5 comments about Juliana's Pony: Total System Failure.

1. contrary to what other reveiwers have written, this is an excellent, inspired, well written, purposely sloppy album. its raw, sarcatic, dark and poppy, with toooo many undertones and hidden meanings to mentions. if juliana ever wrote a song with line of "i *something* you" it would have to be "i forgive you". she hates and... well hates, (cant say she loves that would just be lying) and it shows. its emotional and beautiful, angry and light filled. this album is excellent.



2. 2000 was a busy year for Juliana Hatfield, having released two albums simultaneously-- one was an introspective, wistful record full of acoustic guitars, samples, loops, and delicateness ("Beautiful Creature"), the other was quite the opposite-- loud, aggressive, lacking subtelty, filled with distorted guitars and noise.
   
   Invariably, its lack of variety leads to its failure as a record. From the outset (opener "White Trash"-- 15 seconds of feedback), its pretty clear this isn't going to be a melodic affair, and it continues largely in that direction. Hatfield's vocal is lower in pitch than usual, singing in a relatively constricted vocal style that teeters the edge of bland ("My Protegee") and irritating (the otherwise fine "Road Wrath"). Lyrically, the record attempts to find that balance of clever sarcasm, but sometimes comes off as tactless ("Let's Get Married", "Leather Pants"). And musically, its sometimes totally dead on arrival ("Breeders", "The Victim").
   
   For all my criticism, some of it quite amusing-- "Houseboy" is rather successful, coming off as sarcastic as intended and with a really nice lead guitar, "Total System Failure" is pretty much exactly what you'd hope for from a slab of white hot anger, and "Using You" has an interesting arrangement that works rather nicely.
   
   As far as Hatfield's catalog goes though, this one is pretty unessential. It's mate, "Beautiful Creature", is among her best, and the two do parallel nicely together. I should also note that the album is growing on me, I give it two stars, but six months ago it would have been one, its definitely growing on me. We'll see what I think in another six.



3. I'll start by admitting that I have been a Juliana fan since her Blake Babies days. That said, I've read a variety of reviews on this disc and have to chime in with my two cents to say that IMO, it is a pretty darn good album. It took me awhile to get my head around it because it is quite a departure, but it really grows on you. I have always liked the harder side of Juliana (when she rocks-it-up in a song), particularly because she has a such a great songwriting knack of weaving good riffs into material primarily comprised of lighter musical fare (which provided the riffs with extra impact, of course). Total System Failure is different because the whole thing is pretty much a full bore barrage of guitars. But as I analyzed why I liked it so much, I came to the conclusion that a big part of it was due to the fact that Juliana's staple sarcasm and wit come through loud and clear on this one. She takes direct aim at middle America and cuts it in two in such as way that is vintage Juliana. I prefer this one over Beautiful Creature (which is also good, but not as energetic that's for sure).



4. Maybe 5 stars is one too many, but that's all a matter of opinion. Juliana Hatfield is an awesome artist who writes and plays her own music, and this hard rocking disc will shock those who are only familiar with "Beautiful Creature". I've been a fan for years, and would say the only drawback to this CD would be a few songs being "too similar"?? It does rock, though and is worthy of purchase, definitely



5. Great guitar solos... Lyrics filled with bile, sarcasm, sickness, & humor... An amazing counterbalance to Beautiful Creature's introspective vibe... this CD is meant to be played LOUD! Beautiful Creature may sound more personal but Total System Failure will surprise you with its skewed viewpoint... This CD jams!!!

2 comments about Uncorrected Personality Traits: The Robyn Hitchcock Collection.

1. As other reviewer notes, probably for tempo and pacing purposes 'balloon man' was left out. But that makes sense if you listen to this album with its Nick Drake-esque songs from EYE. I am biased as a fan, but to be honest I don't think I could have come up with a better selection of tunes to prove that RH was one of the best songwriters of his era. Unfortunately his era was dominated by Duran Duran and Culture Club.



2. This album covers Hitchcock's early work w/ the Egyptians, his later work w/ the Egyptians and his brilliant solo acoustic ablum, Eye. Unfortunately it offers nothing from his most upbeat, poppy album, Globe of Frogs, and because of its nature as a compilation, fails to replicate the unity of any of the individual albums. For someone wanting to sample from RH's broad album mix, this is a good start, though not as rewarding as the 2-CD Soft Boys (his early band) compilation, "1976-1981."

5 comments about Jewels for Sophia.

1. Tired and lacking.
   Feels like he had nothing to say but had a record due. A few moments here and there but overall lacks any memorable tunes. Everybody can lay a fat egg and Robyn is human. Thank god for Moss Elixer.
   Avoid as a starting place but any Hitcher will eventually own it.



2. This CD is worth buying just for the "Viva! Sea-Tac" track, the chorus of which is "viva seattle tacoma, viva viva viva sea-tac; they've got the best computers and coffee and smack!" As a biased Seattle resident I have to agree.
   
   My other favorite songs on this CD are Cheese Alarm (an ode to cheese), I Feel Beautiful (a sweet ballad), Antwoman (an ode his elusive dream woman), and the title track, Jewels For Sophia (a anthem-like love ballad). Overall this is great songwriting, and Robyn Hitchcock not only has a charismatic and expressive voice, he has an excellent sense of humor.



3. As much as I like Robyn Hitchcock, this album is one of his weaker efforts overall. "Mexican God," "Viva Seatac," "Antwoman" and the title track all range from good to excellent but for the rest of the album I just find myself checking my watch a lot to see how long until the lame filler material plays out and the good songs come on. Robyn's not usually this boring, but much of this album just doesn't go anywhere interesting, lyrically or musically.
   
   If you're interested in Robyn Hitchcock there are better places to start. "Moss Elixir," "Globe of Frogs" and the Soft Boys' "Underwater Moonlight" are all very strong albums that will keep your finger away from the Skip Forward button on your iPod. Keep an eye out for this one in the used bin, but don't pay full price for it.



4. Robyn Hitchcock has the talent to write hit pop songs, but prefers to do music his own way. We're not likely to hear his pinched, high-pitched English croon on a #1 hit single. To that I say thank (insert deity of choice here) that he follows his own muse.
   
   True, Robyn did flirt with the idea of pop success and even came close to it with a few tunes from PERSPEX ISLAND. The tunes were good, the eccentric tendencies were toned down, personal element turned up . . . but pop success didn't exactly materialize.
   
   So now Robyn is stuck with his rather small but loyal fan base. And now he's older, wiser and more introspective, too. I would daresay JEWELS FOR SOPHIA contains some of the best songs he's ever written (and maybe a few of his worst). His lyrics are as weird as ever and he's got plenty of great musicians along for the ride, including Peter Buck of R.E.M. and Soft Boy bandmate Kimberly Rew.
   
   "Mexican God" - slides into the album laid-back style, a few doo-wop verses thrown in. "Time will destroy you like a Mexican God." *****
   
   "The Cheese Alarm" - beautiful acoustic guitar introduces this strange finger-picker with tabla accompaniment. It soon takes off as Robyn carries on about an apparent cheese obsession of his. ****1/2
   
   "Viva! Sea-Tac" - noisy, jangling tune that's frankly not too original or inspiring. **
   
   "I Feel Beautiful" - A surprizingly warm and intimate love song played with a pretty straight face (by Hitchcock's standards). *****
   
   "You've Got a Sweet Mouth On You, Baby" - A truly sweet tune, wacky yet gorgeous. *****
   
   "NASA Clapping" - Similar to "Viva! Sea-Tac" but a bit more inspired. The runaway-train drumbeat can't compensate for this lackluster tune although there is some great guitar on the track and some blazing harmonica. It's not that Hitchcock can't rock, but the more upbeat tunes on JEWELS tend to be least mormorable ones. ***
   
   "Sally Was a Legend" - This is another upbeat track, but this one turned out to be a pretty good pop song. The Kimberly Rew influence shines through here. ****
   
   "Antwoman" - With its chugging, tugging groove, this cut is soooo cool and I just love the lyrics. "Being just contaminates the void . . . " *****+
   
   "Elizabeth Jade" - Another swinging uptempo rocker, this one has standard chord changes in a style you've probably heard a million times, but it's well executed. ***1/4
   
   "No, I Don't Remember Guildford" - brilliant, nostalgic sounding, yet it's actually anti-nostalgia. Great, lonesome (mouth) harp. "Show some respect/ To the ghosts that are ruining your life/ It's your life . . . " Robyn's double-tracked voice is exquisite here. *****
   
   "Dark Princess" - You might not have ever guessed he was capable of it, but this one's really sexy. Love the "chamberlin" (vibrophone?). This is one of his very best songs. *****+
   
   "Jewels for Sophia" - Spiraling guitars woven with spiraling vocals, weird percussion, lyrics completely out to lunch . . . this one's mind-blowingly good. *****+
   
   bonus material -
   When some homosexual-sounding voice (apparently taken from an answering machine) comes on to announce a screening of "Goodfellas," it's clear we are steering off the map into Robyn's bizarre "netherworld." A strange, rather dischordant piano begins pounding away and Robyn starts riffing at the mouth. Weirdness abounds for several minutes until the song sort of self-destructs and immediately segues into "Gene Hackman" (*****) which seems to have been recorded at some laid-back party with friends, just Robyn and his guitar. Fans will love it.



5. Hitchcock's lyrics alone can make a trip through one of his albums a worthy endeavor. 1999's "Jewels for Sophia" contains some absolutely brilliant lines: "Time will destroy you like a Mexican god"; "Being just contaminates the void"; "Half the world starving and half the world bloats half the world sits on the other and gloats"; "At least when I die, your memory will too". Sometimes Hitchcock's more rock-oriented albums leave the lyrics drowning and screaming for help in the mix. Consequently, many fans seem to be cleaved by his two "personas" - the acoustic and the electric. "Jewels for Sophia" strikes a nice balance for the most part. The arrangements allow the listener to articulate the lines without missing the instrumentation, and the electric and acoustic seem to make great bedmates here. Lush strumming mixes amazingly well with distorted thunder clashes of electric guitar in many places. Grinding rock songs segue into delicate acoustic ballads and vice versa. Both the rough and sensitive Hitchcock get air time on "Jewels for Sophia".
   
   "Mexican God" starts off the album with an impromptu feeling (much like the Soft Boys "Can of Bees"). Robyn counts down after mumbling something into the microphone. This one has a sparse but driving arrangement - only acoustic guitar, bass, and drums. The song grants eternal destruction to four different people and situations. A pean to mortality.
   
   "Cheese Alarm" is both brilliant and stupid. It showcases Hitchcock's ability to elevate the ridiculous to the profound. The lyrics read like Monty Python's "Cheeseshop sketch" then morph into a statement on gluttony and dominance. It features driving tablas and an introduction reminiscent of Bollywood.
   
   "Viva! Sea-Tac" brings the album to full throttle. It grooves and drives while seeming to both praise and condemn the "Seattle Movement" of the late 1990s. It also falls apart at the end, opening the album to "I Feel Beautiful" - a tender acoustic love song (that comes close to falling on the sappy side of the fence) with an amazingly beautiful dulcimer-esque solo.
   
   The haunting "No, I Don't Remember Guilford" seems like a semi-amnesiac remembrance of an English holocaust. It's one of the album's best tracks.
   
   "Jewels for Sophia" presents some excellent Hitchcock. The moody, grooving, beautiful, disturbing, ridiculous, and profound all find a home on this album. Hitchcock's career has attempted to synthesize all of these elements, and his best music does have the ability to bring out the absurdity and beauty of existence. Some of the music on "Jewels of Sophia" reaches these heights.
   
   Lastly, don't miss the live acoustic "Gene Hackman" track hidden at the end of the album.

5 comments about 2½ Years.

1. If you can find it at a decent price, & you don't have these cd's, it's worth it. I got it used for less than I'd have paid for the 4 cd's separately. The mixes are good, some of the bonus material is worth listening to, & the booklets & notes are nice.



2. This is it! This is the one! Forget the Rhino reissues, this is still the best place for the old school Attractions sound. Reason? El Mocombo (sp?). Simply stated it is one of the most blisteringly honest live albums ever produced! Essentially a bootleg the Mocombo disc gets by on guts and fire alone. Now, I am not suggesting you pay $250 for this box set, especially if you did already fork it over for the Rhino's....BUT! I cannot honestly think of a better way to spend $250.
   These old Ryko issues hold their own to the recent Rhino's despite the paucity of bonus material. However, until Mocombo is given its proper due, or you are lucky enough to score one somehow, somewhere, DO WHAT YOU MUST to include this disc in your arsenal of rock'n'roll.
   And it cannot be overstated enough: the screaming OWWWWWWW dude does greatly annoy these nerves of mine. Time does diminish his presence though.
   Buybuybuy!



3. Brilliant as everyone says. The live album included is killer except for one thing....this dude keeps yelling OWWWWWWWWWW really loudly throughout EVERY song!!!!! In fact, half way through the live set you start listening for the OWWWWW if you haven't heard it in the last 15 to 20 seconds (the way you listen for a snore when a snorer stops breathing for a really long time). And so one of the best live albums ever is ruined by some drunken idiot. An OWWWWWW or two between songs is acceptable if annoying. OWWWWWW's every 10 seconds throughout a concert is worthy of the crowd going Who-concert-in-Cincinatti on you ___. It's like those idiots who blow horns throughout an entire 90 minute soccer game or the people with really bassy sound systems in their cars. We hear you, we acknowledge that you exist, now please shut up!



4. For any fan of Costello and almost any fan of rock 'n roll, this set is indispensable. Costello's first 3 albums are included, along with one live disk. All the included albums here have added tracks - many interesting songs not previously released along with alternate versions of standards. One of my favorite new songs is 'Stranger in the House', an early demonstration of Costello's country interests which was left off 'My Aim Is True' because the record company couldn't tolerate the idea of a country-styled song on a rock album.



5. That's three words to describe this collection of Elvis Costello's first 3 albums - packaged here in an excellent box set from Ryko (who also did a rather good job of repackaging the Bowie back catalogue some ten years ago). Sadly, this box set is not available here in the U.K. anymore (hasn't been for at least 2 years) so us Limeys have to buy it in on import - no problem, especially as the U.S. version features Elvis's name in cutout form on the front of the box - this version went out of print in the U.K. circa 1996. The studio albums are complimented with a superb live CD which was previously unreleased, except as a rare promo LP. Elvis Costello is one of the best songwriters to emerge from Britian since the Beatles...it's no surprise to me that he is so popular in the U.S. as his appeal - like the Beatles, Bowie, Sting, Pink Floyd and other great British acts - is universal (unlike sad British bands like Oasis). Costello's best work was, like Bowie's, his early work and that's what you get here - a collection of his finest work of the late 1970s. Having said that, "Imperial Bedroom" and "King Of America" are also great albums from the 1980s that are worth checking out. This is a great value box set containing some really great music. Well worth every penny, dollar, whatever...get on and and buy it!

5 comments about Almost Blue.

1. Costello's country excursion works well because of the excellent songs he chose. His voice is suited to the genre and the Attractions give it all they've got, supported by some brilliant Nashville musicians like John McFee on lead and pedal steel guitars, and Tommy Miller on violin. This enhanced album includes a wealth of extra tracks, mostly live versions.
   
   The fast paced Why Don't You Love Me (Like You Used To Do) sounds more like early rock 'n roll than country to me, whilst Sweet Dreams is done with feeling and lots of soul. Success is a gently lilting ballad with lovely piano.
   
   My favourites are the buoyant Tonight The Bottle Let Me Down, the moving Colour Of The Blues, this slow version of Too Far Gone, and especially the bittersweet Good Year For The Roses, a brilliant interpretation.
   
   Costello's country excursion reminds me of another highly successful country album by a UK artist, Marianne Faithfull's very authentic Faithless (also available as Dreamin' My Dreams). Almost Blue obviously won't appeal to all Elvis Costello fans, but I find it a pleasure to listen to and a worthy contribution to the genre.



2. (This review is based on the shorter, original CD)

   I don't know much about country music, but I know when I want to hear "poor me" music, I turn to this CD. I've always been a big Elvis fan and was looking for another in the ilk of his first three. This one disappointed me at first, but it got under my skin and now it's one of my favorites.

   The only times I don't like Elvis is when his music seems uninspired and he's just cranking it out, especially in the writing. I think every album/CD since (and including) Trust has had some of that. Since Almost Blue is all covers, I think it allowed Elvis to concentrate on singing songs he obviously loves.

   I'd rather have this off-beat "weird" CD than one of his later inconsistent ones. I like every song on it.




3. I love this release by Elvis. I take it as a tribute to the singer/songwriters that inspired him. The selections and arrangements make this a solid country venture for Mr. Costello!



4. when i first heard "almost blue" i was floored. whereas the "stax"/"wall of sound" surprise of "get happy!" seemed consistent with elvis' musical sensibility (and fit neatly into a still burgeoning "new wave" eclecticism), "almost blue" was COUNTRY.

   i love this album. elvis used a fantastic producer (billy sherrill) and covers some pretty awesome material. my only regret is that elvis' live rendition of the gram parson's song "i'm your toy" isn't part of the original album (it is on the re-issues) elvis, backed by the royal philharmonic, never sounded better.

   country music is part of rock's roots -- nowadays that seems neither incongruous nor foolish. but it seemed so out-of-synch back then, as if country music was another language altogether from rock'n'roll. i highly recommmend this album to everyone who believes (as i do) that "king of america" is one of the finest albums ever recorded. in just seventeen months, elvis took us from london to nashville and into the budoir.

   for anyone who still thinks this album weak or a throwaway, i think you should remember the context and the singer... his cover of "sweet dreams" along with "success" (later recorded by sinead) and "good year for the roses" make the album worth the purchase...




5. A wonderful journey with Elvis; it opened my mind to good country music. Fun to listen to, fun to sing along with, and has held up beautifully over time.

4 comments about Talula.

1. The tornado Tulula mix is fine, and I would agree with a previous reviewer's comment that Amazing Grace/Til The Chicken is fair. But, BT's synethasia Tulula really brings this disk down. It's rhythms and samples are quite ordinary for a dance mix. For a really really long time, they painfully surround vocal samples of Tori saying "Chasing Tornadoes". Tori's work is beyond wonderful. This disk is not.



2. The Talula mixes I really liked, the 2nd one was an extremly long BT mix, but its worth the listen But the nessecity to Ears with feet is Amazing Grace/Til the Chicken. The amazing grace is a look into toris religious upbring but half way thru she changes (smoothly of course) to a song she wrote about an incident while cooking chicken at Trent Reznors house. A must have.



3. No Tori Amos recording could be ranked at anything other than 5 STARS!!! These are some truly fabulous mixes of Talula.



4. It's good and all, but the mix is bloody long and the songs with Goerge Porter are nothing special. But there are cute snippets of conversation between Tori and Goerge

No comments about Waltz #2 (XO) / Our Thing / How to Take a Fall - 3 track EP.

5 comments about Grandpaw Would.

1. I was first introduced to Ben Lee from a Doc. Martin promo cd. I was really excited about acquiring more music by this artist. I chose this cd by Ben Lee first because of all the great reviews it got on this web site. Bad choice!!! I can't even get through the cd. It sounds like it was recorded in a garage and his voice is about as pleasing as finger nails on a chalkboard. What a waste of money. I plan on keeping this cd around in case I have some guests over that I want to leave but won't. I will just put this cd in the player and crank it up. Guests will leave from the irrating sound coming out of my speakers.



2. Well, somehow my memory was triggered in the music store the other day, and all the sudden my thoughts were thrown back to that little guy called Ben Lee and that great CD I used to own. I freaked out wondering where in the heck my old Ben Lee CD disappeared to - and I was so mad that I had forgotten about little Ben Lee. Of course, the store didn't carry his CD. It has certainly been 4 or 5 years since I've heard this CD, but I'm so pumped about getting it in the mail this week. I know I used to have this CD, but someone obviously ripped it off because they realized what a good album it was! Anyway, this is one of my favorite CDs of all time. To not hear or think about Ben Lee for 5 years, and then to freak out when you realize you forgot about him, he must be as good as I remember!



3. What a lucky find. Great music. I lost the liner notes, but I am pretty sure that is Liz Phair singing backup on Away With The Pixies. Take a chance, I think you will really like this record - a tinge of pop, a tinge of alt. Really actually quite good.



4. What a lucky find. Great music. I lost the liner notes, but I am pretty sure that is Liz Phair singing backup on Away With The Pixies. Take a chance, I think you will really like this record - a tinge of pop, a tinge of alt. Really actually quite good.



5. If you must own one Ben Lee CD, this is it. Simple, yet powerful, accoustic pop numbers that showcase young Ben Lee's musical talents is simply a joy to listen to.

   The simply orchestrated accoustic arrangements coupled with Ben Lee's tales of love and songwriting are wonderful.

   Well, Ben just wanted to let you know that this one certainly "does not suck big time" and your talent "isn't clown". Actually quite the opposite, this is a must own for those who enjoy good pop and simple, but powerful, accoustic numbers.

   You'll have a lot to pick from on this one...standouts include the power pop accoustic numbers...Pop Queen, How Can That Be?, and Away With The Pixies.

   You know you have a great CD when five years later it still finds plenty of air time from your collection.

5 comments about Brushfire Fairytales.

1. The Jack's smooth voice and his music, simple and pleasant, can be addictive. In fact, I bought all the other Jack's albums after hear this vinyl. It's a very good album, it isn't pretentious and that is indeed what attracts. Everyone needs Jack after a hard work day.



2. I have every other Jack Johnson cd and needed this one. I just totally love his mellow voice and the songs are very meaningful to me. I totally recommend it to everyone.



3. Wonderful music! My daughter found this artist on Pandora Radio we will probably buy many more of his CD's



4. makes you want to close your eyes and smile, not to mention marvel at how simple can be so beautiful



5. This CD is true to the talents of Jack Johnson. I was not disappointed with the music/songs on this disc. If you like previous CDs that Jack Johnson has done, you'll love this one too.

1 comments about Pretty Good Year.

1. There were two CD singles released at the same time with this name. The first one has
   1. Pretty Good Year
   2. Home on the Range with Cherokee addition
   3. Daisy Dead petals
   
   the second CD has
   1. Pretty Good Year
   2. Honey
   3. Black Swan
   
   I really enjoy both CD singles and feel that they really add to any tori Amos collection!