll    6. Rock/Pop    7. United States of America   

Editorial Review

The degree to which you'll like Read more

Reviews (91)

Elegant Sequel to "Captain Fantastic", But It's More Reminiscent Of.......
Thirty-one years after "Captain Fantastic", Elton John and his long-time partner, lyricist Bernie Taupin, have quite literally returned to their roots in "The Captain and The Kid", yielding an album that sounds as fresh and poignant as their great mid 1970s album. And yet, it sounds more like a return to their earlier musical roots, most notably such classic early albums as "Tumbleweed Connection" and "Honky Chateau", than a full-fledged sequel that is also a satisfying conclusion to "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy". All the praise that this album is acquiring so far is quite well earned; demonstrating that Elton's 21st Century musical revival - beginning with "Songs from The West Coast" - hasn't been a fluke. I doubt I have heard as consistently fine a collection of songs as those on this album; indeed, I have to search as far back as his early 1990s hit "The One" to find among his recent albums, one that isboth a great body of work, as well as yielding quite a few Elton John/Bernie Taupin hit singles. Without a doubt, "Captain and the Kid" should be regarded more as an album with a consistently great set of songs, due in no small measure to the introspective nature of Taupin's lyrics chronicling their history - both together and apart - since Elton's triumphant American debut in Los Angeles back in 1970, a memorable performance at Los Angeles' Troubadour Club. Moreover, Elton hasn't sung as well as in a long, long time, even if his youthful falsetto has given rise to a deeper, often richer, sound. And here on this album, he's often backed with classic harmonies from Davey Johnstone and Nigel Olsson - as well as the rest of the current Elton John band - bringing back fond memories of Elton singing with Davey, Nigel, and the late Dee Murray on his classic 1970s albums.
I love this !
I love this !
Fantastic Stuff!
I have just about everything Elton has recorded and have seen him 21 times in concert.I buy his new releases on the day they come out and I have high expectations which are not always met.This CD not only meets, but exceeds my expectations. Several music genres are represented including: honky tonk, country, blues, folk, rockers and ballads.I love how he subtly uses pices of his older classics to add to or reinforce some of the newer lyrics.For example, in the verse to "Blues Never Fade Away" which is about loss, you can hear piano licks similar to "Candle In The Wind" reinforcing losing ones life at a young age.In the song "And The House Fell Down" about his druggie days, the chorus picks up to a beat reminiscient of "I'm Still Standing" which adds the meaning that he survived his druggie days and has become a better person for it.There is not one bad song in the set, but if I had to put them in order from best to least, it would be as follows:
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Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. England    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Singer/Songwriter   

Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop Vocals    3. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (284)

VERY OVERRATED........
I just don't get all the praise for this cd.I approached this project very enthusiastically and was very disappointed.
I was questionable...
At first I wasnt sure what to expect from Christina this time around but she gave me a HUGE surprise with Back to Basics. The first cd is just as good as the 2nd. I must say that the 2nd disc inspired me to go to church! LOL thats how good her vocals are. She is inspiring and proves that she belongs in the music industry for years to come. Good job

A remarkable CD set. Great songs, great voice, andgreat spirit.
This is a truly remarkable CD set. I grew up listening to Bessie Smith, Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald, and the Motown singers (no, I'm not that old, I was just the guy dressed like a punk rocker, and liking the Sex Pistols, but actually loving classic Jazz, Blues, and R&B best after being introduced to them by a guy I became friendly with who was a music teacher). It is fairly remarkable to see this diminutive woman and pop phenom known for her slightly raunchy Hip-Hop songs show her true range. From the first time I heard Aguilera several years ago I thought: "This woman really has a set of pipes, I wonder if she'll ever begin to explore her full range." Well she has, and the result is wonderful. I have a feeling it must have been infuriating for her to be in the shadow of that Spears chick, the fellow Mouseketeer, who was all package but really didn't have the voice or style to sing anything real in any idiom. Aguilera pays homage to her antecedents; the numbers stylized versions, some deliberately recorded to simulate the kind of "in the can" sound you encounter when you hear an old Tin Pan Alley classic. Still, these songs remain hers. I am quite astounded. I doubt this album will appeal to many people much over forty. I think even octogenarians would be rocking in their walkers, if they gave it a chance, but that probably won't happen. What I hope is that Aguilera's fan base in their teens and early twenties will be inspired to listen to songs like Dinah Washington's version of "Cry Me a River" or Billie Holiday's "Mean To Me" and know where Aguilera is really coming from. Aguilera is a student of the Masters who came before her (she lays this out so well in the Hip-Hop styled intro), yet she can also deliver the goods. It gives me real hope. Not everything in the music business is, in the end, prepackaged, and there are those out there still carrying the torch and passing it on. Kudos to Aguilera! She may be a tiny woman, but she has a giant voice, and a real spirit. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Dance-Pop    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Urban   

Editorial Review

Nothing changes folks like babies and war, and since the release of their last album, 2002's Read more

Reviews (951)

Man the Dixie Chicks suck
The Dixie Chicks are whiny losers, and I hate them. Natalie Maines is a pig, and she has a major attitude problem. I hate their new music, and I don't even like Bush. If I saw Natalie Maines I'd yell at her and tell her she sucked because she does. Do not buy this cd. It's bad music, and there a million better things to spend money on than supporting crappy people and paying good money for bad crappy music.
Ya just don't get it...
do ya Natalie? The problem isn't your extreme dislike of Bush. The issue is your self indulgence - your insistence on stating your political opinions to a captive, PAYING audience. People are touchy about that kinda thing. Maybe they went a little overboard in their criticism. But they pay to hear you sing, NOT to hear about your politics. You're the Dixie Chicks - three of the most talented women ever to grace the music industry. So stop whining, get over it, and move ahead.

Let the music do the talking
As a father of an American girl, all I can say is "thank you."These girls rock.The attitude that is so blatant in the lyrics of the debut track is dripping from every note played on this album.This is the attitude I want my girl to have when she has to stand up to adversity. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

How do you follow a debut record that achieved out-of-the-blue grandeur on its way to selling a quarter of a million copies? For Maine’s Ray LaMontagne, it’s all about shaking up the formula, evading repetition and delivering the unexpected. Read more

Reviews (38)

So Close...
This is a very good record.But it should have been even better.
Disappointing
I loved RL`s first cd , Trouble , I was seriously excited awaiting his new disc. What a major disappointment . The songs themselves are not as strong as the first effort , and the completely over-wrought production on many of the tunes made at least half of this cd cringe-worthy. You don`t mix the strings equal or louder than the vocals . RL`s softer vocal delivery on this disc is not in any way enhanced by the production values chosen. I think that anyone would agree that a voice like RL`s is so unique that less is certainly more , and he doesn`t need to flounder around in the mess that half of this cd is.

Ray is Back in Black
Ray's second studio CD is a marvel.Rather than taking the safe routeby creating a CD similar to his debut, "Trouble", Ray branches out and creates a haunting recording which adds elements of jazz to his folky songs.The result is eye-opening.There is lots more atmosphere here than on "Trouble"."Be Here Now", "Empty", "Barfly", "Three More Days" and "You Can Bring Me Flowers" stand tallest - - but everything here is great except for "Can I Stay".The more you listen, the better this CD gets. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop/Rock    3. Rock    4. Rock/Pop    5. Singer/Songwriter    6. Soft Rock   

Editorial Review

Shawn Colvin's fans are a dedicated and patient lot. They've had to be, to have waited five years for this new release and nearly six for the one before it. But she rewards the faithful with gems every time, and Read more

Reviews (7)

Another wonderful gift from one of our purest talents
At times rueful, angry, sad and hopeful, Shawn Colvin's new release paints a musical landscape of deep introspection and timeless beauty.Her words penetrate the active listener, a verse, chorus or phrase may touch one of us more than another depending on what life has dealt us (or we've dealt ourselves!), but be assured that there is something here for all of us.John Leventhal (whom I saw a few weeks back onstage with his beautiful and talented wife and musical partner, Rosanne Cash), is, and always has been, a perfect match for Shawn's musical voice.Together, and surrounded by a typically great list of musicians, they have created another masterwork.

Ain't it cool-
I absolutely loved "A Few Small Repairs" and was not sure Shawn would ever be able to top it.Well, she does. I agree that less production is more-- she doesn't need it. In fact, she should do a completely solo album w/voice & guitar and maybe have a few tracks with another guitar & bass thrown in.Her rendition of Westerberg's "Even Here We Are" is perfect--and *almost* makes up for "Every Little Thing He Does is Magic..."I think John Lennon would have liked this one.Seriously.
BestShawn Colvin Album Ever!
I read on one of these things that this was not an "accessible" album or some such rot. Baloney. This is a GREAT album. Period.
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Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Contemporary Folk    3. Contemporary Singer/Songwriter    4. Folk-Pop    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop    8. Singer/Songwriter    9. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Four years after he took Elvis Costello's advice and bit the music/radio biz hands that have simultaneously fed and frustrated him for decades on the scabrous Read more

Reviews (111)

Alright!
I just realized this is the first Tom Petty CD i have ever bought. I bought it because I heard it on a radio program called "World Cafe'" and I was intrigued.