Amazon.com

It may be too cynical to assume Hybrid Theory changed its name to Linkin Park in order to appear right next to Limp Bizkit in your local record bin. But rock-rap workouts like "One Step Closer" and "Papercut" do make Linkin Park a comfortable fit with Fred Durst and his ilk. Producer Don Gilmore (Pearl Jam, Lit, Eve 6) and twin vocal threats Chester Bennington and Mike Shinoda serve up industrial-strength rap and rock melodicism with equal aplomb on this woulda-been-self-titled debut effort. "Points of Authority" aims to sound like Trent Reznor wanking it up with Lars and company, whereas guitarist Brad Delson's Edge-y harmonics help "In the End" and "Pushing Me Away" evoke a dark romanticism akin to A Perfect Circle. Curiously, the band gets by with no bass player, while sample-happy DJ Joseph Hahn's step into the spotlight on the instrumental "Cure for the Itch" suggests a potential for eclecticism that could help Linkin Park outlive its seemingly transient genre. --Bill Forman ... Read more

Reviews (1489)

Great producer doesn't mean great group...
Don Gillmore is the brain behind this group, having produced many albums for great and not so great groups, this guy has a lot of creativity and a great vision. Do you really think that the guys at Linkin Park create their own songs, music or style???, let's face it, this group is a perfect "creation" for the new teenagers for the NU-Rock (NU rock???, and I tought grunge was a stupid name...) generation. Mixing HIP-HOP, rap, metal and the angry style of start-stop grunge music (for those too young search the word "Nirvana", "Pixies" please) Linkin Park stands as the most commercial and succesful groups today, maybe just behind Fred Durst and Korn. I don't know why it's called "alternative" music, I mean, this is played everywhere so I assume it must be "POP"... Anyway Linking park is a no brain buy CD, if you are a teen below 21 that's it, the music it's catchy (well, only the song "In the end, the rest I will let you be the judge), it's well played, sometimes overproduced, it's angry, but what really hurts the band is the age of these guys. WHY??? well maybe because they are too good for their own good, while many guys take several years at dad's garage just to play some covers, Linkin park are experts (COME ON!!!). The Rap sections are sub-stardard, when Chester try to shout in pain he just can't deliver the same male-goat-in-agony sound that Cobain delivered, sounds like he's still changing his voice...
I can't say it's a bad band, but they are not great either, maybe time will tell, but for now they are like N'Sync gone metal for teen-males, not original and uninspired, product of a older mind who can manipulate teen groups just for money and fame. Avoid this CD if you are looking for real "alternative music" (because this is too mainstream for me...) and your age surpasses 23. I could give these guys 3 stars but then again, they are trying to pull my leg...

Perfection
Hybrid Theory is probably the only CD I've ever listened to that I fell in love with on the first try. It usually takes me three or four listens to adapt to the band's style before I can determine whether or not I like it. I guess Linkin Park and I were just meant to be. On to the song-by-song review.

1. Papercut (4.5/5) - Great way to start out a strong CD.
2. One Step Closer (4.5/5) - Violent and quick, like a passionate physical attack on your lover.
3. With You (4/5) - I've never been crazy about it, but it's a pretty good song.
4. Points of Authority (4.5./5) - A teen's typical relationship with his or her parent, I suppose.
5. Crawling (5/5) - Linkin Park turns to any and all sounds to make a unique intro, even draining water. Somehow, it seems to fit the tone of this beautiful, powerful song.
6. Runaway (4.5/5) - I like the flow of this song. It's very smooth and natural.
7. By Myself (4/5) - Strange buzzer sound annoyed me at first, but now I'm used to it and can enjoy the rest of the song.
8. In the End (5/5) - Welcome change of pace. Very relaxed, with loud singing but no actual screaming, and a wonderful use of piano that really captures a sense of betrayal.
9. A Place for my Head (4/5) - The beginning of the Forgotten Tracks (no pun intended). Good songs, but not great.
10. Forgotten (4/5) - Not bad, but not particularly memorable.
11. Cure for the Itch (4.5/5) - Nifty little song, this is. Very whimsical and catchy.
12. Pushing Me Away (4/5) - I always thought this sounded like the singer is a Muppet. Don't ask me why. Good song, though.

I wouldn't rate too many CDs a 5, but this easily makes the grade. Any weak tracks are made up for with the perfection of Crawling and In the End. No song here rates lower than a four, and that really is an incredible accomplishment.

Some of the best hybrid music
As some might know, the band was called Hybrid Theory before their commercial breakthrough, and that name gives you a hint of what this band is like.
No, this band is not Heavy Metal. A lot of people are busy complaining that the guys are a disgrace to Heavy Metal, but really, they are not a Heavy band. They use some metal elements (very well, I might add), along with rap and electronica, which is why some like to label them as Nu-metal. This label might be the most accurate, but their sound is unlike most other Nu-metal bands.
They have a knack of creating very catchy songs, which, of course, explains their commercial success.
More, they really are a bunch of talented artists. Chester sings really well, both aggressive and emotional, even though his voice is a bit untraditional and maybe boyish, but he does it well, and it adds to their distinctive sound.
Mike raps with routine, and complements Chester well, while Brad and Phoenix on guitar and bass does the groundwork in most songs, even if they don't give off any flashy solos. Rob is, in my opinion, one of the best drummers out there, and Joe Hahn - well he is on of the elements that adds to LP's distinctive sound. LP wouldn't be the same without his intelligent understanding of scratching and electronica.
The lyrics are well written and the band keep them universal, so they are easy for everyone to relate to.
Some are annoyed by their heavy use of angsty lyrics, and most of them are about alienation, and yes, they may not be very original, but still well written.
Hybrid Theory is one of the few albums in my personal collection where I can listen to all songs at all times without skipping any of them.

Well...
This is the very first album of music I ever bought so it always will have a special place in my heart. The music isn't as good as lets say Tool, Shadows Fall, or Iron Maiden but ehh its good for me for nostalgic purposes. Believe it or not, my fav song is actually number 10: forgotten. Some people are saying its bad but i actually like the rhymes.

Sucks
This sucks! Even if i thought they sounded good (which i don't) They still suck because they don't know how to sing (They yell and "rap", but never sing), they don't know how to play music any better than what i can and ive been playing guitar for only 6 months, and they are nothing special. My friend loves them so much, he thought i was stupid for liking ac/dc, he says "linkin park is WAY better than ac/dc", and im thinkin "does he seriously believe that a crappy "rap/rock" band can be better than one of the best true rock bands?" ... Read more

Amazon.com

Inevitably labeled "pop punk," Simple Plan's sophomore album finds the Montreal quintet settling in as a straight-ahead rock band. Yes, lyrically, their concerns remain grounded in the adolescent petulance and alienation of classic punk. They're "the ones you love to hate." "You don't know what it's like to be me," they insist. "We're the kids that you pushed away," they huff. Musically, however, the follow-up to 2002's popular No Pads, No Helmets…Just Balls finds the band moving toward a strain of radio-friendly rock that owes less and less to the punk canon. Opener (and album highlight) "Shut Up!" "Me Against the World," and "Perfect World" boast sweeping choruses and Pierre Bouvier's spit-in-your-eye vocals. But strings creep into "Welcome to My Life" and the closer, "Untitled," is a heart-on-his-sleeve piano lament that owes more to Night Ranger than the Ramones. This one will appeal to fans who prefer the "pop" side of the "pop punk" equation. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Amazon.com

Ben Lee has been a mainstay on alternative rock airwaves; it’s hard to believe the Australian singer/songwriter is still only 26. For album number six he comes full circle on a decade of recordings, working with producer Brad Wood (Liz Phair, Smashing Pumpkins) who spearheaded the sound of Lee’s debut record Grandpaw Would in 1995. Awake… follows a comparable blueprint of 2002’s Hey You Yes You: uncomplicated, unassuming, no-gloss pop songs. But there is evidence of a newfangled wisdom in Lee and his sketches of songwriting dexterity, which include the distinctive pop-rocker ("Catch My Disease"), the persuasive ballad ("Get Gotten"), the adoring folk number ("The Debt Collectors") and an indulgently experimental nine-and-a-half minute opus ("Light"). Code one could be the riff-fully sanguine opener ("Whatever It Is") in which the author proposes we chase our instincts, then verifies on the ensuing 13 songs that he does just that. "They might tell you that you shouldn’t," sings Lee, "But do it. Whatever it is." --Scott Holter ... Read more

Reviews (10)

In response to Human "Master Critic"
After reading your review of Ben Lee's `Awake is the New Sleep', I was so taken aback by its stupidity and short-sightedness that I had to write a response.
I don't think it is valid to criticize music purely on the grounds that it doesn't conform to "certain rules of songwriting and music in general that must be obeyed".Should we be calling the police?
For your information HMC, good music ignores what it popular, what it expected and what is safe.Luminaries from Mozart to The Beatles to Eminem defied expectations on what music should be and as a result, changed the face of music for the better.
If we don't have artists who break these "rules", either by trying to fit five words where only four will fit or using non-scale notes and chords or fusing discordant styles of music, nothing changes and as a result music becomes stale.
Don't criticize an artist for trying something different, for trying to be individual.
And what's all this about non-western scales sounding strange to our ears?How is this relevant?
"Hmm, I was thinking of buying the new Ben Lee CD but after reading all this about non-tonal pentacostic scales, I think I'll buy something by an accomplished artist".Please.This seems to me as someone may have taken a music course at community college and wants to show off.
Awake is the New Sleep is a solid pop-rock album that is evidence of a songwriter not scared to wear his heart on his sleeve.It is sure to please Lee's solid fanbase.For new listeners, it won't change your life but it does have its moments.

Pleasant Surprise
I hadn't heard of Ben Lee until I saw a review for Awake Is the New Sleep in a magazine, and I gave it a listen on my Napster to Go account. It's a catchy, captivating album with some great songs (Whatever It Is, We're All In This Together, Begin, Catch My Disease).

I'm a big David Gray fan, and this reminds me a little of his style. Not his sound, but his style.

I'll have to hear some of his other stuff before I determine whether this measures up to it or if he's "trying too hard" as others have said, but I do know this is a well-produced album that I keep listening to again and again.

He sucks...read more to find out why
Ben Lee sucks.When you listen to his songs, you can tell that he takes his "craft" much too seriously.I've pinned down the primary reason why his songs are so bad.Here it is.His lyrics aren't actual lyrics, they're more like bad poetry forced to fit in a song.Let me explain.It seems like Lee sits down and writes a poem, or some lyrics (if you can call them that) and then tries to force the lyrics to fit a certain tune that was also written separately.So his songs don't sound like actual songs, but rather just words sung to some music.Lee's songs lack cohesion.Many of the words don't rhyme or fit the structure or precedent set by the words which came before.I'm an accomplished musician, and there are certain rules of songwriting and music in general that must be obeyed, or else the result sounds strange to ears that are used to the norm.Yes, originality is good, but it must exist within the confines of the rules, or else the result suffers.Have you ever wondered why traditional music from other parts of the world sounds just a little but off to our Western ears(think music from India, the Middle East)?It's because those cultures use a different tonal scale in their music.Instead of having the familiar "do ray me" scale based on octaves, they have a pentatonic scale or something even more radical.That's why their music often sounds a little strange to our ears.Lee does use the octave scale, but it's his lyrical flow that's off.The words and the music don't get along very well together.He simply says what he wants and forces it to fit the music.Lee truly sucks.I hope he rots in hell for innumerable centuries.

Trying Too Hard
I saw Ben Lee last night at the Independent in SF. While I enjoyed his show, the songs he played which were all off of this CD were not as great as anything he's done previously starting with Noise Addict (Meet the Real Me, Young and Jaded) through his first 2 solo efforts (Grandpaw Would, Something to Remember Me By). As he said of his first solo album " i didnt try very hard to make good records in those days, and thats why they are so good i guess. pop pop pop. songs about girls. sunshine. sadness."
-Ben Lee
I think on this album he IS trying too hard. Maybe that's why it's not his best effort. I still think lyrically he is a great songwriter...i.e. very personal, witty and heartfelt... musically this album repeats itself a bit much for my taste. Having seen him 4 times now, even while I was watching him I kept thinking this song sounds too much like the last song. I would not recommend this album except for diehard fans that must have all of his stuff. I am however still a fan of Ben Lee!! No mistake about it.

"Surrender" to Ben's Disease
ben lee is just amazingly talented and I was just gobsmacked when i first heard this album (and haven't been able to stop listening)
I would list my favorite tracks, but there really isn't any that I don't love.
Ben Lee is all about surrendering.Surrendering to love, surrendering to faith.His music is about opening your heart and "awakening" yourself to truly live life.There are risks, you will get burned, he sings, but the joy and peace that comes from surrender is worth everything. ... Read more

Reviews (333)

Wow
When Cedrick and Omar left At The Drive-In at the brink of stardom many people thought they had lost their minds. At the Drive-In had achieved a rare combination of commercial and critical success and several music publications had pegged them as the next Nirvana. Nevertheless Cedrick and Omar knew they could never create the music they desired to create in that setting. After breaking up ATDI they assembled a cast of supermusicians and consolidated under the name The Mars Volta. Their debut album Deloused in the Comatorium attests to the power of their creative vision. A stunning fusion of Post-Hardcore, Prog-Rock, Free-Jazz, Classic Rock, and Salsa; it could be the most revolutionary rock album since Radiohead's Ok Computer. The visceral energy and creative songwriting of ATDI remain, however the standard Post-Hardcore backdrop has been replaced with a style all their own. The emotional and intelligent themes of their past work also remain. The entire album is a tribute the the late Julio Venegas, a close friend of the band who commited suicide in 1996. It is a fictional account of the visions he possibly experienced in a coma following a failed suicide attempt, however the lyrics are often abstract and it is possible to derive your own meaning from them. This is a must-buy for any fan of quality music.

A Breath Of Fresh Air
Finally, a cd I don't mind spending my hard earned money on! I can't stop listening to this disc. I have been so bored with all of the "wanna be / sound like that band" crap that I kind of gave up on the music biz. Mars Volta really doesn't bring anything new to the music arena. They've done a great job reinventing prog-rock. They've taken Yes' "Close To The Edge" album and added a harder edge, some latin rhythm flavoring, and a live feel I have not heard on any recording in a while. When I listen to this record, I get the feeling that I'm at their live show. I can't wait to see them tonight (they will be in town tonight). At The Drive In was good. Mars Volta, to me, is better. With the addition of Red Hot Chili Pepper's Flea on bass, this collection of songs is something not to be missed. Flea is excellent on this one. If you're a drummer, like me, you owe it to yourself to check the drummer out. BUY THIS CD!!!!!!

Well...I'm De-Loused
Let me Preface this review by saying this is my favorite CD I own. That being said, It still gets 4 stars, not 5. While the band is enormously talented, the production is over the top. This really shows through in "Cicatriz ESP". The song starts and ends strong, but whats with the 3 or 4 minutes of ambient noise in the middle? I also am a strong believer that, while the lyrics have a cool sound, they are absolutely there as a formality; and no one, including the writer, really understands what phrases like "Exoskeletal junction at raliroad delay" really means. The Vocals are absolutely fantastic. That man has an amazing range. Theres some amazing fast pitched tempo changes such as on "Drunkship of Lanterns". All in all its a fantastic cd if you don't mind a little over-indulgence on the writer and producers part.

Effort Appreciated
To quote another review, I appreciate what The Mars Volta is trying to do here. But the fact of the matter is that it's not easy listening.

When I first heard this CD, I thought the people who recommended it to me had gone insane. It sounded awful. But I decided to keep coming back to it every once in a while, as I am a big fan of concept works and I could tell the band had put a lot of thought and effort into the project.

Gradually, I started to like a few of the tracks - Televators, Son Et Lumiere, and Inertiatic ESP. These kept bringing me back, and from there I began to appreciate a few of the others. The only songs I still don't "get" are This Apparatus Must Be Unearthed and Take the Veil Cerpin Taxt.

Anyway. The point here is that while the songs definitely require some adjusting to, the album as a whole is a coherent, focused work. And I like that. Especially when most bands just seem to throw twelve unrelated tracks on a CD and call it an album. That's why I give this album five stars: it's unique, creative, and inspired. And that's a lot more than 90% of the bands around today can say.

Emo band discovers Prog
Neil Peart of Rush plugged these guys in the recent Drum! Magazine (along with Porcupine Tree), so I figured I check them out. It's pretty high-energy, sort of spastic music, which sounds like a cross between Elliott, Cave-In, and King Crimson. I expected better drumming, given the recommendation, but it's serviceable. The third song "Roulette Dares" even has a Rush homage at 2:02 minutes (YYZ). The guitar-work is the real strength, but there are so many Robert Fripp-sounding riffs throughout the album that I'm undecided as to whether it's cool or just derivative.

As a whole, the cd is somewhat erratic, the songs don't "build" structurally so much as do the Nirvana loud-soft, fast-slow modulation, but sometimes the music just gels, as in song #10 "Take the Veil Cerpin Taxt", which even manages a Corea-esque jazz feel. ... Read more

Reviews (422)

Best Album of the New Millennium, so far...
If this does not win best album of the year, then there is something sincerely wrong with modern music and its fans. There hasn't been music this earnest, sincere, and beautiful since before I was born. Yes, Beck is sad, miserable, it sounds like, but this album transcends emotion. This album is so great, it makes me feel good, despite its down-tempo arrangements and depressing subject matter. It's enlivening just to hear an album this great. Stand-out tracks include "The Golden Age", "Paper Tiger", "Lonesome Tears" [my personal favorite], and "Sunday Sun".

Hype aside, you will regret not buying this album. In a week or so when everybody starts to talk about Sea Change and its greatness, you'll feel silly for not running out for it before Gideon Yago or Kurt Loder or whoever tells you to.

Beck and God(rich) work wonders
Much has been said about Beck's mercurial nature. In the context of a follow-up to 1999's Midnite Vultures, Sea Change could be considered a polor opposite to that album's over-produced and unquestionably danceable tracks. Similarly, the lyrics on this effort actually make sense and are unabashedly poignant, while Midnite Vultures invited the listener to be "turn[ed] over to the highway patrol" and have his soul massaged.

Placed in the context of Beck's ever-shifting and decidedly mood-swing-inclined career, however, Sea Change seems completely natural. It re-pairs Beck with Nigel Godrich, who produced 1998's similarly dark Mutations (also a "surprising" follow-up, when placed in line with the commercial success of 1996's Odelay!). Never one to retread, however, this time Beck is joined by string arrangements (called "sweeping" in almost every review) put together by his father and also introduces a much more mature voice and more direct songwriting style to the world.

And oh the things that voice has to say. Easily Beck's best-written work, Sea Change never pretends not to be The Break-Up Album in Beck's eclectic canon. The titles alone are indications of the melancholy that pervades this album, but the beautifully somber imagery turns the singer/songwriter's sadness into the listener's gold.

Before releasing this album, Beck toured solo, playing acoustic shows dominated by the material from this album. Many of the songs blossomed in that raw environment and now seem almost stifled by the (albeit beautiful) production value with which this album surrounds them. The strings are indeed "sweeping" and an interesting choice, but could be criticized as being a detriment to the personal nature of this album.

In short, this is a wonderful, wonderful album. Highlights include "Lost Cause", "Lonesome Tears", and the opener "The Golden Age".

I don't think so
I came into this album with 0 expectations. I heard it was good, I heard it was bad, whatever. So i bought it, listened to it and found out what its deal was. People love saying Beck has matured - that's ok, as long as the music is good...But the truth is this: the first song is great, the second one took awhile to "grow" on me, it's about a 7 out of 10. The 3rd, 4th and 5th songs are ok and...to be honest, the rest of it is pretty bland. I think it's ok to change sounds, as long as it's good music as a result. You may think I'm just being crucial, but I'm warning you, if you buy this album, it will be a big disappointment.

What happened to you, Beck?
Wow. Has Beck ever changed. This "Yer Cheatin' heart" style music is hard to listen to.It's so depressing. It's like someone ripped the creative spark from Beck's brain. Sure there's still musical genius there, but the point of listening to music is enjoying it or connecting with it. Oh well, Beck always does his own thing. I can't bear to give him one star when all of his other CDs are fivers.

I'm gonna lock myself inside my room and listen to this
I'm gonna lock myself inside my room and listen to this--for a long, long time. That's all I can say. Its gonna be a long year. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Papa Roach's CD ROCKS!
First of all I just wanna say that Jacoby's voice is awesome in every single song! Here's my ratings for each song: Blood- 10/10 An excellent start for the CD, one of my favorites. Guitar is great in it. Not Listening- 7/10 I personally don't like this song, its kinda annoying to me, but its a good song, but I hate the chorus. Stop Looking/Start Seeing- 10/10 An awesome song, great guitar, and I LOVE the chorus! Take Me- 9/10 Pretty good, it gets easily stuck in your head though, but its a good thing cause its a good song. Getting Away With Murder- 11/10 One of the bests on the CD, Jacoby's voice is great in it and same with the guitar Be Free- 8/10 No comment, just good. Done With You- 8/10 Good song. One of the slower ones.. Scars- 9/10 This song is awesome, one of my favorites. Sometimes- 10/10 A slower song, but rrreeally good! Blanket of Fear- 6/10 I personally did not like this song that much, the chorus just wasnt that catchy. Tyranny of Normality- 11/10 I love this song, good chorus, good beat. Do or Die- 9/10 Good ending to the CD. Great song, too.

GAWM rocks!
GAWM is awesome! Some songs are a little harder than before and some songs are a little slower than before, but they still did a great job. At first, with the slow songs, you might think "What the heck is this?" But once the song starts going, Jacoby doesn't disappoint. The band plays great too. GAWM (#4) the actual song, Scars (#8), Sometimes (#9), and Not Listening (#2) are some of the better songs. It's definately worth buying.

getting away with murder a good thing?
this is the 3rd papa roach album i have bought and it just doesnt get any better then this. GAWM has pure emotion and awsome guitar riffs, the lyrics are unbelievable. the song (Take Me) which is my favorite track had tears welling up in my eyes because i could relate to the song so well. Jacoby's voice has really evolved along with the music and its great to see that the band has really matured over the years. i just cant wait until the next album is released!

brand new
Papa roach has always put out good music all of it has a message that they want everyone to hear this album is by far their best it just shows how much talent the band really has every album just shows more and more talent musical evolution many bands strive for it but fall short Papa Roach pulls it off successfully with no questions asked this is a great cd lots of time was put it to it and it shows
peace
buy this album you wont regret it
"I tear my heart open i sow my self shut and my weakness is that i cant do much and my scars remind me that the past is real i tear my heart open just to feel"

By far the BEST!
Papa Roach's new album, "Getting Away With Murder" is one of the best this year. The beats are catchy, the lyrics are unbelievable. The songs are relatable. All the tracks are well worth listening to. Go and buy the cd today if you haven't purchased it yet! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Those rankled by the seeming cynicism of Billy Idol willfully re-embracing the vintage, hit-making sonic cliches of "Dancing With Myself" and Rebel Yell should look on the bright side: It could have been Flock of Seagulls instead. Stepping back into the spotlight with veteran guitarist Steve Stevens and producer Keith Forsey (key architects of Idol's career-making hits) again in the fold, the now 50-something Rock of the '80s icon offers up a slate of fist-pumping, not-so-new wave here that manages to echo the original's sound and fury--and more than a few of its faux rock rebellion cliches. With a voice that no longer particularly strains to sound like nine yards of beef gristle, Idol gnaws and gnashes his way through rawk-hard anthems like "Scream" with improbable conviction, abetted as on "Rat Race" and "Super Overdrive" by the familiar, careening metallic fretwork of Stevens. A left-field cover of the goofy trucker's lament "Plastic Jesus" argues the lads are still all-too-human, yet "Lady Do or Die" proves there's still a little seductive purr lurking 'round the Idol tonsils, with Stevens gratifyingly making more like Brian Setzer than hair-band Hercules in the bargain. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (64)

Idol Never Left...
Being in awe with Idol for over 20 years, I was thrilled to hear a couple of these songs live 2 years ago in concert.When I realized a new CD was in the works, I was excited to say the least!This CD blew me away.You think 'Scream' is awesome, wait til you see him and Stevens perform it live!The CD is absolutely rockin'.Idol's range is amazing and Steve still is one of the most brilliant guitarists ever.Billy never left, he was just waiting for the right time.What's cool about this CD is Idol stuck to his roots, but at the same time, venturing out a bit.I hear people complaining about "Yellin' At the Xmas Tree."It's a fun song, simply put.I've waited for this CD for a long time and it was worth the wait!If Billy, Steve and the Boys come to your city, please do go.You will have the time of your life.

"DOWNwith the devil"...
OK Im 35 yrs old and used to be a big Billy Idol fan in the 80's. So here's my 2 cents:
The lyrics are ridulcously SHALLOW (most of them anyway)
The music and chorus work is very catchy.Steven Stevens sounds as great as ever, and Billy definetly wants to take us all back the 80's hard rock sound (not that it's such a bad idea).

HERES WHAT I DONT GET.
Why are so many of these songs ANTI-church and in favor of the devil?!


Surely Billy Idol could've selected better subject matter when it comes to writing songs then to pay homage to Satan?
WHAT A WASTE of talent this is!!!

While I'm not an overly religious person (about going to church etc).I do believe in Jesus, and in His power to save me from my sins.While I understand Idol's song: "Plastic Jesus" has nothing to do with the real Jesus, I still think Billy is foolish for naming his album: "Devils Playground"and for paying any respect to satan at all in his song lyrics.
It's all so unbelievably MORONIC!

I feel sorry for Billy, who may find out one day that these things are gonna actually mean something when he goes to meet his Maker (just like the rest of us) who will give account for what we do while we are here on earth.

I HAVE NOT bought this CD, nor will I.
I got to see the lyrics and listen to it compliments of my public library.

Thank God for the public library

Real rock & roll is not dead!!
Being 34 years old, I am very familar with Billy Idol's career but I never got into him enough to buy any of his albums.I heard "Scream" on the radio and being starved for some real rock I decided to buy the album.It is one of the best I've heard in a long time.It's got a great variety of music: rock, punk, rockabilly, pop and even a Christmas tune (just in time for summer!?) I would recommend this to fans my age as well as younger fans that need to hear some straight ahead rock.(Yes, with guitar solos) This is the way rock used to be played.I respect Billy and Steve for sticking to their guns.I've been hearing "Scream" alot on the radio so I guess the album is selling.Let's hope this caliber type stuff comes back and squeezes out the empty pop and rap that saturates the radio.

Great Album - Great Tour
This is a great album and I have been to two current Tour concerts and both have been awesome. I have been going to see Idol live since 2001 when Steve Stevens got back together with Billy after 13 years apart. Every concert has been one of the best I have attended in ages.

Billy and Steve really seemed focused again. Hopefully more great new songs and concert are to come the next several years.

Father of Punk Rock Still Got da Beat
Just recently I got to see Billy Idol in concert.WOW!!!! After all these years he still looks great, sounds great, and gives his all in concert as well as the recording studio.This album is vintage Idol, with the Christmas song a real suprise.My fav is "Scream"is so very Idol.What I would like to point out here is that his longtime guitarist, Steve Stevens, is an awesome player.He is very underappriciated and has real talent.He really rocks in person.This is a great album, with a more sedate Idol.Thats OK, he's grown up, so have we.Rock on Billy...your my Idol. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Iron & Wine is Sam Beam, a back-porch Florida singer-songwriter whose sad little songs pack a helluva wallop. Beam's immediately likable tunes paint such clear pictures that songs like "Southern Anthem" and "Muddy Hymnal" are more akin to short stories by Raymond Carver and Flannery O'Connor than to your average pop ditty. Recorded in his living room on a vintage four-track, The Creek Drank the Cradle co-stars cassette hiss, ambient room sound, and Beam himself. A stripped-down, one-man band, Beam contributes delicious Delta-flavored slide guitar, passable banjo, and deliriously beautiful harmonizing. Beam isn't just a songwriter the equal of Will Oldham and Leonard Cohen (really--and it'll be a surprise if folks don't immediately start covering him), the boy can sing. His melt-in-your-head-but-not-in-your-ears voice is instantly recognizable and will certainly please fans of Nick Drake, Lou Barlow, and Elliott Smith.--Mike McGonigal ... Read more

Reviews (49)

The Real Thing
Let me be the first to offer some remarks on this remarkable disc. Working alone in a home studio, Sam Beam has put together a low budget wonder, a collection of songs written, performed and sung by Beam alone, overdubbing himself to create the illusion of a full band. Sub-Pop is to be congratulated for recognizing this low-fidelity, home-spun masterpiece and making available to a wide audience.
The music is stark, simple and emotional. Beam's voice is soft, almost breathy, as he sings with tentative passion about love, life & loss. While this might be enough for some to classify him as one of the all-too-common breed of folksy modern singer/songwriters, Beam transends his ostensible genre in both material and performance. Singing his strange, sad ballads with the intensity of Nick Drake, Beam occasionally adds a layer of slide-guitar blues that makes some songs sound as if Drake had sat down to play with with Son House. Melodic lines overlap and separate with subtle skill and beauty, making the fact that the disc was a one-man-show all the more amazing. The best cut, to my mind, is 'Weary Memory', a sweet and haunting ode to what is past and lost to all but remembrance.
'The Creek Drank the Cradle' is a low-budget recording, and the songs are of uneven quality, but it is the sort of extraordinary musical achievement that may eventually lend itself to a good deal of hype. Do yourself a favor, if anything I've said here reaches you, check it out before Beam gets manhandled by the media. This music is pure.

Junkmedia Review - Best new artist of 2002
Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce the Best New Artist of 2002: Sam Beam, the one-man band who makes up Iron & Wine. I know, I know, the whole "Best New Artist" thing doesn't hold much weight these days. After all, if you know your pop music history, most performers who are crowned with such a superlative usually fall short before long. But Iron & Wine's debut album, The Creek Drank The Cradle, is worthy of any superlative you can throw its way.

Beam's music was brought to Sub Pop's attention by the Ugly Casanova himself, Modest Mouse frontman and lately Sub Pop's A&R guy Isaac Brock, whose taste is turning out to be the most trustworthy in indie rock. The last band he suggested the label sign was a little Albuquerque, New Mexico, band called the Shins, who, as you may recall, released Junkmedia's favorite album of 2001. So when Isaac recommends something, we all ought to lend him our collective ear.

Now, have you ever seen a big, full Pink Moon (a la Nick Drake) rising over the Mississippi Delta? Try to picture it. That's what Iron & Wine is the sonic equivalent of. With its whispered vocals, bluesy slide guitar work and beautiful vocal harmonies, The Creek Drank The Cradle sees Beam creating a minor masterpiece with extremely limited resources.

The entire record was recorded on 4-track in Beam's home in Miami, Florida, meaning that tape hiss and room noise are a constant presence throughout. But the sound is remarkably intimate and warm, like a distant radio station you have to hold your ear up to the speaker to hear. Beam's day job is teaching film to college students, and it's evident in his song arrangements: he uses sounds like a film editor uses images. A banjo here, a menacing slide guitar figure there, it all conjures up a striking mood of melancholy and reflection.

The centerpiece of the album is "Upward Over The Mountain," a long, meditative number that is at once impossibly sad and still somehow hopeful. "Mother, don't worry, I've got a coat and some friends on the corner," Beam sings in his most fragile voice. "So may the sunrise bring hope where it once was forgotten / Sons are like birds flying always over the mountain." Unlike most self-obsessed bedroom pop auteurs, Beam's vision manages to be both private and expansive at the same time. Listen to the celestial vocals on "Southern Anthem," another standout cut: Iron & Wine's predominant mood may be one shrouded in darkness, but some sunshine does break through the clouds.

So even if the promise shown by this debut is proved false by future releases, it doesn't matter. The Creek Drank The Cradle is a gem of an album all on its own. And Iron & Wine will still be the best new artist of 2002.

Tyler Wilcox
Junkmedia Review

consistent, to a fault
I like this album, there really isn't a bad song on it. Unfortunately, there really isn't any song that jumps out to the forefront either. Its mellow, folky, introspective, bittersweet- all those adjectives used in previous reviews. But its hard to tell when one song ends and the next begins. But its really nice to turn the lights down and nurse a couple Guiness.

mixed feelings
this might be rant-y or ignorant. feel free to ignore it. I think Iron & Wine is some decent music but for some reason i have major problems with it. for one it is boring. all the songs are languid, bittersweet, same instruments, same energy level in vocals and instrumentation. taken on an individual basis the songs are good, some original lyrics, very lulling. I actually like his cover of the Postal Service's "such great heights" more than any of these album tracks. it is great stuff to fall asleep to.

that said I find his 'image' to be sort of fake and annoying. Sam Beam is portrayed as a 'back-porch', folksy person, a relic of the past, both by the media and by himself through music and lyrics. However he is a graduate of FSU's film school. it seems like he is playing the aforementioned aspect of his personality up a lot, he couldn't possibly have remained that removed after 4-8 years at a huge university.

I also saw him opening for Ugly Casanova before I had heard any Iron & Wine records. He seemed very conceited, he kept on asking the audience to 'quiet down', a somewhat selfish and ridiculous request in a club setting (not to mention that the only noise was conversation-level talking).

Despite all this I still enjoy his music sometimes, but it's not pure genius and it doesn't explore a wide range of feelings or musical ideas.

Gorgeous, flawless.
I find it hard to understand how the (very few) detractors of this album don't see/hear the simple beauty behind this album. No, none of the songs demonstrate any kind of show-offy virtuosic skills (*I* can play many of the songs, which says alot) ... but technical complexity is not the same thing as beauty. The Postal Service and the Shins are the only two recent bands who have had the same effect (not that they sound anything like Iron & Wine). The comparisons to Elliott Smith and Nick Drake aren't about a musical similarity. Indeed, if Iron & Wine were simply Nick Drake all over again, I wouldn't love this album as much - not because Nick Drake isn't one of my favorite musicians, but because it wouldn't be as origina). Iron & Wine is breathtakingly beautiful in a similar way as those artists - as shockingly original as them, but still wholly original. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This debut by the L.A.-based quartet is a hybrid of explosive rap-metal, politically incendiary lyrics, and wide-ranging cultural influences. The members are of Armenian descent, but their diverse stylistic background transcends easy cultural labeling. Singer Serj Tankian's throaty roar competes with any mosh-pit rocker around, but his real trademark is his emotional wail and refreshingly melodic singing, especially on songs such as "Spiders" and the condemnatory "P.L.U.C.K."Guitarist Daron Malakian, bassist Shavo Odadjian, and drummer John Dolmayan lock in tight on the capricious arrangements of"Know," "Ddevil," and "CUBErt." Their musical diversity runs wonderfully wild on "Sugar" and "Suggestions" with dizzying shifts of style and intensity. The tracks "Peephole" and "War?" reveal the band at perhaps its eclectic best, with vaguely Eastern European-sounding guitar riffs, passionate battle cries, and samples provided by legendary hip-hop producer Rick Rubin. --Mark McCleerey ... Read more

Reviews (382)

worth every star...
When i first heard System of a Down i was blown away by their unique sound, heavy riffs and Serj Tankian's amazing singing voice, where he ranges from epic wails of emotion to quick maniacal singing to ear throbbing screams in one breath. The music features complex arrangements, and the trio of Shavo Odajin (bass), Daron Malakian (Guitars) and John Dalmayan (drums)are incredibly tight and focused and the added use of programming creates another element of surprise to one of metals most original sounding bands.

The first track Suite-pee is excellent as is Know, Sugar, War?, Peephole and Cubert but the tracks that stand out the most on this brilliant album are the explosive Soil (with awesome guitar solo), the beautiful ballad Spiders and the political album closer P.L.U.C.K. Also pick up Loud Rocks, Strait-Up and Nativity in Black 2 which feature more madness from this awesome quartet.

This cd rocks!
This is an awesome album. One of their best! Sugar and Suite-Pee are some of their best songs on the album.

1.Suite-Pee 10/10. Cool lyrics and pretty fasy. Nice opening song.My 2nd favorite on the album.

2.Know 9/10.Great song. Loud vocals. Cool song.

3.Sugar 10/10. My favorite song. I like playing this song on my guitar.It's really easy. I love this song! I don't know why a whole bunch of people don't like this song.

4.Suggestions 8/10. This song is funny. Especially the high pitched voice near the end.

5.Spiders 9/10. Slow, but very good. I love the guitar solo in the beginning.

6.DDevil 9/10. This song is funny too. Too bad it's so short.

7.Soil 10/10. This song is fast. Great song! This is another great song on the album.

8. War? 9.5/10 Cool intro. Good song. Nice guitar riffs. Cool chorus too.

9.Mind 7/10. I don't really like this song.Some of it is good but it's pretty bizarre.

10.Peephole 9/10. Good song. It sounds like its about getting high. I like the intro it kind of shows you whats in the song.

11.CUBErt 8/10 this song is pretty good but kind of weird.

12.Darts 9/10 Its pretty weird but i like it.

13.P.L.U.C.K. 10/10. Awesome closing song! I love it.

Over all, if you don't have this album you should buy it! It's totally awesome.You should buy Toxicity too.

AWSOME
i dont know what you would call this music but it is nonetheless awsome. i like every song in this cd and is one of my all time favorites. not only is this a good cd but its political. there is alot of punk crap that has nothing to do with anti government. system of a down isnt even trying to be punk and this cd is more punk than what most of those crappy bands try to do. its only too bad that their later stuff fails to keep up with this one.

This album kicks ass!
Some people think this band sucks and that it's not metal. I don't think that it's real metal either, but just because it's not metal doesn't mean it sucks. This is a good CD and you should buy it. Toxicity is a better album. Buy both of these while you're at it. Below are the songs in order of how they appear on the CD and how I rated them from 1- 10(10 being the highest).

1.)SUITE-PEE: 7/10- It has an awesome beginning. The middle's pretty good. Overall it's pretty good, sort of.
2.)KNOW: 8/10- I like the way it starts. It is a cool song. It is one of my favorites on this CD(pretty much all of the songs on here are anyway).
3.)SUGAR: 10/10- This song kicks ass. It is awesome. Although I really don't understand it...How does "sugar" have anything to do with the song? Other than the reason that it says it throughout the song. Who are the Kombucha mushroom people? Well anyways I am an idiot and no one really cares what I think. Now do they? This song is awesome.

4.)SUGGESTIONS: 8/10- I like this song a little better than Know. It sounds cool. I laughed a little when I heard the end where what's-his-face talks in a high-pitched voice. Pretty good song, overall.
5.)SPIDERS: 10/10- This is my second favorite SOAD song(Chop Suey! being the first). It is sort of quiet most of the time. For some reason it reminds me of ATWA. This song is the best one on this CD, in my opinion.
6.)DDEVIL: 7/10- It sounds cool. The part where it says "shake your spear at Shakespeare" and "stupid people do stupid things, smart people outsmart each other, then themselves"...Well I don't get it... Shakespeare's dead...Oh...Nevermind... The devil is not lovely at all... How do you say the name? Is it just the same as devil? Oh, who cares?
7.)SOIL: 7/10- This song is pretty good. It sounds pretty cool. And don't you just realize that evil lives in the skin??? Ghaaa!!! Who knows? I thought it lived in the mind...
8.)WAR?: 8/10- This is a pretty cool song. It sounds cool. Bes cool. Shut your cool. Cool??? KOOL... Who are the heathens? Oh, yeah... ME!!! It gets better when it gets to "We don't speak anymore of war"... Until it is time...Man shut my face!
9.)MIND: 8/10- This song sounds cool and then gets cool, and turns cool again. It is a pretty good song. Look at each other.
10.)PEEPHOLE: 9/10- This song is very good, but not as good as Sugar...Yeah...well...It sounds cool once it starts playing the cool dunka...SHAA...no sense?
11.)CUBErt: 8/10- This song is cool. I like it a lot. It is actually an eight and a half of ten...but oh, well...
12.)DARTS: 7/10- This song sounds sort of cool. Yeah. Screachy...
13.)P.L.U.C.K.: 10/10- This song is awesome! It is the second best song on this CD, pretty much. It sounds very cool when it says Never want to see you around over and over and over...three times only... then another three or four...whatever... Good song.(Politically Lying, Unholy, Cowardly Killers)
Sorry about not giving you any musical information about the songs. Oh, well...you know? Who gives a s***? BUY THIS OR DIE!!!(politically die)

Not like any other...........
I'm a SOAD fan,i have to say,each of their albums i have are great.Its hard to find bands that are bold enough to be different in the music world.I'm not that type of person who can accept any type of music easily,i'm the type that expects the music to capture,not only my ears but also my heart.I believe that the heart brings out many feelings.When i first listened to this album,it did not capture my attention that much,but soon, as i slowly listened to each and every of their songs,something grew in me,it was a mix of craziness,anger,creepiness and i don't know what else.i don't mean to exaggerate but these miscellaneous feelings exploded till it popped out of my mind,"GENIUS!".From SUITE PEE to PLUCK,each and every song was different and beautiful,the lyrics in some songs may sometimes be repetitive,but who cares,just enjoy the freakin music!Songs regarding issues on religion,war,drugs,politics and other issues that i believe are important for us to listen and understand.The lyrics in most of the songs makes you think.Usually, most of the time, when i listen to bands like KoRn,Mudvayne,Deftones,Slipknot or any other metal or hard rock bands,their music makes me 'feel' than think,what do i mean by 'feel',i'm trying to say that their music brings out a lot of feelings out of me.But when i listen to SOAD,its a different story,their music makes me feel and at the same time think.
FAV songs:all except for cubert(this song is just okay to me.)
WARNING! SYSTEM OF A DOWN MAY BE ADDICTIVE! ... Read more

Amazon.com

It seems odd that the Band emerged in 1968, defying the counterculture's extravagant rejections of U.S. culture with literary, often Southern-tinged musical and lyrical vehicles. Hearing this 18-song anthology, with its heavy weighting toward the quintet's first three albums--Music from Big Pink (four tunes), The Band (five tunes), and Stage Fright (three tunes)--what still stands out is the Band's command of yearning vocal harmonies, their sense of plainly laid melodies that reveal acoustic depth, and a nostalgia for an imagined American culture. With all their quirkiness and the advance of Robbie Robertson as their centerpiece, the Band lost their celebrated place in the rock pantheon within a decade. This set, which opens so magnificently with "The Weight," "Tears of Rage" (cowritten with Dylan), and the big organ-vamping "Chest Fever," declines rather steeply on the final tracks, "Acadian Driftwood" and "The Saga of Pepote Rouge." Up till then, however, this set is fantastic. --Andrew Bartlett ... Read more

Reviews (13)

The Band "Greatest Hits" 2000
I can be pretty lazy, and I have been lazy with only owning this compilation CD from the Band. In my opinion, they are one of the greatest bands of all-time. A great album if you aren't familiar with the group, but more than likely you have heard classics like, "The Weight" and "Up On Cripple Creek." So don't be like me, go get as much of the Band's music you can right now

Highlights:
"The Weight"
"Up On Cripple Creek"
"The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down"

Where's the tracklisting???
I bought this CD from a local CD shop. I had to actually go to the store to figure out the tracklisting of this CD because for some reason, AMAZON doesn't list it.

Anyhoes, excellent compilation, although it does lean heavy on the Band's first 2 albums, Music From The Big Pink and The Band.

But all The Band essentials are here: The Weight, Up On Cripple Creek, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, The Shape I'm In, It Makes No Difference, etc.

And the best part - Its digitally remastered!!!

A++ on the compilation!

A Greatest Hits-compilation that does justice to its subject
Opening with one of The Band's very best songs, the superb acoustic folk-rock narrative "The Weight", this collection does an excellent job of collecting most of the seminal, idiosyncratic Canadian-American ensemble's best songs.

Originally known as Bob Dylan's backing group, The Band, once they finally debuted on record in the summer of '68, played an instantly recognizable and utterly unique blend of rock, R&B, country and various folk music styles, creating a dense, muscular sound dominated by Robbie Robertson's weaving guitar, Garth Hudson's icy, majestic Lowrey organ, and Levon Helm's supple drumming. With Robertson as the main composer, Helm shared lead vocals with pianist Richard Manuel and bass player Rick Danko (as is evident on songs like "The Weight and the epic "Acadian Driftwood", where the role of lead vocalist passes between two or three musicians).

This compilation also includes the AOR-standart "Up On Cripple Creek", the grand ballad "Tears Of Rage", the up-tempo rocker "Rag, Mama, Rag", Richard Manuel's inimitable falsetto rendition of "I Shall Be Released", the swinging "Saga Of Pepote Route", and Robbie Robertson's classic "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down", a song which is in every respect so much like an immortal folk-evergreen that it is hard to believe it has been around for only 35 years.

There are some wonderful lesser-known songs here as well, like the tough rocker "Time To Kill", the New Orleans-styled R&B of "Ophelia", and a wonderfully melodic, superbly arranged take on Bob Dylan's "When I Paint My Masterpiece".
The Band's three first albums, and 1975's "Northern Lights, Southern Cross", are all classics among modern popular music, and all of them deserve a listen. But this is a fine sampler, and a terrific place to start.

A Great Justice to the Year 2000 Remastered Series
The Band's "Greatest Hits" is one of the very few compilation albums that those interested in the group would be fortunate to buy before actually buying the original albums themselves. The reason for that is solely because this Greatest Hits package is from the Band Remaster series of 2000; each track here represents the amazingly sharp and high quality job the sound engineers did in restoring The Band's original catalog of work. Each track here will prove to new fans that, if they're interested in dipping into the career of this remarkable group, they should definitely choose the CD's from the 2000 editions. This is most notable on the tracks from "Stage Fright"--'The Shape I'm In' and that album's title track far outweigh the relatively flat sound heard on earlier remastering attempts. To be specific, Garth Hudson's wildly immaculate keyboards, the effects on Rick Danko's vocals, and Robbie Robertson's unusual guitar work are finally heard the way they were meant to be.
But other than that, it has to be said that the track selection is classic--but predictable. The sequencing is a bit uneven as well...in other words, Richard Manuel's glorious, hymn-like vocal and piano on 'I Shall Be Released' somehow doesn't fit placed between the wonderfully bizarre 'Chest Fever' and the "drunkard's dream" 'Up On Cripple Creek' (which was ironically The Band's only Top 30 hit in the US). Also, the relatively mediocre 'Time To Kill' was obviously only included because it was a minor hit for "Stage Fright." Perhaps it could have been better replaced by 'The Rumor.' The classic duet between Manuel and Van Morrison on '4% Pantomime' (from "Cahoots") is missing, and the albums "Moondog Matinee" and even the swan song "Islands" could have been represented much better.
But in the end, despite the standard compilation album bringdowns, "Greatest Hits" serves best as a clue to new fans that the 2000 Remastered Editions are the best way to go.

Buy the early albums instead.
The Band is by all accounts seminal, legendary, and awe-inspiring. What else would you expect from a group that could get away with naming itself "The Band"? For some reason, however, the great songs just haven't yet been sequenced in a coherent "hits" package. Maybe it's just not possible.

To those unfamiliar with The Band, the individual songs on this CD will probably not seem drastically different in approach and style. To those people, I'm sure, it all sounds vaguely like what is categorized these days as "Americana". For those who have had a chance to wade deep into the aural landscapes of the albums, this effort at plucking songs for a retrospective probably isn't any more satisfying than previous compilations.

If you really want the most accurate retrospective, I'd suggest "The Last Waltz", which is the soundtrack to Martin Scorsese's film documenting a final concert at which the Band invited old friends and mid-70's highlighters to join them in one last shebang. Mavis Staples singing in "The Weight" on that album is an astonishing vocal performance.

Don't get me wrong; these selections are all worthy, and those who put them together did an admirable job in trying to incorporate the popular hits with those that struck a chord primarily in Band junkies. But if you're a close listener, I just don't think this selection, or any sampler of this band's oevre, can ever be as satisfying as listening to "Music from Big Pink", or "The Band", without adornment.

I will say, though, that those who bought earlier "greatest hits" compilations should be happy to know that "Acadian Driftwood" is included on this CD. That song shone like a jewel in the otherwise leaden "Northern Lights - Southern Cross".

For those not familiar with the Band but have been hooked by hearing "The Night they Drove Old Dixie Down" or "Up on Cripple Creek" on the radio, buying this CD should not be a disappointment. The men who comprised this group are each among the finest, most creative, most emotive artists that have ever played rock music. But there's a case to be made that this group's great albums, like the aforementioned "Music from Big Pink" and "The Band", are so cohesive and powerful standing alone, that a greatest hits effort can only seem haphazard and spotty in comparison. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Merritt's resonant if somewhat conventionally alt-country debut Bramble Rose did little to predict this blue-eyed-soul breakout. A mix of hard-charging guitar rockers, horn-charted grooves, and pensive singer-songwriter ballads, Tambourine might have resulted in a stylistic hodge-podge, but producer George Drakoulias lends the same punchy, live-tracked vitality that distinguished the best work of the Jayhawks, Black Crowes, and Maria McKee. Merritt taps deep into her southern musical roots to find her own voice, and that voice has fully blossomed--her enunciation is clearer, her phrasing sensual without straining. Her best songs balance the urgent economy of classic soul singles with a personal, if not precisely confessional, intensity. Like Van Morrison and Dusty Springfield, Merritt follows her country, soul, and rock & roll instincts to find a single ecstatic sound, one that culminates in the full-out gospel testimony of "Shadow in the Way." Tambourine may not quite live up to the Dusty in Memphis comparisons, but it may very well wind up the album of Tift Merritt's career. --Roy Kasten ... Read more

Reviews (49)

Whirlwind of Talent
Emiliana Torrini's album, "Love in the Time of Science", essentially gives us what the titles beckons. Ms. Torrini certainly follows in Bjork's footsteps, blending in a haunting voice of echoes and a compilation of electonica beats and orchestral compositions. Though, Torrini does not possess the wide style range of Bjork, her voice seems more trained, focused and confident - proof that Torrini is good at what she does, singing about simple interactions with the world around her.

"Dead Things" is a brilliant song, the one I flaunt everytime I visit friends who have not experienced the album. The song has a smokey jazz club feel, despite the electronic sounds, as Emiliana drones on about a desperate relationship. One seems almost spell bound by the gentle mysterious music until a wild instrumental is unleashed in the middle, then abruptly haulting back into the soothing tones.
The rest of the album keeps a good mixture of both extremes. Emiliana delivers a wonderfully charged serenade in "Unemployed in Summertime" - the sound is upbeat and playful, reminding us all of that last summer between childhood and adulthood.

The album plays itself off quite well - Emiliana loves to bring out music the hippi's can swing and sway to, with a background of chimes and buzzers. If anything, "Love in a Time of Science" is perfect background music for small intimate gatherings or to hold a seance. Which ever you prefer.

A must have album for those who appreciate Bjork or ethereal songstresses.

downtempo triphop pop with no comparison to bjork
What can I say about Emiliana Torrini? She's so dreamy that I need to replace my gus gus 'polydistortion' disc because I don't remember her singing on two of the tracks. Emiliana is an incredible singer albeit slightly commercial in places. Her tracks range from incredible triphop moments to saccharine pop, which isn't a bad thing. overall it pleasantly comes together as a whole creating a lovely collection of what I would call downtempo triphop pop. The only similarities between Emiliana and bjork are they're both from Iceland. There are times when her vocal stylings or pronunciations sound similar to bjork and on 'telepathy' and especially 'sea people' it sounds like bjork growling in your ear, but make no mistake it's emiliana you're listening to and that's where the comparisons should end.

my top three favorite tracks are: 'umemployed in the summertime' because it's such a lovely, upbeat optimistic pop song; 'telepathy' because it is one of those beautiful bjork-like moments with slow beats, rising strings and an aggressive bassline and 'tuna fish' because it's just a cool triphop track. I get goosebumps when she sings: "Do you know that tuna fish float up to the surface, bellies to the moonlight just to cool their hearts down." She's really amazing.

If you're looking for something refreshing then buy 'love in the time of science' but don't buy it if you're expecting a bjork sound-alike.

A gorgeous delight
Though her voice may be similar to Björk's, her musical approach is of a different nature, and just as spellbindingly virtuosic.
There isn't a dull song on the entire album, and her whimsical outlook on serious events, or mundane ones, fill the listener with a twinkly, yet realistic sense of wonderment.
From the driving tale of isolation that is "To Be Free", to the carefree amusement of "Unemployed In Summertime", to the giddy introspection of "Tuna Fish", this album is a stellar collection of immaculately crafted tunes, lyrics and trip-hoppish arangements.
One my personal favourite albums I have ever purchased. And to think I bought it with only knowledge of two songs :)

You'll love this one. Trust me.

Pretty, interesting music
Others have offered fine descriptions of Torrini's voice and music. Let me just add that this record was produced by Tears For Fears' Roland Orzabal, who also co-wrote "Wednesday's Child." The production is smart, streamlined, and at times quite innovative, and I think the album would appeal to people who like TFF's "melodic but edgy" sensibility.

absolutamente deliciosa
este album de emiliana torrini, es una joya, es su primer gran album en solitario y combina, con belleza y sencilles la electronica, el jazz y un pop muy suave y sofisticado.

es cierto, suena algo simil a bjork, pero es muy diferente a ella, emiliana suena mas serena, y como lo afirme antes mas sofisticada.

respecto a cada cancion, ninguna es simil a la otra, son diferentes, melodiosas y ese extraña pronunciacion de emiliana hace de oirla una experiencia relajante. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Like compatriots Franz Ferdinand , the Futureheads play a dazzling power pop that’s impossible to sit still to. This British quartet’s rambunctious long-playing debut showcases choice art school tastes ca. 2004: Their sound’s strongly influenced by the herky-jerky pop of early XTC, the album was produced by the Gang of Four’s Andy Gill, one of the songs is called "Man Ray" (dada and surrealism are perennial hits with undergrads), while one of the best tunes is a well-placed cover of Kate Bush’s "Hounds of Love." These retro ingredients would result in trendy mush in most hands, but the ’heads’ songs are strange, melodic and almost as original as the artists they brazenly borrow from. With intricately woven vocal harmonies that almost recall jubilee-era gospel (really), excellently sparse production, and a sproing-oing guitar sound that’s to die for, the Futureheads’ snappy songs are not likely to go stale as quickly as your electroclash favorites did.--Mike McGonigal ... Read more

Amazon.com

Can prolific, heartfelt singer-songwriter Sam Beam do any wrong? The title track to this six song EP continues much in the same vein as 2004’s exceptionalOur Endless Numbered Days. Recorded with Red Red Meat alum Brian Deck, Woman King subtly opens the sonic palette up to include more percussion, piano, and wait is that an electric guitar? "Grey Stables" and "Evening on the Ground," have gorgeous fiddle playing, while the pacing and multi-limbed percussion of those songs and "Freedom Hangs Like Heaven" are very Allman Brothers (that’s a good thing.) It’s not all slowly stewing nouveau Southern rock, however.The sweet, vocal-fueled "Jezebel" would easily have fit on the first album, while the lovely ballad "In My Lady’s House" demonstrates further why siblings should sing together, as Sam and sister Sarah hit ideal harmonies. --Mike McGonigal ... Read more

Reviews (19)

immediately warm and recognizable, like a long lost memory
It's really difficult for a musician to develop a distinct sound, and then to progress from record to record in such a way, that your 'sound' continues to grow and change without losing the elements that made it so unique and personal in the first place. Sometimes, if you like a band enough, you don't mind if every record sounds the same, ten more songs that sound like the last ten songs you absolutely loved can only be more of a good thing, right?

But it's the folks who do manage that delicate balancing act of moving forward but remaining true to their original vision that continue to truly inspire and blow me away. Iron & Wine happen to be one of those bands. After two full lengths and one ep in about two years, this newest ep takes Iron & Wine's hushed melancholia, with its gently strummed guitars, Sam Beam's whispered/sung breathless vocals, sweetly miserable arrangements, and brings the songs' emotional urgency to the fore, where before it was only hinted at lyrically and alluded to in minor key melodies and bleak lyrical imagery.

This new batch of songs is much more aggressive in tone, reflected by more percussion, more propulsive tempos and a bigger reliance on different instrumentation (violin, piano, etc.) adding a sonic veil of death and despondency to this already mournful / melancholy song cycle. But even without these changes, there seems to be no end to Sam Beam's songwriting genius. Every song is a new dreamlike world, populated by pain and sorrow, hope and happiness, love and loss, immediately warm and recognizable, like a long lost memory from your childhood, or a song you already love and cherish, but at the same time each song is a wholly unique new musical discovery full of unlikely melodies and gorgeous musical landscapes that stick with you, as if the song is an experience you lived through and remember, catchy, timeless and totally unforgettable.

Just trying to weigh in
I'm not in the mood to write tonight, but this EP is solid.It's too bad that Iron & Wine don't get more attention.

Review of Woman King at ThreeImaginaryGirls.com
The written word succeeds best when it is not approached as a narrative, but when it is approached as a mosaic of images and actions which when put together, form a complete idea, emotion, story. Poetry is essentially brief glimpses of a scene or emotion, painted or sculpted in words with a pleasing rhythm, pleasing brushstrokes. Novels can do the same thing but on a much larger scale, and usually employing more of a focus on a resulting narrative.

And because he approaches composing songs from a somewhat different angle than perhaps most singer/songwriters do, Sam Beam (aka Iron and Wine) is one of today's most talented lyricists - not because he writes stories in his songs, but because his songs paint pictures with brief images that serve as intimations to some grander, ambiguous idea behind what he is showing you.

Iron and Wine's most recent release is the six-song EP, Woman King. The songs on the record deal with some of Beams favorite images - the shapes of sleeping women, the wings of birds, a delicate noise of countryside.

Miami-based Beam taught cinematography and screenwriting at the college level for some time, and there is no hiding his photographic sensibilities in the structures of his songs. Polaroids of his imagination would be velvet and watercolored.

At once brilliantly intimate in his acoustic guitar and soft voice, Beam invites the listener to enter a surreal world on his new EP - more successfully on Woman King than on any of his previous records. Having already recorded the delicious Our Endless Numbered Days in the studio setting two years ago, Beam shows a new comfort in the ways of a studio as opposed to tracking over instruments himself - as he did on his first two releases.

The new record begins with the title track. Beam sings a call-and-response between images of an old, glorified South - "Blackbird claw, raven wing/ Under the red sunlight/ long clothesline, two shirt sleeves/ waving as we go by" - and a chorus which proposes the idea of a woman taking on the role of a king - "Hundred years, hundred more/ Someday we may see a/ Woman king, sword in hand/ Swing at some evil and bleed."

The record moves on to "Jezebel," a sweetly sinister ballad about the Biblical Queen of Israel who tried in the most evil of ways to impose her heathen beliefs on those she ruled. In Beam's world, however, Jezebel is shown as a helpless and lost individual being chased by a pack of dogs, metaphors for perhaps gods or perhaps her people. Beam asks, "And who's seen Jezebel?/ She went walking where the cedars line the road/ Her blouse on the ground/ Where the dogs were hungry, moaning."

Read the rest of the review: http://www.threeimaginarygirls.com/ironandwine05mar.asp

more to love from sam beam
My only complaint about this EP is that it is not a full-length cd.I could definitely stand to hear more new music from Iron and Wine.This EP is decidedly different from his previous releases, mainly because the recording itself sounds neater and cleaner than the old-record quality of Creek Drank the Cradle.In "Woman King," we witness a very striking beat in the background, created not by drums but what sounds like sticks beating on a wooden table.Then there is the sweet-sounding "Jezebel," which is reminiscent of earlier works, except for the subtle background vocals.On the whole, Beam uses a lot more instruments in this recording than in previous ones.In addition to the stock acoustic guitar and banjo, this recording uses drums, hand drums, tambourine, maracas,cowbell, the lovely backing vocals of Sarah Beam, piano, keyboard, and yes, even electric guitar.The songs themselves range from toe-tapping country blues, to the gentle folk ballads that are characteristic of all Iron and Wine albums.While fans are sure to be shocked by the blatant burst of distorted guitar in "Evening on the Ground," it does not detract from the song.Though Beam may be making a break from his more traditional roots, the aura of Southern-tinged folk is still very present, and the banjo is still there.The EP is a refreshing change of pace for those who are familiar with his prior releases.Beam's music continues to forge a fresh path in the underground, creating albums that seem to transcend the flow of American music and bring us back to its roots.

By Imaginary Correspondent Joe
The written word succeeds best when it is not approached as a narrative, but when it is approached as a mosaic of images and actions which when put together, form a complete idea, emotion, story. Poetry is essentially brief glimpses of a scene or emotion, painted or sculpted in words with a pleasing rhythm, pleasing brushstrokes. Novels can do the same thing but on a much larger scale, and usually employing more of a focus on a resulting narrative.

And because he approaches composing songs from a somewhat different angle than perhaps most singer/songwriters do, Sam Beam (aka Iron and Wine) is one of today's most talented lyricists - not because he writes stories in his songs, but because his songs paint pictures with brief images that serve as intimations to some grander, ambiguous idea behind what he is showing you.

Iron and Wine's most recent release is the six-song EP, Woman King. The songs on the record deal with some of Beams favorite images - the shapes of sleeping women, the wings of birds, a delicate noise of countryside.

Miami-based Beam taught cinematography and screenwriting at the college level for some time, and there is no hiding his photographic sensibilities in the structures of his songs. Polaroids of his imagination would be velvet and watercolored.

At once brilliantly intimate in his acoustic guitar and soft voice, Beam invites the listener to enter a surreal world on his new EP - more successfully on Woman King than on any of his previous records. Having already recorded the delicious Our Endless Numbered Days in the studio setting two years ago, Beam shows a new comfort in the ways of a studio as opposed to tracking over instruments himself - as he did on his first two releases.

The new record begins with the title track. Beam sings a call-and-response between images of an old, glorified South - "Blackbird claw, raven wing/ Under the red sunlight/ long clothesline, two shirt sleeves/ waving as we go by" - and a chorus which proposes the idea of a woman taking on the role of a king - "Hundred years, hundred more/ Someday we may see a/ Woman king, sword in hand/ Swing at some evil and bleed."

The record moves on to "Jezebel," a sweetly sinister ballad about the Biblical Queen of Israel who tried in the most evil of ways to impose her heathen beliefs on those she ruled. In Beam's world, however, Jezebel is shown as a helpless and lost individual being chased by a pack of dogs, metaphors for perhaps gods or perhaps her people. Beam asks, "And who's seen Jezebel?/ She went walking where the cedars line the road/ Her blouse on the ground/ Where the dogs were hungry, moaning."

Next is "Gray Stables," a song which recalls misty images of Ophelia and medieval forests in its harsh tribute to a "brave lady" - "Brave lady, I could see you through the mosses/ laid, shameless in the sun...gray stables and the horses of the/ righteous/ pray daily for the brave."

Then there is "Freedom Hangs Like Heaven," an epic track which takes Beam into the rock-and-rollingest territory he's ever been, all the while talking to the Virgin Mary, "carrying her babe" whilst the oil lamps sing to her, "freedom hangs like heaven over everyone."

The best song, however, the song which let me feel the blood in my veins, is "My Lady's House." It's a short and simple, acoustic guitar love ballad, akin to the tear-conjuring "Naked As We Came" from his last album. Halfway through the ideal finger-plucks on his guitar, a piano enters and takes the song into an entirely new aesthetic. The sweeping gorgeousness of the written words are complemented by the rhythm and timbre of the voice and instrumentation to make the verse when Beam sings, "It is good in my lady's house/ every shape that her body makes/ love is a fragile word/ in the air, on the length we lay."

For those fans already familiar with Iron and Wine, the six songs on Woman King will be the logical next step in an already impressive catalogue. For those who know Iron and Wine only for his cover of the Postal Service's "Such Great Heights" on the Garden State soundtrack, then the intimacy found in the soft recording for Zach Braff and Natalie Portman will only be multiplied in this brilliant EP. ... Read more

Album Description

DVD CONTAINS A BRAND NEW TRACK, "Are You Ready?"!

LIMITED EDITION DVD INCLUDES:

+ All video clips including "I Hate Everything About You," "Just Like You" and "Home" + Excerpts from Three Days Grace’s Rolling Stone/Real/Rhapsody acoustic performance in studio + Brazilian concert live footage + B-Roll ... Read more

Reviews (273)

Plenty of room for 6 stars
I bought this CD with the notion of the hit single "I hate everything about you". After reading several reviews and viewing the video only 5 times, my mind was set on purchasing cd. A well spent 17.99 at my near by Spec's on okechobee, and not to shabby of a buy if I and i MUST say so myself. Three Days Grace puts an extreme amount of emotion and heart into there lyrics. Every lyric on this cd is relative to the hit single, except in the very last and final track. "Overrated", where Three Days Grace,"TAKES A SHOT", as Rage Against The Machines front man Zach De La Rocha did in the track "Wake up" off of there self titled cd. They decide to go a little political in this track, which is ALWAYS nice the artist has other views to express besides dwelling on the same lyrics over and over like artist Jay-Z. Judging by these lyrics, i think we can definitely tell the lead singer has had personal experiences and we can also take away here-say IMMEDIATELY. Three days grace's lyrical direction reminds me "somewhat" of alanis morissette's jagged little pill cd, except the mans point of view. I did say somewhat now. The track that really grasped my feel into these boys is "Home", a great riff from the "regular"(which is very rare to find these days and still have a slight edge and or more of an edge) guitar and absolutely amazing lyrics, very well written. All in all a very consistent cd, and im already waiting for the next album. Artists like these always make you wonder about the new sound they are to put out for us fans. I think of Three days grace as a mix of 3 Doors Down and Nickeback mixed, with a touch of Linkin Parks edge minus the bass and computers. This CD well then deserves more then 5 stars. Need i say more?

Plenty of room for 6 stars or more
I bought this CD with the notion of the hit single "I hate everything about you". After reading several reviews and viewing the video only 5 times, my mind was set on purchasing this cd. A well spent 17.99 at my near by Spec's on Okechobee, and not to shabby of a buy if I and i MUST say so myself. Three Days Grace puts an extreme amount of emotion and heart into there lyrics. Every lyric on this cd is relative to the hit single, except in the very last and final track. "Overrated", where Three Days Grace,"TAKES A SHOT", as Rage Against The Machines front man Zach De La Rocha did in the track "Wake up" off of there self titled cd,they decide to go a little political in this track, which is ALWAYS nice the artist has other views to express besides dwelling on the same lyrics over and over like artists such as Jay-Z. Judging by these lyrics, i think we can definitely tell the lead singer has had personal experiences and we can also take away here-say IMMEDIATELY. Three days grace's lyrical direction reminds me "somewhat" of alanis morissette's jagged little pill cd, except the mans point of view. I did say somewhat now. The track that really grasped my feel into these boys is "Home", a great riff from the "regular"(which is very rare to find these days and still have a slight edge and or more of an edge) guitar and absolutely amazing lyrics, very well written. All in all a very consistent cd, and im already waiting for the next album. Artists like these always make you wonder about the new sound they are to put out for us fans. I think of Three days grace as a mix of 3 Doors Down and Nickeback mixed, with a touch of Linkin Parks edge minus the bass and computers. This CD well then deserves more then 5 stars. Need i say more?

Best album is a long time
This album is awesome and in my opinion is the best album in years. The music is awesome and the lyrics are even better. Every song is awesome and theres not a weak moment to be found. Best track is, actually just pick any song and theres your best song. Just throw this cd on in your car or in your room and have yourself a blast. I guarantee you buying this cd is one of the best and smartest things you'll ever do. You'll thank me later.

Just like you
three days grace debut album was better then i expected, they are better then other bands i hear.there songs are great. the songs i particularly like is:
i hate everything about you
scared
just like you
i think this is great. no they dont sound like the bands you hear on the radio cause the bands on the radio you dont wanna hear again, three days grace is a band you want to hear over and over again.
its worth the money, buy this cd!

thre days grace
OK THREE DAYS GRACE IS A GREAT BAND I WOULD RECOMEND IT TO ANYONE BUT THEY NEED TO HURRY UP ON THE VIDEOS OR THEY WILL BECOME "OVERRATED" BUT I STILL LIKE THIS BAND.

THERE GREAT ... Read more

Amazon.com

Hall and Oates often enlivened '70s and '80s radio with sharp pop concoctions that drew on a wellspring of R&B influences picked up in their hometown of Philadelphia. They scored frequently enough, in fact, that this 20-track collection--intended to supplement or replace the earlier Rock 'n Soul, Part 1 with post-'83 winners--doesn't capture all their finest moments. (Where, for instance, are "She's Gone," recorded for another label but licensed by RCA for Rock 'n' Soul, and the terrific new wave/funk fusion "Your Imagination"?) Still, much of what's here is fine music that should appeal not only to those who carry fond memories of radio and MTV playing it the first time around, but also to a good-sized handful of their kids. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (35)

The Kings of Blue- Eyed Soul!!!!
This was a dynamic duo Darryl Hall and John Oates this is one of the best duos w/ blue eyes that I have ever heard and did very well with remakes of "Tavares" More than a Woman" and the "Intruders" Cowboys to Girls" ; and Hall and Oates did original material as well they could dance and sing and I really did enjoy them in the 1980's they had a lot of hits that I had liked and I enjoyed them so therefore if you like Rhythm and Blues or Rock then you will enjoy this album!!!! It contains One on One, Rich Girl, Say it isn't so, Family Man I can't go for that(no can do) Adult Education, Sara Smile, Method of Modern Love and the remake of You Lost that Lovin' Feeling from the Righteous Brothers this cd is really missing a few songs Posession Obsession,Cowboys to Girls, and She's Gone this is still a nice collection if you enjoyed them in the 1980's then I would definitely recommend that you buy this cd!!!

A way excellent Hall & Oates collection!
Forget my review on the previous brief CD I did of 1983's Rock 'N' Soul Part One Greatest Hits. This is even much better it adds seven songs with all eleven favorites not counting for the missing "She's Gone" which it isn't on here but includes Daryl Hall and John Oates doing a sixties cover ballad classic version of "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" by the Righteous Brothers. Also from the Big Bam Boom album is "Out Of Touch" with "Method Of Modern Love" plus "Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid". There's also "Did It A Minute" a studio not it's live version but the original "Wait For Me" and "Family Man". I really enjoy listening to the rest of the tunes that were very popular like "Maneater", "Sara Smile", "Rich Girl", "Private Eyes" & "I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)". So in my own opinion for the improvement and expanded digitally remastered eighteen tracks from it's RCA record label that they did is a pretty good job here. I would give it "Thumbs Up!". Let's see if these two guys I think should release and put out another compilation volume of more song highlights they recorded together from their 70's and 80's albums someday soon!

Lyrics from the Heavens
In my opinion, the lyrics sung by Hall and Oates have been handed down by the hand of God and sang by Angels. Songs like Private Eyes and Man Eater truly bring back feelings of times that were easier and life was a bit less stressful. There is nothing like singing Private Eyes on a mix tape (because they are the future) while wearing cutt off jean shorts and cutting the lawn. Hall and Oates brought the mustache and the Soul Glo Mullet back in style. The cover of the CD shows Daryl Hall and John Oates glancing into your eyes telling you, no DEMANDING you to listen to this CD and listen to the intelligence that songs like Private Eyes instill. If there is only 1 CD that you must have for your collection, it is this one. The CD is truly inspiring.

I give it 4 stars because it is missing songs
This is an incomplete version of the greatest hits. What happened to "She's Gone" and "You lost that lovin' feeling"?

The Very Best
This CD is exactly what it says it is- the very best of Daryl Hall and John Oates. Any fan of Hall & Oates should have this album. A definate must in everyone's CD collection. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This album arrived shortly after singer Andy Bell's revelation that he had been living with HIV for more than six years, suffering from debilitating pain. It's no wonder the music carries a more somber tone than the sugar-smacked synth-pop of '80s hits "Chain of Love" and "Blue Savannah." But it's hardly a gloomy affair. Yes, there is a more ominous tone to lyrics like "The tears that are falling, there's no room for doubt." And yes, the choruses aren't quite as chaotic. But for the most part this is vintage Erasure, right down to the Casio-sounding keyboards that permeate tracks like "Here I Go Impossible Again" and the ABBA imbued cheek of "Don't Say You Love Me." Erasure is clearly a band too engrossed by life to be knocked down by its mundane realities. --Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

Reviews (82)

20 years too late?
Oh please. This is a very good album (perhaps not great). I hardly think that the correct criterion to apply to it is whether it fits in with the crap music that rules on the charts these days... And before you lump Erasure in with cheesy 80's Top 40 bands, you must be too young to remember that Erasure hardly got lots of radio play. They have a lot more cred than that, which is more than I can say for the played out rap, American idols, boy bands, and the like that seem to be ruling the charts these days. About the only time a song seems to have any staying power at all is when it's a cover of a decent song from the (gasp) 80s or earlier. This album is very good as I said, and the boys have proven they are still capable of writing some decent songs.. I guess that would be an alien concept to you "oh i'm so hip this is like OLD stuff" children.

Does it come Sugar Free.
Man, my teeth are stinging form the sugar.Put me in some neon colored clothes and drop me right back in the 80's. This would have been great it's just 2o years late.Move on.

WHO KNEW.....?
I had long ago given up on buying anything from Erasure...but for some reason decided to give "nightbird" a try....i have to say i was completely floored by how incredibly good this CD is, easily one of their best, if not their best. The songs are so catchy, yet somehow steeped in a feeling of melancholy which makes them even more effective and resonant. I cannot stop listening to it....

*******
I HAVE BEEN AN ERASURE FAN SINCE THE BEGINING...BUT I HAVE NOT LOVED TOO MANY OF THEIR ALBUMS IN THE 90'S. "NIGHTBIRD", I THINK IS THEIR BEST ALBUM SINCE "CHORUS". THIS ALBUM JUST FLOWS SO WELL FROM BEGINING TO END. I CANT TELL YOU HOW MANY TIMES I'VE LISTENED TO THIS ALBUM IN THE PAST 5 MONTHS. AT LEAST A COUPLE TIMES A WEEK IN ITS ENTIRETY. THAT SAYS A LOT ABOUT HOW GOOD THIS CD IS. THEIR LAST ALBUM, LOVEBOAT WAS SUCH A DISSASTER, THAT I DIDNT THINK THEY'D EVER GET IT RIGHT AGAIN. THIS CD CONTAINS SOME SONGS THAT I LOVE AS MUCH AS MY FAVORITE ERASURE SONG, "SHIP OF FOOLS". BUY IT AND ENJOY IT.

Nightbird
I just love Nightbird. Our son got us interested in Erasure years ago and we own every one of their cds and most of the singles. Their music has the ability to put me in a better mood no matter how bad the real world is sometimes. Don't know if we are their oldest fans at 55, but hey, we are going to their concert on May 18 and I'm ecstatic.Buy this cd,you'll love it. P&D ... Read more

Album Description

Approaching the follow-up to an album you adored is a tricky thing -- there are all those expectations to wade through. Luckily, Montreal/Toronto soft-focus popsters Stars more than live up to last year's endlessly charming Heart with their latest, Set Yourself on Fire. Universal. 2004. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Named in honor of the three-word codes used by short-wave radio operators, Wilco's fourth album sounds like a late-night broadcast of some weirdly wonderful pop station punctuated by static and the sonic bleed of competing signals. Songs that begin with simple, elegiac grace--"Ashes of American Flags" and "Poor Places"--end in a cathartic squall of distortion. The results can be initially jarring, but it's these tracks more than the sturdy jangle pop of "Kamera" or "Heavy Metal Drummer" that demand, and reward, repeated listens. Mixed by studio experimentalist Jim O'Rourke and produced by the band, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot harkens back to a time when the words "pop" and "sonic adventurism" weren't mutually exclusive. The Beatles and Kurt Cobain knew this, and clearly so do Jeff Tweedy and company. --Keith Moerer ... Read more

Reviews (539)

one of the many glowing reviews
..lots of talk out there about this being a classic, a must own, one of the best albums to come out in ten years, on par with the white album, the kid a of alt-country...

...sigh...alright, let me try and gather myself...

upon the first few listens I didn't think much of this album. That's not saying much, because usually great albums do not reveal themselves in the first few listens. The album is rather soft throughout...it starts out rather minimalistic in instrumentation with the background noise driven "I am trying to break your heart". Tweedy's voice blares out, distinct amoungst the sparseness of the surrounding bass line and (awesome) drum-riff. It's a powerful song when you give it the time. The album picks up a bit, getting (almost) poppy on "Kamera" and then later on "War on War", "Heavy Metal Drummer", and "Pot Kettle Black", but stays rather somber throughout. "Radio Cure" relies heavily on Tweedy's voice as it's centerpoint, with Microphones-ish bass-drum and guitar rising and falling every few seconds. The highlight here in my opinion is "Poor Places", the piano is simply beautiful as it twirls with Tweedy's sad/optimistic lyrical sway.

This isn't typical Wilco faire, but that shouldn't detract from the experience. The band seems much more interested in post-production and song as experience, instead of churning out catchy hook driven music with a few ballads thrown in, as they've done in the past.

Finally!!! and worth the wait.
As you probably have heard, "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" by Wilco was a long time coming. The music on this CD is dark and stunning, with many dimensions to it, much like a multi-faceted jewel. Wilco's innovative experimentation in the studio has resulted in a recording that's worth listening to over and over again.

But never fear -- while the music on this recording is "cutting edge," it's easily accessible. For example, the dissonance of the first track quickly reveals an underlying melody tying it together.

As this demonstrates, although songwriter Jeff Tweedy has definitely departed from alt-country, his creativity and gift with a melody line shine still through. Interestingly, his fascination with short-wave radio is also apparent -- not just in the title of the band and album, but also in some of the staccato rhythmical patterns interlaced within the individual songs.

If you're hesitant about buying this album, then download the free songs Amazon is distributing on the band's behalf. I think you'll like what you hear. Even though this is a recording that in many ways defies descriptions and classification by genre, I highly recommend it. Order your copy today!

Tweedy's Uncompromising Sonic Beauty
Since so many people have reviewed this album already, I have no illusions about saying something for the first time nor plan on repeating what has already expressed fully and well.
I do still -specially for those people reading this after listening to YFH's follow-up the also impressive "A Ghost Is Born- need to point to a couple of important things that this album show about Wilco's consistently surprising output.
This album clearly demonstrates that Jeff Tweedy's musical vision and commitment to shed songwriting skins is remarkable and an inspiration, specially in the current midst of so many Rock and Pop icons continuing to repeat themselves, who at best flavor their "butter" differently but go on churning the same formula, forgetting to take the kind of risks that made them important in the first place.
Now, unlike many people have mourned earlier, I don't think this album is an absolute departure from what Wilco has been hailed for before. Although this is not "Summerteeth" or "Being There," Tweedy's love for Pop has not been renounced, "Kamera," "Heavy Metal Drummer" and "Pot Kettle Black" proved that.
More than abandoning former song-glories, Tweedy has evolved, has taken all that he can do and pushed it further into a new atmosphere. Where Jay Bennet was so instrumental in what the albums that preceded this one sounded like, Jim O'Rourke is now Tweedy's full musical partner.
And O'Rourke is no Yoko breaking a great band -actually Yoko did not either!- but rather someone who helped Tweedy say well what he was already prepared to say. His production deepens and thrusts these songs to a higher level. " Ashes of American Flags," "I am Trying to Break Your Heart" and "Radio Cure" are magnificent examples of a composer and a producer making music together that reaches farther that either one would have managed on his own.
This is a great album, not the end of a certain Wilco but the evolution of a sound into brave, new and exciting new possibilities.

I'm the Man Who Loves YHF
Like most listeners, it took me several listens before I could even really tolerate many of the songs on YHF. Now I consider it brilliant and truly beautiful. I assure anyone concerned that people only like this album because it's different that my love for the album is genuine. Two years later and the songs still seem to connect more with each listen. The lyrics are sometimes cryptic but make more sense over time and have a distinctive flavor. The song-writing is not really as groundbreaking as some might proclaim, but the production of the songs is brilliant. Although the songwriting certainly comes from a different angle, I can't avoid the comparison to Pink Floyd with the incorporation of extraneous soundeffects into the flow of the songs. Ashes of American Flags is particularly brilliant in this regard, with two stunning but simple guitar parts cutting through out of the swirling static. The result of the production is that even lines of music that essentially amount to pop gain an otherworldly glow; Pot Kettle Black is another great example of this, as is I Am Trying to Break Your Heart. I would also be doing an injustice if I didn't mention how much I love I'm The Man Who Loves You, with its swelling conclusion. This is a collection of songs that would be good without the magical glow of the brilliant production, but which gains a unique appeal in its combination of swirling dissonances and common sense melodies. Buy this album! There's a decent chance you won't like it, but it will become a cherished possession if you do; it occupies a completely unique space in music and will move you more with each listen.

Greatness needs to be appreciated and encouraged
Ladies and Gentlemen, we have in our presence an album that breaks ground much the same way Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of The Moon" did. Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is a mind blowing experience that takes Wilco from alt-country to art. Finally burying the legacy of being a piece of the former Uncle Tupelo, this record works on all levels. The songs are well written and meaningful, except perhaps for Heavy Metal Drummer, but even intense drama needs a laugh to lighten the air. This is on my top ten of all time list along with The Beatles "Abbey Road", Pink Floyd's "Dark Side", The Replacements "Let It Be" and a few others. Buy this record! ... Read more