It can't be said enough: Gomez is probably the most unlikely name for a five British kids who worship Tom Waits and the...
(05/08/06) It can't be said enough: Gomez is probably the most unlikely name for a five British kids who worship Tom Waits and the Grateful Dead. But that's nothing compared to their sound, a growling brand of blues-rock that sounds like it originates on the Mississippi rather than the Thames. The group's previous album, 2002's In Our Gun, was all about experimenting in the studio. Split the Difference, then, is Gomez getting back on track. The band makes a decent attempt to revive the homemade feel of its early recordings, turning up at least two winners in "Extra Special" and "Sweet Virginia," but it seems like a compromise. While the three-part harmonies soar, a distinct lack on inspiration suggests the band would rather have another go at pushing buttons and name-checking Kraftwerk. "We Don't Know Where We're Going" seems to say it all. --Aidin VaziriSee less
Price: $18.98 & eligible for... available at amazon.com
This Las Vegas band strives to create a unique sound by blending melody-driven rock with dance. This is a rock record...
(05/08/06) This Las Vegas band strives to create a unique sound by blending melody-driven rock with dance. This is a rock record you can dance to; that's fun and sincere at the same time. Produced by Matt Squire (Northstar, The Explosion, The Receiving End Of Sirens). Panic! At The Disco is the first band signed to Pete Wentz's (Fall Out Boy) Decaydance Records, a Fueled By Ramen imprint label. "...Imagine The Faint meets The Postal Service with all of the pop sensibilities of a Blink 182" - Peter Wentz. Touring with Fall Out Boy, The Starting Line, Motion City Soundtrack, and Boys Night Out this fall.See less
Price: $8.96 & eligible for... available at amazon.com
Hot on the heels of their shock UK No. 1 single "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor", Whatever People Say I Am,...
(05/08/06) Hot on the heels of their shock UK No. 1 single "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor", Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not confirms Sheffield's Arctic Monkeys as the UK underground's most proselytizing young preachers of the DIY gospel. Marrying nervy, caffeine-and-cigarettes indie clatter to conversational, pretense-free lyrics and the occasional burst of off-the-cuff eloquence ("No time for Montagues or Capulets/Just banging tunes and DJ sets," proffers "Dancefloor"), it's an instant, pulse-racing hit. No question, the Monkeys are more sinners than saints. The opening "The View from the Afternoon" predicts a ruckus with a whole lot more grit than the Kaisers can muster, while on the mellow "Riot Van," a tale of underage drinking and cop-baiting culminates in a messy beating in the back of a station wagon. Look beyond the Arctics' bristly, laddish exterior, however, because it's actually affairs of the heart that comprise this album's secret core: see the sweaty-palmed...See less
Price: $9.76 & eligible for... available at amazon.com
I am a huge fan of Guns N'Roses (see my slobbering review of "Appetite for Destruction") and I regret the fact that they...
(05/08/06) I am a huge fan of Guns N'Roses (see my slobbering review of "Appetite for Destruction") and I regret the fact that they imploded just as they had reached their creative peak. Here's a nice little snapshop of an L.A. hair metal band (with a 'tude) coming up through the ranks, kicking butt and taking names as they went along. "Reckless Life", like the entire A side (I still think of this as a cassette tape) was first released on the unattainable "Live! Like a Suicide EP". The song just tears your nuts out. There's some classic Axl wailing and a classic Slash guitar solo. "Nice Boys" is a Rose Tattoo cover and it's not bad. Kind of rough around the edges. "Move to the City" is another cover but I can't remember who wrote the original. "Mama Kin" is also a decent cover of an Aerosmith classic. This is pretty standard stuff - one original song and 3 covers. But then we get to the B side. There's some budding song-writing talent here with the gentle "Patience", with it's whistling intro and...See less
Price: $7.97 & eligible for... available at amazon.com
A glimpse of the future, and not because of its huge influence and umpteen million sales. The poor-little-rich-boy...
(05/08/06) A glimpse of the future, and not because of its huge influence and umpteen million sales. The poor-little-rich-boy protest "Out ta Get Me" intimates that Axl Rose's egotism and martyr complex were soon to grow bigger than his head; still, Appetite's night-train wreck of punk and metal sounds and sensibilities make it more than just an emblem of its time. Whether GN'R are dancing with Mr. Brownstone, penning a callow kiss-off letter to some chick named Michelle, or passing out on somebody else's sofa, this was and remains a savage journey to the heart of the American--or at least the Hollywood--dream. --Rickey WrightSee less
Price: $9.97 & eligible for... available at amazon.com
Few filmmakers managed to capture the awkward coming-of-age catastrophes of '80s teens the way John Hughes did, just as...
(05/08/06) Few filmmakers managed to capture the awkward coming-of-age catastrophes of '80s teens the way John Hughes did, just as few soundtracks encapsulate the sound of an era better than this one does. It's not the best 1986 had to offer, but it's a cohesive whole, transporting the listener to that other time, imagined or otherwise. There's enough variety to ensure that it doesn't become wallpaper, and very little filler. "Left of Center" by Suzanne Vega, with Joe Jackson on piano, is tremendous and transcends generations. Psychedelic Furs frontman Richard Butler has long been bemused about Hughes not taking Molly Ringwald's character's name from the title song, which inspired the film, but everyone was paying too much attention to what Ducky was wearing to notice anyway. --Scott WilsonSee less
Price: $9.98 & eligible for... available at amazon.com
Sounding like a flashback of the first few years of MTV, the soundtrack of The Wedding Singer starts as an intended goof...
(05/08/06) Sounding like a flashback of the first few years of MTV, the soundtrack of The Wedding Singer starts as an intended goof and ends up quite listenable, thanks. While a couple of these songs (Musical Youth's "Pass the Dutchie" in particular) had already fallen off the cultural radar by 1985, when the movie's action takes place, what's most impressive is the staying power most of them hold. If anything, the Psychedelic Furs' "Love My Way" sounds even better than it did then, and of course "How Soon Is Now," and "Blue Monday" are classics that have transcended their era: Just ask Matt Pinfield. Or Adam Sandler. Or Steven Morrissey. --Rickey WrightSee less
Is it forgivable that the second volume of songs from Adam Sandler's mid-'80s-revival comedy begins with Kajagoogoo's...
(05/08/06) Is it forgivable that the second volume of songs from Adam Sandler's mid-'80s-revival comedy begins with Kajagoogoo's famously limp "Too Shy"? Not really, but the rest of the disc does a good job of recapitulating worthy memories from the era of torn-sweatshirt necks and mulletheads--not just with new-wave novelties but with Madonna and Hall & Oates staples ("Holiday" and "You Make My Dreams," respectively) as bouncy and glossy as anything the also-present Depeche Mode ("Just Can't Get Enough") and Dead or Alive ("You Spin Me Round [Like a Record]") ever put on the radio or MTV. The Cars' "It's All I Can Do" and the J. Geils Band's "Love Stinks" encapsulate the Sandler character's romantic frustrations, while the star's own "Grow Old with Me" actually points toward a serious career as a singer/songwriter for our boy. Eek. --Rickey WrightSee less
Price: $10.98 & eligible for... available at amazon.com
Like Heavy Metal, the soundtrack for Fast Times At Ridgemont High was long out-of-print until 1994 or 1995, when both...
(05/08/06) Like Heavy Metal, the soundtrack for Fast Times At Ridgemont High was long out-of-print until 1994 or 1995, when both were finally issued on CD, and the music here is a mixture of late 70's California rock, as personified by ex-Eagles flying solo, and new age popsters. The two sounds are disparate but they make for a superb compilation. Here are the highlights. The main theme song is the rhythmic but semi-melancholy "Somebody's Baby" by Jackson Browne. "going walk up to her, I'm going to talk to her" reflects Mark Ratner's feelings towards Stacey. With "Waffle Stomp", ex-Eagle Joe Walsh has one of his goofy songs with a stomping beat. "You can punch out your boss/get fired from your job/collect unemployment/for your enjoyment/take out he trash/come down with a rash" and so on. One of the funnier songs here. Fellow ex-Eagle Don Henley comes next with the tender guitar and piano "Love Rules." Standout lyric: "I wish I didn't have so much to feel/it's much too scary and it's all too real"...See less
Throughout the 1980s, a damning generalization held true: British metal was essentially working man's food, loosely...
(05/08/06) Throughout the 1980s, a damning generalization held true: British metal was essentially working man's food, loosely descended from biker-meets and Northern pubs; whereas, in the States, it was an outgrowth of stadium rock, which traditionally subordinated substance to spectacle. Plug-ugly and cartoonishly morbid, Iron Maiden were typical of the Brit effort, since they effectively emphasized a driving, no-nonsense approach to the music. Among metal aficionados, this album ranks as one of the defining moments of the entire genre. Of the nine songs here--including Maiden classics like "Run to the Hills" and the title track--only "Gangland" falls flat, though it's immediately overshadowed by "Hallowed Be Thy Name," acknowledged by many as this band's apotheosis. --Andrew McGuireSee less
"Girls, Girls, Girls" was the best offering from the Crue during their drug-using days. It's not stellar, nor is it...
(05/08/06) "Girls, Girls, Girls" was the best offering from the Crue during their drug-using days. It's not stellar, nor is it deserving of being placed in the same category as "Dr. Feelgood." In the 80's/early 90's, this album was one of the best around, but it doesn't hold as much weight today. It sounds rather dated, as a matter of fact. Don't mistake me, I loved this album back then and I still enjoy it today, but let's be honest folks, this album just doesn't have have what it takes to be considered an album for the ages. I gave it three stars for mass appeal, but I'll throw four stars at it if you are a hardcore Crue fan. The one song that does deserve it's place in music history on this album is "Girls, Girls, Girls." It serves as the pinnacle of Motley Crue at there rowdiest and nastiest. It is unadulterated fun. It's offensive to a lot of folks and it just kicks tail. Other good songs found here are "All in the Name of..," and "Wild Side." The Crue's cover of "Jailhouse Rock" does manage...See less
Shout At The Devil will always be the Crue's best album. When they released the cd's on their own label they included...
(05/08/06) Shout At The Devil will always be the Crue's best album. When they released the cd's on their own label they included the demo's. This Japanese import includes an extra the extra cut Too Young to Fall in Love. This extra track is worth the extra bucks. The demo's were so much better then the finished product; so if your a true Crue fan buy the import.See less
1 used & new from $114.99 available at amazon.com
When you list the best Hard rock bands of the classic era, I mean the top bands, you have a handful of groups that stand...
(05/08/06) When you list the best Hard rock bands of the classic era, I mean the top bands, you have a handful of groups that stand out. The bands that you have to love to be a classic metalhead. Zeppelin,Aerosmith,Sabbath,AC/DC,the Who,Purple,Van Halen,KISS,Cooper,the Stones. But the one "Hair band" that truely deserves a spot in this elite group is Motley Crue. I love all the hair bands and some of them are great, but Motley was the best of the 80's. They were not that great at songwriting,but then AC/DC aren't either. They were not as great a group of musicians as Van Halen, but The Stones couldn't play their way out of a wet paper bag. But greatness is measured in Legend, and Motley Crue have been the subject of some of rock's most infamous legends. This is their best album. It's not as rough as Shout at the devil, but it showed a band that had developed into a tight unit. They took their influence from Aerosmith, and Van Halen, and it shows here. This is a must for classic metal fans. This...See less
19 used & new from $3.85 available at amazon.com
Vince Neil sounds fully fearsome, an indisputable street punk. Mick Mar's playing is top-notch and gives all the songs a...
(05/08/06) Vince Neil sounds fully fearsome, an indisputable street punk. Mick Mar's playing is top-notch and gives all the songs a real vitality. Tommy Lee's solid pounding is stellar as always, even when he was just a kid.See less
21 used & new from $4.94 available at amazon.com
Released in 1983, "Shout at the Devil" has held up fairly well. It may seem a little dated and tame when compared to...
(05/08/06) Released in 1983, "Shout at the Devil" has held up fairly well. It may seem a little dated and tame when compared to something like Marilyn Manson's "Antichrist Superstar" (1996) or other more recent metal bands, but "Shout" was one of the first of its type. It should be noted that Manson himself is a big fan of this album. So without "Shout," there would be no "Antichrist Superstar."See less
20 used & new from $3.50 available at amazon.com
As a piece of propaganda, James Blunt’s album Back to Bedlam does more for changing the face of the British Army than a...
(05/08/06) As a piece of propaganda, James Blunt’s album Back to Bedlam does more for changing the face of the British Army than a series of television adverts ever could. Swapping a rifle for a guitar, the former cavalryman’s ballad-heavy debut is a clearly aiming to win the battle for the public’s hearts and minds. The U.K. success of singles like "You’re Beautiful" and "No Bravery" (inspired by his time stationed in Bosnia) are both heartfelt and sensitive, the latter packing an additional emotional punch beyond the typical lovelorn ballads of his contemporaries like Damien Rice. But Blunt also sings with conviction about matters of the heart, and that’s the territory that most of Back to Bedlam visits, with songs of loss like "Goodbye My Lover", "So Long Jimmy" and "Billy". And throughout, the arrangements remain understated yet effective, thanks to the input of such heavyweight producers and songwriters like Linda Perry and Guy Chambers. All of which prove that there’s a lot of depth to this...See less
Price: $12.98 & eligible for... available at amazon.com
* Audio CD (November 20, 2001) * Original Release Date: 2001 * Number of Discs: 5 * Format: Box set, Original recording...
(05/08/06) * Audio CD (November 20, 2001) * Original Release Date: 2001 * Number of Discs: 5 * Format: Box set, Original recording remastered * Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase. * Label: Mercury / Universal * ASIN: B00005R72E * Average Customer Review:See less
Buy Together Today: $205.96 available at amazon.com
* Audio CD (September 24, 1993) * Original Release Date: September 28, 1993 * Number of Discs: 10 * Format: Box set,...
(05/08/06) * Audio CD (September 24, 1993) * Original Release Date: September 28, 1993 * Number of Discs: 10 * Format: Box set, Original recording remastered * Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase. * Label: Atlantic / Wea * ASIN: B000002IWP * Average Customer Review:See less
Price: $116.98 & this item... available at amazon.com
* Audio CD (September 9, 2003) * Original Release Date: 1999 * Number of Discs: 7 * Format: Box set, Enhanced, Original...
(05/08/06) * Audio CD (September 9, 2003) * Original Release Date: 1999 * Number of Discs: 7 * Format: Box set, Enhanced, Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered * Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase. * Label: Elektra / Wea * ASIN: B0000A1LSP * Average Customer Review:See less
Buy Together Today: $206.96 available at amazon.com
Better days are here again as one of America's favorite rock bands, The Goo Goo Dolls, returns with its first studio...
(05/08/06) Better days are here again as one of America's favorite rock bands, The Goo Goo Dolls, returns with its first studio album since 2002. Opening the doors for Let Love In-with the renowned Glen Ballad producing the band for the first time. Let Love In welcomes The Goo Goo Dolls back to the top of rock.See less
Price: $11.96 & eligible for... available at amazon.com
England's critically acclaimed quintet Gomez create music steeped in rock, pop, blues, funk, soul, and just about...
(05/08/06) England's critically acclaimed quintet Gomez create music steeped in rock, pop, blues, funk, soul, and just about anything else they can get their crafty hands on. The use of three lead singers never varies the sound by much--they mostly recall Eddie Vedder and Joe Cocker with a pinch of Tom Waits on the rough end. Abandoned Shopping Trolley Hotline is a compilation of oddball tracks that have been accumulating as import single B-sides and outtakes. "Shitbag 9," the opening track, is a spontaneous studio field holler, whereas "Buena Vista" is an atmospheric nine-minute psychedelic suite. Two BBC live recordings ("78 Stone Shuffle," "Steve McCroski") feature the band in a refreshingly loose groove, stumbling around with a sense of mischief and energy absent from their carefully considered studio productions. Perhaps, most intriguingly, the band's included their version of the Beatles' "Getting Better," (recorded by Gomez at Abbey Road Studios), which became familiar to most of us as...See less
7 used & new from $5.00 available at amazon.com
A collection of Elvis Costello's best from his earlier works.
(05/08/06) A collection of Elvis Costello's best from his earlier works.See less
Price: $22.98 & eligible for... available at amazon.com
Congrats! You've reached the maximum number of items you can add to a list.
To add more, please remove some of your items.
one sec please...