Up & Down Club Sessions 2

Amazon.com
In the early '90s, San Francisco's Up & Down Club hosted a small, highly intertwined scene of jazz musicians and rappers probing the new horizons of acid jazz, rooted in the clubs of London, where the style originally connoted a light funk-soul groove made for the dance floor. In the capable hands of these Bay Area hipsters, however, acid jazz sounds a lot jazzier. Up & Down Club Sessions collects live performances by major players captured at the tiny Folsom Street music joint. Volume 1 boasts seven acts, including the seminal guitar-led Charlie Hunter Trio and rapping Alphabet Soup and lesser known outfits like the Dry Look and Kenny Brooks Trio.

Volume 2 adds three more bands, all featuring drummer Josh Jones: Hueman Flavor (with a rapper and singer and Don Cherry guesting on trumpet), the Josh Jones Latin Jazz Ensemble, and the Up & Down All Stars. Pop music listeners will appreciate the Up & Down musicians' general willingness to co-opt familiar styles--a funk bass line, a rock guitar riff--and repeat hooks generously. Rap fans, though, will lament a lack of personality in the rhymers, who mostly blend in with instruments. --Roni Sarig

Tracks:

B For My Name
14th St. Break
Suco De Tangerina
The Gala Event
Electric Worm
Freaky Hijiki
Off The Grid
The Rat Cage
The Melee
Dramastically Different
The Cousin Of Death
The Kangaroo Rat

Amazon.com

Having long since shed their image as hip-hop's clown princes, the Beastie Boys now bring what feels like their emeritus recording, a celebratory instrumental memoir of all of the influences (except punk) that brought them to their secure place among hip-hop's fickle elite. The party opens with the aptly titled "B for My Name," its plodding bounce staking claim to the mid-tempo path the album treads almost throughout. "14th St. Break" picks up the pace, especially in the auxiliary percussion breakdown, complete with rally whistle. Then, beginning with "Suco de Tangerina," the album drops into a deep groove cut from dub- and dancehall-tinged ostinati that carry through a full third of its tracks. Among these, "The Gala Event" suffers from a lack of developmental motion that characterizes many of these tracks, but highlights still abound. "Off the Grid," for example, departs from the otherwise unbreakable chill and rips the proceedings wide open, blooming again and again in a series of pulsing riffs that celebrate the very institution of the instrumental groove. More than 20 years since Licensed to Ill took a long, irreverent piss into the mainstream, it seems you can still fight for your right to party. --Jason Kirk

Amazon.com

The Mix-Up is Beastie Boys' first-ever full album of all-new instrumental material. The follow-up to 2004's To The 5 Boroughs, The Mix-Up features Diamond, Horovitz and Yauch back on drums, guitar and bass, with able assistance from Keyboard Money Mark and percussionist Alfredo Ortiz, on 12 brand new wordless, sample-less, scratchless originals. Sure to please fans of the instrumental cuts from Check Your Head and Ill Communication and the cult hit compilation album made up largely of those tracks, The In Sound From Way Out!, The Mix-Up finds NYC's favorite sons drawing on one of their arsenal's primary strengths and pushing it into bold new directions.

Beastie Boys Photos

More from Beastie Boys

Paul's Boutique
Check Your Head
Ill Communication

Licensed to Ill
Awesome, I Shot That
DVD Video Anthology - Criterion Collection

Customer Reviews:

Skip it.......2007-07-30

I would say if you are new to the band you might find this appealing. For me it was not the same as past musical experiences I had in listening to albums of the past, including several that came after the famous "Licensed to Ill" which I have heard is one of Capitol Records all-time best selling albums. This CD left me frustrated as I did not feel there was very much creativity at all. As they say; "to each his own" but I personally felt this CD was a letdown.

Poor.......2007-07-28

Picked this up, was so excited, first song...all insturmental...i was like ya cool, i dig, then next song...no lyrics, all the way through the 12 tracks. very dissapointed, sure the mysic is good, but thats not what makes the beastie boys the beastie boys. if you are eager to listen then give the sample on amazon a quick listen, chances are that is all you will need

Chill Background.......2007-07-27

The Beasties are always giving the people what they want. They may not know they want it but after you get it, you realize you needed it. This is one of those records. It's not anything ground-breaking but it is just what you'd expect form an all instrumental (that's right, no lyrics) record from them. This record is great to chill to or have on the background of any get-together. It takes you right back to the instrumental songs of Check Your Head and Ill Communication records but is totally all brand new music. Nothing here appears on their The In Sound From The Way Out Album but it is similar in it's construction. I enjoyed The Mix-Up and I hope you do too.

Dreck.......2007-07-26

This ferkachte CD is barely worth the plastic it was printed on. How the Beastie Boys could have gone from the heights of Check Your Head and Ill Communication, and the ensuing instrumental mashup masterpiece The In Sound From Way Out, to this limp, soulless, grooveless piece of dreck is beyond me. Seriously, take it from one schmegege to another, you will not be kvelling when you listen to this.

This isn't their first instrumental album.......2007-07-25

People keep comparing this to their hip-hop albums, but you can't compare it. It's a totally different type of music. I agree partially with an earlier review ; if you like MMW or Galactic(Stanton Moore) then this album might not measure up, but this funky acid jazz style is what MMW and S. Moore do best. It's not what the B.B. do best. I give them a ton of credit for going out of the box and doing other things. In 1996 the B.B. made an album called "The In Sound From Way Out". It was all instrumental and it was VERY good! When I first heard it, I didn't believe it was the B.B. So before you criticize, remember these are hip-hops artist who decided to actually pick-up instruments and play them. Not use synthesizers and samples. I think it's a really good cd. True, it doesn't measure up entirely to your MMW records, John Scofield, or Galactic, but it is a good addition to your funk collection.

Average customer rating:

Teddy Thompson's Torch & Twang
Fresh and innovative
From a non-country fan...
No longer "just" the son of......................
He's too cool for the room (so join the cult)

Up Front and Down Low
Teddy Thompson
Manufacturer: Verve Forecast
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Urban Folk | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Separate Ways
Easy Tiger
Sweet Warrior
Release the Stars
Teddy Thompson

ASIN: B000QXDCI8
Release Date: 2007-07-17

Tracks:

Don't Ask Me To Be Friends

Amazon.com

Yes, Teddy Thompson's parents are renowned folkies Richard and Linda Thompson. And, sure, he's spent the past few years touring the world with his good friend Rufus Wainwright, who recently wrote a song about their inimitable relationship called "Nobody's off the Hook." But it's Thompson's rich, twangy voice that deserves the spotlight. After turning out two thoroughly underappreciated albums of original material--it would be pushing it to even call them cult favorites--the lovelorn singer-songwriter takes on a dozen classic country tunes on Up Front and Down Low. It's a good fit, the bitter sentiments the inform his own work paired with the sterling melodies of Ernest Tubb's "Walking the Floor Over You" and Elvis Presley's "I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone." Thompson gives each of the tunes a masterful makeover, polishing them up with an all-star cast of players that includes Iris DeMent, Tift Merritt, and Marc Ribot. Wainwright offers string his own "Down Low" into the mix without breaking the mood. It's the kind of stuff that could represent a breakthrough moment, as long as nobody gets distracted by the fact that he was born and raised in a Sufi commune. --Aidin Vaziri

Customer Reviews:

Teddy Thompson's Torch & Twang.......2007-07-24

One usually doesn't think of men as being classic torch singers, but with UP FRONT AND DOWN LOW, New York-based young Brit singer/songwritier Teddy Thompson makes a stunning claim to that style of heart-achey pop music. Backed with tasteful arrangements on classic country tunes and his one original, Thompson unleashes his clear, plaintive and often soaring tenor to astonishing effect - particularly on "Walking the Floor Over You", "My Heart Echoes", "She Thinks I Still Care", Dolly Partron's "My Blue Tears" and his own "Down Low". Thompson delivers terrific phrasing on all tracks, especially putting over the wonderfully sarcastic edge of "You Finally Said Something Good (When You Said Goodbye)", which opens with a jaunty string quartet cakewalk. That number and the witty "Let's Think About Living" are the most upbeat among the album's 12 listed and one hidden track, a sweet and mournful "Don't Ask Me to Be Friends". Listeners who enjoyed Thompson's contributions to the BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN soundtrack will be delighted to find that UP FRONT AND DOWN LOW continues his forary into classic country & western music and delivers one of 2007's best sung albums in the process. No doubt about it - Teddy Thompson is absolute torch and twang. Look out, k.d....

Fresh and innovative.......2007-07-22

This is the best (new) album I've heard in years. The arrangements are
great. It sure beats 99% of what's being released as country music-
even though this CD is in the "pop" section at the stores.

Teddy Thompson is my kind of singer-not trying to sound like anybody
else (even though there is a little, but less twangy, Dwight Yoakam
in a couple of the tracks). I hope he does some more of the older
country classics with a couple of his own songs thrown in.

I could only rate this album 5 stars, but would have rated it higher.

From a non-country fan... .......2007-07-19

I guess this is technically a country album, but he brings a very folk/alt vibe to these songs. The result is just beautiful. Really, from start to finish. The emotion carried in his voice is so very moving. Just so soulful and touching.
If country isn't your "thing" I still say there is a place in any alt-rock collection for this CD. Perfect for a night of missing that certain someone. Perfect for a night of drowning your sorrows. Perfect for that long trip you didn't want to make in the first place. Ah, it's just perfect.

No longer "just" the son of.............................2007-07-19

Richard and Linda Thompson. I first heard of Teddy Thompson on the Brokeback Mountain soundtrack and have purchased all of his CD's. This one is no disappointment. As a country music fan, I love this CD so far, after just 2 listens. Teddy hits all the right notes, metaphorically speaking, and uses just the right amount of great backup vocals and musicians. I am taking a road trip this weekend and can't wait to crank up the speakers and listen to this CD several times in about 6 hours.
Great work, Teddy!

He's too cool for the room (so join the cult).......2007-07-18

When last I considered Teddy Thomp'son, he was building his cult. A very elite cult, because 'Separate Ways seemed to be so special that you could say, well, a lot of people just didn't have ears good enough for it.

Except it wasn't "special." And it wasn't "too good." It was great writing and great music and a remarkable voice, start to finish, without a single dud. I don't know why only a few of my nearest and dearest flipped for it. Maybe because it was depressing, in a wonderfully funny way.

Like this line: "I wish when the phone rang/it wasn't always you."

Not exactly a universal sentiment, is it?

So let's call Teddy Thompson an acquired taste --- until the day one of his songs becomes an unlikely hit and tens of thousands rush back to fall in love with all the great music they so breezily rejected.

And what of the follow-up to "Separate Ways"?

It's no follow-up at all. "Upfront & Down Low" is country. Classic country, if you will: songs by George Jones, Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, the Everly Brothers, Elvis. Thompson uses a standard backup band, but he adds a string section, courtesy of the arranger responsible for the strings on Nick Drake's CDs.

Sounds like a vanity project? Not in the least. Teddy Thompson --- who didn't hear music that wasn't country until he was 16 --- understands this music completely. And delivers it authentically. But that understates. What happens in "Upfront & Down low" is captured magic, the alchemy of great taste and a compelling voice.

I went to see Teddy Thompson preview this CD in a downtown club. It was one of those rare nights: a small room, no more than a hundred people in the audience, all of them very much on the singer's side. Two violinists, a cellist and a string bass player came onstage first, then a drummer and a slide guitarist, then Thompson. Hard to miss him --- he was wearing a white suit. "I'm from the corporate office of Willie Wonka," he explained.

Naturally he apologized for the tone of the songs: "These songs are depressing. That's what country music is about."

But the songs needed no apology. They were flawless, if not exactly fun, and the title song, which he wrote, just might be the best. That song was, of course, the most depressing. Funny. I can't get it out of my head.

Average customer rating:

PILGRIM'S REST
Pilgrimage
Tragic Loss
Gone before his time
Michael Brecker's Best Ever.

Pilgrimage
Michael Brecker
Manufacturer: Heads Up
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Metheny Mehldau Quartet
Back East
The Enchantment
Brown Street
Kids: Duets Live at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola

ASIN: B000OHZJA0
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

The Mean Time
Five Months From Midnight
Anagram
Tumbleweed
When Can I Kiss You Again?
Cardinal Rule
Half Moon Lane
Loose Threads
Pilgrimage

Amazon.com

Clocking in at nearly 80 minutes, this posthumous release comprises the last recordings Michael Brecker made before his untimely death in January 2007. Battling the debilitating effects of leukemia, he sought comfort, strength, and transcendence through music. The all-star lineup on Pilgrimage, which includes Herbie Hancock, Brad Mehldau, Pat Metheny, Jack DeJohnette, and John Patitucci, has worked in various combinations over the past four decades. Here, they perform with the compelling group interplay of a longstanding ensemble. Brecker's nine compositions mark the first time he made an album solely of his own material. This is further testament to the creative drive that helped sustain him during his physical decline. From balladry to classic post-bop reveries, Brecker has fashioned one of his finest albums, and certainly his most personal work. The disc closes with the title track, which was also--fittingly--the last number he recorded. Never maudlin, this music and these fine musicians celebrate the power of music to connect human beings to one another, note by note, measure by measure. --David Greenberger

Customer Reviews:

PILGRIM'S REST.......2007-07-30

What a bunch of fellow pilgrams to have on your journey Messrs. Metheny/Hancock/Mehldau/Patitucci/DeJohnette all of which feature often in my music collection. All playing Michael Brecker originals starting with the cross-rhythmic, freeform of 'The Mean Time, to the circular solo travels of 'Five Months From Midnight' and then to the pulsating 'Anagram' and I'm only to track 3. Great soloing from all concerned and a must have for your collection. Micheal Brecker was critically ill when he made this final recording before his untimely death in Jan-2007. Resting in the Reeds with Trane.

Pilgrimage.......2007-07-23

To me this was the farewell recording of Michael Brecker to the musicians he started the series of recordings with, from "Two Blocks from the Edge" to "Don't Try This at Home", " Now You See It...Now You Don't", "Time Is Of The Essence" and many more. I have listened to the above mentioned CD's but this has an impact on my listening to MB, he allows a free space for one to realize his ability to improvise. With a pianist like Herbie Hancock, he is able to explore different sounds and exercises. John Patittuci is one of my favorite bassists, he has a strong sound that sometimes confuses his acoustic bass with an electric. Pat Matheny has a unique sound that brings sweet harmonies to this CD. I have always listened to Brad Mehldau accompanying Joshua Redman, he is one pianist that would let you listen to his solos time and again. I have always admired Jack Dejohnette's drumming from early recordings of Miles Davis's "Bitches Brew" to Charles Lloyd's "Forest Flower", here with Pat, reminds me of Pat Matheny 's 80/81 CD which also features Michael Brecker and Dewey Redman on tenor Saxophones. I give this CD four stars.

Tragic Loss.......2007-07-20

This is a fitting tribute to a great artist. As someone else said, "It softens the blow".

Gone before his time.......2007-07-18

The great music on this cd helps soften the blow of losing such a talented saxophonist as Michael Brecker. The musicicians play as if they knew this would probably be his last cd, and unfortunately it was.

Michael Brecker's Best Ever........2007-07-09

I think other reviewers have said it better than I could when it comes to Michael Brecker's final album "Pilgrimage" so, I'll be brief. This is his best album ever. The playing as well as the musicianship between Brecker and his all-star line-up of Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, Jack DeJohnette, John Patitucci and Brad Mehldau is stellar on every track here. There isn't one weak track recorded here.
"Pilgrimage" features his best playing and his best compositions - truly a testament and high mark in the legacy of this respected sax player. If you don't believe me, read the other reviews here and then buy this CD.
An Instant Classic for 2007.
Rest in Peace, Michael.

Average customer rating:

Sparkling melodies and lyrics on Martina's newest CD !
Martina!
Great songs
Brilliant CD !!
Solid McBride Release

Waking Up Laughing
Martina McBride
Manufacturer: RCA/Sony/BMG
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music

New Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Country | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

$9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Country | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

$9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

A Hundred Miles or More: A Collection
Let It Go
Big Dog Daddy
Live at Texas Stadium
5th Gear

ASIN: B000NOKAPI
Release Date: 2007-04-03

Tracks:

If I Had Your Name
Cry Cry (Till The Sun Shines)
Tryin' To Find A Reason
For These Times
Anyway (Album & Digital Single Version)
How I Feel
I'll Still Be Me
Beautiful Again
Everybody Does
House Of A Thousand Dreams
Love Land

Amazon.com

Martina McBride has long been a champion of music as social consciousness, particularly for abused women ("Independence Day") and children. On Waking Up Laughing, her ninth album and the follow-up to Timeless, her platinum-selling album of country classics, she advances the theme while expanding it. While two songs explore the issue of unwed mothers (particularly the exquisite "Love Land," which closes the album), and another, "Beautiful Again," touches on child sexual abuse, her overall repertoire embraces the wholeness of family, and of standing strong together in the face of adversity and defeat. Musically, McBride has always proved to be an elegant thorn--her song selection is often inspired (and here, she co-wrote three tunes, including the skyscraping single "Anyway"), but she has tended to use her huge, ride-the-wave soprano full-tilt, without employing the subtle shadings that would make her even more emotionally resonant. On Waking Up Laughing she seems to have worked on the problem, yet in her second foray as solo producer, she still tends to gild the lily instrumentally--inflating string bridges between choruses, for example, or loading the opening country-pop track, "If I Had Your Name," with a Southern-rock guitar break, a listen-to-me fiddle showcase, a Celtic guitar intro, and a close that brings to mind George Harrison's sitar in play-it-backward mode. That said, she makes fine use of what sounds like a black female choir on the uplifting "For These Times," and wisely keeps the haunting break-up ballad "Tryin' to Find a Reason" (with Keith Urban's harmony vocals and guitar solo) lean and affecting. As McBride works to refine her pastiche of creativity, commerciality, and social awareness, she slyly takes more chances than one might think, all the while rallying old fans and making new ones. --Alanna Nash

Album Description

After 16 million in sales and 22 top 10 singles, some artists might be afraid to tinker with success and tempt fate. But not Martina McBride. Following up on her platinum-selling Timeless album, a poignant collection of country classics representing her first effort as solo producer, she's at the production helm again for her ninth studio release, Waking Up Laughing. Since her debut in 1992, McBride has maintained a consistent presence on the country charts, including six number one singles, and has also enjoyed crossover success in the pop and adult contemporary genres. Always striving for new artistic heights, McBride is breaking new ground by serving as producer, writer and artist for her latest album, which includes three songs she co-wrote with the Warren Brothers and other top songwriters.

Customer Reviews:

Sparkling melodies and lyrics on Martina's newest CD !.......2007-07-05

I first became acquainted with Martina McBride's beautifully expressive voice through listening to her sing "Valentine" on one of Jim Brickman's albums... Instantly smitten, I began buying her music and have been happily listening every since then... This newest CD has a wealth of good music... with the incredibly lyrical "Beautiful Again", "House Of A Thousand Dreams" and "Anyway"... as with any new CD, I kept waiting for the few songs that I didn't care for... but this never happens to me with Martina's insightful song selection and soaring vocals -- I find myself listening to this album for hours at a time... and know that it is indeed a golden nugget for Martina to cherish always...! Most impressive A++++++!

Martina!.......2007-06-27

I just love this CD! Martina McBride has appropriately named this CD "Waking Up Laughing". After listening to it I feel upbeat and happy. She's the best to come along in many years!

Great songs.......2007-06-27

I love Martina McBride. This cds have lots of good songs. It's a must buy for any fan of hers. She's awesome in her concert I just went to a few weeks ago...

Brilliant CD !!.......2007-06-23

There are some artists whose albums I buy without even hearing a note. Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw and especially TRACE ADKINS, TRAVIS TRITT and RANDY TRAVIS. There are very few female artists who I buy as I usually only end up liking 2-3 tracks. Martina McBride is changing that and becoming one of those artists who I automatically buy.

Here in NZ we don't have country radio stations so we don't get to hear new tracks and artists unless we do so online (which I do). In some ways this is great because we don't hear songs thrashed until all the meaning and life have been wrung out of them.

Having said all that, Waking up crying is a great CD. I played it through 4 times without skipping through any tracks. I loved every track. Although 1 or 2 were a bit "poppy" it just shows Martina's versatility. My all time favourites are I'll still be me, Love land, House of a thousand dreams and of course the track Anyway which gives me goosebumps every time I hear it.

5++ for this album which will not disappoint new and old fans

Kia ora

Solid McBride Release.......2007-06-21

Martina McBride has become one of the most dependable artists in country music, and "Waking Up Laughing" continues her streak of releasing enjoyable, entertaining records.

She ranges from sentimental love songs to heartbreak songs to survivor songs, and maintains her soulful, powerful voice on everyone of them.

"Anyway," "Tryin'To Find A Reason," "Cry Cry," and "House of a Thousand Dreams" should not disappoint too many, if any, of her fans.

Average customer rating:

I'm Gonna Fill Your Hoo Haa with Goof Juice!
I laughed, I cried, I bought some for friends! Funny times ten to the X.
His best stuff yet.
Extremely Funny
The Man Never Disappoints

Werewolves and Lollipops (W/DVD)
Patton Oswalt
Manufacturer: Sub Pop
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Country Comedy | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Comedians of Comedy / Live at the El Rey (Patton Oswalt / Brian Posehn / Maria Bamford / Zach Galifianakis)
Zach Galifianakis - Live at the Purple Onion
Shiny Happy Jihad
Live In: Nerd Rage
How to Win!

ASIN: B000RGSOM8
Release Date: 2007-07-10

Tracks:

Here We Go
America Has Spoken
Beautiful People And A Bridge Troll
Clean Filth
Miracle Of Childbirth, The
You Are Allowed 20 Birthday Parties
Dukes Of Hazzard, The
Alternate Earth
Best Week Never
Physics For Poets
At Midnight I Will Kill George Lucas With A Shovel
Bubble Of Sanity
Sterling, Virginia
Racist Cell Phones
Best Baby In The Universe, The
Married & Single
I Tell A Story About Birth Control And Deal With A Retarded Heckler
Great Food Is Cooked By Psychos
Wackity Schmackity Doo!
Death Bed
Cirque Du Soleil

Amazon.com

On his second "solo" album, this stand-up comic and character actor proves himself to be not just a foul-mouthed everyman and an unrepentant geek, but a rather awesome wordsmith as well. That a comedian might rant about how "Cirque du Soleil is like catnip for old people" or the ridiculous unhealthiness of a popular item at the fast food chain KFC is not surprising. That he'd call the fast food item "a failure pile in a sadness bowl" is, let's face it, pure poetry (and really, actually funny the way he tells it). On the track "I Tell a Story About Birth Control and Deal with a Retarded Heckler," Patton displays some of the finest manipulation of a disturbing audience member you'll ever hear. That the album was released by Sub Pop makes perfect sense, as Patton not only has Catholic music tastes--tossing off references to Hasil Adkins, the Pixies, Minor Threat, and Roky Erickson--but as we all know, stand-up is "the new grunge." --Mike McGonigal

Album Description

Patton has been a stand-up comedian for almost twenty years and this is his second CD. Lazy...or maybe busy. He's appeared in over twenty movies, including "Magnolia", "Reno 911!: Miami", and the documentary "The Comedians Of Comedy", which he also created and produced. He played Spence on "The King Of Queens" for nine seasons, is a regular on "Reno 911!", a frequent guest on Conan and Jimmy Kimmel, and a recurring voice actor on "Kim Possible", "SpongeBob SquarePants", "Aqua Teen Hunger Force", and "Crank Yankers". He's a regular columnist in the NY Times Magazine and was an uncredited writer on the "Borat" movie. He's also the lead voice in this summer's Pixar movie, "Ratatouille", playing a rat named Remy. This is his first CD on Sub Pop and it includes a DVD with one hour of stand-up.

Customer Reviews:

I'm Gonna Fill Your Hoo Haa with Goof Juice!.......2007-07-20

If you're a fan of Patton, this material is just as strong and cutting as "feelin' kinda patton." What's great about this release is that there is also a DVD that has a set from Atlanta's 40-watt along with some other footage of Patton just riffing on different topics.

His takes on different political and social issues is fresh and witty. He's brutally honest and insightful and he's evolved into one of the premier stand-up acts working today. There's always a sense of humanity in his act and that's what makes Patton's appeal so broad. He might be saying something that is mostly cynical but it's always tempered with his kind disposition and witty outlook on life. Beyond all of that, he's an incredible comedy writer and his material on this release is masterfully constructed and his delivery is just as sharp.

I laughed, I cried, I bought some for friends! Funny times ten to the X........2007-07-17

I am a Patton fan and I was expecting to be amused. However, I got more laugh-out-loud moments from this CD than I have from any recent comedy CD. There isn't a bad routine. For me, the gems are "Death Bed" and "Physics for Poets". However, I can say I honestly laughed with every track.

I like the inclusion of the DVD as it allows you to watch the genesis of the material. Patton is a distinct physical presence and that adds to the humor.

My husband rarely finds any stand-up comedy funny. However, as I was playing the CD I saw tears of laughter streaming down his face durng "Physics for Poets". It's that good.

His best stuff yet........2007-07-14

Patton is just getting better and better. Absurd without being wacky. Smart without being pretentious. Political without being preachy.

This is his best album yet. Buy it.

Immediately.

Extremely Funny.......2007-07-13

Patton Oswalt is extremely funny. Not just a little funny - EXTREMELY funny. His material is intelligent & unforgettable and this CD is worth every penny.

The Man Never Disappoints.......2007-07-12

Brilliant. That's all I can say. I don't want to even talk about the content because I would not want to spoil a single moment if you haven't heard it yet. It's great. If you love Patton's work, you will love the cd/dvd. Buy this instead of wasting your time watching "Last Comic Standing".
And if you ever get a chance, check out Patton live or check out a Comedians of Comedy tour. Oswalt, Brian Posehn, Zach G., Eugene Mirman, Morgan Murphy, Eddie Pepitone are the best comedians working today and also some of the most gracious people you will ever meet. Buy this cd now!

Average customer rating:

Beautiful Soul
Happy listening
fantastic voice
CLOSER-JOSH GROBIN
HOT! HOT! HOT!

Closer
Josh Groban
Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Josh Groban
Awake
Josh Groban in Concert (with Bonus DVD)
Il Divo
Josh Groban Live at The Greek (CD/DVD)

ASIN: B0000CFW87
Release Date: 2003-11-11

Tracks:

Oceano
My Confession
Il Postino (Mi Mancherai)
Si Volvieras a Mi
When You Say You Love Me
Per Te
All Improvviso Amore
Broken Vow
Caruso
Remember When It Rained
Hymne a l'Amour
You Raise Me Up
Never Let Go

Amazon.com

Thanks to a fortuitous intersection of talent and fate, 22-year-old Josh Groban hasn't finished his senior year in performing arts school but has already released his sophomore effort on a major major label. Fans of the young vocal phenom's debut will find much to enthrall them here, even if it nudges the singer closer to the center of producer/mentor David Foster's MOR pop sensibilities. Eschewing much of its predecessor's more overt classic-lite pretensions and pop-rock covers for a slate of dramatic, Eurocentric ballads that serve as a showcase for the singer's inviting baritone, Groban shrewdly positions himself as the American alternative to the Bocelli-Watson crossover axis. "Caruso" may find the singer falling short of its operatic inspiration, but "Oceano" and "My Confession" quickly showcase his true dramatic range (which seems to all but yearn for a bona fide Broadway musical challenge), while a vocal take of Bacalov's graceful "Il Postino" theme uses classical virtuoso Joshua Bell's violin flourishes to good effect. To his credit, Groban displays some promising efforts at songwriting collaboration on the bittersweet "Per Te" and "Remember When It Rains," while the ambient/ethnic soundscape of Deep Forest's "Never Let Go" offers a teasing alternative to the record's otherwise melodramatic production formula. Groban has found commercial triumph via Foster's mentoring, but there remains a nagging sense here that he hasn't truly pushed himself as an artist--yet. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful Soul.......2007-07-13

Josh Groban is such a wonderful and soothing artist. If you are in need of meditative 'deliciousness' buy this album!

Happy listening.......2007-06-27

A wonderful music CD with one of the best voices in the world today.The bonus "you raise me up"makes it a must have CD.

fantastic voice.......2007-06-01

Wow. What a voice. This is a great cd. I would definitely buy it again.

CLOSER-JOSH GROBIN.......2007-05-14

THIS YOUNG MAN HAS A VOICE EQUAL TO ANDREA BOCELLI AND IS A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR YOUNG SINGERS TODAY.

HOT! HOT! HOT!.......2007-05-10

THIS CD IS FANTASTIC. THE VOCALS ARE SO STRONG IT DOESN'T MATTER THAT THEY ARE IN ENGLISH, FRENCH, SPANISH, AND ITALIAN. THE PASSION COMES THRU LOUD AND CLEAR. I CAN'T BELIEVE I WAITED SO LONG TO GET THIS. IT'S PLAYED NEARLY EVERY DAY. EVEN MY 4 AND 7 Y/O SING TO IT.

Strange Weirdos: Music from and Inspired by the Film Knocked Up

Average customer rating:

A Soundtrack That You Can Listen To
What a Great Combination:Knocked Up and Loudon
helps me to relax
It is ok, but..........
Very, Very Beautiful Music

Strange Weirdos: Music from and Inspired by the Film Knocked Up
Loudon Wainwright III
Manufacturer: Concord Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

T Shirt/Final Exam
Sweet Warrior
At My Age
Easy Tiger
Release the Stars

ASIN: B000P6R82C
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

Grey In L.A.
You Can't Fail Me Now
Daughter
Ypsilanti
So Much To Do
Valley Morning
X Or Y
Final Frontier
Feel So Good
Lullaby
Naomi
Doin' the Math
Strange Weirdos
Passion Play

Amazon.com

Rather than an ordinary film soundtrack, this might more accurately be considered an exceptional Loudon Wainwright album. A diehard Wainwright fan, director Judd Apatow explains in his liner notes that he asked the singer-songwriter to score Knocked Up, Apatow's first film since The 40-Year-Old Virgin, only to learn that Wainwright was about to embark on his next recording project with producer Joe Henry. The resulting album features material that Wainwright had written before the film score that the director wanted to use, other cuts that are instrumental snippets in the movie but are songs with lyrics on the album, and still others that take thematic inspiration from the film. While Wainwright so often writes lacerating and hilariously personal material, many of these songs are more like character studies, with a musical range that extends from the ragtime "So Much to Do" (one of two songs written with Henry) and the call-and-response of the chromosome ditty "X or Y" to the Brecht/Weill cabaret tinge of "Final Frontier" to the bluesy "Doin' the Math." Among the musicians providing stellar support are guitarists Richard Thompson and Greg Leisz and keyboardists Patrick Warren and Van Dyke Parks. --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews:

A Soundtrack That You Can Listen To.......2007-07-30

While a large portion of Strange Weirdos was done for the soundtrack of the film Knocked Up, it works brilliantly as an album. Loudon continues to write in his own unique style that can be quirky one moment and lovingly tender the next. His partnership with Joe Henry works a treat.

What a Great Combination:Knocked Up and Loudon.......2007-07-16

What a great way for new generations to discover Loudon Wainwright III. I've been a fan of his for years and would have bought the cd eventually anyway but after seeing the movie "Knocked Up" and realizing his music was the soundtrack, I rushed to order it. I love "Grey in L.A." and of course, "Daughter" and have grown to love every cut, even the instrumentals. His lyrics are quirky and memorable and every song is a winner. I honestly think this music can appeal to a wide range of listeners, young and old.

helps me to relax.......2007-07-16

great songs, the music just relaxes me from a stressed life that i live.

It is ok, but.................2007-07-13

This CD is OK, however I was expecting a little more of a sound track type CD. So good CD, just not what I wanted.

Very, Very Beautiful Music.......2007-07-10

I saw "Knocked Up" twice at the theatre and was mezmerized by Loudon Wainwright III's beautiful voice and musical score. This soundtrack is lovely, especially "Grey in L.A.", "Daughter", "Lullaby", "Naomi" and "Strange Weirdos". Don't let the title fool you. This CD is beautiful music to listen to. I highly recommend this soundtrack and would give it more stars if they were allowed. **********

Average customer rating:

What you hope for if you've ever heard "Bring Me to Life"
Indispensable
Light in the Darkness
Amy Lee: The most underrated voice in music today
smart people BUY THIS CD

Fallen
Evanescence
Manufacturer: Wind-Up
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Chamber Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Post Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Open Door
Anywhere But Home (w/ bonus DVD)
All the Right Reasons
Meteora
Hybrid Theory

ASIN: B000089RVX
Release Date: 2003-03-04

Tracks:

Going Under
Bring Me To Life
Everybody's Fool
My Immortal
Haunted
Tourniquet
Imaginary
Taking Over Me
Hello
My Last Breath
Whisper

Amazon.com

The Daredevil soundtrack provided a nice boost for this previously unknown quartet from Little Rock, Arkansas. Evanescence's songs "My Immortal" and the imposing "Bring Me to Life" are clear standouts in the film, mainly because they work so well with the dramatic, eerie undertones of the storyline. They reappear here on the band's debut, alongside a selection of similarly brooding tracks that evoke pensive artists like Tori Amos and the Cranberries. Vocalist Amy Lee has the kind of voice that can cause weeks of insomnia, but on songs like "Tourniquet" and "Haunted" she belies the music's sinister mood with evenhanded spirituality, thoughtfully letting some light shine through the tempest. --Aidin Vaziri

Customer Reviews:

What you hope for if you've ever heard "Bring Me to Life".......2007-07-16

What you hope for if you've ever heard "Bring Me to Life", it delivers more of same from start to finish. However, clearly one-upped by nearly every track on "The Open Door".

Indispensable.......2007-07-09

This is one of the very best CDs ever made, and one of the ONLY ones I've ever found that I can listen to from beginning to end and never skip past a single song. I think there's maybe four or five others in the world that I can say that about, and I listen to almost all types of music, from Mozart to Enya to Tool to Billie Holiday to Simon and Garfunkel to Staind to... anyway, it's a masterpiece. Some music snobs like to turn up their noses at Evanescence and mock those who listen to them because they're generally thought of as "Teenage Goth", but I have a message for them: GET OVER YOURSELVES!! BY BEING NARROW MINDED YOU ARE ONLY DEPRIVING YOURSELVES OF SOME OF THE BEST, MOST HAUNTING MUSIC YOU COULD ASK FOR!! I listen to this CD ALOT and I never get tired of it. Amy Lee is amazing! TRY IT!!!

Light in the Darkness.......2007-07-03

Fans of bands like Nightwish, The Gathering, Lennon Murphy and Lacuna Coil are either rejoicing or cursing Evanescence. Their brand of atmospheric gothic rock / metal is quite comparable to all bands mentioned above yet they are the ones in the Billboard Top 10 Album chart.

"Bring Me To Life" is a stunning track on its own merit that could stand to lose the male pseudo rap-rock vocal yelling "Wake Me Up". (If you hear the demo version without the male vocal you will understand) I find it amusing that fans of bands like Linkin Park and Limp Bizkit are buying this disc just on the basis of this track alone only to realize that the rest of the disc is moody, dark journey into the belly of various beasts. Nevertheless, Amy Lee has a haunting voice that layers beautifully over gothic rock/metal passages much like Tarja, Anneke, Christina, and Tori Amos. "Haunted" is a short, but remarkable track that allows Amy's vocals to breathe chilling words of despair. Just read the cold words to "Imaginary" and you wonder what exact demon tortures the writer's (Ben Moody) soul.

Overall, this disc is way too deep and thought provoking for its target audience. For those of us that have supported this style of music for years, please don't pass judgment against this disc until you have experienced the overall enchantment within its 11 tracks.

Amy Lee: The most underrated voice in music today.......2007-06-27

I remember when "Bring me to life" started playing regularly on a local rock station a few years ago. I thought it was a pretty cool song and liked the vocals of female singer Amy Lee, who seemed to have a wide range and yet still able to have somewhat of an overall mystique to her sound that I still have a hard time describing to this day. At that point a friend of mine loaned me the CD, but upon the first couple of listens I put it back without a second thought.

After selling 14 million copies worldwide and having a strong sophomore release with "The Open Door", I decided to give Evanescence another chance, returning to the debut album "Fallen". Sometimes it takes giving an album a second chance to make a first impression, and this time around I guess I was ready to embrace a band that was deemed as Goth Metal by the masses, but had a female vocalist that was able to help them rise above the all too familiar growl and dirge vocal efforts that usually fall into this category. Strong singles that stand out to me start out with Track 1 in "Going Under", which has a nice, simple guitar piece that has enough grind to stay down in the darker, more brooding sounds of this style of music. Track 6 is a tune called "Tourniquet" and has some eerie tones that help it start out before breaking into a clean, balanced attack of guitars and percussion. The overall structure of this album is great, and although I said there are several singles I like, I will just sum it up by saying there is something great about every song on this album.

What really is a selling point for me, however, is the lead singer Amy Lee. Amy's voice is poetic in deliverance of the songs and has a great overall emotional connection with the music, while at the same time her range allows her to add a lot of diversity to each and every song throughout the album. Overall you have a powerful set of music that rocks when it has to, and has some piano melody to add to the mix (Track 6 and 9 in particular) that I feel sets it apart from a lot of the genre's and classifications that people have been trying to put it in. If you are not much into newer "Nu-Metal" or what have you, but enjoy some of the progressive metal sounds and intricate approaches of such musicians, you just might find Evanescence to your liking. As stated before, it took me a few years to "come back" and discover them, but the wait was worth it and I look forward to any new releases this band has to offer.

smart people BUY THIS CD.......2007-06-24

This CD is the best i have ever Heard. now if you like screaming bands you might not like them [FYI a girl is singing] but they are great.

lets start with Going under great rock i would give it a 9/10
every one knows this song Bring me to life AWSOME all around 10/10
the everybodys fool was a good try good message to i would give it a 7.5/10
the 4th one was also very nice not for rock fans but nice 8.5/10
haunted was my Lest liked did not do what Amy does best 5.10
The 6th one Very very nice not the best but not the best 8/10
the 7th one nice strings very nice to 8.5/10
the 8th one rock on 9/10
hello tryed to be like the 4th one BUT failed badly 6.5/10
we are allmost done My last breath they did it again Very nice 9/10
last one whisper 9/10
and it wont tell you but theres 1 more its number 4 again but with guitars again BUY THIS CD

Average customer rating:

I wish R. Kelly would shut up!
Music for the indiscriminate
ONE IN THE CAR,ONE AT HOME,ONE AT WORK
HOT ALBUM!!!!!
It's what the man does...

Double Up
R. Kelly
Manufacturer: Jive
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Sex Love & Pain
Epiphany
Because Of You
T.I. vs T.I.P.
Ain't Nothin' Like Me

ASIN: B000P29B3U
Release Date: 2007-05-29

Tracks:

The Champ featuring Swizz Beatz
Double Up featuring Snoop Dogg
Tryin' To Get A Number featuring Nelly
Get Dirty featuring Chamillionaire
Leave Your Name
Freaky In The Club
The Zoo
I'm A Flirt Remix featuring T.I. and T-Pain
Same Girl duet with Usher
Real Talk
Hook It Up featuring Huey
Rock Star featuring Ludacris and Kid Rock
Best Friend featuring Keyshia Cole and Polow Da Don
Rollin'
Sweet Tooth
Havin' A Baby
Sex Planet
Rise Up

Amazon.com

R. Kelly's rep could be considered controversial at best, but that's not to say the man who does for raunch what Beyoncé does for backsides (that is, caused the masses to arrive at a more multidimensional consideration) is not a fascinating artist. On Double Up, arguably his most sex-crazed, diabolically sleazy CD to date, Kelly grunts like a monkey, envisions a hot and heavy interplanetary romp, and indulges in NC-17-rated rhymes. Stylistically, the self-described king of R&B kicks up a hip-hoppy storm, spitting rapid-fire rhymes and tossing the 'n' word around too freely. But then there's the saving grace: that voice. Throughout a couple of inspirational numbers and collaborations with friends such as Usher ("Same Girl") and Nelly ("Tryin' to Get a Number"), Kelly does what he did so capably on the megahit "I Believe I Can Fly": he reaches even reluctant listeners with deep-seated sincerity. Even when he doesn't, he still knows how to capture catchy--first single "I'm a Flirt," for example, locks it up with a whisper and a wink. --Tammy La Gorce

Album Description

The King of R&B's Double Up delivers a potent potion of pure signature R&B with some Hip Hop on top. Featuring collaborations with T.I., T-Pain, and more, the legendary R. Kelly joins forces with some of the hottest and best Hip-Hop talent and the result is fiercly sexy. From the amazing duet with Usher "Same Girl", to the smooth stylin of "Freaky In The Club," fans around the globe will jump at the opportunity to Double Up with R. Kelly

Customer Reviews:

I wish R. Kelly would shut up!.......2007-07-30

Okay... I have never liked R. Kelly and I never bought any of his albums before. I don't even really pay attention to any of the male R&B singers these days because, except for a select few, they all spit out the same tired mess and are just not distinct. But I actually liked the first two singles and I figured that since this album pushed over 300,000 units in its first week that it would have to be at least okay. Right? So I ignored the numerous negative reviews already on this page and bought it at a time of weakness. Do not make the same mistake I did!

There are way too many guest appearances here. (Twelve, if you want to get technical.) And I believe this is because R. Kelly was fresh out of ideas. I think that he did all this doubling up to swagger jack. You'll see what I mean after hearing "Tryin' To Get A Number" with Nelly. Mr. Kelly is trying to sound exactly like him... imitating him. He even kinda sounds like Usher on "Same Girl." But this is the least of R. Kelly's problems. The songs on here, especially the upbeat tracks, are so simple that they are almost monotone! Seriously, some of these tracks only use two notes on a musical scale. It's like he's trying to rap or something. The songs drag on to the point where it is unbearable. His melodies lack structure or a clear direction, which is really terrible if he wants to make his album almost 80 minutes long. His lyrics are absolutely bogus, seriously imitating monkey sounds, mentioning Charmin toilet paper... and this album has enough terrible metaphors to make and English teacher faint. His subject matter is extremely limited and quite disgusting. This is the biggest waste of money and I'm quite disappointed in myself. Even the two songs I initially liked have become played out and I will never listen to this again. I can't think of anything positive to say for this album. Please heed my warning and do not buy this.

Music for the indiscriminate.......2007-07-26

This album is a symptom of a much larger problem as this is what passes for R&B nowadays. R&B has taken on the worst aspects of Hip-Hop radio style with every track being made to bang in the club rather than touch the soul. As the previous reviewer wrote, I too was expecting a little more maturity from a 40-yr-old with Peter Pan syndrome. Throughout this album I wasn't sure if Kelly was trying to get me to dance or just make me laugh. Tracks like "The Zoo" and "Sweet Tooth" are just to darn juvenile. A concept that you would think a person in his position would be trying to distance himself from. "Sex Planet" is just plain dumb and most of the songs dont say anything beyond the usual Rap themes of party and bull. The only saving grace is the tracks are banging so its okay party music to have in the backround if you can turn your brain off to the lyrics. My wife can do that, I'm cursed with the need for substance so I can't do that. 2 1/2 stars

ONE IN THE CAR,ONE AT HOME,ONE AT WORK.......2007-07-25

WE DO LIKE US SOME DOUBLE UP IT IS GOOD!I AM IN THE 35 PLUS AND THEN SOME AGE BRACKET AND UNDERSTAND R.KELLY'S MUSIC. I HAVE BEEN WITH HIM EVERY SINCE PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT DAYS. THIS HOW MUCH I LOVE R.KELLY ALL THE WAY FROM KICKIN'IT OFF OF KING DRIVE AND CICERO AND RACINE ON THE SOUTH SIDE. I CAN TRULY SAY HE IS GOOD!

HOT ALBUM!!!!!.......2007-07-25

EVERYONE NEEDS TO STOP HATING ON R KELLY IIGHT IF U ARE 35+ THAN YES THE ALBUM PROLLY IS ISNT FOR U BUT IF U ARE 14-29 YOU WILL LOVE THE ALBUM IT HAS PLENTY OF HITS THAT INCLUDE OBVIOUSLY IMMA FLIRT AND SAME GIRL BUT ALSO HOOK IT UP ROCKSTAR RISE UP BEST FRIEDN SEX PLANET ROLLIN BASICALLY THE WHOLE ALBUM IS TIGHT ANYONE WHO SAYS OTHER WHISE IS EITHER OLD SCHOOL OR THEY ARE FLAT OUT STUPID THERES A REASON WHY EVERYONE IS BUYING THE ALBUM AND IT HAS SOLD 800,000 COPIES SO FAR BUY THE ALBUM THIS IS ONE IF HIS BEST IF NOT HIS BEST CD!!!!!!!JUST GO AND DOWNLOAD A FEW SONGS IF U WANNA MAKE SURE U WILL LIKE IT BUT I BET U WILL!!!!!!

It's what the man does..........2007-07-24

Loved the album. Plain and simple, you listen to R. Kelly for the upbeat club vibes or mellow tracks that provide the perfect background music for intimacy. That's this man's inventory. My personal favorites on the album are Double Up, Hook It Up, Sex Planet, Sweet Tooth, and I Like Love. In my opinion, Kells is still the top 3 best R&B producers and any time he's on a song the stock is automatically raised. Enjoy.

Average customer rating:

Disappointed
...Wow
Not as solid as previous efforts
The best album ever?
worth the wait

The Open Door
Evanescence
Manufacturer: Wind-Up
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Post Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Fallen
Anywhere But Home (w/ bonus DVD)
Wintersong
Daughtry
Back to Basics

ASIN: B000FTWB7G
Release Date: 2006-10-03

Tracks:

Sweet Sacrifice
Call Me When You're Sober
Weight of the World
Lithium
Cloud Nine
Snow White Queen
Lacrymosa
Like You
Lose Control
The Only One
Your Star
All That I'm Living For
Good Enough

Amazon.com

There's nothing like a breakup to focus your muse. This follow-up to the stunning, multi-platinum Fallen was penned as singer Amy Lee's troubled romance with bandmate Ben Moody was spiraling out of control, impelling her to craft an anxious record full of recriminations, revelation, and self-flagellation, as she questioned everything that kept her whole. It's a fascinating journey for the listener as she ventures into her own personal heart of darkness, her stricken, perfect voice suspended on an unsteady precipice between breakdown and breakthrough. Despite the loss of two members, including guitarist Moody who left mid-tour in 2003, the album has a maturity, sophistication, and a singular vision that wasn't found in their earlier work. Stately and as exotic as Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti, with its intricate instrumentation, disturbing imagery, and disembodied chorus, The Open Door shows exactly what this band is capable of. "Snow White Queen" is a goth-y alternative to Mariah Carey's "We Belong Together," equally anthemic, but with much more grit and pain. --Jaan Uhelszki

Album Description

The follow-up to their Multi-Platinum Debut Featuring the hit single "Call Me When You're Sober"

Customer Reviews:

Disappointed.......2007-07-24

Wasnt as good as the first one, but its got a few decent songs on it .

...Wow.......2007-07-19

I've always heard of this group but never heard any of their songs until a few months ago. I heard Sweet Sacrifice. Going through a hard time with my boyfriend, it felt good that someone else was belting out my pain and frustration. I even downloaded some older songs later like Going Under and My Immortal (Okay, not a hard rock song but beautiful all the same).

Not as solid as previous efforts.......2007-07-17

This CD is not bad, but it does not reach the same level as 'Fallen'. There are some interesting musical ideas in evidence (such as Lacrymosa), but they do not quite succeed in execution (the obvious looping of the background Lacrymosa clip is extremely distracting.) Overall, the songs seem to lack a certain balance in execution that makes them both interesting and disappointing at the same time.

The best album ever?.......2007-07-16

The very best album in my rather extensive Rock collection, which goes back as far as Cream. Nothing less than outstanding from first note to last, it just goes to show that some of the best music every made is being produced today (albeit in smaller quantities than the '70's).

Strongly recommend buying all three Evanescence albums to date! With original albums like these, no need for a "Best of" compilation.

worth the wait.......2007-07-12

This album was completely worth the wait . Amy lee covers all points on the spectrum and her voice is amazing to say the least.from Sweet sacrifice all the way through to good enough, thers not a bad song on this cd in my opinion.

Album Review: