5 comments about Viva La Vida.

1. I LOVE this record.There's not one track thats not perfect.The way the music wraps around the next song,or the way the music changes into something you don't expect,reminds me alot of the Beatles "Abby Road."
   I haven't enjoyed a CD like this in YEARS.Its my first ColdPlay one,and I'm going to get the rest of there albums after listening to "Viva La Vida."



2. Seller never responded, I never reicived my CD, however I was charged for it.
   :( !!!!!!!!!!!!!!



3. I had not been a Cold Play fan, but after listening to this CD many times over, I have become one. The music is refreshing and different from other groups, and now I want their other cd's too!



4. When I was in college I walked in my room and heard my roommate in the room next to me, giving another guy sexual favors. I thought that was the gayest thing that I've ever heard. You know where I'm going with this....
   
   This CD is the gayest thing I've ever heard. Anyone who gives this album above a 1-star rating is gayer than my roommate who was down on all fours taking it like a champ from another gay dude he met at the club.



5. I'm not quite sure why I keep buying Coldplay albums. I really want to like them, I guess. Each Album releases a number of singles and they are always great but sadly I find the album does not add up to the promise created by the quality of the singles released from it. This really is one for the diehard fans - I think I will wait for the greatest hits

5 comments about Only By The Night.

1. Been listening to this album pretty much every single day on my way to work and back since it was released. (I've got a 45min drive) I really love it and am excited to hear it live this Halloween in Chicago. But with that being said, Because of the Times was ultimately a better album. A little more substance and awesome instrumentation. Not that Only By the Night is bad by any means, just not amazing. It is definitely one of those albums I'll put on the shelf once the newness wears off. And I probably won't listen to it for a long time. However like I said in the subject, 7 out of 11 songs are good. Can't say that for most of the albums I purchase anymore. So should you buy this CD? I say yes...if you dig KOL. If not, no worries. You won't miss much.
   
   Top 10 albums in the past 20 years
   
   10. Pearl Jam - Ten
   9. Smashing Pumpkins - Melon Collie & The Infinite Sadness
   8. Fiona Apple - Tidal
   7. John Mayer - Continum
   6. The Strokes - Is this it?
   5. Weezer - Blue Album
   4. Queens of the Stone Age - Era Vulgaris
   3. Alice in Chains - Unplugged
   2. Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds - Live at Luther College
   1. Radiohead - Kid A



2. This album is a huge disappointment. Songs like "I Want You" and "Notion" are humiliating for KOL. They have lost all authenticity and credibility. The core of their sound has been stripped away for generic, bland corporate rock. I thought KOL was committed to serious and original music and thought someday their name would be mentioned up there with the greats like Led Zeppelin. Instead, they are trying to be the next Nickelback which is tragic. I am devastated by KOL's sell out.



3. Once upon a time, KOL was the best band out there. There are very few new bands i listen to as most of them play mainstream relationship BS which i have tried many times to get into but just cant... sort of like nascar. anyway, they are def not the band i saw 3 years ago.. i guess they are trying to get mainstream radio play.. Kaycee L. Craig "Kaycee" hit it right on the head with their review. these guys have almost sold out as much as OAR.. anyway, goodbye to a great american band. This album should have had a picture of a tombstone engraved with "Kings of Leon - RIP 2003-2005"



4. In several recent reviews, I've read Only By the Night decried as being "too commercial" or "too polished" and "straying too far from the Kings' signature sound". After a few listens, I've got to disagree with all of the above. As for the popular commercial appeal of this record, there is perhaps only one rock radio friendly single on this album and it's already peaked. "Sex on Fire" has been the Kings' most successful single to date. It has also been their most controversial, as far as their "old" fans are concerned.
   
   "Sex of Fire" may not be the most sophisticated song, lyrically or musically, but neither were the Stones' "Satisfaction" or Jerry Lee Lewis' "Great Balls of Fire". It's just a darn good, darn catchy straight up rock 'n' roll song. Furthermore, it's no more commercial than their last album's first single, "On Call"- arguably more of a departure from the Kings' established, musically raw style. Why folks get upset when a nominal indie band has a successful single that gets significant airplay on corporate rock radio is something that I can't quite understand. This is not arena rock, in a pejorative sense, at least. The Kings have not become the American Coldplay.
   
   Yes, Only By the Night is slightly more polished and perhaps more melodic, in a conventional sense, than the King's earlier albums, but it still features the King's musical trademarks: alternating rambling and cyclical song structures, non-virtuoso guitar solos (not necessarily a bad thing), and a truly unique and unaffected vocal style. The album isn't more commercial, it's more accessible. Yes, they've attempted to add a few sonic layers to several of the songs, Closer first and foremost among them. For the most part, this experiment has paid off. Closer, in particular, achieves a "spooky" atmospheric quality unprecedented in the Kings' back catalogue.
   
   I've read Crawl described as "Zepplinesque" but it sounds nothing like a Page/Plant creation. Instead, it calls to mind the Secret Machines' debut's throbbing synth/base loops. It is a propulsive song, chugging along like a runaway freight train rolling down the tracks at a leisurely 30mph- it doesn't move too fast, but you still can't stop it.
   
   "Use Somebody" is perhaps the most poppy tune on the album. Once again, this is not necessarily a bad thing. "Revelry" is perhaps the most melodic song on the album, if not the band's entire catalog. "Manhattan" too, is quite tuneful, if a bit more uptempo. "17" is probably the least sophisticated song on the record, lyrically at least, but it isn't unbearably so. Like most of the songs on this record, there is something strangely catchy about it. That, however, does not mean that the record is poppy. Its not.
   
   My least favorite song on Only By The Night is "Be Somebody" which tends to ramble in a bad way. It is a Frankenstein's monster of several disparate hooks, the sum being less than its parts. However, this song is the only one of the album's 11 tracks that I'm ever tempted to skip. The last song on the album is the bleak but pretty "Cold Desert", a strong down-tempo finisher.
   
   Adding a few keyboards and studio effects to the holy rock trinity of guitar, drums, and base is not a cardinal sin but the Kings are taking a licking from many critics and hipsterm fans for attempting to, rather modestly, broaden their sound. These attacks are unfair. I'm not comparing Only By the Night to either of these two albums but I wonder if the critics and fans complained that Sgt. Peppers or Pet Sounds were over produced or strayed too far from their respective creators' earlier works. More recently, even the rock minimalist Jack White has been experimenting with different arrangements, instruments, and overdubs on the last two White Stripes albums and, for the most part, received nothing but critical praise for it (if perhaps less commercial success than his previous releases).
   
   Only By the Night is an attempt at musical growth. Maybe commercial success in America was a major motivator, but so what? The end result certainly justifies the means. And you've got to give these guys credit. Five strong albums in almost as many years is a rare achievement in this musical day and age. The fact that all of the Kings are under 30 years of old promises great things. Expect their next to be a musical masterpiece. In the meantime, enjoy Only By The Night for what it is- a pretty darn good album.



5. But it sure doesn't have me excited about Kings of Leon like every other release has. I am not going to flame them for cleaning up the sound but I will say I am truly disappointed in this effort.
   Gone is the dynamic, risk taking and most of the fun from their earlier releases. In its place is a band that is so tight that it has squeezed most of the air out the room.
   I liked the unshowered, slept on the floor gripping a bottle feel of the band. Their unabashed rock and roll ethos was what drew me to them and allowed me to overlook their occasional corniness and rote writing.
   Here they have brought everything into to focus and it is a pretty, but also, pretty generic picture of a band that, to me, seems to have lost their sense of themselves.
   I hope it is a minor wrong turn. Kings of Leon have done enough right to be given another chance but this album doesn't seem destined for a long stay in my heavy rotation.

5 comments about We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things.

1. The whole family loves this CD. It has quite the range of musical styles and is fun to listen to over and over.



2. Jason Mraz is a terrible musician who thinks that he is talented enought to improvise and vamp through half his songs. It's annoying. He comes off like a frat boy, arrogant and entitled.



3. To put into words the pure talent of Jason Mraz is like trying to describe the joy of a sunny afternoon. His musical ability is undisputed and his release We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things is a shining beacon of just how talented the man is. With effortless grace, he trapezes through musical genres like they're all second nature and doesn't blink at change in paces.
   
   With sounds sometimes reminiscent of John Mayer and Michael Buble, the album has sensitivity and smarts that are uncommon in many releases today. The use of acoustic guitar does not go unnoticed and adds to the pure beauty of the music which is contrary to the over-produced and synthesised releases which have been hyped up lately. His music has an honesty that is not about saving the world in a couple of minutes, nor is it the wailings of someone wanting their body touched.
   
   Mraz moves through his album with maturity and fearless ability. Stunning collaborations with Colbi Cailat on Lucky and James Morrison on Details In The Fabric are surprise gems that feature on the album. Then there is the superb track Only Human which would be right at home on Ministry Of Sound: Chillout Sessions. The other highlight track on the album is The Dynamo Of Volition which is somewhat reminisce of Australia's own John Butler Trio mixed with Jack Johnson.
   
   Sadly, the album probably won't pick up much air play on the radio as it's not the commercial bubble gum pop that wails across the air waves these days. The album is solid listening with no disappointments in any of the twelve tracks. His work is clean and friendly and very relaxing. To try and compare him with other artists is a discredit to his own natural talent because he really stands in the field on his own as a versatile artist who can produce fantastic listening that can't be ignored.



4. Love is all I have to say about this album. condition and delivery exceeded my expectations.



5. I am a big fan of Jason Mraz anyways, but this CD is very good to listen to. The lyrics are just so awesome and take you to another place...I love Butterfly..that is the best!!

5 comments about Dear Science,.

1. I pride myself on not falling into the "it doesn't sound like their other stuff" line of criticism when it comes to drastic artistic change, and as TV on the Radio is one of my favorite bands currently in action I have second-guessed my initial off-putting reaction to this album at every turn. But after three and a half listens, I have to say I just can't get into it.
   
   The mantra associated with this album is something along the lines of "experimental art-dance-rock at its best." It's clear the word "dance" was heavy on the band's collective mind while creating these songs. This introduces problem number one: a persistent feeling I can't shake from this record is that the "dance" aspect seems so, so forced. TVOTR's live show is decidedly more manic and loud than the meticulously sculpted sounds of Desparate Youth and Cookie Mountain, and I think the urge to boogie their way out from under the murk of experimental art rock is what drove this album. The fact is though, these guys are not intrinsically dancey in this particular way, and as a result their take on dance music sounds like a lot of half-baked ideas jacked from Prince records and thrown awkwardly together with a smattering of their usual droning guitars and cascading vocal parts. It strikes me as a superficial harvesting of off-the-shelf "funk" sounds and rhythms, rather than a re-shaping of their existing sound into a more energized, danceable format.
   
   This fundamental lack of natural funkiness aside, the overall sound of the production grates on my ears. I'll admit I am so heavily biased towards big, live-sounding recordings that anything less often skews my enjoyment of the songs themselves, but Dear Science sounds overly thin and plasticky to me. The drum parts especially are largely constructed from very insipid, cheesy keyboard samples that honestly wouldn't sound out of place on Britney Spears' first two records, except that they are not as punchy. The beats are often drowning in a sea of strings, horns and fuzz, the frontloaded, super-compressed mixdowns turning these moments into confusing onslaughts of cacophony devoid of space or nuance. Such rough patches could even be saved if there was a strong beat supporting them, but the frenetic, stuffed-to-the-gills approach of the rhythm tracks only contributes to the mess. The mix overall is very hot, and very bright, annihilating the warm ambience of Cookie Mountain or the comfortable thump of a good dance tune. The songs could be good, but the squashed, impotent production often strips them of any potential power.
   
   I am with TV on the Radio in concept, I think that deploying their unique sonic and musical sensibilities to the dance front is a great idea, but I think they just tried too hard with this release. These truncated songs lack the ingenuity and creativity of their past work, and the tracks lack cohesion with the vocal parts. I think they should have stayed in the studio another few months and worked out their new sound, as this hopefully transitional period sounds depressingly derivative and uninspired to me, like an album of prototypes. At the same time however, it reminds me of Tricky's album Blowback, which I at first detested for its watered-down production but came to love upon revisiting it a year later...so maybe there is a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel for Dear Science. It's certainly as forward-thinking as anything else coming out these days, but the profoundly unfocused feel of it all makes me think maybe it just wasn't ready for prime time.



2. I expected more from this album. While there are some amazing tracks (Halfway Home and Golden Age especially), the album generally seems to lack risk and inventiveness and the heavy production rounds most of corners and makes the music feel too empty. There is little room for excitement or surprise here. People talk about "the album as an experience" and I must say there is a lack of one here. I can't listen to Dear Science, beginning to end...it starts to sound too similar and labored. There are assuredly bright spots and I recommend checking this album out but I can only justify the massive critical acclaim for Dear Science, in believing that this is merely a good album in a weaker year for music (so far).



3. I really like these songs, but the mastering is completely brick walled, so there is no dynamic range what-so-ever. This makes an otherwise great CD unlistenable. Shame.



4. For all the things Tv on the Radio do right - and they do alot of things right... its easy to like them - I think 'Dear Science' fails.
   
   It doesnt retain the unique charm and immersion of the earlier efforts. The soundscape on Dear Science is one made of 'glitter and sparkle'. This is borderline pop, and as pop it doesnt have near enough catchy melodies. So ultimately it doesnt have much for me to come back to, time and time again.
   
   Somewhere along the line well respected media outlets like "Pitchfork" seem to have forgotten what it is that makes music worth the experience.
   
   Look, Im sure you can argue why this is an important album, but what happened to the value of the experience itself, because there is nothing here for me. Its short of fun, short of vision, short of attention, and short of immersion.
   
   In my opinion this is not the best album of the year. Not by far.
   
   It doesnt have songs near the intensity of 'wolf like me', "I was a lover", "staring at the sun", "ambulance". Those were catchy tracks which I would listen to over and over again and feel snobingly blissful knowing nothing else sounded like them. Beautiful art rock.
   
   But Dear Science is not beautiful and its not art rock.
   
   I think its time we re-examine our perspective and remind ourself why we listen to music.



5. After a very good debut album, followed by an even better and excellent sequel, with Dear Science TV on the Radio delivers a mainstream, commercial album largely indistinguishable from many other more quality-oriented R&B or hip hop bands, except perhaps for the obvious musical talent of the musicians. However, gone are the riskier and more creative innovation found on the first two albums, and while I'm sure this will appeal to a broader audience, it is a discard for me. If this is a sign of the direction the band is taking, I'll continue to enjoy Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes and Return to Cookie Mountain and leave the band's future output to delight pop audiences.
   
   Three stars for the musicians' talent. As for the songwriting and musical composition, only two.

5 comments about Dig Out Your Soul.

1. Its wonderful, the music is full of vim and vigor. This B*S* that Oasis are some retro retreads, I dont buy it. We all as artists pay homage to those who influenced us, but to make it seem in so many reviews that all Oasis do is rehash the beatles raises my ire, as those reviewers obviously are unable to see what original ideas oasis themselves posses or bring to the table. From the artwork, to every second of every tune, its a wonderful emotional tableaux. To me the most entertaining album from Oasis, it has some real heavy rockers, that must be really punishing live. Oasis are the real deal, and this album is worth every penny!



2. This is a great album but the sound quality is wretched...it literally at times sounds like a 96 Kbps MP3 file. I DJ in a club, and when I play "Shock Of The Lightning" there's no way I can compensate for all the flat midrange...it just hurts everyone's ears no matter how much I adjust the EQ, and so I think I'm going to have to stop playing this entire disc. There is NO bass. I've also tried playing the "Shock Of The Lightning" video from the deluxe edition, but THE SOUND ON THE DVD IS JUST AS BAD (standard DVD audio has slightly higher specs than CD audio, but it doesn't make a difference here).
   
   I see other reviewers have complained about the same thing. Hopefully there is a better master of this album at the studio than what ended up on this disc, and they'll repress it someday. I've never heard a modern major recording sound this bad. If you're listening at home, the sound is good enough that you can still enjoy the album...but play it back-to-back with almost any other CD and even non-audiophiles can probably hear what I'm complaining about. If you purchase this album, definitely buy it on CD rather than MP3, or the sound will be even more degraded.



3. Not to be too harsh on the newest Oasis album (because I honestly love many of their songs)...but Dig Out Your Soul is boring and not worth your money.
   
   I've been a big fan of Oasis for a couple of years now and one nice thing about discovering a band after they've been out for a long time is that you have tons of songs waiting for you from the start. Making a "best of" CD from half a dozen albums' content is easy. Unfortunately, if I were to include "Dig Out Your Soul" in that group of albums now, I honestly don't think one song from this new CD would stand out compared to the rest of what Oasis has made.
   
   The problem with Dig Out Your Soul lies in its generic/'been there, done that' sound. The lyrics are pretty cookie cutter and in an early track you hear stuff like "...gotta keep on, keeping on"...what? Not that Oasis has ever been known for its deep lyrics...but when the sound itself is bland you can't help but focus on the words...and therein lies this album's problem: Oasis is a band that is great at making catchy/pop/radio-friendly songs that easily get stuck in your head and you find yourself humming later on. Not one song on this album is like that because they all seem to stick together and are, at best, generic alt-rock tunes.
   
   I also have to comment on the one track (I think it's Get Off Your High Horse Lady) where you listen to like 25 seconds of someone walking on rocks while seagulls chirp in the background. Usually these little breakaways from songs or "intermissions" if you want to call them that don't bother me...but I feel like this album needed a lot more work before they released it and the addition of such a useless chunk of material seems to represent exactly where Oasis went wrong here... ...Oasis got so caught up in doing what they wanted they lost sight of how they became popular in the first place: BY making fun, catchy songs that THEIR FANS expected them to make.



4. I come from the side of fans that think 2005's Don't Believe the Truth was very good, and more the return to form. It was like a stepping stone up to this album. I think it's definitely their best album since (What's the Story) Morning Glory. I think it's funny that the best "critical" review's complaint is that it's not like the old stuff. its so ridiculous, stupid and unfair to expect music like the old types. This is a great album, and a bit of a new direction. The first 5 songs are killer, also Gem's To Be Where There's Life is great. I think the 2nd half isn't as good, but it's still awesome. it's solid. Soldier On works perfectly as a closer. So i suggest buying the album, not just a couple songs, get the album. it works better as a whole.



5. All I can say is: Oasis is back! This album is certainly the best since What's the Story... and certainly the best of the decade (as far as Oasis is concerned). They have more hype and activity on this album, more energy. I know they said that they were taking a different approach, but, at least to me, this album sounds a lot like the old times, which makes me a very happy man! Oasis has become Oasis again, and that is very good thing indeed!

5 comments about Under a Blood Red Sky - Deluxe Edition CD/DVD.

1. Just a picky little point; Colorado State U is not in Boulder, CO as listed several times in the booklet. It is in Ft. Collins.



2. I always loved Under a Blood Red Sky and when this was released with a DVD I had to get it. I have seen U2 a few times and enjoy all their music, but this was a special time for the band in their earlier days as they started to grow.
   
   Many of the most important/famous songs from up to that point are included, GLoria, I Will Follow, Sunday Bloody Sunday. One of my favorites is Seconds.
   
   As others have mentioned the DVD was shot in a certain way so that there seems to be strange effects going on. I wish it was also filmed in another way so that there would be a "clean" looking version just to see what it would look like, but it does not take away from a powerful performance by the band.



3. Great music, no doubt about that.
   The musical performace on the DVD is of course amazing.
   The picture quality....not so much.
   I'll be listening to the CD often....I probably won't be viewing the
   DVD more than once or twice.



4. We've waited years for it and here it is. Finally. I have every U2 concert DVD you can have (even the Super Bowl performance and SNL) yet this is the one DVD that was a no-brainer.
   
   For those of you around back then, it's nostalgic. This concert is what turned me on to U2. For some reason, MTV was showing it in 83 and when I saw it I said "Who ARE these guys?" From that point on, I was hooked. All because of this.
   
   For others of you not old enough, this is a chance to see U2 at their absolute peak when they were the Band That Mattered, before they started playing around with irony beginning with Achtung Baby. Not that they don't matter now, but as other reviewers have pointed out, this is THE definitive version of "Sunday Bloody Sunday," just as Live Aid was the definitive version of "Bad."
   
   The songs are almost universally great and well-played (save for a sloppy trainwreck of "Two Hearts") and you get to see the original order of the set; if you owned this back in the day, it made it seem like "Surrender" was the opening song.
   
   The visuals are stunning because of the weather. The crowd is nuts. And this was the concert that launched U2 into the big time.
   
   AS FOR PICTURE QUALITY: as the director clearly states in the commentary, this was shot on VIDEO. It's been treated to look like film for this reissue, but it was video. And when you point a video camera at a light, it "burns" the tube, creating streaks across the screen which are all over this. That was the POINT. The director threw out all the "rules" for filming and did not care about the streaking/flaring. This is NOT a flaw in the remaster it ALWAYS looked like this. If you want a perfect picture go buy Live in Boston or Rattle & Hum.
   
   Who cares about the red streaks when you have a concert this powerful? Finally it is here and it was worth the wait. Enjoy!
   
   The attached CD is a fine version of the EP but really I'd rather watch this than listen to it. Plus, not all the songs on the EP were pulled from the Red Rocks show (only "Party Girl" and "Gloria"). Still worth having.



5. I am disappointed that after all this remastering they couldn't at least give us the entire live show for "Under a Blood Red Sky". Are we to believe that U2 only performed 8 songs at Red Rocks? Come on, give us the audio of the full show.
   
   Now, remaster "Unforgettable Fire" for a two-disc set, please!

5 comments about Acid Tongue.

1. I've been a Rilo Kiley fan since 2003, and like someone else had said, I wanted to like this album. I really did. I thought Rabbit Fur Coat was pretty good, but this was a real disappointment. There are a lot of hipster kids who will say that this album is genius, and I really question whether they would listen to something like this if it wasn't Jenny Lewis. I'm leaning more towards no, they wouldn't. I saw her a few times on her 2006 solo tour, and "Carpetbaggers" and "Acid Tongue" were fantastic, but the studio versions disappointed me. Elvis Costello sounds out of place on "Carpetbaggers" and the backing/chorus vocals on "Acid Tongue" stick out too much and take away from what would otherwise be a flawless song. "Jack Killed Mom" is okay, as is "The Next Messiah," but I can't really listen to the others. The first two tracks are weak openers, and Jenny's voice takes on an odd pitch. The rest aren't all bad; I just can't get into them.
   
   Sorry. I tried to like it, but ultimately, this record is less than what I have come to expect from Jenny.



2. I really do. But i feel like i'm being unnecessarily generous giving this album three stars instead of two.
   
   As Jenny Lewis slowly took over Rilo Kiley, i liked the band more and more. When i first heard she was going solo, i was so excited. Then i got Rabbit Fur Coat, and was disappointed. It has a few great tracks, but the bulk of it is mediocre, verging on bad.
   
   Apparently not one to learn from my mistakes, i bought Acid Tongue as soon as it came out. There is not a single track on this album that i enjoy. Its high points are roughly equivalent to Rabbit Fur Coat's median. I've forced myself to sit through repeated listenings in the hope that it will grow on me, but instead i just feel more and more like i wasted $9.99.
   
   For a fan of the last few Rilo Kiley albums, i'd suggest skipping this album. If you though Rabbit Fur Coat was a five-star venture, then you may well enjoy this album far more than i did.



3. Acid Tongue by Jenny Lewis is the fiery redhead's second solo disc. I absolutely love, love, love this album! It is so different from Rabbit Fur Coat but the harmonies are still beautiful even minus The Watson Twins. Jenny's vocals are more organic and verstiale and each song sounds authentic and special. Every song sounds like it belongs in a different decade. Songs that grabbed me right away were The Next Messiah, Jack Killed Mom, Trying My Best to Love You, Godspeed, Bad Man's World, and the gorgeous title-track. I can't stop listening to this cd, hope you feel the same way too after you purchase it, enjoy!!



4. I just got this cd today and immediatly stuck it in the car cd player. After a few songs I asked my wife if she liked it? Her response was since when do you listen to country. I turned to her and said this is not country, but perhaps she is right. Regardless Jenny Lewis has a new and original sound. After months of listing to British RB sensations like Amy W., Duffy, and Aidle it was nice to hear something new and fresh. Regardless of what classification Jenny Lewis falls into she has a great voice and is a strong song writer. The songs conveyed a lot of rawness and passion. This is my favorite cd in the last few months and believe me I have bought my fair share.



5. I'm a big fan of Jenny Lewis and find this to be her most poweful album to date. She has assembled a series of beautiful songs so diverse in style to make it exciting to listen to. My favorite track 'GodSpeed' ...with her heartfelt and soulful delivery is reminiscent of another singer-songwriter, Arrica Rose's tracks 'I love to Miss La' and 'Little Wars' in La La Lost...fabulous music as well.

5 comments about Way to Normal.

1. I have enjoyed Ben Folds for years. I think this album has a few GREAT songs including You Don't Know Me (Regina Spektor is wonderful with Ben) and Cologne is quietly intriguing.



2. I actually like this one a lot better than Songs for Silverman. Ignore the bad reviews. This one is worth getting.



3. I was amazed when Elton John released The Captain And The Kid in 2006, how wonderful music can one make in this century. Now, two years later I am very happy to say the same with new Ben Folds record. So many interresting music ideas are sorted in good sequence, the album is like real album of photos. Backing vocals are composed very funny, on many places quite dominating. In two or three songs it seems to me I hear Scissor Sisters. But it does not matter 'cause as I've written - this stuff is connected in very nice block of songs sorted from agreable beginning into the meaningful end. Honest recommendation especially for people who love strong sound of piano in pop music. I don't understand how anybody can mark this album only by one star. Let's play it whole, not just in 30-seconds clips.



4. In my opinion, this album confirms that Ben Folds has officially sold out to the new generation of teens who spend their money on CDs and at iTunes, instead of on bills. In doing so, he has left the fans, like myself, who have enjoyed his music for more than a decade. This transition to fast paced and extremely "pop" music (which was evidenced with the Supersunnyspeedgraphic albums) appears to be complete.
   
   I've listened to Ben Folds (and Ben Folds Five) for over a decade, and I've enjoyed his shrewd music compositions and unique use of multiple instruments and vocals. Moreover, his story-telling ability has produced lyrics ranging from thoughtful to whimsical, but complex in either form. Take, for example, "Late" from Songs for Silverman. The words of that song painted a precise picture while telling an impassioned story. The same can be said of most songs on that album.
   
   Now, with Way to Normal, Mr. Folds tells disjointed and pointless stories with random language that feels pasted together as opposed to carefully constructed. Hiroshima has no point, Dr. Yang is annoying, and I'm sure if Mr. Folds spent more than 5 seconds, he could have found a word instead of diaper that wouldn't have stuck out like a sore thumb.
   
   Overall, I'm know that we all want to make more money, just ask Sally Struthers, but by targeting the young listener who doesn't even understand that reference, Mr. Folds has abandoned the artistic style that made his music good.



5. After listening to Songs for Silverman, which has a more somber, introspective tone, this album is refreshing. It is more in your face then Silverman. It has a similar sound to Supersunnyspeedgraphic. Its tasteful use of strings and synths are quite welcome and add nicely to album. It doesn't sound overproduced and that is nice to hear in world where pro tools and pitch correction rules.

5 comments about Closer-The Best of Sarah McLachlan.

1. Yes, this collection shows that Sarah is an extraordinarily talented musician. This set shows it, the B-Sides set that came out earlier this year showed it, the live set a few years ago showed it, the collection of Christmas covers showed it... um...
   
   Hey, how much actual new music has she really brought to the table the last five years? The last ten years, even? Is this greatest hits coming out because she really had that many hits? Or is it coming out because people need another reminder that she's still around?
   
   Enough with the re-hash... she needs to get back to the drawing board and bring us some new stuff, or she needs to leave us alone.
   
   Still, a great review of great music from a (once-)great artist.



2. Oh, ever since it was announced Sarah McLachlan was putting out a best of, I was impatient for it to get here. The song list had everything I wanted. Bought the disc, tore off the plastic, threw it in the player... and... Holy crap! Someone turned the treble up to 11 (yeah, Bob Ludwig, I'm lookin' at you!!!)!
   This is one of the harshest sounding discs I've ever heard. Even when Sarah sings a word with the "f" sound in it, it sounds like an "s". THAT'S harsh. It hurts to listen to this cd. And I think it's 'cause discs are being mastered now with ipod in mind. I really do. There's no excuse for such a slipshod job. I pulled out my copy of 'Surfacing' to compare "Building a Mystery", "Sweet Surrender", Adia", and "Angel", and they beat the best of's versions easily. There's more warmth to the 'Surfacing' versions, and that disc is 11 years old!
   
   Sarah and her fans deserve better. This disc has only been out a few days, and it already cries out to be remastered... by someone who knows what they're doing.
   
   So, content: 5 stars
   Sound quality: -3 stars
   Total stars: 2



3. If you are reading this review you are probably a fan of some level of Sarah McLaughlin. To that end I have to say you will not be dissapointed with this greatest-of album. Some of the songs here I had not had with my collection, some I lost through time and I was very happy to have them all again. Not a bad album at all.
   
   If your just getting into Sarah, then this is a PERFECT album to get into her with. If your an old hard core fan then you probably have all of this music in some form in your collection. Either way I highly recommend this for your collection.



4. Hmm ,as you can tell by that title I am among the many Sarah fans who just love her and her music.
   I am not even sure if this counts as a review or my own personal love letter to her but here goes. This brand new release functions as many things to many people.. to some like me who owns everything Sarah has ever done it is a wonderful walk down the memory lane of my life . I can place my self with people (loves and otherwise) and events that have transpired in my life with every beautiful song. The remixes have to me only given more subtle undertones to an already fine wine. To those of you who have only recently discovered Sarah it is a great way to get to know her catalogue of amazing hits and a chance to accumulate a few personal anthems of your own (16 tracks wow !!).As for those who are looking for new sounds there is even a bit of that(2 new tracks) although many of you would say they wanted more.. but be patient Sarah lovers..rumors of turmoil in our tender Sarah's personal life as well as a new arrival to her family have most likely been keeping this sensitive artist busy. Lets hope for the best and accept this as perhaps her message to listeners both new and old that she hasn't forgotten us ..and what a beautiful message it is . Thank You Sarah..Love and Peace to you all .



5. A huge fan of Sarah's music, I rushed out to get her new release Closer cd. It was like waiting for a baby to take its first steps, sleep all night or like a child in a candy store. This cd is supposed to have the serious side of Sarah since the recent break up of her marriage.
   10/7/08 This cd made it into my hands and started to play. Her work is magificent and has a few of her all time masterpieces I Will remember You, Angel, Adia and Fallen. The tracks listed are: Vox (3.5), The Path of Thorns (6)(beautiful) , Into The Fire (5), Possession (5), Hold On (6), Good Enough (5), Building a Mystery(4) , Sweet Surrender(4), Adia (4), Angel(6), I Will Remember You (5), Fallen (6), Stupid (4,) World On Fire (4), Dont Give Up On Us (4) and U Want Me 2 (5). This is so timeless and a great piece of her work. Sarah the Magnificent. A must.

4 comments about Closer:The Best of Sarah McLachlan Deluxe2 CD Set.

1. When I heard that Arista was releasing a "best of" disc I wondered just one thing.....why? I own all of her studio and live releases and every CD single and promo release that's been issued. When I saw the track listing for the 2-disc set of this new hits collection I immediately decided to purchase it. I based my decision on the fact that remastered versions of I Will Remember You and the radio remix of Hold On would be on the second disc. Elated on the day of it's release, I go out and make my purchase at Best Buy only to find that the track "Hold On (Radio Remix)" is NOT in fact the remix. It's just a repeat of the album version found on disc one. I know this because I have the Tom Lord-Alge remix on an older promo CD single of lesser sound quality. SHAME on Arista for letting this slip through the cracks. I am worried if I purchase the disc from Amazon that I'll get exactly the same thing I got at Best Buy. Can anyone tell me if Amazon is selling the same botched copies? If you're an obsessed die-hard fan you'll immediately know the difference between the album version and remix version of Hold On. Anyway, the collection on this 2-disc set is overall spectacular and would recommend it to anyone.



2. This year has shown to be a great return for Sarah McLachlan. Not only is she celebrating her 20th Anniversary since she broke out as a singer/songwriter, but for hard core fans it also is a welcoming return to the stage after 2003's Afterglow. But, with the music industry changing more towards wannabe artists like Britney Spears, Jordin Sparks and The Pussycat Dolls, some may feel out of league with Sarah. Well, they absolutely shouldn't, because the former Lillith Fair founder has crafted some of the best songs from the past decade. Now, with all the wait, there is a new greatest hits album that is sure to please anyone and their Sweet Surrender.
   
   The 2008 album Closer: The Best Of Sarah McLachlan is a welcomed and well-dedicated hits collection that spans Sarah's best songs from her 20 years if great music. The deluxe double-album edition pleases hard core fans well, and adds extra songs that appeal well in price and style. The songs have all been remastered well, and include a lot of Sarah's great songs like Building A Mystery, Fumbling Towards Ecstasy, and I Will Remember You. The deluxe addition also adds more for the die hard fans well by including bonus tracks like Ice Cream, and the original recording of I Will Remember You from the Ed Burns film, The Brothers McMullen, and includes 2 new songs, U Want Me 2 and Don't Give Up On Us, which are welcomed returns to Sarah's signature-songwriting for die hard fans, young and old.
   
   While there are those who are torn between buying the deluxe edition double album and the single disc version of Closer: The Best Of Sarah McLachlan, they both work very well as an extra addition to your music library. I really recommend this as one of the must have albums, and that should prove Sarah McLachlan's world is still on fire.
   
   Album Cover: B
   
   Songs: B+
   
   Price: B+
   
   Remastering: A-
   
   Overall: B 1/2+



3. Considering the 2-CD Tracklisting, you'll agree that this is the only version of the album to have. I have often thought Sarah deserved a Greatest Hits Package a little earlier than this (there are some budget compilation packages out there, but nothing really 'essential'), and while its too much to expect a Box Set (which is really quite required considering Sarah has so many songs in storage that need to be released), this 2-CD edition of "Closer" serves as a fitting Greatest Hits.
   
   If you are a new fan of Sarah, the 2-CD Package is the way to go. The one-disc edition is virtually useless, in my opinion, and in this day and age of digital downloads I can't imagine anyone shelling out hard earned cash for the physical copy of that CD.
   
   For example, its a bit weird to have to buy a 'Deluxe Edition' of an album to get Sarah's signature hit "Building a Mystery". All her biggest hits, "Sweet Surrender", and even "Angel" are on the second disc, which is capped off by 'original versions' and 'radio remixes' (I frankly found the last four tracks on the second CD to be slightly unnecessary as they seemed way too edited down and pointless).
   
   Bottom line : if at all youre interested in this album, pick up the 2-CD version - its the best one in the market right now if you are looking for a quick refresher on all things Sarah McLachlan.
   
   Tracklisting:
   
   CD 1
   
   1. Vox
   2. Steaming
   3. Ben's Song
   4. The Path Of Thorns (Terms)
   5. Into The Fire
   6. Drawn To The Rhythm
   7. Mercy
   8. Possession
   9. Hold On
   10. Good Enough
   11. Ice Cream
   12. Fumbling Towards Ecstasy
   
   CD 2
   
   1. Building A Mystery
   2. Sweet Surrender
   3. Adia
   4. Angel
   5. I Will Remember You
   6. Fallen
   7. Stupid
   8. World On Fire
   9. Push
   10. Don't Give Up On Us
   11. U Want Me 2
   12. Hold On (Radio Remix)
   13. I Will Remember You (Original Version)
   14. World On Fire (Radio Remix)
   15. U Want Me 2 (Radio Remix)



4. It really is...too much missing for the true Sarahphile...if that was the only version available, better to download the 2 new tracks. This double is much more like it...the best 3 songs from "Touch" REMASTERED, the best 4 songs from "Solace" REMASTERED...then the most popular 5 songs from FTE, in a good context with the mesmerizing title track as Disc 1's closer, perfect.
   
   Then Disc 2 has the hits from "Surfacing", the live hit of "I Will Remember You" from "Mirrorball", the 4 hits from her "comeback" album "Afterglow", then the 2 new songs "Don't Give Up On Us" & "U Want Me 2"...bringing things up to date, AND then ending the program with 3 worthy radio remixes and the sought-after, soundtrack & rarities-disc exclusive and superior studio version of "I Will Remember You".
   
   Add a nice picture-and-art-filled booklet and simple-but-classy digipack packaging, and this is as good a Sarah anthology/hits collection as you can get, without there being a boxset. Not sure if there will ever BE a boxset, as Sarah had just left her sole, longtime US label Arista for her own label/internet releases, so "Closer" (apt title too) is a perfect label wrapup project...until her next album/next chapter.
   
   Word of advice...if you are just a very basic radio/hits/casual Sarah fan, the single disc will do...HOWEVER, if you want more, are a bigger fan/admirer/friend, or want to look for a really good overview and deeper look than just the radio hits...
   
   ONLY go for the double deluxe, ONLY.