5 comments about Salival.

1. Insanely addictive. The only downfall of this album is that it ends. They should put out more live releases. Tool is an all out live experience. You just can't capture their power and creativity on a studio record. You have to see them live to get a true TOOl experience.



2. This CD/VHS set was a stop gap between 'Aenima' and 'Lateralus', and consists of a CD featuring live and rare tracks, as well as a video containing the bands ambitious, biazzare and at times grotesque music videos (now sadly out dated due to the release of videos from the 'Lateralus' album). This is an essential live document for Tool fans, for the versions of some of the songs featured here surpass the originals in places. The live version of 'Third Eye', the 13 minute epic from 'Aenima' is imbued with far more atmosphere than the original, has a different sample at the start (Timothy Leary on freedom of thought), and is simply required listening for fans. 'Pushit' is also revamped, with a slower, more thoughtful opening, lengthy bong-drum interlude and alternative lyrics. Elsewhere on the disc, we have 'Part of Me' live, which is the discs weak point, as one feels a better song could have been selected for inclusion. Also, the song is very little changed from the studip recording: hardly a new criticism of live material, but when viewed against the quality of the other material here it is a severe defect. A version of Led Zeppelin's 'No Quarter' surfaces finally here, which is thankful, as Tool do a fine job of making the classic song their own. A cover of 'You Lied' by Peach (Justin Chancellor's previous outfit) is very welcome, as is the hidden track towards the end of the album, which I would urge the listener to discover for themselves. Overall the disc is very strong.
   The VHS suffers immediately from being out of date, but this does not diminish the quality of the videos included. For those who have never seen a Tool video I am unable to explain their merits here: Adam Jones is evidently a genius in my eyes, but the nightmare imagery is unlikely to appeal to everyone.
   This is an essential commodity for Tool fans, but for the casual listener there will be very little of interest here. For this reason I do recommend this set highly, but only to the initiated.



3. Proves well beyond a shadow of a doubt that Tool is the greatest band in the history of the galaxy and the best that ever will be. This album demonstrates what it's like to be at a live show. The songs, no singles (no "Sober" for you fratboy wannabes, sorry) are absolutely stunning. The covers, especially "No Quarter" are difficult to describe in words. Go buy this and enhance your thinking (wink, wink).



4. Salival is great because it allows you to listen to the band live as well as to look at the videos from aenima and undertow. The live songs on the CD are great, the live version of third eye really adds something new to the song. The cover of New Quarter is great. I think the video is awesome because I'm a big fan of the band's videos and having them on a tape reminds me of when I first heard tool in middle school.



5. Salival is a great box set from one of the best bands of all time. TooL is probably one of the most influental bands, with a staying power that is not too common in bands today. There are two great "gifts" that come along with this box set, a cd, and a video/dvd (depending on which version you get).

   The has about 8 songs on it, some of them live, some of them new, and others that are reconstructions of old songs. With a trademark hidden song at the end of the cd, it is definately a cd to add to your TooL collection. The songs are full of TooL's best, with great lyrics complete with Maynard's wonderful voice.

   The dvd/video has 4 videos on it, two from songs on "aenima" and two from songs on "undertow". The videos are "Prison sex", and "sober" (from undertow). And "stinkfist" and "aenima" (from Aenima). The videos are complete with TooL's strange cinematic characters, complete with strange little dolls, defigured humanoids, and puppetronics that rivel Jim Henson's muppets.

   This is definately a must needed addition to anyone's TooL collection. The vidoes are great, the music is great, making it well worth the money to buy it.

5 comments about Animal Serenade.

1. Lou and a few others. Very intimate performances of many of Lou's best. A lot of complaints about the "talking instead of singing"... C'mon , did Lou really ever sing ? A quality disc package from an icon. If you didn't like it the first time, listen again. The man continues to surprise 40 plus years on.



2. A quietly powerful album. Understated, with lots of space. Moments of humor and intimacy. Old songs revisited and deepened. Takes time to listen to in order to reveal its depths. A walk down memory lane with troubled souls who may have spent time in the gutter but always found time to gaze at the stars. Unique.



3. I like this cd. Lou has turned into a great musician without being a virtuoso guitar player. The arrangements are sparce and intriguing. Small Town, How do you think it feels and All Tomorrows Parties are the best songs. Candy Says is different (the singer is really wimpy) but a worthy intrepretation. Dirty Blvd has been toned down but its still good.
   
   Lou made a concert with no drums...can't fault him for trying something different. Compare this to his accoustic cd, I think this is much better!
   
   
   For all of you ripping this cd, the fact that you even bought it means that you are a big fan (he has never been mainstream stuff). If this act, played like on the cd, came to your town, you would go see it in a heartbeat!



4. I'll be honest and say I only listened to about 4 tracks off this album, and I found it so awful, it was actually painful for me to listen to it. Lou sounded like he was spontaneously handed a microphone to entertain some buddies so he decided to make words up on the spot and ramble a bit. Not only that, but his voice wasn was weak, dull, and just plain bad. I know he's over 60 years old, but if you can't give a good show, there's no reason to get up on that stage!
   So terribly disappointed..



5. Just a note to respond to the reviewer who says that those of us who couldn't stand Hegarty singing on Serenade should be ashamed, or have 'egg on our faces'. The rationale, apparently, is that Hegarty recently won a prize (a 'Mercury'). In my lifetime so far, I've seen more undeserving people be rewarded by their peers than otherwise (did Blind
   Blake get a prize, did Robert Johnson? I dunno. Do I care? Is THAT why many like these musicians?). Mostly, however, there's something horribly patronizing about being told that the tastes of others -- a panel of experts/judges? I don't even know who! -- are superior to one's own, particularly when the entire issue is about subjectivity. Maybe some know what to like by observing who gets what award; others might like to make up their own mind. After listening to Serenade again the other day, I was reminded of just how awful 'Mercury Man' Hegarty sounded. Lou oh Lou, how could you give him "Candy Says" !?!?

No comments about Live in the City of Light.

5 comments about Live.

1. The power of the vocals live cannot be denied. Track selection is very good and so is the editing.



2. A couple of things come to mind right away while listening to this cd, the first of which is this: Layne Staley deserves any and all credit given to him for being an amazing vocalist. From the raw power he unleashes on tracks like Bleed the Freak and Love, Hate, Love, to the slower, softer Layne we hear on songs such as Rooster and A Little Bitter, Staley throws a five star performance at us.
   
   The second thing I noticed was that Layne's voice does lose some of its power and range on the later recordings, no doubt a result of his ongoing drug addiction. If you listen to Bleed the Freak and then skip ahead to something recorded post '95 like God Am, he still sounds good, but at the same time he sounds very frail. The full capacity of his voice is rarely unleashed on these songs.
   
   The last thing I thought after I stuck this in my cd player for the first time was that the song selection is top notch. Granted, I would have loved to hear more of their early recordings, and maybe one or two songs off of Jar of Flies, but this is as perfect as it gets on a live album. You get classics that everyone knows like Rooster, Man in the Box, and Would?, then you get some of the "sleeper" tracks you wouldn't necessarily expect to see on a live album like Junkhead, Dirt, and Dam That River, but you also get some rarities like Queen of the Rodeo and A Little Bitter (Neither track was ever released on a studio album).
   
   There really aren't too many negatives to throw around with AIC Live. Jerry Cantrell does have a few minor screw ups on guitar, but nothing big enough to take away from the rest of the music. Kinney's drumming seems a little drowned out at times, but at the same time I realize Alice in Chains' sound was built around Jerry's riffs, not Sean's drumming. One final thing I noticed: on God Am, Again, and Them Bones, I don't know if it was because he was high or just having an off night, but Layne seemed to take some time to settle into the songs and struggled at first.
   
   Some last thoughts on the album: I thought Cantrell handled his backing vocals very well, and I loved how clearly all the songs come through your speakers. Unlike a lot of live albums, on this one you can pick out any of the instruments at any time and listen to exactly what's being played. Also, I usually don't like when an artist releases a live cd with performances spanning a wide range of dates, but it works fine here.
   
   This is a must have for any Alice in Chains fan, and it's also a nice addition to any rock or grunge fan's collection.



3. I give this four stars because the studio cuts sound better and the unplugged live album was a better album than this, but it is still an above average live album that includes many of the hits and fan favorites. If you are a crazy AIC fan, like me, then I suggest adding this to the collection.



4. layne is the man! ive always loved AIC, and if this is the only official released live cd by em, its a good one! such a tragedy, but this cd is a great live one. a lot of live cd's dont deliver, either too overdubbed, or not enough, but this one just hits... feels like youre right there. too bad it isnt longer. RIP layne!



5. Why not one whole show? The sound quality is good, but why can't record labels just put one whole show instead of a collage of shows. I get really upset about this.

5 comments about Stone, Steel & Bright Lights.

1. I feel that negative reviews are almost always an exaggeration, and it is surely the case here. Jay Farrar is the alt-country love child people seem to love to hate. But they love to hate him because they just loved Son Volt (and Uncle Tupelo) so much. That's history folks. And face it, he's talented and has the voice that hundreds of men try to emulate. This album is certainly not a clone of Son Volt's, but he's not doing Son Volt stuff here. It's a solid album, and worth having in your collection. Listen for yourself.



2. There are some brilliant reviews here, and some that completely miss the point. I grew up about ten minutes away from Farrar's hometown, and I really fear some reviewers cannot understand the context from which he writes. Imagine the "rust belt", where factories have closed, people have moved away, and sprawl has crept in. You have our hometown area. The song Cahokian, which another reviewer took to task, is especially poignant to anyone familiar with the area. He speaks of the mounds, one being a HUGE ceromonial mound built by native americans which still stands today. The other, a landfill, visible from the first mound, stands across from a motor sports racetrack. The fact that Farrar recognizes this and chooses to speak on it, I believe, shows the consciousness that makes me love his music. If you like this slant, you should really check out March "16-20, 1992". This album completely forshadowed Tupelo's split, with noticable "tweedy songs" and "farrar songs", with Farrar's being of the social consciousness ilk. Please, continue to check out Farrar's solo work, Trace and Wide Swing Tremolo (not a big fan of much else son volt), and any Tupelo you can get your hands on. I should also add, quickly, some favorite songs from S,S,& BL. Please pay attention to Medicine Hat, Six String Belief, and Greenwich Time. Thanks for your time!



3. I have heard this whole CD and it's nothing special. One song is very good and I do wish to have it. It is the first song, "Things don't have to be this way". I do want that song but don't want to have to pay for this very ordinary CD to get it. I have not been able to find where else it is so if someone knows I would sure appreciate you pointing me towards it. Thanks.



4. This man's work is new to me but it's a great discovery! A previous and somewhat negative review suggested that if I liked this I'd need a lobotomy! Well, book me in for some cranial work as I think that most of this album is fantastic and the rest is very good indeed. His voice - reminiscent of early Michael Stipe - is forceful and memorable and songs like 'Feel Free', 'Make it Alright' and 'All of your might' stay long in the memory. Best of all, it's rounded off with a blistering performance of Neil Young's 'Like a hurricane'. I'm certainly going to investigate his previous work but to those who don't like this album I say, 'Damn shame'! Recommended.



5. Guess what folks - another solo disappointment from the most boring man in alt.country. Jay Farrar has completely lost it - every damn song on this record is boring, save for Cahokian, which is merely trite and re-hashed. Do not waste your money on this garbage unless you love the rest of his solo work, in which case you should have a lobotomy. Listen, dear consumer, buy the Uncle Tupelo best of and then Buy Son Volt's TRACE and Wilco's YANKEE HOTEL FOXTROT. Then forget about Jay Farrar.
   
   P.S. He is even more boring as a solo live act than on record.

5 comments about Heart Still Beating.

1. Put this on and watch the womens pants melt right off! Also, you will need 2,000,000 amperes heat lamp. Like they use in Abu Gahreb prison.



2. Roxy Music's Heart Still Beating was released in October of 1990.
   The album was recorded Live in Frejus in the South of France in August of 1982 during the tour to support Avalon.
   Originally, four tracks from this concert was released as The High Road EP in 1983. In October of 1990, the rest of the concert was used to create this lasting document of the final 80's version of the band which featured original members guitarist Phil Manzanera, lead singer Bryan Ferry and saxophonist Andy Mackay plus new drummer Andy Newmark, future Dire Straits/Mark Knopfler keyboardist Guy Fletcher and Bryan's guitarist neil Hubbard and bass player Alan Spenner plus three backing singers.
   This EP turned full live album included their superb cover of Neil Young's 1977 classic Like a Hurricane(original yet contained the classic elements of the original), killer versions of Out of the Blue and Can't Let Go(the former had Phil Manzanera play a guitar solo in place of the original track's violin solo).
   Plus great versions of A Song For Europe, Love is the Drug, Avalon and a stirring version of John Lennon's classic Jealous Guy are among the highlight.
   This was a great live album which would be their last until their 2003 reunion live album which saw the return of original drummer Paul Thompson.
   Highly Recommended!
   NO COUNTER REVIEWS PLEASE!



3. Given a choice I will almost always take a good live cd over a good studio cd. This is a good live cd.
   
   The cd starts slowly (the reason for docking it a star). While the songs are not bad, the only one that reaches out and grabs you is "Impossible Guitars" (a taste of what Phil Manzanera is capable of - if you like it, check out his cd "Primitive Guitars").
   
   With "Love Is the Drug" things pick up. One of roxy's few "hits" it would likely be tough to perform this in a way I wouldn't like - but the version here is excellent. Then comes an excellent cover of Neil Young's "Like a Hurricane" - better, in my opinion, than the original. Next is "My Only Love", another well done song, then a few hit an miss attempts (the best - "Avalon" - another song that would be tough to ruin). Concluding the cd is a killer cover of John Lennon's "Jealous Guy" - containing an excellent sax solo (with feedback!) and free whistling by Brian Ferry sure to send chills up and down your spine.
   
   Buy this cd - there are no bad songs and several outstanding cuts.



4. A fine live album. Some songs are extremely extended without necessity. But the album has good vibe, smart production, good guitar solos and the always mesmerizing voice of Bryan Ferry.



5. I have NO idea what the one-star reviewer was listening to, but if for nothing else than the brilliant despair of "Can't Let Go" this live album is a stunner. And then . . . and then . . . one gets to "Like a Hurricane" and there isn't a more emotionally charged moment in any live album I have ever heard by any band. Phenomenal. Ferry is the true genius of our time.

5 comments about Warped Tour: 2004 Compilation.

1. CAUTION:
   THESE ARE NOT LIVE RECORDINGS LIKE THE OTHER WARPED DISCS.
   
   Nontheless, a great collection of music with a few mediocre songs.



2. One of the best compilation CD's out there. Great sample of the genre.



3. the fisrt disc is sissy sounding people singing. the only good song is by go betty go. and the other disc is stupid screamo and spazoid stuff. what a waste of money!! :(



4. This 2 disc compilation of all aspects of alternative is a must-have for anyone that likes it. They managed not only to put ther best bands at the time (2004), on these discs, but they also scrounged up the very best songs. If there was one song that each of these bands would've played at the Grammys, (if the Grammys played alternative, which they don't) these would be it. Again it's all aspects of alternative. You have your general punk "Jersey", and then you have your emo "Lightweight Holiday" "Amber Pacific" and you also have your ska "Big D and the Kids Table" and you have your hardcore punk "From First to Last" and your 90's wave punk "The Casualties". If you love alternative theres nothing to not love about this. I bought this the first day it came to store and i still give it a good work-out in my cd player.



5. Well first off when i bought this cd like over a year ago.. i was just a greenday and Blink-182 junkie. had been for like 3 years. Then i bought this cd hoping to find some new bands and slowly started getting into other Punk/Emo/Alternitive/Screamo bands..
   This cd introduced me to..
   *A New Found Glory*
   *Anti-Flag*
   *Atmosphere*
   *Bad Religion*
   *Chronic Future*
   *Coheed & Cambria*
   *Halifax*
   *Hazen Street*
   *Matchbook Romance*
   *Motion City Soundtrack*
   *MxPx*
   *Simple Plan*
   Which in time introduced me to other bands and now music is my life and i have over 3,000 songs in little over a year so ya this cd hits home for me and i sugest it and its 2003 and 2005 counterpart.. well im sure all of them but those are the ones i have to anyone... also this review really bugged me...
   
   ********Um I liked this CD, but really I was expecting more. More Punk Rock, the magority of the 52 songs are hard rock. Like From Autoum to Ashes, they're like hard rock. The only real punk rock is the New Foud Glory, Coheed and Cambria, NOFX, Flogging Molly, Thursday, Taking Back Sunday, and some others. But most of its hard rock. If you classify some of the songs on the cd punk rock, you dont know punk rock you freakin poser. I bought the cd at Best Buy expecting it to be great, and for 5 dollars it seemed great. The punk rock thats on it is good, but some of the music just dosent cut it. Another thing I found lousy about this Cd is that they didnt have all the bands that where even at the Warped Tour, where was Senses Fail and Story of the Year and Hidden in Plain View?, are they not good enough. They should have gotten rid of all the crappy hard rock and put these great bands in their place. I gave the CD 3 stars, I am figuring that its a fair grade for a CD that isnt what it should be, but then is what it is and is good at it. I would recommend buying this CD, but if you truely are a punk rock fan dont expect the punk you deserve on the Warped Tour.*******
   
   He has no idea what hes talking about...
   A) Autumn to ashes isnt hardcore its screamo so he doesnt know what hardcore or screamo is
   B)Coheed, TBS, And THursday are emo not punk
   C)He says he only likes punk but is wishing that senses fail, Hidden in plain view, and Story of the year was on there all emo just contridicded himself again.
   SO in escence he is an idiot who knows nothing of punk...
   Thank you
   travis

5 comments about From Here to Eternity: Live.

1. Pick this up right away if you're a fan. It's an archive release taken from four different years and three entirely different periods of the group's career that still has the coherency of old-school live albums that are devoted to the preservation of a single concert. See, no matter what phase they were at in their career, the Clash were vital and energetic and enthusiastic and just so alive. Everything on this album is taken at a slightly faster pace than on the original versions, and while these songs for the most part sound a lot like their counterparts, somehow tracks like "What's My Name", "Complete Control", "Know Your Rights", and "Capital Radio One" sound better live than in the studio. Hell, maybe "(White Man In) Hammersmith Palais" does. I'm not sure. I know that song is totally awesome, though. And so is "The Guns of Brixton", though I think this version is disappointing compared to the original. The hypercharged "London Calling" is slightly disappointing, too, but by no fault of its own. It's just that... well, have you heard the original? I think this version of "Train in Vain" is just bad, which is a shame because I love the original. It's too disco for me. Now, if they made it funk, I'd probably like it, because I love funk and hate disco. Oh, and speaking of funk, they play "The Magnificent Seven", but I'm not a fan of this version. I don't know why, either. I just don't. Despite those minor complaints, though, the sheer energy of this thing alone is enough to make it an essential purchase for any Clash fan, and besides, what's two weak songs out of seventeen? There are also a couple songs here that you can't get anywhere else, other than on Black Market Clash or Super Black Market Clash. I get the two confused. "City of the Dead" is a cool, hyper-energetic punk rocker, and "Armagideon Time" is a similarly excellent reggae song that sounds like it was a Sandinista! outtake. At least this arrangement does. Is that Mikey Dread (the reggae singer) on Sandinista! on vocals? He's got a sweeeet accent, whoever he is. Really fits the evil mood of the song. This thing is so cool I don't even know how to describe it...



2. The Clash were one of the greatest of the punk bands. Their music was raw, their lyrics often angry. This is a live album, with a twist that is somewhat problematic. This is not a single live performance, but bits and pieces of live performances from 1978 through 1982. There are 17 songs on this CD, most of which are well done indeed. Any such album will leave one wondering why some things were included and others not. But that is inherent in the process.
   
   The CD begins with "Complete Control" and ends with "Straight to Hell." Let's take a look at a sampling of songs.
   
   "Clash City Rockers" features raw guitar work and a strong rhythm section backing primal vocals. This is a compelling piece of work.
   
   Another fine work, "I Fought the Law." The key recurring refrain:
   
   "I fought the law
   And the law won."
   
   At another point:
   
   "I needed money and I had none.
   I fought the law and the law won."
   
   This is a classic outlaw song. Some overdubs occurred with this song back in the studio to correct technical deficiencies in the recording of the concern version.
   
   One of my favorite Clash tunes is "London Calling," with its familiar and dramatic opening chords. This is a political song, including railing against "phony Beatlemania." A typical line:
   
   "London calling to faraway towns
   Now that war is declared--and battle come down."
   
   Something very different in "Train in Vain."
   
   "Say you'll stand by your man. . .
   Stand by me."
   
   A more sentimental song (albeit hard rocking), very unlike "London Calling" or "Guns of Brixton."
   
   Then, the chilling "Guns of Brixton." A hard-edged song, with raw vocals and instrumental work. Telling lines:
   
   "When the law breaks in,
   How you gonna go?
   Shot down on the pavement
   Or waiting in death row."
   
   This song typifies the hard-edged punk of The Clash against established authority.
   
   Finally, a more personal (but still rocking) song, "Should I Stay or Should I Go." Another intimate relationship song.
   
   "Should I stay or should I go?
   Tell me now
   Should I stay or should I go."
   
   Despite the many rough, political songs, here the work is about staying with your partner until the end of time (if the answer to "Should I stay" is yes) or be set free (if the answer is no). The music is typically Clash raw.
   
   So, the rawness of these live performances is terrific (despite the weird premise of different performances from different times). The sound is more primal than on the albums (where the sound is pretty raw itself). This is a must listen for fans of this group.



3. I bought this after I had read the biography of Joe Strummer called redemption song. A great selection of songs, and you feel the experience the bands incredible stage presence. I wish I had bought it sooner. Enjoy.



4. Now really. Who ever heard of a live album that was a sampling over shows from many years? One can only suspect The Clash for having a personal hand in FHTE. If so, bless their hearts for trying something different, but it doesn't really work. A lot of the energy of a single show is lost in the potpourri format of this album. The Clash were hands down the best band I saw live---and I'm not the only one to think this. Surely, Sony can find time in their schedule to publish from a single show or tour, something to show everyone what The Clash were really like, something up there with The Who's "Live at Leeds." On the other hand, until _that_ album comes out, FHTE is better than nothing and I for one was glad to buy it. The three songs from the Bond shows, especially Complete Control, are worth the price all by themselves.



5. While the Clash were known as a groundbreaking punk band, some people are still convinced they aren't really true punk. I disagree. This live album is proof of that. Just take a listen to it if you don't believe me, and you'll be hearing one great live track after another. While the Clash aren't really my favorite band or anything, we can't deny the influence they had back in the early 80's. Pick up this album today.

5 comments about Live Box.

1. I was never a huge Björk fan. Actually, I only had one of her CD's before this Box-Set which was the Greatest Hits collection. I saw her on November, she was here on her Volta Tour... it was totally mind-blowing. It was the first time I saw her live... one of the best performances I've seen in my short-but-well-lived life!
   After that, I had to get my hands on this Box-Set... and I gotta tell you, it's definitely a MUST HAVE for any Björk fan or just ANY music fan... probably the best purchase I've made in the past year. At 40 USD, you're getting 4 live CD's + 1 DVD of really great material. As for the music, what can I say? It's Björk, and it's live..... you know it won't let you down... In fact, Hyperballad on this CD is *the best* version you'll ever find. As for the rest, it's absolutely flawless. Packaging is awesome too.-
   Really excited to have this as part of my collection.
   Buy it. Now. Do it. Do it.



2. If you're a Bjork fan this is a must have!!!
   Great collection.



3. Where to begin with such a musical treat such as this? Describing how much I adore this nifty little arrangement is near impossible because my love for Bjork blinds it so much. It was a few days after Christmas in 2003 when I saw Bjork's debut album "Debut" for sale and bought it on the off-chance that I would like it. Little did I know that I was about to embark on the most profoundly amazing musical experience of my life. 2004 for me was Bjork. No one else. In the space of the year I have acquired pretty much her entire back catalogue on CD, and "Live Box" was a welcome addition to this last month.
   
   To firstly understand the importance of a project such as this one must first understand the way in which it is constructed. Bjork is both a visual and musical artist whose work appears to be the end result of just one person's hard work, when in fact everything she does is a collaborative effort. She has always let other people have a say in the work that she does, and she does this because she wants to develop a connection and really make the most of a particular project. This may be a design for a CD cover, a photo shoot, a concert, or even a remix. She knows she can't do all this herself, so she has others helping her, which I find very interesting. With the input of others (and her vision pushing the project forward) she is able to create really big projects, whether it be musically or visually, that boast many different formats and challenge the limits of what that particular field contains.
   
   Undoubtedly one of the best examples of this collaborate effort can be seen in one of Bjork's concerts, which is superbly displayed in this Live Box. Consisting of four live albums, it is a must-have for any Bjork fan. The four CD's are all complete live versions of her first four solo studio albums "Debut," "Post," "Homogenic" and "Vespertine." Bjork especially picks musicians for her tours who are willing to alter the framework of her music while keeping the structure and order the same. She also chooses arenas that are specifically designed for her music. For example, the music on the live Vespertine album was all recorded in opera houses. She chose this because the acoustics of her music would benefit better from the structure of the opera house rather than in a large arena where a lot of the sound would be lost. That's the thing with Bjork, you see: she's not in this to make a quick buck. Her career is her life and we as human beings should respond to this and embrace her passion. She might be in a world of her own, but hey, I'd rather be in hers than the one we're currently in...
   
   The theatrical design of the stage is also very important in the production of shows like this. Her team all offer their opinion and Bjork will choose the ones she thinks are the best, from costume design, stage props and the order of songs. Her live shows seem simple and effortless because of all the hard work that has gone into them. Not many people know what goes on backstage, making it seem effortless. Only when something is effortless is it pure. Now I haven't talked much about the actual music in this collection, but Amazon sells each album individually. Don't worry, I shall be writing reviews for all four individual Live CD's and in great detail - this is too good a collection not too. I felt that it was important to tell newcomers about Bjork's collaborative efforts to make them appreciate her music in a way that is different to any other artist. When you listen to the music on these albums, think of what I said above and if you're ever confused about Bjork's credibility and genius, you'll know why.
   
   This Live Box was released in the summer of 2003 and went down a storm with Bjork fans. Retrospective projects of this size are normally reserved for dead Jazz musicians or classical composers. For a 39-year-old pop star with a mere four solo albums to her name to get this kind of treatment is unprecedented. If any other living musician were to release a similarly grandiose project, it would be seen as an act of unforgivable hubris. This collection also contains a superb DVD which features performances of the songs "One Day," "It's Oh So Quiet," "Joga," "Aurora," and "It's Not Up To You" from different stages during Bjork's career. All in all this collection comprises of four superb CD's and 55 live songs. It is a stellar collection of ground-breaking and misunderstood beautiful music that will be treasured for the rest of time. Essential.



4. I have adquired lots of Björk's material. I wanted the this Live Box because it had the 4 live cd's, with songs that were carefully chosen as the best performances, and it also included the bonus Dvd with 4 tracks that had been released in her other respective Dvds and the exclusive and wicked performance of It's Oh So Quiet at Tatarata (not in any of her dvds). A lot Of people prefered to get the individual cd's but I thought of buying the whole box cause of the money saving and the special dvd. Now that I have it in my hands, I don't regret it. I forgot to mention it also includes the Live Book, which consists of a booklet with an extensive interview by Ási to Björk, where she explains about touring, the musicians, the adventures of doing an album, her icelandic roots and more. It's very nice to read the interview because it's like she's storytelling. There you can see that she's reasonable and creative woman, and you can listen to the live records that have fascinating and entertaining bits of shows from the tours of Debut, Post, Homogenic and Vespertine. She's and excellent live artist, and so she proves that in this set. I was personally amazed by this collection of live songs that were magical, warm, charming, sheltering, beautiful. Definitively worth the buy. I thought it would be better off to get all the live albums at once to hear bits of each. It's so good to see a good compilation of live tracks like this one, and I'm am happy to see Björk really took her time to share these incredible performances for everyone who would want to listen to them.



5. I was really excited to find out that bjork was going to be releasing live albums, and one time when I was in denver at a record store, I was surprised to see all of them in stock as I had forgotten the release date. I wanted the vespertine one, and had it in my hand, but accidentally got homogenic live... this review is based primarily around that one, and losely around the other three discs.
   
   The homogenic and vespertine ones are the best,(in my humble opinion) The sound quality is excellent on all of them but it is missing a little oomph on the low end. There are alot of little subtle things that are added into the songs that make them that much more enjoyable, but you might have to listen harder on some songs (immature) than others.
   
   One of the best things about listening to these albums for me, is the nostalgia factor, and she doesnt miss a note. Alot of favorites like Joga (this version is without a beat) and possibly maybe ( extra verse and more imrpovised melodies!) appear on the Homogenic version as well as unexpected gems like so broken and the opening track ( I am not typing that title)
   This is good to fulfill any curiosity about her live show but it is no substitute for the real thing when you compare the two.
   
   I will say though that alot of the live versions of songs on homogenic like: all neon like, and pluto, are given new life and I like them much more than the studio versions.
   
   One more thing is that not all of the songs on the albums were recorded from one set, and there is a little bit of a lack of concert feel because of it ( so broken is taken from a tv performance) but its not such a big deal. The booklets contain really nice interviews and photots that helped make the whole package really enjoyable... but I dont know what they were thinking with that picture on the cover of the homogenic disc.
   
   For my money, I'd get the vespertine disc before homogenic,(just because vespertine is my favorite bjork album) and then buy the debut and post if you have the studio albums, as the performances are not much different from the studio counterparts, and there arent really any extra songs you didnt hear on the albums for incentive.
   It's cheaper to pick out the "live" discs by priority instead of buying an expensive boxset, but I might be wrong...
   
   The homogenic one serves as a really great way to get your snobby metalhead freind into bjork as it offers quite a bit of stuff from her back catalogue as well as homogenic songs. uh... because everyone knows bjork is pop music for metalheads and hardcore kids (if you dont believe me count the meshuggah shirts in the crowd, and watch all the people headbang to pluto. I am serious.)
   
   The only bad thing about this box set is that it's a little spendy, but you can just buy all of the discs seperately if you want one (or two) and not the other... and sometimes the "feel" of a live setting is a little akward because the production on some songs is diferent, but thats just a little nitpicky thing that isnt even a big issue.
   
   This thing really makes me want to see her live again, some of you dont know what youre missing (not to be a jerk and rub it in * cough*) but this is the next best thing, I promise. If you love bjork, you need this, you wont listen to the studio albums much though afterwards. I love the live albums and I am very glad they were released.
   
   There is alot more passion and the whole thing feels so much more organic and heartfelt than some of the song's counterparts on the studio records, this thing kicks ass!

5 comments about Tested.

1. This album is a must for any true bad religion fan. Some of the songs on this album have never sounded better. Greg Graffin and the boys play their souls out, and it speaks. "American Jesus" is sublime. "Portrait of Authority" is perfected, and "Change of Ideas" sounds truly overwhelming. "Part III" is my personal favorite, and very fitting for the current politics,even though it was written so long ago. This song got me hooked on this album. When I drive, I always turn up this song. It, like Spinal Tap, reaches 11. "Dream of Unity" is also on this album, a hard to get gem. Greg Graffin's vocals are human, live and spontaneous, as in the version of "Generator" which is beyond compare. The liner notes are great, and they have descriptions of all the places they went, and where they recorded each individual song. There are some anecdotes that just boggle the mind.
   
   Everybody who claims to like Bad Religion should have this CD. It is without a doubt my favorite live album of all time. The added heaviness makes the songs that much better, especially with such heavy hitters as "No Control." "Do What You Want" is also great. The whole album is great. Every critically minded music lover should feast upon the harmonic cornucopia that is Bad Religion! What other band has a PhD from Cornell leading the fracas? A band for the ages.. oh yeah, "Along the Way" is killer as well. Just buy it already!
   
   You are the government!



2. This is a very solid CD, like most of BR's are.
   
   BR's approach was quite interesting. Instead of putting a lot of money and effort into capturing a couple of shows, then cleaning up the results in the studio, they recorded continuously with basic equipment through their whole tour -- and picked the best cuts with only modest editing.
   
   (Nitpick: I'm not fully convinced that it works on every track - the background vocals were not captured well on some songs.)
   
   But good grief, there are 27 recordings on here! Even a nominal BR fan can find something to like on this album, and the band really loaded it to the rafters. This would be a "two CD set" from anyone else, but BR really delivers!
   
   I'm so glad too, that they included some of their rarities on here. You might not get a chance to hear those, even if you do attend a live show.
   
   Definately give this CD a chance, if have already bought a couple of BR releases, and are considering getting more.



3. this is one of the only live albums id ever spring the payola for. the raw energy in the performances is just unbalievable. after seeing B.R. live about 6,7 years ago i was very pleased with the album for it brought back that show. this is definetly one of those albums you can listen to over and over driving everyone around you crazy unless there die hard fans too. id give this three thumbs up along the five stars. two of my thumbs and one from the guy standing next to me.a most definet worthy purchase.



4. This CD is amazing. I give it four stars only because of certain songs that weren't included.

   I'll review each of the three previously unheard tracks:

   Dream of Unity: This song is famazing. That's all there is to it. It's a slow dirgey song about unity (duh.) It's just an incredible put-up-your-lighter song. They should put this on a mainstream release sometime. 7/5.

   It's Reciprocal: Not bad at all, a lot better than some of the filler on Gray Race. I really like it. Good lyrics too. 4/5.

   Tested: I just didn't get into this one. I'm not into it at all. 2/5.

   Overall rating of the three new songs: 4/5.

   Overall rating of the CD: 4/5.

   Overall recommendation: Buy this, just for Dream of Unity and It's Reciprocal, not to mention some really great live versions.

   Yes, I'd have liked to see some other songs like Anesthesia, Only Entertainment, Entropy, Walk Away, 21st Century Digital Boy, Inner Logic, Infected, and Handshake, but such is life.




5. As someone who has listened to Bad Religion since they first came about, I am not only impressed by this album, I am obsessed with it.

   This band found their style very early in their carreer and they have not changed it at all, even with all of the MTV pre-made poo that we are subjected to on a daily basis. Bad Religion still have the ability to write their own lyrics, and sound exactly the same as they did 10 years ago.

   This album is living proof that this band sounds just as good live, if not better, than they do straight out of the studio.

   I love hearing a song that I know and love in a different manner. It's especially good if you are drunk and want to sing along, but feel bad that you can never sound as good as they do.

   If you are looking for a greatest hits album, get All Ages, if you wanna hear some of your favorite BR songs LIVE, get this one. Hell, get them both. I think that anyone who has anything to say about how the world is today needs to listen to a good BR album. Long live BR!!!! Come play in WV dammit!!!!