5 comments about Phobia.

1. I understand that Breaking Benjamin seems to have a huge fanbase, as there are many positive reveiews for them, but when I took a listen and downloaded the album, I wasnt impressed, and I figure that most of the people that are reviewing them are loyal fans, and not someone like myself, who never heard their music, was taking them for a test drive. I decided to try them out as I saw fans of Chevelle (a simple, but solid rock band) recommended and bought this, so I figured, hey, it might be another tight and solid rock band. Sorry to say, I didnt hear anything from them that was original, and they sounded like a Billion other "pop" rock bands that are out there today. If there is one thing that irks the hell out of me, espically with this type of music, is why the angry screaming. I dont get it. Sing, please, unless the lyrics are angry or it fits, dont go on a fit of rage with a line like "She took all my stuff when she left" Of course this is just a silly example, but I just dont see its place in rock music unless its necessary. Lets keep that with Metal and Hardcore please. As you can see, I am complaining about every aspect of this band and the types like it. I dont think this review will be helpful to Breaking Benjamin fans, since I think most like all their music. For people who are experimenting like me, it is all going to depend what your bag is. If you are like me, and dont have a love for "pop" rock that I think or shall I say we think is generic, then you will probley agree with me. If not, and you are into more pop rock, which there is nothing wrong with, that is your choice, you might like it.



2. this cd is good and has great songs like diary of jane, dance with the devil and unknown soldier but seems to be lacking something. i dont know what but i like their 2 other cds better. this cd doesnt have enough variety and the singing changed too much. i enjoyed them before, they didnt need to change so much but it is what it is. still a solid release and breaking benjamin fans will still like this cd.



3. Breaking benjamin are one of the best i don't listen to bands like seether,puddle of mud,or staind i listen to heavier stuff than this but breaking benjamin are different they are heavier than all those bands.Saturate was probably heavier than this one im not sure but this is still good i love ben's screams he screams more in saturate but this has heavier sounds.If your a fan of these guys you will love this and if you like metal or hard rock check it out,yes they are metal for those of you who just called them rock.This album is great can't choose between saturate and this one cause of course i like it heavy and we are not alone was awesome just not as heavy as saturate and phobia.You might say im overwellming with my heavy but hey im metal.This is for fans of tool, nirvana,and just those who want something heavier than that.



4. Phobia is the best album that Breaking Benjamin has ever produced in the music eara. You should check out We Are Not Alone which is their next CD.



5. I was very impressed with the opening to Breaking Benjamin's newest album 'Phobia'. That I was startled and surprised in a big way is an understatement. The songs 'Diary Of Jane' and 'Breathe' are two of the most powerful opening songs to an album I have come across in a long, long time. The Intro which is 1 min and spare change leads into these songs and paves the 'atmosphere' of the album well. It is a dark melodic sojourn through love, darkness, pain and the inner sanctum of one's battles between heaven and hell.
   The opening 3 songs are the darkest in a refreshing way. 'You' is a hard rock ballad. All songs have great accompanied lyrics and is a testament that the songs have come deep down from the reflections of this band on their lives and experiences. Breaking Benjamin in my eyes have cemented their place in the progressive hard rock scene.
   This album is a must for all Breaking Benjamin fans if not for the hard rock beats but that this is a big step forward in the evolution of the B/B sound. This band can become and are on their road to becoming this decades 'newest Godsmack'. Another quality album and I cannot fault any song on this beaut album release.

5 comments about Ramones.

1. I first heard this back in 1985, and everyone kept telling me how great this album is. So when I listened to it, I thought: "This is it?"
   
   This is nothing special. This is pop music hidden in the name of punk. In fact, if it wasn't for the Ramones, pop punk bands like Green Day would not exist. Not to mention the stupid songs. Nothing like the catchy hooks of "Blitzkreig Bop", "Beat on the Brat", and "Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue".
   
   Punk rock is supposed to be angst ridden, violent, and rebellious. It is not a bunch of harmonious songs that you sing along to, and that's what this album is (along with the entire Ramones catalog). Thanks a lot guys. I hold you responsible for Good Charlotte, the Misfits, and the other bands like them. See you at the Billy Joel concert! NOT!



2. great punk album. realesed in 1976 its only 30 minutes long and 14 tracks. thats what punks all about. cool tracks on here are, blitizreg bop, beat on the brat, etc. great album buy today



3. Historically significant? Yeah, I guess. It did usher in the New Testament era of rock `n' roll (that metaphor goes a surprisingly long way), opening the floodgates for a thousand billion hungry freaks to chew away at the foundation of crusty old geezer rock and express themselves however they damn well pleased. It did make way for the Clash and the Sex Pistols and Black Flag and, aesthetically speaking, R.E.M. and the Replacements and just about every other musical underground (and, often, above ground) movement there is, while simultaneously fulfilling the prophecies of the Stooges and the Velvet Underground and the Monks and the Green Fuz. Yeah, the Ramones' first album is one of rock's greatest touchstones. Elvis and Chuck and Mick, recharged.
   
   But history is for books. I don't mean that disparagingly- it's really fun to read about- I'm just saying that when you're shopping for music, you want something that's fun to, you know, listen to. Something that sounds good, that you can dance to, or relax to, or play air guitar to, or drive to, or make out to, or write to, or whatever other sick things you do when you think that nobody's watching. Ultimately, by that standard, I think that the Ramones' first album deserves only four stars.
   
   Why? Well, here's the thing: It's a lot of fun, but it gets old. Even over the course of its compact running length, the sound gets monotonous. The best songs- "Blitzkrieg Bop," "Chainsaw," "Loudmouth," "Listen To My Heart," and "I Don't Wanna Go Down To The Basement," by my measure- are blistering classics that I'll be more than willing to blast every day `til I kick the bucket. But after a listen or two, it all starts sounding the freaking same! Same guitar chords, vocal inflection, same feel, same everything. Hating Peter Frampton is cool, but that doesn't net you five stars. Influence or not, future classics like Leave Home and Rocket To Russia were more fun, and therefore they pick up the five star ratings. Still, this is an incredibly fun record to listen to, and a great historical artifact for nerds such as myself. Rock out, friends.



4. The Ramones -- just like the Sex Pistols and the Clash -- have made a huge impact on the punk rock scene, being a major influence on tons of bands since they began. They stripped typical rock n roll to the bare basics, focusing on three power chords and powerful guitar notes with catchy poppy vocals. Joey Ramone made a name for himself with his simple, yet mindlessly funny vocals about beating on brats with baseball bats, sniffing glue and the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. They were nothing the rock music world had seen in 1976.
   
   Although being a punk rock band these New York outcasts were influenced by all types of music, not just punk. They took the influences of surf music, '60's girl groups and pop, blended it together, speeding it up, creating something new and refreshing. They start with a simple "hey ho, let's go" chant and blast right on through the album. They were a breath of fresh air and added a new life to the music scene.



5. No matter how much time passes by, this album will stand as a testament to true punk music, and quite possibly the epitome of it. It's quite shocking, honestly, to see how so many guys and gals of my generation (this current one) have no idea what the real "punk rock sound" is. Well, don't worry, I'm not doomed to the same fate.
   With a great production and lots of extra tracks, "Ramones" runs it at 22 song at over 44 minutes. This means that each song average out to about two minutes. While many bands can make great songs that last far longer, I still think The Ramones are awesome just the way they are. The songs are loud, hard, fast, and quite often funny. Between the energetic anthem "Blitzkrieg Bop", to the horror-themed "Chainsaw" and "I Don't Wanna Go Down To The Basement", and even the punk-ballad "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend", this album really delivers.
   Basically, "Ramones" is a fast-driving, ageless rock classic and shows you why so many bands inspired to be like them. If you wanna experience great music that doesn't give up, "Ramones" is gonna rock you! Thanks for the time, and peace.

5 comments about Films About Ghosts: The Best Of....

1. This is truly one of the greatest "Best of" albums out there. This disk has an excellent and comprehensive sampling of Counting Crows music. My favorite tracks are "Einstein on the Beach" and "Rain King". And of course, their brilliant cover of the Grateful Dead's "Friend of the Devil". If you have loved the Counting Crows, but haven't endeavored to purchase any of their music until now.. Do yourself a favor and add this one to your collection. You'll be happy you did! It is a wonderful entree into the poetic lyrical genius of the Crows and culls out the less than desirable songs from their other albums.



2. I am far from an expert on the Counting Crows. I am looking forward to seeing them perform live with Maroon 5. This album was purchased to give me a chance to hear what I expect to experience. I was pleasantly surprised how good they are and wonder if I will not be enjoying them more than Maroon 5. I highly recommend this album as a great introduction to a "new" group for your muscial library.



3. Counting Crows were one of the most underratede bands of the 90's. On this greatest hits collection you hear thier diversity in musical styles and the intelligent lyrics that set them apart. Track from their first 4 albums give great insight into thier souls as they were making them. The new version of this album includes ths Shrek song "accidently in love,"Films About Ghosts: The Best Of... one of thier best to never appear on one of thier albums until now.



4. This is a very well selected and comprehensive collection of Counting Crows best works. If you're looking for all their best in one place, or just want one album of all their hits, this is the CD to get. You will not be disappointed.



5. My favorite song on this cd of course is Accidentially in love. I definitely recommend.

5 comments about Carnavas.

1. Been desperately shopping around for new music for quite a while, since I got a new car, and needed to update the music I housed in there. This album is perfect. Heard them on Pandora Radio as a recommendation for people who like Placebo and the Smashing Pumpkins. And so it is. Bought it immediately as my first Amazon digital download, because I couldn't wait to run out to the store and buy the physical copy. So now all I need to do is buy a blank cd to burn it on, and bring it along with me on all my drives. Hurrah for finding great new music.



2. well thought out twinkles - - play it loud, A Billy Corgan early b-side phenomenon.



3. I understand some of the comparisons to the Smashing Pumpkins, but I don't necessarily like the comparison. The Pumpkins were a much more accomplished group with many more albums. Some of the distorted guitar and high-pitched vocals lend themselves to these comparisons but the Pumpkins kicked your butt from the get-go. Silversun Pickups are not going to appeal to as wide of an audience. "Lazy-Eye" is a great song, although I'm sad to see that they already sold it out for a commercial.
   
   Matt Zarnstorff



4. Everyone focuses on how much Silversun Pickups sound like the Smashing Pumpkins or My Bloody Valentine and even Sonic Youth. For me that's missing the point. Isn't all new music influenced by all that's gone before? It has to be! What makes bands great is when they take that influence and make it their own and that is exactly what SSPU's have done with Carnavas. This is a great album! The songs sound fresh and full of so much energy you can't help but be carried along with it. If Lazy Eye isn't one of the great rock songs of all time I'm a bad judge! And there are plenty of other highlights on the album; Little Love So Polite, Well Thought Out Twinkles and Rusted Wheel just to name a few. I was lucky enough to see them live last year and all the energy that comes across on the CD explodes live. If you love really good rock with the sonic blast this is a must. As for the Smashing Pumpkins; they were overrated then and their new CD is rubbish! Bye, bye Billy, PLEASE!!! Hello Brian!!!!



5. This is already one of the best records I've ever listened to. There is probably only one song, Waste It On, that I don't consider to be excellent, everything else is outstanding. My favorite tracks are Well Thought Out Twinkles, Little Lover's So Polite, Lazy Eye, Rusted Wheel, Dream Tempo At 119, and Common Reactor. I don't know why this band has gone under the radar compared to some other bigger names, but do yourself a favor and buy this record.

5 comments about Fire Songs.

1. I love this album. I believe it was worth every penny. For those who are fans of the indie?folk genre should defiantly own this album. Even if you are not the biggest Indie fan it is still a great album for car rides or just sitting at home. this album will not disappoint. It has such a good vibe to it that you can't help but feel very happy when listening to this album.



2. This is really an amazing album and I disagree with the review that says this version of "Just Like Heaven" has nothing on the Dinosaur Jr. version. The Watson Twins' version is beautiful. However, the rest of the album is nothing short of amazing. I had the opportunity to see Chandra and Leigh live and they did these songs brilliantly live. The two are also incredibly welcoming and friendly- I got to talk to them for a good half hour. If you listen closely to the album, the music is very intricate and subtle. I can't say there's a single song that I don't like. There's a nice mix of upbeat and mellow songs. The Watson Twins haven't yet gotten the recognition they deserve but I guarantee that they will. What an amazing full-length debut. I can't wait to hear what they come up with in the future.



3. Fire Songs is the full length follow-up to The Watsons Twins' self-released EP. It's a good record. As an avid fan of The Cure, I think they do a great folk version of 'Just Like Heaven.' Standout tracks are opener How Am I To Be? and Only You. If you liked The Watson Twins first EP then you'll certainly enjoy this but if you're looking for a folk record as good as Joni Mitchell's Blue then maybe you'd better set some realistic expectations before giving Fire Songs a spin.



4. ... especially like the cover of the Cure's Just Like Heaven. It's country in the way Neil Young is country (i.e., not really)



5. The Watson Twins are incredibly talented and this album is a solid purchase for any fan of outstanding songwriting. A special treat is a wonderful cover of a classic love song by The Cure. My only concern with this album is that it is very, very mellow. Other than the opening track and perhaps one other, all songs are slow and somewhat sleepy. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but a bit of variety could have raised the value of what is nonetheless a great album.

5 comments about Good Times, Bad Times ...Ten Years of Godsmack.

1. This is a great CD. Godsmack really rocks and they have a lot of great songs on one CD.



2. This is an awesome album, though there are a few notable songs missing, such as "Sick of Life" and "Trippin'." But, it's excellent for those ignorant to Godsmack and old fans alike. Can't wait for Godsmack V!



3. This compilation is a great way to connect with their music. The bonus DVD features an accoustic set that compliments the tracks on the CD. (The reason I purchased this on CD from Amazon and not iTunes is because of the DVD).
   Five stars because I relate to the obvious influences of Alice in Chains and think the DVD's drum duet with Sully and Shanon Larkin is worth the price alone. If you need a further fix and already have all of Godsmack's stuff, check out Another Animal (which is Godsmack minus Sully and instead Ugly Kid Joe's Whitfield Crane).
   Play it loud!



4. I love Godsmack. This is a great cd for any new fans interested in listening to them. A++++++



5. Great compilation of Godsmack songs. If you don't have it, get it. The DVD from House of Blues was an unexpected bonus!

5 comments about Follow The Lights.

1. Excellent EP - These songs are great, and this EP is even better than Easy Tiger, which was released not too long before this. I'm a big Alice in Chains fan, so the cover of Down in a Hole was great for me.
   
   Every other song on the album is excellent, highly recommended.



2. I am a huge Ryan Adams fan, so lets get that out of the way.
   
   Follow The Lights is less a Ryan Adams album and more of a Cardinals project. Previously released Ryan Adams songs such as "This is It", "If I am a Stranger", and "Dear John" have all been re-arranged to fit in with the band.
   
   The songs are tighter, sound better, but I have to say that I kind of like the original takes just because they captured a state of mind. If this is your first experience with the tunes, I am going to guess you will prefer these versions.
   
   Adams has a gem with the Cardinals and hopes he keeps the band personnel stable and stays with the concept of having a backing band. It suits him.



3. Like many fans, I was awaiting the box set release of Ryan's records recorded between the records and was surprised to find just an EP. I was also worried when I saw the music's tie to October Road, having never seen the show I wondered how it may effect the music. The end result, however, is a great one. With several new recordings, a couple covers and reworkings of Ryan's original work, it is enough to tie both casual and hardcore fans over until the next full release. I especially enjoy the new versions of This Is It and If I Am A Stranger. The band is hitting a real stride and if you haven't been a long time fan this is the perfect place to start and wet your appetite for one of today's most prolific singer/songwriters.



4. A biased review because of my long time fanship of Ryan but he has put together a wonderful EP. It mixes new with restructured old and another fantastic cover. I am not a huge cover fan but when an artist takes a song and turns it on its head then it is worth it. I usually decry most of Hollywood and the modern music scene for not being original and remaking everything that has been done before but his renditions are so different. Buy it, it is great.



5. I love the music of Ryan Adams but this little CD is more or less a side dish compared to the main entrees of his other works. "Dear John" without Norah Jones and "If I am a Stranger" are highlights (I don't mind ol' Norah but it's nice to hear how the song might be without her).
   
   For the price, well, it's a good price. If you're a fan, definitely pick it up. I did. I don't regret it but of all his CDs I have, it's the one I put on at rare times - which is not bad, comparatively speaking, I don't own Rock N'Roll and don't plan to purchase it in the near future. ("If I Am Stranger" - I think is my favourite track...I love the acoustic rendering...)
   
   If you're new to Ryan Adams, start with Gold and work your way around, feel it out, if you prefer the alt-country (Cold Roses, Jacksonville City Lights) aspects or the folk-rock n'roller (Heartbreaker, 29, Love is Hell). This CD is not the best place to start. It's the kind of CD you want because you are a fan but if you could live without it, you would.

5 comments about Washington Square Serenade (DIG).

1. This is a great album. His last couple of efforts were a bit below his ussual high standard. This one brings him back to his best. Type of music you put on when you sit on the deck having a few quiet ones. Highly recommended listening.



2. Steve Earle will always be one of my favorite artists, but he isn't quite up to par on this CD. To say that he is a brilliant artist, poet, songwriter, and author is an understatement.



3. Steve Earle is a paradox. I love his voice and he can really craft a song. Some of his lyrics are very good. For the most part, that's enough to forgive the tired, time machine politics in some of his songs. City of Immigrants is one of those songs, but the scale still tips in Mr. Earle's favor with this CD. One future CD with just good music, and no pontificating, would be nice.



4. how old is steve now? he acts like just another teen growling and grumbling about love and other non-sense with some random guitar music thrown in. another artist that has outgrown any relevance (if he ever had any).



5. And certainly Steve Earl's masterpiece. I have listened to his records for years but only on "The Revolution Starts Now" do we get a taste of the genius that made this album.
   
   After 30 years of not great records and just OK records, suddenly Steve Earl creates a bull-goose, full tilt masterpiece. My guess is that he will never top this. Perhaps it was simply the right time, place, inspiration and musicians. The juices were flowing.
   
   This record is a must-have for any serious pop music listener. Forget about country music or "Alt Country" it's simply a great record -like Paul Simon's first solo record. It defies category.

5 comments about We Are Not Alone.

1. Even though im into really heavier stuff than this and im not a melodic person,i like breaking benjamin heavines and hard rock melodic stuff.This album is not as good as saturate or phobia but it still has many great songs while some are eah.If you like alternative metal and hard rock and want it a bit heavy then listen to breaking benjamin get this album although the other two albums are heavier,but still breaking benjamin fans need to own all thier albums.



2. Breaking Benjamin is awesome. This was my first purchase of one of their albums, and I'll be buying a few more after having heard this one.
   
   CD arrived promptly and was packaged properly so that no damage occurred to the preoduct during shipping.



3. Of all the mainstream music out there, you have the horrible pop-emo, pop-rap, and then you have most of the radio rock music (which is the highlights of all the boring Grammy awards.) Of course, Breaking Benjamin is probably one of the most underrated bands of todays radio rock. Of all the 12 tracks (the hidden track is a 2005 version of "Rain" which I find kinda useless,) there are so many that are awesome (Forget It, Simple Design, Firefly, Break my Fall, So Cold, etc) that you will not want to skip a single song if you are listening to it via album. Its a wonder that these guys do not walk off with a dozen grammys. On the flip side, the album notebook is extremely useless (apart from a few thank-yous, there is no way you can read to find out the lyrics since they are jumbled around.) Oh, and I forgot to mention that Breaking Benjamin gets a little help from Smashing Pumpkins/Zwan's Billy Corgan with a few songs including the hit "Rain". So, fans of rock music and Smashing Pumpkins may want to get a copy of this really great album. Just avoid a lot of the one star reviews if you are still unsure about We Are Not Alone (they really are telling the truth!)



4. I could fill you with all the reasons this cd is great but i'd rather leave you with one word that sum's it up, remarkable



5. Breaking Benjamin is so awesome, I can't even stand it! We Are Not Alone is a super-fantastic album. The melodies are dark, sinister and angry. The lyrics are white-hot with emotion. Ben is brilliant. His voice brings a certain vulnerability to the songs, "Away" being my favorite. I'd follow B.B. anywhere! I also recommend the following product link. So Cold The acoustic version of "So Cold" is simply haunting.

5 comments about Mer de Noms.

1. Ok this is the beggining of my favorit band a perfect circle and thair debut album mer de noms this album was supposed to be a side project of tool but after a few years it became more then just a side project it now has a side project of its own a band called puscifer
   
   A perfect circle,s sound is smooth and slow the words are easy to hear and perfect
   
   I reccomend this to any one a must buy for any modern rock fan



2. As a TOOL fan, I'm happy to say that this cd & all APC cd's (except Emotive) are better than TOOL. I have litterally worn out 3 of these cd's because it just doesn't get any better than this. I go 2-3 weeks without listening to anything else.
   Hard, but softer than TOOL. Beautiful sounds. Brillant writing, vocals, guitar & drums.
   If you like alternative music, this is a must have. 13 steps is a strong rival to this one too!



3. I've been listening to an undisclosed FM station on the east coast over the Internet and they give airplay to many bands that aren't played here in CowTown (because every danged radio station here in CowTown in owned by Clear Channel Communications ---- CCCP1, CCCP2 and CCCP3 are our radio stations, a joke for those of you from Cold War Soviet Union). Quite often I hear music that peaks the interest and "A Perfect Circle" is one such group. The sound is similar to "TooL", but with much better guitar licks, IMO. The song I heard on the Internet broadcast was...well I forgot what it was but it was on this alblum. After listening to the 30 second snips of each song hear, I downloaded all the MP3s of "Mer de Noms". I don't think you'll be disappointed.



4. "The Hollow" gave me hope. This album saved me in a of ways. Very powerful music. Music with an agenda that is left for the listener to determine. Awesome. 5 BIG STARS



5. I can listen to this entire album every day... at least ...and never get sick of it.