| UK | Germany |
| Home - Music - Alternative Rock - Singer-Songwriters | Help | |
| 61-80 of 200 Back 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next 20 |
click price to see details click image to enlarge click link to go to the store
| 61. Tonight and the Rest of My Life | |
![]() | list price: $13.98
our price: $13.98 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: B00004TTGF Catlog: Music Sales Rank: 8995 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
|
Amazon.com Reviews (135)
Nina has an interesting outlook on the world, and she has a gift for putting it into song. She lives in a world where every relationship is on the boundary between fun and serious, and the dramatic resolution of that situation provides a lot of her material on this disc. Her singing is the showstopper on most tracks, and Bob Rock's production brings it to the front in all of its crystal-clear glory. Guitars take over on "Bad Way," "Number One Camera," and the spectacular "Hate Your Way." She has a great voice for her brand of glossy rock, she has surrounded herself with A-grade talent, and she doesn't make any glaring missteps on this disc. And now what seems to be my perfect phrase: this is not a perfect album. "Horses in the City" is more lyrically surreal even than Natalie Imbruglia, and some of the songs try to stretch a three-minute concept two minutes too long. None of the songs are particularly bad, and the singing and instrumental work saves even the weaker ones, but be warned that there will be a phase a few months after you first hear this that you'll want to skip a few songs, before rediscovering them later. There's an import version of this floating around for $30 more, which includes "Black and Blonde." "Hate Your Way" recalls Veruca Salt's epic (and great) "Earthcrosser" musically, but this extra track does so with a direct lyrical quote. It's a good song, but the wise will go to Nina's website and download it for free instead of sending an extra thirty bills to Japan or wherever. Yes, you should buy this.
There are several strong songs on this disc, starting with the surprisingly upbeat "Now I Can Die", "2003", and the beautiful and longing "Tonight and the Rest of My Life". The somber "Horses in the City" is a reflective song about feeling out of place and dealing with it, while "New Years Eve" is a thoughtful look back upon the romantic misadventures of the past year. The real strength of this album lies in Nina's increasingly mature and diverse songwriting skills and in the strength of her vocal delivery. She seems to finally be at peace with the tumultuous and bitter breakup of Veruca Salt, and pleasantly absent (unlike on "Resolver" by Louise Post) are bitter digs at her former VS partner. On her solo debut Nina has grown up into a formidable singer/songwriter, and I'm looking forward to what she has in store for us next.
There are some good songs (Tonight and the Rest of My Life), and a few that somewhat rock (Number One Camera), but if you're looking for an extension to your Veruca Salt collection, don't bother. Overall, the album is a bit too long, giving you that "is this album over yet?" feel. Some tracks are too sappy for my tastes, and could easily double for any "pop diva" out there. Skipping a few tracks (Horses in the City, Too Slow to Ride) makes the whole experience much better.
I couldn't give this record just one star because it certainly isn't a bad record. But it's average, and more than that, it's somewhat uninspiring to my ears. Although the radio gave love to the title track, it didn't give much to any of the others, and I think the reason is because, upon hearing the whole set, a listener does feel somewhat dulled to the sound of that title track. That is to say, it's all very similar. The two songs that sit apart from the others are a good indication of where Veruca Salt might have gone had it not fractured. Gordon's songs on Eight Arms to Hold You, there is a clear extrapolation from that work to songs like "Badway" and "Number One Camera" on her solo debut. And lest you think I'm a Salt fan bent on knocking down Nina in favor of the edgier, darker Louise - I'm not. I'll say it now that togther these women made better music than either one of them has made separately. I'm sure they don't see it that way, but there was something very special between the two of them, musically speaking, and that is totally absent from their indpendent work. So to sum it up - it's hard not to make comparisons, but I'm not comparing Solo Gordon to Salt Gordon. I'm comparing plain music to good music, and the former is unfortunately where this record falls.
| |
| 62. Spirit | |
![]() | list price: $11.98
our price: $10.99 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: B00000F1CY Catlog: Music Sales Rank: 4053 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
|
Amazon.com Reviews (578)
"Enter from the East" is soft and slow and beautiful. "Barcelona" is one of the greatest songs on this CD, with an awesome beat, words, and performance. I also love "Life Uncommon;" Jewel sounds so great singing this. "Do You" is yet another of the memorable, outstanding songs on "Spirit," and last but not least is "Absence of Fear," which is beautifully written and sung, like the lot of Jewel's music. The bottom line? This moving, entertaining, influential album is a necessity for Jewel fans a strong recommendation for lovers of good music with a 'spirit'ual purpose behind it! ... Read more | |
| 63. Two Way Monologue | |
![]() | list price: $18.98
our price: $14.99 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: B0001DMUBS Catlog: Music Sales Rank: 3557 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
|
Album Description Reviews (15)
Filled with intelligent and sometimes whimsical lyrics, energetic, traditional pop infused with a folk rock sensibility, and a deceptively sweet voice, this album displays what pure music can be.
| |
| 64. Burn to Shine | |
![]() | list price: $11.98
our price: $10.99 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: B00001IVI6 Catlog: Music Sales Rank: 6603 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
|
Amazon.com's Best of 1999 Reviews (121)
with his own unique musical style, he's going down in history for his use of lap slide guitar, for those fellow guitar players out there harper will intrigue you. from playing his weissenborns with all the soul and feeling in the world to an incredible ability to rock on crunch slide guitars he designed, a les paul crossed with a weissenborn. this review is more of a review of ben in general rather than spacifically this album but all of his album are incredible. it's so good to see ben start to get the attension he deserves after being a loyal fan for a while. burn to shine is the latest of his 5 main releases, 4 of which are on cd. burn to shine has all of ben's old slide and heart felt tunes like two hand of a prayer and in the lords arms beloved one to some new songs that just plain rock like forgiven, burn to shine and less. also some more experimental songs away from his usual style like suzie blue, steal my kisses(i'm sure you've heard). anyway, i garantee you will love this album and if you don't... well... i won't do anything but i will be surprised. i strongly advise you get his other's too if you haven't already
Hopefully, in an alternative universe, Ben Harper is a major rock god while Kravitz, Duritz, Dave Matthews et al are relegated to being considered barely fair imitations. Just because you're not hearing this guy's music on car and shoe commercials means that in this world, it's hard to hear him on the radio. Do yourself a favor and take a listen.
Competent yet not very challenging.
| |
| 65. whitechocolatespaceegg | |
![]() | list price: $11.98
our price: $10.99 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: B000009OGW Catlog: Music Sales Rank: 6449 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
Reviews (151)
To her credit, she's made two far from bad albums after that classic debut, and may well continue to put out strong work that stays on the right side of obvious commercialism. But she'll never be able to surprise us again, which is a shame. That said, this album contains many strong songs, especially "Johnny Feelgood," "Polyester Bride," and "What Makes You Happy." And she can still be charmingly off-beat, as on "Uncle Alvarez" and "Shitloads of Money." She could easily be doing Sheryl Crow-slick mainstream rock, but her quirky indie instincts are intact. While not as interesting as Pavement, she's maturing with dignity in a similar way, and she deserves credit for that.
Even though this is extremely far from the slickly-produced but excellent self-titled album from last year, this is essentially its foreshadower; "Liz Phair" took the formula of this album and amplified it. Indeed, with "Whip-Smart" back in 1994, she proved with songs like "Jealousy" and "Supernova," her first song to make the Hot 100 (#78), that she could stick to guns; pushing the envelope with themes that near-completely dealt with sex while still crafting radio-worthy fare. "Whitechocolatespaceegg" is far more mainstream than anything she released previously, but it walks the balance beam between indieville and Top 40 land carefully; in fact, perhaps too carefully, which could explain why it has been her least-embraced release. From the opening title track, which many agree is in reference to her then baby son, to the awkward "Girls Room," this album is a mix bag of different infectious styles that without a doubt has at least one song to please every listener. "Big Tall Man" is a hilarious, extremely catchy tune likely inspired by her ex-husband, while "Love Is Nothing" and "Johnny Feelgood," melodically, sound like something you'd hear after popping a coin into a jukebox in a 50's-style restaurant. Other tracks, like "Go On Ahead" are lyrically reminiscent of "Exile In Guyville" in their examination of relationships, while the likes of others such as "What Makes You Happy" or "Baby Got Going" are so downright catchy that it's a true shame they didn't mark Phair's arrival at mainstream radio. The lyrics to the former are sung so perfectly; she gets an A+ for the acting job: "But mom, I'm sending you this photograph/I swear this one is gonna to last/And all those other bastards were only practice". How can you not love this woman? Although it is her least successful record, "Whitechocolatespaceegg," with its sing-along choruses and insightful lyrics (and at times appropriate lack thereof) deserves a second chance.
David Rehak
| |
| 66. Sketches (For My Sweetheart the Drunk) [CD-Extra] | |
![]() | list price: $19.98
our price: $16.99 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: B000006O7C Catlog: Music Sales Rank: 4375 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
Reviews (80)
| |
| 67. Redemption's Son | |
![]() | list price: $13.98
our price: $13.98 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: B00007E6WW Catlog: Music Sales Rank: 7039 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
Reviews (28)
His songs are pure poetry surrounded by swirling layers of gorgeous music - sometimes simplistic folk, other times upbeat rock. But his lyrics carry each one with often times devastating results (in a good way). Tales of love lost and struggles to love are the most common, but they never get tiring due to the diversity of the tracks. For those who do love this album as much as I do, check out Gavin DeGraw as well (his album Chariot is arguably the best of 2003). ebhp
Thankfully, "Redemption's Son" seems to find him in better spirits, although that still isn't saying much (only a few of these tunes truly qualify as upbeat). The real good news is that he appears to have taken some strides forward artistically, building upon what was already a solid foundation. This time around, his lyrics are more articulate and poetic, his arrangements more supple and complex. The first notes of the title track pull you in almost immediately and the voice is indeed the one we recognize from his last offering, but something is different. That voice is more alive this time--he's singing far above the whispery level he used for much of his previous offering--and emotion that was hinted at and shown in flickers becomes far more evident. Then, track after track, Arthur reminds you why his previous album was worthy of several spins. Also, he gives you new reasons to listen on such songs as "Dear Lord" that make you want to clap and sing along. The contrast in mood between those and more gently melodic "You Are The Dark" only serves to intensify the effect of both. Put the two albums together and the end result is that of an artist who has worked his way out of an emotional funk by creating beautiful and powerful music that covers more ground than many artists can hope to cover in a career. ... Read more | |
| 68. Armed Forces | |
![]() | list price: $17.98
our price: $13.99 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: B0000787GM Catlog: Music Sales Rank: 11185 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
|
Amazon.com Reviews (9)
Songs like "Oliver's Army" and "Two Little Hitlers" brimmed with neo-fascist imagery and highly charged sexual/emotional content, yet flourished with pop-hooks. "Accidents Will Happen" portrays a barely apologetic philanderer as he tries to explain the infidelities of his life, and uses one of early Elvis' frequent descriptions of romantic partners as a "victim." (Think of how many times that word appears on his first three albums.) Many of the songs bear unmistakable ominous threatening qualities, like the roar of "Goon Squad," the hushed fear that underscores "Green Shirt" and the implied threat of "they took me in the office and told me very carefully, the ways that I could benefit from death and disability" (from "Senior Service"). Nick Lowe deserves a good deal of the credit for keeping this album in check (and when is he going to get into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?!?!). It is likely his pop sophistication that gave some of "Armed Forces" levity in its darkest points. It is also Lowe's one song - and the first cover to appear on a proper EC album - that brings the relentlessly downward outlook to a more optimistic close. "(What's So Funny About) Peace Love and Understanding" was the kind of song that, once Elvis claimed it as his own, provided a banner to his part during the formation of Rock Against Racism. This is also the CD that most justifies Rhino's double disc reissues of Elvis' work. "Armed Forces" is the kind of album that more than holds its own as a singular entity, and the Ryko release that tacked the bonus selections on the same disc distracted from that sense of "piece" to me. So to have some excellent material on a bonus disc is just cream on the berry. Especially since it includes the entire "Live at Hollywood High" recording as opposed to the three song bonus vinyl that was included in the original album. If it was possible to add a bonus star to an already 5 star album, Rhino managed that trick here. This is the essential "Armed Forces."
I should note here that I don't yet have the CD reissue, though I hope to get it at one point. However, another review has noted an apparent 'skip' (repeating the word 'action') in the middle of the song "Chemistry Class". Whatever flaw this is, it's not a manufacturing flaw of the CD, because my used vinyl copy also has it. In fact, up to the time I read his review, I had thought it was a manufacturing defect of the record. Perhaps it is a flaw of the source copy of the recording used earlier to master the record and more recently to master the CD. ... Read more | |
| 69. To Bring You My Love | |
![]() | list price: $13.98
our price: $13.98 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: B000001E7T Catlog: Music Sales Rank: 10944 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
|
Amazon.com essential recording Reviews (83)
To Bring You My Love is a collection of swampy, slow-burning Southern Gothic blues and erotically charged balladry built around smouldering bottleneck guitars, spooky church organ and distorted keyboard bass. Subtle shades of flamenco, electronic sound effects and classical orchestration from a nicely understated string section further enrich the mix. And Polly's versatile, deep, muscular singing voice has a new power and range that reveals the operatic training she underwent while writing this record. It's just as dark as before, only in a different way. Dry and Rid Of Me were full of youthful anger and reactive, externalised rage. This album sees Harvey growing up and coming of age a lot. There's still some morbid horror and confusion on the record, but less anger. Now she's more concerned with the nature of longing and loneliness, desperate melancholy, a spiritual yearning and existential pain that's harder to define. I think the reason listeners find this album more accessible than her others is simply because it sounds so much more mature and sophisticated. Flood's production is tastefully elegant, giving Harvey's songs room to breathe and echoing his past work with U2, Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails and Smashing Pumpkins. He brings out the space, texture and depth of sound in her songs, and the overall sound is more luxurious and resonant as a result. The exotic atmosphere is rich, vivid and well captured on every track. Also, Harvey projected a playfully seductive image, sexy attitude and elaborate theatrical glamour for this album's videos and tour that made people sit up and take notice. Ultimately though, what makes To Bring You My Love such a masterwork is its raw power and simmering passion, the brooding emotional intensity, the pure heart and guts and soul that pours out nakedly from every note of the record. PJ Harvey sings these ten songs like her life depended on it, and no other modern artist can convey such dizzy extremes of emotion in their music.
Despite the dark and moody veneer (lots of sacrilegious lyrics), the basis of To Bring You My Love is the blues. And you thought that this was spooky-rock. Ain't so. The blues numbers (C'Mon Billy, I Think I'm A Mother) follow the traditional 8 and 16 bar structure, they're just slowed to snail's-pace tempo. Hidden deep within several compositions are some beautiful melodic lines (I know that alternative rock is supposed to violate the convention of "melody," but it's here). 'Working For The Man' has a bass line that will test the floor of any subwoofer. One minor complaint: P J, go get yourself something to eat. Your looking wasted. And an hour in the sun wouldn't hurt either. To Bring You My Love is an crafty and inspired work. While others attempt to do more with more, P J is successful doing more with less (gee I hate the term "minimalist"). Besides, P J adores Patti (To Bring You My Love, Send His Love To Me), and I adore Patti, so it's only natural that I adore P J. Did I say that right?
1. To Bring You My Love--A kind of slow, heavy metal song. A real tension builder complete with an organ. Harvey really throws herself into this song with throaty vocals and dramatic lyrics. "And I'd travel over the dry earth and floods; Hell and Highwater to bring you my love. To bring you my love..." 2. Meet Ze Monsta--A song with growling and snarling guitars that crunch and stomp. This is kind of a fun song, probably one of the faster ones on the album. "Yeah, I'm read to meet ze monster tonight." 3. Working for the Man--This one is interesting. It's has a nice beat but it is so quiet that you can barely hear the lyrics. It's worth trying to find them on-line because they are interesting. The song could easily be about a nun or a prostitute. I've heard claims that it is actually about God. It is eerie though to hear Polly Harvey insisting acquiescently, "I'm just working... for the man," as one gets the impression that Harvey would never let herself be subdued thus. 4. C'mon Billy--This is probably the closest PJ Harvey has ever come to producing a folk/country song. It is very pretty and the premise is probably one of the less complex for a PJ Harvey song--a woman who has given birth to an illegitimate child pleads for her lover to return to see the child he deserted. Harvey sounds heartfelt and affectionately subservient as she begs, "Come home, is my plea, your home now is here with me." 5. Teclo--Probably one of the more interesting tracks on the album. It begins with what sounds like ice being shaken in a glass and then dark, eerie guitar chords kick in. I have no idea what this song is about, but it seems to involve darkness being redeemed by dignity. "I've learned to beg, I've learned to pray, send me his love... Let me rise, let me rise, let me ride on his grace for a while." 6. Long Snake Moan--My personal favorite. Probably the most intense song on the album. It begins with a sort of moan and then guitars just slam in and the song practically explodes. The song almost seems to be daring the listener to enter a personal hell. "You ought to hear my long snake moan." Special sound-effects include the noise of a whip cracking in the background. Who can resist Harvey asking of the listener: "Is my voodoo working?" 7. Down By the Water--My second favorite song and probably the most well-known. This song kind of ambles eerily along, mingling a sense of parental protection with lost innocence. Reportedly the refrain is taken from a Captain Beefheart song, "Little fish, big fish, swimming in the water/ Come back here and bring me my daughter. 8. I Think I'm A Mother--Another dark song with a tension-building guitar opening. The kind of song you could imagine playing on a dark and stormy night. Again, it's a little bit hard to understand what Harvey is saying. Ostensibly, the song seems to be about abortion, but in an interview, Harvey claims she was writing about herself. 9. Send His Love To Me--Another folksy song. Although it's lyrics describe being kept prisoner in a desert away from one's love, the song itself seems almost lighthearted in tone. Reminiscent of C'mon Billy, but good. 10. The Dancer--Frankly, I didn't like this one much. It's supposed to be Flamenco-tinged, but I couldn't tell. It is kind of in the same vein as C'mon Billy and Send His Love To Me, but I did not like it as much. The bird calls in the middle struck me as kind of weird and I didn't know what they were as first. Probably the worst track on the album, but still mediocre. Overall, this album is extraordinary and quite a departure from DRY and RID OF ME. Many people consider this to be Harvey's finest work and it seemed to pave the way for her later albums, most especially my personal favorite, IS THIS DESIRE? Polly Jean Harvey proved that not only could she retain the name of her trio and bring it to new heights, but that she could metamorphose and change herself and her image, while still retaining her edgy, won't-go-quietly roots. Apparently, the strain of this album was too much for Harvey as she suffered a nervous breakdown after this album came out. Fortunately for us, she recovered and managed to use the depth of her pain as fodder for her next album. In the meanwhile, she seems to have found a renewed and permanent happiness.
| |
| 70. Empire Records: The Soundtrack | |
![]() | list price: $11.98
our price: $10.99 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: B000002G3W Catlog: Music Sales Rank: 11722 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
Reviews (91)
Track 1 Gin Blossoms -Till I Hear It From You Other Songs From The Movie The Dirt Clods - Can't Stop Losing Myself Maxwell Caulfield - Say No More (Mon Amour)
This disk contains everything from the one-hit wonder 'Til I Hear It From You' by Gin Blossoms (a well-formed group that produced two very good CDs), to the haunting 'Bright as Yellow' by Innocence Mission. Some notable absences from the soundtrack, though, were Cranberries 'How', Buggles 'Video Killed the Radio Star', Flying Lizards 'Money (That's What I Want)', Dire Straits 'Romeo and Juliet' and Dishwalla's 'Counting Blue Cars', all of which would have only added to this CD. When I first bought this CD, I was primarily a fan of music from Bon Jovi, Tom Cochrane, Bryan Adams, and Corey Hart. This CD gave me a taste of other music, including The Cranberries, Gin Blossoms, and Toad the Wet Sprocket, groups I never would have tried out on my own. Now I have a healthy new collection of interests, thanks to this album. Soundtracks are a great way to get a taste of some bands that are new to an individual, and this album is proof of that rule.
| |
| 71. 0304 | |
![]() | list price: $18.98
our price: $14.99 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: B00008OWZE Catlog: Music Sales Rank: 4455 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
|
Amazon.com Reviews (637)
You can tell by her first single, "Intuition" that this ain't no folk-guitar jamming Jewel, LOL. If you like it, then get the CD cause more of it is on the album. All the songs have catchy hooks....I promise. Her song "America" is dead-on, and it's waaay better than Madonna's "American Life". "2 Find U" is unique, it starts slow, but the courus is fast and fun filled....."Hey you! Do not walk away....let's choose love (c'mon, what do ya say?)" Overall, it's very refreshing from all that "accoustic folk" we're used to. Many classic Jewel fans are complaining, "She's a sell out!" Well, SHE'S NOT. She's just grown as an artist, trying new sounds. Maybe some of her bashing critics should be more open.....and at least "Grow Up" too!! :P PS I'm not 5 yrs old, I'm 24. (I didn't wanna give my email out to Amazon.com :P)
"Stand" is the first song and is a great way to kick off the album. It talks about the sadness of the world we live in, how some poor people spend money on drugs and alcohol, there's a lot of violence, and other horrible things. She also mentions how we can come together and make a change! I really liked "2 Find U" because it talked about the problems of relationships. Though there are mistakes that we make with our boyfriend or girlfriend, we have two choices when fights or things like that happen: 1) we can let the pain win and walk away forever, or 2) we can give eachother a clean slate & start over. Jewel asks for a clean slate in this song, it's very bittersweet. Her voice is so cutesy in "Fragile Heart," it's funny! She uses simple sentences and the childlike sound of her voice makes it amusing to me: "If you want my heart, you have to promise not to tear it apart, 'cause my heart has been hurt a lot." It's a cautionary song letting someone know she's had lots of pain in the past and doesn't want that now. I must say that "Haunted" gave me goosebumps when I first heard it, and still does!!! Though Jewel's liner notes say it's about a stalker (which makes sense if you look at the lyrics), I like to think it's a very dark song about someone who Jewel wants revenge against. She describes how she will "come to you in the still of the night" and "crush you with the burden of sight." The music is very creepy and slick, adding to the frightful feel of the song. There's also a little clock ticking in the background, making it all the more paranoid and intense! Remind me not to make her mad! :-) "Yes U Can" is a song that really doesn't have much meat to it lyrically, but is very fun to listen to! It describes a club scene with cowboys and 'naughty girls.' It's tongue-in-cheek I think, kind of playing on words and stuff. Very good song! I think "America" might be my favorite song on this album. It talks about the imperfections of our country, from the fact that our president wants us to 'shed blood in the name of liberty' to the deteriorating quality of TV shows. She doesn't just blast America, though, she admits that although she wants to change it she wouldn't leave it if she could. Yes, Jewel's sound is altered here on this electronic album. But don't think it's crap because of that; like I said, in my opinion it enhances her greatness. Though there are some very computerized songs, there are also ones that are closer to her acoustic style on "This Way." I would strongly encourage every Jewel fan to give this album an honest listen! I think it'll be worth it! ... Read more | |
| 72. Polaroids: A Greatest Hits Collection | |
![]() | list price: $18.98
our price: $13.99 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: B00064AFJG Catlog: Music Sales Rank: 1421 US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
| 73. Little Plastic Castle | |
![]() | list price: $16.98
our price: $13.99 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: B0000058MY Catlog: Music Sales Rank: 4286 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
|
Amazon.com Reviews (101)
For Ani fans, [shame on you if you haven't gotten it yet ;) ] this will be a very different experience from her earlier days. The sounds are more "modern" -- more than just her guitar and beautiful voice. For newcomers to her music; this is a great album, but not indicative of most of her earlier music. If you want to hear the folk, get "Puddle Dive" or the first album. All of her albums are amazing in their own ways. Overall, a great album, although her sounds get a tad repetitive for the --very selective listener.-- I like it a lot -- and I was satisifed paying full price for it. Get it -- you won't be dissapointed -- Ani is truly a gem.
As for this album being more mainstream? It's no more mainstream sounding than any of ther other albums. More people just happen to know about her, so in that respect it has higher visibilty. But the music will not be confused with the Spice Girls any time soon. This album has a lot more pure misses than most of Ani's albums, which tend to be about 30% great, 50% good, and 20% garbage. This album is about 0% great, 50% good, and 50% crap. These words are pure sacrilege to Ani fans, but as a music fan (as opposed to those who worship Ms. Difranco's boot straps) I really can't recommend this album. If you are new to Ani, and are looking to check her out, "Not a Pretty Girl" is a good place to start. But ideally you should see her in concert before you buy anything. Ani is talented, and that comes across much more live, than on her albums. But quite frankly, I just don't need to know quite so much about how she is dealing with fame. And i suspect that there about about 8 people that identify with her on this album, where 80% have on previous albums. This is an album all about her fame. And the musical end isn't so great either. Stay away
The lyrics are still just as good -- but don't buy it expecting the old Ani ... you have to love it as something completely new. And I DID love it! The songs are made not more watery, but more powerful by the elaborate compositions. The topics capture so many sides of life -- from the pretty to the dark. One song urges rude people to "just suck up and be nice". Another song, whose entire atmosphere tells of a desperate hour proclaims, "If you think you know what I'm doing wrong, you're gonna have to get in line." GRAVEL has a catchy, hardcore beat and really gets across the humor in having an ex that you just seem to keep taking back, no matter what he does. And it all leads up to the climax -- the final song -- that is more of a hypnotic symphony than a song. It only has a few spoken words -- the rest it says in its swaying rhythm -- but it is absolutely powerful. An expected pinnacle. The first song or two on the album are just warm-ups. Skip past them to really delve into the riches of this outstanding record. This album is not to be missed by anyone who likes true-to-the-heart, poignant, powerful experimental music.
| |
| 74. The Covers Record | |
![]() | list price: $11.98
our price: $10.99 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: B00004NHDY Catlog: Music Sales Rank: 8933 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
|
Amazon.com Reviews (43)
Chan Marshall, however, manages to do it right on this album. Just listen to what she does on the opening track, with the Rolling Stones' "Satisfaction." Just as you get over the confusion of the song sounding completely different, Chan's voice kicks in and says, "for the next half hour, these songs are mine." And once you hear her beautiful version of "Sea of Love", all harp and creaky voice, you should agree. It's a perfect late night, sitting around smoking cigarettes kind of album.
| |
| 75. Moon Pix | |
![]() | list price: $11.98
our price: $10.99 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: B000009VOL Catlog: Music Sales Rank: 10007 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
Reviews (62)
Grade: A+
Thankfully, in traditional indie fashion, this work has been left intentionally underproduced, with a few precious anomalies left in for good measure. This provides an intimate feel which allows the artist and her songs to show through. A hauntingly beautiful voice, intelligent lyrics, and strong emotion do make the cut here... If you like this album you may want to take a listen to Low -- who pioneered sparse pop genre.
Spooky and off-kilter, this album is maudlin the best way. Chan Marshall (is that her name?) adopts a kind of child-visionary persona, delivering an idiosyncratic mixture of surreal, direct, and insinuating lyrics that are enough to rend your heart the more you hear them. Her voice is husky yet pure at the same time, and she's at her best with minimal instrumentation, just stark vocals and a muffled guitar, sounding like the saddest, most hopeful person on earth singing to herself in an empty room. If you know what I mean... | |
| 76. To Venus & Back | |
![]() | list price: $19.98
our price: $14.99 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: B00001IVJS Catlog: Music Sales Rank: 9223 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
|
Amazon.com Reviews (404)
As for the second disc, I have never really liked live albums (why should i pay to hear the same songs i already love played differently with all that background noise?) but of course they do add a sense of 'being at the concert'. If you like live albums you'll probably like the second disc. But listening to tori sing 'little earthquakes' live, immediatly prompted me to stop in the middle of the song, and put in the original cd. Well, there's my two cents on To Venus and Back. I give the album 3 1/2 stars. If you're new to Tori, start with Little Earthquakes or Boys For Pele instead.
Five years after its release, it feels like the time is perhaps more ripe for these studio songs. She was most definitely ahead of her time when she recorded tracks as experimental as the electronic-based "Datura," "Lust," "Glory Of The 80s," "Concertina" or "Juarez", to be found in here, all of which add a new dimension to her typically-more-acoustic-based work. It'd always been a pleasant experience to listen to the live renditions of some of Tori's classics, along with the unique "Cooling", which I hadn't heard prior to this release. But paying close attention to the 'new' tracks has given new life to this production by one of my favorite contemporary artists and composers of all times.
GET IT STRAIGHT IN YOUR MINDS PEOPLE. TORI IS NOT GOING TO MAKE "LITTLE EARTHQUAKES: THE SEQUAL" SO GET OVER IT & STOP ANALYZING EVERY SINGLE THING ABOUT EVERY OTHER RECORD SHE DOES & SAYING THAT SHE SOLD OUT! THIS IS AMAZING, & REAL MUSIC, ENJOY IT!!!! ... Read more | |
| 77. Imperial Bedroom | |
![]() | list price: $17.98
our price: $13.99 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: B0000787FH Catlog: Music Sales Rank: 9709 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
Reviews (14)
This reissue has stunning sound, complete liner notes by EC, complete lyrics as well as a second disc that includes the bonus tracks from the Ryko release. Add to that the alternate takes, demos and you have a reissue worth having. Price as a single disc collection, Imperial Bedroom is well worth purchasing again just to have all the extra
Granted, "Almost Blue," and "Beyond Belief," rank right up there with Costello's best, the album stays on the surface slick and sleepy, torchy and touched. Granted it was hard to live up to the expectations set forth by making a Rolling Stones top 100 list, but with the likes of Elvis Costello it was possible. I believe you should give Costello his due...the man is ultra-talented and knows his way around a song. But unless you are drawn to the more pop-ish polished side of Elvis, go elsewhere. If you need some "Peace, Love, and Understanding," and don't mind some of the sameness give "Imperial Bedroom," a whirl. Just don't get your expectations up too high unless you are a "Seal," crossed with Burt Bacharach fan. If you are...first seek counseling...next get Imperial Bedroom...it's only bound to make the condition exasperated. Not bad for a sleepy Friday night date under candle-light but other than that the Bed ain't spinning, it's imperial after all.
I don't think that Ol' Blue Eyes even bothered to listen to anything on this album--seriously doubt it. But for my money, just for the first few songs alone, this cd is worth every penny.
| |
| 78. Rid of Me | |
![]() | list price: $14.98
our price: $14.98 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: B000001DYD Catlog: Music Sales Rank: 6830 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
Reviews (67)
The focus of most of this album is love and the feelings it evokes. And most of these feelings aren't good. The first song "Rid of Me" has a wonderful explosion in it with PJ singing lines such as, "I'll make you lick my injuries..". "Missed" is so beautifully sad and lyrically brilliant. And very melodic. At this point my favorite song is the next one, "Legs". PJ takes her vocals to new limits as she moans, pleads, torments, and threatens. Other highlight songs are "Rub til It Bleeds", the funky "Me-Jane", "Yuri-G", and the rocking "50FT Queenie". I most highly recommend this album and I hope it brings as much ecstasy to your life as it has mine.
I give this album my highest recommendation. If you like your music raw and intense, then you should definitely check this album out. I listened to it every morning for about a month. Believe me, it really wakes you up and gets you ready for the day!
| |
| 79. Welcome to the Cruel World | |
![]() | list price: $11.98
our price: $10.99 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: B000000W4U Catlog: Music Sales Rank: 4141 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
|
Amazon.com Harper's singing is the biggest problem. He mumbles his vocals with so little articulation and within such a narrow range that he makes Bob Dylan sound like Al Green by comparison. Moreover, Harper's overall performance is so low in energy that he makes the laid-back Cowboy Junkies sound like the Sex Pistols. His songwriting and guitar picking reveals hints of a modest talent, but they aren't nearly special enough to compensate for the narcotic effect of his singing. The heavy-handed Rodney King song, the adaptation of a Maya Angelou poem and the broken-hearted love songs are more likely to recall Chapman's disappointing second album rather than her exhilarating first. --Geoffrey Himes Reviews (56)
Anyway,Welcome to the Cruel World introduces the listener to the honest, soulful songwriting that has since become a trademark of Harper's craft. Some of the songs are uncompromisingly political (Like A King, How Many Miles Must We March), some are deeply introspective and personal (Pleasure and Pain, Walk Away, the title track), some display a tasteful, mature outlook on love (Waiting On An Angel, Forever) and even some songs showcase a lighter, more playful side (Breakin' Down, Mama's Got a Girlfriend Now). The musicianship on this album is first-rate. Harper's guitar playing, especially his slide work, is truly inspiring. The backing musicians complement him nicely without overwhelming the feel of the songs. Overall, Welcome to the Cruel World should be the album to get for the uninitiated. For those who only know Ben Harper from his "Faded" and "Steal My Kisses" singles that were occaisonally shown on MTV2 will find him to be one of the best kept musical secrets of the 90's.
Please realise ben's depth of styles and the way he implements his own view of the world. Very honest and very talented. Pleasure and Pain, Walk Away, The Three of Us, Waiting On An Angel, the list goes on. I think the true difficulty of writing simple music is by making it catch and sound good. Wainting on An Angel is not a difficult one to write but very difficult to put aside. Peace
| |
| 80. Lapalco | |
![]() | list price: $13.98
our price: $13.98 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: B000060OLF Catlog: Music Sales Rank: 21937 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
|
Amazon.com Reviews (28)
A great collection of simple pop songs with brilliant melody.
| |
| 61-80 of 200 Back 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next 20 |