2 comments about Jacks & Kings.

1. I love Jimmy Thackery's singing and searing guitar work, however, he only plays and sings lead on one song. On this album, the Nighthawks (Thackery, Wenner and company), provide backup for their guests, Guitar Jr., Pinetop Perkins, Bob Margolin and others. All of the music is excellent but, if you're expecting a lot of Thackery, you're not going to hear much of him as a front man. As another reviewer pointed out, an excellent slow blues number, "Got A Mind To Travel", was dropped from the original Volume One vinyl and also "Before You Accuse Me" was dropped from Volume Two. There can be no good reason for both of these omissions because the original two vinyl albums were together about 81 minutes long, so only one song had to be omitted to make both albums fit onto one CD.



2. This CD is a little tough to review in that it is really two albums combined. The first is a classic bar band blues set with backing provided by regulars from the Muddy Waters band. The second veers more toward R&B and rock. The first album is definitely superior but since it is sold at single CD prices, the second album is really just a bonus. One other quibble is that the slow blues tune 'Got A Mind to Travel' is dropped from the vinyl version of the first album and I hate to see it go. What's left is mostly uptempo good-time blues by a band that loves its work.

5 comments about Old Enough.

1. The vocals are excellent, Lou Ann has the best female blues voice on the planet. Buy "Sugar Coated Love" first and this album 2nd. Of course I am partial to Stevie Ray Vaughn and real "Texas Blues" (Stevie appears on "SCL"). There are horns on some songs on "Old Enough" and I personally don't like horns with my blues.



2. How can I rate if you don't put up any samples.



3. ...I was not disappointed-this CD is true, gritty Lou Ann style-and shows off her vocal style. Good Enough CD is just that-good enough. It sounded a lot like an Eagles album to me and when I looked a little closer-low and behold-it was produced by a former Eagle. I like the Eagles, but, the style if very different from traditional Lou Ann Barton sound. The CD sounded too watered down for me-this had most to do with the production/style than Lou Ann's vocals..



4. Another strong effort from Lou Ann Barton. She has one of the best female voices in blues music. Sultry, sexy and strong. With a power that can captivate and absorb you. The songs on this CD are solid but are raised a notch by the vocals. "It's Raining" is stunning, emotional, and passionate. "The Sudden Stop" makes a great impression. The list could go on.

   In short. If you are a blues fan this is an album that should become a staple of your collection. The Texas blues can not be ignored and if you are talking blues and Texas or blues and women, Lou Ann Barton's name must be mentioned. Do yourself a favor and look for this CD.




5. In the voice, there's a taste of the little innocent white girl playing at being bad, but these are terrific cuts. I don't know what happened to her -- maybe she's still singing in Austin, Texas -- but this is one fine album that I love as much now as when I first heard it.

No comments about Take a Giant Step: The Best of Taj Mahal.

2 comments about Wonderful One.

1. vanessa Bell on her debut cd is wo wonderful. Her vocal capabilities are something to be favored among other gospel artists.
   i love her dearly for her gift and prya she will continue in the ministry.



2. Now that 80's music sounds are "in" again, this is a perfect time to explore contemporary gospel of that era. This album is exceptional not only for it's representation of being a time capsule of the period, but also for Ms. Armstong's voice and delivery.
   
   Vanessa continued vocally what she had been doing on her previous self-titled album, which is a great thing. "Something Inside So Strong," "Wonderful One," True Love Never Fails (with Jonathan Butler)," and "What Shall I Render" all belong in your collection. No vocalist can match Vanessa's special gifts, and she's better heard than written about.
   
   Like the previous album though, many of the lyrics are ambiguous enough that a casual listener may question whether this is spiritual or mainstream music. In that regard it's like many other "gospel" albums, both 20 years ago and today. But I implore you, don't let that stop you from buying this album; the material is decent to very good and Vanessa's remarkable voice is always worth hearing. In fact, Vanessa's voice and what she does with it are probably more effective testimonies to the Creator's power, love and grace rather than any of the lyrics on this set!
   
   Look at "Wonderful One" as inspirational rather than revivalist and you'll have a reasonable expectation while still being blessed by one of the finest vocalists alive. Enjoy.

4 comments about Keith Sweat Live.

1. I first saw Keith Sweat live back in 1997 when he opened up for New Edition on their Home Again tour. Sweat and his band handle the CD very and Sweat's vocals are good. While the CD doesn't contain my personal favorites like When I Give My Love and Why Me Baby, Sweat has never sounded better on Right & Wrong Way and Nobody.



2. Already three years, and I still listen to Keith Sweat's live album sometimes! This is a well done live concert that he did in Washington, DC. Best numbers are a very funky I Want Her, the superb Merry Go Round and its slower groove, the dynamic My Body with fellow LSG members Gerald Levert and Johnny Gill, Nobody with Athena Cage, I'll Give All My Love to You, and the funkier Twisted. Keith's band kicks hard on all of the songs and his background singers sounded very good. It takes about 30 minutes deep into the CD for the audience to really start cheering more--they start getting louder later on as Keith turns the heat and energy up! Sweat is in very fine form vocally and he gives the fans what they want on this live album!



3. Keith Sweat was able to take His Style of Singing&Carve out a Good SOlid Run.I enjoyed His First Album the Best overall&His Best Songs here are those Hits that are still the Cuts.I give Him Props for Surviving the New Jack Swing Era.



4. This CD is tight, Especially my all-time favorite which is the bonus track from the soundtrack to New Jack City.I recommend this joint to the fans of old school music.

1 comments about Sweet Forgiveness.

1. This live set by Joe Cocker was recorded on May 2, 1981 in Denver, Colorado. The liner notes give a historical perspective on Joe Cocker's career. After Luxury You Can Afford, Joe was dropped by his record label, which as I recall was Asylum. This two-year period without a recording contract before Sheffield Steel was released on Island was when this concert was recorded for American radio as Joe embarked on a world tour. While I've been totally enjoying Joe's new CD Hymn for My Soul, I thought I'd check out this live import. The live recording "Live in New York" that was recorded a year earlier sells for as much as $200; so this is certainly a more affordable choice.
   
   B.J. Wilson who was the drummer for Procol Harum played on this set with Joe and results in what I can find of the only recording of "A Whiter Shade of Pale" by Joe that I can find. Joe does some of the hits that made him famous like his signature song and first hit, the Beatles' "With A Little Help From My Friends." "Hitchcock Railway" from his second album also sounds joyful here. Soul classic "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" that appeared on "Luxury You Can Afford" gets a live workout here. Also from on that release is Joe's version of Bob Dylan's "Watchin' the River Flow" which boasts some stinging electric lead here on the live version. Ashford/Simpson's song "I Don't Wanna Live Without Lovin' You" is here as well as Dave Mason's classic hit for Joe, "Feelin' Alright." Joe loves the music of Jimmy Webb and recorded two tracks, "Just Like Always" that was on "Sheffield Steel" and his soulful version of "The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress" from I Can Stand a Little Rain. "The Letter" that was a 60s hit by the Box Tops before appearing on "Mad Dogs & Englishmen" shines here too.
   
   Joe rips a searing version of the title tune for this live set. "Sweet Forgiveness" appeared on the "Live in New York" set. While I found the song credited to Bonnie Bramlett & Leon Russell, I think that may be incorrect. Cocker often recorded songs by his friend Daniel Moore. Bonnie Raitt's title track recording from Sweet Forgiveness is credited to Moore; so I imagine this is the same song. Moore's "I Can't Say No" is on this live set. The sound quality is good on this 2-CD set from one of the all-time great rock interpreters. Enjoy!

3 comments about Love Songs.

1. Ok.There's no question about the talent of Ms. Cole but I have to admit there are several hits that are missing "Someone That I Used To Love", "I Do" a duet ft. Freddie Jackson and " I Wanna Love Again". But this cd is one helluva buy. And I bet you'll crave for more.



2. Natalie Cole might be One of the Most slept on Artists ever when you think about it. I mean she has had a solid Career thus far with so many knock Out songs that have truly highlighted her range&the versatility of Her Music comes across loud&clear on this set.Our Love&this Love an everlasting thing are classic.



3. Ms. Natalie Cole is such a superb singer . Her sense of timing and sense of what the audience wants is demonstrated in this wonderful CD. I highly recommend it!

1 comments about Different World.

1. Apparently these guys come from a world where there are no professional musicians. The album sounds like something your hippie neighbor recorded at Great America. It's folk, I suppose, of the idiotic amateurish variety. Peter Gabrial's `Solisbury Hill' shines through the muck though, proof that excellent songwriting can transcend even the lamest cover. All told, this ain't worth your time.

No comments about Four Way Stop.

5 comments about Invincible.

1. Let's focus on the music. Forget about all the gossip, all the rumors and the BS talk about MJ's personal life. Music is what matters here. King of pop is back, and he rocks!
   
   Invincible opens with "Unbreakable", a great uptempo tune with a nice&groovy background. Michael's trademark singing style is there, intact. Next song is one of my favorite: "Heartbreaker". Lyrics are well written and the music has the punch that all MJ fans like. Invincible (contrary to what all detractors say) is a bout a girl, not a megalomaniac self-proclamation. This album has a lot of paced and reflexive tunes that will get you mesmerized: "Heaven can wait", "Speechless" and "Butterflies" stand up over the rest. "You rock my world" is definitively an impressive song. Michel's voice flows smoothly over this addictive old-school synth background.
   
   Invincible is an impressive album that will hook you from beginning to end. Give it a try, focus on the music and enjoy!



2. i love michael jackson and everyone makes fun of me i dont care,but this cd i think....sucked.i can only remember one maybe two songs that i actually liked..and im leaning toward the 1song more...*sigh*



3. Unfortunately, this album was never given a chance to succeed in the U.S. Whether it was a rift with the record company, poor marketing, Michael's image as a weirdo, or a combination of all, fans just didn't get to hear any of this album unless they went out and bought it.
   
   The best song on this CD is "Unbreakable," one of the most energetic dance songs he's ever produced, featuring a hard, hip hop beat. It's a little defiant and angry, but there's nothing wrong with that. "You Rock My World" was the CD's first single, and while it's no "Billie Jean" or even "Remember The Time," it's better than much of what we hear on the radio these days. "Whatever Happens" is a collaboration with Santana, and it's a song that takes listeners on a journey and tells a story. "Break of Dawn" and "Heaven Can Wait" are two above-average R&B ballads.
   
   I realize MJ has set a standard so high that it's almost impossible to live up to his own legend. I also realize that he feeds into his own hype, which makes anything less than perfect seem to be a disappointment. Every MJ album from "Off The Wall" to "Dangerous" is phenomenal. "Invincible" is not at that level, but it's much, much better than the new material from "History." If you give this album a try and accept it for what it is rather than comparing it to his past work, you won't be disappointed.



4. I had the cd before and i lost it and havent been able to find it anywhere. Then i was told to look on Amazon and i have been hooked. The cd was in great condition and thank you for having it at such a great price.



5. "Invincible" was released as a "comeback album" in 2001, two decades after Michael Jackson's landmark "Thriller." Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Lacking the creativity&genuine fun of its predecessor, "Invincible" is a sad,pathetic,tragic mess. MJ has become a ghost of his former self-- musically and humanly,and it shows. It's his sonic fall from grace. MJ wanders-unsuccessfully-into the worlds of Latin rock&hip-hop to become hipper to younger audiences.
   
   The opening track,"Unbreakable",morbidly features postmortem vocals of the late Notorious BIG. It's a megalomaniacal song,complete with MJ's weird vocalizings. MJ showcases his heavy breathing in the femme fatale "Heartbreaker." The title track involves some odd rapping. The easy listening pap of "Break of dawn" has corny lyrics like "You and me making love." It sounds inspired by a Harlequin novel. The "hit single","You rock my world" has comedian Chris Tucker egging on MJ to try to get the girl,saying he won't get her (because he's NOT INTERESTED,maybe?) "Rock my world" is a decent track,perhaps because it evokes MJ's '80s glory days. There's the gender ambiguous love song "Butterflies",with "all I can do is sigh" and "I wish I could be with you all night." Whoever the "you" is isn't specified. For the rap fans,there's the passive-aggressive "Privacy",in which MJ blames the media for his problems. He plays the victim,begging for sympathy. MOST hip-hop is aggressive stuff,but this one is a "poor me." Carlos Santana is dragged in for instrumentals in the bland salsa of "Whatever happens." It's a thankless duet,and Latin rock legend Santana is left on the sidelines. "Lost Children" is a creepy lullabye. There are samples of MJ's children talking&laughing. Disturbing stuff. Finally,in the rap "Threatened",MJ declares,"I'm the living dead!" Never were truer words spoken.
   
   "Invincible" is chock full of bland salsa,by-the-numbers hip-hop,and generic R&B. It's the King of Pap past his prime. Self-destruction never sounded sadder.