Amazon.com essential recording

The last Nirvana collection recorded before the untimely death of Kurt Cobain, Unplugged caught many by surprise with its stripped down, neo-acoustic offerings with a bridled fury. When Cobain sings, "I swear I don't have a gun, I don't have a gun" with clenched teeth (instead of an open howl) and when the haunting strains of "About a Girl"--from their earliest LP--chills even with quieted guitars, you discover a new appreciation for the nuances of one of the greatest bands of recent times. Highlights include covers of three Meat Puppets tracks (featuring special guests Curt and Kris Kirkwood of that influential "college rock" band), the weepy cello on the Vaselines' "Jesus Doesn't Want Me for a Sunbeam," and their cover of David Bowie's "The Man Who Sold the World." --Lorry Fleming ... Read more

Reviews (320)

God, how i wish i could've been there...
This is one of the weridest albums i own, in a way. Nirvana, a band which set the whole grunge scene going, and arguably one of the best in the genre, decided to make a live unplugged show for MTV. Nirvana, you know. Fat distortions, atonal riffs, raging vocals, powerful shows. Nirvana.

That they did *THIS* good is a surprise, and should change more than one peoples' mind about the artistic merits of the band (and Kurt Cobain in particular). Forget what you thought of this Nirvana; the way they morphed their songs (and others too) into mellow accoustic tunes is remarkable, and against all odds, worked great. I mean, my dad, who can't stand 99.9% of grunge, loves this record. It's easy to listen, but not because the songs are cheezy, it's just the complete album is incredibly good.

From start to finish, it transports you first row to this (unique) performance. Like i said, the whole record is excellent, but tracks like "Plateau", "Oh me", "On a plain", "Jesus don't want me for a sunbeam", "Where did you sleep last night?", and "All apologies" are so deeply moving i prefer to listen them by myself, wearing headphones. I can only imagine, closing my eyes, what have it felt to be there.

This is hands down one of the best albums of the 90's, and easily one of the top 10 live recordings of all history. It's hard to say this things without sounding like a fanboy, but the truth is that it simply is. Whatever your musical cup-of-tea is, you deserve to give this record a listen. People argue about how much they like this album - i dare you find someone who doesn't.

Live albums don't get any better than this!
It's ironic how a band who is mainly known for rocking hard pulled something like this off- an UNPLUGGED record, to top it off, a live one at that. Kurt showcased his musical capabilities even further, and proved a versatility that changed people's perception of what Nirvana was all about. Listening to this CD or watching the accompanying TV special is most fans' most intimate encounter with the band we'll ever get. Not just the performance of the songs, but the dialogue in between the songs- Kurt may have been depressed in some aspects, but he still had a good heart, modesty, charisma, and a great sense of humour. Sadly, this was the last album recorded before his untimely death. Even people with a strict taste of music who normally wouldn't consider listening to Nirvana should be able to rethink things and make room to enjoy Nirvana Unplugged, because this is simply good music that transcends any genre. Acoustic interpretations of the following songs- a collection of Nirvana originals and covers were performed:

1. "About A Girl" From their debut record Bleach.
2. "Come As You Are" From their legendary sophomore release Nevermind. This version is outstanding, I think I may like it even more than the original!
3. "Jesus Doesn't Want Me For A Sunbeam" Nice pop-rock renendition of an old Christian folk song.
4. "The Man Who Sold The World" Cover of David Bowie song.
5. "Pennyroyal Tea" Taken from their final studio record "In Utero". This one sounds way less dark and not quite as extended as the studio version.
6. "Dumb" The studio version from In Utero was already acoustic-sounding so there is not much of a difference here. Still sounds great the second time around.
7. "Polly" My favourite Nevermind song next to "Come As You Are".
8. "On A Plain" Taken from Nevermind. What I didn't like about this unplugged version was that it somewhat defeated the purpose of why I love "On A Plain" so much- it rocks! Kurt still pulled it off and it sounded almost as pleasing.
9. "Something In The Way" A quiet, even darker-sounding version than the already melancholy-toned tune from Nevermind.
10. "Plateau" I love to sing along to this song; it's penned by another famous Kurt- Curt Kirkwood of the Meat Puppets.
11. "Oh Me" What do you know, another Meat Puppets cover! And there's more where that came from...
12. My favourite track on the whole record- a cover of the Meat Puppets' already-awesome hit "Lake Of Fire", which I cannot describe other than dyn-o-MITE! Only Nirvana can make even an acoustic recording ROCK!
13. "All Apologies" Performance of the In Utero hit, without a doubt the highest-rated song on this CD- it even replaced the original on the Nirvana hits compilation.
14. "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" Huddie Ledbetter-penned song; if I'm not mistaken I think it's an old Kentucky folk song, an unlikely encore.

NIRVANA
If u love nirvana u should check this band out all their influences include nirvana their name is cannibal garden their site is http://www.cannibalgarden.cjb.net/ you should spread the word around about them.

Wow!!!! I wish i could of seen this in person.
Ok Hi. my name is alyssa and i love nirvana. This is my favorite cd. I love how the acustic guitar is used instead of the normal electric guitar. Kurt Cobain's vocals fall nothing short of amazing. If u do get this or u already have this, then listen to the last song, "Where Did You Sleep Last Night", Kurts voice goes from sad, dreary, weak, then all the way to screaming. I can always feel his emotions every time i hear this album. Dave Grohl.....he is awesome on this cd. The drums are phenominal.Krist bass is sooo good too.well, i hope that u will be open minded when u listen to this. It definetly gives me the chills at how u can imagine yourself sitting in the audience, being captivated by this miraculous group.

Kurt Cobain is a musical genius.
Kurt Cobain is a legend.You know why?Because his lyrics,his music,his everything.This is musical perfection.Enough said just buy it. ... 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

Album Description

Formed in NYC in the mid-'70s by David Byrne, Chris Franz, Tina Weymouth, and ex-Modern Lover Jerry Harrison, Talking Heads soared out of their humble CBGB's beginnings to become Rock and Roll Hall of Famers and one of the most adventurous and influential bands ever. The onstage energy that propelled their rise to fame was documented in the 1982 double-LP set THE NAME OF THIS BAND IS TALKING HEADS, now available on CD for the first time. Following them through several early evolutions from '77-'81, this live gem - a 1982 Top 40 Billboard Album- is a riveting portrait of a stellar band on the rise. For its CD debut it's been expanded with over 30 minutes of rare and mostly previously unreleased bonus material. ... Read more

Album Description

The Goo Goo Dolls have never issued a concert DVD or a live album. Now they have both. The first concert DVD from the multi-platinum, Grammy nominated band, Live in Buffalo finds the group in its hometown on July 4, 2004, performing all of its biggest hits and favorite songs for an adoring crowd. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Ben Folds Live is a stellar exception to the rule that live albums are contractually obliged stocking fillers. Folds is at his best on stage with only a grand piano for company. He is a compelling showman who's blessed with an unforced charm that complements the anger and melancholy that informs most of his songs: the self-lacerating "Army" loses nothing by having a hall of people bellowing the saxophone and trumpet parts as Folds conducts them. The material here spans Folds' work with the three-piece Ben Folds Five as well as 2001's excellent solo debut. The readings of "Fred Jones," "The Luckiest," and "Brick" display an immediacy and intimacy that transcend the recorded versions. A couple of worthwhile curiosities--a minor chord rearrangement of "Song for the Dumped" and a faithful, affecting version of Elton John's "Tiny Dancer" round out the offerings. This is an impeccable document of a superior performer at work. --Andrew Mueller ... Read more

Reviews (91)

Folds Takes Audience on Solo Outing
On this album, Ben Folds takes us on a musical journey through some classic Ben Folds Five songs--Solo! This is a live album. It's just Ben, a Baldwin Piano, a stage, and the audience. This disc package also offers a bonus DVD which is especially rewarding, as we can see Ben perform some of the very songs featured on the audio CD.

After the breakup of the band Ben Folds Five, Ben Folds himself went solo, releasing an album called Rockin the Suburbs on Sept.11, 2001. This album contains live versions of several songs from this album as well as Ben Folds Five standards from their first three studio albums.

Ben does an amazingly good job keeping the rhythm flowing, even without his band. His playing goes from sincere to aggressive very easily.

If you are a fan already, buy this album. If you are new, try the album Whatever and Ever Amen first.

Live Performance at its Best
If nothing else, Ben Folds is a performer. He is a song writer, lyricist and artist, but he revels in live performance more than anything. When Ben Folds Five toured, their shows were exhilirating, and so were Ben Folds' initial solo tours. But when Ben Folds decided to ditch the backup band and go literally solo (with just his baby grand), it took his music to an new level.

I saw three of the shows from this tour, aptly titled "Ben Folds and a Piano", and the final CD production has done the shows justice. On all the tracks, Folds makes up for the lack of a band with just his piano, altering the songs to take on new forms. The result is a stripped down, more raw version that brings out the intensity in even his lightest, most comical songs. Additionally, the packaged DVD gives you a little idea of the way he involved the crowd in the shows.

The album is a must for anyone who missed the tour and would like to get a small experience of Ben Folds in his element.

One of the Best Live Performers Ever!
I wasn't a huge Ben Folds fan until I saw him live opening on the Lottapiano's tour for Tori Amos. I was only slightly familiar with Ben Folds Five, and wasn't even aware that he had gone solo. Shame on me! I was missing out on some incredible music. Not only is Ben Folds and incredible live performer, but he's an incredible musician, storyteller, and artist. Unlike so many acts out there today, he has plenty of talent aside from merely holding a microphone and looking pretty. His lyrics are definitely amusing and very witty, and his piano playing is unrivalled (with the exception of his 2003 tour partner Tori). In comparison to what I've heard of Ben Folds Five, I like his solo material better by far. He is certainly talented enough to hold his own on stage without any backup.

I believe that sometimes in order to really, truly appreciate someone's music and musical talent, you need to see them live. Luckily, you don't have to fork out the money for expensive concert tickets in order capture that energy and essence in this case. This inexpensive CD does that for you, and believe me, it's worth every penny!

Some highlights on this CD include:

Track 2 "Zak and Sara;" This song really showcases Ben's piano playing ability, and has really great lyrics. Definitely a song that you will get stuck in your head and find yourself singing all day long!

Track 5 "Not the Same;" A great song that manages to be emotional and funny at the same time. Tells the story of a friend who went on an acid trip that changed his life.

Track 9 "Brick;" Tells the tragic tale of Ben and his high school girlfriend getting an abortion, and what it feels like. A great slow, emotional song.

Track 11 "Army;" Great lyrics that tell a story about Ben Folds getting into music. Very funny song, and great piano playing! This one is particularly fun live when Ben has the audience sing the brass parts.

Track 13 "Tiny Dancer;" Ben does and awesome job covering this Elton John song. I never really liked it before until I heard this version.

I would recommend this CD to anyone who can appreciate great piano playing and superbly witty lyrics. The only thing this CD doesn't do is capture some of his humorous stories in between songs. If you ever get the opportunity to see Ben Folds live, definitely go see him! You won't regret it!

1 word: AMAZING
Ben Folds is a genius. His music is incredible, and sounds even better live. This is a great 2-disc set, and the DVD of songs is great too! His impression of Elton John in Tiny Dancer on the DVD is priceless. This is a must-have for any true Ben Folds fan!

my favorite BF album
Although the audience noise can be a bit annoying sometimes, I really like this album the best because of the variety of songs. He plays some Ben Folds Five songs as well as others. It's interesting to hear the stories behind some of the songs, and I enjoy the music with just the piano. ... Read more

Reviews (93)

The Perfect Album
Beggining To End Pure Genius!!!!!!! What a line up, its perfect. I've been a Alice In Chains fan for 3 years now i've heard all of their cds but this one comes out on top. This CD is the best unplugged cd ever hands down.

1.Nutshell 10/10 awesome song to start the cd off with, unplugged version is 10x better then studio version.

2.Brother 10/10 Awesome guitar, awesome voice, pure Awesome!!!Catchy Chorus.

3.No Excuses 10/10 One Of the best songs on the CD!!!

4.Sludge Factory 9/10 Not a catchy one But still it is still cool.

5.Down in a Hole 11/10 Best song on the CD I could listen to this song unplugged all day it really forces you to play this song over and over again....Best song ever!!!!

6.Angry Chair 10/10 Pure Genius!!!!

7.Rooster 10/10 Everyone Knows This Song!!!

8.Got Me Wrong 10.5/10 This song is definitly one of the best songs on the CD.

9.Heaven Beside You 9/10 Never Really got into this song until I Heard it Unplugged.

10.Would? 10/10 Speechless just listen to it yourself Unplugged.

11.Frogs 8/10 Least favorite on the CD but it is still a great song...

12.Over Now 9/10 Great Song!!!

13.Killer is Me 10/10 Great song to end with!!!

This CD is completely amazing from track 1 to track 13 don't miss out on such a good CD Buy it Now!!! Alice in Chains Best Band of All Time!!!!!!

This was the wrong band to go completely unplugged.
Alice in Chains' music has always carried a savage beauty, never compromised by Jerry Cantrell's ferocious guitars or Layne Staley's tortured vocals. Indeed, the majesty and beauty of songs such as "Down in a Hole", "Man in the Box", "No Excuses", "Rotten Apple" and especially the band's best song, "Would?", gained in emotional impact because of the electric guitars and multitracked vocals.

Which is why Unplugged is hands down the weakest Alice in Chains release.

The songs are still powerful -- Cantrell's sure sense of melody would take a lot to demolish. But there isn't a single performance on here that beats the original recordings. "Would?", for example, sorely needed that ominous electric-guitar line sneaking through the break section; "Down in the Hole"'s moody grind went missing on the all-acoustic version; "No Excuses" became morose and less intimate (surprising in an unplugged setting) for lack of electric-guitar colouring.

Now that Alice in Chains has a real greatest-hits album out (with a boxed set on the way), there isn't much point to this unplugged collection. Stay with the studio recordings.

The Best MTV Unplugged Performance Ever.....
I realize this may offend Nirvana fans but Alice In Chains'dynamic and gut-wrenching "Unplugged" performance is, without a doubt, the finest acoustic show ever recorded. I love Nirvana's unplugged set but nothing in music compares to AIC's tortured set. Witness Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell harmonizing. Even when they slip, and there are times when they do, they are unbelivable. The band was tight and Jerry's guitar playing here is excellent when you consider that he had all kinds of equipment problems and a bad stomach virus. Truly a professional. The band's excellence alone would be enough to back up my opinion in this review but when you add Layne's vocal performance to the package, it becomes insurmountable. There is nothing like listening to the pain, anger, suffering, humor, and sorrow in Layne's voice. Kurt Cobain was depressed his entire life and so the angst in his songs was not suprising or unexpected. Layne, however, was a happy, friendly guy who was destroyed by his heroin addiction. He knew it was killing him and he couldn't stop. Knowing all this, his pain becomes your pain when you listen to Alice in Chains.
As an experiment, put this CD on in your player at home with no background noise and no distraction. It is probably better to do this at night. You can also play it in your car, at night. If you put on "Down In A Hole" and listen to it in those settings and you don't get goosebumps, I don't know that you are human. Layne's vocals, while powerful and kickass on AIC's studio and live records, are so much more potent here. If you have ever been depressed or addicted, you feel as one with Layne. I can't say enough about his performance. Over the years, you could hear his voice declining as a result of his abuse of heroin. Here, he summons all his strength and almost seems capable of exorcising the demons that haunt him. Alas, it was not to be. Layne was found dead in 2002. So for all of you people out there complaining about the lack of new Alice In Chains material, it is not to be. Layne is gone and I don't think he can record 9 new alblums after death like Sublime or Tupac. Alice In Chains, the greatest Seattle band, the greatest grunge band, and the greatest band of the 90's will forever have it's place in rock's history. Let's hope for a Hall Of Fame induction soon. As for this remarkable album, BUY IT NOW! A gripping performance, perhaps not the best of Alice In Chains' career, but it will still leave you with that powerful feeling. I can't describe it and very few artists can accomplish it but true fans know what I'm talking about. GET THIS CD NOW!!!!!!

Fantastic...even if you don't like the band!
This is an excellent CD, by far one of the best I own. I usually find Alice in Chains to be a little too metal for my taste, but this CD is just great. You have to listen to it, I guarantee you'll love it!

Fantastic album
I am a bit biased- as I am a huge AIC fan- but I have probably listened to this album over 100 times. I love it. I defy you to listen to this album and not get the chills. If you are thinking of purchasing only one Alice in Chains album- buy this one. ... Read more

Amazon.com

With a slate of more than 200 shows a year, Ben Harper has never been an album-tour-album-tour kind of artist; for him and his fans, the stage is the ultimate proving ground. So after four studio albums, Harper has finally released his first official live set, a 25-song double-disc collection that surveys each of his four albums and adds a couple of well-executed, if not terribly inventive, covers. Disc one is electric and finds Harper and the Innocent Criminals tearing through their patented mix of rock, folk, soul, and blues. Yet, the solo-acoustic disc two is the true prize, putting the spotlight squarely on Harper's incredibly agile, versatile, and enormously moving voice. In this pared-down setting, Harper shows an uncanny ability to connect with his audience, offering one spellbinding performance after another. Culled from two years' worth of shows--no two songs are taken from the same concert--Live from Mars provides a welcome overview of Harper's many facets. --Marc Greilsamer ... Read more

Reviews (72)

Past Due
Finally Ben Harper has a live album and while it's past due it's well worth the wait. This cd is a perfect compilation highlighting the many aspects of his show with one disc being the band and one being solo acoustic. And because each is taken from a different night, every song is top quality. Especial highlights for me would be "Steal My Kisses" w/Rahzel and the cover of the Verve's "The Drugs Don't Work." The only complaint one could have would be the inevitable and unavoidable one of track selection. There are going to be a few of his songs not on this that you wish were but if anything that just makes all the reason for another live album of similar nature to be released. And that is definitely a good thing so if you buy this and you are not amazed, maybe you are listening to the wrong type of music.

I already love this album
For those who don't about know them, Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals are going to be a pleasant surprise: their music has this incredibly big sound, but the material is very introspective and personal. Ben Harper as a musician is a study in contrast also: his vocals are kind of reminiscent of Cat Stevens if he was a gospel singer, and he plays these blistering licks and chords, completely without any showmanship at all, dictated by his lap-style playing.

Live from Mars is a great title, and a great description. It's a two-record set of live recordings; seemingly recorded in a variety of venues and edited together. This gives the entire album a kind of weird disconnected feeling - the recordings are soundboard mixes that eliminate most of the crowd noise, but it actually serves the songs pretty well. The two discs have been organized to be Loud (disc one) and Quiet (disc two) - kind of splitting up the flow of a coherent performance. While this would be my only complaint, it does allow you to listen to an entire record of your preference, however.

Ben Harper's albums can be a little spotty because the variety of his playing: from bluegrass and zydeco-influenced, to wailing rock guitar, to funky covers of Motown. His live shows are incredible however, and with live recordings like Live From Mars, we'll never need a greatest hits record.

This album is a complete out-of-body experience, either Loud or Quiet. If you like great songwriting that has a great vibe and a great rhythm, or you just like artists that don't sound like anyone else, get this record.

Must Have
A classmate always talked about Ben Harper, so I decided to download a couple of his songs to see what he was about. I didnt really like what I heard but when I borrowed Live From Mars it completely changed my mind. Disc 2 is great and I can listen to it over and over for hours. After hearing the studio versions and live versions I realize that I like Ben much better live. If you havent been impressed by Ben yet buy Live From Mars and you will be. Everyone loves DMB but I think that Ben is much better. I cant wait to catch a concert.

Very dissapointed
Ben Harper was brought to my attention through his association with Jack Johnson. Then Direct TV showed Ben Harper this month on their free concert. I only saw part of the show and decided to buy Live from Mars as my first (and last) Ben Harper CD. I can't get into his music...it doesn't have any flow. His guitar playing is mediocre at best, and his vocals even worse. At times I thought Tiny Tim had come back from the dead. I'll stick with Jack Johnson. Ben Harper was not what I expected, and I utterly fail to see what all the hype is about.

a good sampling of Harper's work
The amazon.com editorial review nails it in describing this release, but what it fails to mention is that the best part of this compilation is the cover of the Verve's "The Drugs Don't Work." Harper's version of this song is beyond spectacular. There are no words to appropriately describe his ability to seemingly connect w/suffering and hardship and portray it w/such grace, sensitivity, and emotion. It's up there w/Elliot Smith's "Between the Bars." Not to mention that the "Whole Lotta Love" cover that's played in the middle of "Faded" makes it my new favorite BH song. The only reason I won't give this release 5 stars is because I would have preferred to hear a different mix of songs, but this album is still highly recommended. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The soundtrack to the Jonathan Demme documentary, Stop Making Sense captures the Talking Heads live in 1984 on what would turn out to be their last major tour. This collection, and the film, is a true gift to the band's fans, a testament to the Heads' extraordinary talent, both in the studio and especially onstage. Frontman David Byrne infuses each song with a jolt of energy and drama that could only have come from a late-'70s art-school student. Now-classic tracks such as "Psycho Killer," "Girlfriend is Better," "Once in a Lifetime," "Take Me to the River," and "Burning Down the House" have never sounded better. This expanded 1999 reissue includes all nine of the original tracks, plus seven previously unheard cuts, including "Heaven," "Found a Job," and "Crosseyed and Painless." --Lorry Fleming ... Read more

Reviews (58)

Talking Heads LIVEs again!
Talking Heads have revamped the soundtrack to possibly the best post modern concert rock film ever made. This is not you're older brothers soundtrack. In fact, die hard fans needn't worry. This Special Edition is more in tune with the film. Better sound quality and different mixes appear from the start like in "Psycho Killer." Less drum machine and more acoustic guitar. I love this version better than the original one I grew up with because I think this Special Edition fully captures the Talking Heads concert experience. I love the fact that I can finally jam to the definitive version of "Stop Making Sense" in my car. So, if you want to feeling like burning down your house with a killer live show than the Special Edition Stop Making Sense is the CD for you.

The Talking Heads best collection but not true to the movie.
While this is ceratainly a fantastic album and probabely the Talking Heads best overall collection it is not the exact sound track as advertised. I own a VHS HIFI copy of the actual movie and have played it in the form of an audio cassette at least 100 times. The current new issue does not contain all the songs in the movie and several of the included tracks are not the ones in the movie. For instance, the hypnotic guitar solo during the introduction to Cross Eyed and Painless, perhaps the Talking Heads most energetic song, has been dramatically shortened from the version in the movie. Despite these frustrating shortcomings the newly released Stop Making Sense is far superior to the original release and should be considered an essential for any Talking Heads fan!

"The less we say about it the better...."
Back when I was a kid, during the 80s, my first love, whom I met at camp, used to write to me long detailed letters of her life, which seemed far more interesting and visceral than my own backwoods existence. She once mentioned that she liked Talking Heads, a group I'd never heard of but I ran straight out and bought the first cassette by them I could find -- "Stop Making Sense."

I used to go around on my paper route, in the freezing rain, under a hooded sweatshirt, cranking "What a Day That Was" and "Burning Down the House" on my Walkman, chilled to the bone and soaking wet but warmed by the incredibly upbeat rhythms and confusing lyrics.

By the time I was finally able to get the movie on VHS, I'd listened to the tape a million times and knew most of the songs. But I didn't know what the band looked like or what their stage show involved. Not only was I blown away anew by the Heads, but there were all these other songs I'd never heard. How, I wondered, could they ever have left "Naive Melody" off the initial album?

Anyway, that old first love is long gone, but she turned me on to the Talking Heads before she split and now the album has been reissued with the set-list intact (except for two songs). This music is caffeine in a bright cold can; it's like waking up and looking out the window and finding snow; it's drier-warmed sheets, and it's also the sound of a Saturday wake and bake, the sound of the first spring-forward Sunday afternoon. Good sounds. Enjoy!

The version I was waiting for
In 1984, I saw Jonathan Demme's "Stop Making Sense" four separate times--this was not unusual for any Talking Heads fan. So when the soundtrack was released, I rushed to get a copy. It's not hard to imagine my disappointment to find that it only contained nine songs from the film. Nine! Where were "Heaven", "This Must Be the Place" and the Tom Tom Club's "Genius of Love"? This soundtrack was nothing less than a gyp!

Now, almost two decades later, is this new edition which contains so many of the tunes that I found unforgiveably left off the original! The sound is crisp and true. Without trying to overemphasize the importance of Talking Heads, this documentary of a truly great tour will reveal why this band had such a following, and why its music is still influencing the music of today.

Stop Making Sense: Special New Edition (1984 Film) [EXTRA TR
I can not hide the fact that I think the singer for this group in question has no tallent at all. He sounds like a man trying way to hard and sounding even worst then if his effort was half hearted. This album, i.e., Stop Making Sense: Special New Edition (1984 Film) [EXTRA TRACKS] [SOUNDTRACK] [LIVE]
~ Talking Heads is a good example of his obvious lack of tallent. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Too much too soon is the m.o. of so many bands who, thanks to the fleeting fame that accompanies music-video breakthroughs, are famous before their time and has-beens five minutes later. You could be excused for thinking that's the case with Counting Crows, darlings of both MTV and VH1, who here release a double concert CD after only two studio albums. But you'd be wrong. The set, an acoustic disc recorded for VH1's Storytellers and an electric one from MTV's Live from the 10 Spot, proves how well the oft-bootlegged Crows have earned their reputation as a smoking live band. It also shows how elastic their rambling and evocative songs can be, some of which appear on both discs but in vastly different arrangements. People may tire of vocalist Adam Duritz's perpetually-wounded-soldier-of-love act, but this is one band whose success was hard-won and is richly deserved. --Daniel Durchholz ... Read more

Reviews (128)

THIS IS A GREAT 2-CD ALBUM!
I became a fan of Counting Crows about a year ago. Well, I heard Mr. Jones in 93/94 and liked it but could never remember the bands name. Then in 96/97 Long December came out, and again I forgot the band's name, but finally remember (somehow) and found my friend had this CD, and I borrowed several times before I could buy the CD. Anyway I t! en to like LIVE versions of songs better than the album versions. The only complaint I have is that one the first disk, which is their VH1 Story Tellers show, I wish they would have kept Adam's monlogues, I mean it would interest fans, at least it would me. Oh well. Here is a complete list of the tracks, since the one here is incomplete. I decided to put * by my favorite songs.

DISK 1 1. Round Here 2. Have You Seen Me Lately? 3. Angels of the Silences * 4. Catapult 5. Mr. Jones * 6. Rain King 7. Mercury 8. Ghost Train 9. Anna Begins 10. ---"Secret Track"--haven't figured out which song it is, though, sorry :( ! "Maybe Things Are Differnt These Days" is what I figure from listening to it.

DISK 2 1. Recovering the Satalites 2. Angels of the Silences * 3. Rain King 4. Sullivan Street 5. Children in Bloom 6. Have You Seen Me Lately? 7. Raining In Baltimore 8. Round Here 9. I'm Not Sleeping ! * 10. Murder of One 11. Long December * 12. Wa! lkways

Relax, Adam!
"Across A Wire: Live In New York City" is a great live album from the Counting Crows, and a necessary one as well because of the Crows' superb and different live performances. Highlights on disc one include "Round Here", "Mr. Jones", "Rain King", and a stunning version of "Anna Begins". Highlights on disc two include "Angels Of The Silences", "Have You Seen Me Lately?", and "Round Here". However, this CD is not perfect. I am becoming more and more convinced after every listen that lead singer Adam Duritz takes his music (and sometimes himself) way too seriously. It almost becomes very depressing to hear his voice, but in a way that is a testament to the emotion he puts into his live performances. Still, his voice can become tedious and over-blown. Besides that, this is a great double-disc live set, even if the Counting Crows only released two prior studio recordings.

wonderful and yet....not
I am a diehard Counting Crows fan and this album really opened them up to me. The Storyteller's disc lives in my CD player. Hearing "Rain King" played is a kind of slow jazzy style made me almost cry and the electric versions of "Anna Begins" annd "Ghost Train" are worth the price of both discs. Just hearing the total difference in all the songs from what I was used to demonstrated the Crow's versatility.

However, the live CD didn't impress me at all. I've only listened to it once but the entire thing seemed flat and somehow less passionate than what I've heard in the past.

I would recommend buying this only if you are a fan of Counting Crows as you probably won't listen to the second one and may not appreciate the first. Stick with August and Everything After and other studio albums. If you are a fan looking for where to go for more Crows get this. The Storyteller's versions are worth it.

Best Crows Ever
Having listened to all their other albums (& a lot of other live stuff) I gotta say this stuff really stands out. It's absolutely brilliant what they did with this performance. Taking classic Crows songs & changing them up (& thank God changing them in a way other than a remix) was a risk. It pays off though, the entire thing is awesome. If you're not already a Crows fan, I'd suggest buying a studio album or two first. It'll make this experience much more meaningful. Those seasoned in Crows music need to have this...NOW.

a seminal live album
what a live album should be. Do you see the number of songs and the price they are asking? What a deal!

This is the reward for supporting a band for years - being able to get such a nicely produced, packaged and delivered live version of so many songs.

This band goes all out in their live shows and this collection is the next best thing to being there (and better in some ways - such as when you've seen them live and someone else is inexplicably sharing top billing with them, affording them not much more than an hour of playing time!)

Counting Crows prove their worth in a live venue, so this one's definitely worth it. ... 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 CD compilation includes, "We Deal in Dreams," a previously-unreleased track from LIVE's 1994 Throwing Copper sessions.The CD also includes a spirited cover of the Johnny Cash classic, "I Walk The Line." ... Read more

Amazon.com

By now, everyone knows how adventurous Radiohead are, which makes this live record--a hairy rock-band cliché--seem like a strange capper to their decidedly cliché-rejecting records. But throughout the hubbub surrounding Kid A, and its Amnesiac companion piece, Radiohead never embraced the notion that they're reinventing anything. Even while a tempest of critics hailed the band as saviors, pulling rock from the jaws of consumerist self-destruction, the band ignored it all, going into stadiums and working out their twisted angst through angry, direct means."National Anthem"'s fuzzed-out riff rages aggressively behind Thom Yorke's crazed, breath-scat vocal, giving the song a rollicking edge that was nowhere on Kid A. The same effect is heard on "Idioteque," as Yorke, getting backup vocal help from the crowd, sings over an acoustic beat, removing the distant, electronic touch of the studio version. "True Love Waits" aptly ends the record with Yorke and a solo acoustic guitar, which finds just the right touch on a song that Radiohead have played with for years (long-term fans should note the first ever appearance on record of the track). In the end, Radiohead don't really stray too far from the original templates of these songs, they merely play up the highs and milk the lows, just like any good rock band should. -- Matthew Cooke ... Read more

Reviews (133)

Or They Might Be Right
An extraordinary live compilation, and as such, one of the best live records you'll hear this year. In this format, the music takes center stage; the songs are good enough to avoid any 'experimental' label the critics might try to bestow on it.

Standout tracks: Morning Bell, Idioteque, and Everything In Its Right Place morphing into Dollars and Cents. Any other band would kill to have a back catalogue like this. What's more amazing is that all the songs (save the atmospheric True Love Waits) come from just two albums: Kid A and Amnesiac. The casual fan might be disappointed that there's no 'Creep,' the rock fan might bemoan the total lack of Bends material, and the critic might complain about OK Computer's absence, but if you've liked any of their albums, this one belongs on your CD rack.

Even better, with only 8 songs, this is no 70's type double live album. It's just rock music that rocks you, and then leaves the building. Just like its supposed to.

Great Album but missing some good songs.
I just purchased the new Radiohead live album, and let me tell you what this album kicks ass! There are only a few groups that I would even consider buying live albums from, Rush and Radiohead are probably the only two. I did not even know this album was coming out, I just happened to see it listed on Amazon. The track listings are as follows:

The National Anthem
I might be wrong
Morning bell
Like spinning plates
Idioteque
Everything in its right place
Dollars and cents
True love waits

The majority of the album is from Kid A and Amnesiac. My favorites included: The National Anthem, Morning Bell, Idioteque, Everything in its right place and True love waits. The majority of my favorite songs are off Kid A. I especially like True love waits; I have never heard that song until I bought this album, the acoustical song is a great ending to the album. The only drawback that I can see from this album is that they don't put anything on from before Kid A. There are a TON of good songs from OK Computer and The Bends that they could have added to this album but did not. A single Live album does not do this group justice a double album would have been awesome! But all in all this was the best ($$$)I ever spent, do yourself a favor and go get this album!

Let Me Be The First To Say...
Let me be the first to say that this album is a "must own" for any Radiohead fan. I know some fans of their early music were confused or disappointed by the fussy studio electronica of Kid A and Amnesiac but live versions of these songs take on new dimensions and show how powerful and energetic they can be. If you've seen them live you're aware of how great their shows are. I Might Be Wrong captures their energy pretty well and lets you look at the songs in a new way. The one drawback is the disk is only 40 minutes long, that's 40 minutes too short for me!

The best Radiohead album?
There are valid criticisms of this album: the abbreviated length, the fact that anyone with a high-speed internet connection can make up their own collection of live tunes. But the availability of complete live shows doesn't negate what this is: a superb little record that chooses quality over quantity, resulting in flawless music all the way through. That's the rarest of all accomplishments, for a live or studio album.

Radiohead open up on stage in ways they never do in the studio. They manage to convey a range of sound comparable to their albums' production effects, but without the calculated distance. The result is that each of the songs here seems a truer version of itself: noisier, more powerful and more genuine. Like Spinning Plates and Everything in Its Right Place, in particular, crackle with new emotion. And all the songs benefit from what's best about live work: they're energized by the fact that they balance constantly on edge of possible failure (though of course these were selected because they succeed).

Anyone who has only listened to Radiohead's albums will benefit from hearing how they flourish on stage; and anyone who already knows live Radiohead should cherish these outstanding mixes. In the company of only their fans, Radiohead finally aren't afraid to be a great band.

Get This For "Spinning Plates" Alone
the songs are all executed well.
my brother enjoys this albums version of "i might be wrong" more than the AMNESIAC's version.

but, this version of "SPINNING PLATES" is the real reason to get this.
it's just brilliant.

i got this as an afterthought, but i'm really glad i have it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Nevermind that Alanis Morissette's career spans back to her early teens and she has four prior CDs to her credit. It's just too early to go unplugged. Performances like this are better done in the privacy of one's acoustically appointed bathroom. An expressive, emotionally naked singer, Morissette bares a little too much on this outing. Recorded at New York's Brooklyn Academy of Music and produced solely by Morissette, there's absolutely nothing wrong with the carefully wrought songs and slices of her inner life, but there's little to be said about her shrill, thin delivery. Included is the never-before-released "No Pressure Over Cappuccino," which shedebuted on her Jagged Little Pill tour, and two songs left off last year's Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie: "Princes Familiar" and "These Are the Thoughts." They were dumped for good reason. The only redeeming moment is her out-of-breath rendering of the coy "Head Over Feet." --Jaan Uhelszki ... Read more

Reviews (166)

You get it or you don't
The thing about live or unplugged CD's is that you either appreciate the nakedness and pureness of them or you keep wondering when the beat machine is going to kick in. Alanis has a beautiful, unique voice. Far from "shrill and thin" this CD exposes the raw beauty of her voice. Some fans of "Jagged Little Pill" may not appreciate the calmer versions of the tracks from that album but they certainly have a uniques sound and are no less meaningful. The cover of Sting's "King of Pain" is quite beautiful. As for the new tracks, most are largely forgettable, though not awful. The exception is "Princes Familiar." It has a really nice lyrical quality to it. This CD is definitely worth buying, the only real dissapointment is "Joining You." While it is prettily done, it lacks the force and power of the version from "Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie" Buy it. You'll like it.

In with the old; in with the new
Well, to many this CD might be "just a live version of old songs". It's nothing to buy because you previously owned them. This is so not true! This album is truly a masterpiece. I could be considered "biased" as I'm a huge fan of Alanis but I also have a wide range of musical tastes and I can assure you that I love this CD for its content.

The new revisions of older songs is simply breath-taking and beautiful. I love the meloncholy, 'blusy', and 'jazzy' type feels to every song. Hearing Morissette live is always a treat because of this and her addition of words ("I am aware now...I like to think that I am.") and notes, and a great deal of other things.

Hearing flute on TIWBG and Deron's back-up vocals on King of Pain is remarkable. And who 'can't not' love her thought-out lyrics and interesting metaphors? Not to mention her use of one's "poetic license" in many songs. Truly a treat. I would recommend buying it.

Nice Unplugged performance!!!
Alanis has out together a nice Unplugged CD. It's a great recording - has the real open ambience of a live performance.

Some thoughts on the tracks:
1. You Learn -A nice version, but not significantly different from the studio version.
2. Joining You - Beautiful vocal performance.
3. No Pressure Over Cappuccino - An interesting new song.
4. That I Would Be Good - GREAT song, very heartfelt. This song pulls you in and doesn't let go.
5. Head Over Feet - A nice version, but again, not significantly different from the studio version. I still think this song has one of the funniest harmonica parts ever.
6. Princes Familiar A song left off of Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie. I LOVE this song. Possibly my favorite song on this album.
7. I Was Hoping -Great performance.
8. Ironic A nice version, but again, not significantly different from the studio version
9. These R The Thoughts A song left off of Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie . Alanis thoughts while alone. Haunting.
10. King Of Pain - A nice version, but Alanis doesn't really make the song her own,. I was hoping for more out of this one.
11. You Oughta Know A nice version, but again, not significantly different from the studio version
12. Uninvited - Heartbreaking. Beatuful.

Excellent Live Performance!
I love No Pressure Over Cappucino after her rousing performance on Alanis Unplugged. You Learn, Head Over Feet, Uninvited and Ironic are excellent live. The only thing that irks me is that sometimes her voice doesn't hit the notes we hear on the album versions. Besides that, it's a great CD.

Unpluggedly amazed with this.
I started my Brazilian Valentine's day, 6/12/2000, by walking on my 50,000 inhabitants city streets all by myself. So I went to a CD store about 3 kilometers from my house and saw that red album with strange words, with a white-skin colour wrote on the singer's face. So I remembered her form all his success in 1995-1996 here in Brazil. All her videos on MTV were exaustively played here, in Brazil. Her studio version to That I Would Be Good was played more than 3 times in a morning on our main radio station. I recognized her face, her single and then other musics as the so-commented You Oughta Know. I bought that CD intuitively, without knowing how good it could be. So I brought it home, and I didn't have a cd player. My sister made me lend it to her and then lended it to another one, a friend of her. Twenty months later I could get it finally. So I started to listen to it as it was the world's only cd. Everytime. I got alanis.com and so all its lyrics, translated them into Portuguese, sent it to relatives and friends. Alanis' poetry, voice and mainly the marvelous unplugged songs (as Joining You, No Pressure Over Cappuccino and Uninvited) made me stay wondered by that magnificent kind of art. Alanis' unplugged was my first real contact with her opus. I think unplluged version of Joining You is the world's best song. I think this album is accessible to everyone, because heavy rock songs are translated into acoustic ballads, as the ones we would like to listen to when we are with our girl or boyfriend. Alanis' unplugged has been one of the most ones: perfect songs, perfect lyrics, philosophy, music, formal perfection in arrengements, feminism, percussion, violoncello and violins (...) and relationships turned into art. A perfect piece of art. Joining You (the second track) let its grunge form to become a perfect ballad song. The problems Ms. Alanis Morissette writes in that song are perfectly showed in unplugged version. She sings with extreme pain. When we listen to the studio version of the music, we think she is talking about someting she read on the newspaper. When we listen to her singing the unplugged version, we can experience the problem by ourselves. I can say it for every one of that tracks, but I stayed much time listening to the strange and exquisite Uninvited, one of the best ones, strong, fierce. Listen everyone to Princes Familiar, strange and full of good surprises, like Chinese food. You have to listen to to experience it. Listen accurately to Alanis' voice, try to realize her tessiture and her lyric singer's performance in No Pressure Over Capuccino, or the reshaping form of her big sucess, Ironic. You have to pay attention to her voice, it sounds like pain, happiness or funny things. She says that she spilled water over her clothes, she thanks her fans, and mainly she interacts with all her fans. More than a singer, Alanis is a kind of philosopher, not by trying to make new laws or explain things, but she analyses everything and shows us a own and important world. Thanks for reading.
Enjoy it so much!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

One disc of this deluxe two-disc set serves up 74 minutes (eight songs) of live material and outtakes; the other offers a DVD (in Surround 5.1) of Tool's four grotesquely artistic videos, plus the bonus clip, "Hush," from their 1992 Opiate EP. Although there's little that's new here, it's put together with as much intensity and attention to detail as the quartet's other releases. The musical high point is the driving but delicate take on "Pushit." It's also entertaining to hear singer Maynard James Keenan in a Neil Young kind of mood on "Lame." This elaborately packaged set is really just a reminder of how creative and powerful this hard rock group can be. --Janiss Garza ... Read more

Reviews (110)

disappointed
Reading the rest of the reviews, I agree with most peoples assesment of tool-they are truly original and talented. However, most are obviously overexcited about finally getting something new from this band.

I was disappointed with this package. First, contrary to what some have said, I found the sound on the CD poor and muddy (and I played it on several systems so it wasn't my player). Next, don't be fooled by the unreleased "tracks." They are sketches at best, self-absored wanking at worst. Although I did like their version of "No Quarter," the other live tracks are ok. I've seen Tool live several times and believe me something is definitely lost in the translation.

But not all about the package is bad. The sound on the DVD is excellent, and the great videos are enhanced by the digital format. But be aware, for the price you only get about 25 minutes of music on the DVD. This could have been so much more, but I'm glad I own the videos. Unless you're a diehard fan, I suggest you wait for the new CD.

A must for Tool fans
The DVD is awesome, and contains their videos for Sober, Prison Sex, Aenema, Stinkfist, and one I've never seen before for their song "Hush". The menus for the DVD aren't labeled, but are instead done very artistically, making browsing the DVD an experience in itself. I'm still hunting through it trying to figure out if there are any hidden items on the DVD disc. The CD is excellent as well, with some great live tracks of some favorites, and also contains some new studio tracks at the end: a cover of Led Zeppelin's "No Quarter", and another track "lamc" which seems to be another "joke" track like many found on Aenima, but then breaks into a hidden song at the very end which was a nice surprise. Over all, not much "new" music, but still a great Christmas gift for the Tool fan on your list.

Life Altering, But $160 Used??????
Everybody knows that anything Maynard touches is gold, and that Salival is spectacular as are all Tool releases, but I cannot believe that some sellers have the audacity to ask for $160-$260 for this box set. I've never even paid $160 for Tool tickets, let alone a used box set of theirs. You're much better off trying your luck at Best Buy or a local used cd store, and I know for a fact that Barnes & Noble carries this box set in their stores for no more than $40 (I used to work there and sell this quite often!) I just had to share that with fellow Maynardologists, do not get sucked into buying this box set at such a ridiculous price!!

tool what you think it could be bad
ok ok this isnt really an labum but it has alot of things for a tool fan to appreciate. it has a full video collection up through aenima. the cd half is totally bad it features live stuff that isnt liek the studio stuff and a song that is totally awesome and a cover of no quarter its just a suggestion but pick this one up

Third eye opened - finaly a tool Video collection
This is what all Tool fans waited for - collection of their controversial and mostly banned videos...as we all know that tool like's to disturb their listeners and watchers their Videoclips are far from standards.videos like "Prison sex" or "sober" are really creepy and sometimes dissgusting...
really - a must have for every tool fan and a metal fan...
and there is a bonus CD - very interesting collection of Rare songs...there's a stunning performance of epic suite "Third eye" (sounding not much different from original, but still it is great),a different mix of "message to harry manback", rare live track "You lied" and many more....the hidden track "Lame" shows shows more calm face of the band - whole song sounds a bit like Led Zeppelin of 21 century...but the ending shows who really plays it.....
switch the dvd or cd on and float into the dark world of Tool... ... Read more

Amazon.com

For many pop-music cynics, excess can be neatly summed up in three things: live albums, double-CD's, and Tori Amos records. Damned ifTo Venus and Back doesn't hit the trifecta. But perhaps Amos is just trying to prove what we've always suspected: that her muse possesses a sly, ironic wit and has been frantically trying to give us a wink while Tori whipped up her heady cocktail of quiet Sturm, desperate Drang, and angst in the panties. There's teasing moments on this double-dose of Tori's love affair with her own melodic and mystical dramaturgy to support that notion, even in the disc of powerful new studio recordings that inaugurates this set. Dubbing a song "Glory of the 80's" is burlesque enough, but yearning to have oneself cloned as Kim Carnes at its climax is simply inspired. Amos is to Kate Bush's distaff mysticism what Mark McGwire was to Roger Maris; she hasn't so much broken the mold as willfully hammered it into her own image. After Bush hit the snooze-bar on her career in the late `80s, Amos boldly stepped into the fray, building a body of work that demanded to be taken seriously, even while the thrift-store chic set were laughing up their tattered sleeves at her ambitious chutzpah. They're not laughing now; in fact, many may find Venus to be a deliciously guilty pleasure. Amos supporters have long maintained that the key to understanding her intrigue lies in her live performances. Disc two boldly states their case as Amos coos, whoops, and warbles through a hit-sprinkled set, her shrewd, sorely undervalued band hanging with every nuance and turn of phrase. Cynics are from Mars; Tori is from Venus--that's just the way her galaxy crumbles. Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (404)

Not exactly a full-of-suprises following but still stunning
" I've had sex with God " said Tori Amos once and while a statement like that would be considerred ludicrous if it came from the lips of any other singer , coming from her makes it somehow sound naturall . In order to understand her work you must fully believe her supernatural fairy-like universe . Her lyrics don't make sense otherwise . Her confessions on "Bliss" ( " Father i've killed my monkey... " ) are blurry and confusing. What is she talking about ? If you let go though and give to the words your own meaning everything becomes so beautifull! In her 1999 album "To The Venus And Back" she displays once more her enormous vocal and writing skills . This project seems to be the logical continue of "From The Choirgirl Hotel" . Although it's not exactly the beautifull nightmare that record was , she focuses again on building a rich background atmosphere by using a big number of musical instruments .Tracks which stand out are "Concertina" , "Riot Poof" , "1000 Oceans" and the divine "Lust" .What makes this release even more noteworthy is the extra cd with songs from her live acts .Anyone who hasn't had the chance to see her perform can't help but feeling the desire to live the experience . She's delivering her melodies with an even greater passion , talks to the fans , reveals details about the songs and makes " Precious Things " sound like the ultimate musical hymn of the 90's.

No Angel Came
Most of Tori's albums are based on a major thing that happened in her life. Little Earthquakes was the "rape" album, Pele was the "breakup" album, Choirgirl was the "miscarraige" album but it seems to me that this is the "gee i'm bored" album. The songs on Orbiting seem to lack the original pizazz that first got me hooked on Tori. Don't get me wrong, it's still a pretty good album and I would recommend it to any tori fan. Bliss, suede, 1000 oceans, and the haunting Jaurez are among my favorites on the first disc.

As for the second disc, I have never really liked live albums (why should i pay to hear the same songs i already love played differently with all that background noise?) but of course they do add a sense of 'being at the concert'. If you like live albums you'll probably like the second disc. But listening to tori sing 'little earthquakes' live, immediatly prompted me to stop in the middle of the song, and put in the original cd.

Well, there's my two cents on To Venus and Back. I give the album 3 1/2 stars. If you're new to Tori, start with Little Earthquakes or Boys For Pele instead.

Missing the Old Tori...
If you're one of those people who has the tendency to say, "I like their old stuff better.", this is not the Tori CD for you. Similarly, if you're a Tori neophyte, this is NOT the introduction you want to her music. While I can't say I didn't enjoy this electronically-influenced venture from Ms. Amos (I still listen to it often), it left me aching to hear her doing the "girl at the piano thing" again, as she puts it. Tracks like 'Concertina' and 'Spring Haze', (the most old-school Tori on the album), are the ones on which I find myself pushing the repeat button. 'Juarez', a deep, sexy track, and 'Glory of the 80's', with its clever lyrics and pulsing beat, are also on my replay list. However, tracks like the whiny and repetitive 'Suede', and 'Datura', (coming in at over 8 minutes long with not a lot of substance to show for it), are where this album falls short. Also less than impressive is the live CD, which I'm convinced was only attached to force die-hard Tori fans who must own every album to pay upwards of $20 for the new release. It's your standard fare-- the kind I wish Tori would have written more of for the new portion of 'To Venus...' The final verdict? It's a great exploration into Tori's eclectic capabilities, but I doubt it will ever be anybody's favorite.

Not a dull moment... rediscovering Tori
I've owned this album since days after it was released back in 1999, but for some reason the studio tracks on it had managed to "elude" me until today, while I focused my attention on the live 'side', which continues to be a personal favorite Tori recording of mine.

Five years after its release, it feels like the time is perhaps more ripe for these studio songs. She was most definitely ahead of her time when she recorded tracks as experimental as the electronic-based "Datura," "Lust," "Glory Of The 80s," "Concertina" or "Juarez", to be found in here, all of which add a new dimension to her typically-more-acoustic-based work.

It'd always been a pleasant experience to listen to the live renditions of some of Tori's classics, along with the unique "Cooling", which I hadn't heard prior to this release. But paying close attention to the 'new' tracks has given new life to this production by one of my favorite contemporary artists and composers of all times.

Probably Toris Best Lyrically.
I can't understand why a lot of fans didn't like this. It's just beyond amazing. maybe if you would stop comparing everything she does to "little earthquakes" then maybe you can enjoy this spectaular music. i believe that some of these songs show tori at lyrical best. songs like "bliss", "lust", "suede", "1,000 oceans", "juarez" & "datura" are probably some of her greatest masterpieces to date.

GET IT STRAIGHT IN YOUR MINDS PEOPLE. TORI IS NOT GOING TO MAKE "LITTLE EARTHQUAKES: THE SEQUAL" SO GET OVER IT & STOP ANALYZING EVERY SINGLE THING ABOUT EVERY OTHER RECORD SHE DOES & SAYING THAT SHE SOLD OUT! THIS IS AMAZING, & REAL MUSIC, ENJOY IT!!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Recorded live in 1973, Rock N Roll Animal is Reed's glam-rock sneer back at his Velvet Underground legacy. Four tracks are VU classics (two about the redemptive power of rock, two about the transformative power of dope) dressed up into slick, flashy twin-guitar noodle-fests, with big riffs and showboating solos and Reed practically phoning in his vocals. It was something of a hit at the time, and it's easy to hear how the simple forcefulness of these songs sounded good on early-1970s radio. But Reed doesn't bother to conceal his contempt for the commercial trappings he's put on his songs--"Heroin," in particular, turns from savage ambivalence into an easy cartoon--and the album's hard to like now. Two previously unissued tracks from 1973's Berlin-"How Do You Think It Feels" and "Caroline Says I"-flesh out this reissue version of the original LP. --Douglas Wolk ... Read more

Reviews (52)

One Of The Best Live Albums Of All Time!
Lou Reed's Rock and Roll Animal completely blew me away. It is completely different than most of Lou's other material. First of all, the setlist is great. It includes four great songs by the Velvet Underground; Sweet Jane, Heroin, White Light / White Heat, and Rock and Roll. It also contains three great songs from Berlin; Caroline Says I, Lady Day and How Do You Think It Feels. Each song is done incredibly. The Intro into Sweet Jane is great. Following this, Lou and the band rip through Heroin, doing a 13 minute version that is fairly different than the original, but still great. The two extra tracks, How Do You Think It Feels and Caroline Says I are two of the best songs from Berlin, and these recordings are just as good as the album, if not better. You even hear Lou tell the audience to shut up before starting a song. The version of White Light / White Heat is even louder than the original. The version of Lady Day done is even better than the album version on Berlin. The album closes with a great version of Rock and Roll, with a funky rhythm solo in the middle. The overall effect of the album is incredible. It makes you feel like you are actually at the show. If you are a fan of Lou, you will love this album. You'll love it even if you aren't a fan. It makes a good starting place for Lou Reed. Especially with the two extra songs, Rock and Roll Animal is one of the greatest live albums of all time.

One of the best live albums ever recorded, period.
"Rock n Roll Animal" was my introduction to Lou Reed and his music. I became a huge fan as a result, and despite the high quality output over the course of his ever-evolving career, this is the disc I return to when I want to experience vintage Lou Reed.

This is the one Lou Reed album that even non-Reed fans get into, and with good reason. It is simply one the hardest rocking guitar albums of all time. Some of the best tunes from Reed's Velvets repertoire ("Sweet Jane", "Heroin" and "Rock & Roll") are given high voltage heavy metal treatments, complete with thundering humbucker crunch and an almost obscene number of solos.

It has been said that the band (which later went on to back Alice Cooper) overshadows Reed, whose singing is deliciously deadpan throughout. Yet, without the material, and - more importantly - the attitude that Reed supplies, the result would probably be akin to a real-life Spinal Tap (sound and fury signifying nothing, thank you Bill Shakespeare).

While Reed himself has decried the album as little more than commercial pap, there is clearly something going on here. By melding his unique brand of decadent, literate music with a big arena rock sound, Reed was able - finally - to reach the masses in a way the Velvet Underground never could. And he was able to accomplish this with a live album that still sets the standard for what a "live" album should be: big, bad and dangerous to the ears.

INTRO,SWEET JANE,HERION!!WHOOHOOOO
SOME OF THE SHARPEST GUITAR LICKS I HAVE EVER HEARD,THE MAN CAN FLAT OUT ROCK!!!

this one kicks ass
I don't agree with the reviewer! I enjoy this album as much as I did in 1973 or 1974, when I first heard it. The intro to Sweet Jane is by far one of the best examples of rock and roll I've ever heard. I know plenty of folks who feel the same way. I'm a lot older and ... well older, but I still want to jump up and play air-guitar on this one. Lou Reed is an acquired taste that a lot of people just don't acquire. But if you like him, this is a great example of one part of the musical journey this crazed artist has been on.

DON'T pass it by because of the opinion of some Lester Bangs type.

Good, Not Great.
I put this on for the first time in many years and it isn't as powerful as I remember it being. The Intro/Sweet Jane is an amazing piece of dual guitar work, and throughout the CD the band is powerful and technically proficient, but therein lies the problem. First of all Lou Reed's voice just can't compete with this dominating band. Secondly the band is too proficient and showy, to be playing Velvet Underground songs which many consider the foundation of Punk Rock music. The guitar playing reminds me of the Rolling Stones with Mick Taylor. Yeah, he was an accomplished musician, but his guitar playing was just a bit too velvety for Rolling Stones music. This is a good live album, it's just not a great live album. ... Read more