Reviews (8)

The finest skate/pop punk albums
These two albums are among my top 5 (I'm counting them as one though!) Songs about being a regular joe and tribulations of growing up; girls that you dig but don't dig you, dreams of assimilating with the normal american families, family tension, and clean fun. Punk without the politics and the fashions that make it weak. A collection of good summer time tuneage. Like early bad religion, black flag, or adolescents? You'll enjoy this.

You will never get tired of this CD
This has got to be one of my favorite punk CD's of all time-so many unforgettable songs to choose from. I went to the music store and brought this one pretty much on a whim-I figured I would get two releases for the price of one. I have probably had this CD going on ten years now and I can still listen to it and love it just as much as the first time I heard it. It is a complete classic-from the beginning to the end-it is so catchy, intense, and melodic. If this CD does not get you moving, nothing will. This is definitely a good CD to start off a punk collection with-highly recommended.

It Should Really Be Called Three Things At Once
This CD combines the Descendents first 3 releases: "Milo Goes To College", the "Fat" EP, and the band's first single (which is Milo-less). Since "Fat" and the first single were combined on the "Bonus Fat" release, I guess "Two Things At Once" is a fine title. Anyway, this is a classic release and if you ever planned on buying anything by the Descendents, make sure this is it. The music on here set the standard for virtually every pop punk band that has existed since 1982. "Milo Goes To College" and "Bonus Fat" are also available seperately on CD from SST but why buy 2 CDs when you can get them both for the price of one?

two things that are good!! weird!!
i love the production of "milo", it sounds alot like black flags "damaged".milo's vocals are great and really distinctive.the guitars are recorded low and fuzzy,while the bass and drums are at the forefront."myage" is their best all time song, and you get a bunch more such as "im not a loser","parents" and "suburban home".the first 15 tracks are the "milo" album, and just fly by without any trip ups.the bonus fat ep is also a good addition,and fits in well with the feel of the album.the production is not as good as on "milo" but the catchy songs make up for that."weinerschnitzel" is a gem of a song,and extremely funny, while "i like food" and "my dad sucks" are along the same line of funny,angry catchy tunes.get this and enjoy.

Pop punk at its best
The descendents were one of the only reasons I made it through high school. Two things at once is a great overview of the Descendents first few years. Its actually three things because it also includes their first 7" single "Ride the Wild". The themes are your typical teen fodder but the magic of the Descendants is they make them matter. Loser was my theme song and when it comes to love matters Myage and Hope really sum up all the frustration that come with dating (or the lack thereof). All in all a seminal peice of punk rock that is a must own. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

If you like Call the Doctor....
I had the interesting juxtaposition of buying this album and seeing SK live for the first time within the same week. (It's lonely being a SK fan in Australia. Hardly anyone's heard of them, and their early albums are near impossible to find.) Anyway, while their live show was amazing, I was struck by that strange sense of displacement experienced by any obsessed fan at a concert - the band that seemed to exist solely to nurse your adolescent anguish in your bedroom are suddenly on a stage, unreachable, impersonal, and, well, glamorous. SK have become more palatable over the years - now they're more sophisticated, more stylish, more self-assured, and less politically extreme. Thankfully, they've managed to make that inevitable transition while still making compelling art - One Beat is a fantastic record. Still, something is lost in that forward-motion (not that same thing as selling out, mind you), and it's here in all its glory on this self-titled debut. On this record, and on Call the Doctor, SK were blessed with a wonderful lack of self-consciousness (the very thing that mars the uninspired All Hands On The Bad One.) This record is raw, immediate, direct, and naked. Sure, it's crude sometimes, and flawed, and brief, but it's impossible to question the sincerity, even if you don't like the politics, and while the militant feminism, bloodcurdling screams, and guitars that seem to simulate a monotone of dread are probably enough to alienate 99% of the human population, I'll love SK forever for having had the guts to make it. They seem like an entirely different band now, which leaves me with a sense of ambivalence: I'm glad they're becoming a real force to be reckoned with, that they're shiny and elegant and all grown up, that they're moving beyond their marginal status and seem more at peace with themselves and with men. But I think, deep down, I like my heroines a bit scrappier, a bit more unsure of themselves, a bit more messed up. Sometimes I think SK's flaws were their very virtues, and I worry that the more polished they become, the less powerful they are.

Gut-punching, anti-phallus rock
An acquired taste, this CD took a while to accept, but now it's on heavy rotation. Very thought provoking, powerful debut.
This album is enjoyable on its own but is especially fun when you compare it to One Beat or The Hot Rock. Such contrast is a testament to a band's evolution.

Sublime debut
Sleater-Kinney,America's foremost trio of femme-punk furies,have always excelled at playing it cool and tough while retaining a strong sense of what thier testosterone-addled dude-rock contemporaries would likely term "icky girlie-ness"Stylistically,thier songs are full of proud sugar-and-spice signifiers:spirited playground chants,60s girl-group allusion,preciously campy vocal asides.But this could also describe any of a number of bands with similer elements in the Riot-Grrrl movement of the early 90s,a musical and political ground-swell that by 95(when this record dropped) was quickly becoming stagnant under the burden of it's own narrow views and dependance on familiar cliches.Sleater-Kinney's eponymous debut shows thier shrewdness in patently avoiding the same trap,while remaining true to the original idealogical thrust.The record is a brisk,rapid affair(clocking in at just under thirty minutes),but it manages an astonishing eclecticism and versatility:for every primal rager("Don't Think You Wanna","Sold Out"),there's a stunning,almost pastoral slow-burner("Slow Song","Lori's Song").Musically,the trio is astounding self-assured(especially for a debut).Guitarist-vocalist Corin Tucker,Guitarist-Vocalist Carrie Brownstien,and then-drummer Lori Macfarlane whip up a sound that is a miracle of cohesion,economy,and surging momentum.Tucker and Brownstien are a perfect compliment to each other here,both instrumentally and vocally;listening to the record is like eaves-dropping on an intimate conversation between two friends with a complicated,fascinating relationship.This makes for music that is occasionally sublime:the criminally cool"The Day I Went Away" builds from sinister,slinky verses to full-on choruses with a breath-taking organic buzz;the jaw-dropping "Be Yr Mama"(possibly the band's pinnacle) is so brimming with tightly-coiled, whip-smart attitude and musical inventiveness it sounds primed to explode at any moment.This band has,of coarse,gone on to record four much-more heralded and beloved records,but for my money,they've only been improving and refining a staggeringly original and compelling style that they display in all it's glory here,and despite a few clunkers("How To Play Dead",which is musically clumsy and rushed but nevertheless rescued by Carrie's deliciously nasty hectoring)this debut firmly establishes this Olympia,Washington trio as one of the most important bands of the 90s.

Whether you're tracing their roots or just want to rock
Listen to S-K's first for sheer, raw, feel-like-you're-at-the-club fun. If you're familiar with Sleater-Kinney you'll find it enjoyable to see the early stages of what they were up to. If not, you might as well start here and work your way up to their more polished work. Every time I put this on I feel like I'm in every punk/new wave club from the early-80s. There's a little X, a little Go-Gos and a little of Athens, GA's beloved Pylon and REM. But, best of all, there's a lot of every late 70's/early-80's DIY band that never made it farther than opening locally for the band that never made it farther than headlining locally, except S-K have real talent. The sonwgriting is formative but you can hear the ability there. The instruments are on the verge of very good but with enough garage quality to give it life. You can tell Janet Weiss was about to become a very strong drummer. And, even back then, Corin Tucker's screams, screeches and playful let-it-all-hang-out vocals were something unto themselves. If you haven't heard a band that plays what it plays for the sheer joy of it in a while, listen to this CD. It's crude, it's immature and it's a joy. Then get every S-K album you can lay your hands on. But one at a time, please. They deserve to be listened to. Plain and simple, this is rock and roll.

good angry girl music!
yay for this one. its all like good and stuff... and i am glad there are some women out there that express their feelings toward pushy sex driven men. i like it lots. and you should too. she does a good job of screaming. shes got a pretty scream. anyway. buy it. listen to it. like it. then love it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Argument is a bracing reminder of Fugazi's confidence and passion, reflecting the experimental impulses of their previous two albums while further refining their songs and arrangements. It's certainly their most expansive album to date, with a supporting cast that includes Bridget Cross (Unrest, Air Miami), Kathi Wilcox (Bikini Kill), Amy Domingues (Ida), and roadie-soundman Jerry Busher. There's a pronounced pop element at work this time: the title track and "Life and Limb" are Fugazi's most subtle tracks yet, their taut guitar and whispery vocals creating a quiet tension. Even a song like "Full Disclosure," which begins with Guy Piciotto's feral howling, ends with lithe harmonies. Meanwhile, tunes like "Ex-Spectator" and "Epic Problem" expand their core attack without sacrificing an iota of its explosiveness. Brendan Canty's sinuous, rock-solid drumming is key in this regard, providing monster hooks even before the guitars come in. --Mike Appelstein ... Read more

Reviews (87)

Masterpiece That I Knew They Could Do
13 Songs...Repeater...Red Medicine Fugazi has never released a bad album, each one great on their own. But each time they were just a little bit off from greatness, the next level that I knew they would achieve one day. A huge change from their first couple of albums, The Argument is very radioheadish, acoustic guitars are more prominent and much more creative song writing is used and not only does it work, creating Fugazi's masterpiece. But it also creates the cd that's the best for a new listener to pick up.

Catchy songs that partialy resemble the Fugazi of old like Full Disclosure sound like they COULD become radio hits, will they? Nope not a chance, the public is too wrapped up in style over substance. Songs like Cashout, The Kill, and Nightshop show off the new more experimentive sound of the band, offering a great contrast that I never get bored of hearing in an album.

This is like the OK Computer of the punk genre, complex, thought out, and extremly catchy (in a good way) not only should punk and emo fans pick this up, but anyone who enjoys music as a whole should too.

More mature, but they still haven't lost their edge.
I'm so glad Fugazi put out a new album. It takes a few listenings to get into (as does most Fugazi) but it's really one of their best albums in my opinion. It's quite a bit different from their earlier stuff, like 13 Songs and Repeater which were dominated mostly by angry post-hardcore anthems. It's more mellow and melodic, but they still cut loose on a couple tracks, "Epic Problem", "Full Disclosure", and "Ex-Spectator"(which has the coolest multi-drum intro part) are a few of the more energenic songs. They've definitely expanded musically, Ian trades in his usual monotone yell for a breathy singing voice on "Cashout" and "Arguement" which are two of my favorite tracks. Guy has a some good ones too, the afformentioned "Full Disclosure" and "Life and Limb"(both with nice female vocals) come to mind immediately. Joe sings one too, "The Kill" is a great mellow bass driven song with an interesting anti-military (I think) theme. I also recommend the Furniture E.P. which came out the same time as this one. "Furniture" is hard, Repeater-era Fugazi that they've been playing live for years but never recorded until now, "Number 5" is another of their great instrumental songs, and "Hello Morning" is Guy being his crazy, yelping and somewhat incoherent self.

Weak-ass crap
This album is so boring, seriously. There are no climaxes on the songs, and it just sounds really plain music to fall asleep to, which is bad considering it's by Fugazi. Damn this cd surely is not worth getting. Don't even waste your time borrowing it from your public library because you will be greatly disappointed. The 1 star I gave is for "Epic Problem", which is a pretty decent song, but the rest of the album is not up to par.

Amazing
Fugazi has done it once again. This is a must have for all fugazi fans. Although different from past albums, Fugazi has truly come together musically in this melodic album. Songs like "The Kill" and "Life and Limb" are unlike the usual Fugazi, but are a great change. Then songs like "Ex Spectator", "Nightshop" and "Epic Problem" bring back the old Fugazi sound with new touches. This an overall great album which should be in any rock lovers cd collection. The song "The Argument" perfectly ends off the cd with a hi hat clamp.

wow, just #$*&#($ing wow.
I just pulled out my old Repeater and 13 Songs CD's for the first time in years, and as usual was amazed at how raw, refreshing and original they sounded, even after so many years and listenings. I decided to check out some of their latest stuff, and could not have had my mind blown more effectively had I stuck a lit M-70 in my ear. Don't let the new mellowness on many tracks fool you, the same edginess is still there as they explore new musical boundaries, while somehow still maintaining their own distinctive sound. Many tracks on this album had me sitting on the edge of my chair, headphones on, clenching my fists in anticipation of the next note of each truly original riff, marvelling at how the two guitar tracks seem to play off each other. There are no run of the mill riffs that you hear recycled on the radio incessantly here, yet the melodies still strike a chord, no pun intended, holding your attention. Fugazi amazed me when I saw them at the Vic Theatre in Chicago in 1991, and have astounded me again, so many years later. Go to Dischord.com immediately and buy this CD for $10. They don't even charge you shipping, how cool is that? One of the last truly great bands that have kept their artistic and idealistic integrity intact. Phenomenal, and infinitely more rewarding a listen than anything on a major label. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Ego Tripping
Here is yet another great piece of work by the Flmaing Lips. I was very excited when I heard that they would be using Ego Tipping at the Gates of Hell for their new EP and it doesn't disappoint. The opening track "Assassination of the Sun" is a great song, pretty unique compared to some of the other songs. The next song, "I'm a Fly in a Sunbeam", is a instrumental. It's kinda slow but it's an interesting little ditty still. Kind of like a slow verion of Approaching Parvonis Mons By Balloon. "Sunship Balloons" is more up beat and one of my favorite tracks on the EP. The Do You Realize remix is ok but even I have to admit that I think they've over done it with them. Both the remixes for Ego Tripping are ok but I still like the original version of the song best. The last song "A Change at Christmas" is a good song. It's a nice one to close the cd with. It's a bit more mellowed piece then some of the others. Good for any fan of the Flaming Lips.

The songs on here fit together but they wouldn't have on the Yoshimi album. You should buy this cd even if you didn't get the Fight Test EP, it's better then it. If you liked the Yoshimi album then you'll have no trouble getting into this cd.

A Real Good Compliment To Yoshimi
This is a sure bet if you liked the Lips' classic (that's right, I think it already is) 'Yoshimi' album. The new songs pretty much have the same tone- reflective surrealistic progressive pop. No, not the kind that the Shins do so well, for the Lips have this Yes-like quality to their visionary, lush psychedelia. "Sunship Ballooons" even has Coyne going for a Jon Anderson-ish earnestness. This is a real fine, sunny wash of gently exploding colors. Coyne's little introductory speech, with Drozd's beautiful Brian Wilson-meets-Yes vocal harmonies, is delightfully reassuring, without sounding corny. "I don't know the dimensions of outer space, but if our ability to feel love turns out to be just a cosmic accident, I'd like to think this means the universe is on our side." This could well be mock-seriousness, but one gets the impression that its at the heart of Coyne's persona. Michael Ivins' bass work is deep and fluid, adding much to this piece's warm charm. "Assassination Of The Sun" is definitely a mini-masterpiece. It too sounds like an understated 'Yoshimi' production-wise, with a modest, epic quality suffusing every note. This is a beautifully sad lament that seems to reflect on the metaphorical "pink robots" (seemingly self-serving, insensitive people, perhaps made increasingly unfeeling like the technology of the machines that influence them) and their creations that Yoshimi (the uncorrupted human spirit) was up against. "They have begun to celebrate the tidal wave they think is great / the ever-beating heart that it wasn't...and now this horrible machine churns out pain instead of love and looks just like the sun..." My interpretation of all this is that the churning "machine" is indeed the world that's come about due to the corrupted "pink robots". It may look like the real thing, appear to be good (the technology-polished artifices of the power-minded narcissistic), but this sun's light is of course, cold. They are the negators of human kindness, man's good will, love and mercy. "They have begun to assassinate the sun". Steven Drozd's drumming is nothing less than virtuosic here, recalling with dead accuracy the jazzy, rhythmic dialect of original King Crimson drummer, Michael Giles. Drozd's lyrical guitar and vocal harmonies are clearly those of a musician who deeply feels his craft. The lulling, drifting atmosphere of "I'm A Fly On A Sunbeam" is another fine Lips instrumental contribution, coming off like a daydreaming version of Soft Bulletin's "Sleeping On The Roof". The cd ends poignantly enough with "A Change At Christmas", a gem of a song unpretentiously musing over why people don't generally accord each other the deference year-round that they do during the time of Christmas. Isn't there more of that good will to go around? What's sometimes missed by some when hearing this is that the reason why Wayne sings (really talk-singing) lower and less polished is, the way I see it, at least, that he's adressing the listener straight from the heart, no pretenses, no metaphors, no fooling around. Its like he's saying, "This seriously means something to me folks, so I'm gonna level with ya." Coyne's voice wavers off key, the result of a singer sacrificing technique for unvarnished, emotive effect. The tone of the lyrics, set against a delicate Christmas-y backdrop, are underscored by Drozd's solemn piano. "...oh, if I could stop time", Coyne wearily sounding as if these thoughts are almost too burdensome to bear, "it would be frozen moment just around Christmas / when all of mankind reveals its truest potential / and there is sympathy for the suffering, yes there is sympathy for those who are suffering." The inevitable disillusion is dealt with as these solemnly voiced words are uttered, "and its glimpsed for one shining moment / and this change feels like a change that's real / but then it passes along with the season / and then we just go back to the way we were..." As if that truth isn't sad enough, perhaps the real crusher comes with this statement, "...its easier / that's just the way we are...that's human nature and that's just the way we are." That's some tough stuff to face, and it all ends with Coyne's pleading howls of, "Say it isn't so!", over and over. Whew. Never does the emotion ever sound self-servingly insincere. There is no grandstanding of any sort by the Lips in the conveyance of the song. This is some achievement, and the minimalistic melody is just right. Admitedly, the remixes of "Ego Tripping" take away from the directness of the original version, but they are in no way bad. The second remix does a nice job of displaying Drozd's affecting backing vocals. "Do You Realize" is here in a remix by The Postal Service, so its interesting for that reason alone, but its still just a remix, if you know what I mean. Again, the directness of the original version is compromised for the sake of novel recontextualization. This is a stronger EP than the still interesting, though more slight 'Fight Test'. The three, non 'Yoshimi' vocal originals on the 'Ego Tripping' EP are what gives this the edge over 'Fight Test', although there's most certainly some stuff worth savoring there too. The 'Ego Tripping' EP has some truly inspired, moving work that goes perfectly with the 'Yoshimi' album, and yet also shows the Lips doing admirable new things with there music.

The Story Continues...
To me the Ego Tripping EP is an extension to the YBTPR album. The first three tracks are entirely new material, and especially the first, Assassination of the Sun, are excellent tracks. The remix of Do You Realize?? is good, I like the original better, but it is still an interesting take on the song.

I like the remixes of Ego Tripping, I liked the original, but these 'techno' flavored mixes add a driving quality to the song that does it justice. I like these mixes over the original.

All in all a good buy for ~$10, and as always the cover art is interesting also.

gets overbashed by terrible remix's.... but still great
"ego tripping at the gates of hell" is great with songs like "sunship balloons", "ego tripping (non remix), and the last track. everything is in its right place... except the remixes... to not make the album any shorter, the band added some bad remixes. but still, if you have ten bucks to spend and love the flaming lips... "ego tripping at the gates of hell" is a clear deal.

A Worthy Lips EP
Unlike the Yoshimi singles, this Lips EP worth owning. The first 3 songs are well done and moving...forming a sort of trilogy. ALMOST of Yoshimi quality, but not quite there. Still better than 95% of the drek released these days. The remix of Do You Realize is good, but I skip past it after a couple of listens. The 2 remixes of Ego Tripping are pretty good, I like the techno treatment. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but they work for me and it is one of my favorite Lips tunes so I enjoy hearing it different ways. The last track is a rumination of how people change at Christmas and a worthy listen.

All in all, not a bad way to spend $5. I recommend it to any Lips fan. It is a HDCD so the sound is great. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Any album with Summer Sun as its title and "Beach Party Tonight" as the opening track has to be the soundtrack of tanned flesh, cold beer, and killer waves, right? Not if it’s the product of three New Jersey bohos who know, from personal experience or their record collections, that summer is also the place to find surfers afraid of the water and sun-poisoned girls afraid of going home alone, again.Although not quite as cohesive or instantly captivating as the band’s 2000 breakthrough, AndThen Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out, Summer Sun is crafted from a similar hushed and hypnotic mold. Most of the 13 songs are built on a simple foundation of lo-fi guitar, bass, and brushed drums, then finished off with swirling horns, insistent piano figures, or organ. Especially good are the Pet Sounds-like pocket symphony "Tiny Birds," the beat-groove-powered "Moonrock Mambo," and the album-closing cover of Big Star’s "Take Care." This last song is re-imagined as a country lament with pleading pedal-steel guitar and singer Georgia Hubley sounding like Nico fronting a lounge band on the boardwalk of a beach town headed toward post-Labor Day oblivion. Ah, summer. --Keith Moerer ... Read more

Reviews (26)

summer is definitely here and now
YLT are know for not fitting in to a groove, a pigeonhole. Which is why we love them so. Those of us who like our music way to the left of the top 40 are very happy bands like this still exist, and that they still make CD's that are works of art; like "summer Sun." I think that this CD holds some of YLT best work in years. Although there aren't many sonic displays here. The soft feeling of the music is a welcome mood, displayed here with great music, lyrics that will make you laugh and cry at the same time (dealing mostly with the love these 2 have for each other) Ira's vocals a lovely throughout out, the feeling he emits is so soothing. Great for that wind-down at the end of a long day. Summer at the shore. More groundbreaking work from NJ's own Yo La Tengo

good, not great
This is a fine album, and certain of the songs are real standouts - I particularly enjoyed the dissonant piano touches and acoustic bass work on "Don't Have to Be So Sad." However, Yo La Tengo is a band that has seemingly broken new ground with each new release to date, and this album doesn't quite live up to that standard, at least in my mind. As a rehashing, or refinement, of some of the ideas first presented on "And Then Nothing...," it's excellent, and I appreciate the fact that they chose to create a work with not a single one of their trademark feedback-drenched rock tunes present.

If you're a fan of their previous works, by all means add this to your collection. If you're curious about the band, try I Can Hear The Heart Beating as One, or Electr-o-pura, for starters.

Uninspired
This CD is bland and unispired for the most part. It seems as though YLT has traded in the pop/distortion style of Electr-O-Pura and I Can Hear The Heart...for a slower/minimalist style that is dull and forgetable. Hopefully they will return to the more uptempo stuff they used to make.

Where to go from here
How you react to this album will depend on the direction you want Yo La Tengo to go. In previous albums (I Can Hear The Heart Beating As One, And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside Out) they refined their vision to a specific perfection -- a wall-of-noise, wallpapered with worn velvet and nostalgia-inducing polaroids. After experimenting with covers of Sen Ra's Nuclear War, they have kept the murmured vocals over wash of sound, and yet start to transition. It's as if they've gotten ever so slightly bored of holy matrimony with Autumn Sweater, but they're not sure yet if they want to find a mistress. Georgia-vs-YLT is a funky drum-driven interlude Moonrock Mambo has lyrics such as "like Cinderella's other shoe, i just wanna be next to you," glibly ironic enough that you'd expect to find them in a Stephin Merritt Magnetic Fields song rather than YLT. Fans who want nothing but the die-hard Yo La Tengo sound, will be satisfied with the first seven tracks, including my favorite, "Tiny Birds." But maybe it's because past albums hit the spot so darn well, that I don't let myself fall for any different-sounding songs by the same group. But what sorta curmudgeon am I, to want them to stick to a successful formula, while allowing lesser artists to experiment?

My Summer Sun
While labeled by most as a mediocre follow-up to an also mediocre release by a once-great, I was not to be turned away. I placed my order and patiently waited. I'll admit, I hadn't been following every Yo La Tengo release, and while I had their previous album my teeth were cut on oldies such as "New Wave Hot Dogs" and "May I Sing With Me". This album quickly embedded itself into the dark crevices of my hippocampus, sitting alongside other summer releases of that year ( somehow I'll always hear the beginning of "Radical Adults Lick Godhead Style" by Sonic Youth begin right after "Summer of the Shark" in the asylum of my mind ). But the months passed, the newness wore, and I would probably have rated this album as good, if slightly forgettable.
Then we were lucky enough in Jacksonville to have Yo La come through and play for the first time in like 10 years. The show was interesting, in an all seated theatre. But they performed nearly every song on this album, regardless of demand for nostalgic classics. Powerful, that show has stayed with me. It made songs like "Today is the Day", "Lets Be Still" and the magnificent "Take Care" take corporeal form, and now I listen to the CD with new ears, understanding new depths. The personalities of the players shine through, like Ira's lyrical novocain on "Little Eyes" and Georgia's smarmy keyboarding on "Georga vs. Yo La Tengo". Maybe its just my perception but this album is astounding, and a step forward for the 'Tengo if you ask me, not some run of the mill release from an inert has been as others might lead you to believe. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Tonight We Sleep in Separate Ditches
To categorize this CD as "goth" or "blues influenced" or "Stooges-like" is a gross oversimplification. Nick Cave is at his best bible infused morbid-ism. The addition of Einsturzende Neubauten's (and future Bad Seed) Blixa Bargeld on 'Mutiny in Heaven' is pure genius. The CD in its entirety is pure genius. A timeless classic, for sure.

An excerpt from 'Deep in the Woods':

Now the killed waits for the killer
And the trees all nod their heads, they are agreed
This knife feels like a knife feels like a knife that feels like it's feed.
Yeah I recognize that girl
I took her from rags right through to stitches (pray for me now)
Oh baby, tonight we sleep in separate ditches.

Wow! Postmodernism can be interesting!!!!!!!!
Every song on this compilation of two EP's is a highlight of goth, and rock and blues. Opening with the wierd "hands up who wants to die" Sonny's Burning will make you feel just like youre at a lynching - of someone who listens to commercial FM radio ( so they're not advocating anything bad ). The songs on the Bad Seed tend to be particularly percussive with a basic blues structure. Mutiny is more of a layered, introspective sound, like the earlier B.P. recordings like Prayers on Fire, although they are raucous and designed to grind. The ending of this cd is an ode to the herion addiction that the band loved to hate.

oh my lord!
This is one of those albums, that at first listen, i gasp, jump up and down, shake my hands wildly and start chanting "OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD!!!" IT ROCKS!!!! Nick Cave and his cohorts create such believably dark and menacing atmospheres that you can feel the fear. it's sooooo raw. all the tracks have this sleazy evil mood...like a strip joint in the swamp at night. all the tracks are perfect; it's one of those perfect cd's that can be listened from start to finish. it's just so coherent. if you want a goth cd...i mean real dark goth...get this cd. it basically screams "Hands up! Who wants to die?"...well actually Nick does. ;-) you can hear all the Stooges influence...It's like "Nightclubbing" meets "Search and Destroy"...super charged doom and gloom. God Bless You, Birthday Party!

"Fingers down the throat of love!!!"
The "Mutiny!" and "Bad Seed" EPs were some of The Birthday Party's finest works. It's great to have them on one CD with a couple of bonus tracks to boot. Speaking of which, one of them, "Pleasure Avalanche", is okay but not as strong as the rest of the material here. This older, alternate version of "The Six Strings That Drew Blood" (later re-recorded and released on the Bad Seeds' album "Your Funeral...My Trial") is faster and harder than the later version and I sort of prefer it to the Bad Seeds' version. "Mutiny In Heaven" is an indicator of things to come on the first Bad Seeds album, "From Her To Eternity", with the inclusion of Blixa Bargeld on guitar and it's also the best song about heroin addiction I've ever heard. "Wildworld", "Fears of Gun", and "Say A Spell" are amongst some of my favorites on this CD, while "Deep In The Woods" and "Jennifer's Veil" are both slow and sinister by Birthday Party standards and mesh well with the sound Nick Cave would later adopt on the Bad Seeds albums. This CD is highly recommended!

Their last and best.
Truly great art/punk album, their darkest and best work. Some of the humour of the earlier recordings is missing, although no album whose first song starts with the line: "HANDS UP! who wants to die". could be called humourless. it would be worth five stars except for some weaker songs like six strings that drew blood and pleasure avalanche but both these were not on the orginal LPs so it's not the birthday partys fault. A great album violent, rocking and tottaly amoral just the way i like em! ... Read more

Reviews (10)

This Rocks WITH A VENGANCE
this is pretty good old school punk. catchy and it has the ability to amp a person up. if you are looking for music to accompany your socio,political P.C. image, do not buy this album. if you want a real good punk rock album get this. no bands sound like this one.

shaddup punkkat!
you poser! you wouldn't know real punk if it came and slapped you in the face. you probably think the dead milkmen are punk. to the rest of yous, buy this album and listen to what you can't hear nowadays. i got a chance to see them back in the day and the kicked ass live too. wish they got back together like t.s.o.l. did that's true sounds of liberty to you kat.

one of the best punk records ever
Sloppy guitars, funny lyrics, catchy melodies, and really bad attitudes. This record is what punk is all about - but few punk bands ever achieve. Put this on the list of all time greatest with:

Minor Threat - The Complete Discography
Operation Ivy - Operation Ivy
Circle Jerks - Group Sex
Bad Religion - Suffer (back when they were good)

Too bad modern " punk" isn't this cool!
This album is really a great example of what "punk" should be. No lame, dated and childish political songs here folks! This band was all about total gross-out tunes and rocking really hard. Uptight squares will hate this album because it is just SO COOL that they can't even begin to understand the pure and utter punk-thug moronic genius of the mighty Samoans! Punk should move you to do really dumb stuff and this record delivers! The Dead Kennedys, Minor Threat and Bad Religion are dull, square, goodie- goodies who should listen to the mighty Samoans and learn the truth about good old American punk rock! SQUARES GO HOME....NOW!

Back from the right side of my mind on LSD
This is hardcore punk at it's finest. Some people forget in this ultra-lame politically correct day and age that punk rock was about having a good time way back when. The Angry Samoans will please fans of old L.A. punk like Adolescents, Circle Jerks, and Black Flag. Come on, look at the song titles! How can a song called "They Saved Hitler's C--k" not be good? Ha ha ha! The Samoans take it to the extreme (excuse the cliche) on 40+ songs that absolutely rock. If songs like "Lights Out", "Electrocution", or "Right Side Of My Mind" don't move you, maybe you should check your pulse! Anyone slagging this kind of stuff is probably about as intestering as the gravel in my driveway. ... Read more

Album Description

Import exclusive six disc compilation featuring rarities, demos, & live tracks. Easy Action. 2004. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Anything Less Than 5 Stars Is Blasphemy.....
Longtime fans are familiar with these recordings which have appeared in various forms over the last 25 years plus.Yes, you're familiar with them, but you have never heard them sound sodang great.No doubt the highest generation masters were used on this set.For sound quality alone, this is a must have for any MC5 fan.Yes, some of the live recordings aregood to very good bootleg quality at best; but they are quite listenable and do demand repeated listenings, unlike dreadful versions of these same recordings available elsewhere.I was hesitant to order this because of the price and lack of information on the sound quality.My advice to you...do not hesitate!You can get this box for a reasonable fee here on zShops as well as eBay. Andthis box contains the best sounding versions of these recordings to date.The only caveat of this 6 cd set is the last cd, the 100 Club show.Superbly recorded, but only containing 4 tracks.Kramer's guitar is like a sharpened razor & has not lost it's edge whatsoever. However, the 6th disc logs in at just over 20 minutes?Why the whole show was not included is beyond me.Let's hope the entire 100 Club show will be available soon.
Finally,If you're a newcomer the MC5, I strongly suggest entering "The Big Bang: The Best of the MC5" in your search box & begin your initiation to this great band there. The sonic quality of these recording may discourage you from investigating the MC5 legacy any further. When you do find "Big Bang" ain't enough for you, then this box is the logical next step (along with all the legitimate studio releases).So be part of the solution and buy this set NOW!

why don't you own this?
um, that's it, really.why don't you own this?if you're looking at this, you should already own this.it should already be in your house, your head and your heart.stop reading this.buy this now! ... Read more

Amazon.com

After the first of their countless breakups, the Bad Brains reconvened in 1986 to record this, their undeniable masterwork. Fusing dub reggae and funk rhythms into the mix, and slowing the tempo down enough to appeal to hardcore's emergent metal crossover audience, the Bad Brains created one of the most powerful collections the '80s produced in any genre. On "I Against I" and "House of Suffering," the quartet suffuses traditional Jamaican spiritualism with modern urban concerns, while the soaring "Sacred Love" is guaranteed to send shivers down the spine of anyone with any soul whatsoever. An essential release. --David Sprague ... Read more

Reviews (29)

A Music Addiction
This album is indeed one of the best albums I have ever heard. I could easily put this album on my top 5 albums of all time. The hardcore Bad Brains were great however I always felt they never showcased all of their talent with their earlier work. This album has it all. This album is the true masterpeice of Bad Brains. Unlike Quickness this album doesn't get slightly boring towards the end. It stays very tastefull all the way through. It showcases the true talent of the band. HR shows off his true singing vouice a lot more. You can tell the Doc put a lot of time into this on his guitar work, it's absolutly amazing and very inspiring. Earl and Darryl make the greatest back bone of all time. Highlight tracks include She's Calling You, Sacred Love, I Against I, Secret 77, Let Me Help, and Return To Heaven. Truly all of the songs on this c.d. are great the only one somewhat lacking something is Hired Gun. If your looking for great melody and amazing musicianship get this album. This is by far an album will influence you in everyway and an album you can listen to over and over. I would recommend getting I Against I first, then Rock For Light and finding which side of Bad Brains you like better. If you love them both like I do get The Youth Are Getting Restless it has everything on it. Also if your into band history and are interested in finding how the orginal of Bad Brains get Black Dots. Black Dots was my first Brains c.d. and I was hooked on it. Bottom line, get this, own this, love this, praise it, well have fun with it!

The Signature Indie-rock Album of the 80's
Increditable album. Those there are very few guitar solos by Dr.Know, this album still kicks butt!!. I saw Bad Brains(now called Soul Brains) a few months ago and they played I aganist I as there encore, and the pit went crazy. I'am from the D.C so Bad Brains is well know. I love Sacred Love; Heres a bit of info, Sacred Love was recorded when H.R was in prison on a marijuana charge. The fact that it was H.R's son birthday made the incarsaration more painful. The rest of Bad Brains was in the studio, so the band played while H.R. sang over the phone,,,one of the best behind the scence stories about a rock song in the long-complex history of Rock Music. Every song on this album has passion and conviction that takes the listerner on a journey through the depths of Mt.Zion. What you gonna do cause the truth is looking straight at you!!!! Love this album

Redefining themselves and whatever they do
Ok, it's not the early, tempestuous Bad Brains of the ROIR release. It's not the steamlined genuis of Rock for Light. It's still powerful, frenetic, blazing, gutsy music the likes and equal of which you will never hear... This CD still doesn't sound dated, nigh 20 years after its release. Name any band currently enjoying the vogue of empty-vee and pop success and place their best album up against this gem. There is no comparison. Stop lyin!

Not only did Bad Brains define the HC movement, launching a thousand bands- they then went on to pioneer and set the platinum standard for post-punk/metal/funk/reaggae/soul fusion. You're looking at it right now. Dr. Know's ability on guitar should make every other would-be shredder hang his head in shame. HR is perhaps the only vocalist in his genre who can get away with hand wringing, lyrical archaisms such as "Him that oppress reproach his maker, he that honor him have mercy on the poor." Try to imgaine the lead singer from SUCKubus singing that line, intoning such an overtly biblical syntax and pulling it off like'd as if he was Moses. Or any other frontman for that matter. The band is unassailable. No one can come close to matching the propulsive fury, sensual elegance, blinding energy, ecstatic passion and frenetic pulse of this band.

This CD is alive. ALIIIIIIIIIIIIIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

still great
no doubt about it this is a great album,but when your living up to an album like "rock for light",it had to be good following such a classic.a good follow up,but can not match the previous material..

Excellent overall, though not definitive Bad Brains.
That title is not meant to be disparaging of this album, which is definitely a worthy outing by this pack of D.C. rasta fusion musicians-turned-NYC politically conscious rasta-punks and pioneers of East Coast hardcore. However, when I think "Bad Brains," I think of their ROIR debut or Rock For Light, which consists mostly of ultrafast, energy-filled hardcore punk (offset by shots of sublime reggae).

By comparison, I Against I presents a more subtle Bad Brains. The tempos are generally slower, and the music is more of a funk/metal/reggae fusion. While lacking in the thrashing intensity of their previous work, the band's compositions are a little more fully realized, and allowed to play past the two-minute mark. The band itself is definitely in excellent form as well. Dr. Know's guitar playing smokes, Darryl Jennifer lays down some funky slap bass, Earl Hudson's drumming is solid, and the indomitable H.R. takes certain stage, with his wild vocal range and lyrics addressing religious and political concerns. These guys formed a very talented outfit, proving that punk needn't be amateurish to rock with abandon.

Overall, this is a fine set of tunes. Opening with a minute-long Intro, the album then launches into the uptempo metal stormer of the title track. House Of Suffering is a slice of great reggae-punk, Let Me Help brings the speed back in, and Re-Ignition and Secret 77 are downright funky. The highlight is Sacred Love, a ballad where H.R. phones his lyrics to the studio from a jail cell (!). The closer Return To Heaven ends the album on a spiritual note.

So why only four stars? Well, the album runs on the short side (31 minutes) and it suffers from one of the very few dud tracks the band has put out, the weak and repetitive Hired Gun. However, this is still a quality record that influenced many bands of the '90s and today. Pick it up, along with their self-titled ROIR album. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Departing from the tribal themes that occupied him through most of the 1990s, Roach takes a philosophical leap into Void, directing his endless reverbs and glowering synth programs toward the speck at the center of the universe. Eschewing the indigenous drums and didgeridoos of his Dreamtime Return-era work, pieces like "Between the Gray and the Purple" could as easily be the soundtrack to a psychological thriller as a rumination on infinity. "Void Memory One" refracts sheets of pure frequency across a pitch-black galaxy; "Cloud of Unknowing" taps the elements in a maelstrom of cosmic wind and solar fire. What--too much imagistic hyperbole for you? Roach invites such musings, if only because he carries you down those dark corridors so convincingly. Sequenced as one continuous piece, Void is an astral-gothic collage of fear, transcendence, and weightlessness; a high-water mark of space music; and one of Roach's finest hours. --James Rotondi ... Read more

Reviews (35)

One of the finest compositions of the 20th Century
I will not mince my words on this album: it is the finest release by one of the world's leading innovators in music. THE MAGNIFICENT VOID marks a watershed moment in electronic music history and once again ups the ante for all artists working in this undefinable genre. Roach is able to convey a sense of emptiness while also maintaining a strong feeling of peace. No matter how dissonant or abstract the music becomes, it feels as if it is speeding towards a remarkable climax. Since the music is beyond definition, I can make two statements that are certain:

1) "Infinite Shore" is one of the most incredibly beautiful and powerful pieces of music I have ever heard... when listening to this piece through headphones, it literally feels like you have floated out into an endless ocean, staring at the expansive galaxy of stars above. Simply incredible!

2) "Altus" is the musical equivalent of Heaven.

Having said that, this album will not be for all tastes and may even turn some people away. However, it becomes more rewarding with each listen and is the best album in the dark ambient/space music genre I've ever heard (and probably will ever hear, unless Roach tops himself again).

Timeless...
Even longtime Steve Roach fans will be surprised by the intent and intricacies to be found on THE MAGNIFICENT VOID. Those quick to exact demarcation points might label this venture 'dark ambient' (a term faintly describing the interstice between industrial, post-industrial, and contemporary ambient music), but this is the stuff of microgalactic myth and psychic sinkholes. Roach's acoustic and synthetic rhythms are in deliberate absence here; instead, electronic seeds the color of blackest ebony open and begin to flower within a great emptiness, as drones erupt and begin to vibrate with a tangible, almost malevolent pulse. In retrospect, this recording might be the flip side of QUIET MUSIC--where that disc's becalming sound situates listeners in a place of introspection, VOID challenges you with its spooky veneer, manipulations of silence, and awry time suspension. It is a confrontational surface that pitches darkwave as the black cousin of ambience, menacing yet simultaneously profound. Here, Roach has transcended mere genre music and pithy cliches by lighting a candle and embracing the darkness.

Ambient yes, but rather dull
I bought this album and Rich/Lustmord's "Stalker" at the same time, and to me there's no comparison. Stalker is deep, rich and interesting while still being very tranquil and ambient. The Magnificent Void is just too ambient for my tastes--there's not a lot of interest for me in the soundscapes. The recording is beautiful, yes--but while it's very relaxing to listen to ambient music I don't actually want to be bored. This one is rather boring to me, though I'm not giving up on it yet--it's just that with headphones on, Stalker is the one I'd rather listen to, and the one I'd excitedly recommend.

A Masterpiece
Everything from this album is what I call a masterpiece. If you are exploring the works of Mr. Roach, I highly recommend you the get this CD.
Put the CD, close your eyes and let yourself go this magnificent work.

the Void indeed...
Searching recently for some more dark ambient that closely resembled Thomas Koner's extraordinary Teimo/Permafrost (T/P) in feeling, I happened to stumble upon this album. It sounded nothing much like koner at all. But it FELT like koner, and oh boy was I delighted to hear it.

This work, much like T/P, drips with thoughtful, lonely noises. It induces an overwhelmingly brooding and contemplative atmosphere, taking the listener on an exploration of some of the more remote and exotic places in the universe, if one allows it.

I mentioned that it does not sound like koner, and this, to an extent, is true - if you really listen. To many people who just don't get the genre, they will both sound like dull drones and noises, without much else going on at all. This point of view has about as much validity as saying that a motorbike and a car are for all intents and purposes the same thing, as they both have engines and roll along the ground. Koner has a much more earthen organic sound. The sound of desolation, and the beauty therein. One is reminded of the immesity, power and loneliness that can be seen in nature and the universe. He has a very sampler-based and processed found-sound style. Steve Roach on the other hand uses many more synth sounds. He makes much use of ethereal pads and odd synth constructions to achieve the unique sounds on this album. And it just happens to feel a lot like koner. Or koner feels a lot like roach. Whatever.

So what does this album conjure up in my mind? Funny thing that. The first time I heard this album, it was at a friends house. I had no idea what it was, and immediately I said "this sounds like being in the middle of nowhere out in space. Like in the big voids between galaxy clusters. What is it?" Hearing the name, I couldn't agree more that this is the best name for the album. It gives you just that lonely feeling, like being far out in the depths of space, with odd barely visible glows of remote galaxies set agaist an inky black sky. Not an evil sound, just a dark, pensive sound. Enjoy the empty oddities of the Void. ... Read more

Album Description

AMC are back after a ten year hiatus, with the original members. "Love Songs" blends the band's unique mix of rock, folk, country, and jazz with Mark Eitzel's ever-present acerbic, brutally honest lyrics. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's funny how this hardcore punk band spent years writing songs from a personal and positive stance only to be remembered for a goofy cover tune. For instance, 7 Seconds' "99 Red Balloons" (which was borrowed from Nena, a one-hit wonder in the U.S.) became a punk pop classic after it was culled from this 1985 album. That's not to say the other tracks here don't have their charm. The title track offers a catchy sing-along. The propulsive "Strength" makes its mark, ending with a pile of strange vocal effects. This rather brief album benefits from clean and powerful production by Ian MacKaye, an obvious early inspiration to 7 Seconds as a member of the pre-Fugazi band Minor Threat.--Larry Crane ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Kevin Seconds + Ian MacKaye = outstanding music
One of the greatest punk records ever made...

Ian MacKaye (Minor Threat, Fugazi) produced this record, helping to make 7 Seconds, a truly great band, create a classic release.

Old-school, angry, energetic positive hardcore, featuring Kevin seconds distinctive "whooo oaaaah"s and his dead-on lyrics. Tight as hell. 7 Seconds' best release, even without the greatest cover song ever made (Nena's "99 Red Balloons").

The live tracks are just icing on the cake

a good record to have in your collection
well, i pulled this record out of the rubble a few weeks ago. i'm so amazed as to how good it is. how it still sounds awesome after all these years. this record is easily liked by many people; straight-edge, hardcore, punk, old-school/new-school. "trust" and the title track are among the best 7 seconds songs ever made. great album to show to your lil bro or sis. the only reason i can't give this album a prefect is b/c the last [approx.] 1/3 of the album is not as fun-mosh-sing as the first half.

Weak.Really weak.
I almost forgot about this lame, joke of a record. Seven Seconds put the limp into punk like no one else could! This stuff is so weak, dull and goodie-goodie that it almost makes me sick. This album is a great documentation of the pathetic downfall of punk as a form of rock'n'roll. Almost all 80's punk/hardcore is lame but this takes the cake. No rock'n'roll action here folks, just preachy songs about "the scene" and "unity" and being "good people". UUUUUUUUGGGGGGHHHHHHHH! Get me an old Cramps record!

a great record to have in your collection
well, i pulled this record out of the rubble a few weeks ago. i'm so amazed as to how good it is. how it still sounds awesome after all these years. this record is easily liked by many people; straight-edge, hardcore, punk, old-school/new-school. "trust" and the title track are among the best 7 seconds songs ever made. great album to show to your lil bro or sis. there's some songs towards the end of this record that are just ok, and not great. but, still an A record.

Arrrrrrghhhh!Strrrreeeenggggth!!!!...
This CD will make you jump, make you mosh, make your nose bleed your t-shirt and you'll be just really ....ing happy about it. Beautifully violent, this 7 second's CD is pure musical angst which forces itself through your ears as barbed wire. For those who have heard this CD before, they will agree with me on that. For those who haven't heard this yet, welcome, you have come to the place: let this CD be your strenght, be your truth for years to come. Check this out. Enjoy. ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Gets better with each listen
I must admit, initially, I was rather unimpressed with this album. It seemed like it didn't have a whole lot of substance. Still, I found some kind of attraction to this album. Something about its emotion and its charisma... you must remember that this album was a huge departure from "old school" Black Flag. This work was a huge step, especially with Rollins being a rather unpopular frontman among many fans.

With each listen, the music begins to grow on you. The title track is the masterpiece of the album, though all of the album is intriguing and brilliant. Highlights include "Can't Decide", "I Love You", and "Nothing Left Inside". The music manages to be melodic in points, while intensely violent in others. Even the second side, with its slow riffs and pained screaming, is genius in its own way. This album represents a great leap in Black Flag's sound and status. Chances are, fans of pre-Rollins music won't be intrigued at all by this album. However, those who enjoy the progressive and often bizarre music of the band's later era will love this album, even if not right away.

my first punk record
No lie. This is the first punk record I ever owned. It was purchased based soley on its menacing cover art and also because I was sure that my parents did not want me to have it. MY WAR is an album bent on destroying itself. The title track,I Love You & Swinging Man pretty much sum up the stages of breakdow. The tunes are getting away from the 4-chord punk that Black Flag had previously employed. Greg Ginns solos are starting to take off in decidedly free jazz directions. Still, this album is focused and hard enough to rock even the most jaded. This remains one of my favorite records of all time.

real punk
this album is bloody awsome. im only 15, i may like diffrent music to you but this album blew me away when i heard it. just because it wasnt damaged doesnt mean isnt good. any one who likes the old black flag with an angry singer should get this. any one who enjoys rollins band, black sabbath, dead kenndeys, doa, flipper or any punk band would love this. recomended tracks, bang my head against the wall, my war, cant decide, forever time. these tracks stand out. i recomend this album, its at the top of any punks list.

weirdo
Well, for those who think that My War is a copy of Black Flag are misatking! Well, the title track remembers Damaged best moments, but the rest of the CD tend to hard-rock (the 3 last songs are fu*ked up!) but in global view! That's aweseome!

An underrated album
I think it's a disgrace that this album is so overlooked in comparison to Damaged. Whilst I love Damaged, this is a far more satisfying album. The album kicks off with the brutal title track before launching into a further 5 tracks of angry and outraged punk rock. It is the last 3 tracks however that for me encapsulates the quality of this album. It truley demonstrated that Black Flag weren't your average Hardcore band who were only obsessed with speed. They are very Sabbath-like in their tempo, which to me is no bad thing as I love Sabbath. I would advise people not to listen to this if they are depressed however as it is certainley not a comforting album! However it is a superb one. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Modern (Cult) Classic Made Better!
One Mississippi is one of the most criminally overlooked debuts of the 90's...it took several years for BB to be free of his contract so he could follow it up w/2002's masterful 'Lapalco'--now, thanks to the success of that record, Star Time International has reissued BB's first record w/bonus tracks (previously unavaible in the US) and the Wellfed Boy ep (recorded w/Jason Falkner)...the ep is totally worth buying this again...these recordings will knock you off your feet...kudos to STI for making this domestically available again...enjoy! ... Read more

Album Description

New York's indie pop sensation, Ivy, debuts their amazing craftsmanship with this EP.Each song is a gem. Originally released, 1994.Re-issued by Unfiltered Records, 2003. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Don't miss this! The ultimate in pop music.
If you are familiar with Ivy from their great Long Distance and Apartment Life CDs, you won't want to be without this, their first EP. Every song here is a gem of sweet music with a sarcastic, ironic lyrical twist that keeps it from getting saccharine. This rocks a bit more than Long Distance. The recording is very good. It is a skillful, assured half-album at a nice half-album price. The perfect debut of a wonderful band, a harbinger of much pleasurable music that was (and we hope still is) to come. These are some of my favorite Ivy tunes.

$6.98? What are you waiting for? ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Rockall, anyone?
This is Melvins for me. Just the pair of "It's Showed" and "Zodiac" made many wild nights for me back in the early nineties. This is the album where King Buzzo explores the sound of the barbed wire guitar and gets away with it.Dale Crover? In his Speedos he's better than anyone. The best album by Melvins ever? Not likely. Check out "Bullhead" and "Lysol"

Another great melvins album
The Melvins were an aggressively abrasive unit from the very beginning and have always been an acquired taste to say the least, even to most grunge audiences. However, even the dauntingly heavy Gluey Porch Treatments and the thoroughly twisted Ozma had hints of punk melodies or catchy garage rock licks lightly sprinkled throughout, but on the firmly anti-commercial trio's third full length effort, any and all signs of normalcy are stripped away and quickly discarded. What results, is Bullhead, a hulking pile of dense metallic fury forged in a veritable orgy of feedback experiments and pure and utter dementia. The opening 3-chord assault of the oozing "Boris" says it all. Bullhead is an exercise in endurance, completely unrelenting in its resistance to accessibility. The tempos are slowed down the point of excruciating slowness; every note hanging for what seems like an eternity, with Buzzo and associates reveling in every second of crawling sonic bliss. Conjuring up the mental image of a stream of magma slowly flowing from the mouth of an erupting volcano, The Melvins' third album is power incarnate; its sheer display of might an incredibly impressive document of the band's bizarre yet fascinating musical agenda. Then again, Bullhead is not completely devoid of melody. "It's Shoved" has a swirling funk undercurrent that proves to be the group's poppiest composition to date and "Zodiac" is a far tighter, more focused version of the thrasy Brutal truth original. Even in the midst of a full on war against conventional rock, The Melvins don't forget their foundation, moving ahead, but stressing the importance of the past as well. As one would expect, Bullhead recruited a literal army of detractors, but the immensely influential LP also gained the Melvins a large group of admirers, including the heavily indebted Boris, named after Bullhead's first track. Love it or hate it though, Bullhead is undeniably a monumental feat in the world of heavy music and for any fan of The Melvins, punk, metal, or just noisy music overall, this CD is mandatory listening.

Underwater Anvil Chorus
Auh, those were the days, indeed. I've been fortunate enough to catch these guys several times, but the first was around the "Bullhead" & "Eggnog" period. I had never heard a band play as loud & slow; they actually drove people outside . . yeah, THAT loud.

"Bullhead" opens with the shuddering chords of Boris, one of the heaviest things you will ever hear. After several minutes of this absurdly heavy number, there is a brief stop, & then the second part of this song continues to ooze on, quietly, with the same simple, lurching riff, as Buzz cranks up the creepy ratio even more with disjointed, anxiety riddled whispers about Boris seeing through his eyes, manipulating his arms, legs & spine . . er, however you choose to interpret it. Oddly enough, the "quiet" part is every bit as menacing as the steamroller first half, if not more.

There has always been an uneasy authenticity to this bands dark music, but this song alone engraves the strange heaviness of Melvins into the listener's consciousness. Melvins gained the reputation as one of the loudest & heaviest while somehow defying categorization, & it's because of their style & arrangement, & those atypical flourishes, such as the 2nd part of Boris, the opening of If I Had An Exorcism, & so on, that makes their material so unique. Even though they've since released about a gazillion albums, Bullhead remains, for me, the quintessential Melvins record . . the guitar sound is alive with sounds primitive & frightening. It's a real monster.

holy cow!
the melvins are quite possibly the heaviest band in the world. These are the guys who invented sludge rock. From start to finish this album is a definite head ripper offer. it all starts with "boris" which is a 9 minute massacre of supreme sludge. And it ends with "cow" which features a 4 minute awesome drum solo from mr. dale crover. The highlighs in between are "anaconda","it's shoved", and "zodiac". Which really make you remember a cross between the stooges and black sabbath. and if you like the melvins you will love acid king.

The Best
If you are new to the Melvins and want a solid album from start to finish, this is it. No filler, no experimental BS. If you like this album then continue with Houdini and The Maggot. If you are still interested then try Stoner Witch and Stag which have excellent songs but also have a lot of experimental BS that Melvins like to perform. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Highly underrated album
It's hard for me to believe that these guys weren't popular upon the release of "Back in the USA." Sure, they had previous ties with John Sinclair and the White Panthers, but the songs on this disc are catchy--a early 70s revisitation of the sound of Chuck Berry. While many prefer "Kick out the Jams," this is easily their best album. While not as slick as, say, Alice Cooper, their songs of teenage angst are much better. Cuts like "Teenage Lust," "High School" and "Call Me Animal" should have connected with a young audience had this album been promoted properly back in 1970. It also features two of the best, overlooked anti-war songs of all time: "The Human Being Lawnmower" and "The American Ruse." The later is my favorite song in the MC5 catalog--it is one part anti-war, another part anti-police (foreshadowing the brutal Black Flag track "Police Story" [1981]), while managing to totally rock and stay catchy. The only thing keeping this album from receiving the 5 star rating is the poor attempt at a love song, "Let Me Try," which is kind of like the "We Will Fall" (from the Stooges self-titled debut) of the album. While "We Will Fall" does damage the flow of the first Stooges album, it is genuinely eerie. "Let Me Try" is just plain bad, foreshadowing some of the worst elements of late-1970s Kiss (at least in the lyric department). Despite that, this album is well worth the purchase. Let me reiterate: this album is BETTER than "Kick Out the Jams"!

THE Post-punk masterpiece
I never really understood why some people are so hostile towards this album. Sure, it's not the deafening "sturm und drang" of Kick Out The Jams but the band should be given credit for trying something new instead of just making a studio carbon copy of Jams. The fact is, this album ROCKS. The opening cover of "Tutti-Frutti" shoots ahead like the Starship Enterprise at hyperspeed (a succinct 1:27)while the closing one (the title track) is recreated faithfully, right down to the background vocals. Granted, the ballad "Let Me Try" doesn't quite make it, but is necessary to give the listener a breather after the previous 1-2-3 punch of "Frutti", "Tonight" (Marshall Crenshaw did a great cover of this), and "Teenage Lust". Overall, the version of "Looking At You" somewhat pales in comparison to the original A-Squared version, but this one has three (THREE!!)groundbreaking guitar solos that stand up to anything Hendrix, Beck, Page, Clapton, Vaughan and any other guitar hero you could name (and I love those guys too). I also love Fred Smith's quote from "The Battle Hymn Of The Republic" during "American Ruse" (To Kurt B.: I believe Rob Tyner sings "Sonny", not "Sonic"). "The Human Being Lawnmower" is a great sci-fi tale, and there is little doubt that "Shakin' Street" prefigured Springsteen by a good three years at least (and not just because producer Jon Landau later took him under his wing). With the exception of the ballad, the songs are short and to the point, providing the template for the early Ramones albums (and probably Elvis Costello too, Wayne Kramer says so himself). So don't listen to those who vilify this brilliant work by comparing it to Jams, or that the production is tinny . A lot of R.E.M. fans hate Monster because it has more guitar noise and less jingle-jangle but i consider it one of their three best albums (Murmur and Document are the others). This album never fails to put a smile on my face and simultaneously give me a good shot of adrenalin when i need it.
If you have a chance to get this album, GET IT NOW!!!!

The Second of the '5
Why this album isn't regarded as one of the classics of the 65-74 rock era is beyond me...wait, no it isn't. Listen to the overall tone of the whole recording. EVERYTHING HAS TOO MUCH TREBLE AND NOT ENOUGH OF ANYTHING ELSE! Listening at any reasonable volume feels "too loud" and turning it down makes it "too soft". This single production oversight (courtesy of 1st-timer Jon Landau, who later produced the Boss' "Born to Run") overshadows and hamstrings the whole effort. Granted, the CD is much better than the original LP release (which was almost unlistenable), but it still hurts to hear. To minimize the pain, you'll have to skip over "Tutti Frutti", "Looking at You", and "Call Me Animal". Of these "Animal" is the only real loss, as "Tutti" is already incredibly familiar and the '5 did "Looking" just a little better on their original A-Squared single.
Production gaffes aside, this album, perhaps more than any other album I own, including the Stooges first one, exemplifies Lester Bangs' assertion that Rock music is gloriously dumb. Every one of the tracks could only have been done by a bunch of American near-dropouts from the Midwest who read too much sci-fi and took too many drugs, which pretty much narrows it down to the MC5. Landau's guiding hand also adds familiar rock sayings and guitar riffs to every song but "Human Being Lawnmower". All of this adds up to something that is pretty good, but not as challenging as "starship" from their first album. The new songs are thus somewhat familiar, the oldies are pretty good too, and everything's quite fast, which is par for the course for the MC5.
All told, this album isn't either spectacular or unspectacular. It wouldn't be awful as a first MC5 album to own, either, but it's nowhere near "Kick out the Jams" in terms of sheer impact. Which is, in the end, this album's biggest flaw: it came after "Jams", not before, and shows the band as mere musical mortals. Here, they're not grasping for the stratosphere like they did on their first album, but retreating from and sidestepping the stardom that they should have rightfully claimed.

Correction(s)..
I wrote a review of the album back in October and then realized (a little late) that i made a few mistakes.
So here they are:
1)The title of the review should have said "The PROTO-punk masterpiece, not POST-punk. My apologies.
2)I just finished looking at a website that featured MC5 lyrics, and indeed, Rob Tyner does sing "Sonic" on "The American Ruse" (though they say the actual lyric is "Rock 'em back, Sonic"). Again, my apologies.
3)I realize my review looked like the insane ramblings of an
acid freak. I guess i was so excited to write a review of this
classic album, i just couldn't help myself. (For the record, I
am drug-free).
Aside from these blunders, everything else still stands: This is one of the greatest albums EVER and if you want to do yourself a favor and listen to REAL rock 'n' roll (unlike that
Strokes nonsense)pick this album up PRONTO.

Tinny, shrill, fast...
This is good, but it catches you a little off gaurd. It's just not what an MC5 fan expects.
These are fast, mostly short, songs. The production really minimizes the bottom end, and with an already fairly shrill & hyper band like this, the result is...it sounds like it was recorded inside a tine can!
There's one slow tune, "Let Me Try", and it works like a waltzy fifties number, but the feeling is one of forced restraint-as if they really would rather be rocking hard! There is a keyboard on about half the tunes, and it tends to soften the sound. Mostly these are arranged as pop/rock songs, except the very heavy, hard, and complex "Human Being Lawnmower". If you like the standard MC5 sound of metal-meets-punk-before either genre was clearly defined, you'll also get off on "Call Me Animal" and "Looking at You". There's no real duds here. But be careful-this is a fairly one dimensional album, and it highlights the "High Energy" thing, while minimizing the experimentation and jazz influence. ... Read more

Album Description

Finally available again! This digitally remastered (by theoriginal sound engineer) reissue of their classic 1985 DKalbum! This 2001 Manifesto release features 10 tracks. ... Read more

Reviews (47)

Classic 80s Punk...angry, aggressive, controversial
The DK's were always a political band as frontman Jello Biafra always wore his politics on his sleeve. And when one's political views do not reside in the wealthy-elite-popular end of the spectrum, an often effective way to bring attention to one's alternative views is through controversy - and this album had its share. From the band's name to the record's name to the poster inside to the record cover - this record pushed a ton of buttons.

It became a coveted item in the mid-80s when the poster by H.R. Giger (the artist who designed the alien from the movie "Aliens") which accompanied the record depticting an abstract row of penises pissed off some goevernment types and the record was banned (or at least threatened to be until they reomoved the poster).

And then there are the lyrics...Biafra skewers everything from racism/elitism (This Could Be Anywhere) to high school jock mentality (Jock-o-rama) to Rednecks (Goons of Hazzard) to corporate rock (MTV get off the air!) to straight jobs (At My Job) and finally virtually the entire United States (Stars and Stripes of Corruption...where a certain national monument is compared to a certain member of the male anatomy). Collectively, they rage against conformity as a breeding ground for senseless violence, hypocracy and injustice.

Unfortunatley, the controversy and politics overshadow the music. The Sex Pistols-meets-the Ramones-all out attack holds up well 15 + years later.

disenchanted? fed up? "Frankenchrist" can help...
This is the album that got me started on Dead Kennedys, and it still remains one of their strongest works. Going against the fast-minute-and-a-half songs that became the template for 'punk music,' "Frankenchrist" is 10 songs of considerable length, each with its own epic feel. Even today, the songs (and most of DK's backcatalog, for that matter) remain relevant and eerily prophetic ('Hellnation,' 'MTV--Get off the Air,' 'At My Job'). The last track, 'Stars and Stripes of Corruption,' is a six-minute work of genius, with many statements that ring all too true, especially in the wake of the now-famous "9-11" attacks (sample lyric: 'Tell me who's the real patriots? The Archie Bunker slobs waving flags? Or the people with the guts to work for some real change?').

diversity from the dks
this has to be my favorite dk's album. Yes fresh fruit is great , I god we trust is too, blah,blah,blah. The main reason it clicked so well is because it is just so different. The dead kennedys were ever changing but this hasnt been matched by anything else.
1. soup is good food- 5/5 funny as hell but also true. great lyrics
2.Hellnation- 4/5 a breath of the old but it get me riled every time i hear it
3.This could be anywhere- 5/5- classic
4. Growing boy needs his lunch- 3/5- eh
5. chicken farm- 4/5 Instruments on this are excellent not the best lyrics.
6. jock-o-rama- 5/5 Probably the second best dks song next to lets lycnh the landlord man
7.goons of hazard- 3/5- good but not great
8.mtv get off the air- 5/5- this song will infamously remain classic for all of time.
9.at my job- 1/5- worst dks song ever
10. stars and stripes of corruption- 5/5 quintesential dks experience, you cant go without it.

MTV, Get Off The Air!!!
That phrase still lives in anyone who's ever heard this CD's head. I love this album, pick it up with Plastic Surgery.

Great Expect For...
Vintage 80's punk rock from the politically and socially conscience legendary group - Dead Kennedys.

It is probably something that you will either love or hate.
With their surf guitar sound and the unusual sounding voice of Jello Biafra, this group covers the gambit of 80's pop culture in their music.

Even though the lyrics may be dated, it is strangely addictive like almost all of the Dead Kennedys releases.

The only thing I didn't like from this re-release is that the original artwork (which was a giant great collaged masterpiece with page after page of artwork that made numerous statements about the government and the pop culture of that time) was replaced with crap -- it's a shame. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This is the crux of the Flag. Their third album of 1984, it followed the schizophrenic Family Man, which found the band playing bone- crushing instrumentals on one side while Henry Rollins ranted spoken-word on the other. Slip put things back together with a hammer--with new bassist Kira Roessler striking the blow. This is music of real tension, and Rollins challenges guitarist Greg Ginn for the reins all the way through. His throat-ripping rasp may win out on "Wound Up," but Ginn is simply ferocious on "Black Coffee" and "My Ghetto." Suzanne Gardner's hilarious yet sexy cooings on the title track win her the "Donna Summer of Punk" Award. --Michael Ruby ... Read more

Reviews (13)

From hardcore to HEAVY rock.
Not the same Black Flag on Damaged, First Four Years, or even My War. The band has found a great mid-ground between 70's rock and hardcore. For example Black Coffee is steady driving with your buddy banging on the top of the cab and the guy in the back seat is swinging a chain out the window. Makes you wanna cruise in your firebird with you and some of your buddies and start a fight with some bozo out on the street. My Ghetto is a hardcore punk panic attack nightmare. Rollins is really flipant yelling and growling in a dellusional mania. You can feel your heart palpitate to Greg's kick drum. This albums only instrumental, Obliteration has lumbering heaviness of doom metal, Ginn does some really wild solos on this one. This is a real keeper if you are into Flag, It's has quite a range in musical style and doesn't have a dull moment except for Rats Eyes (a slow dirge of a ditty.) For Flag fans whom like the 'rock' as well as the 'punk.'

From hardCORE to hard ROCK.
This album is the most accomplished besides that of Damaged. Not the same sounding Black Flag on Damaged, First Four Years, or even My War. The band has found a great mid-ground between 70's rock and hardcore. For example Black Coffee is steady driving with your buddy banging on the top of the cab and the guy in the back seat is swinging a chain out the window. Makes you wanna cruise in your firebird with you and some of your buddies and start a fight with some bozo out on the street. My Ghetto is a hardcore punk panic attack nightmare. Rollins is really flipant yelling and growling in a dellusional mania. You can feel your heart palpitate to Greg's kick drum. This albums only instrumental, Obliteration has lumbering heaviness of doom metal, Ginn does some really wild solos on this one. This is a real keeper if you are into Flag, It's has quite a range in musical style and doesn't have a dull moment except for Rats Eyes (a slow dirge of a ditty.) For Flag fans whom like the 'rock' as well as the 'punk.'

From hardCORE to hard ROCK.
Not the same Black Flag on Damaged, First Four Years, or even My War. The band has found a great mid-ground between 70's rock and hardcore. For example Black Coffee is steady driving with your buddy banging on the top of the cab and the guy in the back seat is swinging a chain out the window. Makes you wanna cruise in your firebird with you and some of your buddies and start a fight with some bozo out on the street. My Ghetto is a hardcore punk panic attack nightmare. Rollins is really flipant yelling and growling in a dellusional mania. You can feel your heart palpitate to Greg's kick drum. This albums only instrumental, Obliteration has lumbering heaviness of doom metal, Ginn does some really wild solos on this one. This is a real keeper if you are into Flag, It's has quite a range in musical style and doesn't have a dull moment except for Rats Eyes (a slow dirge of a ditty.) For Flag fans whom like the 'rock' as well as the 'punk.'

It is a great album!
Black Flag was always trying new things! They were experimenting but sure they were rockin'! On Slip It in, they mix hard-rock/heavy metal sounds with they powerful punk sound! The result is really good! There is awesome tracks on this CD the best example is probably for me The Bars! But Slip It in, Black Coffee & My Gettho are also really good!

SLIP IT ON IN!!YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!
A good Black Flag effort!! I love the instruments in this, Kira is an awesome bass player, what can I say about Greg, it's already known that he's one of the best. Of course Descendents leader Bill Stevenson is good on the skins! The angry singer Rollins too! But there are problems on this like, some songs just run too long. You have to be in the right mood to listen to the whole thing. I can see how Stephen Egerton(ALL,Descendents) really liked this album, he uses some of the styles of riffs Greg Ginn played on here. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Best......song ever?!!
On their last album before going major, the Melvins created, arguably, their best....song ever. Originally titled "Lysol", its one track is actually six songs fused together as one lumbering beast. They are: Hung Bunny, Roman Dog Bird, Sacrifice (Flipper), Second Coming (Alice Cooper), The Ballad of Dwight Fry (Alice Cooper) and With Teeth. Though the majority of the material on the album is not theirs, the Melvins sucessfully make it their own with crushing precision. Like a huge, lead wrecking ball being lowered upon you from above, you start to feel the weight of these songs about midway into it and by the end you are choking and gasping for air.

The Melvins at the pinnacle of their career
Watching the Melvins evolve was extremely interesting and entertaining. They began as an unassuming punk band, and proceded to incorporate the heaviness of 70's rock into their sound. Then they stripped away any and all of the "punk" trappings and went for pure HEAVY. It all culminated with this record. It just doesn't get any heavier than 'Roman Bird Dog/Hung Bunny'. 'With Teeth', rumored to actually be written by Joe Preston, is one of my all time favorite Melvins songs. Speaking of Joe Preston, he was the best thing to ever happen to the Melvins. As soon as they fired him, they went straight down the greased pole. Thank Deus that rock bands record their music so that it isn't lost forever every time they make stupid decisions! (Joe is now flying solo as Thrones, be sure to check them out.) The only song on this record which I don't like is the cover of Alice Cooper's 'The Ballad of Dwight Fry'. It's just a lousy song. Thankfully they made up for it with a cover of Flipper's 'Sacrifice'.

Some of the Melvins' subsequent records have their moments (Stoner Witch's 'Shevil', Stag's 'Cotton Mouth'), but for the most part it seems to me that the Melvins gave up the ghost after recording this. Maybe someday they'll make a comeback.

Neat, But Only Only One Noteworty Cut
The Melvins have a knack for putting out some puzzling EP's, and this is one of them. Only their cover version of Alice Cooper's classic "Ballad Of Dwight Fry" actually redeems this record. I love the tune, early Cooper, and the way The Melvins approach any cover. The bulk of the rest of this is pretty hard to take, even for someone like me who appreciates this group. All of side one (I'm a vinyl guy, only do CD's when there is no other option)is a slow droning monochromatic instrumental that I had trouble getting through (only) once.

Mindblowing
Wow.

Go buy this album and listen to Hung Bunny right now. Stoned if possible. Seriously though, this is one of the most incredible Melvins albums out there, even if 2 out of 5 songs are covers. Joe Preston, the bass player, is only on a couple of albums, but his sound is incredible. Buzz and Dale are both awesome, of course. The packaging includes no credits or song names and the CD has only 1 track. The originals include Hung Bunny and With Teeth, either one of which is worth the price of the CD.

The definition of HEAVY
Look no further, this is it. The heaviest album ever! When I put this album in unsuspecting people always say, "What the hell is that". After the drums kick in they just sit there in disbelief. The next statement is usually, " I have never heard anything like that, who is it?" Do youself a favor and buy this album, you won't regret it! ... Read more