Reviews (4)

Beautiful love and mischief
This album is simply priceless if you enjoy lyrics with soul and guitars with passion. With this acoustic masterpiece, these singers bare their passions of both love, relationships, and the stark reality of both. You will never forget these songs.

Breathtaking songwriters
This has been a favorite of mine for years, along with other albums by Chris Stamey, "It's Alright" and "Fireworks." Both Holsapple and Stamey are amazing songwriters: each combines intellectual substance, deep emotion, and impeccable artistic taste better than almost anyone I know. Put them together, and you have an instant classic. Their voices are unconventional, and probably described best as an acquired taste, but they can be acquired pretty readily. If you like REM, Marshall Crenshaw, Peter Case, or other creators of literate, slightly offbeat pop songs, you'll likely enjoy them.

Tuneful, intelligent, and heartbreakingly accessible...
I can't possibly describe the hours of pleasure that "Mavericks" and other Holsapple/Stamey efforts have brought me. I listen to this album, along with all my "dB's" albums, frequently. Time never diminishes the dead-on lyrics, the amazing hooks, the wit, and the feeling that you'd love to hang out with Peter Holsapple because he's a really talented, normal, grounded individual. I realize this is more of a general review of these artists, but they make the world a much better place in which to live. Truly, I'm not exaggerating. For the unenlightened, do yourselves a big favor and LISTEN TO THESE GUYS!

Unsung classic
The first six tracks of this album are nothing short of fabulous original songwriting. Stamey and Holsapple definitely compliment one another, with Holsapple's melancholy, tuneful pieces balanced by Stamey's driving pop/rock sensibility. The duo harmonizes seamlessly, and the album seems produced and assembled with great, introspective vision. It's a shame their collaboration seems to have ended here. Holsapple's solo work tries but mostly misses, while Stamey went on to put out a fantastic somewhat Beatlesque album "Fireworks" which contains one of pop's greatest songs "Something Came Over Me." We just haven't heard from him in a while. Mavericks is an unsung and in many ways solitary classic. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

So very close...
A Collection this comprehensive is generally defined by what it leaves out, but first let's look at what you get:

1-Working Class Dog (1981): complete
2-Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet (1982): all but one song
3-Living In Oz (1984): complete
4-Hard to Hold SDTK (1985): 3 of 6 songs
5-Tao (1986): 5 of 10 songs

and the LONG out of print

6-Rock of Life (1988): all but one song (making this collection well worth the price of admission were it devoid of everything else)

Strange that the folks who released this CD decided to leave off "American Girl" from SHSMY which was featured in movies and on T.V. a lot around the time of it's release. Perhaps it's because the "Legendary" series is put out by BMG Australia who feel that Australian folks don't need an ode to "American" girls on their Springfield comps (?). I don't however, think it's a completely bad thing that only half of TAO made the cut because what's here should peak the un-initiated's interest. TAO is a VERY good album but it's still widely available and generally quite cheap. The inclusion of all but Rick's cover of The Small Faces "Groovy" from RoL is where you really get your money's worth. RoL is perhaps his smoothest and most substantive record ever. Where BMG really missed the boat was not including more songs from the "Hard to Hold" Soundtrack. This album is selling for stupidly high fundage at online auctions and the like. Criminally missing from HtH is "Don't Walk Away" which was a charted hit in several countries around the world. Still, BMG is to be commended for getting liscense to include early hits "Speak to the Sky" and "Take a Hand," although the latter is bizarrely way out of chronological order.

You should note that even though this collection is relatively new on the scene, it is not digitally remastered. The source material is mastered to itself which makes for an dynamically consistant listen but there are other collections out there with much cleaner and brighter sound.

Overall, a very affordable way to get a tremendous amount of Rick's, until only recently, frustratingly underrated musical output. Only loses a star because BMG clearly had the authority (and the time remaining on the discs) to make this a truly complete anthology, but for some reason didn't.

Legendary - describes Rick Springfield & this cd
Great - a great compilation of Rick's early & heyday prime songs - carry this with you and leave 4 other cds at home. So glad this was released - listen all the time. Superb collection! Great to pair with Karma - more recent cd not inlcuded in this listing. Buy it, you'll like it. Great variety of Rick Springfield music.

almost complete!
This must be the only collection that can be really called "the best".Along with the well known hits other songs that should be on a collection like this ("cant stop hurting you","one reason"to name a few).Still its a shame that "writen in rock" from "tao" is missing.Since the cd shows deep knowledge on Ricks material the absence of this great song is a real mystery!!
Overall a good effort!

A great way to get the hard to find stuff.
This is the BEST collection of Rick Springfield songs out there and practically the only way to hear all the songs except one from the Rock of Life album. It is worth the price just to have great sounding copies of Honeymoon in Beirut and Woman.

The Rick Springfield Touch
This is an excellent collection which includes all of his Working Class Hero album. My only complaint is Don't Walk Away is missing from this collection. Other than that it is a well rounded set and a great addition to your collection. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Cheap Trick
I've seen Cheap Trick three times, once in 1979, again in 1986, and a couple of years ago. Each time I was treated to a great show, with awesome performances. Fans of the band will enjoy this double CD alot. It features A song from each of their albums to date. Highlights include great versions of old nuggets like OH,CANDY, STOP THIS GAME, SURRENDER and DREAM POLICE. Acoustic treatments of I Cant Take It & Tonight's It's You work well too. Buy this and realize this band is taken for granted, but they still rock out with a bevy of good songs in their collection. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Alternative/Grunge Mastery
What a surprisingly great CD, from a not too well known band. These guys really rocked out on this album, however I have heard some of their new stuff which is not even close to the greatness of this CD. Every song on this CD really rocks, if you are down with alternative, and love to rock out, definetly check out Libido Speedway.

One of the greatest albums ever
I saw this CD in Target one day and it was super cheap. I had never heard of the band or anything. I put it in my car CD player and it did not come out for over a month. It is hard to describe my amazement at how great this album was. It starts out fast and just keeps blaring. However, the lyrics and musicianship is amazing as well. Moreover, if you keep listening after the final track, there is a little bonus diddy that is impossible to get out of your head. I know that this band is no longer together, but I have bought their other CDs through the internet and they are great recordings as well. I don't for mentioning specific song title here, because all of the songs are equally great! If you find this CD some place, buy it! You will not regret it.

A grunge classic... revisited.
I saw these guys in Portland, OR, opening for L7. I can't find words for how awesome they were. This is one of my all time favorite albums, which I revisit again & again. Every song has it's own appeal, but Nocturnal Autodrive is my favorite.

well, not quite *that* good.
I searched for this cd for ages after the single "medicine" started getting airplay several years ago and caught my attention despite a bassline that's a bit too reminiscent of that of "bone machine" by the pixies. And for the most part the rest of the songs are every bit as good, catchy mid-90's alternative with big hooks and some well-used pixies-isms. here and there there's a song that seems a bit too generic to my ears to make a dent (hence the 4), but they're outnumbered by stand out numbers like "bicycle song" and "nocturnal autodrive". And there's an amusing little fake out ending to the whole thing as well.

Check it out!
This is a great cd...great vocals..bass...guitar...drums...lyrics...everything! You will love it... ... Read more

Album Details

A Mid Price 20 Track Best of Covering the Too all Brief Career of Guilford's the Vapors. Digitally Remastered. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

neither mastorbatory nor racist!
The song "Turning Japanese" is a love song. It's about a guy with a broken heart and has become a different person to do this girl whome he is deeply in love with. The phrase "Turning Japanese" refers to becoming something different then what you are. Things like wearing different clothes or hanging out with different people or whatever crazy things women make us do for their love. Whoever thought of the idea that it is about masterbation has too much time on their hands, and that is apparently not all that's on his hands. Furthermore, to say it's racist doesn't even hold water. The song is about turning Japanese, not killing them. My rant is over.

Get your facts straight...
For the record, out of the mouth of Dave Fenton, "Turning Japanese" is not about masterbation, it is not a British slang term for masterbation and it is not a racist statement. Most of Fenton's songs dealt with angst and separation, and "Turning Japanese" is a love song(?). Being in high school in LA during the early/mid '80s, we had a different perspective on the song. The Japanese tourists seen everywhere around Los Angeles ALWAYS had one thing with them: an expensive 35mm camera and used it at every opportunity. I can't tell you how many pictures I took for people when at Disneyland (them with Mickey, them in fron of the castle, etc.)...

We figured the song was about a guy in prison obcessing over a picture(s) and therefore becoming Japanese. Just a bad propogation of a stereotype. Sorry.

As for the Vapors and "New Clear Days," I traded a tape of Berlin's "Pleasure Victim" for a vinyl copy of NCD when I was 13 because I absolutely loved their style, sound lyrics. I to this day feel this album is a great example of the musical environment of the early '80s and the quality music that was going around. Actually, the best songs on the album are "Waiting For The Weekend," "Prisoners" and "News At Ten" with "Turning Japanese" coming in a close fourth.

Recommendation: Don't talk about things you don't have the facts on or did not experience. For more info, go to www.parengstrom.com/vapors.htm.

Turning Japanese is NOT a Racist statement
People keep claiming that this song, for which The Vapors will forever be known, is a racist statement. "Turning Japanese" is a euphimism for masturbatory activity. Think about the lyrics... he's sitting alone, with a picture of his girlfriend. He misses her, he starts to .. uh .. i don't need to go into details, but picture your eyes while involved in such an activity... you sort of have a closed eye squinty thing going... thus "Turning Japanese"

Lonely in Japan as a White Guy
I would hardly call this song racist. I think its just a lonely struggling white artist who was stuck in japan and out of his element. It might offend asians, but hey everyones got a song nowadays out there that offends someone.
Im sure if your played a madonna song in church someone would be offended or likewise if you played a newsboys song in a public schools someone would be offended.
America needs to take a chill pill.

PERFECT POWER POP, IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER!!
I'm gonna keep this short. I cannot believe people have given this anything less than 5 stars let alone not understand the content of 'Turning Japanese.' Let me put things straight. The Vapors are TOTALLY underrated and blow away all of the mod groups in the UK (They were a mod band there and a new wave band here, if you don't know your punk history). This cd is basically their 1st record and about 1/2 of their 2nd, all their singles and most of the + B-sides which are much stronger than some of the album tracks. A collection does not get any better than this! This is like 'Snap' by The Jam. To me The Vapors are as good as The Jam. They just don't have as much material. T.J. kind of ruined them but that's history. There are other fine songs on here. If you like The Jam, Buzzcocks, 999, Undertones YOU MUST OWN THIS!!! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Shades of Itchykoo Park, man!
Shades of Itchykoo Park, man!Despite phased drum rolls, open-fifth male-female harmonies, sitar leads, and every mystic astrologic crystal lyric cliché from your Ken Kesey catalog, the Grip Weeds mow over their pre-Woodstock love-and-peace vibe with a treble-heavy, early 70s guitar attack that gives just the right amount of sour-patch saltiness to this flower-powered electric sandbox.The true giant on this beach is "Closer to Love," the only track featuring the lead vocals of bassist Kristin Pinell.Pinell's singing washes away the vocal mannerisms of her bandmates, recalling Peanut Butter Conspiracy's late Sandi Robinson at her psychedeliciousest. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Overlooked PowerPop Gem
With Freak City Soundtrack, their 3rd Album, Chicago's Material Issue made perhaps the definitive power pop record of the 90's. Such a statement may sound like hyperbole, but trust me, this one's that good.

At the time, the record's quality was a pleasant surprise even for hardcore Issue fans. The band's debut "International Pop Overthrow" was an instant classic upon release in 1990, but the follow up, 1992's "Destination Universe," although not without its charms generally featured too much glossy production and too few actual great songs and quickly found its way to cut-out bins and used record stores everywhere. It seemed as if the band was on the path toward irrelevance, but Freak City combined the increased polish with a killer set of tunes.

Things start off with a bang on "Goin' Thru Your Purse," a song that could stand as a template for hard-edged pop rock. All the ingredients are present--frenetic beat, spiky guitars, a clever lyric and hooks, hooks and more hooks. From there its more of the same with highlights including the dreamy, mildy psychedelic "Kim The Waitress;" the lush "I'm Your Fan" "Ordinary Girl," featuring a prototypical boy-in-love chorus and "Help Me Land," a rocker that bubbles over with enthusiasm.

In short, its a dozen or so three minute -gems--closer to early Cheap Trick (this band would be a perfect choice to cover "He's a Whore") than Big Star on the power pop continuum. In fact, Trickster Ric Nielsen lends a hand and the results are better than any Cheap Trick record since "Heaven Tonight". Almost a decade after its release, the songs still sound fresh, especially on a car stereo on a sunny summer day. Highly recommended.

'POP ROCK' Defined
Thanks to my friend Steve for introducing me to Chicago's MATERIAL ISSUE. Some incredible happy upbeat tunes for such a lonely and bothered singer/guitarist Jim Ellison (RIP). Catchy hooks and down-right funny and witty lyrics. Check out "Goin' Through Your Purse", "Kim The Waitress", "I Could Use You", or "Funny Feeling". Heck - they're all good. If you are unfamiliar with M.I. - I tend to think they fall somewhere between the Gin Blossoms, Elvis Costello, the Beatles and/or maybe Cheap Trick. Fast or slow, hard driving guitars, or mellow and acoustic, Material Issue delivers. Probably my favorite of M.I.'s is "Destination Universe". Three areas of concern: 1.) why-oh-why did these guys not catch on globally (or at least nationally), 2.) why did Ellison in his early 30's decide that enough was enough on this planet Earth, and 3.) why is this wonderful cd out of print. A diamond in the rough if you can find it.

The greatest power-pop band in history.
I gotta admit, I've heard a lot of bands being labeled "power-pop" that just don't cut it. Usually they're really wimpy and don't have any "power" at all. I'm happy to say that Material Issue delivers the goods on this CD. The singing is amazing, the songs are great, and the production is just perfect! Too bad this thing didn't get the push it deserved, they should've been HUGE! 20 years from now, I'll bet this will be considered a classic. There are lots of bands that try very hard to imitate this sound, but I've never heard any that pulled it off as well as Material Issue. If you've never heard them, take my word for it that the singer has one of the coolest voices that's ever been recorded. Check out their debut CD also, it's pop perfection. R.I.P. Jimmy Ellison.

A must have cd for everyone who likes real music
This cd has it all,it has the cathcy songs,the guitar and drum solos,and that's just in the first song! The second song is one that describes everyone that has ever like a girl (or guy) but knew they could never have them. The other songs range from sad break-up songs,up-beat songs(such as "Help me land") it also has some hidden jems among the rock such as "help me land","goin through my head" and "Funny feeling".The lead singer also has a large variety of vocal ranges he can go from high to low in an instant(which makes it hard to sing along)
This is all i have to say so i will leave you with one last note: BUY THIS ALBUM!

Freak City is a landmark
Is it possible to make a perfect power pop album? Maybe not but Material Issue have certainly come as close to it as any Beatle ever has. This CD should be required listening for anyone who appreciates power pop and all it's descendants. The unfortunate affair of Jim Ellison's death and the lack of printing of these albums is gonna make the Ish an obscure icon of the pwer pop movement in the vein of Big Star. If you can find this cd, buy it, don't argue! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The Real Badfinger Live Album
Badfinger did 3 live permances for The BBC, this CD contains the first two, the third unfortunately seems to have disappeared (erased?). The first 7 tracks are from a 1972 concert at Paris Theatre, London; the next 7 are from a 1973 performance also at The Paris Theatre and the last Come and Get It is from Top of The Pops 1970. The sound quality is good and the performances are mostly very good; a few wrong chords can be noticed some of last tracks. It's interesting to hear their versions of two Dave Mason songs. Both tracks feature long guitarsolos and are good examples of the difference between their records and their liveact. This album should be a positive surprise to those who thought Badfinger was only a pop-act. The band really rocks here!

Power pop? Nope, just power...
Badfinger was so well known during their short time in music history for their wonderful pop confections in the style of their mentors, the Beatles. So well known for this, and so long forgotten for their own true love, hard and driving rock and roll.

And here on this generous disc, you'll find the "other" Badfinger. The tough group of kids, wailing on guitars, singing their lungs out. You'll hear Pete Ham's sweeping and lusty lead guitar (taking his place along side more notable axe men like Dave Mason and Mick Taylor), Joey and Tommy's driving vocals, Mike Gibbins' powerful drums. They're just blasting away here, on songs familiar to their repertoire and some from other writers.

This is how they liked to be known, and spinning this disc you'll hear what most on these shores didn't get to hear - Badfinger WAS a rock and roll band.

GOOD LIVE ALBUM
The true test of a band is how they come off during a live performance. Judging by this historical disc, Badfinger was a good live band. On their studio recordings, their performances were polished and well-rehearsed; live, the songs are still melodic, but there is more power and grit, qualities that the studio producer softened to gain radio play. This disc shows Badfinger jamming, the wailing guitar solos extending songs- listen to the long renditions of the two Dave Mason tunes- and hear a "singles" band really boogie! The sound is very good quality. This disc will take a place of honor next to my copies of STRAIGHT UP and NO DICE. At one time, I owned all of their vinyl releases up to the time of Pete Hamm"s unfortunate demise, and I'm sorry I sold them. Many folks treated this band lightly- they were not lightweights, as this live disc proves.

A Thrill for Badfinger Fanatics
Okay, if you're looking for a live perfomance of "best of" material, you are going to be disappointed with this CD. However, to the Badfinger enthusiast, this disc is a must-have.

The band smokes on later-period material such as "Blind Owl", "Matted Spam" and "Constitution". A couple different readings of "Suitcase" stand out as well. This is also the only legitimate release of live Badfinger that is true to form....much preferable to the highly over-processed, partially re-recorded "Day After Day" live disc. If you are looking for an accurate representation of Badfinger at their live peak, this is it.

Badfinger raw
My FIRST concert was Badfinger LIVE at the North Penn High School gym in Pennslyvania. This concert on Cd is from the same year. When I showed up, I sat in the wood basketball gym seats with everyone else. In the center of the basketball court was badfinger on a small raised platform. They all were sitting on stools in a semi-circle in front of the drummer. The air was heavy with smoke and the band looked like they could hardly keep their balance sitting down. Then they started playing Traffic and Eric Clapton covers. It was the damnest thing I've ever seen. Here this band was all over the radio sounding like the second coming of the Beatles, and here captured live is a gritty raw rock band singing these beautiful pop songs with naked emotion. WOW. I was 15 and I'll never forget it. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Thanks Bomp
Since most of these artist's LP's are out of print, it's nice to have a least one song by all these great overlooked bands. It's a shame that only big record company bands/artists are allowed to be heard on radio. If half these Bomp bands/artists had the big budgets behind them to promote them and keep them working and fed, we would have a ton of classic records flooding our record stores. To bad Greg Shaw (founder of Bomp) wasn't a very rich eccentric with and endless stream of cash to keep Bomp artist in the forefront of popular music. I'd much rather hear The Things and Miracle Workers new records every year (if they were able to afford to keep recording I'm sure there would be new releases from them ) than have to deal with new boring trends and lame bands to go with these boring trends every few years. The Things 'Everytime' still makes me wish they were still around making records. A GREAT band on a great compilation. Thanks Bomp!!

Bomp keeps rock and roll alive
Greg Shaw has pretty much kept the rock and roll flame alive with his Bomp label. This 2CD set is a great overview of the labels history. Power pop,gagare, psych-noise, its all here. Listening to this, you will discover what the essence of Rock and Roll is. Its charming, innocent, fun, simple yet complex. Hell, this is my favorite compilation after the great Nuggets album that Elektra put out in the 70's. In fadct most of these groups are highly influenced by that release. I say buy it!!! ... Read more

Album Description

Second album from female fronted Florida based quartet whohave toured with Dashboard Confessional, Juliana Theory and the Van's Warped Tour. Digipak. 2002. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Rocking Horse Winner
The Rocking Horse Winner bring to mind Bettie Serveert, Letters To Cleo, and many of the other female-fronted alt-pop bands that dominated modern rock radio in the mid '90's. Horizon, the band's newest release, is full of bright and cheery songs with Jolie Lindholm's vocals as yellow as sunshine. With the right promotion, RHW could break forth quite easily on a top 40 or adult alternative station. Each track, from the lead-off "Orange Blossom" to the longing "Miss You" would make an easy single and summer soundtrack fodder. "Christmas Day" is the closest RHW come to a ballad on Horizon while an alternative reading of "Novelty" could prove to be about Ritalin as much as it describes pop trash. At the end of the race, Rocking Horse Winner may walk away with more than just the consolation prize.

Rocking Horse Winner Excellent
I wore their first album thin when I first got it at one of their shows down here. I have seen them several times and they just keep getting better. The distorted guitars are a little more prominant on this album than on the first, probably due to how they recorded it. I love this album and this band. And while I don't really like Dashboard Confessional very much (I think his lyrics tend to be a little childish), I think it's great that DC are so popular. It's really going to help this amazing band out a lot, and I wish them the best of luck! Although I am sure they will have it anyway. (I should mention that Dashboard Confessional will never be half as good as this band, though.)

Not quite as good as the first, but still a great band
Maybe I just had diminished expectations; I had waited for this album for so long. After first hearing Jolie's awesome voice with Dashboard Confessional, I knew I had to track down more. When I heard TRHW's first album, I was in love - her voice plus a great band with music that reminded me of a harder Sundays. I wore out their first CD, and have waited eagerly for this. (eagerly being a mild word - I had this puppy overnighted to me!)

And the result - disappointment ... at first. Don't get me wrong - TRHW at their worst is better (to me) that most bands at their best. But the sense of melancholy is gone that their first CD had. Of course, you don't want a band's 2nd CD to be a carbon copy of their first. But, when the last CD had those moving melodies coupled with driving guitar, a palpable sense of longing and sadness, plus Jolie's great voice, this CD can't help but pale in comparison. They've changed their style of music - it's faster. Happier. Poppier, and almost punkier.

But I kep listening, and now I'm used to it. And getting into it. "Curable" has that sound of theirs I love. Wistful, but with an edge. "Novelty" is a great pop song, with that chorus of "...static on the radio" that you can't get out of your head. And 2 of my favorite songs from the first make an appearance in a slightly reworked form - "When Songbirds Sing" and "Tomorrow".

The backing band is tight, Jolie still carries you along with her voice, and they're still the band I most want to see live of anyone. This is a good CD. But if you get this first and THEN buy "State of Concentration", your friends will tell you to shut up about this band. Isn't that what we're all looking for? ... Read more

Amazon.com

Within months of the U.S. release of Budokan, originally intended only for the Japanese fans who'd made them superstars half a world away, tongue-in-cheek rockers Cheap Trick went from opening American arena shows to headlining them. Rather than remaining eternal could-haves, metallic pop nuggets such as "I Want You to Want Me" and "Surrender" instead became radio mainstays in these versions.--Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (8)

I Want You To.....
....throw this out! Another overrated band of the past. It's no wonder this came from Japan. They thougtht he was saying, "do you want free sushi?". Buy some Bee Gees for real talent.

The Original and the Best
So, call me a purist, but I prefer this one to the re-release "Complete Concert" edition Epic released of Budokan. Back in 1979, when this record was originally released, double-live albums were all the rage, and for good reason: Kiss, Aerosmith, Peter Frampton, Ted Nugent and Parliament all cut some unforgetable wax of their own in the double-live genre.

But then, Cheap Trick came along with their own live album on a single disc that blew all those others out of the water, for its intensity and musical chops. I'll put Robin Zander up against any of the vocalists, Rick Nielsen up against Ace Frehley, Nugent, Michael Hampton or Joe Perry and Bun E. Carlos up against Peter Criss anyday.

Like Kiss, Cheap Trick was one of those bands that sounded better live. The song lineup is a perfect distillation of their unique hard-rock-cum-bugglegum sound: The set opens with "Hello There," a rousing crowd pleaser.

"Come On Come On" and "Lookout" really let the listener know how BIG the boys from Rockford, Ill., were in Japan. These are great songs for their mostly teenage female audience, and the screaming of their fans behind the tracks sounds like it could have been recorded at the Beatles' 1965 concert at Shea Stadium.

The best on this set are in the middle: "Big Eyes," "Need Your Love" -- which have been woven together to give Rick Nielsen a nice long guitar riff, and Robin Zander some reverberating vocals to woo the Japanese girls with -- and their remake of the Fats Domino tune, "Ain't That A Shame."

"I Want You To Want Me" has a harder edge than in the studio version, thankfully played without that tinkling piano.

But, the best in the set is "Surrender," which was recorded before the studio version was released. This is the version radio stations still play, and is full of double-entendre worthy of AC/DC.

Appropriately, it closes with "Goodnight," a reworking of "Hello There" -- nice bookend effect.

"Clock Strikes Ten" is a great last cut on this album, not quite the rock anthem "Rock and Roll All Nite" is, but a signature Cheap Trick track just the same.

Live albums just don't get any better than this. Sure, I have "Cheap Trick at Budokan II," but I prefer listening to the albums separately. Why mess with something this great?

Classic 70s American Rock
Cheap Trick were one of those deserving American bands with a unique, straight ahead rock sound, a distinctive look (2 good-looking rock guys and 2 weirdos- one, a geeky Angus Young-type who repeatedly flicked his guitar pick onto his tongue and an accountant-type behind the drums) and good songs. They always sounded better live than in the studio (which tended to sound overly processed and anemic- missing the edge they had in concert).

Its no suprise then that it was their live album that paved the way for their breakout in the US. Recorded in Japan, where they (and a score of 'B' level American bands) held Beatle-like status, "Live at Budokan" features their 2 signature songs - "I Want You to Want Me" and "Surrender", both sounding totally revitalized live. The rest of the album is good, but not spectacular, bolstered by the omnipresent screaming of maniacal fans in the backround. Starting with "Come On, Come On", including a Fats Domino cover and ending with "Goodnight" and "Clock Strikes Ten", the album has a psuedo-mythic feel.

With the excpetion of a freak, late 80s power ballad (The Flame), "Live at Budokan" was Cheap Trick's finest recording.
Highly recommeded!

No Trick, Just Treats
Cheap Trick were major stars in Japan when they recorded this album at the Budokan. You can tell they inspired Beatlesque hysteria as evidenced by the screaming of the fans on the album. They add an energy to the album and the band responds to it by firing out a set of pure power pop. "Hello There", "Come On, Come On", "Need Your Love", "Goodnight" & "Clock Strikes Ten" all bristle with catchy chorus and power guitar riffs, while the top ten hit "I Want You To Want Me" slinks along with lecherous glee. The true star of the album is "Surrender". The song leaps out of your speakers with Robin Zander's forceful vocals, Rik Nielsen's meaty guitar licks, Bun E. Carlos' steady drumming and Tom Petersen's harmony vocals and pumping bass. It is as close to a pure pop song as you can get and the triumph of their careers. The album went platinum and into the top ten and secured Cheap Trick a place in many fellow musicians hall of fame

Their last great album.
When this record came out, pop music and rock and roll needed it. Gems like "Come On Come On" "Need Your Love" "Ain't That A Shame" "I Want You To Want Me" "Surrender" and "Clocks Strikes Ten" just jumped out of your speakers. The fans treated these guys like they were the Beatles. That they are not. But, Rick Nielsen can write a catchy tune and Robin Zander has a good voice. This album broke them in America and it deserves to be considered one of their classics. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

This band never got the respect they deserved.
Spooner is one of the bands that I've listened to my whole life, and it's very sad that hardly anyone in the world has heard of them.If you're familiar with the band Garbage, Spooner is one of the bands that Garbage members Butch Vig and Doug (Duke) Erickson played in.I like Garbage, but Spooner was 10 times better.They did three albums, "Wildest Dreams", "Every Corner Dance", and "Fugitive Dance".Butch and Doug also played in a band called Fire Town and released 2 albums, "The Good Life", and "Heart Country".Out of all 5 of these albums, there is not one bad song!I urge everyone to buy these albums.Search Ebay, buy all of them, you won't be dissappointed!Spooner rocks!!! ... Read more

Reviews (12)

This album kicks butt
I discovered this band by accident, but darn was it one of the best accidents of my life. This CD is an AMAZING blend of rock, pop, country, and couple of other flavors all woven together with some killer harmonies. I love these guys. Everyone should. They are good old fashioned rock and roll -- they've got the swagger of the Stones and the attitude to match. Black Licorice is a must have album for all lovers of rock and roll. Buy Black Licorice, listen to it about a thousand times, then when think you've got the band down go see a live show, the guys will take you to a whole new dimension and you'll be a fan for life!

Next big thing
So, I'm in Borders with my four-year old, listening to the CDs that they put on the rack. In the last section I browsed, listed under "pop" was this CD by Convoy. I listened to it. The first tune was great. I figured one tune could be good, I'll check the next. It was better. And so on, until I had listened to most of the CD while my daughter pulled CDs and books of the shelves.

I bought the CD and listened to it TWICE that day in the car as we did Christams errands.

It's a great album. I can't really compare it to anything, but it is pretty much a straight ahead, melodic rock album with a bit of a country tinge. Very smart lyrics. I haven't been this excited about a CD since Pete Yorn came out. Buy it.

GREAT CD
WHy doesnt Amazon sell their first cd the pineapple sessions? You can buy it in local music shops in San Diego. Convoy's new album is on the way in early 2004. Right now the boys are in a project called LOUISXIV. IF they come to your town go see them you wont be disappointed. COnvoy needs to be in everyones collection and not in your underware drawer next to your POISON and BRITNEY scds.

Yes, they are the band in the Mariott ads
And yes their album Black Licorice is as catchy as their cover of the Rolling Stones' song: "Let's Spend The Night Together," from the Mariott adverts on TV.

Convoy is sort of a logical post-alternative-rock band. It certainly has its roots firmly set in that genre, but also they have influences ranging from the Rolling Stones to country.

There is not a bad song on the cd (or I have not had to reach for the remote to skip a track factor). The best song on the cd is "Caught Up In You," but I think there is enough variety where if you asked a number of people you would get a variety of answers.

I would give Black Licorice 5 stars if there were just one smash hit song. But it is still a might good cd. If you have not picked it up you are missing something.

Almost Perfect
I may not have driven the Convoy truck but I got on board early.
I think I have played Black Licorice more than any album I have ever owned. This is Bad Finger with balls or the Beach Boys with
muscle. Supersonic harmonies and crunchy Rolling-Stones-like guitars are the trade marks of this hookfest salute to classic rock. If you don't buy this album you are missing out on one the best records to come out in the last two years. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Insomina is hawt!!!!
my mom bought this cd, and i borrowed to put on the ipod i got for my birthday---the guitars are sick, i think my favorite is the first song--buy this cd or get your mom to buy it!!!!!

This CD is PERRRRRRRFECT--whoa whoa
I also found miggs on myspace.This cd rocks!! I do not skip a song--love the song 'perfect'!!!

Great band!!
I also discovered miggs on myspace, I love every track I've heard and they're a nice bunch too!Add this to your collection, you won't be disappointed.:)

Somethin to discover if u havent yet...
Miggs, one of the best band I know:) I discovered them at myspace and I cant get enough since then hehe They're from San Francisco and they sold tons of copies of their first cd, Anyway. This is their second cd. It's good music with excellent lyrics. Although I love the whole cd some songs stand out...Im thinkin about : Perfect, It's over, Suddenly wonderful, I believe, Rest and of course the acoustic version of Maybe. As u can see, lots of good songs on this cd !! U wont regret ur choice by buyin it. Wish them all the success they deserve

Somethin to discover if u dont know them already
Miggs, one of the best band I know:) I discovered them at myspace and I cant get enough since then hehe They're from San Francisco and they sold tons of copies of their first cd, Anyway. This is their second cd. It's good music with excellent lyrics. Although I love the whole cd some songs stand out...Im thinkin about : Perfect, It's over, Suddenly wonderful, I believe, Rest and of course the acoustic version of Maybe. As u can see, lots of good songs on this cd !! U wont regret ur choice by buyin it. Wish them all the success they deserve :) ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great!
I've only ever seen this album on CD once! ONE TIME! What a shame. What a band! I first heard these guys on a radio program that I used to tape every night. This show was a really neat idea! It was called "The 12/60 Club." It ran on the now defunct WYDD out of Pittsburgh. It came on at midnight and ran for an hour. Thus the name 12/60. They played nothing but alternative material during that hour, and seemed to delight in introducing the listener to unheard of acts. Among those I heard for the first time on this show were The The, The Waterboys, OMD, The Raybeats, Trio, and much more. When they first played a track from "a new Australian band" I flipped! The track was "I Want You Back" from the "Stoneage Romeos" album. I loved EVERYTHING about it. Every last detail of the song was perfect. It instantly reminded me of the garage rock records of the 60's that we played alot when I was a kid. In rock, that was always my favorite genre. The verses were absolutely irresistable, but when it hit the chorus, it was like a favorite food bursting with more flavor than you can stand! The main melody to the chorus was more than sufficient, but the little back-up "ah-uuhaah" gave it even more demension and became the part that I couldn't wait to hear each time I would play it. It was sort of like the pay-off for listening. When I bought the album, I realized that their music was full of fun and melody. When it comes to crafting a darn near perfect rock & roll song, these guys could give lessons.
That first album was FANTASTIC! So was the second one. The third one started to worry me just a little bit, but then I saw a video on MTV. I was just channel surfing when I heard a falsetto voice singing "come anyti-ime." Then I recognized Dave Faulkner. I put the brakes on my thumb and listened (and watched). It was just great! I immediately ordered the album. I still think that next to their debut album, this is their best one. "Come Anytime", "Baby Can Dance", "Death in the Afternoon", "Axegrinder" and "Hallucination" are the high points. But ALL of it is great!
One final point about this band. They would include a "Hall of Fame" list of things they liked (actors and musicians mostly). It's all of the stuff I like! Scary...

Where's that hit?
The Hoodoo Gurus' first album for RCA provided a lot of hit potential that sadly never materialized ("Come Anytime" was as close as they came to it on the college charts) but Dave Faulkner's guitar-jangly, hook-laden tunes never broke though into the pop mainstream. Too bad; virtually every song here could have been a contender. Self-produced, polished without being slick, and literate, the band never found a foothold in the tide of post-Nirvana rock that washed up on radio in the mid-90s. Star-crossed with a label that didn't know how to promote them (realizing RCA's less-than-stellar track record with its rock acts, they even needled the label with the baseball-metaphor "Where's That Hit?") even great songs weren't enough to get this album heard.

Memories
A friend of mine in high school turned me on to this band, and this album. I even got the DJ to play Shadow Me at prom (1992). This album never got the notice or appreciation that it deserved in my opinion. Get a copy, slap it in and prepare yourself for some great sound and a good time. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Very good
It had been many years since I heard "Slippin Away" until I got this CD. It has the long versions of Total Eclipse of the Heart (so rare) and Run Runaway. The second disc is my favorite by far, but I like to just have the first one running while I putter around the house. puts me back in time. I have 2 other 80's Cd's with the German version of 99 Luftballoons on them & was very glad to get the English version on here.

An intriguing mixture
of great songs and songs that really suck. It's hard to imagine anyone who likes anything from the 80's that won'f find something to love and hate here.

Be careful -- 99 Luftballoons on here is the English version
I bought this (not from Amazon) thinking the version of 99 Luftballoons on here was the German version, but it turned out to be the English version. Buyer Beware.

Finally, I am here
There is no "suprise song" neither good means nor bad means. One exception was "You're A Friend Of Mine" which gave me a good suprise. I searhed and searched through many on-line shop,and finally found this which satisfied me. Do you wanna do another search by yourself? I won't stop you, but I think you will end up in here. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Gem from a Truly Underrated Band
Not many people knew who the Hoodoo Gurus were when they were cranking out great rock'n'roll down under in the 1980s and I feel sorry for those people. With "Kinky" you have this legendary band at the top of their game. "I Don't Mind" and "A Place in the Sun" are just a few of the classic cuts on this solid album. No throw away tracks here, great from start to finish. Give them a listen! ... Read more

Album Description

2003 release from San Francisco queercore band featuring 16 new tracks. Their first release since 1998's Absurd PopSong Romance. Alternative Tentacles. 2003. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Fantastic Fun
This a a very fun C.D. that like the title promises delivers Total Entertainment. Like the other reviewer I had the opportuity to hear the material from this album played live and the crowd loved the new material as much as the old. What does need to be said though is that Pansy Division's C.D.S do not capture the incredible energy of the band in a live setting. Never the less, Tracks like "No Protection" and "He whipped my ass in tennis..." and the secret bonus track, are classic Pansy Division, conveying both a sense of humor and liberation that are hallmarks of the band.

Getting Old ?
Been listening to their albums and traveling to Pansy Division's concerts for 11 years now. Brought this CD, Total Entertainment within days of its release. And after 4 months of on and off listening, I have decided: No songs from this CD will be burned to a CD of favorites. At the recent concert in Atlanta, the new stuff got played, but what excited the crowd, (all 30 of us), was the older music. If Jon Ginoli hadn't announced it at the start of the concert, I doubt anyone there knew that the theme of Total Entertainment was 'sports'. The high energy and fun found on the first 6 albums is missing from this album.

I have been a fan since 1992 when I first heard Surrender Your Clothing on Undressed. Since their first release, Pansy Division has been out front announcing load and clear that their music was Rock, Roll, and Queer ("With loud guitars, we're gay and proud" from ANTHEM (sic). The liner notes from early on included not just the lyrics, but advice on how to use a condom. The songs were about being gay, the pain and the joy. Even the 'cover songs' were great fun to listen to because of the Pansy Division spin. ("Against all odds, we appear. Grew up brainwashed, but turned out queer" from Smells Like Queer Spirit.

Reading the lyrics of the songs from Total Entertainment I see the same constant issues dealt with on the other 6 albums. The problem is discovered in the listening. It all sounds over-produced and that sucks the life out of this album. Total Entertainment sounds like the last album from a band rushing towards retirement.

Don't waste money on this album, but buy all 6 of the other albums.: Undressed, Deflowered, Pile Up, Wish I'd Taken Pictures, More Lovin' From Our Oven, and Absurd Pop Song Romance. All have better music and much better album artwork. All these have songs you will want to add to your favorite listening music, unlike this dead Total Entertainment. ... Read more

Album Description

UK collection from singer/songwriter best known for his 80sseries of pun titled albums 'Kihntinued' (1982),'Kihnspiracy' (1983)', 'Kihntageous' (1984) and 'Citizen Kihn' (1985). Remastered with upgraded artwork. 20 tracks including the hit single 'Jeopardy'. 2000 release. Standard jewel case. ... Read more