Album Description

Long Beach Records compilation featuring Long Beach Shortbus and the Falling Idols.All unreleased songs. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great New Music from the LBC and Beyond
Great album for the car. An hour of new music from around the world. Leek and the Bouncing Uptones from South Africa starts the CD out with new great songs and some terrific horn work. Souldier of Fortune debuts next with a couple of songs that sound alot like the Long Beach Dub Allstars. Speaking of which the next two songs are from Long Beach Shortbus themselves. Three and a Quarter from Portugal are 4th up. 3 1/4 sounds like Secret Hate and Sublime put together. Great stuff. Mongrel from Germany has 3 new songs, which have a bit of a Pennywise influence, but don't get me wrong they are diffenently an original act. The Dutch band Walrus has a couple of rocking tunes, followed by Long Beach Corn Dog laying down some cool surf covers. The last song is a Live Falling Idols song, with local rock-star Ken Rocker sharing the lead vocals.

A must have for LB Shortbus fans, and anyone else who likes good music. ... Read more

Album Description

Features tracks by Pinkerton Thugs, Dropkick Murphy's, U.S. Chaos, Man's Ruin, Ducky Boys, Working Stiffs and more. 28tracks. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Oi for the masses
If you've heard any of these bands you know what to expect. Honest to goodness American Oi! for the masses. Can't beat this for 7 bucks. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

worth it for one cd worht of material....
Lots of filler on this one. Alot of the bands here are just victims of being too sloppy or not being able to afford decent recording-or maybe both. There are some standout tracks though. Royal Court Of China do a great job (great rock n roll band btw) as well as the Flaming Lips and Dramarama (leave it up to them to cover such an obscure track). My favorite by far is The Rubber City Rebels version of Caught In A Dream. Not only is this a very underated A.C. track (written by Michael Bruce)but the rebels happen to be a great band too (They released one major label album back in 1980-which was so good it was ridiculous). If it wasnt for this tribute album I would have figured the Rebels had long ago broken up. Anyone know what these guys are doing now?

half & half
First of all, diehard alice cooper fanatics will have some problems digesting this album. Fans of alterna-punk-noise pop will think the sun shines out of this album. The performances range from humorous to downright horrible. Flaming lips easily steal the show with a drugged out version of sun arise but as far as i'm concerned, that's really the only cool thing on the disc! to be perfectly frank, this disc was a unnecessary attempt at making money! So please don't waste your money!

For the serious Alice Cooper fan only.
The really good thing about this disc is the selection of songs covered. It could have been limited to his "hits", but these bands pulled out a few of the more obscure titles. The performance of the songs are another matter. While some of the covers are actually pretty cool, others seemed like they were not taking them seriously. I did not know any of the bands doing this cd so I wasn't sure what to expect. Most of the music is kind of heavy in a post punk sense. An interesting addition for the serious Alice Cooper collector only. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

You see, Back in the day.........
Back in the day, hip hop was flourishing and that was undeniable. That time brought out some awesome songs.....all of which are faithfully redone here on this cd. Every track is tight especially "express yourself" and "baby got back". Most of the bands on this cd you may have never heard of, but dont let that keep you from buying this. It is an awesome cd! It was hard to find out where i live, then again i live in ALABAMA! If u have trouble finding it ask the people in the cd store, they will know where to find it. Anyways, this cd is the best Hardcore collection i have ever heard.....Dont delay, buy it today, you wont be disapointed....i promise.

This CD kicks!
This CD is an awesome combination of old school rap and hardcore punk rock. Every track is awesome. You already know all the words since it's from back in the day...so it's fun to listen to all the time. I suggest to anyone that likes old school or punk to get this CD! It's awesome! ... Read more

Album Description

This album is a tribute to the songs that John Fogerty wrote while he was in Creedence Clearwater Revival. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Mellow alt-country tribute to John Fogerty
John Fogerty was famous for his high-energy, up-tempo performances but on this album, the songs are often taken at a slower tempo, interpreted differently. Never is this more striking than on Bad moon rising (the Mary Janes), dramatically different from CCR but very effective. So if you were hoping for an album of faithful covers, you'll be disappointed. I can already hear the cries of "Sacrilege!" but I'm glad the artists here have done it their way - this helps to put a different perspective on the songs, adding to their enjoyment. Although generally a mellow album, the tempo picks up occasionally, as on Don't look now (Ray Mason Band).

As with nearly all tribute albums, this contains a lot of famous tracks but omits a few while including some obscure songs. On this collection of songs from his time with Creedence Clearwater Revival, the most obvious omissions are Proud Mary, Down on the corner, Fortunate son and Green river. Of course, Susie Q is not here because the CCR version was a cover, not a John Fogerty original, so it doesn't qualify. The obscure (to most people) songs included are Wrote a song for everyone, Don't look now, It's just a thought, Fight fire (this dates from the time when CCR were known as the Golliwogs) and Penthouse pauper. The other songs here are all covers of CCR classics.

My knowledge of the alt-country scene is limited but I like what I've heard and some day hope that I can explore it in greater depth. Meanwhile, I certainly recognized the name of John Jorgenson (Looking out my back door), who has been around a long time, notably in the Desert Rose Band led by Chris Hillman. I also recognized The Good Sons (Someday never comes), led by Michael Weston King, but the other names are completely new to me. Four of the acts feature female lead vocalists - Meredith Ochs and the Damn Lovelys (Hey tonight), Calico Band (Lodi), the Weisstronauts (Born on the bayou) and the Mary Janes (Bad moon rising) - with the remainder featuring male lead vocalists.

If you enjoy the music of CCR and wonder how the songs might sound done at a slower tempo, you can find out by listing to this fascinating album.

FUN with FOGERTY!
John Fogerty's CCR songs (let's face it, would there have BEEN a CCR without him?) are classic and timeless, and I wonder if ANYONE could do wrong by them (Tina Turner notwithstanding). CHOOGLIN' presents 17 "alternate-country" bands giving their best shot at celebrating some of his best-- and a few obscure ones as well.

Ray Mason Band's "Don't Look Now" reminds me of the sound of Doug Clifford's songs from MARDI GRAS (a CCR-that-might-have-been, had Fogerty not burnt himself out too soon and quit). Melinda McPeek's vocals on Calico Band's "Lodi" remind me a bit of Bonnie Tyler (who covered "Have You Ever Seen The Rain?" on her FASTER THAN THE SPEED OF NIGHT album). John Jorgenson's "Lookin' Out My Back Door", one of CCR's most laid-back-but-upbeat "fun" songs, sounds even more countrified (or just plain "hillbilly") with the emphasis on banjo & fiddle. The Weisstronauts-- that very unusual alt-country-SURF band (that means instros!) do an ALMOST-instro cover of "Born On The Bayou". Cool-- though NOTHING can beat Dash Rip Rock's cover (see DRR's GOLD RECORD).

The real surprises on this are Scott McKnight's "It's Just A Thought" (from PENDULUM), Star City's "Penthouse Pauper" (from BAYOU COUNTRY) and Backpack's "Fight Fire" (okay-- WHERE have I heard this song before???). These are not generally on any "best of Fogerty" list that comes to mind, and nice to see someone give them a spin.

A few of these are too down-tempo for me, but it just reminds me of why I love the CD format so much. For more in this vein, check out PAPA NEZ (Mike Nesmith tribute), Star City's debut album, The Weisstronauts' FEATURING JAUNTY and AMERICANA MOTEL (which features my favorite Scott McKnight vocal, on "Don't Take Advice").

Wow!!
It's been quite a while since I have listened to CCR and John Fogerty. Discovering this cd was like revisiting with an old friend that has been given a new lease on life. Even though it is a tribute album with various artists performing these songs, it is such a refreshing listen. The songs are wonderful, some familiar to me, and some not so familiar, and the artists and the arrangements are absolutely fabulous. I highly recommend this cd to any CCR or Fogerty fan. You will not be disappointed. Each and every song is excellently done. Bravo!!

sure to please any CCR fan
This album contains some truly wonderful interpretations of the songs John Fogerty wrote while he was in Creedence Clearwater Revival. Some other tribute albums I have bought have artists who sound absolutely nothing like the person they are tributing. This album has songs that sound different, but not too different than the originals. You can tell that all the artists on this album are influenced in some way by the CCR sound.

Calling All John Fogerty Fans....
I highly recommend giving this eclectic tribute album a listen. The record's 17 tracks seem to mingle just the right amount of nostalgia with individual artistic expression and innovation. Chooglin': A tribute to the songs of John Fogerty, serves as an excellent example of how great song writing can transcend both time and musical genres.

Highlights on the album (in my opinion) include Frog Holler's rendition of "Have You Ever Seen The Rain?", The Gingersols performing "Up Around The Bend", Bellwether with "Long As I Can See The Light", and Meredith Ochs & The Damn Lovely's interpretation of "Hey Tonight". ... Read more

Reviews (3)

THE BEST OF THE BEST
SIMPLE THE BEST OF THE BEST IN NEW YORK HARDCORE. THE DOWN LOW IS THE MOST AMUSING BAND I'VE EVER HEARD.

BEST COMPILATION EVER
THIS RECORD IS SIMPLY THE BEST ALL THE CLASSIC NYC HARDCORE BANDS. DOWN LOW"S "SLOSH VICTIM" IS DEFINATLY A STAND OUT TRACK.
HIGHLY RECOMENDED.

classic punk!
Classic punk rock and gets your blood pumping. I give it my famous 5 star award. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Independence Day composer has gathered a batch of marquee singers--Chrissie Hynde, Pulp's Jarvis Cocker, and Iggy Pop included--to salute the Bond mystique. These songs are imbedded in the collective unconscious, and the over-the-top arrangements on the Aimee Mann-sung "Nobody Does It Better" and Martin Fry's "Thunderball" are a treat. Better yet are the electronic, club-ready tracks by Leftfield and Propellerheads (doing "On Her Majesty's Secret Service").--Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Reviews (11)

David Arnold does it again.
I'm a big James Bond fan, and i have a very big collection of James Bond music. This cd is definetly good for any James Bond collection, or just to listen to. David Arnold does a great job with the songs. OHMSS is definatley the best song on it. Nobody does it better is ok. I did excpect more from it. All time high was one of my favorites, and on this cd it is one of the best. Live and Let Die, Diamonds are forever, and We have all the time in the world are also very good. The James Bond Theme was ok. It really didn't have much of the theme as OHMSS did. I hope you enjoy this cd as much as i have!

Sometimes Shaken...Often Just Stirred
I think this is a great album, but have to admit that, for the most part, Arnold doesn't do anything too radical with these classic James Bond themes. Instead, most of the album (7 of the 11 songs) is pretty traditional, molding original compositions to contemporary electronic styles without any particularly ingenious interpretation in the vocals.

Songs like David McAlmont's "Diamonds Are Forever," Shara Nelson's "Moonraker," Martin Fry's "Thunderball," and Iggy Pop's "We Have All the Time in the World" seemed pretty much as they did back in the seventies and eighties with Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, and Louis Armstrong singing them. Others, like Aimee Mann's "Nobody Does It Better" (one of my favorite Bond themes), and Natacha Atlas' "From Russia With Love" actually seem a little weak and seem to *lose* something in their new skins.

On the other hand, Chrissie Hynde seems to breathe a little (but not too much) new energy into the now oft-played "Live and Let Die" and Pulp does a nice-sounding rendition of "All Time High" that's a lot less fluffy sounding than the original.

What I *can* credit Arnold with is collecting some great instrumental interpretations of traditional Bond themes. Leftfield does a great play on "Space March," LTJ Bukem does a smooth (if a little monotonous) version of "The James Bond Theme," and the Propellorheads spin an awesome take on "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" (which includes a short bit of "Space March" in it). If you're a Bond music enthusiast at all, you'd buy it just for these three awesome tracks, which are a perfect blend of 60s pop bases with millenium-era electronic and hip hop sensibilities.

Regardless of the few somewhat lame songs, this is definitely worth your time for the three instrumentals, if nothing else. Arnold has done a great job composing for the last two Bond flicks and this shows his talent and enthusiasm for the project before it began.

is there a 0 - star for rating?
I bought this not having listened to any tracks at all, but had read that some of the tracks were great (especially the Propellorheads's one)

My goodness...this disk has, after a couple of listens, entered my never-to-be-played category!

Most of the covers are horrid. Nobody Does It Better was good, except for the LP-like scratching that is clear at the beginning (at least on my disk which is not actually scratched!)

The James Bond Theme is worse than execrable. Bears almost no resemblance to the fantastic original!

The only track that's okay is Iggy Pop's 'All the time in world' mainly coz it doesn't try to be too different to the original.

All in all, I can't believe anyone released this (let alone the composer of the recent Bond movies). What a disgrace to the original music of the great John Barry and Monty Norman.

I'm a huge fan of Bond movies, especially their music (apart from the last few films). I enjoy remixes and some techno style music as well, but this album is awful. The listenable tracks are the ones closest to the original (except for reversing the gender of the singer!).

Wait for the inevitable SACD and/or DVD-Audio version
If any CD cried out to be released in high-res audio, it's this one. You may have heard a couple of these songs on the Propellerhead's CD (History Repeating) or on the radio. But this is the type of complex electronic music just tailor-made for SACD or DVD-Audio, which despite the failure of the music industry to promote properly, sounds amazing. Wait and see. They'll put this one out again. It's guaranteed $$.

good to the end
the songs where done good and thunderball was cool and live and let die was more punk. russia with love was like you were in a russian night club very low key. iggy good job on we have all the time in the world on secret service was like going to a rocky nightclub the same for the bond theme. moonraker was a good slow start but good into the tune we love. nobody dose it better was diffrent. ... Read more

Album Description

The underground cult classic 1984 ROIR cassette on CD! 27 bands! 25 countries! Produced by Mykel Board for Seidboard World Enterprises with the help of Flipside, Maximum Rock N' Roll and Truly Needy Magazine. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A MUST !!
A really good combilation. A lot of brilliant punk bands from around the world. Givs a good look at the world sceen of punk rock in 1984. I`m really proud to be a part of it. But it would have been nice if the record company have told us of the CD release, and send us a free copy!! But now i can onley say: DO LIKE ME, BUY YOU`R COPY HERE!!!

Ratos de Por?o is the best!
Fast, hardcore, funny, cynical... It's ratos de por?o! Very good album...It's a must have! ... Read more

Album Description

Cover versions of the very best by the finest punk group to ever have emerged out of Minneapolis by some of the best '80s & '90s indie rock groups, including Big Drill Car, Sick Of It All, Terry Hoax and Alloy. Includes interpretations of 'Dead Set On Destruction', 'In A Free Land', 'Tell You Why Tomorrow', 'Too Far Down', 'I Apologize', 'Something I Learned Today' and 'New Day Rising'. The full title is 'Case Closed? An International Compilation Of Husker Du Cover Songs'. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A worthy tribute
This CD is a must for the collections of Hüsker Dü fans everywhere. The bands on this compilation do a great job of adding their own talent to some of Mould, Hart and Norton's greatest songs. From Motorpsycho's hardcore head-banger cover of "New Day Rising" and Engrained's grungy "I'll Never Forget You", to the laid back, 'unplugged' "Hardly Getting Over It" by Baysix, Hüsker Dü's broad musical spectrum is well represented in this eclectic collection.

A lot of the punk and alternative music during the 80's and 90's intrinsically reflected Hüsker Dü's influence of intensity. Case Closed? is a fitting indie tribute to one of the great punk/alternative rock bands of all time. ... Read more

Album Description

If the term “enigma” were ever to be used to describe a band, that band would be New Order. Rising from the ashes and terrible circumstances which dismantled the acclaimed, cult phenomenon, Joy Division in 1980, New Order became a legend. Members Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, Gillian Gilbert and Stephen Morris single-handedly transcended all the misnomers associated with the post-punk movement of the early 80’s and created a wickedly clever hybrid of sound, vision and idealism. Or, to put more plainly and succinctly, a beautiful marriage of modern gloom rock with a synthesizer mentality which has since never been replicated as effectively.All at once, their music and lyrics could send the spirit soaring with gleeful abandonment or suck you into a depressive, loathing state of being.

However one decides to interpret the band, nothing can take away from the massive amount of adoration enjoyed both in their home of Great Britain and all over the world. To this day, dance floor staples like “Bizarre Love Triangle,” “Blue Monday,” “True Faith,” and “Perfect Kiss” still get continuous spins in clubs and critical favorites like “1963,” “Temptation,” and “Shellshock” still get their share of airtime on flashback radio shows (sort of what we’d refer to as the ‘golden oldies’ of our generation.) After experimenting with their various side-projects over the years (Electronic, Revenge, The Other Two) with varying degrees of success, the band reformed recently and released their first album of original material in over 8 years.But never before has the European and U.S. modern synthpop scenes paid homage to one of their primary inspirations. We specifically chose artists whom we felt had the tenacity and talent to contribute a unique interpretation while respecting the original’s integrity. Many of these bands will be recognized by other Synthphony Records’ releases such as Shades Of Grey, Dark Distant Spaces, Persona and Intact, while others are our special guest newcomers: Wave In Head, Seabound, D’Woolve, Paradoxx, Hungry Lucy, Equatronic and Provision. Still, there are some veterans who were enthusiastically committed to the project like “Celebrate The None,” “Invisible Limits,” “Atlantic Popes (Alphaville),” and “Days Of Fate.” As always, support the ban! ds who brought you this fantastic collection; their music keeps the disco soul of New Order alive for our future. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

excellent!
This CD is awesome. New Order has been a favorite band of mine since before 1985, and I've never stopped enjoying them. I was curious about the covers but couldn't have anticipated I would enjoy them so much. Some takes I even like better for now - e.g. Confusion, a song I love, done in a new way. The artists on this collection are true enough to the originals for a die hard fan to appreciate, but unique enough to give a second life to still great songs. Recommended across the board. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A Cambridge, Massachusetts, studio that has hosted a parade of emerging alt rock stars from the eastern seaboard since 1986, Fort Apache has now spun off its own label. The first signing, a tunefully dissonant band called Cold Water Flat, measures up well on this handsomely packaged sampler of the name acts--Dinosaur Jr., The Lemonheads, Come, Juliana Hatfield, Belly and Buffalo Tom included--whorecorded chez Apache over the years. A better primer on contemporary American rock would be hard to find.--Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Reviews (2)

good stuff!
Love it, despite the pompous art-rock of Throwing Muses, the one blemish on this album. It's like a snapshot of the Boston rock scene in the early 90's, highlighting some of the better songs penned by Mark Sandman of Morphine, Lou Barlow of Sebadoh and the Folk Implosion, Tanya Donnelly, Radiohead, and Cold Water Flat. If you can find a copy, get it.

You must find a copy of this CD and BUY IT!!!
I have had this CD for 6 years now, and I never get tired of hearing it! This is one of the best compilations of true 'alternative' rock that I have heard in a long time. At least take a listen, I promise you won't be dissapointed! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

#1 Comp of All-Time
This compilation is by far the greatest compilation ever put together. Farside's Moral Straightjacket was just released on Monroe Doctrine but until MD, the only place to find this amazing song was on this comp. Sense Field's Shady Day is a great song from a great band, Quicksand is incredible, the Civ song is a classic, plus Chamberlin's best song as well as songs by Lifetime and Snapcase. If there is one comp that is a must have for any punk collection, this is it. Incredible. ... Read more

Album Description

This low-priced Vagrant Records sampler features 22 tracksof exclusive & unreleased music from Saves The Day, Face To Face, Alkaline Trio, No Motiv, Hey Mercedes, DashboardConfessional & more. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great Mix of Talent
Vagrant has done it again, mixing a great lineup of songs into a cheap comp. Highlights include songs by Hot Rod Circuit, Saves the Day, Audio Learning Center, Dashboard Confessional, Hey Mercedes, The Anniversary, and a song that I actually like by Alkaline Trio. I'd have given this cd 5 stars, but the songs by the Get Up Kids and No Motiv, two band I like, weren't exactly the greatest. Also, A song by Reggie and the Full Effect would've been nice. And Vagrant's lineup still includes Face to Face, so that automatically means that at least one bad song is on this comp. I do recommend you buy this however, because it's cheap, good, and we all have a skip button for when those face to face songs sneak up on us.

heh
It's a shame most of these bands aren't good anymore. At least No Motiv, the Anniversary and the Alkaline Trio hold it down. Otherwise, Saves the Day is mediocre like they've been recently, Dashboard Confessional is, well, words I can't use here, the Hot Rod songs aren't their best, Hey Mercedes is a sad, sad devolution of Braid, and things like Audio Learning Center and Viva Death are just embarassing. Oh yeah, one last question, what exactly is the word "hardercore" referring to? Just a simple thought.....

Great, Great Compilation
This CD is just so great. I picked it up for the Saves the Day B-Side "Ups and Downs" (which is the best song on the cd and is worth the 5-10 bucks you'll spend). I was pretty familiar with some of the other bands, but some I had never heard. Every band is represented with a strong track (or two). The music ranges from soft emo, to almost punk, and everything in between. I don't like to "classify" music, but this is some great emo. This Cd is a super way for people to explore more and hear some different bands. Vagrant is a great label, and this is a great comp. A..., must buy for all music fans.

Sweet CD
This cd is one of the best present emo compilations. It has everthing from the hardercore emo to the more mainstream emo such as Saves the Day and Get Up Kids. Some of my favorites on this record are "Hands Down" by Dashboard Confessional, "nightengale" by saves the day...and tons more. I would have paid 25 bucks for this thing. but i got it for 5. If you are even reading this review, i recommend purchasing this cd

Great Bands! Great Buy!
For [the price], this is a great CD to add to your emo collection. I probably would've paid a full $15 for this great compilation. Luckily, Vagrant realizes that it's better the get the word out about their bands then to rip off everyone with insane prices. If you know one of these bands, more than likely you know about the rest of them. Saves the Day always puts out quality songs. Dashboard Confessional's contributions are classics. One from the latest album and another from the latest EP (Hands Down). The only bands on this CD that I've never heard of before Viva Death and Rocket from the Crypt. Still...all great music if you like Emo/Punk. And for [the price]? You'd be stupid NOT to buy it! Get one now! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Understand from the get-go that label retrospectives are spotty affairs. Rare is the label that's free of stiffs, and Stiff Records' raison d'état was to serve as a refuge for castoffs, including a fair share of flaccid acts. The off-center likes of Nick Lowe (having recently fleed the misbegotten Brinsley Schwarz), Ian Dury, Wreckless Eric, Larry Wallis, and a very young Elvis Costello found a home with Stiff in the '70s. It wasn't a punk label, though it boasted the Damned; it wasn't a ska imprint, though Madness and Desmond Dekker recorded for the company; it wasn't a power-pop or pub-rock haven, though a number of Stiff's leading lights (Dury, Lowe, Costello, Dr. Feelgood, Dave Edmunds) fell into those categories. And it wasn't terribly long-lived. This imaginatively designed four-disc overview definitely loses momentum toward the end, but there's a humble enchantment to an overwhelming percentage of tracks here from label mainstays, the semiacclaimed (Devo, Graham Parker, Lene Lovich, the Pogues), and uncelebrated (Mickey Jupp, Mick Farren, Jona Lewie). -- Steven Stolder ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Action Packed
Stiff is one of those wacky labels that always seemed to sneak by just under the pop radar.

I received this set as a gift a few years ago, and couldn't be happier about it. This collection is so full of unknown bits of whimsy and little-known cuts by more popular artist that it starts to become more of a treasure chest than a "best of."

Ian Drury of "Sex and Drugs and Rock & Roll" fame appears as vocals on several other cuts including "Kitchen at Parties." This collection is full of simmilar fun little nuggets.

So much of the "alternative" music scene that was largely contained by British borders seems to be archived here, and it's fun to tap into it. Americans (such as myself) who always thought that the band Madness was largely a one hit wonder will be surprised by the spastic "Baggy Trousers," a song I enjoyed so much I have purchased several Madness CDs since hearing it.

While Elvis Costello originally got his start on Stiff, he has only one song here - probably a god thing, as we all have a good idea what he sounds like - leaving more room for the lesser known artists of Stiff.

There is a charming wackiness to this collection and to the whole Stiff attitude. This is a great collection for exploring what the Brits were doing while we tollerated Dexy's Midnight Runners.

Oh! Special bonus: There is a fabulous (FABULOUS) cut of Desmond Dekker's "Isrealites" on disc three. This along merits purchasing this set.

Instantly enjoyable.
Strange...I remember trying to search for this boxed set earlier in the year and coming up with nil for my efforts. Then, after accidentally finding it in a New York record store and acquiring it right away, I find it on here. Must be my mind playing tricks on me.

In any case, I'm not old enough to have lived through the era from which these songs sprung, but the appeal of the music easily traverses the generation gap. I haven't even yet explored all of this set and it's already been some of the most fun listening experiences I've had while listening to "older music": Elvis Costello, The Belle Stars, Nick Lowe, Kirsty MacColl...and personal favourite, spunky popster Rachel Sweet. Vivacious and highly entertaining. My only complaint is that the liner notes are somewhat flimsy. Though full of the kind of tongue-in-cheek humour that, apparently, Stiff Records was famous for, the result of the non-journalistic approach is that there's very little real information on the music, the history, the label, and the context, hidden by the cheeky writing and witticisms. I for one would've liked some more detached, professional journalism to inform me of the significance of this music such as in that Amplifier article I had read (which led me to look for this boxed set in the first place). So on the packaging front, much is left to be desired. But the music is uniquely appealing, a world of its own.

best of my life
I was in my teens when this kind of music was played on the radio , I lived in ex Yugoslavia and I was reading a lot about the new wave and all those stuff i England. I loved those groups but I never actually had a chance to listen all those recors ( I Lived in ex Yugoslavia for Gud`s sake ) , now I lived in Sweden and have money to buy records but I am not 13 , 14 , 15 years old anymore and the music doesn`t mean EVERYTHING to me. This box remaind me what music can do with your life and how it is to be 17 again . By this one , no metter how old you are , this is history. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

the golden age of rock
This is an excellent compilation. Tracks from the usual suspects like Wire, Sex Pistols, Buzzcocks, and X-Ray Spex are supplemented by excellent tracks I had not heard by the likes of The Adverts and The Saints, plus others.

The energy, freshness, and vitality of the music really comes through this mix.

I wish they could have included The Clash in this compilation... it seems like they very much belonged but could not be included for legal reasons.

I had preferred the work of New York punksters from the same era, i.e. Talking Heads, Television, Richard Hell and the Voidoids, etc. But this compilation has turned me on to some other bands from the U.K.; I just might end up liking the British Punk better.

ken32 ... Read more

Album Description

Nitro Records have put together the punkest of allcompilations. Tracks: 'Guttermouth-Gods Kingdom,' 'TheVandals-Marry Me,' 'A.F.I.-He Who Laughs Last,' 'Jughead'sRevenge-Tearing Down The World,' 'The Offspring-Hey Joe,''The Vandals-Let The Bad Times Roll,' 'Jughead'sRevenge-People's Pal,' 'Guttermouth-Derek,' 'A.F.I.-Wake Up Call,' 'The Offspring-Beheaded'. Available at the low 'punk price' of 2.99! BIY - Buy it yourself! ... Read more

Reviews (18)

10 great punk songs in a row!
The CD has 10 great punk rock songs on it. There is an Offspring song on it that has never been released prior to the CD. It's great!

Some Good Songs
This CD is a good value considering it only costs a couple bucks, but for the price of a normal CD or even 7 or 8 bucks it wouldn't be. All of the songs are decent. AFI's "He Who Laughs Last" is the best song on the CD, and a great song at that. But the quality of the next best song is far below that of "He Who Laughs Last." More bands and maybe 15-20 songs instead of 10 could also improve this CD. The Offspring's previously unrealeased "Hey Joe" is another reason to buy this CD since it isn't on any of their other Cd's, but it isn't a great song or anything. Much like the majority of the songs, it is "Pretty Good" at best.

go ahead punk...make my day
you need to add band name!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

not worth the 5 bucks
I'm a fan of all the bands on this compilation, but I still didn't like it. I think Nitro must have gone on a hunt for the worst songs by each band. I hoped that the cd would grow on me, but it didn't. Its just bad.

Try one of the punk-o-ramas or fat compilations instead. More songs for the same price, a lot of the same bands and more, with much better songs!

save your money
for the 4 bucks you could spend on these 10 songs, buy a punk-o-rama cd with twice as many songs by good bands. the offspring cover of "hey joe" is worthless. don't buy this cd unless you've got the money to burn. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Better than #1
1. Conditional - Living Sacrifice 5/5
2. Trashcanhands (Keyboard Cowards - ZAO 5/5
3. Ember - Extol 5/5
4. Through My Actions - Stretch Armstrong 5/5
5. One Less Addiction - Embodyment 4/5
6. King of the Closet - Blindside 5/5
7. Monarch - Society's Finest 5/5
8. Tennessee Midget - Training for Utopia 5/5
9. Blacksmith - Norma Jean/Lutikriss 4/5
10. Coat of Arms - Lengsel 5/5
11. Motivation Song - Selfmindead 5/5
12. Nothing More, Nothing Less - Born Blind 4/5
13. 3rd Root - Wah Wah 2/5
14. Council of Perfection - Strongarm 5/5
15. Two Forty Eight Lie - Spitfire 5/5
16. When I Die - Focal Point 3/5
Love it. Buy it. Great variety of Death/BlackMetal, Hardcore, rapcore, and Metalcore.

An Awesome Variety
I've never been much for CD's with a ton of different artists on them, but this is definitely an exception. Every single song on this CD is great! Plus, there are 16 songs, which beats the length of a typical album. Solid State is an excellent recording label, with some really talented bands, and this CD is a superb display of that talent. All the songs are nice and different, which helps keep you from getting bored listening to it. I highly recommend this CD to anyone who likes metal/hardcore music! ... Read more

Amazon.com

If the notion of indie intelligentsia expounding en français doesn't prompt your gag response, you'll find Pop Romantique a tasty fluff piece. Tunes with true French flavor work best: each note of "L'anamour," written by 1960s icon Serge Gainsbourg (who's covered four times here), is delivered with a no-tongue kiss from Ivy's front-femme, Dominique Durand; meanwhile, Air's delicate guitar suits famed countrywoman and guest vocalist Françoise Hardy--her tones are languid, luxe, and spent as vintage silk. Several unamphibian activities sound swell: Apples in Stereo apply their tweaked, fuzzy signature; Godzuki burble dark as a champagne-absinthe cocktail; and Luna seem positively jaunty. As for faux pas, John Wesley Harding's heart's in the right place (oozing appropriate melancholy, his outro a series of sighs), but he struggles with the accent, as does Lloyd Cole, who has the gall to go Gaul with Bob Dylan. In sum: a pleasant Valentine's spin for kitschy couples.--Nina Malkin ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great Selection of Indie-Pop Band Covering French Classics
Like Pop American Style, this compilation is a theme comp drawing from a broad roster of indie-pop bands, plus it includes the vocals of ye-ye pop legend Françoise Hardy on one of the tracks. What is great is the same hand (Skippy McFadden) that picked the songs for the Pop American Style comp also picked the songs for this CD.

Some of my favorites are Ivy doing "L'anamour," (previously performed by Françoise Hardy) Heavenly doing the "Nous ne sommes pas des anges" (previously performed by France Gall) and the Apples in Stereo doing "Avril en Mai." I'm not sure what "Zoom!" is doing on this comp, as it seems out of place. The theme is centered around 1960's French Pop, or Ye-ye as it is called. If you like Françoise Hardy, France Gall, Serge Gainsbourg, and 60's French Pop, you'll like this album.

QUELLE SURPRISE!
When you can have John Wesley Harding sing Serge Gainsbourg's "Je Suis Venu Te Dire Que Je M'En Vais" why do you need anything else? Okay, JW Harding's version is still not Gainsbourg's (which cannot be imitated or surpassed). But this clever arrangement of songs by contemporary artists performing French pop standards is a classic in itself. Air (French band) team with classic French pop star Francoise Hardy to provide a lovely version of "Jeanne". Probably my favourite track here, apart from John Wesley Harding, is Ivy's rendition of "L'anamour". One of my favourite songs anyhow, and Ivy has a very pleasant sound. There were other surprises... like Luna, Magnetic Fields, and other things. I think, if you enjoy, French pop-or any of the bands on the album-this is a must have. An updated, modern version (tribute, even) to the standards of French romantic pop. It was a great treat for me, at least.

promising but uneven collection of a neglected genre
Good idea, especially with Air-Francoise Hardy, Luna, Ivy, the Hang-ups and Godzuki. But I would have liked to have seen April March or Stereolab in here in place of Kevin Ayers, though his track grows on you. FYI: To all the critics of Lloyd Cole who call him gauche for translating Dylan's "If You Got To Go" into French, it's not his fault! Blame Fairport Convention, who did "Si Tu Dois Partir" on their 1968 album "Unhalfbricking." So Cole's actually covering Fairport Convention covering Bob Dylan.

BRAVO DOMINIQUE DURAND
THE SYNERGY OF COMBINING THE VOICES OF IVY AND FRANCOISE HARDY IS A REFRESHING REINTERPRETATION OF CLASSIC FRENCH SONG. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A great look at Industrial
It's suprising to see K-Tel still in exhistence, and even more surprising to see an Industrial Compilation from them.. What's even more surprising is the fact that it's a great compilation. It covers almost the entire span including the rawer stuff from the early 80's (Einsturzende, Chrome, Throbbing Gristle) all the way up to the later 21st Century stuff (Apoptygma) Anyone who has been interested in Industrial has eventually gone out and looked for every band on this list. Here's an Industrial comp that represents the music and not a particular label. I would definitely recommend this to the younger tribe just starting out, or the older tribe looking for a quick nastalgia fix.

Industrial: 101
In the booklet of this compilation, it clearly states that "this album is not a best of..., nor a collection. No such thing could ever be captured on one album." That statement is pretty much and lives up too it. This album is mainly a pre-history look back on the industrial genre. But this album does have some good tracks by some bands that we might know (that's if you know your industrial) such bands like KMFDM, Leather Strip, Ministry and My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult. The other bands on this album i have never heard of before, and they don't sound that bad. But 3 tracks on here just don't cut it like "Firebomb" By Chrome (1996) is just really lame, "United" By Throbbing Gristle (1990) is another lame one and "Vanadium-I Ching" By Einsturzende Neubaten (1991) is just AWFUL!. This CD is cool for any Goth or Industrial heads alive. You be the judge. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Maybe Graham Parker doesn't appeal to the masses, but he does appeal to a number of musicians who admire his unfaltering combination of roots, craft and anger. 20 such acts, almost all of them from the New York-New Jersey club scene, pay tribute to the misanthrope here. The biggest names involved are the Health and Happiness Show, the Figgs, Frank Black of the Pixies and Pat DiNizio of the Smithereens, but everyone involved has the good sense to neither slavishly copy the originals nor to arrogantly betray the initial intent. Highlights include Bill Kelly's Tom Petty-ish version of "Pourin' It All Out" and Richard Lloyd's guitar work on "Stupefaction." --Geoffrey Himes ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Not up to Par(ker)
I was very disappointed in this disk. Graham has been a favorite of mine since 1977, and he would be a great artist to cover. But MOST of these cuts are water-down, uninspired drivel. I'd never heard of most of the bands, and won't buy them if I do

Not normally my favorite music but.......
I bought this album for one reason and one reason only ---- I'm a Jack Tannehill Fan and Jack sings one of the songs on the album. However, I enjoyed a number of tracks from local bands and singers popular to the NorthWest New Jersey Music scene. If you like Graham Parker you may or may not like these renditions of his songs. It really depends on if you like the way Graham sings them or you like the songs. If it's the latter then you are more apt to enjoy these versions of which some are not much different than how Graham would do them but others are quite different. Jack offers the most different and refreshing rendition with the song he does --- My opinion of course ... Read more