Dial "M" for Monkey [Enhanced]

Dial "M" for Monkey [Enhanced]

ASIN: B0000996HH

Editorial Reviews
From URB Magazine
Simon Green's 2000 debut, Animal Magic, still sounds marvellous on a moonlit night, if indistinguishable from dozens of downtempo albums that took inspiration from it. Green's been raking in the royalties since that influential first outing, leaving a Moby-style dilemma for his sophomore effort: could Dial M for Monkey follow the formula and become a commercial success or would it manage to surprise? In truth, Green's pony has fewer tricks. It's no massive departure, whatever the intention. As the title suggests, Dial . . . sticks to its predecessors' cinematic formula, letting Green's glorious melodies seep into the consciousness gradually, then buzz around the head like a trapped gnat. "Pick Up" raises the tempo, but Green's ear for a key-change eventually takes things to moodier depths, remaining there with "Something for Windy" and "Light Pattern." Like the shy kid who secretly prefers violin to gym, Green probably couldn't change tactics if he tried. Good thing, too.

Simon Hawkins

Tracks:

Birdhouse In Your Soul
Ana NG
Don't Let's Start
Boss Of Me (Theme From Malcolm In The Middle)
Older
Istanbul (Not Constantinople)
Doctor Worm
The Guitar
Dr. Evil (From Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me)
New York City
Particle Man
Cyclops Rock
Minimum Wage
Man, It's So Loud In Here
We're The Replacements
Why Does The Sun Shine? (The Sun Is A Mess Of Incandescent Gas) (Live)
Your Racist Friend
Bangs
Snail Shell
Twisting
Another First Kiss
They'll Need A Crane
The Statue Got Me High
(She Was A) Hotel Detective
Put Your Hand Inside The Puppet Head
I Palindrome I

Tracks:

She's An Angel
How Can I Sing Like A Girl?
James K. Polk
Meet James Ensor
Mammal
Pet Name
No!
I Can Hear You
Spider
I Should Be Allowed To Think
Fingertips
She's Actual Size (New Live Version)
Spy
Stormy Pinkness (Live In Berlin 1989)
Exquisite Dead Guy
Robot Parade (Adult Version)
Boat Of Car
S-E-X-X-Y
Number Three
The End Of The Tour
They Might Be Giants
Her Mr. DJ, I Thought You Said We Had A Deal
Nightgown Of The Sullen Moon
Snowball In Hell
Purple Toupee
Cowtown

Album Description

The ultimate anthology curated by the band, 52 songs including 'Don't Let's Start', 'Birdhouse In Your Soul' and the Grammy-winning 'Boss Of Me' plus a full color book with lyrics, discography and essays by the band and NPR's Sarah Vowell. Digipaks housed in a slipcase. 2002.

Customer Reviews:

They might be our new favorite!.......2007-01-18

My wife and I have been TMBG fans for 20 years; unfortunately we have most of their old (and best) stuff on vinyl. "Dial-a-song..." brings all of those songs back to us, along with some new stuff we haven't picked up. Thanks to "NO!", our kids have also become TMBG fans, and have found, just like adult fans like the "childrens'" albums, they like the adult material. Our family faves - "The Guitar," "Birdhouse in your soul," "New York City," and "Twisting." With not a bad song in the bunch, "Dial-a-song" mixes all of TMBG's musical styles, twists, and quirks into one great album.

fan-friggin-tastic.......2006-02-07

Yeah, I don't know about the album yet, but it looks great and I can't wait to listen to it. I'm really here to comment on the previous review. Amen brotha man. Preach it.

Catchy, fun, sing-along lyrical beauty. This is a fine collection of one fine band........2005-11-30

I rarely review music because more than any other medium, it relies on the personal taste of the listener. I enjoy some Hendrix, Beatles, Mozart, Rammstein, Johnny Cash, and more. I'd be hard pressed to reccommend all of them to each of my friends though.

That's the case with They Might Be Giants. As my favorite band for well over a decade, and the ONLY band whose albums I feel confident buying without sampling them first, I'm very biased. When I try to describe them to those who don't know them, I can only use words like "intelligent", "catchy", "goofy", and "fun". This lack of perspicacity is due only to the fact that no matter what song genre they do, TMBG always winds up being those things to me.

Take this album. It's a fine, fine collection of some of the most catchy and fun to listen to songs I've heard in my entire life. It's got great classics- "Dr. Worm", "Ana Ng", "Mammal", some of their newer choice cuts like "Man It's So Loud In Here", and of course, the song that hooked me on them in the first place, "Particle Man".

With only a few greats missing, this really is the best album a fan can get if he wants all the best, as well as the best starter kit I can think of for those who aren't yet aqcuainted with the 2 Johns. Before this was available I burned my own greatest hits album of TMBG, and most of what I put on there is on this album as well. A much better collection than "Then: The Early Years", though that collection is reccommended for the more in-depth TMBG fan.

I wish I could say more to help someone understand the appeal these guys have. It's great to see that they've become so popular thanks to Malcolm in the Middle and constant appearances on Conan O Brien and so on, but the more fans they win the happier I am. These guys are smart enough to wax lyrical about Palindromes, a night light, and even a mirror "Clearing my throat and gripping the lantern, I smile and face the audience clearing its throat and smiling with its hands on the bathroom sink". But at the same time, their surreal and thoughtful lyrics remain buoyant, catchy, and just plain fun to listen to.

If you love these guys as much as I do and want more than just their best album ever, "Flood", then pick this one up. For anyone who doesn't yet understand their appeal, I challenge them to pick this up- I can't imagine there's not a song here that won't appeal to somebody.

I heart the Johns. .......2005-07-24

I'm pretty sure that TMBG is what sucessful psychologists use to turn their patients' lives around. Maybe they pipe it into their offices at an unnoticable frequency. Anyway, this is the TMBG collection to end all TMBG collections. I've never grown tired of listening to it - - it has all the essential giants songs in just the right order. From Another First Kiss to Meet James Ensor . . . this might be the answer to that "If you could only take one CD to a deserted island . . . " question.

The Giants, they hath rocked out........2005-04-26

Disc 2 is a little lacking (How Can I Sing Like A Girl?, Exquisite Dead Guy, Nightgown of the Sullen Moon, this version of James K. Polk), but overall it's great.

Stuff they should've put on: Sensurround, See the Constellation, Polk (Factory Showroom version), Till My Head Falls Off, Spiraling Shape, Metal Detector, Thermostat, Destination Moon, Stomp Box, just to name some.

But out of about 250 (probably a big underestimate) songs, these 52 hit the biggest ones. If you want about most of the first disc, check out the upcoming User's Guide to TMBG.

Left of the Dial: Dispatches from the '80s Underground

Average customer rating:

I Never Knew What I Was Missing...
FANTASTIC
Indulge in your 80s nostalgia
Excellent listening for '80s music junkies
The music that really matters.

Left of the Dial: Dispatches from the '80s Underground
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

British Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

American Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Post-Punk | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Jangle Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Dream Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Alternative Dance | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

Power Pop | Rock | Styles | Music

Dance Pop | Compilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

No Thanks! The '70s Punk Rebellion
Life Less Lived: The Gothic Box
Children of Nuggets: Original ARtyfacts from the Second Psychedelic Era - 1976-1996
Just Say Sire: The Sire Records Story
Nuggets II: Original Artyfacts from the British Empire and Beyond

ASIN: B0002XL2X4
Release Date: 2004-10-12

Tracks:

Radio Free Europe - R.E.M.
Going Underground - The Jam
A Forest - The Cure
Holiday in Cambodia - Dead Kennedys
I'm In Love With A German Film Star - Passions
I Will Dare - The Replacements
That's When I Reach For My Revolver - Mission Of Burma
Johny Hit And Run Paulene - x
Just Like Honey - The Jesus And Mary Chain
Black Celebration - Depeche Mode
Tell Me When It's Over - The Dream Syndicate
Hollywood (Africa) - The Red Hot Chili Peppers
Temptation - New Order
Ghosts - Japan
A Song From Under The Floorboards - Magazine
Oblivious - Aztec Camera
Don't Want To Know If You Are Lonely - Husker Du
Rise Above - Black Flag
Back In Flesh - Wall Of Voodoo
Cattle And Cane - The Go-Betweens

Tracks:

Message Of Love - The Pretenders
Vienna - Ultravox
Freak Scene - Dinosaur Jr.
The Charming Man - The Smiths
Stigmata - Ministry
Ways To Be Wicked - Lone Justice
Wardance - Killing Joke
Enola Gay - Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
Mirror In The Bathroom - The English Beat
Fairytale In The Supermarket - The Raincoats
Behind The Wall Of Sleep - The Smithereens
Political Song For Michael Jackson To Sing - Minutemen
Punk Rock Girl - The Dead Milkmen
Still In Hollywood - Concrete Blonde
Love Will Tear Us Apart - Joy Division
Blister In The Sun - Violent Femmes
Lake Of Fire - Meat Puppets
Amplifier - The DB's
When Love Breaks Down - Prefab Sprout
Goo Goo Muck - The Cramps
This Corrosion - Sisters Of Mercy
Senses Working Overtime - XTC

Tracks:

The Cutter - Echo & The Bunnymen
Pay To Cum! - Bad Brains
Birthday - The Sugarcubes
Madonna Of The Wasps - Robyn Hitchcock 'n' The Egyptians
We Care A Lot - Faith No More
Teen Age Riot - Sonic Youth
To Hell With Poverty - Gang Of Four
Fa Ce-La - The Feelies
Ana Ng - They Might Be Giants
Swamp Thing - The Chameleons UK
The Mercy Seat - Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
I Look Around - The Rain Parade
All That Money Wants - Psychedelic Furs
Under The Milky Way - The Church
Rise - Public Image Ltd.
Kundalini Express - Love And Rockets
Gravity Talks - Green On Red
Adrenalin - Throbbing Gristle
She Bangs The Drums - The Stone Roses

Tracks:

Monkey Gone To Heaven - Pixies
Uncertain Smile (Original 7 Inch Version) - The The
Bela Lugosi's Dead - Bauhaus
Christine - Siouxsie And The Banshees
Straight Edge - Minor Threat
I Want To Help You Ann - The Lyres
Our Secret - Beat Happening
Jane Says - Jane's Addiction
World Shut Your Mouth - Julian Cope
Running Up That Hill - Kate Bush
Sex Beat - Gun Club
Take The Skinheads Bowling - Camper Van Beethoven
Institutionalized - Suicidal Tendencies
Pearly-Dewdrops' Drops - Cocteau Twins
24 Hour Party People - Happy Mondays
I Want You Back - Hoodoo Gurus
Suburban Home - Descendents
A Pair Of Brown Eyes - The Pogues
Jet Fighter - The Three O'Clock
Moving To Florida - Butthole Surfers
A New England - Billy Bragg

Amazon.com

As a sequel to 2004's similarly packaged Rhino box No Thanks! The '70s Punk Rebellion, this four-disc set tackles the punk/indie/modern rock of the 80s with equal panache. Subtitled "Dispatches from the 80s Underground," these 82 non-chronological tracks play like a great college station from the later part of the decade. Encompassing a dizzyingly diverse musical palate, styles range from the artsy Southern twang of R.E.M., to the sugary pop of Aztec Camera, the blistering hardcore of Black Flag, the ghostly techno of Japan and the chilly, noir dance floor attack of New Order. And that's just on disc one.

Sure, there are some omissions, but the box does a remarkable job balancing more popular acts such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Cure and Echo & the Bunnymenwith cult faves like Green On Red and obscurities from the Lyres and the Three O'Clock . Even those who were radio fanatics during these years will likely find tracks they aren't familiar with, along with getting a flashback rush from those they are. A colorful 64 page book provides track-by-track background information as well as a handful of essays about the decade that approach the music from different perspectives. There are no public service announcements or aspiring DJ's to interrupt the flow and the remastered sound brings the music to life with crispness low powered FM radio could never rival. --Hal Horowitz

Album Description

In his notes for this passionately compiled box, producer Gary Stewart writes, "the diversity from the late-70s punk/new wave scene turned into a full-blown, variety-fueled, genre-busting orgy in the '80s...The music became, in the best sense of the words, more complex, more literate, a bit more serious, and as a result, made astrong impact on mainsteam rock culture." From funk punk to revisionist roots rock to hard-core to smart-ass clever pop-and every musical nook and cranny in-between-Left of the Dial presents many of the '80s' most important tracks. Savor the far more influential flip side of the "Where's the Beef?" decade's musical output!

Customer Reviews:

I Never Knew What I Was Missing..........2007-01-13

Having been born in mid-1984 and being only five years old when even the most recent of these tracks were released, I never knew most of this music existed. Of course, youth is no excuse for ignorance, and I've always made it a personal priority to seek out great music from before my time, from kitschy lounge sounds and dusty 78rpm relics to the Russian Romantics and honky-tonk troubadours (just so you don't go getting the idea that I'm a music snob, I've sung along to my share of cheesy disco records.)

Older music, especially the rare "underground" stuff, isn't just shoved in front of you, a facet of every popular entertainment medium, bound to get stuck in your head whether you want it there or not. You've got to go LOOKING for it, as if on a hunt for an abandoned relic nobody else can guide you to. In the case of the 1980's, the problem wasn't that I didn't think to seek it out, but that I was under the false delusion that there was really nothing worth seeking. MTV and my local radio stations all lied to me, and many others of my generation. Not a big lie, but enough to shut us off from experiencing some pretty powerful music. We were led to believe the '80s were all about hair metal, pastel-clad yuppies in skinny neckties, and the "Me Generation." Well, the contents of this eye-catching pink box tells an entirely different story, one of boundless creativity, musical innovation, disgust with authority and convention, and unexplored horizons which still haven't been charted by commercial radio or experienced by mainstream audiences. This is the quirky, iconoclastic, progressive, and politically conscious music of the decade that somehow managed to evade notoriety in all but the most "clued in" of music-lovers.

Sheer curiosity grabbed hold of me and forced me to buy this set as a birthday present for my younger sister. As it turned out, I ended up listening to the set far more than she did! Something about the mix of all of these seemingly unrelated styles, artists, and musical approaches struck me like a comet, and I realized just how versatile, inventive, and exciting the music of the 1980's really was, underneath all of the MTV trivialization and spin. From these four discs, I uncovered gems from artists who would soon become my idols, namely The Replacements, The Cure, The Smiths, and the incomparably brilliant Pixies. They changed my life for the very first time on this set, and I shudder to think of who or where I would be without their influence. I know the seasoned experts here decry the set's "obvious" song choices, but I would implore them to reconsider whether or not this is a bad thing. For someone like me who never heard any of these songs before "Left of the Dial," these "obvious" songs have been an absolute revelation.

In closing, if you enjoy this music, have never heard it but want to, or even possess the slightest curiosity about what the "good stuff" must sound like, you owe it to yourself to hear this earth-shattering compilation. Also recommended: Nuggets, Children of Nuggets, and No Thanks! The '70s Punk Rock Rebellion.

FANTASTIC.......2006-10-31

This box is fantastic, amazing 80's songs!!! An interesting compilation of a lot of groups from the manignif era!!! Enjoy, probable you never will see these bands together in a box again!!! amazing!!!

Indulge in your 80s nostalgia.......2006-10-07

It's obvious from the long list of reviews that purists will quibble over which tracks from which artists represent their quintessential 80ness. But us ordinary folks, who just want a cross-section of the playlist from the alternate radio station we listened to in the 80s, won't care nearly as much. If you like a particular artist from this selection (and there are 82, so you probably do), you probably have several albums by that band or performer. I know I do.

Where this collection of songs shines -- and it does shine -- is in making you feel like you turned on the radio on a very good day. For every artist whose stuff I own (REM, The Pogues, They Might Be Giants, Kate Bush) there were three who made me say, "Oh wow, I hadn't even thought of that band in ages!" The Jesus & Mary Chain? Husker Du? Wall of Voodoo? In some cases, the tracks reminded me why I was willing to forget them, but that's what you get from any anthology.

Personally, if I had a long car ride coming up, I'll grab this set of four CDs and bring 'em along. I don't think I'd be bored for a moment.

Excellent listening for '80s music junkies.......2006-08-11

This is a very comprehensive collection of all the "unheard" classics of 80's alternative/underground music scene. I use "unheard" in quotes because many of the songs were heard on college radio, independent music stations, etc. I was surprised by the inclusion of a few songs ("Message of Love" by Pretenders and "Ways To Be Wicked" by Lone Justice) as I wasn't too sure how "underground" they really were. I'm sure some more mainstream stations played them. But anyway it was really good to hear the Lone Justice song again after so many years. And I was REALLY pleased with the inclusions of "Swamp Thing" by The Chameleons and "When Love Breaks Down" by Prefab Sprout.

All of the complaints about songs that were excluded, I think, can only be remedied by adding another disc or two. Four discs just isn't enough. I would have added songs by Throwing Muses, Shriekback, Comsat Angels and Wire to name a few. But overall, it's a great collection. And the booklet with pictures, notes, essays is worthwhile too.

The music that really matters........2006-07-05

I bought this box set when it first came out and it still holds a prominent place on my shelf and on my iPod. Broad blanket statements are often useless, but in this case, they apply: This box is the best collection of 80s college rock/alternative rock for your money.

You want Jane's Addiction? Sonic Youth? X? The Replacements? They're here. The Pixies? R.E.M.? Black Flag? Husker Du? You'll get them too.

You'll also get bands that always had a cult following but never broke out in their peak years or in some cases, not at all: Camper Van Beethoven, the Butthole Surfers, Robyn Hitchcock & The Egyptians, the Passions, Cocteau Twins, Bauhaus, Minor Threat, Bad Brains, Happy Mondays.

Plus, classic tunes by The Jam, Dead Kennedys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stone Roses, New Order, Depeche Mode, The Cure, and Kate Bush are also included. This set has a variety of styles that is mind-blowing, and it proves once and for all that 80s music did not suck.

While it is true that this box doesn't include Dumptruck, Fugazi, Galaxie 500, Skinny Puppy, Big Black or Cabaret Voltaire...that's nit-picking, and the absence of those artists doesn't really hurt this set, because the quality of the music on the four discs here is so good you won't notice what's missing.

Buy this. Drop the 60 bucks. You won't regret it.

Average customer rating:

This Bliss
Pantha du Prince
Manufacturer: Dial
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
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From Here We Go Sublime
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ASIN: B000M2DJZ4
Release Date: 2007-04-03

Tracks:

Asha
Saturn Strobe
Walden 2
Moonstruck
Eisbaden
Urlichten
White Out
Florac
Steiner Im Flug
Seeds of Sleep

Average customer rating:

bonobo rocks
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So good but get animal magic instead then get this
A Worthy Heir to the Bonobo name?
Creative, Innovative, and Smart... 4.5 stars
Amazing

Dial "M" for Monkey
Bonobo
Manufacturer: Ninja Tune
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music
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Animal Magic
Live Sessions
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One Off Remixes and B-Sides
Music by Cavelight

ASIN: B0000996HH
Release Date: 2003-06-17

Tracks:

Noctuary
Flutter
D Song
Change Down
Wayward Bob
Pick Up
Something for Windy
Nothing Owed
Light Pattern

Customer Reviews:

bonobo rocks.......2007-01-06

I'm a huge fan of bonobo and own every single one of his albums...this album only gets 4 stars because of how much better animal magic was. this is solid album...especially "pick up" and "something for windy"...i'd recommend you pick this album up. And while you're at it, pick up his other albums as well.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So good but get animal magic instead then get this.......2006-02-25

this is truly amazing different then blockhead skalpel amon tobin and any other Ninja Tune Stars listen to flutter and pick up and if u dont dig it cry. i got started by listenin to RJD2 and Dj Shadow if you dont listen to them stop reading this and buy RJ's Deadringer or shadows Entroducing those will be a good introduction. then get every blockhead album all 2 he has to offer music by cavelight then downtown science next this and everything elso that bonobo has put out. if you like jazz get Skalpel. if u need more infobuy it if its on ninja tune label............this is such a good album but animal magic is 50% better seriously get them both

A Worthy Heir to the Bonobo name?.......2006-02-01

So, here we have it... Bonobo's second album. Well, here goes. As a passionate fan of Bonobo's first album, 'Animal Magic,' I have to approach my judgment of their second outing with some tact. Their sound on 'Magic' was a much needed departure from what had all-too-quickly become the norm in downbeat/chillout music; namely, slick, glossy, but often bland and 2-dimensional loops of knob twiddling, laughable techno-diva-vocals, and pedantic melodies. Bonobo's adventurous plunge into rich, moody, layered cinematic arrangements - often the most lauded trait by reviewers - broke the above-trend with grace and stealth. Yet it was by no means a totally "new" concept; virtually every genre in music has seen at least one artist every few years who delves into the narrative qualities of orchestral movements as an undercurrent to their vocals and beats. But the trend perseveres for good reason - it's beautiful, unique (in the grand scheme of things), and unfolds a much deeper, more complex landscape into which the listener can journey. It gives the album a 'theme' through which the various "characters" (i.e. songs) can wander and sail, without having to double back on their path every three minutes as is the case in more formula driven sounds.
On 'Animal Magic' songs like 'Wayward Bob', 'Shadowtricks', and 'Terrapin' pour themselves upon the listener like honey, swirling around the senses and enveloping the mind in a warm, luxurious, and seductive vibe. And it harkens to mind the less-known but equally, if not more brilliant, work of Snooze on 'The Man in the Shadow' [a gorgeous album made several years earlier that went out of print until the group's long awaited follow up]. 'Animal Magic' in whole delivers, structurally, a range of development that is rarely found in downbeat, but often rather on soundtracks, or in the artful craftsmanship of more alternative acts. It was, simply, a triumph for the Downbeat genre.

On 'Dial M for Monkey' - a HIGHLY anticipated release because of 'Magic's brilliance - the effect is actually difficult to describe. It's pretty, soothing, and even bold in rare moments. Clearly, Bonobo's skill with arrangement and their understanding of the equipment they're working with is still well intact. They certainly haven't lost any technical aptitude, and seem even more aware of the "trusty-tricks" in electronic music that 'move units.' And perhaps it is this comfort in using the tricks that, sadly, renders 'Dial M' a rather prosaic, lackluster, and most of all phoned-in attempt. It's not a 'bad' album! And if you want something to throw into the CD changer as a safe back-up if Zero7's 'When it Falls' or Air's 'Moon Safari' get too scratched up and start skipping, or if you just want to underscore a lively cocktail party or please your customers in a Lounge, 'Dial M' is a pristine addition and will never disappoint. But, it also won't surprise... And 'Animal Magic' - at least in the first few plays - always offered a pleasant tickle of the unexpected. 'Dial M' on the other hand, left me asking, "why?" As in, why the side-step? It feels almost like the studio tinkerings that might have (should have) been woven into a much more intricate tapestry of songs; one which was of course never made. And, at the risk of sounding harsh, I will NEVER buy 'Dial M'. Having sampled every track, I doubt I would even download a couple of them to use as anything more than filler. [And I despise filler] Because that is really all that we are offered here - filler. It's damn good filler, and a far cry better than most of the nauseating, government-cheese, pseudo-lounge/tropical/soft-jazz junk to be found on the average chillout albums. But I felt very let down, and deflated after checking this album out, having built up very high expectations listening to 'Magic'.
If you didn't know otherwise, 'Dial M' would logically feel much more like the freshman act that 'Animal Magic' would have towered over in a staggering, sophomore growth spurt. Had they really been released in that order, at least the stigma around 'Dial M' wouldn't be one of such disappointment, but more so tolerance of immaturity. However, as a follow up, it really makes itself instantly obsolete, as it is plainly incomparable to the mastery of 'Magic'.

The true test, of course, lies in what they do next... In the case of a forgettable second album, the third album is often either a pilgrimage of redemption, or proverbial Iceberg that can sink a group, especially in the enormous sea of downbeat music, in less than an hour. I have high hopes for a victorious return on their next disc, but honestly, it could go either way.
So, if someone offers to give you a copy of 'Dial M' for free, don't refuse it. But I would suggest a long exploration of 'Animal Magic' before ever purchasing 'Dial M' with your own money. Believe me, I gave 'Dial M' a very generous try - and I always attempt to recognize the positive qualities in any CD. Again, it isn't bad; it's just not that exciting either.

Creative, Innovative, and Smart... 4.5 stars.......2005-06-22

This is so difficult to describe, it's kind of pointless, but let me give it a try.

This is mainly world music, electronica, downtempo, breaks (amazing beats), jazz (horns, strings, flutes, etc.), trip-hop, and groovy basslines ALL WRAPPED IN AN INCREDIBLY WELL-PRODUCED CD. Breath-taking album. Everytime you play it, you find different elements and sounds that take you different places. It can be edgy, it can be dark, it can be classy, it can be smooth. But it can never be bad. It all depends on your mood (but believe me, it doesn't matter what your mood is, you will always enjoy this one).

This is a lot of music ! Brilliant !!!

Amazing.......2005-01-01

After hearing the song "Pick Up" on my local trip-hop/chill-out/worldmusic radio station, i knew i had to pick up Bonobo's "Dial M For Monkey"! An awesome release influenced by plenty of international sounds and solid, heavy/chilled beats, "Dial M" is a sure fire record to please any emotional and chilled listener.

Average customer rating:

Turn That Chicken Down flat out cooks
Geraint Watkins makes great soul and pop music!
new, original, but comfortingly familiar
All groove and move
Nick Lowe's hero

Dial 'W' for Watkins
Geraint Watkins
Manufacturer: Yep Roc Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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The Convincer
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ASIN: B0002MHESW
Release Date: 2004-08-24

Tracks:

Two Rocks
Turn That Chicken Down
Be My Love
Blessed With happiness
The Whole Night Through
Cold War
Heroes And Villains
Soldier Of Love
I Will
I'm just Crazy About You
Bring Me THe Head Of My So Called Lover
Heaven
Only A Rose
Go West

Customer Reviews:

Turn That Chicken Down flat out cooks.......2007-05-07

I have been aware of Geraint Watkins for over 20 years as a band member and session player on albums by Nick Lowe, Dave Edmunds, Bill Wyman (Willie & the Poor Boys), and others. I knew he was a great keyboard player, and the times I have seen him in concert footage show he is a talented entertainer as well. None of this guarantees that his solo efforts would be worth much, though--but this cd verifies that Watkins is much more than a talented sideman. He is a raging artist finely in tune with a spectrum of musical genres. He more than handles his own in comparison to Lowe, Edmunds, etc. If you dig those guys, you will love this album. Dial 'W' for Watkins jumps to a top position on my playlist. Anything he has or will put out is instantly on my 'must buy' list.

Geraint Watkins makes great soul and pop music!.......2004-11-27

Wow. This release has everything. Good soul music. Tunes such as 'Blessed With Happiness', 'Soldier of Love' and 'Bring me the head..' are stunners. What a cover (Louis Prima style) of Brian Wilson's 'Heroes and Villians'! If you like Nick Lowe's recent work - this is a must have. Geraint has played on Nicks last three records and Nick and band return the favor. Soul record of the year! Give it a try. Works well on my radio show, "Sound Of Music".

new, original, but comfortingly familiar.......2004-09-29

Geraint Watkins has been in the music game for a while. I saw him promoting his new CD (he opened for Nick Lowe) in Boston recently and his talent blew me away. He's got a voice that slays -- gutsy, low and yet tender and kind. He plays the piano impressively and effortlessly...bluesy sounds of years ago all over. But I didn't come to write a review of the performance...

The CD is really great. I've been listening to it a lot since I picked it up at the show. Emotional, funny, loving, resentful, tounge-in-cheek, and oh so familiar. This CD puts me in a good mood. Before I know it I'm boppin' and singin' along. My Fave is "Go West" (no, not the song done by the Village People/Pet Shop Boys) I've been whistling it for days. Other highlights include "Soldier of Love," "Heroes and Villains" (skibbity dooooo!) and "Heaven."

If you like Nick Lowe, then these songs will feel very familiar -- similar song writing, old-time beats and impeccable music. (Added Bonus: Nick plays and sings backup on most of these songs!)

All groove and move.......2004-09-23

My introduction to Geriant Watkins was as the opening act for Nick Lowe's current tour. What a find! This was the best pairing with Lowe I have ever seen. I bought this CD right at the show because I wanted to have this music around. Watkins has been around on work by others that I have long listened to, like Lowe and Dave Edmunds. But I find I can't get enough of this CD now. It fits many moods with its pulsing rhythms and charming and sometimes clever lyrics. It's just plain likable music, original and somehow familiar at the same time. Watkins' keys are fantastic, though they were even better in concert.

Nick Lowe's hero.......2004-09-15

Professor Longhair? Jerry Lee Lewis? Fats Domino? Who is this Welshman who sounds like Roy Orbison except when he sounds like Nick Drake? Geraint (GARE ent) Watkins has played with Nick Lowe, Dave Edmunds, Van Morrison and Paul McCartney on a regular basis. Nick Lowe is currently touring to promote this album (no kidding). Watkins is an accomplished accordionist and keyboard player who also plays a demon slide guitar and alternates between the tenderest of love songs ("Only a Rose" "Two Rocks") and the rowdiest of Beale Street R&B ("Turn that Chicken Down").

No-one sounds quite like this man or mixes so many styles and genres so freely. If you're familiar with him you haven't read this review--you've already ordered the CD. If you're not familiar with him, take a chance (for less than $20 we're not talking a big chance, are we?) on hearing something you'll never hear on the radio that will make you grin all night.

Average customer rating:

Dial T for This
Grand Champeen
Manufacturer: In Music We Trust
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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Sky Blue Sky
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ASIN: B000NJWTKC
Release Date: 2007-03-13

Tracks:

What It Beats
Different Sort Of Story
Nice Of You To Join Us
Wounded Eye
Can I See You Again?
Cities On The Plain
Gonna Be The Death Of Me
Raul Vela
Rottweiler Hair
To The Ides
Take Me Home
The Songs You Want To Hear
Olivia

Average customer rating:

Perfect for the Non-Completist Who Wants More Than The Hi-lights
Bible ''o'' Be-Bop
Careful!
Essential Charlie Parker!
Bird

The Complete Savoy & Dial Master Takes
Charlie Parker
Manufacturer: Savoy Jazz
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Speak No Evil

ASIN: B00006H6A6
Release Date: 2002-09-24

Tracks:

Tiny's Tempo
I'll Always Love You Just The Same
Romance Without Finance
Red Cross
Warmin' Up A Riff
Billie's Bounce
Now's The Time
Thrivin' From A Riff
Meandering
Koko
Diggin' Diz
Moose The Mooche
Yardbird Suite
Ornithology
A Night In Tunisia
Max Making Wax
Lover Man
The Gypsy
Bebop A
This Is Always
Dark Shadows

Tracks:

Bird's Nest
Cool Blues
Relaxin' At Camarillo
Cheers
Carvin' The Bird
Stupendous
Donna Lee
Chasin' The Bird
Cheryl
Buzzy
Milestones
Little Willie Leaps
Half Nelson
Sippin' At Bell's
Dexterity
Bongo Bop
Dewey Square
The Hymn
Bird Of Paradise
Embraceable You
Bird Feathers
Klactoveesedstene

Tracks:

Scrapple From The Apple
My Old Flame
Out Of Nowhere
Don't Blame Me
Drifting On A Reed
Quasimado
Charlie's Wig
Bongo Beep
Crazeology
How Deep Is The Ocean?
Another Hair Do
Bluebird
Klaunstance
Bird Gets The Worm
Barbados
Au-Leu-Cha
Constellation
Parker's Mood
Perhaps
Marmaduke
Steeplechase
Merry Go Round

Amazon.com

As Ornette Coleman said, "Charlie Parker was blessed with the eternal quality of existing forever." The brief trajectory of Parker's career has directly or indirectly affected all saxophonists who have followed him. Sadly, the machinations and pressures of fame were more than this basically fragile man could bear, and he died at age 34 in 1955.

The Savoy imprint, after being acquired by an assortment of companies over the years, has been reinvigorated to celebrate its 60th anniversary. This three-disc set includes all of Parker's work for the Dial and Savoy labels (excluding alternate takes--hence the title). It starts off with his appearance as a sideman with the Tiny Grimes Quintette, at which time the 24-year-old's alto saxophone playing bears his unmistakable stamp of fluidity and daring aplomb. The stellar lights of bebop are heard throughout this set, as Parker plays with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, and Max Roach, creating the enduring shape of contemporary jazz. --David Greenberger

Customer Reviews:

Perfect for the Non-Completist Who Wants More Than The Hi-lights.......2007-01-29

I picked this up because I only had 2 Charlie Parker CDs in my collection and I call myself a jazz lover. I had the Best of The Live Sessions on Savoy and an older Best of Bird on Verve. As something of a Miles Davis collector I felt I needed more in order to get the full Miles Davis perspective, so I picked this collection. Anyone who knows jazz knows that the really good stuff by Parker happened during the Savoy years between 1945 and 1948. The Complete Savoy Master Takes gives the collector everything Parker released as a leader plus a Miles Davis session and a Tiny Grimes session. I don't need to hear everything that Bird did so I didn't want to shell out the bucks to get every single note he laid down for Savoy. Again, this is all of the stuff that was picked by the artist and producer for release to his adoring public back in the day and that's plenty for me. If there is one disappointment it is that there are no sessions here that include Milt Jackson. I have Jackson playing with Parker on some Royal Roost recordings. Maybe Jackson never recorded in the studio under Bird's leadership? I dunno. Other than that, it's splendid!

This set is attractively packaged and comes with a nice booklet with the usual liner notes and pictures.

The 20bit remaster is superb but one word of warning, it's impossible to remove all of the crackles from some of this stuff that was pulled from 78rpm acetate. Just keep that in mind when listening.

Buy this if you don't want everything but want more than a "best of" collection.

Bible ''o'' Be-Bop.......2005-03-24

In 1945, Charlie Parker, along with Dizzy Gillespie got tired of the poppy swing of the early 40's and loosened up. They started playing faster than swing and soloed more. The result: a type of fiery jazz known as Be-Bop. It turned off swing audiences and the boys coming back from WWII, but the other jazz musicians who heard this new sound could understand what Diz and Bird were doing and soon audiences did too. These three discs showcase the legendary Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie at their best and a young Miles Davis. When most people think about jazz saxophone, they think John Coltrane. Well if there wasn't a Bird, there would not be a Trane. It's too bad that Bird self destructed in the 50's and died from Heroin related problems in 1955. In the big book on jazz released recently, it said that Bird was laughing, then choked and fell over and died. What a humorous way for a guy who was a jokester and always had a happy, laughing sound in his playing to pass into heaven. This great set documents the first steps of modern jazz...and the legend of Bird.

Charlie Parker
1920-1955

Careful!.......2004-08-13

I just purchased this set, thinking that I was getting the best available compilation of Bird's early work. But, two days after getting it in the mail (and loving it), I discovered that JSP has out a Charlie Parker box set titled "Studio Chronicle 1940-1948," also available here on Amazon, which by all appearances is a far superior purchase. For only $28, you get 5 full discs worth of material, including a wealth of early recordings not included here, as well as a number of recording sessions not led by Parker (notably those under Dizzy Gillespie's name). Apparently some of these rarer recordings are hard to find elsewhere. Everything included on the present set is on that set as well. All in all you get almost twice the number of tracks (125 to 65) for nearly half the price. And, from what I've read, the sound quality on that set is actually marginally better. So, check out the JSP so you don't have to kick yourself like I am right now!

Essential Charlie Parker!.......2003-10-14

There is probably no such thing as a "definitive" Charlie Parker
collection, without collecting EVERYTHING, but this comes awfully
close. These master takes of Bird's sessions as a leader for
the Savoy and Dial labels contain rich examples of his genius, and virtually every important title he did not record with Dizzy
Gillespie. Even before we get to the joys of "Billie's Bounce,"
"Warming Up a Riff," "Now's the Time," and "Ko-ko," we are treated to Bird's mastery on "Romance Without Finance." Besides
being one of the most politically INCORRECT songs ever recorded,
"Romance Without Finance" provides an excellent example of Parker's ability to rein in his prodigious abilities in the service of the song. Beyond that, everything here is just pure, unbridled inventive genius! The amazing thing about Bird's
playing is the way every phrase is a complete, perfect, self-contained musical idea, unique and independent to itself. Then,
suddenly in the last four bars of his solo, Bird comes up with something that makes all of it cohere, magically, brilliantly
and LOGICALLY. There's plenty of that kind of playing going on
throughout this entire collection!

Bird.......2003-06-10

In a perfect world, this would be one of the 5 best selling jazz albums of all time. Why? Because Bird is one of the most influential and best jazz artist of all time and this collection includes every reason why. For a long time, it was a pain trying to collect these sides; and now, they all are in one place, with great sound in a nice package. It does not get any better than this, 50 years have passed and no one can touch Bird.

Average customer rating:

Lovely

Efdemin
Efdemin
Manufacturer: Dial
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Total 7

ASIN: B000OV14GE
Release Date: 2007-05-15

Tracks:

Knocking at the Grand
Lohn & Brot
Ratafia
Acid Bells [Album Version]
Back to School
Stately, Yes.
Further Back
Salix Alba
April Fools
Bergwein

Customer Reviews:

Lovely.......2007-05-26

It's very hard to express in words how music like this makes you feel and think, and genre comparisons tend to do more harm than good. This is dance music that winds down eerie paths, but the paths are so fascinating that you're drawn into the intricate detail of each piece. There are no booty-shaking moments, but there are places where your heart leaps into your throat thinking that this bubbling cauldron of sounds must boil over before it finds some hidden restraint and continues on. I'm not sure how I came across this artist as I had not heard of him until recently, but I'm glad I took a chance on this album.

Best of The Complete Savoy & Dial Studio Recordings

Average customer rating:

the birth of modern misic.
A Gem in the Rough

Best of The Complete Savoy & Dial Studio Recordings
Charlie Parker
Manufacturer: Savoy Jazz
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Speak No Evil

ASIN: B000067FUO
Release Date: 2002-07-02

Tracks:

Tiny's Tempo
Koko
Moose The Mooche
Yardbird Suite
Ornithology
A Night In Tunisia
Cool Blues
Relaxin' At Camarillo
Chasin' The Bird
Cheryl
Milestones
Embraceable You
Scrapple From The Apple
Out Of Nowhere
Quasimado
Crazeology
Bluebird
Au-Leu-Cha
Parker's Mood
Merry Go Round

Customer Reviews:

the birth of modern misic........2005-10-11

I always thought that the Charlie parker on Savoy and Dial is the best performances except, At Messy Hall and may be the new discovery of Live In Town Hall. there is not much time to strach here but...every solo... taking by Bird shall be framed in GOLD....these are the famous takes that the detail trnscribtions are available in a book called the Charlie Parker Omni Book. If all the english language student have to read Shakepeer ..then every jazz musicicn should listen and study these recordings and then get the books and study every note that he played...this is the must study Shakspeer in jazz....this is the Birth Of Modern Music in entire world..!!forget about sound quality and other mother jazz...!!

A Gem in the Rough.......2002-09-06

This "Best Of" collection may just be the ticket for all of those Bird fans who were upset by the slip-shod packaging of "The Complete Savoy and Dial Studio Recordings." These are unquestionably the recordings upon which the Charlie Parker genius and musical legacy must primarily rest, and the listener will not have to wade through dozens of alternate takes and false starts to discover the real Bird. The sound mastering, while distorted on a few tracks (the price of introducing more "presence" into the alto saxophone's sound), is the best I've encountered--in fact, the CD definitely eclipses the Ken Burns' single-disc compilation in terms of audio quality as well as song selection. My disappointment at the omission of "Donna Lee" is compensated for by the inclusion of both "Embraceable You" (the celebrated version) and "Night in Tunisia" (but not the concert version with Diz containing the famous 4-bar break).

Unlike some collectors, I find the fold-out cardboard container, with large-scale photos and ample notes, preferable to another broken plastic jewel case.

One caveat: Producer Orrin Keepnews' notes are written neither for the neophyte nor this single-disc down-sized edition. Aside from factual matters such as dates and personnel, they're pretty useless. The music, on the other hand (even as I'm now listening to Bird's bracing and brilliant playing), is simply priceless.

Average customer rating:

Rated PG for Pretty Good
dial t for turn it off
An incredible album from a bunch of terrible musicians

Dial 'M' for Motherfucker
Pussy Galore
Manufacturer: EMI Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Boss Hog

ASIN: B0000036WP
Release Date: 1998-03-24

Tracks:

Understand Me
Sm 57
Kicked Out
Solo=Sex
Undertaker
Dwda
Dick Johnson
1 Hour Later
Eat Me
Wax Head
Wait A Minute
Evil Eye
Adwd #2
Hang On

Album Description

Out of print in the U.S.! Pussy Galore's 1989 album rated by Alternative Press as one of the top 99 albums released between 1985-95. The classic PG sound is very much intact on this release, although the production smoothes out some of the rough edges while roughing up the smoother ones! 14 tracks. EMI.

Customer Reviews:

Rated PG for Pretty Good.......2001-12-04

The title can't have won them many friends with the FCC, but this may just be one of Pussy Galore's more listenable, downright likable releases. The songs are more substantial and the production cleaner (if far from slick). The combination of loud guitars, rattletrap percussion, and growled/shouted vocals hasn't really changed, but there's more depth to the din. Granted, PG are still kicking out the jams sans bass (kind of like Beat Happening's evil twin)--but the sound is fuller, less tinny. The biggest change, however, is that the lyrics don't seem designed primarily to offend. Sure, there's still plenty of profanity in effect, but it's used more for decoration than as the main ingredient. Spencer and crew seem more committed to getting their freak on (as it were) than to pissing everybody off. That means throwing a little funk into the mix and "Understand Me" and "Dick Johnson" are particularly successful attempts to bring some groove to the noise. Some of the other tracks fall into the filler category, but there are still more hits than misses. The end result is that Dial M sounds more like a blueprint for the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion than the PG of Corpse Love, the handy collection of their hard-to-find early material. The fact that Spencer is now handling most of the vocals, which were previously shared with Julia Cafritz (who would soon exit the band) only reinforces that impression.

dial t for turn it off.......2001-06-21

rich college kids pretending to be scum-rock. their gimmick definitely worked better when they only knew one chord and seven words you couldnt say on television. there's just a couple of keepers on this one. the best part of the cd is the intro, which features a profanity laden rant by jon spencer randomly bleeped, which leads into the raucous understand me. although common sense tells you that the more you know, the better you are, pussy galore has always been stuck in a conundrum: they were educated and were better musically than they let on, so their whole career was a pose. again, it dont matter if yer a poseur as long as you RAWK convincingly. listen to corpse love or right now to hear them pull it off.

An incredible album from a bunch of terrible musicians.......1998-06-04

The general consensus about Pussy Galore is that they were an idea that was better in concept than in practice and that they had cool song titles. How very wrong. Dial M, their masterpiece, proves how wrong people (critics and musicians) can be. It is a brilliant, beautiful and ubelievably awful album all at once. Alot of critics accused The Stooges of sounding like a band that didn't know how to play their instruments. Pussy Galore makes Iggy and Co. sound like [insert your favorite classical composer]. And that is what is great about Dial M and Pussy Galore. They sound like the origins of rock'n'roll: primal, raw, and noisy. Through the entire album resides a tumultuous heartbeat that links together the crash and burn (and crash again) guitar work. And Jon Spencer's bellows his Elvis-on-speed vocals as if they are a rallying cry, which they are. It may be rough, it may be even painful to listen to at times, but it is undeniably honest. That is why Dial M is so great. Oh yeah, it has cool titles too.

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