Dream

Dream

ASIN: B0000541ZB

Track Listings

1. Get Up Get Out

2. This Wall

3. Should've Known Better

4. Tears On My Face

5. A Satisfied Me

6. Heart To Love

7. Don't Know Much

8. What I've Always Wanted

9. Black Velvet

10. Live The Dream

Editorial Reviews
Lois St. John, Vice President of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life Southeast Division.
"Karen's music gives hope to all. It's message of hope speaks to the ear of every cancer survivor."

Product Description
A collection of soft country ballads with a mixture of sassy upbeat tempo tunes. It is called Dream because of the many references to hope, emotions and second chances the songs on the album refer to.

Dream

Tracks:

In The Presence Of Enemies
Forsaken
Constant Motion
The Dark Eternal Night
Repentance
Prophets Of War
The Ministry Of Lost Souls
In The Presence Of Enemies- part II

Album Description

Progressive rock masters Dream Theater return in full force with their ninth studio album Systematic Chaos. The album features heavy riffs, soaring melodies, and intricate arrangements. Dream Theater appeases its loyal fans but also reaches out to all rock fans with hook-laden hits like "Constant Motion," "Forsaken," and "The Dark Eternal Night."

Customer Reviews:

The Best Band on Earth....PERIOD!.......2007-07-09

It doesn't surprise me at all that this album is as incredible as it is. Musically, it is a masterpiece (and I'll be damned if the instrumental mid-section of The Dark Eternal Night isn't some of the most insane stuff ever layed down...Much respect to simply being able to remember the sequence of all the meter changes!!) I would say it is their best, but everytime they put out a new album I say that, so it's their best until their next best one is released. Dream Theater continue to impress fans and fellow musicians and deserve all the success and growth they have achieved over the past 20 years. I've been a fan since '92 and I've never been disappointed.

If you are new to Dream Theater's music, this album is a great "throw you to the wolves" introduction. Great album...a definite must own!!

Rush to buy this album!.......2007-07-09

This album has a new producer in some songs they sound more like Rush who the producer also produces. The singers (James) voice isn't as dynamic as previous albums. Love the album but sound isn't as good as previous albums the new producer has taken away the dynamic features that I loved in this band, strong vocals, sort of blended all of the instruments into a flat sound. I know this band sounds much better in person. Nothing wrong with the bands part just the production.

Progressive Theater at it's best.......2007-07-08

This new effort from Dream Theater is easily their most balanced album since A Change Of Seasons. I noticed most of the reviewers here are being a little too picky on some of the songs or absolutely have no clue what the story is about. This is just one fan's take, but this is one hell of an album.
1. In The Presence Of Enemies (Part 1) is a 9 minute epic. The lead-in to the song is killer and it's the perfect teaser for the even more epic second part.
2. Forsaken has a nice intro from Ruddess, my only mini complaint is that James LaBrie sings the song a tad too slow. Still, a very sold track.
3. Constant Motion has a really cool vibe with Portnoy's double bass runs in sync with Petrucci's strong riffing. Yes, Portnoy's vocal abilities is a little rough but it compliments this song so well with LaBrie's highs.
4. The Dark Eternal Night reminds me of 'Honor Thy Father' from Train Of Thought. It's just really cool, fast, and strong aggressive vocals. Jordan has a little fun during the mini breaks of this song too.
5. Repentance is the most cerebral song this band has ever done. To those who dont understand the concept, listen to 'The Glass Prison' from Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence, then 'This Dying Soul' from TOT, and 'The Root Of All Evil' from Octavarium. To the one that said there were vocal samples, it's all spoken word from the likes of Steve Vai, Satch, Chris Jericho, Jon Anderson, and Neal Morse to name a few. A beautiful and emotional song from beginning to end.
6. Prophets Of War gets right to the point with a very good sounding vocal from LaBrie telling his story of war's greed and senseless killing of innocent people. Listen close and you'll hear 100 people in chorus making this song even more personal on some levels.
7. Ministry Of Lost Souls is a Dream Theater classic. It has the speed playing, the slower balladry (especially in the beginning) and the tight vocals. A sweet piece of music nearly 15 minutes in length.
8. In The Presence Of Enemies (Part 2) closes out this epic album with a very dark story of the Dark Master. This 16 and a half minute journey takes the listener to his/her deepest darkest past selling their soul to the Dark Master only to ask for it back. What a way to close out an album.

Return of the Kings of Prog Metal.......2007-07-08

June was a fantastic month for progressive metal. Symphony X, Kamelot, and Dream Theater all released new albums - in fact the same day for Dream Theater and Kamelot. (Competition?) All three releases are very strong, but Systematic Chaos by Dream Theater shows that they are still the kings of progressive metal. As I have stated before, I only write 5-star reviews, since I can't be bothered to write reviews for anything less. With this philosophy, I didn't write a review for Octavarium, which was good but not great. There was nothing on Octavarium that struck me - plenty of prog maybe, but not enough metal.

Systematic Chaos isn't quite as heavy as Train of Thought (is anything?), but it certainly is heavy. The only song not loaded with crunch is "Repentance", which has a great Pink Floyd feel and is probably the best of the 12 step songs. "Repentance" has some beautiful backing guitar and a super solo by John Petrucci. The album is overall rather dark. While not a concept album, a number of the songs have lyrics reminiscent of 1950s horror flicks. "Constant Motion" is well titled with nothing but pure energy and makes great use of distorted vocals. Heavy riffs fill "The Dark Eternal Night" from front to back. The ending, in particular, is exceptionally mean with Petrucci crunching away at the bottom and Rudess going absolutely nuts on top with the continuum - prog metal heaven! For me, Jordan Rudess does help set DT apart. Most keyboard players add atmosphere or the lighter touches. Rudess can do this as well, but he can rip it up as nastily as Petrucci, which is as nasty as it gets. (They remind me of Jon Lord and Ritchie Blackmore dueling it out at solo time.) "Forsaken" and "Prophets of War" are short, heavy, and very catchy. "Prophets of War" has some Queen-like backing vocals and calls for a change in administration of the US presidency, which I certainly support. "The Ministry of Lost Souls" is the lyrical standout with a poignant story of successful rescue for the victim while the hero loses his life. "In The Presence of Enemies" is the epic piece, beginning and ending the album in grandiose but dark style.

Just when I was concerned that Dream Theater was possibly losing their edge, they come back with a bolt of lightning. I can't wait to see them on tour. VIP ticket for Cleveland!

If you liked Train of Thought, this is your album.......2007-07-08

DT fan since their early beginnings as Majesty. Have all the albums, seen most of the tours, have all the live DVD's. Learned most of the Petrucci licks, at least the ones acessible to mere mortals. This album crushes, lots of technical stuff, and heavy at the same time. My jury is still out on Prophets of War, I'm hoping it's more of an issue awareness kind of song like the stem cell research song on Six Degrees, and not just some moveon.org type Dixie Chix baloney. Otherwise great over all, especially the two part intro/outro track, and the "monster" themed songs, Forsaken and Dark Eternal Night. aka NADS.

Anyway, there's usually two kinds of people, DT fans and non-DT fans, and if you're a fan you'll like it, if you're not, you won't. But if you're not into DT yet, my best analogy would be that if you liked Rust in Peace by Megadeth, this is where to try to get into the Dream Theater.

Average customer rating:

Their best in a long, long, time....
dissapointed
What Happened?
Boy am I in trouble...
Has Dream Theater ever produced a truly bad CD?

Systematic Chaos
Dream Theater
Manufacturer: Roadrunner Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000PFUAO6
Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

In the Presence Of Enemies-Part I
Forsaken
Constant Motion
The Dark Eternal Night
Repentance
Prophets Of War
The Ministy Of Lost Souls
In the Presence Of Enemies-Part II

Amazon.com

Dream Theater has built a career on delivering some of the most consistently strong progressive rock albums in history and Systemic Chaos proves no exception. Built upon the trademark musically diverse but stylistically reliable principles that made albums such as Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence and Train of Thought instant classics, this album features new career highs such as "Prophets of War," "Forsake," and "Constant Motion." Although the band has flirted with commercially viable material in the past, especially on 2005's solid and exciting Octavarium, Systemic Chaos proves unrelenting in its pursuit of pure heavy rock. There are plenty of surprises in store, even for stalwart fans, perhaps one of the reasons that Dream Theater remains in a class by itself, ahead of the pack and ahead of the times. A truly outstanding album by any measure.--Jedd Beaudoin

Album Description

Customer Reviews:

Their best in a long, long, time...........2007-07-10

This album blows away Octavarium . That wasn't a bad release (in fact, I liked it quite a bit) but it was by far their worst release. It was obvious that they were running on steam. It was heavy, progressive, but it pretty uninspired in places.

Looking at dozens of reviews on all the Theater releases, it is very clear that Dream Theater fans are pretty wishy washy and don't support their band very well. They should be ashamed and dream theater should be embarrassed to have such stupid fans. I can understand hating a band if they truly sink rock bottom but Dream Theater is too tight of a band to alienate such a huge fan base on their own. Quite simply, their fans have their own delusions of this band and ruined the band only for themselves.

I first got into Dream Theater when Six Degress came out. I bought it on a whim and never even heard one note from the band before. I loved every minute (well, mostly) of both discs and fell in love with the band and immediately went back and delved into their past and then bought this one and the previous two albums (also the live dvds and the live albums) when they came out.

What makes this album was so good is the fact that they finally found the balance between heavy and progressive metal. Train Of Thought was waaaay too heavy for them and octavarium experimented in all the wrong ways. With this epic release, they get it right. How so? By mixing the two styles but never together. When the parts are heavy then it's heavy with nothing else. When they are melodic and moving, then it's melodic and moving. They don't try to do it at the same time in the same song; just do it at different times in the same song.

It works rather well, I think.

Some of Petrucci's most frantic fret work is displayed on here: sometimes it's downright pure thrash. Clearly, this album is for Petrucci to shine which makes sense because the last album was for James and the keyboardist (forgot his name..)

Although, I wouldn't say Mike's drumming is as...deep and in depth..as usual, it's no less intricate and spot on. He pounds the double bass drums extremely fast and hard in places and it makes you set back and realize that he can be aggressive on the kit when he needs to be.

James' vocals are still hit and miss for me. As always, when he does it right, he shines. But when he's bad, he is very bad. At any rate, he doesn't do too bad of a job. Myung's bass and Jordan's keyboards are still spot on. I have nothing to say about these instruments and that isn't an insult. It simply states that they are very consistent and I have nothing to add to them or their performances within the band in anyway.

Background vocals/extra vocals from everyone that is not James: A lot of fans complain about them but I think they sound cool. They certainly fit the feel sometimes, especially on Dark Eternal Night. That song sounds sinister and has become one of my favorite DT songs.

All in all, it's their best album since Six Degrees. Adding to this, I don't think it's as good as classic such as the already mentioned six degrees, awake, or images and words but I do think it holds on with scenes from a memory, which I feel is one of the most overrated albums of all time. Please, Dream Theater fans, don't email hate because I just said that. I don't care about your opinion.

dissapointed.......2007-07-10

Being a long time fan, and after not really liking Octavarium very much, I wasn't sure what to expect. After the first couple of minutes I thought this album would be reaaly cool. After that they lost me. The songs just didn't grab me. Don't get me wrong, there is nobody better when it comes to musicianship, but the songs just aren't that good. Here and there I would here something really cool and after a couple of bars it was gone, never to be heard again. Hope I like the next offering. I used to just buy Dream Theater albums because I knew they would be great. After the last two I will be listening to the samples first.

What Happened?.......2007-07-08

Basically you can sum up DT's career in 2 phases., pre and post Scenes From a Memory... It seemed like right after Metropolis 2 DT became heavier and heavier and seemed to lose their happiness.. Every album since this has less and less 'pep' and 'bounciness'... yet I keep buying their albums hoping that they will reinvent themselves again... gone are the days of the DT tight guitars (listen to this album compared to LTE 2 and Awake and you will know what I mean), great hooks, and even any recognizable song structure....

I have listened to this album about 4x since I purchased it, and it just doesn't get me feeling as I did way back in the day.. I actually figured it out., somehow it sounds like Lamb of God w/ keyboards and someone that sings...

I'm sorry DT, I had such high hopes.

Boy am I in trouble..........2007-07-05

I was pumped to learn that the day before my wedding the 11th of August, Dream Theater was going to be performing in Chicago. Before the CD arrived at my home, I purchased tickets for all 5 of my groomsmen, my father, and myself to see the show in Chicago the 10th of August. Now, after listening to the CD, I think I am in a real pinch, especially after telling all the groomsmen how GREAT Dream Theater is. I have seen them twice before. Once in Indiana at the Gigantour, and once in Chicago for their anniversary tour. Needless to say, the Indiana show was amazing and the Chicago show was pitiful at best. Knowing that 70% of the show coming up in August will be material from this disc, I fear that I have just wasted $450. There is no creativity here. There is now flow. "Constant Motion" and "Forsaken" both sound like something NICKLEBACK could have written!!! Where are the feel-good times of Six Degrees? Here I was thinking that Octavarium was a bad album... I'd listen to that CD 1000 times over hearing this piece of trash again. I'm disappointed. I'm disgusted. I want my money back. I am sick of having to jump 1/2 way through DT's songs just to find some real music. I think I'll just stick to Porcupine Tree and Symphony X from now on.

Has Dream Theater ever produced a truly bad CD?.......2007-07-05

For those Dream Theater fans who don't like this album, I ask you to stop and think for a second. If you had never heard Images and Words, Awake, SFAM, or (Insert your favorite DT album), would your review of this album be different? I think for most of us, the answer would be yes. I've been guilty of allowing myself to be spoiled by past albums of DT and other bands, but when I open my mind to this album, in and of itself, I have to say that it is a great album as well. If this was the first Dream Theater album I had ever heard, complaints would be minimal. I own all of them, and every single album stands alone as a great compilation of music. Musicianship and song structures of this stature are rare in the world of rock music today. I say enjoy it while we can. Dream Theater won't be around forever. For those who would be buying a Dream Theater album for the first time with Systematic Chaos, you won't be disappointed, unless you aren't a fan of complex music.

Average customer rating:

In The Mode Of "Keep It Simple, Stupid", All I Can Say Is...
Worth The Hype?
Good but not amazing
Love it !!
Great new sound.

Carnavas
Silversun Pickups
Manufacturer: Dangerbird Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Pikul
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ASIN: B000FUF86Q
Release Date: 2006-07-25

Tracks:

Melatonin
Well Thought Out Twinkles
Checkered Floor
Little Lover's So Polite
Future Foe Scenarios
Waste It On
Lazy Eye
Rusted Wheel
Dream At Tempo 119
Three Seed
Common Reactor

Amazon.com

If the idea of basement tapes made by Billy Corgan and Doug Martsch appeals to you, say hello to your new favorite band. Silversun Pickups are fairly early adopters of the 1990s revival, but they're not grunge dorks or anything, and they're from L.A. so they dress nice. Their music updates the anthemic but gauzy heavy rock sound that Veruca Salt and the Smashing Pumpkins had down pat. Thankfully, they strip it down and add plenty of finely distorted guitar leads to the whole thing. It's nice. With a spacey, laid-back sound due in no small part to knob-twiddlers Tony Hoffer and Dave Cooley, repeated listens are mandatory. Just don't pass out on the couch. --Mike McGonigal

Album Description

The wait is over. Silversun Pickups are about to unveil their debut full length on July 25. The Angelenos have been hard at work in the studio for months since the release of their EP 'Pikul', and are excited for the finished copy to hit the shelves. Singer/guitarist Brian Aubert offers, "We worked our asses off and we are very proud of the finished product." Using Pikul as the blueprint, the full-length seamlessly continues with Silversun's signature sound. Aubert continues, "We stayed very focused on a feeling for the full-length. It's colder, more mechanical, moodier - but at the end of it all, it's a rock record. And that's what we wanted to make." The album captures the moody nature of Silversun Pickups' sound: fuzzy guitars, driving bass grooves, ethereal keyboards, angular drums, all complemented by Aubert's unmistakable, raspy vocals. This duality is the quality that sets the Silversun Pickups apart.

Customer Reviews:

In The Mode Of "Keep It Simple, Stupid", All I Can Say Is..........2007-06-23

...Silversun Pickups remind me of The Smashing Pumpkins, except that they're much less annoying and pretentious.

Therefore I like "Carnavas" a lot. Shiny, fuzzy, androgynous vocals, oblique enough require digging into.

Standout tracks are:
"Well Thought Out Twinkles" (all twinkles should be well thought out)
"Checkered Floor"
"Common Reactor"
"Future Foe Scenarios"
"Little Lover's So Polite"

A touch of post-grunge from whence the sun does shine.

Worth The Hype?.......2007-06-19

Very few bands to emerge in the new millennium have succeeded in bringing the 90's back by injecting modern elements into it while still retaining credibility. For the Silversun Pickups, however, they succeed where others may have failed (or just simply dumbed the formula down) on their dynamic full-length debut, "Carnavas." It's a sound you're bound to recognize upon your first listen, but which will bring you much to discover on each repeated listen.

So, let's get this out of the way, because it's unavoidable. These guys sound a lot like "Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness"-era Smashing Pumpkins. And I mean A LOT. In fact, that's what drew me into their music in the beginning. The afeminite vocals. Check. The prominent hooks delivered by bass. Check. Distorted guitars. Check. It's safe to say that if there was any band who got Billy Corgan's formula perfect, it's these guys. But instead of being mere carbon copies, the Pikcups at least add their own mark to the sound. Songs like "Melatonin," "Little Lover's So Polite," "Dream At Tempo 119" and the popular first single, "Lazy Eye" are the kind that get better and (gasp) still sound fresh with each repeated listen. "Rusted Wheel" is a personal favorite, and shows the band has a knack for the dramatic and can stray from the formula, just when you think the album might be slipping into predictability. Truth be told, there are some songs that are much better than others, and at times the vocal delivery can sound phoned in, but for a debut, it's nothing too bad. In fact, the album is just about perfect.

"Carnavas" may not ooze at the pores with originality, but at the very least, it stands out from the crowd. Play any of this album's eleven tracks next to the average modern rock fare, and not only does it stand it's own, but it's distinct and has flavor. It's simply a solid album that is perfect for letting yourself slip away. Truly, one of the rare albums these days that requires a good listen the whole way through each and every time. Are Silversun Pickups worth the hype? Well, they will appeal to many music lovers and create music that is simultaneously fun, smart and sincere. So the answer is definitely 'yes.'

Good but not amazing.......2007-06-15

I bought this album after hearing the song "Lazy Eye."I really don't agree with all the people making the Smashing Pumpkins comparison.I'm a huge SP fan and I don't mean this to make the Silversun Pickups sound bad or anything but I don't think they can be compared.I just think people want to sound smart when they write these reviews by bringing up other bands they know or have heard of.But anyway back to the review:
I'm listening to the album as I write this.The songs are good.They sound rich and I don't think anything should be added or taken out.They're the kind of songs that make you bob your head in the car.I think this album will appeal to a lot of people,whether you like rock,indie or whatever.
I'd say it's worth your money.I have to say though that near the end of the album I fell asleep.Literally.Sorry.That's why it's 4 stars.

My favorite songs are "Melatonin" and "Little Lover's So Polite."

Love it !!.......2007-06-15

Great band, great music!! Enough said . . . Buy it.

Great new sound........2007-06-14

I saw this band open for WolfMother. They are great musicians, although their lead vocals were a little soft live. I thought maybe they will improve recorded. THEY DID! This album rocks. Download the single "Little Lover So Polite", its great. They have a new sound that is very strong. Great stuff.

Average customer rating:

Some fantastic singles
I'll follow You into the Dark!
Hoping to pull this up to 4.5 stars...
IT'S ALL GOOD
Pleasantly Surprised!

Plans
Death Cab for Cutie
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000AADYRQ
Release Date: 2005-08-30

Tracks:

Marching Bands of Manhattan
Soul Meets Body
Summer Skin
Different Names for the Same Thing
I Will Follow You into the Dark
Your Heart Is an Empty Room
Someday You Will Be Loved
Crooked Teeth
What Sarah Said
Brothers on a Hotel Bed
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Amazon.com

When an indie-rock band as intimately and fiercely loved as Death Cab for Cutie makes the inevitable major-label jump, it often telegraphs a painful death. Witness Husker Du, the Replacements, Nirvana--hell, even R.E.M. After a successful four-album run on tiny Seattle imprint Barsuk, however, Death Cab for Cutie just might buck the trend on its Atlantic premiere. Yes, you can grumble about the production (a little too slick), the proportion of ballads (a little too many) and the overall feeling of restraint (a little too much), but ultimately the album delivers everything the group does best in emotional, experimental songs such as "What Sarah Said" and "I Will Follow You into the Dark," which both blend stark lyrical details with acoustic guitars and soft-focus electronics. In "Soul Meets Body," meanwhile, songwriter Ben Gibbard has come up with the kind of blissful, beatific pop song that's capable of disarming even the harshest skeptic. "A melody softly soaring through my atmosphere," he sings. --Aidin Vaziri

Catching up with Death Cab for Cutie

Something About Airplanes

We Have the Facts and We're Voting Yes

Forbidden Love [EP]

The Photo Album

You Can Play These Songs with Chords

Transatlanticism

Customer Reviews:

Some fantastic singles.......2007-06-27

This is the only Death Cab album I like, but it's an amazing one. If you're new to the band, start here!

I'll follow You into the Dark!.......2007-05-16

My wife and I heard the tract "I'll Follow You Into the Dark" on Jay Leno and since August is our 44th Anniversary we thought it would be the perfect song to play at the renewing of our vows. Suprisingly the entire CD was as awesome as the one song we had heard and we've enjoyed every one on it. It's a little different than what we've always listened to, things like Steppenwolf and Led Zepplin, but we've become fans of "Death Cab For Cutie!"

Hoping to pull this up to 4.5 stars..........2007-04-11

I would actually give Plans 4.5 stars, but I am rating it a 5 to help pull the overall rating to a 4.5.

This was my introduction to Death Cab For Cutie by a friend. She made me listen to "Soul Meets Body", and I was in love with that song. I purchased the album, and to my surprise, there were a few tracks I liked more than "Soul Meets Body". There are a couple of tracks that don't work well ("Brothers on a Hotel Bed", for instance), but when it does work well, it's a mellow and beautiful listen.

Standout tracks: "Marching Bands of Manhattan", "I Will Follow You Into the Dark", "Crooked Teeth", "Soul Meets Body", "Summer Skin", "Your Heart is an Empty Room".

IT'S ALL GOOD.......2007-03-23

I bought this CD after hearing "I Will Follow You Into the Dark" and "Crooked Teeth." The whole CD is quite good, and some of it is relaxing, too. We actually listened to it during dinner. It was good straight through. Haven't heard much of "Death Cab For Cutie" other than this CD, but would definitely check them out more now!

Pleasantly Surprised!.......2007-03-11

Somewhere I heard their track "Follow me into the dark" and the accoustic guitar caught my attention. I don't listen to the radio that much since I don't have a long commute - kitchen to office type thing. The other day I heard it again and this time I caught the name of the album - I'm notorious for not knowing the names of bands and this one zipped by me too. I know what I like and I know good music when I hear it. Frequently when I've bought a CD for one track I'm disappointed by the tone or quality of the rest ... but, not in this case. They have the quality of many of the bands from the 60s, but they are original and thoughtful in their writing. This record is relatively mellow, but it has as pleasant energy about it. Similar to another review here on Amazon, I'm interested in looking into their previous work and will look for new releases from them. If someones doesn't talk them out of their own style and will let them alone to continue to develop it, they'll be around for a long time I'm quite certain.

Average customer rating:

Gorgeous sheets of sound
23 is a Keeper!!
SWEET EDGE
HUUUUUUGE disappointment
One of 2007's best

23
Blonde Redhead
Manufacturer: 4ad / Ada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000NJLYSK
Release Date: 2007-04-10

Tracks:

23
Dr. Strangelove
The Dress
Sw
Spring And By Summer
Silently
Publisher
Heroine
Top Ranking
My Impure Hair

Amazon.com

As if getting a spread in a popular home décor magazine just a month prior to this album's release wasn't enough of a tipoff, Blonde Redhead have come a long way since their days of mimicking Sonic Youth's brittle art-rock. Clanging guitars have been replaced by warm synthesizers and soft strings, while Japanese singer Kazu Makino's thin voice has become a ghostly moan on the grandiose opener and title track of the New York trio's seventh full-length release, 23. Their last one, 2004's Misery Is a Butterfly, was a lovely throwback to the dream-pop heyday of the Cocteau Twins and Lush. This one presses further down that road, only with a more experimental streak, as cascading guitars, military rhythms, and wobbly melodies shape opulent, otherworldly songs like "The Dress" and "My Impure Hair." --Aidin Vaziri

Album Description

As rich and densely layered as their last album, "Misery Is A Butterfly", but the overall mood of wistfulness, melancholy, and regret has been replaced by one of mystical wonder and renewed energy. "It's art music and heart music, with equal appeal to a Serge Gainsbourg fan as to a Sonic Youth fan, without ever sounding like either act" - LA Times.

Customer Reviews:

Gorgeous sheets of sound.......2007-07-06

This may be my favorite album of 2007 so far (we still have another 6 months to go!) Gorgeous dream pop that hearkens back to the early 90s shoegazer days. Kevin Shields would be proud. I hear some Cocteau Twins in there somewhere as well, which is why it is the most erotic record that I have heard in a long time. Sit in a room by yourself and let the sounds permeate.

23 is a Keeper!!.......2007-06-27

In my never ending search for new sounds, bands I have not heard I came across this band. Very impressed with their sound, great vocals and the music quite original. At first I was not sure about the female lead vocals but in time it became quite interesting. But also to my surprise, when I thought that only she did the singing, another male vocals came to play which in my opinion made the album much better if for the change of pace alone. Never heard of Blonde Redhead before this and by the time the CD had ended I was definitely sold and bought for. I would rate them higher than a 4 but not quite a 5. This is a very delicately woven endeavor and it shows. Now all I need is to play it at a louder volume with a more concentrated sweet smoke and enjoy the ride, they are a classy act and I am very happy I found them. The sound was tight and the songs interesting and appealing, did not find a bad one to complain about. Like most albums there are standouts but the overall quality of the songs is there. Yes, I know, I am not a professional critic that is able to dissect the songs to their lowest denominator and that knows the history of the band. No. I am an avid fan of good music and believe me when I say it is indeed a rare treat to find an act that deliver the goods. I like to change the famous saying "All Men are equal but some are more equal than others" to "All Bands are equal but some are more equal than others". Blonde Redhead "23" was certainly a good buy, one I am very content with, and when it comes down to it, what more can a music loving consumer wish for?

SWEET EDGE.......2007-06-26

I've never heard of them until lately.

If you like catchy melodies, sweet music and some edge to your music... this is the blonde redhead album to buy. Their earlier albums are raw, less friendly, and less catchy. This album fits into the Cocteau Twins/Sugar Cubes category.

If you're looking for harder stuff like Artic Monkeys, don't buy this album.

Gems: Dr Strangeluv, S.W., 23, Silently, My Impure Hair.

HUUUUUUGE disappointment.......2007-06-18

As a fan of Blonde Redhead's work for quite some time, I bought this as soon as I had money to do so. I was so excited to hear this record. I loved their old stuff, I loved Misery...even with how different it was from the old stuff. It was just so beautifully done, I didn't care. 23, on the other hand, is just plain bad. The music definitely picks up where Misery left off, but it's really boring. The vocals are equally boring. There is no intensity at all to this. Not to mention that there is no artwork really to speak of. The red wrap around banner is pretentious to say the least. Open it up and there's....nothing. No lyrics, no liner notes, nothing to really draw people to actually purchase this, as opposed to downloading it. Then again, the music doesn't really do that, either.

One of 2007's best.......2007-06-12

Blonde Redhead's 23 was produced by Alan Moulder, among others. He was the responsible for the sound of several excellent albums including "Loveless" by My Bloody Valentine (you can actually hear the typical loveless' shifting & bending guitars in the first track of this album).
Moody, Orignal, Melodic, and equipped with powerful vocals. This is a must-have for everyone who thinks there isnt any good music out there.

Average customer rating:

An Alt-Rock Masterpiece
gorgeous!
an all time favorite
Alright!
Their last amazing cd.

Siamese Dream
Smashing Pumpkins
Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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MACHINA/The Machines of God

ASIN: B000000WJZ
Release Date: 1993-07-27

Tracks:

Cherub Rock
Quiet
Today
Hummer
Rocket
Disarm
Soma
Geek U.S.A.
Mayonaise
Spaceboy
Silverfuck
Sweet Sweet
Luna

Amazon.com essential recording

An introductory drum roll drops out and is replaced by a single suspended electric guitar, which is then paralleled by a snare, filled in with the bass, and--crash!--"Cherub Rock," the opening track, is enveloped in an explosion of metal guitar. So the journey begins. This album is pre-experimentation vintage Pumpkins. Produced by Butch Vig (Garbage, Sonic Youth, Nirvana's Nevermind), Siamese Dream is first about guitars. Lots and lots of guitars. A very close second is Jimmy Chamberlain's unquestionably excellent power drumming. Throughout each song, Billy Corgan delivers angsty lyrics in his signature breathy whine. "Disarm" is a nice intermission halfway though the album. As the title of the song suggests, it throws the listener into a different mood with its full string arrangements and radiant orchestral chimes. But then it is back to the aural masochism--a pain that rarely sounds so sweet. --Beth Bessmer

Customer Reviews:

An Alt-Rock Masterpiece.......2007-06-29

This album is so good, it puts a lump in my throat just thinking about it. Very rarely are there great "albums" released anymore, where from the first song to the last, the music is strong and artfully arranged to make one complete "book" of music. I love this album, I love this sound. To me, this captures the best of the Pumpkins - the driving guitar and drums. What is that signature Pumpkins distortion on the guitar? Amazing. There's another song out there right now that has a similar sound and screaming vocals. It's not the SP, but it sure sounds like them!

gorgeous!.......2007-06-16

well this will be review 450 and i guess there aint much to say that hasnt been said at this point. so shut my mouth and strike the demons... yeah, you see i was only 4 when it came out and my sister who was only 8 had it new. the thing is i dont really remember much of it from when i was a kid. so skip some odd years later plus a shattered soul and you have me at 18, a diehard pumpkins fan of about only a year, and when i first heard sweet, sweet again it was instant nostalgia of heart warming bliss, like that song had never left my heart all those years. all in all it is the best sp album because it is the most flawless even though personally i find no flaws in any sp material. i will listen to these songs until my heart beat implodes, nothing short of that. the thing is that my taste in music is so big that i could kick it with most that love all good music, and still could not say there is anything in the history of music like the splash in "TODAY" after those opening chords of angel dust...nothing! billy better be playing most if not all of these songs on upcoming shows, hard to do when his songs list is extremely dense, still i'll prolly be the guy in the front wearing my zero tee yelling play SWEET SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

an all time favorite.......2007-05-19

Why do I keep losing this CD?! I've bought it about 6 times now and I love it every bit as much as I did back in Chicago when I first heard it, so many years ago. I love the Pumpkins, I love their ever changing sound. But this is one of those "top 5 stranded on a desert island" CDs for me, and I suspect it always will be. It's pure, raw, energetic Pumpkins at the very beginning of their long and glorious run...which is finally kicking up again soon. It's one of the few albums I own where I love every single song. A classic.

Alright!.......2007-04-28

This is now my second favorite album behind "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness." (You just can't beat that one. It's a masterpiece.) But this album is a must-have. It's loaded with classics such as "Cherub Rock," "Today," and "Disarm." Even the songs on this that aren't hits are still amazing, such as "Luna" and "Spaceboy." This album has a five-star average for a reason.

Their last amazing cd........2007-04-17

Let me start by saying the Smashing Pumpkins were one of my biggest rock let downs. Their first few ep's and full lengths were amazing, I had such high rock hopes for them. Then Billy wanted to be Nosferatu from Salems Lot. I dont understand.

That being said, this albums rocks, Billys guitar tone is second to nearly no one, the guy totally tears the fret board into pieces in a beautifully drenched fuzz. The songs are well crafted, well written, well performed, and Corgans hurt little boy voice is perfect.

To me, the Pumpkins last great album, this is where their career ended for me.

Definitely a must have for a rock collection. If only for the mad guitar clinic Corgan displays like a $1.99 all you can eat smorgasbord.

Mamma Mia! The Musical Based on the Songs of ABBA: A Decca Broadway Original Cast Recording (1999 London Cast)

Average customer rating:

Mamma Mia
Mamma Mia Musical CD
JUST GREAT MUSIC
Mamma Mia
Not good at all

Mamma Mia! The Musical Based on the Songs of ABBA: A Decca Broadway Original Cast Recording (1999 London Cast)
Benny Andersson , Julian Poole , Jenny Galloway , Nicolas Colicos , Paul Clarkson , Bjorn Ulvaeus , Lisa Stokke , Eliza Lumley , Melissa Gibson , Siobhan McCarthy , Louise Plowright , Jenny Galloway , Bjorn Ulvaeus , and Stig Anderson
Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000031WEN
Release Date: 2000-10-17

Tracks:

Overture/Prologue
Honey, Honey
Money, Money, Money
Thank You For The Music
Mamma Mia
Chiquitita
Dancing Queen
Lay All Your Love On Me
Super Trouper
Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!
The Name Of The Game
Voulez-Vous
Entr'acte
Under Attack
One Of Us
S.O.S.
Does Your Mother Know
Knowing Me, Knowing You
Our Last Summer
Slipping Through My Fingers
The Winner Takes It All
Take A Chance On Me
I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do
I Have A Dream

Amazon.com

Put together by Abba's own Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, Mamma Mia! manages to cram over 20 of the Swedish supergroup's songs into a threadbare plot. It goes a little like this: Young Sophie is getting married and she's trying to identify which of three men is her father. That's about it. Wisely, the musical doesn't mess around with the songs, save for the insertion of some dialogue or for having some of them performed by a man (it works amazingly well). Abba fans will jump on this import of the London production, but traditional fans of musical theater should consider it as well. After all, Andersson and Ulvaeus's songs have always felt as if they were more than isolated pop gems and actually belonged to a longer narrative. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Mamma Mia.......2007-03-22

I have not stopped playing this cd. It is just great! It makes any trip in my car most enjoyable Happy I bought it!

Mamma Mia Musical CD.......2007-03-21

This is a grand list of songs from the original musical when it was first introduced in England. The songs from ABBA are very recognizable even if you haven't seen the show. But, making a trip to NY to see the Broadway production is a plus. ENJOY!

JUST GREAT MUSIC.......2007-03-08

I RECENTLY SAW THE SHOW MAMMA MIA IN LAS VEGAS. ALWAYS LIKES THE MUSIC OF ABBA, AND THOUGH THE PLOT WAS THIN, THE MUSIC WAS WELL PERFORMED. IN THIS PARTICULAR ALBUM, THE ENGLISH ACCENTS WERE A BIT MUCH, BUT THE SONGS WERE GREAT. ALL I CAN SAY IS THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC, ABBA.

Mamma Mia.......2007-01-29

Every time I hear the music and songs it brings back memories of seeing the Broadway Show

Not good at all.......2007-01-09

This is not what we wanted. The British accents throw it was off. We just saw it in NY and this is not what we were looking for.

Average customer rating:

Parachutes
coldplay "parashutes"
Can anybody stop this thing ... before my head explodes ...
Amazing debut album
Cold Play rocks

Parachutes
Coldplay
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000508U6
Release Date: 2000-11-07

Tracks:

Don't Panic
Shiver
Spies
Sparks
Yellow
Trouble
Parachutes
High Speed
We Never Change
Everything's Not Lost

Amazon.com

Music doesn't come more touching than this. With their debut single alone, the emotion-fortified "Shiver," Coldplay prove they can shift between elated and crushed in a breath, as singer Chris Martin pours out music's oldest chestnut (unconditional yet unrequited love) with the shakiest of voices and a backdrop of epic guitars. For 10 tracks on Parachutes, he adds newfound meaning to the most tired and overused rock sentiments--love found, love lost, love unrequited--over acoustic guitars and emotionally fraught rock. And for once, all the clichés ring true because Chris Martin genuinely sounds like a man picking over the bones of his life, coming up with just as many reasons to be cheerful as seriously depressed. Not that Parachutes is a depressing album--there's too much conviction to the guitars and hope in Martin's words for that. Instead it's a beautifully tender balance that comes as close to perfection as anything that's come before it. --Dan Gennoe

Amazon.com

Coldplay Photos

More from Coldplay

A Rush of Blood to the Head
X&Y
Live 2003

Customer Reviews:

Parachutes.......2007-04-05

For so long I wrote this band off as Radiohead wannabes. Granted, Chris Martin himself pretty much admits this sentiment to be true, but that does not mean Coldplay can't want to be like Radiohead and make good music at the same time. They don't strike as deep or reach as far, but they deliver more accessible music that isn't all that bad. In fact, Parachutes, their debut album, is quite good - no, it is great.

The album has a reserved, modest alternative rock sound that relies on acoustic guitars and keyboards just as much as it does electric guitars and drum rhythms. There aren't many layers or complexity to the ten tracks on Parachutes; they are beautifully simple. Chris Martin will probably never top his vocals on this album. It is his most vivid and honest delivery. One key aspect of Coldplay's music that has never gone well with me is the lyrics, and more specifically their topics. And Coldplay haven't seemed to move from where they started, but that isn't a real weak point for Parachutes, considering that this is where they started.

"Don't Panic" is one of the best songs on the album, both in terms of sound and lyrics, but when the electric guitar comes in you can immediately taste the Radiohead. "Shiver" is a much more "Coldplay" song that has a very endearing, melodic sound to it, and the fact that it isn't in 4/4 shows that Coldplay aren't just talented. But the lyrics - being about a girl - dull this display of intellect and creativity. They more than make up for it on "Spies," a darker-sounding drum-heavy piece that is surely metaphorical about life's worries, drug use, or maybe even communist China. "Sparks" is a beautiful, almost lounge-like piece that is fitting to be about a girl. Both "Yellow" and "Trouble" are overrated, but still very good songs that work perfectly on this album. "High Speed" is another very enjoyable Radiohead-flavored song that contains a lot of atmospheric guitar-work and a grooving bass line. "We Never Change" is perhaps the best song on the album, and is certainly the most expressive and meaningful. "Everything's Not Lost" is the perfect track to close out Parachutes, with its "this could go on forever" guitar and bass riffs and vocals.

The songs in and of themselves aren't particularly brilliant or overwhelming, but the whole is much greater than the sum of its parts. The album cannot be expressed in a song or two like your average pop album. It's not exactly a "Dark Side Of The Moon"-type of album either, but everything works so well from beginning to end that it is in a sense exactly that kind of album.

coldplay "parashutes".......2007-03-19

i wait3 month and not recieve nothing-you lost this, i don't know condition.

Can anybody stop this thing ... before my head explodes ..........2007-02-03

Simply stated one of the best albums in existence. From the restrained beauty of "Yellow," to the haunting, unbelievably beautiful "Trouble," to my favorite "High Speed," this cd is astonishing. Stunning. Perfect. The last song "Everything's Not Lost" is ideal when you're at the end of your rope. It'll choke you up, but you'll feel better ... I cannot recommend this cd highly enough. This audio clips on the main page don't do any of the tracks justice ... they sound warped, tinny, and flat ... just buy it. The main review calls Parachutes "a beautifully tender balance that comes as close to perfection as anything that's come before it." Yes ... yes.

Amazing debut album.......2007-02-02

Not often does a band come through and shatter the mold for popular music. Before this cd, Americans were fixated on 'boy bands' and Outkast. This release expanded the palette of nearly all who listened; the door was open for such bands as Keane, Franz Ferdinand, and even Modest Mouse to gain their fair share of radio play. A deeper and more spiritual side of music was exposed that had an overwhelmingly great effect on the industry as a whole. This CD is simply amazing, with every song complementing each other seamlessly.
While most casual listeners will be quick to enjoy the pop-friendly "Yellow," it is such songs as "Everything's Not Lost" and "Shiver" that best define this album.

Cold Play rocks.......2007-01-11

This Cd I bought for only two of the songs. I do however enjoy more than the two I got it for.Its not as good as X&Y but its good. I have bought most all Cold plays music and this band is awesome.

Recurring Dream: The Very Best Of Crowded House

Average customer rating:

the return of crowded house.....
Great CD
Essential compilation of severely underrated band
An entire CD that is very easy to listen to.
beautiful, soaring, exciting pop/rock

Recurring Dream: The Very Best Of Crowded House
Crowded House
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002U5B
Release Date: 1996-07-23

Tracks:

Weather With You
World Where You Live
Fall At Your Feet
Locked Out
Don't Dream It's Over
Into Temptation
Pineapple Head
When You Come
Private Universe
Not The Girl You Think You Are
Instinct
I Feel Possessed
Four Seasons In One Day
It's Only Natural
Distant Sun
Something So Strong
Mean To Me
Better Be Home Soon
Everything Is Good For You

Customer Reviews:

the return of crowded house............2007-03-15

this band needs no intro....
this greatest hits shows the greatness of a band audio-wise but doesnt show their incredible live presence and on-stage banter that made them legends. Paul Hester sadly left us a few years ago but the news is out:

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Crowded House Reform - Official Statement from the Band

Crowded House founders Neil Finn and Nick Seymour have confirmed that they will be putting the band back together, with plans for a new studio album and world tour.

Talking about the decision Neil said "After spending most of last year making music and hanging out with my friend Nick Seymour we are now announcing our intention to reform Crowded House with a new record entitled Time On Earth. It feels right to us that the band should re-emerge at this time and together with Mark Hart we look forward to reconnecting with the audience that we established and for whom we still hold a deep respect. We aim to make the upcoming shows and the new music every bit as vital and spirited as what has come before. We are conscious that Paul Hester was above all a great drummer and we are currently auditioning to find someone special to take that role."

The band is currently putting the finishing touches on the new album for release later in the year. Tour plans are yet to be announced but the band have confirmed they will play the Coachella Music and Arts Festival in California USA along with Bjork, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Rage Against the Machine."

they are coming out with a new album this year (2007) and a new tour!!!!

GOD BLESS CROWDED HOUSE.....

Great CD.......2007-02-09

I really didn't know much about this band. I loved the song "Don't Dream It's Over"; so I bought this CD. The entire CD is great. It is filled with easy listening and mellow songs. The CD just leaves you feeling really good. I love it.

Essential compilation of severely underrated band.......2007-01-19

I agree with most of the other reviewers: Crowded House were massively underrated. The critics were fond of their albums at the time, and in the years since Neil Finn has been acknowledged of one of the master songwriters of his generation. Still, outside of their home turf of Australia and New Zealand, few people are familiar with the name Crowded House. Play them "Don't Dream It's Over," their brilliant 1987 chart-topper, and you'll probably get a vague, "Ohhh, they did *that* song." This is simply a shame.

Almost every band purported to be the Next Big Thing eventually gets compared to The Beatles, whether it's Duran Duran or The Strokes, and it's usually quite a stretch in any number of ways. Not so with Crowded House. In superficial aesthetics the two bands share a lot in common: the Rubber Soul-like harmonies that adorn their album Woodface; the driving, melodic basslines of Nick Seymour (much like Paul McCartney); Paul Hester's non-technical, but undeniably toe-tapping drumming; and Neil Finn's voice, which can break into Lennon-esque, hoarse rock shout, or have a soothing clarinet quality like McCartney.

But the songwriting is where the comparison is most apt. The Beatles' best songs seem almost inevitable and cosmic: *somebody* was bound to happen upon a melody this perfect eventually (as in "Yesterday"), and for some reason Lennon and McCartney were able to pluck such songs out of the air regularly. Neil Finn did the same, several times for each album, with Crowded House. Listen to "Four Seasons In One Day" just once, and you'll hear what I mean.

With this album, all these songs are collected in one place. I can't say how essential this disc is for anyone who appreciates outstanding pop songwriting that goes beyond catchy and crafted and into the realm of something deep and transcendent. The first 10 listens you'll be enjoying the melodies, energy and fantastic production; after that, you'll feel like you've found a new musical best friend. It's that good.

An entire CD that is very easy to listen to........2007-01-13

This CD plays like an easy listening extravaganza. Every song is mellow and classic. The band is apparently from New Zealand/Australia, which may explain the subtle brit pop undertones.. not to mention the McCartney-esque style of a few tracks. Overall this CD is a great buy, you won't be disappointed.

beautiful, soaring, exciting pop/rock.......2006-12-31

When I first listened to this disk, I could knew one Crowded House song (Don't Dream It's Over), which is a great song, but I didn't know the band. A friend recommended this disk, which I listened to the first time at work. I didn't get anything done for that hour, and if CD's could wear out, I'd long ago have needed to replace this one.

Crowded House may not be a major band - one MTV hit, a couple of radio hits, and they're real big in New Zealand (where they are from) - but they are one of greats. Reminiscent at times of (OK, I know, this gets thrown around too often, but it's true) the Beatles (in their mid-years - think Rubber Soul) and The Ocean Blue, they can mellow with the best (Not the Girl You Think You Are, Four Seasons in One Day). When they choose to rock (Locked Out), the maintain musical and lyrical integrity. Weather With You is an indescribable joy.

Perhaps not for metalheads, but anyone who likes sophisticated (but not overly complex) arrangements, thoughtful lyrics, and spotless, emotional performance will love this.

Average customer rating:

Great Product
Excellent Classical Wedding Music
Traditional and wonderful
Awesome!!!!
Great Gift for wedding

Classical Wedding
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Spring Hill
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000000V1V
Release Date: 1996-04-30

Tracks:

Hornpipe from The Water Music
Ode to Joy
Psalm XIX
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Trumpet Tune
Arioso in A
La Rejoissance from The Royal Fireworks
Ave Maria
Trumpet Voluntary
Canon in D
Air from The Water Music
Rondeau from Sinfonies de Fanfares
The Lord's Prayer
Bridal Chorus
Fanfare and Bridal Chorus
Wedding March

Customer Reviews:

Great Product.......2007-05-31

I bought this CD for my wedding. It is a very good product, great compilation of songs and great service.

Excellent Classical Wedding Music.......2007-05-14

Beautiful Classical Wedding music! CD has a wide varity of music; many favorites. Using ours for pre-wedding music, processional and recessional for our daughter's wedding! Thank you Amazon.com! MM

Traditional and wonderful.......2007-04-10

I bought this CD for my ballet classes and am really happy with it. It has all of the classics, and each is very true to it's original composition. There are a lot of horns, which are not my favorite, but the strings make it worth every penny!

Awesome!!!!.......2007-02-13

I purchased this for my daughters' wedding and it is so awesome, even heard songs on the cd that we just wonderful to use somewhere else during the ceremony.
Thanks,
L Juarez
Texas

Great Gift for wedding.......2007-01-13

I brought this for my friend's wedding. My friend is so happy to receive that and use it in the wedding process. Wonderful!

Album Review:

Album Review

Album Review

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