Topaz

Topaz

ASIN: B00000IOPP

Editorial Reviews
From Jazziz
Whether traveling musically to places like "Aruba" or "Kenya" or spending a playful "Weekend in Monaco" as he did in 1992, Russ Freeman has mastered the art of the exotic smooth-jazz sojourn. This time, he and the new Rippingtons lineup (with guest Paul Taylor replacing longtime saxman Jeff Kashiwa) conjure images of the New Mexico arts community of Taos.

Long a brilliant classical guitarist, Freeman upped the ante with a memorable flamenco jaunt on the Ripps' last album, Black Diamond; here, inspired by the Spanish vibe of his adopted environment, he more fully explores those traditions in an accessible pop context. On the opening track, "Taos," he follows a gently loping flamenco pattern with a powerful electric-guitar-driven hook that reminds us that he is indeed one of smooth jazz's best melody writers and producers. "Under a Spanish Moon" begins with a rumbling flamenco intro by Tom Gannaway, then becomes a lively, atmosphere-heavy, Latin-flavored romp led along a dusty desert trail by Freeman's swaying acoustic melody, and enhanced by a sparkling Dave Kochanski piano solo.

Freeman's liner notes explain that his interest in all things Western grew from his 1998 project with Craig Chaquico, From the Redwoods to the Rockies. The jumpy acoustic jam "Snakedance" sounds like an outtake from those sessions, only with Freeman himself crisply counterpointing rhythm and melody lines with two overdubbed, interweaving acoustic-guitar tracks.

Since soundscape master Steve Reid left the band (having lent his hand to just one track here) Freeman turns for spiritual atmosphere to Native American flutist Robert Tree Cody. Cody appears on three tunes, blending perfectly with Freeman's guitars on "Stories of the Painted Desert" and taking the lead over a rolling, dark-toned bass line on "Led Here by an Eagle." His presence adds a touch of authenticity to Freeman's brilliant reflection of the spirit on the Southwest.

Topaz,The Rippingtons & Russ Freeman,Windham Hill Records,Crossover Jazz,Instrumental Pop,Jazz,Jazz Music,Jazz-Pop,Pop,Smooth Jazz

Topaz City
Average customer rating:
Topaz City
Max Stalling
Manufacturer: Blind Nello Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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It Came from San Antonio

One of the Ways

Wide Afternoon

Translated from Love

ASIN: B000PDZH7S
Release Date: 2007-06-12

Tracks:

If Only the Good Die Young
Never Need to Fall in Love Again
Topaz City
Ping Pong, Pool
Lank & Lonesome & Low & Loose at Both Ends
Skyview Cabaret
Lonely Days
If It's Up to Me
Don't Fall Alone
Goodnight Never Meant Goodbye
How Blue Can You Go?

Album Description

Texas Music favorite Max Stalling returns with his new studio album, featuring the single 'If Only The Good Die Young'. Stalling tours throughout Texas on a regular basis and this single will be worked by radio promotion veteran Al Moss.

Average customer rating:

Topaz
Number one
A change for the better
What is this?
One of their best.

Topaz
The Rippingtons & Russ Freeman
Manufacturer: Windham Hill Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

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Black Diamond
Sahara
Brave New World
Kilimanjaro
Weekend in Monaco

ASIN: B00000IOPP
Release Date: 1999-05-18

Tracks:

Taos - The Rippingtons
Summer Lovers
Spirits In The Canyon
Under A Spanish Moon
Temple Of The Sun
Stories Of The Painted Desert
Snakedance
Led Here By An Angel
Topaz: Gem Of The Setting Sun
Rain

Customer Reviews:

Topaz.......2006-12-10

A nice CD to wake up to with your morning cup of coffee and smokes. Lets you wake up gradually. Goes well with with a glass of wine and some arm candy also!

Number one.......2006-09-02

For me the best Rippingtons CD, it is quite different in style from all other Ripps CDs, which, in my humble opinion, are still good but a little easier and quite similar to oneanother. I mean that this one has something special about it, I might say it is almost like the girl that makes you feel something special inside compared with other girls that you simply like because they look good. My favourite track is "Led here by an Eagle" (not "by an Angel" as it is written in the list of tracks here at Amazon). I would say Topaz sounds similar to a CD that Russ Freeman recorded in collaboration with Craig Chaquico and whose title is "From the Redwoods to the Rockies". I think that normally the Rippingtons make smooth jazz with a rock feel, Topaz is smooth jazz with a country feel. To all the other Ripps CDs I would give three or four stars, in this case no doubt: five full stars.

A change for the better.......2005-10-08

I remember when I purchased this CD in its realease year, I didn't like it very much. Also I had read a lot of reviews saying that Paul Taylor's style didn't mesh well with the original Rippington's flavor....ok so perhaps flavor is the wrong word to use considering that after Weekend in Monaco all of their music sounded the same.

Anywho, as I matured and got bored of all my more recent music, I popped this CD in and listened to it from beginning to end. I loved it. If you are into the traditional Rippington's sound, then for sure you won't like this CD. It is 70% Paul Taylor, 30% Russ Freeman. But that doesn't mean the CD is bad. It was, in fact, fantastic. I honestly can't point out a Rippington's CD after Curves Ahead that I could listen to nonstop. The more recent CD's don't even compare.

This CD had more of an R&B feel, a very smooth street feel. It was extremely rhythmic and much softer. The intense rock songs that Freeman usually features on every CD were nowhere to be found. This album was just straight relaxation, and it was wonderful.

It's soft, smooth, and the sound is different. If you're looking to this CD for classic Rippingtons content, this may not be the ideal CD. But if you are looking for Paul Taylor with a twist...you may like this. Perhaps even if you are looking for the Rippingtons gone lucious, this should work well. Preview before you buy is my advisory. If you like it, you'll love it, and if you don't like it, you'll loathe it.

What is this?.......2005-10-04

I must admit I was left scratching my head. On every Ripps cd (even Wildcard and Let it Ripp) there are at least a few tracks I like. This is one of the few cds I dislike from start to finish. I listened to it twice. Once after I purchased it in 2003 and once earlier this year. I've yet to put it back in the cd player.

One of their best........2004-10-08

I've been a Ripps fan since hearing Dream of the Sirens when I was back in college. My musical tastes are fairly broad, though I was first enticed by the more rocking Rippington tunes. My latest fascination is with Wes Montgomery and that style of guitar, which is fairly common on Freeman's albums. And this album does not disappoint (Summer Lovers, Topaz). And Rain is not your standard Rippingtons tune, but I love it.

My favorite on this album is Stories of the Painted Desert. Other favorites are Taos and Led Here by an Eagle.

While I'm certainly a Rippingtons fan, I don't own all their albums and probably never will...currently I have about half of their studio albums. Their first 4-5 were all solid albums, but since then there are some that just don't really stand out at all. I feel this is one that does.

Others I would recommend include Kilimanjaro, Welcome to the St. James Club and Curves Ahead. I'm also considering Life in the Tropics, which I don't have yet.

Average customer rating:

AMAZING BAND
topaz: the voice of a new generation
Wow, what a trip!!!!!
One of the greatest jazz/porno-funk outfits
Good, but only in spots

The Zone
Topaz
Manufacturer: Velour Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Outta Here
Live in Tokyo
Super Heavy Organ
All Kooked Out!
Make Some Noise

ASIN: B00005QDFU
Release Date: 2001-10-23

Tracks:

Minha Mente
I Can See It In You
Walkabout
4th & D
You & Me
The Zone
Naked
Fat City Strut

Customer Reviews:

AMAZING BAND.......2007-06-20

I bought this CD about six years ago after seeing the band play live at the Pourhouse in Raleigh, NC. My date told me he was taking me to see a jazz band, and not being much of a jazz fan, I reluctantly agreed to go. WOW--I was totally floored by this band. I bought the CD, and to this day I make pretty much everyone who visits my house listen to it. Incredible energy, incredible talent, impossible not to dance along--irresistible to just about every music fan. I even married the guy who took me to that first show--such is the power of this music!

I have also bought "Listen!" and "The Afro Dub Sessions" which are also great, but "The Zone" is their best.

I recommend this disc to anyone and everyone. AND if you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to see them live, you must go. Their website lists tour dates and offers samples of their music: [...].

topaz: the voice of a new generation.......2006-01-05

its incredible,
really
its possibly the most fun music ive heard, considering pop rock is not much fun anymore. not much fun at all. nope. not even a little.

Wow, what a trip!!!!!.......2005-07-27

This is one of the most coolest 70's influenced jazz you will come across this era, a really nice attempt, I must admit I was not fully aware of this band or disc but I am so happy I have come across it, what a rare treat, the weird thing is this was released in 2002 and sounds very closely to something that would have come out of the 70's, with the wah pedals and fender rhodes, you cant go wrong here, especially if these are your two favourite instruments because of the wonderful sound they can create, do yourself a favor and introduce yourself to this disc, it will be an acquaintance you will not forget!!!!!

One of the greatest jazz/porno-funk outfits.......2005-03-12

I felt compelled to write this after reading the "good, but only in spots," review, inwhich the album is described as "something of disapointment". The jerk-off who wrote that review obviously has no ear for music. This album is 100 proof, pure good ass effing music. It's an amalgam of 70's porn music and modern groove thick funk-jazz. Every song is a winner. Their limited use of vocals such as the "In my mind" chorus in "Minha Mente" adds the perfect sprinkle of seasoning to compliment the tight musicianship of the group. The drums, the horns, the funky guitar, everything is tight! This album will have your head bobbing, from the first track to the last. You will not be disapointed.

Good, but only in spots.......2003-06-05

I was rather looking forward to hearing this record after the glowing reviews posted here and after hearing "Fat City Strut" on the band's website. Unfortunately the promise of "Fat City Strut" is not borne out on about half the tracks on this record, so I would call this record something of a disappointment. The compositions are just too lightweight, and although the individuals in this band are quite proficient players, the overall sound of this record is just too poppy and "smooth" for my liking. Certain tracks ("I Can See It In You", especially) would not seem out of place in a discotheque, circa 1977.

All told, I like about five songs on the record, and they happen to be the ones composed by Topaz himself. What this band really needs is more of a hard edge in their sound; as it is, they're just some acid jazz softies with a bit of talent.

Orlando Breakz 4: Next Generation - Kyngnova
Average customer rating:

Orlando Breaks Vol 4, some more hot beats

Orlando Breakz 4: Next Generation - Kyngnova
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Topaz Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Orlando Breakz, Vol. 3

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Y4K

Out of Nowhere

ASIN: B00006RIOG
Release Date: 2002-10-22

Tracks:

Introcode - Kyngonova & Voyager
Do U KNow - Silverblue
DanceFloorKiller - Floorkiller (Sharaz Breaks Mix)
I Do Both Jay & Jane - La Rissa (Infiniti Rave Mix)
The Fury - Baby Anne
Join Me - Lifeforce
Out Of My Head - Marradonna
Let It Go - Bocj vs. Sam Mollison
The Light Com On - Sloth & Dormant
Drive 2K2 - Kyngnova
Just You - Kyngnova & Voyager
Soul Sucker - Infiniti
Don't Stop - Prizm & Eclipse
Beatbox 2000 - Chris Domingo
I'm A Freak - Filter Freaks (Huda Hudia & DJ Fixx)
3D - Spectre
Rock The House - Friction & Spice
Strobelight - The Order of Intelligence
Center of Gravity - The Alliance
You Are - Cirrus

Customer Reviews:

Orlando Breaks Vol 4, some more hot beats.......2003-09-09

There's some good tracks on this album, and anyone who likes breakz will enjoy it. Track 3, Dance Floor Killer, is a great tune. Some very notable names in Breakbeats on this album, Baby Anne, Chris Domingo, Huda Huda to name a couple.

Average customer rating:

Add this to your collection!!!!
Listen Up!
a pristine recording of one of the groovyest bands in NYC!

Listen!
Topaz
Manufacturer: Redeye Distribution
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Zone
Live in Tokyo
Outta Here
What Happened to Television?
Emphasizer

ASIN: B00004WLOM
Release Date: 2000-09-01

Tracks:

The Emperor
Let Go
Listen!
Rez Intro
Rez
Peyote Eyes
Dharma

Album Description

Recorded at Phillip Glass' old Tribeca studio, Listen!, the follow up to the acclaimed debut, The Shrine, is a mixture of rich textures, psychedelic grooves, inventive composition and intuitive band interplay. It encompasses the future funk of the 1970's with the rhythms of modern day New York. With Listen!, Topaz hopes to build on their successes, showing the progress of this eclectic and beautiful band.

Customer Reviews:

Add this to your collection!!!!.......2007-02-28

Im orginally from Austin, and he would play at this great little bar called The Velvet Spade, every Thursday small space but great sound! Whether there was 8 or 100 people there his shows were the same. Energetic fluid and just down right nasty groove. His band is tight and in form. I would recommend seeing him anytime you get a chance the cd's are good but, defintely don't do him justice. In my opinion he's a talent thats been kept under radar but, for us thats a good thing. Cause its hard to see truly great talent in these days without paying the price.

Listen Up!.......2002-05-12

I really can't say enough good things about this album. Having never heard of Topaz I received a comp copy of "Listen" about a year ago and was really, really impressed. Not at all your usual mix of jazz/funk/groove/whatever, this album showcases some real talent with some great sounds. I can only imagine how good these guys are in a live setting.

a pristine recording of one of the groovyest bands in NYC!.......2000-12-13

Topaz has once again brought his special blend of Jazz, funk and soul to life on this latest disc. I have been a fan since I first saw them play at Izzybar, one of my favorate haunts. At the time I felt like there was a void of really good groovy music that did not assume you were an intelect-free individual. Topaz brings so much emotion, personality and fire to his music, and does it so uniquely that he is compleately undeniable. I was at the record realese show for this recording and after the performance thought ,"There is no way that the record sounds like this!, This is next level". You know what, the record is OUTSTANDING. The music is approchable and revealing, and the musicianship is top notch. If you love jazz, funk, soul or anything in between, you should buy this record.

Average customer rating:

o ya if u like hard house

DJ Irene Boxset
DJ Irene
Manufacturer: Topaz Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Boxset, Vol. 2
Rockstar
Live
Phonosynthesis
Do You Like It Hard: 100% Pure Hardhouse

ASIN: B00022358U
Release Date: 2004-06-08

Tracks:

Y2K Global Melt Down - DJ Irene, Darren
Don't Stop - Sex Feind
Metalhead - Darren R.
Stalker - George Centeno
B2K - Buda 2000
Overdrive - George Centeno
Let the Bass Boom - Uncle Pha-Ker
Check This Out - George Centeno
Break It Down - DJ Rip
Don't Stop - Mark V.
Rock the Beat - Klubstalker
Everybody Jump - James E. Bond
Yeah - Soundbomber
People Mover - D.J. Flavor,
Yellow - Untidy DJs
Put Your Hands Up - DJ Irene
Disco Train - Fly Gang
Ah Yeah! - Kid Energy
Give It All You Got - The Originator
Red - Untidy DJs
Ripper - George Centeno, Darren R.
Tetris Reveng - D.J. Flavor
Back to the Good Old Days - House 'O' Holics, DJ Irene
Uptown - Conga Squad
Build for Dancing - Mac Eimms
Disclubber - Enrico
Overdose - Bad Boy Notorious
Push That Thing - Dave Rude
Get Get Down - Paul Johnson
That Groovy Thang - Minimal Funk
Funky - The Groove Lab
Ultimate Disco Groove - Robbie Rivera
Old Phubeo - Angel Alanis
Energy - Antoine Clamaran
Who Came to Party - House Shredders
Just Me and You - New Vision
When I'm With You - Ledo

Tracks:

For My Peeps Who Like It Hard (Intro) - DJ Irene, Darren R.
Freestyle Flow - Stimulant DJs
Turn It Up - The Hoodlums
Real Freaks - Anne Savage
Phatt Move - Basstone
Bam [Original Mix] - Champion Burns
I Wanna - Darren R.
Action - Darren R.
Track 3 - Darren R.
It's Yours - Raoul Zerna
This Is a Test - DJ Irene
Star 69 (What the F**k) - Fatboy Slim
Into Space - Plaything
Heaven Scent [Original Mix] - Bedrock
Exhale - System F
Sunrise - Ratty
Tenshi - Gouryella
Here With Me - Nina Maitri, Johnny Vicious
Melancholy Rose [Richie Santana's Anthem Mix] - Operatica
Innocente [DJ Tiesto Remix] - Delerium, Leigh Nash
I'm Addicted (You're the Worst Thing for Me) [DJ Irene & The P.H.D. Ev] - Thea Austin, Pusaka
Ibiza (Intro) - Darren R.
Night Out - Didi, Two Phunk D Lux, Two Phunk D-Lux
Bringin' the Funk - CZR, Ito
Feel Tha Phunk - Raoul Zerna
Higher - Proton 2 Meets Mounie
Spaced Invader [Hatiras 2nd Encounter Mix] - Hatiras
Happy People - Static Revenger
Another Chance - Roberto Sanchez
Finally - Kings of Tomorrow, Julie McKnight
Real Close - Exodus

Tracks:

Step into Arena (Intro) - DJ Irene
I Wanna C*M - Marlboro Man
Hit a Drum - DJ Eddie, Louis Love
High Jump - Dynamic Duo, Richard F
Brothers & Sisters - To Kool Chairs
In 2 da Gruv - Groove Pimps!
Catch Me, I've Fallen in Love - Sharon
Frequency - Mike Flores, Louis Love
Now This - Dem Rats!
Like Dat - Steve Santoyo
Escape from La [Mega Mix] - DJ Orlando, Tony B.
Inside My Mind - Rockin' Duke
Something - DJ Eddie, Louis Love
*Re-Enter* Step into Arena [Take 2] - DJ Irene
Throw Yo Handz - Da Wiz Trax
House Tyme - DJ Ed, Louis Love
Clip - DJ Hyperactive
Reptilian Tank - DJ Hyperactive
What Cha' Wanna Do? - Michael Trance
Hocus Pocus - DJ Work
D.J. - DJ Tragic
Soul Patrol - DJ Tragic
L & B Project 1 - Donce Works! Mix
Some Wh*res - 2 in Rhythm
L.A. Sound - Victor V.

Tracks:

Intro - DJ Irene
Switch - Pamp & Da Knox
Beat - Da Tekno Warriors
Record Spinz - DJ Bam Bam
Do You Like the Way It Feels - F. Donna Blakely, Ralphi Rosario
Hard Bangin' Tweak - George Centeno
Game - Da Tekno Warriors
Right About Now - Trak-O-Holik
Put Your Hands Up - Josh Collins
Magick Muzick - Angel Alanis
Mike's in a Trance - Mike Flores
Deadly Needle - Tony & Mambo Trazz
House Is the Way of Life - Juan V.
Shout - Terry Lash, F. Zipporah
Pump Up the Bass - DJ Bam Bam
1 Am - George Centeno
Better Day - Mya Fisher
How to Run a Train - Angel Alanis, MCM-13,
Intro - Intro
Weatha Beatin Hoochie B*tch! - DJ Irene, Stacie "Hollywood"
Jump Up & Down - Mazi F. Tyree
Man With a Horn - Jack'n'House
Wanna Get Down - Eric "Bam Bam" Cea
Sample Junky - Trajic
Dominate Break Loops! - Alex Peace
Jedi Raver - Louis Love
Mix Masta - Kevin Halstead
Grind [Remix] - Rick Garcia
Kickin' Hard - Klubbheads
Beat - Da Tekno Warriors
Stomping Grounds - Poogie Bear, Mark V.
Push It Up - Groove Jam, Pinoy's Pushin Dub
Big Fat Juicy Booty [Remix] - MCM-13, , Poogie Bear, Mark V.
We Won't Stop Cause We Can't Stop - Peter Presta
XXX Out - George Centeno
Bite Me - White Label
Bring da Noise - Poogie Bear, Mark V.
Groove to This - CZR
This Is Los Angeles - Poogie Bear, Mark V.

Tracks:

Intro - DJ Irene, Darren R.
Bass - DJ Corrosive
Keep the Party Pumpin - Poogie Bear
Hard Style - DJ Corrosive
Underground - Poogie Bear
R U Ready - Raoul Zerna
Rocket Launcher 2001 - Raoul Zerna
To My People - Raoul Zerna
Kick It Loud - The Hoodlums
Blood Is Pumpin' - Voodoo & Serano
Kernkraft 400 [Dave Clarke Mix] - Zombie Nation
Sandstorm - Darude
I Feel for You [CZR's Peak Hour Vocal Remix] - Bob Sinclair
I Want You - CZR, Delano
Aha - Olav Basoski
Trachade - Antoine Clamaran
My Feeling - Junior Jack
Grand Rapids - Klobber
We Play Music [Bassbin Twins Twin Towers Re-Dub] - Bassbin Twins, Felli & Buddy, MC Kevens
Domms Night [Timo Maas Remix] - Azzido Da Bass
Taafuu - Gossip
Do What You Want - George Centro, Primal Nation
Blue Skyes - Hyper Logic
1999 - Binary Finary
Inifinitly - C.J. Stone,
Silence [DJ Tiesto Remix] - Delerium

Tracks:

Praise DJ Irene - DJ Irene
Intro - DJ Irene
Something Hard - Chris Cox, DJ Irene
Kick Your Legs Higher - P.I.M.P. Project
Dripping Wet - Nrgy
Digital Pimp - Michael Trance
Rasta Stomp - DJ Q-Bik
Right to Left - Raoul Zerna
We Got the Power - Klubstalker
Poogie Meets Zepplin - Poogie Bear
Turntable Psyco - Da Tekno Warriors
"Exit 9" - Aurora, Michael Meacham
Whore's 'N' da Houz - DJ Irene
Untidy Dub, Vol. 4 - Untidy Dubs
Looking Good - Lisa Lashes
Together - Department 1
Climb the Walls - DJ Irene
Irena's Old Sckool Mega-Mix - DJ Irene
Whiplash - DJ Urban Vs. Subsonik
Back da Funk - DJ Urban Vs. Subsonik
Ghetto High - George Llanes, Jr.
North & Damen, Pt. 2 - Mazi F., Mikkhiel
Big Love - Pete Heller
Psychic Bounty Killaz - DJ Sneak, Armand Van Helden
Muzik - Soultronik, Richard "Humpty" Vission
This House Is Mine - DJ Irene
Bom da De - Candy Girls
Rags to Riches - Poogie Bear

Customer Reviews:

o ya if u like hard house.......2005-08-11

this is quite good and I been jammin to it all day

Average customer rating:

Heard better, but this will do.
AMAZING
Not gaBBa, just pure hardcor.!
Good cd!
there is no other. santana all the way

Hardcore for the Headstrong: Epiphany
Omar Santana
Manufacturer: Topaz Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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Hardcore for the Headstrong: The Resurrection
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Industrial Fucking Strength, Vol. 3: 667 Neighbor of The
Nightmares from Rotterdam: U.S. Edition

ASIN: B000083ME0
Release Date: 2003-01-28

Tracks:

Intro
420
Hard Mixture - DJ Anas
Start The Panic - DJ Sabotage
We Shall Never Forget (DJ Sabotage Mix) - American Hardcore Alliance
Get Straight To It
Stab Your Brain
The Dark - Dre Hectik
Demon Seed
Forced To Snap - DJ Sabotage
Live In L.A.
Final Confrontation - Da Predator
World Domination
The Way We Rock - Da Predator
Make Some Noise
We Come Like That - DJ Sabotage

Customer Reviews:

Heard better, but this will do........2004-11-18

Omar Santana switches up the styles and mixes up the decks in "The Epiphany", the fourth installment of the Hardcore For The Headstrong series. This album is primarily composed of a sub-genre of hardcore known as "New Style" and is characterized by a lower BPM, which is consequently made up for, at least in part, by more intelligent melody arrangements. Despite the lower BPM (something I don't mind), this album contains some of the most well-engineered beats i've heard in awhile. The beats are generally heavy and loud. They contain more of the precision-distorted bass type, with vocal, sustain, fuzz, wave and sustain effects (listen to the samples, you will know what I mean). The melodies range from dark-sounding to very dance-inducing, and are very harmonic in their nature and sound.

To give you the most accurate depection of this album, here is a synopsis of every blasting track:

1. Intro: Features the voice of Omar Santana rallying the troops of his army of hardcore, very nice to start with.

2. 420: I don't like the drug references, but nowadays, who cares? The melodies (it has two seperate ones) are nice, but the beats could be heavier in the first part.

3. Hard Mixture: DJ Anas (pronounced ann-us) is the master of bass distortion. The bass in this track will tear your speakers apart, so "kick it hard!" as it says in the track.

4. Start The Panic: Makes me think of two massively powerful beings battling in outer space. Interesting for an atmospheric feel, but lacking the HARD part of HARDcore. Feels too restrained, but the melody redeems it somewhat.

5. We Shall Never Forget: BEATS OF DESTRUCTION!!!! This track sounds like 9-11 played out rythmically, which is not surprising, since the song was done in honor of 9-11. Good melody, blasting beats, to bad the sample doesn't do it justice.

6. Get Straight To It: Good solid, rough beats, ripping melody in the first part, nice dancing melody in the second.

7. Stab Your Brain: Will take your breath away with it's sheer force. The beats sound like voices combined with electronics gone horribly wrong. With a melody which makes one imagine restless spirits, and a relentlessness that will beat you to a pulp, this track is a perfect example of "controlled rage," however oxymoronic that may be.

8. The Dark: The buildup takes WAY too long it gets boring in the middle, the beats are pretty solid though. Melody arrangement is good, but the melody synth is uninteresting.

9. Demon Seed: Spooky melody, nicely engineered bass hits, good sample in the middle. Unfortunately, it is not quite hard enough, unless you have a good system.

10. Forced To Snap: IF MY VOLUME IS ALTERED, I'LL BE FORCED TO SNAP!! The beats blast with a vocal/bass distortion sound, and are combined with a tactical sounding start-the-war sort of feel. Very Powerful.

11. Live In LA: THIS TRACK WILL KILL YOU. Beats that smash, melody that is distorted SO perfectly into the noise it becomes, and the vocal scream from MC Cypher is PURE TERROR. LAY THE F***ING BEAT DOOOOOOWN!!!

12. Final Confrontation: sounds very dated, like Mortal Kombat Theme meets Rotterdam '97. I don't like it that much, but maybe you will.

13. World Domination: Another oldstyle hardcore track, but with way better bass hits, with an inmpressive switche to drum n' bass breaks at the middle.

14. The Way We Rock: No, this is not the way I rock. Doesn't do a thing for me. More oldstyle for the people who can't let go of that crap. NEWSTYLE IS WHERE IT'S AT, PEOPLE!!!

15. Make Some Noise: The beats have a (very) nice blasting sound, but the melody is uninteresting.

16. We Come Like Dat: kind boring until it finally gets to the strong point(s) of the song, then it makes a good finisher for the album.

All in all, the album is not bad, not great either. All I can really say is I've heard better from H2oh Recordings, so buy some of their newer vinyls, and all shall be right with this world.

AMAZING.......2004-07-09

even if you dont like house you will love this its all amazing i listened to it for days on end, and i still love it, definatly go buy it!

Not gaBBa, just pure hardcor.!.......2004-04-02

The best way to describe this new sound from H2OH is to listen to some hardcore that was being spun at raves when gabba was mistaken for kore. The first Headstrong back in 00 was fast, intense and straight tweeker gabba. And so on to the 2nd, and 3rd, but it seems that the muzik got worse as DJ Omar Santata slowed down the deks. Even happykore was more intense and stayed that way, but this new HEADSTRONG just proves that speed isn't evrything.
The tunez are at a good UK NRG pase, but they are gabba hard. there are a few duds but the good majority of the mix is hardstomping, killer meyhem anthems with the sound of VICTORY through out.
Breakdown, soft buildup, smooth turns edgy, the beat comes back with a blast...the rave turns to riot.

*for best results: play LOUD!*

Good cd!.......2004-02-18

Good cd but not the best, Omar's best cd was the first HARDCORE 4 THE HEADSTRONG.

p.s. HARDCORE WILL NEVER DIE!

there is no other. santana all the way.......2003-11-16

best of the best

if you love the hardcore then do what is right.

omar santana will keep on doing it hard

Digital Empire, Vol. 4: Armageddon
Average customer rating:

TANK!

Digital Empire, Vol. 4: Armageddon
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Topaz Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Digital Empire, Vol. 2: The Aftermath

Digital Empire, Vol. 3: Phuturism

Digital Empire: Electronica's Best

Digital Empire: Mix Breed

Digital Empire: Studio Wars

ASIN: B00009RXKG
Release Date: 2003-07-01

Tracks:

Sound Of The Bass Drum - Frankie Bones
Impact - Micro
Gotta Be Tough - Simply Jeff
Genius - Ming & Fs
Trance? - Atomic Babies
Used To Be Bad - Freddy Fresh
Organic Swing - Angel Alanis
Tic Toc - DJ Ani
Vinyl & Polyester (Junior Sanchez Mix) - DJ Phenix
Specialist - Robert Armani
Creep - GFS
Hyperspace - Oliver Chesler

Tracks:

Ecstacy U Got What I Need - Rob Gee
Dead Zone - Leadfoot
The Shredder - JL
Square Roots - Drawbacks
Misery - Influx
How We Shine - Datcyde
Dragon - King Size
Fructose (2003 RMX) - Joey Jupiter
Keep On Pushin' On - DJ Odi
Got To Be Free (BKNY RMX) - T.M.F.
Techno Mondo - FRESH
Busy Dying - Bitfiendz

Customer Reviews:

TANK!.......2003-08-22

This Digital Empire guys...gotta love em. But i dont know what they were going for with this disc! With a cover like that one would expect gabber, or electro, or drum & bass, or at the very least industrial... Oh wait this disc does have all of those styles. ooops ANYWAY! YEah this disc has some pretty memorable tracks on it. Yeah all the tracks are on the harder side but i wouldn't rate any as hard as say...Keltech(drum & bass). This 2 cd comp is not mixed (for a change! im personally sick of DJ mixed cds, i wanna hear THE WHOLE TRACK! not a 2 min highlight, ok im done ranting.) The music on this cd is (like most of the Digital Empires) ecclectic. It ranges from typical hard breaks (Gotta be tough) to sterile tech step (The Shredder) then it stops on a lil bit of techno (Organic Swing) then it goes to hard atmospherics (How We Shine) then stops on some tracks that are at once bizzare and downright funny. (Exstacy you got what i need) One track in particular (Hyperspace) is lil more than a DJ calling cared complete with a contact e-mail address... THats pretty strange, but it almost gives this comp cd a homebrew/underground feel. I do reccomend this cd, its got a underground, urban, east coast feel too it, its refreshing, and while is a tiny bit strange it is very entertaining.

Average customer rating:

A classic

Black Topaz - Joan Tower

Manufacturer: New World Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Joan Tower: Instrumental Music
Joan Tower: Silver Ladders / Island Prelude for Oboe and String Quartets / Island Rhythms / Music for Cello and Orchestra / Sequoia
Tower: Fanfares for the Uncommon Woman
Joan Tower: Concertos
Joan Tower: Made in America

ASIN: B0000030IQ
Release Date: 1995-02-28

Tracks:

Night Fields
Snow Dreams
Black Topaz
Tres Lent (In Memoriam Olivier Messiaen)
Stepping Stones

Amazon.com

Joan Tower's music makes some demands on listeners, but it always rewards your attention. These are mostly pictorial pieces, with visual imagery in their content and titles. For example, you might not be able to see the exact image Tower describes just from hearing the String Quartet Night Fields, but the impression of rippling wheat in the darkness makes great sense after you've heard the piece. For listeners with even a mild sense of adventure, I recommend Tower's music highly. And if you like to hear music that challenges the players even more than the listeners, you'll definitely enjoy hearing what these fine musicians do to bring Tower's ideas to life. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

A classic.......2006-02-20

I am very surprised that I am the first to review this CD. It is one of my all-time favorites. Joan Tower is one of the most prominent voices in classical music today. Early in her career Tower’s music was very serial. Later however she broke with the serial movement and began righting in a more organic style; often drawing her inspiration from nature. This CD includes her famous Black Topaz, a chamber music piece for percussion winds and piano. Trís Lent, which is dedicated to the composer Messiaen, is also a true masterpiece. As for the three other compositions all are very skillfully dun, although they are not Joan Towers most important compositions. All this is performed to the highest level of musicianship. This is definitely a must have CD.

Do You Like It Hard: 100% Pure Hardhouse

Average customer rating:

Amazing
Bangin beats

Do You Like It Hard: 100% Pure Hardhouse
DJ Bam Bam
Manufacturer: Topaz Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

House | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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

General | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Raise the Volume
History of Hard House
Straight Bangin, Vol. 3
Raise the Volume, Vol. 2
Beats By The Pound

ASIN: B00006AGDJ
Release Date: 2002-07-30

Tracks:

Intro - DJ Bam Bam
Hunger - Mark Hawkins
Base Bangin' - DJ Bam Bam
Bang That Sh*t Up (DJ Bam Bam Remix) - Urban
Locked Groove #1 - DJ Bam Bam
Jack You Fly Girls - Responsible Space Playboys
Homeless - Mark Hawkins
Riffin' (Remix) - Groove Asylum
Volumatic - Radikal G
Locked Groove #2 - DJ Bam Bam
Stress Head - Mark Hawkins
Locked Groove #3 - DJ Bam Bam
Locked Groove #4 - DJ Bam Bam
Scratch - Pounding Grooves Vs. DJ Jerome
Haircut - Mark Hawkins
Straight 2 Ya Dome - DJ Bam Bam
High Beatz - Breakdown B
Some Old New Sh*t - DJ Bam Bam
Drunk Chicken - DJ Ze Mig L
3M Time - Louis Bell
Base Bangin' (Pt.2) - DJ Bam
Bam Jerk's Off - DJ Bam Bam
Chicago MF (Urban Remix) - Wyndell Long
Potent Venom - Ian Void
This - DJ Bam Bam
Bumpin' - DJ Bam Bam
Locked Groove #5 - DJ Bam Bam
Resurrection - Mark Verbos
Locked Groove #6 - DJ Bam Bam
Bust A Nut - Urban
Locked Groove #7 - DJ Bam Bam
Anastasia - Wyndell Long
Inside The Speaker (Accapella) - Alex Peace
Cut & Run - DJ Bam Bam
Shake Yer Bodie - DJ Ze Mig L
Probably - Paul Langley
Bom Shival - Lords Of Shamboo
The Track - Mark Hawkins
Jack Move - DJ Bam Bam

Customer Reviews:

Amazing.......2005-09-20

This cd is something I have been looking for, for a while. I have not heard this type of house since I lived in Chicago. It totally brought my memories back, and I have been listening to the cd almost everyday now.

Bangin beats.......2002-12-11

Absolutely the hardest bangin beats you will hear for a long time! Song after song is absolutely perfect. Definately something to buy if you have a good system!

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

Jazz Music