Unauthorized

Unauthorized

ASIN: B00004R87E

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Composer-guitarist David Cantor has an unusual talent among contemporary songwriters, weaving cabaret tales of retro angst and postmodern humor that casually refer to the brand names of cars (from Hyundai to Cadillac) and French philosophers (Sartre and Foucault). Along the way, he finds metaphors in Ted Bundy's execution and Nixon's trip to China and manages rhymes for "bacchanalia" and "big-screen television," meanwhile setting it all to music that's alive with touches of swing, klezmer, and lounge Latin. For her part, singer Kelly Flint possesses a real voice, filled with hints of Anita O'Day and Peggy Lee. She finds just the right blend of irony, experience, and conviction for Cantor's verbal inventions, articulating them with a conversational ease that makes them sound natural, if not normal. This CD is a fine successor to Sex Without Bodies. --Adam Rains

From Jazziz
Dave's True Story began 10 years ago, on a drunken, snowy New York night, when songwriter/guitarist David Cantor met singer/waitress Kelly Flint and taught her one of his songs. She sang it like it was her own, and this sexy, self-described "beat-lounge" band was born. Dave's True Story's new CD, Unauthorized, finds Cantor tackling topics such as Prozac, jail time, and love gone wrong with his usual humor and intelligence.

Tracks:

Narcolepsy
Don't Change Your Plans
Mess
Magic
Hospital Song
Army
Your Redneck Past
Your Most Valuable Possession
Regrets
Jane
Lullabye

Amazon.com

Simultaneously challenging and accessible, The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner is a song cycle about death and dying, people, relationships, optimism, innocence--you name it. On his first two albums, Ben Folds was quick to toss off bombs of blame (most notably on the vitriolic "Song for the Dumped"), but here he aims most of his criticism at the mirror. On the wondrously snarky "Redneck Past" he sings, "My ex-wives all despise me / try to put it all behind me / but my redneck past is nipping at my heels." Apparently he doesn't have a chip on his piano any more. The production is lush and ornate, with strings and horns embellishing Folds's usual quota of to-die-for hooks (which he seems to dash off as effortlessly as postcards from the beach). An obvious point of reference is Pet Sounds, but Ben Folds Five widen their scope to also include hints of Steely Dan, Pink Floyd, and even Queen, whose influence is front and center on the bombastic opener "Narcolepsy," a virtual homage to "Bohemian Rhapsody." Other highlights include "Army," a hilariously detailed indie-rock answer to Billy Joel's "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant." --David Menconi

Customer Reviews:

Ben Folds Five - A Slight Step Down But Still Good.......2007-03-22

Ben Folds Five delivers again with another collection of outstanding piano based songs. I have seen different interpretations of the "concept" behind this album and I am still not sure that I see exactly what it is supposed to be. Is the main character Ben himself or just someone made up in his mind? The songs are mostly introspective and deal with regret, loss and life choices. Although there are a few upbeat moments most of this album explores self examination through review of ones actions. Overall I don't think that this album is nearly as strong as "Whatever Amen", but it has its moments. "Narcolepsy", "Don't Change Your Plans", "Mess", "Army", "Your Redneck Past" are all very good and resonate with what is best about this band. Tight concise piano fronted music and intelligent lyrics. "Mesner" would end up being the last album from the original Ben Folds Five band. The members would go their separate ways after this one with Folds going solo.

Largely Misunderstood.......2007-01-26

After reading other customer reviews, it seems that many were confused by what Ben Folds Five was doing with this album. "Reinhold Messner" covers a lifespan in reverse, starting with death and then moving backwards through time. "Narcolepsy" portrays having to face the inevitability of death, even when not ready ("I'm going to sleep...but i'm not tired"). "Magic" presents loved ones coping and coming to terms with an impending death ("we knew you'd be leaving as soon as you could, and we hoped you would"). "Hospital Song" is about the first time you face your own mortality, and the denial that often results from it.

This album is nearly a masterpiece in my opinion, and one of the better "concept" albums to come along in quite some time. BFF refused to release a carbon copy of "Whatever and Ever, Amen" and instead chose to take their formula and improve upon it. Definitely 5 starts in my book.

Haunting..........2006-08-10

This was hardly the album most BFF fans expected upon its release in 1999, myself included. Looking back, it wasn't the radical departure most fans claimed it was. Ben's tender side had always popped up here and there on his previous albums. It just came through most prominently on this one. This a seemless collection of haunting lyrics and gorgeous melodies that begs to be played from start to finish.

BFF called it quits shortly after they released this. I saw one of their last shows at the University of Vermont's Patrick Gym in April of 2000 and it remains one of the very best concerts I've ever seen. They should have released a full live album.

His best.......2006-04-03

Unlike his last record this was recorded in a studio so it sounds more professional. But I love the other one too.

Don't Bother.......2006-02-04

I love Ben's work... .except for this. It is easily my least favorite of all of his albums. Why?? Gees... where do I start. Suffice to say that the album is depressing and generally difficult to listen to. In my opinion, Ben is best when he "kicks it up a notch". This needs to be kicked... about 3 notches. I bought it on the strength of "Army" and my love for their previous works. I guess I should have did a little more research.

Average customer rating:

mellow and fine
A Marvel!
A seductive dry martini with a twist....
Novel Sound
The above reviewer is incorrect.

Unauthorized
Dave's True Story
Manufacturer: Chesky Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Sex Without Bodies
DAVE'S TRUE STORY - version 2002
Nature
Simple Twist of Fate
Project Remix

ASIN: B00004R87E
Release Date: 2000-02-22

Tracks:

Dear Miss Lucy
Misery
Lilly-110-140
When Kafka Was The Rage
Won Gon Ju
Florida Time
Far Worse Off
Baby Who Are You?
Chicks
Voletta's
Still I Adore You
Kathmandu
China Tour

Amazon.com

Composer-guitarist David Cantor has an unusual talent among contemporary songwriters, weaving cabaret tales of retro angst and postmodern humor that casually refer to the brand names of cars (from Hyundai to Cadillac) and French philosophers (Sartre and Foucault). Along the way, he finds metaphors in Ted Bundy's execution and Nixon's trip to China and manages rhymes for "bacchanalia" and "big-screen television," meanwhile setting it all to music that's alive with touches of swing, klezmer, and lounge Latin. For her part, singer Kelly Flint possesses a real voice, filled with hints of Anita O'Day and Peggy Lee. She finds just the right blend of irony, experience, and conviction for Cantor's verbal inventions, articulating them with a conversational ease that makes them sound natural, if not normal. This CD is a fine successor to Sex Without Bodies. --Adam Rains

Customer Reviews:

mellow and fine.......2004-10-08

Wonderful rock (as stated above) that won't give you a migraine. You can play their music over and over and not get tired of it.
The only complaint I have is the talking number (Chicks) on this CD, in fact, that's my only complaint with their music. When the guy talks (not sure who it is, Dave or someone) it just disrupts the entire mood.

When I buy a CD for the music, I expect it to be ALL music.

A Marvel!.......2001-02-05

This has quickly become one of my all time favorite discs. It's a marvel. The instrumentation and arrangements are fantastic. The recording, as always with Chesky, is top drawer. Ms. Flint's voice is just "to die for", and Dave Cantor's writing is everything everybody else has noted: hip, understated, clever, and ironic. It has been called "retro angst", and it is that. But, I think it's more, too. It's current social commentary. Not the kind that preaches or hits you over the head, and you don't need to find it to enjoy the songs; still, I think it's there, and proves that serious comment need not sound serious.

"Dear Miss Lucy" is a professional dominatrix. She's being asked "to set the poor boy free". The "poor boy" being the singer's (in the song, of course) husband. The wife ends up promising to do Miss Lucy proud by letting hubby sing under her own "black stilletto" rather than Lucy's. "Lilly-110-140" might properly be called the prozac cha cha. Its protagonist gets let off (after chopping up her analyst) with a "stern and judicious warning" from the judge and a ten year supply of prozac (Lilly-110-140) from his bailif. Then there's the unrepentant slasher doing "Florida Time" who, after ten years, can still taste his victim's fear; and "Baby, Who Are You?" is about waking up next to someone you no longer recognize (Billy Joel's "Stranger", anybody?). Last, but not least, where else in all of jazz/pop ("Chicks") are you ever going to find rhyming references to Homer (Circe, turning men into pigs) and Keats (modern "Belles Dames Sans Merci")?

This is one teriffic album. Highly recommended!

A seductive dry martini with a twist...........2001-01-17

Recorded in St. Peter's Church in New York, this CD brings forth a collection of original songs that brings an ageless re-birth to the meaning of "lounge Jazz". Making use of a smoky musical hue, combined with lyrics that read like a black and white film from the 40s this CD takes you back to a time and place when cynical thought was hip and still had its sense of innocence.

Combining 13 original songs by Dave Cantor, and the coolly laid back vocals of Kelly Flint along with a well placed sax or bongo drum mixes up a cocktail blend of "lounge jazz meets beat music" that has a touch of the avant-garde without ever losing its earthiness. By blending the ironic with angst, and wittiness with coolness, the songs on this disk travel to the past without ever leaving the present and, on songs like "Florida Time", a crime story gone awry, the listener has the feeling that they have entered a 1940s black and white crime movie.

One of the bigger standouts on the disk, "Chicks" is the only song in which Dave Cantor sings lead vocal, and if I have one complaint it is that he does not do more of this as his dry wit and droll delivery are in nice contrast with Flint's cool irony. In Cantor's hands, the dryly-witty "Chicks", a song not about the desire for love but for sex, becomes a song for every man who has been burned, spurned and cast off in his desire for just this one simple thing.

When all is said and done, this is a disk where understatement speaks the loudest. Kelly Flint may not have the biggest of voices on the jazz scene or the most flashy but then here it is not "size that matters" it is what you do with it that counts and Flint, with her understated sense of irony uses coolness rather than aggression disarming the listener with her frankness and sense of chic. Where many of today's singers seem intent on impressing with vocal acrobatics, Flint has a unique focus on the lyrics and musical line that is rare in singing today - one in which the listener is transported directly into the places where the songs are being sung. In songs like "When Kafka Was the Rage" she opens the listener up to an intimacy that is magnetic and frank with just enough angst to make it believable. "I Still Adore You" is an example of old fashioned balladry that in Flint's hands has the understated feel of a classic nightclub romance complete with couples dancing in close detachment.

With its simple arrangements, and simplicity of sound, the emphasis here is on the ambiance, and the result is a collection of songs that is laid back, hip, and smoky. Jazz fans, fans of the slightly eclectic, and of the off-beat won't be disappointed by Cantor and Flint's quirky outlook on life and may find themselves wishing they could be transported into Cantor and Flint's time and space as well.

Novel Sound.......2000-05-09

Dave's True Story was profiled in the Sunday edition of the New York Times just a couple of weeks ago. Between this article and what I had found of them on MP3.com, I figured I'd check 'em out. I'm glad I did.

The singer, Kelly Flint, described their sound as "beat lounge", and that seems pretty apt. Lyrically, it's quirky, adventurous, and humorous...intellectual without being overly pretentious. The arrangements are rather spare; you're not gonna get drowned in a wall of sound and you won't be jammin' to some sizzling guitar solo, that's for sure. The emphasis is definitely on words and voice.

Luckily, it's a good voice! No Mariah Carey-style histrionics or diva displays, but instead a deft, sweet touch. Ms. Flint can do the smoky stuff when required or go upbeat if need be, and she excels at following along the labyrinthine twists and turns of Dave Cantor's lyrics.

I especially liked "Dear Miss Lucy", "Kathmandu", and "China Tour". Great stuff!

If you're ready to listen to something that will really make you LISTEN, this is the album for you. Enjoy the word play and nimble sound, absorb the atmosphere...it's like going to a secret little jazz club, but without the cover charge!

The above reviewer is incorrect........2000-03-04

I agree with everything the above reviewer says except what he said about the record label. In fact, it was the band who did not want to release the record and the label who said they should.

Average customer rating:

Hackettology

Unauthorized Biography
Steve Hackett
Manufacturer: EMI Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Once Above a Time

ASIN: B00002642B
Release Date: 1993-01-15

Tracks:

Narnia
Hackett To Pieces
Don't Fall Away From Me
Spectral Mornings
The Steppes
The Virgin And The Gypsy
The Air-Conditioned Nightmare
Cell 151
Slogans
Icarus Ascending
Prayers And Dreams
Star Of Sirius
Hammer In The Sand
Ace Of Wands
Hoping Love Will Last

Customer Reviews:

Hackettology.......2001-04-20

An excellent starting point for those who are not familiar with the solo work of Steve Hackett. Fans of his work with Genesis, along with fans of progressive rock should enjoy this CD. "Unauthorised Biography" showcases some of the best songs from Steve Hackett's first six albums. Half of the songs featured are instument tracks showcase Hackett's amazing guitar playing along with some very nice keyboards. Hopefully this CD will wet your appetite to hear more Hackett and explore his other CD's. Along with tracks from his early albums are two new tracks recoreded in the early 90's that give one a taste of the direction of some of his later work. The new track "Don't Fall Away From Me" is an absolutely beautiful ballad that he cowrote with Brian May from Queen. Overall this is a good overview of Steve Hackett's early solo work, however this CD will only give you a glimpse of his abilities as a guitarist, songwriter and vocalist. Along with this CD I would highly recommend "Please Don't Touch", Spectral Mornings", "Defector", "Till We Have Faces", Guitar Noir" and "Darktown". I am a HUGE fan of all of his CD's, however I believe these are his best, in my humble opinion.

Average customer rating:

A Little Disappointing--With ONE Silver Lining!
Don't waste your money on this one
Don't Waste Your Money!
Disappointed

Marc Anthony - Unauthorized
Marc Anthony
Manufacturer: Peter Pan
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Salsa | Latin Music | Styles | Music

General | Poetry, Spoken Word & Interviews | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Spoken Word | Poetry, Spoken Word & Interviews | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Libre
Mended
Marc Anthony
Todo a Su Tiempo
Valio la Pena

ASIN: B00004ZDXG
Release Date: 2000-10-24

Tracks:

Headliners
Headliners
Headliners
Headliners
Headliners
Headliners
Headliners
Headliners

Product Description

The 100 page collectors book contains a thorough biography and discography of Marc's work and background. Analysing the influences and stories behind each release the biography follows the guys musical progression with the aid of quotes, statistics and a multitude of candid photographs. The book also contains a complete discography section which will act as a vital reference for any committed fan. The audio documentary CD contains a spoken narrative that charts Marc Anthony's rise from humble beginnings to arena tours highlighting the twists and turns that helped produce the commercial and critical praise that mirrors success. Marc also fields searching questions from journalists and fans alike in this fascinating series of interviews regarding fame, the work-load that such adoration brings, the pressures of success, how he started and where the he is heading. A interesting and informative collectors item that will be unmissable for any Marc Anthony fan.

Customer Reviews:

A Little Disappointing--With ONE Silver Lining!.......2001-03-19

I knew I was getting a Marc Anthony documentary but had no idea the interviewer would be so horrible. HOWEVER--hearing Marc Anthony speak so candidly and openly about himself made it definitely worth the money for me. The interview is not current-it's about 4 years old but I had not heard it before. He does reveal some interesting facts about his career, his family, and his personal life. In the end, I'm glad I bought it-I'm now even a bigger fan of Marc than before.

Don't waste your money on this one.......2001-02-23

I also thought I bought the latest cd and was very disappointed when I listened to this boring interview. I must say though that I have never listend to the end since it always puts me right to sleep. So if you should have sleeping problems there actually is a reason to get it.

Don't Waste Your Money!.......2000-12-30

I feel it's my duty to let everyone know that this "unauthorized documentary" is a horrible waste of money. I shouldn't have added this CD to my Amazon Wish List without reading about this item first. (Since I'm a great fan of Marc Anthony, I simply reacted to the mention of a new release.)

The narration is horrible. The narrator sounds like an idiot; she can't even pronounce his name correctly. There's no substance to this documentary. A grade schooler could have prepared a more interesting report. The interviews are barely audible.

No wonder this is an unauthorized documentary. Whoever produced this CD owes an apology to Marc Anthony and any customer who spends money on this CD.

Disappointed.......2000-12-26

I thought I had bought Marc Anthony's latest Music CD. I wasn't expecting a poorly done interview...with lots of pauses. ,

A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant

Average customer rating:

A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant
Kyle Jarrow , and Les Freres Corbusier
Manufacturer: Ghostlight
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast)
The Rothschilds: A Musical (1970 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000641A6S
Release Date: 2004-11-09

Tracks:

Disclaimer
Hey! It's a Happy Day!
L Ron Hubbard
Way That It Began
Searching
Science of the Mind
Mister Auditor
Rain
Something Special
Finale
Rain [*]

Description

Songs include: Disclaimer, Hey! It's a Happy Day!, L. Ron Hubbard, The Way That I Began, Searching, Science of the Mind, Mister Auditor, Rain, Something Special, Finale, Rain with the Fabulous Entourage

Freda Payne Sings the (Unauthorized) I Hate Barney Songbook: A Parody

Average customer rating:

A stretch

Freda Payne Sings the (Unauthorized) I Hate Barney Songbook: A Parody

Manufacturer: Dove
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000693S04

Product Description

10 Tracks: 1. I Hate You 2. Barney Is a Dinosaur 3. Bye Bye Barney 4. Bad Manners 5. Like Barney 6. Someday You're Gonna Fade Out 7. Crunch, Crunch, Crunch 8. I Hate Barney 9. Stupidee Dupidee Ideas 10. No & Shut Up

Customer Reviews:

A stretch.......2007-01-12

Greetings. I was dissapointed with this product. It does have some fantastic music, yet is lacking the humour that I had wished to hear. Frefa Payne may just not have been meant to produce commedy. She did a wonderful job, ( as always), with her voice and style, it is just that the humour was not there.

The Unauthorized Biography Of Reinhold Messner (+ Bonus Track)

Average customer rating:

The Beauty of Ben Folds Five . . . and an added bonus track

The Unauthorized Biography Of Reinhold Messner (+ Bonus Track)
Ben Folds Five
Manufacturer: Sony/Epic
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music

Alternative Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00000JX8X
Release Date: 1999-07-23

Tracks:

Narcolepsy
Don't Change Your Plans
Mess
Magic
Hospital Song
Army
Your Redneck Past
Your Most Valuable Posession
Regrets
Jane
Lullabye
Birds

Album Description

Japanese edition of the trio's 1999 outing featuring earlier availability than the rest of the world & with the bonus track 'Birds' added, for a total of 12 selections. Also contains the single 'Army'.

Album Details

Japanese Version featuring Exclusive Bonus Track 'birds'.

Customer Reviews:

The Beauty of Ben Folds Five . . . and an added bonus track.......2000-08-27

The trio of Ben Folds, Darren Jesse, and Robert Sledge have served as my favorite band for quite some time now. I took notice of them when hearing "Philosophy," a song off of their brillinat first album. Since then I've come to admire the beatiful music and amazing lyrics Ben Folds Five turns out. Their latest release, "The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner" shows not only the bands talent, but also how much they've come since that first CD. A more polished sound, and even the occasional orchestral accompanyment, stand as proof to how far they've come. More laid-back groove songs like or "Your Most Valuable Posession" allow Ben Folds Five to sound loungey, while epics like "Narcolepsy" and beautiful ballads like "Mess" and "Magic" show that they've not strayed that far. This Import CD also features the B-Side instrumental "Brids." This song is just as moving as any other Ben Folds Five song, even without they lyrics. I own this album because I am a Ben Folds Five fanatic and felt it my duty to own the hard to find "Birds." My reccomendation to anyone not addicted to the band would be to purchase the much cheaper American version of the album. You get the other 11 amazing songs for half as much. "Birds" is an amazing song, but it's not worth $....

Maximum Strokes: The Unauthorized Biography Of The Strokes

Average customer rating:

only for a true strokes fan
No Music, Just Talking

Maximum Strokes: The Unauthorized Biography Of The Strokes
Strokes
Manufacturer: Chrome Dreams
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Room on Fire
Someday
The Modern Age ep

ASIN: B000066HDN
Release Date: 2002-06-11

Tracks:

Intro: An Untouchable Mystique
Laying Down Foundations, Creating A Blueprint
Fast And Furious
Irrepressible Hype
Salvation Of Rock 'N' Roll
Unstoppable Momentum
Showered By Awards
Behind The Public Glare
Into The Music
Conclusion: The World Is Waiting

Product Description

Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

only for a true strokes fan.......2004-06-25

like the other reviewer said, only for a true strokes fan. i'm a true strokes fan to the point where it's just ... so sad. but i loved this cd. because i love anything and everything to do with the strokes. anyway, buy this. because jules fab nikolai nick and albert seriously rock

No Music, Just Talking.......2002-07-22

This is just a biography of The Strokes. I bought it, not realizing what it was, I was just amazed that I found a CD with a bunch of songs I have never heard of before. So, when I put it into my CD player, and all I heard was talking, I am amazingly disappointed. More cause of the fact I just wasted [money]. I like the Strokes' music, but could care less about how they go to where they are. The only plus is that it came with a cool poster, which I wanted to keep. I am selling this CD on ebay right now for [$]. If you want it go ahead and buy it. I suggest only a true Strokes fan does this. Only a person who loves everything the Strokes have done, and are really interested in them will enjoy this CD. Other than that, it sucked.

Average customer rating:

Unauthorized Souvenir
Eden's Crush
Manufacturer: Peter Pan
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Teen Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Interviews | Poetry, Spoken Word & Interviews | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Popstars

ASIN: B00005Y841
Release Date: 2001-09-11

Maximum N.E.R.D.: The Unauthorized Biography of N.E.R.D.

Average customer rating:

Maximum N.E.R.D.: The Unauthorized Biography of N.E.R.D.
N.E.R.D.
Manufacturer: Phantom Sound & Vision
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00025JZJU
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

Funked Up, Souled Out Innovators
At the Beginning
Top of the World
Devastating New Hybrid
In Rapture
Ubiquity and Diversity
Flying High
Question of Identity
Like Magpies
Musical Gift

Album Description

Audio CD book on a full color picture CD. Contains a biography, complete with commentary & interview excerpts. Comes in a full color slipcase with an eight page photo booklet & one-sided, 10 inch x 10 inch full color poster. Chrome Dreams. 2004.

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

Jazz Music