Magnetic [Import]

1. Intasound

2. Brother

3. Uneasy

4. Focus

5. Hard Clip (Interlude)

6. Accelerate

7. Pbx

8. 20 Degrees

9. Sight Unseen

10. Exabyte (Interlude)

11. See Red

12. Phase Shift

13. Viper

14. In Vain

Magnetic,Jonny L,Xl Recordings

Average customer rating: Wonder indeed Aside from the whiny vocals... Half great Don't Believe the Hype Something new

New Magnetic Wonder The Apples in Stereo Manufacturer: Simian Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Neo-Psychedelia | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer? We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank The Good, the Bad & the Queen Traffic and Weather Icky Thump ASIN: B000JRYO9C Release Date: 2007-02-06

Tracks:

1. Can You Feel It?
2. Skyway
3. Mellotron 1
4. Energy
5. Same Old Drag
6. Joanie Don't U Worry
7. Sunndal Song
8. Droplet
9. Play Tough
10. Sun Is Out
11. Non-Pythagorean Composition 1
12. Hello Lola
13. 7 Stars
14. Mellotron 2
15. Sunday Sounds
16. Open Eyes
17. Crimson
18. Pre-Crimson
19. Vocoder Ba Ba
20. Radiation
21. Beautiful Machine Parts 1-2
22. Beautiful Machine Parts 3-4
23. My Pretend
24. Non-Pythagorean Composition 3

Amazon.com

After a five-year absence, Apples in Stereo have returned with a sprawling and lush masterpiece. Their founding principle of the DIY approach to recording has remained in place, but the nearly 15 years of technological progress has made such ways of working yield significantly more robust sounds. Robert Schneider's songs have always harked back to the pop artistry of Brian Wilson and Jeff Lynne, as well as such near contemporaries as Pavement. New Magnetic Wonder offers a more lush sweep of sound. It's varied, dazzling, and full of surprises. There's the keyboard-based pop of "Same Old Drag," the hypnotic muscle of "Sunndal Song" (sung by drummer Hilarie Sidney, who's recently departed to work with her own band), and the sprawling, four-part "Beautiful Machine." Depending on who's listening and what song they're hearing, there are many different ways to describe this band. Ultimately, they gently demand that you take them on their own terms, rewarding handsomely all those who make the glorious plunge. --David Greenberger

Customer Reviews:

Wonder indeed.......2007-07-24

The Apples in Stereo's newest release in five years, New Magnetic Wonder is far and away their most audacious and creative album to date. Drawing on other artists work, such as the Electric Light Orchestra, they produce a sound which is new and fresh, yet still decisevely Apples.

Aside from the whiny vocals..........2007-07-14

There are some really good tracks here. The production and arrangements are terrific. But the thing that prevents me from giving this a higher rating is the lead vocalist. I don't know who he is (nor do I care), but most of the time his singing really tests one's sanity. It is very whiny, and at times he tries to come off like a poor man's John Lennon ("It's gonna be...alright"). Fortunately, later in the album he wisely uses studio trickery to distort his voice with electonic fuzz (which works). The 2 tracks the female singer appears on are excellent, but unfortunately she's ditched the band. So, if you don't mind the grating voice of the male singer, this is actually a pretty good album.

Half great.......2007-04-21

Half of this CD is outstanding, the other half is just good. There are some songs that so obviously mimic the Beatles and ELO that you think there must be a joke in here you're missing. I don't mean just homages to these two bands...I mean, nearly direct rewrites of material from Magical Mystery Tour and Jeff Lynne's catalogue. I am reminded of XTC's side project (was it called Dukes of Stratosphere or something like that?) which also went out of its way to mimic. Having said that, a lot of it is quite enjoyable. When they're not aping Beatles/ELO, their other songs sound like a slightly poppier version of Pavement, and I like that sound. There's some great guitar work, good production, and catchy tunes throughout. And the reviewers who have complained about the short "interlude" songs seem to be completely missing the point. There's a reason they're called "interludes" and I think they add to the experience. Overall, this one is recommended, with some reservations about outright mimickry at times (sorry I mentioned "mimic" three times in this review, no obvious synonyms are coming to mind!!)

Don't Believe the Hype .......2007-04-17

Many reviews compare this CD to Beach Boys, ELO, XTC, Polyphonic Spree, Phil Spector Splendor...dont' believe the hype. I'm open minded beyond belief. Let's put it this way... I'm an album purchaser. I don't download one song from a cd...i have to have the entire album. The best thing about this CD is the cover. The CD often has good songs or instrumentals that last a minute in a half?! Apples in Stereo will always get good critic reviews but go try Of Montreal or ELO remasters instead. This cd is generic sounding and I really wanted to like it. Just check out the cool song titles and the awesome cover then, go listen to something else.

Something new.......2007-03-31

I was excited to hear something a bit modern and unpredictable. Yet I did not totally vibe on the entire cd. The songs that I do like are awesome! I am happy I bought it.

Average customer rating: The Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin Another Performer Rewrites Joplin's Masterpieces complete piano music of Scott Joplin on 4 CD's Ragtime Marvel Complete, but poor quality

Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin Manufacturer: Compendia ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music | Divertimentos Intermezzos | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music New Orleans Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: Scott Joplin: Piano Rags The Greatest Ragtime of the Century The Sting: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Rags to Riches: The Essential Hits of Scott Joplin Joplin - Complete Rags for Piano (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics) Vol. 2020 ASIN: B000003QWN Release Date: 1997-01-28

Tracks:

1. The Crush Collision March
2. Combination March
3. Harmony Club Waltz
4. Original Rags
5. Maple Leaf Rag
6. Swipesy Cakewalk
7. Reacherine Rag
8. Sunflower Slow Drag
9. The Augustan Club Waltz
10. The Easy Winners
11. Cleopha
12. A Breeze From Alabama
13. Elite Syncopations

Tracks:

1. The Entertainer
2. The Strenouous Life
3. March Majestic
4. Something Doing
5. Weaping Willow
6. Patr Leaf Rag
7. The Favorite
8. The Sycamore
9. The Cascades
10. The Chysanthemum
11. Bethena
12. Bink's Waltz
13. The Rosebud March

Tracks:

1. Leola
2. Eugenia
3. Antoinette
4. The Ragtime Dance
5. Searchlight Rag
6. Gladiolus Rag
7. Lily Queen
8. Rose Leaf Rag
9. Heliotrope Bouquet
10. The Nonpareil
11. Fig Leaf Rag
12. Sugarcane
13. Pineapple Rag

Tracks:

1. Wall Street Rag (1909)
2. Solace (1909)
3. Pleasant Moments (1909)
4. Country Club (1909)
5. Euphonic Moments (1909)
6. Paragon Rag (1909)
7. Stop-Time Rag (1910)
8. Felicity Rag (1911)
9. Scott Joplin's New Rag (1912)
10. Kismet Rag (1913)
11. Magnetic Rag (1914)
12. Reflection Rag (1917)
13. Silver Swan Rag (1917)

Customer Reviews:

The Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin.......2007-06-08

John Arpin does a great job with these pieces. The songs carry a consistent sound and are played very close to as-written, which comes and goes with old ragtime pieces. The stamping on Stop-Time Rag doesn't have a consistent sound to it, can be a little distracting. Everything else is great, overall I think that it's a great buy, I'm very happy with it.

Another Performer Rewrites Joplin's Masterpieces.......2007-05-31

Once again, another performer feels the need to rewrite the music of the King of Ragtime. Scott Joplin spins in his grave each and every time this recording is played.

Again, to those who believe that concert music is meant to be rewritten by each and every performer I ask, is the same treatment also acceptable for Chopin's and Rachmaninoff's music? Would "Moonlight Sonata" sound better if played at twice the tempo and with a reprise of the first Adagio movement thrown in at the end? Obviously, the answer to these questions is a resounding NO!, so why does one of America's greatest composers get such disrespect?

Interpretation is an integral part of every performance. Adding one's own notes, phrases and chords where none should be is not. Randomly changing the structure of the piece is not. Playing a piece at twice the indicated tempo is not.

One the plus side, the depth of this collection is outstanding. Joplin's lesser known pieces like "Harmony Club Waltz" really shine. The recording is decent in quality, although a bit bassy in places.

While its been stated before, I feel its worth repeating: Buy Joshua Rifkin's performances of Joplin in order to hear how the Master intended his pieces to sound.

complete piano music of Scott Joplin on 4 CD's.......2007-02-14

Although all of the music is terrific it is rather a lot of a similar sound. I think I would have preferred 2 CD's of selected piano works of Scott Joplin. But I did get the music at a good price.

Ragtime Marvel.......2005-10-09

This collection of Scott Joplin's piano music is outstanding. As a lover of ragtime which was a prelude to jazz, I am thoroughly enjoying this collection. If you are not a lover of jazz, you may be a lover of ragtime. Jazz can sometimes be grating on the nerves, whereas ragtime lifts the spirit.

Complete, but poor quality.......2005-09-25

I have been learning some ragtime and wanted to hear more to find other selections to learn. Listened to Maple Leaf Rag, my favorite, first and was disappointed. Listened to others and was more disappointed. Maple flies - much faster than anyone would play it, you can't make out some of the phrases. And talk about ad libs - Tempo, dynamics, embelishments, nuances - I really think he plays some wrong notes too because he's going so fast. It's really a poor recording - and that's just on Maple Leaf. Others with "intros" start quick and then there's a grand pause, not a rest, but nearly a five second break. It's hard to argue how Joplin would have played it, but this is hardly anything I want to try to imitate. The only qualitating factor is the number of songs for the price. A lot of variety of a poor interpretation is only worth 3 stars. if that. Look for Rifkin or a copy that is as written to listen to first, then go for the ad libs and "artistic interpretations"

Average customer rating: worth buying but not the best... Genius Don't fall in love with me yet Battle Cry of a Generation Ingenious

69 Love Songs Magnetic Fields Manufacturer: Merge Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Lo-Fi | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Electronic Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Box Sets | Stores | Music General | Rock | Box Sets | Stores | Music General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Indie & Lo Fi | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: i Wasps' Nests The Crane Wife The Tragic Treasury: Songs from a Series of Unfortunate Events The Gulag Orkestar ASIN: B00000JY1X Release Date: 1999-09-07

Tracks:

1. Absolutely Cuckoo
2. I Don't Believe In The Sun
3. All My Little Words
4. A Chicken WIth Its Head Cut Off
5. Reno Dakota
6. I Don't Want To Get Over You
7. Come Back From San Francisco
8. The Luckiest Guy On The Lower East Side
9. Let's Pretend We're Bunny Rabbits
10. The Cactus Where Your Heart Should Be
11. I Think I Need A New Heart
12. The Book Of Love
13. Fido, Your Leash Is Too Long
14. How Fucking Romantic
15. The One You Really Love
16. Punk Love
17. Parades Go By
18. Boa Constrictor
19. A Pretty Girl Is Like...
20. My Sentimental Melody
21. Nothing Matters When We're Dancing
22. Sweet-Lovin' Man
23. The Things We Did

Tracks:

1. Roses
2. Love Is Like Jazz
3. When My Boy Walks Down The Street
4. Time Enough For Rocking When We're Old
5. Very Funny
6. Grand Canyon
7. No One Will Ever Love You
8. If You Don't Cry
9. You're My Only Home
10. (Crazy For You But) Not That Crazy
11. My Only Friend
12. Promises Of Eternity
13. World Love
14. Washington, D.C.
15. Long-Forgotten Fairytale
16. Kiss Me Like You Mean It
17. Papa Was A Rodeo
18. Epitaph For My Heart
19. Asleep And Dreaming
20. The Sun Goes Down And The World Goes Dancing
21. The Way You Say Good-Night
22. Abigail, Belle Of Kilronan
23. I Shatter

Tracks:

1. Underwear
2. It's A Crime
3. Busby Berkeley Dreams
4. I'm Sorry I Love You
5. Acoustic Guitar
6. The Death Of Ferdinad De Saussure
7. Love In The Shadows
8. Bitter Tears
9. Wi' Nae Wee Bairn Ye'll Me Beget
10. Yeah! Oh, Yeah!
11. Experimental Music Love
12. Meaningless
13. Love Is Like A Bottle Of Gin
14. Queen Of The Savages
15. Blue You
16. I Can't Touch You Anymore
17. Two Kinds Of People
18. How To Say Goodbye
19. The Night You Can't Remember
20. For We Are The King Of The Boudoir
21. Strange Eyes
22. Xylophone Track
23. Zebra

Amazon.com's Best of 1999

Singer-songwriter Stephen Merritt's ironically morose lyrics, Tin Pan Alley stylings, sugary melodies, and idiosyncratic sound have earned his band the Magnetic Fields cult status and the adulation of grad students everywhere. The ambitious, genre-hopping, and intensely heart-tugging three-disc set 69 Love Songs probably won't gain Merritt the wider recognition he deserves, but the clever misanthrope likely wouldn't have it any other way. --Mike McGonigal

Amazon.com

Initially conceived as 100 love songs arranged in alphabetical order for theatrical revue performance, Stephin Merritt--indie-pop songsmith and Magnetic Fields spearhead--downsized his ambitious concept project to 69 Love Songs, his first recording under this moniker in four years. Parleyed into three volumes, Merritt, as on other outings, is joined by a rotating cast of musicians including manager Claudia Gonson. These players take on the role of orchestra and cast to Merritt's madcap composer, librettist, and performer, augmenting his lo-fi electronic-based rock with sparkling instrumental touches and narrative vocals for a portion of his absurdly wondrous ditties. Endlessly intriguing, the Fields revisit not only earlier themes of love both shunned and requited, but continue to forge a seemingly impossible synthesis of country-tinged Euro-pop and old-school musical theater. No stranger to melancholy, Merritt's twinkly music-box world, in shades of resplendent violet, is beautifully peopled with incurable romantics who drop pop-culture references and shed gender identity as often as most folks change their underpants. Not surprisingly, 69 Love Songs is delicious defeat on the romance front while pulling ahead as Merritt's most coherently engaging listen. --Paige La Grone

Album Description

1999 and first new material in four years by Stephin Merrit 's main band (his side projects include Future Bible Heroes, Gothic Archies and The 6ths). Limited three disc set f eaturing more wonderful, yet cynically skewed, pop songs as only Merritt (and a midi) can do 'em! Features all three volumes of '69 Love Songs' (also sold separately), as well as a76 page booklet only available in this box! Each disc comes in a separate standard jewel case & together they come in a colorful CD-sized slipcase box. 69 tracks.

Customer Reviews:

worth buying but not the best..........2007-02-09

many people i know consider this to be the best magnetic fields, i disagree. while i enjoy this album(s) quite a bit, i still feel there's something missing. it seems that master-mind stephin merritt seemed to focus more on the concept (writing and recording 69 songs) than on any sort of consistency (lyrical or musical). this is not necessarily a bad thing, as most of life lacks a lot of consistency. in that respect, the album is very honest. still in many moods, i find it a difficult listen. i believe this album is an essential for any fan of magnetic fields, or fan of intelligent indie-pop in general, but if you're a new listener, i suggest 'holiday' or 'i' before '69 love songs'. i think you should have previous appreciation and understanding for stephin merrit as a musician/songwriter.

-- i suggest this mainly because i do have friends who listened to this album first and were completely turned-off to magnetic fields.

Genius .......2007-01-10

Not since Cole Porter has music of such high caliber been written for the masses...i look forward to future works by Mr. Stephen Merritt.

Don't fall in love with me yet.......2007-01-04

69 Love Songs is the best trip you can take and still keep it legal.

Battle Cry of a Generation.......2006-09-15

The lyrics are incredibly clever and persuasive, with some of the lilt and good humor of Ogden Nash, the poetaster of the 30s, 40s and 50s who wrote ONE TOUCH OF VENUS with Kurt Weill. And Merritt's tunes, though some are rudimentary, occasionally reach for and pull down the high branches of Weillian angst and poisoned romance. To listen to the whole of 69 LONE SONGS you'd have to have a big appetite for irony, and another whole set of immunity to purposely "corny" music, and if you didn't get your fill of banjo, Hawaiian, lounge and Americana music from the last couple of Van Dyke Parks LPs you listened to, you might be hungry all over again for the nutty richness of this compilation.

It hasn't left my turntable in four years, for by the time I finish one of the three LPs, it's always time for the less familiar second one, and to gear up anticipation for the already forgotten third.

One thing I don't like is the booklet that comes with the box set. It marks a platinum standard in self-aggrandization. Remember the Rolling Stone Interviews that used to glorify even the most unlikely interview subject (say, Axl Rose or whoever). Imagine then if Axl Rose re-packaged the interview some flunky did with him, and tried to sell it to you with his LP, except a hugely expanded edition which tried to say that he was the best songwriter and in fact genius of all time. That gives you a taste of the booklet's effrontery. It's kind of not cool, but what do I know. I've seen it on the nightstands of a dozen young hipsters who have memorized all of the questions and all of the answers and whose mouths lipsync the whole 28,000 words in their sleep.

Ingenious.......2006-08-07

It would be tough to name another indie album that features a more expansive array of musical styles or more ingenious, heartbreaking and funny songs about love.

Stephen Merritt is the sort of lyricist -- like Leonard Cohen -- who is a poet first and musician second, though it would be possible to tag 20-some songs here that are wonderfully listenable as pure music.

The Magnetic Fields have captured every nuance of courtship and every facet of romantic absurdity as in, eg. "The Night You Couldn't Remember (is the Night I'll Never Forget."

On the other hand, are many songs that will bring tears to your eyes without warning because they are so tender and empathetic. Stephen Merrit is like an alternative, lo-fi therapist who, in 69 totally varied songs, appears to understand anyone -- male or female -- who has ever loved, or tried and failed.

It's also rare to find an album with a playlist so complex that you never tire of it. I've had my copy for over two years and still discover new material to love with each listing: a riff, an arrangement, a phrase, even a title.

In a country where people of all ages are more isolated, I can't think of another album that gives us the courage to connect with other people. These quirky songs honor our tenacious efforts to reach out -- and the rewards and consequences of trying.

While some listeners might be a bit disappointed in the fair dynamic range of the production, that quality is a choice the group made with intent. Love is ultimately rough around the edges, even when it is deep. It is occasionally a complete bore. It embraces routine even as it rebels against it. It is impossible to perfect because we can't change other people.

At it's core, that's what so many of these wonderful songs address and it is a balm to the ear, the mind and the heart that the Magnetic Fields invested so much in this terrific, well-loved album (now available in three separate releases as well as the boxed set.) For my money, Volume 1 is the best of the bunch musically, while the lyrics of Volume three are laugh-out-loud hysterical.

Warts and all -- five strong stars, and a great deal at this price.

Average customer rating: What the heck??? More Than Excellent

Rags to Riches: The Essential Hits of Scott Joplin Manufacturer: Compendia ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music | Divertimentos General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Jazz | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin The Greatest Ragtime of the Century The Sting: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Scott Joplin: Piano Rags Joplin - Complete Rags for Piano (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics) Vol. 2020 ASIN: B0009J4OAO Release Date: 2005-06-21

Tracks:

1. Original Rags
2. Maple Leaf Rag
3. Easy Winners
4. Elite Syncopations
5. The Entertainer
6. The Cascades
7. Bethena
8. Leola
9. Gladiolas
10. Searchlight
11. Fig Leaf Rag
12. Sugar Cane
13. Euphonic Sounds
14. Paragon Rag
15. Solace
16. Wall Street Rag
17. Treemonisha
18. Magnetic Rag

Album Description

Celebrate the diversity of American music with RAGS TO RICHES: THE ESSENTIAL SCOTT JOPLIN, a comprehensive collection of 18 pieces by one of ragtime's greatest composers. From his signature hit "Maple Leaf Rag" to classics such as "The Entertainer" and "Wall Street Rag", RAGS TO RICHES: THE ESSENTIAL SCOTT JOPLIN contains some of the most revered tunes in musical history and will be treasured by music fans for years to come.

Customer Reviews:

What the heck???.......2007-03-20

Music is great, as is the playing. However, the last song is not Magnetic Rag but rather the same version of Maple Leaf Rag heard earlier on the album.

What is with that?

More Than Excellent.......2006-08-16

I had previously purchased a Scott Joplin CD and was disappointed by the dull quality and dispirited playing by the artist. This CD more than makes up for it. The music was beautifully performed and the recording was very clear. Every piece was perfect!

Average customer rating: Hopesfall Thinking If you are into melodic alternative rock, the likes of defones/glassjaw, you owe it to yourself to check this out. Please enter a title for your review A bitter, old-school fan who actually loves this album Magnetic North will grow on you...

Magnetic North Hopesfall Manufacturer: Trustkill Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Emo | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Southern Weather Holding a Wolf by the Ears Lies for the Liars Music for the Recently Deceased The Fiancee ASIN: B000OMD4AW Release Date: 2007-05-15

Tracks:

1. Rx Contender The Pretender
2. Swamp Kittens
3. Cubic Zirkonias Are Forever
4. I Can Do This On An Island
5. Secondhand Surgery
6. Vacation/Add/Vacation!
7. Magnetic North
8. East Of 1989: Battle Of The Bay
9. Bird Flu
10. The Canon
11. Devil's Concubine
12. Head General Hospital
13. Paisley

Customer Reviews:

Hopesfall Thinking.......2007-07-20

What do you get when you throw Deftones, Glassjaw, HUM and .... oh maybe 3DoorsDown in a blender? Hopesfall, of course. I give them cool points for even knowing HUM. But finding that sound is even better. Hopesfall take the DropD-SG-Orange-Cabinet sound that HUM only teased us with for 3 albums and head to the land of mainstream screamo - is there such a place? If you heard Hopesfall on the radio, you might not even notice. It would depend on where at in the song you tuned in. But as with most great CDs, you need to spend some time listening... at home, in the car, on a decent stereo. Radio doesn't do most bands justice. In my opinion, this is miles above A-types & alot heavier. So if you're into melodic alternative metal or hardcore, you might want to listen. Standout tracks would be 1,2, & 8. But I kinda like every song on the album.

If you are into melodic alternative rock, the likes of defones/glassjaw, you owe it to yourself to check this out........2007-07-05

If you are unexperienced with Hopesfall, and are into alternative melodic rock you should definitely check this release out. While it might not strike you as a masterpiece upon first listen, it will eventually grab you and drag you down into a universe of depth which many bands in this genre only can hope to achieve. Even though songs are somewhat traditional structurally in terms of verse and chorus, there is so much variation within each song that everytime you listen to the album you will discover something new. The song variation itself is quite amazing, with plenty heavy tracks, and more calm indie - sounding tracks. While some listeners might critize this as a loss of focus and direction, it aslo adds more depth and longvity to album as a whole. Lastly, the vocal performance on this album is simply to good to go unmention. The vocalist might not be the best singer, but the effort and emotion he puts in into each track will amaze you.

Please enter a title for your review.......2007-07-01

In terms of studio production this album is the most elborate the band has made. In terms of composition it's the most basic. Too much designated lead guitar which is rarely melodic. Too much reliance on echo effect pedal to generate atmosphere as though it's often used instead of harmonies. Secondhand Surgery, Vacation/Add/Vacation and Bird Flu are as good as anything they've ever written, but the rest of the album seems lazy, artificial and at points more blatantly Deftones influenced than they've ever sounded before. Going on what others are saying, if you're a vocally oriented listener you'll prefer this album to A Types, but as a guitarist I find this to be a less intricate, thought-out cohesive record, and their first to contain parts that I've found objectionably trendy, namely the muted lead guitar picking.

A bitter, old-school fan who actually loves this album.......2007-06-26

I've been a fan of Hopesfall since their first album, 'Frailty of Words'. I hated their previous 'A Types' and am still uncomfortable with this band calling themselves Hopesfall with only 1 original member (Jay Forrest is not a founding member, by the way). Now, with all that having been said...

'Magnetic North' vastly improves all the things I disliked about the last album. The guitars don't settle for just being ambiguously, lazily spacey, but instead creatively combine both space-rock beauty and brutality. The different riffs/parts of the songs compliment and build upon one another to make the whole song more interesting and effective, the ideas follow through. Jay Forrest's vocals sound like he knows where he's going, actually leading the songs instead of flopping around for a tune like a fish out of water. The drums are more varied and dynamic, and help give this record a strong, propulsive backbone that 'A Types' so sorely lacked (in my opinion). All of the elements involved are more dynamically. Finally, the individual elements together as songs, and the songs together as an album have a stronger focus, and this new focus helps the band articulate their musical statement successfully. Above all else: I just enjoy this stuff.

This will probably get lumped into the emo genre, but I think it's head-and-shoulders above the derivative crap that's being crammed down our throats these days.

Magnetic North will grow on you..........2007-06-23

I didn't even know these guys were back on the scene until earlier this week so I went to best buy and picked this record up. First and foremost, I've always loved the art direction and packaging(booklet pictures,etc) these guys use to convey their imagery; be it on the satellite years, A types, or even this album. To me, it gives off a sort of spacy, sci-fi surrealism that only adds to their overall style when the music is intertwined within these themes. With that being said.....

This is a good album to put in and just "chill" with. With moody progressive guitars, thought provoking lyrics, and ambient sounds throughout-as well as Jay's soothing melodies- I can't help but be intrigued. There are still a few heavy passages(riff wise) and screamed vocals sprinkled throughout but ultimately this album is more closely related to A-Types than The Satellite Years(yeah I know some of you will be disappointed). But if you can just take this record at face value you'll find a well put together experience that grows on you with each listen. I can't help but be drawn to it. Overall, an interesting album which holds it's own compared to their past work IMO.

Standout tracks include: Rx Contender the Pretender,Swamp Kittens, and the final track on the ablum Paisley- which is amazingly simple yet haunting and heartfelt.

Average customer rating: most accessible and coolest of the Magnetics... Cross Between Joy Division and New Order One of my all-time favourite songs Helped me though a painful time Best of Magnetic Fields...pure Brilliance

Holiday Magnetic Fields Manufacturer: Merge Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Lo-Fi | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Electronic Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Indie & Lo Fi | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: i Wasps' Nests Memories of Love Eternal Youth The Tragic Treasury: Songs from a Series of Unfortunate Events ASIN: B00000G1IW Release Date: 1999-01-12

Tracks:

1. BBC Radioponic Worship
2. Desert Island
3. Deep Sea Diving Suit
4. Strange Powers
5. Torn Green Velvet Eyes
6. The Flowers She Sent & The Flowers She Said She Sent
7. Swinging London
8. In My Secret Place
9. Sad Little Moon
10. The Trouble I've Been Looking For
11. Sugar World
12. All You Ever Do Is Walk Away
13. In My Car
14. Take Ecstasy With Me

Customer Reviews:

most accessible and coolest of the Magnetics..........2007-02-28

one of those peices of art I feel priveleged know of. About half the songs are instant classics and leave me in a sea of bliss. (see "Flowers..", "Stranger Powers","In my secret place", "Sugar World", "All you ever..", "Take Ecstasy..") The rest are quality too though. Don't know if I've ever heard the synthesizer put to such good use or if there's a voice (or mind for that matter) I'm more jealous of than Stephen Merritt's. Start here, then "Get Lost" ...

Cross Between Joy Division and New Order.......2007-02-08

I know what I just said so don't bother correcting me. Just listen because it's a fantastic album, especially if you're fans of the Joy Division boys. Standout tracks include Desert Island and Strange Powers.

One of my all-time favourite songs.......2006-06-27

I haven't actually got this album - or listened to it. What a cheek then to muscle in with a glowing review!!

I love to listen to VH1 internet radio's Pop for Sale station, which regularly plays "Desert Island". The song has become one of my all-time favourites. Listening to it, I am instantly transported in my mind to a heavenly beach where time is meaningless and the sunny days present endless relaxation, fun and frolics. It doesn't matter what kind of a day I might be having - as soon as "Desert Island" comes on, I have the biggest, most wistful grin on my face. Sometimes I need a daily dose to keep going!!

I have decided I'm going to buy this record simply to ensure that I always have a copy of this song. It should be mandatory listening for anyone with the blues.

Helped me though a painful time.......2006-03-23

I always wanted to be a writer - but my dreams were dashed when I had abuse heaped on me by everyone I ever came across - teachers, ministers, friends, parents, lovers - one day I found myself looking out the window and saying whre did my beautiful life go - I went to the store on foot - my then-husband had taken the car keys away - I was an abuser of alcohol and oxycontin - and I bought a book that helped me and on an impulse buy, this album - the songs made me tap my toes nd reminded me of the happiness i felt dressed up in my Sunday best and tap shoes - my mother let me wear them to church - before we stopped going - trouble with the priest - but oh how I loved to dance - and this record made me feel that way again - I would love to buy more - but I am on public assistance - but thank you for the happiness in your tunes

Best of Magnetic Fields...pure Brilliance.......2006-03-01

This is probably my favorite album. This title along with 'Get Lost' is Magnetic Fields at it's peak. The title Holiday is a play on words because the album is both elating and depressing at the same time.

The lyrics are sad, brilliant...

i can show you sadder poetry
than you ever dreamed there could be
i know all the saddest people
most of them are dead now

...and are interesting play off the sometimes upbeat hooks. But, usually, the hooks also play off upbeat/downer off each other. Easy to say, hard to do.

There is so much texture and richness in this CD, I still hear new aspects in it after dozens and dozens of plays.

Also worthy of mention is the work with Susan Anway as vocalist on The Wayward Bus/Distant Plastic Trees albums. But, I recommend starting with this one.

Personally, I was less excited by Stephen's recent 'i' CD.

If you don't own Holiday...buy it.

-Pete

Average customer rating: Magnetic Field's masterpiece, sadness has never been so uplifting. 'I' like it: Nice followup to 69 Amazing Album with Too True Songwriting and Composition A couple of great highlights; average elsewhere Brilliant, but too much filler

i Magnetic Fields Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Lo-Fi | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Wasps' Nests Memories of Love Eternal Youth Pieces of April Showtunes ASIN: B0001NNL8O Release Date: 2004-05-04

Tracks:

1. I Die
2. I Don't Believe You
3. I Don't Really Love You Anymore
4. I Looked All Over Town
5. I Thought You Were My Boyfriend
6. I Was Born
7. I Wish I Had An Evil Twin
8. If There's Such A Thing As Love
9. I'm Tongue-Tied
10. In An Operetta
11. Infinitely Late At Night
12. Irma
13. Is This What They Used To Call Love
14. It's Only Time

Album Description

The long-awaited follow-up to the acclaimed 1999 release 69 Love Songs, i finds singer/songwriter Stephin Merritt in full possession of his acerbic wit. Featuring lyrics ripe with melancholy and bittersweet imagery, the record's fourteen tracks are possibly the most personal Merritt has created to date -- a departure from the many voices on 69 Love Songs.

Customer Reviews:

Magnetic Field's masterpiece, sadness has never been so uplifting........2007-07-27

No, there isn't 69 songs on this album, but as an overall album, "i" completely dominates it's predecessor, "69 Love Songs." While the last track, "it's only time" is one of the best songs ever written, and should be used at every wedding till the end of time, the rest of the album is outstanding and seems very uplifting even if there seems to be sadness in the lyrics. Sometimes the sheer humanity and sincerity in lyrics makes a sad song joyful and inspiring. Stephen Merritt is great at evoking images in his songs and this is, in my opinion, his masterpiece album.

I really have to give it to Stephen, I never thought I would be singing along with a song called "i thought you were my boyfriend," but the song is extremely catchy and also a very funny joke on straight men who love magnetic fields; you know stephen has to think it's humorous that straight guys like me are out there singing songs like that out loud in their car.
Arguably, the best song on the album is "i wish i had an evil twin," because lyrically it perfectly describes one's desire to love somebody without having to be evil in order to make the other person attracted to you.

This is really a great album, one of my favorites. Can't wait for them to put out something new.

'I' like it: Nice followup to 69.......2006-09-30

Stephen Merrit, the mastermind behind Magnetic Fields, concocted this group of songs beginning with "I" to followup the critically beloved 69 LOVE SONGS. While it's not possessed of the scope and range musically and lyrically of that work, it's still far above the pack of ordinary pop songs. That's right, I said "pop": Despite the orchestral adornments and Merrit's non-commercial dry baritone, at the heart most of these tunes are 'silly love songs' as McCartney penned. Not that that's a bad thing. Merrit writes a snappy pop tune when he's of the mind and that mindset dominates here with his usual dollop of showtunes alongside. It's usually when he attempts something "substantial" that he missteps ("I Was Born").

HIGHLIGHTS:
"I Don't Believe You" is what happens when you realize your beloved's charming veneer is really just flirtatiousness. ("You may set your charm on stun/And say I'm delightful and fun/But you say that to everyone") A sitar is used to the best effect since "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)" Bouncy single "I Thought You Were my Boyfriend" is explicitly gay and as such probably won't find an audience in the mainstream but it's a catchy slice of retro new wave. "I'm Tongue-tied" utilizes a catchy stop-start lope to convey its classic theme of losing your faculties in the proximity of your infatuation. ("I mumble a jumble/You kiss me/I'm history/I'm tongue-tied and useless again") "It's Only time" is possessed of a desperate romanticism ("What could stop this beating heart/once it's made a vow?") that means it's waiting to be discovered as a dark horse wedding standard. The lightly tinkling piano near the coda is a nice allusion to the relentess tick of the second hand of the clock. While it's probably intended as a gay marriage anthem, it's vague enough lyrically that straights can easily embrace the sentiment.

LOWS:
"I Was Born" is possessed of a level of maudlin rivalled only by Morrissey ("One more floor/Down the elevator/To oblivion/what fun") that's unrelieved by its tinkling musicbox arrangement. "Irma", a tale of a protagonist whose sight-impaired father crashes through the wall of her room to deliver chocolates is quirky but inconsequential.

BOTTOM LINE:
Another winner.

Amazing Album with Too True Songwriting and Composition.......2006-01-11

Stephen Merritt, I'm sure if you haven't heard of him by now is stupendous. He makes solo records, and with other bands, (Future Bible Heroes, Gothic Archies, The 6ths) everything this guy does is gold. This is coming from someone who hasn't listened to 69 Love Songs yet, for the simple reason of not being able to stop listening in one sitting.

This is too good for words. It's so low key and perfect. I feel like Merritt continues again and again to leave me breathless at how he can really do anything. I saw them on this tour at an opera house and it killed me that I went alone. But it's so true, not everyone gets it, it's sad really cause when I picked up this record, I must've bought that ticket within a week.
If you're really into this, you should really check out Future Bible Heores if you haven't already and I should probably get to listening to 69 Love Songs.

A couple of great highlights; average elsewhere.......2005-12-29

I's main problem is its repetitiveness. The vast majority of the album carries the same basic style: very acoustic (almost toy-like), simple and organic arrangements of songs that sound like they could have come from musicals. Accordingly, its range, compared to, say, 69 Love Songs, is minute. The notable exception to the pattern is 'I Thought You Were My Boyfriend', which employs synths and sounds like it belongs in the 80s - but even here somehow the production is similar. Anyhow, it's a good track, angsty yet playful, a bit like a pastiche of its genre - in fact, it sounds like the obligatory dramatic, negative, edgiest moment of - yet again - a musical! The best track by a mile is 'I Looked All Over Town', which is the best distillation of the aforementioned genre that abounds elsewhere, graced with a gorgeous melody that is offset by the toybox arrangement perfectly. Other tracks, whether faster, like 'I Don't Believe You' and 'I Don't Really Love You Anymore' or slow and smoky like the self-explanatory
'Infinitely Late At Night' and the slightly cheesy closer 'It's Only Time', while being reasonably well executed, do repeat the same formula somewhat endlessly, and it's a shame. Definitely start with 69 Love Songs if you're new.

Brilliant, but too much filler.......2005-07-15

This is an unusual CD, with a lot of things to recommend it. Stephin Merritt has the ability to write catchy tunes in many different styles, always showcasing his smoky baritone voice. "I Don't Believe You" is a witty and up-tempo quasi-love song. "I Wish I Had An Evil Twin" reminds one of They Might Be Giants, while "I'm Tongue-Tied" is a honky-tonk lament in the style of "Crazy."

I don't even want to talk about the "I" theme, but it does not seem forced, and does not detract from the album.

My main criticism of the album is that tracks 10-14 are fairly un-memorable. They are pleasant and hum-able, but to me they seem like filler.

This is definitely a must-have CD for anyone with a particular interest in great song-writing, but it is not a masterpiece.

Average customer rating: Even if you don't like synthesizers Classic REALLY Alt Country this album charmed me senseless Yaz heads West

The Charm of the Highway Strip Magnetic Fields Manufacturer: Merge Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Lo-Fi | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Electronic Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Indie & Lo Fi | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Wasps' Nests i Memories of Love Eternal Youth Pieces of April ASIN: B0000019MY Release Date: 1994-04-18

Tracks:

1. Lonely Highway
2. Long Vermont Roads
3. Born On A Train
4. I Have The Moon
5. Two Characters In Search Of A Country Song
6. Crowd Of Drifters
7. Fear Of Trains
8. When The Open Road Is Closing In
9. Sunset City
10. Dust Bowl

Amazon.com

Sweet and sour, incurably romantic, and deeply misanthropic, Magnetic Fields' mastermind Stephin Merritt is a one-of-a-kind voice in modern lo-fi pop. This 1994 outing is a bit of a departure, with Merritt taking his trademark ABBA-styled Casio-pop for a spin in the country--literally. Awash in lush, Nashville-ready production, songs like the doleful "Lonely Highway" (which encompasses snatches of the Lee Hazelwood classic "Jackson") and "Born on a Train" are nothing short of thrilling. But much of this particular stretch of the Fields is lacking in charm, since Merritt's wry stance chafes a bit too hard against the guileless melodies. Completists may feel compelled to take a ride, but novices should probably stick to the more urbane journeys offered by Holiday and Distant Plastic Trees. --David Sprague

Customer Reviews:

Even if you don't like synthesizers.......2005-09-18

This is a great album, and I won't add anything to what's already been said. I just thought I'd let those who don't much like keyboards know that this is still a totally worthwhile purchase. I'd thought of trying the magnetic fields for a while but never did because I didn't think I'd like the keyboard sound that everyone talks about. They treat the keyboards so much, and warp the sound to make it so it really doesn't make a difference. The songs are strong, and I think he makes sure to never sound cheezy on the keyboard (maybe once.) Anyway the songs are so good that the way it's played doesn't matter. Plus, the keyboards really do sound very good for the most part, and serve the songs well. Guitar fanatics, give this one a try, it's an excellent piece of music.

Classic.......2005-03-18

I first heard this album about eight years ago, and I have listened to it several times a month since. It just doesn't get old--the more I hear it, the more remarkable it is. Many people have commented on Merritt's eclectic instrumentation, which is indeed striking. But the really fantastic thing about his music is just how great he is at turning out a tune. The instrumentations are novel, but not novelties, and the tight melodies have the charm and stay-in-your-headness of folk tunes. Stephin Merritt is just so damned smart--and not in a look-at-me-I'm-so-deep or hipster way, but in the understated, constant, prolific manner that makes for lasting songwriting. His lyrics are also smart and moving, even when, as with the 69 Love Songs trio, he insists on claiming they're ironic or meta. He's a master at wry, pithy little lines that stick with you a lot more strongly than most of the abstract, self-congratulatory crap that passes for poetry these days.

I've listened to each Magnetic Fields album several times over--I'm completely addicted to them, in fact--and while there's not a bad one in the bunch, Charm of the Highway Strip does stand out as the most consistently fantastic and aesthetically unified project. Give this album a try. You won't regret it-none of the many people I've forced this on have.

REALLY Alt Country.......2004-09-25

I'm in a Magnetic Fields month, or maybe a Magnetic Fields six months, who knows? Haven't dipped into 69 Love Songs, yet. And that's probably a six month project itself. But of I, The Wayward Bus/Plastic Trees, and Charm of the Highway Strip, Charm is my current favorite. Like the work of Handsome Family, Giant Sand, and Hank Dogs, this country is not going to be crashing into the mainstream any time soon. Made up of equal parts electronic, synth mixes, cello, and something that sounds like a harpsichord (personally I hear more Phil Spector than Abba in the music), every one of these nine vocal songs -- the tenth, Dust Bowl, is an instrumental that can be skipped -- trades on the classic country themes of trains and highways. Only in Merritt's hand they are neither appealing nor romantic, but obsessions that promise escape and deliver only more pain and loneliness. Which, of course, is exactly what defines Merritt. Lonely Highway, with its references to Jackson, might be the fate that awaited Lee and Nancy, Johnny and June, after they got married in that "fever hotter than a pepper sprout." My two current favorites are I Have the Moon (though written eight years or so earlier, it's what Drusilla might have sung to Spike on Buffy after he became human) and Fear of Trains, where Merritt joins the Ramones in having the KKK take someone away, in this case the history of a Native American girl. Next week the favorites are likely to be different. What's certain is that Charm of the Highway Strip as a whole is going to be a very long-term favorite.

this album charmed me senseless.......2004-01-13

Seriously, if you are a magnetic fields fan, BUY THIS. You may not prefer the more dark, country, sound of this album as opposed to the often springy 69 love songs, but i guarantee you, there is no way not to fall in love with this album. By my second listen, this album was already sacred to me, and right now it is sitting in its case after my last spurt of listenings, waiting patiently until the time is right for me to take it out again. My nightmare would be to overplay this album. Stephen Merrit's low voice will make you feel lonely as he sings of a girl's fear of trains, or a lonesome highway, but at the same time he soothes you, in making you too feel like an explorer on some vast, endless highway. The songs on this album make you feel that while you may be lonely, it's an almost noble thing to be.

Yaz heads West.......2003-07-25

Could it possibly be the first electronic country record ever? It is Yaz meets the American West. Complete with cold chilly sometimes bouncy beats, Stephen Merritt croons of trains, lost lovers and the open road. This record is nothing short of a masterpiece concept album.

Add to the synth beats a synthesizer banjo, guitars and that familiar baritone croon to get that real country feel. It is at times sad and sometimes funny. Listen to the story about a woman who is effected by the trains in her life "Fear of Trains". The irony is thick, clever and the characters are always interesting.

A must have for any collection!

Average customer rating: YOU MUST HEAR THIS!!!!!!!!! This is Avalible for Download On itunes I'd forgotten how good this was If you like Nez... One of the greatest artists never heard

Magnetic South/Loose Salute Michael Nesmith Manufacturer: Bmg Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Nevada Fighter/Tantamount to Treason And the Hits Just Keep on Comin'/Pretty Much Your Standard Ranch Stash Tropical Campfires Rays The Fantastic Expedition of Dillard & Clark/Through the Morning, Through the Night ASIN: B00000IQ24 Release Date: 2000-05-02

Tracks:

1. Calico Girlfriend
2. Nine Times Blue
3. Little Red Rider
4. Crippled Lion
5. Joanne
6. First National Rag
7. Mama Nantucket
8. Keys to the Car
9. Hollywood
10. One Rose
11. Beyond the Blue Horizon
12. Silver Moon
13. I Fall to Pieces
14. Thanx for the Ride
15. Dedicated Friend
16. Conversations
17. Tengo Amore
18. Listen to the Band
19. Bye, Bye, Bye
20. Lady of the Valley
21. Hello Lady
22. 1st National Dance [#][*][Instrumental]

Album Description

The former Monkees guitarist/ vocalist's first two solo LPs for RCA (second & third overall) together on one CD, complete with the previously unreleased bonus track '1st National Dance' (Instrumental) added. A combined total of 22 country rock tunes. Both LPs were first released in 1970. Comes packaged in a standard jewel case within a full color slipcase cover. 1999 release.

Album Details

Former Monkee Twofer Reissue of his 1970 Releases. Bonus Track Previously Unreleased: '1st National Dance'(Instrumental). Includes the Hit 'Joanne' and his Remake of the Monkees 'Listen to the Band'.

Customer Reviews:

YOU MUST HEAR THIS!!!!!!!!!.......2007-03-10

This is just great stuff. I bought the first Monkees lp to get "Papa Gene's Blues". This is more of the same. "Beyond the Blue Horizon" was originally dedicated to the "Tomorrow" man on the lp...Nez eventually fessed up and admitted it was about himself..."goodbye to things that bore me, joy is waiting for me...". Saying adeiu to Kirshner and the music machine the Monkees were tied up in gave Nez the creative freedom he wanted and needed. With the exception of Rays, The Prison and the Garden, I recommend all of this man's work.

This is Avalible for Download On itunes.......2006-06-16

There's not much I can add to what has already been said. Michael Nesmith is often overlooked as the country rock pioneer that he was, due in large part to his role in the Monkees. It was evident by the Monkees last album (Head) that Nesmith was a real musician stuck in the bad situation of a contrived boy band. It you don't believe me just listen to the song "Circle Sky". It is evident in this Nesmith song that there was more to this Monkee than meets the eye.

I have gotten off track though. What I really wanted to say in this review was that you can download all three of Micheal Nesmith's albums with his country rock group The First National Band at Apple's itunes, for about ten dollars each. This includes the two albums that are on this disc (Magnetic South and Loose Salute) along with the third, Nevada Fighter. I know you don't get an acutal CD or booklet but once downloaded you can burn it to a CD and it is cheaper. With Nesmith now on my ipod I listen to him all the time. Just a heads up to another option out there.

I'd forgotten how good this was.......2005-12-30

More than 30 years ago, I purchased both LPs (that stands for long-play, kiddies...meaning 15-18 minutes of music without having to turn the vinyl over!!!). They got lost/misplaced/discarded somewhere along the way.

After recently hearing "Beyond the Blue Horizon" from Magnetic South on XM Radio's X-Country, channel 12, I remembered how good these recordings were. While I occasionally play old music that I liked in my youth, and wonder why I was so fond of it it, in this case my middle-aged brain wasn't being merely nostalgic. This music sounds as fresh and original as it did 30+ years ago.

The package is worth purchasing just for Nesmith's compositions "Silver Moon," "Crippled Lion," and "Beyond the Blue Horizon." His cover of "I Fall to Pieces" is one of the best among many.

BTW, I also just heard some old Marshall Crenshaw on XM....

Hmmmm...

If you like Nez..........2005-05-19

I am a huge fan of Michael Nesmith's solo music and his music with The Monkees. If you enjoy his country-rock style then I strongly recommend that you check out the following:
1) March 16-20 by Uncle Tupelo
2) Papa Nez: A Loose Salute To The Work Of Michael Nesmith by Various Artists
3) Stranger's Almanac by Whiskeytown
4) Trace by Son Volt

One of the greatest artists never heard.......2004-12-03

This is great stuff, I give it my highest recommendation.
I won't repeat the song by song breakdown given by others.
This is one of the early combinations of country-Western (there is definitely a Western component here) and rock influences.
Nesmith has a style, sound and quirky sense of humor that are all his own.

Average customer rating: Luck was never on their side... A pitiful cryin shame One of my all time favorites. GOOD OLD FASHIONED ROCK!!!!!!!!! Skynyrd meets AC/DC!

Gettin' Pretty Good at Barely Gettin' By The Four Horsemen Manufacturer: Magnetic Air ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Nobody Said It Was Easy Junkyard Pain and Suffering Give Me the Fear And Then It Got Ugly ASIN: B0000058DU Release Date: 1996-05-14

Tracks:

1. Still Alive Ane Well
2. Gettin' Pretty Good At Barely Gettin' By
3. Drunk Again
4. Livin' These Blues
5. Song For Absent Friends
6. Keep Your Life
7. Hot Rod
8. Rock My Universe
9. Back In Business Again
10. Hit The Road
11. Keep On Keepin' On
12. My Song
13. What The Hell Went Wrong

Customer Reviews:

Luck was never on their side..........2007-04-04

This band's story is on various music sites and dictionary sites. Read it and you will agree with my title. Anyway this CD is worth picking up before it goes out of print like the 1st one. "Nobody..." is sort of a collector's item now as you can see by the used prices. Yes, they borrowed heavily from AC/DC but updated it well. Were really the only band with this sound in the mid 90's. A little better timing and airplay could have put some of their songs in those "TOP 500 OF All TIME" playlists that come out every Memorial Day...

A pitiful cryin shame.......2006-09-15

I have both Horsemen CD's. Love them both in their own way. Tremendous talent. Tremendous vocals, writing skills and musicianship. Just an astonishingly great CD. More, much more music from this band should have come. At least we have 2 great albums from the Four Horsemen. But when I get through listening to this one, I just sit and wonder...what if?

One of my all time favorites........2005-10-28

I don't remember where I first heard this band but I am glad I did. I have both albums - "Gettin Pretty Good..." and "Nobody Said It Was Easy" I love them both. Hard rocking songs to get me motivated. Great CD for driving alone, volume turned way up!!! If you like Southern Rock, both of these should be in your collection.

GOOD OLD FASHIONED ROCK!!!!!!!!!.......2004-10-11

Thank's to Nirvana and that no talent piece of crap Kurt nobrain,The Four Horsemen never had a chance. To bad,because this album and Nobody said it was easy kick ass. I guess thre's just no accounting for good taste!

Skynyrd meets AC/DC!.......2004-07-11

It is surely a shame that the talent these guys had didn't allow them to get more exporsure in the mainstream before tragedy cashed them out of the rock and roll scene.

In short, this is ONE GREAT CD!

Too bad more bands don't emulate or aspire to this high level of rocking, stomping, kicking music. Of course, today's record companies wouldn't know what to do with such a genuine band on their label anyway!

These guys are/were great. God Bless them!

Album Review:

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8. No Good (Start the Dance) [CD-single] [Import]
9. Noisemaker: Compilation Laboratorio, Vol. 3 [Import]
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