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No less a suspect pop-culture authority than Howard Stern has repeatedly proclaimed that "everyone loves lesbians!" But what do lesbians love? Rhino Records boldly claims to know the musical answer to that question on this richly eclectic collection of female artists compiled for a lesbian audience. And if that's a bold--if readily transparent--marketing move, it shouldn't distract one from the charms of this cross-genre compilation. The songs here run the gamut from acoustic angst (Ani DiFranco) to pop (Wendy and Lisa, Jill Sobule), MOR (Taylor Dayne), folk (Two Nice Girls), and dance (Fem 2 Fem). k.d. lang contributes "Just Keep Me Moving," while cult fave Phranc gives Herman's Hermits hoary"Mrs. Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter" a new slant. The emotions range from intense eroticism (particularly Janis Ian's sultry "Ride Me Like a Wave") to the steely pragmatism of Sandra Bernhard's remake of Paul Simon's "Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover."-Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (11)

My Kind Of Music
After listening to this album I struggled to reach a decision on my overall view, but generally the album is very good and is worth buying. With the eception of K.D.Lang I hadn't heard of any of the artists before and now I wonder why? I love track 5. Cool as I am - Dar Williams and it is the one I play the most. Other tracks I would recommend are, 3. I kissed a girl - Jill Sobule, 9. I'll be your shelter- Taylor Dayne, 10. Prey to you - Kristen Hall and 16. Twist in my sobriety - Tanita Tikaram. The only songs that I disliked were the last two, 50 ways to leave your lover - Sandra Bernhard and I spent my last $10.00 (on birth control and beer)- Two Nice Girls. All in all its a good album that every girl should have.

Not just for women.
I'm a straight guy. Matter of fact, I look like the bouncer who wouldn't let you into that bar in college. That having been said, let's chuck all stereotypes, theirs no room for them in music. I know the average buyer would dismiss this title without giving it a second look. But, Lesbian Favorites earns, at least a peak. We all know and respect K.D. Lang, Taylor Dayne, and Ani DiFranco. If you're a fan, chances are you already have these songs. But, it's the artistes who've been hiding in the periphery that make this collection required listening for folk/rock fans. Case in point: Gretchen Phillips who gained notoriety with Two Nice Girls in the early nineties. You remember, she was the architect behind the alt classic "I spent my last $10.00 on birth control and beer." What? Haven't heard it. No problem, it's track 18. As for Grech's previously unissued cut "Swimming", take my word that it would challenge the eroticism of any other song on the market. Another notable is Disappear Fear. A nifty duet from Maryland, that lives halfway between the Indigo Girls and Shawn Colvin. Others such as: Jane Siberry, Farron, Dar Williams, and Janis Ian have been making great music for a long time and deserve their day in court. If you're a folk/rock fan then check out this groovy sample of first-rate musicians.

I am not a lesbian, but this album may change my mind!
I love this album. I first became interested in female music when I heard Roshan Murthy sing about dookie. Basically, I hate this cd, but its worth listening to. Check it out and maybe you too will become a lesbian. Being a man, I dont think its possible for me to have any common interests with these women, but more power to you. I have guy friends who are interested in other guys....so I think I can understand the the women's struggle for equality.

More of a Bi favorites CD
My sister had the CD, and I loved it. I actually got it for the last song by 2 nice girls, but have enjoyed most of the cd. Many of the songs could easily be sung about a man or a woman, and some of them will appeal to both Bi's and lesbians. Perhaps because I am not a lesbian, about a fourth of the songs grated on my nerves after a few minutes, but the first five tracks and the last four are a good reason for any bi or straight woman to get this cd, or maybe a man who wants to encourage his girlfriend to try women.

Very Misleading
I bought this cd hoping for hot lesbian confessions, or at least a bunch of women moaning, and all I got was so terrible music. I guess a couple of the songs were good, but overall, it was just a waste of my money. No good lesbian stuff here. ... Read more

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Based on the hit comic book about a man who returns from the dead to avenge his killers, the film adaptation of The Crow suffered a cruel irony when star Brandon Lee (son of martial arts superstar Bruce Lee) died during production after a bizarre onset accident. That event only deepened the film's aura of death and gothic unease, moods that are brilliantly underscored by this well-chosen collection of stark alt rock, dark metal, and industrial dirges.

The opener, the Cure's typically angst-ridden "Burn," is about as sentimental as this album gets, bookended by Jane Siberry's wistful "It Can't Rain All the Time." Sandwiched in between is a virtual primer on powerful mid-1990s alt and industrial rock, from Nine Inch Nails hammering Joy Division's "Dead Souls" into its own image to the blistering snarl of Helmet, Pantera, and the Rollins Band. So-called pop-song scores often have a cheap afterthought feel to them; this one, a refreshingly integral part of the film itself, stands as a great album in its own right. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (44)

my "trapped on a desert island" cd
There's so much to love about this soundtrack. It's dark, but it also has its tender parts, like the movie did. The cure starts the cd with "Burn", a tortured, haunting, strange kind of love song befitting of Robert Smith on a bad day. The Machines of Loving Grace come next with a breathy, sinister vocals and minimal guitar. Stone Temple Pilots' Big Empty is reflective and powerful, and is one of STP's easier songs to sing along with, as you'll no doubt be doing. Nine Inch Nails' cover of Deads Souls is up to true Trent Reznor form, screaming about torment, in the beautiful way. Rage Against the Machine, Rollins Band, Helmet, Pantera, and My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult add acid to the mix while the Violent Femmes, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Medicine, and Jane Siberry mellow it for just the right amount of contrast. Perfecto.

Everything a soundtrack should be
The Crow soundtrack not only reflects the dark mood of the film, it actually did much to create that dark mood in the first place. One is hard pressed to say which came first, the movie or the music; that is how closely linked both aspects of the production are. Jane Siberry's It Can't Rain All the Time will forever be identified with The Crow in my mind; this hauntingly beautiful track makes this album worth buying all by itself; I know of no other song I could even compare it to in terms of its depth of feeling and quiet intensity. The other 13 tracks are pretty amazing songs in their own right, serving up a sampler of styles from rock's slightly darker and heavier side. Stone Temple Pilot's Big Empty is immediately recognizable to anyone who ever listened to a radio in the early 1990s, but I most enjoyed hearing some offerings from bands I am less familiar with. My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult is a band I have never heard of outside of The Crow soundtrack, and I'm really surprised this group has not received more attention over the years. For Love Not Lisa is another group that impressed me, especially with the "I would die for you" refrain that forms the heart of their song Slip Slide Melting. I know Pantera only be reputation, and I'm glad I got to hear a sampling of their work here. Nine Inch Nails and Rage Against the Machine are two bands that have never captured my attention, but their contributions to this soundtrack have me thinking I ought to take another look at them. Rollins Band's Ghostrider came as a bit of a shock to me because the lead singer sounds remarkably like Jim Morrison, and this song really has the sound of a modernized Doors song. The Cure and Violent Femmes are two of my favorite groups, so I could ask nothing more of a soundtrack than to include an incredible new song from each of them. There really and truly is not a bad song to be found among these fourteen tracks. Those who abstain from the heavier side of rock and roll may not enjoy this album as much as I do, but this is an impressive assembly of substantive tracks from a diverse spectrum of quality artists, and every single track serves a real purpose in the movie itself.

Great soundtrack to a great movie
I recently watched "The Crow" on the Sundance Channel and although I knew about the movie I had never really seen it. I really liked the movie and ordered the soundtrack. I admired the tragic story esp. with the death of Brandon Lee in the making and the stylish filmaking, but there was something special about the movie and the soundtrack really takes you back to the movie. The soundtrack rocks and I am so glad I got it. Even without the movie this collection of early 90's rock really stands out.

one of the best soundtracks out there
this sountrack is wonderful. just listening to the album takes you through the movie itself. the frist track by The Cure is great. being the first track, it really draws you in and keeps you curious about the rest of the album. overall i think its just plain great.

Moody Soundtrack for a Moody Movie
"The Crow" soundtrack (which is dedicated to the memory of the late Brandon Lee who died while filming the movie and will always be remembered by the part he plays, whether he likes it or not) opens with a spellbinding, quintessential "Crow" song: "Burn" by The Cure, a song linked to the transformational movie scene where Eric Draven (Lee) decorates himself in white foundation, black leather and lipstick after revisiting his trashed apartment. Machines of Loving Grace's "Golgotha Tenement Blues" (#2) and Nine Inch Nails' "Dead Souls" (#4) follow in this same ambiance, keeping with the dark moodiness of the film. The heavier, more aggressive side to this soundtrack can found in tracks like [#9] "The Badge" by Pantera, [#10] "Slip Slide Melting" by For Love Not Lisa, and [#11] "After the Flesh" by My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult--all favorites of mine. After this last song, I generally turn the CD off before the remaining three sappy tracks, which wrap up with the Jane Siberry tune that's titled after the words in the movie: "It can't rain all the time." If you're a fan of this 1994 dark fantasy--or you just like the majority of alternative rock bands/artists on here--then this soundtrack is certainly worth owning. It's a great piece of "The Crow" nostalgia. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Nowhere Else
Many songs on this particular volume are hard to find elsewhere. Exception of Love by The Truth is a great discovery, as is The Colour Field's cover of Can't Get Enough Of You Baby. Some reviewers have singled out one song and dismissed the rest, and that's their loss. Variety means that there's something for everyone, and this disc is for those open to variety.

Only 1 Reason To Buy This: Miracle Legion!
One of the weaker entries in this hit-and-miss collection of New Wave singles, there is only one legitimate reason to own this, but it's a great reason: Miracle Legion's "The Backyard." Miracle Legion was a mid-80's college radio band which, like most of the college radio bands of the era, had that sort of post-Byrds, post-VU moody guitar jangle sound (i.e. R.E.M., Guadalcanal Diary, Reivers, Connells, Winter Hours, etc.). Not a great band, but this one song -- by far their best -- is unforgettable. An irresistable hook and some moving lyrics about growing out of boyhood make it one of those songs that, 15+ years later I can still sing from memory. It bears about as much relationship to "New Wave" as, say, Husker Du, but, hey, what can you do. The rest of this disc ranges from the sort of lame radio hits my generation was forced to live with at the time ("Voices Carry") to songs so bad that the mere thought of them still makes me wince ("Sunglasses at Night").

A terrific blend of all the New Wave hits I like to hear.
It was a terrific blend of all the New Wave hits I wanted to hear again. "Der Kommissar" is as electrifying as ever. "One Night in Bankok" is surprisingly a rare find, and it is as entertaining as it ever was, and "Voices Carry" helps to add nostalgia to any '80s collection. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Suprisingly solid and listenable cartoon tribute
Tribute albums have replaced greatest hits packages and live greatest hits packages as the way for over-the-hill bands to remain in the spotlight for awhile longer (until they show up on 'Behind the Music' on VH1 and kick off their 5th "Reunion" tour).

On "Saturday Morning Cartoons' Greatest Hits" mid-90s alternative artists tackle cartoon theme songs of mostly the late 60s/early to mid 70s. There are some great/famous bands": the Ramones, Sublime, Helmet, Violent Femmes and some great/famous theme songs: Spider-man, Fat Albert, Scooby Doo, Speed Racer, Popeye and Hong Kong Phooey. The artists, as a whole, make this CD enjoyable to any fan of 90's alterna-rock who most likely grew up watching these shows. The Ramones rock "Spider-Man"; Helmet ignite on "Gigantor"; Liz Phair makes a mess of fun on the Banana Splits Theme. Sublime butcher "Hong Kong Phooey"; Sponge drop the ball on "Go Speed Racer Go" and "Ren & Stimpy" just doesn't belong, but otherwise, what Korn did for nursery rhymes (on their debut CD)these bands do for (mostly) 70's cartoon themes.

Also get many of the original versions on "H.R. Pufnstuf and other Sid & Marty Krofft Favorites" and watch some on "The World of Sid and Marty Krofft".

Turn on the TV and break out the Cocoa Puffs...
"Saturday Morning - Cartoon's Greatest Hits" is a fun spin for anyone who grew up watching cartoons in the early to mid 1970s. You probably ate a lot of overly hyped sugary cereal, but the Cocoa Puffs, Trix and Quisp trivia is another story. This collection from 1995 was one of those "tribute" disks featuring altern/modern rock artists.

Liz Phair (with Material Issue) has a fun time with "The Tra La La Song" from Banana Splits. Sponge doesn't fare so well with their take on "Go Speed Racer Go." I recently heard a remix that used samples of the actual theme and sound effects from the show, as well as some of those bad voiceovers. Hilarious. But again, I digress. Matthew Sweet's version of "Scooby-Doo, Where are You?" is faithful to the original and one of the best cuts on the disk. Both Helmet's "Gigantor" and Ramones "Spider-Man" really rock. My favorite cut is probably the Reverend Horton Heat medley of "Jonny Quest/Stop that Pigeon," a bizarre combo, with some blistering guitar work on J. Quest. Multiple key changes, dramatic time alternations. Very cool.

Dig also does a fairly faithful "Fat Albert Theme" comlete with "Hey hey hey!" Watch out for Sublime's version of "Hong Kong Phooey" which is a little edgier than the dog janitor may have intended.

Some other choices are less obvious, like "Open Up Your Heart and Let the Sun Shine In" from the Flintstones, rather than the theme that everyone knows. Another is the Violent Femmes "Eep Opp Ork ah-ah (means I love you)" from The Jetsons.

Okay, and what is Happy, Happy Joy, Joy from Ren and Stimpy doing here?

Pour yourself a bowl of Cap'n Crunch, put on this disk, and enjoy reading the back of the box, or in this case, the interesting liner notes.

Unique and Solid Tribute Album!
There is so much to embrace here! It seems like there's a new tribute album released every day, but the misses usually outweigh the hits.

This album is one of the great few hits. It opens with The Banana Splits by Material Issue (and Liz Phair on vocals!), which is one of the best tracks on the CD. They put a raw energetic indie-style spin on the song, but without losing the essence of the original.

The unmistakable Ramones sound hits home with their take on Spiderman. Like Liz Phair & Material Issue, the Ramones keep the passion of the tune we knew and loved as kids, but sped it up, and we hear Joey, in that traditional high-octane Rock & Roll spirit, yell "Look Out!" before going into the instrumental portion.

About the only songs that left me cold were Sponge's "Speed Racer" and Helmet's "Gigantor." The theme songs we knew and loved as kids were unrecognizable; only the lyrics give you a clue which tune they cover.

Other shining moments are Reverend Horton Heat's "Johnny Quest" and Frente's "Open Up Your Heart and Let the Sun Shine In." There's nothing quite like Pebbles & Bam-Bam singing the latter tune, but these cats do a great cover!

So much to enjoy on this CD! Worth the money and time!

Litmus Test for Problem People
If you grew up during the era in question and don't like this CD, LIGHTEN UP FOR CRYIN' OUT LOUD! I grew up being one of those kids who couldn't go out and play football because of having to practice piano, but I still watched many of these shows! Hearing these talented bands give such serious treatment to the cartoon songs of my TV youth makes me smile. A lot. Put it in your player and leave your worries behind! It's also great if you ever have a party start dragging - If the Femmes' version of Eep Aap Ork Ah Ah can't fix it, then maybe you should consider not having parties anymore. Or getting new friends.

A Whole Lotta Fun!!
This is one of those albums that is a complete joy to find. As a Saturday Morning Junkie throughout the 70's...this album brought back the fun I used to have as a kid. It is too bad that Saturday Mornings today are not near as much fun. Only two networks have anything on for my son in the morning and he could care less what is really on. Back then...we didn't go out and play until after cartoons were over.

I just wish that the folks who put this album together will do another. There is still a great amount of themes that I remember and it would be fun to hear them modernized. Like "Speed Buggy, Electro Woman and Dyno Girl, Star Blazers, Captain Caveman, The Funky Phantom, etc."

And what the heck is "Ren & Stimpy" doing here? Oh well, it's still a great CD!" ... Read more

Reviews (55)

Rock the Vote!
Magnificent album. The 17 new unreleased tracks by huge punk artists like A New Found Glory, the Ataris, Sum 41, and others are actually poetry and really symbolizes how they feel about the President. The titles of each song say it all, Moron by Sum 41, God Save the USA by Pennywise, and Lion and Lamb by The Get Up Kids are poetry works of art.

Even though each song is under 3 minutes, which is disapointing to the punk fan, they probably mean more than some bands entire albums. It's amazing at how many bands came forward to support this album and speak out against Bush.

Fat Mike's two page introduction to the album really sums up the entire album and makes you question President Bush. This album just speaks volumes about Bush's politics. It doesn't matter if you're a Bush supporter or hater, you should definately listen to this album because it's a great work of punk art.

I love this album. It hasn't stopped playing since I bought it the day it was released. I am not a George Bush fan which is why I bought the album, but also because it is just so friggin amazing. I highly recommend this album to anyone and everyone.

To quote Fat Mike, I must leave my rambling as my brain hurts and I need Guinness.

More than a political CD
It's pretty funny reading reviews of this CD, almost all reference this as an "anti-bush" CD. While I'll agree that most of these songs have a political theme to them, there are almost none that directly attack Mr. Bush. These songs attack his administration's policies, which is a completely different method. As opposed to ad hominem attacks, they convey a feeling of helplessness in our society. Before I review the music, it is pretty funny reading the word "ignorant" used to describe the bands, at least two singers (Milo from the Descendents and Brian Holland from The Offspring) have PhD's, and with Jello Biafra, Fat Mike and Mike Ness, you have more incredibly intelligent people. Just because someone doesn't agree with you, doesn't mean they are "ignorant".

Now onto the music, I would have made some different choices in terms of songs, but in general every song has its place. I would have liked to hear a Bad Religion song (Heaven is Falling is a BR song, but Kris Roe isn't Greg Graffin), and Strung Out's song "Mind of my Own" wouldn't have been a bad addition instead of "No Voice of Mine", but that's minor stuff. I'm impressed with songs by Sum 41 and Ministry, certainly not high on my list of great bands, but I have a lot more respect for them now. The addition of Denali was a great choice, unfortunately they recently broke up, but the exposure should get people listening to them, and the Descendents still sound great. It's nice hearing Baghdad (the original version of Tehran) by the Offspring, and Social D is always great.

I think this CD really helps show the potential of the American dream. You have bands that have some personal problems between them (Offspring & Pennywise for example), but they came together for a common cause. Many different record labels contributed songs, and it all worked out. In a country where less than 40% of eligible voters actually vote, anything that gets people thinking about issues is OK in my book.

Some of the worst music I have ever heard
These are some of the crapiest collaboration of artists (if you want to call them that) that I have ever seen. These bands have no talent what so ever. These are the "punk" bands of America. This kind of music isn't even punk its crappy pop to make American teens hate the current presidency. I can't believe that this is the best you people could come up with to "rock against Bush."

In other news:
*yawn*

In other news: "The 5th Dimension has released a new album speaking out against Bush and his friends that stole an election."

It's old, tired, untrue screed. The bands are tired, and besides; I don't pay them for their politics.

I'd sell mine if I thought anyone would benefit from it.

An amazing collaboration of artists
Hey bigbrownlandmark! Could you possibly be a bigger idiot? Just because the artists on this album disagree with how this country is being run, it doesn't mean they're against America. They're against the government and how much they're screwing things. America is one of the greatest countries in the world, but it needs to keep improving, and instead it's faltering. And at least these artists are voicing an opinion, and not just rolling over and doing what they are told and believing everything we're told. The FACT is that the American people have been lied to about too many major issues in the pass few years (ex. Weapons of mass destruction? Where?). And how are we against America for being against Bush, when even fellow Republicans have gone on record saying how disgusted they are with the Bush administration's handling (or should I say mishandling) of the economy? You need to wake up and smell what you're shoveling. Besides, I doubt you bought or heard the album, but assume that they support terrorism. That's a typical conservative for you!
But back to the point, if you are mad at them for voicing their opposition, who's really anti-American in this situation? You, you close-minded automaton!
But beyond the whole political debate that is unavoidable when talking about an album titled "Rock Against Bush", this is one of the best collaborations of great punk/ska/hardcore artists in years! From old-school politically-charged Jello Biafra and Billy Brag who were totally in their element on this album, to the younger bands like LBC's Rx Bandits... this is a must-have for any true punker or anybody who can at least appreciate punk rock! I still think NOFX should have put their song "Idiot Song of an A**hole" on there just to annoy the right-wingers that much more. ... Read more

Album Description

The BEST surf instro CD of the year with 32 tracks of the coolest Surf music from Golly Gee Records and Double Crown Records. With almost 80 minutes of music from 15 of today’s hottest Surf Instro bands - You need to own this disc. All killer - no filler! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

surf mania!
The title of this alblum sounds a bit cheesy but the music in the CD is excellent. The soungs sound much better on my stereo than the little computer speakers. This CD is a champ as far as giving you your moneys worth of songs. I could not find any songs I did not like to listen to and was very impressed with the Supertones songs on the alblum. While not quite as authentic as real 60's surf music I find the collection of songs here to be some of the very best of whats offered today in the modern day surf guitar sound.

This is a Great CD!
I picked this CD up after I purchased the other Golly Gee release "Rockabilly Rumble". Someone had recommended it and since "Rockabilly Rumble" was such a great record, I had to have this one as well. I was not disappointed at all. This is an incredible CD with almost and hour and a half of music! No boring tracks at all - and surf music can be boring. After listening to it all the way through I had to listen again and again. "War of The Surf Guitars" is definitely worth buying - even if you live in Texas and can't see the ocean ; ) ... Read more

Reviews (18)

........this album.........
.

I'm honestly a little suprised I gave this album 5stars as some of the songs are weak. But make no mistake--the album is great when taken as a whole, and that's exactly how it should be taken. There's a lot of talent here (Matthew Sweet, Sonic Youth, Sheryl Crow, Grant Lee Buffalo), some of which does better than others. There's kookiness here with the bizarro Japanese band Shonen Knife (and this very well might be their best recording). Pre-album Dishwalla makes a strong showing and we can also remember why we all loved 4 Non Blondes.

Why exactly this album works I can't say. But it's one of my favorites. I you like alternative and if you like the Carpenters and sometimes wonder how it's possible to like them both, buy this.

How you found this album is beyond me, but if you're here, I can already guarantee you'll like it enough to make it worth your don.

ps--Richard Caprenter is not forgotten! he plays keyboards w/ MSweet!

pps--My dad heard Shonen Knife's bouncy rendition of "On Top of the World" (his & m'mom's song) and was shocked that is was degraded into "hard rock". If you're familiar w/ Shonen Knife you'll undoubtably find this classification bewildering. My point is, if your musical tastes run parallel w/ my father's, burn your monitor Right Now.

Not a sorry attempt to "copy" Karen's unique sound
This album is what a tribute album should be. Most tribute albums are just newer artists singing a "copy" of the original. This album is a pleasant surprise because it is 90's bands performing the songs in a new style. Sure, there are some weak covers (I did not care for Cracker's version of "Rainy Days and Mondays") but most are AWESOME! My personal favorite is Dishwalla's version of "It's Going To Take Some Time", Sheryl Crow's "Solitaire", and Redd Kross's "Yesterday Once More". The other songs are well done as well. Shonen Knife's cover of "Top of The World" is a lot of fun.
To be honest I do not see any other way a tribute to the Carpenters could have been done. There is no way to copy Karen's unique and haunting voice so the best way to honor her memory (besides listening to her recordings) is to bring her's and Richard's music to the younger generation.
I do not think the artists that participated meant any disrespect to the Carpenters music. They simply wanted to show that The Carpenters music doesn't have to be for our parents' ears!

I THINK I'M GONNA BE SICK
This album is without a doubt the most repulsive thing I have ever heard. These poorly executed renditions of Carpenters songs blatantly spit on the memory of one of the greatest singers who ever lived. Shame on anyone who had anything to do with this travesty that calls itself a tribute! If you loved The Carpenters and were thinking of buying this album because you thought it would do justice to their legacy, don't bother. Hearing the butchery of their music will only break your heart, or make you so angry you can't see straight. If you've always hated The Carpenters and enjoy making fun of them, then, by all means, buy this album and revel in its awfulness, get out your guitar or your kazoo or whatever, learn the songs, and see if you can possibly perform them any worse than the artists on this album do. (Odds are pretty good you can't.) And, if you have an eating disorder and wish to get better, don't buy this album; once you hear it you'll probably never eat again. The only place this album belongs is in a landfill.

The Only Covers cd I would ever talk about
Amazing Cd... Not all songs are great, but the ones that are make up for it. Great job by all though. Who would have known I would become a fan of the carpenters.

I highly recomend this disc. Sonic Youth, Mathew Sweet, Sheryl Crown, The Cranberries, Redd Kross, Grant Lee Buffalo, and many more. Such a good Cd.

Superstars.
This should appeal to those who either enjoy "The Carpenters", or the mid-90's alternative scene, and especially to those who like both. I'm one of those people. While I'm not a "Carpenters" fanatic, I do know all the originals enough to really like the covers. Almost all of these are good, but the covers by "Shonen Knife", "Sonic Youth", and "Grant Lee Buffalo" are great. My favorite might actually be from "Sheryl Crow". Her rendition of "Solitaire" is excellent. So basically, it's just a great "Carpenters" flavored alterna-sampler that most anyone should love playing on "Rainy Days and Mondays". ... Read more

Album Description

A collection of previously unreleased live recordingsbroadcast on 'Morning Becomes Eclectic,' the daily musicprogram at 89.9 KCRW in Santa Monica, Ca. Featuring artists like Coldplay, Zero 7, Air, REM, Nick Cave, Dido and NorahJones. Palm Pictures. 2002. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Pass on this one
Radio station in-house recordings can be hit or miss. The Mountain and others have some really great productions. I wish I had passed on this one. The selections are poor with no production quality.

Accurate Sampling of the morning show
KCRW and Nic Harcourt are part of my morning commute each day. The music is said to represent what cannot be heard elsewhere on the radio. For the most part they succeed in coloring my morning with class, elegance and quality--and that can be found on the CD. But aren't Norah Jones and Coldplay all over FM now? Whats amazing is how clear these recorded versions are; on most you couldn't even tell they were live in-studio performances.

I love the station, Nic and the music, BUT the one complaint is that selections are sometimes turgid and try to reach toward intellectualism/elitism. There's not really anything meaty, soulful, street or dance- though Venegas adds a little color. So in the true sense of the word, its not as 'eclectic' as the title would seem to imply. Again, this is what you hear on the show.

Still...a lovely selection to add to your collection.

Fabulous live (unplugged) performances from the best artists
This album (the second in the "Sounds Eclectic" series) compiles some of the best works from one of the most eclectic radio shows there is: Morning Becomes Eclectic, which airs from Santa Monica's station KCRW (also catch the streamed version of their programs at KCRW.org). It's hard to pick one of the tracks above others: all in all, the album provides an excellent sample of some of today's best acts. However, I do have some personal favorites:
-The version of "Yellow" performed on piano, by Coldplay's Chris Martin;
-REM's beautiful rendition of their hit from their latest album, "I've Been High;"
-A plunge into the work of one of Mexico's (and Latin America's) best rock acts, Julieta Venegas, performing "Casa Abandonada;"
-"Fever," a track that brings to mind Stillwater's "Fever Dog," an awesome road track;
-"Jesus on a Greyhound," one of my favorite discoveries from this album, performed by Shelby Lynne; and
-Norah Jones' "Feeling the Same Way," wrapping up the selection made by the show's DJ, Nic Harcourt.

Get a copy of this album and you will be able to sample the best of today's musical works. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Fantastic if you like Leonard Cohen or a few of these bands.
Tribute albums are always a mixed bag but the standard of material makes this listenable right the way through. The massive highlight for me is the Pixies doing 'I can't forget' in a true Pixies style and making it sound for all the world like it's always been their song - and one of their best songs at that. Truely breathtaking. If you like the Pixies and haven't heard this song buy the c.d. - it's worth it (and the rest is pretty good too!)

John Cale's cover of 'Hallelujah' is a real unexpected gem while James mix up the lyrics on 'So Long Marianne' but come out on top and House of Love do a luxurious 'Who by Fire'. REM are disappointing with a really unadventurous plod through 'First we take Manhattan' - I anticipated a much more interesting interprettation from them.

If you like Leonard Cohen or some of the bands here it's definitely worth getting - even the lesser covers don't damage some wonderful songs.

I'm a fan
I heard this album before I had heard any of Leonard Cohen's work. Such was the effect on me that I immediately sought out work of the man who had inspired this, and have been a fan of Cohen's ever since. Tribute albums can always be hit and miss affairs, but there are no misses on this. There is a strong feeling of deep respect for the man throughout the record. It is difficult to single out particular tracks, but Geoffrey Oryema's Marianne, The Pixies I can't forget and John Cale's Hallelujah are probably the cream of this bounteous crop. If you are into any of the bands on this, or looking for an easy route to enjoying Cohen's music, or even an ardent fan of the man, this is certainly worth having. A similar tribute album called "Tower of Song" also exists, but this is far superior.

A middling tribute album
After spending the last few years wandering other musical landscapes, I rediscovered Leonard Cohen this year (years after being a mega LC geek in school) and especially wanted to seek this album out again.

Compared to Famous Blue Raincoat (much shorter but much, much more luminous), I'm Your Fan is middling. What's up with the two covers of Tower of Song? Why is the cover of Suzanne so freaking boring? But then there are the beautiful plusses -- A Singer Must Die, the funky cover of Don't Go Home With Your Hard-On (who wouldn't want to hear THAT at a wedding?) and the oft-mentioned version of Hallelujah. I really like the French version of Avalanche (I didn't get the original for many years after this and was very surprised as my hand translated version was very different).

Bottom line: if you want 1 LC tribute CD, get Jennifer Warnes's. If you want 2, get this one too.

A must have
I bought this CD when it first came out in the 90's, as part of my R.E.M comprehensive collection. Since that time, this has stayed constantly near or in my CD player. Each interpretation of his songs highlights the beauty of the lyric he composed.

I would be hard pressed to find a favorite track. I am a die hard R.E.M fan, but I don't think theirs is the best (near the top, maybe). But I would have to agree with most about The Pixies rendition of "I Can't Forget".

not the best cd in the world
i got this as a gift, and since i enjoy leonard cohen music, i expected to enjoy this too, it's wasn't too dissapointed, but most of the interpetations to his songs are either trying to sounds just like leonard cohen or just too strange or unfit to the songs in my eyes.

if anyone's looking to a good introduction to leonard cohen, i suggest "the best of" or just spending your money on any other leonard cohen cd, in this case i think, the sorce's still much superiour to the reflection, yes, the nick cave interpetation is great, but it doesn't justify getting the whole cd. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Worth the money for "Just Got Lucky" and "Emotion"
Volume 11 of the New Wave Dance Hits series is an excellent collection of great 80's rock mixing some of the biggest new wave hits with other lesser known but still strong tracks. The tracks "99 Luftballons", "True", "Talking In Your Sleep", and "One Thing Leads To Another" were all Top 5 singles in the early 80's. Of these tracks, only "One Thing..." has stood the test of time as it still gets regular airplay on modern rock radio.

As with many of the albums in this series, it's the lesser known tracks that truly stand out. Some of these include the driving "In A Big Country", the moody "Send Me An Angel", the excellent pop of "Black Coffee In Bed", and the hyperactive track "The Fanatic." But the best tracks here, and the reason to pick up this album, are the tracks "Just Got Lucky", quite simply an excellent pop song that should have made JoBoxers huge, and "Emotion", a track by DFX2 which sounds reminiscent of Greg Kihn Band but is more danceable with its killer bass line. Other solid tracks include "Change", "Jukebox (Don't Put Another Dime)", and "Shiny Shiny." The rest of the album is pretty decent too. A great compliation. Highly recommended.

VERY Shiny
It automatically gets 5 stars just for including Haysi Fantayzee! It never leaves my carousel, except maybe for a trip on the subway in my discman.

Another Cool Collection from Rhino !
Another strong collection in Rhino's New Wave Hits series. Great stuff like Jo Boxers' "Just Got Lucky" and the super cool "Fanactic" by Felony. Add some classic cuts from Squeeze, The Fixx and Big Country and it all adds up to a very worthy collection. Overall, great fun stuff from a time when music was catchy, clever and optimistic. If you grew up in the 80's, chances are you'll dig this CD as well as the others in this great series.

real life rocks
this is a great disc......

HAS SOME GOOD SONGS ON IT
I first bought this cd just for Big Country and Nena, but I found myself enjoying Tears for Fears and The fixx and and Joe Boxer and some other songs that I didn't know I new until i heard it on the Cd. I jock 80's music though so i appreciate any music from that era. good cd overall ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A good buy
While it's definately not the best compilation out there, some of the lesser used songs from the 80's appear here. This is not one to buy for the famous names, but more for the one hit wonders... songs like "true" and "broken wings" make it a good easy listening CD. A more appropriate title would be light sounds from the 80's... if not for the few upbeat classics.

I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!
Once my mother,Jeanne Brown,bought me the Monster 80's CD,I freaked out. I still listen to it today.

Gotta love the '80s
It was interesting when I opened this cd and put it in the cd player. Both of my parents went crazy about it. I thought it was cool because it brought back a few of the interesting songs that you know, but you can't really remember the names or artists... I really like the cd, and a lot of my friends are already asking to borrow it. I think that people should get it if they want a blast from the past. It really brought back memories from living in the '80s. Get it if you want a flashback! ... Read more

Album Description

The highly anticipated third volume in Hellcat's 'Give 'Emthe Boot' sampler series. This time around you get punk,hardcore, reggae, and psychobilly sounds from DropkickMurphys, U.S. Bombs, Rancid, Lars Frederiksen & TheBastards, F-Minus, Agnostic Front, Duane Peters & TheHunns, Leftover Crack, Tiger Army, Slackers, Joe Strummer,King Django, Pietasters, Mouthwash, Gadjits, and Hepcat,plus unreleased material from Distillers, Roger Miret & The Disasters, And Devils Brigade (featuring Matt Freeman ofRancid). Includes two bonus video clips from DropkickMurphys and Tiger Army. Digipak. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

best compilation i own
This cd is the best compilation i own. It has a devils brigade song called vampire girl. devils brigade is a psychobilly band which is everyone in rancid except for lars. it also has good tracks from tiger army, lars and the bastards, nekromantix, rancid, distillers,agnostic front, dropkick murphys and some other this compilation is awesome but at the end theres some ska i dont enjoy too much. this cd also contains 2 videos you can watch on your computer. one is dropkick murphys - spicy mchaggis jig and the other is tiger army - cupids victim. this is a very good compilation its well worth 5-6 bucks.i hope they come out with give em the boot 4.

good mix
give em the boot 2 had a lot of reggae & ska on it & this one is more punk rock, which is good. the bands on it were really good and i pretty much liked every song (the joe strummer one was kind of weird...not like the clash at all). i would recommend it especially since it's so cheap.

Another in a great series
Hellcat Records has turned out another great compilation. I must say that it sounds a little harder, the music a little less melodic and more hardcore. That's just fine by me. The music videos are a nice touch. "The Spicy McHaggis Jig" video is one of the funniest videos I've seen in a long time.

Good work, Tim!

Not as good as Give em the boot 2....
I was excited when I saw that their was a new Give em the boot compilation out, as Give em the boot 2, is one of my favorite cd's ever. Although when I played this cd I was sad to hear that the reggae and ska sounds that where on Give em the boot 2 have been substituted for a straight ahead punk compilation. Not to mention that the quality of songs on this album, are nowhere as good as the tracks selected for the two previous Give em the boot cd's. If you are going to get a Give em the Boot cd, buy the second installment, it is much better...

In a word: Disappointing.
Give 'Em The Boots I and II are punk-rock neccessities. Sprinkled with ska, reggae and rocksteady, they were truly palatable for those of us with eclectic tastes. Sadly, Give 'Em The Boot III purifies itself of most of the reggae and ska from it's two previous outings, leaving us with a punk rock wasteland. The songs here just simply aren't up to Hellcat's high standars. There are a few good moments (The Slackers' BRILLIANT "Information Error", the Tiger Army video) but that is outweighed by a parade of messy and talentless punk rock. Even the Rancid track is anemic.

Although, for [the money], "Give 'Em The Boot III" isn't much of a gamble. Still, it's been three years since Vol. II, and III frankly falls flat on it's body-pierced face. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's true that "nobody walks in L.A.," but this '80s-rock exercise collection could change all that. The Missing Persons song is missing, for obvious reasons, but that only makes room for what (by rock-of-the-'80s-compilation standards) is a relatively inspired selection. Tracks like Talk Talk's "It's My Life" and ABC's "Be Near Me" are as timeless as synth-driven pop songs can be, while Q-Feel's "Dancing in Heaven" and Yello's "Oh Yeah" are unusual choices that ratchet up the quirky novelty factor. Of course, there's also Re-Flex's "The Politics of Dancing" and the Romantics' "Talking in Your Sleep"--songs that have been so overplayed that some could go a lifetime without needing to hear them again. Even so, this mega-mix of one-hit wonders and other '80s artifacts will have you rolling up those blazer sleeves and hitting the pavement in no time. --Bill Forman ... Read more

Reviews (6)

MY KIND OF MUSIC THEN....AND NOW!
I haven't heard a lot of these songs since the mid 80's in high school. Hearing them now, and working out to them now, make me strive harder to get back to the shape I was in back then!! If you loved new wave music then this is a must have!!!

Good music for children of the 80's
This is a fun and motivating CD for all of us who grew up in the 80's. The songs are pretty fast-paced, but the music is up-beat so the workout goes fast.

Molly Ringwald Flashbacks!
This is a huge return to the eighties. Throughout my walk I was bombarded with images of my high school years. But I do have to say, the pace is perfect for walking.

I purchased this CD because I wanted to shed a few of those leftover baby pounds. So far I'd have to say that it's been pretty effective in that arena. The pace is quick, great to keep you going, but not too fast for walking with the jogging stroller.

And a simple warning for those of you with young babies. These songs, while kicky and fun, have a way of seeping into the crevices of your brain. It is for this very reason that I suggest skipping song #13 entirely. If you are up at two AM feeding a hungry baby, and this little ditty pops into your head, honey, you may never get back to sleep!

I made a fool of myself...
... singing and "dance-walking" along the boardwalk at Jones Beach State Park last weekend. This CD is packed with the music of my club years. The beat is FAST. With my short little legs I generally do this particular 4 mile walk in an hour, but with this CD I finished (with blisters) at around 50 minutes. I also popped it in the player at a poolside party on Sunday afternoon and my fellow 40-somethings thoroughly embarrassed their children by dancing on the deck (without the assistance of alcohol!) the rest of the afternoon.

exercise cd
It's a good selection of songs, but mostly an 'exercise tape'. The sound quality's good, but all tracks run together (no breaks) and the tempo of some tracks (specifically Send Me an Angel) is speeded up to match some desired pace.

Unfortunately, I was looking more for of a set of studio tracks on the CD. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

THE BEST SKA/PUNK SAMPLER OUT THERE (vol. 2)
OK, no one's done a track-by-track review yet, so here goes:

1. Intro- Just a couple seconds of snarling cats. Yeah. -/10

2. Gang's All Here- Anthemic, enjoyable drinking song: what else do you expect from DKM? 9/10

3. Riding the Region- Also known as 'The Region' off Push 'n Shove. Great trad-ska song that'll be stuck in your head for days. 10/10

4. If the Kids Are United- There's been a lot of complaining about this Sham 69 cover, but I think it's just as good as the original. Anthemic, but really bad lyrics. 9/10

5. Nocturnal- Not a huge fan of psychobilly. At least the country influence is muted here. Pretty good song. 8/10

6. Can't Stand It- As another reviewer said, the dancehall/dub thing isn't their best. Check out their earlier stuff. 8/10

7. Tell Me What You're Feeling- Dancehall artist Mad Lion teams up with Rancid. The result: not too good. 6/10

8. Goin' Out- Decent shout-along song. Don't like this band much. 7/10

9. Bad Gadjit- I LOVE THIS BAND! Their blend of ska, blues, 1950s rock n roll is amazing. 10/10

10. LA Girl- Pretty good song, but her voice is grating. 8/10

11. X-Ray Style- Not gonna rate this one. Too unique. World music influences shine on this mellow song. RIP Joe Strummer.

12. Misty Days- Reggae legend Banton and Rancid: should've been better. 6/10

13. The Fool- Solid trad-ska from Slackers side project. Hepcat's Greg Lee sings. 9/10

14. Bruk Out- The best dancehall/Rancid collaboration. A lot of people disagree, but I love it. 9/10

15. Have the Time- Anything by the Slackers is outstanding. 10/10

16. Crack Rock Steady- YESSSS! From the streets of New York comes that crack rocksteady beat. Funny song (just don't take it seriously). Best from CV (too bad they broke up). 10/10

17. Forget Yourself- Forget this track. Forget this band. 5/10

18. Crack City Rockers- Choking Victim with a new drummer and new name. Still keepin that crack rockstaedy beat. 9/10

19. Fools Gold- Solid. Great band, but sometimes sound like Clash wannabes. 9.5/10

20. Rent for Sale- By INDK. Skwert and Ezra of CV's new band. Check em out. 8.5/10

21. Flight of the Phoenicians- Take the vocals and horns out of Hepcat's sound and you get Vanity 5. Good instrumental, but sounds a little weak. 9.5/10

22. Life Won't Wait- Excellent ska song. Great way to close the album. Buju Banton guests. "The vision is the new world order..." 10/10

I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to find some good ska and punk. However, I would've liked tracks from Pressure Point (a great oi band on vol. 1) and SOMETHING from King Django. BUY IT NOW!

from a true skalar
well...i have to say...this cd is in many ways...better than the first compilation.....but anything done by both vic ruggiero of the slackers and rancid...is sheer genius....really though.....the only downpoint of this cd are the distillers contribution...all i can say for that one is.....dont quit your day job mrs.armstrong...actually..i can also say.....its a good thing your married to him...cuz youd be nowhere...hahahaaa....buju banton comes in with his throwdown..soundin as ras as ever........dropkick as always..delivers...and choking victim comes in with the crack rocksteady beats....and hepcat does their sh!t like no one else can....the slackers....aahhh the slackers....if you appreciate good old fashioned rocksteady/reggae/ska.....youll lovem...i cant tell you how....not only does the entire band have soul...but the singer...vic ruggiero..also writes for other bands on this compilation......and others on hellcat and other various labels.....his words are sung with truth and dignity.........these and many other bands unnamed make this compilation a splendid buy...i do recomend it to anyone who appreciates punk and ska and the wonderful way they blend.....

The Perfect Mix
This is my favorite out of the Give Em the Boot series. I think it's the perfect mix of punk and ska, and the track selections were excellent. It's one of my favorite compilations to listen to on the road. There isn't a song on it that a generally skip, which says a lot for a compilation cd. There is great variety, but every song is good.

Not Bad-And Not Good Either!
This comp in neither good nor bad.It starts off great but kinda slowed down in the middle and it gets great back at the end of the tracks.Great songs from Dropkick Murphys,Hepcat,Choking Victim and The Slackers.If you own any song from these band,then don't buy it-but if you don't,you can purchase it and listen it once it a while.

one of the best punk rock compilations around
Of the three give em the boot cd's, this one is the best. Almost every song is good, and with the variety of styles, such as punk, reggae, and ska, it makes a good party cd. A step above the first Give em the boot cd, and way better than give em the boot 3....a must have for any punk fan.....a classic compilation album! ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Some missteps, but not bad
Summer of Drugs/Soul Asylum
Probably the darkest song Victoria has ever recorded. Soul Asylum does a good job. Almost as good as the original.

Main Road/Lucinda Williams
Victoria's version is kind of hard to crack, somewhat overproduced. Lucinda does a great job finding the "song" and bringing it into sharp relief. One of the CDs highlights.

Crazy Mary/Pearl Jam
Not a Pearl Jam fan, but this is the definitive version of Crazy Mary. I sure don't miss the Van Dyke Parks string arrangement that bothers me on the original. Eddie Vedder sounds awesome.

Merry Go Round/Buffalo Tom
A delightful, punky version of the original.

Weeds/Michael Penn
Penn does an admirable job. Instrumentation/arrangement is tops, but this is one of those songs that only Victoria can really bring to life.

Animal Wild/Shudder to Think
Indie guitar rock version of one of Vic's lesser-songs sounds like it was written just for them.

Tarbelly and Featherfoot/Lou Reed
I know Lou Reed is a big Victoria fan, but this sounds like a reject from Songs for Drella. Doesn't come close to capturing the wonder of this classic Victoria song.

Opelousas/Maria McKee
McKee sure has a big voice and this is a big production. An interpretation that doesn't stray to far from the original

This Moment/Matthew Sweet
Too bad this has yet to appear on a Victoria studio album. Very nice.

Frying Pan/Evan Dando
Another Victoria classic. I had the fortune of hearing Vic's version first. Some songs just shouldn't be slowed down.

Lights/Jayhawks
Another Victoria song that is kind of hard to grasp. But the Jayhawks turn it into a memorable, twangy treat. Another highlight. The best cut on the CD.

Why Look At The Moon/Waterboys
Fluffy, jaunty, entertaining version, played like an Irish jig or something by the Waterboys.

Big Fish/Giant Sand
Unrecognizable in the hands of Howe and friends. Not very listenable either. For much better Giant Sand/Victoria collaborations, check out Ramp, by Giant Sand.

Holy Spirit/Michelle Shocked
Shocked's dramatic bellowing doesn't really do this song justice. She tries hard. It's okay, I guess.

A victory for "Victoria'.
This disc was released as a benefit for "Victoria Williams", but I feel like I've benefited from it myself as well. Her songs are all good, but the group of musicians covering them is even better. "Pearl Jam" probably got the most people to buy this, however I like the songs done by "Soul Asylum", "Evan Dando", "Waterboys", and "Lucinda Williams" just as much. "The Jayhawks" and "Matthew Sweet" do a good job too. Basically it's just a really good bunch of music. Also, there's currently 121 used copies on here for sale, so it shouldn't be too hard to come by.

Great intentions, fair CD
Sweet Relief is proof that the best of intentions don't necessarily guarantee a great CD.

The first and foremost goal of this CD was to raise money for musician for Victoria Williams, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and had no medical insurance.

The CD's songs are written by Williams and covered by some of the hottest "alternative" bands of the 90s. How disappointing, then, that the disc's inspired performances are the exception rather than the rule.

Things start out promising enough with Soul Asylum's acid-tongued performance on "Summer of Drugs", which arguably features some of Williams' best lyrics:

"Sister got bit by a copperhead snake in the woods behind the house/Nobody was home so I grabbed her foot and I sucked that poison out/Sister got better in a month or two when the swelling it went down/But I'd started out my teenage years with that poison in my mouth."

Equally outstanding performances are logged by Michael Penn on "Weeds", Pearl Jam on "Crazy Mary" and the Waterboys on the bouncy "Why Look at the Moon", but the rest of the 10 songs are merely fine to passable.

As a Williams fan, it's also worth asking why there isn't a song included by Williams herself, especially since she has a wealth of overlooked music and has continued to tour and record since her diagnosis and this CD's release.

Think about it: if more people bought her original recordings, her relief might be even sweeter.

Uneven, but Worthy
Williams' songs are idiosyncratic, to say the least, which means that some of the artists here fail to connect with the material. Check out Lou Reed and Giant Sand's ponderous selections for the ugly details. However, there are some fine things, too, not the least of which is Maria McKee's barn-burning title track, the only cover to actually improve upon the original. Elsewhere, Lucinda Williams brings the right amount of laconic yearning to "Main Road," Pearl jam does a bang-up job of "Crazy Mary" and Michelle Shocked proves herself a top-flight gospel singer on "Holy Spirit." Those who find Willaims' material loopy, self-conscious and/or rambling will find nothing here to change their minds, but its all for a good cause, and there's plenty to enjoy.

Many songs on this CD are my absolute favorites
I LOVE Lucinda Williams singing about "Little redbud, off the main road, lucky little girl." Don't know if I can exactly explain why. The melody and lyrics are fey, slightly off-kilter, but in a good way. Lucinda's voice is a perfect match with the tone of the song. Also I love the song about wild-eyed, crazy Mary. The lyrics are beautiful and perceptive, and the tune is so sad. The place associations (Louisiana) resonate with me in a specific way, since I lived in Lafayette and Baton Rouge for a short time and I have many enigmatic memories of that place. On the upside, there are 4-5 songs on this CD I cannot do without, but the rest I can take or let go. ... Read more

Reviews (37)

A Stable Collection Of Hits!
The first Totally Hits features a lot of top hits from superstar artists. I think is as good if not better than Now 3. TLC has the first track and they deserve it. No Scrubs was a huge, mega hit! That song is more popular than their record-breaking album! I also liked the slow Angel of Mine. This is Monica's best song and it is my second favorite song on this cd! Sugar Ray's Someday was a hit that doeen't make any since. It is slow and they sound like they're bored. Other bad tracks are Kid Rock's Bawitawba(I don't think I spelled that write),Santana's Smooth,NSYNC's A Little More Time On You, and 5ive's song. But I do like Cher,Whitney Houston,Madonna,Brandy,Usher,Deborah Cox,Faith Hill,and Barenaked Ladies. If you like R&B,slow pop,and little bit of rock you will love this cd.

Totally Awesome
A major competitor to the "Now" series has come along (at least in their first compilation). "Totally Hits" brings on a more adult mix of hits, including rock, pop, R & B, and a little country. There are more songs here that get played on "adult comtemporary" radio stations than on "Now", although this first CD does have three "Boy Band" songs. Lots of Grammy nominees from 1999 and one from 1998.1. No Scrubs-This was a Grammy nominee. I wasn't crazy about this song ("Waterfalls" was TLC's best), but I did like the video. (3/5) 2. Angel of Mine-Good, slow R & B tune. (4/5) 3. Someday-Sugar Ray is a fine group and this is a cool song. (4.5/5) 4. Smooth-Definitely the highlight of the album. This was released just BEFORE the song and the "Supernatural" album went to #1! Comebacks don't get any better than this, especially with all those Grammys! (5/5) 5. (God Must've Spent) A Little More Time on You-"TH" covers 'NSYNC on their RCA label. One of their better earlier hits. (4/5) 6. Believe-Another super comeback! Cher's Grammy-nominated dancehall classic. (5/5) 7. Nobody's Supposed To Be Here-So-so, unmemorable dance tune. (2.5/5) 8. Ray of Light-A little old at the time of release, but still Madonna demonstrates that she can do electronica. A 1998 Grammy nominee. (4.5/5) 9. One Week-Again, a little old, but another fun, quirky ditty from Canada's Barenaked Ladies, finally recognized by U.S. audiences. (4.5/5) 10. Jumper-An upbeat, inspirational Third Eye Blind tune. (4.5/5) 11. Heartbreak Hotel-Unfortunately, "TH" has caught Whitney in her messed-up state, especially after her disaterous marriage to Bobby Brown. Her early material was much better, and this selection is pretty dull. (2/5)12. Summer Girls-Pure bubblegum pop. (3/5) 13. When the Lights Go Out-More bubblegum. I actually thought this was by "Backstreet Boys" when I first heard this. (3.5/5) 14. Almost Doesn't Count-Okay Brandy song, better than the annoying "The Boy Is Mine". (3/5)15. You Make Me Wanna...-Good R & B from a relative unknown, now with a recent #1 hit. (4/5)16. This Kiss-"TH"'s country selection from Faith Hill, and one of the better ones. (4/5)17. Angel-Heartfelt Sarah McLachlan ballad. (4.5/5) 18. Bawitdaba-Wow! After all that adult material, we conclude with this Grammy-nominated head-banger from Kid Rock. A bit out of place, but well-done madness. (4/5)So, with a lot of Grammy nominees, "Totally Hits" comes on with a rush. Too bad they couldn't keep it up.

Good Collection
A good collection of the hits of 98-99. I was especially surprised at the inclusion of "Angel" and "This Kiss" (in a good way). I was impressed with the variety of music. Deborah Cox, Faith Hill, Madonna, Whitney, and McLachlan kinda steal the show, but not to any large degree, which is another big surprise. I was very happy to find no out of place "non-hits." a good collection for a good year.

Pretty good! It's worth the money!
Here's my own opinion of the songs
1.)TLC:No Scrubs-Not the best by them, I liked this song a lot! 3.5/5
2.)Monica:Angel Of Mine-An OKAY song. I don't think Monica's very talented though.I think she should act instead of sing. I did like when she sang on the remix for "I've Got To Have It" by Jermaine Dupri on the Big Momma's soundtrack. 3/5
3.)Sugar Ray:Someday-Kind of boring, not bad though. 2.5/5
4.)Santana f/ Rob Thomas:Smooth- I HATE THIS SONG! WAY TOO OVERPLAYED!!!! 0/5

5.)'NSYNC:(God Must Have Spent) A Little More Time On You-Nice ballad,not the best by 'NSYNC though. 3/5
6.)Cher:Believe-Very good song! Probably one of the best by Cher 5/5
7.)Deborah Cox:Nobody's Supposed To be Here(Dance Mix)-Good dance song,not my favorite though. 3/5
8.)Madonna:Ray Of Light-Very cool song by Madonna. She did a good job on this! I love the video!4.5/5
9.)Barenaked Ladies:One Week-Pretty good song. I was hooked on this song when i first heard it on the radio. Kind of old though 3.5/5
10.)Third Eye Blind:Jumper-This is one of my favorites by Third Eye Blind. Good message about a guy who's friend commits suicide and he was trying to stop him from "jumping from that ledge." 5/5
11.)Whitney Houston f/ Faith Evans & Kelly Price:Heartbreak Hotel-I don't really like this song. I doesn't suck though. 2.5/5
12.)LFO:Summer Girls-This was LFO's first song. It's okay for a debut. Their newer songs on their second cd are better though. They kind of seem like wannabes here. 3/5
13.)Five:When The Lights Go Out-I LOVE THIS SONG! I'm hooked on Five, they have great party songs. It's sucks that they broke up. But hey, they enjoyed it when they could! 5/5
14.)Brandy:Almost Doesn't Count: Good song by Brandy! She has other good songs though, but she's cool. 5/5
15.)Usher:You Make Me Wanna-Pretty cool.This is one of the songs that Usher got popular by. 4/5
16.)Faith Hill:Good song! I'm beginning to like Faith Hill more.One of her good "gems."HA! 5/5

17.)Sarah McLachlan:Angel-Okay, a little boring. 2.5/5
18.)Kid Rock:Bawidaba-One of Kid Rock's good songs. Pretty tight though. 4/5

Totally Hits=Totally Cool!
WOW!! This CD is so cool! I got it for my Birthday and it's so much fun to listen to! This "Totally Hits" CD covers the Year off well despite some mishaps on some of their songs...it's still a Great CD! TLC Opens up the CD with one of the most popular singles released that year, "No Scrubs" (Also written by Singer Kandi "Don't Think I'm Not")...followed by a similar sounding number "Angel of Mine" by Monica (The same producer Dallas Austin worked with both Albums "Fanmail" and "The Boy is Mine" so it's no wonder there is a similarity between the two) and Sugar Ray's best song lyric-wise "Someday" which was written by themselves. I must say the Highlight of the year was the suprising comeback of famed Guitarist Carlos Santana (From the band of his last name). Matchbox 20's Rob Thomas helps with writing the lyrics and singing vocals producing a killer combo! *N Sync gives us a taste of their slower side with the Boyz II Men-like "God Must of Spent ( A Little More Time on You)" which is no doubt their best single in their career, in flawless harmony. Like Santana, Cher gave us a suprising comeback as well with her hit single (and long time club anthem) "Believe." The well known remixer Hex Hector turns around Canadian R&B Star Deborah Cox's slowish and soothing "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here" with a Completely Different and upbeat Remix, adding some extra flare to the dance floor. Madonna also gives us a burst of techno with her upbeat heavy hit "Ray of Light." The Barenaked Ladies shine in their spotlight with the comical number, "One Week." After some years of absense Third Eye Blind successfuly returns to us with their metal guitar-heavy hit "Jumper." Soul Diva Whitney decides to take a dip into R&B and collaborates with R&B singers Faith Evans and Kelly Price in a song called "Heartbreak Hotel" which despite its name is Not an Elvis remake of his song by the same title. Unfortunatly we are tortured to hear the one hit wonders of Backstreet Boys and *N Sync copy-off's LFO and Five...fortunatly however the other songs compensate for these mishaps. By the way why aren't the Backstreet Boys on this album anyway? Thankfully, Brandy gives a shot with her last single from the multi plantum CD, "Never Say Never." Then-Newcomer R&B Star Usher Raymond appears with the Single that started it all- "You Make Me Wanna." After these two R&B Numbers, the CD takes us to the country scene with Cowgirl Faith Hill and her biggest hit "This Kiss." Sarah McLaughlin gives us a taste of Folk with her slow number, "Angel" and an unfortunat closure provided by Kid Rock. Was it really necessary? Sarah McLaghlan's song could've finished off the CD fine, as 18 tracks are a little much. If it werent for the unfortunate numbers by one hit wonders LFO and Five as well as Kid Rock, this CD would've deserved Five out of Five Stars...now it's just Four and a Half. dEFINATLY reccomended to any popular music fan. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Amazingly together
All of the songs on the album are ones that I'm fond of. I'm pretty surprised at how the songs flow into each other as well. Cranberries "Zombie after White Zombie is rather clever. Check this out if you miss the more heavy sounding songs from the 90's. MTV's Buzz Bin was one of the best things to me in the 90s, and I'm really sad that it's gone now.

Great for the occassional listener to 'new' rock
I first bought this CD because of one amazing song: Cantaloop.

I hate rap. Yet this is the one song, in its fusion of the old jazz track, with some rap type singing, that just works, as the only song I know where the rap sound adds to the song. It's a pretty unique song I recommend nearly any rock listener check out.

However, several of the other songs have grown on me, too, which is saying something for someone who is a classic rock fan who otherwise generally feels 'they stopped making good rock in 1980' (The Wall, Who Are You, Led Zeppelin's last albums...)

They're only overplayed if you listen to the sort of stations that played 'new' music at the time - and they seem much less played now. "Plush", "More Human Than Human", "Zombie", "Everything Zen", "Low", "Creep", "Hey Man, Nice Shot", "Mother" are all actually good to my taste.

After owning the CD for years, I like it now even better. It may be the only post-1980 CD I need:) (I exaggerate slightly).

FYI, a lot of the songs have the 'post 1980' sound in rock where there's a combination of soft and very hard (some are more just hard) - but they're the cream of the sound, where so many songs with a similar sound lack the quality of these selections.

Buy the CD for Cantaloop, and enjoy the icing on the cake from the other good songs.

Great Collection, overplayed radio hits
For a sampling of what was great during the alternative era (circa 1995-1996 for a majority of these tracks), this is a great collection. From "Plush" by STP to "Zombie" by Cranberries to "Hey Jealousy" by Gin Blossoms, this is pretty much definitive of that era. A majority of the tracks were also worn out over the radio, and of course I got tired of hearing them back then, but since they're not played as much in 2002, it's good to be able to flash back to those days once again. Definitely worth the price if you don't own any of the CDs by these artists!

no more buzz, but still a good listen
this is a good way to get the best songs from these artists. it is true that each of these songs were very much overplayed. but in recent years, radio and mtv have changed their focus to the boy bands, and this cd has become a welcome alternative to my ears. my only complaint with this cd is that it includes the edited version of more human than human. other than that, it makes for a very enjoyable listen.

average compilation of worn-out hits
Well, this album is MTV for you - take the great songs and play them to death. The advent of the "Buzz Bin" made us think about "alternative" music. Once an indie haven for those who didn't want to get involved with cheesy 80's pop or hair metal, it is now big-bucks stuff. This CD gives us all of the latter - Cracker, Stone Temple Pilots, Danzig, etc. All were great songs the first twenty-three times we heard them. We bought their albums only to have their best song blasted at us again and again. Don't buy this - you'll lose even more appreciation for the very songs that made rock music what it is today. Instead, go buy something awesome like Sunny Day Real Estate or Belle and Sebastian that won't get overplayed by greedy television personalities. ... Read more

Reviews (22)

Punks Learn How To Loves Ska On This CD!
As we all know that Hellcat records is owned and runned by Lars from Rancid. Well being a punk, I know that right now, all that is considered 'punk' is either A)This main-stream crap which sucks badly or B)All these emo and hardcore/metal bands appearing in the underground right now. So being a dude waiting for some new punk band to change everything in the punk genre...they havent made it.
So for these past few weeks I have been I've been looking over some ska-punk and punk-ska bands. So I thought, I'll look into real ska bands....let me tell there are literally thousands of them out there waiting for some dude/dudette to be favored by. I had no clue where to start on picking out albums to buy. So most people look into comps for samples. And then I came across this little prize of joy.
Give 'Em The Boot Vol. 1 is probably the best ska comp that includes awesome punk bands too. Though the first track by Rancid wasn't their best. When the Slackers came on with 'Watch This' I felt so relaxed. When Hepcat's 'Dont Wait' came on I was already singing along. By the time The Pietasters 'New Breed' was playing I was up dancing. I won't list the other bands and songs, but most punks and people only hear about bands like Reel Big Fish, Less Than Jake, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Operation Ivy, and The Suicide Machines. Though, those bands are considered to be the only good ones, screw you! There are tons better ones. Plus, all those bands have sold out or lost almost all the orginal members.
But over-all kids, stop listeing to the things considered punk(as in sell-outs or emo/hardcore bands)get your soul out there and be a rude boy. So if wanna get to know good ska bands buy this CHEAP cd!

wow! the only compilation i've ever liked!
Tim and Brett have outdone themselves! I don't know how they did it but somehow they managed to round up the very best ska and punk bands out there for Hellcat Records (which has the same distribution as Epitaph so hopefully some of these deserving bands will start getting some international credit!) I don't like every song but I like the majority of them, which in and of itself is really rare for me - I usually don't like compilations at all. More importantly, some of these songs absolutely rock. Hepcat have got the sweet trad ska sound down pat; classic oi-sters The Business and Boston pub-punks Dropkick Murphys (I love that name) make fast and explosive contributions; Rancid of course gets things off to a spectacular beginning with the bleak but booming The Brothels. Also check out The Gadgits and the Swingin' Utters for some quality music that makes all that lame recycled alterna-pop-rock Matchbox 20 junk on the radio sound like the sewage that it is. Forget the punk-revival, forget the ska-revival, forget the music industry's fickle trends - this is where the music industry *should* be at, even if they're too stupid to realize it!

And at a mere 6 bucks.... you just don't have any excuse for not owning this.

Punks should steer clear, but SKA FANS LISTEN UP!!
(For those of you unfamiliar with the Give 'em the boot series, it is a sampler series of bands on the Hellcat Records label. The label has an eclectic mix of punk/hardcore bands and ska/reggae/dub bands)

Now that that's out of the way...

Here's the deal:

1. With the possible exception of Rancid and Choking Victim, the punk bands on Hellcat Records suck. It's boring, unoriginal, and not even that aggressive.
2. The ska/reggae/dub bands, however, are EXCELLENT and amazing. It's very mellow and relaxing, yet very exciting and catchy. It should have you dancing along in no time.
3. Of the 3 titles in the give 'em the boot series, the 1st one (this one) has the least punk and the most ska.
4. Therefore, this is the best Give 'em the boot by FAR and with its dirt cheap price, you have no excuse for not owning it if you consider yourself a fan of ska in any way, shape, or form.

Get 'em
This album and it's brethren are an excellent way to be introduced to a lot of cool bands. I've gone out and bought a number of albums based on what I heard here and on Vol. II + III. If you like punk and ska with a dash of psychobilly, then this is your teaser!

Intro: Mandatory
This comp set the ska/punk record straight in 97 and set the tone for the next several years... what a Loud Hard Fast tone it was. I ahve shared this common experience with many new friends from all parts of the country: getting this comp and having our minds blown back in the day. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

An OK tribute to Lennon
I must admit that the reason I bought this CD is because I'm a fan of John Lennon and of the grunge scene of the early 1990's. So needless to say, I enjoyed the cover of "I Don't Want To Be A Soldier" by Mad Season (LAYNE STALEY'S VOCALS ARE ALWAYS AMAZING) and "Steel and Glass" by Candlebox, but for me the best track was "Working Class Hero" by The Screaming Trees. Mark Lanegan's voice is unbelievable and this cover is closest in my opinion to the original in quality. A pleasant surprise were Mary Chapin Carpenter's surprisingly good cover of "Grow Old With Me" and the cover of "How Do You Sleep" by The Magnificent Bastards. Collective Soul does a very good cover of Jealous Guy. Now, on to the bad. No surprise The Red Hot Chili Peppers would be found here with their cover of "I Found Out", I never liked "Power To The People", so I was going to skip it anyway, but The Minus Five didn't do all that bad with it. It actually shocked me that an established band like Cheap Trick couldn't pull off "Cold Turkey".

All in all, this disc is really worth picking up used, I'm glad I didn't pay full price, but it is a keeper since about half the tracks are at least decent.

Best cover album i've come across
I got this disc at a used CD shop in town for six dollars, I wasn't expecting much, as most of the Lennon cover/tributes i've heard were pretty lacking. I was dead wrong. There is only one bad cover on this dics, every other is great!

Red Hot Chili Peppers/I Found Out - Slow, Angry, and funky. Something the peppers haven't ever done before and its cool to hear them do a song that doens't stick to their style. 3/5

Mad Season/I don't Wanna Be a Soldier - I never liked this song, but I think this cover is more enjoyable than to original (to me) Driving guitars and bass, and some really good vocals. 3/5

Candlebox/Steel and Glass - Awesome cover off the Walls and Bridges album. It's especially good because the guitar were buried by the string in the original, but Candlebox's cover features loud guitars and stand out bass. Cool guitar solo too 5/5

Blues Traveler/Imagine - Pretty standard in the beginning, with some cool bass fills, but after the first verse things get really blusey and some harmonica come in. Good rendition! 4/5

Screaming Trees/Working Class Hero - I always thought this was one of Lennons best, but the only cover i've heard was by Cyndi Lauper and it was awful (love cyndi though) The song starts out with just two guitars chiming with vocals, but it builds up and adds a cello and evtually drums and bass come in and give the song a lot of power, great cover. 5/5

The Minus 5/Power To The People - I head this song tacked on as a bonus track on "Plastic Ono Band" and this cover is millions of times better than the original, believe me. It is amazing Minus 5 were able to see the potential of this otherwise lackluster song, fuul of energy absolutely great. 4/5

The Magnificent Bastards/How Do you Sleep - Rockin cover. Performed with all the spite and malice of the original, featuring a cool guitar interlude. 4/5

Flaming Lips/Nobody Told Me - Amazing! recorded with cheap, super distorted guitars, it sounds perfect. Great drumming and basswork from the lips as usual. 5/5

Super 8/Well Well Well - Sounds just like the original, except for the extra loud guitars on the chorus and the awesome vocals (not to mention the solo!) 5/5

Cheap Trick/Cold Turkey - I don't like Cheap Trick, I don't like Cold Turkey, I don't like this version. Weakest cover on the disc 2/5

Collective Sound/Jealous Guy - Acoustic guitar instead of piano doing th cords on this one, no stirngs either, really cool! The only reason I don't give this one a 5 is because Elliott Smith's cover of this song is ten times better. 4/5

Sponge/Isolation - The biggst suprise on this disc. Opens with a strat playing arpeggios with the vocals, sounding very sad and eerie, but then the chorus comes in with an explosion of power chords and drums. Best cover on the disc. 5/5

Toad The Wet Sprocket/Instant Karma - a very happy, clean sounding cover. Not much else to say, very enjoyable! 4/5

Mary Chapin Carpenter/Grow Old With Me - Very sparse mostly her and a piano. The sound is so lush and beautiful, and her vocals are outstanding. 5/5

George Clinton/Mind Games - here's something unexpected, George Clinton from the funk grou Parliment giving this song some soul. Clinton does a superb jop, lots of strings and guitars, and delight and a great way to end the album! 5/5

Gooood music

Outstanding tribute album that collects Lennon's best and starts off with an incredible kicker "I found out," performed by the Chili Peppers.

"Working Class Hero" and "Imagine" are a little overdone, though, and I tend to skip through them. "Imagine" is especially drippy with emotion.

Kinda grungy guitar sounds in this with some great vocals. Definitely recommend to anyone who wants Lennon filtered through 90s rock.

-- JJ Timmins

Surprisingly enjoyable set of grunge-tinged covers.
I'm pretty shocked at the negative reviews above, but its kind of the nature of tribute albums. I really enjoy this CD-but I'm a big Beatles fan AND a fan of 1991-95 "Seattle Sound" type grunge. The latter part is important for enjoying this disc. "I Don't Want to be a Soldier" by Mad Season (with members of Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam) and "Working Class Hero" by Screaming Trees (another lesser known Seattle band) are the standouts, along with "I Found Out" and "Well Well Well". I thought these were excellent meldings of Lennon's awsome lyrics presented in an alternative rock format that might be more accessible to younger listeners. Then maybe they'll chase down the originals-and that's always a good thing.

There's a cohesiveness to the songs and artists. It doesn't feel forced or disjointed like the Led Zep Encomium disc (where you could just see the A&R guys doling out asssignments to the "hot" bands on the label). I play 75% of this disc when I dig it out. It's worth your time and $$$.

A bit disappointing
John Lennon's music was so intensely personal that it can be difficult for someone to convey his emotions in a cover version. Also, this album contains covers by several flash-in-the-pan groups who don't seem to have a clue what they are singing or why.

In the category of trying to re-create a personal song, there is 'How Do You Sleep?' performed here by The Magnificent Bastards. Although the lead singer sounds appropriately angry, what is he angry about? John Lennon was angry at Paul McCartney at the time he recorded the song, so that cannot be re-cycled. Another intense song of Lennon-angst, 'Well Well Well' gets a fairly good turn from Super 8, but nothing could match Lennon's misery on the original version. I was very disappointed with Cheap Trick's version of 'Cold Turkey' which is virtually unrecognizable and sounds like a pop tune rather than the painful tale of a man overcoming heroin addition.

There are very few highlights on the album, where the artists create their own version of the Lennon song, but keep true to the emotion of the original, without sacrificing their personal stamp. To me, the best versions on the album are 'Imagine' by Blues Traveler, which is very folky and mellow, but also very distinctive with John Popper's vocals. Collective Soul do a very good version of 'Jealous Guy' and Mary Chapin Carpenter's version of 'Grow Old With Me' is tender and memorable.

I wouldn't recommend buying this cd, since most of the versions are forgettable. It's not really worth it for the few good songs on the album. ... Read more