Amazon.com

A kinder, gentler Cake? You'd never know it from listening to the opening track, a ditty with the rather unconventional title "Satan Is My Motor." But the truth is, most of Prolonging the Magic finds the Sacramento, California, quintet toning down the arch commentary of tracks such as "Rock and Roll Lifestyle" and "The Distance" from albums Motorcade of Generosity and Fashion Nugget. In its place is straight-ahead observational songwriting on "Alpha Beta Parking Lot" and "Guitar," and the naked, if still quirky, relationship commentaries "Where Would I Be?" and "Walk on By." Not to worry: The group's trademark humor is still in place on "You Turn the Screws" and "Sheep Go to Heaven," while touches of steel guitar and musical saw expand their already unusual sonic palette. As the title suggests, Cake seems capable of prolonging the magic a while longer. --Daniel Durchholz ... Read more

Reviews (205)

There are those who know, and those who will learn.
They have steel guitars, country-rock and 80s new wave influences, a brilliant trumpet player doubling on keyboards, bass lines that walk like the funky chicken, smart, almost-spoken lyrics and a social conscience with a sense of humor. They are Cake, and words do not describe. This third release from the Sacramento-native band is less raw than Motorcade of Generosity and less angry than Fashion Nugget, but it stands out as the most consistently excellent album in their catalog. Those who heard only the radio hit "Never There" might be surprised to learn that while it's similar to their other earlier radio-rotated "Going the Distance," it's more of an anomaly in their overall repertoire. There's no disappointment in that, though - from the sweet, twangy, and lyrically brilliant "Mexico" to the raucous sing-along power of "Sheep Go To Heaven", Cake hops gaps between genres and never fails to deliver a better mood. If you don't like this CD, you'll find someone in your close circle of friends who will be happy to capitalize on your bad taste and take it off your hands.

Prolonging the Magic indeed...
I've been anticipating this album for a mighty long time. Cake's previous two albums are amazing. As much as I love Cake, my faith started to crumble when I heard about the changes in the band - Greg Brown, who played the guitar and wrote some of my favorite Cake songs, split, and if that wasn't bad enough, the bassist was replaced. I wasn't expecting much from the band. But that didn't stop me from running out to buy "Prolonging the Magic" the second it came out. And now I'm swarmed with guilt - how could I have doubted the sounds of the best band in the world? Cake is singable, gushable, John McCrea's words have meaning. This album is perhaps better than the previous two - the band has matured, and the changes haven't hampered their style. They included many various guests just add to the flavor. Cake has a sound that is truly original - it can't be compared. The unusual guitar mixed with great trumpet solos, and a voice that pierces through your body right to your soul -- it amazes me. But the best thing about Cake is that there isn't a single bad song on any of their CDs. "Where would I be?" is probably my favorite, but its a close tie with the perfection of the rest of this amazing CD. The world needs to support this band.

Who's writing these reviews?
My god, when was the last time you looked at reviews for anything for sale by Amazon.com that wasn't glowing? This album can't hold a candle to Fashion Nugget yet somehow there are numerous reviews proclaming how wonderful this album is. It's awful.

Don't fall for the machine. All these reviews are written my Amazon marketing staff.

Another good addition to the Cake discogrpahy (3.5 stars)
Cake does it again with their Junior offering to the public. This album pretty much continues where Fasion Nuggett and Motorcade of Generosity left off. The songs are 3-5 minutes, tightly constructed and usually follow the typical intro, verse, chrous, solo, verse, chorus, ending. Again the mix of lyrical smoothness combined with a jazz ensemble and some kickin horns make for some particularly memorable tracks. Although not as completly even as Fashion Nugget, there are stil some excellent offerings here. The album actually gains steam as it goes along much the same way that Mortorcade Of Generosity did. You Turn The Screws is an excellent song that exemplifies Cake's cathy lyrics and double meanings. Other favorites include When You Sleep and Cool Blue Reason. The only downside of this album is that by the time you get to Where Would I Be, you are pretty tired of the repetiveness. Cake's style was good for three albums and I think they will need to reinvent themselves if they want to continue to be cutting edge.

On an interesting side note, I lived in the Sacramento area for a awhile where these guys are from. They were known for cancelling live shows and getting pissed off at the audience for "moshing" and misunderstaniding their music. Their live shows were reputedly direct replications of thier studio albums which is dissapointing.

Bottom Line: Fans of Cake should pick this up in and newcomers can start here or with Fashion Nuggett.

Same ol' same ol'
It's often hard to tell each track from another, every track is unremarkable, and uniquely Cake. If you like Cake, get this cd, because it sounds like everything else they've done. If you don't like Cake, congratulations. ... Read more

Reviews (177)

A good, solid rock album
After "Ten's" meandering and dragging, Pearl Jam released this album, which absolutely rocked. McCready and Gossard showed greatly improved guitar skills, as did Jeff Ament on bass. Vedder's lyrics were still weak, unfortunately; they would improve greatly on their next and best album, "Vitalogy".

It opens with two rock-into-oblivion songs, "Go" and "Animal". This is grunge alot better than Cobain ever did it. Afterward, the album calms down only a little bit, and there are even two more loud grunge rockers ("Blood" and "Rearviewmirror"). On the album, the solos fly like crazy. Eddie Vedder bashes guns (I think about "Glorified G" whenever there's a school shooting), the human race ("Rats"), the media ("Blood", "Leash"), and racism ("White Male American"). There are two semi-acoustic ballads ("Daughter" and the longest title in the Pearl Jam catalogue "Elderly Woman Behind the Counter In a Small Town") that rock in their own ways.

"Vs." has a few weak points. The drumming is better than "Ten"'s, but it still sucks. So do Vedder's lyrics. Also, "Indifference" is a pointless five-minute slow closer. However, this is a good, solid rock album. If you are new to Pearl Jam, buy this or "Yield" first. If you already own those, get "Vitalogy" as fast as you can!

Has Everything, Rock, Ballads, Tribal Beats, Funky Riffs,
I got into Pearl Jam after Yield, in 1998 I think, and was stunned by their musicianship and song writing ability, which is evident throughout the album. Then I tried Ten because I enjoyed Yield so much, and was surprised. Yield is mostly melodic with the odd rocker, but Ten is all out solid rock music with a dark, depressing feel. So, I had to try Vs, and was once again surprised.

At first listen, I was almost disappointed. The first three songs, Go, Animal and Daughter hit me with typical PJ style. The fast paced aggression gets you into the mood, and you can really feel the strain Vedder puts into the vocals. But, I was stunned by how mundane the rest of the album was. I became agitated, Glorified G made me press skip due to dull repetition, Dissident was good at first but ran out of steam, WMA summed up agitation, Blood had no melody, and I just stopped, and put in Yield.

Then I decided to give my undivided attention to the album, really try each song. And this time, I was pleasantly surprised. Go, Animal and Daughter are deceiving, I thought (naively) that the whole album would be on the same tone. Most of the songs are unique, and remarkable. I still become bored with Glorified G, but I love the rest of the album for its experimental styles. I can honestly say now that Vs contains a whole variety of exceptional songs, and my favourite is probably Rearviewmirror, the guitar riff is extraordinary and reminiscent of the Ten era riffs. Rats has a great funky drum beat accompanied by the best bass line on the album, the chorus is catchy and has some thought provoking lyrics. Elderly Woman Behind The counter In A Small Town is a solid vocal ballad, very much the same for the closer Indifference, a great contrast between the beginning and end. Where Ten lacks, Vs revels. Ten is very straight forward rock music from start to finish, with the exception of the beautiful Black. Vs on the other hand has a great mixture of styles, which makes it unique, I won't say better.

Highlights: The two opening tracks, Go and Animal have a typical PJ feel to them, great way to start the album. Daughter is less aggressive and more melodic, very solid song. Dissident grew on me, catchy guitar riff. Rearviewmirror is good on first listen and exceptionally good on second hearing, everything is perfect, among PJ's best ever. Rats, for its funky feel, WMA for its tribal style drumming and the closer Indifference is a nice way to end a great album.

Pearl Jam's Magnum Opus
This IS HANDS DOWN, NO AND'S IF'S or BUT's about it, the BEST PEARL JAM ALBUM available. All but one track to me, is great. I never tire of this record, and recommend it over ALL of their others. It's seminal, heavy, artistic, and without a doubt, MINDBLOWING in consistancy. Progressed through the last "gasp" of the grunge ending.
BUY IT!, MONEY IS NOTHING FOR THIS@

In my top 5 of the 90's
First I want to comment on the reviewer before mine. I totally agree with what you are saying. Pj, nirvana and AIC aren't the only bands out there. However, i disagree when you say that pearl jam don't break new grounds. Pearl Jam takes new steps in different directions with every album. Pearl Jam is so often put beside nirvana and AIC because they were all grunge bands, but I think Pearl Jam is more a straight rock and roll band that deserve your attention. And this album is a good place to start.

This album is a classic, however it is living in the shadow of the commercial success album 'ten'. Vs sold almost 1 million copies in its first week of release. Back then, they counted 5 days as one week, making vs selling that many copies in only 5 days. Today, N'sync own the record, however, today they count all 7 days of the first week of sale. Even N'sync needed more than 5 days to beat this . Therefore the record still belongs to pearl jam in a way!

On to the album.
The first 2 songs are go and animal,both fast rockers that an be frustrating in the first listens.

Daughter - Pearl Jam's first acustic song. This song is great and recieves a lot airplay on the radio.
Glorified G - A fairly straight rocker with a great solo at the end. They seem to have fun.
Dissident is the albums first masterpiece. A great riff with soaring lyrics and a powerful voice by Eddie.
WMA - A hard first listen. It features a cool drumbeat and a haunting Eddie. The song is great and you will grow to love it.
Blood - This song is heavy and craaazy with eddie screaming his loungs out for 3 minutes.
Rearviewmirror - The albums second masterpiece! WOW, this song was the song that got me into pearl jam. Watch out for the finale of the song, magnificent stuff!
Rats - A cool song with great bass!
ELderly woman behind the counter in a small town - the albums third masterpiece. This is a concert favourite and with good reasons. The song is acustic with Eddie singing about fate. Its one of those songs everyone likes. Very catchy to be pearl jam.
Leash - a rocker that was written on the road during the ten tour. Fast and heavy. Nuff said!
NOW comes the greatest piece of music that has ever been recorded.
Indifference - First time I heard this song I was recovering from a major hangover and I started to cry. Talk about a simple, yet POWERFUL song. Eddie's voice is so good on this track, it's unmatchable. If you don't buy this album, at least do yourself a favour and listen to this track. It an't be described in words. Only Eddie can.

So there you go, A great rock album with plenty of rock and many different styles. If you want to check pearl jam out (which is something you definately should do)get this album or 'ten'. Can't recommend them enough!

DAUGHTER???
Alright folks, why oh why does a song like "Daughter" get on the radio? The chorus for daughter sounds like a complete joke! Pearl Jam is overrated. There is music far better than this but because the "alternative rock radio stations" won't play more than just a few select bands most listeners will continue to be spoon fed by the media.

There is so much more to music than Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Alice in Chains (although they were pretty good) and Stone Temple Pilots.

Try listening to bands much more unique and deep like ORPHANED LAND, VISIONAIRE, KATATONIA, and PINK FLOYD!
Those are the bands that are treading new ground and producing depth and mystery, but because the Radio won't play them you won't hear them. (Pink floyd being the exception of course).

There is some redemptive value here on Pearl Jam but the above mentioned bands I like are way more interesting and will last for all time. ... Read more

Album Description

1996 album, their third collection of absolutely stunningmusic, 13-odd tracks recorded on a single day for around$17. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Anton Newcombes mind muses
Okay folks. A bunch of people have labeled this album "worthless". They are wrong. Immensely wrong. Anton is an artist make no mistake about it, having produced some of the "greatest records ever made... ever" ~Courtney Taylor-Taylor. Influential and innovative inside a retro psyche-rock sound, BJM is just plain amazing. So buy the frickin album already. You'll be glad you did. Promise.

A superb, low-fi gem.
Those unacquainted with the Brian Jonestown Massacre or BOMP Records will never notice this living-room-recorded gem. Recorded for $17 plus cabfare, TGFMI is quite frankly a genre-busting magnum opus for Anton Newcombe and his ex bandmates (all have been fired or released by now I believe).

TGFMI defies categorization- from the first acoustic notes of Spanish Bee to the last rites of Sound of Confusion, a 33 minute grand tour of the inside of Anton's weird, musical mind. To say that some of these selections would go well on alternate country albums is an understatement. The one missing ingredient is knowing 1) If Anton was sober when these were recorded, and 2) exactly how far his tongue was inserted in cheek. One one hand, the folkie stylings of "Those Memories" and "Free and Easy" seem cliched and exaggerated but the guitar and instrumental work throught is just stunning. Songs such as "The Ballad of Jim Jones", "13", and "Cause I Love Her" are damned near Beatlesque. Sorry Anton.

Call me Ishmael, but I've never heard such an important statement from a modern "alternative" band. This is a fine example of modern eclecticism. A real standout.

Thank God for BJM!!!!
Supposedly recorded for $17, BJM's "Thank God for Mental Illness" puts most American bands to shame. This lo-fi, country-blues masterpiece is one of the great DIY American albums of all-time. Their supposed lack of originality seems to urk many people, but the quality of their songs and their sense of purpose cannot be questioned. Alongside the psychedelic-pop brilliance of the Elephant 6 recording company, they are the most important entity in american pop music today.

Thank god the store took this one back
Terrible. I didn't hear a single good song on it. Thank god the store took it back and gave me back my mone

Lo-fi psychedelic 60's meets hillbilly
This is one of four CDs that BJM released in 1996 in between their club performances/bar brawls. I got turned on to the "country psychedia" sounds of this disc early last year in SF when I checked them out at a local club and was nearly hit in the head by this CD when it was flung from the stage as swag. While there would be little hyperbole in my saying that the BJM show was one of the best I've ever seen, I also took a quick liking to live, lo-fi tunes on this recording. This band wins on every single "cool" category that there is in rock, with the possible exception of coolest album art for this particular CD (although, they do take the top spot with coolest logo). ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Should Show and Tell to everyone, everywhere
Although Silvertide is a new band, and nothing substitutes for experience, this band is truely amazing, as is this CD. This CD brings back the old kick-ass style of Rock and Roll from the 80's. None of this goth, death metal that has taken over the Rock community. Silvertide is all about having a great time and it shows through their music. My personal favorite part of this band is their guitarist. I don't remember his name, but he is phenominal. His solos remind me of the good old days with Slash and Eddie Van Halen, but with a great new style.

This CD will go down as one of the greats. Just like, Appetite for Destruction, Back in Black, and Led Zeppelin IV, this CD should be, wait, will be, owned by every rock fan in the world. It's great guitar riffs, amazing vocalist, and rock on attitude will inspire millions.

Every track is great and deserves to be on this CD.

1) AINT COMIN HOME- the perfect opening song to get to know this new band. It starts out with a basic percussion beat, and slowly adds the other instruments plus vocals to create that perfect party on feeling. About 75% done with the song, all the instruments stop and just the vocalist screams out orgasmic noises to bring in the magnificent guitar solo.

2) DEVIL'S DAUGHTER- An interesting guitar solo that quickly grows on you. This song is all bringing up to the choruses as the climax. There is a great little part of the song right before the the chorus that I can't stop singing.

3) SFC (So F*****g Crazy)- This song is simply kick-ass rock and roll. A great beat and nice distortion techniques enable this song to be a great one.

4) CALIFORNIA RAIN- This will be the second single of the album and it is just as good as the others. There is a great guitar lick behind the verses that helps the song rock. Also, the accompanying of other voices behind the main singer's is awesome.

5) BLUE JEANS- The song starts out with a fast worded soft verse that, like the rest of the song, focuses around sex. Then the guitar comes in and blows you away. Another amazing song.

6) MARY JANE- Definitely the hardest song on the album, MARY JANE definitely hits all the spots. The screaming/yelling of the vocalist really portrays his feelings and the back up vocals dont make it any worse. As with every other song, the guitar is unbelievable.

7) HEARTSTRONG- This is the first real slow ballad of off the album and has lots of emotion behind it. It is one of my favorites. You feel like you actually had the experience being sung about.

8) TO SEE WHERE I HIDE- This is my least favorite song on the CD, but it still is great. There is nothing much to say that hasnt been said about the other songs, so I'll leave it at that.

9) YOU WANT IT ALL- More sexual innuendo is featured in this song, and that just adds to the effect. "She wants more and more and more and more," are lyrics frequenting this song.

10) NOTHING STAYS- The second ballad on this album. This is a very relaxing and soothing song. There are also excellent lyrics to accompany the musicianship.

11) FOXHOLE J.C. (Jesus Christ)- This is by far my favorite track on the album. It is very original and has such a good message to it. It starts out with in your face rock and slowly transitions to a slow, piano accompanied, ending. The entire band chants "war, war, what is it for." It is truely inspirational.

If You are still reading, it means you are interested. So what are you doing, go out and buy this fanastic CD! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Continuing to specialize in the art of curve-throwing, R.E.M. followed up its 1991 smash, Out of Time, with this fragile album of soft melodies and string arrangements. The sympathetic ballad "Everybody Hurts" must have prevented countless suicide attempts, while the Andy Kaufman tribute "Man on the Moon" (with Michael Stipe affecting an Elvis Presley imitation) and the rock-into-oblivion "Drive" are among the quartet's strongest hits. (The opening line, "Hey, kids, rock and roll," isn't so much a rallying cry as an expression of anxiety.) It takes a few listens for its charms to unfold, but Automatic is the gem between bigger hits Out of Time and Monster. --Steve Knopper ... Read more

Reviews (307)

An outstanding masterpiece!
In 1992 at the height of their popularity, R.E.M delivered their upmost finest, well-crafted project. Automatic For The People was hauntingly atmospheric throughout with the profound lyrics centering on aging, death and loss. Whilst its mood is vastly sombre throughout, the album remains firmly consistently compelling, literally clutching your attention and not letting it go until the album is completed. R.E.M had always been inovators in Rock/Folk music and this merley confirmed their upholding status in their genre. The music on this album has a grand, epic sweep provided by masterful orchestrations containing lush strings, multi acoustic instruments and shimmering keyboards. The album is reflective on the whole and never before had R.E.M been so emotionally direct as on this set. The album opens with the slow, melancholy tone of Drive steadily leading into the vibrant, upbeat Try Not To Breathe, which is a subtle reminder of one of their most definitive classics, Shiny Happy People. The outstanding classic Everybody Hurts is still moving to listen to today and has amicably stood the test of the time as does the entire album. Tracks like Nightswimming and Sweetness Follows have a comforting, soothing tone, very mellow and atmospheric in their unique content. The entire album is instantly memroable with other superb, timeless recordings including Man On The Moon, New Orleans Instrumental No.1, Monty Got A Raw Deal and Ignoreland.
Automatic For The People emrged as one of the greatest rock albums of the 1990's and proved to be one of the key landmarks in R.E.M's profile to date. An essential masterpiece!

R.E.M. is Automatic
Automatic for The People is R.E.M.'s follow-up to their greatest commercial triumph, Out Of Time. The success allowed R.E.M. a bigger forum to get their message out. Automatic For The People finds the band exploring such subjects as suicide, euthanasia, Republicanism, lost stars, groupies and pop culture. The album opens with "Drive" which riffs on the David Essex classic "Rock On". "Try Not To Breathe" deals with the subject of euthanasia and is sung from the perspective of an elderly person asking for understanding in his request. "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight" lightens the mood a bit. Michael Stipe has fun with the song singing it in a "Subterranean Homesick Blues" style, even affecting an Elvis Presley imitation. He can actually be heard laughing on the track. Things get serious again with "Everybody Hurts" in which they broach the subject of suicide. They could've sounded preachy on the song, but Mr. Stipe sings with such compassion and understanding that song reaffirms life. "New Orleans Instrumental No. 1" is a throwaway track and "Sweetness Follows" is a very pretty number. "Monty Got A raw Deal" is the first song on the album about a late misunderstood actor. It's about Montgomery Clift and is quite powerful with some stirring music. "Ignoreland" is a hard-edged rocker that speaks out against the indifference towards people created by Republicans in their White House years of the 80's and early 90's. "Star Me Kitten" is their ode to groupies and is done in almost sleepy sound. "Man On The Moon" is the second actor song and probably the most famous song from the album. It is about the late Andy Kauffman and served as the title for the recent biopic starring Jim Carrey. It's got a honky tonk sound and some good slide guitar work by Peter Buck. The album closes with two slow numbers. "Nightswimming" is heavily laden with strings and is about longing for days gone by while "Find The River" closes the album on high note. The band finally seemed to be comfortable in the spotlight and they created a personal and enduring classic.

One of the best albums of all time.
I just had to buy this album after all the hype and reviews that surrounded it. R.E.M. are my favourite band of all time, and this is the second album I bought (after "Out Of Time") and I was, literally, amazed...

This album, especially compared to "Out Of Time", is dark and moody, but every song is special, and every song brings it's own point across, and, more often than not, means something different to everyone that hears them.

Well, what do we have? Drive, the album starter, is a fantastic piece of music with heavy hitting guitar chords and moving lyrics... it's my favourite song on the cd, but it's so hard to pick just one!

A couple of tracks down is The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite. Erm, ok I lied when I said every song brings it's point across ;) It's a fun, happy piece of fluff that anyone can love, even if they don't know what's going on. Callmewhenyoutrytowakeherup!

...Do I even need to tell you why Everybody Hurts is great? This is a powerful, moving piece that any teenager can relate to. It really is fantastic. If you weren't moved by this, than you've got a heart of stone!

Man On The Moon, again, needs no introduction. Their first song dedicated to Andy Kauffman (followed by the inferior "Great Beyond"), this is an absolute classic that is reason enough to buy the cd.

The two closers, Nightswimming and Find The River, are brilliant. I don't think they could have closed this moody, emotional album in any better way... they just work so well, with each other, and with the rest of the album.

The other songs, including the instrumental, are all great songs that are more than worthy of recognition (particularly Star Me Kitten).

This album is a must own for anyone who claims they know good music. Trust me: Buy it now!!!

REM's third masterpiece
Well, the last reviewer CLEARLY showed his lack of knowledge on REM or his good taste. So, where to start?

REM had hit their high point twice in the past. The first time was MURMUR, an indie rock classic that was influential to many bands. The second time was their commercial breakthrough, DOCUMENT, when a large amount of confused people turned "The One I Love" into a hit. Now, AUTOMATIC FOR THE PEOPLE has become a melancholy classic.

Track by track, this is REM's best album lyrically, and it benefits from the reliance on acoustic instruments. "Drive", "Man on the Moon", "Everybody Hurts", "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite" and "Nightswimming" are among REM's best songs. "Try Not To Breathe", "Monty Got A Raw Deal" and "Find The River" are probably REM"s best songs that nobody knows about. If you are an REM fan and you don't own this, buy it as soon as possible.

lite comforting tunes
My favorite tracks here are Drive, Man on the Moon, and Nightswimming. But there are others worth noting. All are memorable easy-listening tunes for those more soothing moments.

David Rehak
author of "A Young Girl's Crimes" ... Read more

Amazon.com

Though the songs aren't quite as good as those on Ritual De Lo Habitual, this album is much more consistent, with a heavy rock-funk-punk mix that's a pleasure to hear. The slower songs (especially "Summertime Rolls" and "Jane Says") work well, while the up-tempo material--in particular the closer "Pig's in Zen"--is both catchy and ambitious. It's a fine album overall, and if the band's Zeppelin-ward aspirations don't quite work, their music is still quite good in its own right. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Reviews (68)

Before alternative was the norm
Before alternative was the norm, there was a little band called Jane's Addiction. They had a loyal following, but were not by any means the in music of their day. I've heard Jane's compared to several bands. Some mention Zeppelin. You can definitely hear Zeppelin's influence in the guitar work at times, but not so much in the vocals. I've also heard some mention the Chili Peppers, but I don't hear that at all. All I can gather is that this idea came about because Dave Navarro was the Chili Pepper's guitarest on their underappreciated One Hot Minute, although even on that album there's little similarity to what you'd hear from Jane's. I guess it doesn't really matter who you compare them to, this is a band that can really rock. This album contains "Jane Says" which is one of the band's best known songs, but also many other gems. In their first few albums, Jane's Addiction had a tendency to really get experimental. Sometimes it pays off, other times it doesn't, but it always makes for interesting listening. Still, some people may never be able to get into a song like "Ted Just Admit It" no matter how hard they try. Others will find it an odd work of genius in it's own way. This album was released in 1989, but sounds nothing like the music of that era. This band has always had a style of their own that transcends what you'd expect from a certain time period of music. They always just sound like Jane's Addiction, and nothing else.

You need this
One of my favorite albums of all time. Not just an agressive rock album, Nothing's Shocking covers a wide spectrum of music. Jane's lives up to the promise of something grand given with the opening track build up of "Up the Beach" Ripping through epic tunes such as "Ocean Size" and "Mountain Song" the band surprisingly shows their poetic beautiful side in "Summertime Rolls" and the classic "Jane Says." And so you don't forget who the most dangerous band in rock and roll is they hit you with the tribal beats of "Pigs in Zen" as their closing track. Jane's Addiction is possibly the most challenging progressive band in the last 20 years. Without them there would be no Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins or Marilyn Manson. Everyone in alternative rock owe's Jane's Addiction a debt of gratitude.

Great Alternative
Jane's Addiction's Nothing's Shocking is one of the greatest CDs in the history of of Alternative Rock. Oceansize is great rock/metal/alternative song with its amazing guitarist Rob Navarro. Jane Says is a great example of Perry Farrel's vice used in acoustic songs. Had a Dad and Pigs Zen are just great up tempo songs. I can't describe this CD if I had all the time in the world. Just get the CD already!!!!!

better than RDLH
In my opinion I found this album to be better than ritual de lo habitual. I own both and are both very amazing. Nothing's Shocking has a very solid list of tracks and never let out where as RDLH is more experimental and tends to be drawn out at times by Perry's voice. Not to discriminate or offend anyone, but this is just how I feel. Janes definitely is still rockin even to this day. I suggest everyone buy Strays becuase it shows how good a band can be. It focuses more on environmental issues and solid alternative rock rather than being drawn out by vocals that can only be understood by ppl with artistic knowledge. Back to this review...very good, worth every penny and u will find urself repeatedly popping this cd into ur stereo or walkman.

I'm gonna kick tomorrow...
The good news is that Jane Bainter, the Perry/Casey associate whose addiction led to the band's name, did get and stay clean, and apparently she also eventually got to Spain, too.

Nothing's Shocking is as much a piece of Art as a cutting edge Thinking Person's Metal album. This is even reflected in the utterly haunting cover photo of a Perry Farrell sculpture of a pair of naked Siamese Twins with their heads on fire, sitting on a wicker chair.

As many of you will know, the 'Twins' were made from a papier mache body cast of Perry's then girlfriend, the remarkable Casey Niccoli, which was then duplicated and fused. Whatever its origins, it is an unforgettable image and naturally caused major controversy on the album's release.

Musically, Nothing's Shocking includes some of Jane's best work, although apparently the band wrote most of the material for their first three albums when they first got together.

The stunningly beautiful 'Jane Says' went on to become one of the most played Rock ballads of all time, along with U2's 'One' and Led Zeppelin's 'Thank You' and 'Stairway To Heaven'.

Yet this album also contains such powerhouse numbers as Ocean Size, Mountain Song and Pigs In Zen (Pigs, not on the original vinyl - not my UK copy, anyway) which can just about blow the doors off any competition you could name.

If I recall correctly, Ted Just Admit It was recorded while serial killer Ted Bundy was still around, and was all the more chilling because of that fact.

Rather than babble further, I would just ask you to give this rare work of genius a listen, and savor the breathtaking combination of Perry Farrell's unique and hypnotic vocals, Dave N's brilliantly inventive guitar work and as classic a collection of songs as you will ever get on one album.

'Just Because' from the new album is a reminder of the awesome power that the band can still wield, but this album right here, is the one that put them on the map. ... Read more

Reviews (55)

An Excellent Addition to the Seattle Scene
This is an excellent debut album by yet another Seattle band,and holds out to be better than anything the band releasesafterward. It does not break any new ground overall, but it definitely makes for a great rock album. The anti-drug rocker "You" caught a lot of attention on national radio wavs, and it set up nicely the smash success of the power ballad-like "Far Behind." The album is filled with catchy tunes, and the standouts include the two afforementioned, "Change," "Arrow," the soothing ballad "Cover Me," and the album's best surprise "He Calls Home." This closing track harmonizes an excellent acoustic guitar riff with a chorus that you will be humming in your head all day. Candlebox doesn't offer a style of music that hasn't been heard before, but they certainly know how to play some excellent Seattle-brand rock n' roll- and this is the best they have to offer. If you like good '90's rock, then this album is for you.

Rock & Roll Through and Through
This is the album that started it all for Candlebox. One listen to Candlebox's debut tells you that this album was crafted from a place of passion, heart and talent. Definitely not grunge as billed but believe it or not, just to clear things up, the band is indeed from Seattle. Kevin, the singer, is the only transplant and he moved to Seattle from San Antonio when he was 14 yrs old...I think that counts. The media just wanted to label them as some sort of bandwagon jumpers. Anyway, back to the music at hand, this album is definitely an amalgamation of hard rock and blues rock. If you delve a bit deeper you will hear latin rhythms and come across some acoustic numbers. The diversity of this album lends to influences such as the Doors, Aerosmith, Santana, and Led Zeppelin. Not that the members of Candlebox didn't appreciate Pearl Jam, Soundgarden or other Seattle acts, but it is clear to me after listening to this album numerous times that these bands were not Candlebox's mentors as otherwise stated.

This album while great, does not have quite the level of maturity of later releases such as Lucy or Happy Pills but if you're in the mood for a great, energetic rock & roll album, You can't go wrong here!

When music was good!
Candlebox was one of the many great bands that made the 90's the greatest decade EVER! This album has to be the greatest by Candlebox, the best hit off this album is easily "Far Behind". Treat yourself to the 90's and buy this album.

Among the worst of the 90's
A bunch of hair metal rejects who decided to try their luck at "alternative". Horrible, monotone singing with that cheesy fake 90's twang (that is somehow still selling records for Creed and Matchbox 20, who stink also). Weak, weak guitar solos. TERRIBLE lyrics. "Now may-ya-ya-ya-baya, i did-own me-yown to treat you ow so bayad, but I did anyway!" Are you kidding me? People bought this? People give this 5 STARS!?

Anyone who gives this group a positive review is certifiably clueless.

Best Album Ever.
Well it's been more than 10 years since this CD was made. I bought it a couple months after that. And since then, I've listened to this CD at least once a week for those 10 years. In my opinion, this is the best album ever, and Far Behind is the best song ever written. The reason why I rate this album so highly is because it's full of emotion. Kevin Martin sings his heart out here, and you can really feel what he's saying in "You" and "Far Behind". The lyrics are great all around on this one. Some of the best guitar solos of the 90's are on this album, on the tracks "No Sense" and "Rain", and the musicianship on this album as a whole is very good. Candlebox is definitely the forgotten band of the whole "grunge" movement, and the most underrated which is a shame. It's a shame because Candlebox didn't quite sound like any other early 90's grunge bands, they were fairly unique. Still, their debut album rocks from the fast paced opener "Don't You" all the way through to the somber acoustic ballad "He Calls Home"; which is a perfect ending to this one, in my opinion. So, in conclusion, if you're looking for a hard rock album with some amazing songs and a pretty unique sound, check this one out. ... Read more

Reviews (32)

BADASS
Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age) rocks out on drums in his new band, Eagles of Death Metal. If you like grungy desert rock, you'll love this cd. Their cover of "Stuck in the Middle With You" is sweet, and the best track is titled "Whorehoppin". This album just makes me want to smash something, and then lay back and have a beer and a cigarette. Reminiscent of The Black Keyes for their gritty, old sound. In the words of lead singer Jesse "The Devil" Hughes, they want to bring their listeners "death by sexy", and that's just what they did.

Hot-stuff fresh from the Desert!!!
"Holy-Hot-Devil-Rock," this music makes you want to get up and move around like you lost your soul to the devil. I bought this CD like 4 days ago and can't stop playing it wherever I go. This is a CD that on your first listen you can't take seriously or you'll easily pass it off as a large peice of underproduced crap. After you give the disk a chance you'll be sucked into its charm and tranced out by its simplicity. Featuring "Dr. Cool" himself "Josh Homme" from Queens of the Stone Age, not singing and playing guitar but drumming of all things, he's not an incredible drummer but he belts out the stripper beats effortlessly and everyone knows that whatever Josh Homme touches turns to solid gold. The album is very reminescent of the "Desert Sessions" series, only better and made for dancing.
I can't pick a favorite song on the album because they're all really amazing, but "Flames Go Higher" catches your ear on first listen as a grooved out stomp in hell, oh yeah, "HELL," that's where the humor comes in, most of the songs have overtones of references to "the Devil and Hell," stemming from Jesse Hugh's love for the Devil. The novelty won't wear off because "Satanic tranced out boogie-woogie music" is just such an original concept.
This album is not a Queens of the Stone age CD to say the least, so don't get confused, its just highly original rocka and roll.

Time to end this fued
1. 0H5H7H8 7 5H7H8 7 10
2. 5H7 5\ 8\ 5H7 7\ 8 7
3.
4.
5.
6. 0 0 0 0
(Bottom to Top)Repeat All \ marks when to go back to 6

Drop D tuning

There's the tab to Death's "Voice of the Soul" for those of you who don't know, Death were one of the first death metal bands. To all of you who say death metal is trash, I'd like to see Josh Homme come up with anything that complicated. That's just the intro and it's more complicated than any of the Eagles of Death Metal or Queens of the Stone Age. As for this cd, it's pretty much rock n roll mixed with a little punk. Not the best person to judge this music so I gave it the average rating. I just wanted to clear up the fact that death metal is a legitimate art form as good as or better than this, and while I know some of my fellow Death metal fans are pretty pissed about this cause they believe it taints the legacy of Chuck Schuliner(R.I.P.) and other death metal musicians, I think it's time to quit this stupid little feud. The name of this band is just a stupid joke and if you don't like this music you shouldn't review the cd. Hope this ends this and if any of you ever want to get into something harder I would recommend checking out Death, Meshuggah, Decapitated, Malignancy or Dismember.

A tamer J Spencer
A music fan is a complete waste of man jam. You wouldn't know good music if it was sitting on your disfigured face. Ohhh yeah the CD is ok. Bare bones r'n'r mixed w/a little boogie woogie. It's a big stretch from J. Homme's other side projects, but it makes it sorrta sweeter.

That's what Amazon is for.
Apparently I'm smarter than you guys who actually thought this album would be death metal-I actually went to Amazon and listened to the tracks before thinking of buying the CD. This is not the greatest CD, but it's a lot better than death metal, which sucks. ... Read more

Reviews (203)

Impressive Debut
For $600, this album is amazing. The production value is quite good for this garage album. What I really love about this album is it's sound; they obviously used tube amps when recording, giving their music that nice, warm humming sound coming from Krist's bass and Kurt's guitar. Such tracks as "Love Buzz" and "About a Girl" are prime examples of the sound. As well, I really like Kurt's voice on this album in contrast to "Nevermind" or "In Utero" where he tends to scream incessently; his voice is more calm, more in control, and it has much better tone. As for the songs on the album, it is really hit or miss. You have the hits (Love Buzz, School, About a Girl, Big Cheese, Negative Creep), and the misses (Scoff, Mr. Moustache, Sifting, Downer). Although the album does not have pop-hit after pop-hit like Nevermind, nor does it contain the abstract qualities of In Utero, it stands as a great moment in Seattle music, or indie rock for that matter.

Nirvana's debut album is underrated
It's hard for me to really pick a favorite Nirvana album, becuase they're all very good [if I had to though it'd be their live "Unplugged" album]. While Nevermind probably is the best out of their studio albums, it seems that it and In Utero get far more attention than Bleach and Incesticide. This has a much more unrefined sound then Nevermind does and is a lot more punk influenced. The guitar work keeps true to the fuzz-style of early grunge and most of the songs are short with fast guitars, in the tradition of punk, so this album probably more than any other sowcases Nirvana's punk roots.

For this reason this album seems like a somewhat bad choice if you're just getting to like Nirvana [since in Utero and nevermind both sound much more like what you probably hear from them on the radio], however if you like ohter early grunge bands or punk bands of the time, or like songs such as "Lithium", "Breed", and "Stay Away" off of Nevermind then this is the album for you. My personal favorites off of here are "School", "Negative Creep", "Downer" and the best track of the bunch, "Blew." And also of course, About A Girl which sounds noticbly different on here than it does on "Unplugged" [where as Penyroyal Tea and All Apologies, both from "In Utero" sound more or less the same on "Unplugged"].

So to really get down to it, this album is very good. If you are a big fan of nirvana get it, you will like it. If you are just a casual fan or mainly liek their radio singles then get Nevermind or In Utero, or their new Greatest Hits collection.

Listen to the samples before buying. It's awful!
No matter what anybody says, Nirvana's Bleach is sub-par by even the most general standards of music And no, Kurt can't get off the hook for being dead, because a lot of what he made in life was awful. Sure, Kurt and da boyz got the best sound $600.17 could buy, but it still sounds like (...). Does Bleach sound good compared to Soundgarden's first SubPop EP? No. Does it have variety to the sound of the songs? No. Is there any creativity in any of the songs? No... unless you consider shouting "Gimme back my babyback ribs... um, I mean 'alcohol'" twnty times in one song as being creative. In "Aero Zepplin", Kurt was right when he said rock stars can "(...) upon the stage and they'll be fans", because it's so true. Rock stars like Kurt can get away with anything. His fans really would pay to buy an album of forty straight minutes of Kurt having a bowel movement, because Bleach is that bowel movement.

I THINK
i think whatever that (...)is smokin is screwin with his mind because bleach is incredibly awseome, especially love buzz, floyd the barber and blew. u dont know (...) about grunge. The whole point of it is to sound like u wanna sound and not what ppl want like this era of cRAP, pop, pop-punk (...)>(...)

It's disguisting SubPop charges money for albums so bad
If I had to sum up Nirvana's Bleach in one word, it'd be "ouch". There is nothing on Bleach that makes it deserving of a rating higher than 1.5 stars out of 5. Although, I think you have to take into consideration of how ignorant many of the other reviewers of Bleach are; they're most likely all 18 and under and think they've already heard all the music under the sun. They've made the snap judgement that Nirvana is the end-all, be-all of the music world. How wrong they are. Anybody with at least one functioning ear will be able to discern that Bleach is nothing you want to spend money on. But even if you're deaf, the album cover and inlay should signal to you that these guys are a bunch of drunken laggerheads incapable of making anything with a tune to it. Even "About a Girl" sucks. The Unplugged version is miles beyond whatever the hell Kurt likes to call the style of this Bleach version. Too bad the only Nirvana gig worth listening to is Unplugged. But even that is so dry and boring you'll get sick of it and switch your disc changer back to the Beatles again... and burn your Bleach CD. I'm not kidding when I say Bleach isn't worth dropping money on. It's that bad. It's only worth listening to if you get it free along with a case of beer. Trust me, intoxication is the only way to get through Bleach in one puke-spewing sitting. But as horrendous as Bleach is, there Nirvana album even worse than Bleach. It's called From the Muddy Banks, and heed my advice: You don't even want that one for free. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Further Proof that PT is the Best Band in the World
I saw these guys last year in Montreal on the Damnation in Absentia tour with Opeth, so I already knew they were an amazing live act, but I was still shocked by Warszawa. I don't usually go in for live albums, as I prefer the studio stuff, but if it's got PT's name on it, I will pick it up. The best thing about this CD is that it's mostly made up of songs off of the Lightbulb Sun and Stupid Dream albums, which are currently out of print, so it's a great chance for those who don't own those albums to hear some of the songs. The live version of Shesmovedon is astounding, and it was awesome to hear the crowd clapping along at the beginning of Voyage 34.

The production is beautiful, and I would expect no less from Steven Wilson. Every note is crystal clear, there's enough crowd noise to let you know that they're playing live without drowning out the music, and everyone in the band is in top form.

If you've never heard Porcupine Tree before, I think this is as good a place as any to start. You get a good range of their sound (from accessible songs like the 5 minute Shesmovedon to epic ambient explorations like the 12 minute Russia on Ice, and even the extended jam session that is Voyage 34). The fact that the songs showcased are not readily available (pending reissues on Lava/Atlantic) only adds to this album's value. Also, according to their website, this album is a limited edition, so I suggest getting it while you can.

1. Even Less (7:36) 5/5 *
2. Slave Called Shiver (5:08) 5/5
3. Shesmovedon (5:21) 5/5 *
4. Last Chance to Evacuate Planet Earth Before it is Recycled (5:01) 5/5
5. Lightbulb Sun (5:59) 5/5 *
6. Russia on Ice (12:26) 5/5
7. Where We Would Be (3:40) 5/5
8. Hatesong (8:36) 5/5 *
9. Stop Swimming (7:08) 5/5
10. Voyage 34 - Phase 1 (12:37) 5/5 *
11. Signify (5:40) 5/5

* My Favorites.

PS. All the 5/5s probably seem excessive only to those who have not heard this album.

could it ever get better?
As someone who discovered PT in 1998 or so, based only on "Waiting" and the Signify album, which I loved, I have foundthe band to be nearly permanently stuck in my car's CD player. In Absentia became a permanent fixture. The quiet songs just blow me away. The harmonies....how could it get better? I got the Stars Die compilation and Coma Divine, but my latest purchase of Warzsaza sent me into raptures. The opening cut, "Even less", has the most gorgeous guitar riff, anthemic and soaring, and the rest of the album takes off from there. Harmonies, fabulous guitar and keyboard work as always, and SW's beautiful vocals. The guy is a genius!! I cannnot stop playing this CD. I am hoping that Deadwing will be as good.

Even Better Live
I thought that PT would find it difficult to reproduce the progressive feel of their studio albums in a live context...boy was I wrong !! Even though the concert was designed to be recorded, the guys do a magnificent job of giving their sound an additional live energy that leads me to conclude it their finest work. If you only get one album this year this is it ! Quite a few tracks from their Lightbulb Sun album with a good mixture from everywhere else.If the hairs on your neck don't stand up at the spacey keyboard riffs of Last Chance to Evacuate Planet Earth, or the brilliant guitar on Voyage 34, then you don't have a soul for progressive rock.

A great live recording.
I am one of the many fans who became a PT addict after buying In Absentia.Since then I have bought pretty much any Porcupine Tree album I could find-seems to be the trend with new fans.This was my most recent purchase except for Deadwing.

This is a great live recording of the band after the release of Lightbulb Sun.Lightbulb Sun is one of the most beautiful albums I own (then again most of what I own is extreme metal haha) and the songs on here sound just as good live as they do on cd.They don't sound exactly like the album either, in case you are worried that this isn't worth buying.Stupid Dream is one of the only PT albums I haven't been able to get my hands on, but after hearing the tracks on here I am anxiously waiting for the rerelease.The sound quality here is great and the songs, which are great to begin with, are played beautifully.

I have one complaint with this album, and that is with the setlist.Over half the tracks (6 in total) are from Lightbulb Sun, and they are all played consecutively.Unfortuneately the one song from this performance not included on the album was "Tinto Brass" from Stupid Dream.The inclusion of that would have balanced this a bit better but I guess it was the last song so it was the one to get cut.That's really a minor gripe though.Probably should be 4.5 stars.

2001 European Tour Live In Poland
It's been a long wait since In Absentia until the upcoming new CD, so to help pass the time I snagged this up when I spotted a single copy at the music store.I'm glad I did, but I'm a PT convert so that didn't surprise me.

Steven Wilson and company are fantastic live, away from all of Wilson's studio wizardry.There's bands that can't play live and bands who can, and Porcupine Tree definitely can.The band's inventive arrangements make this interesting even if you have the studio albums.

Wilson's guitar solos take the tastefulness and bluesy tone of David Gilmour and mix it with a dose of acid-rock wah-wah, some strummed acoustic and a dash of metal.Richard Barbieri's atmospheric keyboards range from prog to electronica but stay mostly on the prog side.Colin Edwin's bass is outstanding as always, if a bit undermixed here.The now departed Chris Maitland was a monster on drums.

Porcupine Tree is in my opinion quite simply the best band working in the progressive rock field these days, and this live collection bears this out.Can't wait for the new one! ... Read more