Amazon.com

The eighth album by these OG glitch kingpins is a curious thing. While none of the album's sounds are particularly different (Autechre is working with pretty much the same palette started with), it's not like they've gone laptop folk or added favela beats. The band's relentless experimentation continues unabated. Each of these songs here has more parts than an entire Rush album; every succeeding Autechre album has gotten more complex, as if there were Oulipo-style rules system guides the entire practice. But, while some patterns change rapidly--the complex and jagged try dancing to this rhythms rarely repeat for very long–-sine tones and drones underneath it all change very slowly. So, while the music may be composed in a postmodern way, then, it's staunchly modernist in its sharp, subtle honing of minimalist compositional techniques. The contrast between the jagged sounds and the surface and the moaning bass tones will either thrill or bore. There is no middle ground.--Mike McGonigal ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Don't Judge Too Quickly
At first listen, you may say Untilted is the worst CD
you've ever heard in your life and be strongly tempted
to hurl it in the gargabe.However, don't judge too
quickly.Give it another chance or two and you'll see...oh
my goodness...I love it!Warning: the first three minutes
of track one are VERY ANNOYING and may turn you off...
but allow yourself to get past that....eventually you too may realize...this CD is 5 stars!

A new one for the books.
It's always an event when these guys put a new album out, and as usual, Autechre has given us a work of art that is both unpredictable and serene in it's charm. Charm? Do you have a better word in mind? As you know it's difficult to describe the sonic structures of Autechre's pieces, but this album will grow on new and old listeners alike.O, and go see them live. jb

Still godly
Decades ago, a famous sportswriter, apparently tired of criticisms of his favorite sport, wrote "baseball is dull only to those with dull minds".While that point is certainly debatable when it comes to the national pastime (this guy wrote before the days of three-hour games), it applies equally well to the work of Autechre.This English duo (Sean Booth and Rob Brown, if you want to get all specific) has spent the past decade or so composing some of the most original and experimental electronic music ever made (oh, screw it, this is some of the most original and experimental MUSIC ever made, period), winning a small army of enthusiastic converts while alienating others who apparently can't figure out how an hour of glitches and bleeps constitutes music.That said, there aren't a lot of artists out there who can consistently come out with something at least interesting, and whatever one thinks of them, Autechre do manage to challenge perceptions and screw up minds with each successive release.In spite of some accusations, whatever else Autechre may be, they're not dull.

Anyway, this all leads us to Untilted, the eighth album in the Autechre canon and one that should please all those looking for their customary blend of bizarrely arranged bleeps, sweeps, and creeps.Despite occasionally bringing in sounds somewhat similar to the dronings on an MRI machine, Untilted is a surpisingly musical release, occasionally managing to sound catchy even amidst a flurry of determinedly abstract time signatures and song structures.At the same time, Untitled is still an Autechre release, and as such the focus remains on feeding your brain first and foremost.As you'd expect from the group that brought us Tri Repetae ++ and Confield, intellectually severe, high-speed musical calculus is the order of the day.

I personally found this album to be somewhat more instantly gratifying than its predecessor Draft 7.30, but that doesn't mean there aren't voluminous reams of complexity for you to decipher.Tracks open with a frenzy of spastic beats and pummelling percussion before gradually evolving into slower, more atmospheric pieces without sacrificing Autechre's trademark mathematical precision.Dense, rapid-fire sensory overload steadily gives way to hypnotic drones that are only somewhat interrupted by the jagged sounds that skid over them.Booming backbeats, out-of-time glitches, and even some subtle melodic underpinnings are interspersed into bizarre, ever-shifting sonic landscapes.New and fascinating uses for the drum machine are repeatedly discovered, with slice-and-dice programming (especially on the brilliant Augmatic Disport) that almost redeems the machine's use on countless boy-band atrocities.And the epic, 15-minute closer Sublimit cycles through every trick in Autechre's book, easily ranking among the most convincing displays of their demented genius as it staggers and stutters through a dizzying array of beats and textures.

In the end, Untilted is a quintessential Autechre album: strange, abstract, unique, and sure to be divisive.However, as a fan of Sean and Rob's work, I for one wouldn't have it any other way.While the forthcoming Meshuggah full-length will probably ending up grabbing my coveted album of the year designation, for now Untilted holds the top spot.

Misunderstood composition
Autechre have been given a bad rap in recent months for this album. It hasn't been panned so much as simply disregarded as 'another autechre album'. Its a disappointing evaluation, given the quality of the song craftsmanship on this album - seriously. Gone are the sped up beats that mangle the song out of control (found on Confield (think of cFern, Sim Gishel and the way too intense end to Lentic Catachresis) and the unfortunate end to the otherwise sublime Cap.IV off Gantz Graf). Instead the songs are, generally speaking, patient even as they are intense.

A good way to tell if someone's been listening carefully to the album is if they review and suggest there was 10 seconds of silence before the first beat - there wasn't! It was quiet - if you never heard it, then I think your headphones are too low (this of course is an old trick to get people to set their volume accordingly - like adjusting the contrast on your monitor). Then the beat comes in - its fast, in control and never boring. the song changes momentum a few times and works its way through the idea. Ipacial Section operates in a similar tone - hard beat - work through the idea, get somewhere interesting. The same I suppose can be said for a number of tracks on the album, such as the haunting Pro Radii or the enchanting Augmatic Distort - the latter starting off incredibly heavy and fast but ending on a worderful even keeled note. The melody of that song in the interim is well worth the wait - like pen expers of confield, its a song structure trying desperately to break through (or at least put order to) the noise around it - clever.

The second half of the album is a bit weaker, but the sound production in The Trees is phenomenal - truly making the brain dance. Sublimit is a hot, and fun closer.

To those who say that autechre are just doing more of the same - I don't get it, is the music about the novelty or the unfolding of the ideas? If you're just hunting for sounds - I suppose yeah, as they do use several familiar instruments. But noone ever disses a rock band for keeping their kit. This time it seems like AE had fun with their instrumnets and came out with a consistent, measured and engaging album. Finally - play it loud on headphones - its rewarding.

My brain exploded on April 19th 2005
What can I say? I must have gone through this album 15 times since I bought it (on the day of it's release), and I still can't put my finger on the reason why I haven't yet thrown it out the window.

First off, this album is no more listenable than a thousand marbles falling down a set of steel stairs, yet, I keep can't stopputting it on, because for some reason, it is highly rewarding. Melody is nearly absent, for the exeception of fermium, and maybe a few short parts of other songs, but here, melody is not what one must look for.

I think that the major point made by this album, even if this may sound like a very bad point, is the incredible talent that brown and booth are gifted with. The main recurring thought that I had while listening to this album is just how amazingly sharp and precise every single blip and bam is.

Booth, I think it was, said in an interview that Untilted was the album that took them the least time to create, yet it sounds like they spent 15 years working on it.

I will attend their concert in Montreal tonight and I hope that it will help decipher Untilted for me. I know I like it, but I want to know why. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Ulrich Schnauss's A Strangely Isolated Place was released in Europe during May of 2003, but fans had to wait over a year for it to arrive on these shores. The Berliner's follow-up to Far Away Trains Passing By is another gentle and fascinating record, similarly drunk with melody. But Schnauss has augmented his electro-synth sound with tsunamis of huge, arching major chords that rival M83's over-the-top lushness. Shoegazer influences show up in the Slowdive-esque "Gone Forever," as well as the My Bloody Valentine buzz in "Clear Day". Despite Place's ethereal sheen, the bones of solid dance-ability are also here, as several clever DJs have already noted (see Sasha's use of "On My Own" for Involver). The record could use a few well-placed batches of noise to act as counterpoint, but long-suffering fans of early Cocteau Twins looking for a fix of dreamy songcraft should find much to love. --Matthew Cooke ... Read more

Amazon.com

Blue Six is the brainchild of Naked Music founder Jay Denis, a former New York City rock musician who saw dance music as his ticket out of obscurity. His Blue Six debut, Beautiful Tomorrow, is a virtual world of pristine house groove and ambient soul mood, with live instruments and sensual singers creating a glowing sonic tableau. Whether dancing or chilling, you'll find that Beautiful Tomorrow is a luxurious soundtrack for greeting the dawn. Beyond an occasional minimalist vibe, the only differences between tracks are the singers, who offer individual takes on the soul-diva template. Lisa Shaw opens the album with "Let's Do It Together," followed by MoniqueBingham singing "Close to Home." Catherine Russell adds a personal touch to the title track and "Very Good Friends." Beautiful Tomorrow's tracks morph together, but with its sublime blue-mood message, grooving in place works like a charm. --Ken Micallef ... Read more

Reviews (85)

Beautiful Tomorrow and Everyday
After hearing re-mixes of several tracks off of this album, I wanted to check out this CD. Needless to say I was not disappointed and this album rekindled my faith in Electronic music. This album is not for the teeny-bopper candy raver and it's espaecially not for someone who listens to Top 40 radio. If someone says that they don't like this album, chances are they haven't been listening to good music.
This album is an influence of Pop,Soul,Jazz,R&B,and House. The female vocalists on the selected tracks are quite simply amazing. It irks me to know that these artist don't get recognized for their talent,and meanwhile Mariah Carey gets the record deals for sounding like a cat in heat. Producer Jay Denes' songwriting is soulful,heartfelt,and sexy. If you are expecting thumping house tracks or fast-beat techno, then this album is not for you. It was so refreshing to listen and NOT hear any of that. The vibe of Beautiful Tomorrow is extremely sexy,laid-back, and soulful, there are no other words to describe it. I did like the fact that there was a recurring theme throughout the tracks and that some of the same songs get re-worked.
Beautiful Tomorrow is for a listener with a bit more of a sophisticated ear. It's an album for those nites when you're having friends round for cocktails or getting ready to go out. But it's especially effective on those nites in front of a fire with someone to cuddle up with and enjoy the Music and Wine.

smooth blend is relaxing and stimulating at the same time
This is a great album that you won't get tired of even if you play it over and over again. Very catchy - smooth but never bland. Most all my CD collection goes into my iMac. iTunes plays songs randomly on my stereo from my mixes (like my very own radio station), and when a Beautiful Tomorrow song comes up it still makes me stop and notice "that's a really great song." This is one of my favorites to play in the car. The vocals are catchy, beautiful and unadulterated and the music will make you want to dance.

I'm not a big fan of most house music, disco or jazz straight up, yet somehow this Blue6 blend takes the best of each one and leaves out what I don't like. A lot of jazz doesn't have enough energy and isn't catchy enough for me. Most house music is too repetitive and artificial (blatantly electronic) for my taste - I do love dance grooves. That's why I didn't care so much for clips from Thievery Corporation - too obviously electronic. Nuspirit Helsinki is similar to this album in lots of ways but it doesn't seem colorful enough either. I just listened to some clips from Carte Blanche 3 and want to give it a try. Of all the "mood music" I've listened to the blend in Beautiful Tommorow is just right (Miguel Migs' "Colorful You" ties for my other top favorite in this category).

I like everything from dance pop (Kylie Minogue, Anastacia) and rock (July for Kings, 3 Doors Down, Seven for the Sun) to neo-soul and contemporary R&B (Jaheim, Jill Scott, india.arie, D'Angelo). Anything with a funky rhythm is great. If you're looking for mood music and have similar tastes in music, you definitely want to check this out.

Skip a Beautiful Tomorrow, this is HOTT today!
This CD very rarely leaves my CD player, and as a semi-retired club DJ it has given me many hours of remixxing pleasure!
It is the prologue to any cocktail night or even after hour's entertainment. This is what 'Deep House at its pinnacle' actually should mean!

This CD is the absolute perfect culmination of Sade meets Downtempo/Chillout music. I would recommend this to anyone seeking to leave the monotonously heavy 4/4 House beats and crowded club music craze. I liken this genre as 'grown folks' House music with its sexy, soulful grooves and non-stop seductive aura.

As has been mentioned here before, if you enjoy anything like Nuspirit Helinski....you should be very, very pleased.

If the above music suggestion leaves you a bit dry, try the vivid image of slipping into a warm bath and relaxing your worldly cares away.

Now....proceed to slip into a Beautiful Tomorrow.

Can you say tease me...?
This album never leaves my CD player....it is the prologue to any cocktail night or after hours entertainment. It is a perfect culmination of Sade meets lounge music. I recommend this to anyone seeking to leave the ordinary house and club music craze. If you like anything like Nuspirit Helinski, you should be very pleased. Make yourself a french martini, lay on yor favorite piece of furniture and slip into Beautiful Tomorrow.

The BEST CD of my huge collection
As a big time fan of chill out type of mysic, I couldn't resist asking the DJ of a trendy bar where I was when I first heard this CD. When he told me it is Blue Six I bought it on the next day. Ever since I had to burn it twice to make sure I have some spare ones in case the original gets damaged. It's icredibly good! The beat, the vocals, the perfect level of eletronic vibe... You'll get naked! With this CD you'll need somebody else to be naked with you!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

DJ Shadow, a.k.a. Josh Davis, could be credited with bringing newfound introspection to the gloating sounds of hip-hop. Condensed with urban oscillations and scatological beats, Endtroducing shutters with eclectic samples and aural montages that reach beyond the constraints of hip-hop style. Enhancing the mix with fundamentals of rock, soul, funk, ambient, and jazz, the modern fusions fail to go unnoticed, even by the casual listener. While most of the tracks are compiled by layering samples from vinyl treasures found in used-record bins, the production quality of the mosaic is unmatched. Darkened melodies carry throughout the album with its eye on the end of the tunnel. The narration samples come from numerous sources and keep the listener involved and waiting for resolution. With a message as fragmentary as an overheard conversation, Endtroducing conveys no apparent conclusion, but begs the mind, body, and soul for some rewind. --Lucas Hilbert ... Read more

Reviews (159)

DJ Shadow is the Postmodern artist
I first go this album in 96; I was still in high school and didn't know much about sampling, beat production, etc. I thought it was one of the most amazing things I'd ever heard. Now, as a senior in college with more musical experience under my belt, I can still say this is one of the best albums I own. DJ Shadow revolutionized the way I and many people thought about sampling. As he takes a record from his insanely deep crates, he doesn't simply loop a catchy cut a la Puffy, he manipulates and recontextualizes these sounds into something completely his own. Like his track "Organ Donor," where he uses a sample of a church organ and turns it into a beat. Shadow in my opinion is the epitome of the postmodern musical artist: taking what's already out there in the world we live in and breathing new life into it. I highly recommend this to any electronic or hip hop fans. Oh, and by the way I heard he has a new album coming out soon; he's on MCA now, so his access to production equipment is gonna be insane this time. I'm expecting a truely remarkable album.

Wow! DJ Shadow's a genius!
I bought this album a few days ago on my 13th birthday because I liked "Building Steam With A Grain Of Salt" and "Organ Donor". At first I didn't like it because a lot of it I found boring. It also made me angry that the Organ Donor song is only 2 minutes in lenght on mine! (The one I listened to on the internet was over 4 minutes long)I put it in the next day and I got it. It may not be the Orbital, Fatboy Slim type stuff that I usually listen to but it isn't supposed to be. I got it in the Dance/Electronica section of the local record store...so it is a bit misleading. Dance? No way. It's very different and extremely hard to classify. I would say...Trip-Hop/Jazz/Electronica/Hip Hop/Soul.

So overall:

PROS:
Very moving
Nicely mellow
Great variation of songs
Often funny

CONS:
Seems kind of short
Some filler "tracks" like 6 and "Why Hip-Hop Sucks in '96" which are somewhat annoying.
Organ Donor is WAY too short!

Best tracks:
Building Steam
Stem/Long Stem
Changeling
Midnight in a Perfect World
Organ Donor

-Also I have the "Mo Wax" label, and it says "Mu Wax" on the back in really small print when it should say "Mo Wax"!

Producing one of the best albums ever
From the opening sample of "Building Steam With a Grain of Salt" where a voice is heard saying "Producing..." you know you are listening to an outstanding piece of work. In order to better understand this, you have to position yourself at the time this album came out.

You have to realize Trip Hop was already in full fledge: Massive Attack and Portishead had already come out with their own thing, but DJ Shadow came with a different proposal in 1996 when he produced 'Endtroducing...'. Through the magic of samples, he blended in a way many have tried to copy, yet no one yet matched, genres such as rock, soul, funk, ambient, and jazz, into a final product that transcends time. If you need further proof of that, think how long it's been since this album came out (1996) as you are reading this, sit back, listen to it and be amazed, as so many have been amazed to this day.

After listening to 'Endtroducing...' almost daily for three weeks now, turning back and thinking of acts such as Fatboy Slim almost feels awkward, considering his sample-based 'Better Living Through Chemistry' came out almost a full year after Shadow's debut. Granted that everyone has a place in music, DJ Shadow's genius with sampling work simply is above and beyond, making this not only his breakthrough, but also one of the best albums ever.

Other favorite tracks: "Changeling", "Untitled" and the grandieuse "Mutual Slump". If you want to take a dip into an evolved form of his work, check out his side project, U.N.K.L.E., in particular 'Psyence Fiction'.

A shadow of himself
A couple years back i became interested in underground hip hop and turntablism. My first, and best purchase, was DJ Shadows Endtroducing. Nary a day goes by that I do not find myself listening to this album. The way he mixes and blends the songs together puts Shadow at the top of his game on this record. Where this album excels is in its ability to not only drag you into the world that Shadow has produced but takes you through the mind of one the most talented individuals in all of music. If you enjoy music, do yourself a favor and buy this album. You will never find another like it, as it creates a constant state of euphoria, as the beats and samples are blended together in such a way that it is almost impossible to describe.in my top 10 albums of all time.

Excellent work
Dj shadow has proved that he is one of the greatest artists ever. With such diverse tracks and complex beats, Endtroducing will be something to look back on from years to come. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

This Icelandic marvel is such an original that, even after four Sugarcubes albums and a brilliant solo Debut, she remains an acquired taste. "Army of Me" is a turbulent, darkling tune that's almost conventional next to the gloriously eclectic material that follows. Working with Tricky, Soul II Soul/U2 producer Nellee Hooper, and string arranger/one-hit wonder Deodato, Björk looses her helium-fueled voice and surreal wordplay on Gershwinesque pop (the adorable "It's Oh So Quiet"), ambient dub ("Possibly Maybe") and all kinds of fresh dance/pop hybrids ("Enjoy," "Hyper-Ballad," "I Miss You"). Too raw and adventurous for mass success, perhaps, but a more unique, engaging, oddly accessible artist just doesn't exist.--Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Reviews (178)

Listen Again...
I purchased this album several years ago and recently listened to it again and was a little disappointed. The strong tunes are spread out among too many seemingly pointless tracks which sound like a spoiled little rich kid was turned loose in the studio with no regard for musically correct pieces. It's not that all of the music is bad, but it sounds more like unfinished experimentation thrown together rather hastily then pressed into a product just for the sake of making a release. What happened to the darling Bjork who sang so strongly and pleasing to the ear in "Big Time Sensuality", "There's More to Life than this", "Crying", "Venus as a Boy", and "Violently Happy" from Debut? On "Post" it appears that success has gone to her head and she got herself to the point where she could just hum and make noises into a tape recorder and the deluded public would call it artistic experimentation. Of the strong tunes, "Army of Me" is an interesting idea with a great drum track, but the singing in the chourus doesn't blend well with the music and doesn't even sound musical. The partially-thrilling "Enjoy" sounds unfinished and raw and could use some fine-tuning. "Possibly Maybe" is one tune that still sounds good after several listens, and "It's Oh So Quiet" remains my favourite tracks on the album, here she actually sings a catchy melody and utilizes her unique voice to convey the strength and beauty as she did on Debut. Her voice sounds great against the orchestra. But poor tunes like "You've been Flirting again", "Cover Me", and the dreadful "Headphones" inspire me to ask myself "what was she thinking?" Her shaky whispering vocals just don't work with the music, aren't catchy (and sometimes not even on the correct notes). I am surprised at all of the rave reviews that this disc received. When she was backed up by guitars and acoustic drums with The Sugarcubes, Bjork was at her best. Her solo efforts have gotten progressively worse. Bjork is an extremely talented artist and I feel a bit cheated by "Post" and even more so by "Homogenic", wondering why she is not living up to her potential. Try spinning old Sugarcubes tunes like "Blue Eyed Pop", "Delicious Demon", "Coldsweat", "Vitamin", "Hit", Speed is the Key", "Walkabout", and "Motorcrash" then listen to "Post", there is definitely something missing.

This is Bjork Ladies and Gentleman : Review 2: Post
Bjork is back with a new sound as always and making it sound even better than Debut did. Unlike Debut, which one a dance slash jazz album, Post is very techno and industrial.

1. Army of Me : A very strong opening and like Human Behaviour, gives no indication of the roller coaster ride that you are in store for. 9/10

2. Hyper-Ballad : When I first heard the first 20 seconds I absolutely hated it. But when I let my Bjork CD-R run through I wondered what the song was (considering the word Hyper-Ballad never comes up). I love it to death. 10/10

3. The Modern Things : This song is very very fun. I think it is going back the Debut album in parts (lyrics) but it loks better on Post and completes in story. 9/10

4. It's Oh So Quiet : It sort of scared me because when you ever see Bjork on VH1 they always show her screaming at the end and then her dancing around in Big Time Sensuality which just is not fair. **It's fun to choreograph to** 10/10

5. Enjoy : The first Bjork true masterpiece on Post in my opinion. She carries herself off so classy and fun that this song is always a surprise. Enjoy!!!!!! 20/10

6. You've Been Flirting Again : The intermission. I love this song because it sounds so soft and you can just imagine yourself on a mountain or in a garden. 10/10

7. Isobel : The sequel to Human Behaviour from Debut. This time the character (Isobel) tortures citizens of a city when she discovers the pebbles of her forest where actually tiny skysracpers. 10/10

8. Possibly Maybe : The equivilent to Enjoy in my opinon. 20/10

9. I Miss You : The last good track on the entire album. It is fun and very showtune. Put it this way....she actually makes the accordion sound cool Good use of music invention Bjork. 10/10

10. Cover Me : boring..2/10

11. My Headphones : i'm dead...0/10

Rediscoverd Bjork
I was recently on vacation in Puerto Rico and wanted to buy some CD's for the rental car. The only two cd's in the store worth buying were Janet Jackson's Design of a Decade and Bjork's "Debut". I listended to both CD's throughout my trip. I have been a Janet Jackson fan for sometime, but Bjork got under my skin on this trip. I am now a full-fledged fanatic. I never realized that almost all of Bjork's songs are love songs. The only remote comparison I can make of her is like a Nordic, deconstructed, sometimes minimal, electronic Billie Holliday. She can be gloomy, elated, ecstatic, whatever. When she sings, the songs are hers.
My favorite song on the CD is Isobel. Listen to Missy Elliot's "Really Hot" and see how ahead of her time Bjork is. The beat sequence is almost identical.
Possibly, Maybe is another beauty. It hits the feeling of a breakup on the nose.

To all of the people who wrote bad reviews of Bjork, if you don't have something nice to say..... Bjork has been singing most of her life and experts would agree, she has a natural singing voice and an expressive and wide vocal range. Can anyone complaining make those sounds with their voices, on key no less? She knows music inside and out, and the wierd and avant garde sounds are INTENTIONAL. Besides, one has to have an acute knowledge of music to turn it inside out like that. Listen closely and you will hear the genius. Barbara Streisand has been done. We don't need anymore singers sounding like someone else.

Also, the videos from her DVD collection go hand in hand with the songs. You really get the true meaning and a grasp of the songs.

Prepare your aural canals...
How did I miss this in the 1990s? Why did it take me almost ten years to hear this great album? Which excuse can I use? Surely not stupid youth - I was old enough to know good music when it smacked me in the face. So why didn't this smack me in the face in 1995? After soaking in the marvelous "Debut" (a crony forced me to listen to it, and my gratitude pours out for him) the expectations were admittedly pretty low for the follow up. Beginners luck, I thought, the next one will smell like putrid seepage. After all, second albums always reek, don't they? Ok, so I'm an idiot. "Post" in many ways surpasses its predecessor. Intimidating electronic industrial thumps provide fodder for both dancing and fear. Björk sounds outright scary and disturbing on some of these tracks (particularly "Army of Me" and "Enjoy" - two of the album's best songs). Then, just before you can stop cowering, she turns fear and rage into heartbreaking beauty on such songs as "Hyperballad", "You've been Flirting Again", and "Isobel". One of the album's biggest surprises is "It's Oh So Quiet" - a big band show-tooney type song in which Björk stretches her vocal cords to their absolute limit. Her screams penetrate the cochlea in unimaginable ways. Be prepared oh reposed and complacent headphone wearers. What a great song, and what a great demonstration of Björk's versatility and vocal prowess. Overall the album has a more electronic and industrial feel than "Debut" (which may account for its freshness even today). Björk explores many of the same themes here as on her first outing: Obsessive love, escape, heartbreak, being "naughty", and escape. An astounding follow-up album, and more amazing still considering what comes next.

Well...
I'd like to make a comment. While I don't own this CD, I find that there are some people here who write some immature reviews. And there are immature people on both sides (The pro and con).

I am an obsessed Britney Spears fan - I love her. But you know what? Bjork is amazing, and I love her as well. I'm going to buy this CD soon enough. Bjork is a genius that understands things that many people haven't seemed to fully grasp yet... but please people, grow up - you can love pop and Bjork at the same time, it's very much possible, so grow up and realize that it's possible. Liking a certain kind of artist or genre doesn't determine who you are as a person. Usually it's linked in some way, but it's not what determines you. ... Read more

Album Details

Gustavo Santaolalla is One of the Leading Producers in Latin Music Today. His Surco Label Has Released Albums by Many Artists Like Juanes, Orishas and the Soundtrack to "Amores Perros" (Which He Composed). This Particular Group was Conceived by Santaolalla Utilizing Musical Ideas from Nortec Collective (Mexico) and Gotan Project (France). It is an Eclectic Mix of French House, Argentinean Tango, Trip Hop, Drum and Bass and Chill-out Music. "Bajofondo Tango Club" Marks an Exciting New Direction in Latin Electronica Music for an International Audience. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Good album
All I've read here is half true.This album was not just made by argentinean people but also by uruguayian people (Uruguay and Argentina are neighbour countries and they share the passion for the Tango music).
There are several tracks made by uruguayians and track number 6 (Perfume) is an original song written and executed by two contemporary uruguayian artists being one of them Jorge Drexler, a well known musician in South America and Spain.

Now, the album is good, not great, but very good.I bought it and I'm happy with my decision

2003 Grammy Award Winning Album!!!!!
The fusion of Tango Music and Techno does create a nice Chill Out Vibe. I purchased this CD down in Buenos Aires at the end of August 2003 and this album was still in the Top 30 Sales Chart. Not bad for a CD almost a year old. But don't take my word on how great this CD is (strongest tracks are #3 and #12), this CD was just recently the recipient of the 2003 Latin Grammy Awards for Best Pop Instrumental. I am a little surprised that Amazon does not flag award-winning albums in their search but should do so in the future! Give this album a try--you won't be disappointed!

Show me the money, preferably in pounds...
Seems like these guys really like British techno, the problem is that the "electronica" part of this record sounds dated. It seems like the money they should've spent on good equipment was spent on marketing. On top of that, the tango samples lost their depth and seem flat and one-dimensional. Buy Gotan instead, or even better, buy Narcotango by Carlos Libedinsky!

Perfection
Many readers interested in this composition would be advised to recall such groups as Bond and Opera Babes, that have tried to give classical music a new twist. Admirable as their efforts were, neither was able to drag themselves from the classification of just being pretty girls with talent (sort of). Bajofondo is everything they wanted to be. Instead of plastering the cover of this ablum with a photo of themselves wearing sexy little outfits, bajofondo mearly has a close up photo of what appears to be women's crossed legs, clad in fishnets. This alluringly naughty photo seems an apt description of the sound of "Tango Club".

It's a brilliant melting pot of some of the coolest types of music around. Most people acknowledge any form or use of electronica as being an up to the moment sound, but what about the classic shiek and style of the tango? Both are acknowledged in this wonderfully sultry mix. every note is deliberate and important, tearing down musical walls other artist's only dreamed of conquering. Bajofondo is essential to every musical collection.

Interesting
You've probably heard people say in response to something, "mmmmmm, that 's interesting." Pretty much that is the response you will have after listening to this disc that it is not tremendous on either side of the spectrum but good nontheless. It is much like Gotan Project's "La Revancha Del Tango." Comparing the two, since they seem to be the only groups exploring this side of the tango(a mixture of electronica elements, genre's and sub-genre's) I'd have to tip my hat to BTC mostly because of the production skills of Santoalalla( most everything he touches is gold) that results in a slick musical stew like some type of noveau French cuisine. This music is extremely relaxing with a sort of don't wake me up from this musical trip to lands unknown. In other words it is a little spacey but has just enough tango to keep your heart ticking, head swaying and wondering what curve is coming next on this musical journey. It is very eclectic and that is what makes it so interesting, there is that word again. There are dark passages along the way but overall this is a bright addition to the ever expanding electronica field. It many respects it is an entry into chill out music. When it is more upbeat, (check out the editorial review) remember the music is all over the map, it is as fresh as any dance music out there. Maybe it is my being partial to the female voice but when they cut into "Perfume"it sends my heart a reeling. The result is a song that sounds intoxicating. The bandeon throughout keeps the tango vibe, but the piano work binds it all together for a surreal atmospheric experience; it is like sipping a martini at the milky way cafe as a seductress approaches and you offer her a rose and she places it between her teeth and smiles an invitation to tango. To really capture all the sounds that are weaved together this disc should be experienced with headphones a todo volumen(at full volume). There is enough variety on this disc to keep it from being repetitive as the various time changes, pacing and styles give it a flow that doesn't leave you bored. It is a fine example of the meshing of the old and the new for something very interesting, there's that word again. It won't blow you away but you will think it is , you guessed it , interesting. ... Read more

Album Description

She's wild, she's wicked and she's the new word on the underground club scene. With her O.G. Bitch EP hitting the #1 Club Play in Billboard and her voice on Onda's "Summer Breeze" track on the Isley Brothers "reconstruction" album, Taken To The Next Phase, singer-songwriter sensation Esthero offers cool, quirky, trip happy electronic pop on the We R In Need Of A Musical Revolution EP. Her breathy, smooth vibe, from slow-groove to down-tempo, has been described as a mixture of Bjork, Sade, Erykah Badu, Portishead, Billie Holliday and Sneaker Pimps. The musical revolution arrives with Esthero. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Crystal Method's Legion of Boom lives up to its title, dropping blasts of thumping samples, catchy riffs, and dependable grooves. But as with previous records like 2001's Tweekend, a chaotic, industrial darkness lurks around the edges that has little in common with the sheen of commercial dance. Many still compare Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland to the Chemical Brothers and their Big Beat, arena-pleaser cousins. But Boom sounds more like Nitzer Ebb in a good mood, or an angst-free Front 242. The duo has invited another batch of touchy-feely artists to contribute, like those noted softies Wes Borland and John Garcia, formerly of Limp Bizkit and Kyuss, respectively. Don't think for a second they aren't all having a blast, mixing in big, dumb hair metal with abandon. Most fun of all is the boost singer/actress Milla Jovovich gives to "I Know It's You," weaving her tweaked voice through a forest of tangled keyboards. With its bombastic techno-jams, Legion of Boom definitely makes for a tasty party record. Just keep the lights down as low as the bass end if you really want to capture the mood. --Matthew Cooke ... Read more

Reviews (93)

"Legion" is pure Method
"Legion of Boom" is pure Crystal Method. the Method is exploring and finding new layers. They're not as smooth as they were in "Vegas" but they're taking risks that pay off.

The Highs - The first track "Starting Over" has a slow techno start that evolves into a dynamic "zing grind" that gives me the chills! The single "Born Too Slow" alone is worth getting the CD! I love Wes Borland guitar with the awesome spin-back riffs. The amusing video is included for a "rich CD experience". "True Grit" feels more like the classic "High Roller" from "Vegas" with it's pulsing echoey depth. "The American Way" has an terrific industrial anthem feel. The slap bass of "High and Low" evolves into a real adrenaline burst.

The Lows - The jangly "Acetone" and "Bound Too Long" with its stretched rubberband feel and goofy vocals are not includable on my first compilation. "Broken Glass" and "Weapons of Mass Distortion" don't have the hooks for dance and are too disjoined for atmosphere.

The Mid - "Realizer" is a good vocal-based dance number. "I Know It's You" with the vocal's provided by on/off star Milla Jovovich is atmospheric with some recycled algorythms from "Vegas"

"Legion of Boom" has more highs than "Tweekend" and could be my favorite Method. Only time will tell. I do love the Method. I try to explain my affinity for the Crystal Method to my older friends and am at a loss for words. I guess "BigBeat/Dance/Electronica" is those who've grown up in the video game generation. I love to workout to these tunes, I push myself harder and go longer with these driving beats at my back.

Nothing gets my pulse pounding and my brain sharpened like The Crystal Method, masters of the "audio-vibro-thrill."

Great, consistent body of work
That's what TCM is moving toward at this moment. It boggles my mind how a lot of magazine i.e. blender, rolling stone and spin gave this cd bad reviews saying that it sounded "outdated" and like something from the 90's whereas rock bands like the Strokes, the Darkness or whomever else blatantly rip off previous bands work and get there fellated in the press. American media has it out for dance music in general especially any artists from our own country, when Basement Jaxx or Daft Punk or whoever else comes out with an album they're called heroes because they're from Europe. Meanwhile we have a group here in the US he keeps giving us amazing albums but is slowly becoming ignored in the press, AFTER GOING PLATINUM WITH VEGAS!!! obviously no one knows how to market these bands so the bigwigs are happy so they're put on the shelf and hopefully they sell. Well anyway get this album you'll enjoy it, it's completely danceable and listenable when just relaxing as well.
P.S. I don't dislike any of the bands mentioned in this review I'm just using them as examples, but the Vines and the Hives do suck though.

Made my mind tingle
This disc was suggested to me, and was I ever glad I looked into it. From the first track to the last, I never found myself skipping anything, and more often than not, I hit the replay button when I reached the end. LEGION OF BOOM kept me company while I worked for more than two weeks, and I still revisit when I need something to get my blood moving and my thoughts jumping. Sharp and crisp, with enough confident strength to catch and hold my interest. Favorites on the disc: "The American Way," "I Know It's You," and "Wide Open."

Boring
I was hooked the first time I heard their first LP, Vegas, about 5 years ago or so. When Tweakend came out, I thought, decent album, but doesn't touch Vegas.

Legion of Boom is a very boring album. Everytime I try to put it in I give it the benefit of a doubt. I figure maybe the last time I listened to it I was just tired, or I wasn't open to a new sound.

Wrong.

This album is just boring as hell. There is nothing in this album that keeps my attention. For anyone who thinks they are just growing musically, well, just keep thinking that I guess. They sound bored. Maybe they've made too much money with their songs appearing in commercials and movies, and they have just gotten lazy.

Come on guys, light a fire under you so we can be wowed again.

Uneven.
Legion Of Boom doesn't have bass. Legion Of Boom IS bass. The Crystal Method's third album is a loud, in-your-face blowout of basslines and guitars. I said Tweekend was the evil little brother of Vegas; this time around, Legion is the evil little brother of Tweekend, if that's at all possible.

The album starts strong, with the great opening track Starting Over. The big single off this album Born Too Slow follows, though frankly it's my least favorite number on the album. Unfortunately, after this point, the album seems to lose focus. True Grit and The American Way feel very much like "filler" tracks. I Know It's You starts incredibly well, but unfortunately climaxes in a harsh medley of high-pitch screeching noises; disappointing, to say the least. Realizer is immediately forgettable, though Broken Glass has a great beat and style that echoes of some of Tweekend's better aspects. Thankfully, the album picks up some momentum here. Weapons Of Mass Distortion is intense and clearly the successor to the great Name Of The Game. Bound Too Long isn't bad at all, and from here the album gets decidely more electronic, with less focus on guitars. Acetone is stellar, and sounds more like a grown-up track from their debut album, Vegas. The two closing tracks, High And Low and Wide Open, also seem more Vegas inspired than Tweekend, and do a great job of finishing the CD pleasantly.

Vegas was all about flash. Tweekend was attitude. Legion is bass. It's unfortunately the weakest of the Method's three CDs, its high moments marred by the uninspired and boring filler. While it refines both the Tweekend and Vegas sounds, it brings nothing new of its own to the table. Worth a listen, but not a "must have." ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

The influence of Bristol, U.K.'s Massive crew on bringing trippy beats to the foreground is immeasurable. Not only were they the early test ground for other alterna-hop stars (ex-clansman Tricky, former songstresses Nicolette and Martina, and the lesser known productionists Smith & Mighty), they've spread their influence to everyone from fellow Bristol residents Portishead to Björk. Blue Lines is Massive's debut record and is the second musical union of Bristol's renowned collective, Wildbunch. The emotional purging and beat-driven orchestral movement of "Unfinished Sympathy" was among the first signs of life in contemporary English trip-hop culture. Other masterpieces, like "Daydreaming," which features Shara Nelson, Tricky, and other friends on the mic, throb with deep, dubby beats and soulful ambiance. Blue Lines marks the beginning of a musical legacy that is ever expanding. --Daniel Shumate ... Read more

Reviews (93)

MOTHER OF ALL TRIP-HOP ALBUMS
BLUE LINES is one of the most influential albums of the past decade. It is to dance music, what Nirvana's NEVERMIND is to grunge. For a band, whose debut album has had such an impact over music, Massive Attack is truly remarkable. This album has created a whole new genre itself: trip-hop, an offshoot of dance music. If not, this is definitely the first trip-hop album to be a big commercial as well as critical success. Though musically simple, BLUE LINES was much ahead of its time, as far as its style is concerned.

As an album, BLUE LINES is sexy, seductive and subfusc. The opening track "Safe From Harm", with its killer bass-hooks, eerie background music and Shara Nelson's mysteriously seductive vocals, is a perfectly gothic dance number. The following track, "One Love", is all orgasms galore. Instead of going overboard with sexuality like a lot of Prince's or Madonna's songs, "One Love" is as subtle and smooth as it gets, without being all loud and glaring - Only Horace Andy's vocals can be as sexy without even meaning to be.

Songs like "Blue Lines", "Five Man Army", and "Daydreaming" keep up the enjoyably livid mood built up by "Safe From Harm" and "One Love": gloomy and crazy, these three tracks wander aimlessly without any proper structure or chorus, with the band members taking turns to emcee, giving the impression of apparitions whispering mindless words in different forms - isn't trip-hop music, of the ghosts and for the dead?

Well, if BLUE LINES can be all spooky and intentionally subterranean, it can also be as positive, heavenly, and invigorated. This dual nature of this album makes listening to it even more enjoyable. "Be Thankful For What You Got", "Unfinished Sympathy", "Lately", and "Hymn Of The Big Wheel", are so unbelievably effusing with life and zest, that it is amazing that they are packed in the same album as the distressingly dark "Safe From Harm", and the others.

If "Safe From Harm" is one of the grimmest tracks ever created then "Be Thankful For What You Got" is one of the most upbeat songs ever made. With its down-to-earth vocals, and innocently simple words, this song overwhelms with its earthiness. Also, "Unfinished Sympathy", which is much more sophisticated, creates a blissful atmosphere with Shara's unassumingly sweet vocals along with the divine string-arrangement accompanying her vocals; and yes, its irresistibly foot-tapping beats are unforgettable. The closing number "Hymn Of The Big Wheel", is so unbelievably naïve and chaste, that it is only surprising that this song is in collaboration with the same person who has also collaborated in the temptingly sleazy "One Love".

An album, which is sleazy, sexy, subfusc, simple, and spirited, all at the same time, BLUE LINES is an essential album, in any collection. BLUE LINES is indeed an icon, as far as classic albums are concerned, and is undoubtedly the mother of all trip-hop albums.

Blue lines is anything but blue
Arrogant, pretentious, self-absorbed. These harsh adjectives have been used to describe Massive Attack lately. But for all of the harsh words thrown their way, they sure make one hell of a CD. This is it. The originator, the innovator, the percolator of trip-hop. And what a CD it is. At first listen, some songs are great, while others are obnoxious. Some you wish would go on forever, while others go overlong. But as you listen, the album sticks to you like white on rice.

I'm not fan of giving CD's five stars. But Blue Lines is truly a masterpeice. It takes the best elements of reggae, house, hip-hop, funk, and soul and puts them in a blender. Every song, with the help of a number of guest vocalists, sounds completely different from the last. The album has a cohesiveness that few albums share nowadays. This is truly a record that can be appreciated as an entire record, front-to-back, rather than just a compilation of songs.

High points: Too many to count. Safe From Harm is a stellar and spacey opener, with One Love following it up with a brilliant reggae vibe. Five man Army could be the mellowest hip-hop song in history, and Unfinished Sympathy evokes feelings that had not yet been seen in electronic music.

Low points: I wish I could say that there aren't any, but Daydreaming (the first single, no less) can get a little repetitive, as can Lately, but that hardly keeps it from being a perfect album. If you are a music fan and can stand to listen to equipment that's a little outdated. Do not hesitate. buy now.

Influencing the influential.
Although many have spoken of the enormous influence of 'Blue Lines' on modern music, few seem to have taken time to consider the influences that have shaped it (something the band has expressley done in the liner notes to the album). One of the major influences on the opening tracks 'Safe from Harm' and 'One Love' is Headhunters-era Herbie Hancock. The funky extended groove and the distant electric piano are classic jazz fusion sounds.

Massive attack perform their own form of fusion in harnessing Shara Nelson's classic soul-feuled vocals with the emerging sounds of British hip-hop. You can even hear the influence of Marvin Gaye on a track like 'Be Thankful For What You've Got'; or the sound of late 70's New York on 'Lately' (a time and place of obvious influence, as mention of the movie 'Taxi Driver' in the liner notes attests to).

Dub is also of major importance to the sound of 'Blue Lines', something the young Tricky uses to full effect on '5 Man Army'. Don't forget another of MA's name dropping influence, PIL. Jah Wobble's dub-heavy bass echos round the rhythm of 'Safe From Harm'. Horace Andy's vocals are just as powerful as Nelson's even if they come from a different musical genre. He gives huge emotion to the pop sensibility of 'Hymn Of The Big Wheel' and the contrast of his yearning vocal against the nocturnal background of 'One Love' is an original sound not lost on Moby.

The only thing I have to take a star off for is the dreadful monotone rapping in an English accent, which might have sounded radical in '91, but has become mildly irritating in 2004.

Unfinished Sympathy
"Bluie Lines" was Massive Attack's first album and the start of unfinnished music history. With this classic 90's album they started the UK trend Trip Hop, and lots of others were going to follow. Like all Massive album's there's a great variety of songs included, hip hop, soul, reggae, dance. Another reason to take a closer look at this album. Shara Nelson appears on this album too, the soulful voice behind "Unfinished Sympahty" her appearence makes the album even better and enjoyable. The song itself it the best of the album and perhaps the biggest hit so far for Massive Attack, it got the trip hop feeling all over it from the beats, the soulish sound and the vocals match perfect. She also sings "Safe Drom Home" which is good aswell. "One Love" is jazzy while "Five Man Army" is reggae and "Blue Lines" and "Daydreaming are hip hop. One of my favorites is the soulish pop influented "Be Thankful for What You Got" with awesome beats and scratching, very memorable song. "Lately" is slow and soulish, but passable. "Hymn of the Big Wheel" is that kind of song i can put in a specific genre, good however. Only 9 songs on this album but it's quality, not quantity. A great classic you defenitely should pick up.

Massive Attack's Track-Down Line....
It's hard to listen to Massive Attack's debut album without thinking of their extraordinary & subsequent work. Preferably, I'm a BIG fan of their collaborations with various grand artists. The real winners from this album are the tracks which feature Shara Nelson-- whom has a great yearning/vocal style which is definitely comparable to Sinead O'Connor (Another MA Collaborator)-- probably because both O'Connor and Nelson have that British mourning sound about them, plus both of them work so well with the sound of Massive Attack.

''Safe From Harm'' is definitely the best track off this album, with a over-looped and tripping atmosphere, Shara's voice sounds amazing on this track, plus there's a male vocalist over there too. As-well as the biggest hit off this album is probably ''Unfinished Sympathy'' and is undeniably one of their most popular songs along with ''Protection'' but that's on their second album.

The title track ''Blue Lines'', set's the standard for ''CLASSIC'' trip-hop. ''Daydreaming'' takes off with a sweeping pulsed beat, you hear Shara making an intro for the song, then comes more of Tricky's vocals, it takes a turn for the more rap/hip-hop side. Other great tracks are ''Be Thankful For What You've Got'', ''One Love'' and ''Lately''.

Bottom line is, this album is great and it can stand up on it's own, but I vastly prefer it's successor's such as ''Protection'', ''Mezzanine'' and recently ''100th Window''...

These guys have spread their influence over to Portishead, Bjork, Madonna a.k.a (The Queen Of Pop), Tracey Thorn/Everything But The Girl, Sinead O'Connor, Shara Nelson, Elizabeth Fraser, Sara Jay, Horace Andy, Tricky, Goldfrapp, Mos Def...etc (I could go on forever naming all of the artist's)...this just show's what a FANTASTIC group this is.--- They may not have the overexposed popularity of the unsuccessful/bland artists like Britney Spears, Beyonce and Justin Timberlake...But WHO CARES?...Massive is here to make ''MUSIC''-- not to impress public relations.

Massive Attack is just ''too good'' to be compared to anything like that... Great Album, Definitely worth every cent!. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The bad news is that there is no "Sour Times" to equal the first album's greatness. Lead single "Cowboys" doesn't do the trick, not with its '50s sci-fi dub vibe and the Yma Sumac stylings of Beth Gibbons. The upside is that this bold sophomore release is, even at this late date in trip-hop's evolution, still startling, thanks to the mix of Geoff Barrow's soundscapes and Gibbons's haunting wail.--Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Reviews (120)

This is the essence of trip-hop
One of the best trip-hop albums. This stuff is hat trip-hop is about. Dark, noir sounds, lounge feeling with a jazzy layer and hip-hop beats will make you want to dig out old dark jazz records. From the first track to the last, there is a sense of urgency, of melancholy which is trapped between eerie sounds and in a ghostly landscape. Excellent vocal transitions for every song. You have to check out the ol-skool scratches and the dusty record effect, giving it a vintage quality.. This is no Dummy, but it doesn't mean that isn't good. Portishead continues with this album the evolution of their crime jazz. I recommend this to all novices in trip-hop. Great album.

Magnum Opus
Portishead's 1997 self-titled album is darker and more melancholy than their debut "Dummy". It is also a timeless masterpiece that ranks as one of the best trip-hop albums of all time. From the opening strains of "Cowboys", this CD transports you into a 1940s-style dimly-lit, cigarette smoke-filled Hollywood cabaret where dark-suited gangsters, buxom blonde starlets and trench-coated detectives mingle. This time around, Geoff Barrow and Beth Gibbons dig deep into film noir moxie to create a collection of songs that capture the decadence and tarnished glamor of that era, while retaining a hip postmodern sensibility. Beth Gibbons is at her best when her voice stretches to a screeching soprano, as on "All Mine", "Only You" and the centerpiece "Humming". Reportedly, Portishead recorded original background music based on film noir movies they admired, and then composed lyrics over them. This gives the album a surreal quality that, when uncovered after numerous spins on the CD changer, truly transcends time and space. Essential listening for a dark, stormy night in your house on the Hollywood Hills, with the fireplace blazing and a bottle of red wine.

Secrets too Tortuous to Endure
I turn on the CD player and I am wearing a slinky black dress, my mouth rouged with blood red lipstick, a trail of cigarette smoke wafts in the stale air, and I'm shadowed by a sinister figure down a seedy alleyway. I'm cornered in some dive but it's just some swaying, slobbering lush wanting to know where Albert is. As if I knew...as if I cared. My secrets are too tortuous to endure much longer.

Beth Gibbons voice is creeping emotion sputtering out those secrets in the twisted cabaret in my head. The mood is dark, the atmosphere thick with betrayal and yearning, strangers with glassy eyes litter the joint while their own desperate desires join the din of bereavement. All flesh is cold to the touch and no one speaks above a raspy whisper. Whiskey is the drink of choice and everyone is melting into their chairs.

While trying to escape the drunk, I stumble over someone who falls out of his chair. Another liquor-soaked refugee from planet Earth, I think, but no - it turns out to be a mannequin. Ahhh, that explains so much - those lifeless eyes, the cold skin, yet it still whispers, it whispers to me: "where is Albert?"

Second album
After an album like DUMMY, it appears it would be difficult to follow up such a great album. It took the group three years to come up with this second album, and it was worth the wait. Released in the fall of 1997, this album still gets quite a bit of airplay in my CD player. As a whole I think this album is a lot more darker than DUMMY. The music is mystical and dark, with Beth Gibbons emoted vocals, very layered. What's even more impressive about this album is the songwriting, which is stronger than on DUMMY. This isn't an album that sinks in right away, but with repeated listenings more is revealed in the intricate production. There are so many layers. Overall, it gets better with each listen, and overall a very unique and rewarding musical experience.

It's a trip.
All I can say is welcome to the "Twilight Zone". Most anyone who knows their previous album "Dummy", can pretty much expect the same thing on "Portishead". This is a bit darker, and there's no obvious stand-out tracks, but as a whole it's still very strong, and sets a nice mood. This is actually one of my favorites of the genre, along with "Mezzanine". "Beth Gibbons" continues to do an excellent job, and her voice really is a perfect match to the music. Overall, I'm not sure if I'd call it as good as "Dummy", but it's the next best thing. ... Read more

Amazon.com

So there's this pop singer... you may have heard of her? Madonna, she's called, and the word is that she's basically all image; she went through a put-your-hands-all-over-my-body phase, then she got spiritual, and then she started wearing cowboy hats. Between all the gossip columns and photo shoots, though, she's left an unmatched trail of devastatingly wonderful singles--roaring dance records, tender ballads, and a curious combination of the two that is her personal specialty ("Secret" and "Ray of Light"). How many artists' best-of-the-second-decade collections crowd out legitimate hits? ("American Pie," anyone? "This Used to Be My Playground"?) Unlike 1990's Immaculate Collection, GHV2 doesn't have any new material; "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina," from Evita, and the glorious '60s pastiche "Beautiful Stranger" are the only songs that haven't appeared on a Madonna album before. But it compresses her past 10 years worth of records into an hour of one peak after another. --Douglas Wolk ... Read more

Reviews (249)

Good compilation, probably not for the collectors
While not nearly as instantly gratifying nor as cohesive as The Immaculate Collection from 1990, GHV2 is still a satisfying retrospective of Madonna's 90s+ work.

A number of musical styles characterized much of her music during this time, producing an interesting diversity of work; a little retro club here ("Deeper and Deeper"), some R&B there ("Secret", "Human Nature"), a sprinkling of torch-song ballads ("Take a Bow", "Don't Cry for Me Argentina") and a good dose of electronica for good measure (everything else). Not everything fits well together, but the songs on their own are good and show considerable maturity in songwriting and vocal performance.

The collection is a little top-heavy on selections from Ray of Light and Music. If you have those two albums, you basically have half of this CD. Minor hits "Drowned World/Substitute for Love" (a non-US single), "The Power of Good-Bye" and "What It Feels Like For a Girl" could have been swapped for the more commercial "Fever," "Rain," and "I'll Remember" possibly balancing the collection a little better. But the former tracks were likely included to capitalize on the artist's Drowned World Tour, occurring around the same time, which largely focused on her latter work. Not a bad idea.

Most of the tracks found on GHV2 are edit versions, geared towards casual listeners. Some of them are not so good, like the butchering found on "Ray of Light." And "Frozen's" haunting, symphonic solo has also been trimmed to a mere few seconds.

Single remixes fashioned like The Immaculate Collection may have jazz things up a little, and accommodated a wider buying audience. The package design is attractive with a nice collage of pictures, chronicling Madonna's photographic evolution (I don't know about her Cher impression, 1st pic on the bottom row).

Overall, a solid and listenable collection.

A great follow up to "Immaculate Collection"
Ciao! fellow amazon reviewers and shoppers.

Madonna has done it again with this thrilling and different collection of hits. I am very happy to learn that Beautiful stranger made it to the track list!

Out of all the songs, I personally think that Madonna's MUSIC, THE POWER OF GOODBYE, BEAUTIFUL STRANGER AND BEDTIME STORY ARE my favorites.

If you don't know the track list, it is as goes:
1) Deeper and deeper 7" edit 2) Erotica radio edit 3) Human nature clean radio version 4) Secret 5) Don't cry for me Argentina original non dance version 6) Bedtime Story 7 The power of goodbye 8) Beautiful stranger 9) Frozen 10) Take a bow 11) Ray of light 12) Don't tell me 13) What it feels like for a girl non dance mix version 14) Drowned world/Substitute for 15) Music

The photos inside the booklet are amazing and they show her in all imaginable poses and styles. Actually, the whole concept of the artwork is Madonna's different looks from the start up to the present. Even the graphics on the cd itself are cool and offer a bold and new look to the incredible Queen of Pop's journey of success.
There is a song for everyone. If you like serene and serious stuff, "Don't cry..." is for you. If you like moving, unearthing trancelike music, Bedtime story is for you. I liked the idea of Madonna continuing right from where she left off with the "Immaculate Collection.

Unfortunately there are no remixes on this compilation. It would have been fun to find the remixes from her new singles here. Oh weeeeellllll. It's okay because whatever the Queen of Pop does suits me fine.
Upon reading the writeup inside the booklet, I first thought it cool that Madonna wrote something for her fans, but instead, it was written by Dan Cadan. The writeup was interesting because I learned a little more about Madonna than I knew already.
I think you will appreciate her a whole lot more after reading it.

The cd cover is an unusual for Madonna. Usually we see her whole face or her whole body. Here, she is close up and dramatically made up, and I find her expression both seductive and shy.
This woman knows what music is and knows how to make it. 5 big huge gold stars for this collection.

Sing on Madonna, and hope you will come up with another collection some time in the future.

Enjoy the cd and hope my review helped you.

Almost Complete
The amazon.com reviewer is right. This compilation is missing two great singles "This Used To Be My Playground" and "American Pie." Another complaint is that the single radio version (Miami Remx) of "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" is not included--it's the soundtrack album version. But still a good buy for Madonna fans. A-

More crap from an old woman doing music for old people
Same old same old from Madonna. She mainly appeals to unhip people over the age of 47 now. She looked about 57 when this album was made.

You can pick this one up and her others at the local used CD stores for $1.00. They have dozens of copies.

Madonna's Greatest Hits Volume 2
Definitely better than the over-hyped travesty known as 'The Immaculate Collection,' which is nothing a but a collection of over-chopped over-remixed classic tunes. GHV2 does a rather good job at showcasing Madonna's high points in musical culture during the fabulous 90's. Despite some MAJOR omissions in regards to HITS (i.e. I'll Remember, Rain, This Used To Be My Playground, etc.) this album focuses on all the different genres the Queen of Pop embarked upon during those years. Maybe not a great effort to a diehard, but pretty dang good for a beginner or a casual listener. Give it a spin! ... Read more

Amazon.com's Best of 2000

Yugoslavian-born producer Suba moved to São Paulo, Brazil, in the late 1980s, bringing with him experience in jazz, classical music, theater, ballet, and film. São Paulo Confessions brings the 18-million-strong city to musical life with an ambitious and unique fusion of classic Brazilian styles and modern electronics. The result is a magical blend of Afro-Brazilian rhythms, dreamy vocals, and forward-looking techno. --Marc Greilsamer ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Suba is Supa'
Oh tragedy did strike. One of the next grand artists, those who understand the subtleties of sound has passed - caressing, dizzying, beating sounds of wind, drums, piano.

Brazil meets the late night beats of London.

This CD is just gorgeous, original. It sounds like a familiar friend but will always give you something you hadn't heard the last time you put it on. If you love relaxing beats, love Samba and Bossa Nova and want your music to have more than one linear tone then jump on Suba....its Supa'

WE MISS YOU, SUBA!!!!!!!!!
I had no idea that Suba died in a fire in Brazil years ago until I happened to read a review on "Sao Paulo Confessions". I suppose that was the real motivation for me getting this CD, that and perhaps hearing some of his amazing work on Bebel Gilberto's Tanto Tempo CD. "Sao Paulo Confessions" was nothing I expected it to be...In fact, it's 10x better! Suba has created a beautiful and memorable album that has crossover appeal far beyond the borders of Brazil. Fans of samba, bossa nova, ambient dub, downtempo and techno will find something they can groove to on "Sao Paulo Confessions". I personally was suprised that the songs all sounded different than what I've come to expect form Latin influenced albums. Suba--another great artist that left us too soon! Hopefully in death his album can serve as a testament of what good music should sound like!

Awesome Electronic Music from Brazil
I'm a jazz, blues, latin music listener. I also like good electronic music, rare as it is. Suba's Sao Paulo Confessions has become one of my absolutely favorite albums. You can enjoy it as background music, or really listen to it. It operates on many levels. It's smooth, complex, and intriguing--listenable and danceable. If you like Brazilian music at all, this album is a must have. If you have been looking for electronic music and are afraid of getting stuck with some vapid elevator music, this album what you've been looking for.

Remarkable work of art...
A friend of mine had this CD and was playing it on her home stereo, I liked it so much so I went out and ordered a copy.

Somebody else said - this album is like the perfect blending of trance and atmospheric mellow music - very soothing album.. good easy beats. I usually dont like vocals in this kind of music but they were done very carefully and it actually added a good deal to the music! I particularly like Tracks 1 and 3.

I would highly recommend this to anyone who is into trance/techno or new age music!

Groundbreaking and Phenomenal
I hadn't written a review on this one but I felt the need to correct a few misconceptions on the previous review. Suba was a fantastic producer and artist out of Sao Paulo (but I believe from Yugoslavia originally) that focused on the new sounds of Brazilian music and he loved the Brazilian underground sounds. He worked with Joao Parahyba (of Trio Mocoto fame) and many many other talented and respected producers and musicians out of Brazil. In fact, before Suba tragically passed away, he had finished this album and was producing Bebel Gilberto's "Tanto Tempo" (Suba, Bebel Gilberto, Zuco 103, Celso Fonseca, Cibelle are all on the same label at the time - Ziriguiboom). Unfortunately, he passed away in a fire in Sao Paulo. I believe he made it out of the fire, but died when he returned to his apartment to recover his works.

This album is awesome. It's very dark and mysterious - it embodies what he wanted from this album - to show a dark side of Sao Paulo through music. It's consistent through in through with breathtaking beats & samples and sexy vocals. Suba features Taciana, Katia B (her album is okay too), Cibelle (her album is great!) and even Arnaldo Artunes in the cuts. Each artist integrates a certain touch to this cd, and helped to establish the sound and feel of this cd. I literally enjoy every single track... especially Tantos Desejos, Segredo, Pecados da Madrugada and Na Neblina.

I have to recommend this - you haven't really checked out electric Brazil if you haven't heard this cd. So many artists have gone in a direction similar to Suba's. And if you have this, you MUST check out his "Tributo" album where fantastic artists remake his songs + some uncut Suba tracks are there. The song: "Are You Sleeping", featuring Katia B is soooo Suba. Also, again, Bebel Gilberto's cd has his touches on it as he produced it. And the compilation Caipirissima has a cool cut on it + some dark Bossa. Other comps I recommend with Suba: Brasil 2Mil, Rough Guide to Brazilian Electronica, Brazilectro series.

I will personally miss Suba's music - he left too soon! One can only imagine how much more great music there would be if he was with us today. ... Read more

Album Description

Rendezvous Lounge is the first in a series, and features the mixed beats and atmospheric sounds of downtempo electronic music. The artist lineup showcases some of the most talented and renowned artists in from their respective countries including Holland,France, Italy, Norway and the UK. Compiled by Mark Gorbulew and produced by Frank Cody, the team that brought you Praful. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Very Cool Album, but Angry About One Track
I came to this album through one of Amazon's sideways recommendations for people who'd bought stuff like Cafe del Mar, Buddha Bar, Hotel Costes CDs, and I wasn't disappointed. I find it hard to comparatively rate some of these chill albums, so I agonized over whether to give it 5 stars, but if you like some of the compilations that I mentioned above, I think you'll like this one.

My only beef is there's a track on here called "Ocean Beach" that I reckon is largely plagiarized from one of Henry Mancini's tunes called "Lujon" and doesn't give him any credit at all. If you're lucky enough to have a copy of Mancini's album called, "Mr. Lucky Goes Latin," give it a listen and see what you think. I guess RCA (or the copyright holder) must be asleep at the switch.

A journy to a special place
Finaly :)
Mark Gorbulew knows how to make the prefect cd.
After hard day work or just on a beutyful day, allways when i put it on i go to this special place where i feel free and it is so so beutyful. The prefect mix of 14 beutyful songs.
Buy it and find your special place.

Great Chill Out collection
This is one of the most wonderful compillation of chill out music (arranged by Mark Gorbelew) I have encountered. Every track leads smoothly into the next with flow and sensuality.
The music "takes you away" to another universe.
It is magical and inspirational, transcending and spacious.
Congratulations for a great album!

Dorit

Smooth ride..
Another outstanding selection from a chill expert. Mark Gorbuleuw has the touch when it comes to compiling great music from across the globe.Rendezvous Lounge disappears the trials and tribulations of my life with a soothing blend of musical stylings that's peppered with a splash of downtempo beat and groove. What I love is that here isn't one throwaway track on this collection. It's a smooth ride from beginning to end. I also admire the import flava and the domestic pricing!
This one's a keeper!

Amazing compilation
The Rendezvous Lounge is an amazing album. A truely great compilation of unique and interesting songs. EVERY song is awesome. The tracks flow from one to the other with out skipping a beat, taking you on a very relaxing, hypnotizing journey. The perfect background album for a romatic dinner, or just enjoying the company of friends. If you haven't expereinced any music from the "chill" genre....you are missing out. A MUST HAVE!! A+++ ... Read more