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!

5 comments about '80s Pop Hits.

1. I bought this CD BoxSet awhile ago at Best Buy as being a number of these are that I had a sneaking suspiscion on what these songs truly sound like. I do,however remember the "Let's Hear It For The Boy" since I have seen "FootLoose" hundreds of times and it's still a favorite in which the song was from. I also remember "Total Eclipse Of The Heart" that indeed is questionary on if it's a love song or a depressing "break-up song?" Ah,and there was my personal
   favorite..."Eternal Flame" in which I find to be full of emotion and true love as this is what love songs should truely be like to begin with!! Let's not forget the pop group that was extremely popular with teens
   (And myself when I was much younger.)"way back when in the old school" called none other than the
   ever-so-famous The New Kids On The Block!! I didn't care for some of the songs on this CD set,unfortunately as that is partially why I give this item a 4 stars.
   Not to change the subject on this fabulous item(Okay,I lied.)but I lost 2 of the 3 CD's because I believe they got stolen since my ex-boyfriend used them last...that is,if memory serves me. Oh well,perhaps I might consider buying a whole spanking new copy to
   "get even" with him since he'd have 2 used CD's while I'd have all 3 CD's being new!! Ha,ha,ha,he,he,he!! I love it!!! However,all I must say(Yeah right,you're all probably tired of me chit-chatting for quite some time now...)I must make the comment: "NICE PRICE!!!!" I was born in 1981 so I'm somewhat familiar with 80's music. I personally prefer Joan Jett and the Blackhearts in which I found to be a total bummer not to include herself and her band...I MEAN,WHO HASN'T HEARD OF THE SONG CALLED "I LOVE ROCK 'N ROLL?!!" Also,another favorite I like is "Search Is Over" from Survivor since it's the song that played during a Junior High dance that I went to with an ex-boyfriend(He wasn't my "ex" when we were at the dance,though.)as "Search Is Over" was the song playing when I got MY FIRST KISS EVER!!!! Sigh...I guess you can't have 'em all...EVEN ON THE POKE'MON VIDEO GAMES IS IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO "CATCH 'EM ALL!!" GO FIGURE,HUH? GREAT PRODUCT,ANYWAYS. RECOMMENDED FOR THOSE WHOM EITHER GREW UP IN THE 80'S OR ENJOY 80'S MUSIC FOR SHEER ENJOYMENT...BE CAREFUL,80'S MUSIC WERE ALL A COMPLETE "SELL-OUT" BUT AT LEAST IT WASN'T AS "CORNY" AS SOME OF THOSE 70'S AND 80'S CARTOONS THAT KIDS WATCHED WHEN THEY WERE ALL YOUNG,THOUGH. A MUST BUY!!! ^_^
   
   *J. Allen*



2. I LOVE '80s music (I grew up in that era), but only about half of the songs on this CD are among my favorites from that era. The other half of the songs, I either tolerated back then or didn't like at all. I've seen better '80s collections. (Also, there should have been more hard rock/heavy metal hits included, as many of those songs were grouped in with the pop hits on many radio stations back then. )



3. I recall very few of these hits from the 80s. There may be one or two that I know on each of the three CDs. This is not the fault of the CD publisher--It's MY fault for not reading the song lists more closely before I ignorantly hit the "buy" button. Make sure this CD is going to provide the 1980s sound YOU remember before you buy.



4. Most of the tracks on the first disc alone warrant purchasing it at the price offered...however, the second two discs could've been whittled-down to a few tracks that could've replaced some of the softer offerings on Disc One and it would've been one monster CD...still, the wheat can be burned from the chaff on one's mp3/I-Pod, I suppose.



5. Any 80's music lover will be happy to have this collection! The selection is perfect. I just love it.

5 comments about Dying to Say This to You.

1. I first saw The Sounds late at night when I had MTV on. I didn't have the sound up but the video was on and I thought it was archival footage of Blondie, so I turned it up and was more than surprised to discover this gem of a band. I love this Swedish band and was so excited when they finally launched this, their second album. Still holding on to the Blondie new wave sound but adding a few more synths, the sound is tight and The Sounds are simply fun.
   
   The first single "Song With A Mission" and "Queen Of Apology" open the set with a 1,2 punch of attitude, and "Night After Night" is super catchy though I have to say I love the bonus version (a ballady counterpoint to the album track). Once again The Sounds have made a catchy album that is easy to put on rotate and get your full listens worth.



2. OK -- so I bought this album because my daughter & I heard the song "painted by numbers" which is a pretty decent tune. Now, I like a good "retro-punk" band (think Joan Jett, Blondie, et al), however, I really can't understand why this album does not have the "explicit lyrics" warning -- so far, I've heard the "f" word used at least 5 times, and I'm just halfway through the album. It's a decent album, the female lead singer has a nice voice -- but don't buy it for your kiddies!



3. I got this CD because I saw one of their music videos and it was really catchy. And I guess because they sound like a cross between The Killers and Blondie.
   
   I guess the only thing I can add to these reviews is, these songs might be more enjoyable in small chunks. Especially if you're the type to get worn down or annoyed after a while by the vocalist. This shouldn't be a big deal since you crazy kids these days don't listen to an entire CD straight through in order, and would rather throw songs into your iPods and shuffle the hell out of them with other songs. So give it another shot if you have a hard time listening to the entire CD.



4. Eveytime I pull this CD out to listen to it, I stare at that one nipple. And then the side of that other girl's b00b. I usually end up in the bathroom reading the uhhh.. liner notes. As for the music? It's like Blondie just way better because technology has become so advanced. The Sounds claim that they only get by on word of mouth but that's not true because I remember seeing flyers for their first album all over clubs in Brooklyn. But whatever, I took home as many of those flyers I could, they had that first album picture on there , you know ,the one that LOOKS EXACTLY LIKE BLONDIE. They also have tons of Celebrity Fans, their Wikipedia page says so. So that proves it because stars are so much smarter than dumb regular people.



5. being born in the 70's and having a "fresh" memory of the music during the 80's, it's really fun to hear a band that is able to combine the structure of those old tunes with a modern feel! there is next to none of the usual "what the * are we going to fill the rest of the record with?" tunes on this cd, just pure, fun, uncomplicated rock! enjoy!

5 comments about Yours Truly, Angry Mob.

1. The Kaiser Chiefs have certainly carved out their stake in the Brit Rock arena, driven by their hooks and catchy lyrics, the band only seems to get better with age. In their sophomore effort, driven by the catchy power rocker, "Ruby," the band puts out their most complete release yet, but they're still not all the way there. A little bit more variety could have been used, but they still can crank out a stunner when least expected.
   
   If you've not heard "Ruby" yet, then you're doing your ears a great disfavor, but warning be given, it's very catchy. "Love's Not A Competition (But I'm Winning)" may be the band's best, coming out of nowhere to sock you a chorus that'll blow you away, with its subtle but deadly approach. The words, vocals and music all speak perfectly for themselves, and they speak emotional impact.
   
   "I Can Do It Without You" boasts some impressive hooks. "Everything Is Average" speaks truth in its lyrics, and provides some catchy rock to go along with it. "Learnt My Lesson Well" takes some bouncy cues from the pop rock genre, but could've taken the concept further. "Try Your Best" also has a surprising amount of depth in it, although it takes a bit too long to find it. "Retirement" also finds its spot toward the end of its run.
   
   The rest of the tracks however are not bad per say, but they are safe and predictable, with few elements to distinguish themselves from one another, although each does have positive elements. If you love the sound, then you'll by all means love the whole album. I was just looking for a little bit more shuffle and mixing it up.
   
   Call them the modern day "The Turtles," or a more radio-friendly version of Franz Ferdinand, Kaiser Chiefs is slowly staring to come along in their musical journey. It may be a bit slow and predictable, but along the way there are flashes of genius sure to stick with you for a long time. Let's hope the band finds more of a sticking point in their third effort.



2. The Kaiser Chiefs' debug Employment was one of the brighter spots in the recent wave of British indie bands. Acclaimed for their comments on British lower-middle-class life and their tongue-in-cheek love songs, the Kaiser Chiefs spent most of the time in between Employment headlining festivals, touring, and battling comparisons to `90s Brit-Poppers Blur. It didn't help that singer Ricky Wilson was the victim of a hit-and-run and spent much of 2005 in a plaster cast.
   
   Their second album, Yours Truly, Angry Mob, was released in the U.K. back in February and was their first #1 album. Although they don't have the kind of recognition here that they do back in the motherland, there is nothing in the album itself that should prevent it from selling thousands here. It's a finely crafted Brit-pop record that is at once familiar yet new and intriguing for American listeners.
   
   First single "Ruby" starts off the album in typical Kaiser Chiefs fashion, with a jaunty guitar propelling the song and a series of very British "ah-ah-aaahs" harmonizing. The song has a chorus that could easily move stadium crowds to sing-a-longs, although the lyrics are fairly simple. The next song, "The Angry Mob," is one of the best tunes on the album. The drums and ominous guitar provide an angular rhythm that complements the excellent crowd chanting near the rising climax.
   
   Yours Truly, Angry Mob's songs can be easily divided into two sections: songs of love lost and won, and commentaries or philosophizing on society. Of the former, the Chiefs have nearly perfected their craft. "Heat Dies Down" and "Love's Not a Competition, But I'm Winning" strike out at ex's and laments failed relationships.
   
   "Heat" sounds like a second single, all Britpop melodies and a hard-to-forget chorus, while "Competition" is one of a very few acoustic songs the Chiefs have attempted. They pull it off well, with piano, guitar, and an ending that slowly fades away with a kind of delicate beauty.
   
   The Chiefs reflections on society fare only a little worse, although they give it a solid shot. Although "The Angry Mob" and closer "Retirement," are excellent songs, a few fail to go anywhere.
   
   "Highroyds," while having some choice lyrics ("They let in all the girls from the year below / No need for ID's with those dresses") lacks a memorable musical structure and Wilson struggles to sound tough. "Try Your Best" is a slow song in the mold of "Competition," but relies too much on drums and a nearly ambient guitar line, as well as being bogged down by vague lyrics.
   
   Another sign of a future change in the Chiefs' musical sensibilities can be found on "Boxing Champ/Learnt My Lesson Well," which inexplicably was combined into one song on the American release. "Boxing Champ" features just an uplifting piano line and the vocal stylings of drummer Nick Hodgson, the band's principal songwriter. Hodgson's honest, earnest pipes nearly make this song the best on the record, but sadly it is little over a minute long.
   
   "Boxing Champ" immediately segues into "Learnt My Lesson Well," which is heralded by a pounding tom rhythm and a menacing guitar part. Although lyrically it is a bit trifling, the band's energetic gusto makes up for it.
   
   While lacking the fiery, urgent energy of a band attempting to distinguish themselves that Employment offered in spades, Kaiser Chiefs' latest still has enough hooks and melodies to power a summer of singalongs.



3. A read of the UK site suggests that the angry mob didn't like this second album as much as its predecesor. From my point of view, its hard to fault, except perhaps that the delivery is a little too tightly crafted--I'd have liked a little more instrumentation and a little less verse-chorus-verse. Their live shows they have the chops and its time they used them. Still, a very good album and one that hasn't been out of my car stereo for a week now.



4. This CD has some strong material. If you are looking for songs that glorify the German Empire, look elsewhere because the Kaiser Chiefs are a British band specializing in pop/rock and various medical procedures. Top songs include: Ruby, Highroyds, Retirement, My Kind of Guy. I have recommended this CD to my business associates.



5. This is one of the best albums that I bought last year. Its probably in my top ten of the decade. I was hooked the first time I heard Ruby on the radio. After I got the cd, I listened to it incessantly for weeks. This is a great album to rock out to while driving or whatever you do while listening to music. Lots of great guitar and bass work in the songs too, especially on Hyroids and I Can Do It Without You. Very solid cd, lots of fun songs and catchy melodies. I highly recommend picking this cd up.

5 comments about She's So Unusual.

1. I can't tell you how difficult it was not to write this review. I can't help myself...anybody, and I mean ANYBODY who came out of adolescence into adulthood with the help of these masterpiece 80's albums will understand, when this music came out there was something special about the encapsulated pressurized Reaganite era that was erupting from within. To hear the lesser songs lumped in here sounds like sacrilidge of the most heinous variety to my delicate nostalgic ears...Cyndi Lauper, at least on this one rock album, probably has no peer living or dead. Yes, Gen Y, the original 6-pack album was THAT good. No other album with the possible exception of Bruce Springsteen has ever instantly become a collection of #1 hits so quickly. Each is an impossible gold standard in pop music that hasn't been topped since. Together, they make an album that would make even the most deranged axe murderer break into tears on a dark and lonely night drive. To the producers and decision makers...PLEASE re-release the ORIGINAL She's So Unusual, and DROP these unworthy "extras". You can't pin an ear on a Van Gough self portrait, and you can't pin "extras" on a work of timelessly pristine art that no doubt space aliens have even enshrined in their own rock-n-roll hall of fame just underground on Mars...And now I say to you good DAY, sir!



2. As you may or may not recall, I did a review of Cyndi Lauper's effort titled "At Last". Well, to say the least, there were many unhappy campers out there. They accused your beloved Metamorpho of being cruel (who me?), heartless(!) and without remorse. Personally, I think they went a bit too far because I included my classic humour which took the edge of a bit. (Which is akin to someone telling you they'll throw acid on you but they'll water it down first!). In any event, you can imagine my surprise when I came home to find Cyndi sleeping on my front lawn.
   
   I made some tea and invited her in. "Oh Metamorpho", she pined, "how could you do such a thing to me"? I started to apologize when a tear formed on her lamb face and she went on, "don't do me like that, don't do me like that, you know I love you Metamorpho baby, don't do me like that".
   I felt like a heel (instead of a beloved sole) and thus, assured her that I will pay full restitution. She beamed. Her eyes opened wide and sparkled. "Oh, thank you Metamorpho! You are the best! Now I can go out and have some fun". And, before I could blink, off she bopped.
   
   Well folks, here it is. A review which honors Cyndi. And, considering my very busy schedule at the moment, you know this is very special. "She's So Unusual" is a definitive classic of the early 80's. As you recall, the early 80's had a sprout of artists who took over the popular music scene. You had the Madonna thing going on, and lest we forget, the Springsteen and Michael Jackson offerings. But, as considerable as those artists are, Cyndi's debut album justifiably deserves to be in this elite group.
   
   With her outrageous New Yawk persona, her wild, offbeat colorful clothing, and her hair looking like it went through a Waring blender, you just knew she was a real live walking event in and unto herself. Talk about impact! "She's So Unusual" was mega. This was no small feat, believe me. A circus-like diva who had the goods to back up her obvious talent. Astounding.
   
   I cannot think of many albums that have the energy, the song smarts, and the rockin' and svelte aura of the first 6 songs here. It creates a estactic beginning with "Money Changes Everything". And, although that fact is a little on the shallow side, it's quite accurate and very true in reality. She moves on to a virtual anthem of young women everywhere with "Girls Just Want to Have Fun". With the organ-synth swirling around, it spirals into a hearty insistence, with a girl group chorus chiming in, which is more than appropriate. Moving on with the smooth, synchopated beat of Prince's "When You Were Mine". Cyndi continues to keep the pressure on with pleasurable pop. I cannot get over the subject matter and the sexual ambiguity on this song. But don't forget, we are talking about a Prince song here. Regardless, Cyndi hits a note here that sounds like a spaceship landing on earth. Really, nothing like it that I've ever heard.
   
   "Time After Time" then fits in perfectly. Moist, delicate are words to describe this song. I especially like the line "suitcase of memories". How true that we tend to bring our luggage along with this as we travel though life. "She Bop" then kicks. It is Cyndi as a panther, out on the prowl, looking for predatory fun. The backing synth and musical runs are so pleasing on this. Everybody bops on this tune (you, they, we, he, she) that, inevitably, you will too. The excellence continues with "All Through the Night", with, yet, another keyboard run with Cyndi providing excellent, vocal yearning and a soft plea towards the light. Marvelous.
   
   The rest of the songs are good and round out the album. But, as I said, not many channel the energy and just plain listenable pleasure as those first 6 songs. On this C.D. remaster, you get 3 live renditions that prove that Cyndi is no fluke. She's got the goods and, yes people, she is that good!
   
   In closing, let's not forget the musicianship here. An excellent band (I think The Hooters) who provide Cyndi the full freedom to fly with these tunes. Never out of place, nothing that's there that doesn't fit, it is a testimony to perfect production. Trust me on this.
   
   Anyway Cyndi, I hope you are happy with this review. Do you forgive me? I hope so. Hold on folks, the phone is ringing. "Hello? Oh yes Cyndi, I'm glad you liked it. What's that? Oh no problem my lamb. Bye now." Folks, she just called to thank me for showing her true colours!
   
   Metamorpho Changes Everything ;)



3. She's So Unusual by Cyndi Lauper is pure '80s bliss when it comes to timeless pop records. Not many artists survived that decade, but Lauper's one-of-a-kind attitude, her colorful fashion sense, and powerful voice proved she was more than the flavor of the moment. Songs like She Bop, All Through the Night, Money Changes Everything, Time After Time, and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun just chase all my blues away, I highly recommend this gem, enjoy!



4. When I first heard her not sure if it was the 70's or 80's but i loved her Music and little differant but Great.So this CD I love all the Songs to if you like her older stuff a must have DC.



5. Carole King,Whitney Houston,Sheryl Crow,Paula Abdul,Mariah Carey and Alanis Morrissette all have had Grammy-winning debut albums. Guess what? New York native Cyndi Lauper has had one also,this one. In fact,she qualifies for induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of fame this year since this album was released in late 1983. With Lauper's two-hue haircolor(yellow and strawberry red),you can plainly see why SHE'S SO UNUSUAL. Top 20 hits from this album include GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN,TIME AFTER TIME,ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT,SHE BOP and MONEY CHANGES EVERYTHING. There's also a cover of Prince's self-penned WHEN YOU WERE MINE. Lauper's second release in 1986,TRUE COLORS,was a commercial success,but no Grammy winner. Secondarily,Lauper became an actress,starring in the 1988 Columbia flick VIBES and co-starring with Michael J. Fox in 1993's LIFE WITH MIKEY. Satirist-parodist "Weird Al" Yankovic recycled GJWHF for GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE LUNCH,released in 1985 on his DARE TO BE STUPID album. Surprisingly,Lauper re-recorded TAT in 2005. ATTN is a popular favorite amongst adult contemporary radio stations. SB and MCE really rock! The other songs are great,including the two-minute(estimate) title track which was written back in 1930,according to the copyright information. Lauper even was a teen idol back in 1984 and '85,when she was then in her early thirties. This was indeed one of the top-selling albums of 1984. Other top-selling albums of '84 include Van Halen's 1984,Huey Lewis & The News' SPORTS,Prince's PURPLE RAIN soundtrack album and Tina Turner's PRIVATE DANCER.

5 comments about Eliminator.

1. 
   This is a great album by ZZ Top. I only have one complaint when it comes to the CD version of the Eliminator album. I happen to like the LP version of "Legs" that appears on the VINYL album. Why was it changed to the single version of "Legs" for the Eliminator CD? I can't seem to find that version on CD anywhere. Can anyone help? Why can't record companies just leave albums intact just the way they are for the CD releases? Capitol/EMI did the same thing with Duran Duran's Hungry Like the Wolf; the vinyl album version is different from the version that appears on the CD of the same title. JUST LEAVE IT ALONE FOR HEAVEN SAKE!



2. This is argueably ZZ Top's best effort, and one of the greatest rock albums ever released. Every song is solid right threw till the end!



3. "Dusty Hill's heart-stopping drumming and Frank Beard's sturdy bass."
   
   Hey, Jann, when did Dusty and Frank switch instruments?! Do I win a gift certificate for finding that glaring error?
   
   Anyway, this is a very good introduction to the band. Their gritty rock and blues got a bit of a studio polish but it worked as its their best-selling album.



4. First, folks at Amazon, I must point out a glaring mistake in your own review of "Eliminator" - Dusty Hill is the bassist and Frank Beard is the drummer in ZZTop. I find that boner most annoying when you consider how big this band is. It's like saying Keith Richards is the vocalist for the Stones. Do your homework - it makes me want to discredit every word you wrote.
   That aside, after much thought, I rounded up a list of bands that have crossed the line from highly successful outfits to icons and musical institutions, an honor very few musicians will ever see. We have to consider how the work by these artists become part of the lexicon of society, not just sell records. This is strictly my opinion, and others will agree and disagree, but hey, it's all in fun anyway. Those bands include the Beach Boys, especially Brian Wilson's production work, the Beatles, the Stones, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and ZZTop.
   Although some of their later albums didn't reach the status of "Eliminator", it wasn't because the material wasn't great, which is important when we consider the level of popularity ZZTop enjoys. Other big bands like Aerosmith and KISS, for example, have suffered severe low points along the way, and both bands have basically regurgitated old material for years now, content to cruise on their names alone.
   ZZTop have not made that mistake. "Eliminator" isn't the greatest of their career, but ranks very high, thanks to the fearless blend of the old Texas blues and synthesizers, which could have been a disaster in less capable hands. Instead, we have anthems that will be with us forever, especially "Sharp Dressed Man", the most popular cut off this album. "Gimme All Your Lovin'" and "Legs" follow closely behind.
   "Eliminator" makes a good start point for exploring the catalogue of ZZTop, both backward and forward. Earlier works show the drenched blues and sizzling guitar of Billy Gibbons, who is a genius on the fretboard. He comes full circle right up to "Mescalero", which is once again blues soaked but also heavily distorted, or "fuzzy", in his words.
   Only those lost in caves or confined to certain religious compounds are not familiar with the "little ol' band from Texas", and it's their loss.



5. Very good album. Glad to add it to my collection. CD and package in great shape. No delivery problems. I would order from here again.

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 Fasciinatiion.

1. At first listen, I was not impressed with this album. It seemed to me like Todd Fink and crew "dumbed down" the album after their amazing Wet From Birth. But over the weeks I kept finding myself listening to Fasciinatiion. It finally occurred to me that the album isn't dumbed down at all, if anything its much more technical. Gone are the sweeping string sections from Wet From Birth and in are catchy bleeps blips and bloops to keep dragging you in for more. One thing that makes The Faint so great is that are able to do so much with their music, while retaining their signature sound. This is definitely a new direction for the band, and it should be, as they parted from Saddle Creek and their old studio to branch out on their own with blank.wav records and a brand new home to record.



2. I'm sorry but this is a great album. It should be a no brainer if you are a fan of The Faint. If you are stuck in these notions of what The Faint "should" be then I urge you to open your mind and be more accepting evolutionary artistic expression. I love how The Faint is experimenting at so many levels while still preserving the essence of what makes them special. The synth work is incredible on this album. Their live show is awesome also BTW.



3. Took a couple of listens to really appreciate this new release. Better than the last CD. Some really excellent songs. Can't recommend it enough!



4. I own the rest of The Faint's releases, and I don't think this quite stacks up. I agree with the reviewer who said that it is a letdown. It just doesn't have the same whateveritis that grabs you from their other releases. It's not a bad album by any means - still better than a lot of stuff out there - but it just doesn't live up to the expectations set by their previous work.



5. It's been a long, grueling 4 year wait for the follow up to Wet From Birth, and well I must admit this record was nowhere near worth it. All the energy The Faint had on previous releases is pretty much nonexistent here. The tracks on this record move slower and in the long run get boring. Some of the intro's to the song's show great potential like "Machine and the Ghost," which teases you with the same vibe that something off Danse Macabre would, but ultimately tanks the second the song kicks into full gear. "Mirror Error," is about the only song on this record that captures what the Faint are about, but even the worst song off Wet From Birth surpass that. Fans of The Faint I would recommend you pass. If your new to The Faint, I would start off with Blank Wave Arcade and Danse Macabre which are hands down, dance record masterpieces.

3 comments about Dial M.

1. Is that a corny review title? I don't know and I really don't care. I once reviewed an SF59 album on Amazon when I was in high school, and 7 years later my coworkers found it and made fun of me because of just how highly I speak of Jason Martin and his work. His is seriously some of the best music out there.
   
   This album is great--it's a bit toned down from the poppy fun of "My Island," so be prepared, but it feels right. Martin evolves a bit from album to album, and this feels like the proper next step. Absolutely pick this up, give it a listen, pop in "Americana" or "Gold" next, and ask yourself if any other musician on the scene is producing such diverse and engaging work.



2. There are two Starflyers in my book: before "Leave Here a Stranger" and everything since. This one might herald the beginning of a third chapter where the generous pop flights of "My Island" are more than a one-off phase: it's almost like Starflyer is "supposed" to sound like this now. Which is okay, cause it's a vast improvement on "My Island" musically and lyrically. Bonus props for the crazaay album cover art. Good stuff, as usual, from one of the greats.



3. Starflyer 59 continues to break new ground with a cult following despite always eluding the attention of the mainstream. Starflyer is Jason Martin's solo project with a revolving cast of band members. With 15 years in the books Martin continues to rock despite the "kids who want a faster beat".
   
   Dial M is Martin's latest annual project and it fires on all cylinders. With a sound reminiscent of the Brothers Martin album released last year, Martin picks up where "My Island" left off. Demos of Dial M were released last year as the vinyl box set "Ghosts of the Future".
   
   The Dial M versions of the "Ghosts" material are fresher and more produced. Songs like "The Brightest of the Head" and "I Love You Like the Little Bird" have received a bit of a makeover. As with any makeover there will be those that approve and those that prefer the old versions.
   
   Lyrically, Martin exhibits growth whereas in some of his earlier albums he said the lyrics were "just there". The theme of his father's death is the topic of "Mr. Martin" and the bonus track "Magic". The subject of personal struggle is evident when Martin quotes the Apostle Paul: "'To live is Christ; to die is gain' I try and I try, I try and I try."
   
   Dial M is an excellent collection of tried and true songs, which proves Martin still has what it takes after all these years. But it seems as though the story is not yet complete because Martin still has more left in the tank. Let's hope he keeps his taxi on the road.

5 comments about The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads.

1. My first way over-long Amazon.com review of Rhino's 2004 double CD extended version of "The Name Of This Band Is Talking Heads" was an unfocused diatribe concerning the dynamics of the group that eventually split them apart, and may have resulted in this CD package being, shall we say, not quite the masterpiece that it perhaps could have been. It is 98.9 percent perfect, a glorious representation of America's most important and influential post-punk new wave art rock band, an idiom that Talking Heads more or less invented all on their own. If nothing else, this CD package is a glorious representation of their development from a (first three piece then) four piece idiosyncratic proto-punk band into the musical powerhouse Pop Art rock band that produced their big hits. And even with it's one glaring flaw it is a much more satisfying "live album" experience than their big hit "Stop Making Sense". If you are a follower of Talking Heads music, you simply must obtain this CD collection, period.
   
   The good news first, and it is VERY good news: The first CD covering their live act from their 1977 CBGB era through the 1979 urban angst satirist period whilst collaborating with Brian Eno is impeccable. The expanded tracks are all very welcome additions to what had been sort of a "Talking Heads Lite" rundown on the original 1982 LP/cassette release -- which by the way is still worth hanging onto, but more about that later. Not only have the original recordings been marvelously remastered, but the addition of full-length live cut of "Found A Job", and early version of "Drugs" called "Electricity" and a hilarious presentation of "Mind" will eliminate any form of buyer's remorse on the ticket price. Whoever chose these additional tracks had their thinking caps on and did a phenomenal job of demonstrating how the band grew from a tentative sketch of a group into trend setters who always led & never followed. The songs sound just as fresh, vital and alive as they did in 1978.
   
   The bad news isn't really all that bad, either, and was the result of noble if slightly misguided intentions. The approach used to assemble Disc 2's presentation of the still legendary 1980/1981 live "Remain In Light" tour was to try and present the band's ENTIRE set list from the era, warts and all, and in the order that the songs were usually played in concert. As others have probably mentioned in their reviews the band was expanded to a 10 piece collective with the addition of virtuoso musicians from across the spectrum of rock & funk of the era: Parliament/Funkadelic electronic keyboardist Bernie Worrell, percussion maestro Steve Scales (both of whom would remain with the band through their "Stop Making Sense" era, including appearing on side projects by all of the band's principal members), future King Crimson guitarist/vocalist Adrian Belew, "soul sista" vocalists Dolette McDonald and Nona Hendryx, and funk bass impresario Michael "Busta Cherry" Jones, all of whom also contributed to solo projects by David Byrne, Jerry Harrison, with Belew and Scales also figuring in to Chris Frantz & Tina Weymouth's Tom Tom Club at different times.
   
   The way the live show would work for this expanded lineup was an early sketch of what became their formula for "Stop Making Sense", with the core band plus Mr. Belew opening the show with electrified, upbeat versions of "Psycho Killer", "Warning Sign" and "Stay Hungry", Scales and the vocalists joining for "Cities", with Worrell and Busta finally taking the stage for "I Zimbra" at which point the collective would veer off into the Afro-club beat sound that made "Remain In Light" so startlingly innovative in circa 1980. By the time "I Zimbra"'s high-life guitar riffs and polyrhythmic bottom kicked in there literally was a village of people onstage of mixed races & genders, working as a collective with each player engaged in their own specialty as aggregate parts in a greater whole. It is absolutely phenomenal music, with a laugh out loud live take of "Animals", an extended run-through of "Born Under Punches" and a never before released live presentation of "Once In A Lifetime" being amongst the additional tracks added to the original 1982 LP/cassette rundown.
   
   The only problem is that the production staff working on the CD encountered a technological barrier in the amount of music one can squeeze onto a single side of a compact disc, about 70 minutes or so, and had to do some editing to make the whole shebang fit & maintain their agenda of representing the ENTIRE set list from that era -- An unfortunate decision, considering that the primary omission was a rougly 90 second slow beat introduction to "Crosseyed And Painless" that always impressed the heck out of me, at any rate. More casual fans of the band probably won't notice the omission, the editing of the intro is very hard to detect unless of course you were aware of it being there in the first place. It also sounds to me as though the breaks between the songs has been reduced to an absolute minimum, which may have a functional purpose in that what you're really hearing is takes from three different concerts combined into one. They did a good job with it though it does sound like somebody turned down Busta's amp for "Born Under Punches", his big "slap" bass solo sounds like he's plunking on a rubber band wrapped around a shoe box, though that may just have been an issue with the live cuts that were available rather than somebody trying to quiet him down.
   
   But it's a shame that a different solution couldn't have been arrived at, the most obvious choice being a two sided disc with two or three cuts relegated to the second side. Not all of the songs on the CD were played at every gig on the tour (check YouTube for a breathtaking series of videos documenting a full concert they performed in Rome, Italy during the 1980 European leg of the tour) I've been trying to think of which song could have been eliminated to allow for the CD's limit of time per side, the obvious choice being "Stay Hungry" since we hear that on Disc 1 already, but quite frankly the live version with Belew kicks it's butt. Losing "Animals" would have been a shame and there is a structural necessity to keeping "Cities", so in all honesty the CD production team was stuck with a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" situation and made the best of it with some quick editing.
   
   Can't fault them for making a decision and sticking with it, there's also a good argument to make in opining that a double sided CD might not have been a practical decision either in terms of production costs. The best way to look at it might be to say that the final word on this 1980/1981 Talking Heads live tour may not have been written yet -- there is still room for something more (maybe a 2 CD + video DVD package?) and if nothing else those old original 1982 LP/cassette pressings still have some importance to them. Just get yourself a new turntable at some point if you need to hear the full take of "Crosseyed And Painless", it will be worth the effort to have both.



2. Retail Nightmare really is a nightmare. They never mailed my CD i ordered - and when I asked them - they said OH sorry we mailed 3 others that day and no problems with them. They said they would mail it out again which is wierd, it seems like they would be wondering where the copy they initially mailed was.
   
   I month later - credit card charged - no CD.



3. I can't really add much that hasn't already been written except to reinforce that this is one toe-tapping, kinetic album. I'm glad it finally appeared after all these years.



4. I ordered this CD as a gift. It came quickly and was everything I expectected.



5. Best album of the early days of talking heads. An absolut must for friends of live recordings.