Reviews (3)

Crenshaw deals with life
After his acrimonious split with Warner Brothers (by "Good Evening," he was being neutered by lackluster production choices and outside songwriters), Marshall Crenshaw was given an opportunity to play an album the way he wanted it by the fledgling Paradox label. (During its brief existence, Paradox was also home to the The Roches, among others.) The resulting CD was on a par with his debut, with a bit of mature wisdom tossed in for good measure. Surrounded by a great four piece band and a few guests (Peter Case of the Plimsouls, Jules Shear), the sound is unadorned and full of punch, and the songs are catchy and smart. "Fantastic Planet of Love" and "Don't Disappear Now" deserved slots on his best of, the bitter breakup of "Better Back Off" shows a wizened Crenshaw addressing an ex with the same cheerful melancholy he mustered up for early gems like "Mary-Anne" or "There She Goes Again." Rock and roll for adults.
No one has been better than Marshall Crenshaw at producing consistently good albums since his 1982 debut. This album from 1991 is no exception. Most of these songs have adult themes in terms of relationship. MC couldn't have found a better song to open the album with than "Better Back Off" with it's rockin' guitar. "Don't Disappear Now", which centers on the fallout of a too brief romance, is perhaps the best song on the album and is one of the best songs one could ever hear. The opening of "Face of Fashion" reminds me of an old Neil Young song, but I can't remember which one. Crenshaw uses a little piano on the solid "Stop Doing That" and "Starting Tomorrow" is a ballad that, in my opinion, shows real feeling. It's hard to get tired of that one. "Everything's the Truth" shows uncharacteristic angst (spite?) coming from Crenshaw (within the song, that is) and "Somewhere Down the Line" seems a fitting close to the album. Middle-Aged Man Rock
When we were young, we wondered, would it still make any sense for us to rock in our 40s?This vastly underrated record is evidence that not only can it be done, it should be done as often as possible.Marshall Crenshawhas always been a great romantic, and that tendency persists here in songslike "Fantastic Planet of Love" and the incredible "Don'tDisappear Now," but we get more depth in songs like "WalkingAround," concerning the impending end of a relationship, and"Better Back Off" with a lyric that could have been lifted from amarriage counselor's office.Plus, the thing rocks like crazy.Thedrummer is the brilliant Kenny Aronoff, who for years gave John CougarMellencamp more support than he deserved.Please don't neglect this buriedtreasure! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. College Rock    2. Pop    3. Pop/Rock    4. Popular Music    5. Power Pop    6. Rock   

Reviews (25)

CT's best of the 80's
My review of this is of the original - without You Talk Too Much and Don't Make Our Love A Crime. Those two songs didn't appear on the original LP and should not appear on the CD. They are terrible, terrible songs.
The Perfect Cheap Trick Album - Something for everyone to love - A tribute to the best fourth member they ever had - Jon Brant!
Sicne my rating scale only goes to 4 **** stars, and the liberal Amazon.com one goes to five, sorry boys. But I loved this album from the moment I heard it. I bought the cassette first in June
great songs with rawness
THIS CONTAINS SOME OF THE BEST SONGS AFTER A DISAPOINTING "ALL SHOOK UP", NEW PRODUCER, NEW BASSIST , NEW LIFE. POP IS PRESENT BU A LOT OF GOOD MUSIC : HEAVEN'S FALLING" "INVADERS OF THE HEART" PUT THE TRICK SIGNATURE ON THIS RELEASE. ZANDER RULES, AS ALWAYS AND NIELSEN TEARS IT UP. NEED I SAY MORE ? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Arena Rock    3. Hard Rock    4. New Wave    5. Pop    6. Pop/Rock    7. Power Pop    8. Rock    9. Rock/Pop   

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. New Wave    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. Power Pop    7. Rock/Pop Collections    8. V/A Compilations   

Editorial Review

Redd Kross continues to mine kitschy '70s rock and pop, but nothing here matches the exuberance of the carefully crafted hooks on 1990's Third Eye. The McDonalds sound jaded and creepy as they sing about cruising for teenage girls on "Only A Girl" and "Afterschool Special," and only "Huge Wonder" and "Visionary" have the AM-radio singalong choruses that are a staple of the group's best tunes. --Read more

Reviews (7)

I was there
I had the unique opportunity to visit Ocean Way studios on a mixing day for this CD.The sound coming off the board astonished me.I had recently become acquainted with Red Krosses new guitarist Eddie Kurdziel.He invited me to stop by.Now, I had heard early mix-downs, but nothing could have prepared me for the final product.These guys HAD IT!!! A hit record that showed not only the depth of there abilities as writers and players, but also that they had a group formula that jived (how many lineups the McDonald brothes had backing them up???? I think this is rhetorical). They backed up STP on tour for 2 years.Then, Phaseshifter faded into obscure oblivion.And that is just wrong, man.
The 1970s are back. . . again
The 1970s are back. . . again, and dammit, we sure had fun back then, didn't we? Redd Kross's PHASESHIFTER is homage to those daze gone bye bye. Cross the Partridge Family with Kiss and the Beatles and you'll have Red Kross. . . kind of. "Lady In The Front Row" steals the lead from "Ticket To Ride" and then shifts to arena rock mode with a background harmony chorus that'll have you searching the room for Laurie and Mrs. Partridge, if not David Cassidy. "Monolith" is simple Beatlesesque and epic at the same time. Red Kross also rip off (with gleeful pleasure, I might add) some lines from an Air Supply song. Sickly, the whole package works wonderfully. Oh, happy days!

Buy this CD right away.
This cd is one of the greatest ever made. I can't believe it's out of print! I can't help but to think that if more people had gotten wind of this cd, it'd still be selling tons of copies. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. American Underground    3. Pop    4. Pop Underground    5. Popular Music    6. Power Pop    7. Punk-Pop    8. Rock   

Editorial Review

It took a screaming group of Japanese fans to make Cheap Trick into bona fide stars in their own country. The live version of "I Want You to Want Me" propelled the band on its way to a number of hits through the late '70s and then again in the '80s. Characterized by melodies so strong they were achingly familiar, the band's Beatles-esque harmonies and breaks made memorable moments out of "Surrender," "Dream Police," and later hits like the rocking ballad, "The Flame." Their outstanding cover of "Don't Be Cruel" became one of the only Presley covers to crack the top 10. Equally impressive is their cover of "Ain't That a Shame." Read more

Reviews (18)

Room for more
My only critism of this cd is the omission of a few songs. There's room for some more here.
Some very misinformed reviewers out there!
I've been a Cheap Trick fan ever since their first releases...and I have to say...for anyone who claims to be a real Cheap Trick fan, the last three songs on this CD should be as familiar as the rest. I do agree on one thing: the Authorized Greatest Hits is a better package with better coverage of the history of this band...the import version is an even better representation with 18 tracks as opposed to the Americanversion with 16. The inclusion of the live Clock Strikes Ten on the remaster of this CD is a nod to their Japanese audience, who made that song huge in their country...if you listen to Robin's introduction to the song on the Budokan album, he says "This one I'm sure you all know..."This is a single CD collection and you can't please everyone or have every single track everyone wants on this one CD...if you're that big a fan, you probably have all the original albums to begin with...if you want to introduce someone to this band, this is a good place to begin...Authorized Greatest Hits is even better...best? Get them The Collection (the first three albums in one box) and let them get familiar with where this band came from...the inclusion of Magical Mystery Tour on this disc is nice, but knowing some history about their recording of the song would have been nice too...that minor gripe out of the way, this isn't really a bad collection, it's just not as extensive as some of the others. For the diehard fans I recommend the box set "Sex, America, Cheap Trick"...some amazing finds there!

Greatest hits?
A greatest hits collection only in name.Half of the "hits" on this album are unlistenable songs I'd never previously heard, and many of their real hits are missing.
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Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Arena Rock    3. Hard Rock    4. New Wave    5. Pop    6. Pop-Metal    7. Pop/Rock    8. Popular Music    9. Power Pop    10. Rock    11. Rock/Pop   

Reviews (5)

Full 12" mix of "Human Touch"
I have been a somewhat fan of Rick Springfield since "Jessie's Girl" in 1981. I would play records during my catholic school art class on Fridays and would always be asked to play Rick Springfield a lot. I really wasn't that impressed with him as a child but as I listen to his music now at age 33 it seems more complex than I remember. The first 5 songs are what I would consider New Wave Classics even if he isn't. "Love Is Alright Tonite","Jessie's Girl" and "I've Done Everything For You" rank up as some of the best with Blondie, The Cars ,The Motels and Berlin as new wave /power pop classics. Excellent. I really did love his song "Human Touch" and it is here in it's 7:13 full 12" extended glory. I really loved this song and "Affair Of The Heart" which was more dance than what he did. The hits of "State Of The Heart","Souls","Bop Til You Drop","Love Somebody" and "Don't Walk Away" bring back fond memories. Rick Springfield was really better than most people remember him for and this cd shows that. Excellent 80's music.

he is great
i have seen him in concert a couple of times what an aswsome entertainer, this cd rocks it has all of the good ones on and more. it's a good one to buy

VH1 for Rick - great cd & video
Rick is such a great entertainer, with so many favorite songs, that you'll just listen to this over and over.You'll know lots of the songs even if you're not a longtime Rick-ster-fan.Great compilation -just wish it continued into later years and more of his biographical songs - I know - if we all buy this, maybe there will be a sequel!A MUST FOR EVERY RICK FAN. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Pop    3. Pop/Rock    4. Popular Music    5. Power Pop    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop   

Features

• Original recording remastered
• Import

Reviews (10)

Great band (and to clear up any misconceptions)
The vapors are a great band and this is an album to get.My husband told me "Turning Japanese" was about masturbation which I was surprised to hear.So I went to the website stated below and here is the exact quote about the song:
The phrase "Turning Japanese"

neither mastorbatory nor racist!
The song "Turning Japanese" is a love song.It's about a guy with a broken heart and has become a different person to do this girl whome he is deeply in love with.The phrase "Turning Japanese" refers to becoming something different then what you are.Things like wearing different clothes or hanging out with different people or whatever crazy things women make us do for their love.Whoever thought of the idea that it is about masterbation has too much time on their hands, and that is apparently not all that's on his hands.Furthermore, to say it's racist doesn't even hold water.The song is about turning Japanese, not killing them.My rant is over. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Mod Revival    2. New Wave    3. Pop    4. Power Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop   

Features

• Live

Reviews (5)

One of the best LIVE power-pop CD's EVER!
First, a few of the previous reviews are incorrect when they state that Drummer/Singer Jimmy Marinos is not on this CD. He was STILL with the group here (plays drums on every song and sings on many including "What I Like About You").
Romantics-'King Biscuit Flower Hour'(King Biscuit)3.5 stars
'King Biscuit...' was recorded live at a gig in October,1983 in San Antonio,TX.Features seventeen tracks that run for an hour.I like the Romantics and all,but I really believe they need to get back long-departed drummer/vocalist Jimmy Marinos.Sound is great,with the guys creating some well penned alternative power pop,as only they can.Cuts I enjoyed reliving again the most were "When I Look Into Your Eyes","Rock You Up","Night Like This","Talking In Your Sleep","What I Like About You"(this tune is what originally drew me to this band way back when,always reminded me of early Kinks)and their Kingsmen cover "Little Latin Lupe Lu".Should appeal to most fans of Tommy Tutone,The Knack,The Producers,Plimsouls and Cheap Trick.

A true Rock 'N Roll Classic
I'd give it 10 stars but they won't let me!Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Detroit Rock    3. New Wave    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. Popular Music    7. Power Pop    8. Rock    9. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Always out of place, the Flamin Groovies were almost always great. When San Francisco was drowning in late-'60s hippie excess, the Groovies responded with tight, riff-heavy pop songs such as "Teenage Head" and "High-Flyin' Baby." Predictably enough, not too many people noticed. So what do the Groovies do? They move to England, transform themselves into a hard-rocking, jangly merseybeat outfit, and release the critically acclaimed Shake Some Action. The year was 1976, a period better known for punk than for retro-pop. Oh well and too bad for the Groovies, but not so bad for us, as this collection demonstrates. With should-have-been hits like "You Tore Me Down" and "Slow Death," Read more

Reviews (9)

Timeless 60s sound
This `best of' compilation really showcases the Groovies talents, an excellent place to start for anyone hungering for more of the sound of Buffalo Springfield/Chuck Berry/Byrds/Stones/British Invasion. From the hard-edged Teenage Head to the psychedelic rocker Shake Some Action what really stands out is the Groovies completely unpretentious approach to creating some great music that doesn't underestimate its audience but still rocks out. The Groovies hold up very well into the new millennium. If you like this, the next album to pick up is Teenage Head.

Well-selected sampler of the Cyril Jordan years of the Groovies
During Cyril Jordan's years as The Groovies' leader, they produced one great album ("Shake Some Action") and several very uneven ones. While the albums released after "Shake Some Action" all had their moments, they were often dragged down by hastilly-written filler material and odd cover choices. This compilation and "Shake Some Action" are the only essential purchases of that era. Most of the great songs from each album are included, showing how at their best, The Groovies were one of the most exicting rock bands of the decade. If you're only a casual fan who has heard a song or two off a sampler of 70's power-pop, this is really all you need. Some will complain about the absense of material from the Roy Loney years with the exception of one song. While the band was great in that period and I feel a good compilation of those years needs to be produced urgently, the decision to leave if off this compilation may be wise. The band changed imensley when the leader changed, so its almost as if The Groovies were two different bands. The early band favored raw roots rock with a sense of humor. The latter band were very much power-pop revisionists of the British Invasion and played without any trace of irony. Having equal amounts of both periods on the same sampler may have led to a disjointed feeling. If they were to make one, it would be critical to put it in chronological order to show the evolution. Also the inclusion of the classic "Slow Death" with short-time vocalist Chris Wilson is a wise decision, as this is a classic song that wasn't included on any of the studio albums. If you don't want to purchase the albums, this compilation would be a good choice. At their best, The Groovies were one of the best rock 'n' roll bands in the world.

Teenage Head
A fabulous collection of original rock classics.Songs like Teenage Head are some of the greatest songs ever. It is no surprise Dave Edmunds produced many of the songs like "yeah my baby" and "Between the Lines" you hear this sound today in bands like Mondo Daio, Hives, Jet and others. It is a good fun album. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Power Pop    3. Proto-Punk    4. Rock    5. Rock & Roll    6. Rock/Pop    7. Roots Rock   

Editorial Review

Cheap Trick may no longer be playing the stadiums that the group's monumental talent surely warrants, but they do have one of the most loyal cult followings in all rock & roll. Thus, when Epic Records decided to release a four-disc box set celebrating the quartet's 20th anniversary with the label, someone there was smart enough to let the band put together a collection for the collectors. Which means 32 of the 64 tracks here are previously unreleased, including many live cover tunes (Beatles, Velvet Underground), demo takes, and a few things only a fan would want. Some hits are here (including "Surrender"), but, as a good example, there's no "He's a Whore," which Cheap Trick probably figured their fans should already own. Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (12)

Sex, America, Cheap Trick and Jon Brant - the way it should have stayed!!
A (not so) funny thing happened long, long ago, that would haunt
Very Good, but for fans only
Cheap Trick was in their heyday in the 70's any album they made during that time is an essential purchase. The 80's songs we're mostly hit or miss(unfortunately they missed more than they hit).The 90's saw them return to the charts, but as a pop-rock act.That basically describes the box set.The first two CD's are very good, taking mostly from their 70's albums and unreleased tracks(some now available on the CD reissues).The third CD taking mostly from their 80's material is hit or miss but does have a few suprises in the unreleased material.The fouth CD is probably the most passible of the four but does have a few good songs on it.My only big complaint is that their cover from the John Lennon tribute album "Cold Turkey"(the best song on that album) is not on it.Like I stated it is only for fans of Cheap Trick, the curious should check out either the 70's albums, preferably the first three, or even the Authorized Greatest Hits album.

Terrific box set
I was not at all that familiar with Cheap trick before I aquired this box set. Of course I had heard a couple of songs on the radio, but that was about all my knowledge of them. And so, listening to this set of 4 discs and reading the very informative 40 page booklet, I now consider myself a fan, and plan on purchasing other albums of theirs in the future. This is what a box set should be like. It is packed with not just their hits and album tracks, but also B-Sides, Outtakes, and alternate versions that cannot be found anywhere else but on this set. So that alone makes this a must for any fan. Spanning the years 1976 to 1995, this a terrific overview of a terrific band. Too bad they're no longer together. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Arena Rock    3. Box Sets (Audio Only)    4. Hard Rock    5. New Wave    6. Pop    7. Pop/Rock    8. Power Pop    9. Rock    10. Rock/Pop   

Features

• Import

Reviews (6)

Simply Stunning....Ride's Masterpiece!!
I know that may be a bit of hyperbole in the title of this review, especially since Ride's previous album, Nowhere, is damn near perfect.However, Going Blank Again simply is their finest moment from beginning to end.And in this remastered and expanded version, even more so.
an album more than worthy of a remaster
I finally just bought this classic, remastered CD as my vinyl has all but worn out and I'm thrilled that I did.The beginning ambience and layered guitars exploded through my car speakers and created an entirely new listening experience of "Leave Them All Behind" (who can ever get tired of this track??).The inclusion of the "Leave Them All Behind" and "Twisterella" EP's are a perfect compliment to the rest of the album, with the 11 minute "Grasshopper" closing out the proceedings.I saw these guys play with Slowdive back in the day and hearing OX4 again, fine-tuned and shiny, makes me painfully miss the great rock music being produced in early 90's britain.Don't skip this release; re-live the glory!

Wow, a fave from my original college days
This albummade Ride a little more palatable for the casual listener, which should have really given them some sort of success because this is good record. The arrangements are all really simple, but still sound great with all of that distortion and layering washing over them. I saw them at the 930 club for the tour of this album and they were excellent. I had seen them previously for the Nowhere tour and they were with Lush. That show wasn't so good. Hmmmmm... Wish I could go dig the CD out of storage right now. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Dream Pop    3. Noise Pop    4. Pop    5. Power Pop    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop    8. Shoegaze   

Reviews (20)

Whoops
Have to correct the last reviewer.Cheap Trick from Cleveland?Sorry.Rockford, Illinois.Though the opening lick to "Go All the Way" is a classic.

Great great great!
Man, no one makes music like this anymore; and the Raspberries did it the best. 70s power pop at its peak, this band did it all, did it right, and they quit when they knew it was over.
Another worthy addition to the road trip collection
Let's face it, there's not a clinker on here. There may be a questionable inclusion or two, but for the most part this cd wildly succeeds in presenting an overview of an incredibly talented band that left us all too soon. It's all here (with the possible exception of their incredible Who homage "I Don't Know What I Want",) and some bonus stuff also. (You'll notice that the counter on your cd player shows 22 songs instead of the listed 20. Very cool. I wish this happened more often, and the bonus cuts are pretty neat.) This is a can't miss collection and if you even have a passing interest in this band it will be a part of your travel collection from now on. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop/Rock    3. Popular Music    4. Power Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. United States of America    8. V/a Compilations   

Editorial Review

If Badfinger never quite shook off the mixed-blessings of its early Beatles associations, they at least carved out a comfortable niche for themselves in the early 1970s, largely by carrying on the sterling pop sense of their famous sponsors. Sadly, the Fab Four parallels wouldn't end there; Badfinger, too, ultimately fell victim to recriminations and rapacious record-biz dealings, but with more tragic results. Just months after finishing the December '74 sessions for this last album, band leader Pete Ham committed suicide (bandmate Tom Evans would follow suit eight years later) and its session tapes would eventually vanish into the mists of memory and mystery. Like many an unreleased project, Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (16)

Badfinger's best?
Head First was the last Badfinger album by the orginal group.Joey Molland had left the group prior to its recording and because of the conflict with their manager and Warner Brothers, it was wasnt released until 2000.It is clear that this recording was rushed and some of the songs sound like it.It has its moments, Pete's songs,"Lay Me Down" and "Keep Believing" are what you would expect from him. Bob Jackson replaced Joey in the line up and wrote "Turn Around", an excellent song but not the "Badfinger" sound we were accustom to hearing. Tom's "Rock and Roll Contract" is rough and much better on "Say No More"."Hey Mr. Manager" is one of Tom's best songs in a couple of albums.But his composition with Bob Jackson, "Passed Fast", is without a doubt one of the best Badfinger songs ever and the reason to buy this cd. Mike's songs sound rough and unfinshed other than "Moonshine" with features vocals by Tom, Bob and himself. The recording of "Head First" was marked by the sad situation the group was in and the absense of Joey Molland and it shows.The second cd is rough demos and fragments which us fans might appreciate.The overall package is nice but I wish they could have put more effort in the artwork, maybe pictures of the group or use Tom's original vision of the cover art. All said, it just doesnt move like any other Badfinger or Badfinger reunion album.Certainly not their best.

Just think... No Stan Polley...
Give the band a few more months of rest and this album would have blown away anything in its day.PERIOD.Great album anyways.Puts all of that era's Lennon, Harrison or Starr albums to shame and damn near equals McCartney's.
If only this was the swan song
This album was rumored to have been in the works for years when it was finally released, and as expected it was full of great songs that differed slightly from the band's hey-day.I find myself listening to it only occasionally though, unlike it's Apple and Warner Brothers brethren.I think it's the sense of desperation that some of the music seems to have and ultimately the sad end of Pete and Tommy that take away from my ability to enjoy it.7 Park Avenue and Golders Green give a pretty decent idea of what we might have come to expect had Pete Ham lived, but Tommy had only the two pseudo-Badfinger albums to show us what we missed when we lost him.This is a far better epitaph, despite the undertone of sadness. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Pop    3. Pop/Rock    4. Power Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop   

Reviews (3)

Overlooked, but Why??
This album is one of the great overlooked albums of all time. Every song on it is a power-pop gem; it's worth buying just for "1976" alone (check out that Paul Stanley vocal impersonation!). In a better world, Redd Kross would be topping the charts and Britney Spears would be taking orders at a fast food joint.

A truly lost gem - sticky fun
Having acquired this from one of those deadbeat music clubs in the early nineties that I couldn't stand, currently I should extend my apologies, as I understand this CD is out of print, too bad for you.I haven't given this a spin in a few years, as I remember it being a good listen, but not a great one, well my opinion has changed, just a sheer slice of power-pop heaven.The McDonald boys never replicated this 'major label' release, sure it had little of no airplay and I imagine they were unceromoniusly dumped by their label after this, but who give a F?
Stunningly, Amazingly, Dumbfoundingly...Out Of Print
How can this power pop gem be out of print?In my opinion, it's the best album the McDonald brothers ever made.It's a multi-colored, candy-crunching, cheap-tricking, elephant-flaring, feathered-haired masterpiece.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. American Underground    3. Pop Underground    4. Popular Music    5. Power Pop    6. Punk-Pop    7. Rock   

Editorial Review

Within months of the U.S. release of Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (11)

Raw and Hungry
The time was the late 70's when hog wash Disco was around and everybody was getting influenced by the bad aspects of it. Cheap Trick came around to save the decade from decadence. This proves that a new feel and wave was done right. While people like Sex Pistols and The Clash were ridiculing the grandioseness of rock. Cheap Trick was bringing it back the flavor that it had lost.
Put it on, turn it up, feel the energy
You should see Cheap Trick in concert, awesome band.This release is what we originally had prior to the whole Budokan concert being released later.I don't have the whole concert cd but I would recommend it based upon what I have heard.This release has most of the high points and more popular songs from the concert."Ain't That Ashame" with the intro is worth the price alone as this has become an opening song during some Cheap Trick shows.Energy is high from start to finish, highly recommended for any rock fan.

The best power-pop album ever
Catchy yet 100% rock 'n' roll. One of my personal favorite albums which I own on vynil. I know this is the majority opinion, but I've got to say that "Surrendor" is the best song on the album, and one of the best songs ever. Cheap Trick's live recordings always sounded much, much, much better than their studio recordings. One of the best albums to dance to. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Arena Rock    3. Hard Rock    4. New Wave    5. Pop    6. Pop/Rock    7. Power Pop    8. Rock    9. Rock/Pop    10. United States of America   

Reviews (4)

WHAT A GREAT COMP !!!
In that it?s comprised by the highlight songs from the bands in it.Most of this bands lps are not as good as these songs may suggest,so this is a comprehensive overview of the LA scene of those years.Maybe with the exception of The Germs,this is all the LA scene you?ll be needing.The sound is very good on top of it all.I?ve owned this comp for 14 years now and I still listen to it.That good.But the Dangerhouse series are a better deal indeed.The booklet on these is so thick and full of info an pics you won?t believe your eyes ! Rhino is a very generous record label and you just don?t see that anymore nowadays.

4 1/2 Stars
If D.I.Y.: We're Desperate: The L.A. Scene (1976-79) is one of the weakest installments in the D.I.Y. series, it's only because the Los Angeles scene wasn't nearly as rich and diverse as those in New York and London. New wave pop didn't have a stronghold in the L.A. punk community, which tended to favor raw, hard, often amateurish punk. Essentially, Los Angeles was one of the first towns to embrace hardcore, and almost all of We're Desperate plays as proto-hardcore punk. Of all the bands on the collection, X displays the greatest songcraft and style with their edgy guitars and tag-team vocals. No other group has their finesse, but then again, they don't attempt to write songs, they just want to make noise; on that level the collection works, even if it may get tedious to listeners who have just a passing interest in this style of punk. Still, We're Desperate is a good overview of the L.A. scene, featuring its handful of major players - the Germs ("Forming," "Lexicon Devil"), the Dickies ("You Drive Me Ape [You Big Gorilla]"), the Weirdos ("We Got the Neutron Bomb," "A Life of Crime"), the Dils ("I Hate the Rich") - plus many lesser-known acts like the Zeros, the Furys, Eyes, Bags, the Last, Alley Cats, the Plugz, and the Dogs, as well as a demo from the Motels. It's an accurate representation of the 70's Los Angeles punk scene. - Stephen Thomas Erlewine, AMG
Save your money and get the Dangerhouse comps.
This is a fine compilation but unfortunately out of print and, subsequently, expensive. You can get most of this material on the Dangerhouse Vols. 1&2 and What Stuff comps for much less $. Also, check out The Quick "Untold Rock Stories" on Rev-Ola records. This is a GREAT collection of tunes from one of the most underrated bands ever. The Quick influenced alot of the LA punk bands. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 70's    2. American Punk    3. American Underground    4. Hardcore Punk    5. L.A. Punk    6. New Wave    7. Pop    8. Power Pop    9. Punk    10. Rock   

Editorial Review

Boston's Gigolo Aunts have been around since 1989, and while their guitar-based pop is always efficient, they remain unable to come up with a big hit single. In spite of its generic tendencies, the band has created a particularly coherent album that highlights the angelic voice of singer-guitarist Dave Gibbs. Enhanced by Mike Deeneen's sterling production and the rich vocal harmonies of guitarist Jon Skibic and bassist Steve Hurley, Gibbs's sweet falsetto is crystal clear and often enchanting. On "The Big Lie" the band receives vocal assistance from the Counting Crows' Adam Duritz and Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne. Balancing evocative ballads like "Everyone Can Fly" with rockers like "Super Ultra Wicked Mega Love," the Gigolo Aunts seem just one step away from mainstream success. Read more

Reviews (28)

Wonderful album!
When I first bought this album, I didn't pay much attention to it... I played it once in a while, but not very often- until recently. I love this album now! And I just found out that Steven Hurley, the bassist for G.A., is an English teacher... AT MY SCHOOL!!! I've met him many times, and he loves to talk about the band. He talked about an upcoming tour in Spain. I suggest this album for all ages. You wont be dissapointed!

Pop At It's Most Pure
I can't add much analysis to what's already been layed down, but this album shows what "pop" can and should be, without the negatives that became associated with it in the wake of the grunge invasion. Now that we're in the hangover phase of that, this is just what's needed to bring back some solid ground for popular music. Maybe I'm biased since I grew up with most of these guys in the tiny obscure Northern New York town of Potsdam, but listening to how catchy and polished this album is, I'm really surprised they haven't managed to hit it big. Oh well, it's a solid album from top to bottom and it's still worth having in your collection. Also check out Full On Bloom and Flippin' Out, featuring the song "Where I Find My Heaven" from the awesome movie Dumb & Dumber!

Absolutely Brilliant!
I personally give this cd 10 stars.EVERY song on this cd is brilliantly written.The lyrics are very personal and reflective on their 10+ year career.My 3 fav tracks are "Everything is wrong" (the video for this is available on www.countingcrows.com under the music/video section), "The Big Lie", and "Everything is Wrong".i also own by them "Flippin Out" and "Learn To Play Guitar".They are both good, but dont compare to Minor Chords and Major Themes.If you like them, then check out "Joe 90", a similar style of music to them.They are both on Adam Duritz's (counting crows) label "E Plubibus Unum" and both appear on the song/video for counting crows "Hangin Around".GET IT ASAP! ... Read more

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

Reviews (8)

One of their best
It's a shame this album didn't rise to the heights it should have. Whose to blame I do not know but several things attributed to it's instant demise.
Monster Wake Up Call.
The opening track "My Gang" lets you know that Cheap Trick is fully awake and ready to rock. This 1994 release restored my faith in this exceptional band.There is plenty of that signature CT sound here with the classic tongue-in-cheek lyrics to boot.
Woke Up (?) With A Monster Bomb...but at least it's not a bad as In Colour (or was it black and white) or Busted!
Pls. Rick Nielsen, "Tell Me Everything"! Why did
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Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Hard Rock    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Popular Music    6. Power Pop    7. Rock   

Features

• Live

Reviews (3)

Shshhh! Don't Tell anyone, but Budokan II is better than the first LIVE disc!
...Two reasons. Number One: It sounds better
I bought it and it's not bad *BUT*....
.....but you should just get the entire Budokan double-disc. If you are reading this you are already interested enough in the whole concert.Even if you already have the single-disc version, buy the double and give the single disc to a good friend who will appreciate it. Cheap Trick - Live!
Let me tell you, Cheap Trick is at their absolute best in the live setting.This CD represents the raunchier songs from the first three albums vs. the more commercial "At Budokan".Since the release of the Complete Budokan 2CD set this has become obsolete.However, it contains live versions of tracks not available on "Complete".These songs may actually not have been part of the Budokan concert but stand out in their own right.Classic Cheap Trick.Get it while you can. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Arena Rock    3. Hard Rock    4. New Wave    5. Pop    6. Pop/Rock    7. Power Pop    8. Rock   

Editorial Review

The ending of Quadrophenia was the first thing I thought of when I heard the news in June of 1996 that Material Issue's guitarist, singer, and songwriter Jim Ellison had been found dead at 31, slumped over a moped in the garage of his suburban Chicago home. Apparently distraught over a recent breakup, Ellison was the victim of carbon monoxide poisoning in what was eventually ruled a suicide. But it's the movie image of Quadraphenia's Jimmy rather than that sad real-life picture of Jim that stays with me as I contemplate Material Issue's fourth (and by necessity, last) album.Telecommando Americano consists of 11 new tracks that Ellison started and bassist Ted Ansani and drummer Mike Zelenko finished, as well as the six songs from the trio's vinyl-only 1987 debut, thus book-ending the band's career. With early roots in Chicago's mid-'80s '60s revival scene, Ellison was a mod. Everyone knows that Ellison dressed the part, and the influence of mod heroes such as the Who and the Small Faces is loud and clear on driving, upbeat pop songs such as "She's Going Through My Head," and "A Very Good Thing."But Ellison also had the strong work ethic, his self-confidence bordering on arrogance, and a love of a good time that characterized the '60s mods. This was an attitude that was very much out of step with the prevailing ethos of the grunge/alt-rock '90s. Though Material Issue scored a respectable hit with International Pop Overthrow, its 1991 Mercury Records debut, it was soon overshadowed by that year's biggest success story, Nirvana's Nevermind. In retrospect, Cobain and Ellison had a lot in common below their surface differences: Both men were incurable romantics who bought into idealized and perhaps unobtainable standards for love, and they may have paid the ultimate price for it. Still, there's a palpable joy that comes through in every note of Telecommando Americano, and I believe that singing and picking up the guitar were life-affirming acts for Ellison. When I listen to his last album or Nirvana's From the Muddy Banks of the Wishkah, I hear the sound of talented if troubled artists drowning out the voice of nihilism with a blast of feedback or a ringing power chord. But then I've always believed that Jimmy jumped off that scooter. Read more

Reviews (2)