5 comments about With the Beatles.

1. This was the Beatles' 2nd album in the UK. Like the debut, Please Please Me, most of this album was recorded in one session. The cover was inspired by the works of Astrid Kirschnerr, whom the Beatles became friends with while in Hamburg. I heard a few takes of "Hold Me Tight" where Paul's voice cracks slightly on take 23, "Let me go on... ohbloodyhell!" (he was even the perfectionist back in 1963). Of course, the engineer (running out of patience) screams "24!" as the Beatles seem to get it right on the take used. On With the Beatles, the Beatles give a nod to Motown with their readings of "Please Mr. Postman," "Devil in Her Heart" sung by George), "Money (That's What I Want" and "You Really Got a Hold on Me" (I recall the latter being on the Beatles' animated series, produced by Al Brodax, where a snake is tightly coiled around Ringo). The Motown influence would be realized on original songs like "Not a Second Time" (part of a trilogy of "no 2nd chance if you blow it the 1st time" songs, including "You Can't Do That" and "Run For Your Life" on later albums; John sang lead on each of the 3) and "All I've Got to Do" (with jazz progressions on the intro). This album also features George's writing debut "Don't Bother Me," a slightly bitter lament over unrequited love, which if he didn't get back, he certainly wasn't going to give any other girl a piece of his affections. "Little Child" is a simple song which recalls the influence of skiffle (folk and blues) with a harmonica played by John. "All My Loving" became famous as the 1st song the Beatles sang on Ed Sullivan. Paul croons sweetly "Till There Was You" from the 1950's show The Music Man. Ringo sings "I Wanna Be Your Man" which, though written by John and Paul wrote this, was 1st recorded by the Rolling Stones as their 2nd single. George sings lead on Chuck Berry's "Roll Over Beethoven." Finally, opening the album, John sings lead on the catchy and exquisite "It Won't Be Long" with an impressive closing chord progression. In the USA and Canada, most of these songs would make their way onto Meet the Beatles (which used the same cover photo) and others would find their way onto The Beatles' 2nd Album, both released the following year.



2. This is a completely subjective review - not an in-depth analysis:
   
   So I've had this playing in my car CD player for some time now, and I decided today that I'd sit down and assess the album in my iTunes - rank each song, and whatnot. It seems that a whopping 9 of the 14 songs I have felt worthy of receiving 5 stars - and I only give songs 5 stars if I feel they are worthy of repeat listening.
   I regrettably do not have 'Beatles for Sale' as part of the catalogue of theirs in my iTunes, but looking at the other albums it seems as if I've rated more songs with 5 stars on this album than any other Beatles album with the exception of 'Abbey Road'. This does not mean that I think 'With the Beatles' is one of their artistic best, but it does give an indication that it is definitely worth owning due to its awesome listenability factor - you could give this album many repeat listens without getting bored of it. Here are the songs that I have rated 5 stars:
   
   It Won't Be Long
   All I've Got to Do
   All My Loving
   Til There Was You
   Please Mr Postman
   Hold Me Tight
   Devil in her Heart
   Not a Second Time
   Money (That's What I Want)
   
   I will say my least favorite on here is their surprisingly bland version of 'Roll Over Beethoven'. And with the large number of covers (exactly half of the album), it might be a turn off for some folks, but really, if you haven't heard them do stuff such as 'Till There Was You', you are missing out.
   
   'She's got the devil in her heart
   Oh, no, no, no, this I can't believe...' and with this, it seems I've finally gotten Coldplay's 'Viva La Vida' out of my head... thank you, George.



3. This really is a pretty good group. The hairstyles are a little strange but I think they have the potential to be moderately successful.



4. With the Beatles, one of the best collectable albums of the Beatles strongly recommended. I don't have that much to say, simple, the Mamas and the Papas of Pop and Rock music. The Beatles forever.
   
   Cuban/French, Hector.



5. Okay first off let me say im a big fan of the beatles but some there early stuff isnt the best. This album was the one that really started beatlemania but all the songs are about the same thing. Love, okay i mean its okay to have that as three of your songs but fourteen 2 minute songs is a little too much. But the beats are good and its a good basic rock album but its not as good as albums like revolver or sgt. pepper etc. Its okay
   3/5 stars

5 comments about Hot Rocks 1964-1971 [DSD Remastered].

1. Sensacional. La primera época de los Rolling Stones, llena de imaginación y de buenísimas canciones.



2. One of the most addictive qualities to a new romance is the opportunity to reinvent yourself. New couples exchanges personal histories when acquainting themselves with one another and, of course, histories get reinterpreted and subsequently recast. Once a couple completes the process of individual explication, then, alas, reality, the new narrative, proceeds, fixing itself in quotidian praxis. Boo hoo. It's so hard to change identities when the significant other knows so much. Consider happily ever after. If happiness is so desirable, then why does it END the story? These are some of the themes contained within Hot Rocks. If we ever wondered what might have become of Byron, had he lived, look no further than Mick. Now, if you'll excuse me, the wife is screaming something from the other room.



3. This is a must own double CD of The Stones early work and is as timeless as any album they have ever released. I own the album version of this gem but no longer have the capability to play it so...to replace it I bought this DSD remastered set and the sound quality is excellent. However, this is not an SACD if that is what you are expecting!! For those who want a quality sound and to hear songs from their beginning up until 1971, this is an excellent choice...



4. Early Stones at their best. You can understand the lyrics! That alone was worth the purchase.



5. what can I say? This is exactly what it is supposed to be. It is exactly what I ordered and what I expected, what more could I ask?

5 comments about The Very Best of Fleetwood Mac.

1. This is the next door neighbor complilation of Fleetwood Mac. You borrowed it to play, maybe cassette tape your favorite songs. otherwise you would have bought the essential LPs from which these songs were culled.
   
   Nothin' sweeps across the mid/late '70's like "Don't Stop", "You Make Lovin' Fun", "Dreams", "Go Your Own Way".
   
   This is a wrong-headed swirl of cuts/hits from "Fleetwood Mac" (1975) "Rumours" (1977) "Tusk" (1979) and various so-called rarities. There is no historically true timeline of compostion and no booklet that explains the intrigue of the songs.
   
   The sound is embarrassingly mediocre, the old scratched LPs have a better sense of depth and detail. This CD is for those who pop it in the Toyota and travel back....



2. This is a great collection of the Buckingham-Nicks Fleetwood Mac era!!! 36 great songs!!! Almost all of the great stuff from that period is HERE!!! The only true ommissions here seems to be with Warm Ways,Blue Letter and the studio versions of I'm So Afraid and Big Love(they are presented in live versions from The Dance)but thats a very small quibble,pretty much all the great stuff is here,like I sais before!!! And the remastered sound is awesome courtey of pros Bill Inglot and Dan Hersch!!! A great collection of songs from 1975-97!!! Two thumbs up!!! A+



3. What more can I say? I LOVE Fleetwood Mac, and I still havent thought of ONE song missing!!! ITS GREAT



4. When Fleetwood mac took a longshot chance on an obscure Los Angeles duo named Buckingham/Nicks, even they probably had no clue just how greatly their fortunes would turn. But the creative chemistry was almost immediate: the Fleetwood Mac album made huge inroads in the US and "Rhiannon" became the greeting card that marked the arrival of Stevie Nicks.
   
   That is where this double CD Best Of picks up the story. For all you whiny purists who grouse that the pre-Buckingham/Nicks material is not here, this is a HITS compilation. It covers a quarter century of a band that centered on the core members (even as they revolved in and out) from 1975 on. While Bob Welch and Peter Green each contributed, they came and went quickly and the alchemy that gelled when the band entered the studio for Rumours, frankly, didn't happen until this line-up was in place. Nicks' sensual spaciness balanced Christine McVie's earthiness, Buckingham's guitar playing brought new spark to the band, and his sonic ingenuity prodded Mick Fleetwood and John McVie to new heights.
   
   Which means that most of these songs are from that incredible one/two punch of "Fleetwood Mac" and "Rumours," with the band baring themselves even as their emotional lives were splintering. It makes songs like "Dreams" drip with emotion, even as "Go Your Own Way" cajoles the lover on the way out the door. It was impossible not to relate to at least something there, making "Rumours" one of the best selling albums of all time.
   
   After that, where would anyone go? Since the relationships had hit their peaks of instability already, the band took advantage of their status to experiment with the wildly ambitious (but overblown) Tusk. Featuring one of the most bizarre top ten singles from a star band ever in the title track, it also has to claim responsibility for the wave of pop songs incorporating marching bands. The mad tinkering was balanced by the hits, which included Nicks' "Gypsy."
   
   By now, the band was also feeling their own personal creative powers, which meant just about all members hitting the solo spotlight (and the bona-fide superstardom of Nicks once Bella Donna emerged). When the band reconvened for Mirage, the results were still pretty...but not revelatory. The album hit number one, both Nicks' "Gypsy" and McVie's "Love In Store" captured the sound, but the fire that burned in "The Chain" was nowhere to be found. Same for Tango in the Night, which often felt like Buckingham's solo work with "Family Man" and "Big Love" leading the parade. Even so, Nicks and McVie balanced things out with "Seven Wonders" and "Little Lies." Buckingham split at this point, and his creative sense was missed on Behind the Mask (represented here by only one song). Even though the band reunited once President Bill Clinton asked them for a performance of "Don't Stop," the only album they recorded together was the live The Dance, and three songs are from that (including Buckingham's solo "Go Insane"). The studio versions would have been better, hence the four star ranking.
   
   However, if you were listening to the radio from the mid-70's through the end of the 80's, these were the songs and sounds that filled the airwaves. For many of us in our 40's and 50's, a great part to the soundtrack of our lives. To this day, "The Chain," "Don't Stop" and "Rhiannon" can lift memories from the past.



5. Wow, listening to these songs never gets old. They are in many ways musical masterpieces deep with meaning, provocative, and deliver outstanding rock still over thirty years.
   
   This is a great CD to bring to the beach - it's good and long, there are a LOT of [excellent] songs. Actually they are ALL excellent.
   
   Stevie Nicks (one of my favorite female singers) still delivers her one-of-a-kind voice that is as unique and special as she is. If you want a real treat, check out her site at nicksfix.com
   
   Pure timeless rock - 10 Stars!

5 comments about Queen - Greatest Hits, Vols. 1 &2.

1. Love Queen. When I was in high school, our them song was Another One Bites the Dust and it takes me back every time I listen to it. Great CD



2. If you are a Queen fan, you must have this greatest hits collection. Not only is the music fantastic, the price was great.



3. If you like Queen, you need to check out America's best kept secret for over 15 years, Poi Dog Pondering. The new '7' CD is incredible and is the only release to match the creative heights of the mighty Queen.....great, great work. A work of art, really.7



4. good selection of most of Queen's best songs. I wish Princes of the Universe was included, but one can't have everything.



5. At their best, Queen produced some of the finest rock songs ever recorded. I'm partial to the great work they did early in their career--tunes like "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Killer Queen," and "You're My Best Friend." "Under Pressure," their collaboration with David Bowie, is one of my favorite songs of all time. I accept the claim by several reviewers, who are no doubt more knowledgeable about the band than I, that this is probably the most complete collection of their hits you can find. I had never heard most of these songs before.
   
   The problem is that most of them are terrible, and not just in comparison to their greats. I found many of them to be unlistenable messes with operatic aspirations. It's hard to believe that the many 1-star tunes ( i.e., "Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy" and "I'm Going Slightly Mad") were composed by the same guys who wrote the comparatively few 5-star songs. Personally, I prefer the one-disc "Greatest Hits" compilation that many of the other reviewers deride.

5 comments about Help! [UK].

1. Amazon shipped the CD in a small bubble rapped/lined envelope. The jeweled box was poured out of that envelope, even the art work was cut up but the CD was unhurt! AMAZING!



2. The music on this Classic Rock CD represents the latter end of The Beatles' "early period" (of their three musical eras). It's one of the better albums they ever produced.
   
   This music is mostly of the happy sort, upbeat, and easy to listen to. But don't let that fool you into thinking that these compositions are not intricate and innovative as well. These songs broke a LOT of new ground when they hit AM radio at the time of their initial release.
   
   I acquired this album (33 1/3 LP) when it first emerged in the record stores and always maintained a copy in the latest technology available... LP, 8-track (yikes!), cassette, and now CD. It never seemed to loose appeal for me even as newer [in retrospect] Classic Rock tunes evolved throughout the '60s and into the early '70s. My favorite cuts are "Help!" and "The Night Before". Of course, "Yesterday" was probably the biggest hit of them all and I liked that one as well. "Act Naturally" is a tongue-in-cheek, comic relief rendering (sorry, Buck Owens!) by the always-loveable Ringo Starr.
   
   These songs are taken from The Beatles' film "Help!" which I never actually saw until years after hearing the film's soundtrack. It's sort of a funny, goofy flick that I enjoyed when I finally did get to view it but, commercially, I don't think it garnered much Kudos beyond the fans of The Beatles.
   
   If you're a Classic Rock enthusiast, (present at Woodstock or not!), you won't get hurt on this one -- the tunes are as superb today as they were in 1965.



3. This is not the American release of the Original Soundtrack, it has added a few songs not from that album and left off the original instrumentals such as "In the Tyrol", "rom me to you fantasy" " The Chase" and more.
   Don't know why they can't come up with standard releases instead of UK releases here in the USA, when all we got at the time of release from Capitol was the USA version............now they are all UK.



4. The Beatles-Help ****
   
   Help! is far from the five star classic it is being labeled but it was a precursor to what was to come from the boys. Just around the corner the four lads would release five of the greatest albums in music history, so for me this plays as a warm up lap around the recording studio.
   
   The title track 'Help' really was a personal cry for help from John Lennon, and not to mention on of the groups best. 'Yesterday' is the very best song McCartney ever recorded, it also went on to become the most covered song in history with well over five hundred version to date. 'Hide Your Love Away' would have fit better on Rubber Soul but is a nice addition to Help! ''The Night Before' is pretty catchy and Paul was really on to something here, and 'Ticket To Ride' might be the strongest thing The Beatles ever recorded. John was a true genius. As for the rest of the songs, honestly they are take it or leave it, and just because they are the Beatles does not make them great songs.
   
   Once again while I don't think this is necessarily a classic I do think it is worth owning and one of the best 'early' Beatles albums.



5. I Think this a great servis for de produts, i laike to bay bay this.
   Me gusta mucho el servicio por la compra de los productos por este medio, el servicio de paqueteria es muy bueno y eficiente.

5 comments about Blood on the Tracks.

1. This would be one of the five albums I would take with me if I was to be deserted on a small island for an extended period of time. I hope there would be electricity!



2. I owned an LP copy of this album when it was first released. The music quickly grew on me, and I took the wonderful sound for granted. When I bought the first CD release of "Blood on the Tracks" the sound was so thin and tinny I couldn't listen to it. No longer owning a turntable by that time, I lived without this album for years, and missed it.
   Finally, after too long a wait, we have a decent-sounding CD version of this essential Dylan album--two versions, actually, as an SACD Hybrid disc was released first, then this one. I am guessing that this conventional CD issue followed because the record labels have come to believe there is too little interest in the SACD format.
   At any rate, both of the current "Blood on the Tracks" CDs sound good. If you do not own an SACD player, the two releases sound alike. Packaging is different for the two versions: the SACD is housed in a glossy paper "Digipak" made to resemble the original LP jacket design; the conventional CD is sold in a standard jewel case.
   A word about the sound: this CD release seems a bit light in the bass range compared to my memories of how the LP sounded. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Too many "newly remastered" CDs are bass-heavy to the point of damaging the overall sound. The remastered "Blood on the Tracks" sounds balanced and the bass is present, just slightly less so than I remember. Since everything else sounds right to me, I am not complaining. I should add that I was unable even ONCE to listen all the way through the earliest "Blood on the Tracks" CD. I have played this remastered disc over and over, and have never tired of hearing it.
   I have no idea whether or not the SACD Hybrid release of "Blood on the Tracks" will continue to be available, but both versions sound very alike on a standard CD player and this conventional disc is less expensive, so I would give it a high recommendation. If you were unfortunate enough to have owned the earliest CD release of this music, buy this one to cleanse your palate and rediscover one of Bob Dylan's truly fine albums.



3. Blood on the Tracks is Bob Dylan's artistic peak both lyrically and musically. Blood on the Tracks has aged gracefully. Dylan always gives us a sly wink, but particularly so on the autobiographical-sounding Tangled Up in Blue.



4. It seems hard to believe now both as to the performer as well as to what was being attempted that anyone would take umbrage at a performer using an electric guitar to tell a folk story (or any story for that matter). It is not necessary to go into all the details of what or what did not happen with Pete Seeger at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965 to know that one should be glad, glad as hell, that Bob Dylan continued to listen to his own drummer and carry on a career based on electronic music.
   
   This is probably one of the strongest Dylan albums from first song to last that he ever recorded. Its virtue lies in the story-like quality of each song that, unlike some earlier unsuccessful attempts to tell a story in song, clicks here. Starting with the dream-like, forlorn tattered romance in Tangled Up In Blue that one knows can only lead to sorrow everything moves higher from there. Idiot Winds as close to knowing how Dylan will really feel in a relationship. The quietly beautiful, haunting message of If You See Her, Say Hello (`I had always respected here for getting free.'). And the finale Buckets of Rain is well done (if not as well done as Dave Van Ronk's mournful cover, well done nevertheless). If you like high symbolism, a la the French poets Rimbaud and Verlaine in your lyrics this one is for you.



5. This album represents the very best of Bob's mid-career output. Aaron, the eight-year-old rock critic, says that you can tell how Mr Dylan is feeling by listening to his songs. Bob was sad, he observes. He adds that Mr Dylan tells stories in his songs, and that his characters talk. I think this is very astute and an accurate description of this album. Bob sings gently and sadly on this musically beautiful record. Sweet tunes, beautiful guitar work and the incisive harmonica in the correct proportions. I must add, though, that from an adult perspective Mr Dylan in this album is feeling really sad and angry and conflicted about the death of love, and that he is characterizing his hurt and confusion in a way that makes me think of a long slow painful death of a piece of the soul, just like a stroke. And no matter how much rehabilitation occurs one is always left with some limited use that never fully recovers. I love this album but it is cold and painful to listen to the ache. Unfortunately, the tunes are positively catchy and you find yourself whistling along to a song describing wrenching loneliness. Oh Bob. I am so sorry.

5 comments about The Essential Bob Dylan (Rm) (2CD).

1. this is a great album for what it is and it is a career spanning compilation and as such is meant to include the finest tracks and is meant to give a sampler of an artist work which it does exceptionally well. no it doesn't have all his best tracks and yes everybody has their little probelems,but for those uniniated or just starting out with a minimal dylan collection its a great starter i guarantee you'll come back too time and again.



2. This was my first CD of Bob Dylan's good CD with songs that make you think. Good melodies, typical Dylan voice.



3. Bashing Dylan's vocal skills as a means of arguing that he's not a great artist is kind of like complaining that Woody Allen isn't a versatile actor. If you have to resort to that, his talent is completely over your head. Look at this track list - 30 of the greatest songs in American popular music & he wrote every single one & had huge radio hits with many of them. Granted, there are versions of these tunes out there that surpass the original recordings in terms of sing-along-ability & pleasing listening. But that's hardly the point. So his poetry is not your thing? Then why come here & review an album you obviously haven't even purchased or listened to?? If anyone wants a wonderful summary of Dylan's repertoire, this is a CD set that can't be beat. And just look at that price! A+



4. I don't listen to Bob Dylan a lot. I have 7 of his cd's.(I am 58 year old male) So far this is my favorite. I like most of the tracks on this one and there are 30. Some of the other cd's I have I like maybe half of the tracks. This one has a great "It's all over now, baby blue".
   "Rainy day woman", "Forever young", "jokerman", "Silvio", are my least fovorites. They're ok but just don't grab me.
   The rest of the cd is great. I could listen to it all day. Great for a long trip in the car.
   If you like Dylan then get this one. It's well worth it.
   Steve



5. I am a fan of Bob Dylan's talent. I admire him as a singer-songwriter, musician who plays several instruments, and especially as a poet. I understand very well that Dylan is not Luciano Pavarotti, Robert Plant, Freddie Mercury or Ian Gillan but his rough, nasal and far from perfect singing voice speaks to me clearly. For five decades that he's been a major figure in popular music, Bob Dylan has released over 50 albums including 32 Studio Albums, 13 Live, and 12 compilations. I own The Essential Bob Dylan (Rm) (2CD) which included 30 songs. Of course, 30 songs on 2 CD is just a fraction of Mr. Dylan's very impressive body of work but I am happy with the content of this compilation. It includes some of my favorite songs from 1962 to 1999 written in the different genres - folk, country/blues, rock and roll, and more. Among them:
   
   Mr. Tambourine Man - Hey! Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me, In the jingle jangle morning I'll come followin' you.
   
   Just Like A Woman,
   "Ah, you fake just like a woman, yes, you do
   You make love just like a woman, yes, you do
   Then you ache just like a woman
   But you break just like a little girl."
   
   Rainy Day Women:
   "They'll stone ya and then they'll say, "good luck."
   Tell ya what, I would not feel so all alone,
   Everybody must get stoned"
   
   I'll Be Your Baby Tonight:
   "That big, fat moon is gonna shine like a spoon,
   But we're gonna let it,
   You won't regret it."
   
   If Not For You - I like a lot its cover version by George Harrison but it is always great to have the original performance,
   "If not for you
   My sky would fall,
   Rain would gather too.
   Without your love I'd be nowhere at all,
   I'd be lost if not for you,
   And you know it's true."
   
   Shelter From The Storm:
   "Suddenly I turned around and she was standin' there
   With silver bracelets on her wrists and flowers in her hair.
   She walked up to me so gracefully and took my crown of thorns.
   "Come in," she said,
   "I'll give you shelter from the storm."
   
   Hurricane - This is not just a great compelling song but the civil action that had helped to overturn Rubin "Hurricane" Carter life in prison sentence and to free the innocent man:
   
   "Rubin Carter was falsely tried.
   The crime was murder "one," guess who testified?
   Bello and Bradley and they both baldly lied
   And the newspapers, they all went along for the ride.
   How can the life of such a man
   Be in the palm of some fool's hand?
   To see him obviously framed
   Couldn't help but make me feel ashamed to live in a land
   Where justice is a game."
   
   Gotta Serve Somebody -
   "You may call me Terry, you may call me Timmy,
   You may call me Bobby, you may call me Zimmy,
   You may call me R.J., you may call me Ray,
   You may call me anything but no matter what you say
   You're gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
   You're gonna have to serve somebody.
   Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
   But you're gonna have to serve somebody. "
   
   Things Have Changed -
   If ever a song deserved the Oscar for the best song of the year in the movie, it was the one. I love Curtis Hanson's film "Wonder Boys" (2000) which I see as one of the best films about writers and writing, but after all these years, the firs thing that comes to my mind while thinking of "Wonder Boys", is the song:
   
   "Standin' on the gallows with my head in the noose
   Any minute now I'm expecting' all hell to break loose
   People are crazy and times are strange
   I'm locked in tight, I'm out of range
   I used to care but - things have changed."
   
   People may get crazier, times - stranger, all things may change but my love for Bob Dylan's songs will always stay the same

5 comments about Bruce Springsteen - Greatest Hits.

1. They dont call him the Boss for nothing. Bruce Springsteen makes great rock music for middle America. People are always going to complain that there are tracks missing, these people are true fans and probably already own all the albums...to this I say make your own greatest hits cds on your computer. However to fans that are casually into Bruce Springsteen this is a great cd packed with well known songs. For my two cents Glory Days is the best song on the album followed by Secret Garden. Even if you are not a big rock fan this album is worth your money.



2. As a longtime Bruce fan, I found this release just a tad bit disappointing. I still bought it and it's a great single-disc collection, nonetheless.
   
   But now there are so many other collections. '18 Tracks,' 'The Essential Bruce Springsteen' and the 'Live 1975-85' are all out, and are quite a bit better than this, especially '18 Tracks.'
   
   But this has all of the Bruce standards. 'Born To Run,' 'Badlands,' 'Hungry Heart,' 'Atlantic City,' 'Thunder Road,' and 'The River' are all on this set. And the sound quality is superb.
   
   But why didn't they include a song like 'Rosalita,' 'Tenth Avenue Freeze Out,' 'The Tunnel Of Love' or 'Blinded By The Light' as opposed to one of the new songs like 'Secret Garden'? I loved the two new songs 'This Hard Land' and 'Blood Brothers,' but 'Secret Garden' and 'Murder Incorporated' just can't hold a candle to those two.
   
   Overall, this is a good Bruce set that has it's moments, but if you want a definitive Bruce set, buy something else. If you are a die-hard fan just buying this for the new songs, than it's well worth it.
   
   Recommended, but only for die-hards or really casual Bruce fans.



3. This item arrived sooner than I had expected it to. The condition of the merchandise was as described in the offer for it. I am pleased with the service that I received.



4. Anytime a major artist releases a CD labeled "Greatest Hits," all bets are off! There will always be disagreements over what is (or should be) on the CD. Surely no difference here, as one can see from the variety of reviews already posted.
   
   However, my own sense is that this is not a bad collection of Springsteen's hits. It opens with a song that helped propel him to greater fame and renown than previously--"Born to Run." One of the best rock songs around (and one nice aspect of this CD is that the lyrics show up, so that people can see the actual words of the songs). Other top notch songs appear on this CD: "Thunder Road," "Badlands," "Hungry Heart," "Dancing in the Dark," "Born in the U.S.A." and so on.
   
   The collection captures the range of Springsteen's work, from the hard rockers to more introspective songs, from the sound of the E Street Band joining him to sparer instrumentation.
   
   Questions? Sure. Nothing earlier than "Born to Run"? There were some very nice pieces before that iconic tune. Also, I could see other songs as candidates for inclusion--"10th Avenue Freezeout," "Jungleland," and so on. Nonetheless, this works well as a Greatest Hits compilation for Bruce Springsteen. Fans may have all his CDs, but it's sometimes nice to have a compilation available of some of the best works available. And if you don't have a lot of Springsteen's works, then this is "must hear music."



5. I am buying this CD to replace my well worn tape and old scratched cd. Hopefully my kids will take better care of this one than my previous copy. This is my favorite Springsteen album - but I have not heard all of Magic.

5 comments about Aha Shake Heartbreak.

1. I maintain a collection of over 8,000 albums from every genre. This album is easily one of my most top 10 ten favorites of all time, and a must have. It's simple but highly effective in its purpose, it rocks. Enough said.



2. This album is awesome from the first song to the last. It is a complete work of art. These guys are super talented. Each time I listen to the album I hear something new and like it a little bit more. I have had it for over a year now and I'm still not tired of it.



3. This cd is great! Had one before, but got lost in the move or something. Came to Amazon to find it and I did for a fraction of the price. Mint condition and Excellent!



4. Ok, this being the second KOL release it has a lot to live up to. But it does so and admirably. KOL is one of the first bands in recent memory to have that "Southern sound" that is both fresh and place-centric. The first album was amazing even through its use of simple chords and straight forward arrangements. I loved it. Aha Shake Heartbreak still respects its Southern roots and rock and roll sensibility, but it is certainly more mature. Both musically and lyrically.
   As an after-the-fact-review, I must admit I also own the third album and listen to it frequently. I like it, but not as much as the first two. If you are a fan (or perhaps even if not) get it too. But this is the best. I look forward to the next release and hope KOL keeps growing and putting out some of the best current American rock-and-roll.



5. I heard about Kings of Leon in 2004 when the single "The Bucket" was released. I have to admit I wasn't a fan at first, but the song grew on me and I decided to purchase the album. Each and every song on the album, but one, is absolutely terrific and demands repeat listens.
   
   From the get go on "Slow Night, So Long" the musical creativity just flows from the speakers. The lyrics are not overly inspriring but still memorable enough to sing along with. The better songs on the album would have to be "Taper Jean Girl", "The Bucket" & "Pistol of Fire".
   
   The reasoning that this album does not warrant the five star rating is due to one horrible song. The fifth track, "Milk" is absolutely treacherous. Absent is any real substance other than the occasional gallup drum and bass line that is rather subpar compared to the rest of the work. The vocal arrangement on the track is strained and is just plain wretched.
   
   Other than one mishap on the recording, this is an album that many people will purchase and listen to hundreds, if not, thousands of times. The constant complaining about not being able to add it to an iPOD is absolute rubbish, as well. Anyone with a half-way decent opperating system and understands how to use it will have absolutely no problem adding. Purchase the album and add 11 of the best songs you'll ever listen to your iPOD today, you won't be disappointed.

5 comments about Quadrophenia.

1. I've been a drummer & Moonie Fan since 1967. This is as good as it gets as far as Keith's all around performaces go.
   
   Totally Inventive... Tasteful & Utterly Amazing!
   
   The whole performance, concept and lyrics aren't bad either : - )



2. Quadrophenia is the perfect musical context for the great questions of life. It is less than satisfactory to pass this off as a Rock Opera dealing with the "petty" issues of teenage angst. The questions posed during those years of transition between the summers of childhood and the winters of adult responsibility are indeed the ones we revisit as we approach the grave........Is this life of mine....the real me? Who am I....what do I see as the meaning of life.....and when will Love reign o'er us?.....
   
   The music is up to the task of providing the passion/reflection that is present during those "Dark nights of the soul".
   
   Brilliant.



3. This is and carries a different and more intense understanding of a young life seen through his eyes suffering from schizophrennia. Maybe its my age and life experience but sounds great with a life lesson.



4. The Who's Quadrophenia (1973) is a double album rock opera that covers a Monday through Friday week in the life of Jimmy, a young man afflicted with a multi-personality disorder that includes four personalities.
   
   A tough guy, a helpless dancer.
   A romantic, is it me for a moment?
   A bloody lunatic, I'll even carry your bags.
   A beggar, a hypocrite, love reign over me.
   
   Schizophrenic? I'm bleeding Quadrophrenic.
   
   Each of the four personalities supposedly reflects the personality of a member of The Who. As with all concept albums, the story is somewhat open to interpretation, and in this case that's a good thing. A lot of these songs are so personally affecting that applying the lyrics strictly to the concept might be distracting, and mitigate any personal identification with the songs. The best of this music can be very meaningful even without applying it to the Quadrophenia story.
   
   The production of Quadrophenia is powerful and extraordinarily well developed. Orchestrated and vocal sequences of the main songs play throughout and connect the songs with the story, and several sound effects, including those of the sea and the rain, add an imaginitive visual. The booklet included with the 2-disc set features an essay by Pete Townsend that helps to explain the Quadrophenia story, some relevant black and white photographs, and the lyrics to the songs.
   
   The songs on the album include some of the best The Who have ever done. It just doesn't get any better than The Real Me, 5:15, Doctor Jimmy, and Love Reign O'er Me. These songs rock like nothing the band had ever done, or would ever do again. The Who at the very peak of their powers. Nearly everything else on the album is satisfying, too, although not nearly as epic as the songs mentioned. Quadrophenia is one of The Who's best albums, and an essential and powerful piece of rock n' roll history. The album is an emotional experience, and quite a revelation when listened to in it's entirety. It can be very moving, and even sacred, if you let it take you into it's world. It ends with the spiritual healing of Jimmy while he stands screaming on The Rock in a raging rainstorm.
   
   Only love can bring the rain
   That makes you yearn to the sky
   Only love can bring the rain
   That falls like tears from on high
   
   Love, reign o'er me
   Love, reign o'er me, reign o'er me



5. This would have to be The Who's best album. John Entwistle brings some of his best bass playing on The Real Me. Keith Moon's drumming is awesome. Love Reign O'er Me is a truely awesome song.