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The Pet Shop Boys eighth studio album Release, though not the rock album it was purported to be, does have enough guitar (courtesy of ex-Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr) and percussion to create a sound that's as sumptuous as it is unexpected. It may raise a few snooty eyebrows among synth purists, but this twosome has never really been an electronic band in the purest sense. Neil Tennant's voice is less nasal than it's often been, and the occasional use of that now ubiquitous vocal-wobbling effect (thanks, Cher) actually works very well with his trademarked, introspective-yet-precious lyrics. While there are no big sing-along anthems here, and nothing that screams "single" (with the exception of the Beatles-esque "I Get Along"), almost all of the 10 tracks are the kind of inventive pop that many better-selling artists seem incapable of producing these days. It's a return to the form that went slightly iffy somewhere between Behavior and Nightlife, and deserves to catapult Pet Shop Boys back to the top of the album charts for a very long time. Unfortunately, it's probably too clever for such a happy fate. NOTE: The bonus cd included with this limited edition contains remixes of tracks from Nightlife, as well as several different versions of the single "Home and Dry." --Rikki Price ... Read more

Reviews (60)

Professional Pop Music
Today, 23 April 2002, we buried my grandfather, a veteran of WWII. While a chapter in my life has closed, hope for the future comes in the form of this collection of songs.

It's 21 years on, and the Pet Shop Boys have cranked out album number eight in a series of deeply personal, charming, alarming and fascinating pop music. Their evolution over the years is complex, but one thing is clear: love is center stage in their lives now. On old albums like "Please" and "Actually," PSB would discuss politics, life in London, the Royal Family.

But every song on "Release" is a love song. The emotions are a wild mix of longing ("Home & Dry," "E-Mail"), recovery ("I Get Along"), sadness, anger ("Love is a Catastrophe") and discovery ("The Night I Fell in Love"). Their love lyrics in the past have never been overly cryptic, but on "Release," they come right out and say exactly what they're thinking. On "Love is a Catastrophe:" "What happens next? / With life I'm unimpressed / Pain like a cutter's knife / Never been lonelier in my life."

Certainly the hurting is present, but so is the happiness: "Well he just smiled / I guess it happens nightly / and so I fell in love." "The Night I Fell in Love" is the Pet Shop Boys at their most acutely gay. Teenage Neil Tennant teen worries over his newfound love's rumoured homophobia, but his lover "just shrugged."

Perhaps the most captivating moment here is PSB's very clever take on 21st century communication: "E-Mail." Tennant and Lowe always write intelligent lyrics, but on this track they're dead on: "Now time and distance melt away / No digits or delay / And some things can be written down that we're too shy to say." Tennant sings about the insecurity of his lover being across the sea, dealing with that lover's possible temptations while away, and making himself feel better by "writing this e-mail to say I love you." "Release" doesn't get much happier than this high middle point of the album.

Up next is the superb, danceable "Samurai in Autumn." The scant lyrics are plain and puzzling, but PSB show here, at 47 and 42 years of age, they can still churn out moody, infectious club killers. Back to business on the still dancey "Here," where Tennant exclaims his care, and offers of "you've got a home here." His understanding is pure: "And if you ever feel / the pain is far too big a deal / I say with pride / I'll be on your side."

PSB are still growing, and they really stretch out with the wistful, gentle country sparkle of "You Choose." This is easily among PSB's best closers. Tennant's voice rings with the almost parental wisdom of a full life of love and loss: "He's gone / you've lost / Stay behind and count the cost / You try, you lose / You don't fall in love by chance / You choose." You might not agree with his cynical assessment of love, but keep listening. If his careful articulation and Northern British accent don't send chills straight down your spine right now, listen again. And again. Neil has experience with this, and maybe his lecture is for us all: "Play the sad songs / Sing the blues / You don't fall in love by chance / You choose." A lesson indeed. Listen again.

"Release" is a return to the relaxed, melancholy atmosphere of their classic "Behaviour." Perhaps this is where the Pet Shop Boys' groove is. The album's packaging is the dependable PSB-style professional design, with lyrics alternating stark drawings of various flowers in various stages of life. Sonically, the album is similar to "Very" (but the addition of Johnny Marr's guitar is indispensible here) and the content is more consistent that the erratic "Nightlife" and "Bilingual." Lyrically, there must be something in this album for anyone who's loved, and for anyone who's lost.

Listeners around the world will find much to enjoy here. With age, Tennant and Lowe simply get better. "Release" is ten more reasons why I'm proud to be a Pet Shop Boys fan.

Classic Pet Shop Boys
This is a great CD, the kind of PSB music that i loved when i was a teenager. Many people had compared it to "Behaviour", and that's not a bad comparison after all. There are a lot of pop ballads, but not any pop ballad. These are Pet Shop Boys ballads, and that means that they are cool, classy, and witty. There are a lot of strings and guitars (good examples are "London" and "E-mail"), but the songs don't lack the classical electronic edge that Chris Lowe give to them ("Samurai in Autumn" and "Home" bring me memories of the songs in "Alternative"). Neil sings with his soothing british gentleman voice and it fits perfectly in every song (If you listen to "The Night i Fell in Love", you'll easily understand).

Besides, this edition also includes a Bonus CD with 9 more songs (Nightlife, Break 4 Love, and Home and Dry remixes) that will put the crowd dancing for a while. And for the price asked, you won't repent for buying this CD (in a time when all that you hear on the radio are "pop" songs from Britney or a generic "boy band"). I wouldn't wait too long before getting this limited edition of "Release", since they are always hard to find.

Please Release me...
I have followed the Pet Shop Boys since their first album back in the mid-80s, and their first appearances on MTV with videos such as "West End Girls" and "Opportunities". This album, Release, shows two things - how far they have come, and how much they have stayed the same. The Pet Shop Boys have always taken advantage of the latest in all sorts of musical technology, so the sounds are crisp, warm, full, and modern, almost ultra-modern. Yet the music is not a gimmick. It doesn't rely just on the electronics, as so many 80s bands that came and went tried to do.

The songs here really rely on the lyrics for the most part. The best songs of the Pet Shop Boys have always told a story, and not necessarily the kind of story that you get from typical pop songs. There are not a bunch of songs of teenaged love (although you can get that from them occasionally). The song "Home and Dry", taken from a British phrase that basically means "safe", is about coming home to a loved one, but this I think is more about the security that comes from a stable love than the kind of infatuation of kids. The song "Here" is much the same - a lyric says "you've got a home here". One can tell a maturity here, although the Pet Shop Boys lyrics were never immature in a real sense. The song "London" is a short story about immigrants trying to succeed in post-Thatcherite London by any means necessary. "Birthday Boy" is almost a Christmas ballad, but it isn't locked into that meaning. "Samurai in Autumn" is a strange song, almost like a haiku set to music -- it is meant to highlight a particular musical theme, and is rather enigmatic all around.

The bonus CD has extended versions of songs from this CD, mixes from other CDs, and some B-side extra songs that come with the single versions. It is well worth having, as the B-sides of the Pet Shop Boys have always been top notch songs, not throw aways, as the album "Alternative" proved when the early B-sides were released as a collection.

This is an important link in the chain, and an important CD of the Pet Shop Boys, top quality as always.

one of their best albums
As most reviewers have positively stated, I totally agree with them. Being a fan of PSB since the 80's with their hit "West End Girls," I am never disappointed to discover their talents as artists who dare to express themselves in clever, well written lyrics. And the music is always new, refreshing, and catchy. This latest release is a testament to their talent. It's rare to find artists/singers who sing about abuse, self-doubt, elation, politics, insecurity... It's a reminescent of "Behavior," very introspective, deep, serious, sad, melancholic...interchanged with a few high beat songs that you'd like. If you might have been disappointed with "Bilingual" and liked "Behavior", "Very", "Actually", this new "Release" should be another one for you!

Behavior2
Good album. I like it, especially as a huge fan of The Pet Shop Boys. If you're a fan this is a must. If you're new to the Boys I might suggest another album to try first. This album is a little more mellow, less dance tracks, more introspective lyrics. If that sounds like what you're looking for then give this album or Behavior a try, if you're looking for something a little more dance-able then give Very! a try. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Extremely Emotional
I just got this two days ago and it hasn't left my cd player since it arrived. It has rapidly become one of my favorite albums of this genre. Listening to it for the first time, I was amazed at the ammount of emotion that went into this release. All of the songs seem deeply personal, especially the truly heart wrenching Disappoint.
The album has a perfect mix of song styles, alternating between catchy, danceable tracks, and slower, more melencholy ones. Failure was clearly meant for the dancefloor, as the speeds of the tracks in beats per minute is printed on the back of the cd, and it certainly lives up to that expectation. There's really not a bad track here. although I haven't fully warmed up to some of the slower ones, such as Silence and King of Insects just yet.
The bottom line is, EBM doesn't get much better than this, and unless you absolutely hate electronic music, you'll almost certainly enjoy Failure.
Now I can't wait to get Contempt.

Depressing lyrics with engaging hooks !!
This is a very emotional Assemblage 23 album. "Failure" brought us all to a territory not many musicians often do. Just as the title said, the album narrates a struggle of the lead singer after the death of his own father of a suicide.

You'd think this topic would make this album full of grudging melody & glaring electric guitars. If you thought so, think again, cos' this album is filled with a beautifully written lyrics & captivating harmony. Slighty dark synthpop? Yes. But I wouldn't call this a hardcore either. It borders in between melodic synthpop & slighty "dark" industrial music.

This is as dark as I could go when it comes to synthpop/industrial music. I'm not a fan of EBM stuff, so this album is definitely not a hardcore EBM. If you like a slighty "darker" synthpop but still filled with catchy tunes, this is a great album to get. Give it a listen & as I did, you'd be in for a surprising treat !! Peace !!

good
Wow, ebm that is justifiably sadening. Ive just about had it with the 20 yr old Ikon Of coil whining about some forced depression. This is real emotion on this album. Though the production is somewhat muddy and the programming isnt groundbreaking, its a powerful release.
The only other complaint is the vocals never reach a climax on any track. In shedding the pain you would expect him to really gut some lyrics out. I guess some musicians handle their feelings differently. Nice to see the following album is a totally different work of art. keep evolving!

Blown Away
Wow, what a truly fantastic piece of music. I'm new to the genere (although have always had a great fondness for electronic music), but discs like this will keep me coming back for more. Great stuff.

The Letters on the Signs Have Long Since Faded
Tom Shear happens to have everything that it takes to be a superb musician. Not only does he have the taste in consturcting electronic beats and the skill to utilize the components necessary to manufacture something to capture the mindset, but he also has the voice to produce strains of emotion on planes that listeners can understand. Driven sometimes by anger and sometimes by sadness, those little hints come out in what he sings and they power the articles crafted. On top of that, he also has the mind of a composer when his beats are measured lyrically; the content capturing the moods of the moment whenever it is displayed. And, when it comes to Failure, that mood almost hurts to listen to.

When looking through the liner of the album, you'll notice something along the lines of, "In loving memory of my father, who took his like Thursday, October 28th, 1999." Listening, you'll also find in many of the songs, from telltale traces of it laying in tunes hinting toward what Tom was thinking to the powerful, tear-provoking "Disappointment." Quite a few of the songs on here are like that, actually, but none are quite like this song because of the way it all pieces together. Sometimes I hear the lines, "though you are gone, I am still your son. And while your pain is over, mine has just begun," and I can't really compose my thoughts because its all so raw and a wound to be captured here. Other songs on the album worth listening to would be most of them, but I'd pool out "Naked," "Divide," "Silence," "Awake," and "King of Insects" as ones I'd tout.

"Naked" has a tempo that moves along fairly well at 125 BPM, has a nice sound within it, and I personally like the decree in it stating, "Nothing can touch me, I've nothing left to take, For I am naked but I can never break." "Divide" is also a fairly-driven song with a 126 BPM count and a beat I really enjoy when it gets to the chorus. I personally like what Tom did with his voice on this track, too, and I also like the lyrics as well because they're pretty solidly constructed. They may actually be one of the more challenging pieces as far as wording goes, and I like the pictures he manages to paint while forging it. "Silence" is a little more BPMed at 135 and it has a different style to it than the other songs on the album. Instead of sorrow or pain, it is a song done with a darker form of voxing on the voice and seething within the lyrics. It harbors hatred in those words, running through and through, and its done to a nice tempo change as well. "Awake," clocking in at 138 BPMs, is a song about confusion and being lost, and it captures so much emotion as it plays out. It's a sad and somber song and one that speaks with a voice lost both in "the now" and in "the past." And its that emotion powering it that makes it one that almost everyone can relate to from at least one time in their lives. "King of Insects," the lowest BPM count on the album at 70, is actually one of my favorite songs because of the way it is also constructed. Not only is the beat one that is basic and yet expressive but the wording is so full while it plays out. It's a song of a challenging nature, confrontational in its decree, and its nicely constructed on all levels.

As far as Assemblage 23 is concerned, the body of work speaks for itself. In the three albums released and the three Assemblage 23 songs uniquely found on Addendum (plus the version of And I Ran, which is catchy when covered by Assemblage 23, and in the production job he did for another band as well), there are so many things worth praising. The mastery of lyrics and the assembling of songs are merely motions in a changing sea, however, and there are sure to be more things to come. So, when buying, check them all out because it's all worth tasting. ... Read more

Reviews (67)

This Is The Best
"Very" is, without a doubt, my favorite PSB album. There is just not one weak track on the whole thing. From "Can You Forgive Her?" to "Go West" (which is the finale on the current tour), it has a consistency of excellence lacking on most albums. My favorite tracks are probably "One In A Million," "I Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind Of Thing" (why do the Boys have this habit of using such long, unwieldy song titles?) and "Go West," which is just plain fun to listen to. None of the other tracks are far behind. If you must own one PSB album, this is the one to get. It's scary how nearly flawless this album is (it's just too bad that "Shameless" was not included on it). Irresistably upbeat and full of hooks, great melodies, sharp lyrics and dance beats that only the Pet Shop Boys can do this well, it remains one of my all-time favorites. I even buy used copies (when I can find them) for my friends; it is really that good. Stop reading reviews and buy it already.

The Original, Plus the Re-Issue
"Very" has got to rank as nearly the best Pet Shop Boys album ever made. Perhaps "Behavior", their 1990 masterpiece, has slightly more poignant lyrics, but it is "Very" which manages to meld together vocal, lyrical, and musical excellence. The re-issue, though probably a waste of money for the long-time collector, features some hard-to-find gems that are worth the extra few dollars, if you do not already own them.

"Very" is a full-on, throbbing, delicate, fever-pitched album which flows together seamlessly. From the opening number of "Can You Forgive Her?", to the shameless "I Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind of Thing", to the somber "To Speak Is a Sin", and the grand finale of "Go West", the Pet Shop Boys have crafted a collection of nearly every emotion represented, every sound utilized. It is marvelous. The style of music is somewhat dated as early-nineties "techno" (sort of), but it is the quality of its production, lyrics, and sequencing which propels it into the stratosphere of sublime pop recording.

Hmmm, wonder if I like it?

The album has been re-issued in July of 2001, fully-remasted (though it didn't really need to be), and accompanied by a bonus disc entitled "Further listening". The bonus disc comprises demos, various remixes, and alternate versions of songs from the "Very" period, some material making its release debut on the CD. This is part of the mass re-issue of the Pet Shop Boys' first six albums, "Very" being the sixth.

The main problem is this: If you have been a Pet Shop Boys fan for awhile, as I have, the bonus disc for "Very" isn't anything new. It has, out of the five other re-issued albums, the least amount of 'unreleased material', and consists mostly of b-sides. The b-sides from this period were already released in 1995, and help to make-up their "Alternative" collection. There is nothing wrong with them, persay, it is just that they are some of the more recent and readily accessible works of the Boys. And "Very", the most recent re-issue, really wasn't in need of re-mastering.

If, however, you are a relatively new Pet Shop Boys fan, and do *not* have any of the material on the bonus disc, then by all means purchase it. It contains music of outstanding depth and quality, and if you haven't even experienced "Very" itself yet, then now is most certainly the time.

5 Stars is not enough for this 2 CD masterpiece. WOW
This to me is without a doubt one of the PTB's greatest and most cohesive releases; initially released in 1993 and then re-released in 1991 fully remastered with an additional (AND EXCEPTIONAL) CD and a very informative 36 page booklet giving the nitty gritty details behind every song in both CDs as well as some very creative shots taken during this era.

This was the PSB's attempt to make "a mega-dance pop album" and in my mind exceeded my wildest expectations. The song selection is as follows:

CD 1

1. Can You Forgive Her? - The first single off the release and quite an interesting choice considering that the lyrics are about a closet queen, which proves the point that if a song sounds great, most will not break down lyrics. 9/10
2. I Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind Of Thing - An amazing anthem about a reserved man falling head over heels and doing some crazy things. Should have been the first single as it's one of the most contagious songs in an already amazing CD. 10/10
3. Liberation - Great chorus and a straight forward love song. Quite a feat for the boys as there is no tongue in cheek message. 10/10
4. Different Point Of View - As close to pop as the boys get on this CD. 9/10
5. Dreaming Of The Queen - Very dramatic song with a propulsive beat. This is one of the most "conventional" PSB songs on the CD. 9/10
6. Yesterday, When I Was Mad - Starts off slowly and breaks into techno overdrive. It's about potentially false flattery and is supported by a strong PSB chorus. One of my favorite songs on the CD. 10/10
7. Theatre, The - Amazing soul chorus and as highlighted in the title, it is very theatrical. 9/10
8. One And One Make Five - Great singing and catchy as it gets. 10/10
9. To Speak Is A Sin - Starts out with a saxophone and slowly builds into a lush masterpiece about ..... (I'll leave that for you to discover) 10/10
10. Young Offender - Opens out sounding like a video game but after that it does not stand out from the rest 6/10
11. One In A Million - A lyrical gem of a song but like the previous song, not as strong as the rest. 6/10
12. Go West - A cover of an old Village People song that is so good that to me is the definitive version. It's got a great male chorus and very hopeful lyrics sung in a very bittersweet manner. I love the whole sea motif and the killer instrumentation. Although not originally written by PSB, it is one of their best songs ever. Keep it on the CD after the song ends as it picks up with a soft Western sound that is very soothing 10++++/10.

CD 2

The great surprise here is that the extra CD with what they call "Further Listening 1992 - 1994) may even be BETTER than the "Very" CD. I am amazed about the quality of song previously unreleased songs and well as some favorites that I never had the chance to own, like their addictive take on "Absolutely Fabulous." It grabs you and won't let you go. It works even without the incomparable Edina and Patsy, but they take it beyond the realm of fun.

My favorites include: "Forever", which was supposed to be in "Very" CD but the boys founds it a little cheesy. I love it! Their take on "Confidential" (a song that they wrote for Tina Turner) is awesome in every way. Could be one my very favorite PSB songs ever. "Shameless" is such a PSB song that I can't believe that I had not heard it before. "Too Many People" should also have been part of "Very" as it's a dance marathon waiting to happen. A very cool reworking of "I Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind Of Thing" that ups the orchestration and makes it possibly even better than the original, which already got a 10 from me so you figure it out. I also love the pulsating arrangement on "Falling" as it carries two distinct beats concurrently and somehow it works.

A new paragraph for what may be one of the best things that PSB has ever done. I am talking about a song called "Decadence", which is a slow number that sounds like a throwback to the 1930s via 1993. 10+++++++++/10 "If Love Were All" sounds like Cole Porter meets Donald Fagen and the result is yet another hidden treasure. The dance between the piano, saxophone and the boys is something that any fan deserves to hear. And wait until the full orchestra kicks in. Even their live cover of "Girls and Boys" kicks butt.

Although you may already have "Very" in your collection, I can guarantee that any hardcore fan with eat this product up. It's not cheap, but the remastering, song selection and beyond the call of duty insert for me make it one of my favorite purchases of this or any year. An unquestionable 5 from this reviewer.

easily one of the best albums ever made
This is the album that really got me into the Pet Shop Boys. I remember the 80s with "West End Girls" and "Always on my Mind". After not listening to them for 15 years (I'm 35), I'm glad I found them again. This album is absolutely perfect. Its VERY VERY good. Probably my favorite song is Liberation. Its got to be on my all time favorite list of any artist. Another great song is "Go West". 100 times better than the original from the Village People. "I Wouldn't normally do this kind of thing" and "Different point of view" are also excellent. "One in a Million" is also excellent. Hey, what can I say? These guys give us no filler material AT ALL. Buy it.

So very very...
This album, Very and its much more rare companion, Very Relentless, can be summed up in the Pet Shop Boys' own words (one of the lyrics taken from the song Yesterday When I was Mad) -- they've 'both made such a little go a very long way'. A very long way, indeed.

All of the songs on this album have the same feel -- the same texture, the same lyrical quality, the same 'groove' if you will -- which is remarkable for a collection of different songs, from ballads to a roaring remake of the Village People's Go West (a song Toyota still uses occasionally in advertising -- listen for the backing music). One would almost swear that the actual Village People are making up the chorus as Neil Tennant's high-pitched, flat voice calls out 'Life is peaceful there' as the gruff, deep voices growl, GO WEST!

All the songs are dancable (not true of all the songs on all the albums) -- the videos which accompany this album all have the same computer-generated motion and costume and background (someone in the Pet Shop Boys camp obviously had recently discovered computer-generated graphics and animation and decided to have some fun!). I was frankly a bit disappointed with the videos, because the idea was original, but it was the same idea for each video (and we fans are used to stylish, original videos for each song).

This album will please Pet Shop Boys fans; it may find a good home with electronic/disco music fans. As with all Pet Shop Boys songs, listen to the lyrics -- they are witty and thoughtful -- the song Dreaming of the Queen actually plays on a recurrent nightmare/stress dream that the average Brit would have but Americans don't -- the stress that the Queen drops by for a visit when you're not ready (either undressed, or dirty house, &c.) -- probably the closest equivalent stress dream in American terms would be the test-anxiety pop-quiz-you-haven't-studied-for dream.

Other songs include the poignant The Theatre, in which one can sense the frustration of struggling artists as they watch their more successful compatriots pass by; To speak is a sin, recapturing a word from a previous hit, It's a sin, something the no-longer Roman Catholic Tennant likes to muse over now and again; the first semi-hit Can you forgive her, a crashing, triumphant, psychological song that reinforces the ambiguous sexuality of this duo (later to be made less so).

So, pay attention to the lyrics, and have a Very Very good listen. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Defying easy categorization, this female quartet from New York offers up a surprisingly smooth full-length album that criss-crosses musical boundaries like mad. Neneh Cherry fronting a hybrid of Soul II Soul and Kool & the Gang puts you in the ballpark for standout tracks like "Angel," "Here and Citysong." Very hip. --Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Bubbly funk
This kind of music just isn't being made anymore, at least not that I know of. Luscious Jackson manged to combine the lightest and mellowest aspects of the hip-hop culture with the strengths of the more concise funk generation, into an ear- pleasing whole. 'City Song' just rocks in a completely disarming manner, as does much of this sadly underrated release. A superb effort which works as well today as it did back then, in my opinion. Luscious Jackson may not have scaled quite this high on subsequent releases, but everything they left behind is worthwhile.

Some fun grooves, but inconsistent
Fever In and Fever Out is the best place to start for folks unaquainted with Luscious Jackson. This album has some high points, but is nowhere near the quality of Fever

Perfect blend of hip hop and pop
This CD, along with the Manny EP, make up the more hip-hop sounding releases from the Luscious Jackson catalog. While their last two albums (Fever In Fever Out and Electric Honey) are great CDs in their own right, they never quite captured this wonderful blend of hip-hop and pop again. They took a more direct route to pop after this.

This is where I started and it's a good place for new fans to start at well. All the Ingredients are there (forgive the pun) to show you all facets of this underappreciated band. They managed to tread the hip-hop waters without losing their sense of melody and their appreciation for how music has to compliment the lyrics (and not just serve as background). But they also practiced pop-flavored songwriting without sacrificing the edge and immediacy of the lyrics. Rewind to the Manny EP for more hip-hop. Fast forward to Fever In Fever Out and Electric Honey for a smoother pop sound (Naked Eye, anyone?).

Too bad Luscious Jackson is no longer around. They left a void that no one else has managed to fill.

GOODASS
I LIKE ALL OF LUSCIOUS JACKSON'S MUSIC. PARTICULARLY THE NATURAL INGREDIENTS CD BUT AGAIN PARTICULARLY ALL OF THEIR CDS. IT HAS A NYC JUMP ROPIN AND SPASTIC FIRE HYDRANT KINDA FEEL. THE MUSIC IS FUN AND LYRICS ARE SERIOUS AT TIMES. SUCH AS "FIND YOUR MIND" AND "STRONG MAN". SONGS ARE NOT HATEFUL BUT OBSERVATIONS OR PERHAPS FIRST HAND EXPERIENCES. IN ANY CASE THEY ARE TRUE. NOT AT ALL BITCHY. LJ HAS ISSUES PROBABLY LIKE ANY GROUP THAT HAS SOMETHIN TO SAY BUT IT DOESNT GET IN THE WAY OF THEIR HAVING FUN AT WHAT THEY DO. WHICH IS MAKING GOOD MUSIC.

Smooth, Mellow, Upbeat Fun Funky Rythmic city grooves
I like mostly aggressive music from types of music to include Metal, Funk and Hard paced techno. But I tell you when I want to relax and listen to a quality group of female musicians, who play hard, smooth and good all at the same time I grab a LJ CD. This CD exemplifies their music style/talent which is kind of hard to pin down. But damn good, this and 'fever in fever out' are in my opinion are there best works. All of their Long Play cd's and the EP Manny are good however and worth every cent. ... Read more

Amazon.com

More than just Erlend Oye's temporary departure from Kings of Convenience, Unrest is an amalgam of heartfelt lyrics from the wrong side of love's tracks, with strains of bitterness present but never overwhelming. In true minstrel fashion, Norway's troubadour invites 10 different electronic producers from 10 different cities to get involved in the project. The result is largely successful; Oye's warm tones have a restraining quality that offsets any uptempo dominance by artists more used to making music for dance floors. Morgan Geist, Prefuse 73, Kompis, and Schneider TM are among the collaborative line up that, by the end, makes one wonder whether they are redefining the electronica "easy listening" experience. --Found Sounds ... Read more

Reviews (13)

trans-atlantic adventures
Erlend Oye (the other half of Kings of Convenience) knows his way around the block, this particular block being our own wide world. He can also discern the good from the great as he builds 10 tracks based on the best attributes of 1980's electro-pop presented here in his new album UNREST. Conjuring able assistance from like musical peers, Erlend travels to ten different cities over 12 months to custom craft 10 delightful tracks that are so simplistic that they should attract broad appeal without alienating critics nor fans. Morgan Geist, Prefuse 73, Bjorn Torske, Schneider TM, and Mr. Velcro Fastener lend credibility and creativity to the kind of songs that get stuck in your subconscious with pleasant results. From safety to everywhere, UNREST is a double plus good with a bullet to the present. Genius is nothing more than being clever at the right moment. Subtle and provocative, these moments come in abundance from all over our planet.

fun stuff
The concept is great: 10 songs written in different locations with 10 different electronic acts. If you are familiar with Kings of Convenience, most likely, you will be pleasantly surprised with the results. While the album is far from sounding like Kings of Convenience (well, maybe it sounds a bit like Versus at times), it still retains that certain Erlend-ness and builds upon it. The CD is catchy with an infectious 80's vibe resurfacing throughout; it's very danceable, diverse, and creative. Oye has a unique vocal delivery and continues to establish himself as a pop-music wizard. Sometimes his approach grows a little tiresome, as on the particularly bland 'Every Party Has A Winner and A Loser,' but every song on here deserves a listen. Overall, it is a more than acceptable substitute for a new KOC album.

Certainly not unlistenable
I've been surprised by Erlend Oye's transformation from Simon & Garfunkelesque indie popster into a sort-of electronica DJ-type. But it's been a pleasant surprise. I'm surprised, of course, that I'm pleasantly surprised, but that's a rather pleasant sensation as well.

On the whole this album is quite nice and the decision to produce tracks in many countries in Europe and the US was well-concieved; it gives the album an ephemeral cosmopolitanism, as if the listener were shuttled around with Oye to these various locations along with the accompanying sense of dislocation and disassociation.

The album is reminiscent of "Off the Wall" or Kraftwerk, and is of an uneven quality, probably due to the many different producers. I must admit I'm disappointed Royksopp didn't make an appearance, unless they remixed the hidden track. Well, good stuff regardless.

No rest for the wicked!
Erlend Oye takes a somewhat-big departure from the Kings of Convenience "Quiet is the new Loud" album. His "Unrest" album is a lot closer to the feel of the KofC "Versus" remix album.

Still, he's got a great voice. This is blippy synthpop electronica music with him on the top. So it's quite cool. Quite different than a lot of music available today.

Pick it up if you want to try some different music out.

You'll never get uncomfortable with unrest
Although a dizzying array of DJs and producers helped Erlend make this album, it still sounds like a unified whole. Filled with Erlend's soothing voice and calm, catchy bleeps and thumps, Unrest manages to keep the same tranquility and quiet beauty of Kings of Convenience while sounding uniquely different. This CD is perfect for rainy road trips, making out, or relaxing with friends after a party. Fans of The Postal Service should definately give Unrest a listen. ... Read more

Reviews (38)

Well....I listened a few more times.
Well, I was looking through some old reviews I'd written recently when I came upon one I'd written about Electronic's "Raise the Pressure". I was shocked and disgusted at this fool who had been me but a year ago yet somehow seemed to be such a poor judge of good music. Well, I guess that's what happens when you only listen to an album a few times.

Well, I've listened to it more times than I can count now so you can trust me when I say that this is just about as good as Electronic's first album. While it is different, the Pet Shop Boys influence being gone and a little bit of Alternative music influence in its place, every song manages to be memorable especially the first half of the album. Sumner, along with excellent backup vocalist Denise Johnson, really helps bring together standout tracks such as Dark Angel, One Day, and the jewel of the album, Second Nature.

After my initial reaction to "Raise the Pressure", I wasn't willing to pay the import price to scope out Electronic's third album, "Twisted Tenderness". After giving the disc a fair chance, however, I can't wait to get my hands on the next one.

Relevant to the ridiculous scene of popular music or not, this is a great album, and one of my most played CD's. Much better than "okay"....

Still their best, and a great album
Don't listen to anyone who says this CD isn't great. (Especially reviewers who couldn't bother to listen to it more than a few times.) The first few times I listened to it (back on the day it came out in summer 1996), I didn't like it much either. But a few more listens revealed its greatness, and it has been one of my favorite CD's since. "Forbidden city", "For you", and "Second nature" were the singles, and are all awesome. My favorite tracks however, are the faster and more electronic sounding "If you've got love" and "Dark angel". The other tracks are all good too, except I don't really care for "One day". Denise Johnson's backing vocals are simply incredible. Karl Bartos (formerly of Kraftwerk) co-wrote many of the tracks and played keyboards, though it is harder to tell exactly what his contributions were. Anyway, this is a great album, and I like it better than their debut and "Twisted Tenderness".

Barney on Prozac
Supposedly Bernard Sumner was on Prozac while writing the songs for this album. Does it reflect in the music? Perhaps. As I recall him quoting in a magazine prior to its release "the songs are less deep because I was less deep" Irregardless, I think the main weakness of this album is that they played it too safe. It is the same formula, just mixed a little differently, take out the Neil Tennant, and what you have is an album where all the songs are good, but none of them are great. I give it 4 stars because it is a solid, well crafted album. It just misses a certain "magic" that their first album had.

Lesbian Nation
Really supern -- some iffy songs, but #4,5 rank with the best and this is a great electronica album.

Give 'Raise the Pressure' a chance
Electronic's second album 'Raise the Pressure' is a departure from their self titled debut that was mostly dance oriented music with pop and rock traces. Don't get me wrong the songs are still danceable it is just the pop and rock is more prevalent.

At first I thought this album was boring compared to their debut. However, I have listened to their debut so many times that over the last month I have given this cd a chance and it is really strong.

I will categorize the album into pop/rock songs like, 'Forbidden City', 'For You', 'One Day', 'Out of my League', and dance songs like 'Dark Angel', 'Until the End of Time', 'If you 've got love', 'Freefall', 'How Long', and hybrids of the two genres like 'Second Nature', 'Visit Me', 'Time can Tell'.

Bernard Sumner's vocals, lyrics, and music is very strong. I feel he is the strongest artist that I have ever heard at making dance pop/rock music with powerful choruses. The guitars are clean electric and sound very good as well as the keyboards and synths. The drums and percussion are very danceable.

I recommend this album and please give it a chance before dismissing it as an inferior album to their debut. I feel it is equally as strong just different. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Moloko is far too distinctive for easy comparison, though the duo's blend of deep electrofunk groove, club beats, and hip absurdist vocals--along with a brightly colored retrofuturism (Moloko is, after all, a reference to A Clockwork Orange)--comes closest to Deee-Lite. By flashing a truly loopy attitude with songs as fresh and thrilling as they are catchy, Moloko makes Tight Sweater one of the best debuts of the year--no matter if it is 1995 (its actual year of release in the group's native U.K.) or 1997.--Roni Sarig ... Read more

Reviews (19)

See how it fits my body!
A fantastic debut album from the Shefield duo. They say it's Grim Up North, but judging by this release it's definitely 'something' up North, but Grim? No way! 'Do you like my Tight Sweater?', written and produced by Moloko themselves, is full of energy, surprises and interesting sounds. Some of the tracks take a few listens to get into but the majority are instant hits. Roisin Murphy's vocals are brilliant & challenging throughout, she also looks great in a Nurses uniform but that's another story. The rhythms are wide-ranging: from Trip Hop and Elecronica to Drum & Bass and just plain weird. Even the short interludes between the main songs are great. The cool music is supported by even cooler, bizarre, dada-esque lyrics. Altogether a splendid CD from the 90's. The tracks I love the most are 'Fun for Me', 'Day for Night', 'Lotus Eaters', 'Butterfly 747', 'Killer Bunnies' and the all time classic 'Where is the What if the What is in Why?'

Moloko have come a long way since this debut LP, with massive singles like 'Sing it Back' and 'The Time is Now' which have been remixed to death and are always guaranteed air play. Although their subsequent albums aren't as adventurous as this one, they're also worth getting. But this release is still my favourite, possibly because it was the first CD of theirs that I bought. Let's hope they never stop releasing their own brand of uncompromising freaky dance material.

The best CD I've bought in years
I'm warning you now, I don't think there will ever be an album that deserves 5 stars, or a "perfect" album. That said, Moloko's debut release, "Do You Like My Tight Sweater" is full of crazy funky sounds and nonsensical, playful lyrics. The teaming of the hypnotizing Roisin Murphy and the masterful Mark Brydon is a match made in heaven. The CD hooks you with the whacked-out bass and bouncy lyrics of "Fun For Me" and (almost)keeps you entranced through the emotional "Where is the What if the What is in Why?"
The sound of Moloko is too unique for categorization. The best way to describe it would be "electro-funk-trip-hop," but there is just such a wide array of styles here that it is hard to choose just one. To call "Do You Like My Tight Sweater" diverse would be an understatement, with the smooth jazziness of "Day For Night" and the drum&bass of "Butterfly 747" that makes you move.
Unfortunately, Moloko's smooth style and crazy, playful lyrics begin to wear thin a ways into the CD, with the "love or hate" songs like "Party Weirdo" and the creepy "Boo." It can also get a to be a bit too much after frequent listens, but with amazing songs like "Lotus Eaters" and the previously mentioned "Where is the...," "Do You Like My Tight Sweater" will most definitely be in heavy rotation in your CD player. Taste the funk of Moloko.

HA HA HA HA
THAT CHEEKY MONKEY SONG, SO FUNNY, THAT TRACK IS SO GREAT MAKES ME LAUGH.

YES, I LOOOOOVE YO' TIGHT SWEATER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If there were to be an award for the funkiest album of all time, Moloko's "Do You Like My Tight Sweater?" would win hands down. From the super-funky opener, "Fun For Me," to the out of this world sounding "Party Weirdo" to the R&B meets P-Funk,"Dominoid" and the swanky tell-it-like-is "Where Is the What If the What Is in Why?" this baby is packed with so much funk it stanks!!!! With the sexually seductive and playful vocals of Roisin Murphy mixed with Mark Brydon's crazy sci-fi beats and solid basslines--did this guy study with Parliament or something?--they have truly created a classic that sounds just as good today as it did in 1995.

If you love weird music...
I don't think I've ever managed to keep interest in one single artist for so long. I bought this CD when it came out... and almost 8 years later I continue to enjoy it. If you love weird quarky music, then you'll love this. Moloko made her impression with this CD. It is a MUST HAVE for any Moloko Fan. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

BAD's best
Mick Jones and Don Letts had a good thing going when they penned this album. I would rate this as one of the best cross over albums ever made at the time, it's surprising how over looked it was in hindsight as most of the tracks on this album are out of sight. The track that defined BAD at this junction was 'Medicine Show' Ennio Morricone's 'Good the Bad and the Ugly' was a center peice for the song's structure, Clint Eastwood and Eli Wallach had some great lines as well but the clincher was the Bandit's response to Humphrey Bogart in 'The Treasure of the Sierra Madre'
"I don't have to show you any stinkin badges!!" Letts' made an art of sampling before it really caught on and this first album by BAD was a real gem.

Highly under-rated brilliance
ahh, This is Big Audio Dynamite sure is big audio dynamite, probally the best album of the '80s, Mick Jones showed Joe Strummer why he should have never been kicked out of The Clash, to me Mick Jones was the heart of The Clash, in my opinion Mick's post-clash music was better then Joe's.
Highlights of the album are "Sony", "The Medicene Show", "Sudden Imapct" and "E=MC2". They are all great, the only weakish point of the album is "The bottom Line".
Its a sad thought what BAD would go on to do, after all there first 4 albums were brilliant, though im not a big fan of the BAD2 line-ups work

Their first and their best
Mick Jones and Co. never broke that sophmore jinx--they could never top what they did here, on THIS IS BIG AUDIO DYNAMITE. Employing big sounds and borrowing from their favorite big American icons (especially Clint!), this album showed who was behind the big club tunes of the Clash, like "Rock the Casbah". There is a certain playfulness to Mick Jones' style that fits in with this sound. And of course, timing is everything. Big Audio Dynamite emerged during the big eighties--just like Peter Gabriel's "Big Time", Big Country's "Big Country", all the Talking Heads'/David Byrne "Big" tunes and the Tom Hanks' movie named... you guessed it

The only B.A.D. you will ever need ...
That even goes for the so-called Greatest Hits CD; too bad but they really petered out. There's a good chance the music you listen to (especially if it's dance oriented) has been influenced by this record in some way. The first side is better than the second though it's all good. The first song, "Medicine Show," may be the coolest with its Spaghetti-Western style undercurrent. Particularly funny is the judge reading a long list of crimes committed by "Tuco Benidicto Pacifico, Juan Maria Ramirez (known as the Rat)" but sentencing him to hang for using marked cards. Also great is the machine-gun overload and the "I Am the Walrus" style laughing.

Too bad this band went downhill after this album.

Forgotten Greatness
I never understood why this album(it was vinyl when I first owned it) was not more appreciated. The sampling was terrific, though it's probably illegal or too expensive to do today. They had a great sound and provocative lyrics. Electronic music has evolved way beyond what was possible when BAD was made, but to my ears, it still holds up pretty well. The politics of the songs are still relevent, and they evoke nostalgia for a time when people actually cared enough educate themselves and have a political opinion. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Buy this for the remastering effort!!!
The earlier tracks here have never sounded this good. Remember 1986, when you ran out and bought Low-life and Brotherhood on CD? And you raved about how this new medium was INVENTED for THIS band? Then you shoved your old vinyl copies in a closet?

Well, here we are in 2004 (actual release 10/2002) and it appears they are finally getting around to remastering some of the tracks, probably due to Rhino's involvement. The sound on "Substance" just doesn't cut it anymore. I can't say this is worth full price, even with the bonus DVD. And the inclusion of three tracks from the recent "Get Ready" is unjustified. But the sound quality is SPECTACULAR. The clarity of Hook's bass lines has never been captured so well. The new transfers demonstrate very clean low- and sub-bass which can't be found elsewhere.

Hunt for this one in the bargain bins until the full catalog gets the remastering it deserves.

Bonus DVD!!!
Ok...this cd was ok, but nothing new. The main reason I bought it was for the dvd which is worth it 100%. I love the music videos for"true faith" and "perfect kiss". Blue monday is live from 5/11. I am not sure what year that is supposed to be, but I assume it was pretty recent since they look much older. "Blue monday-live from 5/11" is not my favorite on the 3 song dvd, but it is still really good. I would have prefered the music video for blue monday, but oh well...perhaps they will release some kind of video colection and I will buy it. If you are a new fan, I highly recommend "substance 1987" instead of this. That has most of these songs on it except for the last 4 or so. I would recommend this however for someone who is buying a new order release for the first time because it is all there hits, and you get a pretty good visual with the dvd. Substance is somewhat pricy especially for someone who is not even sure about this band. However stay away from the cd entitled "best of" until you have heard either this or substance. It is really good, but the track list is almost entirely different, and it isn't a great starter album. It is great for a secondary purchase though after you have bought "substance" or this one "international". But overall it is good as far as track selection goes, and as far as the dvd goes, it is a great companion to go with it. I can't complain.

A great compilation
I have been a fan for a very long time and I own ALMOST every album New Order has released. This was an excelent compilation and while I agree with many of the other reviews as far as the pros and cons(especialy about The Perfect Kiss) I should explain to everyone THE REASON the shorter Low-Life version of Perfect Kiss was used. CDs have a maximum time limit of 1:20:00. A track list using the Full Length version of Perfect Kiss sets the total time to roughly 1:20:48. It is impossible to fit this list onto CD so they instead used the Low-Life version which set the total time to roughly 1:17:35. Now that that is cleared up, I DEFINATELY recomend this album to fans and newcomers alike. I also recomend that you buy all of thier albums so you can get the full experience because this compilation while very good, just doesnt cover enough of New Order's great work.

An excellent compilation, but how many do we need?
New Order is, without question, one of the finest bands to emerge from the eighties new wave movement. Unfortunately, with the music industry taking a massive change in the nineties, the band has since been forgotten by many. Though at least one hits compilation has been released by the band already, the band decided to release another one, for some reason. Read on to see how it measures up.

PROS:
If you're a casual fan of New Order, and you want their big hits, you'll find them here! True Faith and the new wave classic, Blue Monday, are both here for your listening pleasure. Likewise, who could forget about Bizzare Love Triange (represented here in an extended version?) Although these three tracks are what the band is most often remembered for, the other ones are excellent too. The bonus DVD is a nice touch, too.

CONS:
I only have one big complaint about this compilation - There was already a best of New Order compilation available before this one, which contained more tracks. And the bonus DVD included with this one jacks up the price! And sadly, THIS is the more readily available one of the two.

OVERALL:
If you can find the older best of New Order, get that one instead. Otherwise, settle for this one. It's not as good as the older one, but is still excellent.

Stingy track selection
Umm, it's a disgrace to try to narrow down the best of New Order into 14 tracks on one CD. You just can't do it. That is why I feel very essential tracks are unfortunately missing. I won't get into them all, but two that immediately come to mind are "Vanishing Point" and "World", two of my favorite New Order songs. These songs did happen to be on the '95 best of. Why not now? They haven't decreased in value. I could go into a bunch of way older songs that should be on too, but I won't. The bottom line is, just buy all their albums. And get this album only for the improved sound (digitally remastered). It is amazing how much more powerful tracks like True Faith and Shellshock and Bizarre Love Triangle sound on my car system as compared to the tracks off of Substance. I hope all of New Order's albums are re-released digitally remastered. They already did it with the earlier albums for Tears For Fears, Duran Duran, and Pet Shop Boys. Depeche Mode should follow too hopefully. NEW ORDER GETS 5 STARS, THE TRACK STINGINESS GETS 3. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

The Start Of A Great Band
"Pubic Fruit" is actually a compilation of EP's, that Curve had first released in the early 90's. But listening to this album, you wouldn't even know. The album flow remarkably well from start to finish. Curve is one of the biggest sleeper bands ever. Their trademark thrash metal guitars with techno beats and Halliday's sensual goth like female vocals is so out there, that no one has come close or sounds anything like them. And that's a great thing. Garbage must have been a fan of Curve, because they're are similarities in their music, but I like them both for different reasons. Stand out songs for me are "Galaxy", "Coast Is Clear", "Ten Little Girls" and "Die Like A Dog".

remember you and me, we laughed till we cried...
if you have only heard of curve from the excellent 'chinese burn', then this is a must! all the curve ep's on one wonderful cd!! right from the start till their first album 'doppleganger', 'pubic fruit' is a fantastic buy. listen to the brilliant 'blindfold', their first ever release and the amazing '10 little girls'. once you buy this cd, you will be wanting all of the curve back catalogue. a must!!

Stunning and Essential
For those of you who have not managed to locate the EPs or did not purchase them when they were first release, this is a wonderful way to make up and complete your Curve listening experience. It also includes an extended mix of 'Fait'. Curve's earlier sound is gritty, innovative, and most importantly fun in an "angry girl gets back" kind of way. Of course Toni's voice is completed beautifully by the wonderful noise of Dean, which is the yang to her yin, and the twang and grind in what would otherwise be another chick fronted band with angst (which, as we all know, would be Garbage ; ) ).

Even here Toni's lyrics show a maturity we don't get from many female front persons, where she broods but not without a sense of irony and responsibility. She doesn't blame everything on men like most of my gender do. And how can she, when a man, Dean Garcia, provides the best music a girl to hope to sing with? I envy her, I do. But in any event, get this, because if you don't, you will be kicking yourself over and over later when you chance to hear it at your dodgy ex-boyfriend's house.

Way Ahead of their time...
Hands down, one of the top 25 records of the 1990's, although some may disqualify it on account of it being a collection of the band's first 3 or 4 EPs.

Curve was definitely a studio band, and the production here lacks a peer. From "Cherry", "Clipped", "Coast Is Clear", to (my favourite on the album) the extended version of "Fait Accompli", there isn't a weak track on it. It sounds more abrasive than anything Skinny Puppy could put out, but at the same time, more lush than a Brian Eno wet dream.

Time might have passed Curve by, but a certain band loved them enough to revamp/dilute the formula a few years later to mainstream success (read the other reviews to figure it out); the difference in quality between the two is massive.

Shirley Manson, eat your heart out...

A showcase of Curve's best work
Back in the era of "shoegazing" (late 80's, early 90's), when Brit bands such as My Bloody Valentine and Ride ruled the alternative landscape, there was another band that kicked serious... Curve. Fronted by Toni Haliday, Curve showcased her dreamy, yet occasionally menacing vocal style. She was the sort of starlet who could carry the band - kind of a precursor to Shirley Manson, the face behind Garbage. But the early iterations of Curve were less about the vocals, and more about the smorgasbord of sounds permeating through each track. Swirling, howling guitars intersect with the drum machines and traces of electronica to create sounds that cannot be classified as being dance music or mood music or whatever. Ten Little Girls, Blindfold, Frozen, and Clipped are the stellar tracks.

Public Fruit is a collection of Curve's first 3 EPs. Public Fruit stands out, along side My Bloody Valentine's Loveless and Isn't Anything, as being a seminal CD from a long-gone era. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Defiant, sexy, playful, nervy, womanly, and wise, 1988's Raw Like Sushi was the opening salvo in Neneh Cherry's brilliant, if woefully underappreciated, career. The hit "Buffalo Stance," with its reworking of Malcolm McLaren's Buffalo Gals vibe, found Cherry erroneously labeled as a rap artist. True enough, there are hip-hop elements on Raw Like Sushi, as well as pop, electronic, R&B, and dance, all gleefully mixed up in a progressive melange of beats, cultures, emotions, and grooves. Besides being fierce, funky, and one of the best debuts in memory, Raw Like Sushi helped redefine what women could do in the rigid realm of late-'80s African American music, and it sounds as good today as it did the day it was released. --Amy Linden ... Read more

Reviews (8)

The original "spice girl".
This debut of hers may not be as impressive now, but in 1988 it was ahead of its time, and great on many levels. "Raw Like Sushi" also covers as many genres as it does topics. I still have the cassingle of "Buffalo Stance", and that song remains the best thing on here. However "Manchild" and "Kisses On The Wind" are catchy too. In fact, the album starts out very strong, then becomes too similar in the second half. But overall it's a good listen from this "Inna City Momma".

Setting the template for female Urban Rap-Commentary....
Considered one of the finest female talents to emerge from the U.K (with as much social awareness as today's Ms Dynamite),Neneh was a urban role model of sorts, during the late 80's and her rhetoric was one of social Urban issues, which confronted both men & women by imploring, men to respect women & take responsibility for their sexual actions (and any offspring as a result of their sexual encounters), and for women, to recognise their importance within their community & not remain gullible personalities for men to take advantage of. A suitably tough stance of all issues granted a generation of disaffected listeners, (although the music was so dance orientated, that It was easy to forget the underlining message), and so having influenced many with her commendable insight, it fall's to Ms Dynamite to continue what Neneh first started.

This is TERRIBLE... I'll be buying a copy immediately
Manchild alone is worth the price of the CD. Her music is absolutely awful and brings a tear of joy to my eye. Good luck

One of my favorite albums
RAW LIKE SUSHI is the early 1990's debut album of English singer/rapper Neneh Cherry (incidentally, Neneh is the step-daughter of Jazz artist Don Cherry, and the sister of Eagle-Eye Cherry who found success recently with the hit single "Save Tonight"). She was a mix between Queen Latifah and Madonna, and her hit single "Buffalo Stance" (a song about hussling) had become a major international radio hit. It was certainly ahead of its time because it incorporated what today is almost formula: a rap verse with a singing chorus. What is remarkable is that Neneh Cherry performed both functions. Most songs that follow this formula are collaborations, assigning one talent to each genre.

Buffalo Stance is without a doubt the best song on RAW LIKE SUSHI, but there are many other gems as well. Kisses on the Wind is a fun song about the girl in the neighborhood who matured faster than everyone else, "the first girl to turn the boys on." Inner City Momma, Love Ghetto, and Phoney Ladies, are also great songs.

This was an incredibly promising debut that seemed to hint at a future superstar. I'm not sure what went wrong. What has happened to Neneh Cherry? Why isn't she still on the radio? I don't know. But I *do* know that RAW LIKE SUSHI is a great CD that anyone who likes strong women will enjoy.

INFLUENTIAL AND AHEAD OF IT'S TIME
Neneh Cherry,the beautiful,funky Afro-Swede chick whose the stepdaughter of free jazz pioneer Don Cherry and stepsister of folk-rocker Eagle Eye Cherry stepped out on the scene in 1989 with this brillant(and underrated) debut,"Raw Like Sushi".

Neneh was very influential.Sassy,streetwise,and cultured,"Sushi"
didn't fit neatly in a catergory.Free sprited and independent,Neneh also paved the way for Missy Elliot,Nelly Furtado,Lauryn Hill,TLC,and many others with her multi-facted blend of hip hop sprit,sexy aura,and blunt,womanly lyrics.I wouldn't argue to call her groundbreaking.

"Sushi"'s ten tracks all have punch and all are surprisingly aduquate.Altough this album was released thirteen years ago,it strangly doesn't so dated.In fact,it sounds even more relavant.
From the classic "Buffalo Stance" to the haunting gem "Manchild"
(which predates the advent of trip hop)to the sassy midtempo hit
"Kisses On The Wind" to the brazen "The Next Generation",there's no weak spots on here.

Neneh actually brought some merucial promise to the then-sterile state of contempary Black music in the late '80s.And with her model good looks(frankly,the girl was FINE!),bohemian style,and street sass,Neneh actually joined the ranks of Lisa Bonet,Cree Summer,Veronica Webb,and other fellow free sprited beauties.To put it short,Ms. Cherry had it going on!

Neneh would go on to release two more even-more adventrous albums after "Raw Like Sushi":1992's "Homebrew" and 1996's more trip-hop leaning "Man" but "Raw Like Sushi" will always stand as a precedent in music-even if many don't remember her. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Following the Rolling Stones-meets-Black Crowes monstrosity Give Out But Don't Give Up three years ago, Glasgow's Bobby Gillespie and pals are back at the cutting edge with a trippy collection that could rightly be tagged analog electronica. Their Trainspotting soundtrack contribution (included here) melded bluesy harp with contemporary beats and it sets the tone for 11 tracks that use thick swaths of dub, Superfly funk, cheesy electronics, and ambient dance to redefine what was once quaintly known as "head music." Loaded with samples from the cult flick Vanishing Point, the killer "Kowalski" is perhaps the best among a batch of highlights ("Burning Wheel," "Stuka"). All that's missing is a freeform FM station or two to turn it into a classic.--Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Reviews (21)

a classic ambient dub venture
This is truly a wonderful outing by Primal Scream. Definitely their best, even if not as influential as 'Screamadelica'. It's musically subtle which some people cannot appreciate but the smoothness, skill and deft layering of sound with which this album is executed is amazing. The track 'Medication' seems a little out of place as a full on Stones' style rocker but it makes up for it by being one of the best straight ahead rock songs made in the past 2 decades.

Sky high six thousand miles away
This is one of the most underated albums of the 90's, it was a real comeback following the Scream's flirtation with Stones styled rock. This is a dense batch of Dark yet uplifting songs, covering but not copying all genres. The most essential Primal Scream album.

one of the best albums of the 90's
This is the best produced recordof the 90's in my opinion, and surpasses the sum of its soul/jazz/dub/garage roots. Another reviewer called this "industrial garbage" - this person has obviously never heard industrial music - cold, digital, 4 on the floor sounding stuff. Vanishing Point is warm, analog, its noise is 3D and spectrasonic - and the bass is warm, and massive. i have listened to this record hundreds of times. An absolute classic. oh - and the late Augustus Pablo plays melodica on a track - awesome. The Scream's best record, and like I said, maybe the best record of the decade - (for reference, the 90's competition would be OK Computer, My Bloody Valentine's Loveless, Orbital's Insides - off the top of my head)

Not so great
This CD was a bit of a disappointment for me. Dischordant bits often drag on and on. For those looking for a Screamadelica-style experience, this is not it. "Medication" (depite other reviews) is a good tune. But 1 out of however-many, is not a good ratio. I might not buy more Primal Scream CDs after this, which bums me out.

A Gem
This album tempts one to be fascist about their musical taste. I rarely comment on an album unless it is so good that I am driven to power up my laptop, fire up amazon.com, search for "primal scream" and choose to write a review. There's a lot of talent on this album, and it can appeal to the electronic/dance spinners as well as the "wall of sound/not quite industrial" new-wavers. Pick it up. It's very good. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

What's a funky track like you doing on a quiet CD like this?
White Town's WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY is an interesting collection. It's also quite a varied set of music. The single off of this album, "Your Woman", was all over the radio in the year that this was released, but don't purchase this CD expecting to hear ten other songs in the same style. The album as a whole is fairly quiet, thoughtful, and reflective, and "Your Woman" sticks out like a sore thumb (albeit a thumb that really knows how to party).

It's really a pity that a lot of the song titles are more interesting than the pieces of music themselves. Don't get me wrong though, when White Town do something right, they do it very right. But when they go wrong, look out. Some of the songs on here are just painful. The lyrics are often banal and uninspired, so when the music lets them down, there's absolutely nothing of worth at all. A lot of the songs sound rushed and incomplete. I have no idea what the circumstances were behind the recording of this album, but if they did indeed hurry this release to a premature conclusion, I wouldn't be surprised.

I find myself having some difficulty explaining even those songs that I do enjoy. Perhaps if I stated that I have an appreciation for them, rather than a genuine enjoyment it would better convey my exact reaction. There are a few songs that I thought sounded very good, but my response to the music was more along the lines of "Hmmm, that sounded very nice" rather than "Holy cow, that blew my head off!" It's an understated album, but one that is often too understated for its own good.

While typing up this review, I had WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY playing at the same time, and I came to the conclusion that it works fairly well as background music. It's not an overwhelming album, but it does have several moments that broke through my consciousness and made me think, "Gee, that was a nice few seconds of music there." Unfortunately, these moments are fairly isolated at times. However, if that sort of thing appeals to you, then you might be quite happy with a purchase of this CD. But if you're looking for eleven songs that are all in the style of "Your Woman", then my advice is to search for that single on a compilation album.

You're missing the point
I don't usually write a review, but all of you who are trashing this album are missing the point. Don't just buy this album expecting it all to be like Your Woman, because its not. Most of the album is absolutely beautiful. I find it very reminicent of Nick Drake actually, especially A Week Next June and White Town. This is not radio pop for casual listeners. This album is for the people who truly appreciate music as an art form and something that stikes a cord with your soul.

90s Hit
When I was 9 in the summer of 1997 I loved "Your Woman". The techno pop hit was just awesome. Very slick!

Not a Great CD
This CD is ok. Most of the songs are boring and slow. The 1997 hit"Your Woman" is the best song on the CD. The second best is "Undressed" then it goes down hill from there. If you heard the song and are dying to hear it over and over then find the single! If you want to hear their other songs I suggest not to get this CD but it's your choice. I made a mistake getting this CD but I had no idea. Save your money, and don't buy this CD.

Lovin' the electronic sounds~
This is one of the ONLY BANDS I have ever been able to enjoy! Very electronic sounding..and very original. I do not understand how anyone could not like this music. Yeesh. :) ... Read more

Album Description

Hong Kong pressing includes four bonus tracks, 'It Could Be Me', 'I Feel Right', 'Boogie' (Blacksmith R&B Rub 12 Inch, & The Andrew Love Levy Mix). Pony Canyon. 2004. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Killer!
As the last review stated, pretend like you've never heard The Brand New Heavies before. I love their old stuff as much as anyone (and always will), but this CD brings a whole new dimension. There are, of course, little "signatures" in the songs that tell you it's the TBNH's, but this is a new direction for this band--an updated sound, if you will. It's still definately funk and to a lesser extent has some Acid Jazz flavouring, but with Nicole's voice... wow! She just belts it out. Her harmonies and vocal stylings are just... incredible. This is what happens when three very talented instrumentalists and one stellar female vocalist get together. Enjoy.

Return ofDA FUNK with a Fresh Soulful voice
The Brand New Heavies return from a brief hiatus with a funky album featuring the sassy Nicole Russo which is an a welcome addition to their catalog.What I like about this cd for those of us who long for the days that they work with N'Dea again or even cherish "Shelter" which they recorded with Siedah, BNH didn't try to recreate those recordings.What they did do is take their classic funk leanings and added more hip hop and club influences which adds freshness to the new material.Nicole Russo is another welcome addition.Sounding like a cross between Anastacia and early Teena Marie, Nicole brings accross the sass that is needed to carry these songs.My favorite tracks are "Feel Right", "Boogie", "What do you take me for" & "Waste my time",the other tracks are cool too, mos def no filler on this cd.I say check it out, but listen to it as if you have never heard a BNH cd before, trust me you won't be disappointed! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

The Two Ring Circus
The Two Ring Circus~ Erasure is a good example of what a remix album should sound like. The songs have nice loops, good rework, and overall inane lyrics.

Just Excellent Remixes!
I got the cassette just recently on December 2003, and I loved it. The remixes are just bright and sound like the original versions . They are not overproduced, but sound so simplistic as each synth sound kicks in. Little Louie Vega did a good job remixing "Victim of Love." However, "Leave me to bleed" stands out from the rest, and is much better than the original version found on "The Circus." The live songs are captivating, and "oh L'amour" sounds as you have never heard before, as Andy Bell calls out each instrument : "Percussion......Bass". You've got to get this important production of Erasure's catalog. The only reason the tape is not worn out is because I've digitalized it and turned it to mp3's.Five stars well gained.

Great
Some think that Erasure was at its best early in their career, others think that they blossomed in the '90s. As far as I'm concerned, it's more a matter of tastes than anything else; their '80s material has a very distinct sound from their '90s, synthesizer-wise and also in the approach that Erasure wrote hooks: Clarke heavily employed more acoustic-sounding synthesizer tones in the '80s (in particular, with the Oberheim Xpander synthesizer) and Clarke's focus was in making songs which were fairly simple and short but poignant and very memorable, nonetheless. Sometime in the late '80s or early '90s Clarke reverted back to analog synths (which have a more computerized and metallic sounding quality) and made darker and more complex songs, though the hooks and songwriting were as creative as ever.

That being said, "The Two Ring Circus" is my favorite '80s Erasure album, and in my opinion also their best '80s album. It is a compilation of remixes of Erasure's best cuts from "Hideaway" and "The Circus." The remixes are generally well-done though a few seem to drag on for too long. My favorite remix, by far, is "Hideaway-Little Louie Vega Mix" which I like FAR better than the original Hideaway. The song combines a full sequence of layered synth tones, for a full, rich sound, and a very melancholic and emotional melody which is powerful and unforgettable. In fact, this remix is probably my favorite Erasure song of all time. All the other tracks are great as well; even the three orchestral songs are good.

The album also contains six live tracks from a German concert including "Gimme Gimme Gimme" which is an ABBA remake, done superbly.

Whatever your tastes are in Erasure, there's no denying that this is one of their best and a must-have, in particular, for anybody with a passing interest in this British duo or an Erasure cognoscenti who has a craving for '80s Erasure-esque nostalgia.

ONE OF MY ALL-TIME FAVORITES!!
These five stars are obviously under some strong emotional influence. If this CD sounds dated at all (80's), I am blind to it. I was born in 1974, and when I got into Erasure, I was 15, in high school, and this type of alternative music (by the old definition!!) was the THING. It still sounds fresh to ME!

"The Two Ring Circus" was the first recording I ever heard from the "pop-electronic" duo Erasure. Of all their work, this is easily my favorite. The romantic, sentimental, melancholy nature of the band's music is epitomized in this recording. The songs express being broken-hearted, romantically-dejected, depressed and isolated from the world, all in a rosy dance of victorian sentiments swirling through your mind.

I'd say that Erasure is definitely a band for romantics, especially those that treat their love interests as sacred ~ the altars can be built with Erasure's tunes. So, no doubt, this can seem a bit adolescent - but these are geniune emotions that many people experience at some point, regardless of age, so they deserve their rightful place in the cosmos and the course of musical repetoire. (I mean, was Berlioz's impassioned & longing "Symphonie Fantastique" considered adolescent?!?! hmmm)

This CD is arranged so perfectly that there is no need to ever skip a track; and (unlike my reviews), it never drags. Andrew Poppy's influence in the middle of this disc initiates the listener past a veil and into a completely new realm of musical pleasures: the orchestral mixes. I adore these tracks! I particularly am fond of the horns and the strings here. WOW!! For some reason these mixes bring to my mind imagery from the Victorian era during Christmas time ... perhaps partially due to the classic brass and chamber music arrangements. Beautiful.

Also for you visual/imagery folks: the season that fits this disc best as a whole is a cold and dreary, dead and chilled November or December with beautiful memories of color and life scattered about like leaves on the damp pavement of squishy sentimentalism.

The song "Sometimes" - still Erasure's best ever - starts the disc out in its best available version. "Hideaway" is another standout. If you really love this disc and want more, don't pass up its predecessor "The Circus" because the other versions of the songs there are ALSO well-worth having, including the more electro-percussive version of "Leave Me to Bleed".

I wish Vince and Andy had continued with their earlier creativity and experimentalism as they did with this disc!! Their CD "Wild!" is the next best creative from of their output (but still very different) until they fell into their own later, self-designed pop formulae (which came together in Chorus but mostly fell apart afterward).

heard this album for 13 years.
i still remember when my dad bought this tape for me. i was 5 years old and into erasure! (thanks to my sister) after 13 years, it still sounds great! the remixes are very simple. they sound different but yet, they sound very similar to the originals. not like those annoying dance remixes that ruin the song. and for the ochestral songs, they are perfect for just kickin' back to erasure ballads. the live songs are good, but "gimme gimme gimme" is the show stopper. great re-make of the abba tune. i hoped i helped. ... Read more

Album Description

1996 compilation on Blanco Y Negro, featuring 15 of the duo's best, 1985-1996, including the hit remix versions of 'Missing' & 'Driving', plus Tracey Thorn's vocal offering onthe title track of Massive Attack's 1995 album 'Protection',and many of their finest '80s hits, including 'Apron Strings', To Talk About It', 'Each And Everyone', 'Love Is Strange', 'When All's Well' and 'Old Friends'. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Not all the best of
I was very dissapointed with this. I only liked three out 15 tracks. I thought I was getting the chic sound this group is known for. The majority of the tracks sounded very campy and too granola. NOT COOL AT ALL! save your money.

everything but the girl but short
i love everything but the girl. from the vocals to the smallest details you can find in each track. different is what i call it. but not eccentric. there are two sides so to speak of EBTG. theres the old jazzy kinda music they made and theres the music that is moving towards electronica or house. simply put their extreme music shows how talented and flexible this duo is. this album sort of sells itself a bit short of what i expected. it reared toward the electronica side. i am not against that though. dont get me wrong. i have the other compilation of their art, somehow it was much more better. if you want to be introduced properly to Ben Watt and Tracey Thorne, this would be a sort of a nudgy way to meet them. the proper and fastest way to appreciate them? buy the OTHER best of everything but the girl. now THATS what i would call a GREAT album! this would be a second date so to speak to meet the duo better.

Good
I only knew "Temperamental" and "Walking Wounded" by Everything But The Girl. This album has showed me in a nice way how EBTG has evolved from folksy jazz duo to a more 'modern' dance sound.

There is the famous Todd Terry-remix from "Missing" and the "Driving"-remixes R also nice. And of course there R the two wonderfull songs with Massive Attack, "Protection" and "Better Things" ( but they should have put "The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game" here too ).

Then there is the beautiful little EBTG-world I didn't knew. Soft jazzy or folksy songs. The stand-outs R "The Only Living Boy In New York", "I Don't Want To Talk About It" and "Apron Strings".

Maybe this compilation is lame for hardcore EBTG-fans, but as an introduction it was very good for me.

Was expecting something different
Looking back, I am not sure whether my expectations were fair. I had heard a couple of songs on the radio, and thought this would be a good purchase since "Missing" is so brilliant. Unfortunately there is not another song in the same vein on the CD.

That being said, I find several of the songs good, but they are quite a bit different that what I had expected. Since I am not a huge fan, I am not qualified to judge the quality of the remixes and the songs that were selected for the CD. What I do feel qualified to say is that if you are hoping for a CD that has the feel of "Missing" for 15 songs, you will not be getting that. But you will be getting some quality lyrics and feeling, so I don't want to sound like the CD is not good. It is, just make sure you listen to the sound samples before buying.

Everything and Much More Too
Being the first and only compilation of their hits after the worldwide success of the smash hit single "Missing," this album examines the legacy of acoustic hitmakes Everything But The Girl (or EBTG for short). With the help of great mixes by the legendary Todd Terry, Everything but the Girl has built a large following of techno music fans in recent years as they have moved away from acoustic music and into mainstream club music.

The highlights on this album have to be the songs "Missing," and "Driving," both mixed by Todd Terry. Wonderful time and energy was poured when remixing "Driving" as it sounds like an electronica fantasy come true. The remix is pure listening pleasure for any one into heavy techno mixed with deep vocals.

On the acoustic side, the song "To Each and His Own," was my favorite due to singer Tracy Thorn's cheerful voice and the great musical arrangement. The songs they collobrated with Massive Attack are good as well. Regardless of what one past reviewer said, this album is an excellent representation of EBTG's music these past 15 years.

The disc, which was made in Germany, is an import, meaning you will have to pay more to get your hands on this collection, but let me guarantee you that once you do, you won't regret it. EBTG is here to stay and this album truly demonstrate's their lasting appeal and enormous talent. ... Read more

Album Description

UK edition of third album from Sheffield-based dance-pop duo. Includes the single 'Sing It Back' (Boris Musical Mix). 2000 release. Standard jewel case. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Moloko's new success!
Gone are the days when Moloko were a second rate Portishead--ever since last years hit of the summer 'Sing it Back',Moloko seem to have acquired a new confidence,with which to tell the world the 'Time Is Now',they've arrived.This c.d. is a monster over 60 minutes long,loads of tracks and a vast amount of musical styles.People expecting an entire c.d of the Ibiza hit 'Sing it Back' will be dissappointed because this group seem to ambitious than to play it safe by sticking to one musical formula.There are the old trip-hop influences but you can also add modern dance music,80's pop,70's disco.Added to this the best song I've heard in years The Time Is Now and you get one very good c.d.At times some of the lyrics are a bit silly, but Roisin Murphy has got such a good voice that she adapts readily to all the different styles on this album.Sometimes her voice is strong very like Annie Lennox during her most famous time in the mid 80's;then she's got the silky voice of a late night diva.There are plenty of really good songs on the c.d.-each with there own distinctive sound.All the songs have brilliant,really high quality instrumental backing to Roisin's great voice.My only slight qualm would be that the album is a bit too long and it does take the listener a long time to get to know the songs--but I would recommend to anybody to stick with it as the end result is worth it.

A challenging listen
Again, the absence of one star's 'cause not all of the tracks were equally strong, not to mention that (As my headline implies) the album is not easy to swallow at first listen, but there were many great moments. The album opens with the gentle "Radio Moscow" (The first in several instrumental or semiinstrumental tracks that come now & then on the album, most of them are really wacky), which's followed by the funky Earth, Wind & Firestyle (Well, kinda) second single "Pure Pleasure Seeker". "Absent Minded Friends" sounds like an extragroovy Portishead track, whilst "Indigo" is just pure odd; But even though most people consider these first couple of tracks as strong ones (Which's true), I found the ballads "Being Is Bewildering" & "A Drop In The Ocean", & also the 1980'sesque "Dumb Inc." brilliant aswell. "The Time Is Now", single or not, just has to be one of the best tracks on the album with its guitar intro & its wonderful stringarrangment, whilst "If You Have A Cross To Bear You Might As Well Use It As A Crutch" is just hilarious & "Somebody Soemwhere" is definitely a funky lil' tune. Roisin's voice & lyrics are very powerful, especially on "Mother" (After you'll hear it you'll think twice before you're getting angry at your mom, let me tell ya that); & Mark Brydon is simply a man who does his job perfectly well. BEWARE: This album is only suitable for people with an open mind. People who expect a loadfull of Boris remixed "Sing It Back"like tracks shall stay away.

ACTUALLY 4 1/2 STARS!!!
I gotta admit that this isn't my favorite Moloko album, in fact in comparison to the remarkable "Do You Like My Tight Sweater" and the equally impressive "I Am Not A Doctor", it's somewhat lackluster. However, Roisin Murphy's vocals are more refined and the song-writing more heartfelt. There are some pretty impressive tracks here though such as the steady-groovin' "Pure Pleasure Seeker", the Timbaland-esque "Absent Minded Friends", the disco-infectious "The Time is Now" and the real-as-it-gets "Mother". Other songs kinda make you want to hit the skip button, but of course this is my opinion. Lyrically, Moloko has developed tremendously--Musically, their sound this go round is too poppish and mainstream. Nevertheless, if you're a Moloko fan you'll dig this!

BEST CD EVER
This album is a must have for trip-hop fans! Moloko combines sexy lyrics with hypnotic beats that are sure to melt the listeners heart! Very funky and swanky! Best songs are "pure pleasure seeker", the very retro "indigo", and the sultry "mother". Its best to buy this album with moloko's debut "do you like my tight sweater", both combined together make for a fun, trip-hopping journey through the world of Moloko!

Don`t Know What to Make & Do With This
Although the hype is strong, this record is nothing to write home about. Moloko`s previous albums were experimental, creative and a bit bizarre and offbeat. Their third release, however, lost a part of that touch, presenting a couple of fine moments and a lot of so-so ones. It`s not bad, it has clever and witty songs but the final result is lackluster. Roisin Murphy`s voice still engages, even if the songwriting is subpar and somewhat blah. The singles "Indigo" and "The Time is Now" are both fine compositions, but they are lost in here since the album goes on for too long and its interest quickly fades. All in all, this record is a good one to skip, there`s certainly better things to make and do than listen to it. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

atb = absolute the best in trance
I bought this album in feb this year. Didn't know what to expect of ATB. This cd is more then good it's the best mix cd I have ever heard in my life. The two-disc set includes over 30 tracks of pure trance music. The mixing and editing is perfect and it never slows down one minute. The entire album is almost 140 minutes long. I don't care for vocals in trance so for me it's perfect with just driving beats and hypnotic melodies. I just love this album so much. I can listen to the songs over and over again without getting tired of them. The picture on the front is extremly hot,he is truly the hottest DJ around. If you like trance in general buy this wonderful album and all his original albums too. Support this man and his music.

atb* mixmaster extraordinaire
Without a doubt, ATB is the best DJ on the planet. Who has put out better compiled mixes, MORE solid studio albums, or MORE dance hits after dance hits? No one. While Tiesto may be a better mixer, he hasn't even come close to accomplishing what ATB has. Tiesto has never had a solid recorded studio album (Just Be, his newest, is a let down) and has never put out as many popular dance floor hits. ATB's knack for writing, composing melodies, finding the right singers, and producing it all are second to none.

This CD is truly a gem of current trance, but I only have two rather minor complaints, that unfortunately force me to give it 4 stars and not 5: 1) it's a tad too long; combine it to one disc and edit it down to only the best tracks and you would have perfection; I find myself skipping tracks here and there. 2) a little too many instrumental tracks; only about 7 out of the 32 tracks had vocals; could have evened it out more.

This is kind of the opposite of his new release No Silence, which has 9 out of 13 tracks having vocals. I also highly recommend grabbing No Silence right away!!

If you want a current 5 star DJ compiled and mixed CD then look no further than the new release Positive Ways 3 by Ronski Speed. It's a simply amazing CD. I find that and Tiesto's In Search of Sunrise 3 to be the best two mixed CD's I have in my collection.

Two other awesome mix CD's by ATB are the Ministry of Sounds Clubber's Guide to Trance and the first Trance Mix USA CD. They are a few years old now, but are excellent mixes I still play consistently and can leave in all the way through.

One other note: there is a 3 disc Asian import of this album Don't bother. It's not worth the extra dough because the 3rd disc is just a compilation of older ATB stuff that can be found on previous cd's. It's a chill CD too, so a much different pace than the other two discs. If you are an ATB fan, chances are you already have just about every track on that bonus disc. It comes in a huge, chunky fold out case, which takes up an incredible amount of room in a CD collection. Just get the normal 2 disc set in it's nice normal CD size, and save some bucks!

Great progressive trance
ATB is not just a great producer of club and trance classics, he's also a pretty accomplished DJ. On this double disc he spins remixed and reworked progressive and uplifting trance for fans of ATB as well as Oakenfold, Blank & Jones, and even Tiesto. The beats are always great four-to-the-floor club bangers while the melodies and orchestrations are simply lush and vibrant. Some track highlights include Everything But the Girl's "Missing [Todd Terry Club Mix]", Paul Van Dyk's "Time Of Our Lives [PVD Club Mix]", Blank & Jones' "Summer Sun", and Metalmaster's "Is This Hard Enough?" [Spanishfly Mix]". It's a great introduction to those new to trance music and is also essential for those continuing to listen.

Near perfection
This is as close to perfect as you can get when putting together a collection of trance remixes. Excellent choices, with only a handful not catching my ear. Great stuff and the best trance disc out now. Also, If you're looking for some hard electronica, similar to Underworld or the Chemical Brothers, then check out mr.deviant's "Techno Obsession". That CD is killer too!

Excellent mix...if you're an ATB fan, you'll love it even mo
First of all, I'm a little biased because ATB is my favorite artist/DJ. But that doessn't diminish the fact that this CD has excellent trance sounds. I'm not a big fan of remixes but ATB does a great job of compiling all these trance tracks all in 2 cds. Continuous beats track after track. I recommend this album wholeheartedly. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In many ways, Please brought Euro-techno into the unsuspecting homes of millions like no other album before. This time, the boys--in this case the Pet Shop Boys--were doin' it for themselves. "I Want a Lover" and "Tonight Is Forever" are songs by boys for boys about boys that snuck past so many because of the genderless (for the most part) objects of affection in the lyrics. Please announces with every synthesizer swell layered over electronic beats, that the boys came to dance and they could complain about their love lives while they were at it. There is also a snide swat or two at the socioeconomic state of things ("Opportunities"), but the Pet Shop Boys' debut will always be most remembered for Neil Tennant's Al Stewart-like vocals in "West End Girls." --Steve Gdula ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Great first album
I think the reason I like this album so much is because the first time I ever had cable with MTV, I turned it on and saw the video for "West End Girls" playing, and the scene there has never left my head. Strange, I thought because there were no girls in the video! But there was something about the music that hooked me, and I read someone once called the music "haunting," and in many ways it is.

The music is very electronic and the lead singer Neil Tennant is probably not what you would think of as being a great singer. However, his voice works with the lyrics, and those lyrics really make you think. They stay with you.

My favorite songs on this album in addition to "West End Girls" would be "Love Comes Quickly" and "Suburbia". I also like the very simple "Later Tonight", which I learned to play on the piano (but I am not a good musician by any stretch). The Pet Shop Boys never really made it big in America past the mid-80s and it seems after their follow-up album ACTUALLY they practically disappeared from MTV and the radio waves. But fans like me still buy their albums.

But their musical story starts here, and it is a worthwhile album to have.

The One That Started it All...
"Please" is the debut album from Pet Shop Boys. When "West End Girls" was released in 1985, it quickly became an international hit with its memorable bassline and spoken-rap by Neil Tennant. Like most debut acts that come out with a novelty single, it seeemed that Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe were going the way of the One Hit Wonder. However, the hits kept coming and coming off this fine debut. "Opportunities" has the punch and verve of "West End Girls," while the goregous "Love Comes Quickly" is a fine, seductive ballad. It's a shame that PSB's American following dwindled after the release of this million-selling debut, because their work only got better from here. "Please" is remastered and repackaged with a second disc of bonus material. My cuts of choice are the re-edit of the album track "Why Don't We Live Together?," an extended mix of "West End Girls," and the infectious b-side "Was That What it Was?" Their debut is far from their best, but it would only set the tone for a bright future, several top 10 hits, and a rich body of work many of their peers would envy.

Please
Please~ Pet Shop Boys is very good for being Pet Shop Boys. The music has nice loops and sound. The lyrics stink as usual but the nice tracks make up for this.

I STILL FIND MYSELF GOING BACK TO THIS ALBUM!
HERE I AM..MANY YEARS AFTER THIS ALBUM WAS RELEASED AND I STILL YEARN FOR IT! THIS ALBUM IS ONE OF THE ALBUMS I CHERISHED MOST DURING HIGH SCHOOL! SONGS LIKE "WEST AND GILRS..SUBURBIA..LOVE COMES QUICKLY" AS WELL AS UNREALEASED ONES SUCH AS "VIOLENCE..WHY DON'T WE LIVE TOGETHER AND TWO DIVIDED BY ZERO ARE CLASSICS IN MY EYES. WHAT IS IT THAT MAKES SOMEONE WITH OVER 300 CD'S..OLD AND NEW..WANT TO LISTEN TO THIS ALBUM? I'LL TELL YOU WHAT IT IS.."ONE..THE MUSICIANSHIP AND ARTISTRY OF EVERY SONG.. TWO..THE MEMORIES EACH SONG EVOKES OF A TIME I STILL LONG FOR"!! COMING FROM A FAN OF SO MANY DIFFERNT TYPES OF MUSIC(TOOL..DMX..COLDPLAY..MARC ANTHONY..MAXWELL..CREED..EMINEM..BOB MARLEY..THE DOORS..KENNY G.) BELIEVE ME WHEN I TELL YOU.."THIS IS A CLASSIC"!!!!

This review is for the 2001 2 CD rerelease. See if you agree
I am a HUGE Pet Shop Boys fan and anyone familiar with my reviews may know that I've given 5's to the reissued 2 CD sets "Very" and "Bilingual" as well as the criminally underrated "Alternative" and their comprehensive 2003 career-to-date compilation titled "PopArt." "Please" was the very first release that introduced a duo named PSB to the masses via the unforgettable "West End Girls," which to me captures PSB at their best and is one of the greatest songs of all time. I can't think of another group that has based its song on cold vocals, synthesized music, and dry wit to create something that sounds and makes me feel so alive. The first single was followed by the tongue in cheek yet powerful "Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)," the soothing (or is it?) "Suburbia," and "Love Comes Quickly" just to name my favorites.

While I like other songs on this release, with the exception of "Later Tonight" and "Why Don't We Live Together," I am not giving this release a 5 as the remastered 2 CD set released in 2001 is pricey, and unlike the reissues "Very" or "Bilingual," the "Further Listening" CD does not make this a must have set. Maybe because it only covers songs from their early years and a very limited period (1984-1986), the CD does not really have as many gems as can be found on other 2001 rereleases by PSB. Also, while there are a few winners, my favorites the moody "Jack The Lad," "the catchy "Paninaro," the punchy "In The Night," "A Man Can Get Arrested," That's My Impression" can already be found in good form in "Alternative" or "Disco." The are a few surprises as exemplified by the muscular 'Was That What It Was?" (love those "drums," strings, and chorus). I wish that Neil would rerecord this song as the solo portions are not as good as all the other components. I don't think that I had heard this song before and I am really getting into it. "Suburbia (The Full Horror)" gives the original song an expanded epic dimension without taking away its original punch.

I am giving the boys "only" 4 stars as I am rating the 2 CD release and not the original release. If you have unlimited money on your hands and have already bought all the other reissues, then by all means give this a shot as you can make a great 1 CD mix from the 2 CD set. There are some songs that MAY make this a must have for you. For me just having the dance mix of "West End Girls" could have been enough; however, I also LOVE the previously unreleased (at least on CD) 12 inch version of "Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)." I also replaced the previously unreleased version of "Why Don't We Live Together" (original New York mix) as it is head and shoulders above the one in the original release.

I hope that PSB continue to do their thing for many years to come as I can never get enough of them. They are among the few acts from the 1980s that have remained relevant as PSB as the boys have so many layers to them and their music can be enjoyed on more levels than almost any act. They are not just some tongue in cheek smart alecks as their music is also romantic, melodic, and as contagious as it comes. ... Read more