Reviews (9)

Biting Commentary from the High priest of Harmful Matter
For all those who have yet to hear Biafra's satiric social commentary, this collection is a great palce to start. The 1st two pieces, "The Pledge of alleigence" and "Die For Oil" make this set well worth the money alone. And both are just as relevent today in our post 9-11 police state posture as they were when first released at the onset of the Operation Desert Storm, i.e., the holy war for oil. For as Biafra points out, quoting the famous social philosopher George Santayana, "Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repaet it." And that is precisely what this copuntry is poised to do with another round of attacks against Saddam Hussein and the Iraqi people, which is just a pretext for assuring control of Middle East oil reserves and Isreal's contimuing disspossession of the Arab people.

Aside from these serious issues, Biafra also rails against the hypocrisy of censorship and its essential threat to freedom, his own journey from pacisist to advocate of direct action, the possibility of electoral reform, which after the "election" of Bu$h all can see is nothing more than a fanciful, albeit immobalizing, illusion. In addition to his comments on political participation he also gives a sardonic recounting of his own run for mayor of San Francisco, which is both hilarious and revealing of America's so-called democratic process. This is commentary and protest as only one should expect from the frontman of ther Dead Kennedys and as these disc's show, Jello is just as independent, serious, brash and entertaining as he was when singing "Califronia Uber Alles", only know he does so without the accopnaying music. This along with his other works can also be obtained directly from alternative tentacles and AK press. DIY and get involved now, before its too late.

a teacher with a sense of humor
Jello Biafra lays into the Gulf War and the era surrounding it in this spoken-word outing, one of my favorites. He also gives an amusing account of his Mayoral campaign, and rounds out the album with a lengthy talk on censorship. An important work that, like Noam Chomsky's "Understanding Power," should be integrated into the American high-school curriculum.

Just What You'd Expect
Being an avid fan of Jello, I regret saying that this album was less than you can usually expect from him. This is 2 CDs jammed full of preaching to the choir. The only spectacular item on this album is "Running for Mayor", which I thoroughly enjoyed. If you're a fan, you should have this for the classics like "Die for Oil, Sucker" and "Grow More Pot". (WARNING: Alternative Tentacles and Jello will get more money if you order straight from them!) www.alternativetentacles.com

Short But Sweet
I am going to make this short but sweet: I have to wonder where Jello Biafra got the idea that it is my view that cultural tradition has never contributed a single thing to the advancement of knowledge or understanding. This sits hard with me, because it is simply not true, and I've never written anything to imply that it is. To plunge right into it, he proclaims at every opportunity that he'd never put a sinful spin on important issues. The gentleman doth protest too much, methinks. The next time he decides to test another formula for silencing serious opposition, he should think to himself, cui bono? -- who benefits? "I Blow Minds For A Living" says that the worst types of crass louts there are are all inherently good, sensitive, creative, and inoffensive. What he means by this, of course, is that he wants free reign to exploit the public's short attention span in order to fill the air with recrimination and rancor.

His methods of interpretation always follow the same pattern. He puts the desired twist on the actual facts, ignores inconvenient facts, and invents as many new "facts" as necessary to convince us that he has achieved sainthood. I, not being one of the many peevish anthropophagi of this world, acknowledge freely and make no apology for the fact that I once considered it reasonable for malicious ostentatious big-mouths to put shiftless pettifoggers on the federal payroll. But now I know that ancient Greek dramatists discerned a peculiar virtue in being tragic. "I Blow Minds For A Living" would do well to realize that they never discerned any virtue in being ruthless. So, sorry for being so long-winded in this review, but the reservoir from which Jello Biafra draws his accomplices is primarily the masses of stupid obstinate blackguards.

A beautiful satirical work in line with all Jello
There's always room for Jello, especially when it's got some extremely important content. A little old, talking about Bush, but still valid. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great stuff, though maybe a little dated
Bogosian does about 10 character pieces as a solo performer. They are generally effective, riveting and funny. One or two get mildly self-indulgent, but in general, it's good material, and even bears up to multiple listenings. "Pounding Nails Into the Floor with My Forehead," Bogosian's follow-up spoken word CD is not nearly as strong, with more limping, uninspired pieces overshadowing the few bright moments. S, D, R&R, though is a classic, worth hearing, or watching on video. ... Read more

Album Description

2003 release for the literary artist/global citizen'sacclaimed Lannan Foundation lecture in which she speakspoetically about the U.S. government's 'War on Terror',globalization, & the misuses of nationalism. Also featuresan introduction & discussion with Howard Zinn. 79 minutes.Mono recording. Alternative Tentacles. 2003. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

I don't rate this, I feel this....
I first heard this (I'm not sure how to name it--message?) by Arundhati Roy while driving in my car and listening to NPR. I again found it here at Amazon.com, thankfully, as I am ever more grateful and capable of receiving it. I was debating in my mind to title this review "A Message of Hope", but I guess for me there's still quite a bit of pain mixed with the hope that I just entitled it the way I did. This CD has been and continues to be a process for me--it's like the two sides of a coin, there's pain with it, but there's also liberation, liberation in hearing truth being spoken by a compassionate and kind voice, who has also felt immense pain but who has managed to realize the courage to work and strive for a full life, well-lived. This CD actually sat in the middle of my workspace for 2 weeks, then there came a time when I felt strong enough to insert it in my CD player and listen, and it's still a process. For I don't want to primarily feel anger and bitterness with it, but catharsis and freedom, and it requires strength, for some more so than for others, but still strength. Sometimes hearing the truth requires strength. But for me, I was (and am ) immensely grateful to have tuned the radio to NPR that day, and to have found this, and then again to have been able to find it here.
--Ursula Schumann ... Read more

Reviews (4)

When Rivers really mattered
The title is in no way meant to condemn the comedienne; however, she doesn't exhibit the same wit and humor today that she did on this landmark recording from the early eighties.

Her respective routines about being recognized in the gynecologist office and the English "royals" are priceless.

And the Rivers in Blackgama cover is totally "Reagan-era chic".

Please Keep Talking, Joan
Joan Rivers is an American original and this CD captures her at her peak. Clever, brilliant, brash, outrageous, controversial, Joan was ahead of her time but stays timelessly hilarious on this CD. If you like Joan, you absolutely must get this - I am so grateful to have found it on Amazon.com! I originally heard this "album" when it came out in the early '80s and have loved it ever since. Joan rules!!

When Joan was really bad.....
Joan Rivers is a semi-legend...

Of course, she is, and it's unfortunate that her comedy act today is sour and mean-spirited. Remember her pre-awards show? And how SNL viciously satirized her? Well, in the earlier days, her comedy was fresh, witty, and extremely funny. Who could ever forget her put-downs of rock stars, gyne exams, and, of course, the British Royal Family?

It's all here in this album: when Joan was mean and witty at the same time...always with a twinkle in her eye. What demons she is exorcising these days is anybody's guess. But when she asked, "What Becomes a Semi-Legend Most?", she was on top of her game, and we all loved her for it. I still laugh when I remember her line: "Aren't rock stars ugly?....The lips, the one with the lips? Mick Jagger! He has child-bearing lips!"

Now that was funny...

Absolutely Fabulous
Joan gives a most memorable and triumphant performance!!! Stellar entertainment over and over again! ... Read more

Amazon.com

"I got into Memphis." So begins Dr. King's "Excerpt from Speech the Day Before His Death" at the start of In Search of Freedom.His arresting, mellifluous voice, heard eerily removed, as if coming through a bullhorn, retains all the splendid vibrancy of timbre and his singular gift for oration. His message is urgent: the stalwart journey into civil rights, civil disobedience, and the path of nonviolence has taken him all the way to "the mountaintop." On this disc these spiritual ideals are perhaps best understood in the lengthy yet clearly flowing "Address to American Jewish Committee," wherein King provides the reasons and constitution of nonviolent protest and the fruits achieved from its labors. Decades after his precious life was taken, King's language dances, resonating the very sanctity of living along with his Atlanta congregation, who affirm and encourage with "yes, sirs" and "amens." --Paige La Grone ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Don't do it
Very little substance. You can't get "into" the speeches because the excerpts are more like sound bites. Look for a better deal.

Missing the learning factor but it's still KING! (3.5 stars)
I was very excited to get this CD home but to my disappointment, some of the tracks were just the very famous MLK. Jr. quote or key on-liners taken out of context from speeches that we really need to know more about. We need to hear more of these speeches just to understand the significance and the strength of King's words and the content of which they came from.

However, although most of these speeches are abruptions, King's voice alone does wonders for the soul. At least the "I Have A Dream Speach" is given to us in it's entirity.

Not one of the better collections
This is not one of the better collections of Dr. King's speeches, as these are minor excerpts that are far too short. I would recommed "The Great March To Freedom" (1963 Detroit speech, full of barbed humor and excellent points), "The Great matrch on Washington" (entire Dream Speech), "Free At Last" (Mountaintop Speech) and best of all, the "A Call To Conscience" CDs that have all of the above and then some. Also, the breif but powerful Birmingham excerpt from "Sing For Freedom."

Beware
I bought this CD, and was very excited BEFORE I got the CD. AFter I heard it, my excitement had dwindeled. If you are planning to buy this CD remember that this only has excerpts from his speaches, meaning that except for 3 of the tracks the majority of the tracks are only about 30sec long. I bought this with the intention that I would be able to hear the whole speach and not just a few seconds of it. If you want the whole speach, do not buy this CD, if you are happy with sound bitz then this is a winner. As for me when I purchased this CD I expected to get some meat--insted I had to settle for a mear appettizer. With the awsome speaches Dr. King spoke, what a pitty to put out a cd that does not do him justice.

excerpt indeed !
i couldnt wait to hear this because i love the mans voice hiscadence the power of his speech and the beauty of his message-- my fave speech was always the one he so prophetically made the day b4 his untimely and devastating murder--the one where he says i may not be there with ya --i have been to the mountaintop--etc---- i was devastated and appalled at the snippet of this speech which left out the best parts ! we do not hear him say i may not be there with ya-- we basically hear two sentences ! which totally leaves out the miraculous part- who put this thing together ? or who took it apart ? -- shame on you whoever you are ---very very strange indeed --not to mention outrageously disappointing -- ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Response In a Form
This is a wonderful representation of the blending of Slam Poetry and Music for a common cause. It is also an accurate representation of why Saul Williams and Slam poetry should be added to the list for Contemporary American Literature. You can't get more contemporary than the issues addressed in this album. check out his website to hear samples and videos of the album www.notinournamemusic.com

an inspirational reflecive peice of our time
Thank you Saul Williams for this CD. This album is the modern answer to activist folk music of the 60s and 70s of which I am very fond. A hip-hop masterpiece which reflects the spectrum of imaginative words and beats that are more and more usually ignored in favor of trite and repetitive noises. This album brings tears to my eyes even months after I bought it as I shout along with Mr. Williams "Not in My Name!" This is a worthwhile purchase for the spoken word aficionado, hip-hop enthusiast, and the peace lover and activist inside of you. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A symphonic experience!
Unlike James Horner or Danny Elfman, Patrick Doyle does not publish a soundtrack-album each month. That may be because he does not just write loud and effectful music, but often uses individual themes for each character in the movie he is working on (much like John Williams--even though Doyle's music is not nearly as complex). With the Frankenstein-music, Doyle may have written his best soundtrack--and one of the best soundtracks I have ever listened to! Although the whole album is of a gloomy character (supported by great orchestral moments such as 'Elizabeth'), he does not fail to create a truly romantic atmosphere by using a memorable love melody (as heard in 'Wedding Night'). The wide range of orchestration (only 5 instruments in 'she's beautiful' and an orchestral blast in 'creation'), will make this CD a true listening-experience each time you take the time to concentrate on this hauting score!

Forboding and Intense
The music composed by Patrick Doyle for Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is best described as forboding and intense. This entire album will render images of dark and stormy nights with unthinkable acts being undertaken by ambitious souls. Patrick Doyle uses a full range of symphonic prowness in his work, making tracks like The Creation leap out with complex magnitude that will plaster you to the back of your seat, while also creating tracks like Yes, I Speak that ring with simplistic beauty. He also masters a much softer, more romantic theme in such tracks as The Wedding Night that will give you goose bumps as well as illustrate a smoldering passion of two people connecting in heavenly ways. This entire soundtrack is a wonderful work that I have appreciated for years. I highly recomend it.

Big and Majestic
Patrick Doyle is one of the most overlooked film composers working today. He regularly produces music of such majesty and breadth, such as this 1994 score for the Kenneth Branagh film. As with any great film score, the music works well both on-screen and as a stand-alone piece.

Wonderful.4 and a 1/2
To put it in another word,fantastic.You should buy this soundtrack and Bram Stoker's Dracula's soundtrack ,and The Mummy's(1999)soundtrack they go together just like the movies.

The wonderful music to the movie directed by Kenneth Braugh!
Buy this CD if you like the movie and the beautiful time period it takes p[ace in!I love the whole and I am working on buying the movie on DVD!!It'a beautiful score for a haunting movie based on the novel of the same name! ... Read more

Album Description

Subtitled - Rags, Ballads & Harmonium Song. The Harry Smith Recordings bring you vintage 1970's tunes by Allen Ginsberg such as the favorites 'CIA Dope Calypso', 'Dope FiendBlues', 'Come Back Christmas' and 5 other enjoyableditties. Intimately captured by Smith in his Chelsea hotelhaunt, New York Blues is as much a commemoration of thelifelong kinship between the two free spirits as it is rare chance to get a truly whimsical earful of Ginsberg doinghis thing. Featuring brilliant exclusive photos of Allenand Harry mucking about by New York photographer BrianGraham in depth liner notes by writer Mitch Myers. LocustMusic. 2002. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Intimate Look Into Ginsberg
If you're still in the dark about it, yes, Ginsberg tried his hand at singing. Bob Dylan was a fan of his and actually encouraged him to do so. Here we have 1973 recordings (made at the Chelsea hotel) made by Harry Smith and feature Allen Ginsberg 'doing his thing' on the harmonium. It's quite a good set of songs, the opener could pretty well be a pop song (even by today's standards) and it shows how timeless his work is, musical or literal. Then there's CIA Dope Calypso, which he's re-recorded since. It's pretty solid, it's an intimate look into his genius. One thing though, has anyone noticed how his singing bears quite a resemblence to Dylan? ... Read more

Amazon.com

These 1958 tracks from The Sick Humor of Lenny Bruce and Interviews of Our Times are the roots of the rage but not the rage itself. When Bruce first made the scene in the late 1950s, he was considerably tamer than he would become (although he was already quite volatile by the era's standards). Most of his early humor was based on bits and routines, with the comic providing a litany of voices for a passel of ethnic characters and bizarre situations. While not as shocking or as memorable as his later freeform work, much of this material still rings true, especially the hilarious "March of High Fidelity" and the dead-on "Non Skeddo Flies Again." Certainly these roots are worth researching. --Michael Ruby ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Legend Is Born
My father owned all of Lenny Bruce's early albums. They were pressed on gorgeous red vinyl discs, released by Fantasy Records in the late 1950's. I first listened to these records as a kid in the mid 1970's, on Dad's Hi-Fi stereo phonograph. The records have since gone to the great turntable in the sky, except for American, which is scratched up, but kept for sentimental reasons. Imagine my delight to find all four albums remastered and released on 2 CD volumes!

At the time these albums were recorded, Lenny Bruce had just become a star. Like most of his contemporaries at the time, his act consisted mostly of "bits" - prewritten routines. He hadn't yet discovered his true improvisational genius, but these routines are still brilliant and filled with Bruce's caustic wit and social satire. They are an absolute must for all fans of the greatest standup comic of all time.

This disc, Originals Volume 1, is comprised of Lenny's "The Sick Humor Of Lenny Bruce" and "Lenny Bruce's Interviews Of Our Time" albums, plus a few great bits from "American" that couldn't fit on the Volume 2 CD. This is classic early Bruce, featuring some of the routines that got him into trouble, like the great "Religions, Inc.", "Ike, Sherm, and Nick", and "Psychopathia Sexualis."

The only flaw in these early albums is not Lenny's fault, but the record company's. The flaw is incontinuity - lack of flow. These albums are not complete shows, but bits assembled from various performances. They couldn't release complete shows due to censorship considerations at the time, but hey, if Lenny had recorded for a major label like Capitol, he would have been censored even more. At least Fantasy was a little flexible. They could done a better job editing the bits together, though.

"Religions, Inc." and routines like it were, in my opinion, more damaging to Bruce's career that his occasional use of profanity and sexual references. No comedian in the late 1950's dared to make fun of religion, the government, and the police. Bruce's vicious anti-establishment satire is what really led to his downfall. The use of profanity and sexual references were the excuses given by authority figures for their persecution of Lenny Bruce, but we know why they really had to silence him - he told the truth, and the truth hurts.

With the exceptions of George Carlin and Richard Pryor, there has never been another comedian as bold and brilliant as Lenny Bruce. Most of today's comics take for granted the freedoms Lenny fought for and ultimately died for. They swear nonstop and deliver endless, boring monologues on their sex lives, but when it comes to intelligent, cutting edge anti-establishment humor, there is a marked absence of material. They don't want to go there. Lenny went there before they were born.

Buy this CD and listen for yourself to the caustic genius that was Lenny Bruce.

Fans Only
Censored "bits" of Lenny Bruce. His earliest work, but not nearly as great as he was to become. Has some great stuff but not really his best work. Get a live performance for the real reason people love Lenny.

the best bruce c.d.
has the best: non-skiddo, religions incorporated, finding a dictator and ike and sherm. visit lenny's grave site-mt.eden memorial park,san fernando valley, califonia "peace at last" ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Jerky boys can't jerk this!
First off if you're looking for a full length Neil Hamburger album this one only features Neil Hamburger on a couple of tracks. Most of the calls are made by the infamous underground prankster and head of the now defunct Armarillo records Gregg Turkington. Gregg Turkington got his start writing for the hillarious Breakfast Without Meat zine, and later worked his way up to being the manager for the infamous Mr. Bungle. Gregg was also in the Zip Code Rapists. What you have on this album is a bunch of hillarious phone calls made to businesses, comedy clubs, and pizza joints in the bay area. As we all know there are few people out there better at the put on than Gregg Turkington, and on this album is what he does best. Also, for Neil Hamburger enthusiasts this is where his career started. On this album we can hear America's $1 Funnyman calling various comedy club promoters looking for that ever elusive gig. This is also where the infamous '7-11's are all the same' joke originated. All in all a classic comedy album, and a must for any comedy enthusiast.

Jerky Boys Aint Got Nothin' on Neal
Neal Hamburger is a comic genius that unfortunatley is in the shadows. He makes it cool to be unwitty. I would most likley compare him to Norm McDonald. This CD is just as funny as The Jerky Boys if not better. Neal is so unfunny you have to laugh. I would recommend everyone to give a listen to this and his other live comedy CD's. They are all equally as good. In this CD of prank calls you will find yourself wanting to do the same thing. It's hilarious to listen to his real live pranks when he obviously doesn't hold back or try to be subtle.

Jerky Boys Aint Got Nothin' on Neil
Neal Hamburger is a comic genius that unfortunatley is in the shadows. He makes cool it to be unwitty. I would most likley compare him to Norm McDonald. This CD is just as funny as The Jerky Boys if not better. Neal is so unfunny you have to laugh. I would recommend everyone to give a listen to this and his other live comedy CD's. They are all equally as good. In this CD of prank calls you will find yourself wanting to do the same thing. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

An Intelligent View of Current Events.
I've been a long time fan of Jello Biafra. For about two years of the 17 years I've had on Earth. I have all of his albums, I've met the guy and heard him speak.
The first thing I said when the 3 CDs were done playing was: "Wow. Jello really has grown up..." It's perhaps a funny thing to say, since Jello has been a mature vocal commentator for years, and yet in my opinion, he really has grown within this new album. Notice there's none of the fun little tracks like on the last albums, some examples being "Names for Bands" and "Half-time". In my opinion, Jello's best is in this album, his most mature insightful commentary, no filler, no bull, is in this album. I highly, HIGHLY reccomend this album. I'm so glad to see Jello making such an incredible album, same as always, after all these years.

lukewarm Jello
"And as you go out and try to turn people on to new ideas...be careful about becoming a fundamentalist, because that turns people off faster than trying to sell them a Bible at the airport," Jello Biafra so ironically says on "Become the Media," a plodding, overstuffed spoken-word album that has never found the ex-Dead Kennedy more preachy, one-sided, and yes, 'fundamentalist.' Granted, while his other albums (his excellent early work especially) were informative eye-openers, Biafra has always had the tendency to slant the facts only to his favor (unlike, say, Noam Chomsky, who won't hesitate to bring up the positive aspects of American society while railing against the negative). Perhaps it was his nomination for president in the Green Party primaries that placed a chip on his shoulder (note the eye-rolling chanting on 'The Green Wedge'), or maybe it's the fact that this particular spoken-word outing suffers from topics that even Biafra can't make interesting (the WTO, World Bank & International Monetary Fund, etc.), or maybe it's his cynicism toward being sued by his ex-bandmates. Whatever the case, this 3-disc monster didn't arouse much interest in me, even after listening to it countless times. Especially when he speaks of the DK feud, it becomes clear that his cynicism comes from the desire to preserve the underground elite; after all, what's the difference between the ex-DKs playing shows to sell-out crowds and Biafra doing the same with his spoken-word appearances? Granted, the situation should have been resolved some other way, but now even Jello's faithful followers are judging this new incarnation without viewing any of the evidence, and how contradictive is that? Not that I support what happened. Okay, I'm starting to ramble. Bottom Line: try some of Biafra's earlier material, get "Become the Media" only to complete your collection. Thanks.

Fantastic, Informative (and a little Sad)
Yet another fantastic CD from Jello. It's a little sad to listen to him speaking at the Green Party convention, when there was so much hope before the elections.

There is a lot of material on "Become the Media" that was discussed in his other CD's, but it's nice to have the information on WTO and NAFTA all in one place and updated. Jello's stories of crashing the Democratic and Republican conventions were hilarious. Almost as good as a Michael Moore bit. As Jello says, "We must never forget the value of pranksters" and "It take a child to RAZE a village". On a more personal level, it was interesting to hear Jello's reflection on Columbine, his position on online music trading, as well as his side of the story on the DK members suing him over the rights of their music.

The only drawback to this CD is that Jello doesn't back up his statements as much as he used to. In his previous spoken word albums, he would frequently back up his arguments with the books or articles that he got his information from. When making statements as controversial (and sometimes as blanketly general) as he can, it's good to have sources to go and double check.

Still, it usually isn't too hard to find out information if you look for it.

If you don't have any of Jello's spoken word CD's yet, this is a great one to start with. A great CD for anyone with who leans towards the progressive left. If you are upset by what this CD has to say, then remember not to sit on your hinder; you must go out and do what Jello says: Become the Media!

If you like Tipper, you'll love...
Don't be fooled. There is no such thing as 'The lesser of two evils,' not in politics. True, there is a sort of a reactioist slant to the album, but, is any body alse worried? Like Jello about King George the first, 'Stay in your homes...'

The Satire Which Is Life
Okay, apparently not enough people picked up this release prior to the atrocity..excuse me, election which put Bush in office, but maybe more people should have. Even though much of this album touches on the "King George" and "Prince Albert" evils, there is a lot of relevance to other current events. The track "Hellburbia" may be one of the greatest spoken word pieces ever recorded, touching on the mayhem of school shooting, while "The Philadelphia Stories" and "If You Liked Tipper, You'll Love..." deliver an extremely humorous look at how Bush and Gore campaigned, and a less humourous look at how they'd run things. Also, anyone interested in the whole DK Levi's incident will be well informed on this album. Some people call Jello an "commie," some call him a whiner, but those people are just afraid to face the fact that he, when the cards are on the table, is right. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Grizzard's "Addicted to Love: Live"
After listening to this CD, I fondly recall many of Grizzard's stories from his books. His story telling, that he distinctly inherited from his father, truly set the tone for this collection.

As a long time fan, Lewis Grizzard's "Addicted to Love: Live" will delight the first time time listener.

If you are into clean comedy, this CD is for you. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Life's Journey
My soul has been truly touched. I had heard the song "Suicide" on the radio, and was moved to tears. I immediately purchased the CD. I had no idea of the journey I was about to be taken on when I loaded it into my CD player. I laughed, I cried, and I thought about so many things, many of which I hadn't though about in years. Bobby's straight forward delivery, combined with some of the most amazing music I've ever heard, painted such a vivid picture, I felt like I was there. I could go on and on, but I won't. All I can say is, I LOVE THIS CD!

Great combo of stories and music!
I got this CD last last year. I like the way that Bobby Gaylor unfolds the stories he tells and the way he uses his music to set the tone of what he's telling whether it's a lighter subject like Smelt to something more intense like Suicide. Love it!!

Sit back and enjoy life
Bobby Gaylor's cd may not be for the light hearted, but deep down this is one of arts true masterpieces. Each track (story) will engross you in a new way, whether you can relate or not. You find yourself laughing at the humor and gasping at the intensity. Bobby's voice never fails to deliver a completely mesmerizing experience, whether he is talking about when a gun was pointed at his face in a resturant, or about his old neighborhood "friend." If you enjoy anything related to this piece at all, buy it for the cheap price that it is going for and prepare to be shoked at how much you liked this dollar cd!

Mysterious Artist, Mysterious Album
When this CD came out in 2000 I heard the song, "Suicide", and loved it with all of my being. It took me months to track down this CD, but I finally got it and listened to it, each and every song (or track I don't really think you can call them songs) was delivered with enough humor and seriousness to keep the audience intrigued and listening to his moving tales. What has surprised me over the years, is the complete lack of attention Bobby Gaylor has recieved for his perfect album. What is even more interesting is that Babby Gaylor, after finishing what little promotion he did for this album, has completely fallen off the map. He has done a few movies (under the name Robert Gaylor) and 2 new Christmas songs that can only be downloaded, but other then that there has been nothing. His website (www.bobbygaylor.com) has gone without and update since 2001 with promise of new material coming soon. All of this to say that Bobby Gaylor is a mysterious artist who put out this mysterious album, in which every track makes a connection with the audience. Buy this album! you'll be glad you did.

BEST!
I love this cd, his origonal style is just magnificent. He is a great, great storyteller, I had often found myself on the edge of my seat waiting for what he will say next. I recomend this to anyone and everyone ... Read more

Amazon.com

Black Pearls: The Poetry of Maya Angelou opens with the poet reading hard words: "No, the gap-legged whore on the eastern shore, enticing Europe to come into her"; "kneeling mothers picking undigested beans from yesterday's shit"; and "what a pity, the pity has folded in upon itself." The poet's rawness of vision and power seem capable of moving mountains. Some 30 years ago, when these words were recorded, Angelou was fierce, vital, justifiably angry. All this may not jibe with the weeping you did in junior high when you read I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. It may not mesh with your vision of the gentle, elegant lady you know as the highly visible mentor and friend to Oprah Winfrey and the first-term inaugural poet to President Clinton. Yet know this: Angelou, a speaker of truth, not only survived cruel injustice but used words to burn through it and come to grace. As she says, "My crime is that I live to tell," and we desperately need her trespass in order to live with what we know and are unable to give voice to. --Paige La Grone ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Not enough for this woman No sirree
I think Maya angelou is a wonder artist as well as poet, author, african american woman, etc. i would definitely recommend this c.d. to anyone. But as far as her having enough websites for us children to do a report on. It's totally over. I mean I had to go to about 17 diiferent places just to see how many books she wrote about and now I have to read her book just to find out Ms. Angelou's life so she has inspired me to do Langston Hughs thanks a lot Maya Angelou. Sincerely kandi Sandusky. ... Read more

Album Description

Audio-biography +interviews and a mini-poster

One of the heaviest and most radical bands to emerge in the last decade, Tool are also one of the most enigmatic. Since their formation in Los Angeles in 1991, Tool's dense, rhythmic music, claustrophobic riffing and unconventional, esoteric lyrics have won them a large and loyal fanbase the world over. 'Maximum Tool' now gives the complete and unauthorised biography of the band from their earliest days to multi-platinum success as well as encompassing the story behind singer Maynard Keenan's hugely successful side-project, A Perfect Circle. A perfect opportunity to discover the tale behind a band that has changed the contemporary rock scene beyond recognition. Out of the darkness, into the light; this is Tool. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

lol
Waste of money...I can't believe i bought this.

Insult to TOOL
These bands have done nothing interesting with what were originally awesome songs. It's a waste of money for any TOOL fan who truly appreciates the original songs.

mostly worthless
First, don't expect any music on this album; if you could call this an album.
Second, if you want information about tool, go find the tool FAQ.
This is a watered down spoken-word history of tool. If you like cheesy intro bass riffs and some british chick telling you how wonderful tool is, with a few -less than 20 seconds, badly recorded comments from band members; then buy this.

Best unauthorized biography of TOOL yet.
Of all of the unauthorized biography discs or videos I have bought about TOOL, this is by far the best. It is about an hour long, and consentrates mainly on the band, not fan's opinions, as lesser biographies do. The narrator Nancy McClean goes into great detail on the band members' backgrounds, and how they formed TOOL, but most of the disc analyzee TOOL's use of imagery in their songs and videos. Each redord is examined in detail, by someone that obviously understands what the band is about. It is packaged in an attractive jewel case, with original art and a cardboard slipcase. There are many clips interviews with the members, but no original music (because it is unauthorized). If haven't already, do NOT get the TOOLOGY unauthorized biography video, this disc is much, much better.

Track listing: 1. Intro/the weight 2. Fermentation 3. Crystalisation 4. First Fruits 5. Further out 6. Fractured whole 7. Whole 8. Splinters 9. A gathering in 10. Forming anew

It is reasonably appearant which tracks are about the band's forming, conflicts, the replacement of Paul D'mour with Justin Chancellor, and so on.

Happy Trails. ... Read more

Book Description

The Smithsonian Institution and Radio Spirits proudly present the classic radio broadcasts that made Lucille Ball a star and led to the creation of her classic television series I Love Lucy. Lucy's versatility is showcased with dramatic roles on Suspense and Lux Radio Theatre and comedicperformances of the Abbott and Costello Show, The Gulf Screen Guild Theatre and her own series, My Favorite Husband. Lucille Ball stars with Bob Hope, Red Skelton, Richard Denning and Gale Gordon in classic performances from the Golden Age of Radio. This collection also includes a 60-page historical book featuring a foreword by Madelyn Pugh Davis and Bob Carroll, Jr. the scriptwriters of My Favorite Husband and I Love Lucy. America loved Lucy for years on radio before she became one of television's most legendary stars. Listen to this classic Smithsonian Legendary Performers collection and you'll know why. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

There are many Lucies to love
That Lucille Ball is a genius is undoubted. Who else would leave a secure contract at one studio to go to Columbia Pictures for a role in a single Three Stooges short? Who else could play low comedy and do a very creditable role on a dramatic radio show? It is a Very Good Thing that Radio Spirits has chosen to release a collection of 10 radio shows that starred or had as a guest star the Redhead herself.

is available on 6 CDs or 4 cassettes. I have both formats. I find it very pleasant hearing the tapes in my car and the CDs for my classes or easier access to a program I want to hear again. In this collection we have 4 episodes of "My Favorite Husband," 2 of "Suspense," and one each of "Lux Radio Theatre" ("Fancy Pants"), "The Abbott & Costello Show," ""The Lux Radio Theatre" ("The Dark Corner"), "The Gulf Screen Guild Theatre" ("Tight Shoes").

Personally I wish they did not have quite so many of "My Favorite Husband," when the single radio episode of "I Love Lucy" is available and is indeed included in another Radio Spirits collection. However I do thank the publishers for avoiding undue duplication in their huge inventory of "sets."

It is amazing how well she handles her dramatic assignments and then can turn around to create comic cartoon characters as she does at the end of each "Husband" episode to plug the sponsor's product. And while Bob Hope is allowed all sorts of anachronistic references in the "Fancy Pants" feature, Lucy plays her part straight and to far better effect.

As is always true with Radio Spirit sets, the accompanying booklet is a treasure of information and excellent photos, first about Lucy's career and then about each individual show. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

the guy's a genuine trip!
if you liked the cronenberg film"naked lunch"or any of willie's books,guess what?you'll like this just as much!his voice cannot be duplicated because it's so dambed distinct-you gotta hear him to know what's up.me personally,I would've like to hear him read some pantera lyrics or barry gifford novels,but that would've been a long shot and "call me burroughs" is more that any self-respecting tripper could ask for!fans of the "leary biscut"-get it!!!

greatest story ever told!
mr burroughs voice makes me feel warm all over, reminds of all the time i spent only with my dad.... all those carefree days after school in the park. brings back such a flood of warm fuzzy memories about my first score, my first feeling of life in my veins... i just wish i could have sat on mr. burroughs lap while he read aloud to me with his stories... alas, he is all but gone... well, he is gone ... i thought i was gonna get a reading about tarzan but this is much better... if only... if only.... *cries softly* ... buy this before it is too late...

A Mindblowing Debut recording
The shot heard round the world. The debut recording from the late genius Bill Burroughs. 8 brillant recordings without the distraction of any background noise. Burroughs reads from his classic novels Naked Lunch, and nova express with his usual laid back style. Thought provoking and influential even 30 years later. Very likely to be the best recordings ever made by this master. The new packaged cd includes extensive liner notes, and many great photos. This is the stuff, baby!

Naked Burroughs
Superb monotone ramblings crawl out of the mind of Burroughs on this no frills recording. There is no music to distract you from the spoken word. Lovely stories for the whole family.

Essential
This is Burroughs at his finest and there IS Naked Lunch in here. Sketches include "Bradley The Buyer", "Meeting of International Conference of Technological Psychiatry", "The Fish Poison Con", "Thing Police Keep All Board Room Reports", "Mr. Bradley Mr. Martin Hear Us Through The Hole In The Air", "Where You Beling (rewrite)", "Inflexible Authority", "Uranian Willy (Rewrite)". END ... Read more