Amazon.com

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

Amazon.com

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

Amazon.com

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

Reviews (539)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Album Details

Includes Two UK Only Bonus Tracks, "Never Saw it Coming" and "Out of Control" Video. ... Read more

Reviews (221)

Very Solid CD with a several catchy songs
first time reviewer, long time review reader ;)

I've liked hoobastank since i first heard the song Crawling in the Dark. I downloaded most of the songs off their debut before giving in and buying the actual cd. what a buy it turned out to be. Several songs that i still like to this day on that cd. the guys voice does sound like brandon boyd but who really cares the music is completely different from incubus. So when i heard the extremely infectiious new single "out of control" i decided to run out and buy the cd the first day it came out. after 4 listens this is what i came up with.

1. same direction-great opening song, not the best on the album but it really sets the tone for the rest of the album

2.out of control-my second fav song on the album, i'm happy my radio station (Y100 of philadelphia) hasn't overplayed it to death. awesome song to listen to when ur stressed out.

3.what happened to us-good solid song that has the potential to be a single not my favorite but good nonetheless and it does have a cool bridge

4.escape-my favorite song on the album opens with some awesome drumming and continues through to an amazing chorus prob the best on the album. this one has single written all over it but we'll see. i almost hope it doesn't become a single so it wont' get worn out.

5.Just One-another very catchy chorus solid song all around ok bridge but not as good as some others on the cd.

6.Lucky-cool acoustic guitar intro leads into a very solid song especially with bridge's string background music.

7.From the Heart-decent song not one of my favorites but good guitar riffs as usual in this one are prob the only real highlight

8.Reason-the title track turns out to be the slowest song on the album a definite change of pace from the frantic "out of control" basically a decent love song with ok guitar i guess the opening of the song is the only highlight of this one unless ur into that kinda soft radio friendly stuff.lets just say its no "drive"(incubus) or even "epiphany"(staind)

9.Let it Out-a welcome return to the more fast frantic style that was in the first few songs of the album. cool eerie riff after the chorus and before each verse. great song all around that u'll find yourself singing soon after buying the album which u should do asap.

10.Unaffected-cool song, although theres a slower tempo its still heavy and an all around cool song a good change of pace that helps mix up the album.

11.Never There - sweet song with awesome guitar riffs some of the best on the entire album. really good verses with a great chorus and almost an even better bridge. i'd have to say this is my 3rd favorite song since its so solid in every way.

12.Disappear - of the two slow songs this is definitely the better one and is a good ending song, they pulled out all the stops with the stringed section and the guitar blasting till it finally fades completing an excellent album that should definitely be high on ur list.

Amazing
First off, I'd like to say that I ahve not really been a fan of Hoobastank. A lot of the songs on their self titled album sounded too similiar. The CD only had about 6 or 7 good songs on the CD.
The Reason is much mcuh better then Hoobastanks previous albums. I don't skip any of the songs. It is always in my CD player, day and night. This CD has much more distinguished guitar riffs and choruses.

Same Direction - A great opening track. Great guitar riffs. One of my favorites. 9.5/10

Out Of Control - The first single is very fast paced and fun. It makes out want to get up and do something right away but then to lay back down cause you want to listen to the CD. 9/10

What Happened To Us? - A t first this sounds like it's going to be a great track but then it changes tempo way to fast to actually sound good. Other then that the song is good. 8/10

Escape - This song sounds like a fast paced 3 Doors Down song. Very different from any previous song. 8.5/10

Just One - The intro to this song is very good. Too bad the chorus isn't as good. 8/10

Lucky - This song sounds really complete. Very good. 8.5/10

From the Heart - Again and amazing intro. But this time the chorus is also good. 9/10

The Reason - Now this is definately the best song on the CD. The style is very different from any other song by Hoobastank. It willprobably be the second release from this album. 10/10

Let It Out - A great hard song. It also sounds very good between "The reason" and "Unaffected". 8.5/10

Unaffected - One of my favorites by Hoobastank ever. The guitar is amazing and makes this track stand out. 9.5/10

Never There - A lot of other people don't like this song but I love it. The best hard song on the CD. 9.5/10

Disappear - And the CD ends with yet again another great song. Not quite as good of a closing song as "Give It Back" but is nonetheless an amaing song. 9.5/10

As you can see the CD starts off good and ends great. This CD will occupy my CD player for a long time.

The Reason
I bought this album specifically for the song "The Reason" but the whole album was great. All the tracks are awesome and it's just an all around great record.

A nice sophomore effort
Hoobastank's self-titled album was good, and THIS album, The Reason, ain't bad either. It's no surprise that the title track became a monster hit -- and incidentally, that song is tied with "Disappear" as being the best song on the album. But because the band has a huge hit on their hands, it seems like some people just hate them for it (to know how I feel about that, refer to my "true meaning of 'sellout'" guide). But that's okay because the rest of us can see how great this album is.

As other reviewers have mentioned, this album is more low-key than their last album. But results are still impressive, as shown by songs like the romantic "Lucky". And when the songs aren't so positive, they can still work, as evidenced by "Never There", "What Happened to Us", and the aforementioned title track.

There are other good songs on here too, like "Escape" and "Same Direction". But there are a few missteps as well. I don't think I would have cried if "From the Heart" wasn't on here, and "Out of Control" is just that (sorry, I tried my best to like that song). But this is still a great album from Hoobastank. Like their first album, this album also gets four stars, so pick them both up if you're a fan.

Anthony Rupert

To Hot Rhonda/Short the Reason review
LMAO! I just read the funniest thing at amazon: A reviewr named "Hot Rhonda" called Metallica "wannabes" and said Hoobastank was much better! LMAO! Ok, all kidding aside, that's just gay, cuz Metallica is only 10(...) times better than Hoobastank will EVER be! No that's not just an opinion that's a FACT!! On the song "Blackend" listen to how fast Lars(Metallica's drummer) does the double bass, if Hoobastank's drummer tried to do that he would drop his drum sticks in 2 seconds in shame. Also in "Blackend", "Sad But True", "Enter Sandman", "Hit The Lights" and "One", listen to those awesome guitar solos. If Hoobastanks guitarist tried that, he too would drop his guitar in shame in 2 seconds. And Metallica's bassist uses a 5-string bass, and Hoobastank...do they even have a bassist? And lastly Metallica's singer,James Hetfield, is a hell of a lot better than Hoobastank's. That just proves that Metallica kicks Hoobastank's ass EASILY. And by the way NEVER EVER name an awesome band like the Rolling Stones as Hoobastank!
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Now on to the reason: It's decent but a little too poppy, the only very good song in Out Of Control, the others are just ok.

I'm done. ... Read more

Amazon.com

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

Reviews (337)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I will review the songs one by one:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CD - 3.6/5

AWFUL
eddie vedter wanna be, awful cajin junk

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cold: Average song

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

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

Could I Be You: Average, but good song.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon.com

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

Reviews (531)

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

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

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

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

Highly recommended.

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

Amazon.com

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

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

Reviews (6)

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

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

Buy her albums. All of them.

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

McKee returns with a strong and solid effort
Maria McKee's new LP _Peddlin' Dreams_ provides a little something for each of the twenty years worth of fans/listeners. It plays to those who either dig McKee's optimism and/or her darker more suicidal side.The LP has a more acoustic and spontaneous feel--unlike _High Dive_ (which is one of McKee's great masterpieces). _Peddlin' Dreams_ is definitely worth buying if you are a McKee fan or for those who want to hear one of the alt-country greats.

Still Underappreciated After All These Years
Few singers in the last thirty-plus years have ever shown as much raw talent as Maria McKee.Fewer still have ever been so underrated by music buyers and grossly underappreciated by radio programmers as her either.Because her music tends to cover many different spectrums, from orchestral pop-rock to alternative to country, Maria, like Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris before her, just can't be pigeonholed by strict radio formats or playlists, and that's why it is so often best to find her music, whether it's her solo albums or the ones she made while the lead singer of Lone Justice, in the record stores rather than on the radio.And that trend continues with her new album PEDDLIN' DREAMS.

In contrast to the orchestral pop-rock of her 2003 album HIGH DIVE, PEDDLIN' DREAMS has a more organic sound to it, harking back to the acoustic country/folk/rock style that Maria seems to be most at ease with.She and her husband and producer Jim Akin use plenty of acoustic guitars for the album's sound base, particularly on "Season Of The Fair" and "My One True Love"; and the use of steel guitar is a bit more extensive than you'll find on most Nashville-produced albums these days.Maria, who is 40 years old now but still looks far younger than that, is in fine voice on all the tracks.Her cover of Neil Young's "Barstool Blues" is a minor gem too, as is the old-school "You Don't Know How Glad I Am", which, like her 1993 album track "Only Once", is redolent of Patsy Cline and late 60s/early 70s-era Linda Ronstadt in its country-pop styling.

Twenty years after she first burst upon the scene with Lone Justice, Maria is still underappreciated by the general public.Whether PEDDLIN' DREAMS changes that now is uncertain. But discriminating music fans would do well to get this recording just for the sheer pleasure of listening to one of the finest female singers to have come down the pike since Linda and Emmylou.Simply put, Maria is an artist always well worth supporting.

A True Artist
I second all of what was said in the previous review... I too have no idea why Maria has not gotten the recognition (I think) she truly deserves.She is an excellent songwriter, a gorgeous girl with a richly strong and beautiful voice!And... she seems to have stayed true to herself and her integrity! Buy this album - you'll play it over and over... she's definitely NOT a one-hit wonder.
Gypsy - www.fairyprincessmusic.com ... Read more

Amazon.com

How do you condense 15 years of music down to 76 minutes? In the case of this survey of the second phase of R.E.M.'s career, the answer is: Exceptionally well. The dangling carrot for diehards is two new songs; the rapid fire "Bad Day" hurtles along like the kissing cousin of "It's the End of the World as We Know It," while "Animal" is anchored by a majestic drone reminiscent of the Beatles' "Tomorrow Never Knows." In a surprising, but gratifying move, the rest of the program shortchanges the band's breakthrough, Out of Time (no "Shiny Happy People"), to better accommodate movie soundtrack contributions, and spotlight gems from the less commercial, post-Bill Berry albums Reveal and Up; with its baroque piano and multi-tracked vocal harmonies, the Beach Boys homage "At My Most Beautiful" is particularly gorgeous, while the burbling keyboards and slightly dazed singing of "All the Way to Reno" will appeal to Flaming Lips fans. --Kurt B. Reighley ... Read more

Reviews (122)

Not a true "Greatest Hits" package...
I will still say this collection is indeed a great collection, but I feel it falls short of what a true "greatest" collection consists of...which is usually all their hits. Perhaps they didn't have 18 hits...so they added a few unreleased tracks and few soundtrack songs instead. I know this is a collection taken from a certain period of time...I still would have rather had seen a complete "greatest hits" collection. If I had done it, it would look something like this...
1. Pop Song '89
2. Crush With Eyeliner
3. Radio Free Europe
4. Bang and Blame
5. So. Central Rain
6. Stand
7. Everybody Hurts
8. Man on the Moon
9. The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight
10. The One I love
11. Nightswimming
12. Orange Crush
13. Its the End of the World as We Know It.
14. Shiny Happy People
15. Drive
16. Radio Song
17. Whats The Frequency, Kenneth?
18. Losing My Religion
In my opinion my playlist is more accurate as a "greatest" collection...but again..this collection is still damn good.

If R.E.M Can Lighten Up, So Can You...
Unless you're talking about a band that's clearly singles-based rather than album-oriented, almost any best-of album is bound to disappoint someone. When it's for a band like R.E.M., who have released seven albums and numerous non-album songs in 15 year period covered, it's almost inevitable that some fans would be disappointed. For my own part, I'm surprised at some of what's here and what's not. I wonder why "Automatic For the People" is represented by four songs, when "Out of Time" and "Monster" are limited to one each.

That said, a review should turn on what's there more so than what's not, and what's here is really quite good. Kicking off with their twin Andy Kaufman tributes ("Man on the Moon" and "Great Beyond"), "In Time" maintains a high-level of quality all the way through, making a strong case for R.E.M.'s already secured place in the rock pantheon.

Is it a perfect collection? This reviewer would say, no. This is not just because of missing personal favorites ("Half a World Away" and "World Leader Pretend") but also for the aforementioned lack of balance between how albums are represented here. It's hard to argue that "Up" or even "Automatic for the People" are really that much better than "Monster" or "Out of Time."

Then again, any compilation reflects the bias of its makers, just as a listener's reaction to it reflects theirs. By any objective standard, though, "In Time" is a good attempt to give a feel of what post-IRS Records R.E.M. is about. Plus, it sounds really good with the volume up.

REM's unimaginative best
REM is one of the greatest bands ever, OK? I will never deny that. I have all of their albums and have seen them many times in concert. However, there are two kinds of REM fans. There are the ones that have been with them all along and still like listening to "Murmur" and "Lifes Rich Pagent." Then there are those fans that love "Out of Time" and "Automatic For the People." Now, i will give you that Austomatic was a great album, Out of Time was not. However, the differences between the two groups are demonstrated by a love of the early, non-commercial stuff and the mid '90s commercial stuff. The compilation is all about the mindless singles that gave REM mainstream success. Excluding "Electrolite," none of these songs really needed to be included for a "best of" album. It was an attempt by REM to pick up a paycheck because their most recent albums were not selling well. Sad but true.

Yawn
I like R.E.M. I liked them in the late 80's and in the 90's. This is a good collection of hits. No more exciting than that.

This is a really excellent collection!
I've been an off and on fan of R.E.M. for a very long time but was really interested in this CD after it came out and I have to say that it does not dissapoint and really compiles a lot of the best stuff of their's from 1988 through 2003 from their "Green" album to two subpar tracks that were solely for this CD. All of my favorite songs are from this time period with songs like "Everybody Hurts", "Orange Crush", "Losing My Religion" and even "What's the Frequency Kenneth". This CD would've been a little better if it included "It's The End of the World As We Know it And I Feel Fine" but that track came out in 1987 and thus isn't included on here. Oh Well. For what it is though "In Time" is a wonderful collection and is certainly a CD worth buying. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Dwight Yoakam occupies a singular position in contemporary country. No artist has better balanced mainstream commercial success with artistic, alt-country credibility, while somehow managing to embody both the music's most traditional and its most progressive impulses. Blame the Vain marks a milestone for Yoakam as his first self-produced effort since splitting with producer/guitarist/bandleader Pete Anderson. While the material seems to document the end of a relationship and the hope for romantic renewal, there's a freewheeling playfulness to the arrangements--the bongo-driven, rock & roll urgency of "International Heartache," the faux British accent and synthesizer intro on "She'll Remember," the shifting time signatures of "Watch Out." The tear-in-your-beer balladry of "Lucky That Way" and "Does It Show" should satisfy those who take their honky-tonk straight, no chaser, while the homage paid to timeless Roy Orbison ("Just Passin' Time"), earlyJohnny Cash ("I'll Pretend") and later Elvis Presley ("When I First Came Here") attests to the range and richness of Yoakam's artistry. He may no longer have the hits like he once did, but he hasn't lost the vision. --Don McLeese ... Read more

Amazon.com

Earle rushed The Revolution Starts ... Now to stores ahead of the 2004 presidential election, and given that timing and the songwriter's righteous lefty stance, the disc's topical content should surprise exactly no one. Even still, it's light on invective, allowing Earle's deftly drawn characters to make his points for him. Plainspoken people swept up by larger events, they include the truck-driving protagonist of rig-rocker "Home to Houston," who dodges rockets while running supplies in Iraq, the disaffected vet in "The Gringo's Tale," and the American soldiers and Palestinian boys whose lives run parallel in "Rich Man's War." At times, Earle is less artful, and the going gets patchy: the title cut is a guitars-blazing call to arms, but "Warrior" (a ponderous spoken-word piece that apes Shakespeare), "F the CC" (a ragged denunciation of culture cops), and "Condi, Condi" (a faux-reggae mash note to Condoleezza Rice) don't hold up as well. Interestingly, the less-pointed material finds the cantankerous crusader at his best, as on the aching Emmylou Harris duet "Comin' Around," a late-night barroom blues called "I Thought You Should Know," and the hopeful closer "The Seeker." There, Earle slips in one last, subtle message: "There's a new day tomorrow and maybe I'll hold, something brighter than gold to a seeker." --Anders Smith Lindall ... Read more

Reviews (68)

Awesome Rock Album
Very rarely do I like this kind of music. Yet 3 Doors Down do it so well, it's hard not to like it. They can manage to sound hard with a rock edge, yet manage to maintain a melodic pop quality to their songs. The lead singer may be in a rock band, but he has a great voice and doesn't have to resort to screaming.

"The Better Life" was good, but I think this album manages to top it. "When I'm Gone" has been the massive hit thus far and has become one of the biggest radio hits of the last year. It's been overplayed, but it's still listenable. The title track "Away From the Sun" is a definite stand-out track. It's slow, but I'd love to see it as a single...great chorus. "The Road I'm On" is one of the harder tracks and was the second single. "Ticket To Heaven" is another catchy rock/pop track that would make a good single. The star of this album is "Here Without You" definitely. Already proving to be a huge radio hit, it's a fantastic rock ballad and very relatable. "Changes" and "Dangerous Game" are ok too. "Sarah Yellin" definitely stands out from the other songs with a more serious vibe.

Overall, great album. "Away From the Sun", "When I'm Gone", "Ticket To Heaven", and "Here Without You" are the key tracks that make it wortha 5 star rating. The other songs are good and listenable, but these jump out at you. If you liked "The Better Life" there's a big chance that you'll like "Away From the Sun." Similar content and great music.

History has repeated itself!
Being new to this band, I bought the last album on a whim and never looked back. I was hooked. I wondered how a band could live up to putting out another great album when the first was so phenomenal. Well, history has repeated itself. This second album is ALSO stellar. I can't break it down into detail why exactly it is so good, it just works. Both CD's are ones you just have to listen to in order to understand. It is addicting and intoxicating. As many times as I've played this CD, I find myself anticipating the next great song. And when it's over....I replay it. Hold Me When I'm Gone is, inarguably, a great song. But as you listen to the rest of the album, you find that they are all nothing short of perfection. Song #10 is my personal favorite. The vocals are best demonstrated here. This band is modern in its nature---by that I mean the lyrics are relatable, the tunes are extremely catchy, and the angrier songs are appropriately integrated into this album. And like the first album, no two songs sound the same. This is head-bobbin' driving music and I am now confident that subsequent albums will be in the same calliber as the first two. With such mature songwriting and arrangement, I'll be first in line for the third 3 Doors Down album. No doubt these guys have a future. I am highly impressed.

Perfect album for anyone who likes good rock
This is an album that everyone should have if they like rock. Three Doors Down does this type of music great. "When I'm gone" is a great emotional edgy song, and "Away from the Sun" is without a question the best song on the album. It rocks enough but it also has a nice melodic element to it. "Dangerous game" has a great edge to it and it's alot of fun to listen to. "Sarah Yellin" is the most hardcore song on the album and will impress. The only low point on the album is the song "Changes". It tries too hard to be an anger-rock song and it just ends up being annoying. "This Road I'm on", "Feel You", and "Going down in Flames", took a while to grow on me, but after listening to them a few times, I really began to enjoy them. Three Doors Down always has great lyrics and edgy riffs and all-around good songs. Enjoy this album!

Incredible CD;must buy!!!!!!!!!!
This CD is awesome! Here's a song-by-song rating(1-5):

When I'm Gone:3.5
Away from the Sun:3
The Road I'm On:4
Ticket to Heaven:4
Running out of Days:3
Here Without You:2.5
I Feel You:3
Dangerous Game:4
Changes:4
Going Down In Flames:6(1 of my favorites!)
Sarah Yellin':6(another 1!)
untitled:1(they shoulda left this off)
In short, even though some songs kinda suck, this is still the best CD ever!You want good music,this has it!
BoB Ratt, signing off.

great cd!!
1. WHEN I'M GONE (A)
2. AWAY FROM THE SUN (A)
3. THE ROAD I'M ON (A+)
4. TICKET TO HEAVEN (A)
5. RUNNING OUT OF DAYS (A-)
6. HERE WITHOUT YOU (A)
7. I FEEL YOU (A)
8. DANGEROUS GAME (A-)
9. CHANGES (A)
10. GOING DOWN IN FLAMES (A)
11. SARAH YELLIN' (B)
12. untitled (C+) ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Nimrod came along two years after 1995's Insomniac and was the first indication of Green Day's willingness to stretch the boundaries of punk rock. The fullness of the record is first hinted at on "Hitchin' a Ride," which starts out chug-a-lugging and then breaks into a raging rocker."Redundant" is accented with some psyched-out guitar work and has Billie Joe Armstrong singing a good deal more than usual. The wonderful "Platypus (I Hate You)" speed-rocks with abandon and recalls the early days of L.A. punk (a little Dickies here, a little Descendents there). The biting "Take it Back" is a snarling throwback to hard punk, and "Prosthetic Head" is an infectious ditty that counts among the very best on the album. Most surprising is "Last Ride In," an instrumental nod to the sensual surf-and-sun life. Of course, the crown jewel of the collection is the sentimental, acoustic "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)," which seemed nearly inescapable when it was released. Beyond these standouts, even the "usual" Green Day fare here has punch. --Lorry Fleming ... Read more

Reviews (371)

NIMROD IS THE BEST!
Very possibly the best album ever created, Nimrod is just another example of Green Day's talent and versatility. Billie Joe Armstrong's lyrics just keep getting better and better, Mike Dirnt's bass playing is just amazing, and of course, Tre Cool's drumming, ever changing, is a great part of the album.
Nimrod is a great cd that really led the transition from Insomniac to Warning well. It is so versatile, with ballads, a surf type song, hard metal type songs, typical Green Day music, and much more. Aside from different subgenres of the music, many different instruments are used such as harmonica, the bongos, and of course, the baseball bat. ^_^ Green Day has really matured with this album.
There is not a single bad song on this cd, each one gets a 10 from me.

Nice Guys Finish Last-a great song to start the cd out with, was one of the first songs that really got me into Green Day. Mike Dirnt does extremely well on the bass in this one.

Hitchin A Ride-incredible, excellent song, one of their best. Although it takes a while to get used to, it is really incredible. The drumming in this is very VERY good, I know from playing it on my drums that it takes a lot of skill to get it right.

The Grouch-hilarious lyrics, it's a really good, driven song, explicit, but humorous. Also has a very catchy tune.

Redundant-can't say anything about it except that it's a masterpiece. It's a really beautiful song with really beautiful lyrics. You can tell what a good songwriter and guitarist Billie Joe is, what a good bassist Mike Dirnt is, and what an INCREDIBLE drummer Tre Cool is from just this one song.

Scattered-just another one of Green Day's incredible songs. Possibly one of the best tunes, Billie Joe's voice really stands out in this song. One lyric that I really liked was "Story to tell and I am listening." You can tell they've grown up, because since when is Green Day listening?

All The Time-I know not many people really like this song, but I'm hooked on it. It's not as catchy a tune as some others, but when you get used to it, it's really great. It's one of those songs that you'll be singing for days and days after hearing it just once.

Worry Rock-Beautiful, BEAUTIFUL LYRICS! I love it, it's a really sweet song and it's incredible. Another song in which Billie Joe's voice really stands out.

Platypus (I hate you)--A very good song, it is very hard core and although you can barely understand a word of what Billie Joe is screaming out, it's worth it. You can really tell his emotions through the lyrics.

Uptight-Possibly one of the greatest songs on the cd, the ending is incredible. The beginning verses are also very good, but what really stands out is the ending choruses, the "Uptight, I'm a nag with a gun, All night...." part. It makes a very good transition from Uptight to Last Ride In.

Last Ride In-my favorite instrumental by any band. Sure, not many people are into it because it is sort of slow and instrumental, but it's the one instrumental I can listen to the whole thing through. The guitar and bass really shines, but the main thing to me (thenagain, being a drummer, it would be the main thing) that shines through is Tre Cool's drumming. He strays from the normal "punk rock boundaries" in drumming and really goes to the extra by using more latin drumming. I've heard tons of that drumming in Latin music, believe me.

Jinx-an awesome tune, awesome guitar, awesome song in general. I really like the lyrics in this one, and once more, the vocals are incredible in this song. The tune is very different than many other songs you would find, and it makes a nice transition to Haushinka.

Haushinka-not such a liked song by many people, but after listening to it for a while it can really grow on you and you can see what a great song it is. It is more old style Green Day, as it was written during the time of 1039 Slappy Hours, yet not placed on the Kerplunk cd. Very good song.

Walking Alone-this could very well be one of my favorites, it's got an incredible tune, very relatable lyrics, and harmonica! well, the harmonica is very fun and it is always great to see bands going the extra mile to use different things rather than the normal, set instruments. Green Day makes their own rules.

Reject-this song was written about a person who wrote a hate letter to Green Day, you can really see the emotion in it and the anger through the lyrics. Another harder song on the cd, it's a good one.

Take Back-not really one of my favorite Green Day songs, yet it is pretty good to. A nice job on the harder, metallic rock that's very enjoyable.

King For A Day-even if the song isn't as catchy as others, the lyrics and the horns really make up for it. A hilarious song, a sort of ska song, even if it is about drag queens, it's just way too funny to pass up!

Time Of Your Life-well, everyone knows this one. The classic Green Day song that led them into even being played in soft music radio stations like Warm 106.9 (I've heard them on it), it's a masterpiece. It's very very pretty, I also like the violin in the back.

Prosthetic Head-a wonderful closing song, Prosthetic Head's tune is very good and very catchy. It's a song I got stuck in my head the whole day and ended up writing the chorus lyrics on every paper and wall I could find in a craft store I was dragged into.....

Anyway, in closing, this is an EXCELLENT cd, and passing it up would be...a crime.

An incredible album that shows all sides of Green Day.
This truly is a great CD, not only becuase every single song on it is strong and original in its own sense, but also that it features such a wide variety of alternative music! Green Day's other albums (Dookie, Insomniac, etc.) are all great, but the variation of the musical content on them is not nearly as wide as on Nimrod. There are great punk and rock songs, fast, furious, and to-the-point, such as "Nice Guys Finish Last," "The Grouch" (an extremely funny song), "Platypus (I Hate You)," and "Reject," to name a few. If you like slower stuff, then there are several slower tracks, like "Redundant," "Worry Rock," "Uptight" and "Prosthetic Head." Other notable songs include the hilarious, hord-driven song "King For A Day," the moody instrumental "Last Ride In," and the widely popular acoustic ballad "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)." For both music lovers and Green Day fans alike, this album is a must-own.

A Refined Green Day
I owned this album, but it got stolen, and I have regretted that ever since. I'll probably get it again some day, when I have spare cash. I remember I really liked it, and it spent a lot of time in my CD player. I liked every song on the album, some more than others, obviously, but I don't ermember skipping any tracks. My favorites were:

2. Hitchin' a Ride
3. Grouch
4. Redundant
7. Worry Rock
8. Platypus (I Hate You)
9. Uptight
12. Haushinka
13. Walking Alone
14. Reject
16. King for a Day
17. Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)
18. Prosthetic Head

Now I know why it got stolen! LOL

Not bad, but could have been better
As Green Day progresses, their mean sound improves, though their really good ones are no better or worse than they always have been. A big difference on this CD from the norm, is that their popular songs are not always good. Their skippable songs have decreased in number from the beginning, and they have the same number of really good ones, so I'd say this CD is overall better than one like Dookie.

The only songs that I skip regularly are "Walking Alone," "Take Back," and "Last Ride In." Walking Alone just doesn't excite me much, it's not really bad or anything, just not anything special. Last Ride In is boring the first few times you hear it, but it's so freakin catchy, now I listen to it almost every time I get to it. Take back is probably the worst song on the CD. Green Day isn't all that great at screaming songs.

The songs from the CD that most people will recognize easily are "Good Riddance," "Nice Guys Finish Last," "Hitchin' A Ride," and "Redundant." The first two are good; Good Riddance isn't as great as the first time I heard it, but when you hear a song 6 billion times, that happens. Nice Guys Finish Last is one of the best songs on the CD. Check out the video on their website, it's almost as good as the song is. As for the other two, they really aren't anything special. I don't know why they're so popular. Redundant is catchy, but its only real redeaming quality is a good video. Hitchin A Ride isn't as catchy, maybe a little better song though. Neither are anything worth talking about. However, as I said earlier, their "not worth talking about" songs are still not half bad, not as skippable as their subpar efforts on Dookie were. Other mediocre songs are "Scattered," Uptight," and "King for a Day" (which is a bit ska).

The songs worth talking about, other than the two mentioned earlier, are these. "The Grouch," is easily one of the top songs on the CD, I don't really like the language, but it makes it pretty funny. "Life's a bitch and so am I. The world owes me so f*** you." Not sure why I like "All the Time," and it isn't awesome, but it is a cut above the other mediocre songs. "Worry Rock" I think is the best song on the CD. A bit slow, though not as slow as Good Riddance, and short, but completely awesome. Another great one is "Platypus." The only problem with that one is the language. Incredibly speedy, hard to understand lyrics, punk at its finest. "Jinx" is another fast punk song, though not as much as Playtpus, and is another favorite of mine. "Haushinka" flows from Jinx, as Jaded does from Brain Stew, but is not nearly as good. The only good part is the bridge, the rest of it is pretty mediocre. "Reject" is typical Green Day pop-punk, but is a pretty good song nonetheless. "prosthetic Head" I originally thought was the worst song; actually, I treated it as filler, not even as a real song. However, the more you listen to it, the catchier it gets, and I love the lyrics; not one of the greats, but not bad.

By the way, why are Green Day's hateful songs always some of the best, from "Playtpus" to "FOD" to "Ha Ha, You're Dead."

The Best CD of all time!!!!
Nimrod is my favorite Green day album.It is a great record which everyone oughtta have. ... Read more

Album Description

Formed in NYC in the mid-'70s by David Byrne, Chris Franz, Tina Weymouth, and ex-Modern Lover Jerry Harrison, the Talking Heads evolved out of their now-legendary humble beginnings at CBGB's to become one of the most adventurous and influential bands ever. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002, the Heads' visionary, polyrhythmic sound daringly combined funk and punk, African beats, avant-garde minimalism, and pure pop. From their 1977 debut through their Brian Eno-produced classics to their '88 farewell, Naked, they both pushed artistic boundaries and delivered indelible radio hits like "Once In A Lifetime" and "Burning Down The House." ... Read more

Amazon.com's Best of 1998

Six years in the making, Car Wheels somehow lives up to its lofty expectations because of Williams's direct songwriting and her wonderfully unaffected vocals. With assistance from cohorts such as Steve Earle, Williams uses the acoustic accents of Dobros, mandolins, slide guitars, and accordions to add color to her grooves, whispers, and rumbles. Her lyrics are undisguised as she presents to us the travelogue of her memory. We can't wait for 2004! --Marc Greilsamer ... Read more

Reviews (247)

Two great songs, lots of lousy filler
This album contains perhaps the broadest range in music in recent memory, ranging from fantastic to unbearable slop. "Can't let go" and "Joy" are excellent songs and since this is not a one-hit wonder cd, you probably won't go too wrong buying it just for those two songs, which are great hard driving blues songs with nifty slide guitar work. However, the bulk of the rest of the album is incomprehensibly boring, slow, dreary country pop. This album is a prime example of why so many women musicians fail to live up to their real potential: instead of devoting a whole album to her strengths - as a blues guitarist and singer with the ability to really belt some tunes - Lucinda Williams spends most of the album playing silly folk-country-pop like dozens of other currently trendy female artists, essentially sounding like a Jewel single played at 33 rpm instead of 45. If Williams had the guts to try to rock, instead of settling for pop mediocrity, she would be one of the best acts around.

Superb--soulful with an understanding of human frailities.
This is truly a very good CD by a great artist. Her voice and her music are both unique, but with roots in well recognized folk, rock and blues genres. She sings a Louiana version of folk and blues with a voice that sometimes has to stretch and strain. Her music doesn't fit easliy into predescribed categories. Sometimes it's quiet, sometimes its loud. Sometimes its blusy and sometimes it's just plain "folk". Usually its a blend. If you want sharp crisp Madison Avenue packaged lyrics that fit perfectly into tight little melodies, this is NOT your CD. Her music and lyrics are often rough around the edges. But if you've ever left or lost a lover, ever felt "lost" or even "found", and like --or hate-- the emotions those memories recall, or if you have a soul that understands the human journey through life, you'll like this CD. For example, the lyrics in "Lake Charles" don't rhyme, don't alwys fit exacly into the music, and are sung by Lucinda in a voice that sounds like Janis Joplin in a quiet mood. But this haunting and tender song about a dead lover/friend also invokes the feeling that the singer has come to grips with the loss as well, and teaches more about remembering your loss and letting it go than any other song I've ever heard. The chorus of "Did an angel whisper in your ear? Hold you close, and take away your fear, in that long last moment?"still affects me, in a way I don't understand, whenever I hear it. Maybe it reminds me that someday I'll face a "long, last moment", too. This is the first Lucinda Williams CD I've listened to. I gave the CD 4 stars simply because the CD tells me that this is an artist capable of even greater heights. If you want to know my tastes in music, they're probably not much help. I was raised on rock n' roll with an emphasis on the Grateful Dead and Bruce Springsteen--but I always had a collection of quieter folk music lying around, too --Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Bob Dylan. Springsteen's quieter releases--"The Ballad of Tom Joad" and "Nebraska" remain my 2 favorites of his CD's. Today I listen to just about anything--Frank Sinatra, Garth Brooks, Patsy Cline, Tom Waits and Bruce Springsteen being my mainstays. These singers and their music have very little in common--except that each can evoke some facet of the human condition and put it into words and music. Lucina Williams is the same.

Lucinda's Got It All
Trying to find the words to praise this album is difficult. It is without a doubt one of my top 5 albums. Her lyrics show her soul and sometimes my own. One has to wonder about the life she's lead when one listens to her music. Much pain and much happiness! Contradiction...I think if you had to describe her music...that would be the word. She is bar none one of the greatest songwriters of our time...and her concerts are not to be missed!

Lucinda Wms
Awsome Vocals Catchy Tunes The Female Bob Dylan In A
Singer/Songwriter Kinda Way She Jams

One of the best albums ever
I had a few Lucinda Williams albums, including "World Without Tears", before I finally bought "Car Wheels".

I was totally unprepared for the perfection of this work.

If these lyrics don't move you, if the music doesn't get your foot tapping, then you must be dead. I guarantee that three listens to this collection and you'll have at least one of the songs stuck looping in your head, but it is impossible to say which song, because all are nearly perfect. And the title track may just be as close to a perfect transference of a feeling from a song that I've ever experienced. This isn't country, folk, rock or blues, this is m-u-s-i-c at its finest.

The listener and critical reviews for "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road", here or on any other site or forum, show this to be perhaps the most consistently well-loved album in history. To the few who gave it two or three stars, I'll communicate with you at your level: Duh. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Mercury Rev’s sixth album Secret Migration is a high flying psychedelic concept record filled with paeans to Mother Nature. Singer Jonathan Donahue has never been so in touch with his inner hobbit as he is here. Dave Fridmann remains the band’s producer, which is excellent as he’s the most interesting part of the band, and a great deal of the reason that the band’s best album, ‘98’s Deserter’s Songs, is as good as it is. M. Rev has never been a wildly original band--they’ve been aesthetically joined-at-the-hip with the Flaming Lips for much of their career, and "Diamonds" almost sounds like a parody of Wayne Coyne and crew. But there’s something beguiling about the band, a childlike simplicity that runs through their modern-day prog anthems. On "My Love," Donahue sings "Ain’t it amazing when the seasons begin to change/Someone behind the scenes just seems pull some strings," and as daft as that sounds, well, he’s right! As ecological stoner anthems go, these are righteous.--Mike McGonigal ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The Perfect Evolution
Six albums into their career and Buffalo, NY's Mercury Rev sound exactly like a perfect symphonic art rock band should.

The Secret Migration starts out perfectly with "Secret For A Song" -Dreamy Vocals, haunting piano, spacey guitar and great bass playing make this the standout cut on the record.It doesn't take long though before another great track appears #2 "Across Yer Ocean" is pushed by another great bass line and a very confident vocal.And while the lyrics can be quite "dreamy & fantasy-like" the vocal delivery makes it real easy to buy into them.

Other stand-out cuts include "Black Forest", "Vermillion", "Arise" & "In A Funny Way" the lead track which is bound to end up on a television commercial in the very near future, if it hasn't already.

Over the past several years Mercury Rev have been lumped into the Dave Fridmann world of alternative dream pop along with The Flaming Lips & Sparklehorse, all great bands.IMO, "The Secret Migration" is now the standard for all those other bands.

Lush, dreamy, epic, grandoise and at times veering towards prog, this isn't your older brother's Mercury Rev.And while I've liked just about all of Mercury Rev's works, this new sound- more fleshed out and slightly more progressive is their best yet.

A Summer Night's Masterpiece
For reasons unclear to me, Mercury Rev have always been far bigger in the UK than here. Their new one is a lush, richly produced slow-burner that reminds me of the Flaming Lips with better singing and less conceptual lyrics. The songs, nearly all of which are exquisite, sound like they originated on a vintage piano with the echo pedal held down. The other analog and digital instruments augment the spacey, dreamy, overall effect. In sum, the Secret Migration is just too good to remain a secret.

Unpredictable approach to latent beauty
I have to start by saying that any comparison between The Secret Migration and Mercury Rev's two previous albums is useless: While the fantastic tone of the lyrics and the beauty of the musical composition remains, this album corresponds to a different stage in a developing process that Jonathan has built over the years. If we see him as the narrator of a fable, we would agree that he portrays the joy for the mere existence of a journey that might lead him to the happy ending. The claustrophobic sense of despair and loss from "Deserter's songs" and "All is dream" has given place to a brighter mood surrounded with allusions of apologetical fantasy (Vermillion) and even optimism (Moving on) and hope (Arise). It does take, however, some time to get used to this little masterpiece presented as it is: a conjunction of sparks of light and dots of shadows, but in the end shinning with a subtle warmth through melancholy pianos and alien guitar riffs. It is more than we can ask for a secret migration.

Different kind of album, but still as excellent as always
I have been seriously listening to Mercury Rev since "Yerself Is Steam", and I enjoy the direction this band has taken.They started to gel with "Deserter's Songs", a highly evocative album of soundscapes, often bleak yet still hopeful."All Is Dream" brought a more lush sound, characterized by the earlier open spaces in the music becoming filled in somewhat, and "The Secret Migration" continues in this direction.I like the quirkiness of their earlier material, but this band is good even when they aren't as quirky.

"The Secret Migration" doesn't sound as psychedelic to my ears as Mercury Rev's earlier albums.While there are certainly some trippy passages in which a listener can find themselves dreaming, these songs should be accessible to a fairly wide range of tastes.Jonathan Donahue's vocals are delicate, sweet and heartfelt, and the production and arrangements are exquisite.Some of the songs, particularly "My Love", and "Moving On" have a timeless quality.

This is music that should be taken on its own merits and not compared with previous Mercury Rev albums.If one can get past the differences between this effort and earlier efforts by Mercury Rev, the high quality of this musical experience will transport the listener to a place of optimism, magic and light.For me, this album evokes more emotions than most other CDs I own.It is a mature, fully realized work.

I highly recommend this one, whether or not you are a Mercury Rev fan.In times like these, I think we all need good doses of magic, nature and sunshine.

Passable and secret
It takes awhile to figure out just what is wrong with "Secret Migration," the latest by lush-prog rock band Mercury Rev. But eventually it becomes obvious what the problem is: It's not grounded enough. Their sleepy, lush latest album is truly lovely, in the vein of their previous "All Is Dream," but their songwriting goes off into fantasyland too often.

The past releases by Mercury Rev have been on par with stuff like the Flaming Lips and Sparklehorse -- brilliant, otherworldly and deeply yearning. Here, the fairy-tale motif takes over, with that edge of orchestral pop and psychedelic rock. I suppose you could call it Ye Olde Renaissance Rock'n'Rolle, with all those mentions of "morning stars," white horses, sinister forests, silver oceans and fairy rides.

Musically, the band is still in solid form -- lots of epic soundscapes and rich instrumentation. Sure, they have wandered all over the musical palette, but they never fail to sound lush and interesting, with plenty of deep synth washed over slow, gritty melodies. The one flaw is that they lost that folksy edge -- especially the bowed saws -- that characterized their sound in "Deserter's Songs."

It starts off with a series of very grand, rich songs, which are sent up in the air by piano and organ, and only rooted by some very solid basslines. But with "Vermillion," the soft piano revs up into a faster tempo that carries over until the final round of songs, which are airy but surprisingly powerful. Synths and soft bass are what carry the songs into that pretty, if less intense, sound. Musically, it's lovely -- some excellent work here.

The songwriting is the weakest point. A few like "In The Wilderness" have the spare, grounded sound, but often the lyrics are dressed up in Ye Olde Rock'n'Rolle descriptions: "See how the rain, captured by the leaves,/Shimmers and falls, and lives on in diamond balls,/Like a necklace hung, over limb and branch,/For me to show to you, like gifts." It's extremely pretty, but it doesn't have that fearful, yearning note that their earlier albums had.

Mercury Rev still sounds excellent in "Secret Migration," but it's just a little too fairy-tale-ish for its own good. Were they to ride dragonflies less often, they would sound close to perfect. ... Read more

Amazon.com

With Now 17 the producers of this chart-busting series have accepted, to their credit, a truism: You can't please 'em all. That accounts for the opposite-ends-of-the-genre-spectrum inclusiveness of the disc, and also for the lion's share of its appeal. Like hip-hop but hate country? Count yourself in, courtesy of Terror Squad ("Lean Back"), J-Kwon ("You & Me"), and the Beastie Boys ("Ch-Check It Out"), or out, owing to Gretchen Wilson ("Here for the Party") and Keith Urban ("Days Go By"). Ditto for girl pop (Ashlee Simpson's "Pieces of Me," Jessica Simpson's "Angels") and hard rock (Crossfade's "Cold")--take it or leave it or, if you're truly well-rounded, love it, track for track. With its finger directly on the pulse of what passes for pop in 2004, 17 poses its share of challenges--the Switchfoot crowd doesn't lend itself to being lumped together with JoJo's posse--but it skillfully folds the whole package into a better than palatable mix aimed directly at the fun-loving and the musically tolerant. Sensible sequencing (rap leads to pure pop leads to rock leads to country) seals the deal, so that all you're left wondering is, What happened to Hoobastank? --Tammy La Gorce ... Read more

Amazon.com

Gillian Welch has captured the ethos of mountain music in a way that few lowlanders have managed, and that's just a little disconcerting. Outsiders aren't supposed to be able to infiltrate tight-knit clans. Producer T-Bone Burnett creates intimacy by recording Welch live with a small cast of supporting players, including Welch's partner, David Rawlings. While many of the songs are built around duo acoustic guitars and two-part harmonies, Burnett spices up a few of them up with some neat tricks, mixing an upright bass above the vocals on "Pass You By" and getting a fat, dirty sound out of three instruments. Welch's vocals, meanwhile, are stoical and matter-of-fact as her songs, which are infused with a repressed dread and contrition that's utterly convincing. White gospel tunes like "Orphan Girl" and "By the Mark" feel as if they were culled from hymnals, yet they were written when Clinton, not Coolidge, was president. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Reviews (60)

Gillian Welch; powerful artist
Thanks to Amazon, I found Gillian Welch via their "customers also bought" information bar while purchasing an Emmylou Harris recording. Ms Welch posesses a sincere and refreshing approach to "country" music. Her soul searching lyrics are brought together with her haunting voice as a Hermann Hesse novel. They both express the human life experience. Ms Welch's diversity is far reaching with "Paper Wings" (Billy Holliday would love this song) to "Acony Bell" (a sweet and precious song). I used to write and play similiar songs to my daughter Amber Faith. If you desire an experience with soul searching music, purchase this recording.

One I can't live without...
I walked into a record store one day and heard the first few songs off of Revival over the store speakers and they stopped me in my tracks. I immediately bought it (and I'm not the impulsive type) and my husband and I played it just about every morning for the first month we owned it. Gillian and David have somehow managed to channel the ghosts of Appalachian oldtimers through their souls and onto this disc. This music is as real and haunting as it gets. I can't say enough about it, it just gets under your skin and stays there. If you ever get a chance to see them live, you'll understand how incredibly gifted they are. If you like alt country or twangy folk, this is a must have!

Essential Gillian Welch
Forget the hype of 'O Brother Where Art Thou'. Forget about "alt-country". Forget about "mountain music". This is the debut album from Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. And its an experience.

How can you NOT mention Rawlings every time you talk about Welch? It is only together, that they've created some of the most beautiful, haunting, melancholic songs I have ever heard. I've been fortunate enough to see them play on two occasions, they're also outstanding live musicians and they had the audience spellbound for the entire length of the concert. This is the perfect record to start your GW/DR collection with...

Beautiful alt-country debut album.
It's hard to believe this is Welch's first album: the songwriting is unbelievably solid, and the music is hauntingly reminiscent of early bluegrass and country music. She came from a musical family (her parents scored the music for "The Carol Burnett Show"), and she attended the Berklee School of Music in Boston, where she met her musical partner David Rawlings.

Welch's and Rawlings's voice and instrumentations blend beautifully, and one of the standout songs on the album is "By The Mark", where you can hear Rawlings clearly echoing and harmonizing with Welch's voice. Other songs worth mentioning are the mournful "Annabelle" and "Tear My Stillhouse Down".

It should be noted also that Emmylou Harris was so impressed with Welch and with this album that she later covered "Orphan Girl".

Disappointing
If this is her best (as indicated by many others here), I'm incredibly disappointed. I bought this CD because I heard one song (from "Soul Journey") that I liked on the radio. After reading the reviews, I chose this CD because it was the most raved about.

Three of the songs on this CD sound just like her tune on "Oh Brother..." The rest of the CD is, well... mediocre. There's absolutely nothing original or touching here. I don't care about Gillian's background, I just want to listen to great music. This is not great music. She sounds like any other mediocre country-folk artist.

... ... Read more

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

Amazon.com

The growing, if belated, popularity of Ivy is a happy event. Over the course of a half-dozen releases, the band has married slightly trippy atmospherics to immaculate popcraft and the melancholy vocals of Paris-born Dominique Durand. In the Clear, their fifth album, finds the guitars occasionally louder (they roil and distort on the kiss-off "Clear My Head") but the mood essentially the same. It’s a romantic, cautiously hopeful one, exemplified by the disc’s closing "Feel So Free."Special and secretive--"Tess Don’t Tell" repeatedly insists "It’s just for you, it’s not for anybody else"--In the Clear thrives on trademark Ivy contradictions and, now and then, an unexpected noise in the corners of the sound.--Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Great Album
With their latest album, Ivy manages to do what so many bands find so very difficult -- make music that sounds fresh and different than previous efforts, while still retaining that which musically makes them who they are.Ivy has done exactly that in the present case.'In The Clear' is great because it will appeal to all, wooing those not familiar to Ivy's music and delighting those who have been waiting 4 years for the new album.Not a single throwaway track -- this is a great CD by a great band.

Some things don't change...And that's a good thing!
This is Ivy at their best. I've been a fan of Ivy's for a while now and up until this point my favorite album was probably "Realistic." But Ivy stretches their sound on this album; up-tempo songs like "Thinking About You" really aren't typical Ivy, but they really make it work. Songs like "Four in the Morning" and "Feel So Free" could easily be off any Ivy album. These clean, melodic, yet slightly somber songs are Ivy's home turf.

So far, my favorite songs on this album are "Thinking About You" (they owe a lot to New Order's sound on "Republic" for this song) and "Ocean City Girl." I haven't heard anything this catchy since Phoenix's "United" (I listened to "If I Ever Feel Better" for a year straight and never tired of it).

"In The Clear" is a great album. I highly recommend it.

Flawless
Ivy have always been one of those cool New York bands that have been around a while. Ivy have joined Luna and Blonde Redhead as the elder statesmen in the New York Pantheon. They combine French cool with lush vocals and memorable songs. I have heard many of their songs in commercials. Much of their music was used in the film Shallow Hal, and TV programs like Roswell and Kingdom Hospital. It's because the music of Ivy has that otherworldly feeling of some of the shoegazer bands that inspired them at first. Now they have been on the own for ten years or more, and have hooked up with producer Steve Osborne. The results are terrific. Whether it's the longing of "Thinking About You" or the quiet mood of "Four In The Morning." Even fellow NYC scenesters James Iha (Smashing Pumpkins) and Scott McLoud (Girls Against Boys) show up on this CD. The song "Feel So Free" gives us the powerful music that this band has been doing for so long. They are great indeed. Fashion comes and goes. Ivy is a band that will be remembered.

Freshly-cut music.
You know the feeling - It's the first day of spring, birds are singing, flowers are blooming, it's about 75 degrees out, and the smell of freshly-cut grass is in the air.It's been so long since the weather was this nice (at least in the Midwest) - that's what I like to compare this album to.It's fresh, it's got personality, and it's really easy to listen to.
I admit, this is my first Ivy purchase, though I've heard all their albums at one time or another.This is my favorite, and the most accessible, for those who are looking to start listening to Ivy.
One of my personal favorites is "Thinking About You", with its blissful, so-happy-you-want-to-slap-someone vocals and driving rhythm.It's almost TOO cutesy, but it'll perk you up.
"Keep Moving" is another favorite, with it's disco-esque beat, funky guitars in the back, and bumping bassline, I think this song would be really complete with one of those fruity disco flutes tooting away in the back somewhere. Dominique skips across the beat flawlessly on this one, and even when the lyrics aren't quite so happy ("All I can do / in a world without you / is keep moving"), she sounds like she's still bouncing around.
"Tess Don't Tell" is similar to "Thinking About You" in format, fast beat, husky vocals, guitars, but for some reason, it's completely different.Fresh - just like this album, when you compare it to the excess fluff in the pop scene these days.Free your mind - this is what good music sounds like.And sure, if you're my age, you might get all sorts of homosexuality-themed remarks thrown your way in traffic when you turn this up in your car, but that's all the more incentive to turn it up more and drown out whatever their bandwagon's playing at the moment.

back at the top of their game
if you were a little disappointed with the excessively mellow electronic noodling on Long Distance, Ivy's latest release will set your mind at ease.this album sounds a lot more like their earlier stuff-- it's all catchy guitar hooks and great melodies to complement the breathy splendor of Dominique Durand's vocals.highlights include "tess don't tell" and "corners of your mind."this album is a real treat and it's great to see Ivy return to what they do best. ... Read more