5 comments about Dreamt for Light Years in the Belly of a Mountain.

1. This is a great addition to Sparklehorse's work. It is more upbeat and engaging then It's a Wonderful Life... which is my favoritre SH album. It's a great album to drive around and rock out too. "Don't take my sunshine" has some great drive to it, as does "Shade and Honey" and "Mountains". But the most stellar song is, in my opinion, "Knives of summertime"... very brillant. If you like "Good Morning Spider" you are going to love "Dreamt for lightyears"... it's fantastic.
   
   My only gripe? "Morning Hallow" is a fantastic and brillant song but a hardcore SH fan will realize that it is actually the hidden track on "It's a Wonderful Life". I love hidden tracks but I always wished that Mark had just made that song the last song instead of making you wait a couple minutes to hear it (and since I use I-tunes, their was no surprise that they album had a hidden song). But now that my wish came true in a sense and he used this song as a seperate piece, I see that I was wrong. On "Lightyears" it just doesn't fit well with the album. The song doesn't have the same effect as it did on "Wonderful life" because their, it was PERFECT capstone to the whole album but here it seemed like it was added in for the sake of being added in. Needless to say, I actually remove this song from my itunes and place it in a seperate folder on my Ipod.
   
   But other then that, this is a must have album.



2. I feel like there's a lot of potential. I just spent the entire cd waiting for something more.... but it never came.



3. The entire Sparklehorse catalog is incredible. This album is not my favorite among them, but is still several levels above the vast majority of modern music. If you've liked other Sparklehorse efforts, you'll certainly enjoy seeing where things have gone on this latest work. If you're new to Sparklehorse, please purchase this and the earlier albums. I wish Mark Linkous would tour a little more to promote his music... (Mark?)



4. I love the music on this one. "Ghost in the Sky", "Mountains", "Knives of Summertime" are amazing. Best music he's done. The words are not up to "Wonderful Life" level, but I can't argue with the music.
   
   Not sure what "Morning Hollow" is doing on here, though. Seems to break up the flow too much. It's a good song, but this is the exact same version from "Wonderful Life". I'd advise skipping it -- album plays better just listening to the pop tunes.



5. I like the new pop-ness about it. A yummy 10 minute instramental makes me totally space out. I very much like it. Mark Linkous did it again. (but this time more happy).
   Anyway, I love this band. The album is no let-down.

No comments about The Rip.

No comments about Zenyatta Mondatta.

5 comments about VOLTA.

1. Just to give a brief summary as to where I stand as a Björk fan before I dive in...I think her first two albums (Debut/Post) are both great records. Yet, she was a little more naive at the time and didn't have as much control creatively. But she was learning. With her next two releases, Homogenic and Vespertine, she began to break away from the poppy sounds of the first two and began to write (she began having more control over the writing), darker, bleaker records. So not only did she begin to define her sound and really become the unique artist she is, but they where also simply brilliant, amazing records. With Medulla she came up with an interesting concept, yet it was simply too hard to listen to in the context of a record. For me atleast.
   
   My point is, Björk has been getting better and better, up until Medulla where things simply got TOO weird. It hurt the record and I think she crossed the line in that aspect. In her newest release, Volta, she returned to square one and tried to create something more in the flavor of a modern day Post. Well, this made perfect sense. Now I know she won't make another Vespertine, but with the creative control she's had to define her sound over the past 10 years then we should get a great return to form...right? Not so.
   
   Three problems with Volta. 1.) Vocals are not very well written. None of the lyrics are catchy and just don't carry the emotional impact Björk put into them in the past. She just kind of rambles, which is unusual for her. 2.) The albums does not have it's own unique SOUND, as her past records have each had. The asian strings/brass/horns almost make that happen, but just don't dominate enough of the record. 3.) Her vocals are mixed WAY too high. Whoever mixed the album needs to be shot. Considering how sharp and high pitched her voice can be, it's easy for her to overpower the electronics. In Homogenic, the electronics/beats where mixed to be just about as loud as her voice, which also gave the listener a feeling of an overwhelming sonic attack on the senses. There is some great instrumentation on Volta, it's just not implemented correctly.
   
   To touch on a few tracks, I think Earth Intruders is sort of average compared to some of her past works. A weak single. Wanderlust is much better, and features the L.F.O. infected sound of Homogenic with fast paced, slicing electronics. Problem is...the vocals on it are weak for Bjork, with the electronics mixed too low under them to the point where they don't provide the correct "punch". Innocence is a strong track of similar nature, packing a repetitive rhythm crunch that totally smacks you in the face, and the vocals are actually very good. The Dull Flame of Desire and Vertebrae both feature beautiful orchestration and better vocals, but the former is a little drawn out and is too long. Pneumonia is also very nice and relaxing, making good use of horns and rain effects. The HUGE letdown of Volta is Declare Independence, seeing how it is a collaboration with producer Mark Bell, who helped make Homogenic such a great record. It's easily one of, maybe the worst song she's written. The closer, Hope is kind of bland.
   
   Overall, a mediocre album from Björk. She has, and can, do better than this.



2. Where to begin? I managed to get through most of the songs, but had to skip through parts of some. The Dull Flame of Desire, which I was ready to pronounce the worst Bjork song ever after listening to it isn't actually the worst Bjork song ever. There are worse songs after it on this disc. It's horrible. While there are times where her singing is vastly improved over Medulla and sounds almost as good as some of Homogenic, the songs themselves are utterly artless at best, and at worst - terribly grating. There is not a good song on this disc. The only good thing I've heard from this period is the Mark Bell remix of I See Who You Are. Although "good" is being really really generous there, it was the one song that didn't make me cringe.
   
   Bjork still has plenty of singing talent which shows here, but the songwriting, lyrically and musically, is at the bottom of the barrel. It can't really get any worse than this. She needs to find a really talented producer, composer, and lyricist who will write the material for her. Her voice is still there. The music isn't.



3. Be it not for the little slices of heaven on this LP:
   "Declare Independence"
   "Earth Intruders"
   this collection would be refuse.
   Timbaland is a joke. I don't like the way Björk has travelled here.
   Be it not for her voice, and the two tunes mentioned, this LP would receive 1 star.
   I still love you Ms. Gudmunsdottir, and I look forward to meeting you again, on your next adventure.



4. i have always enjoyed bjork for what she gives to the world through her music. i don't ever want to take her too seriously or overanalyze her. i'm sure she doesn't enjoy that either.
   
   i appreciate her encounters with timbaland, particularly 'innocence'. that song is a lot of fun and i can't wait for the remixes to start spinning at the clubs. it's going to make for some great, saucy dancing!
   
   i also got a huge rise out of the song 'vertebrae by vertebrae'. the insistent stamping and those accents on the second beat are delicious!



5. I didn't like the duets as they don't have the power of Bjork's other songs. Bkork's songs are strange and moving.

5 comments about Slip It In.

1. Black Flag-Slip It In *****
   
   So basically the album opens with a six minute guitar solo from Ginn while Henry Rollins and a woman shout 'slip it in' and simulate sex through a microphone. The tempo changes in the song symbolizing the breaths one must take while engaging in intercourse. This is classic Black Flag and maybe their most diverse and sophisticated album (musically at least) and the opening title track warns you of this.
   
   Ginns guitar work is unmatched in the punk realm. Only a few can even come close; Slip It In is a testament to this. As for the rest of the band they are in top form to, namely Rollins. His vocals seems angrier than on Damaged and his lyrics while not as overtly political as previous releases, they focus more on social issues. 'Rats Eyes' finds Rollins playing Jim Morrison dressed up as a straight edge hardcore punk amongst Reagan's youth. 'You're Not Evil' serves as not only one of the smartest songs to emerge from the hardcore movement of the eighties but finds Rollins once again taking a role other than himself; something of a psychic healer.
   
   Slip It In serves as maybe even a better album than that of Damaged, the bands magnum opus. Anything that wasn't needed was thrown out leaving what I consider a perfect album in the world of hardcore punk. Many had turned their back on the band at this point leaving me speechless as this is truly one of the best albums of the time. There is really no bad songs on the record. So would it recommend it...you bet!



2. On my list of best Black Flag albums, Slip It In is #3. It's bassist Kira Roessier first album with Black Flag. Greg Ginn starts exploring his talent as a guitarist by becoming more technical. This is also what I consider Black Flag's last overall fast album. In the following album, Loose Nut, you notice a slower pace to more songs, although still heavy with Black Flag's usual angst. I'd recommend buying this to any Black Flag fan who's already got Damaged and My War.



3. I've never been the biggest fan of hardcore, but I do know a great record when I hear it. 'Slip It In' is the band's third effort that was originally released in 1984. Tunes I found myself playing a lot off here were the title track "Slip It In", the in-your-ugly-*ss-mug "Black Coffee", "Rat's Eyes", "The Bars" and the body slammin' classic "My Ghetto". This is the sort of music that lures you to drive around at 3am and smash up every mail box (the ones they have by the end of the driveway) within a two mile radius. Line-up: Henry Rollins-vocals, Greg Ginn-guitar, Kira Roessler-bass and Bill Stevenson-drums. Should appeal to most fans of Misfits, the Germs, Minor Threat and Dead Kennedys. Believe I saw guitarist Greg Ginn's post-Black Flag trio, Gone play an actual in-store appearance. Wasn't just a three song mini-set, it was like a 45 minute show that had nearby tenants calling the police. You KNOW you've had a great time when that happens. Highly recommended.



4. its not bad, and it certainly has a few really good songs (the title track comes to mind), but this was the begining of the end for Black Flag, and it really shows. This is the last album of theirs I would reccommend anyone buy, and its really only for people who are already big fans. If you aren't a big fan, pick up "Damedged" or "The First four years" instead.



5. Slip It In.
   
   Ok, I'll admit something here. I'm perplexed how people can bash on this Flag record. Out of all the Flag albums I've heard and had at various times this is the one I come back to the most.
   
   I recently encoded to WAV my vinyl copy I bought at Tower Records in Bellevue, WA in 1986 (oh the memories). I listened to the whole damn thing tonight while working out. I have to give it rave reviews. This album still rocks. Its almost as some other reviewers have said a mix of punk, hardcore and maybe a skosh of metal in there. I love the energy, the attitude and swagger. ( Its also a great album to do cardio to, but thats another subject.)
   
   I think the flow of the record is great. The first three songs bust out the gate and don't slow down till Rat's Eyes. Then a brief reprieve and off you go again.
   
   Favorite Tracks:
   Black Coffee
   You Think You're Evil
   Obliteration (interesting song progression)
   Slip It In
   The Bars
   
   This is a long way removed from Damaged, which is great on its own. My War I can't get into as much, sludgey and the material isn't as ferocious. Plus, I don't think that album flows as well and the band doesn't seem to being into it as much.
   
   Seems there are factions of fans who like specific angles of 'Flag. Chalk me up as one who thinks Slip It In is one of thier top tier albums. Fusing punk, hardcore, 70s hard rock and charging hard makes it thier most complete album. It does what few artists dare to do - fuse genres. It works brilliantly here.
   
   Would recommend this and Damaged as a introduction to 'Flag.
   
   .
   .
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   Fun sidenote to this LP - Etched in the vinyl after the last song on each side is a message:
   S1: "Only The Steaming Liquid of Caffeine... Stark ... Starker"
   S2: "And Walked Out Into the Bright Light without Sunglasses"
   
   I don't know if the CD has this. Thought I'd throw that one out there.

5 comments about Deftones.

1. What separates a band like the Deftones from others in similar bands is there is a willingness to actually try to get away from the conventions of the genre and while you'll notice familiar song structures, emphasis on riffs and the same tortured-but-cryptic lyrics, they always seemed to do things that stood them apart. After my favorite record of theirs, "White Pony", we have the self-titled which always suggests a rebirth or a band attempting to see themselves in a new light. Unfortunately, some of the songwriting isn't as strong and while on occasion, they knock one out of the park, other times it's just simply decent.
   
   Hexagram: Any preconceived notions that the band's mellowed since the last record will be dashed upon this track. One of the heaviest with Chino practically yelling throughout the whole thing, I'm surprised his lungs didn't pop out of his throat. The chorus is catchy and it's definately one of the most hard rocking but it's also a bit repetitive. 7.5/10
   
   Needles and Pins: A very cool one that hooked me up pretty quickly. The verses are pretty simple but I quite enjoy the chorus with Chino basically singing along with himself yelling and belting it out. Not a lot of changes but works well enough. 8/10
   
   Minerva: One of my favorites. Though it's pretty simple, the atmosphere and almost grand feeling of the track more than makes up for it. Chino's voice is in top form during the chorus that I can't help but sing along to. 9/10
   
   Good Morning Beautiful: It grew on me over time. The chorus is pretty catchy though it doesn't really complete rock out like say My Own Summer or something. It's decent enough but like most of the album, it doesn't really excel. 7.5/10
   
   Deathblow: A track more along the lines of Digital Bath or Knife Party, I find it enjoyable enough but there's nothing really there to latch onto, like a great hook or memorable chorus but it's just nice to have on. But then again others might love it. 8/10
   
   When Girls Telephone Boys: One of the more heavier tracks on the album along with Hexagram, to me it sounds more unfocused than anything and it just feels like screams and riffs played together to create something called a song. 5/10
   
   Battle Axe: A cool clean guitar intro opens the song and I like the feel of the track thanks to the band, has a good groove but the chorus is kind of, um, boring. It doesn't really take off or add anything but musically it works. Could've used a bit more time personally. 7/10
   
   Lucky You: Sure it's completely different than the rest of the record and isn't as intimate or beautiful as "Teenager" but I quite love this track. More electronica/trance like the Team Sleep stuff Chino did, it's got strange sci-fi sounds, the vocals feeling more breathy and quieter, some would've loved to leave it off but I enjoyed it. 8.5/10
   
   Bloody Cape: I quite like this one and the chorus stays with me after awhile. It's again one of those songs that doesn't really offer that huge rocking part and the guitar tones pretty much remain the same but it's enjoyable enough...I suppose. :P 7.5/10
   
   Anniversary of an Uninteresting Event: Bizarre title but gorgeous song. Reminds me of one of the quieter Nine Inch Nails tracks like on the Fragile. Soft, melancholy piano chords, Chino's voice finally showing off that beautiful tone he can do and ambient textures. I doubt you'd have it on repeat but it's a bright spot on the record. 9/10
   
   Moana: Probably my favorite closer they've done so far, just narrowly beating Pink Maggit. From the cool guitar riffs during the verses to Chino's voice, it keeps its pace right to the end and not once does it feel boring. 9/10
   
   Out of the albums from White Pony on, I find the self-titled to be the most scattered, parts not working well for the whole and others dragged down by the whole thing. This album has some winners like Minerva and the last 2 but other tracks just aren't interesting enough to be considered the band's best.



2. I'll start by saying that the Deftones never fail to amaze me, they simply cannot release a bad album! However, when their self-titled album was released back in 2003 I was surprisingly a little disappointed. Having just come off their epic opus White Pony and prior to that Around the Fur, the ST album just didn't seem to match up. It was by no means shelved early but earlier then the previous three albums.
   
   Forward a few years later and after not listening to the album for maybe a year or so decided to toss it in again. I was amazed!! When listening to and measuring it on its own, compared to against WP and ATF, it really is a kick arse album! Starting with the raw and angry Hexagram and continuing with a heavier and rawer feel then WP, the ST is just pure Deftones anger!! Minus for Lucky which continues with Chino having to add a electronic, Depeche Mode style song as they did with Teenager on WP. If they had yanked this tune and replaced it "Lovers", a track left of the ST it would have made this album that much better!
   
   Highlights include Hexagram, Pins and Needles, Good Morning Beautiful, When Girls Telephone Boys, Battle-axe and Bloody Cape.
   
   Could it be that Deftones albums get better with age? I wouldn't put it past them to accomplish this.



3. I bought this cd the day it came out after waiting 3 years from the release of "White Pony". Being a hardcore Deftones fan and instantly being hooked to their previous three releases, it did take me a couple spins to get used to this release. "Hexagram", "Needles and Pins", "Minerva", "Good Morning Beautiful" were favorites right from the beginning. But after a couple listens everything else came into place. I think this release is a little heavier than "White Pony", but has just as much experimental melodies and atmosphere that "White Pony" had.



4. So I am trying to get into some more mainstream music and this is actually the second deftones cd that I purchased. Just not that good overall. A couple of songs are good but as an album it just didnt do it for me.



5. this is a bit darker than what they usually come up with,but it makes for something beautiful in a shadowy manner.great cubist album.

No comments about We Are...the League.

5 comments about Matthew Ryan vs. the Silver State.

1. I - embarrassingly - have never heard of Matthew Ryan until plugging into XM radio aboard an AirTran flight (they have complimentary headphones and XM). After listening to 2 hours of music, 1 song really stood out: Dulce Et Decorum Est. I wrote it down and then visit Ryan's site where this song and 3 more were available for streaming. They instantly penetrated my consciousness. I knew I had to get the album. After listening to the album many times in the past 5 days, I am floored. This is fantastic stuff.



2. Like some of the best songwriters out there (Paul Westerberg, Ryan Adams, Jesse Malin, Bielanko Bros/Marah)Matthew Ryan is never at a loss for words. His newest gem, MRVSS, maybe his best. The disc starts with the seven minute "dulce et decorum est", that skips along with the aid of some beautiful fiddle work. The song would sit well in the Waterboys Fishermans Blues era. From there the album is more raw and powerful. Lyrically, "it could've been worse", "killing the ghost" and "closing in" demonstrate Ryans gift for concise emotional imagery. This is an artist that needs to be heard-buy this and spread the word.



3. I have been an MR fan from the start. MRVSS is good from beginning to end. Ryan is an amazing singer/songwriter who's lyrics stick hard and strong.



4. Matthew Ryan's latest cd is incredible and mesmerizing. I listen to it over and over and never tire. It is rich and deep and beautiful.



5. Matthew Ryan is an amazing songwriter and performer. His music is inspiring as it stands at the precipise of musical perfection. Matthew Ryan vs. the Silver State is my favorite album by MR but as his others albums suggest, each stands alone as a work of art that individually should be experienced. This album includes songs that are both haunting and emotional, yet provide a sense of hope for those searching for it. MR's potent potential is seen in every sense of the word in the truly inspired song "Meet Me by the River", my favorite MR song to date. His music, especially Matthew Ryan vs. the Silver State, will touch the heart and mind of anyone who has the pleasure of hearing it. I cannot recommend this album enough. It is worth every penny.

5 comments about Tragic Kingdom.

1. Tragic Kingdom by No Doubt is highly overrated. The songs released were pretty good but after all these years, this album is dated and annoying now. This disc is heavy in ska which is no longer popular, no wonder they had to change their sound after this album. Don't Speak was a great ballad but after you hear it 30,000 times you get sick of it. The only track I still appreciate is Sunday Morning, great hook and chorus. This album is considered their masterpiece, but I've heard better.



2. I Love NO DOUBT, the best songs on this one are Spiderwebs,Just a Girl,Sunday Morning and Don't Speak



3. Amazing CD. It is a must have for any No Doubt or Gwen Stefani fan.



4. Tragic Kingdom is a very terrific album. The noted songs include Spiderwebs (my personal fave), Just a Girl and Don't Speak, the song that put No Doubt on the map.
   
   Every song is very fun and good, and it's an all around brilliant album that will leave you shocked and stunned! A must buy!



5. I love this CD! I like it better than any other No Doubt CD I've heard and more than Gwen Stefani's new solo work. I find it ironic that the music video to Don't Speak has come true.

5 comments about New Wave Contains CD of Album Inside.

1. THIS "COMPACT DISC" IS PROBABLY ONE OF THEE !BEST! CDS IVE EVER BOUGHT! "STOP", "NEW WAVE", AND "THRASH UNREAL" ARE THE BEST SONGS ON THE ALBUM!!!!!1 THE CD IS GREAT IN THE FIRST HALF THEN, IT GETS A little BIT DIFFERENT BUT IT IS AN AMAZING AALBUMM I FIRST HEARD "THRASH UNREAL" ON THE RADIO AND IT IS PROBABLY MY FAVORITE BY THEM! "AGAINST ME! AGAINST ME! AGAINST ME! AGAINST ME!...."



2. I first off what say this is a very very good cd ,not great ,but damn close . It is torn between rock ,punk and pop...I have three of their cd's ...bought this one first ,(it is the place for the non-fan or first time fan as I was to start ) The live one ( "americans abroad " ) is my favorite and the first the axel rose thing which punk faithful love and I only found mildly good . These guys are moving toward the clashes lyrics , by that I mean smart and throw in talking head wit. The singers voice and the band are maturing at a nice pace and that is why these guys are a band to watch..I wonder why these guys do not get more air time ? maybe it is because they are not all rock or punk ...I say they are damn good and if you like music that packs a good tune with it's punch this is the cd for you ...then buy the live one ,trust me you will be hooked. plus the fun of good music is finding out and figuring it out yourself , not haveing some long windy write up telling you about each song by some one who wishes they were a critic insteafd of some shmuck working 9-5 come on people .think ,listen, think.



3. This is one of those CDs that gets better every time you listen to it - you can listen to the whole thing straight through because each song is solid. "Thrash Unreal" sounds almost like pop at the first listen, but like the other songs the underlying meaning of the song is a bit more cynical.



4. I love this CD...I bought it for my husband but I love it too..it's full of fast moving in your face music..I recently saw this band live. I had never heard of them before but I enjoyed the music.



5. I'll keep this one short. This is a life-changing album. Passionate, melodic, intoxicating like Rancid, Dropkick Murphys, Face to Face, Gogol Bordello and Flogging Molly at their best. White People for Peace has got to be my favorite song in the past five years and "Stop" deserves to be a number one hit - perhaps it will be this summer's "Crazy." The messages this album delivers have never been more relevant - and the songs grab onto you and never let go. To all the haters - you need to get a life. What if someone told you to never leave your entry level job? Against Me! gets better with every album - I look forward to every note they ever unleash.