1 comments about Mo Hippa.

1. This is a truly "smokin'" set from the New Orleans based Funk, Blues, Jazz, Rock pianist Jon Cleary and his Absolute Monster gentlemen.
   
   Recorded live in Australia last year, this performance comprises songs from Cleary's albums and some New Orleans standards of- Professor Longhair, The Meters, and King Floyd whose music remains alive in these capable hands. The playing is tight, funky and soulful, with a steady groove and some heavy riffs on guitar from "Big D" Perkins. The record is well recorded and it is impossible to stop your feet from tapping once the disc commences playing.
   
   I listened to this disc following a listen to the new Rolling Stones Live set/soundtrack to the new film. I probably will never listen to the Stones record again but Cleary & co show how live music should be played.
   
   Fantastic. The best live CD I have heard since Neil Young's Live at the Filmore.

1 comments about The Whole Fam Damnily.

1. Well, if you mix Dom Flemmons (carolina chocolate drops), Charlie Patton and Jack White (from the white stripes) together and have it start smoking at age 10, you've got the Rev. Peyton...
   
   The rhythm section can be a bit weak at times, but it's still awesome... As good as Mama's Fried Potatoes....

5 comments about Born to Do It.

1. This album is so smooth it's nasty! First off, Craig has an amazing voice, then add to that extremely versatile vocals (first he sings, then he raps, then he'll blend into a rap singer) and you realize early that this a formidable young talent.
   
   The production is even better. Attempting to blend multiple genres of music (Hip-Hop, R&B, Garage, Club) is very difficult, and it's pulled off without a hitch. The use of instrumentation, namely the acoustic guitar, is used to devastating effect. Add to that the layered vocal arrangements which further enhance Craig's voice, and you have butter, period.
   
   Three highlights of the album are "Can't Be Messing Around, "Follow Me", and "7 Days". "Can't" is a song where Craig does the vocal triathlon, gold medal style, and has a timeless theme to it. "Follow Me" is a straight deal closer. If you can't make it happen with this joint, forget about it. "7 Days" was the first song song that made me pay attention to this young cat. For all the hip-hop heads out there, two remixes were done, one featuring Fat Joe, and the other Mos Def produced by DJ Premier. Nice!
   
   Now, some will say, all he does is talk about himself and his female escapades. Hey, if your thoughts were recorded when you were 19 years old, it would sound similar to this, so take it easy. Others will say, this isn't pure R&B (think 70's Soul). Well, I'm glad it's not. It's the evolution of roughly 50 years of music (starting with jazz) made on two continents. It really shouldn't sound like anything prior to.
   
   I can see why many people thought he was going to be world music's next megastar. He's a mixed race, English spoken dude who can sing and dance. Everything about him is very accessible, so it's kinda odd to see that he never reached the stars.
   
   Nonetheless, I give this product my endorsement.



2. I remember when I first heard Craig David's first single Fill Me In, I liked it but I didnt decide to buy the album late 2003. I dont regret it because it's actually good. Can't Be Messing 'Round, 7 Days(I love the video also), Last Night, Fill Me In (part 2 aka the remix) are all fast songs that actually work. Craig David excells the most when he makes slow songs and tracks like Rendezvous, Walking Away, Follow Me, Key To My Heart Once In A Lifetime are evidence of that. This album is flawwed though. Booty Man is very peculiar. Rewind is a failed club rocker and Time To Party is not necessarily bad but it is questionable. There is also the problem of Craig David trying to rap. He is not awful but he is not good either. His verses in Last Night and Time To Party made me chuckle. Despite these flaws, this a great album by another talented singer who will more likely to be slept-on in the states while being embraced overseas. It's sad really. This album is still worth checking out. Standouts: FILL ME IN(original and part 2), CAN'T BE MESSING 'ROUND, RENDEZVOUS, 7 DAYS, FOLLOW ME, LAST NIGHT, WALKING AWAY and ONCE IN A LIFETIME.



3. The service was excellent! It was hard to find this CD and Amazon shipped it right away.



4. This was a big album for R&B in the year 2001. While it was considered a typical r&b album by most, if you listen to the album, you will see the difference in US r&b and UK r&b. Born to Do It was the first R&B album from a UK R&B singer to make it big. This album shot Craig to superstardom. Not so much in the US maybe, but in the UK for sure. In the UK, Craig David is Usher. He is extremely popular in the UK. I think he is the best selling male R&B artist ever to come out of the UK. Over seas you would be surprised at how much attention this guy gets. Esspecially considering how little attention he got in the US even after he delivered this stunning album. Born To Do It is the first album of its kind. Its got a pop/r&b/soul/funk/dance/2 step feel to the album. While there is not alot of baby making music on this album, it still has a very sexy vibe to it. This is the type of album you play on friday night on your way home from the club. And not to mention Craigs voice is flawless. He has amazing range and his voice is just really pure and soft. I mean its really hard to pick just a few good tracks on this album because i can honestly say this is a classic album. I mean alot of people have heard the song that gave him a name "Fill Me In" which is great song alone, but then you add in the relaxing "Rendevous" which is so soothing it could put you right to sleep with its dreamy sound. And then there is the traditional break up song, but Craig took a different approach, instead of doing a slow-ballad, he did a more mid tempo breakup song, which really worked for him in the form of "You Know What". I mean i will never lose appriciation for the artist that Craig is, because i almost like the fact that he is not popular in the US because then his music never gets old. And its always a challenge to find his music. Great Album!
   
   
   Grade:
   A



5. I've actually had this CD for a while, and recently rediscovered it. This cd is amazing and rarely are there releases like this. Craig David's voice is amazing and although the subject matter is fairly repetitive, it can be written off as inexperience. Even so, it still is great cd, and a soundtrack to the early 20 year old's life. Rendezvous is probably the best track on this cd, and can really speak to you. 7 days is quintessential, along with Fill Me In, but another track that doesn't get as much acclaim is "You Know What". This track showcases Craig David's lyrical and musical talent.
   
   Buy this album.
   
   And the "Trust Me" - his latest album - is amazing as well...buy that too ...when it officially drops I'll write a review for that as well...and buy the album.

5 comments about Magic Time.

1. Sorry, but this recording bored me to sleep.
   
   Look for it in my trash.



2. Croon to me, Van. Love is muti faceted, and Van Morrison's tribute is a wonderous story blending the bittersweet, joyous and reverant.



3. What can one say about one of the greatest artist of modern times? He could sing the phone book and make it interesting. I've loved Van the Man since the days of THEM and have more of his music in my collection than anybody else. I've seen every performer I've wanted to see worth seeing...almost...except Van and Paul Simon...and just may go to Austin in September if gas comes down! This particular CD is blues and he sticks to the genre like syrup on pancakes on Saturday morning....ummmmm! He is a true genius that deserves to be affected and particular and maybe even strange and a recluse if choosen...like greta garbo...just wants to be left alone. If anyone calls tell them you haven't seen me. He will be worth shedding a tear over when he is gone because he has made the world I live in so much better. Thanks Van the Man for Magic Time always.



4. Definately not his best effort. In fact I have only listened to it one time. Having been a fan since the 60's I can easily say that this is not worth the time or money to include it in your collection. There are so many memorable tunes from Van the Man don't disapoint your self with this one.



5. 3 and 1/2 stars i would say. this is an enjoyable set, absolutely. there is not really a bad van morrison recording out there (heck, i even get enjoyment from "a period of transition"), but let's face it: van is not trying very hard here. this is the kind of recording he is so used to making that he could call it in on the phone from home. a little r & b, plenty of mid-tempo stuff with nice tame saxophone, standard blues harmonica and some gentle string arrangement stuff. all nice, all predictable. none of it classic (listen to "astral weeks," or "veedon fleece," for the classic stuff). the only tune here that's close to outstanding is "gypsy in my soul," which is very, very strong. lots of the rest has an almost cheesy las vegas feel to it. and hey, nothing wrong with that; i find it enjoyable, myself. it's just not great. it doesn't even try for great. it is what it is: an easy to listen to piece of entertainment. fine by me.

5 comments about Sneakin' Sally Through the Alley.

1. I have very mixed feelings about this CD. The musical support provided by Lowell George, other membrs of Little Feat and the Meters are simply stunning. The keyboard parts stand out very much and the drumming is very funky. The best song by far is the title track. What a cool groove.
   
   Outside is another strong track. Whereas I like Sailing Shoes, it just does not compare to the Little Feat version. It all starts with the vocals. Robert Palmer just can not compare to Lowell George on this track.
   
   AS a matter of fact, Robert Palmers vocals are erratic on this CD. He's very good on the title track, Outside and decent on a couple of others. However, that last song, Throught It All With You, Mr.Palmer just sounds like he is grunting and does not rise above the solid backing unit.
   
   Also many of the songs do not have solid hooks. Robert Palmer would go on to record more solid hook driven songs later in his career. On this CD, it is very hit and miss.
   
   Basically the style is good but the substance is not there full time yet.



2. This is a must have record. Robert Palmer is great.But add some of New Orleans best musicians and songs and it make this a must have.To bad he is no longer with us.Glad he had success with "Addicted to Love" But to me the record blows that away!



3. This is Robert Palmer's best album by far. It was actually made in New Orleans with the Meters and Allan Tousaint. These people are R&B Funk pioneers. Nothing he did later compared with this. This album really groovilates!



4. Wow! How have I not heard this music until 2007? Lucky for me one day I was listening to satellite radio when the first three song grouping caught my ear. Of course I was familiar with Robert Palmer's music but not this. It's unlike anything else I've heard from him and I love it. I bought this cd right away and then shared it with friends. If you like funky cool music buy this cd. After you're done listining to it you'll want to hear it again.



5. This is the debut album from Robert Palmer and its brilliant. His successful 80's albums are not a touch on this. Don't get me wrong I like Riptide, but this is in a different league.
   
   With members of The Meters and Little Feat backing him, this album is really tight. It would have been quite something to see these guys live. The material is a mixture of originals and two classics by the great New Orleans musician and producer Allen Toussaint. These are the title track and "From a Whisper to a Scream". Palmers vocals are as smooth as you would expect and unlike much material from the early 70's this doesn't date.
   
   This album and Pressure Drop (Palmers 2nd I believe) are both well worth getting. Robert Palmer changed styles throughout his career but never matched these two early classics.

5 comments about Get on Board.

1. If you know or don't have a problem imagining that the blues can lift your spirits and enrich your soul, you'll love this album - and any other by Eric Bibb. He adds a lot to this world.



2. I just recently have been turned on to Eric. It is a quality of Blues done by the old guys. It's pure. In his blues he speaks to us all about our priorities and how it could be so much better if we would let God in our life. He doesn't beat you over the head with it. But it is spiritual and freedom motivated.
   
   Bapp3rd



3. Bought this for my husband and it is his favorite...well, both our favorites. I love hearing great new music...Try it and enjoy



4. I like popular music, particularly roots music, which combines different genres. In essence, 'Get On Board' is a mix of blues, country blues and gospel - but there are jazz and folk elements also.
   
   Although Eric Bibb's voice is not especially powerful, it has a textured warmth and he sings with something of a 'gentle authority'. His songs have fine lyrics and subtle melodies and with many, the message is 'Love, Peace and Harmony' (to slightly paraphrase another reviewer) - and, with his disarming and unaffected style, EB delivers this without ramming it down your throat. However, some words of warning - much of the music is laid back; in fact, on a few tracks, if EB and his crew were any more laid back, they'd be horizontal. The supporting cast of session players and vocalists display an uncanny empathy with EB's music and they provide an understated, yet rich, musical backdrop behind his vocals. Full marks also to Glen Scott for his immaculate production and mixing.
   
   
   I liked all of the songs (all are written or co-written by EB, except 'Stayed On Freedom' which is a 'trad. arr.') - some brief comments about a selection :
   
   THE PROMISED LAND - With its edgy slide guitar and gospel groove, a mid-tempo song destined to ensure 'standing room only' in many a small country church.
   
   NEW BEALE STREET BLUES - A song featuring syncopated jazz rhythms and a short 12-string guitar solo. Also, the muted harmonica playing, during the first 2 minutes, is a real treat. 'God's Kingdom' has a similar vibe (but rhythmically, is slightly different).
   
   GET ONBOARD - A more up tempo song with enough hooks to make it a candidate for release as a single.
   
   IF OUR HEARTS AIN'T IN IT - A slow tempo soulful song; it features Bonnie Raitt on slide guitar (including a short solo).
   
   CONVERSATION - A slow blues number and a duet with Ruthie Foster. Up until now, I'd only heard her as a backing vocalist, but here she takes the lead vocals - she has a really strong, soulful voice. Additionally, the Stockholm session players provide some wonderfully smooth horn accompaniment.
   
   STEP BY STEP - A slow tempo gospel flavoured song which features some shimmering lap steel guitar playing.
   
   
   Although far from being regular 'pop' music, many songs have a certain 'pop' sensibility, and this should make 'Get On Board' accessible for a fairly wide audience (even if gospel/blues music is not 'up your street') - but, alas, I somehow feel that EB's music will not reach this wider audience. He is an artist who feels very comfortable with what he does, he doesn't need to 'try too hard' - his music just has a natural spontaneity.
   
   'Get On Board' is a main dish of gospel infused blues/country blues - dressed with 'smoky-smooth' vocals and served up with a few morsels of edge, some dollops of groove and a generous helping of soul; a highly enjoyable album - 4.5 stars.
   



5. Love the blues, folk, and gospel sound of this album. I always like a new refreshing, little different sound in the gospel and christian music world and this cd does just that.

5 comments about The Essential Luther Vandross.

1. The songs that are listed on the the web page for disc 2; NONE of the songs were on that disc. I am disappointed in the false advertisement of this cd, there is NO "creepin", "if only for one night",or "dance with my father".The Essential Luther Vandross



2. I had the best of love 1 and 2 and they were on cassette,out of date.This was the perfect replacement for the 2 cassettes



3. this really is the essential luther set! my only complaint is that a couple of the songs (like superstar and a house is not a home) are not in their entirety in this collection. other than that, it's a great cd.



4. I can't give this a perfect 5 because although the tracks picked are all excellent, the versions aren't always full.



5. I purchased this CD as a gift and they loved it!! CD arrived on time and in great condition!

5 comments about True to Myself.

1. i remember listening to this everyday when it first came out. i have all of his albums and this one is my favorite. i love his voice!



2. Eric Benet has me entranced by his indescribable talent. He is pure soul! His voice is rugged yet smooth... edgy yet creamy... delivering a solid performance that enraptures your listening experience.



3. Eric Benet's first debut showed us that he can combine the elements of funk, soul and seduction to lure us into his web of sensuality. Femininity is a sex purry kitten seductive vibe that sets the tone for this masterpiece. True To Myself is the beginning of funk for Eric's sexy tenor. I'll Be There is the follow to more sexy funk. Eric mostly is the king of sexy funk.
   Can We Stay Together remix is the ultimate bomb. The rest of the cd is not much to be desired but it's passable.
   Grade: B-



4. The Ten Commandments remain revered by me when I seriously say, "Oh, My GOD!" This is one of the best songs ever made, this Fem In In Ity. Check it :
   
   I like the way you take control of me
   
   You have a little certain quality
   
   Not many girls would ever dare to be
   
   The lady that you are ...femininity
   
   Oh, but the music! The piano riff at the start followed by Eric's melodic, crisp and fresh moans just gets me goin' like the morning sun, warm and new. Of course there is so much more to love. The man is so very talented. Halle Berry Benet had more happy days than sad I'm sure. Eric has a witty laid back sense of humor and an earthly passion like a country garden in the south. He's the bomb. The autobiographical, remorseful homage to Eric's deceased Baby's Mom (While You Where Here) will have you heaving a bucket of tears (she was killed in an automobile accident during a snowstorm one longago April) but feeling Eric's cleansed healing by the end. This man is just so cool and you feel him, fall in love with him, feen for him and forgive him as he stays true to his extremely talented self on this slamming album.
   Listening to True To Myself is like taking a drive down to a true coffehouse jazz joint and tapping into the aura of an unsigned hunk on the guitar/piano/mike and swooning into the hot mellow funk.
   Disclaimer: Virgins needn't apply for the refund. Don't ask - no harm, no foul. Get back with me when you're grown and sexy.



5. I've been waiting for an opportunity to post this review of Eric Benet's first album since it was first released in 1996. At the time I worked for a national record store chain and was doing everything I could to promote his album, including buying my own copy when I could have gotten a free promotional copy from the label rep and letting everyone know it.
   
   "Eric Benet is one of the most exciting young singer/songwriters to come along since Brian McKnight burst on the R&B music scene in 1992. His songwriting is prolific, mature, and socially conscious without being sappy or overly sentimental. Benet wrote or co-wrote all but one of the tracks on his debut album, and his vocal delivery in each song is moving and convincing. From the funky opening groove of the title track, to the beautiful orchestration of "While You Were Here", a bittersweet, tearjerking ballad (dedicated to the memory of his daughter India's mother who died tragically in a car accident), Benet manages to capture the heart, mind and soul of the listener for the duration of this album.
   
   The musicianship of his album personnel is often reminiscent of superband Mint Condition, and serves to enhance Benet's powerful vocals. The evidence of the influence of Stevie Wonder's vocal and arranging styles come through on this album, too, but not often enought to limit Benet from carving out his own niche in the R&B world. If this isn't this young artist's best work, then he and his fans are in for a long, enjoyable career."
   
   Recommended tracks:
   While You Were Here
   Let's Stay Together
   Femininity
   Spiritual Thang
   I'll Be There
   
   
   I had the pleasure of meeting Eric Benet at a live performance/autograph signing at a local club called "The Warehouse" in Detroit, MI, when "True to Myself" was first released. Benet struck me as a very down to earth individual who was a very humble and talented artist. Of course, all this was prior to his very public courtship and marriage to Halle Berry and their subsequent break up. Even though the circumstances surrounding his split with Ms. Berry may have left some of his previous admirers questioning his character as an individual, his talent as an artist has not diminished and TRUE fans of his music will stick by him because his talent is undeniable. I have yet to purchase his latest album, "Hurricane", but I will be buying my copy soon! I love what I've heard of it and if the title track is any indication, Benet's fans have gotten another great set out of an accomplished artist whose musical growth has been borne out of his life experiences.

5 comments about Truly: The Love Songs.

1. Well, Once again Mr Richie comes out with a great CD ! All you need to do is put it in your CD player kick back and relax . A+



2. Lionel Richie, whether that was his intent or not, became the Johnny Mathis of the 1970s and 1980s with his obvious preference for the love ballad, both during his career as lead singer with The Commodores and as a solo act. From the first group hit [Machine Gun] in 1974 to his last solo charter in 1996 [Don't Wanna Lose You for the Mercury label], he was responsible for 36 Billboard Pop Hot 100 hit singles [all but one with Motown] and, with a few exceptions, most fit under the category of love songs.
   
   It's not surprising therefore that this CD, despite NOT being billed as a "greatest hits" or "best of" compilation, has no less than 17 which were hit singles, six of them #1s [only tracks 1 and 16 were not hits]. Seven of them [including two #1s] are from his Commodores stint. Would that most greatest hits albums were as this thorough.
   
   Also an accomplished saxophonist, Lionel left The Commodores in 1982 [his last hit with them was Why You Wanna Try Me?] and immediately struck gold as a solo act with Truly, a # 1 for two weeks in late 1982 [in 1981, while still a member of the group, he had cut the smash duet Endless Love [# 1 for NINE weeks] with Diana Ross]. Three more # 1 hits would follow, with the only one missing from this collection being 1983's All Night Long [All Night].
   
   The sound quality is flawless and if there is a fault it's the absence of any appreciable liner notes in the fold-out insert which contains merely a re-listing of the contents, but no discography, and a few more photos. There is, however, a short message from Lionel which fits into the theme of the album - "I find love - difficult to explain - impossible to control, comes when you least expect it and is for each of us a unique experience. I hope you can identify with and enjoy some of my experience."
   
   We did Lionel. And thanks for sharing.



3. Lionel = LOVE
   Best crooner of love songs ever!
   Have a memory for each song!



4. Lionel Richie is the greates singer of love songs. I love to hear his voice. He has this way about making a woman feel good about herself in a song. I love the old stuff.



5. Lionel Ritchie is the man! I find myself singing to one song after another. Great listen for when I'm in a mellow mood...

5 comments about Definitive Collection.

1. This is the best CD I've purchased in a very long time. Mr. Cray provides us with low blues, high blues, soft blues and hard blues. His voice is perfect for this music and his playing, well, there are no words to describe that. I have had this disc in my car's player since I bought it and have listened to nothing else. I sing with Bob but I'm glad he can't hear me.



2. Great blues-y soul touching songs. No duds on the CD at all. Well worth the money.



3. I have always heard and knew about Robert Cray , but until i saw him on tv in concert . I just never knew how awesome he really is . This cd will win you over , all of his best recordings are on this disc . My favorite is Poor Johnny . If you love Blues , maybe with a hint of jazz , you will really enjoy listen to this cd . It is 5 star all the way !



4. I knew of this nice Blues guitar player and singer, thanks to a friend who didn't like his album "Strong Persuader".
   This compilation has almost all the best of Robert Cray, including "Smoking Gun" and "Right Next Door (Because Of Me)"... What a good song this one is! Both hits however, are included in "Strong Persuader", but it is worth to get it if you want to have a quick review of all his musical career.
   The sound quality of this Hip-O edition is quite good. Bravo!



5. If you love Robert Cray, you can't go wrong here. Much like "Heavy Picks", but with a couple extra songs. I really like "Moan". That's such a great song. Still with so many great Cray songs out there, they just can't put everything on a single disc.