4 comments about People Like Us Should Be Stopped - Live '93.

1. While I'm not a big fan of "live" albums, this album is great, and by far the best live album I own. The sound system in my Caddy feels like it was made for the spacy live feel, and anyone who's ridden with me while this CD is playing begs to know who it is and where they can buy a copy. Idaho is a quiet band, but if you gotta have your music loud, this is the way to do it. Never more emotive are Jeff Martin's vocals than on the live rendition of "Here to Go," which is so beautifully realized here that it's chilling! Maybe you just gotta have the right sound system to truly appreciate this album? Peace out, home slices :)



2. Hey, eponymous boy. Whats wrong! I have never heard this album, but certainly it can't be that bad. I don't know, i'm gonna have to give it a listen. And, if i don't get back to you. Assume that i am dead in a ditch somewhere. Maybe it is wrong to laugh at eponymous boy, after all. He may have just been having a bad day, perhaps he was hit by a car and just happenstance found his way to a computer. But, to villify one of the most amazing, utterly brilliant bands i have ever heard in me bloody life, especially with an unforgivably triteful been-there-done-that attitude. tis a crime that cannot be overlooked.
   Verily, you will be punished.



3. the title of this completely superfluous CD is--yeah, yeah,
   yeah--ironic as can be and yet it's eponymous indeed: these guys had
   absolutely no reason to release a live record at all except that they
   WANTED TO. in other words, they should be stopped indeed. i mean,
   how many songs can jeff martin write with the same words, the same
   descending melodyline, the same feedbacky twinkly guitars, the same
   banal delivery. i used to love this band--now they just repeat
   themselves ad infinitum. and now they've written, so to speak, their
   own aural epitaph. AVOID!



4. This CD is a compilation of live performances from Idaho's 1993 tour in support of their first album Year After Year. Under the influence (literally) of former member John Berry, the band's early material is markedly more dirge-like than in its more recent incarnations. However, despite the better-than-average-bootleg sound quality of this recording, the makings of a great band are unmistakable. The emotion in Jeff Martin's vocal performances is nothing short of astounding. John Berry's liner notes tell tale of this ill-fated tour quite succinctly, and after reading them it's apparent where some of Martin's demons were coming from.

   While this CD is hardly an appropriate starting place for anyone new to Idaho (I'd recommend starting with Three Sheets to the Wind or the Forbidden EP), it is an essential companion to Year After Year and the Palms EP, and will bring about a new appreciation for these early recordings.

   The band also wisely chose to include two of its "live segues" (eerie soundscapes the band recorded before the tour to fill space while their harried guitar tech wrestled with their tunings between songs) from the tour on this CD. While these two particular examples aren't quite on par with those found on the (recently re-released) Bayonet EP, they are beautiful and haunting nonetheless.

   I would only consider this not a five star CD because of the sound quality, but the experience of hearing Idaho is one not to be missed.

1 comments about Mixed Live.

1. This is a wonderful collection of tunes spun by Gusgus at a small club in Iceland. Every track is very lush, funky and very gusgus-esque (only one real gusgus song on here). Def a must have for every gusgus fan out there, only complaint I have about this cd is that the recording quality is not all that great, yeah its kinda cool that you can hear all the folks in the bar but it does have a bootleg quality which detracts from the great tunes that are on here. But, don't let that hold you back from getting this cd, its def worth having! Oh, and by the way, be kind to animals, don't eat them! Peace!

5 comments about And All That Could Have Been.

1. Now I was at many of these shows on this tour, and really, as a live album, not the greatest. It is just sort of live versions, not much that really adds to the experience. I love it when live albums have a whole show, front to back, and with all of the banter by the bands. This does not have much of that, but is still a decent collection of live performances, but the real treasure here is the bonus disc...
   
   If you are a NIN fan, you MUST have this bonus disc. Luckily, they finally re released this bonus disc as the cd "Still" and that is awesome. It has a few great simple piano/vocal versions of songs on it as well as some tunes that you will not find anywhere else.



2. And All That Could Have Been is a live disc with performances from Nine Inch Nails' "Fragility v2.0" tour. During the performance on the CD, Trent Reznor has very little stage banter, which helps the songs segue together rather smoothly. Around the middle of the disc, there's a slower section featuring "The Great Below" and "The Mark Has Been Made"; this kind of bogs down this part of the CD (however, this was the way the performance was, so it's nice to see that the setlist was left intact when the disc was put together). One of my main complaints is that the disc ends rather abrutply, rather than letting the audience's cheering fade out.
   
   This version of the album comes with a bonus CD, still (which is probably the closest thing you'll ever see to an "acoustic" Nine Inch Nails disc). "Something I Can Never Have," which is almost a minute longer on this disc, features a more laid-back arrangement (you only hear a piano and Trent's vocals). Besides reworked versions of some older songs, there are also four new songs on it: "Adrift and at Peace," "Gone, Still," "And All That Could Have Been," and "The Persistence of Loss."
   
   Overall, they are both strong discs, and should be in a Nine Inch Nails collection. However, Still may be a little too "mellow" for some Nine Inch Nails fans.



3. This halo stacks right up against a full length album. As many of the reviews I read suggested, I agree, it is truly the 2nd disc (the studio takes), still. that will capture your attention. "Adrift and at Peace" is reminiscent of "La Mer" from the fragile, a nice extension. "gone, still" another instrumental that stands out. But the final three tracks will capture you. The title track is lyrically charged emotion with minimalist layering that fits perfectly, a real throw back to _The Downward Spiral_ era. "The Persistence of Loss" is a lonely segue into perhaps the most depressing sound-scape ever conceived... "leaving hope". Trent served his publishing title well with a piece that defines melancholy. Again, for me it's a fresh reminder of how incredible the man who composed _The Downward Spiral_ truly is.



4. I have been a fan for over a decade and this album is a must have. Fantastic from start to finish. Very similar to a concert playlist.



5. not a whole lot to say really, the pure contrast between both CDs included in this deal covers the whole spectrum of sound, whether hard and in your face like 'star**ckers inc.'(found on the first CD) all the way to the melodic and beautiful version of 'something i can never have'(found on the second CD) it has something for everybody. and as a fan for many years this CD set leaves you feeling complete and at peace once you hear it all, it truly is a masterpiece

2 comments about Eat Shit, You Fucking Redneck.

1. This isn't pigface's best live album, that is "Truth Will Out" but this does give a sence of what pigface live is all about. I have seen them twice live and they are by far one of the best live bands ever. This offers a great glimpse into the world of pigface but you owe it to yourself to see them live.



2. from sythesized banjos, to screetching turntables, and loud punk rock guitars and vocals. they sound like no other. it is my favorite live album from most of the ones i have. if u have never heard or experienced pigface. please do purchase this album.

5 comments about Swing the Heartache: The BBC Sessions.

1. This single disc of BBC recordings is a handy way to have the Bauhaus experience in it's most concentrated form. Bauhaus between 1980 and 1983 were a full-time group, and when they played live they did it very very well. They achieved legendary status with their live act. It's not just the unbridled imagination that constitutes their art, it's also the unfiltered, raw energy of their talent and honest approach to performance. Their performance had a capital 'P', which was willed by the desire to go for skillful provocation and full-on, risk-taking abandon. Such is the evidence found in Swing the Heartache. These 'live and in the studio for a day' sessions were done with an edge and immediacy far greater than the work they did for their record company. Pretty much each version here shreds the ones that reappear on the four proper albums. 'Swing the Heartache' has acoustic-sounding drums and sounds much better and twice as terse as it does on The Sky's Gone Out. Also, on this album you find the largest grouping of cover versions (Bowie, Bolan, Eno, etc.), tempered with the usual handful of their more left-field and far-out originals (an example in this case is the terrifically twisted, narrative-driven 'Departure').
   
   Getting lost in the world of Swing the Heartache, it's possible to think 'Geez, this is bizarre to the average ear, but for the creatively inclined it sure is energizing and inspiring!' The sparks that flew off of the young Bauhaus quartet were as unique as is possible to be. The average musical acts that came after Bauhaus were what spurred the term 'Goth'. Bauhaus were just being themselves. Yet these days they seem so light in attitude that they just smile and give a shrugging response to the word 'Goth' as it's tagged to their identity. 'Bela Lugosi's Dead' (not on this album) is wonderful, original and may be their most 'Goth' and signature piece. But this may well be their most signature album in a hundred years. That's because it summarizes their career-spanning situation: Bauhaus in a room with nothing but themselves, the combustion of talent and the fleeting moment.
   
   Not to be missed by anyone into or curious about Bauhaus. Also, it's got good cover art - which makes an impressive match to the music.



2. This album have a collection of part of the best of Bauhaus, so you will be saving in buying various cd's in order to have the songs that you'll find in this one. And it is a live concert. Bauhaus sounds better in live than in studio. For best performance, play it really loud.



3. I bought "Swing the Heartache" on vinyl back in 1991 (give or take a year). This is a good album that, for me, has stood the test of time. I've just listend to it again after nearly 15 years and it still sounds great and brings back lots of memories. If you're into the '80s style goth/new wave then buy this record. If you're more into the later and various incarations (e.g. Tones On Tail or Love and Rockets) you might not care for it much, but it's worth a spin regardless.



4. While "Swing the Heartache" isn't exactly an essential Bauhaus album, it's a nice addition to your catalog if you're a fan. Consisting mostly of Bauhaus album tracks (before they actually made any albums) arranged differently than the versions found on the studio LP's, and a few B-sides/Rarities, "Swing the Heartache proves to be an interesting look into the imagination of Bauhaus' songwriting ability. While, yes, some songs on here ended up sounding identical on official releases, most of the (p)re-workings of Bauhaus classics can prove to be almost superior to those found on the records they found a home on down the road. Also showcasing some of Bauhaus' stranger moments, such as "Departure" and "Party of the First Part", this release is worth checking out if you're a fan.
   
   Key Tracks: "Party of the First Part", "The Three Shadows Pt. 2", "She's In Parties"



5. Believe it or not this was the very first Bauhaus recording I picked up. I was about 13 at the time and I bought the cassette version and it just blew my mind. Peter Murphy's deep resonating voice was unlike anything I'd heard before and Daniel Ash's guitar playing was truly brilliant.
   Recorded for various broadcasts on the BBC in the early 80s this collection of songs is my favorite of all the Bauhaus recordings. The collection was originally five separate studio sessions of 3-4 songs per session which were recorded and mixed in one day. Despite the limited time frame some of the recordings later ended up on other albums, most notably "Double Dare" which as recorded in these studio sessions was "stronger" than a later recorded version. It also includes the brilliant Bowie cover "Ziggy Stardust" that was to be their most popular single.
   Other standout tracks include "Silent Hedges", "A God in An Alcove" and "In the Flat Field". There is also a very interesting song called "Party of the First Part" which features a dialogue between a young woman vying for stardom and the "devil" who takes her soul in exchange for fame and fortune.
   The great thing about Bauhaus is that they appeal to a very wide audience. I don't listen to "goth" music but I love Bauhaus. If I were a new fan or somebody who had never heard of Bauhaus I would definitely pick up "Swing the Heartache" because it is truly representative of what Bauhaus were all about.

2 comments about Live at Bart's CD Cellar and Record Shop.

1. Man these guys crank out the live tunes like nobody's business! A great little live record with a cool set list. A real intimate feel to this album. Eddie Spaghetti makes you feel like you're right there. Buy it and stick around for the hidden track! It's priceless and the song to play for the love of your life when you're away ;)



2. Well, it's Monday morning, I'm sitting at my desk with a fresh beer [frosty, cold left-overs from the weekend are so medicinal in the mornin'] and I'm listening to The Supersuckers . . . but this isn't any old Supersuckers, this is the latest from the Mid-Fi Recordings catalogue, "Live at Bart's CD Cellar & Record Shop".
   
   So, this is a "live" recording, huh? Well, I know that the Supersuckers were playing their instruments in front of a group of people, and they were not in an official recording studio, but it's hard to tell. See, you don't hear any of the typical "live" ambience; Drunks yelling "Woo-who!", "Play some Skynyrd man!" or the ruffled sound of bras being lifted and panties thrown. Nope, not here. All you hear on this recording is the quality of the music being performed [I know, I know, uninhibited bras are a good thing, but they are better seen, not heard while you're trying to listen to music in your office]. We get an excellent pedal steel version of "Creepy Jackalope Eye" [one of my favorites, with the patented three "Creepy Jackalope" crescendo] and it all is capped with a fun performance of "Hey Ya!", made better by the fact that the hipsters in the audience apparently needed some coaxing by Mr. Spaghetti to get involved and let their hair down. Hey, some people need to be coaxed.
   
   This recording has a nice intimate quality. Eddie strings dry-wit between songs of honest living and creepy jackalopes [actually, I don't think they're all creepy. Some of them just want to be loved actually]. Rontrose Heathman plays like a ring and bell as always, but don't forget Thunder Bolton, Muderburger along with Jordan Shapiro on Pedal Steel and Danny Bland on bass. This is a well rounded group of consummate musicians. For the most part this is the country version of The Supersuckers, but hell that line was blurred a long time ago. As far as I'm concerned it's always The Supersuckers no matter what song they happen to be playing, nor in what fashion they happen to be playing it.
   
   The bottom-line is this is one of the best live recordings I've heard in a while. It's a good set, and of decent length [The Supersuckers always deliver the music for the money]. If you are a fan of The Supersuckers - hell if you're just a fan of good rockin' music with a down home country feel - you'll be glad you made the investment, especially at this price.
   
   When I listen to The Supersuckers "Live at Bart's CD Cellar & Record Shop", I almost feel like I'm standing right there, with a smile on my face, watching the best rock n' roll band in the world . . . even if I'm just sitting at my desk on a Monday morning, trying to shake a hangover.
   
   By the way, I'll let you in on a secret, there's a cool hidden track . . . but you'll have to buy it to find out what it is. I ain't sayin' nothin'. Pony up and find out yourself, you old skinflint!

2 comments about Dig the New Breed.

1. I was a casual fan of the Jam until this album came out back in 1982. The studio efforts I had heard up to that point were good but seemed to lack that special spark that would make them great. This album doesn't have a spark, its on fire! The Jam are one of the few bands that sound so much better live, they seem to feed of the audience and let go of any inhibitions or restraints they seem to have in the studio. The three song set from The Hammersmith Palais: Start, Big Bird and Set the House Ablaze build on each other at a fiery tempo you think is impossible to maintain but they do it. Paul Weller's breathless acoustic version of That's Entertainment is the best ever of that great song. This is one of my all time favorite albums and I am so glad it is available again on CD.



2. Seeing the Jam many times throughout their life in New York it was quite a disappointment when this highly emotional heartfelt band of UK individualists broke up.
   Coming at it's wake was this album of live cuts giving a total picture of a band performance creating a live atmosphere of a Jam gig.
   
   1982 was the year of release and with performances ranging from 1977 this CD culled great performances from locations throughout
   their run.
   The tracks/set list here comprises 14 songs giving a good sampling of their evolution from the fast and furious guitar attack of it's earlier days to their later r&b infected days sandwiched within the serious sincerity of play as the latter day torch bearers of the earlier generation of bands such as the Faces,Who and Kinks..

1 comments about Mid-Fi Field Recordings Vol. 1: Live at the Tractor Tavern, Seattle, Washington.

1. hello,
   this is one group that likes to rock and they sound better live then they do in the studio, i highly recommend this album, if you like all man brothers,, or metalica or just good ole rock music listen to the super suckers

5 comments about Perfect Night: Live in London.

1. Wow ! Differing opinions all over the place ! That's the thing about music , it either connects or it doesn't. For me , this one connects. Lou mixed up the "standard" stuff enough to make it not another "Oh no , not another recording of THAT song again". The sound is awesome too ! I thought Lou was right in my living room. If you're unsure , snatch it up used...I don't regret buying it new.



2. This wonderful live album was recorded live in 1997 at the Royal Festival Hall for the Meltdown Festival. There are 15 tracks which cover most of Reed's finest songs.
   
   The most noteable feature of this album is the crystal clear sound. This is immediately obvious from the first track "I'll be your mirror". Lou has a fantastic accoustic guitar sound. He describes it in the sleeve notes as "the sound of diamonds". Don't be mislead by this, the album isn't an unplugged album, although there is an element of that style that creeps into this album. In fact on numbers like 'Busload of Faith', after a gentle introduction the band really rocks out.
   
   The other musicians are Mike Rathke - Guitar, Fernando Saunders - Bass and vocals, Tony Smith - Drums and Vocals.
   
   I think this album would serve as a great starter album for people new to Lou Reeds music, and as it looks as though it may be unavailable fairly soon you should grab a a copy of this as soon as you can.



3. This is Lou's finest live album. It is a thoughtful career overview that touches all the way back to Velvets (no "Heroin" this time, kids, been done enough), it has great sound, and is a great performance by the band. "I'll Be Your Mirror" is both personal and beautiful. "New Sensations" rips the bleeding heart out of its pure adrenaline existence. All stops in between are met. This is intimate; this is satisfying. It is not pretty wimp rock for losers, it should only be listened to by those who hope for music to be in some way the balm and salvation for their discontent.



4. For a Lou Reed live album, this works only part of the time.
   
   If you're expecting another 'Rock & Roll Animal,' this ain't it.
   
   On the minus side, Reed's monotone delivery doesn't really add
   anything to these versions. Some listeners may grow weary with
   this approach over an hour-long plus CD.
   
   On the plus side, the backing band is tight, perfectly suited
   to the stripped-down arrangements.
   
   Interesting cross-section of material, but those easily
   offended might want to skip Track #14 and its bizarre subject
   matter, but coming from someone like Lou, it's to be expected.
   
   I'm surprised that this doesn't carry a PA sticker for that
   track and becauses he uses the 'F' word 4 or 5 times on the CD.
   
   So if you like Lou and all his faults, you'll like this, in a
   modest way. But if you don't, this won't make a fan out of you.



5. Perfect Nigh: Live in London was a live album that Lou Reed made during some down time he had before his next disc.
   Nothing ground breaking, just Lou Reed and his band going through some old tunes infront of a live audience in England. Nothing to write home about. A nice tight performance from Lou and company.
   
   Recommended for Lou Reed fans.

4 comments about Blow'n Chunks.

1. Flipper is god--god is Flipper. There is no other band past, present or future that can/will replicate Flipper. A genre unto themselves Flipper transends all that is rock and all that is punk. They deconstructed and reconstructed and laughed at themselves and everyone else in the process and unlike most of their punk peers at the time, there is no underlining political agenda, in fact there is no agenda at all. This recording here captures the band in all their drunken stupor and is probably the best live document from the post-punk era. There is not a weak moment here and Flipper will drain you mixing rock and punk in a volatile combustable droned out molatov cocktail. Flipper is a love em or hate em situation. Enuff said---droned out , fuzzed out feedback laden and drunk off their gords, Flipper are the true kings of oblivion get it now and long live Will Shatter(R.I.P)



2. Flipper is not your conventional sound. Its music is characterized by a superficial texture of raw music filled with the passion for the love of the music. Underneath this surface, the anger of a lost generation boils through.



3. Flipper once again out does itself with all of the great, rockin' hits we've grown to love. From simple, straight forward grinding riffs to snarling memorable vocals, this album becomes a must get to all who love screaming and thrashing. A great album to rip your hair out too.



4. Essential live documentation of this unique West Coast Hardcore phenomenon. Bass and drums lay down simple riffs, a vocalist spits sarcastic defiance at the audience and the guitarist improvises a firestorm of distortion and feedback unparalleled since the Velvets 'Sister Ray'. Grinding, repetitive and remarkably addictive, Flipper are guaranteed to wash your blues right down the drain . . along with the rest of your mind!