5 comments about Streetcore.

1. So many great musicians have left their marks across the history of the music I (and millions more)love. The King, John&Paul(no last names necessary) Jimi, Kurt and many other greats.
   
   Joe Strummer deserves a spot when listing the ones who changed the music world for the better. If by some chance you are reading this review with out benefit of knowing who Joe was or his life story, then you need to get some Clash CDs and do some internet reading. Joe and the Clash meant the world to many of us and I write this review of Joe's last album before his sudden passing with the heaviest of hearts. The Clash was THE BEST punk group ever, because they were the most musically talented. Many punk fans think that the point of punk was /is simply fast and furious. While that is certainly part of the appeal, there is another aspect that is more important. Independence! freedom from those who would pigeon hole you and tell you that you must continue to play music this way. Punk was first and foremost a big SCREW YOU! to the established music industry that had forgotten that rock music was born in rebellion. The fast and furious style is the manifestation of the anger of guys who are developing musically. The Clash matured into a great band that like a roman candle lite the world for a short time.
   
   After the candle burned out the members went down the paths that life took them. Joe continued to do various things i.e. soundtracks,a little acting and even put out a great first solo album (89's "Earthquake Weather) in the late 90's he began to work again on albums with a new band (The Mescaleros) two wonderful albums of music full of various styles were produced ("Rock Art and the X-Ray Style" and "Global A Go-Go") Then the hammer fell. In December 2002 Joe was lost to all his present fans and his future fans. This album was completed by his friends and band members as a final tribute to a truncated life.
   
   It is the finest memorial I could ever dream to be, for a man who just loved music. Don't take my word for it, read other reviews and go to various web sites to read of his passion. However if you really want to know his love and passion, then REALLY listen to his music. You will find all the love Joe had for music, in his music.
   
   The songs on the album have been discussed in other reviews, so read them for a better understanding, as some people have written some beautiful things about Joe's final salute. All I want to say is that this is such a shame because the albums shows that Joe was really getting into a groove and what the future might have been. If you're a fan of Joe Strummer and you don't have this album, shame on you, GET IT NOW!! If you are becoming a fan then you can't miss with this FINE work.
   
   The only fault I would have is not a fault at all. You see if you're like me and you think the world of Joe, when the album reaches it's climax you may feel sadness as Joe sings a cover of "Silver and Gold" a song lamenting the need to do so much in life before it ends.
   
   Joe sings the line "going to take a trip around the world, going to kiss all the pretty girls,going to do everything silver and gold.....and I 've got to hurry up before I grow to old" This song now chokes me up when I hear it and think of Joe and that is my only fault with this beautiful album.
   
   Joe may have had a weak heart physically, but the soul of his heart was a SUPERNOVA.



2. Joe Strummer's final release is an eclectic mix of genres and moods, much like Sandanista and Combat Rock from The Clash. The best tracks include the rocker Coma Girl, the reggae head-bobber Get Down Moses, the groove-laden Burnin' Streets, and the bittersweet ballad Silver and Gold. Fans of The Clash who preferred the band's all-out punk anthems may not like it quite as much, but those who appreciate The Clash's experimental side, or those who just like Joe's persona and songwriting, will find much to love here.



3. Seldom does a performer have as much to say as the amazing Joe Strummer. His last album is as good and powerful as any Clash release. Not quite the same as the Clash but thats what makes it so good. He followed his own path and did things his own way and the resulting career stands up to the test of time and the final words are a fitting and masterful conclusion. All of the songs are great but his Ode to Johhny Cash, "Long Shadow" could also be a tale of his own great legacy. The greats always leave us too early but Streetcore is amazing and should be in everyones collection!!



4. I'm so blown away by this album as well as Global A Go-Go. I could see that he was going somewhere early on, but with these albums he has most obviously arrived. I don't know if I can think of better, more brilliant rock-n-roll/cross-genre albums ever made. Can't stop listening. Thanks, Joe, for leaving me with something that I'll never put away.



5. Joe Strummer And The Mescoleros-Streetcore *****
   
   
   Released in late 2003, Streetcore is easily Joe Stummer and The Mescaleros' best album. Where Globel A Go-Go, and Rock Art And The X-Ray Style had moments of weakness, Streetcore shines bright from the openeing notes of 'Coma Girl' to the last drone of 'Silver And Gold.'
   
   Streetcore was released just weeks before Strummers untimely and tragic death. The power, the pain, and the conviction that Strummer had been known for his entire career comes across here clearer then ever before. He had finally realized he needs not impress anyone anymore, because he had already impressed us all, many, many times before.
   
   His song writing chops come through on songs like 'Come Girl' 'Get Down Moses' 'Arms Aloft' and 'All In A Day.' His use of imagry and socialy concious attitude is premenant everywhere.
   
   His love of Reggae is brought to the forfront of one of the stand out tracks 'Get Down Moses' which may be the very best thing Strummer ever wrote, maybe even better then his solo work as well as his legendary work with the phenomonal Clash.
   
   Also on the cover of Bob Marley and The Wailors' 'Redemption Song' his love of reggae comes through. This is better then the original. May seem impossible but Strummer kicks it up a notch yet without changing the slightest thing. Divine!
   
   'Long Shadow' is without any shadow of a doubt the very esence of Strummer. The vocal harmones are reminicent of early Clash, but even at that with a the grace of the Clash, Mick Jones and the boys could have never hoped to create something so angelic. The lyrics rival that of Strummers all time best and even that of his hero's Woddy Guthrie and old Mr. Zimmermen (Bob Dylan.)
   
   Streetcore is the end all and be all of Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros. Even though it may play out like a solo album none of this would have been possible without his boys.

5 comments about U2 Go Home - Live from Slane Castle (Jewel Case).

1. I first listened/saw this DVD about 3 years ago. In those 3 years, it is probably the most oft-watched DVD in my collection music or otherwise. I can't explain in words why it's so captivating to watch, only that it's an experience similar to going to a concert and witnessing something truly special. They are on an emotional rollercoaster and you feel lucky to be able to witnes it. One cannot help but get choked up when Bono tells a story about his father before dedicating Kite to his memory. Yes there is lots of interplay within the band. Bono resting his head on Adam's back while he continues to sing; or 're-living' Out of Control with Bono introducing the band as if it were 30 years prior. Or maybe it's the interaction with the crowd: Bono sings 'Beautiful Goal' rather than Beautiful Girl at the end of Beautiful Day to honor Ireland's world cup win witnessed by the crowd that very day! Or maybe it's Bono calling out the names of the victims killed at Omaugh during Sunday Bloody Sunday and exclaiming 'Put your hands in the sky, put your hands in the air, if you're the prayin' kind then turn this song into a prayer' (btw this is the best version I've seen of this song...ever). And as other viewers have mentioned earlier, Bono's father passed away in the week after filming the first show and the filming of the second show. In u2 by u2, the band says that none of the footage from the first show was used in this dvd, it all came from the second show. The band recognized and reacted to the energy from the crowd and it is so plainly evident. Prior to this dvd, I can't say I was a huge u2 fan. However, after seeing what they're capable of, I'm a believer. Do yourself a favor. Run, don't walk, and purchase this dvd. I can't recommend it highly enough.



2. This DVD is a must have for U2 fans. The energy of the crowd and the band
   is captured here and the music is phenomenal. Highly recommended.



3. Well, i'm not a huge U2 fan, but i am a fan of the Edge's guitar work. The sound on this dvd was mastered very well. The music is top notch. I have the U2 live at boston for the elevation tour dvd, and it was horrible compared to this one. This is personally my favorite U2 concert Dvd, although i have yet to see Rattle and Hum (WHICH I MUST SEE, i love the album). Angel of Harlem, is a great tune. Pick up this dvd you wont be disapointed. I played it so much, it got scratched beyond playability, so i bought another copy. Thats how much i liked it!!!!!



4. This is U2 minus the pretensions seen in some of their other dvd's. The performances are outstanding. They interact with each other, and the most enthusiastic crowd I've seen in a U2 concert. At one point during "All I Want is You" a fan throws water on Bono, and he quips "all i want is f***in you man" :).
   Classic U2, excellent concert.



5. What can I say that hasn't already been said? This is, by far, the finest U2 concert DVD of all. The band is "home"...relaxed, in good humor. You get the feeling that, after taking the Elevation tour all over the world in all its huge glory, they're coming back home just to "play a few songs in the backyard for some close friends." Rough patches? Sure...but the clumsy start to "Angels of Harlem" has a basement-band friendly comraderie to it...not the awkward tenseness of the goofs in PopMart, for example.
   
   U2 has put out some great concert DVDs...Elevation, Vertigo, ZooTV...but this...this is U2 at their finest. If you're on the fence about which to start with, this is the one.

5 comments about Specials.

1. The Specials may not have been the first band to combine the lopsided danceability and dreamy warmth of Jamaican music with the raw aggression of punk, but they did just about single-handedly define the look, sound, and feel of the second wave ska scene. They nailed the aesthetic, sporting very mod clothing and very cool porkpie hats. They also founded the key label: 2 Tone Records, created by organist Jerry Dammers, is the quintessential English ska punk record company. More importantly than that, they sounded great. Their music was infectious, ferocious, and fun, full of raucous joy, violent intelligence, and social outrage. Released in 1979, the group's self-titled debut isn't just a ska punk classic; it's one of the very best rock albums ever made.
   
   The track listing speaks for itself. A mixture of originals (composed by the aforementioned Jerry Dammers) and covers of classic Jamaican tunes, this record is a blistering good time. There's the visceral little slice of middle-class dissatisfaction that is "Nite Klub," as well as the visceral rush of "Do The Dog." "It's Up To You" is an uncompromising statement of purpose, and "Doesn't Make It Alright" is a timeless, and barbed, call for racial unity. "Stupid Marriage" is furious and hilarious, and "Too Much Too Young" is a scathing assault on teen pregnancy. "A Message To You Rudy" and "Monkey Man" are fantastic, instantly atmospheric covers, and "Too Hot" ain't too bad either. Get it and skank your life away.



2. There aren't many albums out there which are this good from beginning to end. Really. Listen to the samples. This is easily my favorite ska album out there (including all the original old school Jamaican ska).
   
   One note for those of you who remember the original version of this album, the songs are slightly different here although I really only noticed it with Too Much Too Young, which has a slightly dubby/remixed feel to it - I actually really like it now that I've listened to it a few times.
   
   The other big change is that the song Gangsters is not included at all. That's a bummer but you can still find it on other albums here on Amazon. I generally hate when the record labels reissue modified versions of old albums but these changes don't completely ruin this one.



3. this band is ska! plain and simple. this album is fun to listen to when you got some friends over and feel like getting a dance party or sing along going



4. A must if you like ska. Just get it and you wont regret it.



5. 3 1/2
   
   Infectiously catchy older ska band will forever have a place in British punk rock history, to this day echoing many traits found in some of their more popular young bands, as well as so many of the party aesthetics found throughout the American musical landscape in the past 20 years. Obviously a band with plenty of well deserved acclaim and influence, but still a band that fails to deliver stellar albums. As fun as so much of this important '79 debut is, complimenting the fast paced, aggressive dance-offs with crisp reggae-influenced interplay guided by the impressive bass work, anyone not directly involved in the ska movement may shrug of some of the familiar framing that paints many of these compositions in the same sneeringly upbeat light. Exceptions to these head-bobbing rules (Doesn't Make It Alright) go further and provide more then the majority of stuff to be found here, but anyone searching for that perfect piece of retro ska for their next party will feel right at home with this in collection.

5 comments about Contraband: The Best of Men at Work.

1. Okay, I was a teenager in the 80's. And I mean, the entirety of my teenage years were in the 80's. Sadly, I had no connection with my peers at the time and totally missed 80's music.
   Recently, I've been trying to catch up on what other kids were listening to back then.
   One this entire CD there are two songs I've heard before, and one of them (Overkill) was heard the first time on an episode of Scrubs just in the last few years.
   So far, I like it. Makes me wish I'd been more social back then.



2. I was in college radio my Senior year when a mysterious blank "white label" 12-inch single came to the station with the cryptic title "Who Can It Be Now?" Speculation ran wild about who the catchy and instantly memorable song was from...with Sting and The Police being a heavy favorite at the time. When "Business as Usual" arrived a few weeks later, we got our answer. It wasn't long till the comical video was taking over MTV and Man At Work began to take over the national musical landscape.
   
   Their run was both stunning and swift. The catchy singles and clever video presence made the debut a number one album, with both "Who Can It Be Now" and "Down Under" topping the charts. The follow-up, Cargo, had another pair of top tens, "It's a Mistake" and "Overkill." At one point, both albums were in the top ten at the same time. They nailed a Grammy for Best New Artist in 1982. The were great interview subjects and made for great copy, after all, they helped make Australia hip for a spell. "Crocodile Dundee" and Vegemite became new topics due in part to the way Men At Work opened the gates.
   
   Then it fell apart just as fast. Colin James Hay quickly became the dominant force in the band, with the tight confines of never-ending close quarters and swelling egos splintering the band by the time Two Hearts appeared. This time there were no top 40 singles and Hay broke up the band for a solo career. The novelty had worn off the group's sound, and despite CBS trying to model Hay's solo debut Looking for Jack into a Sting-like image, the audience had moved on.
   
   "Contraband," however, helps gather what was great about Men At Work and put it into perspective. While the favored songs lean heavily on those first two albums, "Maria" and "Hard Luck Story" show that maybe "Two Hearts" wasn't that bad after all. (It's also worth noting that five of the 16 songs here come from that much maligned album.) And while the band eventually seemed to be viewed as Hay's vehicle, members Greg Ham and Ron Strykert made major songwriting contributions, to the point where Strykert sings lead on the live version of "I Like To" (originally a B-Side). Ham's sax and flute playing were a major factor in the band's attention grabbing sound. Men at Work were, first and foremost, a band.
   
   Aside from the hits, there is also ample evidence that Men At Work had substance on those first two albums. Had there not been an unwritten rule about releasing too many singles from albums at the time, "Be Good Johnny" probably would have been a third top ten from "Business." Bear in mind that Michael Jackson's Thriller was hot at the time, and it was considered radical that Jacko had gone as far as to release a fourth (and eventually a seventh) single. The dreamy "Down By The Sea" was a far cry from the super accessible image the band cultivated in their videos, and its addition to "Contraband" (along with the live "I Like To") shows that the band were better musicians than the breezy pop would lead one to believe.
   
   The reason for the three star review is two-fold. Any one of the unmentioned songs from "Two Hearts" could have been bumped for something else from "Business as Usual." And given that the only song to chart at all from the final album was "Everything I Need," its exclusion seems odd. The other reason is no unreleased material - which I guess they were saving for the release of the expanded album CD's a few years later. Even Hay's solo singles would have been a nice addition. (He still makes pretty good records. Check out Are You Looking At Me?.) Still, I am glad I have this. For an 80's buff, Men At Work make for great memories.



3. This compilation is great. Men at Work made some great music and it's collected here. All of the songs are good. In addition to being good, with melodies that catch in the head, the songs make the listener think some too. There's intellectual and emotional impact to them. I liked these guys as a kid and I like this CD a lot now. Great buy, especially for 80s kids.



4. Definitely worth having. Great music to move to while doing housework and had to stop a few times and dance around the house. My 9 yr old son thought I was nuts. Oh well....after the 80's....maybe I am.



5. I bought this after a friend and I were discussing old bands, films, etc. that we loved growing up. As I played the C.D., the songs were even better than I remembered! Besides bringing back memories, it brought back a unique sound and voice that is similar to absolutely no one. If you've never seen the videos that go with 'Be Good Johnny' or 'Land from Down Under', you'll have to try to get your hands on them. These guys were as good at performing for the screen as they were behind their instruments. 'Overkill' is my husband's theme song (he worries too much over little things). The lyrics have a wide variety of meanings with diverse beats. There's something for everyone on this 'best of' the best band ever!
   
   Chrissy K. McVay - Author

5 comments about Seventh Son of a Seventh Son.

1. Iron Maiden is almost unique among "New Wave Of British Heavy Metal" bands of their era in being able to reinvent themselves repeatedly while still maintaining the essential elements that gave their sound an identity to begin with. It is easy to grow bored with the continual assertions by narrow minded "fans" that they "sold-out" with this record, or went soft and became "prog". No, for that listen to everything Queensryche did after Empire (and up until Operation Mindcrime II). Seventh Son is a creative, storytelling concept album that demonstrates a high point for Maiden in writing, production, and musicianship. They embraced technology, synth sounds, and polished professional production, without losing the energy and power that makes all of their "classic" era albums great. Do you like 'Maiden, or NWOBHM, or both? Get this one. Don't like 'Maiden, then skip it, and stop trying to convince everyone else it's a poor record or a mis-step because YOU don't get it.



2. After years of success, some musicians believe they need to change, or at least alter the way they sound-look-act in order to maintain success, or at least remain relevant. U2 had made that same mistake; KISS made that mistake. The reality is some don't want to have that just-miss release and they over-think it, which doesn't help. One good example of this is Led Zeppelin's 'Presence': a good album, but far from what was expected from them. 'Seventh Son of a Seventh Son' is Iron Maiden's good album after years and years of great albums.
   
   'Seventh Son' was released around the time the old guard of metal was giving way to Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer. Many hard rock/heavy metal bands of the early to mid 80's felt the pressure and had to do something to maintain their relevance. For Maiden, like some others, it meant going progressive in sound and style: a okay idea if you were storytellers like Maiden had been since the beginning. It did seem logical that a concept album was what remained to be done by this group.
   
   Unfortunately, back then when I first listened to this as it is now, they put in a heavy effort to make this whole CD listenable; an effort that would aide in the ruination of Iron Maiden for four more albums until 'Brave New World'. Very little from 'Somewhere in Time' made it to this album, and what did was very raw. The arrangements of each song have their own flow, which one song does not melt into the next. That's not necessarily a good thing when it comes to concept albums.
   
   Bruce Dickinson was really challenged as far as range and pitch goes, singing with heart for the songs. He does a serviceable job, but trying for nuance instead of executing the lyrics sinks him here. What hurts is his voice competing with the synthesizer. On 'The Clairvoyant', a good song just misses the Maiden live catalog no thanks to word-to-note match of Dickinson and synthesizer. It isn't Europe 'Final Countdown' annoying, but it comes pretty damn close.
   
   There are good songs in the bunch, including album saviors 'Can I Play With Madness' and 'The Evil Men Do' and 'Only the Good Die Young' and 'The Prophecy'. However they don't give the album as a whole play-it-again viability like 'Somewhere in Time', 'Powerslave', and 'Brave New World'. It is, for lack of a better term and barely just four stars because of four good songs, Iron Maiden's 'Presence'.



3. One of the great things about Iron Maiden is that they have a variety of music in their releases. Unlike some bands (Judas Priest), a given CD isn't usually too different than their previous one, but over time their focus changed to longer, moodier, more melodic songs. I'd even call them somewhat progressive by the time they get to "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son". I don't really care for the more 'traditional' progressive groups, like Symphony X, or Dream Theatre, but Iron Maiden's take on the genre simply clicks with me.
   
   The songs are very melodic, with an almost dreamlike quality to some of them (particularly in the opening intros to the songs), but Maiden hasn't checked their aggression at the door. Dickinson is in top form in his singing, showing lots of emotion and hitting the notes perfectly. The guitars and beats are classic Maiden. The story (fairly loose, and definitely interpreted differently by different listeners) is interesting.
   
   Simply put, this CD got played a ton when I first got it, and in my 'All Metal Mix', I pretty much still stop to listen to any of the songs on this CD when they come up.
   
   Highly recommended.



4. this is one of a handfull of iron maiden cds I think are must have.powerslave,stranger in a strangeland,peice of mind,number of the beast!



5. At first, in the early 90s upon first listen around 13-14 years old, I sort of passed this album off as good but didn't listen much.
   
   Then, back in the early 2000s, I dowloaded again. As a musician, suddenly this album was a different experience at 23 than 13. I never understood the ties the songs had, the clever underlying synth work.
   
   This is one of the all-time great metal albums for the mature listener. Some have been referencing pop music, and yes there are some hooks here and poppy sounds, but it's metal. Pop-metal, sure in places, but this IS heavy metal through and through.
   
   The Clairvoyant, Infinite Dreams, and 7th Son are 3 of the 10 best maiden songs ever.
   
   Buy this album, steal it if you must if you are into progressive, yet poppy metal that has highly skilled musicians performing at the peak of their careers.

5 comments about Ultimate Collection.

1. The Fixx's ULTIMATE COLLECTION is the ultimate anthology by the one 80s MTV band that actually got critical praise along with its commercial success. The reason the Fixx didn't get bad reviews from the press is because of several differences between them and their peers. For one, guitarist Jamie West-Oram's guitar was one of the dominant instruments in this band, rather than the synthesizers which dominated such groups as the Human League, making the Fixx sound a lot like Roxy Music crossed with the Steve Miller Band and Fleetwood Mac. For another, the band's lyrics often discussed serious issues, such as nuclear war, abuse of technology and science, and divisions between people, the latter two of which inspired me to try out Eastern diet ideas, as well as to walk more instead of relying on Arab oil all the time for a ride, eventually resulting in the college-aged female lifeguard at the swimming pool I attended thinking I was cute. Where as a Human League shirt might get you nominated for TLC's WHAT NOT TO WEAR these days, the Fixx still sound contemporary today because the issues they discuss can still have relevance as the Bush era draws to a close. Overall, while the Fixx certainly use their share of synths, they're not really a synth-pop group.



2. Nice overview. Really bought this CD for a couple of songs only.
   Some good stuff on it and some dull things too.



3. Has all the tracks I was looking for, and a few other (mediocre) ones as well.... Kind of, a bonus.(?) Overall excellent though!



4. I much prefer this greatest hits collection because the original versions of 'Stand or Fall' and 'Red Skies' come from 'Shuttered Room', my favorite Fixx album. The versions on the other older GH were horrible by comparison. While 'Reach the Beach' is probably their most popular album, I still prefer 'Shuttered Room'. My interest in the band focuses primarily on the first two albums. After that, their hits are the only thing that mattered to me.
   
   I was surprised at the track selections from 'Shuttered Room' on this compilation. I think 'Cameras in Paris' or 'I Live' are better songs than 'Lost Planes' or 'Some People'. Nonetheless I appreciate the extra attention to 'Shuttered Room'.
   
   I still have no idea why they insisted on the long version of 'Deeper and Deeper'. And since I'm biased toward their early material, the anthology they have is not necessary for me.



5. Some good stuff, several songs you won't hear on those "80s flashback weekends".

5 comments about Popular Favorites 1976-1992/Sand In the Vaseline.

1. I appreciate the title of this 2-disc set 'Popular Favorites..." because there is NO such thing as "Best of" when it comes to this rock-fusion group (you are right - I did NOT say "new wave"). If you haven't collected every album they have or if you have just had the great good fortune to have discovered Talking Heads, then this is the CD set for you...unless you have quite a bit more moola and can afford their entire collected box-set then I say GO FOR IT. There are few groups that I would consider buying their life's work - but Talking Heads is definitely at the top, maybe, just maybe behind The Beatles...or maybe Traffic....hmmmmmmmmm - have to give that some thought. Anyway, BUY THIS IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO AFFORD THEIR ENTIRE BOX-SET COLLECTION!! And that is close to being an order - if you love good music and are musically eclectically-minded. Enjoy!



2. Anyone who whould rate this less than four stars is ignorant. The first two words of the title say it all, "Popular Favorites." This is a great compilation. Can you please everyone all of the time? No, but this is as close as you can get. There's a lot more to the Talking Heads than is on this double cd release, but it is what it is, popular favorites. This band was ahead of its time with music that will endure several lifetimes, and these cd's have the songs to back that statement up.



3. With such an 'eclectic' band like Talking Heads, a search for individual albums (and/or Hits) should produce better results than creating this compilation that, certainly, is like having "sand in the Vaseline" (for any meaning you would like to give to this statement!).
   In my case, I would bet for having the full song list of "Little Creatures", "True Stories" and even "Speaking In Tongues" included in a compilation of T.H. Hits.
   Anyway, if you're exploring in music you heard before some time, but never knew who was(were) the performer(s), this "Sand in the Vaseline" will certainly work for you!



4. I discovered the talking heads as a teeneage and fell in love, this 2 disc set is incredible and I highly reccommend it to ANYONE who appreiates the type of music. It's really an incredible compilation.



5. Very disappointed in the selection of songs. From 2 CD's I would save 4 tracks.
   Spend your music $$$ on something else.

5 comments about Tom Tom Club.

1. Beginning life as an off-shoot from Talking Heads while David Byrne worked on a solo project, Tom Tom Club has endured for over twenty-five years on and off, and this debut album has remained a strong seller, though its follow-up, Close To The Bone, remains mysteriously unavailable.
   
   Thanks to the electroclash movement Tom Tom Club sounds more contemporary now than it did a decade ago, and many of its hooks and beats have been sampled over and over. The best known tracks are the singles Genius Of Love and Wordy Rappinghood, though as they were initially signed by Chris Blackwell to the British Island label, Wordy Rappinghood was not released as a single in America at the time. It was a huge hit in Europe, though, and was revived not long ago by Chicks On Speed. The album works well as a whole, full of light and bounce and rhythm.
   
   The CD of the 1981 album has been somewhat extended from the original vinyl release. The non-album 1982 single Under The Boardwalk, a funky reworking of the old Drifters tune, has been added, along with the remix of Lorelei that was on the 12" B-side. This was rather smoother and less quirky than the original. Very welcome bonuses are the excellent 12" remixes of Wordy Rappinghood and Genius Of Love.



2. Make no mistake, this Tom Tom Club Album is fantastic BUT as stated very well by MANY MANY MANY previous reviewers their 2cnd album, "CLOSE TO THE BONE" is HANDS DOWN, TOM TOM CLUB's CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT!!! (So I really don't understand why it's so hard for the record/CD company to get their sh*! together and release this already..it would OBVIOUSLY MAKE ALOT OF MONEY!!!) After recovering much of my 80's collection on CD, this is an ACHING SOAR SPOT!!! My cassette tape has worn out from over 25 years of use. Nothing will ever be better than "PLEASURE OF LOVE" and "THE MAN WITH THE 4-WAY HIPS" but the whole album FLOWS together and their is truthfully not one bad track on "CLOSE TO THE BONE"...it should REALLY be RELEASED ON CD in IT'S FULL ENTIRITY!!! I could never get sick of this album. I am thrilled to read that many people are still "discovering" them and guess what?... THEY ALL WANT THIS CD! PLEASE RELEASE TOM TOM's "CLOSE TO THE BONE" on CD NOW!!!



3. By the time Tom Tom Club released their first album, Talking Heads had already established themselves as an amazing melting pot of musical styles ranging from the electronic influences of Brian Eno to the world-beat type rhythms that made Remain in Light the classic that it is.
   
   Tom Tom Club clearly attempts to take the magic that spilled forth from Remain in Light and drive it in a similar direction while meshing it with the more current sounds of the time. Witness Genius of Love, a landmark achievement that still stands today as one of the great songs of all time. That song alone makes this album worth the price of admission. Fortunately, the rest of the album isn't far behind.
   
   I didn't care too much about Tom Tom Club in the '80s. I'd heard Genius of Love and, of course, thought it was pretty cool. I never bothered to pick up a Tom Tom Club album, though. I found a copy of Close to the Bone on vinyl for $.99 a while back and thought it was good, but not necessarily great. Nevertheless, I kept on the hunt for a nice vinyl copy of their first album. I finally found it last week, for an amazing $4. After just a couple of listens, I think I can easily say that this album is an order of magnitude better than Close to the Bone.
   
   If you're a fan of Talking Heads, world beat, or even just somebody who knows Genius of Love and appreciates it for what it is, get this album. In addition to the well known Genius of Love and Wordy Rappinghood, pay particular attention to L'Elephant, As Above So Below, and On On On On... You will not be disappointed. Join the club.



4. Like the rest I have always loved TTC. I am moving my vinyl over to CD and really wish the WB would pull the lead out and release "Close to the bone" on CD! It needs to be released, really it does!



5. I chose to put my comment here since this is their first (and arguably best) album -
   
   WHERE'S THE 'GREATEST HITS' COLLECTION??!!!!!
   
   I'd like to see "Pleasure Of Love", "Suboceana", "Call Of The Wild" and "Devil Does Your Dog Bite?" (From the "Married To The Mob" soundtrack) all on one CD! And while they're at it, they could also tack on those cool live versions of "Genius Of Love" and "Wordy Rappinghood" from the 12" of "Call Of The Wild."
   
   It's not fair that Backstreet Boys and Hillary Duff have 'greatest hits' collections, and they have fewer albums than TTC.
   
   Sire Records - Are you listening?? You put this together, and you'll get my $15!!

5 comments about Cosmic Thing.

1. I was first exposed to The B-52's in college, and really liked their music. I bought the vinyl albums The B-52's and Wild Planet. I checked out this CD from the local library. At first I did not like it but the more I listened to the album, the more I liked it. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys The B-52's.



2. The exciting new wave sounds of the early 80's had given way to the utter dross of 1985 to 1989 (Yazz and the Plastic Population anyone?), but just on the cusp of Grunge and the Madchester Baggie scene was this bomb from the wonderfully eccentric B52s. Like a happy version of Wall of Voodoo but less Crazy than Devo, they came in from left field with a shimmering summer gem of an album. I always remember the English summers of the period as hot and dry, great cricket and BBQ weather. Never mind global warming, I think that this album alone lead to a succession of brilliant summers leading from 89 to about 95. I`m the sort of shy diffident person who would stay on board a sinking liner if I had to dance to get on a lifeboat, but even now, Loveshack would be one of the 3 songs that could make me do some sort of (ahem) "groove thang." Some might call this a desert island album, and why not? A desert island would be THE perfect place to listen to this, hammock, cool beer, some sort of shack (love optional). Alas in Ireland, the sun never shines anymore, perhaps I will dig Cosmic Thing out again and see if it can repeat the magic?



3. Another mix of fun and greatness from the Athenian Clan! Thank you for this LP!!!!!!!!!



4. I have to tell you, I found the experience of watching the music video to "Love Shack" a little distressing. It's clear our beloved B52s are not in their 20s any more. That aside, this was SUCH a good album for them! It finally bridged their gap between the old "alternative music" fans and the weaker minds that can only deal with today's "pop music." Love Shack did it brilliantly. It was hip, catchy and it wasn't too too hard to see them still trying to shake their 40-something booties. Frankly, that was my least favorite tune on the album though. Channel Z and Topaz were WAY better! A perfect carry-over of their 80s stuff into a new generation. Edgy, moody and perhaps somewhat of a compliment to the grunge scene which, unfortunately, did crush them for the duration of the 90s. A previous reviewer got that perfectly. The question now is...what are they doing TODAY!??? Just checked the web site and a new album is due out this year...HOORAY!
   
   If you don't have this one though...get it...it's a mandatory part of any serious fan's collection.



5. The B-52s just don't get enough recognition for the excellent music they put out there. This album entitled Cosmic Thing still sells well today despite the passage of time and the lack of enough press for the band. Just one listen to this album proves that The B-52s remain an artistic force for aspiring artists to study today.
   
   The CD track set begins with "Cosmic Thing." This pop rock number has an awesome beat to it and the group works hard to make this number really rock! The B-52s never miss a beat and you will enjoy "Cosmic Thing" very, very much! "Dry County" sports a great beat with some minor chords to spice up the melody; they rock hard without blowing your ears out--a major feat! Moreover, "Deadbeat Club" has a great spoken intro and the melody gives you a rock and roll flavor mixed with something akin to a mellow country twist. "Deadbeat Club" showcases the high quality control of The B-52s--really impressive!
   
   Perhaps the highpoint of the entire album would be a major hit for The B-52s entitled "Love Shack." "Love Shack" sports a major rock beat with plenty of hot lyrics that don't leave much to the imagination! "Love Shack," a relentlessly upbeat tune that celebrates hot romantic encounters for young people, has great vocal backups by the ladies who also sing some of the verses of this song. I can just envision a bunch of college kids cramming into an old 1970s Chrysler as they head for the shore to have themselves some fun. Awesome!
   
   "Junebug," the following tune, reverts back to a somewhat mellow feel that distinctly sounds like classic 1980s rock. Great beat, too! "Roam" continues in the same vein as "Love Shack:" This song, however, takes a look at a special one true love as they roam the world together. You're gonna love "Roam!" It's as fresh today as they day they recorded it.
   
   "Topaz" gives us a beautiful beat with another romantic rock ballad; and the final track "Follow Your Blues," an instrumental track, has a mellow quality to it that strikes me as very beautiful. Terrific guitar, too!
   
   The liner notes include the lyrics to each song--great! The artwork shines, too.
   
   All in all, this album by the B-52s proves their vast talent beyond doubt. I highly recommend this album for fans of The B-52s (as if they didn't know that already); and fans of rock, pop and new wave.

5 comments about Valley Girl: Music From The Soundtrack.

1. I remember when this movie came out and I fell in love with the soundtrack. Now, 20+ years later, it's still just as great to hear the old songs that take me back to High School. Definately a must for people who were there and want to go back.



2. The shipper was very informative and had very prompt shipping. The CD was in perfect condition. Thank you



3. Takes you back to the early 80s. Has a few songs you may not otherwise hear. Totally rad.



4. Bonnie Hayes had 2 songs in the movie "Valley Girl" that are not on this CD. Those songs are called "Girls Like Me" and "Shelley's Boyfriend." Both of those songs are from her 1982 album "Good Clean Fun." Unfortunatley, that wonderful album has never been released on CD.
   
   But if you google "Bonnie Hayes," she has her own website where she lets you legally download both of those songs for free. I just thought you might like to know that!



5. I'm only 20 years old, but I've loved this movie pretty much since birth, and my mom had the soundtrack when I was younger, so I grew up listening to the pioneering new wave of the 80's. I've purchased my own copy and love it to this very day! I'm still looking to buy the 2nd soundtrack, but for some reason can't seem to find it anywhere. I know it was on Amazon a while back, but was very expensive (almost $40) and there were only about 4 available. There's some great songs on that one as well, in fact, I might like that one just a little bit more. But definitely check this CD out! It's like totally tubular, for sure!