2 comments about Polish Night Music.

1. A completists dream coupled with "The Air Is On Fire" which also replicates an incredible amount of the atmosphere contained in Inland Empire. Not a joyful trip by any means, but a continuation into the dreaded dream/nightmare feelings aroused by the movie.
   This is dark and sad and heavy-leaden music. 5 stars for the amount of emotion it can instill (which is mostly paranoia induced). It does what it sets out to do and takes you on a journey which will leave you feeling very empty and odd. This will definitely bring you down. Not something to play on a regular basis for sure. Maybe once in a blue moon, but as I said this is for those who want to collect the whole Inland Empire experience. This is for those who aren't afraid to go places maybe we shouldn't; not too often anyway.



2. "Inland Empire" seems to be more than a film, as it is the hub of a variety of Lynch works including photographs, some web shows, and now this album of music. "Polish Night Music" consists of four lengthy tracks exploring the aural environment of various portions "Inland Empire". If you have the soundtrack, listening to "Woods Variation" will give you a very close idea as to the sound of "Polish Night Music". Most of the music consists of some droning synthesizers over a bed of airy and menacing ambient textures. Acoustic piano occasionally provides some melodic motion, but for the most part, the atmosphere is dense and stagnant. I don't mean 'stagnant' in a bad way, but rather to suggest a very heavy feeling that really brings the listener down with a remarkable intensity and persistence.
   
   While not for everyone, those who enjoy Lynch's signature dark sound design will enjoy this album. It also makes an interesting supplement to "Inland Empire." Where the film explores these characters, times, and places through images and a narrative, "Polish Night Music" explores them through sound.

5 comments about The Forgotten Arm.

1. This is every bit as good as "Bachelor No. 2" but you have to have patience. The story, music, vocals, and brilliance of the song sequence didn't start sinking in until about my seventh listen. It's deceptively complex, and absolutely beautiful. A start-to-finish pleasure from a true artist.



2. I'm a huge Amiee Mann fan but was soooo disapointed by this one. You can keep your concept albums I'll take the random collection of songs anyday. This felt forced.



3. Mann created a concept album in the true sense of the term with "The Forgotten Arm". The songs all contribute to one continuous theme - the story of the long dysfunctional relationship of a couple drifting further and further into the fringes of society. I found the work provocative - but as another reveiwer suggested, I think you have to be middle-aged (40 plus) to really get it. It's not that I don't love it, because I do, but being 32, it seemed some of the themes were a little out of my grasp. I still think Lost in Space is her best work to date - probably because the anger and loss it expresses is closer to the phase of life I am currently experiencing. I look forward to growing older and re-visiting this work. FYI - "Little Bombs" was the high-light of the album.



4. I'm serious, get this guy out from behind the mixing console!!
   
   Aimee says (on her web site) that Joe Henry only spent a few days recording this album, and that he went for minimalist arrangements. Boy, does it show! For the record, I own and enjoy most of Joe's CDs and all of Aimee's CDs (including Till Tuesday but not including the Magnolia soundtrack). But the production here is just strange, with lots of instruments in mono panned hard right or left, and every track has the trailing sound of some instrument dragging on for too long before the fadeout - gaaa!!
   
   Joe H. also ruined the latest CD from Susan Tedeschi - she doesn't even play guitar on it for cripe's sake! I mean think of it: a CD by a blues guitarist upon which said guitarist doesn't play? What were they thinking?
   
   Another gripe: seems like singers who do more studio work than live performing are prone to end up mumbling their words quietly into the mic. I'm sad to say that Aimee is now solidly in this camp, which is a shame. I prefer dynamic singers, the energy they lend to the song is part of what I really enjoy.
   
   Lastly, I like sad depressing songs, but "I was thinking I could clean up for Christmas" isn't the good kind of sad - it's a huge soul-sucking downer that I could have done without.
   
   OK, I give this 3 stars because it is better than most stuff out there, but not up to Aimee's usual excellent level.



5. What can I say? Aimee Mann is brilliant and her music is, too! A big fan since Til Tuesday and she keeps getting better!

5 comments about Jester Race: Black Ash Inheritance.

1. I'am not gonna type a huge long review,theres enough of those.I'am just typing this review to give credit where it is deserved.If you dont like this album then you need to get off the mainstream music or start playing a instrument.Thats the only way you can appreciate the talent and creativity of this album.



2. Becoming a lover of metal during the reign of KoRn and then turning to other things like Slipknot and later coming back a bit to Shadows Fall, the first album I discovered by In Flames was Come Clarity. It was right down my alley. All I ever read was how much In Flames had lost over the years and how much better the older stuff was. Well, I have all the In Flames now. I got them in reverse order (except for Sense of Purpose which is also good) and came to appreciate their whole catalogue. I am amazed though at how much more melodic guitar work there is on this album. If you are getting this later on after enjoying the new stuff like me, be prepared for the soaring melodic guitar work instead of the low-tuned chugging riffs you're used to.



3. This album is a great album, its typical In Flames...I do not understand why people bother to rate the music if they don't like it or don't have anything remotely intelligent to say to give insight to the tunes...the album features some great tunes such as Goliath's Disarm your David's, Acoustic Medley, Jesters Race and Dead Eternity...its face paced metal, with the feeling to get you moving...I give it 5 stars due to anyone who like catchy music and is into "scream/growl metal" would like this band



4. Let me qualify that I don't dislike IF's new material. From a musical standpoint, no its not as good b/c I like complex music. But it has its merits in its own way, most notably the lyrical content in "Come Clarity." Frankly, they sound like a completely different band today. I'm not a purist by any sense of the word. A band must change its style to even hold my interest, and I think IF quit melodeath precisely because they'd done it for so many years they got bored. I don't blame them. I wouldn't like doing the same crap for ten years. That said, I'll make my 2cents brief.
   
   My favorite band during this era (was) Dark Tranquillity. (Bands like Cannibal Corpse and Morbid Angel made me abandon anything with the name "death metal." My loss, Just finding out about Amorphis too.) They've been displaced. Still a great band, this album simply shines on every level, from production (big with me) to raw content. Everything shines through. Quite possibly my favorite, though it takes more than four consecutive(!) spins to qualify that. That I can listen to it that many times in a row should tell you something, and tell you what was lost in IF's quest for identity. (Mostly lost, there's hints here and there.)



5. These Swedes pack a powerful punch! I wish you could award decimal places because this album is a 4.8 in book. Fantastic, start to finish. If you are more of a Black Metal fan, this may not be the group for you, but if you value musicianship look no further. In Flames has the best musicianship of any other metal group, PERIOD. Just listen to thier ability to incorporate acustics seemlessly into the full-on metal feel that the rest of the album carries. This albuim is epic and an instant classic. "Jester Race", "Lord Hypnos", and "Artifacts Of the Black Rain" are the highest points on this album. Fantastic, a must own!

5 comments about Kicks! The Anthology 1963-1972.

1. I watched these guys on "Where the Action Is", collected all of their 45s (even "SS 396"/"Corvair Baby") and always believed they could do more with four chords than anyone else around. That said, their albums really weren't all that good (I had three), so an anthology like LEGEND OF PAUL REVERE hasn't appealed to me. What I wanted for years was a thorough collection of the 1963-72 45s together with some of the more interesting album cuts.
   
   This is very nearly that ideal collection. The mastering is pleasing and on the whole, a job well done. Thank you, RAVEN!
   
   Quibbles: IMO the band's strongest single release was "Good Thing (still gives me chills) b/w "Undecided Man" and both of those songs should be here. "Undecided Man" was The Raiders' answer to The Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby" - Mark Lindsay singing over a very agitated string quartet of staccato violins and a pronouncedly legato cello. It's unique and brilliant. Also, "Do Unto Others", the flip side of "Peace of Mind", should be here. To make room, I'd omit "Ballad of a Useless Man" and "Why, Why, Why". Both are filler and I'd want nothing which sounds like filler.
   
   PS. Anyone remember the picture sleeve for "Too Much Talk"? It was a photo of the U.S. Capitol dome!! How fab was that?



2. This has every single that made the top 40 and more by Paul Revere & the Raiders. The single greatest collection of songs by this group on one CD. Great sound quality and liner notes, you can't ask for anything more.



3. This is one cd that has enough of everything that encompasses the history of the music of Paul Revere & The Raiders for anyone who knew them or simply wants to get to know them and the good time, fun loving type of music they played- VERY upbeat! Would be too cool to have a dvd history type set made of many of their appearances with Dick Clark or on Hullabaloo, etc during the 60's as they made over like 600 appearances during that decade alone and were pure ENERGY to watch!
   
   Only complaint if you want to call it that, is the first song is like their first garage band type ensemble of Louie, Louie which is very raw and could probably be removed from this collection; but it is their first "hit" of sorts and all the rest of the songs are in excellent arrangement and sound and quality otherwise, and the louder you boost your volume, the better it sounds like being at a real concert on every song!
   
   My kids even love hearing this music today which thrills me to see, as it was clean fun, pure energy, and unforgettable musical arrangements and vocals that you will never forget listening to the song and there will NEVER be another decade like the 60's in music ever again sadly in this nation.



4. ESSENTIAL ALBUM!!! If you want only one disc by the Raiders this is the one to get. It has all the significant hits and a few of the best album tracks. It's on the Australian label, Raven, and, go figure, is the single best disc on this American group. This cd has a total of 30 tracks so you're getting a lot for your money. This collection has one song, "Louie, Louie", from their debut Here They Come. There are three songs, "Just Like Me", "Steppin' Out" & "Action", from their second album Just Like Us!. There are four songs, "Kicks", "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone", "Louie, Go Home" & "Ballad of a Useless Man", from their third album Midnight Ride. There are five songs, "Hungry", "The Great Airplane Strike" (the single version, actually), "Good Thing", "Why? Why? Why? (Is It So Hard)" & "Louise", from their fourth album The Spirit of '67. There are five songs, "Him or Me- What's It Gonna Be?", "Mo'reen", "Gone- Movin' On", "Tighter" & "I Had a Dream", from their fifth album Revolution! There is one song, "Peace of Mind", from their sixth album Goin' to Memphis. There are two songs, "Don't Take It So Hard" & "Too Much Talk" (both songs are actually the singles versions), from their seventh album Something Happening. There are two songs, "Mr. Sun, Mr. Moon" & "Cinderella Sunshine" (both are actually the singles versions), from their eighth album Hard 'n' Heavy (With Marshmallow). There is one song, "Let Me!" (actually single version), from their ninth album Alias Pink Puzz. There is one song, "Just Seventeen", from their tenth album Collage. There are two songs, "Indian Reservation" Their only #1 hit) & "Birds of a Feather", from their eleventh album Indian Reservation. Finally, there are two songs, "Country Wine" & "Powder Blue Mercedes Benz", from their twelfth album Country Wine. There is one more song, "Ups and Downs", that wasn't on a studio album though it was included in the Raiders' Greatest Hits.
   
   There's very little that I can disagree with pertaining to the selection of songs. Every major hit is here, a few of their best album tracks are here. (Just from a personal standpoint I could put together a two disc set of the Raiders that would be mind boggling!) I would have loved to seen "1001 Arabian Nights" (Spirit of '67) & "Do Unto Others" (B-side from a single) here at the expense of a couple of songs that are here. This is just about as complete as a single disc collection can be. There are five Top 10 singles, there are six more songs that made the Top 20, three more songs that entered the Top 40 & six more songs that made the Top 100(is that REALLY a hit?). There are four songs not included here that did make the charts but not a one of them are worth quibbling about.
   
   All in all, this is an excellent compilation; it has a song from almost every studio album that they released. How much more comprehensive can it be? I actually prefer this compilation over the Legend of Paul Revere compilation. It's a two disc set but there are a lot of songs there that the casual fan of the Raiders wouldn't be interested in. This is The one collection to get!
   
   P.S. For those that are interested I've included a list of Raider songs that I would like to see put together in the comments section that's included in this review.



5. ...then this is the one to get. The double Legend of Paul Revere double-disc package features an incredible 55 tracks over two CDs and features a bunch of previously unreleased tunes, and aside from collecting all the individual LPs (which I've done for the most part, give or take one or two very early albums)...that's the way to go. However, if you want a package that's still got all the hits and all the major tracks that belong and you don't need to be overwhelmed, this one's an absolute winner too. All the great Raiders hits are here featuring the unmistakeable Mark Lindsay up front with one of the most underrated voices in all of rock & roll. These guys could match the Stones' energy beat for beat, and if you don't believe me, just give a listen to songs like Good Thing or Hungry or my personal favorite, Him or Me--What's it Gonna Be? These guys are total cutups onstage but that doesn't take a thing away from how GOOD they sound. This is some great American rock & roll the way it should be...energetic and in your face. If you want to hear the truly complete history of this band, get the double disc Legend set...but this collection's 30 tracks will do the job just fine...a jam-packed rock & roll party by some of the best from the 60s!

5 comments about Growl.

1. Best song I ever heard to sum up my life! I have asked that this be played at my funeral ~ and my sons both know that I mean it.



2. I just can't get enough of this guy. Great story teller and excellent music. Some things are just too good not to share with everyone. Give him a listen and see for your self.



3. This is a great CD by a great artist. It contains some of his best tunes, especially if you are from Texas or love Texas music.



4. Growl Ray Wylie Hubbard is a Texas icon. I discovered his music about a year ago when a friend shared her copy of Growl with me. She told me "Listen to track 11."
   
   So, I popped the disc into the drive on my way home and listened to Track 11 -- "Screw You, We're from Texas." With a lyric like that, you know there has to be a backstory.
   
   There is.
   
   The story is that a group of drunk wannabe cowboys from some other state showed up at a Ray Wylie concert and started calling for country Top 40 songs. That's not a good thing, especially to do to original Texas music. So, somewhere down the emotional-intellectual road that is a songwriter's inspiration, "Screw You, We're from Texas" was born.
   
   It has just the right amount of in-your-face attitude for a lyrical comeback. I like it.
   
   These words are as true as St. John the Revelator,
   Our Mr. Vaughn was the best there ever was,
   And no band was cooler than,
   The 13th Floor Elevators.
   
   So screw you, we're from Texas...
   
   My favorite track has to be "Rock and Roll Is a Vicious Game." How many times have we heard the story of a band that was special, worked hard, and made it to find that life fell apart in the aftermath Well, this song pretty well sums up the story, does it with style, and is a gritty rocker to boot I like it.
   
   Growl is a well-crafted album of heavy songs that have something to say These aren't songs that will appear on the radio, but they are definitely worth a listen. So, if you're in the mood for something different, rough-and-tumble, and deep, pick up a copy of Growl.



5. only started to listen to this music a few months ago but I love it will buy more of his stuff.

5 comments about Gold.

1. They were the BEST! Thank goodness for their music on cds since they are no longer a group. (AH..but Raul Malo is up and running on his own.)



2. I have just discovered a great music group that i didn't know about. the music is just great, the voices are something else, love this cd want to buy all of the ones they have out.



3. What can I say? One of the most underheard and underrated bands of all time. This is a great overview of their work. If you like this, try The acoustic Raul Malo CD. You won't be sorry!



4. What a shame this group is no longer together. They made some of the most exciting music of its type I have every heard. The lyrics are often bluesy as are most country/rock songs but the music is so upbeat that you are constantly swayed by the positive emotion that it all creates. Every track is pure gold.



5. The Mavericks were a mighty band expertly skirting the periphery of Country, Blues, Latin, Pop and Lounge. They weren't a big seller but did provide some exceptional music over their career mainly because of expert musicianship, superb songwriting, great taste in covers and the pure beauty of the voice of Raul Malo. Now to this album. Firstly, I don't have it, but do have all their albums-as-albums so I am familiar with just about all this material. As with all the "Gold" albums, it has been compiled with impeccable taste and gives the listener an excellent overview of this great band. There are quite a few other "best-of's" about but this one, at the current price, is the one to get. It covers their entire career and picks the eyes out of the best songs from each of their albums. The only drawback is that if this is the only Mavericks CD you get and want more (which I'm sure you will), you'll probably be doubling up on quite a few songs. If you want a more comprehensive Mavericks' CD collection then get this and "What A Crying Shame" and "Music For All Occasions". You'll get their best songs and a few rarities thrown in for good measure. The Mavericks were/are a great American roots music band with one of the best voices in country/pop, nay, all music. Great Stuff. Highly Recommended.

5 comments about Survivalism, Pt. 2.

1. I love NIN, and I love the new album, but Trent Reznor, like many successfull musical artists, is a product in the eyes of the record company. trnet has allready made it clear to fans and press alike that he is against the corpoarate interrest to banf NIN fans out of their money. He is also rightfully insulting his recording contract and claiming that they are trying to exploit his artistic interrests for a few more pennies, and alot more hype than he is seeking. If you know Trent, you know that he is brutally honest with the public, and has little to apologize for...so in that regard.....if your a must have collector....buy this. Otherwise, your wasting your time here. Year Zero is epic, but so far the singles are just an avalanche of the haves vrs. the have nots!



2. "Survivalism", the lead single from Nine Inch Nails' smashing and politically charged album "Year Zero", was released in two parts as a single. "Survivalism, Part 1" featured the song itself along with the "Tardusted Remix" (which is also featured here as well). "Survivalism, Part 2" features all of the above, as well as the instrumental version of "Greater Good", and the rocking video for "Survivalism". You get more here than you do for the rip off that was "Survivalism, Part 1", yet this single still feels like it's meant for hardcore Halo collectors only. What you get here isn't bad, but there still could have been more put here, and the disc itself feels less like a "Part 2" and more like a "Part 1" with bonus tracks. That aside though, you get more bang for your buck here than with "Part 1", but either way, if you're a Halo collector, you'll probably be picking both up regardless.



3. "Survivalism" (Halo 23) has been released in two parts. Both part I and II contain "Survivalism" the album version and "Survivalism--the tardusted remix." Part two also contains an instrumental version of "The Greater Good" and a video of "Survivalism."
   
   This is the type of Halo that's really just for the NIN completeist, fans who must own every NIN Halo. "Year Zero" (Halo 24) already has "Survivalism" and the tardusted remix included here isn't all that great. It's kind of interesting, with a slower tempo and more layers and effects than the original, but it doesn't really hold up for repeated listens. The instrumental of "The Greater Good" is pretty much like the album version, but without Reznor's voice-over whispering. The video of "Survivalism" is really cool, with cameras spying in on people in a building as they live their lives.
   
   If you are a massive NIN fan, this Halo is worth owning for the novelty two songs and the video, but for everyone else, just stick to "Year Zero." If you do decide to pick up Halo 23, make sure you get part II, as it includes the instrumental version of "The Greater Good" and a video of "Survivalism."



4. Both Survivalism and its remix had to grow on me before I loved them. I think for that reason I rank it 4 stars. The remix on this single is not a lot like any remix I've ever heard from Nine Inch Nails. My first thought when listening was that the beat sounded more like it was meant for a slow rap song. After a few listens though I really like it. The instrumental version of "Greater Good" is a nearly unnoticeable change (to me). The first time I heard the original I thought it was an instrumental because the singing is so soft anyhow. I don't think this would be a good single to get if you are a casual listener or are looking for a first single to buy since there are other singles by NIN that have a bit more depth and are more all-encompassing



5. it's nin and it is a halo. the music sounds like nin but the singing what is that. the game he created is cool.over all the single is cool.

5 comments about Vheissu.

1. To anyone who is actually curious about this album, I have to apologize for the reviews that you would have to wade through to find an answer.
   
   I wrote an extensive review on The Alchemy Index, which is thrice's latest album. If you would like my complete thoughts on the band and these albums, please see those reviews.
   
   The short version is that this album is wonderful. While their previous albums certainly have their merits for the time and place in which they were written, this album is them being secure in their identity. (Pun intended)
   It showcases the change of a band that started within a certain genre and subculture, and has now matured and grown to the point where they are expressing themselves for who they are now, with no regard to finding identity or affirmation from a certain subculture.
   Most bands stay bound to the subculture they are born out of. Thrice has learned to grow beyond the youthfulness of subculture.
   They are musicians seeking to perfect their art...not kids seeking to gain popularity.



2. I've listened to all of Thrice's albums and these guys have kept improving with each one. Vheissu is not only their most musical (as opposed to endless screaming and repetitive guitar riffs) and musically mature album, it is also their most diverse and creative.
   If you're looking for nothing but mindless head banging music look elsewhere, but if you are even a little more open minded then give this album a listen as it is one of the best I've heard in a while.



3. is that this album is freaking amazing! The songwriting, musicianship, and production are top notch! And the guitars, holy crap, the guitars are huge! This is my favorite Thrice album by far. Hardcore Thrice fans probably dislike this album because it is much different than "The Illusion of Safety" and "The Artist in the Ambulance." "Vheissu" was my first Thrice album even though I had heard a few songs from "The Artist in the Ambulance," so maybe that's why I like this album the most. So yes, buy this ablum, but don't stop there. Buy all of their albums!



4. When I bought this CD I was expecting something different....after comparing artist in the ambulance (last CD) with they're other 3 *YES 3* CD's, First impressions, Identity Crisis, and Illusion of safety I knew Thrice was headed in Vheissu's direction, which I have to say isn't a BAD thing. Now, I'm a fan of punk, not pop punk, e.g. sum 41 blink 182 crap - I grew up on Bad Religion, Rancid, NOFX and the other plethora of FAT\Epitaph\hellcat\Nitro records bands if you have similar tastes you might find this CD disapointing. I miss the drums of "Torch to end all torches", the rippin' guitar of "Deadbolt", and the melodic rifts of "Kill me quickly", "Opaque" and the like.
   
   Vheissu is definetly their most "thought out" CD with well structured songs married with somewhat deep lyrics in an almost ambient, floaty way not reminescent of their previous albums. My personal favorite was For Miles, as I'm a big fan of miles davis and piano at the start really got to me.
   
   So.... I give it a 2\5 - 1 point for talent and 1 for rock-out-ed-ness.... punk\metal fans will probably be disapointed, I was at first until I listened to the CD about 35 times and some of the songs grew on me, but old Thrice carried an "energy" a "feeling" an almost light headedness that made my blood pump with joy as they thrashed their instruments in a truly passionate, absorbed in the music state. I know I basically wore out my old thrice CD's from playing them so much where as this CD, now has an old cup of coffee sitting on it....



5. Prior to "Vheissu" I would write Thrice off as another pop punk band in the vein of Hawthorne Heights, Yellowcard, etc. Ignorant I know, I never actually listened to the music I just assumed so much. It wasn't until I saw them open up for the Deftones where I realized how good of a band they are and should never be mentioned in the same sentence as the previous stated band's, excluding the Deftones ofcourse. The expiremental and musical arrangements of this album kept my ear hooked. Songs like "Of Dust And Nations", "Stand and Feel Your Warmth" and "For Miles" have so much emotion to them through the music. Cheesy, corny as that may sound I don't care, I set this album so much higher over the previous one's. I can't wait to hear their upcoming 4 disc album they've been working on, I'm sure they have set themselves even higher.

5 comments about Deep Peace.

1. I am taking a class as a Spiritual Director within the Christian faith. I initially heard Deep Peace in one of my classes, at the beginning, to usher the attendees into an attitude of peace and silence. Boy did it ever work. I searched music stores to find it, but could only find on Amazon. This is my absolutely favorite CD. I am ordering another tonight for my pastor. The music, the voices, wonderful. BUY IT, YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.



2. This blend of music is choral, yet the words are sort of a chant, done in such a way as to blend with the music to evoke a feeling of profound peace. Other tracks are instrumental. You really get what you might expect with this CD. I always feel happy when I listen to it. This can be used as background music to work to and feel peaceful with, because it is not so one dimensional that it is irritating, nor is it designed to evoke a trance, like some meditative music, although it could be appropriate to meditate with, if one were so inclined. In a nutshell, it creates a background feeling of peace. Do with it as you please.



3. While this is obviously tailored towards a stress filled society and is to be recommended for that, I personally enjoy the relaxing music which I found by accident on www.borntosingmusic.com The two cds I possess from this site have a variety of stunning sounds tailored towards the relaxation market which I can recommend anyone who is searching into this particular genre. These cds are highly recommended and great to sleep or meditate too.



4. this is one of my all time favorites for deep relaxation , healing and comfort for all those emotional ills, it is like a deep hug , or a warm arm , when it all gets too much , this is the CD i put on , and it always brings me back.



5. This may be the most relaxing CD I've ever heard. The melodies are gorgeous, the choral work and the production is beautiful as is the cover art. This is the complete package and it totally lives up to it's title.

5 comments about The Best of the Beau Brummels: Golden Archive Series.

1. This is a great compilation. The only place I've been able to find their take of Dylan's "One Too Many Mornings" on CD.
   
   But is mine the only copy that has tracks 3 and 4 swapped on the disc. This is the truth. The label on the CD and the tray notes list #3 Just A Little and #4 They'll Make You Cry. But when I play my disc #3 is They'll Make You Cry and #4 is Just A Little. Anyone else have this?



2. Being in my mid 40's I was just a tad too young to remember these guys from when they were making this music. I admit that I bought the CD based on some of the hype that I read while surfing for a couple of CDs.
   As far as the music goes, I think it is pretty good stuff. I recognized the two hits "Laugh, Laugh" and "Just a Little" as soon as they played, and there are a few others that I really like. As someone who likes Gary Puckett, Grass Roots, Buckinghams, Hollies, and similar bands I found these guys very listenable. Maybe not quite as spectacular as I read, but over all, not a wasted purchase. The CD comes with a very nice insert that explains some of the history of the band. I really enjoyed reading through it and I think you might also.



3. This CD is a wormhole back in time to a much simpler era. Sal's vocals are clear and folksey. John was always my favorite drummer and he could drive a song with his beat alone. Add the other members and you have a group that answered the British invasion with American mop-tops that had a first rate sound. I still think "Laugh, Laugh", "Still In Love With You Baby" and "Don't Talk To Strangers" are some of the best songs to come out of the sixties. Put on your bell bottoms,Beatle boots, and Neru jackets then goove with the Beau Brummels.



4. In that brief period between late 1963-early 1964, the Beau Brummels were the first American long-hair rock band to score big hits competing against the Beatles, Dave Clark Five and the Rolling Stones.
   
   People forget that the Beau Brummels were first among American rock bands.
   
   To put the Beaus in perspective, they belong among these:
   
   The Dave Clark Five also are overlooked. They actually challenged the Beatles for several months. No other group came close.
   
   Del Shannon was a great rocker emerging from pop music, leading into the Beatles and long-hair rock explosion. These were the greatest rock music pioneers who have been basically forgotten.
   
   Billy J Kramer and the Dakotas. Paul McCartney wrote songs for them regularly, as if he was a member of the band.
   
   Peter and Gordon, Chad and Jeremy -- bridge from folk to rock, as Shannon was a bridge from hard pop to rock. Just mentioning The Forgotten Ones here.
   
   The Animals are severely neglected, considering the power of the band.
   
   The Searchers were 2nd best singers among the first rock bands.
   
   The Walker Brothers were Americans, but voted best new band of 1965 in London. Their lead singer, Scott Walker, was considered to have a godlike vocal talent.
   
   Scott Walker, Peter Green, Syd Barrett are the great lost figures among early rockers.
   
   Fleetwood Mac had three extremely gifted leader-guitar players in Green, Jeremy Spencer and Danny Kirwan.
   
   The Spencer Davis Group was a top-flight professional rock band, on a level with the Animals -- as masterful as anyone. Stevie Winwood was considered a super talent on the level of an Eric Clapton when he was with the Spencer Davis Group.
   
   There should be a compilation of the obscure greats of early rock history, and the Beau Brummels should rank as earliest among American rock bands who actually produced songs worthy of hit status.
   
   Huge, historical forces have been forgotten. No one American was more influential than The Charlatans. How many have even heard of them?



5. The Best of the Beau Brummels is a fairly interesting period piece. I never heard the group perform live but enjoyed some of their hits in the sixties. The songs don't sound all that good today, but they're okay. Perhaps the liner notes turned me off. The liner notes state that the group took its name because "Beau" follows "Beat" (as in Beatles), alphabetically speaking. People browsing the Beatles' bin would stumble onto the Beau Brummels records. That's not too kool, and it seems the group lacked the musical originality that made other groups lasting icons. This is not a terrible CD. It's okay. But why any group would tamper with Bob Dylan's words, as the Beau Brummels do in "One Too Many Mornings," is beyond my wildest imagination. If you love sixties music, this is a good addition to your collection, but it won't be on the top of your stack.