No comments about Love, War and the Ghost of Whitey Ford.

5 comments about Shake Hands With Shorty.

1. I saw the Mississippi All Stars open for John Hiatt at the House of Blues in Hollywood and they later came out to play as his back up band. Man Oh Man! What a night of music. They keep the blues alive. Quite simply fantastic musicians and a brilliant album.



2. Blues based rock had been done to the point where it seemed unlikely that anything else original would come out. But, lo and behold, in the year 2000 the North Mississippi All Stars arrived on the scene sounding like nothing that had come before them. One aspect that makes this band different is that the songs are actually covers of rootsy blues classics written by Fred McDowell, RL Burnside and Junior Kimbrough, authentic "old black men" and neighbors of the band in rural Mississippi. Another obvious musical influence is the Allman Brothers with perhaps a drop of punk rock energy thrown in for good measure.
   
   Fortunately, Luther, Cody and Chris are all talented musicians who can really rock out on their instruments. I haven't seen these guy play. But this is the sort of music best appreciated live and I'm sure it would be a blast to see them in concert. In terms of song quality, my favorites are "Po Black Maddie", "K.C. Jones" and "Station Blues", all of which have a unique and creative sound, a few tracks such as "Goin' Down South" and "Drinking Muddy Water" are more standard blues rock and can get a bit monotonous. But still this is high quality music and comes highly recommended.



3. Great music, I love the opening track, "Shake 'em on down".
   
   Good stuff here, you won't regret it.



4. This record really is great. No joke. Not only can these guys play, but they really write catchy songs too. They are unique and blend classic rock and funk sensibilities with their bluegrass tunes. Definately worth checking out.



5. If you ever have a chance to see the North Missippi AllStars live, you won't regret it. They have a style unlike any. The cd does not do their talent justice. It's something that must be seen.

5 comments about The Comfort Zone.

1. Who would really call Vanessa Williams a great singer? Possibly no one. However, add her to the short list of women who can't really 'sing' but can still release an epic album, memorable decades after it was first released. How Vanessa accomplished this on "The Comfort Zone" in 1991 is beyond me, but it remains what it is - a flawless contemporary R&B Record that can proudly sit amongst your record collection with the best of them.
   
   "Save The Best for Last" was the prime US No. 1 Single here, but its also the most cheesy and suffocating track on the album - only because almost every other song is at least twice as good. The title track, a minor R&B hit back in the day, is still a great piece of production, and the Grammy Nominated single "Runnin' Back to You" doesn't sound dated despite the obviously huge Paula Abdul influences. However, the album really shines when it slows down for more meaningful groove-jams such as "Strangers Eyes" and the vastly overlooked "What Will I Tell My Heart", which Vanessa attempts a la Billie Holiday - with some interesting results.
   
   The great thing about this album, and one reason why this will become a staple in your home if you do decide to get this, is because every song is so different. "Freedom" is a classic slice of early 1990s dance music (very much like C&C Music Factory), while "You Gotta Go" can rival anything put out by Toni Braxton in terms of listenability. Along the way, Vanessa manages to craft a CD, though while long, is still extremely involving. Many people I've turned on to this CD haven't found one weak track, and listening to this now makes one realize just how vaccuous and boring the so-called R&B divas of our generation sound (Olivia, Nivea, Ciara, Ashanti, Raven Symone etc). Also of particular interest is that a couple of my friends who only listen to rock music, have strangely found themselves asking me to burn a copy of this for them!
   
   An unexpected treat. This album still remains vastly unknown, but its a bonafide classic. Vanessa herself couldn't make an album this good in her career ("The Sweetest Days" did come close to that), and its a definite must-buy, if you ask me.
   
   Five Stars. An additional bonus is that lyrics to all songs are included in the CD Booklet.



2. I just finished with my review for Vanessa's first Cd "The Right Stuff" and plugged this one as her much more appealing album. I was very pleasantly surprised with this Cd from the beginning to the end. I love that there are several cool dance numbers, tract #1,2,and #10. I know that "Save The Best For Last" was the big hit, which I loved when it first hit the air waves(I remember waiting by the radio and listening to Hot 105.7 just to catch this sond to record it on tape!). However, this is the song I listen to least because there are so many other great songs on the Cd. Vanessa's voice sounds sooo much better here, and who cares if this Cd was as some would say "over produced"(whatever that means anyway), it worked. Vanessa Williams' music stops at this Cd for me, why in the world did she not make another Cd like this one is frustrating.



3. Yes, this is a classic album for any 90's R&B fan. I have her greatest hits CD and the girl delivered on that CD and she did it on this. Girl, has some cuts....... I always thought Vanessa Willams was just a pretty face ( she reminds me of my step-mom when she was in her 20's.) but the girls really can sing.
   
   I love the album version of "I Got Work To Do. And the other single with Brian Mc Knight. Not save the best for last but the other one.



4. Vanessa's sophomore effort "Comfort Zone" is a step up from her debut album and showcases a greater maturty. My favorite songs are her famous "Save The Best for Last" as well as the epic closer "Goodbye" which has excellent keybaords and great musicianship.



5. Vanessa around this time had already had two of her four children, five top ten hits from her previous album, won numerous awards, etc. But the question was would Williams fall into the usual sophomore slump as so many other artists? The answer to the previous question would be no since this has become her highest selling album to date.
   
   The first three tracks from the album are excellent and even though her first single and first hit from this album, "Running Back to You" is somewhat dated, but it's a great, empowering tune about how she refuses to allow some man to walk all over her. The follow up single and title track, "The Comfort Zone" shows Williams at her sexiest as she can put any person into the 'the mood' with her smooth, sexy vocals and teasing lyrics. The third track "Work to Do" is a good remake of an Isley Brothers' tune flipping the script to a woman's point of view about her not being home because of her career.
   
   Williams on this album continued to prove her best with ballads. The excellent ballad tracks for this album is the chart-topping worldwide hit "Save The Best For Last" and the follow up single "Just for Tonight." Also, the beautiful jazz cover "What Will I Tell My Heart" that was also featured in her forgettable movie, Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man. The song shows how she can squeeze all of the emotion out of a song without being like her counterparts and over singing a tune, this is one of the best songs Williams has probably recorded in my book! The last track "Goodbye" is also good, the song sounds somewhat dated but NOT the type of dated when listening to it would make you cringe.
   
   As with her previous album there was some tracks which the album could of been without such as her duet with Brian McKnight on "You Gotta Go." The duet lasts too long and even though it is good that Williams does not sound helpless in lyrics, but it is not really all that catchy. I would recommend seeking out her later duets with McKnight such as the international smash hit "Love Is" and their recent duet off her Silver and Gold album, "Joy to the World." Another track which could of been left off the album is one of the few tunes Williams uses her writing skills, "2 of a Kind" as the song lyrically does not hook the listener as it could.
   
   Overall this has become one of Williams best albums and I personally think it's sad that her music is not as treasured as it should be. I would give this album 4 1/2 stars but there is not a sort of option on Amazon.

5 comments about The Essential Tommy Castro.

1. THIS IS ONE OF THREE TOMMY CASTRO ALBUMS I RECENTLY BOUGHT. HIS MUSIC IS FUN, FUNKY,AND RHYTHMIC, MIXED WITH JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF BLUES. I HOPE TO SEE HIM LIVE SOMEDAY.



2. Wow What a Wonderfully hot mix of music.......Does the MAN have a voice or WHAT!!! It was my 1ST taste of Tommy and I fell in love immeditatly!!



3. A fantastic compilation that stands the test of time. Certainly a good intro to Tommy Castro as well as a great addition to an established library.



4. Need some party music? Put on your blue suede shoes for this CD is for you. There is not a bad cut on it. Sure, some blues purist (my brother, for instance) may see this as more rock than blues, but then there is no accounting for taste. This is simply a wonderful album.

   As I type this review, I am listening to I HAD ENOUGH OF THE BLUES. Who can listen to this cut and not identify with it? Life is tough and often the blues are a fact of life- but there comes a time to say, Enough is Enough. Great song! RIGHT AS RAIN is a great love song. What makes good blues is that the listener can identify with the emotions. In this Castro is a master. These songs connect because they deal with life as we live it. The instrumental HYCODAN is perhaps the purest blues cut on the album.

   This Thanksgiving, when our dinner is done and it is time to wash the dishes, I will pop this CD in the player, crank up the volume and my daughter and I will dance as we wash the dishes. This is the stuff memories are made of.




5. A brilliant mix of blues and soul. Castro can sing with the best of them and his guitar playing is good if not great. For an infectious dose of good time dance musik, you can't go past this offering. Tight concise solos, great voice and a selection of great songs make this a must have CD for your next party.

5 comments about Dreams Come True.

1. Its a pretty good cd , it came in a few days in excellent condition



2. Three independently good solo jazz singers meld together compellingly. I keep giving copies away.



3. One of the best Blues albums ever



4. Nearly ten years after its release, this remains one of the great modern blues albums. Marcia, Lou Ann and Anglea sing their hearts out on perfectly chosen and arranged songs. And, don't forget the important contributions by Sarah Brown-- she's the fourth great lady on this cd.



5. This is great music. Lou Ann Barton and Marcia Ball are the pride of Austin, and if you ever get the chance to catch them live, you will have the time of your life. This CD is the next best thing.

5 comments about Don't Be Afraid of the Dark.

1. I own Strong Persuader, Midnight Stroll, and this disc, Don't Be Afraid of the Dark. This one is by far my favorite. It's not gritty blues, but neither is it sellout pop. It's a set of solidly constructed R&B/blues tunes with great songwriting, strong playing and singing, and stellar production values that give the licks, riffs and charts a polish and shine. The themes are similar to Persuader, but the tempos and production are more upbeat.



2. I bought this album based on a recommendation and hearing the title track. Ultimately, this was a mistake. This album has nothing in the way of "killer tracks" on it and is overall a very bland offering. I personally found this collection rather monotonous. Yes, it's blues but it's neither raw nor lively. There is far too much of the worst of Eric Clapton's influence here, it's too slick, too practised and it doesn't make me want to sing along or get my air guitar out.
   
   There is no doubt that Cray and his band are talented musicians, but the material on this album is missing the vital spark that makes for a really good listen.



3. Great set from the Georgia-born bluesman and his band, despite the criticisms that the album was too pop oriented and that Cray had sold out. While this album certainly does not top its predecessor "Strong Persuader", it does manage to deliver some great blues from one of the music's finest performers. Cray needs no introduction to fans of the blues, playing to sold-out concerts and working the blues circuit loyally.
   
   "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" is a solid release from the veteran Cray, though he has made better albums since. As is always the case with Robert Cray releases, I listen intently to the dazzling guitar work to remember why Cray gets paid to do this. The band does not often get the credit they so duly deserve, as Richard Cousins (bass), Peter Boe (keyboards) and David Olson (drums) do an excellent job of accompanying Cray on these tunes.
   
   The horns on here are supplied by The Memphis Horns and Wayne Jackson, and David Sanborn appeared courtesy of Warner Brothers playing saxophone on "Acting This Way". "At Last", track 9, is a 50s feeling blues ballad with Cray singing backed by the horns. Overall this is a high quality outing by the old hand of blues vocals and guitar, deserving a spot in your music collections today!
   
   Personnel:
   Robert Cray (guitar & vocals)
   Richard Cousins (bass)
   Peter Boe (keyboards)
   David Olson (drums)
   The Memphis Horns (horn section)
   Wayne Jackson (trumpet & trombone)
   David Sanborn (alto sax on "Acting This Way")



4. Tough to follow up an album that catapulted you to stardom, but I still give this one 4 stars. I like to think of this as Young Bob's Guitar Slinger album. He's just squeezing sparks out of his Stratocaster all over the place. If you've ever encountered homelessness & thought "there but for the grace of God...", then Night Patrol is gonna speak to you. I can remember the first time I heard this song like it was yesterday. I think this song is Mr. Cray's greatest recorded guitar playing.



5. When Robert Cray is at the top of his game, his smooth vocals, stinging guitar work and clever songwriting put him on par with the best the modern, electricified blues has to offer. The title track, "Your Secret's Safe With Me," and "Across The Line" fall in this category, in my opinion. Most of the other tracks are pretty good, the rest are okay, although if you appreciate a more soulful sound, you might enjoy this album more than I do. Still, I've had this CD for years, I play it often, and it has aged well.

5 comments about The Icon Is Love.

1. Anyone who personally knows me knows what Barry White will always mean to me. There was not one song on "The Icon Is Love" that didn't move me. Every single song on this album including his fast hits went beyond doing justice. "Sexy Undercover" will make any two romantics grind with each other on the dance floor, not in an explicit way, but in a sexy love-encouraging way. "Baby's Home" and "There It Is"...no explanation needed. To anyone who hates Barry White, it's your prerogative, your fault, and your loss! I said it, yes I did.



2. Out of the few '90s albums that Barry White recorded, his The Icon Is Love from 1994 is his best. It recaptures the best of his '70s bedroom ballads with modern '90s sounds that fit with his voice. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Gerald Levert and Edwin Nicholas, Chuckii Booker (who is related to Barry) provided some dynamite numbers on here. Even Barry and his longtime producer produced some songs here too, with the Barry stamp all on them. When Gerald Levert recalls his music to his future grandchildren, he'll definitely tell them about the time he produced the Maestro's Practice What You Preach. The Jam/Lewis numbers are superb, especially the trendy sounds of Come Over, Sexy Undercover and others. Sexy has shades of Janet Jackson-like dance grooves on it. One of my favorite songs is the gorgeous Baby's Home. And this 8:17 ballad even got nominated for a Grammy Award! Proof that the other songs off the album get more respect than the hit single! Another surprise is There it Is and its rollicking groove. I liked the slow closing song, Whatever We Had, We Had, too. Most of the album consists of ballads and lengthy 7-, 8-, and 10-minute songs but the handlers were smart enough to know that this is Barry's album, not theirs. This album's songs still hold up 11 years later, far more than his '80s albums and the next album he made alive, the more contemporary sounding Staying Power. It's best to be played going on a road cutting through the mountains. I did so with hearing this album on an interstate through the mountains of West Virginia in spring 1995. Barry made an album that rivals his best '70s efforts and continues his theme of love songs and his dominance in the bedroom. This is still a classic R&B album in the best sense.



3. Well the strings, orchestra, riffs and overall sound he flexed in the 70s might be long gone, but this big 1994 hit comeback album for The Maestro proved that he still had his ear for nice melodies. Barry had comeback in 1987 so it took him quite a few years (and 3 albums) to finally get himself back in position at the top of the charts.

   A cameo in the Simpsons not only lined his pockets but introduced him to a whole new generation. Plus with the 70s revival the time was right & everything came together for Barry. He hooked up with guys like Gerald Albright and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and put together 'The Icon Is Love', an album of fun good time jams and some slowed numbers. The singles 'Practice What You Preach' and 'Come On' are classic Barry, and the rest of the material has his distinctive style written all over it, booming bass vocals, cool monologues and wit, but now with updated bass & bump beneath it all. This was a cool comeback for Barry and the album while not as good as his 70s material is a nice effort.




4. Only now am I able to once again listen to Barry White and celebrate his musical genius; in the months following his death, I could only mourn his passing. It is still hard to believe that the icon, and Barry White truly was the icon, is no longer with us, but he will live forever through his music. The Icon Is Love was released in 1994, and it offered incontrovertible proof that the man was still at the top of his game. These songs are generally a little slower in tempo than White's string of earlier hits, but there can be no doubt that this is vintage Barry White material. Austin Powers only wishes he had half of the mojo that Barry White possessed.

   Practice What You Preach opens this album in grand style. This track begins with a sultry rap spoken to the accompaniment of a sensuous bass line, after which Barry launches right into lyrics of great energy and appeal. The chorus is fantastic, so catchy you will carry this tune around in your head for days at a time. Practice What You Preach spent 30 weeks on the Billboard R&B charts, three of them at number one, and helped reenergize White's career. Two other singles from this album, Come On and There It Is also made the charts. Come On oozes with sensual power, as White pleads with his partner to come on and play; satisfaction is guaranteed in this up-tempo track. There It Is, however, is much less entrancing; this is actually my least favorite song on the album. Two other tracks merit special mention: Baby's Home and Whatever We Had, We Had. These are vintage White classics that belong right alongside so many of his earlier standout recordings. Oozing with that unquantifiable magic White's voice conveys, the singer gives the words and music all the time and attention they deserve. Baby's Home runs over eight minutes, while What We Had, We Had runs for over ten and a half minutes - neither song is too long. The latter has to do with breaking up and remaining friends, while Baby's Home expresses all of the magic of a love still burning with passion.

   Sexy Undercover picks up the tempo a little bit, as Barry tells his lady that he's shy on the outside but full of surprises behind closed doors; he's got the mojo working hard in this dance-worthy track. I Only Want To Be With You, in which Barry sings that love is so much more than a physical thing, lays down a smooth, toe-tapping groove with just a touch of good old-fashioned funk; I wish this song had been released as a single because I think it would have been a huge hit. Don't You Want to Know is slow and sensual, really a beautiful little song. Love Is the Icon and The Time Is Right are great tracks, as well.

   With a nice mixture of up-tempo tracks and mesmerizing ballads, this 1994 album returned Barry White to the spotlight and, in so doing, gave the world ten more Barry White classics to enjoy forevermore. Barry White may have mellowed a little bit by 1994, but the magic was still there for all to hear and enjoy. He was and always will be the icon.




5. Considered White's 90's "comeback", although the singer had continuously recorded and released albums since his 70's peak, "The Icon is Love" introduced a new generation to the baritone crooner.
   
   White stalwart Jack Perry was joined in producing duties with the likes of Jam & Lewis ("I Only Want to Be With You", "Come On"), Chuckii Booker ("The Time is Right", "Sexy Undercover"), and Gerald Levert ("Practice What You Preach", "There It Is"), and the resulting collaborations provide White with a well-balanced offering featuring a little old with the new.

   The last cut, "Whatever We Had, We Had" is a reflection on the end of his marriage to Glodean. White knew how to begin AND end a relationship.

   With his recent passing, one can be grateful that his unique musical style will live on.

   Cut listing and times:

   1. Practice What You Preach 5:59
   2. There it is 7:03
   3. I Only Want to Be with You 5:01
   4. The Time is Right 5:46
   5. Baby's Home 8:17
   6. Come On 5:50
   7. Love is the Icon 4:38
   8. Sexy Undercover 4:51
   9. Don't You Want to Know? 6:51
   10. Whatever We Had, We Had 10:41

5 comments about And the Music Speaks.

1. I think it's great for groups like these to produce decent music as opposed to some of the manufactured trash thats out there. What we can also do less of are Snobby Knobheads from Glendale, Arizona insulting the sassy talent that is Boyz II Men. To compare All 4 One to B2M may initally seem fair, but the fact that one of the groups are still operating and the other is not, is enough to prove which is better. The only reason that you find B2M sleep inducing is obviously because you suffer from Narcolepsy which is brought about by the raw emotion of their music, something that All 4 One Fail to do. Now take Houston's advice and SEE whats right in front of you.



2. Man....the first CD was good....but there were two songs I really didnt like.....But this CD has nothing like that. I like every single song especially I Can Love You Like That and Could This Be Magic. Every single song is great! Too Bad they dont make this type of music anymore. All 4 One will go down as my favorite RnB group ever. Peace



3. This album is a lot better than the 1st album. The 1st album relied too hevily on I Swear to sell but this has 5 quality slow songs to listen to. A lot may think its cheesy but this is quality love music. The next 5 tracks have the 90's new jack swing thing going on but they are above average songs as well. The last song is gospel which aint my thing but is good. If you liked the 1st you will be happy that they have built on their sucess and took their game to another level.



4. I love the song the are so sothing and they are the way I like to listn to... it ia a cd full of love and compasson...



5. "As the music speaks..." has more of the same formula that made the first album a success. It has more slow jams on this album for all you romantic types that loved "I Swear". It also has a few dance jams. In my opinion, these guys are stronger vocally than BoyzIIMen. All-4-One's sound & harmonies are perfect for the slow loves songs as BoyzIIMen just sound boring on a lot of their slow songs. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big BoyzIIMen fan but I can't listen to a whole album of theirs without falling asleep from boredom. All-4One albums are very enjoyable and easy to sing along to. These guys are first rate and top quality.

5 comments about Soul Organic.

1. I had been reluctant to purchase this cd having only heard one of the songs on the radio. Once I got it and listened to it, I was pleasantly surprised. It was very good and each track was better than the last. It willl keep your head bopping and your feet tapping.



2. Laidback street soul from Hil St Soul, led by UK vocalist Hilary Mwelwa -- sounding really great here on this Japanese album that nicely mixes up her groove! There's a strong sound of urban London running through the tracks -- a melange of city sounds that differ nicely from the stereotypes showing up on US soul albums of this nature -- really setting the scene for Hil to open up her groove, and state her unique perspective on things. Titles include "Copasetik & Cool", which features guest work by Roots Manuva -- plus "All That (strings mix)", "What's Goin Down", "Blue Tears", "Alright", "Shine", and "Reach As One". (Reviewed at www.dustygroove.com)



3. good steady soul. smooth and well sung. but nothing spectacular. no real hits, but a good new gem for your collection



4. Hil St. Soul is one of the most talented soul singers that i've ever heard. Her song "Until You Come Back To Me" is one of the most serious soul songs that i've ever heard.The song includes strong vocals, nice lyrics, and nice production. I'd say Hil St. Soul could top most of the U.S. female R&B singers.



5. From the moment I heard "Until You Come Back To Me",I knew I wanted Hil St. Soul's CD. The first time I ever heard Hil St. Soul was on VH1 Soul. I saw the video for "Until You Come Back To Me" and I really wanted the CD afterwards.I visited Musicchoice.com a day later and found out "Soul Organic" was only available in Europe. Then I become a member of this very website and found Hil St.Soul was finally available to me... but they only had 1 left in stock.I ordered it as soon as possible and haven't stopped listening to it since!My favorite songs include "Until You Come Back To Me,For Your Love,and Paradise!"This album is a perfect for anyone who likes straight soul/r&b.

5 comments about More.

1. She really does her thing. Her voice is so soulful. There is no way you won't like it.



2. Tamia desperately searches for her niche, awkwardly switching from up-tempo club tracks, sappy love songs and power ballads... and she doesn't completely perfect any of them.



3. Ok,
   Tamia is back again with a new Cd, which did not get alot of exposure.
   I have been a fan of Tamia from the beginning and its always a pleasure to hear her voice.\
   It's one of those cds that you can listen to from beginning to end. No bad production...just great music.
   I recently had to purchase this cd again because my favorite song (Whispers) mysteriously got scratched up.
   I will admit, this cd is no way near as good as her Nu day cd but hey it could have been alot worse



4. I've had the More album for a couple of months now, but recently I decided to give the album a chance.What I heard from Tamia was beautiful.There are some exceptions though.I could've did without On My Way,More, Into You, and Close To You.The latter two are on the featured artists cds so there wasn't really a reason to feature them.Overall Smile is my favorite track.I also love Poetry too.I'd recommend it to anyone



5. I'm scrolling through and readin the reviews and i cant help but to come across a couple negative reviews...what exactly were y'all listening to? I'm not sure y'all were "listening" at all. This album was no doubt INCREDIBLE!!! They're songs that you just dont "listen to"; not with just your ears...but songs you have to listen with your heart; there's a big difference. Tamia's "More" is another fine example to prove that she still has that spark that made us fall in love with her from "Tamia" Though she slacked a tad bit on a "Nu Day" she redeemed herself on this album.
   
   Luvables: Officially Missing You, Still, I'm yours lately,mr.cool...just to name a few...they are all hott!!
   
   Worth every Penny...2 BIG TOES UP!!
   
   Big Upz Tamia!!