Reviews (141)

This is one to write home to mom about....
I remember when this CD first came out and every time I heard that song "Polyamorous" it got stuck in my head. I saw the video one day and decided to buy the album. Well, it turned out to be one of my few very smart choices. This is a beautifully put together album. The good songs just keep coming and they don't stop until the CD does. Now, I'm personally a metalhead, but I'm also the most open-minded metalhead I know. This CD satisfied my need to hear catchy choruses while also feeding the metal demon inside me. That's right, Breaking Benjamin is as close to metal as anything on the radio, they just won't let you hear that side of them on your local station. Please, please, please, if you even somewhat like what you hear from the singles "Polyamorous" or "Skin" then go buy this album. Hell, even if you haven't heard it, but you like great rock music. I'll tell you what, if you don't like the album then email me and I'll write you a personal appology, that's how strongly I feel. I've seen them live before, and I'd go see them as many times as they came to town. All hail Breaking Benjamin for putting out one of the best CDs in years.

WHY ARE ALL THE BEST ALBUMS NOT MAINSTREAM!!!
Well, most of the best albums recently are not too mainstream yet. This one is right up there! Of teh 12 (13 counting the bonus) songs on this album, 9-10 of them are worthy of a "repeat 1" on your CD player, while the others are still ones that you will want to hear from start to finish all the time.
My top 5 favs on the CD:
1) Polyamorous (always the best)
2) Natural Life
3) Skin
4) Water
5) No Games
If you are not sure this is ur kinda CD...ill try to make a comparison....and it might be off to some people, but this is what it is to me.....Vocals like 3 doors down or fuel....music like trust company or chevelle. Very good melodic hard rock. Don't go as far a to call it nu metal because it is way better than that.
I don;t buy too many cds, but this is a band worthy of my support, and urs 2!

Hardcore version of Nickelback
This band reminds me of a hardcore version Nickelback. They're good!! What more can I say?

THE BEST "MINIMAL RADIO AIRTIME" BAND
I saw Breaking Benjamin at the Quest in Minneapolis when they were with the Jagermeister Tour in 2003. I had never heard them before that show. Out of all the bands performing (Saliva, hed P.E., Stereomud, and Systematic), Breaking Benjamin put on the best performance. I purchased the CD the next day and have never spent $10 bucks any better way. Don't hesitate, go out and buy it. I am looking forward to their next release coming out on June 29th 2004. I don't know if it can be any better than Saturate, but I hope it is close!!!

ONE OF THE BEST BANDS EVER
I agree with dan from ohio especially on the hidden track (13) this really is an awsome closing and the whole album is amazing and they are definatley underapreciated. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Nice departure from the mainstream crap
If you're sick of the mainstream trite crap, check this out.Walking Dead with Chester Bennington is a dope track along with the stellar effort from Chuck D and a few other less know MC's that add their talent to several tracks accompanied by Z-Trip's renowned skills on the wheels of steel.

Average cd from a great DJ
"Shifting Gears" is a decent, good, not great, release from the extremely talented DJ Z-Trip.Z-Trip was the king of the mashup before it became the trendy hip, cool thing to do."Uneasy Listening" is a classic, if you can somehow locate it.

"Shifting Gears" is more of a regular producer album with a bunch of guest MC's.It's very similar to DJ Babu of Dilated Peoples cd.It's very up and down: some MC's are good, some not so good.I guess it depends on which rappers you like/dislike; that may affect your opinion a lot.

Luckily, the last song Revolution features his classic mashup mixing.His ability to blend two completely irrelevant records together into something tight is amazing.

I think it's too bad the whole album wasn't mostly instrumentals with a few vocalists scattered throughout.Instead it's a mostly average guest-MC-vocal album with a few fantastic instrumentals thrown about.Three stars.It's reasonably priced too, which is great!

Goddamm that DJ made my day !!
Having followed Mr Z since about 98, he finally releases a mainstream CD, which is something of a departure, believe me, trying to get hold of anything from this elusive DJ is a result.So has he sold out ??No, he definitely has not, although this is not Uneasy Listening Vol 2, its not a mix CD, although all tracks blend into each other effortlessly.The tracks are so diverse, you never know what to expect next, soul, funk, rock, hip hop and that is Z-Trip`s trade mark, never a dull moment throughout.Some purists might persist that this is a confused CD, trust me he has hit the mark, when listening to this CD you're feelings are taken for a journey of bends, you just cant see what's coming !!Drill Sergeants, Breakfast Cereal's, ambient wave sounds lapping on a beach, yes really !!Suffice to say at the prices I have seen this CD for, you really cant go wrong, the only catch being that you will want more and more of this maestro of the decks, and as you will soon find out, that is not such an easy journey :>)

On a personal note, the outstanding track for me is "Shock and Awe" such power and emotion from a song, listen to the lyric's,Z-Trip and Chuck D it really doesn't get deeper or nastier !!

Good, but not THAT good
Being from AZ I've seen this dude live and own some of his underground cd's.So I know how sick this guy is. This cd is good, but it's not sick.Z is very capable of making some sick sounds, but his full talent isn't really present on this cd.One of the other reviewers said that Z couldn't get a lot of his samples cleared, and I think that hurt him.This is a very solid cd, but lacks in something that doesn't make it a five star.the song with murs and super nat is my fav on the cd.If you're looking for a good "mixed tape" cd check out Prefuse 73's Surrounded by Silence, which is pure butter.

Classic
Seriously, if you want some music that not only stands out but that will stand the test of time, this is it. one listen and already i can feel how much energy went into this. this album is exactly what i wanted. Buy this now and you will not regret it

Peace ... Read more

Amazon.com

Where would the '80s have been without the Pet Shop Boys? Discography makes a compelling case for the notion of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe as pioneers, if not geniuses. Mixing the cold feel of Euro-techno beats with the Boys' quest for something warm between the sheets, "What Have I Done to Deserve This" and "Suburbia" sound almost soulful.Although they seemed to be suffering from a terminal case of boredom, they managed to alchemize their ennui into touching sentimentality in "Love Comes Quickly," "Rent," and, especially, the AIDS-oriented "Being Boring." Discography begins with the Pet Shop Boys' beginning, "West End Girls," traveling past "Domino Dancing" and including their covers "Always on My Mind," and the medley "Where the Streets Have No Name (I Can't Take My Eyes Off of You.)" --Steve Gdula ... Read more

Reviews (84)

Still impossible to match
This album compiles all the hits the Pet Shop Boys had since their beggining until 1991. All of the tracks here are spotless pieces of pure pop magic: "West End Girls" is the first and, I'm happy to differ with most reviewers, decidedly not the pinnacle of the PSBs career. Tracks like "It's A Sin", "Suburbia", "Heart", "Being Boring", "Domino Dancing", "It's Alright" and "So Hard" truly portrait the utter brilliance and artistry that this group invested in its work. It's no wonder that they are still one of the most reveered pop acts of all times, truly up there with the likes of Abba and Depeche Mode. A new compilation has been released including all of their 1990s hits, but this one still remains unshadowed and an gem of pure 80s pop. You can do absolutely no wrong here... every track is delicious. Please do buy it... or else, get "PopArt" instead. That one has everything on here but "Was It Worth It?".

An album of classics....
This album, along with New Order's Substance 1987, form what is to me the soundtrack of the 80's.

This album literally lives up to its title as a discography, collecting the 7" versions of all of the boy's first 18 singles on one disc in chronological order. As such, it makes a terrific CD to buy as your first Pet Shop Boys disc as its a terrific overview of their material.

The Pet Shop Boys wit and irony, along with Neal Tennant's excellent voice combined to make some of the best pop songs of the 80's. Included are lot of well known hits like West End Girls, Suburbia, Always On My Mind, and What Have I Done To Deserve This?. There are also a lot of songs here that are virtually unknown in the U.S. but every bit as good as the afformentioned titles, such as "Love Comes Quickly" - a beautiful ballad - and "Heart", a song that they had considered giving to Madonna. Just as important, these songs have held up well to the test of time, even though some were recorded as early as 1984. Through these singles, the boy's take shots at capitalism (Opportunities), cover Elvis Presley and U2 (Always On My Mind and Where the Streets Have No Name), sing about the Gulf War (DJ Culture), urban decay (Suburbia), and 'rent boys' (Rent). The music always holds up and the lyrics display a level of intellegence unmatched by nearly every other group - for instance, in DJ Culture Neal quips "Like Liz [Taylor] before Betty [as in the Betty Ford Clinic], She [madonna] before Sean [Penn], suddenly you're missing, then you're reborn" - and in Left To My Own Devices, they invoke references to classical composers - "Che Guvara and Debussy to a disco beat" are just a few examples.

Also, carrying the discography theme further, this album scores bonus points as the CD booklet that comes with the album folds out to show a chart that includes information about all the songs, including a picture of the single cover of each, its peak UK chart position, and a brief blurb from the boys about each song. I wish more compilation albums would follow the Boy's lead in this regard.

It is a shame that
the real kings of pop music are so overlooked these days. But it doesn't matter: We, the ones who understand how good they are are having lots of fund and sheer quality. This is the first greatest hits from this unique band preceding their other golden item Popart. While it collects the entire catalogue of the Boys this is only up to 1991 and it has the wonderful Was It Worth it? I discovered them by chance when I heard their song I don't Know what you want but..from the Nightlife era and I have been collecting their items since then. Discography is a must for anyone having a good taste in music. These guys are simply geniuses no matter what the overproud Amazon.com reviewer says.

Boys, you are always on my mind!

Deserves millions of stars
Well, well maybe PopArt is released but Discography is something special. It collects the best pop songs ever by one of the best groups that this world has ever seen and will ever see. The ride in this album is a pure joy from the very start (West End Girls) to the very end (Was It Worth It). 1980s were the best years of pop songs and these guys are the responsible culprits. Never lyrics felt so effective; never music was so captivating...never melancholy, infinite sadness and a childish yearn for goodness and pureness blended as good as in this compilation. IMHO PSB are the real kings of music world...but because they are a synth band...they are not physically attractive...and they are gays oh how easy to overlook them ...but you never know what you are missing...

Discography is a zenith from a band that is always at the zenith. An album including jaw-dropping songs like Always On My Mind, Opportunities and well yes Left to My Own Devices deserve every bit of praise.

God bless these guys. They are the protective shields of true music lovers against the nonsense called Britney Spears, Eminem, 25 Cent and several more.

definatly a must-have
I found this is a pawn shop for $2.00 and of course, snatched it up.It's worth spending full-price on if only for "west end girls","surburbia","being boring" and "jealousy".but you get heaps of other wonderful songs.The only songs I don't like (but they may grow on me) are "it's alright and "dj culture" the rest is pure gold. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Steppenwolf At Their Best Really Rock!
There is a reason that the sixties rock group Steppenwolf still sells so strongly some thirty years after their arrival on the sixties rock scenes with a quick succession of powerful heavy rock hits like "Magic Carpet Ride" and "Born To Be Wild". I've always admired lead vocalist John Kay's singing style, songwriting and lyrical talents, and his outspoken personal warnings against the dangers of drug excess with songs like "The Pusher" and "Snowblind Friend". He was anti-drug when it was anything but fashionable to so cautious and careful. With concept albums like the fabled "Monster" or discursive excursions into the dark side of rock culture with "The Pusher', Kay always had something provocative and thoughtful to say. And Kay also knew his way around a melody, and whether he was making insightful social commentary in a number of songs like "Monster" and "Draft Resister" or just plain old wailing in terrific, edgy songs like "Never Too Late (To Start All Over Again)" or "Twenty Eight", he used the combination of his lovely lyrics, driving melodies, and wild rock improvisation to create a whole rafter of memorable, insightful and very appealing rock songs. Most of them are here, and those that aren't you can find in their other albums. Steppenwolf quickly earned the undying support and admiration of their original fans, and are finding new listeners through terrific compilation albums like this must-own collection of their hits. Enjoy

The Best Bang For Yor Buck
Whether you see this as a single disc version of 1991's Born To Be Wild/A Retrospective or a slightly expanded version of 1973's 16 Greatest Hits, it's all the Steppenwolf the average fan will need. In addition to including all of their Top 40 hits, you also get all of their lesser hits and key album tracks like "Don't Step on the Grass, Sam," "The Pusher," "Snowblind Friend" and "For Ladies Only."

One of the first concerts I ever saw was during my freshman year in college in 1970 when Steppenwolf was touring in support of Monster. [I still have my ticket stub--four bucks!] It was an amazing show. John Kay owned the stage. Hearing these songs again brings back a flood of memories and they still "get your motor runnin'" thirty years later.

If you're looking to upgrade your old copy of 16 Greatest Hits, this adds "Don't Step on the Grass, Sam," "Straight Shootin' Woman" (the only track on this collection recorded after the release of 1971's For Ladies Only) and the complete 9-minute medley "Monster/Suicide/America"--Greatest Hits included only "Monster." The band saw a lot of personnel changes over the years, but the music was always of consistently high quality. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

One of the eternal bands
This ensamble, whose name is taken from the famous work of Hermann Hesse, (one of my youth's writers), was emblematic all along his presence from 1967 to 1975. In just only eight years Steppenwolf could (like a very few to be honest) establish a rapport with a generation wishful of anxiety but also of answers and ideas.
The famous french May, Vietnam's war, Robert Kennedy's murder, Cassius Clay's affair, Woodstock Festival, Easy rider were - among other facts - important events that from one or another way , demanded bands with power but with imagination .
And Steppenwolf , just reached the peak with the album Monster (that in my opinion is the most perfect theme ever composed by them).
So however, many people just think that Steppenwolf was only the authors of Born to be wild , Sookie sookie and Magic carpet ride. And that's only a stage in his grow up.
Power play is the only theme which doesn't appear among their best, but the point is that the combination of the wildful voice of John Kay, and the perfect balance between the guitars , drums and organ, gave to Steppenwolf a special place in these innovative years which produced so many legends like Cream, Vanilla Fudge, Doors. Traffic, Blind faith, Deep purple, Black Sabbath, Uriah Heep, The who , Can, Amon Dull, Captain beyond,King Crimsom, Pink Floyd and a huge list of names who belong to the satus of legends.
In these years, (it's necessary srepeat it over and over) that there weren't video clips. The comentary is not superflous, because a band to be recognized, had to win the race just by your ears, and not thanks to a magnificent video.
The trouble with that is that you can buy a record just because the video is superb. So my question is: Are you spending your money by the music or by the video? This reflection comes to me very often when I try to explain to the young generations about the conceptual difference of enjoying and even make a statement about a musical work, no matter the genre you listen in that moment.
Steppenwolf printed a very important style in the music, and for those who had the huge privilege of being in one of their appearances, I envy them (in a bad sense but enthusiastic way).
For those people who are still teenagers, don't be afraid of risking your money. You'll be rewaarded. And if you can ask to your parents or some friend or teacher, may be you find a long speech that I can not make it in this brief review.

Great Collection - Great Sound!!
I too saw Steppenwolf perform in 1970 in support of the Monster LP. It was at Winterland in San Francisco. Anyway, the sound on this CD collection is tops!!

only one song missing
Steppenwolf at Carnegie Hall was the first "rock" concert I attended. OK, Johnny Cash at a Trenton bowling alley in 1962 WAS actually the first live show I saw, nursing a dollar coke at my parents request (I was 11). John Kay et al were powerful in 1969 and this collection captures that power. Only "Power Play" is missing from this perfect selection of their songs. Their playing was always tight in a way the live shows of Creedence Clearwater Revival were. Other examples, The Band, Talking Heads, Frank Zappa and, of course, Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band. Live shows by The Plastic People of the Universe make a person re-judge the "rock" influences of any particular individual in today's world, and likes/dislikes of any particular person in today's "rock" music world. ... Read more

Amazon.com

When people talk about Jakob Dylan these days, they're less likely to refer to his famous father than to his band, the Wallflowers, and their breakthrough album, Bringing Down the Horse. Not only a staggering commercial success, the disc is also a superb example of the folk-rock Jakob's daddy helped pioneer more than 30 years ago. The Wallflowers don't need family relations to command respect.

When the Wallflowers recorded their self-titled album in 1992, most of the band's members were 22 and weren't ready for prime time yet. The songs had flashes of inspiration and promise but didn't really hang together. It took four years for the Wallflowers to release a second album, but this time they were ready. The folk-rock melodies were strong; the playing was clear and muscular, and the production by T-Bone Burnett (friend of the family) framed the lyrics' storytelling imaginatively. Jakob will never escape comparisons to his dad, but his new music can stand on its own as some of the decade's best.

In fact, Jakob's voice doesn't resemble his father's so much as Tom Petty's nasal drawl, and the way Wallflower Rami Jaffee soaks nearly every song in Benmont Tench-like B-3 organ makes the Heartbreaker connection unmistakable. Fortunately, Jakob's evocative songwriting and the Wallflowers' high-energy playing reminds one of the early Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers records rather than the desultory, later work. Heartbreaker Mike Campbell even plays on "6th Avenue Heartache," the first single and a gloriously harmonized lament for the victims of America's meanest streets. "The same white line that was drawn on you," Jakob sings, "was drawn on me." He takes a more defiant, more rocking approach later in the album when he proclaims he's "Laughing Out Loud" in the face of everyone who ever tried to push him around. --Geoffrey Himes ... Read more

Reviews (113)

One of the Best Albums of All Time
I have always been a fan of The Wallflowers music ever since the hit single "One Headlight" came out. I also saw Jakob Dylan sing "One Headlight" with Bruce Springsteen at the 1997 Video Music Awards. However, I did not start purchasing their albums until this year. I started with Bringing Down the Horse and soon after bought Breach.

Bringing Down the Horse is such a great album, you can listen to it from beginning to end and not skip tracks. It's that damn good. It is so addictive I listen to it every day.

Besides "One Headlight", other tracks like "6th Avenue Heartache", "Three Marlenas", and "The Difference" are some of the many Wallflowers great hits. I don't think anybody could ever grow tired of these songs.

Bringing Down the Horse has been out now for four years and I still listen to it as if it just came out the same time as Breach.

I would recommend this CD to any "true" Rock fan out there and can almost guarentee you will not be unsatisfied!

Also, I recommend purchasing The Wallflowers third album, Breach.

Jakob Dylan - The Tom Petty of his Generation?
The years of slugging it out on his own without brandishing his father's name everywhere eventually paid off beautifully for Jakob Dylan, a considerably talented artist in his own right. Jakob writes sensitive songs with an old-fashioned smoothness, often sung with a female point of view. "Bringing Down the Horse" contains not one throwaway, each song is as enjoyable and pleasant as the last. After his debut Wallflower's album disappeared without a trace, Dylan assembled a brand new collection of musicians to work with, including talented outside help. The collective musicianship shows throughout the entire record.

Dylan sings with perspective and a gruff lonesomeness about day-to-day situations like a simple storyteller. The mood is sometimes down-and-out and searching, yet the Wallflowers also have the jumpiness of a Budweiser commercial on some songs. "One Headlight," "6th Avenue Heartbreak," and "The Difference" were played a jillion times on radio, yet never got rusty. Adam Duritz of Counting Crowes contributes his blustery vocals with Dylan's on "6th Avenue" for an amazingly tuneful effect. On "One Headlight," Dylan pleads, "come on try a little, nothing is forever" with practically all the enthusiasm he can muster, as if growing out of a phase. The mood on "One Headlight" sounds forlorn and desperate, while the bass line chugs incessantly, practically never-ending. This guy wouldn't be caught dead screaming out lyrics, at least not yet. In fact, on songs like "Bleeders," "Three Marlenas," "Josephine," and "Invisible City," the pace is almost mellow to a fault.

The opposite is true on barnburners like "The Difference," which is probably the Wallflowers version of moshing out. "God Don't Make Lonely Girls" practically screams out "this Bud's for you!" on a Budweiser commercial, a good-time rocker that these guys should do more often. "Angel on My Bike" is outstanding, and "I Wish I Felt Nothing" is country to the core, complete with "just got dumped" lyrics. The album ends mellow and true, no different from any other of Dylan's songs.

Though modern rock radio likes to play these guys extensively, there's truly nothing too modern sounding about them. With a gifted, yet unpretentious lead singer, fluid organ work everywhere, and a down-home juicy rhythm to their songs, the Wallflowers don't strive to blow listeners away with a polished off wall-of-noise sound or cutting edge effects. It's simply hearty rock and roll that some might contend lacks any risk or is too middle-white-boy American. Still, Jakob Dylan paves his own way and covers music on his own terms. With his cool, relaxed attitude and unmatched integrity, Jakob Dylan deserves all of his success and more. Now, if he could only find connections within the music business........

out of the ordinary and awesome!
The musical combinations and talent in this album are so good, I never get tired of listening to it. The lap steel solos rock! Jakob has the greatest talk-sing vocals, if you know what I mean. And the lyrics are so interesting because they are different! They may seem strange at first, but that's just cool. ("emo" rockers: how many times can you rhyme with the word 'cry'?) My gosh it gets so tiring those whiny albums. Anyways, on top of all the bands coming out nowadays with no musical talent (practically) the Wallflowers remain on top in my book.

Bob not the only Dylan with talent
"Bringing Down the Horse" is the best Wallflowers CD, and one of the better collections of songs to come out in the last 15 to 20 years. Jakob Dylan shows he too has plenty of musical talent on mellow numbers such as "6th Avenue Heartache" and "Three Marlenas". He shows off the guitarwork on "One Headlight" and "The Difference". "Laughing Out Loud" and "God Don't Make Lonely Girls" are similiar and also very infectious, and "Josephine" really does taste like sugar and tangerine, as it is a very sweet song. Overall, one of the best albums anyone can own, and one of the best albums of the 90's. Highly recommended.

Simply great...
This was the first Wallflowers album I ever listened to and I fell in love with it. Every single song on this album is terrific. Each song is different in its own way, going from slow, sweet songs like Josephine and Invisible City to faster, catchy songs like One Headlight and The Difference. I would definitely recommend buying this cd! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Emotionally over-the-top pop extravaganzas like the string-swelling "Tonight Tonight," the Metallica-influenced alternative rock of "Zero," the techno via new wave of "1979"--the 28 songs on this swell two-disc album are as eclectic as their themes are epic and ambitious. Billy Corgan's thin whine isn't much of an instrument, but he makes the most of it by writing smart songs that take emotional chances that more-typical alt rockers would deem uncool. Pessimistic and feeling trapped but still wanting to believe in love, in a future, in something--this is the sound of Gen X at the millennium, with all the self-indulgence and power that would suggest. --David Cantwell ... Read more

Reviews (495)

2nd best S.P. album
I'd give it 5 stars, but the production isn't as taut or as grand as Butch Vigs and there are some filler tracks here. Anyway, this is still one of my personal favorites, and it is certainly worth owning, no matter what taste of style you are into. Flood produced this record with Billy Corgan and there are certain elements of Flood's work with Erasure (on songs like "Love" and "1979") as well as some U2 like moments ("In the arms of sleep" AND "Thirty-Three). If I could spilt the disc into one solid 5 star record, the tracklisting would go as follows. Ready? Get out your pens, music lovers:
1. Tonight, Tonight
2. Zero
3. Here is no why
4. Bullet with Butterfly Wings
5. To Forgive
6. An ode to no one
7. Galopogos
8. Muzzle
9. Where Boys fear to tread
10. Bodies
11. In the arms of sleep
12. 1979
13. Thru the eys of Ruby
14. Stumbeline
15. X.Y.U.
16. Thirty-Three
I think that "Porcelina of the vast oceans" is a great epic crooner, and I like every song on here, but for sheer brilliance and compact cinergi, I'd have narrowed it down a bit. By the way, "Thru the eyes of Ruby" is one of the best S.P. songs of all time, and it is certainly one of the best rock songs, period(even though it was never released as a single). Anyway, I am still glad that Billy made this record the way he did. "Siamese Dream" is their best effort, but this is certanily their undisputed epic masterpeice...just wish it had been slimmed down a bit!

A Masterpiece Of Big Hits And Also Experimentation
This double disc has to be considered the greatest effort from the Smashing Pumpkins. It was a bold and risky move for them to release a more expensive album for consumers when they could've just released a single LP with bascially the hits at a cheaper price. Thankfully, they didn't do this. The songs here are very different from one another, but each holds immense emotion, and this makes it a success without question. The experimental, somewhat techno-vibe of "1979" became one of the band's biggest hits, while other rock epics like "Bullet With Butterfly Wings" and "Tonight, Tonight" became radio and music television staples. I find some of the best moments though come from the songs not heard on the radio or always played at concerts. "Muzzle" and "We Only Come Out At Night" should've been hits because of the honesty Corgan exerts as he reflects on childhood and thinks of the meaning his life has. Two other solid tracks are the light and beautiful "In The Arms Of Sleep" and the positive mid-tempo rocker "Here Is No Why," which has a great chorus speaking of optimism. Some of the songs also have a true, roaring hard rock vibe that continues from start to end, and the best of these are probably "Bodies," "Tales Of A Scorched Earth," and "F-ck You (An Ode To No One)." Corgan's softer and even more experimental side comes out in both discs on the many love epics like "Porcelina Of The Vast Oceans," "Lily (My One And Only)," and "Beautiful." The love songs are very mushy and remind me of soft rock, but they do show how much variety exists on MELLON COLLIE AND THE INFINITE SADNESS. No matter what happens with the cloudy future of this band, this epic double release will be one of the 90's best pieces of rock music, and it also may bring new fans who can hear the many sides of the Pumpkins just through this album.

Quite Simply the Greatest Album ever created.
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness is the greatest combination of musical genius ever created. I feel that Billy Corgan achieved Musical Immortality with the earth shattering collection that is these two CDs. A huge collection of all types of rock, so no matter what your flavor, you will find it all in this stunning variety. It's the only album I have ever listened to that I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of the songs. Galapogos, Tonight, Tonight, Bullet With Butterfly Wings, Stumbleine, and Zero rank among my all time favorite songs. I completely recommend the collection of B-Sides from this album found in the "Aeroplane Flies High" box set. If you have never heard of the Smashing Pumpkins (Shame, if you haven't) or simply have never picked up this album, do now, as you will enjoy it till the end of time. It's just too bad the greatest band ever formed is no longer around, but their music will live on forever

Indescribable in every imaginable sense
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness is the best release by the Pumpkins, and one of the best collection of music ever. The arrangement and layout of the music is flawless and the tempo manages to remain unpredictable yet somehow correct through the entire album. There are just too many songs to talk about, but my favorites are definitely "Tonight, Tonight", "Jellybelly", "Here Is No Why", "Bullet With Butterfly Wings" (with what is arguably Jimmy Chamberlain's greatest drum performance), "To Forgive", "Galapagos" (great lyrics "If we died right now/This fool you loved/Somehow is here with you), album epic "Porcelina of the Vast Oceans" (plays out like a Shakespearan play), "Bodies" (which reminds us "Love is suicide"), "1979" (modern rock hit, the events mirror what probably happened to the youth in 1969, 89, 99, and probably 09 as well, brilliant song, hopeful lyrics), and megaunderrated "Thru the Eyes of Ruby" (another album epic with the line "The night has come to hold us young", which gives ultimate hope to a generation that is somehow managing to lose its way).

Ten tracks listed above, these are the ones that truly stand head and shoulders above the remaining. Not to take anything away from the others as they are role players and role players are also important in every great album. Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness is what the 90's were all about, and it makes me proud to have been getting into good modern music (nothing beats classics) when this album, along with efforts such as (What's the Story) Morning Glory? by Oasis, The Bends by Radiohead were the great albums, and major breakthroughs not only in musicianship, but also in terms of a band having the substance, the guts, the mojo.

Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness is brilliant in every sense, and Billy Corgan in his prime as a frontman. Highly recommended.

I hate writing titles to reviews
"Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness" by the Smashing Pumpkins was easily the biggest (in every sense of the word) album to hit in the post-grunge alternative rock heyday that was my adolescence. In fact, I would say that this was the early peak of the movement - a seemingly bloated double album by a band that had a slew of hits off their major label debut just a few years earlier. Soon enough, everyone had a "Zero" shirt and listened to this album day and night, or at least the half-dozen or so singles that were played on modern rock radio.

The best thing I can say about this release is that I have no problem sitting down and listening to the whole thing (that's two hours, kids), even 9 years after its initial release. And it's solid. The whole double-disc affair holds up well for those entire two hours. The reason that it doesn't get the coveted five-star rating is that the bulk of the songs are good, with a few occassional forays into "great." Fortunately, there are no duds on this album. "Muzzle," "Tales of a Scorched Earth," "1979," "X.Y.U.," and "An Ode to No One" are the cream of the crop, but like I said, the rest of the album deserves repeated listenings.

Anyone that grew up around this time and listened to alternative rock either owned this at one point, knew someone that did, or still does own it. It really is an essential release for its time and place, and it holds up very well into the 21st century. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

chillin' out with Jolie Holland
Jolie Holland is an interesting character. Her last album delved into haunting old-country territory. "Escondida," however, pulls in elements of several different genres to create a uniquely "Jolie" sound.

To put the album's aura into musical terms, imagine a voice that lies somewhere between Cat Power and Billie Holliday, and a lyrical setting just off the back porch. There are several songs that break out of this description; "Sascha" reminds me of New York, reminiscent of the narrative stylings of a Dean Martin song. "Old-fashioned Morphine" absolutely effuses the back streets of 1920's Chicago, and "Mad Tom Bedlam" is a scat-inspired, interesting interpretation of an old English folk song.

Definitely worth picking up, it's like buying five or six different albums, as Jolie Holland runs up and down the musical spectrum leaving trails of southern charm behind her.

Good enough for Billy Burroughs, good enough for me
Jolie was a founding (now ex-) member of the Be-Good Tanyas, an all-female collective that made old-time country earn the alt. prefix. In her solo work, Jolie fieldtrips the listener even further back into history, slipping well past the Carter Family to conjure up a depressed Billie Holiday baring her soul for a disinterested crowd in a gloomy 1930s dinner club. Jolie's voice is wonderful, warm and emotionally charged, and her songs effortlessly mix subdued jazz with gothic country and folk. The production is so perfectly natural that it places Ms. Holland right smack dab in my living room - by the end of "Old Fashioned Morphine" I almost expect her to bum some smokes. There's other albums from this year that are more hip, more cutting edge, or more experimental - but greatness doesn't always have to be a cannon shot across the bow of tradition. This is the one album I already know I'll still be listening to in ten - or twenty - years time.

Phrases like a young Louis Armstrong...very cool vocalist!
Sure, the comparisons to Billie Holiday are accurate, but if you go back and listen to the Louis Armstrong of the 20's and 30's, you'll hear a musical style so beautifully mined and refined by both Holiday and Holland. I'll be listening to this one again and again.

Gimme that Old Fashioned Holland
This is a terrific CD, definately one of the best that I have bought in a long time. The style is evocative of Billy Holiday, Norah Jones and...dare I say- Ani DiFranco, all rolled into one package. Jolie Holland has her own ideas about music and how it should sound, though those ideas are clearly influenced by old sources...this is not a complaint. As G Love and Special Sauce takes old school jazz/R&B and reprocesses it for a new generation, so too does Jolie Holland. It comes as it should too, natural and easy, something that you can listen to over and over again, with the songs getting stuck in your head in an amiable, smooth way. From the jazzy 'Old Fashioned Morphine' to the more Patsy Cline-ish 'Amen', this CD has something that almost any fan of old-school jazz and blues music will appreciate.

Bottom Line: a must have for jazz/blues lovers.

Old Soul
From the alluringly grainy photograph on the cover (we'll guess that's Ms. Holland in the picture, but we may be way off), one pegs this young artist as an 'old soul'. The music here confirms it. With songs that seem to emanate from another time and place; from New Orleans, from the Mississippi Delta, from Chicago, they, at first, sound vaguely familiar and then they begin to creep up on you and nestle into your consciousness. But it's that voice-that muted trumpet of a voice-delivered with sensuous, scat-like, hypnotic phrasing, which captures the listener and elevates Holland's music to artistry. ... Read more

Album Description

HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS are Victory's next high priority emo project, and are already generating a buzz with the Victory fan base.The Silence In Black and White record will appeal to fans of THURSDAY, TAKING BACK SUNDAY and SILVERSTEIN. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Hawthorne Heights
Yes as many reviews have pointed out, this cd has been done before many times. But HH has done a great job finding a happy medium between emo and screamo. Its too heavy to be emo, but its also pretty weak screamo, which isn't all that bad. The songs are super tight too, all of them around 4 minutes. My only complaint is that the lyrics are sometimes a bit weak, but overall its a great listen.

1.Life on Standby-9/10- One of the heavier tracks, and it works.
2.Dissolve and Decay-10/10- This song is still stuck in my head.
3.Niki FM-10/10-Another standout, this is probably my 2nd favorite.
4.The Transition-8/10-Decent, with some catchy breaks that boosts its rating.
5.Blue Burns Orange-9/10-Catchy all the way through, with a great chorus.
6.Silver Bullet-9/10-First song I heard, I had to buy this after.
7.Screenwriting and Apology-7.5/10-Very forgettable.
8.Ohio is for Lovers-10/10-Great song, a definate standout.
9.Wake up Call-Amazing song, my favorite on the disc.

10.Sandpaper and Silk-8/10-also forgettable, but a very good track.
11.Speeding up the Octaves-8.5/10-Great song, but by no means the best on the cd.

Overall, this cd is definately worth the 12 bucks. HH have put together 11 amazingly catchy songs here that won't dissapoint.

flawless cd
these guys are probably my 2nd fav band now, i've listened to it strait through over 30 times and i love every song here's what i think of each track:

1.Life on Standby -Great song with more screaming then the others
2.Dissolve and Decay-I love the guitar solos in this and also a great song.
3.Niki FM-heard it on the demo cd and loved it one of my favs.
4.The transition-another fav, great song.
5.Blue Burns orange-Awesome song, good chorus.
6.Silver Bullet-This song is really good song too, good to listen to after a split up :)
7.Screenwriting an apology-omg my fav on the cd no questions asked. 20 out of 10. haha.
8.Ohio is for Lovers-Great song one of the best on cd. I dowloaded the video and wathced it over and over...damn good.
9.Wake up call-at first i hated the begining now i love it. great song.
10.Sandpaper and silk- not my fav but a great song!
11.Speeding up the Octaves-This songs prob got the strongest lyrics but its not my fav its obviously good tho.

This cd is a steal its worth a hell of a lot more than 12 bucks they must be insane. BUY IT NOWWWW!!! I didn't even like screaming b4 i listened to these guys now i love it. You won't regret it.

Great cd
I love this cd. Its been in my cd player since i bought it in september. Go buy this cd as soon as you get the money for it..i gaurentee you will love it as much as i do

amazing
this is an amazing cd. best of my buys so far.

good cd
this is band is pretty much a normal screamo band, but yet every screamo band has there own way of doing things, and they prove that in this....i first heard silver bullet on purevolume and loved it, i drink alot so i thought the silver bullet song was about coors light, heh, but anyways, i bought it the other day and fell in love (...), ohio is for lover is probably the best track on there, which they're all good though, but you should buy this no doubt, later ... Read more

Amazon.com

The orchestral-pop hit "Iris" (from the soundtrack to City of Angels) proved the Goo Goo Dolls were no one-hit wonder with 1995's "Name." One listen to "Slide," the crafty, yearning second track off their sixth release, suggests the streak continues for Buffalo's finest. Not surprisingly, aspects that make the aforementioned songs memorable--warm, acoustic stylings; strings; heartrending hooks--also make Dizzy come alive elsewhere. Ultimately, the effort documents the band's continued migration from indie rock toward the mainstream. Thus, while "Slide" and the reprise of the wondrous "Iris" might shine for weeks (or even years) of repeated listens, attempts to keep alive the group's power-trio past often have a been-there/done-that feel. --Neal Weiss ... Read more

Reviews (593)

A New Goo Listener
I first heard of The Goo Goo Dolls on the radio with their songs "Name", "Iris", "Slide" and "Black Balloon". I am not one to run out and buy the latest and greatest CD's. I pick my collection out very carefully. The week before Christmas 99, I saw John Rzeznik host VH1's "The List" and he seemed really cool. So the Sunday before Christmas, I bought "Dizzy Up The Girl". I couldn't wait to hear it. The first song, "Dizzy", played and I thought, oh know, what did I buy, but then I listened and heard the lyrics to all of the songs. Nothing else has been in my CD player since. I don't even listen to the radio while in my car, just this CD for three weeks straight. I haven't listened to a band like this since the Eagles back in the early 80's.

John Rzeznik, your songs inspire me in ways that words can't describe. You write from your heart and soul and that's what writing should be all about. My favorite is "Acoustic #3". This is my only CD where I don't skip one song. I love them all.

Thank you, Johnny, Robby and Mike for making such great music and for sharing it with the rest of the world.

I definitely recommend this CD for any music lover.

Long On Energy Short On Depth
The Goo Goo Dolls certainly put forth a great deal of energy on Dizzy Up The Girl. The guys sure play their instruments fairly well even if its in an understated way. The drums sure drive many fo the songs. John and Robbie's vocal styles compliment each other well.

However, diversity is not a strong point for this band. Most of the songs are mid-tempo rockers. By about the midpoint of the CD, you get the impression,"Gee didn't they just play that song already?" Even the singles Dizzy and Slide are pretty identical although both are good. I tend to prefer the lesser known tracks, Bullet Proof, Broadway and Amigone as they rock along quite steadilly. Acoustic 3 and Iris are both a nice and needed change of pace for these guys.

If you just want some good alternative rock n roll that does not need to be analyzed too much, this could be the disc for you.

They're from buffalo
I think that i would have liked this record better if the Goo Goo Dolls got electructed playing that free concert for the 4th of July in Buffalo.

The Goo at their finest!
The Goo Goo Dolls may not sound the same on their later CDs as on the old 1s, but it's still great music. Yes, some songs are a little to poppy, but most of the songs have a good solid softer rock beat.
My Ratings
1)Dizzy- it has a good beat, and a nice sounding, but too short chorus. good intro track 9/10
2)Slide- 1 of the hits, it has a really nice intro and ending. The song is great cause it sounds like some happy teenage love song, but if you listen, you will find out it is about a deeper issue- teen pregnancy. My favorite! 10/10
3)Broadway- 1 of the hits, it has a very nice rocking sound to it and very deep lyrics. They don't make sense until you realize broadway was the street that rzeznik grew up on in buffalo. the song is about how screwed the city of buffalo is. 10/10
4)January Friend- i think its rather a boring sounding song and the lyrics aren't up to rzeznik standards. the worst song on the cd sandwitched between some of the best 1s 6/10
5)Black Balloon- 1 of the hits, its got that well known, very eerie sounding tune. the song also captures its message- a girl who OD'd on heroine right after her child was born- with impressive lyrics 10/10
6)Bullet Proof- a song w/ a harder sound at the intro and ending and decent lyrics. a pretty solid song. 8/10
7)Amigone- a few of the remnents of the old punkish sound of the '80s Goo is on this track. the lyrics are well written...for a robbie song. i do think its great though 10/10
8)All Eyes On Me- an ok beat and some pretty good lyrics, but an all around average song 7/10
9)Full Forever- now onto the 'horny' (ie love song)part of the album. thats what it sound like. a love song w/ goo type sounds. just ok 7/10
10)Acoustic #3- hmmm...a happy sounding song thats not meant to be happy played w/ just an acoustic guitar and violin...where could someone get that idea in the late '90s (cough cough, green day's time of your life cough cough). however, it is a well written, but way too short song. 9/10

11)Iris- the biggest hit that the Goo's have ever had, its a nice hard love ballad about misunderstood lovers w/ great lyrics. good song to play to a gf 10/10
12)Extra Pale- another robbie song w/ an old Goo sound. however, the chorus gets repetative which makes an otherwise good song a little annoying 8/10
13)Hate This Place- a song w/ some good lyrics an ok drum beat and a good way to close the CD out 9/10

A Classic.
There not many albums i know that i can still listen to after months and not be bored so it says a lot of this album that its still getting rotation after six years. This album is as brillant as it was then, and will go down in mine and many people collection as one of the best.

The whole album is just amazingly solid, and the lyrics are amazing. You can tell the Goo really poured out there hearts into every song. There was a point before they wrote this album that the Goo might just break up, with John Rzenik going through a lot including a writers block. Then he wrote the amazing 'Iris', which to this day is still one of my favorties songs of all time. This record proves the Goo Goo Dolls arent one hit wonders. From the ballads such as Acoustic #3, All Eyes on Me and Black Ballon, to the classic Goo such as Slide, January Friend, Amigone, and Broadway. Its no surprise they released four singles from this record, they could have released each song as a single.

In short, this is one of the best records put out, and it should be already an addition in your records collection. Its a classic. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Not since the days of the Clash and the MC5 has rock seen such political force as in the uncompromising debut from this L.A. quartet. Expanding the hip-hop/metal style of bands such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage tap the spirits of vintage Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, coupled with hardcore punk intensity and Public Enemy-style grooves. "Bombtrack" opens the LP with a shot of adrenaline and singer Zack de la Rocha's infuriated chorus of "Burn, burn, yes, you're gonna burn!" The intensity doesn't let up an inch on the militant "Killing in the Name" (with the inspiring chant, "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me!"), the ultrafunky "Bullet in the Head," and the engrossing "Fistful of Steel." Tom Morello combines time-honored metal guitar riffs with sounds that suggest a hip-hop scratcher over a rhythm section that simply takes no prisoners. Intelligent and aggressive, this is unimpeachably one of the best hard-rock records ever made. --James Rotondi ... Read more

Reviews (442)

Music as brutal and uncompromising as the cover art.
From the beginning in 1992, Rage Against The Machine rank as the best, most intelligent foray into the tepid rap-metal genre. While their radical politics may not be for everyone (I'll get to that in a minute), when they were "on" not many mainstream bands could rival their intensity. Rage Against The Machine's debut is perhaps their most consistent and best album.

The debut has a different feel from their later releases--the song structures are stretched longer, and the lyrics read more like political slogans than the poetry of The Battle Of L.A. The rhythm section also plays a more prominent role, with Tim C.'s funky slap-bass rhythms and tight drumming by Brad Wilk. Tom Morello's guitar playing never fails to amaze, with big Led Zeppelin-esque riffs (check out the Kashmir homage on Wake Up!) and unique electronic blips and effects.

Zach De La Rocha is a unique vocalist--love him or hate him, few can argue with the power of Rocha's delivery and lyricism, somewhat remiscient of Chuck D. from Public Enemy. And the lyrics here are VERY powerful. Take Know Your Enemy, for example (which features a strong guest vocal by Tool's Maynard Keenan):

"Yes, I know my enemies/
They're the teachers who taught me to fight me/
Compromise, conformity, assimilation, submission/
Ignorance, hypocrisy, brutality, the elite/
All of which are American dreams.."

The last line is repeated several times, driving the song home and leaving the listener stunned. And the album achieves this level of power again on Wake Up, with the verse:

"Ya know they murdered X/
And tried to blame it on Islam/
He turned the power to the have-nots/
And then came the shot/
What was the price on his head?"

The rest of the album approaches or matches this level of quality, with only Settle For Nothing leaving me somewhat cold. Definitely worth a purchase, then check out the great third album The Battle Of L.A. (skip over Evil Empire).

Note: I agree with some of the political views and disagree with others expressed on this album (such as the pro-socialism stance), but ultimately it is possible to enjoy the top-notch music and not agree with the rhetoric. As far as being charged as "hypocrites," yes they are on a major label. However, a great deal of Rage Against The Machine's proceeds go to Amnesty International and other organizations, so I wouldn't be so quick to call them "sellouts." Just thought I'd contribute my opinion.

A Historic Album For Music
In 1992, everything was about grunge and flannel. Enter Rage Against The Machine. While everyone was finding a way to rip off Seattle bands, RATM were smelling revolution instead of teen spirit. RATM weren't the first ones to rap over riffs (see: Anthrax's "I'm The Man"), but they were the first to really do something with it. Melding Black Sabbath-esque guitars, Public Enemy political raps, and a punk rock tinge in both their music and intensity, RATM gave birth to an animal known as "Rage Against The Machine" that would forever change music. RATM's anti-government political stance in their songs is as relentless as Tom Morello's riffing. Just look at the names of these songs: "Take The Power Back," "Wake Up," "Know Your Enemy," "Freedom"--this isn't your typical rock album here, folks. Everything hear has a meaning, and it doesn't stoop down to the level of sticking cookies up your girlfriend's ... Zack De La Rocha's furious vocals are nothing short of amazing. Every lyric, every gasp of air he takes, and every scream shakes the skull like only Fat Freddie could dream of. "Instead I warm my hands on the flames of the flag" goes one line, "So called facts are fraud, they want us to allege and pledge, and bow down to their God" goes another. Then, there's Tom Morello--my personal pick for the greatest guitarist ever. Taking a page from Tony Iommi's book (Black Sabbath--maybe you've heard of 'em?), Tom's guitars are dark and sludgy--but with that extra punk rock kick that guitarists in Iommi's era were missing. But while Iommi had those dark, sludgy, demonic riffs, Morello has dark, mean, ugly and nasty riffs that are fueled by punk rock rage. And who could forget Tim Commerford and Brad Wilk? Hands down, one of the best rhythm sections in rock history. Tim and Brad alone are amazing musicians--Tim's bass playing rivals Flea's, and Brad's drumming is fast, powerful and devastating--but together, there's no stopping them. They're funky, they're awesome, and they never fall victim to being redundant. As a whole, RATM are unrivaled. Limp Bizkit, Taproot, Papa Roach, etc. couldn't get the rap-metal formula right with hand-written instructions from RATM stapled to their foreheads. It's easy writing a review were you disect a song and talk about its good or weak points. But not here. You see, ALL these songs are top-notch, rock classics. From the religion bashing of "Killing In The Name," to the goverenment bashing of "Know Your Enemy," to "Freedom" which is about Leonard Peltier, this disk is perfect anyway you look at it. But my personal favorite was "Freedom." Saving the best for last, RATM create a relentless rock song that is up there with "Bulls On Parade." The way the song rolls and stops, then kicks into high-gear, and then builds up with so much tension and explodes like the atom bomb is just perfect. "Rage Against The Machine" is sheer perfection, any which way you look at it. It's aggressive, it's defiant, it's intelligent, it's groundbreaking, and it's a masterpiece. Just like all the classic albums, this one will forever stand the test of time.

"When ignorance reigns, life is lost..."
I first got into Rage Against The Machine in 7th grade, when I was into crap like Limp Bizkit and purchased Evil Empire because people said I would like it if I liked Limp Bizkit. In retrospect, that comparison is a big insult to Rage. That's like comparing "Goodfellas" to "You Got Served".

Anyway, I really liked (and still like) Evil Empire (especially "Vietnow"). However, I didn't get this album until this past January. Before then, I had a few of the songs on mixes, but that's it. I listened to samples in the store and really liked what I heard, so I purchased it. Forget Wimp Bizkit; this is rock-rap done RIGHT!

First of all, the musicians here; Tom Morello, Tim Commerford and Brad Wilk (now of Audioslave); are all very talented. Check out the slap bass, the riffs, the drumming. Add Zack De La Rocha's politically-charged rhymes over top of them, and you get what might be the only band in history influenced by both Led Zeppelin and Public Enemy, which may sound like mixing pizza and ice cream but comes out sounding damn good. Most of the songs on here are favorites.

The angry, anti-authority/government diatribes are what made this album a classic twelve years ago. Before 1992, there weren't too many albums with "[...] you, I won't do what you tell me!" as a lyric. And I think "When ignorance reigns, life is lost" is very relatable to the Iraq war going on today.

Overall, if you want a REAL rap-rock record, check this one out first, then get the others.(...)

Classic
Their self-titled debut would prove to be Rage Against the Machine's best effort, though they hardly slipped over the ensuing years and albums. This is a classic in the truest sense of the word: it begs you to pull it out of your collection at least 2-3 times a year, and it represents some of the best music from its time and place. RATM reminds you that the best music SAYS SOMETHING, whether it's politically-motivated or just something the artist feels the need to share with their audience. Rage's blend of incendiary metal riffing (courtesy of Tom Morello's groundbreaking guitar work), pounding drums, and scream-in-your-ear agenda-pushing lyrics was powerful, unique, and uncompromising. This is an essential album for anyone that listens to message-heavy music.

finally, real rap/metal
I have to say, listening to Linkin Park, P.O.D, etc, RATM is by far the best rap/metal band out there. Alot of rap/metal bands just talk about sex drugs and stuff cough*, cough*, Limp Bizket, cough*. But Rage is differnt they talk about right and wrong. Zack De la Rocha is one of the most respected people out there for his political opinions on our US Government, his lyrics are expreesed in various amounts of anger in hardcore rap. Tom morello, 1 word, AMAZING, his guitar playing is crazy. And would you believe that most of these cool sounds are made by guitar, thats awesome. Timmy C with the bass, very good, the bass blends perfect with the guitar. And Brad wilk, another jaw dropper, his drumming is also amzing, when you listen to all the tracks, the drum pattern is perfect. There Self titled debut is filled with lots of great rap, guitar solos, and plenty of screaming.

1)Bombtrack (4:05) - great opener to the album, also a nice intro too. 8/10
2)Killing in the Name (5:14) - After listening to this track I was amazed, great song to listen to when you're pissed off, my third fav. track. 10/10
3)Take the Power Back (5:37) - a very political song with some great lyrics. 8/10
4)Settle for Nothing (4:48) - not my favorite but still good. Has a cool guitar solo. 7/10
5)Bullet in the Head (5:09)- cool guitar, another great track one of my favorite. 8/10
6)Know Your Enemy (4:55)- cool lyrics, and great guitar riffs. 9/10
7)Wake Up (6:04)- first heard it in the matrix, another great guitar, best lyrics. 10/10
8)Fistful of Steel (5:31)- meh, ok. 6/10
9)Township Rebellion (5:24)- meh, ok. 6/10
10)Freedom (6:05) - An excellent way to finish the album, my favorite track. 12/10

In all, out of all the best RATM albums pick this up first then move up to there other ones, Evil Empire, Battle of L.A, Renegades, and Live at the Grand Olympic Auditorium. ... Read more

Album Description

Collector's Item.The record described here is one from the legendary LOST PALLET. The mystery has finally been solved: The CD's were discovered in a government warehouse in Seattle right next to the Lost Ark of the Covenant. This is one of the final remaining 8,000 of the original pressing of the classic debut album by Queens of the Stoneage. Brought to you by RekordsRekords in conjunction with Ant Acid Audio. "Nobody brings our music to you better than we do & that's our promise." ... Read more

Reviews (4)

One listen and I am hooked
Usually it takes several listen for me to fully appreciate an album and get adjusted to it, but this one only took one listen. Each song is so catchy and original that I never wanted them to end! If you like well put together rock, this is the cd for you. I am extremely thrilled with this purchase!

Worth It?
There's a lot of hype around this as a "legendary" release that Queens of the Stone Age never lived up to in their following releases. I don't believe the hype is warrented. It's deffinitly got a hypnotic "stoner rock" vibe to it which can be fun, and none of the songs are bad at all. But the Queens continued to grow after this. They got better. This is not their creative peak.

It deffinitly is a very good album, though. "Avon" is a great initial stand-out track, and the listening curve reveals more upon repeated listens. Tracks like "If Only" and "You Would Know" hint at the more melodic leanings of Songs for the Deaf. "You Can't Quit Me Baby" especially hints at stuff Queens would later do on Lullabies to Paralyze. And the repetative, hypnotic weirdness of "Hispanic Impressions" is a preview to the strange but listenable Rated R album.

To answer my initial question - is it worth it? When it was still unavailable from retailers and could only be found for silly, stupid amounts of money on Ebay, I would have said no. But now that the "lost pallet" has been released, at a completely reasonable price... I would say that this IS a worthwhile purchase.

Under 17 Admitted
While less adventurous, this album is much in the same vein as "Songs for the Deaf" and "Lullabies to Paralyze".If you've been introduced to QoTSA recently and want to check out some of their older stuff, this is what you want.Their 2nd album "Rated R" is far too experimental in my opinion and (while it did win them acclaim among critics) it doesn't really sound like it fits in QoTSA's library.Even though the first album may not be flashy like later releases, it's just good grinding rock.

THEIR FIRST & BEST
THIS IS NO SLAM ON THEIR OTHER RELEASES,AS I ENJOY THEM ALL,BUT I FEEL THAT THIS IS THEIR BEST.STRAIGHT FORWARD,HEAVY WITHOUT BEING DEATH-METAL,AND CATCHY.
CONSISTANTLY GOOD FROM START TO FINISH,NO "FILLER".CONSIDER THIS ONE "ESSENTIAL"! ... Read more

Amazon.com

As a placeholder between the full-length Pretty Hate Machine and The Downward Spiral, Broken packs a serious punch. Angrier and less poppy than Machine, this EP is full of noisy hooks, if such a thing is possible (check out that guitar riff on the full-throttle "Wish"), and much closer aesthetically to the industrial subgenre that informs Trent Reznor's music. As song titles like "Help Me I Am in Hell" suggest, Broken is a work of undiluted rage, which is, of course, a big part of its appeal. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Reviews (200)

Can't get much more intense than Broken
This Broken EP is the one to play if you are in anger. But it's very amazing. It will even scare you. Going from the emotional Help Me I Am In Hell going slower than the others, it then gets to Happiness In Slavery. That will scare you the first time you hear it.

And you'd be used to NIN having such soft songs. Broken uses a trend no other NIN album managed to do. No synths, no piano. But it's still great. And I love synths. But this isn't the mood for it. And you will probably find yourself head banging to Wish the day that you feel like your stupid. Then there's Gave Up before the hidden tracks, about losing your strength. It doesn't hold up for as much emotion as The Fragile but is still great.

I love the first hidden track, Physical, the cover of an Adam Ant song. You'll probably be addicted to it. And it IS addictive. Watch out though. There's a trick: There'll be a thing that makes you think there's 99 tracks when 91 of them are really left blank, those being seven through 97.

The only flaw is that it's barely longer than 33 minutes. It could have been much longer. Add this to your NIN collection if you are a beginner in collecting. mainly if you love more of the metal music. This is where they were called "metal" from. Join the ride like no other.

A Clamorous Smash of Affliction and Angst
Broken is the second NIN cd I purchased following the dark masterpiece that is "The Downward Spiral". It is 33+ minutes of raw torment and carnage all twisted and tied up into a bondage of an EP. The emotions of Halo 5 are genuine and pure, inspired by Reznor's feud and hatred with TVT records. Each song is capable of representing sheer power and strength in sound while the instrumental tracks provide some peaceful yet depressing insights in between periods of onslaught and rage. The two bonus tracks are interesting but lacks some character and focus of the first six.

Standout Tracks: Happiness in Slavery & Gave Up
As each song procedes the previous, the adrenaline and intensity is heightened. Thus, the last two tracks [excluding the bonus material] represent the climax of Broken. Combining heavy guitar riffs with loud, innovative synths; surprisingly enough, Happiness in Slavery comes off extremely catchy. Gave Up is my favorite track on this CD. With its hopeless lyrics and distortion, it certainly leaves the listener on a high note. Gave Up also appeals to me as a faster version of Wish. As Reznor screams through the chorus, he sounds like a racing demon on speed.

Broken is the next step up from the phenomenal debut "Pretty Hate Machine". It is anything but a "placeholder" described by Genevieve Williams. The song "Wish" won Reznor a Grammy and it elevated NIN's popularity. My only complaint about "Broken" is its length, as it leaves the audience with a bit of emptyness. However, having a full album of hate anthems might bring this precious gem to a bore real fast...

- aZnXgIn

OMG
oh the rage...oh the rage....when your record company upsets you..

what do you do..
put the swerve on em

standouts: wish, happiness in slavery

Overrated
Broken is incredibly angry for NIN, considering that they tend to prefer angst to anger. However, the CD falls victim to the fact that it frequently lacks flow and in many cases it gets overly abbrasive.

First song (an instrumental) leads into the secon, "Wish." This is the best song on the CD, and it is actually very good. Incredibly catchy and it avoids Trent's overuse of the loud-soft-loud-soft dynamic. It flows well, avoids being jerky and manages to actually be entertaining. Try getting that guitar hook out of your head!

The second track of note on this CD is "Happiness In Slavery." The track is very complex, and has wonderfully morbid lyrics. However, the track falls down owing to two factors. The first is that it lacks continuity. It seems like it lurches between a Frontline Assembly track and a PHM era NIN track. This in turn causes the song to lack catchiness and continuity. The second problem is that it again follows the awful loud-soft-loud-soft gimmick.

The other songs are all somewhat unremarkable.

Overall, Broken showed Trent's skill increase, and NIN still sounds incredibly unique. However, the overall sound can get as bad as an in-sink garbage disposal with a guitar over the top. And even Frontline Assembly have somemelody in their tracks.

Short on songs, long on quality
This is more of an EP than an LP. But what it lacks in length, it certainly more than makes up for in intensity. "Broken" packs a punch and I like it more than "The Downward Spiral" or "The Fragile" -- at least at times when I crave very angry music. (The other two are more very good and diverse collections but just aren't the 100% pure angry energy that "Broken" is.)

If you're not a NIN fan, you many not connect with this album. I'd recommend "Pretty Hate Machine" as the NIN primer for those new to the band, and I'd recommend this one for the NIN fan who just wants some primal anger and energy. ... Read more

Amazon.com

If it's sometimes a chore to get past Slipknot's stratified shock-rock shtick, Iowa's nouveaumetal-mongers take the occasion of their third album proper to prove there's a genuinely restless, undeniable musical juggernaut beneath the horror-show masquerade. Producer Rick Rubin has honed their modern metal assault to a fine edge here, tempering it with a compelling sense of dynamics missing from all too many similar heavy forgings in the bargain. But credit the band with hammering together the solid foundations of what stands as their best album to date, a collection that succeeds by--surprise--reverting to more traditional song-forms and occasionally operating at something other than a relentless fevered pitch. Call it mainstreaming or a newfound maturity; whatever it is, it pays diverse dividends from the opening cinematic tension of "Prelude 3.0" and paramilitary-cadenced thrill ride "Three Nil" to the moody, rap-thrash single "Duality" and the unlikely, angst-laden pop hooks of "Circle." If that song's cello-inflected atmospherics and lilting Corey Taylor vocals may have the band's faithful initially rubbing their ears in puzzlement, by the time the evocative acoustic guitars, bittersweet harmonies and string quartet break of "Vermilion Pt. 2" rolls around, it's clear this is a band who's challenged itself with broad new horizons--and triumphed. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (623)

Good, good stuff!
Wow this cd is 100% awesome. It's the most diverse slipknot album yet and arguably their best (or maybe second best, next to their classic self-titled). The mixing of the trademark chaotic sound of the 'Knot, and their new-found melodic and mellower side makes this cd a must own for die-hard Maggots as well as metalheads in general. It's so brutal and at the same time wonderful, i haven't stopped listening to it since I got it 3 days ago. I highly recommend this cd to any respecting fan of good music. Thank you so much to Slipknot for always keeping the music heavy, heart-felt and REAL.

Now for my Song Ratings:

1. Prelude(9/10)- Cool intro to start off the album. It instantly gives you a hint that this cd is gonna sound different than older ones.

2. The Blister Exists(10/10)- Heavy as f*ck, great riffs, catchy chorus and a killer marching band-like intermission at the middle.

3. Three Nil(9/10)- Features some fast drumming from Joey & melodic vocals from Corey.

4. Duality(10/10)- One of the best tracks on the album. Ultra-catchy chorus! Make sure to check out the rad video they made for it.

5. Opium of the People(9/10)- Fast-paced song, some sick guitar riffs, and again a melodic chorus

6. Circle(10/10)- First acoustic song on the CD. Beautiful vocals, and cool drum beats at the end.

7. Welcome(9/10)- Really heavy track, crazy screaming and a short but sweet guitar solo.

8. Vermilion(10/10)- Best track on the album. Has some Marilyn Manson-esque sound effects, creepy vocals, and an irrestible sing-along-to chorus. Also a cool guitar solo, and a classic ending.

9. Pulse of the Maggots(9/10)- Promises to be the new favorite at the mosh pits, awesome guitar solo, chanting, a new dedication to the true fans.

10. Before I Forget(8/10)- My 2nd least-liked track on the album, though it's a common favorite of many. The lyrics, flow of the songs and even the chorus itself just don't quite appeal to me as the other songs do.

11. Vermilion, Pt. 2(10/10)- The second acoustic song. To sum it up, a very awesome song. Great lead and back-up vocals. A haunting and beautiful track, it's probably my current favorite.

12. The Nameless(10/10)- Wild screaming, kick-a$$ riffs and another super-catchy chorus. This song represents the album's overall feel- heavy yet melodic.

13. The Virus of Life(7/10)- The song I like least. It just seems to be missing something to give it an edge. A slow song with serious screaming but doesn't really go anywhere.

14. Danger - Keep Away(10/10)- The third 'quiet' song, which ends the album. Good blending of Corey's voice and the back-ups.

Slipknot's Vol. 3; Mature & Chaotic
After 3 years of waiting, Slipknot comes up with a very melodical, yet heavy, album that's an instant classic for every Maggot out there that cares about Slipknot's music, and not about how many times Corey uses cuss words in a song.
In my opinion, Slipknot has found the balance between melodical Metal and heavy Nu-Metal. With great-sounding guitar solos from both James Root and Mick Thompson in almost every song (except the acoustic songs such as Circle) they step their music up to a whole new level which shows the maturity of the band after their first two albums.
I was astounded by the fact that this album is not "Parental Advisory" at first, but then I realized that cussing is not necessary to make the music more intense. It's the melody and heaviness that makes you bang your head and fall in love with this Album. It's simultaneously (...) Beautiful" and "Brutal" as Corey Taylor said in one of the interviews. I highly recommend this album to the true Maggots who love the 'Knot for their Music.

My Personal Favorite songs on this album are "Opium of the People" and "Duality".

(...)

Awesome
This cd is (sic) this is one of my favorite albums. Different from their other CD's but this one of the best album by them so far. The only thing that sux on this album is the acoustic songs. (Circle & Vermillion Pt 2) But Circle pretty good anyways. Buy this CD right now its awesome.

Prelude 3.0 4/5
The Blister Exist 6/5
Three Nil 5/5
Duality 7/5
Opium Of The People 5/5
Circle 3/5
Welcome 3/5
Vermillion 5/5
Pulse Of The Maggots 4/5
Before I Forget 10/5
Vermillion PT. 2 2/5
The Nameless 6/5
The Virus Of Life 3/5
Danger-Keep Away 5/5

what is so scary about 9 clowns ?
slipknot suck. they are not death metal they are circus metal.only little supit 12 year old kids think that slipknot are ture black metal. If slipknot is black metal why is there a a clown, gas mask guy, pinnocuo,and a bunch of halloween kids.why is there a damn DJ? if you want real cold dark black metal check out band like mayhem darkthrone immortal dark funeral enslaved and bathory not kids music.

Why cant I give Negative stars?
This CD deserves Negative 5 stars. All copies of this CD must be destroyed it is terrible! Whatever happened to good music? Like stuff that isn't Slipknot. I'd rather go to the dentist than listen to this CD seriously you dumbass people who actually like this have some mental problems. And you need a good slap.

Let me tell you a little about slipknot

THEY SUCK ... Read more

Amazon.com

Tidal is the debut album by Fiona Apple, a New York singer-songwriter-pianist who was 18 years old at the time of its 1996 release. Apple is obviously talented--she has a dark, smoky alto and a knack for an arresting turn of phrase--but she's still several years away from realizing her potential. For every fresh lyric she writes ("Daddy longlegs, I feel that I'm finally growing weary of waiting to be consumed by you"), she provides two examples of embarrassingly precious schoolgirl poetry ("Adagio breezes fill my skin with sudden red," from the same song, "The First Taste"). She also has yet to refine her moody piano chords into actual melodies, though "Shadowboxer" comes close. --Geoffrey Himes ... Read more

Reviews (253)

Better w/ Each Listen -Classic Alt Rock CD
Fiona Apple was the "Alica Keyes" of alternative rock music back in the mid-90's - a young, gifted singer who led a band from her piano and produced a critically acclaimed debut.

On 'Tidal', Fiona produces a raw, melodic CD which is often transcendent in a way which reminds me a bit like 'Abbey Road'. No, she is NOT the Beatles here. She was an 18 yr old w/ a burning muse, unpolished and instinctive her first time out, not technically brilliant and nearly flawless as the greatest rock band ever on their last recorded studio album. But though there are some strong standouts ('Criminal', 'Sleep to Dream', 'Shadowboxer') its the whole that transcends its often undeveloped parts after repeated listenings which leaves the strongest impression. Where the Beatles wrote complex novels, Fiona writes slam poetry -a young woman's angst filtered thru not-always-developed bursts of melody. The lyrics are sometimes inept and its hard to pick up any semblance of continuity at times, but there is a sultriness in her voice and an unselfconsciousness in her delvery that carries through to the end.

Back in the 'Lilith Fair'-era of alternative rock's heyday in the 90's, when artists like Tori and Alannis and Jewel were omnipresent, "Tidal" was a quiet classic that holds up well today. Highly recommeded!

Tidal
Fiona Apple is one of the best song writers to come around in years. The lyrics are powerful and oh so poetic. Every track is a masterpiece. She plays piano wonderfuly and has great insturmenatlist on the album. Her vioce is one of the best out there. Her vioce has so mutch felling and power in it. It realy moves me. The album starts with "Sleep To Dream" a great song musicaly but probably the worst song lyricly on the album. The next song "Sullen Girl" is a song about how she was raped when she was twelve. Its a very sad but beuitiful song more on the jazzy side. The next song "Shadowboxer" is more on the the soulish/blues side. Another great song. Criminal is the most rock orientated song on the album. I love her vocals at the end of the song. "Slow Like Honey" is a great lyrical song with great music as well. "The First Taste" is one of the best songs on the album. The song just brings poetic thoughts into my mind everytime I hear it. Good instraments too. Than comes one of my favorite songs "Never is a Promise". The strings are great, the pianos great and the vocals go right along with the song. You just have to hear the song! "The Child is Gone" is the worst song on the album but you still should listen to it good. "Pale September" has very devious pianos and is a very relaxing song. "Carrion" finishes the album off the right way with what eles a great lyirical, musical and vocal song!!! This is one of my favorite albums. I put it right up there with the classics and at least for me, will stand the test of time. Her lyrics inspire me so mutch, and hearing her music is one of the best ways for me to forget my problems. Pick this up I just don't see how you won't be inspired and love this album. I expect Fiona to be remebered as one of the best songwriters of our generation.

Where are you Fiona?
Was Fiona Apple really so young when she released this album? Was she already such a great composer, vocalist, pianist and producer? Amazing! Is there a single song on here that is not hypnotic? Absolutely not! Sullen Girl, Shadowboxer, Criminal -- these are all glorious tracks that should make anyone wonder where this girl came from (and especially where she has disappeared to) and where she developed such a seasoned view. She's like the Rickie Lee Jones or Joni Mitchell of the 90s. Fiona, please come back and give us some more great music.

Auspicious Debut Album.... from (then) 19 yr old Fiona
Fiona Apple was signed to a major label in 1995 on the strenght of a demo tape of a few songs. She was 18, and a major label signing an unknown teenager was possible only because we now know (in retrospect) that 1995-96 were the heydays of the "alternative music" scene, and anything was possible.

"Tidal" (10 tracks, 51 min.), released almost 8 years to the day, was auspicious in many respects. The confessional writing style, the jazzy-smokey pop (don't even think Norah Jones, but more a jazzier Tori Amos or Aimee Mann), it all struck a cord. And a few killer songs helped tremendously of course. "Shadowboxer" became a breakout hit, and justifiably so, it still sounds good today, 8 years later. Other oustanding tracks include the opener "Sleep to Dream", "The First Taste" (with great lyrics like "Darling Just Start the Chase/I'll Let You Win/But You Must Make the Endeavour"), and "Pale September", featuring the vibraphone which is used throughout the album, very effectively. However, the very best of them all "Never Is A Promise", a haunting ballad.

Since "Tidal", Fiona has released only one other album (1999's oustanding "When The Pawn"), but supposedly we will finally see a new album later this year. Meanwhile, "Tidal" is aging quite nicely. Strongly recommended!

We Need More Music Like This.
Now this is some truly, honest to God gorgeous music, you can just relax to it and let it take you away. Fiona A. is one talented woman, and quite sensual in her songs. Although I love Tori Amos myself, Fiona's music is very different despite some similarities (a.k.a piano, having been raped)

High Points: I'm in LOVE with her sound, it is very unique in my opinion and has a dreamy, moody quality to it. Her voice is also awesome, it can sweep down deep and sultry and then soar high and sweet (wish there was more singers like that). AND not ONE song is bad (although I usually skip Pale September and Carrion for some reason). Favorite songs are Sullen Girl (the piano is beautiful and the lyrics are my favorite out of all the songs "but he washed me shore and he took my pearl, and left an empty...shell, of me."), The First Taste (this really would be great to dance to, the vibe is awesome and her voice just glides through it), Slow Like Honey (sooooo seductive, Fiona tells why her man can't resist her.)

Low Points: Hmm...can't think of any haha! This whole album stays pretty consistent in feeling and sound, but if you have no patience for slow songs than you had best stay away.

This piece is really a stand out to me, and I wish there was more music out like this, in fact, I think we need it. To get away from having to be all edgy and beautiful and pumped up... and just chill. Yeah, that would be cool. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Nick Oliveri may have departed, taking his naked bass playing skills with him, but Queens of the Stone Age remains in good hands with co-founder Josh Homme. Putting extracurricular projects like Eagles of Death Metal and the Desert Sessions briefly on hold, the restless front man keeps things dependably loud and sludgy on the group's third album. Monster riffs, choppy rhythms, explosive melodies, and, yes, even a generous serving of cowbell, propel standout songs like "Medication" and "Little Sister" on the follow-up to 2002's breakthrough Songs for the Deaf. Friends also lend a hand. ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons shreds through the reverberating "Burn The Witch," while Garbage's Shirley Manson and the Distillers' Brody Dalle join Homme for a tantalizing threesome on "You Got A Killer Scene." -- Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

Reviews (121)

Great album
So far, this is probably my favorite album of 2005.I first got into Queens of the Stone Age with Songs for the Deaf, which is one of the best hard rock albums of the past few years.Of course, the biggest change since then has been departure of Nick Oliveri, which leaves Nick Homme as the sole center of the band.By and large, he does a good job of keeping the flame, even if there's nothing on Lullabies to Paralyze that quite matches the blistering energy of "You Think I Ain't Worth a Dollar" or "Six Shooter."Instead, songs like "Tangled Up in Plaid" and "In My Head" take their cues from "No One Knows" and "Go With the Flow," while Mark Lanegan contributes the haunting opener.Homme is less successful when he tries to recapture some of the more manic material Oliveri was known for; "Burn the Witch" is excellent, but "Someone's in the Wolf" seems to run on too long and the two tracks that follow it aren't particularly memorable.On the whole Homme's forays into pop ("I Never Came") and funk ("You've Got a Killer Scene") work very well, which should come as a relief to those concerned about the future of the Queens after Oliveri's departure.Highly recommended.

Their best yet
The first time I listened to "Lullabies" was on an 11-hour flight to London so I had plenty of time to relax and let the music sink in.After my first listen, I couldn't believe what I had heard.The album seemed so boring and slow.After so much excitement from hearing Little Sister, I was incredibly disappointed.Yet I wanted to give it another shot.So I did, and I ended up listening to the album at least 15 times during my one week stay in Oxford.

It's now my favorite QOTSA album.I used to think Rated R was their best, because it had the most diversity but I just think Lullabies is a more cohesive album, and a creepy one at that.It definitely has a grotesque, nightmarish quality to it.I really can't get enough of it.I was too quick to write it off, but it gets better with each listen.Favorite song: The Blood Is Love.

For the full experience, listen to it in the darkest room you can find with a good pair of headphones.Mind blowing.

Good, not great.
Josh is going it alone now. You can't compare it to "songs for the deaf." This cd doesn't blow your doors off right away, but after a couple of listens, it will grow on you. I like the mellow stuff. At least Josh keeps doing something alittle different but still rocks. It's a good listen.

HORRIBLE!!!!
I hate this album! I ended up giving it away it sucked so much! the only DECENT song is Little Sister, and that gets old fast!

QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, KINGS OF THE ROCK AGE
This is easily one of the best CDs I've heard this year(possibly this millennium). Josh Homme creates a world of children's fairytails haunted by nightmares better than anyone since obvious influences Black Sabbath.Nick Oliveri may be Stone Age history, but this album comes across as the most consistant of all QOTSA.It is not as heavy as SONGS FOR THE DEAF without Dave Grohl's pounding drums, but the phsycadelic trip guides your emotions with great melodies, catchy riffs and tripped out sounds like cowbells and the annoying beeping of a phone left off the hook that blends perfectly.

(...) ... Read more

Amazon.com

Following Staind's footsteps, Nickelback make the personal public and vent a history of frustration and resentment to melodic hard rock. The band's second album, Silver Side Up, starts with "Never Again," an angry tirade against domestic violence that sheds light on the issue without too much sap or sentiment. The album's catchy radio hit "How You Remind Me" and the song "Woke Up This Morning" tell of rotting relationships, while other tracks touch on damaged hope and lost dreams. The post-grunge, alt-metal combo backing these songs packs as strong a punch as the lyrical material, going hard with lots of hooks. The additional slide guitar on "Hangnail" and sludgy, alt-metal riffs on "Hollywood," "Money Bought," and "Where Do I Hide" add a little meat to the alt-rock bones on Silver, elevating Nickelback above the heap of copycat rockers clogging the airwaves. --Jennifer Maerz ... Read more

Reviews (381)

some hints of originality ? ....ummmm....GREAT CD
After listening to this album once, i can't say i was over impressed, probably the greatness of how you remind me overlooked the rest of the album and made it seem quite plain. four hours later the albums is still going strong on repeat and keeps geting better.
Each song has its own sound and the pace keeps up with the powerful and energetic sound and theres the voice too match it.
Labelled as post-grunge or as some are saying alt/nu-grunge, this is impressive and unlike some of the latest 'grunge' efforts all tryin to copy eddie vedder, this sets standards for new grunge bands and also adds some originality to the scene.
Best five songs have to be how you remind me, [radio friendly, quality and addictive describe this]
Never again [great vocals, wicked riffs, superb]
Just For [ Another wicked riff , reminds me of teen spirit abit and the vocals seem a bit staind'ish]
Hollywood [ some neat vocal effects add to another great song]
Good Times Gone [ possibly the most balladish song on the album and also the longest, ends the album on a very high note.]
overall some people may say this album is the same because all the songs are in your face rock, no extra fast or slow songs or very heavy stuff..........but the quality is here without a doubt and thats why a high 5 is on order!

cya! gonna check out their first album 'state'

A Solid Second Album
With a huge success from "How You remind Me," Nickelback have shot from the west coast of Canada to being a big name in music today. Here's the track breakdown for "Silver side Up":

1. Never Again: A song about domestic violence. This is the most pissed off I've ever heard these guys. 9/10

2. How You Remind Me: The single that launched them to the top of the charts. Need I say more? 10/10

3. Woke up this morning: Love the guitar solo here. Fairly good rock song. 9/10

4. Too Bad: The next single. A bit angrier than How You Remind Me, but still as catchy. 10/10

5. Just For: Really Hard, and doesn't that opening guitar sound kinda like "Smells Like Teen Spirit"? 8/10

6. Hollywood: Nothing really stands out here, I usually skip this. 6/10.

7. Money Bought: Some great lines in this one. 8/10

8. Where Do I Hide: My personal fave. Harder than the singles, but Nickelback sounds better like this. 10/10

9. Hangnail: My second fave on the CD, for all the same reasons as the first. 10/10

10. Good Times Gone: A switch to slow rock , but still as good as the rest of the songs. This features Ian Thornley, the lead singer of Big Wreck, on guitar. 9/10

In general, if you buy this CD for "How You Remind Me", you may be in for a bit of a surprise. However, if you can stand harder music, this is a good album.

What a jerk I was ,
What a jerk I was! I am a huge nickelback fan and I have evreyone of there c.d.s! I was very happy with this c.d. when I baught it , but in a while you will start to get sucked into songs like "How you remind me" and "too bad" and started playing them over and over again , however try to avoid this as now all the fun in the song has been wared out. What Im trying to say is I listend to these songs way to much! This a great c.d. but try not over play it! Since this inncident Ive learned my lesson on c.d.s. Now if I hadent have overplayed this c.d. I woul d giving this 5 stars because of how grea this can be!

A simple comment
Commenter "Weak and Weary" obviously hasn't listened to ANY music if he thinks Nickelback is a boring "verse, chorus, verse" band. Ever hear the Beatles??? What about Nirvana?! What about ANY band you hear?! I'm not saying they're boring, I'm saying they all use the verse-chorus-verse style. And geez, are THEY boring?? No. The Beatles will be remembered forever as one of the greatest bands of all time. As will Nirvana. If nothing else, Nickelback will be known for the most played song ("How You Remind Me") of, I believe, 2002. :)

just terrible
I looked like the guy on the album cover while listening to this cd. I cried because it was way too painful to listen to this crap. People, go listen to some good music... and no that doesn't mean radiohead. Radiohead sucks. a lot. So if you like radiohead AND nickelback, you're a total dipshi†. ... Read more

Amazon.com

While her debut's been promoted through a glitzy high-fashion photo package and items in trendy magazines, South Carolina native Roberts, who has the looks for such hype, also delivers the goods. Her smoky, beguiling voice echoes Bonnie Raitt and a young Tanya Tucker. She and producer/guitarist Brent Rowan shun the blaring arena rock or folk-flavored pretense that plagues many debuts. This one emphasizes solid, quality commercial fare in an Americana-based setting heavy on acoustic guitars and rhythm. Roberts sets the tone with Jamie O'Hara's fetchingly acerbic "You Ain't Down Home." The winsome "Unlove Me" and let-it-rip "Just 'Cause We Can" each pack a wallop; so does the witty morning-after chronicle "Wake Up Older" and the dark, evocative "No Way Out." No overdone power ballads here. Understatement drives her elegant, heartbreaking interpretation of Julie Miller's "I Can't Get Over You." In the end, Roberts remembers an axiom many on Music Row long ago forgot: a powerful voice, simple, honest storytelling, and no-frills music are still what country's about. --Rich Kienzle ... Read more

Reviews (35)

julie roberts
the first cd from julie roberts is certainly one every country fan will want to add to their collection.it contains 11 songs and every one could be a single.julie is the best new artist to come out since CDJ.break down here is my favorite but every song julie sings is with emotion and she sings from her heart.she will go far and in the future will win many awards.you will not be disapointed with this cd,it is a must have for every country music fan.

She's great!
Julie Roberts is a wonderful singer with her deep voice and great looks! She makes country hip cool and interesting. Every song on the cd is great, I especially like "Rain on a tin roof", I think thats a very pretty song. She is so soulful and she puts her heart into every song. I hope she's around for many years to come, so go out and buy Julie Roberts new cd today. YOU WON'T REGRET IT!!
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Awesome
By far the best cd I have ever bought. Every song is awesome. Beautiful album. A must have.

Enjoyed it!
After seeing a CMT special on Roberts recently, I had to buy the CD and am not at all disappointed. She's beautiful but also has the voice to go along with it. The music/lyrics I enjoyed very much. I found that I was playing the CD on repeat quite a bit. I think she'll go a long way.

Beautiful Voice...
I first heard Julie's song "Break Down Here", and I couldn't get it out of my head. Then I saw her perform on CMT's "Greatest Love Songs" concert. She sang "Sweet Dreams" by Patsy Cline. Her voice was amazing. I immediately decided to buy the cd to hear more of her. I listened to the whole thing from beginning to end in one sitting. Her voice sounds wonderful but some of the songs just didn't work for me. And most of the songs seemed so short. "Break Down Here", "Unlove Me", "If You Had Called Yesterday", "I Can't Get Over You", and "Rain on a Tin Roof" are all wonderful. The rest are all okay, just nothing that stayed with me. The only song that I could not stand to listen to was "No Way Out". Overall, a wonderful REAL country cd by a young woman that should have a long career ahead of her. ... Read more

Reviews (695)

Surprisingly good for its genre
I'm usually a person that's more a fan of edgier music, the type of band that doesn't receive much play on your local "music at work" station. At first I did not like Third Eye Blind. I thought "Semi-Charmed Life", with it's "doo-doo-doo" hook line, was irrelevant alt-pop. However, I eventually heard "Graduate" and "Losing A Whole Year", and though they might be a band worth checking out. At a bowling alley one night, I heard the whole album, and was quite impressed. This band, with its radio songs that crossed over to Top 40, received a bad reputation as a middle-of-the-road alterna-schlock band, but they don't deserve that label. Frontman Stephen Jenkins writes some very poetic lyrics, and the band can rock out with a style that's like a more streamlined Jane's Addiction. You don't realize when you hear it on the radio, but SCL is not the cheery love song that it sounds like on the surface. There are slower songs that don't drown the listener in schmaltz, like "God Of Wine" and "Motorcycle Drive-By", but even better are the crunchy rockers like "Narcolepsy" and "London". The band's strength lies in these dark, moody rock tunes, which there are more of on this album than on the follow-ups "Blue" and "Out Of The Vein". If you are like me and are not a fan of most Top 40 music, give this one a chance - it contains more depth and isn't nearly as insipid as most pop acts. Aside from the hits like the aforementioned SCL, "Jumper", and "How's It Going To Be", the rest of the songs are in more of an modern rock vein and not as played out if you are sick of the above songs. 3EB are one of a select few bands in this genre that deserves its success.

Best Album Ever?
I remember the first time i heard of 3eb(Third Eye Blind). I was driving in my car listening to the radio and this song comes on called semi-charmed life. It was a fun song and i loved it immediatly. The next day i drove to the music store and bought the cd. Most people who buy a new cd skip to the tracks they've heard before. Not me. I listen to a new cd from begining to end. If only somone took a picture of my face. Not only did the songs have great rythm but deep meaningful words too. One song makes u feel like dancing like "Semi-Charmed Life", then the next just takes u away to another world "God of Wine". Then they bust out with harder songs like "London". I am not jus some guy who likes one and ONLY one genra, I like everything from rap to metal. But this album and this band jus grabs me and doesnt let me go 'till the cd finishes. I don't care what music you like, or if you don't like the songs by 3eb they play on the radio. The rest of the cd owns. My personal fav's don't even include popular ones. If you're still not sure d/l these songs and i promise you will change your mind. "God of Wine", "Narcolepsy", "Losing a whole Year", "The Backround". I have never liked any band as much as i like 3eb. Give them a try, you wont regret it.

One of the best albums of our times
I'm generally not a huge fan of this genre of music...what I guess I want to call "medium pop-rock" or something like that, but this debut album from Third Eye Blind (3EB for short) is absolutely positively one of the best albums EVER, regardless of genre. For those who only remember the bouncy sounds and fast lyrics of Semi-Charmed Life coming over the radio, you are missing out on one of the most coherent pieces of musical work ever made.

Although each song is well-written, with good hooks and deep and poetic lyrics, what makes this album five stars is the way in which all the albums weave together and tell an intricate story when played beginning to end. Now, the story it tells is up for interpretation, but I've always imagined it as the story of a man who is watching his life crumble away before his eyes...he is abandoned by his girlfriend and his loved ones, he grows to feel empty and shallow, and he is torn emotionally as a series of difficult situations arise...for instance, the girlfriend, who was only exploiting him but he still holds love for, is caught in a horrific accident in "The Background" and he has to decide to put his heart on the line again or walk away from the girl he loves.

There are so many other examples that I could go on for pages, but to summarize, this album is so ripe with a coherent and intricate love story that you could write a novel based on this album. That puts Third Eye Blind's debut album near the top of a short list of the best albums ever made, period.

3EB, "Thanks A Lot".
Unfortunately, these guys have suffered the same fate as many others, like "Sugar Ray". They got huge right away with their debut, then with each release people kind of lost interest. Well, regardless of all that, this is a great disc. I've heard a few make comparisons to "Pink Floyd" and "Jane's Addiction", and while 3EB is nowhere near the caliber of those bands, they're much better than say "Matchbox Twenty", or similar VH1 bands. Most all of these tracks are good, but the hits are "How It's Going To Be", "Jumper", "Losing A Whole Year", and the way overplayed to the point of being annoying "Semi-Charmed Life". Their next album had some good tracks like "Never Let You Go", but this is the disc to own. You should be able to find numerous copies at your local used cd store.

what are you guys smoking?
I don't know whats up... you guys are all saying that 3eb went downhill after their first album. I think all of the albums are kickass. every cd they have i can listen to over and over again without getting sick of it. Even if the first cd was teh best, the next 2 were still great albums that deserve to be recognized. Anyway, for those of you who are glue to the first cd, get the other two, and listen to Wounded (Blue), and Crystal Baller (out of the vein). Third eye blind is a sweet ass sweet band in general ... Read more

Reviews (16)

The Anti-Christ of Christian Pop
While it be too early to call Sufjan Stevens 'the next Nick Drake', 'Seven Swans', his stripped down follow-up to 2003's excellent 'Greetings From Michigan: The Great Lake State', makes such a declaration awfully tempting. Of course, there are significant differences between the two. Whereas it's difficult to separate Drake's music from the thought of his eventual suicide, Sufjan Stevens balances his whispered nostalgia with an underlying hopefulness. Billed largely as a collection of b-sides from the Michigan sessions, 'Seven Swans' arrived without much fanfare, aiming to serve as a musical appetitizer to Stevens' next entry into his ambitious '50 States' project. Yet, despite the humility with which it arrived, 'Seven Swans' finds Stevens surpassing his prior work with stronger songwriting and a more intimate, banjo-driven approach. For much of the album, Sufjan Stevens reflects on spirituality and his faith, exploring Christianity with honesty and love. Whereas most Christian pop condescends to its listeners with melodramatic 'shalls' and 'thous', Stevens sings about his faith without preaching. While the 'switch baby with Jesus' strategy of Christian pop is at work here at times, Sufjan pulls this off in a good way, capturing the intimacy of a great love song to integrate into his pious musings. In a sense, it's the Anti-Christ of Christian pop: a thoughtful, delicate album that evokes the quiet joy of the faithful. On 'In The Devil's Territory', Sufjan softly sings 'I'm not afraid to die, to see you... at last' as if he were singing to a lover, leaving out the self-righteousness that characterizes the megalomaniacal zealots of most Christian music. The best tracks, however, are saved for last. 'Seven Swans' is a haunting, metaphorical depiction of the coming of the apocalypse, in which Sufjan gives his only warning to the unfaithful, crying out: 'He will take you. If you run, he will chase you. Because he is the Lord.' The last track, 'The Transfiguration', is probably his best song to date. The perfect fusion of folk, faith, and pop, it brings a flawless conclusion to a truly blessed work.

Another great album from Sufjan!
Wow - I was really happy upon listening to this album - I of course had high expectations after "Michigan" - and though I would not say this album surpasses that one, it is certainly quite good - very good indeed. The instrumentation is lovely - acoustic almost exclusively with banjo and guitar - the songs are great and Sufjan's singing is very hushed and sweet - like he's whispering us secrets - reminding sometimes of Iron and Wine...highlights include "the dress looks nice on you", "to be alone with you" - which a had hoped would be a Dylan cover, but it wasn't - but it was a very well, maybe superior song with the same title...also, "he woke me up again" is excellent. Highly recomended - as well as "Michigan". "A sun came" is good too, but Sufjan has certainly honed his skills and become more consistently good since that debut...sorry for rambling, enjoy!

Wonderfully fragile
The strong presence of Christian imagery on this album shouldn't really surprise anyone familiar with 'Michigan' (close attention to the lyrics of 'Vito's Ordination Song', in particular, reveals an allegorical undercurrent). Stevens' lyrics are more overtly Biblical on this record, but no less affecting, because he never grandstands or resorts to proselytizing. These are simply snapshots of a personal faith. His delivery of lines such as 'Take instead the ram/Until Jesus comes' is wisely low-key where lesser singers would try to imbue them with stilted drama.

Appropriately, since the scale of the subject matter has moved further inward from the Everyman scope of 'Michigan', the music itself has become more sparse and minimal, in terms of both instrumentation and songwriting. The backing vocals on the first track, All The Trees Of The Field Will Clap Their Hands, repeat the same wordless melody ad nauseum in a way that is reminiscent of Philip Glass. (Incidentally, the title of the song is a reference from Isaiah 55:12 that may be lost on some: 'For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap [their] hands.') The banjo and guitar on 'In The Devil's Territory' repeat polyphonic fragments of melody, slowly shifting and letting the song breathe. In fact, the entire affair has a cool, airy feeling to it, like Stevens is playing in a field on a mild afternoon. He coaxes some gorgeous sounds out of fairly standard folk instruments.

The only flaw this album has is its slightly below-par middle third: it's still gorgeous music, but the material preceding it is so good that the slightly more rote folk songs pale in comparison. This is a minor quibble, though; think of that 5-star rating as a 4 1/2, rounded up.

Breathtaking
I too had high expectations of this anticipated follow-up to "Greetings From Michigan." Seven Swans is softer. It also deals more heavily with Biblical references (ex. Abraham, Transfiguration) but isn't overbearing or preachy. Seven Swans is filled with lush soundscapes and thoughtful lyrics. This one's not to be missed.

Kickass
At one of our power meetings at Free Williamsburg at the beginning of this year we were throwing around names of people who might be good people to interview or review. Sufjan Stevens came up. I had never heard of him let alone spell his name. It is detailed folk music. He is famous for the banjo work. Songs like "In The Devil's Territory" evokes the past and looks to the future. Sufjan worked with Daniel Smith of Danielson Famile to get this multi-layered sound. It's good that someone is obsessed with beauty in music. This record is strong and complex. It is not easy reading. The religious themes are an interesting shade. It is a vision of death and despair. It comes off sounding like something Badly Drawn Boy or Elliot Smith cooked up. Stevens may be the heir to Elliot Smith's legacy. ... Read more

Album Description

"Awake, The Best of LIVE", a deluxe 19-song compilation CD spanning the entire 13-year recording history of the acclaimed rock band from York, Pennsylvania. The package also includes a DVD containing 22 music videos going back to the band's 1991 debut.

The CD compilation includes, "We Deal in Dreams," a previously-unreleased track from LIVE's 1994 Throwing Copper sessions.Also, includes a spirited cover of the Johnny Cash classic " I Walk The Line."

The lavish packaging includes a 14-panel four-color fold-out booklet of photos spanning the band’s career, as well as extensive liner notes and commentary on each album by LIVE lead singer Ed Kowalczyk.

The BONUS DVD boasts a comprehensive representation of LIVE's history on video. It includes 22 videos along with a 30 minute interview commentary from Kowalczyk. Videos included are:"Pain Lies on the Riverside""Pain Lies On The Riverside (live performance)""Operation Spirit""Operation Spirit" (live performance) "Selling the Drama" "I Alone""Lightning Crashes""White, Discussion""Lakini's Juice""Freaks""Turn My Head" (from director Jake Scott) "Turn My Head" (from director Mary Lambert) "The Dolphin's Cry""Run to the Water" "They Stood Up For Love""Overcome""Simple Creed""Like a Soldier""Heaven""Heaven" (concept version)

The DVD also contains two never-before-seen videos: "Ghost," and "Run Away" (with Shelby Lynne). ... Read more