5 comments about Abbey Road [Vinyl].

1. Hey it's really beyond me how five of the lowest class crocks from Grave Britain can turn into muzak icons. In 1964 they jumped around a tidbit and they shook their greasy hairs but these antics dont make a good music. They are filthy poseurs without any form of talent whatsoever. I'd rather listen to Andreew Ridgeley of Wham team up with Barry Manilow for some good rock!! You must be spoilt fools to believe that this crappy CD is worth more than a stifled laugh. Get over it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
   
   
   Jamie , 13



2. If only and only Alvis Pressley were still alive he would show these lonatic bumsuckers how any GOOD music is made,
   
   I mean o'Darling, that no good jokey song about the old days in Iraland man I just can't take listening to that no more. And that filthy nogood I want you. The title first of all was stolen from an old Bob Dillan Song also entitled I want you but GAWD is *so* monnotenous and albeit boring actually. Gawd if only Allvis Pressley was still around he could show these 5 rasscals how serious music is made for certains!!!
   
   Take Hear comes a son, that's as blasfemmus as you can be, come off it you irrogant fools, my father would know how to fix you right OK?
   
   Then off course there is the no good madley, all extremely crappy songs without a heart at all, I can't sit and wait antil the end.
   
   Theres one good song here: Twenty days and twenty nights, by Allvis The King.
   
   Now that's a good music to listen too!!!
   
   Roscoe Wade, age 13 in Tennesee



3. First off how anyone could give this album lower then four stars is beyond me. You are either just a Beatle Basher or just have no clue when it comes to music in any way. This sadly was the end for the lads. All four already going seperate ways and friendships with each other long gone. Somehow they got together and did it PERFECT. As much as I like the The Beatles (White Album) it is also very broke. The white album without a doubt is just four different guys doing their own thing with help from others, sometimes even members of the group. This was truly the end and even though that being said somehow this album brings back all The Beatles together. In typical Beatles style each album different from any other, this album also holds true. All four playing together like a GREAT BAND AGAIN. Great love songs in their style like Something but also the pain of You Never Give Me Your Money, Paul talking about the now rotting Apple. But pain or pleasure this album is pure BEATLES that had matured for that time in 1969. You will not hear the Fab songs from those great early days like I Want To Hold Your Hand and She Loves You but again the matured Beatles with songs like Something. A song that even Frank Sinatra stated was the best song that Lennon & McCartney had ever written. (For those who may not know Something was written by George Harrison). But either way a very mature Beatles sang Come Toegther even as they were falling apart. You would not believe that after playing this album which you will over and over again. /no neck



4. aLL OF A SUDDEN i WAS BACKFIRING this CD Abby Toad
   This is the Cd with the dead guy isn't ir??
   
   
   
   William Bernard Stanton, 10 years



5. aLL OF A SUDDEN i WAS BACKFIRING this CD Abby Toad
   This is the Cd with the dead guy isn't ir??
   
   
   
   William Bernard Stanton, 10 years

5 comments about Anthology 1.

1. Well, I give 5 stars ONLY and ONLY for Free as a Bird, which stands along with Dear Prudence, Come Together and other great masterpieces... it is just amazing how they managed to create such a great song having just an old tape with Lennon singing!... Also Leave My Kitten Alone deserves some attention... surprising it wasn't on Please Please Me or With THe Beatles... the problem is that without these two songs the Anthology isn't worth a penny, for it is a compilation of early performances, some of them even featuring Pete Best, so if you feel like spending 30$ on some history, go ahead, for those who expect something new and of good quality, better find Free as a bird single and you wouldn't be dissapointed...



2. Takes us back to the early years,with their early hits,and their versions during rehearsals,recording sessions to the master recordings



3. It's not the best thing. there's a lot of fuzzy songs and short speeches it wasn't that good... a lot of short songs



4. First off, this CD gets 5 stars for historic value alone. No, John, Paul, George and Ringo weren't at the height of their abilities then (Ringo wasn't even involved through much of this.) However, these are fairly good, very interesting recordings. I'm not a music theory expert, or anything but I don't see- or hear- what's so out of tune, tempo, and harmony, according to one of the negative reviews. Nothing seems off key, and to a Beatles fan, this stuff is fun, and some of their great wit is present here. No, there earliest, previously unreleased originals are not lyrically or musically great, but not terrible (and 'Youl'll be Mine' is a hoot if you can make out the words.) The recording qaulity is very poor on some of the VERY earliest recordings but, but there old, and the musicanship (is that a word?) still seems pretty good. In fact 'Cry for a Shadow', an early instrumental, is great material. As for the Decca tapes, they're not great, although that could be because of Brian Epstein's selections, of which we hear five here. Still, 'Three Cool Cats' is great fun (with George's lead vocal),as is Searchin', and one would have though Paul's 'Like Dreamers Do' would have sold Decca the group, at least as songwriters. 'Hello Little Girl' and Sheak of Araby' were okay, too. We hear some of Stuart Sutcliff's bass (in very poor qaulity), and some of Pete Best's drums (Ringo was clearly WAY better.) The early sessions with George Martin are interestig, not bad ( the false starts section for 'One of 909' is really fun(ny).) The live cuts (I saw Her Standing There, Roll Over Beethoven, etc.) that end disc one are of course great. I listen to dsic 2 less but great material (an early cut of 'Can't buy Me Love', 'And I Love Her, Eight Days a Week, Hard Day's Night, et al.) abound. Watch also for the Ed Sullivan Show performance of 'All my Loving'. There is also material from the Royal Command performance- priceless.
   
   Of course 'Free as a Bird' is here, and if you love the Beatles, you'll want to own it, although 'Real Love' (on Anthology 2), is a better song. The audio snippets help narrate you through, and are generally interesting and enlightening (same for the liner notes in the booklet), although most of them are of medicore audio qaulity. They don't annoy me, and although absent on later 'Anthologies', create a smooth guide from track to track here (with the notes of course.)
   
   Finally, to the one star reviewer I refered to earlier: I looked up all the people you list as "great guitarists... great drummers"- they are all jazz musicians. Now, I have nothing against jazz, in fact it's a side interest of mine, but comparing the Beatles to jazz is apples to oranges, to use the cliched analogy, for lack of a better one. You can't compare jazz to pop/rock (especially early 60s pop/rock), and in fact, I can't imagine how someone with your tastes, wondered into/got interested in the Beatles, to begin with. In short, the styles, practiced skills, theories, and criteria for good musicians/songs are simply different in these two, very different genres. Sorry you don't like this stuff. I like this and jazz. Make peace with the fact that its apples and oranges, and its the Beatles and your tastes.
   
   (SIDE NOTE: Don't even get me started on the reviewer who prefers the Stones; I'll address that in another review.)
   
   So, sorry for all the ranting. Overall I give Anthology one, 5 stars for historic value alone (the music isn't bad either.) But don't buy if you're not a 'diehard fan' or are just starting a collection!



5. THE BEATLES ANTHOLOGIES ARE A RECORD OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF A LEGENDARY BAND. IF YOU WANT TO KNOW HOW IT WAS DONE HAVE A LISTEN HERE. NOW IF WE COULD ONLY GET SOME EARLY MOZART...

5 comments about Anthology 3.

1. The Fab Four had the tightest quality control in the business, as this final installment of "The Beatles Anthology" demonstrates. It covers, roughly, the period from the White Album sessions to the end of the group, including material that would be released as early solo efforts by Paul McCartney and George Harrison. There's a reason why "What's The New Mary Jane" was never foisted on the public--it's awful. The group respected its audience.
   This collection, however, is nevertheless indispensible for Beatlephiles and rock historians alike, as it also reveals the most important group in music at work in the studio during its last phases developing songs we all know and love.



2. As usual, the Great TALENT of the "BEATLES" is very evident in this CD,as well as all the other anthologies. It is especially interesting because there are unreleased versions of their hits while the FAB 4 were rehearsing during their recording sessions.



3. This is a great set of songs. It is really cool to hear how the recording of the songs progressed prior to the final takes which were on the studio releases.
   
   Having heard the songs for a longer period of time, since I first purchased this set, my opinion has only gotten better of this Anthology 3. If you are a Beatles fan, you should most definitely purchase this release.



4. The Beatles need no introduction when it comes to the elite of Rock/Pop music. When trying to "rank" the greatest artists of the Rock/Pop era, there is no doubt that the quartet from England ranks number one on just about every list. Going even further, the Beatles might be the top act in the history of modern music - among any genre. Some quarter-century after their breakup, the Beatles began to consider their place in history. This impetus played a key role in the release of the three volume, "Beatles Anthology" CD set and corresponding television documentary. One of the main attractions of this project was that it would bring the three surviving Beatles together for the first time since the famous breakup. Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr would collaborate together on two unfinished John Lennon songs: "Free as a Bird" and "Real Love" - creating a "virtual" reunion among the four band members. This three volume set would not be an ordinary greatest hits collection - it would provide a historical retrospective to the band through rare and unreleased material. , "Beatles Anthology 3" covers the latter years of the Beatles focusing on the last three albums: "The White Album", "Abbey Road", and "Let It Be".
   
   As mentioned, this CD serves as a historical retrospective to the band. One of the strengths of "Beatles Anthology Volume 1" was that there was material that was prefaced with spoken words by the likes of Lennon, McCartney, and Brian Epstein. These spoken words helped set the stage for the material to follow. Unfortunately like "Beatles Volume Anthology 2", "Beatles Anthology 3" does not have any spoken words with the exception of some comments that are on the demo cuts.
   
   There is no doubt that Beatles fans will enjoy the content of Volume 3 but when you put it up against the content in the first two volumes, it does fall a little short. Like the first two volumes, Volume 3 does contain a 42 page booklet that helps to supplement the listening experience. This collection should not be confused with a traditional "Greatest Hits Collection". Instead of studio cuts, this collection consists of outtakes, demos, and rarities that construct a terrific listening experience.
   
   Here are 10 things to look for - in no particular order:
   
   1) This is the only volume of the three volume Anthology collection that does not contain an original song. (The original song "Free as a Bird" is found on Volume 1 while "Real Love" is found on Volume 2.)
   
   2) Like Volume 1 and 2, George Martin does a masterful job at providing continuity and fusion to the collection. While he didn't actually produce every individual cut, he did produce each of the three volumes of the Anthology collection as a whole.
   
   3) For the most part the first disc of Volume 3 revolves around "The White Album" and the associated recording sessions. The second disc revolves around the "Let It Be" and "Abbey Road" albums. As many know, "Let It Be" was the final Beatles album to be released, but it was shelved and "Abbey Road" would actually be released before it. I found it amazing how much material did not make it on to "The White Album".
   
   4) Much of the material could easily be mistaken for "Beatles Unplugged". Many are acoustic guitar cuts that were used as demos. While a lot of the material on Disc 1 falls into this category, there is some material on Disc 2 that also falls into the "unplugged" category. Most interesting was George Harrison's solo demo of "Something".
   
   5) Like the previous two Anthology volumes, there are also some covers. Volume 1 would contain the most covers, but Volume 3 includes a three song medley ("Rip It Up", "Shake Rattle, and Roll", "Blue Suede Shoes"), "Mailman Bring Me No Blues", and "Ain't She Sweet". These are "throwbacks" to the Beatles' early days (as evidenced on Volume 1). I personally liked the cover of "Ain't She Sweet". "Come and Get It" is included, but this was an original McCartney composition later made famous by Badfinger.
   
   6) This volume reflects a period where the Beatles were doing more songs as "narratives" and began to introduce "characters" in their songs. These "characters" provided a great avenue for the Beatles. Some of the more popular characters we hear about on Volume 3 include "Maxwell Edison", "Polythene Pam", "Mr. Mustard", "Desmond and Molly Jones", "Sexy Sadie", "Jude", "Rocky Raccoon", and "Mary Jane".
   
   7) There aren't as many alternate takes as I would have liked to have seen. "Glass Onion" is the only song we are given multiple takes on. Volume 2 did a much better at the multiple outtakes in showing how the song developed.
   
   8) Despite the fact that this was the time the Beatles were coming apart at the scenes, you wouldn't seem to know it from these cuts. There are plenty of examples of the members laughing and joking around.
   
   9) There is a shorter and stripped down version of "Hey Jude". It isn't as good as the final product, but it still is interesting to hear. I'd also put "Something" in the same category.
   
   10) While some of the material on this version is unfinished or interrupted by spoken words, it is what adds to the charm of the collection. I heard a disc-jockey in "New York" so impressed with this collection as he said "...and this is the junk!" It's amazing how stuff that didn't make it through editing could sound so good, but in this case it works.
   
   This is a good collection. However, when you compare this to Volumes 1 and 2, it just isn't as strong overall. This is not a knock on Volume 3 - just a testament to how strong Volumes 1 and 2 are. Overall, this is still a very good collection and one Beatles fans will surely want in their collection. Highly recommended.



5. This is remarkable. The third and final volume of the Anthology series reveals more previously unheard music from the greatest band of all time. This collection may prove to be the most interesting to casual fans. The first volume shared a lot of home recordings and live stuff that really only hardcore collectors would want. The second volume, while definately having value to hardcore fans, focuses again on live performances and studio cuts that the casual listener might not see the need for. On this third set, however, we hear many acoustic demos and outtakes that are more than listenable for the average fan. The material is late enough and all studio produced that it is quite good quality that all fans can equally enjoy it. And the beauty is, there is still enough to keep us die hard fans happy, too. The following are my personal favorites:
   
   *Helter Skelter - nice bluesy mix.
   *While My Guitar Gently Weeps - George on acoustic, very nice.
   *The Long and Winding Road - stringless.
   *Maxwell's Silver Hammer - Paul screws up third verse, fantastic.
   *Something - again, George only on acoustic, and with alternate lyrics.
   
   This is a beautiful set with something for everyone.

5 comments about Some Girls.

1. This is one of the best Stones albums ever!!! I love the way they poke fun (especially about New York in Shattered.) Every song on this album is different in its own way and you just cannot sit still. If you can sit still during this album you are surely dead. After dancing around for the whole album I am pooped. It is GREAT. One of their best.



2. I've always found The Rolling Stones to be a great singles band whose albums often come up a bit short. SOME GIRLS does not suffer from this let down as all the songs are of premium quality. Starting out with the proto-disco of "Miss You," There really isn't a let down throughout. From the wicked "When The Whip Comes Down" to the intense "Shattered," this is a recording that is Stones classic. Mick is fully engaged, vocals that go from the conceit of "Some Girls" to the country croon of "Far Away Eyes" without a hitch. He sells the sexual growl as easily as the bluesy asides; few rockers can compare with Mick when he's at the top of his game. Richards' works with his usual assurance; with Wood fleshing out the sound to create a slashing force across all the rockers and laying back when restraint is called for, like on Beast of Burden." Wyman and Watts continue their eternal support with Watts holding everything together with his tight drumming. Even a casual fan needs to make this one part of their collection.



3. Here's where the Stones mythology enters their modern era of decay, the "Start Me Up" admission of impending codgerdom ("I just don't have that much jam"). They even managed a banned cover, not so easy in the late 70's. Impervious, oblivious, grunting, grumpy and leering, they grind through a bar band's second-rate set of grimacing guitar rockers, slouchy and tired. That is the beauty of it, the Stones finally become those ancient jaded bluesmen they once emulated. It's diabolical to be so old and utterly immature.



4. this is a nice album. there are nice songs on this album. the cover art is nice. the cut-out jacket with the interchangeable sleeve promotes an element of fun. the musical contributors are very talented with their upbeat songs and childish humor. the singer is particularly enthusiastic with finger-snapping guitar music.



5. Those who are seeking to expand your Rolling stones collection or begin it, I'd leave this around the bottom of the list. Starts off great with "Miss You" then has trouble until "Far Away Eyes" runs into a road block again, but finishes terrifically with "Shattered" and "Beast of Burden".

5 comments about Obscured by Clouds.

1. This cd is truelly this band's best, I wish they had migrated to Africa's BushBush after this, the world would have been a better Place.
   
   Bridges burning, mudman, the gold its in the, wots the deal, absolutely curtains all songs are among my favorites as they out shine the ugly Side of the moon album and the atrocious animals and the wall/
   
   Denise Whitlock, aged 11



2. This cd is truelly this band's best, I wish they had migrated to Africa's BushBush after this, the world would have been a better Place.
   
   Bridges burning, mudman, the gold its in the, wots the deal, absolutely curtains all songs are among my favorites as they out shine the ugly Side of the moon album and the atrocious animals and the wall/
   
   Ignace Denner, aged 10



3. This cd is truelly this band's best, I wish they had migrated to Africa's BushBush after this, the world would have been a better Place.
   
   Bridges burning, mudman, the gold its in the, wots the deal, absolutely curtains all songs are among my favorites as they out shine the ugly Side of the moon album and the atrocious animals and the wall/
   
   Ignace Denner, aged 10



4. The music contained on this album was made for the French movie La Vallée. I haven't seen the movie but all I know, is that the ten songs that make up this LP are fantastic! It was recorded in March, 1972 at the Château d'Herouville and it finally came out in June of the same year. The line-up featured is the classic one: Roger Waters on vocals/bass, David Gilmour on guitar, Rick Wright on keyboards/vocals, and Nick Mason on drums.
   I still remember when I decided to buy the first Pink Floyd album, it was in early 1999. I went to the music store and as I was glancing at all the albums that they had on the shelf, I just couldn't decide which one to pick. Eventually I chose "Obscured By Clouds" mostly for it's cover! It really caught my attention with those strange colored circles against that bluish background...It turned out to be very enjoyable!
   
   There are four instrumentals included and the first song, the title track, is one. It's an atmospheric piece thanks to Wright's usage of an early synthesizer, his newly acquired VCS 3 that makes a thick sound. Mason keeps a steady drum beat while Gilmour throws some moody slide guitar fills until the fade out. Quickly, the second number (also an instrumental) comes in and it's called "When You're In". It's the shortest song on the album clocking in at two minutes and a half. A pair of catchy hard rock riffs are repeated throughout until it slowly begins to fade out.
   Now it's time for "Burning Bridges", the first song to feature vocals. It goes in a prog-rock direction with inventive chord progressions plus a melodic slide guitar solo from Gilmour. The album takes a quick turn in "The Gold It's In The..." as it is a pure hard rock number! One of the very few songs they done in this style. It's one of my favorites! As expected, killer rhythm and lead guitar is showcased and the verses and chorus are catchy as well.
   
   "Wot's...Uh The Deal?" is one of the few popular songs off this record. Definitely, an album highlight that seems to go in a folk direction. Wright's piano sounds very good here. For the verses, a descending chord progression is employed, but the chorus stands out too while Gilmour manages to squeeze a cool solo that uses his trademark slide playing. The third instrumental "Mudmen" follows and it's a reprise of "Burning Bridges", therefore it follows the same chord structure. The difference is in the sound of the instruments, notably the keyboards. The soloing from Gilmour has a much more prominent sound too, as opposed to the earlier version.
   
   An hypnotic hammond organ wall of sound introduces the next song "Childhood's End". However, it quickly changes and the main body of the songs turns out to be a mid-tempo funky number that happens to be a favorite of mine! "Free Four" is another folky song that managed to gain some radio airplay back in the day. The melodies and the singing are quite catchy but the arrangement also makes room for Gilmour to play some killer lead guitar parts. After it's fade out comes the Wright-sung ballad "Stay". One of the most overlooked songs from their catalog! The dominant instrument is the piano, but I liked Gilmour's guitar sound here, filtered through a wah wah pedal. The final song "Absolutely Curtains" is the longest cut almost reaching the six minute mark and without a doubt, the most unusual on the album. It also starts with an hypnotic hammond organ sound that gradually gives way to the final section: a tribal chant! Quite an experiment to say the least!
   
   This is a highly recommended album if you like rock with an experimental edge and prog-rock. It also includes some touches of hard rock and folk as well. Well worth checking out!
   Thanks for taking the time to read!
   Later...



5. This album has some good moments and a lot of smooth numbers with David Gilmours voice and trademark guitar in the background. However, for me it's not a great Pink Floyd record. In my opinion the best of the pyscadelic Floyd was on Syd's albums. He had something unique and his vocals and guitar work were ground breaking. When Pink Floyd continued on without him they were searching for a while although I DO like the Meddle album, It's the best 60's Floyd album without Syd Barrett. Of course after A Saucerful Of Secrets, Pink Floyd revolutionized head music forever with Dark Side Of The Moon. Not only was it a masterpiece, but it is one of the best selling and popular albums of all time! And it was a group effort! Pink Floyd really found themselves with a little help from Alan Parsons. Than came Wish You Were Here (my personal favorite), Animals, and The Wall. Now the way Syd lead the band in the beginning, Roger Waters took over and lead them throughout the mid 70's and early 80's. Who would have thought he was even capable of such song writing and compositions? And with David Gilmours smooth vocals and lead guitar work, they were a band for the ages. But A Saucerful Of Secrets was still in their experimental period. It is very interesting to hear this album in comparison with what was to come. You can hear the potential that was just about to be reached. A Saucerful Of Secrets has much more of a60's sound and feel to it and more laid back. It did not take chances with it's sound the way they would do with Dark Side. You wonder how did they ever come up with such an album in 1972? They were sitting in a gold mind in their heads with those ideas and musical concepts. Rarely does it all come together the way it did with that album and the albums that came after. They all sell right up there with The Beatles best selling albums and as the best catalogue albums in history!

5 comments about Queen - Greatest Hits.

1. The CD I received was a copy and I thought it would be a used original.



2. Queen are a legendary band. Led by the legendary vocalist Freddie Mercury, the group released some of the finest albums, from their 1973 debut 'Queen' to their final album in 1991, with 'Innuendo,' they gave us nothing but straightforward rock when other bands were giving us disco and mediocre pop rock.
   
   The American version of 'Greatest Hits' is a disappointing. Hollywood Records originally released this as a companion to 'Classic Queen,' released in 1992 to cash in on "Queenmania" which was started through the legendary film 'Wayne's World.'
   
   I do ask, however, why is this necessary? I'm sure many people have asked that over the years. It wasn't great when it was released in the '90s, and it certainly isn't great in 2008.
   
   The music is five stars, don't get me wrong. Everything Queen did, in my opinion, is five stars automatically (except for the Paul Rodgers tracks).
   
   But, I'll be at least the 90th person to say it, how can you have a 'Greatest Hits' album and not include Queen's biggest hit, 'Bohemian Rhapsody'? Yes, I understand that was on 'Classic Queen,' but can't it appear on 'Greatest Hits'?
   
   Also, I notice that 'I Want To Break Free' is here. Yes, that was one of their great '80s triumphs, but why is it on a compilation of songs focusing on songs from the 1973-1980 period? It seems very out-of-place here. 'Bohemian Rhapsody' should be here; 'I Want To Break Free' should be on 'Classic Queen.'
   
   Overall, I suggest 'Greatest Hits I & II.' The U.K. 'Greatest Hits' albums are far superior to the American versions. Thank god Hollywood released those in the States. The songs are great, but skip this in favor of that instead.
   
   Recommended for the easily pleased casual fan.



3. I BOUGHT THIS CD FOR THE FIRST SONGS. THE REST OF THE ALBUM IS FORGETABLE AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED. THE BICYCLE SONG IS LAME. BUT HEY: THIS IS 80'S MUSIC SO ONE MUST HAVE A LITTLE UNDERSTANDING..



4. Have had this CD for years. Old copy damaged. Just had to have another. Queen's music will be around for a long while.



5. This Queen CD has given me hours of enjoyment from a group that is second to none. There sound is unique and allows them to stand out among the rest. Their music has stayed alive for years even though the highlight of their popularity was in the seventies. Queen will go on indefinitely as timeless music that can be enjoyed and relished for many years to come. I have no regrets with this CD and wouldn't hesitate to buy other albums from this more revered, admired, and talented group. Remember Queen, "You are the Champions!"

5 comments about 4 Way Street.

1. If you loved C,S,N & Y back then, you'll love this CD, brings back good memories of the times.



2. Sometimes you just have to go back to something that brought you to where you are now and enjoy it all over again -- 4 Way Street is exactly that. Live-concert recordings sometimes leave you wanting for sound quality -- but in the case of this CD -- it has been remastered -- and the songs are still THE songs that made it so great when it was first released over 3 decades ago. It has the best of the music that these four musicians made together at their prime - and many of the songs are as timely in their political impact in 2008 as they were when they were first written. This is an album that everybody who has ever listened to CSN&Y's music and loved the unmistakable harmonies these four singularly-talented artists made together must have.



3. I bought the original ablum back in the 70's. The sound quality was not very good. The "enhanced" and remastered CD is not much better.



4. So, I am too young to have been there for this. LOL I wasn't even born yet. I am all right with that. I grew up listening to this on vinyl. I get into live albums mainly because you get to hear what the artists REALLY sound like, no (or not many anyway) studio tricks. These guys are the standard to which all others should strive to harmonize to. Awesome album, awesome group, awesome sound. It's worth buying if you're into songs like Ohio, Southern Man, or any song CSN&Y ever wrote. This is an absolute MUST OWN for anyone into music. It doesn't disappoint.



5. I like this album, but I have a problem with the medley (consisting of three solo Neil Young tracks). Each one of them has been shortened dramatically. "The Loner" is now a short, acoustic slow song. "Cinnamon Girl" is better, perhaps because I prefer a version of this song that doesn't rock (not a fan of the studio version at all). It's better this way, believe me. Now we can hear the song with solid singing to back it up instead of lazy guitar riffs. However, this version of "Down by the River" may be the ultimate disappointment. While the vocals are good, this song is supposed to be a lengthy electric guitar jam. That's not what we get here, unfortunately. I don't have a problem with the rest of the album, though. It almost works as a greatest hits album when you think about it.

5 comments about Live at Leeds.

1. First time I heard this was over FM radio wearing headphones lying in bed, listening. They played the whole thing and they had short interval of somthing weird and then played the next cut, did this for the whole album, it was 1970 somthing.
   IF you havent listened to this whole thing with real headphones without distraction, do it, trust me, do it, I would not lie.
   Good lesson for guitar players also.



2. It's The Who. Live. At Leeds University. Duh. How come you haven't bought it already? Powerful live set from seminal rock four-piece, blah, blah, sizzling energy, innovative songwriting, blah blah....Keith Moon....buy it. Listen to it. Have mind blown.



3. Amazing live album is all that i have too say for this. The drums are absoutley amazing Keith Moon is probaly one of the greatest rock drummers of all time his peformance is great here. Pete Townshends guitar is great and everybody in this is really doing great on there instruments.
   
   This may just be one of there greatest peformances of all time it has the energy and they sound just really great here i think all the live versions sound great on here
   
   If your a big Who fan like me buy this album today you wont be dissapointed...



4. Really horrible sound quality, and the band must have been totally wasted...Apparently with so many for sale , others thought the same.



5. I'm not a huge fan of The Who but this record is undeniable. The band is on fire and at a creative peak. I actually like the single disc version more than the double (I'm not a fan of the Tommy material, sorry). Everyone needs a copy of this.
   
   If you like high energy R&R like this and MC5, Stooges, Ramones, etc check out Mighty High...In Drug City.

5 comments about Past Masters, Vol. 1.

1. La muy estimada e incomparable coleccion de los populares singles que en su momento editaron los FAB FOUR, y que no fueron incluidas en sus LPs; las PAST MASTERS son un complemento para todo el que tiene la coleccion de los Beatles, pues ademas de clasicas arrolladoras como SHE LOVES YOU, I WANT TO HOLD YOUR HAND, I FEEL FINE y FROM ME TO YOU tambien nos presentan magnificos y esplendidos "lados B" como THANK YOU GIRL, I'LL GET YOU,THIS BOY y grandes piezas innovadoras y experimentales como SHE'S A WOMAN y YES IT IS; a destacar tambien las "rarezas" como las versiones alemanas KOMM GIB MIR DEINE HAND y SIE LIEBT DICH, asi como las "covers" de LONG TALL SALLY y SLOW DOWN (simplemente superan a las originales) RECOMENDADO PARA TODO AMANTE DEL POP Y EL ROCK!!



2. There are titles on this CD that can't be found on any of the released albums, either British of American. And "Komm, Gib Mir Deine Hand" is worth it for the oddity alone. Recommended. Get Volume 2 as well.



3. The songs, included on this LP are not replay from original records, but collection of the songs which wasn't published at a time. This great LP must be part of any collection of Beatles records.



4. Although they're the band that made history more than any other, The Beatles `Past Masters, Volume I' may be judged as a quaint archive of their music. In danger of being pigeon-holed as a half repetitive, half extraneous addition to one's C.D. collection, I was pleasantly relieved to find much to embrace from the selections. Having songs that are repeated on the smash `1,' it is a hard sell considering there are five songs* on both albums.
   
   The good news is how wonderful the less available songs are received by hungry ears yearning for a bigger Beatles' diet. I almost bought this C.D. for "She's a Woman" alone. The B-side of the truly stunning "I Feel Fine," it features arguably one of Paul's best early vocal performances. Truly belted out with gusto, this gem has the guitar twang and percussion to match, layered with some textured piano. In a vintage vein, "This Boy" works well as the UK's flip-side for "I Want to Hold Your Hand". Sometimes a forgotten ballad, except in the movie 'A Hard Day's Night,' it captures their fifties romantic affinity well. "Bad Boy" is a rascally number, sung with power by John with a back-up that should all that prove the Beatles were catapulted by their Hamburg performances as much as their novelty haircuts. And, speaking of Hamburg, two German versions of their songs ("I Want to Hold Your Hand" and "She Loves You") show a gratitude for the preparation that tested their mettle with fire. While two versions seem a bit repetitive, I've yet to hit fast-forward. Paul's prowess pervades "I'm Down," a flip side with substance backing up the heralded "Help!". Continuing with the essentials, "I Call Your Name" sounds like the song that got away from the 'A Hard Day's Night' soundtrack.
   
   Aside from the big five hits, the rest of the C.D. is merely very good. "Matchbox" isn't Ringo's remake of 'Boys,' but it rounds out the other songs nicely. "Long Tall Sally" proves Paul's earnest devotion to Little Richard and sports a spirited rendition. "Yes It Is" is slightly languid with the exception of John's booming voice which is in fine form. "Thank You Girl" is heartwarming, yet similar in this vein. "Slow Down" is perhaps the most excellent of the lesser gems, even if John's vocal talent is in danger of drowning out the rest.
   
   So much to love and discover on `Past Masters, Volume I'. Hopefully, you'll try it out and unearth the hidden treasures for yourself.
   
   (*"Love Me Do," "From Me to You," "She Loves You," "I Want to Hold Your Hand," and "I Feel Fine" can be found on this collection and `1'.)



5. Past Masters The Beatles Early years one & Two are both rocking CD's if one wants to get a sense of this groups sound which made them World Famous.Past Masters one and Two have songs that were not releaed on their U.S. Albums. Many were for European consumption. No matter we all rock to the same Rythems of thei Phenominal Super Group. Whos influences still echo through the Music Industrie almost 43 years later. !!

5 comments about Ummagumma.

1. The studio album of Ummagumma is VERY underappreciated.
   
   The "Sysyphus" suite is quite ununual the way it begins with a rather dark and intimidating riff that leads into an Emerson, Lake and Palmer piano melody. It's a peaceful and beautiful melody, that stays consistently good for the most part, until it reaches a point where two notes keep rambling back and forth, then the piano playing gets all messy for a minute or so. Not as good as the stuff ELP would do a few years later, but decent enough.
   
   The third part features WEIRD monkey sound effects with jungle-like sounds, and the fourth and final part is absolutely AWESOME because it has an eerie mellotron melody with soft sprinkles of keyboards building slowly, and cautiously, into a loud and intense theme until eventually going back to the intimidating riff that started the whole thing. The fourth part of this suite is really really good though, especially the eerie few minutes that begins the thing, which would work extremely well in a horror film.
   
   "Grantchester Meadows" features nice acoustic guitar (I think?) and closely resembles "Wish You Were Here" in the vocals. I wasn't expecting to hear such a mature song on this album going by all the other reviews. "Several Small Species" is a MAJOR head trip, that's for sure! It's totally unique and needs to be appreciated on that level to fully understand.
   
   "The Narrow Way" is the highlight of the album for me. Part One has EXCELLENT acoustic guitar, melodic and emotionally touching, and the second part features a Black Sabbath-like guitar riff for a few minutes, before the final part comes in, which sounds like something that would fit in PERFECTLY with the Dark Side of the Moon album. I don't understand people who say Meddle shows signs of what Pink Floyd would sound like later, when this song obviously shows what the band would become just a few years later.
   
   "The Grand Vizier's Garden Party" is the only weak point- radical drumming that doesn't go anywhere, and goes on too long. The rest of the album though, is quite fantastic. I don't get the negative reviews for this one I'm afraid.
   
   The live album of Ummagumma (which by the way, sounds like a tasty kind of Halloween snack!) isn't NEARLY as good as people have been telling me. What IS really great however, is the opening song "Astronomy Domine", which has an AWESOME space rock jam in the middle that sounds like it probably influenced several bands such as Hawkwind. The jam just feels so natural, like the vocals needed that jam all along in order to complete a perfect song.
   
   "Careful with that Axe Eugene" is another great song. The slow keyboard melody in the beginning that builds into these soothing vocals that sail and soar to new heights... Pink Floyd was really good at this. The song gets noisy after a while, but in an appealing kind of way, where you don't want it to stop. Great song.
   
   Then the album loses steam super fast. "Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun" was better on Saucerful of Secrets, because it had a Moody Blues-like vibe flowing through it. Here, the song tries to be something more, and just ends up being a boring song. This version of "Saucerful of Secrets" is overrated BIG time. Everyone says it's better than the version from the studio album of the same name, but it's not. The studio version had these rather unique sound effects, muddy production, and a spooky atmosphere to help make it one of the creepiest songs ever. This version is just loud, and repeats the same notes for several minutes. Not good to me. Yes, I know the studio version repeats a lot too, but that version had sound effects that seemed to add more atmosphere to the song, so it was easy to avoid the parts that repeated a lot.
   
   Still, the album gets 5 stars for the studio stuff, which rules.



2. This album, along with Meddle, are the two best Pink Floyd albums ever, as far as I'm concerned (discounting the Syd Barrett albums, which were in a different category and great in their own right). I don't need to describe the two discs in this set as it's been done over and over again.
   
   What I'll say is I think this is when the band was the most creative, and Roger Waters had the least amount of influence on the outcome. I love it for the true experimentation, the originality, and the sheer psychedelic mood of it all. As I listened to it again after 30 years, it still rings true with me and despite what the band itself has said about it (and not all of it complimentary), I think this showed the band as a truly creative force.
   
   They never did anything after this that comes close, except for Meddle.
   
   If you want to hear what the Floyd sounded like before they went commercial, I highly recommend this album.



3. Am adding my 2cents on word of Wright's death...his keyboards and effects are a highlight of the "live" sides and these are the versions of these 4 pieces that blow away the studio versions: louder, more intense and spookier by far, they epitomize late '60s psychedelic rock. For me, these are timeless and I'll be listening to them (usually on 'phones) 'til I can't hear anymore. R.I.P., Rick (BTW, skip the "studio" sides; they're self-indulgent, boring and a bad harbinger of excess to come). One of the great album covers of all time too (loses a lot on a small CD case, tho).



4. Probably the biggest avant-garde album in history. That might not be a good thing though. By 1969, Pink Floyd had somewhat of a fanbase going. Their live shows were getting some good word, and due to their music being used in documentaries and films, they were able to make a decent living off of touring and recording. So, they decided to celebrate a bit and make their first double album. First things first, the live side is great. Containing four tracks, mostly from the Syd and the Syd-influenced days, this showcases early Floyd at their best. The live Astronomy Domine blows away the original. Vocal harmonies, wahed guitar, creepy keyboard solos, it's all there. Amazing how the band would work on these songs over the years and make drastic improvements. Careful With That Axe, Eugene is brilliant. There's not one note wasted, and the climax 3 mintes in is spellbinding. Set The Controls and Saucerful are both excellent live too, with Set being drastically changed to a much more spacier and intense performance. I really dig the trippy 'outer-space' keyboard section in the middle. Kewl. However, I have to say...WHAT IS WITH THE STUDIO SIDE?! Did they seriously want to alienate all their fans? This sucks! The band returns to some of the failed experimental atonal noises that they hashed out unsuccessfully on Saucerful and Piper, only this time they are "solo pieces." Whatever, no one should listen to this garbage. Sysphus starts out interesting, almost like an ELP song, before going into harsh noise territory. Several Species is just pure garbage, I guess it would be cool if I was tripping. The Narrow Way is just amazingly dull, though there is a cool Sabbathesque riff in one section that would've been awesome had they worked on it. And the Grand Vizier thing is just a long drum solo with some weird flute noises. Bleh, this sucks! The only song worth noticing is Grantchester Meadows, and that's if you enjoy the folky stuff from More. Just download the live side. You'll be glad ya did instead of wasting money.



5. Couldn't explain it for the life of me but I really enjoy this album, front, back and middle. One who leans to Prog rock, experimental, stream of consious elements in their music would be more likely to Ummagumma.