Reviews (19)

Great CD
acceptance is a great new band out there

1-take cover 5/5 great introductory song to there cd. catchy tune great vocals
2-so contagious 5/5 second best song on the cd very catchy great vocals and guitar playing
3-in too far 5/5 another great song
4-the letter 4.5/5 good song, good vocals
5-different 5/5 best song on cd. if they ever have a release this will be their first single
6-ad astra per aspera 3/5 no singing in this song just guitar playing short only about 1:30 or so
7-this conversation is over 4.5/5 another great song
8-over you 4.5/5 catchy song, good vocals
9-breathless 5/5 great song amazing vocals
10-in the cold 4/5/5 another good song. great guiter playing
11-permanent 5/5 third best song on the cd catchy tune, good vocals
12-glory us 5/5 great concluding song to a great cd

overall this is a great cd. very catchy and amazing vocals

If I were man enough to cry, I certainly would
I got "Phantoms" exactly three weeks ago and it's probably been the CD I've listened to the most. I heard "Different" back in February one evening when I was feeling particularly bad and it nearly brought a tear to my eye. I've always been a sucker for the piano, so I went out and got this CD as soon as I could - and, while it doesn't appear on every track, I definitely was not disappointed. These songs are the kind that, if they get stuck in your head, you'll feel bad when it goes away. What can I say? It's one of the best albums I own.

amazing
in my opinion this is the best record of the year.....the letter is my favorite song, and i think this record is good because there is a balance of rock, melodies, and good songwriting....sure major label producers probably helped them along the way, but they worked up to it, and produced and awesome record.........seriously i can't stop listening to the record

Solid rock'n'roll
Everyone that complains about this band or that band selling out is full of it.Making music is a bands' job not just their hobby.If they feel going to a major label is in their best interest then more power to them.That being said, "Phantoms" is a solid debut album arguably without a bad song... and anyone who says "Different" is the best song hasn't listened to "Take Cover" "So Contagious" or "This Conversation Is Over."Acceptance's live show is amazing and makes you appreciate this album that much more, they are definitely here to stay.One other thing... if your having trouble ripping the disc onto your PC that sucks... just another reason why Apple computers are the best.

-a 17 year old male alternative rock fan writing a review on his mom's amazon account because he is bored out of his mind

Sellouts
Nothing like Blacklines To Battlefields
They sold out and went to Columbia Records
Dont buy this... im dead serious
If you like hoobastank
(Yes Im talking to the 3 of you out there that do)
Buy it
But otherwise
Scrap it
Not worth the purchase
They have a terrible sound ... Read more

Amazon.com

The debate over whether he is punk or new wave is long over; today Elvis Costello is less likely to be found on a list with Strummer and Scabies than he is with Bacharach and David and Jimmy Webb. Lauded initially for his energetic and literate attacks on the social ills of Thatcher's England, he has become a peerless master of the popular song. The evolution of Costello's craft as a songwriter and performer, from the early high-octane polemics, through his stylistic experiments with country and soul, and on to standards written for others, is splendidly documented on this elegant two-disc set. Chronology is ignored in favor of a thoughtful program that catalogs the jewels from his prolific output and a sprinkling of covers that demonstrate the maturing of his singing voice. The 42 tracks here lean generously to the first 10 years with the Attractions, but also collects the best of his subsequent collaborations with the cream of America's session musicians and on through to "She," his contribution to the soundtrack of 1999's Notting Hill. --Rob Stewart ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Only a fraction of "The Very Best...", but a good start.
As an introduction for the Elvis Costello novice, this is definitely the best "Best of" to date, but I think this "Very Best of" labelling of Costello's work is frankly ludicrous. Although I realize the point of this release is to sell a reasonably priced and affordable overview, I would have preferred Rhino issue the 2-CD set as "The Very Best, Volume One" (with Two, Three, Four & Five to follow), as any singular "Very Best" compilation (even two CD's worth) of the most prolific genius in modern music is bound to be lacking, to say the least. As for this compilation, I applaud Rhino for including some of Costello's lesser known gems (although there are many, many more). However, there were several surprising omissions of better known songs. "King Horse," "Party Girl," "Love Field," and "You Little Fool" are a few that come to mind. And I felt that many of the chosen tracks simply were not the VERY best song or songs from those particular albums (among the very best, yes, but certainly not THE very best). For example, why was "I Want To Vanish" picked over the title track "All This Useless Beauty"? And why was the album "The Juliet Letters" completely ignored? I think "The Birds Will Still Be Singing" is one of the most beautiful songs Costello has ever written, and it is nowhere to be found! Were these songs bumped by "She" and "That Day Is Done"?! Okay, so am I for the most part nitpicking ? Sure! But I have a list a mile long of the "Very Best" of Elvis (probably a ten CD box set's worth)! Anyway, if you're new to Elvis definitely pick up this "Very Best of " CD. Then rush out and buy every album Costello's ever made!

Truly the Essential Elvis!
I have owned quite a number of Elvis Costello anthology albums. The first was back in the late 80's, a "Greatest Hits" LP put out by CBS/Columbia. In 91 I purchased "Girls, Girls, Girls" a triple CD collection, & recently found a budget priced cassette called "Extreme Honey: the Best of the Warner Bros. Years". Each of these had songs I liked, but often contained more that I didn't.

Now I have purchased "The Very Best of Elvis Costello" & for once I can say this album absolutely lives up to it's title! In 2 CD's we have an overview of the extraordinary career of one of the most prolific & multi-faceted songwriters of our time. It's wonderful! Everything is here, from the chilling "Watching the Detectives" & supersonic "Lipstick Vogue" of the early albums thru the jazz & country-tinged experiments of the late 80's up to his latest collaborations with the Brodsky Quartet & Burt Bacharach. There isn't a single song that tempts me to hit the "forward" button on my CD player.

Curiously, Rhino has opted to put the material in a non-sequential order. Most greatest hits collections start with the earliest songs, working their way up to the latest. "The Very Best of..." was organized by someone who had their mind on creating an emotional mood rather than a history of the artist. Although normally I prefer the time-line approach, in this casse it works quite well. If you want to hear the developement of Costello's song-writing, Rhino has included original release dates in the credits so that you can sequence your own order. Other than song titles & lists of musicians, this is about all the information you will discover inside the jewel case. This is about the only weakness I can find to this package. Personally I would have preferred some type of liner notes included.

If you only own 1 Elvis Costello album, make it "The Very Best of..." . I guarantee you won't regret it!

could've used a chrono-scrambler
but it's amazing anyway! if you haven't given elvis costello a chance yet, you owe it to yourself. so many pop masterpieces. this guy may be one of the most widely acclaimed, yet underappreciated artists in history. what a shame...these songs--all 42 of them!--are simply fantastic. i'd heard maybe four of them before taking the plunge and dishing out the 20+ bucks for this double cd set. favorites: "oliver's army," "accidents will happen," "veronica," "lipstick vogue," "alison".

one has to admit, however, that the more ballad-centric second disc is far, far weaker than the more energetic first disc. if i'd done the compilation, i think i would have scrambled the chronology a bit to even things out.

Great if you're new to E.C.
If you are a new fan of Elvis Costello (we all were at some point...) then this is a good CD to start out with because it spans a good deal of his career and can point you in the right direction of if you like his earlier music or latest music. If you are a long-time E.C. fan and have most of his albums, then there is really nothing new here for you. As a greatest hits collection, it was an excellent selection of songs considering they had to keep it down to only two CDs--and its a better deal then a box-set would be. Give it a try.

A great representation of a great career
What DECADE was for Neil Young, THE VERY BEST OF ELVIS COSTELLO is for E.C. While it is representative of a longer span of time, T.V.B.O.E.C. leaves very few gaps in Costello's long and varied career. It covers the huge range of musical styles that influenced Elvis and that he incorporated so engagingly: reggae, punk, country/western, pop, Mersey, ska, classical, and Frank Sinatra-type music (whatever that is called). Listening to some of the older tunes, like "Watching the Detectives" (one of my favorites) and "Pump It Up" reminded me of how impressed I had been by this guy's singular sound and individuality during an era of copy-cat punk/new wave bands. And the newer tunes just seem like a logical procession of this man's songwriting ability. This cd is well-worth having in your collection. ... Read more

Reviews (51)

Quite Good
RBF comes back after three years or so of touring and releases a rock-solid, infectious, bitter, pissy, angry album.There are usually two or three pissed off songs on an RBF album, "We're Not Happy 'til You're Not Happy" has about eight.

'THE FIRE' 4/5- This song starts in a funky, half time beat and is moderately entertaining, then kicks into a full skank and is awesome.Chorus is especially fun.

'Drinkin'' 5/5- A companion of sorts to the song 'Beer' this song has a fun little riff at the beginning and equal amounts of rock and ska throughout.

'Don't Start A Band' 5/5- I wanted to give them all a hug after this song.It amazes me how RBF can take the most depressing lyrics and set them to the happiest music.

'A-W-E-S-O-M-E' 4/5- I laughed my ass off at the beginning of this song.The song itself is ok.The chorus is the best.

'We Hate it When Our Friends Become Successful' 5/5- A Morrissey cover that fits the band quite well lyrically, and I like RBF's version better

'Turn the Radio Off' 5/5- Very angry, very good.The bridge is the best part.

'Talkin' 'Bout a Revolution' 4/5- awesome reggae version of a Tracy Chapman song.It shouldn't have been the first single, but it kicks ass.

'The Bad Guy' 3/5- My least favorite song on the album.It is saved by the brass section in the bridge.

'Story of My Life' 5/5- RBF has made a Social Distortion song sound almost cute, and has gotten away with it quite well.

'The Joke's On Me' 4/5- Starts out kind of new-wavey, is quite sad throughout, and the "never were any good old days" part is downright depressing.

'One Hit Wonderful' 5/5- incredible 3/4 time examination of the success of 'sell out'.the mandolin in the bridge is fun. after the song finishes, you can hear a high school marching band playing an arrangement of 'sell out'.

'The Last Show' 5/5- Makes it sound like RBF is breaking up, but they're not.The lyrics could be seen as Aaron talking to Scott, but i don't know.

'Say Goodbye' 4/5- End of a relationship song.At least it says "feels so good to say goodbye".almost not sad.

'Your Guts (I Hate Em)'10/5- My Favorite song on the album.SO damn funny.

Well, I'm Happy
This cd is honestly, one of my most favorite CDs that I own. They kept the same RBF sound, but somewhat matured a little bit. This is by far better than Cheer Up (mainly because the songs on Cheer Up bring back bad memories), and is my favorite RBF album. With Turn the Radio off in second.

My favorite tracks on this cd are: "Don't start a band", "A-W-E-S-O-M-E", and "Last Show."

Buy this album if you love RBF and want a good CD!

A bit more poppy than the others, but still my RBF
Reel Big Fish seems to be getting more and more pop oriented (melody and tone) as time goes on.Not that this is a negative thing, per se, but it's a step in an unexpected direction.

The opening track starts with a song that reminds me very much of my first listen to "Cheer Up".The song progresses from a lone guitar into a big buildup into more distorted guitar, then the repeating choruses into the big ending.It seems most of the tracks follow this format, though there is some variation.Looking back at "Turn the Radio Off" and "Why Do They Rock So Hard?", I miss the chill groovy tracks that dominated those albums.Most of the songs have a "hit on every beat" feel during choruses.I'm not sure how to describe it, but it feels sort of punk.

They make fun of themselves a bit with "One Hit Wonderful" and throw in their signature hypocricy with "Don't Start a Band".Theme-wise, the album is fairly negative but only lyrically.RBF has a unique talent; they can make the most lyrically negative song into a happy-go-lucky "make me want to skank" smile-fest.Still, I miss the good old days of "Beer" and "Alternative Baby".Maybe they just need more horn melodies, less distorted lead guitar.

All in all, this is about the best I can hope from from this awesome band.I was not disappointed at all, and I can see the songs growing on me.Keep churning it out guys, I look forward to what's ahead.

It was time for this band to grow musically!
While still full of the tongue in cheek, often curt but undoubtedly negative lyrics RBF have become known for, this CD returns the band to its ska roots and mixes in some new production style.The end result is incredible.Every album this band records seems to reflect their state of mind in the industry at any given time.In particular Turn The Radio Off and Why Do They Rock So Hard?This album is no exception. Turn The Radio Off told the story of a small time band that wanted to make it so bad it hurt.Why Do They Rock So Hard dealt with the inevitable backlash from some fans when the band "sold out," though they did nothing of the sort.We're Not Happy Til You're Not Happy has its own theme too, but this is a VERY angry, bitter album.It deals with the competitive and backstabbing industry every signed band finds itself in.That state of the band where the music becomes it's own stress, when playing feels like a job. If you can't deal with that anger, however, I'm not so sure you ever really listened to the lyrics of other Reel Big Fish albums, much less been in a band of your own.One of the reasons I like RBF so much is I empathize with a great number of their songs,.. they capture the experience of being in a band so perfectly, particularly the negative aspects which hardly any other group seems to acknowledge (most bands just want to tell you how much they rock).This album is a welcome addition to my record collection.Easily the best CD I've bought so far this year.

RBF Is back Baby!!!
This CD is so good!I've loved Reel Big Fish since I was a littler kid than I am now.That's like ten years or something, and really, this CD is absolutely amazing.I don't know what all you people lambasting this CD are thinking.Obviously somebody ripped the fun out of your ear drums because you suck if you think CD is not a 5 star worthy purchase!

This CD is awesome."Drinkin" is easily one of the top RBF songs ever.So is "Don't Start A Band,""Say Goodbye," "Your Guts (I Hate 'em)" and, well, basically every song on this CD.This is classic rocking awesome funny rad Reel Big Fish and everyone should buy this CD.It's so much better than Cheer Up, which was still a 5 star CD.So maybe, this is really like a 6 or 7 star CD (on a five star scale) because this CD is just so freakin' sweet.Basically this CD rocks harder than when unicorn's have their horns stuck in the rock that was holding excalibur until King Arthur pulled excalibur out.That's how hard this CD rocks!!!

This CD will not stop rocking until King Arthur comes back and rides that unicorn straight into Heaven to the tunes of "Your Guts (I hate 'em)" which will be playing when everyone who dissed this momentous CD is tossed into firey brimstone for their lack of faith, which I find disturbing. ... Read more

Album Description

HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS are Victory's next high priority emo project, and are already generating a buzz with the Victory fan base.The Silence In Black and White record will appeal to fans of THURSDAY, TAKING BACK SUNDAY and SILVERSTEIN. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Hawthorne Heights
Yes as many reviews have pointed out, this cd has been done before many times. But HH has done a great job finding a happy medium between emo and screamo. Its too heavy to be emo, but its also pretty weak screamo, which isn't all that bad. The songs are super tight too, all of them around 4 minutes. My only complaint is that the lyrics are sometimes a bit weak, but overall its a great listen.

1.Life on Standby-9/10- One of the heavier tracks, and it works.
2.Dissolve and Decay-10/10- This song is still stuck in my head.
3.Niki FM-10/10-Another standout, this is probably my 2nd favorite.
4.The Transition-8/10-Decent, with some catchy breaks that boosts its rating.
5.Blue Burns Orange-9/10-Catchy all the way through, with a great chorus.
6.Silver Bullet-9/10-First song I heard, I had to buy this after.
7.Screenwriting and Apology-7.5/10-Very forgettable.
8.Ohio is for Lovers-10/10-Great song, a definate standout.
9.Wake up Call-Amazing song, my favorite on the disc.

10.Sandpaper and Silk-8/10-also forgettable, but a very good track.
11.Speeding up the Octaves-8.5/10-Great song, but by no means the best on the cd.

Overall, this cd is definately worth the 12 bucks. HH have put together 11 amazingly catchy songs here that won't dissapoint.

flawless cd
these guys are probably my 2nd fav band now, i've listened to it strait through over 30 times and i love every song here's what i think of each track:

1.Life on Standby -Great song with more screaming then the others
2.Dissolve and Decay-I love the guitar solos in this and also a great song.
3.Niki FM-heard it on the demo cd and loved it one of my favs.
4.The transition-another fav, great song.
5.Blue Burns orange-Awesome song, good chorus.
6.Silver Bullet-This song is really good song too, good to listen to after a split up :)
7.Screenwriting an apology-omg my fav on the cd no questions asked. 20 out of 10. haha.
8.Ohio is for Lovers-Great song one of the best on cd. I dowloaded the video and wathced it over and over...damn good.
9.Wake up call-at first i hated the begining now i love it. great song.
10.Sandpaper and silk- not my fav but a great song!
11.Speeding up the Octaves-This songs prob got the strongest lyrics but its not my fav its obviously good tho.

This cd is a steal its worth a hell of a lot more than 12 bucks they must be insane. BUY IT NOWWWW!!! I didn't even like screaming b4 i listened to these guys now i love it. You won't regret it.

Great cd
I love this cd. Its been in my cd player since i bought it in september. Go buy this cd as soon as you get the money for it..i gaurentee you will love it as much as i do

amazing
this is an amazing cd. best of my buys so far.

good cd
this is band is pretty much a normal screamo band, but yet every screamo band has there own way of doing things, and they prove that in this....i first heard silver bullet on purevolume and loved it, i drink alot so i thought the silver bullet song was about coors light, heh, but anyways, i bought it the other day and fell in love (...), ohio is for lover is probably the best track on there, which they're all good though, but you should buy this no doubt, later ... Read more

Amazon.com

Emo-rock band Jimmy Eat World exemplify all that is the modern radio rock sound. Singing and playing with a conviction and sincerity that will melt the heart of even the most stoic of listeners, they produce rousing, well-crafted anthems along the lines of Third Eye Blind at their roughest or a more polished Green Day. These guys appear to be able to write ready-made singles at the drop of a hat, as evidenced by "Your House" as well as the title track. In fact, there is a rather shocking maturity to their material that belies the band members' ages (all in their 20s). While they sometimes veer into cringe-worthy power-ballad territory, overall Jimmy Eat World give the people what they want with Bleed American. --Ike Bolton ... Read more

Reviews (291)

One of the great albums of last year.
Like some people, my first taste of Jimmy Eat World was through The Middle. Although at first it wasn't my thing, I found myself liking it. So I went uptown and bought it cause I'm need of liking some new bands so I bought it uptown(it still has Bleed American on the cover). Overall, this is such a great album. It seems a lot more poppier than Clarity(which I also bought).

Bleed American: very guitar driven. good riff too. 9/10
A Praise Chorus: I love the "crimson and clover" part. 8/10
The Middle: the couple times 9/10 after a LOT of repeated listens 7/10
Your House: mainly acoustic with some added elements. good song. 8/10
Sweetness: mixed bag- it's a awesome song but the original that started with the guitar(this one starts with vocals) was much better. 7.5/10
Hear You Me: slower number. It's such a melancholy and great track. 9/10
If You Don't, Don't: rock edged song. It's pretty good. 8/10
Get It Faster: this one is actually pretty catchy. 9/10
Cautioners: slow song. it's good but not the better of the slow ones. 7.5/10
The Authority Song: good song to blast in your car. 9/10
My Sundown: another melancholy song but my favorite of them. The song seems to be about suicide so the song cuts off right at the end. (Dream Theater's Pull Me Under had this too.)

It's a great album. It's a good song to blast while you're driving or playing sports. Not as good as Clarity but it's a great album.

Jimmy Eat World rocks!!
Alright I'm going to be honest I'm a #1 J.E.W fan,I love em' and I love their music!They're the hardest band out there going from state to state,and they're all over the place these days and that's because they work hard to get where they are!And some bands these days don't even sound like they do on their cd but J.E.W does and I know that for a fact because I've been to 2 of their concerts unfortunately I didn't get to see them at the Edge Fest,sadly.Jim Adkins(vocals and guitar),Tom Linton(guitar and vocals),Rick Burch(bass),Zach Lind(drums) make up Jimmy Eat World and without them we wouldn't have the emotion not material artistic expression from this Mesa,Arizona based band.From "Bleed American" with that describes a feeling that is missing to songs like "Sweetness","If you don't,don't" and "Your House" harbour a romantic sensibility and the somber "Get it Faster" or the expansive "Cautioners" leave much room for the listener's own experiences and emotions as anything on Static Prevails and Clarity.So give it a listen!!

Another JEW masterpiece
I'm sorry, but there are only a few bands out there who can claim my absolute devotion. Jimmy Eat World just happens to be one of them. There just doesn't seem to be an end their musical prowess. For those who have just recently heard of them via the radio and are contemplating buying the CD, wait no longer. Buy the thing. It is worth every dang penny. For those old school fans, you should buy it, too. Yeah, it is very different from the likes of Static Prevails, but so was Clarity, and you liked it. It took some time, but you cottoned to it. Same thing with Bleed American. Once it grew on me it didn't leave my CD player for three weeks. Honestly, folks, one of the best discs ever by one of the best groups ever.

The Bottom Line
It's really easy to get into this album right from the start. Bleed American (as it was originally titled) touts the right combination of melodic rock and slower ballads for a terrific rock and roll record. The album has a very poppy feel pretty much the whole way through, and Jimmy Eat World proves that this doesn't necessarily have to be a negative aspect. This translates into an album which could theoretically find its way on a movie or television soundtrack because of the type of easily digested superbly written songs that exist throughout. (Tell me that "The Middle" wouldn't fit perfectly into an 1980's John Cusak flick about overcoming the high school odds and getting the girl!) Anyway, if you're looking for something completely new in uncharted territory; you might need to pick up one of their earlier records. If your looking for a simply great rock and roll record, pick this one up.

yes
i love this album! theres not one song i don't like on it. my friends and i sang/played 'the middle' and 'my sundown' for our school graduation mass and converted people to the church of jimmy in the process ... Read more

Amazon.com

This is the second stateside album by this workmanlike Swedish power pop garage act. People who don’t use TiVo to skip through the adverts have already heard the best song on the album, "Jerk It Out," from that iPod Shuffle commercial. That tune’s been tacked on here even though it’s 3 years old, and it’s easy to see why it was resuscitated as it blows away its neighbors on this CD. Organ-driven, tight and cool, "Jerk" is the kind of song you just want to dance around a crowded room filled with cute people all dressed up like mods and ready to party. The lyrics are daft, but they’re young, and it’s just rock music, right? Not all the new tunes pale in comparison to "Jerk it Out," however. "Your Time Is Near" is a really good, suggesting collaboration between the Concretes and the Brian Jonestown Massacre, while "We Got To Leave" judiciously uses handclaps. In the end, however, this band does seem more like another trendy, sort-of retro, kind-of garage rockist group. --Mike McGonigal ... Read more

Reviews (9)

The Caesars - not just for iPod commercials
Ok, I admit it, the only reason I heard of this band was the oh so catchy iPod shuffle advert proclaiming that I should in fact, Jerk It Out. I downloaded the song immediately, and went off in search of more tracks from this alluring Swedish band.

What can I say? I was more than a little disappointed with the album 39 Minutes of Bliss - tracks that, as one person has already pointed out, wouldn't age well and don't really have the "let's listen to this again" factor. So I contented myself playing Jerk It Out five times a day and hoping the band would release something else.

So imagine my surprise and delight when I saw the shiny new album Paper Tigers sitting in front of me in HMV! I didn't buy the record there and then, for fear of another 39 Minutes... scramble to switch it straight off, but instead went home and listened to 30 second samples on (appropriately!) iTunes. Needless to say, Paper Tigers was in my CD collection the next day.

The album is a perfect mix of rock, garage and 80's
beats that will leave you begging for more. The lyrics are silly at times and nonsensical - "ain't got no sugar in my coffee, times are hard but we got the right cards", and could be a lot better considering the band have released five albums (under different names), but at least they're fun/easy to sing along to when you have the CD on at full blast in your room. Which you will do at least twice a day, believe me.

Song by song:

1. Spirit - a good song that, although never gets really started, will leave you wanting to listen to the next track on the album (in a good way, of course). Could never be a single though. 7/10

2. Not The Fall That Hurts - a prime example of the "sing along easily" theory. Who cares if the words don't really make sense? The groovy guitars, organs and drums make up for it, and I adore the part in the middle when you think the song is ending, but it really isn't. Timeless. 9.5/10

3. Out There - one of those songs that will have you tapping your foot along to it, whether you want to or not. Not the best track, by any means, but still great. 8/10

4. Jerk It Out - having been released on three albums and constantly blaring out of my speakers for the past month and a half, it's not surprising that this track sounded just a little old. Don't get me wrong - I LOVE this track, but feel it sounds a bit out of place on this album at times.

5. May The Rain - my favourite track! Sure, the lyrics are ever so slightly morbid - "May you die alone in your bed, Baby one day you will wake up dead", but this song is so fabulously delicious you can't help but play it over and over again whilst singing along REALLY loudly. If it doesn't make your head bob up and down incessantly and you sing "na na na na naaaaaa", I don't know what will. 11/10

6. My Heart Is Breaking Down - this album just goes from strength to strength, as is proved by this fantastic track. You'll feel as though you've heard it on the radio many, many times before - which is what is so good about The Caesars. They're new, but old, at the same time. 10/10

7. Paper Tigers - apparently already a single in Sweden, and a good song that is slower than the others, but keeps its pace nicely throughout. 9.75/10

8. Your Time Is Near - slightly reminiscent of The Thrills, but still has that Caesars edge. A good song with a catchy chorus and sweet little *ting* noises in the background. Can see it as a single. Good for compilations or playing in the car. 9/10

9. Throwaway - The Caesars up their tempo again with this song. Not as 'instantly happy' as the others, but fab nonetheless. Complemented by the next song perfectly. 8/10

10. Winter Song - another slow(er) song that'll make you sing along without making any sense. A song that will linger in the mind long after you've stopped playing it. Even good when the sun is shining! 9.25/10

11. We Got To Leave - starts off a tad weirdly, but once the singer dude get's into singing, you'll be humming/tapping/bopping/shouting with him, I promise. An amazingly catchy chorus, that you won't find out about until you find yourself singing it hours later. Let's just pray the Caesars don't leave any time soon. 10/10

12. Soul Chaser - another single possibility. I think I like this one about as much as Spirit, although it's still brilliant, obviously. Gets better in the chorus. 7.5/10

13. Good And Gone - reminds me of the Killers, oddly enough, but less edgy. A good track, but drony in places. 8/10

14. (I'm Gonna) Kick You Out - in the same league as Throwaway, this song travels back to 39 Minutes..., but is luckily saved by the stomping chorus and it's ability to have you drumming your fingers along with it. A good way to end the album. 8.85/10

I hope my review has convinced you to at least consider buying or downloading this album - it'll be SO worth it, I promise. Albums like this don't come around often.

by Heidi Egginton, aged 15 and 1/4

Jerk it out is good, but there are better songs here!
First, Jerk it out first came out on the CD Love for the Streets in 2002, not on 39 Minutes of Bliss in 2003. just wanted to clear that up. Also, Caesars are also called Caesars Palace and The Twelve Caesars. Anyway, this is one of the most catchy CDs ever made. Jerk it out is by far not the best song and everyone needs to know that, because most other reviews sasy that Jerk it uot is the only reason to buy it. it's not. We Got To Leave is, though.

Jerk it out is good, but there are better songs here!
First, Jerk it out first came out on the CD Love for the Streets in 2002, not on 39 Minutes of Bliss in 2003. just wanted to clear that up. Also, Caesars are also called Caesars Palace and The Twelve Caesars. Anyway, this is one of the most catchy CDs ever made. Jerk it out is by far not the best song and everyone needs to know that, because most other reviews say that Jerk it uot is the only reason to buy it. it's not. We Got To Leave is, though. lso, the have had several CDsthat a lot of people don't know abput. here they are , in order...

Youth is wasted on the young (1998)
Cherry kicks (2000)
Love for the streets (2002)
39 Minutes of bliss (In an otherwise meaningless world) (2003)
Paper Tigers (2005)

Looking for a little foot space...
Some of you might know that while "Jerk It Out" is their hit single on this album (thanks to Apple) it debuted 3 years ago on their first album "39 Minutes of Bliss(in an Otherwise Meaningless World)".If you really like Jerk It Out I suggest getting that album.

That's not to say this album isn't any good.The Caesars have been lauded as another retro rock garage group, and while there's some sense to that, they shouldn't be so quickly dismissed.This is the type of music you hardly hear, and frankly we wish to hear more of it.Jerk it Out does seem a bit out of place on this album as it supercedes most of the tracks, (it's almost as if this album could have passed as their debut, and "39 Minutes of Bliss" should have came out now.

Either way "Paper Tigers" carries some great songs all very listenable and worth picking up if you love their sound. But I can tell from this and comparing their other album that they're still shifting around trying to find their place.But it's fine with me as long as they produce great music as they already are."Just another garage rock group"?The Stones were also just another garage rock group as well...

Brit-pop is back!
Some bands are just lucky. Like most of Middle America, I'd never heard of The Caesars until Apple starting using "Jerk it Out" to shill there iPODS.Siezing the moment, The Caesars new album features a re-issue of that now famous song.With it's rythmic dance beat and screaming organ riff, "Jerk it Out" is the perfect pop song to usher us into the brave new world of MP3's and digital music players.So, they have one really, really good song. But what about the rest of the album?

Thankfully, The Caesars do not let us down.PAPER TIGERS is being hailed by rock critics as the re-birth of Brit-Pop.I think this is a bit much (after all, Brit-Pop has been going strong for years...just not perhaps here on American radio). Anyway, songs like "It's Not the Fall that Hurts" and the album opener "Spirit" (which proclaims: 'I need some young blood...') sufficiently live up to the popular "Jerk it Out" single. The sad (but upbeat) "Out There" shines like polished silver (or chrome). The dark "May the Rain" sounds like the bitter rantings ofNoel Gallager (minus the throbbing hangover).Again we're treated to a smattering of organ groans. The strangely familiar "My Heart is Breaking Down" is one of those songs you'll swear you've heard on the radio for years.That's the kind of band The Caesars are, something old and something new.

Overall the album has a reseverd, Oasis-style feel.Perhaps that's not fair, but that's the best comparison I can make. Just take your favorite parts of Oasis, Blur, and Supergrass-leaving out the cocky attitude, senseless noise, and out-there sense of humor....and you have PAPER TIGERS. Nothing but the great music.

The inclusion of "Jerk it Out" seems like an attempt to cash in. After all, the song appeared on the bands previous album 39 MINUTES OF BLISS (IN AN OTHERWISE MEANINGLESS WORLD). But this can be forgiven, considering how cut throat and ruthless the music industry is...obscure bands like The Caesars need all the help they can get.
... Read more

Album Description

Packed with over 2 1/2 hours of groundbreaking andcareer-spanning cuts, all remastered for stellar sound.Features the previously unreleased studio version of'Celebration Of The Lizard'. Slipcase. Elektra/Rhino. 2003. ... Read more

Reviews (43)

Excellent collection, but could have been better
I agree with one of the previous reviewers that Disc One is terrific and Disc Two suffers, particularly due to the "Celebration of the Lizard" effort which is impossible to appreciate. That could have remained permanently unreleased except to diehard fans on the Doors' own label.
Otherwise it's a great collection, but here's another complaint. Why can't we ever get the single versions of the hit songs on a greatest hits collection? "Light My Fire" went to the top of the charts in its edited, shortened version, but it's always the album version now included on these greatest hits collections. The same is true of "Gloria" the 1983 release. I'd like to have the single, shortened version on CD.
An additional comment on "Celebration of the Lizard." Instead of including this, why couldn't this release have included a few novelties like "You Need Meat", the Danish TV version of "Love Me Two Times," the Absolutely Live song "Close to You" by Ray, etc. Including these and a few other songs would have made this 2-CD set superior to all else, and there certainly would have been room for it without "Celebration."

A MUST OWN!!!!
This is the definitive Doors collection that has been produced to date. Whether you are a longtime Doors fan or this is your first time, I strongly reccommend this collection. Top five reasons why you need this:
1. Jim Morrison's masterpiece "The Celebration of the Lizard" studio version heard for the first time EVER
2. More songs than any other Doors collection
3. Beautiful packaging with previously unreleased photos that even big time fans haven't seen
4. Songs are in chronological order so you can listen to the progress
5. Produced and selected by the band themselves- not some executive at Elektra Records

Make sure you add this to your collection- "...untill the...END"

Not exactly the band's "absolute best"
Some of the very best Doors songs are missing from this collection: "You're Lost, Little Girl", "Love Street", "The Soft Parade", "Ship of Fools". Instead, seven-or-so minutes is wasted on disc two with "Celebration of the Lizard", an interesting outtake, but hardly among the band's "absolute best". And though "Wishful Sinful", included here, was a minor hit, it was also something of a minor song; "Take It As It Comes", not included here, was both a bigger hit and a better song.

This collection does however feature good remastering.

Spectacular music, spectacular quality
Perhaps if you already have all the Doors' albums, this is somewhat superfluous. But I didn't. I had the previous 2-CD best-of collection, which was great. But the quality of sound on this collection (due apparently to great remastering) is absolutely SPECTACULAR. And it has many more Doors' songs -- which I think we all agree are phenomenal. Plus, the price is very fair for 2 CDs that have over 75 minutes apiece on them.

Despite being famously frugal with my dollar, I do not for a moment regret "upgrading" my previous best-of collection with this incredibly excellent one. Top group, their top songs, huge quantity, incredible sound quality, and a good price. Go for it!

Definitive? Well, Pretty Inclusive...
I don't know about "definitive", but this is the most comprehensive "unboxed" Doors collection to date. (The original "Doors Box Set", in my opinion, contains much filler and substandard performances, and is for diehards and completists only.) This 2-disc collection contains all their chart hits (seven top 40 singles, including two #1's) and most of their better album tracks, including the two epics, "The End" and "When the Music's Over". Generally, the track choices are on the money, although I would have liked to see the title track of "The Soft Parade" included. Also, I have mixed feelings about "Celebration of the Lizard", a lengthy unreleased work which contains the original version of "Not to Touch the Earth", and has more archival than musical value. If you have no Doors in your CD library yet, however, this is the best collection out there. ... Read more

Amazon.com

While Blink-182's pop-punk has given more than its share of entertaining moments over their career, "sonic experimentation" is hardly what you'd expect from their sixth studio album. Within their guitar-bass-drums template, however, they offer moments of playfulness and lyricism that stretch their definition of sound. The tempo changes and uses of (relative) silence in "Violence" and "Stockholm Syndrome" borrow post-punk conventions, and lend a new feel to the band's trademark cranked-upness. (The use of treated piano on the latter song also suggests that they’ve bent an ear to a few psychedelic-pop classics in their time.) As with 2001's Take Off Your Pants and Jacket, a theme of loneliness emerges upon the first couple of listens, but this time it feels as if Blink wants to connect it to something larger than before. Growth from the guys who once jokingly celebrated man-on-dog intercourse? Yeah. And best of all, it's worth hearing. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (1257)

The BEST Blink
I will start off this review by stating that I am a recent Blink-182 fan, and this was the first album by them that I bought and heard. From there I worked backwards, and I can honestly say that these guys only get better with age.

Blink-182 goes in a new direction with their latest release. Their lyrics are more mature and the themes very serious compared to sarcastic and dirty stuff on earlier albums. Each track is a standout, but here are my top 5:

1. Feeling This
A very fast-paced opener, awesome vocals and fantastic drumming.

3. I Miss You
The second single is a very catchy hit with great basslines and very different from typical Blink style.

4. Violence
Uses of relative silence and cool sound effects make this an instant favorite

6. Down
The third single is pretty much a stand-alone track in terms of style and themes.

10. Always
Tom's best vocals, pretty simple lyrics about love and missing the one you long for.

While this is a serious album, especially considering Blink182's past work, it is a fantastic piece of experimental music and really rocks. Never gets old.

blink-182 with a new sound
Feeling This: Great song, good lyrics with a great chorus. Tom Delonge has a great guitar part in this. 8/10

Obvious: Dark song. Probably trhe darkest on the album. Really reflected off Boxcar Racer. Probably my favorite tarck on the album 10/10

I Miss You: Good song. I love Mark using a stand up jazz style bass. The lyrics are great.8/10

Violence: Awesome chorus. Maybe one of the best Blink-182 chorus's ever. I love the synthesizer in the begging of the song. Totally out there. The bridge really gets you thinking. A great song.
10/10

Stockholm Syndrome:Awesome. I love songs where Tom and Mark share lyrics. This is a really good one. 9/10

Down: I love the guitar intro. The lyrics are also great. Very good song. 8/10

The Fallen Interlude: Weird song. I like the whole jazz feel to it. Not Blink at all but it's good. 7/10

Go: Tom's right, this song should be played really loud. Its a short song but is a great one. 9/10

Asthenia: Excellent guitar intro. Tom has some great guitar lines of the cd and this definatly has one of the better ones. Awesome lyrics. 10/10

Always: Great lyrics. I love the verses in the song. 8/10

Easy Target: This song reminds me a lot of The Offspring. It's a great song. 9/10

All of This: I love the Cure. Robert Smith is amazing. This is a great track and is definatly something different from regular Blink-182

Heres Your Letter: Good song. This sounds like other songs Mark has sung in past albums. 8/10

I'm Lost without you: Awesome. Definatly a sad song. The drum solo at the end with Travis playing two drum sets and recording them over eachother is amazing. The lyrics are outstanding. 10/10

This is my review on the new Blink-182 self titled album. Tom Delonge displays his best performance on both guitar and vocals. He really did a great job. It is definatly something you should look into. By the way you should also check out their new song entitled "Not Now." It's my new favorite song. There is a great drum line and excellent guitar and lyrics. This song is an instant 10/10.

Decent at best...
This CD doesn't click immediately like Blink's other CD's do. It takes awhile to get into it, and some of the songs aren't as infectious. The person below said try to play "Feeling This" with Tom Delonge's talent... umm no offense but that song isn't that difficult, my 10 year old cousin can play the lead riff with ease. The drumming is excellent- Travis is the best drummer out there. But I do have a slight problem with the band themselves- they DO claim to be punk rock, I've read interviews where they say they think their punk, when really their not. Another thing that makes me mad is that when asked what he would think if this album wasn't successful Tom said "I wouldn't be able to beleive that so many people wouldn't know good music" HA! Some people dont realize that everybody has their own opinions, eh Tom? Anyways, this is a decent CD, with some standout tracks like Feeling This, I Miss You (which is VERY overplayed and overrated, yet still good), Stockholm Syndrome, and Always. Lastly, stop comparing Blink to Green Day and The Offspring! So what if they used to tour with them and Blink was inspired by them? They dont sound anything alike!

Feelin this
There so called experiementation turned out to be a perfect cd. there songs are really good and can be crazy at times. this cd is more mature then there previous ones and people are seeing that. all praises to blink182 for such a great cd. my particular favorite songs where, feeling this,down, and i miss you. this was a work of some genuises even though it may not seems that way from there other cds. i suggest u buy!

This Album is not for simple minded people.
Okay, first things, first. I would like to announce something. How can blink-182 be punk? They are punk-pop people, get over it. For some of you they say they were a disgrace. Come on now, I would like to see you get up and start playing "Feeling this" with such talent as Tom DeLonge.

Anyway, on with the review!

Blink really showed that a band can really change and mature, not to mention make a greater album. The songs main feature is "Feeling This" which is a great introduction to the cd. The darker,angst, feel really gave this band a 1 up, their immature stuff has gotten reapeative over the past years. Each track was carefully produced in different locations to give each track a "different" feel to each song. Such a good idea!

All in all, blink-182 has matured, greatly and fluently, not to mention create a wonderful, tasteful, album that anybody can enjoy ... Read more

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Collection of Blondie Hits that Accompanies the Band on their Winter 2002 Tour. This Disc Updates the Collection and Adds their Comeback #1 in the UK "Maria" to Make this the Most Up-to-date Blondie Set Ever Released. ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Crystal clear hit sounds
This is the best Blondie hits compilation by far and the sound is crystal clear; the hits are not arranged chronologically however, which makes it impossible to chart the development of the band. But that doesn't matter - this collection demonstrates the band's versatility - compare their early punk-pop Rip Her To Shreds or X Offender with the hypnotic synthpop-disco of Heart Of Glass or Atomic! My favorites include the wistful I'm Always Touched and the bilingual Denis (a classic slice of sixties pop), as well as Tide Is High with its percolating reggae rhythm, plus Sunday Girl (more lovely 60's pop). In my opinion, their best albums are Parallel Lines and Plastic Letters, and these are well represented with 6 of these gorgeous 19 tracks. I wouldn't call this a "Best Of" since there are some album tracks that I like more than some of these hit songs. These include Fan Mail and Bermuda Triangle Blues from Plastic Letters and Fade Away And Radiate from Parallel Lines. But this was never intended to be anything else but a greatest hits collection and serves it purpose very well. It just goes to show that classy pop music is timeless, and Blondie always had that special something, whatever the style they chose to do it in.

For Blondie's Hits, This is the Place to Go
Over the past twenty years, there have been at least a couple dozen collections of Blondie's hits put on the market. However, only two of those compilations have given an effective overview of the group's career- THE BEST OF BLONDIE from 1981 and PLATINUM COLLECTION from 1994. But fortunately, this GREATEST HITS edition can also stand alongside those two retrospectives, rather than be buried among the other budget collections that have probably picked up plenty of dust over the years.

To put it bluntly, the title says it all- GREATEST HITS collects nineteen of the biggest hits Blondie has scored from 1976 to 1999. Besides including their biggest hits on both sides of the Atlantic- "Heart of Glass"; "Call Me"; "The Tide Is High"; "Rapture"- this collection also includes lesser-known US hits ("Dreaming," "One Way or Another," "Atomic"); songs that only became hits in the UK ("Sunday Girl," "(I'm Always Touched By Your) Presence Dear," "Maria") and standout album tracks ("X Offender," "Rip Her to Shreds", "In the Flesh"). So basically, every essential hit and album track that Blondie scored during their career is here (with the exception of the UK hit "War Child," which is barely a loss at all). Hardcore fans will likely have a personal favorite or two missing, but GREATEST HITS pretty much tells everything a casual fan needs to know about one of the greatest new wave bands.

If there is any complaint about this collection, it's that upon listening, it may seem that more than one group is being represented, for GREATEST HITS does not sum up all of Blondie's styles into one effective mix. That may actually be nitpicking, but casual fans should still consider purchasing THE BEST OF BLONDIE instead, for not only does it focus on the very best of Blondie (and for the record, everything from BEST OF BLONDIE is on GREATEST HITS), but its nonchronological sequencing actually works so that it showcases only one group- a group that was seemingly consistent. But if you want to get virtually every essential Blondie hit and album track on one collection, then you should purchase GREATEST HITS.

BLONDIE IS BLONDIE
It's undeniable that Blondie has to be one of the best band out there(diggin' many musical styles and territories a fine example to groups like NO DOUBT), her last single GOOD BOYS represents the band at their best if you haven't heard it. So without a question this new compilation includes all their charted hits and some exclusive favorites, it would be out of place to describe each song because the titles of the songs speak for themselves, HEART OF GLASS, ATOMIC, CALL ME, ONE WAY OR ANOTHER all classic songs of the late 70's early 80's, this is one of the best compilations of Blondie around today, + include here is their hit MARIA, not available in another GH package...so delightful Blondie will always be Blondie...a must have.

The Price of Admission
"Dreaming" is one of the best pop songs ever written and makes this CD worth purchasing. The rest is great, too.

A TRUE GEM!!!
There is no doubt about it, Blondie is the band that has redefined music in a whole other way! They have gone from pop to rock, from disco to jazz, from rap to punk, and they have even done country! Every song on this compilation deserves to be here!

THE SONGS
Dreaming- A mix of pop and Debbie Harry's voice can really make some sweet music!

Call Me- One of my favorites!!! Also the theme from American Gigolo. (which happened to be a great movie)

One Way Or Another- Truly a great ROCK N' ROLL SONG!

Heart Of Glass- A true gem!!! One of Debbie's finest songs.

The Tide Is High- A happy summertime beach song! FUN!!!

X Offender- Classic as always!!!

Hanging On The Telephone- A great punk-rock tune!

Rip Her To Shreds- Reminds me of some of the girls at my school.

Rapture- I think Debbie can rap!!!

Atomic- You can really dance to this one!!! Or at least I think so!!!

Picture This- A nice sweet song thats likeable.

In The Flesh- Sounds like something out of the 50s. But its a great song!!!

Denis- Gotta Love Denis!

(I'm Always Touched By Your) Presence Dear- Not my favorite, but I like it.

Union City Blue- A great vocal performance!!!

The Hardest Part- Loved It!!! She Can Sing!!!

Island Of Lost Souls- Catchy tune!

Sunday Girl- Love the French!

Maria- Another true pop gem!!!

Blondie is a band! (A great one I might add) And I am so glad they made such enjoyable music! Thanks!!! Peace Out!!!

Blondie Is: Debbie Harry
Chris Stein
Clem Burke
Jimmy Destri ... Read more

Amazon.com

You can tell a lot about a band by the company it keeps. Simple Plan's close chums include Good Charlotte and Blink 182, giving one a fair hint of the sound the group's debut, though, judging by song titles like "I’m Just a Kid," "The Worst Day Ever," and "God Must Hate Me," it’s clear these Canadian pop-punkers are aiming for a younger demographic still. Ignore the bikini-clad babes that festoon the sleeve--there’s none of Blink 182’s smutty double-entendres here. Frontman Pierre Bouvier writes about skipping school, crashing dad’s car, and lusting after girls that don’t know he exists. "Every day," he sob, "is the worst day ever." The music itself is far from glum. "I’d Do Anything" is a beaming Green Day-style chugger, while "When I’m With You" is a tale of obsession and heartbreak that owes more to the Go-Go's than Rancid. Seasoned punk fans will be put off by the excessive juvenilia, but the new wave should lap this up. --Louis Pattison ... Read more

Reviews (672)

Just Okay
I am a fan of the pop/punk genre, and a friend of mine recommended this CD to me. I went online, listened to the snippets, and decided to get it. Unfortunately, it was a bit of a waste of my fifteen bucks.

This album is incredibly poppy, probably the most so in my collection. It's a very good album for Avril fans who want to progress onto "harder" (hah) stuff, but not great for people with my music tastes (my favorite, and very cool, bands include Midtown, Sugarcult, Good Charlotte, Green Day, Blink182, MxPx, etc).

Pierre's voice is very juvenile and high, but, unlike Jordan from New Found Glory (who has about the same voice range), he often gets annoying. You just kind of want to make him shut up. The musicianship is nothing great--not horrible, but not masterfully done either. The lyrics sound kind of like a very G-rated Blink182--however, taking away the gross, raunchy factor which makes Blink so much fun just leaves some kind of dull slush. I honestly hope that Simple Plan wrote these songs, and didn't hire a lyricist to write them. Otherwise, the lyricist should be shot for daring to be a "professional". Also, in my opinion, the backup vocals and Pierre's voice don't really blend well.

Granted, this band has some good points. "Perfect" is a nice, sad song with a good chorus. And I've heard they're awesome live. Unfortunately, they're touring with Avril Lavigne, who stinks live (or so I've heard).

Overall, this is a very poppy "punk" band, who has a very manufactured song. For TRL listeners, this is a good CD if you want "harder" stuff than what normally plays on the radio. However, for people who like Blink182 and harder pop-punk, try Good Charlotte's CD The Young and the Hopeless. That CD is much better lyrically and musically than this one, and well worth your money.

ummm...3.5 stars
I guess when you take it as it is, which is a power-pop CD, then I guess it's okay. A friend of mine forced me to listen to this, and she was upset when I said it sucks. Then I showed her why I could say that. I played Bad Religion for her, and well, let's just say simple plan was thrown out of the car window. THIS IS IN NO WAY SHAPE OR FORM POP-PUNK, THIS IS PLAIN POP! You see I'm a fan of Rancid, Propagandhi, The Casualties, and Bad Religion, so I'm not suppose to like the poseur stuff. But I've always had a soft spot for it. These guys are the poppiest punk band I listen to, but I still enjoy this CD. It somehow relates to me. I'd strongly recommend getting it if you're into the pop-punk scene, but also check out REAL punk music such as The Casualties, Operation Ivy, and Rancid. Oh and trust me, I've heard far worse than this stuff. TRY NSYNC FOR THE ULTIMATE IN HORRIBLE "MUSIC."

Simple Plan Rocks my world!!
o.k first of all simple plan is the best band ever! the guys are really good performers and have some kickin songs!!! leadsinger pierre bouvier is the best. he's got it all, he's sexy, famous, and is a part of the best band ever!! i've never been to one of their killer shows, but they are awesome!!! i love them and i will never be a sp hater!! now secondly, if you are a sp hater, the why are you writing on here? keep your'e hating comments to yourself and leave sp alone. they never did anything to you!!! Their cd, no pads, no helmets.. just balls is the best cd of the year! sp obviously knows how to rock our world!! so you haters out there, keep you bad comments about sp to yourself!!
SP ROCKS AND YOU HATERS AREN'T GOIN TO CHANGE THAT!!!

sp rocks!!!

mRS. BOUVIER AKA CHLOE

It isn't the genre....
Though Simple Plan isn't punk, its the fans that call them it and THEY are the dumbasses, anyways, the reason simple plan sucks is because they are talentless, posers, moneygrubbers, pointless, and above all canadian. Their lead singer whines too much and their music has no purpose or voice besides *insert high pitched whine* "oh me oh my, my parents hate me, and god hates me, and I want your cash to help me overcome my pain," well folks don't give 'em a dime, let the little bastards suffer.

P.S. BLAME CANADA!

READ THIS REVIEW
I have read a few of the reviews for this CD and I decided I hate the word "punk". I am so sick of people dissing this album because it's not the most hardcore genre out there. Who cares! it's a good cd so just live w/it.

AND IF YOU DONT LIKE THIS ALBUM, DON'T WRITE A REVIEW!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Joy Division's best selection
This collection is the perfect introduction to Joy Division. I might argue that you don't need more than this recording because Joy Division wasn't around long enough to make that much music and this retrospective gathers most of the most memorable and accessible songs from their short career.

Unknown Pleasures and Closer are the ones that always seem to end up of the best albums list but this one seems a better single album to me than either of those. First of all, this one has more music than the others. Secondly, it concentrates on their singles which were the most accessible and most instantly likeable of their recordings. A pretty good dance record too in an alterno goth sort of way. Highlights for me are Warsaw (a wonderfully typical slice of 70s British punk), Digital (a great primitive mosh pit kind of number), She's Lost Control (a gloomy disco classic), the tortured Dead Souls, and the beautiful Atmosphere. All this and Love Will Tear Us Apart, too! This is a must have and you'll love this album even more with time.

One of the THREE ESSENTIAL JOY DIVISION ALBUMS
Yes, indeed, there are actually three JD albums that any record collection should have, because you just can't pin the band's music down and get the full retrospective of the group just by purchasing "Closer", "Unknown Pleasures" or "Substance". The first one might is arguably their gloomiest album, and it's also their most consistent work while "Unknown Pleasures" is a not quite so desperate and perhaps a little more accessible. Understandably this album is the least consistent of the three, mainly due to it's collection album format. But what it lacks in consistence it makes up in songs, being the most accessible and versatile of the three. Even though the songs are not in a chronological order you can hear the band's musical evolution from a slightly eccentric punk band into the genius it has become to be known as. Besides the ovbious treats like their singature track "Love Will Tear Us Apart" it offers many less known masterpieces. Highly recommendede, just don't think this gives you the full perspective, since this is just a one side of the cubicle. Or something...

Buy It
I have become pretty obsessed with music in the past few years. I visit music forums and discover new bands daily. I buy CDs all the time and it isn't slowing down. I am into all different kinds of music including Joy Division. I'm only 15 and I am trying to catch up on all the music I haven't heard yet.

I bought this as my first JD CD and I couldn't be happier. I popped it in for the first time and it kept me interested the whole way through. This is not a CD that's up and down really at all. Every single track has something to offer. I don't own any other JD albums yet but I plan to buy Closer and Unknown Pleasures soon, and I have Substance to thank for that.

Buy this!

A Sort Of Third Album
When a singer takes one's life right when things were beginning to erupt for both the singer and the band, there is sure to be alot of leftover tunes that will be compiled for an album to make lots of money off the free publicity. What is surprising is when one of these 'unreleased material' albums have some of the band's biggest and greatest songs. Throughout Substance you'll notice alot of more unpolished, punkish material compared to their two studio albums. Substance throws in their first album they recorded with the moniker Warsaw, and back then they were pretty much an above average punk band. But the songs they put on here are something, "Warsaw" and "Digital" are rollicking songs that work mostly due to Ian Curtis's backpack full of charisma, kind of like Johnny Rotten and how he saved The Sex Pistols from being a middling punk band or should I saw almost saved. Yeah, you can tell that their influenced by the Sex Pistols and all those other British punk bands. But like I said, Ian Curtis's performance and Peter Hook's bass make these songs great on their own.

Actually the weak points of the album come from the songs that are more similar to the stuff on their albums. Songs like "Autosuggestion" drag because you can tell that the band hasn't yet perfected their song, and it's still a work in progress.

However, the album has the two greatest Joy Division songs ever written, "Atmosphere" and "Love Will Tear Us Apart" the insanely popular British song. Other slip ups on the album include "Novelty" and "Komakino" probably because they are very similar to previous songs on the album except not as good. It was a great idea to end the song with "These Days" which is both a great song and a perfect closer. I'd say if you want a good introduction to Joy Division go with Unknown Pleasures.

A Must Own.
Joy Division are one of those bands that will always stay with me. Even though I was rather young when they were actually playing together, I discovered them quite early on in my New Order obsession. That helped me to define both bands, their musical catalogs, as well as their place in my cd collection.

I am reviewing (and recommending) this record because if someone out there wants and introduction to Joy Division, they would be hard-pressed to get a better deal than the well-priced Substance LP. Sure, if you've got the dough go ahead and pony up for the beautifully realized box set (designed by Factory Records mainstay, Peter Saville).

Substance has all the singles that any American has probably heard on any good jukebox. Atmosphere, Love Will Tear Us Apart and She's Lost Control are all here and sound great for a 1988 release. You'll get a better recording on the box set versions, but that's your 60 bucks compared to your 11 bucks. The main draw of substance is, like the box set, the nice mix of tunes from the band's brief and brilliant time together. A task not as easliy done as one might think. Some of the best bits, are earlier, yet rougher tracks like, Warsaw. The band were finding their sound and making new incredible music all at the same time. Later songs, like Love Will Tear Us Apart, are far more polished, and a bit more accessible to the masses, but none-the-less, great. All in all, this is a great addition to any post-punk, brit-punk, alternative, indie music fans' collection. I give it my highest praise, and I think you might too. ... Read more

Album Description

TAKING BACK SUNDAY is the highest selling band in the history of Victory Records, and their debut album, Tell All Your Friends, spent two years on the Billboard New Artist Chart and will be certified gold in August."This Photograph is Proof" is featured on the upcoming SPIDER MAN 2 Soundtrack. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

different then tayf but still awesome
Well of course the sound is different, they got two new members but trust me this cd is awesome. GO BUY IT NOW!!!!!!! 1. Set Phasers to Stun- awesome song!! my favorite of the entire album 10/10 2. Bonus Mosh Pit 2- great song on the album, 9/10 3. A Decade Under the Influence- the first single off this song is a great song with awesome lyrics, one of my fav. 10/10 4. This Photograph is Proof( I know you Know)- eh? not one of my favorite songs but its still a really good song, 9/10 5. The Union- Awesome song, my 2nd fav. on the album, 10/10 6.New American Classic- good song but i havent given this one enough listening time, but still great 9/10 7. I Am Fred Astaire- great song that is pretty decent lyricly, 10/10 8. Number Five With a Bullet- awesome song that is probably my 4th fav, 10/10 9. Little Devotional- flippin great song that is my 3rd fav!!, 10/10 10. ...Slowdance On The Inside- good closer, all i have to say, 10/10 so go get this cd now, it is awesome and it comes with a bonus victory records sampler with the songs and videos to, Hawthorne Heights, Silverstein, Atreyu, Action Action, and ....i cant remember.

Ehhhhh
It was alright. Nothing great, but at least I got it on sale. ... Read more

Album Description

Formed in NYC in the mid-'70s by David Byrne, Chris Franz, Tina Weymouth, and ex-Modern Lover Jerry Harrison, Talking Heads soared out of their humble CBGB's beginnings to become Rock and Roll Hall of Famers and one of the most adventurous and influential bands ever. The onstage energy that propelled their rise to fame was documented in the 1982 double-LP set THE NAME OF THIS BAND IS TALKING HEADS, now available on CD for the first time. Following them through several early evolutions from '77-'81, this live gem - a 1982 Top 40 Billboard Album- is a riveting portrait of a stellar band on the rise. For its CD debut it's been expanded with over 30 minutes of rare and mostly previously unreleased bonus material. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

When the Velvets recorded this debut, they were best known as the protégés of Andy Warhol (who designed the sleeve), and as a grating, combustive live band. Fueled by drummer Moe Tucker's no-nonsense wham and John Cale's howling viola, some of the straight-up rock & roll and arty noise extravaganzas here bear that out. But before Lou Reed was singing about sadomasochism and drug deals and writing lyrics inspired by his favorite poets, he was a pop songwriter, and this album has some of his prettiest tunes, mostly sung by Nico, the German dark angel who left the band after this disc. Even the sordid rockers are underscored by graceful pop tricks, like the two-chord flutter at the center of the classic "Heroin." --Douglas Wolk ... Read more

Reviews (175)

wonderful rock music
I recently got into Lou Reed and decided to check the original band out. I've heard The Velvet Underground on "The Royal Tenenbaums," and loved the way it was used in the movie.

This album is really good, I have to say. Currently my favorites are "Heroin," "There She Goes Again," "The Black Angel's Death Song," and "All Tomorrow's Parties." This is subject to change upon my next hearing, which will be in probably ten minutes.

I can't get enough of this album. I really dislike the ones who claim this CD is no big deal; nearly all the albums I like are called "overrated" and such. R.E.M.'s "Murmur," for instance. (Coincidentally R.E.M. covered three Velvet Underground songs and released them.)

These songs are perfect, entertaining and enjoyable. I'm not one to look at it from an "artsy-fartsy" viewpoint; as I was and am no great admirer of Andy Warhol. For me, "Velvet Underground & Nico" is a great rock/early-alternative record. It surprised me that it was possible to enjoy it from my view, as it was produced by Andy Warhol. I'm just guessing he had good taste in music.

"Overrated," my [behind]. This album truly deserves all the respect it gets.

Life-changing, mind-expanding
The Velvet Underground and Nico is an incredible, amazing album. It really will change your life, after hearing it, you can't help but look at music differently (White Light / White Heat is perhaps even more so). Every song on the album is great, and some of them are some of the best rock music ever made.

"Sunday Morning" is a twinkling, light pop song which leads into the bluesy rocker "I'm Waiting for the Man." "Femme Fatale" is one of those classic rock songs, but it is nothing compared to the majestic "Venus in Furs." When people were saying all you need is love, Lou Reed wrote this magnificent song about bondage. It is melodic and beautiful but also dark and eery. "Run Run Run&