5 comments about The Verve EP.

1. REMINDS ME OF PINK FLOYD'S UMMAGUMMA AND ATOM HEART MOTHER (ONLY THE SPACY SECTIONS)
   
   Released in 1992, this is the Verve's first significant release. It is an EP and is only 30 minutes long (I generally knock down EP's by a star, because they aren't good values).
   
   This is churning guitar driven space rock. It reminds of the spacier parts of Pink Floyd's Ummagumma and Atom Heart Mother. However it has more of an ambient sound.
   
   The music here is a lot like the Verve's first full length album, A Storm in Heaven (although that one is more along the lines of Pink Floyd's More).
   
   The only real problem with this EP is that it is not very distinctive and sounds a lot like A Storm In Heaven. I played this CD right after A Storm In Heaven, and thought that I accidently played the same CD twice. I had to back and check the CD's and the song titles to see that they were actually different. That is why I only give this 3 stars. It is short and not essential. You could get A Storm in Heaven and have a lot more of the same.
   
   The Verve (not to be confused with Verve Pipe) lasted about 6 years. They put out 3 full length CD's and a ton of EP's. I have a CD compilation where the band was going accoustic and singing actual songs! It is not very good.
   
   YOU MIGHT WANT TO CHECK OUT FRANCIS MONKMAN, JAM. THE MUSIC IS SIMILAR, ONLY A LITTLE HARDER (AND I THINK A LITTLE BETTER).



2. Assuming you have Storm in Heaven and/or Urban Hymns - you NEED this album. The excerpts do not do justice to this EP-that-feels-epic. Storm in Heaven was very atmospheric, dreamy... but 4 out of the 5 songs here - except A Man Called Sun - BUILD UP.
   
   Gravity Grave, She's a Superstar, Endless Life, and Feel are simply amazing songs created by the band and produced by Barry Clempson. (It has an autumn-feel to it.)
   
   In short, at a little over 30 minutes this EP is never tiresome to listen to every year.



3. Verve were one of the most overlooked bands of the enitre decade. America only took notice of the wigan quartet when they would go on to release their Bitter Sweet Symphony single and album Urban Hymns. In that time Verve amassed a catalogue that in my opinion, is the greatest of all time. There's no other artist in history that matters or means as much as Verve. This EP is a great start, in fact I would advise any newcomers to the band to start right here and progress forward, because each album in their discography exudues self awareness and confidence in changing sounds and you would be better off starting at the beginning.
   
   Here's what you'll get in alll
   
   Gravity Grave - It's an epic recodring, with the trance-like bassline that Simon Jones gets into its clearly a danceable song. Nick Mccabe brings in the brilliant use of his guitar to full effect, with delay and reverb in tow. The overall sound of the guitarwork is incredible, i can't imagine a better guiotar player ever in history then Nick Mccabe. Also, the lyrics are just heavenly, "to me you're like a setting sun, you rise then you're gone." Richard Ashcroft again dazzles me with his vocals which are insanely perfect.
   
   A Man Called Sun - Another brilliant track, this song is a clear example of the brilliant work that Nick Mccabe can do with a minimalistic approach. Richard Ashcroft sings with a silenced voice, he does that a lot on earlier Verve recording such as this and A Storm In Heaven, it adds to the atmosphere.
   
   She's a Superstar - This is pure cosmic bliss. In a perfect world people would have been listening to this slow, surreal ballad instead of the grunge rock music. This is a gorgeous song full of beauty in shiny guitars and again vocals that are just epic. This isn't just a record, its already a classic, beating out anything before it and anything afterward.
   
   Endless Life - A beautiful atmospheric tone introduces the song and takes you into a meditative state. The song gradually builds up to a climax and Verve are taking us for one wild journey. Rochard Ashcroft is singing very muted almost, but it adds once again to the aurreal effect, like it's happening before you and you're a part of it all.
   
   Feel - The closing song is over 10 minutes in length, and incredible song in it's own right. The beautiful shimmer of Nick Mccabes gutiar work still clearly evident. Also the brilliant use of the id section where a funnel of feedback is sed to introduce the end, it just shows how experiemtnal this band was in their make- up.
   
   Clearly put, the greatest EP release ever and a classic none can top, this is except for Verve.



4. "A Man Called Sun" may be the best produced song ever. Previously "Riders On The Storm" by The Doors got my vote, but this song is just about perfect.



5. I love the last two songs ENDLESS LIFE and FEEL. Lyrics didnt really mean a thing to Verve at this time. They were just used as another instrument to compliment the atmosphere of the music. Using pauses, drawing out words flow like the guitar. I really like the drumming on FEEL, it has a hypnotic quality that draws you in and keeps your head bobbing. the song is 10 and half minutes long but it goes by fast. A MAN CALLED SUN is very spooky and very good.

5 comments about I Just Can't Stop It.

1. I really thought that "Original Recording Re-Issued" meant it would have these tracks put back on. I got the disc years ago without even realizing the hack. I guess I'm still stuck with my mp3's from vinyl.



2. I.R.S. CD 70606 [UPC: 0 4479-70606-2 5]
   01. MIRROR IN THE BATHROOM
   02. HANDS OFF . . . SHE'S MINE
   03. TWO SWORDS
   04. TWIST & CRAWL
   05. TEARS OF A CLOWN [Cosby/Robinson/Wonder]
   06. ROUGH RIDER [Prince Buster, Arr. and adapted by The English Beat]
   07. CLICK CLICK
   08. RANKING FULL STOP
   09. BIG SHOT
   10. WHINE & GRINE / STAND DOWN MARGARET
   11. NOISE IN THIS WORLD
   12. CAN'T GET USED TO LOSING YOU [D. Pomus/M. Shuman]
   13. BEST FRIEND
   14. JACKPOT [Asgard/Crooks/Robinson/English Beat]
   The Beat are: Saxa, Andy Cox, David Steele, Everett Moreton.
   
   This is the original U.S. release, which inserted "Tears of a Clown" and "Ranking Full Stop" (both singles in the U.K. but unreleased in the States) to the original U.K. version.
   This CD is out-of-print now and has been replaced by a reissue of the original U.K. form of the album with only twelve tracks. The two songs left off the reissue are available on BEAT THIS: THE BEST OF THE ENGLISH BEAT.
   If, like me, this is the version you wore out on vinyl in the early '80's, I think you'll miss "Tears of a Clown" and "Ranking Full Stop" if you buy the reissue.
   If you order this version, be sure you get 14 tracks; you'll probably have to pay more, but it's worth it.



3. This, along with The Specials (The Specials) is one of the two of the defining masterpieces of the 2nd Wave of ska. However, unlike the Specials, they give credit where credit is due -- crediting Prince Buster with "Rough Rider," whereas the Specials did *not* credit Toots & the Maytals with "Monkey Man," basically ripped off "Al Capone" by Prince Buster, threw some nonsense lyrics together, and voila "Gangsters". They kept the "Don't Call me Scarface," and in lieu of "Al Capone's Guns don't argue" at the beginning, "Bernie Rhodes (their manager) knows don't argue"...
   Ok, enough of that. Both are masterpieces in their own right, but "I Just Can't Stop It" takes the cake, IMHO. And I've been listening to ska for quite a few decades now...and just came from seeing the Beat (as they're known in England; unfortunately an American band named the Beat had them precursor their name with thier country of origin...) for the 2nd time in 6 months. They played over 2.5 hours straight through, and are at the top of the list of energetic bands I've ever seen. And live, they are much different than they are on record -- both are brilliant, in their own special way. My favorite song off the CD, "Twist & Crawl," which is more new wave/mod meets ska, became an insane dub-fueled monster live.
   If you are a fan of music, especially one of the 3rd wave of ska (e.g. Sublime, No Doubt, to name the most famous...and who blended punk rock with ska) and want to know some of the origins of the music, even though Sublime covers Toot's "54-46 Was My Number" and never covers any of the 2nd generation (even looking through my prodigious Sublime bootleg collection), this album is for you. And for those wondering what ska is, this is for you...it is a masterpiece. It's better than any ska anthology you'll find IMHO.



4. The Beat took up their task with relish and purpose, producing one of the most definitive ska albums of the 80's. Today, I Just Can't Stop It remains a timeless work a quarter century later...
   
   Quibbles about the British edition aside (only the early American version of the cd has Tears of a Clown and Ranking Full Stop), this record is as socially conscious as it is fun. Ranking and Wakeling were not overly opinionated lads, but they made their points eloquently and with arresting honesty. It is quite often the case, however, that you find yourself singing along to a beautiful harmony, only realizing later on what the lyrics actually say. I only noticed the political overtones of 'Stand Down Margaret' after grooving to it for some two or three years. :)
   
   It's a shame that a group of this caliber splintered after only three albums, but I suppose we should count ourselves lucky to have heard them at all.



5. First released in 1980, The English Beat's (known in the UK simply as The Beat they added the name English to their moniker to avoid confusion with a California based also band called The Beat) "I Just Can't Stop" it is not only possibly the single greatest album of the later 70's/early 80's ska revival, it is one of the greatest album of the late 70's/early 80's punk/new wave scene.
   
   Already full of nonstop, infectious boppin' tunes the band's US label added two songs to the original album -- "Rankin' Full Stop," and a cover of Smokey Robinson and the Miracles' "Tears of a Clown" that had been stand alone singles in the UK. By omitting those songs from this CD reissue the album has been restored to its original running order and, as a previous reviewer noted, becomes the album the way the band intended for it to be heard.
   
   But all of that is really pretty moot because this is still a great, great record with songs like "Best Friend," "Mirror in the Bathroom, "Hands Off She's Mine," and "Wine and Grind/Stand Down Margaret" (ah, the days of the anti-Thatcher/Reagan anthems) that compel you to hit the repeat button on your CD remote over and over.
   
   Ignore the reviewers who don't know the history of this album and get this -- the complete and original version of one of the all time great albums.

5 comments about Strange Folk.

1. I first heard Kula Shaker live in Philadelphia Pa. about 10 years ago. At the time I thought I was witnessing the rise of a band destined for greatness ... then they broke up. When I saw them back together with a new CD I went out and bought it right away. I think it's the best thing they've done yet. It's my favorite CD of the year so far ( well maybe a tie with Smash Palace's "Everybody Comes and Goes"). Great songs, great musicianship, top notch vocals, creative arrangements and spot on production...how could you go wrong??



2. This album is awesome. I won't break down each song, but wanted to drop down my 5 stars. This is easily my favorite album of the last year. Strangefolk is a must. Thank you Kula Shaker!!



3. This is a solid outing for the band, and a bit of a more mature album. I like it cuz I'm a bit older too!
   Rock on!



4. 
   This album is fantastic. As somebody already mentioned it Strangefolk shows a mature band doing things right. I like that in this album the Hindu influence is small, and I'm glad about this cause that was something they already explode and was about time to listen something different.
   
   What I really like about this album is the psychedelic approach that heavy 70`s influence in here, the organ, the guitars, the vocals in songs like Dr. Kitt where you can almost hear the doors.
   
   Im being honest here I was not expecting this album to be this good but is like fresh air, its original on its own context without being a novelty.
   
   Get it you wont be dissapointed.



5. Kula Shaker has been gone too long but this CD was worth the wait. This is a very strong release with some of their best songs ever.

5 comments about Modern Life Is Rubbish.

1. Most of the people try to get everything new and fresh, ignoring things that are old now. One of those "old" things is Modern Life Is Rubbish, one of the best albums ever made. Because it wasn't really around in US in 1993, it didn't gain enough popularity and is not well-known here today. It's bad. Bad, because it is so good. The album is not recycling the classic british groups' music-it builds on it, gives many new musical ideas, styles, and the result is what will be in your head if you will put "Sunday Sunday", "Turn It Up", "Oily Water" and "Miss America"(tracks from the album) in a mixer, make a cocktail out of them and drink it. It is not "just britpop", it is alternative, progressive, very british rock-what's not to like? And, by the way, Modern Life Is Rubbish is a name so good, it must be on your shelf.
   All you people looking for things all-new, stop right now and look in the past. There will you find good-old Blur's Modern Life Is Rubbish album. Get over yourself and pick it up-you won't be dissapointed.
   P.S. And, if you like only american music, then you should expand your musical horizon and try something new.



2. Does Modern Life Is Rubbish suffer the ill-fated sophomore curse that have plagued many great bands? No. It is actually the superior album. From the beginning of the first song "For Tomorrow" you can tell this will have a different kind of sound than Leisure. Then "Advert" starts playing and you can tell this song has a different feel to it as well. By the time "Intermission" has finished, you really can't help but be surprised that the band that used the tired shoegazing style of Leisure is the same band that created this bizarre album full of strange sounds and complex music compositions. But the fun doesn't stop there. Even the second half of the album, though has a few soft songs, continues the slightly psychedelic rhythms and sound effects all the way to "Commercial Break"..... And it still doesn't end there. Two bonus tracks close the album at tracks 68 and 69. "When the Cows Come Home" is fun little song that could have fit in nicely within the rest of the album. "Peach" is the weaker of the bonus tracks, but it is worth listening. Modern Life Is Rubbish is, in my opinion, Blur's first great album. I'm not saying I don't like Leisure, but since I enjoy bands like Gorillaz, Flaming Lips, Pink Floyd, and early Genesis, Leisure sounds a bit boring in comparison.



3. The grandeur of this album didn't quite dawn on me until the second time I listened to it, and thank goodness I gave it that second chance! Included on this awesome C.D. are many varying guitar patterns, many of them being largely catchy and enjoyable. Horns accompany some tracks, as well as piano and occasional television samples. The only real negative feature of this C.D. is that the lyrics are sometimes mildly corny, such as in "Villa Rosie" which has the line "so tasty" repeated about eight times, or in "Turn It Up" where the listener is permitted to hear the awkward phrase "kazoo, kazoo" on multiple instances. Despite this unfortunate factor, though, most of "Modern Life Is Rubbish" is great listening. Track #8, "Intermission", is a sprightly song which includes a humorous recurring piano pattern that is somewhat circus-like. The pattern gradually accelerates as percussion and hard guitars are added in. This C.D. has plenty of rockin' tracks that are vital for the Blur fan to hear. I would recommend it with enthusiasm and present it proudly with five shinin' stars.



4. I think this is Blur's best. It has more rocking songs on it, later Blur albums get a bit too arty and weird. "Colin Zeal" is my favourite, its kind of a Bowie influenced song, and it rocks hard. Oily water" is second best, I love the ending.
   By the way, the Gorillaz suck hard.



5. Blur would continue on to build upon the moderate success of this album and the return of there critical stock. But this is also the work of a band building a scene and style all there own. the lyrics are so heavily identified as kinks esque in many reviews but the strength of this album lies in its punkish straightfoward manner, though it betrays post punk and american alternative leanings among others (check out the My bloody valentine styled break in Oily water or the beautiful Lo-fi of miss america)Damon slurs and scowls throughout the album, it remains Blurs most cohesive and stands as a statement of there intent. they would explore diffrent facets of there sound from here but this album remains there finest. ragged intellegent and untainted.

5 comments about Alone with Everybody.

1. As the date indicates I am 8 years late in reviewing this album, but wow..Richard Ashcroft is a genius!! ! Richard's magical voice and his ability to pen some of the best lyrics make this one of the best solo albums ever. My only regret is not listening to it sooner! I've become a huge Verve and R.A fan since listening to the Verve's new album "Forth." If you want to hear great sounds and beautiful lyrics that seems to flow together, than get every Richard Ashcroft and The Verve album..there is nothing better ( except maybe Coldplay) out there!



2. I'm not too familiar with The Verve's sound. I was hooked on Richard since seeing him on Live 8 London during summer of '05. This album is worth getting. Richard uses a variety of sounds and instruments that only American country artists can pull off--yet he does a brilliant job. He'll have you soaring--and swaying--like his signature dance in no time! Beautiful work.



3. Richard Ashcroft seamlessly moved from The Verve into his brilliant solo career and this album along with the others is fantastic. Richard is the best thing to come out of Britian and hopefully he will keep putting out new albums for years.



4. To all you fellow fans of the three strong albums released by The Verve: what are you hearing in Richard Ashcroft's first solo album that I'm not? After about five listenings, not one song sticks out (maybe "New York," which sort of reminds me of the U2 song of the same title), and the entire album leaves me cold. Almost every song goes on too long, and Ashcroft seemingly has forgotten how to write a rousing chorus, ala "Weeping Willow" or "Lucky Man." The absence of Verve guitarist extraordinaire, Nick McCabe, is especially missed.
   
   Normally I review every album by a particular band in order of release, and, if you're interested, I reviewed the three Verve albums, awarding each four or five stars. However, even though people say that Ashcroft's second solo effort is better than his first, after spending too much time with "Alone With Everybody," there are just so many other albums I'd rather buy.



5. Now, don't let this statement turn you off, as I know that there are many of you that don't like hip-hop, and that the difference between gangsta rap (or any rap, for that matter) and the shoegazing wall of sound that the Verve produced is indeed a large one, but bear with me; I have a good point.
   Eminem, one of my favorite artists, was at his best, in my opinion, better in the beginning, when he was raw, more energetic, and more willing to piss everyone off. But in the last two albums of his, he's become (sigh) more mature, more introspective, and his music's become samey, and not as thrilling or impactful as it was in those classic days when he could, lyrically, do just about anything.
   The same is evident here, with Richard Ashcroft's solo debut. I was saddened to discover that the Verve had separated; indeed, they were second only to the Stone Roses in pioneering the shoegazing sound, taking it to a more experimental and spiritual place. "Bittersweet Symphony", the song that made the Verve's last album, Urban Hymns, a worldwide success, was indeed a stroke of genius, and Ashcroft, no longer having the power of his band behind him, has not matched it here. Of course, no one expected him to.
   What Ashcroft does present here is his own incredible songwriting talents, and his formidable ability to craft a melody, which is largely present on the first half of this album.
   Indeed, everything from the brilliant songcraft of "Song For The Lovers" and "I Get My Beat", to the introspection of "Brave New World" is brilliant. "You On My Mind In My Sleep" is one of the best love songs I've heard in a long time, and Ashcroft even manages to revisit some of that brilliant Verve-era psychedelia on "New York", probably my favorite track.
   "Crazy World", another up-tempo one along the lines "Song For The Lovers", is also enjoyable, but it's not quite as well polished melodically, and it symbolizes a decline in the quality of the songs. The latter half of the album is a bit too stripped down for my tastes, mainly a largely acoustic affair, even experimenting in the twang-twang guitars so well known in country music (eww).
   "Money To Burn" sees Rich tinkering with that fringe blues-country Zeppelin mastered on 3 & 4, with mixed results. "Slow Was My Heart", while lyrically strong, could just as easily be presented by Toby Keith. "C'mon People" is complete Georgia Satellites, or maybe even Billy Ray Cyrus (gag). Lastly, "Everybody", the closer, strays a bit from these country leanings (thank you, Christ), but still isn't up to caliber with one of Urban Hymn's less memorable slow-tunes.
   The only song worthy of note in this latter half is "On A Beach", which is lyrically equal, or even superior to "You On My Mind".
   All in all, I'm happy for Mr. Ashcroft. He's found love, he's cleaned up, and he sounds happier than he was in those days of Northern Soul. As a songwriter, he's grown up, but sadly, that's a double-edged sword, as growing up usually takes away all of the angst that makes music exciting. Here's hoping that the other members of the Verve can see past their differences, and show Coldplay and Keane, or whoever who's the boss.

5 comments about This Year's Model.

1. Elvis's first disk with the Attractions (Steve Nieve, Bruce and Pete Thomas) burns brightly even today. The songwriting is wonderfully acerbic, the band sound is stripped down to a live feel, and each musician kills. A must own!



2. If only for the great bonus live disc. I am sure they could have just released the concert on its own and sold it out many times over. Like another reviewer suggested, this is even more thrilling than the El Mocambo concert disc, but they could've fixed that also by releasing the entire Mocambo show, un-edited. Setlists being similar, we probably don't need both, but heck, Elvis could release them anyway. A whole passel of live show releases would be nice, for that matter...
   Docked one star only because the bonus material on the first disc has already been reissued.



3. Elvis Costello's second album, "This Year's Model" has received the re-release treatment before, most recently in 2001, but this truly must be regarded as the ultimate 30th anniversary deluxe reissue treatment.
   
   CD1 (23 tracks, 70 min.) first brings the original album, and what a delight it remains 30 years later. It almost sounds like a greatest hits album in and of its own, with classics like "Pump It Up", "(I Don't Wanna Go to) Chelsea" and "Radio Radio", but the non-single tracks just sounds as good in retrospect (such as "No Action", "You Belong To Me", etc.). There are 10 bonus tracks, including delightful b-sides like "Big Tears", "Crawling to the USA" and "Tiny Steps". Several other tracks are repeats from the 2001 re-release, including the delightful alternate version of "Chelsea".
   
   CD2 (17 tracks; 63 min.) brings the complete show of the band at Washington's Warner Theatre, and what an absolute delight that is. This was recorded in February 1978, a couple of months before "This Year's Model" was released, and the set mixes then-old (from "My Aim Is True") and then-unheard (from the upcoming album) tracks, and it is just fabulous. Costello and his band are at their absolute best throughout. The highlight for me is the expanded (6 min.) version of "Watching the Detectives" but there isn't a single weak moment on here, and any serious music fan will want to have this, both for the quality of the concert and for its historical value. Not to be missed.



4. I'll only comment on the concert recording.Good,sometimes suprising seperation and arrangments.The band sound like they just discovered, or were slipped some speed.Almost worth buying for people who have both US and import LP's and 3 different Cd versions already. Man, its starting to suck being middle class.



5. The Rhino two disc reissue has everything contained on the first disc and then some. The re-mastering is fine on the Rhino release and this does not improve on it. The packaging and liner notes are much better in the Rhino release. The live concert on the second disc would be the only reason to purchase this release if you already have the Rhino release. The concert was originally a radio broadcast from the Warner Theater in Washington DC a week or so before the officially released El Mocambo concert. It contains an early solo version of "Chemistry Class" that was previously released on a different Rhino re-release (Armed Forces?). The rest of the concert is presented here for the first time in its entirety. So what are the differences between the Warner Theater concert and the El Mocambo concert? The set lists are close though I've always thought that "Live at the El Mocambo" was edited to fit on one vinyl disc. Here are a few differences: Lip Service is only on El Mocambo and No Action, Red Shoes, Hand in Hand, Blame it on Cain and Chemistry Class are only on the Warner Concert. Both have the Dallas version of Less than Zero and the Wipeout drum roll version of mystery dance. The Warner concert appears to be the whole show and I suspect that "Live at the El Mocambo" has the song order altered in addition to having a few songs cut. Both concerts are about equal in the quality of the performance. The band sounds deranged and hungry for success on both. It is "pull out the stops" rock and roll in its purest form. Both have mistakes in playing and sound quality-wise the Warner concert has more stage buzzes. There's no doubt that Elvis Costello and the Attractions are at their aggressive cocky best on both shows (The Warner show features Elvis stating, "Are some of you unimpressed?... cause I don't believe you!"). I would rate the Warner concert better as it sounds more "in the moment" than "Live at the El Mocambo" does. It's a tough call for the dedicated fan as they could have released the concert as a single disc instead of attaching it to something we already have and charging a premium price. I give it three stars cause it's all good stuff.

5 comments about Damned Damned Damned.

1. The Damned-Damned Damned Damned ****1/2
   
   Damned Damned Damned was one of the very first punk albums to be released and it was the first by a British group, as well as one of the very best from the first wave of punk, even though Britains first wave was technically the second wave. Captain Sensible and Rat Scabies went down as sort of the Mick and Keith of the punk movement, and this album is really why.
   
   The Ramones influenced opener 'Neat, Neat, Neat' showed us what we were in for while 'New Rose' knocked us on our can and taught us that the Damned were gonna take no prisoners. 'Stab You In The Back' was basically the template for all 1980's hardcore punk, and the albums closer 'I Feel Alright' is probably the best closer on a punk album.
   
   Damned Damned Damned was the Damned's first album and certainly their best. They would go on to make some great records along the way but none that could even attempt to stand up to the likes of this. This is a classic not only from the band but from the genre as well and one that should be in every one's collection. If you like rock n' roll you'll love this.



2. The best Damned album and one of my faves period. Everything but Feel the Pain is amazing. Their cover of 1970 (they call it "I feel alright) is absolutely stunning. In the end it's much like the first Floyd album, Piper. It doesn't sound much like the rest of The Damned's stuff, but it's just plain better than the rest of their stuff. Anyone looking for a great punk album without the chance of some hardcore activism and with a bit of a joker innem should get this album.



3. The fact that theres only 3 other reviews up to this point shows how underrated this classic is. This is the first "punk " record out of the Uk released before the pistols clash etc. The Damned really were a special group combining tight songwriting unbelievable energy and more importantly a sense of humor. Almost every song on this record (cd) is a stone cold classic - crisp quick loud full of fun and well "rocking".
   Great vocals by singer/ vampire Dave Vanian- a booming voice over shearing riffs and pounding drums. This along with Machine Gun Ettiquette (the damneds third lp)is a must own alongside Never mind the bollocks the clash's debut and In the City by the Jam. The damned still tour (yeah theyre fatter older and not nearly as good as the glory days but worth seeing all the same. THe damned also stayed exclusively on Independant labels while all the other "punk" bands signed major label deals. The damned did sign with Mca in the mid eighties and suffered artisically despite some flirts with major success. Its been heralded as the Uk's best from 1977 and its hard not to agree.



4. The Damned have been creating caos for thirty years
   the 1st to do it all and undoubted the best .On this album, Lead singer Dave Vanian,Lead guiarist and {writer on the majority of the album }Brian James,Bass guitar Captain Sensible,and Drummer Rat Scabies completely crush all hopes for anybody wanting to rock the hardest.Fast ,Heavy songs played as if they where your abusive stepdad.Probly the most underrated Punk band ,or just band in genaral.Songs like "Feel the pain" and "fan club"offer a darker more "gothic" sound, while "Stab your back"(writen by Scabies)and "NEAT,NEAT,NEAT" provide some serious tremours through the vains that would scare a Junkie.
   "See her tonight" is forsure the peak song of the album.so full of energy from begining to end it makes a speed addict gelious.
   A must have Album for anyone who considers themselves a true punker and for anyone that loves rock and roll



5. Okay, I definatly have a bias twords early American punk (the Ramones, Johnny Thunders, ect). But I must conclude this is an absolute punk classic! Being the first British punk album, you can definatly hear its American influences. Heck, most of it sounds like Johnny Thunders. Despite all this, it is incredibly unique and just flat out rocking. The Damned did punk rock before and better than anyone else in Britain. The songwriting is fantastic (most of it by guitarist Brian James) and the musicianship is much better than the average punk band. A good deal of the songs don't follow the set three-chord punk route. As I said above, Brian James was one of punk's best songwriters, with his tunes such as "Neat Neat Neat" and "New Rose" are undisputed punk classics. The band went downhill after he left unfortunatly, even though "Machine Gun Etiquitte" was a good album. I'm very glad to see someone had the brains to put this back in print.

5 comments about The Saint: Music From The Motion Picture Soundtrack.

1. I love this cd. I put it in when I want to get up and clean my house. It's one of my favorites.



2. this collection of songs represents a pretty interesting point in time to me. it has gathered a lot of different music types and every song is respectable
   
   dream within a dream by dreadzone is one of my all time favorite songs its just perfect for what i look for



3. I bought this album when I saw the movie in theatres ... it's brilliant from the diversity of the music to how great all of the songs are. It comes with me any time I travel a long distance ... and living across the pond this makes it irreplaceable in my collection. I must say that the greatest find, unbeknownst to me before hearing this, were Dreadzone. "A Dream Within a Dream" is a track that moves me to this day. If you like good techno mixed with a little bit extra, this album is for you.



4. This is one of the best soundtrack albums on CD. Every track is a classic - a superb album!!!



5. the saint was a truly terrific take on the hit 60s tv show starring Roger Moore. The soundtrack really captures the essence of eastern europe chill music with 6 underground and Dream within a Dream. if it werent for the missing tracks from the Carrs and the Smashing Pumpkins this soundtrack would be literal gold.

1 comments about You Cross My Path.

1. If you happen to like rock music and haven't bought any "CD" in 2008, well this is the one you must get. The Charlatans make a bold statement on how a band should sound and perform these days. With the special edition discs you get a sample from both worlds; their spectacular return to studio and samples of peaks of the band performance during recent tour dates. If you're a fan be sure to complete your collection no matter if you downloaded the songs before, i'm sure it's worth it. Without mis-takes, this a timeless piece of history in music.

5 comments about Electronic.

1. IF YOU LIKE NEW ORDER THEN YOU WILL LOVE THIS ALBUM IT IS A HIDDEN GEM, EVERY SONG ON THIS ALBUM IS GREAT WITH GREAT SYNTH MUSIC THIS ALBUM NEEDS TO BE IN YOUR COLLECTION IF YOU LIKE GOOD MUSIC, BERNARD SUMNER'S SINGING IS ALSO VERY GOOD IN THIS ALBUM, THIS IS WHAT YOU CALL A CLASSIC ALBUM



2. Their first album and their best, Raise the Pressure will have you moving to the music. Most notable is Neal Tennants distinctive voice added to some of the tracks and his unmistakeable style. For those who love the Pet Shop Boys, you should not miss this CD. The songs are well written and crafted and have a unique style of their own. It's a shame that "Dissappointed" fromt he Cool World soundtrack was not added as it was the last time Tennant would sing with the band, it is, however available on a single.



3. This is another CD I bought to replace an old cassette. The album is as good as I remember it being.



4. This album will prove easily why Electronic are the best New Order side project. Monaco follows in a close second spot - but then again, that's for another review.
   
   I have had this album for ages now, but I never have gotten tired of listening to it... the songs sound like they could have been recorded yesterday - that's how fresh and relevant they are.
   
   Some of my favourite tracks are "Idiot Country", "Reality" (I love the beats!), "The Patience Of A Saint", "Getting Away With It", "Gangster", "Get The Message" (fantastic lyrics), "Try All You Want" and "Feel Every Beat" (makes me wish I could play the piano). Okay - I realize I have named eight out of the eleven songs here - but honestly, that's just how much this album blows my mind.
   
   If you love great synthpop/britpop or are a fan of New Order (especially New Order a la Republic), then get this album. You won't regret it, I promise.



5. Hidden gem I love it. If you like new order buy it.