Album Description

Vocalist Tracy Thorn and multi-instrumentalist Ben Watt began making music together as Everything But the Girl in the early '80s while students at Hull University in the U.K. By the '90s their spare-yet-sensual, jazz-inflected tunes evolved nito a richly textured fusion of pop and electronica-"Pop-Tronica"-that shimmered with diverse musical idioms. A favorite both in the clubs and with critics and aficionados, the duo's innovative sound has become iconic to the genre. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Stay on Topic
I really hate it when people don't review the CDs. Bartender "metropic1"'s review was completely useless because he did not say anything about the CD.If he is angry because Everything But The Girl has not released any new music in years, he should post on their website, ebtg.com. He knew it was a remix CD."Remix" means no new material.This is not the place to vent over a lack of new music.

Remix/Rehash
It is pathetic that a duo as talented as EBTG keeps releasing the same old stuff with slightly different twist. They should take a page from PSB and release new stuff as well as old. Purchase "Like the deserts miss the rain" instead of this. Ben can run a label, why not create new stuff and release it on Buzzin'Fly. Trust me, I know, you can do both, or(and I hope not)is it just over for these two musically?

Another Outstanding Album
"Adapt Or Die" collects Everything But The Girl's remixes over the past 10 years, and is an excellent companion piece to their recent hits compilation "Like The Deserts Miss The Rain", since it adds several tracks from their 1999 LP "Temperamental" that were not included in the former. Besides the signature tunes ("Missing", "Wrong", "Walking Wounded"), there are some pleasant surprises along the way, like the Jazzy Jeff remix of "Mirrorball", which stands as one of EBTG's best remixes ever. "Before Today" is given a new lease of life by Adam F, incorporating a harder drum n bass beat than in the original. The remixes for "Single", "Lullaby of Clubland", "Downhill Racer" and "Corcovado" are also outstanding. The inclusion (at the end) of the 1990 acoustic mix of "Driving" is a nice touch, since it gives release to the relentless dance beats that occupied the last 13 songs on the record. Overall, this is one remix album you can actually listen to from beginning to end, because it is very consistent and compelling, just like anything EBTG has ever put out. If you like innovative, intelligent dance music with heart, you should definitely pick this up. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Decent, at times good, but not, as is typical, great.
Adapt Or Die is a compilation of recordings made over the last 10 years (although there are some tracks older than that on here?).For longtime followers of EBTG, this is a welcome gift from the understandably reclusive group (made up principally of vocalist Tracy Thorn and husband/producer Ben Watt); they are new parents, and have made the rare decision to tether themselves to family first, and let their musical momentum subordinate.Refreshing indeed.

I've been anticipating this album since they mentioned it on their fan site some number of months ago (yes, I'm that big of an EBTG psycho, keep that in mind when I get a bit course here soon), I have great respect for Ben Watt's musical talent.I was certain he'd shepard a world-class mix.Well, after a few listens, this certainly isn't that.It's an "ok" mix.There are, in my opinion, only a couple of songs that are better than their original productions (Corcovado, and Mirrorball).Then there are a handful of songs that'll freshen-up interest in the EBTG playlist, but regrettably, not for long.

However, there are some unbelievable stinkers on this CD.I couldn't believe how bad the Tempermental remix is.It's...well, listen to it yourself before you get all worked up.It sounds like they forced Tracy by gunpoint to do a cover for that weird costume scene in Eyes Wide Shut.Disturbing.Also, the remix for Single is like...well, it's like the same song, only with some kind of Casio-watch-style beeping in the background.Maybe some people, like fans of Casio watches will be like "wow, some beeping at intervals, just what this track needed".I however am offended by what I consider needless tampering.

Which should be the title of this CD:Needless Tampering With Perfection.But that wouldn't move many units would it?

I'm obviously dissapointed.If you care to look up my reviews, you'll see that I'm a consistent 5 star reviewer of EBTG, I'm always the one strongly advising you to go buy the album.This time however, I can't in good conscience advise you to do anything but steer clear.

Sadly,

Christian Hunter
Santa Barbara, California

More than what you may expect
Beyond just a remix album, this is an overhaul of most of these ebtg classics. Admittedly biased-I am a die-hard ebtg fan, but this one impressed me none-the-less. The total reworking of great songs with fun results! Although I admit I don't like the Tempermental redo, it is certainly creative, and fits a certain mood and theme within the song. Whilst I would of course prefer new ebtg stuff, as Tracey is playing house (in a good way), this is an awesome alternative.
If you are new to ebtg or a long-time fan, this is a very worthy investment. Ben & Tracey have so much to say, in so many ways. I thank them for the latest in over twenty years of stellar releases. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The perfect timing of Beyonce Knowles’ career moves continues with the release of her debut solo album. Dangerously in Love’s best music is wildly up-to-date, craftily designed for both maximum street acceptance and positioning as some of the most cutting-edge stuff on current radio. The brash first single, "Crazy in Love," melds Jay-Z with an unstoppable Chi-Lites horn sample, shape-shifting into something brand new. Collaborations with Outkast’s Big Boi and Sean Paul also prick up the ears, while changes of pace like "Be with You" and "Speechless" achieve their aim with credibility. The disc becomes far too ballad heavy in its second half, but the key stuff is the noise she brings.--Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (704)

A Force of Nature...
The only mistake Beyonce made with her debut solo album is that trying to pass the first five tracks is a difficult task. Because the dance numbers are lumped at the beginning of the album, and the ballads overtaking the rest of the project, it feels too tiring trying to get through this good but uneven debut. Of course my review comes a little late, seeing as how nobody gives a damn what order the songs appeared in on the album, Beyonce is a bona-fide diva. Having headlined a tour alongside Miss Keys and Missy, it was truly Beyonce's year. For anyone expecting this album NOT to be highly stylized and well made for mainstream listeners, you need look elsewhere, because as much as I love Miss Knowles, she is as mainstream as they come. That's not to say the woman isn't talented. She was at the producers helm, crafting her album and making it her own.

Beyonce knew what sounds were the hottest, as evident on the wildly successful and funky tune 'Crazy in Love.' The classic horns sample, along with Jay-Z's chilled flow skills makes it a great song. Dancehall music was of course the genre of 2003 and continues to dominate 2004 along with crunk. What would a dancehall track be without Sean Paul? 'Babyboy' actually took awhile to appeal to me. Because dancehall riddims were everywhere and anywhere during the single's release, it became quite redundant, but nonetheless it is a great dance tune.

'Hip-Hop Star' and 'Naughty Girl' wear out their welcome quite quick. On 'Naughty Girl', Beyonce tries to hard to be...well... naughty, and while her homage to Donna Summer is appreciated, it doesn't mean the track holds through for a long amount of time.

What would an r&b divas album be without ballads. Most original is Beyonce's female empowering 'Me, Myself, & I', it is a great track with its vintage soul sound and Beyonce's soaring vocals. On the sensual "Gift From Virgo", Beyonce's lush voice fuses with Missy Elliots always innovative melodies. It is another standout track. 'Be With You' is also well done, with it's groovy, vintage beat and Miss Knowles slinky vocals.

All in all, Beyonce is your run of the mill diva. As much as I love her sound and watching her perform live, she is in every way a mainstream songbird. If you like slickly produced, and at times souless r&b, Beyonce fits the bill almost too perfectly. She certainly struck while the iron was hot, and she owned the year. Dangerously in Love is a good CD, but if many music buyers are still wary of its quality, I say buy the singles at your local Media Play, Sam Goody or whatever... because they are the strongest and best cuts from the album.

Beyonce Left Me "Speechless"
Beyonce Knowles, 1/3rd of Destinys Child, out did herself on her first solo debut album, entitled Dangerously In Love. This a a wonderful CD, that will be a classic, such as Aaliyah's, Aaliyah. The craftsmanship that she put into the album is evident with the first track, Crazy In Love. Beyonce is a true entertainer, and will be written down in history. Many people say that they dislike her, but I dont believe they really do, its just that she is a beautiful, talented, young woman, who is doin her thing, at such a young age. She has the mind, and vocals of a more mature woman. Her writing skills have improved tremendously, and vocal range has broadened. Every track on DIL, is a track to listen to more than once. My favorite tracks are Gift From A Virgo, Me, Myself, and I, Yes, Speechless, Naughty Girl, Daddy (beautiful ode to her father). Daddy is a change of pace for tributes to parents who have helped artists get where they are. A lot of artists have songs for their mothers, but no fathers. So this is wonderful. Beyonce really outdid herself, on this album, and I enjoy every track on. It was worth the pushbacks, and the money. Go get another copy. And just leave it in the packaging. Cause it will be worth something in the mere future.

THIS CD WAS GREAT
EVERY SONG WAS GOOD!THE BEST SONG WAS SPEECHLESS. I GUESS YOU WOULD HAVE TO BE IN LOVE TO UNDERSTAND.

Nice effort
The album was ok, I thought it was gonna be better. I like a few of the songs and thought they were well written but I expected something huge. She's a great artist,performer,singer,and person. She deserves all the grammys and success that God can bless her with but this album was a little disappointing to me.

Wonderful Artist and Person - Horrific Album
Depending on why you were a destiny's child fan to begin with, you will either love this album or hate it.

I became a fan when DC did the survivor album because they had a diverse amount of the background sounds/instruments and lyrical topics (like they really do love each other like family, people need to get their act together, you need to find god, true love is the best, and last but not least you need to party too). DC was also really good at being totally serious on a song and then being really cheesy (but have it still be fun to listen to) on another song.

Before this album came out I was really hyped up for it because Beyonce did a big chunk of producing and writing for the survivor album.

Since the survivor album was the first time she did most of the behind the scenes work I assumed this album would be similar in terms of what kind of vibe you got from it.

Man was I wrong, on most of the singles she is in Foxy Cleopatra mode (what she did in Austin Powers). It was cool to see that routine in the movie (because that was a comedy), but not on here (this wasn't supposed to be a comedy). Another major problem is most of the songs that were not ever on the radio are really bland ballads that are totally forgetable.

The sad thing is whenever you see Beyonce in interviews she is one of the few celebrities that really does come off as smart, kind, sexy, and mature. But if all you knew about her was from this album you wouldn't think this because way too many of the songs don't project that kind of feeling at all. Because of this the songs things sound contrived or really cheesy (in a bad way) most of the time (Naughty Girl is the worst offender, I laugh uncontrolably every time I hear that song).

So here is the final verdict, if all you are looking for is some songs to play at a party or you follow only top 40 stuff then get this or some compilation CD that has her singles (seriously, you will probably love it). If you are looking for a great album that you will continue to play years from now then avoid this and buy DC's Survivor album if you don't already have it. ... Read more

Album Description

Shaking off the conventions and cliches of the EBM and futurepop genres, VNV Nation have crafted a work of art. From haunting, quiet beauty to introspective depths, to dance floor anthems, "Matter + Form" is an album crafted to move not only bodies on the dance floor, but hearts as well. VNV Nation is the new face of electronic music. ... Read more

Reviews (29)

What is truth
VNV Nation is one easily one of best bands in the EBM/futurepop genre as well as in general. I first discovered thema couple of years ago with their last studio album "Futureperfect". I was completely awestruck by their abilities to fuse haunting lyrics and melodies with a blend of industrial and synthpop beats. Ronan Harris writes some of the most beautiful lyrics I have ever heard (i.e "Beloved").

I finally obtained a copy of "Matter + Form". I personally love this album. I think it is great that the band continues to evolve with their sound. I think it would be dull for a band like VNV Nation to stick with one particular sound. It may work for bands like AC/DC but I think in VNV's case, they should be allowed to grow as a band. While there is no "Beloved" to be found on this album per say, the songs are far from lacking a good hook. I dug the industrial-influenced tracks "Chrome" and "Arena". They really set the tone of the album and I hope the band plays one or both of those songs live next month in concert. "Colours of Rain" is a beautiful haunting instrumental. "Homeward" is another personal favorite track of mine that I find myself hitting the replay button on.

I thought "Matter + Form" is a solid follow-up to "Futureperfect". I thought the general overall sound of "Matter + Form" was more aggressive than the band's previous two albums because of songs like "Arena" and "Perpetual" (another personal favorite track of mine). It is definitely one of the best albums of the year so far. I can't wait to see the band live in conert next month.

Uninspired
Whenever I've listened to a VNV Nation album, I've always been struck by how interesting and innovative the group is, even if I don't particularly enjoy every song on the album.There's still a sort of appreciation for trying to create something truly unique, something only VNV Nation could do.

Most of the tracks on Matter and Form are sub-par for what I expect from VNV Nation, and come nowhere near matching the quality of their earlier works.

There's an intro track on M+F, however it does nothing to set the mood for the rest of the album; it's essentially a minute and a half of sci-fi sounds that make you anticipate something dark and unknown, which really doesn't fit how the rest of the album feels.

Chrome is the only song on this album I have any sympathy for, as you can tell that a lot of time was put into the song to make it so great.It almost sticks out like a sore thumb on the album since the majority of the lyrical pieces on M+F are slow and ballad like (think Airships from Futureperfect, which I wasn't particularly a fan of).

The instrumental pieces are great tracks to fall asleep to, most of which are boring techno pieces that sound like the same 10 second sound clip looped over and over for a few minutes.

I'd recommend purchasing Praise The Fallen, Empires, Futureperfect, or if you can find it, Advance and Follow instead of this album if you do not have them.Or, check out something by Assemblage 23.

actually 2 1/2 stars to be exact
only has a couple good songs.about 5 or 6 of the songs are just instrumental, which i hate for this type of music.they are usually boring and stupid.It feels like i paid 15 bucks for only 5 or 6 songs.
I like VNV nation and love their last 2 albums, past perfect and empires but this one did not impress me.
save your money and download the only 2 decent songs that are on there.

Fantastic
"Chrome" and "Perpetual" are among the best of VNV and EBM. Great, great CD.

Not Quite the New Face of FuturePop
Like most fans of VNV, I too could sense that something in the way of a major shift had to occur. I mean Ronan might as well have said it directly on the "Futureperfect" DVD. He noted that the electro industrial scene undergoes a major shift about every 5 years or so. All of us then did the quick mental math to realize that VNV had taken over the scene about 5 years prior. Therefore he was saying that the scene, and his band too, needed to shake things up. In listening to this it almost seems as though VNV felt that everyone was looking to them to take that bold step and become the new face of whatever the new sound would be. Given that mindset I find "M&F" to be a major disappoint and, for the most part, a failure.

I think the only fully realized song is the single "Chrome"; it manages to be a clubsmasher while changing things enough to really break out of the confines of their earlier work. The synth sounds utilized recall nothing of prior songs, while the vocals are spun in a way that is fresh for Ronan. Outside of this I find some glaring flaws. The intro is a useless throwaway piece and I'm really tired of industrial bands thinking that they can get away with this. I don't mind simple mood setters but this has no value (if you have 17 tracks then a few fillers might be alright, but not on a 10-track album). Far too many tracks do not have vocals and they are not strong enough instrumentals to really stand on their own merit. Several are formulaic trance numbers that would work as decent dancefloor sets for lesser artists but fall flat here. One of the better tracks is nothing more than a rewrite of "Airships" from the previous album. If it's a bold new direction you are looking for, then please do not write a song built out of the exact same presets as a previous hit. "Homeward" is a very nice track but it's one that Covenant has written about 30 times already, no? I love the sound but it really isn't much to brag about creatively.

All in all, it's a pretty good album but it does nothing to resolve the "where is this freakin' scene heading?" question. While offering glimpses of brilliance it falls back too often on its predecessors and fails frequently when new ground is covered. It pains me to say that as an old fan with great respect for the artist, but I simply have to disagree with many others who I believe are overlooking flaws out of love for the artist rather than being honest with themselves. I've tried to give this album more than a fair chance, but after 20+ listens I just can't kid myself any longer. Generally I applaud it when bands try to do something new, but in this case they didn't have the guts to go nearly far enough. They got caught in between taking an artistic stand and giving us what they thought we wanted... an unpleasant compromise. ... Read more

Album Description

The world’s most revered DJ mix series returns with an absolute stunner! This time around, in Global Underground’s continued effort to bring the world’s most exciting electronic music and party cities to you at home, Danny Howells took a trip with the GU crew to Miami. On a thrilling Halloween night, thousands of fans packed into the world’s most popular nightclub, downtown Miami’s Club Space to hear Mr. Howells drop a legendary main floor set of Disco classics, Detroit techno and thumping up-front House before exiting to the club’s terrace to play a jaw-dropping sunrise set full of atmospheric experimental music reminiscent of disc one of his last Global Underground release, last year’s acclaimed 24:7. That night became the inspiration for Danny’s first release for our signature series, Global Underground #027 Miami. The album is a sublime mix of genres featurning the likes of Bent, Silicone Soul, Ashtrax, Throbbing Gristle and Danny’s favourite record of all time, the breathtaking disco stunt "Hills of Katmandu" by Tantra.

A ten-year veteran DJ, with an unearthly ability to connect with his audience, Danny has consistently ranked high on every official and unofficial best DJ list there is. First making his appearance on the Global Underground imprint with his 2000 mix, Nubreed #2, Danny has gone on to gain notoriety as a ground breaking producer and remixer. His credits include a 2004 British Top 40 single ("Dusk ‘Til Dawn"), production collaborations with Deep Dish and remix commissions from Robbie Williams, David Morales and BT.

With the long standing tradition of Global Underground to tap the absolute crème talent to helm the GU series, Miami is sure to emerge as the essential dance music compilation of 2005 and Danny Howells will continue to rise as a star of today and tomorrow’s electronic music hierarchy. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Simply Amazing -- House at its Best
Global Underground 27 : Howells in Miami is one of the best mix CD's I've ever bought. At first glance, Disc 2 is more likeable. It's techy, and a little faster than disc 1. It's fun and very danceable. However, the real gem of this set is clearly disc 1. From begining to end, it is one of the best things I've ever heard. Danny Howells himself calls disc 1 his "baby." It really shows! Put it in and you will find at least one part of your body moving to the grooves he's put together. This is simply house at its best.
These wonderful tracks are super-funky, and are very versatile. You can play it loud and dance, or keep it soft and chill out to it. Please, do yourself a favor, and treat yourself to one of the best kept secrets of house music. Danny Howells has such an ear for music, this CD comes straight from the soul. Get this CD, and then SEE HIM LIVE!!! He will not dissapoint.

Most danceable Global Underground set Satoshi Tomiie
I would recommend purchasing the booklet, which in some stores is the same price as the jewel casing.

Anyway, this double disc set is ear catching right from the start, which seems to be the going trend given the sets released by Cattaneo (Renaissance Volume 2) and Fortier (Balance 007), which also catch the ear from the first track of the first cd.This set separates from theirs once Danny Howells begins to make an emotional connection with his audience with track 2 on disc one (Light Shine).From here, the listener is always waiting to see what he's going to throw out next, mainly because he uses artists that aren't well known trance/house names.

He lights it up in the middle of both discs, and has a knack for choosing tracks that mix well together, similar to Sasha and caters to the mature house crowd.

This mix is also more emotive than his 24:7 disc 2 set, and sounds more like his 24:7 disc one set with danceable beats.I would compare him to Nick Warren in terms of connecting with his audience/crowd, while also packing in the emotion of an Oakie in his prime ('99).Pick up this Global Underground if you want to smile and nod with headphones on, or turn it up on your stereo with his second disc.A winner indeed.

dirty, housey, techno, disco, progressive,...its got it all
Danny Howells, an up and coming veteran to the dance scene shows off his skills with GU 27. I have never really heard Howells until now besides that he opened up for Digweed a number of occasions.Howell's broad range of musical style and creativity flourish on this 2CD set.CD 1 is more of a "lighter, groovier" set aimed at the early morning scene of the Terrace at Club Space.Cd2 is a little bit wilder and more clubbish.Both sets are seamlessly mixed, expecting no less from the GU series.I have been listening to house for a couple of years and I have never heard the different sounds that Howells puts on here.It is a very stylish cd that somewhat odd but still maintains the dirty, housey feel that Howell fans can relate with.This CD is a great addition to your GU collection.

Very Good "Deep/Progressive House"!!
This is my first experience with ol' Danny boy.I can't really say that I was disapointed at all.The only downfall to these discs is that it is in fact Deep House.I remember all of the hype that 24:7 got, and I really wanted to purchace that disc, but I never did.I purchaced these 2 discs in hopes that Danny would be the one Dj that would take us all out of this "deep", "slow", "un-energetic" phase that Electronica as a whole has become in the last 6 months to 1 year.Not the case.But these mixes impressed me only on the technical side of Mr. Howell's great knowledge of mixing.A very well produced mix of "Deep" to "Progressive" House.I fairly gave this production 3 stars because it is infact a great production, but just like most every Electronic CD of 2005, it lacks that "energy" that Electronic music is known for.

What a joke!...that anyone would spin these at a club/lounge
Is this a joke?Seriously people.I'm into a lot of kinds of trance/house/electronica, and NOBODY would book a DJ to play this steaming pile collected by Danny Howells.Not a single good track.He says himself in the coverjacket that a lot of his records are "really/extreemly rare."Know why?Cuz they blow and nobody wants to hear them!It also shows people dancing/partying in the pics.These tunes would CLEAR a dancefloor and would be found annoying in a lounge setting.This is definitely UNDERGROUND, and will stay so, but only due to nobody liking it - NOT that it's sooo cool from the "untainted" dancefloors out there that it falls under the radar. ... Read more

Amazon.com

You'd never guess from Human After All that these are the same guys who came up with the opulent dance grooves of 2001's Discovery. On Human After All it sounds like Daft Punk's robotic alter egos have finally gotten the upper hand and made an album that is defiantly free of emotion and personality. Instead, Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo amp up the irony and deliver a set of songs that are maddeningly repetitive, raucous and bound to test the most devoted fan's patience. But even as the French duo short-circuits it manages to captivate--the spoken-word "Technologic" and the digitized "The Prime Of Your Life" are just bananas enough to make its euphoric hit "One More Time" sound positively last century. --Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

Reviews (99)

Ratatat fused to Zongamin eating up Daft Punk's Discovery
It was a joyful night.I started with the regualr Zongamin for night, but then I got an invite from a friend into his car.He told me about this CD he has been listening to and asked me to try and figure out who it was.He and I are big fans of Interstella 5555 and Discovery, who couldn't be?Both of us enjoy Ratatat, Yip-Yip and Zongamin, but what we were listening to was like watching the Big Bang!

As we listened to Daft Punk's newest album, Human After All, we became hypnotized.Everything merged and fused together to make this.Take the energy of Discovery, throw in the guitar synth of Ratatat and the disco beats of Zongamin and you get Human After All.

The first three tracks, are some of my favorite all time songs.They are the prime time of our lives, thats for sure.I've been enjoying this album for a long time, and it will definately make it on my top 10 albums of all time, along with their other two.

You're watching, well listening, to this band emerge into something amazing.This will be one of those albums of the decade, and it should be, just like all Daft Punk stuff.

Repetitive After All
After another four-year wait, Daft Punk officially return with a relative clunker that was recorded in just 6 weeks from what I understand. The real shame is that there are still some killer riffs to be found here but they are played out with the utmost minimalism lacking any variation or increasing complexity. Songs -- or should I say vignettes? -- that would have been satifying at a neat 3 minutes are dragged out to close to 5 minutes for almost no apparent reason other than to pad this sparse album's playtime. The title track "Human After All"is the clearly shining track on the album, setting the rest of the album up for disappointment. Other singles like "Robot Rock" feature great riffs but quickly wear out their welcome when the 4-minute mark is reached and there's hardly anything to show for it. Daft Punk have always been about a certain degree of minimalism and simplicity in their own cheerfully naive way, but this time they have exposed themselves as plainly insipid.

This is not the Daft Punk I fell in love with...
The first time I played this album, I thought there was something wrong with my CD player.Seriously.Toward the end of track 2 I took the disc out and looked to make sure it wasn't scratched or damaged.I just couldn't believe that someone listened to the track all the way through and at the end said "Yep, that's perfect!"Uhhh, it's 3 minutes of a drum loop followed by 2 minutes of white noise guys.

I wouldn't even call it pretentious, because I don't feel like any real thought went into making this album.It's annoying, it's WAY too repetitive (even for electronica), and it doesn't resemble either of their other two albums that I absolutely love.

The only track that's mildly interesting to me is "Technologic", and you don't have to buy the album to hear that.Just wait for the iPod commercial to come on TV.You can't miss it.It's on about every 5 seconds.

Daft Punk must be mad at Virgin Records!!!
After loving both Homework and Discovery and heralding Daft Punk as one of the finest French exports in recent years, I had high expectations of Human After All as being the album which decisively puts these guys in the pantheon of most influential electronic artists.

Unfortunately this album falls so flat that anyone else who is fooling themselves into seeing genius in this work is simply doing that....fooling themselves!

To think that DP could have possibly spent more than two days to record, produce and deliver this album to Virgin Records would be unimaginable.The only thing that I can think of is that they are deperately trying to get out of their contract and by delivering this crap, they hope to fulfill their responsibilities with their label.

I bought this CD used for $5, at that price I'm not mad but just disappointed.If I would have paid (...)for this CD I would be mad, insulted and definitely trying my best to get my money back!

By releasing this album, DP are giving fans an excellent reason to download their songs in the future instead of buying them.

If DP are laughing all the way to the bank, I hope they enjoy it because this is the last time that it will happen!

I smell a new Daft Punk Movie!
Daft Punk is always trying to do something more innovative and creative than its prior release. They started out with big beats in
'Homework', and then moved on to trance and a LOT of samples in
'Discovery'. Now, with 'Human After All' out in stores everywhere, most people don't like it. Why? Because it wasn't like Discovery.

Daft Punk tried to do a 6-week experiment to see what was the best they could do in such a short time. They did good. "Human After All" is an electro-filled song with a bunch of vocoders and guitars...which isn't a very common combination, but it was a good one. "Prime Time Of Your Life" added a little bit of swing into the mix, a very risky decision, but it paid off. "Robot Rock", the album's first single, is a head-bopping romp of pure fun...to say the least. "Steam Machine" is a heavier, slower sort of song. It's okay, but not my favorite by far. "Make Love", while soft, is not as emotional (or explicit, mind you) as the title suggests. Not nessecarily a bad song, but more of a 5/10.

"The Brainwasher" is another hard, heavy song with a sort-of annoying voice screaming "I AM THE BRAINWASHER". Is that really nessecary? I'm not going to review "On/Off", as it's just a bunch of television channels. "Television Rules the Nation" is a nice, rock song that I really enjoyed. Filled with vocoders and guitars , it was a neat song to bob my head to. "Technologic", while being called the next 'Around The World', doesn't appeal to me that way. It's alright, but it's more of a meh song. I don't like kid voices...And for the end, "Emotion", it's a nice song to chill out to after "BRAINWASHER!!!" and "STEEEEEEM MACHIIIIINE!!"

Overall, it was a nice CD. One I'm not used to, but it's good. Pick it up, 'cuz it's reccomended. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Puts me to sleep (but that's a good thing)
I have trouble staying asleep some nights, and I've recently found that certain types of music or sounds can put me in a relaxed state. Steven Halpern's "Chakra Suite" is one of the best for this purpose.

The chakra suite is supposed to be used to meditate on each of the seven chakras or power centers of the body. I am not one who meditates, on chakras or other things, but if you do meditate, this is supposed to be a good aid to focus one's energy and concentration. The bonus on this CD is the "Spectrum Suite" and another bonus, Sonic Satori thath is supposed to use the power of sonic entrainment. a psycho-acoustic technology with an effect on brainwaves.The music involves notes with 8 cycles per second, which is said to synch the brain to relaxed brain waves, for example:
Alpha - 8-12 CPS (associated with relaxed, calm, and creative waking state)
Theta - 5-7 CPS (associated with dreams, suggestive states, hypnagogic states)
Delta - 1-4 CPS (associated with deep, dreamless sleep)

Whatever the effect, I find playing one of the suites as I lie in bed, relaxes me to the point where I drop off easily. I also like it for a quick relaxation break during a stressful, long day.

Peace
There is a scientific principle called entrainment. If two items are vibrating side by side at different speeds then the item that vibrates at the lower speed will adjust to vibrate at the same frequency as the other object.

Examples of this are swings in a playground that are swinging out of sync and adjust. Also, in a clock store you may notice the pendulum clocks of the same size swinging back and forth in unison.

Applied to sound your different chakras or energy points vibrate at different frequencies and notes vibrating at a specific rate for a prolonged period will cause your energy points to reattune themselves, and bring your chakras back into balance, and promote a sense of well being and peace.

This cd applies these principles using swirling harmonics and overtones and beautiful instrumental sounds such as chimes and bowls including the rhodes piano to create an atmospheric sound.

I can feel the musical vibrations resonate thoroughout my body, and I certainly do feel more relaxed even after a short listen.

This record has been rated as groundbreaking by New Age Voice.

I highly recommend it.

VERY EFFECTIVE
I have listened to many different "chakra balancing" CDs, but this is the only recording where I have actually distinctly felt the sounds or appropriate chakras resonating the exact chakra spots - I could feel, without wondering if anything is happening, the sound vibrating in my body right where it's supposed to have an effect - so for that purpose, this is my favorite CD.

Totally relaxing and Works!
I love this CD, I listen to it daily to balance my chakras! Even if you don't believe it actually balances your chakras, it is beautiful and relaxing to listen to.

Incredible
While healing from a fractured ankle, I played this several times a day. I don't know if it accelerated my healing--I suspect it did. It certainly helped me to relax and deal with the inactivity. I continue to listen to it for sheer pleasure and relaxation and play it in the background much of the time. I would recommend Chakra Suite to almost anyone, regardless of musical preferences. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Just like their "DJ" Set....
Well the Outernational Sound has come around. And if you caught their DJ Sets from the "Richest Man" tour,(not the live set w/ band), then you may have an idea of what you are in for. For me it boiled down to this: Good Music, Bad Mix. But I've come across this many times...Great producers that aren't so good at DJing. Kind of dissapointing, but there is still some musical gemms on this disc....

Solid mix-tape for a classic theivery heist
Theivery Corp. have built their reputation as tastemakers over the years by releasing records so hypnotic and streamlined that, though most of the music is stolen -- i.e. thievery of sounds--, the brand name Thievery Corporation is another way of saying good taste.

So by releasing a CD containing some of their favorite songs, did Thievery live up to its reputation? Yes, mostly.

There's no fancy mixing here, and the songs do not always blend together in seemless fashion. But the brothers do dig some gems from their crates 'o wax.

The music ranges from South American rhythems to North Atlantic drum and bass to Washington DC dub to the Beatles (off of Sgt. Peppers) to Funk to Asia (but not really) and ends with one of the best Jamaican rocksteady songs, by Delroy Wilson, I've ever heard.

To top it all off, the CD is encased in layer after layer of shiny-psychedlic-Warholian-pop-art-packaging - which may be worth the price of admission if that's your thing.

My overall impression is that, after spending a decade or so trying to be as effortlessly-cool as possible, Thievery is dying to get a little funky. They've amassed wealth through many heists, and this mix-tape album is their chance to just let the good times roll.

If you're looking for high art, go elsewhere. But if you're looking for an intruiging mix of sounds that would probably do well at a party, check this out. Grade: B.

Outernational Groove
I was really psyched when I heard Rob and Eric were going to be coming out with a new mix cd. Outernational Sound delivers the goods; this cd is packed with rare blissful beats and vibrant sounds. It is very diverse and encompasses Thievery Corporation's current direction in their music. (Anyone interested in the other ESL artists pickup the Modular Systems cd)

The only thing that kept me from giving this 5 stars was there are a few points where the tracks catch you ear because they don't merge as well as the others. That said trust me, this cd is not one to miss.

Great tracks but
I just wanted people to know it's not really a "DJ Set." In other words it's a great mix of songs but it doesn't flow together necessarily well. It jumps from one style of music to another with abrupt tempo changes. Again, not a bad thing. It's more like a "Back To Mine" compilation than a "DJ-Kicks" set if you know what I mean. Like listening to Rob and Eric's favorite tracks at their house rather than listening to two guys at the decks. Also, please eat meat. It tastes good.

Best Compilation
All I can say is WOW!I put on this CD today and it just made me smile.One thing I have always said about Thievery Corporation is that these guys have taste.Damn good taste.I have a couple of comps by them(dj kicks,den of thieves)and I think this one is the best.Which is really saying something.The mix really flows quite well despite the diverse tracks.The cover art is cool too.1st class all the way. ... Read more

Amazon.com

With Now 17 the producers of this chart-busting series have accepted, to their credit, a truism: You can't please 'em all. That accounts for the opposite-ends-of-the-genre-spectrum inclusiveness of the disc, and also for the lion's share of its appeal. Like hip-hop but hate country? Count yourself in, courtesy of Terror Squad ("Lean Back"), J-Kwon ("You & Me"), and the Beastie Boys ("Ch-Check It Out"), or out, owing to Gretchen Wilson ("Here for the Party") and Keith Urban ("Days Go By"). Ditto for girl pop (Ashlee Simpson's "Pieces of Me," Jessica Simpson's "Angels") and hard rock (Crossfade's "Cold")--take it or leave it or, if you're truly well-rounded, love it, track for track. With its finger directly on the pulse of what passes for pop in 2004, 17 poses its share of challenges--the Switchfoot crowd doesn't lend itself to being lumped together with JoJo's posse--but it skillfully folds the whole package into a better than palatable mix aimed directly at the fun-loving and the musically tolerant. Sensible sequencing (rap leads to pure pop leads to rock leads to country) seals the deal, so that all you're left wondering is, What happened to Hoobastank? --Tammy La Gorce ... Read more

Amazon.com

The collaboration of studio whiz Geoff Barrow and singer Beth Gibbons, Dummy was made at the same time as a short film noir called "To Kill a Dead Man," and the same approach--gloomy, tormented, and wildly melodramatic--permeates the album. "Sour Times" (the hit in which Gibbons cries, again and again, "Nobody loves me, it's true") and the more cryptic "Glory Box" are the linchpins of the album, defining its sound: dark flashes of old soul and film music, dehumanized electronic bleeps, Gibbons emoting like she's consumed by shame, and a bass-and-beat pulse derived from the slow bump and grind of the Bristol scene that spawned Barrow's old collaborators, Massive Attack. --Douglas Wolk ... Read more

Reviews (216)

If you like Hip Hop, then you'll like the Trip Hop genre
The scenario: It's 1994 and I'm stationed overseas in the military and a friend of mine says to me "Yo man, listen to this group from England called Portishead." "Since you're a hip hop fan, you'll probably like this stuff." He pops it into the stereo and plays "Strangers". Instantly the sampled breakbeat and lingering bassline overwelms me. It was the first time I heard of such a thing as "Trip Hop". Since I was already a fan of rap music and breakbeats, I became infatuated with Portishead from that point forward. This is perfect head noddin' music while your're driving down the road on a summer evening, winding down after a hard day's work, having candlelight dinner with your girlfriend, or just coming home from a club/rave. Beth Gibbons's vocals compliment the beats with perfection. This music isn't meant to get you worked up and ready for battle like a Mobb Deep or DMX album. It's downtempo/chillout music with a blend of hip hop beats, vocals, and dark sometimes eerie melodies. Would I recommend it? Of course I would.

No "Dummy"
Trip-hop was never so dark and magnificently despairing as it is here. Portishead draws listeners into a velvety abyss in debut album "Dummy," a glorious blend of jazzy instrumentation, subtle electronica, and Beth Gibbons' sweet moaning vocals.

"Mysterons" opens with an chilly, ghostly air, followed by the exotic despair of "Sour Times" and the jazzy, eerie "Strangers" and "Wandering Star." Portishead delves into pure trip-hop in the pulsing "It Could Be Sweet" and "Numb," then synthesizes strings and stately organ in "It's A Fire," before wrapping things up with the steady lament "Glory Box," with its undulating riffs.

A noir feel permeates "Dummy," giving a grounded feel to the spacier edges of the music. It's easy to imagine trenchcoats, smoky offices, rainy days and femme fatales set to this music. It's soaked in melancholy and dreamy depression, set to music.

The blend of lounge music and trip-hop could have been awkward, but it blends seamlessly. The Rhodes and magnificent Hammond organ are the core of the silky unearthly sound, adding an epic feel to many of the songs. At the same time, the flexible guitar riffs and jazzy percussion bring it down to earth. And the Hammond does double-time as a jazz instrument as well, even when paired with strings.

Beth Gibbons's vocals are outstanding: high and clear and sweet, except in "Strangers," where she sounds like her voice is being filtered through an old radio. She pours plenty of emotion into the despairing lyrics. The songs themselves are simple and evocative, with loneliness and regret dripping from them. ("The salvation I desire/Keeps getting me down")

Jazz and trip-hop blend seamlessly into the beautiful haunting whole that is "Dummy." A beautiful experience, and one of the best albums of the 1990s.

10 years old and still hasn't aged a day.
The sublime, noir beauty of Portishead's debut hasn't been replicated since its '94 release. No other British trip-hop act comes close, save maybe Massive Attack (and I find their work to be somewhat uneven over the course of their four albums--Mezzanine is genius, Blue Lines is good but dated, and Protection and 100th Window are merely so-so). Vocalist Beth Gibbons and studio artist Geoff Barrow really tapped into something brilliant here.

While most trip-hop strives to sound dark and downtempo, Dummy is the only trip-hop album that feels like it could be incorporated seamlessly into a '40s noir flick while sounding perfectly distinctive on its own. There are traces of jazz, hip-hop scratches and beats, acoustic guitar flourishes, chiming percussion, and some clever, low-key sampling. Sometimes the crackly sounds and pops of an old 45 can be heard. It establishes a perfect atmosphere, one in which smoking a filterless cigarette and wearing a trenchcoat would not be out of place; and I haven't even begun to describe the vocals yet.

Beth Gibbons' melancholic wail just oozes soul out of every pore; on the hit single, the James Bond-esque Sour Times her sorrowful voice runs a chill up my spine. In other songs like Glory Box, she recalls the stylings of Billy Holiday, and on It Could Be Sweet her smoky, low-key singing is downright sexy. Overall, Gibbons is one of the finest voices in trip-hop, up there with contemporaries Elizabeth Fraser and Tracy Thorn.

There's not a single out-of-place track here, just an excellent unified sense of moodiness and sorrow, not feeling too bleak but not insincere either. If you've come looking for the perfect music for rolling down the sparsely populated city streets in the rain at 3 am--you've just found it. Dummy is absolutely essential.

A timeless masterpiece
There are few albums in this world that I have ever regretted selling, one of them is Portishead's amazing debut album "Dummy". I sold my copy a couple of years ago because I was short on cash but since then I had come to regret selling my copy of this stellar masterpiece in downtempo music. I was fortunate to find a used copy at my favorite record store today so I bought it. Along with Massive Attack, Portishead has helped to forge a new sub-genre of music in the dance genre most people know as 'trip hop' music. "Dummy" personifies the laid back grooves that fuses hip hop beats, jazz melodies, and sensual female vocals that helped influenced later trip hop acts like Olive, Zero 7, and Supreme Beings of Leisure. "Dummy" definitely was ahead of its time when it came out ten years ago. Beth Gibbons' plaintive wail and the laid back grooves was nothing that I heard of at the time. It was the break through single "Sour Times" that attracted me to Portishead. I could imagine hearing it play in the background in a James Bond film. It had that sensuous, mysterious sound that would have been ideal for a James Bond film. One of my favorite songs on the album is the ballad "Roads". It is one of the most beautiful songs that Portishead had ever created. I also love the opening track "Mysterons". I am so glad that I bought "Dummy" again. Next time I will know better than to sell it. It is one of those albums that should not be sold. One more thing, contrary to what a reviewer wrote, Beth Gibbons has only released one solo album as herself. The artist known as "Poe" is a completely different artist and is not Beth Gibbons herself. Poe is an American artist while Beth is from England.

Give Me A Reason To Hate This
This album is very interesting. If you've heard it before, then you know what I mean. The songs are pretty long but that really shouldn't be a factor in anything, because the songs are classics.

1.Mysterons-There is this one part in the song (I think it's after the chorus) and it's just this really cool instrumental. Onto the song, I think they were smart to have this song as the opener.

2. Sour Times- "Nobody loves meeeeeee, it's true." wails Beth. This song is a very good song, and, with msot of their songs, there are some creepy instrumentals.

3. Strangers- Not a personal favorite of mine, but I think that this song is an excellent song in terms of jsut vocals.

4. It Could Be Sweet- A rather unforgettable song, with the singer going "I don't wanna loooose what we had...."

5.Wandering Star- This is a very good song, one of my favorites. I don't know exactly why, but it's just a good song.

6.It's A Fire- Not as good as the upcoming song, but it's still a pretty good song...

7. Numb- Probably my favorite song. There is just something eerie about how she goes "Still feeling lonely, feeling so unholy"

8.Roads- This song is a little slower (well none of the songs are exactly fast paced, but this is almsot like a "ballad", if there is such a thing in Portishead Trip Hop.

9.Pedestal- I can't seem to make it through this song, it just seems a little too boring.

10. Biscuit-Good, but you can tell that this album is almsot over.

11. Glory Box- I like it, but it doesn't seem to be an appropriate closing song, but maybe it's just me. ... Read more

Album Description

A masterful DJ, John Digweed has been playing in nightclubs since the age of 16.With a succesful career and consistent US tour dates, John is undoubtedly one of the most popular names in dance music. In addition, he’s a broadcaster, a producer, a promoter, and an active A&R executive, working hard to give new artists their first break, on his decks or on vinyl.

Together with Fabric Records, John presents Fabric 20, featuring tracks and remixes by Pete Moss, Martin Solveig, Angel Alanis, Michael Mayer, DJ Rasoul, Josh Wink, Slam, and many more. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Arguably Digweed's best work.
This CD answers right back to Sasha's most impressive solo album Involver, innovating new styles for himself as Sasha did, but in totally different directions.I have never heard Digweed be so electronical, it's very acid synth in a lot of places and much less dark than most of Digweed.There is also more female singing and lyrics compared to his previous productions, and while I am usually not a fan of actual song type electronica, I love every second of this album.My choice for top track is Venom, an amazing piece of synth mastery by one of the best DJs in the world, I recommend this CD for anyone who loves good music, it's as good or better than his Hong Kong GU set, and pure innovation for the new age.

okay.....maybe
I love digweed and essentially everything he has done.I also love the way progressive has been going.What I don't like is this boring album.It lacks feeling.Okay for a mix, but not what I would expect from the man on a major release.His KISS 100 show is generally better than this.

DIgweed is sick sick sick....absolutely flawless
john digweed is the master , proven with his yet another dubbed out cd in fabric 20...i just want to imagine what his 5 hr set would be like....

It's time
Well I have had enough.I have had enough of the people who keep listening to music that they must not even like the genre of, and rating the album on their own tastefulness.You have no idea how many times I am looking to purchase a new album and I read a review that scares me away.Well later on the down the road I'll read another review from a different album so it will steer me back and I will end up buying it.Who are these people, noone knows, but apprently they have terrible taste in music.One of the reviews for this album is "average".OK OK now to the album.The farthest from average you could ever possibly imagine.This reviewer couldn't be further from the truth.Thank god later reviewers showed me the light and allowed me to purchase this album.The first three reviews should be deleted.This album is 5 stars bottom line.I don't know what it is.Maybe they have dated ears and can't hear good music.It's sad.

The beat don't stop!!!
A wonderful CD, filled with electro/techy tracks that feed the ear with a new progressive sound. Breaking all former bounders, this CD displays a new sound that is distinctly John Digweed. Masterfully mixed and complied, with breakdowns that kill. Peak performance by the master of progressive!!!!
... Read more

Amazon.com

The sequel to 2002's Verve Remixed follows and improves upon the original's formula; take material from the storied vaults at Verve Records and let top DJs of the modern era have at them. Featuring an impressive roster of dance artists like Miguel Migs, Koop, and Fila Brazillia, the trick is matching DJ with jazz standard in a way that compliments both. It's a tough chore, given the classics involved and the need to do them justice. On Sarah Vaughan’s "Whatever Lola Wants," Gotan Project manage the task with distinction, filtering rustic and romantic accordions through the song's lusty machinations. Astute choices are required, like Mondo Grosso’s decision to build a solid thump out of just the central melody of Archie Shepp's "Blues For Brother George Jackson." Sometimes, the best thing to do is get out of the way; Mr. Scruff's Soul Party Mix of "Do What You Wanna" only adds some background party noise to Ramsey Lewis’ ripping keyboard solo. VR2 doesn't hit the mark every time, but the combinations that work accomplish what only the best dance music does--they crumble the walls between genres and encourage us all to get down together. --Matthew Cooke ... Read more

Reviews (41)

bemixed and between
Obviously "the shock of new" helped propel the first Verve Remixed record. This not to say that remix records are new, but certainly the Verve crew took a step into uncharted waters by allowing electronic music producers free reign to remix its storied vaults.

Rather than just stay in the realm of downtempo and do the same thing over again, there is a greater diversity of styles on VR2 from the trippy tango treatment of Gotan Project on S. Vaughan's "Whatever Lola Wants" to swing house style of Mondo Grosso on the remix of "Blues for Brother George" to Jaffa's soulful downtempo take on "Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair."

Jaffa's track to me is the standout on the record, and I'm also in partial agreement that jazz lends itself better to downtempo treatments.

But that doesn't stop me from lovin' the hell out of this record. So what it if makes want to shake your moneymaker? Just bobbing your head gets old after awhile. GET OFF YOUR COUCH AND PUT DOWN THE CHEESE CURLS.

Obviously, the VR2 is going to be judged on a different basis -- the second record must live up to excitement and quality of the first and deal with the "sequel" detractors. Well, so far I think its doing well on both counts.

So thanks to Verve, almost 60 years after your inception, you're still one of the coolest labels on the face of the earth.

C'MON, FOLKS, LIGHTEN UP!!!
Was this CD really that bad, to all you three and two star reviewers? In my opinion, it takes incredible skill from producers and DJs like Herbert, Miguel Migs, Layo and Bushwhacka, Fila Brazillia, Gotan Project, et al to make old jazz classics sound fresh and alive! These songs range from funk to house to soul and acid jazz, and the re-mixing from the aformetioned in no way distorts the original material--if anything their personal touches have made these songs more accessible to today's music listeners! I have a new appreciation for Ella, Sarah, Dizzie, Nina and Astrud, and after hearing "Verve Remixed 2" I may even be persuaded to go out and get some of their stuff!

Love it!
It's even better than the first. A definite must-have.

A Worthy Followup!
Hopefully, Verve Remixed 3 will be released this year so I'll have some more amazing remixes to listen to. Volume 2 has some truly mindbending work, as well as a couple that are somewhat pedestrian. For me, the standouts are Gotan Project's remix (love the bandoneon!), which turns this song into audio crack. I cannot get tired of listening to it, and feel the need to take a tango lesson. Other standouts include Mondo Grosso's remix of Archie Shepp, which absolutely drags you onto the dance floor, Miguel Migs' "Slap That Bass," which does the same. Of course, the two Nina Simone songs are standouts, as her music is ripe for these kinds of projects. The only three that didn't do the trick for me were numbers 4, 8, and 9, since they were too close to the originals and fairly unimaginative. If they weren't going to do much with them, they should have remixed different songs. Still, there is some amazing work present here, sure to delight your next house full of guests.

AS GOOD AS THE FIRST!!!
Classic songs!!! Great interpretations by great producers. The Unmixed version is great as well and it's priced low! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Even when Hilary Duff is at her most un-Lizzie McGuire-like, it's impossible not to like her, as she proves on this reinvention-themed, girl-grows-up album. Free her from the constraints of the teen-queen slumber party scene and she'll crank up the guitars and "Fly," as she does on the feel-good first single; give her a minute to reflect on life as a multi-hyphenate (in her case TV princess-movie star-pop goddess) and she'll come clean with "Underneath This Smile," an introspective winner not lacking--and yet not reaching--for sunshine, or "Who's That Girl," an unapologetic embrace of self-contradiction. Songwriters Diane Warren ("I Am") and Charlie Midnight, whose contributions to Duff's last album don't seem so yesterday as yet, pitch in, as does Hilary's star-in-her-own-right sister Haylie (the boyfriend-blasting "Mr. James Dean"). If there's evidence of the mixed-up lovable kook millions of teens once modeled themselves after here, it is only in the title: Hilary Duff may be the follow-up to the 5 million-selling Metamorphosis, but the real metamorphosis for Miss Duff takes place here. --Tammy La Gorce ... Read more

Amazon.com

For Our Children launched in 1990 and in many ways inspired the bounty of celebrity-philanthropy records for kids in its wake. From Bob Dylan and Sting to Barbra Streisand, Paul McCartney, and Elton John, the roster on this cornucopia of great kid songs--and even greater interpretations--has donated all proceeds to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Although tilted toward baby-boomer parents, the tracks have a timeless, ageless appeal. You'll be hard-pressed to find another five-star children's recording this satisfying, including the follow-up effort, For Our Children, Too. Little Richard rocks "Itsy Bitsy Spider," McCartney turns his sweet, melodic gifts toward "Mary Had a Little Lamb," and Bruce Springsteen makes a lively stew of "Chicken Lips and Lizard Hips." Other noteworthy moments include Jackson Browne and Jennifer Warnes doing the Beatles' "Golden Slumbers" and Carole King reprising the Disney Dumbo love theme, "Child of Mine." But surely the crowning touch is Dylan's unforgettable version of "This Old Man," phrased and delivered as only Dylan can with his mercurial invention and powerful character. This belongs in your children's collection. --Martin Keller ... Read more

Reviews (38)

A perfect children's cd
I always tuck this cd in the bag as part of a baby shower gift. I loved rocking my babies to these tracks in the middle of the night and can't believe it's been ten years that I've owned it but still love to listen and smile thinking about their nursery years. There are a number of different charity pop compilations that were released after but none can compare to this original. All of them have just enough stylized arrangements to make them as endearing to adults who know these artists as to kids.

If you need another reason to convince you to buy it - the profits go to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

My favorite tracks are:
"Gartan Mother's Lullaby" - Meryl Streep; "Child of Mine" - Carole King; "Child Is Born" - Barbra Streisand; and "Tell Me Why" - Pat Benatar - soft sweet soothing songs. Got my kids to sleep every time.
"Getting to Know You" - James Taylor - perfect song for his style. I remember this song being sung to me!

"Itsy Bitsy Spider" - Little Richard; "Blueberry Pie" - Bette Midler; and "Chicken Lips and Lizard Hips" - Bruce Springsteen - hilariously adorable.
"Golden Slumbers" - Jackson Browne - just a great song well done.
"This Old Man" - Bob Dylan - is so cute, so Bob Dylan - you'll have to hum along.

The Gartan Mother's Lullaby
I am both surprised and disappointed that nobody has mentioned the Gartan Mother's Lullaby. What is the Gartan Mother's Lullaby? Why, it's an absolutely lovely Donegal traditional lullaby. However, the most beautiful version I ever heard of it was sung-- surprise surprise, by Merryl Streep. Who knew she could sing? It's an absolutely beautiful rendition, perhaps the most beautiful you'll ever heard of this song. Magical.

The liner notes don't explain much about the song, so here it goes:

Sleep O babe, for the red bee hums the silent twilight's fall,
Aoibheall from the grey rock comes, to wrap the world in thrall.
A leanbhan O, my child, my joy, my love my heart's desire,
The crickets sing you lullaby, beside the dying fire.

Dusk is drawn and the Green Man's thorn is wreathed in rings of fog,
Siabhra sails his boat till morn, upon the Starry Bog.
A leanbhan O, the paly moon hath brimmed her cusp in dew,
And weeps to hear the sad sleep-tune, I sing O love to you.

Aoibheall - (EE-val) Meaning: the name of the queen of the northern fairies
leanbhan - (LYAN-uh-van) Meaning: little child, baby
Tearmann - (CHAR-uh-muhn) Meaning: tearmann = sanctuary, refuge, or church land, name of village near Lough Gartan
Siabra - (SHEE-vra) a prankster class of trooping fairies, also spelled Shefro or Siofra.

This song alone is worth the entire Album. But "Autumn To May" is also a beautiful rendition.

This CD is just the BEST!
Like so many other reviewers, I had this CD 20 years ago. I was a nanny at the time, and shared this music with so many different children and without exception, they all LOVED it! As fate would have it, the CD was lost, and I was devastated. When I saw that it was available again, I was beyond thirlled and ordered it immediately! This CD is an excellent way to fight childhood obesity - my own children (ages 5 and 6-1/2) just cannot sit still when they hear this music - they dance and sing throughout!

Awesome comeback with this album!
I bought this for my daughter in 1991 when she was a baby... She is now 13 yrs old. She new all the songs by heart by the time she was 1 1/2. My mom's favorite is Itsy Bitsy Spider. Unfortunately it was lost in a move and like many folks, who looked for it for years,I found it no longer in print. I had my 2nd child 5 yrs ago and by the time I tried to find a used one out in cyberspace I found, to my surprise, it was in print again(YAY!). Now my son enjoys this and still, so does my daughter. I am so glad they brought this back onto the market!!

In Harmony is better
I got this CD for my grandson. I was disappointed when I heard it. It was nice but surprisingly bland. In Harmony, while older, is a much better children's "album." ... Read more

Amazon.com

The growing, if belated, popularity of Ivy is a happy event. Over the course of a half-dozen releases, the band has married slightly trippy atmospherics to immaculate popcraft and the melancholy vocals of Paris-born Dominique Durand. In the Clear, their fifth album, finds the guitars occasionally louder (they roil and distort on the kiss-off "Clear My Head") but the mood essentially the same. It’s a romantic, cautiously hopeful one, exemplified by the disc’s closing "Feel So Free."Special and secretive--"Tess Don’t Tell" repeatedly insists "It’s just for you, it’s not for anybody else"--In the Clear thrives on trademark Ivy contradictions and, now and then, an unexpected noise in the corners of the sound.--Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Great Album
With their latest album, Ivy manages to do what so many bands find so very difficult -- make music that sounds fresh and different than previous efforts, while still retaining that which musically makes them who they are.Ivy has done exactly that in the present case.'In The Clear' is great because it will appeal to all, wooing those not familiar to Ivy's music and delighting those who have been waiting 4 years for the new album.Not a single throwaway track -- this is a great CD by a great band.

Some things don't change...And that's a good thing!
This is Ivy at their best. I've been a fan of Ivy's for a while now and up until this point my favorite album was probably "Realistic." But Ivy stretches their sound on this album; up-tempo songs like "Thinking About You" really aren't typical Ivy, but they really make it work. Songs like "Four in the Morning" and "Feel So Free" could easily be off any Ivy album. These clean, melodic, yet slightly somber songs are Ivy's home turf.

So far, my favorite songs on this album are "Thinking About You" (they owe a lot to New Order's sound on "Republic" for this song) and "Ocean City Girl." I haven't heard anything this catchy since Phoenix's "United" (I listened to "If I Ever Feel Better" for a year straight and never tired of it).

"In The Clear" is a great album. I highly recommend it.

Flawless
Ivy have always been one of those cool New York bands that have been around a while. Ivy have joined Luna and Blonde Redhead as the elder statesmen in the New York Pantheon. They combine French cool with lush vocals and memorable songs. I have heard many of their songs in commercials. Much of their music was used in the film Shallow Hal, and TV programs like Roswell and Kingdom Hospital. It's because the music of Ivy has that otherworldly feeling of some of the shoegazer bands that inspired them at first. Now they have been on the own for ten years or more, and have hooked up with producer Steve Osborne. The results are terrific. Whether it's the longing of "Thinking About You" or the quiet mood of "Four In The Morning." Even fellow NYC scenesters James Iha (Smashing Pumpkins) and Scott McLoud (Girls Against Boys) show up on this CD. The song "Feel So Free" gives us the powerful music that this band has been doing for so long. They are great indeed. Fashion comes and goes. Ivy is a band that will be remembered.

Freshly-cut music.
You know the feeling - It's the first day of spring, birds are singing, flowers are blooming, it's about 75 degrees out, and the smell of freshly-cut grass is in the air.It's been so long since the weather was this nice (at least in the Midwest) - that's what I like to compare this album to.It's fresh, it's got personality, and it's really easy to listen to.
I admit, this is my first Ivy purchase, though I've heard all their albums at one time or another.This is my favorite, and the most accessible, for those who are looking to start listening to Ivy.
One of my personal favorites is "Thinking About You", with its blissful, so-happy-you-want-to-slap-someone vocals and driving rhythm.It's almost TOO cutesy, but it'll perk you up.
"Keep Moving" is another favorite, with it's disco-esque beat, funky guitars in the back, and bumping bassline, I think this song would be really complete with one of those fruity disco flutes tooting away in the back somewhere. Dominique skips across the beat flawlessly on this one, and even when the lyrics aren't quite so happy ("All I can do / in a world without you / is keep moving"), she sounds like she's still bouncing around.
"Tess Don't Tell" is similar to "Thinking About You" in format, fast beat, husky vocals, guitars, but for some reason, it's completely different.Fresh - just like this album, when you compare it to the excess fluff in the pop scene these days.Free your mind - this is what good music sounds like.And sure, if you're my age, you might get all sorts of homosexuality-themed remarks thrown your way in traffic when you turn this up in your car, but that's all the more incentive to turn it up more and drown out whatever their bandwagon's playing at the moment.

back at the top of their game
if you were a little disappointed with the excessively mellow electronic noodling on Long Distance, Ivy's latest release will set your mind at ease.this album sounds a lot more like their earlier stuff-- it's all catchy guitar hooks and great melodies to complement the breathy splendor of Dominique Durand's vocals.highlights include "tess don't tell" and "corners of your mind."this album is a real treat and it's great to see Ivy return to what they do best. ... Read more