Actually [Enhanced]

Amazon.com
When they released Actually, their second proper album, in 1987, the Pet Shop Boys proved they were no flash-in-the-pan pop sensation. Neil Tennant wrote about disaffected consumerism ("Rent," "Shopping") with the wry insight only the former editor of a teen pop magazine could have. Often accused of being emotionally bankrupt by their critics, Tennant and his partner, keyboardist Chris Lowe, effortlessly proved them wrong, camouflaging clever commentary ("It's a Sin") behind deadpan attitude and catchy dance music. The jewel in Actually's crown is probably "What Have I Done to Deserve This?," a classic hit for which Lowe and Tennant coaxed '60s pop icon Dusty Springfield out of semiretirement. Actually has aged better than anybody--including perhaps the Pet Shop Boys themselves--could have expected. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Tracks:

Kelly Clarkson - The Trouble With Love Is
Dido - Here With Me
Maroon 5 - Sweetest Goodbye/Sunday Morning
Norah Jones - Turn Me On
Wyclef Jean - Take Me As I Am (feat. Sharissa)
Eva Cassidy - Songbird
The Calling - Wherever You Will Go
The Pointer Sisters - Jump (For My Love)
Joni Mitchell - Both Sides Now
Lynden David Hall - All You Need Is Love
The Beach Boys - God Only Knows
Texas - Ill See It Through
Sugababes - Too Lost In You
Craig Armstrong - Glasgow Love Theme
Otis Redding - White Christmas
Billy Mack - Christmas Is All Around
Olivia Olson - All I Want For Christmas Is You

Amazon.com

Noted English screenwriter Richard Curtis makes his directorial bow with this romantic comedy that follows the dizzying foibles of no less than a dozen couples, featuring a cast that includes Hugh Grant as a bachelor British PM and Billy Bob Thornton as a disturbing hybrid of the worst of Clinton and Bush. Seemingly taking its lead from Bridget Jones's Diary and its sequel (both of which Curtis also wrote), Love's rich, eclectic collection of pop songs becomes something more than mere movie-soundtrack wallpaper. Indeed, tracks as disparate as Joni Mitchell's hauntingly autumnal remake of "Both Sides Now" and the Pointer Sisters' effusive '80s hit "Jump" function somewhere between supporting player and narrative Greek chorus. It's a mature, often introspective collection that mixes the expected chestnuts (the Beach Boys' evergreen "God Only Knows") and covers (Eva Cassidy's stately version of Christine McVie's "Songbird," an R&B-infused take of "All You Need Is Love" by Lynden David Hall) with standout work from Norah Jones (a torched-up "Turn Me On"), Texas (the Dusty Springfield-esque dramatics of "I'll See It Through"), and Wyclef Jean's joyous "Take Me As I Am." Underscoring the film's Christmas subtext are three holiday-themed bonus cuts by Otis Redding, Billy Mack (the film's resident rock star burnout, played by Bill Nighy), and Olivia Olson. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

My complaint about Amazon.com.......2007-07-25

Note: Because I am unable to have my complaints addressed by Amazon, I will continue to post the following note on Amazon.com:

I just received the very late e-mail saying that the
order I placed on JUNE 6, 2007 cannot be filled until OCTOBER 4,
2007. This is the most irresponsible customer service that I have
had in a very long time. Not only did you fail to correspond with
me for nearly two months, you now have the audacity to suggest that
the earliest you can deliver this book is the fall of this year!?
This irresponsible (and flippant) response is breathtaking in its
cavalier attitude, where you say "either accept a delivery date four
months late or we will cancel your order". You should have
responded within a week at the most that you were having difficulty
obtaining the book so that I would no longer rely on you to get it
to me and I could then look elsewhere for it.
>
> I would suggest that you should send me the book that you promised
(and I believe I already paid for) ASAP. You could do a Google
search and find a copy (perhaps on your own site!) or you could call
the publisher in China and (at your expense) have them FED-X it to
you for delivery to me. But the one thing you shouldn't do is send
such a cavelier e-mail to me six weeks after I order from you and at
least several weeks after I had expected delivery. This is a rich
example of the incompetent arrogance of Amazon; one that will be
displayed prominently on the internet for some time to come if you
are not able to remedy this situation soon.

To add insult to injury, when I responded to the e-mail message, I recieved a conflicting e-mail from a "Mohan". Typically, I could not communicate back to him (or her) and was left to my own devices in the Amazon.

Huge Disappointment.......2007-07-15

This review is for the American CD. I loved the movie and after viewing it for the first time immediately watched it again. I read on this site that some listeners were disappointed with the soundtrack, but I couldn't resist purchasing it anyway because I couldn't live without the Billy Mack song. Given the subject of the movie, I will call the CD a "heartbreaking" disappointment. The three Christmas songs are included here, but are listed as "bonus tracks," which indicates that the director of the movie didn't understand what the audience wanted from the soundtrack. "All I want for Christmas is You" and most especially Billy Mack's song "Christmas is all around us" are not just seasonal holiday songs within the context of this movie--they are the ultimate love songs. Everyone in the movie was great, but can there be many viewers who didn't feel Billy Mack was the center of the story? Yes, little kids with crushes, a widowed man who apparently finds another love quite quickly (Claudia Schiffer to boot), and young couples getting together are all very sweet. But the heartbreak of unrequited love, a married woman who realizes her husband is thinking about another woman and Billy Mack save the movie from being just too cute. Billy Mack was a mid-fifties, superficial, "ex heroin addict struggling for a comeback at any price" who figures out what love is and shares it with another human being, albeit not in a romantic relationship. Billy Mack (along with the unreturned love story line and the Emma Thompson story) lifted the movie out of the realm of cliches. The movie starts with Billy Mack and his song, which underscores the struggle for love that everyone in the movie is going through. But the song was gutted of its joy in the soundtrack version--very little use of the backup singers. Instead of including tracks that I don't think were even in the movie, this song should have been played at length, perhaps in two versions. The beginning of the movie with the song and the conversational interjections would have been a creative addition to the soundtrack. Another song gutted of its joy is "All you need is love"--the surprising and lovely orchestration in the movie was replaced with trite clapping on the soundtrack. At least the director couldn't mess with the Beach Boys and Joni, whose song underscored the tale of marital infidelity. But if you want to experience the joy of human beings taking the risk of "getting the s*** kicked out of us by love," watch the movie again. Don't waste your money on the soundtrack. When will directors figure out that audiences want the sound tracks just as they were in the movie?

Love Actually CD from Movie.......2007-05-30

CD is fine, but some of the music that was in the movie does not exist on the CD.... Too bad,,,,

Best sound track.......2007-03-15

If you even just liked the movie you will love the sound track. There were a couple of songs that I didn't even remember from the movie but it was awesome.

movie and sound track.......2007-03-10

The movie was great. Although, not for kids to watch. But the movie was fun, funny and heart warming. The sound track is terrific. Great songs.

Average customer rating:

Big disappointment
NOT THE MOVIE DVD SOUNDTRACK AT ALL
All the songs are on my CD--but still disappointed
missing something
Loved it

Love Actually
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Umvd Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Soundtracks | Imports | Stores | Music

Pop | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Love Actually (Widescreen Edition)
Both Sides Now
Love Actually
Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason
Bridget Jones's Diary, Vol. 2

ASIN: B00012QKSI
Release Date: 2003-12-08

Tracks:

Jump (For My Love) - Girls Aloud
Too Lost In You - Sugababes
The Trouble With Love Is - Kelly Clarkson
Here With Me - Dido
Christmas Is All Around - Billy Mack
Turn Me On - Norah Jones
Songbird - Eva Cassidy
Sweetest Goodbye - Maroon
I'll See It Through - Texas
Both Sides Now - Joni Mitchell
White Christmas - Otis Redding
Take Me As I Am - Wyclef Jean
All I Want For Christmas Is you - Olivia Olson
God Only Knows - The Beach Boys
All You Need Is Love - Lynden David Hall
Glasgow Love Theme - Craig Armstrong
PM's Love Theme - Craig Armstrong
Sometimes - Gabrielle

Album Description

Asian pressing of 2003 soundtrack for the US box office hit starring Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson and Emma Thompson. 18 tracks from the likes of Sugababes, Dido, Joni Mitchell, Maroon 5, The Beach Boys and Norah Jones. Universal. 2003.

Album Details

Asian Version featuring Four Bonus Tracks: "Christmas is all Around" by Billy Mack, "White Christmas" by Otis Redding, "All I Want for Christmas is You" by Olivia Olson, and "pm's Love Theme" by Craig Armstrong, and Two Alternate Tracks Not Found on the USA Version: "Jump" by Girls Aloud (In Place of the Pointer Sisters Version), and "Sometimes" by Gabrielle (In Place of the Calling's "Whenever You Will Go").

Customer Reviews:

Big disappointment.......2007-02-15

I returned this CD unopened. It had a sticker on it saying it had been made in Colombia or someplace else in S. America! The song, "Jump", by the Pointer Sisters in the movie, wasn't even BY the Pointer Sisters on the CD. If it's a soundtrack, what is THAT about?!?

NOT THE MOVIE DVD SOUNDTRACK AT ALL.......2007-01-23

You will be disappointed if buy this thinking it will be as good or JUST LIKE the DVD/Movie soundtrack, SORRY.

By far the best song on the CD is the best one in the movie, Olivia Olson singing All I want for Christmas. It is nearly as good as the movie and BETTER than mariah carey.

There may be some issues between the USA and import versions reported in other reviews.

Jump, All you need is love, Christmas is all around....NOT THE SAME and disappointing.

All the songs are on my CD--but still disappointed.......2006-11-06

Not sure about the complaints below about PM's Love Theme missing--my import soundtrack has it. (There seem to be at least three differnt love actually souncrtacks, so it might be possible to buy one that doesn't have the tracks you want!). Mine matches the track listing shown above for this item. However, Jump is not the Pointer Sister's version that was in the movie (it is some rather hollow faux disco number), the Billy Mack cut is not well-mixed nor is All You Need is Love, where the instrumental additions in the chruch scene seem to have been cut out, giving a monotonous and repetitive chorus that goes on and on. I LOVE the film and have watched it far too many times, but the soundtrack doesn't meet my expectations. Were I you, I'd save my money.

missing something.......2006-02-24

Ok! I am not slamming this CD. It is a great CD. But, where is Craig Armstrong's Portugese Love Theme? I tried ordering this CD and was continually getting the Amazon.com is sorry but there is a delay in your order email. I googled the soundtrack and it came up on amazon.com/uk. Very happy to see the extra tracks included (Wherever You Will Go by The Calling is also included.) My main reason for the soundtrack was for PM's Love Theme which is not available on the domestic release. Never knew you could get a soundtrack with Portugese Love Theme on it as well. I was pleasantly surprised and bought it on the spot. Was actually less expensive to purchase and ship airmail then to purchase domestically as an import. Needless to say but will say anyway, I cancelled my amazon.com order and received my import directly from amazon/uk. My advice...if you are interested in this soundtrack, try amazon.com/uk.

Loved it.......2006-02-23

I bought this version mostly for track 18 which is not on the American version. I love the movie and love the music in it. I plan on having the last song play as the recession song in my wedding.

Average customer rating:

One of my Favorite Albums out of the Wonderful 80s
Not a bad collection, but falls short of "Please"
Cool and timeless...
UN INCREÍBLE DESPLIEGUE DE LA ELECTRONICA EN LA MUSICA POP
Classy

Actually
Pet Shop Boys
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Alternative Dance | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Euro Dance | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Please
Behavior
Very
Introspective
Introspective

ASIN: B000002UD7
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

One More Chance
What Have I Done To Deserve This?
Shopping
Rent
Hit Music
It Couldn't Happen Here
It's A Sin
I Want To Wake Up
Heart
King's Cross

Amazon.com

When they released Actually, their second proper album, in 1987, the Pet Shop Boys proved they were no flash-in-the-pan pop sensation. Neil Tennant wrote about disaffected consumerism ("Rent," "Shopping") with the wry insight only the former editor of a teen pop magazine could have. Often accused of being emotionally bankrupt by their critics, Tennant and his partner, keyboardist Chris Lowe, effortlessly proved them wrong, camouflaging clever commentary ("It's a Sin") behind deadpan attitude and catchy dance music. The jewel in Actually's crown is probably "What Have I Done to Deserve This?," a classic hit for which Lowe and Tennant coaxed '60s pop icon Dusty Springfield out of semiretirement. Actually has aged better than anybody--including perhaps the Pet Shop Boys themselves--could have expected. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

One of my Favorite Albums out of the Wonderful 80s.......2007-02-25

The Pet Shop Boys were and still are phenomenal. Back then in1987, still enamored with a-ha I was looking for more, something with that 80s sounds yet unique and original. I first heard "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" with Dusty Springfield of all people doing this song with the Pet Shop Boys on the radio. I sought out the Pet Shop Boys album "Actually" and found it to be very good and just what I was looking for. Their very melodic pop dance sounding music with great lyrics, delivered with such deadpan emotion, was just so ironic but very catchy and well as striking a chord of emotion with me. "Actually" is one great classic album and fresh as ever.

Not a bad collection, but falls short of "Please".......2006-09-27

When one looks at the history of musical acts that can be categorized as "Dance Music" or "Disco", there are few acts that have achieved the success and longevity of the Pet Shop Boys. The Pet Shop Boys have been making music for over 20 years - releasing an album usually about every one or two years. In the UK, the Pet Shop Boys have consistently produced Top 10 albums. They haven't had quite the same amount of success on American shores, but nonetheless they have still maintained a solid following. It actually didn't start out like that for the Pet Shop Boys in the U.S. They actually burst on to the music scene in 1986 with a #1 song entitled "West End Girls". They would then follow "West End Girls" up with another hit - "Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)". These two songs would be part of the debut - and most successful album by the Pet Shop Boys "Please". With a successful album such as "Please" under their belt, the Pet Shop Boys were poised to show the public what they could do on their follow-up album. That second effort - "Actually" would continue to garner the Pet Shop Boys commercial success, but overall does not stand up to "Please".

I think there are three reasons why "Actually" falls short - especially when compared to "Please"

1) The album would be released about 18 months following "Please". Although a song like "It's a Sin" was recording during the "Please" sessions, the Pet Shop Boys had little time to put together a new album given the whirlwind of success they had with "Please".
2) "Please" was basically produced in its entirety by Stephen Hague. For "Actually", multiple producers (including Hague for "What Have I Done to Deserve This?", "It's a Sin" and "Kings Cross") were used on this album. As a result, "Actually" lacks a lot of the continuity of its predecessor.
3) Many of the songs didn't have me doing handstands like the first album.

Although "Actually" does fall short compared to "Please", there are also some good points. The good news is that the Pet Shop Boys still aren't afraid to improvise and "think out of the box". They also prove they can do some softer songs (although their strength is with high tempo electronic sound) Here is a song by song synopsis:

"One More Chance": This song grows on you. I like the sound effects like the car screeching. This is definitely one of those songs where the Pet Shop Boys think out of the box. Neil Tennant's vocals are right on the money here, but it is his spoken words that will shine.

"What Have I Done to Deserve This?": This song has very much a pop feel and was a commercial success. Once again Tennant shines on vocals. This song features a guest vocal performance by Dusty Springfield. However Springfield's vocals do little to impress me on this track.

"Shopping": Definitely the weakest track on the collection (and possibly by the Pet Shop Boys). The song does little to impress me. While the verse lyrics are clever, the chorus lyrics were unimpressive (S-H-O-P-P-I-N-G). The melody also seemed to be hastily put together.

"Rent": This song has a softer edge. This song deals with a person who is supported financially by his lover. Not a bad song, but Tennant's higher octave vocals here weren't as impressive as I've seen in other songs.

"Hit Music": This is one of the strongest songs by the Pet Shop Boys - and I'm surprised this never was a hit single. This song offers the "high tempo electronic sound" that made the Pet Shop Boys famous. Tennant's vocals are right on the money here. It is a very catchy song. If you listen you can hear that the melody resembles a slight sample of the "Peter Gunn Theme".

"It Couldn't Happen Here": This song has a haunting quality to it - and that will be the highlight to this song. It's one of the better softer tempo songs by the Pet Shop Boys, but still not as good as the high tempo material.

"It's a Sin": This was another hit single. The electronic orchestral quality of this song is really going to be the highlight - especially the intro. Once again the "high tempo" sound is in play here. Tennant pulls off the vocals flawlessly again. One thing I didn't like was the "prayer" midway through the song.

"I Want to Wake Up": This is one of the underrated tracks on this album. This wasn't a bad song. I particularly liked the melody here. Listen to how well Tennant transitions the spoken words starting from "It's mad to be in love with someone else" into sung vocals - great stuff.

"Heart": This song had a classic dance club feel to it. A good song, I still wouldn't categorize this in the upper echelon of songs by the Pet Shop Boys.

"King's Cross": Here is another example where the Pet Shop Boys prove they can do a slow song. This song offers some socio-political commentary. This is heard in the opening lyrics, "The man at the back of the queue was sent; to feel the smack of firm government". This again shows an example of the Pet Shop Boys "thinking out of the box". Good melody in this song as well.

While it's clear that the Pet Shop Boys did some "thinking out of the box", this album offered a mixed bag. Perhaps this is why that this album marked the end of the Pet Shop Boys run on the U.S. charts. I wish that the liner notes included the lyrics to each of the songs. Despite some of the flaws, this isn't a bad album. Pet Shop Boys will like this album a lot, but the jury will be out for the casual fan.

Cool and timeless..........2006-04-05

It is hard to believe that when it was first released, Rolling Stone called this "a mere pop album good for those who like pop".

This is simply an astounding work by the Boys, commercial success of which should have surprised even them, too. The singles seem to be the cream of the cake but one should listen into the album just to see how fine songwriters Neil and Christ are...it is really hard to tell my feelings about "It Couldn't Happen Here" and "King's Cross"...the ultimate pop perfection with strings, abounding orchestral manouvers and heart-felt, socially dabbing lyrics, both are glorious examples of good music, showing that pop can be soulful and heart-wrenchingly dramatic.

It is so sad that many people avoid PSB because of their gay identity. The band and all of their works are top-notch; however, they are not even included in Amazon's essentials while synthetic Depeche Mode and self-repeating New Order are called essentials. PSB are one of the best things England has given to the music industry, sort of a behind-the-curtain heroes that have a favourable influence on all their contemporary "essentials" even if the Boys jumped to the wagon after them.

Spare yourself the big mistake many are trapped into and don't overlook these guys. Start with Discography just to get warm and then move to Actually. You will be always rewarded for the rest of your life.

UN INCREÍBLE DESPLIEGUE DE LA ELECTRONICA EN LA MUSICA POP.......2006-02-25

La música de los PSB siempre me pareció una de las más brillantes de la historia de lPop, por algo se les considera los "padres del Tecno"; éste es para mí el mejor álbum de éste magnífico dúo que no tiene nada que envidiarle a ningún otro músico; mis temas favoritos son "Heart" (maravillosa balada tecno-disco), "It's A Sin" (obra maestra y sin lugar a dudas el sello personal de los PSB), "It Couldn't Happen Here" (puro tema de palícula, que precioso arreglo orquestal), "Rent" (que ingeniosa declaración de amor)y que decir de sus demás temas, todos para mí se llevan las 5 estrellas; indispensable en la coleccion de todo fanático de los Pets y si tú todavía no conoces la obra de ellos, te recomiendo que comiences por éste disco; también indispensable en el repertorio de todo amante del pop y el tecno.

Classy.......2006-01-14

Among many other accomplishments, at their creative and stylish peak the Pet Shop Boys were responsible for contributing hugely to the definition of a more solid, intellectual and sophisticated face of 80's synth-pop, far from the stereotypes of superficiallity and sterillity atributed by many exceptics to the genre, without losing its funny, catchy shape of party music. Their second album shows Tennant's tiny speak-singing voice going more traditionally melodic, but yet working as a mere channel to the transmission of words, even if it also projects comfort. This album offers a much more focused songwriting then that of their also very good debut, and there is a lot of fun and hits to enjoy here: their first UK #1 'Heart', the lush midtempo 'Rent' and the bombing megahit 'It's A Sin'. The rest of the songs match the melodic and lyric quality of the choosed singles and, as a whole, this album works of an explanation to the question "Why the f**** are there so many bands immitating and re-processing typical 80's synthpop?".

Average customer rating:

One of my Favorite Albums out of the Wonderful 80s
Not a bad collection, but falls short of "Please"
Cool and timeless...
UN INCREÍBLE DESPLIEGUE DE LA ELECTRONICA EN LA MUSICA POP
Classy

Actually
Pet Shop Boys
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Alternative Dance | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Euro Dance | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Please
Behavior
Very
Introspective
Introspective

ASIN: B00005J9LZ
Release Date: 2001-07-03

Tracks:

One More Chance
What Have I Done To Deserve This?
Shopping
Rent
Hit Music
It Couldn't Happen Here
It's A Sin
I Want To Wake Up
Heart
King's Cross

Tracks:

I Want To Wake Up (Breakdown Mix)
Heart (Shep Pettibone Version)
You Know Where You Went Wrong
One More Chance (Seven-Inch Mix)
It's A Sin (Disco Mix)
What Have I Done To Deserve This? (Extended Mix)
Heart (Disco Mix)
A New Life
Always On My Mind (Demo Version)
Rent (Seven-Inch Mix)
I Want A Dog
Always On My Mind (Extended Dance Mix)
Do I Have To?
Always On My Mind (Dub Mix)

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

One of my Favorite Albums out of the Wonderful 80s.......2007-02-25

Not a bad collection, but falls short of "Please".......2006-09-27

Cool and timeless..........2006-04-05

UN INCREÍBLE DESPLIEGUE DE LA ELECTRONICA EN LA MUSICA POP.......2006-02-25

Classy.......2006-01-14

Very Introspective, Actually - A Pet Shop Boys Tribute

Average customer rating:

It Stinks
It had its moments
Stick to the Originals
Two Thumbs Up but only 4 stars because it's not PSB
Great Here and There

Very Introspective, Actually - A Pet Shop Boys Tribute
Behind The Scenes , The Cruxshadows , Human Drama , Motormark , Endanger , Sweep , Athan Maroulis & Zeitmahl , Rhea's Obsession , Icon of Coil , Momus , Hungry Lucy , Cleaner , Nicole Blackman & John Van Eaton , and David J
Manufacturer: Dancing Ferret
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Battleship Potemkin
Actually
Please
Pet Shop Boys: Life in Pop
Very

ASIN: B00005JDCC
Release Date: 2007-07-16

Tracks:

It's a Sin - The Cruxshadows
Rent - Behind The Scenes
This Must Be the Place I've Waited Years to Leave - Human Drama
Opportunities - Fictional
Left to My Own Devices - Motormark
Suburbia - Endanger
Love Comes Quickly - Sweep
Heart - Athan Maroulis & Zeitmahl
What Have I Done to Deserve This? - Rhea's Obsession
New York City Boy - Icon of Coil
So Hard - Momus
Jealousy - Hungry Lucy
You Know Where You Went Wrong - Cleaner
West End Girls - Nicole Blackman & John Van Eaton
Being Boring - David J

Album Description

Why a tribute to artists still very much alive, well, and making records? The immediate cynical reply is commercialism, and let's be honest, what artist or record label wouldn't want to capitalize on the fan base and rich song catalogue of a band like The Pet Shop Boys? It seems almost inconceivable that this hasn't been done before, especially with the number of Depeche Mode tribute CDs in the double digits and climbing.

But with so many tribute CDs on the market - some paying homage to artists who barely have three albums under their belts - there is a growing consumer backlash against them. Too, it's hard for artists to know how best to approach these tributes. A faithful cover risks critical allegations that the artist has simply copied the song with no real vision employed, while a radical re-working will have fans clamoring that a musical classic has been butchered. It's a difficult tightrope to tread.

Still, everyone involved in this project has opted to walk that tightrope, and we're hopeful and confident that you in the audience will be entertained by the performance. Rest assured that this is not a thrown-together assembly line tribute, but something lovingly compiled over the better part of a year by a longtime PSB fan. We've even had the disc mastered at the same studio that mastered Nightlife as well as the recent re-issues to ensure the best sound quality.

Customer Reviews:

It Stinks.......2003-06-19

Unlike the mini cd by Unlimited Beat in 1990's this cd compilation of artists you've never heard of leaves much to be desired. Completely untrue to the spirit of the original songs with poor production value, I advise die hard PSB fans to let this one rot on the shelves. This rates up there with the abortive Erasure Tribute album that came out last year.

It had its moments.......2002-06-25

Being a huge fan of the Pet Shop Boys, I could not bring myself to give even a derivative work such as this a low rating. To be honest, many of the tracks are not worth listening to. But this tribute is priced low enough to make it worth it for the few solid and enjoyable tracks. Don't buy this unless you already have everything from the Pet Shop Boys as any of their albums or singles would be a better investment.

Stick to the Originals.......2002-04-15

Tribute albums are interesting for at least one of two reasons:
1) They provide worthwhile new interpretations of existing songs.
2) They confirm that the original singers were not merely fine songwriters, but also very good singers and/or arrangers.

Like the tribute album to Elton John, this definitely falls in the latter category.

Two Thumbs Up but only 4 stars because it's not PSB.......2002-04-05

After what I consider to be two huge disappointments - bilingual and nightlife (sounded way too gay for this straight couple); my wife and I found that we loved VERY INROSPECTIVE, ACTUALLY.

It has about the same hits on it as discography with a version of NYC Boy that is actually better on this CD than the original IMHO.

If you're a PSB Fan like we are, buy it, because we think it has been a nice way to be exposed to some talent we have not heard before; but through songs we know and love.

Just don't expect any of the songs to be sung in the same octave as the PSB..these are all baritones and tenors on this one.

Great Here and There.......2002-02-09

Im a PSB's fan and a Human Drama fan and I was skeptical of this cd, amazingly enough it is quite good. Im glad to see lot of the bands on here doing the songs in there own style. There are a few songs that disappointed me but for the most part it holds together nicely. And for those who say, "im the biggest PSB fan in the world," and then trash this cd, have you seen Pet Shop Boys live? That can be pretty embarrassing too.

Average customer rating:

Love Actually
Original Soundtrack
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Soundtracks | Imports | Stores | Music

Pop | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000V6SOG
Release Date: 2007-04-24

Tracks:

Jump (For My Love) - Girls Aloud
Too Lost in You - Sugababes
Trouble With Love Is - Kelly Clarkson
Here with Me - Dido
Christmas Is All Around - Billy Mack
Turn Me On - Norah Jones
Songbird - Eva Cassidy
Sweetest Goodbye - Maroon 5
Wherever You Will Go
I'll See It Through
Both Sides Now - Joni Mitchell
White Christmas - Otis Redding
Take Me as I Am - Wyclef Jean, Shakira
All I Want for Christmas Is You - Olivia Olson
God Only Knows - The Beach Boys
All You Need Is Love - Lynden David Hall
Sometimes
Glasgow Love Theme - Craig Armstrong
PM's Love Theme - Craig Armstrong
Portugese Love Theme - Craig Armstrong

Average customer rating:

EFO - A Great Choice for "Non Fans" of Folk Rock
One of their best
You had me at "hello"
EFO follower
HOOKED!

Actually Not
Eddie from Ohio
Manufacturer: Virginia Soul
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Alternative Folk | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Folk Rock | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

A Juggler on His Blades
I Rode Fido Home
Big Noise
Looking out the Fishbowl
This Is Me

ASIN: B00000AE68
Release Date: 1999-09-07

Tracks:

North Pacific Rain
Fruited Plain
Sahara
Hojo's On Waukegan
Mimosas In Missouri
One
The Three Fine Daughters Of Farmer Brown
Santa Margherita
Imagine Me
Porter's Tale
It Ain't Worth
Continents Of time
Red Footprints
Falling Rock
How Far To The Water
Ginger Faye
Away-O
Betty Don't Use That Gun
Very Short Fuse
In Paradise

Customer Reviews:

EFO - A Great Choice for "Non Fans" of Folk Rock.......2003-12-07

Like most people, I claim to listen "to everything" except classical and "folksy stuff". I was introduced to EFO (Eddie From Ohio) about ten years ago and have been a closet EFO freak since. This album is not their newest or most creative endeavor to date, but it is the easiest to fall in love with. This is the type of down to earth, grass roots, love of music, feel good stuff that you try your darndest to not like, but you cant shake it! Julie's smooth voice and Ed's viceral percussions mixed (by Billy Wolf) to complement and accuntuate the "dualing" Tacamine acoustic guitars, make for a CD that's easy to listen to all day long on repeat. I still thrill at the subtleties I discover on track 5 - "Mimosa's in Missouri". PLEASE give this CD a try - You'll slowly start to notice you can't help but love EFO.

One of their best.......2001-06-01

Eddie From Ohio defies description with their folk/rock/country/pop music, but their masterful musical skills and lavish sound offer something for practically everone. They're very genuine people, and clearly pour their hearts in their music, because it shows both in their albums and, especially, in their live performances.

This album is one of their first to truly capture the amazing quality of their live performances in their studio tracks. Julie's sweet smooth voice kicks... in "Fruited Plain", Robbie does in "One", and they both do in "Falling Rock", but most of this album is very tuneful and a joy to listen to, one of EFO's best.

You had me at "hello".......2000-05-23

:^)

A good friend first loaned me this disc 3 years ago - I fell in love w/ Julie's voice from the very first track - I ordered it off their website before even going half way through - I also had the foresight to get "portable" (amazon wasn't up to speed back then).

So who says all fans are born at the shows? I share them w/ everyone who'll give me an hour for a listen.

Can I just say: "Paradise" moves me like no song I've ever listened to in my life - it still does, every time. I put it on a mixed tape for a friend who's mother passed away recently and I think it helped...

Thank you efo!

EFO follower.......2000-05-02

If you have stumbled upon this group, you are lucky... what a wonderful group, with adventurous lyrics and beautiful, catchy melodies and harmonies. Julie Murphy Wells has a glorious voice (not to mention Robbie, Mike and Eddie, also excellent) and the songs somehow stick with you and make your day better. I heard them first about 5 years ago when they opened for another performer...and I got hooked. I've been following them around the country (when I can) ever since.

HOOKED!.......2000-04-02

I bought this CD after listening to them at a concert. It's become one of my favorites! Everytime I drive and see a sign "Falling Rocks" I think of this album! Blast the tune "Mimosas in Missouri and just BREATH! WOW! I've seen them 5 times here in Charlottesville and I've have NEVER been disappointed! Get this CD!

Average customer rating:

A must have!!!!!

Sounds That Soothe Your Fussy Baby
Grandma's Fussbuster
Manufacturer: Nun Nun Productions
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CAD87A
Release Date: 2002-04-02

Customer Reviews:

A must have!!!!!.......2007-07-19

My best friend has a set of triplets. One day when they began to cry she turned this CD on and they stopped crying instantly. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes I wouldn't have believed it. Their reaction was almost hypnotic. As a result,before my daughter was born I purchased one for myself. It's a Godsend! It helps her to fall asleep without rocking. It calms her fits. I play it in the morning, I play it in the evening. Sometimes we bring it with us in the car. It goes along with us on all trips. This CD is never far away. Forget about setting the bouncy seat on the clothes dryer, driving around in the car nights to help your baby fall asleep. All you need is this CD.
One word of caution though, my friend says it lost its charm once her babies approached the 1 yr mark. So, if you have an older infant it may not yield the same results. My daughter is 5 mos and it still works its magic. My husband and I often joke that we will be sad the day this CD loses it appeal.

FYI- This CD should NOT be 37.00. I think I paid $15 or 20. I'm not sure if that is an error or not. I would try running a search for it elsewhere. It may be worth $40 but it should be the price of the average CD.

Average customer rating:

Excellent!
Who Are These People?
Best Trout alblum
Some great songs mixed with some "not so hot"
Their first CD (but not their first Album)

Truth is Stranger than Fishin
Trout Fishing in America
Manufacturer: Trout Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Over the Limit
Who Are These People?
Big Trouble
Merry Fishes to All
inFINity

ASIN: B000003JX7
Release Date: 1994-07-11

Tracks:

Spider's Fence
Cracked Up
Nothing Tonight
Prom Night in Pig Town
Soon the Night
Trouble Let Me Rest in Peace
Lost in Her Lips
Ode to Big Blue
Sleepytime Cartoon
Lucky Guy
The Day the Bass Players Took Over the World
Tongue Tied
Not Fade Away
11 Easy Steps

Customer Reviews:

Excellent!.......2003-09-22

This is a great album. Trout Fishing sometimes does some humor songs that you might not want to listen to over and over (like if the CD was in constant rotation) but that is not a problem on this CD. The only odd one is The Day the Bass Players Took Over the World and it is not disruptive (of a mood) to keep it out of CD rotation. The quality of every other song is unsurpassed. The best song in my opinion is "Not Fade Away" which sounds like a Buddy Holly tune but better. "Lost in Her Lips" and "Tongue Tied" are two other of my favorites but there are no sound bytes for them. The best test to see if you will like the album is listen to the clips for "Spider's Fence", "Cracked Up" and "Soon the Night". If you like those, they are pretty indicative of the album. "Soon the Night" is another that is especially good.

Who Are These People?.......2000-08-30

I will answer my own question - these people are quite possibly the best duo in America. These guys have been playing together for over 20 years and it shows - very together - you wonder how two guys can produce such a full sound.

My favorites are 'Not Fade Away' - a great rendition of the Buddy Holly clasic; 'The Day the Bass Players Took Over The World' - price some better speakers and watch out for this Napoleonic bass player; and 'Lucky Guy' - hilarious and touching. Buy this one.

Best Trout alblum.......1999-12-10

I think this is the best album the guys have ever produced. The only songs on it whih do not do much for me are "Ode to Big Blue" which is a not-so-hot rendition of an old Lightfoot song and "lost in her lips". Otherwise, it is a really great, free-spirited album and I encourage anyone who likes TFIA to buy this one first. For those who do not know TFIA, this is a great introduction to their music.

Some great songs mixed with some "not so hot".......1999-09-25

Most of the music on this cd does not do much for me, BUT there are 3 or 4 that are GREAT.... Ode to Big Blue, Lost in Her Lips, and, my favorite, The Day the Bass Players Took Over the World are worth the whole cd

Their first CD (but not their first Album).......1998-11-26

As a 10 year fan of Trout Fishing in America, I can unequivocally say that this is my favorite band of all time. I see them live whenever they come thru Texas.

Tracks:

Girl On A Motorcycle
Walking On Sunshine
La Fin De L'Ete
Camille 2000
To Sir With Love
Mystere
Airport
Porpoise Song
Ma Jeunesse Fout Le Camp
Les Cheveux De Mon Amour
La Plage (The Beach)
A Xmas Without Snow
Soleil Soleil
La Maritza
Bonus Track 1

Customer Reviews:

oooh la la! downtempo sexy.......2005-03-10

What would happen if Serge Gainsbourg, Saint Etienne, St. Germain, Air, Ivy, April March and Francoise Hardy were actually able to collaborate on a record together? The answer is Lola Dutronic, a pure pop homage to the golden age of 60s /70s Europop channeled through today's sensibilities and electronic sunshine flavours

* Lola Dutronic is the ultimate culmination of every 60s Euro girl singer and/or icon that we've ever admired; Diana Rigg, Barbarella, Lady Penelope (Thunderbirds), Monica Vitti, Jane Birkin, Dusty Springfield, you get the idea....
* Electronic pop covers of The Monkees, Lulu, Sylvie Vartan, Francoise Hardy and even a Serge Gainsbourg/Air style revamp of the classic "Walking On Sunshine" (a must hear!)

* For DJs, pop fans, chillout fans, and anyone searching out fresh beats for the club floor... the world of Lola Dutronic is here and waiting for you! We are servicing radio & DJs.

* This is a bilingual album.

She's sexy. She's French. She's electronic.
Lola Dutronic. Euro chill electronic meets 60s Gainsbourg pop with English and French vocals.
An innovative new sound created by Remixer/Producer Richard Citroen and vocalist Frankie (Francoise) Hart.
The project came about when Ralph Alfonso of Bongo Beat Records commissioned Richard to create a "Walking On Sunshine" remix for his Katrina & The Waves compilation. As work progressed, it made more sense to bring in a vocalist and create a new track from scratch.... the results were so impressive, that an entire album's worth of material was quickly asked for, and here it is. It is a well crafted loving homage to classic pop sounds and the astute 60s pop culture enthusiast will note the many references to treasured touchstones of the era.

In addition to orginal material, there are exceptional treatments of "The Porpoise Song" by The Monkees, "Ma Jeunesse Fout Le Camp" (Francoise Hardy), "To Sir With Love" (Lulu), "La Fin de L'été" (Brigitte Bardot) and "La Maritza" (Sylvie Vartan). CD has bilingual sticker!!
Toronto based Richard Citroen has collaborated with Paul Hyde (the recent Canadian hit "I Want You/Remix"), Holly Cole, DJ Chris Sheppard, DJ Dante, DJ Terry Kelly (Top Kat), Pobi, and The Blow Up, amongst others. In his rock and roll past, he's performed/recorded with The Diodes, Eric Debris (Metal Urbain), Forgotten Rebels, and Simply Saucer.

Vocalist Frankie Hart is a respected session singer and this project brought her back in touch with her French heritage and inspired her to contribute French lyrics as well.

Cover painting is by Bongo Beat style setter Tom Bagley.

Album Review:

Album Review

album review

Album Review

Chariots of Synths: A Tribute to Vangelis

Greek Moods

Jose Van Dam

Music: Obatala

Junkies Pt.1 [CD-single] [Enhanced] [Import]

Last Command

Heart in Motion

In Memory of Mr. Douglas Forrest

Energie [Import]

Ferdinand Ries: Cello Sonatas

Freddies Boogie Blues [Import]

Extranos En El Escaparate [Original recording remastered] [Import]

F**k It (You're Better Off Dead) [CD-single] [Explicit Lyrics]

Kiss & Tell

Riberas