Album Description

The perfect mix of spikey-haired hits, Double Shot: New Wave features smash tracks from Duran Duran, Katrina & The Waves and Billy Idol, cult classics from Wall Of Voodoo, Blondie and Missing Persons plus ultra rare gems from Comateens, Vicious Pink and The Adventures. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Not exactly the best representation of 80's new wave
I bought this CD( s ) a few years ago at a discount store for about $6.00, mainly because I absolutely loved Talk Talk's " It's my life" and saw this as a very cheap alternative to buying an actual Talk Talk album for that one song( which was a mistake because every song on the "It's my life" full length album is worth it's weight in gold; now that I own it and have realised what I was missing out on ).

You'll find a couple decent 80's hits scattered about ( "Eyes without a face", "Walking on sunshine", "It's my life" ) but these and the other few familiar songs found here can be found on countless other 80's compialations that will certainly offer more quality than what you get here. Most of the songs( and bands that sing them ) I had never heard of--and for good reason, as they are probably the silliest, most cheesy cookie cutter songs that I have ever heard. No wonder my generation seems to dismiss 80's music as unlistenable fluff; they must have sadly gotten their hands on this pathetic compialition, which is sad because there is so much substance to this genre that gets overlooked because of CD's like this.

All in all, This CD gets 1 star for the few recognizable hit songs and 1 star for the fact that after a few listens, " Mexican Radio", "Send my heart", and "Gold" grew on me enough for me to not regret spending my 6 bucks instead on, say, several months' supply of chewing gum. Don't be fooled by the cheap price of a double CD with a lot of songs. It's mostly all filler that's even worse than the cover art for this CD. If you got far enough to find this in your search criteria, you've probably already unearthed many quality compialitions, this just doesn't happen to be one of them. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great Deal!
While I don't like all the songs in this collection, it has something for everyone. Everything from new wave to rock to even love songs. 40 songs for $15..How can anyone complain?

Super 80's CD's!!!
I have NO idea what the person above was saying. So, to let you know, this is a GREAT 80's set of CD's. For those who love 80's compilations, you must have this one. It has something for everyone, from new-wave, to classic rock to heavy metal of the 80's. Even if you didn't like a type of 80's music this CD is definitly going to bring back memories. It's great music to drink beers and remember times with your friends. A must have for 80's music lovers!!

WHAT WHAT WHAT?
HAVE I GONE DELIRIOUS OR IT'S JUST THE LABLE COMPANY? WHATEVA HAPPENED TO HITS LIKE "CARAVAN OF LIFE? WE KNOW THAT IT'S LOVE?... BUT THIS COMPILATION HAS SOME CLASSICS ON THOW. FOR 13.95 I THINK IT'S QUITE WORTH THE DEAL. ... Read more

Amazon.com

One of three CDs in the Postpunk Chronicles series released by Rhino, Going Underground contains the most obscure references (for comparison, check out the other two compilations, Scared to Dance and Left of the Dial). "What Difference Does It Make?" by the Smiths is the most accessible track on the compilation. The rest of the songs can provide great ammunition for anyone partaking in the Referential Superiority Game. For those who think Trent Reznor defines industrial music, check out Throbbing Gristle, who were splicing tape long before Reznor was hanging from it in his "Head Like a Hole" video. Obscurity aside, the song selection here provides an excellent representation of some of the noisiest, most distorted, most experimental music of the time. These artists heroically sought the underground for the underground's sake. As a result, Going Underground stands the test of time better than the other two Postpunk Chronicles collections. --Beth Bessmer ... Read more

Reviews (1)

When Alternative Meant Something
This album reminded me of my teens in the 80's, when alternative really meant alternative, and the songs could vary from rauchy punk to bouncy synth-pop (all with great lyrics). One of the best series I've come across--I have the entire series. It's a great mix of great bands that you rarely get to hear anymore--everyone knows the bands and the songs, but they're never on the radio. (Which is kind of why they started glomming such diverse styles of music under the heading "alternative" in the first place.) Good listening. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

5 Stars and no plans to re-release
The one disc compilation is outstanding. As an earlier review stated, the 2 CD set is more of the same great music.
If you are lucky enough to find the two disc version, hang on to it. It's beyond rare. Both are out of print.

Contacted Razor and Tie; their clerk/worker-bee did not know of any plans to re-release this great 80's music. Perhaps it would be worth organizing a write-in campaign to encourage another production run.

Sadly, out of print
The one disc compilation is outstanding. As an earlier review stated, the 2 CD set is more of the same great music.
If you are lucky enough to find the two disc version, hang on to it. It's beyond rare.

Contacted Razor and Tie; their clerk/worker-bee did not know of any plans of a re-release of this great 80's music. Perhaps it would be worth organizing a write-in campaign to encourage another production run.

Be aware of something
First, let me say that this is an excellent CD. For that, it gets five stars.

HOWEVER, be aware that there were two versions of this album: a single-disc version and a two-disc version. This is the single-disc version. The expanded version is, as you might imagine, twice as good as this one. But since they're both out of print, you better grab this one while you can.

With an album this good, I can't imagine why Razor & Tie allowed it to go out of print. I wrote to them and asked if they were going to sell it again, but they never replied. If you like it, I'd encourage you to contact them and ask that it be reissued, especially the two-disc version.

Great Songs from the Eighties
It reminds of late nights with friends trying to tune the radio to the local college stations. We would listen to these songs in between the static. This is the best in what was called "Alternative/New Wave" music. Definitely a must have.

Dissapointed
Warning: I was replacing a worn CD - I liked it so much. The new one is different and missing Joey by Concrete Blonde.??? ... Read more

Reviews (8)

The Oven is my Friend
This album was just amazing! While most of it was predictable top-notch 80's hardcore, there was also some cool noise and other stuff mixed in. Almost every song on this is great. It reflects the anger and intensity that existed back then. The Reagan Cultural Doctrine did not leave room for a few of us in scattered pockets in the US, and this music made an awful decade tolerable. This record was my soundtrack for delinquency.

Having lived in the era, the CD seems like a time capsule. Not essential unless you want a history lesson and can deal with all of the era-specific references. The Church Police song was the best one and it was not even hardcore.

A slice of early 80's Americana
No, it ain't the music of back-woods hillbillies or lonesome cowboys out on the range, but it's no less authentic or expressive of a unique moment in American culture. Perhaps we are still too close to this era to recognize what a spontaneous and authentic musical phenomenon took place in the days before hardcore punk became mired in its own cliches and formulas. I myself was a part of this scene, and my band, the Church Police, is one of the 49 groups from California and Nevada that fill this CD. Not all of the bands, but many, were what I call "suburban subdivision bedroom bands," because that's where we played some of our best music and, in a few cases, where some of these recordings were made.

It's hard to imagine a compilation that could have done a better job at representing what was happening in the punk scene at the time. There are a few of the big name S.F. bands, the Dead Kennedys and Flipper, that were main players in that era, but they don't dominate the collection (though Flipper's cut is probably the longest.) Instead, what strikes me most vividly now is the fresh sound and brashness of these bands. It's kind of funny listening to them, such a blend of hyped emotions, serious anger and alienation, but tempered by irony because most of the bands knew that they really weren't gonna go anywhere as far as a "career" was concerned. We were as interested in getting into the shows for free ("put me on your guest list!") and maybe winding up the night with 25 or 50 bucks in our pockets after all was said and done. You gotta love the spontaneity and craziness that these kids brought to their music. It would be incredible to have a reunion of these bands, not that too many of them are doing much with music these days, I imagine. I don't listen to a whole lot of underground hardcore these days, but if you want a top-notch sampler of the "real stuff" I recommend this without reservation.

The epitome of punk rock compilations
This comp proves once and for all that American punk rock bands beat the living sh#t out of most of their British counterparts. Next time you run into someone who thinks that Fat Wreck Chords/Warped Tour bands are punk rock, force them to listen to this compilation. It will either convert them or make them realize that they don't like punk rock. Buy this now!

Punk's breeding ground
This album spawned more punks than any other! It is a definitive collection. Every punk worth his boots was reading Maximum Rock'N'Roll, even if they hated it, and this was the definitive release by Maximum Rock'N'Roll and Alternative Tentactles. I'd list the standouts, but they ALL stood out. Buy this album. Buy it. Buy it.

One of the greatest punk comps ever!!!!
I've listened to this everyday since i bought it earlier this month! Its definately right up there with Punk and Disorderly as far as old school hardcore punk goes!!!Not that shitty Blink 182 crap!!! This is the real deal,especially if your into political hardcore punk!You must own this!!! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

this cd is a mixed bag
This was a good album and it potrayed alot of what the vans warped tour is about but it left out some of the best bands that were on tour with them (Deftones,grinspoon,rancid,reverend horton heat...) i think they should have been mentioned in this cd.

Could be better
This is a pretty good comp, but it could be a lot better. For one the sellouts(bosstones) shouldn't be on it. A lot of good bands from the warped tour were left out, and this was meant to capture the essence of the tour. It didn't.

It is an awsome cd
I think that this is one of the best cds that they have ever mad I think that they should win the vanguard or lifetime achevement award for the mtv music awards ... Read more

Album Description

1999 tribute to the most popular female artist of all time. Features performances by Heaven 17, Dead Or Alive, Berlin, Front Line Assembly, KMFDM, Information Society, Gene Loves Jezebel, Annabella Lwin (Bow Wow Wow), , Spahn Ranch and more. 14 tracks. 1999 release. ... Read more

Reviews (33)

Bold tribute
I heard this album being played in a record store and was interested because I thought I heard a guy singing a Madonna song. After buying it, I think this album is great because many of the bands boldly interpret her songs in their own unique way, not like some other tribute albums where the artists just try to do an imitation of the original artist without any creative input of their own. All in all, the best songs are "Justify My love" by Front line assembly, and "Why's it so hard" by Dead or Alive. KMFDM's cover of "Material Girl" sounds quite horrific, but rocks, but the worst song has to be Berlin's "Live to tell". Who wants to hear a one hit wonder from the 80s do a cover of Madonna anyway.

My favorite Madonna tribute album
I personally love Cleopatra Records' tribute albums, let alone goth and industrial music. And being a big Madonna fan, I thought the idea of synth-pop, goth, and industrial artists/bands covering Madonna's songs were a wicked idea. Normally I'm not wild on tribute albums, especially nowadays when even Britney Spears and NSYNC have tribute albums out (i.e a bunch of unknown singers covering bad pop music). Personally I prefer the second volume of "Virgin Voices". Still the first album had some first rate cover songs. One of my particular favorites is Loleatta Holloway's cover of "Like a Prayer". She turns the pop song into a house classic. I didn't realize until later on that this tribute album would be my first introduction to one of my favorte pop/rock artists Amanda Ghost. I'm not wild on "Bad Girl" as a song but Amanda's contributions to the song was enjoyable enough for me. I thought KMFDM and Front Line Assembly did an excellent job of giving the listener an earful on their versions of "Material Girl" and "Justify My Love". Their abrasive, industrial beats allowed them to turn Madonna's songs into their own. I can't say that I like "Like a Virgin" as a song nor did I like the version that Bow Wow Wow singer Annabella Lwin did. Being a big Dead or Alive fan, I loved their version of "Why It's So Hard". That isn't really one of my favorite Madonna songs but they way they covered the song made me appreciate the song even more so. The only other miss I found on this album was the "Burning Up" [Interface Mix] by The Voluptuous Horror of Karen Black. I'm not really familiar with the song itself nor did I enjoy the TVHKB's version. Other than that and "Like a Virgin", I loved what the artists and bands brought to the table with their renditions of classic Madonna songs.

Judge for yourself and listen to the samples before buying.
My opinions on this CD stem from my enjoyment of industrial music and unique takes on cover songs.

I agree with other industrial or techno fans that The KMFDM, Gene Loves Jezebel and The Voluptuous Horror Of Karen Black covers were really good. They satisfy my craving for industrial while providing a fresh perspective on hit songs.

The Dead or Alive cover was pretty good as well. As far as most of the other tunes, I felt like I was listening to a close copy of the original. Is it a tribute to Madonna to attempt to perform and sing a song in the style that Madonna sang it? I don't think so. My idea of a tribute or good cover is to provide imaginative and creative angles on a classic song. A good example would be Garbage's version of a Beach Boy's tune in the song "Push It".

Judge for yourself and listen to the samples before buying.

KMFDM doin' it again!
KMFDM's Material Girl is worth the price of the CD. My only complaint is what's missing: Pig. Raymond Watts always does these Industrial tribute albums. I would have loved to hear him do an evil-lounge-singer cover, as he did with NIN's Head Like a Hole and KMFDM's Disobedience (didn't he do the vocals on the original version, too?). Buy this album and you get to hear En Esch singing about panties. Very cool.

Virgin Voices a Worthy Cover Album
Bow-Wow-Wow's Like a Virgin gets my pelvis moving--I am a true Madonna fanatic and prefer this version over the old-hat rendition from the eighties anyday. If you could eliminate the KMFDM rendition it would have been 5 stars. (If you want KMFDM get their stuff from their old WaxTrax Record Days) I also feel the Dead of Alive song is the second best cover on the album. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Complete Track & Artist List
Correct Title: "The 2 Tone Collection: A Checkered Past" 2CD

CD1
1. The Special AKA (The Specials) - "Gangsters" (2:44)
2. The Selecter - "The Selecter" (2:57)
3. Madness - "The Prince" (2:32)
4. The Selecter - "On My Radio" (3:16)
5. The Specials (featuring Rico) - "A Messge to You Rudy" (2:51)
6. The Specials (featuring Rico) - "Nite Klub" (3:09)
7. The Beat (The English Beat) - "Tears of a Clown" (2:39)
8. The Beat (The English Beat) - "Ranking Full Stop" (2:47)
9. The Special AKA (The Specials) - "Too Much Too Young" (2:03)
10. The Special AKA (The Specials) - "Guns of Navarone" (2:25)
11. The Selecter - "Three Minute Hero" (3:00)
12. The Bodysnatchers - "Let's Do Rock Steady" (2:54)
13. The Bodysnatchers - "Ruder Than You" (2:50)
14. The Selecter - "Missing Words" (3:20)
15. The Specials - "Rat Race" (3:07)
16. The Specials - "Rude Boys Outa Jail" (2:37)
17. The Bodysnatchers - "Easy Life" (3:12)
18. The Bodysnatchers - "Too Experienced" (2:33)
19. The Specials - "Stereotype" (3:50)
20. The Specials - "International Jet Set" (4:12)
21. The Swinging Cats - "Away" (3:13)
22. The Swinging Cats - "Mantovani" (3:14)
23. Rico - "Sea Cruise" (3:02)
24. The Specials (featuring Rico & the Ice Rink String Sounds) - "Do Nothing" (3:39)
25. The Specials - "Maggie's Farm" (3:31)

CD2
1. The Specials - "Ghost Town" (3:40)
2. The Special AKA (The Specials) with Rhoda - "The Boiler" (5:42)
3. The Special AKA (The Specials) with Rico - "Jungle Music" (4:00)
4. The Apollinaires - "The Feeling's Gone" (3:45)
5. The Higsons - "Tear the Whole Thing Down" (3:22)
6. The Higsons - "Ylang Ylang" (4:55)
7. The Apollinaires - "Envy the Love" (4:03)
8. The Special AKA (The Specials) - "War Crimes (The Crime Remains the Same)" (3:43)
9. The Higsons - "Run Me Down" (3:47)
10. The Special AKA (The Specials) - "Racist Friend" (3:35)
11. The Special AKA (The Specials) - "Bright Lights" (4:10)
12. The Special AKA (The Specials) - "Nelson Mandela" (4:12)
13. The Special AKA (The Specials) - "Break Down the Door" (3:48)
14. The Special AKA (The Specials) - "What I Like Most About You is Your Girlfriend" (4:49)
15. The Friday Club - "Window Shopping" (3:58)
16. J.B.'s Allstars - "The Alphabet Army" (3:09)
17. The Specials - "Raquel" (1:56)
18. The Specials (with Roddy Radiation) - "Braggin' and Trying Not to Lie" (3:21)
19. Neville Staples (Judge Roughneck) - "Rude Boys Outa Jail" (4:04)

This is the best 2nd Wave Ska (UK) compilation out there, period. It contains all the singles from the 2 Tone imprint (except Elvis Costello because of copyright constaraints). Chances are, you've heard most of these on the radio at one time or another, back when radio was still ska-friendly (what happened?). Now if they'd just release a 1st Wave (Jamaica) and 3rd Wave (Orange County, California) true to this idea, we would all be in ska heaven. This is absolutely essential, and if you don't have it already, you need to buy it yesterday.

Stop Your Messin' Around
Like the Ska scene of the late 70s and early 80s this package is dominated by the Specials, and rightfully so. They had bounce, a great horn section and, like their contemporaries the Clash and the Sex Pistols they had brains in their heads. That's a wicked combo.

The first disc has the more earthy and rough-hewn records that were popular in nightclubs on both sides of the Atlantic; most of the great stuff from the first couple of Specials LPs, the Beat's excellent cover of Smokey Robinson's "Tears of A Clown"---too bad "Save It For Later" couldn't have been included--and a few tunes from The Selector help make it a classic side.

Despite some inspired selections, the second disc is too slick and decidedly less interesting. Again, the tunes from the Specials carry the day--"Ghost Town" may have been the best thing the Specials ever did--but the Apollinaires, Higsons, and the Friday Club sound like filler to me.

Overall, though, A CHECKERED PAST gives an accurate and lively insight into what I consider the Golden Age of British Ska. If nothing else, it's a great overview of the Specials under rated career.

A comprehensive primer for the unitiated
Now that ska has infiltrated modern alternative radio in every way shape and form, perhaps it is due time to return to the source. The 2 Tone Collection is a nearly flawless overview of Britain's initial ska craze of the eighties. From the archetypical white boy swagger of Madness ("The Prince" is included, though "One Step Beyond" is unfortunately absent), to the dynamic girl vocal bands like The Selector (wherein we can clearly hear where No Doubt's Gwen Stefani copped her vibrato inflected vocal style). And of course there is the timeless, "A Message To You Rudy" by The Specials. The Apollinaires, The Higsons, JB's Allstars, The Bodysnatchers, and on and on: all of the once vital ska acts are represented here. The recent ska revival (which has now seemingly morphed into the swing revival) owes a lot to these obscure acts of yesterday, who manage to combine elements of reggae, swing, latin, and motown into one rude stew. As The Bodysnatchers proclaim: "Let's Do Rock steady!"

Good collection of British Wave-2 Ska
This is an exiting collection of wave 2 Ska. There are some great incusions by The Selector, The Body Snatchers, and others. This is Ska as I remeber it in the early eighties. There are selections that lean a bit towards disco and could have been left out, but overall there are plenty of good Ska songs to select from and some greats Ska beats to dance to! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

great music - and funny as hell
Note: People with no sense of humor will probably not appreciate this CD. Yes, it is wacky. Yes, they are singing English phonetically and not making a whole lot of sense (at least, the ones in English are). But if you ever wanted to hear what an alternate universe where Paul McCartney and Sam & Dave were Japanese but still sang in English might sound like, buy this CD. It's a very weird spin on some classic 60's hits that makes you feel as if you've never heard these songs before. Also the bands are really good musically - tight and inventive. The two best bands on this particular comp. are The Burns ("I Saw Her Standing There") and The Voltage ("Hold On, I'm Coming") as far as I'm concerned.

Interesting...
I bought this because--largely--I expected it to be over the top and psychotic. I was right. But it's also *surprisingly* good, although one gets the sense that there's certainly more interesting material out there that could've been tapped (this release comprises mostly Crown and Teichiku items, which is in itself limiting). What is included, however, it surprising both in its quality and wackiness; the bizarre cover of "Fire" is, well, strange, but it's also very good.

This Rocks!
For all of you 60's fans out there, and I know you're listening, buy this! Seriously, I think this is an incredible album. I've been buying j-pop for a little while now and the info inside is a real jem too. I hope this one comes out with a second volume...

don't underestimate the japanese music scene!!!
i bought this cd because I trust anything released from the big beat record label (especially the zombies box set) i did expect this cd to be more of a novelty listen and i was gravely mistaken. the bands on this cd, especially one group called the Outcasts, perform over the top 60s rave -ups like never before heard. I'm a dj and i found plenty here to play to a large audience. I highly recommend this cd if you love the sounds of 60s beat music! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

good bad and ugly
This album stays about as consistant as a junkie trying to give up drugs. Some songs are hardcore and then the next is pop-punk piece of crap time. hats off to all of the afi songs, from wen they used to be good. big thumbs down to jugheads revenge ,guttermouth, one hit wonder, and most of the vandals songs. No one can badmouth t.s.ol but hey that is only one diamond surrounded by trash. Also notworthy is sloppy seconds, but anyone that thinks this is great punk-rock obviously has been listening to nofx and anti-flag a little too much.

It's called "The Thought Remains the Same"!!!!!
This is a classic mix of the best music off of Nitro Records. It includes classics from such bands as The Vandals, AFI, Guttermouth, TSOL, and The Offspring. The only reason I gave this 4 stars is cause I don't like one of the songs from Sloppy Seconds and "DUI" from Offspring is too much like their later awful records. All in all, this record is great and there could not be a better collection of songs! Except Punk-O-Rama Vol. 2!

Great Music from great bands!!
This album is once again a great one from Dexter and the crew at Nitro Records. A.F.I get the space htey deserve as do Guttermouth and The Vandals...they are all great songs, and their is even a limited edition Offspring song from a special cd they released to members of their fan club!! Great songs.....(especially 'Cafe 405' and 'If only the gvmnt could read my mind')

Those not ready to slam, please step back!
Well, Nitro records has come out with a super-charged punk album here. I really hate T.S.O.L. and was tempted to give this album a lower rating. Fortunately I slapped it into my CD player once again and found that the rest of the songs (excluding the two by T.S.O.L.) are so frickin good that this deserves no less than a 5 out of 5. Not only is there the haul-** punk rawk of guttermouth, afi, jugheads revenge, the vandals, and O.H.W., there is also some great Offspring. Yes the pre-sellout music for the masses Offspring. This album is a real must have for any fans of real "call your neighbors and start a pit of your own" punk. So have a good time and happy moshing.

awesome!
this is an awesome cd...it includes some great bands such as the offspring and guttermouth...all the tracks are great! here's a cd for all punk rock fans! it's got a couple of songs by a bunch of different bands. order this one now! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

buzz buzz buzz
no matter if people like these songs or not, they certainly do fit the buzz worthy title. they may not be the best songs from the artists, but they are the songs that got the artists noticed. this cd is a good example of the changes that took place in the mid 90s. it's an interesting listen that doesn't have the same tired, overplayed songs frequently found on other 90s complilation albums.

Every MTV- Made One Hit Wonder of the 90's!
The majority of the artists on this album are one hitters: Nada Surf, the Cardigans, Primative Radio Gods, the Flaming Lips, etc. If that's your cup of tea, then buy it, otherwise save your money.

This CD ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This CD is soooooooo good!!! I would recommend it to EVERYONE!!!!!!!! It's definately one of my favorite CD's!! My favorite songs are: Down, Naked, and The Distance. It has something for everyone on it. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Where is the rest of the OXO album?
Amazing no one ever make any attempt to release the original OXO album. The whole LP was full of great pop songs which made dance a generation in the early 80s in Mar del Plata, Argentina Every DJ in town had a copy of the album. Despite their hit "Whirly Girl", "You make it sound so easy" and "I'll take you back" were on top. Please Rhino help us out!!!!!

I think the Tubes would be embarrassed to be included here
I doubt the Tubes would want their song "She's a Beauty" lumped together in this package of songs. But you gotta love having access to a copy of OXO's "Whirly Girl". Geez, I can remember buying that album when it was first released in the early 80's! Great song!

I found my favorite song!!
I've been looking for the song "Kiss Me" from Tin Tin. It's about itme someone re-released it.

"Escalator of Life" by Robert Hazard
This compilation CD includes Robert Hazard's obscure, but classic, song "Escalator of Life". That alone makes this great collection of new wave songs worth owning.

Better than the most of the others
I have five of the "Just can't get enough" CDs, and this particular collection is one of the best in the series. Some of the other CDs have some tracks which can only be described as horrible, but the songs on this one are consistently decent. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Lots of fun!
Okay, if you're a fan of punk and new wave, you've probably got at least 6 or 7 of the 19 songs here scattered around your collection already, on Blondie, Ramones, and Television records. But if you're like me and have never heard the Dictators, the Heartbreakers, and several of the other less-famous bands here, you're in for a treat. And Patti Smith, who never appealed to me much, comes across well in the context of like-minded bands.

If you know nothing about the mid-seventies NYC scene, then you owe it to yourself to check this out, especially if you're a fan of more recent styles of punk. Along with the Velvet Underground and the Stooges, the New York bands were touchstones for everything else that followed. Other DIY volumes are out of print, by the way, so you might want to grab this one while you can.

Simply Brilliant
The score card: 13 songs, 10 groups, 5 chords, 0 notes on key. But it's hard to imagine anything more visceral, fun, and rebellious. The thing you get most here is the humour: "Born to Lose" and "Sheena is a Punk Rocker" are good examples. Some say the English dropped the bomb that shook up rock and roll, but I believe the Ramones and Television (being one of the prime movers of U2) are every bit as important. After all, it was the American record scene that was most bloated, and hence most needed the kick. Sure, there are omissions (Talking Heads?) but the remaining give a pretty fair assessment of New York Punk. "Blank Generation" indeed! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

New Wave 80s
Someone dug up some goodies and put them all together here on this CD. This is a good mix of the music from the time period that wil have you tapping your toes, swinging your head, and singing along.
If you've been looking looking to replace your albums or cassettes, this is definitely a best of collection to help you along.

80's Goodies
Definetely one of the better compilations. Included are modern English's "I Melt With You" along with many other classic tunes of the time. Best suprises are the Belle Stars female Madness sounding "Sign of The Times" and Heaven 17's great "Let Me Go"

Classic New Wave
A strong entry in the "New Wave Hits" series, Volume 9 contains some of the best known songs of the era. "Melt with You", "Blister in the Sun" and "Save it for Later" are early 80's anthems. Duran Duran's "Rio" and ABC's "Poison Arrow" were huge MTV hits. Each of these tunes will be immediately familiar to anyone who grew up in the early 80's. Also worthy are Marshall Crenshaw's "Whenever You're on My Mind" and "Love My Way", a classic from the Psychedelic Furs. Once again, Rhino is to be commended for keeping alive the great music of a bygone era. Thirtysomethings who actually experienced this fun, upbeat music will no doubt love this collection. Sure beats the heck out of today's "music". Highly recommended.

Five stars for the selection of the music, 0 stars for Rhino
This is a great selection of music for this new wave compilation, and I consider it one of my favorites from this series. However, BUYERS BEWARE: Rhino has shortened the length of several of these songs. I am not sure why they do this, but it is really irritating. Most of the time it is annoyingly obvious how they "instantly" edit these songs (the ending of the song just fades in a matter of seconds).

Great 80s compilation
One of the better efforts from this series. Has at least ten sure-fire hits that ring the bell, with several that aren't bad at all. Classics from the early 80s are "Love My Way," "Save It for Later," "Blister in the Sun," and "I Melt with You." Throw in "Rio," "Too Shy," and "Poison Arrow," and you can't go wrong for the price. An excellent place to start an 80s collection, or fill those missing pieces. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Good, but not club classics
Well, this is a pretty good cd set. But, I am from southern california, and honestly, I have heard maybe one or two songs at the clubs. Now, I understand this is a global community and maybe these are club themes in other countries or regions in the US. Good CDs, but bad title if you live in So Cal.

The way it should be.
To anyone who is just getting into the scene consider this required material.This is what the gothic sound is all about,this is gothic music to it's fullest.The only reason why i don't give it five stars is because of disc two...WHY THE HELL PEOPLE KEEP THINKING THAT BANDS LIKE TYPE-O AND MOONSPELL ARE GOTHIC ARE BEYOND ME.To all the newbies or anyone else looking at this....Type-o is not gothic.

Okay, but not great
I'm glad I bought this set. Two and half hours of "classic" music from 28 different artists. You can hardly complain at the price. I'll order the volume 2 set. But... But I was a little disappointed. I couldn't help feeling it's something you purchase for collection purposes, not something you buy to play over and over again (though I *have* played it over and over again). I understand this stuff has the potential to trigger a lot of memories for some, but if you don't have the memories...

As a whole, I found it a little ordinary, though I loved some of the tracks. The high point for me was the awe-inspiring live version of Bela Lugosi's Dead. And I thought Nick Cave, Alien Sex Fiend, and Type O Negative delivered. But the low point was Eternal Afflict's truly awful rendition of Paint It Black, an obscene desecration of the Rolling Stones' grave. And I felt like punching someone at the chorus of the X-mal Deutschland song: "Incubus succubus... succubus incubus... incubus succubus... succubus incubus".

It should be noted that this set was made in Germany, features a number of German groups, and presumably is directed at German tastes. This might have put me off a little. I think I have difficulty with the language barrier, or there's otherwise something about German culture that doesn't translate for me.

Anyway, if you outlay a measly $20, you'll definitely find tracks and parts of tracks that you like. And you'll get a fair cross-section of music. But don't buy this collection expecting to be wowed.

Fabulous Collection! A Real Treat!
What a great collection! I was unsure whether to purchase this CD as I typically find that I only like a few songs on CD collections. This one is really different. There are songs that everyone will know, as well as songs you may have heard a couple of times in clubs, but didn't really know who they were by. The recording quality is also very good. This collection would be a pleasure to listen to for anyone really, but old goths will really be transported to an earlier time and place. Ahh! The memories! How things have changed. All in all, I have to say a highly recommended purchase, besides you get two CDs for the price. What a deal! ... Read more

Amazon.com

"Unplugged" takes on new meaning for this Greenpeace fundraiser.The hook is that the 16 name-acts here--Midnight Oil, Sonic Youth, UB40 and P.M. Dawn included--were recorded live with a solar-powered mobile facility. Standout cuts from R.E.M. (a rock-steady, "Drive"), U2 ("Until the End of the World," live in San Diego), Annie Lennox (a lovely acoustic version of "Cold"), and Soundgarden with Brian May ("New Damage") make this a clear-cut winner. --Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Some mind-blowingly beautiful songs and some forgetable ones
James' "Ring the Bells" really is breathtaking. I'm a big fan of James, and "Ring the Bell" is my favourite song of thiers, and I cried the first time I heard this version. R.E.M.'s "Drive" is really great, too. U2 "Untill the end of the World", and Sonic Youth's "JC" are both okay, and the rest of the songs didn't really hit with me, but the CD is well worth $15 of whatever just for "Ring the Bells"

Some great songs and some ok ones.
The version of Ring the Bells by James is the most ass kicking song I have ever heard. The other songs are ok. ... Read more

Album Description

Compilation album from Long Beach Records:Featuring unreleased songs from Long Beach Shortbus, The Falling Idols, Scott Drake (Humpers), Secret Hate and more. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great album
I have had this in my car for the last two weeks, and don't feel like taking it out yet.

I bought it to hear the Shortbus songs, but it turned me on to some great live stuff from Secret Hate and the Falling Idols. Also the Mongrel songs and Leek and the Bouncing Uptones are awsome.

CD is worth it for the Shortbus songs alone. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A good sampler of the detroit scene
Being a White Stripes fan I had to seek out this album to get their previously unreleased track "Red Death at 6:14". Along the way I was introduced to a number of bands from detroit I would have not heard of otherwise. Standout bands on this compilation include The Dirtbombs, Ko and the Knockouts, The Soledad Brothers, The Von Bondies, and Whirlwind Heat.

And about the tracks that seem to "cut off" after 30 seconds, I have this album on vinyl (yes I have a record player) and the tracks are meant to be like that. I think of them as segues.

Detroit Rock
This CD has some excellent music -unfortunately the CD appears to have a production problem where track 2, 3 and 9 are cut short (after about 20 seconds). Amazon provided a replacment (really good service) but same problem. I also note that someone else mentioned this in another review. They thought it was by design - I don't think so but it might be.

However this issue aside, there does seem to be something in the Detroit scene. An interesting mix of rock, punk and blues - with some surprising edginess, drive, inventiveness and a good indie sound. White stripes are great but here are some some others. Perhaps without the technical greats of Jack White but nevertheless some real commitment to an individual sound and style. Its a good buy - even with the defect - sample a few of these bands. highly recommended.

Do yourself a favor
Pick this disc up. If you like gutsy, impassioned updated garage-rock, you'll love the bulk of this. Take the plunge and enjoy!

could be better
If you are like me, than you really like the white stripes. When searching for material which reflected the vibe created by the white stripes, I came across this album. This album came highly recommend by other people who had already reviewed it. When I finally got it, I was a little disappointed. Many of the songs on the album are only 30 sec long, so this album has an unfinished quality to it. It was nice though to listen to other bands from the Detroit area.

A great primer on the new Detroit sound.
This collection was put together by Jack White of White Stripes fame. Many of the best Detroit bands are here including, of course, White Stripes as well as Detroit Cobras, Von Bondies, Dirtbombs, Ko And The Knockouts, and the Come Ons. Some tracks are different versions of songs that appear on albums. Also there are some non-album tracks. Some "blues" tracks appear to be snippets of longer tracks and give a good feel of what's out there. This is a compilation that fits nicely together and is well worth the price. ... Read more

Album Description

The followup to the highly successful 'Punk Sucks' comp. 30 tracks, many of them unreleased or hard to find from premierska bands, including Dance Hall Crashers, Less Than Jake, Let's Go Bowling, Pietasters, Mephiskapheles, Hepcats, Home Grown, MU330, Against All Authority, Mustard Plug, Ocean 11,Slapstick, The Hippos, Millencolin, Link 80 and Limp. 1998 Liberation Records release. Digipak. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

THIS IS SKA AT ITS BEST
This compilation is ska at its best. It has a huge variety of ska; from punk influenced(MU330) to traditional(Hepcat), along with bands in between.This is a truly amazin CD...go out and buy it.

Ska Sucks- An Instant Skankin Classic
With about as vast a variety you can get, this cd covers all forms of ska, tinging on punk, reggae and rock. Some of my favorite tracks are the Dance Hall Crashers, Pietaster's with their classic drinking song, Less than Jake with and awesome remake of an annoying grease song, and the great song "Dream Girl" by Jeffries Fan Club, though unheard of to me, I loved this song the first time with it's original lyrics and extremely talented musicians. This cd is the best, buy it.

Good album
This is a really good album, one of the best compilations I own. Almost all the songs on the cd are great.. Some of the best ska bands are on here!!

One of the best
I have to give this one a four because I feel that the songs in the middle of the disc kind of drag, and are not the best choices, but the first 10 and the last 6 or so are some of the best punk/ska songs I've heard. They have assembled recordings from some of the best small name bands, and gotten a few real small bands best recordings. This is a disc I think all ska fans will enjoy, since there is a wide variety of styles represented, some more than others. I recommend this cd to all fans of ska music.

an all around great cd
this cd is awesome. everysong on it gets you in the mood to skank the night away. the ltj remix of we go together sounds totally cool. props to them for taking a generic 50's song and making it into their own thing. everything else sounds good too. im just getting into third wave ska and this cd rox my world. a must buy for skankers and rudies. ... Read more