5 comments about Hampton Comes Alive.

1. This is nothing crazy, but good solid jamming with some rare songs. A must have.



2. If there has been a band that has had the most success of being an "underground" band, it would have to be Phish. Phish has long had the reputation of being a band with an "open audio taping" policy and as a result they built up a great following - especially as a live act. . In fairness to the quartet, this is a band that produces some of the most innovative music anywhere on the music scene. Phish's reputation both as a studio band and a live act really took off in the mid 1990s. Phish would release two live albums in the mid 1990s - 1994's "A Live One" and 1997's "Slip Stitch and Pass". Both were terrific live sets, but the best was yet to come as Phish would release in 1999 "Hampton Comes Alive" - a six CD boxed set that chronicles a two night 1998 gig in Hampton, Virginia.
   
   "Hampton Comes Alive" is the third live album by Phish. The first one was 1994's "A Live One". "A Live One" was a good introduction to Phish as it really showcases Phish's jams in top form. "A Live One" was a double CD set with only 12 songs, but contained 131 minutes of music. During the mid 1990s where Phish would not only cement themselves as a jam band, but they also would establish themselves as a premier improvisational band. In fact, they might just be one of the greatest improvisational bands of all time. They put a mix of Folk, Rock, Jazz, and Country into their music. "Slip Stitch and Pass" does a great job at showcasing the live improvisational skills of Phish while performing an an intimate setting. At the same time, the mid 1990s saw Phish emerge as one of the great cover bands in a live setting. Covering other artists' songs would be a natural extension of the improvisational skills of Phish. "Hampton Comes Alive" would not only showcase Phish's jam and improvisational skills, but would also continue to showcase Phish covering other artists.
   
   "Hampton Comes Alive" is a six CD set. The first three CDs are from the November 20th show and the second three CDs are from the November 21st show. Although this is a six CD set, there is not a equal distribution of material. This could have probably been compressed to less than six CDs. However, Phish does divide the material up by the sets they play on each night. In the groupings for each night, the first two CDs (Disc 1,2,4,5) contain Set 1 while the third CD (Disc 3,6) contains Set 2 for each of the two nights.
   
   Here are ten facts about this collection:
   
   1-Phish performs two separate playlists on each of the nights (typical for Phish) with no repeats. I happened to think the November 20th show has the slight edge. However, on each of the two nights I consider the second set of the night stronger than the first.
   
   2-Phish performs eleven covers. These include: "Rock and Roll, Part 2" by Gary Glitter; "Quinn the Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn)" by Bob Dylan; "Funky Bitch" by Son Seals; "Roses Are Free" by Ween;"Gettin' Jiggy Wit It" by Will Smith;"Cry Baby Cry" by The Beatles; "Boogie On Reggae Woman" by Stevie Wonder; "Nellie Kane" by Hot Rize; "Bold as Love" by The Jimi Hendrix Experience; "Sabotage" by The Beastie Boys; and "Tubthumping" by Chumbawumba.
   
   3-The two best covers are "Gettin Jiggy Wit It" and "Tubthumping". These performances show a knack for Phish being able to improvise. Longtime Phish lyricist, Tom Marshall guest vocals on "Tubthumping". Phish improvises by injecting a humorous spin on these tracks. A honorable mention goes to "Rock and Roll Part 2" - this is a song that fits the musicianship of Phish just perfectly.
   
   4-The band overall delivers top musicianship. Throughout the collection, you can hear Page McConnell's keyboards, Mike Gordon's bass, Trey Anastasio's guitar, and Jon Fishman's drums all shine. I give Fishman's performance a lot of credit - he is often overlooked as a drummer, but on these performances he shines.
   
   5-Perhaps the one negative is that there is one only one song from "Hoist" - which I consider one of their strongest albums. The lone representative song is a good version of "Axilla".
   
   6-Phish brings in their longtime trumpet player named Carl Gerhard who provides horns on the final tracks of each of the shows - "Cavern" (11/20 show) and "Tubthumping" (11/21 show). Gerhard's horns are perfect on "Tubthumping" and add a whole new dimension to "Cavern".
   
   7-On "A Live One", it featured two Phish classics in "Wilson" and "Simple". On "Hampton Comes Alive", we are also treated to these songs - however we are treated to longer, extended jams of these songs on "Hampton Comes Alive". These songs adapt well to the extended jam perfectly.
   
   8-There is sort of an extended "Mike's Groove" included on the final set. This is the strongest block of the collection. "Mike's Groove" normally consists of "Mike's Song", "I Am Hydrogen", and "Weekapaug Groove". We are still treated to "Mike's Song" and "Weekapaug Groove", but sandwhiched in between are "Simple", "The Wedge", "The Mango Song", "Free", and "Ha Ha Ha". The segue from "Mike's Song" to "Simple" is perfect.
   
   9-This collection treats us to live versions of "Piper" and "Farmhouse". These songs would actually be released several months later on the "Farmhouse" album. In particular, "Farmhouse" is outstanding on this collection.
   
   10-Other standout performances on this collection worth noting (and not mentioned above) include "Stash", "Split Open and Melt", "Bathtub Gin", "Character Zero", "Foam", and "Guyute".
   
   The six CDs are packaged in a unique two sided opening box. Each CD is packaged in an envelope (a little difficult to pull in and out). Unfortunately there is nothing in the way of liner notes. Still overall, this is a premium live collection by Phish - and really gives a great flavor for what this band is all about. Highly recommended.



3. Oh yes. This is nice. Funky B*tch, Simple, The Wedge. Lots of hilarious covers. You can't go wrong here. Sounds quality seems to be very good.



4. I'm biased 'cuz I was at both of these shows. Of course, I had an absolute blast. Having said that, if you weren't there, there's probably a few songs on this boxset that might not do much for you. For starters, let's just say I doubt any fans have "Get Jiggy Wit It" or "Tubthumping" on their own compilation CD-Rs...lol Overall 'tho, it's fairly solid. But really, the last disc (2nd night, 2nd set) is the high point. With the exception of the already mentioned "Tubthumping", Phish delivers the goods with authority, and several hair-raising moments are sprinkled throughout the set...some moments in the unlikeliest of places, too. For example, there's a briefly unexpected buildup during the "Mango Song" that never fails to give me goosebumps, and I've never gotten that on any other version...go figure. It's a worthy two nights' worth of music, however the price tag will probably only appeal to completists. So if you're just a casual fan, you're probably better off investing in something from the Live Phish series (much less expensive). But for what it is, Hampton Comes Alive is a good release nonetheless...



5. Received Hampton Comes Alive as a Christmas gift, and it's a live set I'd been eagerly awaiting. Having read the reviews I was almost worried but after listening to discs 1-5 over the weekend while on a roadtrip, and listening to disc 6 right now, I have to say that I am not disappointed at all. What some fans comment on as lackluster or otherwise imperfect performances, I embrace. Those so-called "glitches" serve as a valuable reminder - these boys are real, they're genuine, they're everything that cookie-cutter, over-rehearsed "musicians" are not. They're human, and I think that any serious musician can appreciate that. That said, I love it. There are tracks on here that I haven't heard live yet and in a couple cases, hadn't heard at all. All six discs will definitely be in heavy rotation from now until... I dunno, I download this year's NYE run? A great buy, for either the hardcore Phishhead or the unlucky soul who has yet to see a live performance.

No comments about Alegranza.

5 comments about Youth.

1. It seems that CS is a band that just never has a bad song and therefore doesn't put out a bad album. They keep getting better and their sound keeps getting more varied and mature. This is a fun one.



2. This is my 2nd fave band (U2 is #1). GREAT MUSIC!! I hope they keep making great music like this!



3. I hate to say it, but CS has lost their magic. Whether Ross Childress really meant that much or not, who knows, but this album sucks. Everything is so basic and boring, and Roland's lyrics have just become, well, uggh! It doesn't even seem like he's really trying. Just pumping out the albums to make a few bucks. I really am sorry for all those fans that are living in a bubble, still thinking that this band is doing anything good at all anymore. Face it. They hit their peak at Dosage and have been declining ever since.



4. Rewind to October 10, 2000, post-grunge band Collective Soul released their most pop-oriented album to date, their fifth album entitled "Blender." In an effort to maintain commercial success, Collective Soul attempted to target a younger audience by altering their sound as well as their look. Though the 11 songs on "Blender," along with the rest of the band's music catalog, is far superior than the competition, the album clearly fell short of the band's potential.
   
   Their sixth studio album entitled "Youth," which was released on November 16, 2004, is considered by many as their "big comeback album." The record is similar to "Blender" in its production, however, the sound showcases a healthy balance between their old and new sounds. Highlights of the album include the catchy and impressive "Perfect To Stay," the flawless "How Do You Love," and "Under Heaven's Skies" as well as a song displaying the band's signature sound, "Counting The Days." Below, please find the rating for each song individually:
   
   Better Now - 10/10
   
   There's A Way - 9/10
   
   Home - 8/10
   
   How Do You Love? - 10/10
   
   Him - 6/10
   
   Feels Like (It Feels Alright) - 6/10
   
   Perfect To Stay - 10/10
   
   Counting The Days - 10/10
   
   Under Heaven's Skies - 10/10
   
   General Attitude - 9/10
   
   Satellite - 10/10



5. I've been a fan of CS from the first album on, and this is their best, in my opinion. It has that unique sound to it that only this band can pull off. You know, that light and airy quality to their music, and yet it has a deeper thoughtful quality to both the music and the lyrics. I've always admired the fact that CS has not adapted their music at all to the bubble-gum mainstream garbage out on the air waves today. Their music today sounds the same as it did in the beginning. And that's not a sign of stagnancy. They have evolved and matured in the landscape of their own sound, not anyone else's sound. Basically, they haven't sold out and conformed to the top 40 crowd. Their new album, Youth, is a wonderful collection of sincere, unique melodies with lyrics that evoke a sense of love, community and definitely spirituality. My personal favorite tracks are There's A Way, Perfect To Stay, and General Attitude. No explicit or immoral messages on this album. Just peace, love and harmony in the form of good post-alt rock and roll. Above all, this album is fun. And shouldn't that be the reason we listen to music in the first place?

5 comments about Slow Riot for New Zero Kanada.

1. 4 1/2
   
   One of the best short-lengths period, not to mention the absolute best post-rock e.p. available to date. Although the second track might feel like filler to some with it's reliance on spoken-word, here fits with more integrity then we usually ever see when implemented. Two tracks of the massive collective's restrained best helped bridge an orchestral gap between the grittier debut and what would become their most acclaimed.



2. this album is more musical than their first. less abstract.
   moya is very nice and a good opener like east hastings on the first album.
   BBF3 or blaise bailey finnigan the 3rd is the best song. i love the interviews. "im expressing myself in your court and you can't do a damn thing about it"
   
   interesting note. on the lp moya is recorded in 45rpm and bbf3 is regular 33 rpm.



3. "Slow Riot" showcases what GYBE! are capable of - expansive post rock that rises to the heavens in crescendos of thick instrumentation. Many imitate the same ambitious and monumental style, but few, if any, come close.
   
   The band has a collection of consistently wonderful releases, including their most acclaimed and defining moment "Lift Your Skinny Fists". "Slow Riot" displays the same approach found throughout their works - the tendency for sampling, quiet and brooding sections building up and shifting into intensely layered climaxes. This is the case with "Moya", which moves through variations and ideas until the main melody is given a sharp tempo change, uplifting the song and forging one of the finest moments in the GYBE! catalogue. "BBF3" takes a long time to get going, opening with lots of sampling addressing political and social states, a theme the band often depicts, until the pace and layering is increased, culminating in severe blasts of guitars and strings.
   
   The two songs rank among the band's best, and while "Slow Riot" is only an EP and half the monster of "Lift Your Skinny Fists", it is still a fine outing. Highly recommended for fans of the band and the genre, and a god place to start for newcomers.



4. i'm a big godspeed fan, but Slow Riot really transcends their other work. it's just about their only work, save The Sad Mafioso (the first 12 minutes of East Hastings) that is really accessible to the average listener.. but it's so much more too.
   
   i won't bother to try to dissect it, because i can't. i'll just tell you that BBF3 can bring me to tears on occasion, which absolutely no other music can even come close to doing.



5. the first godspeed album (if they can be so descibed) i was exposed to was "raise your skinny fists like antennas to heaven" which literally blew me away. the band never appears to be in any rush, your mind wanders and then suddenly you find yourself in a world devoid of sanity. and as quickly as it came it drops off. the great thing about godspeed is that no one is singing pissy lyrics, the band knows thier strenghs and play to them. "slow riot" does not let down. its short but fulfilling. the highlight is blaise blaiseys apoliptic poem about the shortcomings of peedsamerican constitutionalism set aginst the various wailings of godspeeds noises. the story about parking tickets is also intriging, if somewhat similar to the sample on djshadows introducing..... anyway if you like godspeed, buy it. if you have a nervous disposition and are liable to be induced into insanity by your surroundings, buy it aswell and watch the fireworks

5 comments about Kerosene Hat.

1. When I first heard Kerosene Hat, it was on one side of a 90 min cassette recording a buddy made for me; the other side was of Cracker's Golden Age (another gem). This cassette didn't leave my deck until a few years later when I finally purchased the CD. Their cover of Jerry Garcia's Loser is brilliant - especially Johnny Hickman's great guitar. Speaking of Hickman (of whom I'm a huge fan), I could do without his one contribution to the album, "Lonesome Johnny Blues"; otherwise, a perfect album.



2. When I bought this back in the day it was on the strength of the lead single "Low." I listened to it once or twice, and then it sat on the shelf a while.
   
   Then I remember a friend of mine who mentioned that he really liked these guys cos of their strong songwriting, etc. I sort of looked at him and was like sure Jon, whatever you say.
   
   Then about 7 years back, I ripped my entire CD collection to MP3 and listened to it again. I don't know if it's because I'm in a different place in my life now, but I really like it. I still listen to this record occasionally, it's held up remarkably well over time.



3. This record, Cracker's second is a very good one. The songs are catchy, the lyrics are funny and the production is almost perfect. I'm a Camper Van Beethoven fan who liked the first Cracker cd a lot but Kerosene Hat is a gem.
   If you like you're music real, try this record.



4. There is only one song on the entire cd that is worth listening to.



5. I bought this album as part of a reduced price deal cause I liked one of the hidden tracks "Eurotrash Girl" Well after a couple of listens I had to admit this was an undeniably great album. In fact, I have bought everything Cracker has ever put out since, they really are a great band that just knows how to write great songs. You will not be disappointed with this one.

5 comments about Stunt.

1. This is the album that did it for me. "Stunt" is the album by now one of my favorite bands that really got me into Barenaked Ladies. I have owned it for about 8 or so years now and these guys have been one of my favorite bands since. I've waited too long to write this review about my limitless praise. I have NEVER EVER gotten tired of ANY of the excellent songs on this god-like album and I never will be. I now own several of Barenaked Ladies' albums {I got Maroon not soon after this one} and even a DVD chock-full of wonderful music videos they've made over the years called "Barelaked Nadies." For me, this album is to soft rock music as Seinfeld is to sitcoms {except this album isn't about nothing, he he}. I've taken it along with me on a musical journey to quite a few state trips I've gone on {including NY and Washington DC. This cd is so dear to me I HAVE to take it everywhere}. If I had to recommend any cd that I never do get tired of and can listen to all day long all the way through if I chose, Stunt would be it. Every song is totally great. This is one of the most impressive alternative rock albums I've ever heard. Highly recommended if you like this kind of gem genre. No doubt you've heard at least a few of these songs on the radio. Hope you like it almost as much as I do!



2. If you are a BNL fan then I need say no more.
   
   This group is one of the most creative I have heard since the Beatles and I am a huge Beatles fan.
   
   BNL's music and lyrics are original, fresh, and addictive.



3. This is a delayed response for feedback...ive had this quite awhile and all other BNL's masterful hits! I cant say enough about these guys...they are a wonderful band to see in person...and im like way too into them to have any one say otherwise....They songs are unique and the harmony refreshing....much talent here that is underplayed....maybe they keep a low key on purpose....Stir it up a bit...you gotta give a listen!!



4. Everyone knows that "One Week" is a great song; there is a reason it was a massive hit. And "It's All Been Done" is a lot of fun too. These first two tracks are the first two singles. Maybe that would be enough to buy the album, but that is just the beginning.
   
   Every time I listen, I annoint a different song my favorite. "Alcohol" is a blast with its rollickingly drunken phrasing. "Never is Enough" never fails to crack me up with lyrics like "You get your PhD/How happy you will be/When you get a job at Wendy's/And are honored with Employee of the Month". "Some Fantastic" is filled with whimsy and I love the goofy subtitle "(Ivory and Ivory)".
   
   Basically, while I don't love every song equally ("Call and Answer" has been skipped before), there isn't a real dog amongst them. This is a great album to start your BNL collection. Trust me, buy this and you'll be looking to buy all the others (a good idea in my book - and don't miss them live!)



5. It was finally in 1998, that the Candian band Barenaked Ladies released their breakthrough record: STUNT. They caught the public's, radio's, and movie soundtrack industries' ears. The band was continuing their performance of light Pop/Rock with a slight Swing feel. Their sound was umistakenly what the public wanted to hear. Even artist "Weird Al" Yankovic did a parody of Barenaked Ladies' "One Week", and the song also landed itself a spot as part of the soundtrack to the film 10 Things I Hate About You. The track "It's All Been Done" landed a soundtrack spot for the film "Drive Me Crazy". All of the tracks rock and over all this is a very good record. It is easy to hear why Barenaked Ladies finally hit it big with this album.

5 comments about Take Them On, On Your Own.

1. BRMC are the best of the newer bands around today. So just buy this now if you love rock music that is dark, loud and very very beautiful. This is their second release and as good as anything they have done before or since. All the potential from their first is realized here. Not a bad song on here. Half the record is a complete classic for the genre, the other is just extraordinary. Forget what you have heard about JMAC rip off's, false false false. This band is consistant, talented and are like no one else. Live they are the absolute finest. All the attitude of punk, all the musicianship of classic rock and all the melodies of english pop (stone roses, primal scream , new order et all). I urge you catch this band before they are gone. A must buy!



2. Great record. One of the best I've heard in the last years. Lots of attitude, lots of great guitars and an overall great sound.Includes some glorious moments like "In like the rose" "Rise or fall" and "Heart and soul". You can tell they worked hard on this one. It's ALMOST perfect because a couple of tracks could be skipped, that's why I give it four stars. If you are looking for a consistent pop-rock album this is what you need. You won't be disappointed.



3. this is a superb second album from the leather rockers
   with the guitars distorted and fuzzy and the vocals clear yet murky ad lyrics expressing love government and pain what more could fellow fans want not much in my opipion this should of been thier first album not their second oh well
   highlights include
   stop[the bass driven single]
   we're all in love
   us government
   and i'm only aching
   suddenly
   heart and soul
   
   classic future album from a band who hasn't got the belief they deserve



4. I love this band and its darkness and the way they deliver the music. They have lot of faded out/fuzzed vocals and the music dial is up. Every song is alive with music and alive with power driven guitar. A lot of people would relate this band to other bands like The Strokes and some other garage bands. I see the relevance, but I don't really like those bands that people would associate BRMC with...I think it's because BRMC offers something different. If you only like pop and soft rock, then don't even waste your money. This is not "nu-metal" (at least i don't consider it to be), this is not "emo" or "screamo". This is not your average mainstream band and I don't think they get the attention they deserve.
   
   Standout tracks for me:
   "We're All in Love" 8/10
   "In Like The Rose" 9/10
   "My Generation" 9/10
   "US Government" 9/10 (a lot of people will like the guitar work in here)
   "Suddenly" 10/10 (a softer song but well managing of the rock and a melodious song)
   "Rise or fall" 9/10 (the vocals and music really hit you)



5. This being their sophomore effort, BRMC had to have had a lot riding on "Take Them On...". Cutting right to the chase, they surely did not disappoint with this endearing outing. It is filled with much of the same melodramatic poetry and captivating sound that defined them thus far.
   
   The leadoff track and single, "Stop" is not only the best on the cd, it was the track that started it all for me. I quickly immersed myself into the sensuous BRMC world, bought this cd and remain floored since then. Other really great tunes include the roaring "Six Barrel Shotgun", the tranquil "Shade Of Blue", and the epic "Heart + Soul".
   
   Ride on with this cd, you'll be relieved afterwards.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5 comments about Three Dollar Bill, Y'All.

1. the only thing i have to say is this debut from LB was corney it was trash this album was so whack i wanted to go to the studio and kill them thank go i did'nt. But really the way fred was singing it was retarted especially the song pollution this album was'nt worth it don't buy it you will be real pissed of if you do.



2. This album may have followed suit in the post grunge craze of the mid 90's.. . but in retrospect its musical quality and overall originality make it essential to any grunge/metal/hard rock fan. Fred Durst may have ruined the image/ego of the band with his superfluous lyrics but that does not tamper with the quality of the sound. You can really hear the pain in his voice throughout the album. Wes Borland wrote some of the most high flying and complex riffs for this album... much more variety than almost anything you can pick up on the radio. It's a shame he left the band. John Otto... my goodness that man is made of rhythm. His jazzy beats along with DJ Lethal's samples really add a unique blend of rhythm to this album. Overall I believe despite the "fact" Limp Bizkit may have "sold out" (whatever that means, reference to Tool's 'Hooker with a Penis') this album is worth picking up. If you have any appreciation for the Nu-metal/Nu-rock genre you are going to have to check this out.



3. This is LB's heaviest album, and many people who like their work from Significant Other onwards may only like a couple of songs on here, because they tend to be more raw-sounding and in-your-face. Of course, everyone bought this because of "Faith", more than likely. I think the first half of this album was good and I like this heavy side of LB, but then they figured out how to sell records and in turn, sold out. LB was considered cool when I was finishing high school and entering college, but now they are kind of looked on with contempt. I think they had their place in music history, albeit not a big one, and they aren't meant to be taken too seriously. They were fun, but their career has run it's course. They peaked in 1999-2000, and it has been a long fall ever since. Still, on occasion, I bring out the old LB albums for some mindless fun at parties. And that's about it.



4. This CD is great!!! Lots of good tracks, and a really fun album!! This is not their best, although it is amazingly cool!! I recommend any of Limp Bizkit's CD's!! My personal favorites are Counterfeit, Sour, and Faith. But there all great, so buy this!! Oh and to the person said that thrash metal is better the Nu-metal, here is a big "F you"!! Your wrong and thrash metal is not very good at all, so get a life!!!



5. Limp Bizkit are the perfect testimony as to why the music industry is going downhill. If any A&R person signed this band - even ten years ago, they would have been shot. Fred Durst is a f***ed up psycopath that should have his head squashed by a steam roller and after that- they should flush peices of his brain down the toilet. His body should be thrown in an unmarked grave - with no memory of him whatsoever. And the fact that guitar player Wes Borland got in the magazine "Guitar legends" is a sick joke. He can't even play guitar - let alone churn out any decent riffs. The whole music industry owes the world an apology for for making Fred Durst famous - because now were stuck with him. This band is no more than a warning to kids that if you suck, you pay for it.

1 comments about End Titles...Stories for Film.

1. While I enjoyed War Stories, it WAS a bit of a departure, being mostly an indie rock sounding album. But for fans of UNKLE's previous albums, this one is more like it. Especially if you loved Never, Never Land. The dance element is more prominent, the air of tragedy and warm ambience interspersed throughout. Great Album!!!

5 comments about Pantera - 3 Vulgar Videos From Hell.

1. I'm old, but this is ok. I will watch this again over time, but I prefer all concert footage on one DVD and the rest on the other. RIP Mr. Abbott. Very random Pantera. They should have given Darrell more footage, but I'd still have a few drinks with them, if they could keep up:)



2. 2 Disc catalog of all pantera video including the monsters of rock show in then communist moscow russia. All the behind the scenes and spontaneous video taping. Fantastic.



3. I love the re-released version of this dvd. I borrowed a friends and he had the old 1999 release one disc version. It didn't feature chapters or anything. This release is amazing, you can actually choose weather you just wanna watch the music videos, I love that option. This is well worth the money if your a big pantera fan, or just getting to know who they are.



4. This video is awsome if you dont like this video then you CAN'T be t true Pantera fan. It doesnt get any better than this except for live. Watch it Go!!!!



5. If you're reading this - then you already know. PANTERA is IMMORTAL. I saw Vulgar Video and Cowboys from Hell years ago, when they were on VHS, and they only get better with age. PANTERA are musical legends, but a bunch of good guys too, and this shows both sides of the coin, with music videos, live footage and everything in between. Buy it.