5 comments about The Who: The Ultimate Collection.

1. Brought back many memories of a phenomenal rock group. Good price for the number of selections provided. CD arrived quickly and was in perfect condition.



2. This is rock and roll at its best. Great writing, which sets the Who apart from other acts, but the raw power they bring to their performances is beyond that of most bands. Even now, like their recent Super Bowl performance, they're still way above what most acts half their age are doing. This is a good collection of their greatest hits, which goes beyond previous collections and covers more of their history. If you've been a fan for a long time and have a lot of this stuff on vinyl or cassette, this is a good way to update your collection of Who music with a single purchase. If you're a new fan, this is probably the best "hits" package you'll find and will give you a good overview.



3. The best compilation.
   
   HOWEVER, rent the Amazing Journey (2-DVD) to get what's going on with this group and the music. Enlightening and beautifully done...for an die-hard fan as well as a novice.
   
   Furthermore, don't miss Athena, Old Red Wine, Real God Looking Boy, and some of the fine solo work of the prolific and genius Townshend: Slit Skirts, Let My Love Open the Door, A Little is Enough, and Daltrey's: Avenging Annie, Mirror Mirror, Days of Light, AND most of the newer Endless Wire CD.
   
   It's 40 years of rock 'n roll combined with food for the soul, all in one. Never tire of this stuff! I hope they come out with more new material in 2010.



4. There's nothing new here, and the who has many greatest hits collections, already available. Although, it appears that the songs have been remastered again, there is some slight tonal quality differences, on these recordings, that might make it worth checking out.



5. I am very new to the Who. I thought that Ultimate Collection was an excellent intro the their music. I loved the music and their unique sound and style. What I found out right away was that the remastering was done at an extremely high volume. This resulted in that the sound on many of the songs was muffled and distorted, especially on the Who's Next songs where the bass guitar was used so much. The sound of the bass guitar was very distorted. The day after I bought the collection I ran out and bought the Who's Next album on vinyl, and oh boy what a difference. The overall sound on these CDs was very distorted because of the bad remastering. So much of the playing and singing was muffled and distorted. The sound on the vinyl was really great. I regret buying this collection and not the Very Best of collection instead.
   Well, nonetheless, this collection certainly has inspired me to get more of the Who's great music. But I want to advise people to get the older remastered Very Best collection of instead of this.

5 comments about Is This It.

1. Picking favorite tracks from The Strokes' famed debut 'Is This It' is a tremendously difficult task. Partly because every single one is so damn good, and partly because they all sort of sound the same. Julian Casablancas' melodies are absolutely beautiful, which sounds strange considering the garage rock guitars backing him, but it's true. Disappointingly, questionable production makes the album harder to listen to than it should be, but chances are you'll be singing along with the incredibly infectious songs too loud to notice.
   
   Standout tracks: Someday, Last Night, Hard To Explain



2. The music of the late 90's was so depressingly and crassly bland, it seemed that people were so desperate for something, anything remotely expressive or authentic, that the smallest artistic effort of bands in the early 00's felt like a godsend. When the Strokes "Last Nite" first aired on MTV2, I admit to feeling that their nod to Iggy's "Lust for Life" was a breath of fresh air. But that was just because the alternative to "Last Nite" was "Outside" by Staind, "In the End" by Linkin Park, "Just Like a Pill" by Pink, etc.
   
   But when people started hyping the Strokes as the Saviors of Rock, I got annoyed. This wasn't just an indier-than-thou rock snob indignation (although back then, that did play some role in my assessment); the dearth of energy and creativity in music during this time had left a gaping hole in my soul (and reduced me to goth rhymes), and these rich kid fly-by-nights were doing nothing to fill that void.
   
   Thankfully, a wave of bands making creative, exciting, and challenging music came to my attention starting in early 2004, and my spiritual wounds were eventually healed. Years later, I can go back to "Is This It," and find some things about it to enjoy.
   
   Many critics of the Strokes paint them as derivative of better bands like the Velvet Underground, the Stooges, the Feelies, Television, etc. Most notably, singer Julian Casablancas vocals sound like Lou Reed singing through a nifty mic filter. But, while I certainly made such charges at this band (and others) when they first came out, my criterion for music theft is now more forgiving. First, we all must acknowledge that no one creates art in a vacuum, everyone takes from someone, creativity is the art of concealing one's sources, and all that. My rule of thumb is to ask myself if I could ever confuse any song by a band in question as actually being by some older band. Would anyone really think that "Soma" is a Velvet Underground song? I highly doubt it (for comparison, play "Little Animal" by the Raveonettes and tell me that it's not the Jesus & Mary Chain!) The influences of the Strokes may be obvious, but they do blend them in a way that makes their sound pretty easy to recognize.
   
   No, my main problem with this album was the fact that it just sounded lifeless. Formulaic, mechanical, plodding, dull. Creators of Elevator Rock, perhaps, but the Saviors of Rock? Seriously? Can anyone actually "rock out" to this stuff? At best, it makes me want to bounce my head like Peppermint Patty from Peanuts. Their song "Hard to Explain" actually reminds me of the music for the Lemmings video game (play it and see!).
   
   Which, perversely enough, is now the appeal. Who else makes rock 'n' roll worthy of a Lemmings game? The robotic lounge rock approach actually is pretty charming. The songs are catchy, Julian's vox have an interesting balance of being pained and bored at once, the bassline of the title track is so hammy it's worthy of early Shonen Knife (this being a very high compliment), and it provides a nice soundtrack to doing household chores. Not exactly the description of The Album That Changed It All, but...c'mon, does anyone really think that anymore? Really?
   
   Not the worst derivative drivel some say it is, and not the best of, really anything, probably. I used to think "Is This It?" when I listened to this album, but now I just bounce like Peppermint Patty while reaching for the next pot to scrub.



3. Yes, 2001 was quite a long time ago, and I almost forgot about all the hype surrounding the Strokes first release. Now that the Strokes are out of the spotlight, I took some time to rediscover this album which used to be one of my favorites. Completely disregarding whether the album was worth all the hype or whether the Strokes were the saviors of rock and roll or just a played up commercial band, I found this to be a very good album that I listened to again and again. With a more critical musical ear than at the time of the release, I found the rhythm and lead guitar blended together quite nicely, and the drum beats, while not very varied and lacking fills, provided a steady foundation and gave a good feel to each song. The bass lines gave another rhythm to mix with the guitars, so overall solid and catchy instrumentation (all the songs are quite fun to play with a band.) The vocals, although kind of repetitive and in the same style, still sounded fresh and interesting. As for lyrics, not too diverse, but still, I like many of the songs. Among my favorites are Barely Legal, The Modern Age, Someday, and When It Started. Overall a cool album, still one of my favorites, even after the Strokes' peak.



4. I like to rock out to this album in my brand new car. Buy it!!!



5. Well i've litterally listened to this album over hundreds of times and it never gets old. I think all the people who gave it one star are just butthurt that their favorite bands are labeled as the saviors of rock. or that they hold the fact julien casablancas used something to digitally inhance his voice or sometihng. Well listen to them live there just as good. He doesnt have the best sining voice like lets say Regina Spektor does, but this is a rock band! You don't need the best voice. In my opinion they lived up to all the hype and compared to the killers whos the most popular rock band right now that the strokes are the savoiors of rock. Don't get me wrong the killers are alright but are they really rock n' roll or just another pop band. Also they bag on them for not being telented enough on the guitar???? They came up with some sick guitar solos and the constant strumming of the same few chords is part of their sound! Go listen to weezer and alot of other bands who are like that they are amazing too. I do agree Last Night is the weakest track though, but most bands release a super catchy song to sell the album to lil girls. Atleast it was just one of the 11 tracks. All in all this album is amazing and a breath of fresh air in this day and age. Get this album for sure. Theres no bands that really that make me think damn saviors of rock except for this band, anything on the label park the van, Fleet Foxes, and the Dead Trees (probally left alot out). The Strokes are on par if not better then any of those.

5 comments about The Guess Who - Greatest Hits.

1. I had forgotten how many of The Guess Who's songs I loved. And this album is just full of those great hits and my forgotten favorites.
   I would recommend this album to anybody.



2. like the cd had most of the guess who hits songs like clap for the wolfman . these eyes



3. I bought this CD and brought it to work. Everybody in the office borrowed it and most of us recalled the good times that hearing these songs evoked.
   
   Highly recommended!



4. Excellent CD. I enjoyed it so much, I ordered a second one to send to a friend!!!



5. I will never tire of listening to the hits from the Guess Who. I can still remember my older brother cracking the cellophone on our first album and the hiss of the needle hitting the vinyl. This album holds some of their best tunes. You can't help but picture them in a dingy rec room creating these,and be impressed by how young and exceptionally talented they were.

5 comments about How the West Was Won.

1. This album shows Led Zeppelin doing what they do best. Play Live. This album has everything that you want to hear from Led Zeppelin, great Guitar drum solos, and some superb jam sessions from the masters themselves.



2. I bought this 3 disc set about a month ago, and have to say that after comparing it to the BBC Sessions this one wins the fight. Not to condemn the BBC Sessions entirely, but those live performances are just not up to par with this album. I believe the BBC set is an interesting representation of the band in their earlier days, as opposed to this one which was taken from two different concerts in 1972. The band is noticeably tighter and more refined after performing together on the live scene for 4 years. On top of that, I believe the sound quality is better on these discs. To me, the BBC Sessions feel thinner and lack the enthusiasm that How the West Was Won delivers. I have owned the 2 disc Led Zeppelin concert DVD set for a while as well, and can hear the similarity between this album and the middle performances on that DVD set. If you enjoy the tunes in the Madison Square Garden and Knebworth portions of the DVD, I think you will enjoy this CD as well.
   
   I give it four stars because I am found wanting to hear live versions of "Thank You" and "How Many More Times," which are not on this set but I know have been bootlegged from these concerts. Also, some of the songs are ridiculously long and drawn out to a point where they're playing in a different key and a totally different tune. If you like listening to a song transition into a funky groove for ten minutes so that you forget what song it is, then you might not mind. It's just a minor thing I'm not crazy about on this compilation. It's a good representation of Led Zeppelin's live show, but I think it goes too far in a couple songs.
   
   Even with a couple minor setbacks, this album is the best live representation of Led Zeppelin to date if you ask me. I think hardcore Zeppelin fans will cherish it, and casual Zeppelin fans will appreciate hearing the raw versions of their favorite songs. Compared to other live Zeppelin albums, How the West Was Won is the way it oughtta be.



3. The first time I listened to Rock and Roll, (on disc 2,) I had my headphones on - (more like bloody great ear muffs, actually!) It nearly blew me away! I must have listened to that track about six times straight, before I moved on to Moby Dick. Then I had to listen to Moby Dick at least twice, just to hear that cataclysmic sound of John Bonham on the drums one more time!
   
   This album makes the Song Remains the Same seem somewhat monolithic and plodding. (And I really like The Song Remains the Same... Well, I always did, until I heard this!!)
   
   Aside from Led Zep at their rawest, rocking best, there are also some really wonderful acoustic guitar passages that just fill-out the performance nicely and provide some lovely breathing space between all the hard rocking electric guitar riffs and John Bonham's drums. Instead of a pounding dentist's drill, the audience is really ready for the rock when it hits.
   
   Complete with bum notes, slightly off-tune guitars, feedback and overheated valve distortion - (not to mention a couple of occasions when Robert Plant's voice completely cracks!) - this is just wonderfully raw and exciting. Led Zep at their live-performing best! I could listen to this album all day and every day, if I had the chance - and if my neighbors would put up with it!



4. Content-wise, this double-disc DVD-Audio set is pretty much the same as the 3CD set, but it is mixed for 5.1 surround sound that can be played back in a DVD-Audio player or a DVD-Video player in Dolby Digital.
   
   The album is a collection of songs performed live at venues in Southern California between the band's landmark "fourth" album and their creatively stellar 'Houses of the Holy' record, circa 1975. This DVD-Audio disc captures a time in history when live audiences came to hear performers play and would sit through and enjoy 25-minute versions of "Dazed and Confused" and 19-minute "Moby Dick" drum solos. Today, audiences more often than not have to be mesmerized by pyrotechnics, lasers and video screens rather than by virtuoso performances.
   
   One of these performances of note is on one of the band's signature songs "Heartbreaker," featuring the guitar handiwork of Jimmy Page, which on How The West Was Won includes a long, stream-of-consciousness solo. The tune starts off meandering through a few verses until it gets to the solo. This is when the 5.1 mix takes a very tasty "Heartbreaker" solo to new levels, considering that the crowd interaction with the solo makes the listening experience richer. About 30 seconds into a hoedown portion of the solo, the crowd starts to clap along. When listening to the DVD-Audio mix, you want to follow along. You feel like there are other fans directly behind you, yet the performance is still in front of you. Ultimately, Page breaks the solo down into a little sloppy classical guitar work and you get a chance to hear some of the more subtle additions that the DVD-Audio format makes to the recording.
   
   Another example of little details sounding better on DVD-Audio is on "Going To California," where you can hear the mandolin better than on the CD. It sounds more rich and textured on DVD-Audio and in surround sound.
   
   The surround mix doesn't put too much besides crowd noise and acoustic ambience in the rear speakers, but there are times when it seems like the engineer is pushing to make more of the recording than is there in terms of an adventurous surround mix. A good example of this is on Robert Plant's vocal on "The Immigrant Song," which is mixed in such a way that seems a little too loud for the rear speakers for a few brief moments.
   
   With surround sound now in the mix and backwards compatibility to all DVD players, all Led Zeppelin fans should have 'How The West Was Won' on DVD-Audio. The most important reason is the historical importance of the performance, paired with the excellence in musicianship captured in the master. But buyer beware -- this DVD-Audio makes listening to Led Zeppelin more fun live, but it is not a reference caliber DVD-Audio surround sound disc. We have yet to delve into the master tapes of the classic Zeppelin records and attempt to remix them for discrete surround. Some say that because of the four-track recording techniques used on the early albums, the project may be close to impossible. Others suggest that it can be done and point to the Beach Boys' 'Pet Sounds' as an example of an older recording taking on wonderful audio quality in DVD-Audio and surround sound. Nevertheless, 'How The West Was Won' is better and more exciting on DVD-Audio than on CD. -- Jerry Del Colliano, 10/2003



5. I was forunate enough to be at the LA Forum show on 25Jun1972. It's the best live show I have ever been too. I have attended over a 100 concerts in my life and this one sticks as the best live show ever. I'm so glad they came out with the CD music from this concert. Now I can listen to the music from that special night again and again.

5 comments about The Cars.

1. Not sure why it is not listed as such but wanted to confirm that this $6.99 Elektra release is HDCD Remastered and sounds fantastic. Panorama and Candy-O also received the same quality HDCD remaster and sound great as well. Unfortunately the Elektra $6.99 Shake It Up and Heartbeat City releases did not receive this remastering and the difference shows, especially on SIU.



2. My native Boston based rockers The Cars released their self-titled debut in June of 1978.
   The Cars was formed by rhythm guitarist/singer/songwriter Ric Ocasek and bass player/singer (the late) Benjamin Orr.
   Prior to the formation of The Cars, Orr and Ocasek were in a popular Boston act called Cap'n Swing, along with lead guitarist and Berkeley School of Music grad Elliot Easton. They broke up in 1975 and the trio joined forces with former Modern Lovers drummer David Robinson and keyboard player Greg Hawkes in 1976.
   For a year they did well gigging around New England and their demo of "Just What I Needed" became a hugely requested song on a local Boston rock station (WBCN for those who want to know). As a result, Elektra Records signed the band and the label decided to pull out the artillery for this new band and have legendary Queen producer Roy Thomas Baker produce this incredible debut which was recorded in London, England at George Martin's AIR Studios with engineer Geoff Workman (another Queen and Journey veteran).
   When this album came out, it was a smash and 30 plus years later, it is still a masterpiece.
   The album's first three tracks were all hit singles. "Good Times Roll" is a great opening song on this album with a killer guitar riff and what not. Next is "My Best Friend's Girl" is another great song and I think of this song from the 1979 Matt Dillon film debut Over the Edge where he told a cop off as the policeman was arresting one of his friends. The song is great too with a guitar solo reminiscent to The Beatles' "I Will" in tone. The song that follows was "Just What I Needed" which was America's intro to the band and was Orr's vocal debut on a Cars track (Ben and Ric would split the vocals evenly). The track is still a staple of rock radio. This track too appeared in Over the Edge prior to the film's party scene. "I'm In Touch With Your World" and "Dont'cha Stop" are also great rockers which close the first half of the album with classic Ric vocals (Ric sang most of the first half except as noted). Those tracks ended the first half wanting more.
   The rock radio staple "You're All I've Got Tonight" kicks the second half off in a grand way and is a killer rocker (the only vocal from Ric in the second half as Ben did the rest). "Bye Bye Love" is next and another great rocker as well and a rock radio staple as is most of this album. We segue into the classic "Moving in Stereo" which is one of the band's best pieces of music and the song is forever etched in our brains as that image of Phoebe Cates in the red swimsuit coming out of the pool in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. The closing "All Mixed Up" is a great song as well and a great way to close this album.
   This album fittingly got the success it deserved and not only did New Wave fans buy and embrace this album in droves but hard rock fans did as well and sold millions and peaked in the US Top 20.
   This version of the album was remastered in 1998 by Joe Gastwirt and Rhino then upped the anty by issuing a deluxe edition in 1999.
   Highly recommended!



3. This is the best sounding version out there, better than the Rhino double set and the HDCD Elektra remaster. Good bass, nice clear detail in back round instruments and sounds. Another great job by Steve Hoffman. Check out Audio Fidelity for more great new gold cd releases by Steve!



4. Learning to drive was one of the most liberating experiences I have had. It just changed the rules of the game. I went from being a kid who had to be shuttled around to a more active participant in the world at large. I not only had a new lease on life but also new responsibilities (a 1990 Honda Civic to take care of - my parents' old car that became mine around 1995 or so) that felt adult-like. I think I grew a lot overall from the experience and now, many years later, can't imagine what life would be like if I couldn't get behind the wheel.
   
   I've always associated driving with liberation and excitement, and to this day it's my best place to think. I have logged a lot of miles on several vehicles over the years and (wait, I'm reviewing something aren't I?) can think of no better soundtrack for this experience than the first Cars album.
   
   This album was released the year after I was born, so I certainly didn't "grow up with it" through my formative (read: teenage) years like some of the other reviewers here. However I've always felt a certain kinship with this little classic, as if it's something that I should (in italics) have grown up with. Perhaps that's because, for all of its virtues, a lot of the music that came about in "my" era wasn't particularly fun and catchy. Driving to Nirvana or Soundgarden is (IMHO) a soup-sandwich unless you're really angry and/or depressed. The closest corollary is Teenage Fanclub (another band that has created some of my favorite driving music), Fountains Of Wayne (of course) and Canadian band Sloan.
   
   The Cars' first disc is the driving album that every generation ought to have, full of good poppy rockin fun with an ever-so-slightly-twisted perspective (arched eyebrows at the ready) that allows you to still feel smart while singing along. I couldn't ask for more. However, absent any discoveries yet to be made, I don't believe there is such a thing for Gen-X and beyond. In the meantime, give this a spin the next time you head out on the road and try to picture that rush of liberation that you may have experienced when you first got behind the wheel unsupervised. It's a nice feeling.



5. So, I'm driving home with my girlfriend after a wonderful dinner out, and out of no where Just What I Needed comes on the radio. So I turned it up real loud and started singing along. I'm really not a very good singer but there is no way you can hear this song and not be moved to sing along with it. My girlfriend who is 15 years my junior even loved the song (but not my singing). Before we got home I said to her, "I've got to quickly throw up a review on Amazon when we get home!"
   
   I was only 10 years old when the Cars debut album was released. I didn't actually listen to the album until two years later during my freshman year in junior high. I remember instantly falling in love with the entire album, every song. To my ears it still sounds as fresh as the day it was released. Take a trip down memory lane and put this album on for a listen and you to will realize why the saying "they don't make em like they used" is more true now regarding the music industry than ever more.

5 comments about Money and Cigarettes.

1. My wife heard the song on the commercial for the new Eric Clapton phone and wanted it. So we order this CD that has it.
   The whole CD is pretty good and the price and service from this seller was great.



2. Short Story; Five great songs and no major turds...easily Eric's strongest outing of the 1980s. Very well remastered, too!
   
   Long Story; The chorus of Crazy Country Hop features they lyrics "Ooh-weee, oh-oh...Oooh la, la, let's rock and roll". A brief discussion broke out among Eric and his sidemen about whether these profoundly fruity lyrics compromised their manhood. They were interrupted by the phone outside the control room. Eric answers and then turns to his band, "Hey guys, my smokin' hot supermodel wife Pattie Boyd is callng from the $1.50/minute car-phone in my Lamborghini Countach. She's in the McDonald's drive-thru and wants to know what you guys want on your Big Macs." Needless to say, it was then decided by unanimous vote that the Oooh la-la lyrics were not a problem for men in their situation.
   
   Don't even think about bothering me with a rant about how profoundly inaccurate my story is.



3. By this point in Eric's career, his legacy as one of rock 'n' roll's all time great guitarists was secure and in tact. He had traveled a long way since the so-called "power trio" extended jams of the Cream era, and had little to prove in that regard. So, he ventured off in search of a more pastoral approach to his music. Between 1975-80 he exploited the growth of the country cross-over phenomenon in popular music by donning a checkered vest and playing songs like "Tulsa Time". This was an astute move seeing that neither punk nor disco was a viable option for him at the time. However, the country troubadour schtick did eventually wear thin, at a time when popular music was transitioning away from guitar-based music in favor of drum machines, synthesizers, and guys with too much mousse in their hair. Eric took the high road into adult contemporary music, choosing to play rather light and relaxed pop songs typically built around a simple blues or country guitar riff (see "Everybody Oughta Make A Change", which has a feel to it reminiscent of the "Barney Miller" TV theme). He would continue to refine this formula with mixed results until 1989's "Journeyman" release, which was clearly the apex of this period (although "Behind the Sun" and "August" each had their moments). Additionally, he began to approach his singing as something more than an afterthought, as is evidenced on songs such as "Pretty Girl".
   This record finds Clapton seemingly in a peaceful, mature state of mind (although, after reading his biography it appears that his drinking continued unabated). So, for a relaxed (albeit not particularly engaging) listen, try this one out in the car. It sounds good in surround sound, and might prevent road-rage.
   
   Footnote: The highlight of this disc is probably the lively cut "The Shape Your In" which features a little guitar duel between Clapton and his amigo Albert Lee (a B-list star in his own right). The title of the disc "Money and Cigarettes", which was probably nothing more than a description of what Eric had in his pocket at the time (heck, why not just call the album "Lint"?), appears to be an indicator of EC's attitude about the project.



4. Most of these songs just sound like they've thrown together some last minute weak major to minor chord progressions. Clapton seems to be going through the motions. Apart from the Sleepy John Estes track "Everybody ought to change" there's nothing inspirational. Eric's version of "Crosscut Saw" is adequate but he repeats just one predictable Albert King phrase throughout. My goodness, even Albert, who was always accused of using three licks, was more adventurous than someone who was bestowed with the title "GOD". "Slow Down Linda" and "Man In Love" sound more like Chas 'n" Dave songs and Eric was still influenced by that duo.
   Skip this one and move on to another earlier Clapton album or better still listen to him with "Cream".



5. Ok folks here it goes.The year was 1983 and comercialism was still going strong.Most groups put out music every year.In the seventies you had to wait a life time{so it seems} I've got a rock n roll heart bellowed from radio stations.It sold the album.Its amazing when I look back and bought records on one single.Sometimes it was a good album and other times it was like getting dental work done without novacane.This album is laid back but enjoyable.Its not Slowhand but its not reptile either.Eric might of been relaxing on a tropical island somewhere but money was flowing in just from that song alone.The song man overboard is a little cheezey but doesn't kill the album.Crazy Country Hop is always a treat thanks to the nutty lyrics and music by J.Otis.The good thing about today as I mentioned earlier was that you can sample music so you know what you're in for.I sampled this and bought it.Your call!

5 comments about Room on Fire.

1. The Strokes are a unique band that has a very specific sound. I was unsure whether that sound could carry through to another album and be just as entertaining. After listening to this album I was pleasantly assured that the Strokes are here to stay. It's not quite "Is This It?" but "Room on Fire" has enough good songs to tide me over.
   
   "What Ever Happened", "Reptilia", "Automatic Stop", "You Talk Way Too Much", "Between Love and Hate", and "Under Control" are the best songs on the cd. These songs are hard to stop listening to and my ipod is tired of playing them. The other songs don't stick at all, but you can't expect the cd to completely satisfy you. I hope for at least 4 good songs, and I got a great good to bad song ratio on this cd.
   
   It's grungy, it's dirty, it's the lovely music of the Strokes you wanted more of. If you can't get enough from their first album, consider this a direct sequel. This cd doesn't go in a new direction. It more of a continuation of the first round. The great thing about "Room on Fire" is that the Strokes have the same style, but the music in no way gets old.



2. One of the few graceful big pressure indie sophomores that felt slightly compromised from one perspective, but enhanced in the next. The kind of follow up that does refine some of the grittier urgencies which made the debut stick out but in trade gets expansive production and refined compositions. Unfortunately it could have even been better had they spent the time end it properly, and by that I mean it was too short only just over a half hour with the wrong closer.



3. This is one of my favorite albums of all time, hands down. The flow and style of the album from start to finish is what many self-proclaimed great "The _____" bands wish they could produce. This album is a significant improvement on their first album.
   
   I would highly recommend this album to any rock fan.



4. I will admit, I am one of those who hated The Strokes, despite really giving them a chance. After hearing "Someday" on the radio...I had to give in. Prior to hearing this single, I went to see Weezer, where The Strokes were scheduled to open. At the time, I was stoked that they canceled so I didn't have to sit through them. Now...I am very bitter with myself and the circumstances.
   
   With that said...I enjoyed the first album. I was excited for Room On Fire to be released. The moment I popped into my car stereo, I fell in love. "Under Control" was such a pleasant suprise. I love Julian's crooning. Every other song is fun and upbeat.
   
   To me, this is essential pop rock. I'm not an 80's New York post-punk fan by any means, so the comparisons mean nothing to me. I am a huge Head Automatica fan, though. If you are also a fan of Head Automatica (and not soley a fan of Daryl Palumbo), do yourself a favor and buy this album.



5. I love this CD. It is one of my new favorites.
   If you liked their last CD, Is this It?, you will
   like this one too. Great guitar and lyrics

5 comments about The Stranger.

1. "Essential Recording," one of the greatest, legendary - call "The Stranger" whatever you want, but listen to it and you'll become hooked just the same.
   
   Thirty-three years on and it still sounds great. Although this album sounds dated in some places, I really don't care because the strength of the songs carry that dated sound through.
   
   I've always had great respect for Billy Joel as a singer, songwriter, and pop musician. He was able to write an entire album of hits that are just a pleasure to listen to all these years later. You can listen to this while you're doing whatever it is you're doing and you'll be disappointed by the time it's over, as if to say, "That's it?"
   
   Joel hasn't stopped since the 1970s and I hope he keeps it up for as long as he can write music and play that piano.
   
   I know a good album when I hear it and "The Stranger" is one of the greatest pieces of pop music. I don't have a favorite because every single song here is worthy of repeat listening.
   
   Be warned, though: You really should listen to this straight through - preferably everytime. - Donna Di Giacomo



2. This has been my favorite album for years. My cassette tape broke and I have been without it for several years and am so happy to have in again in cd form. Thank you.



3. Though, "Piano Man", may be Joel's signature song, "The Stranger" is his signature album. After all, though it may not contain, "Piano Man", it contains a wealth of other classics that are just as strong and that is why this album pushed the already famous Billy Joel even further into the spotlight. The material here is uniformly strong with extremely little filler or wasted moments. Most notable are the character sketches such as, "Moving Out (Anthony's Song)", and, "Scenes From An Italian Restaurant". The latter being an extended suite of sorts that Joel actually preferred over, "Piano Man". The big hit here, however, is the romantic ballad, "Just The way You Are", which has become a staple of soft-rock radio. Equally emotional, and perhaps better written, is the love song, "She Always A Woman To Me". But these soft moments are balanced out by the stinging title track and the pro-lust anthem, "Only The Good Die Young" which stirred up quite a bit of controversy when it was initially released. Also, be on the look out for the reflective and gentle, "Vienna" which is an often forgotten masterpiece. Indeed, Joel is a very versatile songwriter and though he went on to make many other classic songs an albums, this one remains his masterpiece. Though many of these songs are found on his greatest hits package, they're best heard here in their original context.



4. Intelligent lyrics that helped me through my teenage years. There is no comparison to his Billy Joel's musicianship. Magical! It's great to revisit this album time and time again.



5. I love everything Billy Joel sings but the songs on this CD have always been my all-time favorites. Mr. Joel never ceases to amaze us with all his talent. I have the LP but wore it out over the years and was crushed when I bought a record player only to find the sound wasn't what I remembered it to be when I bought records brand new. Now that this album is new to CD, I was so excited that I couldn't wait to get it! This is one of those CD's that you never tire of listening to. I'm glad Billy Joel is still writing songs to bring us even more wonderful music today! I love he spans generations. That's a rarity in itself. And, Billy Joel is a rarity! Love him!

5 comments about The Essential Bruce Springsteen.

1. Good intro or retrospective for those who don't already have a collection; good set of new songs for those who do.



2. You can't please everyone, you'll never be able to compile a set of tracks from such a large body of work that will please everyone. This is as good a set as any and a great introduction to new fans.



3. As the most important voice in music over the last 35 years, compiling the most important recordings in Bruce Springsteen's career to three discs (including one including never before released outtakes as opposed to some truly important cuts that missed inclusion on the first two discs) is in no way an easy task. For every "Born To Run" and "Dancing In The Dark" that's included, there's a "Growin' Up" and "Backstreets" that's missing the cut.
   
   "The Essential Bruce Springsteen" is the compilation in question, and despite the glaring omissions, it does a pretty good job on the whole. You get the timeless rock anthems that helped shape Bruce into the almost mythical figure he is today ("Born To Run," "Badlands"), the epic narrative pieces with unforgettable characters and locale ("Thunder Road," "Jungleland"), the classic hit singles ("Hungry Heart," "Glory Days"), and latter day accomplishments ("The Rising," "Lonesome Day"). In between, we get a host of forgotten gems such as "Blinded By The Light," (far better than the more famous Manfred Mann cover), "For You," "Tunnel Of Love," and a few from Bruce's underrated 1992-97 period (the haunting "Youngstown," unfortunately, is another missed gem from this era). To throw a few more superlatives upon this collection, the songs are remastered and sound amazing.
   
   The third disc also includes some very welcome treats. Two songs that, up until this collection's 2003 release, remained available only through diehard collectors finally pop up, "County Fair" and the sublime "Born In The U.S.A." outtake "None But The Brave." The "The River" outtake "Held Up Without A Gun," with shared vocals by Bruce and Little Steven Van Zandt, is presented in its (until 2008) only live performance ever, from the famous 1980 New Years Eve show at Nassau Coliseum. Other gems include "From Small Things (Big Things One Day Come)," the ethereal "Lift Me Up," written for the John Sayles film "Limbo" but never available on Bruce compilation until now, and "Dead Man Walkin'," a haunting composition from the Sean Penn / Susan Sarandon film of the same name.
   
   As mentioned, a host of classics from Bruce's career failed to make the cut, and their absence is definitely notable and noticeable. However, this doesn't take away from the fact this is still solid primer for beginning Springsteen fans, a crash course to some of the greatest music ever recorded.



4. While this collection includes most of Springsteen's classics, several important ones are missing (My Hometown, I'm On Fire, Better Days, Secret Garden, Waitin' On A Sunny Day). It does however include some songs from his first two albums, which I would not call "essential." If they are going to call a collection THE Essential, then it should include every top 40 single the artist has released to date. This album does not do that.



5. I give this collection 3 stars because don't include two greatest 80's hits: I'M ON FIRE and MY HOME TOWN not even in the GREATEST HITS album.

5 comments about The Trinity Session.

1. The sultry voice of Margo Timmens live recording at the church The Holy Trinity in Toronto. This is Blue Grass/Folk from the highest level. The musical accompaniment of all the used instruments is a pleasure for your ears.
   It is very special to hear "Sweet Jane" on this way, I have the vinyl performance (rockin animal)of Lou Reed. So I,am glad with these album.



2. Great laid back CD and a real audiophiles dream. My speakers simply disappear. A real gem!



3. The vocals are totally drowned out by the instruments - especially on To Love is To Bury.



4. 3 1/2
   
   Last chance for a slow dance. Soothing, and sad, these atmospheric tributes along with quite a few worthwhile covers were on par with the best slow-core could muster, the Junkies here especially sounding like some kind of countrified early Low. While the lyrics and mood may remain similarly down, the subtle life injected over evocative female breathy-ness is anything but. There is nothing too special about much songwriting in the originals, they simply emulate traditional forms far more sensitively in this taut session. It is amazing that this was recorded how it was, I supposed they had a sound and they knew what they were going for, and it still remains an amazing production technique, perhaps overshadowing much of the work itself.



5. If asked, I would have guessed the Cowboy Junkies to be another punk band from the 90's. So glad to be doing the CDNOW search thing and find this group. Unlike 1976 Its not easy for old guys like me to find good "new" music. God knows its not on the radio anymore. Everything about Trinity Session is great. The sound quality is 5 star, same for the mood and sparse instrumentation. The original and cover songs are all amazing, heck even my wife likes it! This could be what Karen Carpenter and Jimi Hendrix would be doing together today if we were lucky enough to still have them here. If you love a terrific female lead singer get this album. The moods here remind me of the best Van Morrison albums or Pink Floyd. I highly reccomend this to all.