Album Description

New EP that features an acoustic recording of So Cold + "Blow Me Away" which was written for the Halo 2 video game. ... Read more

Reviews (37)

Scar. stars
So here it is, the long-awaited debut offering from Scarling., the band who rose from the ashes of the stupidly-underrated Jack off Jill. When I found out the first Scarling. album would consist of seven tracks, I did debate with myself whether that was enough, but having heard the songs on offer here, I can definitely say that there's enough on 'Sweet Heart Dealer' to satisfy the desire for Scar.music for now, while still leaving us hungry for the honey-and-razorblades sound in a new form.

Opening with a burst of static, the fuzzy bass &distorted vocals give way to a chorus that will stick in your head like chewing gum for weeks to come. This is 'The Last Day I Was Happy', &it's wonderous. Next up is the single, "Band Aid Covers the Bullethole"; cue sweet, crackling guitars &the little-girl-found vocals of Jessicka. Altogether now, "say hello to my little friend..."
'Crispin Glover' sounds like the kind of dreamy, romantic-sounding gem The Smashing Pumpkins might have written before their untimely demise, all crisp guitars &otherwordly sounds . Hypnotic bass &a refrain of "&when he sleeps I hope he's OK" make 'Alexander the Burn Victim' a lullabye to give you the sweetest nightmares you'll ever have, &you'll enjoy every minute.
'Baby Dracula', which sounds to me like an ode to a parasitic attention-whore (but I could be wrong), has yet another chorus you won't be able to get out of your head. Probably the most 'traditional' &less dense-sounding song on the album, it's still as fantastic as the rest.
'Black Horse Riding Star', my favourite of the crop of half-length MP3s debuted on the Scarling. site last year, begins with the kind of drums that sound like the world crashing down around you. Those Armaggedon drums &squealing quitars give way to a gentle acoustic mid-section with the kind of spoken word refrain that Jessicka has made her own, before crashing back into life again.
Jessicka still has her trademark, distinctive sweet-and-sour singing/screaming style, but it's amazing to hear just how well this girl can belt out a song. Of course, we always knew she could sing, but her voice has progressed far beyond screaming &sweet singing; the depth &diversity of her vocals on this album is breathtaking. In fact, pretty much everything on this album is breathtaking; at times raw &dense with layers of noise &static, it's also full of music so beautiful &magical it almost brings tears to my eyes. Especially on the closing 'Can't (Halloween Valentine)', a seven & a half minute-long song that sounds like it could have come from another world entirely.
However, don't think that this is an album you can listen to once &decide whether you love or hate it; it's the kind of album that requires repeated listens, so that the layers of sounds unfurl themselves completely. One listen isn't enough to fully appreciate this music; like Nine Inch Nails, Skinny Puppy or Queen Adreena (only the latter can be considered a musical comparison too since neither NIN nor Skinny Puppy sound like Scarling.), it's music that you have to listen to over &over again before you 'get' most of it. But, like those bands, it's worth it as the full beauty of the songs is revealed.
It's unfair to compare Scarling. to Jack off Jill; Jessicka's moved on since then &so should you, but since it's inevitable that JoJ fans are going to wonder just how this new band compares to the old guard, I'll tell you; if Jack off Jill was a dress rehearsal; this is the opening night.
Long may these Scar. stars shine brightly; they certainly should have a glittering future ahead of them.

Venus reviews SWEET HEART DEALER!
Scarling
Sweet Heart Dealer (Sympathy for the Record Industry)
by Andrea Benvenuto
Welcome to the goth prom, 21st century style. Scarling is the band, but you probably wish lead singer Jessicka was your date, dressed in ripped vintage black lace. Once voted most likely to tear apart "Love Song" by the Cure, the former Jack Off Jill singer has since graduated to a new class of hard rock.

After the initial release of a teaser EP, Sweet Heart Dealer is L.A.-based Scarling's full-length debut. Its seven songs only last 33 minutes, but they pack enough rum-spiked punch to make a dazzling impression. "The Last Day I Was Happy" opens things up with crunching guitars and scathing vocals. "Band Aid Covers the Bullet Hole," featuring the line "Say hello to my little friend," is one catchy massacre, while the lyrics and namesake of "Crispin Glover" simultaneously evoke Carrie ("They're laughing at you / They're not laughing with you") and Back to the Future. Of course, Glover has played roles creepier than nerdy George McFly, and that seems to better fit in with titular muses like "Alexander the Burn Victim" and "Baby Dracula."

There's no question Sweet Heart Dealer is a dark record, and "Black Horse Riding Star" proves it as Jessicka busts out her roaring scream. However, as the last track "Can't (Halloween Valentine)" beautifully exemplifies, her voice is as sweet and clear as ever. Although she and guitarist Christian Hejnal supposedly got off on the wrong foot, they seem to have found in each other excellent dance partners.

not too bad...or good
OK, I'd been waiting for this CD for ages, and from what I'd heard of Scarling, it was going to be great. I was disappointed. The three songs in the middle all sound pretty much the same, although standout tracks are Band-Aid and Black Horse Riding Star. It's a nice CD to sit and listen to but has nothing like the energy or passion that went into Jack Off Jill. Boring.

eh, good attempt.
well jessicka fodera's new band scarling is a really good attempt, but she will never recapture the magic of jack off jill. first off the cd itself has only 7 tracks, and the track listing on the back is wrong. " the last day i was happy" is a good song, but it lacks that certain special jessicka touch, not her best work. 2/5. "bandaid covers the bullethole" good single i suppose, its a little too popish, reminds me of jack off jill's "strawberry gashes". catchy words, i always find my self repeating randomly. 4/5. "crispin glover" by far the best song on sweet heart dealer, well written, composed beautifully, but my only complaint is the lenght, it seems it ends to quickly. either way 5/5. "alexander the burn victim" as far as i can tell this song is about alexander, jessicka's cat. which in my opinion is well out there, but coming from jessicka, not a shocker. the song is really catchy, and she sings immaculatly on it. i couldnt see her sing morebeautifully. 4/5. "baby dracula" no idea what this song is about, except maybe dracula? good song, more upbeat than the rest of the album, but nothing special.3/5. "black horse riding star" this track brings back jessicka's trademark JOJ scream, i love this song, you need to play it loud to annoy anyone you can, this song is full of raw anger and emotion, second best on the album. 5/5. "cant (halloween valentine)" honestly this song sucks. i always skip, i might have to listen it a few more times to dig it, but is repetitive, boring and overall no fun to listen to. the words are well written but that doesnt save it. 2/5. overall its good, jack off jill fans should pick it up.

Jessicka amazes me yet again....
I finally managed to get my hands on a copy of Sweet Heart Dealer and once again feel complete.

This is an amazing acheivement and incredibly diverse bridge from Jack Off Jill, Im so delighted that she has continued to go on with her art and manifest something completely new like this. The birth of Scarling is well welcomed with open arms.

I wish her all of the best in the future with this band. Her unique style of writing along with a voice that can never be mistaken nor forgotten will always continue to thrill and inspire me. ... Read more

Reviews (43)

Fiction Plane deserves 100 Stars. They totally rock!!!
I was chillin in my car the other day when I heard this new song on the radio The lead singer (with an incredible voice) was singing exactly what I was feeling. The song's called 'Everything Will Never Be Okay,' and it's out of this world. When I found out that I was listening to Fiction Plane, I immediately ordered the album. Good stuff! Some remnants of the 80s in their songs (4 those 80's fans), but somehow Fiction Plane still has a really new sound. Definitely enjoying my album. I also heard that Fiction Plane will be touring with Lifehouse soon. I heard that Fiction plane is awesome live. 'Everything Will Never Be Okay' is filled to the brim with great tracks.

Super stunning debut! One hundred stars!!
WOW!! Not one bad track in this collection from the band Fiction Plane. Sure, Joe Sumner's voice is similiar to his dad, Sting. Any other resemblances end there, musically there is nothing here that would suggest a Police/Sting sound-a-like band!

Joe is his own man and the bands sound is pure rock with brilliant memorable hooks, enough atmosphere and shimmering guitar work, to keep anyone who is looking for something fresh in rock music....very interested for a long long time. Continuous play is very recommended. The boys are even better live, if that is possible.

As for Joe's powerful voice, dare I say it; it's almost better than daddy's! I got that same chill I initially experienced when I heard Sting for the first time way back when! Raw, emotional, real & just plain unique! Expect even greater things vocally from Mr. Sumner! After all, this is FPs first album & it's a stunner!

Standout tracks: "Listen To My Babe", "Everything Will Never Be OK", "Cigarette", "Fallow", "Real Real", "Silence" & "Wise".

The EP sampler was awesome and the full CD is definitely worth buying! One of the few debut albums which is totally satisfying thoroughout, can't wait to see them again!

I can't recommended this album enough! Buy it. Period.

Melodic, raw, intelligent, clever, and cool
I'm 41: older than an X-er & well past collegiate-suicide-pact cynicism, and, I thought, fairly safely beyond the allure of that oh-so-special brand of 20s disaffection. Not a bit. Much of the subject matter of the songs on "Everything Will Never Be OK" revolves around growing up hip to the bleaker sides of life. But this edgy, supremely musical album pulls me in. Joe Sumner's got a lush, pliable, interesting voice & he and his bandmates have put together some rhythmically driven songs of complaint & disenchantment that display talent, wit, and charm. "Cigarette" reminds me of Joni Mitchell's "The Windfall (Everything for Nothing)" & offers up a sympathy-inducing take on Sumner's predicament. I hope these guys keep working together for a long time to come.

Impressive
OK, so I'm a Sting fanatic. I had to give the CD a try. And yes, I'm rooting for Joe Sumner (after all, how uncomfortable can it be to have a megastar dad when you're trying to make your own musical statement, huh?)
Well, no need to be concerned about Joe - WOW! This is a stunning first effort that's packed with solid musicianship.
I've been playing the CD pretty often for the last two weeks and I couldn't be more impressed. FAntastic vocals, great guitar riffs, and good variations from tune to tune. Rock with an edge. I agree with the U2 and Nirvana references from an earlier review - not that this is a copycat group - they stand on their own, quite nicely!
I'm telling as many folks as I can about this group, and looking forward to seeing them in concert (come to New Orleans soon guys!)Favorite tracks are #1 and #2 and the hidden tune at the end, but there's not a stinker in the whole bunch. Enjoy.

Fiction Plane
Fiction Plane has to be one of the best cds i just randomly bought ever. I thought the cover looked interesting and it was cheap so i bought it thinking really nothing about it. I put the cd in and i was instantly addicted to it. I told all of my friends because it was just amazing i could not believe how good it was. Their lyrics rock and i really enjoy the "Cigarette" song. I was totally blown away by these guys and anyone who is looking to buy a cd should just stop and buy this one i promise you won't regret it! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Fellow Californian Mike Love of the Beach Boys is sampled to introduce this latest Offspring release and immediately it's down to business as usual. Which for the Offspring means the best-produced punk rock money can buy. Brendan O'Brien (Pearl Jam) turns the knobs in the producer's chair and he works pure sonic architecture. The guitars crunch with perfectly defined distortion, the drums come down the middle, and--most importantly--singer Dexter Holland is juiced to the max. Though his voice sits in the "whine" range, double tracking and other studio enhancements give the vocals an incredible presence beyond standard range, and Holland works them to convincing effect. "Come Out Swinging" does exactly that. "Want You Bad" recalls the southern California punk pop of the Descendents. "One Fine Day" double-times into both hardcore and a galloping country terrain. Essentially, it's full speed ahead with the pedal to the metal and no airbags in sight. --Rob O'Connor ... Read more

Reviews (217)

BEST PUNK ALBUM EVER!!!!
I must admit, I'm not an avid Offspring listener as I thought their last album was brutal except for the track "the kids aren't alright". When my buddy got me a ticket for an Offspring/Cypress Hill concert I was a little skeptical. I went out and got Offspring's new album and then went to the concert a couple days later. Now, I've been to around 15 concerts in my life and to be honest, this was by far the most amazing concert I've ever been to. Cypress Hill was good but Offspring blew me away. "Conspiracy of One" hasn't left my cd player and every song is amazing with the exception of "Original Prankster" which sounds like a song that should have been on their last album "Americana". The standout tracks on the album are "Dammit I Changed Again" and "Want You Bad". I'm big into bands like Millencolin and Green Day but their albums don't even come close to this one. I recommend "Conspiracy of One" to anyone who likes any form of punk or alternative-style music. I also highly recommend Offspring in concert. You won't regret it!!

Wishful Thinking...
...that the Offspring would ever return to their punk form. After "Americana" came out, the inkling I had felt about the Offspring turning pop in Ixnay came true. So I got CO1, to see whether they had changed. It just confirms that the Offspring is no longer the pure punk band, but more of a poppy punk band, as Blink 182 and sadly Green Day is now. I have rated the songs by order:

1) Intro-what happened? At least the intro on Americana was somewhat funny.

2) Come Out Swinging-many people say this song rips, and it does, but the slow middle part just doesnt work. It's kind of like "Have You Ever" from Americana. 7/10

3) Original Prankster-Pretty Fly wannabe, but doesn't come close. The only time the Latin rap thing worked was in the classic "Come out and Play". 1/10

4) Want You Bad-many people who claim to be true Offspring fans say this is an awesome song. It's pure pop punk, right out of Blink 182's book. Bleh. 6/10

5) Million Miles Away-sometimes I think I like this song, and other times, I don't. The music, especially the solo, is very good, but I think the lyrics could have been improved. 7/10

6) Dammit, I Changed Again-a true Offspring classic. Yeah, it has the slow middle part, but the rest is ripping and roaring with power chords. Heard the live version, it rips even more. 9/10

7) Living in Chaos-sounds like one of the more technically demanding Offspring songs. A weird funky kind of sound to this song. Doesn't make too much sense, though, and having the whacky style doesn't help either. 5/10

8) Special Delivery-could have been another attempt at Pretty Fly. Dexter's whining at about the same pitch. A fun song, but a stupid one at the same time. 1/10

9) One Fine Day-one of the few good songs on the CD. About destroying everything at a game, punk's best day. Cool guitar riff, got everyone yelling the vocals. Has a poppish ring, though. 8/10

10) All Along-another wimpy song. Too short, and just really bad. 3/10

11) Denial, Revisited-they must have had a gun to their head when they wrote this song. How wimpy and sappy. 1/10

12) Vultures-the Nirvana-esque guitars from "Dirty Magic" come back, but it just doesnt sound as raw as Dirty Magic did. Nevertheless, I like it. 8/10

13) Conspiracy of One-a good ending song to a mixed bag. Nearly one of the best, 10/10

14) Huck It (bonus track)-should have included it on all the versions (I had to download it). The beginning rips, and it kind of slows down. Has old Offspring stuff, lots of cursing and cynicism. Even though it's not true punk, at least it's on the punkish side. 9/10

Other notes: Dexter's voice has obviously become better, but it gives it a less authentic sound. Listen to "Nitro" and you can tell the difference. More 2 guitar songs on here, makes the sound fuller. But they record with more bass in their song, giving it a less raw feel.

The Offspring at its finest
Finally the Offspring has created an album with more than one good song. Like Americana's only good track is Pretty fly(for a white guy). I really like this c.d's music quality and punk views. The album cover is art and by far the best cover, it would make a great shirt that I would invest in. The track I want you bad is my favorite and original prankster is cool. In fact why go through all the songs that I like since all of them are great.

They've Done It Again!
Once again, Offspring has created an excellent CD with plenty of variety and a timeless feel. They say it's alternative rock, but this is like nothing else i've ever heard. Offspring has yet to botch a song. They're a terrific band.

Daniel's Review
What can I say...
They have some good one's but,their all lacking and if I give a
10 or something keep in mind it's compared to the other songs on this album.

Intro:Pointless...0/10

Come out Swinging:Actually something to brag about,amidst the crap.I'll give The Offspring something:They always have wicked ass openings.10/10

Original Prankster:Jesus Christ!Why doesen't this band understand that "Come out and Play" was a one time thing and each time they come out with another clone of the song that just sucks when compared to it and everything.0/10

Want you Bad:Pop Punk is something I don't really like but,uh,
this ain't bad even for this album.7/10

Million Miles Away:Pretty damn good...9/10

Dammit I changed again:At first this song sounds good with it's dark yet catchy tone but then you realise,what the hell is he
talking about in this song.6/10

Living in Chaos:This is The Offsprings try at funk or something
and it really pisses me off to hear this song.0/10

Special Delivery:Good bass line but accomponied with Hollands
whiny lyrics in this song then with stupid "OOOGA CHACKA"'s makes this one of the worst.1/10

One Fine Day:Actualy a brake from the mediocraty that plagued the past few songs but then you realise that this a clone of
Walla Walla,a crapy song from Americana.4/10

All Along:I barely realise this song even comes on.It's there than,it goes.5/10

Denial, Revisited:What!?A good song!Didn't see that one coming.And the reason why it's good is because it's different.
HEAR THAT DEXTER?DIFFERENT!9/10

Vultures:Another song that's different but not in a good way.
Slow and boring,very boring but with good lyrics.6/10

Conspiracy of One:Not bad,but being a video game fan has anyone ever notice the, probably accidental,references to the game
"Resident Evil" by Capcom
1-The lyrics "Red over White" is sorta creepy since the Company
that has been conducting the wild experiments that make way for the game have a symbol.The symbol for the Company is a Red and White striped umbrella.
2-The lyrics "One last fatale seen" also seem Resident evil
like as the game is full Gore and numerous fatalities.
3-"The words bring" on the night are also in the game or novels which ever.
4-There is one and only one leader of the nefarious company Umbrella which is kind of reminds of the line "Brought on by someone unseen moving on there own.

That's all...
I'm not impressed.
And there's no hidden song man! ... Read more

Reviews (75)

Villa Elaine just keeps on giving.
I have a very large stack of CD's at my place of which Remy Zero's Villa Elaine is perpetually atop - the jewel in the crown of my CD collection. This is just a brilliant record all the way through, it's all I can do to extol it's virtues because if you are reading this and don't own Villa Elaine then take a well advised chance, buy this, and make yourself the proud owner of a record by the most exciting and innovative (yes innovative) band America has to offer. There is a veritable feast of good songs here - the lead off track 'Hermes Bird', single 'Prophecy', the tender 'Life in Rain' and the shimmering, stunningly good song 'Fair'. Some of the tracks do take a little while to really appreciate like 'Hollow', 'Problem' and 'Whither Vulcan', but once they've grown on you they compete for your favourite track. A truly essential late nineties rock album, here's to many more from Remy Zero.

Remy Zero: Funny name, great band.
"Villa Elaine" is one of those rare albums that finds the perfect balance between hard and soft rock, not too hard and heavy, but lively enough to appeal to everyone. Everyone is compairing them to Radiohead and U2, and I can easily see how they are similar. What the first five songs on "Villa Elaine" remind me of, especially the vocals, is Jeff Buckley, who produced some of the finest pop melodies of the 90's. As a whole, this sounds like a record the Manic Street Preachers would have been proud to make.

To be truthful, I bought this album without hearing the faintest note of it. They are the support act for the Manic Street Preachers (my favourite band) 1999 North American Tour, so I figured that I should find out who these guys are as well. It was a nice suprise. Every song is a story, equally engrossing and catchy. "Prophecy" is by far my favourite track. A rare pop record that is a cut above the mainstream.

awesome!
A guilty pleasure in my mix of cds is Villa Elaine. I sometimes just leave it in hoping I'd never get around to taking it out b/c it's that good. The best Remy Zero album to date.

"Hermes Bird" is a smooth relaxtion trip that fits perfectly at the top spot and the hit "Prophecy" is a welcome delight to your ears. It has a wonderful beat and almost mesmorizing chorus. "Life In the Rain" could very well be the best song by Remy Zero for it's eerily vocals and cool haunting sound. Almost like a floating sensation for 3 and a half minutes. "Hollow" picks up into a circus like anthem for 6 minutes w/ that patented like remy zero sound. A very fun song to put on whenever you need to cheer up is "Problem." Something sinister can be found in "Whither Vulcan" that caresses your ears to the fullest extent. "Gramarye" is a dark song that some may have heard. It's an adventure from start to finish. "Yellow Light" almost seems like a trip into the unknown where "Motorcycle" has a dreamlike quality to its sound. A brilliant song in "Fair" is somewhat depressing at first but sort of brings hope to you. "Goodbye Little World" is almost like a children's book being sung.

This whole album may not be radio friendly, but every song is definately worth listening to. If you believe in real music, get Villa Elaine.

Cool CD
I love this CD! If you are a Remy Zero fan, you must have it, because the best Remy Zero song ever, Life in Rain, is on this album. Life in Rain is like an ethereal downpour. Cinjun Tate's voice makes this song haunting. On another note, there is one bad song on this CD. It is called Goodbye Little World, and it is Shelby Tate's two cents. When he sings it, he sounds nearly demented, with lyrics that could pass as the anthem for a children's program. The song is amusing though, and I have laughed so hard that I cried because of it! Overall, amazing CD!

Brilliant
This CD is absolutely amazing. I loved almost every song on it. Cinjun Tate's voice is tremendous and could probably make anything sound good. The only drawback for me is "Goodbye Little World." Shelby sounds like he's drunk when he's singing it and took crack before writing it. It's so weird, I can't explain it. All I can say is that when I first heard it, I laughed for almost 5 straight minutes. If THAT song wasn't on there, I'd give it 5 stars. ... Read more

Reviews (38)

Good CD, but some songs are too slow and boring
I bought this CD because I love the music on Dawson's Creek. Some songs even remind me of a certain character. For example, Evan and Jaron's awesome song "Crazy For This Girl" reminds me of Dawson pining away for Joey. The best song on the CD, Jessica Andrew's "Show Me Heaven" reminds me of Joey and Pacey. "Superman" reminds me of Jack and "Daydream Believer" reminds me of Jen. The worst songs on this album are "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me", "Superman", "Just Another, and "Respect". The best are "Teenage Dirtbag, "Show Me Heaven", and "I Think God Can Explain. In all, the album has some awesome songs and some that are just very dull.

Great music for DC fans and non fans....
I am not a big fan of Dawson's Creek but i have seen a few episodes off and on through the years. I was always impressed by the music featured throughout the show and this CD is a great compliation of that music- along with volume 1.

What I like most about these types of CD's, is that it features a variety of songs/styles and singers. It is nice to be exposed to singers and groups that you may have never listened to before.

Featured in this CD are pop, blues, country etc--
1. Jessica Simpson (I think I'm in love with you)- is your pop catchy tune,
2. If I am (nine days)--this is one of my favorite songs, lyrical with meaning. I had never heard of this group before and was very impressed.
3. Never saw blue like that before- shawn colvin. this was my absolute favorite song, great lyrics and content,
4. Crazy for this girl- another catchy song

I have listed to this CD over and over- it gets better with each listening (you can't say that about most CDs). The songs themselves are worth the purchase--never mind the tie in to the show.

Beth Nielsen Chapman's "Say Goodnight"...
is not on this CD, but it was used at the end of the series finale. You can find it on her "Sand and Water" album.

A huge dawson's creek fan
This is a great cd, with a really nice mixture of songs. I don't own it, i've only heard it once, but that one time was enough for me to want to buy it. The show is brilliant, it's so sad that it's over...
there is this one song that they play in the last episode, in the last few minutes. I think it's called "say goodnight not goodbye". It is played with a montage of different flashbacks from seasons past. I really love the song, so if anyone knows the name and singer, it would be helpful...
i recommend this cd to any dawsons fans

Answering Question
i think ur name was Ebonee Richards..u asked about the song in episode one...its called "Good Mother" by Jan Arden.

Anyway, i love dawson's creek. I basically live for the show, haha. This CD does a good job capturing all of the music from the episodes. Definitely a winner. ... Read more

Reviews (83)

Another superb Guster album!
This is one of those groups you just can't go wrong with. I own all three of their CDs (Parachute, Goldfly, and Lost and Gone Forever) and I can't stop listening to them. I have seen Guster in concert three times, once opening for BNL and twice on their own, and that is the best experience ever! They are even better live than on the CDs- especially with the Airport Song. If you have the chance to see them live- TAKE IT! Amazing!

This album specifically is the best of the three. You can sit down and listen to the entire album, and you will like all of the songs. Some of my personal favorites are Demons- great to sing along with and a great message, Airport Song- very catchy drums, memorable song, they play ping pong at the end (Whose your daddy now?), Grin- cathcy melody and message, and Rocketship- if you like their Parachute (on Parachute) or Either Way (on Lost and Gone Forever), you will love this song too.

Give this album a chance- I promise you will like it. My brothers and I agree, even though one is into harder rock, I am into pop and rock, and the other is into everything- this is a great album. The group is spectacular. One live show and you will be hooked. Also, check out their website (Guster.com) for cheaper CDs and great merchandise and funny band info.

Best Guster CD Ever!!!
Goldfly is by far the best cd's i have ever bought. Each song is unique and amazing within itself. The band has proven to be one of the most original and selfless bands out there today. Their endless touring and devotion to the love of music and fans is clearly noticilbe. They are close to each and everyone of their fans and are never promoting themselves on mtv, like the rest of the unoriginal groups out there. Adam has a wonderful low voice that goes along with his amazing guitar playing. Ryan's acoustic guitar and melodic voice, a striking contrast to Adam's, provide one of the best harmonizing duos I've ever heard before. Brian "the conguero" is definetely the most unique percussionist in bands today. Their lyrics are also something to behold. They are thought provoking and somewhat ambiguous. They are simple enough to grasp to but nowhere near annoying. This is evident on the amazing songs of Goldfly. "Demon" is one of the best and beautiful songs ever written. "Airport Song" shows Brians's percussion skills at their best. This song is very powerful as well as captivating. I am one of Guster's biggest fans and after you hear this cd, I know you will be too!

Awesome
I've owned this CD for a number of years and it consistently sounds great whenever I revisit it.

Great album
For the record, this is the first Guster album I bought. In fact, for now, it's the only one I have (although I definitely plan to get the rest of their CDs), so I can't compare it to their other albums. However, if they are anything like Goldfly, they are definitely worth buying. Some other reviewer said that on this CD Guster sounds a bit like an indie rock band, which is probably true. Their lyrics are unique and provocative, the vocal harmonies are beautiful, and Brian Rosenworcel (the bongoist) adds a great new element with his percussion that helps to give the band a lot of energy. Some of my favorite songs on this album: Great Escape (an adrenaline-pumping bongo trip), Demons (soars with beautiful harmonies), Airport Song (dark and pounding), X-Ray Eyes (makes me want to cry, even though it isn't really a sad song; go figure), Getting Even (another darkly beautiful song), and Rocketship (kind of depressing subject matter, but beautiful and moving). Of course, the other songs are great as well, I just didn't know what to say about them. If I had more money, I would have bought the rest of their CDs already. (By the way, they don't sound anything like Dave Matthews Band, but I used to listen to DMB, and other fans of them would probably like Guster too). Three words can sum up this album: Energetic, Harmonic, Quirky.

Love this CD!!!
I have all 3 Guster CDs, and this one is GREAT! Airport song is amazing. If you like this CD, you will love Lost and Gone Forever also. This is a must have in anyone's CD collection. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent!
Worth the price alone for the superb 5.1 Dolby Mix, excellent version of this album!

Can't Say Enough Good About This Version
Wow!That's about all I can say. The 5.1 surround version of the record is just amazing, and I don't even have a surround system!All I did was pipe it through my Hitachi 50' LCD TV speakers and the sound just BOOMS out!I can't imagine how good the detail would be with an actual 5.1 speaker system.The sound is clear and bright and again, Amazing!The DVD side plays the 5.1 version and has some nice graphics to accompany the music on your TV screen.There are 3 NEW documentaries, none of which last over 20 minutes or so."Back Together Again" is the most interesting with comments about each of the band members from the other guys. Making the "Sunrise" video is interesting, especially the part with Nick Rhodes being carted around London in a bubble.The "Astronaut" launch promo event documentary is great except that they stopped right before the LA Virgin Record store signing that I was at!For the price of the regular CD, this package is a real bargain.

Check my other reviews to see my rating for the regular CD version of "Astronaut". ... Read more

Amazon.com

The second record from this Minneapolis trio firmly established them as one of the most promising hard-edged pop bands to surface in the 1990s. The leadoff track, the modern rock radio hit "Closing Time," neatly encapsulates everything that makes Semisonic special, from its irresistibly catchy chorus to an ingeniously minimalist keyboard riff to a simple lyric that speaks volumes to the 20-something nightclubbing set. Elsewhere, the band broadens its base with touches of psychedelic production ("California"), boogie-woogie- influenced piano ("Never You Mind") and tender string accompaniment ("Gone to the Movies"). The disc drags a bit in the middle with less memorable tracks such as "Completely Pleased" and "This Will Be My Year," but overall, Feeling Strangely Fine finds Semisonic blooming radiantly. --Peter Blackstock ... Read more

Reviews (180)

So much more than Closing Time
This band had the huge hit "Closing Time" on this CD, and right so, it's an awesome track. But I feel the band has been largely misunderstood and overlooked. At the heart they are kind of a goofy (like the Bare Naked Ladies), prep boy driven, pop band. This CD contains some other great tracks even though they aren't totally in line with the Closing Time sound. Singing in my Sleep and Secret Smile are outstanding songs, and worthy of an album purchase without Closing Time at all. However, most of this bands works have been hit and miss for me, and I believe many people. Of the two CD's I own I find I like half the tracks and skip the other half most of the time. I think they could really be a leading band in the pop field if they could become more consistent; however, I still believe they are an innovative part of the music scene today.

Superior to the rest of the alt-pop pack...
Semisonic, like many other frequent MTV-rotation acts such as Matchbox 20, Third Eye Blind and the like, play sort of pop with an alternative edge to it. But Semisonic have what the abovementioned acts don't, charm and personality. The songs on here are carried by lead singer Dan Wilson's disarmingly engaging vocals and sweetly simple piano tunes that sweep over the rhythmic guitar strumming. The chord progressions are so perfect they make you wish you had made them up. "Singing in my Sleep", the album's second single, brings me to another place when I hear it. It's simple and sweet, but not without an edge. "Closing Time", the albums first single and perhaps the most overplayed song this year, still retains the fresh pop hooks even after the hundreth listen. The album is full of fairly predictable songs, with the exception of a few variations, but how can someone bash songs that are this great? You can't. The album is great. You won't be disappointed. Sure it won't change the world, but it will provide hours of enjoyment while in your CD player.

More than you expect
Semisonic is a rare band doing something different in the era of modern generic rock, although you might not know it just from hearing Closing Time (a good song in its own right, but not ground-breaking). The song-writing here is far more complex than you would expect and the instrumentation is fresh on virtually every track. As a result, this album grows quite nicely on you. It also occupies a very different niche from their debut, Great Divide, which is a fantastic album that was critically acclaimed but a commercial failure; FSF is less electric and raucous, but it finds a very satisfying intimacy after a few listens. It is no coincidence that the most thoughtful (and recent) reviews are overwhelmingly positive; this is a great album and will grow on you.

Most Overlooked Band and Album of the 90s
Remember 1998? Remember "Closing Time"? What an amazing song. Now do you remember the band that made it? Or the title of the album that it was on? Or any of the band's other songs? Probably not. Semisonic became one of the better one-hit-wonders of the 90s with this single amazing track, but never got the attention they truly deserved.

Feeling strangely fine starts you up right away with the track you came for, somewhat ironically, "closing time" (5/5) is the first track on the album and gives you a feeling, like the album suggests, of "feeling strangely fine." But the next song, "singing in my sleep," (5/5) a catchy little rock diddy gives of a different sound to Semisonic that the prior song doesn't reveal. Next, "made to last"(4/5) brings about a much more dreary side to Semisonic, not bad at all, but not as uplifting as the previous or next song. "Never you mind," (5/5) another really, really catchy track is that next track and keeps the momentum of the album from dying a slow horrible death. Keeping the momentum of a good album alive, the next song, another good song about a "secret smile" (4/5) is not as good as the prior track but leads to the irresistible acoustic track "DND." (5/5) Easily one of the best tracks on the album with some song writing most would never think of. Can it get any better from here? Rather than die down with a weak second half, the next track, "completely pleased," (5/5) in my opinion, presents an even better song. If you're not "feeling strangely fine" at this point their may be something wrong with you. Thus far each song has been generally really good. "This will be my year" continues the trend (4/5). "All worked out," (4/5) another good track is pretty weak lyrically, but the music makes up for it. The next track "California" (3/5) is not their best song musically, but is much better lyrically than some of their previous songs. "She spreads her wings," (3/5) is another good acoustic, but seems to drag on at just 3 minutes and six seconds, which is never a very good thing. Finally, as the album seems to have worn a little thin and your starting to lose the strangely fine feeling, Semisonic will blow you away with the final song, another acoustic, "gone to the movies." (5/5) This very well could be the best song on the album and saves the album from dying out towards the end. Incredible track

Although it may not be the best album of the 90s, it is undeniably a very good one. It tends to be weak lyrically, but the singing itself and the music generally works so well that it is more than still good. This album has aged very well and fans of a more mellow rock music will love this album. Fans of the song "closing time" will definitely get a nostalgic kick from the song, but will get a more rewarding surprise in finding how good the band and the album really is.

Wonderful
This is definately Semisonic's best album. Great from beginning to end, you can't get enough of it. Every song is phenominal. ... Read more

Amazon.com

With his 1998 debut, Visual Audio Sensory Theater, Vast's Jon Crosby unveiled his dark musical vision and gave an insight to a childhood spent learning classical music, listening to U2 and the Cure, and watching MTV. On Vast's follow-up, Crosby's adds to his debut's components a masterful understanding of how to use his gifts. For the majority of Music for People, he delicately balances morbid melodies with tender orchestration. Trombone and ethereal strings lift the downtrodden "Blue," while joyous, overblown hooks elevate the sinister "The Last One Alive." Crosby's balancing act accentuates his love for pure rock drama. Unfortunately, this passion can also be his undoing; his operatic barking on "Song Without a Name" is too grandiose to be taken seriously. In the main, though, Crosby's smoldering vocals, cryptic words, classical leanings, and twisted blend of rock and electronica posit Vast as U2's heavy-rock cousins. --Dan Gennoe ... Read more

Reviews (94)

Good music for people
VAST's Music for People is definately a very worthy album. While Crosby may not upset established artists like Trent Reznor, I think that, as time goes on, Jon Crosby will probably get the recognition that people like Reznor and Thom Yorke get now. Maybe it's because he's a new artist and the critics are afraid to try new things, but that's just what I think.

As for the guy who said that VAST was "radio friendly" and that you "heard it all over the radio", you are wrong on both counts. I never heard Free on the radio before I bought this (instead, my local alt-rock station prefers playing crap from posers like Blink 182 and Godsmack), so, I had to resort to everybody's favorite MP3 trading service to hear the song. What I found is a "band" that does a good job of emulating elements from bands like The Cure and old-school U2 very well, and adds a lot of classical elements, especially in songs like Song Without A Name, Free, The Last One Alive, etc. The songs I just named are some of the best on the album. The lyrics are really great, too. Especially the ones in songs like Free ("I'm gonna run from everything/everything that holds me down..."). One of the things I like about VAST is, it's one band that kind of appeals to everybody. It's definitely different from just about anything that's currently playing on the radio, but that's a good thing. This is the kind of album that should be playing on the radio - something new and different. I haven't heard the debut, so I can't compare it, but Music For People is a great CD, and it's one all real music should definitely give a listen to.

The perfect soundtrack to "one of those days"
I fell in love with Vast the moment I first heard the song, "Free." Its heavy guitars give it a fabulous mosh-worthy quality. It's strong and straightforward. It's angry and triumphant.

I soon discovered that there's more of Vast's music to love than just "Free." Music for People is a musical masterpiece - the perfect album for those days when you just feel like you need to scream (and that's pretty much every day, isn't it?). The album is full of emotion and energy - full of the questions that everyone asks at some point. The songs deal with doubt and despair, hopelessness and anger, and - through it all - victory.

Vast's music is entrancing and creative. You'll be captivated by the slow, haunting, "I Don't Have Anything," the poppier "Land of Shame" (which sounds almost Beatles-like - only much darker), and the beautifully symphonic "A Better Place."

Music for People is one of the best albums I've tripped over in a long time. Once I put it in my CD player, it didn't leave for months - and it still makes frequent returns.

Who'da thunk it?
I find it incredible a man so young as Mr. Crosby could have both the pain and the talent to create this masterpiece. My 14-year-old nephew turned me on to this work, and I must say, I'm much the better for the exposure.

I'm amused at the reviewer who didn't hear U2 influence: my first listen had me thinking U2 sings Pink Floyd. Subsequent playings triggered thoughts of Revolver-era Beatles, REM and Collective Soul. The need for comparatives may be a failing of mine, but it doesn't interfere with my enjoyment of Mr. Crosby's work. If Classical music got him to this point, I say "study more!" I await his new work with much anticipation.

not as good as the first but still a must-have
This is a great cd but it's not as great as the first self titled album. it's a little less rock and more emotional. still recommended though. I also recommend you check out VAST's new cd called turqoise 3.x which just came out (realvast.com) it's online only but I think it's better than music for the people and almost as good as V.A.S.T.

The Vision of a Musical Genius
ok i accept some of the critism given to this album and to be quite honest i was kind of expecting it. but in my opinion its a vision of a musical genius and no one in the right musical mind can deny how close this cd is to being a masterpiece. i mean its almost sad to see how close it actually was. it lacked (im not sure what) but some kind of edge maybe on the production side im not sure. having said that the first time i heard this album i was blown away. i mean amorjorty of the songs touched the depths of soul, with the lyrics and blend of classical industrial rock emphasisng the real class of jon crosby. i still think it slightly edges the debut album "vast" with the lyrics and varaition being the influential improvement in jon crosbys musical genuis. im glad to see the influence of "the cure" emerge in this album they were truly a great band. it can only get better for vast...lets hope turquiose can introduce that edge. ... Read more

Reviews (194)

Great
Well, to start this review off I'd like to say, good job Blink on this awesome punk rock masterpeice. I first got TOYPAJ and thought, these guys are not sell outs. Got Enema second and I thought it was an awesome album also. Next, I got Dude Ranch, which was o.k. I, personally don't like it as much as this masterpeice, Cheshire Cat. Last album to complete my collection (buddha doesn't really count). All the songs have a unique raw punk sound to it and just really caught my ear. If your a new Blink fan, skip it and get Enema or TOYPAJ for several reasons.
1.Not to good sound quality.
2.Tom has a raw punk style voice instead of the raspy voice he has in the newer albums.
3.Not as catchy.
Now it is officialy time for the infamous song by song review.
1.Carousel-Classic. On my top 5 song list. I just love that guitar.5/5

2.M+M's-Good. Thier first unknown single. The music video is pretty funny.4/5

3.Fentozzler-A lot of people are saying this is a crappy song. I love it. I like the beat,rythem,guitars and singing.5/5

4.Touchdown Boy-Long guitar intro which lead into Tom's off-key singing. It's o.k. I guess.3/5

5.Strings-Great drumming at the beginning. Guitars were very good also. O.k. chorus.4/5

6.Peggy Sue-I love this song. The best song that was not on Buddha.Catchy guitars. O.k. singing by Tom.5/5

7.Sometimes-Really fast-paced. You could barley understand what Mark is singing about. There's an f-word that I didn't know about intill I read the lyrics.3/5

8.Does My Breath Smell?-Dumb intro(Why do they always kick me in the groin when I come near, I'm not complaining it just hurts after a while)which leads into sick guitaring.4/5

9.Cacophony-Great song. The first 1:30 is slow,fast,slow,fast and then it stays fast. I love songs that change pacing.5/5

10.T.V.-O.k. Funny lyrics.(I never knew I would spend my days, looking at some tube emitting cathode ray-ays.)3/5

11.Toast and Bananas-This song is decent. Better then Buddha's version. Somewhat catchy.3/5

12.Wasteing Time-A lot of guys could relate to this song. About a guy who likes a girl but is not sure if she likes him back.5/5

13.Romeo And Rebecca-Awesome guitar at beginning but then I got dissapointed in the middle. I thought it consistenly be cool but it really dissapointed me.4/5
Joke songs:They all suck except Ben Wah Balls which gets a 4/5.
Overall, it's an excellent album. Buy it if your ready for a true punk sound.
Highlights
1.Carousel

2.Fentozzler
3.Peggy Sue
4.Strings
5.Wasteing Time

opinion from a punk listener and blink lover
First off, I would like to say I'm a blink fan, and as a blink fan I can just say that every single CD is good and rate all 5 stars, but that's not true. I haven't really heard a single band with multiple albums that are really just as good as each other. Out of all the blink albums, i think this is the worst one for several reasons. 1st, their vocals sound awful. their voices are unclear, like their singing in the bathroom. Tom's voice cracks even more than the other albums. 2nd, the bass electric guitar that mark plays is [bad]. You can't even distinguish between the different notes. Last but not least, with all that added together, the most of the songs sounds horrible. But not all. I really like the songs Wasting My Time, TV, and the other songs in it that sound like it's improved after the first half of the songs in the album. I like the song Carousel in The Mark, Tom, and Travis Show better, cuz the vocals and electric guitars don't sound as bad. I think the poeple who like this album likes it because they problably listened to it a million times before loving it, and than when the other albums came out, it sounded different, and they diden't like it. Frankly, if the songs in this album had the vocals of the newer albums, I think it'll be better.

blink-182's worst cd
Cheshire Cat sucks bad. It is so not worth the money. It should cost three pennys its so bad . Don't even think about buying it.

Great CD from old Blink!
This is one of Blinks old cd full of great Blink songs. I call them Blink rather then Blink 182 because that was their origonial name before they had to change it due to some legal issues. This cd is more Punk-Rockish rather then their newer stuff ( which is good too! ). The songs on the cd are funny and great to listen to. I recommend this to any blink fan!

Disapointing
I love blink. I have their 4 most recent cd's so i decided to check out the old stuff. The vocals are terrible if you are familiar with the new blink. If you want to listen to blink buy enema of the state , the new cd, or my favorite take off your pants and jacket ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Suprisingly solid and listenable cartoon tribute
Tribute albums have replaced greatest hits packages and live greatest hits packages as the way for over-the-hill bands to remain in the spotlight for awhile longer (until they show up on 'Behind the Music' on VH1 and kick off their 5th "Reunion" tour).

On "Saturday Morning Cartoons' Greatest Hits" mid-90s alternative artists tackle cartoon theme songs of mostly the late 60s/early to mid 70s. There are some great/famous bands": the Ramones, Sublime, Helmet, Violent Femmes and some great/famous theme songs: Spider-man, Fat Albert, Scooby Doo, Speed Racer, Popeye and Hong Kong Phooey. The artists, as a whole, make this CD enjoyable to any fan of 90's alterna-rock who most likely grew up watching these shows. The Ramones rock "Spider-Man"; Helmet ignite on "Gigantor"; Liz Phair makes a mess of fun on the Banana Splits Theme. Sublime butcher "Hong Kong Phooey"; Sponge drop the ball on "Go Speed Racer Go" and "Ren & Stimpy" just doesn't belong, but otherwise, what Korn did for nursery rhymes (on their debut CD)these bands do for (mostly) 70's cartoon themes.

Also get many of the original versions on "H.R. Pufnstuf and other Sid & Marty Krofft Favorites" and watch some on "The World of Sid and Marty Krofft".

Turn on the TV and break out the Cocoa Puffs...
"Saturday Morning - Cartoon's Greatest Hits" is a fun spin for anyone who grew up watching cartoons in the early to mid 1970s. You probably ate a lot of overly hyped sugary cereal, but the Cocoa Puffs, Trix and Quisp trivia is another story. This collection from 1995 was one of those "tribute" disks featuring altern/modern rock artists.

Liz Phair (with Material Issue) has a fun time with "The Tra La La Song" from Banana Splits. Sponge doesn't fare so well with their take on "Go Speed Racer Go." I recently heard a remix that used samples of the actual theme and sound effects from the show, as well as some of those bad voiceovers. Hilarious. But again, I digress. Matthew Sweet's version of "Scooby-Doo, Where are You?" is faithful to the original and one of the best cuts on the disk. Both Helmet's "Gigantor" and Ramones "Spider-Man" really rock. My favorite cut is probably the Reverend Horton Heat medley of "Jonny Quest/Stop that Pigeon," a bizarre combo, with some blistering guitar work on J. Quest. Multiple key changes, dramatic time alternations. Very cool.

Dig also does a fairly faithful "Fat Albert Theme" comlete with "Hey hey hey!" Watch out for Sublime's version of "Hong Kong Phooey" which is a little edgier than the dog janitor may have intended.

Some other choices are less obvious, like "Open Up Your Heart and Let the Sun Shine In" from the Flintstones, rather than the theme that everyone knows. Another is the Violent Femmes "Eep Opp Ork ah-ah (means I love you)" from The Jetsons.

Okay, and what is Happy, Happy Joy, Joy from Ren and Stimpy doing here?

Pour yourself a bowl of Cap'n Crunch, put on this disk, and enjoy reading the back of the box, or in this case, the interesting liner notes.

Unique and Solid Tribute Album!
There is so much to embrace here! It seems like there's a new tribute album released every day, but the misses usually outweigh the hits.

This album is one of the great few hits. It opens with The Banana Splits by Material Issue (and Liz Phair on vocals!), which is one of the best tracks on the CD. They put a raw energetic indie-style spin on the song, but without losing the essence of the original.

The unmistakable Ramones sound hits home with their take on Spiderman. Like Liz Phair & Material Issue, the Ramones keep the passion of the tune we knew and loved as kids, but sped it up, and we hear Joey, in that traditional high-octane Rock & Roll spirit, yell "Look Out!" before going into the instrumental portion.

About the only songs that left me cold were Sponge's "Speed Racer" and Helmet's "Gigantor." The theme songs we knew and loved as kids were unrecognizable; only the lyrics give you a clue which tune they cover.

Other shining moments are Reverend Horton Heat's "Johnny Quest" and Frente's "Open Up Your Heart and Let the Sun Shine In." There's nothing quite like Pebbles & Bam-Bam singing the latter tune, but these cats do a great cover!

So much to enjoy on this CD! Worth the money and time!

Litmus Test for Problem People
If you grew up during the era in question and don't like this CD, LIGHTEN UP FOR CRYIN' OUT LOUD! I grew up being one of those kids who couldn't go out and play football because of having to practice piano, but I still watched many of these shows! Hearing these talented bands give such serious treatment to the cartoon songs of my TV youth makes me smile. A lot. Put it in your player and leave your worries behind! It's also great if you ever have a party start dragging - If the Femmes' version of Eep Aap Ork Ah Ah can't fix it, then maybe you should consider not having parties anymore. Or getting new friends.

A Whole Lotta Fun!!
This is one of those albums that is a complete joy to find. As a Saturday Morning Junkie throughout the 70's...this album brought back the fun I used to have as a kid. It is too bad that Saturday Mornings today are not near as much fun. Only two networks have anything on for my son in the morning and he could care less what is really on. Back then...we didn't go out and play until after cartoons were over.

I just wish that the folks who put this album together will do another. There is still a great amount of themes that I remember and it would be fun to hear them modernized. Like "Speed Buggy, Electro Woman and Dyno Girl, Star Blazers, Captain Caveman, The Funky Phantom, etc."

And what the heck is "Ren & Stimpy" doing here? Oh well, it's still a great CD!" ... Read more

Amazon.com

Five years before the release of ANThology, Alien Ant Farm befriended Papa Roach, then fellow strugglers on the California club circuit. And so AAF wound up signing to Papa Roach's New Noise Records. AAF have furthermore strengthened their Roach connection by employing Jay Baumgardner, producer of their benefactors' Infest, to lend sheen to the noise. The result doesn't show a tremendous range, but is generally excellent, with sweeping, soaring guitars ("Whisper," "Stranded") and shuddering riffs ("Wish"), putting one in mind of a less disturbing version of Alice in Chains. Standouts include the opener, "Courage," led by Mike Cosgrove's off-kilter clatter and Dryden Mitchell's winding lyrics; a chopping, pleading cover of Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal"; and the revved up "Flesh and Bone." With the tense, Pearl Jam-like "Attitude," AAF attempt to change the mood and tempo, and one hopes they'll continue such sonic explorations. For now, ANThology is a palatable aperitif. --Dominic Wills ... Read more

Reviews (185)

awesome cd with room for improvement
very awesome cd, i gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because the end of the cd is weak
the tracks are:
1. courage- very good, nice beat, good lyrics
2. movies- one of my faves on the album
3. flesh and bone- coool, another of my faves
4. whisper- the aaf version of an angry song, very good, another of my faves
5. summer-slow but good.
6. sticks and stones,- my other fave on the album
7. attitude- very weird chorus, good song
8. stranded- another of my faves
9. wish- very good, another of my faves
10. calico- interesting.
11. Death Day- slow , and my fave on the album
12. Smooth Criminal- very good cover up, and my othe fave
13. universe- liked it at first, don't like it now cause it is weak.

Don't Judge this on Smooth Criminal...Its really quite good.
I purchased this CD after hearing "Movies" on the radio (it was the first single...the MTV crowd doesnt seem to catch that). I liked the CD. At the time (around March/April), AAF wasn't 'cool' or 'trendy,' and the CD was good. Now, after "Smooth Criminal" the band has become known as a one-hit wonder. I would like to dispel these rumors now. AAF is an extremely talented band, particuarly bassist Tye Zamora and drummer Mike Cosgrove. These two are up there with the great rhythm sections today (such as MudVayne and TOOL). Many hardcore fans of those two groups will probably shun me because AAF is on TRL, but the guys have talent. Now on to the CD...It is...again...quite good. Standouts include the opener "Courage" (the fastest, heaviest song on the CD...wicked guitar), "Flesh and Bone" (outstanding bass...Tye is really good), and the last track "Universe" (the band's 'epic' song...about 6 minutes...very cool string arrangement too...I love string arrangements). If anybody knows of the band Hoobastank, the vocalist for AAF and that band sound similar; melodic singing as opposed to aggressive singing. All in all this is a very worthy purchase for a heavy music fan. For reference my favorite bands are Taproot, Tool, SoaD, SlipKnot, Finger Eleven, Reveille, Glassjaw, Mudvayne, and Onesidezero. Hopefully the centerpiece of their next album will be their original material. Please give this band a chance.

ALIEN ANT FARM SUCKS BEYOND WORDS
(...) THEY HAVE TO BE BY FAR ONE OF THE MOST TALENTLESS REJECTS ON THE MUSIC SCENE TODAY. (...) THESE PEOPLE ARE IN DIER NEED OF A SERIOUS WAKE UP CALL. DONT WASTE YOUR TIME, MONEY, ENERGY, OR GAS TO RUN OUT AND GET THIS UNLESS YOUR A TOTAL LOSER THAT LIKES A BUNCH OF GUYS WITH NO RHYTHM WHAT SO EVER THAT DANCE AROUND LIKE A BUNCH OF RABID MONKEY'S. I DONT KNOW ANY OF THE BAND MEMBERS NAMES BUT I DO KNOW THEY ACT LIKE TOTAL IDIOTS IN EVERY SINGLE VIDEO THEY MAKE. AND NOT TO MENTION HOW LOW BUDGET HE VIDEOS ARE....C'MON PEOPLE FOR GOD SAKES. ANYWAY UNLESS YOUR ONE OF THESE BUMBLING IDIOT/COMPUTER NERDS THAT SIT ON THE COMPUTER 22 HOURS OUT OF THE DAY AND SLEEP THE OTHER 2 THEN DONT GET THIS, IF I HAD TO LISTEN TO THIS CD AGAIN ID SERIOUSLY LOOK FOR SOME TYPE OF OBJECT TO SLIT MY WRIST OR MY THROAT WITH. THIS (...) IS PURE TORTURE!!!!!

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRING
what else can i say about this cd except that it bores me out of my skull. i picked up a copy when i was buying one for my friend to see what it was like. well i liked it for a little while, but then i realized how mediocre the songs were. after a while it became the cd i always skipped automatically when looking for one to listen to. dont buy it unless u want something to sleep to (and u can get good music u can sleep to like sigur ros).

Good, but not a masterpiece.
Well Alien Ant Farm are one of those bands you just don't feel like chucking on there CD when you see it in your collection, cause it looks like a novelty album, but i decided to re-listen to it (i've listened to it like 4 times since i bought the CD in 2001) and i must say, it was'nt bad at all, and there are better songs then "Smooth Criminal" on this CD, this music also is stronger then most bands debut albums, which does say alot. ... Read more

Album Description

Destined to become a desert island disc for every Static-X fan, Beneath, Between, Beyond comprises the ultimate collection of rarities from early demos and exclusive soundtrack material, to power punching remixes and unreleased anthems. Showing the strength, range and raw emotion of a band unique in its genre, Static-X delivers an essential album that will not only satisfy, but expand its rabid fanbase. ... Read more

Amazon.com

If innovation is the yardstick by which you measure the worth of a rock band, Sister Hazel won't measure up very well. The Gainesville, Florida, septet is the very definition of a mainstream jangle-pop band, and you've heard their brand of music before, most recently from the likes of Hootie & the Blowfish, Edwin McCain, matchbox twenty, and Third Eye Blind. But in terms of sheer tunefulness and the way their melodies and lyrics lodge in your frontal lobe, Sister Hazel's songs on Fortress can make efforts by the other bands seem pale in comparison. The group's third album leads with "Change Your Mind," a feel-good summer song if ever there was one. Simple, straightforward guitar-based tunes like "Shame on Me," "Fortress," "Save Me," and "Champagne High" (featuring Indigo Girl Emily Saliers) ring with high harmonies and hook-filled choruses. If nothing else, Sister Hazel proves that it's not necessary to reinvent the wheel every time a band puts out a record. --Daniel Durchholz ... Read more

Reviews (123)

Sister Hazel is solid gold
In my opinion Sister Hazel is, perhaps, one of the best bands to arrive on the music scene since the inception of rock and roll in the 1950's. Their blend of driving rhythms, beautifully unique harmonies and compositional genius flow like a torrent from every song they perform. "Fortress" is just there latest work and a fine work it is. I think this album reflects a maturity and confidence both in themselves, as musicians, and in their ability to create an emotionally moving story (my hats off to Ken and his wonderful lyrics). Please, do yourself a favor and listen to Sister Hazel's music. You don't need a crystal ball to tell that this band is on the rise. And, from interviews I've read, and seeing them in concert (5 times) these guys are down to earth and approachable. I urge you to go see Sister Hazel in concert. Their live shows are dynamite! Buy the CD! Listen to them! You gotta' love them! Sister Hazel is solid gold.

Sister Hazel - Fortress
Good old simple rock and roll. Great feel good music. Change your mind being fun and motivational and catchy. Champagne High a great song and a song most can connect to with the loss of love (then imagining being at that love's wedding). Emily (Indigo Girls) Saliers in background vocals. A song you play over and over to catch the story and double meaning phrases. Ken and Andrew compliment each other. This is one of those albums that each time you hear it, it gets better like a fine wine. Surreal has that Beatle influence and feel in some respects especially in the beginning. Lyrics written in almost a beginning form or model of the Indigo Girls instead of most groups with just catchy phrases. You want to pull the words out and follow along and picture the songs as they play thru your mind. Each album Sister Hazel self-titled, Somewhere more familar, and Fortress all have their different qualities. But I think each time the lyrics and music gets better!

West Virginia Music Lover
i just got the Fortress cd and the whole cd is great !! i just heard them about 3 or 4 days ago going thru music samples and i really liked them any one who likes the Allman Brothers Band and Lynard Skynard from the 1970's will love this album cause they put you in mind of them , i will definitly be buying more of their cd's !! to me the best song on the cd this the title song even tho all is good !!! 5 stars for this group !!

It's beginning to sound like an echo chamber...
...in here. But this is a great album! I thought "Somewhere more Familiar" was very good and nearly great, Fortress is the next level.

Fortress is very well recorded and is a hot sounding album. The bass is heavy and the drums are out front, just like rock and should be. I have three favorites, but every song is strong. I think Champagne High, Beautiful Thing and Your Winter are have real depth and soul. Having seen these guys live three or four times now the material from Fortress is highlight of the show for me. I can't recomend this album highly enough!

A great mix of soulful music and arena rock
Led by the amazing singer Ken Block, Sister Hazel is one of the most excellent bands active these days. Fortress has to be one of their best CD's.

The disc begins with "Change Your Mind," a delightful pop tune similar to "All For You (from Someone More Familiar) about being happy with who you are. Then comes "Back Porch," a neat little instrumental with some excellent guitar work." Other standouts include "Champagne High," a rousing duet with the lead singer of the Indigo Girls; "Your Winter," about the importance of forgiving someone; "Out Three," a terribly sad song about someone searching for and not finding his love; and "Elvis," a delightful oddity about a guy who is breaking up with his girlfriend and only wants his velvet Elvis back.

All in all, this is an excellent CD. Don't listen to Amazon, listen to the preview tracks and see what you think. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Beyond the others...
Well, first off, I'm not here to compare the Leaves to Coldplay, Sigor Ros or any other band or singer. The Leaves have compiled a great collection of songs which delve into the soul and draws out emotions some may leave hidden, unless alone in the dark.

I went out looking for a number of albums today, and came across the Leaves album, "Breathe". Utilizing Amazon.com all of the time to help me compile lists of various artists, this album happened to be one of the many I had listed. I put down my bucks, made my way to my car and listened intently to each song before I even left the parking lot! I'm not one for throwing out comparisons to other artists, so I listened to "Breathe", allowing each note, lyric and melody sink in.

"I Go Down" sets the pace from the start. A breath of musical chemistry building through each measure, comprised of calming chords and heart-felt lyricism. "Sunday Lover" continues from where "I Go Down" left off, creating another mood of longing through the vocals of Arnar, and being crisp and clean in it's presentation. Each song which follows emotes varying emotions, which I feel have an original touch and is calming to the soul.

A great album...A great buy.

Thanks Amazon.com!

A great surprise!
Only last week, while poking around some CD stacks at the radio station I work at, did I find this debut from the Icelandic band "Leaves", with the little sticker on the front that mentioned the band Sigur Ros. Little did I know I'd end up with a band more in the realm of Coldplay than S.R., and one of the best albums I've heard in months! Sure, they sound a lot like Coldplay (and who doesn't sound like SOMEBODY these days?! - "Yellow" certainly owes a lot to Catherine Wheel, in my book!), but Leaves also reminds me of the band Mansun, whose "Attack of the Grey Lantern" is still a fave! Overall, I don't care WHO they remind me of as long as the songwriting is strong, and here, the band craft gorgeous melody after gorgeous melody, with intricate interplay between guitars and vocals, to create a perfectly dreamy summertime album (unfortunately, this album is probably "over" now as far as their record company is concerned, since it was actually released last September). But hey, whatever influences this band incorporated to make this excellent album, I have no qualms - I'll just enjoy it over and over again. (And let it make my wait for the new Cure album a little less painful!)

Mansun. Echo & The Bunnymen, Doves...
Aside from Sunday Lover which does have a Coldplay-like stylistic - this album shadows a lot of older school artists vocally; Paul Draper (Mansun.), Roland Orzabal (later Tears For Fears material), & Ian McCulloch (Echo). Music-wise Leaves resembles Doves and Echo & The Bunnymen's Evergreen. I don't want to use too many more comparisons, because Breathe shows original elements too - they just all sound familiar. Also, two of the best tracks of 2003 were "Crazy" and "Catch", hands down - that is worth the ticket alone.

The Gentler Side of Music
It seems that a few reviewers didn't like this album because it was not Coldplay or Sigur Ros or whatever. And they're right, it's not. But that doesn't make it bad.

I guess this album is a bit like a cross between Coldplay and Doves, it's simplistic, for sure, and the lyrics don't fill you with a desire to lock yourself in a room and ponder life's mysteries for hours.

It's basically a fun album. It's an album not meant for analyzing and picking apart, but for driving down the road and enjoying it for what it offers.

A superb album, and I'm really looking forward for their new album, supposedly sometime soon.

If Coldplay is Radiohead-lite, then Leaves is Coldplay-heavy
Nothing groundbreaking here, but it's better than a lot of stuff. The vocals are..different. Catchy melodies mostly, with the exception of Sunday Lover, which is terrible. They've been said to be a cross between Coldplay and Radiohead, but there's no Radiohead-ness here. Not as poppy as Coldplay (probably a good thing.) ... 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 (33)

"Beautiful"
Since 1998, when Jon Crosby released his stunningly artistic goth/industrial LP album, "Visual Audio Sensory Theater", he has greatly achieved a well-sculpted, evocative step into a different breed of music and sound all his own. To say that his majestic voice is just "excellent" is not enough. You have to feel the soul in his voice and the emotions to truly comprehend the peaceful, yet still fairly dark sacredness this landmark alternative goth rock album expresses. From the opening track, Turquoise (which is mind-blowingly powerful), to the soft closing track, "Desert Garden", there's always the presence of true and provocative emotion from start to finish. The loving closing track has great acoustic chords. I haven't found one bad or filler song on this whole CD since I put it in my player. I hope you'll experience the same. This is the Vast album we've all been waiting for and it's finally here. If you are new to Vast, you've got a lot to look forward to.

Definately a step back in the right direction...
After their disappointing second album, it's good to have Vast getting back on the right track. Granted, "Visual Audio Sensory Theatre" set the bar pretty steep, but looking back on it, "Music for People" was just a weak, overly commercial effort. Does the music on "Nude" reach up the lofty heights of quality set by their debut? Quite frankly, No. It feels a bit stilted, while the debut had an effortless flow. The music isn't as diverse as either of the previous albums, and lyrics, while personal, aren't as powerful as Crosby's lyrics have been in the past. However, there is a lot to like here, as well. "Turquoise" and "Desert Garden" are great as bookends, "Be with me" is great and "Japanese Fantasy" is just cool. And I'm glad to hear that Jon Crosby has some more good songs in him. It gives me hope for the future.

This CD rocks!
I am a huge VAST fan. I fell in love with the first CD back during my college radio days. I was really taken aback when I saw a live performance back in 1998. (I actually did get to meet Jon several times after that.) I was hooked from then on. This third album, 6 years after that live performance, is fantastic.

Nude harkens back to VAST's early days, when their sound was darker, more gothic in nature, more alluring and mysterious. (Even though their second album was good also, it was also very mainstream sounding, hence why this album was released on another label.) This album attempts the difficult task of recapturing that sound and making it unique and new. I think that is accomplished.

My favorite tracks are "Thrown Away" and "I Can't Say No to You." I think fans of Beck, Nine Inch Nails, and other eclectic rock groups will greatly enjoy this album. I have listened to it approximately 40 times since my purchase, and continue to listen to it willingly.

Thrown Away? Try Blown Away!
I am a huge VAST fan. I fell in love with the first CD back during my college radio days. I was really taken aback when I saw a live performance back in 1998. (I actually did get to meet Jon several times after that.) I was hooked from then on. This third album, 6 years after that live performance, is fantastic.

Nude harkens back to VAST's early days, when their sound was darker, more gothic in nature, more alluring and mysterious. (Even though their second album was good also, it was also very mainstream sounding, hence why this album was released on another label.) This album attempts the difficult task of recapturing that sound and making it unique and new. I think that is accomplished.

My favorite tracks are "Thrown Away" and "I Can't Say No to You." I think fans of Beck, Nine Inch Nails, and other eclectic rock groups will greatly enjoy this album. I have listened to it approximately 40 times since my purchase, and continue to listen to it willingly.

If you like Euro-rock & club music, then check out VAST!
If you like the clubby & Eurorock, then definitely check out V.A.S.T. Founded by Jon Crosby, it includes Norm Block on drums, Thomas Froggart on base & Jon himself on everything else. The music itself is clubby & base-heavy, but very danceable. Jon's vocals are a cross between Bono & Morten Harket of a-ha, one of my favorite bands; remember "Take On Me"? Well, you should check out their 2 most recent albums, "Minor Earth/Major Sky" & "Lifelines" - their darker moments are strongly reminiscent of V.A.S.T. To me it's a cross between them & U2, with a strong admixture of club sound. Jon's influences are stated as the Cure & U2, & it shows - this has a slight New-Waveish feel to it. I think it is an admixture of all three of these bands. There is a lot of acoustic guitar blended with piano & keyboard. There is even a touch of Middle-Eastern sound here & there. It's up-to-date, yet a touch retro. With all the melodic strengths of the afore-mentioned bands, the melodies shimmer along over percussion & base. Highly recommended! ... Read more