5 comments about WHATEVER PEOPLE SAY I AM, THAT.

1. Yes I am, I'm 40! Thank you. I am not new to the AM's but have watched the media hype and listened to the album, and guess what. Its good. Ok, it doesn't brake any musical moulds but what it is, is this. Its a collection of good songs, with intelligent lyrics and played with aplomb and energy. Twenty year old kids (and students) are of course well known for thinking that they know everything but in fact they know nothing at all.
   
   The AM's don't try and sing songs about Faustian themes and Daniel Beddingfield "love me or I'll jump off this bridge" type anthems, but rather songs that would have been just as relevant to me as a "know-nothing student" 20 years ago, because when you are that age, what is important to you is getting laid and partying. I have no idea why someone would want to be a student in a culture where you couldn't drink until you were 21,that would constitute a waste of the entire University experience. Hell, if I had actually had to pay fees to go to University, I would have expected table service during lectures.
   
   These songs address the important issues of songs about how difficult it is to tap off with birds in nightclubs, the logistical and semantic issues regarding attempting to persuade the driver of a late night vehicle licensed for the conveyance of paying members of the public (a taxi) to allow the carriage of 6 members rather than the usual 5, added to which the additional complication of the possession of kebabs causes. If you are British, you will be aware that the food that the Am's are referring to are kebabs as these are the "industry standard" for wandering around with at night when the clubs kick out. And of course we have all tried the changing jumpers and rejoining the back of the line scenario depicted in "From the Ritz to the Rubble" when denied entry by over-zealous door staff.
   
   These lads are not pretending to be the stars of "Dawsons Creek" (if any teens had tried talking and acting like that where I came from, they would have (rightly) received a good kicking) but they merely (and cleverly) are writing about what they know, and performing it with an energy and precision that is refreshing.
   
   In these times where musical dross in manufactured by the shovel full by mediocrity factories like "X-Factor" and "(insert name)s got talent", its not surprising that these lads generated some hype. Fair play to em. Mind you, Britney's on the comeback trail so this might be an example of something some reviewers might prefer to get excited about. Consider my scorn well and truly poured.



2. Amazing album, they are a great band...honestly, just buy this, you won't be disappointed, and this is not some fangirl from the UK...(its a fangirl from the US)...but nevertheless, I think everyone will enjoy this music.



3. I love this group! This album is clean and straightforward. You get all of the rock with none of the BS. It is fresh and contemporary and just plain fun. Buy it now!



4. These guys are quickly becoming one of my all time favorite bands. This album has a punk influence and catchy lyrics that make you want to rock out. The lyrics give away the age of these guys since the album is primarily about partying and picking up girls, but it does make you nostalgic for your single college years.



5. one of the better new albums i've gotten recently. a couple of the riffs in these songs sound hugely familiar, but i can't place what i think they're similar to. i hear a bit of Franz Ferdinand in here, and a few other things as well, but if their sound isn't entirely unique it is quite good: catchy, rough-edged, solid, and i do have to say i love the singer's voice.

5 comments about GYPSY PUNKS UNDERDOG WORLD STR.

1. They are Feisty, have a Zest for life and have blended different kinds of music into one big original sound. Their lyrics are not too shabby, not shabby at all. Have to say that I am very happy knowing this band and own two of their albums, this one and I forgot the name for the one they released after. Both very good purchases. They are original and that counts for a lot of my respect. When they get going is a brilliant display of talent. These guys are the real deal, worth every dollar. Highly entertaining and their message is one that screams: Enjoy Life, Enjoy Music and it will all work out for the better. 4 shinning stars for Gogol Bordello /Gypsy Punks Underdog World Strike! Hot Band!



2. The first song I heard from this CD was "Start Wearing Purple." I hunted it down online, found out it was from Gogol Bordello, and got the CD as fast as I could. I am constantly finding my self singing along with the songs. I can not wait to get their new CD!



3. In this day of musical mediocrity, Gogol Bordello provides the energy and excitement I've been holding out for for a few years now. It's the kind of thing that when you're listening, you can't help but move to the beat.
   
   My sister was the one who turned me on to them and then as a gift I bought her tickets to a show this past Summer. I was totally hooked after that. If I had to describe them in one word:
   
   INTENSE!!!
   
   Buy this CD if you're looking for an amazing, energetic, communal type experience. They are inexplicably awesome!!! You just have to see for yourself.
   
   P.S.
   If you can't get enough of them - also see the film Everything Is Illuminated - excellent film co-starring Eugene Hutz.



4. I bought this CD for one song and so far only really like that song ('Start Wearing Purple'). It shipped fine and was in a good condition upon arrival.



5. After seeing GoGo Bordello on Conan O'Brian I immediately loved them. This cd is different and fun to listen to. I love the Russian language and mixing that accent with punk, blissful. Great lyrics too. I highly recommend it.

5 comments about Weezer (Red Album).

1. It is another year and the influential band known as Weezer releases another color coded album, this time we have red. The colored albums are more similiar to each other than any of the bands other releases. We have the familiar pop/rock craft from Rivers & company, only this time it is more experimental and not as straight ahead. Is that a good thing though? Well, with "The Greatest Man that ever Lived" it shows experimentation can go a long way, on other tracks it is more of a strike than a homerun. "Everybody Get Dangerous" is just silly and juvenile, now that may be the point, but seriously how old is the band now? Do they really need to squeeze this track on this otherwise good album? It's the choices like these that can make or break an album. The band does hint at past glories with the excellent "Troublemaker", "Pork and Beans", and "Dreamin". Weezer have been together for over 15 years, and I applaud the democratic approach to songwriting. We have Brian Bell, Pat Wilson, and Scott Shriner taking lead vocals on three of the ten tracks on Red. Sadly, only the Brian Bell penned "Thought I Knew" works. It sounds like it could be a scenery setting song in any Farrely Brothers Movie, give it a listen and you will know what I mean. The album closes with "Angel and the One" which happens to be a fitting closer. I'm not sure what else Weezer can do with future albums, if they decide to do so. It seems at this point, the well has been tapped dry. Here's to hoping they have another classic in them, something the fans have been craving since the pop/rock gem "Green" album was released.



2. It's been since 2005's Make Believe that we've gotten music from the LA faves Weezer and now they return with another self-titled release this one referred to as The Red Album. We had the Blue Album and The Green Album in the past which I loved and underground alternative rock fans loved as well. So after Make Believe it seemed the band was dying down and due to comments made by the band and singer Rivers Cuomo in interviews, I wasn't sure if they were going to remain together or go off with their own side projects like they've done in the past, but now they come forth with The Red Album.
   
   I love the energy of this album because it brings back the fun and quirky nerdi-ness that got you to fall in love with Weezer in the early 1990's. It features songs like "Troublemaker" and "Everybody Get Dangerous" along with a rendition of EMF's "Unbelievable" (which we all remember, unfortunately). I especially love the first single "Pork and Beans" because it is classic Weezer. So again this album brings back the great sound of Weezer that was lost for a while but now has returned.



3. i call this the cd that finally sounds like the weezer i fell in love with back in high school. If you were like me and really lost your love of this band after Pinkerton then this cd is for you. It's fantastic and Angel and the one is so like only in dreams in the that feel that you should fall in love all over again.
   
   If you ever listen to me on anything it's giving this cd a try.



4. To elaborate on the title, this was the first Weezer album I'd ever heard. I liked it, though parts of it sounded dated (I was going for that, anyway). But after hearing Blue and Pinkerton, I'm not sure how I feel anymore. On one hand, its decently catchy pop, but on the other, it doesn't come anywhere near the previously mentioned albums. The stand-out tracks would have to be "The Greatest Man That Ever Lived", "Pork and Beans", and "The Angel and the One". The rest is fairly forgettable, but its not BAD, like a lot of people say. Could be a grower in the months and years to come.



5. lyrics are like a 12 year old little boy wrote them, im sorry rivers what school did you attend harvard? harvard elementry? k... the worst music ever you think 10 songs would be picked and they would be amazing, everyone just give up with weezer they will never put out another pinkerton or blue album again its over they had there 2 great albums then ran out of good ideas, i'd buy a britney spears album before this garbage im very dissapointed in this cd thank god i downloaded it
   
   1/5 dont even bother downloading it

5 comments about Zen Arcade.

1. Hüsker Dü was formed in 1979 by guitarist Bob Mould, drummer Grant Hart, and bassist Greg Norton. In their early records, the band played hard core exclusively but gradually their sound changed towards alternative rock for the last albums.
   
   In 1984 they released "Zen Arcade" and is a great album from start to finish. Nice balance of hard core, experimentation, and while this is only their second album, a few alternative rock style songs are featured and foreshadow the style of their later albums. Mould and Hart show great songwriting throughout. It's the type of album that gets better and better the more you listen to it.
   The only thing that might put off some people is the 14 minute feedback jam "Reocurring Dreams" but it's not something typical from this band as this is the only time the band recorded a jam like this one. "Dreams Reocurring" is basically a portion of the full jam just played backwards, hence the reversed title.
   
   You might disagree with this but here I go. I thought this might help you out if you are thinking about getting this album.
   
   The experimentals:
   "Dreams Reocurring"
   "Hare Krsna"
   "One Step At A Time"
   "Monday Will Never Be The Same"
   "The Tooth Fairy and the Princess"
   "Reocurring Dreams"
   
   The hard core songs (most intense):
   "Indecision Time"
   "Beyond the Threshold"
   "Pride"
   "I'll Never Forget You"
   
   The hard core songs (more melodic):
   "Something I Learned Today"
   "Broken Home, Broken Heart"
   "The Biggest Lie"
   "Masochism World"
   "Somewhere"
   "Whatever"
   
   Alternative Rock:
   "Never Talking To You Again"
   "Chartered Trips"
   "Standing By The Sea"
   "Pink Turns To Blue"
   "Newest Industry"
   
   So that leaves us with two more songs: "What's Going On" is a great raw straightforward rocker in the vein of New York Dolls and "Turn On The News" which sounds more like a hybrid of punk and hard rock, ends up being one of my favorites from the album.
   So there you go, I hope this review helps you so that if you buy this album you get an idea on what to expect.
   Thanks for taking the time to read!
   Later...



2. I'm a big fan of the Huskers and Bob Moulds solo work. That said, I've never understood the acclaim heaped on Zen Arcade. There are many good songs on this release. "Turn On the News", "Something I Learned Today","Never Talking to You Again", "Beyond the Threshold" "Pink Turns to Blue" and others are outstanding.
   
   But there is way too much of what seems to be to just pointless filler thrash music (Hare Krishna, Pride, Reoccurring Dreams) and bizarre doodlings (The Tooth and the Fairy Princess, Dreams Reoccurring, One Step at a Time) that are either boring or just plain annoying. To me they spoil the flow of what might have been an outstanding single album.
   
   New Day Rising and Candy Apple Grey are much more consistent and satisfying to me than Zen Arcade.



3. 1984 was a great year for punk, boasting such seminal releases as The Replacements' Let It Be, Black Flag's My War, the Minutemen's Double Nickels on the Dime and the Meat Puppet's Meat Puppets II. Yet the finest exponent of the year's riches, Hüsker Dü's Zen Arcade, was also its most contradistinctive.
   
   The double L.P. format, the concept, the piano interludes, the dreamy fourteen-minute closer, all stood as the very antithesis of hardcore simplicity. The Minneapolis trio's refusal to adhere to rock/punk/hardcore ground rules is what made them so influential.
   
   Recorded and mixed in one 85-hour stretch, all but two of Zen Arcade's twenty-three tracks ('Something I Learned Today' & 'Newest Industry') were first-take recordings. Whilst many tracks feature the Hüsker's signature whirlwind pace, they avoid hardcore cliché, leaning more toward local rivals The Replacements' LSD-infused rockist sound than Minor Threat's straight-edge punk.
   
   The album's concept deals with its protagonist running away from home to escape his rowing parents ('Broken Home, Broken Heart') and deadbeat friends ('Never Talking to You Again'), only to be overwhelmed by the horrors of the outside world. Although something of an allegory for the lives of many hardcore kids, the most profound statement Zen Arcade makes is in its conclusion: there is none. The fact that it was all a nightmare offers the listener no resolution.
   
   The album is often credited with ushering in a new era of 'post-punk' in American music, and due to its sheer scope, signalling the demise of the hardcore genre.



4. In 1985 I was searching for something and Husker Du helped me find it. I was bored with cheesy metal bands and classic rock. Then I discovered college radio - what would later go by name, Alternative. College radio beat the hell out of Top 40 and Album rock of the day but still sometimes lacked the intensity I was seeking....until they played Husker Du! My first exposure to Husker Du was from Flip Your Wig and then later I purchased New Day Rising and Zen Arcade. I love all three but Zen Arcade has always been the most difficult for me to love. There is so much of everything that Husker Du was capable of that it sometimes seems cluttered with the unnecessary. The brilliance of the band and the strength of the songs overcomes any weaknesses. Zen Arcade has it all - acoustic guitars, mind tearing speed punk, a splash of piano, and several songs that are clearly the genesis of alternative and punk music to follow. Stand out tracks are Never Talking to You Again, the truly amazing I'll Never Forget You and of course the prophetic Newest Industry. Zen Arcade is the seeming troubled child of the pre-Warner releases. As such it requires more attention for it's genius to be appreciated but it is certainly there.



5. My friend Dan gave me a cassette of Zen Arcade. He told me: Listen to it a few times before you pass judgement...best advice ever...
   
   I had no idea who the Du were...were they a bunch of Hare Krishnas? Were they some cult? What the hell was that sound the guitar was making-why was the drumming so fast and how in G-d's name could that bass line get any thumpier (is "thumpier" even a word?)
   
   I was 16, a CIT at an arts camp in Connecticut and a NY City kid just gave me a tape that would change my life...
   
   On the third listen I heard the melodies and lyrics through the wall of sound.
   
   Sure I already loved the Beatles, Hendrix, basic punk (Buzzcocks, Sex Pistols) and New Wave including Bowie & the Cure...but this-oh man-this was so freakin' different.
   
   Hearing the story line, the bouncing from ballad to hardcore at its purest-this album changed me. Soon every cent I had went to buying every cassette of Husker Du I could-and I was not disappointed.
   
   I saw them that fall in 1985 and OH MAN-the stage at Irving Plaza in Manhattan was full of energy...a nearly introverted Mould turned into an extroverted Mould once the feedback was full-on; then came Norton jumping all over stage-he was crazier on stage than Townshend in his best of days-finally the long-haired hippy drummer Hart who alternated vocals with Mould and his bare feet pounding the hi-hat and bass drum at insane speeds...
   
   I'd seem them that winter in 1986 and again a few times before the imploded in 1987...
   
   I remember running to the store to get Candy Apple Grey the Tuesday it came out on Warner Bros. (My friend Ari, as a lark, even plagiarized the lyrics for "Too Far Down" for his creative writing class in 12th grade causing the teacher to speak to him after class to make sure "things were okay and that he wasn't going to do anything to himself..." but I digress).
   
   Anyway-this album is even better than the hype.
   
   Listen to it 3 times-the third time is really the charm...and you'll hear a masterpiece, a true diamond in the rough...a seminal album about a runaway and a band on a runaway train (okay so I saw Soul Asylum open for Husker Du-and also Dwight Yokum...)
   
   Oh the songs----Pink Turns to Blue may be the best song of a hooker on junk ever written-and you just want to sing along...Dreams Recurring and Recurring Dreams-maybe the first and last punk jam-and highly listenable if you have the time...Something I Learned Today-gets the album started-and Never Talking to You Again---maybe an ode from Hart to Mould...ironically they played it on stage one last time in 2004...
   
   Anyway-that's all for now-buy this album!!!!!

5 comments about Ramones Mania (Best Of The Ramones).

1. It was 1974. Political history was being made the day that the Ramones hopped on the stage of the lower east side's CBGB. The rest of the world was watching as Nixon's resignation went into affect, making him the first and only President to resign from office. And at the same time the Ramones were making a different kind of history, making them the first and only "godfathers of punk."
   Let's face it: punk music and rock and roll in general would not be the same if it weren't for these four young men dressed in their uniform jeans and leather jackets, singing songs like the ubiquitous "I Wanna Be Sedated" and the mildly offensive "The KKK Took My Baby Away." The Ramones changed music with their experimentation, daring nature, and controversy (i.e., "Bonzo Goes To Bitburg")-- they evolved it, influenced it, molded it, and counted it in with a rapid "1, 2, 3, 4!"
   Thirty of their legendary hits are compiled on Ramones Mania--thirty distinctive, almost whimsical, sometimes controversial songs that made the Ramones rock legends. It's everything you need to remember rock' n' roll radio, during a time when teenagers were lobotomized, cretins hopped, Sheena was a punk rocker, and everyone wanted to be sedated-- the golden age of punk music.



2. Don't start with this one. It's a nice colorized compilation, nice and clean and late '80s sounding, bridging the catalog and welcomed at fraternity parties. But the mania was massacred. You want the band these reviewers are headbanging about? ALL THE STUFF AND MORE Vol 1. Today your love, tomorrow the world.



3. This one is my favorite because it includes my favorite, 'We Want the Airwaves'
   
   Also 'Blitzkrieg Bop', 'I Wanna Be Sedated', 'Teenage Lobotomy' and so many more pulsating and high adrenaline songs.
   
   Highly recommended



4. The kids are alright! This CD is as good as it gets,period.
   Buy the dang thing,stop putting it off! Heck,do a friend a favor,buy TWO!



5. Okay, so maybe about thirty songs are left out. Who cares? This is the best compilation of the best Ramones tunes done EVER. They embodied the assault against early 70s hippiedom leftovers. They played as loudly as quickly as possible. They didn't mind "yeah, yeah, yeah," or "oh, baby," or "gabba gabba hey". They rocked. Most everyone else didn't. Forget the pretentious liner notes that come with this. Put it in your cd player and crank this baby up!

1 comments about Head Over Heels/Sunburst and Snowblind.

1. 'Head over Heels' is the most consistent of the earlier Cocteau albums. The import version that includes the 'Sunburst and Snowblind' ep makes sense since they were both recorded during the same sessions. 'Sugar Hiccup' is reprised on the ep, but the three other tracks are the real reason to purchase it. To this day, it amazes me that 'From the Flagstones' and 'Hitherto' weren't included on the original album since they are far more melodic than some of that album's tracks. You can also find both tracks on the import album/compilation 'The Pink Opaque'.(See my review of that album) The final track, 'Because of Whirl Jack' is also a keeper. It is more akin to the almost punkish sounds and tempos of the tracks on their debut, 'Garlands', only again, far more melodic. 'Sunburst and Snowblind' can also be purchased as a part of the limited edition box set that contains all of their ep's. (Essential if you are a diehard) But released in this form as companions, 'Head over Heels/Sunburst and Snowblind' is a "treasure". Similar Artists: Siouxsie and the Banshees, Area, Dead Can Dance.

5 comments about Heretic Pride.

1. ...is better than most people's best albums. And that's what this is: John D. doing basically what we've come to expect from him, repeating himself from time to time, but occasionally still hitting the perfect feeling (my favorite: the quick juxtaposition in "Autoclave" of a throne perched atop a pile of human skulls and the theme from "Cheers." Brilliant.). I personally am not into the production values...you sort of imagine him in a studio, with headphones, singing into one of those expensive microphones with screens, and suddenly he's not your fricking-genius buddy in his living room down the street any more. But here's the thing: as the Mountain Goats turns into a pop band, it reminds me more and more of the Cure. Could anyone interest Robert Smith in doing a cover album? That'd be hot.



2. Singer-songwriter John Darnielle's folk-rock project Mountain Goats has been a mainstay of the lo-fi scene since 1991, but it wasn't until their last release, Get Lonely, that he started receiving mainstream attention. Unlike that record's nihilistic, depressing attitude, however, Heretic Pride is a welcome breath of exquisitely produced, introspective indie rock.
   
   First, however, one must overcome Darnielle's unique voice: an odd cross between Neutral Milk Hotel and Chris Carrabba, a rather terrifying combination. On songs like "Autoclave" it is tuneful and melodic, complementing the acoustic instrumentation well, but on ones like the title track, it can take an off-putting turn towards high-pitched and whiny.
   
   The production, however, is what truly elevates the album. From the graceful strings of "San Bernardino" to the vibrant percussion on "In The Craters On The Moon," each track sounds fleshed-out and musically rich.
   
   The New Yorker once called Darnielle "America's best non-hip-hop lyricists." Now coupled with an amazing production team and far less morbid subjects, Mountain Goats seem ready for even greater success.



3. So the Mountain Goats are still in the game with John Darnielle still in the lead as one of the GREATEST songwriters ever.
   If you are an old school fan of TMG's, then you probably will not like this album. It still lacks the raw power of acoustimatic/tape music with the simplicity of just guitar and vocals, but also, if you were turned off by the slowness of "Get Lonely", then do not fret, this album brings back some of the great driving riffs that we have all come to know and love.
   I recommend this album on vinyl over cd, but I recommend almost any album on vinyl instead of cd.
   I place this album within his top 5 releases.
   Strong Points:
   The opening track, Saw Rohmer #1 sets the pace for the album, good strong beats and the closing track (Not counting the bonus tracks that are available online), "Michael Myers Resplendent" starts slow, but really closes the album beautifully.
   Low Points:
   The songs "New Zion" (Do not get me wrong, I like the track, but it is a low point of the album) and "Craters of the Moon" are the weakest songs, but are in the middle chunk of the album so they kind of slide by nicely as well.
   This is also the first album with an official drummer, Jon Wurster, who recorded and is touring with them now.
   
   In the end, check it out for sure if you like good alt/indie rock. If you miss the folk/tape music styles of the older TMG's, then you might want to pass.



4. The Mountain Goats' latest venture is a phenomenal piece of pop art that rarely fails to impress. It's less autobiographical and personal than some of Darnielle's later work, like The Sunset Tree, but it's so full of well-versed accoustic melodies and pop/folk singalongs that it's not a bad thing. after the initial obsession with catchier songs like "Heretic Pride", you'll find yourself litening to the moodier songs over and over again (Lovecraft in Brooklyn is a gem).



5. Wow. This has been the only album in my CD player since I picked it up. I keep finding new favorite tracks to obsess about. So far, I've been fixated on "Marduk T-Shirt Men's Room Incident," "Autoclave," "In the Craters of the Moon," and "Lovecraft in Brooklyn," certain that each was my new favorite Mountain Goat song. When the album Get Lonely came out I was disappointed. I wondered if John Darnielle might have finally tapped out the creative vein he'd been mining for over a dozen albums. Every artist has to face that crisis eventually--after you release over three hundred songs like the Goat's have, it seems almost inevitable that eventually you start repeating yourself, or begin to parody your own work, or else veer so wildly from your roots into new territory that your old fans barely recognize you.
   
   Yet, with Heretic Pride, John has managed to evolve, creating a sound that is different from what he's done before, yet still firmly rooted in the elements that make the Goat's so great--the unbeatable lyrics and the rawness and urgency of the music. The production values here are nothing like his low-fi days, but if you listen to the emotion on a song like "Craters of the Moon," you can hear something approaching panic driving the music, a fiery energy that sounds as if John must shout out the words now, as if his life depends on you listening to his vital message. I'm probably doing myself permanent hearing damage whenever I listen to "Lovecraft in Brooklyn," because I can't listen to the last lyric rush without cranking the volume in my car to the max, to better match the frantic tone of John's apocalyptic vision. This album is the next step in the evolution of the Mountain Goats, and quite possibly the first shot in a Mountain Goat revolution that will earn this band the wider following that it deserves.

5 comments about Hey Ma.

1. Although I liked the popularly successful songs from James during the 80's and 90's, I never got heavy into the band. I heard one of their older songs on a local indie station recently, and checked it out on YouTube because I wanted to send the video link to someone (because of the lyrics). That led to more link-clicking, checking out their website, and finding out they had a local concert last week. Decided to go.
   
   Turns out my girlfried was a real fan of "Sometimes" when it was hot. We went to the concert, loved everything we heard, and as a result I bought two of the new CD's, one for each of us. Several weeks later, we are still talking about and texting each other snippets from the lyrics, and talking about the band and the CD. I wish I could afford to buy a million and spread them around. Easily one of the top 10 I have ever heard. You must read the lyrics and hear the song previews. The "intro" clips don't do the songs full justice, as each is a musical odyssey, with some widely varying sounds in the same song. Lyrically relevant to everything going on today, and particularly some issues I can relate to in my own life. Musically captivating. Rides the range from thought provoking to exhilerating. Will make you a believer. [...]
   
   At first listen, I "liked" about 5 or 6 of the 11 songs. A few I skipped when playing the entire CD in my car. The more I've listened, the less I've skipped, gaining a new appreciation for the lesser songs on the CD to the point that I now listen to it in its entirety. The entire song list will grow on you, and it is arranged perfectly. While not hugely "deep", the lyrical and musical combination is just right (not too heavy or light) for ease of listening. For comparison, I list Green Day's "American Fool" among my top ten also, although they are admittedly a "harder" sound.
   
   Thank you, James. I have to apologize for the admittedly mediocre commercial success in the U.S., after discovering that in the UK and Europe they have always been hugely popular, still selling out venues many times the size of the ones here that they have been touring this year. I don't know if its because of their label, or whatever.
   
   Research on my part led to discovery that at one time Radiohead ('80's), Coldplay ('90's) and Nirvana ('90's) all opened for them during the beginning of those band's careers, right before each became successful. Wish some major band would have them open now, so they can gain back more commercial success here. I also hope some major stations start playing more of this record.



2. This is a band that I always liked but never really got into. Then I bought this and all that changed. This is one of the best albums I have ever heard. I gave a copy to a woman at work and she now listens to it every morning on her way to the office. Brilliant! Not a dud song on here.



3. Lyrically sophisticated, sonically rich. The sound and songwriting is like an amalgamation of all their albums since "Seven." This album is clearly the product of a band that loves making music together again. "Bubbles" is simply one of their most uplifting songs ever. I only found one song ("Semaphore")to be pedestrian. What a wonderful treat to have them back.



4. Im a huge James fan and i love the album..but the production is really bad, I think. Is it because i have the Malaysian import? has anyone else noticed this? or am i just bonkers? it really sounds distorted and messy



5. After being a fan of James early work, my interest started to fade around the time Laid came out in 1993. "Hey Ma" is a great place to rekindle the James fanship. Easily one of their strongest albums, here are some of the songs for which I had to immediately hit "repeat" after my very first listen: "Whiteboy", "72", "Monsters and Heroes", "I Wanna Go Home", "Bubbles", "Waterfall" -- you get the idea: the majority of the songs.
   
   If you're a longtime fan or brand-new to James, this album is an absolute no-brainer: You're gonna like it. This is already one of my favorite "light-hearted" releases of 2008, and I embrace it like an unexpected gift from a dear old friend.

5 comments about Witching Hour.

1. I recently became a fan of Ladytron's music when I first heard samples of their latest album VELOCIFER and bought the album. I took to the album like white on rice and obviously the next step was for me to start checking out their other albums. I recently got a hold of their 2006 album WITCHING HOUR. WITCHING HOUR is more dance orientated than their latest cd which ventures into the shoegazing territory. When I think of the term "electroclash", I think of Fischerspooner and their short lived stint in the spotlight. I didn't care for their music so that really put me off to music that fell under the electroclash genre. So when I heard WITCHING HOUR recently I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this sort of music but maybe because it wasn't done in such a dreary repetive manner that Fischerspooner did with their overrated first album #1.
   
   I have a couple of friends who didn't care for WITCHING HOUR but I personally love the album. The songs were fun, bouncy and infectious. I love the ethereal vocals of Helen Marnie. She has this whispy sound to her voice that is reminiscent of Micki Beranyi of the defunct band Lush. Mira Aroyo's plaintive vocals is pleasant to listen to but I definitely prefer Helen's vocals. Most of the songs on the album I love like "Destroy Everything You Touch" and "International Dateline" but there were 1, 2 songs that didn't hit a chord with me. I thought "Soft Power" was rather dull. And "Fighting in Built Up Areas" was too monotonous for my liking. Overall I think WITCHING HOUR is a solid dance album from my latest favorite band.



2. It's difficult trying to find a new band to become a fan of since the band can be so obscure that most have never heard of them so there won't be a lot of people recommending you check them out. That or you're not exactly in the "mood" for that kind of music but I heard the name "Ladytron" somewhere and thought I'd give them a shot for curiousity's sake and decided to check out their album "Witching Hour" rather than start at their debut and despite a couple songs that are a little less strong, this is arguably the most consistent pop release I've heard lately.
   
   High Rise: Starting with a loud bug-like buzzing, the track then picks up and Helen Marnie's echo-y vocals take over and even though it's hard to tell what she's singing, I love the melody of the whole thing. High energy and fun to listen, it's a great opener. 9.5/10
   
   Destroy Everything You Touch: A beat ready for the clubs, it's obvious why this was a single. From its infectious chorus and synth-like guitar lines, it's a track that'll easily start getting into your head. 9/10
   
   International Deadline: Bit less "noisy", the track is a bit less energetic though there is a bit of drive to it and the "let's end it here"" hook can get you singing for a good while. 9/10
   
   AMTV: The first little misstep on the record, as the other vocalist Mira Aroyo sings, or rather sing-talks over another sonically dense track and there's nothing really wrong with it but it doesn't really have that one hook that the previous 3 had that'll make me put it on repeat. 7.5/10
   
   Sugar: Most people find singles rather repetitive since they're designed to hook people into wanting to buy the record early. This song is the same as the whole song literally consists of 3 lines, however it's incredibly catchy and bound to have you singing away very quickly. 9.5/10
   
   Soft Power: Another fairly enjoyable track and a little less club-friendly since there's a more darker tone to it and the eerie vocals and little sound overdubs now and then will keep you interested. Again, not "blast in your car"-type like Sugar but good enough. 8.5/10
   
   CMYK: More of a little interlude thing, clocking in under 2 minutes and it works for what it is from chiming sounds, repeating clarinet-or-whatever notes and heavy brass, it won't be on your iPod probably but it works within the album. 8/10
   
   Fighting in Built Up Areas: Another Miyo track and it's probably one of the more difficult tracks to get into since it's another loud, almost abrasive sound, with Miyo singing in a different language. It could grow on you but it's maybe a bit too "unfriendly" for some. 8/10
   
   Last One Standing: Another one that isn't as energetic and upbeat but it's another goodie with nice bell chimes, a driving beat and another singable hook. Short but oh well. 8.5/10
   
   Weekend: Back to the dance floor again as the beat is more reminiscent of the first 2 tracks and a little quick synth ditty shows up now and then to help give the song more melodies for you to chew on; nice of use of background vocals too. 9/10
   
   Beauty: A nice change of pace as we get a more slower track with haunting backing vocals, soft synth riffs and Marnie's softer vocals before it kicks in with more different percussive beats and it's a little subtle shift that doesn't feel like a whole new song starts up. 9/10
   
   White Light Generator: Arguably my favorite track on the album even though most want it as a B-side or people see it as a "lesser track" but Marnie's vocals during the verses are so entrancing, the track as a whole has a dream-pop kind of vibe. Sure the chorus melody repeats more than my favored verse melody but that's a small quibble. 9.5/10
   
   All the Way...: Another soft track to close off the album and like a lot of people said, it gives off a "winter" vibe, like travelling through a forest covered in snow until it picks up later and the drifting away atmosphere continues. Lovely. 9/10
   
   It's hard to describe many of the tracks without resorting to the same words (which I probably did in review) but aside from a couple of tracks, Witching Hour has a whole has a hard-to-classify quality yet have familiarity and quickly invite you in. A beautiful and energetic pop release for you to tap your foot to.



3. ..I dont blindly worship them, but they could give the continually repeating 3 chord synth drone a rest, Learn some arranging, use some acoustical musical instruments and write lyrics with a bit more depth.
   I realize they are around 25 (almost over the hill ;-) and that this is purposely club/dance music, and they still need experience.
   But I like their dark sense of brooding, and I love EVERYTHING YOU TOUCH.
   They have the potential to be more than just yesterdays flavor-and I really hope they keep breaking through.
   Though they seem to be having legal problems up the ying yang.
   Prog House-a new category alltogether.
   I dont want to seem just critical, so
   Heres to ya LADYTRON!



4. I knew very little of Ladytron until just a few weeks ago when I stumbled on their myspace page. I immediately picked up the WH cd and found it to be amazing. Every song is unique and moving, some are dark, some are cheerful and I can't stop listning to it several times a day. I'm just sorry it took me 2 years after they released this ablem to discover them, would have loved to see them live.



5. This album means so much to me. As even though it has some mediocre songs on it; it also has some of the most beautiful and emotional soundscapes and progressions that I have ever heard. Take everything good from Goldfrapp, Air, Kraftwerk, Glass, Cocteau, Plague Monkeys, New Order and you have a lot of Witching hour {though I think they are now a distinctive band as opposed to their earlier (Kraftyesque work)}. Thankyou Ladytron.

5 comments about Try! John Mayer Trio Live in Concert.

1. This was my first experience with John Mayer music and I love it!! The sound is unique, blues style.



2. this is not your pop radio version of john mayer. here he teams up with steve jordan on drums and pino palladino on bass to create a rockin' sound. it is quite evident that john listened to a lot of srv growing up and some of his solos on this disc show that. get it.



3. Those who hate John don't get him. That's fine. Leaves more seats available for the fans who DO get him. Blues is blues. Soul is soul. If it sounds right, it doesn't matter if it's an 80 year old white grandma. I swear I think people hate on others out of jealousy - think they can do better but didn't get the break, or don't like to see "Wonderland" guy show even more depth and soul than he had thus far. John makes what he makes, he makes no excuses. He felt he'd done just enough of the acoustic pop, and wanted to get to his bluesy side, the side he alway felt was there but wasn't ready to come out. "TRY!" was it's time to come out. Here, he proves that he does not hide behind flawless productions in the studio - he is out there with two other KILLER musicians who are helping lift him up and get to where he's going musically, and it JUST WORKS. Watch some live performances on YouTube if you still think his guitar chops are questionable. He has proven he has the talent with the guitar, his silky, husky voice matches perfectly with not only this soulful blues/rock, but with his sweet acoustic pop. He is an "all around" musician with something to say, and we should pay attention. And lest anyone think JM has a false sense of self - he knows he's the "white elephant" in the blues room, but I think he shows you he can do it, too, no matter how he got started. How many more blues/jazz/soul endorsements do you need to get off his back??? Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Clapton, Herbie Hancock, John Scofield, etc. "Who Did you Think I Was" tells it all - you though he could ONLY sing sweet panty-dropping songs, but he shows you he can do more - MUCH more, and it's believable. Bottom line - if you're a lover of music, when it's good, then you can judge this fairly as a GREAT soulful blues rock album. I just don't see how anyone can deny the talent present by these three men. Give it a try...



4. Typical John Mayer! Very good selections of musical jazz and blue's songs. Nice acoustic guitar. Smooth and easy to listen to without a lot of crowd noise that accompanies live albums!



5. I knew next to nothing about John Mayer until I caught a PBS special one night and was blown away with his guitar playing. It was reminiscent of the great rock guitarist and certainly refreshing of a relatively new talent. So I went out and read reviews of all his CD's and decided on "Now".
   I was not disappointed. His guitar playing at times reminds me of Stevie Ray Vaughan. And his bass player and drummer are certainly top-notch. I highly recommend this CD for any serious music lover.