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After a quarter-century of punk and postmodern excesses, it's always something of a surprise to find young musicians who not only recall a past era's musical indulgences, but also revel in them. This Lava Records debut is the latest fruit of Porcupine Tree mainstay Steven Wilson's obsession with prog, a mania that dates to the late '80s when the "band" was little more than a fantasy, though one with a remarkably imaginative--if entirely fictional--history and bio. But that pipedream eventually became a real "alt prog" cult fave, with these dozen ambitious songs finding a focus that occasionally eluded the band on half-hour soundscapes like its underground hit, "Voyage 34." Tracks like "Gravity Eyelids" have a retro-psychedelic feel that would have done the XTC alter ego Dukes of Stratosphear proud, with Wilson's pure melodic tenor pushing it beyond the merely baroque. But the collection is also a strong statement of another crucial Wilson/Porcupine retro-sensibility: The album has unified musical statement. "Lips of Ashes" and "Prodigal" serve up the sort of impressionistic, harmony-rich musings that Pink Floyd has rarely managed since Wish You Were Here, while "The Creator Has a Master Tape" punctuates the rich harmonies of tracks like "Heart Attack in a Layby" with Crimson-esque metallic thrash and processed vocals. While the band's instrumental prowess sometimes slums its way into the free-form jazz noodling of past efforts, the album remains one of the band's fullest achievements. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (177)

"Black the sky, weapons fly..."
I have always heard of the name Porcupine Tree when I started getting into the modern-day progressive rock bands, but I had never heard anything by them and was skeptical whether or not they'd be any good. A few weeks ago, I bought a copy of their latest album IN ABSENTIA and was intrigued by the sound clips. This was some really heavy stuff, yet further info led me to discover that PT were a more mellow prog band on their earlier albums. You would never guess that from the blistering opening track "Blackest Eyes."

What Porcupine Tree have done on IN ABSENTIA is a truly remarkable achievement. By bridging the gap between old-school prog. rock and modern-day progressive metal and throwing in some melodic pop/rock for good measure, they have created a totally unique sound. There are some stunningly beautiful moments on this album, and some of the most intense moments I've ever heard. Yet, it always remains consistent and the album flows incredibly well. How else can you explain that the gorgeous "Heartattack in a Layby" is followed by the dark and punishing "Strip the Soul"?

The album begins with the aforementioned "Blackest Eyes," which expertly combines big, crunchy metal riffs with catchy harmonies and stellar acoustics. The song smoothly segues into "Trains," my personal favorite off the record. This track just might be the greatest pop song ever written. The two solos - one on acoustic guitar and the other on banjo - fit in perfectly, and Steve Wilson's vocals are heartbreaking and emotional, especially when you read the lyrics. After this great one-two punch, the song quality continues.

The excellent "The Sound of Muzak" is a slashing commentary on today's music industry, with clever lyrics and solid drumming. The 8-minute epic "Gravity Eyelids" starts off slowly with some innovative ambient samples and soundscapes that mesh wonderfully with Wilson's dry vocals, and around the 4 minute mark, a seriously heavy riff kicks in and the band rocks out for the remainder of the track until the ambience is repeated again at the end. The complex instrumental "Wedding Nails" is another rocking highlight, sounding like Black Sabbath and King Crimson jamming in the studio together. Nobody seems to have mentioned the beautiful ".3," but I think it's a mesmerizing, hypnotic song that conveys a lot of emotion through it's two lines of lyrics than anything else (one of them is my review title).

Unlike a lot of prog bands, Porcupine Tree's musicianship is used to serve the song rather than merely show off, but they still play great. The drummer Gavin Harrison is an absolute monster, laying down some killer grooves and playing some pretty speedy fills, especially on the industrial-like "The Creator Has a Mastertape." The guitar work is also fantastic. The tone and feel the riffs and solos are absolutely astonishing. The production is also top-notch, courtesy of Wilson as well, who also produced the last three Opeth albums (guess that's what inspired him to have the guitars heavier this time around).

IN ABSENTIA is a solid slab of classic progressive rock and deserves to be in everybody's collection. I don't use the word "masterpiece" very often, but that's what this album is. Once you own it, you'll feel the same way.

The BEST album of 2002!!
What can I say about the best album of 2002? Simple-it's the best album of 2002! Porcupine Tree has continued to amaze me with each of their releases. In fact, they are hands down my current favorite band.

"In Absentia" is clearly Porcupine Tree's heaviest album to date. Steven Wilson, after producing extreme metal band Opeth, has obviously brought his love of metal into the PT sound more than ever. From the opening crunching guitars in "Blackest Eyes," to the hard-edged instrumental, "Wedding Nails," this album will please the fans of harder rock while not threatening or discouraging those who like calmer music. The lighter side of PT is still there however, and the spaced out vibe and psychedelic influences have not left the band all together. These more laid back moments, mixed with the heaviness, make for a truly interesting, unique and powerful record.

What else would you expect from Porcupine Tree? Here's a band that has continued to evolve and change-never recording the same album twice. They push the limits and pre-conceived notions of todays rock while creating experimental, yet quite accessible music. This one-time solo project turned into a full-fledged band three records ago and now, this once underground, progressive, rock band has potential for major commercial success as "In Absentia" is Porcupine Tree's major label debut. Once Lava officially releases that all-important first single--watch out! This band's going to explode!

Porcupine Tree is, hands down, one of the most exciting things to happen to rock in years. There aren't enough great things I can say about all aspects of this group. From their early and odd beginning material, to the more accessible albums like "Stupid Dream" and this new record, Porcupine Tree is going to be a huge force to reckon with in 2003. They are simply the best rock band currently making music. This may be a bold statement, but once you discover the Tree for yourself, you'll understand!

It's just ok.
I am having a hard time understanding the buzz around this band. This is honestly an average album. NEUROSIS and TOOL have been making the same brand of music for about 15 years now. Porcupine Tree just doesn't stand up to these legendary bands, and in fact, they're boring by comparison. Not dark enough, not tough enough, not raw enough: this is basically standard commercial alternative rock. I wouldn't be surprised to hear any of these tracks released on commercial radio. That's basically what this album is; a collection of slightly above-average radio songs. I guess if you're bored and looking for something new, this album will surely please. But even the MINISTRY are producing better stuff than this right now. "In Abstentia" is an album I own on DVD-audio and I'm glad I do, but it's not as alternative, bizarre, or exciting as you may be hoping for. Check out stuff by the other three bands I mentioned first, or even by Mars Volta or Sigur Ros. Porcupine Tree just isn't on that level, hopefully they will be someday.

Amazon,Make it apparent this is a DVD
Amazon you guys DO NOT make it apparent at all this is a DVD you
A.Sell it in your CD area
and B.Do not imply in anyway it is a DVD.
Yes though Steven Wilson=Genius still not what I was looking for since it was a DVD it IS in fact an extraordinary DVD and I love it problem is,I'm travelling and kinda wanted to hear this cd.

Good first big-label release
Being a fan of Porcupine Tree for a few years, I was waiting in anticipation for their first release on Lava Records. Up to the official release, I read comments from longtime PT fans about how this was the end because PT signed with a big-label so in their eyes that automatically means they've "sold out". Nice to know bands aren't supposed to have a decent livelihood in order to please their hardcore fans.

Anyway, after giving In Absentia a listen, I was impressed. Did it sound a little more "mainstream" than what they've released in the past? Perhaps, but the result of this big-label release is that new listeners are now intrigued with what the group has produced in the past, and that's the whole point to signing to a bigger label: produce new music and at the same time have the ability to attract a larger audience that an independent label can't do, and in turn gets them curious about what you've previously done.

Anyway, back to the album itself. In Absentia definitely has a harder sound. Steven Wilson has said that he gets unfluenced by everything around him, and death metal was one of them. The harder metal sound is evident in songs like Blackest Eyes, Gravity Eyelids, Wedding Nails, and Strip the Soul. Some elements of what they've done in the past are still evidence such as the track .3, and Mr. Wilson even takes a jab at the music industry itself with the track The Sound of Muzak.

Overall, the album is still far better than much of the bs that comes out of the music world in this day and age. With so much coming just so it's listenable on MTV, it's nice to see that some groups don't fall into that trap. Porcupine Tree releasing material in a bigger label is here to stay, so deal with it. I definitely look forward to their next release. ... Read more

Album Description

This Super Audio Compact Disc (SACD) recording offers high-resolution sound and is playable on both standard CD players and SACD-compatible devices. ... Read more

Reviews (41)

Great remastering of Abkco compilation!
I picked this up to see how well the new remastering sounded on the Stones remastering/reissue project. I do not have a SACD compatible player but the sound on a regular player is also much better. It is not nearly as muddy sounding and stereo versions of some the songs were used instead of mono. Just listen to the better clarity of Charlie Watt's drumming on cuts like "Get Off My Cloud" and "Honky Tonk Women". Bill Wyman's bass never sounded better on "19th Nervous Breakdown". The backing vocals on "You Can't Always Get What You Want" and Mary Clayton's vocals on "Gimme Shelter" are much clearer. Brian Jones sitar on "Paint It Black" sounds great. Bobby Key's sax break on "Brown Sugar" is in your face. The marimba on "Under My Thumb" and extra percussion on "Sympathy For The Devil" sounds much better and "Jumpin' Jack Flash" sounds incredible. The songs themselves are the legendary hits from the "greatest rock and roll band in the world." Some people have suggested that casual fans should pass on this and wait for the new "40 Licks" 2 cd set to come out. I recommend picking this up as well. There are many songs on this set which are not included on that set and in addition I do not know if the new remastering will be used on that set. The only drawback is that for a 2 cd set the time is rather skimpy (around 85 minutes). They should have added some more cuts to this set. For example cuts like "Little Red Rooster", "You Better Move On" and were included on the British versions of "Big Hits" and "Through The Past Darkly" respectively but not on the US versions or "More Hot Rocks". Also the single "I Wanna Be Your Man" was not included on "Hot Rocks" or "More Hot Rocks". However, if you can only afford one Stones set this is definately the one to get. You also might want to add "More Hot Rocks" which includes many more great cuts not included on the first "Hot Rocks" set along with some rarities. Kudos to the remastering job!

As good as any Stones compiliation is likely to get.
If I was looking to point a casual fan toward a Rolling Stones retrospective, I'd completely pass on Forty Licks and tell them to go for Hot Rocks, without question.

Everybody knows that 1964-1971 were the golden years for the Stones, and this compilation, which deftly selected the hits from that era, is damn good stuff. All the landmark material is accounted for--Get Off Of My Cloud, Paint It Black, Let's Spend The Night Together, Gimme Shelter, Jumpin' Jack Flash, Street Fighting Man, Sympathy For The Devil, a live cut of Midnight Rambler, and of course, (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction. Although this will not satisfy diehard fans and I wish a few other songs were included (Stray Cat Blues, the Ya-Ya version of Carol, Sister Morphine, She's A Rainbow, 2000 Man) everything here is grade-A gritty blues rock. The second disc could very well stand alone, it's that good.

As far as the SACD remasters are concerned, they are a massive improvement over the original remasters in every conceivable way. And don't believe the naysayers who claim the new versions are not compatible with PCs--they are.

If you have this and Exile On Main Street, you're set as a casual fan. Completists will want the individual albums, but Hot Rocks does a damn good job of capturing the Stones at their finest before old age and drug abuse set in. Recommended.

Best of the Best-Ofs
I first got this record about the time it first came out, in foot-wide flying-saucer vinyl, in 1972. (You know what I miss about vinyl? The huge, vivid jackets!) It was the first rock record I ever purchased; at the time I'd heard like three Stones cuts ("Ruby Tuesday"; "Satisfaction"; "The Last Time"...and maybe "I Wanna Be Your Man"...or was that the Beatles' version...?), had heard tons of Beatles music, and was more of a Beatles than a Stones fan. Hot Rocks changed that very, very quickly. It's still, and always will be, the best available introduction to the Rolling Stones.

I've heard a number of reviewers grouse, with cause, about the two-disc format. (In vinyl, necessary, plus it generated more jacket material/cover art! CD? Come ON. If you can get "Exile on Main Street" on one disc, you can do it here too.) I've heard others argue for a merger of "Hot Rocks" and "More Hot Rocks." A two-CD set of the two records? A blow for music fans everywhere. (Make the CD case bigger! COVER ART!)

But please don't talk about merging these in the name of "dropping filler." For one thing (COVER ART!), both of these records had incredible, well, cover art. None of it should be lost. More importantly: each of these holds together better not only than anyone else's Greatest Hits, but also better than most made-to-be-together studio collections. The sequencing is impeccable; and the records really do represent the band's best work. Most of it, anyway.

You will know whether or not you are a Stones Fan after a few good listens to this one (and "More"). I went on to buy pretty much every studio record they did between 1965 and 1990. But I didn't need and haven't bought any more hits collections. "Hot Rocks" (and "More") will do you. The Stones' post-"Exile" work really doesn't support any collections. (An occasional gem -- "Goats Head Soup," "Steel Wheels," one or two others -- surfaces from the murk. But the album must be bought. The best of post-"Exile" Stones can't be had on any collection.) I heard it suggested by an "Exile" reviewer that for the rock fan who just wants the best of the Stones, "HR" and "Exile" would be sufficient. It would be hard to argue, if one insists on being casual. But beware. You are more likely to become hooked. And this is a good -- a very good -- thing.

Audiophiles, fire away. I rarely listen to "HR" and "More" now; I have the studio albums. But when I put them on, boy does it take me back, and make me feel good. It's like they were cut by the group itself in the studio, no middleman no marketing, meant to sound that way. On vinyl, CD, SACD, tin cans, whatever. Long live the Rolling Stones. And they'll always start here.

Classic Stones
The Rolling Stones were the original Bad Boys of rock. The Beatles and other groups of the early and mid-60s had a clean-cut image that The Rolling Stones deliberately flaunted with their facial expressions, appearance, and blues-influenced music that lyrically was more challenging than most other popular contemporary groups. The closest contemporary group to The Rolling Stones was Aerosmith, before they too became more commercial. Now so many groups attempt to affect a bad boy image that the image has been watered down and no longer has much meaning. But in the 60s, The Rolling Stones were the definition of rebellion and thinly veiled sexuality.

This collection of hits recalls The Rolling Stones at their most rebellious and cutting edge. In the still relatively proper (read Victorian-like) year of 1965 the song "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" bordered on being scandalous. When the boys sang with their shirts open with movements that pushed beyond Elvis Presley, you knew that these lads were something different. Later songs such as "Let's Spend the Night Together" pretty much threw the remnant of a veil away.

As The Rolling Stones moved into the late 60s their music changed steadily, frequently anticipating the direction of music. The ubiquitous sitar of psychedelic 60s music makes an incredible appearance in "Paint It, Black." Their music became heavily blues influenced in songs like "You Can't Always Get What You Want" and "Wild Horse." The vocals on the last song particularly were heavy, plaintive and emotional, very different from The Stones early music.

The re-mastering of this CD onto SACD will likely be a big plus for neo-audiophiles. The clarity of the sound is excellent. Many early recordings sound one-dimensional because of the quality of the masters. This production benefits from a lot of editing work as the earliest recordings sound very good with no indication of hiss or other defects that often creep into forty year old master tapes.

There is an on-going debate over the value of this CD versus "40 Licks." I do not have "40 Licks," which is also a fine CD. Many of the songs on this CD are represented on "40 Licks." However, "40 Licks" seems to me to belie the original Stones bad boy image because of the inclusion of so many commercial songs from the later decades of their career. "Hot Rocks" still provides the illusion of the original Bad Boy Stones at their 60s anti-establishment rebellious best. "40 Licks" is too commercial for the bad boy image to be other than a commercial façade. Understanding the flavor you get from each CD, pick the one that fits what you want to hear.

The Rolling Stones were heavily influential in the 60s. The music on this CD represents that influence, and shows The Rolling Stones during their most consistently creative and stylistically unique best. This CD is a valuable recording for any collector of Rolling Stones music or cutting edge music of the 60s.

If you want classic Stones, look no further
This two CD compilation still stands as the best representation of the Rolling Stones during their glory years. Even if you have no Stones albums, I'm sure you've heard several of these songs, namely "Satisfaction," "Paint it Black," or my personal favorite Stones song "Jumpin' Jack Flash." It's all here.

There's no doubt that the years 1964 to 1971 were the best years for the Rolling Stones. Sure, they put out some great singles in the years since, and at least two killer records (Some Girls and Steel Wheels come to mind), but overall, the Stones were at their very best during this era. These songs are mostly arranged in chronological order, so you can easily see the Stones' transformation from bad boy Beatles rivals to a sharp, biting blues-rock band poised to conquer the world. By the second disk, the songs take on a much more noticeable complexity, such as the sitar parts in "Paint it Black" to the social commentary of "Sympathy For the Devil" and "Street Fighting Man," all concluding with the brilliant "Brown Sugar" and "Wild Horses," both of which were taken from the Sticky Fingers album, which I believe is one of the Stones' best.

Echoes of the band's Beatles rivalry are present in several of the early songs here, the similarity between the beat of "Get Off My Cloud" to that of "Twist and Shout" (even if the Beatles were covering the Isley Brothers), the Stones' answer to "Yesterday," the acoustic song "As Tears Go By," which also features a string quartet coming in around the second verse. Actually, though, the Stones wrote "Tears" a year before the Beatles did "Yesterday," and gave it to Marianne Faithfull, who had a hit with it. After the Bealtes did their song, the Stones changed the arrangement and released their version. They weren't ripping off or anything; that was the game back then, you had to stay with current musical trends if you wanted to survive. That aside, the Stones' early stuff proved to influential in its own right; garage bands everywhere attempted to emulate songs like "Satisfaction." The Stones were one of the leading bands of the British Invasion, and for good reason. Many of the songs on the first disc prove why.

On the second disk, we see the Stones shift gears, incorporating psychedelic elements into their work (again, the sitar in "Paint it Black"), and shortly after going back to their rootsy sound that they would largely stick with for the rest of their career.

Most of my favorite cuts are from the second disk, although I do like early songs such as "Mother's Little Helper" and "Play With Fire." I would have liked to have seen "The Last Time," "Stray Cat Blues," and the Bo Diddley-Buddy Holly pastiche "Not Fade Away" be included, because they were great songs, but overall, though, for anyone who is a newcomer to the Stones or just a casual fan (like I am), then this disk is really the best way to get started. Don't let the fact that this is a 2 disc CD scare you off...it's worth every penny. If you are interested in checking out the Stones, this won't dissapoint. ... Read more

Reviews (63)

Thank you Bob Seger !
Okay....some of you guys are being a bit too picky on your reviews here...but that's what makes doing this fun ! Bob Seger "Greatest Hits 2" fills some gaps in the first hits set ... it also has some gems from movie soundtracks...and some great album cuts ! Yes...there are STILL many great songs missing...but it's smart business...there probably will be a "Greatest Hits 3"...and Capitol...all of you...and myself know we will definitely buy it won't we ?

The gems include "Shame On The Moon"....the origional studio versions of "Katmandu" and "Beautiful Loser"... they belong here...if you like them live...there's "Live Bullet" ! Also here..."Sunspot Baby"..."New Coat Of Paint...and "Manhattan". Of course three movie soundtrack songs that aren't on any of Bob's albums are here. Although "Shakedown" isn't one of my favorites...it has grown on me a bit ! The two new songs are average...but if you're a Bob Seger fan...this is great stuff ! Chill a 12 in the fridge...put both "hits" cd's in your player...program what you want in the order you want...and enjoy !

For those yearning for a boxed set...I'm in radio...and there WAS supposed to be one relesed several years ago or so called "Silver Seger" if I remember correctly.I have the "sample" disc featuring 5 songs...but for whatever reason...it didn't happen...not yet at least ! Order this one right now...enjoy it...and don't let missing cuts get you down...I reiterate that a third hits compilation is probably a good bet...Bob Seger has recorded so much GREAT music !

Wow! Another set of Seger's best!
Today I finally bought the sequel to 1994's GREATEST HITS. But there is one flaw:the last two of the sixteen tracks are not listed on the CD. This album features showtunes. SHAKEDOWN from the movie Beverly Hills Cop 2,UNDERSTANDING from Teachers, and CHANCES ARE with Martina McBride from Hope Floats. There are 2 new songs,TOMORROW and SATISFIED. TRYIN' TO LIVE MY LIFE WITHOUT YOU is a live track from NINE TONIGHT recorded at Boston Garden on October 6,1980. All the other tracks were previously released on Bob Seger albums(this includes the track from NINE TONIGHT). Anybody who owns GREATEST HITS will eventually buy a copy of GREATEST HITS 2. The CD also offers a bonus: the music video for TURN THE PAGE.

THE BEAUTIFUL LOSER MAKES GOOD
As with his first collection of Greatest Hits, I find myself thinking that this album just does not do Bob Seger justice. Yes, a lot of great stuff is here-but somehow the greatness of the man is missed.

Bob Seger is one of our own here in the Midwest. For years he toured extensively putting on one hell of a show; but he could not break out nationally. Then he came very close with BEAUTIFUL LOSER. Having got the scent of becoming known across the country in a big way, Seger then released LIVE BULLET and NIGHT MOVES. Suddenly Seger was the hot ticket with a deep back catalogue of records in the past. Several of those albums were cleaned up and re-released where an eager audience quickly snapped them up.

Unfortunately, Seger's last good album was LIKE A ROCK back in 1986. He released a few more albums that didn't quite hit it and then he went home to raise his children for a while. This collection seems to sew up some loose ends. Some of the remaining classic songs that were not on the first collection are presented here along with some non-album songs done for movies. Along with these are two new songs made especially for this collection.

Don't get me wrong: this is a very fine collection. If you don't know Bob Seger, then by all means get this CD along with his first GREATEST HITS. But if you want to get a better flavor of this great rock artist, I would recommend any of the following:

LIVE BULLET (1976)---Seger's first "live" album and in many regards his best.
NIGHT MOVES (1976)-The classic Bob Seger album of all time.
AGAINST THE WIND (1980)-Many overlook this album but it contains many of Seger's most memorable songs.
LIKE A ROCK (1986)-Seger's last great album. Really rocks. Remembered mostly for its title song but the rest of the album is just as good.

If you're like me, these four CDs will make you hunger for more and so you might end up getting the rest of Seger's CDs. If not, you still will have an excellent CD or two for your record collection. But maybe you're not that interested in getting that deep into the "ancient rock cannon". Short of getting an actual Bob Seger album, there is nothing wrong and everything right in getting this CD and the first GREATEST HITS. Bob will understand.

Helping round out first hits volume
In an Amazon.com review I wrote a couple of years ago about Bob Seger's first "Greatest Hits" CD, I of course applauded the music there but lamented the fact that certain songs were missing. Specifically, here is what I said about songs I would like to see on a "volume 2":

"...For starters, I would like to see the movie songs "Understanding" and the # 1 "Shakedown" included, as they aren't anywhere else besides their respective sound tracks. As for other album songs, I'd like to see most if not all of the following: "Katmandu" (live version), "Travellin' Man", "Beautiful Loser", "Rock And Roll Never Forgets", "The Fire Down Below", "Feel Like A Number", "The Horizontal Bop", "Her Strut", "Fire Lake", "Let It Rock", "Even Now", "Shame On The Moon", "American Storm", and maybe even "The Real Love" and "Lock And Load" off of his two '90's albums of all new material...."

Based on this, how should I grade the actual volume 2 release? In all, 8 of the 17 songs I recommended in the version I specified are on this collection. Another "half a song" credit can go to the classic "Katmandu"; while I prefer the live version, at least it was put on here. So I guess you could say that in my opinion of two years ago they got it exactly half right (8 1/2 of 17 songs "requested" made it to this compilation).

In reality, much of the best of what I hoped for is here. First of all, I was foolish to leave the tracks "Sunspot Baby" and the live "Tryin' To Live My Life Without You" off of my list two years ago--they are both great tracks included on this collection. The two movie songs I mentioned, plus a third relatively recent one that I didn't even know about ("Chances Are"--a nice, if generic, duet pop ballad), are here. I was really happy to see rockers like "The Fire Down Below", "Her Strut", and of course "Rock And Roll Never Forgets" included. "Beautiful Loser" is a worthy classic from right before Bob became really big on the pop charts. "Shame On The Moon" and "Fire Lake" are great top 10 hits to include. The later material is misrepresented, as "New Coat Of Paint" and "Manhattan" should be replaced with "The Real Love" and "Lock And Load" off of the two 1990's albums the former tracks were taken from (as stated in my review of two years ago). The two new tracks at the end, "Satisifed" and "Tomorrow" are both surprisingly solid rock tracks--not ballads, proving that Bob may still have a bit of rock left in him.

If you have volume 1, get this for a more complete picture of the legendary Bob Seger. It's not perfect, but--as at least one other reviewer said--what compilation is for someone with this long a career? Enjoy it for what it is--and if you need more Bob buy his old original albums. Most if not all of his material is highly recommended for true classic rock fans. This collection is recommended to "round out" the first Greatest Hits CD. Throw in a video for the classic "Turn The Page" on the enhanced CD, and my overall grade of this album is actually closer to 4 1/2 stars.

Contains a lot of rare material
I'm so pleased this CD has been released. This disc contains all the songs that were missing, obviously, from Greatest Hits 1. Most noteably here are the 2 soundtrack songs that Bob did that were absent from GH1. You'll get the track from "Teachers" and the killer song "Shakedown" from Beverly Hills Cop II. Bottom line, an excellent collection containing not only great music, but a lot of music making it's CD debut.
This is one of my favorite CDs out right now along with Mr.Deviant's "Techno Obsession" which is a mix of power rock and hard dance music to make some killer instrumentals. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Mac Rebennack took his stage name from the voodoo healer Dr. John and became a '70s pop star by recasting New Orleans's myth and music in his own psychedelic image. At 63, he's again revamped the Crescent City sound, minus the acid-trip trappings, for his best album in decades. With its string, horn, and Afro-Latin percussion sections and its slate of re-imagined classics, N'Awlinz is a masterful summation of Dr. John's abilities as a leader and performer. Guests such as Willie Nelson, B.B. King, and Mavis Staples, plus a roster of Louisiana luminaries including Randy Newman, Nicholas Payton, Snooks Eaglin, Gatemouth Brown, Dave Bartholomew, and Earl Palmer, all make winning contributions. In Dr. John's grasp, "When the Saints Come Marching In" becomes a stately waltz that twines his elegant piano and gravel throat with Staples's rich, red-clay gospel singing. And he honors the spirit of standards like "Stackalee" and "St. James Infirmary" while spinning his own lyrics and melodies into them. "Time Marches On" (with King, Nelson, and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band), "Life is a One Way Ticket," and several spirituals contemplate mortality, but never interrupt the graceful, upbeat flow of this late-career opus. --Ted Drozdowski ... Read more

Reviews (1)

N'aw-ice 'n' Pure
Straight shot o' Weesi-anna's best musical soundscape here, and ol' Dr. John is just the professor to bring it all home. If you prefer your Bayou sounds sanitized and watered down for Top 40, stay away from this. It's too pure and likely gonna be a tough dose of the real thing.

On d'udda hand, this is a treasure chest. Each song is worthy of repeated listens, and each time something new and valuable is discovered. Picking the best of these 18 songs ain't possible, as each contributes to the overall perspective.

Spirituals, blues, standards, voodoo, soul. It's all here.

It's become way-too-commonplace today to puff up a CD with guest artists. But this has very serious cats sittin' in, and they don't simply show up for a payday. They came to play and pay homage to the distinct music found only in N'Awlinz.

I'm a sucker for anything Randy Newman does, but he has never sounded more inspired. Willie Nelson is today's Perry Como, but he, too, finds a new depth of performance. What can be said of B.B. King except you'd better be ready to play when he shows up; and they do!

Arrangements of lyrics and themes and scores are so evenly proportioned that songs you know like the palm of your foot sound fresh again. The way Mavis Staples and Dr. John retool "When The Saints Go Marching In" makes you wonder where you ever heard these lyrics before.

With The Dirty Dozen Brass Band backing, Michael Bolton could make passable music, so you can imagine what happens when blended with the real deal.

Forgive my musical ignorance. I'm not familiar with a lot of the other notable local musicians on this CD. But any of 'em could cut the famous studio boys in The City or L.A. or Nashville without breaking a sweat.

I'm here to testify. It's gonna be a long time until I've fully digested this cajun meal, and I love each bite. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Long a favorite of U2's original core following, October not only avoids the sophomore slump, but adds an edgy, emotional resonance to the buoyant self-confidence they showed on their debut, Boy. Though producer Steve Lillywhite deserves mention for helping effectively frame the material with production that manages to be both stark and atmospherically murky, this is the music where Bono, Edge, and company first show the potential that would make them superstars. Lacking the sometimes ham-fisted polemics that would mar War, The Joshua Tree, and later works, October has an oft-tortured sense of emotional and philosophical ambivalence that only underscores concerns that range from the crypto-spiritualist yearnings of "Gloria" and "Rejoice" to more anxious moments like "I Fall Down," "I Threw a Brick Through a Window," and "Fire." In retrospect, they may have peaked early. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (78)

Religious anthems dominate "October".
First let me say that I am an atheist. And I love this album.

Usually religious songs get on my nerves. I immediately think, "Propagandists!" or something to that extent. But not on this album. Maybe it's just because I'm a huge U2 fan and I can see past the religious themes for their sake. But I have a feeling that's not it. This CD is truly a great work.

Gloria is the opening track and one of my favourites on the CD and from U2 over all. I just love hearing The Edge on this track, as well as Larry Mullen's drums towards the end. I always sing along. Plus, there's Latin in it. :)

skipping skip skip.

Tomorrow, the 6th track, is my favourite on this CD. The melody is haunting, the lyrics are haunting (mentions of Bono's deceased mother are prominant) and the over all feel makes you want to run under the covers.

October, the title track, is an 8-line, two-minute-or-so song which is among my favourites on this CD as well. The piano adds a beautiful touch as well.

U2's Sophmore Effort is Anything but Weak
I look at October, and think and know that this is not U2's best album. In fact, if I had to rank their albums this would be towards the bottom, but this album is still an excellent contribution. Boy and War are often thought of a great messages of U2's beliefs and stance on world politics and growing up, but October makes its own contribution.

In fact, October is a bold step because there are definite religious overtones throughout the album, more so than on any other U2 album. While the talent is still raw, maybe even rawer than Boy, the lyrical and music content are strong.

A few songs here are definitely among U2's best. Tomorrow is the jewel of this album I think, and it is a shame this is not considered one of their best. It also does the best to represent their Irish culture. October is another fantastic song, allbeit simple. It is just beautiful, and probably best foreshadows what was to come in the way of later albums. Gloria and Fire are a great rock songs reminiscent of Boy and the rest of the album is strong, though not quite up to War and Boy.

Overall this a great album, especially for those who like early U2 or like U2 in general. However, I would not prioritize this album over Boy or War.

My first u2
A couple of years ago i knew u2 existed. I hadnt really gotten into their albums because most of the songs i had heard on the radio when i used to listen to it were a little overplayed. One day i was looking through someones cds and i found october. I dont know what came over me but i decided to play it. what i heard shocked me: the edge's amazingly super-reverbed guitar and bono's cathedral-echo sustaining voice and it sounded so full and original. from then on i was hooked. i couldnt get it out of my cdplayer. during this time in my life i didnt realize that i was developing a depression, and for some reason whenever i get really pissed off or sad i play this album really really loud and sing to it until my voice is gone. it is just so emotional and track 7 sounds so sad with the minor piano chords. it all works so flawlessly together. This is a great album and if i HAD to pick a favorite this would be it but all the u2 albums (minus zooropa and pop) were 5 star recordings and classics, but for me this was a great starter. so if you are sick of hearing 'War' over and over again listen to 'October' there are no overplayed songs here.

This was U2
"Gloria" was the first U2 song I heard.

"October" was U2 and is still their best recording!

And, "Gloria" is still their finest song!

Is That All?
Is that all? This wasn't just the last track on U2's sophomore album, but also the question surrounding the band during the time of this album's commercial release. You see, frontman Bono, guitarist The Edge, and drummer Larry Mullen Jr. are devout Christians, and it was around this time that the three became aware of it. Bassist Adam Clayton never shared their religous views. This difference of opinion nearly broke up the band, because the three didn't know if their Christian faith could co-exist with their chosen profession of rock music. By sticking together, however, they soon realized that their fears and uncertainties were all based on what other people would think of it. With this realization, it became clear that there was no problem, it was just other peoples' problems. U2 followed their hearts and plowed forward. This was only one of several difficult personal issues in the early days of U2 that are responsible for the strong friendship within the band that exists to this day.

And this wasn't the only challenge they faced with this record. There was also the fact that Bono's lyrics were stolen, and he had to re-write them all, which is impressive when you do read the lyrics that made it to the album. Highlights include the opener, 'Gloria', 'I Fall Down', 'Fire', 'Rejoice', the title track 'October', 'Tomorrow', and 'Scarlet'. This album did not find the commercial success of 'Boy', and as a result is one of the most underrated records U2 has ever put out, but I think musically it was better then its predecessor, and, like its predecessor, was indicitive of the potential this band had. It acted as a kind of segue between 'Boy' and 'War', the album in which U2 truly arrived, and that potential became reality. ... Read more

Reviews (118)

Steely Dan at their peak.
Depending on the mood I'm in that particular day, either "Aja" or "The Royal Scam" is my favorite Steely Dan album. My favorite songs on the latter album are my favorite Steely Dan songs ever, but I have to admit that "Aja" is a little more consistent - all 7 songs are absolutely top-of-the-line. It's kind of useless to point out highlights because the whole album qualifies as one, due to incredibly-tight (even for perfectionists such as Fagen and Becker) jazzy pop with the usual subversive Steely Dan lyrics. And I still can't get over the understated excellence of Steve Gadd's closing drum solo at the end of the title track while Fagen vamps on the jazzy chord that absolutely and perfectly fits. With the possible exception of "Throw Back the Little Ones", "Josie" is the best final track to be found on a Steely Dan/Fagen album. (Well, I have a particular fetish also for the title track to "The Royal Scam", but not many Dan fans I know agree with me on that one) :-).

Like I said, one of the 2 best albums from an incredibly talented duo who are really incapable of putting out unlistenable crap. Even if you've just heard Steely Dan's singles on your local classic rock station and just thought they were OK, get this. It'll be a worthwhile purchase.

"Aja" - Steely Dan's Undisputed Masterpiece
In 1977, Steely Dan released what would prove to be their greatest masterpiece, and their best selling record to date. With Aja, Steely Dan proved they were much more than a "Reelin' in The Years" classic rock band. As if they hadn't proved that already with "Katy Lied" & "The Royal Scam."

Everything is superb about this record: From the intriguing, yet mysterious album cover, straight down to the compositions themselves.

The album begins with the upbeat "Black Cow." Everything is excellent from the horns, drums, and Donald Fagen's great voice.

The album continues with "Aja," it's title track, and star of the record. After hearing this song all the way through, one feels like they are emerging from an "experience."
As one reviewer said on this site: "Having spent some time in Southern Asia, this song AND album sounds NOTHING like the music or culture of Asia."
Well, let's just say that this song isn't about that great continent! Hence the Dan's alternate spelling of "AJA."
One gets a feeling that it's Miss Aja who graces the cover of this great record. So, you can draw conclusions as to who this mystery woman is, by paying attention and making sense of the actual lyrics of this song. There is more to this song than meets the ear!

Other highlights of this CD include Deacon Blues (Great Horn Section), Home At Last (My personal favorite), and I Got the News with a great break in the middle featuring Michael McDonald.

Although Peg was a great staple on radio, I think that Josie might be the only flawed song of this set. While still not bad compared to today's music, it lacks a lot of the spontaneity of previous tracks.

I definitely recommend Aja to the REAL Steely Dan fan. Beware though, this isn't the typical Steely Dan you're used to hearing on the radio. This is pure, sophisticated, jazz-rock at it's best.

A must own for any fan of true music genius.
When you tried to throw this one in a particular section of the record store back in 1977, the year of its' release, you really had a difficult task. To avoid complication, stores were filing the record under Rock. You see, back then you only had 4 or 5 different categories to choose from. Things like Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Rap, Hip Hop, Alternative, Smooth Jazz, and Acid Jazz were all nifty names that came after 1977,...way after. Yes, in 1977 you had Rock, R&B, Jazz, and Classical, that was about it. So, is this a Rock record? Well, kind of. Is it a R&B record? Well, at times it is. Is it a Jazz record? Well, it's not your "traditional" jazz record. So where do we put this one, boss? If you're the boss you reply, "Rock". Why was this filed under Rock? Well, for 2 reasons really; 1 - It rocks very nicely at many points throughout. 2 - Rock radio is playing it, ...this is the important one. Rock radio grabbed this record and abused the airwaves with it, and to this day these songs are in regular rotation on the classic rock stations. I don't know about anybody else but, I have a hard time seeing this as simply a Rock record.

"Aja" is an album that is rich in pure musicianship, tone, and texture. It may sound as if I'm describing a Monet, I know, but this is Rock at its' most artistic. With Walter Becker playing guitar, and Donald Fagen providing the synthesizer and soul for Steely Dan, this is a masterpiece. Donald Fagen has a trademark voice that is soulful and smooth. With this duo getting hired help such as Tom Scott, Larry Carlton, Wayne Shorter, Rick Marotta, Steve Gadd, Venetta Fields, and Dean Parks, it reads like an all-star Jazz Fusion jam, and that's a pretty accurate description of what you get here. These are some of the finest jazz session players in the world coming together to make one of the most artistic records of all time. I would categorize this record as Smooth Jazz if you gave me a choice. It's a record that you take with you when you go down to Montrose Harbor at night to look out at the awesome Chicago skyline. It's a record that makes bathing an entirely new experience. It is a smooth, cool, breezy Jazz record that everyone should experience.
This is an album you hate to see come to an end. With only seven tracks, and a running time of just over 39 minutes, it ends way too early. With 5 out of the 7 tracks still in regular rotations on classic rock radio, it shines like a greatest hits diamond. Kicking off the record is "Black Cow", with its funky bass line intro, its' airy background vocals, and the gentle sway of Tom Scott's tenor sax sliding around, it's nothing short of perfect. The album continues to dazzle as it moves on to the title track, a slow charmer that has an incredibly loose jam toward the middle of its' almost 8 minutes. With Wayne Shorter taking the tenor sax duties this time, and the brilliant Steve Gadd rumbling incessantly with some of the greatest cymbal work ever done, this is another gem. Can it get any better? Sure it can. If you put the stellar "Deacon Blues" as the next track, the record would continue to excel. Well, ...the next track is none other than radio staple "Deacon Blues". Perfect. Can it possibly keep this perfect pace going? Sure it can. With the next track being another radio fave, "Peg" has a jumpy jazz rhythm highlighted by a subtle background vocal provided by Michael McDonald. As the next 2 tracks being the only tracks that haven't seen radio airplay, the luck must be running out, right? Nope. With "Home At Last" you, arguably, get the most Jazz influenced song on the record. With phenomenal vibes played by Victor Feldman, and brilliant guitar parts from Larry Carlton and Walter Becker - it's another winner. "I Got The News" is a great song also, with more amazing musicianship. So, how do they end a classy record such as this? They "break out the hats and hooters", of course! With one of my personal favorites from Steely Dan, "Josie" is a sassy and street smart song. A funky jazz strutter that sizzles with persistent rhythm.

Steely Dan is one of my favorite acts, and this record is their shining triumph. Are all the Steely Dan records good? Yes, absolutely. Are they all this good? Nope. There is a feel to this record that remains unparalleled. It was a special moment in time; when all elements of sound, and talent, and beauty came together to form a genuine masterpiece. Maybe the greatest thing about this record is, simply, that it got recorded. It's now locked in time, and it's ours to draw pleasure from whenever we like. Don't miss your chance, draw yourself a bath and check it out.(...)

You can't beat this...Don't even try.
You can't beat this. Don't even try. You're gonna look like a fool if you do.

I really don't have to say much more, but since I don't think the review will show up with one sentence, here goes: Every song is amazing, the album's flow is continual and the tunes surprise the listener, even today, every time. There are so many dimensions to be digested here that it takes 2000 spins to even begin to hear the very subtle nuances. Now, here's one Dan album that transcends the "compilation" problem that I mentioned in regards to some of their other original albums. You need every tune from this to understand the brevity of their musical approach. It is staggering. Jazz and rock have never been fused like on "Aja". I know that several people will say that this review is not helpful if I don't mention song titles, but, really, if you haven't heard it, you don't know what I'm talking about anyways, so it doesn't matter. Best tracks: all, but if I have to name names: "Black Cow", "Aja", "Peg", "Josie".

There's a reason why this album won several Grammys and is their best seller on Amazon. Who's gonna need this review?? I'll bet you already have it. If you don't (and its very unfortunate and also socially dysfunctional if you don't), then I'm sure you know someone that does, and they probably live next door. Even Norah Jones fans will dig this, and that's saying something.

I run to you...
I went searching for the reissue of "Aja" after a conversation with one of my former co-workers. He was a true hip-hop head (a DC-based rapper, actually, who was working in the mail room at my office while looking to get that big break.) Anyway, we were talking about some of our favorite samples in rap songs--instead of working, of course. The topic of Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz's song "Deja Vu (Uptown Baby)" came up, a track which infamously sampled the opening break of "Black Cow" without Becker & Fagen's approval (which Becker slyly jokes about in the promotional video for "Everything Must Go"), which led to us talking about how funky Steely Dan's music is and how particularly infectious the entire "Aja" album is.
And, oh my God, is this album tight (as a previous reviewer very aptly put it).
This is B&F at their wittiest, funkiest, and shrewdest. The song craft is impeccable: the lyrics are thrifty, but dagger-sharp. (Example: "Home At Last" condenses Homer's "Odyssey" into two stanzas.) The melodies are full of catchy hooks and soulful grooves that blend jazz and rock together so smoothly that it makes you wonder why so many other supposed "fusion bands" that preceded SD, who tried to combine rock and jazz, mixed that delicate cocktail all wrong. (The key is shaken, not just stirred...)
Also, B&F decided to bring in some of the best jazz session players (like the late Victor Feldman) to get the sound and precision they envisioned, even stepping out of the limelight to let the session players' chops shine. And while SD often took a lot of heat for using session players instead of a set line-up of band members, the end result is musicianship unlike you'll hear on any other "pop" album that stands the test of time. (Insert sound of B&F getting the last laugh.....here.)
Also, the sound on the remaster is perfect--no tape hiss to be found. Plus, there's the added bonus of expanded liner notes, which are funny as hell. (Check out the transcript of the supposed phone conference between B&F and two, former ABC Records' execs who the pair track down to harass after 25 years...)
In all, this is what an album SHOULD be. All seven songs are distinctively different yet blend seamlessly. Like seven chapters in a funky/jazzy novella, "Aja" leaves you craving the sequel, yet you feel completely satisfied with the experience you've just had...
This is an essential album from the 70s. Buy it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In the grand, color-bending tradition of psychedelic experimentalism, Pink Floyd's Atom Heart Mother takes as its title an inscrutable phrase and under the title launches a similarly inscrutable--or at least dense--musical concatenation. The title suite features French-horn-led brass melodies riffed on by David Gilmour's guitar and the rhythm section, all of which veers into choral passages that recall György Ligeti's vocal works and then almost atonal pulses of keyboards that mask reams of audio snippets swirling underneath. And then there's some moody folk from Roger Waters, an almost Kinks-ish rambler from Richard Wright, then more moody folk (this time from Gilmour) on "Fat Old Sun," and, to close, the spirited melodic runaround of "Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast." There's a range of emotion here, from doleful to crazed to humorous (especially the dramatized comments on macrobiotics in the closer). Atom Heart Mother was a spotlight ahead for Pink Floyd, showing the extensions of form the band would engage in so successfully on Dark Side of the Moon just a few short years later. --Andrew Bartlett ... Read more

Reviews (178)

Pink Floyd Four Shine on "Atom Heart"
"Atom Heart Mother" by Pink Floyd is by far my favorite album of any genre. Yes, I admit, it is quite unconventional. The first track, twenty minutes long and sub-divided into several different parts, contains many surreal samples of orchestra horns, Waters' bass riffs, Masons' drum rantings, Wright's melodic keyboard tangents and Gilmour's eloquent guitar-playing and is punctuated with the sounds of cannons, a musket-firing horse cavalry, a motorcycle and some unintelligible chanting. However, all of the pieces come together as a relaxing yet compelling mosaic of sounds that coerce the listener's imagination into action.

Waters' "If" is similar to his "Pigs on the Wing" contributions, but is much more compelling as its melancholy lamentations have a "Mother" (from their most commercially successful album "The Wall") type flavor. "Fat Old Sun" is a beautiful, relaxing Gilmour composition that is just a pleas! ! ure to listen to. Wright's "Summer of '68" is perhaps the boldest song on the album (and my favorite) with blaring horns, undulating piano and strumming guitar. All I can say is I simply love this song.

Closing out the album is "Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast" a tri-part medley that is begun and intermissioned by the kitchen sounds of cabinets opening, water running, slippered feet dragging across the floor, cereal pouring into a bowl and "Alan" complaining about his back. It starts out with a few minutes of joyful piano musings, then a few minutes of guitar, then all is brought together with bass guitar and drums for a climax that dissipates into the sound of a leaky faucet tap. I think this album is in a class by itself and truly a masterpiece. If you like The Moody Blues "Days of Future Passed," which is also an unconventional orchestra/rock masterpiece, I'd suggest you give this album serious consideration to add to your music libr! ! ary.

Their first masterpiece.
Opinions of Pink Floyd fans on this early album seem to differ as much as the general public's opinion on the band itself. And even "Atom Heart Mother" supporters disagree on which tracks on the album are worth the effort. For me, this 1970 recording has far more pros than cons, with the 20-minutes-plus title track being a revelation.

So I'll quickly say that I consider "Fat Old Sun" dull and "Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast" hard to digest. Roger Waters' "If" on the other hand is delicate lunacy, and Rick Wright's "Summer of '68" already holds the key elements to what would be the band's further path.

The masterpiece of the album, however, and one of Pink Floyd's all-time milestones, is the title track which shows all the band's future ability. Five years before the unequalled "Shine On You Crazy Diamond", there's your pounding drum and bass rhythm, your flowing keyboard and the incomparable guitar solo on top - their trademark sound is born.

And there's more: written by all four band members together with avant-garde composer Ron Geesin, the song contains rather unexpected horn sections as well as haunting voices singing in some indiscernible language. While these additions were dropped on later albums, their sound engineer returned in 1973 for "Dark Side of the Moon" before founding his very own "Alan Parsons Project". Especially the first section of "Atom Heart Mother" finds its logical continuation in that latter unit's achievements "Pyramid" (1979) and "The Turn of a Friendly Card" (1980).

In contrast to that, German metal posers "Scorpions" didn't carry on from where Pink Floyd left off but copied off it instead. The chord sequence of "Still Loving You" is shamelessly ripped out the middle of the "Atom Heart Mother" title track. Yet another reason to dislike that band.

All in all, this is Pink Floyd's first masterpiece in a series that includes "Dark Side of the Moon", "Wish You Were Here", "The Wall" and "The Final Cut".

great pink floyd cd
this was yet another experimental album from floyd which in my humble opinion was also very much underrated and i still like it after owning this great cd after all these years.very highly recommended.

I fall asleep!
Yes I fall asleep BIIIIIIG TIME, can a pop record be indeed so boring? Yes it can!

This is UGLY, BAD, STUPID AND DUMB

An experience, to say the least
If you've only heard Dark Side of the Moon, the Wall, and Wish You Were Here, you aren't seeing all of Pink Floyd.

This album is best experienced by sitting through the whole thing in silence. If you're one who only likes to listen to one song at a time, you'll find this one hard to get into. The first song, Atom Heart Mother, is 25 minutes! It takes you on a crazy journey, starting off uneasy and moving into a mellow melody just as you're thinking you want to get up and switch the track. They keep this mood up throughout the album, setting up moods, then "harshening your mellow," then quickly returning to sanity just as you're not usre you want to hear any more.

Truly a masterpiece to be experienced as a whole! ... Read more

Reviews (32)

Great for a beginner
If you love E.L.O. or classic rock music but on a budget, then the Strange Magic collection is the best way to start your music collection, it contains 29 tracks from 1972-86 with classic hits like 'Can't Get it Out of My Head', 'Evil Woman', 'Strange Magic', 'Livin Thing', 'Telephone Line', 'Turn to Stone' and 'Don't Bring Me Down'.

And we also have some of the lesser known tunes like 'Ma Ma Ma Belle', 'Showdown', 'Boy Blue', 'Do Ya' and more and while the 1st CD gets 5 stars, the 2nd CD only gets 3 stars cause the second half of the CD is when E.L.O. was losing its steam and while some of the songs from the 80's are good, it pales in comparsion from the 70's stuff and my only complaint is that this CD doesn't have some great songs like Fire On High, Tightrope, Standing in the Rain, Birmingham Blues, Loser Gone Wild and Bluebird but it's really no big deal, this CD is recommended for a new fan of E.L.O. rather than a hardcore fan who owns a bunch of E.L.O. albums.

A fine collection of ELO's hits, but...
...where's the three Top 20 hits from Xanadu(I'm Alive, All Over The World, Xanadu)? I guess because that soundtrack was on a different label they couldn't use those songs here. So I suggest that you get STRANGE MAGIC & XANADU(side two is all ELO songs), and that should be fine for most fans. Oh, and you may want to pick up the remaster of ELDORADO as well. I think that if you're not a huge fan like me, these discs will suit you just fine. Stay away from the ELO single-disc hits collections--they don't do the band justice.

Note: For an even better overview of ELO's career, including all the UK hits, get the "Light Years" 2-cd set. ELO had several Top 10 hits in the UK that don't even show up on "Strange Magic"!

Great music, terrible audio
By 1995, most vintage, a.k.a "dinosaur", rock, began receiving much needed remaster makeovers. So, in 1995, ELO didn't make the cut, until 2001 when Legacy by way of Epic by way of Sony decided to remaster and re-release ELO's classic albums and compile a single CD retrospective entitled "The Essential ELO", which really isn't all that essential. Without the necessary makeover/remaster, "Strange Magic" resonates mostly tape hiss and two-dimensional phonics; therefore, this is not the CD master any casual or any dedicated fan should be seeking.

If you enjoy much of ELO's popular singles and wish to try a more aesthetic studio outing, then begin with the beautiful and wistful "Eldorado" (1974). Although lacking in sonic perfection yet harnessing great material, "Strange Magic" is more intended for those listening to CDs on a budget-priced boombox.

The Greatest Of ELO!
This is your chance to get the full measure of the Electric Light Orchestra. This was one of the most enchanting bands in the last twenty years.During this time they spun out hit after hit.This CD captures the magic that was Electric Light Orchestra.
You have hit songs"Evil Woman","Strange Magic","Do Ya","Blue Sky"
and the many other smash hits that made this band one of the biggest groups of the 1970's and 1980's.This is a very good coverage of their career. If you are a fan of this group you
should definitely get this CD.

Stange Magic!
ELO will be best remembered (along with The Moody Blues) to combine rock and classical music together thrown in with the music of the day (like "Shine A Little Love" from 1979 has some disco flavor in it). Jeff Lynne wrote/produced virtually all their hits. The great thing about this anthology is it's ideal for the ELO fan and the casual fan. The ELO fan will bring this collection along when traveling 70 miles/hour on the interstate and turn up the volume! The causal fan will only need this to get a better completion of hits than on other hit collections (like "ELO Classics" is NOT a complete hit nor portrait of ELO). Plus, the booklet is very informative as to how ELO started and has a detailed discography. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Here are the original monsters of rock in all their epic, bombastic glory. The Who may have had more decibels (a dubious distinction), but no band took hard rock higher into the stratosphere than the Zep did with their cosmic mixture of deep blues, gothic melodrama, and the supernatural chops of Page, Plant, Bonham, and Jones. For listeners new to the Zep canon, there's no better primer of the band's range and power than this 4 CD box set, compiled and remixed in 1990 by Page himself. All the obvious song choices are here. But even if you've already heard "Black Dog" once too often on the car radio, this set wisely spotlights several overlooked gems, including their ultimate blues lament "I'm Gonna Crawl." It's a blueprint that later generations of head-bangers tragically failed to follow. --Steve Appleford ... Read more

Reviews (128)

Zeppelin..can it get any better?
Well certainly. If you get this box set. The only way to come close would be to purchase all ten studio albums, but this box set will save you some cash and give you the best of the best.

Naturally Robert Plant sound great, Jimmy Page's guitar smokes and wails, John Paul Jones' bass thumps with rhythm and John Bonham sets the pace and pounds on the drums.

Disc 1 rockets you right into "Whole Lotta Love" and on to "Heartbreaker" (one of my favorites), a lot of great tracks on this one. "Communication Breakdown", "Dazed and Confused", well, you get the picture. Also included is "Travelling Riverside Blues", almost worth the price of the box set by itself.

Disc 2 starts opens with the unmistakable sound of "Black Dog", the churning "Immigrant Song", the lovely "Tangerine", the psychedelic "Misty Mountain Hop", and then closing it all out, "Stairway to Heaven". Sure it's been played to death on the radio but it's an awesome song and rightfully deserves all the attention it gets.

Disc 3 starts with "Kashmir". A classic with the driving drums of Bonham and the string arrangements. "Trampled Under Foot" is great, as is "No Quarter". "When the Levee Breaks" is propelled once again by Bonham on the drums, providing a sampler's frenzy (just ask the Beastie Boys). Then there's the ten minute longer, smoker, "In My Time of Dying".

Disc 4 is where the radio Zepp fan might not be familiar. Most of the songs are from the later albums. No filler here though, just more greatness. "Candy Store Rock, "The Ocean", and "The Wanton Song" have to be heard to believed. "Fool in the Rain" is beautiful, as is "All My Love". Providing a fitting ending to this collection.

I've listened to the CDs in this box set tens, if not hundreds, of times, and they get better with every listen. It's classic Zeppelin and you can't go wrong with that. Enjoy.

Heavy Metal Heaven
This was the first compilation of Zeppelin to be released, and it still remains the best. Excellent sound quality, and a very generous amount of music for the hefty investment--the five hours of tunes covers more than half of the band's recorded output.
Zeppelin's studio albums were all excellent, especially the first half dozen. Therefore, it's very difficult in detemining what deserves its place here and what doesn't. Jimmy Page handled the sequencing of these songs, and he deserves a great deal of credit--they sound as if they came from one big album instead of being compiled from nearly ten.
As a devoted fan of the band, there's simply no way to knock Discs One and Two at all. They are letter-perfect, covering the very best tracks from the first four LP's. Only Disc Four shows any signs of letdown, with tracks from "Presence," "In Through the Out Door" and "Coda." A pair of previously unreleased tracks were also offered, including "Hey, Hey, What Can I Do."
A companion box set was released a couple of years later, offering the remaining tracks not covered on this one. Not surprisingly, it doesn't hit quite as hard, although Zeppelin's lesser moments were often superior to what was generated by their competitors. This one has all the goods, though. If you're just discovering Led Zeppelin--or if you're interested in hearing these classics after a great remastering job--take the plunge. It's truly an excellent box set.

Great Set from the Greatest Band
Before this set, I was a fan of Zeppelin, but not a huge listener. Sinec buying these 4 cd's, I am a hardcore Zeppelin fan, and at least one of these cd's can be found in my cd player at all times. There are some songs that were missed that I felt should have been added (livin lovin) but all in all, this covers all you need, and the reading material that accompanies the set is a valuable addition.

GREAT BOXED SET
I am someone who thinks Zeppelin is the greatest band of all time, and happen to have most of their stuff: Zeppelin 1-3, ZOFO, House Of The Holy, Physical Grafitti, The Song Remains The Same, BBC Sessions, How The West Was Won, Early And Later Days, and BOTH this and the later 2 CD set. I happen to think this is a great set and well worth the money. I think that this set is for someone who is a Zeppelin fan, but not yet a completist. When I got the set (Then the second boxed set), I decided that after listening more than once, I should finish the collection (And I will later this year). As for the negative comments here, I cannot believe ANYONE who really knows Zeppelin can put them down (Unless of course, they are nothing but trolls out to cause trouble).I cannot overstate how good this set really is, so you should get it for your collection: You will love it, it really is a great boxed set.

All boxed up... and ready for the dump
Comes with four discs, which make excellent brake rotors for your car. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Tommy had the dubious distinction of being the first-ever rock opera; however, it's none the worse for that, Ken Russell's adaptation notwithstanding. Due largely to Pete Townshend's skill as a songwriter and composer, Tommy tells a coherent story and includes quality rock and roll at the same time, an impressive feat by itself. While surprisingly more linear than the later Quadrophenia, Tommy boasts several songs that stand up well on their own, including the classic "Pinball Wizard," "The Acid Queen," "I'm Free," and "Sally Simpson." Much of the rest doesn't make much sense lyrically unless you listen to the entire album, but you'll probably want to do that anyway, preferably with the lights low and the stereo cranked. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Reviews (145)

What About The Boy?
I wish people would stop giving this breakthrough lukewarm reviews. After all, without this album being made (and could-be SIR Pete Townshend being born), there would be no Quadrophenia, The Wall by Pink Floyd, and the best, but least known The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway by Genesis, Peter Gabriel's last album with them (You're like, "Peter Gabriel was in Genesis?"). And no, Jesus Christ Superstar is not a rock opera, it's a musical, and a Webber musical, uggghhh.

First, obviously this is not a review for the movie, which I hear is pretty bad. Known to a lot of you, it's about a deaf, dumb and blind boy. The beginning can be interpreted two ways:

1. Tommy's father, Captain Walker doesn't come home from the war before his son is born (presumed dead, but not legally) but does come back and the mother is cheating on him.

2. The previous statement, but a murder is involved, presumedly to either the mother's lover by the captain or the lover killing the captain.

By the time Tommy is ten, he has become Helen Keller one step further (in case you don't know, she was deaf and blind, but could orate pretty well). For a Christmas present (which to everyone else seems pointless), he gets a mini pinball machine and plays it quite well. He is promptly entered in a competition. The deaf, dumb and blind kid beats all the records and wins by a landslide. Major stardom quickly follows, and soon he is a celebrity, unbeknowst to him. He is left with an abusive uncle, only because Tommy wouldn't be disturbed. Because pinball eventualy became Tommy's therapy, he slowly gained back his senses, despite previous attempts by a gypsy and a doctor to cure him.

Soon, Tommy has been fully cured and is giving lectures. But because of his new life, he is staring at a mirror admiring himself. But someone smashed the mirror, and he came to his senses.

He starts a summer camp or holiday camp, either to your liking, and puts the campers through the experience he had.

Pete Townshend's guitar playing is all rhythm, but still has a lead sound, a trait that very few guitarists have.

Roger Daltrey (who actually played the title role in the movie) keeps his passive voice going through out, a voice similar to Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant (a rumored link between the two bands is that when the New Yardbirds were formed, drummer Keith Moon allegedly suggested to Jimmy Page to change the name into what is now one of the best known names in rock).

John Entwistle keeps the album exciting with his bass, organ, and piano playing (another similarity to Led Zep, as John Paul Jones played keyboards).

The late Keith Moon was one of rock's greatest drummers, and that's evident on this album, with his in-tempo, but rhythmically aggressive playing style (Another Zeppelin similarity, the also late John Bonham had a more or less aggressive way of using the traps).

If you want another great rock story, try Genesis' The Lamb. It's more or less dramatic and a great masterpiece of music. It's also hard to understand, so really it's an outline of what you think the album's about. Plus, Phil Collins doesn't sing lead, uhhh...

The Brain Opera
Pete Townshend's 1969 masterpiece was obviously not created in a vacuum. It's full of influences from many important artists of the era - and not just the Beatles - and in itself is the conclusion of an experiment that Townshend was conducting since early '66. Still, Tommy was probably the most important and original creation in rock since the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper, and I don't find it possible to name the top ten albums of all time without mentioning it.

Definitely the first full-scale rock opera written, arguably the best one (in close competition with Andrew Lloyd Webber's and Tim Rice's 'Jesus Christ Superstar' from 1970, and Pink Floyd's 'The Wall'). Sgt. Pepper was named the first concept album ever because of its intertwining structure, but Tommy gave the concept meaning. Musically, it's one of the handful rock albums in history that can really be called perfect, as composition and arrangements go. As for instrumental and vocal performance, Tommy shows four brilliant musicians at the very top of their career. Townshend makes for possibly the best rhythm guitarist to ever grace a rock n' roll band, and his lead abilities don't fall short either; John Entwistle, inarguably one of the top five bass players in rock history, does his best and amazes as usual, and his trademark French horn also comes in handy; Roger Daltrey's vocals and his touching portrayal of Tommy are soulful and painfully beautiful; and drummer Keith Moon's performance is his very best ever. This album is worth listening to several times with emphasis on different layers. Try it once listening just to the drums.

The plot is often confusing, and usually very vague. What exactly do the disciples do to Tommy at the end of 'We're Not Gonna Take It'? What is it precisely that Tommy sees and can never tell anyone in '1921'? Did the Lover kill the Father? Did the father kill the Lover? Is it just witnessing Mother's infidelity? Is the 'Father' Captain Walker? But that vagueness is the beauty of the album. The most important problem with the awful movie made in 1973 (bad acting, bad singing and bad arrangements aside) should have been foreseen from the very start of the production - Tommy was simply not meant to be a movie, and to make the plot completely clear and obvious makes the whole thing look a bit dumb. Tommy is a spiritual journey, and it's important to remember that it's not a Broadway musical, but a rock opera - half musical, half rock album. The music should be precisely as important as the story, and vagueness in details makes the music meld with the lyrics and the plot.

Within the complete, wonderful creation that is this rock opera, Tommy has some classic songs which are terrific moments of rock music the likes of which only Townshend and co. could create - 'Pinball Wizard', despite stupid lyrics, is a musical masterpiece and an incredibly catchy tune; 'Christmas', 'We're Not Gonna Take It', 'I'm Free', 'Amazing Journey', 'The Acid Queen', 'Welcome', 'Go To The Mirror' and Entwistle's 'Cousin Kevin' - each one is a terrific rock song by its own right, but the whole is much greater than the sum of its parts. The entire album might be a bit heavy on first listen - it took me three times through to really get into it, but the catchy songs scattered around the album will help you through it, and when you get into the album and get to know it, it'll become one of your top CDs. The long instrumental sections also make the listening experience somewhat tiring, but once you know the songs and the musical themes that run throughout it you'll appreciate them more, especially the classic overture and the haunting 'Sparks', but also the somewhat oversized 'Underture', that runs over ten minutes and cuts the album neatly in half.

No CD collection would be perfect without Tommy; if you don't have any other album by the Who, get Tommy rather than a compilation album, it's deeper and much more rewarding.

A Standout Masterpiece among Generations to come
Listening to this is pure bliss its a Opera of some of the best rock music you may ever hear in your life.........The Who are a very impressive rock band and some may say Classic Rock sucks but those idividuals are usually "Limp Bizkit" fans who dont really even know what real music is.......take my advice and get this classic opera approach with an open mind and let it soak in your head till the day you die for this is an album to celebrate and cheerish to the end of all things

A Spiritual Album In An Era Defined By Psychedelia
When people talk about The Who's Tommy, they generally seem to focus on the form rather than the content of the album. Listeners will comment on the originality of Townshend's application of opera sensibilities to a rock and roll album, and so on and so forth. Yes, it's true, what made The Who's Tommy a major hit rather than a pop-culture after-thought was its structure and distinction as the first "Rock Opera," but I believe that the most artistically redeeming quality of the album is its message.

During a time when psychedelic experimentation was the order of the day, The Who had the intestinal fortitude to release an album preaching transcendence through spiritual exploration. Tommy is a wholesale rejection of the entire psychedelic culture dominating the late 60's and a plea for spiritual enlightenment. More than just great music, Tommy is an album with purpose and a positive message.

Great album--but "Gold CD" is not the best version
I love "Tommy" for all its incredible melodies, deep insights, challenging format, and stunning production. The concept of the album was beyond even what the Beatles were doing in that it was not just held together by a theme. "Tommy" was an attempt to probe the psychology of a traumatized boy and his family, and the sick, exploitative culture that we are all (still) embedded in. That being said, it simply rocks!!! I had the Gold CD version and dumped it because the version of Eyesight to the Blind features an alternate vocal that lacks the intensity of the original. Here, instead of hitting the notes hard and high, Daltrey is singing them an octave lower with a more pensive approach. Well, nobody beats Roger for sphincter-tightening screams, so I went for the orginal/remastered version. I will probably get the newer, Deluxe 2-disc edition just for completeness' sake, and because the Who have done a fantastic job with that entire series, putting other icons (such as the Stones) to shame when it comes to class reissues. (Beatle industry--are you paying attention?) So, don't go for the gold on "Tommy", just go for what was great in the first place. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Born in the U.S.A. is an album painted in big, broad strokes. But it was still too subtle for some--namely politicians who tried to tap the title track as a jingoistic anthem when it is in fact a bitter diatribe by a Vietnam War vet whose country forgot him. The rest of the album is a glorious grab bag of radio-ready populist anthems--his best display of pure pop songwriting ever--including "No Surrender," "Dancing in the Dark," "Bobby Jean," and "Glory Days" alongside more circumspect numbers such as "My Hometown" and "I'm On Fire." It's not true that there's no arguing with success, but in this case Springsteen's widespread acclaim was warranted. With Born in the U.S.A., all those predictions from a decade earlier--that Springsteen was the future of rock--had come true. --Daniel Durchholz ... Read more

Reviews (105)

One of the most succesful rock 'n' roll records of all time
This album has sold over ten million copies, and threw off no fewer than seven (!) top ten hits - more than half of its twelve tracks.

That many record buyers can't be wrong, eh?
Well, they're not. For the most part, anyway, although I suppose the hype surrounding the "Born In The USA" album was to some degree the result of a lot of people (Ronald Reagan's witless campaign staff among them) believing that the title song was a statement of patriotism when it was in fact a bitter indictment of the "system", and they simply had to get "that album with that song on it".

"Born In The USA" is indeed a glorious, catchy rocker, though, and the remaining six hit songs ("Cover Me", "No Surrender", "I'm On Fire", "I'm Going Down", "Dancing In The Dark" and the only #1, "My Hometown") are all fine songs as well. But the album does contain its share of mediocrities, and song for song it doesn't quite measure up to Springsteen's finest moment, the double-disc "The River" from 1980, which to me stands proudly as his single greatest work.

That's not to say that you should avoid "Born In The USA". It has some of Springsteen's most accessible and fun songs, first and foremost the straigh-ahead rocker "Dancing In The Dark", the rollicking "Cover Me" and the anthemic "Glory Days"..
If you're only going to buy a handful of Bruce Springsteen's twelve studio and three live albums (four if you count "Chimes Of Freedom"), make this one of them, along with "The River", "Born To Run", "Darkness On The Edge Of Town" and "18 Tracks".

Albums don't get much bigger than this....
"Born in the U.S.A." is an amazingly popular album, one of the biggest ever recorded: it has 6 huge radio hits, plus another song ("I'm Goin' Down") which was also ocassionally heard on the radio, and is one of the album's best tunes. Everything about this album is big; "Born in the U.S.A.," "Cover Me," and "Darlington County" are arena-ready anthems that lead everything off with a big bang. In fact, the first four songs are rollicking and loud, Springsteen and his band in top songwriting form, playing their hearts out with gusto. The beautiful, mid-tempo, more laid-back "Downbound Train" finally lets the album breathe a little, and showcases Springsteen at his most poignant. Other poignant songs include the mesmerizing and well-known "I'm On Fire," and the album's closer, "My Hometown."

In its entirety, this album is a snapshot synopsis of working-class America in the late 20th century. It's well known by now Springsteen's disfavor with Ronald Reagan using "Born in the U.S.A." as the signature song for his 1984 re-election campaign, but that's just half the story. In my opinion, other songs on this record sybolize American patriotism in much more quaint but larger ways.

What else can be said about this larger-than-life album? It's 12 very tuneful songs that are at times personally introspective, while at other times they showcase Springsteen's grand sense of fighting for the common man through his lyrics and music.

Best purchase I have made in a long time
Thank you, Bruce, for leaving your song "I'm on Fire" off your Greatest Hits collection! If you hadn't done that, I would probably never have bought one of the best albums I've heard in a long, long time...even if I did make that discovery about twenty years after the rest of the world.

This CD is great from start to finish, and as soon as you listen to it all the way through once, you realize why it's an American classic. There is not a bad song on here--surprisingly, the weakest songs are the singles "Dancing in the Dark" and "Glory Days." Songs that were never released as singles are the ones that sound the most original, the least commercial, and are the ones that rock the hardest. What amazes me about this CD is its ability to make me feel like I'm actually in Jersey in the mid-eighties--a fantastic trick, since during the mid-eighties I was about five years old and living in Ohio.

The album opens with the title song, which everyone knows, and promptly goes into a few that I had never heard before and immediately fell in love with. Although "I'm on Fire" is the reason I bought the album, now I can honestly say that I could not pick an absolute favorite song. The CD is just that good. Bruce's snarling vocals are great--I think that he more than anyone else owes much of his singing style to Elvis, although he most definitely made his own adjustments and tweaked it to be pure Springsteen.

I am only sorry that I can't give this album more than five stars, because that seems inadequate. This is a great one to start a Springsteen collection with.

terrific
this is my favourite springsteen cd containing great songs like dancing in the dark and born in the usa.five stars.very highly recommended

NO SURRENDER
In which the prodigal son finally stops running and comes home to stay. At 35 he is comfortable in his skin, reassured in his vision of America and not afraid to tell the world about it. Compare this to "Born To Run" and you can see the evolution. He's tackled every conceivable issue here: friendships - "No Surrender"; realtionships - "Bobby Jean"; aging - "Glory Days"; and family - "My Hometown." Even the misunderstood title cut (you should really listen to it, Ronnie) cries out to be taken seriously. He is a popster in the mold of Michael Jackson, but with the spirit of every poet from Dylan on out who came before him. Easily his best effort and among the best of all time! A+ ... Read more

Amazon.com

Don't have the time (or the props) to watch the whole movie?Just puton the soundtrack--it's got all the best parts without the dialog in-between! Well, isn't that what an Original Soundtrack Recording like this issupposed to be?Back in the mid-70s when The Rocky Horror PictureShow was a midnight staple at countless movie theaters, Tim Curry wasn't yet"Tim Curry" and Susan Sarandon wasn't yet "Susan Sarandon"(hell, Barry Bostwick wasn't even "Barry Bostwick"!). Listening tothese science-fiction double-feature showtunes will take you back through a timewarp to the days when the now-Academy-Award-winning actress was perfectlywilling to stand around for most of a picture in her bra and panties--and sowould her boyfriend!In those days, they were just Brad and Janet, forced tospend a dark and stormy (also sexy) night in the haunted house of mad scientistFrank N. Furter--just a sweet transvestite from transsexual Transylvania-ha-hawho really knew how to belt out a song.Those were the days. --JimEmerson ... Read more

Reviews (50)

You SO need this soundtrack!
I'm just going to say it straight out, this soundtrack is a MUST HAVE! Not only is this movie totally great, the soundtrack is equally superb. The songs go from catchy to addictive (I think the fact that you can sing the phrase "Be It, Don't Dream It" over and over.. and over..... and over- contributes somewhat,) but addictive in a good way. The songs range in genre, yet all seem to posess one similar characteristic - they are all really really good! Although RHPS is most well known for "Time Warp," it isnt the only hit the movie bore. "Sweet Transvestite," a powerful rockish tune in which Tim Curry gives a dramatic vocal performance is definitely a favorite of mine and many others. "I'm Going Home" is on a much softer note, a beautiful ballad with a few splashes of violin, sax, and electric guitar, with great back-up vocals. "Over at the Frankenstein Place" is a nice little duet with Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon and a small part with Richard Obrien with his odd and imperfect voice, but that's what makes it so cool! "Science Fiction" is another slightly odd-voiced song, but the awkward sound of it is what makes it so special. Also, Meatloaf's song "Hot Patootie" is an instantaneous favorite with it's old time rock n roll sound. "Eddie" is also a favorite of mine, it's timeless! In fact this whole album is timeless, seeing as how it was recorded in '75 i believe, and I can still listen to it without cringing! Actually, i don't cringe at most any 70's music, but THIS particular CD is very non-cringy! It's the anti-cringe! What can I say you have to get it! Just get it already! And don't forget the movie!

A really great listen!
I first saw RHPS on December 12, 2002 when I bought it on VHS. I've been a huge fan since then. Not too long after, I bought the soundtrack, which I never seem to stop listening to.

Science Fiction/Double Feature-5 out of 5-A wonderful opening song. It seems to tell you right away what this movie is: a spoof on all of the past Science Fiction movies. Richard O'Brien is great singing this one. ;)

Dammit, Janet-5 out of 5-Great singing by Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon(B.B. and S.S. =P).

Over at the Frankenstein Place-5 out of 5-Great song. I really love singing back-up and Riff-Raff's verse in this song.

Time Warp-5 out of 5-I love Patricia Quinn as Magenta. I always sing her parts in this song. Also, the dance is so much fun to do.

Sweet Transvestite-5 out of 5-Noone could ever pull off the role of Frank N. Furter like Tim Curry. Tim has the look and the voice.

I Can Make You A Man-5 out of 5-Great song. Tim really sounds great here.

Hot Patootie, Bless My Soul-5 out of 5-One of my favorites from this album. Meatloaf, I believe was the best choice as Eddie.

I Can Make You A Man(reprise)-Great finish. I really like Mendelssohn's wedding march re-done with a rock sound.

Touch-a Touch-a Touch Me-5 out of 5-Susan Sarandon is great as Janet. This is a great song.

Eddie-5 out of 5-Jonathan Adams is great as Dr. Everett von Scott. This is a great 60's style rock song. Very fun to dance around and sing to.

The Floor Show-100 out of 5-The best song on the album! My favorite part to it is "Wild and Untamed Thing".

I'm Going Home-5 out of 5-The saddest song on the album. I always get sad during this song in the movie because I know Frank's murder is coming up. =(

Super Heroes-5 out of 5-It's sad because what Brad and Janet were singing about, summed up, is that they had a taste of a seedy life and it was abruptly taken away from them and they feel the repercussions of their actions.

Science Fiction/Double Feature-5 out of 5-A re-telling of the movie, in song form! =D

This movie isn't for everyone. You'd have to have a very open mind to be able to sit through it.

Which is better? The movie or the soundtrack?
Thats a really hard question, because they're both so uberly awesome! I mean, this is what all soundtracks should be like. The ones that come out today, just mark some of the songs in the film, and they don't exactly make you replay the movie in your head when you listen to it. This is exactly what this soundtrack does! Just listening to "Time Warp" I want to get up and do the dance, and I can see the antics of Magenta, Riff Raff, Frank, Brad and Janet in my head. This soundtrack brings back so many memories!

I first watched this movie at a movie night at my soon to be boyfriend's house in 9th grade. After that I became obsessed with this movie! I later watched it again on tv by myself at home, and I realized that its one of those films, that just seems to be better if you're watching it with a group of really close friends. So, when my boyfriend gave me the soundtrack for V-day, (hahaha!) I was extactic after listening to it for the first time! Even though I was by myself, it brought back all the magic of the movie, both of the film itself, and of the craziness that insued while we were watching it! This is truly one of those soundtracks that can be listened to just for itself, and not for the movie! Known of the songs sound the same, and they all kinda make you sit up and go "What did they just say!?!?!" hahaha! Its a surprising and delighting album, and definately worth a buy, whether you've seen the film or not! And if you haven't, one listen to it, and you'll want to!

all hail frank n' furter!!!!!!!!!
i am thrilled to report(memories like the 'cobwebs' of my mind), that i was in the audience for the official opening of "RHPS"in 1975...and i like everyone else became instantly intoxicated and obessesed with frank and his denizens. the power the film had over a generation, via its imagery, symbolism, characters and their talent could be likened to releasing invisible heroin into the atomosphere at regular intervals keeping us in a constant state of euphoric submission. i think its absolutely redundant to review this recording. it is however, etched into our cultures psyche and has opened doors for the depraved, the not so depraved,the gay, bi, lesbian, transed out, geeky, s&m'd, stifled, frigid, barren, openminded andclosed, worn in, worn out, fresh, nubile, old, young, smart, slow, you name it.... peoples, of every walk of life and much, much more;futher confirming the power the entertainment industries have to influence. i saw the stage production at the roxy only once, albeit after tim curry left. in his stead was the wonderful and extremely competent paul jabara who unfortunately died way too soon. he was also responsible for penning some very famous pop tunes including "last dance," and "enough is enough." the stage production and its soundtrack primed me for the forthcoming film. i remember the build up..the hype..which can often leave one disappointed. the film in this case was rare in that it FAR EXCEEDED everyones expectations. because the film is what i identify(ied) with so much, the soundtrack has a VERYsoft spot in my heart. i did have to adust to the slowing down of the songs, but only for a very brief period. they simply took what was great and made it greater...perfection! if you're reading this, chances are youre already a fan. if you're new to RHPS then please, do yourself the biggest favor and GET IT! you will join ranks and be a part of a massive cult following that believe it or not, continues to grow. rock on!

See it, then hear it, dream it, then be it.
You don't have to see the movie to enjoy this soundtrack, oh wait, yes you do. Really though. It's as insane as the movie is, and once you see and hear it, you'll understand why it's got the biggest cult following of anything ever. You eventually become part of the music, addicted, and then are forced to give in to absolute pleasure. You'll start to dream it, and then you'll be it. GREAT SCOTT!!! It's just crazy science fiction. Besides everything else, the music itself really is great. I highly recommend "The Rocky Horror Picture Show". I'm going home. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

With the pop sense of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks now leading the band, Fleetwood Mac moved completely away from blues and created this homage to love, Southern California-style. Each songwriter makes his or her presence known: Nicks for her dreamy, mystical reveries ("Dreams," "Gold Dust Woman:); Christine McVie for her ultra-catchy slogans ("Don't Stop"); and Buckingham for his deceptively simple pop songs ("Second Hand News," "Go Your Own Way"). "The Chain," written collectively, is the Mac at their most dramatic. But it's the ensemble playing, the elastic rhythms, and lush harmonies that transform the material into classic FM fare. --Rob O'Connor ... Read more

Reviews (201)

BETTER THAN THE FIRST TIME!
Rumours is my favorite album of all time. Hearing this DVD was BETTER than hearing Rumours for the first time. I bought a DVD player just so I could hear this DVD! It would have been well worth the money for "Silver Springs" alone. My scratchy old 45" pales in comparison to the beautifully haunting version on this production. The album was remastered especially for DVD, and the sound is absolutely incredible. I heard sounds and voices that disappear on the album. The sounds in "Gold Dust Woman" are chilling. And the harmonies, my God, the harmonies! If "Songbird" doesn't make you cry, you have no heart! In addition to the songs from the album, there is a "Making Of..." which is pure gold to any Fleetwood Mac Fan. I cannot gush enough. I'm in love all over again! Go out and by a DVD player and this DVD. You won't regret it!

Does Rumours hold up over the years?
The answer would have to be yes. While 'Tusk' is my favourite Mac album, 'Rumours' redefined pop excellence and drama. Made during a time when the interpersonal relationships of the band were in complete disarray - the music is a dialogue of sagas. Ironic considering some band members weren't speaking to each other and yet had to perform on songs that were being directed at them.

In this environment of emotional turmoil and drug inducement - Fleetwood Mac created a timeless masterpiece that became imbedded in popular culture. The music is superbly crafted whether it be the sublime harmonies of Stevie, Lindsey, and Christine; the rhythm section of Mick and John; or the atmospheric qualities of 'The Chain' or 'Gold Dust Woman'.

Its for these reasons that 'Rumours' continues to chart in the UK Top 40 and still ranks highly in Amazon sales. If you have a DVD player, I would suggest that you purchase the DVD Audio version of this album. Not only does it contain 'Silver Springs' but the sound quality is superb. Also, Mac fans should also have the 'The Chain' 4 CD boxed set which contains lots of alternate versions of songs. Whatever you choose to do, 'Rumours' will always remain a quintessential item in any good pop collection.

A beautiful piece of work, bar none.
The essential Fleetwood Mac album.

It's no rock opera; get "Tommy" by The Who if you want that... and it's no Beatles album (how can you compare two groups that were never in competition with each other anyway? It's sooo unfair, they're both great bands). However, Rumors _is_ a hauntingly beautiful, and sometimes even upbeat, story in its own right of two relationships falling apart. The most popular songs (the ones the radio overplays) are awesome - "Go Your Own Way," "The Chain," and "Don't Stop (Thinking About Tomorrow)" - but the other tracks are great, too, despite the musically uneducated claiming that they're filler. (Have we lost the ability to read between the lines and hear what the musicians are saying?)

Stevie Nicks's singing is some of the best work she's ever done, and Lindsey Buckingham's guitar playing is perfect for the album - always there but sometimes completely invisible until you listen for it. Genius! Fleetwood's drumwork is classic: never overbearing, hard-driving, always keeping the beat moving along.

Far from being the blues and pop music band they were before the album "Fleetwood Mac," this is a wonderful 70s rock album. No, it doesn't break any new musical ground - in fact, it showcases all the different styles of music that made the 70s a great decade for music. Fleetwood Mac is one of the greatest rock bands ever, not because of its innovations, but because they took good things - pop, folk music, and rock - and made them better. Get a copy of this and listen to it at least once. You'll be hooked.

The greatest album ever?
This wonderful album was first released in 1977, and was re-released on CD in 1990. It contains many of the Fleetwood Mac's finest works up to 1977, and indeed many of their finest works, period. I had this album on vinyl(!) back when I was young, and often missed its fantastic sounds. Well, now it's back and I am very glad to have it.

Admittedly, this CD doesn't include any "extras" beyond what was on the original album, but the quality is excellent. As a bonus, the liner notes include the words to all of the songs. There is not one song on this album that is not one of my favorites, but my altogether favorite is Songbird, in which Christine McVie sings one of the most beautiful love songs that I have ever heard.

So, let me just sum up by saying that this is a great album, one of the best, one that I am very glad to have. I highly recommend it!

Rumours is Timeless
I love fleetwood mac, and I have to say thah this cd is one of the cds by which all of the other music I hear is judged. Unfortunately, no one writes songs like these any more, at least, they don't sing them with the same conviction that fleetwood mac does. Every song on this album is absolutely amazing and truly timeless. If you have never heard this album, I encourage you to listen to it. It is a beautiful collection, and you will not be disappointed. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Van Morrison's "Caledonia soul"--his unique blend of Irish mysticism and spiritual questing, literary allusion and blue-eyed R&B--can be as beautiful and deeply emotional as any music ever made. That's certainly the case on 1971's Tupelo Honey, one of the finest albums of Morrison's long career. Kicking off with the classic "Wild Night," Tupelo Honey is as completely joyous as the normally bitter Van gets, particularly on the title track and the unabashedly grateful, slow-building "You're My Woman," both among the most moving love songs he's recorded. --David Cantwell ... Read more

Reviews (32)

Van's Best Album as a whole
Something about Van Morrison's voice strikes me deep in my soul whether he is singing blues, rock, country, or ballads. What makes Tupelo Honey special to me is that it offers all of the above. Don't get me wrong - I love "Moondance" and "His Band and Street Choir" (which were both recorded only 1 year prior), but those albums have some dull moments. This is the only one that I listen to stright through smiling the whole time. Perhaps it's because all of these songs have a happy feel to them. From the familiar opening of "Wild Night" to the fun-filled finale of "Moonshine Whiskey", this album is a necessity to all Van fans. Don't waste time buying his Greatest Hits compilation. It doesn't do him justice. Buy this, the above mentioned albums, and "TB Sheets" and that will get you started on a journey with one of the most important musicians of our century.

Tupelo Shows Van's Extraordinary Range and Styles
Purchased on a friend's recommendation, I was somewhat skeptical on how this album can be different from other Van Morrison albums, but I have to say I am pleasantly surprised. Not only am I shocked that the song Tupelo Honey has not found its way onto any "greatest hits" compilation albums, it perhaps ranks up there with "Into the Mystic" in terms of a classic soul and song. This album has a country flavor to it, but not overbearing. Songs such as When That Evening Sun Goes Down and I Wanna Roo You have the country bent to it. You're My Woman is a great love song that ranks up there with Crazy Love off of "Moondance."

A Charmer
I didn't fall in love with Tupelo Honey as immediately and fully as I did with Van's masterpiece, Moondance, but it's impossible to not be charmed and seduced by the kindhearted sweetness of the record. That title track alone is one of the most tender songs he's ever recorded, an imagistically evocative love song that never feels slight or unearned. The record around it may not have a revelation quite to that level, but it does have a steady stream of songs that coax smiles from all directions - from the hopeful fun of "Wild Night" to the "mmm bubbles" conclusion in "Moonshine Whiskey."

summer music at its best
all i can say about this album by Van Morrison is pure bliss. When i listen to songs on this album i instantly get the urge to put this in the cd player and just drive around at night with the windows down. wow, what an uplifting album for someone to just start there life over again. one track that stands out to me is the title track "tupelo honey." you know that part in a great movie where the couple first meets and is starting to fall in love, any good music supervisor of a film has songs like this permantly in thier mind. I put this album right up there with Springsteen's "Born to Run" or Dylan's "blonde on blonde." definitly a worthy album for your cd player.

Come on out and dance.
"All the girls go by dressed up for each other and the boys do the boogie-woogie on the corner of the street. The passers-by stare in wide-eyed wonder as the inside juke box roars out just like thunder".
This fine example of Early Van is worth the asking price for the above lyrics alone - taken from "Wild Night". ... Read more

Amazon.com

Commissioned as the soundtrack for Barbet Schroeder's 1972 film The Valley, Obscured By Clouds actually holds up rather well on its own terms. The title track is a trippy, cinematic instrumental that features some searing guitar work from David Gilmour, but full-fledged songs like "Free Four" (which sounds like a morbid inversion of Norman Greenbaum's "Spirit in the Sky"), and the folksy "Wot's...Uh the Deal" are the real highlights of the set. Essentially a transitional work, Obscured By Clouds has long been dwarfed by Dark Side of the Moon, the album which came immediately after it. In fact, the funky "Childhood's End" and the ethereal "Burning Bridges" could well be dry runs for the Dark Side tracks "Time" and "Breathe," respectively. In all, it's a priceless snapshot of a band on the verge of immortality.--Dan Epstein ... Read more

Reviews (107)

Pink Floyd - 'Obscured By Clouds' (Capitol)2 1/2 stars
Review no.107.Originally released in 1972,this was Floyd's seventh lp(including compilations).'Obscured...' have never been one of my favorite Pink Floyd albums,although I'm not saying it's a bad effort.It's different than any other of their works.Sort of thought the CD's instrumentals,like the title cut "Obscured By Clouds","When You're In" and "Absolutely Curtain" were decently played.Even kind of liked the somewhat funky "Childhood's End",their ballad "Burning Bridges" and maybe even "Wot's...Uh The Deal".As a whole,this record JUST doesn't do much for me.Pink Floyd fanatics would probably get more out of it than I did.Hear it for yourself.

an underrated floydian classic
obscure by clouds is a terrific floyd album and features fantastic songs like uh wots the deal.get it today.

What sc'''!
This is awful! I hate this album! I love Pink Floyd but this album is terrible! This is just noises!

a subtle production that gets better with every listen
I've been listening to Floyd for about 20 years and this is by far, my favorite of all their albums.If you have not heard this album, you do not know Pink Floyd well.DSoTM and The Wall are both great albums, but this album is a personal album that hits home.The album has excellent flow, which means you can listen to it from beginning to end every time.The music is so rich that even though you haven't seen the movie, a movie of your own experiences will conjure in your mind.I've seen the movie and it isn't so great. The scenery is nice, but this sound track is something else.Some of the songs have a lot of energy in them though they aren't hard or fast.Others are dreamy and mellow.There's a good mix of up and down that balances itself out in the end.

although I'm no fan this is an OK CD
Although I am not a Froyd fan I like this album.

Best track is DEFANATELY : ABSOLUTELY CURTAINS with the hypnotic vchanting, beautiful I wish it only lasted an entire side.

Other good tracks when you're in, mudmen, obscured by clouds.

worst song : 3,4 - rather childish.

maybe the best thing about this album is the atmosphere, tempting, congruent and favorite over many of their later works.

Definately buy this, you will not regret, it is a winner album. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Steppenwolf At Their Best Really Rock!
There is a reason that the sixties rock group Steppenwolf still sells so strongly some thirty years after their arrival on the sixties rock scenes with a quick succession of powerful heavy rock hits like "Magic Carpet Ride" and "Born To Be Wild". I've always admired lead vocalist John Kay's singing style, songwriting and lyrical talents, and his outspoken personal warnings against the dangers of drug excess with songs like "The Pusher" and "Snowblind Friend". He was anti-drug when it was anything but fashionable to so cautious and careful. With concept albums like the fabled "Monster" or discursive excursions into the dark side of rock culture with "The Pusher', Kay always had something provocative and thoughtful to say. And Kay also knew his way around a melody, and whether he was making insightful social commentary in a number of songs like "Monster" and "Draft Resister" or just plain old wailing in terrific, edgy songs like "Never Too Late (To Start All Over Again)" or "Twenty Eight", he used the combination of his lovely lyrics, driving melodies, and wild rock improvisation to create a whole rafter of memorable, insightful and very appealing rock songs. Most of them are here, and those that aren't you can find in their other albums. Steppenwolf quickly earned the undying support and admiration of their original fans, and are finding new listeners through terrific compilation albums like this must-own collection of their hits. Enjoy

The Best Bang For Yor Buck
Whether you see this as a single disc version of 1991's Born To Be Wild/A Retrospective or a slightly expanded version of 1973's 16 Greatest Hits, it's all the Steppenwolf the average fan will need. In addition to including all of their Top 40 hits, you also get all of their lesser hits and key album tracks like "Don't Step on the Grass, Sam," "The Pusher," "Snowblind Friend" and "For Ladies Only."

One of the first concerts I ever saw was during my freshman year in college in 1970 when Steppenwolf was touring in support of Monster. [I still have my ticket stub--four bucks!] It was an amazing show. John Kay owned the stage. Hearing these songs again brings back a flood of memories and they still "get your motor runnin'" thirty years later.

If you're looking to upgrade your old copy of 16 Greatest Hits, this adds "Don't Step on the Grass, Sam," "Straight Shootin' Woman" (the only track on this collection recorded after the release of 1971's For Ladies Only) and the complete 9-minute medley "Monster/Suicide/America"--Greatest Hits included only "Monster." The band saw a lot of personnel changes over the years, but the music was always of consistently high quality. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

One of the eternal bands
This ensamble, whose name is taken from the famous work of Hermann Hesse, (one of my youth's writers), was emblematic all along his presence from 1967 to 1975. In just only eight years Steppenwolf could (like a very few to be honest) establish a rapport with a generation wishful of anxiety but also of answers and ideas.
The famous french May, Vietnam's war, Robert Kennedy's murder, Cassius Clay's affair, Woodstock Festival, Easy rider were - among other facts - important events that from one or another way , demanded bands with power but with imagination .
And Steppenwolf , just reached the peak with the album Monster (that in my opinion is the most perfect theme ever composed by them).
So however, many people just think that Steppenwolf was only the authors of Born to be wild , Sookie sookie and Magic carpet ride. And that's only a stage in his grow up.
Power play is the only theme which doesn't appear among their best, but the point is that the combination of the wildful voice of John Kay, and the perfect balance between the guitars , drums and organ, gave to Steppenwolf a special place in these innovative years which produced so many legends like Cream, Vanilla Fudge, Doors. Traffic, Blind faith, Deep purple, Black Sabbath, Uriah Heep, The who , Can, Amon Dull, Captain beyond,King Crimsom, Pink Floyd and a huge list of names who belong to the satus of legends.
In these years, (it's necessary srepeat it over and over) that there weren't video clips. The comentary is not superflous, because a band to be recognized, had to win the race just by your ears, and not thanks to a magnificent video.
The trouble with that is that you can buy a record just because the video is superb. So my question is: Are you spending your money by the music or by the video? This reflection comes to me very often when I try to explain to the young generations about the conceptual difference of enjoying and even make a statement about a musical work, no matter the genre you listen in that moment.
Steppenwolf printed a very important style in the music, and for those who had the huge privilege of being in one of their appearances, I envy them (in a bad sense but enthusiastic way).
For those people who are still teenagers, don't be afraid of risking your money. You'll be rewaarded. And if you can ask to your parents or some friend or teacher, may be you find a long speech that I can not make it in this brief review.

Great Collection - Great Sound!!
I too saw Steppenwolf perform in 1970 in support of the Monster LP. It was at Winterland in San Francisco. Anyway, the sound on this CD collection is tops!!

only one song missing
Steppenwolf at Carnegie Hall was the first "rock" concert I attended. OK, Johnny Cash at a Trenton bowling alley in 1962 WAS actually the first live show I saw, nursing a dollar coke at my parents request (I was 11). John Kay et al were powerful in 1969 and this collection captures that power. Only "Power Play" is missing from this perfect selection of their songs. Their playing was always tight in a way the live shows of Creedence Clearwater Revival were. Other examples, The Band, Talking Heads, Frank Zappa and, of course, Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band. Live shows by The Plastic People of the Universe make a person re-judge the "rock" influences of any particular individual in today's world, and likes/dislikes of any particular person in today's "rock" music world. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The sound of Phil Collins's distinctive voice set against a pulsing synthesizer and pounding electro/acoustic percussion became one of the most characteristic and ubiquitous sounds of 1980s (and early '90s) rock. And if Collins's solo work during that period seemed occasionally indistinguishable from that of his band, it was only evidence of the remarkable transformation that Genesis had undergone from its late '60s art-school roots. Indeed, the idea of an eventual Greatest Hits package would have been laughable then. But as the original quintet turned quartet (with the departure of vocalist Peter Gabriel) and then trio (when guitarist Steve Hackett left), the spotlight focused with increasing intensity on Collins and his pop and R&B sense. Though it overlooks a few contenders ("No Reply at All" and "Taking It All Too Hard") in service of balance (and the inclusion of late-model Genesis frontman Ray Wilson), this is a good sampler of one of rock's most consistent (if predictable) hit-makers. Gabriel and Hackett also return for one new track, reuniting the original quintet for a richly textured update of The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway 's "The Carpet Crawlers." --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (140)

PUT THIS CD ON AGAIN & AGAIN & AGAIN!
This 78 minute disc is a 18 track collection of most of Genesis biggest hits.

Unfortunately a vast majority of the songs on here are from the period with Phil Collins on lead vocals. While I am a HUGE, HUGE fan of Collins this CD doesn't have enough of the music Genesis made during the 1969-1975 line-up with Peter Gabriel on lead vocals although it does have one track from Selling England By The Pound. This CD should've had less songs from the Phil Collins era so to make more space for some of the PG era songs. While this CD probably did a bad injustice to the Peter Gabriel era works this collection has the song Congo from the tragically underrated Calling All Stations. Including at least Congo from that almost forgotten gem at least does Ray Wilson some justice by at least having CAS not being cut out of the picture completely. For this reason I don't lop a star off the rating of this CD.

Another thing that keeps this CD a five is the rerecording of the Carpet Crawlers under the original line-up. You'll just have to hear it for yourself. I personally love it.

For a band that has had so many hits from the mid 70s through the early 90s this CD even with almost 79 minutes of music, doesn't represent enough of their best music. While I love just about every song on here this CD should've been entitled "Greatest Hits: The Phil Collins years". I do recommend this for the novice fanbase, the completists or die hard fans(I fall into this category). I completely disagree with those who said Genesis sold out when they suddenly became superstars. The way I view it, Genesis were an incredible band that got the notice and popularity they deserved. Unfortunately leaving so much of the Peter Gabriel era works off this disc is an injustice to the 30+ year career of this incredible chamaleon band.

The ultimate bet is to go out on a buying spree and buy all of Genesis albums.

These CDs I especially recommend: Invisible Touch, Selling England By The Pound, Trick Of The Tail, Calling All Station(BUY THIS ONE ESPECIALLY!) & We Can't Dance. All others I didn't mention are also must-haves too but the ones I mentioned I recommend the most.

This CD shouldn't be left alone either. It's worth having just because it's Genesis. :)

LOVE LIVE GENESIS!

Good, but not *nearly* complete
First off: Why wasn't this a 2-disk set! This is a great CD for Genesis fans, but not a complete look at the work they have accomplished over the last 25 years or so.

'The Hits' primarily focuses on the Phil Collins years, arguably their most successful, commercially speaking, but not in terms of creative output. "I Can't Dance"! C'mon! The radio-edited version of "Tonight, "Tonight, Tonight"! Give me a break!

What really made me buy this CD? The new version of "The Carpet Crawlers," which reunites the original members (Peter Gabriel and Steve Hackett included) for an amazing 1999 rendition of a 70's quasi-classic. Then again, if Peter Gabriel is putting ANYTHING new out, I'm there.

My advice: If you're a Phil Collins fan, buy this CD (and his new Greatest Hits CD). If not, you'd be better off collecting the entire Genesis catalogue over time and finding out where the true gold is with these guys -- the songs you never heard on the radio.

(Then again, song 13, 'Congo,' with new singer Ray Wilson, was never on the radio, and they're calling THAT a Greatest Hit! )

Too many stupid songs and not enough good ones
That's All, Jesus he Knows Me, Invisible Touch??? These are stupid songs. I Know What I Like and Carpet Crawlers are the best songs here. The rest is junk. How did these pathectic songs even become hits?

Not a good cd
Genesis went from making great albums like The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway, Foxtrot, Selling England By the Pound to pathetic trash like Invisible Touch and We Can't Dance. Where is Watcher of the Skies, The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, Firth of Fifth, and Supper's Ready. IF THESE ARE THE HIT WHAT ARE THE MISSES?

phil collins shouldn't have gone solo!!
this cd was the cd that got me to love 80s music.with the whole bass-snare thing its great. phil collins can make his voice sound so completely different from song to song it's amazing. invisible touch is great. it seems calm at the beginning and then it gets louder and much more exciting. no son of mine is another great song; its meaningful and beautiful with a calmer melody. this is a true example of great music. the cd starts off with a bang: turn it on again is a great song, not a letdown created just for the naming of the cd. the only thing left to say is: this cd is truly amazing. ... Read more

Reviews (131)

One of the Beatles strongest early albums.
Okay, Okay...so the lyrics aren't up to Sgt. Pepper standards --it's still worthwhile to listen to. 'With The Beatles' was released at a time of innocence and decency, so the songs are simplistic. However, the music is to be unmatched. With maybe the exception of "Roll Over Beethoven" and "I wanna be your man", each track is a delightful and delicious melody unto it's own. One of the best kept secrets on the album..heck, best kept secrets in all of the Beatles discography is "All I've got to Do". It has a bluesy feel to it with typical tight Lennon/Macca two part harmony...and one my favorite middle eights they recorded.

Don't overlook "It won't Be Long", and the immortal "All my Loving". After those classic rockers, indulge yourself with Hari's debut track,and a good one to boot "Don't bother Me". Then groovy on down to the rockin harmonica in "Little Child". Alright, now take a rest and enjoy the BEAUTIFUL "Til There was You", one of my favorite Macca ballads. "Please Mr. Postman" and "Hold me Tight" are fine Lennon and McCartney upbeat tracks, even though the former was written by a girl group.

"Devil in Her Heart" is a wonderful sleeper with George on vocals. Lennon ends the album with "Not a Second Time" and "Money", two outstanding tracks.

Okay, from beginning to end..WTB is tight, no filler. Can you say that about most albums today? Actually, can you say that about most albums period?

That's what I thought. Get this!

A major step-up
When you compare this record with his predecessor your comparing 2 different worlds -- released only 8 months after "please please me" , "with th beatles" is a significantly more consistent and better album . The opening-triade (it won't be long , all I've got to do , All my loving) matches up to their finest work . "Don't bother me" is a good Harrison song , no "While my guitar..." not even a "Taxman" , but still a good debut from a beginning guitarist ."Little child" is a serviceable rocker ."Please mr. postman" and "Till there was you are" both good covers . Side 2 is practically as good as side one . "Not a second time" , "I wanna be your man" (which Mr.Mac sold very clever to the Stones) and "Hold me tight" are good to very good early songs . "Roll over Beethoven and Money (which remembers me of "Twist 'n shout) are delightful covers and I also enjoy the underrated "devil in her heart" , pulled to a higher level by the brilliant interphrase "no this I can't believe" . Also check out the great 3-part harmonies in the Smokey Robinson cover (which reminds me a bit of their own , Robinson-inspired "This boy" ) "you really got a hold on me" .

Under-estimated classic
One thing I would like to get straight, I doubt the Lennon - McCartney writing team had trouble fillign otu a whoel album with originals. To back my claim up think of all the fantastic singles from 1963 that didn't appear on this album. I think, rather, the cover versions are doen because the boys wanted to do them. Think of 'From me to you', 'Thank you girl', 'She loves you', 'I'll get you', 'I wanna hodl your hand' and 'This boy'. Six excellent self-penned numbers that could have replaced the six covers on this album. Thinking like that I don't see this album or "Please please me" as inferior to "A hard days night".

Anyway who doubts they could've have written six mroe songs for both records. I personally feel the covers gave them not only variety but also prestige. You have to remember that when this and Please Please me were released they weren't world-renowned popstars, they weren't considered the number one act [though don't worry it wasn't long] and for them to be covering artists who were as renowned at the time as the Shirrelles and the Motown acts, it was their way of saying 'we're just as good as the best of them'.

Fantastic album by the way, almost flawless. There was just something about those early Beatles recordings, vibrance. They were so vibrant, like early rock n roll but even more so, mainly due to major-key melodies in the song-writing efforts.

Of the originals, All my loving is probably one of the finest pop songs ever recorded and is definitely my favourite Beatles song, George Harrison's Don't Bother Me is a very unusual song for it's time. It's interesting because on Abbey Road Lennon and McCartney are the disillusioned ones and Harrison seems at peace ['Here comes the sun'], but at this early stage Harrison seems quite disillusioned. Other standouts are Not a second time, Hold me tight, All I've got to do and Ringo singing I wanna be your man, which are all fantastic. The remaining Original numbers are great songs.

Of the cover versions, Roll over Beethoven is classic, and they do excellent jobs of You really got a hold on me, Please Mr. Postman, 'Til there was you and Money. Devil in her heart is not my favourite lyrically but there's nothing wrong with it otherwise.

One of my firm favourite Beatle Recordings and a must have for any fan of their music or early 60's pop music.

A superior sequel
Because the Beatles fame and success came so quickly and intensely, it would have been forgivable if their second album didn't match the high quality of their debut. But, in trademark Beatle fashion, they not only matched it, they topped it. The same kind of material is here, just better. "I Wanna Be Your Man", "It Won't Be Long", "Roll Over Beethoven", "Little Child", and "Hold Me Tight" made "With The Beatles" the most downright *hard rocking* album you could get at the end of 1963. But to even it out, some slower numbers are included, all of which are sublime. "All I've Got to Do" is gorgeous, and "Don't Bother Me", George Harrison's first original, is actually one of the best tracks on the album. Even "Till There Was You", a cover of a musical number, is a standout (and the guitar solo proves just how accomplished a guitar player George really was). The only possible gripe for this fantastic album is that their originals are now so good that the covers sound a little bland in comparison. But don't worry, that's something they would remedy on the next album.
~John Ballantyne

Post-1963 Beatles albums ought to be outlawed !!!!!!!!
Mhhh... wooooooooooooooooaw!!! this one really rocks.......... hard to find the beatles in a better shape and with a better sound...

no dopes. no pot. no lsd. no nothing. just the beatles. well, that's how it was up to the help! album, after which they became somehow more turned into psychedelic-pop. hey, the result wasn't always that bad, mind you, but it somehow brilliantly culminated with sgt pepper, after which, well...

wait a second... where are we, here...? in the cavern, or in some place like that...? the music sounds just sooo great, you could almost see girlies swinging around in college dresses, occasionally sipping at their soda-pops... mhhh... really cool, fresh, mint, innocent and groovy, just that great early sixties atmosphere... ... Read more

Reviews (73)

An Excellent Starting Point for the Uninitiated
All excellent songs, 10 of Dylan's best and most famous ever, really. If you are not a big Dylan fan yet, but want to get into his stuff and don't feel like shelling out 20+ dollars for "The Essential Bob Dylan," a great place to start would be this collection.

All of the albums these songs come from are excellent also, especially "Blonde on Blonde" and "Bringing it All Back Home," 2 of the greatest rock albums of all time. For solo acoustic fans, I recommend "The Freewheelin Bob Dylan," the album from which "Blowin in the Wind" is taken.

I am what normal people would call a "Dylanophile;" I now own just about all of his 40+ official releases. From this standpoint, I would say that if I had to choose Dylan's 10 best songs up through 1966, it would look very similar to this. Buy this, and who knows, 2 years later you may become just as obsessed as I am (and thats a good thing!).

Only the tip of the iceberg
For an artist of Bob Dylan's stature, greatest hits packages just don't cut the mustard. This overview of Dylan's early 60s work is completely inadequate as a complete representation of his Bobness' work. Every album the guy did during this period was brilliant from beginning to end. Any serious Dylan fan will yearn to hear "Tombstone Blues" after "Like a Rolling Stone," or "Girl From the North Country" after "Blowin' in the Wind." Forget this disc, stop being a cheapskate, and shell out the money for as many Dylan records from the 60s as you can afford. Then consume his 70s work, maybe half his 80s records, and soak in his renaissance in the 90s. If you insist on buying this, just know you're seriously missing out on the rest of the best body of work rock n roll has ever produced.

bob dylan is awesome
yea...ok. bob dylan is one of the best artists of all time. as with his first greatest hits album, it's great. who was this guy that gave it one star, saying it ain't me babe was sonny and cher? and mr. tambourine man was Captain Kirk? try the Byrds man. this guy has no idea what he was talking about, and anyone that read that should disregard every word and should buy dylan's "regords." and i'm only 18, and i know that dylan is awesome. so people should stop trashing his music because he can't sing. one's voice isn't everything, you superficial people.

AWESOME
Great CD, rarely do I find a CD that I fall in love with everysong, but this is one of the few. If you know someone with a better, cooler voice than Bob Dylan than I'd like to know about it. Everything about this CD is great, the lyrics, the harmonica, the music. I most defenintly recomend it.

Review from a 14-year old folknik
In 1966 I already had every album Dylan made, but "Positively 4th Street" was needed to round out my collection. On the other hand, I wasn't ready to part with $3.57 for just one song, so I suspended principle and placed my order with a classmate who was running a thriving stolen records business. He got it, but somebody broke into his school locker before I took delivery. Serves me right. My cousins eventually bought it for me for Christmas.

An excellent Dylan primer, with Al Kooper hitting his stride with the B3 on "4th Street." ... Read more