No comments about Live and Loud/Fly the Flags.

3 comments about We Got the Neutron Bomb: Weird World, Vol. 2.

1. The Weirdos are one of the often overlooked standouts from the first wave of L.A. punk rock bands (along with the rightfully acclaimed X and Germs). They created some wonderful, quirky punk rock. These songs were recorded live & in studio between 1977-1981 with 3 studio tracks from 1989. This collection runs the gamut of Weirdo rock from the anthemic-punk live version of "We Got The Neutron Bomb" from 1977, the great 60's-garage-punk sound of "Hideout" from 1980, the straight out Rock N' Roll of "7 & 7 Is" from 1989, the almost surf-guitar-rock of "Jungle Rock" from 1980, to three very eclectic instrumentals. An awesome mix of styles that The Weirdos very much make their own. This collection is amazing, The Weirdos are amazing!
   (Interesting fact: Nicky Beat from The Weirdos played drums on early Germs recordings.)



2. Don't feel like typing too much, but I like this volume more than volume one. Most of the songs here are also from the years 1977-1981, so in that respect this is like volume 1, part 2. But the unreleased and live tracks on this compilation make it better than the first, and definitely a keeper.



3. a truly amazing compilation with lots of previously unreleased tracks. there are a few songs off condor, but most are early 80's or late 70's. live versions of some familiar tunes like "destroy all music" along with experimental stuff that never made it beyond the stage. this runs the gammut through the weirdos entire range. awesome

5 comments about Live '88.

1. This album contains mostly all songs from the first two studio albums. The sounds are remarkably fresh and the sound quality is exceptional. I srongly advise purchasing this collection, especially if you're not a Shawn Colvin fan.
   
   Le Bateleur



2. Great companion to all the of Shawn's later works ... not a diamond in the rough but a wee gem.Live '88



3. The tracks are not interrupted with much applause, chatting or announcements. She sounds just as good as her studio work. Great way to round out a Shawn Colvin collection.



4. I love Shawn Colvin, her sound is fresh, creative and original. Live 88' does not disappoint on any of these counts. However, having listened to Steady on for many years, I thought Live 88' might be the raw version - it is not. This set is polished and very, very similar to the studio recording. If you are a collector or unfamiliar with the Steady On album, Live 88' is well worth having. If you are looking for something new from an old favorite, you will be disappointed.



5. Most of these songs subsequently appeared on Steady On, but that album's production - too lush and sweet - runs counter to the meaning of these gems. Here we see the other side of the spectrum in terms of production - a woman singing great personal songs accompanied by just her own guitar. These are the best songs that Shawn Colvin ever wrote by far. You'd have to go back to Joni Mitchell in the 1960s before you found anything better than this for this genre of popular music.
   
   Her voice is strong and plaintive, her picking on open tuning gives her a distinctive guitar style, and while I would prefer to have heard these songs done in a studio with a production that matched the mood, this is more than good enough. Very few people can go out on stage accompanied by just themselves and energize an audience. Shawn Colvin is one of those rare birds that can.
   
   It's said that everyone has one good book in them. It may be that similarly most songwriters have one good album's worth of material in them. If so, then this is Shawn Colvin's one good album worth of songs. And it's more than good. It's wonderful.

5 comments about Severe Tire Damage.

1. This is a mostly live album by They Might Be Giants. In addition to the live recordings, there are three new studio recordings. "Doctor Worm" is a great song that has become a favorite of TMBG fans. "Severe Tire Damage Theme" is a brief instrumental. "About Me" isn't so much a song as a song fragment. The live songs were recorded at various venues, as opposed to a live album that features songs from one specific concert. What's interesting to me is that the live versions of the songs have very different arrangements than their studio counterparts. Most of these live recordings are very good. There are six unlisted bonus tracks, which are all improvised live songs about Planet of the Apes, of all things. These ad libbed songs are not very good, to be frank. Overall, though, the album is quite enjoyable.



2. The concept is supposed to a mix of live album stuff with studio songs thrown in as well. It's works for me, but I would have loved to hear their versions of other classic songs by them and instead there are new songs and strange improvisations on watching "Planet of the Apes." I mainly give this album a good rating because the new live versions of songs make them sound more refreshing and louder as well and the studio tracks aren't bad either, the "...Apes" tracks are hit and miss, though.



3. I'am a big fan of TMBG.I first herd it when my friends step Dad was playing it when I was over at is house.It sounded pretty cool,but I had no idea what the band was called.O well.About one year later when I was at camp my councler brought a TMBG cd.He was playing a song I heard(NEW YORK CITY)and it sounded familer.Well he started geting me to listen to TMBG,well I got this cd for christmas recently and I loved it.I'am glad it had Partical Man,but my fav is They Got Lost.And one of the hidden track(Nmb 21)Escape from planet of they apes is cool.But whats up with the song spyder.So I say you should but this one.



4. As a representation of their live act, it's not even close: nevermind the lack of crowd noise and stage banter, most of it isn't even from actual shows. It's 'live in studio' and soundcheck recordings, with overdubs galore.

   As a career retrospective, it doesn't work either. They seem to have attempted a 'best of' line-up here, but left off important singles like "Don't Let's Start" and "The Statue Got Me High". Who cares? Hits that are included, like "Birdhouse In Your Soul" and "Ana Ng", are slowed down and given strained vocal deliveries.

   But most importantly, it's just not a very enjoyable CD. Theres no flow, and it pales in comparison to their work in the studio. People who want a good overview of their career should get the 2-disc DIAL-A-SONG anthology. People who want to hear them live should get tickets to a show - they're lots of fun. You wouldn't know that from SEVERE TIRE DAMAGE.

   I'd say it's worth it for "Dr. Worm" and the rocking "Why Does The Sun Shine?", but those made it to DIAL-A-SONG. The only thing I really pull this out for is the power-pop version of "First Kiss", later transformed into a ballad for their Mink Car album.




5. I think if you heard all of these songs before (except the hidden tracks and Dr.Worm, which are all new) on other albums and want to hear them a little defferently, then you should soo buy this alblum. The bonus tracks are kind of weird on the first listen but once you get used to them they are really cool.
   "Why Does The Sun Shine" is a great song and the two best verisons of it are on this ablum and on TMBG's Direct From Brooklyn DVD (which has a live 2002 concert video of it).
   "XTC VS. ADAM ANT" has a great beginning with the electric guitar.
   "They Got Lost" sounds way cooler here than on the They Got Lost cd (you can check it out at tmbg.com).
   "First Kiss" I think the Mink Car version of it is longer, but both are equally cool.
   "Meet James Ensor" The trumpets make more sense on the John Henry cd, but this version makes me laugh when the Johns make the trumpet sounds.
   For the other songs on this cd you will have to listen them yourself. It's not because the other songs on this cd are bad or anything because all the songs are great, in my opinion. I just want you to buy this cd and check it out for yourself.
   And for the hardcore TMBG fans check out the They Got Lost cd at tmbg.com It's pretty cool once you get used to it.
   But before you buy that cd you must buy this one!

5 comments about Our Lady Peace - Live.

1. This is my first real introduction to Our Lady Peace and I was pleasantly surprised. I don't get into many new bands (yeah, I know, I sound old. I'm 34), but these guys rock. Not totally sure how I missed these guys when they first came out. Any rate, this is a good live album. Some bands absolutely suck live, but these guys sound good. Some live albums suck, but this one is pretty well done. I guess if you aren't too familiar with the band, this may be a good place to start. The main reason I bought this is for the song "Whatever" and got an album that I can get into.



2. My order came in time and in good condition. It was for birthday present.



3. Buy this album it is a great one from OLP! One of my favs is Wipe that smile....



4. this live cd was alright but didn't meet my expectations, production value was decent, could've been better with a broader selection of tracks. OLP has enough good material to merit a double disk live collection, something that would demand a lot of replay. Many of the performances on this record didn't really reflect the true value of their live act. There is enough singles for casual fans, most people remeber the recent and older hits from the nineties, but for the long time listeners the album just lacks something important.



5. If you're a fan of the band, and even if you're not, this CD belongs in your collection. Raine's vocals, amazing in studio, are even more incredible live. I like how they let the audience sing along... it's pretty amazing to hear all those voices singing together. It's one of my top ten life goals to see OLP live. A couple of songs are missing, but the only true downside to the CD is the inclusion of 'Not Enough'. Can someone tell me what that's doing on their live CD? In my opinion, it's the weakest song in their entire collection. I'd take a star off, but the rest is so great it really doesn't matter.

5 comments about Nobody Can Dance.

1. Half rehersal + half live set = completely awesome! This is probably the most 'controversial' item in the Big Star canon in that its 'releasability' is definitely questionable. I, for one, support its release because Big Star is one of those bands that does not have casual fans. Chances are if you like them, you're going to end up with this one for better or worse.
   
   So let's move on to the actual review:
   
   The rehersal half of this disc is definitely the more sonically palatable. The mix is better, the playing is tighter, and the band seems to be enjoying itself while, at the same time, keeping aware the face that the tape is rolling. The best part is the little tease of 'Hey Joe' that Alex Chilton and John Lightman get into before 'You Get What You Deserve.' Big Star definitely nkew how to run a practice. It is rare that fans are treated to a band practice like this, so I suggest you take advantage as a CD like this seems almost destined to eventually go out of print.
   
   Now the performance half is for those who may have heard something they liked on 'BIG STAR LIVE.' A slightly tipsy ("Let Us Boogie") Chilton lets loose. This show (at Overton Park in Memphis) is thought to be one of Big Star's last. The band plays with reckless abandon. The vocals and guitar are mixed WAY up and the bass is hardly audible. The cover of 'The Letter' is definitely the highlight of this collection as the band gives it a much more 'rockin' feel. Other highlights include "Don't Lie to Me," both versions of "O My Soul," "Way Out West," and the live "Mod Lang" which is just vulgar!
   
   All-in-all this CD, like everything else in Big Star's catalogue is worth owning. The only difference is that this one may take a few listens to really get into.



2. This is an over all better live collection than the one released on Ryko. The band is Much tighter for the studio rehersals and they leave in the stage banter so you can get a little more of a taste of Chilton's Personatlity. The only thing that tops this is Chiltons Version of "Motel Blues" on the other one, so you better buy both.



3. As with "Live", these recordings feature Big Star as a lean and mean post-Bell trio. The rehearsal tapes are fairly well recorded and the performances are loose, raw and even a bit sloppy in places. In some ways, I prefer these versions to those on their two Ardent LP's. Kind of like seeing a beautiful woman without all of her makeup on. The live set includes a great cover of T.Rex's "Baby Strange" as well as Chilton's Box Tops classic "The Letter". The sound quality of the live tracks is fairly rough, but listenable. Just remember, "Nobody can dance, okay."



4. There's only so much Big Star out there, right?
   Once you get the double #1/Radio City CD, get Big Star LIVE, then Third, you've about got everything. Everything but this one.
   This ain't so bad, but the live material is uninspired in my opinion, the demo's make it a worthwhile purchase for the completist in you, but they are, in the end, merely early versions of stuff available elsewhere.



5. I love this CD. I bought Big Star'a first release on Stax records in 1972 while attending college. I have been a fan since. This is a classic. Every song is excellent. Excellent power pop by the masters.

3 comments about The Complete Live At Raji's [Expanded].

1. If you are already a fan of this great band and don't have this CD; you must buy this. I thought the original release was already great. This one sounds even better. Steve Wynn is a man of many moods and influences which permeate his music--however, he puts a spin to whatever the influence is. This is what I've found so great about him and have followed his career for years. Being a great fan of theirs and the Paisley Underground, I flew to LA just to see this show. The crowd was small (189 people) but it didn't stop them from playing the songs fiercely as if there were thousands.
   
   Steve Wynn is a chameleon and isn't known for being a "great singer." That doesn't matter to me because it's made up in passion. I can find a Steve Wynn song for every mood. And you can never tell what he is going to do. I've seen them and him numerous times and each show is different. Paul Cutler, Dennis Duck and Mark Walton along with Steve always played their parts with intensity. I think that the band was in a "classic rock" phase when this was made (lot's of Peter Frampton quips). Check out the difference in "When You Smile" from the studio version. I wouldn't expect to hear too much of the sound from the first CD if that's what you are looking for. He grew out of that pretty quick. Nevertheless, "The Days of Wine and Roses" is just smokin'. Peter Case guested on "John Coltrane Stereo Blues" playing harmonica and that was one of several of the high points during the show. To have a live version of "Until Lately" is thrilling because they didn't perform that song very often. I've enjoyed all of their CDs as well as Steve's solo stuff so I LOVE this CD. When you consider that when this was recorded, they were pretty down and out and near the end of their existence as band and had no big budget, were recording for an indie label, etc., you would expect a subpar product. Yet the outcome was a fabulous show. Even if you didn't particularly like them, you won't believe how great this sounds.



2. Amazing sounding reissue of classic live blast. Really, this is one of the best sounding live albums I have ever heard. The set list is fantastic, the audience in prime form, and the band can't get more committed. Searing solos, bouncing feedback, a rhythm section that will tear your heart out: this has it all. It makes you sad thinking that this group of individuals may never record again. Steve Wynn's solo stuff is OK, but this document is an essential part of any true understanding of american popular music. Most of the songs come from either "Days of Wine and Roses" or "Medicine Show" and the sonic assult of "Halloween" is quite possibly the best redition EVER. I can't recommend this enough. I can't stop listening to it even though I've heard all the songs a thousand times. It's the real deal.



3. One of the very few bands who ever produced a vital live album. This is an incendiary piece of work - a great band captured at the peak of their powers. In the studio the Dream Syndicate could sometimes sound restrained and mannered, here the hounds of hell rip havoc all over the shop. This is a vital recording of one of the great American bands of the 1980's. Buy it!

5 comments about Gloatin' and Showboatin': Live on St. Patrick's Day.

1. I am a big fan of the Tossers. Along with the Mahones and Siobhan they are, in my opinion, one of the best bands to come out in the wake of the Pogues. I've never seen them live and don't expect to get an opportunity so I was really excited to see a live CD/DVD combo at a very reasonble price.
   
   I was dissapointed with the live performance. They are not a band that puts on a great live show or are really exciting to watch on stage. The music and some of the vocals are not up to par, and Tommy (the lead singer) sounded like he was recovering from a cold. He also, admittedly, had consumed a few too many jars before the show.
   
   If you don't know the Tossers music but like Irish punk, I'd suggest you try one of their studio albums, but if you are a fan, then this live set is worth purchasing.



2. This guys and a girl are a pretty tight band, loved their music and when i saw the DVD i loved them more and more, they play very solid is a great show, you can feel their drunkness hehe, so buy this cd and dvd , if you like Flogging Molly, Dropkics and The Pogues , you'll love this one CHEERS!!!!!



3. I like the previous 2 reviewers am a great fan of the Irish / Celtic sound...and if your looking for a group to set in a bar and cry in your Guiness to then this is your band...I was in no way blown away with this album, but the DVD did save it !!! I like the cost for this package and it's worth the money but unlike the other 2 reviews The new Murphy's disc as well as "Float" from Floggin Molly are a better listen (My case in point "Johnny I Hardly Knew Ya" which the Murphy's do alot better.) This is agood I feel like crap pour me another round disc but it leaves me thinkin once again that the Tossers are in the middle of the road with their releases.



4. Mo matter how many albums this band comes out with, you always know what your going to get. Out of all the popular Irish "punk" bands out now (Flogging Molly, Dropkick Murphys) The Tossers have been around the longest.
   
   Hearing them live is an experience that can only be beat by seeing them live. It's a great drinking St. Paddy's day album for anyone looking for that sort of business.
   
   I give it a 5 only becuase it's exactly what your looking for, your favorite Tossers songs preformed live and full with energy. The extra DVD puts it over the edge as a must own for Irish punk fans, or fans of drinking on St. Paddy's day.



5. This live CD/DVD shows you that The Tossers are one of the best live acts of the moment, hands down. They are no Pogues, but they are the best thing that happened to Celtic rock music since the Pogues, and that's a big achievement! This album is full of fast paced songs about drinking, societal issues, personal matters, etc. There are a couple of slow numbers too, but they are not less great because of that!
   
   What really bothers me though, is that they play three additional tracks that are not listed (Dancing Shoes, Altercations and another). But those three extra songs are not considered like one chapter or one track on the DVD and CD respectively. This means for instance that there's a song of 9 minutes, but that's just because Dancing Shoes is on it too. On the DVD it doesn't bother me, but it's annoying having two songs on the same CD track, especially when you convert it to MP3 to listen on your ipod. Secondly, it's really a shame that they didn't play any song off Purgatory. I love this album. But on the good side of things, they played many songs that were never recorded, most of which are really good. Tony sang a very good acapella song, Press Gang. They also play many old songs, but I miss the female voice on Buckets of Beer. And since this is a 2006 recording, no songs from Agony, of course. But including all their music videos as a bonus was really a great idea. And Becca is AMAZING! She plays fiddle like if it were an extension of her body. Clay Hansen is there and sings a good version of Seven Drunken Nights. There are three bonus live videos included on the DVD, but those are very badly filmed and recorded, they're not worth it.
   
   The Tossers are a band you ought to see live at least once, because you can't feel all the energy they put in their music if you only listen to their albums. They easily blow Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly out of water. It's not to say that those two bands are bad, I like them, but the Tossers are way better musicians and make more engaging music. So if you're a fan, you probably already have this. And if you don't know them, pick this CD up, you won't be sorry!

No comments about Kick Out the Jams.

5 comments about TV Eye (1977 Live).

1. To complete his record deal with RCA Records, Iggy Pop took the soundboard tapes from a trio of 1977 concerts - The Agora (Cleveland), The Aragon (Chicago), The Uptown Theater (Kansas City) - and tossed in some overdubs for this edgy chronicle of a tour which featured David Bowie on keyboards.
   
   Though the sound has a muddled, bootleg-like quality, the eight tracks is Pop in his performance art mode, with the standouts being the title track, Funtime, Lust For Life and Nightclubbing.
   
   Overlooked when it was initially released due to a lack of any record label promotion, this is a minimalist portrait of an energized Pop who is back on top of his game due to getting a handle on his personal demons.



2. This LP/CD rates just a few notches above a bootleg. I have better bootlegs of this tour. Iggy has been quoted as saying this record was his 'F U' to RCA to fulfill his contract.
   The songs are great but the production/sound is god awful. My band's practice sounded better than this.
   It's a fill-in for a catalog item plus with it having Bowie on keys and vocals....
   I saw this tour in Columbus OH at the Agora--this CD doesn't even come close to the live show
   BAD BAD BAD
   2 stars because---1) Iggy Pop------2)the set list



3. Good eight song 'live' album that was in support of the Igster's first two solo records,'Lust For Life' and 'The Idiot'.Surprisingly ENOUGH after I've heard several old school fans slam this CD,I actually liked it pretty well myself.Tracks that'll have me playing this disc semi-frequently (for at least awhile) are "Sixteen",the *ss-kicking "Lust For Life","Nightclubbing"(forgotten just HOW much I really do love this cut)and "I Wanna Be Your Dog".Duration is just 35 minutes,but even by TODAY'S standards,this CD still rocks.True prime-o Detroit punk.A should-have.



4. A good selection from his Lust for Life/The Idiot support tour. Tight band with the Sales Brothers in his rhythm section. A good selection of tunes from both the Stooges repertiore and his own blossoming solo act. Probably my favorite version of "I Wanna Be Your Dog," and well as the best live version of "I Got a Right." Overall, an incredible live collection by Mr. Pop.



5. He looks like a sad kitten on the cover, if you look at it for awhile. lol. One of the best albums of anyone ever. Look past the bad recording, and you will find a gem under the DIRT!!!

   It's really beautiful at night.

   I could listen to it all night. The guy who said he's getting a refund is a jerk!!

   Keep going Iggy!!!

   :)))))