Amazon.com

Englishman Peter Perrett will forever be remembered as the scraggly blonde junkie who launched a thousand punk-rock cover bands with his spacey, riff-rocking paean "Another Girl, Another Planet." There's more to the oft- brilliant Special View (a condensation of their first two British releases) than just that tasty nugget, though. The band crashes power-pop hooks into guitar muscle on "City of Fun" and "Lovers of Today" as well; and Perrett doles each one out in his perfectly deadpan voice. Fans of mop tops like the Plimsouls, the Neighborhoods, and the Replacements (who nicked "Another Girl" as well as other licks from Perrett) will find little not to enjoy here. --Michael Ruby ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Great band, shame about the selection
Terrific band - best Heroin music this side of Lou Reed: all of Reed's power, but a lot more bounce. To the reviewer who thinks the band is all "Another Girl, Another Planet" should try listening to "Creature of Doom" which is unaccountably not on this collection.

Yet another great band doomed to obscurity
The Only Ones were immortalized by the single "Another Girl, Another Planet", but this compilation of the best moments from the band's first two British albums ("The Only Ones" and "Even Serpents Shine") proved they were far more than one hit wonders. Peter Perrett's vocals were saturated with a weird, ...charisma, lacking in neither melody nor emotion even though he sounded like the sulky, pockmarked kid contemplating suicide in the back corner of the classroom. The band behind him was made up of (if you'll excuse the term) professional musicians - stubborn old musos with enough chops and experience to defiantly inject drama and subtlety into the simple three-chord-bamalama of late 70's punk. Consequently - and quite naturally - the Only Ones were exiles of their own era, never fitting in to any flavor-of-the-month scene or hyped sub-genre. In other words: rock & roll.

power pop fun
I really dig this record for two reasons: it's fun and it's really catchy. The singer kind of sounds like Steve Shelley of the Buzzcocks with nasal cojestion, but it's great. This is one of those records that great to listen to in the car on a warm sunny day with all the windows down. It's a great, catchy, feel good, post punk/power pop album. Highly recommended.

One really great song.
"Another Girl Another Planet" has been one of my favorite songs for years and years, and I spent a long time trying to find anything else from this band. Obviously there's room for disagreement here, but I didn't find any of the other songs memorable in the least. Not bad but kinda tepid power pop. If you have a record player try to find the "That Summer" soundtrack, otherwise buy this but don't get your hopes up.

Come back, Peter Perrett
Peter Perrett was a genius, and he found the perfect band of misfits to surround himself with in the Only Ones. The best place to start with to hear this exciting, smart, yet supremely decadent band (the very essence of rock'n'roll) is on this compilation. Some will tell you that this band made one great song: "Another Girl, Another Planet." I'll tell you that if you like that song, you'll discover a gold mine of equally thrilling treasures on this and the group's other albums. Perrett was a brilliant songwriter and engaging if odd singer, the rhythm section was one of the best I've ever heard (Mike Kellie, genius drummer!), and John Perry (now an author) was the greatest flash guitarist you never heard, finding a middle ground between Sterling Morrison and Mick Ronson that was just perfect for this not-quite-punk band.

What does it sound like? Well, it's like a high-energy cross between Lou Reed, Ray Davies, and Bob Dylan--but it rocks the way you always wanted them to, but they never quite did.

Like most good things, it couldn't last, and the Only Ones were history after three official albums, plenty of misadventure, and massive public apathy. Perrett disappeared into a quagmire of drug addiction until the early '90s, when he reemerged with The One (containing no other Only Ones members). Interestingly, his songwriting and singing hadn't declined in the slightest. This longtime Only Ones fan was in heaven. Then he disappeared again...what a loss. Buy this CD and you'll see why. ... Read more

Album Description

Four disc box set spanning his entire solo career. Includeshits, live versions, rarities & seven previously unreleased tracks, plus color booklet with sleeve notes taken from exclusive new interviews. 86 tracks total, including his firstsingle for Stiff Records, 'So It Goes', material from his album 1998 'Dig My Mood', classics like 'Cruel To Be Kind', 'Switchboard Susan', 'Little Hitler' & 'American Squirm', and seven previously unreleased tracks, 'Don't Think About Her', 'Rocky Road', 'Losin' Boy', 'Love Is After Me', 'Lonely Just Like Me', 'Raining Raining' and 'I'll Give You All NightTo Stop'. Comes packaged in a full color 6 inch x 10 inch digibook. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great career summation--all you need is here!
I always loved the pop-God phase of Nick Lowe and to get all the best stuff here in beautiful sound is heaven. If you liked the 3-chord pop of So It Goes or his Hiatt cover She Don't Love Nobody, this is the set for you. There's way too much of his later darker period here, which is why it loses a star. While his writing during that period was more direct, gritty and realistic, the melodies aren't there and many songs just don't have the vibe that Nick talks about in the set's booklet. The unreleased stuff is really good, not great--cool covers, neat live versions, and some demos that work better than studio finished versions. As a fan, I could quibble with the selection of songs slightly and there are inaccuracies in the booklet, but to you, the more casual listener, this is the place to get it all. Since Rockpile split, Nick's output has always been good, but there hasn't been a great record in the bunch. This gathers most of the wheat and dispenses with much of the chafe.

Interesting and compelling song selection plus great rarites
You can quibble all you want about which of your favorite tracks were overlooked but it doesn't dimish the impact of this boxed set. Nick Lowe always has shown a flair for turning pop conventions inside out. Lowe's flair for melody, word play and his expressive voice all combine to make him one of the finest exports from the UK since...well you know who. Among British song writers Lowe is only equaled by his contemporaries Andy Partridge, Elvis Costello, Lennon-McCartney and Ray Davies for the depth and creativity packed into each song.

Since this represents the solo years there isn't anything from Brinsley, but that's ok since most of that is available as imports from Edsel and other companies. Lowe's remake of his classic (What's so funny) about peace, love and understanding is the definitive version--besting both the Brinsley version and EC's.

It's about time that Nick was appreciated. Sadly, in the US his he has a fairly small audience who appreciate his intelligent, witty songs. Try and catch him on tour as he is just as much fun (and engaging) live as he is on record (something that can't be said for every performer).

Could've been better
If you're a fan of Nick Lowe you will most likely have almost all of the tracks here-with the exception of a few home demos there's nothing that can't be found elsewhere. However, it's nice to have those rarities on one collection, and the booklet included is fairly well done. Nine tracks each from The Impossible Bird and Dig My Mood seems a bit much, though. Why not Nick's lead vocal numbers from Little Village or some of his duets/harmony with Carlene Carter? I'm glad to own it, but with most box sets it seems to have been put together by businessmen. The three stars are for the song selection. Jesus of Cool, Labour of Lust, Party of One, The Impossible Bird, and Dig My Mood would all get 4 to 4 and 1/2 from me. If you're a Nick Lowe novice I suggest you begin with one of those.

Compilation does Nick proud
Well, i certainly could quibble with certain choices and omissions, but why quibble? I never thought that an artist as terrific as Mr. Lowe would get a handsome box set like this, but I'm "an earth is flat!" kinda guy, I guess....The final CD of demoes and live stuff is a real treat, but the whole thing stands up proud. Good show!

A truly remarkable set
This four-CD set does great justice to all aspects of the rocker's remarkably bouyant solo career. Would've liked a couple more selections from his milestones, "Pure Pop" and "Labour," but the fourth CD - mostly live rarities - more than makes up for it. Great job, Edsel. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A good collection of an early 80's new wave group
Recently i bought this one & i found several "good ol' Friends" like "I Could Be Happy", "Pinky Blue", "See Those Eyes" & "Don't talk to me About Love" . I always found them as terrific singles during the early-mid eighties. But Now, i found that things are a little bit dated, cause as I get older & i hope wiser (regarding to my musical tastes), i'm wondering if Matt Groening got his inspiration on the Simpsons after hearing Clare Grogan's voice, Yeah!! She sounds exactly like Good Ol' Bart, Ay Carumba !!, I mean, most of 80's musicians advanced, evolutioned or learnt something that made them better musicians as The Cure, Duran Duran or Heaven 17. That's not the case with Altered Images. Sure!!, they wrote great tunes for teenagers, but now, as an adult, i realize that the lovely Miss Grogan, actually did not sing. So she may have been the cutest girl in the world, but let's face it!!; She lacked of musical basis to be a good singer & that precisely ruins pieces like "Bring Me Closer" or "Love to Stay" Also it's a real pity that the marvelous remixes of See Those Eyes or Pinky Blue were not included in this compillation. A good point about the disc is that it features the marvelous Dead Pop Stars & the B-side of the single, Sentimental. So if you're an avid fan of 80's music this might be a curious, good, but not an essential addition to your collection. Also, if you're a big fan Bart Simpson or if you're a little bit sadistic and you like to torture someone, with Clare's tiny whinning "voice", well this disc is for you!!

Effective collection of UK 80's New Wave group
The early 1980's was the period of New Wave, when the punk explosion had imploded. Light-hearted synths and poppier rhythms prevailed on both sides of the Atlantic. In the UK, famed disk jockey Jim Peel and Siouxsie and the Banshees bassist Steve Severin helped a Glaswegian group Altered Images, fronted by actress Claire Grogan.

Their best known song, "Happy Birthday", was the title track of their debut album, and characterizes the infectious cheer of their song, with Grogan's cute-girl voice, a cross between Jane Wiedlin and a less squeaky Dale Bozzio, the bouncy guitar and drums. This peaked at #2 in the UK.

"Real Toys" and "Love And Kisses" has shades of a poppier Banshees sound, not surprising as they were produced by Severin. Their debut single, "Dead Pop Stars", was an unsuccessful indie single produced by Severin, and has a harder edged guitar and a more punk sound with some eerie undertones and some wry commentary: "dead pop stars rotting in the studio/pretty bodies make little girls scream" and "I am the poster on your wall." A standout. It's B-side, "Sentimental" sounds like a Missing Persons song with light punk guitars.

"I Could Be Happy" signalled a more happier power pop that characterized their Pinky Blue album, which received quite a drubbing among UK critics. "See Those Eyes" was another one of their big hits, with Clare and company sounding more like Missing Persons than a pop-like Banshees. "Funny Funny Me"

Their happy power pop style was being eclipsed by the time R.E.M. became the new thing with Chronic Town. "Bring Me Closer" from their last album Bite incorporated 70's disco synths, and saw them bringing in producers Tony Visconti and Mike Chapman, which may be the reason why "Love To Stay" sounded like a Blondie song reject. Another catchy 70's disco-type song, with Bananarama-type harmony backing vocalists, is their last UK Top Ten hit, "Don't Talk To Me About Love." The sax ballad "Thinking About You" really shows their transition to a more conventional sound.

Fans of Red Dwarf will be familiar with lead singer Clare Grogan, who as C.P. Grogan starred in the British sci-fi sitcom as Kristine Kochanski. And guitarist Johnny McElhone later joined the groups Hipsway and Texas.

Maybe because Altered Images didn't make that big a splash in the US they aren't that well remembered here. Nevertheless, it has to be said that they did create a brief blip in the punk/New Wave era.

!!!
i have heard 2 of there songs happy birthday and another one I forget the name but both the songs are very good! I think for christmas I am gonna buy my friend it cause she cant find it anywhere and I cant download any of their music. I guarntee that any of u who buy this album will like it

Happy to have found this cd!
Wow, I remember listening to Altered Image's albums Happy Birthday, Pinky Blue, & Bite when I was in my teens.......Ah, those were the days. Clair Grogan's voice, child-like & sweet one minute, taunting & menacing the next. this group was so overlooked & underrated, too bad... Anyway buy this cd and relive some sweet memories.

Possibly the most underrated band of the 80s.
I bought this album last July, and seven months later I still listen to it almost daily. Pretty impressive, considering that some discs I bought maybe two months ago are now lying unused. "The Best of Altered Images" is literally an album for every mood. Altered Images's music mixes punk rock, R&B, disco, bubble gum, and other styles in various proportions; similar artists include Blondie, Abba, Madonna, and other 80s new wave artists. For example, "Dead Pop Stars" is more punk-ish, while "Bring Me Closer" is more disco-ish. "See Those Eyes" is catchy and danceable, but with clever lyrics ("her head is full of nonsense but she says her heart is true / I feel for you..." "her aim is not to please / all she wants to do is tease..." "forget those eyes / forget those lies.."). "Real Toys" is not hummable or danceable, but the music is catchy and the lyrics deal with the issue of violent toys. The singer of "Forgotten" sounds downtrodden, but optimistic, and "Love To Stay" is soft and romantic in its own way. Even once you find your favorite songs on the CD, you'll still be listening to the others. I am now searching record stores for Altered Images songs not on this compilation. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Ex-Jellyfish and -Grays member Jason Falkner continues to mine a complicated baroque pop with his second solo album. Coproduced by Jason and Nigel Godrich (who were behind the boards on Radiohead's OK Computer), Can You Still Feel? is a heavily textured wash of modern psychedelic guitars and subliminally affecting multitracked vocals. Essentially "problematic pop," Falkner's music is at once hummable and stunningly elaborate, as befits a former Juilliard student. "Author Unknown" features an undeniably catchy chorus yet for the rest of the song is devilishly complex, with clever vocal production tricks and a sonic whiplash mix of acoustic and electric guitars. Best are "Revelation" and "Goodnight Sweet Night," both straight-to-the-point misty-eyed ballads accentuated by Falkner's sad, sweeping orchestration. Falkner is an acquired taste well worth acquiring. --Rob O'Connor ... Read more

Reviews (40)

A masterpiece that you just CAN'T afford not to own!
Well, you only have to look at the other reviews on this page to get an idea of how good this album really is! But if you're still not convinced then READ ON... Jason was lured into the band Jellyfish (One of the most under rated bands of all time) with the understanding that his exceptional songwriting ablilities would be exploited. This however was not the case. He left, formed The Greys, recorded one album after which they all went their seperate ways. He then Started his solo career and recorded his first album entitled " Author Unknown ". Which leads us to this album. "Can you still feel" is I suspect the CD that every musician would love to have written and recorded. You listen to the songs a couple of times and you're hooked. The harmonies are exquisite. So much so that even after months of listening to them, the hairs on the back of your neck still stand up. On hearing the songs for the first time you will notice that the melody line never goes quite where you think it will and sounds a hell of a lot better that way anyhow! Mr Falkner (who plays every instrument on the album with the exception of the flute) Is quite literaly a Genius. This whole album is littered with instrumantal riffs and vocal harmonies that are addictive. To Conclude, if you don't own this CD, you're missing out on some of the best music in existance!

Some good things happen
Hey!
I enjoy some of this album a lot and all of this album a little, in other words as a whole record it's nice but not great, however some of the tunes are very good...If your finding Jason Falkner by following links from other bands then read all of the reviews with the understanding that people get really excited about good pop records because they are so rare. I would recommend "Author Unknown" by Jason, I enjoy it more than this CD, it's more versatile and the hooks are simpler and the songs seem less pompous and self serving...Please understand I am a fan of the man (Jason) but I won't get caught up in the fervor, it's a nice record, but it sounds like he's trying too hard.

Not as good as "Author Unkown" but close...
First off let me say that I found Jason Falkner through my love of Jellyfish. I doubt anyone listening to this CD hasn't heard of Jellyfish-but if you haven't stop right now and pick up they're two CDs. That said, Falkner is a genius in his own right. His first album "Author Unknown" was steller (to say the least!) "Can You Still Feel" is almost just as good-however I was a bit dissapointed with a few of the songs. For one thing the songs seem to be longer. 'The Plan' and 'Revelation' stand out as being too long (especially 'Revelation' which, I'm sad to say I skip). 'Revelation' is a song about how wonderful and alive the world is...that's great. In the execution, however, Falkner ends up sounding like a High School aged poet (I know I've written at least one poem very much like 'Revelation'). In fact, this one song is probably what knocks down an otherwise solid album. 'My Lucky Day' kicks total ass-with it's groovy keyboards and torid lust story. 'Eloquence' reminds me of 'Afraid of Himself' from "Author Unknown" though I'm not sure why. 'Honey' and 'See You Again' are lovely pop songs (about love, of course). The second track 'Author Unknown' shines brightly as well...but some of the magic from the first album seems a bit gone. Falkner still plays all of his instuments, and does all of the singing-maybe he needs to inject some new blood into his records. Granted, both of his albums stand head and shoulders over everything on MTV (one and two)and whatever's on the radio. I love his music, but I think he'd lighten up a little if he had a few bandmates again. Perhaps as a music fan I'm the one who needs to 'lighten up' and just bask in Falkners artistic glow. If you like Pop that's not for kids, give Falkner a listen.

Incredible !!!
Don't listen to the naysayers -- this is a great album ! Jason Falkner is a tremendously talented songwriter and a fantastic musician (check him out live !). I love this album. While Jason wears his influences on his sleeve (Beatles, Cheap Trick, Big Star, Beach Boys), and many references are clear, he does honor to those musicians by writing clever and thoughtful melodic pop music. Truly and original and thoughtful musician. Please buy this album !

Ahh, the sweet sweet sounds of Jason Falkner!
I love this album. Its great pop music. What is James Carragher talking about? He gave this album 2 stars and U2's 5 stars? Are you familiar with the word pabulum? Is the fact that Jessie Helms has that album a good thing? Did the reviewer listen to this album? ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Am I Missing Something?
95% of the reviews I read of Matthew Sweet albums say "It's ok, but its no 'Girlfriend'". Why? I guess I just never really "got" Girlfriend. Sure there are some great songs like Evangeline and Winona, but sometimes painfully blunt lyrics and weaker songs like "Holy War" and "Does She Talk" got in the way of my enjoyment. Not that I disliked it. Anything by Sweet is worth obtaining (except "Blue Sky On Mars"). I think that the first half of Altered Beast is his best work yet with killer cuts like "Time Capsule" and "Ugly Truth" I also liked the second half, because even though there weren't any runaway great songs, none of them were bad. I value consistency most of all. But anyway, the songs on this album made a greater impression on me than the ones on any other Matthew Sweet album, and I would reccomend Altered Beast over all others. PS: email me if you've seen Caligula. I'm a Malcolm McDowell fan, and I want to know if I should see it.

uneven followup to "Girlfriend"
A problematic work. Matthew Sweet falls from the pinnacle of "Girlfriend" with this album. The album open with the noisy, absolutely unlistenable "Dinosaur Act" leaving me questioning why it was even put on the album. Two (or three) songs are as spectacular, good as those on "Girlfriend", "Time Capsule", and "Ugly Truth", a song so good he includes it in a second country rock version.

He runs a witty quote from Caligula wherein Caligula (and presumably Matthew Sweet) announces to the Roman Senate that he's now a God!

Unfortunately the rest of the album is mediocre, except for perhaps "Devil with the Green Eyes". But even if this isn't "Girlfriend", Matthew Sweet is better than 95% of the Rockers out there.

Rock isn't dead but it's certainly moribund, dying from rap, drugs, and perfomers with a lack of talent and discipline. Rock sales have plummeted. But anyone COULD make a good album anytime they wanted to really put themselves into it. Matthew Sweet is one of the last of a dying breed with this talent and discipline.

My favorite.
Beautiful and sad, this is my favorite of Matthew Sweet's albums, along with the related EP "Son of Altered Beast." Perhaps it is my favorite album, period. I almost wish he hadn't later found love and happiness, if it would have meant more like this.

The Beautiful Truth
If I'd written "The Ugly Truth," I could die happy. Enough said.

what can I say that hasn't already been said
I "discovered" Matthew Sweet about a year ago through his greatest hits CD and have purchased most of his work since then.Based on reviews that I have read on Amazon, this is the last of the CD's in Sweet's collection that I bought. It isn't as good as others, but it is still better than 99% of the other junk that passes for music that is out there. I have been a lifelong Todd Rundgren fan, and it was nice to discover that there is someone like Todd who is not afraid to push the envelope, but still write some good tunes. ... Read more

Album Description

Back in 1978 when The Ramones and The Sex Pistols were allthe rage, there was another punk rock group that dented the charts. Tuff Darts! This cult favorite is making itsworldwide CD debut. Headed up by lead guitarist Jeff Salen, this group made only one album, featuring hard drivingpunk/pop songs. Fans have been screamin' for this one! Wounded Bird Records. 2002. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The Dictators' kid brothers?
This is goofy melodic punk/power-pop with the kind of cartoonish anti-social and anti-love lyrics that made the early Ramones and Dictators records so fun. Musically, they remind me most of The 'Tators, and maybe Richard Hell & the Voidoids, though they're not as arty. Fun stuff. Now is anybody up for reissuing The Brains and Fingerprintz onto c.d.?

I'm getting old!
Wow, Tuff Darts finally making it to CD. I first became aware of this band when I was in Junior High School. It was the late 70's, folks were mainly into Disco. After seeing the Sex Pistols on Good Morning America, I was drawn into the world of Punk Rock, never to return! Now, as I near the age of 40, I'm reminded of one of my all time favorite records! Tuff Darts was a major inspiration for me in my youth (says something about me, eh?). I can still remember all the lyrics to "your love is like nuclear waste" and "rats". I got my vinyl from, believe it or not, the Columbia Record Club! Got it with Never Mind the Bollucks! Amazing! Still have it somewhere! Buy this CD! It's terrific!

I never though I'd see the day
I never thought this baby would ever be released!! I am also suprised to see others here writting the same review. This album was truly a neighborhood classic. I know of at least 4 copies of this album that were purchased in my old neighborhood and we used to joke that it was the only 4 they sold! Buy this album today, now!!!

"Punk" in Lyrics Only
I still have the vinyl original issue of "Tuff Darts!" and was delighted to find it released on CD. Pre-dating "The Knack" and the less-explicit-lyric-inclined "Romantics," Tuff Darts minced no words, yet played with a very listenable style and rocking beat, without the rough stridency characteristic of the hard-core bands in the genre termed "Punk." And, many of the songs are funny. Not necessarily because of such lines as, "I enjoy killing pigeons in the park. I like to peer in windows when it's nice and dark" ("Phone Booth Man"). The kick is in the matter-of-fact way the lyrics are sung, sometimes to a very laid-back melody, and not shouted.
I doubt a younger audience hearing this music for the first time, would have any inkling of its quarter-century age (bar the reference to dime phone calls). Themes progressive for the 70's could find an even larger popularity, as when the singer declares to an unnamed potential girlfriend: "I'd rather slash my wrists and cut my throat than have to spend the night with you. Your fancies are the pits..." ("Slash"). Living with repressive Southeastern radio fare in the Disco Era, I probably owe the fact that I can still think to the alternative press and a couple of college-campus record shops. "Tuff Darts!" could get airplay today. Even here.

"Tuff Darts,Mary !"
Yes,thats how they named the band. Lou Grant turns to Mary Richards on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and exclaims"Tuff Darts ,Mary!" And its all downhill from there...seriously,this was a band straight outta the same CBGBs scene that gave us The Ramones,Blondie,Talking Heads etc. They lost their singer right off the bat ( Robert Gordon,first teaming with Guitar God Link Wray & then signing with RCA as an Elvis contender to the throne)
Tuff Darts made one album for Sire in 1976 even got Ian Hunter to play on it..totally non-PC ,rude ,crude,you name it,but the record company got taken over by Warner bros. & they wanted nothing to do with these guys( or the Ramones for that matter but thats another story)Some really funny stuff,some cruel lyrics,but some good rocking ( certainly they were as good or better musicians than the other CBGB bands were in the beginning)
John Desalvo(bass) was a great character,wrote some hysterical stuff""Your Love is Like Nuclear Waste,they should stamp contaminated across your face..." Great..John was a cool guy,got to know him when I worked at the late great Sire. I Know I'm ordering the Cd re-issue( & I know a couple of other people who will too..)I heard somewhere the Darts got back together..we can only hope...
Yes,it's true ,we (my band ) even got to open up for them @ CBGB! BUY This Now before they disappear again !! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Unrecognized
Dramarama should've been bigger than Nirvana. John Easedale, the prime mover of the band, is a great singer/songwriter. All of their albums are worth listening to. This one is one of their finest.

Perfect Pop
This is my first review, and I'm writing as I eagerly await my copy of HiFi SciFi. This I have to say, is one of the best CDs I've ever purchased, from the opening "Until the Next Time" straight through to the end, not a bad note is heard.As a guitarist who has always been into plain old unadulterated Jangly melodic guitar pop, this is the perfect fix for those with a love of this sound. I get out my guitar and play along for extra fun! After this I bought "Cinema Verite", but the real standouts on there are "Anything, Anything" and "Scenario". On "Vinyl", the good stuff never stops. I agree with another reviewer about "In Quiet Rooms", the middle part where it's just the music with no vocal is SO beautiful, I nod my head along to the beat with a smile on my face every time! Buy this CD NOW!

Underrated Band at its Peak
Vinyl, along with its darker, edgier cousin Hi-Fi Sci-Fi, represents Dramarama at its creative peak. Vinyl plays like a tribute album to the rock of the late 60's and 70's--everything from the later-era Beatles to the 70's version of the Stones, from Kiss to more obscure acts like T. Rex, The New York Dolls, and Johnny Thunders. After an career of several uneven albums with some great songs ("Anthing, Anything, "Last Cigarette"), the band finally produced an album that's solid from beginning to end. Highlights include "Haven't Got a Clue," "Ain't It the Truth," and a cover of the Stones' B-side "Memo From Turner."

You won't be disappointed
This is the fourth of Dramarama's 6 cds (after Cinema Verite, Box Office Bomb, and Stuck In Wonderamaland, but before Hi-Fi Sci-Fi, and somewhere in there was their Bent Backed Tulips album). If you like Stuck In Wonderamaland, you'll like this. Though lacking a "Last Cigarette" or "Anything, Anything" type song, this cd has a couple of often overlooked gems.

My favorite is "In Quiet Rooms". Anyone who has witnessed the college scene will identify with this song. Catchy tune, awfully emoting lyrics.

One thing I particularly like about this album is the range of style. There are tunes to chill and ponder to like "Train Going Backwards" and "I'd Like to Volunteer" but there are also tunes to crank to volume to 10 (11 if you have a Spinal Tap stereo) like "Ain't It The Truth" and "I've Got Spies".

No matter what style the song is you are always comforted in the fact that you experience supreme vocals, excellent lyrics, and masterful craftsmanship.

the last great dramarama album
okay, first things first. the song, "what are we gonna do?" was written sort of as a slag on the whole "save the world," sort of mentality. not that it's a bad mentality, because it isn't, but because the band had just played an earth day show in san francisco and, after the show, there was just garbage everywhere. having typed that, i can continue. this is, as i've written, the last great dramarama album. it's a great album to drive to, it kicks off wonderfully with "until the next time," and doesn't ever really stop, even when it does slow down. the first three songs are among the strongest 1-2-3 on a record i own, and i own quite a few. i'd get the first three (or was it four?) dramarama albums first, but it would never be a bad idea to pick this one up, particularly if you're into stonesy/beatlish sort of stuff. this is the band's stonesy/beatlish album. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

An OK tribute to Lennon
I must admit that the reason I bought this CD is because I'm a fan of John Lennon and of the grunge scene of the early 1990's. So needless to say, I enjoyed the cover of "I Don't Want To Be A Soldier" by Mad Season (LAYNE STALEY'S VOCALS ARE ALWAYS AMAZING) and "Steel and Glass" by Candlebox, but for me the best track was "Working Class Hero" by The Screaming Trees. Mark Lanegan's voice is unbelievable and this cover is closest in my opinion to the original in quality. A pleasant surprise were Mary Chapin Carpenter's surprisingly good cover of "Grow Old With Me" and the cover of "How Do You Sleep" by The Magnificent Bastards. Collective Soul does a very good cover of Jealous Guy. Now, on to the bad. No surprise The Red Hot Chili Peppers would be found here with their cover of "I Found Out", I never liked "Power To The People", so I was going to skip it anyway, but The Minus Five didn't do all that bad with it. It actually shocked me that an established band like Cheap Trick couldn't pull off "Cold Turkey".

All in all, this disc is really worth picking up used, I'm glad I didn't pay full price, but it is a keeper since about half the tracks are at least decent.

Best cover album i've come across
I got this disc at a used CD shop in town for six dollars, I wasn't expecting much, as most of the Lennon cover/tributes i've heard were pretty lacking. I was dead wrong. There is only one bad cover on this dics, every other is great!

Red Hot Chili Peppers/I Found Out - Slow, Angry, and funky. Something the peppers haven't ever done before and its cool to hear them do a song that doens't stick to their style. 3/5

Mad Season/I don't Wanna Be a Soldier - I never liked this song, but I think this cover is more enjoyable than to original (to me) Driving guitars and bass, and some really good vocals. 3/5

Candlebox/Steel and Glass - Awesome cover off the Walls and Bridges album. It's especially good because the guitar were buried by the string in the original, but Candlebox's cover features loud guitars and stand out bass. Cool guitar solo too 5/5

Blues Traveler/Imagine - Pretty standard in the beginning, with some cool bass fills, but after the first verse things get really blusey and some harmonica come in. Good rendition! 4/5

Screaming Trees/Working Class Hero - I always thought this was one of Lennons best, but the only cover i've heard was by Cyndi Lauper and it was awful (love cyndi though) The song starts out with just two guitars chiming with vocals, but it builds up and adds a cello and evtually drums and bass come in and give the song a lot of power, great cover. 5/5

The Minus 5/Power To The People - I head this song tacked on as a bonus track on "Plastic Ono Band" and this cover is millions of times better than the original, believe me. It is amazing Minus 5 were able to see the potential of this otherwise lackluster song, fuul of energy absolutely great. 4/5

The Magnificent Bastards/How Do you Sleep - Rockin cover. Performed with all the spite and malice of the original, featuring a cool guitar interlude. 4/5

Flaming Lips/Nobody Told Me - Amazing! recorded with cheap, super distorted guitars, it sounds perfect. Great drumming and basswork from the lips as usual. 5/5

Super 8/Well Well Well - Sounds just like the original, except for the extra loud guitars on the chorus and the awesome vocals (not to mention the solo!) 5/5

Cheap Trick/Cold Turkey - I don't like Cheap Trick, I don't like Cold Turkey, I don't like this version. Weakest cover on the disc 2/5

Collective Sound/Jealous Guy - Acoustic guitar instead of piano doing th cords on this one, no stirngs either, really cool! The only reason I don't give this one a 5 is because Elliott Smith's cover of this song is ten times better. 4/5

Sponge/Isolation - The biggst suprise on this disc. Opens with a strat playing arpeggios with the vocals, sounding very sad and eerie, but then the chorus comes in with an explosion of power chords and drums. Best cover on the disc. 5/5

Toad The Wet Sprocket/Instant Karma - a very happy, clean sounding cover. Not much else to say, very enjoyable! 4/5

Mary Chapin Carpenter/Grow Old With Me - Very sparse mostly her and a piano. The sound is so lush and beautiful, and her vocals are outstanding. 5/5

George Clinton/Mind Games - here's something unexpected, George Clinton from the funk grou Parliment giving this song some soul. Clinton does a superb jop, lots of strings and guitars, and delight and a great way to end the album! 5/5

Gooood music

Outstanding tribute album that collects Lennon's best and starts off with an incredible kicker "I found out," performed by the Chili Peppers.

"Working Class Hero" and "Imagine" are a little overdone, though, and I tend to skip through them. "Imagine" is especially drippy with emotion.

Kinda grungy guitar sounds in this with some great vocals. Definitely recommend to anyone who wants Lennon filtered through 90s rock.

-- JJ Timmins

Surprisingly enjoyable set of grunge-tinged covers.
I'm pretty shocked at the negative reviews above, but its kind of the nature of tribute albums. I really enjoy this CD-but I'm a big Beatles fan AND a fan of 1991-95 "Seattle Sound" type grunge. The latter part is important for enjoying this disc. "I Don't Want to be a Soldier" by Mad Season (with members of Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam) and "Working Class Hero" by Screaming Trees (another lesser known Seattle band) are the standouts, along with "I Found Out" and "Well Well Well". I thought these were excellent meldings of Lennon's awsome lyrics presented in an alternative rock format that might be more accessible to younger listeners. Then maybe they'll chase down the originals-and that's always a good thing.

There's a cohesiveness to the songs and artists. It doesn't feel forced or disjointed like the Led Zep Encomium disc (where you could just see the A&R guys doling out asssignments to the "hot" bands on the label). I play 75% of this disc when I dig it out. It's worth your time and $$$.

A bit disappointing
John Lennon's music was so intensely personal that it can be difficult for someone to convey his emotions in a cover version. Also, this album contains covers by several flash-in-the-pan groups who don't seem to have a clue what they are singing or why.

In the category of trying to re-create a personal song, there is 'How Do You Sleep?' performed here by The Magnificent Bastards. Although the lead singer sounds appropriately angry, what is he angry about? John Lennon was angry at Paul McCartney at the time he recorded the song, so that cannot be re-cycled. Another intense song of Lennon-angst, 'Well Well Well' gets a fairly good turn from Super 8, but nothing could match Lennon's misery on the original version. I was very disappointed with Cheap Trick's version of 'Cold Turkey' which is virtually unrecognizable and sounds like a pop tune rather than the painful tale of a man overcoming heroin addition.

There are very few highlights on the album, where the artists create their own version of the Lennon song, but keep true to the emotion of the original, without sacrificing their personal stamp. To me, the best versions on the album are 'Imagine' by Blues Traveler, which is very folky and mellow, but also very distinctive with John Popper's vocals. Collective Soul do a very good version of 'Jealous Guy' and Mary Chapin Carpenter's version of 'Grow Old With Me' is tender and memorable.

I wouldn't recommend buying this cd, since most of the versions are forgettable. It's not really worth it for the few good songs on the album. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The early word was that Silverchair--who at one time could have adopted the hip-hop moniker Lil' Nirvana--on their long-awaited fourth album had morphed into the antipodean Radiohead. But that's a bit of a stretch. Diorama, the band's first release in three years, instead finds the Australian trio shedding the hollow teen angst and beefy riffs of its earlier records in favor of epic melodies, meaningful lyrics, and a markedly more refined sound. The results are staggering. Featuring an orchestra section arranged by Van Dyke Parks, "The Greatest Way" is a sweeping and soulful anthem. "World upon Your Shoulders" is a Guns 'N' Roses-caliber power ballad--and that's no bad thing, either. And "Without You" exhibits a determined, gripping delicacy not seen since, well, the last Radiohead album. Another giant leap forward.--Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

Reviews (176)

Best album of 2002
A couple months ago, I came across a review for "Diorama" on -
of all sites - a wrestling site (which also featured columns on
music, videogames, etc.). The person who reviewed it compared it
to The Beatles' Sgt. Peppers in the sense that it was such a radical departure from their previous music. Apparently, I've been really out of touch with music for the past few years, because I didn't even realize Silverchair was still around, let alone putting out a fourth album (I didn't even know "Neon Ballroom" existed at the time I read the review). The last I heard of Silverchair was a song called "Cemetary", and after that, their popularity seemed to fade when all the boy bands and manufactured pop stars came into the picture. Anyway, I downloaded a couple songs ("Across the Night" and "The Greatest View") off Kazaa, and I was really intrigued. THIS is Silverchair? "Across the Night" in particular sounded unclassifyable (is that a word?) in terms of genre, but nonetheless, I was intrigued. So I went out, and bought the album. After a the first listen, I thought to myself, "Wow..they HAVE changed!" I immediately listened to the album again..and again..and after about 5 listens, I knew two things:
1) That "Diorama" is easily the best album of 2002
and
2) I'm now a HUGE Silverchair fan.

The experience opens up with "Across the Night", one of three tracks arranged by the legendary Van Dyke Parks (who worked with the Beach Boys on "Pet Sounds"). A fantastic track that pulls you in from the opening seconds, and makes you want to keep listening to hear what could be next.

The next track, "The Greatest View", was apparently the first single even though I never heard it played on the radio. It starts off with some heavy guitar chords, but turns into a soulful love song with an irrestibly catchy chorus.

"Without You", the second single (which again, I've never heard on the radio) is next. Another very catchy, powerful love song. Daniel Johns sounds eerily like Johnny Reznik (or whatever the Goo Goo Dolls frontman's name is) during the chorus, but in this case, it's not a bad thing.

Another feel good song, "World Upon Your Shoulders" follows. At this point, the album is "4 for 4" in terms of excellent songs.

The next track, "One Way Mule" is a departure from the "New Silverchair", and sounds more like the grunge infused Silverchair of the 90's. I suspect this was one of the first songs written for the album, perhaps leftover from the Neon Ballroom sessions. It's certainly not a bad song (in fact, I like it a lot), but it really doesn't fit in with the rest of the album.

The second half of the album so to speak kicks off with "Tuna in the Brine", my personal favorite song on the whole album. Like "Across the Night", this one has a lot of orchestral arrangements in the background. The song also changes tempo many times throughout. This song didn't grab me right away like "The Greatest View" or "World Upon Your Shoulders", but while the latter songs kind of stayed the same upon each listen, this one has so many layers, and like wine, gets better with age.

"Too Much of Not Enough" is similar to "World Upon.." in many ways, yet they sound nothing alike. Accoustic verses lead into a pretty heavy chorus, and a nice bridge in the middle leads to a heavy finish.

"Luv Your Life" is just a BEAUTIFUL song, and I fell in "luv" with it on the first listen. I believe this was the third single (even though the album just came out in August here in the states, it's been out since March in Australia, which explains all the singles released already). If I'm ever in a bad mood, or just stressed out, I listen to this song. This is the third song featuring Van Dyke Parks arrangements, although they're not quite as conspicuous on this track.

"The Lever" is the other "grungey" track on Diorama that doesn't really fit in much, but it's still an excellent song, and I'd rather have it on the album (despite not fitting in) than not have it. The French Horns (?) midway through are cool touch.

"My Favorite Thing" is a really slow, but beautiful song.

Finally, "After All These Years", which features Daniel Johns on piano rather than guitar. I think this was the recently released fourth single, which boggles my mind. I mean, it's a great way to close the album, but it just doesn't seem like something you'd hear on the radio.

And that's "Diorama". Basically, if you like GOOD music, you should buy this album. Anyone who still compares Silverchair to Nirvana needs to get out of their cave, and listen to Diorama. I love Nirvana as much as the next person, but after hearing this album (and Neon Ballroom, which I went out and bought a couple weeks after I bought Diorama) I would put Silverchair way over them.

Actually deserves 6 stars
How can I even begin to explain to anyone how awesome this album is? Silverchair has, over the years, become simply better and better at their craft, and has been able to change their sound more than anyone ever could have predicted. The grand orchestrations more than exceed those of many true classical pieces, and all just in the background of Daniel Johns' talented vocals and songwriting. Songs such as "Across the Night", "Tuna in the Brine", "Without You", and well, the ENTIRE album are great examples of songs that alone could sell a record, but instead you get the surprise of all of the songs being fantastic themselves. There's such a shift in styles all the way through, including an old-school one called "One Way Mule" that really gives Diorama variety that most other albums simply can't pull off. I would suggest this album to anyone who appreciates and supports true music. Also check out Johns' new band, the Dissociatives.

Its so good I'm writing another review
Okay, so I have to admit: you either love this album, or you hate it. But if you enjoy music that can transform and take you on a journey to a completely different time and place - this is the one. While subtle connections to Silverchair's earlier songs (especially "Petrol and Chlorine," "Miss you Love" and "Emotion Sickness") are present, those of us who purchased Frogstomp in 7th grade and now go out and buy "Diorama" as 22 or 23 year olds SHOULD be prepared for a change. I mean, what can one expect; haven't you changed since you were 14?

I think it is important to note that just about anyone who thinks and feels deeply, occasionally provoking the need for a musical journey, will LOVE this album. "My Favourite Thing" is one of the most beautiful songs ever written, and I know that I can't listen to it without closing my eyes and cutting myself off from everything around me. Now that's intense.

Are you ready for this? Buy the album, put it in your CD player, lie down on your bed, close your eyes, and GO. You won't be disappointed.

PS - If you like it, check out "The Dissociatives" - Johns' new project with Paul Mac.

silverchair is one of the greatest bands of the 90s
i grew up listening to this band i love their music ,and they have grown so much since frogstomp. Diorama is one huge step ,and its a great album. im always happy to see daniel smiling it makes me smile, hes very talented lyrically, and vocally. dan, ben and chirs bring together great music.

Just pretend everything after Freak Show never happened
Silverchair's Diorama is utterly bland. It is devoid of everything that made these three Aussies a huge success in 1995. When a once-popular band's albums are ignored by the public, there's usually a good reason why. Case in point with Silverchair. Frogstomp was the was the pinnacle of Silverchair's music career. It consisted of hard rock, and middle schoolers everywhere gobbled it up and made a huge hit. Sure, it was all one style of music, but all the songs were excellent. Freak Show was released in early 1997, and was a bit of a disappointment (I hate their pointlessly thrashy songs like "Lie to Me", and their overblown, plodding borefests like "Cemetery"). The slower songs on Freak Show really bogged it down. Neon Ballroom came next, and only had once great song on it ("Emotion Sickness"), while the rest was, again, bogged down by the slow material. And here we are at the present with Diorama, where there's nothing on here but slow songs made to drag the album's listening factor down to a screeching halt. Somebody tell Daniel Johns to stop ripping of other peoples' classics. The main piano line in "Across the Night" was stolen from John Lennon's "Imagine". ... Read more

Album Description

UK reissue of 1972 album from the quintessential power pop group whose music , from the pen of founding member Eric Carmen, blended Beatles-esque pop with the fiery power of The Who & Small Faces. Ten tracks including the hit single 'I Wanna Be With You'. Packaged in a digipak with original front cover artwork. RPM. 2004. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Remastered sound is superb!!!!!!!
Just wanted to let the Raspberries fans out there know that the sound on these new imports is fantastic!I have the first two and i'm anxiously awaiting the final two to be released.They come in beautiful digipaks.I gave these first 2 albums 4 stars, saving the 5 stars for the awesome 'Side 3' and 'Starting Over'.

It Still Lives Up To Its Title
When the Raspberries called it a career, and their first best-of album arrived (1976's "Raspberries Best Featuring Eric Carmen," the billing only too obviously aiming at the audience then digging deep into Carmen's first solo album and first two solo hits), one of the inside liner notes concluded thus, again leaning upon the angle of the Beatles' influence on them, "We'll never know if they had an album like 'Sgt. Pepper' in their future, but they sure have a lot of albums as enjoyable as 'Rubber Soul' in their past."

That isn't exactly off the mark, considering that about half their first album and just about all of albums two through four are exactly as enjoyable as "Rubber Soul," even if the Raspberries weren't as overtly ambitious as the Beatles showed themselves on that set. With "Fresh," the Ohio quartet saw their own debut and raised it about tenfold, eliminating the critical excesses that marred the debut and getting down to just about the most exquisite example they could offer of how to create rocking pop music with a little extra oomph, a lot of melodic and harmonic care, and an unapologetic empathy toward the line between teen innocence and teen angst without either crossing it or crushing it beneath their platform suit shoes.

The kickoff track (and their second Top 20 hit), "I Wanna Be With You," shows they haven't lost their ability to hang hook after hook, harmony after harmony--and shamelessly chiming guitars--on a hard rock bed, and they continue the guitar chimes cleverly enough on the next track, "Goin' Nowhere Tonight." Then comes "Let's Pretend," about which it is fair to say that if Paul McCartney once wanted to write a song as good as "Wouldn't It Be Nice," Eric Carmen did. (Ironically, Carmen has since admitted "Wouldn't It Be Nice" was his inspiration for this jewel.) It deserved to be a bigger hit single than it was, but in 1973 the smugger-than-thou world of glitter, glam, prog pretensions, and singer-songwriter solipsism still wasn't ready to admit that what we used to call pure rocking pop still had validity. (They probably weren't really ready to admit that "Let's Pretend" was bridged by a little night sex, either.) And nothing---not the first three tracks of "Fresh," not subsequent treats as the Raspberries beating the Beach Boys at their own game ("Drivin' Around") or Carmen and bassist Dave Smalley dreaming up something that damn near beat "Let's Pretend" at its own game (the breathless heartbreak middle-rocker, "Nobody Knows," George Harrison-esque guitar break and all), and not Wally Bryson's deceptively lightweight but charming "Might As Well"---could sway them.

And to think it was only going to get better from there. And, that more than half the world of the 1970s couldn't pull its own head out from up its own musical rump long enough to pay the attention this music and this band deserved...

Loaded with power pop goodness!Won't cause cavities!
Word of the Raspberries reunion concert was one of the bright spots of the music year 2004, and now the reissue of their four album catalog is far and away the most welcome news of 2005.Fresh was a step up from the classic debut, with only three songs the competent "Every Way I Can" and "Goin' Nowhere Tonight" and the trite "Might As Well" failing to pull off power pop perfection.Outright classics on this album are "I Wanna Be With You", "Let's Pretend", "I Reach for the Light", "Nobody Knows", "If You Change Your Mind" and "Drivin' Around."Now what I'd like to see after a release of the concert on cd and dvd is a full scale reunion with a new album.I'm not holding my breath, mind you.It's just what I'd like to see.

May be the ultimate release from the godfathers of power pop
When you ask Raspberries fans which album is their favorite, they tend to cite this one over and over again. Maybe it's the perfect distillation of all their Sixties-inflluenced British Invasion pop magic. Maybe it's the amazing sequence of musical gems that is side two...from "Nobody Knows" right down to "Drivin' Around." But if you listened only to side two you'd miss their classic "I Wanna Be With You"...the song with which they're opening their reunion concerts. If that one doesn't rock you, nothing will! In any case, if I had to recommend one Raspberries album over all the others it would probably be this one. But really, if you like this kind of music you should get them all...and look for their reunion tour...it's coming sometime this year. ... Read more

Album Description

Yes, this is the little pop band from Pasadena who, without an agent, manager, or record deal of any kind landed the opening slot on the entire 2001 U.S. WEEZER / GET UP KIDS tour. How did they do it? With amazing songs. Rock And Roll part 3 is that same collection of amazing songs that allowed Ozma to achieve the impossible. After selling over 4,000 copies on their own of what can justifiably be called a true indie masterpiece, Kung Fu Records is proud to release the album that started it all in a completely re-mastered form, with expanded packaging and enhanced CD features. Some say, "hey this sounds like Weezer." We say, "if you must make that comparison then think of them as a younger, cuter, Weezer; without the baggage." These guys (and one girl- the lovely Star Wick on keyboard) call it power pop-geek rock and have written some of the best songs written by anyone, anywhere, at anytime. They are that good.It is powerful guitar driven pop laced with perfect ! melodies that you can't help playing over and over again in your car, at your desk,or anywhere. It takes one play to love each song and be impressed by the lyrics but after a few listens it becomes hard not to throw around terms like "pure genius." ... Read more

Reviews (43)

A Poorman's Weezer?
I remember when I first saw Ozma live. They opened for a Goat Punishment (Weezer's secret band name) show in 2000, and I was simply hooked. Now, a lot of people say that Ozma sounds just like Weezer and, of course, Weezer being a big influence on the band, they have similarities. However, Ozma should be judged on it's own merit. They're a highly accessible band, in which you can often see band members hanging out with fans. And of course they've produced some catchy and fun songs. Some of which are Domino Effect, In Search of 1988, and Baseball. Also, the Kung Fu Records re-release of the album is well worth it for the video bonuses. Ultimately, my stance on this CD is that is a very good CD and worth a listen.

However, if I had to chose between Rock and Roll Part III and their other album, the Double Donkey Disc... I'd chose the Double Donkey Disc.

Just...awesome music. Why can't bands do this more often?
I love these guys! They're my geek rock heros! All talented musicians. "Music that's got more hooks that God's fishin' line!" I've been fortunate enough to see these guys twice. They're amazing live performers and they're coming to a town near you on the 2002 warped tour! Go! Go to it! Go to their website (...), take the time to print out an order form, and buy "the doubble donkey disc." Go to (...) and buy their "songs of inaudible trucks and cars" (Cuz the original is out of print) You'll wonder how you ever lived without them. Any weezer fan with a blue album and pinkerton preference (you all know what I mean) will LOVE this. Like shootin' fish in a barrel. Don't just download their stuff either, buy it! Although, they're on Kung Fu now, they're still relatively obscure. SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!

"Ive been dreamin about you ever since i woke up..."
As a long-term weezer fan, i didnt think anything could compare. However, I got this CD as a present, so i thught id give it a shot. I'm so glad i did. They seem to perfectly grasp the instramental harmonies in a way that Weezer only really did in their early days. The Ups and Downs (my clear favorite)is witty and fun, and expresses the confusion that most people have after ending a relationship. Domino effect is a gorgeous song with gorgeous lyrix. Last Dance has a certain spunk to it that is amazing. Ozma is unique and unlike anything else out there, and i hope that they can be an insperation to more bands out there. BUY THIS CD!!!

Hold me like long ago..a heartbeat sure and slow
I was introduced to Ozma through a friend who also loves Weezer. "They're like Weezer but more emo," I was told. Ozma was that and so much more. I absolutely adore this CD. In Search of 1988 was an instant favorite. Domino Effect has become my favorite song of Ozma's after many, many listens. Apple Trees is excellent. Natalie Portman is great. The Ups and Downs is amazing. If I Only Had a Heart - I just love this song. It's not deep, it's not insightful, but it's still great, and the little hook at the *very* end - a short little single note progression after some heavy chords - makes me smile every time I hear it. Baseball, Rocks, and Battlescars are wonderful.

It's just a great cd. They do have a Weezer-esque influence, but they are certainly no Weezer clone. It's great rock. It's excellent music. It will be stuck in your head for days on end. Trust me - Rock and Roll Part Three will not disappoint.

EVERY TRACK ON THIS CD IS AMAZING
Ozma is the best! This cd is my favorite cd, and unlike most cd's every track is amazing. Ozma's great and they have an awesome sound...everyone should own this cd!

--pEaCE-- ... Read more

Album Details

Raspberries were the Quintessential 70's Power Pop Group. Their Music, from the Pen of Founder Member Eric Carmen, Blended Beatlesque Pop with the Fiery Power of the who and Small Faces. They Believed in the Power and Spirit of a Supremely Crafted Three-minute Pop Song Packing the Excitement of their Musical Idols. Much Has Been Written About the Group Down the Years, and About Carmen, Whose Subsequent Solo Career Has Spawned a Few International Hit Songs of his Own Such as "All by Myself", with Many Later Bands Imitating and Citing the Raspberries as a Major Influence. Old Fans Remain, but Many New Ones have Come Along Since for Whom Only Compilations have Been Served Up. The Disc Comes in a Digi-pak Using the Original Front Cover Artwork. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Remastered sound is superb!!!!!!!
If you're already a Raspberries fan, you know about these four albums, this being the first.The reason to get these new imports is for the beautiful digipak and the vastly improved sound over any of the domestic releases.I have this and 'Fresh' and i'm counting the days til 'Side 3' and 'Starting Over' are available.

Audacious if Imperfect Debut
The Raspberries' audacious idea---for 1972, it was as audacious as they came, amidst the glitter, glam, and prog pretensions dominating rock at the time---was that rock and roll could never be better than if you laid the harmonies of the Beatles, the Beach Boys, and the Hollies on top of the spine-crunching power chords of the Who and Free and the earthquake backbeats of the Small Faces and the Rascals. In their hands, rock and roll was exactly as the Raspberries---and particularly Eric Carmen, their primary songwriter and singer---imagined it, and if you could listen to "Go All The Way" or "Come Around and See Me" and not agree with them, you probably couldn't believe that something like "Go All The Way" cracked the 1972 Top 20 in the first place. (Never mind that you probably got caught completely off guard that a song this overtly about pubescent sex got on the charts at all, never mind top 20.) Either that or you wondered if they'd spent too much time watching the Beatles on the Sullivan show whenever the segment reared its head or numbing themselves with "Bus Stop" and "I Can See For Miles" back to back.

The other members of the group---guitarist Wally Bryson, guitarist/bassist Dave Smalley (rhythm guitarist on this album, switched to bass in favour of Carmen moving to rhythm guitar afterward), thundercrack drummer Jim Bonfanti---didn't quite have Carmen's songwriting chops. But they weren't exactly stiffs, either. Get past the obvious and Dave Smalley's "Rock and Roll Mama" is pretty zippy, and pretty basic. No bells and whistles, just stripped and whipped rock and roll.

The Raspberries had a softer side, too, and it was the side that hurt them more than helped them, if you didn't count Carmen's exquisitely understated "I Saw The Light." (How exquisite? Try it being the Raspberries' best ballad until "Starting Over.") But by the evidence of "Don't Want To Say Goodbye" and "I Can Remember" (if Barry Manilow had wanted to be a rock and roller, this is what he'd have dreamed up) they couldn't deliver a ballad with even half the smarts or the sensibility (like knowing when to shut the hell up already) of their rockers. If you listen just once to "I Can Remember" and think they should have canned the first half and just left the rocking second half intact, you'd have been right.

But they learned their lesson. (How could they not, given "Don't Want To Say Goodbye" was actually their first Capitol single and died faster than a chainsaw massacre victim?) And from this debut they'd go on to create some of the most vibrant---and unfairly ignored---music in what did become known as power pop. Many have become appreciated after their time; few deserved that kind of cruelty less than the Raspberries.

Amazing sound out of Cleveland
Occasionally a band stumbles into a sound that is far ahead and behind the times simultaneously.The Raspberries had the fortune/misfortune to have hit upon this combination, being criticized for sounding too much like the Beatles/Who/Beach Boys while taking everyone on a totally unique nostalgia cruise that eventually became a Power Pop revival, but only after they broke up.Despite the fact that Eric Carmen was the one who made all the money, what really made the Raspberries special was the sound of his voice and Wally Bryson's Rickenbacker together.(Not to downgrade in any way the contributions of Dave Smalley's overall musicianship and Jim Bonfanti's tornadic drumming.)The debut album had it's fair share of marginal songs, but it also had some outright classics."Go All The Way" may be the closest thing to a perfect song for an old dashboard speaker."Come Around And See Me", while in no way a classic, still has enough attitude to have made every compilation tape or cd I've ever made."Don't Want to Say Goodbye" and "I Can Remember" serve up some of the finest harmonies and guitar work of the era.The rest of the music occasionally has some charm, but these were the songs that would hint at what was to come next.I'm glad to finally see these reissued, even though I bought the Japanese remasters some time ago.My only question would be, "Why only on import?"

Given their recent reunion, a timely reissue!
It's perfect timing for the classic Raspberries albums to be reissued individually on CD at last--given their recent reunion and successful concerts in Cleveland and Chicago. Prior to this, these albums were available only as a set of two each on two CDs. Now anyone who's a fan of power pop but somehow missed this band or has not yet purchased their complete albums on CD has the option of doing so one at a time. This one is a must--although it doesn't rock as hard as later ones would, you can't afford to miss classics like their BIG hit "Go All the Way" and the eight-minute time-morphing masterpiece "I Can Remember." Buy it, listen to it, love it--then watch for news of a concert tour. I've been to all three shows so far, and after 30 years, this band is rocking more than ever. ... Read more

Album Description

German reissue of 1972 album originally released on A&M.Repertoire. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Some biographical info
It all started with British guitarist/vocalist Robert Huxley,a member of a British beat group "The Saxons"(where he used the name Robbie Gale)."The Saxons" were enlisted by legendary record producer Joe Meek to become "The New Tornados".Then Joe Meek died tragically.While touring the middle east with The New Tornados,Huxley met some Israeli musicians and formed the psychedelic band "Churchills",who cut one Israeli album in 1967.All but the lead singer relocated to England,where they became "Jericho Jones"(cutting the album "Monkeys,Junkies & Donkeys"),then shortening their name to "Jericho" for their self-titled second album.Both albums were originally taped for "Red Bus Productions",who licensed them to A&M.But,when he group refused to play gigs that "Red Bus" had booked in South Africa,"Red Bus" terminated the recording deal,blocking the group from recording directly for A&M.The group disbanded.The four Israelis went back to Israel,and Rob Huxley moved to Florida,where he lives happily to this day,and occasionally makes music.

Loudest Band I Ever Heard!
I have always wondered whatever happened to these guys. I know the lead guitar player was from Israel, but I think the rest of the band were all Blokes. I saw them at the Marquee Club in London in the fall of 72 and they were so loud, I was plastered to the wall from the sound pressure!

To be fair, I've never even heard this album and that is the reason for the four stars, but if it represents the songs I heard at their live show, it really rocks! Too bad they disappeared as they really put on a good show. My ears are still ringing!

This album ROCKS!
In all my days of rocking, this album has captivated me so much that I rate it in my Top 3 rock album list. I heard it for the first time at a friend's house and he has always fed it to me in bits and pieces. Now however, I have managed (finaly) to obtain it for myself, and believe me, it will hold pride of place in an extensive collection.

If you are a rocker....BUY IT, this oppertunity will not come easily again!

heavy 70's rock...from Isreal.
It may be hard to believe, but this slab of 70's heavyness actually came from a band hailing from Isreal. They only put out this one album, and it's a gem. If you like other 70's rock such as Uriah Heep, Captain Beyond, Hawkwind, etc..You will dig this CD. I searched for 4 or 5 years for this disc, and I expected to pay tons of cash. Buy it now while you have the chance.

Israel's best hard rock album ever
Okay, so I can't actually think of many others, but geography be damned, this album ranks amongst the finest heavy records of the early 70s. Dropping the '...Jones' from their name, the band releashed this LP on A&M in 1972. Just five songs on offer here, including 'Justin and Nova', 'Featherbed' and 'Kill Me with your Love' - lengthy smouldering tracks that make this album a favourite among a new breed of stoner rock fans ... Read more

Reviews (7)

It's A Springsteen Summer!
I LOVE Bruce! He is the best. No one has really mentioned this though: The most interesting cover on this collection is Protection by Donna Summer with Bruce on guitar and background vocals. There's supposed to be a duet of this with the two of them, which I think must have been killer. In any case, it makes you wonder what future collaborations between the two could bring about. WOW!

Bruce Lite, which can be a good thing
Bruce is Bruce and obviously I love Bruce or I wouldn't have bought this thing. It's just very interesting to hear these versions of some of the smaller elephants in Bruce's zoo.
Almost every song here the vocals pull back from Springsteen's vocal approach, which is so often self-conscious and self-important.
It's a little breath of fresh air.
I can't believe nobody else mentioned Nils' version of "Wreck on the Highway". So far, it's the most arresting thing here.
On a side note: who are these people?
I don't know who "Aram" is but he does a superb version of "Something in the Night". Really turns the song inside out, but it's still completely the same song.
Anyway, there's a lot of good stuff here. All in all, it's more like a 3.5 than 4.

Interesting revisitation
I looked over the reviews of this CD, and I am surprised that the version of Darkness is not mentioned. Nor is the Smithereens version of Downbound Train. These are my favorites. I don't know who that is singing Darkness, but it is a standout on this CD. Worth the price just on its own. And there is plenty of other music contained within this CD. I'm listening to it right now, and I can tell you that I listen to it over and over.
Springsteen fans and just good Rock and Roll fans get this one.
Springsteen is a great storyteller and this will allow you to listen to his stories from another perspective. Excellent.

One or Two gems, but only Bruce can sing his music...
Not a bad album, just for the majority of these songs Bruce does it so much better that there hard to listen to. Some good songs: Atlantic City by Kurt Neumann, Jackson Cage by John Wesley Harding (excellent, dare I say better than Bruce's version?), Janey Don't You Lose Heart by Tina & The B-Side Movement, 4th Of July, Asbury Park is different but good, Ben E. King had to really work to pull off that one. Stolen Car by Elliott Murphy is decent, Love's On The Line by Gary U.S. Bonds is really good, The Fever and Seaside Bar are not too bad. Interesting to hear If I Was The Priest, but to hear the best version of it listen to Before The Fame as the Boss can only sing it. The real gem of this album is Jackson Cage by JWH. Would love to hear him cover more Springsteen material if he can take an average song by Bruce's standards like Jackson Cage and make it sound like a classic. The album will really only appeal to Springsteen fans mostly, and even then it's hard to hear other people sing his songs.

A British fan of The Boss
Most tribute albums are a bit hit and miss. This one has more hits than misses. A range of artists, some of which I've never heard of, give their versions of Bruce tracks. There are some real highlights: David Bowie's 'Hard to be a Saint in the City'; Elliot Murphy's 'Stolen Car' and John Wesley Harding's 'Jackson Cage' are possibly the best. A number of excellent Bruce-sound-a-like renditions including The Knack's 'Don't look back' and The Rocking Chairs' (who are they?) 'Restless Nights'. There are also somelow points. In particular, Paul Cebar manages to lose all the mood in a gastly version of 'One step up'. An excellent mix overall, and a good introduction to Bruce's songs for those who claim not to like him. Worth the money - go for it! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Plenty of Good Stuff Here
Tommy Tutone enjoyed a short heyday during the peak of New Wave in the early 1980s. The first two Tutone albums contained an array of power pop--music with hooks and an edge. There are at least five or six great tunes on this CD. Jenny (867-5309 is their best-known song and may also be their best. But songs like Baby It's Alight, Angel Say No, Cheap Date and Which Man are You, among others, are worth a serious listen. If you're into the music of the New Wave period, definitely check this CD out.

One Hit Wonders Had Many Other Fine Songs
Tommy Tutone made three albums in the early 80s, and had one smash hit single, "867-5309/Jenny", which was from the second album, "Tommy Tutone 2". This CD re-issue combines the first 2 albums on one CD. (The 3rd album, "National Emotion", has never been issued on CD, but is a disappointment compared to the first two.) Tommy Tutone's albums were comprised of energetic power pop in the style of the hit, plus slower, more somber songs that were equally catchy but had a quality of melancholy - "Shadow On The Road Ahead", "Which Man Are You". The first album is pretty good, a 3-star effort, but it is on the 5-star second album where they really shine. The two leaders, singer Tommy Health and guitarist Jim Keller, where known during the band's brief life for not getting along well together, and after album three they finally split up. More than a decade after their heyday, Heath resurrected the band name and put out two more albums as Tommy Tutone, without Keller's involvement. I haven't heard either one. If you know and love "867-5309/Jenny" and are curious about whether the rest is worth owning, my advice is go ahead and buy this CD, there are plenty of other good songs to be found here.
(April 2003 update: Now I HAVE heard the two later albums, and I like them both. 1994's "Nervous Love" seems more like a Tommy Heath solo album, but 1998's "Tutone.rtf" has got the old Tommy Tutone spirit, and holds it's own with the best of the albums from the 80s. I've submitted reviews of each to Amazon.

Unknown Gems
Tommy Tutone is often noted as being a one hit wonder band. This is simply because "867-5309/Jenny" was their only song to receive air play. It isn't even their best song. This CD is full of good songs primarily from the first 2 albums. I highly recomend this CD, just take a listen and you will agree. Given more airtime for all their material they could of had a string of hits during the 80's, there is little music in the same genre today that can match this stuff !! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Singer, songwriter, bandleader, producer, cult figure, gadfly, self-promoting visionary, and techno-geek provocateur for any number of revolutionary musical and home-entertainment breakthroughs--which Todd Rundgren would you anthologize? On this 27-track, double-disc compendium, Rhino has ably distilled Rundgren's restless, often overblown ambitions and playfully obtuse artistic vision into what passes for its original essence. With the exception of the Nazz's emblematic "Open Your Eyes," these songs are culled mostly from the handful of solo albums Rundgren produced during a 15-year span that also saw him produce hit records for everyone from Grand Funk to XTC, as well as front the prog-rock Utopia. What the CD reveals is an artist not only fueled by the Beatles-led Brit invasion of his teens and Bell Records soul of his native Philadelphia, but one whose heartfelt romantic ballads ("I Saw the Light," "It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference") are so perfectly crafted that they sound like nothing short of outtakes from Carol King's Tapestry. Given his tendency to zig when others anticipated zag, there is a sense of determined exotica at work here, too--one whose most obvious fruits are the Caribbean-tinged radio drive-time staple, "Bang the Drum All Day." If you only know "The Runt" from early hits like "Hello It's Me" and "We Gotta Get You a Woman," you may find this collection to be variously adventurous yet satisfyingly familiar. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (8)

I don't want to work
This is a decent overview of Todd Rundgren's career, not including his work with Utopia. It features most of his best known songs, although it curiously doesn't include his hit cover version of "Good Vibrations". (I guess they decided to only include songs Todd wrote himself.) How much you get out of this collection depends on how much you like Todd Rundgren. I tend to like his earlier stuff better than his later stuff, although the more recent stuff does have it's merits. Recommended to people looking for a sampler of Todd's work.

corrections II
Amazon is for some reason posting an identical set of reviews for both Todd Rundgren: Anthology (1968-1985) **his solo work**; and Todd Rundgren's Utopia: City in my Head **his band work**. This is causing some confusion for those of us who know that there is a sharp distinction between the two and are trying to clarify the point.

There is yet another anthology of his **solo work** which I allude to in my previous review, entitled "Go Ahead and Ignore Me". There are other Utopia **his band** anthologies as well, but things are confusing enough. Hey, Amazon editor: get with it!

To correct a couple of the other reviews
If you have an appreciation for Todd's solo work, this is a great collection of his solo works. It is NOT a Utopia disc. All the tracks come from 11 of his solo albums and includes a track off the first Nazz LP. There is a different anthology for Utopia which I bought as a companion to this. All in all, both as a set are a decent summation of the various aspects of Rundgren.

A true anthology
For over three decades, Todd Rundgren has been one of the highest quality pop-rockers out there, Not many artists last that long, let alone have music that stands the test of time. Todd's music more than stands the test of time - it's an infinite number of times better than the stuff that has been flooding the mainstream in recent years. To not love this guy's music is the ultimate sin! Okay, enough talk, let's get down to business. Read on for my review of Todd Rundgren's Anthology.

PROS:

-If you're a casual Todd Rundgren fan, and you like the songs of his that get played on the radio on a regular basis, this is the compilation for you. All his big hits are here, from the deep and meaningful early seventies tunes Hello Its Me and I Saw The Light, to the much more pop-oriented and keyboard-heavy eighties pop-rocker, Bang The Drum All Day.
-The compilation truly is a "best of" and not a "greatest hits", because it relies on a number of excellent songs that were never popular in any way.
-The album features tracks from Todd's Utopia days.
-The liner notes are nice.

CONS:
-Unless you're a die-hard Todd Rundgren fan, you're not going to find anything wrong with this compilation.

OVERALL:
This is an excellent compilation for any casual fan on Todd Rundgren. If you're just a casual fan, this compilation will do just fine, as opposed to buying all of his albums.

the corrections
This is not a collection of Todd Rundgren solo recordings; it is an anthology of recordings by Todd Rundgren's band, Utopia. Indeed, the Amazon review is actually reviewing the companion disc, "Todd Rundgren: Go Ahead and Ignore Me".

Although Todd, as band leader of Utopia, would invariably throw in a few chestnuts from his solo career into the Utopia live set lists, Utopia, *the band*, had its own distinct repertoire and reason for being. Indeed, much of this Utopia repertoire was written by the other brilliant band members (as well, they often shared production credits). Ironically, Todd has had to appropriate some of his Utopia songs into his solo performances and anthologies due to their hit status ("Love is the Answer", for example).

With this said, this is a fine, cream-of-the-crop, selection of *Utopia* (the band) songs and a fitting tribute to an appropriately idealistic group of musicians led by one of the great geniuses of the last century. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Added Tracks make this a Classic
This is one of those albums that came out in the 1970's, was completely buried by the corporate takeovers of record companies and radio stations, and remained virtually unknown among the general public. But it was listened to by almost anyone and everyone who was an aspiring rock musician -- along with obscure albums by THE VELVET UNDERGROUND, IGGY & THE STOOGES, THE SWEET, and several others.

Teenage Head always seemed to be missing somehting in its initial package. The songs seemed a bit too cutious and the band sounded like they were trying to please producers or record company execs. Should we go for a pop sound? A punk sound? A Power pop, or flat out rock sound? It seems that the band can't decide what they want to sound like, and the results fall short of what should-have, could-have, or might-have been possible.

Whiskey Woman is still too short -- that bass line and main riff should be stretched to 8 minutes or so. Doctor Boogie is still understated (needs to rock harder). High Flying Baby needed some caffine or other stimulant I think. It's not strong enough for a good opening song.

The best music is usually found on albums where a band (or single recording artist) just does what works best for themselves.

The added tracks here make the remasterd/extended CD a must buy, even if you already have the LP or earlier CD.

THe original 9 songs are still proto-punk thrashers that now sound better than ever. But the CD kicks from high-gear to overdrive from 'Shakin All Over' through 'Carol'.

Musically, it's somewhere betwween THE FACES "Snakes and Ladders", THE DAMNED's debut album. WIth the extra tracks, it sounds a lot like the better material by THE KINKS, or out-takes and alternate-takes of songs by THE WHO, before "Whos Next".

Well worth the purchase price.

No dues
Great record, unfortunately BMG hasn't paid a dime in mechanicals/royalties to Jordan or Loney since releasing this in 1999. Yet another screw-over by a ripoff record company.

The cult starts here
Released the same year as "Sticky Fingers", the Groovies' "Teenage Head" shares that classic's flirtation with dirty acoustic blues as well as its wasted ambience. Led by Roy Loney's demented rockabilly persona, abetted by the band's punkish drive, "Teenage Head" is a minor classic in its own right. It's alleged that at the time Jagger himself insisted that Teenage Head was the better of the two albums, although in retrospect one can only assume Sir Mick may have been under the influence of some highly potent and highly illegal substances.

a raunchy, raucous good time
this album just oozes with nitty-gritty, down-and-dirty guitar riffs and singing that sounds guttural and raunchy, with sex dripping from every word. In fact, most of these songs are about sex, getting with women, or teaching women a lesson. What better rock and roll topic is there. If you like the classic rolling stones albums, you'll like this.

An American Classic!
While other bands in the Bay Area were into their spaced out, unfocused drivel, the Flamin' Groovies were honing their skills on straight ahead, power driven, rock and roll. Probably the best American band that should've, but didn't hit the big time. The Groovies made some fine records, but Teenage Head remains their crowning acheivement. This recording is as fresh today as it was when it was released in 1971. The songwriting duo of Cyril Jordan and Roy Loney were probably the best in the business at the time, and the only real challangers in the field were Keith Richards and Mick Jagger. In fact comparisons of Teenage Head to the Stones Sticky Fingers LP were often pointed out. After hearing Teenage Head Jagger stated that the Groovies did a better job than the Stones did on Sticky Fingers. So why is Teenage Head such a great album? First of all, the material on the record varies from the hard driving Proto Punk anthemic title cut, to taut acoustic blues numbers such as a revamped version of Robert Johnson's 32-20 and City Lights, then moves into areas such as the high energy rockabilly number Evil Hearted Ada, or the easy going cool of Doctor Boogie, while containing a couple of power ballads such as Yesterdays Numbers and Whiskey Woman, along with a couple of no nonsense rockers like Have You Seen My Baby? and the fantastic High Flyin' Baby. What really makes this recording something special is the consistent high caliber of musicianship througout the whole affair which makes Teenage Head a virtually seamless masterpiece of manic rockin' out. Rarely does a record meet with its inteded purpose as well as it does on Teenage Head. The seven added bonus tracks of raw, well played, unapologetic, rock and roll only leaves you wanting more. Teenage Head is not just a very good record, but it is a great record. It is still influencing the more serious, no nonsense bands and musicians of today. This is a seminal rock and roll record which still is the definitive album in this genre. I suppose the comparisons to some of the Stones albums of the early seventies are warranted, but the Stones never did make an album this good. No sloppy, over the top theatrics on Teenage Head; just some tight, nicely crafted songs, which are played extremely well. Does that sound like any Stones album released? You owe it to yourself to see how it really should be done. God knows it isn't being done today! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Flamin Groovies & The Records kings of DIY underground rock
Cyril Jordan changed the style of The Flamin Groovies, who toured with The Records who were originally called The Kursaal Flyers, a pub rock band. Kursaal Flyers contained drummer Will Birch who later formed The Records with John Wicks. John Wicks was the last singer of The Kursaals before they disbanded. John Wicks and Will Birch went on to form a UK supergroup called The Records, who recorded 3 albums for Virgin Records International.The Records are still around but now called John Wicks and The Records. They still play the hits like Starry Eyes, Teenarama and Girl, but they have some new songs that rock too. Mix of 70s rock, classic rock, punk rock, power pop and Paul McCartney. Co-owner of Ironworks studio and singer/songwriter Jude Cole was also in this band on the album Crashes, where he sang and played guitar for them. Jude Cole owns Ironworks studio with actor Kiefer Sutherland. Jude Cole was the only American in the band of course since The Records were English/British. Shades In bed (Virgin Records) came out in what 2002 or 2003 on cd? The 2nd album Crashes (Virgin Records) has just been remastered and released on cd with bonus tracks and is sold everywhere in the world. It sounds better than the crusty old vinyl I've got but I've got all their material already anyways. Music On Both Sides was the 3rd album by The Records released in 1982(Virgin Records). The Records have a new album out now entitled "Rotate," which is credited to John Wicks and The Records. This is the first new album of material by The Records since 1998's album "Rock Ola."

Still, The Records are one of the all-time greatest bands. They toured with the likes of The Cars, The Jam with Paul Weller, The Police, Boomtown Rats, AC/DC, The Rolling Stones, The Undertones, The Rezillos/Revillos, Robert Palmer and Joe Jackson. The Kursaals formed in 1977 and reformed later, with John Wicks and Will Birch from The Records. As the Kursaals, they later disbanded. The final result was an all-star UK band known as The Records, containing John Wicks as lead singer/writer and rythm guitarist. Will Birch played the drums and co-wrote some of the songs with John Wicks. In 1979, The Records played numerous stadiums and club venues in support for Shades In bed, which was entitled The Records in the United States and contained alternate artwork. In 1980, The Records continued to please fans with their extraordinary rock and roll, while maintaining their trendy sensibility. Though he is now a full-scale producer and singer/songwriter, Jude Cole was vocalist and guitarist in The Records until 1980, when they quickly returned to the UK. Jude Cole moved to Los Angeles, where he expanded his career, playing bass for a rock legend and the man who brought us "Runaway," Del Shannon. In the coming years, Jude Cole would begin his solo career, recording numerous hit albums, with radio singles and videos on mtv. Hearts in her eyes was recorded by the Searchers and more recently by Mary Chapin Carpenter, an acclaimed singer/songwriter. The Records had singles that charted above Cheap Trick and Neil Young.

The Records contained members of The Kursaal Flyers and formed in 1978 and disbanded in 1982. Today, The Records are known as John Wicks and the Records and they sound just as they did 25 years ago. The Records have an official UK site www.therecords.org and for John Wicks and The Records I went to www.johnwicksandtherecords.com and listened to some of the new recordings from John Wicks and The Records, which sound great! The site has an excellent 3-part biographical section, along with a complete discography, tour dates, a discussion forum and an archive.

While The first album, Shades In Bed features John Wicks, Huw Gower, Will Birch and Phil Brown, the second album, Crashes features John Wicks, Jude Cole, Will Birch and Phil Brown. Shades In Bed features the hits Starry Eyes, Teenarama, Rock and roll Love Letter and See My friends a popular cover of the classic song "See My friends," by The Kinks. In fact, Ian Gibbons left The Records as keyboardist, to join The Kinks! The Records Shades in bed album was produced by John Mutt Lange who went on to produce AC/DC Highway to Hell, Def Leppard and currently producing his wife the country rock and pop crossover Shania Twain. Crashes is the current cd re-issue, which included the hit "Hearts in Her eyes." The disc features Jude Cole on vocals and guitar. Smashes, Crashes and Near Misses is a greatest hits compilation, which serves as a great introductory for newer fans. Paying for the summer of love contains rare songs and tracks that have never been released on cd until now. John Wicks and The Records have recorded several albums, including Rock Ola and their newest album, entitled Rotate. Rock Ola is a stripped-down rock and roll album with songs of the same quality as the classic Records material. Rotate explores the different aspects of songwriting, while maintaining the quality and craftsmanship of the past recordings. Some say The Records were and still are punk, power pop, new wave, other say rock and roll. The truth is that The Records fall under no true classification. Long live The Records, as they continue to rock the world! You can buy their stuff in most stores and on amazon and listen to samples on their websites.

... Read more

Reviews (15)

VERY Satisfying - a MUST for any Badfinger fan
What a fantastic collection of songs! Anybody who gives this CD a bad review has to be the biggest ignoramous that ever lived. The sound might not be perfect,(being home demos, and who knows what kind of shape the tapes were in?)However, the great music and the performances shine through nevertheless. (I recommend 7 Park Avenue over the more recent and far less consistent Pete Ham CD, "Golders Green"). I think about Pete Ham a lot and all that he had going for him, I mean, so much songwriting talent, a girlfriend who loved him, and why he would want to take his life. I hear all the stories, but, well at least we have this superb collection of his songs to cherish, a compilation that Pete would undoudtedly be proud to have released.

As Good As Any Badfinger Album
"7 Park Avenue," along with "Golders Green," is a must-have collection of homemade demos by the late Pete Ham. This beautiful assortment of songs shows just what a talent Ham was and makes his 1975 suicide seem all the more tragic--if indeed that is possible. Highlights include "Coppertone Blues" and "No Matter What" featuring Pete and his acoustic guitar; the rollicking "Matted Spam" and "Leaving On A Midnight Train; and the haunting "No More" and "Ringside," both recored just days before Pete's death. Thanks to producer/author Dan Matovina for resucing these demos from obscurity and for succeeding in making them available to all of us. Pete Ham's music, lyrics, and voice are what seperated Badfinger from their power-pop brethren of the 1970's. Pete Ham made Badfinger special. This compact disc of lost gems shows why.

A preview into genius
One of the Badfinger reviewers somewhere stated something to the effect of Pete Ham "grabbed his melodies directly from heaven." I can't agree more. Although some of the tracks on this compilation are sparce, short, and mono, the insight these cuts give to his power pop genius help solidify that his songwriting talent may never be surpassed. Thank you Pete, in heaven, for the melodies you found there for us!

The only reason I take a star away, is for the unfortunate snippets and pieces of songs that keep you longing for more, rather than full length tunes, and of course, is for no ones fault,that make up this album.

Great Collection of Songs!
This collection of home-recordings has become one of my favourite albums. An impressive collection of songs - it's hard to understand that just two of them were recorded by Pete Ham's band Badfinger.

"Catherine Cares" is a fine opener - the sound comes close to Badfinger's. "Coppertone Blues" is a strong acoustic ballad - a highlight on the album. "It Doesn't Really Matter" has been my personal favourite from the very first time I heard it - should have been recorded by the band - could have been a hit - maybe some day it will. "Live Love all of Your Days" is also a good song - very much like Badfinger - would have fitted nicely into one of the first albums. "Would You Deny" is a lovely acoustic track - very clean sound. - I'never cared much for "Matted Spam" on the Badfinger-album - this version has made me like it better. "No Matter What" - Pete's own version of Badfinger's big hit - surprisingly I don't think it's a stand out song on the album - could some of the other songs have been equally big hits? "Leaving On a Midnight Train" is a strong rocker with great vocals by Pete. "Hand in Hand" is another strong track - in a similar style to "Perfection" from Straight Up. "Sille Veb" is a fantastic song. Another highlight . Beautiful strings-arrangement. Unfortunately the sound of the original tape is not so good. "I Know that You Should" - a great intro - the song seems a bit unfinished though."Just look inside the Cover" - another favourite - as always a great melody. "Just How Lucky We Are" - Yet another highlight - One more song that deserved a full production - could be a classic like "Sille Veb" and "It Doesn't Really Matter". "No More" and "Ringside" - two songs from Pete's very last days - very strong tunes - difficult to listen to regarding the sad circumstances.

The Japanese bonustracks are all very strong - the sound-quality is unfortunately not very good. Great job by producer Dan Matovina

My favourites:

Coppertone Blues, It Doesn't Really Matter, Would You Deny, Hand In Hand, Sille Veb, Just How Lucky We Are, No More, Ringside, The Heart That Can't Be Understood and Blessing in Disguise

OUTAKES AMAZEMENT
This is a brilliant cd that touches the heart.From a guy who led a talented band. A voice that puts wales on the map definitely.A great singer who was right at home performing many songs that probably would have went on to become Badfinger hits.Coppertone blues in particular is a 10 and just look inside the cover is another strong track....awesome is how i descibe alot of these songs.Pete god bless him trusted people in the music business but was let down by greed and selfishness by management that cared very little about the bands welfare.This album is a legacy of the great work from this powerpop band badfinger.5 stars ... Read more

Album Description

Out of print in the U.S.. 1982 album by Todd Rundgren'sart/ prog/ power pop group. Features the original cover art, all fifteen of the original cuts, and the bonus track 'Hammer In My Heart' (Dance Mix). Standard jewel case. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A Great Swan Song
Their final album, from 1982, has been out-of-print for years. This "3-sided" album finds Todd Rundgren, Roger Powell, Kasim Sulton and Willie Wilcox in superb form. Sounding tighter than ever, sixteen great songs, this is one of Utopia's most overlooked efforts, by one of the most underrated power-pop bands in history. Highlights include "Bad Little Actress," "Feet Don't Fail Me Now," "I'm Looking At You But I'm Talking To Myself," "Hammer In My Heart," "There Goes My Inspiration," "Princess Of the Universe"...I'm going to stop there.

Never thought I'd find you
Never thought I'd find this collection. Older bro had this on cassette eons ago. This can't be an impartial review of technical music mumbo-jumbo. I'm just ecstatic to find this disc of songs that I love. Just can't get into Todd or Utopia with any other collection. I love other of his/their music, but this is the quintessential Utopia collection.

Accessible Utopia at its best!
This de-listed title is one of my favorite Utopia recordings released. This is pure power pop that is clearly a team effort - not just warmed-over Todd tunes.

The album kicks off brilliantly with the powerful "Libertine" which, in my opinion is the best Kasim Sultan lead vocal cut in the band' catalogue. By the way, the song's lead break sounds like guitar, but anyone who has seen the band play this live knows that Roger Powell is the one shredding those riffs on keyboards. The other Kasim tracks, "Call it What You Will", which reminiscent to "Set Me Free", and "Private Universe" are nearly as strong and easily as catchy

"Bad Little Actress", "Say Yeah" and "Chapter and Verse" are wonderful Beatle-esque tributes with Todd and Kasim doing their best Lennon-McCartney not offered on "Deface the Music". Willie Wilcox's tracks are probably the most fun. "Neck on Up" has the cutting, and self-depricating qualities of his brilliant track "You Make Me Crazy" from "Adventures..,"; while "Princess of the Universe" is just a simple, but fun rocker ala "Jealousy".

Roger's tunes include the show stopping "Feet Don't Fail Me Now" and the mediocre "Burn Three Times". Todd, meanwhile moves deftly from the torch carrying "I'm Looking Through You But I'm Talking to Myself" to the rock-out dance hit "Hammer In My Heart."

All in all, what you have here is a collection of some outstanding sing along tunes that will keep you coming back again and again. Be glad that this disc is even available as an import because the Network lable took a bath years ago. Get it while you can. A Lost Treasure

UTOPIA'S MASTERPIECE
I mean, really, is this not the most musically satisfying, tunefully consistent, best collection of songs on any Utopia album???

OK, But too Cute to be Great
The Video of Utopia doing this material live shows a power pop band in every sense of the term, doing a rave-up job on stage. Songs like "Libertine", "Princess of The Universe" and "Hammer In My Heart" totally rock out. "Infrared and Ultraviolet" sounded like something Yes or Led Zeppelin might do, but on this CD, that song falls completely flat.

Unfortunately, most of the material on this CD doesn't live up to the live performance. Utopia liiked to parody "pop" bands, but unfortunately, the parody here overwhelms the quality, and this CD is a a case of major underachievement by a great band.

Disappointing, except for the songs listed above, "I'm Looking at You (But I'm Talking to Myself)", "Feet Don't Fail Me Now", and the absolutely stellar remix of "Hammer in My Heart".

Fans must have this of course, bacause even though the performance is below what Utopia are capable of, the songwriting is still first rate. ... Read more