5 comments about Yankee Hotel Foxtrot.

1. I heard about this album a few years ago from a friend who's even farther into the frontiers of modern pop than I am. It took a little patience, but I got to like it quite a bit. The songwriting is solid with a nice country tinge, and the performance is excellent: I particularly like the piano parts, not to mention the distinctive rasp of Jeff Tweedy's voice. The album deserves classic status on the sound of the vocals alone.
   
   But as many nice things as I have to say about it, there are flaws in YHF that bother me more the more I listen to it. It's very noisy - which would be okay, except that a lot of the noise doesn't fit. Listen to OK Computer (another noisy record) and you'll be hard-pressed to find a single sound that doesn't blend perfectly into the soundscape; on YHF, though, I sometimes have to strain to hear the actual song over a burst of static or feedback. The stretches of noise are too long and too harsh: they end up working against the music rather than with it.
   
   Overall I really admire Wilco's work, and not just on this album. But it seems to me that some parts of YHF were a lot more fun to make than to listen to.



2. What if Bob Dylan joined the Beatles? That is Wilco! Jeff Tweedy is the driving force behind this group. Is Yankee Hotel Foxtrot that good? Can it rank up there with Blonde On Blonde and Sgt Pepper? You decide.



3. So maybe I was kind of disappointed that Yankee Hotel Foxtrot doesn't have as much country influence. This band is grouped as Alt Country, and I always thought the genre label sounded good. Well, so much for that (hey I hate classifying genres and lumping bands into a single genre, but most people who listen to it actually believe they sort of fit into the category. From what I have heard (as of sound samples and such), their double album Being There, sounds a lot more country but retains the Wilco sound I seem to be attracted to on this album.
   
   Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is a freaking great album. Even though there was a lack of country sometimes, it's there, and it's more than just that. Electronic, folk, well, you can't lump just one genre on it. Wilco's lyrics, by Jeff Tweedy are melancholy, yet hopeful. His voice is a bit rough at times, but I am perfectly fine with that, because his voice still is emotional and sounds great.
   
   The music is one of the stars of this album. If you ask me, the music, while not background, will establish a mood, in ways that is pretty excellent, actually. Jesus Etc, with it's strings, fits an image of a stranded man trapped in the office of the World Trade Center, lamenting to his wife on the phone. Kamera feels light and breezy, and the song even matches when I walk. Radio Cure's somber mood makes everything a whole lot better. People who like varied music that you can't pigenhole into one genre will love the music, and the pop sensibility helps the album a _______load.
   
   There isn't a bad song on this record. Yes, some songs are better than others, but that's going to happen. But that's not really saying much, since none of these songs are merely average. Heavy Metal Drummer is kind of a lone duck, but it's the first Wilco song I heard. This one catchy scattered with with electronic music. I am Trying To Break Your Heart, the first hit, is loaded with melancholy lush instrumentation. War On War is loaded with so much mood and irrestibility it's pretty hard not to love it. Highlights pretty much abound on this album.
   
   So what's exactly wrong with the score? Well, I still don't exactly think this is Grade A material, but dang, that still won't change the fact that it still owns. SOme of the experimentation isn't as interseting. The guitar line that opens up the otherwise excellent I'm The Man Who Loves You, for example. Yes, Tweedy has a couple of blah signing parts, but that's a minor quirk.
   
   Believe the hype. Don't worry about shallow alt country losers like Ryan Adams, Wilco owns. Also check out Son Volt and Uncle Tupelo while your at it.
   
   9.0/10



4. I've listened to this record hundreds of times, and still manage to find new snorks and squonks. I love the fact that WB initially didn't find it "commercial" enough, but when all was said and done, they ended up buying it twice! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA............!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
   Buy this, and listen to it over and over again.



5. I must admit that when I first heard YHF back in '02 or '03, I thought it was interesting but not quite on par with Being There or SummerTeeth. I actually felt disappointed by it in a way that now seems inexplicable to me, especially since it has become my favorite Wilco CD over time. Sometimes first impressions aren't the best, and, sorry Ginsberg, first impulses aren't always right.
   
   In pulling together the songs that would ultimately boil down to make YHF, Tweedy and company left a lot of castaways behind, including several band members and the 6 song "More Like The Moon" EP which can now be downloaded for free from their web site in 192kbs MP3 form with artwork. Working with new collaborators Jim O'Rourke and Glenn Kotche (Tweedy's Loose Fur pals), the band began honing the sonic experiments and melodic songwriting to their purest, often disquieting form. A wealthy of unreleased material exists from these sessions, and songs like "Cars Can't Escape," "Venus Stop The Train," and "Let Me Come Home" would have fit in nicely with YHF's overall vibe. Hopefully those songs and others from these sessions will get official releases in the future.
   
   From here on out, YANKEE HOTEL FOXTROT will be regarded as a beautiful, haunting classic, and one that seems to deal with issues of communication, or the lack thereof. Now it's hard not to hear this album as a looming soundtrack for the post-911 world. This is essential listening!

5 comments about Come Clean.

1. I was very satisfied with my purchase. It arrived promptly and in excellent condition. I would definitely buy from them again.



2. Lighten up people. This isn't meant to be more than what it is. Radio friendly rock. A lot of people still like the 90's sound and POM does a nice job continuing the tradition. Besides some unneeded reliance on f-bombs the songs rock. Blurry is sing along rock song that gets pop radio play, and Drift and Die is just plain awesome.



3. Puddle of Mudd really does sound like everyone else out there, which really is disappointing!! I thought She Hates Me was fun...and Psycho too...but then the rest of the clips could all just be the same song, ya know?? It's getting old, boys...



4. Wow - you all know your grunge music history. Congratulations on achieving such vast musical knowledge, in general. Now, please shut up and stop trying to make other people feel ignorant or uncool because they happen to like Puddle Of Mudd. Being a reformed "music snob" myself, I have now reached a point where I'm over with dissecting every band and its songs until I am incapable of enjoying the music. Certainly, Puddle Of Mudd has its flaws, but isn't that true of any other band? Don't they all rip somebody off? All of us "old people" don't need to flaunt our age by growling ferociously while protectively clutching our collections of grunge cds every time some new, green talent presents their offerings. I consider Puddle Of Mudd to be fluffy and fun to sing along to in the car sometimes. And that's good enough for me.



5. I am 36, and I don't understand why so many people hate this cd! I love it! Maybe because I was never a huge Nirvana fan? I don't think Wes can help the fact that his voice sounds like Kurt...if he was "trying", he probably would have slipped up by now and reverted to his own voice. Could it be a curse that he does have such a similar voice to someone who was so idolized? I love the song "Control"...especially the acoustic version, and anyone who doesn't like it was obviously never in a relationship that involved any sort of internal struggle..."Blurry" was a huge song for them, everyone loved it, "she hates me" is just plain fun...lighten up guys...music is FUN! When we saw them live, they dove in to "summer lovin" from the movie Grease, and it was awesomely funny. I love "never change" and "said"...I don't expect Puddle of Mudd to sound perfected and polished. I love their rawness, and I love the gruff twang of Wes' voice. I saw them live and liked them so much I got tickets for the show the next night...Now their NEW cd....not quite as good...In MY opinion. Much more fluffy nonsense, much less depth of lyrics.

5 comments about Rocket to Russia.

1. It's so passe to give favorite reviews glowing reviews - it seems that if an album is beloved, it deserves some kind of classic status.
   
   With Rocket to Russia, the Ramones earn this album's classic status from the first groove. This captures the humor of their first LP and melds it with punk cum Beach Boys feel. Their sound is completely original, but warmly familiar, and all of the tunes are written rightly and cleverly. This isn't hardcore, but it certainly seemed hardcore when it was released (not even Saturday Night Live would touch them), and it's completely unpretentious. Even people who weren't initially fond of the Ramones have slowly come to appreciate their special genius - and Rocket to Russia captures that genius as well as any of their records. My signed copy is a prized possession.



2. Their debut may be more historically significant, but this is still the better album. Rocket To Russia, the Ramones' third record, is one of the greatest punk records ever waxed, and a watershed moment in the tortured history of rock 'n' roll. Here, the group's signature mixture of Chuck Berry, The Beach Boys, Black Sabbath, Iggy Pop, and Phil Spector is at its absolute zenith. These songs are pure gutter angst, burnt-out bursts of emotion that ring with hilarity and hatred, joy and spite, love and confusion, apathy and honesty. And you can dance to it! The end result is a package of pure, unfiltered goodness, full of meat 'n' cheese masterpieces like "Cretin Hop" and "Locket Love." "Rockaway Beach" and "Sheena Is A Punk Rocker" are metallic bubblegum-surf ravers, and "Teenage Lobotomy" is an irresistible, ferocious anthem. "I Don't Care" is quintessentially bemused teenage sneer, and the cover of "Do You Wanna Dance" is just plain fun. And then there's the rollicking cynicism of "We're A Happy Family," and the bounce of "I Wanna Be Well." So, a punk classic then...



3. Simply put, this album is what rock'n roll fun is all about. For those of you who don't really get it, it is futile to try and explain it to you.



4. I bought this album because I owned it approx 30 years ago and had a vague memory of it being good. I was not dissappointed, in fact it seems to have improved with age, or maybe my taste has. Whichever is the case Rocket to Russia is in my humble opinon the best ever Ramones album. Cretin Hop is an all time classic not to mention Teenage Lobotomy, Sheena is a Punk Rocker and the best ever version of Surfing Bird. there are also 5 ripper bonus tracks. Long live the Ramones.



5. Unlike some reviewers here, I didn't exactly grown up in the punk era of the late 70s/early 80s. Yeah I was around, but the diaper rash kinda hampered my appreciation for the genre. I kind of backed into the Ramones in high school after wondering where Green Day got their ideas from (and I am happy to say that once I heard the real thing I dropped Green Day and started buying albums from the likes of the Ramones, Talking Heads, The Clash, Devo, etc. etc.). This music wasn't really THAT old when I first discovered it, and it has really stuck with me through all my phases.
   
   Anyway, in this era of emo, mall-punk, sloppy pseudo-hardcore and the like, it's refreshing to throw this one on the player and remember that punk rock can be far from the cheesy and awkward "devolution" which has occurred. Perhaps this fact alone shows the limitations of the genre as well. I mean, there is by definition only so much you can really do with a few chords and a lot of nervous or angry energy. That potential was largely maxed-out by around 1986 (although you never know, some would have said the same about 50s rock n roll). The point is, nothing that has happened since the release of this album takes anything away from its superior quality and the absolute pop PERFECTION of these rock n roll nuggets. It's got an angry Beach Boys sound that was stunningly unique for its time, and it's just so much fun to listen to nearly anywhere. If you like punk rock, this should be the first stop you make.
   
   -HW

5 comments about This Is Somewhere.

1. This album can easily be considered Grace Potter and the Nocturnals' greatest effort to date. Although they're noted for their energetic jam oriented performances, I believe the band's talent's shine the brightest in their studio recordings. In a carefully controlled studio environment, the band is more immune to the negative influences that inject sloppiness and narcissism into their live shows, which is likely caused by a demanding small pub/club touring schedule as well as drug and alcohol abuse.
   
   As bright as Grace Potter and the Nocturnals' star shines at the moment on the local/regional music scene, it is quite dim when compared to any of the legends that they so carefully attempt to emulate. Instead of a fresh group with a fresh sound, they simply re-hash what others have done much better and offer nothing new or innovative to the equation.
   
   Their songs suffer from mediocre lyrics and sub-par harmonic structures, all of which are clearly designed more for lengthy jam band performances than a succinct expression of song. However, adding too many notes and lengthening the songs in a live setting only worsen the problems.
   
   On this album, Grace Potter's singing is rather flat and lacks both range and versatility. Every tune pretty much sounds like the previous one. Grace's poorly executed pseudo-southern tinged accent fails to offer her any credibility in the southern blues/rock genre and only amplifies her shortcomings. Listening to each song only makes you ponder how much better it would sound if it were sung by Bonnie Raitt, or Etta James, or Bessie Smith.
   
   Overall, this album lacks the same sense of maturity and taste that plague the band in other areas. For instance, goofy publicity photos of orange parking cones on their heads seems to be on par with the band's musical adolescence and apparent lack of understanding of true soul and blues music.
   
   In short, pick up any Bonnie Raitt album to hear the Grace Potter and the Nocturnals sound cooked to perfection. With Raitt's soulful voice and guitar (backed by New Orleans piano master Jon Cleary) you don't need anything else. As for Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, give them 20 years and perhaps one day they'll see the light.



2. The new album by GP&N is a tremendous journey. Stop whatever your doing, put on your headphones and just listen, they will take you "somewhere", and the place your going is a great place to be.
   
   At first listen this is a solid rock album. Period. Its great stuff. But as you listen to it the second and third time it begins to reveal its real magic. The recording is just right, its crisp and intimate. This is where the headphones come in, put them on and just listen to the album, the tracks : "Apologies", "You may see me", "Lose some time" tell an intimate tale and Grace sings them that way. The tracks "Oh Mary", "MR Columbus" & "Mastermind" are great rock songs with powerful messages that hit you in different ways at different times, So this is a journey you can take again & again and its fresh each time. I find myself getting stuck on different tracks on different days, I like that. This album has replay value times 10.
   
   Grace has the "it" that is so rare,and she's brave enough to share herself with the listener. The Nocturnals are are solid band and they balance and enhance her vocals just right. I don't sense egos in there arrangements or playing. They play what needs to be there and no more. Balanced. Thus the Magic. I recommend this album, a cold beer, oh, and don't forget the headphones.



3. This Is Somewhere by Grace Potter & the Nocturnals sounds like a stellar Americana album from the 1970's. This album was released in 2007 but I like the old-fashioned feel to this cd, Grace Potter's voice is soulful and gorgeous from track 1 through 11. Standout tracks include: Lose Some Time, Big White Gate, Mastermind, Ah Mary, Mr. Columbus, and Apologies. The rest of the band sound amazing as well, Potter's songwriting is unique and strong. Every song has a catchy hook or chorus but without coming off cheesy or glossy. Another reason why I like This Is Somewhere, the album is not over-produced, has a laid-back and home-like feel to each song. I highly recommend this under-rated gem, enjoy!



4. The singer has a wonderful voice and the band is talented, however I definately found this lacking something that would give it more stars. I think I wanted a little more from the lyrics and a little to much Pop in this for me. Maybe I'd like the album before this better.



5. I'd heard the buzz about Grace's live shows and had a chance to catch her live at Mountain Jam II . That show caught my attention and I bought the bands "Nothing but Water" disc and wasn't overly impressed with that collection , and was dissapointed with the way it played Vs. the great energy this band showed Live. When this disc was released I bought it in hopes that Grace & band were evolving and they sure are. A bit more of a rock vibe than their first effort and it defintley plays more towards their live show. I recently paid a little more attention to the lyrics during a long car drive and and the last cut on the disc "Big White Gate" really caught my ear. I find it amazing that a woman in her early 20's can put to paper such great lyrics. I'm looking foward to seeing Grace again on stage at Mountain Jam IV at Hunter Mountain in June , and seeing this young musican evole over the next few years. ( Here are the lyrics to "Big White Gate" ) My body's acing from laying in this bed
   I went singing in the rain and the cold got to my head
   I don't know who's paying i just know what the doctor said
   84 years of a sinning life and in the morning i'll be dead
   
   I had three daughters
   A new man for every one
   The only man that i ever loved
   Left me with my only son
   I was a no good mother
   I was a no good wife
   There's only one thing that i did right in this godforsaken life
   
   Saint peter won't you open up the big white gate
   Cause i heard about forgiveness and i hope it ain't too late
   I ain't no holy roller but you go tell your king
   That all the folks up in heaven might like to hear me sing
   
   I sang to my children
   Before they strayed so far
   I sang for my lovers
   Or a nickel in a tip jar
   I never knew jesus
   I never read the good book
   But on my day of dying
   I'm giving life a second look
   
   Saint peter won't you open up the big white gate
   Cause i heard about forgiveness and i hope it ain't too late
   I ain't no holy roller but you go tell your king
   That all the folks up in heaven might like to hear me sing
   
   It's coming on time now
   My body's getting cold
   I've got no will i've got no prayer
   My story's all been told
   I'm ready for the land of fire
   But i'd love to see the land of gold
   So nurse bring me my guitar
   One more song before i go
   
   Saint peter won't you open up the big white gate
   Cause i heard about forgiveness and i hope it ain't too late
   I ain't no holy roller but you go tell your king
   That all the folks up in heaven might like to hear me sing

5 comments about Everything in Transit.

1. I downloaded this album along with many others at the time (red jumpsuit apparates, new found glory, etc.) I have to say by far, the most listen to album on my ipod. I then went ahead and downloaded the entire something corporate portfolio. I'm now a big fan. This album isn't just for emo tweens and college kids. I'm 30!



2. I first learned about Jack's Mannequin when they made a guest appearance on One Tree Hill with the song The Mixed Tape and after that I was hooked on them. I've seen them live twice and let me tell you they are great live. Jack's Mannequin maybe a pop band but they bring great energy to their show and Andrew McMahon who is the lead singer has an amazing voice. The band plays with energy and enthusiasm which seems like most bands don't have anymore. The best songs on the CD are Kill The Messenger, The Mixed Tape, Dark Blue, Into The Airwaves, and Miss Delaney. The way Andrew plays the piano he gets everyone involved and that's what makes a band one they sound good and secondly crowd interaction and he's just got this great personality with his music and you just want to go along with the music.



3. This stuff is just plain yucky. Terribly annoying voice accompanying pretty bad music also. One song in the middle of the album came in with some somewhat melodic piano which turned sour about 8 seconds into and that was the best part on the album. Power chords, a high pitch voice, and just plain repetitive emotional bull people. None of the music is interesting. The guitar is mostly power chords with minor progressions or talented parts. Music nowadays is god awful pretty much everywhere mainstream in the United States. Some actual good musicians you might want to look into if your not into 60-70s stuff would be mostly people that attend festivals like bonnaroo or even coachella or more, not cram our ever horrible radio with stuff labels shove down our throat and force our stupid fickle nation into liking terrible things. My personal favorite modern band is Radiohead if you were wondering a specific band I would be comparing too. By the way I was introduced to this CD as a Amazon recommendation and I was looking for (hahaha) possible samples because i'm a producer/electronic musician.



4. I was surprised by how positive the reviews were for this cd, and decided to go through and read the majority of them to see what they were saying about it. After going through 15 pages it's readily apparent to me that the same person, or a small group of people wrote most of them. The CD isn't that impressive to me for what its worth.
   
   Figured some people might buy just on the reviews alone so figured I'd point that issue out.



5. This is the best album not known by the mainstream. Trust the reviews. This album appeals to everyone.

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 Time Bomb.

1. Time Bomb is often viewed as Buckcherry's sophomore slump, coming between more successful efforts with bigger hits.
   
   This criticism is partially true. Time Bomb] didn't produce the hits of either their self-titled debut or the more recent Fifteen. But aside from that fact, it's a very strong album, full of hard rockin' tracks, as well as quality softer songs that give the album a good deal of balance. This all adds up to an album that has some of Buckcherry's hardest hitting tracks, such as "Whiskey in the Morning," "Frontside," and "Ridin'," as well as some great ballads (so to speak), in "Open My Eyes" and "You." Of course, it's not all the two extremes. Straight ahead rockers ("Underneath") are found throughout.
   
   Really, it's a very cool album if you're a fan of hard rock. It may lack some of the hits of Buckcherry's other two albums, but it's far from the failure that some claim it to be.



2. Time Bomb-Buckcherry *****
   
   
   If you heard the debut album then you know what to expect. With their hard rocking California style and their punk leanings Buckcherry have once again released an album that will please even the hardest of rock credicts. This was the bands second album before their nearly eight years hiatious causing phenomonal frontman Joshua Todd to persue a solo project which while promising was nothing compared to the power of Buckcherry. Keith Neilson laid low over the next couple of years until Buckcherry reformed in 2005 with all new members except Neilson and Todd for the album 15 (also recomended).
   
   Partys, durgs, alcohol, getting laid, and living the rock n' roll lifestyle are the main subjects of this album. From the start of the album with 'Frontside' you can tell the band means buisness. It's a killer song with high energy, and great way to start the album. Next is the semi-hit single 'Ridin' which is one of the bands best songs and a concert favorite. A great party song! 'Time Bomb' the title track is exactly that...a bomb waiting to blow. In your face from start to finish and some great guitar work from Keith and Yogi. It's easy to see why this is the title track. 'Porno Star' is about what else..."big 'blank, mother blank porno stars." Great bluesy guitar playing here and some great vocals from Todd. 'Place In The Sun' is very Sex Pistols esq. It is done well but the song could have been better. 'Helpless' is a great song, very emotion and personal. Once again Todds vocals are at the top of his game. 'Underneath' is alright I do think the album would be alright with out it but it does make for a nice addition. 'Slit My Wrists' is killer, without a doubt one of the best songs the band has ever composed. Very high energy and yet laid back at the same time. 'Whiskey In The Morning' is one of the better songs on the album. It has a great bridge in the middle where everything slows down and Todds vocals get real high. The guitar playing is probably the best on the album. 'You' is so good it hurts. A bitter sweet love song with out of this world good lyrics. This really shows that the boys are more then just dirty gritty rock and roll songs. 'Slamin' is just everything Buckcherry is. Thats the best thing to say about it and really the only thing you can say about it. It maybe the best song one the album, at least the second best. 'Fall' is a great song that was released as a single but did not chart very well and it is hard to explain why because it is a great song. 'Open My Eyes' is a bonus track on the album and it goes without saying that it is the best song here. Just Joshua Todd, a piano, his voice, and the best lyrics he has ever written in his life and really some of the greatest lyrics ever written. This man is a genius. On a personal note this song helped me to purpose to my wife. This song is amazing and a brilliant way to end the album.
   
   Surprsingly this album flopped. The record company Dreamworks folded right after the release of the which left no money for videos or any promotion of any kind making the album vertually unknown with the exception of the 'Ridin' video. So they decided to go their sepperate ways and only Todd and Neilson have done anything since then.
   
   Time Bomb is an album that I would recomend to anyone who loves rock n' roll. If you heard the debut, 15, or even Joshua Todds solo work "You Made Me" then you will surly love this album as well. I am just glad that the band is back togther making great music once again because Buckcherry is truly the best band to come along in the last fifteen years.



3. The label needs to hurry up and get this album back into print, hopefully these guys are on the rise again. Timebomb is a solid sophomore effort for Buckcherry, I even prefer it to their first album. The highlights in my mind? Time Bomb and Porno Star both have great choruses, granted you don't buy the "clean" version I imagine. Slit My Wrists is great, and Whiskey in the Morning is just a good old fashioned rocker that I love about these guys. On the other hand, you can play Open My Eyes to get your girlfriend to shed a tear..lol.



4. There's just something about this band, and especially this album... it's powerful. Amazon really needs a sound sample of "Slit My Wrists" - THE best song on here, with strangely beautiful and melodic parts placed inside a fast, upbeat tune (despite the dark title). The band is generally raunchy but some lyrics are surprisingly deep and unbelievably intense. I wish I had gotten into this band sooner - they're amazing, and just get better as they go!



5. If you love a band that has that great classic rock sound Buckcherry is the band for you. I got this cd the day it came out and I still listen to it to this day. If you ever get a chance to see them live you will understand what all the buzz is about.
   
   Stand Out Tracks:
   Ridin' (single)
   Porno Star (single)
   Whiskey In The Morning
   Slamin'

5 comments about Revival.

1. Not really what I was expecting with a title like "Revival", but then again, who expects upbeat from Gillian Welch? Several gems. Worth every penny.



2. Never thought I'd enjoy a CD of this genre NOT performed by EmmyLou Harris so much -- but I do! Buy this one, you won't be sorry. From Ms. Welch's heartfelt singing to Rawling's superb playing this is one CD everyone should have in their collection and on their top ten list.



3. The first two songs are perfect, and song for song this is one of the best folk country alt.country (or whatever you want to call it)albums ever, and maybe the best introductory album for any artist ever. Superlatives abound. In fact, Hell Among the Yearlings is almost as good, too. If you get a chance to see the band live, do yourself a favor and make sure you see it. Just don't take any pictures! David, while a great guitarist (he plays an acoustic like he's channeling Hendrix), is a little thin-skinned when it comes to unauthorized reproductions of his name and likeness, a touchiness that marred an otherwise perfect show in Lawrence, KS. Just follow the rules and everyone will be all right.



4. For those not familiar with her exceptional talent this album is a wonderful way to become so. Fast Forward from "Revival" to "Soul Journey" (5 stars) and you'll come to know a singer/songwriter with a real gift.



5. I can't stop listening to this album! It is at once great storytelling, complicated vocals, and beautifully simple. I love it. Thank you Gillian.

5 comments about Young Modern.

1. If you ever have seen the movie Brain Candy by the Kids in The Hall, this is like a mirror image of the transformation of the band in that movie, from hard rock with awesome riffs and chunky, fun to listen to guitars, to singing about Happiness Pie. I saw Silverchair in one of their first concerts in NSW in 1994, and this is not the same band. I know artists have to 'grow' and 'transform', but this sounds more like Drop City circa 1995, also from OZ. Too Bad.



2. I am used to the Silver chair that rocked. This new Silver chair is not at all what I want to listen too. I am so diappointed with the songs on this album. Not one rockin song like on their first album. I am glad I listened to it on here first before spending my money on it.



3. AMAZING!!! Silverchair continues to progress and put out some of the best music in the world. They are soooo very underrated in the States, and that is so sad! Daniel Johns puts out another fantastic set of inspiring and blissful songs that are truely timeless and will be enjoyed by those that are blessed enough to have discovered them for many many years to come. This album and Diorama are must haves for any true music lovers collection!!



4. Silverchair has evolved. Some of their fans should try evolving too. If you can't understand the genius of at LEAST the first 5 songs on this album, then go find a new band to listen to, cause this isn't your band anymore and they've passed you by. Why are people SO INSISTENT that things stay the way they are??? Let's not take this too seriously folks, the band obviously doesn't, and I think that's what makes this album so amazingly brilliant! If you're not afraid of change, BUY THIS ALBUM! If you are, go listen to the same song, by different artists, played over and over again on your local rock station... Ohhh, fun!



5. Like it or not, Silverchair might be eternally defined by "Tomorrow", a song that pretty much owned the rock charts back in 1995 (not bad considering the guys were only fifteen when it was released). But if you have been following the band since then, you'll know that Daniel and the boys have been slowly changing their sound with each coming album. And their latest, Young Modern, might be their best album yet.
   
   I probably wouldn't have even known this album existed had it not been for the VH1 favorite "Straight Lines", but I'm sure glad I found out about it. About the only grunge-ish songs you'll still find are "Young Modern Station" and "Mind Reader", which are still good, but there are other great songs like "Reflections of a Sound" and "Waiting All Day". The storyteller "The Man That Knew Too Much" is quite interesting, as is the medley "Those Thieving Birds".
   
   The only song I find myself skipping is "If You Keep Losing Sleep" (sorry; I tried my best to like that song). If you're only a fan of the Frogstomp-era Silverchair, then you probably won't like this album. But while I think the editorial reviewer is going a little too far when he's comparing Silverchair to Queen and AC/DC, Young Modern still proves that although they have never really gotten a lot of mainstream appeal, they still know how to make great music. Pick it up.
   
   Anthony Rupert

5 comments about A Beautiful Lie.

1. I just purchased this album because I really like the song "from yesterday" and I was pleasantly surprised. The whole album is pretty good and the hidden track which is a cover of the song "Hunter" from Bjork is very well done. Jared Leto's vocals are amazing. So if you are considering this album, but aren't quite sure what to expect then I reassure you it's a good buy!



2. The more I listen, the more I like this album, particularly the riffs at the beginning of The Fantasy and the song From Yesterday has wonderful lyrics.
   
   None of the songs on A Beautiful Lie turned me off, which is rare for any album by any group. This music is somewhere between a jackhammer in your brain and thoughtful - it matches 80% of my moods.



3. I purchased this cd over 2 years ago and I still get chills when I listen to 30 Seconds to Mars!!! They're AWESOME....I love their song From Yesterday and of course The Kill is great....I know what I know and I likes what I likes...So I likes 30 Seconds....This CD has well lived up to its expectations for me.....Give them a try and you'll be HOOKED!!! Jared has a very good sexy screaming voice..so that has to be like an added bonus or something don't you think?......(:



4. Para ser la primera ves que compro un cd sin dudarlo me pareco bien, esta económico, es una excelente banda con un pensamiento diferente y musicalmente muy bien elaborado, comprenlo si pueden no se arrepentiran.



5. I am so glad i bought this product the price was a bargain and I dont live in the US and shipping was quick and easy. It was my money well spent im starting to buy most things from amazon.This is a great CD love the band they rock 30 seconds to mars<3 you should buy it you wont be wasting your money this CD is awesome cant wait for their next one!