Earth Music

Amazon.com
Master of the triple turntable setup and the originator of tribal house, DJ Godfather Junior Vasquez returns in full force with his legendary remixing style. After failures with artist recordings and ill-attended residencies in the '90s, Vasquez is back in form. Sounds that Vasquez originated during the heyday of NYC's Sound Factory are now ubiquitous in house, but a Vasquez mix is still a marvel, driven by unique flourishes and expert pacing. Earth Music kicks it from the start, riding through Ke's bubbly "Believer," Ghostland's hymnal "Guide Me, God" (with Sinead O'Connor), and Lectroluv's progressive "Movin On" to Junior's remixes of Deborah Cox, Billie Ray Martin, Dolce, and Ceevox. Being a house-head is essential for truly enjoying Junior's latest, but even if you prefer downtempo or drum and bass, Earth Music's eclectic touches and roller-coaster vocal tracks make it more than just another house remix retread. Junior's still got the juice. --Ken Micallef

Product Description
2002 album features 3 original productions from his music featuring Billy Ray Martin, Sabrina Johnston, and the single 'Ghostland' with Sinead O'Connor and Lectroluv. Also includes Deborah Cox's number one 'Absolutely Not'. Tommy Boy.

Earth Music,Junior Vasquez,Tommy Boy,Club/Dance,Dance Music,House,Pop,Progressive House,Rock/Pop

Average customer rating: Got a mind full of good intentions and a mouth full of Raisinets be careful with your expectations....... Prince being Prince His Worst in Years A Pleasant Surprise.

Planet Earth Prince Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: S.S.T./Brand New Orleans 3121 Time on Earth Libertad Absolute Garbage ASIN: B000RMC7H0 Release Date: 2007-07-24

Tracks:

1. Planet Earth
2. Guitar
3. Somewhere Here On Earth
4. The One U Wanna C
5. Future Baby Mama
6. Mr. Goodnight
7. All The Midnights In The World
8. Chelsea Rodgers
9. Lion Of Judah
10. Resolution

Amazon.com

Because it would be un-Prince-like to release a new studio album without kicking up a little controversy first, the Artist Formerly Known As a Cool-Looking Symbol gave away copies of Planet Earth with a British news tabloid weeks before its U.S. release. Among the reasons he shouldn't have: nobody who catches wind of the peerless funk-rock-soul he lays out on these 10 tracks--least of all longtime fans--would think twice about shelling out for it. A big chunk of the appeal is that Prince finds his way back to his guitar here. The title track, a politically right-on-time environmental rant, steers him back toward "Purple Rain" territory, as does "Lion of Judah" ("Guitar," oddly, doesn't--it's more of a straight-up, shout-it-out modern rocker). And the flirty numbers are seriously flammable: "Somewhere Here on Earth" seduces with a crackly jazz vibe, while "Mr. Goodnight" gets friendly with a refined slip of rap. Coolest of all are two tracks at cross purposes-- "Chelsea Rodgers" fuses funk with disco until it's so far off the hook it's in a heap on the floor, and "All the Midnights in the World" paints a picture of artistic maturity through piano and lyrics that lean hard on positivity. There's an elegance to it that Prince fans, no strangers to pop music that's truly sublime, won't fail to appreciate. --Tammy La Gorce

Album Description

Simply put, Planet Earth is the album longtime Prince fans have been waiting for. Several cuts on this album revisit some of the classic Prince sound the captured fans all over the world and helped deem him an incomparable music icon. Superstar and legendary musician prince kicked off 2007 with a show stopping Super Bowls Half-time performance. Prince pulled out all the stops during the second most-watched super bowl broadcast ever. With an estimated 93.2 million viewers to entertain, Prince wasted no time showing off his stages powers and irrefutable guitar skills. He masterfully captured the attention and respect of music fans in general, while sending a message to long time Prince fans that he was ready to once again reign supreme.

Customer Reviews:

Got a mind full of good intentions and a mouth full of Raisinets.......2007-07-30

Prior to "Planet Earth," the last Prince album I can say I liked was "Rave Unto the Joy Fantastic." The last two ("3121" and "Musicology") - though obviously both commercial comebacks - did next to nothing for me. They were just more additions to the growing list of disjointed, thrown-together sub-par works that Prince began releasing back in '94 with "Come" (though not including every album after that, just that the good ones were less and less frequent). I distinctly remember how distressing it was for an artist who was responsible for such a long line of carefully crafted albums to expect record buyers to be satisfied with willful sloppiness. Yeah, with "Come" (and others) he was hurrying to get out of his Warner's contract - but all these years after the fact, what matters is the music and not his fued with the label. I continue to maintain that he hasn't released a truly great album since 1992's 'Symbol' album (and even that one was flawed, i.e. Tony M was still on board). And I still say that "The Truth" (i.e. disc 4 of "Crystal Ball") is the closest he's come to that greatness in the years since.

All that said, I'll reiterate: I like this new album. It turned out to be a nice surprise - not a major return to form, but a mostly consistently enjoyable collection of new songs. Are they all new? It's hard to say - I do have trouble believing all the musicians who are credited in the album's sparse (nearly non-existant, truth be told) liner notes turned up for recent sessions. Some of this music was quite possibly in the can for many years - the wildly varying tone, and overall sound, throughout the album supports this idea. Before delving into a song-by-song look, I'll summarize my overall feelings. The focus here seems to be tight, concise pop songwriting. Prince used to break boundaries and take chances with song form, but since those days seem long gone I'm satisfied to hear relatively straightforward songs containing strong melodies and memorable hooks. It's far preferable to the aimlessness of recent sludge like "3121" and "Musicology." I also like hearing so many guitar solos - much more than anything since "Chaos and Disorder" way back in 1995. Throughout "Planet Earth," there are lots of little musical surprises and quirks - unexpected chord changes, unpredictable melodic twists, unusual backing vocal arrangements. No, it's not "Lovesexy" revisited by any means, but it keeps the listener from being bored to tears (like the last couple of albums did).

To be more specific, take the opening - and also title - track. On a musical level, "Planet Earth" sounds very much to me like the Prince of old. The plaintive - though highly dramatic - verses that give way to swelling choruses, ultimately climaxing with a passionate guitar solo: it's a full-fledged epic Prince track (bold move to open the record with what sounds like a big finish). The piano/synth/backing-vocals section midway through sounds the vintage late-80s era. Lyrically, I'm less enthusiastic. Prince didn't used to be so literal when tackling "big issues." Here - not surprisingly, given the title - he deals mainly with the fragility of our ecosystem. Sorry, but no celebrity can escape the hypocrisy charge when lamenting the mistreatment of the atmosphere while simultaneously boasting of private jets traveling the four corners of the globe. Prince, how big is your carbon footprint? In the final verse, he sings about sending off young soldiers to fight a war, asking "If they're blessed to make it home, will they still be poor?" I'm not exactly sure what he's implying about the financial status of the armed forces, but I am a bit confused about something: in this song, and later in the album, the lyrics do get a tad bit political. I was under the impression that Jehovah's Witnesses remain strictly apolitical. How can he include this type of subject matter without violating that belief? I'm not taking any shots at his religion, I'm just genuinely curious about this seeming contradiction.

"Guitar" takes us back to mid-90s NPG, "Undertaker" style. I wouldn't be surprised if that's Michael B kicking it on this rock track. Many have mentioned it - and 'I will follow' their lead (get it?) - the main riff sounds like a certain early U2 song. Once you accept that, the song is a fun rocker with some good solos and a light-hearted lyric (what a relief after the pretentions of the first song's message).

"Somewhere Here On Earth" starts off with a hokey 'scratchy record' sound, apparently signaling it's 'old school' balladry. There's also a bit of cringe-worthiness in the lyric, "In this digital age, you could just page me/I know it's the rage." Um, really? I don't know many people who still carry around pagers - but I guess "You could just text me" didn't rhyme as well. Or it could suggest this song's been in the vault for a few years. That wouldn't be a stretch, as it sounds like it could've been on just about any album from "Around the World In a Day" onward - which I mean in the best way: it's a very good falsetto ballad in the classic Prince mold. A tad overlong, though, at nearly 6 minutes, as no new ideas are introduced to justify the length.

Things get even better with "The One U Wanna C" - a straight-ahead pop tune with a subtle, yet comfortable, countryish twang. Again, this sounds so unlike anything Prince has done in years I can't help but wonder if he pulled it out of the vault. As lightweight as it is, I love everything about it - except for the line "I ain't trying to be a hater" (which is the first of several instances of Prince forcing some 'modern' slang into his lyrics). I do like that he sings "I come like thunder" and "If u wanna get creamy" because it proves that the JW's didn't shut down the innuendo completely.

Uh-oh -- Prince gets all lover-man in "Future Baby Mama" -- and there's another (obvious) example of that 'modern' slang. Building a song around the phrase "baby mama" wasn't a great idea, even if he did break out the Linn for this one (which isn't all that exciting anyway - he was trying to evoke the old days in the exact same way back on "Rave Unto the Joy Fantastic" back in '99!). Still, it ain't an entirely unpleasant sounding song, but it feels very out of place in context of the four songs that preceded it. Maybe the course will be corrected shortly...

...in a word, no. "Mr. Goodnight" sounds like it could've been on ANY "Emancipation"-onward album. It's a sort-of rap song, and I hoped he was done with that kind of thing. Suddenly the vibe of the album has been completely altered, and necessarily in a good way. Not that I don't love the funky R&B that has been Prince's bread and butter his entire career - I most certainly do. But this generic-sounding stuff evokes "New Power Soul" more than "Sign O the Times"...or even "Diamonds & Pearls" for that matter. In fact, songs like "Come On" and "Shoo-Be-Do" from that 1998 disappointment KILL this "Mr. Goodnight" bit of indulgence. Oh well, at least it DOES have the funniest food reference in a Prince song since the immortal "Cap'n Crunch with soy milk."

"All the Midnights In the World" - short, but oh so sweet. My favorite track, and it clocks in at just 2 minutes, 21 seconds. THIS is classic Prince pop: idiosyncratic lyrics, melodically inventive, captivating vocal performance. Can this possibly be a new song? Or is this some lost "Dream Factory"-era track? It's so fantastic I can't really explain it. Who but Prince would include a reference to Zuzu's pedals from "It's a Wonderful Life"? "Amethyst and rubies, crystals and black pearls/I'd trade them all just to spend with you/All the midnights in the world." I don't usually use words like splendiferous, but it truly applies to this gem of a song.

Nowhere to go but down, I guess, after such a natural high - but "Chelsea Rogers" is actually a pretty entertaining dance track nonetheless. It's a funky disco-style song, sung along with a husky-voiced woman (reminded me of Mavis right at the beginning). It doesn't really DO all that much in nearly 6 minutes (one of only three tracks that push past 5 minutes). It's about the same length as the title track, yet unlike that well-structured epic, it wears out it's welcome after the halfway point. I haven't really bothered to figure out if the lyrics, which apparently concern a real-life fashion model, tell a coherent story.

"Lion Of Judah" brings it back to guitar-oriented rock. It's grown on me over repeated listenings, though I'm not sure what he's getting at in the lyrics. Sure sounds like something was on his mind though. A failed relationship, it would seem - one that he didn't want to end, and felt ended in the midst of miscommunication...leaving him seeking some sort of revenge? I don't know really, but I like the guitar playing.

"Resolution" - bouncy up-tempo pop, kinda like a less corny "Graffiti Bridge." Also kinda like the opening track: I like it musically, I'm less wild about the lyrics. It's actually a good bookend - both songs tackle "big issues," albeit in a clumsy way. I really like the melody, the simple arrangement, and especially the backing vocals. But spelling out the world's problems in less than four minutes is a tough order for anyone. Actually, in the final verse ("Love is like a circle, no beginning and no end..") he has the right idea - keep it a bit vague, rather than trying to specifically explain the "main problem" with war (that no one ever wins) and with people (that they never do what they say). In fact, his reasoning is incorrect in both cases, so why bother trying to cover so much ground in one song? Anyway, the lyrics are just too dopey-hippy for me to take seriously - I still enjoy the heck out of the song on a musical/performance level.

I've been listening to the album as I write this. I really have to say: the highest praise I can offer is that every time it ends, I feel like starting it up and listening all over again. I haven't felt that way about a Prince album in far too long. Not because it stands as a truly classic Prince album, but because it's the most tuneful and entertaining album he has released in ten years. And, of course, there's that track 7 that brings joy everytime it rolls around.

be careful with your expectations..............2007-07-30

I made the mistake of reading a few reviews (Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, etc.) prior to buying this CD. I was very excited that the reviews called it a "return to form" and compared it to "Purple Rain" and "Parade" era Prince. Add to this the fact that Wendy and Lisa are part of the band here, and I was definitely looking forward to hearing "Planet Earth." Well now that I have listened to it for several days...there is certainly his usual genius on a few songs, but way too many ballads/slow jams (his most recent CDs seem to have TERRIBLE pacing...i.e., the sequencing of songs sucks)...there is no doubt that "Guitar" is a cool single and that there's a few good funky tunes here, but again, to me I found about half of it to be filler. His crappy songs are still better than most people's gold, but this is not Purple Rain the sequel, or the successor to Parade or Sign o' the Times, etc. Oh well, I will keep holding out hope...and enjoying a few of the songs on here.

Prince being Prince.......2007-07-29

It really is unfair for me to write a review on Prince. I am a long time fan. Critics say it harkens backto his 80's sound. Well, maybe. But it sounds like Price being prince. He lets us know that he still rocks! Planet Earth the title track shows this. His guitar liks can't be beat (as he showed on both the Super Bowl half time show and the jam session on his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame). He gets mellow and shows that he still owns the dance floor on other cuts. Prince does what he wants when he wants as shown by giving the cd away. So people, stop tripping. He's the Purple One!

His Worst in Years.......2007-07-29

Prince gave this album away in Europe. I can see why. Some had called this a return to his 80's sound and lyrical style. Everything on here is musically very disappointing. Lyrically, this album is nothing but fluff. To hear an artist of Prince's caliber, doing this junk is embarrassing. Do yourself a favor...put his greatest hits in your CD player and skip this one.

A Pleasant Surprise........2007-07-28

Prince seems to have reached a comfortable plateau in his career, he no longer feels the need to shock the masses by simply being outrageous but shocks us still by 1.) the mere fact that he's still around and 2.)by being one of the most prolific, exciting and consistent artists in music today. Did you see the Super Bowl Halftime Show?, the man is true rock royalty! "Planet Earth" is exactly what I was hoping for from his next album, more rock, loads of guitar, live drums and his freakishly elastic voice. The opening title track, "Resolution" and "Guitar"(a super-catchy throwaway)and "Futurebabymama" are destined to become staples in his live show and possible radio hits, while "The One U Wanna C" should get much love on urban outlets. The production on this direct, 10 track LP is also pristine with Prince's bee-sting guitar and the percussion mixed right up front, so you don't just hear the music, you feel it. Along with "Musicology" and "3121" Prince has created another classic trilogy.

Average customer rating: Who is Crowded House? Something is missing Make time for Time On Earth. If There is Hell on Earth - There Must Be a Heaven Too Crowded House returns...

Time on Earth Crowded House Manufacturer: Ato Records / Red ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Farewell to the World Easy Tiger Beauty & Crime Our Love to Admire Sweet Warrior ASIN: B000Q9OD7G Release Date: 2007-07-10

Tracks:

1. Nobody Wants To
2. Don't Stop Now
3. She Called Up
4. Say That Again
5. Pour Le Monde
6. Even A Child
7. Heaven That I'm Making
8. A Sigh
9. Silent House
10. English Trees
11. Walked Her Way Down
12. Transit Lounge
13. You Are The One To Make Me Cry
14. People Are Like Suns

Amazon.com

Fourteen years, a live CD/DVD, some solo albums, and one tragic suicide after Crowded House's last release comes this highly anticipated reunion. Singer/songwriter Neil Finn and bassist Nick Seymour reunited after the 2005 death of drummer Paul Hester, brought in a new member and two producers (Ethan Johns and Steve Lillywhite) to replace longtime cohort Mitchell Froom, and the impressive result is a logical and overdue addition to the band's previous four albums. Finn's knack for a melodic ballad remains firmly in place as Time on Earth coasts on his dreamy voice and introspective, hook-laden pop choruses. However, this is a more reflective collection that requires a few spins to fully reveal its charms. Finn co-writes "Even a Child" with Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, and that and the frisky "She Called Up" are the most buoyant tracks on this predominantly pensive disc. Finn has generally shaded towards a darker edge and this hour-long set might have benefited from more of the lighter touch he applies to "Transit Lounge," a song enhanced by Beth Rowley's lovely and startling wordless vocals along with jazzy electric piano and even airport sound effects. Strings, sitar, and intricate production add subtle elements that bolster the timeless musical qualities Finn has always reveled in. The ominous, even brooding "Silent House," a co-write with all three Dixie Chicks, is another highlight that sounds like nothing either has done before as it floats along on fuzz guitar and hurdy-gurdy, both courtesy of Johns. Trimming some weaker cuts would have made this a more focused listen, but Time on Earth is a worthy successor to Crowded House's existing catalog--a high compliment indeed. --Hal Horowitz

Customer Reviews:

Who is Crowded House?.......2007-07-28

Okay, time to ruffle some feathers. When it comes down to it, the core of Crowded House is Neil Finn. Mick Fleetwood and John McVie are all that's necessary to call them Fleetwood Mac, Robert Smith is the Cure and Karl Wallinger, World Party.
That being said, how palpable is Paul Hester's absence here? Very much so. Part of that is due to that other drummer guy deigning to take his place (Matt Sherod, who does an excellent job of playing originally without being conspicuously NOT Paul Hester and who should understand that my sarcasm is aimed at detractors and not at him), but it's mostly due to the lyrical content. A good deal of this album is about the grief and guilt around Hester's suicide, with not at all subtle, wounds open and pass me the salt lyrics.
So in defense of this as a Crowded House album: their last studio album added a guitarist who was just accepted into the fold by the band and by the fans: Mark Hart. Who scoffed? Who questioned Together Alone's legitimacy as a CH album? Not many.
Neil Finn is the heart of the band, but those who surround him give a place to pump blood. Split Enz was one thing, Crowded House another, his solo work, something totally different, Finn Brothers a collaboration with an equally brilliant brother. All of that comes through here. All of those influence this work.
In the end though, this DOES sound like a Crowded House album in the way that they all do, even when they don't sound that much like each other. Compare Woodface to Together Alone, or any other CH to another. This is a new CH, with the same power, the same spirit, the same core, and yet something different.
Sorry if this review is rambling, but after a week of straight listening, I have to say that this is the most exciting album I've heard in a long time and I'm jazzed. Neil Finn is a genius who surrounds himself with geniuses. Buy. This. Album. Now.

Something is missing.......2007-07-26

I say this as one of the biggest Crowdies in the world. I have been a huge fan of every Finn project from the start, but something is missing from this album. To me this is not Crowded House. I will give it 5 stars as an amazing Neil Finn and Friends album, but not CH. I relate my experience listening to this album as I did Warren Zevon's The Wind. The musicianship is still there. Neil's lyrics are as poignant and haunting as ever, but the fun is gone. The magic that was Neil Finn, Nick Seymour, and Paul Hester is sadly missing.

I think this is a fitting tribute to Paul and I understand the reasons for reforming Crowded House, but Paul's absence is palpable. With all that being said, this is a beautiful and haunting album that every CH and Finn fan should own. You won't be disappointed with the album at all. I want to make that clear. You will, however, feel a sense of loss I think. This is as cathartic an album as you will find in some ways. Buy it, enjoy it, love it, but remember the good ol' times in your heart.

I respect your wishes Paul, but we miss you.

Make time for Time On Earth........2007-07-24

Things in the world these days tend to be geared towards providing instant gratification. Pop music these days is disposable - instantly catchy (annoyingly so in most cases), played to death for a few weeks and then forgotten about. It's almost like there is too much music and too many bands around.
So what a delight it is to have Crowded House back together again to give us this album which can be enjoyed at a much more relaxing and rewarding pace. That's the thing about Neil Finn - he writes melodies that don't instantly reveal their true beauty - they take their time to hit home. And this is the case with Time On Earth. On first listen it sounds pleasant and inoffensive and just kind of "pretty good". I'll admit I was left slightly disappointed on the first hearing. But sit with this album and give it a few plays and like a polaroid photograph all it's colours, lights and shades are gradually revealed. I have a new favourite every time I hear the album now and as the songs become more familiar to me I find myself humming and singing them to myself during the day. This is a drawn out pleasure and is all the more rewarding for it. An album that will actually give you something back if you take the time to appreciate it. Who'd have thought it in this day and age!?

All good songs here - not a duffer among them. Early favourites for me were 'Pour Le Monde','Silent House' and 'Nobody Wants To' and then the others arrived at different times. At the moment I'm stuck on 'People Are Like Suns' a stunning emotional closer and it's obvious that the loss of Paul Hester has coloured the writing of the songs on Time On Earth.

Neil Finn is a master of his craft. Great album.

If There is Hell on Earth - There Must Be a Heaven Too.......2007-07-24

I struggled with a 3 or 4 star rating. The disk surely deserves 3.5, but the question was to round up or down. I opted for up.

Unlike the other four Crowded House disks, this one is spotty, and I hate saying that. But 14 years and an incomplete original roster doesn't necessarily make it a 'Crowded House' disk in my book.

There is some great material on here ("Walked Her Way Down"), some really good material ("Nobody Wants To", "Even a Child", "Don't Stop Now", "Heaven that I'm Making" & "Say That Again").

But there is some really bad material too. "She Called Up" starts promising enough - and different too. But then it falls into a 'la la la la' chorus that makes the Carpenters' "Sing" sound like musical genius. I am not a fan of "A Sigh" either.

There is some good, but borderline marginal music here - and that's the hardest part to swallow. I don't like marginal Neil Finn. "Silent House" is ok, but I think the Dixie Chicks covered it better. "Pour Le Monde" sounds like something that didn't make John Lennon's 'Double Fantasy' disk - and the rest of the songs are too bland to comment on. Nothing sticks out - good or bad.

Yes, I stick with my four-star rating, but it is based on that the good material is strong and Neil Finn has a pretty good at-bat record. Had it been a lesser artist, I would have gone to three.

Crowded House returns..........2007-07-24

It's been very interesting watching (hearing) Neil Finn's progression as a songwriter. He's always had what we've called a dark side and that's been refelctive in each CH and solo albums. For me he is the most human songwriter I have ever heard.

I must admit, after a few listens, that in whole this album makes me feel a bit sad and somber. There are some great songs on here, though! "Don't Stop Now" and "Pour Le Monde" are my immediate favorites.

As a whole I find this one closer to Neil's 1st solo CD "Try Whistling This".

Average customer rating: BUY! BUY! BUY! Great game - great music Hug your pillows girls best video game soundtrack ever. classical music listeners stop complaining

Halo 2, Vol. 1 Various Artists Manufacturer: Sumthing Else ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Anime & Video Game Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Halo | Game Titles | Specialty Stores | Computer & Video Games Similar Items: Halo: Original Soundtrack Halo 2, Vol. 2 Halo, Books 1-3 (The Flood; First Strike; The Fall of Reach) The Art of Halo The Halo Graphic Novel ASIN: B00067RF6E Release Date: 2004-11-09

Tracks:

1. Halo Theme Mjolnir Mix
2. Blow Me Away - Breaking Benjamin
3. Peril
4. Ghosts Of Reach
5. Follow (1st Movement Of The Odyssey) - Incubus
6. Heretic, Hero
7. Flawed Legacy
8. Impend
9. Never Surrender - Nile Rodgers
10. Ancient Machine
11. 2nd Movement Of The Odyssey - Incubus
12. In Amber Clad
13. The Last Spartan
14. Orbit Of Glass
15. 3rd Movement Of The Odyssey - Incubus
16. Heavy Price Paid
17. Earth City
18. High Charity
19. 4th Movement Of The Odyssey - Incubus
20. Remembrance
21. Connected - Hoobastank

Amazon.com

Further proof that the 15-year-old male is the nexus of contemporary popular entertainment, this anthology of music from and "inspired by" the sequel to the earth-conquering Halo saga also showcases how capably the video game industry can trump even Hollywood's vaunted production values. The original synth-heavy underscore by Martin O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori is filled with enough brooding, mock-Goth atmospherics, and pulsing exotica of indeterminate ethnicity to give the Hans Zimmer stable a run for their money, while a slate of (mostly) worthy rock star guest turns give it a welcome edge. Legendary axe-slinger Steve Vai's sinewy riffing punches up the reworked main theme and "Never Surrender," while alt.metal contenders Breaking Benjamin serve up the suitably dramatic inspired-by cut "Blow Me Away." But it's Incubus' four-part "Odyssey" suite that's the centerpiece, bridging 1970s prog and modern rock with its moody aura and evocative musical dramatics. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

BUY! BUY! BUY!.......2007-03-05

This CD stayed in my truck's CD player for months before getting tired of it. Enough said.

Great game - great music.......2007-01-10

My son wanted this Cd. I had never sat long enough to listen to the music when he played Halo, so I didn't have a clue what I was buying. He let me listen to some of the tracks once it arrived and I had to "borrow" it from him so I could download the cd onto my pc. Needless to say I bought volume 2 and the original Halo soundtrack cd as well. They may belong to my son, but I love these cds too!

Hug your pillows girls.......2006-08-06

THe only reason I am writing anything about this album is because it contains the Odyssey by Incubus, and its probably some of their best work and will go down as their most unnoticed. While the rest of your nerds are huggin your pillows at night thinking about your video games and the "gnarly instrumentals" on this album you sit there and bash Incubus' work. The first track by them, Follow, is not all that great however it was re-released on an additional cd with their Alive at Red Rocks DVD and it sounds sooooooo much better on that cd (with some real lyrics) But after listening to the Odyssey I was really hoping this to be a new direction for Incubus, a more proggressive/conceptual sound. Whether this is the direction they go on with their new album is yet to be heard. Its a shame that this work will go unnoticed, and the only reason it will be that way because a bunch of losers decide to try and impress people with (what they think) is a sense of music just because its of a classical nature. Yes, the rest of the music on the album is amazing, and I give big ups to its composition, but come on people, show some love to good music when its presented to your faces.

best video game soundtrack ever........2006-08-03

i understand that many people are a bit angry with breaking benjamin and hoobastank being in here. i'm not particularly happy myself with the last track, but i think contemporary music is appropriate here, albeit lyrics may not be the greatest form of expressing the mysterious feeling behind everything. i think o'donnel and salvatori have what it takes to compose a score of music, but it's not a score, it's a soundtrack. i found that if you don't like them you can just skip them. the second to last track is a great way to end the soundtrack.

classical music listeners stop complaining.......2006-05-10

The worst part of this album was songs with lyrics (breaking benjamin, techno, hoobastank)...i dont understand then why people are upset with the incubus - follow has one word the whole song (two if you count "yeah") and their instrumental songs are brilliant, floyd-esque at times. for those of you reading others criticizing this album, ignore them, ignore the three bad songs on this album, and purchase it and enjoy it.

Average customer rating: Languid meditative excursions Lovely healing music... painting a soundscape

Koyasan: Reiki Sound Healing Deuter Manufacturer: New Earth Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music Similar Items: East of the Full Moon Reiki: Hands of Light Tibet: Nada Himalaya, Vol. 2 Sea & Silence Like the Wind in the Trees ASIN: B000LV62DC Release Date: 2007-02-13

Tracks:

1. Kindred Spirit
2. Hands Of Love
3. Le Velour, Le Satin Et La Soie
4. Lovesong From The Mountains
5. Sound Of Invisible Waters
6. Language Of Silence
7. Vollmond In Herbst
8. Escape From Gravity

Album Description

"Koyasan awed me with its depth while maintaining a constant flow of peace and contemplation. Highest recommendation!" -- NEW AGE REPORTER

"We have been playing Deuter's music now for over twenty-two years. Like the Tao that cannot be spoken, the compositions he orchestrates cannot be easily described in words ... if music can take you to Nirvana, Deuter would be your conductor." -- TRANSITIONS RADIO

"Deuter's style is characterized by gentle melodies and joyful rhythms that render his music accessible even as he presents an intriguing blend of Eastern and Western styles." - ALL MUSIC GUIDE

Latest release from top-selling artist in the new age/Reiki genre. A global mixture of instruments includes Chinese erhu, Japanese shakuhachi flute, East Indian tamboura, and Tibetan singing bowls. Takes the listener on a serene, mystical voyage through a variety of peaceful soundscapes with a relaxed and soothing pace.

Customer Reviews:

Languid meditative excursions.......2007-05-11

With over 60 albums in a nearly 40-year career, you might be forgiven for thinking the artist's best work has already been written and recorded. And in many cases you'd be right. But not so with Deuter. At least not so with this new release, Koyasan.

The German multi-instrumentalist was born on the cusp of a new world, in a small German town in 1945. As a young man, Georg Deuter worked for a brief time as a journalist before a near-fatal car accident lead him on a quest of the spirit and a life devoted to music, a quest that took him to study for many years in India before setting up home and a recording studio in the US southwest.

Deuter is entirely self-taught, an admirable accomplishment when you consider the range of instruments he has mastered. He's most closely identified with the flute, but also plays keyboards, the tamboura (an Indian stringed instrument), cello, koto, and several others. Many of these are used to great effect on Koyasan, named after a sacred Buddhist mountain in central Japan, home to the Shingon sect of esoteric Buddhism and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Except for the title and the presence of instruments associated with Japan, such as the shakuhachi (a bamboo flute) and the koto (a stringed instrument), and more widely with Asia (in this case, the 2-stringed Chinese violin, the erhu), the music on this album is not terribly suggestive of Koyasan. The song titles are generic enough to fit nearly any new age theme you'd care to choose.

But the music . . . the music is sublime. The album features eight tracks, all but two 8 to 9 minute meditative excursions. There is no percussion, nor any noticeable rhythm, just languid journeys built on light and airy ambient washes, puffs of aural clouds through and around which circle the voices of the acoustic instruments. Unlike so many new age productions which work well in the background but can't withstand concentrated listening, Deuter's work, especially on this recording, will reward those who sit and listen attentively.

Lovely healing music..........2007-04-14

From the first time I listened to Koyasan: Reiki Sound Healing it resonated in me. You can't help but close your eyes and breathe deeply. Indeed, this music is so lovely and healing, it feels as if you can breathe it in like a balm for your soul.

painting a soundscape.......2007-03-31

Deuter does it again with his latest release. Koyasan: Reiki Sound Healing is an amazing album, dusted with just the right balance of space, stillness and instrumentation. Deuter paints a vivid scene in the listeners mind. Several clients have shared the images with me and commented on the cd. His orchestration is so well thought out and balanced. The rate, choice of instruments, composition all subtley relax and soothe the client (and practitioner) into a state of meditation. I highly recommend this cd for healing work and meditation.

Average customer rating: A Personal Favorite---BUT... Okay. "Mother Earth" Remarkable Discovery what is this junk?

Mother Earth Within Temptation Manufacturer: Sony / Bmg Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Netherlands | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Hard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Silent Force The Heart of Everything The Silent Force Heart of Everything Vinland Saga ASIN: B000092RAC Release Date: 2003-04-14

Tracks:

1. Mother Earth
2. Ice Queen
3. Our Farewell
4. Caged
5. Promise
6. Never-Ending Story
7. Deceiver of Fools
8. Intro
9. Dark Wings
10. In Perfect Harmony
11. Restless [#]
12. Bittersweet [#]
13. Enter [Live][#]
14. Dance [Live][#]

Album Description

2003 reissue of 2001 album includes four bonus tracks, 'Restless', 'The Dance' (Live at Utrecht 1998), 'Enter' (live at Utrecht 1998) & 'Bittersweet'. A landmark release that set new standards for creativity, musicianship, & taste. BMG.

Album Details

Asian Version featuring Four Bonus Tracks: "Restless", "Bittersweet", "Enter (Live at Utrecht 1998)", and "The Dance (Live at Utrecht 1998)".

Customer Reviews:

A Personal Favorite---BUT..........2007-05-05

...THIS SEMI IS COPY PROTECTED. To get around the copy protection don't install the utility program. It won't play in Media Player, but you can use other programs to do everything. This is very similar to Nightwish's Century Child. The band weaves numerous classical chord structures throughout the disc. The band is very talented and they really do push the limits here. The selections range from Ice Queen to In Perfect Harmony which almost sounds like Kenny Loggins' Return To Pooh Corner. Personally, I don't care for the last 2 bonus cuts, but otherwise this is a very compelling release.

Okay........2007-03-02

Not WT's best by any means, but at least this album has personality unlike "The Silent Force". Theres a few good songs such as "Our Farewell", "Ice Queen", "Mother Earth" and "Caged". But the rest of the CD does not follow. "Perfect Harmony" sounds like a pre-school, sing-along song, and "Never-Ending Story" sounds like a folk song gone horribly wrong. All in all, the album isn't terrible...but it isnt the best.

"Mother Earth".......2007-01-31

This is an excellent album. If you are a fan of "metal only" this is probably not for you. It is fully orchistrated and highly theatrical. The musical quality is fabulous. This is a theme album that will strongly appeal to affectations other than Christian. It's hard to put this group into a catagory. Theatrical Goth Metal is the closest I can come to a description. I personally love this CD and feel it is a very strong addition to my collection of Heavy Metal that I've been buying since 1964.

Remarkable Discovery.......2007-01-04

My wife has been after me to buy this for what must be two years now, since she heard the title track on the Matt Drudge Show. I bought it as a slightly late birthday present, and she has listened to it at least three times. Wonderful stuff.

what is this junk?.......2006-11-10

I'll give you the bottom line up front. Sharon den Adel, the lead vocalist, while very talented is not not suited for this type of work. She is blatantly flat or sharp at varying aspects of Within Temptation's songs including "Mother Earth." They do not even have very catchy riffs. Don't buy their album. If you like metal buy metal. If you like emo...kill yourself. If you want to be rocked, either make your own music or find something that does not suck on the surface as well as below it.

Average customer rating: Opera for Aficianados as well as Newbies superb! beatiful music Best Opera CD ever Rapture

Rapture: Opera's Most Heavenly Moments Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Academy of Ancient Music | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music National Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: The Most Famous Opera Duets The Most Famous Opera Arias The #1 Opera Album The Best Opera Album in the World...Ever! The Best of Italian Opera ASIN: B00006L3K2 Release Date: 2002-10-08

Tracks:

1. Casta Diva - Renee Fleming
2. Barcarolle - Edita Gruberova
3. Ebben? Ne Andro Lontana - Maria Chiara
4. Intermezzo - Herbert Von Karajan
5. Letter Duet - Edith Mathis
6. Che Faro Senza Euridice - Grace Bumbry
7. Va Pensiero - Giuseppe Sinopoli
8. Una Furtiva Lagrima - Gosta Winbergh
9. Porgi Amor - Gundula Janowitz
10. Humming Chorus - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
11. Soave Sia Il Vento - Kiri Te Kanawa
12. Overture (Excerpt) - Philharmonia Orchestra
13. Un'aura Amorosa - Hans-Peter Blochwitz
14. Un Bel Di - Mirella Freni
15. Depuis Le Jour - Montserrat Caballe
16. La Ci Darem La Mano - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
17. Quando Le Sere Al Placido - Placido Domingo
18. Mir Ist So Wunderbar - Lucia Popp

Tracks:

1. Flower Duet - Joan Sutherland
2. The Pearl Fishers Duet - Bryn Terfel
3. Lascia Ch'io Pianga - Kiri Te Kanawa
4. Prelude - Bayerisches Staatsorchestra
5. O Silver Moon - Renee Fleming
6. When I Am Laid In Earth - Tatiana Troyanos
7. Miserere - Placido Domingo
8. Vissi D'arte - Mirella Freni
9. Intermezzo - Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
10. Softly Awakes My Heart - Grace Bumbry
11. Ombra Mai Fu (Largo) - Bryn Terfel
12. Pilgrim's Chorus - Chorus Of The Bayreuth Festival
13. Ruhe Sanft - Kiri Te Kanawa
14. Flower Duet - Teresa Berganza
15. Entr'acte - Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
16. Mira O Norma - Marilyn Horne
17. Hochsten Heiles Wunder - Chorus Of The German Opera Berlin

Customer Reviews:

Opera for Aficianados as well as Newbies.......2007-06-11

If you are looking for peaceful, beautiful music this is for you. It is a delightful mix of some of opera's most memorable moments. Long time opera fans will be familiar with most of the arias and newcomers to opera will recognize music that has become identified with movies and commercials.

superb! .......2007-05-12

If you love wonderful operatic moments then this cd is a great buy for all of the wonderful and spectacular music on it. You get two cds for the price of one great opera cd, and all of the talented singers that were taken and put on these tracks do definate justice to all of the composers listed. A great cd to add to your collection especially if you are an aspiring singer or a student in music. Absolutely Fantastic!

beatiful music.......2007-02-23

former reviews are no exaggeration, this is the most beautiful music I have come across. I have many opera CDs but this is one I never tire of.
I listen to the CD everyday and it is always soothing, uplifting and inspiring. I wish I could find another as wonderful.

Best Opera CD ever.......2007-02-16

I have orderd plenty of classical CD's and DVD's on this webside.
Most were phantastish but this one is the best.
I listen so often to this CD that it should have grooves.
I never get tired of it.
I recommend this CD highly.
Roswitha

Rapture.......2007-01-24

Wonderous---Melodious----
This compilation of Opera's finest moments is positively wonderful!!!!Unquestionably the best buy I have made in Opera Music..No kidding,I have trays full of CDs covering every facet of Opera,but none as beautiful...A full 2 1/2 hours of the best of the best....Heavenly Moments says it ALL...I vote 6 stars!!!!!

Average customer rating: Disappointing......Don't start here. The second half is the best! I respect that the band is trying to evolve... Hear me out (2.5 stars) Masterpiece

First Impressions of Earth The Strokes Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Garage Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Room on Fire Is This It Show Your Bones You Could Have It So Much Better Broken Boy Soldiers ASIN: B000BVQ9JO Release Date: 2006-01-03

Tracks:

1. You Only Live Once
2. Juicebox
3. Heart In A Cage
4. Razorblade
5. On The Other Side
6. Vision Of Division
7. Ask Me Anything
8. Electricityscape
9. Killing Lies
10. Fear Of Sleep
11. 15 Minutes
12. Ize Of The World
13. Evening Sun
14. Red Light

Amazon.com

Their prospects dangerously over-inflated by pundits who often hailed their debut as nothing short of rock-messianic, New York City's Strokes got a lesson in cynical rock-press dynamics when their biz-troubled, if similarly toned, '03 follow-up was dutifully dismissed as the proverbial sophomore slump. A lesser band might have been chastened by the experience; this one responds with a third album that positively bristles with energetic challenges. Revolving around a loose concept that allows songwriter/frontman Julian Casablancas to adopt a viewpoint that's as detached as it is world-weary and bemused, it's a record that quickly trades the often precious production conceits of its forebears for a muscular confidence that's notable from the infectious, back-to-the-'80s opener "You Only Live Once" to its perfect bookend "Red Light."

That often inviting sonic remodeling may come in part from Bangles/Sublime/Sugar Ray producer David Kahne (who replaces previous collaborator Gordon Raphael on all but a handful of cuts), but the band clearly has expansiveness on its mind, from a running length nearly twice its predecessors to such stylistic excursions as the cinematic, back-to-the-future riffing of the single "Juicebox," the spare, electro-baroque moodiness of "Ask Me Anything," and the dense, surprising prog flirtations of "Electrocityscape." "On the Other Side" finds Casablancas convincingly casting himself as the anti-Bono while crooning "I hate them, I hate them all, I hate myself for hating them" before chiding humanity as "seven billion people who've got nothing to say" on the otherwise upbeat closer, "Red Light." Wrapping such cynicism in more populist musical trappings is no mean feat, and the sheer reach of the Strokes' ambitions here insure they occasionally fall short. But it's a consistently intriguing effort, one that seems calculated as much to challenge the faithful as expand the band's own considerable horizons. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing......Don't start here........2007-07-29

Their first album was almost perfect. The second was worth getting for about half the tracks. The appeal of this one is mostly lost on me.

The second half is the best!.......2007-07-11

Yes I will have to agree with the minority of reviewers that say that the second half of the CD is the best one, if Julian and the boys were experimenting well I did work bacause I found myself listening to these songs more often, Ize of the World, 15 Minutes, Fear of Sleep and the rest of the second half are truly great songs and fit with my taste, this coming from someone that considers himself intelligent and with a great and eclectic musical taste ,OK I also like the first half specially track number 6 Vision of Division. I will also say that I own this CD since its release in early 2006.
I just dont understand the people that downgrades this album, if this would have sounded like the previous two they would have complaint that they just do more of the same , and now that they changed the direction a bit they want the sound of the other records...everyone grows , you do not think the same things you did 3 or 5 years ago , everyone changes a bit and I am happy to say that I like the new direction the Strokes went.

I respect that the band is trying to evolve..........2007-04-28

But it seems that this is one band that people (including myself) really like the original sound of. On "Is This It?" and "Room On Fire" they had such a new sound that nobody had ever heard yet. However, they have since traded in their patented sound for a slower, more slurred sound. Because of this change in sound, this album flopped.

Although, it isn't a total let down. "On The Other Side" is a really cool song. I also really like "Heart In A Cage." It seems, if anything, the album progressively gets slower and more boring as it drags on. But the first few tracks are good. (For a perfect example of a sleeper track, listen to "Fear Of Sleep")

Overall, I'd still buy it, as I'm a big strokes fan. But you might want to buy it used or on sale.

Hear me out (2.5 stars).......2007-02-07

I know Strokes fans will cringe when they see my rating, but realize that I too am a Strokes fan. It simply comes down to this- I expect much more of this band than 'First Impressions...'. Hopefully this represents a brief lull in their creativity. Face it, deep down we all know this album is far inferior to their prior efforts. But I'm willing to give them a pass on this one and I will certainly listen to whatever they come up with next (with fingers crossed I might add).

I think it's ultimately ironic that after the Strokes release of 'Is this it' every band in the world tried to sound like the Strokes. Now, after listening to 'First Impressions...' it seems as if the Strokes are trying to sound like everybody else!

If you are thinking of purchasing this based on 'Is this it' or 'room on fire', I urge you to listen to the samples beforehand. It might be a good one to pick up for $8 at your local used CD store. Do not, under any circumstances, spend full retail $$$ on this!

Masterpiece.......2007-01-14

First Impressions Of Earth.........Could there have been a better album name for a 2006 release? No. This album is an expreimental masterpiece. Too bad England was the only one that noticed it. Songs on here like You Only Live Once, Heart in a Cage, Razorblade, Ize Of The World, and Red Light are all golden. Get this album now or you will regret it. The Strokes, the best rock band of our times.

Average customer rating: LIGHT MUSIC FOR US Reiki: Hands of Light Album A BEAUTIFUL DREAMY STATE OF MIND Excellent CD Reiki: Hands of Light

Reiki: Hands of Light Deuter Manufacturer: New Earth Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music Relaxation | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Buddha Nature Sea & Silence East of the Full Moon Reiki: The Light Touch Wind and Mountain ASIN: B0000253PH Release Date: 2002-03-05

Tracks:

1. Loving Touch
2. Healing Circle
3. Waves Of Light
4. Illumination Of The Heart
5. Mystic Voyage
6. Shamanic Healing

Album Description

This bestselling CD, loved by therapists and healers around the world, is excellent music for any kind of deep work: Reiki, meditation, massage, or relaxation. Long sonorous tones and a rhythmic underlying pulse create a gently supportive, ambient soundscape. An essential addition to any healing collection.

Reviews "...an exquisite creation of sounds to promote deep states of relaxation." --New Age Retailer magazine

Finalist: Best Meditation/Healing --New Age Voice Music Award

Customer Reviews:

LIGHT MUSIC FOR US.......2007-06-27

I enjoyed all the CD's I've received so far. I used this one a couple times giving Reiki to someone and it is very appropriate and the timing is almost exact, from the time a treatment starts to the finish. Only one person mentioned that the stops between tracks were a little long. She wanted continuous sound, but thought it fit in with her treatment.

Reiki: Hands of Light Album.......2007-05-16

I just want to say that this is a great healing and relaxing CD. The music is absolutely beautiful to me and I enjoy this CD.

A BEAUTIFUL DREAMY STATE OF MIND.......2007-04-08

Absolutely beautiful music with tremendous healing qualities and calming effects. Makes me fall asleep every time.

Excellent CD.......2007-03-09

I am very pleased with this CD. It is used for relaxation and works very well.

Reiki: Hands of Light.......2007-01-11

was listening to my Soundscapes channel on Cable...one of the songs from this CD came on and it was so peaceful, had to buy the CD....is wonderful!!! play when having dinner parties or ladies getting together or just sitting to read a book or meditate....is so relaxing......everyone comments on how peaceful and calming the music is....would be great for the ride home from work in the car!

Average customer rating: As Wicked as it gets! Very cool return IE Shouldn't Look Back NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! This really didn't need to be done. But it's still pretty cool.

Overture of the Wicked Iced Earth Manufacturer: Steamhammer/SPV ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Ghost Opera United Abominations Paradise Lost Unia Systematic Chaos ASIN: B000PA9PME Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

1. Ten Thousand Strong 3:53
2. Something Wicked Trilogy: Prophecy / Birth Of The Wicked / The Coming Curse 18:31

Album Description

America's most successful pure Heavy Metal band has returned with the kickoff for their most ambitious project to date! Iced Earth have long been known as the champions of American Metal and have consistently delivered absolute quality for their legions of fans. Overture Of The Wicked is the opening salvo in their forthcoming two-part series that continues their famed Something Wicked This Way Comes series. The Overture Of The Wicked CDS contains a brand new song along with a re-recording of some of the Something Wicked... material. The first shot has been fired and Iced Earth is back!

Customer Reviews:

As Wicked as it gets!.......2007-07-24

This was my first experience with Iced Earth, and I am shocked, shocked that I haven't gotten into them before now. This EP is arguably one of the best things I have heard in a long long time. So as a consequence I have since bought 3 other Iced Earth albums. The musicmanship and production is top notch........I can't wait for the new album.

Very cool return.......2007-07-13

First off, I've been a fan of this band since I took a chance in the metal-dead environment of the late 90's and bought the wonderful 'Alive in Athens' CD (one of the greatest live albums of all time) in 1999. Like many, I felt very sorry about Matt Barlow leaving some years ago, the disintegration that followed and the multitude ill-turns suffered by leader Jon Schaffer.

So that's why I'm happy as hell for the return of the band and in this metal-happy musical climate of today I wholeheartedly wish Schaffer has finally his revenge and gathers the recognition that always eluded the band through 15 years of hard work and excellent music.

So what we have here is a taster of the forthcoming new album and a reworking of the classic "Something Wicked" trilogy from 1998's 'Something Wicked This Way Comes'.

Well, the new song "Ten Thousand Strong" is the first Iced Earth song we've heard written specifically for new singer Tim 'Ripper' Owens (since the 'Glorious Burden' album was written with Barlow in tow and only later was resung by Owens), and it shows; the guy is a monster singer. The song is pretty much 'Glorious Burden' fare, except perhaps a bit better. This is killer, even if simple, stuff.

No doubt the eyeopener here is the remake of the old trilogy, and so Ripper is *again* cast to repeat a Barlow performance, and one much loved by fans no less. And again, he falls short; clearly he is no match for Matt's tone and emotional delivery and comes across a bit forced and shrill sounding. The re-recording itself (I mean the music) is cool, even if I still prefere the original.

One very cool feature of this record is the return of 'Alive in Athens's excellent skinsman Brent Smedley, and if you fear after 8 years out of the band he may have lost his touch, well rest assured it's not the case because he is an absolute monster, even more than on the old days. If someone said it's Richard Christy playing, no one would doubt it, it's that good, stunning machine gun precision all the way. Another thing to mention are new axeman Tim Mills' lead guitar breaks, which are probably the best lead guitar ever featured in the band.

Finally a special mention to the excellent cover art, depicting the return of the Set Abominae character.

So all in all a very nice taster for what I hope is a killer CD to come in September, and one to finally put this great band where it has always deserved: at the top of the metal world :)

Let's just hope Schaffer manages to keep a lineup together long enough to see it happen.

IE Shouldn't Look Back.......2007-07-05

If the new single is an indication of what to expect from the new album, then this will probably be the best since 'Wicked'. The problem with this disk lies in the re-recorded material. When judged on his own merits, Ripper has a great voice, and he shows it off on the first track. However, the 'Something Wicked' trilogy can't be listened to without comparing it directly to Barlow's version, and in this context, the Ripper just can't win. The original was nothing short of amazing, and could hardly be improved upon, Barlow's voice thick and powerful. In comparison, Ripper sounds hollow and weak. It's not a fair comparison to make, because the two singers have completely different styles, but it's a comparison that's impossible not to make when Ripper sings Matt's songs.
If Iced Earth and its fans can manage to look forward to the future instead of looking back at what was, then there is reason to be optimistic. This single will serve as a good primer for the full-length.

NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!.......2007-07-03

I don't hate Tim Owens. I loved "The Glorious Burden", almost as a different Iced Earth than the ones previously. I love Tim Owens' voice for Iced Earth. I loved Matt Barlow's voice for Iced Earth.


This is only four songs on a single, and only one of them is new. The new song "Ten Thousand Strong" is great. It bears traces of old Iced Earth without being the same old crap or repetitive.


Why do I scream "NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!" for the title then? The other three tracks.

The other three tracks are not re-recordings, but new versions of the "Something Wicked..." trilogy at the end of "Something Wicked This Way Comes", "Prophecy", "Birth of the Wicked", and "The Coming Curse"

I don't mind having Tim Owens sing over songs that were originally done by Matt Barlow. But they completely RE-DID these songs! They sound very little, if anything like the originals. I am sort of a music traditionalist by nature. Cover songs don't appeal to me as much as originals, re-recorded albums are never better than originals unless it's an unchanged remastering.


It's not just the lack of Barlow's deeper, more husky voice in these songs, it's a completely new guitar, bass, and drum lines used. The rhythms are done at different speeds, the moods are changed. Where once "Prophecy" was a darkly moody, brooding song, it's now something resembling generic "demonic" metal.


I look forward to the new Iced Earth album. I love Iced Earth, and if Schaffer continues to get better with age like his previous albums, I will love it. What I do NOT like is the "rewriting of history" so to speak, the re-writing of these three classic songs of the "Wicked" trilogy. Please... if you don't want Barlow's voice on them, just record Owens over the song as it was! Don't totally rewrite the rhthyms, tempos, moods, etc! It ruins it for traditionalists who have stuck with IE through the ages.

This really didn't need to be done. But it's still pretty cool........2007-07-02

I am going to be brief. "Something Wicked" was my first Iced Earth album, and the original trilogy sent chills down my spine when I listened to it. Iced Earth have changed the trilogy.

First off, the trilogy sounds more produced than ever. Some parts sound really cool and dark, but in general the song just sounds more computerized and polished than the original's. One good thing, however, is the ethnic addition. The song sounds very middle eastern now, which it sort of lacked before. Anyway, I'll take the original version any day. But this version is still pretty good. Makes for a good recap before the new album comes out, but like I said it just sounds too computerized and polished. Also, I like Owens, but he can't match this song which was written with Barlow in mind.

"10,000 Strong" is unremarkable. It's just a single, so I can't complain to much, but it doesn't feel as heavy as it should be. I blame this on the mix and the production.

Average customer rating: Rare Earth Takes Me Back... A MUST BUY CD ONE OF MY FAVORITE CD's Rare Earth 20th Century Masters=Best Of Rare Earth GREAT CD

20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Rare Earth Rare Earth Manufacturer: Motown ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Motown | R&B | Styles | Music Blue-Eyed Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Pop Rock | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Pop Rock | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Soul General | Soul | R&B | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Soul General | Soul | R&B | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classic Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 R&B | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Classic Masters The Collection In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida The Very Best of Deep Purple Steppenwolf: All Time Greatest Hits ASIN: B000058TD8 Release Date: 2001-02-06

Tracks:

1. Get Ready
2. I Just Want To Celebrate
3. (I Know) I'm Losing You
4. Born To Wander
5. Hey Big Brother
6. What'd I Say
7. Ma

Customer Reviews:

Rare Earth Takes Me Back..........2007-03-13

I just heard the 20-plus minute version of 'Get Ready' for the 1st time in over 20 years, on XM radio (the Boneyard) and it brought back memories of that time, growing up in S.F. We used to try to dance to the entire song,(hard to at times because of the changes in tempo)and falling down from side-aches and laughing too much. The whole cd is some of the best music of its' time. I just went out and bought it! Happy Memories.....

A MUST BUY CD.......2007-01-12

this collection of their hits are excellent in quality and sound and also in variety. i was always looking for the long versions of GET READY, I KNOW I'M LOSING YOU, AND MA. this cd has it all. very well satisfied with my cd.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE CD's.......2007-01-05

I grew up loving Rare Earth. Wish I could get a teeshirt. lol. I sing along in the car....especially loving Get Ready..but all the songs are fabulous. It's also one of my favorites to listen to when in a romantic setting. It revs me up. I have alot of wonderful memories listening to this one.

Rare Earth 20th Century Masters=Best Of Rare Earth.......2006-12-28

First Thing That Surprised Me About This CD Was The Quality Of The Sound! The Detail Was Great. I Am Surprised By The Quality Of The Masters Series, I Also Have Donna Summers Greatest Hits In This Series And It Is Also Very Well Done.
But Back To Rare Earth: Having, Get Ready and Ma on The Same CD Is Awesome. I have Not Heard Either Song For Some Time And It Was Really Great. I Have Ribbon/Planar Tweeters And The Guitar Solo From Get Ready Just Sizzles....AMAZING! Oh Yes! I Had To Adjust The Volume Slightly...Upwards That Is And Its OK To Adjust The Subwoofer Also. Good Party CD!!!

GREAT CD.......2006-12-24

AN EXCELLENT COLLECTION, I DRIVE NIGHTS AND THIS ONE KEEPS ME UP!! ONLY DRUM SOLO AS GOOD AS INNA-GODDA-DA-VIDA BY IRON BUTTERFLY.

Album Review:

1. Electronic Music from the Swedish Leftcoast
2. Euromix Greatest Hits: A Decade of Dance
3. Fabric 11
4. Get a Move on [CD-single] [Enhanced]
5. Gilles Peterson in Brazil
6. Global Underground: NuBreed [Limited Edition]
7. Gloria 2004 [CD-single] [Import]
8. Goodbye
9. Greatest Sports Rock and Jams
10. Hed Kandi: Twisted Disco 02.04

Album Review

album review

Album Review

The Shape of Fiction

Brahms: Symphony No. 4, Op. 98, for two pianos

Carrying On

Music: Illusion [Import]

Caught in the Crossfire

Balance

Celtic Season, Vol. 2 [Windham Hill]

Charming European Baroque

Blue Love [Import]

Amor Sagrado, Vol. 1

Approaching Totality

Best Music of the World, Vol. 1

Beats by the Pound

Beethoven: The Last Three Piano Sonatas

From Broadway with Love/Tender Loving Care