5 comments about Home.

1. CS is one of those groups who sound better live, in many ways, than they do in the studio. They have a much fuller, stronger sound, which is enhanced by the orchestra. Ed's voice wobbles a bit at times, but he is a great showman. Love the dvd of this, love the cd. This is a MUST HAVE for any CS fan.



2. I became a huge fan of this band when Youth was released, today I own every album they've ever made. I love this band, their sound is awesome, the lyrics are great, and unlike most bands where you only like one or two songs on a cd, I love all their songs. Their each addictive in their own nature. I know some people dislike their new sound and prefer their older sound, but I disagree this band has evolved and has only gotten better over the years. Each of their albums can stand on their own merits. For new comers to CS I recommend you start out with Seven year Itch and Youth, this will give you a great selection of past, present, and future. For die hards like myself, Home is a must have for your CS collection. This is the best live album I've heard in a long time. I love how they incorporated the symphony into their songs, it really added to their depth as artists. The additional song Burn, ROCKS!! I love this song, it really kicks, the vocals and riffs are awesome! Keep it up Collective Soul!!!!



3. Love the album if I could listen to it completely. there is a nice scratch in the middle of the cd. I love Collective Soul and have seen them several times in concert just a shame I got a crappy cd.



4. There are way better live bands out there but this is cool because it features orchestra music from the youth orchestra. Collective Soul's "Blender" album is much better, as well as some other recorded albums.



5. I have all CS's records and this is the only one in my car. A solid record. Sound is great! The usage of the youth orchestra is really cool - and they're good! The only downfall I thought was the "flow" of the set. I thought some songs should follow others and a bigger "bang" at the end of the concert. It ended kinda weak. But the beginning made up for it. Keep rocking Roland!

5 comments about Essential Collection.

1. ...in the remastering and number of cuts. What I am referring to is the difference between this CD and another, quite similar and quite good, MOTELS anthology, CLASSIC MASTERS.
   
   This CD has 15 cuts; some are obscure but excellent. The CLASSIC MASTERS CD has 12 cuts, including "Whose Problem" and "Some Things Never Change" and those two cuts are not on this CD - all the rest of them are.
   
   Speaking of one of the obscure cuts that I had not heard before getting this CD, listening to "Change My Mind" on this CD makes me wish that Martha Davis would take up the Blues in earnest, they would be a no-brainer for a singer of her caliber.
   
   Anyway, if you are a MOTELS fan you will have to have this collection. The production quality of the remastering is impeccable and Martha Davis sounds like she is in the room with you. And the sax - man does it soar!
   
   If you are not a MOTELS fan already but want to have a much better anthology than NO VACANCY - in terms of production values, not content - get this one. As I write this review, 6 of the 10 top MOTELS mp3 downloads on AMAZON.COM are from this CD.
   
   And to Capitol records I ask: "Hey, how about a remastered LITTLE ROBBERS, the MOTELS greatest non-anthological album?"



2. While this collection in an improvment over 1990's (No Vacancy: The Best of the Motels and a sonic upgrade to 2001 standards, updating the older collection would have been such a treat. "No Vacancy" has 19 songs to the Essential's 15. Add that The Motels' albums are criminally out of print, and the omissions (especially "Little Robbers" and "Whose Problem") are glaring.
   
   Martha Davis has one of the smoky, sultry voices that seemed so in demand in the early 80's (think Pat Benatar, Quarterflash). They also had an arty edge that came from their punkish Los Angeles roots. So when the early songs like "Kix" or "Danger" started getting a following, Capitol records smelled paydirt. They notoriously told the band that their third album would not be released without a more commercial redo; the result was the hit "Only The Lonely" and the breakthrough All Four One. Then came the inevitable decline, as the band streamlined the sound. The following singles, "Suddenly Last Summer" and "Remember The Nights" were still some of the best radio songs around, but the raves like "Apocalypso" or "Celia" were gone. After the CD "Shock" met with decreased success, Martha went solo (the great lost Policy) and then to the eventual reunion tours.
   
   This "Essential Collection" usurps by prior Motels best-of CD's and is still a great reminder that Martha and The Motels were more than just a couple of singles and sultry videos. Those albums (All Four One, Careful and Little Robbers) were all better than most of the New Wave One Hit Wonders out there...and they deserve better than to be languishing in OOP status.



3. I'm not sure I get what her songs are always about...not that it matters, because
   I simply enjoy hearing the voice. No one out there sounds like Martha Davis...and
   that's good enough for me.
   
   Did I say I like the woman's delivery and phrasing?



4. I bought "Essential Collection" by the Motels because I wanted the song "Only The Lonely." I think that's one of my 10 favorite songs of all time. It turns out the whole CD is awesome! There's a certain "film noir" atmosphere to many of these songs. This is smart stuff! So feed your brain and buy this CD!



5. I was actually quite thrilled to see that The Motels had come out with an Essential Collection cd. They were one of the best bands to come out of the 80s, yet still they were SO underrated. Sad to say, but I had even forgotten about them until 2 years ago when VH1 did a "Where are they now?" on different bands. But then it struck me...MARTHA DAVIS!!! (And the Motels of course.)
   
   "Only The Lonely"...which is my personal favorite and may be one of the most remembered..was absolutely one of the best songs straight out of the 80s. "It's like I told you..Only the lonely can play".
   
   "Suddenly Last Summer"....as another user added, this was also a great song to come out of the 80s..I'd say it was the 2nd biggest hit of the band.
   
   Other songs you might be vaguely familiar with.. "Shame" and "Remember the Nights". If you were EVER fan of the Motels, pick up this CD and get interested again! And if you aren't familiar with the band but you like other bands such as Quarterflash, Blondie, Berlin or Missing Persons..then check this out. You won't regret it!

5 comments about Now That's What I Call Music! 3.

1. A couple things happened here. First off 98% outshined The Backstreet Boys, and Rock outshined pop landing 9 of the 18 tracks here (yes the majority are pop/rock but it still counts). The all stars here are (not Smash Mouth) Oleander who broke onto the map with 'Why I'm Here' which is one of the best songs 'Now!' has ever featured. Other standouts include Blink 182's 'What's my Age Again' and Limp Bizkit's legendary Nookie which may be the biggest hit of that year. I have never been a fan of Smash Mouth, but the staying power of one 'All Star' is undeniable no matter how much I hate it, and while Britany isn't god-awful, 'Sometimes' is just not her ticket.
   
   Latin superstar Enrique Iglasias delivers his universal hit 'Bailamos' which is better than anything washed up Rickey Martin could serve up. And Fatboy Slim deliver the anthum of the year, 'Rockafeller Skank' which was on everyones playlist back in the day.
   
   Garbage, who I have so much respect for, suffered with 'Special' which was not one of my favorites, and while Lenny Kravitz doesn't suck he doesn't rock and I just don't really care for this song let alone him in general. R. Kelly's ballad is decent, he does have amazing talent despite what tabloid fodder he's become. There are a few tracks from some nobodies like Case and Chante Moore and then of course from some who stay around for aome unknown reason (take KC & JoJo for instance) but all in all this album, like the rest in the Now! series deliver the goods for whatever that's worth.



2. wow, the first 8 now albums are awesome, the best being now 7, then now 5, then now 3. I borrowed this CD from a friend, since this one and three others were the only ones i had not listened to. I was impressed, and he wont be getting this CD back anytime soon!lol. I liked almost every song, so i will just shut up and tell you about each song.
   
   All Star by Smash Mouth- Probably the biggest hit on the CD, every body has heard it. I love it. A+
   
   American Woman by Lenny Kravitz- Lenny makes too many remakes, but oh well, this song is pretty cool. B-
   
   Whats my Age Again?by Blink 182- This song, along with a few other songs on this cd, sound very familiar to me. I was only, like, nine in 1999, but my brother listened to a lot of this music, especially blink 182. I remember liking this song, and i still do. Check out there other hits and albums. This song is funny. A+(a very big hit too)
   
   Bailomous by Enrique Iglesias- Man this CD brings me back to the good old days of being a kid. I recognize this song, and its no wonder. It was a monster hit, and enrique iglesias was probably the best latin artist during that short lived latin movement in the US(1999-2002) I love this song. A+
   
   Sometimes by Britney Spears-I dont like many britney spears songs. This song also sounds familiar. Its ok, but i cant stand her voice that sounds like she has her nose clogged. C-
   
   All I Have to Give by BSB- I cant stand this song, i hate it. I like the backstreet boys, all of there other hits are good, but geez, this one is terrible. sorry bsb. F
   
   Tell me its Real by K-Ci and JoJo- I have only heard three songs by these guys, they are better than this one. D-
   
   The Rockafeller Skank by Fatboy Slim- WOW!!!! If you dont recognize this song, u must be living under a rock. Even though the only lyrics are "right about now, the funk soul brother, check it out now, the funk soul brother" it still rocks, i remember lovin this song when i was little.A+
   
   Nookie by Limp Bizkit- This song was a huge hit. I recognize it big time. While i hated it when i was little complaining to my brother "too loud" i love it now, this song just goes out and shows its mad, it doesnt candy coat it like other songs do. I love this song and limp bizkit. Its awesome, especially if your mad at someone. A+
   
   Special by Garbage- BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Their name says it all. F--------
   
   Hands of Time by R.Kelly- This is one of the few ballads that R 'n' B legend R.Kelly has made, and it is also one of his few songs i like. I recognize this one too, and i love this one. Its beautiful :-) B+
   
   Get Gone by whatshisface- bad song. F
   
   Chante's got a Man- I really recognize this song, i cant listen to it during the daytime, but at night its pretty nice. Its a sweet song that is nice and slow. B+
   
   She likes me for Me by Blessid Union of Souls- I really recognize this one too, its a great song that has strange and funny lyrics. A+
   
   Why I'm Here by Oleander- You are probably sick of me saying that songs sound familiar to me, but this one does, and its pretty cool. B-
   
   The rest of these songs were just plain terrible, so i will skip them. I definetly recomend this cd.



3. "NOW 3" shows the U.S. version of the popular "NOW" series perfecting everything that makes the albums work. ALL of the songs on here WERE hits during 1999, and many of them are great singles of '99; or any year for that matter. Due to consistency in the material, the album almost plays as a soundtrack to Summer '99; with a few dipping back into the Spring ("All I Have To Give", "Special"). The hip-hop/rap genre is completly ignored (Limp Bizkit's "Nookie" is more rock, despite shades of rap), but that's alright because the other genres are represented SO well. As always, the divertsity among the artists is very refreshing. The breakdown:
   (1) Smash Mouth "All Star" A-. In only a short amount of time, this song has work it's way into a piece of "pop culture". It's always on radio, in dozens of movies and eveyone knows it. That's because the group made a catchy, lively and highly enjoyable song. It may not be about anything, but the song is a total joy to hear.
   (2) Lenny Kravitz "American Woman" B. A good, if by-the-numbers remake (from the "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me" soundtrack) of the '60s classic. Lenny vocal range is nicely displayed here, and it's suited for vthe film; even if the guitars fall a tad short of Lenny's usual work. Not a great remake, but not one without it's charms.
   (3) blink-182 "What's My Age Again?" A-. Another example of how blink-182 dominated "punk-pop" music before their 2005 break-up. The song is short and goes by fast, yet it accomplishes everything it sets out to do. Not too deep, yet has a real connection to most young adults.
   (4) Enrique Iglesias "Bailamos" A. Miles better than Ricky Martin's terrible "Livin' La Vida Loco". The secret is that Enrique has real conviction as he sings the lyrics, and the latin roots are kept intact with the beat. There is true fire and flair to be found in this wonderful dance song.
   (5) Britney Spears "Sometimes" B+. Unlike "...Baby One More Time" and "(You Drive Me) Crazy", this single is actually about something. The lyrics are heartfelt and touching, althought Britney's voice isn't as strong as it should be to deliver them. A refreshing change of pace from her usual junk.
   (6) Backstreet Boys "All I Have To Give" B. Good, but not the best ballad the Backstreet Boys have done. It preformed and written well, yet doesn't have the impact of songs like "Shape Of My Heart" and "As Long As You Love Me". Also a differnt kind of song for rap group Full Force to write.
   (7) K-Ci & JoJo "Tell Me It's Real" A. The best single for K-Ci & JoJo as a duo (and as a part of Jodeci). The writing seems standard, but the boys deliver it with powerful conviction in their heartfelt voices. So positive and flowing with impact, this is what R&B should sound like.
   (8) Fatboy Slim "The Rockafeller Skank" A. Many dance artists bring nothing new to the game, but Fatboy Slim has established himself by always doing his own thing. This song is absolutley about nothing, yet you're left with alot of praise for the originality he has laced his beats and production with. The end result is a bizzare masterpiece and one of 1999's best songs.
   (9) Limp Bizkit "Nookie" A+. The song is hardcore and rough, but underneath the surface lies true depth and emotion. Connection's to the listener are found because the content is something that can be seen in daily life. Wheras most singles use material like this to create tragic songs, Limp Bizkit shows the side of rage; which seems to be in the realms of reality. Surprisingly, this is THE best song of 1999.
   (10) Garbage "Special" A. There is much depth and dimension to be found in this single. The beat is toned down compared to their, also brilliant, "I Think I'm Paranoid"; but that is suitable for the song's tone. Shirley Mason sings with total conviction and creates true impact with ease.
   (11) R. Kelly "If I Could Turn Back The Hands Of Time" C. Lacks all the power and edge that has put R. Kelly on top in the R&B world. Everything here seems standard and flat; there's no life or impact that his pevious single, "When A Woman's Fed Up", flowed with. We've heard this all before; ussually not this dragged out though. This is not one of his strongest works.
   (12) Ideal "Get Gone" A. Odd that a one-hit-wonder group could outstage R. Kelly, but they do. This is a powerful, deep and heartfelt R&B track. The production, by Brian Michael Cox, creates a stark, cold feel that blends perfectly with the striking lyrics. An R&B treasure of emotion and impact.
   (13) Chante Moore "Chante's Got A Man" B+. Despite it's awful, laughable title; this is a surprisingly effective R&B/pop song. Chante's voice has true conviction in it and lyric carry some impact. The big flaw is that the tone changes towards the end; kinda conflicting with the rest of the song.
   (14) Blessid Union Of Souls "Hey Leonardo (She Likes Me For Me)". B. Pales compared to work by the Goo Goo Dolls and Matchbox Twenty, but still manages to be fairly entertaining. There is definetly real substance here; I just don't think it quite has the impact that it deserves. Maybe the insturmental over-shadow the lyrics a bit.
   (15) Oleander "Why I'm Here" B-. Here is a song that really needs to polish everything a bit more. The beat is striking, the lyrics have some impact, the production is well done. But the impact isn't fully there. If they had taken everything and added a bit more, it would have worked even better.
   (16) Case "Happily Ever After" B. A solid, if safe and standard, R&B tune. Case knows how to make a good R&B song, he just needs to take those skills and push them further. He works with good producers (Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis) and has a smooth voice; but better material would help him shine more. This is listensble, but could have been much more.
   (17) 98 Degrees "The Hardest Thing" A. I love the way 98? blurred that line between pop and R&B with songs like this. It's made with "pop skills", yet the beautiful, heartfelt lyrics and somber tone play as R&B. This horn arrangments are especially utilized in bringing out the impact. Pop or R&B, it doesn't really matter which; this is a great song regardless.
   (18) Fastball "Out Of My Head" A-. Doesn't have the exact impact of their huge hit "The Way", but it doesn't try to. This is something different thought; a small, heartfelt pop/rock tune. It keeps things short at about 2.5 minutes, yet delivers a rather large amount of emotion in that short time. Not groundbreaking, but very good.
   Bottom Line: ***1/2. A very solid collection of music during the last year of the 1990s (and the 20th Century). Many of the best sinlges are included, and everything flows from one track to another with perfect ease. From K-Ci & JoJo and Smash Mouth to 98 Degrees and Limp Bizkit; there is something here for everyone.



4. Ok, I know this was released, like, 5 years ago, but I have never reviewed this. So, I will now.
   
   1.Smashmouth - All Star: A- It's a pretty good song. It was overplayed, but now, you don't even remember it.
   
   2.Lenny Kravitz - American Woman: C+ I thought this song was good, now it's just average and annoying.
   
   3.Blink 182 - What's My Age Again?: A Great song...wish it was longer.
   
   4.Enrique Iglesias - Bailamos: D It use to be fun, then I listened to it more, and it as annoying as hell.
   
   5.Britney Spears - Sometimes: B+ Pretty good for Britney!
   
   6.BSB - All I have to give: F Backstreet Boys is a no no.
   
   7.K-Ci & Jo-Jo - Tell Me It's Real: C I didn't like this song at first, but it grew on me, but I would still like to listen to something else.
   
   8.Fatboy Slim - The Rockafeller Skank: A+ I loved this song, but I didn't get the part that sounded like a lawnmower???
   
   9.Limp Bizkit - Nookie: A- It was a little poppy for Limp Bizkit. Whatever, it's their best song made to date.
   
   10.Garbage - Special: B I like the song. Nonetheless. Somewhat average.
   
   11.R.Kelly - If I Could Turn Back The Hands Of Time: A I would have give this an F if it didn't grow on me.
   
   12.Ideal - Get Gone: F Ideal should get gone out of the music industry.
   
   13.Chante Moore - Chante's Got A Man: C I really tryed to like this song but I guess it's just your average boring R&B song.
   
   14.Blessid Union of Souls - Hey Leonardo: A+ Sounds like Bowling For Soup w/o gross lyrics. Awesome!
   
   15.Oleander - Why I'm Here: D I don't know? Why are you here?
   
   16.Case - Happily Ever After: B- It's ok, but not the best.
   
   17.98 Degrees - Hardest Thing: A I know, 98 Degrees is a boy band, but I thought it was pretty good.
   
   18.Fastball - Out of my Head: A+ One of the best!
   
   CD. Various Artists - Now 3 Overall Grade For CD: B-
   
   So, it's not the best of the Now series, but it's worth picking up.



5. Here are my reviews this is back when I was about 14 and listening to the music so I will be a tad biased on it.
   
   1.All Star-Smash Mouth big song for 5 years 10/10
   2.American Women-Lenny Kravitz a nice remake 10/10
   3.Blink 182-Whats my age again they were better in 99. 10/10
   4.Bailamos-Enrique Inglesias-A good first single 9/10
   5.Sometimes-Britany Spears her second best 10/10
   6.All I have to give-Backstreet Boys a good song 9/10
   7.Tell me its real-KCi & JoJo-Nice song 10/10
   8.Rockafellar Skank-Fat boy slim a good song 10/10
   9.Nookie-Limp Bizkit this is there top song 10/10
   10.Special-Garbage a nice dark track 9/10
   11.If I could turn back the hands of time-R.Kelly Dope 10/10
   12.Get Gone-Ideal Okay 8/10
   13.Chantes got a man-Chante Moore good song 8/10
   14.Hey Leonardo-Blessid Union of Souls better then most 9/10
   16.Happily Ever after-Case great song 10/10
   17.Hardest Thing-98 I admit I liked this song 10/10
   18.Out of my head-Fastball a good closing song 10/10
   You would think that since I love pure hip hop I would hate this but you would be wrong I had a bias to this.
   
   Total-172 out of 180 that is about a 93%

1 comments about Luck's Changing Lanes.

1. Was referred to Rusty Truck by a friend. Great value w/ a CD & DVD. Nice combo of Americana, blues & folk...and not too country. Superb quality recordings. Great guest artists w/ Sheryl Crow, Jakob Dylan, Willie Nelson. Best thing about the album was the companion DVD that contained creatively mixed DTS surround recordings and 5 beautifully shot music videos. I hope to hear more from this artist.

5 comments about The Vegas Years.

1. As someone who owns EVERY Everclear single, I must sadly report that everyone of these songs was already released somewhere else. I took the time 2 years ago to take all of these songs and put them onto a single disc to listen to in my car.... This is really sad.



2. Being a hard core Everclear fan I bought this without thought. When I first listened to it I was pretty surprised. It wasn't at all what I expected from an Everclear album. I soon realized that it was a cover album so I changed my expectations and continued to listen. I loved some of the songs right off the bat but it took me a little time to really warm to the entire album. While I definitely wouldn't want all of their future work to be like this I still found the album is be upbeat and fun. I love the live bits, it's like being at one of their concerts again. Don't expect this to be like their regular work but listen anyway, you might end up enjoying it. This definitely isn't my favorite Everclear album nor is it their best work but as far as cover albums go it is certainly 5 star worthy.



3. I love most of Everclear's music but I was disappointed when this album arrived and I discovered it was a cover album rather than original music (I ordered it without reading the description of it because I am an Everclear fan). The best song on here and arguably better than the Thin Lizzy version (Boys are Back in Town) was released on the Detroit Rock City Soundtrack several years ago so I've been rocking to it for a while now. Hopefully Everclear is working on some new studio stuff. I miss the late 80's when new quality rock music was coming out frequently from a wide variety of bands. Long live the two (lead and rhythm) electric guitar, one bass, one drummer, and a singer form of music.



4. While this sort of album might not get a ton of respect from hardcore fans, I find this new release a ton of fun. I enjoyed most all the songs, particularly Pocahontas, Boys are Back In Town, and Speed Racer. Hopefully this will lead to another studio album with new material. Good Fun.
   JH



5. Been listening to this a lot. Cool covers and it rocks! "Kicks," "The Boys Are Back in Town," and "Our Lips Are Sealed" jump out at me. I think most people who claim to be Everclear fans will like this, and you don't even have to be a die-hard fan.

5 comments about The Salvation Blues.

1. I bought the CD that included a small book of photographs and poetry. The words and images add to the experience of the CD as if to make it more multidimensional. This CD is an experience. It is sometimes risky to associate artists, but fans of the Jayhawks, and I know they're out there, should include this in their collection. It stands on its own and should be considered amongst the best of 2007. The production work, the lyrics, and overall quality of songwriting, not to mention the emotion of some of the songs, really works for me. Similar to Tim O'Regan's CD last year and likely the upcoming Gary Louris CD, these former Jayhawks know how to make the same great music on their own that they made together for many years.



2. Mark since his early days with the Jayhawks has always had a pressence that you can not get enough of,Its good to see hes back after a long lay off,keep up the great music Mark.



3. I didn't know that Mark Olson had a new album until I did an itunes search for anything Jayhawks-related that was new. I listened to a few tunes then immediately downloaded the album. It's definitely his best solo work so far. If, like me, you need a Jayhawks fix from time to time then buy the cd or download it. The last song on the album kept me from giving it the full 5 stars.



4. In fairness I would like to say that I have only just recently listened to this CD. I am somewhat disappointed that there seems to be very little original thinking going on with the writing both musically and lyrically. The production quality is well intended but way too overdone.



5. I have been a fan of Mark Olson's since the first time I heard him with the Jayhawks in about 1985. His voice, and how he used it, absolutely floored me. Now, over 20 years later, that voice is still there.
   
   Plus, Gary Louris sings with Mark on a few tracks. When these two sing together, it is pure magic.

5 comments about Candyland.

1. You can't go wrong if you like James McMurty. His albums never disappoint. I have gone back and made sure I have all of his stuff, he is an excellent song writer with a haunting voice that is like no other. If you are familar with James McMurtry, you will like this album.



2. Together with "Too Long in the Wasteland" this album "Candyland" is just too good to miss.
   Fine low key descriptive story telling done by an interesting voice backed by great music. I suppose you could, possibly, maybe, get tired of some of these great songs. In the 17 years since "Wasteland" was released I never have, it remains among my all time music favorites with "Candyland" beside it.
   Listen to "Storekeeper" for an example.......it is on a par with "Bullet Holes in the Mailbox".
   Music for thinking folks, video that needs no screen!



3. Okay all you out there reviewing this CD, not his best, but it has some songs that resonate. I am shocked that no one mentioned Safe Side. Maybe no one reviewing the CD has lived in San Antonio. He nailed it in a big way. This CD is a little softer than his others, (with the exception of Safe Side), there are ballads, kind of sweet ones. It would not be the first of his CDs in my collection, but to round out all the others it is not at all bad.
   
   The man is a Southwestern Bruce Springsteen. His lyrics are evocative of a part of this country that few artists have written about. Okay, his voice is not what one would call great, but like Springsteen, Dylan, Neil Young and to take it back farther, Woody Guthrie, his unique sound echoes the songs he is singing/writing. Face it, if Celine Dion were singing these songs we would all be hanging our heads over the toilet.
   
   I would strongly recommend his live CD. It gives a bit of insight to the man as well as his music.



4. It would have been nearly impossible for McMurtry to have topped his album 'Too Long in the Wasteland' but this is a strong follow-up. I listened to the Cassette so many times that it refuses to play any longer - I literally wore it out!
   
   Strong lyrics. Strong music. Makes me get all philosophical as I sing along.



5. Simply put, James McMurtry is (arguably) the best American folk rocker currently working. He writes great story songs almost effortlessly, with memorable images and clever wordplay. But what really makes him special is that he never lets his lyrical concerns get in the way of his catchy hook-laden songwriting. That said, "Candyland" is perhaps the weakest of his five studio albums (a sixth is on the way in September 2002). It was his sophomore effort and was recorded (like his superior debut album, "Too Long in the Wasteland") under the watchful eye of his musical mentor, John Cougar Mellencamp, using members of Mellencamp's band. That's part of the problem, for McMurtry often sound too much like Mellencamp through much of this album.

   Still, there are some first class McMurtry recordings here. The best is "Where's Johnny," that opens the record on a melancholy note with lyrics about a young man whose emotional troubles ruin a promsing future. Also fine are "Don't Waste Away," the rocking "Good Life," and an actual love song of sorts, "Dusty Pages" that closes the album. The rest of the material, however, is not as strong as what you'll find on McMurtry's more recent classic albums "It Had to Happen" and "Where'd You Hide the Body."

   Overall, a not bad album from an artist who has produced much better during his career.

5 comments about Logic Will Break Your Heart.

1. LWBYH sounds like Radiohead if they continued being the poppy, ever-so-slightly-and-depressively-edgy alternative after Pablo Honey. Throw in one part Doves, half a pint of Travis, and a dash of old U2 and we have an album that still does not end up sounding as stale as it sounds. Then again, nothing sounds terribly memorable either. A disc that gets by on a consistent number of halfway-decent songs, but fades away after play is done.



2. i look down upon people who say "i like indie rock" but dont know the stills. and i hate the ones who list the killers and the strokes as their favorite "indie" band.
   
   this album is the best of its genre. Simple but catchy rhythms, beautiful chords and layering, and smooth vocals. It has a upbeat yet melancholy, dreamy sound. Kind of an arty sound and aesthetic to it. lots of personality.
   
   i hear the new one is mediocre but i love this album, most people who have heard it do.



3. The Stills are a Montreal indie rock band who write expertly woven melodies crafted in the familiar niche of swirly-80s-post-punksters like Echo & The Bunnymen or The Church, but add a unique neo-vibe which finds them comfortable next to say, Interpol or Bloc Party. This is their best release by far, every song heart-wrenchingly wrought forward with layered guitars and superb lyrics. If you like a comfortable mix of brit pop influence, a dash of romanticism and depression, finely crafted into guitar heavy pulsating riffs, then this is for you! Fans of The Walkmen rejoice--this is the better purchase of the two~this LP is packed full of college radio singles, including "Gender Bombs" and "Changes Are No Good."



4. I'll have to nominate "Lola Stars and Stripes" as one of the best first song. The great tearing riff over delay pedal cuts you into submission for the sweet songs later in the album. Amazing tones, wide soaring tracks and simple melodies. Great Canadian album from both Montreal ... both The Stills and Vice Recordings ...



5. The Stills set the bar high for themselves with their first full-length album, Logic Will Break Your Heart. Every song on it is amazing, and continues to be one of my favourite albums.
   
   The Stills write very creative, smart rock songs that sound good no matter when you're listening. Most of the songs have a retro-rock feel, and the guitars play an extremely prevalent part in the album. Definite favourite tracks are "Lola Stars and Stripes," "Allison Krausse," "Of Montreal," and "Yesterday Never Tomorrows."
   
   I recommend this album to everyone, but particularly those who are fans of The Walkmen, The Shins, and Interpol.

5 comments about Long Distance.

1. Like a breath of fresh air, Ivy's music leaves you feeling light and energized. Being a fan of Astrud Gilberto's, I hear faint similiarities in the music's style: airy and smooth. "Worry About You," "Undertow" and "Edge of the Ocean" are incredible. The music just makes you feel good! Ended up buying all her cd's, but Long Distance, in my opinion, is the absolute best. This music clears out the cobwebs.
   
   Enjoy



2. I got this album for my girlfriend because she had shared Kingdom Hospital, a TV miniseries, with me, and it featured a remixed version of "Worry About You" as the title sequence music. I think I've been listening to it more than she has... the album is varied and interesting, with lyrics that are at turns simple and deep, or irreverent and mindless. The production qualities are very nice, and I especially enjoyed the bold combination of acoustic guitars with synth sounds and textures. Haunting vocals. Good material.



3. This should be considered definitive and perfect power pop music. The musicianship, songwriting, and Dominique Durand's nonchalant vocals will make this a wonderful addition to anyone's music collection. Great for parties, barbecueing, relaxing, reading, dreaming, whatever...it's just super excellent music.



4. Can you be haunted by an album...listen to it more than a dozen times and never tire of it, feel that it has helped you through bad times and good times, improved your heart rate and your dreams?
   
   If you don't think so or you're not sure, you should give Ivy's LONG DISTANCE a try. I kid you not when I say it will never be away from your music player for very long. Repeated listens never dull the album, but instead enrich it.
   
   The album is beauty in slow motion, a perfect production that is every bit as natural as breathing and it's so wonderful you might think you imagined it.
   
   Track by track, LONG DISTANCE never disconnects. There are the vulnerable dreamboat songs like "Edge of the Ocean," "Let's Stay Inside," "Midnight Sun" and "One More Last Kiss" (this is where I almost gasp it's so wonderful. I picture myself at the beach, utterly at peace, the sky blue, the breeze a friendly tease.)
   
   Then Dominique Durand walks on air with more uptempo (but equally relaxing) songs like "Blame it On Yourself" (very catchy!!), "Lucy Doesn't Love You" and "I Think of You."
   
   I'm not saving the best for last (everything here is "best for last"!!)so much as I'm saving the most devastating for last...the songs that should scorch your heart with sadness, but somehow don't because Ivy reminds us that even when things are bad, there's still loveliness in life.
   
   One example of this is the brilliantly ironic (but not cynical) "While We're in Love." In the wrong hands, this ballad could be mean-spirited, but here it is utterly beguiling and heart-wrenching with its sincere, realistic look at the fleeting happiness of relationships. It's also very mystical and alluring, two qualities familiar to any Ivy fan.
   
   There is no poison to be found in Ivy's music, just lots of time for reverie...It even ends on a playful note with the sweet "Digging Your Scene."
   
   How I adore this album...it's hard to explain just how transforming the listening experience can be! My review could never do it justice...All I can do is ask you to listen and then, THEN you'll hear for yourself.



5. THis was a much better Cd than i thought it would be.
   I only knew the song, edge of the ocean and I am really happy with nearly all the songs.
   sometimes it is a gamble buying a CD from a new artist, but I don't regret spending the money on this one.

1 comments about Let's All Go to Bed.

1. The third Mother Truckers CD, Let's All Go To Bed is a continuation of more great music from a band that blends styles together so well it is hard to categorize their work. It is a fusion of Blues, Country, Rock, Americana and a little bit of old school ukulele from the past. With their new rhythm section their live sound has become more powerful and this CD captures that energy. The primary members Teal Collins and Josh Zee form a duo that shares the vocals and guitars. Ms. Collins has never sounded better and her powerful voice shines on Billy Joe Shaver's "When I Get My Wings" but shows a softer side on "Quiet Night". Mr. Zee not only has mastered the electric guitar he pushes it to new heights. Buy this and all their CD's but remember to catch them live as well.