5 comments about Nostradamus.

1. When I heard about this album and its title, I honestly was really turned off! After all, concept album idea has been used so many times in the past with at best mixed results. Some work such as Dio's "Magica" or Savatage's "Dead Winter Dead" contains some good material but was quite unsuccessful, which I think was partly related to the "concept album" idea. The second problem I have is with the album's title. What an overused heavy metal cliche!!! It is as un-original as Ashley Simpson's record "L.O.V.E.". The title is slightly better "Kings of Metal", "Fists of Fire" "Evil Sensation" or "Gates of Hell." I can think of millions of such stupid heavy metal titles as I am obviously not an artist!
   
   Despite all that, after the first listen to "Nostradamus", the music on this disk simply blew me away!!! What an amazing work. Rob Halford's voice is at his best. Just like good wine, his singing gets better with time. The prime example of that is on the song "Death" or "Nostradamus" where he display an amazing range. The lyrics here are also above the group's average "we are metal gods and will party till we die" crap that infect otherwise great albums such as "British Steel" or "Defenders of Faith." The guitarists Glen Tipton and KK Downing put out some of the most amazing riffs, harmonized dual melodies, shredding solos, and most solid musicianship ever recorded by Judas Priest. You can definitely appreciate here how versatile and mature they have grown to be over the years, both musically and techinically. In fact, in addition to embracing more modern approach to metal guitar, the album shows them intertwining neo-classical style, thrash metal, hard rock, progressive and blues influences with the signature Judas Priest sound. My favorite guitar interludes are in the title cut and the song "Persecution", where they trade arpegiated melodies at killer speeds. Generally speaking, the music on this record can be best described as progressive, neo-classical, melodic heavy metal with extended musical interludes, complex structures, guitar harmonies, and orchestrations. I don't care for the reviewers who bash this work on the account of use of synthesizers. I would like to remind them that synthesizer is a "musical instrument" if used properly and it is utilized very well on this album. Some people are enslaved by one or two concepts that in their minds defines "true metal." They are therefore unable to accept anything different. Those, who like being surprised and are able to think/hear outside of the "box" will find that "Nostradamus" is a truly amazing masterpiece that builds on over 35 years of experience that this band has and shows the group of talented musicians, who continue to mature and challenge themselves with new concepts instead of re-hashing old ideas. After all, how many "Screaming for Vengeance" or "Painkillers" can there be. I think that these albums are great because they are not copied note for note on the subsequent releases as some so called "big fans" would love to hear. That makes these records truly unique and memorable. Overall, I highly recommend "Nostradamus" to anyone with an open mind and love for well written and well recorded MUSIC.
   
   I have been listening to Judas Priest for the last 25 years and have to admit that they have never disappointed me. I truly enjoyed every single album they released, which till today surprises me with great songwriting and new, fresh ideas at a time of release. Without exception, they have not made one record that would disappoint or try to imitate their previous work!!! I give this work 4 stars instead of 5 because of stupid title and a "concept album" cliche. Aside from that, music on the record is truly outstanding as the band has created some of the strongest work they ever recorded. In my mind this is one of the best albums of 2008. Keep up the good work boys!!! You have bought my soul!!! I am already waiting for the nest amazing release from you. Heavy metal is well and will never die ;-)



2. Judas Priest has been my favorite band for 30 years, and "Nostradamus" shows why. While it would be so easy for them just to keep remaking "Painkiller" or "Screaming for Vengeance", Priest has always been willing to tackle new ground. They knew this would cause debate amongst the faithful, but they went for it anyway. This album is different, but it's a great musical journey. It really takes 3 or 4 listenings all the way through to really appreciate what all's going on. That's why even though I bought the CD when it came out I'm just now writing my review. You cannot snap judge this album! When I was growing up an album was something you listened to front to back, enjoying it in it's entirety. But the iPod generation has ruined this by turning albums into singles downloads which are nothing more than a loose collection of songs. "Nostradamus" brings us back to an album as a complete work and designed to be listened to that way. And it's worth the time spent! However there are still great songs on here you can play just for themselves. Just to list a few: "Prophecy" is a great strong rocker that starts the album is fine style, "Visions" is another great little rocker, of course the previously released title track "Nostradamus", which is a more "Painkiller" era rocker, and my personal favorite, which I'm playing as I write this, "Death". This is a heavy, dark, foreboding tune who's light and shade reminds me of early work like "Dreamer/Deceiver", Beyond the Realms of Death" and "Victims of Changes". Glenn and KK sound great throughout and Rob's vocal work on here is superb. Ignore the naysayers, get it yourself and enjoy the ride!



3. This 47 yr old metaller has been having a lot of fun reading the foaming-at-the-mouth 'net opinions over this latest JP release...where all of a sudden fickle fair-weather fans, thrash and metal pimple-faced genre purists and every Metal God wannabe with a website or a copy n paste keyboard jockey(computer that is!) living The Dream vicariously through Rob and Co. is suddenly savvy to the works of Liberace and Andrew Lloyd Weber. I SAW Liberace in concert many years ago (how many JP fans can boast THAT?!)and I can say without a doubt, JP and Nostradamus is NOT Liberace.
   
   First off, huge kudos to Judas Priest for having the unprecedented 'nads to attempt something like this, giving fair warning ahead of time and following through...and to a decent extent, pulling it off. The rock/metal scene needs a huge shot in the arm for its systemic and $-centric malaise by artists willing to take risks and experiment because, whether it shows my age or not, with a few exceptions in contemporary or veteran rock/metal bands hardly no one makes truely GREAT music anymore.
   
   Judas Priest produced...this is their baby and wholly responsible for its failure or success, with no one else to blame. More risk balancing it squarely on their shoulders.
   
   To accomplish their magnum opus Judas Priest closed the circle with the great old-school rock and metal from their early days...meshing the old with the new and pen some of the most memorable, exciting, deep, layered music of their career.
   
   This stuff gives me goosebumps, chills and downright giddy. My advice: Listen to PROPERLY...
   - turned up LOUD on a quality sound system (I have a PC Boston Acoustics sound system...) tinny MP3 players and ear-buds will do Nostradamus no justice!
   - listen to the whole recording, not individual songs...this is NOT hit oriented
   - listen more than once; give it a chance and if its still not one's cup of tea thats cool. Nostradamus is not for everyone.
   
   Believe me, double-bass drums gallop and pummel; guitars stomp, crunch, grind and squeal amid swirling atmospherics holding it all together like a pearl necklace. The songs have been arranged to compliment Rob's voice and I've never heard him sound better on record.
   
   Nostradamus too theatric, bombastic, grandiose, over the top, operatic...? Like DUH!...Judas Priest is ALL these things outta the gate from the rehearsed staging of the band members in concert and shared solos, the Harley, the costumes, Robs operatic and wailing vocals and mannerisms, audience anthems and bigger than life stage presence. Judas Priest IS theater. The apocalypse/political intrigue/personal destruction as a mousy sonnet? I think not...its preludes and overtures all the way and all stuff that would make Mozart proud.
   
   I'd loved to have been a fly on the wall since Nostradamus was surely in the cards during JP/Rob Halford reunion talks. Angel of Retribution was less a reunion but a transitional vehicle for change via the closers Eulogy and Loch Ness...JP's version of shock and awe that fit terrible on that package but flow like honey when these cd's are listened to back to back.
   
   Knocks?...WTF did they copy the cover art from Styx's Man of Miracles?!! LOL! Some of the lyrics make me wince and cringe and this is a definite weak spot. Some intros could have been streamlined/combined, a few transitions kind of awkward. Too long?...thats why its an epic and not a short story.
   
   In summary, I waited about a week to digest the good and bad of Nostradamus and form the opinion of 4 stars; I like this a LOT and can't get it off constant rotation on the computer!
   
   Way to go Judas Priest, delivering the goods once again!



4. Allow me to throw up once again. The last album "Angel..." was pretty sweet, save for the lame-o ballad that was just horrendous and the Loch Ness song which was written by a child. This new album is so BORING!!! I don't see how Priest fans can embrace it as a good cd. It made me mad! Priest is an 8-10 song type of band and anything more will start to get repetitive and boring. So what do they do? Make a double cd with the most over played and over done subject of them all: Nostradamus. Who cares anymore? Almost every band has done it! It's like a death metal band saying "hey, let's write about death!" Priest is a good heavy metal band but they cannot stretch their talent that far as to make a double cd and actually make a story like Nostradamus interseting. It's about as intriguing as piss in the wind. I mean, no Painkiller or Blood Stained-like tunes? I love that Halford is back and all but maybe they needed the youth of Ripper to make sweet and heavy songs! I dunno, I'm not too happy with this. It sounds like old men metal.



5. I Am Nostradamus the lighting rod!! How funny and silly that does seem this is a very perfect release for these guys and it does rock!! Another same type of release would just have be the same thing again. there is a lot of energy here!! Theres a lot of screaming guitars then theres slow music then bam it starts rocking again. Both of the cds are the same to me one is not better than the other also I would like to say that im not sick of or board of the cd even after about 25 times listening to it. Im actual singing it to myself! Some of the other reviews seem like there talking about some other cd!!

5 comments about We Started Nothing.

1. I found these guys after hearing "Not My Name" on the Tulane college radio station in New Orleans. I bought the album immediately and I listened to it in the car home to Houston 4 times yesterday. I don't know anything about these guys and reviews have not always been good, but I love this album and highly recommend it.
   
   A couple of song reviews:
   
   Not My Name - Awesome song. Sounds like a mash up of Dixie Cups (not Chicks), Yo La Tengo and Luscious Jackson. This song is a 5 minute pop gem. A tiny little manifesto. A crazy mish-mash in all the best ways. Plus I already danced my butt off to it in my living room.
   
   Shut Up and Let me Go - Very reminiscent of "Birthday Cake" from Viva La Woman. (An awesome album, BTW) I have to guess the Ting Tings grew up listening to and loving Cibo Matto.
   
   Great DJ - will get you off your bottom and on the floor.
   
   Traffic Light - takes me on a fun, whimsical, slightly scary car trip. Reminded me, for whatever reason, of Abra Moore from Poi Dog Pondering and her awesome solo album "Strangest Places."
   
   I like this album a great deal and thank the Ting Tings for brightening up my life during a tough time. You guys rock!



2. The Ting Tings shot like a meteor onto the UK music scene in 2007, helped along by coverage from UK music rag NME. A year later, they reach to No. 1 in the UK singles chart and the debut album arrives.
   
   "We Started Nothing" (10 tracks; 38 min.) starts off with the irresitable double blast of "Great DJ" and "That's Not My Name" (originaly released as a double-A single in 2007, and "That's Not My Name" re-released a year later, and reaching No.1 on the UK singles chart last month). But the fun doesn't stop there. The duo keeps things moving quite nicely, with "Shut Up and Let Me Go" (which reminds me of that song "Last Night a DJ Saved My Life" of yesteryear), and it sounds like another sure-fire single to me. The second half of the album is not as strong, but still features several great tracks like "Keep Your Head", "Be The One", and in particular the closer, the 6+ min. title track, a great way to sum up the album.
   
   In all, these songs just flow by in no time and before you know it you'll find yourself playing this again and again. "We Started Nothing" is not a grand 'artistic' statement, just an album with great fun, dance-along songs. I'll be catching the Ting Tings at the Monolith Festival (at the Red Rocks) in September, where they'll be playing the intimate WOXY-curated stage, and I can't wait to see how these songs will translate in a live setting. Totally unrelated, the internet-only station WOXY ("BAM! The Future of Rock'n'Roll!") plays these guys regularly, and they are the best source for indie music in the US, bar none.



3. I think those that say they don't like this cd wouldn't like any band that was "the next big thing." Get over yourselves and just have some fun. This is Brit pop fun at it's finest. It's a little bit of The Primitives and The Sundays mixed in with some Avril Lavigne and Gwen Stefani.



4. Bought this after hearing them on Gossip Girl. It took a few listenings to realize the fun & addictiveness of their songs (except Traffic Light- it's a little annoying & gets stuck in your head), but now it's in constant rotation on my iPod. Feel good, fun music.



5. The Ting Tings are the epitome of the fun and funky British pop. They've been in heavy rotation on my Ipod - I dare you to hear 'Fruit Machine' and not want to sing and dance along. What's it about Brits that they have such fun bands, and make pop music that doesn't sound cheap or embarrassingly mindless? Just for comparison, if you liked Lilly Allen, you should like The Ting Tings.

5 comments about Nostradamus (Deluxe Edition).

1. i listened to the new album through 3 times and as with all the great metal albums i bought in the past i.e. maiden # of the beast,metallica master of puppets,king diamond abigail to name a few they all needed a few listenings to become classics/masterpieces to me this judas priest album is no exception to my rule.gave it a few spins and now i can't stop listening i hope c.d.'s don't wear out like my old records or cassette tapes.oh and for those of you who don't like this album you probably don't own rocka rolla or sad wings of destiny.variety is the spice of life if priest wanted to do screaming again they could or defenders it is necessaryto change or become stagnant, a real artist like priest knows this....thanks priest



2. Wow! There are already so many reviews on this concept CD and it has only just been very recently released! This goes to show: 1) just how popular The Priest are and 2) how compelled JP fans are to comment on this new and different Priest sound. I certainly don't expect everyone, or even most people, to agree with everything I say here, but as a true Priest die-hard, I feel compelled to say it.
   
   Having read many of the reviews, I purchased this CD with the intention of keeping an open mind. I love my Priest with a passion, and wanted so very much to embrace this release. Having given the CD four listens now, I am quite on the fence. I grew up, as did so many other reviewers, with classic Priest (British Steel, Screaming For Vengeance, Point of Entry). The addictive, hard-driving rhythms and Rob Halford's amazing vocal range were both unique and wonderful. I was a total 'Priesthead' and was hooked for life.
   
   As the group forged into the late '80s and on through the '90s, it morphed into more of a speed-metal band. The sound was unmistakably Priest, yet a bit less 'tuneful' or 'melodic'. Much heavier. Almost like grunge on steroids. Still, with releases such as 'Ram it Down' and 'Painkiller', I grew to embrace this new brand of Priest metal. I didn't like it quite as much as the classic Priest metal sound, but it grew on me and, after all, it was still Judas Priest!
   
   I am going to skip over the years without Halford. To me, his vocal style is what made JP who they are and, even though some of their offerings during this time were high quality, it just wasn't Judas Priest to my ear. Not without the unique vocal talents of Halford.
   
   Thankfully, RH returned to the fold and the band switched gears yet again with their 'Angel of Retribution' album. Very dark and less 'speed-metalish', and very heavy. Once again, I was being asked to embrace a different sound, but I did so with relish. What a great CD! I especially loved 'Lochness'. Halford was back!!
   
   Forward to their new CD 'Nostradamus'. Yet again, a different sound from my favorite band of all-time. This was getting to be a bit like having a girlfriend who kept changing her personality and asking that I continue to love her despite her many mood swings! As I mentioned, I have listened to this new CD from top to bottom four times now, and I'm still not sure whether I like it or not.
   
   Let me rephrase that... I do like it. It is a bit easier to accept the newest Priest sound, probably because I have been asked to do so several times already and have been able to adapt. I will say, however, that had any other band put out this album, I don't think I would like it very much. I am a fan of classical music, so that's not the issue. The fusion of different sounds and music types is very interesting and, in some cases, impressive, but.. I don't know. I have kept a very open mind throughout all of JP's new directions and have been able to embrace and enjoy the music. But Nostradamus is different. I mean REALLY different. I love some tracks, but there are a couple that I just can't sit and listen to for very long. I have given them every chance but I just don't care for them. I know that statement alone will likely bring on a few negative votes from dedicated Priest fans (of which I am one, BTW) but I have to be honest with you. I'm not a sycophant who thinks that anything Judas Priest spits out is great merely because it's Judas Priest (although it sure helps!!). If I think something isn't very good, I will say so. In this case, there is a mix of brilliant new songs and, to be brutally honest, a few yawners.
   
   I will be listening to this CD again and hopefully I will be able to write a subsequent review giving it 4 stars. For now, though, it gets between 2-1/2 and 3 stars. I need time for this one to grow on me.
   
   Peace.



3. I give an album 5 stars if it has at least 5 songs that are great enough to make it into my permanent collection (into my iTunes/iPod). No question, Nostradamus nails it. 5 Stars.
   
   This album is artfully done and the boys have laid down everything they've got in making this one. I have everything by Priest, but I don't continue to listen to every song. I don't need "Parental Guidance", etc. If you love all of Nostradamus, God bless you, but for me, I'll be listening to just the following tracks a hell of a lot!:
   
   Dawn of Creation, PROPHECY, Awakening, PESTILENCE AND PLAGUE, PERSECUTION, ALONE, Shadows in The Flame, VISIONS, NOSTRADAMUS. This makes it a 42 minute mega-epic album.
   
   ALL HAIL PRIEST!



4. With this newest installment in the legendary catalogue of Judas Priest we have a return to the concept album that was a popular genre back in the days when fans actually listed to albums from beginning to end.
   I personally enjoyed this album because it reminded me of a bygone era when artist released music like this as opposed to a couple of formula hits with a set of filler material to exploit their fanbase and have an excuse to tour.
   This is a very heavy album but it is not "Angel Of Retribution" they proved they can produce a scorcher with that one. On this album they offer us something that's a cross between a classic priest album and a Vincent Price movie. I liked it, it created a type of atmosphere that I didn't expect before listening to it.
   Hopefully they'll take a page from Alice Cooper and incorporate a visual element into their act that enhances the album's original presentation.



5. This Priest kind of goes along the lines of another visionary artist that consistently produces 2 disc sets of thematic prog, but heavy prog. He requests and receives the vocal assistance of some of the toughest vocalists in metal today- the man is Arjen Lucassen 01011001 (Ltd. Edition). This Priest is mature, letting down their guard perhaps to accept their place in history as a band that can produce at will of self determination, not mass appeal. I have not listened to Priest since Ram It Down, mostly because I just rode the prog wagon from then on only. It wasn't because I lost interest in Priest, just because I floated away from a lot of things after Ram It Down came out. So, back to the task at hand, Nostradamus came to my attention through the website of the album art designer Mark Wilkinson, who has done so many artists covers and album art; for such a diverse group of artists; from Priest to Marillion and Fish, that it is amazing and hypnotic. When I saw his work for Nostradamus well before the release of the album, I was charged to search it out. Having just gotten well and truly baptized by the latest Ayreon work, I was really excited when I heard bits of the tracks Visions and the title track on itunes. When the full album was released and I listened from beginning to end- I was not disappointed. I read a review by a critic who said there were some songs that could have been attributed to Spinal Tap, but that is not really constructive criticism now is it? And actually, according to Charles Caleb Colton,"Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." That would indicate that Spinal Tap holds the genre of metal in high regard. And I have nothing but the highest praise for "Nostradamus".

5 comments about The Very Best of Billy Idol: Idolize Yourself (CD/DVD).

1. The only reason I gave the DVD 4 stars is it didn't include "Scream" and "White Wedding" is still censored. I remember watching W W on MTV when it was 1st released and it had the wedding ring being put on the (Perri's?) finger & drawing blood. Wonder if that was deleted because of the powers that be or if Billy wanted it that way.Did go see Billy on 6/30. Fantastic show! I'm still smiling. Looked great, sounded great and Steve Stevens was just like he had stepped out of one of the videos. Billy really interacted with the crowd, even 50-f*%king-5 me! The sweetest bad-boy out there...I usually don't go see oldy-moldy groups, (can be so disappointing) but Billy hasn't lost an iota of his appeal. In fact he was better then when I saw him in the '80's. Can't wait to see what's next...



2. I watched an inteview with Billy and apparently it was EMI's idea to do another hits CD. They told him to add a couple new tracks as well. That is the reason for this release.
   
   At first I was hesitant to purchase this yet another "greatest" collection because most of the songs are already on his Greatest Hits from 2001, which I already own. However, after hearing the two new tracks on his website plus the bonus DVD of his awesome videos... well, I had to have it. I only wish that Prodigal Blues was labeled one of his best. I think it was so underplayed when Charmed Life was released. I disagree with the first reviewer about LA Woman being a terrible cover. There is a reason it is one of his hits. I love the energy of that song. It's definitely one of my faves. The videos are great and it really takes me back to the days when MTV actually played videos. Billy is definitely a pioneer of rock videos. His are some of the most unforgettable in history. Again, too bad Prodigal Blues was not included, that is probably my favorite Idol video. Anyway, buy this if you don't have the hits.... or even if you do if but just for the DVD. It's worth it. If nothing else, it's a great way for "the man" to get himself back out on tour and not fade away into history. This icon will never be an aging, has-been product of the 80s. The new tracks prove that he still has what it takes to rock out his fans. He is truly timeless. And really, can you ever hear Rebel Yell enough?



3. Given Billy Idol's "Greatest Hits" (2001) came out a mere seven years ago, it seems kind of odd that a second compilation album is out now with "The Very Best of Billy Idol: Idolize Yourself" (2008). After all, since the last greatest hits, Billy's only released one more album, the underappreciated, hard rocking "Devil's "Playground," (2005) so what's the point?
   
   Necessary or not, "Idolize Yourself" is still a strong compilation that's probably a cut above the first "Greatest Hits."
   
   18 tracks total, "Idolize Yourself" contains almost an identical track listing as "Greatest Hits," except that "Rebel Yell (acoustic)" and a cover of the Simple Minds "(Don't You) Forget about me" are left off, and replaced with "Speed" from the soundtrack of the same name (1994), "World Comin' Down" from "Devils Playground" as well as two new songs "John Wayne" and "New Future Weapon." While the Simple Minds cover is missed, the loss of "Rebel Yell (acoustic)" isn't that big a deal.
   
   Much like "Greatest Hits," "Idolize Yourself" does a pretty good job at selecting the hits and best tracks from Idol's first three albums "Billy Idol," (1982) "Rebel Yell" (1983) and "Whiplash Smile," (1986) although a more dedicated listener will probably want to get all three of those albums as they are all worth owning and contain many gems that aren't as well known. I do have to say, however, that I am displeased that the radio edit of "Don't Need a Gun" is included here instead of the album version (from "Whiplash Smile"). While it's only about a minute or so shorter and may not seem like a big deal--it is. The radio edit really misses something, as Stevens awesome solo is cut short.
   
   I also have a bone to pick with the selections from some of the later day albums. While you have to include "Cradle of Love," from "Charmed Life," (1990) "Idolize Yourself" would have been better served if it had left off the cover of the Doors "LA Woman," as it is just plain terrible. Yes, it was a hit, but a hit to forget. "The Loveless" or "Prodigal Blues" are far stronger and would have made better choices.
   
   "Idolize Yourself" also could have done without "Shock to the System." That song as well as all of "Cyberpunk" (1993) just plain sucks. Hey if Van Halen didn't acknowledge "3," on their best of anthology, Mr. Idol can do the same for his one misguided venture.
   
   It's also a shame that only one track from "Devil's Playground" is included as that album is pretty killer. On the plus side, however, is the inclusion of the excellent "Speed," which has been hard to come by.
   
   The two new songs, the moody new-wave-ish "John Wayne" and the hard rocking "New Future Weapons" are pretty solid and should please most Idol enthusiasts.
   
   In conclusion, while some tracks could have been left off and others included, "Idolize Yourself" is still an excellent compilation that should fit the needs of most casual fans.



4. Can you ever really have enough Billy Idol? Seriously...
   At long last, a career-spanning audio visual delight in one handy package. Not a moment too soon, because my "Vital Idol" VHS tape from 198-ahem! is getting quite worn out, and of course is an incomplete collection. And because Billy really, truly loves us, he's given us two fantastic new songs: "John Wayne" and "New Future Weapon". As he proved on 2005's "Devil's Playground", Billy is back and better than ever.
   The soundtrack of an era. Timeless musical gems. As rockin' today as when they were written. Hands down, bloody great songs. This is all true. As for the videos, they are incredibly enthralling short films - of course we'd expect nothing less from the original superstar of MTV's golden age. Watching the videos again in chronological order sent chills up and down my spine.
   Speaking of golden age, is it really possible that our beloved Billy turns 53 this year? He remains as impossibly beautiful as ever and his live show must be seen to be believed. Billy puts artists half his age to shame. He sounds incredible and is, as always, the consummate performer. I've seen every tour since 1987 and continue to be blown away. (He's on tour now!)
   Buy this collection and get reacquainted or introduced...either way, you'll be instantly hooked and shouting (wait for it...) MORE! MORE! MORE!



5. From the minute I heard Billy Idol sing Rebel Yell back in 1984 I was hooked.....and I've never looked back!
   
   This new compilation of hits is especially fantastic because it includes a DVD of his greatest music videos. This man was born to be in front of the camera and he used his looks to his full advantage back in the heyday of MTV.
   
   Another reason to purchase this CD/DVD set is because of the two great new Idol songs: "John Wayne" and "New Future Weapon". "John Wayne" especially has the sound to be a hit today. Billy's voice is just as fabulous, if not better 20+ years later and is an INCREDIBLE live performer. Check him and his great band out on tour this summer and you will NOT be disappointed!!

1 comments about The Future Is Unwritten.

1. There have been several movies made about Joe Strummer but Julien Temple's is unique in its personal touch. Temple was a friend of Strummer's for many years and so had insight into the man behind the music that many people did not have. The movie consists of Joe's life story as told by many friends, acquaintances, fellow artists and others who knew him or were influenced by him over the years. Amazing music, very well put-together, and just a great story about a man who was a huge influence on rock & roll and politics during his time on this earth. Joe was taken from the world too early when he died unexpectedly in December 2002 and after watching this movie one can only wonder what more he would have accomplished. The opening scene of Joe singing "White Riot" a capella in the studio is complemented by the closing scene of Joe and Mick Jones reuniting on stage 20+ years later to perform the same song...even though they were old (and Mick a little bald!) they still ROCKED. If you like the Clash, you must see this movie!!

5 comments about Cars - Complete Greatest Hits.

1. I had purchased their previous greatest hits (from the '80's), but it did not include all of their greatest hits!
   
   So, I bought this one and I am now totally fulfilled with The Cars.
   
   There is not one song on it that I don't know, and I listen to it all the time.
   
   2 thumbs up!



2. This is a excellent CD, but I think that they could have done a 2 or 3 CD set to capture all of the Cars Greatest hits.



3. The price was excelent and delivery on time. The producto, you will not find in just one cd The Cars Greatest Hits, but this is great.



4. I'm a huge Cars fan. I really enjoyed The New Cars on their tour last year. The question I have with this collection is where is the track "Candy-O"? The song is so quintesentially Cars. Also, I totally agree with the coomment about the seque "Moving in Stereo" into "It's all mixed up" not including that was another mistake.



5. On another note...notice something is missing here? "Moving In Stereo" is traditionally - [on ALL to the very present Classic Rock Radio Formats and from the very beginning on late 70's FM Radio] - and ALWAYS coupled with the album closer on their debut album, "ALL MIXED UP". You can't include one without the other, as "Moving in Stereo" segues right into "ALL MIXED UP". Its omission here makes this incomplete. There is NO argument there...everybody knows this! Another missing FM staple, "DON'T TELL ME NO"...was ommited. Otherwise, this is a very good, comprehensive one disc compilation.

5 comments about Freakshow (Mix 13).

1. I've been a devout Cure fan since the 80's and I can't believe Smith is creating noise like this. I'm so diappointed, I have every album, every single, you name it and I've got it. But I just cannot buy this - I won't listen to it because it is so bad. I've been waiting for years for Robert to return to the sound of 89's Disintegration. Come back Robert, come back!!



2. Is Freakshow different from what The Cure has released in the past? Yes and no. It has the same danceable feel that the song "The 13th" from the album "Wild Mood Swings" has and is reminiscent of one of the few good songs from the album "The Top," or even "Why Can't I Be You?" from the band's famous "Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me" album. Beyond that, the similarities end.
   Definitely different from the material on their self-titled album (which is in my top 3 favorite Cure albums), Freakshow shows-off a happy side of Robert Smith and crew that hasn't been seen since "The Lovecats" in 1983.
   Of course I can see why people complain about how this is such a violent shift from the band's past music, but remember: After the bleak album "Pornography," The Cure released the singles "Let's Go To Bed," "The Lovecats," and "The Walk," three of the happiest, care-free sounding Cure songs in the band's catalog.
   As far as b-sides go, "All Kinds Of Stuff" is one of the better ones throughout the band's career. It follows in the same vein as the title track, however it's more straight-forward and guitar-driven.
   All in all, it DID take me a few listens to fully appreciate the song, but, now that I have, I can't get enough of it and I eagerly look forward to the 13th of July, August, and, of course, September.



3. This is somewhat different than anything I have heard put out by the Cure in the past but from the beginning I liked it! It is very fun! Took a while to figure out all of what he is saying, but even now that I do know and can sing along I still like it:) The Cure Rules!



4. First of all I am that kind of Cure fan that literally loves everything they do, although I love Disintegration, Wish, and Head on the Door more than their other albums... As soon as I put this disc on I was floored by how infectiously groovy it is, it made me instantly start shaking my hips and waving my arms. It's a crazy little wild dance frenzy hit that doesn't rely on tiresome electronic beats, blips, and samples to get your butt shakin'.



5. i'd agree that this is about a 3 star release. the song ain't horrible, nor is it destined to be a cure classic. same goes for the only one single. it's a solid track though. looking forward to the next one.

5 comments about The Best of Talking Heads.

1. What's not to like , the sound is perfect , the music is awesome , great collection , highly recommended.



2. All of the best of Talking Heads, good cd!!! I hadn't heard some of the songs and love them better than the ones I had heard. Heaven is a great song and so is Road to Nowhere.



3. This is an excellent collection. It's missing 'I, Zimbra', 'The Big Country' and although it wasn't released as a single, I wish it had 'Drugs' on it, but it has all the other hits. This is a great collection for most Talking Heads fans.



4. This collection is all a Talking Head fan (except the most devout fan) will ever need. 3/4s of the tunes are great, the rest are still good.



5. Of course you know all these songs, and of course there are many more great cuts deeper on the original albums, but for a single-disc review of a band with over 10 years' worth of releases, this 18-track set is hard to beat. The group went through several striking stylistic changes over its lifetime, but that variation actually helps this disc hold together as an album as well as a set of songs.
   
   This would make a great introduction for a younger fan of the current crop of danceable art rock bands (Of Montreal, The Killers, Decemberists) or a casual fan looking to supplant an old LP collection.

5 comments about Iron Maiden: Live After Death (Two-Disc Set).

1. I won't go into details, as it's been stated here already, BUT, this is truly everything a fan could want in a definitive release. And, evan a casual fan would appreciate all the extras.
   Truly amazing!



2. This concert was and is the best concert I have ever seen! I wish more bands today did the non-lip sync thing. All the songs are over the top!
   I'd suggest this DVD to any rock lover.



3. This is by far the best Iron Maiden live concert DVD. This proves that Maiden are not only excellent musicians, but showmen as well. Nicko's drumming is some of the best ever heard on a Maiden DVD and Murray's moving guitar solo on the number "Powerslave", make this DVD worth purchasing. The extras are great too showing how hard this band has worked for it's fans. The interviews are great as well, I especailly like the interview with Harris, McBrain and Dickerson, concering the argument Harris and McBrain had and Dickerson recorded. Very funny. It's great that this DVD is availble as the current tour "Back Somewhere in Time" uses a simaliar stage to the "Powerslave" Tour from the 80's. I have seen the current tour and it's like going back in time. For any Maiden fan that has not purchased this DVD, it's well worth cost. If you don't purchase any other Maiden concert DVD's and only purchase this one, you did the right thing. Up the Irons!!!



4. My VHS from 1985 is not usable anymore, thank God this DVD came out with even more features!



5. In my opinion, this is the best recorded Iron Maiden concert. The audio is good and the video quality is ok, considering how old is the concert.
   
   When I saw it for the first time I realized how old I am, because I
   remember when I saw the VHS tape back on 1986, almost 22 years ago.

5 comments about Vault: Def Leppard Greatest Hits.

1. I love this collection of Def Leppard's greatest hits! It has all the songs you could want in one convenient place. If you grew up listening to their music, this is a must have.



2. I saw them in concert last september.. :)
   i loved it.. best show ever.. wish i could see em again..



3. It's not a surprise that they would call this cd the Def Leppard Vault. They put most of their greatest songs in there. I know all the songs and it's hilarious, because I stick it in my cd player in my SUV and sing right along everywhere I go...(when I'm not busy jamming out to Rob Zombie or Nine Inch Nails) Quite a difference from what I usually listen to, but I grew up with this music. The leaf doesn't fall far from the tree.



4. Long live the 80s! As a true Def Leppard fan, this brings back many many happy memories of my younger years.



5. Best DL collection out there. I love every song on this & even a few that I've never heard before.