5 comments about The Crew.

1. The good:
   7 Seconds' brand of melodic hardcore still packs a punch after all these years. The lyrics show an infectious positivity that put them above some of their nihilistic peers. Songs like "Bully" and "Trust" show a surprisingly developed sense of melody that would inspire later bands like Bad Religion and Gorilla Biscuits. At 18 tracks (plus several bonus live cuts), there's more than enough great hardcore here to justify the cost.
   
   The bad:
   It's 80s hardcore punk, so naturally the songs tend to blend together on repeated listens. The lyrics can occaisonally meander into punk cliches and perhaps a bit too much immaturity for their own good. If you're just getting started in the world of hardcore punk, other releases by bands like Minor Threat and Bad Brains are far more essential than this.
   
   Overall:
   The Crew holds up surprisingly well more than two decades after its' initial recording. While it's not quite a hardcore classic, it's still a fast and fun album that's a perfect introduction to the band.



2. 7 Seconds were, along with Bad Religion, one of the originators of the "fast and melodic" format that harcore punk bands adopted in the early 90's (NOFX, Lag Wagon, Pennywise are some of the bands that adopted this style). "The Crew" must be the epitome of 7 Seconds "hardcore " era; the band plays at a furious thrash-like speed, but the vocal delivery always remains melodic without sounding sugary or happy go lucky (sorry, Simple Plan fans!). After this album, 7 Seconds started to "experiment" with their sound, drifting farther and farther away from their faster-than-thou sound and into a more "U2 on steroids" sound. Anyway, "The Crew" is an album that should stand side by side with other hardcore classics like MINOR THREAT, BAD BRAINS, AGNOSTIC FRONT, DRI and BLACK FLAG. The sound varies slightly from song to song (as if the band were trying to improve on the mix each time)but the overall sound is clear yet powerful. Troy's drumming, though simplistic, cuts through the songs like a hot knife and the rest of the instruments sound intense enough. The lyrics were a bit of a departure from what was going on with the hardcore scene in the mid 80's; the band sang about unity, tolerance and respect, instead of fearing nuclear warfare, which was the common thing to sing about."Here's your warning", "Definite choice", "Bully" and the heartfelt but tough-as-nails "Trust" are just some of the stand out tracks. This album, without a doubt in my mind, 7 SECONDS' finest moment, although newer releases such as "Good To Go" almost match this gem with its raw intensity!



3. I can't believe that I am the only one who gave this five stars. Whatever!

   Talk about a good album. With most of the songs flying by so fast that they annoy the s**t out of people, the album is 24 for songs in exactly 30 minutes.

   Besides hardcore punk music, the lyrics may hit with a larger range of fans. A lot more of a developed lyrical style, even mixing in rap freestyles to the mix, the album's words could make your mother even like this album.

   So, if you love fast played punk with excellent lyrics, buy THE CREW!! Also, there are five great live tracks on this album, too!




4. I can't believe that I am the only one who gave this five stars. Whatever!

   Talk about a good album. With most of the songs flying by so fast that they annoy the s**t out of people, the album is 24 for songs in exactly 30 minutes.

   Besides hardcore punk music, the lyrics may hit with a larger range of fans. A lot more of a developed lyrical style, even mixing in rap freestyles to the mix, the album's words could make your mother even like this album.

   So, if you love fast played punk with excellent lyrics, buy THE CREW!! Also, there are five great live tracks on this album, too!




5. ok, since the age of 9, I've grown up listening to 7 seconds. I still have, and listen to, the original tapes that I acquired over the years (old school, walk together rock together, new wind, and (most recently) alt.music.hardcore)...in my opinion, all of those albums are better than "the crew"...maybe at 22 I'm just so used to them sounding like they were recorded in someone's garage that this album seems to lack something in its sound. And as far as I'm concerned, the songs that appear on this album that were also on the others I named above, sound much better on those other albums than on this one. Overall, this isn't a terrible album and does have some great songs that don't appear on those other albums such as "Not just boys fun", "Bully", and "Trust"...the live tracks, however, were very unimpressive. Anyways, thats my opinion.

5 comments about David Live.

1. I had this on vinyl when it was new and loved it. Unfortunately the CD sound quality is terrible, sounds like it was recorded over a cell phone. I took it right back to BB and since they had no more in stock(wink) I got something much better. A shame to say the least since I'm sure it was a really fun tour. I can't understand how things this bad get sold, maybe someone should give it a listen before they print thousands of bad Cd's. Or in the case of Springsteens "magic" millions of very bad Quality CD's were sold. I couldn't return that one since all the store had them aplenty. LOL I hate giving Bowie a bad feedback but hey the disk stinks, Everything else I have heard from him is just fine.



2. I've had David Live on cassette, vinyl, and now of course on CD. I truthfully have not listened to David Live end to end in 20+ years. The CD sounds really great! If they've cleaned it up or digitally re-mastered the CD they did a nice job. This is David at his peak (in my opinion of course) and is a must own CD 2-disc'er. Not any deliberate "voice overs" so common to Live recordings either A plus.



3. Yes, Bowie looks ill and deathly thin on the cover. Yes, he probably was not in the best of shape when this record was recorded. I don't care. Maybe that's what makes his performance so phenomenal........maybe the music was all he had at this time in his life, and he was clinging to it desperately. This is one of the greatest rock live records ever recorded!! Buy it!! You'll be knocked back by the incredible performances by the sterling band. Mike Garson (piano, mellotron) and a two piece horn section featuring David Sanborn (alto sax, flute) and Richard Grando (baritone sax, flute) point the way to a very jazzy sound throughout. Earl Slick (guitar) throws a fiery edged rock touch into the mix. Add lots of percussion, a second keyboard player, and a couple of great background vocalists, and you have a band which would be hard to match anywhere. Bowie draws on a variety of his early 70's material, but the record is dominated by selections from Aladdin Sane and Diamond Dogs. I actually prefer the performances here to ones on those two studio records because of the spontaneity of these great musicians in a live setting. Bowie gives urgent vocal performances on some of his most passionate tunes such as Rock 'n' Roll With Me and Big Brother. The band, particularly Slick, prove they can rock hard whenever they want on Cracked Actor and Width of A Circle. All in all, just a tremendous and most essential record if you really want to experience live Bowie at his best.



4. Sorry...I LOVE this album, and after bootlegging..."many" tracks off the late great Napster, I'm now gonna buy the "new refurbished, etc..." Why? And "why" the title to this review? OK 1), my glorious band in NY, circa '75-'76, always opened our sets with a "Diamond Dogs-Rebel Rebel-Moonage Daydream" medley, in their entirity, and, note-for-note, ripped straight off "David Live." And yes, I HAVE gone on record as saying that Mick Ronson, Bowie's "Ziggy's" ex, SHOULD Have received the job that one R Wood received in '75 - but Earl Slick (in ADDITION to being married - at the time - to one of the absolute HOTTEST Babes EVER, Fanny's Jean Millington), himself was/is hot as a jumper cable at a redneck funeral. (and, yeah, when Ronno defected from Ian H in 1977, Ian scooped up Slick for what I consider his finest work, the glimmering "Overnight Angels.") And 2) right after this, Bowie started purveying disco, then ran into the arms of Rob't Fripp...give me a freaking break...(but "Ashes To Ashes" WAS a good song...) Enough. Bowie: 1974: Earl Slick, David Sanborn, et al... like Lous Armstrong said, "If ya gotta ask, you'll never know."



5. My sis and her boyfriend bought me David Live back in 1975 on 8 track!!
   Bowie was a house favorite then and still is today.I wore it out ,got another and wore it out too.
   This is one of the best live albums ever.Bowies unique style and fabulous writing,not to mention his band are just incredible!!
   Finally in 2007, I am buying this again ,ON CD!!!!!!

No comments about Live and Loud at the Wormy Dog.

5 comments about The Last of the Red Hot Burritos.

1. Since Jeff (the reviewer below) is the individual who turned me on to this album in the mid 70's, I would have to agree with him 100%. This album not being available on CD was the driving force that got me to learn how to rip vinyl to WAV.
   It doesn't get any better than this.



2. This one of my all time favorites...please!!! Re Release it!!!
   
   Ray Rupnow
   Sun Prairie, Wi.



3. Almost everyone I know who still has the vinyl version of this claims to be just about to wear through it, and for good reason.
   
   This is THE seminal live alt country/bluegrass/country rock album. Usually the allmusic.com website gives very good record reviews, but on this one their 2 stars is completely unwarranted and the comments are vacuous.
   
   Just listen to the music. Watch your toes. If they aren't tapping by the second band on the album, either your leg or your brain has gone to sleep.
   
   This is my very top pick on the "Why isn't this available now on CD?" list.
   
   I agree with the other reviewers on not worrying about whether Gram Parsons is on this album. If you need a GP fix, then go listen to Grievous Angel, a wonderful album. But don't let it stop you from listening to this gem.
   
   BTW, there is a very nice family tree of all the incarnations through 1972 that TFBB went through, giving plenty of credit to Gram. However, the group did just fine without him as this outstanding release shows.



4. I know almost nothing about the technical ability of the players on this album, although I have heard of most of them, and I'm not that big a fan of the Burritos, although I count the Byrds as the best band of the Sixties and Sweetheart of the Rodeo and Gram Parsons's Grievous Angel as two of the best five studio albums ever made. However Last of the Red Hot Burritos is the most exciting and breath-taking live album in my collection.
   
   Other reviewers have referred to the way the Burritos have taken songs associated with other genres and made them their own. How true. I imagine this means that everyone will have their own favourites. I like them all and never having had much taste for the band's previous studio albums I didn't have a preconceived idea of what the songs should sound like when I first heard this. I imagine if I now heard the studio versions I would think they were flabby and bloodless.
   
   I have looked for ages on Amazon here in England for this album but never found it. Suddenly in the last few weeks it has turned up as being sold "used" for £80! I tell you, I was tempted. (And I have a rule never to buy a CD costing more than £10. I rarely break the rule and then only by a couple of pounds.) On a whim I looked on American Amazon and there it is. Much cheaper as well. But still "used".
   
   I well recall the late John Peel, the best-loved DJ in England who died almost a year ago, playing practically every track of the album on his late-night show. I think he was so impressed that he ditched his playlist to accommodate the songs. He was particularly impressed by Hot Burrito #2, which is my own favourite.
   
   So why is it still unavailable? I don't know when it first came out on CD but it may have been at a time when I was staying faithful to vinyl and had not yet invested in a CD player. How I wish I had been more in tune with modern times. From the comments of your other reviewers it looks as if I am not alone. Who cares if Gram Parsons is not on it? Who cares if Rick Roberts is on it? Who cares if it's only a bunch of Chris Hillman's friends playing some favourite songs? I don't and neither should you.
   
   Tell me who I can write to to get this album re-released on CD.



5. A little crazy in Tuscon 72...."A'int that a lot of love" permiated the air way..all of 1 underground station in town at that time...and what a time!! this Album is one of the best "live" albums ever recorded.....its like the man said " if you were'nt there you really do not know what its' all about." But this album takes you back there in every energetic cut ..why they do'nt release" Last of the Flyin Red Hot Burritos" is a great mystery....

5 comments about Live Rare Remix Box.

1. I didn't want to invest in this set based on the
   previous reviews. But I finally gave in because sometimes
   you need more chilis. I don't care for the remix of Give it Away.
   A song this good shouldn't be messed with. The live portion just
   isn't as good as Hyde Park or Off the Map - I guess I'm spoiled. But
   the rare disc - even tho its only 4 songs they justify the cost. It
   is the peppers between 'Mother's Milk' and BSSM. 'Sikamikanico' is a
   rocking, 'everything-you-like-about-the-peppers'. Everyone is at their
   best.



2. Amazon didn't make a mistake those are all of the songs on all three discs. $63 is a little more than I'm willing to pay for 13 songs.



3. Amazon only lists the contents of disc 1, and that seems to have a lot of repetition. Not too surprising from the current "experts" posting reviews, but: Nobody here has bothered to tell what else you get for your $60+. What years (and RHCP incarnations) does it cover? What songs? How much filler? Any other materials worth mentioning in the set? Photos? Write-ups?



4. Ah, yes, you definitely seem like a die hard "CHILLIS" fan. So big a fan, in fact, that you can even spell "chili" right. So die hard that you must use all capital letters when speaking their name. What a fantastic commentary, nice work.



5. An awsome compulation of rare, live and remixed songs by everyones favorate band the red hots. A must have at to hear the funk these clever little musicians put out esspecially live for any poor person who has not attended a chilis concert yet. I give it the big three thumbs up

4 comments about Damned Damned Damned.

1. I got this without having Damned Damned Damned but I got it and firgured ehh its only 3 dollars more and 2 more discs I might as well get it! Great decision on my part, the live material is great and I love the album. Deffinately buy this if you're even a minor fan of The Damned, you wont be dissapointed at all!



2. If you've been a fan of The Damned for any substantial period of time, you most likely own a copy of Damned Damned Damned. My copy is well worn on vinyl and I have subsequently replaced it with other copies. I say other copies because this album in it's original form is a punk rock masterpiece. What more could be done to get me to run out and buy another version? Well, let's just say the impossible is possible. The 30th Anniversary Edition of Damned Damned Damned is the well worth tracking down. In the States, it's a hard-to-find import and is definitely worth the search. The original release is contained on the first CD with a generous amount of bonus material on the following two discs, most of previously unreleased except for the pesky bootlegs that have appeared over the years.
   
   The Damned are one of the greatest punk bands to ever emerge from the UK and while some site The Clash as the one punk band that mattered, I'd beg to differ. Both bands had a rocky history of sorts, but The Damned came through it with their heads held high and managed to write one of the best comeback albums of any band's career (Grave Disorder-check it out!). Fans of their punk years will eat this up as will fans of their later more gothic era.
   
   Up the punks, this is one album each and every punk rocker should own, it's genius!



3. It's difficult to believe that 30 years later, The Damned's music is still so relevant and so unmistakably powerful! My favorite track has to be New Rose - the first punk rock single ever released (on October 22, 1976). Just hearing the first few seconds of New Rose drums gives me an adrenaline rush like nothing else! You can't go wrong with The Damned... they may have stumbled onto genius, but it's theirs for the keeping!



4. This CD contains some of the greatest songs ever by the Damned, my favorite forefathers of punk. If you only buy one from them, this should be it. Although I know you'll want more.....

5 comments about I Heard They Suck Live.

1. no body take the mik out of nofx they r the best band 2 eva enter the earth they rule live i have seen them live 4 times i like em that much everythin is in tune they sing it all rite the talking 2 the crowd and brings it all together they even have mistakes in it nuffin has bin cut out i love the cd its probally there best album apart from war on erroism i love these guys keep goin :P



2. NOFX really do suck live. On CD, at least. Like most "live" albums, this one does not bring out the band's good side. They sound terrible and the cheering and screaming takes away from the music. If you're interested in hearing them live - go see a live show instead!



3. All the goods are on it! waw! what a show it probably was!



4. This is totally the best LIVE record in all the geners in history after LP's LIVE IN TEXAS. I also think it's NOFX's best CD.



5. The quality of this recording incredible, the between song banter is hilarious and the songs they perform are great. I can't think of any other live album by any band that even compares to this. Not only is it a great punk rock disc but it is also going to make you laugh your a** off. BUY THIS CD TODAY!

5 comments about Dwight Live.

1. If you've ever seen Dwight live he puts on a fantastic show. I rarely like live albums, but I do this one. Well worth the money and adding to your collection. Some great cuts on a wide variety of songs, that showcase Dwight's talent.
   
   The Mean Eyed Cat
   Rock-A-Billy Review
   KNON Radio 89.3
   Dallas, Texas



2. Dwight's version of "Suspicious Minds" would even make the Big E proud.



3. Even if you have his greatest hits, the Reprise box set, or albums containing the studio versions of these songs, this live album is STILL a MUST. The energy and musicianship, not mention Dwight's own incomparable vocals, are fantatsic. And there are great live versions of songs you can't find anywhere else, like Rocky Road Blues, Fast As You, Long White Cadillac, Two Doors Down and more. Whether you're just now catching on to the genius and talent of DY's music, or are already a fan with lots of his albums, this is one you won't regret owning. It'd certainly one of my top 3 favorites.



4. This live album is a disappointment. Dwight Yoakam's
   best studio work has crystal clear sound (vocals and
   instruments) and lively energetic arrangements.
   Unfortunately, Dwight never seems to get in the
   groove during the concert[s] and his performance
   is lackluster. Another disappointment is that the
   sound quality is poor, even for a live album. The
   redeeming qualities are the choice of some of his
   best songs and his band is in good shape. Standouts
   are "Lonesome Roads" and "A Thousand Miles From
   Nowhere."



5. Dwight Yoakam may be the most underappreciated of contemporary artists. He has, from day one, been catergorized as a country artist, but whether he's doing country, western, bluegrass, blues, soul, or just good ole rock and roll, it's just pure Dwight. He has an ability to merge musical styles and make things his own, like that of a Ray Charles or an Otis Redding. And music aside, he may be the best lyric writer in any genre'. Unlike most country artists, whose live outings seem to be packaged, over produced, virtual replicas of their recordings, Yoakam does as great soul artists do. He takes his songs and his great band to inspiring new heights. His version of "Lonesome Roads" oozes soul, far outdoing the original, and has brilliant work by the extremely underrated guitarist, Pete Anderson and fiddle wonder, Scott Joss. The band's tight work on "Long White Cadillac" becomes an orgasmic jam with all the excitement of a Booker T. & the MGs workout. At first listen, a casual Yoakam fan may not appreciate its greatness. But this may be, aside from perhaps either of his two greatest hits collections, the quintessential Dwight Yoakam album.

5 comments about Live: Going Home.

1. There are 2 versions of this disk. The single disk 2004 version on Shout! (who's track list is listed) and an expanded 2 disc set released Feb 2005 on Evangeline. The correct track list is:
   Track Listing
   1. Marie Marie
   2. Real Rock Drive
   3. Border Radio
   4. Crazy Baby
   5. Help You Dream
   6. Have Mercy Baby
   7. No Other Girl
   8. Don¿T You Lie To Me
   9. So Long Baby Goodbye
   10. Red Headed Woman
   11. Wandering Eye
   12. American Music
   13. One Bad Stud
   14. J.B. Lenoir Jam
   15. All Your Love
   16. Flip, Flop & Fly
   17. Red Rose
   18. Trouble Bound
   19. I'M Shakin'
   20. Sadie'S Back In Town
   21. I Ain't Got You
   22. American Music
   23. Daddy Rollin' Stone
   24. Instrumental
   
   Details
   Contributing artists: Billy Boy Arnold, Sonny Burgess, The Calvanes, The Medallions
   Distributor: Hepcat Distribution
   Recording Mode: Stereo
   SPAR Code: DDD
   
   Album Notes
   Expanded 2 disc version. Guests includes the Sun Records rockabilly great Sonny Burgess and Chicago blues great Billy Boy Arnold., The Blasters include: Dave Alvin, Phil Alvin (vocals, guitar).
   Additional personnel includes: Sonny Burgess, Billy Boy Arnold, The Calvanes, The Medallions.
   Recorded live at The Galaxy Theatre, Santa Ana, California on August 13, 2003. Includes liner notes by Holly George-Warren.



2. This is clearly the best CD of 2004 if not the best of the decade. The production and sound for a live CD is incredible - clear, clean, and captivating. But to love this CD like I do, you have to appreciate piano (Gene Taylor) and background vocals (The Valvanes and The Medallions) -- all together. What The Blasters provide by themselves is incredible (Phil Alvin's singing and Dave Alvin's guitar alone would be worth the price of admission), but who they have accompying them is extraordinary. I cannot wait to receive the DVD of this concert because the CD makes it sound like a blast. Most of their classics are here (Marie, Marie; American Music; and Border Radio), an all-time (Joe Turner) classics (Flip, Flop, and Fly), and some incredible sounding "lesser classics" (Don`t You Lie To Me, So Long Baby Goodbye, and Have Mercy Baby). In the old horror classics they use to put a mirror near one's mouth to see if one were alive and breathing, now all you need to do is put this CD on and check if their feet are tapping. Try it on yourself, since you are alive, you will also want to dance.



3. I love local bands from the most beautiful place on earth Orange County! This is one of OC's best rockabilly bands, and they sound as good if not better then they ever have, an extra added bonus is hearing Billy Boy Arnold's duet with them, his voice is so "rockabilly 1950's", and of course he really was a recording artist from that period, and hasn't lost a thing. This concert sounds like it could have been recorded in 1955, I mean this music sounds like the stuff from Sun Records! A great fun set of lively rockabilly and occasional jump blues, by a super tight swingin' band, recorded at the famed Galexy theatere in Santa Ana!



4. A blistering live set, recorded in the Santa Ana, California's Galaxy Theatre, in the band's old Southern California stomping grounds... Phil Alvin spits out his lyrics like he wants to set the mic on fire, while Dave whips through some dazzling guitar licks... These guys may be old geezers, but they sure haven't mellowed out!



5. Just had to post a few comments about this. When i heard that the Blaster's first and only concert video would be released on DVD and CD i just had to go out and get em both.. all you blasters fans out there will know that these guys are all about playing live! - well, the CD & DVD totally captures the energy and atmosphere... and if you never got to hear em play live... u just have to get this !! - The companion DVD that comes with the CD is just as awesome in it own capacity... Both the CD and DVD feature performances of "Blasters" classics such as "American Music", "Marie, Marie" and "Border Radio". They are also joined on stage by rockabilly guitarist Sonny Burgess, Chicago blues great Billy Boy Arnold and the surviving members of the California doo wop legends The Calvanes and The Medallions.
   
   go buy this now!!
   
   adios

5 comments about Live: 05-03-03 - State College, Pennsylvania.

1. i remember when pearl jam played state college in 93[?]with the red hot chili peppers. grunge exploded, and pearl jam was leading the way. eddy and the band rocked; it was raw and mad and wonderful.
   
   listening to the three-disc set i realize how times change; there was no war then, and there were few reasons to be raw and mad but pearl jam was just because. and some things do not change. pearl jam is still raw and mad and wonderful.
   
   the tale of the time is captured, along with the big sound pearl jam is known for. the porch, fortunate son, keep on rocking, yellow ledbetter sequence is worth the cost alone.
   
   i recommend 05.03.03 highly.



2. I've listened to many many many Pearl Jam concerts and this one is great. Though I'm not a big fan of Eddie's voice that night (though I am a big fan almost any other night), there are many memorable rarities such as "Release" and "Leaving Here".
   With so many tracks, you're at least getting your money's worth.



3. Ok, so I'm not the world's greatest Pearl Jam fan, but their records do spend a decent amount of time in my CD player. I got this CD because I had never heard them live, and kept hearing that any live recording was more than worth it. This one got strong reviews, had an enormous set list, so seemed like a good deal.
   
   It is a great deal, but man this concert never ends. It starts off great, the sound quality is superb, but how many endless guitar solos do I have to listen to? There's something like 30 songs on this CD, and you REALLY feel it by the end. Every time I listen to it, I just start drifting out in the middle of the second disc. The short acoustic break is kind of not much at all, and the concert fizzles a bit after that, and gets quite repetitive.
   
   I think this is very good overall, but only hardcore PJ fans will have the stamina to give this record their full attention. For the rest of us mortals, it is a good buy, but you'll probably end up listening to it in bits and pieces over a few months. Still a good CD to rock out to, and for the record, PJ do sound amazing live.



4. Magical Nite! I was there! .. I was alive, spell bound, and over my head with the joy!
   I know they are among the very best! But for those 4 hours .. they were number one!
   One evening of my life I cannot top it, ever! Buy this!



5. Starting with their landmark Soldier Field show in 1995, I've been collecting live recordings from Pearl Jam. From that perspective, I've heard most of their songs performed a number of times, and State College does not provide a whole lot of 'definitive' live performances.
   
   That said, this is a study in stamina and dedication, as well as professionalism. The best live band of this generation, playing the last show of the first leg of their tour, and they just don't want to leave. Maybe it's that they've learned to 'pace themselves' properly, maybe it's a renewed love for the music- whatever it is, you get 36 songs over 3 discs, and they plow through each of them with the passion and energy that they deserve. You get some things you don't get on other bootlegs on this one, such as a memorable, supposedly improvised, intro to Rearviewmirror. If you're a casual fan, you get practically all the hits on this one too. The performance of "Black" is particularly mindblowing, with the best Mike McCready solo I've ever heard. "Betterman" is also extended, with the "Save it for Later" tag.
   
   Out of a collection of roughly 20 Pearl Jam bootlegs, this one's easily top 5. A great value for the money.