2 comments about All in the Mind.

1. To me this is the best single the Verve have produced so far. "All In The Mind" is fantastic. The fast, stood out beats of the drums by Peter Salisbury, booming backing of a bass line by Simon Jones, haunting loops of the guitars by Nick McCabe and the low, spread out vocals of Richard Ashcroft. "All In The Mind" is a masterpiece that is cool enough to get at least the number 5 spot back then. This got to number 1 in the inderpendant charts and I'm not surprised. If the Verve were to rejoin now, I think it would be a good start to write a song taken from "All In The Mind" and show everyone who the Verve really are and what they really do! A great single and definatly a great song. 5 star quality.



2. Simply put, it was a shame to see The Verve break up. All we have left are singles that are hard to get a hold of in the states. All in the Mind is worth the effort. A great ambiance single with echo guitars and Richard Ashcroft's unique vocals. "One way to go," is the best on this and deserves repeated playing. It is a shame that most of the music that should be on the radio is stuck on awesome B-sides singles such as this one.

5 comments about A Song for the Lovers.

1. "Song for the Lovers" is one of the most haunting pop/rock songs I have ever heard. It's sweeping, wistful, and mysterious. It's soothing yet it makes my heart race with desperation. Definitely an awesome track.... highly recommended!



2. Becides the already magnificent "Song for the Lovers", two excellent bonus tracks come along with this purchase that are not found anywhere else. First there's (Could Be), which is a slow and relaxing song, I love it. Then there's Precious Stone also great, it's a bit faster and uplifting. Who else, in this world, makes the style of music as Richard Ashcroft, this man sings the Blues, Country, Rock, etc.



3. none of these songs are outstanding, although each has its respective charms on this interesting debut from the former verve frontman. the a-side is an affecting if slightly overproduced pop ballad; the b-sides are both overlong but individually appealing. 'could be (a country thing city thing blues thing)' overcomes its unweildy title with a luscious minor-key melody, but its extended fade-out is indulgent. and the closer, 'precious stone', is little more than an unstructured re-write of the verve number, 'gravity grave'.



4. Well only a song for the lovers is suicidle but Could be a country thing is a superb song worthy for a place on Urban Hymns or A Northern soul as its brilliant voice over each other adds to the great effect of the song.

   HOwever I do not see the point in going solo when you are in a brilliant band like the Verve. Sting left the Police, Lennon and co. left the beatles and all their solo stuff is no way up to the standerds of the bands material.

   Go back to the band Richey as you all need each other and make a worthy follow up to the 1997 smash Urban Hymns.




5. never been a verve fan particularly though i do think they have had some really good songs, in particular, "space and time." I borrowed this from someone and listened to it over a day long hangover. The single is faily ordinary. "DJ wont you play a song for the lovers" is repeated over a decent concoction of sounds. Nothing to get excited over. However, the b sides are very damn good particularly the song "(Could Be) A Country Thing, City Thing, Blues Thing." "Precious Stone" has a good psych-electroic backround and has nice lyrics and it is the type of song "A song for the lovers" begs for. Who the hell is running this guys career?

5 comments about The Good Will Out.

1. I downloaded this album thinking it was by the post Minor Threat, pre Fugazi project by Ian MacKaye, my bad. And much to my suprise I got some emotive britpop that sounds kinda like a mixture of Verve, Oasis, and Radiohead circa The Bends without the emotional despair. Very nice, melodic and thoroughly enjoyable music by some guys who aren't afraid of a beautiful melody and anthemic songs. Not bad, if a tad formulaic, but its a very pleasant listen so what the hell?



2. Okay, so I'd give this album 5 stars if it were consistently good. What I mean is, there are songs on here that are simply amazing: grand anthems, sweeping choruses, majestic orchestrations, etc. Yeah, it sounds over the top, but it is & it's done in a good way- as only the British know how. Like I mentioned earlier, the only problem is that not every track follows this formula; not every track is up to par. Some songs are rather straight-forward & bland. But the good songs are SO GOOD.
   
   Songs like "Retread," "Come Back To What You Know," "Higher Sights," "My Weakness Is None Of Your Business," "Fireworks," & "That's All Changed Forever" use strings & orchestrations to build to an emotional climax. These songs are tremendously moving- it's why I love music so much!
   
   "All You Good Good People" is one of their better known songs that uses a full orchestra- horns & strings- in more of a heavy setting. It's a great introduction that will lift you off your feet- check out the intense cresendo & how it lifts you up & drops you into a rousing interlude.
   
   "The Good Will Out" is probably the best song on here. It's a classic album closer: linked-arms-sing-a-long. The horns are great too- it's a poignant song without dipping too much into balladry.
   
   The rest of the songs- like "Blind," "I Want The World," & "The Last Gas"- are okay at best, but don't live up to the excellency of the aforementioned tracks. I wouldn't miss them if they were off the album- at least you'd have a stellar EP. (Well, it'd be longer than an EP.) But that's typical of Embrace- many of their albums feature incredible individual songs but a handful of lackluster ones. However, at any rate, this album (their first) features the most songs where they're at the top of their game. They seemed to be on to something. Too bad they never caught on in the States, but at least we had the good fortune to have this album released (their only Stateside release).
   
   If you like this then you should also check out the import for Fireworks- their greatest hits. That way you can bypass the lackluster [stuff] in their other 2 albums. But there are definitely "non-hits" on The Good Will Out that are worth a listen. And for that reason, check out this album.



3. this album has blown me away. Before listening i had heard "All You Good Good People" and "Come Back To What You Know". I didn't expect anything as good as the singles but i got better. "My Weakness..." is an excellent mix of an emotional ballad and an epic football chant. "One Big Family" is a noisy shout-a-thon. "Retread" for me was a stand out track, especially the breath taking outro. "Fireworks" is an excellent sentimental ballad. "That's All Changed Forever" is a quiet epic, getting bigger and bigger throughout and "The Good Will Out" is a great end to an amazing album, especially with the "Hey Jude" style sing-a-long outro. This is an album for getting up in the morning, singing along to in the car, playing on the pub jukebox and sending you to sleep. The soundtrack for your life.



4. The Good Will Out is an amazing album. I think it puts Embrace on the top of the British music scene as a powerful song writing force that has come of age. Although, sadly, their music will probably not hit the US charts as it has the UK charts (which means no tour of the US in the near future) due to the poliferation of wack pop groups and image driven gimp bands. The album is based around the center piece, "All you good good people", which is was got me interested. Immediately after listening to the album a few times other sadder more plaintive songs jumped out like, "That's all Changed Forever" and "Fireworks", two calming yet uplifting ballads. If you are a fan of the Verve and need something to fill the void of their breakup, then listen to "The Good Will Out". It is an album that will uplift you during your darkest, drunkest times.



5. Few albums get it all right. This is one of them. I loved it the first time I heard it. It's a simply brilliant work that anyone would be foolish to ignore.

1 comments about The Happiest Days of Your Life.

1. Paul Bevoir was a member of British power-pop outfit the Jetset. I stumbled onto a copy of this obscure import recently,purchased it on a leap of faith, and it has become one of my favorites! If you have a shameless weakness for mid-period Kinks and song-length vignettes about village greens and country cottages,this is your cup of (English) tea. Imagine if Paul McCartney had turned "Penny Lane" into an album-length suite--it would sound like this disc!

5 comments about The Wildhearts.

1. It's hard to keep up with music that is coming out here in the States. Mostly due to the fact that the best material is from overseas and ends up being an import at a higher price here. The Wildhearts CDs are worth whatever you pay. This new one features Ginger and the boys really rocking out with some longer songs(great guitar work)and very current and hard hitting topics. It is a shame that more great overseas bands aren't more popular in the States but it just shows how lame the music industry is and why they are going broke.



2. My first exposure to The Wildhearts was "The Wildhearts Must Be Destroyed," and I was amazed that I hadn't heard of them sooner. Soon after, I picked up several cd's by the band, and they're all pretty darn good. This one is no different.
   
   Kudos to Ginger and the band for cranking out an album of melodic pop rock songs. Look for the new album of covers to be released soon.



3. I am always amazed at how The Wildhearts manage to find yet an even heavier riff on their new releases, and this one is full of them. You'll be banging your head into the steering wheel with this one. It compels you do so. The opening track is 9:55 of pure power riffs, and dynamically quite sweet moments. Quite a roller coaster ride, and that's just track one!
   
   Good rock music is coming less and less these days, and when you can get your hands on quality stuff like this, you owe it to yourself to get it. They have such a heavy sound, yet great "pop" harmonies, and hooks. Then they come back at you with some monster riff that will pound you into the ground like a spike.
   
   If you're already a fan, and don't have this release yet, whatcha waiting for? This is as good as anything else they have ever done. Order yours today!!



4. On this particular cd thet go back to making long ,but great rock and rolls songs.Like chanel bop this songs are long but have plenty of chords changes to keep you interested.This is a must for any wildhearts fan,and if your thinking of becoming one,what a place to start



5. I wont go as far as saying this is the best wildheart cd i have in my collection,but they returned to there roots.Long rocking song,with cord changing aplenty.The songs are always changing ,and thats what the wildhearts do best.Buy it ,you cant go wrong.

5 comments about X.

1. The Beloved, the British synth-pop duo comprising husband & wife Jon and Helena Marsh, released their last album to date, "X", in 1996. With "X", the Beloved got more sophisticated, and dipped deeper into rich synthesiser textures & longer songs. They even got King Crimson guitarist Robert Fripp to help them out with the album's experimental sounds (or "soundscapes" as his album credit says). There are no immediate "hits" on "X", but the album is still an excellent, hypnotic work. Standouts include the appropriately titled "A Dream Within A Dream" (which prominently features Robert Fripp's magical touch), the slammin' beats of "Crystal Wave," the totally entrancing "Missing You" and "Three Steps To Heaven" (the latter also featuring Robert Fripp), and the beautiful album-closer, "Spacemen." As of this writing, the Beloved have not released anything new since "X", with Jon Marsh being perfectly content these days working as a producer, remixer, and deejay. But, reportedly, there *may* be a new Beloved album released sometime in the very near future---if Marsh ever gets around to finishing it! I sure hope he does. In the meantime, I highly recommend "X", along with the group's previous releases, "Happiness" and "Conscience." The Beloved are a great band, and I hope they will return.



2. Fans of earlier Beloved stuff ("Hello") might find the songs on X just a bit too "out there." But really the Marshes took a nice style leap here, going into deep house and (almost) ambeint territory. This is not an immediate album but rather one that grows on you. I gibe it 5 stars because it takes chances, does not repeat earlier work and, in the end, emerges as a fine piece of art.



3. I think The Beloved is a beautiful group. Their music is different. You have to be into that kind of music to like it of course. Some people have written that only three songs are good. I'd say that not true. Even though the album was made in 96, they still amaze with the music and lyrics. I've been listening them for years now and I'd say they my favorite group.
   So if somebody rate this album as a poor one, don't necessary trust them listen for your self.



4. This CD, in my opinion contains 5 really outstanding tracks. The singles "Satelite", and "Ease the Pressure" are both great upbeat tracks. My favorite track however, is "Deliver Me", which was meant by the band to be the second single. It is very simple and very beautiful. "Missing You" and "For Your Love" are both great tracks with cool beats. The other tracks don't have quite the same effect on me, but they are each interesting in their own way, and altogether this is a very good album. I would say that I do like "Conscience" even better, however. I can't wait for them to someday finish their next album.



5. After I first listened to this CD I rated it fair at best. 4-5 listens later I began to appreciate this disc. Marsh's voice is sugar smooth as it flows over warm synth rythmns. Tracks 4-7 are a journey in themselves. I especially like #6: FOR YOUR LOVE. As with most synth-pop or electronica, this CD MUST be listened to with a high quality pair of headphones. Otherwise, you lose about half of the subtle rythmns and wash-overs. Take a chance on this one, It will become one of your regular players.

4 comments about Totally Wired: Rough Trade Anthology (Dlx).

1. They're a cult band because nobody can figure out what they're doing or why. Shambling, sloppy, frustrating by design - why are they so interesting? This collection focuses on the early punky guitar stuff. I like it, but I agree with one of the other reviewers: don't buy this until you've heard some of their music.



2. ...This collection of the Fall's peak period on the Rough Trade label is a tremendous grouping of classic, post-punk songs. The Dutch group, the Ex, is the only band that ever matched the eclecticism, passion, inventiveness, and fury of the Fall. Castle/Sanctuary has done a first-rate job, including a bounty of rare singles and killer album cuts, with few misses ("Slates,Slags, ect." is noticeably absent). This collection is the perfect starting point for anyone interested in the Fall. Given that the Fall has released like a 100 albums, this is a real blessing. In fact, along with "The Early Years" and "458489 - The A Sides," this collection is all that but the most ardent Fall fan really needs. Yeah, the Fall is not for every one, but it is for those individuals who truly love original and challenging music.



3. Ok Ok Ok, I know these guys are SOOOOOOOOO influential and all, but I really just can't feel this compilation. As a wise friend once told me "Being the first to do something makes you incapable of being the best at it." That is made readily apparent here. If you really like what you've heard from the Fall, go ahead and buy this. If you're going off someone's recommendation, think again.



4. These days there are almost as many Fall compilations as there are genuine Fall CDs - and that's saying something! Many of them are poor quality (often recorded straight from very scratchy vinyl)and have the odd gem interspersed with fillers or poor quality live material. So, for once, it's a pleasure to be able to say: THIS IS A GREAT COLLECTION, FEATURING ONE OF THE MOST ORIGINAL, INNOVATIVE AND PLAIN WEIRD BANDS OF ALL TIME. As the title suggests, the CD draws together the many highpoints from the band's time at Rough Trade Records. That only covers 4 of the band's 25 years (1980-1984), but fortunately those 4 years were packed with creativity, vitriol and wit. From comparative classics like "How I Wrote Elastic Man" through to perhaps less familiar stuff such as "Prole Art Threat" or "Eat y'Self Fitter" these 31 songs bristle with edgy, angular, resolutely non-commercial pop. Sometimes playful, sometimes sinister, sometimes plain noisy, this is music for people who can't help stifling a yawn when they hear The Datsuns or The White Lines. Do you get the feeling I like this group? I do. Shut up and buy!

5 comments about Human Conditions.

1. This is an unbelievably wonderful and satisfying album. It is a perfect companion to Urban Hymns, which I listen to frequently. I like Human Conditions even more than Alone with Everybody, which is a good album in itself.
   
   I almost did not buy Human Conditions due to the bad reviews. Am I ever glad I did. Just goes to show, even amongst fans, there are different tastes.
   
   Try the album for yourself.



2. Seems like many Verve/Ashcroft fans trashed this CD in the reviews, which I cannot understand. I don't see a huge difference between this and Alone with Everybody so I am not sure what people are hearing when they tell people to stick with Alone and not even buy Human.

   I was hooked with the opening riff of Check the Meaning. The problem is that most people are comparing him to his own insanely high standards and if the CD is not perfect it seems as if people just dropped it.

   It does take some time to grab you, there are some songs to cut, but overall there are not nearly enough artists, especially in the US, who write with such deep introspection, revealing himself for all, and with such respect for art over money, for anyone to trash this CD. Urban Hymns is flawless, a 12 out of 10, so by comaprison Human is maybe an 8 but better than 99% of the garbage out there today.

   Are some song too long? Yes, Overproduced and obviously trying too hard at points? Could it have been edited and a bit more raw? Yup, A little G-d and Savior Complex by Richard? Of course, but there is magic in his emotions, lyrics, and music- If you expect perfection you are bound to be let down but if you listen closely to this CD, spend some time with it, you will most definitely be rewarded.

   And, I don't think it was released in the US, not sure about sales in UK, but if he is not supported you can expect him, and similar artists to go away while we true music fans get trounced by the mass marketed, over-produced, billion dollar, souless, hip-hop, rap-rock, and pop artists- reviewers here seem very inteliigent and educated and of course have a 100% right to their opinion but be careful- go ahead, trash Human, spread the word, convince others not to buy it and be first online when all we are offered is the next Britney or Ludicris CD.




3. Sorry to bash this album, Richard Ashcroft is one of my all time favorites, however this effort is awful. If you are a fan of The Verve, buy his first solo album "Alone With Everybody" - Great Album! Unfortunately, he seems to be going downhill with both lyrics, and sound (If you are familiar with what happened to Morcheeba - it's the same - CHEESE) If you are a fan of The Verve - stick with The Verve - this was a let-down



4. Why is this masterpiece not available in the U.S yet?



5. On his second solo release, Human Conditions, Richard Ashcroft continues in the ponderous vein of Alone with Everybody. Amidst the mid-tempo ballads he prefers, his plaintive tenor is an instrument given to ruminative musings. Check the titles: "Check the Meaning", "God in the Numbers", "Nature Is the Law", etc. Because his tempos rarely stray more than one or two degrees from center, these ten songs are unusually consistent, occasionally familiar. When he's on his game - as he is for half these tracks - he's a compelling seeker of "higher truths". But his everyman messiah can grow tiresome. The songs are too long by half. The symphonic touches - fresh around the time of "Bittersweet Symphony" - have become an affectation. When you make philosophical reach your goal, you should never settle for less than incendiary, which he achieves here once on "Bright Lights", where the rocking guitar pushes him harder than usual, and close to the grace usually reserved for out-and-out visionary weirdos like Patti Smith.

5 comments about Paranoid Android #1.

1. As I understand it, these were the last two songs to be cut from OK Computer. It's easy to understand why. Polyethylene starts off as a quiet solo, then breaks into a loud rock song. Similar in energy to Electioneering. Pearly has a strange almost tango-like tone to the beat and guitar riff, but is another out-and-out rock song. These both appear on Airbag, although a different version of Pearly appears on the Running from Demons EP (it's the same version as this, but they appear to have re-dubbed the main guitar line as it sounds different, and comes to a cold stop at the end instead of fading out). If you can't get Airbag, definitely get this.



2. This single surpasses many of Radiohead's (and other artist's) singles. Not only is Paranoid Android an unforgettable alternative rock song, but the bsides are fantastic as well.

   Polyethylene (Parts 1 And 2)--such a great track. this could have definitely been on OK computer. it begins with an acoustic, calm snippet (part 1). but then, it breaks into an all out rock song (part 2). the track has great, meaningful lyrics and such an incomparable tune. one of their very best bsides ever.

   Pearly*--also a great bside. it has a different sound to it, like it could fit into OK computer in some ways, but not completely. it does have great repeat listenablity value and an addictive theme.




3. WOW! No matter if you are a new fan, old fan, if you like amnesiac best, or pablo honey... you really need to get this single. Paranoid Android could be not only the best radiohead song on ok computer, but maybe their best song ever. To put this song on a single accompanied by two b-sides that will leave you speachless makes this purchase totally worthwile.

   Ok, so heres what the songs are like... Paranoid Android is just such a good song. Once you hear the 4 beeps in the beginning of this song you'd better take a seat. It has such an unbelievable feel to it created by possibly thom's best ever singing, and a guitar riff that gives you the chills. The background sound effects and such make the song all the more breath-taking. It goes into an electric guitar hardcore part towards the end proving the variety and talent involved in the making of this song. If there is one song that will leave a lasting impression on you from the OK computer cd it will be this.

   Polyethylene (parts 1 & 2) comes next on the single. It begins with a nice little accoustic guitar and voice piece (part 1), that would do fine as a song on its own. But then you hear 2..3.. and the electric guitar comes in adding so much to this song. Thoms singing in this part is quite powerful and meaningful, it has a cool kind of off-beat to it. Would definitely go well on the ok computer cd.

   Pearly* is the next and final song on this great single. As if they needed another great song after the first two, but hey, we're talkin about radiohead here... This song sounds somewhat beatles-esque in a way but with a great radiohead twist to it. I would buy the cd for this song alone. Interesting crashing of cymbals and bells lead the way in this song accompanied by a harmony of singing and guitar. Outstanding song for an outstanding cd.




4. It was because of this song that I and many others got into Radiohead in the first place and it remains a pure, complicated gem. But it's not just Paranoid Android - Polyethylene could quite easily have made it onto Ok Computer and Pearly* rates as one of the better guiter-driven B-sides of recent years. Together they make a perfect monument to a great song.



5. Quite simply this is the greatest record of all-time.
   To hear this work of genius in your living room played very loud after a hard days graft is special. To have heard it played very loud with 45,000 other people in Oxford one rainy Saturday was the one of the highlights of my life.

   Forget music listen to this.

5 comments about Girls Girls Girls.

1. This is great especially since it represents his early stuff with "the Attractions" (which I like the best). I would have preferred a chronological order personally.
   
   You cant single out the songs b/c they are all classics



2. This anthology is a great start for newbies to Elvis Costello. I had his early albums on vinyl and have been a fan since 1979, this was my "budget" collection for about 10 years (along with the very best of EC) till I decided to splurge on the individual cd's. A word of warning though, this only covers his early stuff that goes back 20 years plus. Elvis is a prolific musician and has put out a lot of great material since, so my advice is to buy the original cd's that were released used on Amazon (some you can get for under 5.00 with shipping), it will run you 100.00-150.00 for about 15 cd's but you'll have 400 really good songs to listen to so it's worth it. Or get this used and if you really get into it pass it on to a freind (or resell it) and do plan B. Enjoy!



3. This grand collection of Elvis Costello's early work includes some real dynamite. Reportedly selected by the man himself, it includes most of his early gems drawn from albums like My Aim Is True, This Year's Model, Armed Forces, Trust, his country excursion Almost Blue, and others.

   There are plenty of classics like Watching The Detectives, Pump It Up, I Don't Want To Go To Chelsea, Accidents Will Happen, Black And White World and Green Shirt. Listening to this album, it is obvious that Armed Forces is my favorite Costello album for its wealth of catchy, melodic songs.

   On Disc Two my favorites include the tortured ballad Alison, the pop classic Tiny Steps, the lilting ballad Oliver's Army and other masterpieces like Sunday's Best, Less Than Zero and Shipbuilding. I would have preferred the song Good Year For The Roses instead of the title track from Almost Blue, but that is a minor gripe.

   There are at least two other Elvis Costello/Attractions compilations but Girls Girls Girls is my personal favorite by far, since I prefer his early period. It demonstrates just what a genius he is, a master of the intelligent lyric and the memorable tune. On these tracks he creates the perfect synthesis of clever pop, mature rock and memorable country.




4. These are the pearls of the Columbia era for Elvis, and it's a bargain. 47 songs on two discs and a collection of comments from the artist himself, this covers the albums from "My Aim Is True" to "Blood and Chocolate" with only a couple major omissions. (Where's "Radio Radio?") But they are more than made up for by Elvis' notes, which attempt to make a point of spotlighting particular moments and passages, as well as inspirations and mind-states. It may be getting a little harder to find, but it's worth it. Given the brevity the liner notes in the Rhino "Best Of" set from 2001, this set gets the edge.



5. Normally I would give this CD for stars, but seeing that Elvis compiled it himself with liner notes to justify his reasoning, I've got to go with five. My biggest complaint about this CD is the exclusion of two songs, "Radio Radio" and "Everyday I Write The Book", which should be included. But as Elvis explains, this is not a "Greatest Hits" or "Best Of" collection, and he makes his choices accordingly. By the way, the tighter Rykodisc collection covers the same period (1976-86) on one CD with these two songs, and is historically sequenced ("Girls,Girls,Girls" is not). However, the appealing thing about "Girls,Girls,Girls" is the inclusion of many lesser-known songs. The collection also emphasizes his early recordings (pre-1980) which most people should agree was Elvis' prime. Except for the "Everyday I Write The Book" omission, there is a good selection of 1980's material such as "I Hope Your Happy Now"; "Lovable"; "Brilliant Mistake"; and "I Want You", one of his best ever. Good for someone wanting to get more familiar with some great music.