Amazon.com essential recording

The mannered vocal style that has always been the most off-putting element of Ani DiFranco's music is still present on this two-disc live set, but for some reason it doesn't matter anymore. Maybe it's the way you can hear DiFranco using her breaths to accent a rhythm section that's downright merciless with its circling, pulsing, scary grooves. Or maybe it's the way, with an audience screaming, she pours heart and soul into "Unforgettable Face" and the story song "Gravel." Whatever, Living in Clip is the album where DiFranco begins to deserve her hype. And "Amazing Grace," backed by the Buffalo Philharmonic, is where she surpasses it. --David Cantwell ... Read more

Reviews (120)

Oh, I adore, you.
A good friend of mine turned me on to Ani sometime last year. So here I am, listening to 2 Little Girls off Little Plastic Castle, and I'm falling into this deep fascination with this voice. So, I go to find an Ani CD of my very own to start off with. I see Dilate, Not a Pretty Girl, Little Plastic Castle, and Living in Clip. My good friend had everything there except LIC. So I bought this one. Thank goodness. This album, twisting in every emotional direction feasible, is a tribute to Ani's musical genius, her live act, and her phenomenal writing. To list a few trully noteworthy gems: "Hide and Seek"--Beautiful in it's haunting lyrics and almost tribal beat. "Napoleon"-- It's sooo much better live! "32 Flavors" Alana Davis (Is that who covered it?) gave it no justice. "In or Out"--Dynamic and stirring, unlike the studio version. "Amazing Grace"--Mmmhmm.;) Also, be sure to wait until the last song on disc 2 reaches 7:00 for about the most giggle worthy display of audience/band interaction I've ever heard!

Ani's good, but only as good as Ani wants to be
I dont dought the talent of Ani Difranco. I just started listening to some of her stuff and i was very impressed with her talent, but i really do think she could reach a new level of excelance that she appearently has no intent to reach. Her live double cd, "Living In Clip" showcases Ani's talented Dave Matthews like guitar work in combination with a Alanis Morisette type attitude that she sings with. Alot of the tracks on this disc sound great and she has proven to me that she is definately a very talented and original voice in the womens music bussiness. My biggest problem with Ani is that it seems to me that she has to grow up alittle, not only in a mature sense, but also in a musical sense. She has the talent to become among the elite women singers in the bussiness, but it seems to me her attitude and her lack of maturity is holding her back. I like her music on this album, but i have to say i really dont like and cant relate to some of her comments inbetween songs, it is almost a musical turn off to this listener. Overall i enjoy her music and do recomend this album, its just a shame to see such a talent limiting her self to mediocre song writing and little imagination.

One Of The Best CDs of All Time
Ani seems to touch every feeling a person can have on this CD. She goes from subtle and soft, to yelling, screaming and laughter. This is the best CD I have ever bought. I suggest it to anyone who likes folk music or has a an open mind towards new things!

Living in clip
Ani Difranco is one of the few artists who has made a successful career out of her do-it-yourself ethics. She has bypassed the conventional career path most artists takes by not signing with a major record label and by doing that, she has a greater percentage intake in the profits from her music as opposed to being in debt for years to a major record label. I always have and always will respect Ani for taking the high road and do things her way. I was a big fan of Ani Difranco when I was a college student in Wisconsin nine years ago. I first heard about her in a magazine (I think) and decided to check out her music. "Dilate" was my first Ani Difranco cd. I was hooked. During the next few years, I would buy her latest cds religiously on the day they were release, one of them was "Living in Clip". I rarely buy live cds but in Ani Difranco's case, I was willing to buy a live cd of her music. Besides there were a bunch of songs at the time I hadn't heard before like the gorgeous "Both Hands" (my all-time favorite Ani Difranco song) and "Sorry I Am". "Living in Clip" is definitely one of the best live cds that I have ever heard. Although each song was recorded in different cities, you would have never guessed that they weren't recorded at one performance. The occasional banter with the audience gives the listener an intimate insight of an Ani Difranco performance. One of the most stunning performances on the cd is Ani's rendition of "Amazing Grace" with the Buffalo Philharmonic. It simply took my breath away. That alone makes this cd worth listening to. Although I am not nearly the fan that I am of Ani's music any more, I still enjoy throwing in "Living in Clip" every now and then. This is a good representation of Ani Difranco as an artist as well as a performer.

The Rocked Folk album of the Century!!!
Living In Clip shines as Ani's most versatile and amazing album yet, out of her 25 five or so. This album covers some of her most classic songs such as the unforgettable Both Hand, Adam And Eve, In and Out, Out of Habit, and Out of Rage. Combining folk rock punk and poetry, Ani definitely delivers in this piece of musical art. With only a three person band with ever so lovable Sara Lee on bass and Andy Stochansky on drums we are given even a bigger treat, but the double album really shines when Ani sings solo only with her guitar. Me being an original Ani fan from the early 1990's I have seen her music evolve and change into something amazing, which is shown through this classic album. If you are interested in becoming an Ani Difranco fan for the first time I strongly suggest this album. Also if you ever get to actually see her live that is the True Ani expierence! I was also given a treat of meeting her, quite an expierence!
Enjoy!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

After ripping it up on No Depression and Still Feel Gone, their first two albums of twangy punk rock, Uncle Tupelo unplugged for this remarkable tribute--half originals, half political and religious covers--to the band's old-time influences. While the new songs of frontmen Jay Farrar and Jeff Tweedy are consistently strong here (especially Farrar's "Grindstone"), the album's haunted covers of old folk songs are the true keepers. Tweedy's apocalyptic version of "Satan, Your Kingdom Must Come Down" and Farrar's earnest readings of the beat-down "Moonshiner" and the labor song "Coalminers" are as frightening, beautiful, and passionate as anything the band ever recorded. The 2003 expanded and remastered edition adds three unreleased demos, a live version of "Moonshiner," and an instrumental B-side. --David Cantwell ... Read more

Reviews (9)

not my uncle
who's uncle is it. Obviously someone in this band has been heavily influenced by "50 cent" but that's my opinion. This recording didn't sound like it is good.

Uncle Tupelo 's finest disc
I love this album. Most people are familiar with the story of Uncle Tupelo, and how they branched off to form two of the best bands of the nineties, Wilco and Son Volt. This disc captures Tupelo at thier finest. The whole disc has a live type feel to it. It is a mystery why this disc has not been elevated to classic status. Maybe if the music industry wasnt so concerned with the flavor of the week, this disc would be more widely played. If your a fan of music with some heart and soul to it, you will like this disc.

Quiet Side
Uncle Tupelo went unplugged on their brilliant third album, March 16-20, 1992. Produced by R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck, the album features six cover songs of mostly traditional folk music. The band's signature sound is stripped down to the skeletal remains of acoustic guitars with a dash of percussion and strings. The songs have on overt political nature and the band throws in some religion as well. The overall starkness of the album recalls Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska. Unlike that album which found Mr. Springsteen singing from a first person point of view, Uncle Tupelo act as troubadours, telling the tales of the downtrodden. The album shows the band's versatility and Mr. Buck's subtle production is first-rate.

Uncle Tupelo's best
This is by far my favorite Uncle Tupelo album because this is the album that best shows Uncle Tupelo's folk influence. This album has a perfect blend of original songs, and traditional songs the band learned from a Missouri folk compilation tape they heard. Its also good to see a CD that has worthwhile liner notes. The liner notes explain the band's background and the inspirations for the album, which makes for interesting reading for any Uncle Tupelo fan. Out of all the Farrar/Tweedy albums, I rank this one second only to "Trace".

Must have for all alt country fans
yep !!! bye it right now!!! you're missing out if it's not in your collection. destined to be as classic as any of bob dylans albums. a great collection of acustic music from the band that put alt counrty in the music vocabulary....to bad it it's their last album. while you 're at it you should just get all the uncle tupelo music you can find here....then start buying up the drive by trucker stuff too!!!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

In 2000 Oasis wisely dispensed with theatrics and concentrated on being the world's greatest stadium-sized pub-rock band. And so, with just three mammoth video walls in tow, they toured the world. Big as the video screens were, however, the band's straight-ahead rock and Liam Gallagher's mouth were even bigger, and contributed much to the drama, tension, and entertainment of the tour behind Standing on the Shoulder of Giants. Fine examples of both were recorded when they played Wembley Stadium. Musically, Oasis make good on their claims to be the biggest and the best with rocking versions of "Supersonic," "Shakermaker," "Cigarettes & Alcohol," and "Live Forever." As for Liam, Familiar to Millions wouldn't be half the album it is had his inane ramblings, brotherly abuse, and audience taunts been edited out. That's where the real live atmosphere lies--there and in the sound of 70,000 fans singing the choruses of "Wonderwall" and "Don't Look Back in Anger." --Dan Gennoe ... Read more

Reviews (77)

Hope springs eternal for American rock fans......
I'm biased - Oasis can do very little to disappoint me. That being said, I think any fan of real rock-n-roll, not the garbage that American audiences seem to crave (boy bands, girl bands & mindless hip-hop etc.) will appreciate this live album. The entire band is in fine form. Highlights include Supersonic, Wonderwall, Don't look back in anger, Stand by me & Live Forever plus the seldom heard Step Out and a great cover of Hey Hey, My My. Listening to 70,000 people sing along is absolutely electric - Long Live Oasis

Rock n roll at its finest
Oasis may have lost a lot of their popularity stateside during these times of bubblegum pop (aka Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears, etc), but any afficionado (lover, baby) of straightforward in-your-face-rock n roll should include this compilation of live tunes from one of the best rock bands of our time in their collection. There are imperfections in this CD certainly - Liam's off key singing in "Acquiesce" for example, but then thats what a live rock n roll gig is all about. Liam comes through on all other tracks with virtousity. This is a real rock gig at a premier venue (Wembley Stadium) by a real rock band. There first two albums were masterpieces for sure and the last two had their moments as well- this record definitely goes to show that this band is one of the very few keeping the rock n roll flame burning throughout the world. And with the addition of Andy Bell and Gem Archer in their line-up, it also shows that they are a long way from disappearing in the annals of rock history anytime soon(sibling rivalries aside!) Step Out, buy this CD and capture the atmosphere of a good ol rock gig with this CD. Live Forever.

Adnan.

Where are the objective reviews?
I am sorry. I love Oasis' music, own all their albums, but this live recording just sounds terrible. Liam's voice is really rough (too much smoking & drinking?) and he sounds half asleep/drunk on many of the tracks. I really like the new band members and Heathen Chemistry was just awesome, but they sound really new and not that great yet live on this recording. They should really release some live recordings from years ago - How about the Knebworth show? Oasis should take a lesson from U2 - They still sound great live after 20+ years in the business. Hopefully Liam will work on his voice and stay off the booze for shows in the future...

Great Live Album
This is, without a doubt, the best live album in the past ten years along with Nirvana Unplugged. This is in the midst of the changes Oasis were going through, of the heels of their heavily criticized Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants album, the replacement of rhythm guitarist Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs and bass player Paul 'Guigsy' McGuigan with Gem Archer and Andy Bell, and the gradual change of Liam's voice.
The band begins with F**king in the Bushes. There's not much to be said for this because it sounds a lot like the album version, and follows in the tradition of Oasis starting a show with an instrumental. They follow with two more songs from Standing On The Shoulder of Giants (the poppy Go Let It Out and the psychadelic Who Feels Love), befopre launching into Supersonic, a fan favourite from 1994, and follow it up with Shakermaker, which is usually a tedious song, but it is done quite well here (I also see the songwriter credits have been changed to comply with the whole New Seekers thing). Then comes the ultimate Oasis live favourite Acquiesce (amazingly a B-Side). Finally Noel gets a go at singing with Step Out which was left of Morning Glory because of legal problems with Stevie Wonder. Gas Panic follows. This is the best song of Giants, and is chilling here. Roll With It comes next which average on Morning Glory and average here. Then comes the only song from Be Here Now, Stand By Me , which is done nicely here, but let down by Liam's husky voice.
An amazing electric version of their masterpiece, Wonderwall introduces us to Disc 2, and follows with the rocker Cigarettes & Alcohol. Noel sings again on a good version of Don't Look Back In Anger, continuing onto the live favourite Live Forever. A cover of Neil Young's Hey Hey My My comes next, but then the concert is let down for 6 minutes with 'Champagne Supernova which I think shouldn't ever be performed live. The 'last one', the stellar Rock & Roll is followed, and the album closes with a separately recorded cover of the Beatles classic Helter Skelter.
All in all, this is a great live album.

An Amazing 2nd CD......
But the first one, not so much. The 2nd CD is just brilliant, the only song that doesn't blow my mind is Rock n' Roll star, and I don't hate that song at all. Oasis does amazing covers of "Hey,Hey,My,My" and "Helter Skelter" as well as amazing version of Wonderwall, Live Forever and Don't Look Back in Anger. Unfourtanatly there wasn't a single song on the first CD worth listening too. So as great as the 2nd CD is, the package falls short. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Even if Social Distortion have lost some their edge on more recent studio releases, this new live set is solid proof that the band's musical urgency is still intact. Seventeen years of classic Orange County, California, punk is represented over 17 tracks, as the band moves through speaker-rattling alternative-radio hits like "Bad Luck," "Let It Be Me," and "Ball & Chain." Singer Mike Ness's rockabilly roar is in fine form, as is the grinding rock energy his bandmates put out. Recorded over three nights at Los Angeles's historic Roxy nightclub, the disc serves as a great testament to one of America's finest punk bands. --Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

Reviews (47)

O.C. Legend
Listening to Social D's "Live At The Roxy" you'll feel the punch and energy of an authentic legend of O.C. punk. Young people might think that they are part of the new generation, because of the success that they got with the successfull "White Light..." and their MTV's popularity. But, after 17 years on the road, they know exactly what they do. The incredible drummer Chuck Biscuits gave the band a new and hard blood and Ness is still a loser. The album was recorded at the Roxy, the same place as another O.C. legend, Agent Orange, gave birth to the classic "Real Live Sound". Some songs will even make you cry, especially "Don't Drag Me Down", "Ball And Chain" and "Telling Them".

Live and Loud
Social Distortion albums are usualy strong, but let us face it they really come to their right on stage. Live at the Roxy is a perfect example. The energy that shows on this album is amazing, and some of the tracks are actualy better live than the album releases. Here is stuff from their earliest days such as Mommy's Little Monster and 1945 up to their reunion on Prison Bound and right up to White Light, White Heat, White Trash. Ness is ever present on stage and the mannages to get the audience "going". The album is a perfect example of Social Distortions production thorough the years, and shows us their evolution from the basics of punk and into their maturing into their current stage. Get this album and enjoy among others an exeptional version of Don't Drag Me Down.

best live album ever
WOW. This disc perfectly capture a SD live show. They tear through classics like "Bad Luck", "Mommy's Little Monster", "Prison Bound", "I Was Wrong", "Don't Drag Me Down" and "Story of My Life" with the ferocity of caged animals. "Live At the Roxy" is as close as you get to a Social Distortion "best of" album so if you're new to the band this is the one you want. Overall I would rank this a close #2 behind the nearly flawless "White Light, White Heat, White Trash". Let's hope that the 8 year hiatus since that album means that their new stuff will be just as good.

U got 9 more of those fingers....
This album is second only to white light white heat white trash. The sound quality is great! Everything about this album rocks! Mike Ness's lil comments between songs are also cool to listen to. This is pure social distortion at their best!!!! Buy this cd or be forever lame.

5 stars = 5 angry construction workers
I borrowed this record from my uncle and I loved it so much he let me keep it. I never would have suspected that punk rock would sound so dangerous live. Up until I got this album, all I listened to previously was hippie music (the Who, Janis Joplin). Records like these are ones that make you want to broaden your musical horizons which I have been doing ever since.
Mike Ness and the boys play a great set which includes most of their best songs (Ness apologizes for forgetting "Sick Boys" in the liner notes). Their rendition of "Under My Thumb" is loud and aggressive as well as their cover of "Ring of Fire" even if Ness does claim it was dedicated to the ladies in the audience. SD's originals are far from shameful as well. Their versions of "Prison Bound" and "Mommy's Little Monster" are sharp enough to cut through stone and from then on, you're listening to the story of a kid who was never quite cool enough to be one of the "guys" but could rip through distortion drenched Chuck Barry licks as well as anyone, the kind of outsider story punk rock is based on and seems to be Ness's life story.
While all the songs are exeptional, highlights include the sorrowful "I Was Wrong", and "1945" but their anti-discrimination anthem "Don't Drag Me Down" is probably the most powerful track on the disc.
If you like punk rock in the least bit and you like live albums in the least bit, steal this from Sam Goody today! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Kurt Cobain's former bandmates Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl clearly had an agenda in compiling From the Muddy Banks of the Wishkah, the second of what will no doubt be a long line of posthumous Nirvana albums. Because of its somber, intense nature, the first post-Cobain release, MTV Unplugged in New York, was largely perceived as music for a wake--an impression reinforced by MTV's constant airings of the special in the days following Cobain's suicide. But that acoustic detour aside, the Nirvana live experience was always about displaying a lust for life--not a death wish--with all the energy the musicians could muster.Wishkah offers 16 songs spanning the band's career, all delivered in the loudest, most frenzied, and sometimes the sloppiest versions imaginable. In the opening "Intro," a snippet of pre-show noise, Cobain screams his heart out in joyful contrast to the haunted screams on "Where Did You Sleep Last Night." Then the group launches into "School," which ends with the spirited chorus "Don't be sad." Indeed, it's impossible to dwell on the maudlin when listening to these renditions of "Smells Like Teen Spirit," "Sliver," "Heart-Shaped Box," and "Negative Creep"--they're too loud and too full of life. But while it should be applauded, Wishkah isn't the great lost Nirvana album--there are no unheard gems to add to the catalog--and in the end, it isn't nearly as essential as any of the band's studio albums--or even the downbeat but revelatory Unplugged. --Jim Derogatis ... Read more

Reviews (129)

An intelligent introduction to Nirvana...
Originally intended to be released as a double cd along with "Unplugged: Live in NY," this album is THE perfect way for anyone interested in Nirvana to start their collection. As Krist says in the liner notes, "Nirvana started as a live band..." This CD is an excellent sampling of Nirvana's canon in their element...the stage. There is an added slice of attitude in these live versions of the songs that solidify what Nirvana was about. Several songs on the album stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their studio versions if not better. Several I enjoy listening to more than the studio cuts. The best part about "Wishka" is the track selection: you can tell that a true fan compiled this cd (instead of say the greatest hits cd)...hits like Lithium and Heart-Shaped Box are found along side Blew and Spank Thru...spanning the band's career from Bleach to Utero. In conclusion, anyone who is genuinely interested in getting into this great band should pick this album up before Nevermind and (definitely) before the greatest hits album and the real Nirvana fans would miss an integral part of what Nirvana was about without it.

Ok, could have been much better
Disclaimer - I possess and have listened to almost 200 different Nirvana concerts obtained through tape trading. I am not your run-of-the-mill Nirvana fan!

The good: A lot of the performances chosen for certain songs were very good...anything from the 12/28/91 performance (Drain You, Aneurysm, Smells Like Teen Spirit), Scentless Apprentice from the MTV Live and Loud concert, Tourette's from the famous 1992 Reading Festival, Negative Creep from the famous 1991 Seattle Halloween concert, and the Heart-Shaped Box is a good one.

Also, they only repeated one track from Unplugged, and the screaming intro was a nice addition.

The bad: Some of the performance choices were sub-par, and that's coming from a person who, unlike Krist and Dave, doesn't have access to soundboard recordings of every show...I could name dozens of better performances than the ones chosen for School, Been a Son, Lithium, Blew (suggestion: also should have been culled from Halloween 1991), Sliver (any 1990 or 1991 version would have been better), Milk It (the next night same city and venue was much better), Breed, and Polly (much better in 1991, but even sticking with pre-Nevermind versions as this album did there are way better ones).

Also, though longer than the travesty of a greatest hits album released last year, this only runs about an hour. In the 20 minutes of space left, they should have included other live staples not on Unplugged like Floyd the Barber, Dive, Radio Friendly Unit Shifter, Serve the Servants, and the grand finale should have been a live version of Endless, Nameless (preferrably, again the 1991 Halloween performance), the secret track off Nevermind.

Finally, the dates documented in the liner notes are often incorrect.

The ugly: That has to be the worst performance of Spank Thru I've ever heard. Wow, it's bad.

This is as good of a place to start to get into Nirvana's live performances (since there's nothing else available), but I hope that there will be a better release than this someday, preferrably one that is a full live concert.

From the Muddy Banks of Wishka [LIVE]
From the Muddy Banks of Wishka [LIVE]~ Nirvana is an interesting post nirvana album. The treacks vary greatlin quality. Some are really good like other sound terrible. Overall 4/5.

NIRVANA
If u love nirvana u should check this band out all their influences include nirvana their name is cannibal garden their site is http://www.cannibalgarden.cjb.net/ you should spread the word around about them.

Some great picks then some god-awful ones.
Overall this is a good cd to show what nirvana was like live. It gives me some idea since i would have only been 4 when kurt died. I will tell u upfront i love all the bleach songs on this album with david grohl on drums. This is a great album but in the future i hope they will make a better one, along with a new greatest hits(that was a horrible choice of songs on the greatest hits).
1. Intro- Why in the hell include this, ditch it for a song
2.School-sounds awesome with dave at drums

3.Drain You-It is a more hard rock verison of the song but it sounds awful(especially the vocals)
4.Aneyurysm-This sounds great, one of the best songs on the cd
5.Smells Like Teen Spirit-this is a damn emabarrasment a very lazy performance. I have heard way better live versions.
6. Been A SOn-sounds exellent. great choice.
7. Lithium-sounds alright bad vocals at the chorus parts
8. Sliver- Kurt is mumbling the whole time and disotion sounds awful. Damn awful choice.
9. Spank Thru- the beginning sux, but the rest of the song is awesome, it also has an extended guitar solo. Kool song.
10. Scentless Aprrentice- The best song on the cd drums, bass, and guitar are rockin, and Kurt's vocals rock!!
11. Heartshaped Box-Lacks the emotion of the original version, I have also heard great live performances of Heart-Shaped Box on TV why chose this 1?
12. Milk It- This song sounds GREAT the dueling guitars it is just really kool.
13. Negative Creep- SOunds great with dave at drums. Awesome choice.
14.Polly- Thsi more upbeat verison of Polly is great another good song.
15. Breed- God-Awful. They ruined a great song.
16. Tourette's- sounds good but where's the "moderate rock" from IN UTero
17. Blew-Sounds better than studio vertsion great vocals
All in all this album had its ups and downs, but still gets 4 stars from me. If you wanna get Nirvana best live get MTV Unplugged In NEw York, but i am warning u its all on acoustic guitar. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

For once it's better "Live"
I went to the store after hearing "Here Without You" on the radio & bought "Another 700 Miles". When I found out it was "live", (It didn't say on the cover) I was not happy, as I don't like most "live" performances. But after buying "Away From The Sun" & comparing the two renditions, I personally like the "live" version alot better. The guitar picking is crystal clear, where as on the studio version it is almost completely lost. (To me, this adds greatly to the song) There is also a another instument (a mandolin?) that is also unheard on the "studio" version, that makes the "live" version that much better. The other songs also have good sound without the crowd noise being obtrusive. As a Skynyrd fan I have to say that their "That Smell" version was excellent! A great CD for ten bucks!

Finally...
I am a huge 3 Doors Down fan and have been to 2 of their concerts so I was really looking forward to this CD so I went out and bought it the day it came out. I was blown away by the live version of Here Without You the first time I heard it. Here Without You is such a great song because I think just about everyone can relate to it (I know I can). I have to say that for under $10 it is quite a good CD (meaning every song on it is good) and I definitely recommend that if you like 3 Doors Down, rock music, or #1 hits (there are 1, 2, 3, 4, ah.. 4 #1 songs) that you buy it immediately either from right here or a store.

Loved it Live
This is a great sampling of 3 Doors Down. If you are a fan of the band then you will be impressed with this CD mainly because they take on some of the great songs from their first 2 releases "The Better Life" and "Away from the Sun." 3 Doors Down is an excellent live band, so it was great to see them finally produce a live disc.

The songs that are on the CD are some of their hits, like "Kryptonite", "Duck and Run", "Here without You", and "When I'm Gone.". "Kryptonite" really comes alive, and the band really rocks out on the chorus. (The only negative of the song is that the band does one of those hokey "let's get the crowd involved" moments towards the end of the song, having the fans chant off key lyrics for part of the song. Still it doesn't mess up a good song). The other songs sound pretty good as well, "Here Without You" being a great slow ballad and "When I'm Gone" being dedicated to the U.S troops with an intro before the song.

My favorite on this CD was the "new" song "It's Not Me", which is track 6. The song has a real hard rockish edge to it, kind of which makes it very effective live and loud. This song seems to personify Three Doors Down and their style of music as well; the "live" effect of this song is good to hear, and the song exemplifies why live rock is often better than studio rock (as one reviewer noted).

If you are a fan of Lynard Skynard, the last song is a pretty good rendition of "That Smell."

For the price, this is an excellent buy. My only issue is that I wish there were more original "non radio released" songs on the CD.Also, I wish there were more songs. Still, a great CD that I would recommend to the average rock fan, or anyone else.

Wrong Songs
I really love their two first albums, but I was not pleased with the song selection on this live album.

Awesome times infinity
All i can say is that 3dd is the best bend ever!!! ... Read more

Reviews (37)

What every Rage fan wants
I am a big live album junkie, and a concert document of Rage Against The Machine has long been on my wish list. I've never had the pleasure of seeing the greatest band of the 90's in concert- in fact, I didn't even become a fan of theirs until after their breakup- so Live At The Grand Olympic Auditorium will have to do. And it doesn't disappoint.

I agree somewhat with the reviewers who said the mix is muddy- it is, on some tracks. Tim C's bass is noticeably high in the mix, but never ruins any of the songs. "Sleep Now In The Fire" comes to mind as a good example of a time where it almost does- the bass is just absolutely *exploding* through, sometimes overshadowing Tom Morello's guitar riff- but doesn't mar his solo (more forceful and passionate than the by-the-numbers studio version, I might add) at all.

The songs are mostly performed very raw and powerful. And while none of the songs' running times deviate drastically from their studio counterparts, they aren't just copies of the CD versions. The aforementioned "Sleep..." has a great vocal performance by Zach de la Rocha, coming across almost spoken-word. He also performs Maynard James Keenan's part on "Know Your Enemy," which absolutely ruined the studio version for me (otherwise it's a fantastic song).

The setlist is good, although it's pretty much a "greatest-hits in concert" collection (Rage did have awesome singles though, didn't they?). Opening a concert with your biggest hit ("Bulls On Parade" in this case) is only something that the best artists can do successfully.

I would have loved a live recording of my favorite song of theirs, "Township Rebellion," but oh well. And "Renegades Of Funk," one of their two or three best singles, is missed (although I don't even think they ever performed that song live, so you can't blame them).

Overall a must-have for any Rage fan, or really any other person who wants a greatest-hits collection for the best band of the 90's.

Oh, and Audioslave rocks.

RAGE'S BEST YET!!!!!!!!!
When i found out Rage Against The Machine broke up three years ago, i was pretty disappointed. I loved their music, but at least they ended on a good album, Renegades. Earlier this month i was on Rage's official site for the first time in about a year. As i scrolled down the screen i saw something new! "Live at the Grand Olympic Auditorium" I was very excited! This is a recording of Rage's last two nights together as a band. Once again they proved they were one of the most creative and politically active bands to ever hit the stage. They also porve they're the most powerful bands of the last decade. Not only is Rage a great band, but they're at their best live! So i decided to buy this CD the day it came out. I did and i was not disappointed! This CD is everything i expected and more. If you'd like to hear one of the greatest rock bands ever, then pick up this CD or one of their earlier ones. If you don't like rock much, i'd still recommend you check Rage out. Or if you like a much softer version of Rage then listen to Audioslave, Rage's sister band.
Track Listing
1 Bulls On Parade
2 Bullet In The Head
3 Born Of A Broken Man
4 Killing In The Name
5 Calm Like A Bomb
6 Testify
7 Bombtrack
8 War Within A Breath
9 I'm Housin'
10 Sleep Now In The Fire
11 People Of The Sun
12 Guerrilla Radio
13 Kick Out The Jams
14 Know Your Enemy
15 No Shelter
16 Freedom

Flawless, absolutly flawless
First of all, this cd kicks majorly! Some don't think the sound is good, and I'll give 'em that one. But, its still one of the best dang live recordings out there. No one matches the rage and energy as Rage does. It was absolutlye beuatifull. The only two beafs to this wunderfull cd is that whoever mixed needs to have thier head rearagened. I hope the band had nothin' to do with this, for one reaseon.(two really) One is where the hell is "How I could just kill a man?" That song was wild! B-Real and Sen Dog actually came out and preformed it with them! It was dope yall. The other only problem I could'nt ignore was that they copletly took out Zack's rantings! I mean what the heck man?!?!?!? I wanna hear him discuss these things. You can hear and see 'em on the dvd though, but still. Other than that, it was a great cd full of energy and an overall great preformence
Peace

Rediscovering Rage
When Rage Against The Machine disbanded in 2000, they left behind a mere four studio albums and a massive fanbase that was thirsty for more material. Well, luckily for us, their last two concerts were recorded and edited into one disc for all of us fans to feast on. Recorded on September 12 & 13 of 2000 in Los Angeles, CA, 'Live At The Grand Olympic Auditorium' is a snapshot of Rage in their best form: performing live. Although I never got to see them live (they barely toured to begin with), this disc serves as the next best thing. All of the intensity and integrity of Rage's music translates well onto this disc. The collection almost serves as a "Best Of..." compilation as well, as all the classic cuts are here, along with a few covers & rarities. It's hard to imagine any fans being displeased with the package. The standout performances to me would be the powerhouse opener "Bulls On Parade," "Calm Like A Bomb" (come on, we were itching for a live version of this), "Know Your Enemy," "No Shelter," "Guerrilla Radio," "Freedom," and "Born Of A Broken Man." The disc as a whole is superb; as odd as it is, I think this is their second best recording (their self-titled being their best), which is just a testament to how well they hold up live and how their music stands the test of time. One of those bands that you never really fully appreciate until they are gone.

one last glimps...
I truley belive rages best days where ahead of them befor zack unexpectedly called it quits. This album is rages last two performances ever, and boy it is a killer. They defenetly went out with a bang and even tho I love this record, It sucks knowing this is the last thing to ever be realesd by the greatest band of the 90s. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Usually, groups wait until they've released at least three or four records before putting out a live album, but PNYC was too good an idea for Portishead to turn down. Recorded with a full orchestra on a cold, rainy day shortly after the release of their second record, Portishead, the project doubled as a live album and the soundtrack for a BBC documentary. In addition to being economical and perhaps lucrative, the disc demonstrates how sampled and sequenced music can be re-created in concert without losing any of the charm or dynamics of the original recordings. All it takes is a 22-piece string section, some horns, and a band whose tightness is exceeded only by its creativity. At times the performances on PNYC sound even more breathtaking and cinematic than Portishead's original recordings, as humming theremin, skittery scratching, and gliding strings mingle with stealthy guitar lines and sultry vocals. For Portishead, sour times seem like a distant memory. --Jon Wiederhorn ... Read more

Reviews (77)

simply outstanding
One of the best live recordings I have ever heard, this album is as beautiful and uniquely melodic as it is soulful. Beth Gibbons tugs at heart strings, and her performance is legendary. If Portishead never records again, I believe it would be a travesty. Modern music has been bastardized, making stars out of gimmicks whilst failing to relate to the human condition at even its fundamental levels. With Portishead, the themes of love, loss, regret, loneliness and obsession are treated with an honest and appropriate delicacy; and the wall of sound that serves as its backdrop is like nothing you've heard before. There isn't a trace of superficiality here, and the live recording serves only to enhance the nakedness of its themes. Technically speaking, this isn't your standard 4 piece perfromance, this is a comprehensive array of instrumentation.

This album is a classic, pure and simple. And while trip-hop has evolved itself into near oblivion, we are left with a live album that does not merely define a lost genre, it transcends it. It is a standalone effort that defies classification. It is, quite simply, what it is - a great listen. a must have.

Impressive.
Impressive is the first word that ocurrs to me now that i'm sitting in front of my pc writing a review for this album, trying to describe it. Beautyfull just might be the second.

Listen to the whole album and you won't help but being amazed at the enourmous quality of these young british musicians. When one listens to their studio albums (both excelent by the way) the idea of them performing their songs live as good as they originally recorded them seems very improbable. The complexity of the songs seem impossible to accurately reproduce them before a live audience. However, Portishead demonstrates that such notion couldn't be farther from the true. In short: they perform extremely well in concert. In fact, some of their songs actually sound better live, mainly because of the intense vocals by Beth Gibbons.

The performance by the band is almost flawless, and the string arrangements sound fantastic. The essence of the Portishead albums remains even in concert: dense, moody, hipnotic, whatever you want to call it. "Glory box" is hipnotic as ever and the performance is excelent. "Sour times" is probably the song that is most modified, but the version is splendid also: a bit darker, a bit heavier, a bit more powerfull, and Gibbon's really puts her heart and soul into the song. Every times she screams "'cause nobody loves me, not like you do" i get the chills. "Half a day closing" is also one of the best songs in the album, as well as the powerfull "All mine". However, at least for my taste, the real gem of the album comes almost at the end, with the fantastic interpretation of "Roads". The song is not one of my favourites on the "Dummy" album, but the song really comes alive in this album. The emotion that Gibbons puts in this song is almost unbearable. Put the song in your stereo with maximum volume, close the doors in your room, put out the lights,close your eyes and you will be truly transported into anohter dimension.

True:it's very odd that such a young band already releases a live album. But when you listen to it, you just gotta be grateful that they did. The album's fantastic, and i dare say it's one of the best live recordings of the past decade. Really, it's very highly recomendable.

This is for nightdeathloveli or Racheal H
The song "Flowers Bloom" is by Mandalay on the "Empathy" record. Hope that helps!

Where is Roads?
I'm going to keep this short and sweet. I own this DVD and it one of the most beautiful concerts I've ever heard. Since Portishead is probably done, at least we have this CD to document their live shows. However, the glaring omission is the outstanding version of Roads on the DVD. It is the only song that gets a standing ovation, and is just breathtaking. Instead we get a version with a bunch of idiots clapping. I almost compare it to Street Spirit from Radiohead, Thom Yorke once said he couldn't believe people sang along and were happy when the song was played live, because it is such a melancholy song. Same goes here, great concert, poor choice of CDs. Do yourself a favor and buy the DVD.

"Flowers Bloom"
Love the PYNC live...but I am posting for the person who wanted to know who performs "Flowers Bloom." That song is by an incredible band called Mandalay. They released two albums in the UK, numerous singles, and a US album featuring tracks from both of their UK releases called "Solace.' Sadly, the band broke up last year and the lead singer, Nicola Hitchcock, is now moving on with solo projects. She has her own website too. I love Mandalay, and though they are compared to Portishead, I think they are very unique in their own way. ... Read more

Album Description

The first live album and first DVD from one of Modern Rock’s most admired bands, Guster On Ice—Live From Portland, Maine captures Guster at its very best. Recorded during the tour for 2003’s Keep It Together, which cracked the Billboard Top 40 to become the group’s highest charting album to date, Guster On Ice is a celebration for its legions of devoted fans and the ultimate introduction for those yet to experience Guster. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Above and beyond...
If you've ever seen Guster live in concert, your well aware of the unique energy and charm they bring to the stage, this DVD captures all of it and more. For those of you who havent seen Guster live before, this DVD/CD set is awesome. For those of you that have, its like reliving those concerts again and again in the comfort of your living room. The setlist for the show recorded is a great mix of classics and recent hits, a grab bag from all four cds. This set would've have been enough with just the show on DVD, but they added an armful fo special features including music videos, behind the scenes looks at the band, and even Brian's rendition of the state song. This makes for a great live concert DVD, but included in the set is a cd of selected songs from the concert. This was a huge plus for me, because I usually find that I would love to be able to listen to concerts I buy on DVD in my car. This set is a great deal, and most of all a great concert. Enjoy!

Awesome Package
I've loved Guster since their Goldfly days back in the mid to late 90's. It's about time they came out with a live album following their awesome Keep It Together album last summer. Very smart how they not only made a DVD, but included a CD so you can listen to it on the road etc and not be restricted to needing a DVD player. The DVD disc is awesome and has great background footage and extras. It's not your usual live concert that just goes straight through the show, but has unique clips and transitions between songs. For those of you who are not familiar with Guster, go listen and buy all 4 of their studio albums as well as this live one. They are 3 great guys, with a great sense of humor, who make amazing music, and do it simply for the love of music and their fans and don't hyperfocus on money as so many other musicians do.
My only complaint is that the CD doesn't have more songs on it, and it would have been cool if the CD had some extra songs that arent on the DVD, but it's ok. I was also surprised to find that some Guster classics such as "Window" and "Medicine" aren't on the DVD/CD. Oh well. Guster, for the next live one, put more songs on.

Pleasantly Surprised
I bought tickets to an upcoming O.A.R. concert, who is by far my favorite band, for the 2nd of September show ('04}. After reviewing the bands that will be accompanying O.A.R., and finding out that they are all recieving the same amout of stage time, I thought it would be wise to do a little research on the them (Guster and Howie Day). Since I didn't know very much, if at all, anything about Guster I decided to pick up their Live cd, "Guster on Ice," which had recieved good reviews. Ever since I recieved the CD it constantly is being played in my cd-player giving my O.A.R. cd's a well-needed rest. I highly recommend this CD to people who are fans and others who are out there searching for some excellent new tunes. The only thing that really bothers me about this album is I dont know which CD, if either of them, is the right order of the concert. I do not think the audio CD is in concert order because there are songs on the DVD that are not on the Live Audio CD, which is irritating. This is just a minor irritation that in no way takes away from the quality of the CD. In fact, if anything it has motivated me to go purchase thier other albums, 'Lost & Gone Forever' and 'Keep it together.' The DVD cd included in the 2-CD set is artistically put together. Transitions from behind the scenes to Guster's live concert was well-done. Again, the only thing that is bothersome about the DVD is that I do not think it is in concert order, which I feel takes away from it. Nearing the end, there is one song that I believe was the end of the concert as Guster is shown waving to the crowd and exiting the stage following them thanking Maine. The first time I watched the DVD i thought the CD was over but to my surprise another song came on. I was not at the concert and Guster may have came back onto the stage so I don't know for sure. All in all this cd deserves no less than the available 5 stars. I recommend this CD and look forward to not only seeing O.A.R. in Sept but also await Guster.

How Could Any Fan Not LOVE This?
Guster's DVD/CD set "Guster On Ice: Live From Portland, Maine," is a lavish package that fans will love.

With a superb array of bonus features, in addition to a spectacular show recorded between two December nights last year, it is 2 1/2 hours long, and a welcome addition to the band's catalog.

The program is shot in documentary style, with the beginning of the band's day shown as they ride into Portland and stop at the headquarters of 98.9 WCLZ FM to perform "Careful," the second single from last year's sharp "Keep It Together" album.

After footage of excited fans waiting to enter the venue, a smooth transition into the show ensues. Throughout the concert, the fans remain enthusiastic and enthralled by the band, often singing along in unison.

Although during the actual performance, Guster makes their job seem effortless, there is plenty of footage interwoven throughout the DVD that displays the reality that this is not so. Stressing over various aspects of the live performance, the band's perfectionist attitude ultimately pays off.

After opening to the ecstatic audience with "Fa Fa," from 1999's "Lost and Gone Forever," the band keeps the magic going for the next 17 songs. The razor-edged "Airport Song" and the dark "Red Oyster Cult" blend wonderfully with more comfortable material, such as "Backyard" or the tongue-in-cheek "(Nothing But) Flowers."

Throughout the setlist, the band never loses its footing. The only true downside of the release -- aside from the fact that the CD, while excellent, contains not enough songs from the DVD -- is that only one song, "Mona Lisa," is included from their first major-label album "Parachute." A gem of a debut, its presence is missed.

The bonus features included are generous and just as enjoyable as the concert. "Dave Yonkman's Week With Guster," a lengthy documentary, showcases the personalities of each member of the band -- and gives a great deal of insight into their daily lives, as well as their history as a band and as friends.

A few minutes where the viewer gets to "meet" Joe Pisapia, Guster's unofficial fourth member as of last year (who is declared official during the concert) and the awesome videos for "Careful" and "Amsterdam" are treats that make this package a must buy.

Absolutely the Best Live DVD Ever!
This is the best live concert DVD I have ever seen. It has the best production of any DVD, and the way they implement the backstage footage with the actual concert puts the great DVD's like The Central Park Concert (I'm actually on this DVD, and still think Guster's is better), Coldplay Live 2003, Any Given Thursday, etc... to shame. All of those are highly recommended but have no where near the effort put into as Guster on Ice . And the extra features, like "Chips Ahoy," are fantastic. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

A live album and a greatest-hits album all in one, 101 proves that Depeche Mode are just as capable of performing onstage as they are working in a studio. The listener is easily swept up in the hysteria of the fans screaming in the audience. From the brooding "Never Let Me Down Again" to the sickly sweet "Somebody," the live component of this album makes one realize that there really are humans behind the machines, accompanied by a range of real human emotions. --Beth Bessmer ... Read more

Reviews (43)

The Mode Takes it to the Stage.
It would be easy to laugh contemptuously at the thought of a synth pop act releasing a live album (a double one, at that), but Depeche Mode have done so and pulled it off quite well. "101" is a recording of their famous concert at Pasadena, which elevated them to a full-blown live act capable of selling out at huge American venues. Rock purists will complain that these performances are too clean and efficient, but that's the reason why "101" works. Unlike other rock live albums, there's hardly any off-key singing or shrill, distracting noises. The Mode pulls off the recording like seasoned pros. I really liked the live rendition of the love ballad "Somebody," and the single "Strangelove" loses none of the bite of the original studio recording. Dave Gahan really gets the crowd roused during "Just Can't Get Enough" and "Question of Time," two energetic, upbeat numbers. But the CD hits its high point with their hit "Everything Counts," which eventually was released as a single. Quite frankly, I've heard better live albums, but "101" is sufficient evidence that electronic acts can hold their own on the stage just as well as their rock peers.

A Great Compilation.
This CD is a must for any DM fan. This CD is more than a compilation though; don't buy it with the intentions of having a full collection from this, for that you would need The Singles 1&2, this album is more along the lines of a compilation containing all of Depeche Mode's pre-Violator songs with the added emotion of a live audience. It is very hard to explain and describe, you just have to hear it for yourself. The most amazing thing I have ever heard would have to be the grand finale, Everything Counts. There is something very eerie that strikes a chord with you when the entire crowd begins to sing along. It's sheer brilliance. This CD is definitely five-stars and is most certainly worth your money.

They gave this "101" percent.
This is probably one of the best live albums I've ever heard, and I've heard it probably 500 times. It also serves as a 20 track "Depeche Mode" best of the 80's collection, since everything is pre-"Violator". This includes the big hits "People Are People" and "Never Let Me Down Again", as well as the softies "Somebody" and "Question Of Lust", among others. Also here is the excellent sing-a-long closer "Everything Counts", which ended up on "The Singles 86-98" collection as well. But really every track is great, and makes "101" essential for any "Depeche Mode", or synth-rock fan. Highly recommended.

DEPECHE MODE, IS ONE OF THE BEST LIVE ACTS
Rock bands are always supposed to be good live-acts. As a matter of fact, the quality of a rock outfit is, to a great amount, determined by how good they sound live. Of course, rock music is always considered 'energy' music, and if the band is able to show the same amount or even more energy in their live performance than their studio-performance, they can be said to be true rockers. For a rock band, live performances are very important.

As far as disco is considered, it is a known fact that disco bands are never good live acts. Considering the amount of 'production' their sounds go through, it is very difficult to reproduce the same sound live. Even if the techno bands manage to re-create their studio-music live, they are hardly as energetic as rock bands, or they hardly manage to create the same magic, their studio-music create.

Depeche Mode is a hard-core techno band. In fact, it is one of the only few techno bands left, which has survived long enough to see the best and the worst periods of techno music. Also, Depeche Mode is one of the only few techno bands, which consists of talented musicians and songwriters, instead of being merely a product of, or rather puppets of European record-producers. With every album of theirs, they have been proving this fact again and again. 101, is one such 'Depeche Mode' album, which proves their superior musicianship, but, with this album, the band also shows what an extraordinary live act it is, and that their talent is not just confined to studio-albums.

This album, a two-c d set, is a compilation album of 'Depeche Mode' songs of the pre-VIOLATOR days, played live - a "Greatest Hits: live" c d set. Showing off what a genius of a band Depeche Mode is, 101 has all the energy and zest of a rock-act, playing live music. The music is absolutely brilliant. Unlike a live show by a disco band, which seems as if some pre-recorded music is being played, this one does seem to have music played live, so that the songs themselves have been tweaked a bit from their original versions. The music is basic, hence has a natural feel to it.

More than the music, it is lead singer Dave Gahan's vocals, which is the focal point of this album, which infuses life into the songs, more than the music being played at the back. From the sound of Dave's seductive vocals, one can easily visualize oneself as a part of the crowd, focused entirely on Dave, mesmerized by his charismatic personality, and his bewitching style of singing. Without any 'production work' to polish off lackadaisical singing, for a good live act, good vocals play as important a part as anything else to give a memorable performance. Dave's vocals prove just this fact. Dave Gahan is one of the best vocalists in music today. Depeche Mode is one of the finest live acts of the present time, and 101 is a proof of this fact for those who have never seen the band play live music.

Just like in the studio but hear the crowd cheer
I know that live albums are usually a waste of time - what's the point in listening to a live CD when you weren't there? If you were not there you missed it and renders this CD pointless. Now I love DM as much as anybody else and I bought this off a friend who found it in his house for €7........to me the whole album fails to translate whatever significance the show had. I know that it was a very emotional night for them but what use is that when you hear identikit tunes just with a crowd singing along. Just seems like another gig to me. I think you'd probably have to be a DM mad completist to get any sort of pleasure out of this but I think it would be better to stick with the studio albums.....after all live albums are usually nothing gimmicks to all but those who went to the gigs themselves. Pity the video didn't show the concert in full.......that would have been interesting to watch ( live videos are usually much better than live CDs ) ... Read more

Reviews (42)

What a discovery
I had heard about DCD for some time and heard that those with my musical taste might like them. Well, this was the first album of theirs which I purchased and I put it on as kind of background music as I was doing some work at home. Within the first minute, I had stopped what I was doing and just started listening. I have heard a lot of music over my 40+ years, but I cannot recall being grabbed so thoroughly from the first listen. This CD highlights their knack for merging primal beat, folk, medieval, and almost operatic grandeur in a most unique way. Lisa Gerrard's voice is extraordinary, as is the band's wonderful capacity for merging some eclectic instrumentation. I have since purchased many other DCD CD's with mixed results, and find this one to be the best, by far. I have played it as background before some adult classes I teach in, and many students have been drawn to it enough to ask that wonderful question which all of us music lovers like to hear: "Who is this?" If you are curious about this band, this would be the one CD to try first.

Dead Can Dance can do no wrong
I'm astounded by the haunting beauty of Dead Can Dance. They truly were, and still are, one of the greatest bands around! Although Lisa Gerrard has been successful at her work on solo projects and movie soundtracks since the demise of DCD, I wish they would join forces one last time to create another breathtaking album. Of course I don't yet own their entire catalogue so I'll be patient for that hopeful day to arrive...

I admit to liking the faster world songs with upbeat percussion, which usually feature the vocals of Brendan Perry, over the slower more somber pieces that LG tends to sing but they balance it out so well on 'Toward The Within' - a record filled with live performances taken from their concert in Santa Monica, California - that it flows without notice as every track keeps you captive. Plus they both have such enticing voices that run deep with emotion and, despite how different they are, it wouldn't be the same without one or the other.

The fact that this isn't a studio album but something given straight up and raw makes the experience of listening to this that much more personal. If they messed up they messed up but the musicians played impeccably and in turn made a masterpiece that just might be deemed as the best work they ever did. That will always be an argument never settled, though, as every fan has their own opinion for the darkly lavished 'Within The Realm of a Dying Sun' along with the renaissance fair of 'Aion' were also very good and those two were later released.

Point is, whether you have all these songs or not, this is an album worth having for the sheer unraveling of talent unfolding.

Every track is great with A+ production quality but my absolute favorites include "Rakim", "Desert Song", "Yulunga (Spirit Dance)", "American Dreaming", "Cantara" and "Oman".

{Also check out the VHS version}

"What's that music???"
Every SINGLE time I play this CD on friends reunions or whatever, I always get the same: "What's that music?? It's Fantastic!!!"

You wont regret it. This CD must be a part of your collection, it can be placed in the MASTERPIECES rack of your house... No doubt about that!

Smooth, deep... This CD holds the perfection of rythm, sounds and voices.

If you believe that this CD will go make you go to sleep, You are TOTALLY wrong. Won't make you sleep at anytime, but will make you FADE AWAY...

A Natural High!

Their best work
Toward The Within is the high point of Dead Can Dance's catalog, IMHO. I discovered DCD with the video from which this soundtrack was taken. Discovered is an understatement. It was more like knocked on my backside by a bolt of lightning.

I have not heard anything like this mixture of music before or since. This band would be equally at home in ancient Egypt, on Babylon 5, or in Vahalla. The way they weave Celtic, Germanic, Turkish, Egyptian, African, and who knows what other influences and instruments with synthesizers and electric bass is unique beyond verbal description.

Lisa Girrard's voice is unbelievable. You really have to see the video because they do closeups while she is singing, and it is quite powerful to see her actually producing these sounds. Her voice is like one would imagine a valkyrie - the power of a tsunami with the delicacy of a hummingbird all at the same time. When you hear some female singers, like Kate Bush, Tori Amos, Enya, etc., you see goddess archetypes like Diana or Isis. With Lisa it is more like Kali. This is feminine energy, but it hits you like a freight train in the chest. Which is not to say it is harsh or ragged. Quite the contrary, she exhibits a control over her voice that is remarkable. She weaves soft Celtic lilting notes with deep, powerful tones, modulated by a Turkish or Berber-style vibrato that is amazing. Think German opera blended with belly dancing music and you will be in the ballpark, although that description really misses the true power and beauty of the songs. This is a woman who makes you feel the goddess in your gut as well as your heart, like Ann Wilson, Tina Turner, Janis Joplin, etc., but with a decidedly surreal twist. Lisa often sings in a language she creates herself, which adds to the mystique of their music. In some ways, she reminds me of Nina Hagen, although Hagen went from opera to more average punk rock. The power and control of their voices seems similar to me.

I don't care for the more traditional folksongs, although they are very well done. The quality of the other musicians is superb, and again, watching them in the video gives you an added perspective to the way all the different influences weave together.

If you like world music with a touch of other-worldliness, try out this CD. It is not for the faint of heart or those who like common, run-of-the-mill music of any flavor. This is very different stuff indeed.

Awesome. Just awesome.
I don't know if words can truly describe what I heard when I first put "Toward The Within" in my CD player and pressed play. This CD shows the true beauty and eclecticism that music truly is and should be. It shows Middle Eastern and Celtic influences, mainly but the overall feel of it is like you went back to the caveman days because the beat of all the songs, especially in "Oman," is seductive and gets in your blood, making you want to dance all night long. Then you get to some songs like, "I Can See Now," "American Dreaming," and "Don't Fade Away." They are simple songs, just Brendan Perry and a guitar but they are probably the most beautiful songs on the whole album! They are TRUE love songs, simple melodies with the most BEAUTIFUL lyrics probably ever written and Brendan Perry's soothing voice, making them soar. These songs are for when you are laying in the arms of your significant other with candles all around you, just cuddling and relaxing all night. Lisa Gerrard isn't on here as much as Brendan but her presence is still felt on this album. Especially on "The Wind That Shakes The Barley." Overall, a must buy! Soft, eclectic, soothing melodies with exquisite lyrics....who could possibly ask for more? ... Read more

Amazon.com

Squeezing Out Sparks was not only Parker's finest moment, but it still stands up today as one of rock's best albums. When it was first released in 1979, Arista simultaneously issued Live Sparks, a collection of live radiocasts that featured the same 10 songs in the same order plus the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back" and Parker's kiss-off to his former label, "Mercury Poisoning." The latter package was made available only to radio stations and critics, but it was a riveting live record worth all of the $40 it commanded on the collectors' market. Now Arista has reissued the 10 studio tracks and the dozen live tracks on an invaluable single CD. Included are two versions each of rock's best pro-choice abortion song ("You Can't Be Too Strong") and best Hiroshima song ("Discovering Japan").--Geoffrey Himes ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Best new wave of the late seventies...
Amidst the sound-alikes of the time, GP stands alone, especially with this powerhouse of a CD. Whilst the others strutted, complained, whined and whatever-ed, GP was hitting it straight to the point with his unique style - yet staying to a sound that was not too foreign.

The killer songs like 'Discovering Japan', 'Local Girls', 'You cant be too strong' and 'Passion is no ordinary word' just make this outstanding CD what it really is - one that is truly a landmark of new-wave, as well as being one of the best CD's recorded - ever.

One great moment of lyrical history on this CD that I will never forget is 'They got new idols on the screen today/although they make a lot of noises, they got nothin to say/I try to look amazed but its an act/the music might be new but its the same soundtrack...' Gotta love GP's cynicism and perception, eh?

I cannot say enough great things about this - if you are a fan of 70-80's new wave, this is a staple. For those wanting to hear something with a great musical intensity as well as lyrics that make you stand up and take notice, this CD should be in your tray right now - play it or get it!!!

Get Ready to Program Your CD Player
Squeezing Out Sparks is regarded by most critics as the zenith of Parker's creative genius. And indeed the first five songs: "Discovering Japan", "Local Girls", "Nobody Hurts You", "Can't Be Too Strong" and "Passion is No Ordinary Word" are outstanding. On these tracks you experience the melding of the tight sound Parker's backing band The Rumour had honed through years of paying their dues on the pub circuit with Graham's poetic lyrics, which he more snarls than sings. That said, there is a noticeable drop in quality among the remaining studio tracks, including the fairly ridiculous "Waiting for the UFO's". What elevates this release to essential status is the inclusion of concert recordings of the same tracks dubbed "Live Sparks". Here, even a pedestrian tune like "Saturday Nite is Dead" is transformed into a swaggering rocker at the expert hands of the Rumour. My suggestion is to program your CD to play the first five tracks from the studio portion then switch to hear the remainder of Live Sparks (which also includes the obscure but excellent "Mercury Poisioning", a thinly veiled attack by Parker against his former label). This combining of studio and live performances makes for a compelling listen and earns Parker a rightful place as an enduring figure of the late 70's British invasion.

Great Graham Parker Album
SQUEEZING OUT SPARKS was a great Graham Parker album as it was originally issued, and with a previously unreleased live album of its songs, plus two others, added to it, it gives you two albums for the price of one. Get it while it's still in print.

Pleasant enough, but Parker ain't no Joe Jackson.
This is a passable album. Indeed, the appeal of songs the likes of 'Discovering Japan,' 'Local Girls,' and 'Mercury Poisoning' is manifestly apparent, even if I can't get quite what you'd call *passionate* about them. And that, indeed, is the problem: even the goods songs never achieve transcendence; a difficult accomplishment for a songwriter, but a necessary one if you're looking to make a great pop album. And beyond that, there's quite a bit of filler here; sure, 'Nobody Hurts You'--eg--is competent and not actively unpleasant to listen to, but that's about it. There are two songs, however, which must be singled out for ridicule.

First--of course--is the lugubriously bathetic anti-abortion ballad 'You Can't be too Strong.' Let it be noted that, although strongly pro-choice, I'm not prima facie dismissive of songs like this--I don't think anybody would deny that the Sex Pistols' 'Bodies' is an all-time classic. But in this instance--hoo boy. Hearing Parker moaning cringe-inducing lines like "did they tear it out with talons of steel/and give you a shot so that you
Wouldn't feel?" is just too much to take. Dry up, Graham.

Equally noteworthy is 'Waiting for the UFOs.' Ordinarily, this song would be a perfectly normal song; nothing too impressive, but not worthy of being given especial mention either. However...well, there's no other way to say it: Parker pronounces 'UFOs' as 'you-foes.' Now, I don't know; perhaps there's a great, silent majority that pronounces it comme ça, but I had never heard anything other than 'you-eff-ohs,' and every time he says it his way, I just want to burst out giggling. "Hey, Graham," I would likely not be able to resist saying were I to meet him, much to his undoubted annoyance--"found the YOU-FOES yet?"

Well, okay. I've probably said more than needs to be said about this disc. I only wrote this because I thought it needed a slightly less unreservedly positive critique. And, of course, because I like being annoyingly contratian. Cheers.

Three excellent songs and some that are alright
Graham Parker is indeed an interesting artist, refusing to be labelled. His mix of different musical styles like rock, soul, pop, punk is usually very attractive and it's a shame that Parker is so unknown or unappreciated. But "Squeezing out sparks" is far from his best work even 'tho it includes three of his finest songs ever: "You can't be too strong", "Saturday nite is dead", and "Protection". These tracks make it worth to buy the album but I think you better get "Howling wind" and "Deepcut to nowhere" first, since they are both excellent and superior to this one. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

I was there!!!!!!!!!!!
This concert, at the time, was the longest Pearl Jam show ever. It was an amazing sight and I can relive it every time I listen to it. The Highlight of the show is a flawless cover of John Lennon's Gimme Some Truth, played by just Eddie. The show was just GREAT! I really don't think it's lacking anything. Of all the 2003 shows I've heard, I rank this one at the top. The only other show that even touches it is the 3rd Boston show, which includes an entire acoustic set. Anyway, buy this CD if you are a Pearl Jam fan because you'll definitely enjoy...go PSU!

Pearl Jam a pearl of a band.
The is the best live cd of 2003 so far and This is the final show of the first leg of their 2003 North American tour (Live: 05-03-03 - State College, Pennsylvania), Pearl Jam go for broke. They play a marathon three-hour-plus set that includes all their live favorites almost the entire Ten album as well as "Corduroy", "Rearviewmirror", "Daughter", "Betterman", and "Yellow Ledbetter" and they also include a number of surprises. Most notably, Eddie Vedder plays a two-song solo acoustic set of John Lennon songs "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away" and "Gimme Some Truth" and Pearl Jam close the show with a few covers: Victoria Williams' "Crazy Mary", Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Fortunate Son", and Neil Young's "Rockin' in the Free World". Furthermore, the band jams liberally on a number of songs, including a seven-minute "Even Flow," eight-minute "Black" and "Crazy Mary," nine-minute "Rearviewmirror" and "Daughter," and ten-minute "Betterman," "Porch," and "Rockin' in the Free World" all of which boast fiery guitar soloing and occasional improvisation. As at most of the 2003 shows, Vedder infuses his between-song rhetoric with a heavily political slant, not necessarily anti-Bush but certainly liberal, the covers of "Gimme Some Truth" and "Fortunate Son" being quite emblematic of this attitude. This State College show sprawls on and on, becoming increasingly freewheeling toward the show's conclusion, where the song structures loosen and Vedder grows increasingly vocal and charismatic. Pearl Jam fans will undoubtedly love this show, even if it's relatively