5 comments about Bandwagonesque.

1. I drove cross country alone at 18 with this album. Somewhere around Ogden Utah I realized I loved this album. 16 years later I still listen to it. I have to admit I bought it because they were on SNL and the lead singer wore a cardigan. I catch myself humming December sometimes. This album is a tragedy, in that it's greatness was matched by my peers refusal to listen to and appreciate it. When I was younger I thought my taste was flawed, turns out they were idiots. I recommend bootcamping this one. I envy anyone who has yet to crack a beer cue this one up.



2. 15 years after its release, this album still sounds really crisp and fresh. I can picture this being on the radio today even moreso than in the early 90's. Great listen from a bunch of great Scottish lads.



3. BANDWAGONESQUE was my introduction to Teenage Fanclub. This is "The Fannies" 3rd release and their first successful achievement. It also gained notoriety by beating out Nirvana's Nevermind, My Bloody Valentine's Loveless, and R.E.M 's Out of Time as 'Album of the Year' by Spin magazine.
   This album's lyrics and melodies shows that the Band were highly influenced by The Byrds, The Beach Boys, and of course Big Star.
   I really can't believe Teenage Fanclub weren't considered the future of British Rock. Oasis and Blur won over that Crown. Blech! ...Kind of sad since Teenage Fanclub features 3 Master singer/songwriters in Blake, Love & McGinley.
   BANDWAGONESQUE has so many wonderful highlights in twelve songs. It seems like it would be a 'Greatest Hits' for any above average Rock band. Although their later stuff is just as Good. Check out 1995's Grand Prix, which is even more lush w/ guitars a shinin' bright and clear, also no fuzz-boxes. Yep, BANDWAGONESQUE & GRAND PRIX are my two favorite studio albums by this marvelous band.
   My favorites on BANDWAGONESQUE include: Opener - "The Concept" - "December" - "What You Do to Me" - "I Don't Know" - *Star Sign* - "Metal Baby" & "Sidewinder" but ALL are close to perfect 'lil pop-rockin' Hits, well to me at least.



4. This album reminds me of a great alternative rock radio station in Minnesota circa 1991. Just at the time I thought "rock" was dead, along came that radio station and albums like this. "The Concept," "What You Do To Me," and "Star Sign" received regular rotation on the old KJJO, and what great tunes they were. Over the course of time this album has become a favorite in my collection. Good times. Great tunes. If it weren't for my discovery of classic alternative bands like this I'd probably be listening to country-and-western now. Ugh. :)



5. from the stunning opener "the concept," with its wonderfully lyrical guitar solos, on through the closing intrumental "is this music?" this is a power pop classic. other standout tunes include "pet rock," which includes great hard rock guitar, "sidewinder," full of exquisite harmonies, and "guiding star," a song of majestic gently beauty. this is a recording all rock/pop lovers should have.

5 comments about The Modern Dance.

1. smashed glass, loud crowd...the reverse of ambiant misuc; what is it: tnaibma sicum? birdie go fly fly, fly fly! this is the real world as it stood and as it stands; if every serious and pseudo music collector had one Pere Ubu album this is the one; if you are stcuk on a desert island take this one as a reminder of the human condition and its discontents



2. It's funny -- growing up in Cleveland, I always saw advertisements for
   Pere Ubu concerts that happened in the most random places. They would
   always play these cheesy street festivals on the same bill with Dead
   cover bands, or carnivals or off-nights at the Agora.
   
   I never heard any critical discussion of them, or Rocket From The
   Tombs or the Numbers or the 15-75-60 bands, other than that Mark
   Mothersbaugh used to be involved with the Numbers and Robert Kidney
   before he left them to go and form Devo. The Akron bands got all the
   attention (for good reason). Of course Rocket from the Tombs was
   before my time as well.
   
   It seemed that not only did Pere Ubu fly under the radar, but they
   kind of ignored it altogether. Though I always saw them being
   advertised in the late 70s and throughout the 80s, I never saw them,
   cause I figured I always could.
   
   The loss is mine. The Modern Dance is a truly timeless album. I
   wouldn't necessarily call it punk -- maybe avant-punk. The lead
   singer's voice takes some getting used to (although he kicks the Godz'
   lead singer to the curb), but the guitar work throughout is extremely
   inventive. Other tracks like Sentimental Journey definitely fall into the avant-garde camp.
   
   The whole album is almost anti-punk, if that even makes sense. Even
   punk rock had a bit of formula by the late 70s and Pere Ubu completely
   broke away from that formula. In fact, Captain Beefheart or the Godz
   come to mind a lot when I listen to this album.
   
   As with the best albums, it gets better with each listen.



3. As a musician who has played music since the late 70's I think it is important to point out that this band is one of the most infuential acts in the history of Rock n Roll. If it were not for Pere Ubu, the Talking Heads would have not existed.
   
   Enough said. The Modern Dance is Pere Ubu at their best. Recorded in the late 70's and released on CD in the early 90s, it is Filled with intelligent attitude, a good beat, and some of the best noises ever. (There's even the sound of breaking glass bottles) Dave Thomas voice is brilliant. The allure of Pere Ubu is that they exist in a space of their own. These styles did not exist before them. They are inventing on this album, and that's what makes it neat. You will hear things that make you wish you had thought of them. Buy it and enjoy.



4. Just like the debuts by The Beatles, Velvet Underground and Roxy Music, this deservedly sits way up there..life altering!! True, David Thomas' vocals are challenging...and an acquired taste. True, the atmospherics can get rather bleak at times...and the synthesizer by Allen Ravenstine sounds like radiator steam hissing. Therein, however lay its charm. Fantastic stuff! Makes so many other bands' efforts pale in comparison. They have set the bar pretty damn high. Highest recommendation!



5. Looking back, I remember when I first bought this record not knowing what to expect. A friend of mine, who knew I was into the Pixies suggested I check out The Modern Dance by Pere Ubu.
   Within a few days I bought The Modern Dance and was eager to put it in my stereo first thing, as I normally would when something "new" to listen to comes along. My initial reaction was this is a bit strange, but I wanted to listen to all of it before judging it at all.
   A weird siren type of sound begins 'The Modern Dance' with the opener "Non-alignment Pact" then a blast of screeching feedback and David Thomas' bizarre type of word usage. By the end of the album I was hooked!
   Throughout listening to 'The Modern Dance' it was evident that I could too see the comparison made to Black Francis of the Pixies and this (madman) artist. All the yelping and apocalyptic type poetry.
   I enjoy every song on here except for "Sentimental Journey" -I just can't get over all the glass breaking, a bit too out there even for me.
   Post punk. Experimental rock. Alternative. New Wave. Avante Garde. Whatever you want to call it.
   Although Pere Ubu didn't sell very many records and not a whole lot of people(it seems) have heard of them - Pere Ubu begin with this debut and changed the face of modern rock/alternative music.

5 comments about Fat City.

1. I don't think it's exaggerating to call this one of the greatest albums ever, since that's how I feel about it and this review, after all, is my opinion. This is one I would consider for my 10 albums on a deserted island list. For many years this CD got more play time from me than any others. I just love Shawn's crystal clear voice and the songs on this CD are all really, really good and worthy of her singing. I love all Shawn's CDs but I like this one the most.



2. Four years prior to "A Few Small Repairs", Shawn Colvin released "Fat City"- a gem so rare and exquisite that just about every other release in her portfolio merely twinkles by comparison. Yes, there is magic in every recording she's put out, and certainly "Repairs" is a masterpiece which finally brought her some well deserved critical acclaim and accolades, but if you haven't listened to "Fat City" you have not yet been introduced to this woman's depth and ability to stir the soul. Listen to "Monopoly" if you want your heart ripped out. It is undoubtedly one of the most devastatingly beautiful love songs ever written. Her voice is raw, and brazenly naked in the throes of passionate love and agonizing loss. Listen to "Set the Prairie on Fire". Talk about sultry and sexy and hot! "Polaroids" is, of course, quintessential Shawn- it's a perfect example of why we love her music so much. If Anne Sexton was a songwriter her lyrics would sound like this: "Please no more therapy, Mother take care of me, piece me together with a needle and thread." Confessional, irreverent, honest, weary and triumphant all at the same time.
   "Tennessee" just plain rocks. And Shawn does "Tenderness On the Block" better than Warren Zevon could ever dream of doing it (sorry, Warren, rest in peace). "Round of Blues" will have your feet tapping, your hands drumming and your throat humming, despite the almost popishness of it. Shawn doesn't do pop, so don't get me wrong. Shawn does what gets her going, and it works- always. Who else can refer to vibrators ("Object of My Affection") in such a way that you don't ask yourself if she just said what you think she said, instead, you ... laugh because, well, of course, she means what you think she means.
   Sure, there are some weak spots on the album- most notably the excessive length of "Orion in the Sky" which starts to feel like a flamboyant relative who overstays their welcome. On the whole, however, this is Shawn quite possibly at her best. I say "quite possibly" because you never know what she will do next. I admit that I haven't heard the 2006 release yet (won't be long now!!!). For all I know she may just finish me off with the latest round of blues- after all, she's already ripped my heart out.



3. Admittedly 'Fat City' was my intro to Colvin. At the time - 14 yrs ago - I thought it was 5+ star worthy.
   
   Don't get me wrong - even w/my 3 star rating, I find it a good disk. But when compared to her body for work, you get sense that it tries too hard in too many places. It becomes slick. A good disk for Colvin's work doesn't cut it. Most of her efforts are great.
   
   Larry Klein polished the hell out of these songs - to the point of almost taking the life out of them. There are exceptions - most notably "Monopoly" and "Set the Prairie on Fire". Even the hey-kids-lets-try-for-a-radio-hit "Climb On" works.
   
   I still like the disk - but I do not find myself coming back to it. I cannot say that of 'Steady On', 'A Few Small Repairs' or 'Whole New You'.



4. I got hooked on Shawn Colvin when a friend connected me with her first album, Steady On. I picked up her sophomore release, Fat City, when I saw it in a store having never heard a single song. I was thrilled to find that it was even better. "Fat City" is an overlooked gem and one of my all-time favorites. Her song "Climb On" turned up as the original theme song from the TV show Party of Five before they switched to the Bodean's "Closer to Free". It's a shame she didn't get the boost that the Bodean's got from that exposure. It amazed me that Shawn's music got much less attention than similar but not-quite-as-talented singer/songwriters such as Jewel. Shawn's later albums may be more well-known, but I think this is her best overall.



5. I first heard "Round of Blues" on modern rock radio (Philadelphia's now defunct WDRE 103.9)soon after the album's release date (late 1992/early 1993.)I only heard it a few times before it was dropped from the station's playlist.

   Right around this time I began my career as a DJ at clubs & weddings. I had added the songs to my list of most wanted songs to purchase.

   None of the big retail chains carried this CD initially. A year or so later, the song received more airplay.

   "Round of Blues" was included on the Nicolas Cage/Bridget Fonda movie soundtrack for "It Can Happen To You".

   Eventually the "Fat City" CD began to appear at retail some two years after it's release.

   From the first time I heard the entire CD it instantly became one of my favorites.

   You'll be on an emotional rollercoaster with your journey through the tracks on this hidden gem.

   On your first listen you too will be ready for a second ride as you feel Colvin's voice break on the final track "I Don't Know Why" Prepare for that second ride well in advance. Hit the repeat button right away!

5 comments about Second Coming.

1. I have had this CD about 10 times. I listen to them so much, they got all scratched up and worn out. I got a used version, which was close to mint condition, and it was as great as ever.
   
   This is one of the best albums of a contemporary artist that I have ever heard.
   
   I say, go and get it so you can experience greatness in sound.



2. Despite not nearly equaling their 89' masterpiece which is probably the greatest recording of the 80's, this cd grows with each listen. Just be patient with it and it will deliver much reward. Ian Brown's singing actually improved with this recording.



3. I like this album too! This was my first exposure to the Stone Roses - I heard "Love Spreads" in a music store and it sounded good to me. Eventually I picked up the Complete collection which is good too, but I guess I can see why fans of their earlier stuff wouldn't like this album.



4. I did indeed like the self titled debut from The Stone Roses, but "Second Coming" is much more to my liking. John Squire's guitarwork is so much more on this offering, with his styles ranging from rock, funk, blues, and much more. Ian Brown's vocals are excellent, and provides a nice balance between music and song. A little more upfront than the debut, but with perfect range. Gary "Mani" Mounfield's bass is fantastic. One of the better bassists, who has a more faster, rhythmic rock pace, yet subtle enough when needed. Alan "Reni" Wren, in my opinion, was (and still could be if he ever surfaced again) one of the best drummers to sit behind a kit. Reni depended on shear ability, rather than the flash of monsterous sets of equipment.
   
   I loved "Second Coming" from the first time I listened to it. Every song is a good one, and the following are some of my favorite tracks:
   
   As many people have said, to have an 11+ minute intro is rare, but to have an 11+ minute intro like "Breaking Into Heaven" is pure genius. From the ambient jungle sounds, jungle drums, to the guitar entry, and then Ian vocals, this track is amazing. It truly shows how great this band is. And many times I just want this song to go on and on and on.
   "You can have it all anytime you want it. Yeah, the kingdom's all inside"
   
   "Driving South" comes right at you and allows John to really shine. A great piece of guitarwork for sure. So many times John's style is compared with Jimmy Page's sound and style, but being an original Page lover, I can honestly say that John's work is more crisp and sharp, with a more edgy sound, which definately sets him apart.
   "I'm only here to see if I can steal your soul"
   
   "Ten Storey Love Song" is a softer track, which melds together an eastern and western flavor, along with steady vocals, and a great melody.
   "Oh well I built this thing for you and I love you true"
   
   And then from another direction "Daybreak" kicks up the funk. John, Mani and Reni pull out the funk for sure on this one. The trio lead you on a great ride, while Ian keeps you comfortable all the way thru. And Simon Dawson's keyboards round out this song just right. This song stands out to me a one of the songs that allows The Stone Roses to really shine, showing off their true talent and ability.
   "Yeah Yeah Yeah"
   
   And then, "Begging You" comes from an even different direction, pumping you up into a psychedelic club-like frenzy. Ian really shines on this track, letting you know his true ability of vocal talent. You are truly hypnotized and treated to a musical thrill ride. Another song that sets this band apart.
   "Make all the dust that you can, king bee in a frenzy ready to blow"
   
   "How Do You Sleep" turns everything around, and gives you a taste of good ole fashion blues and soothing rock. Ian's vocal give you an almost Grateful Dead sound, while John and the guys treat you to a melody reminiscent to the Allman Brothers. Together, this makes for a wonderful song. And to me, for a UK band, this is true genius!
   "When the angel of death comes knock knocking and banging at your door"
   
   "Love Spreads" is the one song that actually got a lot of airplay here in the states, and still does on occasion. Im glad for this, as it keeps The Stone Roses alive, and may make some casual listeners check out the rest of their offerings. This track is another good example of John's true talent, with some nice bluesy slide riffs, and straight up good guitarwork. Also Reni gets in on the vocals as well.
   "The messiah is my sister, ain't no king man she's my queen"
   
   An excellent offering from The Stone Roses. I just wish this band could have done more, and allowed us to experience more of what they had to offer.



5. I read the following from Andy Grubb in a recommend disk list:
   "Just put it on repeat and go about your life."
   
   one of the best disks in the last 40 yrs of rock. I like it as much if nt more than their first great CD.
   
   cover is perverse unless it means to say soemthing.
   
   the music however, is excellent. Variety of great songs and rock and music styles. If you like the Raconteurs, Wolfmother, or Led Zepp or even the Beatles you should enjoy this very much. A little psychedelia, a little pop, a little raver, a whole lot of riffin and drummin that ties everything together.
   
   imho these guys were years ahead of their time.
   
   oh well, only time will tell.

5 comments about Return of the Rentals.

1. Here's an album I can only listen to once every 6 months. It starts off catchy and then veers off into the sleepy town of Dullsville.
   
   The first 5 tracks, with the exception of "Move On" are unique indy-pop melodies that put you in a good mood and make you think that Weezer could have benefited from a little more Matt Sharp influence. But then things get sad and sloooowwwww...really slllooooowwwwwwww.
   
   "Please Let That Be You" offers a little hope to the discouraged listener, but by the end of the album you are ready to spend the rest of your life sitting in a windowless room with only one dim light bulb and a cold can of chili. Really , the music is that depressing.
   
   It really is the music and backing vocals that save the album, as Matt Sharps monotone, slacker vocals make you want to mail him a case of Red Bull-WAKE UP!
   
   It would have worked better as an EP of 5 songs. The few songs that are good save the album from being a total waste, but even then you realize you won't be throwing this album on the stereo a whole lot.



2. This CD died on me a few years ago, and I can say that these catchy tunes keep running through my mind. I am VERY glad I bought it again.



3. I'm pretty biased being an old school Weezer fan. I remember waiting for their next album and this little beauty hit me. Matt Sharp teams up with the Haden sisters. (Rachel, Petra) It's got these great little rock out synthy moments and Matt collaborated with Rivers on some the most interesting Weezer songs (Blue album and Pinkerton) this is sort of Matt taking a weird turn from his other efforts, if "Say it Ain't So" and "Undone the Sweater Song" are favourites of yours then I'm sure you'll like "Friends of P" two dollars is worth that song alone.



4. It's a shame these guys didn't continue together. No other band reaches the guitar sounds and rythms The Rentals do. The match between the voices of the girl and the man vocalists is great!



5. Somewhere in the mid nineties Weezer released the seminal album Pinkerton, which is not quite as good as everyone says it is, but still really good. Then Weezer went on hiatus and bassist Matt Sharp left the band, now forget all that, that's all ancient history just like the 2000 election which I still strangely see bumper stickers for. But just like how those people refuse to peel their outdated bumper stickers off their cars people, like me, still recite these tidbits to the choir. Anyway when Sharp left I presume he took Cuomo's talent with him as this is leagues better than post-Pinkerton and if I may be so bold almost as good as that aforementioned album. Matt Sharp with the Rentals didn't choose to fill his band with a bunch of nerdy white male middle class Americans but actually chose to have a diverse band lineup that contained girls. That tidbit would be enough to make Cuomo blush and sweat in fear. On keyboards is Maya Rudolph of Saturday Night Live fame. Everything on this album is funnier (there's no jokes on this album, really) and way more fun that current SNL. As far as female keyboardists go, I'm aware of too, Maya is probably the best looking one. Besides giving the band higher aesthetical value, they deliver some great backing vocals to accompany the loaded synths all over this album. The Rentals have the cheesiest synthesizer lines this side of Atom and His Package but it works in creating that nice bubblegum value to these sets of songs. You're not going to find anything Pinkertonesque here, this is pure fun and catchy hooks. Sharp sings in a style that's pretty similar to his former group unlike the sneer he would develop in his followup Seven More Seconds, for better or worse. 'The Love I'm Searching For' really sets the pace for the whole album, some harmless pop here, some female backing vocals here, and some cheesy synth here. It all adds to one of the better power pop albums of the 90's and beyond. 'Friends With P' and 'Naive' are two good ol' sing alongs. If your looking for engrossing and moving lyrics you oughtta look elsewhere because everything on here is either simplistic and/or nonsensical (and not in the drug induced later Beatles way). If your big up on lyrics like 'if your friends with p, well then your friends with me' all backed up with the catchiest of melodies here you go.

5 comments about Fountains of Wayne.

1. As a relatively late arrival to this band, I've been working my way around their catalog finally getting to the debut. I found pretty much what I expected: incredibly clever wordplay wrapped around solid power pop hooks; this band has been solid since the beginning. "Leave The Biker" alone is worth the price of the CD; a tale that every guy who thought Joe Jackson's "Is She Really Going Out With Him?" needed an update, will be more than satisfied with. The CD is filled with various takes on life's little mysteries and it's interesting to see how close the band stayed to its roots. If I have any complaint, it is the overwhelmingly mellow music; a little edge occasionally would be appreciated, but as a debut this is a good indicator of how talented this band is.



2. I discovered this in 1997, long before Stacy's mom. If you like Stacy's Mom, you will love this album. It blows away their later stuff. It is a must have if you love catchy, pop, infectious music. You will be tapping your toe almost the entire time. There are a couple of slower songs, but the rest of the album sufficiently makes up for the speed bumps. MUST HAVE.



3. This is a classic work that has yet to be formally recognized.
   
   FOW is a terrific power pop group. They have 2 other cds out that are good but not as earnest as this one. FOW tends to be tongue in cheek, smarmy, sometimes too cute. Their first cd, this one, is more pure and honest.
   
   What makes the group so good is the lyrics. They are clever yet at the same time done in a unique, conversational manner. Like a close friend telling you a story, in everyday jargon only to music. The music is amped up... Ramones style (but more musically sophisticated).
   
   All the songs are great, there is no filler. "Radiation Vibe" kicks off the cd with energy and a very catchy chorus. "Joe Rey" moves fast and employs a Nirvana soft/heavy style. "Shes got a problem" and "Sick Day" epitomizes the unique conversational songcraft. "Barbara H" rocks, rocks rocks! "I've got a problem" and "Leave the Biker" examplifies the wit in their songwriting.
   
   The cd moves at a quick pace.
   
   Interestingly, the very precious cd cover art of a little boy in pajamas acting out some fatasy, "I.m a superhero" thing perfectly reflects the tone and theme of this cd. This was music made, at the time, by and up and coming band that did not care what was in vogue and maintained a very real and honest vibe.
   
   Their other cds are very good but not like this one!



4. One of those rare albums where EVERY song on it is excellent. Each track on here are filled with extremely catchy hooks that will stick in your head for months. I still have a hard time getting some of the songs out of my head, after I heard for the first time about 4 months ago.
   
   I came into this album expecting a generic 90's alt rock album, when I heard in actuality a brilliant Beatles/Beach Boys influenced power pop with a modern production filled with references of the tri-state area.
   
   Some of the lyrics struck me as really lame at first, like in "Leave The Biker", but once you realize how awesome the music is, you start to pick out that these are obviously tongue in cheek. "I've Got A Flair", "Joe Rey", "Barbara H"... it is extremely hard to get these hooks out of your head.
   
   "Everything's Ruined", my favorite song on the album is on here too, which is quite unlike anything else on the album. It is a gentle piano ballad with a beautiful melody and lyrics that are obviously meant to be more serious.
   
   If there's any similar album like this one that came out around the same time, i'd definitely like to hear it. This is an excellent album and has quickly become one of my favorites of all time.



5. There isn't a song in this collection that isn't at least good. Catchy, quirky lyrics, with British Invasion inspired melodies. Be careful, or after listening to this album you'll catch yourself singing it. Radiation Vibe, Sick Day, and Please Don't Rock Me Tonight are my personal favorites.

5 comments about Transient Random-Noise Bursts with Announcements.

1. THIS is the album I used to play before going out at night. Because of rock, noise, pop, and bossa. The neighbours wanted to kill me everytime "Our triniton blast" ended. And I'd wait all night until "Jenny Ondioline" fades out.
   I think this is the one which defines best their style. Absolutely classic.



2. This was Stereolab at its peak. A synthesis of sexy 60's pop culture noise, Neu-esque drone rock, and Jean Jacques Perrey's space age pop, with a 90's indie rock bend. This cd was my intro to stereolab in 1993 and it is their most memorable and rewarding in the end.
   "Tone Burst" is a perfect example of a kind of cheeky 60's french pop thing with its droney vintage analog bleeps and Laetitia Sadier's sexy vocals gliding over the background in a manner that even touches upon "The Gift" by the VU. " Pack Yr Romantic mind" has that bossa thing going on for the first time in Stereolab's sound. "Im going out of my way" is an upbeat 60's rave up that ends with this cool experimental analog noise. "Jenny ondioline" is like a homage to NEU! clocking around 17 minutes of Sonic Youth-y, shoegazer-ish drone rock. If you can find it, there is a limited edition single for Jenny Ondioline that has a 3:51 edit of Jenny O and 3 rockin B-sides, most notably "French Disko", which later appeared in another version on Switched on Vol 2 on Drag City Records.
   Any way you look at it this period of Sterolab was my favorite, and this cd is a great introduction to Sterolab's genius. It may even be the best, most consistent snapshot we'll ever see from Stereolab.



3. I just feel a fondness and simplicity with sound and ideology that seems more integrated on this album. "To compose, Decompose, and recompose...de ma paresse". PAUSE is an incredibly blissful indulgence in sound and lyricism, haunting the texture of historic knowledge with emotion (just my take). Warm analogue music, ironically categorized as electronica/avant garde. If you don't know Stereolab, you are missing out!



4. If Stereolab made videogames instead of music, this would be Mario 2. It's the oddball, the one that doesn't fit right in snugly with the others (even in its own time frame). But it's up there with the best of them.
   Following Peng's humble melodies, this is the only Stereolab album that actually sounds like the nineties. As with Peng, the music is heavily distorted (grainier, but mixed more professionally), but on this album, even the vocals get distorted and we even get to hear the two of them raise their voices from time to time, if only seldom. Much of this album focuses on white noise that builds up as songs continue on, rather than have a crescendo (some songs have great crescendos too, though). Jenny Ondioline (part of which comes from the "Exploding Head Movie" b-side) is an 18 minute track comprised of likely no more than five chords--it is the buildup of white noise that keeps this song interesting, and it really is a great song.
   If you're a Stereolab fan who hasn't yet heard this album, but has heard everything else, you are bound to be shocked. It's loud, it's noisy, it's so...nineties. Songs like "Golden Ball" and "Our Trinitone Blast" will dispel your idea of Stereolab being constantly boppy and overtly happy. There are some really dark tracks on this album! The last track, "Lock-Groove Lullaby" is probably the darkest on the album.
   I love Stereolab and I love this album. It's not as good as Mars Audiac Quintet, but what is? Every single song on this is great music to just space out to and contemplate the day. It's weird, it's amusing, it's frightening, and it's the ballsiest move by this groop in the first half of their career. Give it a spin. This one's worth checking out, Stereolab fan or not.



5. but still good in its own right. this song has a few very good songs on it, like crest, pack yr romantic mind, our trinitone blast, and the last song (that great melody comes up at the end of the 8th track as well and is a breath of fresh air). but mostly it represents an aspect of stereolab i dont like, which also comes up in their "space age bachelor pad music" album. while some people call this "decadence", i think thats a rather slick synonym for "repetitive". this cd is definitely not one you can listen to closely and enjoy from beginning to end. i mean, one song is almost 20 minutes long and is basically 1 chord throughout. no changes for 20 minutes. dont get me wrong, i am a huge stereolab fan and have seen them live (theyre great live, but mary hansen is dead now). one of the great things about later stereolab is how the songs daringly change to something you would have never imagined possible at the onset of the song, like jazz in a way. i really tried to love this album since i paid for it new, but i cant like it nearly as much as mars audiac quintet or dots and loops, both of which i have never paid for. those are the essential 'lab albums, with emperor tomato ketchup trailing closely behind.

5 comments about Idlewild.

1. This was my first bit of exposure to this group, and I love this collection of songs so much, it's been largely the basis by which I have guaged all their other work. Good songs, Tracy Thorn's wonderfully hynotic voice, and an interesting reminder of Karen Carpenter. Buy this NOW!!!



2. I first heard about Everything But the Girl when Walking Wounded came out. That was during the time Drum N Bass was invading the States. I was impressed by not only Ben Watt's production at the time but the somber, angelic character of Tracey Thorne's vocals. When I heard this album, Idlewild, for the first time just recently, I was pleasantly surprised. This was a stretch from their drum n bass or house phase. Mad chill. This, I learned, was EBTG in its nacent stages. I mean...damn...look at the cover. The two look like they just came from a happy little date watching the Duran Duran or Scritti Polliti (remember them?). I was digging it though. I didn't even know Ben Watt can sing like that prior to hearing this. He's a smooth jazzy cat, and Tracey Thorne of course delivers. This album is something I wanna drop when just lounging at the crib yearning a Calgon moment or cooking a meal for someone. If you're in the mood for something like that, cop this album.



3. I first heard this album when I was 16 growing up in London. We played it non stop at work in "Top Man" It was my fist encounter with the band. Tracey Thorn delivers the vocals with such emotion. This album is like a Time Machine. Play it and you just start remembering........



4. What more can I say??? EBTG's Idlewild is another excellent albulm. The songs are very beautiful...every one of them. I am so glad that I discovered this group because their music takes me places that I love to be. Buy this music because if you don't you will be missing out on something special!!!



5. This is one of my top three cds, ever. And I own over 900.
   
   
   I never tire of this music. It is the echo of my youth and the whisper of my future. "Then someone sat me down last night, and I heard Caruso sing" comes from one of the most hauntingly beautiful songs ever written, in my humble opinion. And if you don't agree, that's fine because this disc will still be the one for which I reach on those evenings when I'm not sure what mood I'm in but I do know that I need soothed.

5 comments about Transnational Speedway League: Anthems, Anecdotes & Undeniable Truths.

1. Classic Clutch at it's best. Not equalled again until the recently released FBS2O. If you like any of the later Clutch albums you'll love this one.



2. How could you not love this one? A Shogun Named Marcus - totally rocks. El Jefe... Binge and Purge... Effigy... Rats!!! If I could own one album, this would have to be it.



3. This is one of my favorite albums of all time! If you don't have this album, you need it!



4. Clutch jams, their heavy, and they have a killer front man. This was my 1st intro to Clutch. Every song on here is unlike any you've heard before; I don't think anyone sounds like Clutch. You want the kind of band that's funny as well as serious at the same time, able to deliver their songs with ultimate heaviness while still proving their musical abilities? There you have it. Get on this band now! For any fans of bands that you can party to as well as get into in a serious way. I can't name any other bands that are kind of like Cluch because I don't think anyone sounds like them. Easy 5 star rating here.
   
   Necrosoul.



5. Was expecting better but was not bad. A bit more raw than much of their other stuff.

5 comments about You Sleigh Me: Alternative Christmas Hits.

1. I really like the idea of this album, however it could have had a few bigger names and better songs. Overall though it's a good listen. After the Rudolph opener, Collective Soul does a nice job, the Tori Amos cover is wonderful as expected, and the Juliana Hatfield song is a big plus too. Also worth a mention are the tracks from Victoria Williams and Everything But The Girl, both quite pleasing. The rest is good at the least, and the Jill Sobule song is a great addition. A nice disc for those wanting a cooler Christmas. I also suggest "The Edge Of Christmas" and "A Very Special Christmas 3".



2. Admittedly, this is not a proper review, but I just wanted to convey a quick "thank you" to the person who felt her voice was important enough to meddle with the one recorded version the world has of Tori's Little Drummer Boy.
   
   More from http://thedent.com/sleigh.html#littledrummerboy ...
   
   The Little Drummer Boy was recorded live on November 12, 1992 at a club in Dundalk, Maryland called Steel Town. Tori asked the crowd for silence, saying that the song would be recorded for a children's charity benefit. Of course, there was a woman who had to shout "play it, Tori" in response to the "shall I play for you" line. The bouncers quickly took care of her but, in a way, she had ruined the mood -- at least for some of those in her immediate surroundings...



3. This is a rather uneven Christmas album. The standout track is the great, funny "Merry Christmas From the Family" by Jill Sobule. There are some other good performances here, but nothing great. The lowlight is the seemingly endless 8 minute long jazz saxophone version of "White Christmas" by James Carter. This CD is almost worth getting just for the Jill Sobule song.



4. This is my favorite Christmas album of all time and that includes "Alligator Stomp, Vol. 4 - Cajun Christmas". The whole CD crackles with wit, warmth and holiday tradition; at the same time it ruffles the hair of convention.

   Most of the tunes are tasty, a generous mix of old chestnuts and new tunes. Everything but the Girl's "25TH December" is a slow and poignant beauty; Donna Lewis' "Christmas Lights" is a synchopated wonder, reminiscent of her now outdated "Always and Forever". The talented Tori Amos breathes new life into the bloated corpse of "The Little Drummer Boy".

   If you're feeling a little wacky this Christmas, give it a try. If nothing else, you'll at least have a bright, shiny new coaster.




5. "Merry Christmas from the Family" is hilarious! I think everyone has someone or something in their family that can identify with some part of this song. I happened to hear it on the radio and I had to have it. Everything on the CD is great, but this one really stands out.