5 comments about Misplaced Childhood.

1. This album is a stunner, every track is outstanding. In my experience with Marillion (so far I own this cd and Script for a Jester's Tear), this one really hits the ball out of the park, and it's from this cd where we see Fish and the band really hit their stride. I highly recommend this cd.



2. At a time when the front leading Prog bands of the 1970's were either fading away (King Crimson, ELP) or adrift without a clear vision of what they wanted to accomplish (i.e. Genesis), Marillion (with Fish) took over the lead in progressive rock and delivered this masterpiece, giving Prog a much needed shot in the arm. MISPLACED CHILDHOOD has it all: a great story, intricate yet beautiful lyrics and incredibly amazing melodies. Those who love the Peter Gabriel era of Genesis, specifically SUPPER'S READY, will love this album.



3. What can I say, this is a must own album by fans of Neo-Prog. Basically anything by Marillion from the Fish era is outstanding, but to me, Misplaced Childhood is where they truly found their stride and began to take their place as a mature band. This is Marillion at the top of their game.



4. THE BEST MARILLION ALBUM
   
   Released in 1985 this was Marillion's third studio album. It is 41 minutes long and the sound quality is very good.
   
   People shy away from the topic, but these guys were really a copy of Genesis. In almost every successful form of entertainment, there are copiers. It is true in TV and it is very true in rock music. Every successful progressive rock group had their imitators. Yes had Flash (which was a spin off) and Star Castle, Emerson, Lake and Palmer had Triumverat and Exkeption and Genesis had Marillion.
   
   But, Marillion sounds like what later day Genesis would sound like if Peter Gabriel remained in the band and sang the Phil Collins songs. Marillion sounds like early Genesis, but only a little more bouncier. The guitar playing is very much like what Steve Hackett used to do, and a little like Mike Rutherford's after he moved from bass when Hackett left the group.
   
   Even though it is a derivative of Genesis, it is still an excellent album. It is a concept album and is just one long, 41 minute suite, except maybe for Kayleigh. The songs all segue into the next song, except for a two second gap between side 1 and 2. In many cases, it is hard to tell when on song ends and the next one starts.
   
   Although slightly lighter and bouncier, this rivals the best of Genesis, including The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway and Selling England By the Pound.



5. Marillion would reach their commercial peak with this album. It was a huge hit in Europe and was able to get pockets of airplay in various locations in the U.S.A. "Childhood" is really a classic progressive rock album and still holds up well today. Most consider it to be Marillion's best and I would have to concur with that assessment. The album is a concept piece that basically revolves around Fish and his failed relationships, and growing up in general. The album produced the band's biggest hit "Kayleigh" which was followed up by the almost as successful "Lavender". The whole album flows like a smooth running stream from the opening strains of "Pseduo Silk Kimo" to the grand finale of "White Feather". Steve Rothery produces some of his best guitar work here and Mark Kelly's keyboards continually shine throughout the disc. The lyrics are all great and Fish is on top of his game in the vocal department. If you are into Marillion or progressive rock in general, this one is a must own.

5 comments about 13.

1. Since their sophomore album, Modern Life Is Rubbish, Blur started to get creative. They began to throw a few new pieces into their songs that stood out against the majority of pop/rock bands. Now we introduce their sixth album 13. Instead of dropping interesting bits into, say, half of their songs, this album is nothing but strange music that is ethereal, loud, quiet, and sloppy all at once. There are very few "normal" songs on here. Blur's 13 mainly consists of psychedelic tracks that occasionally fade out just long enough to come crashing back to finish the song with a stunning climax.
   
   Here are some tracks that are worth mentioning:
   
   Bugman - This is loud, odd song that sounds like a normal rocker, but it gradually becomes a track full of obnoxious, but satisfying sounds. The most interesting fact about this song is how it seems to end, only to return midway with an exciting guitar solo.
   
   1992 - A very spacey song. I say spacey because it sounds like there is a flying saucer is the background. Besides the flying sound effect, this is a very beautiful song.
   
   Battle - I suppose nobody can resist mentioning this track. It is quite hard for me to properly explain this, so I'll use the terms I used above: ethereal, loud, quiet, and sloppy.
   
   Trailerpark - I can understand why people may not like this song, but I think it's just as good as any other song on here.
   
   Caramel - This track is mostly a soft song, though it ends with a loud section. This track also features one of my favourite hidden tracks.
   
   I can honestly say this album is my all time favourite album. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to hear something different and mind blowing.



2. Don't Buy This CD For Any Reason Is a Piece of sweepings Only The Song "Tender" Could Be Listen and it`s Not The Big Deal. Don`t Waste Your Money And Your Time Please.



3. I can't think of another album quite like this. Great mix of relatively straight Britpop and experimental soundscapes, and some stuff that just defies classification. Not a bad track in the bunch. Recommended!



4. IMO, this is Blur's best. The band was unique in that each subsequent album was not only more "progressive," but also very different. Not many bands pull this off, but Blur did. It seems to me that 13 was the band's peak. The songs range from the choir-laden Tender to the Arabesque, hair-bandish Swamp Song. There's only one song I'm not fond of, Caramel, which just kind of drags on. All the rest are great. My favorites are Tender, Bugman, 1992 (Portishead-ish), Mellow Song (Radiohead-ish), and Trimm Trabb. Man, do I love Trimm Trabb! And I think the album's songs all fit together very nicely, a la Sgt. Peppers and American Idiot, where they all pretty much need to be there for it to make sense. After 13, I think Blur's Think Tank was disjointed and a bit indifferent - a few nice tunes, but no 13. You can hear Gorillaz being born in 13, I think. This is one of favorite albums.



5. While I am a Blur fan I just cannot listen to this drivel. It's picked up this cult status among Blur fans as it's the heart-rendering story of Damon Albarn's break up with then girlfriend and lead singer of Wire rip-offs Elastica, Justine Frischmann. 13 is a document of that break up and my god it's useless self indulgence. Mindless even.
   
   First we'll start off with the singles.
   
   Tender - a plodding gospel song that goes nowhere and proves that Damon just can't hack it when it comes to soul no matter how much he protests. Long winded and uninteresting
   
   Coffee & TV - While I marvel at the video, I do think that that takes away from the fact that this song is very ordinary and nothing at all special. It does feature one of Graham Coxon's more agreeable vocals and goes by fine enough.
   
   No Distance Left To Run - Awful. Just plain awful. It never deserved to be a single. It should never have been a single. The lyrics are the most embarrassing I have ever listened to and Damon's voice is just off beyond all point. Although I'm sure those who love this album will point out that it's supposed to represent the pain he's going through. It just doesn't work.
   
   As for the rest of the album it just a horrible mess of styles thrown together to make it sound like they've been listening to the coolest albums around and that America's underground is really cool which is ironic given that this band originally wanted to go against all that.
   
   People say that Blur is Graham's album and this is 13's album and while I'm not so sure I'd label Blur Graham's album I can definitely agree with 13 being Damon's album. It's completely self-absorbed and the music is secondary to the theme of the album which in my book is never a good thing.
   
   However there are a couple of good songs. BLUREMI and 1992 are toetappers and the often underrated Optigan 1. Poor Optigan 1. The Optigan is one of the more fascinating instruments and has a gently surreal yet antique way of sound. It's a credit that this was made. Yet it goes almost unnoticed by many because " Oh it's just an instrumental." A shame that, because it sounds like everything this album is trying to be; emotional, warm, hurt.
   
   But most of the tracks here are surrounded in half thought-out ideas, lazily produced songs and in the case of Trimm Trabb, nicking the opening riff of Wined and Dined by Syd Barrett. I once said that this album was a poor man's Bad Moon Rising ( by Sonic Youth ) and by god I stick to that statement. While that album had oozing soundscapes, inventive lyrics and a sense of adventure even in dealing with some similar viewpoints ( although not all )......this feels completely lazy, lyrics depressed 15 year olds would laugh at, music that doesn't really do much and not a lot much else. It's painful to say that this is the same band who an album beforehand made something that was a stroke of genius. This however is not the answer though.
   
   Buy this if you are in love with Damon's ego. Otherwise, do yourself a favour and buy other Blur albums ( other than The Great Escape and Leisure ) or better yet buy Sonic Youth's Bad Moon Rising. Beats the hell out of this crap

5 comments about Spiritchaser.

1. Dead Can Dance is one of my favorite bands in the world, and this CD is one of the reasons why they are. Haunting, beautiful, and moving, they take me on a musical journey no matter where I am or what I am doing. Their magic is very rare, and it is something that only some musicians manage to conjure. Dead Can Dance is one of those bands. If you like Dead Can Dance and do not have this CD...Pick it up...it won't disappoint.



2. With all the music I've reviewed so far, I can't believe I forgot Dead Can Dance.
   I just watched Steven King's The Mist and one of DCD's songs is in the movie. The Host of Seraphim off The Serpent's Egg. Anyway.......Spirit Chaser.
   Spirit Chaser was my introduction to the band.
   It was, I believe 1996 and I read a review of this disc and it was very good.
   So I decided to check it out.
   Now, being primarily a metal head I didn't exactly "get" what these two were trying to accomplish.
   I really hated it at first, but as the years pass so do changes in taste.
   I can say this is probably my second favorite DCD disc right after Within the Realm of a Dying Sun.
   It's definitely a lot different from their past releases.
   A lot less goth sounding and WAY more tribal feeling.
   Still amazing, still brilliant.
   My favorite is Indus; Lisa Gerard is probably my favorite female singer on the planet.
   He voice is so unusual, unique and mind blowing, it's hard to describe.
   I can see why she won the Oscar for The Insider and Gladiator.
   Brendan Perry also is a hard one to describe; his voice is very versatile, unique and beautiful.
   Then again doesn't that really sum up DCD?
   They really are one of the few groups that are almost impossible to shove into one musical category.
   That's why I ended up falling in love with this group and especially this disc.
   It may drag in a few places, and like a lot of DCD material, it does get a little repetitive in places.
   But with Perry's music and Gerard's vocals, who cares.
   No one can touch what these two accomplished in such a short time.
   I'm just glad their enjoying continued success apart from each other.
   Spirit Chaser?
   Brilliant, beautiful, exotic, impossible to classify and completely unforgettable.
   This may not be the best place to start if you're new to DCD since it's SO different from their past material.
   I would start with Within the Realm of a Dying Sun or The Serpents Egg. The Host of Seraphim off of Serpents Egg is reason enough to check out the disc.
   Spirit Chaser..........RECOMMENDED!!!



3. This is by far in my opinion the best album DCD has put out. I heard that it's out of print, but I could be wrong. If so I wouldn't waste time not buying it. I think anyone who likes DCD would be extremely satisfied with this piece of work. The sound is similar to the other albums, but much more more dynamic, dark, etheric sounding, yet calmer at the same time. Great for those who are really into trance music!



4. Spiritchaser is Dead Can Dance's seventh and last studio album, and sees them forging deeper into realms of ethnic music. Unfortunately, this is also their least successful album musically, and is a bad place for anyone unfamiliar with the group to start their explorations.
   
   One criticism leveled at recent prior albums by the group was that the duo of Brendan Perry and Lisa Gerrard appeared to be getting more and more disconnected from one another musically, with albums featuring a succession of "his" and "her" songs. The two appear to be attempting to rectify that failing throughout this album, with more integrated vocals and more of a group feel throughout. There is a greater emphasis on percussion and drumming, as well as the reintroduction of some electric guitar, mostly unheard on the duo's albums since their second album some 11 years earlier.
   
   Alas, most of the percussion is uninspired, and although several songs begin with promise, almost all outstay their welcome: the opening track, Nierika, ultimately becomes repetitive and boring, the exciting opening four minutes of Song of the Stars (featuring Brendan reading an Iroquois invocation over drones and native drumming), gives way to an interminable six more minutes of guitar noodling and chanting, the initially catchy The Snake and The Moon devolves into repetitive vocal refrains, and even the addition of gamelan to the instrumentation of the eight minute long Song of the Nile can't save it from tedium. Worst of all is Brendan's cringe-inducing stab at Caribbean music in Song of the Dispossessed; one keeps waiting for him to burst out in a chorus of "Day-O!"
   
   Along with the beginning of Song of the Stars, two tracks save this album from wretchedness: the middle eastern flavored song Indus, which at over nine minutes is a bit long, but Lisa's vivid singing carries the listener along, and the absolutely gorgeous closing track by Lisa, Devorzhum. This wordless song has been used in at least two movies, and it's easy to see why. Lisa's singing is at its sweetest and most achingly beautiful here, and drifts atop a layer of drones and gentle guitar strings. By itself this song almost justifies the purchase of the album.
   
   An instrumental outtake from the Spiritchaser recording sessions, Sambatiki, was released as part of the 1996 concert tour souvenir book, and also appears on the DCD box set. It features the same drumming, twangy electric guitar and ethnic instrumentation as much of the rest of the album, but somehow works better than most tracks that unfortunately made it on to the final release.
   
   For those just beginning to explore Dead Can Dance, move on now and come back to this album later if you know you love the group and have to have everything they ever produced. A better starting point for beginners would be the live album Toward the Within, the early collection A Passage In Time, which features their pre-1990 work, or the career spanning two disc retrospective, Wake, though this last has some rather odd choices in the track listing.



5. Their last one - and one of the best, for sure. This duo has single-handedly created a genre of its own which they inhabit almost by themselves. And at the last moment they gave as yet a new direction, more into tribal and latin spheres. Nevertheless, this IS Dead Can Dance: Their mood, their melodies, their voices are ever present. Listen to it more than once, more than twice - and you will find them. From "Within the Realm of a Dying Sun" to "Aion" to "Into the Labyrinth" to "Spiritchaser" they have conquered the world and will forever stay with us.

5 comments about Mantaray.

1. Unlike a lot of others, I'm really happy Sioux is not stuck in the 80's! After all people, they are over! This album is her most personal and since I downloaded it into my mp3 months ago I have not stopped listening to it. She is in great voice, the songs are strong and the beats are addictive! If you get a chance to see her - GO! I saw her a few months back and she brought the house down! And I have seen Sioux live at least 10 times and I think it was my favorite show - well, second - nothing beats the first time...



2. I hope she's paying you guys in Euro's or in Sterling! Seriously, though - I love Siouxsie's 80's stuff, it was brilliant, and she and her band really could not put out anything that wasn't a home run. Simple as that. Since then her clothes have gotten more expensive, her voice better trained and richer, but face it, the music is boring and indistinguishable from a hundred other bands. She should take up baking. And she still makes fun of Goths, legions of whom have paid for her villas in France - Remember, oh she of the flat chest - that without the minions in black you would be working in a laundromat.



3. To keep it short; this is an amazing album.
   If you liked the Banshees I see no reason why you wouldn't adore this release, she has not lost a step.
   Truly an icon, and still on top of the game even if alot of people don't know or don't care anymore, this stuff is as viable as anything on the radio today.
   
   It is amazing how she can still put out something in this day and age, and it is almost as obscure to the average listener as it would have been had it come out 20 years ago.



4. Ok....I purchased this cd back in Octobre 2007 & I have been stuck on it since. I am just now getting around to a sending out a review.
   First off, Siouxsie never left, she was just amusing Budgie for a little while longer.
   This cd is totally 100% worth buying. Every track bursts with newness each time you listen to them. I could go down the list of tracks but that still would not justify them enough.
   Just buy the damn cd & grow from it.
   You won't regret it.



5. Oh Siouxsie Sioux.... a staple of my listening enjoyment since the Banshees released "Kaleidoscope". Here is my bias (I believe in full disclosure): I think "Kaleidoscope" and "Juju" are masterpieces, and I cannot imagine she will ever reach those artistic heights again. I hope I'm wrong, but I just doubt it will happen. Everything the Banshees did back then--even their way-outside-the-box recording and production techniques--was totally cutting-edge. In these days when everything is done to sterile click track precision, check out "Happy House" on Kaleidoscope. Listen through it. Then, to confirm your suspicion that the tempo increased to bat-out-of-hell speed by the end, play the last ten seconds of the song, then skip back to the beginning. Holy acceleration, Batman! But hey, musicians get excited and speed up sometimes. What's the crime, right? Personally, I love it.
   
   Later came her "Creatures" recordings with husband/drummer Budgie, my favorite being "Hai", incorporating a guest Japanese percussionist. The Creatures were fun for awhile, but I think they took the vocal/percussion duet idea further than it really needed to go.
   
   After all that duet material, this new solo record by Siouxsie is a very welcome addition to her discography. While neither as quirky nor as inspired as those early Banshees records (not a typo: they actually were 12-inch, vinyl records), it is a very solid release by a wonderfully talented artist. So, while nothing on this CD pushes the boundaries like those beloved Banshees LPs did, for longtime fans like myself or the uninitiated (could there BE any uninitiated at this stage of the game?), this is a good, solid recording from which I expect to get many hours of enjoyment.

5 comments about Second Coming.

1. I have had this CD about 10 times. I listen to them so much, they got all scratched up and worn out. I got a used version, which was close to mint condition, and it was as great as ever.
   
   This is one of the best albums of a contemporary artist that I have ever heard.
   
   I say, go and get it so you can experience greatness in sound.



2. Despite not nearly equaling their 89' masterpiece which is probably the greatest recording of the 80's, this cd grows with each listen. Just be patient with it and it will deliver much reward. Ian Brown's singing actually improved with this recording.



3. I like this album too! This was my first exposure to the Stone Roses - I heard "Love Spreads" in a music store and it sounded good to me. Eventually I picked up the Complete collection which is good too, but I guess I can see why fans of their earlier stuff wouldn't like this album.



4. I did indeed like the self titled debut from The Stone Roses, but "Second Coming" is much more to my liking. John Squire's guitarwork is so much more on this offering, with his styles ranging from rock, funk, blues, and much more. Ian Brown's vocals are excellent, and provides a nice balance between music and song. A little more upfront than the debut, but with perfect range. Gary "Mani" Mounfield's bass is fantastic. One of the better bassists, who has a more faster, rhythmic rock pace, yet subtle enough when needed. Alan "Reni" Wren, in my opinion, was (and still could be if he ever surfaced again) one of the best drummers to sit behind a kit. Reni depended on shear ability, rather than the flash of monsterous sets of equipment.
   
   I loved "Second Coming" from the first time I listened to it. Every song is a good one, and the following are some of my favorite tracks:
   
   As many people have said, to have an 11+ minute intro is rare, but to have an 11+ minute intro like "Breaking Into Heaven" is pure genius. From the ambient jungle sounds, jungle drums, to the guitar entry, and then Ian vocals, this track is amazing. It truly shows how great this band is. And many times I just want this song to go on and on and on.
   "You can have it all anytime you want it. Yeah, the kingdom's all inside"
   
   "Driving South" comes right at you and allows John to really shine. A great piece of guitarwork for sure. So many times John's style is compared with Jimmy Page's sound and style, but being an original Page lover, I can honestly say that John's work is more crisp and sharp, with a more edgy sound, which definately sets him apart.
   "I'm only here to see if I can steal your soul"
   
   "Ten Storey Love Song" is a softer track, which melds together an eastern and western flavor, along with steady vocals, and a great melody.
   "Oh well I built this thing for you and I love you true"
   
   And then from another direction "Daybreak" kicks up the funk. John, Mani and Reni pull out the funk for sure on this one. The trio lead you on a great ride, while Ian keeps you comfortable all the way thru. And Simon Dawson's keyboards round out this song just right. This song stands out to me a one of the songs that allows The Stone Roses to really shine, showing off their true talent and ability.
   "Yeah Yeah Yeah"
   
   And then, "Begging You" comes from an even different direction, pumping you up into a psychedelic club-like frenzy. Ian really shines on this track, letting you know his true ability of vocal talent. You are truly hypnotized and treated to a musical thrill ride. Another song that sets this band apart.
   "Make all the dust that you can, king bee in a frenzy ready to blow"
   
   "How Do You Sleep" turns everything around, and gives you a taste of good ole fashion blues and soothing rock. Ian's vocal give you an almost Grateful Dead sound, while John and the guys treat you to a melody reminiscent to the Allman Brothers. Together, this makes for a wonderful song. And to me, for a UK band, this is true genius!
   "When the angel of death comes knock knocking and banging at your door"
   
   "Love Spreads" is the one song that actually got a lot of airplay here in the states, and still does on occasion. Im glad for this, as it keeps The Stone Roses alive, and may make some casual listeners check out the rest of their offerings. This track is another good example of John's true talent, with some nice bluesy slide riffs, and straight up good guitarwork. Also Reni gets in on the vocals as well.
   "The messiah is my sister, ain't no king man she's my queen"
   
   An excellent offering from The Stone Roses. I just wish this band could have done more, and allowed us to experience more of what they had to offer.



5. I read the following from Andy Grubb in a recommend disk list:
   "Just put it on repeat and go about your life."
   
   one of the best disks in the last 40 yrs of rock. I like it as much if nt more than their first great CD.
   
   cover is perverse unless it means to say soemthing.
   
   the music however, is excellent. Variety of great songs and rock and music styles. If you like the Raconteurs, Wolfmother, or Led Zepp or even the Beatles you should enjoy this very much. A little psychedelia, a little pop, a little raver, a whole lot of riffin and drummin that ties everything together.
   
   imho these guys were years ahead of their time.
   
   oh well, only time will tell.

5 comments about Lazer Guided Melodies.

1. J. Spaceman's debut which remains the band's masterpiece, a record of rock hypnosis unlike any other with soaring space rock guitars, ambient drones, keyboard/organ, brass, strings, woodwinds...genre-defying and perhaps the greatest album of the '90s (along with the Verve's Storm in Heaven). It is a blissful expansion of consciousness that embodies all of the freedom encountered in the first rock'n'roll dream of the '60s. Beyond that, words fail me as the album's songs are arranged in four multitrack suites which sound like variations on recurring musical themes which ebb and flow throughout the album, a reinvention of classical minimalism in the age of modern rock.



2. After repeated listens it seems as if Lazer Guided Melodies is based on the premise that the visible world is pervaded by invisible forces or spirits that affect the lives of the living.
   
   J Spaceman is a Shaman.



3. True, LGM is great. Others have described the album well enough. The artwork is cool, too. Unfold the insert and hold the front cover panel to a bright light... gasp! It's a scary thing!



4. Everything about this album is shimmering perfection. The secret ingedient is Kate Radley's farfisa work, which provides a brilliant and soothing undertone that is replaced in later (and inferior) Spiritualized albums with an edgier guitar orientation. No surprise, as Jason Pierce gradually took over the band. But here we have Spiritualized at their finest, early on, still working together as an incredibly creative entity.
   
   If my house was burning down and I could only keep one album, this would be the one!



5. I bought this CD when it first came out--back in the day. I still listen to it regularly because it is such a jewel. The only fault with it is that they grouped the songs into sets of 3 or 4, so you cannot skip or burn just one song--you are forced to skip 3 at a time. Nevertheless, I believe this is Spiritualized's best.

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." In this album Richard is on a quest for self-discovery, faith, meaning and new found love. " A Song For The Lovers" is an amazing track. "Brave New World" is arguably one of the best, deepest songs ever written. "On A Beach" is that one song you know is beyond a music chart..it belongs in a treasure box! "New York" takes me back to my High School days in the city of dreams and what life was like before 9/11. From beginning to end Richard takes us on a self-discovery/quest for love journey that is both life-altering and beautiful! 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 out there that can compare..except maybe Coldplay!



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 G-Sides.

1. To be honest i would not buy the album because i only like one song and it is needless to say, 19/2000!!!!!! I love this song. Today I just realized something, Im not sure weather or not anyone else did but this song is on the opening cinamatic of Fifa 2002 for the playstation. Man those were the days sitting there jammin to my favorite song. forgetting about the game sometimes. great song



2. If you want a CD go with the first Gorillaz CD, or Demon Days.
   Not this, this gets old fast.



3. I wish i can give this cd more than 5 stars..its that great
   I just cant stop listing to this cd.
   I love all the songs in this cd like Ghost train,clint eastwood(phi life cypher),Hip Albatross,Faust,etc.
   Very Awesome cd!
   If you're a true gorillaz fan...buy this cd NOW!!!



4. For Christmas of 2005, I got Demon Days, by Gorillaz(which I reviewed also on Amazon)and loved it. I met friends at school who liked Gorillaz too, so I have a music library at school, making me almost look forward to school. I'm disappointed that this only has 9 songs, (6 less than Demon Days;7 less than Gorillaz) and also that Gorillaz didn't remix Rock The House or Tommorow Comes Today. But Clint Eastwood Phi Cypher version and 19/2000 (the first song, not the other 19/2000 remix, which is kinda boring) make up for it.



5. this album should have been left on the cutting room floor. it's awful. buy the first album "Gorillaz' and/or "Demon Dayz" instead

5 comments about Hotwired.

1. Maybe the best out of all Soup Dragons career: solid, powerful, cheerful, trippy, dance-able britpop gem, still rockin' loud almost two decades after being released.
   
   Sean Dickson's voice (one of the best rock-suited ever around), simply stirs up the whole album along with such great guitar moods.
   
   The starting point for anybody wanting to learn about 90's alternative dance rock.



2. This band may not be the most original out there, but so what? Its great to see current bands reviving the Psychodelic pop from the 60's 70's-
   
   These guys sometimes sound like a blend of Brian Jonestown Massacre and Big Audio Dynamite.
   
   They rock. Check em out



3. I loved this album when it was released back in 1992, and more than 15 years later it's still one of my favorites. Unlike many albums that have only a couple good songs on them, I like every single track on this one. The music is energetic and innovative, and it seems like no matter how many times I listen to it I can still go back for more. Too bad these guys pretty much fell of the face of the earth, because they made some great music.



4. How can I describe this album? Succinctly, that's how.
   
   First, take standard issue 70s rock. Then, strip a bit of flab and fuzz off while retaining the wah-wah fixation and the penchant for riffing. Keep it all in mid-tempo, then add a few early 90s elements, such as dance-influenced drum beats. If you wish, add the occasional gospel or hip-hop or country element for flavour. Filter it through an even-handed modern rock production, then make sure your singer adopts a few Ian Brown inflections.
   
   Bam! Instant "Hotwired".
   
   The music itself isn't bad at all, and I'm sure the album would go well at a party. The songs themselves are alright, but the problem is that they're hardly memorable. The production makes them all rather similar, despite the addition of distinguishing elements that pepper each track.
   
   If you fancy a fun slice of pop rock, buy this one and give it a spin. It'll make that sweltering drive home much, much hipper. However, don't expect a masterpiece.



5. I first heard "Divine Thing" on an alternative radio station back in 1992, right then and there I decided to go get this tape, since then I have purchased it on CD and I still enjoy it to this day. Most of the songs are great and very catchy, one might get caught bobbing their head in the car while listening to these tunes.
   
   Most of the songs are more upbeat with lots of cool guitars and decent female background singers who add their own flavor to it, plus there are neat sound effects added some of which are from the "Star Trek" show. There are some slower songs that are good as well, Forever Yesterday is a good song except I don't really care for the first 30 seconds of the intro, there are sound effects that just don't seem to fit but after that it begins with a nice string arrangement which is sounds really pretty. Absolute Heaven is another good song that is on the slower side. My favorite song on the CD is Dream On (Solid Gone), just a fun song. Other favorites of mine include Divine Thing, Getting Down, Pleasure, Running Wild, and Sweet Layabout which is a really fun song.
   
   All in all this is a great CD, one of which I would get an additional copy of it in case something should happen to the one I have, there are only 10 or so CD's in my collection I can say that about. Highly recommended for those who like early 90's alternative music.