Amazon.com

The Killers. Interpol. Franz Ferdinand. Without New Order's influence they could have all ended up making albums of country & western ballads. Since the demise of Joy Division in 1980, the British synth-pop quartet has been diligently changing the course of popular music, lobbing unlikely but inventive hits like "Blue Monday" and "True Faith" into the charts. Twenty-five years on, New Order remains shockingly vital. Its eighth proper album overflows with shimmering melodies, anchored by Peter Hook's spine-tingling bass lines and Bernard Sumner's thin but emotive voice in thrilling new songs like "Krafty" and "Dracula's Castle." -- Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

Reviews (74)

Will someone please steal this album from me?
Why the odd title?I drive a little over a half hour (each way) to and from work, and since I bought this album I have listened to it over and over.(I know, dumb eh?)

At first listen I thought "Get Ready" was a far superior album, but I found that the more I listened the more I heard.By far a much more progressive album for New Order, but still classic sounding that fits the fact that "yes, New Order was an 80's band", but this is their new album that is so 21st century.A worthy addition to any collection, whether rock, pop, 80's, or synth.

Refreshing....!!!!!
In am an old Joy Division fan and have followed New Order ever since.When Technique came out in 1989 I could not stop playing it when I was in Brunei of all places.Since then I have had kids, etc. etc. but still love to listen to music.My favorite station is http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/.So when they started playing the new NO some months ago I could not believe my ears and straight away pre-ordered it on www.amazon.com. It took some getting used to but now it is the CD I play most in the car and it brings tons of smiles to my face.The kids may not like it too much but for me it brings back good memories and it is so refreshing to see that old 'rockers' can still bring out a record that surely must be one of the top ten of this year.If you like their record and have not discovered BBC1 go to their website and listen to the live show or the various shows from the previous week which are all accessible on their 'player'.If you pay $12/month here for satellite radio then think again...

Alt-rock icons make us feel like its 1992 all over again.
New Order's history is filled with mournful iciness, sublime electro-disco, seminal Britpop and episodes of portly overblown grandeur. And, depending on what moves them, the band's fans always seem to gravitate toward one of these elements more than the others. To that end, Waiting For The Sirens' Call offers something for everyone: "Turn" has that 1986 college-rockin' jangle that'll make elderly R.E.M. fans tingle. For the synth- and sequencer-damaged among us, there's the electrolytic "Krafty" and the disco workout "Guilt Is A Useless Emotion." Going off on another tangent, "Workin' Overtime" is the band's simultaneous nod to '60s garage rock, the Beatles' "I Feel Fine" and that last Elvis Costello album.

The axis of mystery and implied arrogance that made New Order compelling may be gone, but that's okay; none of us is the same person we were decades ago. As far as right now goes, Waiting For The Siren's Call is a fine distillation of everything New Order have been. And when you've got a passport that's as thick as theirs, it's admirable that they refuse just to walk away from this thing entirely.spin j.p

Definitely not an "instant hit" album!
Waiting for the sirens' call will NOT hook you immediately. It's not that kind of album. There isn't any obvious hits, except Who's Joe, Krafty or Jetstream.
When I played it the first time I was kind of bored. Too many songs didn't hook me, sounded just "ok" and after Get Ready, I was disappointed.
However, days passed and I didn't play the album - didn't want to! And then, when I played it again after a week or so, out of nowhere, I started to like the songs! One by one, they PERFECTLY matched each other - carrying specific mood.

Now I think it's one of their better releases - much better than, for example, Republic and on par with Get Ready (I like that album very much).
It's incredible how this album works! If you like New Order, you'll certainly love this album. Do NOT expect to like it on the first listen! You probably won't - maybe just 3-4 songs!

This album has some ultimate NO gems and classics: Who's Joe?, Waiting for the siren's call, Dracula's Castle, Turn. They are magnificent!

There are no fillers here, excet that I don't like "I told you so" that much - interesting, but not my cup of tea, and "Guilt is a useless emotion" has some kind of generic chorus. That's a shame, considering that the song starts extremely well! Just the chorus isn't that memorable. But great for a summer fun! :)

All in all, a very very solid effort. As the time goes by, I expect that I'll like this album even more. It's THAT kind of a record. So refreshing these days - I'm fed up of instant hits that I get bored with after few weeks/months.

Just another perfect album!
At first listen I did not like Waiting For the Siren's Call as much as New Order's last album Get Ready. This album is just as good as Get Ready. If you want a perfect album from a great band. Pick up Waiting for the Siren's Call and Get Ready, Get Ready was the best album of 2001 in my eyes. WFTSC is going to be in the running this year.

Dear, New Order

Why havn't you toured the US other than a couple of dates. Please come to Pittsburgh.

Yours Truly, Substance ... Read more

Amazon.com

Is it too early for a Britpop revival? Not on the watch of Leeds quintet Kaiser Chiefs, who just a decade after the release of Blur's scene-making 1994 album, Parklife, offer a striking follow-up. They've hired the same producer--Stephen Street. They've studied the same influences--the Buzzcocks, the Jam, the Kinks. They've even picked up the same English slice-of-life themes--"I wanna wear my clothes tight/Matching jackets and a fistful of notes/New sneakers and a fresh pack of smokes," goes "Saturday Night." The resulting album, Employment, is just as catchy and captivating as you might expect, swinging from the stormy social commentary of "I Predict A Riot" to the shouty insouciance of "Oh My God." A Trainspotting sequel can't be far off. --Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

Reviews (54)

"Modernized" old-school pop/punk?
Rarely will I buy an album based on one song, but after hearing "I Predict a Riot" on the radio, and hearing good things about the band, I chanced it - glad I did too.

You can definitely tell the guys have a great sense of humor (also something kinda missing in mainstream rock for much of the 90's and very early 2000's) right down to the CD booklet itself -- where it says, "How to play EMPLOYMENT. Some of the songs go a little like this", then the lyrics begin.

In general, I'd describe their sound as mainstream punk, but not AT ALL on the level of Simple Plan/Good Charlotte/Blink 182, etc. Like those guys, they do use alot of humor in their songs, as stated above, but have much more of a classic punk influence. Imagine the punk of the late 70's, in a more "accessible" pop direction, updated for 2005 and somewhat in the vein of 80's new wave-inspired bands like the Killers. That's a general idea of this album's sound.

"Everyday I Love You Less and Less" starts out with electric, video game-type sound effects. A very humorous "falling out of love" song - Ricky Wilson's British accent only adds to the old-school punk charm, IMO.

The current big hit "I Predict a Riot", is an upbeat, satirical story of big city violence and chaos going on. Almost sounds like vintage 1977-era Clash or Ramones.

After that, though, the album takes a turn into more of a slow direction - say, along the lines of a less synthezied, slower version of HOT FUSS. A couple highlights include "Born to Be a Dancer", which starts with a piano and, despite the typical humor, has a certain dark element to it, and "What did I ever Give You", which is also in that vein, but slow all the way through. However, not really a ballad, per se.

In short, while the opening two songs are clearly the best (and worth the price for alone!), this is still a band to watch in the future! Maybe the other songs will grow on me more after repeated listens. :)

Fun fresh album!
Well this is the debut album by the New Brit-Pop group Kaiser Chiefs, filled with fun tracks to bop along with. Now let me start by saying you shouldn't take this group too seriously. From their mindless random yelling in every other song, to their ridiculous lyrics (It makes me sick to think of you undressed), it's not a very deep album. Still it is very good, suny by Ricky Wilson! What's great is that there are original, inco-orporating electro synthesisers into their rock
1. Everyday I love you less and less (3.37)- This is my favourite track with very cool electro-rock in there, funny lyrics and a great song to dance to. One of those where they randomly start yelling 11/10
2. I predict a riot (3.53) - Another silly yelling song, the chorus is sung in an oldies style, and has a rather spooky bridge 9/10
3. Modern Way (4.03)- Quite a serious song for a change, quite gentle singing. It's slow tempoed but I love it 10/10
4. Na na na na naa (3.01) - Um this one is interesting. The most silliest song, where they basically half chant/sing "Na na na na naa!" It kinda doesn't make sense but it's still funny! A faced paced song, almost like a beach-style song 8/10
5. You Can Have It All (4.35) - Another gentle song, sung almost like an oldies slow rock song. It's so cute this song! Practially no guitars but bass, pianos, gentle drumming and a high techno instrument 9/10
6. Oh My God (3.35) - Yay, what a great song! Not as fast as the first track, but half-way gentle, and half-way silly. Ricky Wilson yells in this one, just before the chorus. The music is pretty funky, like a heavy chanting guitar riffs. 10/10
7. Born To Be A Dancer (3.30) - Another half gentle, half-silly song, but venturing to more silly. Strong guitar electro-rock in this song. A really cool spooky bridge in included in this, where the band members join in chorus going "ahhh, ahhh" 9/10
8. Saturday Night (3.27) - Very heavy in the electro bass line. This is almost as funny as Na na na na naa, where Ricky is practically shouting the words. 8/10
9. What Did I ever give you? (4.09) - Not such a good song, but tolerable. It's a bit silly, with a pretty cool chorus. Quite a 'lazy' song. 7/10
10. Time Honoured Tradition (2.45) - Although it has been placed at number 10, I think it's a pretty good song. Quite funny when he sings "and that is the end of that", but the best part is the chorus where it goes quite rocky and chanty "oh oh oh oh, ho-oh" repeated several times in quite a pyschotic chant! 9/10
11. Caroline, Yes (4.12) - Quite a slow sleepy one, a nice song to listen to if you're in a mellow mood. This sound like a Dandy Warhols song, so if you like them, you love this. Cool sleepy guitars 8/10
12. Team Mate (3.24) - The slowest track, with miminal music, just a tambourine here and then, and pianos, and strings. Not such a strong way to end the album, but it's ok 7/10
The album is very good to get to get into a feel good mood. The songs are sufficiently long enough (The Hives songs are like 2 minutes!), and worth buying :)

The scale only goes from 1 to 5 stars but I want to give a 0
yeah I really don't like this CD, it wasn't at all what I was expecting. After the first listen of the cd I tried to give the cd away but no one wants it. I mean this cd is so bad my girlfriend dumped me because I own it; my friends don't talk to me any more, and my family is kicking me out of the house and changing their last name - no one wants any association with me since learning I own this cd. I even tried to give the cd away to a homeless man but he took one look at the cd and started to throw cats at me.

benefits
an invigorating and fresh dose of rock that gives hope to the legions of new rockers who wear their influences on their sleeves. Just like Placebo reveals such influences as Pixies and Smiths with every breath - while maintaining a constant flair for originality and unique brilliance - Kaiser Chiefs give new life to old sounds; draw inspiration from familiar chords; and more importantly, bring back all the raw, unbridled energy that once defined the pop music world but is now so freakin' rare.

Scot Rock: Again?
I picked up Employment with some other new releases after getting a glimpse of "I Predict A Riot."What I got was a few catchy singles and, good, rock songs that were all filler no killer.Talented musicians, yes, but the music on the record wasn't a branch away from albums that have already been done.

It seems that with the new year we lacked the new Franz Ferdinand album-insert the Kaiser Chiefs here.The songs are enjoyable, but lacking the depth that make more than a hit but a classic.I'll admit the band has the sketchy, upbeat, blatant rock down, but what was so unique last year is not as catchy the second time around.It is to be expected when a new sound hits the scene, good bands ride on the coat tail of the originals' success.

Don't get me wrong, the Kaiser Chiefs have potential, a few nice songs, and a good deal of talent.If they can perfect their sound on their next record they could have a fine career on their hands.On the Rolling Stones "Top 10 to Watch for 2005" I'd have to for once agree, though not one of my favorite records this year definitely a band you need to keep your eye on, I feel they have more up their sleeve.

Employment earns
A Bliss of 6 ... Read more

Amazon.com

Director Wes Anderson's jewel of a comic-character study revolves around the quirks and obsessions of Bill Murray's titular Cousteau-esque deep-sea adventurer and his motley crew of associates. As they did for the director's equally sublime Royal Tenenbaums, Anderson and music super Randall Poster stitch their eclectic source material into a warm, subtly focused new cinemusic whole. Mark Mothersbaugh's original Casio-baroque cues are the perfect complement for Australian film composer Sven Libaek's compelling slices of vintage exotica, while Ziggy Stardust-era David Bowie largely provides the musical subtext, either directly or in earnest, through live acoustic renditions by Brazilian troubadour/film costar Seu Jorge. Seasoning the mix to near perfection are smart, vintage Britpop contributions by Scott Walker and the Zombies, Iggy and the Stooges thrashing "Search and Destroy," the evocative Iberian fire of Paco DeLucia, and Joan Baez's dramatic read of Morricone'sSacco & Vanzetti theme, "Here's to You." -- Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (37)

Staralfur?
What an amazing film, soundtrack. Bowie's words move the film from scene to scene through one voice or another. Amazing, truely. As to why the beautiful Icelandic ballad, Staralfur was relieved from being the final track on this masterpiece of a compilation, is beyond my knowledge and reason.Yet, Bowie maintain the true emotion and meaning held so tightly by this film and it's creators.5 stars none the less.

I couldn't help myself
Wes Anderson is amazing, his films are spectacular and hilarious and beautifull and akward and representing everything that is good in the world.His soundtracks never fail to amaze me in thier ability to weed out wonderfull songs compiled from what sounds like a garage full of cardboard boxes filled with an enormous collection of 60s/70s records, ranging from legendary to obscure, and random mixtapes from friends lying around in his bedroom.The result is a compilation of songs that are sometimes beautifull, sometimes fun, but always quirky and offbeat in arrangement with eachother.And as Wes fans know, quirky and offbeat is Anderson's expertice. I don't think that Sigur Ros' "Stellafurr" would have thrown off the flow of the soundtrack, because Wes' flow isn't suppose to be a steady even beat and "Stellafurr", as beautifull as it is, is fantastically out of tune within the context of the film and soundtrack.The songs always work out in his master plan, perfectly representing the rythm and mood of his films.Mark Mothersbaugh's score is as usual, strange and funny enough to make me grin a little, standing it's ground even without support from the film (although used to a hilarious effect in the overall story) and Wes, never settling for predictable, linked the whole film up in association with David Bowie's music, obviously suggesting it to be the general music of the film by always having a portuguese singer playing Bowie songs in Brazilian in the background for no apparent reason, but doesn't Seu Jorge just make the songs seem new again?He pulls a fast one on you, but you'll love his chilled-out renditions and view Bowie's music through a totally different perspective. If that doesn't prove to the world just how cool Wes is, then I don't know what will.So, in closing, "The Life Aquatic" is a brilliant energetic leap from the mellancolly (but still hilarious) "The Royal Tenenbaums"."Bottle Rocket" was Wes' fast-paced take on summer, "Rushmore" represented the moody shift of light to dark and coping with being pushed into fall, "Royal Tenenbaums", his sad and heartfelt Winter (no seriously, the seasons they take place in even), and "The Life Aquatic" is the redeeming breathe of Spring.I can't wait to see where his new film, "The Fantastic Mr. Fox" will take us next. Of course, Wes can do anything and everything and make it look good.

Sensible Music.
I really enjoyed THE LIFE AQUATIC WITH STEVE ZISSOU.As visual-appealing and emotional-moving the film is, one of it's best things about it is the soundtrack.About half the songs on the album are David Bowie songs.Most of those are re-imaginings performed by Brazilian musician, Seu Jorge.Seu Jorge's performances have become the key selling point of this delightful album, but has so much more to offer.As much as I enjoy the Seu Jorge songs, I actually like the instrumental pieces composed by Mark Mothersbaugh better.There's something addicting to the keyboard-filled tunes.In fact, my favorite song on the entire album is the instrumental "Ping Island/Lighting Strike Rescue Op".A close second is the album's closing piece by David Bowie, "Queen Bitch."Add in a tune by Devo, some shark attack music by Sven Libaek, and a famed piece by The Zombies and it adds up to one very quirky and original soundtrack. Overall, this is a delightful soundtrack from an endearing movie that's worth the price to own.

Another brilliant soundtrack for a Wes Anderson film
I am totally enchanted by the music in Wes Anderson's films.Somehow, the chosen music is able to elicit such an emotional response.I've never been a fan of Devo, but the song fits the film so well that I've listened to it again and again.Seu Jorge makes David Bowie's somewhat harsh music soothing and soulful.Mothersbaugh's electronic tracks would not have had the same impact had I heard them without seeing the film.My only complaint is the lack of "Space Oddity" and "Ziggy Stardust" from the soundtrack.I really enjoyed Jorge's renditions of those songs in the film, and they were sadly absent from the soundtrack.

Question
Does anyone know what song was playing at the very end of the movie when Steve has the boy on his shoulders? ... Read more

Amazon.com

One need hear only the first notes of this collection--the Edge's ringing guitar notes ushering in "Pride (In the Name of Love)"-to be taken back to 1984: Ronald Reagan and Maggie Thatcher rule the Western world, the L.A. Olympics is the top sports story, and Ms. Pac-Man reigns at arcades. In rock & roll, there's U2 growing in stature with each new title. Even doubters of the Irish lads have to concede that together they formed the one '80s band with the skill and sense of scale to take over the airwaves and concert stages in a decade of diminished expectations. This 15-song '80s best-of assortment (stick around for the hidden track) spans the decade, reaching back to 1980's "I Will Follow," when Bono and company were peach-fuzzy and earnest as choirboys, and tracking their path through their most glaring misstep, 1988's overblown Rattle and Hum. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Reviews (196)

You can't give a "Greatest Hits" CD 5 stars...
I was introduced to U2 with their song, 'With or Without You', so I bought the Joshua Tree. I got "The Best of 1980-1990" for a Christmas present, and of course, it's a great album. The reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because, of course, this isn't anything new! If you have over five or six U2 CDs, don't buy this! It's common sense. You might as well buy the other albums, because full length albums are better than compilcations. If you know someone who really likes U2's 80s singles, get this as a gift. There's absoultely no reason to buy this if you already have a few U2 CDs.

Other than that, it's a great CD, that takes you through their early days of rage, through their experiments with sounds, and ending with their hard driving America Rock of "Rattle and Hum." There are some things missing here, however, such as 'Gloria,' 'Two Hearts Beat as One,' and 'In God's Country.'

So, overall, if you're a die hard U2 fan, don't buy this. For the rest of you, get this if you'd like U2's hits without getting all their albums.

A solid, although uneven, collection...
Although one could argue that this isn't a "Best Of" as much as it is a "Most Well Known" collection of U2's eighties work, as a fan, I couldn't help but pick it up if only for the remastered tracks and remade version of "Sweetest Thing", originally the b-side to "Where the Streets Have No Name" (if you can still find the version of this compilation with the b-side disc, it's definitely worth the inflated price). Most of their earlier work is neglected...Boy has one track present, October has none (sacrilege!), and War has two. I can understand the lack of their lesser known singles like "Fire" and "A Celebration," but the absence of "11 O'Clock Tick Tock," "Gloria," and "Two Hearts Beat As One" is downright blasphemous.

"The Unforgettable Fire" is well-represented, with not only the definitive U2 anthem "Pride" ringing in the album, but the title track and the live favorite "Bad," which is the only track on the collection that was not released as a single. The three obvious picks off "The Joshua Tree" are here as well, but are somewhat more skippable in this setting.

The track list is rather good, if you excuse that the four Rattle and Hum selections (and as much as I adore "Angel of Harlem" and "When Love Comes To Town," they're a bit unnecessary here) that were just thrown on the end of the disc. The entire section from "Bad" to "Sweetest Thing" works surprisingly well.

It's not a bad place to start if you're new to the band, although you may as well just pick up "The Joshua Tree" and "Achtung Baby," which are far more rewarding experiences. There is only one new track (the live versions of "Bad" and "Bullet the Blue Sky" that the Edge once said would make it didn't), so it's a little light, and the edited versions of "New Year's Day" and "Bad" are just plain annoying, but the track order makes it very listenable regardless.

A 15 year search completed!
Ok, I'm not a rock fan and I definitely don't like that goth, misogynist stuff that rock is ruined with. Then I heard "With or Without You" some 15 years ago while scanning the radio dial and was captured. The lyrics and that guitar haunted me forever and crept up on me when I least expected it - was it Slash or was it Clapton, you see I knew nothing.

It was only after years of listening to classic rock radio that I became somewhat skilled at figuring it out for myself (no thanks to those radio jocks who NEVER tell you the names of the songs they play).

My first rock purchase was this CD and yes I am a green rocker but this compilation, for me, has it all - powerful lyrics and haunting riffs. I've worn out two of them already. Now with online help - website playlists, discographies and MP3s - I'm on my way!

Good, but...
How did 'Sort of Homecoming' and 'Two Hearts Beat As One' (among others) get left off of this? Disappointing...

Purposeless compilation of played-out FM radio fodder
The beginning drum cracks of "Sunday Bloody Sunday"... the sight of Bono walking down Las Vegas' Main Street with that ridiculous hat... the white flag at Red Rocks... how much longer do citizens of this great nation have to be tortured with such images (and their associated sounds) so that we can pad these guys' bank accounts? Enough of karaoke-era U2.

Give me "A Celebration", in its entirety, on CD, for good, RIGHT NOW.

I mean it.

You do NOT need to buy this CD. ... Read more

Amazon.com

U2's second decade often seemed as preoccupied with the band's burgeoning superstardom--and how to confront/confound it--as it did with creating music. The band managed only four albums during the era (only half of its '80s output), projects whose gestations seemed perennially plagued by turmoil as much as mercurial creative instincts. But as this anthology chronicles, U2 ultimately managed a considerable feat: producing a memorable, lasting body of work in a decade where one of pop music's chief attributes was its disposability. The disc mixes hits like "Mysterious Ways" and "One" with seductive soundtrack cuts (the title track to Wim Wenders's Until the End of the World, Batman Forever's "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me"), new mixes of "Discotheque," "Staring at the Sun," and "Numb," and a pair of strong new tracks, the Orbit mix of "Electrical Storm" and "The Hands that Built America," the title track from Martin Scorsese's Gangs of New York. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (60)

All They Couldn't Leave Behind
U2's 1990s "Best Of" album is a rather strange collection. The band recorded only four studio albums during that time, all of which ardent U2 fans most likely already own. So this disc is for casual fans who want only the highlights, right? Well, not exactly. 1991's "Ach-tung Baby" gets the most conventional treatment--the four selections from it ("Even Better than the Real Thing," "Mysterious Ways," "One" and "Until the End of the World") are all the original versions. Likewise, the band's most recent studio album, "All That You Can't Leave Behind" is grossly underepresnted with only two selections ("Beautiful Day" and "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of") that are also original versions.

It is the rest of the material where things really get strange. The three songs from the album "Pop" are all remixes, probably in acknowledgement that it was U2's least successful album. Likewise, the "Zooropa" cut "Numb" gets a similar realtering, but one that serves it very well. Otherwise that album is also underrepresented. Of the non-studio album tracks, "The Hands That Built America" from the "Gangs of New York" soundtrack is a ho-hum ballad (like the movie), while the two other new songs included add little to the band's legacy. The CD booklet, however, is quite cool--lots of photographs of the band looking pretty slick for a bunch of forty-somethings.

Overall, "The Best of...1990-2000" contains a lot of outstanding music, but is nevertheless a terribly confused anthology.

Classic songs and awesome new ones!
Well, I've read a few reviews on this album, and all have been either ok or negative. However I personally believe that these are some of U2's best songs ever. They're a bit more electronic than the ones on the previous Best Of album, but that's the normal course of evolution for this band. Plus, it includes hits from the 2 best U2 albums ever, Achtung Baby and All That You Can't Leave Behind. The new songs are VERY good, especially "Electrical Storm". William Orbit is a genius and it's great that he added his ethereal sound to this track. Other great additions are "Miss Sarajevo" featuring Luciano Pavarotti and "Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me" from the Batman Forever soundtrack. While it's a great album, I think it'll suffer from the I-like-their-earlier-stuff-better syndrome, which is a popular opinion for second greatest hits albums. Look at Madonna's GHV2, another fabulous album that has been ignored for this same reason. I own both U2 Best Of albums plus quite a few of their studio albums. Maybe it's because in 1990 I was 13, but I actually like this newer stuff better...

The best
Its very hard for me to be critical of anything U2 does because they are just an amazing band! I've been totally into them for over 20 years and my collection is humungus. Having read some of the reviews posted here, I can however understand where they are coming from. I have always believed that 'greatest hits' and 'bests of's' are always aimed at a mass audience and not entirely focused on dedicated fans - fans should already have all the tracks anyway!

This compliation, for U2 hardcore fans, is a little dissapointing. I thought the first best of was ok but lacked an obvious structure. Would it not have been better to start from the very beginning and include all the rare original tracks - Boy/Girl, Another Day and Celebration (I cant believe this was not included - also, I wish they had taken that awful Xylophone (spell?) out of I Will Follow). Maybe all this will come together in the future when a Beatles-like Anthology comes out. It is just obviously aimed at the mass audience who wont buy U2 albums but like the odd song.

The Best of 1990-2000 has a little something extra that the first didnt. The remixes of the songs was a bonus for all U2 fans - if you prefer the originals then simply play the album versions. What happened on Mysterious Ways though? There is a slight change in lyrics from the original single, yet there is no mention on the sleeve.

I am trying to be as objective as I can here which is not easy. Everything they do is superb and cant be knocked. I will only try to comment on things I find a little negative (not easy for me to do).

I was never a big fan of Even Better Than The Real thing and only gave that song its due respect when I heard it live.

Electrical Storm is a must because its not on an album - the other mix on the flip side is better. It does seem to follow the usual U2 template that they seem to be sticking to more than ever though (Edge could have really gone to town on a lead at the end but seemed to hold back).

Gone - yes, the album version is better and yes I will only play the album version. This version seems an after thought from developing it live but its far better live.

The Hands That Built America - This could have been done better and lacks what it promises in the beginning.

Staring At The Sun - I would have prefered this song if it hadn't been done by U2!!! It so un-U2. What are those lyrics??? Still, it has a feeling and the feeling is good. Its a cracker live.

Numb - This is one of the few U2 songs I dont like at all. Why is it here?

I would like to have heard a remix of The Fly. Granted, the original is murky. If they could have redone it as they did on the Boston concert DVD I would have been happy - now if I want The Fly, I play Boston!

Thats the negative comments out of the way.

My advice, like most of the other reviewers is - if you are into U2 buy the albums. If you are just passing by, buy the compilations.

I too like U2 :)
While admittedly not a diehard fan of U2, I remember checking out my sister's U2 cds as a teen and I liked some of the songs. This is a good compilation of what I feel is their better more talented era, although I love "Sunday Bloody Sunday" from the other "best of" U2 cd.

David Rehak
author of "Love and Madness"

Clearly, not a "best of"
The second U2 "best of" was a waste of time. The first one, "The best of 1980-1990" was a pretty good compilation, but quite short ( 65 minutes, U2 could have added 2 extra songs like Gloria, Out Of Control or MLK ). This time, this compilation is 50% horrible.
The hands that built America is so boring, one of the worst U2 songs, without a doubt. All the remixes are so bad !!!!. This is overall a big, big mistake. This is not the best of. I remember once participating in a U2 poll, in which they asked to the fans the best song from each album, before this "best of". One of those songs was "Please"... so where is this song ??? why U2 didn't include it ??. I don't know why U2 keep putting "Until The end Of The World" as one of their best songs. "The Fly" or "Who's Gonna Ride..." were real songs for a "Best Of".
This would be my "Best of 1990-2000"

1- Even Better Than The Real Thing
2- Mysterious Ways
3- Beautiful Day
4- Electrical Storm
5- One
6- Miss Sarajevo ( COMPLETE )
7- Stay ( faraway so close )
8- Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Off
9- Lemon
10- Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses
11- The Fly
12- Discotheque ( ORIGINAL )
13- Hold me, Thrill me, Kiss me, Kill me
14- Staring At The Sun ( ORIGINAL )
15- Please ( single )
16- If God Will Send His Angels ( single ) ... Read more

Amazon.com

Billy Idol's secret is one that he shares with, of all people, Trent Reznor--the ability to take a pop base and disguise it with layers of other genres, most notably hard rock. His adaptability is on display throughout this 16-song career retrospective. It's amazing just how well the former Generation X frontman's songs have aged. Songs such as the disco-punk hit "Dancing with Myself," "White Wedding," and "Cradle of Love" are as appealing as ever, as is even "Shock to the System," just about the only listenable thing from 1993's Cyberpunk, an object lesson on the inadvisability of jumping blindly on a bandwagon. Fleshing out this best-of is a newly recorded cover of Simple Minds' "Don't You (Forget About Me)," as well as a live, acoustic version of "Rebel Yell," and a few other choice rarities. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Reviews (48)

Ultimate Hits Collection From '80s Icon
Most of us know Billy Idol from a few songs, most notably "Rebel Yell," "Dancing With Myself," "White Wedding," "Eyes Without a Face," and his remake of Tommy James and the Shondells' "Mony Mony". All of those hits are included, but so are less-popular but equally great songs such as the haunting "Sweet Sixteen" and the open-road scream of "Don't Need a Gun". The album, which is conveniently in chronological order, wisely does not venture too heavily into Idol's impressive but commercially-ignored album "Cyberpunk," and it only includes one new song--a surprisingly good remake of Simple Minds' "(Don't You) Forget About Me" [useless fun fact: Billy Idol almost sang the original version back in 1985]--but the album is full of hits. That in itself is impressive since most greatest hits albums are nothing but a few stellar singles with some also-rans pasted on for effect, but it's doubly so in Idol's case since a lot of Idol's minor hits are just as good as his bigger ones. If you already own all of Idol's albums, you shouldn't waste your money on an album that only has one new song, but for those just getting into Idol, this is an excellent place to start.

Now THIS is Vital.
I remember so long having to make due with his remixed "Vital Idol" disc for a "hits" package. This is what I wish I had all that time. Don't get me wrong, it was good, but this is way more complete. 16 rebel tracks in all. "White Wedding", "Rebel Yell", and "Cradle of Love" are the BIG hits, but it's "Eye's Without a Face", "To be a Lover", and "Sweet Sixteen" that make this totally awesome! It's hard to pick favorites though, these really are ALL classic songs from the blonde, punk Elvis. Included are the covers "Don't you forget about me", and The Doors "LA Woman" from the "Charmed Life" album. I actually would have liked another track from that one. His newer "Shock to the System" is pretty good too. I would highly suggest getting this. You'll be "dancing with yourself" in no time.

Greatest Hits of Billy Idol
Billy Idol was simply one of my favorite artists of the 80's, he was not only a good singer but also a charismatic stage artist. Idol( who become a big teen idol, through the 80's)started as a punk rocker in Generation X in the late 70's, it wasn't before he started solo that he become the big star. His Punk image still existed but he mixed the punk with new wave 80's rock to become one of the 80's big names.

On this album you'll find all of his big hits. Including trademark "Rebel Yell" where the screams the lyrics, catchy uptempo "Hot In The City" "Dancing with Myself" with Generation X. His R&B influented version of "Mony Mony" and his own "Got To Be a Lover", Goth "White Wedding" And beautiful ballads "Sweet Sixteen" and "Eyes without a face". For the first time we'll also get his 1990 hit "Cradle of Love" on a compilation. But also "Shock the System" from Cyberpunk, (a album from 1993 that didn't work out) and a un-released version of Don't You (Forget About Me).

In 1988 Billy Idol released a best of album called "11 of the best" and apart from 5 news song this album is simular. However "Cradle of Love" one of his best songs was not released yet back then. I think this album is wortwhile, especially if you like Billy Idol. This is the ultimate collection, i don't expect to see another "greatest hits" album anytime soon, so get this.

Finally a greatest hits that contains ALL his hits
This greatest hits is so good and so complete that you can sell your other billy idol cd's.

Has every good song that I know of from him.

Essential Idol!!!
This great CD collects the best of Billy Idol's career on one nice shiny CD!!! 16 great songs in all!!!Essential Idol!!! Includes:Dancing With Myself,Mony Mony,White Wedding,Rebel Yell,Flesh for Fantasy,Cradle Of Love,LA Woman,Catch My Fall,Eyes Without A Face,Rebel Yell(live and acoustic),and more!!! A great one disc collection!!!Great remastered sound!!! Two thumbs up!!! Five stars!!! A+ ... Read more

Amazon.com

The same year American college students and FM radio stations found hipness in the Clash's "Train in Vain," a quartet of students from England's Leeds University calling themselves Gang of Four released their debut album. Politically charged and pumped full of extremist theories and punk rock vehemence (and now out of print since 1997), Entertainment continues to rank among the most critically acclaimed and influential records of the post-punk epoch it helped to define. The record is funkified by stop-start rhythms and sharp vocals that mimic Joe Strummer's sing-to-shout shifts, a sound that has turned up in the music of a quarter-century of bands, from the Minutemen to Fugazi. The original 12-song track list--including the vehement slam on media and politics "I Found That Essence Rare" and the punk passion play "Damaged Goods"--is reinforced with all four songs from the band's 1980 EP Yellow, as well as four others never-before-released, including a live cover of the Velvet Underground's "Sweet Jane." --Scott Holter ... Read more

Reviews (2)

marriage of intelligence, angst, politics, and aesthetics
The roots of Gang of Four can be traced back to 1976, but from opposite ends of the globe. In their native England during that year, The Sex Pistols, The Damned, and The Clash dropped the bomb that was punk whose shockwaves can still be felt to this day through music, literature, art, politics, fashion, etc. In China also in 1976, a renegade faction of communists staged a leadership coup after the death of Mao Zedong, holding out for 10 days and calling themselves the Gang of Four. Back in England a year later, a punk band began as four art students from Leeds appropriated not only the name but also the insistance upon bold ideological stances from those Maoist revolutionaries. After achieving considerable success with their debut Damaged Goods EP on the remarkably prescient Fast Productions (who also signed The Mekons early on as well), Gang of Four landed a deal with EMI which resulted in Entertainment. This album -- like Joy Divisions' Unknown Pleasures and the first three Wire albums -- transformed punk with its ingenious marriage of intelligence, angst, politics, and aesthetics, and has not been improved upon since, despite the best efforts from the current crowd of post-punk revivalists (i.e. The Rapture, Bloc Party, Franz Ferdinand, etc.).

Gang of Four were Andy Gill, Jon King, Dave Allen, and Hugo Burnham; well at least for Entertainment and the two follow up records. Entertainment's politics have been at the center of most of the reviews you'll find praising this record, but those politics wouldn't have been heard had Gang of Four not been a f---ing tight band, with Gill's rapid fire guitar arppeggios, Allen's agitated funk-punk basslines, and Burnham's explosive post-disco rhythms. Every thing that has been written about Gang of Four in the past is true, especially from those kind people at Pitchfork who sneered at the end of their review of Entertainment that "anyone who says it's played out is a douchebag." Truer words have not been spoken.

Waited so long...
Since coming across a list of the best albums of all time on a music website I respect, I have made an attempt to collect as many of the 10's I could (out of some 110+, I have gotten about 40 or so). One of the highest ranking albums, Gang of Four's 1979 debut "Entertainment!", was the one I could never come across in a respectable package. Most of those albums have been remastered, and when I received word that "Entertainment!" would be remastered by the fine folks at Rhino, I knew I would have a keeper.
I am highly pleased with this album. The actual packaging is somewhat flimsy, a small cardboard slip that will likely not last very long. However, the liner notes and especially the music make up for it. It's easy to see where current bands like Franz Ferdinand, Rapture, and Bloc Party looked for some inspiration: jerky funk-punk workouts that never shy away from making the Grand Statement of political intent. The bass is melodic, the drums are primal, the guitar is more of a sonar, and the vocals are alternately sneery and soulful. I have yet to listen to the album more, but my first impressions have been one of quiet awe: this is the real deal. Get your copy today! ... Read more

Amazon.com

If rock's most successful and memorable acts have usually succeeded by wrapping their own distillation of music history and personal tastes in whatever fashionable trappings are currently gripping the culture, it's hardly surprising that the Cars remain one of the most enduring symbols of the punk/new wave era. This 20-track anthology distills that argument perfectly. Ric Ocasek's songs embody a solid '60s sense of pop craftsmanship informed by a trend-conscious stylistic sheen and a cynical, slippery emotional detachment that's often betrayed by his own distinctly weary brand of romanticism, from the anxious pop of "Just What I Needed" and "You're All I've Got Tonight" to the melancholy-on-ice musings of "Drive" and "Tonight She Comes." Sixteen of the 20 cuts here were chart singles, and radio staples like "Bye Bye Love" and "Dangerous Type" might as well have been. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (38)

Excellent compilation, with one minor flaw
[My rating for this is four and a half stars, not just four]P>If you listen to a classic rock station on a regular basis, then there is no doubt that you hear The Cars frequently. This band combined new wave and classic rock, and did it with surprisingly good results. Many of the tracks (Just What I Needed, for example) are a perfect fusion of the two styles, while some tracks go for one or the others (Good Times Roll is more of a classic rocker, while Bye Bye Love is more on the new wave side.) Like another review specified, there were two Cars compilations out before this. So, why should you get this one instead? Read on and find out.

First of all, you've got just about every one of the band's big hits (Just What I Needed, My Best Friend's Girl, Good Times Roll, You're All I've Got Tonight, Bye Bye Love, Moving In Stereo, Let's Go, Shake It Up, and I'm Not The One.) You've even got many lesser-known hits that shouldn't fail to please. Also, this compilation has nearly DOUBLE the songs the first hits album did. You've got twenty awesome songs here, on one CD. The fact that it's a single-disc compilation means it's an affordable one. Remember how in my review title I said the compilation had only one flaw? That one flaw is the fact that the compilation is lacking Candy-O, one of the band's biggest hits. Without it being here, this compilation should've been called "Almost Complete Greatest Hits."

Final verdict? If you're a casual fan of the Cars and you don't want to shell out the extra cash for the two-disc hits compilation, get this one. Of all of their hits compilations, this one is the best value by far.

Not Really Necessary, But Still Good
As with most of today's bands, record companies have a knack for releasing "greatest hits" or "best of" collections ad nauseum to entice us consumers to give up our hard earned bucks. This CD is a perfect example. Although this collection contains tracks not originally included in "The Cars Greatest Hits", there's very little here that wasn't already available in the excellent Anthology set, "Just What I Needed", that Rhino Records released several years ago.

This collection does the original "Greatest Hits" album one better in that it includes many favorite album tracks that get considerable "deep cut" airplay on classic rock stations, but it really isn't superior to the anthology. As is usually the case with "greatest hits" albums, fans will lament the exclusion of certain songs or the inclusion of certain others. Personally, I could have done without "Tonight She Comes" and "You Are the Girl", both of which I consider inferior songs and which were not included in the original "Greatest Hits". Nevertheless, they were minor hits for the band and probably should be included in this collection if for no other reason than to satisfy completists.

Unless you're a rabid fan or a completist, there's no reason to buy "The Complete Greatest Hits" if you already own the anthology. If you don't and are trying to decide which one to purchase, I'd still go with the anthology because it comprises overall a much more interesting collection of songs, has rare alternate versions of a few tracks, and a very thorough and informative booklet on the band's history and career.

Is this a best-of?... or greatest hits?
This is certainly a killer collection of songs, and I envy anyone who is much younger and not familiar with the band, for they are in for a quirk-rock treat!
But, was 'All Mixed Up' never released as a single?
It's just a shame it's not on here, I think it's the best song in their catalog... the Red House Painters re-make really put into perspective what a great tune it is

Just what I needed
I've written a lot of Amazon reviews - mostly movies, but a few CD's and books - and I thought today I would praise The Cars.

I *was" gonna say I already have the Greatest Hits which could easily have been a double album by sticking the Candy-O album (have it) on it and adding a few scattered goodies from other albums I recall, such as "Bye Bye Love", "Moving In Stereo", "You're All I've Got Tonight" and "Hello Again".

I'm not sure how you can leave "Heartbeat City" and "Candy-O" off a greatest hits, but I suppose you have to draw the line somewhere. I don't know "Why Can't I Have You" and "You Are The Girl" by name, so at least I have a couple new experiences ahead. I hope they are as good as the 2 "missing" songs.

And so here I am, buying a second GH album. But I'm not complaining at all - I can choose which to listen to based on the songs they don't have in common.

THIS IS A FIRST-----IN HISTORY !!!!
This is truely the first "REAL"-hits album ever done the right way. I wish that every band and record company could do a job great, like this album. THIS IS FIRST CLASS----done by pro's. SO LISTEN-UP MUSIC COMPANY's and learn from this album how a real "GREATEST HITS" album should be done. YOU LOSERS ! We,the music fans, are sick of your CRAPPY SO CALLED "HITS ALBUMS". ... Read more

Amazon.com

While English pop monarchs Duran Duran have remained active for two decades, it's clear that the indomitable ensemble was at its peak during those mercurial '80s. This greatest-hits collection documents the band's ambitious beginnings as a funky glam-rock outfit and follows its gradual transformation into a high-tech pop band with loads of commercial appeal. Featuring now-classic tunes like "Girls on Film," "Rio," and "Planet Earth" as well as more recent songs like "Ordinary World," Greatest focuses on Duran Duran's unending string of hit singles. Although the young quintet that performs "Hungry Like the Wolf" and "A View to a Kill" has little in common with the posh, aging trio featured on 1997's "Electric Barbarella," vocalist Simon Le Bon provides some impressive continuity to these proceedings. --Mitch Myers ... Read more

Reviews (129)

Great set of Duran Duran tunes
This Greatest Hits compilation is an excellent introduction to Duran Duran, one of the top groups of the 80's new wave. All of their best known songs are here, with a few ommissions that hard core fans will lament (but they have all the studio albums anyways, so what does it matter?) If you're only going to get one Duran Duran album this would have to be it.

The top tracks are the MTV smashes "Hungry Like the Wolf" and "Girls on Film", the slow and beautiful "Ordinary World", my personal favorites "The Reflex" and "Electric Barbarella", one of the top Bond movie themes "A View to a Kill", the butchered (i.e. edited) yet still wonderful Rio, and "Union of the Snake". For volume of music, this CD is a great value running almost 80 minutes and containing 19 songs. The 5 star rating narrowly being missed due to the large number of edited tracks. (Rio especially.....it just didn't need to be done)

This is a great set covering most of the band's recording career. Well over an hour of great tunes will make it a pleasure for even casual fans of 80s synth-pop, and shows why Duran Duran is one of the most enduring bands from that era.

The Greatest Band
Duran Duran is one of the biggest bands of the 80's and have been having hits for more than 2 decades and are still making good songs. I saw them in concert in 99 and they were excellent even without taylor. Review of songs-
1.is there somthing i should know? 3.8 stars
2.the reflex-4.5 stars/catchy pop song
3.a view to a kill-4.7 stars
4.ordinary world-5 out of 5 stars-good ballad
5.save a prayer- 4.7 stars/haunting song
6.Rio- 5 out of 5 stars/classic
7.hungry like the wolf-5 out of 5 stars
8.girls on film- 4 stars
9.planet earth- 5 out 5 stars
10.union of the snake-3.8 stars
11.new moon on monday- 4.3 star
12.wild boys- 4 stars
13.notorious-4 stars
14.i dont want your love-3.8 stars
15.all she wants is-3.8 stars
16.electric barbarella-4.5 stars
17.serious-4.3 stars
18.skin trade-3.9 stars
19.come undone- 5 out of 5 stars/beautiful song
Overall excellent album/A classic/ Worth the money

Alright, now listen...
Apparently there are lots of reviewers on Amazon saying that they think Duran Duran is bad. And everytime people mention the eighties, there always seem to be someone laughing at how music and fashion were in those days. If you don't like the fashion because the colours are wrong, fine. If you don't like the music because the synthesizers scare you, fine. But if you say you don't like it just because it's old, then YOU are the problem!
I'll let you think just what you want about the 80's as long as you have another reason than "it's too old". If you lived at the time and you think it wasn't good, then you have every right to think so. Or if the music just isn't your kind, then everybody must respect that. But if the only actual reason for you not liking it, is that it happens to have been made a couple of years, decades or even centuries ago, then you simply have no taste. Maybe you're just trying to be popular by following the modern fads, is that it? Well if you like what's on MTV right now, you can start telling yourself that you don't know anything about music in itself, becuase that's a fact.
I was born in 1987, so I don't remember much of the 80's at all. Most of my friends find 80's stuff too strange for them. But I like it.
I didn't grow up during the 80's, my parents don't listen to 80's music. Actually, there's no particular reason for me liking the 80's, but I do! And I also like the 60's and 70's. I'm a teenager of the 21st century, and I like what I missed. Ironic like hell, but the 80's is one of many tastes of music and style, and that is more than you're ever going to have if you keep disliking stuff that isn't new. I see that one of you advice us to buy AudioSlave's new album instead. Will you like that album by 2008? So listen you taste-less non-polite whoever-you-are, if you don't like the music you bought this year at the day you grow old, I'll be glad to laugh at you for all the huge ammounts of money you wasted on albums you can't seem to like more than as long as it's being advertised. Just leave music and put your money on something that you understand.

Duran Duran is almost just what I like when it comes to music and style. So my personal opinion will be 4 stars out of 5.

sounds more like the worst
please dont listen to this awful new wave band from the eighties(one of the worst decades of music).it is cheesy horrible bands like this that had almost destroyed rock music till it was rescued by bands like pearl jam and soundgarden.Songs like girls on film,rio and wild boys sound dated and lousy and you will be well advised to avoid this crappy band who are thankfully defunct.my rating 0/10.

Don't go with the flow
Great collection of songs from Duran Duran. I like them all. One problem, though, some of the songs are butchered to meet the time limit. Rio's intro is shortened, which didn't bother me because the long one got on my nerves but the ending is cut down too which really vexed me. In Save a Prayer the first and second verse were spliced together. I think some other songs were more subtly tampered with, shortening extended intros or interludes which once again didn't bother me because I get agitated when these instrumental bits drag on but that's just me. I'm more of a lyrics person and I also like a song that has a good tune.
At first I wasn't too thrilled with Girls on Film, but if you read the lyrics to it you can see how utterly sarcastic it is. I won't get into the video for it but the song is actually pretty clever in a satirical way. The other songs are good dance tunes. Come Undone and Ordinary World are classics with a lot of substance. Good for those who like Duran Duran's popular songs (popular in their time). No, Violence of the Summer is not on this CD, but the person who said it was made it clear they wouldn't be caught dead buying this anyway so I can understand the little mistake.
I have to say that I've encountered more respect for people's opinions in high school than when it comes to Duran Duran in the outside world and I find that very sad. I'm guessing that those considering buying this have heard Duran Duran before and therefore those who hate the band should put their time to better use but if you haven't then yes I would suggest you hear some of their songs first before considering this album. I'm one of those people who think that's the safest thing to do with any band since tastes in music is so subjective. But the only thing worse than modeling your likes and dislikes after what's "cool" is trying to convince others to go with the flow. That's where my name comes in. It's also a quote from a Duran Duran song. Too bad all the haters will be lost there because this last part is for them. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Bursting at the seams with creative energy, the Clash's stunning 1979 double album more than made up for the artistic and commercial disappointment of its predecessor, 1978's tried-too-hard Give 'Em Enough Rope. With ex-Mott the Hoople producer Guy Stevens harnessing their sound as never before, the band yielded what proved to be the best work of their career. Bouncing from hard rock (the apocalyptic vision of the title track) to rockabilly ("Brand New Cadillac") to reggae ("Rudy Can't Fail") topop (the Top 40 hit "Train in Vain"), the Clash knocked down all musical walls and, in the process, ended the argument over punk's viability in the U.S. --Billy Altman ... Read more

Reviews (310)

must have for any music collection
The cover is a copy of Elvis Presley's first studio album -showing that the Clash meant to change things.The Sex pistols divided the history of rock and roll in half and this album meant to set the record straight the the next era of rock and roll was personal. I think no other album set such lofty sights since sargents peppers and no other recording has taken itself higher. Sorry Beatles this is the greatest album of all time bar none. Joe strummers voice is amazing.As it mixes with the more polished Mick Jones, it set a new standard for dueling rock singers. London Calling sets the record off " London Calling to the far away lands/ now war is discovered and battles coming down" the hopelessness of 30% unemployment in london and the threat of nuclear war on the youth of the world with out a say in their own future. "london is drowning/ and I live by the river"
I remember putting on album one and was still in my room (at 16) 7 hours later listening to this gem of a recording.
By favorite tracks are Hateful about a drug addict and his dealer.Clampdown about apartied in South Africa(years before MTV and Paul Simmon thought it was cool to deal with).All lost in the supermarket about feeling lost and out of place in your own world.Revolution Rock great raggae song. Spanish Bombs and Lovers rock about taking responsiblity for your sex life.
All pretty heady subjects for a rock group, but the clash took their fans seriously and with respect. Listening to this album was a revolution battle cry for the 80's of Reagan and the arms race at any cost.

One of the top 5 albums ever - period
Here are the top 5 albums in the history of rock and roll. 1. The Beatles- Revolver 2. The Beach Boys- Pet Sounds 3. Bob Dylan- Blonde on Blonde 4. The Beatles- Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band 5. The Clash- London Calling

That's no misprint, this album is THAT good. Every single song is just plain amazing on this album, from the raw punk power of "London Calling," to the rockabilly of "Brand New Cadillac," to the introspection of "Lost in the Supermarket," the rhythm of "Rudie Can't Fail," and the pop genius of "Train in Vain," this album is bursting with styles and makes up the ultimate rock record, blending punk, pop, reggae, and rock together and making a sound so full of joy and purpose, it hasn't been reproduced since. Why this band seems to be forgotten, I have no idea, but just remember that the real slayers of stupid hair rock started the battle in 1977, and triumphed with this album in 1979, paving the way for intelligent rock in the 80's and alt rock in the 90's. I just can't say enough about this album, whenever I put it in, I end up listening to the whole thing, this album is perfect, amazing, inspiring, and rock at it's finest. Any serious music fan who does not have this album should be ashamed of themselves, this is the BEST album to come out of the 1970s (Yes, it's better than Zeppelin IV, Songs in the Key of Life, Imagine, Exile on Main Street, and Never Mind the Bullocks to name a few). Please, buy this album, or at least take a listen on the site, it's catchy, full of raw emotion. There is a song for every mood, and yet its cohesive as a celebration of life, and rock n roll. Daring, and beautiful, London Calling is one of the top 5 albums of all time, buy this NOW!!!!!!!!!

One of the best punk albums EVER!
London Calling from the Clash is the basis for any punk music. They even had some reggae styles in songs like Guns of Brixton, Rudie Can't Fail, and Revolution Rock. This whole album is solid with a statement. Well worth the money.

'That's so punk rock.'
Jack Black spouts this in the recent film, 'School of Rock', as he sees school kids taking over a bus, and it's funny to many people, but some may scratch their heads. Why? Simply because the image of punk rock today is so distorted. It's albums like this where you really see how trashed the name punk became and what the hell IS punk rock.

'London Calling' is a vertebrae for all that is different in the genre so aptly labeled, punk. It has a melodic rock sound, it has reggae/rhythmic vibes, and it's definitely not the same each time around. Strummer Inc. made something that was basically a road sign that took you off the main highway. From the title track forward, the album is a raw slam with lessons and literature.

From 'Guns of Brixton' to 'Rudie Can't Fail', I mean, where do you not see difference? When everyone mentions punk and the godfathers behind it, they never mention Bowie, The Who, or even Cash, they always mention the now brothers and siblings of punk, Ramones and Sex Pistols. What makes The Clash so different from them is that this isn't the usual taste of punk, it's rock and roll daring to be different...which is what punk is in general. If everyone's wearing greasy hair, the kid with the hat is more punk rock than the bar chords of today.

See that's why 'London Calling' is so exceptional. It's such a farce in today's standards that punk rock is the ridiculous truckers' hats sideways and the shorts all mocked up;in actuality it's a fad that everyone does, contradicting what it is! It's laughable if you know where I'm coming from. In conclusion, punk rock is rare...and it's certainly not what it's called today. You want originality, theory, and difference? 'London Calling' is, no pun intended, your calling.

Exceptional is an understatement.

another worthless blurb about a masterpiece
the best album i've bought since the strokes, and when it comes down to it, so much better than the strokes it ain't even funny. this band sired the strokes. i've never been a big punk fan, but this isn't punk...it's way better than just that. this album covers just about every music genre there is, opera and country aside. absolutely amazing...not a single poor track on the entire record--and it's loooong. it came out the year i was born, 1979, and i have no idea why it hasn't gotten more credit outside the punk community. i mean, all the critics loved it, and still do, and it's considered classic, but it's also very accessible, immediately affecting/inspiring. so good. favorite tracks: "rudie can't fail," "hateful," "train and vain,"...the last one of which you've probably all heard, whether you know it or not.

easily one of the greatest albums ever released by any band in any genre, during any decade. ... Read more

Album Description

Originally a Goth-flavored post-punk outfit, the Cure evolved into one of the truly seminal bands of the '80s, and ultimately one of modern rock's most celebrated and influential acts. Guided by creative visionary Robert Smith, the Cure's signature sound balances a dreamy pop savvy with a dark, brooding majesty and fuses superbly crafted, literate songs with a feverish emotional intensity. The band's early catalog-newly remastered and expanded wtih a wealth of rarities-is a series of masterpieces that laid the groundwork for their phenomenal and enduring popularity. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Good drug music?
This record came out in the summer 1982 after I graduate high school. I was loaded on a lot of substances when I first heard it. The Cure's Pornography was the band's darkest work and most negative to date. It became a Top 10 hit in the U.K. and went on to become an essential album in the Goth rock canon. The 14-song bonus disc features music that is available on CD for the first time including five previously unreleased songs, previously unreleased studio and home demo versions as well as live performances from 1981-1982. This is one of the albums that didn't age well. Besides a few songs here and there, it is really the last album of the early version of the Cure. There was a lot of drug use in the band and they soon broke up. They reformed temporarily to do the "Let's Go To Bed" and "Love Cats" singles, and develop into the more internationally known pop group. After Robert Smith had dealt with alienation with religion on Faith, this album had a bunch of vague lyrics about relationships, alienation, the media, and general disgust with everything. It was a spooky record to hear when you were hopped up on LSD. The bonus CD has some live tracks that sound pretty muddy. There are some interesting bits here and there. I remember when I read Spin Magazine gave this album a low rating. My memory of this time was that Pornography was a great album. Revisiting this great early trilogy, it is obvious that Seventeen Seconds was their great early album, while Pornography is a distant second.

I am very happy and excited!
So I went to my local independent record store yesterday, looking for something worthwhile. They didn't have the Siouxsie album I was looking for...bummer. As I was about to leave, I remembered hearing about the re-released Cure albums, so I checked and they had all the ones released thus far. Not having enough cash to purchase them all, Pornography in particular seemed to glow magnetically before my lusting eyes. The mastering on the old version sounded pretty flatland, but I usually remedied that by cranking it up so loud it wasn't as noticeable. Well, now I don't have to do that, because the re-mastering is crisp, and beautiful at any volume. I'm listening to it very loud right now, and it's taking me a long time to write this, because the music keeps taking me away to a new strange and exciting world. The musical brilliance of this album is now further complimented, with updated sound quality that offers tons more depth, texture and beauty. First time I listened to this version all the way through, my jaw dropped almost to the floor as I listened. Then I got my old version out and listened to it...and you know what? I was so blown away by the difference in sound quality, I think the old version should re-titled "Pornography, the Un-Mastered version". Old-school Cure fans who are scanning reviews to see if it's worth spending their money on this verson of Pornography, do it soon! Do it now, if you have the time. On this one, it's much easier to hear the changing textures wrap around you like a burning blanket from hell. Hmm, maybe my metaphysical imagery is irrelevant, BUT getting to the point...remember when you first heard Pornography? And you were blown away by it's brilliant intensity, yes? Of course you were! So was I, and now I feel as if I'm hearing the album as it was meant to be heard for the first time. I've only listened to it twice through (third time right now) and trust me, there's a LOT more detail on this album that can be heard on the original. This is what struck me the most. As you might guess, like most Cure fans, I've heard the original Pornography thousands of times, and STILL if I listen closely, I keep noticing sounds that pop up on this re-mastered version that are new to me. On the old version, I noticed that those same parts were either muffled, or buried by the frequencies of other instruments. There's SO much more space and texture here. And the bonus disc? INCREDIBLE! I don't understand why some people have been complaining about it...boo-hoo the audience-recorded live performances don't sound professional enough, blah blah blah. I think they sound bleak and really pretty. I like the stark sound-quality, and really, who cares if it's not perfectly-bootlegged (few, if any, bootlegs are)...we're talking about the masters of mood here! We, fans, got the amazing Join the Dots box set, and now re-mastered versions of early Cure albums with an extra bonus disc? Shame on ye who dares to complain! Well, I am VERY happy with my purchase, and I am very excited about listening to this MANY, MANY more times! Thank you, thank you, thank you.

When Rhino puts out a deluxe edition, they always deliver
What's the 4-1-1?
Rhino Records have gone into The Cure vaults along with Robert Smith to bring you Deluxe Editions of two of their most memorable releases. Both are remastered and appear on CD for the first time. In addition to the complete albums, each disc comes with a bonus disc of rarities and unreleased material. Seventeen Seconds contains rarities from 1979-1980 and Faith contains rarities from 1980-1981.

Genre
Post-punk / alternative / gothic / rock

The Good
Highlights from Seventeen Seconds
Drab and dreary piano set the tone of the album on the opening instrumental cut "A Reflection". Eerie background tones help underscore the track. "Play for Today is made up of an up-tempo drum beat, glassine-like keyboards, and watery guitar tones. An infectious little guitar hook goes a long way on "In Your House". I would liken the tone of the song to a hazy dream. "A Forest" employs haunting tones and melodies, backed by thought-provoking lyrics. Fuzzy guitar tones and creepy synths dominate "At Night". Seventeen Seconds" sums up the last moments of your life after committing suicide.

The rarities disc contains "I'm a Cult Hero" and "I Dig You" from Robert Smith's side project Cult Hero. It's more hopeful than any of the tracks Smith penned for The Cure. There are two rough home demos, an alternate mix for Three, and live tracks for every song that appears on the album; even a live version of "I'm a Cult Hero".

Highlights from Faith
" The Holy Hour" begins with a rather indulgent bass line. Robert Smith blends in nicely with his clean guitar tones and his trademark tortured vocals. Driving rhythms run rampant on "Primary". The track is more up-tempo than the usual Cure track, but the story being told is no much on the up-side. Percussion accented by warm keyboard tones prevail on "All Cats are Grey". Smith seems off in the distance as he inflicts his eerie vocals. I wasn't really surprised that church organ tones could be heard throughout "Funeral Party". To keep the mood going, Robert sings like his delivering a eulogy.

The rarities disc contains the unreleased tracks "Drowning", "Going Home Time", "The Violin Song", and "A Normal Story", two raw instrumental demos of "Faith", "The Holy Hour" and "Doubt", live tracks of songs from the Faith album to include a ten minute version of "Faith" and a nine minute version of "Forever", the rare single "Charlotte Sometimes, and an alternate version of "Primary" among it's fifteen tracks.

The Bad
Nothing

The Verdict
When Rhino Records puts together a Deluxe Edition, they always deliver the goods. Not only are you getting rare and unreleased material, which is always a plus, but you're also getting to hear the songs at their best possible quality. It's fun to hear how they went to rough demo to final composition. All of the depressing, sad, and heart-broken moments of your youth can be summed up by the latest remasters by The Cure.

Did You Know?
Rhino has also released The Cure's Pornography as a two CD deluxe addition. I would have reviewed it but after listening to these two, I was ready to slit my wrists.

Go over the edge in better sound
Another excellent and much-needed remastered Cure album appearing this year, Pornography is the last in a tremendous trilogy that includes Seventeen Seconds and Faith.

Like those rereleases, this is definitely worth it and a bonus for fans of the classic sink-into-despair album.The sound has the punch and new warmth of good remastereds, as opposed to the original AAD disc which was flatter and muddier.More liner notes, plenty of pictures, lyrics, and some brief history of the album and the period when the band was (obviously) miserable, doing the drugs, doing the booze, fighting, etc, etc.And once again in rock history, another band made a classic album while wanting to kill each other and possibly themselves.

While these sets are a little pricey, it's still a treat for the fan.The extras are nice as well.The live tracks are decent quality, audience, while the old demos and rough takes are interesting, too, they're totally different.

Certainly the darkest of that early trilogy, it's not to everyone's liking as the mopiness may wear on some, but it's an excellent, complete album from Smith and Co.

Pornographic Material.
1982's "Ponography" is so distinct an album, that's it's hard to imagine how the Cure would sound in 2005 without it.Most likely, the band would have never reached the artistic heights of 1989's "Distintegration," which introduced the band to a whole legion of wannabe suburban goth teens.After three albums under their belt, Robert Smith was able to articulate despair in a manner that raises goose pimples on even the toughest skin.Wailing guitars, distorted synths, and rubbery bass created a musical landscape of dread on tracks like "A Hundred Years," the single "The Hanging Garden," and the chilling title track.Many albums recorded in 1982 sound like it, but "Pornography" sounds timeless and never dated.It's been wonderfully remastered with an extra disc carrying a bevy of demos and live tracks, and sound purists will approve of the sonic upgrade this CD richly deserves."Pornography" is that rare disc that elevates mope to the level of art. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Hall and Oates often enlivened '70s and '80s radio with sharp pop concoctions that drew on a wellspring of R&B influences picked up in their hometown of Philadelphia. They scored frequently enough, in fact, that this 20-track collection--intended to supplement or replace the earlier Rock 'n Soul, Part 1 with post-'83 winners--doesn't capture all their finest moments. (Where, for instance, are "She's Gone," recorded for another label but licensed by RCA for Rock 'n' Soul, and the terrific new wave/funk fusion "Your Imagination"?) Still, much of what's here is fine music that should appeal not only to those who carry fond memories of radio and MTV playing it the first time around, but also to a good-sized handful of their kids. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (35)

The Kings of Blue- Eyed Soul!!!!
This was a dynamic duo Darryl Hall and John Oates this is one of the best duos w/ blue eyes that I have ever heard and did very well with remakes of "Tavares" More than a Woman" and the "Intruders" Cowboys to Girls" ; and Hall and Oates did original material as well they could dance and sing and I really did enjoy them in the 1980's they had a lot of hits that I had liked and I enjoyed them so therefore if you like Rhythm and Blues or Rock then you will enjoy this album!!!! It contains One on One, Rich Girl, Say it isn't so, Family Man I can't go for that(no can do) Adult Education, Sara Smile, Method of Modern Love and the remake of You Lost that Lovin' Feeling from the Righteous Brothers this cd is really missing a few songs Posession Obsession,Cowb