Amazon.com

If all Sonic Youth albums pretty much sound alike, as skeptics grumble, some Sonic Youth albums definitely sound more alike than others. And Sonic Nurse is one of those. Practically Sonic Youth concentrate, the disc manages to sound like a distillation of the band's career and a promise that they can keep doing this forever. Sonic Youth has trimmed away its more direct hooks, while also curbing its artier indulgences. That isn't to say that melody or noise is absent--especially when it's Kim Gordon's turn to rant on cuts such as "Kim Gordon and the Arthur Doyle Hand Cream"—but that these elements are carefully balanced and defer to an overall sound that's richer than ever now that newest member Jim O'Rourke has fully integrated himself into the band's gestalt. The mood may be pastoral and domestic, but often, as on "Peace Attack," it's grounded in an undercurrent of concern. --Keith Harris ... Read more

Reviews (51)

title of review
This is my favorite album Sonic Youth have ever made. The least experimental, and also the most interesting. The musical ideas are all very structured and refined. In the past a lot of their songwriting has involved continuously playing the same riff, and slight variations on a riff, in a jam style, and passing it off as a song. It seems like they've made a conscious effort to avoid that kind of self-indulgence and just write some real songs, with catchy riffs and melodies that don't outstay their welcome, and smooth transitions between them.
After the steady decline from A Thousand Leaves, to Ghosts & Flowers, to Murray Street, I had my doubts that this band had anything left to offer, but Sonic Nurse presents a thoroughly revitalized band. Their best music may still be yet to come, and for a band 20+ years into their career, that's a pretty exciting prospect, and something few, if any, other bands or artists could claim.

Even Better Than Murray Street!
okay, I was a little skeptical at first, mostly due to the press giving it mostly average reviews (with a few that didnt, like pitchfork and allmusic) but once I listened, I just had to listen over and over again. The first major thing that will be noticed in the return of noise in sonic youth songs! pattern recognition, one of kim's greatest songs, ends with a noise jam. In fact, it seems like most of kim's songs on the albums have noise somewhere in it, such as the mellow feedback initiating I Love You Golden Blue, and pretty much all of Kim Gordon and the Arthur Doyle Hand Cream. the noise is also being blended into the song better than before (disconnection notice's gratingly odd screeching in the middle of the bridge)

also, another thing noticed is the maturation of ideas in murray street. in fact, this album makes murray street seem like it was just a preview to this album. songs like dripping dream and stones maximize on the melodic jams on Murray Street, but better them greatly. the first single, Unmade Bed, is probably a better song than most of the works on the album before it, especially with it's tom-snare exotic drumming. the artwork is also a huge step above Murray Street. Even though the photo of the kids under a net is a great picture, I like the paintings of the nurses alot better. Does anyone else get reminded of Kim by the one on the back?

In this album, all the songs are enjoyable, but my favorites are pattern recognition, unmade bed, new hampshire, and I love you golden blue...okay, all of them are my favorites. my only problem with this album is there is only one lee song! overall, a very valuable addition to the sonic youth catalog. buy this.

and to the person who said it doesnt work in any cd players: you didnt have to review the album if you NEVER ACTUALLY LISTENED TO IT. most people's copy works perfectly fine.

Another solid lp from SY
Sonic Nurse is in some ways a return to ground paved on Murray Street as well as Washing Machine, lots of slower songs and melodies, but still very Sonic Youth, just more grown up I suppose. Pattern Recognition is right off the bat one of my favorite Kim Gordon tracks, a very good rockin' track to kick off the album. Track 4 is not as good on album as it was live, the delivery is a bit obnoxious (as its meant to be, I know) still, I think had they recorded this track later, with the rest of the songs, it might have turned out better.
Lee's only song is Paper Cup Exit, and it's my favorite song on this record, right up there with Karenology and NYC Ghosts and Flowers. Thurston's tracks on here are all good songs, especially tracks 2 and 3.

Anyhow... yes... it's a very good record. The only negative things I can say about it really are in comparing it to some of their other records...
Verdict: better than NYC Ghosts and Flowers & A Thousand Leaves
not quite as good as Murray Street or Washing Machine

Excellent, excellent, excellent
Sonic Nurse picks up where 2002's Murray Street left off, and it's just as good, if not better, than its predecessor. It's definitely their most accessible album since Dirty (1992), yet it doesn't compromise and still keeps their music interesting enough NOT to be tied in with MTV's definition of music. They hardly burst out into free-jam mode like they did on Murray Street or Daydream Nation, and their songs are very much structured on this album, and some of the songs on this album are gorgeously arranged, particularly Thurston Moore's "Unmade Bed," and Kim Gordon's "Dude Ranch Nurse" and "I Love You Golden Blue." Moore tends to be more mellow nowadays, but Gordon and Lee Ranaldo provide the edgier songs on Sonic Nurse, including Gordon's rant supposedly against Mariah Carey, "Kim Gordon and the Arthur Doyle Hand Cream," and the album opener "Pattern Recognition" starts off the album with a 6-minute rocker thatechoes her songs of the past, such as "Kool Thing" and "Across the Breeze." Ranaldo provides some great songs here too like "New Hampshire" and "Paper Cup Exit." In addition to "Unmade Bed," Thurston Moore provides policis on "Peace Attack" (against President Bush's quagmire in Iraq"), and the beautifully structured free-jam (SY were always good at such oxymorons) "Dripping Dream." Steve Shelley provides consistent drumming as always, and their collaboraton with Jim O'Rourke serves the group very well. This is definitely one of the best records I've heard this year, and even if it doesn't hold a candle to past SY albums like some think, it's still better than 99.9% of whatever is out today.

sonic youth can still do it!!
Excellent!!

This is SY at their near peak. ... Read more

Amazon.com

What's most surprising about the Pure Moods series is not that it is so popular, but that the music on it actually represents some of the best New Age and modern instrumental music, rather than scraping the barrel. For every piece of Enya pop froth--like her "Only If," which opens the album--there is a deep and impassioned exploration like Sheila Chandra's virtually a cappella "Ever So Lonely/Eyes/Ocean." Yanni's bombastic "On Sacred Ground" is balanced by Moby's soulful trance groove, "Porcelain." Sometimes those juxtapositions don't work out well. The overwrought romanticism of pianist David Lanz's "Cristofori's Dream" can only suffer being sandwiched between the soul-searing vocals of Peter Gabriel's "Games Without Frontiers (Massive/DB Mix)" and the Geoffrey Oryema/Brian Eno hymn, "Land of Anaka." With more than a quarter of the album drawn from the 1980s, there are some influential early gems here for new listeners, including Kitaro's wistful "Silk Road" and Ryuichi Sakamoto's "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence." --John Diliberto ... Read more

Reviews (32)

Probably the best of the Pure Moods
I have to admit that at first I was a little critical of this CD, but after listening to the first two, I became more positive of Pure Moods. The Pure Moods I was erally good, Pure Moods II was okay, but Pure Moods III is the best in presenting some of the best music of the best New Age stars. Most of the music is from the newest releases of New Age performers, most being in the past 5 years, but even so, they still have old classics like "Cristifori's Dream", "Merry, Christmas Mr. Lawrence", and "The Velocity of Love". What I found to be especially amusing about this compilation is it begins with Enya, the New Age "goddess", and Sarah Brightman, "The Angel of Music". Sarah Brightman has done very well lately in the New Age genre, her beautiful voice never lets her down. Enya has been around for more than 10 years, and "Only If", reminds us that she will not go away soon. I might as well give a special compliment to each song. Moby's "Porcelain", which I've heard in commercails, has very amusing electric sounds. Mono sings sweetly in "Life With Mono". Peter Gabriel has been an important figure in New Age and Pop with Real World Records(good thing the makers of this CD included several Real World artsits). David Lanz's "Cristifori's Dream", not only is my favorite on this album, but brings great honor to the beautiful piano and its inventor. Another song by Geoffrey Oryema, "Land of Anaka", is included. Like "Makambo", its from his most well known album, "Exile". Sacred Spirit made a second album and Pure Moods III includes another one of their Native American interpretations. "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence", carries the same oriental moods of "The Last Emperor". "The Velocity of Love", is one of the best examples of the great keyboardist Suzanne Ciani. "Ever So Lonely" by Shiela Chandra is an example of the unique sounds of New Age. "Virtue" by Jesse Cook, is so reflective, lovely, and fun, just like Ottmar Liebert. The beautiful "Silk Road" by Kitaro, who recently won a grammy, is very peaceful and serene. Even though I've heard and seen much of Blue Man Group and commercials, I enjoyed the sophisticated sounds of "Synaesthetic". Yanni's "Sacred Ground", comes from his more recent "If I Could Tell You", and has many layered sounds and vocals, along with some electric sounds, making it a little different from his previous works. Once again, Pure Mods includes the great band, Enigma, with "Gravity of Love", from "Screen Door Behind The Mirror". I love the classical, opera background of the music. Finally, there is "Deliver Me", from Sarah Brightman's well known, "Eden". This song combines pop, new age, and gospel influence. I can safely say this album is worth listening too, and it shows the best of New Age today. If they make a Pure Moods IV, I hope it well include some older New Age wonders, like Mannhiem Steamroller and George Winston. For now, we have the music of today for our ears.

Another great addition to the Pure Moods family!
What can I say? The Pure Moods series has always had a knack for blending the best music pieces from around the world, and bringing them all together on one awesome disc.

This album features an impressive array of world encompassing songs, such as Enya's "Only if," as well as Native American music such as Sacred Spirit's "Dela Dela." Some songs like Kitaro's "Silk Road" even blend in a sound of the orient into this wonderous album.

One of the best features of this album is that it gives you such a wide range of musical items to chose from, and if you like a certain artist or song, the booklet included gives you all of the information you need to find out what original album/movie the song came from!

If you love New Age music, and if you love to listen to a broad variety of world music, you have to get this cd!

Good Album, Not Best If Series Though
This collection of Pure Moods CDs started with this CD and was definitely good enough to justify the rest of the entries in the series. These CDs start by taking pop songs, remaking them into semi-new age songs and then collecting them with other new age songs. They're nice and relaxing and just edgy enough to keep mainstream folks interested. Out of the series I would have to say that this is my thrid favorite. If you're heard the others then you should be satisfied with this album, if you're new to the series I would recommend picking up Pure Moods II.

New-Age Mello Yello....
This is the kind of utter garbage they use to subdue wild boars in Papua New Guinea. An utterly wasteful collection of schlocky new-age pipey music, all under the guise of the "PURE MOODS" label.

Pure Moods is pure enjoyment
A friend gave me the original Pure Moods collection several years ago. I played it all the time!
When II was released I hesitated to buy it because I felt it would have to be a disappointment after Vol. I. But it wasn't. II was another delightful surprise.
Then III was released and I did not hesitate to buy it - and it did not disappoint. I see that IV has now been released and I can't wait to hear it! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Bill Cosby Classic
This contains lots of the tightly scripted, rapid format, clean comedy that was Bill's early trademark.As well as many sidesplitting routines, you get more insight into Bill, the man, and the Cosby family (arguably his favorite subject.)

The title routine involves Bill's love of fast cars and his having been persuaded by Carroll Shelby to switch over from his "foreign" Ferrari to a Shelby special that scared the #(*&# out of Bill.This routine alone is worth the price.

If laughter does the heart good like a medicine, then Bill Cosby is digitalis!

One of Bill's finest
This live concert album is a combination of high-energy renditions of some of Cos's earlier material with an album-side-long rap about Bill's passion for sports cars, and what happens when you buy more racing machine than your body can handle. The routine, featuring one of Cos's few political punchlines, is one of the funniest things the man has ever put on record. It's a beautiful thing that this is available on CD. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In adapting Chris Van Allsburg's beloved, 1986 Caldecott Medal winning children's Christmas fable, director Robert Zemeckis fused the technologies of live-action motion capture and CGI to an unprecedented degree, producing a visual sensibility that perfectly embodies the netherworld between fantasy and reality that made the book so inviting. Musically, Zemeckis has shrewdly teamed longtime collaborator Alan Silvestri with hit tunesmith Glen Ballard for the original half his soundtrack, then given the rest over to a star-packed tribute to pop Christmas past that includes such timeless chestnuts as Bing Crosby's "White Christmas," "Winter Wonderland" by the Andrew Sisters and Perry Como's "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas." But the Silvestri/Ballard originals here are the main event, from Tom Hanks' vigorous vocal mugging on the title track and "Hot Chocolate" through the innocent charm of "When Christmas Comes to Town" and the over-the-top, jumpin' jive of Steven Tyler's "Rockin' On Top of the World." Josh Groban's "Believe" overdoes the treacle, but Silvestri's rich choral workouts and underscore suite are grand Hollywood-scaled tributes to the spirit of the season. Also available in a deluxe, illustrated children's book format gift edition that includes an actual encased jingle bell embedded in the cover.--Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Amazon.com

As good as Pomus and Gordy were, they can't compare with the premier rock & roll songwriters of the pre-Beatles era: Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller, Chuck Berry, and Percy Mayfield. The team of Leiber (the lyricist) and Stoller (the composer) created such enduring standards as "Kansas City," "Hound Dog," "Stand By Me," "Spanish Harlem," "Jailhouse Rock," and many more. Those songs and 33 more were assembled into a bookless Broadway musical called Smokey Joe's Cafe, which was nominated for eight Tony Awards. If this soundtrack album is any indication, the show was an abomination, an act of self-betrayal by Leiber and Stoller, who not only participated in putting the show together but also co-produced the album with Arif Mardin. Instead of remaining true to the songs' rock & roll roots, the soundtrack producers have allowed the obscure stage performers to commit Broadway's worst sins: excessive earnestness, undernourished rhythms, and bombastic over-singing. Everyone in the cast has a good singing voice, but no one has a distinctive musical personality. Michael Park's Presley parody on "Jailhouse Rock," B.J. Crosby's confusion of vocal power for vocal attitude on "Hound Dog," and Victor Trent Cook's syrupy version of "I (Who Have Nothing)" prove Broadway chorus dancers are no substitute for real rock & roll singers. --Geoffrey Himes ... Read more

Reviews (28)

My original copy is wearing out, so I'm buying a second!
Was AMAZED at the Hines "official" review. I disagree vehemently. (His initial statement seems to indicate that he did NOT see the show ... Major Bummer for Mr. Hines, I'd say.)

Saw the show in NYC in December, 1996 -- bought the CD in the theatre lobby on my way out, as I KNEW I had to own it. It's worn from use (by myself and by my 22 year old daughter).

Yes, I own the original versions of many of the songs ... have a big collection which includes many CD's, tapes, and LP's (Yes, I'm THAT old...) of the Drifters, Coasters, and Ben E. King. I have loved all these songs since dancing to them at my high school sock-hops 30+ years back. Classics. What's not to like?

I see no reason to make a comparison between the original artists' renditions, and the versions found on this album. I frankly find it absurd to judge artistic works (or various interpretations of the same works) as if they were in competition with one another.

I receive just as much enjoyment from listening to the songs on "Smokey Joe's Cafe" as I do listening to the original artists' renditions. And this CD offers a compilation and variety that is hard to resist.

I recommend this HEARTILY, whether or not you ever see the show.

An incredible taste of the best songs ever written
The combination of Leiber and Stoller is amazing. Together they created some of the best known hits of the 50s and 60s. Who could forget "Jailhouse Rock"? Along with "Jailhouse Rock" many other songs grace the stage in Smokey Joe's Cafe. Get this CD. It is one of the best Broadway musicals I have seen. The talent displayed by this cast is unparalled... even better than the original recording in some cases! I highly recommend this to ANYONE. Heck, I've been listening to it for 5 years... and I'm only 20!

The show was even better
There was no book for the show. The songs, and their delivery by the cast is everything. And they deliver. The four guys who serve as a blues quartet harmonize like they've were singing together since high school. B. J. Crosby's "Hound Dog" doesn't just deliver power; there is plenty of attitude as well. The biggest problem is that some of it is delivered visually on stage and the soundtrack can't capture all of it.

My biggest problem is limiting myself to a top 10 of the 38 songs.

A 50s& 60s-Romantic&Energetic Collection
I first heard the CD about 4 years ago and listened to it countless times. Then the road tour came to Olympia, WA, and I went to see it. What a pleasure it was to see it, the singers have great voices and just bring the music alive, making it enjoyable. I particularly enjoyed "Little Egypt", and "I'm a Woman..." I recommend this CD to anyone who loves listening to the good times of the 50s and 60s and anyone who has to the chance to see the performance, go and see it! You won't regret it :)

If you don't love it you don't like Great music
I had heard many great things about this musical when it first appeared on Broadway. I had the privilege of seeing it in London in 1997 and bought the sound track as soon as I returned to the US.
The audience in london was tapping toes and clapping hands from start to finish, as were myself , and my family. Even my Teenage son once he heard the soundtrack it was difficult to get it back from him. I've since seen a pay perview video and the musical again. My spouse has seen it now three times never ceases to please. The soundtrack just keeps the pleasure current. I'd listen to it until the CD Wears out if possible, and see it again and again. ... Read more

Amazon.com

If you're looking for something out of the ordinary for the season, The Lost Christmas Eve is for you. This final entry in the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's rock opera trilogy is perhaps their most ambitious and complex in the series. Like its predecessors, The Lost Christmas Eve tells the story of heaven's youngest angel called back to earth to continue Jesus' unfinished work. This time he lands in New York City to help redeem not only Christmas, but the soul of humankind itself with a story line that rivals anything Frank Capra ever dreamt up for the big screen. Conceived and composed by Aerosmith and Savatage producer Paul O'Neill, most of the song were penned O'Neill, Robert Kinkle, and Savatage founder and keyboardist Jon Oliva, and features the rest of the seminal Florida metal band on the record. While not as bombastic as Savatage's fourteen rock epics which touch on topics as diverse as the Russian Revolution, the 15th century explorer Ferdinand Magellan's descendants, and Beethoven's last night, the record still has a grandiose, almost over-arching baroque feel, with its prog-rock organ swells and electronic alchemy. The best moments are during the soaring instrumentals, on tracks like the "Wisdom of Snow," "Wish Litz," "Christmas Bells, Carousels & Time," and the majestic rendering of "O Come All Ye Faithful."--Jaan Uhelszki ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Prepare to Laugh Out Loud
Boy, "Let's Get Small" is a poor album to start with for Steve Martin fans. "Wild and Crazy Guy" is far superior to that album.

Steve Martin at His Full Stand-up Brilliance
I have not had a chance to check out other Steve Martin releases yet, but this one has convinced me to go out and get them all. The stuff is still as fresh and funny as it was when it came out, and I feel tons better finally knowing where the famous "I just want a girl with a good head on her shoulders" tirade came from. After Bill Hicks' work, this has to be my 2nd favorite comedy release.

love it
first off i love what he did on SNL and hes just as goofy and funny on the album.and if you dont like steve martin...thats ok. but if you do...this is most definately worth the money

Not so hot... sorry to all fans, but this sounds tired
My apologies to all those who respect and like Steve Martin - please do not take it personally. To me, there are some stand artists who are good, and there are some who have reached the status of Holy Cows. You cannot touch them without invoking an avalanche of "NOT HELPFUL" button-clicks (watch this space folks!). To me, in this Hall of Tired and Not So Funny Humor there is Monty Python, Robin Williams and yes - Steve Martin.

I do not think Steve Martin is even a good actor. He is as one-dimensional in his on-screen act as he is in his stand-up performances. Some of the jokes might have been funny 25 years ago, today they are just sad. Incidentally, he shares the same sad charcteristic with Robin Williams: for the poor quality of writing they compensate with a "charged" performance.

Give me something else, please - because not all good things get better with time. Some things might have been so-so, but now they have positively gone sour.

great comedy
Steven Martin is a great comedian for just about anyone. I am 14 years old and enjoy his comedy very much. Many comedians today throw too much profanity into their acts. While this can be funny, after a while it gets old. Steve Martin may throw in some profanity but he doesn't get old. Steve Martin is a very original man. The only weak point of this CD is the songs, Martin would have been better doing two more comedy skits than doing the songs. All in all its a 4 star performance. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Really Is The Best
C.W. McCall lived a hard-knock life and has been largely under appreciated as a singer. His songs, however, paint lively and glorious pictures of a life many of us love to imagine. The classic Convoy is probably his best known work. Wolf Creek Pass is another wonderful classic evoking images of the trucker life and the funny things that can sometimes happen. My favorite McCall song is Green River. I can almost see the mists of the early morning...men in plaid flannel blowing on their hands and sipping steaming cups of coffee. The canyon walls echo with their whispered talk as the river roars it's challenge. No McCall song sets my mind into over-drive like this one. If you only buy one C.W. McCall album, make sure it includes Green River.

great but not excellent
From the Roundhouse at Ridgway to the Depot in Durango on board the Rio Grande Southern RR's Gallopin Goose rail car number 5, to driving a load of chickens on a flatbed out of Wiggins over Wolf Creek Pass to 4x4ing over Black Bear Road to running in a Convoy or Rafting on the Green River this album has it all but it is somewhat lacking in song selection such as where's the better knowin train song "The Silverton"? and two of the best trucking songs I know "Night Rider" and "I've Trucked All Over this Land"? and don't forget old 30 and Riverside Slide which is based on a true story. If CW put those songs on this or a new CD it would be in my book Excellent

We Got A Great Big Convoy Rocking Through The Nigh
I Love C.W.McCall his music is so much fun and at the same time he has a seriouse side there are some classics on here like Convoy(natch),Silvertone,Old Home Fill'er up and Keep on Truckin Cafe and Autobaun
C.W.McCall Rules

Hey, Where's Crispy Critters?
No true CW MCCALL fan should stoop to buying any collection that would omit the classic singer/songwtiter/rapper's most seminal work! Looks like I'll have to pass on this one and be satisfied with CW McCall's Greatest hits. What a disappointment.

Excellent, just what I was looking for!
The only complaint I have about this album is it's too short. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Great Moments with Jerry Clower
My husband is a big fan of Jerry Clower I think that he has them all on Tape. I got him 10 New C.D. and am trying to get more on C.D.'s. I am looking for 17 more C.D.'s of Jerry Clower's. Does anyone out there know where I might beable to get them? The ones I have are: Ledbetter Olympics, Great Moments, More Good 'Uns, Legendary Clower, Live at Dolly Wood, Peach & Possums, More Clower Power, Greatest Hits, and Country Ham. huntons@strato.net If you could help me out Thanks. Linda

A Real Comic Genius
You won't hear any cuss words or risque material in Mr. Clower's comedic monologues, but what you will hear is clean, real-life comedy that comes from the heart. Having a young daughter, I have to watch what I listen to and watch when she's around. I have no problem listening to Mr. Clower with her in the room. When she gets old enough to understand things a little better, I'm going to let her listen to this album.
If you grew up in the South, especially Mississippi or Louisiana, Clower's stories should hit right at home. Granted, today's South is a lot different from Clower's days, but everyone has heard a story or lived an adventure along the same lines at some point if they lived in the southern states. These stories brought back a lot of memories for me, especially the hunting stories.

Sit back and remember the good ol' days with this album, or if you're a yankee, listen anyway and get jealous. This is clean fun for everybody, and the stories are nothing but enjoyable.

Knock'im out, John.

good stories and good humor
No one tells stories like Mr.Clower.I saw him at fair a few months before he passed away and I got to meet him and even have his autograph.His stories are great,and funny.This is a good introduction to Jerry Clower.Only flaw is the sound quality of the disc isn't that great.

The funniest album ever released
If there is a funnier album that Jerry Clower's Greatest Hits, I don't know what it could possibly be. Every cotton-picking one of these tracks is downright hilarious. Coon Huntin' Story is my favorite, and it goes way back to Jerry Clower's earliest recording days. I don't know where it was recorded, but you can actually hear a phone ringing in the background at one point during the story. What makes this particular story even funnier is a certain audience member who starts cackling uncontrollably when Jerry gets up to the "knock him out, John" part at the end. If laughing uncontrollably in public embarrasses you, you will want to go off by yourself and listen to this one. Another of Jerry's best-loved stories is Marcel's Talkin' Chain Saw; if you don't know who Marcel Ledbetter is, you really need to listen to this one. Coon Huntin' Monkey is a laugh riot, and The Chauffeur and the Professor has the audience rolling in the aisles. You won't find a story here less than a couple of minutes in length, whereas several of Jerry's regular albums feature a lot of short and therefore less comical bits. I'm not sure all of these stories would make it on my own list of Jerry's greatest hits, but they are all more than capable of adding some much-needed laughter to your day. You don't have to worry about listening to this album once and putting it away forever, either; you'll want to listen to this album time and time again. Jerry Clower was just naturally funny; the only thing funnier than his stories is the unique and unforgettable way in which he tells them. You feel like you know the man as soon as he starts talking; he is just folks, as we might say here in the South. This is good, clean comedy that everyone, no matter how young or old, can listen to and enjoy.

Better then Bisquits and Gravy
I saw Mr. Clower live in the early 1970's in Dallas, Texas. I have collected his albums and tapes since then. The funniest thing that I remember about Jerry is seeing him in a canary yellow leisure suit.

The stories he tells makes his characters more realistic than any other comedian. We will miss you Jerry. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

My name's Mark Ardelean and I've heard of Los Lobos.
I don't have the soundtrack of "La Bamba", but I have seen the movie. I was watching VH-1 one day and I saw Los Lobos on TV performing "La Bamba". When I watched "La Bamba", Los Lobos played a Tijuana group playing a different version of "La Bamba". Lou Diamond Phillips and Esai Morales, who played Ritchie Valens and half-brother Bob, took a trip to Tijuana. That's where Los Lobos played their different version of "La Bamba". I like the song "La Bamba". It's my favorite song.

The greatest soundtrack ever!
Ever since I was a little kid, this has been my favorite CD. It is clearly the best soundtrack of all time. Los Lobos does a great job of redoing Ritchie Valens' classic rock songs. Marshall Crenshaw, who plays Buddy Holly, also does a great job with his song. If there is one CD to buy, this is it. Every song is great. Watch the movie also.

RnR Reverence
Los Lobos got their big break when they were asked to re-record (and mime for the movie) a number of Ritchie Valens' biggest hits for this soundtrack, and the production and performances are nothing short of fantastic.

I give it only 4 stars however, because they are covers, and respect must be paid to those stars who came up with them in the first place. But Marshall Crenshaw, who's presently one of rock's premiere songwriters, ably tackles Buddy Holly's "Crying, Waiting, Hoping", while Brian Setzer (wayyy before swing came back in a big way) seems the natural choice to cover Eddy Cochran's "Summertime Blues".

Weight is lent by having Bo Diddley's "Who Do You Love" performed by the man himself, but cover versions or not, the ripped-up, crumpled dollar-bills I used to pay for this album way back when was one of the best investments I ever made.

To Nathan
Great movie/soundtrack. Nathan, you refer to 2 different songs. "Over the Mountain, Across The Sea" by Johnnie and Joe, and "Sleepwalk" by Santo and Johnny. Why "Sleepwalk" wasn't put on the sountrack, considering it's relevence in the movie, I haven't figured out.

GILLSWEET...
The name of the song is "Sleepwalk" by Santo & Johnny. I don't know if you'll remember that you ever asked this question but there's your answer. ... Read more

Album Description

Stars Die - The Delerium Years 1991 -1997 is a deluxedouble CD box set. Featuring an overview of the five albums and various singles recorded for Delerium Records, it alsoincludes previously unreleased tracks such as the legendary 'Men Of Wood' as well as 'Signify II','Phantoms' the full eight-minute version of 'Synesthesia' and assorted rarities culled from the bands seven years with Delerium. Sometracks have been remixed for the project and the packageincludes a 32-page illustrated booklet featuring - for thefirst time anywhere - a full history of Porcupine Treedrawn from interviews with band members. Housed in a deluxe slimline box. 2002. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

A perfect collection of Porcupine Tree music
If this is not one of the best compilation cds I have, then I'm sorry. I have 17 items of music from PT, and this is just another one of the best.

I only came into knowing of Porcupine Tree as of the summer of 2000. Their music has always stunned me to the point of wanting everything from them, as you will find on my Listmania list on this from my about me area.

Anyone who has wanted to see a little of what the band looks like will be in for a surprise when they see how wonderful a box set this is! The packaging is artful, and the image of the (burning Piano falling from the sky toward a river) is mysterious and unusual. One thing that pleased me lots is the transparent plastic slip-sleeves the which the cds are housed in, inside the box. It's the first time I have seen such original packaging ideas.

Much anticipation was done before the cd arrived on the market.
I always wondered when there would be something compiling all the best songs from the earlier Porcupine Tree music, or something compiling all the hits since the beginning til now.

What is cool is the fact that the package is so light, considering it's got a fully illustrated 40 page booklet inside. I thought the whole shebang would be more heavier than it is in reality. Another nice bite is: there are 21 songs in the collection, which are long and not necessarily all the original versions. There are 3 previously un-released masterpieces here, as well as 3 new remixed versions of songs. There are also single/ep track versions which appear as (first appearance on album) versions.

With that said, here's the tracklist:

Disc A (1991-93)
01-Radioactive Toy 02-Nine Cats 03-And the Swallows Dance Above the Sun 04-Nostalgia Factory 05-Voyage 34 (phase one)
06-Synesthesia (extended version) 07-Phantoms 08-Up the Downstair 09-Fadeaway 10-Rainy Taxi

Disc B (1994-97)
01-Stars Die 02-The Sky Moves Sideways (phase one)
03-Men of Wood 04-Waiting 05-The Sound of No-one Listening

06-Colorflow in Mind 07-Fuse the Sky 08-Signify II
09-Every Home is Wired 10-Sever 11-Dark Matter

There is no favourite album cover for Porcupine Tree, and I think I will scan the cover of "Stars Die". That is for poster art. I am a poster nut, and many of the pics inside are worth looking at and doing something with. That's what makes a collection worth it, other than just the music alone.
Unfortunately, there are no lyrics inside, but a whole lot of stuff all about the band, right from the start. That is about 22 pages just about them. The last 2 or 3 pages tell a little about the songs and how the band felt about doing these songs. Isn't that comforting to know exactly how Steven Wilson felt when he wrote and performed these songs

I urge you to buy this recording and to play it with pride. And to all those who've never heard of Porcupine Tree, why not buy this one. It will give you a great idea of what PT and their music is all about.

Hope my review has helped you.

It's Just Another Day
This is a really awesome collection from one of the smartest and most eclectic rock bands ever to record music. Their earlier material was more psychadelic rock, sort of like Pink Floyd. And there later stuff was more experimental prog rock, like a compination of Opeth, Dream Theater, Theatre of Tragedy, Pink Floyd, Rush, and Genesis. I kknow that sounds like a lot, but really shows its eclectic side of aweseomness. Now If you have ever Porcupine Tree album, you still need this. This has some new mixes of certain track and unreleased material. As well as a huge booklet of interveiws a biography and some really awesome pictures and art. And its a pretty cool case too.

Do yourself a favour and get this really cool box from a really talented band.

Excellent.
When I stumble across a CD by a band that leaves my ear thirsting more (in this case IN ABSENTIA), I like going back to explore the band's discography all the while knowing that usually the most recent release is the best. Although IN ABSENTIA is a hard CD to top for sheer enjoyment, STARS DIE comes close. This is the best 'box set' I've ever seen. A nice little package that represents eight years of a developing band that doesn't sound like an old shoddy recording of rehashed tunes stewn together for a 'best of' compilation. If you're just picking up on PORCUPINE TREE and you want to go back and witness their evolution, STARS DIE is simply perfect. Great band, great sound, great CD. Excellent.

get it
I just got my "Stars Die...",right after "In Absentia".The last one is better,but You have to understand,how far PT went from Delerium years.I am glad they got away from sounding like Pink Floyd and King Krimson and went beyond that.Steve Wilson and His band are still very young people and i am sure,they just in the beginning of what they can achieve,Steve is a great talent,intelligent and well aducated in art of music.I am happy to discover this band for myself(and for everybody i know,they all love PT ,after i introduced PT to them).If you want people to listen to really good and talented music,educate them.It is sad,that so many are mistaken Madonna,Michael Jackson and such as somebody who has any idea,of what music is.Irena

Not a necessity.
Okay, I picked up "In Absentia" and then "Signify." Both were highly recommended at CircuitCity.com with positive critical reviews. But I wanted more. The next best review there came for "Up the Downstair" which I am now thoroughly enjoying as well. But they didn't have a review for this compilation, and the reviews for the other albums were not as highly regarded as the CDs I already own, so I bought this one in the hope that I could then have a rough idea of what to purchase next. Well, the best songs here are ones off "Signify" and "Up the Downstair." There are scattered moments of interest on the other songs, but overall, I was disappointed. Unless you already own all their albums and want differnet versions of some of the same songs you already own, then I don't really see the point in buying this. I've never been a fan of "Hits" collections, anyway. They don't have the cohesive structure of whole albums and sometimes make for ragged continuity. However, as a starting place for absolute beginners, this isn't that bad. Personally, I think their best album so far is "In Absentia" which, for obvious reasons, is not represented on this compilation. My next favorite is "Signify." They have other "Import" albums from more recent years, but the prices are way too high. This collection is really only for diehard Porcupine Tree fans, and is not a necessity for casual fans. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It was inevitable that The Moody Blues would produce a Christmas record. Why it took this long is the mystery. The group's classical music underpinnings have always been ripe for the Christmas canon and on December they add to it with their own contributions. "Don’t Need A Reindeer" is a remarkably sweet little pop song that proves Justin Hayward can still write what sounds like a hit. A fair amount of orchestration shades the rest of the CD, as the band arranges and adds lyrics to a Bach piece (here called "In the Quiet of Christmas Morning") while also taking on "In the Bleak Midwinter," "When A Child Is Born," "White Christmas," and the John Lennon/Yoko Ono classic, "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)." In the same vein, though less cheerful, John Lodge pens a melancholy meditation on the horrors of the Mideast in 2003. While he’s no John Lennon and December is uneven at best, for Moody Blues fans it will be like finding the lost chord.--Martin Keller ... Read more

Reviews (85)

A Must-Have for the Holidays
This one has got something for everyone, not just the loyal Moody Blues fans - although they will love it ,too. December is a Christmas CD in the best sense of the word, echoing the values and traditions of Christianity, and the universal themes of brotherhood, friendship and love, while warmimg the hearts of listeners with wonderful musical and lyrical pictures of the Christmas/winter season. The songs are a mix of sacred and secular music, featuring 5 original songs by Justin Hayward and John Lodge, 4 beautifully arranged covers of songs as diverse Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" and John Lennon's "Happy Xmas", and 2 very elegant arrangements of works by J.S. Bach and Gustav Holst. Hayward and Lodge shine in this effort, not only as fine musicians , songwriters and vocalists, but as the producers of this disc - and their original compositions are some of the highlights of this truly unique collection of songs. Add to all of this the fine keyboard work and orchestrations of Danilo Madonia, and you have a holiday offering that is sure to delight the listener for years to come.

the Moody Blues are back!
For those of us who have kept the faith and for the newcomers to the Moodies' journey through time and space, our reward has arrived in October, not December!
Being a fan of the Moodies since '67, I definitely look forward to each new release like a letter from a loved one.. Full of where they are and what is going on in their lives, it's been an enduring relationship.
They have talked of making a Christmas album for a few years now, and holiday seasons have come and gone with no sign of it coming true until this year... December was well worth the wait..
The tonal quality of this CD is superb- it is so clear that it sounds like Justin and John are in your living room. A mix of traditional Christmas songs with a Moody touch ("Big Red" on White Christmas) and original compositions, it is more than "just" a Christmas CD. The rendition of Happy Xmas(War is Over) will remind a casual listener of "Isn't Life Strange" in the way John and Justin's voices interweave.. John's song "The Spirit of Christmas" questions where the spirit has gone and does have some antiwar sentiment between the lines...
If you're a Moodies' fan like me, you've already enjoyed this, maybe a couple of times already today. If not, I would wholeheartedly encourage you to give this wonderful gift from one of the most creative and influential bands a listen; like so many of their other releases it will take you on a journey, make you think, and leave you feeling just a little better afterwards...

december
I have the moody blues as the # 1 rock group since days of future past,I have seen them in concerts 3 times since I came to Canada and I'll love to watch them every time I can,I have spend thousands of dollars in their long plays,cassetes,cds and dvds, I always thought of them as one of the few people in this world who have seen and sang about the things are happenning in this human world,with all the violence,pollution,destruction of this planet and us, and at the same time with all the wonderful and magic things this life has to offer to those that have been able to discover and live them.What I find strange with this new album "december" is like if they couldn't find another kind of time and theme to sing their songs,times changes so we are,I hope they can keep that line in their lyrics and music,with their messages of love,peace,joy,that this world needs so much.

the moodies know the true meaning of christmas
christmas is a time of togetherness peace and sharing. the moodies remind us not to forget people from our past.the moodies remind us how precious new life and new beginnings are. while this is not a tradiotional cd for christmas. it is a chritmas cd from the hearts of the moody blues. thank you justin john and grahm!!!

Nicest Moody Blues Album in Years
Worth a listen any time of the year. Pleasant surprise. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

This 1974 masterpiece from Christopher Franke, Edgar Froese, and Peter Baumann ebbs and flows with richly dark soundscapes of electronic sounds and synth. Phaedra was a progenitor for much ambient--and some dance--music, influencing such artists as Steve Roach. After listening to Phaedra it's easy to understand why. The signature pulsing of thick, beautiful Tangerine Dream synth falls across the ambient treasures here, pulling along the orchestral dreamscape before oozing aside for thick washes of expansive sound. The now-classic title cut is both soothing and ghostly, throbbing with subtle sequences and twisted metallic calls before diving into a swamp of nightmarish whistles and hoots. "Mysterious Semblance" soars and swoops like a lovely electronic eagle, bringing tripped-out light and cosmic dignity to the collection. This and the follow-up Rubycon are juicy pieces to the Tangerine Dream pie. --Karen Karleski ... Read more

Reviews (39)

One of the Top Three of Their Best!
Tangerine Dream has been around making rare and quality electronic music since the late sixties. "Phaedra," released in 1974, is among the top three albums to have if you like music that can take you to new places in your mind, without vocals, without interference. It's hard to explain, but the purely harmonic melodies of TD's synthesizers are almost beyond description.

Track one starts out as a crescendo of electronic arpeggios that climax into a glorious, colorful burst, producing waves of major chords that seem to be in tune with the philosophical sections of the mind. Wonderful! Every listener is sure to have his or her own beneficial experience from listening to "Phaedra," and although the entire recording is less than forty minutes it is nonetheless indispensable. Unique and timeless, music like Tangerine Dream is what the people of the future will be calling classical. Most electronic artists like Edgar Froese and Chris Franke (the two geniuses of TD) have a love for their work that is evident in their recordings and disdain mislabeling. Call "Phaedra" electronic or ambient, but don't call it "new age." Buy it today, an extreme musical value that will help you to ease aggression and feelings of hostility with repeated listenings. Top recommendation!

The Superior Quality of Analog Synthesis
This album was my introduction to the real art of the synthesizer, at least in a less formal context (I had been a fan of Stockhausen, Xenakis, and other contemporary composers for years.) What strikes me most about this album after all these years is how fresh it still sounds, and how warm.

Along with several other synthesists (Brian Eno, Jean-Michel Jarre, Michael Hoenig, Wendy Carlos) Tangerine Dream pioneered the use of synthesizers in an ambient context. This style of music may not be your cup ot tea. But few albums do the style better than Phaedra. Each track is animated by well constructed looped sequences, and then surrounded by a vast assembly of sounds. This is not rhythmic music, as later Dream albums would be...rather this is inhabits a world where rock, Terry Riley and Gyorg Ligeti would meet. In fact, the dissonance of much of the opening track reminds me of some of Ligeti's famous cloud pieces of the 60s. (For those of you not familiar, think about the music for the trippy scenes of Kubrick's 2001. That's all Ligeti.)

Synthesis has made tremendous technical strides in the last 30 years. The advent of digital synthesis revolutionized electronic music in many ways. Unfortunately, it also changed the direction the music then took. Rather than searching for new and hitherto unimagined sounds, synthesis has devolved into the search for less expensive ways to replace studio musicians. Listening to TD albums from the 70s reminds you of the revolutionary nature of this style of music, a nature that has been lost in New Age tripe or over literal "MIDI orchestrations." TD's analog synthesis is still lightyears ahead of other groups. It's warmer, less imitational, and more original than most of what passes for synthesized music now. Yes the music is trippy...I certainly loved it back in my old ...days.... and it's still mind-expanding. Highly recommended!

A new chapter for Tangerine Dream
In 1973, Tangerine Dream recorded Green Desert, with Froese and Franke, but with Baumann absent. That album was shelved until 1986, by which point received so much digital treatment that you couldn't tell which parts were actually recorded in 1973 (it sounded too much like Le Parc and Underwater Sunlight than anything they did in 1973). In '73, Rolf Ulrich Kaiser was in charge of the Ohr label, the label Tangerine Dream recorded for. He just changed the name of the label to Kosmische Musik. There was a little unintended project called the Cosmic Jokers, which featured Klaus Schulze, Manuel Göttsching, Harald Großkopf, Jürgen Dollase, Dieter Dierks, Rosi Müller, and Gille Letmann (mainly members of Wallenstein and Ash Ra Tempel), in which those albums were release without anyone knowing about it (although their albums are incredible), and angering most everyone involved in the process (especially Schulze). Tangerine Dream luckily stayed out of it. Froese once said that he refused to be a part of R.U. Kaiser's "cosmic circus", that's why TD defected from Ohr. And for good reason as Kaiser started receiving lawsuits, and fled Germany in the process, causing his Ohr, Pilz, and Kosmische Musik lables to go under. British radio mogul John Peel obviously appreciated Tangerine Dream's music, named Atem "Import of the Year", giving them UK exposure. That gave Richard Branson's Virgin Records a chance to sign them. And for this new album for a new label a drastic change in direction. Instead of soundscapes consisting of drones and space electronic effects, the synthesizers obviously take center stage. And Phaedra is the results. There is a more minimalist feel to the music, while retaining that otherworldy feel. This is the album that they refer to as the beginning of the "sequencer-era" for this group. The album opens up with the title track, which proves that. After all the experiments of synthesizer, Froese changes to Mellotron, which is basically the last several minutes of this track. "Mysterious Semblance at the Strands of Nightmares" is definately Froese's time to shine, as about 90% of the piece consists of just his Mellotron (although there are plenty of spacy electronic effects here). "Movement of a Visionary" continues on this new direction for the band. Strangely Baumann includes a little harmonica here, which might seem like a bad idea, works quite well with the pulsating electronics found here. "Sequent C'" closes the album which is basically spacy flute from Baumann himself, in which he overlays the flutes creating this echoey effect. This is truly one of the all-time great electronic albums, and I know I'm not alone in my opinion of this. Truly a must-have!

Beautiful, anagogic soundscapes
This beautiful album carries willing souls in a mesmerizing journey. Writing about such music is at once easy and difficult; easy because it is extremely evocative and varied, difficult because the experience it offers is hard to put into words. The title track, a masterful 17-minute electronic poem, is perhaps the most perfect creation on the album. After a calm, shimmering introduction, a perpetually morphing bassline enters and is the center around which subtle textures are developed; the bass eventually fades, as the introduction's calmness takes over again. The same kind of shifting bass reappears in 'Movements of a Visionary', an intricate, rythmic piece with many treated voices. On the other hand, 'Mysterious Semblance...' is not built around a center but rather evolves from a series of chord changes that evoke, among other things, a nocturnal procession. The short and flute-driven 'Sequent C' closes the album on a similar ceremonial note, and as a whole the album itself is akin to an initiation, inevitably putting its listener in a religious, peaceful mood. These soundscapes reveal new subtleties with each listen.

Depends on your point of view.
If you're into more industrial/ebm style synthesizer music, stay clear of this title, instead get Tangerine Dream's 'Exit' album. TD uses alot of great textures in Phaedra, but it ends up sounding very bland. If you're into ambient electronic, this is almost beyond 5 stars, but most people that have heard later TD albums, will be disapointed with this highly praised early release. This is definately one for the collectors, or for ambient music aficionados. But this is a review, and not opinion, so if you like ambient/ethereal, purchase this one. If you want something more aggressive, yet still TD, get "EXIT". ... Read more

Amazon.com

Compiled from Woody Allen's legendary standup routines of the mid 1960s, Standup Comic is an absolute necessity for any acolyte of the man's solid work from his Casino Royale and New Yorker phase.

"Here's a good example of oral contraception. I asked a girl to go to bed with me, and she said 'No.'"

Between a youthful stint as a TV gag man and his groundbreaking films of the 1970s, Allen tried his hand at standup. He was, predictably, a success. Taken from nightclub dates in 1964, '65, and '68, Standup Comic shows how stylistically similar he was to contemporaries like Bill Cosby but also how his absurd flights of imagination made him utterly unique.

"I took a puff of the wrong cigarette at a fraternity dance once. The cops had to come and get me. I broke two teeth trying to give a hickey to the Statue of Liberty."

Now that he's a junior-varsity Ingmar Bergman, it's easy to forget that Allen's first public face was that of a world-class zhlub--a rumpled redhead who shared stories of analysis, sexual frustration, and failure. The long-form tales featured on Standup Comic (including Allen's famous bit featuring a moose) provide plenty of laughs as well as an early glimpse at this protean comic genius. --Mike Gerber ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Woody Allen, number one stand up comedian
His films and his short stories for the New Yorker would be enough to esablish Woody as one of the all time greats, but his stand up is where it's at.
As his base was in comedy writing his stand up act is very literate and has all the flow of an engaging novel. His delivery is perfect. He's comfortable and confident on stage with perfect pacing. He comes across as having a conversation with his audience that he enjoys as much as they do, often laughing along with them as the jokes come so fast and furious that he doesn't bother with laugh breaks for many of them as he moves foward to bigger pay offs. You'll laugh in different spots each time you play this CD.
Woody is groundbreaking and innovative, even amongst his peers like Lenny Bruce, Nichols and May or Mort Sahl but he also is so steeped in comedic history benefitting from the rythm and stylings of his childhood heroes Bob Hope and Groucho Marx. You'll also detect a bit of Catskills shmaltz in the mix.
You cannot really understand where stand up comedy has been or where it's going without getting to know Woody's heavily influenced and heavy influential performances.

Woody Allen, Standup Comic, Circa 1964-1968
Even if you have never heard any of Woody Allen's routines as a "Standup Comic," there will be some moments of recognition as you listen to this CD because some bits have worked their ways into various films over the year (most notably "Annie Hall") and well as pieces for "The New Yorker" (the bit about being with Gertrude Stein). For those who listen to these routines with full knowledge of Allen's films it is easy to see that as a standup comedian he is much more intellectual. He is still first and foremost a New Yorker, and the Jewish element is also stronger here than in his films, but what really stands out is the intellectual shtick. This even makes sense given that none of these standup routines were performed in New York City.

This probably explains why the album begins with the incongruity of Allen being approached to be the man of the year for a series of Vodka ads. Overall you will find the standard Allen topics, sex and marriage, analysis and his parents, in which the comedian usually ends up the butt of some cosmic joke that is told at his expense. One thing I picked up on is how Allen will use a long set up just to deliver a one-liner (e.g., "The Science Fiction Film" and "Kidnapped"), in marked contrast to the humor in his films. You will certainly have an appreciation for where Woody Allen fits into the family tree of standup comedy after listening to this album, although I think you have to come to the conclusion he is rather unique in terms of combining the fear of being punched in the face by Ernest Hemingway with the irrepressible desire to get off a wisecrack.

These twenty-five bits are taken from a trio of comedy albums Allen released in the 1960s: (1) "Woody Allen," recorded live at Mr. Kelly's in Chicago, March 1964; (2) "Woody Allen, Volume 2," recorded live at the Shadows, Washington, D.C., April 1965; and (3) "The Third Woody Allen Album," recorded live at Eugene's, San Francisco, August 1968. The excerpts actually appear in reverse chronological order on this album. Apparently Jim Hughes and Rhino Records had to make some editorial decisions to as to how to fill up this CD (I can appreciate this now that I have my magic CD burner which yells at me if I try to go over 80 minutes). However, I cannot speak as to what has been lost because this is my first direct exposure to the wry wit of Woody Allen in this particular venue.
Yes, it would be nice to have more, but since these albums are no longer available I can live with this collection. The liner notes are rather minimalist for a Rhino album, but there are some choice quotes from reviews describing Allen ("Time" describes him as "A flat-headed, redheaded lemur with closely bitten fingernails" while the "Herald-Tribune" finds him "Miserable-looking").

Self-deprecating fun...
For standup comedy, this has dated incredibly well, almost miraculously well (of course some of it sounds dated now, but in no way to a nauseating degree). Any prospective standup comedian should study this material, get to know why it works, why the timing is so impeccable, why the nonsense parts work, and what helps it stand up some forty years later. Woody Allen is known for other things these days besides standup comedy (you know, films, tv shows, bad breakups, etc.), but this material ranks him amongst the best of all standup comedians. This is particularly true for the first section of the CD recorded in 1968. Allen talks about moral dilemmas, his second (and not to be last) marriage, and the brilliant bit about mechanical objects that rebel against him. The line "Are you the guy that hit the television set?" is unforgettable. "The Moose" is one of the best comedy routines I've ever heard. It is an unforgettable absurdist classic. It's easy to see how he was able to land movie spots and contracts after hearing this material. It's also easy to see how he's lasted so long given the quality and freshness of this, very early, material. He also used some of the material from this collection in his movies, so there is evidence he didn't think too badly of the bits here.

Since I have no knowledge of the original albums, it's hard for me to miss the deleted material. All I can say is I hope that Rhino will release the original records (now long out of print) in their entirety (I'd happily pay the double CD price).

Problematic reissue of classic material
This is a single CD compilation of three albums that Woody
Allen issued on Colpix and Capitol in the timeframe 1964-1968.
It takes half a side each from two of those albums, and
the entirety of the third album. The material itself is
brilliant, as is Allen's timing. He is a natural comedian, and
this stuff stands proudly on the same narrow shelf of timeless
standup as the best of standup greats like Richard Prior,
Bob Newhart, George Carlin and precious few others. To fans
of standup, to fans of Woody Allen the comedian, to fans
of Seinfeld (which drew inspiration from largely the same
well three decades later) and to fans of laughter, this
is deliciciously required listening.

So ends the 5 star review of the shows (partially) documented
on this CD. Now the two problems: 1) As noted, this CD presents
only parts of the original LPs. More significantly, the
individual comedy pieces have been edited here, presumably
to get the running time down below the maximum 80 minutes
a single CD can hold. The problem is that this changes
the pacing of some of these routines, and drops funny lines
from others. That's tragic; 2) This CD has been mastered
from mediocre sources and, in the case of the middle set,
from what is obviously vinyl. This middle set (tracks 6 to
13, from the 1965 show) is particularly
'tinny' sounding, with little midrange or bass, and clearly
no effort to even remove the pops and tics of the vinyl. THIS
PORTION SOUNDS WORSE THAN THE ORIGINAL LP!
Rhino is usually dependable, but they dropped the ball on this
one. The mastering of the other material is better, although
far from audiophile quality. The only saving grace is that
this sound quality isn't critical for a spoken word recording.
But it still stinks.

Overall, the material gets 5 stars. The editing and sound
quality get 1 star. 3 stars overall. I suggest you look for the
2CD package Capitol issued as an import in 1990. That contained
a similar distillation of the 3 original LPs but not
as poorly edited. It's now out of print,
but can sometimes be found in second hand shops.

If you are not inclined to do that, well, this package will
have to do. And it IS better than nothing.

Brilliant but badly cut
If you have no other access to this amazing stuff, get this CD; it's also a really crisp remastering. BUT it's very heavily cut compared to the original form. In the 1970s, United Artists put out a 2-LP set, UAR-9968--"Woody Allen: The Nightclub Years 1964-8" which runs 95 minutes. This CD runs only 76! And the original releases were made on three LPs, so presumably, even the UA 2-LP set was edited. The CD is frustrating because instead of simply omitting complete routines, smaller cuts--a line or two, a minute or five--are made, ruining the rhythm of the comedy. And often, the emphasis of a joke is altered by the omission of the original punch-line! The liner for the CD is very dishonest, saying only that "very little has been lost of the original material." In reality, 20% is cut compared with the 2-LP set, and even more compared with the original single LP releases. To make things more frustrating, in the early 1990s, EMI put out a 2-CD version that was complete, but is deleted, so this Rhino Records single is now, sadly, all we have. Look for older versions on used CD or LP (though not the 1978 single cassette "Standup Comic" which is also badly cut), and if you can't find a copy, get this CD, but be aware that it's badly sliced and diced. ... Read more

Amazon.com

On first thought, the idea of The Man in Black recording such covers as "Bridge Over Troubled Water," "Danny Boy," and "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" might seem odd, even for an artist who’s been able to put his personal stamp on just about everything. But American IV: The Man Comes Around, which also draws on Cash’s original songs as well as those by Nine Inch Nails ("Hurt"), Sting ("I Hung My Head"), and Depeche Mode ("Personal Jesus"), may be one of the most autobiographical albums of the 70-year old singer-songwriter’s career. Nearly every tune seems chosen to afford the ailing giant of popular music a chance to reflect on his life--and look ahead to what’s around the corner. From the opening track, Cash’s own "The Man Comes Around," filled with frightening images of Armageddon, the album, produced by Rick Rubin, advances a quiet power and pathos, built around spare arrangements and unflinching honesty in performance and subject. In 15 songs, Cash moves through dark, haunted meditations on death and destruction, poignant farewells, testaments to everlasting love, and hopeful salutes to redemption. He sounds as if he means every word, his baritone-bass, frequently frayed and ravaged, taking on a weary beauty. By the time he gets to the Beatles’ "In My Life," you’ll very nearly cry. Go ahead. He sounds as if he’s about to, too. Unforgettable. (This special 2003 version includes a bonus DVD with the music video for "Hurt.") --Alanna Nash ... Read more

Reviews (48)

Farewell to a Legend
Johnny Cash's music resonates through many genres, and this album is no exception. "Danny Boy" and "We'll Meet Again" hold even more meaning with his recent passing, and he does justice to the songs that he covered on the rest of the album.

The video for "Hurt" was eerily poignant to watch after June Carter Cash's passing in May, because it was as if she was watching over him in death as she did in life. It is one of the most stunning, emotional pieces of film I have ever seen. His rendition of the song is nothing but raw emotion.

Though he was frail and getting on in years, Mr. Cash was a wonderful musician, and he will not be forgotten. I encourage you to buy this CD, but also to check out his earlier works. You will not be disappointed. There will NEVER be another Man in Black.

RIP Johnny Cash.

OH MY GOD
I have heard both Trent Reznor's and Johnny Cash's versions of HURT. Trent's version speaks from a young person's point of view and is fine...but in the hands...and voice...and soul of Johnny Cash, it takes on a resonance and meaning that NIN can't even begin to touch. I have seen the video and listened to the song numerous times and I cry every time. It is particularly heart wrenching now that June has passed...Everyone I know goes away in the end...how much more than one man take?

The other songs are good...and the album is superior...but I honestly listen to it for HURT. This album is the crowning touch to a phenomenal career but HURT is the diamond in the crown...his whole life in one song. People need to get over categorizations. This is brilliant MUSIC, no matter what the genre. This is a brilliant musician. He does not have the best singing voice, but his vocals have more soul in them than ANYONE else out there now. I would put him with Billie Holliday when it comes to singing from the very core of being.

Singers like Johnny come our way so infrequently...we need to hold on to him as long as we can.

4.5 stars - His final album
American IV: The Man Comes Around (2002.)

For nearly half a century, Johnny Cash has been one of the greatest musicians out there, period. His stylings, which fuse elements of rock, pop, and country, have made hin loved by many (I personally am not too fond of country music, but Cash is one of the lone exceptions.) Over the years Cash has experimented with a number of different sounds, nearly all of which brought him a good deal of success. In 2002, Cash released his final album, entitled American IV: The Man Comes Around. How does this release, Cash's final album before his death in 2003, measure up? Read up and find out.

When you looked at the tracklist to this album, you may have noticed something - MANY of the tracks on this album are cover songs. The cover songs are what I will discuss first. The first of these songs to discuss is Hurt, a cover of a Nine Inch Nails song. I admit, I was in shock when I discovered Cash was covering one of THEIR songs. But when I listened to Cash's version, I was quite impressed. Cash's simplistic yet emotional take on the song makes for a very pleasant listening experience. Another cover song featured here is Bridge Over Troubled Water, originally performed by Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. This cover isn't actually too far off from the original version. It isn't better than the original, nor is it worse. I Hung My Head is a country-inspired tune that was written by former Police frontman Sting, but by listening to Cash's version of the song, you would never guess that Sting wrote it - the song sounds like a Cash original. Another thing that shocked me is that Cash was covering Personal Jesus on this album - a highly bizzare new wave song originally performed by Depeche Mode. But what shocked me even more is that Cash's version of the song is better than the original! Cash's stripped-down take on the song, in my opinion, makes it stronger than Depeche Mode's original. Desperado is a country-style song originally performed by classic rockers The Eagles. Once again, this is a tune that doesn't differ greatly from the original - it's no better, no worse. In My Life is a cover of a Beatles song, and in my opinion, it's the only song on ths album that is inferior to the original recording - but that's not to say Cash's take on the song isn't excellent. And, almost needless to say, the other songs featured on the album are excellent, too. Many of them are the classic fusion of pop rock and country that we love Cash for, and some (like Give My Love To Rose) are emotional masterpieces. All in all, this is an excellent album - it's just a shame it will be Cash's last.

Honestly, how many musicians do you know of that were still making records at age seventy - much less GOOD records? More than likely, Cash is the only person you know of that falls into this category. His age definitely shows in his singing on the album, but surprisingly, it doesn't detract from the overall quality of the album. Regardless of who you are, I strongly recommend giving this album a listen - I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

The Album that Brought Me Back to Cash
When I was growing up, I loved country music. Johnny Cash was a particular favorite until I was around 13, and stopped listening to anything from Nashville. From 1995 until 2000, I didn't buy country albums, watch country videos, or listen to country songs. Gradually though, I started to listen to the songs of Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, and others again, but for some reason I never picked up my Johnny Cash cds. That was until I saw the video for "Hurt" on the internet.

I was shocked to see the Man in Black so ravaged by time, so obviously weak and frail, his voice losing it's power. I was also amazed at how wonderfully the song fit the man, and how well he delivered it regardless of his ailments.

Within a month I had purchased this album, and discovered that there was not just one gem on this album, but rather an entire cd of amazing music. Soon after buying American IV, I completed the American Recordings collection (including the Unearthed box set), and finally began listening to those great albums I had had all along. Now everyime I listen to songs like "Folsom Prison Blues", "I Walk the Line", "San Quntin", "Long Black Veil", ect..., I have "American IV: The Man Comes Around" to thank. Do yourself a favor and pick this modern classic today.

video hurt is incredible bonus
I'm new to Johnny and got turned on by Dawn of the Dead. This is the CD to get. ... Read more

Album Description

The comic genius of Bill Cosby transcends age, race, passing trends, and every other imaginable boundary line. A nine-times Grammy-winner and TV icon, his warm, personal, anecdotal humor radiates universal appeal and has profoundly influenced legions of stand-up artists and comedians who followed in his considerable wake. A prolific recording artist of dozens of spoken word/comic album tours de force, Cosby delivered many groundbreaking early titles that have never before been released on CD. Now Rhino revisits four of these Cosby classics with debut CD presentations to delight comedy fans everywhere! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Laugh Till You Cry!!!!
This compilation represents some of the finest comedic works ever.If you are a Bill Cosby fan but your expsoure to him begins and ends with The Cosby Show, then you owe it to yourself to buy a copy and behold true genius.Gather around the whole family, from youngest to eldest, and be prepared to laugh as you never have before.

A Comic Genius
I rarely buy comedy albums, in fact I hadn't bought a comedy album since the Firesign Theater when I was in college. The problem is that you hear the routine once and the album never gets back onto your turntable. But I had such fond memories of hearing Bill Cosby's albums at friend's houses and almost peeing my pants from laughing so hard, I had to make an exception. Whether he's talking about his childhood (Old Weird Harold, Buck Buck) or adding details left out of the Bible (Noah--my personal favorite), the man is a genius. And he does it without profanity! These are some of Cosby's funniest bits. Kudos to Rhino for reissuing this 1969 album.VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ... Read more

Album Description

Limited edition reissue of the experimental prog-rock act's eighth album includes a bonus enhanced disc that features 'Buying New Soul' (Edit), 'Pure Narcotic', 'Tinto Brass' (live at Southampton University), the video track 'Piano Lessons', a full discography and image gallery. Standard jewel case housed in a slipcase. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Pushing the limits of progressive rock
At some point in listening to this album, you have to ask yourself, "Is this really progressive rock?" Sure, the symphonic epic scope of the 13:03 "Russia on Ice" and the extensive sax/flute jams on "Hatesong" tell you "yes." However, the euphoric acoustic pop of "The Rest Will Flow" and the hard-rocking chorus of the title track really make you question this album as a prog piece.

So, genre-haters rejoice at this British prog-pop hybrid that celebrates Floydian surrealism as well as Beatlesque catchy pop. True, you'll be singing many of the album's catchy, poppy melodies for months to come, but this isn't the simplistic, commercial tripe you hear on FM radio. Though poppy to a certain extent, many of these songs exhibit sophistication, subtle details and adroit playing native to progressive rock. Not to be forgotten, obviously, is the brilliant songwriting.

This album also has a great diversity of moods, which is something that really spices it up. "Four Chords" is high energy rock that criticizes commercialism in music. "Last Chance to Evacuate" has a nostalgic feel in the first part and a space age adventure in the second. "Russia on Ice" is heavily melancholic and powerful. "Where Would we Be" is both the simplest and most powerful track on the album, consisting mostly of just acoustic guitar and vocals. This song is incredibly moving.

Really, all of the tracks stand out on here. Some catchy and poppy, some conspicuous prog takes. If your up for something adventurous that challenges your expectations, try this out. And if you know any pop fans who are sick of commercial music, point them in Porcupine Tree's direction. Chances are, they won't be disappointed. And niether will you.

Great New Acquaintance
Finally some decent, well-arranged, artistic rock. The band name is Porcupine Tree, and 'Lightbulb Sun' is truly one of the best albums released these last years. The top track of the album is the 13 minutes masterpiece 'Russia On Ice'. An amazing composition which might be regarded as the 'Bohemian Rhapsody' of our time. The singles 'Four Chords That Made A Million' and 'Shesmovedon' as well as 'Feel So Low' are among the other songs which contribute to the greatness of 'Lightbulb Sun', different however they are. Whereas the former is genuine rock put under an electronic coating, the two latter are beautifully arranged and softly sung rock ballads. Adore the chorus on 'Shesmovedon', admire the crispy guitar on 'Feel So Low'. You won't find much better. Porcupine Tree is something you HAVE to give a try, it's as simple as that.

The best album by the best band . . . ever!
I agree Chris Turk's thorough review, with one major exception: the album does NOT "go downhill" once you come to "Hatesong," no, not at all. At this point, "Hatesong" is just the beginning of the best of PT's music! It is an amazing piece with brooding lyrics and a wonderful darkness to it. Of course, "Russia on Ice" is simply one of the most spectacular epic pieces ever written! I liken this to Yes's "Awaken," full of body, length, emotion, and the most brilliant use of orchestra to back a rock piece you'll ever hear!

I saw this band in concert, and I have never been so awestruck by the sheer musical genius of Steve Wilson and his band, Porcupine Tree. Get this disc, listen to it, let it settle in, and once you feel that you love this disc so much that you wish it were twice as long, go buy "Stupid Dream." Once you are so crazed by that disc that you cannot put it away and you just want more and more and more of Porcupine Tree, then get out your credit card, and pick up everything they have ever issued. THEY ARE THAT GREAT!!

In essence, Porcupine Tree is a blend of Pink Floyd, Radiohead, (old) Genesis, King Crimson, and ELP . . . . but BETTER!!!

Neon heat disease
After years of underground rock stardom, Porcupine Tree reached a new level of popularity with their latest album "Lightbulb Sun" in Germany: This album sold remarkably well and provided a minor hit single with "Four chords..", but it was the following concert tour which really established the band as one of modern rock's most interesting outfits. This nicely packaged double-disc set (double slimline jewel case + additional slipcase with slightly different cover art-work) was released in order to attract new fans and to say 'thank you' to long-time PT followers. The sticker on the front of the slipcase quotes several reviews from German rock magazines, however odd they may seem: "Ten times dynamite", "8.5 out of 10 points", "The most exciting, adventurous and multifaceted rock band of today", and so on. For a short and intriguing introduction to the wonders of PT, the bonus disc will do the trick since it features three audio tracks and one hidden bonus cut plus some CD-ROM material with the video clip of "Piano lessons" and some additional information about the band's members, discography, and image gallery. The pick of the bunch is undoubtedly the 6-minute edit of "Buying new soul", a song which will appear in its entirety on PT's forthcoming rarities collection. This is simply one of the finest and most melodic rock ballads I've ever listened to, as well as one of the saddest: It opens with various understated ambient sounds which are somewhat reminiscent of Wilson's output under the Bass Communion banner, then subtly introduces acoustic guitars and fragile singing which build into a catchy and pretty memorable refrain. The piece culminates with a short guitar solo and ferocious drumming before suddenly returning to the opening gambit of alienated guitar samples, slight synth patterns and dark atmospherics -- this should be compulsory listening for all fans of Radiohead and comes highly recommended. "Pure narcotic", one of the obvious pop songs from the album "Stupid dream", is much lighter and friendlier in comparison, albeit not nearly as engrossing. The live performance of "Tinto brass", another track which originally appeared on "Stupid dream", offers a faster-paced rhythm and highlights Wilson's guitar work, while the 2-minute untitled bonus cut seems a bit out of place here, featuring nothing but a Mozart-like string arrangement. The CD-ROM section is also worth noting because it contains the video clip of "Piano lessons" (again, a song taken from "Stupid dream") and does also succeed in providing an overview of the band's work. So prior to the release of this "German Deluxe Tour Edition", there never really was a definitive 'first purchase' for the novice, and this compilation really deserves top marks for such a visually and musically attractive design, but the fact that most of these tracks are available on "Stupid dream" makes the bonus disc somewhat redundant for fans who already the aforementioned album.

"Lightbulb Sun" itself was regarded as PT's attempt to become pop stars, featuring more commercial and musically structured songs than any other PT album while retaining the freedom of expression the band experienced within their earlier output. Interestingly, while many '90s rock bands have moved increasingly towards the integration of electronic rhythms, digital manipulation and sequencing -- the best example may be Radiohead's new album "Kid A" -- "Lightbulb Sun" is actually much more akin to the art-rock-meets-radio-pop approach from the likes of Pink Floyd and latter-day Marillion. The pop-song brevity of most songs refuses to let an idea or guitar solo kicked to death and lends an accessibility to the music which other art-rock releases often lack. The album starts with the Beatles-que "How is.." and three perfect slices of guitar-orientated and gripping songs, the most impressive and best of which is the 5 1/2-minute title track: Opening with crisply strummed acoustic guitars and quite depressive lyrics (either about a sick child lying in bed or someone who has a major depression from a failed relationship), the chorus completely turns the table with its aggressive, roaring guitar riffs and keeps the listener off-balance. Although, in my opinion, the album never reaches this level of intensity again, it comes close with the rather catchy single "Four chords..", which has a similar structure to the title cut in that it moves from rhythmically dense guitar chords and ethnic percussion patterns to wonderfully atmospheric interludes. "Shesmovedon" continues with these themes of experimentation and guitar pyrotechnics within the pop-song format and makes for great listening; after that, it becomes a little more romantic with the peacefully drifting "Last chance.." and the utterly charming "The rest will flow", the latter augmented by a beautiful string arrangement which provides some of the album's best moments. Five stars so far, but then it all starts to go a bit awry with the lyrically awkward "Hatesong", which also tends to sound tuneless and underdeveloped due to its lack of ideas and the fairly standard rock beat. "Where we..", well, is close to being run-of-the-acoustic-guitar-mill for PT and the 13-minute "Russia on ice" is just too ponderous and dramatic for my taste, but I'm sure that PT fans are thrilled with the latter piece. Finally, Wilson offers a glimmer of hope with the album-closing "Feel so low" by creating an uplifting and hopeful atmosphere. In their affection for referring musical ancestors without exactly sounding like them and mixing it with Wilson's soft voice and his stories about life and love, PT have made an album that sounds ancient and modern at the same time. While "Lightbulb Sun" may not be a great leap forward for PT, it's easily among the band's most accomplished and satisfying works to date and is really worth a listen for all fans of sophisticated pop/rock music. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Courante from Three Lutes Dances
This CD has wonderful music but if you want these selections played on a live instrument be careful. There is no sheet music available for some of these. This is distressing because the happy couple in search of a perfect wedding are set up for disappointment when their musician cannot provide them with the piece they want.

Very Helpful
We were glad to find this CD so that we could review the music we wanted our ceremony musicians to play. It was very helpful.
For the special reception songs we used the CD "New Wedding Traditions Volume I" It had "A Song For My Daughter" for my father bride dance "A Song For My Son" for the mother groom dance and other special wedding songs.
Thanks Amazon for helping us with our wedding music.
The Bride and Groom

Why waste your money?
I know you're excited, and you want everything to be perfect and planned down to the tiniest detail, and you're working on [probably] the biggest budget you've ever had to work with, but PLEASE save the $__.__ and buy yourself a new 8-hour lipstick instead. Then go to the library, and oogle over how many of these ridiculous CDs they have for you to listen to for free. Trust me, once you decide on your songs, you'll never listen to the CD again.

Never used it
I bought this CD thinking I was going to play it at my wedding but I never used one song because I was not happy with the sound. I'm glad I kept looking (and buying!) because I did find another CD at Amazon.com which is much better it's called
"Classical Wedding Traditions" this CD is really fantastic. It was like having great classical musicians for our wedding.

Great For Any Bride To Be!!!
This CD encompases every classical piece of music that will need to fill your special day with happy memories.I actually bought two (one as a back up) and they were invaluable. The CD is worth it just to hear Canon in D (brilliant for the bridal party to walk down to). Even has suggestions for what to play when with a history of each piece. ... Read more

Album Description

Sing the songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Broadway classic Phantom Of The Opera with this spectacular karaoke CDG. Featuring note-perfect renditions (in the original keys and arrangements) of 9 famous songs from the legendary musical. This CDG includes full lyric book and 2 versions of each song: one with guide vocals, and one instrumental-only. Essential for the Broadway fan or musical theater vocalists!

The CDG works with both karaoke players and regular CD players. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

phantom karaoke
it's great! the vocals are quite if you need to have some guidance when you need it but don't want to hear the other voice, and the music is great, and it seems to be in a better key for those of us who can't sing so high only dogs can hear us! lol. but i must say, some songs are kinda sl o w, espacially "music of the night"! it takes for ever, not to mention what a long song it is. and also in "angel of music" it stops after the part with meg is over, so it's a duet, (there is no phantom or raoul) and the same with "all i ask of you" the phantom part is gone... zippo. and it stops after "past the point of no return"... but that makes sense. i would TOTALLY recommend buying this karaoke cdg! it is totally great! ... Read more

Album Description

Fueled by the avant-garde sonic ammo of keyboardist/composer Joe Byrd and the haunting vocals of Dorothy Moskowitz, the United States Of America found a way to permanently hard-wire space-age electronic music to the heart of rock and roll on their highly desirable, self-titled 1968 debut. Byrd’s kaleidoscopic musical excursions and Gordon Marron’s searing violin orbit around the icy vocals of Moskowitz, who—with a passing resemblance to early Jefferson Airplane belter Signe Anderson—remains the group’s center, steady as a rock. This heady mind-trip is reissued with the participation of both Byrd and Moskowitz, sports 10 amazing bonus cuts, comprehensively fascinating liner notes by Byrd, himself, and—newly mastered from the original analog source tapes—has never sounded better. ... Read more