Reviews (49)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You'll love this one. Trust me.

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

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

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

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

Album Description

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

LIMITED EDITION DVD INCLUDES:

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

Reviews (273)

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

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

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

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

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

THERE GREAT ... Read more

Amazon.com

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

Reviews (82)

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon.com

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

Reviews (539)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon.com

When you're a prolific band that also happens to be mighty friendly to your obsessive compulsive collector fan base, you wind up releasing a lot of singles and EPs with material that's otherwise unavailable on your albums. And here, for the price of a Japanese pressing of the Fluorescences EP on an auction site alone, you get Stereolab's eight Elektra EPs, from 1993's Jenny Ondioline to 2001's Captain Easychord. The "groop"'s collaborative EPs ( Crumb Duck, Uilab) are not included, but there is a DVD with rarely-seen videos and television performances. This box set serves far more than a plug-the-gaps exercise for trainspotters; as with the singles collections Switched-On volumes one, two and three (did we not mention this band is prolific?), it's an intriguing retrospective of the band in their mature years. And unlike those comps, this set often highlights the band's more lengthy, experimental songs. "Les Yper Yper Sound," for instance, John McEntire's distorted, delightfully repetitious reworking of "Yper Sound" from Emperor Tomato Ketchup, is spine-tinglingly awesome.--Mike McGonigal ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Stereolab-'Oscillons From The Anti-Sun'(Too Pure)3-CD/1 DVD
'Oscillons...' gives fans a real treat,a three audio disc and one DVD box set.Total of 35 songs,of which 28 will be new to most Stereolab followers EXCEPT for those die-hards who put out big $$ to purchase past import releases.Despite it's cheap-o packaging,this box set is very nice to have.Most of the tracks are lesser known singles and B-sides.The DVD is great,with it's live performances,video clips and other visual surprises.Should appeal to fans of Air,Yo La Tengo,Spacemen 3,Mouse On Mars and Tortoise.

God Bless Stereolab!
This box set is a welcome addition for the die-hards AND casuals, and it's nice having all of these EP's and singles in one place. I have no idea why others are having such a hard time opening their boxes however; it's really not that hard! And aside from one tiny little split in the corner, my box seems really sturdy and finely made.

The sticker set is a wonderful addition to this box collection, so make sure and get your box set now before it goes into a second pressing and they disappear! The set includes eight (8) 4x4 inch stickers with great art work. Suitable for framing! At just around twenty bucks for 35 tracks and a DVD, you just can't go wrong with this. Even if you've not heard one single lick of a stereolab song and if you're a semi-casual fan of electronic music, try them out!

Damn That Packaging
I really do like this latest compilation from Stereolab but I do have to knock a point off for the packaging that the band insists on providing.I thought the last two Switched On compilations were annoying with their flimsy cardboard but this one beats them both (although my copy of S.O. 3 did fall apart about a minute after I got it so I couldn't put the disc in with out it falling out).With "Oscillons...", Stereolab gives us an incredibly difficult to open as well as bulky box with cheap sleeves inside to hold the discs, including the DVD.C'mon, are you so against simple plastic jewel cases?Well, other than the box it comes in, I do indeed recommend this latest compilation from Stereolab even like many other fans, all of the trouble we went through to get those import EPs and singles seem to have lost its shine now that a proper domestic collection is out but at least you had them before a lot of others and thus got the pleasure of hearing some of the band's finer material years before a lot of people did.

Ketchup in a box!
Ok, I kid - it's actually "catch up" for all those of us who discovered Stereolab later rather than sooner.I'm sure I'm not alone - my first Stereolab CD was 2004's sublime Margarine Eclipse, which prompted me to search for the earlier CDs and EPs.My advice to fellow latecomers: dive into this box set!As other reviewers noted, this is a great collection.

A few thoughts about the DVD included in this set: one of the first things I heard about Stereolab was that they were exceptional in concert, and I was disappointed that I could not find any DVDs of their shows.The DVD in this collection has eight "promos" followed by three live performances from UK television.With the exception of Jenny Ondioline, the promos are not typical music videos.They are more like surrealistic dreamscapes (think Dali, backed by synthesizers, broadcast on early PCs - a hoot) set to music.Next, the first live video is a superb, driving rendition of French Disko, gone a bit trippy with TV special effects (think Austin Powers).And then come two gems from the Later...with Jools Holland show (ca. 1996).For all those of us who were late to the party, here's proof that Stereolab -- in addition to being electronic, cerebral, political, carefully crafted, etc., etc. -- are terrific live.These performances of Cybele's Reverie and Les Yper Sound are a great glimpse of what we missed, including the late, lamented Mary Hansen.We can only hope that there are more live performances in the vault and destined for future DVDs, and look forward to the band's future tours.In the meantime, I highly recommend the videos and three CDs in this box set.

A final note for the old-time Stereolab fans who already own the EPs collected here, but not the Jenny Ondioline promo: there's a moment in that video, when the always serious Laetitia Sadier starts to smile and turns away from the camera and toward Mary, who's smiling back...talk about a perfect moment. As a previous reviewer said, Mary, rest in peace.And long live Stereolab!

have to agree with the first 2 reviewers..
...but elaborate a little bit on both. The music on this is beyond cool, I can't say enough about it, so I'll leave it at that.

But... the packaging is *extremely* tough to open - mine's already pocked with fingernail marks from trying to pry it open, and the cardboard box seems to be splitting at some of the outside joints. And I've had it for all of 18 hours. It's not enough really to knock a star off of my review, but it's more than a little irritating.

And yes, like reviewer #2 said, it is a bit frustrating now for me to look over the hundreds of dollars worth of import cd's that have now been rendered obsolete by about $23. Have I had $100's worth of enjoyment over the years that I would have otherwise spent without this music? Well, that's debatable, but I'll say "yes, I have."

The stickers of all the various single covers are very cool - I'm tempted to plaster my guitar case with them, but then they'd get messed up. What's an OC (obsessive completist) to do??? ... Read more

Amazon.com

Florida's megaplatinum matchbox twenty prove with their third album to be far more versatile than expected, comfortably outlasting the predictions of naysayers. Reuniting with producer Matt Serletic, the quintet takes credible swings at gospel ("Downfall" features a choir), Traveling Wilburys-type twang ("All I Need"), and big-arena rock with "Disease," cowritten by singer Rob Thomas and Mick Jagger and winkingly recalling Thomas's star turn with Carlos Santana on "Smooth." Pedal-steel great Greg Leisz spruces up several tracks, notably the tearjerker "Hand Me Down," while producer and keyboardist Serletic and percussionist Paul Doucette sprinkle instrumental pixie dust. More Than You Think You Are isn't likely to appease critics, who have consistently accused matchbox twenty of yelling when a whisper would do, but fans of the group are certain to dig these panoramic songs, each drawn in broad, vivid strokes. --Kim Hughes ... Read more

Reviews (337)

Pre-Mad Season MB20 is Back!
Despite it's pricy appearance and the lack of interest because of the failing Mad Season, More Than You Think You Are brings back the qualities of Yourself or Someone Like You and even the earlier Don't Play With Matches and Tabitha's Secret, by the band of the same name.

Mad Season was a quick release to grab at the popularity, and it failed miserably at bringing the heartfelt lyrics and melodies of Yourself back, dropping the excellent progressions for power chords.

However, MTYTYA's selection is wide and tasteful. It covers the harder, gritty rock genre with songs like Feel and Bright Lights; brings back vocals reminiscent of Santana ft Rob Thomas with Disease; brings back the slow, melancholy feel with Unwell and Hand Me Down.

The lyrical content of this album is excellent as well, touching the human spirit. Remarkable are "Unwell" and "Hand Me Down" for their lyrics, but all the selections feature emotional words paired with equally moving rhythms and melodies.

This album is an amazing tribute to the ability of Matchbox Twenty. Though slightly expensive, it fulfills the basic needs of a good compilation, and then goes a bit further. It covers a wide variety of styles while staying true to the MB20 sound. The lyrics are well written and deeply moving, and the melodies are mesmerising. This album exceeds the predictions set for it.

We can only hope for more of Matchbox Twenty of this caliber.

Song for song, and as a whole, one of the best ever
I've listened to Matchbox Twenty's past two albums. I liked their first two very much, but this one takes the cake. They take their previous sound and take it to a whole other level. This album is at once grittier and softer than their previous releases. Grittier, with songs like "Feel" and "Cold"; softer, with songs like "Unwell" and "The Difference".

I will review the songs one by one:

1. Feel: When I first heard the song "Disease", I thought it was the hardest thing that Matchbox Twenty had written. I was wrong; this is. A very powerful rock song with heavy guitars; very angry yet surprisingly well-done lyrics. Not their best on the album, but far from their worst. 7.0/10.

2. Disease: I've heard this one plenty already, thanks. Another hard-rock song, slightly more subdued compared to the first. Fairly good but overplayed. 7.0/10.

3. Bright Lights: Very nice change compared to the last two. Starts out very quiet, and Rob's voice is up to the task. And then the guitars kick in, but not taking away from the early mood too much. Lyrics are among the best on the album. Probably the best single thus far. 9.5/10.

4. Unwell: Another single suffering from overplay, this one is still quite good for all that. Slower and quieter compared to the first two songs, and softer than the second half of "Bright Lights". Lyrics are again well-written. 8.5/10.

5. Cold: Back to the hard stuff. This one is probably their best pure "hard" song on this album. Trademark good lyrics, with good guitars to support. The key change near the end was a bit of a surprise, but a good one. Does Rob have a good vocal range or what? 8.5/10.

6. All I Need: They could have come up with a better intro, but the music through the rest of the song is pretty darned good. So are the lyrics, and Rob's execution is once again flawless. Not the cream of this album's crop, but it's up there. 7.5/10.

7. Hand Me Down: About as soft as they come on the album. While I generally tend to prefer softer songs over harder ones, this one seems just a bit limp, especially since Rob has to go falsetto during the first chorus. However, the lyrics do manage to save it from being the worst song on the album, and this song definitely has its moments. 7.0/10.

8. Could I Be You: I dunno about you guys, but there's something about the piano, guitar, and drum parts that don't quite seem to mix well, especially near the beginning. Perhaps the drums are too overstated there or something. Anyway, the poor start hurts this song, though it's not enough to drop it to the dreaded worst-song level. 7.0/10.

9. Downfall: Probably the biggest surprise on the album. Starts out with the kind of hard fare that's sprinkled through the rest of the album. Plus, the lyrics to go along with that are extremely good. That in itself would have been good enough to earn a high rating, but then the song suddenly breaks into a gospel chorus. What's more, they make the hard rock and the gospel mix extremely well, and Rob's voice is again up to the task of doing both the harder music and the softer parts. Highlight of the song has to be the part where the gospel choir is giving a vocal backdrop to Rob's softly-sung lyrics: "Lay me down; I'll always be with you/hear me now, with all that's within you...." Great stuff. 9.5/10.

10. Soul: Enh. This song has the typically good lyrics that Rob Thomas comes up with, but there's something about the musical composition that doesn't quite agree with me. Perhaps it's the fact that the chorus and the verses are too mismatched, or maybe it's the unkempt intro. I dunno what it is, but whatever it is gives this song my label of "worst song", though of course that's relative to all the other songs on the album. 5.5/10.

11. You're So Real: Transitioning from "Soul", this is somewhat reminiscent of some of the older rock songs out there. Rob's lyrics are difficult to criticize once again, even though his use of them is rather unusual compared with the previous songs. Where I find fault is, again, the music. Perhaps it's just me, but this sort of rock doesn't seem to agree with me very much, despite its slight resemblance to "All I Need". Still, it's not the worst on the album. 6.5/10.

12. The Difference: Beautiful. Just beautiful. While at least one review has labeled this particular song as being the closest to MB20's old material, I have to disagree. This song, with its soft organ and softer guitars, is just begging to become the next single. While it likely won't please the fans of the YoSLY, this song truly shows how far this group has come. Complaints of its length notwithstanding (since the track includes the hidden track "So Sad So Lonely"), the soft (but not too soft) music matched with some of the best lyrics on the album make this, in my personal opinion, the best song on the CD. 10.0/10.

13. So Sad, So Lonely: The hidden track. Personally, I would have preferred to end the album with "The Difference" and just left it at that. Still, it's not the worst song on the album. The fast pace of the song, coupled with Rob's lyrics, generally make this one more good than bad. 7.0/10.

Overall rating: The album is, for the most part, well-ordered, with well-conceived changes of pace, Rob's good lyrics and great vocals, and selection of good-to-great songs. Few mistakes, and plenty to sing praises about. 9.0/10.

Good Singles, Ok Album
Matchbox 20 released a lot of singles off of this album. I really enjoyed the ones they picked. I couldn't wait to get the album. I got it but, I wasn't impressed. The only good songs were the singles which were all overplayed besides "Downfall". Really, you would be better off listening to the radio, but, you would like a few songs that weren't singles. It's worth the money, but it's not the best of Matchbox 20.

Feel 2/5
Disease 5/5
Bright Lights 4/5
Unwell 5/5
Cold 3/5
All I Need 3/5
Hand Me Down 5/5
Could I Be You 4/5
Downfall 3/5
Soul 4/5
You're So Real 2/5
The Difference 3/5

CD - 3.6/5

AWFUL
eddie vedter wanna be, awful cajin junk

this is the worst, THE worst rock since puddle of mudd

The BEST MB20 album YET!
I cannot believe I haven't reviewd this album earlier. This is by far my favorite cd, it has been for over a year now. Matchbox Twenty's music is so versatile and they can do sooo much with their sound, it's amazing. The songwriting was great (as usual), but the special part about that, is most the members of the band contributed, it wasn't just Rob Thomas who wrote all the music. Here is my take on the tracks:

Feel: This track has a sort of "techno" feel to it, and it has a harder rock sound to it, very catchy too.

Disease: Wanna I first heard this song I wasn't sure about it, I thought it was alright. Then when I heard the accoustic version on MB20's EP, I loved it!! Then I went back to this cd and played it and I got hooked.

Bright Lights: This was one of my top three favorites on the cd, even before it was released as a single. I'm so glad it was released, it starts slow, and then it really breaks into something, awesome song.

Unwell: This song was the song that persuaded me to buy the cd. However, I got really sick of this song lol, it's a nice song, but man oh man, radio really killed it. I'm surprised they didn't play it on the country radio station, it was that popular, plus it has a country sound to it.

Cold: Average song

All I Need: It doesn't jump out at me, but it's a nice listen.

Hand Me Down: This one was my favorite on the album when I purchased it, I love the lyrics, "I'm here for the hard times, the straight to your heart times, whenever it aint' easy you can stand up against me" The arrangement is kind of fast and not flowy at first but I love the song.

Could I Be You: Average, but good song.

Downfall: One of my favorites on the album, I love when the choir starts singing, this song is not like any other MB20 song, it's awesome. "Be My Savior, and I'll be your Downfall".

Soul: When I first popped the cd in, this one I really liked, the music is great, and the lyrics are nice.

Your So Real: Fun and fast!! One of my top 5

The Difference: My least favorite song on the album :( This song does nothing for me! The only thing I like about it, is that after it's over, "So Sad So Lonely", comes on.

So Sad, So Lonely (Bonus Track) Awesome song, it has a unique sound to it, interesting lyrics, one of my favorites.

THIS CD IS FOR ANY MUSIC FAN! It will be hard for their next album to outdo this one, if they make one! ... Read more

Album Description

"Home alone and happy / Nothing brings me down" So opens Emiliana Torrini’s second album, a soft-yet-searing collection of twelve intimate and atmospheric songs that will whisper their way into your bloodstream. Back in 1999, when the singer released the critically acclaimed Love In The Time Of Science, Emiliana came out with a gorgeous, electronic trippoppin’ vision of endless summer and moonlit nights out. Following her departure from One Little Indian, there’s a new introspection, closer to Nick Drake or Jolie Holland than Portishead or Goldfrapp. The 27-year-old singer and writer has nonetheless been busy since Love In The Time Of Science. She moved to Brighton, joined the cast of Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers to perform the enchanting ‘Gollum Song’ wrote and toured with Thievery Corporation, and wrote a Number One Hit for Kylie Minogue in the shape of huge-selling pop smash "Slow." ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Beautiful voice but disappointed.
When I purchased this album I expected something much more similar to "Love in the Time of Science" her 1st album.This is too mellow even for my wife.It reminds me of when Natalie Merchant left the 10,000 Maniacs.She had a cool voice too but it needed some good musical accompaniment.I realize recording artists have to change their sound here and there but this was too much.

*sigh*
acoustic, intimate and breathily soft, a non-jazzy-blues-ish version of norah jones. quite different from her previous album, which triphoppily falls under the electronica genre. i first heard her in "crazy/beautiful" (song entitled "to be free"), remembered her name, found this album last week at a nearby music cafe, bought it, and have been listening to it eversince. icelandic like bjork, and reviewed as a bjorkish artist (it's funny though--i can't stand bjork's music. i appreciate her lyrics, though).

From Scientist to a "Fisherman's Woman"
Making her American debut in 1999 with the flawless and intense "Love in the Time of Science", Emiliana Torrini established herself as one of trip-hop's finest and a muscician to watch for years to come.After a six year hiatus, along with a song on the "Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" soundtrack ("Gollum's Song"), collaborations with Thievery Corporation, and writing a #1 dance hit for Kylie Minogue ("Slow"), she is back--and with a new sound strumming from her fingers."Fisherman's Woman" is a complete revolution from "Love in the Time oc Science", drenched in melancholy folk music.Ms. Torrini has incorporated so much nature into this album, focusing on hurt and recuperation, that it sometimes sound as if her and her production team fled into the remote forests and lakes of Iceland, recorded music and came back to see what had come into the mix.Some beatiful things include the creaking of a boat, the lovely way in which Torrini strums her guitar and, of course, that voice.She cooes and swoons her way through her music, allowing listeners to feel her pain and happiness, then relies on her guitar to do the rest, which does quite well.What is amazing about this album is how she has gone from hard-core trip-hop ("Love....") to folky acoustic music.In all, it is an amazing sophmore album and a great step in her creativity.Fitted for a lazy afternoon or an hour of creativity, "Fisherman's Woman" is bound to make you want to be that very fisherman of which she speaks.

Emiliana Torrini's Most Accomplished Yet (4.5)
Emiliana Torrini emerged around 1999, at least in the US and most of Europe, heralded as a voice belonging to Bjork's coven, a comparison I always found more related to their common homeland, Iceland, than a deeply strong sisterhood of sound.
Although 'Love In The Time Of Science" did bring to mind some of Bjork's occasional lullaby-like phrasings, and the album's arrangements did rely on subtle and timely Electronica, Torrini was already promising to be her own person, someone with something genuine and personal to say.
The thought that came to mind -please allow an unexpected metaphor here- is that the songs follow each other like geese migrating toward warmth, each of them distinct yet flying at the same altitude and with a common destination.
"Fisherman's Woman," her new album, is that promise fulfilled. Her voice, in this new album, is more confident, more decisive while never raising beyond a tender hush, a perfect tone to deliver lyrics that are at once revelatory, thoughtful and yet innocent and uncomplicated.
But don't let the sweetness of these tunes confuse you about the strength of their confessional power. Whether it is the short title song, the painful and beautiful "Today Has Been OK," or the gorgeous melody of the album's first single, "Sunnyroad," Emiliana weaves images into stories that you may feel she's only singing to you.
Equally worthy of recognition are the melodies and the band, particularly Dan Carey -who plays some unassumingly beautiful and intelligent guitar, as well as bass and pedal steel- and the subtle piano of Julian Joseph. This and the intimacy that Emiliana's voice is capable of, also shows decisively in "Snow," and "Lifesaver" with its bewitching cadence and the brilliant sample of the creaking wood of a boat swaying.
If you come to Torrini for the first time, I can't imagine you not finding enough to remain near, for repeated listenings. And if you were already touched by Emiliana's earlier releases, I predict that you will be elated with this album. She has become her own self yet more deeply, an old skin has shed and made space for a new one.
This is a brilliant album, confirming a voice and a sound that has much more offer to new singers than it owes to the ones that precede her.

different performance, same sublime beauty
*This is the same review I posted for the import version of this album.The two versions contain the exact same content, so I thought my review might also be useful here*

Torrini's sophmore album bares little resemblance to her first masterpiece, "Love in the Time of Science." "Fisherman's Woman" is strictly a light, acoustical production with none of the deep bass lines or trip-hop flare of her previous work. What Torrini preserves, however, is her wonderful gift of poetic songwriting.

As one can infer by the album's title, "Fisherman's Woman" evokes feelings of a simplier life and times. Arrangements are beautifully minimalistic, assembled with great care to accentuate Torrini's breezy voice and laymen's lyrics. In "Love in the Science of Space," her voice often seemed to play second fiddle to the wondrously rich music. In "Fisherman's Woman," however, Torrini's voice clearly takes center stage, with sparse stringed and percussive instruments serving as accompaniment.

Like her previous album, I don't believe there are any particular standouts simply because I find every song wonderfully engaging (I suppose if I had to pick, track #6, "The day has been okay," is very endearing). Torrini's two albums serve as a strong testament to her consistent skills as a lyricist and songwriter. For whatever reason, many musical artists disappear after their second showing. I pray Torrini does not join their ranks. It would be an utter shame to lose a bonafide creative talent in today's sea of mediocre performers pretending to be true artists. ... Read more

Amazon.com

No Name Face is an auspicious debut from a band seemingly made to rule the airwaves. The insinuating melodies that mark Lifehouse's radio-friendly sound are not unlike those of matchbox twenty or Live in their softer moments. From the first single, "Hanging by a Moment," to the emotive and uplifting "Quasimodo" and the wonderful "Trying" (think Crowded House at their lilting best), Lifehouse are self-possessed and focused. Young singer-songwriter Jason Wade (the son of two ministers) imbues Lifehouse's vibe with a spiritual quality that's never heavy-handed, delivering the goods with the authority of an experienced troubadour. No Name Face may be a first offering from a young band, but it looks to signal the beginning of an estimable career. --Katherine Turman ... Read more

Reviews (531)

One of the BEST cds
Lifehouse no longer has a "no name face," in fact they are getting very well known with the help of their hit single "Hanging by a Moment." While it was that song that lead me into the store to purchase this CD, it is not the song that has kept Lifehouse in my CD player for months. This CD is one of the few CDs you can listen to straight through and the songs get better and better, "Hanging by a Moment" is track one. The music isn't just catchy, the songs really say something. Many give great advice on dealing with love, rejection, and the self. They give positive messages in the form of great music, what's better than that?
The best tracks in my opinion would be the amazing "Sick Cycle Carousel," the beautiful and thought provoking "Simon," and the love song "Breathing." But I don't think you could go wrong with any track, they are all perfection.
These guys have extreme talent and are just going to get better and better with time. Lifehouse has built a great foundation with this album and I can't wait to see what else they come out with. Go get this CD is will blow you away, it's just that good.

Excellent music from an Excellent band
Noteworthy lyrics, great rhythms, and smooth sound is the definition of Lifehouse. I bought the CD because I liked the song Hanging by a Moment, and it got other good online reviews. Parents, there are not any inappropriate words or subjects whatsoever. On a scale of 1-10, these are my ratings of the songs:Hanging by a Moment-10 Sick Cycle Carousel-10 Unknown-9 Somebody Else's Song-8 Trying-8 Only One-9 Simon-7.5 Cling and Clatter-9 Breathing-9 Quasimodo-8.5 Somewhere in Between-7 Everything-8 Overall, it's a wonderful CD. You could listen to all the songs over and over again and never get tired of it. They are great. I look forward to another album. What are you waiting for? Buy it!

Truly inspiring
These guys are fantastic! Coming from England you don't hear much of these guys around here but i happened to catch the end of 'Hanging by the moment' on a music channel when it first came out on and i instantly loved it but never heard it again. I luckly got the name of the band and went to America a couple of months later and got the album, it's never left the C.D player!
There music is so inspiring and each track is different i love the way theres such a powerful energy building up in the song 'Everything' and theres so much feeling in the writing of the songs. Jason Wade has a gripping voice and i love listening to the album lying in the dark and letting the music just hit me. I've tried to get everyone i no over hear to listen to their music and everyone of them has loved Lifehouse since.

My favorite album
Like many others, I fell in love with Hanging by a Moment when it was on the radio. However, that song was massively overplayed, and I was underwhelmed by the singles from Stanley Climbfall. I rediscovered Lifehouse when I heard someone play the song Everything. Stunning, moving, gorgeous. This prompted me to give No Name Face a listen. I was blown away. I think I hit the repeat button on over half the songs--a very uncharacteristic move for me. Hanging by a Moment, while a good song, is far from the best on the album. The whole disc is strong, and there is very little filler. The music is solid and surprisingly unrepetitive. Lifehouse offers everything from gentle ballads like Everything and Simon to rockers like Quasimodo. The lyrics are lovely: introspective, but not depressing.

Highly recommended.

Great stuff
I would buy this song just for "Everything" and "Somewhere in between" this cd is a true classic. I have still not gotten tired of this cd years later and the songs bring back good memories. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A hit single can be a bit of a mixed blessing for new bands, especially if said song gets you firmly lumped into the "novelty band" category. Such was the case with Weezer, whose runaway hit "Buddy Holly" touched a global nerve upon its release, then got on everyone's nerves after months of radio saturation. However, it did ensure that they sold millions of copies of their self-titled debut. Which is why it's so strange that their second album, Pinkerton, was ignored. Perhaps the cold shoulder was due to the willfully noncommercial first single, "El Scorcho," which crashed and burned. Whatever the reason, Pinkerton soon disappeared, which is a shame because it's a great album. Whereas Weezer reveled in the band's geek-rock image, Pinkerton saw Rivers Cuomo maturing as a lyricist. From the opening, "Tired of Sex," which rants about the frustrating easiness of groupies, to the new wave pop of "Getchoo" to the epic genius of "The Good Life," there's much more diversity here than the Pixies-influenced bouncy grunge of their debut. With the closing solo, the acoustic lament "Butterfly," Cuomo demonstrates a pop mastery that promises great things from this reformed geek. --Robert Burrow ... Read more

Reviews (424)

One last great hurrah.
After buying bothe the Green and Blue albums, this cd kind of surprised me. In the best way possible. The way Rivers has matured so much in his writing for this album just sort of leaves you in awe. Its hard to explain the quality that eminates throughout the album. Its almost magical, transforming the Weezer we all know and love into something much more meaningful. From the brilliant, rather edgy opener Tired of Sex, to the almost Buddy Holly catchy-ness of The Good Life, and the good ol Weezer humor of El Scorcho and Pink Triangle, this album manages to keep the Weezer we all know and love, while still giving Rivers his last hurrah before going back with DGC. And I dig that freaky guitar sound in the first couple of songs. The finale, Butterfly, an acoustic solo, is absolutely beautiful. At least it seems that way after listening to the rest of the album. Which is one of its strong points, that you can listen to the whole cd straight. And you should, it adds to the effect. Bottom line, buy the album. You hear that alot on amazon, but its true this time. It shant disapoint.

Beautiful and ingenious
To understand this record you have to give it multiple listens. After a while it begins to stick on you. You'll love the songs so much you can't stop listening to them. And much like the debut, you'll memorize the track numbers pretty quick.

1. Tired Of Sex-Great guitar distortion, catchy tune 2. Getchoo-Best damn lyrics, and it would be really cool to play this song. 3. No Other One-A song about the length guys will go to for girls, brilliance. 4. Why Bother-Nice catchy tune 5. Across The Sea-A great song, just takes a while to get into. 6. The Good Life-My favorite on here as a little kid, kind of sillly but kind of true. 7. El Scorcho-You'll sing this one in the shower. 8. Pink Triangle-Weezer having a little fun, writing a kind of comedic and kind of sad song. 9. Falling For You-Reprise of el scorcho, nice song. 10. Butterfly-An excellent closer to a classic album.

So if you like music, at all, you need this cd and Weezer's debut. If you look up good music in a dictionary there should be a picture of Weezer, Weezer are the epitomy of all that is good and this record is brilliant.

Almost flawless...
Pinkerton is not only Rivers Cuomo's (mostly cycnical)realization that he is going to get old, but it's Weezer's best album, start to finish. From "Tired of Sex," in which he laments meaningless sex to "Why Bother?" where he wonders what the point is, when "...why bother, it's gonna hurt me...it's gonna kill when you desert me..." to "Across the Sea," where he wonders about a young Japanese fan to "The Good Life," which is an amazing song about feeling old and removed (and my favorite), the raw production makes this album sound great.
The only way this album could have been better would be if Weezer had waited and put "Only In Dreams" instead of "Butterfly" on Pinkerton.
To any potential new Weezer fan (are there folks out there that aren't already fans?), this is their best work, although maybe slightly less polished (and sadly, less successful) than the self-titled debut.
Just quit reading about it and own it.

Best Weezer Album
People seem to be upset with this work of weezer because it is so different than its predecessor, the blue album. Well, it's not the blue album. But it is still obviously Weezer. They make a huge statement here through Pinkerton. They aren't your everyday band where every song, every album sounds exactly the same. Pinkerton is so different from their previous album, but that's what makes it great. Honestly, i didnt like it the first time i listened through it. why? because it wasnt blue and i was so narrow minded i rejected it. but after listening to it more and more, it has become by far the best weezer cd, if not my favorite cd of all time. it is one of those rare cds where you can listen to the whole album straight through and enjoy every minute of it. It made me a fan of weezer. I would recommend this cd to anyone, and would advise to accept it for what it is, not reject it simply because its not a remix of weezer blue.

HOW PINKERTON CHANGED MY LIFE
"Pinkerton" is the greatest album ever made! Alright, don't let the being rated "worst album of 96'" by Rolling Stone scare you. They have people who love rap reviewing Weezer albums for Jeff's sake! I have owned "Pinkerton" for about 4 years now and still listen to it at least once a day. Every song is an immaculately crafted piece of emotion and feeling on Rivers Coumo's part. You are not a Weezer fan unless you own and love "Pinkerton". The best songs are "Across the Sea" and "Pink Triangle". It's true, Pinkerton was before its time. Unfortunately, Weezer got a lot of flack for it just because the general public wanted another Blue Album which was also a great c.d. but not in the same class as "Pinkerton". Music should be for the fans, not the public. Pinkerton was for the fans, but mainly for Rivers. If a musician has enough guts to put himself on the line for a c.d. he believes in, that is worth something, when he makes an album like "Pinkerton", that is magic. "Pinkerton" is a new generation's "Catcher in the Rye". I'm not a fan of whiny loser teenage rock, basically, I hate any song that has the lyric "back in high school" in it. Pinkerton has no songs with that oh so dragon slaying phrase in it, yet, it stills delivers emotion without being whiny and assenine. There is not enough I can say about Pinkerton besides you should buy this album and listen to it as frequently as possible. Even if you don't like it at first, it will grow on you. Here you me, this is true. ... Read more

Album Description

Originally released in 1994, Trent Reznor created THE DOWNWARD SPIRAL as both a concept album and modern day classic. This influential 90’s classic is Trent Reznor’s industrial cum-tragic opera view of the world and the soul’s sonically detailed fall from grace. The Downward Spiral delves into despair and anger with hard guitars and brutal beats.

This SACD/Hybrid DELUXE EDITION of THE DOWNWARD SPIRAL celebrates the 10 Anniversary of the modern masterpiece.

DELUXE EDITION includeds 2 hybrid SACD/CDs:Disc One - The original album in SACD Surround Sound (remixed by Trent Reznor), and newly remastered SACD Stereo and CD Stereo program.Disc Two - Bonus material (13 B-Sides, Remixes, and Rarities) in SACD Stereo and CD Stereo. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

The third full-length release from Massive Attack is a taste of the future of pop music--a future where precisely engineered events can be seamlessly partnered with the subtle complexities of a human voice. Since their first album, Blue Lines, they've been making similar magic happen with any one of several guest vocalists, but nothing like the way it happens on Mezzanine. This time they take the union further, moving it into a darker space in which the individual elements become less discernable. Guest vocalists are Sara Jay, Horace Andy (who also appeared on their debut), and Elizabeth Fraser (of Cocteau Twins), whose amazingly articulate and distinctive voice works so very well with the music of Massive Attack. --Paul Clark ... Read more

Reviews (310)

simply unbelievable
its now the year 2000, and two years after this album's release, it still remains the first and foremost in musical innovation and just downright grooviness. i am a big fan of complicated music. when a sound, riff or melody seeps into my listening experience even after hearing it numerous times before, i think it is the mark of true music genius. and this ablum does seep, crawl, stalk, flow, seethe, and pulse with sounds, vocals and beats blended into a never before accomplished masterpiece. the music is as layered and complicated as the new NIN cd, but with a groove known only as trip hop. this music is cool, cutting edge, dark, erotic and hypnotic. play it loud at a party for its sheer sound, or low in the middle of the night with your siginificant other. a few of the songs with the female vocalist remind me much of the gothic sound of switchblade symphony, only with sexier, less dated musical support. this album never stops, it'll never leave your cd player. be prepared. leave the boy boy bands and all the mtv trash behind, and come into a world of intelligent, sexy, and challenging music known as massive attack.........

Massive Attack Outstands Trip Hop Genre
Year after year of the same music, artists copying of one another, some artists try changing their taste for music. But there's one group that outstands them all. The group is called "Massive Attack". Massive Attack is a Trip Hop group that has been around for years. The Mezzanine era ranges from deep Trip Hop "Risingson", to classical, jazzy, trip hop "Teardrop".
The album contains 11 tracks, one bonus on the Japanese Edition. The top hit singles were "Risingson", "Teardrop" "Inertia Creeps", and "Angel". This tpe of music is good for strolling in your car driving, or in a dim sun room with your shades on drinking and talking with friends.

Introducing this album in 1998, it seems that the 90s were only for pop artists such as "Madonna", "Janet Jackson" and "Britney Spears". Massive Attack broke the ring of the pop, making Trip Hop the best, outstanding from every other genre there is.
That's why I believe why Massive Attack, and Trip Hop is so popular today. So from reading this review, I HIGHLY suggest you purchase the Mezzanine album. If you are a TRUE fan of Massive Attack, buy the Japanese Edition. It's worth the extra money.

Groundbreaking and breathtaking
I guess I just need to put in my two cents in this sea of reviews (most of them good, obviously) for this album. I fell in love with this album in the summer of 1998. I listened to it while reading the 4th book in the Dark Tower series by Stephen King. They meshed perfectly. The dark, haunting synths, downbeat droning guitar, and spine tingling vocals on this album are simply amazing. I had never heard anything quite like it before, or since. Massive's earlier works are not as dark and moody, and their later work is a little too innaccessible for most people (though I absolutely loved it!). Buy this album! Dont hesitate! Do it NOW!!! SPEND, YOU AVID CONSUMER YOU!!!!

Whew! 'Nuff said. Bye!

too good!
This is by far the best album ever released, not only by massive attack, but i'm talking about the best album ever released in the music world. angel, rising son, mezzanine, I couldn't stop listening, it crabs you and doesn't let you go until the last sound. it's just hypnotising. God, I wish I could listen the album for the first time again!!forget blue lines, this is the album you should get!

I Wish I Could Use More Stars...
This is, flat out, (in my opinion) the best album ever released. Massive Attack is an utterly awesome group, and by far the best Trip-Hop band out there.
The album begins with some of the best songs ever created by any artist of any kind, starting with "Angel", sung by Massive Attack's honorary member, Horace Andy. With his wonderfully haunting voice and the song's slow beats and humming bass, the song becomes dark, desolate, and completely otherworldly.
The second song, "Risingson" is probably the best song Massive Attack has created. It's yet another dark song, filled with paranoia and doubt. I love it.
The third track, "Teardrop" is one of my personal favorites. The song is sung by guest vocalist, Elizabeth Fraser of the Cocteau Twins. It's Ethereal, dreamy, and utterly wonderful.
And, of course, there is "Inertia Creeps". A truly great song and one of Massive Attack's bests. Eerie, paranoid, and hypnotic: it's a great song to lose yourself in.
The rest of the album cannot quite keep up with its first four epic tracks, but none the less, it's other half beats out most albums without ever even trying. A truly wonderful album. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Cool, calculating, and Euro-trashy in the grand tradition of Roxy Music and the Eurythmics. --Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Reviews (203)

The Kings (And Queen) Of Modern Rock
One of my all-time favorite albums is the 1995 debut disc by Garbage, who, in my opinion, are the world's greatest modern rock band. The group came together when guitarists' Duke Erikson & Steve Marker wanted to form a band with their friend, drummer/producer Butch Vig (who produced Nirvana's classic, "Nevermind"). But they still needed a singer. One evening the guys are watching MTV, and they see a music video by a band named Angelfish, fronted by a Scottish lass named Shirley Manson. Impressed with Shirley, the Garbage men immediately contact her, and the rest, as they say, is history. Their 1995 self-titled debut album is a fabulous whirlpool blend of bone-crunching rock and shimmering pop, with classy euro-trash production, samples and effects, capped off by Shirley's seductive voice. It arguably remains their best album to date (though I certainly love "Version 2.0" and "beautifulgarbage" just fine).There's not a dull track anywhere on "Garbage." Whether tearing up the joint on rockers like "Supervixen," "As Heaven Is Wide," "Vow," and "My Lover's Box," pumping up the pop on "Only Happy When It Rains," "Fix Me Now," and the big hit "Stupid Girl," or soaring through the atmosphere on songs like "Queer," "A Stroke Of Luck" and "Milk," Shirley & the boys are a superb musical force to be reckoned with. They are original, intelligent, crafty, and just plain genius. To my ears, there's no other modern rock band these days that comes close to them. I sure hope that there will be more music to come from Garbage in the near future, 'cause they're that good. "Garbage" is a stunning album by the kings (and queen) of modern rock. Long may they reign!

One of the greatest
Great lyrics, Great music, it's all here. If you want to experience songs of dark and haunting nature this is the album for you. One of the best songs on the album has to be "Vow", a song about true revenge, "I came to cut you up, I came to drag you down, I came around to tear your little world apart and break your soul apart", sings Shirley convincingly. If you can relate to only smiling in the dark then you'll love track 3, "only happy when it rains", a song with affectious bass. Garbage is one of the only bands still around that can portray dark nature with such beauty.

1.Supervixen 7/10
2. Queer 9/10 (The song is not actually about queers, it's about a father forcing his son to embark on a sexual journey [...], I think so anway)
3. Only happy when it rains 10/10
4. As heaven is wide 7/10 (A song for all you atheists out there)
5. Not my idea 8/10
6. A stroke of luck 10/10 (A haunting rock ballad about confusion in a relationship; "You said that you'd be there to catch me or will you only try to drown me")
7. Vow 10/10
8. Stupid girl 6/10
9. Dog new tricks 5/10
10. My lover's box 10/10 ("Send me an angel to love, I need to feel a little piece of heaven, send me an angel to love cause I'm afraid I'll never get to heaven")
11. Fix me now 10/10
12. Milk 7/10

A breath of fresh, accessible air
The fall of grunge was a difficult period for popular music to face. No sweat for Garbage, who confronted the industry head-on with this, their alt-pop/rock debut, in 1995. We hadn't heard much of this genre after the Golden Age of Grunge struck, and when this genre struck back, it was a hell of a ride. While not altogether separated from grunge stylings, Garbage was infinitely more universal and definitely more accessible than most of the grunge acts of their time.

The album opens with the punky, spiteful "Supervixen" -- a grand first impression of catty frontwoman Shirley Manson, who was all fluoresecent red hair and skin-tight leather. The song's herky-jerky, stop-go style is immediately engaging, and the ripping guitar riffs recall peak-era 80s new wave. Manson shows a more introspective lyrical and vocal style on the second track, "Queer," and even concots an immortal anthem while begging for antidepressants on "Only Happy When It Rains." She emulates pre-"Eat to the Beat" Debbie Harry on the metallic "Not My Idea" and mimics the wailing pensiveness of the Cranberries Dolores O'Riordan [now Burton] on "Fix Me Now" while still sounding like herself: a gothic, artsy chick. She even performs a self-exorcism in the rueful, brilliant "Stupid Girl."

Garbage truly covers all the bases here, and their to-and-fro musical style doesn't sound dated, even today, 9 years later. They still carry the same spark and playful attitude they did years ago, and cross the line of rock to pop so often and so smoothly (and so much better than the crossover bands of today) that it's almost dizzying. Always familiar, always sarcastic, and always effective, Garbage will prove to be one of the greatest rock and roll bands of all time.

Style with substance and gritty brilliance
To me, one of my all time favourites by this stellar band, their debut showcases their raw engery that would later be channelled into avenues down the road of techno, that would be still more captivating.
The beginning song starts off the album perfectly with lyrics about obsession, ego, and cyncical self-awareness...then follows into endless highlights such as the smoothy penetrating "Queer"...and continues on and on to form an album you might never have imagined could be so consistantly, jaw-droppingly brilliant in its edge, wit, and melodic span.
Songs like "Stupid Girl", "Stroke of Luck", and "As Heaven Is Wide" are unstoppable and just as satisfying with repeated listening.
At the end of this tale of self-deprication, self-examination and sly remarks on the state of society's conciousness as a whole, is a touching song, "Milk", filled with the culmination of the fragility, tenderness and sensitivity barely in sight all along. In it are knowing apologies and a call for redemption.
I can continually relate to this effort, and I reccomend each successive album for taking this sort of brilliance in a new direction.

Love Gabage....
...love this CD. Strong thoughout. Unique blend of rock and techno/pop elements. Probably my favorite Garage CD, but I dig them All. Shirley has a sexy mid range voice that reminds me of Viagra in Bazooka Jones or Christine Amphlett of The Divynals....very nice textures....dig it!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Singer-songwriter Maria McKee takes a more organic approach on her sixth album. Most tracks start with the faint strum of an acoustic guitar or the tinkling of a piano, before gradually building to a restrained but emotionally charged crescendo. McKee revels in this less-is-more musical environment. Her multioctave voice moans, hovers, whispers, and occasionally soars with a cool confidence. From the yearning folk augmented with subtle, tender strings of "Appalachian Boy," to "Sullen Soul," a powerful riff-driven ballad, to the stylized, Patsy Cline-influenced country-pop of "You Don't Know How Glad I Am," she floats and weaves with edgy grace. The aching, soulful "Turn Away" is a riveting example of McKee at her finest, clawing her way into the heart of a song.

Some melodies don't resonate on first listen but gradually take hold, and are aided immensely by the spare, generally acoustic instrumentation. When McKee kicks into a gritty, strangulated Neil Young guitar on "Everybody's Got a Story" before shifting into his "Barstool Blues" (the album's only cover) the effect is galvanizing. Always a dramatic singer, McKee's heart is obviously in this rootsy, often austere music, and her passionate performances on Peddlin' Dreams resonate with tenderness and intensity. --Hal Horowitz ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Maria's Voice Still Soars
I just got home from seeing Maria play at The Roxy, and I have to say that her voice remains one of the most astonishing voices on the planet. It is just crystal, and the emotion she puts into her performances -- and her songwriting -- is something that few of today's performers seem to be able to muster.

Having watched and listened to Maria for 20 -- TWENTY! -- years now, I can say that she continues to dazzle. I don't know how she never became one of the world's top artists. But those of us who are lucky enough to pay attention know where talent lies. And it lies in the heart of Maria McKee.

Buy her albums. All of them.

A great CD
Not only is this album Maria McKee's best solo album -- the one fans have been waiting for -- it's a great record. Wonderful, tuneful songs that linger with you. The production does not overwhelm herwonderful voice -- it takes a back seat. This is truly one of the best CDs of the year.

McKee returns with a strong and solid effort
Maria McKee'