5 comments about MTV Unplugged in New York.

1. In my opinion, the greatest MTV Unplugged album ever. They proved that they were more than just a grunge band, and Cobain brought his pain briefly to the surface.



2. When I first got this album I simply could not stop listening to it not only one of the best live albums but one of the best albums ever and that says a lot since before i got this cd I wasnt into acoustic cds i liked my music load and heavy and now because of this cd I now love acoustic songs , which I think its a good change of pace.even thou I hate Mtv ,its nirvana so what the hell here are my favourite songs
   1 jesus dont want me for a sumbeam
   2 come as you are
   3 polly
   4 lake of fire
   5 were did you sleep last night
   be sure to pick up the dvd of this classic album



3. Nirvana was a rock band. Their style was loud, raw, aggressive. Kurt Cobain abused his guitars. Dave Grohl pounded the living daylights out of his drums. Krist Novoselic jumped around on stage like a madman.
   
   So what happens when you hand Cobain an acoustic guitar, tell Grohl to play his drums with brushes, and force Krist to sit still?
   
   Well, you get a very interesting album. I will agree with many of the glowing reviews on here, this performance has alot of emotional punch - in places. But I wonder if perhaps too much of this emotional stuff is read into these performances in light of Cobain's death. Yes, he screams and plunks his guitar with great vigor, but he was also high on herion.
   
   It's somewhat interesting to hear Nirvana play "Come As You Are" unplugged - but it's much better played full-force with electric guitars. And it's okay hearing Cobain play "Pennyroyal Tea" solo, messing up the lyrics and hitting the wrong chords - but it doesn't hold a candle to the full electric arrangement.
   
   The best parts of this album are the cover songs. "The Man Who Sold the World" is a fun song, as are the three Meat Puppet covers; and most folks are in agreement that "Where Did You Sleep Last Night?" is spine tingling. If you get this album for no other reason, get it for the cover songs.
   
   So while this is an interesting foray into "what happens when you strip a rock band of what made them famous" - it's not a masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination. It's the point of "Unplugged" to put a band in unfamiliar waters, but that doesn't mean it always turns out well.
   
   Nirvana made music that was intended to be plugged in. That's what Nirvana was - loud, kick-your-teeth-in rock. "Unplugged" does not do them justice.



4. This release by Nirvana was an excellent showcase of the mellower and versatile side of the band. While it contains all their best songs, they are performed in a much different vein. All the sound guitars are taken out and the album is acoustic with even violin added to the mix. The songs that are noticeably different from the original releases are "Come As Yo Are", "Pennyroyal Tea" and "All Apologies", while some of the other mellower hits aren't that much different.
   
   There are six cover songs on the album, including David Bowie's "The Man Who Sold The World" and The Vaselines' "Jesus Does Not Want Me As A Sunbeam". Then The Meat Puppets' Kurt and Lyle Kirkwood perform with Nirvana on three Meat Puppets' songs, "Lake of Fire", "Plateua", and "Oh Me" having fans go out and buy Meat Puppets II album. I especially enjoyed their cover of Leadbelly's "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" due to Kurt Cobain's much felt emotion with the vocals. They have a raw vibrancy that you can't help but love.



5. Been waiting for years for this to come out. I had the origional showing on VHS.
   The talking back and forth is a bit hard to hear between the songs, but thats the only negative. The music is good and cleer. Defenitly a good buy!

5 comments about Anywhere But Home (w/ bonus DVD).

1. This is a great value. The included DVD of backstage on their tour and the music videos makes this a great value for the price.



2. i bought this mainly for the excellent music videos it has four of the groups best including my immortal(the crowd goes wild for this song in concert) then to find the concert video was superb the audio was awsum.this is one of my favorite groups and miss amy has such a range she goes from classic to hard rock in style with her exquisite silky voice not to mention she wears the Gothic look so well. anywhere from home,is a classic album from the start .definitely got my moneys worth this time



3. Awesome DVD. If you like Evanescence, you are going to love this concert video.



4. When i first heard of this i kinda expected worse but when i got it it was actually a lot better than i imagined.I have seen Evanescence live before in NM and i thought that Amy sang a hell lot better than she does on this cd/dvd. She kinda sounds funny in a way and doesn't really say whole words, she kinda starts a word and doesn't finish.lol. but still, overall she put on a good performance in this dvd. I think the videos in the extras are sweet. I love "Going Under" Amy looks so damn HOT! well i rate this a good buy, and for a good price!



5. I really enjoyed watching the DVD on this movie. Since I've never gotten to attend a live Evanescence concert yet, it was cool to see what they are like live. Great DVD ..
   
   On the CD side of this package, I was a bit dissapointed. I realize it's a live recording, but it's hard to hear the words in the songs because of the recording. There's also a lot of crowd noise.
   
   So my take? Buy this for the DVD - you will love it .. but get the Fallen CD for the same tracks that are on this but in a studio recorded version. The live ones just aren't as good.

5 comments about Any Given Thursday.

1. I am a big John Mayer fan, however, this one is just ok.
   The jams are a bit long and the sounds quality could use some refinement.
   John has matured as an artist a great deal in the last five years since this recording. I much prefer his latest work and production.
   He is still cool as sh---.
   Gary / White Plains, NY



2. Only for John mayer attempting to play/sing it. A teensager with a sore throat.



3. This is a great live cd. It has all of John Mayer's older songs that got you liking him in the first place. Sometimes his live singing skills are a bit flat, but what the heck, it's still a great cd.



4. Mayer is no studio voice, and on his live Any Given Thurday from Atlanta we get to hear new songs, and old ones performed in a new way. He's truly in love with his music, and you can hear it in the variations from his CD. He sings a sculpted version of old faves, like your body is a wonderland. He also has a previously unreleased song called "Covered in the Rain" that has some of the most beautiful guitar I've ever heard. His 83 start off with a Cyndi Lauper cover, and is ultra creative. it's unpredicatable, which makes the crowd go wild. There is also a Sting cover of Message in a bottle, and a beautiful song called Comfortable. It's a new listening experience that Mayer fans will revel in.



5. this is a great cd, John Mayer is musician way beyond his years.

5 comments about The Mark Tom and Travis Show (The Enema Strikes Back).

1. Great CD. My original one from 2000 got stolen so I had to buy this one. Blink-182 was a great band to see live. Reminds me of the good old days. Buy this CD if you don't have it.



2. Great Blink 182 CD but, it is out of print so it's kind of rare. Any true Blink fan owns this cd. Blink 182 at their best, they are immature and funny as hell! This is before their "Take Off Your Pants And Jacket" album and would be even more awesome if those songs were on here but this CD is still very very very good and highly recommended!!



3. Blink 182's live album kicked some serious whoo-hoo! I loved it!
   See, I went to the Mark Tom and Travis show concert just after Enema of the State was released, and this album brings back some good memories. The Jr. High humour is unrelenting and hillarious! I did, however, feel very awkward at the concert for all of the teens with their parents with them... this isn't the kind of thing that you take your parents to (the parental advisory sticker is well deserved), but rather the kind of thing that you share with all of your friends. This album is tops. It took me ages to find it at a good price (some people wanted $50 for it!!!!) cuz it isn't that well-known. But trust me, if you like Blink's older stuff (Dude Ranch and Cheshire Cat) like the Depends song and Ben Wa Balls etc, then this is the album is right up your alley! And if you're not familiar with those albums, well, get them too. They're classic and completely light-hearted. Anyhow, enjoy this album!



4. this is a good live album. i dont watch mtv and i hope no one else does but this is good live. the jokes in between songs are hilarious as long as your not uptight or disgusted by their language. the bestpart is the 20 something tracks of them just talking.
   
   
   buy this if you enjoy blink. if not, go buy something else. its plain and simple.



5. This is a good live blink 182 cd....Almost too good. I have a couple other concerts of them and the quality of their singing and playing isn't anything compared to this one. I thing their was some kind of tampering with the vocals. On the other blink cds, you can't even understand half of the things tom says, but everything is clear and understandable on this cd. Oh-well, besides that, the cd is good because they change the voice patterns on some songs like What's my age again and Voyeur and Pathetic. Even if they did mess with the cd, i still love them.

5 comments about Unplugged.

1. Really a disappointment. Alice in Chains' harmonies have always been what made them so compelling, and those aren't as strong in this live set as on their studio albums.



2. Alice In Chains showcased throughout their career that they could master a slow brooding ballad, most particularly through the outstanding acoustic EP "Jar of Flies". This MTV Unplugged session culminates this ability, with the band converting even their most visceral of rockers into moving acoustic gems.
   
   Of course the set list includes a number of expected re-runs, such as the beautiful works from "Jar of Flies" ("Nutshell", and "No Excuses") and the slower, more ballad orientated works from their LP's ("Down In A Hole", "Rooster", "Heaven Beside You" and "Frogs"). All of these are expectedly excellent as the songs lend themselves to such a makeover, and AIC delve effortlessly into them. "Brother" and "Got Me Wrong" from the EP "Sap" again lend themselves perfectly, and both are album highlights for me. Where I had scepticism for this album was with the heavier songs, such as "Would?", "Angry Chair" and most notably the monolithic dirge of "Sludge Factory". To my upmost pleasure the band work these songs very nicely, converting the main heavy riffs into glorious acoustic passages, adding delicate touches and all being encompassed by the sheer power and raw energy of Layne Staley's voice. "Sludge Factory" is especially good, with the acoustic guitars emphasising the contrasts between the thundering main riff and the gentle chorus picking.
   
   This is a must have album for any fan of AIC as it showcases such an intense and overwhelming performance. It should also appeal to those who enjoy AIC's acoustic and slower works over their heavier outputs (a friend of mine listens to this and "Jar of Flies", but never their more classically grunge LP's). Honest, uncomplicated and moving acoustic music - this is highly recommended.



3. One of Layne Staley's very last recordings. Like Nirvana and Eric Clapton's "Unplugged" albums, this is done mostly acoustic. It's a bit redundant, though: "Brother", "No Excuses", "Nutshell" and "Got Me Wrong" had already been recorded acoustically beforehand, as had most of "Heaven Beside You". And while I'm whining, "Sludge Factory" and "Frogs" were never good songs in the first place - neither gets much better here. And an unobtrusive-to-annoying keyboard is constantly found in the background. However, I do think this version of "No Excuses" is especially strong, mostly because of Cantrell's acoustic solo - he plays another winner on "Angry Chair". And it is interesting to hear some of the group's heaviest hits ("Down in a Hole"; "Rooster"; "Angry Chair"; "Would?"; "Over Now") reworked as acoustic songs - "Down in a Hole" especially comes off a stunner in that setting, reworked to sound hypnotic rather than abrasive. On the other hand, "Heaven Beside You" loses much of its personality without the electric guitar solo, though it's near impossible to screw that song up. So this is a tough call: the songs are all good, but no match for their studio cousins (other than "No Excuses", which beats the original senseless - a tall order, I'll add). Plus, the fact is that Jar of Flies is a much better example of the group's acoustic persona. And the songs are pretty much run-throughs of the studio versions, only without the heavy guitars. So I give it four stars, because of the fact that virtually every one of these songs can be heard in a superior form on the group's various studio albums. However, collectors may find this of interest, as it adds a pretty good previously unreleased track (the trancelike "Killer is Me"). Besides, the songs are for the most part are still awesome. It's a lot like Neil Young's famous live album Rust Never Sleeps, simply because that album also was for the most part a bunch of run-throughs of the original studio songs, But what good run-throughs!



4. MTV Unplugged (1996.), an Alice In Chains concert DVD
   
   Alice In Chains' relatively short career (in terms of album releases) was a fantastically productive one. For me, they were much more than just a metal band or indeed a band that was pulled under the `grunge' moniker. Their three album releases and two EPs displayed both the bands ability as a heavy metal outfit but also one who added lots of acoustics and atmospherics to their music. Following the band's self-titled and final album release in 1995, they remained pretty low-key and out of the public eye. Then, a year later came along a concert to be remembered down as Alice In Chains took their turn to do an MTV unplugged set.
   
   Theres something very unique about Alice In Chains' performance on this CD/DVD. The concert conveys so much. There's excellent musicianship and great chemistry between the band and there is also Layne Staley's performance, a voice sounding so tortured yet powerful. The band's performance is inspirational, yet there is an underlying feeling of tragedy and uncertainty to it. Layne Staley is clearly high on drugs during the performance, an addiction which would sadly lead to his unfortunate death in 2002. His performance is excellent, give or take the amusing moment where he forgets the lyrics during `Sludge Factory' but as many have said it is a tragic thing to see, especially now as we know how much more Layne would deteriorate in the following five years. The atmosphere is perfect on this concert DVD; a slightly gloomy but candle-lit setting and a great audience who are all clearly relishing this timeless gig. The band play a killer 13 song set that acts as a great snapshot of their overall career. There's a good mix of the acoustic stuff as seen on `Jar Of Flies' but there is also plenty of the heavier stuff masterfully set to an acoustic set. Theres sadly no tracks from Facelift (an acoustic take on `Man In The Box' would have been interesting) but it doesn't detract from the overall set.
   
   The emotive and powerful `Nutshell' makes an excellent opener and follow ups `Brother' and `No Excuses' fully display AIC's acoustic set ability to the full. `Sludge Factory', a track that sounds heavy and warped on the original album release is an concert highlight. It always amazes me how good this song sounds acoustically. True, the band cut the song to 4 minutes as the weird outro to the song would be too difficult to carry out on an acoustic. The meat of the song sounds great however and just as crunching acoustically as it does on electric. Cantrell's chorus guitar melody sounds especially awesome. `Down In A Hole' and `Angry Chair' both translate brilliantly into this set a lead us up to the band's definitive `Rooster' which is a purely heart wrenching and powerful song. `Got Me Wrong' keeps that uncertain AIC musical feel to the music before another one of their semi-acoustic classics `Heaven Beside You' adds more great melody to the performance. `Would?', always a powerful yet ambiguous song keeps the band in full flow; the bass sounds great here. `Frogs' and `Over Now' are two atmospheric follow ups that do the album versions true justice live. `Frogs' is a chilling listen as usual. `The Killer Is Me' is a classic way for AIC to finish in true off-kilter, warped and unnerving fashion.
   
   The MTV Unplugged DVD for Alice In Chains captures the band as their true selves, giving a timeless performance. This is a concert of pure emotion, atmosphere and heartache with many classic Alice In Chains songs to hear. It is also a sad yet fitting finale for Layne Staley. He is clearly in a bad state by the stage of this concert but it doesn't stop him giving one of his great performances and one which will be remembered for many years to come. This DVD (I recommend the DVD version over the CD for all of you who are viewing the CD product page) is a must for any AIC fan or anyone who appreciates grunge in general. This is one of the great concert DVD's, highly recommended!
   
   R.I.P. Layne Staley
   
   MY RATING: 9/10



5. I own both the cd and the dvd of this live set. This was the first live performance in years for the band, and it was a smash hit.
   
   They perform most of their hits, as well as a few choice favorites, and a new song that they wrote shortly before the concert, "Killer Is Me".
   
   For fans of their acoustic albums, I would recommend this. It really brings them down to earth a bit and is a more intimate recording. It is recorded very well. I am normally not a fan of any live albums, but I make an exception for AIC, because they were one band that sounded simply incredible live.

5 comments about Rattle and Hum.

1. This album is one of their best. A great LIVE cut for this band. Bono's passion for what he sings ignites the audience. The Edge and the rest of the band putting forth extraordinary energy in every note. Buy this and enjoy it for years.



2. U2 don't deserve to be allowed to cover that awesome song. Get motley Crue and the BEatles up there to kick bono's arse.



3. This album is considered the poor relation of U2's output up to and including Achtung Baby. But in fairness it could have been a great studio album and amazingly for a band who excel in live performances, the live tracks here show Bono at his pompous, self-important worst. It was released with the forgettable movie of the same name, showing four Irishmen (really three and one Englishman)and I hate this expression "searching for America". Dear Bono. America has been found and has been doing pretty well overall, Thank You. Why do artists feel they have to go out and search for America anyway? Why not Estonia, or Denmark or Canada?
   
   The studio tracks are up there with the best U2 with a few exceptions. DESIRE, LOVE RESCUE ME, ALL I WANT IS YOU, HEARTLAND and possibly WHEN LOVE COMES TO TOWN are some of the best songs they have written.
   
   As for the live tracks. Let me see why else I dislike them so much.
   
   "This is a song Charles Manson stole from The Beatles. We're stealing it back". (HELTER SKELTER). Like the song had gone missing for the previous 19 years. Please!!!
   "Am I bugging you?. Don't meant to bug ya" (SILVER AND GOLD)
   "For The Reverend Martin Luther King. SING!" (PRIDE). Just hate the wayhe instructs the audience.
   "All I have is a red guitar, three chords and the truth" (ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER)
   "And the sky is ripped open like a gaping wound pelting the women and children, pelting the women and children who run, who run into the arms of America" (BULLET THE BLUE SKY)
   By the way Bono, it is South Africa, not "Suthefrika". Ironically it sounds like he has an Afrikaans accent (SILVER AND GOLD)
   
   He does have one great line in BULLET... "The God I believe in isn't short of cash, Mister". Have to admit that is a great one!
   
   All the above and more are spoken by Bono during the songs and it is commendable that he thinks of troubling issues around the world. But having them all contained within 70 minutes of music makes you groan each time he goes off.
   
   Anyway I digress. They had so many non-album B-sides that could have been included and scrap the live tracks. SILVER AND GOLD is the best live song but it is practically ruined by Bono's sermon at the end. The covers: ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER and HELTER SKELTER are surprisingly ordinary. I STILL HAVEN'T FOUND... has to be on nearly half of all U2 albums at this point! It is an interesting arrangement with nice backing from The Voices Of Freedom choir. But again at the end it goes off the rails with the lead male and female singers trying to outdo each other in vocal prowess.
   
   Just wish there more songs like DESIRE. This is what U2 does so well. A three minute rock explosion that never lets up. ALL I WANT IS YOU is very tender with Beatlesque strings and a tour de force from The Edge at the end. HEARTLAND seems to be the crux of the whole album as the lyrics to this song are the first you will see inside the sleeve notes, although it is Track #13. WHEN LOVE COMES TO TOWN features a searing vocal by BB King. Unfortunately the last verse is very bizarre and I cannot figure out what it has to do with the generally upbeat song. ANGEL OF HARLEM could have been better. Does not really say much about Billie Holiday who inspired the song. But the song is redeemed by contribution of The Memphis Horns
   
   Other tracks:
   VAN DIEMEN"S LAND. Sung by The Edge on guitar alone about an Irish prisoner being sent to what is now Tasmania and leaving behind loved ones. However the fade-out is badly timed.
   HAWKMOON 269. Maybe overlong and repetitive but has an intense build-up and wonderful backing vocals from Billie Barnum, Carolyn Willis and Edna Wright. Also is that Larry pounding those kettledrums?
   FREDOM FOR MY PEOPLE. Perfromed by two street musicians and is basically a snippet.
   GOD PART II. Quite a good song apart from the title. It is not remotely in the same league as John Lennon's GOD but I think Bono thought he was the next Lennon at this time. The title makes the whole thing come accross as very pretentious.
   STAR SPANGLED BANNER/BULLET THE BLUE SKY: Again it is a fine version until Bono decides to keep talking at the end. The anthem is a recording of the Jimi Hendrix version.



4. "This song Charles Manson stole from the Beatles, now were steeling it back".
   
   Bono "singing" Helter-Skelter sounds incredibly unprofessional, he can't seem to get the timing or the lyrics right. Check it out if you get a chance it is ridiculous!
   In my opinion remaking a Beatles song is a sin!
   The pompous moron who calls himself Bono is the last person who should be remaking Beatles songs. Bono has always compared his inept, politically motivated band, U2 to the Beatles. If U2 were going to be the next Beatles they missed their window back in the Eighties! The Beatles did it in 7 Years; U2 has had 28 years to do it! Compare the two bands total Number 1 singles. U2, 4 UK and 2 US Billboard Hot 100. Yet the Beatles have released a 79 minute album called Beatles 1. This album contains 27 Number One Hits from a band that released their first studio album in 1963, Please Please Me, and their last studio album in 1970, Let it be. The Beatles had 7 years total time releasing original studio recorded music not 30!



5. You know, there was a time when I really hated U2's more "Americanized" phase. This is basically the work they did in the mid and late '80s in particular and I always felt at once like it was ill-fated and arrogant. I hadn't yet touched this album, either. And then later on I recognized some of it wasn't bad at all. The Joshua Tree was the greatest thing the guys had done by the point it was out but for awhile I always was more into the post-punk early records and the electronic later work, and some of the new stuff too. The band has shown though that they can pull that type of thing off and that it's really even entertaining at times. Most U2 stuff is.
   
   I heard a lot of bad rap about the album. So when I found it recently for only FIVE bucks used, I was somewhat skeptical. Only "somewhat" because I was aware of "All I Want Is You" which is one of my favorite U2 songs and "Desire" and "Angel of Harlem" were pretty good songs as well.
   
   I don't really consider this a studio album, if that makes any sense. It's a compilation of sorts, with some being live and some studio, and two interludes that technically aren't even U2. There's enough studio work to make a long EP or a short album, which the album could have done if that was what they wanted to. And also it may have been more effective with the length. Although I would have liked less of the gospel choir in the song I otherwise found the live "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" to be fantastic, and the live "Pride (In the Name of Love)" is pretty well done as well. Although not included I think they could have put a version of something like "Trip Through Your Wires" since the song itself sounds like something that would appear on here. They also do a B-side and a cover, but those are both awfully performed on here. "Helter Skelter" and "Silver and Gold" have better versions available and the commentary on both of those songs is pretty embarassing.
   
   Not really perfect. Also, there's other ill-fated moments like the failed John Lennon response song "God, Part II." Its intentions were probably good but everything else about the song is just failed, in general. Oh, the live "All Along the Watchtower" wasn't special either, not on par with Dylan and especially not as good as the Hendrix version. Speaking of which one of those "interludes" I mentioned was his rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner," probably the band's nod to Americanism, but I don't mind since it's a cool rendition. "Bullet the Blue Sky" (which inspired the project's name) isn't really my favorite but it's about as good performed live as it is on "The Joshua Tree."
   
   Oh, and "All I Want Is You" is just an amazing way to close the album. It's probably the song that makes the record worth owning, with a very emotional performance that shows they were pretty good with the more personal songs as well. "Desire" is the really big single from the album and is nice to listen to even now. More of a western feel than most of it but not bad. "Angel of Harlem" is a nice melodic piece reminiscent of "The Joshua Tree" even if not particularly special.
   
   A lot of the album is really in between. It's an interesting record, though. For example you do get one song with the Edge on the vocals and it's a pretty decent song, too ("Van Diemen's Land"). The only studio song that was really pretty bad was "Hawkmoon 269"; I guess it's just too bad that one was on the earlier half of the record.
   
   This record is definitely not for everyone and it's a mixed bag in pretty much any definition of the term, but I recommend this to people who are willing to get into more U2. As a guy who wasn't conceived until a few months following "Joshua Tree"'s release, there's some younger fans who may seek this. It goes in all directions but if you don't mind any of the types of songs that are in here even in spite my warnings I suggest you give it a try and you may enjoy it.

5 comments about MTV Unplugged.

1. i remember seeing this when it first came out .the MTV unplugged series was definitely an armature show till natalie and the maniacs appeared and i never even heard of them the track- because the night became an instant hit you can still hear it on radios stations almost daily (my other favorite was -like the weather )all the tracks were great and the band and natalie were on point this show put the unplugged series on the map and set the standards high it was also visually pleasing to watch but they didnt put it on DVD my other favorite was the nirvana episode no DVD either



2. Music recently discovered from younger years is better than finding a $20 in your pocket. You listened to any alternative rock in the 90's? Then you will remember the haunting vocals of Natalie Merchant with 10KM. I had previously bought the album to fulfill my Columbia house free CD roster. Given the chance to do it again, my other orders would have completed the 10KM collection. Even with MTV Unplugged defunct, the concept remains fantastic. Romantic. Idyllic. Stormy. Songs like "Jezebel" and "Stockton Gala Days" did not receive enough air time. There are a few songs that could do well with some electric affects. I will save that judgement for far more critical ears. Love. Loss. Where else can frontier women inspire such courage in music?
   
   All in all, the songs will resonate with some part of your alternative experience. The movement has been stretched to include many forms. Could we bring it back from the mainstream? Here lies the answer. Indeed, take it to the violins. Now bring back the mandolin. Guitars fill the air. Frampton, your machine can come too. Roll it all up into the next music movement. Old musicians building houses? Make your way back with your dusty cases. There is a place in the scene for all. Heave aside American Idol. Eschew the labels. Ring in the old. Amputate the repetitive chorus. Mediate through to new ground. Perhaps 10KM can reunite for the new festival which is not really new. Albeit a bit long in word, one more rant for the road.
   
   Remember when music used to bring light to dark places? The songs that especially bring this to mind with this album are the ones that you are most used to hearing. Something about the way that "What's the Matter Here?" sends chills down your spine. For there are those kids next door. Or the ones you went to school with. Resonating at the heart of every son on this album is that same message. Your ears may pick up on symbolism in "Noah's Dove" Or you can just sit back, relax and follow the piano. Understated, it completes the concert beautifully.



3. You know that question where you say what would be the 5 albums you would want with you on a desert Island? One of my answers is this album. It is exceptional. First, Merchant's voice is unworldly. Second, there are songs that are upbeat and some that are slow. Third the aucoustic nature of the album allows Merchant's vocals to really shine through. And lastly, this album has almost all of the best songs from the Natalie Merchant era of the 10,000 Maniacs.
   
   If you are looking for a great album that will give you hours of listening pleasure, this one should be high on your list.



4. The Maniacs sound excellent here. Natalie Merchant's voice is great and the band captures the greatness of their songwriting while performing live. I enjoyed all of their cds and this was no exception. If you're looking for live versions of their songs then this is the place to look. Truly a great song list was performed during this performance.



5. I just wish it was available on DVD, although the sound is great anyway. It's Merchant and The Maniacs at their best. The additional musicians are wonderful, The arrangements are wonderful, Merchant's voice is spectacular. You just have to forgive the restrained dancing and Laura Bush hairstyle. It seems Merchant was breaking out in her own way. After all the 80's were over and they didn't do "My Mother the War". . .

5 comments about Awake: The Best of Live.

1. I love almost all of the songs on this CD. It was my first time listening to this band. I had heard the All Over You song on the radio a couple of times, liked it and decided to see what the rest of the album sounds like.
   
   To my suprize, I loved most of the songs, and it's not even my regular genre of music.
   
   Scope's wife



2. I'm having a hard time removing this CD from my player after 8 months....really, really, good stuff. I don't think the Johnny Cash cover was necessary though.



3. While I don't actually own this particular CD, I do own most of Live's work, up to "V", where I finally gave up in exasperation. I'm so glad another reviewer mentioned two of my favorite songs, "Ghost" (which is actually entitled "Face and Ghost"), and "Voodoo Lady", which are unfortunately missing from this album. My favorite of all Live's albums was Secret Samadhi, then with "The Distance to Here", in my opinion, the downhill roll began, owing partially to the shift in the lyric-writing style, becoming more literal and nauseatingly earnest instead of being so chock-full of the poetic imagery that made Live so original and, well, deep. (I mean, does ANYONE else have lyrics like those in "Lakini's Juice": "I rushed the lady's room, took the water from the toilet, washed her feet and blessed her name"?) It's all but gone in Live's stinker, "Birds of Pray", which made me very sad, with lousy, school-kid lyrics such as those in that vapid song "Heaven": "I don't need nobody to tell me about god and truth, I look at my daughter, and I believe". (Well, good for you, junior, I thought when I first heard this tune, you went ahead and "found god and he was absolutely nothing like me".) All I have to say is, it's too bad they had to change. At one time, they were my favorite band. Now they stand among the ranks of those who coulda been contenders. Let's all shed a tear for Live and their wasted potential.



4. Live is one of the best band out there! Great music that you can hear anywhere and anytime....



5. THE BAND: Ed Kowalczyk (vocals, guitar), Chad Taylor (lead guitar), Patrick Dahlheimer (bass), Chad Gracey (drums & percussion). Hometown: York, PA.
   
   THE DISC: (2004) 19 tracks clocking in at approximately 77 minutes. Included with the disc is a 7-page foldout containing song titles/credits (no lyrics), band photos, what songs came from which albums, a quick paragraph on each album from Kowalczyk, and thank you's. This compilation follows the band from their 1991 debut through "Birds Of Pray" in 2003. There is an additional 2-disc release (the CD with music, and a DVD with interview and videos) also available. Label - Radioactive Records.
   
   ALBUM REPRESENTATION: Mental Jewelry (3 songs), Throwing Copper (5), Secret Samadhi (2), The Distance To Here (3), V (2), Birds Of Pray (2), Unreleased (2).
   
   COMMENTS: Outside of "Throwing Copper" (1994), this "Best Of" compilation might be all the Live you need. It absolutely hits on all the highlights of each album. Tracks 1-3 find the band in raw form from "Mental Jewelry"... singing and playing like they had something to prove. "Operation Spirit" and "Pain Lies On The Riverside" were the standout songs and worthy of inclusion here. Tracks 4-8 are from "Throwing Copper" - easily their biggest and most recognized tunes. "Copper" had so many great songs - and Kowalczyk never sang with such conviction. The melodies were most importantly... memorable. And then Kowalczyk shaved his head and went Zen on everyone. For me, "Secret Samadhi" (1997) was the start of the decline for Live. "Lakini's Juice" was my favorite track from this one because of the weird guitar chords. "Turn My Head" was the other good tune from "Samadhi", but the rest of the album was a mixed bag at best. Kowalczyk singing about spirit, his Holiness, angel wings, birds and dolphins crying in the near future was losing audiences. Not to mention the music just not being that strong - outside of a few tracks on each album - all of which are here on "Awake - Best Of Live". The Distance To Here" made some waves but quickly lost steam and fell from the charts. Their fifth album "V" (labeled as "experimental") was trashed by most major music mags. "Birds Of Pray" was a semi return to form, but once again garnered mixed reviews and almost no FM-airplay. The unreleased "We Deal With Dreams" was an extra song from the "Throwing Copper" sessions and is a nice inclusion here. Live's remake of Johnny Cash's "I Walk The Line" is nothing out of the ordinary, but still respectable. Missing are a few personal favorites (but by no means essential) - "Iris", "Top", "White, Discussion", "Ghost", "Voodoo Lady", and "Graze". This is a fantastic disc because it has the band's best songs over their 1st dozen years ALL in one place. Despite Live's 2nd half fall from the charts, this is a stellar introduction to the band (5 stars).

5 comments about The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads.

1. I can't really add much that hasn't already been written except to reinforce that this is one toe-tapping, kinetic album. I'm glad it finally appeared after all these years.



2. I ordered this CD as a gift. It came quickly and was everything I expectected.



3. Best album of the early days of talking heads. An absolut must for friends of live recordings.



4. A superb double-live album made up of concert highlights from 1977 - back when they were a really raw funk-rock group - to 1980, during the huge Remain in Light tour. For collectors, this features two songs that are hard to find elsewhere: "A Clean Break (Let's Work)" and "Love a Building on Fire", two songs that rank with the best of the debut. The previously released stuff is often similar to the source material, but the energy even makes formerly drab material like "I'm Not in Love"; "The Girls Want to Be with the Girls" and "The Book I Read" sound fresh and exciting, to say nothing of the very best songs - a very funky "New Feeling" is one of the best; "Artists Only" somehow becomes creepy; "Heaven" is still gorgeous philosophy; "Mind" still has some of their best lyrics. And I actually like this version of "Psycho Killer" better than the original. It still does an almost frighteningly accurate job of portraying what I always thought a psycho would be like, but here are the key differences: the guitar buildup at the end is even louder, longer, and more intense; Tina's bass is even funkier; David's vocals are even edgier. Similarly, "Drugs" (here subtitled "Electricity") is downright frightening, rather than merely unnerving; and "The Big Country" is one of my favorite satires of the American dream. But the real surprise comes in the form of "Stay Hungry", a song I had been quite critical of in the past, but no more. It's the synthesized strings that did it for me, see: rather than sound cheesy, as most do, they add a layer of ominous suspense that the original was so lacking. Now that is how you remake a song for the stage!
   So, now onto disc two. There's another "Psycho Killer" here, but it's nowhere near as good as the one on the first disc - too many ludicrous keyboard effects. Byrne doesn't sound terribly engaged to me either. There is, however, an interesting but sadly brief percussion breakdown. And a tempo change instead of the guitar buildup that features some very VU-influenced guitar playing. Much better is "Warning Sign"> I don't really like the studio version of this song, but this one is far better. For one, I like the way it starts, with the tense bass line, the freaky keyboard effects , a normal-sounding guitar solo, and vocals without all the echo and phasing found on the studio, which I think is good. And I love the synergy between the group members on this, a synergy that abruptly stopped occurring around True Stories or so. Anyway, I was all excited for another "Stay Hungry", since I like the version on disc one, but here it's just an excuse for jamming. On the other hand, "Cities" is still one of their funkiest tracks; and "I Zimbra" will always be one of the best fusions of rock and worldbeat you can get. Just to weird you out, there's a faster version of "Drugs" with, of course, nightmarish keyboards. It's... well, it's different, that's for sure. I'm not even sure if I like it or not, and I know I prefer it as the droning closer to Fear of Music. It's funky, all right, but I'm not sure if funky's the way to go about that one, you know? Still, always great when a band totally reinterprets songs live, and they make it almost unrecognizable. Points for that, at least. But "Once in a Lifetime" is a big disappointment for me. I don't like the keyboard tone they use, nor do I like Byrne's vocals. The version you hear on Remain in Light is still one of the best singles of the '70s, though. But you knew that. And why do they play that piece of crap "Animals" in the first place? I hate that song! The last few songs come from the Remain in Light tour, with its enormous band doing a pretty good job of recreating the intricate nature of that album while at the same point significantly extending the songs. Great stuff. For one, I prefer this funk freakout version of "Houses in Motion", with a bunch of gospely backup singers adding a lot of texture, to the studio version (which is still pretty cool). And the eight-and-a-half minute space-funk "Born Under Punches (the Heat Goes On)" is another favorite, because of the long, suspenseful introduction and the electric (or is it synthesized?) violin solo. They also make "Life During Wartime" work fantastically with a memorable instrumental breaks and make "Take Me to the River" funkier and trippier than you could've ever imagined it. And the gospely backup singers are perfect for this kind of song, which of course was a gospel song of sorts as performed by Al Green.
   If I had to pick favorites per disc, I'd go with "Psycho Killer" for disc one and "Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On)" for disc two. This pretty much covers all the bases, and there are only a couple letdowns, so this is the best possible introduction you can get for the group's early years. It's not the only early Talking Heads album you'll ever need, though. No way.



5. Back in the early `70's there was a popular bumper sticker that said, "There is NOTHING in the world like a Grateful Dead concert." And it was true enough for a long, long time. But from 1977 to 1983 the Talking Heads were tearing it up live and this cd is the best all-in-one sampling of what it was like back in the day. (Yes, I'm aware of the CBGB shows going back to 1975 that featured just David, Tina and Chris. They were great but in their infancy then and still learning; not quite ready to take on The Dead as worlds greatest live band at that point...)
   
   This 2-cd set nearly doubles the number of songs from the original vinyl release making it the most important (and cost effective) collection of "new" Talking Heads material available in almost 20 years. All of it is worthy, not one song should be looked at as filler.
   
   The most interesting thing about TNOTBITH is the progression of the bands live performances over time. The 1977 shows are quirky and small, but the brilliance is evident as is the solid musicianship. Sometimes lost behind David Byrne's one-of-a-kind vocal performances was the tight, talented band the Heads had become. Most people have only seen the big expanded band performances of the Stop Making Sense and Adrian Belew eras. But concerts from `78/'79 were high-energy experiences that were not to be missed. (My sister put herself in the hospital from dancing too hard at a '78 show at Emerald City...) By 1979 the band was so together on stage and Byrne was so confident up front it was hard to believe that the same 4 musicians were playing basically the same instruments as just a couple years prior.
   
   Yet despite the fact that they were growing as musicians and performers, the band transformed in 1980 with the release of Remain in Light. It was an incredible risk that could have alienated a growing stable of loyal fans but instead brought the band to a new level of success in the studio and on tour. For those who were used to seeing 4 preppy art school types on stage, the expanded lineup and larger venues came as a bit of a shock at first. It was kind like a modern equivalent of Dylan going electric. But it paid off.
   
   The second cd contains the complete 14-song repertoire--in exact setlist order--that the group performed at each concert. The show would start with older songs familiar enough to get everyone going and it wouldn't be until the 9th song that the fully funktified songs from Remain in Light came in. Sitting still was not an option.
   
   It was an incredible and important period for the band and it would take something as over the top as the Stop Making Sense tour to outdo these legendary shows from '80-'81.
   
   It took Rhino 20 years to re-release this live collection and we should all be thankful that they took the time to do it right. Even the liner notes, complete with original reviews of the concerts and detailed information about the live dates and venues was much appreciated. (I had forgotten that I was at the Central Park concert that concludes the 2nd cd. According to the liner notes it was only the 2nd show to feature the new 10-piece lineup. As good as that show was, they were still working out some kinks, and by 1981 there was truly NOTHING in the world like a Talking Heads concert... )
   
   I really miss that time.

5 comments about Rock N Roll Animal.

1. the band is tight and ready to rock.lou is up to task and gives a first rate show.real fans will love it.



2. Easily in the top 5 list of GREAT LIVE albums, not debatable.
   Same class as Live at LEEDS(BEST EVER),HANK-Live, Live RUST!
   This takes you back to the filthy days when men made rock and roll and did'nt wory about how to sell it. LOU has always been on the cutting edge. Needs to be played loud and often.
   Lady Day/Heroin/Sweet Jane. You could try a hundred more times and never get an LP close to the original, just a classic thats all.



3. This is one of my two favorite live rock albums (the other is Stand In the Fire by Warren Zevon). This is probably the best live rock album ever. The guitar work is amazing. The energy is explosive. This is what rock and roll should be. Two guitars, bass and drums and four guys playing their guts out (OK, there are keyboards too.)
   
   This live version of Heroin, all by itself, should get Lou (as a solo artist) inducted into the R&R Hall of Fame. My favorite live rock track of all time. It's a lesson in how to build up a rock song to a screaming crescendo.
   
   Like everyone, my only beef with the record was: not enough, give us more! This release includes two additional tracks from the same concert: How Do You Think It Feels and Caroline Says I, which are also great and fit right in. The remastered sound is excellent. This release, unlike to old release on CD, has some nice liner notes. Enjoy.



4. This is a classic album, and the music is what everyone else has said it is. My gripe is with the remastering. I have the original LP of this, and I bought this CD mostly so I wouldn't wear out "Sweet Jane". Unfortunately, when they remastered this album, they changed the tonal balance, in a not so subtle way. They took all of the heft and body out of it, to the point where the guitars were almost tinny sounding. I was shocked, so much so, that I pulled the LP out and played it to see if my memory was faulty. It wasn't. I am deeply disappointed with this disc.



5. Lou Reed-Rock N Roll Animal ****
   
   When first off this is one of the best and clearest sounding live albums of all time. You can hear everything and nothing was lost in the recording process. The musicianship is top notch, Steve Hunter and Dick Wagner play incredible guitar, but then that is what you would expect from two of the best studio musicians in the history of rock n roll. Reed's vocals are clear and crisp but it does seem as though he is singing via satalite because he doesn't seem to really be in the mix of things, might be because of drugs and it might be because he just wasn't feeling it that night.
   
   The song selection is great. 'Rock N Roll' 'Heroin' 'Sweet Jane' and 'White Light/White Heat' all are Velvet Underground classics. 'Caroline Says I' 'How Do You Think It Feels' and 'Lady Day' are all from his then brand new album Berlin, which was a massive commercial failure but some how went on to be one of the greatest albums of all time, much like the rest of Reeds material has done.
   
   While the song selection was great that does not mean the perfomances are. 'Heroin' which is one of the single greatest songs of all time is played out like a comic strip here. 'White Light/White Heat' could have used a little more balls and a little less organ but other then that it is a pretty good version.
   
   All in all it is a pretty good live album. It captures a great moment in Lou Reed's career and would make an addition to anyones album collection.